Short-term intraocular pressure trends following intravitreal ranibizumab injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration—the role of oral acetazolamide in protecting glaucoma patients

Purpose

To determine the effect of oral acetazolamide on lowering the peak and duration of intraocular pressure (IOP) rise in glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients, following intravitreal injection of ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods

The study was an open-label, parallel, randomised, controlled trial (EudraCT Number: 2010-023037-35). Twenty-four glaucoma or glaucoma suspect patients received either 500 mg acetazolamide or no treatment 60–90 min before 0.5 mg ranibizumab. The primary outcome measure was the difference in IOP immediately after injection (T0) and 5, 10, and 30 min following injection. ANCOVA was used to compare groups, adjusting for baseline IOP. The study was powered to detect a 9-mm Hg difference at T0.

Results

The IOP at T0 was 2.3 mm Hg higher in the non-treated group (mean 44.5 mm Hg, range (19–86 mm Hg)) compared with the treated group (mean 42.2 mm Hg, range (25–58 mm Hg)), but was not statistically significant after adjusting for baseline IOP (P=0.440). At 30 min, IOP was 4.9 mm Hg higher in the non-treated group (mean 20.6 mm Hg, range (11–46 mm Hg)) compared with the treated group (mean 15.7 mm Hg, range (8–21 mm Hg)). This was statistically significant after adjusting for baseline IOP (P=0.013).

Conclusions

Although the primary end points were not reached, 500 mg oral acetazolamide, 60–90 min before intravitreal injection, results in a statistically significant reduction in IOP at 3O min post injection. Prophylactic treatment may be considered as an option to minimise neuro-retinal rim damage in high-risk glaucoma patients who are most vulnerable to IOP spikes and undergoing repeated intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.     

The role of orbital ultrasonography in distinguishing papilledema from pseudopapilledema

Purpose

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of orbital ultrasonography in distinguishing papilledema from pseudopapilledema in adult patients.

Methods

The records of all adult patients referred to the neuro-ophthalmology service who underwent orbital ultrasonography for the evaluation of suspected papilledema were reviewed. The details of history, ophthalmologic examination, and results of ancillary testing including orbital ultrasonography, MRI, and lumbar puncture were recorded. Results of orbital ultrasonography were correlated with the final diagnosis of papilledema or pseudopapilledema on the basis of the clinical impression of the neuro-ophthalmologist. Ultrasound was considered positive when the optic nerve sheath diameter was ≥3.3 mm along with a positive 30° test.

Results

The sensitivity of orbital ultrasonography for detection of papilledema was 90% (CI: 80.2–99.3%) and the specificity in detecting pseudopapilledema was 79% (CI: 67.7–90.7%).

Conclusions

Orbital ultrasonography is a rapid and noninvasive test that is highly sensitive, but less specific in differentiating papilledema from pseudopapilledema in adult patients, and can be useful in guiding further management of patients in whom the diagnosis is initially uncertain.     

Post-brachytherapy tumor endoresection for treatment of toxic maculopathy in choroidal melanoma

Purpose

Toxic tumor syndrome may occur when the irradiated choroidal melanoma releases cytokines, by exudation from irradiated ischemic tissue. We report our experience and outcomes in a series of post-brachytherapy tumor endoresection to mediate radiation complications.

Methods

Patients who underwent endoresection of a choroidal melanoma treated with iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy were evaluated. Baseline patient and tumor parameters were tabulated.

Results

Five patients underwent post-brachytherapy tumor endoresection with intraocular gas or silicone oil tamponade. Three of the five patients underwent concomitant phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement. Initial tumor height ranged from 2.03–8.91 mm (mean 5.81 mm). Time between brachytherapy and endoresection ranged from 13–62 months (mean 26.8 months), and total follow-up time from brachytherapy ranged from 2.5–9.75 years (mean 5.2 years). Vision post-brachytherapy and pre-endoresection ranged from 20/30 to 20/400. Final visual acuity ranged from 20/70 to no light perception. One patient developed neovascular glaucoma. Radiation maculopathy increased in all patients. One patient developed metastasis at last follow-up. No patient developed exudative retinal detachment, none had local treatment failure, and none required enucleation.

Conclusion

Although tumor endoresection post-brachytherapy is a technically feasible procedure, all patients in our series experienced progressive radiation maculopathy with gradual visual decline.     

The role of apoptosis in blepharoptosis

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of blepharoptosis.

Patients and methods

Forty-five eyelids of 43 consecutive patients (16 female, 27 males) that underwent levator resection surgery for ptosis correction were included in the study. Twenty-six of the eyelids had congenital myogenic ptosis and 19 had aponeurotic ptosis. Levator palpebrae superioris function and height of the vertical palpebral fissure were measured in all patients. After levator resection surgery, the distal part of the levator aponeurosis was fixed and sent for evaluation. Apoptotic cells were detected using Apop Tag Plus Peroxidase In Situ Apoptosis Detection Kit.

Results

The mean levator palpebrae superioris function was 8.4 mm (range 5–10 mm) in congenital ptosis group and 12.1 mm (range 10–17 mm) in the aponeurotic ptosis group. The mean height of the vertical palpebral fissure in patients with congenital ptosis and aponeurotic ptosis were 6.5 mm (range 5–9 mm) and 6.1 mm (3–9 mm), respectively. The mean apoptotic index of congenital ptosis and aponeurotic ptosis were 27.3 (16–39) and 29.8 (18–41), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between congenital and aponeurotic ptosis groups in a mean apoptotic index (P<0.05). Apoptotic index was not correlated with age, levator palpebrae superioris function, palpebral fissure height, and lid crease height in two groups.

Conclusion

We found no statistically significant difference between two subtypes of blepharoptosis regarding apoptosis. According to this study, apoptosis seems to have no significant role in the development of aponeurotic blepharoptosis.     

Remove,rotate, and reimplant: a novel technique for the management of exposed porous anophthalmic implants in eviscerated patients

Purpose

To describe and to evaluate a new and relatively easy technique for porous implant exposure repair.

Methods

Eleven patients with exposed porous orbital implants after evisceration were included in this study. Five patients with large exposures (diameter>7 mm) and six patients with small exposures of orbital implants (diameter<7 mm) that persisted despite posterior vaulting of the prosthesis and usage of antibiotics and steroids for more than 6 weeks, underwent revision surgery with the remove-rotate-reimplant technique (3R technique). Negative microbiological culture taken from the exposed socket surface before surgery was the major inclusion criterion. Five patients with insufficient conjunctival tissue also underwent additional mucosa or hard palate grafting of the defect in addition to the remove-rotate-reimplant procedure.

Results

Patients have been followed up for more than 18 months (ranging from 18–30 months). None of them received motility peg insertion after repair. Implant reexposure was detected in one patient during the follow-up period, which was managed by dermis fat grafting with implant removal.

Conclusion

The remove-rotate-reimplant technique is an effective surgical method for repairing exposed porous anophthalmic implants after evisceration with a 90% success in this study. It avoids the removal of the implant from the sclera, which is a traumatic procedure that may lead to the tearing and loss of scleral tissue covering the implant. Saving the porous implant and scleral cover reduces the surgical time and cost.     

Trabeculectomy ab interno (trabectome): yet another possibility in the treatment of uncontrolled glaucomatocyclitic crisis under systemic valganciclovir therapy?

Purpose

To assess the outcome of trabectome surgery in the treatment of glaucomatocyclitic crisis (Posner–Schlossman syndrome) in patients with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP).

Patients/Methods

Trabectome surgery was performed in seven patients with diagnosed glaucomatocyclitic crisis and uncontrolled IOP where cytomegalovirus DNA was verified by polymerase chain reaction in aqueous humour samples. All patients were treated with oral valganciclovir. After surgery the patients were followed-up for 12 months.

Results

Mean IOP before trabectome surgery was 40±10 mm Hg (range 33–58 mm Hg). The mean number of antiglaucoma medication prior to surgery was 3.1±0.4. By the end of the 12 months, IOP in all patients was reduced to normal level (13±1 mm Hg) and their antiglaucoma medication was decreased to 0.8±1.1. No recurring attack of glaucomatocyclitic crisis occurred.

Discussion

In addition to oral valganciclovir therapy, trabectome surgery seems to be a reliable and effective tool for the management of glaucomatocyclitic crisis with uncontrolled IOP.     

Accuracy and reliability of IOL master and A-scan immersion biometry in silicone oil-filled eyes

Purpose

To compare the accuracy and reliability of intraocular lens (IOL) master and A-scan immersion biometry in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes.

Methods

A prospective, consecutive, nonrandomized study was performed in 34 SO-filled eyes of 34 patients, who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy, with SO removal and cataract surgery, as well as IOL implantation. Both IOL master and immersion A-scan were performed to measure the axial length (AXL) before SO removal. Three months after removal of the SO, AXL measurements using IOL master and refraction was performed. Accuracy of the two techniques was determined by a mean postoperative AXL using an IOL master and reliability was determined by mean actual postoperative refractive error.

Results

Preoperative mean AXL was 23.91±0.24 mm (range 21.33–28.61 mm) and 23.71±0.59 mm (range 19.27–36.18 mm) by IOL master and A-scan immersion, respectively. Postoperative mean AXL by IOL master was 23.90±0.23 mm (range 21.58–27.94 mm), which showed a statistically significant difference from the preoperative mean AXL by A-scan immersion (P=0.005). The AXL measurement by IOL master also was more accurate than A-scan immersion by Pearson''s correlation (0.966 vs 0.410). For reliability of the two techniques, the predictive postoperative refractive error in A-scan immersion (mean 1.79±1.04 D, range −14.62 to 16.41 D) was greater than that in IOL master (mean 0.60±0.23 D, range −2.74 to 2.33 D), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.049).

Conclusion

IOL master had more accuracy and less deviation in predictive postoperative refractive error than A-scan immersion in SO-filled eyes.     

Transitioning to intravitreal aflibercept following a previous treat-and-extend dosing regimen in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 24-month results

Purpose:

To evaluate frequency of injections, visual and anatomical outcomes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients transitioned to intravitreal aflibercept after failure to extend treatment interval beyond 8 weeks with prior intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients with nAMD switched to aflibercept following ≥6 prior intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections at 4–8-week intervals. Three monthly aflibercept injections were given followed by a treat-and-extend dosing regimen.

Results:

Twenty-one eyes of 18 patients who had received a mean of 23.8±18.8 (mean±SD; range 6–62) prior ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections were included. Over a mean follow-up of 24 months after the transition, 9.2±2.9 (range 4–21) aflibercept injections were required. Interval between aflibercept injections increased to 57.3 days (range 35–133 days), as compared with 37±6.1 days (range 29–54 days) with the prior agents (P=0.01). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was preserved (0.42±0.31 vs 0.42±0.23 logMAR; P=0.2). Mean OCT central subfoveal thickness (292.1±83.2 μm to 283.6±78.6 μm; P=0.4) and mean macular volume (7.9±0.95 mm³ to 7.67±0.94 mm³; P=0.16) remained stable.

Conclusion:

Patients requiring treatment more frequently than every 8 weeks with ranibizumab and bevacizumab were transitioned to >8-week treatment interval with aflibercept while maintaining the anatomic and visual gains.     

Biometric and refractive changes after orbital decompression in Korean patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy

Purpose

To determine the biometric and refractive changes after orbital decompression in Korean patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO).

Methods

Retrospective, observational study (between October 2012 and September 2014) was performed. Patients with TAO undergoing orbital decompression for stable proptosis received ophthalmic examinations, including Hertel exophthalmometry, A-scan biometry, autorefraction measures, corneal topography, and wavefront aberration measures, before orbital decompression and again 2 months after surgery.

Results

Included in the study were 43 eyes from 23 patients. The mean exophthalmometric value decreased by 4.1 mm 2 months after orbital decompression (P<0.001). On average, axial length (AL) increased significantly by 0.08 mm (P<0.001); specifically, 37 (86%) of the 43 eyes had increased AL. Whereas anterior chamber depth and lens thickness showed no significant changes (P=0.086 and P=0.905, respectively), the mean spherical refraction and spherical equivalent (SE) decreased by 0.35 and 0.48 D, respectively (P=0.008 and P<0.001, respectively). However, cylindrical refraction and axis showed no significant changes (P=0.057 and P=0.218, respectively). The changes in AL and SE were significantly correlated (R=−0.411, P=0.009). Notably, there were no changes in corneal topography or wavefront aberration after orbital decompression.

Conclusions

TAO patients who underwent orbital decompression showed myopic refractive change via increase in AL. Possible refractive changes should be considered in cases of TAO complaining of decreased visual acuity after orbital decompression.     

A modified bicanalicular intubation procedure to repair canalicular lacerations using silicone tubes

Purpose

To explore a modified technique for silicone intubation for the repair of canalicular lacerations.

Methods

The surgery was performed on 35 eyes in 35 adult patients from October 2007 to September 2009. Using a modified soft probe, silicone tubes were inserted through the lacrimal punctum and left in the bicanaliculi for 3–10 months.

Results

The surgery was performed successfully in all cases. The tubes were removed after 3–10 months (mean 5.3±1.8 months). The mean follow-up time after tube removal was 13.8 months (range, 6–22 months). Lower punctum splitting occurred in one case (2.86%) after the surgery. No other complications associated with the silicone tubes occurred. All the tubes were removed successfully without any difficulty. No iatrogenic injuries occurred during tube removal.

Conclusions

The modified bicanalicular intubation procedure described here is an effective and atraumatic procedure for the management of canalicular lacerations in adults, and it is associated with fewer complications than the traditional sutures of canalicular lacerations.     

Deep sclerectomy in pediatric glaucoma filtering surgery

Purpose

To study the additive value of deep sclerectomy to the procedure of combined trabeculotomy—trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (CTTM) for the treatment of primary congenital glaucoma.

Study design

This study is a prospective, randomized case series.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted on 20 eyes of 20 children with primary congenital glaucoma presenting to the Department of Ophthalmology of the Alexandria Main University Hospital. Preoperative examination under anesthesia was followed by surgical intervention. Postoperative examinations were conducted immediately after surgery and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as operative time, were recorded.

Results

The mean (±SD, range) age of the study patients in the CTTM group and in the combined trabeculotomy–trabeculectomy with mitomycin C with deep sclerectomy (CTTM-DS) group was 4.7 (±2.0, 2–8) and 7.0 (±3.8, 3–13) months, respectively. The mean (±SD, range) preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) in the CTTM and CTTM-DS groups was 16.7 (4.3, 10–26) and 16.4 (8.4, 8–36), respectively, and these dropped at 12 months of follow-up to 4.9 (2.0, 2–8) and 5.6 (3.3, 2–10), respectively. The mean (±SD, range) of the duration of the operation in the CTTM and the CTTM-DS was 57 (±8, 50–71) min and 53 (±7, 42–64) min, respectively (P=0.428). Two eyes (20%) in the CTTM-DS group developed hypotony disc edema at the first 2 months and resolved spontaneously thereafter. No other complications were noted in either of the groups.

Conclusion

The addition of deep sclerectomy to the procedure of CTTM in pediatric glaucoma surgery facilitates the finding of Schlemm''s canal, shortens the duration of surgery, and is not associated with any additional complications. Hence, the author recommends the addition of deep sclerectomy to CTTM surgery for primary congenital glaucoma.     

Rituximab for the treatment of IgG4-related orbital disease: experience from five cases

Purpose

To review the clinical efficacy and safety of rituximab for treatment of IgG4-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD).

Design

Retrospective multicentre interventional case series.

Methods

Chart review for five cases of biopsy-confirmed IgG4-ROD (IgG4+>10/HPF, ratio of IgG4+/IgG+>40%) treated with rituximab. Information retrieved included the dosing schedule, adverse events and the magnitude, temporality, and duration of the clinical response.

Results

All cases of IgG4-ROD were either steroid dependent or steroid resistant. Rituximab doses for induction therapy included two doses of 1000 mg at 2-weekly intervals, and four doses at 375 mg/m² at weekly intervals. Two months after starting rituximab, three cases achieved complete clinical resolution and two cases achieved partial clinical resolution. Complete radiological resolution occurred in one case, and partial radiological resolution in three cases. Three cases received rituximab maintenance therapy and one case was commenced on mycophenolate. No relapse occurred during a mean follow-up of 33 months (range: 7–65 months). One disease relapse occurred when the dosing interval of rituximab maintenance therapy was extended to 6–monthly intervals; remission was swiftly achieved with rituximab reinduction therapy. The only adverse effects reported were one episode of fatigue lasting 1 week and two episodes of orbital discomfort.

Conclusion

Rituximab may be an effective treatment option for IgG4-ROD that is steroid dependent or steroid intolerant. Rituximab therapy resulted in swift clinical and radiological improvement, many months free of relapse, and few side effects.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation in surgical management of ocular surface squamous neoplasias: long-term results

Objective

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction in the surgical management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).

Methods

OSSN in 21 patients (7 female, 14 male patients) was managed with excisional biopsy, cryotherapy, corneal epitheliectomy with absolute alcohol application when the cornea is involved, lamellar sclerectomy and adjunctional absolute alcohol application to the base when episclera is involved, and ocular surface reconstruction with cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation. Tumor control and complications were evaluated.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 62.42±20.9 (range, 16–84). The average diameter of the base of the tumors was 13.1±4.8 (range, 9–21) mm and complete removal was achieved in all cases as revealed histopathologically. Ocular surface healing was achieved in all cases. At the postoperative period, limbal stem cell deficiency in three eyes and mild symblepharon in one eye were detected. In a mean follow-up of 30.95±18.8 (range, 13–75) months, no recurrence was detected.

Conclusion

For large or multifocal conjunctival tumors, the reconstruction of ocular surface and fornix is challenging. The amniotic-membrane use to repair conjunctival defects larger than 10 mm is a safe and effective technique with minimal complications allowing surgeons to make large enough excisions.     

Anterior segment OCT imaging in mucopolysaccharidoses type I,II, and VI

Purpose

To describe the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) characteristics of patients with ocular manifestations of mucopolysaccharidoses type I (Hurler), II (Hunter), and VI (Maroteaux–Lamy).

Methods

Prospective, observational study of nine consecutive patients with variants of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) attending the Paediatric Ophthalmology service at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK. All patients underwent Visante AS-OCT imaging as part of their ophthalmic assessment.

Results

Ocular involvement tended to be symmetrical. Angle-to-angle distance was significantly lower in MPS VI than in MPS I (P=0.04). Anterior chamber depth, angle opening distance, trabecular-iris space area, and scleral spur angle tended to be lower in MPS VI than in MPS I, but did not reach statistical significance. Corneal thickness in the central 0–2 mm zone was greater in MPS VI than in MPS I, approaching but not attaining statistical significance (P=0.07). The 2–5 and 5–7 mm zones were significantly thicker in MPS VI than MPS I (P=0.04, P=0.04). There was no difference in corneal thickness between MPS I and MPS VI in the peripheral 7–10 mm zone (P=0.57). Measurements of the patient with MPS II resembled the mean values of the MPS I group.

Conclusion

AS-OCT is valuable in quantifying anterior segment pathology in MPS. It suggests more crowded anterior segments and greater corneal thickness in patients with MPS VI than MPS I. AS-OCT is useful in evaluating the risk and mechanism of glaucoma in MPS patients, and may improve our assessment of the efficacy of systemic treatment.     

Presoaking with BSS used for thin manually dissected DSEK (TMDSEK): a viable option for thin DSEK

Aim

To describe a novel technique for the safe manual dissection of thin donor lenticules in 10 consecutive patients undergoing DSEK surgery.

Methods

A key element of our new technique was to presoak the donor cornea in balanced salt solution (BSS) for 30 min before manual dissection. The cornea was placed on an artificial anterior chamber and pressure in the chamber was maintained at 80 mm Hg. The limbus of the donor cornea was incised to the same depth as the central corneal thickness. Lamellar dissection was started with the short side of the Morlet dissector (Duckworth & Kent Ltd) and completed using the lamellar (less sharp) end of the Morlet dissector. Outcomes of 10 consecutive cases of thin manually dissected DSEK (TMDSEK) were prospectively analysed for thickness and visual outcome.

Results

Mean graft thicknesses measured less than 100 μm at 1 month post surgery (mean thickness 90.7 μm, range 48–137 μm, SD 29.96 μm). Presoaked donor corneal pachymetry was strongly negatively correlated with graft thickness (correlation r=−0.75, P<0.05).

Discussion

Our dissection technique achieves consistently thin endothelial donor corneal grafts that can be safely produced with minimal financial investment and no limitations on surgical time. This technique is likely to be of significant importance for a large proportion of the eye centres where microkeratomes may not be routinely available.     

Long-term outcomes following the surgical repair of traumatic cyclodialysis clefts

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term visual prognosis and intraocular pressure (IOP) control following direct and indirect cycloplexy for the surgical treatment of traumatic cyclodialysis clefts.

Methods

Retrospective consecutive case series of 17 eyes of 17 patients. All eyes showing signs of ocular hypotony were treated with either cleft cyclocryotherapy and/or direct surgical cycloplexy. Cycloplexy was performed by directly suturing the ciliary body to the scleral spur under a double-lamellar limbal-based scleral flap. The main outcome measures were IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Results

The cyclodialysis clefts were post-traumatic in all the 17 eyes and extended for 2.1±1.6 clock-hours (range, 0.5–6 clock-hours). The mean follow-up time was 43.7±24.6 months (range, 12–110 months). Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 6.9±4.0 mm Hg (range, 2–14 mm Hg). Postoperatively, painful reversible IOP spikes of up to 70 mm Hg developed in 13 eyes. The final mean postoperative IOP was 12.2±4.1 mm Hg with no cases of secondary glaucoma. Preoperatively, BCVA was 6/12 or better in 4 eyes (24%), which rose to 12 eyes (71%) at final follow-up. Of the 12 patients who underwent direct cycloplexy, 75% achieved a final BCVA of 6/12 or better. There were no serious complications related to direct cycloplexy, including suprachoroidal haemorrhage or endophthalmitis.

Conclusions

Successful cyclodialysis cleft repair can lead to a good long-term visual prognosis and stable IOP control, even in cases with a protracted history of ocular hypotony.     

Outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis with rugby sport due to soil exposure

Aims

To investigate a cluster of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in 33 eyes of 25 previously healthy paediatric and teenage individuals after a rugby match.

Methods

An observational case series was reported. Analysis of medical record of patients with microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis, who presented within May 2012, was performed. All patients were treated by a single ophthalmologist with a standardized topical regime, including a fluoroquinolone (moxifloxacin) and an antiseptic (Brolene or Desomedine). Five eyes received corneal scrapings.

Results

The mean age was 13.36 years (range 5–16). All patients have participated in a rugby match on 21–22 April 2012. The onset of symptoms ranged from 10 to 30 days post exposure. All eyes had multiple superficial coarse punctate keratitis. Four (12%) eyes presented with keratic precipitates. One (3%) eye had intraocular pressure of 27 mm Hg. Microscopic examination of corneal scrapings with modified trichrome or calcofluor white (CFW) fluorescent staining was unremarkable but subsequent PCR test was positive for the small subunit rRNA gene of Vittaforma corneae in three out of five eyes. Sequencing of the PCR product of 1150 bp showed 96–100% identity with the Indian or Singaporean strains of V. corneae. After treatment, all eyes healed without sequel.

Conclusions

The first outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in paediatric and teenage individuals with a rugby match is reported. A standardized topical regime, including a fluoroquinolone (moxifloxacin) and an antiseptic (Brolene or Desomedine), seems to be safe and effective, and requires validation in future treatment trials.     

High intraocular pressure in four vitrectomized eyes with intravitreal C3F8 without high altitude travel

Importance

It is well known that altitude ascent with intravitreal gas can cause expansion of gas and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. According to Boyle''s law, the gas bubble will not expand unless a higher altitude than the gas insertion site has been reached. We report four cases in which intravitreal gas was injected at an altitude of 790 m (Jerusalem). All four cases developed high IOP even though they did not reach a higher altitude in their post-operative period.

Observations

A report of four patients following vitrectomy with 12% mixture of perfluoropropane and air are presented. All four patients arrived with ocular pain following the ascent by car of 765–1100 m to Jerusalem where the vitrectomy and gas insertion was conducted. Upon examination, all four patients had high IOP (30–55 mm Hg). IOP was well controlled with IOP-lowering medications. None of the patients suffered from long-term complications.

Conclusions and Relevance

Caution should be taken with altitude changes in patients with intravitreal gas even if there was no ascent from the altitude in which the vitrectomy was performed.     

Subthreshold micropulse yellow laser (577?nm) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: safety profile and treatment outcome

Purpose

To assess the safety and efficacy of a single session of subthreshold micropulse (SM) yellow laser (577 nm) in the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 15 eyes of 13 patients with CSCR of >3 months duration who had been treated with SM yellow laser (577 nm). All patients had been treated using multiple spots of laser with a duty cycle of 10% over areas of focal and diffuse leak, as seen on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Reduction in subretinal fluid height on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure the response to treatment.

Results

The mean follow-up was at 8 weeks (4–19 weeks). All eyes responded to treatment. The mean subretinal fluid height pre and post treatment was 232 and 49 μm, respectively, showing a 79% average reduction (P<0.001) in fluid height. There was no evidence of retinal pigment epithelium or retinal damage on SD-OCT, FFA, or fundus autofluorescence. Median visual improvement was one line on Snellen''s visual acuity chart (P=0.015). Microperimetry was performed in eight eyes of which six eyes (75%) showed an improvement in the threshold values post treatment.

Conclusion

SM yellow laser is an effective treatment option for chronic CSCR.     

Intraoperative testing of opening and closing pressure predicts risk of low intraocular pressure after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess whether intraoperative testing of silicone Ahmed glaucoma valves (AGVs) would identify valves with an increased risk of low postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods

In 30 consecutive cases of glaucoma surgery with AGV implantation, after priming the AGV, we intraoperatively measured the opening pressure A, closing pressure B, and re-opening pressure C using the active infusion pump of a phako-machine. IOP was checked postoperatively on the same day. Low IOP was defined as <5 mm Hg. Intraoperatively measured pressure characteristics of the valve function were analysed for their ability to predict postoperative IOP outcomes.

Results

Opening A, closing B, and re-opening C pressures (mean, (SD)) were 18.4 (5.1), 8.3 (4.7), and 11.7 (4.8)mm Hg, respectively. Ten patients (33.3%) had low IOP. An opening pressure of ≤18 mm Hg predicted low postoperative IOP with a sensitivity (10/10) of 100% (95% CI, 69.2–100) and a specificity (13/20) of 65.0% (95% CI, 40.8–84.6).

Conclusions

AGVs have a high variability of opening, closing, and re-opening pressures. An opening pressure of ≤18 mm Hg, a closing pressure of ≤10 mm Hg, or a re-opening pressure of ≤11 mm Hg identified all patients with low postoperative IOP.