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Voichanski S, Weinshtein N, Hanhart J. Relative yield of retinal imaging versus clinical exam in following neovascular exudative age related macular degeneration. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:126. [PMID: 38466525 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03072-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare therapeutic decisions between 3 diagnostic protocols and to assess the need for in-person physical doctor-patient encounter in follow up and treatment of neovascular exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS Analysis of 88 eyes of 88 unique patients with neovascular AMD who were routinely followed at our medical retina clinic. A retinal specialist reviewed all images in advance and wrote his decisions. He later attended an in-person encounters with all patients and documented his decisions. Masking was done by not exposing any identifying information to the specialist and by randomizing patient's images order before the in-person encounter. Therapeutic decisions regarding intravitreal injections intervals and agent selection were made based on three protocols: (1) optic coherence tomography (OCT); (2) OCT/Ultra-widefield (UWF) color image; (3) OCT/UWF/full clinical exam. Visual acuity (VA) was incorporated into all protocols. RESULTS We found an agreement of 93% between those protocols regarding the intervals of injections, and of 100% regarding injection agent selection. When comparing OCT, OCT/UWF and OCT/UWF/clinical exam guided decision making, there were no discrepancies between OCT and OCT/UWF. There were 6 out of 88 discrepancies (7%) between OCT/UWF and OCT/UWF/clinical exam. Of those 6 discrepancies, all were regarding intervals (Bland-Altman bias = - 0.2386). All discrepancies between OCT/UWF and OCT/UWF/Clinical exam were due to patients' preferences, socioeconomic issues and fellow eye considerations, addressed during the face-to-face encounter with patients. Physical examination itself did not affect decision making. CONCLUSIONS Neovascular exudative AMD follow up and treatment decisions can be guided by VA and OCT, with UWF adding important information regarding macula and peripheral retina, but rarely affecting decision making. However, decision making may also be driven by patients' preferences and other considerations that are being made only during the face-to-face visit and discussion. Thus, every approach supporting imaging only decision making, must take these factors into account.
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Starr MR, Xu D, Soares RR, Boucher N, Chiang A, Cohen MN, Ho AC, Klufas MA, Khan MA, Mehta S, Yonekawa Y, Kuriyan AE. Trends in Utilization of Vitreoretinal Services Following the Initial Phase of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023; 54:15-23. [PMID: 36626209 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20221215-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify vitreoretinal practice patterns in the months following the initial 2020 national shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (US). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of vitreoretinal practice patterns from multiple retinal centers across the US from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. RESULTS The lowest utilization of retina care occurred during the week of March 23, 2020, after which utilization returned to pre-pandemic levels by July 2020. Patients with retinal detachments (RDs) presented with worse visual acuity during March, April, and May 2020 compared to the same time periods of 2018 and 2019 (P values < 0.05). However, only comparing eyes that presented in March 2018 to March 2020, was the year 1 vision significantly worse (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted vitreoretinal care. The vision of patients with RDs may not have been affected by the delayed presentation. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:15-23.].
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Angermann R, Franchi A, Frede K, Stöckl V, Palme C, Kralinger M, Zehetner C. Long-term persistence with aflibercept therapy among treatment-naïve patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration in a universal health care system: a retrospective study. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:372. [PMID: 36123657 PMCID: PMC9483893 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02593-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to analyse the persistence rates of treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who received intravitreal aflibercept therapy in a universal health care system. Methods In this single-centre retrospective cohort study, we audited data of 918 treatment-naïve patients who received exclusively intravitreal aflibercept therapy for nAMD between September 2015 and May 2021. The primary outcome measures were the rates of treatment nonpersistence (gap in ophthalmological care > 6 months) and long-term nonpersistence (> 12 months). Results The rates of nonpersistence and long-term nonpersistence were 12.3% and 3.4% after one year; 22.4% and 9.5% after two years; and 38.3% and 19.3% after five years, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (p = 0.045), male sex (p = 0.039), requirement for caretakers or ambulance (p = 0.001), and low visual acuity of the study eye (p = 0.010) or fellow eye (p = 0.029) were independent risk factors for long-term nonpersistence. Patients aged > 80 and > 85 years (p = 0.013 and p = 0.022, respectively) had more than twice the risk for being nonpersistent to therapy within two years of follow-up compared with younger patients. Male patients (p = 0.033), patients requiring a caretaker (p = 0.038), and patients living > 60 km from the clinic (p = 0.029) had a 2 × higher risk of being persistently nonpersistent to therapy. Conclusions Patients with nAMD who were treated with aflibercept had lower nonpersistence rates than those reported in current literature. Multiple independent risk factors were correlated with long-term nonpersistence, early nonpersistence, or complete loss to follow-up. Considering the possible consequences of reduced compliance, further strategies are urgently needed for patients at risk of nonpersistence to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Angermann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach/Gänserndorf, Lichtensteinstraße 67, 2130, Mistelbach, Austria
| | - Alexander Franchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katharina Frede
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Victoria Stöckl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Palme
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Kralinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claus Zehetner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Yuen J, Pike S, Khachikyan S, Nallasamy S. Telehealth in Ophthalmology. Digit Health 2022. [DOI: 10.36255/exon-publications-digital-health-telehealth-ophthalmology] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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5
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Telemedicine for the Diagnosis and Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030835. [PMID: 35160286 PMCID: PMC8836711 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of ophthalmic telemedicine for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has shown remarkable advances over recent years. The recent COVID pandemic accelerated this transition since in-person evaluation of elderly patients at high risk for advanced AMD and severe vision loss were also at higher risk for complications from COVID infection. To date, ophthalmic telemedicine has been successfully used in remote retinal consultation by general ophthalmologists for AMD management, hybrid testing visits with both in-office testing and remote evaluation, as well as early successes in home-based remote monitoring of patients with high-risk AMD. We therefore review the current literature and evidence base related to ophthalmic telemedicine for AMD.
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Zvi D, Zur D, Schwartz S, Cohen S, Saranga A, Loewenstein A, Goldstein M. Additive value of a face-to-face visit to virtual remote decision in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmologica 2022; 245:385-392. [PMID: 35114671 DOI: 10.1159/000522273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increasing high prevalence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) in the aging population combined with the need for frequent monitoring and treatment for many years, especially in the COVID19 era, raises the need to establish an effective, reliable and safe follow up and treatment model. This study evaluates the difference in treatment decisions comparing between the gold standard face-to-face clinical examination and virtual evaluation approach based only on visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans without clinical fundoscopic examination in neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients. METHODS Single center retrospective cohort study who compared an original 'face-to-face' visit treatment decision regarding the need for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug, interval, and treatment regimen based on routine VA, spectral domain -OCT imaging and dilated fundus examination (DFE) to two 'virtual' treatment decisions based on evaluation of OCT scans and previous medical records before and after revealing VA data on the same nvAMD patients eyes. RESULTS 169 eyes of 114 patients were included in the study. 49 patients (43%) suffered from bilateral nvAMD and had both eyes included in the study. Agreement between the "face-to-face visit treatment decision" and "virtual treatment decision" was noted in 74.6% and 71.6% eyes before and after revealing the patient's visual acuity in the study visit, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Virtual evaluation results in similar treatment decisions for nvAMD patients compared to standard face-to-face clinical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Zvi
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dinah Zur
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shula Schwartz
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shai Cohen
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avi Saranga
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Loewenstein
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michaella Goldstein
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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7
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Intravitreal Aflibercept Therapy and Treatment Outcomes of Eyes with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Real-Life Setting: A Five-Year Follow-Up Investigation. Ophthalmol Ther 2022; 11:559-571. [PMID: 35048330 PMCID: PMC8769092 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-022-00452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to evaluate visual and anatomical outcomes among eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) that were persistent to intravitreal aflibercept therapy compared to those that were nonpersistent to therapy. Methods We audited 648 treatment-naïve eyes of 559 patients regarding visual acuity (VA) given as the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and anatomic outcomes at baseline and at each subsequent follow-up visit for up to 5 years. Nonpersistence was defined as a visit-free interval of > 6 months. Results Among the enrolled eyes, 405 were persistent to the therapy and 243 (37%) were nonpersistent, of which 161 (66%) eyes returned for further therapy after a gap of clinical care. In the nonpersistent group, we observed a decline from 0.58 ± 0.35 to 0.92 ± 0.57 logMAR (p = 0.01) after 60 months. Compared with the persistent group, the nonpersistent group had worse visual outcomes at their 33-month (p = 0.03), 42-month (p = 0.01), 51-month (p = 0.001) and 60-month (p = 0.01) visits. Additionally, 5/405 (1.2%) eyes in the persistent group and 8/161 (5.0%) eyes in the nonpersistent group developed an end-stage disease with a subfoveal fibrosis during the observational period (p = 0.013). Conclusion We found that eyes with nAMD that were nonpersistent to intravitreal aflibercept therapy experienced statistically significantly worse VA compared to eyes persistent to therapy within 3 years. Moreover, eyes in the nonpersistent group had a four-fold higher risk of developing a fovea-involving fibrosis. Considering the potential irreversible deterioration with respect to best-corrected VA within nAMD, strategies need to be developed for patients at risk of nonpersistence to therapy.
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8
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Karthik N, Shields RA, Brown MM, Aoun M, Wolfe JD, Drenser KA, Capone A, Williams GA. Interest in Telehealth Among Patients With Chronic Retinal Conditions. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2021; 5:382-388. [PMID: 37008704 PMCID: PMC9976128 DOI: 10.1177/24741264211003427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This work investigated interest in telehealth services for patients with chronic retinal conditions. Methods: A single-center, multi-office study was conducted of patients with chronic retinal conditions who were seen by 1 of 4 physicians during June 2020. Patients whose next appointment was 6 months or later were telephoned. Patients completed a phone interest survey about their interest in a hybrid telehealth evaluation instead of a complete office evaluation with their provider. Results: Of 2136 patients reviewed, 453 met eligibility to participate in the survey. A total of 159 patients (35.1%) participated, of whom 91 (57.2%) indicated an interest in telehealth at their next follow-up visit. Of the 68 (42.8%) patients without a current interest in telehealth, 13 (19.1%) expressed interest in pursuing telehealth in the future. Age ( P = .19), sex ( P = .22), race ( P = .79), office location ( P = .19), number of prior visits ( P = .58), and median household income by patient’s zip code ( P = .14) were not predictors of telehealth interest. Among diagnoses, dry age-related macular degeneration was associated ( P = .04) with increased interest in telehealth. An increased number of ocular diagnoses were also found to predict a decreased ( P = .04) interest in telehealth. multivariable analysis revealed healthcare provider as the only significant predictor for interest in telehealth ( P = .03). Conclusions: Most patients with chronic retinal conditions may be interested in incorporating telehealth into routine care. Considerations should be made to evaluate interest in telehealth to guide patients to clinical experiences that best suit their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Karthik
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Meghan M. Brown
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Mariam Aoun
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Jeremy D. Wolfe
- Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Drenser
- Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Antonio Capone
- Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - George A. Williams
- Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
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9
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Hollaus M, Bühl W, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Sacu S. The Challenges of Treating Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2021; 239:1033-1042. [PMID: 34198354 DOI: 10.1055/a-1473-5713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of visual impairment and blindness in patients over 60 years in developed countries. Whilst no effective form of therapy is available for the dry form of AMD, intravitreal application of anti-VEGF substances is able to prevent the progression of neovascular AMD (nAMD) in most cases. Aside from the drugs ranibizumab, aflibercept and brolucizumab, other agents such as bevacizumab are often used off-label in order to save expense. The treatment intervals have also been refined, so as to reduce the burden on patients and health care systems. After fixed injection intervals, the pro re nata-regimen has been developed. Each month, it is decided whether the patient receives intravitreal injections based on fixed criteria. In the treat and extend-protocol, patients receive injections on each visit, but the intervals between injections vary due to the clinical outcomes. The observe-and-plan regime allows scheduling of the injection intervals in blocks, for three consecutive injections at a time. However, results of real-world studies were not able to reproduce those obtained in the pivotal studies. A high number of visits and fear of the injection procedure impose a burden on patients, that is mostly accepted due to fear of vision loss. Caregivers also complain of loss of productivity and income from having to provide regular support to patients. Health care systems worldwide are affected by increasing treatment numbers and the costs involved. The treatment of nAMD constitutes an achievement for modern medicine. However, despite the challenges, it must be evaluated and reviewed repeatedly in order to provide the best therapy for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Hollaus
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich.,Forschungszentrum Vienna Clinical Trial Center, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
| | - Wolf Bühl
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
| | - Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
| | - Stefan Sacu
- Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich.,Forschungszentrum Vienna Clinical Trial Center, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
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10
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Cui T, Yun D, Wu X, Lin H. Anterior Segment and Others in Teleophthalmology: Past, Present, and Future. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2021; 10:234-243. [PMID: 34224468 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Teleophthalmology, a subfield of telemedicine, has recently been widely applied in ophthalmic disease management, accelerated by ubiquitous connectivity via mobile computing and communication applications. Teleophthalmology has strengths in overcoming geographic barriers and broadening access to medical resources, as a supplement to face-to-face clinical settings. Eyes, especially the anterior segment, are one of the most researched superficial parts of the human body. Therefore, ophthalmic images, easily captured by portable devices, have been widely applied in teleophthalmology, boosted by advancements in software and hardware in recent years. This review aims to revise current teleophthalmology applications in the anterior segment and other diseases from a temporal and spatial perspective, and summarize common scenarios in teleophthalmology, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, postoperative follow-up, and tele-education of patients and clinical practitioners. Further, challenges in the current application of teleophthalmology and the future development of teleophthalmology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyuan Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Li JPO, Liu H, Ting DSJ, Jeon S, Chan RVP, Kim JE, Sim DA, Thomas PBM, Lin H, Chen Y, Sakomoto T, Loewenstein A, Lam DSC, Pasquale LR, Wong TY, Lam LA, Ting DSW. Digital technology, tele-medicine and artificial intelligence in ophthalmology: A global perspective. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 82:100900. [PMID: 32898686 PMCID: PMC7474840 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The simultaneous maturation of multiple digital and telecommunications technologies in 2020 has created an unprecedented opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new models of care using tele-health supported by digital innovations. These digital innovations include artificial intelligence (AI), 5th generation (5G) telecommunication networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), creating an inter-dependent ecosystem offering opportunities to develop new models of eye care addressing the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond. Ophthalmology has thrived in some of these areas partly due to its many image-based investigations. Tele-health and AI provide synchronous solutions to challenges facing ophthalmologists and healthcare providers worldwide. This article reviews how countries across the world have utilised these digital innovations to tackle diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, refractive error correction, cataract and other anterior segment disorders. The review summarises the digital strategies that countries are developing and discusses technologies that may increasingly enter the clinical workflow and processes of ophthalmologists. Furthermore as countries around the world have initiated a series of escalating containment and mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of eye care services globally has been significantly impacted. As ophthalmic services adapt and form a "new normal", the rapid adoption of some of telehealth and digital innovation during the pandemic is also discussed. Finally, challenges for validation and clinical implementation are considered, as well as recommendations on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Peng Olivia Li
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanruo Liu
- Beijing Tongren Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology; Beijing, China
| | - Darren S J Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sohee Jeon
- Keye Eye Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Judy E Kim
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dawn A Sim
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B M Thomas
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Haotian Lin
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Taiji Sakomoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan
| | | | - Dennis S C Lam
- C-MER Dennis Lam Eye Center, C-Mer International Eye Care Group Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong; International Eye Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Tien Y Wong
- Singapore National Eye Center, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linda A Lam
- USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S W Ting
- Singapore National Eye Center, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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Chong JC, Tan CHN, Chen DZ. Teleophthalmology and its evolving role in a COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping
review. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2021. [DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Teleophthalmology may assist the healthcare sector in adapting to limitations imposed on
clinical practice by a viral pandemic. A scoping review is performed in this study to assess the current
applications of teleophthalmology for its suitability to diagnose, monitor or manage ophthalmological
conditions with accuracy.
Methods: A search of PubMed was conducted for teleophthalmology-related articles published from
1 January 2018 to 4 May 2020. Only articles that focused on the use of teleophthalmology in terms of
diagnosis and management, as well as its benefits and detriments, were included. The Mixed Methods
Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the included articles.
Results: A total of 38 articles were assessed at the full-text level. There were 2 qualitative studies and
1 quantitative randomised controlled trial, while the majority were either quantitative descriptive studies
(19, 50.0%) or quantitative non-randomised studies (16, 42.1%). Overall, 8 studies described reducing
manpower requirements, 4 described reducing direct patient–doctor contact, 17 described storage of
medical imaging and clinical data, and 9 described real-time teleconferencing. The MMAT analysis
revealed limitations in appropriate sampling strategy in both quantitative non-randomised studies (9 of
16, 56.3%) and quantitative descriptive studies (9 of 19, 47.4%). Cost-effectiveness of teleophthalmology
was not performed in any included study.
Conclusion: This current review of the various aspects of teleophthalmology describes how it may
potentially assist the healthcare sector to cope with the limitations imposed by a viral pandemic through
technology. Further research is required to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the various strategies.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, health informatics, ophthalmology, teleconsultation, telemedicine
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13
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Starr MR, Israilevich R, Zhitnitsky M, Cheng QE, Soares RR, Patel LG, Ammar MJ, Khan MA, Yonekawa Y, Ho AC, Cohen MN, Sridhar J, Kuriyan AE. Practice Patterns and Responsiveness to Simulated Common Ocular Complaints Among US Ophthalmology Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Ophthalmol 2020; 138:981-988. [PMID: 32777008 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.3237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Importance The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically changed how comprehensive ophthalmology practices care for patients. Objective To report practice patterns for common ocular complaints during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic among comprehensive ophthalmology practices in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study, 40 private practices and 20 university centers were randomly selected from 4 regions across the US. Data were collected on April 29 and 30, 2020. Interventions Investigators placed telephone calls to each ophthalmology practice office. Responses to 3 clinical scenarios-refraction request, cataract evaluation, and symptoms of a posterior vitreous detachment-were compared regionally and between private and university centers. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary measure was time to next appointment for each of the 3 scenarios. Secondary measures included use of telemedicine and advertisement of COVID-19 precautions. Results Of the 40 private practices, 2 (5%) were closed, 24 (60%) were only seeing urgent patients, and 14 (35%) remained open to all patients. Of the 20 university centers, 2 (10%) were closed, 17 (85%) were only seeing urgent patients, and 1 (5%) remained open to all patients. There were no differences for any telemedicine metric. University centers were more likely than private practices to mention preparations to limit the spread of COVID-19 (17 of 20 [85%] vs 14 of 40 [35%]; mean difference, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.26-0.65; P < .001). Private practices had a faster next available appointment for cataract evaluations than university centers, with a mean (SD) time to visit of 22.1 (27.0) days vs 75.5 (46.1) days (mean difference, 53.4; 95% CI, 23.1-83.7; P < .001). Private practices were also more likely than university centers to be available to see patients with flashes and floaters (30 of 40 [75%] vs 8 of 20 [40%]; mean difference, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.79; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of investigator telephone calls to ophthalmology practice offices, there were uniform recommendations for the 3 routine ophthalmic complaints. Private practices had shorter times to next available appointment for cataract extraction and were more likely to evaluate posterior vitreous detachment symptoms. As there has not been a study examining these practice patterns before the COVID-19 pandemic, the relevance of these findings on public health is yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Starr
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rachel Israilevich
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Qianqian E Cheng
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rebecca R Soares
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Luv G Patel
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael J Ammar
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - M Ali Khan
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yoshihiro Yonekawa
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allen C Ho
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael N Cohen
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jayanth Sridhar
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ajay E Kuriyan
- Mid Atlantic Retina, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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14
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Abstract
Intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti–VEGF) agents have become the most prevalent intraocular procedure as they represent the major therapeutic modality for prevalent retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Effective therapy requires adherence to a schedule of iterative IVI as well as routine clinic appointments. The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the reduction of attendance at scheduled clinic visits and IVI. In this study, we attempted to analyze the effect of COVID-19 on compliance with anti–VEGF therapy. A total of 636 eyes received injections during a 4-week period of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Retina Clinic. The number of clinic visits for IVI during 1 month from March 15 to April 14 of 2020 was compared to a similar time period in each of the last 4 years. The study demonstrates a decrease in clinic visits for IVI when compared with the same 4-week interval in the four previous years. Based on the trend of the previous 4 years, 10.2% of the year’s total was expected for this time period. Using this model, the 636 reported number of injections for the March–April 2020 period was ~ 5%. This represents a decrease of ~ 50% of the expected IVI for this time period. The COVID-19 outbreak in Israel severely impacted compliance with anti–VEGF treatments.
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15
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Aweidah H, Safadi K, Jotkowitz A, Chowers I, Levy J. Hybrid Telehealth Medical Retina Clinic Due to Provider Exposure and Quarantine During COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Ophthalmol 2020; 14:3421-3426. [PMID: 33116394 PMCID: PMC7585855 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s276276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To present our hybrid telehealth medical retina clinic service with intravitreal injections (IVI) treatment as a safe alternative to in-person visits and examination during COVID-19 pandemic disease. Methods Due to exposure to a COVID-19 positive retina fellow, our retina service, in quarantine, evaluated patients’ medical files and retinal scans using a telemedicine approach. A different protocol for patients coming for IVI during the COVID-19 pandemic was established for IVI administration. Results During the 14-day quarantine period (between March 18th and March 31st 2020), the hybrid telehealth medical retina clinic performed 523 IVI to 394 patients with a mean age ± SD 70.96 ± 14.4 years. IVI were administered for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in 50.5% of the cases (199 patients), diabetic macular edema in 21.3% (84 patients), retinal vein occlusion in 17.5% (69 patients), and 10.7% for other retinal pathologies (42 patients). No ocular or systemic complications were observed. Conclusion During disasters and pandemics, IVI can be provided safely using a hybrid telehealth medical retina clinic approach but only in the appropriate patient and health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzah Aweidah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Khaled Safadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alan Jotkowitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Itay Chowers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jaime Levy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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16
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Sommer AC, Blumenthal EZ. Telemedicine in ophthalmology in view of the emerging COVID-19 outbreak. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 258:2341-2352. [PMID: 32813110 PMCID: PMC7436071 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04879-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Technological advances in recent years have resulted in the development and implementation of various modalities and techniques enabling medical professionals to remotely diagnose and treat numerous medical conditions in diverse medical fields, including ophthalmology. Patients who require prolonged isolation until recovery, such as those who suffer from COVID-19, present multiple therapeutic dilemmas to their caregivers. Therefore, utilizing remote care in the daily workflow would be a valuable tool for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic ocular conditions in this challenging clinical setting. Our aim is to review the latest technological and methodical advances in teleophthalmology and highlight their implementation in screening and managing various ocular conditions. We present them as well as potential diagnostic and treatment applications in view of the recent SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak. Methods A computerized search from January 2017 up to March 2020 of the online electronic database PubMed was performed, using the following search strings: “telemedicine,” “telehealth,” and “ophthalmology.” More generalized complementary contemporary research data regarding the COVID-19 pandemic was also obtained from the PubMed database. Results A total of 312 records, including COVID-19-focused studies, were initially identified. After exclusion of non-relevant, non-English, and duplicate studies, a total of 138 records were found eligible. Ninety records were included in the final qualitative analysis. Conclusion Teleophthalmology is an effective screening and management tool for a range of adult and pediatric acute and chronic ocular conditions. It is mostly utilized in screening of retinal conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration; in diagnosing anterior segment condition; and in managing glaucoma. With improvements in image processing, and better integration of the patient’s medical record, teleophthalmology should become a more accepted modality, all the more so in circumstances where social distancing is inflicted upon us. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Adir C Sommer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, P.O.B 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eytan Z Blumenthal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, P.O.B 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel. .,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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17
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Teleophthalmology: an essential tool in the era of the novel coronavirus 2019. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2020; 31:366-373. [DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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