A systematic review of reading tests

Adequate near and intermediate visual capacity is important in performing everyday tasks,especially after the introduction of smartphones and computers in our professional and recreational activities.Primary objective of this study was to review all available reading tests both conventional and digital and explore their integrated characteristics.A systematic review of the recent literature regarding reading charts was performed based on the PubM ed,Google Scholar,and Springer databases between February and March 2021.Data from 11 descriptive and 24 comparative studies were included in the present systematic review.Clinical settings are still dominated by conventional printed reading charts;however,the most prevalent of them(i.e.,Jaeger type charts)are not validated.Reliable reading capacity assessment is done only by those that comply with the International Council of Ophthalmology(ICO)recommendations.Digital reading tests are gaining popularity both in clinical and research settings and are differentiated in standard computer-based applications that require installation either in a computer or a tablet(e.g.,Advanced VISION Test and web-based ones e.g.,Democritus Digital Acuity Reading Test requires no installation).It is evident that validated digital tests will prevail in future clinical or research settings and it is upon ophthalmologists to select the one most compatible with their examination routine.

Image-guided lens extraction surgery: a systematic review

A systematic review of the recent literature regarding the current image-guided systems used for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange was performed based on the PubMed and Google Scholar databases in March 2018. Literature review returned 21 eligible studies. These studies compared image-guided systems with other keratometric devices regarding their accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility in measurement of keratometric values, astigmatism magnitude and axis, as well as in IOL power calculation. Additionally, the image-guided systems were compared with conventional manual ink-marking techniques for the alignment of toric IOLs. In conclusion, image-guided systems seem to be an accurate and reliable technology with measurements of high repeatability and reproducibility regarding the keratometry and IOL power calculation, but not yet interchangeable with the current established and validated keratometric devices. However, they are superior over the conventional manual inkmarking techniques for toric IOL alignment.

Modified deep sclerectomy combined with Ex-PRESS filtration device versus trabeculectomy for primary open angle glaucoma

AIM：To compare the efficacy of modified deep sclerectomy combined with Ex-PRESS shunt versus trabeculectomy in primary open angle glaucoma. METHODS：This is a prospective cohort comparative single-center study. Forty-nine eyes of 49 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A（22 patients） underwent classic trabeculectomy and group B（27 patients） underwent modified deep sclerectomy combined with insertion of Ex-PRESS model P50 drainage device. RESULTS：Mean age was 69±7y in group A and 64±8y in group B（P=0.03）. The mean reduction was 11.1±5.7 mm Hg in group A compared to 15.8±5.7 mm Hg in group B at 6mo（P=0.006）, and 9.8±4.9 mm Hg and 15.4±4.7 mm Hg respectively at 1y（P=0.0001）. Regarding the postoperative glaucoma medication, significant difference was observed between the two groups（in favour of group B） only at 6mo（P=0.017）. At the end of the follow-up period complete success rate in group A was 68.2% compared to 92.6% in group B（χ^2 test, P=0.07） and qualified success rate was 100% in both groups.CONCLUSION：Modified deep sclerectomy combined with Ex-PRESS shunt may provide comparable IOP reduction with fewer complications in management of primary open angle glaucoma.

Imaging of filtering blebs after implantation of the Ex-PRESS shunt with the use of the Visante optical coherence tomography

AIM: To analyze the features of the filtering blebs following implantation of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma device(model P-50) with the aid of the Visante anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)METHODS: Five patients with open angle glaucomas were included in the study. They all underwent implantation of the Ex-PRESS device under a scleral flap. The surgical procedure was augmented with the use of mitomycin C subconjunctivally. The filtering blebs were analyzed with the Visante AS-OCT with the scans taken along the axis of the implantation of the glaucoma device.RESULTS: All filtering blebs were graded as diffuse functioning. The morphological characteristics of the blebs were similar to those of the trabeculectomy.However the use of the Ex-PRESS implant tend to form a characteristic episcleral lake at the site of the plate of the implant. CONCLUSION: The use of the Ex-PRESS implant produces filtering blebs similar to those of the trabeculectomy with the formation of a characteristic episcleral lake at the site of the plate of the implant.