Choriocapillaris and retinal CPD are reduced in diabetic retinopathy, while FAZ area is increased in eyes with PDR. Vascular changes captured by new imaging modalities can further characterise diabetic choroidopathy.
The body of evidence to date regarding long-term anti-VEGF treatment indicates a variable course at greater than 36 months follow-up and seems to be dependent on the treatment protocol. Consistent dosing with fluid-free interval is suggested to maintain VA gains in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration. There is no evidence suggesting that there are additional adverse events from long-term anti-VEGF use.
Cataracts currently afflict an estimated 94 million people worldwide, and surgical removal is the only effective therapy known. Tracking outcomes through registry databases has been shown to be a powerful tool for improving patient outcomes, understanding and adopting best clinical practices, reducing costs and increasing value delivered. Large datasets present in electronic registry systems are valuable resources for evaluating the quality of care by allowing researchers and healthcare providers to analyze, understand and adjust to 'real-world' best practices and adverse events.
Introduction
Computer-based video training (CBVT) of surgical skills overcomes limitations of 1:1 instruction. We hypothesized that a self-directed CBVT program could teach novices by dividing basic surgical skills into sequential, easily-mastered steps.
Methods
We developed a 12 video program teaching basic knot tying and suturing skills introduced in discrete, incremental steps. Students were evaluated pre- and post-course with a self-assessment, a written exam and a skill assessment.
Results
Students (n = 221) who completed the course demonstrated significant improvement. Their average pre-course product quality score and assessment of technique using standard Global Rating Scale (GRS) were <0.4 for 6 measured skills (scale 0–5) and increased post-course to ≥3.25 except for the skill tying on tension whose GRS = 2.51. Average speed increased for all skills. Students’ self-ratings (scale 1–5) increased from an average of 1.4 ± 0.7 pre-elective to 3.9 ± 0.9 post-elective across all skills (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Self-directed, incremental and sequential video training is effective teaching basic surgical skills and may be a model to teach other skills or to play a larger role in remote learning.
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and has been associated with multiple genetic risk factors. The LMX1B gene is a genetic susceptibility factor for POAG, and several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were shown to be associated with POAG in our own prior Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study genome-wide association study (GWAS). This study evaluated the association of the LMX1B locus with baseline optic disc and clinical phenotypic characteristics of glaucoma patients from our African American cohort. Compared to the GG genotype in SNP rs187699205, the GC genotype in this SNP was found to be significantly associated with a smaller cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) and increased (better) visual field mean deviation (MD) in glaucoma cases. None of the glaucoma cases with the GC genotype had disc hemorrhages, disc notching, or beanpot disc appearance. In conclusion, glaucoma phenotypes differed significantly by LMX1B variant in African American patients with POAG, and a SNP variant was associated with certain disease features considered lower risk.
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