Oral Echinacea purpurea extract in low-grade, steroid-dependent, autoimmune idiopathic uveitis: a pilot study.

AIM: The aim of to test efficacy and safety of Echinacea purpurea (echinacea) extract in the control of low-grade uveitis. METHODS: Fifty-one (51) patients with low-grade, steroid dependent, autoimmune uveitis were recruited; posterior uveitis was excluded. The start therapy was represented by topical desamethazone for anterior uveitis and oral prednisone, rapidly tapered, for anterior uveitis with inflammatory scores equal to +2 and in all cases of intermediate uveitis. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) decrease or improvement was defined as a reduction or increase of 2 or more letters seen from the initial BCVA; ETDRS chart was used. Thirty-two (32) patients (21 with anterior uveitis and 11 with intermediate uveitis) received Echinacea (150 mg twice/day) as add-on therapy, whereas 20 patients (10 with anterior uveitis and 9 with intermediate uveitis) were treated with the conventional steroid therapy alone. RESULTS: Thirty-one (31) patients showed anterior uveitis and 20 intermediate uveitis. The follow-up duration was 9 months. At the last follow-up, 19/21 patients with anterior uveitis and 9/11 with intermediate uveitis treated with echinacea presented uveitis settled, with a steroid-off time of 209 and 146 days, respectively. BCVA was stable or improved in 19/21 of anterior uveitis and 9/11 of intermediate uveitis. No adverse reactions supposed to be resulting from commercial-grade echinacea were recorded. Patients who did not receive echinacea required a longer treatment period with steroids with a steroid-off time of 121 and 87 days. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic echinacea appears safe and effective in the control of low-grade autoimmune idiopathic uveitis.     

Effects of infliximab in the treatment of refractory posterior uveitis of Behçet’s disease after withdrawal of infusions

To determine the efficacy of infliximab treatment in refractory posterior uveitis in Behçet’s disease after withdrawal of infusions. Four patients with posterior uveitis secondary to Behçet’s disease were treated with infliximab until complete remission and were followed after withdrawal of infusions. Intra-ocular inflammation was assessed using the binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy score, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and foveal thickness measured by optic coherence tomography (OCT). All the patients included in the study were treated with infliximab for a minimum of 12 months and were in complete remission. None of the patients were taking steroids or immunosuppressants. Main follow-up after withdrawal of infusions was 7.5 months. Two out of four patients (50%) maintained complete remission of posterior uveitis. BCVA was stable in seven eyes. OCT showed worsening in macular edema in the two eyes of the patients with reactivation. Infliximab is an efficient long-term treatment for refractory posterior uveitis. Repeated infusions are required to maintain long-term remission which may be sustained on discontinuation of the drug.     

Randomized Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Adalimumab in Patients with Different Forms of Refractory Uveitis

Purpose: TNF alpha inhibitors have revolutionized the care of vision-threatening uveitis. This study evaluated the efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) for the treatment of refractory noninfectious uveitis.

Design: Randomized, prospective, controlled, two-center clinical trial

Methods: Patients with active uveitis despite combined oral low-dose prednisolone and immunosuppression were randomized for additional ADA with corticosteroids in a fixed tapering regime, or corticosteroids only. Primary outcome measure at three months was improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; >2 lines). In case of treatment failure, switch to the other arm was possible.

Results: Twenty-five patients (10 ADA, 15 controls) were included. BCVA increased with ADA by > 2 lines in 6/10 patients (60%; mean increase of 0.23 logMAR), but in only 2/15 from controls (13%, mean increase of 0.04 logMAR, Fisher´s exact test p = 0.00221).

Conclusions: The results show superiority of ADA over controls in severe ocular inflammation including anterior uveitis.     

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease Over 12 Years at a Tertiary Center

Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease over a 12-year period.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was used to identify VKH patients, from January 1999 to December 2011.

Results: In total, 154 patients (308 eyes) were diagnosed with VKH. The mean age at diagnosis was 33.8?±?13 years. Mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/125; (0.8?±?0.6 logMAR). Recurrent episodes occurred in 107 (54%) patients. Oral prednisone was administered in all patients. At the last visit, the mean BCVA was 20/50 (0.4?±?0.7 logMAR). The most common complications post-treatment were: glaucoma [104 (33.8%) eyes] and cataract [84 (27.2%) eyes].

Conclusions: In Saudi Arabia, VKH-related uveitis is predominant in young females. Bilateral panuveitis is the most common ocular manifestation and near 50% of eyes present with exudative retinal detachment. Oral prednisone was the primary treatment and the majority of eyes maintained 20/50 or better vision.     

前后节联合手术治疗复杂性葡萄膜炎的临床疗效

目的：探讨前后节联合手术治疗眼后段组织受累的复杂性葡萄膜炎患者的初步临床疗效。方法：回顾性临床研究。收集2018年5月至2021年1月在首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院眼科接受前后节联合手术的葡萄膜炎合并白内障患者33例（33眼）的临床资料。根据致病原因分为：感染组16例（16眼）,其中巨细胞病毒性脉络膜视网膜炎4眼,疱疹病毒性葡萄膜炎3眼,弓形虫性葡萄膜炎2眼,急性视网膜坏死1眼,细菌或真菌性眼内炎6眼;非感染组17例（17眼）,其中特发性葡萄膜炎12眼,眼内淋巴瘤1眼,虹膜异色性睫状体炎2眼,幼年特发性关节炎性葡萄膜炎2眼。采用Wilcoxon符号秩检验分析所有患者手术前后的视力、眼压、房水闪辉指数变化以及组间术后视力差异。采用卡方检验比较不同组间术中植入人工晶状体（IOL）及硅油填充比例的差异。结果：全部患者的术前LogMAR最佳矫正视力（BCVA）为2.40（1.50,2.70）,术后BCVA为1.70（0.55,2.70）,术后视力明显提高（Z=-2.61,P=0.009）。术后,感染组LogMARBCVA为2.25（2.10,2.93）,非感染组为0.92（0.40,1.70）,且明显低于感染组（Z=-2.97,P=0.003）;感染组视力提高比例为44%,非感染组视力提高比例为71%。全部患者术前眼压为15.0,（10.0,18.5）mmHg（1mmHg=0.133kPa）,术后眼压为14.0（12.0,16.0）mmHg,手术前后眼压差异无统计学意义（Z=-0.02,P=0.983）。所有患者术前、术后房水闪辉指数分别为12.4（7.5,73.2）pc/ms和5.0（3.3,7.3）pc/ms,术后房水闪辉指数明显下降（Z=-2.99,P=0.003）。感染组植入IOL比例明显低于非感染组（χ2=6.94,P=0.008）,2组间硅油填充比例差异无统计学意义（χ2=0.25,P=0.619）。结论：前后节联合手术治疗眼后段组织受累的复杂性葡萄膜炎可以提高患者术后视力,有效控制炎症。     

Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Treatment of Refractory Behçet Posterior Uveitis: One-year Follow-up Results

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To investigate the results of dexamethasone (DEX) implant in the treatment of eyes with refractory Behçet posterior uveitis.

Methods: A total of 17 eyes of 12 patients with active Behçet posterior uveitis were enrolled in the study. A single intravitreal injection of DEX implant was applied to each eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), vitreous haze score, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were determined, at baseline and control visits of months 1, 3, 6, and 12.

Results: The mean BCVA was significantly increased from baseline at each control visit (all p?<?0.05). The mean CMT and vitreous haze score were significantly decreased from baseline at each control visit (all p?<?0.05). Three eyes showed IOP spikes requiring topical anti-glaucomatous treatment.

Conclusions: A single injection of DEX implant was safe and effective, as an additional treatment to systemic immunomodulatory drugs, in the treatment of refractory Behçet posterior uveitis, for a 6-month period.     

The spectrum of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in South India

Purpose To report the clinical spectrum of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in a tertiary care center in South India. Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with VKH disease who presented between January 1995 and December 2003, with a minimum follow-up of one year were reviewed. Results Of the 45 patients, 38 (84.44%) were female. The median age was 37 years (SD ± 14.23) and median duration of symptoms was 30 days (range 1 day to 1 year). 75.5% (34/45) presented with bilateral anterior uveitis. Posterior segment presentation included disc edema (31/45), bilateral serous retinal detachments (26/45), vitritis (17/45) and sunset glow (8/45). Extra ocular manifestations were seen in only 4/45 (tinnitus: 2, meningismus: 1, poliosis: 1). 97.7% (44/45) received oral Prednisolone (1 mg/kg body weight) for a median duration of 14 months. 69% (31/45) received additional three pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone and 22% (10/45) received a single infusion of intravenous Cyclophosphamide. One patient received intravitreal triamcinolone injection 53.33% (24/45) were treated with additional immunosupressants. At the first visit, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was ≥20/40 in 23 eyes (25.55%) and ≤20/400 in 37 eyes (41.11%). At one year, 61 eyes (67.77%) achieved BCVA of ≥20/40 while 12 eyes (13.33%) had BCVA ≤20/400. Complicated cataract, glaucoma and macular scar were the major complications encountered. Conclusions Majority of patients with ocular VKH presented with anterior uveitis and serous retinal detachments and disc edema. Extra-ocular signs are rare in our patients. Visual prognosis is good with treatment with adequate long-term corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents.     

Intraoperative Dexamethasone Implant in Uveitis Patients with Cataract Undergoing Phacoemulsification

Abstract

Purpose: To study the role of intraoperative intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients of uveitis with cataract undergoing phacoemulsification.

Methods: This prospective study included 20 patients with uveitis and cataract who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Ten patients (10 eyes) received an intravitreal dexamethasone implant intraoperatively (implant group), and 10 patients (10 eyes) received oral steroids (steroid group). Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT).

Results: The logMar BCVA improved from 0.93?±?0.49 to 0.23?±?0.23 and from 1.29?±?0.47 to 0.22?±?0.16 in the implant and steroid groups, respectively. Postoperative IOP and CMT showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. None of the patients in either group had significant IOP rise requiring any surgical intervention.

Conclusions: A single intraoperative intravitreal dexamethasone implant during phacoemulsification in patients of uveitis with cataract seems to be an effective alternative for postoperative oral steroids.     

Interferon Alpha for Refractory Pseudophakic Cystoid Macular Edema (Irvine-Gass Syndrome)

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of systemic interferon alpha-2a (IFN) for refractory pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME).

Methods: Retrospective observational study. The primary outcome was the decrease of central retinal thickness (CRT). Secondary endpoints were the improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the assessment of IFN-related side effects.

Results: Twenty-four eyes of 20 patients were included. The median CRT was 513 µm (range 220–980 µm) at baseline and decreased to 190 µm (range 140–520 µm) at the last follow-up visit (p < 0.001). Reduction of CRT greater than 100 µm was observed in 22 eyes (92%). The median BCVA (logMAR) increased statistically significant from 0.5 (range 0.2–1.5) at baseline to 0.3 (0–0.8) at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). The BCVA improved in 18 eyes (75%) and remained stable in five eyes (21%). No severe treatment-related side effects occurred.

Conclusion: IFN is a very effective agent for treatment of refractory PCME.     

Intravenous Ceftriaxone for Syphilitic Uveitis

Purpose: Report of clinical/multimodal imaging outcomes of patients with syphilitic uveitis alternatively treated with intravenous(IV) ceftriaxone, due to unavailability of penicillin G.

Methods: Chart review of all cases of syphilitic uveitis presenting to Hospital São Geraldo/HC-UFMG and treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, between January and August 2014. Clinical, serological and ophthalmological data were collected.

Results: Twelve consecutive patients with syphilitic uveitis receiving IV ceftriaxone were identified. All 24 eyes had active intraocular inflammation on clinical examination. All patients received IV ceftriaxone (2–4 g daily) for 14–21 days, supplemented with oral corticosteroid as needed in 9 patients (75%), after documented clinical response. Improvement in intraocular inflammation was seen in all 24 eyes, with median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increasing from 20/50 to 20/20, after a mean follow-up of 5.3 months.

Conclusion: IV ceftriaxone may be an effective alternative for treatment of syphilitic uveitis, in the setting of unavailability of penicillin G.     

地塞米松玻璃体内植入剂在非感染性葡萄膜炎继发黄斑水肿患者治疗中的作用

目的　观察地塞米松玻璃体内植入剂在治疗非感染性葡萄膜炎继发黄斑水肿中的安全性和临床疗效。方法　回顾性分析我院2019年12月至2021年12月临床确诊的非感染性葡萄膜炎继发黄斑水肿患者30例（30眼）,给予玻璃体内注射地塞米松玻璃体内植入剂治疗。所有患眼均行最佳矫正视力(BCVA)及眼压测量,并采用OCT测量黄斑中心视网膜厚度(CMT)。术后随访6个月,所有患者均于术前,术后1个月、3个月及6个月重复检测并比较BCVA、CMT。随访期间观察患者眼压变化,监测白内障进展、结膜下出血等眼部不良反应。结果　患者术前及术后1个月、3个月及6个月BCVA(logMAR)分别为0.74±0.37、0.47±0.29、0.28±0.14、0.37±0.17。患者术前,术后1个月、3个月及6个月CMT分别为(372.12± 99.42)μm、(298.14±82.44)μm、(278.45±62.43)μm、(289.31±56.34)μm。患者各时间点BCVA、CMT差异均有统计学意义（均为P<0.05)。与术前相比,患者术后1个月、3个月及6个月BCVA和CMT差异均有统计学意义（均为P<0.05）。术后各时间点两两比较结果显示,患者BCVA和CMT差异均无统计学意义（均为P>0.05)。随访期间有6例患者出现眼压升高（≥25 mmHg,1 kPa=7.5 mmHg）,经局部降眼压药物应用后降至正常水平。4例患者出现白内障进展,均无需手术治疗。结论　玻璃体内注射地塞米松玻璃体内植入剂能够提高患者视力及降低CMT,有效治疗非感染性葡萄膜炎继发黄斑水肿。     

Infliximab in the treatment of refractory posterior uveitis

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of infliximab in the treatment of refractory posterior uveitis. DESIGN: Noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five patients with posterior uveitis were treated: 3 had Beh?et's syndrome, and 2 had idiopathic posterior uveitis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with sight-threatening uveitis refractory to other immunosuppressive agents were treated with infliximab. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular inflammation, by using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy score, retinal vasculitis, and visual acuity. Adverse effects of infliximab were documented. RESULTS: Within 2 weeks of the first infusion of infliximab, 4 of 5 patients showed marked improvement in vitreous haze and visual acuity. By the 6-month follow-up, the same four patients had achieved remission of posterior uveitis and had successfully withdrawn all other immunosuppressive therapy. Further infusions of infliximab were required in 3 patients. One patient developed ocular and systemic tuberculosis, which responded to antituberculous treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab is effective in the treatment of sight-threatening refractory posterior uveitis. However, patients should be thoroughly screened for tuberculosis before treatment and followed up closely during and after therapy with infliximab.     

Safety and efficacy of intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide injection after phacoemulsification in cases of uveitic cataract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide after phacoemulsification in patients with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis or intermediate uveitis. SETTING: Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study included 40 eyes (40 patients) with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis or intermediate uveitis that had phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Twenty eyes received an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1 mL) intraoperatively (triamcinolone acetonide group), and 20 received oral steroids (steroid group) postoperatively. Outcome measures were Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber reaction, intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry, and central macular thickness by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The mean BCVA (decimal) improved from a baseline of 0.13 +/- 0.14 to 0.64 +/- 0.32 in the triamcinolone acetonide group and from 0.05 +/- 0.06 to 0.61 +/- 0.36 in the steroid group (P = .74). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative anterior chamber reaction, IOP, or central macular thickness. Four patients in the triamcinolone acetonide group and 5 in the steroid group had recurrence of uveitis; 5 patients in the triamcinolone acetonide group had ocular hypertension. One patient in the triamcinolone acetonide group and 3 in the steroid group had cystoid macular edema postoperatively. CONCLUSION: A single intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide seemed to be a safe and efficacious route of steroid delivery during phacoemulsification in patients with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis or intermediate uveitis and is recommended as a substitute for postoperative oral steroid administration.     

Uveitis in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa: 30 Years’ Consecutive Data

Purpose: To describe the clinical pattern of uveitis in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at a tertiary care eye hospital over a period of 30 years.

Methods: The medical records of 32 eyes of 22 patients of RP with uveitis were included in this study. Collected data included age, subsets of uveitis, best corrected visual acuities (BCVA), detailed laboratory investigations, and treatment.

Results: Mean age at presentation was 53.4 ± 18.8 years, and mean age of diagnosis of RP was 39.2 ± 21.4 years. Uveitis was bilateral in 10 (45.5%) patients. The most common of uveitis in current study was anterior uveitis (56.2%), followed by intermediate uveitis (43.8%). Cataract developed in 12 (37.5%) eyes, and three eyes had raised intraocular pressure. Ten patients (45.5%) required oral steroid, and one patient required oral methotrexate.

Conclusions: Uveitis in RP patients is rare, but not uncommon. Coexistence of these disorders might support the inflammatory pathway in etiology of RP.     

Sterile endophthalmitis after intravitreal triamcinolone: a possible association with uveitis

PURPOSE: To report an association between uveitis and sterile endophthalmitis after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients receiving intravitreal triamcinolone injection at the Cole Eye Institute from January 2006 through September 2006 was carried out to evaluate for the occurrence of bacterial or sterile endophthalmitis. Indication for treatment, ocular history, best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, and clinical examination findings were recorded from the clinical charts before injection and at last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 310 eyes received intravitreal triamcinolone injection for various causes, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, vascular occlusion, and cystoid macular edema (CME) resulting from uveitis. There were no cases of culture-positive infectious endophthalmitis. There were six cases (1.9%) of sterile endophthalmitis. Of these six cases, four had prior history of uveitis, whereas only 20 of the 310 cases had a prior history of uveitis. All six patients sought treatment within three days of injection, and all recovered rapidly. Presenting visual acuity was either counting fingers or hand movements. Median best-corrected visual acuity before injection was 20/100(+), whereas median final visual acuity was 20/80(-). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of uveitis may be at increased risk of experiencing sterile endophthalmitis resulting from intravitreal triamcinolone injection.     

Full macular translocation following photodynamic therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To report the long-term functional and anatomical outcome of full macular translocation (FMT) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) following photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: Twelve eyes of 12 consecutive patients with neovascular AMD who were PDT-nonresponders and underwent FMT were analysed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography at baseline and at follow-up examinations in 3 months intervals were performed. Primary end point was change of BCVA from baseline to last visit. RESULTS: Totally 12 eyes of 12 patients were analysed. Mean time interval between the last PDT and FMT was 3.7 months (range 1-10 months). Mean follow-up after FMT was 25.6 months. BCVA ranged at baseline from 20/1000 to 20/80 (mean 20/230). At the last visit, mean BCVA was by 20/185. BCVA improved in 50% (6/12) of eyes by more than 1 line. Twenty five per cent (3/12) of eyes had final BCVA within +/-1 line from baseline. In 25% (3/12) of eyes the BCVA decreased by more than 1 line. One eye had recurrent CNV. In four eyes a cystoid macular oedema developed. No retinal detachment or disturbing diplopia was noted. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, FMT in PDT-nonresponders stabilised or improved visual acuity in the majority of the eyes in a mean follow-up period of nearly 2 years. FMT can be considered as a therapeutical option in eyes who are nonresponders to the PDT in neovascular AMD.     

Intravitreal pegaptanib sodium for Irvine-Gass syndrome

PURPOSE: To report the novel use of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium for the treatment of refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract extraction. METHODS: A 72-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity in his right eye 8 months after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. His bestcorrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/125 in the affected eye, and fundus examination revealed CME despite 6 months of oral and topical indomethacin therapy. Fluorescein angiography (FA) showed leakage in the central region with no signs of neovascularization, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the diagnosis with thickening of the fovea. Because of his history of glaucoma, the patient chose to be treated with intravitreal pegaptanib sodium 0.3 mg. RESULTS: At the 1-week follow-up, BCVA was 20/25, and the FA and OCT revealed almost total resolution of the CME with no adverse sequelae. Six months postinjection, the patient's BCVA remained 20/25 with no recurrence of CME. Perimetry revealed a stable fixation within 4 degrees with slight reduction of sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition with intravitreal pegaptanib sodium appears to be of benefit in the treatment of chronic refractory CME with improvement of visual acuity. Studies evaluating pegaptanib's use in this setting with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety.     

Mycophenolate sodium in the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory non-infectious inflammatory uveitis (MySTRI study)

ObjectivesTo evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety profile of next generation mycophenolate sodium (MPS), which is different from mycophenolate mofetil with an enteric-coated formulation, in corticosteroid-refractory non-infectious inflammatory uveitis (CRU) patients.MethodsProspective, uncontrolled, open-label interventional case series. Forty consecutive patients at a tertiary uveitis referral centre received 6 months of oral MPS as the treatment regimen with follow-up 12 months. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), inflammatory index, steroid-sparing effect of tapering prednisone to ≤10 mg daily and side effects.ResultsMean age of enroled patients was 49 (49 ± 13) years and 29 (72.5%) were female. Thirty-six (90.0%) had bilateral disease. There were 0 (0%) anterior uveitis, 2 (5.0%) intermediate uveitis, 22 (55.0%) posterior uveitis, and 16 (40.0%) panuveitis. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease was the most common diagnosis (17/40, 42.5%), followed by idiopathic panuveitis (8/40, 20%) and idiopathic retinal vasculitis (5/40, 12.5%). LogMAR BCVA improved from 0.9 (SD = 0.09) to 0.31 (SD = 0.08) after 6 months of MPS with good steroid-sparing effect (p = 0.012). Further maintenance in LogMAR BCVA was evident after MPS discontinuation from 6th month to 12th month, from 0.31 (SD = 0.08) to 0.33 (SD = 0.07), respectively (p = 0.81). MPS was the only immunosuppressive drug needed to reach quiescent state in 29 patients (72.5%). The drug-related safety profile was satisfactory.ConclusionMPS is an effective steroid-sparing drug for the treatment of CRU. The effect seen was not only during the 6 months of therapy, but also extended to 12 months to maintain BCVA and inflammation control. The side effects were acceptable.Subject terms: Uveal diseases, Outcomes research     

Long-term visual outcomes of vitrectomy for cystoid macular edema due to nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE: To report the long-term surgical outcome of vitrectomy for cystoid macular edema due to nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 25 consecutive eyes (25 patients) with cystoid macular edema due to nonischemic CRVO treated with vitrectomy was performed. All patients underwent a pars plana vitrectomy with the creation of a posterior vitreous detachment if still attached. Simultaneous phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was also performed in phakic eyes. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and changes in macular edema shown by contact-lens biomicroscopy. The mean follow-up time was 49 months (range, 16-108). RESULTS: The median BCVA before surgery was 0.31 and the median BCVA at last follow-up was 0.67. The BCVA at the last follow-up improved at least two Snellen lines in 17 (68%), remained unchanged in 4 (16%), and worsened in 4 (16%). The BCVA was 20/40 or better in 3 eyes (12%) preoperatively and in 18 eyes (72%) at the last follow-up. During the follow-up, four patients progressed to ischemic CRVO; one of them had neovascular glaucoma requiring surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that vitrectomy appears to be a possibly effective treatment in some eyes with cystoid macular edema associated with nonischemic CRVO.