Abstract:Holistic integrative medicine, abbreviated as HIM, has been officially proposed since 2012. Its theoretical system has been continuously improved, and its practical methods have become increasingly diverse, becoming an inevitable choice and path for the medical development in the new era. This paper demonstrates ten major propositions for HIM, elaborating on the connotation and extension of HIM from the perspectives of epistemology and methodology, with a view to achieving the transformation and adaptive evolution of modern medicine.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the reliability of measurements of corneal changes with accommodation in healthy eyes using a Scheimpflug imaging-based system and how these measurements distribute in the normal population.

METHODS: Prospective, non-randomized, comparative study including 27 healthy subjects(54 eyes), including emmetropia(13 eyes), myopia(17 eyes), hyperopia(4 eyes)and astigmatism(20 eyes)groups. In all cases, a complete eye examination was performed, including the analysis of corneal changes with different accommodative stimuli(+2.00, 0.00 and -3.00 D)using the Pentacam AXL system. The investigation was structured in 2 phases: repeatability analysis and characterization of accommodation-related corneal changes in healthy populations.

RESULTS: In the repeatability analysis, the index of height asymmetry(IHA)showed the greatest variability with the three accommodative stimuli, being the results for the rest of parameters acceptable. The group of emmetropes showed significant differences with accommodative changes in the position of maximum keratometry(Kmax; P<0.05), whereas in the astigmatism group, significant changes were not only observed in the position of Kmax, but also in minimum corneal thickness(MCT), corneal spherical aberration, and total and low order aberration root mean square(all P<0.05). Likewise, a significant difference was found in the displacement of the X position of Kmax with +2.00 D and -3.00 D in the myopia group(P=0.033)as well as in changes with +2.00 D and -3.00 D in the magnitude of the position vector of Kmax in the emmetropia group(P<0.05). No significant changes were found between accommodative stimuli in the displacement of coordinates of MCT(P≥0.109).

CONCLUSION: The position of Kmax and MCT in healthy corneas can change significantly when presenting different accommodative stimuli using the accommodation mode of the Pentacam system, with different trends in these accommodation-related corneal changes between refractive errors. Likewise, the consistency of the measurements obtained with Scheimpflug has been confirmed.

Abstract:AIM: To explore the relationship between retinal exudative changes in neonates and perinatal toxoplasmosis, others, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus(TORCH)infections, as well as the characteristics of TORCH infection in neonates with retinal exudative changes.

METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 612 neonates with retinal exudative changes detected during ophthalmic screening in our hospital from May 2019 to March 2023 were selected. TORCH tests were performed on these neonates, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the infection characteristics. The neonates with retinal exudative changes were grouped by sex and age, the characteristics of TORCH infection were analyzed, and the positive rates were compared.

RESULTS: Among the 612 neonates with retinal exudative changes, the highest positive rate was observed for cytomegalovirus(CMV-IgG)(96.7%), followed by rubella virus(RV-IgG)(73.9%). Mixed infections with two or three viruses were also observed, with the highest positive rate for mixed infection of RV-IgG and CMV-IgG reaching 71.2%. There was no statistically significant difference in TORCH infection among neonates of different sex(P>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in RV-IgG and CMV-IgM infections with retinal exudative changes among neonates of different age groups(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Perinatal TORCH infection may be an important factor causing retinal exudative changes in neonates. The differences in various infections are not related to sex but are related to different age groups.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3(TIMP-3)and collagen type III alpha 1(Col3α1)in the retina of guinea pigs with lens-induced myopia.

METHODS:A total of 80 guinea pigs were randomly divided into the normal control(NC)group, negative lens-induced myopia(LIM)group, electro-acupuncture(EA)group, and sham group, with 20 guinea pigs in each group. The NC group did not receive any intervention, the LIM, EA and the sham groups were all wearing -6.0 D lens in the right eye and no lens in the left eye. The EA group was given electroacupuncture stimulation at Hegu Point and temple, and guinea pigs in the sham group were given intervention at false points. The refraction was measured by optometry, the axial length was measured by A-ultrasound, and the changes in retinal tissue structure were observed by HE staining. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Q-PCR)and western blot(WB)were used to detect the expression of MMP-3, TIMP-3, and Col3α1 at mRNA and protein levels before modeling and at 2 and 4 wk after modeling.

RESULTS:The axial length of the negative LIM group was significantly increased compared with the NC group at 2 and 4 wk after modeling(all P<0.05), and the diopter was significantly decreased(all P<0.05); the axial length of the eye in the EA group was decreased compared with the negative LIM group(all P<0.05), and the diopter was increased(all P<0.05). HE staining showed that the boundaries of retinal tissue in the NC group were obvious and arranged regularly. The retinal thickness, the thickness of the inner and outer nuclear layers, and the number of cells were reduced and irregularly arranged in the negative LIM group. The overall structure of the retina in the group EA was relatively perfect, the arrangement was more regular, and the morphological structure of each layer of the tissue did not appear obvious abnormalities. Q-PCR and WB detection results showed that the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of MMP-3, TIMP-3, and Col3α1 in the negative LIM group were significantly higher than those in the NC group(all P<0.05); the expression levels of the EA group was significantly decreased after intervention compared with the negative LIM group(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can delay axial growth in negative LIM guinea pigs, and downregulate negative LIM induced expression of MMP-3, TIMP-3, and Col3α1 in the retina.

Abstract:AIM: To detect the expression of P53 and mTOR in pterygium tissues and healthy conjunctival tissues, and to explore the relationship between the expression of P53 and mTOR, and the relationship between the expression of P53 and mTOR and the important clinical features of pterygium.

METHODS: The surgical specimens of 43 patients(43 eyes)who underwent pterygium excision and autologous conjunctival transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University from November 2022 to May 2023 were collected. Healthy conjunctiva group was selected from the healthy conjunctival tissue that originated from the temporal conjunctiva of 13 patients. Totally 10 pterygium specimens and 6 normal conjunctival specimens were selected and the qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of P53 and mTOR in pterygium and normal conjunctival tissues. Another 33 cases of pterygium and 7 cases of normal conjunctival tissues were collected and the expression of P53 and mTOR in pterygium and normal conjunctival tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. IPP6.0 software was used to calculate the average optical density, the correlation between the expression levels of P53 and mTOR, and the correlation between the expression levels of P53 and mTOR and the important clinical features of pterygium were analyzed.

RESULTS: According to qPCR results, the mRNA expression levels of TP53 and mTOR in the pterygium group were significantly higher than those in the healthy conjunctiva group(all P<0.05). According to the immunohistochemical staining results, the expression levels of P53 and mTOR proteins in the pterygium group were significantly higher than those in the healthy conjunctiva group(P<0.05). The expression of P53 was positively correlated with the expression of mTOR(r=0.417, P<0.05). The expression of P53 in the group of outdoor activity time > 3 h was higher than that in the group of outdoor activity time ≤3 h(P<0.05). The expression of P53 in the group of pterygium head invasive limbal distance > 2 mm was higher than that in the group of pterygium head invasive limbal distance ≤2 mm(P<0.05). There was no difference in the expression of pterygium between the two groups of patients aged > 40 years and ≤40 years(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of mTOR between the groups of outdoor activity time > 3 h and ≤3 h, the group of pterygium head invasion distance > 2 mm and ≤2 mm, and the group of > 40 years old and ≤40 years old(all P>0.05). The expression of P53 was positively correlated with the duration of outdoor activities(r=0.484, P<0.01)and the distance of limbal invasion(r=0.479, P<0.01). The expression of mTOR was not correlated with age, duration of outdoor activities, and distance of limbus invasion(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The overexpression of P53 and mTOR in pterygium showed a positive correlation, suggesting that the abnormal expression of P53 and mTOR may play a role in the pathogenesis of pterygium, which provides an experimental basis for further exploring the pathogenesis of pterygium; the expression of P53 is positively correlated with the time of outdoor activities and the distance of pterygium invasion. The P53 plays a role in evaluating the severity of pterygium, and provides new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pterygium.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the mechanism by which Yijing Decoction antagonist high glucose-induced damage to the basement membrane(BM)in an in vitro inner blood-retinal barrier(iBRB)model.

METHODS:Rat retinal microvascular pericytes(RMPs)and endothelial cells(ECs)were isolated and cultured to establish an in vitro iBRB model. The cells were randomly divided into four groups: low glucose group(LG), high glucose group(HG), minocycline group(MG)and Yijing Decoction group(YG). The LG group received 25 mmol/L glucose, the HG group received 60 mmol/L glucose, the MG group received 60 mmol/L glucose + 10 μg/mL minocycline, and the YG group received 60 mmol/L glucose + 10% Yijing Decoction-containing serum. Incubation for each group were terminated after intervention for 12 h. Next, the Western blot analysis was performed to assess the protein expression of BM-related proteins, including collagen Ⅳ(CⅣ)and laminin(LN), as well as matrix metalloproteinase(MMPs)/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases(TIMPs)such as MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2.

RESULTS:Compared to the LG group, the protein expressions of CⅣ increased in the HG, MG, and YG groups, as did LN in the HG and MG groups(all P<0.05). Both Yijing Decoction and minocycline effectively inhibited the elevated expression of CⅣ and LN induced by high glucose, and the difference between the YG, MG, and HG groups was statistically significant(all P<0.05). Futhermore, compared to the LG group, the protein expressions of MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 increased in the HG, MG, and YG groups(all P<0.05). Yijing Decoction specifically attenuated the high glucose-induced increase in MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 protein expression, and there were statistically significant differences between the YG and HG group(all P<0.05). No significant difference were observed in the expressions of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 among the LG, HG, MG, and YG groups(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:Yijing Decoction can potentially intervene in DR by modulating the protein expression of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, CⅣ, and LN, suppressing high glucose-induced BM remodeling, and mitigating damage to iBRB.

Abstract:AIM: To compare the clinical effect of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation on efficacy, safety and visual quality in patients with high myopia complicated with low astigmatism.

METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 80 cases(159 eyes)of high myopia and low astigmatism treated in the hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were included, and they were divided into 46 cases(91 eyes)in SMILE group and 34 cases(68 eyes)in ICL implantation group by means of different surgical methods. The spherical equivalent, uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), higher order aberrations of cornea and optical quality index, effectiveness and safety index were compared between the two groups before surgery and at 3 and 6 mo after surgery, and the surgical complications were counted.

RESULTS: The spherical equivalent, UCVA and BCVA of both groups were all improved at 6 mo postoperatively(all P<0.05). At 6 mo after surgery, there were no differences in UCVA, BCVA, spherical equivalent, effectiveness and safety index between both groups(all P>0.05). The root mean square values of total higher order aberration, spherical aberration, coma, vertical coma and horizontal coma in the SMILE group were higher than those in the ICL implantation group, and Strehl ratio(SR)in the ICL implantation group was higher than that in the SMILE group at 3 and 6 mo after surgery(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: SMILE and ICL implantation have good surgical efficacy in the treatment of patients with high myopia and low astigmatism, and both methods can achieve good postoperative visual acuity and objective visual quality. Furthermore, the ICL implantation has better postoperative visual quality than SMILE.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the effect of capsular tension ring(CTR)on the stability and accuracy of Barrett universal Ⅱ intraocular lens(IOL)calculation formula in patients with high myopia and cataract.

METHODS:Prospective study. A total of 40 cases(80 eyes)of high myopia and cataract that visited our hospital from January to June 2022 were selected. The patients were divided into CTR group and blank group by random number table method, with 40 eyes in each group. All patients were measured by IOL Master, and the actual implanted IOL power and predicted postoperative power were calculated according to Barrett universal Ⅱ formula. The uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)at 6 mo after surgery were recorded, and the mean absolute error(MAE)was compared at 6 mo after surgery. Furthermore, the stability of postoperative refractive status and the relationship between the predicted postoperative diopter and CTR were evaluated.

RESULTS:The UCVA and BCVA of the two groups were improved at 6 mo after operation(P>0.05), and there was no significant difference in UCVA and BCVA between the two groups at each time point(all P>0.05). After the implantation of IOL in 80 eyes based on the Barrett universal Ⅱ formula, the predicted postoperative diopter was -2.01±0.71 D, the actual postoperative diopter was -1.64±0.88 D, and the MAE was 0.37±0.98 D in the CTR group; in the blank group, the predicted diopter was -2.12±0.64 D, the actual diopter was -1.54±0.88 D, and the MAE was 0.58±0.31 D. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). According to the axial length, CTR implantation can effectively reduce refractive error for any axial length(P>0.05). With the grouth of axial length, the MAE value increased. The postoperative MAE value of patients with axial length ≥30 mm was statistically different between the two groups(P<0.05).The proportion of hyperopic drift was 18%(7/40)in the CTR group and 30%(12/40)in the blank group, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: For patients with high myopia and cataract, the Barrett universal Ⅱ formula has high accuracy in predicting postoperative diopter. Intraoperative implantation of CTR can not only maintain the shape of the capsule bag, effectively prevent the intraoperative rupture of the suspensory ligament of the lens and make the IOL more neutral, but also is conducive to the early stability of postoperative diopter of cataract patients. It also provides more stable refractive results and reduces refractive drift. For myopic patients considering CTR implantation, it is recommended to increase the preoperative reserve diopter of -0.50 D to achieve the ideal refractive state.

Abstract:With the significant changes in people's lifestyles, the prevalence of myopia is escalating globally, which has aroused the close attention of clinicians. Myopia is easy to combine with other serious ophthalmic diseases, especially in patients with high myopia(HM), often combined with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG), and the incidence rate is much higher than that of people with normal refractive status. The condition becomes especially complex when HM co-exists with POAG. In recent years, we have focused on the characteristics of fundus changes in patients in clinical work. Early detection of patients with POAG from HM is the key to in-depth understanding and effective prevention and treatment of these two diseases. In this paper, we review the recent literatures on the relationship between HM and POAG from the aspects of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features, and summarize the research progress, so as to provide help for early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment of the disease.

Abstract:Vision is closely tied to quality of life. Traditional drug delivery routes for clinical therapy of key ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, are topical and systemic administrations, which are less invasive but often face some physiological barriers such as tear film turnover, corneal penetration, and blood-ocular barrier. These barriers may limit penetration and distribution of ophthalmic drugs, resulting in limitation of information about pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs in human eye. To address this, some ocular based compartment models, including classical ocular compartmental model and physiologically based pharmacokinetic(PBPK)model, have been established to illustrate dispositions of drugs in eyes. For classical ocular compartmental model, cornea or vitreous humor serves as central compartment and other ocular tissues are identified as peripheral compartments. The PBPK model, incorporating dynamic factors such as changes in ocular blood flow, effects of transporters, blood-ocular barrier, may characterize complex ocular physiology structure and dispositions of drugs in eyes. These models can contribute to development of new ophthalmic drugs and therapy strategies for ocular diseases. Here, the characteristics of drugs in eye following administrations via various routes, general ocular compartmental model and PBPK model as well as their applications in the development of new ophthalmic drugs and drug regimen for ocular diseases are reviened.

Abstract:Programmed cell death(PCD)is a unique cell death involving effector molecules, including various forms such as apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. PCD is involved in many aspects of normal physiological activities in humans, and is closely related to the development of many diseases. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Relevant studies have shown that the development of glaucoma is associated with the abnormal expression of a variety of PCD-related proteins. The mechanism and interplay of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and parthanatos of retinal ganglion cells in the course of glaucoma were reviewed, to provide a new direction for the prevention treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract:Diabetic retinopathy(DR), the most common ocular complication of diabetes, is one of the major causes of vision impairment and even blindness among the working population as well as middle-aged and elderly individuals. In the diabetic microvascular system, hyperglycemia damages retinal endothelial cells, enhances vascular permeability and disrupts the blood-retinal barrier through different mechanisms, all of which result in endothelial dysfunction. Retinal vascular dysfunction caused by multifactors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-y disruption, oxidative stress, inflammation, increased advanced glycation end products and their receptors, and microRNA dysregulation can cause vascular endothelial damage, accelerate retinal endothelial dysfunction, lead to the progression of DR. Therefore, the available date and the contributors in the pathophysiology of DR are reviewed with a special emphasis on the retinal endothelial dysfunction, for a better understanding of the molecular cellular mechanism in the development of DR, to analyze the challenges in the treatment of DR and to provide new ideas and strategies for the clinical management and treatment of DR.

Abstract:Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus, characterized by neurodegeneration and microangiopathy. Currently, the treatment of DR is mainly focused on the management of late complications and has not achieved the desired clinical outcome. Evidence suggests that the PI3K/AKT pathway, as one of the important intracellular signaling pathways during the cell cycle, is involved in the whole process of DR pathogenesis. This article focuses on the structural composition, activation and blocking pathways, conduction pathways, regulatory mechanisms and biological functions of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to review its role in DR and to explore the potential of targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway for the treatment of DR.

Abstract:Neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nARMD)is a prevalent age-related retinal disease that significantly impairs vision. Numerous studies have shown that lipid metabolism disorders contribute to the progression of nARMD. The relationship is complex and involved factors such as fatty acids, cholesterol, variations in lipid metabolism genes, and other influencing factors. Lipid metabolism disorders lead to retinal vascular abnormalities and inflammatory responses by triggering oxidative stress and inhibiting autophagy. This, in turn, accelerates the formation of new blood vessels and causes damage to macular cells and tissues. In animal experiments, drugs designed for lipid metabolism disorders have shown that regulating lipid metabolism could be a potentially effective strategy for treating nARMD. This article reviews the role of lipid metabolism in the progression and treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, aiming to offer new insights for nARMD treatment.

Abstract:Dexamethasone intravitreal implant(Ozurdex)is approved for the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and non-infectious uveitis. It has also been reported to treat macular edema after intraocular surgery and macular edema secondary to other inflammation-related ocular fundus diseases. With the widespread application of dexamethasone intravitreal implant, uncommon complications such as migration of dexamethasone intravitreal implant into the anterior chamber are gradually receiving attention. Anterior chamber migration of dexamethasone intravitreal implant usually occurs in the eyes with an incomplete complex of suspensory ligament and lens capsule or after vitrectomy. After dexamethasone intravitreal implant migrates into the anterior chamber, it tends to sink to a lower angle, resembling hypopyon, causing vision impairment and eye pain, accompanied by corneal edema and intraocular hypertension. If corneal edema occurs, dexamethasone intravitreal implant should be repositioned or removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of corneal endothelial decompensation. Miosis and avoiding predispositions, such as lying prone, jumping, or long flights, can prevent dexamethasone intravitreal implant from migrating into the anterior chamber. In this paper, the recent advances in anterior chamber migration of dexamethasone intravitreal implant are reviewed to provide a reference for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Abstract:Ischemic optic neuropathy(ION)is a common eye disease that could cause blindness. ION can be classified as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(AION)or posterior ischemic optic neuropathy(PION)according to the presence or absence of optic disc edema. AION is more prevalent(90%). Moreover, ION can be divided into arteritic ION and non-arteritic ION based on the presence or absence of vasculitis. While various forms of ION may present comparable clinical symptoms, they differ considerably in terms of etiology, prognosis, and treatment approaches.Arteritic ION has the potential to cause blindness, disability, and even mortality in a short period of time. Therefore, early detection of arteritis and determination of the need for corticosteroid therapy are essential for the treatment of ION. The positive significance of identifying and managing potential modifiable risk factors for ION lies in its ability to prevent recurrence in both the affected and contralateral eyes. This article reviews the etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of various varieties of ION with the goal of reducing misdiagnosis and improper treatment, thereby enhancing the overall prognosis of this condition.

Abstract:The examinations of tear quality and volume are important indicators for the diagnosis of dry eye disease. Tests commonly used in clinical practice to diagnose dry eye disease include testing of tear volume and tear film stability to assess the severity of the condition, and analyzing and labeling of tear components under laboratory conditions to diagnose clinical staging and also to guide clinical supplementation of relevant components to target treatment. Accurate assessment of tear production and compositional changes enables clinicians to effectively monitor the severity of dry eye disease and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. With the development of optical imaging technology and artificial intelligence in recent years, the combination of clinical tear indicators and examination techniques has enabled the application of new testing methods that provide more convenient, rapid and accurate testing, greatly improving the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease in the clinic.

Abstract:Orthokeratology(OK lens)is considered to be one of the most effective optical treatments for myopia control. Its safety and efficiency in controlling myopia progression have been rigorously verified by numerous studies. As the materials and technology of lens have evolved, orthokeratology has demonstrated remarkable results in myopia control, particularly among children with moderate myopia. Not only does orthokeratology effectively decelerate axial length growth, but it also positively impacts regulatory function. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that there may be some compromise in visual quality. Therefore, the perfect balance between lens design and patient adaptability must be considered to maintain visual clarity and optimize myopia control. While orthokeratology has made significant strides in myopia control, there are still lingering questions about its long-term stability, the precise impact of visual quality, and the others. Furthermore, combining orthokeratology with other strategies offers better effects. Nevertheless, further clinical data is needed to estimate the rebound effects of withdrawal. This review summarizes the technology, safety, efficacy and combination therapy of orthokeratology on myopia control.

Abstract:Myopia is a common ophthalmic disease that endangers the health of eyes all over the world. The incidence rate of myopia is high in China. Myopia has become the most prominent problem affecting the health of young people's eyes. Myopia prevention and control work has become urgent. Periretinal hyperopia defocusing is one of the main causes of myopia, and the defocusing soft lenses involved based on this principle have played a good role in myopia prevention and control. This article summarizes the working principle of defocusing soft lenses for controlling myopia and its impact on corneal and visual function, and evaluates the prevention and control effect of defocusing soft lenses on myopia based on current research.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the changes of nerve fiber thickness and vessel density in macula and optic disc following femtosecond laser-assisted and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery through optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).

METHODS: A total of 65 cases(85 eyes)that diagnosed with age-related cataract and received surgery in Aier Eye Hospital(East of Chengdu)were included in this prospective nonrandomized controlled study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgery choice, with 23 cases(30 eyes)in femtosecond laser assisted group, and 42 cases(55 eyes)in traditional phacoemulsification group. OCTA was used to compare the changes in central macular thickness, thickness of nerve fiber layer in optic disc, vessel density and blood perfusion preoperatively, and at 1 d and 1 mo postoperatively.

RESULTS: BCVA of patients in the two groups was significantly improved and IOP was significantly reduced at 1 mo postoperatively(all P<0.01). The macular nerve fiber layer thickness of the femtosecond laser-assisted group was increased at 1 d and 1 mo postoperatively(all P<0.05), while there was no statistical difference in the traditional phacoemulsification group before and after surgery(all P>0.05); there were significant differences in nerve fiber layer thickness in optic disc, vessel density and blood perfusion in both macula and optic disc of the traditional phacoemulsification group(all P<0.05), but there were no differences in the femtosecond laser assisted group(all P>0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in foveal avascular zone area in the two groups of patients(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery had less impact on retinal vessels.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the prognostic factors of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs and construct predictive model.

METHODS:A total of 57 patients(57 eyes)with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization who received the treatment of anti-VEGF in our hospital from January 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively included and grouped according to regression or recurrence of the disease. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed on the influencing factor of regression or recurrence of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization lesions treated with anti-VEGF drugs. Clinical prediction model was constructed for the regression of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization lesions treated with anti-VEGF drugs.

RESULTS:After treatment, the lesions disappeared in 17 eyes and recurred in 13 eyes, with incidence rates of 30% and 23%, respectively. The results of univariate analysis showed that the course of disease, baseline best corrected visual acuity, and baseline macular fovea retinal thickness may all be related to the regression or recurrence of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization lesions treated with anti-VEGF drugs(all P<0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that the course of the disease, baseline best corrected visual acuity level, and baseline macular fovea retinal thickness may all be related to the regression of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization treated with anti-VEGF drugs(all P<0.05), while those factors were not related to the recurrence of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization treated with anti-VEGF drugs(all P>0.05). The influencing factors of the regression model and the P-value prediction probability were used to predict the regression of idiopathic choroidal neovascular lesions treated with anti-VEGF drugs, and the Youden index was 83.00%, 75.74%, 45.47% and 85.00%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:The regression of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization treated with anti-VEGF drugs was closely related to the course of disease, baseline best corrected visual acuity level and baseline macular foveal retinal thickness, while the risk of recurrence has not been determined by corresponding influencing factors. The data model constructed by the above three factors has shown good efficiency in predicting the regression of patients with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization lesions treated with anti-VEGF drugs.

Abstract:AIM: To analyze the diagnostic value of optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in evaluating the parameters of foveal avascular zone(FAZ)in early diabetic retinopathy(DR).

METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 209 cases(209 eyes)of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with DR admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to December 2022 were selected as DR group. The DR group was divided into three groups, with 115 cases(115 eyes)in mild group, 54 cases(54 eyes)in moderate group, and 40 cases(40 eyes)in severe group according to stage. Another 100 cases(100 eyes)of T2DM patients without DR were selected as No-DR group, and 70 cases(70 eyes)of healthy people were selected as control group for physical examination at the same time, all of whom underwent OCTA examination. The DR group was enrolled according to the disease degree, one eye was randomly taken for the study if the degree in both eyes was the same, while the control group and the No-DR group were randomly selected for one eye to be included in the study. The perimeter of the foveal avascular area(PERIM), FAZ transverse diameter, FAZ vertical diameter, FAZ area, macular fovea retinal thickness(MFRT), acircularity index(AI), full layer retinal blood flow density within a range of 300 μm around the FAZ(FD-300), and changes in FAZ vascular density(VD)levels among different groups of subjects were compared. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between general data and FAZ related indicators, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of macular FAZ indicators for DR.

RESULTS: The levels of FBG, MFRT, FAZ area, and PERIM in patients with mild, moderate, and severe DR were significantly higher than those in the No-DR group and the control group, while the levels of AI and VD were significantly lower than those in the No-DR group(all P<0.05); patients in the No-DR group, mild DR group, moderate DR group, and severe DR group had significantly higher cystatin C, FAZ transverse diameter, and FAZ vertical diameter than the control group, while FD-300 vascular density was significantly lower than the control group(all P<0.05); the MFRT was positively correlated with age(r=0.295, P=0.001); The AI and VD was negatively correlated with age(r=-0.296, -0.235, all P<0.05); the area under the curve(AUC)of MFRT, FAZ area, PERIM, AI, and VD for the diagnosis of DR were 0.745, 0.738, 0.696, 0.792, and 0.847, respectively.

CONCLUSION:The structure and microcirculation of FAZ can be changed in DM patients, and the related parameters of FAZ have certain value in the diagnosis of early DR.

Abstract:AIM: To assess changes in the superficial retinal microvasculature of the macular and optic nerve head in patients diagnosed with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia by using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).

METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 25 pregnant females diagnosed with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in first hospital of Shanxi medical University between September 2020 and January 2021 were included in this study. The patients consisted of 10 cases with gestational hypertension, 9 cases with mild preeclampsia, and 6 cases with severe preeclampsia. Furthermore, a sample of 25 healthy pregnant females and 25 healthy non-pregnant females from our hospital during the same term was collected. OCTA was utilized to quantify the vascular density(VD)and perfusion density(PD)of the macular and optic nerve head in superficial retina. The changes of retinal microvascular parameters in the right eyes were analyzed and compared in each group.

RESULTS: Central VD, inner VD, central PD and inner PD of the macula were significantly lower in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia compared to both healthy pregnant female and healthy non-pregnant female(all P<0.05). Inner PD of optic nerve head were significantly reduced in individuals with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia compared with healthy pregnant female and non-pregnant females(all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in VD and PD of the macula and optic nerve head among patients with gestational hypertension, mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia(all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in VD and PD of the macula and optic nerve head between healthy pregnant female and healthy non-pregnant female(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: OCTA is more effective in visualizing the alterations in superficial retinal microvasculature in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. It has been observed that there is a reduction in VD and PD in the macula and optic nerve head even before the development of noticeable retinopathy in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. OCTA can aid in the early detection of microvascular alterations in individuals with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Abstract:AIM:To evaluate the effect of optical amplification on macular retinal thickness measurements in myopic eyes of children and adolescents using optical coherence tomography(OCT).

METHODS:A total of 68 cases(126 eyes)of children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years old attending our optometric center from April 2023 to January 2024 were selected. They were divided into 44 cases(83 eyes)in the mild myopia group(-0.50 DRESULTS:In the mild myopia group, there was no statistically significant difference between the retinal thickness in each quadrant of the macular area before and after correction and the mean retinal thickness(all P>0.05). In the moderate myopia group, the differences between the retinal thickness in each quadrant of the macula and the mean retinal thickness before and after correction were statistically significant(all P<0.001). Before correction, there was a significant difference in retinal thickness on the temporal side of the outer ring and above the outer ring of the macula in both groups(P=0.019, 0.035). However, retinal thickness in the other quadrants was not statistically different between the two groups(all P>0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups in the macular fovea, the nasal side of the inner ring, the temporal side of the inner ring, the upper inner ring, the lower inner ring, the nasal side of the outer ring, and the mean retinal thickness after correction(all P<0.05). Before correction for optical amplification, retinal thickness of the outer ring of the macula was positively correlated with SE(all P<0.05)and negatively correlated with AL(all P<0.05). By correction, a significant negative correlation was found between the macular fovea, the inner ring, and the mean retinal thickness with SE(all P<0.05). In addition, retinal thickness in all quadrants of the macula was positively correlated with AL(all P<0.001).

CONCLUSION:The optical amplification affects the accuracy of retinal thickness measurements in the macular region of myopic eyes of children and adolescents, and the effect becomes more significant as the AL increases.

Abstract:AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy of visual therapy in children with abnormal visual functions and asthenopia.

METHODS: Retrospective case study. The data of 57 patients(114 eyes), aged 8.25±1.94 years, who underwent visual training at the optometry center of Xi'an Children's Hospital between January 2022 and April 2023, were collected. Patient assessments before and after training included refractive errors, a visual fatigue scale questionnaire, and visual function tests. These tests included the Worth 4 Dot for binocular vision, the Von Graefe method for measuring latent strabismus at distance and near, the gradient method for assessing the accommodative convergence/accommodation(AC/A)ratio, the push-up test for convergence near point, the negative lens method for amplitude of accommodation, the cross-cylinder test for accommodative response, and the flipper test for accommodative flexibility. Training programs were tailored based on the initial assessments of visual function and asthenopia. Comparisons were made between pre-training, 1 and 3 mo post-training evaluations.

RESULTS: At baseline and 1 mo post-training, the visual fatigue scores were 26.00±6.77 and 19.57±8.90, respectively(P<0.05). Significant enhancements were observed in near phoria, convergence near point, and accommodative amplitude in both eyes, both negative relative accommodation(NRA)and positive relative accommodation(PRA), as well as accommodative flexibility in both eyes at 1 mo after therapy(all P<0.05), while no significant changes were found in distance phoria or accommodative response(all P>0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in the binocular amplitude of accommodation, NRA, PRA, and near phoria between 1 and 3 mo after training(all P>0.05). The visual function parameters of 30 patients with low myopia(SE: -1.99±1.22 D), 3 patients with low hyperopia(SE: +1.01±0.13 D)and 24 patients with emmetropia(SE: +0.25±0.11 D)were not statistically significant before training and at 1 mo after training(all P>0.05). Certain visual functions significantly improved at 1 mo after training, and most had returned normal by 3 mo.

CONCLUSION: Vision therapy significantly enhances binocular visual function and alleviates symptoms of asthenopia in children with visual dysfunction. It is an effective, straightforward, and easily applicable method for relieving children's visual fatigue.

Abstract:AIM:To test and compare the perceptual eye position and fixation stability of adolescents with emmetropia and adolescents with low myopia, investigating the characteristics of the perceptual eye position and fixation stability of adolescents with low myopia.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 132 adolescents(264 eyes)who visited in the ophthalmology clinic of our hospital from April to December 2023 were randomly selected as the research subjects. Participants were categorized into normal control group(n=45, 90 eyes), simple low myopia group(n=45, 90 eyes)and low myopia with anisometropia group(n=42, 84 eyes)according to their refractive status and were underwent assessments for perceptual eye position and fixation stability.

RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the static and dynamic horizontal perceptual eye position deviation of the simple low myopia group and the low myopia with anisometropia group were significantly increased(P<0.05). Compared with the simple low myopia group, the static and dynamic horizontal perceptual eye position deviation of the low myopia with anisometropia group were significantly increased(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in static and dynamic vertical perceptual eye position deviation among the three groups(P>0.05); compared with the normal control group, the horizontal and vertical fixation stability of the simple low myopia group and the low myopia with anisometropia group were significantly worse(all P<0.01), but there was no differences in the simple low myopia group and the low myopia with anisometropia group(P >0.05).

CONCLUSION: Abnormalities are observed in perceptual eye position and fixation stability function in adolescents with low myopia compared with those adolescents with emmetropia, even at best corrected visual acuity. The occurrence of anisometropia could lead to an increased degree of horizontal perceptual eye position displacement.

Abstract:AIM:To observe the different effects of three intervention approaches on related biometric parameters in children diagnosed with latent myopia, and to investigate different control effects on children with latent myopia.

METHODS:Prospective cohort concurrent controls trials. A total of 60 cases(120 eyes)of children who were initially diagnosed as latent myopia and untreated previously at ophthalmology clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University from December 2021 to May 2022 were recruited. They were randomly divided into three groups, with 20 cases(40 eyes)in group A treated with 0.01% Atropine eye drops, 20 cases(40 eyes)in group B treated with vision training with a flip chart, and 20 cases(40 eyes)in group C treated with esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drops. They were followed-up for 12 mo, and the spherical equivalent(SE), axial length(AL), corneal curvature(CC), accommodative facility(AF), and macular retinal thickness of the three groups of children were compared at 6 and 12 mo post-intervention.

RESULTS:Significant statistical differences were found in AL, SE and AF of the three groups of children at 6 and 12 mo(all P<0.05), and there were significant differences between 6 and 12 mo after the intervention(all P<0.05). SE and AF in the group B and C were higher than those in the group A(all P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in CC before and after the intervention(all P>0.05). The retinal thickness of the temporal, nasal, inferior and macular fovea of the outer ring at 6 and 12 mo after intervention in the three groups was significantly different from that at the initial diagnosis(all P<0.05), and there was significant difference between 6 mo and 12 mo after intervention(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the retinal thickness of the other macular areas among the three groups before and after intervention(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:When it comes to preventing and controlling myopia, 0.01% Atropine is more effective than flip chart training and esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drops. Therefore, the administration of 0.01% atropine and the implementation of flip chart training can effectively slow down the advancement of latent myopia.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of accelerated corneal cross-linking(A-CXL)with application of isotonic riboflavin under pedicled corneal epithelial flap in the treatment of thin keratoconus(corneal thickness less than 400 μm after epithelial removal).

METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 46 patients(74 eyes)with keratoconus treated in the refractive surgery department of Ineye Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM from September 2017 to December 2020 were enrolled. According to the preoperative thinnest corneal thickness(TCT), the patients were divided into two groups: 16 patients(20 eyes)with TCT ranging from 400 to <450 μm underwent accelerated corneal cross-linking with application of isotonic riboflavin under pedicled corneal epithelial flap, and the surgical method involves creating a pedicled corneal epithelial flap and lifting it, applying isotonic riboflavin eye drops, repositioning the corneal epithelial flap, performing ultraviolet irradiation and then using corettage of corneal epithlial flap after irradiation. Another 30 patients(54 eyes)with TCT ≥450 μm underwent epithelial-off A-CXL surgery. After follow-up for 12 mo, the results of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), Sirius three-dimensional corneal topography, and corneal endothelial cell density were collected before and after surgery.

RESULTS: At 12 months post-surgery, patients in the pedicled corneal epithelial flap group showed no significant difference in Kmax compared with pre-surgery(P>0.005), while patients in the epithelial-off group showed a significant reduction in Kmax compared with pre-surgery(P<0.005). For both groups, there were no significant differences in BCVA(LogMAR), corneal anterior and posterior surface curvatures(K1, K2), and corneal endothelial cell density at 12 mo post-surgery compared with pre-surgery(all P>0.005). The comparisons of the changes in various parameters between 12 mo post-surgery and pre-surgery for both groups showed no significant differences(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Accelerated corneal cross-linking with application of isotonic riboflavin under pedicled corneal epithelial flap surgery is safe and feasible for patients with thin keratoconus, achieving similar control of keratoconus progression as epithelial-off A-CXL.

Abstract:AIM: To examine the effects of blepharoplasty on the ocular surface and refractive state.

METHODS:Retrospective study. A total of 70 patients(108 eyes)who underwent blepharoplasty in our ophthalmology department from January 2022 to June 2023 were selected, among which 40 cases(48 eyes)diagnosed with ptosis received levator muscle shortness, and 30(60 eyes)diagnosed with eyelid laxity/single eyelids received blepharoplasty. The ocular surface disease index(OSDI), tear meniscus height(TMH), Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt), tear film break-up time(BUT), corneal fluorescein staining(FL), cylindrical(Cyl), surface regularity index(SRI), surface asymmetry index(SAI), keratometry(Km), and cylindrical(C).

RESULTS:There were statistical differences in preoperative and postoperative OSDI, BUT, SⅠt, and FL of patients who received levator resection(all P<0.05), but no differences were found in TMH(P>0.05). At 1 mo postoperatively, OSDI, BUT, SⅠt, and FL were significantly different compared to preoperative values(all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in OSDI, BUT, SⅠt, FL, or TMH of patients received blepharoplasty before and after surgery(all P>0.05). No significant differences were found in Cyl, SRI, SAI, Km, or C in either group before and after surgery(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:The levator resection has an early impact on the ocular surface of patients with ptosis, and corneal protection measures should be taken early. There was no significant impact on patients undergoing blepharoplasty; there was no significant effect on the refractive status of all patients.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the onset of age, gender, profession, marital characteristics, clinical symptoms, signs, image characteristics of fundus and laser scanning features of syphilitic chorioretinitis.

METHODS: Retrospective case series study. A total of 114 patients(138 eyes), 24 of whom were double eyes diagnosed with syphilitic chorioretinitis from January 2006 to January 2023 were included in this study. All of the data were collected from eye examination including the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure(IOP), fundus photography, optical coherence tomography(OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA), indocyanine green angiography(ICGA), visual field, visual evoked response; and blood tests including rapid plasma reagin(RPR)test and treponema pallidum hemagglutination(TPPA)test, tuberculin test, tuberculosis spot test, human immunodeficiency virus, human leukocyte antigen-B27, rheumatism series examination.

RESULTS: All patients tested positive for RPR and TPPA, while other laboratory tests were negative, confirming the diagnosis of syphilitic chorioretinopathy. The average age of onset was 44±13.1 years old, with 59 males(51.8%), 55 females(48.2%), 90 monocular cases(78.9%), and 24 binocular cases(21.1%), and there were no significant differences in gender, marriage, or occupation. The main clinical features were visual loss, hyperemia of the optic disc, grayish-yellow opacity of the central retina; FFA mainly showed early dot weak background fluorescence in the peripheral region of the macula, retinal blood vessel fluorescence leakage staining, retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)fluorescence accumulation and optic disc staining or strong fluorescence; ICGA and OCT were mainly manifested by squamous weak fluorescence of the posterior retina; and the manifestations of FFA and ICGA were symmetrical; OCT revealed hyperreflective dots and pinpoint projection of RPE.

CONCLUSION: The median age of onset in patients with syphilitic chorioretinitis is 44 years old, and monocular onset is more common. The patient's gender, marriage, and occupation have no significant characteristics. The clinical manifestations mainly include decreased vision, gray white cells in the vitreous body, thickening of the posterior pole retina, and grayish yellow changes. Correctly identifying OCT, FFA, and ICGA features can reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and make an early and correct diagnosis and treatment of patients.