Bio


Dr. Koo is an ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric ophthalmology, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and adult strabismus. She received her ophthalmology training at UC San Francisco and then her fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Boston Children's Hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. She has been board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology since 2016. Her practice reflects her clinical interests in pediatric ophthalmology (strabismus, amblyopia, pediatric cataracts, and ROP) and in adult strabismus.

She utilizes Botox in management of adult and pediatric strabismus. She also uses hidden adjustable sutures in children and adults to optimize alignment of eyes with surgery. Muscles can be adjusted up to 7-10 days after surgery.
She also has an interest in teaching medical students and residents and improving surgical training.

Clinical Focus


  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Adult Strabismus
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Specialist

Academic Appointments


  • Clinical Associate Professor, Ophthalmology
  • Clinical Assistant Professor (By courtesy), Pediatrics

Administrative Appointments


  • Fellowship director for pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, Division of pediatric ophthalmology at Stanford (2023 - Present)
  • Associate Program Director for Ophthalmology Residency, Stanford Department of Ophthalmology (2024 - Present)

Honors & Awards


  • Farley Award, Boston Children's Hospital (2016)
  • House Officer Award for Clinical Research, Boston Children’s Hospital (2016)
  • Heed Fellowship Award, Heed Ophthalmic Foundation (2015)
  • Vice President of Cordes Society, UC San Francisco Ophthalmology Alumni Society (2014)
  • Member of Board of Trustees, California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (CAEPS) (2013)
  • Emergency Medicine Intern of the Year Award, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego (2012)
  • Mercy Style of Care Award, Scripps Mercy Hospital (2012)
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2011)
  • Association of Pathology Chairs Award, University of Florida College of Medicine (2009)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations


  • Member, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (2015 - Present)
  • Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2012 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Internship: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego (2012) CA
  • Fellowship: Boston Children's Hospital (2016) MA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology (2016)
  • Residency: University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine (2015) CA
  • Fellowship, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical school, Pediatric Ophthalmology (2016)
  • Residency, UC San Francisco, Ophthalmology residency (2015)
  • Internship, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Transitional Intern year (2012)
  • Medical Education: University of Florida, College of Medicine (2011) FL
  • MD, University of Florida College of Medicine (2011)
  • BS, University of Florida (2007)

2023-24 Courses


All Publications


  • Initial Therapy of Panretinal Photocoagulation vs Anti-VEGF Injection for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. JAMA ophthalmology Alsoudi, A. F., Wai, K. M., Koo, E., Parikh, R., Mruthyunjaya, P., Rahimy, E. 2024

    Abstract

    While combined treatment of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections plus panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a common approach for treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in the clinical practice setting, large randomized clinical trials typically use monotherapy. Subsequently, information is limited as to whether the order of treatment when combining PRP and anti-VEGF injections for PDR affects outcomes.To compare outcomes of patients with PDR treated with PRP and subsequent anti-VEGF injections with outcomes of matched patients treated with anti-VEGF injections and subsequent PRP.This retrospective cohort study used data from January 2003 to January 2024 in the TriNetX aggregated electronic health records network, with data analysis performed in January 2024. Patients with PDR treated with PRP and anti-VEGF injections were eligible for inclusion.Patients with new PDR diagnoses stratified by therapy with PRP and subsequent anti-VEGF injections or anti-VEGF injections and subsequent PRP.The primary outcome was the need for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), defined by Current Procedural Terminology codes 67040 or 67113. The secondary outcome included incidence of PPV, vitreous hemorrhage (VH), or tractional retinal detachment (TRD). Relative risk ratios, relative risk differences, and 95% CIs were all calculated for univariate comparison of the cohorts and the development of primary outcomes after matching.Before propensity score matching (PSM), which controlled for baseline demographic characteristics and medical comorbidities, 2167 patients with PDR treated with PRP first and subsequent anti-VEGF injections and 1549 patients with PDR treated with anti-VEGF injections and subsequent PRP were included. Post-PSM, mean (SD) participant age was 63.0 (13.1) years in cohort 1 (PRP and subsequent anti-VEGF injection) and 63.0 (12.4) years in cohort 2 (anti-VEGF injection and subsequent PRP). Of 1377 total participants in each cohort, 641 patients (46.6%) and 663 patients (48.1%) in cohorts 1 and 2 were female, respectively. Treatment with PRP first and subsequent anti-VEGF injection was associated with higher rates of PPV at 5 years compared with patients treated with anti-VEGF injection and subsequent PRP (relative risk [RR], 1.88; 95% CI, 1.55-2.27; risk difference [RD], 8.93%; 95% CI, 6.31%-11.55%; P < .001), with similar associations at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. Treatment with PRP and subsequent anti-VEGF injection was associated with higher rates of VH at 5 years (RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.80; RD, 6.47%; 95% CI, 1.66%-11.29%; P < .001) and TRD at 5 years (RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.35-2.53; RD, 4.31%; 95% CI, 2.10%-6.52%; P < .001), with similar findings at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years compared with patients treated with anti-VEGF injection and subsequent PRP.In this retrospective cohort study, findings suggest that patients with PDR treated with PRP first then subsequent anti-VEGF injection are more likely to undergo PPV for VH and TRD compared with matched patients treated with anti-VEGF agents first, then PRP. These findings support the need for further investigations to determine if the order of PRP and anti-VEGF injections should be considered when treating patients with PDR.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3283

    View details for PubMedID 39207799

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11362971

  • Risk of ocular neovascular conversion and systemic bleeding complications in patients with AMD on DOACs or Warfarin. Ophthalmology Alsoudi, A. F., Koo, E., Wai, K., Mruthyunjaya, P., Rahimy, E. 2024

    Abstract

    Conversion to neovascular disease in patients with non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) initiated on direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) compared to matched patients treated with warfarin.Retrospective cohort study.The study included 20,300 patients and 13,387 patients with non-neovascular AMD initiated on DOACs or warfarin, respectively, before propensity score matching (PSM).TriNetX (Cambridge, MA, USA), was used to identify patients diagnosed with non-neovascular AMD stratified by treatment with DOACs or warfarin with at least six months of follow-up. Propensity score matching was performed to control for baseline demographics and medical comorbidities.Relative risk (RR) of developing neovascular AMD, macular hemorrhage (MH), vitreous hemorrhage (VH), and requiring an ocular intervention (intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV)) within six months and one year. Patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) on anticoagulation were separately evaluated for the same measures within 5 years after initiating therapy.Treatment with warfarin was associated with higher risk of developing neovascular AMD at six months (RR,1.24, 95% CI, 1.12 - 1.39; P<.001) and one year (RR, 1.26, 95% CI, 1.14 - 1.40; P<.001) when compared to matched patients treated with DOACs. There was an increased risk of requiring intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (6 months: RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13-1.49; P<.001; 1 year: RR, 1.31, 95% CI, 0.72 - 2.05; P<.001) and PPV (6 months: RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.16-3.94; P = .01; 1 year: RR, 2.29, 95% CI, 1.30 - 4.05; P=.003). Among patients with AMD and AF treated with warfarin, there was an increased risk of ocular complications (neovascular AMD: RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.14-1.38; P<.001; MH: RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.47-2.35; P<.001; VH: RR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.51-3.26; P<.001) and need for intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.18-1.52; P<.001) over an extended 5-year period. There was no significant difference in the development of major systemic hemorrhagic events between the two cohorts over five years.Patients with non-neovascular AMD treated with warfarin were more likely to develop neovascular disease and require ocular intervention for hemorrhagic complications when compared to matched patients initiated on DOACs.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.07.034

    View details for PubMedID 39116948

  • Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Diabetic Retinopathy Progression and Systemic Complications. American journal of ophthalmology Rahimy, E., Koo, E. B., Wai, K. M., Ludwig, C. A., Kossler, A. L., Mruthyunjaya, P. 2024

    Abstract

    Evaluate the risk of diabetic retinopathy progression and systemic vascular events, including death, in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Retrospective cohort study.Electronic chart query using TriNetX (Cambridge, MA, USA), an electronic health records network comprising data from over 124 million patients. Patients with NPDR with and without OSA were identified. Patients were excluded if they had history of proliferative disease (PDR), diabetic macular edema (DME), or prior ocular intervention (intravitreal injection, laser, or pars plana vitrectomy). Propensity score matching was performed to control for baseline demographics and comorbidities. Rate of progressing to vision threatening complications (VTCs), need for ocular intervention, and systemic events was measured at 1, 3, and 5 years.11,931 patients in each group were analyzed after propensity score matching. There was elevated risk of PDR in the OSA cohort at 1 (RR: 1.34, P<0.001), 3 (RR: 1.31, P<0.001), and 5 years (RR: 1.28, P<0.001). There was elevated risk of DME in the OSA group at all time points: 1 (RR: 1.31, P<0.001), 3 (RR: 1.19, P<0.001), and 5 years (RR: 1.18, P<0.001). With respect to ocular interventions, there was an increased risk of intravitreal injection in OSA patients at 1 (RR: 1.59, P<0.001), 3 (RR: 1.58, P<0.001), and 5 years (RR: 1.54, P<0.001), and similar trends were noted with laser photocoagulation, but not vitrectomy. Regarding systemic events, NPDR patients with OSA had a greater risk of stroke (1 year RR: 1.80, P<0.001; 3 year RR: 1.56, P<0.001; 5 year RR: 1.49, P<0.001), myocardial infarction (1 year RR: 1.51, P<0.001; 3 year RR: 1.46, P<0.001; 5 year RR: 1.43, P<0.001), and death (1 year RR: 1.31, P<0.001; 3 year RR: 1.19, P<0.001; 5 year RR: 1.15, P<0.001).There is an increased rate of DR progression to VTCs, need for ocular intervention, and systemic complications, including death, for patients with OSA. We emphasize the need for improved screening measures of patients with NPDR and potential OSA.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.07.021

    View details for PubMedID 39089360

  • Primary cilia formation requires the Leigh syndrome-associated mitochondrial protein NDUFAF2. The Journal of clinical investigation Lo, C. H., Liu, Z., Chen, S., Lin, F., Berneshawi, A. R., Yu, C. Q., Koo, E. B., Kowal, T. J., Ning, K., Hu, Y., Wang, W. J., Liao, Y. J., Sun, Y. 2024; 134 (13)

    Abstract

    Mitochondria-related neurodegenerative diseases have been implicated in the disruption of primary cilia function. Mutation in an intrinsic mitochondrial complex I component NDUFAF2 has been identified in Leigh syndrome, a severe inherited mitochondriopathy. Mutations in ARMC9, which encodes a basal body protein, cause Joubert syndrome, a ciliopathy with defects in the brain, kidney, and eye. Here, we report a mechanistic link between mitochondria metabolism and primary cilia signaling. We discovered that loss of NDUFAF2 caused both mitochondrial and ciliary defects in vitro and in vivo and identified NDUFAF2 as a binding partner for ARMC9. We also found that NDUFAF2 was both necessary and sufficient for cilia formation and that exogenous expression of NDUFAF2 rescued the ciliary and mitochondrial defects observed in cells from patients with known ARMC9 deficiency. NAD+ supplementation restored mitochondrial and ciliary dysfunction in ARMC9-deficient cells and zebrafish and ameliorated the ocular motility and motor deficits of a patient with ARMC9 deficiency. The present results provide a compelling mechanistic link, supported by evidence from human studies, between primary cilia and mitochondrial signaling. Importantly, our findings have significant implications for the development of therapeutic approaches targeting ciliopathies.

    View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI175560

    View details for PubMedID 38949024

  • Progression to Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Patients With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. JAMA ophthalmology Alsoudi, A. F., Wai, K. M., Koo, E., Parikh, R., Mruthyunjaya, P., Rahimy, E. 2024

    Abstract

    Importance: The Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Protocol S suggested that vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage (VH) or tractional retinal detachment (TRD) was more common among eyes assigned initially to panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) vs anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). These clinical implications warrant further evaluation in the clinical practice setting.Objective: To explore outcomes of PDR treated with PRP monotherapy compared with matched patients treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy.Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cohort study using an aggregated electronic health records research network. Patients with PDR who received PRP or anti-VEGF monotherapy between January and September 2023 were included before propensity score matching. Patients were excluded with 6 or fewer months' follow-up after monotherapy or with a combination of PRP and anti-VEGF. Data were analyzed in September 2023.Exposures: Patients with new PDR diagnoses stratified by monotherapy with PRP or anti-VEGF agents using Current Procedural Terminology code.Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), VH, or TRD.Results: Among 6020 patients (PRP cohort: mean [SD] age, 64.8 [13.4]; 6424 [50.88%] female; 3562 [28.21%] Black, 6180 [48.95%] White, and 2716 [21.51%] unknown race; anti-VEGF cohort: mean [SD] age, 66.1 [13.2]; 5399 [50.52%] male; 2859 [26.75%] Black, 5377 [50.31%] White, and 2382 [22.29%] unknown race) who received treatment, PRP monotherapy was associated with higher rates of PPV when compared with patients treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy at 5 years (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05-1.36; RD, 1.37%; 95% CI, 0.39%-2.37%; P<.001), with similar associations at 1 and 3 years. PRP monotherapy was associated with higher rates of VH at 5 years (relative risk [RR], 1.72; 95% CI, 1.52-1.95; risk difference [RD], 7.05; 95% CI, 5.41%-8.69%; P<.001) and higher rates of TRD at 5 years (RR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.26-3.37; RD, 4.25%; 95% CI, 3.45%-5.05%; P<.001), with similar magnitudes of associations at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years, when compared with patients treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy.Conclusions and Relevance: These findings support the hypothesis that patients with PDR treated with PRP monotherapy are more likely to develop VH, TRD, and undergo PPV when compared with matched patients treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy. However, given the wide range in relative risk, confounding factors may account for some of the association between PRP vs anti-VEGF monotherapy and outcomes evaluated.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.1844

    View details for PubMedID 38842828

  • Impact of GLP-1 Agonists and SGLT-2 Inhibitors on Diabetic Retinopathy Progression: An Aggregated Electronic Health Record Data Study. American journal of ophthalmology Wai, K. M., Mishra, K., Koo, E., Ludwig, C. A., Parikh, R., Mruthyunjaya, P., Rahimy, E. 2024

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To examine the effects of GLP-1 agonists compared to SGLT-2 inhibitors on diabetic retinopathy.DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study using TriNetX (Cambridge, MA, USA), a federated electronic health records network comprising multiple healthcare organizations.METHODS: Patients with an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and monotherapy treatment, excluding insulin, with GLP-1 agonists or SGLT-2 inhibitors. Patients with history of proliferative diabetic retinopathy prior to initiation of treatment were excluded. Rate of progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and rate of development of diabetic macular edema were compared between patients on GLP-1 agonists compared to those on SGLT-2 inhibitors. The groups were propensity score matched for age, gender, ethnicity, race, type of diabetes, and severity of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Main outcomes included rate and relative risk of progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and risk of diabetic macular edema in the GLP-1 agonist group versus the SGLT-2 inhibitor group.RESULTS: A total of 6481 patients were identified in the GLP-1 cohort and the SGLT-2 inhibitor cohort after propensity score matching. At 1 year and 3 years after initiation of therapy, a higher rate of progression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy was noted (RR: 1.26, CI 1.04-1.51, p=0.017 at 1 year, RR: 1.284, CI 1.1-1.499, p=0.002 at 3 years) in the GLP-1 agonist cohort compared to the SGLT-2 inhibitor cohort. There was a higher rate of diabetic macular edema noted at 3 months (RR: 1.192, CI 1.059-1.276, p=0.002), 6 months (RR: 1.22, CI 1.13-1.32, p<0.001), 1 year (RR: 1.24, CI 1.15-1.33, p<0.001), and at 3 years (RR: 1.29, CI 1.21-1.38, p<0.001) in the GLP-1 agonist cohort compared to the SGLT-2 inhibitor cohort.CONCLUSIONS: A higher rate of progression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and risk of new-onset diabetic macular edema was observed in patients on monotherapy with GLP-1 agonists compared to those on SGLT-2 inhibitors. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these potential effects and to consider the current retinopathy status when initiating treatment with newer hypoglycemic agents to ensure these patients are appropriately monitored for developing potential vision threatening complications.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.04.010

    View details for PubMedID 38636788

  • Association of ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome with cardiovascular complications. American journal of ophthalmology Tran, E. M., Wai, K. M., Kossler, A. L., Mruthyunjaya, P., Rahimy, E., Koo, E. B. 2024

    Abstract

    To evaluate associations between ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome and cardiovascular complications.retrospective cohort study METHODS: Setting: TriNetX Analytics platform, a federated health research network of aggregated deidentified electronic health record data of over 119 million patients.Patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome.Univariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome (such as retinal tears/detachment, lens dislocation, and myopia), with cardiovascular comorbidities. Additional sensitivity analyses were performed using propensity matching.Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities (including aortic dissection, valvular disease, and arrhythmias) following diagnosis of Marfan syndrome.19,105 patients were identified that were diagnosed with Marfan disease without ocular manifestations, and an additional 3,887 Marfan patients with ocular comorbidities. Patients who were diagnosed with ocular disease included 883 with ectopic lens, 417 with retinal tear or detachment, 683 with aphakia, 534 with pseudophakia, and 2,465 with myopia. Patients with any ocular manifestations of Marfan were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with all cardiovascular comorbidities modeled including aortic aneurysm and dissection (OR=2.035; p=<0.0001), mitral valve prolapse (OR=2.725; p= p=<0.0001), tricuspid valve disorders (OR=2.142; p=<0.0001), cardiac arrhythmias (OR=1.836; p=<0.0001), and all cardiovascular outcomes combined (OR=2.194; p=<0.0001).In a large and diverse cohort of patients with Marfan syndrome, ocular manifestations of the disorder appear strongly associated with cardiovascular comorbidities.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.02.023

    View details for PubMedID 38403098

  • Burden of VKC in the US: A Retrospective Claims Database Analysis. Ophthalmology Koo, E. B., Yu, T. M., Layton, A. J., Babineaux, S., Fung, S. 2024

    Abstract

    In this claims analysis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients (≤18 years) treated with immunomodulators or corticosteroids had more corneal complications and higher ophthalmic care costs versus matched non-VKC controls, indicating a need for more effective treatments.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.01.038

    View details for PubMedID 38325755

  • Inferior oblique myectomy for postoperative limitation of elevation in abduction. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Al-Lozi, A., Koo, E. B. 2024

    Abstract

    Antielevation syndrome is commonly described following anteriorization of the inferior oblique muscle. A similar phenomenon may occur following inferior oblique muscle recession, creating a distinct strabismus pattern in the setting of cranial trochlear nerve palsy. We report 3 adult patients, 69-72 years of age, who presented at the Stanford Byers Eye Institute with a similar strabismus pattern-limited elevation in abduction following previous inferior oblique muscle recession for congenital/long-standing trochlear nerve palsy. All 3 patients had a small hypertropia in primary gaze with ipsilateral inferior oblique overaction, limited elevation in abduction, and inferotemporal conjunctival scars. Two patients had a V-pattern strabismus. Following myectomy of the previously recessed inferior oblique muscle, elevation in abduction improved, and symptoms resolved in all 3 patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaapos.2023.10.011

    View details for PubMedID 38272176

  • Risk of Stroke, Myocardial Infarction, and Death After Retinal Artery Occlusion. JAMA ophthalmology Wai, K. M., Knapp, A., Ludwig, C. A., Koo, E., Parikh, R., Rahimy, E., Mruthyunjaya, P. 2023

    Abstract

    Importance: Patients with retinal artery occlusions (RAOs) are recommended to have emergent stroke workup, although the true risk of death and subsequent vascular events post-RAO is not clear.Objective: To determine short-term and long-term rates of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and death in patients after RAO compared with a control cohort.Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used aggregated electronic health records from January 1, 2003, through April 14, 2023, from TriNetX, a network with data from more than 111 million patients. Patients with RAO and a cataract control group were identified and matched for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking status. Patients were excluded if they had a stroke or MI within 2 years before the diagnosis of RAO or cataract.Exposure: International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, diagnosis code for RAO or age-related cataract.Main Outcomes and Measures: Rate of death, stroke, and MI at 2 weeks, 30 days, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years after RAO compared with matched controls.Results: There were a total of 34 874 patients with at least 1 year of follow-up in the RAO cohort. The mean (SD) age at the RAO event was 66 (15.2) years. The rate of death after RAO diagnosis was higher than after cataract diagnosis at 2 weeks (0.14% vs 0.06%; relative risk [RR], 2.45; 95% CI, 1.46-4.12; risk difference [RD], 0.08%; 95% CI, 0.04%-0.13%; P<.001), 30 days (0.29% vs 0.14%; RR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.49-2.97; RD, 0.15%; 95% CI, 0.08%-0.22%; P<.001), 1 year (3.51% vs 1.99%; RR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.61-1.94; RD, 1.41%; 95% CI, 1.17%-1.66%; P<.001), 5 years (22.74% vs 17.82%; RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.23-1.33; RD, 4.93%; 95% CI, 4.17%-5.68%; P<.001), and 10 years (57.86% vs 55.38%; RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07; RD, 2.47%; 95% CI, 1.25%-3.69%; P<.001). Risk of stroke after RAO was higher at 2 weeks (1.72% vs 0.08%; RR, 21.43; 95% CI, 14.67-31.29; RD, 1.64%; 95% CI, 1.50%-1.78%; P<.001), 30 days (2.48% vs 0.18%; RR, 14.18; 95% CI, 10.94-18.48; RD, 2.31%; 95% CI, 2.14%-2.47%; P<.001), 1 year (5.89% vs 1.13%; RR, 5.20; 95% CI, 4.67-5.79; RD, 4.64%; 95% CI, 4.37%-4.91%; P<.001), 5 years (10.85% vs 4.86%; RR, 2.24; 95% CI, 2.09-2.40; RD, 6.00%; 95% CI, 5.50%-6.50%; P<.001), and 10 years (14.59% vs 9.18%; RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.48-1.70; RD, 5.41%; 95% CI, 4.62%-6.21%; P<.001). Risk of MI after RAO was higher at 2 weeks (0.16% vs 0.06%; RR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.79-5.04; RD, 0.11%; 95% CI, 0.06%-0.16%; P<.001), 30 days (0.27% vs 0.10%; RR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.78-3.83; RD, 0.17%; 95% CI, 0.10%-0.23%; P<.001), 1 year (1.66% vs 0.97%; RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.51-1.97; RD, 0.59%; 95% CI, 0.42%-0.76%; P<.001), 5 years (6.06% vs 5.00%; RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12-1.31; RD, 1.07%; 95% CI, 0.64%-1.50%; P<.001), and 10 years (10.55% vs 9.43%; RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21; RD, 1.13%; 95% CI, 0.39%-1.87%; P=.003).Conclusions and Relevance: This study showed an increased risk of death, stroke, and MI in patients with RAO at both short-term and long-term intervals after RAO compared with a matched control population diagnosed with cataract. These findings suggest a potential need for multidisciplinary evaluation and long-term systemic follow-up of patients post-RAO.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.4716

    View details for PubMedID 37883068

  • Management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Navigating a changing treatment landscape. Survey of ophthalmology Ali, A., Bielory, L., Dotchin, S., Hamel, P., Strube, Y. N., Koo, E. B. 2023

    Abstract

    Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially sight-threatening form of ocular inflammatory disease that primarily affects children and young adults. Prevalence varies by region, ranging from <2 per 10,000 in in the United States to as high as 1,100 per 10,000 in parts of Africa. The rarity of VKC in developed countries can make differential diagnosis challenging, and treatment is often delayed until the disease is advanced, and symptoms are significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Although once viewed primarily as an immunoglobulin E-mediated condition, approximately 50% of patients with VKC do not exhibit allergic sensitization. It is now recognized that the immunopathology of VKC involves multiple inflammatory pathways that lead to the signs, symptoms, and conjunctival eosinophilic and fibroproliferative lesions that are a hallmark of the disease. We examine the evolution of our understanding of the immunopathology of VKC, the expanding VKC treatment armamentarium, the clinical implications of emerging treatment approaches, and future directions for VKC research and practice.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.10.008

    View details for PubMedID 37890678

  • Risk of Stroke, Myocardial Infarction, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, and Death after Retinal Vein Occlusion. American journal of ophthalmology Wai, K. M., Ludwig, C. A., Koo, E., Parikh, R., Mruthyunjaya, P., Rahimy, E. 2023

    Abstract

    To examine rates of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and death in patients after retinal vein occlusion (RVO) compared to controls.Retrospective cohort study.An aggregated electronic health records research network, TriNetX (Cambridge, MA, USA), was used to identify patients with diagnosis of RVO and a control group of patients with cataract. Patients were excluded if they had history of stroke, MI, DVT, or PE within 2 years of diagnosis of RVO or cataract. Propensity score matching was performed to control for baseline demographics and medical comorbidities. Main outcomes included relative risk (RR) of death, stroke, MI, DVT, and PE after RVO compared to matched controls.45304 patients were included in each cohort. There was elevated risk of death in the RVO cohort compared to the control cohort at 1 (RR: 1.30, p<0.01), 5 (RR: 1.22, p<0.01), and 10 years (RR:1.08, p<0.01). There was elevated risk of stroke at 1 (RR:1.61, p<0.01), 5 (RR:1.31, p<0.01), and 10 years (RR: 1.18, p<0.01). There was elevated risk of MI at 1 (RR:1.26, p<0.01) and 5 years (RR:1.13, p<0.01), but not at 10 years (RR:1.06, p=0.12). There was mildly elevated risk of DVT at 1 year (RR: 1.65, p<0.01), but not at 5 (RR: 0.94, p=0.94) or at 10 years (RR: 1.05, p=0.37), There was no elevated risk of PE at 1 (RR: 0.98, p=0.80), 5 (RR: 0.95, p=0.42), or 10 years (RR: 0.85, p=0.40).There is an increased rate of death, stroke, and MI after RVO compared to matched controls. We emphasize the need for long term systemic evaluation after RVO.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.08.022

    View details for PubMedID 37660963

  • Anterior segment ischemia following strabismus surgery in a young adult using gender-affirming estrogen hormone therapy. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Al-Lozi, A., Koo, E. B., Lambert, S. R., Levin, M. H., Velez, F., Do, D. V., Shue, A. 2023

    Abstract

    Well-known risk factors for anterior segment ischemia (ASI) following strabismus surgery include ipsilateral surgery on three or more rectus muscles, older age, and vasculopathy. ASI is rarely reported in young patients following uneventful strabismus surgery on two ipsilateral rectus muscles. We report a 30-year-old transgender female on long-term estrogen therapy who underwent strabismus surgery involving recessions of both lateral rectus muscles, the right inferior rectus muscle, and the left superior rectus muscle. The left eye developed severe ASI with hypotony maculopathy that was resistant to topical medications, oral steroids, anterior chamber reformation, and intravitreal steroid injection. Following phacoemulsification with intraocular lens and capsular tension ring insertion 1 year later, intraocular pressure and hypotony maculopathy improved.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaapos.2023.05.004

    View details for PubMedID 37355012

  • Real-world evaluation of amblyopic patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and treatment patterns using the IRIS Registry. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Koo, E. B., Wiener, L. A., Syntosi, A. 2023

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To characterize the demographics, eye-related comorbidities, clinical characteristics, clinical outcomes, type of amblyopia tests used, and treatment patterns of a large cohort of pediatric, teenage, and adult amblyopic patients from the IRIS (Intelligent Research in Sight) Registry.METHODS: In this retrospective electronic health record analysis, we analyzed 456,818 patients, of whom 197,583 (43.3%) were pediatric patients; 65,308 (14.3%), teenagers; and 193,927 (42.5%), adults. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity examination in both eyes was conducted within 90 days prior to index date. Three age cohorts were analyzed based on age at the index date: pediatric (3-12 years), teen (13-17 years), and adult (18-50 years).RESULTS: At index date, unilateral amblyopia was more common than bilateral amblyopia in all age cohorts (pediatric, 55% vs 45%; teen, 61% vs 39%; adult, 63% vs 37%). In unilateral amblyopic patients, severe amblyopia was more frequent in adults (21%) than in pediatric patients (12%) and teenagers (13%); in bilateral amblyopic patients, severity was comparable in pediatric patients and adults (4% in both). The greatest level of visual acuity improvement was demonstrated in pediatric patients with severe unilateral amblyopia at baseline. Pediatric patients showed significant improvement in stereopsis over time at years 1 (P = 0.000033) and 2 (P = 0.000039) at the population level (per chi2 test vs baseline).CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need for more efficacious amblyopia therapies in older, more severe patients with refractory disease.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaapos.2023.01.016

    View details for PubMedID 36914150

  • An Evaluation of Popular Online Eye Health Products on Amazon Marketplace OPHTHALMIC SURGERY LASERS & IMAGING RETINA Alsoudi, A. F., Loya, A., Abouodah, H., Koo, E., Rahimy, E. 2023; 54 (3): 147-152

    Abstract

    To investigate popular eye health supplements available on Amazon Marketplace to increase awareness about their efficacy, safety, and the validity of their purported benefits.An observational quantitative and qualitative analysis of the top 100 eye health products was performed in March 2019. To determine the popular online eye health products on Amazon Marketplace, eight keywords were used for the search: "Eye Health," "Eye Health Supplements," "Eye Health Vitamins," "Retina Vitamins," "Macular Degeneration," "Macular Degeneration Vitamins," "Macular Health," and "Vision Health." The active ingredients, cost, and customer rating were all recorded.No statistically significant association was found between product type and price of the product, number of supplements, average rating, number of customer reviews, or number of verified customer reviews. The average daily cost of the eye health supplements was $0.72 ± $0.55 (range, $0.05 to $2.67).This study evaluated popular eye health supplements publicly available on Amazon Marketplace. The findings of this study help both patients and physicians better understand the safety and efficacy of these products so they may make more informed choices when supporting their eye health with commercially available supplements. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023; 54(3):147-152.].

    View details for DOI 10.3928/23258160-20230221-03

    View details for Web of Science ID 000970627800002

    View details for PubMedID 36944073

  • Strabismus and Nystagmus in Patients with Pediatric Cataracts: Study using Insurance Claims Data. American journal of ophthalmology Kim, S. J., Slinger, K., Lambert, S. R., Koo, E., Shue, A., Roberts, T. L. 2022

    Abstract

    To describe the characteristics and prevalence of strabismus and nystagmus in children diagnosed with cataracts using a national insurance claims database.Population-based retrospective cohort study METHODS: Patients <13 years diagnosed with cataracts (traumatic cataracts excluded) and enrolled continuously in their healthcare program for ≥5 years after their first cataract diagnosis were identified in a retrospective review of 66 million charts in Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database between 2003 and 2015. Patients were categorized based on age of their first diagnosed cataract, and if cataract surgery was performed. Clinical and demographic factors associated with the occurrence of strabismus and nystagmus were evaluated.Of 1,636 children diagnosed with cataract, 434 (26.5%) and 109 (6.7%) were diagnosed with strabismus and nystagmus, respectively. Both strabismus and nystagmus were more common in those who underwent cataract surgery (P <0.001) and in patients diagnosed with cataract ≤ 12 months of age (P <0.001). Survival analysis demonstrated that strabismus and nystagmus may be diagnosed 8 years following the initial cataract diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed strabismus was associated with cataract surgery, nystagmus, and the diagnosis with cataract ≤ 12 months and cataract surgery > 12 months.As strabismus and nystagmus occur more frequently in children diagnosed with cataracts necessitating cataract surgery, regular long-term follow-up is crucial for these children to monitor for the development of strabismus and nystagmus.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.11.014

    View details for PubMedID 36410473

  • Time to treatment of pediatric retinal detachments: A United States Claims-Based Analysis. Ophthalmology. Retina Archambault, C., Azad, A. D., Al-Moujahed, A., Vail, D., Wood, E., Koo, E. B. 2022

    Abstract

    To characterize delays in diagnosis and treatment of retinal detachments (RD) in a pediatric population.Retrospective cohort study using insurance claims data SUBJECTS: Pediatric patients with retinal detachment who underwent repair in the outpatient setting METHODS: A retrospective analysis of commercially insured patients from a national cohort (IBM MarketScan Research Databases), age 18 years and younger with an incident diagnosis of retinal detachment between 2007-2016. Patients with preceding eye-related visits, time to diagnosis, and time to repair were calculated and compared between patients with pre-existing ocular diagnosis and those without.Time from diagnosis to specialist consultation, time from diagnosis to repair, time from specialist consultation to repair, number of preceding visits, presence of previous eye-related diagnosis RESULTS: Our sample consisted of 826 patients, the majority of whom were diagnosed with rhegmatogenous RD (77%). Only 40% of patients had at least one preceding eye-related visit and 33% had at least two visits prior to RD diagnosis with a median time from the last eye-related visit of 32 days (4-197) and median time from second to last visit of 118 days (24-437). Median time from RD diagnosis to repair was 2 days (0-9). The 323 (37.9%) patients with pre-existing ocular diagnoses more frequently had at least one (44% vs. 37%, p=0.079) or two preceding eye-related visits (40% vs. 29%, p=0.002) relative to those without and also had a shorter time to RD diagnosis (median 14.5 days vs. 44.5 days, p=0.011) and repair (1 day vs. 3 days, p=0.003).Retinal detachment is an important cause of morbidity in children. This work highlights how pediatric patients without previous ocular diagnoses and/or visits with eye care professional may have a delayed diagnosis and repair of their retinal detachment.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.oret.2022.08.017

    View details for PubMedID 36002094

  • Prevalence and Characteristics of Cytomegalovirus Ocular Disease in Children: A Multi-Center Study. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) Mercado, C. L., Froines, C. P., Gaier, E. D., Wang, Q., Indaram, M., Wan, M. J., Shah, A. S., Koo, E. B. 2022; 16: 2209-2217

    Abstract

    Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of CMV ocular disease in children and to identify associated risk factors for ocular involvement.Design: Retrospective multicenter, cross-sectional study.Methods: Setting: Hospitalized patients screened for CMV viremia by PCR between 2005 and 2018 at four pediatric referral centers. Participants: Seven-hundred and ninety-three children showed CMV viremia (>135 copies/mL by polymerase chain reaction; PCR). Main Outcomes and Measures: (1) Occurrence of ophthalmologic examination. (2) Presence of CMV ocular disease, defined as retinitis, vasculitis, hemorrhage, optic nerve atrophy, or anterior uveitis in the setting of CMV viremia without other identifiable causes.Results: A total of 296/793 (37%) underwent ophthalmologic examination following CMV viremia. A total of23/296 patients (8%) had ocular symptoms prompting evaluation while the rest had eye exams for baseline screening unrelated to CMV viremia. Of these, 13 cases (4% of those with an eye exam) with ocular disease were identified (three congenital CMV, five severe combined immunodeficiency disorder (SCID) status post-stem cell transplantation, three hematologic malignancy status post-stem cell transplantation for two of them, one Evans syndrome status post-stem cell transplantation, and one medulloblastoma status post-bone marrow transplantation). No patients with solid organ transplantation developed CMV ocular disease in our cohort.Conclusion: CMV ocular disease was a rare occurrence in this cohort without an identifiable pattern across sub-groups. Excluding the three congenital CMV cases, nine out of ten patients with CMV ocular disease were status post-stem cell transplantation. We provide integrated screening guidelines based on the best available evidence for this rare condition.

    View details for DOI 10.2147/OPTH.S364741

    View details for PubMedID 35837488

  • Referral patterns for infantile cataracts in two regions of the United States. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Huang, L. C., Kumar, P., Fredrick, D. R., Alcorn, D. M., Koo, E. B., Stell, L., Lambert, S. R. 1800

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Delayed treatment of congenital or infantile cataracts can cause deprivation amblyopia. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention is critical for optimal outcomes. This study assessed referral patterns for congenital or infantile cataracts in two regions of the United States.METHODS: The medical records of children 0-1 years of age with congenital or infantile cataracts at Stanford University (2008-2018) and Emory University (2010-2015) were reviewed retrospectively.RESULTS: A total of 111 children were included. Of these, 82 (74%) were initially evaluated by a primary care doctor, of whom 40 (49%) were referred directly to a pediatric cataract surgeon. Of 61 newborns 0-2 months of age, 9 (15%) were initially referred to an eye care provider before 6 weeks of age, but the initial evaluation by a pediatric cataract surgeon was delayed until after 6 weeks of age. Referral patterns were similar between the two institutions (P = 0.06).CONCLUSIONS: Many children with congenital of infantile cataracts are initially referred by a primary care doctor to an eye care provider who does not perform pediatric cataract surgery. Nevertheless, the majority of newborn infants with cataracts were evaluated by a pediatric cataract surgeon before 6 weeks of age.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaapos.2021.09.006

    View details for PubMedID 34973446

  • Readability and Content Analysis of Online Resources for Pediatric Ophthalmology Khan, S. I., Idrizi, A., Khan, R. I., Htwe, T. S., Koo, E. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2021: E132
  • Social Media and Retinal Detachment: Perspectives of Providers and Patients on Instagram OPHTHALMIC SURGERY LASERS & IMAGING RETINA Alsoudi, A. F., Rayess, N., Khan, S., Koo, E., Rahimy, E. 2021; 52 (7): 391-395

    Abstract

    To evaluate the social media interactions of patients who experience retinal detachment and/or repair and how ophthalmic medical providers utilize social media.A cross-sectional study of public posts on Instagram was performed from September 2019 to January 2020, with filtering based on the following hashtags: #retinaldetachment, #detachedretina, #retinaldetachmentsurgery, and #scleralbuckle. A categorical classification system was used for each Instagram post to review descriptive variables.Of the 1,797 Instagram posts analyzed, 697 (39%) were made by patients, of which 395 (57%) were positive in tone and 599 (86%) were in the postoperative period. Posts by ophthalmologists were most commonly centered on colleague education (446, 81%).The majority of Instagram posts by patients were of a positive tone reflecting primarily on activities of daily living and rehabilitations. Retina specialists should consider providing more social media content directed toward patients, particularly regarding their rehabilitation course following retinal detachment repair. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:391-395.].

    View details for DOI 10.3928/23258160-20210628-06

    View details for Web of Science ID 000677881000006

    View details for PubMedID 34309431

  • Outcomes of corneal crosslinking for keratoconus in children and young adults Saleh, S., Koo, E., Lambert, S., Manche, E. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2021
  • Social media and vision therapy: perspectives of providers and patients on Instagram. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Johnson, A., Khan, S., Koo, E. B. 2021

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To formally assess the content, intent, and authorship of the most popular Instagram hashtags related to pediatric ophthalmology.METHODS: Public Instagram posts with over 20 likes, using one or more of 6 vision therapy (VT) hashtags and containing English content were identified. A categorical classification system was used to analyze each post for the target audience: post owner, primary intent of post, diagnosis addressed, whether advice was provided, and whether references to studies were provided.RESULTS: A total of 1,766 Instagram posts were analyzed. Half were made by VT clinics or therapists (50%), and only 14 posts were made by physicians (0.8%). The majority were self-promotional. Statistically significant relationships between post owner and intent, post owner and diagnosis, and the provision of advice and diagnosis were found.CONCLUSIONS: Although VT Instagram posts are dominated by self-promotion and advertisements, social media provides an outlet for patients and parents to seek support and information. Ophthalmologists have yet to discuss VT on Instagram.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaapos.2020.11.023

    View details for PubMedID 33965588

  • Outcomes After Corneal Crosslinking for Keratoconus in Children and Young Adults. Cornea Saleh, S., Koo, E. B., Lambert, S. R., Manche, E. E. 2021

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of corneal crosslinking on vision and keratometry in children and young adults with progressive keratoconus.METHODS: A retrospective medical records review of patients aged 22 years or younger with keratoconus who underwent corneal crosslinking between January 2013 and November 2019 at Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University was conducted. Outcome measures included logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA); keratometry, including maximum keratometry (Kmax); pachymetry; and total wavefront aberration. Measurements were taken at baseline and at 12 and 24 months postoperatively.RESULTS: Fifty-seven eyes of 49 patients aged 12 to 22 years were assessed. The mean preoperative CDVA was logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution 0.38 ± 0.32 (20/48), with a mean postoperative CDVA of 0.29 ± 0.31 (20/39) and 0.31 ± 0.31 (20/41) at 12 and 24 months postoperatively, respectively. Compared with preoperative mean Kmax, there was an improvement of -0.8 diopters (D) to a mean postoperative Kmax of 59.1 ± 9.1 D at 12 months and -1.3 D to 59.7 ± 8.8 D at 24 months. Subanalysis excluding the second eye of patients who underwent bilateral crosslinking showed similar results. Linear mixed modeling showed significant improvement in Kmax at both 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Minimum central corneal thickness initially decreased but stabilized at 24 months after crosslinking. Total wavefront aberration remained stable.CONCLUSIONS: Corneal crosslinking stabilizes, and in some cases improves, visual and corneal parameters in pediatric and young adult patients with keratoconus. The procedure is safe and well-tolerated and may prevent keratoconus progression in young patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002730

    View details for PubMedID 33859086

  • Prenatal and postnatal inflammation-related risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY Goldstein, G. P., Leonard, S. A., Kan, P., Koo, E. B., Lee, H. C., Carmichael, S. L. 2019; 39 (7): 964–73
  • Prenatal and postnatal inflammation-related risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association Goldstein, G. P., Leonard, S. A., Kan, P. n., Koo, E. B., Lee, H. C., Carmichael, S. L. 2019

    Abstract

    To evaluate the relationship between prenatal and postnatal inflammation-related risk factors and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).The study included infants born <30 weeks in California from 2007 to 2011. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to assess the association between prenatal and postnatal inflammation-related exposures and severe ROP, defined as stage 3-5 or surgery for ROP.Of 14,816 infants, 10.8% developed severe ROP. Though prenatal inflammation-related risk factors were initially associated with severe ROP, after accounting for the effect of these risk factors on gestational age at birth through mediation analysis, the association was non-significant (P = 0.6). Postnatal factors associated with severe ROP included prolonged oxygen exposure, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.Postnatal inflammation-related factors were associated with severe ROP more strongly than prenatal factors. The association between prenatal inflammation-related factors and ROP was explained by earlier gestational age in infants exposed to prenatal inflammation.

    View details for PubMedID 30932029

  • Review of Ocular Manifestations of Joubert Syndrome. Genes Wang, S. F., Kowal, T. J., Ning, K., Koo, E. B., Wu, A. Y., Mahajan, V. B., Sun, Y. 2018; 9 (12)

    Abstract

    Joubert syndrome is a group of rare disorders that stem from defects in a sensory organelle, the primary cilia. Affected patients often present with disorders involving multiple organ systems, including the brain, eyes, and kidneys. Common symptoms include breathing abnormalities, mental developmental delays, loss of voluntary muscle coordination, and abnormal eye movements, with a diagnostic "molar tooth" sign observed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the midbrain. We reviewed the ocular phenotypes that can be found in patients with Joubert syndrome. Ocular motor apraxia is the most frequent (80% of patients), followed by strabismus (74%) and nystagmus (72%). A minority of patients also present with ptosis (43%), chorioretinal coloboma (30%), and optic nerve atrophy (22%). Although mutations in 34 genes have been found to be associated with Joubert syndrome, retinal degeneration has been reported in only 38% of patients. Mutations in AHI1 and CEP290, genes critical to primary cilia function, have been linked to retinal degeneration. In conclusion, Joubert syndrome is a rare pleiotropic group of disorders with variable ocular presentations.

    View details for PubMedID 30518138

  • Review of Ocular Manifestations of Joubert Syndrome GENES Wang, S. F., Kowal, T. J., Ning, K., Koo, E. B., Wu, A. Y., Mahajan, V. B., Sun, Y. 2018; 9 (12)
  • Global Practice Patterns in the Management of Infantile Cataracts EYE & CONTACT LENS-SCIENCE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE Koo, E. B., VanderVeen, D. K., Lambert, S. R. 2018; 44: S292-S296
  • Incidence of Cytomegalovirus-Related Ocular Disease in Pediatric Patients Mercado, C., Koo, E. B. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2018
  • Global Practice Patterns in the Management of Infantile Cataracts. Eye & contact lens Koo, E. B., VanderVeen, D. K., Lambert, S. R. 2018

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVES: Surveys are an important tool to assess the impact of research on physicians' approach to patient care. This survey was conducted to assess current practice patterns in the management of infantile cataracts in light of the findings of the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study.METHODS: Pediatric ophthalmologists were emailed a link to the survey using newsletters from American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the Pediatric Listserv. The 17-question survey was anonymous and active during July to August 2016.RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five respondents (North America, 65%; Asia, 12%; Europe, 9%; and other, 14%) reported operating on pediatric cataracts. Most practice in a university setting (55%). There was a strong consensus that unilateral cataract surgery should be performed between ages 4 to 6 weeks and aphakic contact lenses should be used to optically correct their eyes, particularly in children ≤6 months of age. For bilateral cataracts, there was a trend for surgeons to perform cataract surgery at an older age than unilateral cataract surgery. Surgeons who performed less than 5 versus greater than 20 pediatric cataract surgeries/year were more likely to use aphakic contact lenses in children undergoing cataract surgery more than 6 months of age (62% vs. 35%, P=0.04). Most respondents (73%) indicated that the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study had changed how they manage unilateral congenital cataracts.CONCLUSION: Most pediatric cataract surgeons perform congenital cataract surgery between ages 4 to 6 weeks and use aphakic contact lenses for initial optical correction in infants less than 6 months. Surgeons have equal preference for intraocular lenses and contact lenses in infants more than 6 months of age.

    View details for PubMedID 29369235

  • Treatment of Amblyopia and Amblyopia Risk Factors Based on Current Evidence SEMINARS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY Koo, E. B., Gilbert, A. L., VanderVeen, D. K. 2017; 32 (1): 1-7

    Abstract

    Amblyopia is a leading cause of low vision and warrants timely management during childhood. We performed a literature review of the management of amblyopia and potential risk factors for amblyopia.Literature review of the management of amblyopia and risk factors for amblyopia.Common amblyopia risk factors include anisometropic or high refractive error, strabismus, cataract, and ptosis. Often a conservative approach with spectacles is enough to prevent amblyopia. However, surgery may be necessary to clear the visual axis or align the eyes.Amblyopia risk factors should be managed early. Though amblyopia treatment is more likely to be successful at a younger age, those who are older but treatment-naïve may still respond to treatment. Promoting binocular or dichoptic experiences may be the future direction of amblyopia management.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/08820538.2016.1228408

    View details for Web of Science ID 000393320700001

  • Treatment of Amblyopia and Amblyopia Risk Factors Based on Current Evidence. Seminars in ophthalmology Koo, E. B., Gilbert, A. L., VanderVeen, D. K. 2016: 1-7

    Abstract

    Amblyopia is a leading cause of low vision and warrants timely management during childhood. We performed a literature review of the management of amblyopia and potential risk factors for amblyopia.Literature review of the management of amblyopia and risk factors for amblyopia.Common amblyopia risk factors include anisometropic or high refractive error, strabismus, cataract, and ptosis. Often a conservative approach with spectacles is enough to prevent amblyopia. However, surgery may be necessary to clear the visual axis or align the eyes.Amblyopia risk factors should be managed early. Though amblyopia treatment is more likely to be successful at a younger age, those who are older but treatment-naïve may still respond to treatment. Promoting binocular or dichoptic experiences may be the future direction of amblyopia management.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/08820538.2016.1228408

    View details for PubMedID 27748640

  • Evaluation and Management of Acute Acquired Comitant Esotropia in Children. Seminars in ophthalmology Gilbert, A. L., Koo, E. B., Heidary, G. 2016: 1-6

    Abstract

    Acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE) is characterized by a sudden-onset eye misalignment with an equal angle of deviation in all fields of gaze. This form of esotropia is distinct from common forms of childhood esotropia, such as infantile esotropia and accommodative esotropia, in the rapid tempo and typically later timing of onset; further, AACE is distinct from restrictive or paretic strabismus, which usually results in an incomitant angle of deviation that varies with the direction of gaze. The underlying etiologies for AACE are broad but, in some cases, it may be associated with significant neurologic disease. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine and summarize the current literature on AACE to provide a framework for the evaluation and management of this form of acquired strabismus.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/08820538.2016.1228398

    View details for PubMedID 27726470

  • Effects of Glaucoma Tube Surgery on Corneal Endothelial Cells: A Review. Eye & contact lens Koo, E. B., Hou, J., Keenan, J. D., Stamper, R. L., Jeng, B. H., Han, Y. 2016; 42 (4): 221-224

    Abstract

    The etiology of corneal decompensation after aqueous shunt implantation remains poorly understood. With the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography and specular microscopy, the relationship of these implants to the surrounding tissues can be investigated over time. This article will review the current knowledge pertaining to endothelial cell loss related to glaucoma and surgery and highlight possible causes that have been proposed for endothelial cell loss after aqueous shunt implantation.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000171

    View details for PubMedID 26222096

  • An adolescent with a swollen nerve. JAMA ophthalmology Koo, E., de Alba Campomanes, A. G. 2015; 133 (1): 97-98

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2014.4461

    View details for PubMedID 25569312

  • Effect of Glaucoma Tube Shunt Parameters on Cornea Endothelial Cells in Patients With Ahmed Valve Implants CORNEA Koo, E. B., Hou, J., Han, Y., Keenan, J. D., Stamper, R. L., Jeng, B. H. 2015; 34 (1): 37-41

    Abstract

    The aim of this study was to assess the effect of various tube parameters on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) after insertion of Ahmed valves.Thirty-nine eyes of 33 patients with previous superotemporal (ST) Ahmed valve implantation and 20 eyes of 13 participants with previous uncomplicated phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation but no history of glaucoma surgery were evaluated. Various tube parameters were measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography. ST, central, and inferonasal (IN) ECD and pachymetry were measured. Endothelial cell loss and corneal thickness in the ST cornea was compared with those in the IN cornea.The mean age of the operated patients was 58 ± 22 years, and the mean time since glaucoma surgery was 2.5 ± 2.6 years. Thirty-two of the 39 study eyes were pseudophakic. The ECD was significantly lower in the ST endothelium than in the IN endothelium in eyes with glaucoma tube surgery (P < 0.001), although this relative reduction in ST ECD was not greater than that seen in pseudophakic control eyes (P = 0.16). In univariate analysis, tube angle relative to the cornea and distance from the tip of the tube to the cornea were significant risk factors for decreased ST endothelial cell loss when assessed relative to the IN ECD (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only the distance of the tube tip to the cornea remained significantly associated with ST endothelial cell loss.Although this was a retrospective study with inherent limitations, tubes that are closer to the cornea seem to lead to increased loss of adjacent endothelial cells.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000345924700011

    View details for PubMedID 25393097

  • Macular xanthophylls, lipoprotein-related genes, and age-related macular degeneration AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION Koo, E., Neuringer, M., SanGiovanni, J. P. 2014; 100 (1): 336S-346S

    Abstract

    Plant-based macular xanthophylls (MXs; lutein and zeaxanthin) and the lutein metabolite meso-zeaxanthin are the major constituents of macular pigment, a compound concentrated in retinal areas that are responsible for fine-feature visual sensation. There is an unmet need to examine the genetics of factors influencing regulatory mechanisms and metabolic fates of these 3 MXs because they are linked to processes implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this work we provide an overview of evidence supporting a molecular basis for AMD-MX associations as they may relate to DNA sequence variation in AMD- and lipoprotein-related genes. We recognize a number of emerging research opportunities, barriers, knowledge gaps, and tools offering promise for meaningful investigation and inference in the field. Overviews on AMD- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-related genes encoding receptors, transporters, and enzymes affecting or affected by MXs are followed with information on localization of products from these genes to retinal cell types manifesting AMD-related pathophysiology. Evidence on the relation of each gene or gene product with retinal MX response to nutrient intake is discussed. This information is followed by a review of results from mechanistic studies testing gene-disease relations. We then present findings on relations of AMD with DNA sequence variants in MX-associated genes. Our conclusion is that AMD-associated DNA variants that influence the actions and metabolic fates of HDL system constituents should be examined further for concomitant influence on MX absorption, retinal tissue responses to MX intake, and the capacity to modify MX-associated factors and processes implicated in AMD pathogenesis.

    View details for DOI 10.3945/ajcn.113.071563

    View details for PubMedID 24829491

  • Ten-Year Incidence Rates of Age-Related Cataract in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS): AREDS Report No. 33 OPHTHALMIC EPIDEMIOLOGY Koo, E., Chang, J. R., Agron, E., Clemons, T. E., Sperduto, R. D., Ferris, F. L., Chew, E. Y. 2013; 20 (2): 71-81

    Abstract

    To investigate the long-term incidence of age-related cataract and cataract surgery in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) cohort.Baseline and annual lens photographs of participants, aged 55-80 years, were graded centrally for nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) lens opacities using the AREDS System for Classifying Cataracts. Progression from a baseline status of no or mild lens opacity to at least moderate severity was analyzed and cumulative incidence estimated rates were calculated for each lens opacity type and cataract surgery stratified by age, sex, race, age-related macular degeneration category, multivitamin (Centrum) use and history of diabetes.The ten-year cumulative incidence was 43.6% for any cataract, 23.1% for nuclear cataract, 22.0% for cortical cataract, 13.1% for PSC cataract, and 26.8% for cataract surgery. The 5- and 10-year incidence rates of all cataract types and cataract surgery were significantly higher with increasing age. Females had a higher incidence of any, nuclear and cortical cataract and cataract surgery (p = 0.02-0.05). Incidence of cortical cataract was higher in non-white participants (p = 0.001).These results are largely consistent with the results of previous observational studies. Long-term incidence rates of type-specific cataract can be useful in designing clinical studies of age-related cataract.

    View details for DOI 10.3109/09286586.2012.759598

    View details for Web of Science ID 000316418400001

    View details for PubMedID 23510310

  • TREATMENT OF NONNEOVASCULAR IDIOPATHIC MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2 WITH INTRAVITREAL RANIBIZUMAB Results of a Phase II Clinical Trial RETINA-THE JOURNAL OF RETINAL AND VITREOUS DISEASES Toy, B. C., Koo, E., Cukras, C., Meyerle, C. B., Chew, E. Y., Wong, W. T. 2012; 32 (5): 996-1006

    Abstract

    To evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab for nonneovascular idiopathic macular telangiectasia Type 2.Single-center, open-label Phase II clinical trial enrolling five participants with bilateral nonneovascular idiopathic macular telangiectasia Type 2. Intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg) was administered every 4 weeks in the study eye for 12 months with the contralateral eye observed. Outcome measures included changes in best-corrected visual acuity, area of late-phase leakage on fluorescein angiography, and retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography.The study treatment was well tolerated and associated with few adverse events. Change in best-corrected visual acuity at 12 months was not significantly different between treated study eyes (0.0 ± 7.5 letters) and control fellow eyes (+2.2 ± 1.9 letters). However, decreases in the area of late-phase fluorescein angiography leakage (-33 ± 20% for study eyes, +1 ± 8% for fellow eyes) and in optical coherence tomography central subfield retinal thickness (-11.7 ± 7.0% for study eyes and -2.9 ± 3.5% for fellow eyes) were greater in study eyes compared with fellow eyes.Despite significant anatomical responses to treatment, functional improvement in visual acuity was not detected. Intravitreal ranibizumab administered monthly over a time course of 12 months is unlikely to provide a general and significant benefit to patients with nonneovascular idiopathic macular telangiectasia Type 2.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/IAE.0b013e31824690a8

    View details for Web of Science ID 000303502200018

    View details for PubMedID 22266930

  • Risk Factors Associated with Incident Cataracts and Cataract Surgery in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) AREDS Report Number 32 OPHTHALMOLOGY Chang, J. R., Koo, E., Agron, E., Hallak, J., Clemons, T., Azar, D., Sperduto, R. D., Ferris, F. L., Chew, E. Y. 2011; 118 (11): 2113-2119

    Abstract

    To investigate potential risk factors associated with incident nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataracts and cataract surgery in participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).Clinic-based prospective cohort study.Persons (n = 4425) 55 to 80 years of age enrolled in a controlled clinical trial of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, AREDS, for age-related macular degeneration and cataract.Lens photographs were graded centrally for nuclear, cortical, and PSC opacities using the AREDS system for classifying cataracts. Type-specific incident cataracts were defined as an increase in cataract grade from none or mild at baseline to a grade of moderate at follow-up, also with a grade of at least moderate at the final visit, or cataract surgery. Cox regression analyses were used to assess baseline risk factors associated with type-specific opacities and cataract surgery.Moderate cataract was defined as a grade of 4.0 or more for nuclear opacity, 10% or more involvement within the full visible lens for cortical opacity, and 5% or more involvement of the central 5-mm circle of the lens for PSC opacity. These were graded on baseline and annual lens photographs.A clinic-based cohort of 4425 persons 55 to 80 years of age at baseline was followed up for an average of 9.8±2.4 years. The following associations were found: increasing age with increased risk of all types of cataract and cataract surgery; males with increased risk of PSC and decreased risk of cortical cataracts; nonwhite persons with increased risk of cortical cataract; hyperopia with decreased risk of PSC, nuclear cataract, and cataract surgery; Centrum (Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Madison, NJ) use with decreased risk of nuclear cataract; diabetes with increased risk of cortical, PSC cataract, and cataract surgery; higher educational level with decreased risk of cortical cataract; and smoking with increased risk of cortical cataract and cataract surgery. Estrogen replacement therapy in female participants increased the risk of cataract surgery.These findings largely are consistent with the results of previous studies, providing further evidence for possible modifiable risk factors for age-related cataract.The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.03.032

    View details for Web of Science ID 000296573500003

    View details for PubMedID 21684602

  • Expanding indications for the Boston keratoprosthesis CURRENT OPINION IN OPHTHALMOLOGY Colby, K. A., Koo, E. B. 2011; 22 (4): 267-273

    Abstract

    To review emerging indications for the Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) and to discuss current research underway to improve clinical outcomes.In addition to multiple failed corneal grafts, other ocular conditions for which the Boston KPro has been used include herpetic keratitis, aniridia, autoimmune ocular disorders, and pediatric corneal opacities. In the recent years, the KPro has been implanted for various other conditions and has also been explored as a cost-effective treatment for severe corneal diseases internationally. Cicatricial and inflammatory ocular conditions remain the most difficult cases for KPro use but studies investigating various immunomodulators and biologic materials for improved retention are ongoing. Postoperative management of glaucoma is critical for preserving the visual gains achieved with the Boston KPro. Current studies are evaluating novel devices for intraocular pressure measurement.Accrued experience with the Boston KPro has demonstrated its versatility but also the difficulties that remain in postoperative management. With many studies underway to improve cost-effectiveness, intra-operative and postoperative management, keratoprostheses will be made increasingly available to those countries most in need.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283477d0d

    View details for Web of Science ID 000291429100010

    View details for PubMedID 21537184

  • Spatial summation of mechanically evoked muscle pain and painful aftersensations in normal subjects and fibromyalgia patients PAIN Staud, R., Koo, E., Robinson, M. E., Price, D. D. 2007; 130 (1-2): 177-187

    Abstract

    Impulse frequency and number of recruited central neurons are relevant for pain encoding and temporal as well as spatial summation of pain (SSP). Whereas SSP of heat-induced pain is well characterized, mechanical SSP (MSSP) has been less studied. MSSP may be relevant for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia (FM) and play an important role in the pathogenesis of this chronic pain syndrome. Our study was designed to determine MSSP in 12 normal controls (NC) and 11 FM subjects. MSSP testing consisted of 5 s suprathreshold pressure-pain stimulations of forearm muscles by up to three identical probes (separated by 4 or 8 cm). The stimulated areas ranged between 0.79 and 2.37 cm2. The subjects rated the pain intensity of mechanical stimuli as well as pain aftersensations. Although MSSP increased monotonically in NC and FM subjects, pressure pain and pressure pain aftersensations were greater in FM subjects and highly associated with clinical pain intensity (r2=.44-.64), suggesting that spatial and temporal summation factors may contribute to overall clinical pain. However, despite higher experimental pain ratings, the magnitude of MSSP was not statistically different between NC and FM subjects. Furthermore, muscle stimuli elicited more MSSP when separated by 8 cm than 4 cm and this finding was not different between NC and FM subjects. Thus, mechanisms of MSSP were similar for both FM and NC subjects. The important role of MSSP for pain encoding suggests that decreasing pain in some muscle areas by local anesthetics or other means may improve overall clinical pain of FM patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pain.2007.03.015

    View details for Web of Science ID 000247754300022

    View details for PubMedID 17459587