Predicting visual acuity with machine learning in treated ocular trauma patients

AIM:To predict best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)by machine learning in patients with ocular trauma who were treated for at least 6mo.METHODS:The internal dataset consisted of 850 patients with 1589 eyes and an average age of 44.29y.The initial visual acuity was 0.99 log MAR.The test dataset consisted of 60 patients with 100 eyes collected while the model was optimized.Four different machine-learning algorithms(Extreme Gradient Boosting,support vector regression,Bayesian ridge,and random forest regressor)were used to predict BCVA,and four algorithms(Extreme Gradient Boosting,support vector machine,logistic regression,and random forest classifier)were used to classify BCVA in patients with ocular trauma after treatment for 6mo or longer.Clinical features were obtained from outpatient records,and ocular parameters were extracted from optical coherence tomography images and fundus photographs.These features were put into different machine-learning models,and the obtained predicted values were compared with the actual BCVA values.The best-performing model and the best variable selected were further evaluated in the test dataset.RESULTS:There was a significant correlation between the predicted and actual values[all Pearson correlation coefficient(PCC)>0.6].Considering only the data from the traumatic group(group A)into account,the lowest mean absolute error(MAE)and root mean square error(RMSE)were 0.30 and 0.40 log MAR,respectively.In the traumatic and healthy groups(group B),the lowest MAE and RMSE were 0.20 and 0.33 log MAR,respectively.The sensitivity was always higher than the specificity in group A,in contrast to the results in group B.The classification accuracy and precision were above 0.80 in both groups.The MAE,RMSE,and PCC of the test dataset were 0.20,0.29,and 0.96,respectively.The sensitivity,precision,specificity,and accuracy of the test dataset were 0.83,0.92,0.95,and 0.90,respectively.CONCLUSION:Predicting BCVA using machine-learning models in patients with treated ocular trauma is accurate and helpful in the identification of visual dysfunction.

Comparison of conbercept and ranibizumab for the treatment efficacy of diabetic macular edema: a Metaanalysis and systematic review

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of conbercept(IVC) and ranibizumab(IVR) in patients with diabetic macular edema.METHODS: Reviewers have searched 12 databases, including PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer, ScienceDirect, OVID, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials.gov, cqVIP, WanFangdata and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), up to December 28, 2018. Rev Man 5.3(Cochrane Library Software, Oxford, UK) was employed for statistical analysis. Fixed and random effects models were applied to assess heterogeneity. Odds ratio(OR) was applied for dichotomous variables;weighted mean difference(WMD) was applied for continuous variables. The confidence interval(CI) was set at 95%. Central macular thickness(CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) were employed to analyze the improvement of DME patients. Inclusion criteria for picking out studies were retrospective studies and randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that compared IVC and IVR for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.RESULTS: Four retrospective studies and five RCTs were included with a total of 609 patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in mean CMT and mean BCVA in the baseline parameters [BCVA(WMD:-0.48;95%CI:-1.06 to 0.10;P=0.1), CMT(WMD:-0.83;95%CI:-15.15 to 13.49;P=0.91). No significant difference was found in the improvement of BCVA and adverse event(AE) in IVC group, compared with IVR group after treatment of loading dosage [the 1 st month BCVA(WMD: 0.01;95%CI:-0.26 to 0.27;P=0.96), the 3 rd month BCVA(WMD:-0.04;95%CI:-0.14 to 0.06;P=0.46);the 6 th month BCVA(WMD:-0.24;95%CI:-1.62 to 1.14;P=0.73)], AE(OR: 0.84;95%CI: 0.38 to 1.84;P=0.66)]. A slight difference was found in the effectiveness rate(OR: 1.70;95%CI: 0.97 to 2.96;P=0.06), There were statistically significant differences between IVC and IVR treatment in terms of CMT (1 st month CMT(WMD:-19.88;95%CI:-27.94 to-11.82;P<0.001), 3 rd month CMT(WMD:-23.31;95%CI:-43.30 to-3.33;P=0.02), 6 th month CMT(WMD:-74.74;95%CI:-106.22 to-43.26;P<0.001))CONCLUSION: Pooled evidence suggests that both IVC and IVR are effective in the therapy of diabetic macular edema and affirms that IVC presents superiority over IVR therapy in regard of CMT in patients with diabetic macular edema, but no statistically significant difference with regard to visual improvement. Relevant RCTs with longerterm follow-up are necessary to back up our conclusion.

Comparison of intravitreal aflibercept and dexamethasone implant in the treatment of macular edema associated with diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion:a Meta-analysis and systematic review

·AIM:To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept with dexamethasone implant in the treatment of macular edema(ME)associated with diabetic retinopathy(DR)or retinal vein occlusion(RVO).·METHODS:A comprehensive search of studies comparing dexamethasone and aflibercept in patients with ME was conducted at PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from the beginning of library to April 16,2021.Extracting the data including bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA),central retinal thickness(CRT),number of injections and serious adverse events(SAEs)from the final qualified articles.RevMan 5.3 software was used for Meta-analysis of the included studies.·RESULTS:Totally 7 studies with 369 eyes were included.The causes of ME in the final screening study included RVO and DR.Compared with the aflibercept treatment group,the BCVA of the dexamethasone implant treatment group showed no significant difference in the follow-up for 3 mo[mean difference(MD):-0.05,95%confidence interval(CI):-0.11,0.02;P=0.17]and 12 mo(MD:-0.01,95%CI:-0.38,0.37;P=0.98),but it was slightly worse than the aflibercept group at 6 mo(MD:0.12.95%CI:0.03,0.21;P=0.008).In terms of CRT reduction,there was no significant difference between the two groups at 3 mo(MD:-28.14,95%CI:-79.95,23.67;P=0.29),6 mo(MD:27.67,95%CI:-84.89,140.24;P=0.63),and 12 mo(MD:-59.00,95%CI:-127.37,9.37;P=0.09).However,dexamethasone implant had fewer injections,but more adverse events such as elevated intraocular pressure(IOP)and cataract.·CONCLUSION:Intravitreal injection of aflibercept and dexamethasone implant can both effectively increase BCVA and reduce CRT.Compared with aflibercept,dexamethasone implant is not inferior in improving vision and reducing CRT in the initial treatment period(3 mo)and long-term treatment period(12 mo).Besides,it has fewer injections and more likely to cause elevated IOP and cataract.

Prognosis value of Chinese Ocular Fundus Diseases Society classification for proliferative diabetic retinopathy on postoperative visual acuity after pars plana vitrectomy in type 2 diabetes

AIM: To compare the postoperative visual acuity among eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR) of different stages after pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted for PDR eyes undergoing PPV in type 2 diabetic patients. All patients were divided into three groups based on Chinese Ocular Fundus Diseases Society(COFDS) classification for PDR: Group A(primary vitreous hemorrhage), Group B(primary fibrovascular proliferation) and Group C(primary vitreous hemorrhage and/or fibrovascular proliferative combined with retinal detachment). The postoperative visual acuity and the change between postoperative and preoperative visual acuity were compared among three groups. The associated risk factors for postoperative visual acuity were analyzed in the univariate and multiple linear aggression. RESULTS: In total, 195 eyes of 195 patients were collected in this study, including 71 eyes of 71 patients in Group A, 75 eyes of 75 patients in Group B and 49 eyes of 49 patients in Group C. The eyes in Group A got better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) compared to the eyes in Group B and C(0.48±0.48 vs 0.89±0.63, P<0.001;0.48±0.48 vs 1.04±0.67, P<0.001;respectively). The eyes in Group A got more improvement of BCVA compared to the eyes in Group B and C(1.07±0.70 vs 0.73±0.68, P=0.004;1.07±0.70 vs 0.77±0.78, P=0.024;respectively). In the multiple linear regression analysis, primary fibro-proliferative type(β=0.194, 95%CI=0.060-0.447, P=0.01), retinal detachment type(β=0.244, 95%CI=0.132-0.579, P=0.02), baseline log MAR BCVA(β=0.192, 95%CI=0.068-0.345, P=0.004), silicone oil tamponade(β=0.272, 95%CI=0.173-0.528, P<0.001) was positively correlated with postoperative log MAR BCVA. Eyes undergoing phacovitrectomy had better postoperative BCVA(β=-0.144, 95%CI=-0.389 to-0.027, P=0.025). CONCLUSION: PDR eyes of primary vitreous hemorrhage type usually have better visual acuity prognosis compared to primary fibrovascular proliferation type and retinal detachment type. COFDS classification for PDR may have a high prognostic value for postoperative visual outcome and surgical management indications.

A randomized study of network-based perception learning in the treatment of amblyopia children

AIM:To compare the effectiveness of network-based perception learning(NBPL) and traditional training in the treatment of amblyopia children.METHODS:This randomized controlled clinical trial recruited 56 participants aged 4-12 y with anisometropic and/or strabismic amblyopia. Participants were randomly divided into two groups:the NBPL group(n=28) who received patching and NBPL for 3 mo, and the control group(n=28) who got 3 mo of patching and traditional training. Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) in the amblyopic eye and stereoacuity were measured and compared at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 mo post-randomization.RESULTS:There were no significant differences in age, gender ratio, and BCVA between the two groups at baseline. At 3 mo, most patients gained lines(2 log MAR lines on average) of BCVA in both groups except one 11-year-old girl in the control group(P<0.05). But no significant difference in BCVA improvement of the amblyopic eye between the two groups was found(P=0.725), and amblyopia resolved(BCVA of 0.1 log MAR or better or within 1 log MAR line of the fellow eye) for 13(46.4%) participants in both groups. The number of patients with improvement of stereoacuity was 25 and 13 in the NBPL group and control group(P=0.041), respectively, and a significant difference exists in the distribution of stereopsis at 3 mo between the two groups(P=0.015). Besides, in patients with measurable stereopsis improvement degree and space for improvement in the two groups, the NBPL group also achieved better stereoscopic improvement than the control group(10/11 vs 4/11, P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The NBPL system has a significant effect on the improvement of BCVA and stereoacuity of amblyopia children and is better than traditional training in terms of stereoacuity improvement. Perceptual learning visual training may play a more important role in the treatment of amblyopia in the future.

Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling versus its flap insertion for macular hole in high myopia: a Meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the anatomic and functional outcomes between vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane(ILM) peeling and internal ILM flap insertion technique for high myopia macular hole(MH).METHODS: Pub Med, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CNKI were systematically searched, and all studies involved MH were included. The closure rate of MH and the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) at 6 mo after the initial surgery were the primary measures. All statistical tests were performed in Review Manager 5.3.RESULTS: Five studies that included 151 eyes of 151 patients were finally included, all of which were retrospectively comparative studies. Between the pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) with ILM peeling surgery and the ILM insertion technique, the latter had significantly better efficacy with respect to the closure rate of MH(OR=21.32, 95%CI=7.25-62.67, P<0.001);However, regarding BCVA at 6 mo after the initial surgery in MH, there was no statistical significance between the groups(OR=-0.04, 95%CI=-0.22-0.14, P=0.66). In addition, regarding the rate of retinal reattachment after the initial surgery, the two different methods were not significantly different(OR=2.22, 95%CI=0.34-14.32, P=0.4).CONCLUSION: Both ILM peeling and ILM insertion technique could significantly improve anatomic outcomes of MH in high myopia with or without retinal detachment(RD), and anatomic outcomes are more effective. However, there is no statistical significance in BCVA at 6 mo after the initial surgery in MH, or in the rate of retinal reattachment after the first surgery, between the two methods.

Long-term clinical effects of intravitreal injections of conbercept for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization in patients with pathological myopia

AIM:To observe the long-term clinical efficacy of intravitreal injections of conbercept,a novel vascular growth factor inhibitor,for the treatment of pathological myopia choroidal neovascularization(PM-CNV).METHODS:A total of 67 eyes(from 67 patients;mean age,54.90±12.7y)with PM-CNV were retrospectively researched.Based on the different schemes used for the administration of the drug,the patients were divided into two groups:group A(n=35;average age,53.31±13.6y;average diopter,9.25±1.72 D),which received only one injection of pro re nata(PRN;1+PRN regimen),and group B(n=32;average age,56.49±11.8y;average diopter,9.63±2.24 D),which received one injection per month for 3mo(3+PRN regimen).Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)analysis,intraocular pressure(IOP)examination,slit-lamp microscopy,fundus examination and optical coherence tomography were per formed at each follow-up.The recurrence and treatment times of CNV were recorded.The patients were followed up for at least 12mo.RESULTS:The BCVA was increased in 29 eyes(82.9%)in group A and 30 eyes(93.75%)in group B;no increase or decrease was observed in 6(17.1%)and 2(6.25%)eyes in groups A and B,respectively.The BCVA(log MAR)values before treatment(0.67±0.48 and 0.71±0.56)were significantly higher than those 12mo after treatment(0.31±0.26 and 0.33±0.17)in groups A and B,respectively(P<0.05).The mean central macular thickness(CMT)values had significantly decreased from 346.49±65.99 and 360.10±82.31μm at baseline to 257.29±40.47 and 251.97±48.26μm in groups A and B,respectively,after 12mo of treatment.A total of 21 eyes in group A needed reinjection(60%;average number of injections,2.51±0.98);the corresponding values in group B were 6 eyes(18.75%;average number of injections,3.74±1.22).There were no adverse ocular and systemic complications during the treatment and follow-up.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal injection of conbercept with 1+PRN or 3+PRN improve the visual acuity,reduce macular edema and reduce the level of CMT in patients with PM-CNV.The 3+PRN regimen demonstrates a lower recurrence rate of CNV than the 1+PRN regimen,but requires more treatment.However,both treatment regimens demonstrate long-term safety and efficacy for the treatment of PM-CNV.

Correlation between optical coherence tomography, multifocal electroretinogram findings and visual acuity in diabetic macular edema

AIM:To analyze the correlation between macular morphology and function in eyes with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS:Fifty-five eyes with different visual acuity(VA)of 32 patients who suffered from DME were analyzed using multifocal electroretinography(mfERG)and optical coherence tomography(OCT).The parameters of mfERG including implicit times and response amplitude were compared to those of 50 normal eyes of 36 age-matched subjects.Correlation analysis was performed between VA,the parameters of mfERG including implicit times and response amplitude,and the central macular thickness(CMT).RESULTS:The amplitude of N1 and P1 were significantly decreased and their latency were significantly increased in five ring regions of the retina in patients with DME.There was statistically significant correlation between logMAR BCVA and P1 amplitude densities in rings 1-4(r=-0.306,-0.536,-0.470,-0.362;P=0.023,<0.01,<0.01,0.007 respectively),N1 amplitude in ring 2 and ring 3(r=-0.035,-0.286;P=0.019,0.034 respectively).There was poor correlation between the CMT and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA;r=0.288,P=0.033),but there was no significant correlation between CMT and amplitude or implicit time of N1 and P1(P>0.05)in the central macular ring.Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that P1 amplitude density in ring 2 was the only contributor to the VA.CONCLUSION:It seems to be more appropriate of combining use of mfERG with OCT for the evaluation of macular function in eyes with DME.

Incomplete fluid-air exchange technique for idiopathic macular hole surgery

AIM: To explore an improved procedure involving incomplete fluid-air exchange for idiopathic macular hole(IMH), and the closure rate, visual function, and the visual field of macular holes(MHs) were evaluated.METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study, included 40 eyes of 40 patients with IMH who were treated with pars plana vitrectomy and peeling of the internal limiting membrane. They were grouped by random digital table. Twenty-one eyes underwent incomplete fluidair exchange(IFA) and 19 eyes underwent traditional complete fluid-air exchange(CFA) as the control group. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure, and optical coherence tomography, light adaptive electroretinography, and visual field evaluations.RESULTS: All MHs <400 μm were successfully closed. BCVAs before and 6 mo after surgery were 0.82±0.41 logMAR and 0.28±0.17 logMAR in IFA group and 0.86±0.34 logMAR and 0.34±0.23 logMAR in CFA group, respectively. The electroretinogram analysis of patients in IFA group revealed increases in b-wave amplitudes at 1, 3, and 6 mo after surgery. Additionally, patients in IFA group showed an amplitude increase of 28.6% from baseline at 6 mo(P<0.05), while no obvious improvements were noted in CFA group. Although there were no statistically significant improvements in either group, the IFA group showed a slight increase in mean sensitivity(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: IFA is a reliable method that offers comparable closure rate to CFA and facilitates improvements in visual function.

Efficacy of intravitreal conbercept injection on short-and long-term macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion

AIM: To observe the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) and central foveal thickness(CFT) repeatedly after the intravitreal injection of conbercept(IVC) for treating cystoid macular edema(CME) in branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO) and explore the relationship between the duration of CME and visual outcome.METHODS: Subgroup analysis was performed to compare short-term(within 90 d of CME onset) and longterm(over 90 d of CME onset) macular edema in BRVO.After an initial IVC, a pro re nata(PRN) strategy was performed according to the recurrence of CFT or decrease of BCVA.Analysis of variance using repeated measurements, statistical analysis following indicators including BCVA and CFT collected at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 mo after IVC.RESULTS: Among the 60 cases included in this retrospective study, 36 were short-term CME, and 24 were long-term CME.There were statistical significances between and within groups of the BCVAs at different time points(P<0.001).The interaction was found between group and time(P=0.006), indicating the difference in the speed of BCVA improvement between groups.In particular, the improvement speed of BCVA in the short-term CME group was faster than that in the long-term CME group.There were significant differences between and with groups of the CFT at different time points(P<0.001).However, the interaction between group and time in relation to CFT had no significant differences(P=0.59).CONCLUSION: IVC treatment for CME following BRVO is effective and safe.The duration of CME before treatment is a significant predictor of the visual outcomes of patients with BRVO.The improvement of vision might be faster with early IVC treatment than with delayed treatment.

Intravitreal corticosteroids for diabetic macular edema:a network meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different intravitreal corticosteroids for treating diabetic macular edema(DME).Methods:Four databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials comparing different intravitreal corticosteroids for treating DME.The primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)within 6 months after the first injection(short-term BCVA).Secondary outcomes were the change in BCVA over 1 year(long-term BCVA)and changes in central macular thickness(CMT)and intraocular pressure(IOP)within 6 months after the first injection.Network meta-analysis was performed to aggregate the results from the individual studies.Results:Nineteen trials involving 2839 eyes were included.Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide(TA)injections(≥8 mg and 4-8 mg),fluocinolone acetonide(FA)implants(0.5μg/day)and dexamethasone(DEX)implants(700μg)improved short-term BCVA(mean changes in logMAR[95%confidence interval]−0.27[−0.40,−0.15];−0.12[−0.18,−0.06];−0.10[−0.21,−0.01];and−0.06[−0.11,−0.01]).Intravitreal TA injections(4 mg,multiple times),FA implants(0.5μg/day and 0.2μg/day),and DEX implants(350μg)improved long-term BCVA(mean changes in logMAR[95%confidence interval]−0.11[−0.21,−0.02];−0.09[−0.15,−0.03];−0.09[−0.14,−0.02];and−0.04[−0.07,−0.01]).All intravitreal corticosteroids reduced CMT,and different dosages of TA did not show significant differences in increasing IOP.Conclusions:Intravitreal corticosteroids effectively improved BCVA in DME patients,with higher dosages showing greater efficacies.TA was not inferior to FA or DEX and may be considered a low-cost alternative choice for DME patients.The long-term efficacy and safety of different corticosteroids deserve further investigation.