Ophthalmology Commons^™

Understanding Blue Light Retinal Damages And The Methods Of Prevention, Amelia Lee

Senior Honors Theses

Light emitting diode (LED) lights that comprise television screens, phone displays, laptops, and tablets have been studied by scientists in order to understand the implications of blue light radiation and the effects that it has on the human body—especially the retina of the eye. The retina is comprised of highly metabolic cells, and when those cells are placed under oxidative stress, death occurs causing ocular disease. Additionally, excess blue light exposure causes shifts in biological rhythms that govern patterns of alertness and sleep. Recently scientists began studying the methods of blue light prevention. Some studies show that blue light radiation …

Role Of Meibum And Tear Phospholipids In The Evaporative Water Loss Associated With Dry Eye., Samiyyah M. Sledge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is generally believed that the tear film lipid surface film inhibits the rate of evaporation (Revap) of the underlying tear aqueous. It is also generally believed that changes in the composition of the tear film lipid layer is responsible for an increase in Revap in patients with dry eye. Both of these ideas have never been proven. The purpose of the current studies was to test these ideas. Revap was measured in vitro gravimetrically. Lipid spreading was measured using Raman spectroscopy and microscopy. The influence of the following surface films on the Revap of the sub phase of physiologically …

Narrative Review-Drug Delivery In Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Rachel Israilevich, Raziyeh Mahmoudzadeh, Mirataollah Salabati, David Xu

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

This narrative review highlights routes of ocular drug delivery for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in industrialized countries and accounts for 8.7% of blindness worldwide. Advanced AMD can be classified into two subtypes: late-stage dry AMD [known as geographic atrophy (GA)] and neovascular AMD (nAMD). GA is often bilateral and results from progressive and irreversible loss of photoreceptors and areas of the retinal pigment epithelium. Wet AMD is characterized by angiogenesis from the choroid to the normally avascular regions underneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or retina, a process known as choroidal neovascularization …

Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Associated With Covid-19 Infection, James A. David, George D. Fivgas

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) associated with a COVID-19 infection. Observations: A 22-year-old female was referred for evaluation of bilateral scotomas concurrent with a mildly symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Exam showed normal visual acuity, bilateral reddish-brown petaloid retinal lesions which were hyporeflective on near infrared (NIR) optical coherence tomography (OCT), and had associated hypoperfusion of the deep vascular plexus on OCT-angiography (OCT-A) consistent with bilateral AMN. At follow-up, scotomas and retinal findings on near infrared imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography had only slightly improved. Conclusions: COVID-19 has been documented to be the etiology of …

Microbial Profile Of Lacrimal System Dacryolith In Midwest Patient Population, Peter Kally, Olivia Cheng, Thai Do, Dianne Schachter, Francesca Nesi-Eloff

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Dacryoliths of the lacrimal excretory system are found in patients undergoing surgical treatment of primary canaliculitis and nasolacrimal duct obstruction.1,2 Dacryoliths of the canalicular pathway are classically attributed to Actinomyces species, yet a growing body of literature throughout Asia and the Middle East supports a shift towards Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species being the most common cultured organism.1–4 The Midwest microbial profile in 2009 was reported to maintain Actinomyces as the most common organism.1 The objective of this paper is to update the American Midwest demographic and microbial profile of lacrimal system dacryoliths to direct tailored regional approaches to treatment. …

Bilateral Nummular Infiltrates: An Uncommon Presentation Of Candida Keratitis, Deena Dahshan, Charles D Francis, Maya S. Bitar

Ophthalmology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy Leading To Vision Loss In A Pediatric Patient, Allyson Hall

Posters

This case will review optic disc pit maculopathy in children and treatments available. An emphasis in vision rehabilitation will be discussed as any visual insult during this development period can lead to long-term visual consequences.

Survey Says: Shingrix Saves, Claire Holmes, Taylor Phelps, Maria Bernal

Medical Research Day

Shingles (herpes zoster) results from reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus in spinal and cranial neurosensory ganglia. Nearly 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime, with possible complications including hearing loss, vision loss, bacterial superinfection, and post- herpetic neuralgia. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the live attenuated Zostavax® vaccine for prevention of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. Due to limitations in its use in immunocompromised individuals, a new non-live recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix®) became approved for use in 2017. In comparison to the Zostavax® vaccine, the Shingrix® vaccine has been …

Integrating Telemedicine Services In Ophthalmology: Evaluating Patient Interest And Perceived Benefits, Eric Shiuey, Yehuda Fox, Adam Kurnick, Rony Rachmiel, Shimon Kurtz, Michael Waisbourd

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess patient interest and willingness to pay (WTP) for teleophthalmology services, whose benefits include improved healthcare access and potential cost savings.

Patients and methods: Cross-sectional study of 215 patients attending a single tertiary center to assess their interest in teleophthalmology. Comparisons between those interested and those not interested were conducted; logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of price on interest.

Results: Two thirds (66.5%) of patients were interested in teleophthalmology instead of in-person clinic visits. Those interested were significantly younger than uninterested patients (48.8±22.7 vs 62.4±18.3 years) and were more …

Klebsiella Pneumoniae Cryptogenic Liver Abscess And Endophthalmitis – A Case Report And Review Of Literature, Mihai Leonard Grecescu, Monica Grecescu, Andreea Smarandache Maria, Cristian Mihai Branescu, Anca Anghelache, Anca Silvia Dumitriu, Stana Paunica, Andreea Cristina Costea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged as the predominant pathogenic agent of liver abscess in Asia, and the incidence is increasing worldwide. Hypervirulent strains are associated with septic metastatic dissemination in the eyes, lungs, and central nervous system, causing severe morbidity. We present the case of a 54year old man, with no previous comorbidities, admitted in emergency for the blind red painful eye. Further investigation documented septic endophthalmitis with transscleral extension and orbital cellulitis. Thoraco-abdominal computed tomography evidenced a hepatic abscess as the locus of the primary infection. Intravenous antibiotherapy with cefuroxime, followed by meropenem and vancomycin were efficient for managing the …

Cell-Based Therapies For Retinal Diseases: A Review Of Clinical Trials And Direct To Consumer "Cell Therapy" Clinics, John Hinkle, Raziyeh Mahmoudzadeh, Ajay E. Kuriyan

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Background: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is implicated in the pathophysiology of many retinal degenerative diseases. This cell layer is also an ideal target for cell-based therapies. Several early phase clinical trials evaluating cell therapy approaches for diseases involving the RPE, such as age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's macular dystrophy have been published. However, there have also been numerous reports of complications from unproven "cell therapy" treatments marketed by "cell therapy" clinics. This review aims to outline the particular approaches in the different published clinical trials for cell-based therapies for retinal diseases. Additionally, the controversies surrounding experimental treatments offered outside …

Real-Time Mobile Teleophthalmology For The Detection Of Eye Disease In Minorities And Low Socioeconomics At-Risk Populations, Lama A. Al-Aswad, Cansu Yuksel Elgin, Vipul Patel, Deborah Popplewell, Kalashree Gopal, Dan Gong, Zach Thomas, Devon Joiner, Cha-Kai Chu, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

Purpose: To examine the benefits and feasibility of a mobile, real-time, community-based, teleophthalmology program for detecting eye diseases in the New York metro area.

Design: Single site, nonrandomized, cross-sectional, teleophthalmologic study.

Methods: Participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation in a Wi-Fi-equipped teleophthalmology mobile unit. The evaluation consisted of a basic anamnesis with a questionnaire form, brief systemic evaluations and an ophthalmologic evaluation that included visual field, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, posterior segment optical coherence tomography, and nonmydriatic fundus photography. The results were evaluated in real-time and follow-up calls were scheduled to complete a secondary questionnaire form. Risk …

Local Renin-Angiotensin System Activation And Myofibroblast Formation In Graft Versus Host Disease–Associated Conjunctival Fibrosis, Kiumars Shamloo, Judy Weng, Christopher Ross, Jenni Lee, Saleh Alfuraih, Jennifer Totonchy, Ajay Sharma

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the role of myofibroblast transdifferentiation and the conjunctival renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)–associated conjunctival fibrosis.

Methods: A mouse model of major histocompatibility-matched allogeneic transplantation was used to induce GVHD, with male B10.D2 mice as donors and female BALB/c mice as recipients. Male BALB/c to female BALB/c syngeneic transplantation was used as control. Y chromosome staining in the spleen cells obtained from female recipient mice was used to confirm engraftment. The phenol red thread test and fluorescein staining were used to quantify tears and corneal keratopathy. …

Conditional Analysis On New Tumor Formation With Solitary Unilateral Retinoblastoma In 482 Consecutive Patients, Carol L Shields, Philip W Dockery, Megan Ruben, Madalyne A Sunday, Martin Calotti, Antonio Yaghy

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to understand dynamic risk (conditional analysis based on patient age) for new tumor development in patients with solitary unilateral retinoblastoma.

METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis.

RESULTS: Of 482 patients with solitary unilateral retinoblastoma, 55 new tumors developed in 20 patients (4%). Comparison (new tumor vs. no new tumor development) revealed those with new tumor demonstrated younger mean age at presentation (10 vs. 36 months,

CONCLUSION: Children (≤24 months) with solitary unilateral retinoblastoma showed decreasing risk for new tumors up to 24 months of life. Later onset of new tumor was more likely …

Assessing The Accuracy, Quality, And Readability Of Patient Accessible Online Resources Regarding Ocular Gene Therapy And Voretigene Neparvovec., Swetha Davuluri, Nicolas A. Yannuzzi, Amy Kloosterboer, Ajay E. Kuriyan, Jayanth Sridhar

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy, quality, and readability of online information regarding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ocular gene therapy voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna, Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA).

Methods: Ten online resources about voretigene neparvovec were assessed in this cross-sectional study. A novel 25-question assessment was created to evaluate the information most relevant to patients. Each article was assessed by independent graders using the assessment and the DISCERN instrument. An online readability tool, Readable, was used to assess readability. Accountability was evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks.

Results: The average questionnaire score for …

Istent Versus Istent Inject Implantation Combined With Phacoemulsification In Open Angle Glaucoma., Wesam Shamseldin Shalaby, Sophia S. Lam, Amirmohsen Arbabi, Jonathan S. Myers, Marlene R. Moster, Natasha N. Kolomeyer, Reza Razeghinejad, Aakriti Garg Shukla, Tarek R. Hussein, Tarek M. Eid, Said M. Shalaby, Daniel Lee

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of iStent vs. iStent inject implantation combined with phacoemulsification.

Methods: This single center retrospective comparative case series included subjects with open angle glaucoma who underwent iStent or iStent inject implantation combined with phacoemulsification with ≥1 year follow-up. The main outcome measures were in-group and between-group changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication number, proportion of eyes that achieved IOP ≤15 mmHg, and surgical success defined as 20% IOP reduction from baseline at 6/12 months. Univariate/multivariate regression analyses were done to identify predictors of surgical failure.

Results: One hundred ninety-seven eyes of 148 patients were included …

Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Baseline Visual Parameters In Subjects Recruited Into The Rescue And Reverse Nd4-Lhon Gene Therapy Studies, Mark Moster, Robert C Sergott, Nancy J Newman, Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, Valerio Carelli, Molly Scannell Bryan, Gerard Smits, Valérie Biousse, Catherine Vignal-Clermont, Thomas Klopstock, Alfredo A Sadun, Adam A. Debusk, Michele Carbonelli, Rabih Hage, Siegfried Priglinger, Rustum Karanjia, Laure Blouin, Magali Taiel, Barrett Katz, José Alain Sahel

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

OBJECTIVE: This report presents a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline characteristics of subjects with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy enrolled in the gene therapy trials RESCUE and REVERSE, to illustrate the evolution of visual parameters over the first year after vision loss.

METHODS: RESCUE and REVERSE were 2 phase III clinical trials designed to assess the efficacy of rAAV2/2-ND4 gene therapy in ND4-LHON subjects. At enrollment, subjects had vision loss for ≤6 months in RESCUE, and between 6 and 12 months in REVERSE. Functional visual parameters (best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA], contrast sensitivity [CS], and Humphrey Visual Field [HVF]) and structural parameters …

Long-Term Follow-Up After Unilateral Intravitreal Gene Therapy For Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: The Restore Study, Valérie Biousse, Nancy J Newman, Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, Valerio Carelli, Mark Moster, Catherine Vignal-Clermont, Thomas Klopstock, Alfredo A Sadun, Robert C Sergott, Rabih Hage, Simona Esposti, Chiara La Morgia, Claudia Priglinger, Rustum Karanja, Laure Blouin, Magali Taiel, José-Alain Sahel

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

BACKGROUND: RESCUE and REVERSE were 2 Phase 3 clinical trials that assessed the efficacy and safety of intravitreal gene therapy with lenadogene nolparvovec (rAAV2/2-ND4) for the treatment of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). RESTORE is the long-term follow-up study of subjects treated in the RESCUE and REVERSE trials.

METHODS: In RESCUE and REVERSE, 76 subjects with LHON because of the m.11778 G>A mutation in the mitochondrial gene ND4 received a single unilateral intravitreal injection of lenadogene nolparvovec. After 96 weeks, 61 subjects were enrolled in the long-term follow-up study RESTORE. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed over a …

Multiprong Control Of Glioblastoma Multiforme Invasiveness: Blockade Of Pro-Inflammatory Signaling, Anti-Angiogenesis, And Homeostasis Restoration, Nicolas G. Bazan, Madigan M. Reid, Valerie A.Cruz Flores, Juan E. Gallo, William Lewis, Ludmila Belayev

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most invasive type of glial tumor with poor overall survival, despite advances in surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation. One of the main challenges in treating GBM is related to the tumor’s location, complex and heterogeneous biology, and high invasiveness. To meet the demand for oxygen and nutrients, growing tumors induce new blood vessels growth. Antibodies directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes angiogenesis, have been developed to limit tumor growth. Bevacizumab (Avastin), an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, is the first approved angiogenesis inhibitor with therapeutic promise. However, it has limited efficacy, likely due to …

Microrna‐146a‐5p, Neurotropic Viral Infection And Prion Disease (Prd), Aileen I. Pogue, Walter J. Lukiw

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The human brain and central nervous system (CNS) harbor a select sub‐group of potentially pathogenic microRNAs (miRNAs), including a well‐characterized NF‐kB‐sensitive Homo sapiens microRNA hsa‐miRNA‐146a‐5p (miRNA‐146a). miRNA‐146a is significantly over-expressed in progressive and often lethal viral‐ and prion‐mediated and related neurological syndromes associated with progressive inflammatory neurodegeneration. These include ~18 different viral‐induced encephalopathies for which data are available, at least ~10 known prion diseases (PrD) of animals and humans, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other sporadic and progressive age‐related neurological disorders. Despite the apparent lack of nucleic acids in prions, both DNA‐ and RNA‐containing viruses along with prions significantly induce miRNA‐146a …