Search Results (24)

Transcriptomic profiling is a powerful tool for dissecting the cellular and molecular complexity of ocular tissues, providing insights into retinal development, corneal disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. With the expansion of microarray, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and single-cell RNA-seq technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key strategy for analyzing high-dimensional gene expression data. This review synthesizes AI-enabled transcriptomic studies in ophthalmology from 2019 to 2025, highlighting how supervised and unsupervised machine learning (ML) methods have advanced biomarker discovery, cell type classification, and eye development and ocular disease modeling. Here, we discuss unsupervised techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA), t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP), and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), now the standard in single-cell workflows. Supervised approaches are also discussed, including the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), support vector machines (SVMs), and random forests (RFs), and their utility in identifying diagnostic and prognostic markers in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, keratoconus, thyroid eye disease, and posterior capsule opacification (PCO), as well as deep learning frameworks, such as variational autoencoders and neural networks that support multi-omics integration. Despite challenges in interpretability and standardization, explainable AI and multimodal approaches offer promising avenues for advancing precision ophthalmology. Full article

Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, autologous fat grafting, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, are increasingly popular worldwide due to their convenience and aesthetic benefits. While generally considered safe, these procedures can result in rare but serious ophthalmological complications. The most catastrophic adverse events include central retinal artery occlusion and ischemic optic neuropathy, which may lead to irreversible vision loss. Other complications include diplopia, ptosis, dry eye, and orbital cellulitis, with varying degrees of severity and reversibility. Awareness of potential ocular risks, appropriate patient selection, and adherence to safe injection techniques are crucial for preventing complications. This narrative review summarizes the incidence, mechanisms, clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of ocular complications associated with aesthetic medical procedures. A narrative literature review was conducted, emphasizing data from clinical studies, case series, and expert consensus published between 2015 and 2025. Special attention is given to anatomical danger zones, the pathophysiological pathways of filler embolization, and the roles of hyaluronidase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in acute management. Although many complications are self-limited or reversible, prompt recognition and intervention are critical to prevent permanent sequelae. The increasing prevalence of these procedures demands enhanced education, informed consent, and interdisciplinary collaboration between aesthetic providers and ophthalmologists. Full article

Background: Orbital floor blowout fractures (OFBF) can have serious consequences for the patient. Selecting the right treatment method and materials is essential. Krenkel’s maxillary sinus implant has been used successfully for more than 40 years in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of this implant compared to polydioxanone (PDS) sheets. Material and methods: This retrospective study examined a cohort of 82 OFBF patients over a seven-year period. Clinical and geometric data were collected. Defect size, location, and the volume of the herniated tissue were measured from conventional computer tomography (CT) or cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans. The relationship between ophthalmologic rehabilitation and treatment modality was analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The study included 82 patients, 28% female and 72% male, with a median age of 45.2 years. Defect size and hernia volume correlated with preoperative ophthalmological symptoms. At follow-up, 14.8% in the implant group and 28.6% in the PDS group showed mild visual impairment, with no severe diplopia. Conclusions: Our results suggest this method is a reliable and effective solution for repairing OFBFs and ophthalmologic rehabilitation. However, further research in a clinical controlled trial is needed. Full article

Background: This study innovatively combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms with smartphone technology, automatically detecting the Near Point of Convergence (NPC) and diagnosing Convergence Insufficiency (CI) without the need for extra diagnostic tools and, notably, without having to rely on the subject’s vocal response, marking an unprecedented approach in the field to the best of our knowledge. Methods: This was a prospective study that enrolled 86 participants. The real-time tracking of eye structures and movements was conducted using AI technologies integrated with a mobile application (MobileS). Participants brought the smartphone closer, focusing on a target displayed on the screen. The system calculated pupillary distance (PD) and phone-to-face distance, incorporating a unique feature called the exodeviation episode’s counter (ExoCounter) to determine the NPC. Additionally, participants underwent testing using the RAF Ruler test (RulerT), considering the ground truth. Results: MobileS demonstrated significant correlation with the RulerT, as evidenced by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.74 (p < 0.001) and an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.73 (p < 0.001), highlighting its reliability and consistency with conventional ophthalmic testing. Additionally, the system exhibited notable sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing CI. Notably, user feedback indicated a preference for the MobileS, with 71% of participants favouring it for its ease of use and comfort. Conclusions: MobileS is a precise, user-friendly tool for independent NPC measurement, applicable in tele-ophthalmology and home-based care. Its versatility extends beyond CI diagnosis, marking a significant advancement in ophthalmic diagnostics for accessible and efficient eye care. Full article

Background: Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by bilateral corneal opacification due to abnormal cholesterol and phospholipid deposition. Mutations in the UBIAD1 gene, identified as causative in 2007, underline the condition, although its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old female presented with persistent photophobia, blepharospasm, and corneal discomfort. She also reported joint pain related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), managed with Ro-Actemra (tocilizumab). The ophthalmological evaluation revealed bilateral corneal stromal deposits resembling snowflakes, with visual acuities of 0.8 (right eye) and 0.7 (left eye). Multimodal imaging confirmed stromal hyperreflective deposits. Based on the clinical findings, SCD was diagnosed, although no genetic testing was performed. Symptomatic management with artificial tears was initiated. Discussion: This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges of SCD, particularly in the absence of corneal crystals, a hallmark feature that is not universally present. Advanced imaging techniques aided diagnosis, and the coexistence of SCD and RA highlights the need for multidisciplinary care. Treatment options remain limited, although emerging therapies targeting oxidative stress and lipid metabolism show promise. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of integrating ophthalmological and systemic care in SCD management and underscores the need for further research to expand diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this rare disorder. Full article

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique widely used in ophthalmology for visualizing retinal layers, aiding in the early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases. OCT is useful for detecting diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), which affect millions of people globally. Over the past decade, the area of application of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning (DL), has significantly increased. The number of medical applications is also rising, with solutions from other domains being increasingly applied to OCT. The segmentation of biomarkers is an essential problem that can enhance the quality of retinal disease diagnostics. For 3D OCT scans, AI is beneficial since manual segmentation is very labor-intensive. In this paper, we employ the new SAM 2 and MedSAM 2 for the segmentation of OCT volumes for two open-source datasets, comparing their performance with the traditional U-Net. The model achieved an overall Dice score of 0.913 and 0.902 for macular holes (MH) and intraretinal cysts (IRC) on OIMHS and 0.888 and 0.909 for intraretinal fluid (IRF) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) on the AROI dataset, respectively. Full article

The advent of smartphone fundus imaging technology has marked a significant evolution in the field of ophthalmology, offering a novel approach to the diagnosis and management of retinopathy. This review provides an overview of smartphone fundus imaging, including clinical applications, advantages, limitations, clinical applications, and future directions. The traditional fundus imaging techniques are limited by their cost, portability, and accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings. Smartphone fundus imaging emerges as a cost-effective, portable, and accessible alternative. This technology facilitates the early detection and monitoring of various retinal pathologies, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular disorders, thereby democratizing access to essential diagnostic services. Despite its advantages, smartphone fundus imaging faces challenges in image quality, standardization, regulatory considerations, and medicolegal issues. By addressing these limitations, this review highlights the areas for future research and development to fully harness the potential of smartphone fundus imaging in enhancing patient care and visual outcomes. The integration of this technology into telemedicine is also discussed, underscoring its role in facilitating remote patient care and collaborative care among physicians. Through this review, we aim to contribute to the understanding and advancement of smartphone fundus imaging as a valuable tool in ophthalmic practice, paving the way for its broader adoption and integration into medical diagnostics. Full article

This study addresses the limitations of current tonometry techniques by exploring vibroacoustic properties for estimating intraocular pressure (IOP), a key diagnostic parameter for monitoring glaucoma—a significant risk factor for vision loss. Utilizing vivo porcine eyeballs, we investigated the relationship between IOP and the nonlinear vibration transfer function ratio (NVTFR). Through applying varying vibration levels and analyzing responses with transfer function analysis and univariate regression, we identified a strong negative correlation between NVTFR and IOP, evidenced by a Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.8111 and significant results from generalized linear model (GLM) regression (p-value < 0.001). These findings indicate the potential of NVTFR as a vital indicator of IOP changes. Our study highlights the feasibility of using vibroacoustic properties, specifically NVTFR, to measure IOP. While further refinement is necessary for in vivo application, this approach opens new possibilities for non-invasive and patient-friendly IOP monitoring, potentially enhancing ophthalmology diagnostic techniques and providing a foundation for future research and development in this critical area. Full article

Biometry is a critical aspect of ophthalmology, since it facilitates the measurement of several ocular parameters and aids in the diagnosis of conditions like glaucoma. The advent of the IOLMaster in 1999 marked a pivotal moment in biometry by introducing non-contact and highly precise measurements that revolutionized the field. Low-coherence optical reflectometry devices such as Lenstar LS900 and Aladdin have further advanced biometry, due to the exceptional accuracy they offer. Axial length, a fundamental measurement in biometry, directly correlates with conditions like myopia and glaucoma. The accurate measurement of axial length is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. Biometry also guides intraocular lens power calculation during cataract surgery, relying on factors like axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and effective lens position (ELP). Ensuring precision in these measurements is essential for optimal surgical outcomes. While several studies have explored biometric parameters, dynamic changes in crystalline lens thickness during rest or accommodation have received little attention. These changes may have a significant effect on the measurement of the anterior chamber length, and consequently impact the overall biometric assessment. This study delves into dynamic biometry, particularly in the context of age-related presbyopia, and aims to assess the feasibility of incorporating into the biometric process a specialized device capable of accurately considering crystalline lens changes during different states like rest and accommodation. This exploration seeks to enhance the understanding of ocular dynamics and contribute to improving the precision of diagnostic and surgical techniques. It underscores the importance of staying at the forefront of biometric research, especially in the context of emerging technologies and their potential to transform ophthalmology. Full article

In this paper, the authors present a clinical picture of the diagnosis and current treatment regimens of optic pathway glioma in the pediatric population, with an emphasis on the role of an ophthalmic diagnosis in the differentiation and monitoring of lesions. Glioma is the most common optic nerve tumor in children. Material: Articles in PubMed, Scholar and Website were reviewed, taking into account current standards of management related to sporadic or NF1-related optic glioma, epidemiology, location, course of the disease, clinical manifestations, histological types of the tumor, genetic predisposition, diagnostic ophthalmic tests currently applicable in therapeutic monitoring of the tumor, neurological diagnosis, therapeutic management and prognosis. The importance of current screening recommendations, in line with standards, was emphasized. Results: Glioma occurs in children most often in the first decade of life. Initially, they may be asymptomatic, and clinically ophthalmic changes are associated with the organ of vision or with systemic changes. Gliomas associated with the NF1 mutation have a better prognosis for sporadic gliomas. Diagnosis includes radiological imaging methods/MRI/ophthalmology/OCT and visual acuity log MAR assessment. The basis of treatment is clinical observation. In the case of disease progression, surgical treatment, chemotherapy and targeted therapy are used. Conclusion: Further research into novel techniques for detecting gliomas would allow for early monitoring of the disease. Full article

(1) Background: Head trauma represents the first cause of death in abused children, but diagnostic knowledge is still limited. The characteristic findings of abusive head trauma (AHT) are retinal hemorrhages (RH) and additional ocular findings, including optic nerve hemorrhages (ONH). However, etiological diagnosis must be cautious. (2) Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards were employed, and the research focus was the current gold standard in the diagnosis and timing of abusive RH. (3) Results: Sixteen articles were included for qualitative synthesis. The importance of an early instrumental ophthalmological assessment emerged in subjects with a high suspicion of AHT, with attention to the localization, laterality, and morphology of the findings. Sometimes it is possible to observe the fundus even in deceased subjects, but the current techniques of choice consist of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography, also useful for the timing of the lesion, the autopsy, and the histological investigation, especially if performed with the use of immunohistochemical reactants against erythrocytes, leukocytes, and ischemic nerve cells. (4) Conclusions: The present review has made it possible to build an operational framework for the diagnosis and timing of cases of abusive retinal damage, but further research in the field is needed. Full article

Background: Focal choroidal excavation (FCE) is one of the pachychoroid spectrum diseases. It may be an isolated lesion or associated with other ophthalmological disorders. The aim of the study was to present the epidemiology, clinical features and multimodal imaging findings in FCE. Methods: This is a case series of 14 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of FCE, confirmed by multimodal imaging, from a review of the 5076 optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in 2538 patients. Choroidal thickness (CT) was measured under the fovea and in the area of maximum choroidal thickening in the affected eye and under the fovea in the fellow eye. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 40 ± 13.58 years. FCE occurred unilaterally and was an isolated lesion in all cases. The fellow eye did not show any macular pathology in all patients. Twelve eyes presented conforming FCEs and two non–conforming FCEs. In 79% of cases, FCE was subfoveal. The mean maximum CT was 390 μm in the affected eye with the presence of pachyvessels. A total of 13 patients were asymptomatic, while one patient reported a visual disturbance due to neovascularization secondary to FCE. Of all the multimodal imaging techniques, optical coherence tomography (OCT) provided the most important data in the diagnosis of FCE. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that FCE is a rare ocular condition, but it may be more common in Caucasian population than previously known. Multimodal imaging methods, mainly OCT, are crucial in FCE diagnostics. Further studies are needed to expand the available knowledge about its etiology and clinical course. Full article

In this article, the development of a computer system for high-tech medical uses in ophthalmology is proposed. An overview of the main methods and algorithms that formed the basis of the coagulation plan planning system is presented. The system provides the formation of a more effective plan for laser coagulation in comparison with the use of existing coagulation techniques. An analysis of monopulse- and pattern-based laser coagulation techniques in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy has shown that modern treatment methods do not provide the required efficacy of medical laser coagulation procedures, as the laser energy is nonuniformly distributed across the pigment epithelium and may exert an excessive effect on parts of the retina and anatomical elements. The analysis has shown that the efficacy of retinal laser coagulation for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy is determined by the relative position of coagulates and parameters of laser exposure. In the course of the development of the computer system proposed herein, main stages of processing diagnostic data were identified. They are as follows: the allocation of the laser exposure zone, the evaluation of laser pulse parameters that would be safe for the fundus, mapping a coagulation plan in the laser exposure zone, followed by the analysis of the generated plan for predicting the therapeutic effect. In the course of the study, it was found that the developed algorithms for placing coagulates in the area of laser exposure provide a more uniform distribution of laser energy across the pigment epithelium when compared to monopulse- and pattern-based laser coagulation techniques. Full article

Over the past few years, tremendous research concerning the possibilities of gold nanoparticles in medicine has been conducted. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are considered to be unique nanostructures due to their extraordinary chemical and physical properties. This review article aims to bring into light the potential applications of gold nanoparticles for diagnostic purposes in ophthalmology. More specifically, attention will be drawn to the utilization of AuNPs as contrast agents (CAs) in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), which are two novel imaging modalities for the visualization of the eye. None of these techniques requires the use of an imaging adjuvant to function; however, the addition of a contrast agent has been proposed for image improvement, and AuNPs are attractive candidates for this purpose. The in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies investigating and supporting this concept will be presented thoroughly to elucidate whether AuNPs are eligible for imaging enhancement owing to their optical characteristics. Full article

The zebrafish is an established vertebrae model in the field of biomedical research. With its small size, rapid maturation time and semi-transparency at early development stages, it has proven to be an important animal model, especially for high-throughput studies. Three-dimensional, high-resolution, non-destructive and label-free imaging techniques are perfectly suited to investigate these animals over various development stages. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an interferometric-based optical imaging technique that has revolutionized the diagnostic possibilities in the field of ophthalmology and has proven to be a powerful tool for many microscopic applications. Recently, OCT found its way into state-of-the-art zebrafish-based research. This review article gives an overview and a discussion of the relevant literature and an outlook for this emerging field. Full article