Purpose: To evaluate the surface profile of different new-generation intraocular lenses (IOLs) designed to improve intermediate vision. Setting: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. Design: Prospective experimental laboratory study. Methods: One higher-order aspheric monofocal IOL (Tecnis Eyhance ICB00) and 2 extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs (Tecnis Symfony ZXR00, Mini Well Ready) were examined and compared with monofocal IOLs with the same platform (Sensar AAB00, Tecnis ZCB00, Mini 4 Ready) using contact profilometry. Raw profiles were obtained and compared. The best-fit circle was then subtracted from each raw profile to highlight differences. Results: The new higher-order aspheric IOL presented a peculiar profile, which appeared similar to the conventional monofocal IOL based on the same platform, with just minimal differences in the central design. One of the EDOF IOLs showed a diffractive design. The EDOF IOL based on spherical aberration presented a central steepening surrounded by a symmetric lateral change in depths. Conclusions: Improved intermediate vision can be achieved by means of different optic designs. Unlike the traditional EDOF and multifocal IOLs based on a diffractive design, the profiles of new-generation IOLs are characterized by smooth and progressive changes of the superficial geometry.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications exhibit the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care in different fields, including cataract management. A systematic review of the different applications of AI-based software on all aspects of a cataract patient's management, from diagnosis to follow-up, was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All selected articles were analyzed to assess the level of evidence according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 guidelines, and the quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Of the articles analyzed, 49 met the inclusion criteria. No data synthesis was possible for the heterogeneity of available data and the design of the available studies. The AI-driven diagnosis seemed to be comparable and, in selected cases, to even exceed the accuracy of experienced clinicians in classifying disease, supporting the operating room scheduling, and intraoperative and postoperative management of complications. Considering the heterogeneity of data analyzed, however, further randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy and safety of AI application in the management of cataract should be highly warranted.

This is a retrospective, multicenter study of consecutive patients with nAMD scheduled for a visit and/or a treatment with an intravitreal injection (IVI) during the 3 months before lockdown in the Ophthalmology Departments of six centers of Europe.The study was conducted on 546 patients, of which 55.13% were females, almost 100% of the patients were White/Caucasian race, and 71.53% of the patients presented a type 1 macular neovascularization (NVM). A total of 62.82% of patients (343 patients) that were on scheduled clinic visits and/or intravitreal injection treatment during the 3 months before the quarantine did not attend either to visit or for treatment during the lockdown. The mean number of injections during the lockdown was significantly reduced. This was followed by a significant reduction in the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between the 3 months before the lockdown (mean BCVA of 60.68 ± 19.77 letters) and 6 months after lockdown (mean BCVA of 56.98 ± 22.59 letters). Patients with better BCVA before the lockdown and the ones showing neovascular activity were more likely to attend their scheduled visits and/or IVI treatments. The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown have led to a decrease in the number of IVI treatments in patients with nAMD, evidencing a significant vision loss at 6 months.

The progressive deterioration of the visual function in patients on waiting lists for cataract surgery has a negative impact on their quality of life, especially in the elderly population. Patient waiting times for cataract surgeries in many healthcare settings have increased recently due to the prolonged stop or slowdown of elective cataract surgery as a result of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The aim of this review is to highlight the impact of such a “de-prioritization” of cataract surgery and to summarize some critical issues and useful hints on how to reorganize cataract pathways, with a special focus on perioperative diagnostic tools during the recovery phase and beyond. The experiences of a group of surgeons originating from nine different countries, named the European COVID-19 Cataract Group (EUROCOVCAT), have been combined with the literature and recommendations from scientific ophthalmic societies and healthcare institutions. Key considerations for elective cataract surgery should include the reduction of the number of unnecessary visits and examinations, adoption of precautionary measures, and implementation of telemedicine instruments. New strategies should be adopted to provide an adequate level of assistance and to guarantee safety conditions. Flexibility will be the watchword and regular updates would be necessary following scientific insights and the development of the pandemic.

Purpose: To evaluate the surface profile of a new-generation extended range-of-vision intraocular lens (IOL) and to compare it with that obtained for a monofocal IOL based on the same platform. Methods: Prospective, experimental, laboratory study comparing the surface profile of the DFT015 (AcrySof IQ Vivity; Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), a new-generation presbyopia-correcting IOL, with the profile of the SN60WF (AcrySof IQ; Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), an aspheric monofocal IOL based on the same platform. Raw profiles were obtained using contact profilometry. The best-fit form was then subtracted from each raw profile to highlight potential differences. Results: No significant differences were appreciated in raw profiles. On the contrary, after form removal, the new extended range-of-vision IOL showed a peculiar profile characterized by the presence of two altitudinal symmetrical changes in the order of 1 µm, localized in the central portion of the optic. Conclusions: The new-generation extended range-of-vision IOL evaluated showed a smooth change of its surface compared to the same platform monofocal IOL. The altitudinal changes blended in the central design of the new presbyopia-correcting IOL, although micrometric, might play a crucial role in creating a continuous focal range while minimizing visual disturbances.

Background: Usher syndrome (USH), the most common cause of combined deaf-blindness, is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder characterized by congenital hearing impairment and progressive vision loss due to rod-cone dystrophy. Although the original classification in three subtypes (USH I, USH II, and USH III) is still valid, recent findings have changed and widened perspectives in its classification, genotype–phenotype correlations, and management strategies: Objective: This study aims to provide new insights into the classification of Usher syndrome, explore the genotype-phenotype correlations, and review current and emerging management strategies. Methods: A comprehensive literature review has been conducted, incorporating data from clinical studies, genetic databases, and patient registries. Results: Recent studies have led to the identification of several novel pathogenic variants in the USH genes, leading to refined subclassifications of Usher syndrome. Interactions between different genes being part of the network of this ciliopathy have been investigated and new mechanisms unveiled. Significant correlations were found between certain genotypes and the presentation of both auditory and visual phenotypes. For instance, pathogenic variants in the MYO7A gene (USH1B) were generally associated with more severe hearing impairment and earlier onset of retinal dystrophy, if compared to other USH genes-related forms. Other genes, such as USH1G, traditionally considered as causing a specific subtype, can display phenotypic heterogeneity in some patients. Conclusions: This review provides insights into a better understanding of Usher syndrome that considers recent findings regarding its genetic causes and clinical features. Precise genotype–phenotype correlations can lead to better genetic counselling, more precise characterization of the natural history of the condition, and a personalized and effective management approach. Recent progress has been made in research into gene-specific therapies that appear promising for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by Usher syndrome.