Translational Vision Science & Technology 

About: Translational Vision Science & Technology is an academic journal published by Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Retinal. It has an ISSN identifier of 2164-2591. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 2077 publications have been published receiving 21894 citations. The journal is also known as: Translational vision science and technology & TVST.

The Biomechanical Effect of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) With Riboflavin and UV-A is Oxygen Dependent

Abstract: Purpose: In an attempt to reduce treatment time in corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A (UV-A), recent protocol modifications include shorter irradiation times at higher fluence, while maintaining constant total applied energy (Bunsen-Roscoe law of reciprocity). While such parameter changes might produce similar biological results within a certain range, the limits of reciprocity are unknown. Limitations in the corneal oxygen diffusion capacity and its potential impact on the efficacy of CXL, raise concerns regarding the efficiency of high-fluence CXL, and also of transepithelial CXL. Methods: Porcine corneas were treated with an epithelium-off CXL at a fluence of 9 mW/cm 2 under two different atmospheres: one with a regular oxygen content (21%) and another in a helium-supplemented, low-oxygen environment (,0.1%). Untreated corneas served as controls (n ¼ 20 each). Five-millimeter corneal stripes were prepared and biomechanical stiffness was measured using an extensometer. Results: Corneas cross-linked under normal oxygen levels showed a significant increase in biomechanical stability (14.36 MPa 6 2.69 SD), whereas corneas treated similarly, but in a low-oxygen atmosphere showed a Young’s modulus similar to untreated controls (11.72 MPa 6 2.77 SD). Conclusions: The biomechanical effect of CXL seems to be oxygen dependent. This dependency will be of particular importance in high-fluence and transepithelial CXL and will most likely require major protocol modifications to maintain the efficiency of the method. Translational Relevance: The oxygen dependency of CXL shown here raises concerns about the effectiveness of high-fluence and transepithelial CXL. Both methods were introduced to clinical ophthalmology without thorough validation.

Introduction to Machine Learning, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning.

Abstract: Purpose To present an overview of current machine learning methods and their use in medical research, focusing on select machine learning techniques, best practices, and deep learning. Methods A systematic literature search in PubMed was performed for articles pertinent to the topic of artificial intelligence methods used in medicine with an emphasis on ophthalmology. Results A review of machine learning and deep learning methodology for the audience without an extensive technical computer programming background. Conclusions Artificial intelligence has a promising future in medicine; however, many challenges remain. Translational relevance The aim of this review article is to provide the nontechnical readers a layman's explanation of the machine learning methods being used in medicine today. The goal is to provide the reader a better understanding of the potential and challenges of artificial intelligence within the field of medicine.

Inherited Retinal Degenerations: Current Landscape and Knowledge Gaps.

Abstract: Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) represent a diverse group of progressive, visually debilitating diseases that can lead to blindness in which mutations in genes that are critical to retinal function lead to progressive photoreceptor cell death and associated vision loss. IRDs are genetically heterogeneous, with over 260 disease genes identified to date.1 The development of treatments and cures to modify the rate of disease progression has been limited to date, with some success of neurotrophic factor therapy and gene therapies reported from clinical trials.2–11 The best example of treatment success is gene augmentation therapy for IRD caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene, which recently received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, which in fact represented the first FDA-approved gene therapy (GT) for any genetically inherited disease.4–9 Recent developments in the IRD field have advanced understanding of the mechanisms responsible for vision loss, creating new opportunities to intervene in the course of disease by developing new therapeutic approaches. In 2013, a Delphi-style gathering of IRD experts led to the identification, by consensus, of top priorities to advance therapeutic efforts for IRDs, including the need for systematic genotyping, improved standardization of visual function testing, development of more rigorous and widespread data collection protocols, and increased data sharing.12 This document summarizes more recent advances in the IRD field and outlines specific knowledge gaps. These knowledge gaps present opportunities for further investigation to enable development of therapies that may slow down or prevent vision loss, or restore vision, in affected patients. Atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is included among the target inherited retinal diseases of interest because first, understanding AMD may contribute to understanding of inherited macular diseases, and second, understanding of the genetics and mechanism of inherited macular degenerations may contribute to understanding of AMD.

The Nature of Macular Damage in Glaucoma as Revealed by Averaging Optical Coherence Tomography Data

Abstract: Purpose To better understand the nature of glaucomatous damage, especially to the macula, the inner retinal thickness maps obtained with frequency domain optical coherence tomography (fdOCT) were averaged.

Terpinen-4-ol is the Most Active Ingredient of Tea Tree Oil to Kill Demodex Mites

Abstract: Purpose To determine the active ingredient in tea tree oil (TTO) responsible for its reported killing effect on Demodex mites, the most common ectoparasite found in the human skin extending to the eye.