-
Eye (London, England) Nov 2023To analyse and compare the efficacy of different interventions for myopia prevention and control in children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To analyse and compare the efficacy of different interventions for myopia prevention and control in children.
METHODS
We searched CNKI, VIP, Wan-Fang, CBM, Chinese Clinical Registry, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to July 2022. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included interventions to slow myopia progression in children. The main outcomes included mean annual change in axial length (AL) (millimetres/year) and in refraction (R) (dioptres/year).
RESULTS
A total of 80 RCTs (27103 eyes) were included. In comparison with control, orthokeratology (AL, -0.36 [-0.53, -0.20], P < 0.05; R, 0.56 [0.34, 0.77], P < 0.05), 1%Atropine (AL, -0.39 [-0.65, -0.13], P < 0.05; R, 0.54 [0.31, 0.77], P < 0.05), 0.01%Atropine + orthokeratology (AL, -0.47 [-0.80, -0.14], P < 0.05; R, 0.81 [0.43, 1.20], P < 0.05) could significantly slow the progression of myopia; in addition, progressive multi-focal spectacle lenses (PMSL) (0.42, [0.06, 0.79], P < 0.05), bifocal soft contact lenses (0.40, [0.03, 0.77], P < 0.05), 0.5%Atropine (0.67 [0.25, 1.10], P < 0.05), 0.1%Atropine (0.42 [0.15, 0.71], P < 0.05), 0.05%Atropine (0.57 [0.28, 0.86], P < 0.05), 0.01%Atropine (0.33 [0.15, 0.52], P < 0.05), 1%Atropine + bifocal spectacle lenses (BSL) (1.30 [0.54, 2.00], P < 0.05), 1%Atropine + PMSL (0.66 [0.23, 1.10], P < 0.05), 0.01%Atropine + single vision spectacle lenses (SVSL) (0.70 [0.23, 1.10], P < 0.05), 0.01%Atropine + orthokeratology (0.81 [0.43, 1.20], P < 0.05), BSL + Massage (0.85 [0.22, 1.50], P < 0.05), SVSL + Red light (0.59 [0.06, 0.79], P < 0.05) showed significant slowing effect on the increase in R.
CONCLUSIONS
This network meta-analysis suggests that the combined measures were most effective in AL and R, followed by Atropine.
Topics: Child; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Disease Progression; Myopia; Atropine; Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; Refraction, Ocular; Axial Length, Eye
PubMed: 37106147
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02534-8 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2023Keratoconus remains difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. It is a progressive disorder of the cornea that starts at a young age. Diagnosis is based on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Keratoconus remains difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. It is a progressive disorder of the cornea that starts at a young age. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and corneal imaging; though in the early stages, when there are no clinical signs, diagnosis depends on the interpretation of corneal imaging (e.g. topography and tomography) by trained cornea specialists. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse the corneal images and detect cases of keratoconus could help prevent visual acuity loss and even corneal transplantation. However, a missed diagnosis in people seeking refractive surgery could lead to weakening of the cornea and keratoconus-like ectasia. There is a need for a reliable overview of the accuracy of AI for detecting keratoconus and the applicability of this automated method to the clinical setting.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for detecting keratoconus in people presenting with refractive errors, especially those whose vision can no longer be fully corrected with glasses, those seeking corneal refractive surgery, and those suspected of having keratoconus. AI could help ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other eye care professionals to make decisions on referral to cornea specialists. Secondary objectives To assess the following potential causes of heterogeneity in diagnostic performance across studies. • Different AI algorithms (e.g. neural networks, decision trees, support vector machines) • Index test methodology (preprocessing techniques, core AI method, and postprocessing techniques) • Sources of input to train algorithms (topography and tomography images from Placido disc system, Scheimpflug system, slit-scanning system, or optical coherence tomography (OCT); number of training and testing cases/images; label/endpoint variable used for training) • Study setting • Study design • Ethnicity, or geographic area as its proxy • Different index test positivity criteria provided by the topography or tomography device • Reference standard, topography or tomography, one or two cornea specialists • Definition of keratoconus • Mean age of participants • Recruitment of participants • Severity of keratoconus (clinically manifest or subclinical) SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, OpenGrey, the ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP). There were no date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 29 November 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included cross-sectional and diagnostic case-control studies that investigated AI for the diagnosis of keratoconus using topography, tomography, or both. We included studies that diagnosed manifest keratoconus, subclinical keratoconus, or both. The reference standard was the interpretation of topography or tomography images by at least two cornea specialists.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted the study data and assessed the quality of studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. When an article contained multiple AI algorithms, we selected the algorithm with the highest Youden's index. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 63 studies, published between 1994 and 2022, that developed and investigated the accuracy of AI for the diagnosis of keratoconus. There were three different units of analysis in the studies: eyes, participants, and images. Forty-four studies analysed 23,771 eyes, four studies analysed 3843 participants, and 15 studies analysed 38,832 images. Fifty-four articles evaluated the detection of manifest keratoconus, defined as a cornea that showed any clinical sign of keratoconus. The accuracy of AI seems almost perfect, with a summary sensitivity of 98.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 97.6% to 99.1%) and a summary specificity of 98.3% (95% CI 97.4% to 98.9%). However, accuracy varied across studies and the certainty of the evidence was low. Twenty-eight articles evaluated the detection of subclinical keratoconus, although the definition of subclinical varied. We grouped subclinical keratoconus, forme fruste, and very asymmetrical eyes together. The tests showed good accuracy, with a summary sensitivity of 90.0% (95% CI 84.5% to 93.8%) and a summary specificity of 95.5% (95% CI 91.9% to 97.5%). However, the certainty of the evidence was very low for sensitivity and low for specificity. In both groups, we graded most studies at high risk of bias, with high applicability concerns, in the domain of patient selection, since most were case-control studies. Moreover, we graded the certainty of evidence as low to very low due to selection bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. We could not explain the heterogeneity between the studies. The sensitivity analyses based on study design, AI algorithm, imaging technique (topography versus tomography), and data source (parameters versus images) showed no differences in the results.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
AI appears to be a promising triage tool in ophthalmologic practice for diagnosing keratoconus. Test accuracy was very high for manifest keratoconus and slightly lower for subclinical keratoconus, indicating a higher chance of missing a diagnosis in people without clinical signs. This could lead to progression of keratoconus or an erroneous indication for refractive surgery, which would worsen the disease. We are unable to draw clear and reliable conclusions due to the high risk of bias, the unexplained heterogeneity of the results, and high applicability concerns, all of which reduced our confidence in the evidence. Greater standardization in future research would increase the quality of studies and improve comparability between studies.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Keratoconus; Cross-Sectional Studies; Physical Examination; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 37965960
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014911.pub2 -
Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the... Jun 2024(Review)
Review
Topics: Humans; Visual Acuity; Telemedicine; Vision Tests; Mobile Applications; Internet; Male
PubMed: 38564179
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0368 -
Journal of Optometry 2023To analyse the scientific evidence about the efficacy of Syntonic phototherapy for producing changes in visual function. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To analyse the scientific evidence about the efficacy of Syntonic phototherapy for producing changes in visual function.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed to obtain studies on the effects of Syntonic phototherapy on vision. A search in health science databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO) for studies published between 1980 and 2022 was conducted in accordance with the principles of Cochrane approach. The search identified 197 articles. Only clinical studies which used the Syntonic phototherapy as a vision therapy for any visual condition were included. Clinical cases and case series were excluded. Following the inclusion criteria, 8 clinical studies met inclusion, 5 of them being pseudo-experimental studies with an equivalent control group and 3 pre-post pseudo-experimental studies. GRADE tool was used to assess the certainty of the evidence of the studies. The GRADE evidence profile for the studies through the Soft table was made to analyse data.
RESULTS
The studies analysed seven outcomes: visual symptoms, functional visual fields, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, deviation (phoria/tropia), stereopsis and reading abilities. Finding table about results (Soft Table) showed that for all outcomes reviewed, all studies yielded very low certainty of evidence. Results revealed a lack of scientific evidence of the efficacy of Syntonic optometric phototherapy to produce changes in the visual function.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review found no consistent evidence for the efficacy of Syntonic phototherapy to cause changes in visual function. There is no scientific evidence to support its clinical use for treating any type of visual anomalies.
Topics: Humans; Phototherapy; Visual Acuity; Vision Disorders; Contrast Sensitivity; Vision, Low
PubMed: 37230932
DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2023.03.002 -
Journal of Cataract and Refractive... Sep 2023In this meta-analysis and systematic literature review of refractive outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), the extent of the refractive shift... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
In this meta-analysis and systematic literature review of refractive outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), the extent of the refractive shift and an overview of reasons for refractive shift after DMEK are provided. The PubMed library was screened for articles containing the terms "Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty," "DMEK," "Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery," "triple-DMEK" combined with "refractive outcomes," "refractive shift," and "hyperopic shift." The refractive outcomes after DMEK were analyzed and compared using a fixed and random effects model. The overall mean change of the spherical equivalent outcome when compared with the preoperative value in cases of DMEK or when compared with the preoperative target refraction in cases of DMEK combined with cataract surgery was +0.43 diopters (D) (95% CI, 0.31-0.55). When DMEK is combined with cataract surgery, a target refraction of -0.5 D is recommended to achieve emmetropia. Changes in the posterior corneal curvature are identified as the main cause of the refractive hyperopic shift.
Topics: Humans; Visual Acuity; Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty; Refraction, Ocular; Hyperopia; Cataract; Retrospective Studies; Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy; Descemet Membrane; Endothelium, Corneal
PubMed: 37144644
DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001212 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Oct 2023Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). This study aims to quantitatively examine the effectiveness and safety of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). This study aims to quantitatively examine the effectiveness and safety of stem cell therapy for patients with IRDs, including retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease (STGD).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and the ClinicalTrials.gov website. The latest retrieval time was August 20, 2023. The primary outcomes were rates and mean difference (MD) of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to administration routes and stem cell types. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022349271).
RESULTS
Twenty-one prospective studies, involving 496 eyes (404 RP and 92 STGD) of 382 patients (306 RP and 76 STGD), were included in this study. For RP, the rate of BCVA improvement was 49% and 30% at 6 months and 12 months, respectively, and the BCVA was significantly improved in the operative eyes at 6 months post-treatment (MD = - 0.12 logMAR, 95% CI .17 to - 0.06 logMAR; P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference at 12 months post-treatment (MD = -0.06 logMAR; 95% CI - 0.13 to 0.01 logMAR; P = 0.10). For STGD, the rate of BCVA improvement was 60% and 55% at 6 months and 12 months, respectively, and the BCVA was significantly improved in the operative eyes at 6 months (MD = - 0.14 logMAR, 95% CI - 0.22 to - 0.07 logMAR; P = 0.0002) and 12 months (MD = - 0.17 logMAR, 95% CI - 0.29 to - 0.04 logMAR; P = 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed suprachoroidal space injection of stem cells may be more efficient for RP. Eleven treated-related ocular adverse events from three studies and no related systemic adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests stem cell therapy may be effective and safe for patients with RP or STGD. The long-term vision improvement may be limited for RP patients. Suprachoroidal space injection of stem cells may be a promising administration route for RP patients. Limited by the low grade of evidence, large sample size randomized clinical trials are required in the future.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Visual Acuity; Retinitis Pigmentosa; Choroidal Effusions; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
PubMed: 37798796
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03526-x -
BMJ Open Ophthalmology Nov 2023To explore the current research about the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in dysthyroid optic neuropathy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To explore the current research about the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON).
METHODS
Studies in the literature that focused on OCT, OCTA and DON were retrieved by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and Clinical Trial before 20 June 2023. The methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The quantitative calculation was performed using Review Manager V.5.3.
RESULTS
Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. DON group presented lower macular ganglion cell complex in the overall, superior and inferior hemifields compared with the non-DON group. Furthermore, the ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer in DON group was thinner in contrast to the non-DON group. The optic nerve head vessel density was lower in the DON group than that in the non-DON group. A reduction of radial peripapillary capillary vessel density could be seen in the DON group than the non-DON group in overall, inside disc, peripapillary, superior-hemifield, temporal and nasal. Besides, the macular superficial retinal capillary layer of non-DON and DON is lower than the healthy control group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study supported the potential value of OCT and OCTA metrics as novel biomarkers of DON. Ophthalmologists should comprehensively consider the retinal structure and microvasculature in dealing with DON.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This systematic review included data from published literature and was exempt from ethics approval. Results would be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presented at academic conferences engaging clinicians.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023414907.
Topics: Humans; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Optic Disk; Angiography; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Optic Nerve Diseases
PubMed: 37996119
DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001379 -
New Microbes and New Infections Sep 2023Bovine brucellosis is a significant public health problem in countries with economic and zoonotic implications. Although relevant, there are no previous systematic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Bovine brucellosis is a significant public health problem in countries with economic and zoonotic implications. Although relevant, there are no previous systematic reviews about bovine brucellosis in Latin America.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review in five data-bases to assess the seroprevalence of Brucella in cattle. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was performed to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). In addition, measures of heterogeneity (Cochran's Q statistic and I test) were reported.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 3,403 articles, of which 65 studies were fully valid for analysis. The pooled seroprevalence for Brucella in bovine (n = 46,883,177) was 4.0% (95%CI: 3.0%-5.0%; p < 0.001), and Venezuela was the country with the highest prevalence (16.0%). By regions, the highest seroprevalence is in Central America and the Caribbean islands (8.0%,95%CI: 3.0%-15.0%; p < 0.001, I = 99.85).
CONCLUSIONS
Some countries reported still relevant seroprevalences of bovine brucellosis, especially at the Central America and Caribbean islands. Multiple factors may influence the survival and spread of pathogens in the environment; farms located in regions bordering forest areas, in areas of difficult access to the veterinary service; extensive beef herds raised at pastures with different age and productive groups inter-mingled, and minimal concerns regarding hygiene practices and disease prevention measures. Bovine brucellosis has not been eliminated and needs to be considered with new tools for prevention and control, especially being a zoonosis.
PubMed: 37692289
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101168 -
BMJ Open Aug 2023To systematically investigate the associations between vision impairment and risk of motor vehicle crash (MVC) involvement, and evaluate vision-related interventions to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To systematically investigate the associations between vision impairment and risk of motor vehicle crash (MVC) involvement, and evaluate vision-related interventions to reduce MVCs.
DESIGN
Medline (Ovid), EMBASE and Global Health electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2022 for observational and interventional English-language studies. Screening, data extraction and appraisals using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools were completed by two reviewers independently. Where appropriate, measures of association were converted into risk ratios (RRs) or ORs for meta-analysis.
PARTICIPANTS
Drivers of four-wheeled vehicles of all ages with no cognitive declines.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES
MVC involvement (primary) and driving cessation (secondary).
RESULTS
101 studies (n=778 052) were included after full-text review. 57 studies only involved older drivers (≥65 years) and 85 were in high-income settings. Heterogeneity in the data meant that most meta-analyses were underpowered as only 25 studies, further split into different groups of eye diseases and measures of vision, could be meta-analysed. The limited evidence from the meta-analyses suggests that visual field defects (four studies; RR 1.51 (95% CI 1.23, 1.85); p<0.001; I=46.79%), and contrast sensitivity (two studies; RR 1.40 (95% CI 1.08, 1.80); p=0.01, I=0.11%) and visual acuity loss (five studies; RR 1.21 (95% CI 1.02, 1.43); p=0.03, I=28.49%) may increase crash risk. The results are more inconclusive for available evidence for associations of glaucoma (five studies, RR 1.27 (95% CI 0.67, 2.42); p=0.47; I=93.48%) and cataract (two studies RR 1.15 (95% CI 0.97, 1.36); p=0.11; I=3.96%) with crashes. Driving cessation may also be linked with glaucoma (two studies; RR 1.62 (95% CI 1.20, 2.19); p<0.001, I=22.45%), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (three studies; RR 2.21 (95% CI 1.47, 3.31); p<0.001, I=75.11%) and reduced contrast sensitivity (three studies; RR 1.30 (95% CI 1.05, 1.61); p=0.02; I=63.19%). Cataract surgery halved MVC risk (three studies; RR 0.55 (95% CI 0.34, 0.92); p=0.02; I=97.10). Ranibizumab injections (four randomised controlled trials) prolonged driving in persons with AMD.
CONCLUSION
Impaired vision identified through a variety of measures is associated with both increased MVC involvement and cessation. Cataract surgery can reduce MVC risk. Despite literature being highly heterogeneous, this review shows that detection of vision problems and appropriate treatment are critical to road safety.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020172153.
Topics: Humans; Visual Acuity; Ranibizumab; Accidents, Traffic; Macular Degeneration; Vision Disorders; Cataract
PubMed: 37567751
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065210 -
Survey of Ophthalmology 2023Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a vision-threatening complication of high myopia. Here, we systematically review cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a vision-threatening complication of high myopia. Here, we systematically review cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, and summarize the associated factors of myopic CNV using meta-analysis where applicable. Among 1,333 records assessed, 50 were found eligible, all having a low-to-moderate risk of bias. Highly myopic eyes with CNV had a higher risk of lacquer cracks (odds ratio = 2.88) and patchy chorioretinal atrophy (odds ratio = 3.43) than those without. The mean posterior staphyloma height (µm) was greater in myopic CNV eyes than in highly myopic eyes without CNV (mean difference = 82.03). The thinning of choroidal thickness (µm) between myopic eyes with and without CNV differed significantly (mean difference = -47.76). The level of vascular endothelial growth factor (pg/ml) in the aqueous humor of myopic CNV eyes was significantly higher than in highly myopic eyes without CNV (mean difference = 24.98), the same as interleukin-8 (IL-8) (pg/ml, mean difference = 7.73). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor, complement factor I, and collagen type VIII alpha 1 genes were associated with myopic CNV. We found that myopic CNV eyes have a higher ratio of lacquer cracks and patchy chorioretinal atrophy, thinner choroid, greater posterior staphyloma height, and a higher level of vascular endothelial growth factor and IL-8 in aqueous. Structural predisposing lesions, hemodynamic, genetic, and systemic factors are also associated with myopic CNV.
Topics: Humans; Interleukin-8; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Cross-Sectional Studies; Visual Acuity; Retrospective Studies; Myopia; Choroidal Neovascularization; Atrophy; Myopia, Degenerative; Fluorescein Angiography
PubMed: 37517683
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.07.006