Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and quality of healing of main corneal incisions in femtosecond laser procedures in cataract surgery. Methods It was a prospective, non-randomized, investigator-masked study. A total of 37 eyes of 37 patients with indication for cataract surgery were separated into two groups in this prospective, nonrandomized study: Femto group, with incisions automated by femtosecond laser (18 eyes), and Phaco group, with incisions made using a keratome (19 eyes). The planned incisions were 2.2 mm wide and 1.65 mm long. The length of the incision and prevalence of endothelial gap, endothelial misalignment, and localized Descemet Membrane Detachment (DMD) were compared. Results The mean incision length was statistically higher in the Femto group in two examinations: 1.64 mm ± 0.16 vs. 1.43 mm ± 0.30 (p = 0.001) in Exam 1 (between 2 and 4 days) and 1.58 mm ± 0.22 vs. 1.27 mm ± 0.34 (p < 0.0001) in Exam 2 (between 1 and 3 months). No eye presented an endothelial gap in Exam 2. The endothelial gap was higher in the Femto group in Exam 1. In the two examinations, endothelial misalignment was lower in the Femto group, whereas the incidence of DMD was lower in the Femto group in the two examinations. Conclusions Automated incisions with femtolaser presented a higher mean length and lower DMD prevalence compared to manual incisions with a keratome.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Access to cataract treatment and diagnostic tools continues to be hindered by financial and logistical barriers. Thus, photography-based cataract analysis via portable devices offers a promising solution for the detection of cataracts in remote regions. In this study, the accuracy of a portable device that is based on the Lens Opacities Classification III System for diagnosing cataracts was analyzed. Methods: Photographs of the anterior segment of the eye were taken in a low-light environment, and the pupillary region markings were automatically delineated using infrared photography. The captured images were automatically analyzed using a convolutional neural network. The study group included patients with cataracts, and the control group included patients without cataracts. Results: A total of 270 eyes were analyzed, which included 143 eyes with cataracts and 127 control eyes. A total of 599 photos were analyzed. The isolated nuclear cataract was the most frequently detected subtype (37.5%), followed by a nuclear cataract associated with a cortical cataract (30.3%). The device’s accuracy was 88.5% (Confidence intervals (CI), 83.19%-94.69%), specificity was 84.62% (CI 71.79%-97.30%), positive predictive value was 91.78% (CI 74.36%-97.30%), and negative predictive value was 82.50% (CI 74.36%-97.30%). Conclusion: The portable device is a simplified user-friendly cataract screening technique that can interpret results in remote regions. This innovation could mitigate the occurrence of cataract-induced blindness and prevent premature surgical interventions in early-stage cataracts.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The number of medical schools in Brazil has increased in recent years; however, vacancies for specialization in ophthalmology probably have not kept up with the growing demand. This study wants to estimate the increase in medical schools, the demand for ophthalmology specialization, and evaluate learning opportunities in ophthalmology. Methods: This was a retrospective study with research from the Ministry of Education and Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology database from 2002 to 2021. These data were checked through 120 notices published by the institutions in 2021. Results: The number of medical school vacancies increased by 370%, whereas the number of certified ophthalmology vacancies increased by 64%. There was an 11.4% misalignment between the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology data in the Ministry of Education. Conclusion: The proportion of medical graduates has increased much more than opportunities for ophthalmology specialization. The effect on the search for unaccredited specialization positions is unknown, and policies for monitoring the specialization of ophthalmology vacancies should be established.

RESUMO Objetivo: Nos últimos 20 anos, o número de escolas médicas no Brasil aumentou, mas as vagas para especialização em Oftalmologia não acompanharam a demanda crescente. Este estudo quer estimar a demanda por especialização e avaliar a oferta de oportunidades de aprendizado em Oftalmologia. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico com pesquisa em banco de dados provenientes do Ministério da Educação e Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia. Estes dados foram checados através de 120 editais publicados pelos serviços de Residência em 2021. Resultados: De 2002 a 2021, o número de vagas em faculdades de Medicina aumentou 370%, enquanto o número de vagas certificadas de especialização em Oftalmologia aumentou 64%. Houve um desalinhamento de 11.4% entre os dados do Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia e do Ministério da Educação. Conclusão: A proporção de graduados em Medicina aumentou muito mais do que a oferta de oportunidades de especialização em Oftalmologia, o impacto disto na busca por vagas de especialização não acreditadas é desconhecido, políticas de monitoramento das vagas de especialização em Oftalmologia devem ser estabelecidas.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze teleconsultation at a public ophthalmic teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: Medical records of patients who requested ophthalmological teleconsultation between June 2020 and March 2021 were reviewed. The main outcomes included demographic data, eye disease symptoms, hypothesized diagnosis, and management. Moreover, the results of a satisfaction survey administered after the consultation were analyzed. Results: Medical records of a total of 161 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 45.98 ± 17.57 (8-90) years, and most were women (113, 70.20%). Only 57 (35.60%) of the patients had made previous follow-up visits to the hospital. The most frequent reason for consultation was the need for a new eyeglass prescription (73, 45.34%), followed by dry eye symptoms (16, 9.93%) and pterygium (13, 8.07%). Other reasons were the monitoring of previously diagnosed eye diseases, such as glaucoma, retinopathies, strabismus, and keratoconus. Regarding the satisfaction survey, 151 (93.78%) patients answered the online questionnaire. Most reported that they were satisfied with the teleconsultation (94.03%) and would participate in a future teleconsultation (90.06%). Conclusion: Teleconsultation could be widely used to assist patients in public ophthalmology healthcare and teaching hospitals. Even though new eyeglass prescriptions are a frequent reason for ophthalmological appointments, patients tend to be satisfied with teleconsultation, as it also provides guidance.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a teleconsulta em um hospital público de ensino oftalmológico, durante o período da pandemia do COVID-19. Métodos: Foram revisados os registros médicos dos pacientes que solicitaram teleconsulta oftalmológica, no período de Junho de 2020 a Março de 2021. Os resultados incluem dados demográficos, sintomas de queixas oculares e hipóteses diagnósticas. Além disso, foram analisados dados da pesquisa de satisfação aplicada após cada teleconsulta. Resultados: Um total de 161 prontuários foram revisados. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 45.98 ± 17.57 (8 a 90) anos, a maioria mulheres, 113 (70,20%). Apenas 57 (35,60%) eram pacientes acompanhados no hospital previamente. A principal razão pela busca pela teleconsulta foi o erro refracional, 73 (45.43%), seguido de olho seco, 16 (9.93%), pterígio, 13 (8.07%). Outros motivos foram o acompanhamento de doenças prévias como glaucoma, retinopatias, miopia, estrabismo e ceratocone. Quanto a pesquisa de satisfação, 151(93,87%) pacientes responderam a pesquisa on-line. A maioria deles mostrou-se satisfeito com a teleconsulta (94.03%) e fariam uma nova teleconsulta (90.06%). Conclusão: A teleconsulta pode auxiliar a saúde pública em oftalmologia podendo ser utilizada em hospitais universitários. Embora o erro refracional tenha sido o motivo mais frequente nas consultas, os pacientes mostraram-se satisfeitos com essa modalidade de atendimento que serve como um serviço de orientação.