About

Justin Gottlieb, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He serves as the Medical Director of the UW Health Eye Clinic in Rockford and specializes in subspecialty retina, macula, and vitreous diseases. His medical and surgical interests include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, medical retina disease, and retinal vascular disease. Dr. Gottlieb has contributed to significant clinical research, notably participating in a formative study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-VEGF inhibitors—aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab—in improving visual acuity for patients with diabetic macular edema. The study, conducted through the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network across more than 89 clinical sites, has had far-reaching implications for clinical treatment and has been cited over 600 times. His educational background includes fellowships in Surgical Retina at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and Medical Retina at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. He completed his residency at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center and his internship at Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center in San Francisco. Dr. Gottlieb earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Surgery
• Internal medicine

Selected publications

• Metallic Retinal Artery Embolus following Pipeline Embolization Device

  Retinal Cases & Brief Reports · 2025-09-22

  articleSenior author

  PURPOSE: To describe a case of asymptomatic metallic retinal embolus following stent in stent Pipeline embolization device (PED) placement. METHODS: Case report of a 41-year-old female with left ophthalmic artery aneurysm treated twice with PED referred to ophthalmology for incidentally found refractile object in left eye macula. RESULTS: Clinical findings notable for fundoscopic exam with refractile foreign body at the temporal edge of fovea. Object was observed to be intravascular on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and without vascular occlusion on OCT angiography. CONCLUSIONS: Metallic embolus appears to be a rare complication of PED placement.

  PublisherDOI

• Intraocular Pressure Control and Long-Term Outcomes With the Reservoir Technique: The Wisconsin Silicone Oil Study (Report 2)

  Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases · 2025-09-25 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of silicone oil (SO) tamponade using the reservoir technique vs standard oil fill technique for complex vitreoretinal surgery. Methods: This retrospective comparative case series evaluated 313 SO tamponade surgeries (230 eyes). In the reservoir technique, the posterior segment is filled with SO. The infusion line is temporarily opened to atmosphere, allowing SO to egress into the line, creating the reservoir. The pressurized air infusion is then reset to 15 mm Hg to maintain a complete SO fill during sclerotomy closure. In the palpation method, SO is introduced without creating a reservoir or moderating infusion pressure, and digital palpation of the globe determines adequate fill. Results: Moderately severe ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure [IOP] ≥30 mm Hg) occurred less frequently in the reservoir group (1.6%) compared with the palpation group (9.3%; P = .005). Prolonged ocular hypertension (IOP ≥25 mm Hg for ≥2 visits) was also less frequent in the reservoir group (2.9% vs 9.1%; P = .02). SO emulsification was less frequent in the reservoir group (2.7% vs 9.4%; P = .04). Eyes in the reservoir group required fewer SO placement surgeries (1.2 vs 1.5 surgeries per eye; P = .01), while final anatomic success rates were similar (reservoir: 80.4%, palpation: 78.2%; P = .5). Visual outcomes were comparable between groups. Conclusions: The reservoir technique for SO tamponade placement reduces the risk of IOP elevation, minimizes the need for reoperation, and decreases SO complications. These findings support the reservoir technique as a reliable and consistent method for SO placement in complex vitreoretinal surgeries.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Wisconsin silicone oil study (report #1): anatomical and functional outcomes of repair of retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy

  Eye · 2024-05-14 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• SUPPLEMENTAL DEXTROSE IN THE INFUSION FLUID DURING DIABETIC VITRECTOMY

  Retina · 2024-07-05

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  PURPOSE: Historically, supplemental dextrose to infusion fluid has been used to reduce the need for intraoperative lensectomies to maintain visualization during diabetic vitrectomy. Valved, small-gauge vitrectomy has reduced surgical time and decreased intraoperative fluid flow. Assessment of supplemental dextrose in modern vitrectomy is presented in this study. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of diabetic patients undergoing vitrectomy was conducted. The dextrose group received supplemental dextrose in the infusion fluid, while the nondextrose group used a standard balanced salt solution (BSS Plus). Group assignment was per surgeons' typical practice patterns. Eyes with tractional retinal detachments were also evaluated as a subgroup. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty phakic eyes were included. Supplemental dextrose was used in 199 eyes (60.3%). One unplanned lensectomy was performed in this series, in the nondextrose group, not statistically different from the dextrose group, with zero lensectomies (P = 0.4). Cataract survival curves overlapped for all eyes and for the tractional retinal detachment subgroup. CONCLUSION: In modern vitrectomy, unplanned lensectomy is rare. No difference was observed in the rate of intraoperative lensectomies or overall postoperative cataract course with or without dextrose supplementation to the infusion fluid. Standard solutions appear to be adequate for infusion, even for diabetics.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Four-Year Visual Outcomes in the Protocol W Randomized Trial of Intravitreous Aflibercept for Prevention of Vision-Threatening Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy

  JAMA · 2023 · 58 citations

  • Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Surgery

  Importance: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections in eyes with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) without center-involved diabetic macular edema (CI-DME) reduce development of vision-threatening complications from diabetes over at least 2 years, but whether this treatment has a longer-term benefit on visual acuity is unknown. Objective: To compare the primary 4-year outcomes of visual acuity and rates of vision-threatening complications in eyes with moderate to severe NPDR treated with intravitreal aflibercept compared with sham. The primary 2-year analysis of this study has been reported. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial conducted at 64 clinical sites in the US and Canada from January 2016 to March 2018, enrolling 328 adults (399 eyes) with moderate to severe NPDR (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] severity level 43-53; range, 0 [worst] to 100 [best]) without CI-DME. Interventions: Eyes were randomly assigned to 2.0 mg aflibercept (n = 200) or sham (n = 199). Eight injections were administered at defined intervals through 2 years, continuing quarterly through 4 years unless the eye improved to mild NPDR or better. Aflibercept was given in both groups to treat development of high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or CI-DME with vision loss. Main Outcomes and Measures: Development of PDR or CI-DME with vision loss (≥10 letters at 1 visit or ≥5 letters at 2 consecutive visits) and change in visual acuity (best corrected ETDRS letter score) from baseline to 4 years. Results: Among participants (mean age 56 years; 42.4% female; 5% Asian, 15% Black, 32% Hispanic, 45% White), the 4-year cumulative probability of developing PDR or CI-DME with vision loss was 33.9% with aflibercept vs 56.9% with sham (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.40 [97.5% CI, 0.28 to 0.57]; P < .001). The mean (SD) change in visual acuity from baseline to 4 years was -2.7 (6.5) letters with aflibercept and -2.4 (5.8) letters with sham (adjusted mean difference, -0.5 letters [97.5% CI, -2.3 to 1.3]; P = .52). Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration cardiovascular/cerebrovascular event rates were 9.9% (7 of 71) in bilateral participants, 10.9% (14 of 129) in unilateral aflibercept participants, and 7.8% (10 of 128) in unilateral sham participants. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with NPDR but without CI-DME at 4 years treatment with aflibercept vs sham, initiating aflibercept treatment only if vision-threatening complications developed, resulted in statistically significant anatomic improvement but no improvement in visual acuity. Aflibercept as a preventive strategy, as used in this trial, may not be generally warranted for patients with NPDR without CI-DME. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02634333.

  DOI

• Ocular Findings Aid in Diagnosis of West Nile Virus.

  PubMed · 2023-07-01 · 2 citations

  article

  INTRODUCTION: West Nile virus disease, which is endemic to the United States, is a rarely reported systemic infection that can be difficult to diagnose. Chorioretinitis is an uncommon manifestation of West Nile virus but has pathognomonic ocular findings that can aid in diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old man presented with acute onset fever, chills, and dyspnea. He underwent an extensive but nondiagnostic workup during hospitalization. New visual complaints prompted ophthalmology consultation. Funduscopic examination showed macular hemorrhages and midperipheral chorioretinal lesions. Fluorescein angiography revealed target-like lesions in a radial distribution, which is pathognomonic for West Nile virus chorioretinitis. Serology confirmed the diagnosis of West Nile virus disease. Systemic and ocular symptoms improved with supportive care. DISCUSSION: West Nile virus disease has many nonspecific manifestations. History of recent mosquito exposure is not always readily elicited. In patients with visual symptoms, eye examination can help in its diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: West Nile virus should be considered in patients with acute febrile or neurological illness during mosquito season.

  Publisher

• Redefining the Spectrum of Pentosan Polysulfate Retinopathy

  Ophthalmology Retina · 2022 · 10 citations

  • Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  PublisherDOI

• Predominantly Persistent Intraretinal Fluid in the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials

  Ophthalmology Retina · 2022 · 22 citations

  • Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Surgery
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Reporting of Complications in Retinal Detachment Surgical Trials

  JAMA Ophthalmology · 2021-06-17 · 7 citations

  articleOpen access

  IMPORTANCE: Knowledge on the frequency and severity of complications in surgical trials for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is essential to determine whether surgical procedures are developed and compared adequately, taking into account not only efficacy but also harms. OBJECTIVE: To review standards of reporting of complications in recent randomized clinical trials of RRD surgery. EVIDENCE REVIEW: This systematic review included randomized clinical trials on RRD surgery published between January 2008 and January 2021 in Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles retrieved were reviewed for eligibility by 2 independent authors. Eligible studies were evaluated against checklist items from the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Extension for Harms criteria by 2 independent authors, and discrepancies were resolved by discussion with a third author. FINDINGS: Fifty studies were included. The median number of checklist items fulfilled was 8 (range, 0-15), of a possible total of 18. Frequently reported items were discussions balanced with regard to efficacy and adverse events (42 studies [84%]) and inclusions of harm-associated timing of data collection (41 studies [82%]). The least frequently reported items were distinctions between expected and unexpected adverse events (1 study [2%]) and mentions of the use of a validated instrument to report adverse event severity (4 studies [8%]). Frequency of complications was commonly reported (29 studies [58%]) in contrast with complication severity (10 studies [20%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This review suggests that severity of complications of RRD surgery has been infrequently quantified and reported in randomized clinical trials and potentially represents an important area of improvement in future RRD surgical trials.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Central Retinal Thickness and Visual Acuity Outcomes After Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane With and Without Internal Limiting Membrane Peel

  Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases · 2021-05-06

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Purpose: This work compares best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) outcome measures following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel for epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 114 eyes of 114 patients with visually significant ERM undergoing PPV with membrane peel (PPV/MP) at a single institution. CRT measurements were collected from Heidelberg and Zeiss spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging units. Results compared preoperative and postoperative CRT and BCVA among patients with at least 60 days of follow-up. Results: A total of 114 eyes with ERM met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-one eyes (71%) underwent PPV/MP with ILM peel and 33 eyes (29%) underwent PPV/MP without ILM peel. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative CRT between the 2 study groups ( P = .95). The mean follow-up time of eyes undergoing PPV/MP without ILM peel and with ILM peel was 391 days and 319 days, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the mean reduction of CRT between the 2 groups ( P = .470). Both groups had improvement of BCVA following surgery and there was no statistical difference in final logMAR visual acuity when comparing the 2 groups ( P = .738). Conclusions: There was an overall improvement of CRT and BCVA among patients undergoing PPV/MP for ERM with or without ILM peel. There was no statistically significant difference in the final BCVA or CRT between the 2 groups.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Michael S. Ip

  24 shared

• Maureen G. Maguire

  Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

  23 shared

• Daniel Martín

  22 shared

• Michael M. Altaweel

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  22 shared

• Juan E. Grunwald

  20 shared

• Glenn J. Jaffe

  18 shared

• Andrew N. Antoszyk

  Sydney Hospital

  17 shared

• Emily Y. Chew

  National Eye Institute

  17 shared

Education

• M.D., Ophthalmology

  University of Wisconsin–Madison

  2006

• B.S., Biology

  University of California, San Diego

  2002