Fundamentals of Fluorescein Angiography.

In order to provide safe patient care during fluorescein angiography, it is critical that ophthalmic team members understand the use of fluorescein for diagnosing eye-related diseases and conditions, including appropriate doses for adult and pediatric patients. Awareness of side effects, adverse reactions, and complications of the contrast agent allow the ophthalmic health-care team to anticipate, respond quickly, and support the patient during and following the angiographic procedure using fluorescein.

Effect of doxycycline vs placebo on retinal function and diabetic retinopathy progression in mild to moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy: a randomized proof-of-concept clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Microglia have been associated with inflammatory changes underlying diabetic retinopathy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether low-dose oral doxycycline monohydrate, a drug capable of inhibiting microglial activation, can improve or slow the deterioration of retinal function and whether it can induce regression or slow progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with mild to moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, double-masked, 24-month proof-of-concept clinical trial. We randomized 33 patients (from the Penn State Hershey Eye Center) with at least 1 eye with mild to moderate NPDR (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study level 20-43) to doxycycline monohydrate, 50 mg/d, or daily placebo for 24 months. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Mean change at 24 months compared with baseline in the foveal sensitivity of matrix frequency-doubling perimetry in each treatment group. We also compared the 2 groups with respect to change from baseline to 24 months in functional variables (Humphrey photopic visual field testing using the Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm 24-2 strategy, contrast sensitivity, dark adaptation, visual acuity, and quality of life) and anatomical variables (diabetic retinopathy severity level, area of retinal thickening, central subfield thickness on optical coherence tomography, and macular volume on optical coherence tomography). RESULTS: From baseline to month 24, no significant difference was detected between groups with respect to all visual function and anatomical outcomes assessed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Although a link between low-dose oral anti-inflammatory agents and subclinical improvement in inner retinal function has been suggested in patients with severe NPDR or non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the same association was not found in the present study of patients with mild to moderate NPDR. The different findings in the 2 patient populations may relate to a differential effect of doxycycline on different stages of diabetic retinal dysfunction, or the sample size of the present study may be too small to detect a treatment effect of doxycycline in patients with mild to moderate NPDR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00917553.

Twelve-month natural history of dark adaptation in patients with AMD.

PURPOSE: A sensitive endpoint is required for clinical trials evaluating preventative therapies for early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dark adaptation (DA) is a sensitive marker of AMD and has been proposed as a potential endpoint. This study evaluated whether significant changes in DA speed could be detected in participants with early to intermediate AMD at 12 months following baseline DA measurement. METHODS: Dark adaptation, visual acuity (VA), and fundus photography were obtained at baseline and at 6 and 12 months in 26 subjects with AMD and in 6 subjects with normal retinal health. Disease severity was assessed by the Nine-Step Age-Related Eye Disease Study AMD severity scale. RESULTS: At 12 months, significant progression of DA impairment occurred in 5 of 26 (19%) participants with AMD. None of the participants with AMD exhibited a significant worsening of fundus grade or decrease of acuity related to disease progression. The normal group exhibited stable DA and VA during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Significant worsening of DA was observed in 19% of subjects with AMD in 12 months of observation, despite stable VA and fundus appearance. This study suggests that DA may be a suitable functional endpoint for early clinical studies evaluating novel treatments for early to intermediate AMD.

Effect of doxycycline vs placebo on retinal function and diabetic retinopathy progression in patients with severe nonproliferative or non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). OBJECTIVES: To investigate, in a proof-of-concept clinical trial, whether low-dose oral doxycycline monohydrate can (1) slow the deterioration of, or improve, retinal function or (2) induce regression or slow the progression of DR in patients with severe nonproliferative DR (NPDR) or non-high-risk proliferative (PDR), and to determine the potential usefulness of visual function end points to expedite the feasibility of conducting proof-of-concept clinical trials in patients with DR. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a randomized, double-masked, 24-month proof-of-concept clinical trial. Thirty patients (from hospital-based retina practices) with 1 or more eyes with severe NPDR or PDR less than Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study-defined high-risk PDR. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive 50 mg of doxycycline monohydrate or placebo daily for 24 months. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Change at 24 months compared with baseline in functional factors (frequency doubling perimetry [FDP], Humphrey photopic Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm 24-2 testing, contrast sensitivity, dark adaptation, visual acuity, and quality of life) and anatomic factors (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study DR severity level, area of retinal thickening, central macular thickness, macular volume, and retinal vessel diameters). RESULTS: From baseline to month 24, mean FDP foveal sensitivity decreased in the placebo group (-1.9 dB) and increased in the doxycycline group (+1.8 dB) (P = .02). A higher mean FDP foveal sensitivity in the doxycycline group compared with the placebo group was detected at 6 months (P = .04), and this significant difference persisted at 12 and 24 months. A difference between the groups was not detected with respect to the other visual function outcomes and all anatomic outcomes assessed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first observation suggesting a link between a low-dose oral anti-inflammatory agent and subclinical improvement in inner retinal function. Oral doxycycline may be a promising therapeutic strategy targeting the inflammatory component of DR. Furthermore, study results suggest that FDP, which primarily measures inner retinal function, is responsive to intervention and may be a useful clinical trial end point for proof-of-concept studies in patients with DR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00511875.

Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of dark adaptometry for detection of age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Difficulty with night vision is a common complaint of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Consistent with this complaint, dark adaptation (DA) is substantially impaired in these patients. Because of the severity of the deficit, measurement of DA has been suggested as a means for the diagnosis of AMD. Previous methods for measurement of DA were time intensive (>30 minutes), which made them unsuitable for clinical use. This study evaluated a rapid DA test (≤ 6.5 minutes) for the detection of AMD. METHODS: Dark adaptation was measured by using the AdaptDx dark adaptometer in two groups: subjects with normal retinal health and subjects with AMD. Subjects were assigned to their group by clinical examination and grading of fundus photographs. Subjects were classified as having DA consistent with normal retinal health (rod intercept ≤ 6.5 minutes) or having dark adaptation consistent with AMD (rod intercept > 6.5 minutes). RESULTS: The eligible sample for analysis included 21 normal adults and 127 AMD patients. The rapid test was found to have a diagnostic sensitivity of 90.6% (P < 0.001) and specificity of 90.5% (P < 0.027). Thus, abnormal DA was detected in 115 of 127 AMD patients, and normal DA was found in 19 of 21 normal adults. CONCLUSIONS: The high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity compared favorably to long-duration research methods for the measurement of DA, and slit lamp biomicroscopy performed by a retina specialist. These results suggest that a rapid DA test is useful for the detection of AMD.

Inner retinal visual dysfunction is a sensitive marker of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS: To determine the effect of diabetes on inner and outer retinal function in persons with diabetes and no clinically detectable retinopathy or with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS: Visual function was assessed in 18 adults with normal retinal health, 23 adults with diabetes and 35 adults with NPDR and normal visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity and frequency doubling technology (FDT) sensitivity were used to assess ganglion cell function. Acuity, dark adaptation, light-adapted visual sensitivity and dark-adapted visual sensitivity were measured to evaluate cone and rod photoreceptor visual function. The presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy was determined by grading of 7-field stereoscopic fundus photographs using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grading system. RESULTS: Participants with NPDR exhibited impairment of all measured visual functions in comparison with the normal participants. Inner retinal function measured by FDT perimetry was the most impaired visual function for patients with NPDR, with 83% of patients exhibiting clinically significant impairment. Rod photoreceptor function was grossly impaired, with almost half of the patients with NPDR exhibiting significantly impaired dark-adapted visual sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Both inner retinal and outer retinal functions exhibited impairment related to NPDR. FDT perimetry and other visual function tests reveal an expanded range of diabetes induced retinal damage even in patients with good visual acuity.

The essential value of projects in faculty development.

Projects--planned activities with specific goals and outcomes--have been used in faculty development programs to enhance participant learning and development. Projects have been employed most extensively in programs designed to develop faculty as educators. The authors review the literature and report the results of their 2008 study of the impact of projects within the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Junior Faculty Development Program, a comprehensive faculty development program. Using a mixed-methods approach, the products of project work, the academic productivity of program graduates, and the impact of projects on career development were analyzed. Faculty who achieved the most progress on their projects reported the highest number of academic products related to their project and the highest number of overall academic achievements. Faculty perceived that their project had three major effects on their professional development: production of a tangible outcome, development of a career focus, and development of relationships with mentors and peers. On the basis of these findings and a review of the literature, the authors conclude that projects are an essential element of a faculty development program. Projects provide a foundation for future academic success by enabling junior faculty to develop and hone knowledge and skills, identify a career focus and gain recognition within their community, generate scholarship, allocate time to academic work, and establish supportive relationships and collaborative networks. A list of best practices to successfully incorporate projects within faculty development programs is provided.

Commentary: Interim leadership of academic departments at U.S. medical schools.

Medical schools and teaching hospitals are experiencing more frequent turnover of department chairs. Loss of a department chair creates instability in the department and may have a negative effect on the organization at large. Interim leadership of academic departments is common, and interim chairs are expected to immediately demonstrate skills and leadership abilities. However, little is known about how persons are prepared to assume the interim chair role. Newer competencies for effective leadership include an understanding of the business of medicine, interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to deal with conflict and solve adaptive challenges, and the ability to build and work on teams. Medical schools and teaching hospitals need assistance to meet the unique training and support needs of persons serving as interim leaders. For example, the Association of American Medical Colleges and individual chair societies can develop programs to allow current chairs to reflect on their present positions and plan for the future. Formal leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and conscientious succession planning are good first steps in preparing to meet the needs of academic departments during transitions in leadership. Also, interim leadership experience may be useful as a means for "opening the door" to underrepresented persons, including women, and increasing the diversity of the leadership team.

Patient attitudes toward resident involvement in cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess how patients in an academic ophthalmology practice feel regarding the involvement of residents in their cataract surgery. METHODS: Using an anonymous survey, we asked patients with cataracts about issues related to resident involvement in cataract surgery, including informed consent, how likely they were to agree to resident involvement in their surgery, and the likelihood that they would seek care elsewhere if residents were to be involved in their surgery. RESULTS: Participants indicated they should be asked in advance if a resident may assist in (83%) or perform (96%) their surgery. The person asking permission should be the attending surgeon. Most participants would agree to resident assistance (83%), and nearly half would agree to resident performance (49%) of their cataract surgery. Participants indicated that they would be upset if the resident assisted in (45%) or performed (74%) their surgery without their expressed permission. Few would seek treatment in a setting without residents if a resident were to assist in (7%) or perform (26%) their cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Most individuals would accept resident involvement in their cataract surgery provided full disclosure was provided by their attending surgeon.

Impact of a 1-day ophthalmology experience on medical students.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the ophthalmic knowledge and eye examination skills of third-year medical students through the development and implementation of a 1-day ophthalmology experience. DESIGN: Noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-one third-year medical students at the Penn State College of Medicine completed the 1-day ophthalmology experience. METHODS: A 1-day ophthalmology curriculum, based on the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology Policy Statement on Medical Student Education, was developed and implemented. The 1-day program consisted of a morning conference series and an afternoon case-based learning and eye examination skills session. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The students completed a questionnaire to assess the impact of the experience on their ophthalmology knowledge and skills. In addition, the students completed a pretest and posttest to measure the impact of the 1-day ophthalmology experience on their ophthalmic knowledge. RESULTS: The 1-day ophthalmology experience was effective in improving the ophthalmic knowledge and eye examination skills of medical students based on the results of questionnaires, multiple choice examinations, and skills assessment. There was a statistically significant increase in test score percentage after the 1-day ophthalmology experience: the mean score on the pretest was 55%, compared with a mean score of 80% on the posttest. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmology-in-a-day experience is an effective way to improve the ophthalmic knowledge and eye examination skills of medical students.

An extension of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) system for grading of diabetic macular edema in the Astemizole Retinopathy Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of astemizole, an antihistamine, versus placebo on the 1-year course of diabetic macular edema (DME) and to illustrate use of a modified ETDRS system for grading areas of retinal thickening and hard exudates that may be useful in clinical trials of treatments for this disorder. METHODS: Between June 1994 and September 1997, at 2 clinics, 63 patients who had, in at least one eye (the study eye), DME that had not previously been treated with macular photocoagulation, and for which photocoagulation was not currently recommended by the investigator, were enrolled and randomly assigned to astemizole or placebo. Fifty-four of the 63 patients (86%, 26 in Clinic 1 and 28 in Clinic 2) completed 1 year of followup and had adequate 7-field stereoscopic film-based color fundus photographs of the study eye at the baseline and 1-year visits. DME was > 0.33 disc diameters (DD) from the center of the macula in 48% of study eyes and involved the center in 13%. Photographs were graded using the ETDRS protocol modified to allow estimates of areas of retinal thickening (RT) and hard exudate (HE) to be made on continuous scales in disc area (DA) units. Principal outcome measures were mean change in the square root of RT area (the average diameter of the area in DD), mean change in area of HE, and change in the degree to which RT involved or threatened the center of the macula. RESULTS: At baseline, RT area in the 54 study eyes ranged from 0.09 to 4.0 DA (median 1.1). At the 1-year visit the square root of RT area (RTdd) had decreased by > or= 0.3 DD in 10 eyes, increased by >or = 0.3 DD in 19 and was about the same in 25. Mean change at 1 year was +0.09 DD (SD 0.57) for astemizole versus +0.19 DD (SD 0.48) for placebo, for a difference of -0.10 DD (95% CI -0.38, +0.19; p = 0.51). Adjustments for baseline and time-dependent risk factors did not change this result appreciably, although there was a trend towards a difference in favor of astemizole in the subgroup of patients with more severe retinopathy. Other morphologic outcomes paralleled change in RTdd. Change in RTdd did vary by clinic: -0.03 DD in Clinic 2, versus + 0.32 DD in Clinic 1, for a difference of -0.35 DD (95% CI -0.62, -0.07; p = 0.014). Clinic 1 is a tertiary retinal referral center in Pennsylvania and Clinic 2 a retinal clinic closely affiliated with a large diabetes clinic in Copenhagen. The unexpected clinic difference in outcome provided an opportunity for further analyses using the modified ETDRS system. In comparison to Clinic 1, Clinic 2 patients were more often male, were younger at diagnosis of diabetes, and had less severe retinopathy and better visual acuity, but these differences did not appear to explain the trend for lesser increase in RTdd. CONCLUSION: No effect of astemizole was found, but the confidence interval for the principal outcome, mean change in RTdd, included both a modest beneficial effect and a small harmful effect. This outcome measure did demonstrate a small difference in outcome by clinic, which could not be explained by baseline characteristics but may reflect differences in access to and/or continuity of care or other unmeasured differences associated with different referral patterns. Although optical coherence tomography may supplant photography as a measure of central RT, photographic assessments of change in RT and HE areas analyzed with the methods described herein may be useful outcomes in trials assessing treatment of early stages of DME. Application of these methods to other data sets is needed to confirm this conclusion.

Empowering junior faculty: Penn State's faculty development and mentoring program.

Empowerment of faculty is essential for academic success. The Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP), sponsored by the Office of Professional Development of the Penn State College of Medicine, was established in 2003 with the goal of promoting the development and advancement of junior faculty so they can achieve success in their academic careers. The program consists of two components: a curriculum in research, education, clinical practice, and career development, and an individual project completed under the guidance of a senior faculty mentor. The curriculum provides faculty with knowledge, skills, and resources. Mentoring provides relationships and support. Together, these elements combine to empower junior faculty to better manage their careers. The effectiveness of the program has been demonstrated by several measures: participants evaluated the program highly, demonstrated increases in their perceptions of their own abilities, and completed tasks important to the advancement of their careers. Participants stated they were better prepared to advance their academic careers and that the individual projects would contribute to their career advancement. On the basis of this experience, the authors suggest that faculty development programs should empower faculty so that they can more effectively chart a successful career in academic medicine. This report describes an empowerment model, and the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Junior Faculty Development Program in 2003-04 and 2004-05. The authors offer this program as a model for the benefit of other institutions and for one of their most valuable assets: junior faculty.

The white dot syndromes.

PURPOSE: To review the distinctive and shared features of the white dot syndromes, highlighting the clinical findings, diagnostic test results, proposed etiologies, treatments, and prognosis. DESIGN: Review. METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: Common white dot syndromes are reviewed, including acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, birdshot chorioretinopathy, diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis, multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis, serpiginous choroiditis, and acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: The white dot syndromes are a group of disorders characterized by multiple whitish-yellow inflammatory lesions located at the level of the outer retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid. For clinicians and researchers alike, they present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Visual outcomes and incidence of vitreous loss for residents performing phacoemulsification without prior planned extracapsular cataract extraction experience.

PURPOSE: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is one of the most important surgical procedures learned by ophthalmology residents during their residency training. We evaluated the visual outcomes and incidence of vitreous loss of phacoemulsification cataract surgeries performed by ophthalmology residents without prior planned extracapsular cataract extraction experience. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 332 consecutive phacoemulsification cataract surgeries performed by third-year ophthalmology residents from July 1999 through June 2001. Data included are preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, preexisting ocular comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 89% of eyes. After excluding the cases with preexisting ocular comorbidities, the percentage increased to 97.7%. Vitreous loss occurred in 4.8% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmology residents can learn to perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery safely and effectively without prior planned extracapsular cataract extraction experience.