Telemedicine Applications in Pediatric Retinal Disease

Teleophthalmology is a developing field that presents diverse opportunities. One of its most successful applications to date has been in pediatric retinal disease, particularly in screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Many studies have shown that using telemedicine for ROP screening allows a remote ophthalmologist to identify abnormal findings and implement early interventions. Here, we review the literature on uses of telemedicine in pediatric retinal disease and consider future applications

Feasibility of Telemedicine in Detecting Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are important causes of visual impairment and blindness in the world. Because of recent advances and newly available treatment modalities along with the devastating consequences associated with late stages of these diseases, much attention has been paid to the importance of early detection and improving patient access to specialist care. Telemedicine or, more specifically, digital retinal imaging utilizing telemedical technology has been proposed as an important alternative screening and management strategy to help meet this demand. In this paper, we perform a literature review and analysis that evaluates the validity and feasibility of telemedicine in detecting diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Understanding both the progress and barriers to progress that have been demonstrated in these two areas is important for future telemedicine research projects and innovations in telemedicine technology

Clinical Ophthalmology Dovepress retinal breaks due to intravitreal ocriplasmin

Abstract: Ocriplasmin represents a new treatment option for numerous vitreoretinopathies involving an abnormal vitreomacular interface. While the drug may circumvent the traditional risks of surgical treatment, pharmacologic vitreolysis is not devoid of risk itself. This report presents two cases, one of vitreomacular traction syndrome and the other of a full-thickness macular hole, both of which were treated with an intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin. Notably, in both cases, vitreomacular traction of the macula appears to have been alleviated; however, failure to completely relieve vitreoretinal traction from the peripheral retina generated retinal breaks with one patient eventually developing a macula-involving retinal detachment. Thus, even in instances of 'successful' pharmacologic treatment of vitreomacular traction, continued follow-up evaluation is essential

Outer Retinal Defects Represent a Normal Recovery Pathway Following Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling in Macular Hole Surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine perioperative factors associated with the development of outer retinal defects (ORDs) following surgical repair of macular holes (MHs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, retrospective, interventional cohort study was conducted. Patients who underwent MH repair during a 5-year period were identified. Statistical analysis was conducted to detect significant perioperative associations to ORD development. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four eyes were included, and 54% developed an ORD following surgery. These defects correlated with lower preoperative stage (P = .0057), preoperative phakia (P = .036), and lack of prior macular surgery (P = .0016). Patients in the ORD group had significantly better preoperative and postoperative visual acuity (P = .031 and P = .0004, respectively), but there was no difference in change in acuity from preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively when compared with control patients (P = 42). The majority (89%) of ORDs resolved by 24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The development of ORDs appears to be correlated with several factors indicative of favorable overall eye health and less advanced pathology and may represent a normal state of recovery after MH repair with internal limiting membrane peeling