Comparison of two different treatment regimens’ efficacy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Turkish population—based on real life data-Bosphorus RWE Study Group

AIM: To compare two different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment regimens’-a priori pro re nata (PRN) and PRN regimen following the loading phase-anatomical and functional results in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. METHODS: Totally 544 nAMD patients followed and treated with aflibercept (n=135) and ranibizumab (n=409) at 9 different centers between 2013 and 2015 were enrolled into this retrospective multicenter study. Patients with initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) interval of 1.3-0.3 (logMAR) and a minimum follow-up of 12mo were included. Patients under two different regimens-a priori pro re nata (1+PRN) or 3 consecutive intravitreal injections followed by a PRN regimen (3+PRN)-were compared in BCVA at 3th, 6th and 12th months, and in central macular thickness (CMT) at 6th and 12th months. The total study group, intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) groups were evaluated separately. RESULTS: The mean CMT decreased in the 1+PRN (n=101) regimen from 407 to 358 and 340 µm and in the 3+PRN (n=443) group from 398 to 318 and finally to 310 µm at months 6 and 12, respectively. Anatomically, the CMT reduction at 6th month (48.5 vs 76.4; P<0.05) was statistically significant in favor of 3+PRN group. BCVA changed in 1+PRN group from 0.77 to 0.78, 0.75 and 0.75; in 3+PRN group from 0.81 to 0.69, 0.72, and 0.76 at months 3, 6, and 12, respectively. Visual gain was statistically better in 3+PRN group at 3th month (-0.01 vs 0.12; P<0.001). In IVR group, CMT reduction was in greater in 3+PRN at 6th (44 vs 72) and 12th month (61 vs 84), but statistically insignificant. The 3+PRN group revealed statistically better visual results at 3th month (-0.02 vs 0.11, P<0.05). In IVA group, although statistically insignificant, CMT reduction (61 vs 89, 6th month; 85 vs 97, 12th month) and visual gain (0.02 vs 0.16; 0.02 vs 0.14; 0.05 vs 0.11) was found in favor of 3+PRN group at all visits. CONCLUSION: The loading dose of anti-VEGF treatments in nAMD leads to significantly better anatomical and functional results, regardless of the agent, specially in early follow-up interval.     

A two different chemoprophylaxis approaches after phacoemulsification surgery in one thousand patients in Iraq

AIM: To evaluate the effectivity of the combination of intracameral moxifloxacin 0.1% with subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide 4 mg as prophylaxis of infection and inflammation after phacoemulsification in comparison with topical medication treated group. METHODS: A total one thousand patients with age range from 38 to 70 years old who scheduled for phacoemulsification were divided into 2 groups of no statistically significant differences in age, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and central macular thickness (CMT), P=0.6, 0.9 and 0.8 respectively. The surgeries were done by 2 surgeons each one planned to use one method of prophylaxis at Eye Speciality Private hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. For the 1st group of patients (500) a topical moxifloxacin hydrochloride 0.5% and dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops were prescribed four times a day for 1mo postoperatively. For the 2nd group intracameral (IC) diluted moxifloxacin at 0.1% with subconjunctival (SC) triamcinolone 4mg in 0.4 cc were administered at the conclusion of the surgery. Follow up visits were on the first postoperative day, 1wk, 1mo, and 3mo postoperatively. Anterior chamber (AC) reaction was examined during the 4 visits while IOP was measured during the last 3 and CMT was measured only in the last one. RESULTS: The current clinical trial study compared 2 samples with 2 different prophylaxis methods. No endophthalmitis case reported in both group. By a 2-Sample t-test, the IC-treated group (group 2) had statistically significant lower AC cells at the 1st day postoperative visit than the other group while there were no statistically significant differences at 1wk, 1 mo and 3mo visits between the 2 groups. There was no statistically significant difference at 3mo visits in IOP and CMT between the two groups. A breakthrough inflammation rate with the topical medication was (9.6%) while in the other group (IC treated ) was 4.0%. A significant IOP elevation ≥10 mm Hg at 1mo in 2.4% within the topical medication group which was higher than the rate in the other group (0.8%). CONCLUSION: In addition to the safety and effectivity of the combination of intracameral moxifloxacin and subconjunctival triamcinolone in preventing infection and inflammation after cataract surgery. The majority (480) of our included patients didn’t require any topical postoperative medication that is cost saving for the patient, helped patients who were unable to administer topical medication, and decreased chance of complication related to patient poor adherence to postoperative medication.     

Comparison on Photopic Electroretinogram Negative Response between Young and Old Lewis Rats

 Purpose: To investigate and compare the latency and amplitude of the electroretinogram (ERG) photopic negative response (PhNR) between young and old Lewis rats. Methods: Thirteen Lewis rats were divided into two groups according to ages, young group (3-month old, n=5) and old group (24 month old, n=8). The ERGs of the left eyes were measured and the latency and amplitude of a-wave, b-wave and PhNRs were recorded and compared according to ages. The mean values between two groups were statistically analysed by t-test. Results: The latency of PhNRs was evidently prolonged in old group and showed significant difference (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups regarding the amplitude and latency, and no significant difference was noted in the amplitude of PhNRs. Conclusion: The prolonged latency of PhNR in aged rats possibly associate with the influence of aging upon retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL).     

Functional and anatomical evaluation of the effect of nepafenac in prevention of macular edema after phacoemulsification in diabetic patients

AIM: To evaluate the effect of prophylactic administration of nepafenac in prevention of macular edema occurring in diabetic patients after phacoemulsification and to investigate the correlation between optical coherence tomography (OCT) foveal thickness and multifocal electroretinogram (MF-ERG) parameters. METHODS: The study included two groups. Group 1 included 50 diabetic patients with senile cataract (50 eyes, 30 females, 20 males, aged 55±7y) received nepafenac 0.1% eye drop. Group 2 included another 50 diabetic patients with senile cataract (50 eyes, 22 female, 28 males, aged 53.8±8y) did not receive nepafenac. All patients were followed up for 3mo postoperatively. OCT and MF-ERG were done preoperative and at 1wk, 1, 2 and 3mo. RESULTS: The mean foveal thickness was statistically significantly lower in Group 1. Five eyes in Group 2 developed clinical cystoid macular oedema (CMO) (10%), and no patients in Group 1 developed central macular thickening more than 50 μm. There were insignificant differences in MF-ERG amplitudes and latencies between the two groups except in the five eyes that developed CMO, there statistically significant reduction of MF-ERG amplitude with increase in foveal thickness. CONCLUSION: Perioperative nepafenac reduces the incidence of CMO following uncomplicated phacoemulsification significantly. Nepafenac has no side effects.     

Aflibercept combined with triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of diabetic macular edema: optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography

AIM: To analyze the relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who are treated with a combination of aflibercept and triamcinolone acetonide (TA). METHODS: A total of 76 eyes newly diagnosed DME were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either aflibercept or a combination of aflibercept and TA. Injections once a month for a total of three injections. Central macular thickness (CMT), number of hyperreflective foci (HRF), height of subretinal fluid (SRF), and area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were evaluated using OCT and OCTA at baseline and after each monthly treatment. RESULTS: Both groups showed improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reduction in macular edema after treatment, and the difference in BCVA between the two groups was statistically significant after each treatment (P<0.05). The difference in CMT between the two groups was statistically significant after the first two injections (P<0.01), but not after the third injection (P=0.875). The number of HRF (1mo: 7.41±8.25 vs 10.86±7.22, P=0.027; 2mo: 5.33±6.13 vs 9.12±8.61, P=0.034; 3mo: 3.58±3.00 vs 6.37±5.97, P=0.007) and height of SRF (1mo: 82.39±39.12 vs 105.77±42.26 μm, P=0.011; 2mo: 36.84±10.02 vs 83.59±37.78 μm, P<0.01; 3mo: 11.57±3.29 vs 45.43±12.60 μm, P<0.01) in combined group were statistically significant less than aflibercept group after each injection, while the area of FAZ showed no significant change before and after treatment in both groups. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of aflibercept and TA shows more significant effects on DME eyes with decreased HRF and SRF. However, both aflibercept and combination therapy show no significant change in the area of FAZ.     

玻璃体手术治疗视网膜中央静脉阻塞伴黄斑水肿

Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of vitrectomy and radial optic neurotomy (RON) for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods Thirty-six consecutive patients (36 eyes) were identified duration of macular edema secondary to ischemic CRVO. According to the time of surgery, these patients divided into two groups, the radial optic neurotomy (RON) group, the Pars Planna Vitrectomy/Panretianl Endophotocoagulation (PPV/PE) group. The average follow-up periods were 28.6± 6.3 months. The changes in visual acuity (VA), foveal thickness, visual fiPEd and the case of optic disc were observed and compared. Results The visual acuity (VA) of 4 eyes in the radial optic neurotomy (RON) group and 6 eyes in the Pars Planna Vitrectomy /Panretiani Endopbotocoagulation (PPV/PE) group improved at the first 1 month. Then clinical observation and follow-up more than 1 year, in the radial optic neurotomy (RON) group: visual acuity (VA) had improvement in 8 eyes, 4 remained the same, whereas 2 became worse. The Pars Planna Vitrectomy/Panretianl Endopbotocoagulation (PPV/PE) group: visual acuity (VA) had improvement in 12 eyes, 8 remained the same, whereas 4 became worse. None of both the groups were≥0.5 in BCVA, and 50% were ≥0.1. It was not statistically significant between the two groups which eyes were≥ 0.1 in BCVA at 1 month and 1 year of follow-up (P >0.05 ). OCT showed that all patients were improved at their last follow-up when compared with preoperative foveal thickness. However,4 eyes had optic atrophy in RON group. Conclusions The improvement in visual acuity and macular edema between RON group and PPV/PE group has no statistically significant differences. However, optic atrophy is a major postoperative complication in the RON group. It's better to choose PPV/PE first.     

Does topical bevacizumab prevent postoperative recurrence after pterygium surgery with conjunctival autografting?

AIM:To assess the effect of topical bevacizumab use on postoperative pterygium recurrence in eyes who underwent pterygium excision with limbal-conjunctival autograft transplantation (LCAT).METHODS:Eighty-eight eyes of 88 patients with primary pterygium were included. Pterygia were graded preoperatively from type 1 to type 3 (type 1 atrophic, type 3 inflamed) according to the inflammatory status. The eyes were preoperatively randomized to receive topical steroid and antibiotic treatment (group 1, 46 eyes) and additional topical bevacizumab (5 mg/mL; group 2, 42 eyes) in the postoperative period. All eyes underwent pterygium excision and LCAT. Medications were tapered and discontinued at one month. Postoperative complications and recurrence rates were recorded.RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 29.3±4.2mo (24-52mo) and 28.5±3.4 (24-48mo) in group 1 and 2, respectively (P＞0.05). There were no statistically significant differences regarding the age or gender between groups (P＞0.05). Also, the difference between groups with respect to pterygium type was not significant. During the follow-up period, recurrence developed in 2 eyes (4.3%) in group 1, whereas in one eye (2.4%) in group 2. No statistically significant difference between groups was found in recurrence rates (P＞0.05). No re-operation for recurrence was necessary during the follow-up period in both groups.     

【In Press】 Treatment of macular hole in refractory giant macular hole by vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane transplantation and autologous blood

AIM: To investigate the effect of internal limiting membrane transplantation and autologous blood on treating refractory giant macular hole. METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes with giant macular hole of the smallest hole diameter >700 μm, the maximum diameter of the substrate >1000 μm and hole formation factor (HFF) <0.6 underwent surgical treatment. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Nineteen eyes with surgical flip of the internal limiting membrane in group A, 18 eyes with internal limiting membrane transplantation in group B who underwent the tamponade of internal limiting membrane into the hole, autologous plasma was used to seal the hole. The patients were followed up for 3mo, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded before and after operation, and the results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: BCVA was significantly improved compared with preoperative in two groups after operation 3mo (tA=4. 192, tB=4.374, P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in visual acuity between the two groups (χ2=0.128, P>0.05). At 3mo after operation, the closure rate of the A group was 68.4%, and 100% in B group. (χ2=5.628, P<0.05). The defect diameter of inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) of the 3 mo after the operation was significantly lower than that before operation (tA=12. 287, tB=15. 481, P<0.05), and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.552, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Internal limiting membrane transplantation combined with autologous whole blood can improve the postoperative closure rate of the refractory large aperture, and can effectively improve the postoperative visual acuity.     

Negative effects of enlarging internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole surgery

AIM: To observe the effects of the different extents of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling on the surgical success and anatomical and functional outcomes of idiopathic macular hole (IMH). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 36 patients were reviewed and divided into two groups according to the extent of ILM peeling: group A (18 patients), with the peeling area within one-half of the optic disc macular distance as the radius; group B (18 patients), with the peeling area larger than that of group A but did not exceed the optic disc macular distance as the radius. The main outcomes included the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), light-adaptive electroretinography, macular hole (MH) closure rate, central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness [nine regions based on the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) ring] before and 1, 3, and 6mo after surgery. RESULTS: The closure rate was 94.4% (17/18) both in groups A and B. The BCVA in both groups improved significantly compared with the preoperative values, but there was no difference between the two groups. The b-wave amplitude of the electroretinogram analysis was significantly improved in both groups compared to that of the preoperative period, with a greater increase in group A than in group B at 6mo (P=0.017). The CMT in both groups gradually decreased after surgery, and there was no difference between the two groups. The RNFL thickness of the temporal outer ring region in group B was significantly lower than that in group A at 3 and 6mo after surgery (P=0.010, 0.032). The GCC thickness of the temporal outer ring region in group B was significantly lower than that in group A at 6mo after surgery (P=0.038). CONCLUSION: Enlarging the extent of ILM peeling doesn’t affect the IMH closure rate and visual acuity recovery, but the greater the extent of peeling, the greater the damage to the inner retinal structures.     

【In Press】 Three-year results of small incision lenticule extraction and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-Assisted Laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism

AIM: To compare the 3-year refractive results, higher-order aberrations, contrast sensitivity and dry eye after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-Assisted Laser in situ keratomileusis（FS-LASIK）for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized comparative study, 78 eyes with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of -8.11±1.09 diopters (D) received a SMILE surgery using VisuMax femtosecond laser, and 65 eyes with a mean SE of -8.05±1.12 D received a wavefront-guided FS-LASIK surgery with the VisuMax femtosecond laser for flap cutting. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and tear break-up time (TBUT) were evaluated during a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS: The best postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was achieved at 1mo after FS-LASIK, and at 3 months after SMILE, whereas the difference of the mean UDVA between two groups at 3 years were not statistically significant (t=-1.59, P=0.13). The postoperative change of SE was 0.89 D in the FS-LASIK treated eyes (t=5.76, P=0.00), and 0.14 D in the SMILE treated eyes (t=0.54, P=0.59) from 1 month to 3 years after surgery. At 3 years postoperatively, both the HOAs and spherical aberrations in the SMILE treated eyes were markedly less than those in the FS-LASIK treated eyes ( P=0.00), but the coma RMS was higher in the SMILE treated eyes (0.59±0.26) than in the FS-LASIK treated eyes (0.29±0.14, P=0.00). The mesopic contrast sensitivity values between two groups at all spatial frequencies were not statistically significant at 3 years postoperatively. Compared to the FS-LASIK group, lower OSDI scores and longer TBUT values were found in the SMILE group at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. With regard to safety, no eye lost any line of CDVA in both groups at 3 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Both SMILE and wavefront-guided FS-LASIK procedures provide good visual outcomes and an efficacious correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism with similar levels of safety. SMILE surgery achieved more stable long-term refractive outcome and better control of early postoperative dry eye as compared to FS-LASIK.     

玻璃体手术治疗视网膜中央静脉阻塞伴黄斑水肿

Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of vitrectomy and radial optic neurotomy (RON) for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods Thirty-six consecutive patients (36 eyes) were identified duration of macular edema secondary to ischemic CRVO. According to the time of surgery, these patients divided into two groups, the radial optic neurotomy (RON) group, the Pars Planna Vitrectomy/Panretianl Endophotocoagulation (PPV/PE) group. The average follow-up periods were 28.6± 6.3 months. The changes in visual acuity (VA), foveal thickness, visual fiPEd and the case of optic disc were observed and compared. Results The visual acuity (VA) of 4 eyes in the radial optic neurotomy (RON) group and 6 eyes in the Pars Planna Vitrectomy /Panretiani Endopbotocoagulation (PPV/PE) group improved at the first 1 month. Then clinical observation and follow-up more than 1 year, in the radial optic neurotomy (RON) group: visual acuity (VA) had improvement in 8 eyes, 4 remained the same, whereas 2 became worse. The Pars Planna Vitrectomy/Panretianl Endopbotocoagulation (PPV/PE) group: visual acuity (VA) had improvement in 12 eyes, 8 remained the same, whereas 4 became worse. None of both the groups were≥0.5 in BCVA, and 50% were ≥0.1. It was not statistically significant between the two groups which eyes were≥ 0.1 in BCVA at 1 month and 1 year of follow-up (P >0.05 ). OCT showed that all patients were improved at their last follow-up when compared with preoperative foveal thickness. However,4 eyes had optic atrophy in RON group. Conclusions The improvement in visual acuity and macular edema between RON group and PPV/PE group has no statistically significant differences. However, optic atrophy is a major postoperative complication in the RON group. It's better to choose PPV/PE first.     

Effect of aflibercept combined with triamcinolone acetonide on aqueous humor growth factor and inflammatory mediators in diabetic macular edema

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of aflibercept combined with sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in treating diabetic macular edema (DME) and to examine changes in growth factors and inflammatory mediator levels in aqueous humor after injection. METHODS: Totally 67 DME patients (67 eyes) and 30 cataract patients (32 eyes) were enrolled as the DME group and the control group, respectively. The DME group was divided into the aflibercept group (34 cases) and the aflibercept combined with TA group (combined group, 33 cases). The aqueous humor of both groups was collected during the study period. The aqueous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected using a microsphere suspension array technology (Luminex 200TM). Aqueous cytokines, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and complications before and after treatment were compared between the aflibercept group and combined group. RESULTS: The concentrations of VEGF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in the aqueous humor were significantly higher in the DME group than those of the control group (all P<0.01). After 1mo of surgery, the concentrations of VEGF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in the aqueous humor were significantly lower in the combined group than those of the aflibercept group (all P<0.01). The BCVA and CMT values of the two groups were statistically different after 1 and 2mo of treatment (P<0.01). However, the difference was not statistically significant after 3mo of treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The cytokines VEGF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in the aqueous humor of DME patients are significantly increased. Aflibercept and aflibercept combined with TA have good efficacy in DME patients, can effectively reduce CMT, improve the patient’s vision, and have high safety. Aflibercept combined with TA can quickly down-regulate the aqueous humor cytokines and help to relieve macular edema rapidly. However, the long-term efficacy is comparable to that of aflibercept alone.     

Anatomic and functional results of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane surgery

AIM: To assess the impact of macular surgery on the functional and anatomic outcomes in patients with grade 2 epiretinal membrane(ERM), and the effect of internal limiting membrane(ILM) peeling on visual acuity and to analyze the long-term effect of pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) on intraocular pressure(IOP).METHODS: Pseudophakic eyes(62 eyes) diagnosed as idiopathic grade 2 ERM with at least 6 mo postoperative follow-up were included in this retrospective study. The fellow eye was nonvitrectomized. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1(29 eyes) treated with ERM and ILM peeling and group 2(33 eyes) with only ERM peeling. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), slit-lamp, and a dilated fundus examination was performed. IOP was measured with Goldman applanation tonometer before, day 1 and first week and each visit after surgery. The incidence of significant IOP elevation was compared between vitrectomized eyes and nonvitrectomized fellow eyes.RESULTS: Visual improvement was statistically significant and similar in both groups(P=0.008 in group 1, P=0.002 in group 2, P=0.09 inter-group). The amount of decrease in central macular thickness was statistically significant and similar in both groups(P=0.005 group 1, P=0.008 group 2, P=0.37 intergroup). At the final follow-up(14.1±9.6 mo) the incidence of significant IOP elevation was 4% in vitrectomized eyes(three eyes) and 3%(two eyes) in the nonvitrectomized fellow eyes(P=0.12). Four eyes(12.1%) had recurrent ERM after a mean follow-up of 8.6±1.1 mo in group 2, there was no recurrence in group 1(P=0.01).CONCLUSION: Recurrence of ERM may be decreased by ILM peeling during ERM surgery. However, it seems that ILM peeling do not affect the functional outcome and 23-gauge PPV alone do not have a significant effect on IOP.     

Clinical Evaluation of Pranoprofen Combined with Fluorometholone Eye Drops on Postoperative Reaction of Corneal Cross-linking

 Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pranoprofen eye drops for reducing postoperative ocular pain and inflammation after corneal cross-linking (CXL). Methods: Twenty-seven patients (38 eyes) with keratoconus undergoing CXL were examined and randomly divided into control (12 cases; 18 eyes) and experimental groups (15 cases; 20 eyes). The patients in the control group were given fluorometholone eye drops, and those in the experimental group were administered with fluorometholone combined with pranoprofen eye drops．Corneal irritation and haze were compared between the two groups at 1 month postoperatively． Results: At 1 to 3 days after surgery,the corneal irritation in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared with that in the control group (P＜0.05), but there was no significant difference on 5 to 7 days postoperatively (P＞0.05)．The average degree of haze in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 month after surgery (P＜0.05), but there was no significant difference in the best-corrected vision acuity and intraocular pressure between the two groups. There were 2 cases with >20 mmHg intraocular pressure in the control group. Conclusion: The combined use of fluorometholone and pranoprofen can significantly reduce inflammatory response,alleviate corneal irritation at early stage after CXL,effectively prevent and control the average of haze,and reduce the incidence of steroid-induced ocular hypertension after surgery．     

Treatment of refractory giant macular hole by vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane transplantation and autologous blood

AIM: To investigate the effect of internal limiting membrane transplantation and autologous blood on treating refractory giant macular hole. METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes with giant macular hole of the smallest hole diameter >700 μm, the maximum diameter of the substrate >1000 μm and hole formation factor <0.6 underwent surgical treatment. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Nineteen eyes with surgical flip of the internal limiting membrane in group A, 18 eyes with internal limiting membrane transplantation in group B who underwent the tamponade of internal limiting membrane into the hole, autologous plasma was used to seal the hole. The patients were followed up for 3mo, optical coherence tomography and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded before and after operation, and the results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: At 3mo after operation, BCVA of the two groups was significantly improved compared with that before operation (tA=4.192, tB=4.374, P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in visual acuity between the two groups (χ2=0.128, P>0.05). At 3mo after operation, the closure rate of group A was 68.4%, and 100% in group B. (χ2=5.628, P<0.05). The defect diameter of inner segment/outer segment at 3mo after the operation was significantly lower than that before operation (tA=12.287, tB=15.481, P<0.05), and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.552, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Internal limiting membrane transplantation combined with autologous whole blood can improve the postoperative closure rate of the refractory large aperture, and can effectively improve the postoperative visual acuity.     

Efficacy of internal limiting membrane peeling for diabetic macular edema after preoperative anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection

AIM: To explore the efficacy of minimally invasive vitrectomy (MIV) with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling on the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) combining with preoperative anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection. METHODS: Totally 132 eyes (132 patients) diagnosed PDR with DME were included between June 2015 and June 2018 in Tianjin Eye Hospital. The single MIV treatment group included 68 eyes and the MIV combined with ILM peeling group included 64 eyes. Anti-VEGF drugs were injected intravitreally 1wk before the operation and the period of follow-up was 1 to 3y. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), total macular volume (TMV), macular edema (ME) severity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications were recorded. Prognostic factors of visual acuity following ILM peeling were analyzed. RESULTS: The BCVA was higher than preoperative values at 1, 3, 6, and 12mo after surgery in both groups (all P<0.05). At 6 and 12mo, the BCVA of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the MIV only group (both P<0.05). Mean CRT values were significantly lower than preoperative values in both groups (all P<0.05). The TMV was lower, except for at 1mo, in the single treatment group (P<0.05). At 12mo, the proportion of eyes with edema that had CRT more than 350 μm was significantly lower than before surgery (χ²=10.757, 7.226, respectively; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the recurrence incidence of macular epiretinal membrane, ME, transient IOP increase, vitreous rebleeding, or traction retinal detachment between the two groups (P>0.05). BCVA after ILM excision was positively correlated with the CRT and ME degree before and after surgery (r=0.430, 0.485, respectively; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: MIV combined with ILM peeling accelerated the absorption of ME, improved vision, reduced the postoperative CRT and TMV, and reduced the recurrence rate of postoperative ME.     

Flapless one-knot suture: a novel surgical technique for transscleral fixation of C-loop intraocular lenses

AIM: To describe a novel suture approach for transscleral fixation of C-loop intraocular lenses (IOL) and to compare the surgical outcomes with the four-haptics posterior chamber (PC)-IOL technique. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 16 eyes of 16 patients who underwent transscleral fixation of C-loop PC-IOLs using a flapless one-knot suture technique, which were followed up for longer than 17mo. In this technique, the capsulorless IOL was suspended using a single suture for transscleral fixation of four feet. Then we compared its surgical outcomes and complications with the four-haptics PC-IOLs using the Student’s t test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Sixteen patients of 16 eyes with a mean age of 58.3±10.1y (42-76y) who received transscleral C-loop IOL implantation due to trauma, vitrectomy, or cataract surgery with inadequate capsule support showed improved visual acuity. The difference was not significant between two IOLs except the surgery time (P>0.05). The mean operation times of C-loop IOL surgery was 24.1±1.83min and 31.3±4.47min of the four-haptics PC-IOL method (P<0.0001). In the C-loop IOLs group, there was statistical difference between the preoperative and the postoperative UCVA (logMAR, 1.20±0.50 vs 0.57±0.32, P=0.0003). There was no statistical difference between the preoperative and the postoperative BCVA (logMAR, 0.66±0.46 vs 0.40±0.23, P=0.056). However, there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative UCVA and BCVA between the two IOLs (P>0.05). We did not detect any optic capture, IOL decentration or dislocation, suture exposed, or cystoid macular edema in patients underwent C-loop IOLs surgery. CONCLUSION: The novel flapless one-knot suture technique for transscleral fixation of C-loop IOL is a simple, reliable, and stable technique.     

Clinical research of EX-PRESS drainage device and modified trabeculectomy combined with intravitreal conbercept treatment for neovascular glaucoma

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified trabeculectomy(experimental group) and implantation of EX-PRESS drainage device(control group),combined with intravitreal conbercept injection for neovascular glaucoma(NVG).METHODS:Totally 30 patients with NVG were selected from June 2014 to June 2017,and randomly divided into experimental group and control group.All patients were underwent intravitreal conbercept(0.5 mg/0.05 mL) treatment before surgery.Modified trabeculectomy was performed in MT group,while EX-PRESS drainage device implantation was performed in EX group.The success rates,best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),intraocular pressure(IOP),filtering bleb and complications were observed and compared.RESULTS:The differences of success rate,BCVA and filtering bleb were not statistically significant 12mo after the surgery(P>0.05),however,the difference of IOP at 1d,1wk,1,3,and 6mo after surgery was statistically significant(F_time=390.64,P_time<0.0001) between two groups.The interactions between two groups in the given time showed no significant difference(F_{intergroup×time}=0.181,P_{intergroup×time}=0.57),and also there was no significant difference in IOP between the two groups(F=3.16,P=0.09).The results of pairwise comparison at each time point showed no significant difference in IOP between 1d and 1wk,3 and 6,3mo and 12mo after surgery(P>0.05),while the results at other time point indicate statistical differences(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The modified trabeculectomy and the implantation of EX-PRESS drainage device have clinical application value in reducing IOP and postoperative complications of refractory NVG.     

Comparison of the Educational Effect upon Myopia Prevention and Treatment between Video Demonstration and Traditional Teaching

Purpose:.To compare the education effect of video demonstrations and conventional teaching on the prevention and control of myopia.Methods:.Eighty students were randomly divided into an experimental(n=40) and a control(n=40) group,.and each group was split into two classes of 40 students..The students in the experimental group attended classes mainly based on video demonstration and those in the control group received conventional teaching..All students then undertook a test and the examination scores were statistically compared between the two groups.Results:.The educational background,.age,.and gender did not differ between the two groups(all P >0.05). The experimental group had a mean test score of 8.25±1.45,.which was slightly lower than the mean of 8.58±1.11 in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(t=-1.589,P=0.114).Conclusion:.The educational effect of video demonstrations was almost identical to that of traditional teaching..In addition,.video classes reduced the training time and financial costs,.indicating that they deserve widespread application.     

Efficacy of topical dorzolamide 2% in diabetic cystoid macular edema

AIM: To study the effect of topical dorzolamide 2% on macular thickness reduction in diabetic cystoid macular edema (CME). METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized, open study including eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). All eyes received topical dorzolamide 2% three times daily for one month. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness (CMT) by optical coherence tomography) were evaluated at 1wk, 1, and 3mo post-treatment. RESULTS: Ninety-three eyes (84 patients) were included. Mean±SD (logMAR) BCVA improved significantly from 1.08±0.26 pretreatment to 0.66±0.24 at 1mo and 0.87±0.26 at 3mo post-treatment (P<0.001 both). The mean±SD CMT was significantly reduced from 535.27±97.4 μm at baseline to 357.43±125.8 μm at 1mo and 376.23±114.5 μm at 3mo post-treatment (P<0.001 both). No significant ocular or systemic side effects were recorded. CONCLUSION: Topical dorzolamide 2% results in significant improvement of mean BCVA and reduction of mean CMT at 3mo post-treatment. It can be used as an effective, affordable, and safe therapy for treatment of non-refractory diabetic CME.