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Protopapa C, Siamidi A, Junqueira LA, Kolipaka S, Tabriz AG, Douroumis D, Vlachou M. Sustained release of 3D printed bupropion hydrochloride tablets bearing Braille imprints for the visually impaired. Int J Pharm 2024; 663:124594. [PMID: 39154920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
3D printing has been introduced as a novel approach for the design of personalized dosage forms and support patient groups with special needs that require additional assistance for enhanced medication adherence. In this study liquid crystal display (LCD) is introduced for the development of sustained release bupropion.HCl printed tablets. The optimization of printing hydrogel inks was combined with the display of Braille patterns on the tablet surface for blind or visually impaired patients. Due to the high printing accuracy, the Braille patterns could be verified by blind patients and provide the required information. Further characterization revealed the presence of BUP in amorphous state within the photopolymerized resins. The selection of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-diacrylate (PEGDA) of different molecular weights and the presence of surfactants or solubilizers disrupted the resin photopolymerization, thus controlling the BUP dissolution rates. A small batch scale-up study demonstrated the capacity of LCD to print rapidly a notable number of tablets within 24 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystalla Protopapa
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Siamidi
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Siva Kolipaka
- Centre for Research Innovation, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime, Chatham ME4 4TB, UK
| | | | - Dennis Douroumis
- Centre for Research Innovation, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime, Chatham ME4 4TB, UK; Delta Pharmaceutics Ltd., 1- 3 Manor Road, Chatham, ME4 6AE Kent, UK.
| | - Marilena Vlachou
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Athens, Greece.
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Cushley LN, Leonard-Hawkhead B, Jackson AJ, Peto T. Global certification of visual impairment registries: A scoping review. Acta Ophthalmol 2024. [PMID: 39340236 DOI: 10.1111/aos.16763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visual impairment is a global problem which is predicted to rise in the coming years. Some of the biggest causes of visual impairment globally include uncorrected refractive error, cataract and age-related macular degeneration. People with a visual impairment often require support and so many countries hold registers of visual impairment. These registers can sit at a national, regional or local level. This scoping review aims to identify which countries hold visual impairment registries and have published data from them. METHODS Medline All, Embase and EBSCOHost were searched using several search terms after consulting an information specialist. All papers after the year 2000 were included in the scoping review. All results are shown using a PRISMA diagram and presented narratively. RESULTS The total number of articles and papers identified was 1266; after screening and review, 57 articles were included in the review from 2000 to 2024. These articles came from 19 different countries and encompassed national, regional and local visual impairment databases. Many countries cited age-related macular degeneration as the major cause of blindness with diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma following. In less economically developed countries, refractive error was the main cause of sight loss. There were papers which focused on specific eye conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy or on specific cohorts including working-age population and children. The leading causes of blindness in children appeared to be inherited retinal diseases, albinism and cerebral visual impairment. CONCLUSION Certification of visual impairment is held differently across the world. There is commonality among different countries regarding the major causes of visual impairment in both adults and children. The importance of holding visual impairment registers to support people with a visual impairment and to plan services is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Cushley
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | - Tunde Peto
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
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Hu J, Yao Y, Ge T, Wang S, Liu S, Zhu Q, Song X, Jia R, Zhuang A. Ultra-processed foods consumption and risk of age-related eye diseases: a prospective cohort study with UK biobank. Eur J Nutr 2024:10.1007/s00394-024-03498-5. [PMID: 39302424 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03498-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been associated with increased risks of various age-related diseases. However, the potential association between UPF consumption and age-related eye diseases (AREDs) remains unclear. We aim to assess the associations between consumption of UPF and risk of AREDs including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and glaucoma. METHODS We included 156,232 individuals aged 50 or older, who were free from AREDs from UK biobank study. Dietary intake data were collected using 24-h dietary assessments. UPF is defined according to the NOVA classification, and all participants are divided into four quartiles based on the weight proportion (%) of UPF. During a median of 10 years of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate the association between the proportion of UPF in the diet and the subsequent risk of various AREDs. RESULTS After adjusting for multiple variables, individuals in the highest quartiles for UPF consumption exhibited an increased risk of AMD (hazard ratio (HR): 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.63; p = 0.03), cataract (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20; p = 0.04), and glaucoma (HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.98-1.63; p = 0.06) compared to those in the lowest quartiles. Moreover, a 10% increase in the weight of UPF in diet was associated with an 8% higher risk of AMD (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01-1.15; p = 0.03), a 3% higher risk of cataract (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00-1.06; p = 0.04), and a 7% higher risk of glaucoma (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.00-1.15; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that a higher proportion of UPF in the diet was significantly link with an elevated risk of AMD and cataract. While additional research is necessary to validate these findings in diverse populations and settings, these results offer initial evidence to endorse public health initiatives that encourage limiting consumption of UPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongxin Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Liu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
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Pablo L, Garay-Aramburu G, García Layana A, Fernandez A, Vázquez I, Acebes X, Zulueta J, Balonga D, Salinas-Ortega L, Muñoz Á, Casado Gómez A, Casado MÁ, Salvador J, Bañón-Rodriguez I, Ruíz-Moreno JM. Assessing the economic burden of vision loss and irreversible legal blindness in Spain (2021-2030): a societal perspective. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2024; 14:70. [PMID: 39225974 PMCID: PMC11370269 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-024-00546-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the economic impact for the society, generated as a consequence of the onset of loss of vision and irreversible legal blindness, for the main ophthalmologic diseases in Spain: glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and high myopia (HM). METHODS A cost analysis model was developed to estimate the economic burden of glaucoma, DR, DME, AMD and HM over a 10-year time horizon (2021-2030), from a societal perspective in Spain. The epidemiological and economic parameters used in the model were obtained through a literature review. Prevalence, incidence, and progression stages were used to establish the epidemiological flows. Annual costs per patient from publications were included and classified into direct healthcare, direct non-healthcare and indirect costs. Costs from other countries were converted based on purchasing-power-parity (€EUR, PPP). Epidemiological parameters about population and cost results were validated by a panel of experts. All costs were adjusted to euros, 2021 (€, 2021), and using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the last 10 years, extrapolated to 2030 euros (€, 2030). RESULTS It was estimated that the total population of patients with the main diseases pathologies (glaucoma, DR, DME, AMD and HM) will increase to 7.99 million patients by 2030, representing an increase of 103%. The total cost by 2030 of all pathologies would amount to 99.8 billion euros. Direct non-healthcare costs account for the largest item (44%), followed by loss of productivity costs (38%), and direct healthcare costs (18%). The pathologies with the highest cumulative costs will be glaucoma (€33.6 billion) and DME (€19.8 billion).The greatest increment costs compared to 2021 will likely be generated by pathologies related to diabetes mellitus, such as DR (703%) and DME (317%). CONCLUSIONS Knowing the costs associated with the pathologies that generate loss of vision and irreversible legal blindness is essential to understand the socioeconomic impact associated with these pathologies. Furthermore, the high cost of treating these diseases makes necessary to coordinate efforts between administrations, together with the support of patient associations, to meet their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Pablo
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | - Anxo Fernandez
- Pharmacy Department, SERGAS) and Pharmacology Group, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Xenia Acebes
- Ophthalmology Department. Assistance Services Area, CATSALUT, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Delfina Balonga
- Glaucoma Association of Sufferers and relatives, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Salinas-Ortega
- Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research Iberia S. L, Paseo Joaquín Rodrigo 4- letra I, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28224, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Álvaro Muñoz
- Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research Iberia S. L, Paseo Joaquín Rodrigo 4- letra I, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28224, Madrid, Spain
| | - Araceli Casado Gómez
- Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research Iberia S. L, Paseo Joaquín Rodrigo 4- letra I, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28224, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Casado
- Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research Iberia S. L, Paseo Joaquín Rodrigo 4- letra I, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28224, Madrid, Spain
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Sadiq SN, Lee CN, Charmer B, Jones E, Habib MS, Sandinha MT, Criddle T, Steel DHW. Referrals for proliferative diabetic retinopathy from two UK diabetic retinopathy screening services: a 10-year analysis of visual outcomes, requirement for vitrectomy, and mortality. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:2561-2567. [PMID: 38653749 PMCID: PMC11385226 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03078-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES To determine long-term outcomes of patients referred with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) from diabetic eye screening programmes (DESP) to tertiary care centres in the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS Retrospective multicentre study of patients referred from two DESPs in the UK over a 36-month period (2007-9) and followed-up for 10 years. Critical outcomes included severe vision loss (SVL) and the need for vitrectomy. Other outcomes assessed included moderate vision loss (MVL), and patient survival time. Univariate and multiple variable Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to analyse survival outcomes. RESULTS 212 eyes of 150 patients were referred with a diagnosis of PDR. 109 eyes of 72 patients were confirmed to have active PDR and included in the study. 61% of patients had low-risk PDR, while 39% exhibited high-risk features in at least one eye. Eight (7.3%) eyes developed SVL and 16 (14.7%) MVL during follow up. Vitrectomy was required in 24% (95% CI: 15 to 31%) of all PDR eyes and was most commonly performed for vitreous haemorrhage (65%). The 10-year survival in all PDR patients was 76% (95% CI: 63 to 85%) with the mean time to death for all deceased patients being 5.4 ± 3.6 years. On multivariable analysis, only age was found to have a significant association with the survival of patients with PDR. CONCLUSIONS During the 10 year follow up SVL was uncommon, but MVL occurred in almost one-fifth of the eyes. Approximately 1 in 4 eyes required vitrectomy, highlighting its significance in patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chan Ning Lee
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ben Charmer
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, SR2 9HP, UK
| | - Emily Jones
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maged S Habib
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, SR2 9HP, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Maria T Sandinha
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ticiana Criddle
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - David H W Steel
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, SR2 9HP, UK.
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
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Heinze N, Davies F, York S, Chan SHY, Farrell D, Gomes RSM. What do adults with visual impairment mean by well-being? Identifying the building blocks of well-being in the context of visual impairment. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1395636. [PMID: 39238772 PMCID: PMC11375082 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1395636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Well-being has become a key outcome of health and support services for adults with visual impairment (V.I.). However, there is a lack of consensus on how well-being is conceptualized and assessed in V.I. research, if it is defined at all. A shared understanding of what well-being means in the context of adult V.I. is essential to enable comparison of findings across studies and collaboration between support organizations. Methods This article reports findings from a series of four online focus groups with adults with V.I. and one with practitioners working in the field of adult V.I. The focus groups explored what participants meant by well-being and which factors impacted their well-being. A total of 17 adults with V.I. and five practitioners took part. A list of all components of well-being, factors that impact well-being, and items in the protective buffer that may mitigate the impact of factors on well-being were extracted from the data. Results Despite the noted difficulty in defining well-being and disagreement around the extent to which well-being was universal or individual, a preliminary model of well-being emerged from the focus group discussions. The core of well-being reflects an overall feeling of contentment arising from a positive evaluation of how one is feeling, how one is feeling within oneself, and how one is feeling about one's life. Factors relating to balance/equilibrium, health, mood, other people, the self, and a sense of security and purpose can positively or negatively impact well-being. This impact may be mitigated by a protective buffer consisting of one's mood, mindset, ability to cope, resilience, and acceptance. Many items were discussed in multiple roles, e.g., as a component of well-being or factor. Conclusion This research took a bottom-up approach to explore what well-being means in the context of adult V.I. The role of certain items and the structure of the proposed model of well-being will need to be confirmed in future research with stakeholders across the V.I. sector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ffion Davies
- BRAVO VICTOR, London, United Kingdom
- Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Derek Farrell
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Renata S M Gomes
- BRAVO VICTOR, London, United Kingdom
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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Braithwaite T, Bailey H, Bartholomew D, Maharaj V, Fraser A, Deomansingh F, Ramsewak SS, Tripathi V, Sharma S, Singh D, Ramsewak SS, Bourne RRA, Gray A. The societal economic impact of vision impairment in adults 40 years and above: findings from the National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:2124-2133. [PMID: 38066111 PMCID: PMC11269728 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02860-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding and mitigating the societal economic impact of vision impairment (VI) is important for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. AIM To estimate the prevalent societal economic impact of presenting VI in Trinidad and Tobago using bottom-up cost and utilisation data from the 2014 National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS We took a societal perspective to combine comprehensive, individual-level cost and utilisation data, with population-based prevalence estimates for VI, and additional data from a contemporaneous national eyecare system survey. We included direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect (productivity loss) costs, and intangible losses in total cost estimates, presented in 2014 Trinidad & Tobago (TT) dollars and UK sterling equivalent. We considered but excluded transfer payments and dead weight losses. Sensitivity analyses explored impact on total cost of parameter uncertainty and assumptions. RESULTS Individual utilisation and cost data were available for 65.5% (n = 2792/4263) and 59.0% (n = 2516/4263) eligible participants aged ≥40 years, respectively. Participant mean age was 58.4(SD 11.8, range 40-103) years, 56.3% were female. We estimated total societal cost of VI in 2014 at UK£365,650,241 (TT$3,842,324,655), equivalent to £675 per capita (population ≥40 years). Loss of wellbeing accounted for 73.3%. Excluding this, the economic cost was UK£97,547,222 (TT$1,025,045,399), of which indirect costs accounted for 70.5%, followed by direct medical costs (17.9%), and direct non-medical costs (11.6%). CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive estimate of the economic impact of vision loss in a Caribbean country, and highlights the extent to which affected individuals and their families bear the societal economic cost of vision impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Braithwaite
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
- The Medical Eye Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - H Bailey
- Department of Economics, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - D Bartholomew
- Ophthalmology Department, Port of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - V Maharaj
- Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY, USA
- Department of Optometry, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - A Fraser
- Department of Optometry, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - F Deomansingh
- Department of Optometry, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
- Today's Optical Ltd, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - S S Ramsewak
- The Medical Eye Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - V Tripathi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - S Sharma
- Department of Optometry, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
- Standard Trust Capital Partners Ltd, St Augustine, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - D Singh
- Caribbean Eye Institute, Valsayn, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - S S Ramsewak
- Faculty of Medical Science, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - R R A Bourne
- The Vision and Eye Research Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Gray
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, UK
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Protopapa C, Siamidi A, Sakellaropoulou A, Kolipaka S, Junqueira LA, Tabriz AG, Douroumis D, Vlachou M. 3D-Printed Melatonin Tablets with Braille Motifs for the Visually Impaired. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1017. [PMID: 39204122 PMCID: PMC11357011 DOI: 10.3390/ph17081017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
An innovative approach for creating customized dosage forms and supporting patient populations with specific requirements who need additional support to improve drug adherence is 3D printing. This work introduces liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printing as a means of developing melatonin (MLT) tablets. For patients who are blind or visually challenged, Braille patterns were displayed on the tablet surface in addition to the optimization of printing hydrogel inks. Owing to the great printing accuracy, blind patients could validate the Braille patterns that provided the required information. Upon further examination MLT was found to be present in the photopolymerized resins in an amorphous state. The choice of poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEGDA) with varying molecular weights and the inclusion of surfactants or solubilizers interfered with the photopolymerization of the resin, hence controlling the rates of MLT dissolution towards the sought sustained release. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that photopolymerization of the PEGDA resins in the printed dosage forms has taken place. A small batch scale-up investigation showed that LCDs could print a significant number of tablets quickly-about twenty-four minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystalla Protopapa
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (C.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Angeliki Siamidi
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (C.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Aikaterini Sakellaropoulou
- Section of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece;
| | - Siva Kolipaka
- Centre for Research Innovation, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham ME4 4TB, UK; (S.K.); (L.A.J.)
| | - Laura Andrade Junqueira
- Centre for Research Innovation, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham ME4 4TB, UK; (S.K.); (L.A.J.)
| | | | - Dennis Douroumis
- Centre for Research Innovation, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham ME4 4TB, UK; (S.K.); (L.A.J.)
- Delta Pharmaceutics Ltd., 1-3 Manor Road, Chatham ME4 6AE, UK
| | - Marilena Vlachou
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece; (C.P.); (A.S.)
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Curran K, Peto T, Jonas JB, Friedman D, Kim JE, Leasher J, Tapply I, Fernandes AG, Cicinelli MV, Arrigo A, Leveziel N, Resnikoff S, Taylor HR, Sedighi T, Flaxman S, Bikbov MM, Braithwaite T, Bron A, Cheng CY, Del Monte MA, Ehrlich JR, Furtado JM, Gazzard G, Hartnett ME, Kahloun R, Kempen JH, Khairallah M, Khanna RC, Lansingh VC, Naidoo KS, Nangia V, Nowak M, Pesudovs K, Ramulu P, Topouzis F, Tsilimbaris M, Wang YX, Wang N, Bourne RRA, Curran K, Peto T, Bourne R, Leasher JL, Jonas JB, Friedman DS, Kim JE, Fernandes AG, Ahinkorah BO, Ahmadieh H, Ahmed A, Alfaar AS, Almidani L, Amu H, Androudi S, Arabloo J, Aravkin AY, Asemu MT, Azzam AY, Baghcheghi N, Bailey F, Baran MF, Bardhan M, Bärnighausen TW, Barrow A, Bhardwaj P, Bikbov M, Braithwaite T, Briant PS, Burkart K, Cámera LA, Coberly K, Dadras O, Dai X, Dehghan A, Demessa BH, Diress M, Do TC, Do THP, Dokova KG, Duncan BB, Ekholuenetale M, Elhadi M, Emamian MH, Emamverdi M, Farrokhpour H, Fatehizadeh A, Desideri LF, Furtado JM, Gebrehiwot M, Ghassemi F, Gudeta MD, Gupta S, Gupta VB, Gupta VK, Hammond BR, Harorani M, Hasani H, Heidari G, Hosseinzadeh M, Huang JJ, Islam SMS, Javadi N, Jimenez-Corona A, Jokar M, Joshua CE, Kadashetti V, Kandel H, Kasraei H, Kaur RJ, Khanal S, Khorrami Z, Koohestani HR, Krishan K, Lim SS, El Razek MMA, Mansouri V, Maugeri A, Mestrovic T, Misganaw A, Mokdad AH, Momeni-Moghaddam H, Momtazmanesh S, Murray CJL, Negash H, Osuagwu UL, Pardhan S, Patel J, Pawar S, Petcu IR, Pham HT, Pourazizi M, Qattea I, Rahman M, Saeed U, Sahebkar A, Salehi MA, Shayan M, Shittu A, Steinmetz JD, Tan Y, Topouzis F, Tsatsakis A, Umair M, Vos T, Xiao H, You Y, Zastrozhin MS, Zhang ZJ, Zheng P. Global estimates on the number of people blind or visually impaired by diabetic retinopathy: a meta-analysis from 2000 to 2020. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:2047-2057. [PMID: 38937557 PMCID: PMC11269692 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03101-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate global and regional trends from 2000 to 2020 of the number of persons visually impaired by diabetic retinopathy and their proportion of the total number of vision-impaired individuals. METHODS Data from population-based studies on eye diseases between 1980 to 2018 were compiled. Meta-regression models were performed to estimate the prevalence of blindness (presenting visual acuity <3/60) and moderate or severe vision impairment (MSVI; <6/18 to ≥3/60) attributed to DR. The estimates, with 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs], were stratified by age, sex, year, and region. RESULTS In 2020, 1.07 million (95% UI: 0.76, 1.51) people were blind due to DR, with nearly 3.28 million (95% UI: 2.41, 4.34) experiencing MSVI. The GBD super-regions with the highest percentage of all DR-related blindness and MSVI were Latin America and the Caribbean (6.95% [95% UI: 5.08, 9.51]) and North Africa and the Middle East (2.12% [95% UI: 1.55, 2.79]), respectively. Between 2000 and 2020, changes in DR-related blindness and MSVI were greater among females than males, predominantly in the super-regions of South Asia (blindness) and Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania (MSVI). CONCLUSIONS Given the rapid global rise in diabetes and increased life expectancy, DR is anticipated to persist as a significant public health challenge. The findings emphasise the need for gender-specific interventions and region-specific DR healthcare policies to mitigate disparities and prevent avoidable blindness. This study contributes to the expanding body of literature on the burden of DR, highlighting the need for increased global attention and investment in this research area.
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Sim SY, Chalkiadaki E, Koutsocheras G, Nicholson L, Sivaprasad S, Patel PJ, Selvam S, Pal B, Keane PA, Bhatia B, Hamilton R. Real-World 1-Year Outcomes of Treatment-Intensive Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Switched to Faricimab. Ophthalmol Retina 2024:S2468-6530(24)00355-5. [PMID: 39084554 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2024.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report 1-year anatomic and functional real-world outcomes of patients with treatment-intensive neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) switched to faricimab. DESIGN Retrospective multicenter cohort study. SUBJECTS Consecutive nAMD patients on 4-weekly treatment interval with either ranibizumab or aflibercept 2 mg in the last 3 visits within a treat-and-extend protocol (high treatment burden) before switch to faricimab at Moorfields Eye Hospital between September 5, 2022 and December 5, 2022. METHODS Patients with nAMD switched to faricimab were identified from electronic medical records and those who met criteria of high treatment burden were included. Data collected included preswitch and postswitch visual acuity (VA), treatment intervals, baseline macular morphology, central subfield thickness (CST), macular fluid status, and adverse events. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual acuity, CST, presence of intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, and injection intervals over 1 year after switch to faricimab. RESULTS A total of 130 of 286 (45.5%) eyes met inclusion criteria of being switched due to high treatment burden and 117 were included in analysis. Before switch, these eyes received mean total number of injections of 33.4 ± 19.6 over a mean of 51.3 ± 34.9 months. Mean number of injections in 12 months preceding switch was 10.1 ± 1.6 and mean interval of the preceding 3 injections was 4.2 ± 0.3 weeks. Mean VA, CST, and percentage of patients with dry macula before switch were 66.0 ± 11.9 ETDRS letters, 259.6 ± 76.0 μm and 18.3% respectively. After switch, there was no statistical difference in mean VA throughout follow-up period. Mean CST statistically significantly reduced after the third faricimab injection and at 12 months by 20.0 μm (P = 0.035) and 22.1 μm (P = 0.041) respectively. Mean treatment intervals increased to 6.9 ± 2.3 weeks (P < 0.005) at 12 months with 42.9% and 11.4% of patients being on ≥8-weekly and ≥12-weekly treatment intervals, respectively. CONCLUSIONS At 12 months, nAMD patients with previous record of high treatment burden when switched to faricimab maintained VAs and improved anatomic outcomes on extended treatment intervals. Physician bias is inherent in these types of observational studies so a prospective, randomized, controlled trial is recommended to validate these findings. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sing Yue Sim
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Evangelia Chalkiadaki
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Koutsocheras
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Nicholson
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Praveen J Patel
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Senthil Selvam
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bishwanath Pal
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pearse A Keane
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bhairavi Bhatia
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Hamilton
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Price LLA, Dahlmann-Noor A, Khazova M. Daylight and Electric Lighting in Primary and Secondary School Classrooms in the UK-An Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:942. [PMID: 39063519 PMCID: PMC11276840 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Only a few recent studies report direct assessment or monitoring of light levels in the indoor learning environment, and no consensus exists on minimum exposures for children's health. For instance, myopia is a common progressive condition, with genetic and environmental risk factors. Reduced daylight exposure, electric lighting changes, increased near-work for school children, greater academic focus, and use of display screens and white boards may have important detrimental influences. Published assessment methods had varied limitations, such as incomplete compliance from participants wearing light loggers for extended periods. Climate-Based Daylight Modelling is encouraged in UK school design, but design approaches are impractical for post-occupancy assessments of pre-existing classrooms or ad hoc modifications. In this study, we investigated the potential for direct assessment and monitoring of classroom daylight and lighting measurements. Combined with objective assessments of outdoor exposures and class time use, the classroom data could inform design and light exposure interventions to reduce the various health impacts of inadequate daylight exposure. The relevant environmental measure for myopia depends on the hypothesized mechanism, so the illuminance, spectral distribution, and temporal light modulation from the electric lighting was also assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annegret Dahlmann-Noor
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK;
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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12
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Sivaprasad S, Bailey C, Downey L, Gilbert R, Gale R, Kotagiri A, Mahmood S, Morgan-Warren P, Napier J, Narendran N, Pearce I, Rennie C, Talks J, Wojcik R, Jandhyala R. Real-world service costs for neovascular-AMD clinics in the United Kingdom: structured literature review and scenario analysis. Curr Med Res Opin 2024; 40:1221-1233. [PMID: 38814914 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2362278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) emphasize drug costs as the differentiator between NICE recommended anti-VEGF treatments but may neglect real-world non-drug costs of running nAMD services in the UK. To address this, this study identified real-world non-drug service cost items relevant to UK NHS nAMD clinics, including costs arising from operational strain (demand exceeding capacity). METHODS Cost items were identified by a structured literature review of peer-reviewed and grey literature, and an expert panel of 10 UK-based ophthalmologists with relevance to real-world practice. These items underwent meta-synthesis and were then determined in a consensus exercise. RESULTS Of 237 cost items identified, 217 (91.6%) met the consensus threshold of >0.51 and were included in the nAMD Service Non-Drug Cost Instrument (nAS). Sensitivity of cost items taken from UK Health Technology Assessment (HTA) using the nAS as the reference standard was low (HTAmin: 1.84%, 95% CI 0.50-4.65%; HTAmax: 70.51%, 95% CI 63.96-76.49%). False negative rates showed variable likelihood of misclassifying a service by cost burden depending on prevalence. Scenario analysis using cost magnitudes estimated annual per-patient clinic cost at £845 (within capacity) to £13,960 (under strain) compared to an HTAmin estimate of £210. Accounting for cost of strain under an assumed 50% increase in health resource utilization influenced cost-effectiveness in a hypothetical genericisation scenario. CONCLUSION Findings suggested that HTA underestimates UK NHS nAMD clinic cost burden with cost of strain contributing substantial additional unmeasured expense with impact on CEA. Given potential undertreatment due to strain, durability is suggested as one of the relevant factors in CEA of nAMD anti-VEGF treatments due to robustness under limited capacity conditions affecting UK ophthalmology services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare Bailey
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Louise Downey
- Ophthalmology Research Team, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospital, UK
| | - Rose Gilbert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bayer PLC, Reading, UK
| | - Richard Gale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bayer PLC, Reading, UK
- Ophthalmology and Clinical Visual Science, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Ajay Kotagiri
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, South Shields UK
| | - Sajjad Mahmood
- Manchester Eye Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Nirodhini Narendran
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ian Pearce
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Christina Rennie
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - James Talks
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Thirunavukkarasu A, Alanazi B, Alfaleh A, Alsulami HH, Albudayr SA, Alotaibi AS, Alenezi RM, Alruwaili AG, Alibrahim NO. Evaluation of dietary patterns and their impact on eye health among Saudi adults-A multi-regional cross-sectional analysis in Makkah, Riyadh, and Qassim. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1383725. [PMID: 38957871 PMCID: PMC11217315 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1383725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining and improving vision health. However, little is known about dietary intake habits and their correlation with vision health among adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The present survey was aimed to assess dietary patterns and vision health among Saudi adults and to determine the association between dietary patterns and vision health. Methods The present analytical study was carried out among 1,234 Saudi adults in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Qassim regions of KSA. We used the Arabic version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) and the diet quality screener (DQS). We applied Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests to determine the association between vision function score and demographic characteristics. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation test was used to determine the relationship between the DQS and the NEI VFQ-25. Results Of the studied population, the highest score obtained through the NEI VFQ-25 was in the social function domain (mean ± SD = 76.64 ± 18.63), followed by the general vision domain (mean ± SD = 75.21 ± 15.16) and was negatively correlated with age. Regarding dietary patterns, the intake of lean protein sources per week was the highest, with a mean intake of 4.17 days per week, followed by that of whole grains and milk or dairy products, with a mean intake of around four days per week. There was a significant correlation between various dietary intakes and visual function scores. Conclusion The present survey underscores the significance of understanding regional dietary patterns and their implications for vision health. Furthermore, our study's findings indicate a need for targeted nutritional intervention measures to improve the vision health of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bader Alanazi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Alfaleh
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Hathath Alsulami
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdulrahman Saad Alotaibi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
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Somerville JG, Strang NC, Jonuscheit S. Task-shifting and the recruitment and retention of eye care workers in under-served areas: a qualitative study of optometrists' motivation in Ghana and Scotland. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2024; 25:e30. [PMID: 38818764 PMCID: PMC11362676 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423624000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To assist policy-makers in improving access to eye care in under-served areas by analysing the relationship between motivational factors affecting the uptake of task-shifting in eye care and the recruitment and retention of optometrists in remote and rural areas. BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends two key strategies in tackling preventable blindness in under-served areas: improving human resources for health and task-shifting. The relationship between task-shifting and recruitment and retention of eye care workers in under-served areas is unknown. Ghana and Scotland are two countries from different levels of economic development that have notably expanded the roles of optometrists and struggle with rural recruitment and retention. METHODS Motivation was explored through semi-structured interviews with 19 optometrists in Ghana and Scotland with experience in remote and rural practice. Framework analysis was used to analyse interviews, explore the relationship between task-shifting and recruitment and retention and create recommendations for policy. FINDINGS The main motivational considerations included altruism, quality of life, learning and career opportunities, fulfilling potential, remuneration, stress of decision-making and collaboration. Motivational and demotivational factors for task-shifting and recruitment/retention shared many similar aspects. DISCUSSION Recruitment and retention in remote and rural areas require staff be incentivised to take up those positions, motivated to remain and given the adequate resources for personal and professional fulfilment. Task-shifting also requires incentivisation, motivation to continue and the resources to be productive. Many motivational factors influencing recruitment/retention and task-shifting are similar suggesting these two strategies can be compatible and complementary in improving access to eye care, although some factors are culture and context specific. Understanding optometrists' motivation can help policy-makers improve rural recruitment and retention and plan services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel G. Somerville
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
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15
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Antonopoulos A, Giannelli A, Morgan ER, Charlier J. Quantifying the neglected: Initial estimation of the global burden and economic impact of human toxocariasis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 5:100180. [PMID: 38872976 PMCID: PMC11169085 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonotic infection caused by Toxocara spp., ascarid nematodes of companion animals (dogs and cats) affecting people in both high-income and low/middle-income countries. Toxocariasis can manifest as several distinct syndromes. The most frequent, often termed common toxocariasis, is a self-limiting and mild febrile illness. Ocular and visceral larva migrans are severe disease manifestations affecting the eye and other internal organs, respectively, but their reported occurrence is rare. The vast majority of symptomatic cases are thought due to common toxocariasis, which has also been associated with cognitive impairment in children. Few studies to date have sought to quantity the health burden of toxocariasis in humans. In this study we provide a preliminary estimation using the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) approach. We estimate a total of 23,084 DALYs are lost annually in 28 selected countries due to common toxocariasis. Extrapolating based on a global average seroprevalence rate of 19%, we estimate 91,714 DALYs per year are lost across all countries due to toxocariasis, of which 40,912 are attributable to less severe forms, i.e. common toxocariasis, and 50,731 to cognitive impairment in children. Clinically diagnosed and reported ocular and visceral larva migrans represent a small proportion of estimated total health burden. We also found a positive correlation at national level between prevalence in cats or dogs and seroprevalence in humans, but no correlation between estimated soil contamination and seroprevalence in humans. Finally, we estimate the potential economic impact of toxocariasis in selected countries at 2.5 billion USD per annum, from costs of medical treatment and lost income. These preliminary estimates should serve as a call to action for further research and evidence-based measures to tackle toxocariasis.
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Bührer C, Paling T, Gale R, Paulo T, Bagijn M. Cost-Effectiveness of Faricimab in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO): A UK Analysis. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024; 8:445-457. [PMID: 38438829 PMCID: PMC11058163 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-023-00465-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this work was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of faricimab against relevant therapeutic alternatives used in clinical practice for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) in the UK. METHODS A state-transition (Markov) model, with health states based on visual acuity scores and treatment pathways, was developed to conduct cost-utility analysis of faricimab treat and extend (T&E) regimen versus ranibizumab pro re nata (PRN) and aflibercept PRN over a time horizon of 25 years. Comparison against bevacizumab PRN was considered in scenario analysis. Effectiveness data for faricimab was sourced from the pivotal YOSEMITE and RHINE double-blind randomised controlled trials, and from a network meta-analysis for comparators. Costs and (dis)utilities were taken from nationally published sources or literature. The base case included indirect costs (productivity gains, informal care) given the wider impacts of DMO on society. Sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS In the base case, faricimab T&E dominated ranibizumab PRN and aflibercept PRN, being more effective and resulting in cost savings (between 0.16 and 0.36 mean QALYs gained, and £5483-9655 mean cost savings). In scenario analysis, faricimab was more effective but costlier compared with bevacizumab, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £8898 per QALY gained. Considering only healthcare payer costs, the ICER of faricimab compared with ranibizumab PRN was £7991 per QALY gained and faricimab dominated aflibercept PRN. CONCLUSIONS Faricimab T&E has the potential to reduce the burden of vision loss on society, giving people living with DMO greater independence and contributing to increased healthcare system capacity. At a threshold of £20,000, faricimab T&E is cost-effective compared with relevant comparators, and potentially cost saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bührer
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Paling
- Roche Products Ltd, 6 Falcon Way, Shire Park, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Richard Gale
- York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Tatiana Paulo
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marloes Bagijn
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse, Basel, Switzerland
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Jiao YR, Chen KX, Tang X, Tang YL, Yang HL, Yin YL, Li CJ. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in diabetes and diabetic complications. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:271. [PMID: 38632264 PMCID: PMC11024187 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06659-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes, a group of metabolic disorders, constitutes an important global health problem. Diabetes and its complications place a heavy financial strain on both patients and the global healthcare establishment. The lack of effective treatments contributes to this pessimistic situation and negative outlook. Exosomes released from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as the most likely new breakthrough and advancement in treating of diabetes and diabetes-associated complication due to its capacity of intercellular communication, modulating the local microenvironment, and regulating cellular processes. In the present review, we briefly outlined the properties of MSCs-derived exosomes, provided a thorough summary of their biological functions and potential uses in diabetes and its related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rui Jiao
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Kai-Xuan Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xiang Tang
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yu-Long Tang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, China
| | - Hai-Lin Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, Anhui, 236000, China
| | - Yu-Long Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, 410125, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China.
| | - Chang-Jun Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Key Laboratory of Aging-related Bone and Joint Diseases Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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Muma S, Naidoo KS, Hansraj R. Estimation of the lost productivity to the GDP and the national cost of correcting visual impairment from refractive error in Kenya. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300799. [PMID: 38527046 PMCID: PMC10962815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In developing countries such as Kenya, minimal attention has been directed towards population based studies on uncorrected refractive error (URE). However, the absence of population based studies, warrants utilization of other avenues to showcase to the stakeholders in eye health the worth of addressing URE. Hence this study estimated the lost productivity to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of URE and the national cost required to address visual impairment from URE in Kenya. METHODS The lost productivity to the GDP for the population aged 16-60 years was calculated. Thereafter the productivity loss of the caregivers of severe visual impaired individuals was computed as a product of the average annual productivity for each caregiver and a 5% productivity loss due to visual impairment. The productivity benefit of correcting refractive error was estimated based on the minimum wage for individuals aged between 16-60 years with URE. Estimation of the national cost of addressing URE was based on spectacle provision cost, cost of training functional clinical refractionists and the cost of establishing vision centres. A cost benefit analysis was undertaken based on the national cost estimates and a factor of 3.5 times. RESULTS The estimated lost productivity to the GDP due to URE in in Kenya is approximately US$ 671,455,575 -US$ 1,044,486,450 annually for population aged between 16-60 years. The productivity loss of caregivers for the severe visually impaired is approximately US$ 13,882,899 annually. Approximately US$ 246,750,000 is required to provide corrective devices, US$ 413,280- US$ 108,262,300 to train clinical refractionists and US$ 39,800,000 to establish vision centres. The productivity benefit of correcting visual impairment is approximately US$ 41,126,400 annually. Finally, a cost benefit analysis showed a return of US$ 378,918,050 for human resources, US$ 863,625,000 for corrective devices and US$ 139,300,000 for establishment of vision centres. CONCLUSION The magnitude of productivity loss due to URE in Kenya is significant warranting prioritization of refractive error services by the government and all stakeholders since any investment directed towards addressing URE has the potential to contribute a positive return.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadrack Muma
- Department of Optometry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kovin Shunmugam Naidoo
- Department of Optometry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Paris, France
| | - Rekha Hansraj
- Department of Optometry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Heinze N, Jones L, Bertiz F, Saunders E, Gomes RSM. How does the UK public think and feel about people with visual impairment: a review of existing evidence. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1359074. [PMID: 38515970 PMCID: PMC10954816 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1359074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite legislation to protect people with visual impairment (V.I.) from discrimination in the United Kingdom (UK), the latter continue to experience overt and covert negative behaviours. Perceived discrimination has been associated with an adverse impact on identity, health and well-being, while negative attitudes have been identified as the biggest barrier to participation in everyday life. This article provides a narrative review of existing evidence of how the UK public treats (behaviours), thinks (perceptions) and feels (attitudes) about people with V.I. Despite limitations, the findings suggest that there is a gap between the behaviours reported by people with V.I. and the attitudes expressed by members of the UK public. Social psychological theories are used to explore possible reasons for this gap, and ways in which it may be addressed. As such, the article provides an example of how social psychological theories can be used to address problems in an applied context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee Jones
- BRAVO VICTOR, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Firuzé Bertiz
- Royal National Institute of Blind People, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Saunders
- Royal National Institute of Blind People, London, United Kingdom
| | - Renata S. M. Gomes
- BRAVO VICTOR, London, United Kingdom
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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20
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Somerville JG, Strang NC, Jonuscheit S. Topical review: Task shifting and the recruitment and retention of eye health workers in underserved areas. Optom Vis Sci 2024; 101:143-150. [PMID: 38546755 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000002118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Many populations experience difficulty accessing eye care, especially in rural areas. Implementing workforce recruitment and retention strategies, as well as task shifting through widening scope of practice, can improve eye care accessibility. This article provides novel evidence on the compatibility of these strategies aimed at enhancing ophthalmic workforce recruitment, retention, and efficacy. PURPOSE The global burden of blindness is unequally distributed, affects rural areas more, and is frequently associated with limited access to eye care. The World Health Organization has specified both task shifting and increasing human resources for eye health as instruments to improve access to eye care in underserved areas. However, it is uncertain whether these two instruments are sufficiently compatible to provide positive synergic effects. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a structured literature review and synthesized relevant evidence relating to task shifting, workforce recruitment, retention, and eye care. Twenty-three studies from across the globe were analyzed and grouped into three categories: studies exploring recruitment and retention in human resources for eye health in general, studies discussing the relationship between task shifting and recruitment or retention of health workers in general, and studies specifically discussing task shifting and recruitment or retention in eye care workers. FINDINGS Our findings demonstrate that incentives are effective for initiating task shifting and improving recruitment and retention in rural areas with a stronger effect noted in midlevel eye care professionals and trainees. Incentives can take various forms, e.g., financial and nonfinancial. The consideration of context-specific motivational factors is essential when designing strategies to facilitate task shifting and to improve recruitment and retention.
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21
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Heinze N, Jones L. Social functioning in adults with visual impairment from minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1277472. [PMID: 38362219 PMCID: PMC10867259 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1277472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Visual impairment (V.I.) has been associated with a negative impact on social functioning, while social support can impact on well-being in those with V.I. Adults from minority ethnic communities (MEC) are projected to make up an increasing proportion of adults living with V.I. in the UK, but limited research has explored their social functioning. This article provides a preliminary insight into social functioning among MEC adults living with V.I. in the UK. Methods The article reports findings from a secondary analysis of V.I. Lives survey data. V.I. Lives was a UK telephone survey, which explored the life experiences of people with V.I. across a wide range of topics including social functioning. This secondary analysis explored social participation, support, isolation, and relationships among a matched control sample of 77 MEC and 77 adults aged 18 and over from White communities (WC). Participants were matched on age, gender, UK region and urban/rural setting. Subgroup analyses were also conducted for the two largest subgroups within the MEC group, Asian (n = 46) and Black participants (n = 22). Results Contact with like-minded people (U = 2174.50, p = 0.003, r = -0.24) and opportunities to take part in more social activities (U = 2253.50, p = 0.007, r = -0.22) was significantly more important to MEC than WC participants. Moreover, MEC participants were significantly less likely to feel supported by friends/family (U = 3522.50, p = 0.017, r = 0.19) and had fewer people they could ask for help (U = 3775.50, p = 0.001, r = 0.26), but there were no significant differences in the perceived impact of V.I. on their friendships/social life and marriage/relationship, their ability to take part in a range of activities, nor their marital status. Asian participants were significantly more likely than Black participants to feel cut off from the people and places around them (U = 655.50, p = 0.042, r = 0.25). Effect sizes were overall small. Although there were no further statistically significant differences between the two groups, Asian participants were also less likely to be able to take part in activities, and more likely to report a negative impact on their social life/friendships and on their marriage/relationship, as well as a smaller social network. Conclusion The findings suggest that V.I. may have had a greater impact on social functioning among Asian participants in this sample, including on experiences of social isolation and participation in social activities. Future research will need to confirm these findings and explore the possible reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee Jones
- BRAVO VICTOR, London, United Kingdom
- UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Heinze N, Jones L. Access to eye care and support services among adults from minority ethnic communities living with visual impairment in the United Kingdom. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1277519. [PMID: 38259735 PMCID: PMC10800624 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1277519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite an increased risk of certain eye conditions which can lead to visual impairment (V.I.), there is evidence of a greater delay to treatment-seeking among adults from minority ethnic communities (MEC). MEC adults may also be underrepresented on V.I. registers, within early intervention services, and among the beneficiaries of national V.I. charities. However, much of this evidence is outdated or anecdotal. Methods This secondary analysis of V.I. Lives survey data explored use of eye health and support services and mobility aids among a matched control sample of 77 MEC and 77 adults aged 18 and over from white communities (WC). Participants were matched on age, gender, UK region and urban/rural setting. Additional subgroup analysis was conducted for Asian (n = 46) and black participants (n = 22). Results There were no significant group differences in areas such as eye health service use, registration status, contact with charities, and level of practical support received. But MEC participants were significantly more likely than WC participants to have received direct payments from social services to cover their care needs, Χ2 (1, 154) = 8.27, p = 0.004, and to use apps on their mobile for mobility, Χ2 (1, 154) = 5.75, p = 0.017. In contrast, WC participants were significantly more likely to agree that they were getting the level of emotional support to get on with their life, U = 3,638, p = 0.010, to feel confident to ask their friends for support, U = 2,416, p = 0.040, and to have a guide dog for mobility, Χ2 (1, 154) = 3.62, p = 0.057, although the latter did not reach statistical significance. Within the MEC group, Asian participants were significantly more likely than black participants to use a long cane, Χ2 (1, 68) = 7.24, p = 0.007, but they were significantly less likely to agree that they had received the right level of support when they started to experience V.I., U = 236.5, p = 0.040. Conclusion The preliminary findings suggests that there is scope to increase support provided by V.I. charities and the V.I. register, although, contrary to existing evidence, there were no statistically significant differences in eye health service use, registration status and use of wider support services. Further research is required to confirm these findings and explore reasons for differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee Jones
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research, London, United Kingdom
- UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Stuart KV, Khawaja AP. Genomics enabling personalised glaucoma care. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 108:5-9. [PMID: 37989536 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2023-324618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual impairment and a significant public health concern, but despite ongoing advances in our understanding of the disease, several important clinical challenges remain. With the number of affected people projected to increase substantially over coming decades, novel approaches to screening, risk stratification, therapy and glaucoma research are essential to deal with this expanding burden in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Genomics may hold the key to unlocking further biological insights and enabling precision medicine, in which glaucoma care is tailored to the individual patient, based on their unique profile for disease. Here, we provide an overview of how genomics may enable cost-effective targeted population screening and personalised predictions of risk, response to treatment and effective lifestyle advice. Given rapid advances in genetic testing technology and a move towards population-level genotyping, these early results have several important implications that promise to revolutionise the way in which glaucoma is detected and managed in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey V Stuart
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Anthony P Khawaja
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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24
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Gao Y, Liu J, Zhou W, Tian J, Wang Q, Zhou L. Exploring factors influencing visual disability in the elderly population of China: A nested case-control investigation. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04142. [PMID: 37962345 PMCID: PMC10644848 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Factors influencing visual disability among the elderly in China remain largely unclear. We sought to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors for visual disability among older adults in China. Methods We employed a nested case-control study design, utilising data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) collected between 2011 and 2018. Cases and controls were matched by a ratio of 1:3 by age and sex. Conditional logistic regression identified factors associated with visual disability. Results Prior to data matching, the cohort comprised 4729 complete samples, with 785 (16.6%) newly diagnosed cases of visual disability during the follow-up period. Following matching, 3132 subjects remained, with 783 in the case group and 2349 in the control group. Factors associated with the occurrence of visual disability in the elderly included per capita family income (odds ratio (OR) = 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97-0.99), adequate sleep (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.63-0.90), cognitive function (OR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.96-0.99), heart disease (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.20-1.89), kidney disease (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.05-1.98), depression (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03-1.06), history of falls (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.09-1.65), and cataracts (OR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.81-4.07). Conclusions Visual disability among the elderly in China remains a major concern. Per capita family income, adequate sleep, and cognitive function are protective factors, while heart disease, kidney disease, depression, history of falls, and cataracts are risk factors. Future efforts in preventing and treating visual disability in the elderly should target these high-risk factors and provide early interventions to this population.
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25
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Hillan O, Smith L, Bishop S, Allen PM. Barriers to and Facilitators of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Individuals Living with Sight Loss in Cambridgeshire. Vision (Basel) 2023; 7:70. [PMID: 37987290 PMCID: PMC10661310 DOI: 10.3390/vision7040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical inactivity is a prevalent concern amongst adults living with sight loss. It is essential to understand why these individuals are inactive and how we can increase physical activity levels among them. Therefore, this study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators to physical activity for individuals living with sight loss. Seven individuals with self-reported sight loss living in Cambridgeshire were recruited for three focus groups. Focus group data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes. Seven themes which represented a barrier, or a facilitator were identified: transport, accessing information, one size fits all, negative previous experience, visually impaired sport, women in disability sport, and taster days. To increase physical activity levels amongst those living with sight loss, interventions need to be focused on the organisational level. This includes producing more accessible environments that can be produced by providing training for sport and physical activity professionals and by ensuring the physical environment is inclusive for those living with sight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hillan
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Simon Bishop
- School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Peter M Allen
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
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Loewenstein A, Berger A, Daly A, Creuzot-Garcher C, Gale R, Ricci F, Zarranz-Ventura J, Guymer R. Save our Sight (SOS): a collective call-to-action for enhanced retinal care across health systems in high income countries. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3351-3359. [PMID: 37280350 PMCID: PMC10630379 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02540-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With a growing aging population, the prevalence of age-related eye disease and associated eye care is expected to increase. The anticipated growth in demand, coupled with recent medical advances that have transformed eye care for people living with retinal diseases, particularly neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic eye disease, has presented an opportunity for health systems to proactively manage the expected burden of these diseases. To do so, we must take collective action to address existing and anticipated capacity limitations by designing and implementing sustainable strategies that enable health systems to provide an optimal standard of care. Sufficient capacity will enable us to streamline and personalize the patient experience, reduce treatment burden, enable more equitable access to care and ensure optimal health outcomes. Through a multi-modal approach that gathered unbiased perspectives from clinical experts and patient advocates from eight high-income countries, substantiated perspectives with evidence from the published literature and validated findings with the broader eye care community, we have exposed capacity challenges that are motivating the community to take action and advocate for change. Herein, we propose a collective call-to-action for the future management of retinal diseases and potential strategies to achieve better health outcomes for individuals at-risk of, or living with, retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Loewenstein
- Ophthalmology Division, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Alan Berger
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Retina Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Richard Gale
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
- York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Federico Ricci
- Dept. Experimental Medicine - University Tor Vergata of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Javier Zarranz-Ventura
- Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi and Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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27
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Hunter AML, Anderson RS, Redmond T, Garway-Heath DF, Mulholland PJ. Investigating the Spatiotemporal Summation of Perimetric Stimuli in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:37. [PMID: 38019498 PMCID: PMC10691387 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.11.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To measure achromatic spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal summation in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to healthy controls under conditions of photopic gaze-contingent perimetry. Methods Twenty participants with dry AMD (mean age, 74.6 years) and 20 healthy controls (mean age, 67.8 years) performed custom, gaze-contingent perimetry tests. An area-modulation test generated localized estimates of Ricco's area (RA) at 2.5° and 5° eccentricities along the 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° meridians. Contrast thresholds were measured at the same test locations for stimuli of six durations (3.7-190.4 ms) with a Goldmann III stimulus (GIII, 0.43°) and RA-scaled stimuli. The upper limit (critical duration) of complete temporal summation (using the GIII stimulus) and spatiotemporal summation (using the RA stimuli) was estimated using iterative two-phase regression analysis. Results Median (interquartile range [IQR]) RA estimates were significantly larger in AMD participants (2.5°: 0.21 [0.09-0.41] deg2; 5°: 0.32 [0.15-0.65 deg2]) compared to healthy controls (2.5°: 0.08 [0.05-0.13] deg2; 5°: 0.15 [0.08-0.22] deg2) at all test locations (all P < 0.05). No significant difference in median critical duration was found in AMD participants with the GIII stimulus (19.6 [9.9-30.4] ms) and RA-scaled stimuli (22.9 [13.9-40.3] ms) compared to healthy controls (GIII: 17.0 [11.3-24.0] ms; RA-scaled: 22.4 [14.3-33.1] ms) at all test locations (all P > 0.05). Conclusions Spatial summation is altered in dry AMD, without commensurate changes in temporal summation. Translational Relevance The sensitivity of perimetry to AMD may be improved by utilizing stimuli that probe alterations in spatial summation in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife M. L. Hunter
- Centre for Optometry and Vision Science, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Roger S. Anderson
- Centre for Optometry and Vision Science, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Tony Redmond
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David F. Garway-Heath
- National Institute for Health Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Pádraig J. Mulholland
- Centre for Optometry and Vision Science, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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28
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Heinze N, Castle CL. Exploring mental well-being, the emotional impact of visual impairment and experiences of prejudice and discrimination among adults from minority ethnic communities in the UK. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1277341. [PMID: 37808983 PMCID: PMC10558210 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1277341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Visual impairment (V.I.) has been associated with a negative impact on mental health outcomes, including a process of grief among those who lose their sight. Older adults with V.I. who had experienced discrimination have been found to be at increased risk of depression, loneliness, poorer life satisfaction and poorer quality of life. Adults from minority ethnic communities (MEC) may be at increased risk of V.I. and yet, research on the experiences of MEC adults with V.I. remains limited. This article forms part of a series which explores issues and status among MEC adults living with V.I. in the UK. Methods A secondary analysis of V.I. Lives survey data was performed to explore mental well-being assessed by the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale (SWEMWBS), the emotional impact of V.I., and prejudice and discrimination among a matched control sample of 77 MEC and 77 adults from white communities (WC). Participants were matched by age, gender, UK region and urban/rural setting. Subgroup analyses were also conducted for the two largest MEC subgroups, Asian (n = 46) and black participants (n = 22). Results There were few statistically significant differences between the groups. MEC participants were significantly more likely than WC participants to rate emotional support to come to terms with their V.I. as important and to feel optimistic about their V.I. but they were significantly less likely to agree that they were receiving the level of emotional support they needed to get on with their life. Within the MEC group, participants from Asian communities had significantly poorer mental well-being, and they were also significantly more likely to agree that the general public were often prejudiced against people with V.I. and less likely to feel optimistic about their V.I. than black participants. Conclusion Although there were few statistically significant differences, participants from Asian communities were more likely to report poor mental and emotional well-being, and experiences of discrimination, than black and white participants. In contrast, participants from black communities fared the same as, or in some cases better than, white participants. Future research will need to confirm these findings and explore reasons for these.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire L. Castle
- BRAVO VICTOR, London, United Kingdom
- School of Music, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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29
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Lindner T, Schmidl D, Peschorn L, Pai V, Popa-Cherecheanu A, Chua J, Schmetterer L, Garhöfer G. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Glaucoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1149. [PMID: 37631064 PMCID: PMC10460067 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. To date, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor in glaucoma treatment, but even in treated patients, the disease can progress. Cannabinoids, which have been known to lower IOP since the 1970s, have been shown to have beneficial effects in glaucoma patients beyond their IOP-lowering properties. In addition to the classical cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, knowledge of non-classical cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system has increased in recent years. In particular, the CB2 receptor has been shown to mediate anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties, which may represent a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection in glaucoma patients. Due to their vasodilatory effects, cannabinoids improve blood flow to the optic nerve head, which may suggest a vasoprotective potential and counteract the altered blood flow observed in glaucoma patients. The aim of this review was to assess the available evidence on the effects and therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in glaucoma patients. The pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabinoids on IOP, neuroprotection, and ocular hemodynamics have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Lindner
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Doreen Schmidl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Peschorn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Viktoria Pai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Alina Popa-Cherecheanu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania;
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jacqueline Chua
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Garhöfer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (T.L.); (D.S.); (L.P.); (V.P.); (L.S.)
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Hanson RLW, Airody A, Sivaprasad S, Gale RP. Optical coherence tomography imaging biomarkers associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2438-2453. [PMID: 36526863 PMCID: PMC9871156 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this systematic literature review is twofold, (1) detail the impact of retinal biomarkers identifiable via optical coherence tomography (OCT) on disease progression and response to treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and (2) establish which biomarkers are currently identifiable by artificial intelligence (AI) models and the utilisation of this technology. Following the PRISMA guidelines, PubMed was searched for peer-reviewed publications dated between January 2016 and January 2022. POPULATION Patients diagnosed with nAMD with OCT imaging. SETTINGS Comparable settings to NHS hospitals. STUDY DESIGNS Randomised controlled trials, prospective/retrospective cohort studies and review articles. From 228 articles, 130 were full-text reviewed, 50 were removed for falling outside the scope of this review with 10 added from the author's inventory, resulting in the inclusion of 90 articles. From 9 biomarkers identified; intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid, pigment epithelial detachment, subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM), retinal pigmental epithelial (RPE) atrophy, drusen, outer retinal tabulation (ORT), hyperreflective foci (HF) and retinal thickness, 5 are considered pertinent to nAMD disease progression; IRF, SHRM, drusen, ORT and HF. A number of these biomarkers can be classified using current AI models. Significant retinal biomarkers pertinent to disease activity and progression in nAMD are identifiable via OCT; IRF being the most important in terms of the significant impact on visual outcome. Incorporating AI into ophthalmology practice is a promising advancement towards automated and reproducible analyses of OCT data with the ability to diagnose disease and predict future disease conversion. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This review has been registered with PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42021233200).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L W Hanson
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Archana Airody
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- Moorfields National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Richard P Gale
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK.
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK.
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Waisberg E, Ong J, Paladugu P, Kamran SA, Zaman N, Tavakkoli A, Lee AG. Advances in machine learning to detect preventable causes of blindness. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2582-2583. [PMID: 36496462 PMCID: PMC10397272 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Waisberg
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joshua Ong
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Phani Paladugu
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sharif Amit Kamran
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Nasif Zaman
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Alireza Tavakkoli
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Muñoz-Villegas P, Martínez-Bautista H, Olvera-Montaño O. Determinants of adherence to treatment in patients with ophthalmic conditions. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:1249-1259. [PMID: 37978952 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2279740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to identify and determine factors associated with patients' ophthalmic adherence in common ocular conditions from randomized clinical trials (RCT). RESEARCH DESIGN METHODS A univariate analysis with proportions, a bivariate analysis using polychoric correlations, and logistic regression (LR) models were used. The collected dataset was made up of records from RCT. Using three validated LR models, factors were identified and ranked based on their adjusted odds ratio and their statistical significance to adherence. RESULTS A total of 1,087 valid patients were included in this analysis, of which 88.96% presented adherence. All models were calibrated, had a good performance, were well specified and cost-effective using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, metrics for class imbalance, link test approach and Akaike's criteriums, respectively. CONCLUSION We identified as determinants for encouraging good ophthalmic adherence the adverse events presented, duration of the study, female sex, and older age; other determinants such as medical condition, protocol treatment, type of treatment and disease are all risk factors for adherence. Improvements in ophthalmic adherence may be achieved by focused attention to young male patients with chronic degenerative diseases such as glaucoma or ocular hypertension (especially those who need combination therapy) and developing medications with reduced side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Muñoz-Villegas
- Regional Medical Affairs Department, Laboratorios Sophia, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
- Centro de Investigación en Matemáticas A.C. (CIMAT), Unidad Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | | | - Oscar Olvera-Montaño
- Regional Medical Affairs Department, Laboratorios Sophia, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
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Constantin A, Atkinson M, Bernabeu MO, Buckmaster F, Dhillon B, McTrusty A, Strang N, Williams R. Optometrists' Perspectives Regarding Artificial Intelligence Aids and Contributing Retinal Images to a Repository: Web-Based Interview Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e40887. [PMID: 37227761 DOI: 10.2196/40887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A repository of retinal images for research is being established in Scotland. It will permit researchers to validate, tune, and refine artificial intelligence (AI) decision-support algorithms to accelerate safe deployment in Scottish optometry and beyond. Research demonstrates the potential of AI systems in optometry and ophthalmology, though they are not yet widely adopted. OBJECTIVE In this study, 18 optometrists were interviewed to (1) identify their expectations and concerns about the national image research repository and their use of AI decision support and (2) gather their suggestions for improving eye health care. The goal was to clarify attitudes among optometrists delivering primary eye care with respect to contributing their patients' images and to using AI assistance. These attitudes are less well studied in primary care contexts. Five ophthalmologists were interviewed to discover their interactions with optometrists. METHODS Between March and August 2021, 23 semistructured interviews were conducted online lasting for 30-60 minutes. Transcribed and pseudonymized recordings were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS All optometrists supported contributing retinal images to form an extensive and long-running research repository. Our main findings are summarized as follows. Optometrists were willing to share images of their patients' eyes but expressed concern about technical difficulties, lack of standardization, and the effort involved. Those interviewed thought that sharing digital images would improve collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists, for example, during referral to secondary health care. Optometrists welcomed an expanded primary care role in diagnosis and management of diseases by exploiting new technologies and anticipated significant health benefits. Optometrists welcomed AI assistance but insisted that it should not reduce their role and responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation focusing on optometrists is novel because most similar studies on AI assistance were performed in hospital settings. Our findings are consistent with those of studies with professionals in ophthalmology and other medical disciplines: showing near universal willingness to use AI to improve health care, alongside concerns over training, costs, responsibilities, skill retention, data sharing, and disruptions to professional practices. Our study on optometrists' willingness to contribute images to a research repository introduces a new aspect; they hope that a digital image sharing infrastructure will facilitate service integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Constantin
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Atkinson
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Oscar Bernabeu
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Buckmaster
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Baljean Dhillon
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alice McTrusty
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Niall Strang
- Department of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Williams
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Omosule M, De Silva-Minor S, Coombs N. Case Report: Intraoperative radiotherapy as the new standard of care for breast cancer patients with disabling health conditions or impairments. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1156619. [PMID: 37274260 PMCID: PMC10233125 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1156619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In selected patients, intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) offers an alternative to standard external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) while providing equivalent breast cancer control outcomes. After IORT, most patients do not require external beam radiotherapy and thus avoid the need to travel to and from a radiotherapy centre in the weeks after surgery. EBRT is associated with an increased risk of non-breast cancer mortality and poorer cosmetic outcomes while increasing patient travel time, emissions associated with travel and time spent in the hospital. Consequently, EBRT is associated with an overall reduction in quality of life compared to IORT. Patients with other on-going health conditions or clinical impairments are likely to be affected by the daily radiotherapy requirement. Should these patients be consulted during their pre-operative assessment as to options to undergo IORT? This paper describes a case of IORT and follow up in a functionally blind patient. Quality of life effects are elucidated and further support the use of IORT in selected breast cancer patients with health conditions or impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Omosule
- GKT School of Medical Education, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shiroma De Silva-Minor
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Coombs
- Department of Breast Surgery, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Great Western Hospital, Swindon, United Kingdom
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Recchioni A, Barua A, Dominguez-Vicent A. Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making in Complex Corneal Disorders: The Role of In-Vivo Confocal Microscopy. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030679. [PMID: 36983835 PMCID: PMC10059758 DOI: 10.3390/life13030679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to describe how in-vivo confocal microscopy (ICVM) results improved diagnosis and treatment in three patients with complex corneal disorders at a single institution. Case one was a 36-year-old woman contact lens wearer referred to the hospital eye service (HES) by her community optician for a suspected corneal ulcer in her left eye. The case demonstrated that where laboratory cell culture was inconclusive, IVCM imaging improved diagnosis and more importantly adjusted the initial treatment till the complete resolution of the case. Case two was a shared-care 66-year-old keratoconus patient under a complex immunosuppression regime who had developed a recent series of post-surgical complications of fungal origin and was experiencing eye pain. IVCM was able to differentiate between an immune-mediated response and fungal keratitis and guide the clinicians towards an optimized treatment. Case three was a long-standing dry eye disease in a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with primary Sjögren’s syndrome where previous treatments failed to improve her symptomatology. IVCM was crucial for prescribing allogeneic serum eyedrops by anticipating early immune changes in the sub-basal corneal nerve plexus. In-vivo confocal microscopy can be an essential non-invasive imaging technique for improving clinicians’ diagnostic precision by adding a layer of certainty that other techniques may lack. Additionally, IVCM allows adjustment of the treatment accordingly, by instantly following any pathologic changes at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Recchioni
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SQ, UK
- Optometry & Vision Sciences Group, School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Ankur Barua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK
| | - Alberto Dominguez-Vicent
- Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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Fisher E, Proctor D, Perkins L, Felstead C, Stott J, Spector A. Is Virtual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy the Future for People with Dementia? An Audit of UK NHS Memory Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023; 8:1-8. [PMID: 36855467 PMCID: PMC9950015 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-023-00306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Access to psychosocial interventions for people with dementia, such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), has been restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some services have shifted to provision via videoconferencing, but the prevalence of this is unknown. This audit aimed to understand provision of virtual CST (vCST) within National Health Service (NHS) memory clinics throughout the UK and Channel Islands and investigate plans for ongoing CST provision. A cross-sectional survey was circulated to NHS memory clinics, which included closed and open-ended questions to generate quantitative and qualitative data. Thirty-three memory clinics responded to the survey. During the pandemic, 55% of respondents offered vCST, whereas 45% offered no CST. Of those offering vCST, 80% plan to continue with a hybrid model of separate face-to-face and vCST groups, whilst 20% intend to deliver face-to-face CST only. Reported positive aspects of vCST were participant and staff enjoyment, perceived improved digital confidence in participants, and improved accessibility for those who cannot attend face-to-face groups. Negative aspects related to digital poverty, limited digital literacy, support needed from carers, the impact of sensory impairment on engagement, and staff time commitment. Virtual CST has been a feasible alternative to face-to-face services during the pandemic but should not completely replace in-person groups. A hybrid approach would increase accessibility for all. Future research should explore efficacy of vCST and seek to understand patterns of exclusion from such digital interventions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41347-023-00306-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Fisher
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Danielle Proctor
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Luke Perkins
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Cerne Felstead
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Joshua Stott
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Aimee Spector
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
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Taylor JJ, Subramanian A, Freitas A, Ferreira DM, Dickinson CM. What do individuals with visual impairment need and want from a dialogue-based digital assistant? Clin Exp Optom 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36709512 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2022.2159791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Optometrists are well-placed to provide helpful advice and guidance to patients with visual impairment but may not know how best to do this. The availability of a reliable and comprehensive conversational agent to which patients could be directed would be a valuable supplement to clinical intervention. BACKGROUND The Artificial Intelligence in Visual Impairment (AIVI) Study is a proof-of-concept study to investigate whether ongoing information support for people with visual impairment (VI) can be provided by a dialogue-based digital assistant. The phase of the AIVI Study reported here explored the different dimensions of the information-seeking behaviour of individuals with VI: in particular, their need for information, the methods for obtaining it at present, and their views on the use of a digital assistant. METHODS Qualitative data were collected from 120 UK-resident adults who responded to an online survey who were either visually impaired (86.7%), a carer or family member of someone with VI (5.8%), or a professional involved in the support of those with VI (7.5%). In addition, 10 in-depth 1:1 semi-structured interviews explored opinions in more detail. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings. RESULTS Analysis of information needs identified 7 major themes: ocular condition; equipment, technology and adaptations; daily activities; registration; finance/employment; emotional support; and support for the carer. Participants used a wide variety of methods to access information from many sources and explained the barriers to access. Participants accepted the merit of a dialogue system aiding in a goal-directed search for specific information, but expressed reservations about its abilities in other areas, such as providing emotional support. CONCLUSIONS Participants highlighted potential benefits, limitations, and requirements in using a digital assistant to access information about VI. These findings will inform the design of dialogue systems for populations with VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Taylor
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ahalya Subramanian
- Division of Optometry & Visual Sciences, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Andre Freitas
- Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Hashemi A, Khabazkhoob M, Hashemi H. High prevalence of refractive errors in an elderly population; a public health issue. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:38. [PMID: 36707798 PMCID: PMC9881344 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-02791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of myopia and hyperopia and their associated demographic and ocular factors in people 60 years of age and above. METHODS The sampling was performed using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method. The complete demographic and case history information were collected through an interview. Then, all participants underwent optometric examinations including measurement of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, objective, and subjective refraction. Myopia and hyperopia were defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) refraction worse than -0.50 diopters (D) and + 0.50 D, respectively. RESULTS Three thousand three hundred ten of 3791 invitees participated, and the data of 3263 individuals were analyzed for this report. The mean age of participants was 68.25 ± 6.53 (60 to 97) years, and 1895 (58.1%) of them were female (number of male/female participants = 1368/1895). The prevalence of myopia and hyperopia was 31.65% (95% CI: 29.68 -33.61) and 45.36% (95% CI: 43.36 -47.37), respectively. The prevalence of severe myopia and hyperopia was 1.14% (95% CI: 0.73 -1.55) and 2.27% (95% CI: 1.57 -2.97), respectively. Based on the results of multiple logistic regression, the prevalence of myopia had a statistically significant direct relationship with age (OR: 1.04; p < 0.001), history of glaucoma surgery (OR:2.75; p < 0.001), pseudophakia (OR: 2.27; p < 0.001), axial length (OR:3.05; p < 0.001), and mean keratometry (OR:1.61; p < 0.001). The education level was significantly inversely related to the myopia prevalence. Moreover, a history of glaucoma surgery (OR:0.44; p < 0.001), pseudophakia (OR = 0.15; p < 0.001), axial length (OR:35; p < 0.001) and mean keratometry (OR:0.62; p < 0.001) were significantly inversely related to the prevalence of hyperopia. 19% and 40.02% of myopic and hyperopic patients had complete visual acuity after correction of refractive error, respectively. CONCLUSION The prevalence of refractive errors was high in the Iranian elderly population. A large percentage of the elderly still did not have complete visual acuity after the correction of refractive errors indicating the necessity for attention to other ocular diseases in this age group. The history of cataract and glaucoma surgery could be associated with a myopic shift of refractive error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Hashemi
- grid.416362.40000 0004 0456 5893Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khabazkhoob
- grid.411600.2Department of Basic Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Hashemi
- grid.416362.40000 0004 0456 5893Noor Research Center for Ophthalmic Epidemiology, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
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O’Brien P, Enstone A, Bridge D, Wyn R, Banhazi J. Elicitation of Health State Utility Values in Retinitis Pigmentosa by Time Trade-off in the United Kingdom. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 15:29-39. [PMID: 36687800 PMCID: PMC9850830 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s385094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal pathology associated with "night blindness" and progressive loss of peripheral vision, in some cases leading to complete blindness. Health state utility values are required for activities such as modelling disease burden or the cost-effectiveness of new interventions. The current study aimed to generate utility values for health states of varying levels of functional vision in RP, with members of the general public in the UK. Methods Five health states were defined according to standard clinical measures of visual ability. Health state descriptions were developed following interviews with patients with RP in the UK (n=5). Further interviews were conducted for confirmation with healthcare professionals with specific experience of managing patients with RP in the UK (n=2). Interviews with members of the general public in the UK were conducted to value health states. A time trade-off (TTO) process based on the established Measurement and Valuation of Health (MVH) protocol was used. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all interviews were web-enabled and conducted 1:1 by a trained moderator. Results In total, n=110 TTO interviews were conducted with members of the UK general public. Mean TTO utility values followed the logical and expected order, with increasing visual impairment leading to decreased utility. Mean values varied between 0.78 ± 0.20 ("moderate impairment"), and 0.33 ± 0.26 ("hand motion" to "no light perception"). Supplementary visual analogue scale (VAS) scores also followed the logical and expected order: mean VAS values varied between 47.95 ± 15.38 ("moderate impairment") and 17.22 ± 12.49 in ("hand motion" to "no light perception"). Discussion These data suggest that individuals living with RP have substantially impaired quality of life. Utility values for RP have been elicited here using a method and sample that is suitable for economic modelling and health technology assessment purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul O’Brien
- Novartis Ireland, Dublin, Ireland,Correspondence: Paul O’Brien, Email
| | | | | | - Robin Wyn
- Adelphi Values PROVE, Bollington, UK
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Heinze N, Jones L, Makwana B. A rapid review of evidence relating to service use, experiences, and support needs of adults from minority ethnic communities along the eyecare pathway in the United Kingdom. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1119540. [PMID: 36926177 PMCID: PMC10011697 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1119540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is growing awareness of the health inequalities experienced by minority ethnic communities, who make up an increasing proportion of the United Kingdom (UK) population and have been found to be at increased risk of visual impairment (V.I.). V.I. impacts on a wide range of life domains including employment, social functioning and activities of daily living. Considering existing health inequalities, the increased risk of V.I. and its wide-ranging impact, it is important to understand the experiences of adults from minority ethnic communities living with V.I. in the UK. Methods A rapid evidence review of academic and gray literature published since 2005 and in English was performed. A search of AMED, CINAHL Plus and MEDLINE via EBSCOhost identified 969 articles. Articles were included in the review if they reported findings relating to the UK-context, to adults from minority ethnic communities living with V.I., and to experiences of V.I. and the eyecare pathway. Results A total of 11 academic articles and 4 charity reports presented findings relating to perceptions of V.I. and eye disease (n = 3), access to services and service use (n = 5), impact of interventions (n = 7), the wider impact of V.I. (n = 2), and registration status (n = 1). Much of the literature focused on primary eyecare resulting in a comprehensive list of barriers and recommendations to increase eye tests. Less research addressed experiences and use of services further along the eyecare pathway although use of services may be low. Overall, the research on the experiences of adults with V.I. from minority ethnic communities in the UK remains anecdotal, outdated or unavailable. There are substantial gaps in the evidence relating to the wider impact of V.I., the impact of perceptions of V.I., and the use of services beyond primary eyecare. Conclusions This review summarizes our current knowledge of the experiences of adults from minority ethnic communities living with V.I. in the UK and highlights substantial gaps in the evidence. The findings provide practical implications for practitioners and researchers committed to addressing health inequalities in the field of eyecare in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee Jones
- BRAVO VICTOR Research, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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Detecting multiple retinal diseases in ultra-widefield fundus imaging and data-driven identification of informative regions with deep learning. NAT MACH INTELL 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s42256-022-00566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Weinberg J, Gaur M, Swaroop A, Taylor A. Proteostasis in aging-associated ocular disease. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 88:101157. [PMID: 36459837 PMCID: PMC9742340 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vision impairment has devastating consequences for the quality of human life. The cells and tissues associated with the visual process must function throughout one's life span and maintain homeostasis despite exposure to a variety of insults. Maintenance of the proteome is termed proteostasis, and is vital for normal cellular functions, especially at an advanced age. Here we describe basic aspects of proteostasis, from protein synthesis and folding to degradation, and discuss the current status of the field with a particular focus on major age-related eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma. Our intent is to allow vision scientists to determine where and how to harness the proteostatic machinery for extending functional homeostasis in the aging retina, lens, and trabecular meshwork. Several common themes have emerged despite these tissues having vastly different metabolisms. Continued exposure to insults, including chronic stress with advancing age, increases proteostatic burden and reduces the fidelity of the degradation machineries including the ubiquitin-proteasome and the autophagy-lysosome systems that recognize and remove damaged proteins. This "double jeopardy" results in an exponential accumulation of cytotoxic proteins with advancing age. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges in maintaining an appropriate balance of protein synthesis and degradation pathways, and suggest that harnessing proteostatic capacities should provide new opportunities to design interventions for attenuating age-related eye diseases before they limit sight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Weinberg
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Mohita Gaur
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Allen Taylor
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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Dinesh Eshwar M, Jabeen A, Jalily QA, Begum GS. Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Common Eye Diseases and Eye Donation Among People Seeking Healthcare in a Tertiary Hospital in Telangana, South India. Cureus 2022; 14:e31412. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Anbesse DH, W/Yohannes G, Assefa M. Productivity Loss and Predictive Factors Among Visually Impaired Adults in Tertiary Eye Care Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Dual-Center Cross-Sectional Study. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:3661-3671. [PMID: 36389638 PMCID: PMC9651063 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s383600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Visual impairment has a profound impact on loss of economy and productivity, which can impair health-related quality of life. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine productivity loss and its predictive factors among adults with visual impairment in Addis Ababa tertiary eye care centers, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 30, 2021. A total of 425 samples were retrieved using systematic random sampling. Data collection included socio-demographic information, employment status, job absenteeism, presenteeism and reduced work participation. Analysis was done by SPSS version 23, and binary logistic regression was employed for statistical analysis. P-values less than 0.05 were used to state significant associations between dependent and outcome variables. Results A total of 416 study participants were involved in the study, with a response rate of 97.88%. The mean age was 48±14.3 years. The total productivity loss was $775,325.51, with a median of $358.02. Maximum productivity loss was contributed by reduced workforce participation, which was about $746,337.45, with a median of $1,432.10. Regarding predictor factors, gender, monthly income, degree and duration of visual impairment and support of family to get job were statistically associated with high productivity loss. Conclusion In general, the current study revealed that there is a profound annual loss of productivity due to visual impairment. The predictor factors for higher productivity loss were gender, monthly income, degree of visual impairment, duration of visual impairment and presence of support from family to get job or achieve better performance on job activities. Rehabilitation for visually impaired adults is recommended to enhance their quality of life by increasing their workplace participation to the maximum potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje Hayilu Anbesse
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Dereje Hayilu Anbesse, POB 1271, Tel +251-9-10-04-69-30, Email
| | - Getachew W/Yohannes
- School of Public Health, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Milisha Assefa
- Department of Biomedical, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Yıldırım N, Bozkurt B, Yüksel N, Ateş H, Altan-Yaycıoğlu R, Ocakoğlu Ö, Burcu A, Yalvaç I, Kemer ÖE, Orhan M. Prevalence of Ocular Surface Disease and Associated Risk Factors in Glaucoma Patients: A Survey Study of Ophthalmologists. Turk J Ophthalmol 2022; 52:302-308. [PMID: 36317767 PMCID: PMC9631508 DOI: 10.4274/tjo.galenos.2021.20726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This survey study of ophthalmologists investigated the prevalence and clinical manifestations of ocular surface disease (OSD) in glaucoma patients, assessment methods used, risk factors, glaucoma drugs considered responsible, and treatment approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire prepared jointly by the Turkish Ophthalmological Association Cornea and Ocular Surface Society and Glaucoma Society using SurveyMonkey was sent to ophthalmologists via e-mail. The distribution of parameters was compared with chi-square test and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Forty-five percent of the ophthalmologists reported that OSD was evident in least 25% of their patients. The most common symptom was redness (91.9%), while the most common ocular surface finding was conjunctival hyperemia (75.6%). The tests considered to be the most important in ocular surface assessment were ocular staining (38.7%) and tear film break-up time (TBUT) (21.9%). Ninety percent of the physicians stated that the main cause of OSD was benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in medications. Prostaglandin analogs and alpha-2 agonists were reported to be the most common medications causing OSD. In case of OSD, the ophthalmologists often switch to a glaucoma drug from a different group (38%), a non-preservative glaucoma drug (33.7%) or a drug with a preservative other than BAC (20.4%). Most physicians prescribed artificial tears (84.6%). CONCLUSION In this cross-sectional survey study, ophthalmologists detected varying rates of OSD in glaucoma patients depending on chronic drug use and BAC exposure. Although ocular surface examination was performed by physicians, tests such as TBUT and ocular surface staining were rarely used. Detecting OSD in glaucoma patients and planning personalized treatment increase patient comfort, drug compliance, and treatment effectiveness. For this reason, it is important to prepare an algorithm for the management of comorbid OSD in glaucoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilgün Yıldırım
- Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Eskişehir, Turkey,* Address for Correspondence: Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Eskişehir, Turkey E-mail:
| | - Banu Bozkurt
- Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Konya, Turkey
| | - Nurşen Yüksel
- Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | | | | | - Özcan Ocakoğlu
- İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Burcu
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ilgaz Yalvaç
- Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Evren Kemer
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara City Hospital, Clinic of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Orhan
- Güven Hospital, Clinic of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
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Heinze N, Davies F, Jones L, Castle CL, Gomes RSM. Conceptualizations of well-being in adults with visual impairment: A scoping review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:964537. [PMID: 36225706 PMCID: PMC9549791 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.964537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite its ubiquity, it is often not clear what organizations and services mean by well-being. Visual impairment (VI) has been associated with poorer well-being and well-being has become a key outcome for support and services for adults living with VI. A shared understanding of what well-being means is therefore essential to enable assessment of well-being and cross-service provision of well-being support. Objectives To provide an overview of the ways in which well-being has been conceptualized in research relating to adults living with VI. Eligibility criteria Articles were included in the review if the article discussed well-being in the context of adults living with VI, was available in English and as a full text. Data sources A systematic search using search terms relating to VI and well-being was conducted in EBSCOHost (Medline, CINHL) and Ovid (Embase Classic, Embase, Emcare 1995, Health + Psychosocial, HMIC Health Management Info, APA, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, PsycTests). Charting A team of three reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full-texts articles and extracted data. Ambiguous articles were referred to the research group and discussed. Results Of 10,662 articles identified in the search, 249 were included in the review. These referred to 38 types of well-being. The most common types were general well-being (n = 101; 40.6%) emotional well-being (n = 86, 34.5%) and psychological well-being (n = 66, 26.5%). Most articles (n = 150; 60.2%) referred to one type only, with a maximum of 9 listed in one article. A large number of articles did not clearly define well-being. A wide range of indicators of well-being related to the domains of hedonia, mood, positive and negative affect, quality of life, mental health, eudaimonia, self/identity, health, psychological reactions to disability and health problems, functioning, social functioning and environment, were extracted, many of which were used just once. Conclusions There remains a lack of consensus on how well-being is conceptualized and assessed in the context of adult VI. A standardized multi-domain approach derived with input from adults with VI and practitioners working with them is required to enable comparison of findings and cross-organizational provision of support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ffion Davies
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research, London, United Kingdom
- Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Jones
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Renata S. M. Gomes
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research, London, United Kingdom
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Renata S. M. Gomes
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Jones L, Lee M, Castle CL, Heinze N, Gomes RSM. Scoping review of remote rehabilitation (telerehabilitation) services to support people with vision impairment. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059985. [PMID: 35914903 PMCID: PMC9345072 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telerehabilitation for individuals with vision impairment aims to maintain maximum physical and/or psychological functioning through remote service delivery. This review aims to describe the type of telerehabilitation services available to people with vision impairment and summarise evidence on health-related outcomes, well-being and cost-effectiveness. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsychINFO, Embase, PubMed, HMIC and Ovid Emcare were searched, without date restrictions up to 24 May 2021. Charity and government websites, conference proceedings and clinical trial databases were also examined. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Eligible studies evaluated benefits of telerehabilitation services for adults with vision impairment. Studies were excluded if they were not available in English, or focused on distance learning of visually impaired students. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened articles and extracted data. A risk of bias analysis was performed. OUTCOME MEASURES Measures of benefit included performance-based assessment, patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS Of 4472 articles, 10 eligible studies were included. Outcomes addressed patient satisfaction (n=4;33.3%), quality-of-life, activities of daily living and well-being (n=4;33.3%), objective visual function (n=2;16.6%) and knowledge relating to ocular symptoms (n=1;8.3%). Two studies addressed multiple outcomes. Cost-effectiveness was addressed in one article (8.3%). Patients were generally satisfied with their experiences, which had a range of positive benefits on functional and quality-of-life outcomes in areas relating to daily activities (eg, reading, making phone calls). Telerehabilitation allowed patients to undertake vision optimisation training to prevent vision deterioration. Grey literature indicated that there are no completed clinical trials relating to low vision telerehabilitation. Charity services had implemented digital skills training to help beneficiaries communicate remotely. CONCLUSION While acceptability of telerehabilitation was mostly high, limited real-world data are available which raises questions around the long-term desirability of this approach. Further trials are needed to evaluate telerehabilitation using a robust set of outcome measures. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021254825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Jones
- Research, BRAVO VICTOR, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Matthew Lee
- Research, BRAVO VICTOR, London, UK
- Operations, Blind Veterans UK, London, UK
| | | | | | - Renata S M Gomes
- Research, BRAVO VICTOR, London, UK
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Eckert KA, Lansingh VC, Carter MJ, Frick KD. Update of a Simple Model to Calculate the Annual Global Productivity Loss Due to Blindness and Moderate and Severe Vision Impairment. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2022; 30:1-9. [PMID: 35610969 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2072899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a simple but more precise model to calculate potential annual productivity losses due to blindness and moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI) at the national, regional, and global level. METHODS Productivity loss was defined as the loss of minimum wage/Gross National Income per capita (GNI) incurred by people aged 50-64 years with blindness or MSVI, who were not able to work or worked with reduced earnings in 2020. We developed a global list of minimum wage data from on-line sources. All other model data were sourced from international, standardised, and open-access databases. For blindness, the total productivity loss (not working) incurred by 64%-90% of the affected population was summed up with partial productivity loss, defined as 10%-36% of the affected population earning one-third of that of the sighted population. For MSVI, the total productivity loss for 30%-55% of the affected population was summed with the partial productivity loss, defined as 45%-70% of the affected population having 35% reduced earnings. The costs of blindness and MSVI were summed to obtain the cost of combined vision loss. RESULTS The global cost of vision loss based on minimum wage was US$160-US$216.32 billion for 2020. The global cost of vision loss using GNI was US$449.36-US$584.66 billion. CONCLUSIONS A parsimonious model that considers minimum wage and GNI potentially lost due to blindness and MSVI can be used for eye care programming planning and advocacy at the national, regional, and global level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Van C Lansingh
- Department of Research, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología, Queretaro, Mexico
- Chief Medical Office, Help Me See, Jersey City, New Jersey, USAUSA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Kevin D Frick
- Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Tuulonen A, Kataja M, Aaltonen V, Kinnunen K, Moilanen J, Saarela V, Linna M, Malmivaara A, Uusitalo‐Jarvinen H. A comprehensive model for measuring real-life cost-effectiveness in eyecare: automation in care and evaluation of system (aces-rwm™). Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e833-e840. [PMID: 34263537 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a holistic, yet simple and comprehensible, ecosystem model to deal with multiple and complex challenges in eyecare. It aims at producing the best possible wellbeing and eyesight with the available resources. When targeting to improve the real-world cost-effectiveness, what gets done in everyday practice needs be measured routinely, efficiently and unselectively. Collection of all real-world data of all patients will enable evaluation and comparison of eyecare systems and departments between themselves nationally and internationally. The concept advocates a strategy to optimize real-life effectiveness, sustainability and outcomes of the service delivery in ophthalmology. The model consists of three components: (1) resource-governing principles (i.e., to deal with increasing demand and limited resources), (2) real-world monitoring (i.e., to collect structured real-world data utilizing automation and visualization of clinical parameters, health-related quality of life and costs), and (3) digital innovation strategy (i.e., to evaluate and benchmark real-world outcomes and cost-effectiveness). The core value and strength of the model lies in the consensus and collaboration of all Finnish university eye clinics to collect and evaluate the uniformly structured real-world outcomes data. In addition to ophthalmology, the approach is adaptable to any medical discipline to efficiently generate real-world insights and resilience in health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Tuulonen
- Tays Eye Centre Tampere University Hospital Tampere Finland
| | - Marko Kataja
- Tays Eye Centre Tampere University Hospital Tampere Finland
| | - Vesa Aaltonen
- Department of Ophthalmology Turku University Hospital Turku Finland
| | - Kati Kinnunen
- Department of Ophthalmology Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
| | - Jukka Moilanen
- Department of Ophthalmology Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Ville Saarela
- Department of Ophthalmology and Medical Research Center Oulu University Hospital Oulu Finland
- PEDEGO Research Unit University of Oulu Oulu Finland
| | - Miika Linna
- Institute of Healthcare Engineering, Management and Architecture (HEMA) Aalto University School of Science Helsinki Finland
- University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
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Wilson A, Jones J, Marshall J. Biomechanical Evaluation of Decellularized and Crosslinked Corneal Implants Manufactured From Porcine Corneas as a Treatment Option for Advanced Keratoconus. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:862969. [PMID: 35497356 PMCID: PMC9046912 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.862969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently corneal transplantation is the main treatment for late-stage keratoconus; however, transplantation procedures are accompanied by significant risk of post-surgical complications; this in addition to supply limitations imposed by a worldwide shortage of human donor corneas, has driven the development of alternative therapies. One such therapy is the use of corneal implants derived from porcine corneas (Xenia®, Gebauer Medizintechnik GmbH, Neuhausen, DE). In contrast to human donor tissue, these implants can be produced on demand and due to the processes used pose no risks for host-immune rejection. Their use has already been demonstrated clinically in patients for preventing the progression of topographic changes in keratoconus whilst improving visual acuity. The implants are derived from natural tissue and not standardised synthetic material, whilst this likely reduces the risk of issues with bio-incompatibility, there is inevitably variability in their intrinsic mechanical properties which requires investigation. Here, speckle interferometry is employed to examine the biomechanical properties, in response to physiologically representative forces, of native porcine corneal tissue prior to processing and after a proprietary 4-stage process involving decellularization, washing, compression and crosslinking. The control lenticules had an average Young’s modulus (E) of 11.11 MPa (range 8.39–13.41 MPa), following processing average E of the lenticules increased by 127% over that of the unprocessed tissue to 25.23 MPa (range 18.32–32.9 MPa). The variability in E of the lenticules increased significantly after processing suggesting variability in the propensity of the native tissue to processing. In summary, it is possible to produce thin (<90 µm) lenticules from porcine corneas with enhanced stiffness that are effective for treating late-stage keratoconus. Due to the observed variability in the responses of lenticules to processing, interferometry could be a useful technique for ensuring quality control in commercial production via biomechanical screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Wilson
- UCL Mechanical Engineering, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Abby Wilson,
| | - John Jones
- Laser Optical Engineering Ltd., Donington, United Kingdom
| | - John Marshall
- Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
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