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The article discusses the use of the Light-Adjustable Lens (LAL) in cataract surgery and the challenges that surgeons face in patient selection and workflow. Surgeons stress the importance of educating patients about the different lens options available and the benefits of the LAL. They also highlight the need for careful evaluation, especially for patients with previous refractive surgery or unique eye characteristics. While the LAL offers advantages, it may not be suitable for everyone, and managing expectations is crucial. The article also emphasizes the commitment required from patients for post-operative adjustments and the importance of understanding patient psychology in determining who would benefit most from the LAL. Preoperative planning and assessment are necessary to ensure the LAL is the right choice. Surgeons also discuss the importance of managing dry eye symptoms and proper pupil dilation for effective light adjustments. The surgical procedure for the LAL is similar to traditional lenses but requires skill and experience. Surgeons recommend a gradual implementation of the LAL technology in clinics and suggest personalized scheduling and management of postoperative visits. While the adjustment process can be time-consuming, it can lead to improved vision outcomes for patients. Surgeons believe that the LAL is a worthwhile investment and expands options for patients seeking advanced IOL technology. [Extracted from the article]

The article enumerates the three things that one should know about geographic atrophy (GA) management. These include the impact of the irrevocable vision loss associated with GA on quality of life (QOL), implication of overactivation of the complement system on GA development and progression, and therapies for GA that target the complement pathway.

The article focuses on the increasing overlap between cataract and refractive surgery, driven by patient demands for better vision and technological advancements in intraocular lenses (IOLs). The topics including patient selection criteria for refractive lens exchange (RLE), considerations for choosing the right IOL for each patient, and the importance of understanding both optics and surgical skills for successful outcomes in RLE.

The article provides an overview on innovative drug delivery system for sustained control of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Topics discussed include importance of patient selection when considering anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) port delivery system, adherence to the surgical protocol to ensure success of implantation procedure that consist of conjunctival peritomy, cautery, sclerotomy and laser probe, and sterile in-office refill procedure.

An introduction to articles in the issue is presented on topics including the opportunities presented by metaverse for ophthalmologists, how artificial intelligence is finding its niche in medical research, and a new class of small-molecule drugs.

The article discusses a study conducted by Dominic J. Williamson, Robbert R. Struyven, and their colleagues which explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical trial recruitment of individual with geographic atrophy (GA). Topics include a significant obstacle in clinical trials, main outcome measure, and the potential of AI to streamline the clinical trial process.

Researchers in the United Kingdom are using artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify patient recruitment for clinical trials focused on geographic atrophy (GA) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The team conducted a cross-sectional study using a retrospective dataset to train a deep learning model on optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to identify eligible patients for GA trials. The AI system was found to shortlist a larger number of eligible patients with greater precision compared to electronic health record (EHR) searches. The researchers believe that implementing this AI-driven strategy can offer a scalable solution to recruitment challenges in GA trials and may also have applications in site feasibility assessments, protocol design, and cost reduction. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on focusing the essential role of clinical trials in establishing the evidence base for supporting the evolution of practice strategy. Topics include considering the definition of the term pharmacovigilance and focusing upon the legislative framework and organisations; and including drugs, cells and other biological products, surgical procedures, and radiological procedures.

An interview with ophthalmologist, Doctor Ravi Patel, is presented. He explains how the IC-8 Apthera lens has revolutionized monovision technology. He talks about the other innovations in treating presbyopia like the use of contact lenses, LASIK surgery, and cataract surgery. He cites some benefits of Apthera like improved functional near vision of patients.

The article discusses the factors being considered by glaucoma specialists when deciding on the procedures to be used for their patients, including disease severity and age. Also cited are the latest procedures to treat glaucoma like the Xen Glaucoma treatment system (Abbvie/Allergan) and PreserFlo Ab-Externo MicroShunt system from Santen, and the comments by specialists like Doctor Louis B. Cantor.

The article reviews the Cimerli ranibizumab-eqrn anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) biosimilar from Coherus BioSciences and the Byooviz ranibizumab-nuna anti-VEGF biosimilar from Biogen for treating retinal diseases.

The article discusses inputs from a roundtable discussion that evaluated the incorporation of Oxervate (cenegermin) into the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis (NK). Topics discussed include background information about NK, review of relevant literature on NK and Oxervate clinical trial data, and identification of opportunities to raise NK awareness and treatment for NK. Also mentioned is the assessment and therapy of NK and selection of appropriate patients for Oxervate treatment.

The article provides insights from several experts in ophthalmology about subconjunctival minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures and the appropriate use of antimetabolites to enhance surgical success. Topics covered include how the expansion of new treatment options changed their goals of glaucoma therapy, five features that characterize an MIGS procedure, and the advantages and disadvantages of supraciliary outflow MIGS.

The article discusses Surgeons discuss the pros, cons and tips for implantation for a new breed of intraocular lens. Topics include the PanOptix trifocal IOL offering the potential benefit of providing sharp vision at distance, intermediate and near, surgeons; and the posterior surface of the toric PanOptix has marked with six indentations on the flatter meridian.

The article "Critical reading of diagnostic studies" highlights the importance of critically reading validation studies of diagnostic tests. It mentions that the most common design is the cross-sectional validation study of diagnostic tests, where a test is compared to a reference test in patients suspected of having a health problem. It also mentions tools such as the STARD guideline and the QADAS-2, which help evaluate the quality of diagnostic studies. Additionally, key aspects to consider when reading these studies are highlighted, such as the spectrum of included patients, sample size, the selected gold standard, and the independent and blinded performance of the tests. The text also provides information on important aspects to consider in the validation of signs of semiology, such as a careful description of the patient selection process and sample size calculation. The STARD initiative is mentioned, which ensures the quality of diagnostic test validity studies, and a table describing the most common biases in these studies is provided. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on consideration of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for first-line treatment option regarding Glaucoma by ophthalmologists. Topics discussed include utilization of eye drops by several patients for glaucoma treatment; assessment of its efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in comparison to eye drops; and consideration of different issues for patient selection related to SLT usage with avoidance of patients with inflammation.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are an effective treatment to reduce mortality rates in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death. However, ICDs have been shown to reduce the patient's mental and physical health-related quality of life. It is essential for nurses to have an understanding of the factors associated with health-related quality of life in patients with ICDs, to develop appropriate strategies to improve patient care and optimise quality of life. A case study is included in this article to enhance understanding of the effects these devices can have on a patient's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Many patients who are critically ill develop faecal incontinence associated with diarrhoea, and require a bowel management system (BMS) to prevent skin excoriation. Following guidelines produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, early rehabilitation has resulted in a reduction in the number of days that patients receive mechanical ventilation. However, patients with a BMS are potentially mechanically ventilated for longer because they are cared for in bed. The aim of this evaluation was to investigate whether patients with a BMS are mechanically ventilated for longer than those without a BMS. Method This was a retrospective service evaluation, in which a database search was conducted to identify patients admitted to the critical care department in one healthcare organisation during 2013. The search was narrowed to identify patients admitted to the critical care department who had received advanced respiratory support (mechanical ventilation), to compare the mean number of mechanically ventilated days between patients with and without a BMS (n = 122). Data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results There was a significant difference in the number of mechanically ventilated days (P <0.01), with patients with a BMS being ventilated for an average of 5 days longer than those without a BMS. Conclusion The difference in the number of mechanically ventilated days may be a result of the patient having difficulty mobilising with a BMS in situ. Subsequently, critically ill patients with a BMS are placed in a sitting position for short periods of time. Further research should explore alternative bowel care options for patients who are critically ill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a 2022 survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons which asked their membership about the factors that require explanation of foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) or secondary interventions. Topics covered include the designs of the IOL included in the survey, and the most common complications that were identified when all IOL types were considered.

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that can have a severe effect on the quality of life of individuals with the condition, and can place considerable strain on informal carers and healthcare systems. Research is required to identify ways to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. The government is committed to dementia research, yet funding for dementia research is eclipsed by funding for research into other conditions. Moreover, dementia research can only progress if individuals with the condition participate in research studies. This article discusses barriers associated with research into dementia and describes a UK government initiative, Join Dementia Research, which supports research participation for people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting interviews is one of the most common ways of collecting data in healthcare research. In particular, interviews are associated with qualitative research, where researchers seek to understand participants' experiences through their own words and perspectives. This article will help healthcare researchers prepare to carry out interviews as part of their research. It will also emphasise important skills to consider during the interview process. Consideration will also be given to remedying interviews that do not go according to plan, as well as identifying appropriate debriefing processes post-interview. With this knowledge, healthcare researchers are more likely to conduct effective interviews that will yield better quality data and protect the participant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A focus group is usually understood as a group of people brought together by a researcher to interact as a group. Focus group research explicitly uses interaction as part of its methodology. This article summarises the practice of running focus groups, explores the nature of focus group data and provides an example of focus group analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the author discusses the potential effects of presbyopia on the patients' quality of lives and the updates in efforts to develop presbyopia-correcting therapeutics. Other topics include the number of people with presbyopias in the U.S. and around the world, the current solutions like progressive glasses, and some topical presbyopia therapies awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like the combination-agent pupil modulation from Ocuphire Pharma.

In the article, the author discusses the effectiveness of premium intraocular lens (IOL) like trifocal IOLs in treating patients with posterior corneal elevation. Other topics include how said patients are susceptible to higher-order aberrations (HOA) or early keratoconus, as well as the risk factors of keratoconus in Saudi Arabia like seasonal allergies, consanguinity, and dry atmosphere.

Inguinal hernia repair is a common operation often performed as a day case procedure. Day surgery is popular with patients and offers many benefits. This article outlines the most common forms of hernia repair and discusses the need for general or local anaesthesia. Basic principles of day surgery management, including patient selection criteria, pain relief, post-operative information, nurse-led discharge and subsequent aftercare are described, many of which are applicable to other day surgery procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the announcement by Ocuphire Pharma that it has completed enrollment in the MIRA-4 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Nyxol eye drops to reverse pharmacologically induced mydriasis (RM) in 23 pediatric patients. Topics discussed include the collaboration of the company with Oculos Development Services and the two U.S. investigational sites to accomplish this milestone in two months, information on MIRA-4, and comments from Mina Sooch, founder of Ocuphire.

Problem/Condition: Approximately 1.1 million persons in the United States are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. More than half of those infected are men who have sex with men (MSM). Reporting Period: June-December 2008. Description of System: The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) System collects risk behavior data from three populations at high risk for HIV infection: MSM, injection-drug users, and heterosexual adults at increased risk for HIV infection. Data for NHBS are collected in rotating cycles. NHBS participants must be aged 18 years, live in a participating metropolitan statistical area, and be able to complete a behavioral survey in English or Spanish. Men who reported being infected with HIV or who had no male sex partners during the past 12 months were excluded from this analysis. Results: This report summarizes data gathered from 8,175 MSM during the second data collection cycle of NHBS. In addition to having at least one male sex partner, 14% of participants had at least one female sex partner during the past 12 months. Unprotected anal intercourse with a male partner was reported by 54% of the participants; 37% reported having unprotected anal sex with a main male partner (someone with whom the participant had sex and to whom he felt most committed, such as a boyfriend, spouse, significant other, or life partner), and 25% reported having unprotected anal sex with a casual male partner (someone with whom the participant had sex but with whom he did not feel committed, did not know very well, or had sex with in exchange for something such as money or drugs). Noninjection drug use during the past 12 months was reported by 46% of participants. Specifically, 38% used marijuana, 18% cocaine, 13% poppers (amyl nitrate), and 11% ecstasy. Two percent of the participants reported injecting drugs for nonmedical purposes in the past 12 months. Of the participants surveyed, 90% had been tested for HIV during their lifetime, 62% had been tested during the past 12 months, 51% had received a hepatitis vaccination, 35% had been tested for syphilis during the past 12 months, and 18% had participated in an individual- or group-level HIV behavioral intervention. Interpretation: MSM in the United States continue to engage in sexual and drug-use behaviors that increase the risk for HIV infection. Although many MSM had been tested for HIV infection, many had not received hepatitis vaccinations or syphilis testing, and only a small proportion had recently participated in a behavioral intervention. Public Health Action: To reduce HIV infection among MSM, additional effort is needed to decrease the number of men who are engaging in risk behaviors while increasing the number who recently have been tested for HIV. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States delineates a coordinated response to reduce infections and HIV-related health disparities among MSM and other disproportionately affected groups. NHBS data can be used to monitor progress toward the goals of the national strategy and to guide national and local planning efforts to maximize the impact of HIV prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the early clinical experience with the new intracameral bimatropost 10-ug implant as of October 2020. Topics covered include the implant's consistency in demonstrating its efficacy and safety for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), and the aim to control the IOP of patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma and mitigate disease progression without affecting quality of life. Also noted is the procedure's removal of treatment responsibility from the patient.

The article discusses a study by Dr. Savak Teymoorian on the efficacy and safety of intracameral bimatoprost implant for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Topics covered include reason that the recipients of the bimatoprost implant are extremely happy, a key barrier to successful management of glaucoma, and patients who may be considered as candidates for the bimatoprost implant.

The article examines the efficacy of the Xen transscleral gelatin stent, originally from AqueSys, in the treatment of patients with minimally invasive glaucoma. Topics discussed include its launch in Europe for use as a primary surgical intervention in the treatment of cataract, a study led by Hari Jayaram of Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, England on Xen's use in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma, and the overall infection rate in comparison to the impact of trabeculectomy.

The article explores efforts by physicians to eliminate dysphotopsias from premium presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOL). It discusses the impact of the reluctance of surgeons to implant IOL due to postoperative issues such as halo, glare and other visual disturbances known as dysphotopsias. It also describes a U.S. Food and Drug Administration study of the SC9 lens developed by Stuart Cumming, founder of Cumming Ophthalmic Research and Development.

The article offers information on management of toric intraocular cataract lenses (IOLs) and abnormal corneal. Topics discussed include the importance of careful patient selection when implanting premium toric IOLs, according to Dr. Christopher E. Starr of Weill Corneal Medical College, pathologies that can cause substantial irregular astigmatism, and corneal ectasias.

The article discusses the concept of attribution in health care, which is the process of designating patients to physicians in population health programs. Topics discussed include how the details of attribution formulas are usually determined, the potential of attribution to develop physician frustration and resistance, and the type of practitioner deemed the main influence on care services and costs as a variable in the attribution process. INSET: The upside of attribution: Physician teamwork.

The article presents an interactive continuing education and training exercise based upon an Essential Contact Lens Practice series which focus on the contact lens correction of presbyopia. It provides guidelines for a discussion with colleague about the case of a 42 year old male patient who is a low hyperope, becoming presbyopic, needs correction for near work and who is opposed to the idea of wearing spectacles. The issues to remember in doing the exercise are cited.

The article examines the benefits of personalization of presbyopia-correcting intra-occular-lens (IOL) selection to optimize results and maximize patients' range of vision. Topics discussed include personalization strategies for doctors such as engaging patient to participate in the decision-making process for the treatment, and considerations for patients who will likely benefit from personalized IOL. It concludes that personalization is a useful procedure for advanced IOL implant options.

The article discusses strategies to avoid complications in trabecular meshwork- (TM) based microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). Topics discussed include consideration in choosing the ideal patient for MIGS such as absence of significant ocular surface disease, corneal opacities, endothelial dysfunction and systemic morbidities that may compromise surgical success. Also mentioned are the benefits of optimizing the intraoperative view and use of adequate anesthesia.

The article offers clarifications regarding selection of patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) that will most likely benefit from endpoint management (EpM) laser therapy. Topics discussed include risk factors for CSCR, and presentation of CSCR. It concludes that chronic CSCR patient who have less retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) scarring stand to benefit the most form EpM laser therapy.

The author describes her operation of an outpatient antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) service to help people access daily intravenous therapy (IV) that improves care and saves money in Great Britain as of February 2019. Topics covered include the profile of admitted patients, and issues related to older and younger patients, absconding of IV, and hospital bed availability and short-staffed wards that add pressure. Also noted is the challenge of following up on patients.

The article discusses a review study which examined the use of the fluocinolone acetonide (Fac) 0.19 mg implant from pharmaceutical company Alimera Sciences to treat diabetic macular edema (DME). It references results from the U.S. Retrospective Chart Review in Patients Receiving Iluvien (USER) study. The review study concluded that the implant is safe and effective in treating DME when patients are selected per the indication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The article describes the experience of speech-language pathologist Matina Balou on treating a patient before and after his facial transplant surgery. Balou is a member of the medical team that conducted the first face transplant at New York University in August 2015. Balou worked with the patient on what to expect from post-operative swallowing issues and realized that rehabilitation for a facial transplant patient requires thinking outside the box.

The article addresses preoperative patient management in refractive cataract surgery. Topics discussed include importance of appropriate patient selection and preparation in advanced technology intraocular lense (ATIOL) cataract surgery, description of Virginia Eye Consultants' approach to preoperative evaluation and counseling, and percentage of cataract surgery patients at Virginia Eye Consultants who are referrals from their optometric network.

The article discusses the two-year study conducted by senior research nurse Helen Hanson as of June 2017 on how to increase awareness of and recruitment to research. Under the study financed by the charity Arthritis Research UK, a package of interventions for staff like short talks, regular feedback sessions, and clinic room posters were introduced. Also cited is the patient and public involvement (PPI) forum that was established by Hanson.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses various reports published within the issue including the accuracy of intraocular pressure power calculations, the clinical trial to treat conjunctival lymphoproliferative lesions, and study that evaluated trifocal toric intra-ocular lens to reduce astigmatism.

The article emphasizes the need for physicians to differentiate what type of ocular surface disease (OSD) the patient has to be able to determine the proper approach to dry eye disease (DED) treatment. Topics covered include the myriad mechanisms that contribute to DED, the effectiveness of intense pulse light (IPL) as a treatment for DED, and patient selection as a key to a successful IPL treatment.

The article reports on a study that showed positive outcomes after bilateral implantation of the Zeiss AT Lara 829MP extended depth of focus intraocular lens from Carl Zeis Meditec AG in 293 patients. Highlights include percentage of patients who were spectacle-free for distance vision, approval of AT Lara lens for use in the European Union and other jurisdictions, and an increase in severity of visual symptoms during the first month after implantation.

The article reports on a survey by the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons and the Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons on trends about explanted lenses. Highlights include the preoperative and postoperative visual acuity of patients, complications that required intraocular lens removal, exchange or secondary intervention, and common reasons for removal of three-piece silicone and one-piece acrylic lenses.

The article presents a discussion of sutureless blepharoplasty procedures, adapted from the presentation delivered by assistant clinical professor John T. LiVecchi at the 2015 annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Topics explored include the use of tissue adhesive to eliminate need for sutures, the success rate associated with no-stitch blepharoplasties, and the importance of careful selection of patients for the procedure.

The article discusses a study of the experience and outcome of pneumatic retinopexy that were performed by vitreoretinal fellows from five different academic institutions including University of California Davis and Wills Eye Hospital. Topics mentioned include the anatomic success rate of cases performed by skilled retina specialists, and the absence of correlation between pseudophakic status and macular involvement at baseline with bad outcomes.