Three horizontal muscle surgery for large-angle infantile esotropia: validation of a table of amounts of surgery

Purpose

To validate a table of amounts of three horizontal muscle surgery in patients with large-angle infantile esotropia (≥60 prism dioptres, PD).

Methods

A prospective interventional case series reporting the postoperative alignment of 51 patients (27 male, 24 female) over a 15-year period was conducted. Surgery amounts were according to a published table developed on a previous patient cohort (n=49), using bilateral medial rectus recession with graded unilateral lateral rectus resection. Kaplan–Meier life-table survival curves were formulated for success to orthotropia (±10 PD) after one and subsequent horizontal muscle surgeries for up to 8 years follow-up.

Results

The median preoperative deviation was 65 PD (range 60–80 PD) and median age at surgery was 11.8 months (range 5.1 months–3.6 years). Surgical success to orthotropia (±10 PD) after one surgery was 100% at 2 months, 95.7% at 6 months, 91.3% at 12 months, 77.8% at 4 years, and 73.6% at 8 years. Postoperative failure requiring further horizontal surgery occurred in 17.6% (residual esotropia 4, consecutive exotropia 5).

Conclusions

Our second cohort has reproduced the success rate of the previous cohort (77.8% vs 77.1% at 4 years). If the published table of surgical amounts is used, three horizontal muscle surgery in large-angle infantile esotropia (≥60 PD) appears to have a good long-term success rate, and does not lead to the high rates of either residual esotropia or consecutive exotropia reported by others in the literature.     

Horizontal muscle transposition or oblique muscle weakening for the correction of V pattern?

Purpose

To report and to analyze the efficacy of horizontal rectus muscle transposition and inferior oblique muscle weakening in terms of pattern correction for patients with V pattern.

Methods

The review of the medical files identified 55 patients who had esotropia (ET) or exotropia (XT) with V pattern. The primary outcome measure was the amount of V pattern collapse (Δ).

Results

Of the 55 patients (mean age 22.1±9.5 years), 27 (49.1%) were males and 28 (50.9%) were females. The type of deviations was XT in 30 patients (54.5%) and ET in 25 patients (45.5%). Inferior oblique muscle weakening was performed in 43 (78.2%) patients, whereas horizontal muscle transposition was carried out in 12 (21.8%) patients in addition to recession-resection procedures. The amount of pattern was significantly reduced in both groups (P=0.01 for the horizontal offset group and P<0.01 for the oblique muscle weakening group).

Conclusion

Oblique muscle weakening surgery and horizontal muscle offset are effective in the correction of V pattern when the amount of pattern is under 30Δ.     

Visual perceptions induced by intravitreous injections of therapeutic agents

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to conduct a questionnaire-based survey of subjective visual perceptions induced by intravitreous (IVT) injections of therapeutic agents.

Patients and methods

Patients undergoing an IVT injection of ranibizumab, pegaptanib sodium, or triamcinolone acetonide were administered a questionnaire in the immediate post-injection period and at 2 weeks of follow-up.

Results

In the immediate post-injection period (75 IVT injections, 75 eyes, 75 patients), lights and floaters were reported after 20 (27%) and 24 (32%) IVT injections, respectively. In comparison, at the 2-week follow-up, the incidence of reported lights (11; 15%) was similar (P>0.05), but the incidence of reported floaters was higher (48; 64% P=0.00). Subgroup analysis for various injection subgroups (no previous injection vsprevious injection(s) in the study eye; injections in study eyes with good VA (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR] ≤0.3) vsmoderate VA (0.7 0.3) vspoor VA (logMAR ≥0.7); injections according to pharmacological agent (ranibizumab vspegaptanib vstriamcinolone acetonide); injections in study eyes with choroidal neovascularization (of various causes) vsstudy eyes with macular edema (of various causes); and injections in phakic vspseudophakic eyes) did not reveal any statistically significant associations. Visual perceptions experienced following 15% of IVT injections gave cause for concern to the patient (mean visual analog scale score (±SD): 4.5 (±1.7)), and in 64% of cases, the patients believed that preoperative counseling would have averted the concern.

Conclusions

Lights and floaters are frequent visual perceptions following IVT injections of therapeutic agents. They can give rise to concern that could be alleviated with preinjection counseling.     

Twelve-month experience with Ozurdex for the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) alone or in combination with bevacizumab.

Methods

Sixty-four eyes were prospectively investigated. Group 1 (22 central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 16 branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)) was treated with Ozurdex alone, and group 2 (14 CRVO and 12 BRVO) was treated with three consecutive bevacizumab injections followed by Ozurdex. Recurrences were treated with Ozurdex only. Patients were seen preoperatively and thereafter in monthly intervals. The primary end point was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months.

Results

In group 1, BCVA improved by 6.6 (±1.7) letters in CRVO and 7.8 (±2.9) in BRVO patients, and in group 2 by 9.8 (±1.0) vs 9.4 (±2.1) letters. A significant difference was only seen between CRVO patients in group 1 and 2 at 12 months (P<0.05). Recurrence after the first Ozurdex injection occurred after 3.8 (CRVO) and 3.5 months (BRVO) in group 1, vs 3.2 and 3.7 months in group 2. Elevated intraocular pressure (>5 mm Hg) was measured in approximately 40% cataract progression requiring surgery in about 50% of eyes after three Ozurdex injections.

Conclusion

Combined treatment showed slightly better functional outcome for CRVO patients. Increased intraocular pressure and cataract progression was frequent and should be considered when an individual treatment is planned.     

Patterns of adherence to NICE Glaucoma Guidance in two different service delivery models

Purpose

To assess adherence patterns to the UK National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on glaucoma management (2009) in a tertiary referral centre shared care setting and in a district general hospital (DGH) setting.

Method

We performed a retrospective case note analysis of 200 patients from two centres between January and June 2010. The two centres involved were a consultant-guided teaching hospital optometry-led shared care setting (setting 1) and a consultant-led DGH clinic setting (setting 2). The main outcome measures were compliance with eight of the main NICE guidelines on glaucoma diagnosis and management (2009).

Results

Both centres showed good adherence to the guidelines regarding the choice of initial treatment (96% vs 100%, settings 1 and 2, respectively) and arranging appropriate monitoring intervals (92% vs 86%). However, significant differences were seen when assessing whether an optic disc image was obtained at the initial visit (74% vs 10%), whether an appropriate initial assessment was performed (96% vs 58%), whether patients'' review interval complied with the NICE guidance regardless of hospital cancellations (92% vs 66%), and whether concordance with medication was checked (88% vs 24%) (settings 1 and 2, respectively, P<0.01—Fisher''s exact test).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence to suggest that a hospital-based shared care service with trained optometrists using assessment sheets compares favourably to non-specialist glaucoma care delivered by ophthalmologists.     

Comparison of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in Asian eyelids

Purpose

To compare the functional and cosmetic outcomes of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in blepharoptosis surgery on Asians.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study examined 60 Asian patients with blepharoptosis who had undergone advancement of the levator aponeurosis: 34 patients (46 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the two-point suture technique and 26 patients (41 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the three-point suture technique. The postoperative marginal reflex distance (MRD1), lid height difference, and eyelid contour were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-seven (79.4%) of the 34 patients in the two-point group and 19 (73.1%) of 26 patients in the three-point group had a postoperative MRD1 of 2–4 mm, lids within 0.5 mm of each other, and a satisfactory eyelid contour; this difference was not significant. The rate of reoperation did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

Two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis were equally effective for correcting blepharoptosis in Asians.     

Evaluation of pain during intravitreal Ozurdex injections vs intravitreal bevacizumab injections

Purpose

The purpose was to evaluate the pain associated with intravitreal Ozurdex injections, and to compare it with that associated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections.

Methods

The study included 57 eyes of 57 patients who received an intravitreal Ozurdex injection at our institution. Pain was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Additional parameters recorded included age, sex, indication for the injection, number of previous Ozurdex injections in the study eye, presence of diabetes mellitus, and lens status. Data were compared with a 2 : 1 sex- and age-matched control group of 114 patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab injections.

Results

Indications for injection included diabetic macular edema (40.4%) and macular edema secondary to central and branch retinal vein occlusion (28% and 31.6%, respectively). Pain scores on the VAS ranged from 0 to 90, with a mean of 20.8±20.3. There was no significant difference in pain between Ozurdex and bevacizumab injections. Pseudophakia was correlated with increased pain in Ozurdex injections.

Conclusions

This is the first series evaluating the pain associated with intravitreal Ozurdex injections. Despite a larger needle gauge and tunneled injection technique, intravitreal injection of Ozurdex is not associated with increased pain compared with bevacizumab. This finding may be a potential advantage for Ozurdex, and may serve to improve patient compliance with future long-term treatment protocols.     

Influence of diabetes and diabetes type on anatomic and visual outcomes following central rein vein occlusion

Purpose

To determine the influence of diabetes and diabetes type on ocular outcomes following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all patients evaluated over a 4-year period in a tertiary diabetes eye care center. Ophthalmic findings were recorded including visual acuity and the presence of retinal neovascularization at presentation, after 3–6 months, and at last follow-up.

Results

The records of 19 648 patients (13 571 diabetic; 6077 nondiabetic) were reviewed. The prevalence of CRVO in diabetic patients (N=72) and nondiabetic patients (N=27) were 0.5 and 0.4%, respectively. Disc neovascularization (21.3 vs 0.0%, P=0.05) and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (48.7 vs 21.4%, P=0.01) were more common in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic patients. Compared with type 2 diabetic patients, retinal neovascularization (28.6 vs 3.7%, P=0.004) and subsequent PRP (78.6 vs 41.9%, P=0.01) were more likely in type 1 patients. Optic nerve head collateral vessels (CVs) were observed less than half as often (21.4 vs 56.5%, P=0.04) in patients with type 1 diabetes. Presence of optic nerve head CVs at baseline was associated with less likelihood of PRP (14.3 vs 46.1%, P=0.03).

Conclusions

In this cohort, the rates of CRVO in diabetic and nondiabetic patients were similar to previously published population-based studies. Following CRVO, diabetic patients had higher rates of disc neovascularization and were more likely to require subsequent PRP than nondiabetic patients. As compared with CRVO patients with type 2 diabetes, patients with type 1 diabetes and CRVO had worse anatomic outcomes with substantially increased risks of retinal neovascularization and PRP; however, final visual acuity outcomes were similar.     

Post-intravitreal anti-VEGF endophthalmitis in the United Kingdom: incidence,features, risk factors,and outcomes

Purpose

To describe the incidence, features, management, and risk factors of post-intravitreal anti-VEGF endophthalmitis (PIAE) in patients undergoing treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Prospective observational case control study. Forty-seven cases of PIAE were identified through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit from January 2009 to March 2010. Data collected at diagnosis and at 6 months follow-up included patient demographics, intravitreal injection details, pre- and post-injection management, visual acuity, clinical features and management of PIAE, causative organisms, and clinical outcomes. Details were compared with 200 control cases from 10 control centres to identify potential risk factors.

Results

Estimated PIAE was 0.025%. Culture-positive PIAE incidence was 0.015%. Mean age of presentation was 78 years. Mean number of intravitreal injections before PIAE was 5. Mean days to presentation was 5 (range 1–39). Positive microbiology culture was found in 59.6%. The majority of causative organisms were Gram positive (92.8%). Significant risk factors were failure to administer topical antibiotics immediately after the injection (P=0.001), blepharitis (P=0.006), subconjunctival anaesthesia (P=0.021), patient squeezing during the injection (P=0.021), and failure to administer topical antibiotics before anti-VEGF injection (P=0.05).

Discussion

The incidence of PIAE in the United Kingdom is comparable to other studies at a rate of 0.025%. The most common causative organisms were Gram positive. Measures to minimise the risk of PIAE include treatment of blepharitis before injection, avoidance of subconjunctival anaesthesia, topical antibiotic administration immediately after injection with consideration to administering topical antibiotics before injection.     

The effect of erythropoietin on the severity of retinopathy of prematurity

Aims

Exogenous human erythropoietin (EPO) artificially synthesised through recombinant DNA technology (rHuEPO) is currently used as a substitute for blood transfusion in preterm and low birth weight neonates. The objective of this study is to determine whether the use of rHuEPO is associated with an increased severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm neonates.

Method

This retrospective review studies neonates who were admitted to a tertiary perinatal unit and screened for ROP during the 10-year period from January 2003 to December 2012.

Results

During the 10-year period, 688 preterm neonates underwent ROP screening, with 198 identified as having ROP. The incidence of stage 1 ROP was 51.5% (102/198), followed by 35.9% (71/198) for stage 2, and 12.6% (25/198) for stage 3 and greater. Plus disease was seen in 14 neonates (7.1%). Treatment (laser photocoagulation) was administered in 64% of neonates (16/25) with stage 3 of the disease and above because of progression to threshold ROP. Twenty-six (13%) of the neonates received rHuEPO treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in birth weight (910.4 vs 885 g; P=0.71), gestational age (26.5 vs 25.8 weeks; P=0.09), and duration of ventilation (512 vs 501.4 h; P=0.92) between neonates who did not receive rHuEPO compared with those who were treated with rHuEPO. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the use of EPO was associated with increased severity of ROP.

Conclusions

EPO therapy appears to increase the risk of development and worsening of ROP.     

New superior–inferior visual field asymmetry indices for detecting POAG and their agreement with the glaucoma hemifield test

Purpose

To describe and measure the discriminatory performance of three new superior–inferior asymmetry indices for detecting primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and to compare these with the glaucoma hemifield test (GHT).

Methods

In all, 412 control and 247 POAG eyes were selected from a visual field database of patients attending the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Age-adjusted defect asymmetries were calculated for each of the 22 vertically mirrored test point pairs used in the GHT. The three new indices, hemifield mean difference (HMD) and hemifield standard deviation (HSD) of the asymmetry values along with the number of test pairs (NP) falling outside the 85% probability limits of the control population, were calculated. ROC curves of the indices and GHT were constructed. Agreement between the indices was explored with a proportional Venn diagram and 3 × 3 contingency tables. Cases of disagreement between the indices were reviewed.

Results

The area under the ROC curves were HMD=0.745 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.705–0.786), HSD=0.864 (95% CI 0.833–0.894), NP=0.863 (95% CI 0.832–0.893) and GHT=0.792 (95% CI 0.754–0.829). The Venn diagram and contingency tables highlighted the good agreement between HSD, NP and GHT. Agreement was 78% (HSD vs GHT) and 82% (NP vs GHT) in the control sample and 70% (HSD vs GHT) and 71% (NP vs GHT) in the POAG sample. Five cases are presented where disagreement existed between the indices.

Conclusions

The new HSD and NP asymmetry indices perform better than GHT in differentiating between normal and POAG eyes in this data set. GHT can fail to detect significant asymmetry, detected by HSD and NP, when an early defect crosses sector boundaries.     

Intrasilicone oil injection of bevacizumab at the end of retinal reattachment surgery for severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Purpose

To evaluate the role of bevacizumab injected into the silicone oil at the end of retinal reattachment surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) associated with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) for prevention of postoperative PVR and compare the results with those without intrasilicone injection.

Methods

In this prospective comparative interventional study, eyes with RRD with grade C PVR were included. Standard 20 gauge pars plana vitrectomy, and retinal reattachment was performed. In case group, 1.25 mg bevacizumab was injected into the silicone oil at the end of surgery. The rate of retinal redetachment associated with PVR was assessed.

Results

In all 38 eyes of 38 patients (19 cases and 19 controls) with a mean age of 46.6±18.3 years were studied. The two groups were matched for age, sex, preoperative visual acuity, presence of anterior and posterior PVR, extent of PVR, and history of previous retinal detachment surgery. Retinal redetachment with PVR occurred in nine (47.3%) and seven (36.8%) eyes in case and control groups, respectively (P=0.5). Extensive subretinal fibrous proliferations in addition to preretinal membranes occurred more in the case group (55.5 vs 14.3%). At final visit, visual acuity was similar between the two groups (1.6±0.8 and 1.6±0.6, respectively, P=0.9).

Conclusion

Intrasilicone injection of bevacizumab at the end of vitrectomy for RRD with severe PVR does not eliminate the risk of postoperative PVR.     

Results of conservative management for consecutive esotropia after intermittent exotropia surgery

Purpose

To examine the clinical course of consecutive esotropia (ET) using conservative management, after intermittent exotropia (IXT) surgery.

Methods

This study included 149 out of 151 consecutive patients with ET after IXT surgery, who were managed conservatively. The clinical course of consecutive ET was examined and the patients were classified into two groups based on the duration of esodeviation: (1) >3 weeks (persistent ET group, n=56) and (2) <3 weeks (transient ET group, n=93). Patient characteristics and treatment outcomes, including the recurrence of exotropia and stereopsis, were compared between the two groups.

Results

All patients with ET were managed with full-time alternate occlusion and/or with a Fresnel prism. In 149 patients out of 151 consecutive patients, 82% of ET disappeared at 12-month follow-up and all at the last follow-up visit (31.4±23.5 months). At the final visit, a recurrence of exotropia of >10 prism dioptres was significantly less frequent in the persistent ET group than in the transient ET group (25% vs 62%, respectively; P=0.01). However, stereopsis outcome was not significantly different between the two groups, and stereopsis change was not affected by age.

Conclusions

By using conservative management only, persistent consecutive ET after IXT surgery disappeared in most cases by the 1-year follow-up visit after surgery. Recurrence of exotropia was significantly less frequent in patients with persistent ET, yet the sensory outcome was not affected by the duration of consecutive ET or age.     

Long term patient-reported benefit from ptosis surgery

Purpose

To assess the long term impact of ptosis surgery on health-related quality-of-life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) patient-reported outcome measure.

Patients and methods

A retrospective case note review was carried out on all patients who had undergone ptosis surgery (6 November 2008 to 5 December 2010) by one surgeon at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and complications were recorded. The GBI questionnaire data was obtained by telephone interview.

Results

A total of 62 ptosis operations (33 right, 29 left, of which 18 were bilateral) on 44 patients; 20 male, 24 female were included. Median age 77 years (range: 17–95 years). One wound dehiscence occurred, but no redo ptosis procedures were required. GBI data was obtained on 32 patients (45 ptosis procedures) at a mean follow-up period of 42.8 months postoperatively (range 31–67 months). The mean total GBI score for ptosis surgery was +21.36 (range 0–58.33; 95% confidence interval: 17.28–25.43, P<0.05).

Conclusion

Patients derived a highly significant benefit to their health-related quality-of-life from ptosis surgery measured by the GBI that was maintained for up to 5 years.     

Effects of intraoperative steroid injection on the outcome of pterygium surgery

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of intraoperative triamcinolone injection on the outcome of pterygium surgery.

Methods

This prospective study included 54 eyes with primary nasal pterygia that underwent pterygium surgery with a bare-sclera technique and intraoperative mitomycin C application. Patients were randomized into two groups; the steroid group that received subconjunctival injection of 12 mg triamcinolone acetonide at the end of surgery, and the control group that did not receive such steroid injection. Main outcome measures included presence of conjunctival inflammation at 1 month postoperatively as well as recurrence of pterygium.

Results

Twelve-month follow-up was completed in 48 eyes (23 in the steroid group and 25 in the control group). At 1 month postoperatively, different grades of conjunctival inflammation were present in 11 (47.8%) of the steroid group and in 14 (56%) of the control group (P=0.39). For eyes with moderate or severe postoperative inflammation, subconjunctival triamcinolone was injected; these included 6 (26.1%) and 9 (36%) in the steroid and control groups, respectively (P=0.54). During follow-up, surgical area showed fine episcleral vessels without fibrous tissue in 1 (4.3%) of the steroid group and 3 (12.0%) of the control group (P=0.33), which all regressed after triamcinolone injection. Conjunctival recurrence of pterygium was seen in 2 (8.7%) of the steroid group and in 1 (4.0%) of the control group (P=0.47). No eye developed corneal recurrence in either group.

Conclusions

In pterygium surgery with a bare-sclera technique and mitomycin C application, intraoperative triamcinolone injection did not significantly reduce postoperative conjunctival inflammation or pterygium recurrence.     

Validation of a new photogrammetric technique to monitor the treatment effect of Botulinum toxin in synkinesis

Aims

To validate a new photogrammetric technique for quantifying eye surface area and using this to quantify the degree of improvement in symmetry in patients with oral–ocular synkinesis following Botulinum toxin injection.

Study design

Feasibility study and retrospective outcomes analysis

Methods

Ten patients'' photographs were chosen from a photographic database. Their eye surface areas were measured independently by two raters using a graphics tablet. One rater repeated the procedure after 15 days. Bland–Altman plots were computed, ascertaining inter-rater and intra-rater variability. The eye surface areas of 19 patients were then derived from photographs taken before and after Botulinum toxin injections. Paired t-tests were used to analyse the significance of the difference in pre- and post-treatment symmetry.

Results

Ninety per cent of eye surface areas derived from the two raters were within a coefficient of variation of 0.1 (95% CI: 0.05–0.15). Similarly, 90% of eye surface areas derived from one rater had a coefficient of variation of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.04–0.12). Botulinum toxin significantly reduced synkinesis resulting from lip puckering, Mona Lisa smiling and Hollywood smiling (P<0.05).

Conclusions

We have proposed a clinically valid tool for quantifying the effects of Botulinum toxin treatment for oral–ocular synkinesis. We recommend this method be used to monitor the response of such patients when receiving Botulinum toxin treatment.

Level of evidence

2c.     

Muscle belly union associated with simultaneous medial rectus recession for treatment of myopic myopathy: results in 33 eyes

Purpose

To describe the results achieved using muscle belly union associated with the recession of the ipsilateral medial rectus muscle to treat myopic myopathy and restore the normal anatomical relationship of superior and lateral rectus (LR).

Methods

A retrospective, nonrandomized study performed on 33 eyes of 26 patients who underwent muscle belly union between January 2004 and October 2012. We preoperatively and postoperatively recorded: best-corrected visual acuity; refraction; intraocular pressure; complete orthoptic assessment, including the angle of deviation and maximal abduction measured using the Goldmann perimeter. Pictures of the eyes in all gaze directions were taken before and after the surgical treatment. Anatomical relationships between muscle cone and eye globe were preoperatively analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical complications were noted.

Results

The follow-up period was 6 months. Preoperative mean BVCA was 0.97±0.96 logMAR (ranging from 0.1 to 3 logMAR) and no changes were detected during postoperative controls. Preoperative mean hypotropia and esotropia were, respectively, 10.2±3.9 prism diopters (PD) and 46.2±15.5 PD. Postoperative mean hypotropia was 2.48±2.00 PD (P<0.001) and mean esotropia was 7.36±9.09 PD (P<0.001). A statistical incrementation of mean maximal abduction (P<0.001) was also noticed.

Conclusions

Muscle belly union—coupled with the recession of the ipsilateral medial rectus muscle when considered convenient—is the elective surgical technique in myopic myopathy, when a downward displacement of LR muscle is shown on MRI with coronal sections.     

Influence of seasonal sunlight intensity and iris color on the anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Purpose

To investigate the influence of seasonal light intensity and patients'' iris color on the visual recovery after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy with ranibizumab or bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

The visual acuity of 555 eyes (529 patients) with neovascular AMD was evaluated after intravitreal injections of either ranibizumab or bevacizumab in respect to global radiation intensity and iris color.

Results

The functional results during anti-VEGF therapy revealed a seasonal oscillation with a negative correlation between visual recovery and global radiation intensity (R²=−0.756, P=0.004). Although the influence of the sunlight intensity on the visual recovery was significant after the first injection, this effect vanished within the continuous course of treatment. Regarding the improvement of functional recovery depending on iris color, dark-colored eyes (16.0%) gained 8.5±10.0 letters after the first injection and 9.9±12.8 letters after the second injection, compared with 3.4±8.6 letters and 4.4±11.0 letters in light-colored eyes (84.0%), respectively (P=0.005 and P=0.019).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that seasonal sunlight intensity and iris color might influence the visual recovery of neovascular AMD patients undergoing anti-VEGF therapy. Our findings may be used as suggestions to refine individual anti-VEGF therapy regimens, especially in patients with light-colored eyes.     

Intermittent exotropia: relation between age and surgical outcome: a change-point analysis

Purpose

To study the relationship between age and response to surgery in patients with intermittent exotropia and to identify change points in response to surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 311 patients with intermittent exotropia who had bilateral lateral rectus recession using standard tables with minimum follow-up of 6 months. Data were analyzed using the change-point analysis software to identify cutoff points. A prospective pilot study was then performed on 171 consecutive patients with intermittent exotropia with the same clinical characteristics, in whom amount of recession was modified according to the identified cutoff points. In angles with two change points, 1-mm recession was reduced from patients younger than the lower change point and 1.5-mm recession was added to those older than the upper change point. In angles with one change point, 1.5-mm recession was added to those older than the change point. Satisfactory alignment was defined as esophoria/tropia ≤5Δ to exophoria/tropia ≤8Δ.

Results

There was a negative correlation (P<0.01) between response to surgery and age at surgery for all angles. In younger patients (<7 years) in whom surgical dose was reduced, there was no significant change in success rate (77%), compared with those who had surgery using standard tables (75%). In older patients (>12 years) in whom surgical dose was increased, there was a statistically significant increase in success rate (80% vs 41%).

Conclusions

Modifying the surgical dose according to age can improve the success in patients with intermittent exotropia.     

Vertical muscle transposition augmented with lateral fixation (Foster) suture for Duane syndrome and sixth nerve palsy

Purpose

To report the postoperative results of full-tendon vertical rectus transposition (VRT) augmented with lateral fixation suture for the treatment of type 1 Duane syndrome and sixth nerve palsy and to determine whether there was a decrease in the effect of the Foster suture over time.

Methods

This retrospective, consecutive case series included patients who underwent a full-tendon VRT transposition with lateral fixation for type 1 Duane syndrome or sixth nerve palsy. The primary outcome measures included deviation, abnormal head posture(AHP), abduction deficiency, and postoperative binocular single visual field (BSVF).

Results

Eighty-seven patients (87 eyes: 40 eyes with Duane syndrome and 47 eyes with sixth nerve palsy) were included in this study. In Duane syndrome patients, the deviation was reduced by a mean of 95%, the AHP was eliminated in 86% of patients, the abduction was improved by 42%, and a useful BSVF of ∼67% of normal was achieved at 1 year post operation. In sixth nerve palsy patients, the deviation was reduced by 99%, the abduction was improved by 59%, and a useful BSVF of ∼71% of normal was achieved at 1 year post operation. In both groups, the improvements in deviation angle and abduction were stable postoperatively. Sixteen patients needed reoperation for undercorrection.

Conclusion

VRT surgery with posterior fixation is an effective treatment method for complete sixth nerve palsy and Duane syndrome with esotropia, AHP, and abduction deficiency. The procedure carries a small risk of reoperation for undercorrection. The effect of the Foster suture did not decline over time.