The Lens Pod

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss:Thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch (brook) membrane is associated with both age-related macular degeneration progression and higher genetic risk scores. Early glaucoma diagnosis may increase emotional distress in patients, even without noticeable vision loss.Patients with diabetes may not be at increased risk of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, regardless of A1C levels.High cholesterol in the aging lens may help protect against cataract formation by preventing protein-membrane interactions.A multi-task artificial intelligence platform used ultra-wide-field fundus images to accurately detect and triage multiple retinal diseases—including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma suspect, and age-related macular degeneration—with high area under curves and interpretability features, offering a scalable solution for real-world screening.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: Male sex, worse high contrast visual acuity, and older age at presentation for acute optic neuritis were associated with worse visual outcomes at 6 months.Individuals with >6 months of GLP-1 agonist use had increased incidence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Female ophthalmologists send more and longer virtual patient messages compared to male counterparts.Tocilizumab reduced relapse rates and glucocorticoid use in pediatric patients with non-infectious uveitis.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss:Both high and low levels of HDL were associated with increased risk of AMD, though the mechanism for this remains unclear.A majority of ophthalmic subspecialists practice in urban areas, and this trend has increased over the last decade.Study compares 5 modern toric IOL formulas for cataract patients with astigmatism.Systemic GLP-1 inhibitor treatment was found to reduce size and leakage of CNVM lesions in mouse models.

In this episode, we kick off season 5 of the Lens Pod with an educational episode about Keratoconus: a corneal ectasia!Resources for this episode include:https://eyewiki.org/Keratoconushttps://www.aao.org/education/content/ophthalmology-okap-board-reviewAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology. (2023). External Disease and Cornea (Section 8, Basic and Clinical Science Course). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: Virtual reality-based infrared pupillometry differentiates long COVID from post-COVID and controls, a promising noninvasive long COVID screening tool.Pandemic-related lifestyle changes are associated with a significant rise in the prevalence and severity of pediatric astigmatism.TriNetX study finds no association between semaglutide and Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) or Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION).Gut dysbiosis and altered microbial metabolites are associated with the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Too busy to read The Lens? Listen to our weekly newsletter summary here!In this week's episode, we discuss:Orbital masses and red eyes are correlated with worse prognosis in retinoblastoma. Comprehensive study suggests women in ACGME-accredited ophthalmology residencies attain lower surgical and procedural volumes than their male counterparts.Healthy lifestyle factors implicated in improved retinal health and reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's issue we discuss:Epigenetic aging alone, as established by DNA methylation studies, correlates with faster glaucoma progression independent of IOP. Repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy can delay myopia progression and axial elongation in children, but new research shows it can lead to ganglion cell damage and cone photoreceptor loss.Pegcetocoplan treatment reduces vision loss in the fovea and junctional zone in patients with geographic atrophy, per microperimetry analysis.

Too busy to read The Lens? Listen to our weekly podcast here!In this week's issue: Children from lower socioeconomic public school districts have higher rates vision screening failure.Heterozygous Tcf4 loss confers protection against disease progression in a Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy mouse model.An artificial intelligence-based OCT model demonstrates 99% accuracy in detecting diabetic retinopathy.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss…IIH affects 3.44 per 10,000 US women and has a higher prevalence in the Midwest and SouthChildren with atopic dermatitis are at increased risk for developing uveitis A shorter length of the interdigitation zone band on OCT may predict diabetic retinopathy 

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss…Early repair of open-globe injuries is associated with a lower risk of endophthalmitis, although visual outcomes appear unaffected by timingThe first FDA-approved normal-tension glaucoma treatment is an effective and safe tool for day and nighttime intraocular pressure reduction Mice models demonstrate the potential novel application of melatonin for treating age-related dry eye disease

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss:Subfoveal, unifocal, and fast-growing lesions are at the highest risk of vision loss in those with geographic atrophy, one of the major causes of irreversible vision loss in AMD.Toric Intraocular Lens implantation may offer superior astigmatism correction in individuals with high degrees of astigmatism and those with against-the-rule astigmatism.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss…Patching later in childhood for unilateral congenital cataract does not necessarily yield better final visual acuity. Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome was shown to be associated with use of certain antidepressants as well as inhalers, with some sex-specific patterns. Bisphosphonate use is linked to a higher cumulative incidence of age-related macular degeneration secondary to inflammatory signaling pathway activation. 

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss…Xanthelasma palpebrarum does not appear to be an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia or cardiovascular disease.Genetic risk factors for Fuchs dystrophy analyzed in a new cohort study suggest population-level screening could identify those at-risk for early intervention to preserve vision.Regular systemic follow-up is crucial for patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma due to high risk of distant metastases after initial presentation and surgery. 

In this week's issue:Widefield OCTA reveals significant choroidal and optic disc alterations in thyroid eye disease, particularly in dystrophic optic neuropathy, highlighting its potential for improved disease monitoring and management.1 year of suppressive treatment with valacyclovir may help reduce pain in herpes zoster ophthalmicus patients with postherpetic neuralgia.Doppler ultrasound shows promise in predicting retinoblastoma response to intra-arterial chemotherapy, with vascular indices correlating with tumor size and treatment outcomes, but further studies are needed for validation.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discussA retrospective case-control study showed a higher incidence of vitreopapillary traction in eyes with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, highlighting a potential new risk factor for this vision-threatening disease.A retrospective review found that despite an increase in applications, minority groups remained underrepresented in ophthalmology residencies.Nearwork may contribute to axial elongation and an increased risk of myopia in school-aged children, emphasizing the importance of more outdoor time (and potentially less homework)!Updated epidemiological research indicated rising rates of optic neuritis among younger patients in the United States.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… GLP-1 agonist may provide ocular benefits for those with ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. A retrospective cross-sectional study reported decreases in ophthalmic procedures for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Botulism toxin can be an alternative to surgery in children with acute acquired esotopia. OCT angiography during pregnancy may provide insight into placental changes

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Multiple phase 3 randomized control trials demonstrated that 0.75% phentolamine ophthalmic solution can be safely used to reverse pharmacologic mydriasis. A retrospective cross-sectional study reported on the decrease in ophthalmic procedures for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this week's episode, our medical student host interviews Dr. JP Dunn, a uveitis specialist at Wills Eye Hospital. He teaches us about uveitis, ocular inflammation, and the delivery of multidisciplinary care within uveitis. After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of how to approach a patient presenting to clinic with ocular inflammation and the different conditions seen by a uveitis specialist.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss…Brolucizumab provided non-inferior outcomes compared to aflibercept in nAMD eyes with persistent retinal fluid, but was associated with more adverse ocular events.A case series study evaluated the ophthalmic complications associated with semaglutide and tirzepatide used for treatment of diabetes.The distinct ocular surface microbiome found in keratoconus patients may correlate with local immune dysregulation that contributes to disease pathogenesis.

In this week's issue Retrospective review suggests tocilizumab (interleukin-6 receptor antagonist) may be effective subcutaneously for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis Pre-operative risk factors may help predict which patients are at risk for neuropathic corneal pain after refractive surgery Gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with simple congenital ptosis in a retrospective cohort study, possibly linked to insulin-like growth factor 1 levels

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss Extent of optic nerve and optic nerve sheath MRI enhancement may predict visual outcomes in first episodes of MOG optic neuritis. A retrospective cohort study finds that topical pilocarpine use may increase the risk of retinal detachment. A new study used animal models to test safety and toxicity profiles after subretinal injection of a gene therapy for type 1 Usher Syndrome. Fluctuations in blood pressure are associated with faster visual field progression in glaucoma.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss High-add soft multifocal contact lenses have been shown to slow the rate of myopia progression, without evidence of rebound eye growth after discontinuation of use. In thyroid eye disease patients receiving a full course of teprotumumab, 24% required retreatment. There is an increased rate of retinal detachment repair 30 and 90 days after cataract surgery in patients who have had previous intravitreal injection treatment compared to patients who have not had intravitreal injections

In this week's episode, join our medical student host as she breaks down the systematic approach to red eye, guiding you through the essential differentials from the benign to the vision-threatening. In this deep dive, you'll master the critical history questions and red flags that will help you confidently approach the red eye.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: Lower systemic blood pressure, measured by 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, is significantly associated with faster visual field progression in glaucoma A subretinal injection gene therapy for Bietti crystalline dystrophy shows a potential for improving visual acuity Mefunidone, an antifibrotic compound, can prevent the development of posterior capsular opacification in mice

In this week's episode, our resident host shares her personal advice when making your rank list. This episode reflects one person's opinion and is meant to serve as a pep talk/resource for approaching the nearly impossible task of ranking residency programs for The Match. There is no "right" way to make a rank list, but it is our hope that this episode helps you get started. Skip to minute 17:25 for the Spark Notes of this episode. We hope you enjoy!

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss Delayed repair of open globe injuries between 25-36 hours may be reasonable without significantly increasing risks of endophthalmitis or poor visual outcomes. SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce progression from non-proliferative to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in patients with pre-existing NPDR, though it does not affect development of NPDR in those without prior DR. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) found that visual field loss accelerates significantly after primary open-angle glaucoma diagnosis, with progression linked to older age, higher cup-to-disc ratios, and greater IOP variability. Anti-VEGF injections for retinal diseases cause significant short-term IOP spikes that tend to normalize within 15 minutes.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Patients with treated phakic retinal tears undergoing cataract surgery face an increased risk for new retinal tears or detachments, particularly within the first postoperative year. PRP treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy stabilizes disease, but may exacerbate macular capillary nonperfusion, raising concerns for long-term outcomes. In the search for new prognosticators of MS disease status, ERG is likely not useful in monitoring or prognostication of MS. Myopic regression affects nearly half of patients within 18 months of LASIK or SMILE surgery, with preoperative spherical equivalent as the strongest predictor.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: A novel complement-inhibitor gene therapy showed reasonable safety and tolerability in a phase-one clinical trial for geographic atrophy from AMD Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa have significantly higher rates of depression compared to the general population A study of Chicagoland children demonstrated increased rates of myopia progression during the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps due to increased time spent on screens and indoors.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… A randomized parallel group trial demonstrates the utility of low-level red-light therapy with orthokeratology in the treatment of myopia Differences from the start, female speakers are less likely to be introduced by their formal titles than their male counterparts at ophthalmology grand rounds  A new study analyzes the vitreous metabolome of endophthalmitis patients finding differences in the elderly and younger patients compared to controls

In this week's issue: A retrospective study suggests that semaglutide is not associated with increased risk for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Black patients were less likely to have conclusive genetic testing compared to White patients when screening for inherited retinal diseases. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors were shown to decrease risk of glaucoma compared to other antihyperglycemic agents.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Intergrading testing for a new classification of plus disease in ROP with scores P1-9 was more reliable than previous grading classifications of no-plus, pre-plus, and plus. Small molecule air pollutants were found to be correlated with an increase in glaucoma in a longitudinal cohort study. AI models for differentiating choroidal nevi from melanoma were shown to have an accuracy of 88% (AUC), surpassing ophthalmologists in sensitivity but not specificity.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Faricimab demonstrates a greater reduction in retinal thickness compared to aflibercept in diabetic macular edema Integrating eye exams into routine primary care can improve screening for ocular diseases Patients who undergo early pars plan vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage have superior best-corrected visual acuity compared to those who undergo surgery later The progression of retinal degeneration in Macular telangiectasia type 2 is quantified

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: Secondary IOL placement in aphakic children carries potential risks of hyperopic surprise and glaucoma. A study estimated the objective contribution of vision impairments to dementia risk in a population of older adults. A population-based study in Korea discovered a link between psoriasis, type 2 diabetes, and conversion to wet AMD.

On this episode we're speaking with Dr. Nimesh (Nemo) Patel, who helped create the pediatric retina fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital. The episode is about the new pediatric retina fellowship and a brief introduction to retinal disorders that affect children. After listening to this episode you will have a better understanding of this very sub-specialized field and impress your attending & senior residents! Take a listen now to our fourth episode of season 4!

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Plasma exchange is an increasingly common treatment modality for certain types of optic neuritis, like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.  African American patients with primary open angle glaucoma have been less likely to receive MIGS.  CSF analysis may be a useful adjunct to MRI for the detection of central nervous system lymphoma in patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: Intravitreal topotecan is effective against refractory or recurrent vitreous seeds with morphology corresponding to the number of injections needed. A cohort study from California showed decreasing or steady trends in disparities in ROP incidence between 2012 to 2021, contrasting national trends. Changes in vessel density of the retinal vasculature appear to manifest in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease and may serve as a disease biomarker.

Too busy to read The Lens? Listen here for a summary of our weekly newsletter! In this week's issue: No difference was found in visual field changes after primary tube shunt surgery vs. trabeculectomy after 5 years. One percent weekly atropine eye drops may be effective for myopia control in children ages 3-15 years. Children with high risk retinoblastoma not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after enucleation were at increased risk of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and death. Preop anxiety can elevate eyelid measurements in blepharoptosis patients, leading to potential undercorrection if surgeons rely on same-day measurements.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: Subconjunctival triamcinolone provides modest improvements in post-operative cataract surgery complications.  High chronic stress, as measured by allostatic load, proves to be associated with a higher risk for glaucoma.  Nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3, is a promising mitigator of pathological glaucomatous changes secondary to glucocorticoid exposure.  

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: A dexamethasone intracanalicular insert may provide a dropless treatment alternative for dry eye. MYL-1701P, a biosimilar to aflibercept, had similar efficacy, safety and immunogenicity in diabetic macular edema. Psoriasis was found to be an independent risk factor for developing neovascular AMD in diabetic patients. While IV methylprednisolone led to greater decreases of TSH antibody in the first 3 months, levels did not differ from no treatment controls at 12 months. A new study explores two-year efficacy & safety profiles of different anti-VEGF regimens for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Timolol maleate microdrops using the Nanodropper provided noninferior IOP reduction compared to conventional drops, with less impact on resting heart rate and blood pressure. Glaucoma progression was higher in cases of optic disc hemorrhage with proximal location (cup type). Large language models can generate high-quality patient education materials on childhood glaucoma and improve readability of existing resources to a 6th-grade level. Placental factors, including distal villous hypoplasia, severe acute chorioamnionitis, and funisitis, are associated with an increased risk of retinopathy of prematurity.

In this episode Dr. Oboh-Weilke teaches us how to distinguish between a corneal abrasion and a corneal ulcer, the 1-2-3 rule for culturing the cornea, the differential for infectious corneal ulcers, and management strategies. Disclaimer: this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat anyone's eyes.

In this week's issue A new travoprost Intraocular Implant is a possible safe and effective alternative to topical IOP-lowering eye drops Selective use of prophylactic antibiotics in routine cataract surgery does not significantly increase the rates of postoperative endophthalmitis Perceptual learning can significantly improve best corrected visual acuity in patients with keratoconus

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: In this week's issue The exposure to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment may be associated with a lower risk of developing glaucoma in those with type 2 diabetes. Refractive surgery was shown to be a viable solution to help children with neurodevelopmental challenges who struggle with glasses or contact lenses. Postmenopausal hormone therapy was shown to negatively influence the pathophysiology of glaucoma development. 

In this week's issue Patients taking warfarin were more likely to experience vitreous or macular hemorrhage with progression to neovascular AMD compared to DOACs.  Several biomarkers show promise in predicting corneal involvement in infectious conjunctivitis.  Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) was shown to independently increase the risk of future cardiovascular events.

In this special episode of the Lens Podcast, Sara talks with current ophthalmology residents (and Lens Newsletter editors) about their approach to writing the personal statement for the Ophthalmology Residency Application. She is joined by: Whitney Sambhariya (PGY-2 @ Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute) Sruti Rachapudi (PGY-1 @ Illinois Eye and Ear at University of Illinois, Chicago) Charlotte (Nelle) Shields (PGY-2 @ Wills Eye Hospital) Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen (PGY-2 @ University of Toronto) To learn more about The Lens, can follow us on Twitter/X @thelens_oph or on Instagram @thelenspod. Visit www.lensophthalmology.com to view all weekly research summaries and all episodes of The Lens Pod.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Recurrent acute anterior uveitis is associated with Māori ethnicity and HLA-B27 disease, and moderate vision loss is associated with shorter time to first recurrence JAK1 inhibitors may reduce the rate of treatment failure in inflammatory uveitis when compared to patients receiving placebo Asymptomatic vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) associated with primary CNS lymphoma exhibits lower rates of anterior segment involvement, vitritis, and subretinal infiltrates when compared to primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and symptomatic vitreoretinal lymphoma associated with primary CNS disease A study identifies patient factors that influence the presence of non-retinal hemorrhage ocular abnormalities in infants

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: Ophthalmology medical school education may have declined globally, leading to low student confidence and performance, and highlighting the need for improved teaching methods. Janus kinase inhibitor therapy may reduce age - related macular degeneration incidence in autoimmune patients.  Blood flow in the inner choroid as determined by swept source OCT could serve as a potential marker for AMD progression

In this episode we talk innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence in ophthalmology with Cornea specialist Dr. Michael Ullman. We also learn about his newest invention, the My Call Bag App (formerly known as the Eye Chart App), which offers a variety of ocular exam tools in one application. Download the app here (it's free!): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-call-bag/id6471442410

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss… Trabeculectomy may be a safe primary intervention for treatment-naive patients presenting with advanced stage open angle glaucoma. Patients with a history of uveitis may be at increased risk of recurrence after COVID-19 vaccination.  The NIGHT study of choroideremia finds stable visual acuity but declining retinal metrics as key indicators of disease progression.

Too busy to read The Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode, we discuss A retrospective study reveals several risk factors for intraocular pressure (IOP) spike after cataract surgery. Patching for children with unilateral congenital cataract is not harmful to the wellbeing of kids or families.  Though ophthalmologists used person-first language more than other specialties, we tend to omit this language with longer patient referrals. 

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week's episode we discuss: AI could assist clinicians with diagnosing ROP plus disease. Uveitic eyes showed higher rates of postsurgical cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery, yet most resolve within a year with low relapse risk. Decreased handgrip strength was associated with a higher risk of developing microvascular complications and diabetic retinopathy in a large cohort study.