Search Results

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the strategies adopted by Brazilian ophthalmologists to control myopia in clinical practice.
METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected using an online questionnaire.
RESULTS: Responses from 148 participants were collected between March and May 2024. The majority of respondents were general ophthalmologists (51%) and pediatric ophthalmologists (43%). They came from all regions of Brazil, but more than half (52%) were from the Southeast region. Most participants (30%) had over 20 years of clinical practice experience. A significant proportion (89.2%) treated progressive myopia. The most requested complementary exams were optical biometry (83.78%) and corneal topography or tomography (69.59%). Behavioral measures were considered the most effective myopia treatment strategies by 41.2% of the respondents, followed by optical (33.8%) and pharmacological interventions (25%). Most recommended spending more time outdoors (94.59%) and reducing screen time (93.92%). Spectacle lenses for myopia (83.11%) and 0.025% atropine eye drops (54.73%) were the most prescribed treatments after the recommendation of environmental and behavioral changes.
CONCLUSION: This study presents a novel analysis of the clinical strategies for myopia control among Brazilian ophthalmologists. Understanding current clinical practices and identifying possible improvements are essential steps toward developing evidence-based guidelines and professional education aimed at improving patient care.

Keywords: Myopia/epidemiology; Refractive errors; Contact lenses; Myopia/drug therapy; Atropine/therapeutic use; Ophthalmologists; Practice patterns, physicians’; Surveys and questionnaires; Brazil/epidemiology

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos as an educational resource about retinopathy of prematurity.
METHODS: Videos were sourced from YouTube using the search terms "retinopathy of prematurity" and "premature retinopathy" with the default settings. Each video was assessed on the following metrics: views, likes, dislikes, comments, upload source, country of origin, view ratio, like ratio, and video power index. The quality and reliability of the videos were evaluated by two independent researchers using the DISCERN questionnaire, the JAMA benchmarks, the Global Quality Score scale, the Health on the Net Code of Conduct, and the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients scale.
RESULTS: The study assessed 92 videos, the majority of which (42 videos, 45.7%) originated from the United States. Most of the videos focused on screening, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (61.9%). The primary contributors were medical organizations (19 videos, 20.6%), nonacademic health channels (19 videos, 20.6%), and physicians (15 videos, 16.3%). Significant differences were found between the DISCERN (p=0.003), JAMA (p=0.001), Global Quality Score (p=0.003), Health on the Net Code of Conduct (p=0.006), and Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (p=0.001) scores among different video sources. However, the key video metrics did not differ. Using the DISCERN and Global Quality Score scales, the overall YouTube video content on retinopathy of prematurity was rated as moderate in quality. Using the Health On the Net Code of Conduct and Ensuring Quality Information for Patients scales, it was rated as high quality. Strong correlations were observed between the scores on all of the scales (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: Videos from medical organizations and healthcare centers were of a higher quality than those from nonmedical sources. Despite the varied foci of each evaluation scale, the strong correlation between them indicates that they provide reliable and comprehensive assessments of the quality of informational content.

Keywords: Retinopathy of prematurity; YouTube; Information dissemination/methods; Online education; Internet access; Social media/instrumentation; Information seeking behavior; Internet/statistics & numerical data; Consumer health information; Social networking

Abstract

Objetivo: Caracterizar a população com suspeita de glaucoma encaminhada a um centro público terciário no sul do Brasil e avaliar diferenças no dano dos parâmetros funcionais e estruturais entre os pacientes diagnosticados com diferentes tipos de glaucoma e aqueles classificados como normais e aqueles mantidos como suspeitos de glaucoma.
Métodos: Esta é uma coorte dos pacientes encaminhados para o setor de glaucoma suspeito do Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Porto Alegre - BR, no período de março de 2016 a dezembro de 2018. Os pacientes foram acompanhados até obterem exames confiáveis (exame oftalmológico completo, campimetria visual, tomografia de coerência óptica) para serem classificados como: normal, glaucoma suspeito, glaucoma com pressão intraocular elevada, glaucoma de pressão normal ou hipertenso ocular.
Resultados: Um total de 135 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo, sendo que destes, 117 pacientes completaram todos os exames e foram incluídos neste estudo. A maioria dos pacientes foi considerada normal (36,8%), seguido por glaucoma suspeito (25,64%), glaucoma de pressão normal (18,8%), glaucoma com pressão intraocular elevada (12%) e hipertensão ocular (6%). A principal razão para encaminhamento foi escavação do nervo óptico aumentada. Pacientes com glaucoma de pressão normal eram em média mais velhos que os demais (p=0,03). Esses também apresentavam índice de campo visual e desvio médio da campimetria visual piores que sujeitos normal, com suspeita de glaucoma e hipertensos oculares, e tinham a camada de fibra nervosa medida pela tomografia de coerência óptica mais fina que normais e suspeitos de glaucoma (p<0,002). Os pacientes com glaucoma de pressão elevada não diferiram significativamente dos outros grupos.
Conclusão: Pacientes com glaucoma de pressão normal tendem a ser diagnosticados mais tardiamente devido ao fato da pressão intraocular não estar elevada, logo a escavação do disco óptico deve ser maior para gerar a suspeita de glaucoma. Neste estudo, paciente com glaucoma de pressão normal apresentaram doença mais avançada no momento do diagnóstico em comparação com os outros grupos.

Keywords: Glaucoma/diagnóstico; Hipertensão ocular; Glaucoma de ângulo aberto/diagnóstico; Glaucoma de ângulo fechado/diagnóstico; Atenção terciária à saúde; Padrões de prática médica

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess female participation in the Brazilian Congress of Ophthalmology.
METHODS: This retrospective, descriptive-analytical study examined the profiles of individuals involved in the scientific program of the Brazilian Congress of Ophthalmology from 2016 to 2023. Data were provided by the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology and were categorized by ophthalmology subspecialty, participant role, and geographic region of origin within Brazil. Roles were grouped into three main categories: coordinator, speaker, and moderator/discussant.
RESULTS: Female participation at the congress increased from 33% in 2016 to 42% in 2023, showing an annual upward trend of 1.33 (p<0.001). Around 64% of female participants were from the Southeast region, while 16% were from the Northeast. The coordinator role showed the largest increase in female participation, rising from 22% in 2016 to 40% in 2023 (Slope: 2; p<0.001), followed by the speaker role, which increased from 34% to 44% (Slope: 1.5; p<0.001), and the moderator/discussant role, which rose from 32% to 38% (Slope: 1.24; p=0.0586). Changes in female representation across ophthalmology subspecialties were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: From 2016–2023, female participation in the Brazilian Congress of Ophthalmology increased across most subspecialties and conference roles. Although gender disparity has narrowed, continuous efforts are needed to achieve greater gender equity and equality in ophthalmology conferences.

Keywords: Ophthalmology; Gender equity; Ophthalmologists/statistics & numerical data; Physicians, women/statistics & numerical data; Leadership; Congresses as topic/statistics & numerical data.

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine factors related to the professionalism of ophthalmology residents.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 48 ophthalmology residents in Brazil. Professionalism was assessed using the professionalism mini-evaluation exercise, completed by both preceptors and residents, and the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine Professionalism Questionnaire, completed by the residents. The association between the professionalism score assigned by the preceptor through the professionalism mini-evaluation exercise and various sociodemographic and educational variables was assessed. The correlation between the residents’ self-assessment across both instruments and the preceptor’s assessments was measured using Spearman’s Rho.
RESULTS: All 48 residents were included, with equal representation across the 3 years of residency. The majority were female (58.3%) and between 25 and 29 years old (66.7%). The average professionalism score on the professionalism mini-evaluation exercise given by the preceptors was 3.0 (75%). A significant association was found between the year of training and the score in the doctor-patient relationship domain, with first-year residents showing lower scores (p=0.002). Male residents had higher scores in the “Interprofessional” domain (p=0.031). Graduates from private medical schools scored higher in both the “doctor-patient relationship” (p=0.015) and “reflective skills” (p=0.033) domains. Lower interest in professionalism was linked to lower scores in the “Interprofessional relationships” (p=0.033) and “time management” (p=0.003) domains. A strong correlation was observed between preceptor’s professionalism mini-evaluation exercise scores and residents’ self-assessed professionalism mini-evaluation exercise scores (r=0.917). However, the correlation between the self-assessed professionalism mini-evaluation exercise and the Pennsylvania questionnaire scores was weak (r=0.226).
CONCLUSION: Professionalism scores among ophthalmology residents were associated with year of training, gender, type of undergraduate education, and level of interest in the topic.

Keywords: Internship and residency; Ophthalmology; Professional competence; Education, professional; Physician-patient relations; Surveys and questionnaires

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine how ophthalmological features, screen exposure duration, and break habits among office employees affect ocular surface parameters.
METHODS: This single-center cross-sectional study involved two assessments on the same day: one before and one after a visual display terminal task. During the initial assessment, information on screen use was gathered, and refractive error, anterior segment examination, tear breakup time, and Schirmer test measurements were conducted. Participants tracked their screen usage and break durations throughout the day. At the end of the workday, tear breakup time and Schirmer I tests were repeated. Baseline and follow-up results were compared, and regression analysis was performed to identify factors linked to tear breakup time reduction.
RESULTS: The study enrolled 60 female office employees. Their mean screen time was 269.26 ± 70.21 min, with an average break duration of 151.93 ± 46.24 min. Tear breakup time at the second assessment (6.38 ± 2.70) was significantly lower than at baseline (8.62 ± 2.73) (p<0.001), whereas Schirmer test scores showed no significant change (p>0.05). Tear breakup time reduction was noted in 54 participants (90.0%), with a significant association between tear breakup time decrease percentage and screen exposure (p=0.001, r=0.463). Regression analysis showed that uncorrected or undercorrected refractive error was an independent risk factor for a ≥30% tear breakup time reduction, while taking more frequent short breaks (<15 min) acted as a protective factor.
CONCLUSIONS: Taking more frequent short breaks (<15 min) and correcting refractive errors help prevent intra-day tear breakup time decline during visual display terminal use. Structuring breaks to support tear film stability is advisable for occupations that require regular visual display terminal tasks.

Keywords: Tear film; Screen time; Tear breakup time; Office workers; Protective factors; Lacerations;  Refractive errors; Risk factors.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the preferred surgical practice patterns for glaucoma among members of the Latin American Glaucoma Society.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic survey distributed in July 2023 via email to members of the Latin American Glaucoma Society. The questionnaire comprised four sections addressing the specialists' profiles, preferred surgical procedures for open-angle glaucoma, and choices in 10 different clinical scenarios, including congenital glaucoma.
RESULTS: Of the 63 members, 49 physicians (77.7%) responded – 13 women and 36 men – from nine Latin American countries. Thirty-one respondents (63.26%) had more than 20 yr of professional experience. For the surgical management of open-angle glaucoma, trabeculectomy was the most preferred procedure (48 physicians), followed closely by glaucoma drainage devices (47 physicians) and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (29 physicians). Across the 10 clinical scenarios, glaucoma drainage devices were selected most frequently (203 preferences), followed by trabeculectomy (118), ciliary body laser procedures (107), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (40). However, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery was the preferred option for primary open-angle glaucoma with mild-to-moderate cataracts.
CONCLUSION: Among specialists of the Latin American Glaucoma Society, trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage devices remain the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is primarily used in combination with cataract surgery, while ciliary body laser procedures are generally reserved for cases of previous glaucoma drainage device failure or as an initial option for newly diagnosed glaucoma cases.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures; Latin America; Practice patterns, physicians; Surveys and questionnaires

Abstract

PURPOSE: Timely screening and treatment are essential for preventing diabetic retinopathy blindness. Improving screening workflows can reduce waiting times for specialist evaluation and thus enhance patient outcomes. This study assessed different screening approaches in a Brazilian public healthcare setting.
METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated a telemedicine-based diabetic retinopathy screening implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared it with in-person strategies. The evaluation was conducted from the perspective of a specialized referral center in an urban area of Central-West Brazil. In the telemedicine approach, a trained technician would capture retinal images by using a handheld camera. These images were sent to specialists for remote evaluation. Patient variables, including age, gender, duration of diabetes diagnosis, diabetes treatment, comorbidities, and waiting time, were analyzed and compared.
RESULTS: In total, 437 patients with diabetes mellitus were included in the study (mean age: 62.5 ± 11.0 years, female: 61.7%, mean diabetes duration: 15.3 ± 9.7 years, insulin users: 67.8%). In the in-person assessment group, the average waiting time between primary care referral and specialist evaluation was 292.3 ± 213.9 days, and the referral rate was 73.29%. In the telemedicine group, the average waiting time was 158.8 ± 192.4 days, and the referral rate was 29.38%. The telemedicine approach significantly reduced the waiting time (p<0.001) and significantly lowered the referral rate (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The telemedicine approach significantly reduced the waiting time for specialist evaluation in a real-world setting. Employing portable retinal cameras may address the burden of diabetic retinopathy, especially in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Telemedicine/methods; Diabetic retinopathy; Diagnostic screening programs; Vision screening; Practice patterns, physicians

Abstract

O reconhecimento sobre a comunicação de más notícias como mitigadora de conversas difíceis por outras especialidades médicas, incentiva o estudo desta temática na oftalmologia. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo é revisar a produção de pesquisas científicas sobre a comunicação de más notícias em oftalmologia. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura. As bases de dados utilizadas foram MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS, SCOPUS, COCHRANE e SCIELO. Dois revisores independentes leram todos os artigos e selecionaram a amostra final. Sete artigos foram escolhidos nos formatos de artigo original, revisão, editorial, comunicação oral e correspondência. Os oftalmologistas estão preocupados em comunicar as más notícias de forma eficaz, mas faltam estudos sobre o tema. No entanto, há uma crescente percepção de que o treinamento de comunicação de más notícias aumenta a confiança dos médicos na comunicação, beneficiando a relação terapêutica. Portanto, seria valioso incluir este treinamento no currículo das residências.

Keywords: Comunicação de más notícias; Comunicação; Competência Clínica, Relações médico-paciente; Oftalmologia; Revelação da verdade

Abstract

This article systematically reviewed 327 documents in the core collection of the Web of Science database regarding ChatGPT applications in the writing domain. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the latest progress and potential applications. ChatGPT demonstrates significant potential in overcoming writing anxiety, improving writing efficiency, generating initial scientific papers, and assisting researchers and students in giving feedback. However, it still faces significant challenges in data accuracy and the ethics of generated content, including inaccurate or outdated information, plagiarism risks, gender or race biases, etc. Authorship verification is particularly important for academic writing and publishing as it relates to objectivity, accuracy, and fairness. Future studies need to explore how to address these challenges through improvements at the technical and policy levels, ensuring that ChatGPT promotes the sustainable development and application of academic writing while adhering to ethical standards.

Keywords: ChatGPT; Writing; Authorship; Ethics; Data accuracy; Plagiarism; Students; Bias