Although biological cells are mostly transparent, they are phase objects that differ in shape and refractive index. Any image that is projected through layers of randomly oriented cells will normally be distorted by refraction, reflection, and scattering. Counterintuitively, the retina of the vertebrate eye is inverted with respect to its optical function and light must pass through several tissue layers before reaching the light-detecting photoreceptor cells. Here we report on the specific optical properties of glial cells present in the retina, which might contribute to optimize this apparently unfavorable situation. We investigated intact

Differentially expressed genes in the retina early after experimental detachment are mainly related to inflammation and immune responses, intracellular proteolysis, and protection against oxidative stress. A local immune and inflammatory response may represent a major causative factor for reactive changes in the retina after detachment. The inflammatory response is not restricted to the detached retina but is also observed in the nondetached retina; this response may underlie functional changes in these regions described in human subjects.

BackgroundIntraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension commonly contain preservatives that can cause ocular surface damage in many patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of, and compliance to, preservative-free (PF) bimatoprost 0.03% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (IOP ≥18 mmHg) in a clinical practice setting.MethodsThis open-label study observed patients who were switched to PF bimatoprost 0.03% for medical reasons. IOP was measured at baseline and ~12 weeks later at the final visit, and the change in IOP was calculated. Tolerability and continuation of therapy were assessed at two follow-up visits.ResultsA total of 1,830 patients were included in the study, and complete IOP data were available for 1,543 patients. Mean IOP was reduced by 23% from 21.64 mmHg to 16.59 mmHg (P<0.0001). In subgroup analyses, the mean IOP was significantly reduced compared with baseline, regardless of prior therapy, including those previously treated with PF monotherapy. A total of 85.7% of physicians reported the IOP-lowering efficacy of PF bimatoprost 0.03% to be as expected or better than expected. Adverse events (AEs) were experienced by 5.7% of patients, and there were no serious AEs reported. The most common AEs were eye irritation (1.7%) and hyperemia (1.4%). Physician-reported treatment compliance was reported as better than (48.7%) or equal to (43.6%) prior treatment in most patients. Most patients (82%) were expected to continue PF bimatoprost 0.03% after the end of the study.ConclusionThis observational study showed that, in clinical practice, switching to PF bimatoprost 0.03% was associated with a significant IOP reduction from baseline. There was a low AE rate. PF bimatoprost 0.03% may, therefore, be an effective treatment option for patients who are intolerant of preservatives or have an inadequate response to prior IOP-lowering treatments.

One objective of ophthalmological departments is the optimization of patient treatment services. A strategy for optimization is the identification of individual potential for advanced training of surgeons based on their daily working results. The objective of this feasibility study was the presentation and evaluation of a strategy for the computation of surgeon-individual treatment profiles (SiTPs). We observed experienced surgeons during their standard daily performance of cataract procedures in the Ophthalmological Department of the University Medical Center Leipzig, Germany. One hundred five cases of cataract procedures were measured as Surgical Process Models (SPMs) with a detailed-to-the-second resolution. The procedures were performed by three different surgeons during their daily work. Subsequently, SiTPs were computed and analyzed from the SPMs as statistical 'mean' treatment strategies for each of the surgeons. The feasibility study demonstrated that it is possible to identify differences in surgeon-individual treatment profiles beyond the resolution of cut-suture times. Surgeon-individual workflows, activity frequencies and average performance durations of surgical activities during cataract procedures were analyzed. Highly significant (p<0.001) workflow differences were found between the treatment profiles of the three surgeons. Conclusively, the generation of SiTPs is a convenient strategy to identify surgeon-individual training potentials in cataract surgery. Concrete recommendations for further education can be derived from the profiles.