Recovery of Vision in Open Globe Injury Patients with Initial No Light Perception Vision

OBJECTIVE OR PURPOSE

To identify clinical characteristics of injured eyes associated with visual recovery in patients with open globe injuries (OGI) and presenting with no light perception (NLP) vision.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SUBJECTS, PARTICIPANTS, AND/OR CONTROLS

All patients presenting to Massachusetts Eye and Ear with OGI and NLP vision from January 1999 to March 2022.

METHODS, INTERVENTION, OR TESTING

Manual data extraction to collect patient demographic characteristics, pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative characteristics of OGI injury, laceration versus rupture, history of intraocular surgery, time from injury to repair, timing of vitrectomy, lensectomy, choroidal drainage, and silicone oil placement, visual acuity (VA) at last follow-up, and subsequent B-scan ultrasound findings of retinal detachment, choroidal hemorrhage, vitreous hemorrhage, and disorganized intraocular contents. Patients with more than one week of follow-up and a documented VA at most recent follow-up were included. Exclusion criteria included age less than 10 years. Multivariable regression was performed.

MAIN OUTCOMES

VA recovery defined as light perception or better in patients with OGI and initial NLP vision.

RESULTS

147 eyes with NLP vision after OGI were included. 25 (17%) eyes regained vision at last follow-up. The majority of patients recovered light perception vision (n=15, 60%) followed by 20/500 or better (n=5, 20%), hand motion (n=3, 12%), and count fingers (n=2, 8%). Most injuries were zone III (n=102, 69%) and presented with rupture (n=127, 86%). The mean time from OGI to surgical repair was 0.85 ± 1.7 days. B-scan was obtained in 104 (71%) cases. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 9 eyes (6%) with NLP at time of vitrectomy. Disorganized intraocular contents on B-scan (OR=0.170, 95%CI: 0.042-0.681, P=0.012) was the only clinical variable significantly associated with visual recovery, corresponding to a lack of visual improvement.

CONCLUSION

Recovery of vision in OGI with NLP vision at presentation cannot be predicted based on presenting clinical features. B-scan findings of disorganized intraocular contents after initial OGI repair was the only factor negatively associated with vision recovery in this patient population. Therefore, all eyes presenting with an OGI and NLP vision should undergo primary repair in hopes of subsequent visual recovery.

The Association of Race, Ethnicity, and Insurance Status with the Visual Acuity of Retinoblastoma Survivors in the IRIS® Registry

PURPOSE

To identify sociodemographic factors associated with the visual outcomes of retinoblastoma survivors.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using a US-based clinical data registry. All individuals < 18 years of age with a history of retinoblastoma in the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry (1/1/2013-12/31/2020). The primary outcome was visual acuity below the threshold for legal blindness (20/200 or worse) in at least one eye. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between visual outcomes and age, sex, laterality, race, ethnicity, type of insurance, and geographic location.

RESULTS

This analysis included 1545 children with a history of retinoblastoma. The median length of follow-up was 4.1 years (IQR, 2.2-5.9 years) and the median age at most recent clinical visit was 12 years (IQR, 8-16 years). Retinoblastoma was unilateral in 54% of cases. Poor vision in at least one eye was identified in 78% of all children and poor vision in both eyes in 17% of those with bilateral disease. Poor visual outcomes were associated with unilateral diagnosis (OR, 1.55; 95% CI,1.13-2.12; p = .007), Black race (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.19-3.47; p = .010), Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.16-2.37; p = .006), and non-private insurance (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.02-2.10; p = .037).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor visual outcomes appear to be more common among Black, Hispanic, and publicly insured children with a history of retinoblastoma, raising concerns regarding healthcare inequities. Primary care physicians should ensure that young children receive red reflex testing during routine visits and consider retinoblastoma in the differential diagnosis of abnormal eye exams.

The epidemiology of pediatric dry eye disease in the United States: An IRIS® registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) analysis

PURPOSE

Dry-eye disease (DED) is a chronic progressive ocular surface disorder with limited studies in the pediatric population. The Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS® Registry was leveraged to investigate the prevalence of DED in the pediatric population (PDED, patients <18 years old) and the demographic differences of DED between pediatric and adult patients (ADED).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. Patients with DED between January 1st, 2013 and December 31st, 2019 (N = 4,795,979) were included. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-squared tests and two-sample proportions tests were conducted to compare key demographic distributions between the ADED and PDED cohorts.

RESULTS

The average age at onset for ADED patients was 61.06 (±14.75) years and for PDED patients was 12.51 (±3.86). The overall tests for independence and the individual tests of proportions of each category were statistically significant for all demographic characteristics (p < 0.001). Characteristics with the largest discrepancies between patients of PDED and the IRIS Registry pediatric patient pool (PIRIS) included female sex (58.08 % vs. 50.60 %), male sex (41.58 % vs. 48.78 %) and Asian race (6.02 % vs. 3.11 %) respectively. Within the PDED cohort, females were at higher risk of PDED (58 % vs. 42 %). PDED was more prevalent in children with refractive errors (76 %) and eyelid/conjunctival disorders (41 %). Characteristics with the largest discrepancies between PDED and ADED patients included female sex (58.08 % vs. 68.12 %), male sex (41.58 % vs. 31.55 %) and Caucasian race (50.24 % vs. 67.06 %) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in the PDED cohort are demonstrated in this study. PDED was more prevalent in the female sex and Caucasian race compared to PIRIS and was more commonly associated with refractive errors and eyelid/conjunctival disorders.

Racial Disparities in Glaucoma Vision Outcomes and Eye Care Utilization: An IRIS Registry Analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate racial disparities in vision outcomes and eye care utilization among glaucoma patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

In this population-based IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) study, we included patients with minimum one diagnosis code for glaucoma at least 6 months prior to January 1, 2015 and at least one eye exam, visual field (VF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), or eye-related inpatient or emergency department (ED) code in 2015. Multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression models were used to assess vision and utilization outcomes, respectively, across race and ethnicity from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2020. Vision outcomes included cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) progression > 0.80, poor vision (visual acuity 20/200 or worse), low vision codes, and need for glaucoma filtering surgery. Utilization outcomes included outpatient eye exams, OCTs, VFs, inpatient/ED encounters, and lasers/surgeries.

RESULTS

Among 996,297 patients, 73% were non-Hispanic White, 15% non-Hispanic Black, 9% Hispanic, 3% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 0.3% Native American/Alaska Native. Compared to White eyes, Black and Hispanic eyes had higher adjusted odds of CDR progression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-1.17; OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.22-1.34), poor vision (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.22-1.29; OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.22-1.31), glaucoma filtering surgery (rate ratio (RR) = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.42-1.51; RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09-1.18). Hispanic eyes also had increased odds of low vision diagnoses (Hispanic OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.07-1.30). Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to have eye exams (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.94-0.95; RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.99-0.99) and OCTs (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.85-0.86; RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.98), yet Black patients had higher odds of inpatient/ED encounters (RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.37-1.96) compared to White patients. Native American patients were more likely to have poor vision (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.01-1.36) and less likely to have outpatient visits (RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.86-0.91), OCTs (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.82-0.89), visual fields (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.88-0.94) or lasers/surgeries (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.79-0.96) compared to White patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that significant disparities in US eye care exist with Black, Hispanic, and Native American patients having worse vision outcomes and less disease monitoring. Glaucoma may be undertreated in these racial and ethnic minority groups, increasing risk for glaucoma-related vision loss.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention following Pediatric Cataract Surgery in the IRIS® Registry

PURPOSE

To compare demographic and clinical factors associated with glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS) and glaucoma surgery rates between infants, toddlers, and older children using a large, ophthalmic registry.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) who underwent cataract surgery at ≤ 17 years old and between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2020.

METHODS

Glaucoma diagnosis and procedural codes were extracted from the electronic health records of practices participating in the IRIS Registry. Children with glaucoma diagnosis or surgery before cataract removal were excluded. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to determine the cumulative probability of GFCS diagnosis and glaucoma surgery after cataract surgery. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify factors associated with GFCS and glaucoma surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative probability of glaucoma diagnosis and surgical intervention within 5 years after cataract surgery.

RESULTS

The study included 6658 children (median age, 10.0 years; 46.2% female). The 5-year cumulative probability of GFCS was 7.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.1%-8.1%) and glaucoma surgery was 2.6% (95% CI, 1.9%-3.2%). The 5-year cumulative probability of GFCS for children aged < 1 year was 22.3% (95% CI, 15.7%-28.4%). Risk factors for GFCS included aphakia (hazard ratio [HR], 2.63; 95% CI, 1.96-3.57), unilateral cataract (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12-1.96), and Black race (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.12-2.32). The most common surgery was glaucoma drainage device insertion (32.6%), followed by angle surgery (23.3%), cyclophotocoagulation (15.1%), and trabeculectomy (5.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Glaucoma following cataract surgery diagnosis in children in the IRIS Registry was associated with young age, aphakia, unilateral cataract, and Black race. Glaucoma drainage device surgery was the preferred surgical treatment, consistent with the World Glaucoma Association 2013 consensus recommendations for GFCS management.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

The Incidence of Strabismus After Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty in the United States

PURPOSE

To compare the incidence of strabismus after upper and lower blepharoplasty in the United States.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of adults (age ≥18 years) in the IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) who underwent blepharoplasty between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2020. The primary outcome was the Kaplan-Meier estimated cumulative incidence of strabismus diagnosis and surgery within 3 years of blepharoplasty. Multivariable Cox regression was used to determine the association of blepharoplasty type with strabismus diagnosis and surgery, adjusting for patient age, sex, and geographic region.

RESULTS

Blepharoplasty was performed in 368,623 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 69 [63-75] years, and 69% female). Compared with those undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty, patients treated with lower eyelid blepharoplasty were slightly younger (median age, 66 vs. 69 years; p < 0.001) and more likely to be female (71% vs. 69%; p < 0.001). There was a greater 3-year incidence of strabismus diagnosis (2.0% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001) and a greater 3-year incidence of strabismus surgery (0.15% vs. 0.06%; p = 0.003) for individuals undergoing lower vs. upper blepharoplasty. After adjusting for age, sex, and geographic region, lower blepharoplasty was associated with a higher 3-year risk of strabismus diagnosis (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.23-1.81; p < 0.001) and surgery (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.27-5.03; p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

This registry-based analysis found that individuals undergoing lower eyelid blepharoplasty were at higher risk of strabismus compared with those undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Using large databases to understand the incidence of complications of frequently performed procedures may improve ophthalmologists' ability to provide data-driven counseling on surgical risks prior to intervention.

Factors associated with the use of botulinum toxin injections for adult strabismus in the IRIS Registry

This cross-sectional study used data from a large nationwide registry to describe the factors associated with use of botulinum toxin injections for adults with strabismus in the United States. Botulinum toxin injections were performed on 3.1% of adults undergoing an intervention for strabismus between 2013 and 2020. Adults treated with botulinum toxin injections were more likely to be older and female. Compared to non-Hispanic White patients, non-Hispanic Black patients were three times less likely to receive treatment with botulinum toxin after adjusting for age, sex, geographic region, and type of insurance. Efforts to understand the factors contributing to disparities in the use of botulinum toxin for strabismus may lead to opportunities for more equitable access to this intervention.

Evaluating Visual Acuity in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry

Objective

To describe visual acuity data representation in the American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry and present a data-cleaning strategy.

Design

Reliability and validity study.

Participants

Patients with visual acuity records from 2018 in the IRIS Registry.

Methods

Visual acuity measurements and metadata were identified and characterized from 2018 IRIS Registry records. Metadata, including laterality, assessment method (distance, near, and unspecified), correction (corrected, uncorrected, and unspecified), and flags for refraction or pinhole assessment were compared between Rome (frozen April 20, 2020) and Chicago (frozen December 24, 2021) versions. We developed a data-cleaning strategy to infer patients' corrected distance visual acuity in their better-seeing eye.

Main Outcome Measures

Visual acuity data characteristics in the IRIS Registry.

Results

The IRIS Registry Chicago data set contains 168 920 049 visual acuity records among 23 001 531 unique patients and 49 968 974 unique patient visit dates in 2018. Visual acuity records were associated with refraction in 5.3% of cases, and with pinhole in 11.0%. Mean (standard deviation) of all measurements was 0.26 (0.41) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), with a range of - 0.3 to 4.0 A plurality of visual acuity records were labeled corrected (corrected visual acuity [CVA], 39.1%), followed by unspecified (37.6%) and uncorrected (uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA], 23.4%). Corrected visual acuity measurements were paradoxically worse than same day UCVA 15% of the time. In aggregate, mean and median values were similar for CVA and unspecified visual acuity. Most visual acuity measurements were at distance (59.8%, vs. 32.1% unspecified and 8.2% near). Rome contained more duplicate visual acuity records than Chicago (10.8% vs. 1.4%). Near visual acuity was classified with Jaeger notation and (in Chicago only) also assigned logMAR values by Verana Health. LogMAR values for hand motion and light perception visual acuity were lower in Chicago than in Rome. The impact of data entry errors or outliers on analyses may be reduced by filtering and averaging visual acuity per eye over time.

Conclusions

The IRIS Registry includes similar visual acuity metadata in Rome and Chicago. Although fewer duplicate records were found in Chicago, both versions include duplicate and atypical measurements (i.e., CVA worse than UCVA on the same day). Analyses may benefit from using algorithms to filter outliers and average visual acuity measurements over time.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Surgical Approach and Reoperation Risk in Intermittent Exotropia in the IRIS Registry

Importance

There is no consensus on the optimal surgical treatment for children with intermittent exotropia (IXT).

Objective

To compare the 5-year reoperation rates for children with IXT treated with horizontal muscle strabismus surgery using bilateral lateral rectus recession (BLR) vs unilateral lateral rectus recession with medial rectus resection (RR).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study examined data obtained from the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry on 7482 children (age, <18 years) with IXT who underwent horizontal eye muscle strabismus surgery between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. Children undergoing initial surgeries involving 3 or more horizontal muscles, vertical muscles, or reoperations were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the adjusted cumulative incidence of repeat horizontal muscle surgery within 5 years after the initial surgery. Reoperation risk was analyzed using adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) derived from multivariable Cox regression models, adjusting for individual demographic and surgical factors (age, sex, race and ethnicity, US Census region, and surgeon subspecialty). Data were analyzed between January 16 and September 20, 2023.

Results

The study included 7482 children (median [IQR] age at initial surgery, 6 [4-9] years; 3945 females [53%]) with IXT treated with horizontal muscle strabismus surgery. Bilateral lateral rectus recession was performed more frequently than RR (85.3% vs 14.7%, P < .001), especially in younger children (rates of BLR vs RR by age: age 0 to ≤4 years, 88.4% vs 11.6%; age 5 to ≤11 years, 84.7% vs 15.3%; age 12 to ≤17 years, 78.1% vs 21.9%; P < 0.001). After data adjustment, the 5-year cumulative incidence of reoperation was 21.3% (95% CI, 20.1%-22.5%). The adjusted 5-year cumulative incidence of reoperation was higher for BLR than for RR (22.2% vs 17.2%; difference, 4.9%; 95% CI, 1.9%-8.0%). Unilateral lateral rectus recession with medial rectus resection was associated with a lower 5-year reoperation risk compared with BLR (AHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.93). Younger age at time of initial surgery was associated with a higher reoperation risk (AHR per 1-year decrease, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07-1.11) after adjusting for all other covariates.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationwide registry, approximately 1 in 5 children with IXT underwent reoperation within 5 years after the initial surgery. Children treated with RR were less likely to require a reoperation within 5 years compared with those treated with BLR. Further efforts to identify modifiable risk factors for reoperation are needed to reduce the surgical burden and improve outcomes for children with IXT.

Patient and Visit Characteristics Associated With Otolaryngology Telemedicine Care

BACKGROUND

Clinicians are increasingly adopting telemedicine in an effort to expand patient access and efficiently deliver care. The degree of health disparities among patients receiving otolaryngologic telemedical care is unclear.

AIMS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study to explore disparities in telemedicine delivery.

METHODS

We evaluated otolaryngology clinical visits from January 2019 to November 2022. We obtained patient demographics and visit characteristics (e.g., subspecialty, telemedicine vs in-person). Our primary outcome was demographic characteristics of otolaryngology patients who received telemedicine vs in-person care during the study timeframe.

RESULTS

A total of 231,384 otolaryngology clinical visits were reviewed, of which 26,895 (11.6%) were telemedicine visits. Rhinology (36.5%) and facial plastics (28.4%) subspecialties performed the most telemedicine visits. On multivariate analysis, individuals who identified as Asian, non-English speaking, and with Medicare insurance were statistically significantly less likely to use telemedicine than in-person services.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that expanding telemedicine care may not improve access for all populations, and socioeconomic factors are important considerations to ensure patients are receiving equally accessible care. Futures studies are warranted to understand how these disparities may impact health outcomes and patient satisfaction with care.

United States Population Disparities in Ophthalmic Care: Blindness and Visual Impairment in the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight)

PURPOSE

To evaluate associations of patient characteristics with United States eye care use and likelihood of blindness.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (19 546 016) with 2018 visual acuity (VA) records in the American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight).

METHODS

Legal blindness (20/200 or worse) and visual impairment (VI; worse than 20/40) were identified from corrected distance acuity in the better-seeing eye and stratified by patient characteristics. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations with blindness and VI. Blindness was mapped by state and compared with population characteristics. Eye care use was analyzed by comparing population demographics with United States Census estimates and proportional demographic representation among blind patients versus a nationally representative US population sample (National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey [NHANES]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence and odds ratios for VI and blindness; proportional representation in the IRIS® Registry, Census, and NHANES by patient demographics.

RESULTS

Visual impairment was present in 6.98% (n = 1 364 935) and blindness in 0.98% (n = 190 817) of IRIS patients. Adjusted odds of blindness were highest among patients ≥ 85 years old (odds ratio [OR], 11.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.33-13.59 vs. those 0-17 years old). Blindness also was associated positively with rural location and Medicaid, Medicare, or no insurance vs. commercial insurance. Hispanic (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.46-1.74) and Black (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.63-1.84) patients showed a higher odds of blindness versus White non-Hispanic patients. Proportional representation in IRIS Registry relative to the Census was higher for White than Hispanic (2- to 4-fold) or Black (11%-85%) patients (P < 0.001). Blindness overall was less prevalent in NHANES than IRIS Registry; however, prevalence in adults aged 60+ was lowest among Black participants in the NHANES (0.54%) and second highest among comparable Black adults in IRIS (1.57%).

CONCLUSIONS

Legal blindness from low VA was present in 0.98% of IRIS patients and associated with rural location, public or no insurance, and older age. Compared with US Census estimates, minorities may be underrepresented among ophthalmology patients, and compared with NHANES population estimates, Black individuals may be overrepresented among blind IRIS Registry patients. These findings provide a snapshot of US ophthalmic care and highlight the need for initiatives to address disparities in use and blindness.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Effect of time to operative repair within twenty-four hours on visual acuity outcomes for open globe injuries

PURPOSE

Convention is to perform open globe injury (OGI) repair within 24 h to minimize risk of endophthalmitis. However, there are limited data assessing how time to operative repair (OR) within 24 h impacts postoperative visual acuity (VA).

METHODS

Manual retrospective chart review of 633 eyes at Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE) with a diagnosis of OGI between 2012 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were primary repair ≤ 24 h after injury and ≥1 month follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted with postoperative VA as primary outcome.

RESULTS

Of the subjects, 489 (77.3%) were male and 496 (78.4%) were white. Demographics of OGI wounds included 320 (50.6%) rupture and 313 (49.4%) laceration; 126 (19.9%) with rAPD, 189 (29.9%) zone 3 injuries, 449 (71.2%) uveal prolapse, and 110 (17.4%) intraocular foreign body. Final postoperative LogMAR VAs consisted of 31% with a VA < 1.7, 9% with a VA of 1.9, 18% with a VA of 2.3, 27% with a VA of 2.7, and 11% with a VA of 3.0. Multivariate analysis showed no significant correlation between time to OR and postoperative VA (p = 0.800) [95%CI: -0.01,0.01]. Older age (p < 0.001) [95%CI: 0.00,0.01], worse presenting VA (p < 0.001) [95%CI: 0.17,0.32], rAPD (p < 0.001) [95%CI: 0.65,1.0], mechanism of rupture (p < 0.001) [95%CI: 0.19,0.54], higher zone of injury (p < 0.001) [95%CI: 0.25,0.45], and uveal prolapse (p = 0.003) [95%CI: 0.09,0.42] were significantly associated with worse final VA.

CONCLUSIONS

Time to repair of OGIs within 24 h does not influence final VA. Optimization of surgical and patient factors may contribute more significantly to final VA than prioritizing more rapid time to OR.

Open-Globe Injury Repairs in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry 2014 - 2018: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Visual Outcomes

PURPOSE

To estimate incidence and evaluate demographic risk factors and visual acuity (VA) outcomes of open-globe injuries requiring surgical repair in the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with open-globe injury repairs (OGRs) were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes (65275, 65280, 65285, 65286, 65235, 65260, and 65265) from 2014 through 2018 in the IRIS Registry.

METHODS

Logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, United States region, concurrent and subsequent surgeries, and baseline VA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcomes included annual and 5-year incidence rates per 100 000 people and factors associated with OGR, VA better than 20/40, and VA of 20/200 or worse at final follow-up (3-12 months after OGR).

RESULTS

Thirteen thousand seven hundred sixty-six OGRs were identified; 5-year cumulative incidence was 28.0 per 100 000 patients. Open-globe repair was associated with age 21 to 40 years compared with younger than 21 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-1.7]), male sex (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.7-2.9), Black versus White race (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.4), Hispanic versus non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.6-1.8), and South (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.5) and West (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.4) versus Midwest regions and associated inversely with Asian versus White race (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.6-0.7). Visual acuity outcomes, analyzed in a subset of 2966 patients with VA data available, showed vision impairment (VA < 20/40) at final follow-up was associated with VA of 20/200 or worse at presentation (20/200 better than 20/40; OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 8.0-15.7), older age (e.g., > 80 years vs. < 21 years; OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 3.2-10.7), and Black versus White race (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6). Risk factors were similar for VA of 20/200 or worse after OGR. Among the 1063 patients undergoing OGR with VA of 20/200 or worse at presentation, VA did not improve to better than 20/200 at follow-up in 35% of patients (1063/2996).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings bring to light racial disparities in risk of OGR and poor visual outcomes that warrant further exploration.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Smoking Is Associated With a Higher Risk of Surgical Intervention for Thyroid Eye Disease in the IRIS Registry

PURPOSE

To describe the association of smoking status with surgical intervention for thyroid eye disease (TED) at the population-level.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

This study included all adults (aged ≥18 years) with Graves disease in the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry (January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020). The primary outcome was surgical intervention for TED, stratified into orbital decompression, strabismus surgery, and eyelid recession surgery. The Kaplan-Meier estimated 5-year cumulative probability for each surgical intervention was calculated. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between smoking status and each surgical intervention, adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and geographic region.

RESULTS

This study included 87,774 patients. Median age was 59 years (IQR, 48-68 years); 81% were female patients. Current smokers had a greater 5-year cumulative probability of orbital decompression (3.7% vs 1.9%; P < .001), strabismus surgery (4.6% vs 2.2%; P < .001), and eyelid recession (4.1% vs 2.6%; P < .001) compared to never smokers. After adjusting for demographic factors, current smokers were at greater risk for orbital decompression (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8-2.4; P < .001), strabismus surgery (HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.8-2.3; P < .001), and eyelid recession (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9; P < .001) than never smokers. Former smokers were at higher risk for each type of surgery for TED, albeit at lower levels than current smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking was associated with increased risk of surgical intervention for TED in the IRIS Registry. Former smokers were at a lower risk than current smokers, supporting the role of smoking cessation on lowering the burden of surgical disease at the population-level.

Factors Associated With Nasolacrimal Duct Probing Failure Among Children in the Intelligent Research in Sight Registry

Importance

Understanding the factors associated with nasolacrimal duct probing failure in young children may help inform practice patterns.

Objective

To identify factors associated with repeated nasolacrimal duct probing in young children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry for all children who underwent nasolacrimal duct probing before 4 years of age between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to assess the cumulative incidence of a repeated procedure within 2 years of the initial procedure. Hazard ratios (HRs) derived from multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between repeated probing and patient age, sex, race and ethnicity, geographic region, operative side, laterality of obstruction, type of initial procedure, and surgeon volume.

Results

This study included 19 357 children (9823 [50.7%] male; mean [SD] age, 1.40 [0.74] years) undergoing nasolacrimal duct probing. The cumulative incidence of repeated nasolacrimal duct probing was 7.2% (95% CI, 6.8%-7.5%) within 2 years of the initial procedure. Among 1333 repeated procedures, the second procedure involved silicone intubation in 669 (50.2%) and balloon catheter dilation in 256 (19.2%). Among 12 008 children aged 1 year or younger, office-based simple probing was associated with a slightly higher probability of reoperation compared with facility-based simple probing (9.5% [95% CI, 8.2%-10.8%] vs 7.1% [95% CI, 6.5%-7.7%]; P < .001). In the multivariable model, a greater risk of repeated probing was associated with bilateral obstruction (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.32-1.65; P < .001) and office-based simple probing (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13-1.55; P < .001), and a lower risk was associated with primary balloon catheter dilation (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56-0.85; P < .001) and procedures performed by high-volume surgeons (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.97; P = .02). Age, sex, race and ethnicity, geographic region, and operative side were not associated with reoperation risk in the multivariable model.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, most children in the IRIS Registry undergoing nasolacrimal duct probing before 4 years of age did not require any additional intervention. Factors associated with lower risk of reoperation include surgeon experience, probing performed under anesthesia, and primary balloon catheter dilation.

Effectiveness of Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery in the United States: Intelligent Research in Sight Registry Analysis 2013-2019

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) with and without concurrent phacoemulsification.

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry who underwent Xen gel stent (ab interno) implantation, endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP), or goniotomy or canaloplasty from 2013 through 2019.

METHODS

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess reoperation rates. We defined reoperation as any subsequent glaucoma surgery occurring 1 month to 3 years after the initial procedure. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine factors predictive of reoperation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reoperation rate, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity (VA), postoperative complications, predictors of reoperation, and reoperation procedure type.

RESULTS

A total of 79 363 eyes from 57 561 patients were included, with 15 118 eyes (19%) receiving stand-alone MIGS and 64 245 eyes (81%) receiving MIGS concurrent with phacoemulsification. Overall, patients who underwent MIGS concurrently with phacoemulsification showed lower reoperation rates compared with stand-alone MIGS, most pronounced in ECP and goniotomy or canaloplasty. At postoperative year 2, the cumulative reoperation rate for stand-alone procedures was 15% for ECP, 24% for Xen implantation, and 24% for goniotomy or canaloplasty compared with 3% for ECP, 19% for Xen implantation, and 6% for goniotomy or canaloplasty concurrent with phacoemulsification (P < 0.001 for each stand-alone MIGS vs. MIGS with phacoemulsification). Black race, older age, moderate and severe glaucoma, higher baseline IOP, and glaucoma subtype were associated with higher reoperation risk. Although IOP decreased in all groups, stand-alone MIGS showed a more substantial decrease in mean IOP. Complication rates from MIGS were low overall: 1% for ECP, 1% for Xen implantation, and 2% for goniotomy or canaloplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

In current United States clinical practice, MIGS has substantially lower reoperation rates when performed with phacoemulsification, especially for ECP and goniotomy or canaloplasty. Approximately one-sixth of patients undergoing stand-alone ECP and one-quarter of patients undergoing stand-alone Xen implantation or goniotomy or canaloplasty require reoperation by 2 years. Black race, diagnosis coding of moderate to severe glaucoma, and higher baseline IOP were associated with higher risk of reoperation after MIGS procedures.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Effectiveness of a telemedicine program for triage and diagnosis of emergent ophthalmic conditions

BACKGROUND

To study the utility of a teleophthalmology program to diagnose and triage common ophthalmic complaints presenting to an ophthalmic emergency room.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study of 258 eyes of 129 patients presenting to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Emergency Ward (MEE EW) who completed a questionnaire to gather chief complaint (CC), history of present illness, and medical history. Anterior and posterior segment photographs were collected via iPhone 5 C camera and a Canon non-mydriatic fundus camera, respectively. Ophthalmic vital signs were collected. All information was reviewed remotely by three ophthalmologists; a diagnosis and urgency designation were recorded. The remote assessment was compared to gold standard in-person assessment.

RESULTS

The 129 recruited patients collectively contributed 220 visual complaints, of which 121 (55%) were from females with mean age 56.5 years (range 24-89). Sensitivities and specificities for telemedical triage were as follows: eye pain (n = 56; sensitivity: 0.58, CI [0.41, 0.74]; specificity: 0.91, CI [0.80, 1]), eye redness (n = 54; 0.68, CI [0.50, 0.86]; 0.93, CI [0.84, 1]), blurry vision (n = 68; 0.73, CI [0.60, 0.86]; 0.91, CI [0.80, 1]), and eyelid complaints (n = 42; 0.67, CI [0.43, 0.91]; 0.96, CI [0.89, 1]). The remote diagnostic accuracies, as stratified by CC, were eye pain (27/56; 48.21%), eye redness: (32/54; 59.26%), blurry vision: (30/68; 44.11%), eyelid (24/42; 57.14%).

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedical examination of emergent ophthalmic complaints consisting of a patient questionnaire, anterior segment and fundus photos, and ophthalmic vital signs, may be useful to reliably triage eye disease based on presenting complaint.

Bias and Non-Diversity of Big Data in Artificial Intelligence: Focus on Retinal Diseases

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare will have a potentially far-reaching impact on patient care, however issues regarding algorithmic bias and fairness have recently surfaced. There is a recognized lack of diversity in the available ophthalmic datasets, with 45% of the global population having no readily accessible representative images, leading to potential misrepresentations of their unique anatomic features and ocular pathology. AI applications in retinal disease may show less accuracy with underrepresented populations that may further widen the gap of health inequality if left unaddressed. Beyond disease symptomatology, social determinants of health must be integrated into our current paradigms of disease understanding, with the goal of more personalized care. AI has the potential to decrease global healthcare inequality, but it will need to be based on a more diverse, transparent and responsible use of healthcare data.

Effectiveness of Trabeculectomy and Tube Shunt with versus without Concurrent Phacoemulsification: Intelligent Research in Sight Registry Longitudinal Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery performed with concurrent phacoemulsification compared with stand-alone procedures.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in the Intelligent Research in Sight Registry who underwent trabeculectomy or GDD from 2013 through 2019.

METHODS

The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine reoperation rates. Reoperation was defined as any subsequent glaucoma surgery occurring 1 month to 3 years after the initial procedure. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine reoperation risk factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reoperation rate, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, reoperation procedure type, postoperative complications, and predictors of surgical failure.

RESULTS

A total of 117 697 eyes undergoing glaucoma surgery alone and 35 657 eyes undergoing surgery with phacoemulsification were included. The cumulative reoperation rates at postoperative years 1 and 3 were 4.9% and 11.5%, respectively, for trabeculectomy alone and 3.0% and 7.3%, respectively, for trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification (P < 0.001). The reoperation rates at postoperative 1 and 3 years were 3.8% and 7.8%, respectively, for GDD alone and 2.1% and 5.4%, respectively, for GDD with phacoemulsification (P < 0.001). Stand-alone procedures achieved greater IOP reduction by percentage change from baseline (trabeculectomy alone, 35.3% vs. trabeculectomy with phacoemulsification, 23.1%, P < 0.001; and GDD alone, 36.0% vs. GDD with phacoemulsification, 29.3%; P < 0.001). Visual acuity improved by 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.12) and 0.10 logMAR (95% CI, 0.08-0.11) after trabeculectomy and GDD with phacoemulsification and declined by 0.15 logMAR (95% CI, 0.14-0.15) and 0.12 logMAR (95% CI, 0.11-0.12) after stand-alone trabeculectomy and GDD. The overall documented complication rate was 2.9% for GDD and 1.4% for trabeculectomy. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline IOP, and glaucoma diagnosis and severity were associated with surgical failure risk. The most common reoperation procedure was GDD.

CONCLUSIONS

Reoperation rates within the first 3 years after trabeculectomy and GDD with and without phacoemulsification were low. Trabeculectomy and GDD with phacoemulsification had lower reoperation rates than those with stand-alone procedures. However, stand-alone procedures resulted in greater IOP reduction compared with combined procedures. Postoperative complications were uncommon overall. Patient age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline IOP, and glaucoma diagnosis and severity were associated with surgical success.

Association Between Parental Leave and Ophthalmology Resident Physician Performance

Importance

Although parental leave is essential in enhancing resident wellness and fostering inclusive workplace environments, residents may often feel discouraged from using parental leave owing to perceived stigma and concerns about possible negative effects on their training.

Objective

To examine parental leave usage across multiple institutions and compare residency performance metrics between residents who took parental leave vs their peers who did not take leave.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted from April 1, 2020, to July 28, 2022, of educational records. Multicenter data were obtained from 10 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited ophthalmology programs across the US. Included ophthalmology residents graduated between 2015 and 2019. Data were analyzed from August 15, 2021, to July 25, 2022.

Exposures

Performance metrics of residents who used parental leave during residency were compared with those of residents who did not take parental leave.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Measures of performance included the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) scores, ACGME milestones scores, board examination pass rates, research activity, and surgical volumes.

Results

Of the 283 ophthalmology residents (149 male [52.7%]) included in the study, 44 (15.5%) took a median (IQR) parental leave of 4.5 (2-6) weeks. There were no differences in average OKAP percentiles, research activity, average ACGME milestones scores, or surgical volume between residents who took parental leave and those who did not. Residents who pursued fellowship were less likely to have taken parental leave (odds ratio [OR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27-0.68; P < .001), and residents who practiced in private settings after residency were more likely to have taken parental leave (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.79-7.08; P < .001). When stratified by sex, no differences were identified in performance between female residents who took parental leave compared with residents who did not take leave, except a mild surgical number difference in 1 subspecialty category of keratorefractive procedures (difference in median values, -2; 95% CI, -3.7 to -0.3; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multicenter cross-sectional study, no differences in performance metrics were identified between residents taking parental leave compared with their peers. These findings may provide reassurance to trainees and program directors regarding the unlikelihood, on average, that taking adequate parental leave will affect performance metrics adversely.

Risk Factors Associated With Pterygium Reoperation in the IRIS Registry

This cohort study used data from the IRIS Registry to assess the risk factors associated with pterygium reoperation.

Race and Ethnicity Differences in Disease Severity and Visual Field Progression Among Glaucoma Patients

PURPOSE

Investigate associations of race/ethnicity and preferred language with baseline glaucoma severity, VF test frequency and disease progression.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients receiving VF testing at a tertiary eyecare center between 1998 and 2020 with self-identified race, ethnicity and preferred language were included. Outcome measures were VF MD and age at first visit, VF test frequency, VF MD progression.

RESULTS

Among 29,891 patients with VF measurements between 1998 and 2020, 55.1% were female, 71.0% self-identified as White/Caucasian, 14.0% as Black/African American, 7.4% as Asian and 6.4% as Hispanic, and 11.2% preferred a language other than English. Mean VF MD at presentation was worse among Black (-9.3±9.7 dB), Asian (-6.2±7.6 dB) and Hispanic (-8.3±9.3 dB) patients (vs. Whites [-5.5±7.3 dB, p<0.001] or non-Hispanics [-6.2±7.8 dB, p<0.001]). After controlling for age, gender and English proficiency, disparities in glaucoma severity at presentation were reduced, especially among Asian and Hispanic patients. Despite greater severity at presentation, Black patients had lower VF test frequency/person-years (1.07±0.53) compared to Whites (1.12±0.52, p=0.006) and worse VF MD progression (-0.43 dB/year, 95% CI -0.67 to -0.28, p<0.001). In contrast, Hispanics had a higher VF frequency vs. non-Hispanics (1.18±0.64 vs. 1.11±0.52, p<0.001), and no difference in VF progression (p=0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Black, Asian and Hispanic patients had greater baseline severity vs. Whites. Unlike other groups, Black patients had a lower VF frequency vs. Whites and greater VF progression. Disparities in baseline severity were partially explained by English proficiency, especially for Asian and Hispanic patients.

Adjustable Suture Technique Is Associated with Fewer Strabismus Reoperations in the Intelligent Research in Sight Registry

PURPOSE

To compare the reoperation rates after strabismus surgery with and without the adjustable suture technique.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 18 years of age or older in the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry who underwent strabismus surgery between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018.

METHODS

Data were collected from the electronic health records of practices participating in the IRIS Registry. The primary exposure of interest was use of the adjustable suture technique, identified by Current Procedural Terminology coding.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was repeat strabismus surgery within 1 year of initial strabismus surgery. Odds ratios (ORs) were derived from a multivariable logistic regression model evaluating the association between the use of adjustable sutures and reoperation rate, adjusting for patient demographics and surgical factors.

RESULTS

A total of 34 872 patients who underwent strabismus surgery during the study interval were identified: 72% underwent horizontal muscle surgery, 17% underwent vertical muscle surgery, and 11% underwent combined horizontal and vertical muscle surgery. Adjustable sutures were used in 18% of patients. The overall reoperation rate within 1 year of strabismus surgery was 7.7%. The 1-year reoperation rate was 6.0% for patients treated with adjustable sutures and 8.1% for patients treated without adjustable sutures (P < 0.001). The multivariable regression model revealed a statistically significant 30% decrease in the odds of reoperation within 1 year of surgery when adjustable sutures were used (OR, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-0.78), a 40% increase in those with a history of prior strabismus surgery (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.28-1.53), and a 9% increase per decade of age at surgery (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.11).

CONCLUSIONS

In adults cared for in practices participating in the IRIS Registry, the adjustable suture technique was associated with a significantly lower reoperation rate within 1 year of undergoing horizontal or combined horizontal and vertical strabismus surgery. Adjustable suture use in vertical strabismus surgery alone did not reduce the 1-year reoperation rate significantly. A history of prior strabismus surgery was associated with increased odds of reoperation.

Active Learning to Characterize the Full Contrast Sensitivity Function in Cataracts

Background

To characterize contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in cataractous and pseudophakic eyes compared to healthy control eyes using a novel quantitative CSF test with active learning algorithms.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study at an academic medical center. CSF was measured in eyes with visually significant cataract, at least 2+ nuclear sclerosis (NS) and visual acuity (VA) ≥ 20/50, in pseudophakic eyes and in healthy controls with no more than 1+ NS and no visual complaints, using the Manifold Contrast Vision Meter. Outcomes included Area under the Log CSF (AULCSF) and CS thresholds at 1, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree (cpd). A subgroup analysis as performed on cataract eyes with VA ≥ 20/25.

Results

A total of 167 eyes were included, 58 eyes in the cataract group, 77 controls, and 32 pseudophakic eyes with respective median AULCSF of 1.053 (0.352) vs 1.228 (0.318) vs 1.256 (0.360). In our multivariate regression model, cataract was associated with significantly reduced AULCSF (P= 0.04, β= −0.11) and contrast threshold at 6 cpd (P= 0.01, β= −0.16) compared to controls. Contrast threshold at 6 cpd was significantly reduced even in the subgroup of cataractous eyes with VA ≥ 20/25 (P=0.02, β=−0.16).

Conclusion

The novel qCSF test detected disproportionate significant contrast deficits at 6 cpd in cataract eyes; this remained significant even in the cataractous eyes with VA ≥ 20/25. CSF testing may enhance cataract evaluation and surgical decision-making, particularly in patients with subjective visual complaints despite good VA.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma Drainage Device Revision or Removal Using the IRIS Registry

PURPOSE

To elucidate risk factors for revision or removal of glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) in glaucoma patients in the United States.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) patients who underwent GDD insertion between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018 were included. Various demographic and clinical factors were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival plots, Cox proportional-hazard models utilizing Firth's Penalized Likelihood, and multivariate linear regression models were used. The main outcome measures were hazard ratios (HR) and beta coefficient (β) estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 44,330 distinct patients underwent at least 1 GDD implantation, and 3354 of these underwent subsequent GDD revision or removal surgery. With failure defined as GDD revision/removal, factors significantly associated with decreased failure included unknown race (HR = 0.83; P = .004) and unknown ethnicity (HR = 0.68; P < .001). Factors associated with increased risk of GDD revision/removal surgery included presence of chronic angle-closure glaucoma (HR = 1.32; P < .001) and dry eye disease (HR = 1.30; P = .007). Additionally, factors associated with a decreased average time (in days) to GDD revision/removal included male sex (β = -25.96; P = .044), unknown race (β = -55.28; P = .013), and right-eye laterality (β = -38.67; P = .026). Factors associated with an increased average time to GDD revision/removal included having a history of a past eye procedure (β = 104.83; P < .001) and being an active smoker (β = 38.15; P = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

The size and scope of the IRIS Registry allows for detection of subtle associations between risk factors and GDD revision or removal surgery. The aforementioned demographic and clinical factors may all have an impact on GDD longevity and can inform the treatment options available for glaucoma patients.

Telemedicine Curriculum in an Ophthalmology Residency Program

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in the field of ophthalmology. Despite the increasing utilization of telemedicine, there is a lack of formal training in ophthalmology residency programs to ensure ophthalmologists are prepared to conduct virtual eye exams.

Objective This article aims to assess the impact of an ophthalmic telemedicine curriculum on ophthalmology residents' self-reported knowledge acquisition in conducting telemedicine eye exams, perceived ability to diagnose, manage, and triage common eye diseases, and evaluate their attitudes toward the current and future use of teleophthalmology.

Methods This single-center study at Massachusetts Eye and Ear used a nonvalidated pre- and postcurriculum survey conducted during the 2020 to 2021 academic year among ophthalmology residents. Participants engaged in an ophthalmic telemedicine curriculum that consisted of interactive didactic lectures and electronic postdidactic assessments.

Results Twenty-four residents (100%) completed a precurriculum survey, while 23 of 24 (95.8%) residents completed both the telemedicine curriculum and a postcurriculum survey. On a five-point Likert scale, the median interquartile range (IQR) scores for confidence with setup/logistics, history taking, examination, documentation, and education increased from 2.5 (2.0–4.0) to 4.0 (3.5–4.5) (p = 0.001), 3.0 (3.0–4.0) to 5.0 (4.0–5.0) (p < 0.001), 2.0 (1.8–2.0) to 4.0 (3.5–4.0) (p < 0.001), 2.0 (1.0–2.0) to 4.0 (3.0–4.0) (p < 0.001), and 2.5 (2.0–3.0) to 4.0 (4.0–4.0) (p < 0.001), respectively. The median (IQR) scores for comfort with ethics/professionalism, disparities and conducting patient triage, diagnosis, and management increased from 2.0 (2.0–2.3) to 4.0 (3.0–4.0) (p < 0.001), 2.0 (2.0–2.0) to 3.0 (3.0–4.0) (p < 0.001) and 3.0 (2.0–3.0) to 4.0 (3.0–4.0) (p = 0.001), 2.0 (2.0–3.0) to 3.0 (3.0–4.0) (p < 0.001), and 3.0 (2.0–3.0) to 3.0 (3.0–4.0) (p = 0.008), respectively.

Conclusion The implementation of an ophthalmic telemedicine curriculum increased resident confidence and self-reported knowledge across all logistical and clinical components of virtual ophthalmic care. Formal telehealth curricula can address an unmet educational need of resident trainees in an era of rapid uptake and utilization of telehealth services.

The impact of COVID-19 on ophthalmology resident surgical experience: a retrospective cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant disruption to in-office and surgical procedures in the field of ophthalmology. The magnitude of the impact of the pandemic on surgical training among ophthalmology residents is not known. This study aims to quantify changes in average case logs among United States (U.S.) ophthalmology residency graduates prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of aggregate, national data on case logs of U.S. ophthalmology residency graduates from 2012 to 2020. The yearly percent change in the average number of procedures performed in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) ophthalmology resident case logs were analyzed using linear regression on log-transformed dependent variables. The average percent change from 2019 to 2020 was compared to the average yearly percent change from 2012 to 2019 for procedures performed as the primary surgeon, and primary surgeon and surgical assistant (S + A), as well as procedures for which there are ACGME minimum graduating numbers.

RESULTS

Across all procedures and roles, average case logs in 2020 were lower than the averages in 2019. While average total cases logged as primary surgeon increased yearly by 3.2% (95% CI: 2.7, 3.8%, p < 0.001) from 2012 to 2019, total primary surgeon case logs decreased by 11.2% from 2019 to 2020. Cataract (-22.0%) and keratorefractive (-21.1%) surgery experienced the greatest percent decrease in average primary surgeon cases logged from 2019 to 2020. Average total cases logged as S + A experienced an average yearly increase by 1.2% (95% CI: 0.9,1.6%, p < 0.001) prior to 2020, but decreased by 9.6% from 2019 to 2020. For ACGME minimum requirements, similar changes were observed. Specifically, the average case logs in YAG, SLT, filtering (glaucoma), and intravitreal injections had been increasing significantly prior to 2020 (p < 0.05 for all) but decreased in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the vulnerability of ophthalmology residency programs to a significant interruption in surgical volume. There is a critical need for development of competency-based, rather than volume-based, requirements to evaluate readiness for independent practice.

A Retrospective Study of Disparities in an Academic Ophthalmic Emergency Department

Purpose Emergency medicine is a common access point to health care; disparities in this care by demographic characteristics, including race and ethnicity, may affect outcomes. The Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE) Emergency Department (ED) is a subspecialty emergency department; data from this site can be utilized to better understand social determinants of quality ophthalmic care.

Design This is a retrospective cross sectional cohort study in the MEE ED examining patient visits from June 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019.

Methods Using the electronic medical record system, all unique visits were identified between June 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019 (inclusive); patient demographics (sex, race, ethnicity [Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic], primary care provider [PCP] status, insurance type, zip code, primary language), date of visit, triage category and outcomes (final diagnosis, visit duration, and next visit at MEE within 3 months of the ED visit) were collected. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to visualize likelihood of follow-up visit to MEE for urgent patients based on demographics. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine factors affecting visit durations, as stratified by urgency, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to establish hazard ratios for next visit to MEE.

Results Of the 46,248 ophthalmology ED initial visits, only triage status, season of visit, out-of-state residency, Medicare coverage, and Medicaid coverage led to statistically significant differences in visit durations for urgent visits compared with the respective reference groups. Similar trends persisted within the non-urgent visit cohort for visit durations. Residency, insurance coverage, season of visit, race, PCP status, and sex were identified as statistically significant predictors of the likelihood of a follow-up visit.

Conclusion Data from an ophthalmic emergency department suggest that demographic factors do impact patient visit duration and time to follow-up visit. These findings suggest a continued need for attention to social determinants of health and equitable care of patients within ophthalmology.

Association of Patient Characteristics With Delivery of Ophthalmic Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Importance

Telemedicine has been shown to have had reduced uptake among historically marginalized populations within multiple medical specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic. An evaluation of health disparities among patients receiving ophthalmic telemedical care during the pandemic is needed.

Objective

To evaluate disparities in the delivery of ophthalmic telemedicine at Massachusetts Eye and Ear (MEE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed clinical visits at a single tertiary eye care center (MEE) from January 1 to December 31, 2020. Patients who had ophthalmology and optometry clinical visits at the MEE during the study period were included.

Exposures

Telemedicine vs in-person clinical encounters.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Variables associated with use of ophthalmic telemedicine during the study period.

Results

A total of 2262 telemedicine ophthalmic encounters for 1911 patients were included in the analysis. The median age of the patients was 61 (interquartile range, 43-72) years, and 1179 (61.70%) were women. With regard to race and ethnicity, 87 patients (4.55%) identified as Asian; 128 (6.70%), as Black or African American; 23 (1.20%), as Hispanic or Latino; and 1455 (76.14%), as White. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with decreased receipt of telemedical care included male sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.96), Black race (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56-0.86), not speaking English (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.81), educational level of high school or less (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97), and age (OR per year of age, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.989-0.998). When comparing telephone- and video-based telemedicine visits, decreased participation in video-based visits was associated with age (OR per year of age, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98), educational level of high school or less (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29-0.99), being unemployed (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.68), being retired (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.42), or having a disability (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.04-0.23).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study, though limited to retrospective data from a single university-based practice, suggest that historically marginalized populations were less likely to receive ophthalmic telemedical care compared with in-person care during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Understanding the causes of these disparities might help those who need access to virtual care.

Usage Patterns of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) Differ by Glaucoma Type: IRIS Registry Analysis 2013-2018

Purpose: To examine patterns of standard (trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage devices, GDDs) vs novel (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, MIGS) surgical techniques in the US.Methods: We used the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) queried between 2013 and 2018 (inclusive) to calculate the cumulative proportion of stand-alone, concurrent (same day) or sequential (subsequent day) glaucoma surgical techniques performed in each glaucoma diagnosis type. Secondary analyses of adjusted proportions of concurrent and sequential surgeries stratified by glaucoma diagnosis were also performed.Results: Of 203,146 eyes receiving glaucoma surgeries, open angle glaucoma (OAG) was most likely to undergo all types of intervention. The iStent was the most commonly performed MIGS, primarily for those with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) or OAG (p < .001). Conversely, GDD was the most commonly performed procedure in secondary glaucoma or other (specified) glaucoma (p < .001). ECP and iStent were the most common concurrent procedures performed; most often for OAG and NTG (p < .001). After an initial standard surgery, most eyes underwent recurrent standard interventions (90.3%). ECP was the most common MIGS performed after an initial standard surgery; particularly in primary angle-closure (PACG) and secondary glaucoma eyes (p < .001).Conclusion: Glaucoma type may influence the choice of glaucoma procedures and the decision to perform concurrent as well sequential surgical procedures. Given the poorly understood long term safety and effectiveness of MIGS, and with substantially increasing use of MIGS procedures in recent years, future studies comparing their safety and effectiveness vs standard interventions, for a variety of glaucoma types, is needed.

A Review of Ophthalmic Telemedicine for Emergency Department Settings

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting to emergency departments for ophthalmic emergencies benefit from prompt evaluation. However, Few emergency departments (EDs) have ophthalmologists on call, and eye care provided in EDs without ophthalmic services can be inaccurate.

METHODS

We review the current state of ophthalmic telemedical care in EDs and highlight important considerations when implementing telemedicine in this setting.

RESULTS

Telemedicine allows ophthalmologists to work with on-site emergency care providers to interview and examine patients remotely in EDs, enabling proper assessment of patient history, visual acuity, pupils, intraocular pressure, as well as the anterior and posterior segment. To date, patients' perceptions of this new model of care have been largely positive.

DISCUSSION

The use of telemedical consultations for remote evaluation of patients with ophthalmic complaints stands to improve the quality of care provided to patients and extend the reach of remote ophthalmologists. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of in-person care further highlights the potential for telemedicine to augment existing models of emergency care.

Trends and Usage Patterns of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery in the United States: IRIS® Registry Analysis 2013-2018

PURPOSE

Understanding trends and patterns in the use of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and patient profiles undergoing each procedure is important given their relative expense and unknown long-term safety and effectiveness.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries and standard glaucoma surgeries recorded in the American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry.

METHODS

We used the data from IRIS® Registry between 2013 and 2018 (inclusive) to measure the annual number of MIGS and standard surgical techniques (trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage device [GDD] placement) performed in the United States, stratified by demographic characteristics. Secondary analyses of concurrent surgeries and of subsequent surgeries for MIGS and standard surgical technique also were conducted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Trends and sociodemographic characteristics of MIGS use in the United States.

RESULTS

Two hundred three thousand three hundred thirty-two eyes and 232 537 unique procedures had associated, documented International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), Ninth or Tenth Revision, codes for glaucoma and were included in final analyses. Among eyes with documented glaucoma diagnoses, a substantial increase in annual MIGS procedures occurred over the study period (from 7586 in 2013 to 39 677) and a smaller decrease in standard glaucoma procedures (from 16 215 to 13 701). The proportion of iStent procedures almost tripled during the study period (from 14% to 40%), and by 2017 accounted for almost half (43.7%) of all glaucoma surgeries in the United States. Twenty-one thousand twenty-five of all eyes (10.3%) underwent multiple procedures: 7638 (36.3%) on the same day and 13 387 (63.7%) on subsequent days. Endocyclophotocoagulation and iStent placement were the most common concurrent procedures (55.4% of all concurrent procedures). Trabeculectomy and GDD placement were most commonly followed by another standard glaucoma surgery, but when followed by sequential MIGS, endocyclophotocoagulation and goniotomy were the most common procedures performed (33.0% and 21.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant increase in MIGS use occurred over the recent 6-year period, despite limited evidence of their long-term safety or effectiveness, highlighting the need for trials comparing safety and outcomes of novel MIGS versus traditional surgical treatments for glaucoma.

Anterior Segment Imaging Devices in Ophthalmic Telemedicine

Obtaining a clear assessment of the anterior segment is critical for disease diagnosis and management in ophthalmic telemedicine. The anterior segment can be imaged with slit lamp cameras, robotic remote controlled slit lamps, cell phones, cell phone adapters, digital cameras, and webcams, all of which can enable remote care. The ability of these devices to identify various ophthalmic diseases has been studied, including cataracts, as well as abnormalities of the ocular adnexa, cornea, and anterior chamber. This article reviews the current state of anterior segment imaging for the purpose of ophthalmic telemedical care.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmic Care at an Eye-Specific Emergency Department in an Outbreak Hotspot

PURPOSE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing concern that patients are forgoing necessary care. Emergency departments (ED) represent an important site of eye care. We analyzed patterns of ED visits at an eye-specific ED since the declaration of the public health crisis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective, cross-sectional single center study, medical records of 6744 patients who presented to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear ED between March 1st and April 30th in 2018, 2019, and 2020 were studied. The primary outcome measures were total volume of ED visits, proportion of urgent ED visits, and proportion of surgical visits.

RESULTS

Overall, the median number of daily visits to the ED decreased by 18 visits per day since the declaration of public health guidelines (interquartile range, 9-24, p < 0.001). This accounted for a 32% decrease in the total volume of ED visits in 2020 compared to prior years during the study period (p < 0.001). There was a 9% increase in the proportion of primary diagnoses considered urgent (p = 0.002). The proportion of visits requiring urgent surgery increased by 39% (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The total number of eye-specific ED visits dropped compared to prior years while the proportion of urgent visits increased. Patients were likely more reluctant to seek eye care, deferring less urgent evaluation.

Optimization of cataract surgery follow-up: A standard set of questions can predict unexpected management changes at postoperative week one

Purpose

There is limited evidence to inform the optimal follow-up schedule after cataract surgery. This study aims to determine whether a standardized question set can predict unexpected management changes (UMCs) at the postoperative week one (POW1) timepoint.

Setting

Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Two-hundred-and-fifty-four consecutive phacoemulsification cases having attended an examination between postoperative days 5–14. A set of 7 ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions were administered to all participants by a technician at the POW1 visit. Patient answers along with perioperative patient information were recorded and analyzed. Outcomes were the incidence of UMCs at POW1.

Results

The incidence of UMCs was zero in uneventful cataract cases with unremarkable history and normal postoperative day one exam if no positive answers were given with the question set demonstrating 100% sensitivity (p<0.0001). A test version with 5 questions was equally sensitive in detecting UMCs at POW1 after cataract surgery.

Conclusion

In routine cataract cases with no positive answers to the current set of clinical questions, a POW1 visit is unlikely to result in a management change. This result offers the opportunity for eye care providers to risk-stratify patients who have had cataract surgery and individualize follow-up.

Outcomes in resident-performed cataract surgeries with iris challenges: Results from the Perioperative Care for Intraocular Lens study

PURPOSE

To assess the outcomes of resident-performed cataract surgeries with iris challenges and to compare these outcomes with similar surgeries performed by attending surgeons.

SETTING

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

All cases of cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, performed by comprehensive ophthalmologists between January 1 and December 31, 2014, were reviewed. Cases with preoperative or intraoperative miosis, iris prolapse, and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, were included for analysis. Visual outcomes and the rate of perioperative adverse events were compared between resident and attending surgeon cases. Factors predicting adverse events were also assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 1931 eye cases of 1434 patients were reviewed, and 65 resident cases and 168 attending surgeon cases were included. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution corrected distance visual acuity was better in the resident group 1 month after surgery (0.051 ± 0.10 [SD] versus 0.132 ± 0.30, P = .03); however, the difference was eliminated when controlling for macular disease. The mean operative time was 43.8 ± 26.5 minutes and 30.9 ± 12.6 minutes for cases performed by resident surgeons and attending surgeons, respectively (P  .0001). Residents utilized supplemental pharmacologic dilation or retraction more frequently than attending surgeons (98% versus 87% of cases, P = .008). The overall rate of adverse events was no different between residents and attending surgeons (P = 0.16). Dense nuclear sclerosis predicted adverse events in cataract cases with iris challenges (adjusted odds ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.94; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Although requiring longer operative times and more surgical manipulation, residents who performed cataract surgeries with iris challenges achieved outcomes comparable to those performed by attending surgeons, and residents should be given the opportunity to operate on these eyes.

An evidence-based approach to surgical teaching in ophthalmology

An apprenticeship model has traditionally been used in procedural and surgical teaching. As the pressures of work hours and patient outcome monitoring increase, surgical teachers need a more flexible plan for teaching procedural skills. We attempt to delineate a program of preprocedural, intraprocedural, and postprocedural teaching that can be used in the field of ophthalmology to maximize a resident's skill acquisition in a constructive learning environment. We review the literature on surgical teaching from within ophthalmology as well as other surgical fields and combine this with teaching experience in an ophthalmic surgical training program to produce a collection of procedural teaching guidelines. These guidelines are structured to serve in both individual teaching settings and in curriculum design.