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CJO: April 2024 Issue Highlights

The April 2024 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights: 

Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 4 articles with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe. In addition, our April visual abstract provides a visual summary of an article on OCT outcomes as biomarkers for disease status, visual function, and prognosis in diabetic macular edema.

Original research articles:

·        Development and validation of the first Canadian Aboriginal syllabics visual acuity chart

·        Zonular dialysis and cataract surgery: results from a UK tertiary eye care referral centre

·        Development of a standardized Canadian undergraduate medical education ophthalmology curriculum

·        Incidence of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in pterygium specimens

·        Effect of race and ethnicity on surgical outcomes for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments

Photo essays, correspondence, and case reports:

·        Bilateral conjunctival melanosis in diffuse melanosis cutis and metastatic melanoma

·        Unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy in hand, foot, and mouth disease

·        Laser pointer-induced maculopathy with secondary macular neovascularization

·        A virtual Canadian Ophthalmology Mentorship Program (COMP) for medical students

·        Surgical technique enhancements for successful subretinal gene therapy delivery

·        Ocular syphilis with coincident Bartonella infection

·         Unveiling ocular surface squamous neoplasia within a conjunctival epithelial inclusion cyst

Follow the CJO on social media:

Facebook: CanJOphth

Instagram: @cjo_jco

LinkedIn: CJO – JCO

Twitter: @CanJOphth

Solar Eclipse Safety – Q&A

UPDATE (2024-04-17): We are collecting case reports on solar retinopathy following the recent solar eclipse. If a patient you’ve seen experienced vision impairment or related symptoms after viewing the eclipse, please fill out the following form to contribute to our research efforts. Your participation is crucial in helping us gather valuable data to better understand and mitigate the effects of solar retinopathy. You can access the form by clicking HERE.


Looking directly at the sun without proper protection can cause significant damage to your eye leading to a condition called solar retinopathy. During unshielded observation of a solar eclipse, the lens of the eye acts just like a magnifying glass, focusing the sun’s rays onto the retina at the back of the eye. This concentrated energy can result in permanent burns of the retina, and even irreversible blind spots.


The retina has no pain receptors. Therefore, it can take time before someone realizes that retinal damage may have occurred. You should be attentive to signs such as a blurry vision, visual distortion, and decreased colour vision and if you have looked at the solar eclipse without eye protection.


Let’s delve into some commonly asked questions about solar retinopathy and solar eclipse safety, and expert answers to equip both patients and providers with valuable insight during this event.


Commonly asked questions and answers


Q: What is the best primary prevention?

A: Refraining from viewing the solar eclipse is the best primary prevention to solar retinopathy. You can safely view the event indirectly, by TV or web.


Q: Which glasses are unsafe?

A: Sunglasses, glasses with transition lenses, glasses with polarizing filters, exposed film, x-ray film, and neutral density filters, do not provide enough safety to view the eclipse.

It is equally unsafe to view the eclipse from your telescope, camera, binoculars without the appropriate special filter, or through a window without the correct eye protection.


Q: Can one take pictures of the eclipse with a smartphone?

A: You can take pictures of the eclipse with your smartphone or tablet device, but make sure that you are not viewing the eclipse without the proper eye protection while aligning the device for the photo. Please keep in mind that some manufacturers state that prolonged pointing of the smartphone/camera to the sun may affect its sensors.


Q: What is the right filter to have when viewing the eclipse?

A: ISO 12312-2 certified. Upon receiving your glasses, please take the time to inspect as the glasses should not be scratched or torn. If the glasses are being worn by children, ensure that they are supervised at all times.


Q: What is the maximum duration of time that we can view the solar eclipse without permanent damage? What if I glance at the eclipse, look away, and then back again?

A: There is no duration of time that you can view the eclipse without permanent damage! The effects of the damage by the sun are cumulative, so looking at the eclipse multiple times would do more damage than looking at it once. It is advised that you do not look directly at the sun at all.

Please keep in mind that if on the totality path, to use great caution and under expert supervision to indicate the time that you may securely remove and put back on the certified glasses.


Q: Can animals suffer from solar retinopathy as well?

A: In theory, yes, if they are looking at the sun during the eclipse.


Q: Can someone with a previous history of ocular disease view the eclipse?

A: Yes, but only with precaution and the correct eye protection. If unsure, they can enjoy the solar eclipse by viewing it indirectly (such as through a livestream or broadcast on TV).


Resources


The authors of this Q&A on solar eclipse eye safety have compiled a comprehensive set of resources tailored to both patients and ophthalmologists, ensuring that everyone can access reliable information and guidance.


For the general public

Government of Canada – Stay safe while watching the solar eclipse

American Astronomical Society – Viewing the solar eclipse safely

Exploratorium – View the eclipse safely through livestream

Association des médecins ophthalmologistes du Québec – Éclipse solaire du 8 avril (French only)

Canadian Ophthalmological Society – Protect your vision

The Dose – How can I watch a solar eclipse and keep my eyes safe?


For the ophthalmologist

American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki – Solar retinopathy

The Astronomical Journal – Physical and visual evaluation of filters for direct observation of the sun and the international standard ISO

Queen’s University – Grand Rounds Presentation: Total solar eclipse and eye health

Ophthalmology Times – Protecting vision during solar eclipses: Insights for ophthalmologists


Thank you to Dr. Marie-Josée Aubin and Dr. Cynthia Qian for creating this helpful resource!

Canadian Eye Care Today: Volume 3, Issue 1

The latest issue of Canadian Eye Care Today is now available! This publication features clinical perspectives and practical information on topics in eye care relevant to today’s clinician. Its peer-reviewed articles focus on the treatment and management of eye disease from a Canadian perspective.

The content of this issue includes:

To access the latest issue, click on the picture below!

CJO: February 2024 Issue Highlights

The February 2024 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights: 

Editor-in-Chief’s report: 2023 at CJO: In this editorial, Dr. Varun Chaudhary highlights some of the CJO’s key accomplishments and outcome metrics from 2023, including another significant increase in the journal’s Impact Factor, which now sits at 4.2.

Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 3 articles with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe. In addition, our February visual abstract provides a visual summary of an article on Risk factors for ischemic cerebral stroke in patients with acute amaurosis fugax.

Original research articles:

Research letters, photo essays, and case reports:

Follow the CJO on social media:

Facebook: CanJOphth

Instagram: @cjo_jco

LinkedIn: CJO – JCO

Twitter: @CanJOphth

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit

We recognize the importance of promoting a more inclusive and diverse community of ophthalmologists, and we’re committed to providing valuable resources to support our members in this journey including a glossary of EDI terms, online resources, and infographics.

By embracing EDI principles, we can create a more equitable and welcoming environment for patients and professionals alike. As you engage with our resources, remember that embracing these principles not only benefits your own professional development but also enhances the quality of patient care.

We invite you to actively participate in promoting EDI within ophthalmology. Share your insights, experiences, and suggestions to help us expand our resources and support for the community.

Glossary of EDI Terms: Understanding the language of EDI is an essential first step in promoting inclusivity and diversity within your practice. Explore our short glossary of key EDI terms.
LEARN MORE

Incorporating EDI Principles into Your Organization or Team: Learn how to foster an inclusive environment by understanding and implementing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles.
LEARN MORE

Anti-Racism: Discover strategies and resources for addressing and combating racism within your organization or team.
LEARN MORE

Implicit Bias: Explore the impact of unconscious bias and ways to mitigate its effects in your workplace.
LEARN MORE

Microaggressions in Healthcare: Recognize and address microaggressions that occur in healthcare settings, fostering a more respectful environment.
LEARN MORE

Strategies to Approach Microaggressions: Gain practical techniques and insights for effectively addressing and reducing microaggressions in your organization.
LEARN MORE

Resources for Conducting Research: Access tools and references for conducting research that promotes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in your field.
LEARN MORE

Resources for Medical Education and Residency: Discover educational resources and strategies for integrating EDI principles into medical education.
LEARN MORE

Economics & EDI: Explore the economic aspects of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and how they impact your organization or team.
LEARN MORE

Videos and TED Talks: Access a collection of insightful videos and TED Talks that provide valuable perspectives and practical insights on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
LEARN MORE

Other Resources on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

Find additional valuable resources to deepen your understanding and implementation of EDI principles beyond the listed categories.
LEARN MORE

Download the infographics HERE

CJO: December 2023 Issue Highlights

The December 2023 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights:

Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 4 articles with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe, including the article featured in our October visual abstract, Comparison of pre-formalin fixation and postfixation temporal artery biopsy lengths

Original research articles:

Research letters, photo essays, and case reports:

Follow the CJO on social media:

Facebook: CanJOphth

Instagram: @cjo_jco

LinkedIn: CJO – JCO

Twitter: @CanJOphth

CJO: October 2023 Issue Highlights

The October 2023 CJO is now available online. Here are some of the highlights: 

Resident Perspectives + visual abstract: Our talented team of residents have summarized 4 articles with a focus on what’s most relevant to ophthalmology learners here in Canada and around the globe, including the article featured in our October visual abstract, OCTA changes following loading phase with intravitreal aflibercept for DME.

Original research articles:

Research letters, photo essays, and case reports:

Follow the CJO on social media:

Facebook: CanJOphth

Instagram: @cjo_jco

LinkedIn: CJO – JCO

Twitter: @CanJOphth

CCOR Fellowship Directory

This is a sortable directory of subspecialty clinical fellowships attended by over 210 Canadian ophthalmology residents. It includes contact information for past residents who indicated they were open to being contacted by prospective fellows.

CCOR Fellowship Directory

CCOR Post-residency Guidebook

A Canadian Ophthalmology Resident’s guide to preparing for life after residency. Learn about the career in general vs subspecialty ophthalmology practice, compare different subspecialties, and how to apply for fellowship. Insights shared are a compilation of previous CCOR fellowship talks and tips from a recent survey of graduating residents.

CCOR Post-Residency Guidebook 2023Download