Silicone oil tamponade for persistent macular holes

BackgroundA variety of treatment strategies have been proposed for macular holes that persist or recur after surgery, and the debate about the best re-treatment approach is ongoing. To allow for a comparison with alternative surgical therapies, we assessed the anatomical and functional outcome of a temporary tamponade with conventional silicone oil in persistent or recurrent full-thickness macular holes.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated consecutive patients with full-thickness macular holes that persisted or recurred following vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade. All patients received re-treatment by temporary tamponade of silicone oil and were allowed free postoperative positioning. Anatomical closure rate was assessed by optical coherence tomography, and change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was analyzed.ResultsA total of 33 eyes of 33 consecutive patients were included. Macular hole closure following silicone oil tamponade was achieved in 30 of 33 eyes (90.9%). Median BCVA improved from 1.00 logMAR (interquartile range, 0.60–1.00) to 0.65 logMAR (0.49–1.00; p = 0.010) after silicone oil removal. In patients with macular hole closure, 61.3% exhibited functional improvement with median BCVA changing from 1.00 logMAR (0.70–1.00) to 0.60 logMAR (0.49–1.00; p = 0.0005). Mean minimal linear diameter of macular holes before primary surgery was 391.0 µm (±137.8; range 133–630), and 48.5% of macular holes were >400 µm in diameter.ConclusionsTreatment of persistent or recurrent full-thickness macular holes by temporary conventional silicone oil tamponade without postoperative positioning results in a high closure rate and a significant mean improvement of visual acuity.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Retinal diseases     

Indistinct retinal outer layers in the walls of the idiopathic full-thickness macular hole - A potential predictive biomarker for surgical outcomes

Purpose:To evaluate the absence of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (indistinct retinal outer layers, I-ROL) in the walls of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) circumferentially on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and its correlation with surgical outcome.Methods:In this retrospective observational study, OCT images of patients undergoing vitrectomy for FTMHs with at least 3-months of postoperative follow-up were analyzed for preoperative circumferential extent of I-ROL. Derived macular hole indices such as hole form factor (HFF), macular hole index (MHI), tractional hole index (THI), and hole diameter ratio (HDR) were also calculated. The circumferential extent of I-ROL was correlated with derived hole indices as well as anatomical closure, foveal architecture, and restoration of ELM following surgery.Results:All nine eyes (eight patients) with FTMH (mean size: 610.11 ± 122.95 microns) in the study showed I-ROL in ≥1 quadrant. The mean HFF, MHI, THI, and HDR values were 0.72 ± 0.09, 0.35 ± 0.05, 0.71 ± 0.24, and 0.53 ± 0.14, respectively. All eyes achieved type-1 hole closure with improvement in best-corrected visual acuity to 0.58 ± 0.32 LogMAR from 0.81 ± 0.26 LogMAR. Regular foveal architecture was achieved in six eyes. Out of these, five eyes had I-ROL in ≥2 quadrants, and one eye had I-ROL in <2 quadrants (P = 0.0476). Restoration of ELM was seen in aforementioned six eyes (complete = 5, partial = 1). Out of the five eyes with complete ELM restoration, four had a circumferential extent of I-ROL in ≥2 quadrants (P = 0.0476). Complete restoration of ELM was associated with the complete restoration of the ellipsoid zone in three eyes.Conclusion:Preoperative circumferential extent of I-ROL in FTMH walls can be a potential predictive OCT marker for the type of closure, postoperative foveal architecture, and ELM restoration.     

Factors affecting anatomical and visual outcome after macular hole surgery: findings from a large prospective UK cohort

ObjectivesTo reassess the definition of a large macular hole, factors predicting hole closure and post-surgery visual recovery.DesignDatabase study of 1483 primary macular hole operations. Eligible operations were primary MH operations treated with a vitrectomy and a gas or air tamponade. Excluded were eyes with a history of retinal detachment, high myopia, previous vitrectomy or trauma.ResultsA higher proportion of operations were performed in eyes from females (71.1%) who were ‘on average’ younger (p < 0.001), with slightly larger holes (p < 0.001) than male patients. Sulfur hexafluoride gas was generally used for smaller holes (p < 0.001). From 1253 operations with a known surgical outcome, successful hole closure was achieved in 1199 (96%) and influenced by smaller holes and complete ILM peeling (p < 0.001), but not post-surgery positioning (p = 0.072). A minimum linear diameter of ~500 μm marked the threshold where the success rate started to decline. From the 1056 successfully closed operations eligible for visual outcome analysis, visual success (defined as visual acuity of 0.30 or better logMAR) was achieved in 488 (46.2%) eyes. At the multivariate level, the factors predicting visual success were better pre-operative VA, smaller hole size, shorter duration of symptoms and the absence of AMD.ConclusionsFemales undergoing primary macular hole surgery tend to be younger and have larger holes than male patients. The definition of a large hole should be changed to around 500 μm, and patients should be operated on early to help achieve a good post-operative VA.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Retinal diseases     

Anatomical and functional outcomes one year after vitrectomy and retinal massage for large macular holes

Purpose:The aim of this study was to report results of macular hole closure, visual benefit and longitudinal changes in foveal architecture over 1 year following macular hole surgery with retinal massage.Methods:Records of patients with full thickness macular hole (FTMH) with minimum basal diameter of 550 μ who underwent vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and retinal massage were drawn up. Retinal massage was performed after dye assisted ILM peeling, using a 27G flute needle with a long and soft silicone tip under air in a centripetal direction around the FTMH. At the end, 10% C₃F₈ gas was used as tamponade. The foveal contour at 1 year follow up was recorded based on its cross sectional appearance on OCT and was classified into U, V and irregular types of closure as previously described.Results:Forty-one eyes of 41 patients with a mean age of 70.4 ± 6.9 years were included. The mean preoperative vision was 0.99 ± 0.07 logMAR and mean maximum basal diameter of the FTMH was 835 ± 208 μ. Macular hole closure was seen in all patients at 1-month follow up. The BCVA improved to 0.5 ± 0.1 log MAR at 6 months (P < 0.001) and then stabilized. The U shaped closure was the commonest pattern (n = 22, 54%), followed by V-shaped closure (n = 16, 39%) while irregular closure was seen in 3 eyes (7%).Conclusion:Retinal massage after ILM peeling is a very simple, and as yet under-utilized manoeuvre that may improve hole closure rates and lead to potentially greater improvement in vision compared to existing techniques for large holes.     

Surgical outcome of full-thickness macular hole secondary to tractional retinal detachment in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Purpose:To evaluate the surgical outcome of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) secondary to active fibrovascular proliferation (FVP) and tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and factors influencing the outcome.Methods:This retrospective study included the patients who underwent vitrectomy for FTMH secondary to PDR TRD from 2016 to 2020. Anatomical and visual outcomes were analyzed after six months along with the factors predicting the final outcome and duration of subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution.Results:Group A (macula-off combined RD, i.e., tractional and rhegmatogenous) included 10 eyes, while group B (macula-threatening TRD) included eight eyes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from logMAR 1.21 (Snellen equivalent: 20/324) to logMAR 0.76 (Snellen equivalent: 20/115) (P = 0.008). Seventeen patients gained ≥1 line(s) of vision. Mean visual gain in groups A and B was 3.7 ± 1.9 and 1.9 ± 1.1 lines, respectively (P = 0.051). MH closed in 88.9% eyes. Type 1 anatomical closure was achieved in 88.9% of eyes. At 6 months, SRF and central macular thickness reduced from 479.6 ± 512.5 μm to 11.4 ± 23.5 μm (P = 0.002) and 874.3 ± 422.6 μm to 207.6 ± 81.7 μm (P = 0.0002), respectively. Finally, macular SRF resolved in all the patients. The mean duration for complete SRF resolution was 4.9 ± 3.2 months. Eyes with a shorter duration of diabetes mellitus (rho = −0.49, P = 0.040) and macula-off combined RD (P = 0.048) took a longer time for complete SRF resolution.Conclusion:Good anatomical and visual outcomes can be achieved in eyes with PDR TRD-associated FTMH. The residual macular SRF resolves slowly after the surgery and extra intervention is not required. Macula-off combined RD is associated with worse outcome and a slower SRF resolution rate.     

Postoperative microstructural re-modelling and functional outcomes in idiopathic full thickness macular hole

Purpose:To analyze the effect of various macular hole indices and postoperative microstructural changes of all retinal layers on postoperative functional outcomes in patients with idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH).Methods:In this prospective study, pre and post-operative optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of 36 eyes with idiopathic FTMH were analyzed. Hole indices and microstructural changes of all retinal layers such as ellipsoid zone (EZ), external limiting membrane (ELM) integrity, outer and inner retinal defects, and cystoid resolution were studied on follow-up visits.Results:Out of 36 eyes, type-1 closure was achieved in 23 eyes (65.7%) and type-2 closure in 11 eyes (31.42%), one eye showed persistent hole, and one eye was lost to follow-up. The mean minimum diameter of hole (P = 0.026), mean MHI (P = 0.001), DHI (P = 0.158), THI (P = 0.001), and HFF (P < 0.001) showed statistical significance with the type of hole closure. Postoperatively, eyes with intact ELM and EZ had better BCVA at the final visit. The BCVA was better by logMAR 0.73 ± 0.38 (P < 0.001) in patients with absent outer retinal defects. There was a significant difference in BCVA of 0.52 ± 0.35 at 1 month and 0.64 ± 0.34 at 6 months in eyes without inner retinal defects (P < 0.001). At 6 months, cystoid resolution was observed in 28 (80%) eyes. BCVA was significantly better at 1 month (P < 0.001) and at 6 months (P = 0.001) in eyes with no DONFL.Conclusion:Macular hole indices determine the closure type. Postoperative regeneration of outer retinal layers and resolution of retinal defects significantly influence the final visual outcomes. ELM recovery is seen as a prerequisite for EZ regeneration with no new IRD after a period of 3 months.     

Refractive and visual outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes with thin corneas

ObjectivesTo report the refractive and visual outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with the thinnest corneal thickness (CCT) of less than 500 µm and evaluate it in terms of safety and efficacy.SettingRefractive Surgery Clinic of University of Health Sciences Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsThe pre-and-postoperative examinations of all patients with thin corneas (preoperative CCT <500 µm) who underwent the SMILE procedure and had a minimum of 24 months of follow-up records were reviewed from medical files. The main outcome measures of the refractive and visual outcomes and the effect on corneal high order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated.ResultsThe study included 55 eyes of 39 patients. The mean preoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA) was 1.3 ± 1.5 logMAR, and the mean postoperative UDVA was significantly improved to 0.05 ± 0.80 logMAR at the last visit (p < 0.001). At the last follow-up, 84% of the eyes were within ± 0.50D, and 96% of the eyes were within ±1.00D of attempted SE refraction. The HOAs of coma (p < 0.001), secondary astigmatism (p = 0.015), spherical aberration (p < 0.001), and RMS (p < 0.001) aberrations increased significantly from the baseline to the postoperative last visit. The increase in trefoil was not significant (p = 0.32). No sight threatening complications or ectasia were observed during the follow-up time.ConclusionSMILE is a safe and effective technique with long-term stability for treatment of myopia in eyes with a thin cornea, and satisfactory results can be obtained if candidates for surgery are selected carefully with particular emphasis on normal preoperative corneal topography.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Refractive errors     

Sequential restoration of external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone after intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in diabetic macular oedema

Background/ObjectivesTo study the mechanism of restoration of retinal photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ), after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) therapy, in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).Subjects/MethodsForty-four consecutive patients aged 40–65 years having type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with DMO were prospectively recruited for IVB therapy. It comprised of three doses (1.25 mg in 0.05 ml) of IVB at monthly intervals. Patients with other ocular and systemic diseases affecting retinal vessels and earlier ophthalmological interventions were excluded. Visual acuity (logMAR VA) was recorded. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed pre and post intervention. Central sub-foveal thickness (CST) and grades of disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), external limiting membrane (ELM) and EZ were assessed. Data were statistically analysed on SPSS software. Clinical trials registry: CTRI/2019/03/018135.ResultsMean logMAR VA decreased after IVB therapy from 1.78 ± 0.07 pre-intervention to 0.42 ± 0.05 post intervention (p < 0.001). Similarly, CST reduced from 354.23 ± 15.0 µm pre-intervention to 233.18 ± 7.88 µm post intervention (p < 0.001). Among qualitative variables, DRIL decreased from 93.2% pre-intervention to 13.6% post intervention. Likewise, global ELM disruption reduced from 81.8 to 9.1% and global EZ disruption reduced from 79.5 to 11.4%. ELM restoration preceded EZ restoration.ConclusionAnti-VEGF therapy restores the barrier effect of ELM. It causes ELM to restore first followed by EZ restoration in DMO.Subject terms: Retinal diseases, Tomography, Chemotherapy     

Visual and autorefraction outcomes following toric intraocular lens insertion without calculation of posterior corneal astigmatism in the UK National Health Service

ObjectiveTo ascertain visual and refractive outcomes following toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the UK National Health Service (NHS) without posterior corneal astigmatism calculation, with multiple surgeons of different grades, pooled input and output pathways and autorefraction as the refractive outcome measure.MethodsPreoperative and 1-month post-operative data were analysed retrospectively in 114 eyes (95 patients) receiving a toric IOL between 2014 and 2016 at Imperial College NHS Trust. Preoperative keratometric astigmatism was ≥2 dioptres (D).ResultsMean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.50 logMAR (±0.46), improving to a mean uncorrected VA (UCVA) of 0.35 logMAR (±0.36) postoperatively (p < 0.001) with 65% of eyes attaining a UCVA ≤ 0.30 logMAR. Excluding 33 eyes with pre-existing visual comorbidities and one targeting monovision, mean post-operative UCVA was 0.24 logMAR (±0.29) (p < 0.001), and 85% had UCVA ≤ 0.30 logMAR, 62% UCVA ≤ 0.20 logMAR. Mean refractive astigmatism improved from 3.04 D (±1.46) to 1.36 D (±1.13) (p < 0.001). In total, 52% of eyes had post-operative refractive astigmatism ≤1.00 D. The Alpins correction index was 1.05 (±0.22), indicating a tendency to overcorrect. Toric IOL misalignment was noted in two eyes, and two cases of posterior capsule rupture were converted to a non-toric IOL.ConclusionsVisual outcomes of toric IOL implantation in our pooled pathway are comparable to single-surgeon case series where posterior corneal astigmatism has not been accounted for. However, with 1-month post-operative autorefraction, only 52% of eyes had ≤1 D refractive astigmatism, which is lower than previously published series, but may be standard for 1-month autorefraction outcomes.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Health services     

A 12-month prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of using the treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept as a Second-Line Treatment for Diabetic Macular Oedema (the TADI Study)

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept as a second-line therapy in eyes with persistent diabetic macular oedema (DMO) despite receiving initial bevacizumab treatment.MethodsA prospective multicentre study was conducted in nine academic clinics in Israel. Starting from the first follow-up visit, a treat-and-extend regimen was applied in which the treatment intervals were extended by 2 weeks based on macular thickness using SD-OCT. The primary outcome was central subfield thickness (CST) at week 52.ResultsForty-four patients (n = 48 eyes) were recruited to the study, and 43 eyes completed 52 weeks of follow-up. Patients received a mean (±SD) of 7.9 ± 3.5 bevacizumab injections before enrolment. The mean (±SD) CST under aflibercept therapy decreased from 468 ± 131 μm at baseline to 303 ± 67 μm at 52 weeks (p = 0.002), and best corrected visual acuity improved from 64 ± 15 ETDRS letters at baseline to 75 ± 8 letters at week 52 (p = 0.001). Twenty (46%) eyes met the treat-and-extend criteria and received a mean (±SD) of 10.9 ± 2 aflibercept injections.ConclusionsEyes with persistent DMO following initial bevacizumab therapy had a marked reduction in macular thickness and improved visual acuity following 1 year of treatment with intravitreal aflibercept. Less than half of the patients met eligibility criteria for extension of the treatment interval; for these patients, the treat-and-extend regimen resulted in a maximum treatment interval of 10 weeks during the first year.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Retinal diseases     

Impact of injection frequency on 5-year real-world visual acuity outcomes of aflibercept therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

BackgroundTo evaluate the impact of injection frequency on yearly visual outcomes of patients treated with intravitreal aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) over a period of 5 years in a tertiary ophthalmic centre.DesignSingle centre, retrospective cohort study.ParticipantsConsecutive treatment-naive nAMD patients initiated on aflibercept injections 5 years ago.MethodsThe Moorfields OpenEyes database was searched for consecutive patients who were initiated on intravitreal aflibercept for nAMD in 2013–14 and the visual acuity (VA) in Early Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters and injection records per year were recorded for a period of 5 years. Analyses of the whole cohort and a sub-sample of 5-year completers were done. The cohort was further grouped into Group A (on continuous treatment), Group B (early cessation of treatment) and Group C (interrupted treatment) to evaluate the relation between treatment frequency and visual outcomes.Main outcome measuresThe primary end point was change in VA at 5 years; secondary outcomes included proportion of eyes that gained or maintained VA, number of injections received and the effect of treatment frequency.ResultsData were collected on 468 patients (512 eyes). Sixty-six percent of the patients completed 5-year follow-up. The mean age of the whole cohort was 79.5 ± 8.5 years and the mean baseline VA was 58.3 ± 15.4 letters. Amongst the completers, final VA change was −2.9 (SD 23.4) ETDRS letters and the cumulative number of injections over 5 years was 24.2 (10.6). Group A had three letter gain and received significantly higher cumulative number of injections over 5 years than Group B and C (31.8, 14.6 and 18.4 respectively, p = 0.001). After adjusting for age and baseline VA, on average, final VA was +8.0 letters higher in the ≥20 injections group than the <20 group (p = 0.001).ConclusionsAflibercept therapy results in sustained good visual outcome over 5 years in neovascular AMD eyes when early and persistent treatment is given.Subject terms: Macular degeneration, Vision disorders     

Peripapillary and macular choroidal vascularity index in patients with clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome

PurposeTo investigate choroidal vascular changes using an image binarization tool in patients with clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 150 eyes of 100 patients. The eyes were divided into three groups: (1) 50 affected eyes of patients with clinically unilateral XFS; (2) 50 unaffected fellow eyes; and (3) 50 healthy control eyes. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography scans of the macula and peripapillary regions were acquired. Images were binarized using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was defined as proportion of the luminal area to the total circumscribed choroidal area.ResultsHorizontal and vertical scans revealed that the macular CVI values of the affected eyes (60.08 ± 2.06 and 62.21 ± 2.10, respectively) were lower compared with control eyes (67.31 ± 2.24; p = 0.001 and 68.11 ± 2.36; p < 0.001, respectively). Conversely, no significant difference in the macular CVI was found between unaffected fellow and control eyes (p = 0.094 and p = 0.120, respectively). The mean peripapillary CVI values of the temporal (58.73 ± 3.15), superior (59.84 ± 3.09), and inferior (56.94 ± 2.47) sectors were significantly lower in affected eyes compared to control eyes (63.21 ± 3.00, 62.07 ± 3.05, and 60.78 ± 2.88, respectively; p < 0.05 for all). In addition, the unaffected fellow eyes had significantly lower CVI values in the temporal (61.42 ± 3.07) and inferior (57.61 ± 2.56) peripapillary sectors compared with the control eyes (p = 0.007 and p = 0.005, respectively).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that XFS is associated with decreased macular and peripapillary choroidal vascularity. Furthermore, the unaffected eyes of patients with unilateral XFS may show vascularity changes in the peripapillary choroid.Subject terms: Eye diseases, Biomarkers     

Clinical spectrum and treatment outcomes of patients with nanophthalmos

PurposeTo study the varied demographic, visual and clinical presentation of patients with nanophthalmos.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 144 consecutive subjects with nanophthalmos from January 2010 to January 2018 was done. Demographic details, visual acuity, refractive status, clinical parameters and surgical data were collected.ResultsMean age at presentation was 48.76 ± 15.99 years (5–74 years) and 55.6% were females. Median BCVA was 0.78 (6/36 Snellen equivalent) and median spherical equivalent was +10.0 (5.7–12.5) . Amblyopia was seen in 30.0% patients. Legal blindness was present in 16.7% of the study population. The mean IOP was 18.38 ± 9.38 mmHg. Angle closure disease was present in 67.7% and 35.7% had angle closure glaucoma. Presence of peripheral anterior synechia had higher odds (OR = 3.66; 95% CI, 1.71–7.84) of associated glaucoma. The mean axial length, 17.64 ± 1.74 mm was inversely correlated to the mean Retinochoroidal Sclera(RCS) thickness of 1.99 ± 0.25 mm (r = −0.28, p value < 0.001).All patients who had undergone surgery for glaucoma (n = 11) had associated intra or postoperative complication. Cataract surgery by manual small incision had more complications than Phacoemulsification (p value = 0.001). Occurrence of uveal effusion was significantly lower in eyes which underwent sclerostomy (p = 0.04)ConclusionNanophthalmos is a rare disorder with varying degree of visual impairment & amblyopia. High incidence of angle closure glaucoma was observed. Surgical management for glaucoma is often challenging with frequent complications. Cataract surgery by phacoemulsification had significantly lower complications than SICS and performing a concomitant sclerostomy reduced the occurrence of uveal effusionsSubject terms: Risk factors, Eye manifestations, Risk factors, Eye manifestations, Risk factors     

Comparison of the outcomes of photodynamic therapy for central serous chorioretinopathy with or without subfoveal fibrin

BackgroundTo compare the outcomes of half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) with or without subfoveal fibrin.MethodsOne hundred seventy-three cases of CSCR treated with half-dose vPDT between September 2008 and February 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and classified into two groups: CSCR with subfoveal fibrin (fibrin group) and without subfoveal fibrin (no-fibrin group). The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline and in central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded at 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatment.ResultsForty-eight eyes were included in the fibrin group and 125 eyes in the no fibrin group. There were no statistical differences in the baseline characteristics including age, gender, duration of symptoms, and CMT between the groups. The baseline mean BCVA of the fibrin group was significantly worse than that of the no fibrin group (0.47 ± 0.32 versus 0.32 ± 0.31 in logMAR; p = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the improvement of BCVA at each follow-up point (1 month: p = 0.069; 3 months: p = 0.111; 6 months: p = 0.172, respectively) and in the reduction of CMT (1 month: p = 0.367; 3 months: p = 0.767; 6 months: p = 0.496, respectively). In the fibrin group, the rates of complete resolution of the subretinal fibrin at 1, 3, and 6 months after vPDT were 72.9%, 95.8%, 95.8%, respectively. The SRF resolution rate at 1, 3, and 6 months was 72.9%, 89.6% and 91.7% respectively in the fibrin group and was 62.4%, 83.2% and 84.0% in the no fibrin group. There was no significant difference of SRF resolution rate between the two groups at 1 month (p = 0.216), 3 months (p = 0.350), and 6 months (p = 0.228). No ocular adverse event was encountered in both groups.ConclusionHalf-dose vPDT was effective and safe for CSCR patients with subfoveal fibrin.Subject terms: Retinal diseases, Outcomes research     

Visual and anatomical outcomes following intravitreal aflibercept in eyes with recalcitrant neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 12-month results

Purpose

To describe the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept on 12-month visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) recalcitrant to prior monthly intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab.

Methods

Non-comparative case series of 21 eyes of 21 AMD patients with evidence of persistent exudation (intraretinal fluid/cysts, or subretinal fluid (SRF), or both) on spectral domain OCT despite ≥6 prior intravitreal 0.5 mg ranibizumab or 1.25 mg bevacizumab (mean 29.8±17.1 injections) over 31.6±17.4 months who were transitioned to aflibercept.

Results

At baseline, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.42±0.28 logarithm of minimum-angle of resolution (logMAR), central foveal thickness (CFT) was 329.38±102.67 μm and macular volume (MV) was 7.71±1.32 mm³. After 12 months of aflibercept (mean 10.2±1.2 injections), BCVA was 0.40±0.28 logMAR (P=0.5), CFT decreased to 292.71±91.35 μm (P=0.038) and MV improved to 7.33±1.27 mm³ (P=0.003). In a subset of 15 eyes with a persistent fibrovascular or serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED), mean baseline PED greatest basal diameter (GBD) was 2350.9±1067.6 μm and mean maximal height (MH) was 288.7±175.9 μm. At 12 months, GBD improved to 1896.3±782.3 μm (P=0.028), while MH decreased to 248.27±146.2 μm (P=0.002).

Conclusion

In patients with recalcitrant AMD, aflibercept led to anatomic improvement at 12 months, reduction in proportion of eyes with SRF and reduction in PED, while preserving visual acuity.     

Surgical technique,perioperative management and early outcome data of the PAUL® glaucoma drainage device

ObjectivesTo describe a surgical technique and early post-operative outcomes for a novel glaucoma drainage device—the PAUL® glaucoma implant (PGI).MethodsA consecutive cohort study of subjects who had PGI surgery between February 2019 and May 2020 with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Primary outcome measures included failure (intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg or a <20% reduction of IOP, removal of the implant, further glaucoma intervention or visual loss to no light perception). Secondary outcomes included mean IOP, mean number of medications, logMAR visual acuity (VA) and complications.ResultsNinety-nine eyes of 97 patients had a preoperative IOP (mean ± standard deviation) of 28.1 ± 9.0 mmHg, falling to 18.2 ± 6.8 mmHg at 1 month, 17.9 ± 6.7 mmHg at 3 months and 13.6 ± 4.7 mmHg at 6 months. 52 patients had a 12-month mean IOP of 13.3 ± 4.4 mmHg. The mean change in number of medications was a reduction of 2.38 ± 1.48. A significant reduction in the number of medications and intraocular pressure was demonstrated after PGI (p < 0.0001). No significant change was demonstrated in VA (p = 0.1158). A total of nine cases were deemed failures (six had <20% IOP reduction from baseline and three had IOP >21 mmHg). Thirty-eight (38.4%) of eyes had complete success and achieved an unmedicated IOP <21 mmHg. Ninety (90.1%) of eyes were qualified successes (with or without topical medications). Seventy-four (74.7%) eyes have achieved an intraocular pressure of <15 mmHg. Two cases of hypotony were observed.ConclusionThis study presents a safe surgical technique, which significantly reduces IOP and number of medications with minimal complications.Subject terms: Eye abnormalities, Outcomes research     

Effect of age and refractive error on quick contrast sensitivity function in Chinese adults: a pilot study

PurposeTo evaluate the potential effect of age and refractive error on visual acuity (VA) performance and quick contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) in normal Chinese adults.MethodNinety-two subjects with normal best corrected distance VA (BCDVA) were enrolled in this pilot study. Measurements included BCDVA, best corrected near VA (BCNVA), unaided VA (UNVA), habitual spectacle-corrected near VA (SCNVA) and qCSF. For analyses, subjects were categorized into three age groups (20~40 years, 41~60 year and >60 years) and four refractive groups (hyperopia, emmetropia, myopia and high myopia). Relationships between age, refractive error, types of VA and qCSF were tested using simple and multiple linear regressions analyses.ResultMean age and refractive error of the study participants were 44.04 ± 12.68 years and −1.86 ± 2.91D, respectively. Among the stratified age groups, a hyperopic shift of refraction (−3.24 ± 2.88D vs. −1.24 ± 2.64D vs. 0.39 ± 1.42D, respectively; P < 0.001) and a reduction in BCNVA (P = 0.014), SCNVA (P < 0.001) and cut-off spatial frequency (SF) (P = 0.032) were found with increasing age. Among the four refractive groups, the SCNVA and cut-off SF of hyperopia were worse compared to the other refractive statuses (all P < 0.05). Age was significantly associated with cut-off SF (standardized β = −0.29, P = 0.005) after adjustment for SER, gender and all types of VA.ConclusionFor normal Chinese adults with normal BCDVA, age was the main factor associated with CSF, which may be independent of refractive error.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Public health     

Anti-retinal autoantibodies in myopic macular degeneration: a pilot study

AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and types of anti-retinal autoantibodies (ARAs) in highly myopic patients and to explore any association between ARAs and the severity of myopic macular degeneration (MMD).MethodsThis was a clinic-based study of 16 patients with high myopia (spherical equivalent worse than −6 dioptres or axial length (AL) ≥ 26.5 mm) recruited from the High Myopia clinic of the Singapore National Eye Centre. MMD was graded from fundus photographs according to the Meta-analysis for Pathologic Myopia (META-PM) classification. Severe MMD was defined as META-PM category 3 or 4. AL and logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured. Sera were obtained from subjects and analysed for the presence of ARAs with the western blot technique.ResultsThe mean AL was significantly longer in patients with severe MMD (n = 8) than those without severe MMD (n = 8) (31.50 vs. 28.51, p = 0.005). There was at least one ARA identified in all patients. The most common ARA was anti-carbonic anhydrase II (anti-CAII), present in nine patients (56.3%). Anti-CAII was detected in more patients with severe MMD than those without (75 vs. 37.5%, p = 0.32). LogMar BCVA was also worse in subjects with anti-CAII (0.5 ± 0.38 vs. 0.22 ± 0.08, p = 0.06). The number of ARAs significantly correlated with increasing AL (r = 0.61, p = 0.012).ConclusionsARAs are prevalent in patients with high myopia, and this increases with increasing AL. In particular, anti-CAII antibodies were highly prevalent in patients with severe MMD, suggesting that ARAs may be associated with MMD. Further studies are necessary to confirm these observations in larger cohorts.Subject terms: Education, Autoimmunity     

Intravitreal aflibercept treatment in eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration following prior treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab

Background:

To investigate visual and anatomical outcomes in eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration treated with intravitreal aflibercept following prior treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective, single-center study of 192 eyes treated with 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab every 4 weeks for three consecutive doses followed by a variable dose schedule. After more than 12 months of ranibizumab treatment, eyes that required ranibizumab injections at 4-week or 6-week intervals were switched to aflibercept therapy.

Results:

After 12–69 months (42 months ± 18 months, mean ± standard deviation [SD]) of treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab, 80 eyes were changed to 2 mg intravitreal aflibercept treatment with follow-up after 12–18 months (16 months ± 1 month, mean ± SD). Thirty-nine eyes had persistent macular fluid after treatment with ranibizumab. Mean logMAR visual acuity (VA) in eyes treated with ranibizumab changed by − 0.089 ± 0.310 (mean ± SD; P = 0.0003), which correlates to an approximate gain of 4.5 letters. The number of eyes with macular fluid decreased from 39 to 23 after aflibercept treatment. Mean logMAR VA in eyes with intraretinal macular fluid treated with aflibercept changed by −0.079 ± 0.134 (mean ± SD; P = 0.006), which correlates to an approximate gain of 4 letters. Mean logMAR VA in eyes with submacular fluid was not significantly different after aflibercept treatment.

Conclusion:

Eyes with persistent intraretinal macular fluid had visual and anatomic response after changing from ranibizumab to aflibercept treatment.     

Safety and Efficacy of Selective Intra-arterial Thrombolysis for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of selective intra-arterial thrombolysis in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).MethodsMedical records for 44 eyes of 44 patients diagnosed with acute non-arteritic CRAO and thrombolysis between October 2010 and February 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on visual acuity, fundoscopic findings, and fluorescein angiography, the patients were classified into three stages: incomplete, subtotal, and total. The perfusion state using the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), arm to retina time, and arteriovenous passage times, after 1 month, 6 months, and at the final visit after the procedure, were compared with baseline readings.ResultsImprovement of visual acuity was confirmed in 31 out of 44 patients (70.45%). The mean BCVA of 44 patients changed from 1.65 ± 0.78 logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at the first visit to 1.18 ± 0.91 logMAR at the last visit (p = 0.114). The BCVA according to CRAO stage was 0.08 ± 0.11 logMAR for the incomplete stage at the first visit, 0.06 ± 0.05 logMAR (p = 0.933) 1 month after the procedure, and 0.05 ± 0.07 logMAR (p = 0.933) at the last visit. In the subtotal stage, the results were 1.81 ± 0.54 logMAR at the first visit, 1.63 ± 0.76 logMAR (p = 0.035) 1 month after the procedure, and 1.36 ± 0.85 logMAR (p = 0.014) at the last visit. For the total stage of BCVA, the result at the first visit was 2.36 ± 0.25 logMAR, and it was 2.30 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.510) 1 month after the procedure, and 2.42 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.642) at the last visit. Reperfusion was observed in 40 patients out of the 44 (90.91%).ConclusionsSelective intra-arterial thrombolysis can be helpful in patients with subtotal CRAO in terms of visual improvement and retinal arterial reperfusion.