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Cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disease with a prevalence of 1:100.000-1:200.000 cases. It is caused by biallelic mutations in the CTNS gene, which encodes cystinosin that transports cystine out of lysosomes. Due to its dysfunction cystine crystals accumulate in the lysosomes and ultimately cause apoptosis of the cell. Since cystinosin is ubiquitously present in the body, cystine crystals are deposited in every body structure and lead to the dysfunction of various organ systems in the course of time. Cystine crystals deposited in the cornea are a clinical hallmark of the disease, while there is less awareness of concomitant posterior segment alterations. Frequently, symmetrical pigment epithelial mottling and patches of depigmentation starting in the periphery, which progress towards the posterior pole, can be encountered upon fundus biomicroscopy. Spectral Domain Optical Coherence tomography (SD-OCT) represents an elegant tool for visualizing chorioretinal cystine crystals at the posterior pole. An SD-OCT-based clinical grading of the severity of the chorioretinal manifestation can potentially be applied as a biomarker for systemic disease status and monitoring of oral therapy adherence in the future. Along with previous histological examinations, it may also give information about the location of cystine crystals in the choroid and retina. This review aims to increase the awareness of vision-threatening retinal and choroidal changes in cystinosis and the concomitant findings in SD-OCT. Die Cystinose ist eine seltene, autosomal rezessiv vererbte lysosomale Speicherkrankheit der Aminosäure Cystin mit einer geschätzten Prävalenz von 1:100.000 bis 1:200.000. Ursächlich sind Mutationen im CTNS-Gen, welche für den lysosomalen Aminosäure-Transporter Cystinosin kodieren. Die Fehlfunktion des Cystinosins führt zu einer Akkumulation von Cystin im Lysosom und letztlich zur Apoptose der Zelle Das intrazelluläre Cystinosin ist ubiquitär im Körper vorhanden, sodass sich Cystin-Kristalle in jedem Gewebe ablagern und zu einer Dysfunktion verschiedener Organsysteme führen. Korneale Cystinkristallablagerungen sind pathognomonisch für die Erkrankung, während begleitende Veränderungen am hinteren Pol bislang weniger Beachtung fanden. Fundoskopisch sind häufig symmetrische retinale Pigmentepithelauflockerungen und depigmentierte Areale zu erkennen, die in der Peripherie beginnen und zum hinteren Pol fortschreiten. Die optische Kohärenztomografie (SD-OCT) eignet sich sehr gut zur Visualisierung chorioretinaler Cystinkristallablagerungen. Eine SD-OCT-basierte klinische Einstufung des Schweregrads der chorioretinalen Manifestation kann in Zukunft möglicherweise als Biomarker für den systemischen Krankheitsstatus und für die Überwachung der oralen Therapieadhärenz eingesetzt werden. In Zusammenschau mit früheren histologischen Untersuchungen können OCT-morphologische Aufnahmen Aufschluss über die genaue Lokalisation der Cystinkristalle in der Aderhaut und Netzhaut geben. Diese Übersichtsarbeit soll das Bewusstsein für visusbedrohende Netzhaut -und Aderhautveränderungen in der infantilen nephropathischen Cystinose und die begleitenden Befunde im SD-OCT schärfen.

To describe the progression of pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) into pachychoroid aneurysmal type 1 choroidal neovascularization (PAT1)/polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.Patients diagnosed with PNV with a follow-up of ≥2 years.Multimodal imaging, including OCT and fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, was reviewed for the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), aneurysms within/at the margins of the CNV, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT).Rate of PNV to PAT1/PCV conversion and risk factors thereof.In total, 37 eyes of 32 patients with PNV with a mean follow-up of 3.3 ± 1.1 years (range, 2.0-5.2) were included in the study. At PNV diagnosis, the mean age was 59.7 ± 8.7 years (range, 38.5-78.0 years) and mean SFCT was 357 ± 92 μm (185-589). During the follow-up, 5 (13.5%) eyes developed aneurysms after a mean 3.4 ± 0.8 years (2.3-4.2), defining PAT1/PCV. The risk of PAT1/PCV conversion was 7.4% at year 3, 13.6% at year 4, and 30.7% at year 5. A mean of 5.2 ± 4.0 to 7.9 ± 3.6 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were given per year, resulting in a significant reduction of SFCT to 317 ± 104 μm (122-589) (P = 0.0007). The age at diagnosis of PNV was significantly lower in eyes that later went on to develop PAT1/PCV (54.0 ± 5.6 [45.9-60.5] vs. 61.2 ± 8.4 [38.5-78.0] years; P = 0.025). At the end of the follow-up, SFCT had on average decreased by -14.0% ± 17.6% (-55.9% to 23.1%) in the PNV group, whereas it had increased by mean 6.9% ± 4.4% (0.00%-10.8%) in the PAT1/PCV conversion group (P = 0.0025).PNV can develop aneurysms within its type 1 CNV, defining the conversion to PAT1/PCV. In this study, the conversion to PAT1/PCV was seen in 13.5% of eyes, resulting in Kaplan-Meier estimates of risk for conversion of 7.4% at year 3, 13.6% at year 4, and 30.7% at year 5. Younger age at diagnosis of PNV and sustained choroidal thickening despite anti-VEGF therapy might be risk factors for PNV to progress into PAT1/PCV.

ZusammenfassungDas SMILE-Verfahren scheint mit einer geschätzten Inzidenz von 0,011% unter allen gängigen keratorefraktiven Verfahren das geringste Risiko für eine postoperative Keratektasie aufzuweisen. Dennoch kann zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt aufgrund der Neuheit des Verfahrens sowie der mangelnden Datenlage diesbezüglich keine eindeutige Überlegenheit gegenüber der Femto-LASIK oder PRK ausgesprochen werden. Insofern sind die identischen, strengen Kriterien zur Indikationsstellung analog zu den Excimer-basierten Verfahren von großer Bedeutung, um das Risiko einer Hornhautektasie zu minimieren. Additiv zur konventionellen Hornhauttomografie sollten neuere bildgebende Modalitäten wie OCT-basiertes Epithel-Mapping standardmäßig zum präoperativen Screening vor keratorefraktiven Eingriffen eingesetzt werden. Mit dem kornealen Crosslinking steht eine etablierte Behandlungsmethode der Post-SMILE-Keratektasie zur Verfügung, die insbesondere in frühen Stadien hohe Erfolgschancen verspricht. Der vorgelegte Fallbericht legt diese Sachverhalte genauer dar.

PURPOSE: To evaluate postoperative subjective quality of vision in patients who underwent Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (STAAR Surgical) implantation for correction of myopia and to identify potential predictive parameters. METHODS: In this single-center cross-sectional study, a total of 162 eyes of 81 patients (58 women, 23 men) who underwent ICL implantation were analyzed. The Quality of Vision (QOV) questionnaire was used to assess patient-reported outcomes. Baseline characteristics (eg, age), treatment parameters (eg, surgical corrected refraction), and refractive (eg, residual refraction) and visual (eg, uncorrected distance visual acuity) outcomes were analyzed regarding their effect on QOV. RESULTS: Mean age was 33.3 ± 7.0 years (range: 21 to 51 years) and mean preoperative spherical equivalent was −8.42 ± 2.49 diopters (D) (range: −3.25 to −14.38 D). After a mean postoperative follow-up period of 19 ± 14 months (range: 6 to 54 months), the safety index score was 1.23 ± 0.21 and the efficacy index score was 1.17 ± 0.22. The mean QOV scores were 35.5 ± 11.3, 32.2 ± 11.1, and 23.3 ± 16.1 for frequency, severity, and bothersomeness, respectively. The most frequently experienced symptoms were halos (90.1%) and glare (66.7%). Halos appeared in 66.7% of the patients “occasionally” and 5 of them (6.2%) experienced them “very often.” Only 1 patient (1.2%) classified halos as “very bothersome.” Patients older than 36 years reported visual symptoms more frequently ( P < .05) and showed higher bothersomeness scores ( P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Halos are the most commonly perceived long-term visual disturbance after myopic ICL implantation with a central hole. Visual symptoms can persist more than 6 months postoperatively, causing only minor disturbances in most cases. Older patients seem more prone to experiencing these symptoms. [ J Refract Surg . 2022;38(5):280–287.]

The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroretinal structure of young patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).For this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and the macular retinal layer volumes were measured by optical coherence tomography. Patients aged 12 years or younger at disease onset were assigned to the childhood-onset (ChO) group and those aged 13-16 years to the early teenage-onset (eTO) group. All patients received treatment with idebenone. The same measurements were repeated in age-matched control groups with healthy subjects.The ChO group included 11 patients (21 eyes) and the eTO group 14 patients (27 eyes). Mean age at onset was 8.6 ± 2.7 years in the ChO group and 14.8 ± 1.0 years in the eTO group. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.65 ± 0.52 logMAR in the ChO group and 1.60 ± 0. 51 logMAR in the eTO group (p < 0.001). Reduced pRNFL was evident in the eTO group compared to the ChO group (46.0 ± 12.7 μm vs. 56.0 ± 14.5 μm, p = 0.015). Additionally, a significantly lower combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer volume was found in the eTO compared to the ChO group (0.266 ± 0.0027 mm3 vs. 0.294 ± 0.033 mm3 , p = 0.003). No difference in these parameters was evident between the age-matched control groups.Less neuroaxonal tissue degeneration was observed in ChO LHON than in eTO LHON, a finding that may explain the better functional outcome of ChO LHON.

Purpose To evaluate the rate of misdiagnosis of aneurysmatic pachychoroid type 1 choroidal neovascularization/polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PAT1/PCV) among cases diagnosed as non-aneurysmatic pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and to define optical coherence tomography (OCT) features facilitating their distinction. Methods The database of the Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, was screened for patients diagnosed with PNV. Multimodal imaging was screened for the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and aneurysms/polyps. Imaging features facilitating the diagnosis of PAT1/PCV were analysed. Results In total, 49 eyes of 44 patients with a clinical PNV diagnosis were included, of which 42 (85.7%) had PNV and 7 (14.3%) represented misdiagnosed PAT1/PCV. SFCT was comparable (PNV: 377 ± 92 vs. PAT1/PCV: 400 ± 83 µm; p = 0.39). Whereas no difference was detected in total pigment epithelium detachment (PED) diameter (p = 0.46), maximum PED height was significantly higher in the PAT1/PCV group (199 ± 31 vs. 82 ± 46, p p p = 0.04) were significantly more frequent in eyes with PAT1/PCV. Conclusion A relevant percentage of eyes diagnosed with PNV might instead suffer from PAT1/PCV. The detection of a maximum PED height (“peaking PED”) exceeding approximately 150 µm, SHRM, SRRLS, and sub-RPE fluid might greatly aid in the production of a more accurate diagnosis.

Background/AimsThe artificial intelligence (AI) based platform ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, OpenAI LP, San Francisco, CA, USA) has gained an impressing popularity over the past months. Its performance on case vignettes of general medical (non-ophthalmological) emergencies has priorly been assessed with very encouraging results. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of ChatGPT on ophthalmological emergency case vignettes in terms of the main outcome measures triage accuracy, appropriateness of recommended preclinical measures and overall potential to inflict harm to the user/patient.MethodsWe wrote ten short, fictional case vignettes describing different acute ophthalmological symptoms. Each vignette was entered into ChatGPT five times with the same wording and following a standardized interaction pathway. The answers were analysed in a standardised manner.ResultsWe observed a triage accuracy of 87.2%. Most answers contained only appropriate recommendations for preclinical measures. However, an overall potential to inflict harm to users/patients was present in 32% of answers.ConclusionChatGPT should not be used as a stand-alone primary source of information about acute ophthalmological symptoms. As AI continues to evolve, its safety and efficacy in the preclinical management of ophthalmological emergencies has to be reassessed regularly.

Background/Objectives. While the exact pathophysiology of pachychoroid disorders remains unclear, scleral changes inducing increased venous outflow resistance are hypothesized to be involved. This work aims to investigate anterior scleral thickness (AST) as a risk factor for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and pachychoroid neovascularization (PNV). Subjects/Methods. Randomized prospective case-control study performed at the Ludwig Maximilians-University, Department of Ophthalmology. 46 eyes of 46 patients were included, with 23 eyes in the CSC/PNV group (9 eyes with PNV) and 23 eyes in the control group. There was no difference in mean age (51.5 ± 8.0 (36 to 65) vs. 47.0 ± 12.9 (30 to 83) years; p = 0.122) or spherical equivalent (0.60 ± 2.23 (-5.5–4.6) vs. -0,93 ± 2.45 (-4.9–5.8); p = 0.441). In all patients, swept source OCT (SS-OCT) with an anterior segment module was used to measure AST. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was assessed using enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT). AST and SFCT were then compared to an age and -refraction-matched control group. Results. A significantly higher AST was found in the CSC/PNV as compared to the control group (403.5 ± 68.6 (278 to 619) vs. 362.5 ± 62.6 (218 to 498) µm; p = 0.028). Moreover, the CSC/PNV group showed a higher SFCT (392.8 ± 92.8 (191–523) vs. 330.95 ± 116.5 (167–609) µm, p = 0.004). Conclusions. Compared to age- and refraction-matched controls, patients with CSC and PNV show a significantly thicker anterior sclera. Scleral thickness might contribute to the venous overload hypothesized to induce pachychoroid phenotypes.

Purpose There is an ongoing controversial debate about the effectiveness of laser treatments in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). We performed a prospective non-randomized interventional study to learn about the effects of a subthreshold laser treatment (Topcon Endpoint Management™, Topcon Healthcare Inc., Tokyo, Japan) in patients with cCSC. Methods Patients with cCSC and a minimum symptom duration of 4 months were included and treated with a standardized laser pattern covering the macular area. Retreatment was performed every 3 months if persistent subretinal fluid was observed. The primary endpoint was resolution of subretinal fluid at 6 months. Further outcome parameters included best corrected visual acuity, microperimetry, central macular and subfoveal choroidal thickness. Results A total of 42 eyes of 39 patients were included. Mean patient age was 48 ± 10.6 years (range 25–67). Mean symptomatic time before inclusion into the study was 134 ± 133.4 weeks (16–518). Before inclusion, 78.6% of the patients had failed to resolve subretinal fluid under mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and 14.3% had a recurrence after half-dose photodynamic therapy. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid was observed in 42.9% at 6 months and in 53.8% at 12 months after baseline. Central retinal thickness decreased from 398 ± 135 µm to 291 ± 68 µm (p Conclusion The results show that the investigated laser treatment is effective in reducing subretinal fluid and leads to an improvement of functional parameters.

Lamellar macular holes (LMHs) are an entity of a progressive disease in which the efficacy of the therapy of choice, vitrectomy, seems to be reduced. It is unknown whether highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is of value in the therapy of LMHs. The purpose of this study was to gauge the potential of highly concentrated PRP to restore foveal anatomy in LMH surgery.In this interventional case series, eight eyes of eight patients with progressive LMH were included. All patients underwent a 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with induction of a posterior vitreous detachment and peeling of tractive epiretinal membranes whenever present. Under air tamponade, 0.1 mL of highly concentrated autologous PRP was applied. Subsequently, a gas or air tamponade was performed. All patients were instructed to rest in the supine position for the first 1 to 2 postoperative hours. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, microperimetry, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus photography were performed prior to and 3 months after surgery.SD-OCT showed closure of the macular defect with restoration of a normal foveal configuration in all (8 of 8) patients 3 months postoperatively. BCVA improved significantly, from 0.28 ± 0.08 to 0.12 ± 0.14 logMAR (Wilcoxon: p = 0.03). Microperimetry remained unchanged (24.13 ± 1.96 vs. 23.7 ± 1.54 dB; p = 0.46). No clinically significant intra- or postoperative complications were observed.The use of highly concentrated PRP enables excellent anatomical and functional outcomes in the surgical therapy of LMH. Further prospective comparative trials are warranted to compare this promising technique with existing surgical strategies.Makulaschichtforamina sind eine progrediente Erkrankung, bei der die Wirksamkeit der Therapie der Wahl, der Vitrektomie, reduziert zu sein scheint. Das Potenzial von hochkonzentriertem autologem Thrombozytenkonzentrat (Platelet-rich Plasma, PRP) in der Therapie von Makulaschichtforamina ist unbekannt. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Beurteilung des Potenzials von hochkonzentriertem autologem Thrombozytenkonzentrat in der chirurgischen Therapie von Makulaschichtforamina.In diese interventionelle Fallserie wurden 8 Augen von 8 Patienten mit progressivem LMH eingeschlossen. Alle Patienten erhielten eine 23-Gauge-Pars-plana-Vitrektomie mit Induktion einer hinteren Glaskörperabhebung und Peeling traktiver epiretinaler Membranen, sofern vorhanden. Unter Lufttamponade wurde 0,1 ml hochkonzentriertes autologes Thrombozytenkonzentrat appliziert. Anschließend wurde eine Gas- oder Lufttamponade eingegeben. Alle Patienten wurden angewiesen, in den ersten 1 – 2 postoperativen Stunden in Rückenlage zu ruhen. Der bestkorrigierte Visus (BCVA), Mikroperimetrie, optische Kohärenztomografie (SD-OCT) und die Fundusfotografie erfolgten präoperativ sowie 3 Monate postoperativ.In der SD-OCT zeigte sich einen Verschluss des Makuladefekts mit Wiederherstellung der normalen fovealen Konfiguration bei allen (8 von 8) Patienten 3 Monate postoperativ. Die bestkorrigierte Sehschärfe verbesserte sich signifikant von 0,28 ± 0,08 auf 0,12 ± 0,14 logMAR (Wilcoxon: p = 0,03). Die Mikroperimetrie blieb stabil (24,13 ± 1,96 vs. 23,7 ± 1,54 dB; p = 0,46). Es wurden keine klinisch signifikanten intra- oder postoperativen Komplikationen beobachtet.Die Verwendung von hochkonzentriertem autologem Thrombozytenkonzentrat ermöglicht hervorragende anatomische und funktionelle Ergebnisse in der chirurgischen Therapie der Makulaschichtforamina. Weitere prospektive Vergleichsstudien sind notwendig, um diese vielversprechende Technik mit bestehenden chirurgischen Strategien zu vergleichen.

With an estimated incidence of 0.011%, the SMILE procedure seems to have the lowest risk of postoperative keratectasia among contemporary keratorefractive procedures. Nevertheless, due to the novelty of the procedure as well as the lack of data, no clear superiority over femto-LASIK or PRK can be stated at this time. In this respect, application of the identical tomographic screening criteria previously developed for excimer-based procedures is of paramount importance to minimize the risk of corneal ectasia. As an adjunct to conventional corneal tomography, newer imaging modalities such as OCT-based epithelial mapping should be used for preoperative screening before keratorefractive surgery. Corneal crosslinking is an established treatment modality for post-SMILE keratectasia, which promises high success rates especially in early stages. The present case report illustrates these diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.Das SMILE-Verfahren scheint mit einer geschätzten Inzidenz von 0,011% unter allen gängigen keratorefraktiven Verfahren das geringste Risiko für eine postoperative Keratektasie aufzuweisen. Dennoch kann zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt aufgrund der Neuheit des Verfahrens sowie der mangelnden Datenlage diesbezüglich keine eindeutige Überlegenheit gegenüber der Femto-LASIK oder PRK ausgesprochen werden. Insofern sind die identischen, strengen Kriterien zur Indikationsstellung analog zu den Excimer-basierten Verfahren von großer Bedeutung, um das Risiko einer Hornhautektasie zu minimieren. Additiv zur konventionellen Hornhauttomografie sollten neuere bildgebende Modalitäten wie OCT-basiertes Epithel-Mapping standardmäßig zum präoperativen Screening vor keratorefraktiven Eingriffen eingesetzt werden. Mit dem kornealen Crosslinking steht eine etablierte Behandlungsmethode der Post-SMILE-Keratektasie zur Verfügung, die insbesondere in frühen Stadien hohe Erfolgschancen verspricht. Der vorgelegte Fallbericht legt diese Sachverhalte genauer dar.

Purpose Long total waiting times (TWT) experienced by patients during a clinic visit have a significant adverse effect on patient’s satisfaction. Our aim was to use big data simulations of a patient scheduling calendar and its effect on TWT in a general ophthalmology clinic. Based on the simulation, we implemented changes to the calendar and verified their effect on TWT in clinical practice. Design and methods For this retrospective simulation study, we generated a discrete event simulation (DES) model based on clinical timepoints of 4.401 visits to our clinic. All data points were exported from our clinical warehouse for further processing. If not available from the electronic health record, manual time measurements of the process were used. Various patient scheduling models were simulated and evaluated based on their reduction of TWT. The most promising model was implemented into clinical practice in 2017. Results During validation of our simulation model, we achieved a high agreement of mean TWT between the real data (229 ± 100 min) and the corresponding simulated data (225 ± 112 min). This indicates a high quality of the simulation model. Following the simulations, a patient scheduling calendar was introduced, which, compared with the old calendar, provided block intervals and extended time windows for patients. The simulated TWT of this model was 153 min. After implementation in clinical practice, TWT per patient in our general ophthalmology clinic has been reduced from 229 ± 100 to 183 ± 89 min. Conclusion By implementing a big data simulation model, we have achieved a cost-neutral reduction of the mean TWT by 21%. Big data simulation enables users to evaluate variations to an existing system before implementation into clinical practice. Various models for improving patient flow or reducing capacity loads can be evaluated cost-effectively.

To perform a systematic analysis of articles on the ophthalmological implications of the global COVID-19 pandemic.PubMed.gov was searched for relevant articles using the keywords "COVID-19", "coronavirus", and "SARS-CoV-2" in conjunction with "ophthalmology" and "eye". Moreover, official recommendations of ophthalmological societies were systematically reviewed, with a focus on the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth).As of April 16, 2020, in total, 21 peer-reviewed articles on the ophthalmological aspects of COVID-19 were identified. Of these, 12 (57.1%) were from Asia, 6 (28.6%) from the United States of America, and 3 (14.3%) from Europe. There were 5 (23.8%) original studies, 10 (47.6%) letters, 3 (14.2%) case reports, and 3 (14.2%) reviews. These articles could be classified into the topics "Modes and prevention of (ocular) transmission", "Ophthalmological manifestations of COVID-19", "Clinical guidance concerning ophthalmological practice during the COVID-19 pandemic", and "Practical recommendations for clinical infrastructure". Practical recommendations could be extracted from official statements of the AAO and the RCOphth.Within a short period, a growing body of articles has started to elucidate the ophthalmological implications of COVID-19. As the eye can represent a route of infection (actively via tears and passively via the nasoacrimal duct), ophthalmological care has to undergo substantial modifications during this pandemic. In the eye, COVID-19 can manifest as keratoconjunctivitis.Ein substanzieller Teil der aktuellen Literatur zur COVID-19-Pandemie beschäftigt sich mit deren ophthalmologischen Aspekten. In diesem Übersichtsartikel soll ein Überblick über die bisher publizierten Studien gegeben werden, die für die Ophthalmologie relevant sind.PubMed.gov wurde systematisch nach Artikeln mit den folgenden Schlüsselwörtern durchsucht: „COVID-19“, „Coronavirus“ und „SARS‐CoV‐2“ in Verbindung mit „Ophthalmology“ und „Eye“. Darüber hinaus wurde eine Analyse der Empfehlungen der ophthalmologischen Fachgesellschaften durchgeführt, insbesondere der American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) und des Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth).Es wurden 21 Artikel mit Peer Review zu den ophthalmologischen Aspekten von COVID-19 identifiziert (Stand: 16. April 2020). Davon stammten 12 (57,1%) aus Asien, 6 (28,6%) aus den Vereinigten Staaten und 3 (14,3%) aus Europa. Darunter befanden sich 5 Originalarbeiten (23,8%), 10 (47,6%) Briefe an den Herausgeber, 3 (14,2%) Fallberichte und 3 (14,2%) Übersichtsartikel. Es erfolgte eine Sortierung in folgende Themen: „(Okuläre) Übertragungswege und Prävention“, „Ophthalmologische Manifestation von COVID-19“, „Klinische Richtlinien für die ophthalmologische Praxis während der COVID-19-Pandemie“ und „Praktische Empfehlungen für den klinischen Alltag“. Letztere wurden den Empfehlungen der AAO und des RCOphth entnommen.Eine Vielzahl kürzlich erschienener Artikel befasst sich mit den ophthalmologischen Aspekten von COVID-19. Da COVID-19 über das Auge übertragen werden kann (aktiv über die Tränenflüssigkeit und passiv über den Ductus nasolacrimalis), ist eine sorgfältige Infektionsprävention in der ophthalmologischen Praxis von großer Bedeutung. Eine Augenbeteiligung kann sich als Keratokonjunktivitis manifestieren.

With more than 1.5 million Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) procedures having already been performed worldwide in an ageing population, intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in post-SMILE eyes will inevitably become a common challenge for ophthalmologists. Since no refractive outcomes of cataract surgery following SMILE have been published, there is a lack of empirical data for optimizing IOL power calculation. Using the ray tracing as the standard of reference – a purely physical method that obviates the need for any empirical optimization - we analyzed the agreement of various IOL power calculation formulas derived from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) post-keratorefractive surgery online calculator. In our study of 88 post-SMILE eyes, the Masket formula showed the smallest mean prediction error [−0.36 ± 0.32 diopters (D)] and median absolute error (0.33D) and yielded the largest percentage of eyes within ±0.50D (70%) in reference to ray tracing. Non-inferior refractive prediction errors and ±0.50D accuracies were achieved by the Barrett True K, Barrett True K No History and the Potvin-Hill formula. Use of these formulas in conjunction with ray tracing is recommended until sufficient data for empirical optimization of IOL power calculation after SMILE is available.

Background Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) are presumed to be associated with retinal thinning. However, evidence is lacking as to whether these retinal alterations reflect a disease-specific process or are rather a consequence of comorbid diseases or concomitant microvascular impairment. Methods The study included 126 eyes of 65 patients with SSDs and 143 eyes of 72 healthy controls. We examined macula and optic disc measures by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A). Additive mixed models were used to assess the impact of SSDs on retinal thickness and perfusion and to explore the association of retinal and clinical disease-related parameters by controlling for several ocular and systemic covariates (age, sex, spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, smoking status, and OCT signal strength). Results OCT revealed significantly lower parafoveal macular, macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and thinner mean and superior peripapillary RNFL in SSDs. In contrast, the applied OCT-A investigations, which included macular and peripapillary perfusion density, macular vessel density, and size of the foveal avascular zone, did not reveal any significant between-group differences. Finally, a longer duration of illness and higher chlorpromazine equivalent doses were associated with lower parafoveal macular and macular RNFL thickness. Conclusions This study strengthens the evidence for disease-related retinal thinning in SSDs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-time results of highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used as an adjunct in lamellar macular hole (LMH) surgery. Nineteen eyes of nineteen patients with progressive LMH were enrolled in this interventional case series, on which 23/25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed and 0.1 mL of highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma was applied under air tamponade. Posterior vitreous detachment was induced, and the peeling of tractive epiretinal membranes, whenever present, was performed. In cases of phakic lens status, combined surgery was carried out. Postoperatively, all patients were instructed to remain in a supine position for the first two postoperative hours. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, microperimetry, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were carried out preoperatively and at minimum 6 months (in median 12 months) postoperatively. Foveal configuration was postoperatively restored in 19 of 19 patients. Two patients who had not undergone ILM peeling showed a recurring defect at 6-month follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.29 ± 0.08 to 0.14 ± 0.13 logMAR (p = 0.028, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Microperimetry remained unchanged (23.38 ± 2.53 preoperatively; 23.0 ± 2.49 dB postoperatively; p = 0.67). No patients experienced vision loss after surgery, and no significant intra- or postoperative complications were observed. Using PRP as an adjunct in macular hole surgery significantly improves morphological and functional outcomes. Additionally, it might be an effective prophylaxis to further progression and also the formation of a secondary full-thickness macular hole. The results of this study might contribute to a paradigm shift in macular hole surgery towards early intervention.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety, efficacy, and patient-reported quality of vision of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and implantable Collamer lens (ICL) implantation for the treatment of high myopia. METHODS: A database of 1,634 SMILE (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and 225 ICL implantation (STAAR Surgical, Monrovia, CA) procedures was screened for patients with a binocular preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent between −6.00 and −10.00 diopters (D) and plano target refraction. One-to-one matching was performed by preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent, age, and pupil size. All identified patients were then prospectively examined at their next regular postoperative follow-up visit and presented with the standardized and clinically validated Quality of Vision questionnaire to gauge patient-reported postoperative visual quality. RESULTS: A total of 80 eyes (40 patients) were eligible for 1:1 matching. Mean postoperative follow-up was 27.8 ± 14.3 months in the SMILE group and 26.6 ± 17.7 months in the ICL group ( P = .44). Regarding the percentage of eyes within ±0.50 D of plano target, refractive predictability was better in eyes treated with ICL implantation (90%) than SMILE (72.5%) ( P = .045). Mean UDVA was comparable (ICL: −0.09 ± 0.10 logMAR; SMILE: −0.06 ± 0.09 logMAR; P < .09), but the efficacy (1.28 vs 1.05; P < .001) and safety (1.31 ± 0.22 vs 1.10 ± 0.25; P < .001) indices were higher after ICL implantation. ICL implantation induced significantly fewer higher order aberrations (total higher order aberrations: SMILE 0.724 ± 0.174 µm vs ICL 0.436 ± 0.114 µm; P < .01). Regarding subjective quality of vision, patients who had ICL implantation were significantly less bothered by visual disturbances, which were mainly halos after ICL and starbursts and fluctuations of vision after SMILE ( P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this refraction-matched comparative study, ICL implantation for high myopia yielded better refractive accuracy, better uncorrected distance visual acuity, fewer higher order aberrations, and better subjective quality of vision than SMILE. [ J Refract Surg . 2020;36(3):150–159.]

Purpose To determine the anatomical and functional outcomes of an extended 6-month intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) upload in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods A retrospective database analysis was performed applying the following inclusion criteria: (1) diagnosis of CSCR, (2) diagnosis of secondary CNV, and (3) treatment of at least six consecutive injections of anti-VEGF. Outcome measures included the change of central retinal subfield thickness, remodeling of the pigment epithelium detachments, and change in visual function. Results Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients were included. Mean patient age was 65 ± 8.3 years, and 35% of the patients (n = 8) were female. Mean disease duration before diagnosis of CNV was 48 ± 25.3 months. Mean central retinal thickness decreased from 346 ± 61 to 257 ± 57 μm (p p p = 0.038). Significant CNV remodeling was observed as a decrease in pigment epithelium detachment (PED) vertical (p = 0.021) and horizontal diameter (p = 0.024) as well as PED height (p Conclusion An extended anti-VEGF upload of six consecutive injections seems to be effective in inducing CNV remodeling and fluid resorption in CNV complicating chronic CSCR.

Purpose To assess visual and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema (DME). Methods For this retrospective single-center cohort study at a tertiary referral center, we performed a data warehouse query to identify 117 treatment-naive patients (139 eyes) undergoing intravitreal treatment with aflibercept for DME between January 2014 and May 2018. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values (as measured with ETDRS letters), central retinal thickness (CRT) and total macular volume (TVOL) are reported over a two-year period at various time-points. Results The total number of injections per study eye was 5.5 ± 1.4 after one and 8.7 ± 2.2 injections after two years. Baseline visual acuity (VA) was 60.1 ± 14.5 letters. A gain of 4.8 and 9.2 letters from baseline was observed after one and two years, respectively (both p ≤ 0.01). In comparison to the mean CRT at baseline (419 ± 174 µm), a CRT decrease was observed after one and two years of treatment (298 ± 115 µm and 319 ± 119 µm, respectively; both p ≤ 0.01). Similarly, TVOL decreased from 10.12 ± 2.05 mm3 to 8.96 ± 0.96 mm3 and 9.01 ± 1.29 mm3 (both p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrates that treating DME with intravitreal aflibercept yields positive functional and structural outcomes over a two-year period. However, we observed fewer injection numbers, along with inferior VA and structural outcomes than has been reported in randomized clinical trials. Our results show similar results as in patients treated with ranibizumab due to DME in real-life settings.

Mit bis dato uber 2 Mio. durchgefuhrten Eingriffen ist die „small incision lenticule extraction“ (SMILE) ein integraler Bestandteil des Armamentariums der modernen keratorefraktiven Chirurgie geworden. Diese ganzlich Femtosekundenlaser-basierte Technik ermoglicht eine Flap-freie minimal-invasive Korrektur von Myopie und myopem Astigmatismus mit ebenburtiger Prazision und Sicherheit im Vergleich zur Femtosekunden-assistierten Laser-in-situ-Keratomileusis (fs-LASIK). Potenzielle Vorteile liegen in der geringen Kompromittierung der kornealen biomechanischen Stabilitat und in der Reduktion postoperativer Beschwerden durch das trockene Auge. Als noch ungeloste technische Limitationen sind die manuelle Zyklotorsionskontrolle und die fehlende Moglichkeit einer exklusiv Femtosekundenlaser-basierten Nachkorrektur anzufuhren. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird auf den historischen Hintergrund und die Entwicklung der SMILE, aktuelle Empfehlungen zu chirurgischer Technik und Anwendungsspektrum, klinische Ergebnisse, Vor- und Nachteile gegenuber konkurrierenden keratorefraktiven Verfahren als auch auf zukunftige Entwicklungen eingegangen.

Purpose To evaluate the use of highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in lamellar macular hole (LMH) surgery with regard to function and morphology. Methods We included 12 eyes of 12 patients with progressive LMH in this interventional case series. After 23/25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, 0.1ml highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma was applied under air tamponade. Induction of posterior vitreous detachment and peeling of tractive epiretinal membranes were performed whenever present. Phacovitrectomy was undertaken in cases of phakic lens status. Postoperatively, all patients were instructed to rest in a supine position for the first two postoperative hours. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, microperimetry, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and fundus photography were carried out preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Results Foveal configuration was restored in 10 of 12 patients (83.3%) at 6 months postoperatively. Two patients who had not undergone ILM peeling showed a recurring defect at 6-month follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.29 ± 0.08 to 0.14 ± 0.13 logMAR (Wilcoxon: p=0.028). Microperimetry remained unchanged (23.38 ± 2.53 preoperatively; 23.0 ± 2.49 dB postoperatively; p=0.67). No patient experienced vision loss after surgery, and no significant intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Conclusion The application of PRP in the surgical therapy of LMH results in good morphological and functional outcomes. Additional peeling of the ILM seems to be mandatory when using PRP to prevent the recurrence of LMH. Strict postoperative supine positioning for 2 h avoids PRP dislocation. Larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the results.

The development of a retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is multifactorial. This study investigates pachychoroid as a risk factor for RVO or as an entity sharing common pathophysiology with RVO. A database screening at the University Eye Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Germany was performed for patients diagnosed with central or branch RVO (CRVO/BRVO). In every patient a complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, including posterior segment enhanced depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-SD-OCT). The SD-OCT scans of respective partner eyes without history of RVO were compared to an age- and refraction-matched, randomly recruited normal control group. In total, 312 eyes of 312 patients were included in this study, with 162 eyes in the RVO and 150 eyes in the control group. A significantly higher subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was found in the RVO (310.3 ± 72.5 (94 to 583) µm) as compared to the control group (237.0 ± 99.0 (62 to 498); p

This study identifies the endolysosomal two-pore channel TPC2 as a potential novel drug target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Inhibition of TPC2 reduces two key clinical hallmarks of the AMD, retinal inflammation and formation of leaky choroi., Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness among the elderly and can be classified either as dry or as neovascular (or wet). Neovascular AMD is characterized by a strong immune response and the inadequate release of cytokines triggering angiogenesis and induction of photoreceptor death. The pathomechanisms of AMD are only partly understood. Here, we identify the endolysosomal two-pore cation channel TPC2 as a key factor of neovascularization and immune activation in the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model of AMD. Block of TPC2 reduced retinal VEGFA and IL-1β levels and diminished neovascularization and immune activation. Mechanistically, TPC2 mediates cationic currents in endolysosomal organelles of immune cells and lack of TPC2 leads to reduced IL-1β levels in areas of choroidal neovascularization due to endolysosomal trapping. Taken together, our study identifies TPC2 as a promising novel therapeutic target for the treatment of AMD.

PrécisCystinosis is a lysosomal storage disease leading to an accumulation of cystine crystals in several organs. We aim to comprehensively describe chorioretinal cystine crystals via spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and elaborate a new biomarker for systemic disease control.Background/aimsCystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disease leading to an accumulation of cystine crystals in several organs. This study aims to describe the deposition of retinochoroidal crystals in infantile nephropathic cystinosis and to elucidate their potential value as an objective biomarker for systemic disease control.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out by the University Eye Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilian University (Munich, Germany) in collaboration with the German Cystinosis Study Group. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, along with posterior segment SD-OCT (Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany). Retinochoroidal crystals were graded by employing a novel semiquantitative grading system—the retinochoroidal cystine crystal score (RCCCS). To quantify quality of vision, patients completed a specific questionnaire. A total of 85 eyes of 43 patients with cystinosis were included (mean age 22.3±8.8 years, range 6–39; male:female ratio=23:20).ResultsCystine crystals were detectable in all neuroretinal layers and the choroid, most frequently in the choriocapillaris. The RCCCS was negatively correlated with cysteamine intake (r=0.533, p=0.001) and positively with cystatin C, a stable parameter of renal function (r=0.496, p=0.016). Moreover, the value of the RCCCS affected subjective quality of vision. Genetic analysis indicated pronounced crystal deposition in patients with heterozygous mutations containing the 57-kb-deletion allele of theCTNSgene.ConclusionOcular cystinosis leads to retinochoroidal crystal accumulation in every stage of the disease. Crystal deposition may be markedly influenced by oral cysteamine therapy. Therefore, the presented SD-OCT based grading system might serve as an objective biomarker for systemic disease control.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiology and evaluation of posterior segment involvement as a prognostic factor for functional outcome of patients with open globe injuries in a university eye clinic as a tertiary referral center in Southern Germany. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 151 consecutive patients with open globe injuries who were referred to the department of Ophthalmology of the Technical University of Munich in Germany from 2004 to 2011 was conducted. Visual acuity, epidemiologic data, classification of the injuries including the ocular trauma score (OTS), performed surgeries, post-operative visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) as well as correlation analyses between OTS and post-operative visual acuity were obtained. RESULTS: On total, 147 eyes were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 42.9±22.2 years, 78.2% were male, 36.7% of injuries occurred in the workplace. Thirty-eight patients (25.9%) had intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB): 84.2% were metal objects, 5.3% organic material and 10.5% glass. On total, 51.7% of the open globe injuries were located in zone I (cornea, cornealscleral limbus), 15.0% in zone II (up to 5 mm posterior the sclerocorneal limbus) and 32.0% in zone III (posterior of zone 2). Affected structures were eyelids (17.7%), cornea (74.8%), iris (63.9%), lens (56.5%), sclera (48.3%), retina (47.6%) and optic nerve (19.7%). Mean preoperative BCVA was 1.304±0.794 logMAR and 1.289±0.729 logMAR after surgery (p=0.780). Patients with involvement of their posterior segment had significantly worse postoperative BCVA scores than patients without (1.523±0.654 logMAR vs. 0.944±0.708 logMAR, p

PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to establish a semi-automated threshold-based image segmentation algorithm to detect and objectively quantify corneal cystine crystal deposition in ocular cystinosis with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). METHODS This prospective, observational, comparative study included 88 eyes of 45 patients from the German Cystinosis Registry Study as well as 68 eyes of 35 healthy control subjects. All eyes were imaged with AS-OCT (Cirrus HD-OCT 5000, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). As an initial step, B-scan images were subjectively analysed for typical changes in morphology in comparison to healthy controls. Based on the experience gained, an objective semi-automated B-scan image segmentation algorithm was developed using a grey scale value-based threshold method to automatically quantify corneal crystals. RESULTS On AS-OCT B-scans, corneal crystals appeared as hyperreflective deposits within the corneal stroma. The crystals were distributed either in all stromal layers (43 eyes, 49%) or confined to the anterior (23 eyes, 26%) or posterior stroma (22 eyes, 25%), respectively. The novel automatic B-scan image segmentation algorithm was most efficient in delineating corneal crystals at higher grey scale thresholds (e.g. 226 of a maximum of 255). Significant differences in suprathreshold grey scale pixels were observable between cystinosis patients and healthy controls (p

Non-response to intravitreal ranibizumab represents a frequent problem in pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV). To investigate the effectivity of switching to aflibercept, the database of the Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, was screened for patients fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: (i) diagnosis of PNV; (ii) inadequate response to ≥ 3 ranibizumab injections, in spite of monthly dosing, defined as persistence of subretinal-fluid four weeks after the last ranibizumab injection; (iii) resulting switch to aflibercept administered as three monthly injections. Primary outcome measure was percentage of eyes with a dry macula four weeks after the third aflibercept injection. Secondary outcome measures included changes in maximum subretinal fluid (SRF), central subfield thickness (CST) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). In total, 14 eyes of 14 patients were included. Mean age was 64.1 ± 7.5 (range: 51–78) years. Switching to aflibercept was performed after mean 8.4 ± 4.1 (3–15) ranibizumab injections. While no eye (0%) achieved a dry macula status during ranibizumab treatment, switching to aflibercept achieved a dry macula status in eight eyes (57.1%) after three injections. While both ranibizumab and aflibercept showed an effect on CST (p = 0.027, p = 0.003), only aflibercept showed a significant effect on SRF (p = 0.0009) and SFCT (p = 0.044). In cases of PNV not responding to intravitreal ranibizumab, switching treatment to aflibercept induces a favorable short-term response resolving persistent fluid and achieving a dry macula. Further studies with longer follow-up are warranted.

Sub-retinal fluid (SRF) has been discussed as a protective factor against macular atrophy in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).To gauge the impact of SRF on macular atrophy, a database of 310 nAMD eyes was screened for eyes manifesting an SRF-only phenotype under treat & extend anti-VEGF treatment, defined as nAMD expressing CNV exudation beyond the three monthly anti-VEGF loading doses by SRF only without any signs of exudative intra-retinal fluid (IRF) for ≥3 years. Incidence of macular atrophy and treatment responses were evaluated on multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), blue autofluorescence (BAF) and near-infrared (NIR) confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and fluorescence and indocyanine green angiography (FAG/ICGA). In total, 27 eyes (8.7%) of 26 patients with a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 0.9 (3–5) years met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 72 ± 6 (range: 61–86) years. The SRF only phenotype was seen from baseline in 14 eyes (52%), and in 13 eyes (48%) after a mean 1.0 ± 1.3 (1–3) injections. In years 1 to 5, mean 7.5, 5.9, 6.1, 6.1 and 7.0 anti-VEGF injections were given (p = 0.33). Cumulative macular atrophy incidence was 11.5% at year 1, 15.4% throughout years 2 to 4, and 22.4% at year 5. In conclusion, eyes manifesting activity by SRF only in treat & extend anti-VEGF regimen for nAMD seem to exhibit rather low rates of macular atrophy during long-term follow-up. SRF might be an indicator of a more benign form of nAMD.

The caged xanthone gambogic acid (GA) is a novel anti-cancer agent which exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects in many types of cancer tissues. In a recent phase IIa study, GA exhibits a favourable safety profile. However, limited data are available concerning its interaction with cardiac ion channels. Heteromeric assembly of Kir2.x channels underlies the cardiac inwardly rectifying IK1 current which is responsible for the stabilization of the diastolic resting membrane potential. Inhibition of the cardiac IK1 current may lead to ventricular arrhythmia due to delayed afterdepolarizations. Compared to Kv2.1, hERG and Kir1.1, a slow, delayed inhibition of Kir2.1 channels by GA in a mammalian cell line was reported before but no data exist in literature concerning action of GA on homomeric Kir2.2 and Kir2.3 and heteromeric Kir2.x channels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide comparative data on the effect of GA on homomeric and heteromeric Kir2.x channels. Homomeric and heteromeric Kir2.x channels were heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique was used to record Kir2.x currents. To investigate the mechanism of the channel inhibition by GA, alanine-mutated Kir2.x channels with modifications in the channels pore region or at phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-binding sites were employed. GA caused a slow inhibition of homomeric and heteromeric Kir2.x channels at low micromolar concentrations (with IC50 Kir2.1/2.2

PURPOSE To analyse in depth the associations between objectively measured corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and subjectively perceived visual quality after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) as quantified with the standardized and clinically validated quality of vision (QOV) questionnaire. METHODS This cross-sectional study included patients after bilateral simultaneous SMILE for the treatment of myopia and/or myopic astigmatism with plano target refraction. Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR; Oculus Optikgerate GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) was used to objectively quantify corneal HOAs. The standardized and validated QOV questionnaire was employed to gauge patients' subjectively perceived visual quality regarding frequency, severity and bothering effect of visual disturbances. RESULTS A total of 394 eyes of 197 patients with a mean age of 32.4 ± 7.7 years and a mean postoperative follow-up of 24.3 ± 14.1 months were included. SMILE induced a statistically significant (p

Importance A recently reported randomized clinical trial suggested beneficial effects of vasodilating flavanols in dark chocolate on visual function without objective quantification of retinal perfusion. Objective To assess the effects of dark chocolate flavanols on subjective visual function and retinal perfusion objectively quantified on optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized, masked double-blind crossover clinical trial analyzed 22 healthy participants at the Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig Maximilians-University Munich, Germany, in July 2018. Analysis was intention to treat. Analysis began in July 2018. Interventions Participants were randomized to consume 20 g of dark chocolate containing 400 mg of flavanols or 7.5 g of milk chocolate. Two hours later, visual function and retinal perfusion on OCT angiography were evaluated. Systemic blood pressure was measured to rule out artifacts on OCT angiography. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was macular retinal perfusion quantified as vessel density on OCT angiography. The secondary end point was subjective visual function (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity, Pelli-Robson chart, and Mars chart contrast sensitivity). Results All 22 participants (13 women [59.1%]; mean [SD] age, 27.3 [11.1] years) completed the trial. No relevant differences in baseline parameters between groups were identified. No change in the primary outcome measure, retinal perfusion, could be detected after consumption of dark vs milk chocolate (superficial plexus 48.0% vs 47.5%, treatment effect: −0.59 [95% CI, −2.68 to 1.50],P = .56; deep plexus 54.1% vs 54.0%, treatment effect: −1.14 [95% CI, −4.01 to 1.73],P = .42). No differences in changes in the secondary outcome parameters Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity, Pelli-Robson chart, or Mars chart contrast sensitivity could be detected. Potentially confounding effects of changes in blood pressure were excluded. Conclusions and Relevance In contrast to a previous similarly sized randomized clinical trial reporting beneficial effects on visual function, no short-term effects of flavanol-rich dark chocolate on automatically assessed retinal blood flow on OCT angiography or subjective visual function were observed in this study. As this small trial does not rule out the possibility of benefits, further trials with larger sample sizes would be needed to rule in or out possible long-term benefits confidently. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS0001506

The caged xanthone gambogic acid (GA) is a novel anti-cancer agent which exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects in many types of cancer tissues. In a recent phase IIa study, GA exhibits a favourable safety profile. However, limited data are available concerning its interaction with cardiac ion channels. Heteromeric assembly of Kir2.x channels underlies the cardiac inwardly rectifying I