Evaluation of a novel deep learning based screening system for pathologic myopia

AIM:To evaluate the clinical application value of the artificial intelligence assisted pathologic myopia(PM-AI)diagnosis model based on deep learning.METHODS:A total of 1156 readable color fundus photographs were collected and annotated based on the diagnostic criteria of Meta-pathologic myopia(PM)(2015).The PM-AI system and four eye doctors(retinal specialists 1 and 2,and ophthalmologists 1 and 2)independently evaluated the color fundus photographs to determine whether they were indicative of PM or not and the presence of myopic choroidal neovascularization(mCNV).The performance of identification for PM and mCNV by the PMAI system and the eye doctors was compared and evaluated via the relevant statistical analysis.RESULTS:For PM identification,the sensitivity of the PM-AI system was 98.17%,which was comparable to specialist 1(P=0.307),but was higher than specialist 2 and ophthalmologists 1 and 2(P<0.001).The specificity of the PM-AI system was 93.06%,which was lower than specialists 1 and 2,but was higher than ophthalmologists 1 and 2.The PM-AI system showed the Kappa value of 0.904,while the Kappa values of specialists 1,2 and ophthalmologists 1,2 were 0.968,0.916,0.772 and 0.730,respectively.For mCNV identification,the AI system showed the sensitivity of 84.06%,which was comparable to specialists 1,2 and ophthalmologist 2(P>0.05),and was higher than ophthalmologist 1.The specificity of the PM-AI system was 95.31%,which was lower than specialists 1 and 2,but higher than ophthalmologists 1 and 2.The PM-AI system gave the Kappa value of 0.624,while the Kappa values of specialists 1,2 and ophthalmologists 1 and 2 were 0.864,0.732,0.304 and 0.238,respectively.CONCLUSION:In comparison to the senior ophthalmologists,the PM-AI system based on deep learning exhibits excellent performance in PM and mCNV identification.The effectiveness of PM-AI system is an auxiliary diagnosis tool for clinical screening of PM and mCNV.

Application of optical coherence tomography angiography in assessment of posterior scleral reinforcement for pathologic myopia

AIM： To investigate the effect of posterior scleral reinforcement （PSR） on circulation of pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma by optical coherence tomography angiography （OCTA）.METHODS： The study included 30 pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma which underwent PSR （PSR group） for 6 to 18mo ago, and 30 age and myopia matched eyes without PSR surgery as control group. Macular, choriocapillaris and radial peripapillary capillary （RPC） flow density were measured by OCTA, and the measurements were compared between groups. RESULTS： OCTA found no significant differences in macular flow density between PSR and control groups. For the superficial flow, whole enface flow density （WED）, fovea density （FD）, and parafoveal density （PD） were 46.55%±5.19% vs 47.29%±4.12% （P=0.542）, 31.45%±6.35% vs 31.17%±4.48% （P=0.841）, and 48.82%±5.66% vs 49.21%±4.15% （P=0.756） in PSR and control groups, respectively. For the deep flow, WED, FD, and PD were 52.07%±5.78% vs 53.95%±4.62% （P=0.168）, 29.62%±6.55% vs 29.50%±6.38% （P=0.940）, and 56.93%±6.17% vs 58.15%±5.13% （P=0.407） in PSR and control groups, respectively. The choriocapillary flow density was 61.18±3.25% in PSR group vs 60.88%±2.56% in control group （P=0.692）. Also, OCTA found no significant differences in RPCs flow density between PSR and control groups. The optic disc WED, inside disc flow density and peripapillary flow density were 48.47%±4.77% vs 48.11%±4.57% （P=0.813）, 45.47%±11.44% vs 46.68%±9.02% （P=0.709）, 54.32%±5.29% vs 52.47%±6.62% （P=0.349） in PSR and control groups, respectively.CONCLUSION： OCTA provides a non-invasive and quantitative approach for monitoring macular and papillary blood flow in pathologic myopia. PSR can not improve but may maintain the circulation of pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma.

Co-existent choroidal neovascular membrane and macular hole in pathologic myopia:a long follow-up clinical outcome and literature review

Choroidal neovascularization(CNV)is an uncommon complication associated with a macular hole.In this case report of a rare condition,we present a pathologic myopia patient with a co-existent macular hole and choroidal neovascular membrane.The patient was treated with photodynamic therapy for CNV,and then vitreous surgery for the retinal detachment and macular hole.At the end of 4 years follow-up,her visual acuity was improved to 0.1 while the macular hole remained open.Optical coherence tomography is a useful inspection method of the diagnosis of CNV and macular hole.

Pathologic myopia

Pathologic myopia is the major cause of the loss of the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)worldwide,especially in East Asian countries.The loss of BCVA is caused by the development of myopic macula patchy,myopic traction macula patchy,and myopic optic neuropathy(or glaucoma).The development of such vision-threatening complications is caused by eye deformity,characterized by a formation of posterior staphyloma.The recent advance in ocular imaging has greatly facilitated the clarification of pathologies and pathogenesis of pathological myopia and myopia-related complications.These technologies include ultra-wide field fundus imaging,swept-source optical coherence tomography,and 3D MRI.In addition,the new treatments such as anti-VEGF therapies for myopic choroid all neovascularization have improved the outcome of the patients.Swept-source OCT showed that some of the lesions of myopic maculopathy were not simply chorioretinal atrophy but were Bruch’s membrane holes.Features of myopic traction maculopathy have been analyzed extensively by using OCT.The understanding the pathophysiology of complications of pathologic myopia is considered useful for better management of this blinding eye disease.

Clinical Study of “Lingqi Huangban Granule” in Treating Choroidal Neovascularisation in Pathologic Myopia

Objectives: To study the therapeutic effects of “Lingqi Huangban Granule” (LQHB) combined with intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IVR) for choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in pathologic myopia (PM). Methods: This was a prospective, comparative, interventional study. Eighty eyes of eighty consecutive patients with myopic CNV were randomized into control group (IVR, 40 eyes) and integrative therapy group (IVR + LQHB, 40 eyes), each with a follow-up period of 12 months. IVR was given with an “on demand” regimen (Pro re nata, PRN). Final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and its change from baseline were the main outcome measures. Changes in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were the secondary outcome measures. Results: BCVA of patients in the integrative group improved significantly (from 47.10 ± 13.51 letters to 90.72 ± 12.98 letter, P 0.05), more than in the control group (from 42.90 ± 13.18 letters to 69.18±13.21 letters, P 0.05) since the third month after the initial treatment to the end of the follow-up. Mean OCT CRT reduced from 364.75 ± 69.31 to 278.93 ± 33.05 um (P 0.05) in the control group and from 370.73 ± 65.31 to 271.73 ± 46.44 um (P 0.05) in the integrative group, respectively. The mean number of intravitreal injections in the 1-year follow-up was also reduced. No ocular or systemic side effects were observed. Conclusion: LQHB combined with IVR therapy was an effective treatment for stabilizing and improving vision with fewer intravitreal injections. It appears to be an interesting option for this type of patient.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor： the future treatment of choroidal neovascularization in pathologic myopia

-yopia is the most common refractive disorder. High .myopia affects 27%-33% of all myopic eyes inAsia.1,2 ;The pathologic myopia （PM） is the most severe vision-threatening phenotype of high myopia.3 It is also the second most common cause of choroidal neovascularization （CNV） in Asia. Unlike age-related macular degeneration （AMD） which mostly effecting elders, PM causes severe vision loss in young adults, resulting in a significant impairment of their working ability.4 PM has become the second leading cause of low vision and blindness particularly among those aged at 40-49 years in some Asia countries.

Posterior scleral reinforcement for the treatment of pathological myopia

AIM： To investigate the effects of posterior scleral reinforcement（PSR） in the treatment of pathological myopia.·METHODS： The study included 52 eyes in 43 patients with pathological myopia who underwent PSR（PSR group）, and 52 eyes in 36 age- and myopia-matched patients who did not undergo such treatment as control group. Axial length, refraction error, best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）, and macular scans by optical coherence tomography（OCT） were recorded at baseline, 6mo, 1, 3and 5y after the surgery, and the complications were noted.·RESULTS： There were no statistical differences in axial length, refractive error, or BCVA between the PSR group and the control group at baseline. At the end of the follow-up, the mean axial length was 29.79 ±1.26 mm in the PSR group, which was significantly shorter than that in the control group（30.78±1.30 mm）（P 〈0.01）, and the mean refractive error was-16.86 ±2.53 D in the PSR group, which was significantly lower than that in the control group（-19.18 ±2.12 D）（P 〈0.01）. A statistically significant difference in BCVA was found between the PSR group（0.51 ±0.25 log MAR） and the control group（0.62±0.26 log MAR） at the postoperative 5-year follow-up（P 〈0.01）. There were no serious complications during the 5-year follow-up period.·CONCLUSION： PSR can prevent axial elongation and myopia progression in eyes with pathological myopia.

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.

Choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathological myopia

Myopic choroidal neovascularization(m CNV), one of the complications of pathological myopia, is also one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. The socioeconomic impact of mC NV in Asian countries is particularly significant due to the rising incidence of pathological myopia. There have been major advances in the treatment of mC NV in the past few years. Previous treatment modalities, such as thermal laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy, aimed to prevent vision loss;however, newer modalities such as intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) agents have been shown to successfully restore vision in many patients. Challenges remain as long term safety and efficacy of anti-VEGF agents are unknown. This article aims to provide a review of the literature of the epidemiology, progression, clinical course and treatment modalities as well as areas of future developments related to myopic CNV.

Long-term follow-up of vitrectomy in patients with pathologic myopic foveoschisis

AIM： To report the long-term surgical outcomes of pathologic myopic foveoschisis（MF） following vitrectomy.METHODS： We performed a retrospective case series analysis of 50 consecutive patients diagnosed with MF who experienced vision loss due to progression of foveoschisis.The 50 patients（67 eyes） were treated in our hospital with vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane（ILM） peeling from December 2004 to September 2010.Best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）,refractive error,optical coherence tomography（OCT）,and routine examination results were analysed.The changes of BCVA,foveal anatomical features on OCT scan,and complications were the main outcome measures.RESULTS： The mean follow-up duration was 42±17mo（range 24 to 93mo）.BCVA improved significantly postoperatively（0.76±0.65 logM AR） compared with preoperative baselines（1.31±0.78 log MAR,P〈0.0001）,and in 53 eyes（79%） including 3 lines gain in 44 eyes（66%） at the last follow-up visit.OCT scans showed that central retinal thickness decreased from 580.0±270.0 μm preoperatively（n=67） to 179.7±84.7 μm postoperatively（n=58,P〈0.0001）.Total resolution of foveoschisis occurred in 41 eyes（61%）.Preoperative BCVA correlated well with postoperative BCVA,whereas other factors such as age,axial length,and refractive error were not correlated.The most common complications were cataract and full-thickness macular hole formation in 14 and 9 cases,respectively.CONCLUSION： Patients with progressive vision loss due to MF who were treated with vitrectomy with ILM peelingshow favourable outcomes.In most eyes,visual acuity and foveal structure remain stable during long-term observation.

Trends in research related to high myopia from 2010 to 2019:a bibliometric and knowledge mapping analysis

AIM:To evaluate the global trends in and explore hotspots of high myopia(HM)research.METHODS:This bibliometric analysis was used to reveal the publication trends in HM research field based on the Web of Science Core Collection(WoSCC).VOSviewer version 1.6.13 software was used to analyze the data and construct a knowledge map including the yearly publication number,journals,countries,international collaborations,authors,research hotspots,and intellectual base in HM.RESULTS:The search engine found 3544 peer-reviewed publications on HM between 2010 and 2019,and the yearly research output substantially elevated over the past decade.China is the top publishing country,and Sun Yatsen University was the most active academic institution.Jonas JB is the top publishing scientist,and Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science(IOVS)was the most productive journal.The highest cited references mainly focused on epidemiology and management.The keywords formed 6 clusters:1)refractive surgery;2)etiology and clinical characteristics;3)the mechanism of eye growth;4)management for myopic maculopathy;5)vitrectomy surgical treatment;6)myopia-associated glaucoma-like optic neuropathy.CONCLUSION:The evaluation of development trends based on the data extracted from WoSCC can provide valuable information and guidance for ophthalmologists and public health researchers to improve management procedures in HM field.

Factors affecting visual outcome of myopic choroidal neovascularization treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy

AIM: To evaluate the visual outcomes of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia and the impact of novel risk factors affecting the final visual outcome. ·METHODS: Interventional case series of 18 consecutive patients with pathological myopia treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Inclusion criteria were spherical equivalent -6D or worse or features of pathological myopia on retinal examination. The main outcome measure was final best -corrected visual acuity (BCVA). ·RESULTS: Of 18 eyes, 13 (72.2%) avoided moderate visual loss (≥3 lines of LogMAR BCVA) and 5 eyes (27.8%) improved by at least 1 line after 1 year. Patients with LogMAR BCVA ≤0.3 (Snellen equivalent 20/40) at one year were younger than those with BCVA 】0.3 (mean age 39.0 vs 61.6 years, P =0.001). A higher proportion of eyes with greatest linear dimension (GLD) of ≤1 000μm avoided moderate visual loss (100% vs 50%, P =0.026). Among patients who were treated within 2 weeks of visual symptoms, 88.9% avoided the loss of 3 or more lines compared to 55.6% for those who presented later. The mean improvement in LogMAR BCVA of those with GLD ≤1 000μm was +0.12 compared to a loss of 0.55 LogMAR units for those with GLD 】1 000μm (P =0.02). Visual outcomes were not associated with gender or refractive error.·CONCLUSION: Good visual outcome in myopic CNV is associated with younger age, smaller lesion size and earlier initiation of treatment. These factors are relevant for ophthalmologists considering treatment options for myopic CNV.

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Pierre Robin Anomaly—A Suspicion for Stickler Syndrome: Case Report

Stickler syndrome (SS) is an autosomal dominant inherited genetic disorder that presents with hearing loss, a cleft palate, epiphyseal dysplasia, and degeneration, similar to arthritis and well known to be associated with rhegmato-genous retinal detachments. A particular group of physical features called Pierre Robin sequence is also common in people with stickler syndrome. Pierre Robin sequence includes a cleft palate, glossoptosis, and micrognathia. We describe a case report of a family diagnosed with stickler syndrome presenting with Pierre Robin sequence and share some universal management steps for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in stickler syndrome. Genetic testing is important to support the diagnosis and conduct screenings of family members.

Retinoschisis and intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization

Background Intravitreal ranibizumab injection is effecitve on treating myopic CNVs,but it could be a risk factor for developing more severe retinoschisis in eyes with preexisted retinoschisis and epiretinal membrane.This study aimed to explore the incidence and features of retinoschisis after intravitreal ranibizumab injection for myopic choroidal neovascularization.Methods Eighty-three eyes of 81 patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injection.The best corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography （OCT） images were recorded at baseline and every month thereafter.Central retina thickness and maximal retina thickness were measured.The subjects were divided into three groups.Eleven eyes that had retinoschisis and epiretinal membrane were in group 1,six eyes that had simple epiretinal membrane were in group 2,and 66 eyes that had neither retinoschisis nor epiretinal membrane were in group 3.Six contralateral eyes in group 1 which had retinoschisis and epiretinal membrane but were not treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injection were set as the control group.Results Seven of the 11 eyes in group 1 developed more severe retinoschisis,the mean maximal retinal thickness increased from （380.28±90.13） to （467.00±70.20） μm （P 〈0.05）.The retinoschisis of all 6 eyes of the control group did not aggravate.Compared with the control group,the aggravation ratio of retinoschisis increased significantly （P 〈0.05）.No new onset of retinoschisis took place in group 2 and group 3.Conclusion Intravitreal ranibizumab injection may be a risk factor for aggravation of retinoschisis in eyes with preexisted retinoschisis and epiretinal membrane.

Intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of pathological myopia associated with choroidal neovascularization in Chinese patients Intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of pathological myopia associated with choroidal neovascularization in Chinese patients

Background Pathological myopia （PM） is the leading cause for choroidal neovascularization （CNV） in people below 50 years of age,the anti-vascular endothlial growth factor （VEGF） medicine is now available to treat CNV secondary to PM.This study aimed to observe the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab for PM associated with subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV in Chinese patients.Methods Fifty-four eyes of 52 consecutive patients were included,they treated with intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg for PM associated with CNV.The best corrected visual acuity （BCVA） of Snellen chart,letters of ETDRS chart,retinal thickness,leakage of CNV lesion,and complications with surgery were analyzed pre-and post-treatment.Eligibility criteria included diopter ≥-8.0 D or eye axis ≥28 mm with fundus changes of PM （lacquer crack,optic disc atrophy,chorioretinal atrophy,posterior scleral staphyloma）; CNV secondary to PM; subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV.Results For 54 affected eyes of 52 consecutive patients,the average BCVA of Snellen chart and letters of ETDRS chart were 0.29 and 30.4,respectively; fundus fluorescein angiography （FFA）/indocyanine green angiography （ICGA） showed CNV leakage,and average retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography （OCT） was 267.2 μm before treatment.Injections of ranibizumab ranged from 1 to 4 （mean 2.2）.Follow-up time varied from 12 to 36 months （mean 31.9 months）.At the last visit,the BCVA of Snellen chart was increased by three lines （mean 0.65） （P 〈0.01）; the letters of ETDRS chart were increased to 17.0 letters （mean 47.4,P 〈0.01）; the visual acuity increased more than 15 letters in 30 eyes （55.5%）,decreased in 1 eye （1.9%）; the retinal thickness on OCT images was decreased by 17.0 μm （mean 250.2 μm） （P=0.082）; no active leakage from the CNV lesion occurred in 18 eyes （33.3%）,reduced leakage in 30 eyes （55.6%）,and no change in 6 eyes （11.1%） as shown by FFA/ICGA.Increased retinoschisis was observed in one eye after the second injection.Conclusions Intravitreal ranibizumab for neovascular PM was well tolerated in Chinese patients,with functional and anatomic improvements in a short-term study,while a long-term study is still needed.