The development of population aging and changes in the way people use their eyes over the recent years have increasingly challenged the existing ophthalmic medical resources to meet the growing medical needs, thus urgently calling for a novel diagnostic and treatment mode. Despite its status as an emerging sector in ophthalmology, ophthalmic artificial intelligence has developed rapidly in the screening and diagnosis of eye diseases, as can be seen in practices adopting the “eye imaging data + AI” mode. In recent years, with the intensified research on this mode with respect to common diseases such as cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, relevant technologies have grown increasingly mature, presenting undeniable application superiority and prospects. Some of the relevant technical achievements have also been successfully transformed for practical usage, and are gradually being applied to clinical practices. Ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment are transitioning toward the era of intelligent medical services, which are expected to reduce the contradictions between the growing medical needs and the shortage of medical resources, as well as ultimately improve the overall experience of medical services.

Diabetes retinopathy (DR) is a common ocular complication of diabetes, characterized by a complex pathological process involving multiple cells and inflammatory factors. Müller cells, as the primary supporting cells of the retina, not only produce interleukin-17 (IL-17) but also serve as a primary target in DR. They participate in the pathological process of DR by contributing to abnormal glutamate metabolism, increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and regulatory functions, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response. IL-17 is primarily secreted by T helper cell 17 (Th17) cells and enhances the inflammatory response by promoting the secretion of various inflammatory mediators (such as cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteinases), leading to retinal microvascular damage and neuronal apoptosis, which accelerates the progression of DR. In a high-glucose environment, Müller cell function is impaired, and IL-17 further exacerbates this dysfunction, creating a vicious cycle. Studies have shown that blocking the IL-17 and Act1/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathways can mitigate the pathological changes associated with DR, providing new insights for the treatment of this disease. Therefore, conducting in-depth research on the interaction mechanism between IL-17 and Müller cells in DR is of great significance for exploring the pathogenesis of this disease and developing precise and effective treatment strategies.

Anterior megalophthalmos is a rare congenital enlargement of the anterior segment, characterized by bilateral nonprogressive megalocornea (diameter ≥12.5 mm), extremely deep anterior chamber, normal or moderate thinning of the cornea, and elongation of the ciliary ring. Cataract and lens dislocation are the main causes of decreased vision in patients with AM. However, cataract surgery on patients with AM are challenging due to the anatomical abnormalities. This case reports a 48-year-old male patient diagnosed with AM and cataract, who successfully underwent a manual small incision cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation. Finally, our patient showed a good visual outcome with a well centered IOL and without obvious refractive error. In this typical AM case, we reviewed and summarized the clinical characteristics and the challenges of surgical treatment so that other ophthalmologists can learn about this disease.

Glaucoma stands as the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, affecting over 70 million individuals. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). By 2040, the global prevalence of glaucoma is expected to rise to 112 million, with approximately 10% experiencing blindness in at least one eye. The primary pathological basis for visual function impairment in glaucoma progression is the loss of RGCs induced by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and various pathogenic factors. Currently, IOP-lowering treatment is the only intervention available, but it cannot completely halt the progressive injury to RGCs, nor can it reverse the optic nerve damage caused by prior disease progression. Exploring the direct pathogenic factors of RGC degeneration in glaucoma, identifying key therapeutic targets, and developing new neuroprotective treatments are of great importance. This review discusses recent advancements in the mechanisms and treatments of retinal ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma, highlighting the significant role of neurovascular unit changes in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and the potential value of interventions. Additionally, targeting metabolites, inhibiting early inflammatory responses, and reducing oxidative stress, supplemented by nutritional and exercise support, may help delay and inhibit neurodegenerative processes, offering neuroprotective effects.Future research on glaucoma pathogenesis should focus on factors beyond IOP, exploring pathogenic factors in the pathological environment of blood flow, metabolism, and immune crosstalk for targeted therapeutic interventions. Also, verifying the neuroprotective effects of these interventions in various animal models holds promise for improving the clinical translation success rate of neuroprotection in glaucoma, thus expanding therapeutic concepts and drug options.

Stargardt disease (STGD1, OMIM#248200) is the most common hereditary macular dystrophy, caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, and is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder. The disease typically manifests in late childhood or early adulthood, leading to progressive and irreversible visual impairment. Significant advances in understanding the clinical and molecular characteristics, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, have ultimately facilitated numerous human clinical trials of new therapies that have been completed, are ongoing, and are planned. This review focuses on the progress in gene therapy research for STGD1. The primary obstacle in STGD1 gene therapy is the lengthy sequence of the ABCA4 gene and the low efficiency of specific transduction of the ABCA4 gene into photoreceptor cells. The key to addressing this issue is to develop a vector with a large carrying capacity that can efficiently transduce the ABCA4 gene into photoreceptor cells. Current gene therapy strategies for STGD1 mainly include adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, lentiviral vectors, nanoparticles, optogenetics, and antisense oligonucleotides(AONs). With the deepening of research, it is hoped that effective gene therapy methods for STGD1 will be developed in the future, bringing new therapeutic hope to patients. This review provides valuable references and ideas for clinical applications and scientific research.

Objective: To demonstrate the clinical characteristics and surgical effects of glaucoma in Hallermann-Streiff syndrome(HSS). Methods: Observational case series and literature review. The results of ophthalmic examinations of three patients diagnosed as glaucoma with HSS were recorded, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp microscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, corneal topography, A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography, and orbital size measurement by X-ray. Peripheral iridectomy, glaucoma drainage device implantation or trabeculectomy, were performed in these patients. Results: Three HSS patients were 9, 29 and 47 years old, respectively, including 2 females and 1 male. The best corrected visual acuity was 0.04-0.5. The mean spherical equivalent refraction was +12.1 D. The average IOP was 37.7 mm Hg, and the average corneal diameter was 9.1 mm. The average central anterior chamber depth was 2.43mm. The average axial length was 18.13mm. Keratometry showed average K1 of 56.97 degrees, and K2 of 60.65 degrees. Two younger patients were aphakic bilaterally with uveitis, pupillary fibrous membrane and peripapillary choroidal atrophy. The older patient showed blue sclera, cataract, and anterior chamber angle closure. The horizontal orbital diameter was 28.76-31.40 mm, and vertical orbital diameter was 30.16-32.90 mm. All patients were proportionate nanism, with an average height of 143 cm. Craniofacial manifestations included dyscephalia and “bird-like” face, hypotrichosis, dental anomalies, and mandibular hypoplasia. They were followed up for an average of 47.7 months(range:11-84 months) after surgery. The IOPs were all controlled, and the visual acuities remained unchanged. No treatment-related complications occurred. Conclusions: HSS patients with glaucoma may present as small orbit, microphthalmia, microcornea, blue sclera, aphakia, pupillary fibrous membrane, uveitis, with atrophic chorioretinal changes. For these patients, personalized treatment may help to achieve better therapeutic effects.

The training of qualified ophthalmologists holds paramount significance in preventing blindness, treating eye diseases, and delivering optimal eye health services to the people. Given the unique nature of standardized residency training across geographical regions, this study delves into the comparative analysis of ophthalmology residency standardized training systems in the Mainland and Hong Kong. Specifically, we examine the the similarities and disparities in multiple facets, encompassing trainees' profiles, faculty expertise, rotation phases and prerequisites, as well as assessment methodologies. Notably, the training system in Hong Kong has a duration of 6 years, approximating the combined length of standardized residency training and standardized specialist training. By comparing the differences, we aim to facilitate the refinement of ophthalmology residency education and training in Mainland China, tailored to our specific context, while also serving as a reference for advancing standardized ophthalmology specialist training initiatives.

Objective: To establish a scientific, simple, and efficient ophthalmic emergency pre-examination triage standard, and provide efficient ophthalmic emergency pre-examination triage tools for ophthalmic staffs, based on national conditions. Methods: With literature search, semi-structured interview, Delphi Method, and Analytic Hierarchy Process, the content of ophthalmic emergency pre-examination and triage standard are confirmed. By extracting data from the emergency triage system and HIMSS electronic medical record system from August 1st, 2023 to August 10th, 2023, the consistency rate between the initial triage level and the final diagnosis level of the attending doctor was analyzed, and the application effect of the ophthalmic emergency pre-examination and triage standard system was preliminarily verified. Results: Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted among 18 experts, all with a 100% effective questionnaire response rate. The expert authority coefficients were 0.95, and the Kendall harmony coefficients were 0.564 and 0.117, respectively (all P<0.05). The final constructed ophthalmic emergency pre-examination triage standard system includes 3 primary indicators and 11 secondary indicators. Through verification, the pre screening triage standard system has a good triage accuracy rate of up to 92.7%. Conclusions: The structure of the ophthalmic emergency pre-examination triage standard system constructed in this study is reasonable, comprehensive, scientific, and practical. It can provide accurate and effective triage tools for ophthalmic clinical emergency pre-examination triage work efficiency, and preexamination triage quality.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a common blinding disease in Asian populations. Massive hemorrhage complications secondary to PCV include subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) and vitreous hemorrhage (VH). The risk factors for SRH include a long duration, clustered PCV, non-regression of polyp lesions and presented with retinal pigment epithelial detachment. The treatments for SRH include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, photodynamic therapy, laser, vitreous pneumatic displacement, intravenously injected tissue plasminogen activator, vitrectomy and combination therapy. Whether macular fovea is involved and the time since bleeding onset are the main factors afecting the choice of treatment for SRH. Older age of onset, higher white blood cell count, higher aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase ratio, longer activated partial thromboplastin time retinal pigment epithelium detachment, photodynamic therapy history, intravitreal injection history larger SRH area and presented with retinal pigment epithelial detachment were associated with higher risk of VH. PCV patients with massive VH should be treated with vitrectomy, while the timing and technique of operation should be paid atention to. At present, the risk factors of PCV massive bleeding are not completely clear, and its treatment methods are diverse, which requires a large number of studies to prove its effectiveness and establish expert diagnosis and treatment consensus.

Objective: To investigate the practical application value of the optional parameters of corneal horizontal diameter or white to white (WTW) and lens thickness (LT) a using Barrett Universal II formula. Methods: Single-center, prospective clinical study. Eligible 279 eyes who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification and enVista MX60 implantation by the same surgeon were consecutively enrolled. OA-2000 (Tomey, Japan) non-contact optical biometry was used to measure the ocular data and calculate the IOL implantation power preoperatively. The BU II network formula was used to retain or remove optional parameters WTW and LT, and the predicted results were calculated. Further subgroup analysis was conducted based on the patient's axial length. Main outcome measures: Follow up patients for more than 1 month after surgery, compare the proportion of using and not using WTW and LT parameters, BU II formula prediction error (PE), absolute prediction error (AE), and AE less than 0.5 D. Results: Overall, ignoring WTW + LT, the median PE was -0.05 D (-0.26, 0.18) (P = 0.011) , and there is no statistically significant difference in PE compared 0 for the other parameter combinations (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the median AE of each parameter combination (0.22~0.23 D, P = 0.404). While ignoring both WTW and LT, the maximum AE value (+1.5 D) was found. The proportion of patients with AE ≤ 0.50 D included in the application of WTW+LT, neglect of WTW+LT, neglect of WTW, and neglect of LT were 80.65%, 79.57%, 80.65%, and 81.36%, respectively in each axial subgroup, when LT was ignored, the percentage of AE ≤ 0.50 D was higher in the short axial subgroup (80% vs. 66.67%~73.33%) and the long axial subgroup (77.78% vs. 73.33%~75.56%). In the subgroup of moderate eye axis, the percentage of AE ≤ 0.50 D was slightly higher when all parameters were substituted (83.11% vs. 80.82%~82.19%), and slightly lower when WTW+LT calculation was ignored (80.82%). Conclusions: When applying Barrett Universal II to calculate the refractive power of artificial lenses, the optional parameters WTW and LT can obtain similar average prediction levels regardless of whether they are substituted into the formula; However, ignoring both WTW and LT may result in significant prediction errors. For eyes with a diameter of 22 mm ≤ AL<26 mm, it is recommended to use all parameters for calculation; When AL ≤ 22 mm or AL ≥ 26 mm, the calculation method that only inputs WTW has higher cumulative accuracy, and it is suggested to be prioritized.