Purpose To evaluate choroidal vasculature changes after the instillation of mydriatic parasympatholytic and sympathomimetic agents in healthy subjects. Methods A total of 95 healthy subjects were enrolled in this prospective, randomized comparative study. Study participants were divided into three different groups depending on the drug to be administered: tropicamide (1%) group (n = 31), tropicamide (0.5%) + phenylephrine (10%) group (n = 30) and control group receiving artificial tears (n = 34). All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including best corrected visual acuity, refractive status and axial length. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal and stromal choroidal area (LCA and SCA) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were measured before and after eye drops instillation. Results All the baseline characteristics were matched between the three groups (all P > 0.05). Before the mydriatic instillation, there were no significant differences of CT, TCA, LA, SCA, and CVI among the three groups (all P > 0.05). After drug administration, CT, TCA, LCA, SCA, and CVI did not show any significant change as well (respectively, P = 0.265; P = 0.483; 0.573; P = 0.405 and P = 0.708). Conclusions Instillation of mydriatic eye drops did not induce significant changes of the choroidal vasculature, suggesting that their use do not alter CT and CVI evaluation.

Background: To map the choroidal vascularity index and compare two eyes in patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study performed in patients with unilateral CSCR. Choroidal thickness (CT) and Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were measured and mapped in various zones according to the early treatment diabetic retinopathy (ETDRS) grid. Results: A total of 20 CSCR patients (20 study and 20 fellow eyes) were included in the study. Outer nasal region CT was seen to be significantly lower than central CT (p = 0.042) and inner nasal CT (p = 0.007); outer ring CT was significantly less than central (p = 0.04) and inner ring (p = 0.01) CT in CSCR eyes. On potting all the CVI values against the corresponding CT values, a positive correlation was seen in CSCR eyes (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), which was slightly weaker in fellow eyes (r = 0.3, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation was seen in healthy eyes (r = −0.262, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Correlation between CVI and CT was altered in CSCR eyes as compared to fellow and normal eyes with increasing CVI towards the center of the macula and superiorly in CSCR eyes.

Pregnancy is a medical condition in which the physiological changes in the maternal body and the potential impact on the developing fetus require a cautious approach in terms of drug administration. Individual treatment, a thorough assessment of the extent of the disease, and a broad knowledge of the therapeutic options and different routes of administration of ophthalmic drugs are essential to ensure the best possible results while minimizing risks. Although there are currently several routes of administration of drugs for the treatment of eye diseases, even with topical administration, there is a certain amount of systemic absorption that must be taken into account. Despite continuous developments and advances in ophthalmic drugs, no updated data are available on their safety profile in these contexts. The purpose of this review is both to summarize the current information on the safety of ophthalmic treatments during pregnancy and lactation and to provide a practical guide to the ophthalmologist for the treatment of eye diseases while minimizing harm to the developing fetus and addressing maternal health needs.

This study evaluated predictors for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on multimodal imaging. A retrospective multicenter chart review was conducted on 134 eyes of 132 consecutive patients with CSCR. Eyes were classified as per the multimodal imaging-based classification of CSCR at baseline into simple/complex CSCR and primary episode/recurrent/resolved CSCR. Baseline characteristics of CNV and predictors were evaluated with ANOVA. In 134 eyes with CSCR, 32.8% had CNV (n = 44) with 72.7% having complex CSCR (n = 32), 22.7% having simple (n = 10) and 4.5% having atypical (n = 2). Primary CSCR with CNV were older (58 vs. 47, p = 0.00003), with worse visual acuity (0.56 vs. 0.75, p = 0.01) and of longer duration (median 7 vs. 1, p = 0.0002) than those without CNV. Similarly, recurrent CSCR with CNV were older (61 vs. 52, p = 0.004) than those without CNV. Patients with complex CSCR were 2.72 times more likely to have CNV than patients with simple CSCR. In conclusion, CNV associated with CSCR was more likely in complex CSCR and older age of presentation. Both primary and recurrent CSCR are implicated in CNV development. Patients with complex CSCR were 2.72 times more likely to have CNV than patients with simple CSCR. Multimodal imaging-based classification of CSCR supports detailed analysis of associated CNV.

To evaluate the follow up and treatment outcome of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on the new multimodal imaging-based classification and identify the predictors for anatomic and visual outcome. Retrospective, multicentric study on 95 eyes diagnosed with CSCR and a follow up of at least 12 months were included. Eyes with macular neovascularization, atypical CSCR or any other disease were excluded. At the baseline, observation was advised to 70% eyes with simple CSCR whereas photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed in 49% eyes with complex CSCR. Over the follow up, decrease in CMT was significantly higher in simple CSCR as compared to complex CSCR (P = 0.008) and the recurrences were significantly more in eyes with lower CMT at baseline (P = 0.0002). Median time of resolution of SRF was 3 months and 6 months in simple and complex CSCR respectively (P = 0.09). For the 12 months follow up, the median fluid free period was greater (P = 0.03) while number of interventions performed was lesser in eyes with simple CSCR as compared to complex CSCR (P = 0.006). Multiple regression analysis showed baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and baseline persistent SRF to be significantly predictive of BCVA and persistent SRF at 12 months (P < 0.0001, 0.04) respectively. Complex CSCR more often required PDT, was associated with shorter fluid free interval and longer time for SRF resolution. Baseline BCVA and persistent SRF were predictive of final visual and anatomical outcome. The new multimodal imaging based classification is helpful in establishing objective criteria for planning treatment approaches for CSCR.

The aim of this study was to investigate ocular surface changes associated with face mask (FMs) use of healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. We prospectively evaluated 200 eyes of 100 individuals during working hours and 40 eyes of 20 individuals during their rest days as a control group. Dry eye symptoms were assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and McMonnies questionnaire. The clinical investigation included the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal fluorescein staining (FS), break-up time (BUT), and Schirmer test I before and after a 7-h work shift with a continuative use of surgical or N95 masks. The control group was evaluated similarly twice a day, at 8:00 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m.. In the study group, BCVA, FS, BUT, and Schirmer test were investigated and there was a significant negative variation at the end of the shift. On the contrary, the control group did not show significant variations of any clinical feature. Furthermore, no significant changes in clinical parameters were observed during the use of surgical or N95 masks. In conclusion, FMs continuative use resulted in daily ocular surface modifications specifically in healthcare personnel.