British Journal of Ophthalmology最新文献

Background: Early-onset high myopia (eoHM) associates with multiple ocular and systemic disorders. This study evaluates the repertoire and relative prevalence of these disorders in a tertiary care setting, parses them by eoHM and other characteristics and evaluates the utility of diagnostic workup.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of eoHM cases seen at two US eye centres from 2012 to 2022. eoHM was defined as a myopic refraction requiring glasses when ≤2 years of age and/or a refraction greater than -6D by 6 years of age. We reviewed the extent and outcome of workup, including ocular examination, imaging, electrophysiology, systemic evaluation and genetic testing.

Result: Of 407 patients with eoHM, 39% had an associated ocular disorder, 21% had a systemic disorder and 40% had apparently isolated eoHM (ie, no associated condition). Patients with associated disorders often reported typical presenting complaints but were more likely to be seen earlier in life, to possess severe, symmetric or very asymmetric eoHM and to display other stigmata of visual dysfunction. Patients with connective tissue disorders and select inherited retinal disorders had the most severe and symmetric eoHM compared with other conditions or isolated cases. Electroretinography and genetic testing were critical workup components.

Conclusions: eoHM frequently associates with a wide array of ocular and systemic disorders and may display distinct clinical characteristics depending on the associated condition. Awareness of the range of disorders that present with eoHM, key distinguishing characteristics, the role of timely and targeted workup and the importance of an accurate diagnosis are key considerations.

Aims: To determine the prevalence and clinicopathological features of malignant melanocytic lesions in specimens clinically diagnosed as pterygia.

Methods: This retrospective study analysed all conjunctival specimens submitted with the clinical diagnosis 'pterygium' to the ophthalmic pathology laboratory of the Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Germany, between August 1999 and August 2024. Specimens that unexpectedly revealed a histopathological diagnosis of malignant melanocytic lesions were further reviewed for their clinical and pathological characteristics.

Results: Among 2298 clinically presumed pterygia, seven specimens (0.30%) harboured a malignant melanocytic lesion: four (0.17%) were invasive conjunctival melanomas and three (0.13%) were high-grade conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial lesions (C-MIL). Three of four melanomas were amelanotic or hypomelanotic (75%) or exhibited atypical temporal localisation (75%).

Conclusion: Malignant melanocytic lesions, though rare, may arise within or mimic pterygia. Their often amelanotic presentation can complicate clinical recognition. Routine histopathological evaluation of all excised pterygia is therefore essential to detect unexpected malignancies as conjunctival melanoma C-MIL.

Background/aims: Patients have largely been excluded from discussions on the use of their health data in developing medical artificial intelligence (AI), despite being directly affected by its integration into care. This study assessed ophthalmology patients' perspectives on AI to inform patient-aligned development and implementation.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey across ophthalmology clinics in a large academic hospital system in New York City. Consecutive patients were approached in waiting rooms by a research coordinator to maximise sociodemographic diversity and minimise bias from digital literacy or access. The survey, developed by experts in AI, ethics, ophthalmology and survey methodology, was administered via paper and Qualtrics. It addressed attitudes towards AI in clinical scenarios, willingness to share various types of personal data for AI model development and understanding of AI in ophthalmology.

Results: Among 403 respondents, 67% reported a low or no understanding of AI, and 71% expressed interest in learning more. Patients prioritised physician involvement and transparency. Comfort decreased with task complexity: highest for screening, lower for diagnosis and lowest for treatment/surgery. For model development, patients were more comfortable sharing de-identified optical coherence technology or lab data than facial images or genetic data. 90% felt consent was always necessary when using personal data to train AI models.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for patient education and robust data consent protocols. Implementing an opt-out system for retrospective data use may enhance trust while supporting innovation. Integrating patient perspectives into AI governance can foster trust and transparency in ophthalmology and beyond.