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Constructing vignettes from retina images and data can serve as a useful low-cost alternative to clinical trials for evaluating different screening approaches, researchers said. The researchers, from seven British medical centres, have taken this approach in a virtual trial to determine whether community optometrists can assess the risk that quiescent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) lesions can reawaken.

Giant retinal tears pose outsize challenges for physicians, including the risks of hemorrhage, heavy fluid droplets, and macular holes, according to Gerardo Ledesma-Gil, MD, who was challenged with both of these complications in a recent case.

A new fundus perimetry device could provide reduced test-retest variability, increased sensitivity, higher accuracy, and simultaneous structure-function assessment.

Retina surgeons considered 2015 to be an exciting time in the subspecialty in all areas and pointed to the availability and increased use of 27-gauge instrumentation as one of the real highlights of surgical retina.

The topics of special interest to retina specialists during 2015 include optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Important research is taking place to determine the etiology of angiogenesis, possibly leading to targeting therapies in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ROP, and diabetic retinopathy.

The presence of subretinal fluid following successful macular hole surgery appears to be common, and may be associated with delayed visual recovery, although not with the final result. Smaller holes and vitreofoveal traction are significant risk factors associated with increased rates of postoperative foveal detachment.

Studies of the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), gene therapies, and slow-release drug delivery systems took center stage among treatments for retinal disorders in 2015. In addition to studies already under way, others are about to begin.

Diopsys Inc. introduced a tabletop version of its electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) testing technology (ARGOS).

Diopsys Inc. introduced a tabletop version of its electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) testing technology (ARGOS).

At least 40 new treatments for inherited retinal diseases are being developed, but only two are currently commercially available, according to the authors of a new review.

A comparison of small-gauge instrumentation reveals some subtle differences in surgical technique.

Data show that the combination of navigated laser and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compares favorably with anti-VEGF monotherapy.

A modified vitreous cutter blade design has been found to allow surgeons a much higher flow while doubling cute rate.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) has been linked to a higher risk of undiagnosed cardiovascular problems than previously believed, according to a recent German study.

The safety and feasibility of intravitreal autologous CD34+ bone marrow cells as a potential therapy for retinal disease were evaluated in a pilot study. Preliminary findings demonstrated the treatment was feasible and researchers intend to pursue a larger, prospective study with longer follow-up.

European retinal surgeons have been shifting to the use of pars plana vitrectomy for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, but scleral buckle surgery is still a viable choice in young and uncomplicated cases.

In this article, the authors present their recent study results. The study findings demonstrated, for the first time, that in vivo structural changes in ISel band and RPE are associated with increased plasma nitrosative and oxidative stress.

Retinal disease has been given a new face thanks to increased details of the adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO), according to Mina Chung, MD.

Results of a 6-month phase I/II clinical trial of suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone for noninfectious uveitis showed the treatment was safe and well tolerated.

One center’s initial post-marketing experience with the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant 0.19 mg demonstrates favorable outcomes and good patient acceptance.

The hottest stories in surgery this year included news about cataract surgery by a charity-run Indian camp cost at least 24 elderly people their eyesight, how to correct RK, and how to identify and manage dysphotopsia after cataract surgery.

Retina surgeons look forward to the future potential that optical coherence tomography holds for the clinical setting.

A novel ophthalmic micropump system, implanted through minimally invasive surgery, is able to deliver the appropriate amount of drug needed at determined intervals, according to Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD.

Earlier detection of new choroidal neovascularization using a home monitoring device may identify progression faster than when relying on standard care alone, suggests a recent study.

Based on findings from a series of clinical trials in recent years, pharmacotherapy has supplanted both laser photocoagulation and a watchful waiting approach as the first-line therapy for retinal vein occlusion.

“Retinoblastoma is a remarkable ophthalmology success story in which the efforts of ophthalmologists, ophthalmic pathologists, and research scientists have led to understanding of the basic mechanisms of cancer and targeted therapies that are able to cure a once incurable tumor,” said Hans E. Grossniklaus, MD, MBA. He was honored as the recipient of the 71st Jackson Memorial Lecture Award in the opening session of the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The advent of a retinal prosthesis system offers a second chance at sight for patients with vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa.

Regular ophthalmic examination and functional testing of the retina are key to identifying early retinal toxicity and preventing future progression.