Abstract:AIM: To report 5 cases with drug-induced bilateral acute ciliochoroidal effusion(DBACE)and myopic shift, with or without ocular hypertension(OHT), summarize patients' clinical characteristics and recovery process of DBACE, and investigate the possible pathophysiological mechanism.

METHODS:A retrospective observational case study conducted from June 2017 to February 2021. The included patients were subjected to a series of ocular examinations listed as follows: 1)best corrected visual acuity; 2)intraocular pressure(IOP); 3)slit-lamp microscopy; 4)fundus photography; 5)ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM); 6)subjective optometry; 7)axial length and anterior chamber depth. All patients were followed up every 2d until the diopters were completely restored to the state before the disease onset.

RESULTS:In total, 5 patients aged 10-45 years old, including 3 female and 2 male patients, were enrolled in this study. All patients were bilaterally involved(5/5), and had myopic shift(5/5), of whom 3 patients had OHT(3/5). With the increase of age, myopic shift decreased, while OHT increased. Based on OHT, the dynamic aggravation process of DBACE was subdivided into 2 stages, stage 1(myopic shift without OHT)and stage 2(myopic shift with OHT). With the deterioration of DBACE, when myopic shift approached or exceeded the minimum amplitude of accommodation(MAA), IOP gradually rose, and DBACE progressed from stage 1 to stage 2. With the recovery of DBACE after discontinuing the suspicious drugs, DBACE in stage 2 first returned to stage 1, and then returned to normal.

CONCLUSION:Pathophysiological mechanism of DBACE was subdivided into 2 stages, including stage 1(myopic shift without OHT)and stage 2(myopic shift with OHT). The transition between the two stages depends on the imbalance between myopic shift and MAA.

Abstract:AIM:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of curcumin on apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)in chronic ocular hypertension rats.

METHODS:A total of 21 Spraque-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into 3 groups with 7 rats in each group. The rat models of chronic ocular hypertension were established by cauterization of the superior scleral veins in the high intraocular pressure model group and the curcumin treatment group, and the sham operation group only cut the conjunctiva without the cauterization of the superior scleral veins; the rats in the curcumin treatment group were intragastrically treated with curcumin at a dose of 4mL/kg, and the rats in the sham operation group and the high intraocular pressure model group were treated with pure water at a dose of 4mL/kg for 3wk. After 3wk, HE staining was used to observe the morphological and pathological changes of retina, the number of RGCs and the thickness of ganglion cell layer(GCL)in each group of rats; TUNEL staining was used to observe the apoptosis of RGCs and retinal cells in each group of rats; the expression levels of glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit(GCLM)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in the retina of each group of rats were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.

RESULTS:Compared with the sham operation group, the retinal morphology of rats in the high intraocular pressure model group and the curcumin treatment group was disorganized, the number of RGCs was reduced, the GCL was thinner, the apoptosis rate of RGCs and retinal cells increased, and the expression levels of GCLM and HO-1 increased. Compared with the high intraocular pressure model group, the retinal morphology of rats in the curcumin treatment group was basically normal, the number of RGCs increased, the GCL thickened, the apoptosis rate of RGCs and retinal cells decreased, and the expression levels of GCLM and HO-1 increased.

CONCLUSION:Curcumin can inhibit the apoptosis of RGCs in the rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by up-regulating the expression of antioxidant genes GCLM and HO-1.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the characteristics of microperimetry in patients with glaucoma, and investigate the correlation between microperimetry and best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), standard automatic perimetry and optical coherence tomography(OCT)index.

METHODS: This case-control study included 45 patients(76 eyes)with glaucoma(glaucoma group), among which 15 patients(25 eyes)with primary open-angle glaucoma and 30 patients(51 eyes)with chronic angle-closure glaucoma, and 40 healthy individuals(76 eyes)were included in the control group. MAIA microperimetry, Humphrey perimetry, and BCVA tests were performed in all examined eyes. Correlation analysis was performed using the structural indices measured by OCT.

RESULTS: The mean sensitivity(MS)in macular area measured by microperimetry and the ganglion cell complex(GCC)and retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness measured by OCT were decreased in glaucoma patients when compared to the control group. Additionally, the mean defect(MD)measured by Humphrey perimetry(10-2 visual field test), focal loss volume(FLV), global loss volume(GLV)measured by OCT, and 63% bivariate contour ellipse area(BCEA )measured by MAIA microperimetry were higher than those of the control group. The MS was negatively correlated with MD, FLV, GLV and BCVA(LogMAR)in the glaucoma group(r_s=-0.839, -0.665, -0.530, and -0.424, all P<0.01). In contrast, MS was positively correlated with GCC and RNFL in the glaucoma group(r_s=0.437, 0.500, all P<0.01). MAIA microperimetry had a shorter detection time. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that MAIA microperimetry had moderate accuracy for the diagnosis of glaucoma.

CONCLUSIONS: MAIA microperimetry has high sensitivity and can detect retinal sensitivity reduction in areas of structural damage tested by OCT. The microperimetry values were correlated with BCVA, standard automatic perimetry parameters, and OCT parameters. MAIA microperimetry combined with OCT will increase the early diagnosis rate of glaucoma.

Abstract:AIM: To analyze the efficacy and safety of safflor yellow injection combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drug in the treatment of non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO).

METHODS: A total of 91 patients(91 eyes)with non-ischemic CRVO complicated with macular edema who were treated in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from April 2017 to December 2021 were selected. They were randomly divided into observation group, with 47 cases(47 eyes)treated with safflor yellow injection combined with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, and control group with 44 cases(44 eyes)who were treated with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Followed-up for 11mo, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and macular central retinal thickness(CRT)of the two groups were observed and the cases of complete absorption of retinal hemorrhage, the times of anti-VEGF drug injections, the cases of ischemic CRVO, and the occurrence of systemic or ocular complications were recorded.

RESULTS: At 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11mo after treatment, the BCVA and CRT in both groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment, and BCVA and CRT in the observation group were superior to the control group at 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11mo after treatment(all P<0.05). At 5, 7, 9 and 11mo after treatment, the complete absorption rate of retinal hemorrhage in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). During the follow-up period, the anti-VEGF drug injection in the observation group was significantly less than that in the control group(4.83±1.05 vs. 5.75±1.01, P<0.05), and the incidence of ischemic CRVO was significantly lower than that in the control group(21% vs. 86%, P<0.05), and there were no treatment-related systemic and ocular complications in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Safflor yellow injection combined with anti-VEGF drugs is a safe and effective method for the treatment of non-ischemic CRVO, which can significantly improve vision and reduce CRT. It can increase the complete absorption rate of retinal hemorrhage, reduce the times of anti-VEGF drug injections and the incidence of ischemic CRVO compared with monotherapy of anti-VEGF drug.

Abstract:AIM: To observe and compare the changes in retinal peripheral refraction and aberrations after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)versus small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)for myopia correction.

METHODS: A total of 71 patients(71 eyes)with myopia who underwent FS-LASIK from October 2022 to April 2023 in our hospital were selected as the FS-LASIK group, and 80 patients(80 eyes)with myopia who underwent SMILE were selected as the SMILE group. All patients underwent corneal wavefront aberration measurement and multispectral refractive topography preoperatively and 3mo postoperatively, as well as refraction difference value(RDV)in the range of 0°～10°, 10°～20°, 20°～30°, 30°～40°, and 40°～53° in the annulus of the retina, which were recorded as RDV-(0°～10°), RDV-(10°～20°), RDV-(20°～30°), RDV-(30°～40°), and RDV-(40°～53°). The results of two groups of patients were compared.

RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in RDV-(0°～10°), RDV-(10°～20°), RDV-(20°～30°), RDV-(30°～40°), RDV-(40°～53°)between the two groups at 3mo post-operation(all P>0.05). Furthermore, the RDV-(20°～30°), RDV-(30°～40°)and RDV-(40°～53°)of the two groups at 3mo postoperatively were all significantly lower than those preoperatively(all P<0.05). The changes in coma(horizontal)and spherical aberration(SA)at 3mo postoperatively were smaller in the SMILE group \〖0.106(0.056, 0.171)and 0.115(0.081, 0.182)μm\〗 than in the FS-LASIK group \〖0.206(0.104, 0.355)and 0.197(0.128, 0.254)μm\〗(Z=-4.170, -5.016, all P<0.05). A negative correlation was found between postoperative SA and postoperative RDV-(10°～53°)(r_s=-0.205, -0.181, -0.226, -0.244, all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Both FS-LASIK and SMILE reduced retinal hyperopic defocus in the peripapillary macular range of 20°～53° eccentricity, and the postoperative changes in coma(horizontal)and SA were smaller with SMILE than with FS-LASIK. There was a certain correlation between postoperative SA and postoperative retinal peripheral defocus.

Abstract:AIM: To analyze the current status, hotspots and trends of studies on the treatments of diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS: Relevant literatures on diabetic retinopathy in Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and Web of Science core collection database were retrieved from creation to June 15, 2023, and CiteSpace 6.2.R2 and VOSviewer were used to conduct visualized analysis with the country/issuing institution, research author and keywords.

RESULTS: A total of 5 919 Chinese literatures and 11 475 English literatures were included. The top three countries with global publications are the United States, China and the United Kingdom, respectively. The top three institutions for issuing articles at abroad are Harvard Medical School, Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University, while the top three institutions for issuing articles in China are the Eye Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University. The research results of high-frequency keywords in both Chinese and English show that the laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, vascular endothelial growth factor and ranibizumab are research hotspots.

CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, the research hotspots of diabetic retinopathy mainly focus on surgery, vascular protective agents, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, etc., and the research trend mainly focuses on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs.

Abstract:Glaucomatous optic neuropathy(GON)is the difficulty of glaucoma treatment. In recent years, a variety of theories have been put forward about the pathogenesis of GON, but none of them can explain the principle of optic neuropathy caused by all types of glaucoma, which makes the disease difficult to treat in clinical treatment and is not conducive to early intervention. The latest research found that the transient receptor potential channel vanillic acid subfamily 4(TRPV4)in the retina plays an important role in various pathogenesis of GON. This article will review TRPV4 and its role in the occurrence and development of GON in order to find a common “connection point” for the multiple mechanism theories of GON, which will contribute to further understanding and clinical treatment of the disease.

Abstract:Adaptive optics(AO)is a technique used to optimize the functionality of optical systems through the reduction of wavefront distortion and optical aberrations. AO-based retinal imaging reduces the occurrence of optical aberrations in the refractive system, consequently improving the resolution and overall quality of retinal imaging. As a result, AO-based retinal imaging has potential wide-ranging application in ophthalmology. A combination of AO, fundus camera, scanning laser ophthalmoscope, optical coherence tomography technique and optical coherence tomography angiography, can be applied to observe the distribution, morphology and function of retinal cone cells in the healthy retinal, and to comprehend the shape and perfusion of retinal vessels in the fine vascular layer. With this technique, it can also possible to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of the number and shape of cells in the ocular fundus, the cribriform plate, and the microscopic structures of the retinal microvascular system and nerve tissue. It can be expected as a novel tool for the early diagnosis, follow-up of therapy effects, and identification of progression of ophthalmic diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and hereditary retinal diseases.

Abstract:Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)is an autoimmune disease associated with thyroid dysfunction that can significantly impact quality of life, result in visual impairment and facial disfigurement. Traditional treatments are often unsatisfactory. Studies have shown that teprotumumab, a human monoclonal antibody that can inhibit insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R), has become an emerging targeted drug for TAO. Although the drug has proven to be effective and relatively safe in the treatment of TAO, adverse reactions are worthy of attention of ophthalmologists with the continuous promotion of clinical application, including hearing impairment, hyperglycemia, diarrhea, muscle spasms, infusion reactions, cognitive decline, thyroid suppression, alopecia, nausea and fatigue. Teprotumumab was generally well tolerated, with most adverse events being mild or moderate in severity. This paper aims to review the adverse reactions and precautions of teprotumumab in the treatment of TAO.

Abstract:Cataract is one of the major causes of vision loss and even blindness in patients, and surgery is the only effective method to treat it. The pathogenesis and precaution of cataract remain hot issues in ophthalmological research. With the maturation of biotechnology in recent years, modeling methods and species of experimental animals have become more diverse, which are still the mainstay of cataract mechanism research. However, the ideal animal model of cataract has yet to be constructed due to the complexity of human cataract etiology. Herein, the modeling principles, in vivo or in vitro modeling methods, characteristics, and existing problems of animal models of cataract are summarized according to etiology, providing the theoretical foundation for the construction of a comprehensive animal model that more closely resembles the human cataract.

Abstract:Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy(EBMD)is a common anterior corneal dystrophy with hidden and easily missed clinical manifestations. Patients usually complain of mild blurred vision or foreign body sensation, or occasional pain at night or immediately after opening the eyelid in the morning. Slit-lamp examination revealed irregular, amorphous corneal surfaces, fingerprint-like linear lesions, and punctate or bubble-like lesions. EBMD has a significant impact on preoperative biometrics and intraocular lens power calculation, which can lead to inaccurate measurement and postoperative refractive accident, and cataract surgeons must be aware of this. This article reviews recent research and conference reports on the impact of EBMD on cataract surgery, as a reference for refractive cataract surgeons, thus improving the preoperative diagnosis and detection rate, so as to provide the optimal treatment plan for patients.

Abstract:With the increasing aging population, the incidence of wet age-related macular degeneration(wARMD)is gradually rising. The formation of neovascularization leads to recurrent hemorrhage in the macular region, which is one of the main causes of blindness in the elderly. Currently, the primary clinical treatment for wARMD is intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs. However, there are still some patients who have poor or no response to anti-VEGF drugs, resulting in suboptimal or ineffective clinical outcomes. Analyzing the specific influencing factors will be beneficial in guiding clinical decision-making. This article reviews the impact of factors such as advanced age, treatment duration, number of injections, characteristics of neovascular lesions, macular structure, intraocular cytokine levels, and genetics on the response to anti-VEGF therapy. In addition, recent studies have found that pericytes, as cellular components of microvascular walls, can influence the sensitivity to anti-VEGF therapy. This review summarizes the current research on the mechanisms of pericytes in poor or non-response to anti-VEGF therapy and discusses targeted strategies focusing on pericytes.

Abstract:Pachychoroid spectrum diseases(PSD)have been defined as a group of diseases with similar choroidal features and pathological processes, such as central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV), etc. The main features are the changes in the thickness of vascular layers of the choroid and increasing vascular permeability. The development of modern ophthalmic imaging devices represented by optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)allowed intuitive investigation of the changes in the choroidal vascular layers, which gives a new insight into the pathogenesis of this spectrum diseases. This article summarizes the common clinical characteristics of healthy individuals and PSD and reviews the latest imaging findings. Whether each type of PSD is a phenotype of the same disease at different stages or other with similar characteristics was discussed from different perspectives, such as genetic background and anatomical structure, providing a reference for the study of pathogenesis, early clinical diagnosis, and prevention and treatment of this disease.

Abstract:Retinal vascular bed area(RVBA)is the total area of retinal vasculature segmented by ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography(UWFA)images, and is an objective absolute value in square millimeter. RVBA is mainly affected by the diameter and length of retinal vessels, and whether RVBA increases or decreases depends on the “competition” between ischemia and angiogenesis, indicating subtle changes in retinal vascular morphology. As a new indicator for the study of retinal vascular diseases, RVBA may have higher stability and accuracy than the ischemia index(ISI)and non-perfusion area(NPA). RVBA is currently mainly used to evaluate the progression and prognosis of diabetic retinopathy(DR). It was found that retinal total RVBA in DR eyes was greater than the normal eyes and it decreased in DR eyes after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment. These findings provide favorable support for the study of microvascular lesions in DR. In this article, the application of RVBA in DR was reviewed to provide a reference for the clinical study of RVBA in other retinal vascular diseases such as retinal vein occlusion(RVO).

Abstract:Lid-wiper epitheliopathy(LWE)refers to the corresponding pathological changes in the palpebral conjunctiva after the skin-mucosa junction area of the palpebral margin, and staining occurs after using dyes such as fluorescein sodium or lissamine green. Current studies suggest that LWE mainly results from the increase of friction between the lid wiper and the ocular surface. The specific mechanism of LWE is not clear, but the common causes include wearing contact lenses, abnormal tear film, blink abnormalities and inflammation. Clinical studies have found that LWE appears when the conventional dry eye index is negative, so the diagnosis of LWE plays an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of dry eye. However, there are few studies on the correlation between LWE and dry eye in clinical practice. Based on the existing clinical studies, the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment of LWE are introduced, and the research progress of LWE and dry eye is reviewed, hoping to provide reference for further investigation and the clinical application of LWE.

Abstract:In 2004, it was the first time that Wollensak and Spoerl had applied physical and chemical cross-linking methods to scleral tissue. They found that the biomechanical strength of cross-linked sclera, induced by riboflavin/ultraviolet A, glyceraldehyde and glutaraldehyde, could be improved and proposed that scleral collagen cross-linking is expected to be a new method for the treatment of pathologic myopia. In recent years, a series of explorations have been made on the effectiveness and adverse reactions of physical and chemical cross-linking in the prevention and treatment of pathologic myopia, including the establishment of various animal models and different myopia modeling methods, the improvement of cross-linking methods, the amelioration of the measurement of biomechanical strength of scleral tissue and the attention of biological parameters such as the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer and the amplitude of electroretinogram in vivo. Genipin-crosslinking of the scleral collagen combined with posterior scleral contraction/reinforcement has been applied to clinical research. This review summarizes physical cross-linking and the genipin-crosslinking of scleral collagen to explore the effectiveness and safety of the methods in the prevention and treatment of the pathologic myopia.

Abstract:AIM: To revise the referral criteria for the SPOT Vision Screener in children under 6 years old and assessed its accuracy based on the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus(AAPOS)uniform guidelines for instrument-based pediatric vision screen validation 2021.

METHODS: Children who visited the Maternal and Child Health Center of Yuhuatai District in Nanjing city from January 2022 to April 2023 were included in the study and underwent SPOT refractive screening, cycloplegic retinoscopy, and other examinations. Abnormal children were defined according to AAPOS guidelines with amblyopia risk factors(ARFs)and visually significant refractive error(VSRE). Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to calculate the optimal referral criteria and compared with manufacturer criteria, Wu's criteria, and Peterseim's criteria.

RESULTS: A total of 959 children were examined, with 342 in the <4-year-old group and 617 in the ≥4-year-old group. The optimal referral criteria for the <4-year-old group were myopia ≤-2.75 D, hyperopia ≥+2.25 D, astigmatism ≤-2.75 D, and anisometropia ≥1.00 D. For the ≥4-year-old group, the criteria were myopia ≤-1.75 D, hyperopia ≥+2.00 D, astigmatism ≤-2.25 D, and anisometropia ≥1.00 D. The Youden index was 0.38 and 0.52, respectively, which were higher than other criteria.

CONCLUSION: The use of new referral criteria for refractive screening in children under 6 years old demonstrates higher accuracy compared to previous criteria. It provides valuable guidance for pediatric eye care and vision health in children.

Abstract:AIM: To analyze the relationship between rs128912 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)in the promoter region of Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3)gene and cataract in Chinese Han population.

METHODS: A total of 263 patients with cataract admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to June 2021 were selected as study group, and 150 patients with lens dislocation were included in control group. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR3 protein in the anterior capsular tissues of lens in the two groups, and direct sequencing method was applied to analyze the polymorphism of rs128912 locus in the promoter region of TLR3 gene. The expression of peripheral blood TLR3 mRNA of patients with different genotypes was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).

RESULTS: The expression level of TLR3 protein in the anterior capsular tissues in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). The frequencies of genotypes(AA, AT, TT)at rs128912 locus in the TLR3 gene promoter region in the study group and the control group were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg genetic equilibrium, and there were differences in the frequencies of genotypes(AA, AT, TT)and frequencies of alleles(A, T)at rs128912 locus in the TLR3 gene promoter region between both groups(P<0.05). The relative expression level of peripheral blood TLR3 mRNA in patients with TT genotype in the study group was higher than that in patients with AA or AT genotypes(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The expression of TLR3 protein in anterior capsular tissues of lens of patients with cataract is significantly up-regulated, and rs128912 locus polymorphism in the TLR3 gene promoter region is related to the susceptibility of cataract in Chinese Han population, and people with TT genotype are more prone to cataract.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 injection combined with inosine tablets and vitamin B₁ on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide(PACAP)and clinical efficacy in primary retinitis pigmentosa.

METHODS: A total of 50 patients(100 eyes)with primary retinitis pigmentosa who admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from August 2019 to March 2022 were selected as the research object. They were divided into the study group and the control group according to random number table, with 50 eyes in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with inosine tablets and vitamin B₁, while patients in the study group were treated with ginsenoside Rg1 injection on the basis of the control group. The expression of BDNF and PACAP in serum, electroretinogram and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)were compared before and after treatment, and the retinal thickness(RT), mean deviation(MD), clinical efficacy and safety indexes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: There were no differences in the MD of the two groups before treatment(t=1.670, P=0.098), while the MD of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group after treatment(t=3.628, P<0.01). Before treatment, RT with a diameter of 1mm at the circle of macular fovea was compared between the two groups(t=0.108, P=0.914), it was significantly higher than that in the control group after treatment(t=6.125, P<0.01). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the results of dark adaptation of electroretinogram between the two groups(all P>0.05). After treatment, the results of dark adaptation in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group(all P<0.01). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the results of electroretinogram adaptation between the two groups(all P>0.05). After treatment, the results of electroretinogram adaptation in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group(all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in BDNF and PACAP between the two groups before treatment(all P>0.05). BDNF and PACAP in the study group were higher than those of the control group after treatment(all P<0.01). After treatment, no adverse reactions were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSION: The treatment of patients with primary retinitis pigmentosa with ginsenoside will improve the retinal function and promote the prognosis of the disease by regulating the expression of BDNF and PACAP, and it is highly safe.

Abstract:AIM:To observe the clinical efficacy of modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction in treating non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)of qi and yin deficiency and stagnation of collaterals, and to quantitatively analyze the changes in peripapillary vessel density before and after treatment using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).

METHODS:A randomized controlled trial was used to collect a total of 58 patients(99 eyes)with qi and yin deficiency and stagnation of collaterals NPDR who visited our hospital from June 2022 to November 2022, and patients were randomly divided into an observation group(n=29, 51 eyes)and a control group(n=29, 48 eyes). The control group received basic treatment according to the recommendations for DR published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2019(blood glucose control, diabetes health education, and regular follow-up for patients with mild NPDR; and add local/grid-like laser photocoagulation if necessary for patients with moderate NPDR), while the observation group received modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction in addition to the basic treatment for 1mo. The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)efficacy, peripapillary telangiectasia vessel density(ppVD), and changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL)thickness were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS:The BCVA(LogMAR)of the observation group was 0.20(0.10, 0.30)after 1mo of treatment, which was significantly improved compared with that of the control group of 0.30(0.20, 0.40; P<0.05). The TCM efficacy in the observation group after 1mo of treatment was better than that in the control group(P<0.05). The ppVD in all quadrants of the observation group showed a significant improvement at 1mo after treatment, and the ppVD in all quadrants of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05). The pRNFL thickness in the superior, temporal, and average peripapillary areas of the observation group increased after 1mo of treatment, and the pRNFL thickness in the superior, temporal, inferior quadrants, and average peripapillary area of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction can improve visual acuity and enhance TCM efficacy in patients with NPDR of qi and yin deficiency and stagnation of collaterals. It may be related to its ability to improve ppVD and reduce damage to the pRNFL.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate blood flow density within 300μm(FD-300)around the foveal avascular zone(FAZ)in optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)of patients with macular edema(ME)complicated with non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO), and to explore and evaluate the predictive effect of this parameter on the number of intraocular drug injections.

METHODS: A retrospective case study. A total of 50 patients(50 eyes)who were diagnosed as non-ischemic BRVO combined with ME and received intravitreal conbercept(IVC)in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2021 to March 2022 were selected, and they were treated with 3+PRN regimen. The 25 cases(25 eyes)treated with intraocular injection ≤5 times were classified as group B, and 25 cases(25 eyes)treated with intraocular injection >5 times were classified as group C, and 25 fellow eyes were randomly selected as control group A. OCTA was used to scan the macular area in 3mm×3mm to collect images of retinal blood flow, the central macular thickness(CMT)and FD-300. The CMT, best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and FD-300 were compared between the two groups at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo after the third injection.

RESULTS: The BCVA(LogMAR)of the affected eye in both groups B and C at 1, 3, 6 and 12mo after the third injection was significantly lower than baseline(all P<0.05); the CMT and FD-300 were significantly lower than baseline(all P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the change of BCVA(LogMAR)was positively correlated with the baseline FD-300 and CMT(group B: r=0.77, 0.70, all P<0.01; group C: r=0.89, 0.78, all P<0.01). The number of intraocular injections was negatively correlated with the baseline FD-300(group B: r=-0.63, P<0.01; group C: r=-0.71, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the FD-300 at baseline is a factor that affects the number of intraocular drug injection.

CONCLUSION: IVC can effectively alleviate macular edema of the affected eye,improve visual acuity and reduce FD-300. The eyes with worse BCVA and lower FD-300 at baseline may require more injections of anti-VEGF. Observation of FD-300 with OCTA can better predict eventual vision recovery of non-ischemic BRVO with ME before treatment.

Abstract:AIM:To observe the changes of macular morphology and microcirculation in myopic maculopathy(MM), and investigate theirs correlation and effects on vision.

METHODS: Case-control study. A total of 165 patients(189 eyes)with high myopia and 154 healthy volunteers(154 eyes)from October 2016 to December 2018 were selected. According to the classification of Meta-analysis for pathologic myopia(META-PM), participants were divided into M0 group(category 0, 41 eyes), M1 group(category 1, 53 eyes), M2 group(category 2 and 3, 52 eyes), and myopic choroidal neovascularization(mCNV)group(43 eyes). All participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)examination. Morphological and microcirculation parameters of retina at different layers were compared between groups. Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between morphological and microcirculation parameters. Correlations between vision and other parameters were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS:Foveal full retinal thickness(FRT)and outer retinal thickness(ORT)were all lower in M0, M1 and M2 groups than those of control group(all P<0.01). Foveal superficial capillary plexus vessel density(SVD)and deep capillary plexus vessel density(DVD)were all lower in M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P<0.01). Parafoveal FRT and ORT were all lower in M0, M1, M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P<0.01). Parafoveal inner retinal thickness(IRT), SVD and DVD were all lower in M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P<0.01). Subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT)and choroid capillaries vessel density(CVD)were all lower in M0, M1, M2 and mCNV groups than those of the control group(all P<0.01). Foveal vessel density of retina and choroid were positively correlated with its thickness in patients with MM without CNV(all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that axial length(AL), diffuse or patchy chorioretinal atrophy were influencing foctors of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA; all P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:Retinal morphological changes precede microcirculation changes in MM. Most of all, ORT changes precede IRT changes. Foveal vessel density of retina and choroid were positively correlated with its thickness. The main influencing factors of BCVA were AL and types of MM.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the refractive status and myopia wearing rate of primary and secondary school students aged 6-18 in Yecheng county, Xinjiang.

METHOD: Cross-sectional study. From October 2021 to June 2022, a stratified random sampling method was used to select 81 863 students from 51 primary schools and 30 secondary schools in Yecheng county, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang. Basic data of the students were collected, and non ciliary muscle paralysis optometry was performed to detect naked eye farsightedness and corrected vision with glasses. The refractive status, glasses wearing rate, and full correction rate of students of different ages, genders, and ethnic groups were observed.

RESULT: The detection rate of myopia among enrolled students was 13.39%(10958/81863), the wearing rate of glasses was 23.96%(2626/10958), and the full correction rate was 50.57%(1328/2626). The detection rate of myopia shows a certain upward trend with age, and the detection rate of myopia in girls was higher than that in boys(15.75% vs. 10.96%). The detection rates of myopia in Han, Uyghur, and other ethnic students were 68.12%, 12.63%, and 22.42%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:The detection rate of myopia and glasses wearing rate were relatively low for students aged 6～18 in Yecheng county, Xinjiang, while the detection rate and glasses wearing rate of myopia among Han students were significantly higher than those of Uyghur and students of other ethnics.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the efficacy of epithelial-off accelerated corneal cross-linking(CXL)in the treatment of advanced keratoconus.

METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on data collected from 32 patients(43 eyes)with advanced keratoconus who underwent epithelial-off accelerated CXL at Ningxia Eye Hospital from April 2020 to December 2021. Slit-lamp, intraocular pressure, uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), corrected visual acuity, specular microscope, Pentacam and Corvis ST were tested before and at 1, 3 and 6mo after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative corneal condition, UCVA, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and the values of corneal endothelial, maximum keratometry(Kmax), thinnest corneal thickness(TCT), anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea K1, K2, biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure(bIOP), applanation time 1(A1T), applanation length 1(A1L), applanation velocity 1(A1V), applanation time 2(A2T), applanation length 2(A2L), applanation velocity 2(A2V), highest concavity deformation amplitude(HCDA), radius at highest curvature(HCR), highest concavity peak distance(HCPD)and stiffness parameter at first applanation(SP-A1)were recorded.

RESULTS: There were differences between UCVA(LogMAR; 1.06±0.49, 0.78±0.39)and BCVA(LogMAR; 0.48±0.34, 0.38±0.29)before and at 6mo after surgery(P<0.05), but there were no differences in corneal endothelial cells(2917.39±288.38 vs. 2959.19±336.27 cells/mm², P=0.477). There were differences among Kmax, TCT, anterior surface K1 and K2 and posterior surface K1 before and after surgery(P<0.05), and all increased at 1mo after surgery then returned to preoperative level at 3mo after surgery, while there was no difference in the posterior K2. Furthermore, there were statistical significance in A1T, HCPD and SP-A1 before and after surgery(P<0.05), while there were no statistical significance in A1L, A1V,A2T, A2L, A2V, HCDA, HCR and bIOP(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Epithelial-off accelerated CXL can prevent the progression of keratoconus within half year after surgery, and it has certain safety.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the epithelial remodeling of femtosecond laser-assisted stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty combined with corneal collagen cross-linking(SLAK-CXL)in patients with progressive keratoconus, investigate the remodeling rules of corneal epithelial and influencing factors, and provide clinical data for further refractive correction.

METHODS: Retrospective and observational study. A total of 28 keratoconus patients(29 eyes)who received SLAK-CXL from September 2020 to October 2021 were included. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure(IOP), diopter, keratometry and corneal epithelial thickness(CET)were recorded. The trend of CET change was observed. The factors affecting CET were analyzed according to the thickness and depth of the lenticule.

RESULTS: Flattest meridian keratometry(K_f)and steepest meridian keratometry(K_s)at 1mo postoperatively were significantly larger than those preoperatively(P<0.05). The thinnest corneal thickness(TCT)at 1, 2, 6mo and 1a postoperatively were significantly larger than preoperative(P<0.05). The CET changed with time, with the central CET showing a larger variation tendency. The CET of superior, superior nasal, nasal, superior temporal in paracentral area were thinned, the CET of superior, temporal, superior temporal in midperipheral area were thinned, while the CET of superior nasal was thickened in peripheral area at 1, 2, 6mo and 1a postoperatively. The variation of CET was not correlated with the thickness or depth of lenticule at 1a postoperatively(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: It is firstly found that the corneal morphology has changed after SLAK-CXL. CET decreases and then increases and then decreases again. At 1a postoperatively, the CET of the central and paracentral areas is thinner, while the CET of the midperipheral and peripheral areas is thicker. The degree of epithelial remodeling is not correlated with lenticule thickness or depth.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract phacoemulsification combined with anterior vitrectomy in the treatment of pediatric cataracts.

METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 10 patients(17 eyes)diagnosed as pediatric cataract in Foshan Aier Eye Hospital from January 2021 to September 2022 were collected, including 5 males(9 eyes)and 5 females(8 eyes), with an age of 3～9(4.50±1.20)years old. All children underwent femtosecond laser assisted phacoemulsification combined with anterior vitrectomy. The visual acuity, intraocular pressure and pigment deposits of intraocular lens(IOL)surface, synechia and hyperplasia of posterior capsule lens at 1wk, 1 and 6mo postoperatively were observed during the 6mo follow-up.

RESULTS: All surgical procedures were successful, and there was no serious complication intraoperatively or postoperatively. BCVA(LogMAR)was 0.63±0.18 preoperatively and 0.42±0.10, 0.32±0.09, and 0.22±0.08 at 1wk, 1 and 6mo postoperatively(all P<0.001). There was no difference in the comparison of intraocular pressure at different times of surgery(P=0.125). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of IOL surface pigment deposits, synechia, and posterior capsule lens hyperplasia at different times after surgery(P>0.05). The incidence of IOL surface pigment deposits at 1wk, 1 and 6mo after surgery was 3 eyes(18%), 1 eye(6%), and 1 eye(6%), respectively, the incidence of synechia was 0 eye, 1 eye(6%), 2 eyes(12%), and the incidence of posterior capsule lens hyperplasia was 0 eye, 0 eye, and 2 eyes(12%), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract phacoemulsification combined with vitrectomy for the removal of the anterior vitreous can effectively prevent anterior capsular tear and the occurrence of posterior capsule opacification.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the changes in the Chang-Warning chord(CW chord)before and after cataract surgery using the IOL Master 700 and predict the CW chord using an artificial intelligence prediction model and preoperative measurement data.

METHODS: The analysis was conducted on the preoperative and postoperative IOL Master 700 measurements of 304 cataract patients. This included astigmatism vector value, average keratometry, axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, corneal central thickness, white-to-white, the position of the Purkinje reflex I image relative to the corneal center and pupil center, and the CW chord. A prediction model based on the SVR algorithm and the BP neural network algorithm was established to predict the postoperative CW chord using the preoperative CW chord and ocular biological parameters.

RESULTS: The X component of the CW chord showed a slight shift in the temporal direction in both the left and right eyes after cataract surgery, while the Y component changed little. The SVR model, using the preoperative CW chord and other preoperative biometric parameters as input data, was able to predict the X and Y components of the CW chord more accurately than the BP neural network.

CONCLUSION: The CW chord can be directly measured with a coaxial fixation light using various biometers, corneal topographers, or tomographers. The use of the SVR algorithm can accurately predict the postoperative CW chord before cataract surgery.

Abstract:AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy of the Balanced energy system versus the conventional torsional ultrasound system in phacoemulsification surgeries for cataracts with varying nuclear hardness.

METHODS: In this study, 120 patients(122 eyes)with age-related cataracts scheduled for surgery between November 2021 and November 2022 at our hospital were randomly divided into two groups: 58 patients(59 eyes)in the experimental group underwent surgery using the Balanced energy system, while 62 patients(63 eyes)in the control group were treated with the conventional torsional ultrasound system. Intraoperative cumulative dissipated energy(CDE), case time(CT), aspiration time(AST), and estimated fluid used(EFU)were recorded. Patients were followed-up for 3mo to examine and record the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and corneal endothelial cell density(ECD), and to calculate the rate of endothelial cell loss.

RESULTS: Comparing the intraoperative parameters between the two groups, there was no significant difference in CT(P>0.05), but the CDE, AST and EFU of the patients in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05), and the CDE of patients with grade III nuclear hardness in the experimental group was lower than the control group(P<0.05), CDE, AST and EFU in patients with grade IV nuclear hardness were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05). After 3mo of follow-up, BCVA in both groups improved significantly, and the experimental group recovered faster than the control group. At 3mo after surgery, the ECD of the two groups of patients was reduced compared with that before surgery(P<0.01), but there were no significant differences in ECD and endothelial cell loss rates between the experimental and control groups before and at 3mo after surgery(P>0.05). In grade IV nuclear hardness cataracts, the rate of endothelial cell loss in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group(4.63%±4.10% vs. 6.63%±4.49%, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: The Balanced energy system and the conventional torsional ultrasound system both show high safety and efficiency in phacoemulsification of cataracts with different nuclear hardness. However, the former demonstrates substantial advantages in cases with dense nuclei, offering lower ultrasound energy, shorter aspiration and infusion times, and reduced volume of infusion fluid.

Abstract:AIM:To observe the clinical effect of different concentration of fluorometholone eye drops on severe mixed vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children.

METHODS: A total of 50 cases(100 eyes)of children with severe mixed vernal keratoconjunctivitis treated in the outpatient department of our hospital from March to September, 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 25 cases(50 eyes)who were treated with 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops combined with 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops(Ⅱ), while 25 patients(50 eyes)in group B were treated with 0.02% fluorometholone eye drops combined with 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops(Ⅱ). After 1mo of treatment, SPEED questionnaire score, corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score, tear break-up time(TBUT), Schirmer I test(SⅠt), R-scan, non-invasive tear meniscus height(NIKTMH), corneal optical density and other ocular parameters of the two groups were observed, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were recorded.

RESULTS: After 1mo of treatment, there were significant differences in SPEED score, FL score and R-scan results between the two groups(all P<0.05), and no differences in TBUT, SⅠt and NIKTMH results(all P>0.05). However, there were statistical significance in corneal optical density in different corneal depth and diameter ranges(all P<0.05). After 1mo of treatment, there was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between the two groups(16.21±2.90mmHg vs. 16.05±2.75mmHg, P>0.05), and no obvious adverse reactions occurred during treatment.

CONCLUSION: The 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops can effectively treat severe mixed vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children, and its effect is better than 0.02% fluorometholone eye drops.

Abstract:AIM:To assess the clinical efficacy of 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)and bandage contact lens in the pterygium excision combined with autogenous limbal stem cell transplantation(ALSCT)in treating patients with pterygium.

METHODS:Random controlled clinical trial. A total of 71 patients(71 eyes)of pterygium who treated at the department of ophthalmology in Qinhuangdao Haigang Hospital between May 2021 and November 2022 were included. They were divide into three groups, including 23 eyes received pterygium excision combined with ALSCT in group A, 24 eyes that were administered with 5-FU intraoperatively and postoperatively in group B, and 24 eyes that received both bandage contact lens and 5-FU in group C. Furthermore, comfort levels at 1, 3, 7, 14d postoperatively, corneal epithelial healing at 1, 3, 7, 14d and 1mo postoperatively, treatment outcomes and complications at 3～6mo postoperatively were compared among the three groups of patients.

RESULTS:The comfort levels at 1, 3 and 7d postoperatively and corneal healing at 1 and 3d postoperatively of the group C were better than those of the groups A and B. There were no statistical significant differences in the comfort levels at 14d after surgery and corneal healing at 14d and 1mo after surgery among the three groups of patients. Over a 3～6mo follow-up period, group A experienced recurrence in 3 eyes, group B had 1 recurrence, while group C had no recurrence. There were no statistically significant differences in complication rates among the three groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The application of 5-FU combined with bandage contact lens can enhance postoperative comfort levels, promote corneal epithelial healing, and improve the success rate in pterygium excision combined with ALSCT.

Abstract:AIM: To compare the differences and agreement of anterior segment biometric parameters of myopic patients measured by domestic Scansys and the imported Sirius based on the principle of Scheimpflug imaging technique.

METHODS: In this case series study, 103 cases(103 eyes)that underwent pre-refractive surgery(including small incision lenticule extraction, femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy and implantable contact lens implantation)at Aier Excellent Eye Hospital from May 2022 to October 2022 were recruited. Preoperative keratometry(Km), central corneal thickness(CCT), anterior chamber depth(ACD_Endo.), anterior chamber angle(ACA), anterior chamber volume(ACV), white to white(WTW)of patients were recorded.

RESULTS: The results of Km, CCT, ACA, and WTW measured by Scansys and Sirius were 42.88(41.54, 44.60)and 42.98(41.56, 44.52)D,(541.52±29.08)and(549.55±29.62)μm, 42.70°±2.67° and 46.63°±5.13°, 12.10±0.60 and 11.98±0.47 mm, respectively, showing the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.01). The ACV measured by Scansys and Sirius was 194.26±31.06 and 191.47±25.65 mm³, and ACD_Endo. was 3.40(3.17, 3.57)and 3.43(3.19, 3.56)mm, with no statistically significant difference(all P>0.05). The range of Km, CCT, ACA, ACD_Endo., ACV and WTW values measured by the two instruments was small, with an average difference close to zero, and the points percentage of 95% limits of agreement(LoA)was <5%, which is of good consistency.

CONCLUSIONS: Scansys and Sirius have small differences and good agreement in the parameters, which can be replaced by each other in clinical practice. Scansys could theoretically be used to extrapolate the implantable contact lens model or could be a new option for anterior segment parameter measurements.

Abstract:AIM: To analyze the efficacy of multimedia visual physiological stimulation combined with stereoscopic system training in the treatment of ametropic amblyopia in children.

METHODS: A total of 102 patients(102 eyes)with ametropic amblyopia admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were randomly divided into two groups. The control group consisted of 51 patients(51 eyes)who received multimedia visual physiological stimulation on the basis of conventional treatment, while the observation group consisted of 51 patients(51 eyes)who received stereoscopic training on the basis of the control group. The binocular fusion function, binocular stereopsis and binocular disparity of the two groups of children were evaluated at 3mo after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was assessed based on the improvement of vision.

RESULTS: After 3mo of treatment, the normal rates of binocular fusion function, binocular stereopsis, and binocular disparity in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(94.1% vs. 60.8%, P<0.05), and the total effective rate of treatment in children of different ages in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05), with children aged 6-8 having the highest effective rate of treatment; The total effective rate of treatment for children with mild to moderate amblyopia in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(94.0% vs. 61.2%, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The combination of multimedia visual physiological stimulation and stereoscopic system training has a good therapeutic effect on ametropic amblyopia, which can promote visual recovery, help reconstruct binocular stereopsis, and has a better effect on children aged 6-8 years or children with mild to moderate amblyopia.