Diagnosis and Management of Ophthalmic Disorders

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 1783

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
Interests: ocular diseases; early diagnosis; advanced imaging; glaucoma; age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The early and accurate diagnosis and proper management of ocular diseases are essential for preserving vision and preventing blindness. Many ocular conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, progress insidiously in their early stages, often causing irreversible damage before clinical symptoms become apparent. Advanced imaging techniques play a pivotal role in the early detection of these diseases.

Accurate imaging not only facilitates the diagnosis of ocular pathologies but also enables the monitoring of disease progression and the evaluation of treatment efficacy. Delayed diagnosis may lead to significant visual impairment or irreversible blindness, outcomes that are often preventable with timely intervention.

Recent advancements in ophthalmic imaging have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, allowing for earlier and more targeted interventions. These innovations have the potential to safeguard the vision and overall quality of life of patients worldwide.

This Special Issue of Diagnostics focuses on the diagnosis and management of ophthalmic diseases. We aim to contribute to the growing body of medical knowledge and advance strategies for preserving vision in patients affected by these conditions.

Dr. Assaf Kratz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ocular diseases
  • early diagnosis
  • advanced imaging
  • glaucoma
  • age-related macular degeneration
  • diabetic retinopathy

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

11 pages, 1787 KiB  
Article
Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography for Evaluating Ocular Hypertensive and Glaucoma Suspect Eyes: Real-World Data from Taiwan
by Man-Sze Wong, Chao-Wei Wu, Yue-Cune Chang and Hsin-Yi Chen
Diagnostics 2025, 15(10), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15101256 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 92
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters for ocular hypertensive (OH) and glaucoma suspect (GS) eyes in an Asian population from Taiwan. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 258 [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters for ocular hypertensive (OH) and glaucoma suspect (GS) eyes in an Asian population from Taiwan. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 258 OH (mean deviation [MD]: −1.10 ± 1.75 dB), 380 GS (MD: −1.24 ± 2.63 dB), and 742 normal (MD: −1.47 ± 3.29 dB) eyes. The diagnostic performance of Spectralis OCT parameters, including optic nerve head (ONH) and macular parameters, was compared among groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of each parameter signified its power to differentiate between normal and OH or GS eyes. Results: In various scanning protocols, circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL)-temporal (AUC = 0.538), macular NFL-outer temporal (AUC = 0.611), and retinal average thickness (RAT)_1.8 (AUC = 0.578) were the best parameters in distinguishing OH eyes from normal eyes. Moreover, minimum rim width (MRW)-mean global (AUC = 0.737), macular NFL-outer temporal (AUC = 0.558), and RAT_2.8 (AUC = 0.543) were the best parameters in distinguishing GS eyes from normal eyes. After adjusting for age and refraction effects, we determined that the AUCs for OH and GS were 0.694 and 0.646, respectively. Conclusions: Our real-world data indicate that Spectralis OCT parameters show some potential for early glaucoma detection and monitoring, but their current diagnostic effectiveness remains limited. When managing OH eyes, caution is required in evaluating macular retinal NFL thickness in addition to the ONH. Bruch’s membrane opening–MRW is a potential objective indicator of ONH changes in GS eyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Ophthalmic Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1528 KiB  
Article
Surgical Outcomes of Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) in Primary and Secondary Open- and Closed-Angle Glaucoma
by Liron Naftali Ben Haim, Veronika Yehezkeli, Assaf Kratz, Nimrod Dar, Tal Sharon, Gal Harel, Zvia Burganski-Eliash and Avner Belkin
Diagnostics 2025, 15(10), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15101226 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Background: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) is a minimally invasive, ab interno conjunctival-sparing glaucoma surgery aimed at the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm’s canal. The goal of this study is to report on the success of GATT in a large group [...] Read more.
Background: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) is a minimally invasive, ab interno conjunctival-sparing glaucoma surgery aimed at the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm’s canal. The goal of this study is to report on the success of GATT in a large group of patients with a wide variety of open- and closed-angle glaucomas with or without cataract extraction and to report on risk factors for failure. Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with primary or secondary open- or closed-angle glaucoma who underwent GATT, with or without concomitant phacoemulsification. Demographics, baseline clinical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were collected from patients’ medical records. Primary outcomes were success rates (IOP of 18 mmHg or lower and one of the following: IOP reduction > 30% from baseline on the same or fewer medications or an IOP ≤ baseline with fewer medications as compared to baseline) and complication rates. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of glaucoma medications were secondary outcome measures. Results: GATT was performed on 126 eyes of 121 patients. Mean follow-up was 583 ± 266 days. Cumulative success at 1Y was 0.88 for GATT combined with cataract extraction, 0.96 for GATT alone, 0.88 for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 0.89 for secondary open-angle glaucoma (SOAG), and 0.76 for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). IOP decreased from a mean of 20.65 mmHg to 14.1 mmHg, and medication decreased from a mean of 3.47 to 1.4 at the last follow-up. Forty-four eyes (34%) were classified as failures. Factors associated with an increased risk of failure were worse preoperative corrected visual acuity (OR = 2.46, p = 0.024) and a postoperative IOP spike (OR = 2.62, p = 0.028). Twelve eyes (9.5%) required further surgery for IOP control. Risk factors for requiring further surgery for IOP control were preoperative maximal IOP (OR = 1.066, p = 0.047) and a postoperative IOP spike (OR = 4.531, p = 0.036). Conclusions: GATT achieved good surgical success with good IOP and medication reduction across a wide range of glaucomas, in combination with lens extraction or as a standalone procedure. GATT should be considered early in the treatment paradigm of medically uncontrolled glaucoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Ophthalmic Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 434 KiB  
Article
Epidemiology of Uveitis from a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Bulgaria over a 13-Year Period
by Vesela Todorova Mitkova-Hristova, Marin Anguelov Atanassov, Yordanka Mincheva Basheva-Kraeva, Velichka Zaharieva Popova, Krasimir Iliev Kraev and Steffanie Hristova Hristova
Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070828 - 25 Mar 2025
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the etiology of uveitis and to examine its relationship with anatomical localization, age, and gender. Methods: A prospective study on patients with uveitis was conducted over a 13-year period at the Department of Ophthalmology, [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the etiology of uveitis and to examine its relationship with anatomical localization, age, and gender. Methods: A prospective study on patients with uveitis was conducted over a 13-year period at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital “St. George”, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Each case was diagnosed based on a comprehensive eye examination, a review of the systems, and additional laboratory and specialized examination methods. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the location of inflammation: anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis. Results: A total of 606 patients with uveitis were included in the study. The mean age of the study group was 46.5 ± 18.6 years. There was no statistically significant difference in gender distribution (p = 0.329). Anterior uveitis was the most dominant anatomical localization (p < 0.001). Cases with clarified etiology were significantly prevalent (p < 0.001). The most frequently identified etiology was HLA B27-associated uveitis (32.5%), followed by viral uveitis (16.8%). A significant correlation between etiology and anatomical localization was found (p < 0.001). The highest proportion (93%) of cases with clarified etiology was associated with posterior uveitis, while the lowest (39.7%) was linked to intermediate uveitis. Conclusions: We found that anterior uveitis was the most common anatomical localization, followed by intermediate uveitis. The disease is rare in childhood, while in elderly patients, there is an increase in idiopathic and viral uveitis cases. Our results provide valuable information about the most common etiologies of uveitis among the Bulgarian population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Ophthalmic Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1961 KiB  
Article
The Relationship Between Aortic Stenosis and the Possibility of Subsequent Macular Diseases: A Nationwide Database Study
by Chia-Yi Lee, Shun-Fa Yang, Elsa Lin-Chin Mai, Jing-Yang Huang, Chao-Bin Yeh and Chao-Kai Chang
Diagnostics 2025, 15(6), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15060760 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 399
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between aortic stenosis (AS) occupancy and the incidence of subsequent macular diseases. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database, and participants with AS were enrolled and matched to [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between aortic stenosis (AS) occupancy and the incidence of subsequent macular diseases. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database, and participants with AS were enrolled and matched to non-AS participants. A total of 421,860 and 421,860 participants were evenly divided into the AS and non-AS groups, respectively. The major outcomes of the present study include the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: There were 4426 and 3013 AMD events; 7315 and 4753 RVO events; 2780 and 1910 ERM events; and 113 and 64 CSC events in the AS and non-AS groups, respectively. According to the results of Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the AS group demonstrated significantly higher incidences of all macular diseases, including AMD, RVO, ERM, and CSC, compared to the non-AS group (all p < 0.05). The cumulative probabilities of all macular diseases were significantly higher in the AS group than in the non-AS group (all p < 0.05). In the sensitivity analysis, the developmental risks of AMD were significantly higher in the AS group than in the non-AS group with all traits. Conclusions: This study determined that AS occupancy is related to a higher risk of developing macular diseases, which positively correlated to the disease time of AS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Ophthalmic Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

5 pages, 1766 KiB  
Interesting Images
Multimodal Imaging Characteristics in Unilateral Occlusive Macular Telangiectasia with Atypical X-Shaped Lesion
by Abdullah Ağın, Ilknur Turk and Burcu Yakut
Diagnostics 2025, 15(6), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15060754 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) is a rare retinal vascular disorder, with Type 3a MacTel being a distinct form characterized by retinal ischemia with the classical findings of MacTel, such as juxtafoveal telangiectasis, right-angled venules, and deep capillary plexus involvement without central nervous system findings. [...] Read more.
Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) is a rare retinal vascular disorder, with Type 3a MacTel being a distinct form characterized by retinal ischemia with the classical findings of MacTel, such as juxtafoveal telangiectasis, right-angled venules, and deep capillary plexus involvement without central nervous system findings. This case presents a novel X-shaped lesion pattern and ischemic features, expanding the known imaging spectrum of MacTel. A 53-year-old male with diabetes and a history of aripiprazole use presented with persistent blurred vision, a black curtain sensation, and metamorphopsia in the right eye. Visual acuity was 0.8 in the right eye and 1.0 in the left. A multimodal imaging approach, including fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), was used to evaluate structural and vascular abnormalities. Fundus examination revealed an X-shaped hypopigmented lesion with central pigmentation. FAF showed hypoautofluorescence, indicating chronic RPE loss, and no loss of foveal autofluorescence was observed. FFA demonstrated progressive hyperfluorescence with perifoveal aneurysmal and telangiectatic vessels, along with a slightly enlarged foveal avascular zone (FAZ), suggesting ischemic involvement. OCT revealed intraretinal cysts, a disruption of the ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane, pigment epithelial detachment, and increased choroidal backscattering. OCTA confirmed right-angled venules, aneurysmal telangiectatic vessels, and localized ischemia predominantly affecting the deep capillary plexus. This case highlights a rare variant of Type 3a MacTel with a unique X-shaped lesion. The presence of juxtafoveal telangiectasis, vascular occlusion, right-angled venules, and deep capillary plexus changes supports the diagnosis. Multimodal imaging played a critical role in characterizing the disease and differentiating it from other macular disorders, contributing to an expanded understanding of the clinical and imaging spectrum of MacTel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Ophthalmic Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop