Subjective Eye Health Status by Extent of Internet and Smartphone Use by Korean Adolescents

Purpose@#To explore the subjective eye health status of Korean adolescents by the extent of Internet use in 2009-2010 and smartphone use in 2020. @*Methods@#We secondarily analyzed the results of the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey performed by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency that enrolled Korean adolescents aged 12-18 years. Changes in internet use time from 2009 to 2019 and smartphone use in 2020 were examined. Questionnaires exploring subjective eye health were administered in 2009, 2010, and 2020. We performed complex logistic regression analysis. @*Results@#A total of 748,490 subjects were enrolled. Korean adolescents used the Internet for an average of 2.48 hours (h) on weekdays and 4.06 h on weekends in 2019, thus significantly more than the 2009 averages of 1.93 h on weekdays and 2.96 h on weekends (both p < 0.001). In 2009 and 2010, the average internet use time on weekends significantly and positively correlated with subjective eye problems (odds ratio = 1.161, p < 0.001). The average smartphone use time was 4.72 h on weekdays and 6.56 h on weekends in 2020. In that year, the average smartphone use time on weekends (odds ratio = 1.049, p < 0.001) and smartphone overdependence (odds ratio = 8.636, p < 0.001) significantly and positively correlated with the presence of subjective health problems. @*Conclusions@#Internet and smartphone use time on weekends affect subjective eye health.

Effect of Double-needle Stabilizer during Flanged Intrascleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens

Purpose@#We evaluated the difference in clinical outcome according to the use of double-needle stabilizer in flanged intrascleral fixation of intraocular lens (IOL).Method: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 44 patients (44 eyes) who underwent flanged intrascleral fixation of IOL. Groups 1 and 2 (respectively) underwent surgery that did not and did employ a double-needle stabilizer. We evaluated the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent (SE), refractive prediction error (RPE), IOL tilt and decentration, and other complications. @*Results@#The postoperative BCVA, SE, and RPE did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.672, p = 0.131, p = 0.247). IOL tilt was significantly less in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.038, p = 0.015 [horizontal and vertical]) (3.96 ± 2.01° horizontally and 4.17 ± 2.07° vertically in group 1; 2.59 ± 2.02° horizontally and 2.50 ± 1.92° vertically in group 2). IOL decentration was also significantly less in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.001, p = 0.004 [horizontal and vertical]) (0.44 ± 0.21 mm horizontally and 0.45 ± 0.20 mm vertically in group 1; 0.25 ± 0.09 mm horizontally and 0.27 ± 0.13 mm vertically in group 2). @*Conclusions@#Use of a double-needle stabilizer during flanged intrascleral fixation of IOL significantly reduced postoperative IOL tilt and decentration, and may thus improve postoperative visual quality.

Macular Microvasculature Features of the Eyes of Healthy Korean Children Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose@#We used optical coherence tomography angiography to analyze the macular microvasculature of normal eyes of healthy Korean children; we derived normative data stratified by age. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 68 children (126 eyes) aged from 3 to 15 years. Optical coherence tomography angiography was performed on 3-mm2 regions centered on the fovea. The vascular densities of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses and the foveal avascular zone were determined, and analyzed by age. We sought correlations between age, gender, axial length, and the spherical equivalent. @*Results@#The foveal, superficial capillary plexus vessel densities were 17.41 ± 5.41, 20.53 ± 4.76, 21.78 ± 5.73, and 22.95 ± 3.91% in children aged 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, and 12-15 years, respectively. The vessel densities of the foveal deep capillary plexus were 30.20 ± 6.59, 34.54 ± 7.16, 35.81 ± 6.02, and 37.38 ± 5.16% in those aged 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, and 12-15 years, respectively. Significant differences by age were apparent (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). The foveal vessel densities of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses were positively correlated with axial length (R2 = 0.153, p < 0.001; R2 = 0.158, p < 0.001, respectively) and the foveal avascular zone area was negatively correlated with axial length (R2 = 0.085, p < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#The vessel densities of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses measured via optical coherence tomography angiography in normal eyes of healthy Korean children differed by age, and correlated significantly with axial length.

Idiopathic Chiasmal Optic Neuritis in a Pediatric Patient

Purpose@#We report a case of idiopathic chiasmal optic neuritis in a pediatric patient.Case summary: A 13-year-old boy with no history of systemic disease was referred to our ophthalmology clinic because of visual disturbance in both eyes of 5 days in duration. The best-corrected visual acuity was 0.08 in the right eye and finger counting at 30 cm in the left eye; mild blurring of the disc margins (both eyes) was evident on fundus examination, as were temporal hemianopsia in the right eye and diffuse field loss in the left eye. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed focal nodular enhancement in the optic chiasm. Blood and cerebral fluid analysis yielded no evidence of infection or autoimmune disease. Therefore, we diagnosed isolated idiopathic chiasmal optic neuritis and commenced a systemic steroid. After 5 days, the visual acuity began to improve, and the field defect was almost eliminated (except for a small central scotoma) at 1 month. He has remained stable to the time of writing (4 months after treatment) and his visual acuity has normalized. @*Conclusions@#Isolated idiopathic chiasmal optic neuritis developed in a pediatric patient and the visual function improved after steroid treatment. Although there was no evidence of systemic demyelinating disease, regular observation is scheduled given the possibility of late-onset disease.

Bilateral Ocular Toxoplasmosis that Caused Optic Atrophy Secondary to Papillitis

Purpose@#We report a case of ocular toxoplasmosis that caused bilateral optic atrophy secondary to papillitis.Case summary: A 52-year-old male with no history of systemic disease was referred to our clinic because of visual field blurring in the left eye for four weeks. The visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. A relative afferent pupillary defect and diffuse field loss were noted in the left eye. On fundus examination, left-side blurring of the disc margin and a peripapillary hemorrhage were evident, but there was no sign of inflammation in the right fundus. Systemic evaluation, including brain magnetic resonance imaging, was performed for differential diagnosis of left papillitis. Immunoserologically, he was positive for toxoplasma immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG. We diagnosed ocular toxoplasmosis presenting as left papillitis, and systemic antibiotics and a steroid were started. After six weeks, the left disc swelling was reduced but disc pallor was evident and his visual acuity decreased to 20/40. A new inflammatory lesion of the right optic disc developed two weeks after the medication was stopped, so the treatment was applied for a further two months. However, bilateral optic atrophy developed. @*Conclusions@#Bilateral papillitis caused by ocular toxoplasmosis may trigger optic atrophy secondary to optic nerve involvement.When a patient presents with disc swelling suggestive of papillitis caused by ocular toxoplasmosis, rapid and aggressive antitoxoplasma treatment is essential to avoid a poor visual outcome.

Bromfenac as Adjunctive Treatment with Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion of Macular Edema

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of 0.1% topical bromfenac as an adjunctive treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) patients.METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 68 eyes of 68 patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to BRVO who were treated with IVB injection and followed up for at least 12 months. Of the 68 eyes, 38 were treated with IVB combined with 0.1% topical bromfenac and 30 were treated with IVB alone. IVB reinjection was performed in cases of recurrence. The primary outcome measurement was the number of IVB injections. Changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) during the 12-month follow-up were compared.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the BCVA or CFT between the two groups at the initial and final examinations. However, the number of IVB injections was significantly lower in the 0.1% bromfenac-treated eyes (p < 0.01) than in the control eyes (4.1 ± 0.7 vs. 5.0 ± 0.6 times).CONCLUSIONS: Compared to IVB monotherapy, topical bromfenac as an adjunctive treatment with IVB injection of eyes with ME secondary to BRVO did not affect visual outcomes, but it reduced the number of IVB injections.

Surgical Outcomes in Epiretinal Membrane According to the Presence of Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome

PURPOSE: To present preoperative macular structure deformities and surgical outcomes in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) patient according to the presence of vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMTS). METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 54 eyes of 51 patients with idiopathic ERM, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and were followed for more than 6 months. Subjects were classified into 2 groups according to the presence of VMTS using preoperative optical coherence tomography (group 1: ERM without VMTS, 29 eyes; group 2: ERM with VMTS, 22 eyes). Preoperative macular structure deformity and surgical outcomes were compared and prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Group 1 (ERM without VMTS) included 29 eyes, and group 2 (ERM with VMTS) included 22 eyes. Group 2 had a significantly higher occurrence of lamellar macular hole and a significantly lower preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) compared to group 1. However, final postoperative BCVAs were not significantly different between the groups because BCVA changed more in group 2. Preoperative macular structure deformities (irregular retinal surface, retinal thickening, lamellar macular hole, and cystoid macular edema) did not affect visual outcomes. The presence of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction disruption and preoperative BCVA were highly related with visual outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: BCVA significantly improved in idiopathic ERM patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling regardless of the presence of VMTS. There may be a stronger association of IS/OS junction disruption with visual acuity compared to VMTS in idiopathic ERM surgery.

Surgical Outcomes in Epiretinal Membrane According to the Presence of Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome

PURPOSE: To present preoperative macular structure deformities and surgical outcomes in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) patient according to the presence of vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMTS). METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 54 eyes of 51 patients with idiopathic ERM, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and were followed for more than 6 months. Subjects were classified into 2 groups according to the presence of VMTS using preoperative optical coherence tomography (group 1: ERM without VMTS, 29 eyes; group 2: ERM with VMTS, 22 eyes). Preoperative macular structure deformity and surgical outcomes were compared and prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Group 1 (ERM without VMTS) included 29 eyes, and group 2 (ERM with VMTS) included 22 eyes. Group 2 had a significantly higher occurrence of lamellar macular hole and a significantly lower preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) compared to group 1. However, final postoperative BCVAs were not significantly different between the groups because BCVA changed more in group 2. Preoperative macular structure deformities (irregular retinal surface, retinal thickening, lamellar macular hole, and cystoid macular edema) did not affect visual outcomes. The presence of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction disruption and preoperative BCVA were highly related with visual outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: BCVA significantly improved in idiopathic ERM patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling regardless of the presence of VMTS. There may be a stronger association of IS/OS junction disruption with visual acuity compared to VMTS in idiopathic ERM surgery.

A Case of Idiopathic Pediatric Acute Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion Involving the Macular Area

PURPOSE: We report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) interconnected with the perifoveal capillaries in a healthy young female. CASE SUMMARY: A 16-year-old female presented with sudden loss of vision in her left eye. Upon initial examination, her left visual acuity was 0.02 and intraocular pressure was 31 mm Hg. Fundus examination revealed pallid retinal edema of the inferior posterior pole and retinal hemorrhage below optic disc. Ocular massage followed by anterior chamber paracentesis was performed for 30 minutes within 4 hours after the onset of vision loss. Fluorescein angiography (FAG) showed a very slow blood flow in the superotemporal and inferotemporal retinal arteries and a delay in retinal arteriovenous transit time. We performed hemodynamic tests such as blood pressure, echocardiography, and the hematologic test for thrombogenicity and all tests were normal. At three weeks after treatment, vision in the left eye was 0.7 and FAG revealed normal retinal arterial circulation and venous drainage time. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report regarding acute BRAO in a healthy Korean child without any detectable systemic disorder. Prompt treatment can prevent permanent visual loss in BRAO involving the macular area.