Adel Gady AlAkeely

Background/Objectives: The search for biomarkers of cognition has garnered significant interest over the past decade, owing to their objective nature, in contrast to the currently available cognition screening tools, which are based on subjective measures. Retina imaging is used in this field because its tissue is considered as an extension of the brain’s vascular and neural structures, reflecting overall brain health. In cognitive disorders, early detection and intervention are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes. To evaluate the physiological correlates of cognitive function in healthy young adults by assessing retinal structures as a non-invasive biomarker of cognitive health. Methods: Eighty healthy young adults participated in this study. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was used to measure retinal morphology, including macular thickness, volume, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness; then, OCT results were correlated with cognitive assessments using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: Participants with mild cognitive impairment exhibited thinner macular thickness and lower macular volume (p < 0.05, p < 0.001) than participants with normal cognitive function. We also found that macular thickness is positively associated with cognitive function in healthy adults (p < 0.001). The RNFL was found to be normal in all groups, despite changes in macular thickness, indicating that cognitive function in normal individuals depends on macular changes rather than the optic nerve. Conclusions: Macular OCT, which is a cost-effective and widely available tool, can be used to screen for mild cognitive impairment. A clinical trial is recommended to validate these findings and to generate guidelines for assessing cognitive physiology through the retina.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a human amniotic membrane patch to treat optic disc pit maculopathy. Methods: Three cases are presented. Results: Three patients with optic disc pit maculopathy were treated with pars plana vitrectomy and a human amniotic membrane patch of the optic disc pit. The primary outcomes were resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) and intraretinal fluid, changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and any postoperative complications. Complete resorption of SRF and substantial decreases in central retinal thickness were seen at follow-up. Significant improvements in VA and microperimetry correspond with a decline in retinal responsiveness related to the chronicity of maculopathy. No patient reported complications or recurrences, and the patch remained visible on optical coherence tomography for up to 26 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Anatomic and visual improvement was seen in all 3 patients. The human amniotic membrane patch is a safe and effective treatment for optic disc pit maculopathy.

We report a 39-year-old with Alport's syndrome. The patient presented with anterior lenticonus, cataract, and a corrected distance visual acuity of 20/25 and 20/60 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Fundus examination revealed generalized retinal flecks sparing the fovea in both eyes. Optical coherence topography showed temporal macular thinning. Normal fundus autofluorescence was observed in both eyes. Full-field electroretinography (ERG) demonstrated normal photopic and scotopic responses, while multifocal ERG showed no reduction of amplitudes generated from the temporal thinned macula, compared to the nasal macula, indicating preserved functional integrity of the retina.

We report breakage of the tip of a 25-G advanced ULTRAVIT vitreous cutter during vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage. During the procedure, we noticed that the cutter tip broke. We switched to another vitrectomy pack of the same brand, and the procedure continued without further complications. Intraoperative and postoperative examinations revealed no broken pieces remaining in the eye. Breakage of 25-G instruments intraoperatively during vitrectomy is a rare occurrence that can lead to complications. Keeping the vitrectomy probe at a safe distance from the light pipe and inspecting the instruments while working inside the eye can help avoid such an event.

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol, Official publication of Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology