The Retina Channel Podcast

Dr. Wu discusses prospective cognitive outcomes of children who had treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity. The analysis suggests that cognitive outcomes were similar for children who had either laser or anti-VEGF injections for ROP treatment.  Dr. Wu will be one of the invited guest speakers at the Canadian Retina Society meeting in Vancouver, BC from April 25-April 27, 2025. You can register for this meeting at: https://crsscr.ca/meeting   Discussed article: Wu PL, Shih CP, Huang YS, Chen HC, Hsueh YJ, Lee CW, Chiang MC, Lien R, Lee CC, Chu SM, Chou HD, Liu L, Chen KJ, Hwang YS, Lai CC, Wu WC. ADMINISTERING INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: 8-Year Cognitive Outcomes In A Prospective Cohort. Retina. 2024 Nov 1;44(11):1952-1960. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004222. PMID: 39121508.

This episode is a recording of the retina-focused EyeNovation webinar episode which was a collaboration between Canadian Ophthalmological Society and the Canadian Retina Society. Dr. Chakravarthy will provide a background to the double layer sign, its definition and how it is detected.  Data to support the presentation will be from the EDNA trial . This study possesses an imaging dataset that was captured  longitudinally in over 500 high risk eyes and obtained robust rates of progression to neovascularization as well as  time to the event.  The presence of  the DLS and or other features of intermediate AMD were assessed at baseline and included measurements of length of separation of the RPE from its basement membrane, height of separation and the number of B scans involved.    Rates of progression in eyes without and with DLS were computed and models built to assess risk of progression to neovascularization.   In addition the DLS and SIRE signs were compared for their contributions to risk of progression.   The findings from these analyses and their clinical significance will be discussed . Make sure to register for the Canadian Retina Society (CRS) annual meeting which will take place in Vancouver, BC from April 25-27, 2025. Go to https://www.crsscr.ca to register.

In this episode, Dr. Muni discusses two of his recent publications on repair of retinal detachment. In the first article, he discusses long-term reattachment rates of patients that were studied in the PIVOT trial, showing that both groups of patients who underwent either pneumatic retinopexy or vitrectomy had excellent long-term attachment rates. In the second article, he discusses Suprachoroidal Viscopexy, which is a novel in-office method of repairing retinal attachment, using viscoelastic agents injected in the suprachoroidal space to create a temporary buckling effect.  Discussed Articles: Chen TS, Motekalem Y, Melo IM, Hillier RJ, Berger AR, Giavedoni LR, Wong DT, Altomare F, Muni RH. Long-Term Redetachment Rates of Pneumatic Retinopexy versus Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Retinal Detachment: A PIVOT Post Hoc Analysis. Ophthalmol Retina. 2024 Aug 23:S2468-6530(24)00397-X. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2024.08.011. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39182651. Muni RH, Melo IM, Demian S, Minelli T, Batawi H, Park J, Pecaku A. In-Office Suprachoroidal Viscopexy for Acute Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024 Dec 12. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.5202. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39666366.

Dr. Cindy Chen describes her group's work on a retrospective review of association of systemic methotrexate therapy and a lower rate of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after retinal detachment repair in large cohort of 2674 eligible patients. 

Professor Maher Saleh discusses his group's findings for the use of perfluorocarbon in the treatment of macula-off retinal detachment. The study results suggest that perfluorocarbon liquid use during vitrectomy for macula-Off Retinal detachment has no impact on Macular folds and Metamorphopsia. Discussed article:  Wurtz M, Dormegny L, Muller C, Bourcier T, Ballonzoli L, Gaucher D, Saleh M. PERFLUOROCARBON LIQUID USE DURING VITRECTOMY FOR MACULA-OFF RETINAL DETACHMENT HAS NO IMPACT ON MACULAR FOLDS AND METAMORPHOPSIA. Retina. 2024 Nov 1;44(11):1891-1898. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004220. PMID: 39102743.

Dr. Marc Spirn from Wills Eye Hospital discusses the results of a retrospective study of performing lattice degeneration on a series of patients who had lattice degeneration with high risk features.   The discussed article: Kazan AS, Mahmoudzadeh R, Salabati M, Sharpe J, Fineman MS, Hsu J, Yonekawa Y, Spirn MJ. Indications and Outcomes of Laser Retinopexy in Eyes With High-Risk Lattice Degeneration. J Vitreoretin Dis. 2024 Apr 25;8(4):381-387. doi: 10.1177/24741264241248253. PMID: 39148566; PMCID: PMC11323511.

Dr. Witkin from the American Society of Retina Specialists talks about our current knowledge of the incidence of retinal vasculitis following intravitreal injection of Pegcetacoplan for treatment of geographic atrophy. Discussed article: Witkin AJ, Jaffe GJ, Srivastava SK, Davis JL, Kim JE. Retinal Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan: Report From the ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee. J Vitreoretin Dis. 2023 Dec 21;8(1):9-20. doi: 10.1177/24741264231220224. Erratum in: J Vitreoretin Dis. 2024 Feb 29;8(3):363. doi: 10.1177/24741264241238212. PMID: 38223782; PMCID: PMC10786078.

A panel of guests optometrists share their feedback about communication issues between optometry and the speciality of retina. Guests panelists: Dr. George Papadakis, Dr. Brian Feinstein, Dr. Lena Moiseiykina and Dr. Nagar Sohbati. 

Dr. Arthur sit describes his surprising research results on the effect of scleral buckle on ocular fluid dynamics. The discussed article: Lyons LJ, Kazemi A, Bakri SJ, Barkmeier AJ, Iezzi R, Olsen TW, Hodge DO, Sit AJ. The Effect of Scleral Buckle Surgery on Tonographic Outflow Facility, Positional Intraocular Pressure, and Ocular Biomechanics. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2024 Jan-Feb;7(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ogla.2023.07.007. Epub 2023 Jul 22. PMID: 37482122.

Dr. Paul Micevych from the UC San Francisco discusses his group's work on systemic and individual risk factors leading to complicated diabetic retinopathy requiring vitrectomy.  Discussed article: Micevych PS, Taha AM, Poddar A, Stewart JM. Individual and Systems-Based Risk Factors for Diabetic Vitrectomy in an Urban Safety-Net Hospital. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Dec;7(12):1027-1034. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.05.014. Epub 2023 May 24. PMID: 37236319.

Dr. Nina Ahuja and Dr. Nupura Bakshi elaborate on the concept of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in medicine and discuss their recent publication about the EDI landscape in the Canadian ophthalmology post-secondary programs. The discussed article: Lee EY, Farrokhyar F, Bakshi N, Levin LA, Ahuja N. Equity, diversity, and inclusion landscape in Canadian postgraduate medical education for ophthalmology. Can J Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb;59(1):31-39. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2022.08.015. Epub 2022 Sep 24. PMID: 36162441.

Dr. Sarraf talks about his group's work on the correlation of PED size and variablity and the visual improvement during the treatment of neovascular AMD as analyzed using data from HAWK and HARRIER studies. Referenced article:  Sarraf D, Khanani AM, Sadda SR, Chang A, Wong DT, Kempf AS, Saffar I, Tang S, Tadayoni R. PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT THICKNESS AND VARIABILITY AFFECTS VISUAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION. Retina. 2024 Jan 1;44(1):10-19. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003935. PMID: 37824807.

Dr. Jong Park discusses surgical mananement of full-thickness macular holes associated with macular telangiectasia.  Referenced article: Park JG, Adrean SD, Begaj T, Capone A Jr, Charles S, Chen SN, Chou HD, Cohen MN, Corona ST, Faia LJ, Garg SJ, Garretson BR, Gregori NZ, Haller JA, Houghton OM, Hsu J, Jo J, Kaiser RS, Lai CC, Mahgoub MM, Mansoor M, Matoba R, Morizane Y, Nehemy MB, Raphaelian PV, Regillo CD, Ruby AJ, Runner MM, Sneed SR, Sohn EH, Spirn MJ, Vander JF, Wakabayashi T, Wolfe JD, Wykoff CC, Yonekawa Y, Yoon YH, Mahmoud TH. Surgical Management of Full-Thickness Macular Holes in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: A Global Multicenter Study. Ophthalmology. 2024 Jan;131(1):66-77. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.08.025. Epub 2023 Sep 3. PMID: 37661066.

Dr. Landon Rohowetz discusses his group's findings of a retrospective analysis of the characteristics of Retinal Detachment cases that were associated with Retinal Dialysis.  Discussed article: Rohowetz LJ, Jabbehdari S, Smiddy WE, Berrocal AM, Townsend JH, Chang JS, Yannuzzi N, Sridhar J, Haddock LJ, Fortun JA, Flynn HW Jr; Retinal Dialysis Study Group. Retinal Detachment Associated with Retinal Dialysis: Clinical Features and Outcomes of Surgery in a 10-Year Study. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Oct;7(10):857-861. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.06.013. Epub 2023 Jun 26. PMID: 37379884; PMCID: PMC10592222.

Dr. Jabs and Dr. Acharya discuss the results of the MERIT trial that investigated relative efficacy of intrvitreal injections of Dexamethasone implant vs ranibizumab vs methotrexate for the treatment of macular oedema associated with uveitis. Discussed article: Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment Trial (MUST) Research Group, Writing Committee:; Acharya NR, Vitale AT, Sugar EA, Holbrook JT, Burke AE, Thorne JE, Altaweel MM, Kempen JH, Jabs DA. Intravitreal Therapy for Uveitic Macular Edema-Ranibizumab versus Methotrexate versus the Dexamethasone Implant: The MERIT Trial Results. Ophthalmology. 2023 Sep;130(9):914-923. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.04.011. Epub 2023 Jun 13. PMID: 37318415; PMCID: PMC10524707.

Prof. Gemmy Cheung from the National University of Singapore and Singapore National Eye Center discusses her research results on progression of Geographic Atrophy on Asian vs non-Asian Eyes. References Article: Teo KYC, Fujimoto S, Sadda SR, Kokame G, Gomi F, Kim JE, Cheng MFS, Corradetti G, Amornpetchsathaporn A, Chainakul M, Lee WK, Lai TYY, Ruamviboonsuk P, Cheung CMG. Geographic Atrophy Phenotypes in Subjects of Different Ethnicity: Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society Work Group Report 3. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Jul;7(7):593-604. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.12.013. Epub 2022 Dec 28. PMID: 36586466.

Dr. Regillo describes the results of the phase 3 prospective study of Ranibizumab Port Delivery System (PDS) for the treatment of neovascular AMD.  Reference Article: Regillo C, Berger B, Brooks L, Clark WL, Mittra R, Wykoff CC, Callaway NF, DeGraaf S, Ding HT, Fung AE, Gune S, Le Pogam S, Smith R, Willis JR, Barteselli G. Archway Phase 3 Trial of the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2-Year Results. Ophthalmology. 2023 Jul;130(7):735-747. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.02.024. Epub 2023 Mar 2. PMID: 36870451.

Dr. Smiddy presents a cost analysis of the step therapy for treatment of diabetic macular edema based on DRCR protocol AC results. Discussed article: Patel NA, Al-Khersan H, Yannuzzi NA, Lin J, Smiddy WE. Aflibercept Monotherapy versus Bevacizumab-First for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Cost Analysis Based on Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Protocol AC Results. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 May;7(5):413-419. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.11.010. Epub 2022 Nov 22. PMID: 36423893.

Dr. Jason Hsu from Wills Eye Hospital returns to The Retina Channel to discuss his groups' retrospective study of eyes with advanced retinal detachement (PVR grade C or worse) that underwent retinectomy without lensectomy. Their study showed that 75% of these eyes at 3 months (and 68% at 6 months) had single surgery anatomic success. The study is suggestive that lensectomy and even peripheral vitreous base sheving may not be necessary when doing retinectomy for advanced RD cases.  Full reference to the article: Mahmoudzadeh R, Mokhashi N, Anderson H, Patel S, Salabati M, Chiang A, Kuriyan AE, Gupta OP, Mehta S, Garg SJ, Hsu J. Outcomes of Retinectomy without Lensectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Jan;7(1):52-58. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.07.008. Epub 2022 Aug 5. PMID: 35940476.

Dr. Jay Duker speaks about the results of the DAVIO trial which was a phase 1 trial investigating an intravitreal implant (EYP-1901) containg vorolanib (a VEGF and receptor blocker) in a bioerodible Durasert implant for the treatment of wet AMD. 

Dr. Noemi Lois from Queens University in Belfast, UK discusses results of the DIAMONDS study, which was a prospective trial that looked into the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML), compared with standard laser (SL), for diabetic macular edema (DME) with central retinal thickness (CRT) < 400 um. Referenced article: Lois N, Campbell C, Waugh N, Azuara-Blanco A, Maredza M, Mistry H, McAuley D, Acharya N, Aslam TM, Bailey C, Chong V, Downey L, Eleftheriadis H, Fatum S, George S, Ghanchi F, Groppe M, Hamilton R, Menon G, Saad A, Sivaprasad S, Shiew M, Steel DH, Talks JS, Doherty P, McDowell C, Clarke M; DIAMONDS Study Group. Diabetic Macular Edema and Diode Subthreshold Micropulse Laser: A Randomized Double-Masked Noninferiority Clinical Trial. Ophthalmology. 2023 Jan;130(1):14-27. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.08.012. Epub 2022 Aug 13. PMID: 35973593.

Dr. Xuejing Chen discusses her group's retrospective analysis of the incidence and risk factors of delayed retinal breaks following a symptomatic posterior vitreous detachment. Discussed article: Jindachomthong KK, Cabral H, Subramanian ML, Ness S, Siegel NH, Chhablani J, Hsu SX, Chen X. Incidence and risk factors for delayed retinal tears following an acute, symptomatic posterior vitreous detachment. Ophthalmol Retina. 2022 Oct 25:S2468-6530(22)00514-0. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.10.012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36307014.

Dr. Jhavery discusses results of DRCR Retina Protocol AC study which compared DME response to anti-VEGF injections in patients who received Aflibercept monotherapy vs those who started with Bevacizumab first and then switched to Aflibercept if needed.  Discussed article: Jhaveri CD, Glassman AR, Ferris FL 3rd, Liu D, Maguire MG, Allen JB, Baker CW, Browning D, Cunningham MA, Friedman SM, Jampol LM, Marcus DM, Martin DF, Preston CM, Stockdale CR, Sun JK; DRCR Retina Network. Aflibercept Monotherapy or Bevacizumab First for Diabetic Macular Edema. N Engl J Med. 2022 Aug 25;387(8):692-703. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2204225. Epub 2022 Jul 14. PMID: 35833805.

Dr. J. Fernando Arevalo discusses results of an international multicenter study that compared surgical success rates of vitrectomy vs vitrectomy + scleral buckle to repair retinal detachments due to giant retinal tears. The study collected 200 patients data over a 12 year period. Referenced article: Ong SS, Ahmed I, Gonzales A, Al-Fakhri AS, Al-Subaie HF, Al-Qhatani FS, Alsulaiman SM, Mura M, Maia M, Kondo Kuroiwa DA, Maia NT, Berrocal MH, Wu L, Zas M, Francos JP, Cubero-Parra JM, Arsiwala LT, Handa JT, Arevalo JF. Vitrectomy versus Vitrectomy with Scleral Buckling in the Treatment of Giant Retinal Tear Related Retinal Detachments: An International Multicenter Study. Ophthalmol Retina. 2022 Jul;6(7):595-606. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.03.004. Epub 2022 Mar 15. PMID: 35304304. 

Dr. Finn discusses her groups' case series on temporal associattion CRVO and HRVO in young healthy patients after COVID-19 infection. Discussed article: Ashkenazy N, Patel NA, Sridhar J, Yannuzzi NA, Belin PJ, Kaplan R, Kothari N, Benitez Bajandas GA, Kohly RP, Roizenblatt R, Pinhas A, Mundae R, Rosen RB, Ryan EH Jr, Chiang A, Chang LK, Khurana RN, Finn AP. Hemi- and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated with COVID-19 Infection in Young Patients without Known Risk Factors. Ophthalmol Retina. 2022 Jun;6(6):520-530. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.02.004. Epub 2022 Mar 10. PMID: 35278727; PMCID: PMC8907133.

Dr. Birger Lindtjørn from Norway discusses his team's prospective trial on comparison of SF6 vs air tamponade in vitrectomy for closure of small-medium macular holes. Discussed article: Lindtjørn B, Krohn J, Haugstad M, Stene-Johansen I, Austeng D, Basit S, Fossen K, Varhaug P, Kvaløy JT, Forsaa VA. Air versus Sulfur Hexafluoride Gas Tamponade for Small and Medium-Sized Macular Holes: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial. Ophthalmol Retina. 2022 Apr 7:S2468-6530(22)00179-8. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.04.003. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35398546.

Prof. Guymer from Melbourne Univeristy discusses finding of a prospective study on absence of association between retinal pseudodrusen and advanced AMD. Discussed article: Wu Z, Kumar H, Hodgson LAB, Guymer RH. Reticular Pseudodrusen on the Risk of Progression in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar 11:S0002-9394(22)00101-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.03.007. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35288077.

Dr. Ballios discusses his group's findings on novel mutations in the RCBTB1 gene that can cuase late-onset non-syndromic retinal dystrophies mimicking macular degeneration. Full article: Catomeris AJ, Ballios BG, Sangermano R, Wagner NE, Comander JI, Pierce EA, Place EM, Bujakowska KM, Huckfeldt RM. Novel RCBTB1 variants causing later-onset non-syndromic retinal dystrophy with macular chorioretinal atrophy. Ophthalmic Genet. 2022 Jan 20:1-8. doi: 10.1080/13816810.2021.2023196. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35057699.

Dr. Kumar discussed his group's prospective study on the comparative outcomes of two different drainage techniques (posterior retinotomy vs PFCL) for repair of rhegmatogenous retina detachment. 

Dr. David Sarraf from UCLA discusses Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy (PAMM) and its the ischemic implications.  Discussed article: Wang D, Au A, Duker JS, Sarraf D. PAMM and the ischemic cascade associated with radiation retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020 Sep 8;20:100918. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100918. PMID: 32984654; PMCID: PMC7495006.

Dr. Kourous Rezaei reviews the results of the GATHER1 trial on complement C5 inhibition for slowing down progression of geography atrophy in dry AMD. References article: Jaffe GJ, Westby K, Csaky KG, Monés J, Pearlman JA, Patel SS, Joondeph BC, Randolph J, Masonson H, Rezaei KA. C5 Inhibitor Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy Due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Pivotal Phase 2/3 Trial. Ophthalmology. 2021 Apr;128(4):576-586. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.08.027. Epub 2020 Sep 1. PMID: 32882310.  

Dr. Kokame from the University of Hawaii reports a novel method of repairing certain types of retinal detachment using minimized eye movement followed by laser retinopexy. Referenced article: Kokame GT, Yee S, Omizo JN, Villanueva L, Liu J. Laser Treatment after Minimized Eye Movement for Repair of Retinal Detachment. Ophthalmol Retina. 2021 Sep;5(9):939-941. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2021.01.014. Epub 2021 Jan 30. PMID: 33529816.

Dr. Efrem Mandelcorn from the University of Toronto talks about 3 different surgical techniques that he's published in 3 different articles: 1. Macular hydodissection for challenging macular holes: Felfeli T, Mandelcorn ED. MACULAR HOLE HYDRODISSECTION: Surgical Technique for the Treatment of Persistent, Chronic, and Large Macular Holes. Retina. 2019 Apr;39(4):743-752. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000002013. PMID: 29303907.   2. Scleral needling for closure of sclerotomies: Felfeli T, Altomare F, Mandelcorn ED. SUTURELESS CLOSURE OF 23- AND 25-GAUGE LEAKING SCLEROTOMIES WITH THE SCLERAL NEEDLING TECHNIQUE. Retina. 2020 May;40(5):838-844. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000002484. PMID: 30821730.   Link to the Scleral Needling technique   3. Pre-operative gas for repair of retinal detachment:   Felfeli T, Mandelcorn MS, Trussart R, Mandelcorn ED. Preoperative Gas for Pars Plana Vitrectomy: A Surgical Technique for Repair of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments with Multiple, Large or Inferior Breaks. Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2021 Oct 1. doi: 10.1097/ICB.0000000000001197. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34652305. AAO 1-minute video

Professors Sahel and Roska describe partial visual recovery of a patient with advanced RP using optogenetic technology.  Discussed article: Sahel JA, Boulanger-Scemama E, Pagot C, Arleo A, Galluppi F, Martel JN, Esposti SD, Delaux A, de Saint Aubert JB, de Montleau C, Gutman E, Audo I, Duebel J, Picaud S, Dalkara D, Blouin L, Taiel M, Roska B. Partial recovery of visual function in a blind patient after optogenetic therapy. Nat Med. 2021 Jul;27(7):1223-1229. doi: 10.1038/s41591-021-01351-4. Epub 2021 May 24. PMID: 34031601.

Dr. Seider elaborates on his group's large retrospective study on rates and risk factors for complicated acute posterior vitreous detachment. Full reference to the discussed article: Seider MI, Conell C, Melles RB. Complications of Acute Posterior Vitreous Detachment. Ophthalmology. 2021 Jul 27:S0161-6420(21)00552-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.07.020. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34324945.

Dr. Tina Felfeli discusses 3 articles around COVID-19 and ophthalmology: (1) Effect of various concretions and exposure times of common ophthalmology anti-septics on COVID-19 infected cell lines. (2) Effect of the pandemic on the backlog of elective ophthalmic surgical cases in the province of Ontario, Canada (3) Detection of the COVID-19 virus in different ocular tissues of a patient that tested positive for COVID-19.  Referenced articles: Felfeli T, Kasloff SB, Krishnan J, El-Defrawy SR, Mazzulli T, Cutts TA. In vitro efficacy of topical ophthalmic antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2. BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2021 Jun 9;6(1):e000765. doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2021-000765. PMID: 34192157; PMCID: PMC8190983. Predicting the Ophthalmic Surgical Backlog as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A population-based study and microsimulation model to inform surgical recovery plans Tina Felfeli, Raphael Ximenes, David MJ Naimark, Philip L Hooper, Robert J Campbell, Sherif R El-Defrawy, Beate Sander, the COVID-19 Mod Collab medRxiv 2021.03.25.21254375; doi:https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.25.21254375 Felfeli T, Mazzulli T, Clark ST, El-Defrawy SR, Chan CC. SARS-CoV-2 Not Detectable in Ocular Specimens of a Patient with a Past Infection. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2021 Apr 7:1-3. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1894458. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33826479.      

Dr. Almeida presents a mathematical model based on Newtonian mechanics to discuss vision recovery of different anti-VEGF medications.  The discussed article: Almeida DRP, Ruzicki J, Xu K, Chin EK. Vision Recovery Velocity, Momentum and Acceleration: Advanced Vitreoretinal Analytics as Measure of Treatment Efficacy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021 Jan 18;15:189-194. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S288621. PMID: 33500611; PMCID: PMC7822233.  

Dr. Sabri discusses his group's analysis of various screening criteria to detect visually significant Retinopathy of Prematurity while minimizing unnecessary retinal exams. Discussed article: Sabri K, Shivananda S, Farrokhyar F, Selvitella A, Easterbrook B Kin B, Seidlitz W, Lee SK; Canadian Neonatal Network and the Canadian Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Refining evidence-based retinopathy of prematurity screening guidelines: The SCREENROP study. Paediatr Child Health. 2019 Aug 12;25(7):455-466. doi: 10.1093/pch/pxz085. PMID: 33173557; PMCID: PMC7606175.

Dr. Raj Maturi from the DRCR Retina Network discusses effect of early anti-VEGF injections in moderate-severe NPDR to prevent vision-threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy. This is the 2-year results of a 4-year study.   Discussed article: Maturi RK, Glassman AR, Josic K, Antoszyk AN, Blodi BA, Jampol LM, Marcus DM, Martin DF, Melia M, Salehi-Had H, Stockdale CR, Punjabi OS, Sun JK; DRCR Retina Network. Effect of Intravitreous Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor vs Sham Treatment for Prevention of Vision-Threatening Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy: The Protocol W Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar 30:e210606. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.0606. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33784735; PMCID: PMC8010644.

Dr. Daniel Lavinsky describes the results of a small randomized controlled clinical trial investigating functional and anatomical outcomes of using nondamaging retinal laser for the treatment of macular telangiectasia type II. The discussed article: Lavinsky D, Silva MOD, Chaves AE, Schneider WFM, Lavinsky F, Palanker D. FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL EFFECTS OF NONDAMAGING RETINAL LASER THERAPY FOR MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial. Retina. 2021 Mar 1;41(3):487-494. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000002882. PMID: 33370517.

Dr. Antoszyk from the DRCR Retina Network discusses Protocol AB, which compared anti-VEGF injections vs immediate pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of vitreous hemorrhage due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The discussed article: Antoszyk AN, Glassman AR, Beaulieu WT, Jampol LM, Jhaveri CD, Punjabi OS, Salehi-Had H, Wells JA 3rd, Maguire MG, Stockdale CR, Martin DF, Sun JK; DRCR Retina Network. Effect of Intravitreous Aflibercept vs Vitrectomy With Panretinal Photocoagulation on Visual Acuity in Patients With Vitreous Hemorrhage From Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020 Dec 15;324(23):2383-2395. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.23027. PMID: 33320223; PMCID: PMC7739132.

Dr. Nina Ahuja (@docsleadership) discusses her newly published booked titled "Stress in Medicine, Lessons Learned Through my Years as a Surgeon, from Med School to Residency, and Beyond". In an intimate account of her journey through her medical career, Dr. Ahuja discusses some of hardships and difficulties that she has gone through with the goal of bringing more transparency to the medical education and breaking the culture of silence.  The book is available through Amazon and Apple Books.

Dr. Sridhar (host of the Straight from the Cutter's Mouth podcast) discusses his recent article on the trends of women's representation in VR meetings in the US between 2015 and 2019. The discusses article:  Sridhar J, Kuriyan AE, Yonekawa Y, Berrocal A, Khan MA, Chan RVP, Haller JA. Representation of Women in Vitreoretinal Meeting Faculty Roles from 2015 through 2019. Am J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jan;221:131-136. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.09.001. Epub 2020 Sep 9. PMID: 32918901; PMCID: PMC7736466.

Dr. Pereira speaks about his group's report on retinal findings in patients with severe COVID-19 infections who were admitted in the ICU. Discussed article: Pereira LA, Soares LCM, Nascimento PA, et al. Br J Ophthalmol Epub ahead of print: [please include Day Month Year]. doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol- 2020-317576

Dr. Zicarelli discusses his group's 10-yr retrospective analysis on the prognostic factors associated with Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinpathy.  Discussed article: Zicarelli F, Preziosa C, Staurenghi G, Pellegrini M. Peripheral exudative haemorrhagic chorioretinopathy: a widefield imaging study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2020 Sep 3:bjophthalmol-2020-317083. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-317083. PMID: 32883656

Dr. Niffenegger discusses a case series of secondary macular hole treatment with topical therapy. Discussed article: Niffenegger JH, Fong DS, Wong KL, Modjtahedi BS. Treatment of Secondary Full-Thickness Macular Holes with Topical Therapy. Ophthalmol Retina. 2020 Jul;4(7):695-699. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2020.01.014. Epub 2020 Jan 28. PMID: 32284268.  

Dr. Baumal discusses features and outcomes of eyes with retinal vasculitis and intraocular inflammation after intravitreal injection of brolucizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Discussed article:  Baumal CR, Spaide RF, Vajzovic L, et al. Retinal Vasculitis and Intraocular Inflammation after Intravitreal Injection of Brolucizumab [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 25]. Ophthalmology. 2020;S0161-6420(20)30371-7. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.04.017

Dr. Koh from Singapore National University Hospital discusses his team's simulation study on aerosol transmission through slit lamp shields and face masks.  Discussed article:  Chuan OS, Bin Razali MA, Shaffiee L, Xing YJ, Yin Fei TT, Chee LS, Koh V, Do slit lamp shields and face masks protect ophthalmologists amidst COVID-19?, Ophthalmology (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.06.031.

Drs. Lee and Apte discuss their recent paper on our current understanding of using retinal imaging biomarkers to evaluate Alzheimer's disease. Discussed article: Lee CS, Apte RS, Retinal Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease, American Journal of Ophthalmology (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2020.04.040.  

Dr. Gupta discusses findings of this large retrospective study on the risk and associations of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Discussed article:  Storey PP, Pancholy M, Wibbelsman TD, et al. Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment after Intravitreal Injection of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(10):1424‐1431. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.04.037    

In a panel discussion with Dr. Koushan, Drs. Daniel Ting, Olivia Li and Steven Yeh discuss the preparedness of ophthalmologists in the COVID-19 crisis. The discussion is based on the most recent Ophthalmology editorial: Preparedness among Ophthalmologists: During and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic. Olivia Li, Ji-PengWong, Tien Y.Wong, Edmund Y.Mehta, JodLin, HaotianLin, XiaofengStrouthidis, Nicholas G.Park, Ki HoFung, Adrian T.McLeod, Stephen D.Busin, MassimoParke, David W.Holland, Gary N.Chodosh, JamesYeh, StevenTing, Daniel S.W. et al. Ophthalmology, Volume 127, Issue 5, 569 - 572