Comparison of time-domain OCT and fundus photographic assessments of retinal thickening in eyes with diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE: To explore the correlation between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and stereoscopic fundus photographs (FP) for the assessment of retinal thickening (RT) in diabetic macular edema (DME) within a clinical trial. METHODS: OCT, FP, and best corrected visual acuity (VA) measurements were obtained in both eyes of 263 participants in a trial comparing two photocoagulation techniques for DME. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated comparing RT measured by OCT, RT estimated from FP, and VA. Principal variables were central subfield retinal thickness (CSRT) obtained from the OCT fast macular map and DME severity assessed by a reading center using a seven-step photographic scale combining the area of thickened retina within 1 disc diameter of the foveal center and thickening at the center. RESULTS: Medians (quartiles) for retinal thickness within the center subfield by OCT at baseline increased from 236 (214, 264) microm in the lowest level of the photographic scale to 517 (455, 598) microm in the highest level (r = 0.67). However, CSRT interquartile ranges were broad and overlapping between FP scale levels, and there were many outliers. Correlations between either modality and VA were weaker (r = 0.57 for CSRT, and r = 0.47 for the FP scale). OCT appeared to be more reproducible and more sensitive to change in RT between baseline and 1 year than was FP. CONCLUSIONS: There was a moderate correlation between OCT and FP assessments of RT in patients with DME and slightly less correlation of either measure with VA. OCT and FP provide complementary information but neither is a reliable surrogate for VA.     

Correlation between macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness and visual acuity after resolution of the macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion

AIM: To examine the thickness of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in eyes with resolved macular edema (ME) in non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), applying spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and its relationship with visual acuity. METHODS: The retrospective observational case-control study included 30 eyes of non-ischemic CRVO patients with resolved ME (ME eyes) after treatment, and 30 eyes of non-ischemic CRVO patients without ME (non-ME eyes). The macular GCIPL thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured on a SD-OCT scan. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the correlation between the thickness of each and the visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: No significant difference in average GCIPL thickness, mean pRNFL thickness and CMT were observed between ME group and non-ME group (P=0.296, 0.183, 0.846). But, minimum GCIPL thickness was reduced in ME eyes compared with non-ME eyes (P=0.022). Final VA significantly correlated with the minimum GCIPL thickness in ME eyes (r=-0.482, P=0.007), whereas no correlation was found with average GCIPL thickness, average pRNFL thickness and mean CMT. CONCLUSION: Minimum GCIPL thickness is reduced in ME eyes compared with non-ME eyes, and correlated with the VA in non-ischemic CRVO. These results propose that inner retinal damage occurring in patients with ME secondary to non-ischemic CRVO may lead to permanent visual defect after treatment.     

【In Press】 Correlation between macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness and visual acuity after resolution of the macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion

AIM: To investigate the thickness of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in eyes with resolved macular edema (ME) in non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and its relationship with visual acuity. METHODS: The retrospective observational case-control study included 30 eyes of non-ischemic CRVO patients with resolved ME (ME eyes) after treatment, and 30 eyes of non-ischemic CRVO patients without ME (non-ME eyes). The macular GCIPL thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured on a SD-OCT scan. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the correlation between the thickness of each and the visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: No significant difference in average GCIPL thickness, mean pRNFL thickness and CMT was observed between ME group and non-ME group (P=0.296, 0.183, 0.846). But, minimum GCIPL thickness was reduced in ME eyes compared with non-ME eyes (P=0.022). Final VA significantly correlated with the minimum GCIPL thickness in ME eyes (r=-0.482, P=0.007), whereas no correlation was found with average GCIPL thickness, average pRNFL thickness and mean CMT. CONCLUSION: Minimum GCIPL thickness is reduced in ME eyes compared with non-ME eyes, and correlated with the VA in non-ischemic CRVO. These results suggest that inner retinal damage occurring in patients with ME secondary to non-ischemic CRVO may lead to permanent visual defect after treatment.     

Surgical repair of retinal detachment secondary to cytomegalovirus retinitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine preoperative predictors of postoperative visual acuity in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and retinal detachment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study design was a retrospective chart review of 38 eyes in 33 patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis who had retinal reattachment surgery by pars plana vitrectomy with the use of silicone oil tamponade. Factors considered included: preoperative visual acuity, macular attachment status and CMV activity at the time of surgery, and length of time from diagnosis of retinal detachment to surgical repair. RESULTS: Retinal reattachment was achieved in 37 of 38 eyes. Mean interval from surgery to best corrected visual acuity (VA) was 9 weeks. The mean best corrected post-op VA was 20/70. Approximately half of the patients died within 7 months of the surgery. There was good correlation between preoperative VA and best attained postoperative VA (Spearman's: r = 0.5139, P = 0.001). The interval from retinal detachment to surgery, and best attained postoperative VA did not correlate (Spearman's: r = 0.2339, P=0.158). The lack of macular CMV retinitis correlated well with postoperative VA (P = 0.0066, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative visual acuity and macular attachment status correlates with better postoperative visual acuity results, whereas early surgical repair of retinal detachment does not.     

视网膜中央动脉阻塞患者视网膜循环时间与中心视力损害的关系

目的探讨视网膜中央动脉阻塞（CRAO） 患者中心视力损害与病程、视网膜循环时间的关系。方法对99例99只眼CRAO患者的中心视力、发病病程、荧光素眼底血管造影 (FFA)检查视网膜循环时间等量化数值进行统计学分析。结果CRAO 患者不同病程时间(2~21 d)与中心视力损害程度差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05），视网膜循环时间中视网膜动脉荧光充盈间期与中心视力损害的关系差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05），臂 视网膜循环时间与中心视力损害差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论视网膜循环时间指标中视网膜动脉荧光充盈间期与中心视力损害相关，时间愈长视力损害愈重，值得关注。(中华眼底病杂志，2007，23：177-179)     

The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Retrospective Study,Systematic Review,and Meta-analysis

PurposeCentral retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a vision-threatening condition with a potentially poor visual prognosis. Many different treatment modalities are suggested but controversy remains regarding effectiveness of these treatments. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in addition to analyzing retrospective data at our own tertiary care center regarding effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treatment of CRAO.MethodsThe PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library are searched from the date of database inception to September 2021 to conduct a review based on the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis), evaluating the role of HBOT in visual recovery of CRAO patients. In addition, a retrospective chart review of patients clinically diagnosed with CRAO at our university-based hospital (University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA) from year 2011 to 2021 was conducted.ResultsAfter a review of 376 articles, three articles met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, where a total of 207 patients received HBOT versus 89 patients that did not receive any form of oxygen therapy. Analysis of these results demonstrate that HBOT in CRAO patients does not enhance the final visual outcome (p = 0.83). Similar conclusion was also drawn from retrospective analysis of 48 patients (15 HBOT versus 33 controls) at our tertiary care center, where no visual benefit was observed in the HBOT group.ConclusionsHBOT does not appear to improve final visual outcome and concerns remain regarding adverse reactions such as barotrauma and generalized seizures. Large, randomized studies are required for further understanding of the role of HBOT in treatment of CRAO.     

视网膜中央动脉阻塞的治疗进展

视网膜中央动脉(CRA)是视网膜神经上皮层内五层组织的血供来源。若CRA发生阻塞，可导致患眼视力骤降甚至永久性视力丧失。视网膜中央动脉阻塞(CRAO)患者的自然视力预后通常较差。虽然可用于CRAO治疗的手段多样，如眼球按摩、前房穿刺术、高压氧治疗(HBOT)以及组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(tPA)动脉内溶栓等，但尚未有基于循证医学证据的CRAO治疗指南被应用于临床。而这些治疗手段对于CRAO的疗效均存在争议或存在治疗风险。本文将对目前可应用于CRAO治疗的措施予以综述，并对其各自的安全性及有效性进行探讨。     

Temporal retinal thinning might be an early diagnostic indicator in male pediatric X-linked Alport syndrome

AIM: To evaluate temporal retinal thinning changes in retinal layers using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in pediatric X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) patients. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study. SD-OCT scans of pediatric patients diagnosed with XLAS and age- and sex-matched healthy control participants were reviewed. Automated segmentation of SD-OCT scans was induced to analyze the retinal thickness (RT) of different layers. The temporal thinning index (TTI) was calculated for each layer and compared between the patients and the control group. RESULTS: Forty-three pediatric XLAS patients and 60 healthy controls were included. Temporal retinal thinning was present in 33 patients (76.74%), while 28 patients (65.11%) had severe pathological temporal retinal thinning and 5 patients (11.63%) had moderate thinning. The temporal inner sector RT (P<0.0001), the temporal outer sector RT (P<0.0001), and the nasal outer sector RT (P=0.0211) were significantly thinner in the XLAS male patients. The TTI of the total retina was significantly higher in the XLAS group than in the control group (P<0.0001). The TTI of the inner retina layers (P<0.0001), ganglion cell layer (P<0.0001), inner plexiform layer (P<0.0001), inner nuclear layer (P<0.0001), and outer nuclear layer (P<0.0001) were significantly higher in the XLAS group. The central RT of the XLAS group was significantly thinner than that of the control group (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Temporal retinal thinning appears early in XLAS patients, especially in male patients. The thinning is mainly caused by structural abnormalities of the inner retina. This suggests that temporal retinal thinning could be helpful for the early diagnosis and follow-up of XLAS with noninvasive SD-OCT examination.     

Vision-related quality of life and visual function after retinal detachment surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the vision-related quality of life (VR QOL) after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) surgery with that of normal controls and to investigate the relationship between the VR QOL and visual function after surgery for RD. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive, comparative case series. METHODS: The 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was self-administered by 51 RD patients at six months after surgery. Among the patients with RD, 33 underwent pars plana vitrectomy and 18 received scleral buckling. We examined the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity with the CSV-1000E (Vector Vision Co, Greenville, Ohio, USA), and low-contrast visual acuity (VA) with the CSV-1000LanC10% (Vector Vision Co). From the data obtained by CSV-1000E, the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated. The VFQ-25 also was administered to the 46 age-matched normal controls. RESULTS: The VFQ-25 composite score and the subscales associated with near activities, mental health, dependency, and peripheral vision were significantly lower in the RD group than in the normal controls (P < .05). The VFQ-25 composite score significantly correlated with AULCSF (r = 0.354; P < .05) and low-contrast VA (r = -0.475; P < 0.001), whereas there was no correlation between the VFQ-25 composite score and logMAR BCVA (r = 0.172; P = .229). CONCLUSIONS: The VR QOL is significantly impaired in patients after surgery for RD. The disturbance in VR QOL was significantly associated with deterioration of postoperative contrast sensitivity.     

Branch retinal vein occlusion-associated subretinal hemorrhage

Purpose

To study the pathomorphology of subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) seen in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and its association with visual prognosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 42 consecutive patients (42 eyes) with BRVO that affected the fovea. Retinal structural changes were examined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Results

On SD-OCT sections, serous retinal detachment was seen at the fovea in 35 eyes, 18 of which accompanied foveal SRH. While initial detection of foveal SRH had no correlation with initial visual acuity (VA), it was correlated with poorer final VA (r = 0.361, P = 0.019). Our patients were classified into two groups by the initial detection of foveal SRH, and initial VA was not different between these two groups. At the final examination, damaged lengths in the foveal photoreceptor layer were significantly longer in the SRH-positive group than those in the SRH-negative group (P = 0.004), and final VA in the SRH-positive group was significantly worse than that in the SRH-negative group (P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Foveal SRH is not an uncommon feature in BRVO and may cause subsequent damage to the foveal photoreceptor layer, resulting in poor visual function.     

Long-term functional outcome of macular hole surgery correlated to optical coherence tomography measurements

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of long-term functional outcome after macular hole surgery and its correlation with postoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Before and after surgery a complete clinical examination and OCT were performed in 38 patients. Best corrected postoperative visual acuity (VA) was correlated to the following OCT parameters: preoperative base and minimum diameter of the hole, hole height, hole form factor, retinal thickness and nerve-fibre layer measurements postoperatively, postoperative foveal contour, appearance of retinal pigment epithelium layer and photoreceptor layer. RESULTS: Over a mean follow up of 67 months, VA improved significantly (P=0.01). Retinal thickness and retinal thickness and nerve-fibre layer measurements of the operated eye did not differ from fellow eye. A negative correlation was seen between final VA and preoperative base diameter of the hole (r=-0.41, P=0.02) and hole height (r=-0.45, P=0.01). The correlation between hole form factor values and final VA (r=0.36, P=0.04) was weak. Appearance of the photoreceptor band was the only OCT parameter significantly correlating with final VA (r=-0.42, P=0.01) and explaining the observed increase (r=-0.32, P=0.05) in VA. CONCLUSION: Appearance of the photoreceptor layer on postoperative OCT correlates to functional outcome and may help to explain cases of unsatisfactory postoperative VA despite successful hole closure.     

频域OCT观察两种类型视网膜脱离术后黄斑中心凹结构变化

目的　利用频域光学相干断层扫描（ｏｐｔｉｃａｌｃｏｈｅｒｅｎｃｅｔｏｍｏｇｒａｐｈｙ,ＯＣＴ）观察单纯视网膜脱离（ｒｈｅｇｍａｔｏｇｅｎｏｕｓｒｅｔｉｎａｌｄｅｔａｃｈｍｅｎｔ,ＲＲＤ）和视网膜脱离合并脉络膜脱离（ｒｈｅｇｍａｔｏｇｅｎｏｕｓｒｅｔｉｎａｌｄｅｔａｃｈｍｅｎｔａｓｓｏｃｉａｔｅｄｗｉｔｈｃｈｏｒｏｉｄａｌｄｅｔａｃｈｍｅｎｔ,ＲＲＤＣＤ）术后黄斑中心凹结构的变化,并分析中心凹结构与术后最佳矫正视力的相关性。方法　７７例（７７眼）视网膜脱离患者纳入研究,其中ＲＲＤ组４４例（４４眼）,ＲＲＤＣＤ组３３例（３３眼）,所有患者均接受玻璃体切割联合硅油填充复位视网膜,利用频域ＯＣＴ观察术后黄斑区光感受器内／外节（ｐｈｏｔｏｒｅｃｅｐｔｏｒｉｎｎｅｒａｎｄｏｕｔｅｒｓｅｇｍｅｎｔ,ＩＳ／ＯＳ）连接带及外界膜（ｅｘｔｅｒｎａｌｌｉｍｉｔｉｎｇｍｅｍｂｒａｎｅ,ＥＬＭ）的形态、视网膜中心凹厚度,分析两组间中心凹形态变化差异,并分析ＩＳ／ＯＳ连接带与ＥＬＭ形态以及视网膜中心凹厚度与术后最佳矫正视力的相关性。结果　两组间的ＩＳ／ＯＳ连接带形态差异有统计学意义（χ２＝６．８８８,Ｐ＝０．０３２）,ＲＲＤＣＤ组ＩＳ／ＯＳ连接带的形态消失率明显高于ＲＲＤ组;两组间ＥＬＭ形态差异无统计学意义（χ２＝３．５９７,Ｐ＝０．１６６）,两组的ＩＳ／ＯＳ连接带及ＥＬＭ形态的完整性均与术后最佳矫正视力有相关性（ＲＲＤ组:ｒ＝０．６４９、Ｐ＜０．０５,ｒ＝０．４６６、Ｐ＜０．０５;ＲＲＤＣＤ组ｒ＝０．４８０、Ｐ＜０．０５,ｒ＝０．４４２、Ｐ＝０．０１０）。结论　频域ＯＣＴ是一种评价视网膜脱离复位术后黄斑微结构改变的有效手段。ＲＲＤＣＤ的ＩＳ／ＯＳ连接带消失率明显高于ＲＲＤ,这也是提示术后视力较差的原因之一,ＩＳ／ＯＳ连接带及ＥＬＭ形态的完整性可能是预测视网膜脱离复位术后视力恢复的重要因素。     

频域光学相干断层扫描在原发性视网膜色素变性中的应用

目的:应用频域光学相干断层扫描对原发性视网膜色素变性(retinitis pigmentosa,RP)患者进行图像分析,并评价其与视力敏感度的相关性。方法:对15例30眼RP患者和20例40眼正常人进行频域光学相干断层扫描,RP病例选择依靠病史、眼前后节检查、眼底荧光血管造影及电生理检查,所有病例均进行全层、内层及外层视网膜厚度的测量。正常组与RP组之间的视网膜厚度比较采用独立样本t检验,视网膜厚度与视力敏感度的相关性采用Pearson检验。结果:所有RP患者的光感受器层均变薄,正常组与RP患者的内层视网膜厚度变化无统计学意义,而全层及外层视网膜厚度变化有统计学意义。视力敏感度与全层视网膜厚度有较好的相关性,与外层视网膜厚度有更好的相关性。结论:应用频域光学相干断层扫描可以进行外层视网膜厚度的测量,而外层视网膜厚度可以对光感受器的丢失进行更好的评价,RP患者的外层视网膜厚度显著变薄,且与视力敏感度呈相关性。     

外界膜及椭圆体带完整性与视网膜静脉阻塞黄斑水肿视力预后的相关性

目的：通过视网膜静脉阻塞黄斑水肿（RVO-ME）患者频域光学相干断层扫描（SD-OCT）图像特征,探讨外界膜（ELM）及椭圆体带（EZ）完整性与RVO-ME患者预后视力的相关性。方法：系列病例研究。随机抽取2019年1月至2022年1月就诊于山西省眼科医院的RVO-ME初发患者30例（30眼）,进行最佳矫正视力（BCVA）、眼压、裂隙灯显微镜与SD-OCT检查,并用OCT自带的卡尺对黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度（CMT）、经黄斑中心凹500 μm半径以内的ELM、EZ缺损长度进行测量。采用Spearman相关性分析CMT、ELM及EZ缺损长度与治疗后视力改善值的相关性、初始BCVA（LogMAR）与治疗后BCVA（LogMAR）的相关性以及治疗后CMT、ELM及EZ缺损长度与治疗后BCVA的相关性。结果：治疗后视力改善值与初始CMT（r=-0.67,P<0.001）、初始ELM缺损长度（r=-0.82,P<0.001）、初始EZ缺损长度（r=-0.79,P<0.001）均呈负相关,而与发病年龄无相关性（r=-0.18,P=0.540）。初始BCVA与治疗后BCVA呈正相关（r=0.67,P<0.001）。治疗后BCVA与治疗后CMT（r=0.38,P=0.040）、 治疗后ELM缺损长度（r=0.54,P=0.002）、治疗后EZ缺损长度（r=0.39,P=0.030）均呈正相关。结论： ELM及EZ的完整性可作为判断RVO-ME患者预后视力的重要指标,初诊视力也是RVO-ME患者水肿消退后预后视力的影响因素。     

In vivo measurements of macular and nerve fibre layer thickness in retinal arterial occlusion

AIM: To investigate the structure-function relationship in patients with retinal arterial occlusion by measuring the macular and the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and the visual sensitivity. METHODS: This is an observational case series with three patients with central retinal arterial occlusion (CRAO) and two patients with branch retinal arterial occlusion (BRAO). The macular/peripapillary RNFL thickness and the visual field were measured with Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Humphrey visual field analyzer, respectively, at least 1 year after the diagnosis of CRAO or BRAO. RESULTS: The macular thickness, in particular the inner retinal layer, and the peripapillary RNFL thickness were reduced in patients with retinal arterial occlusion. The decrease in the macular and the peripapillary RNFL thickness corresponded to the sites of retinal arterial occlusion with diffuse and segmental thinning found in CRAO and BRAO, respectively. Visual field defects were found in the corresponding locations of macular and RNFL thinning, and closely correlated with the degree of the structural damage. CONCLUSIONS: Structural damages in terms of reduction in the macular and peripapillary RNFL thickness were evident in patients with retinal arterial occlusion. A close structure-function correlation was found and a worse functional outcome is associated with a more extensive thinning of the macula and RNFL. OCT measurements of the macular/peripapillary RNFL thickness provide useful indicators to reflect the severity of the disease in retinal arterial occlusion and serve as a new paradigm to study and monitor the disease longitudinally.     

Vitreous and retinal amino acid concentrations in experimental central retinal artery occlusion in the primate

PURPOSE: Vitreous and retinal amino-acid concentrations were evaluated in a primate model of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) to study the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in acute retinal ischaemia. METHODS: Unilateral, acute CRAO was produced by temporary clamping of the central retinal artery for 190 min in four elderly rhesus monkeys. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and electroretinogram were performed before and during CRAO, and after unclamping the artery. Vitreous samples were obtained before and after CRAO in both eyes, and analysed for 13 amino-acid concentrations using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The animals were killed 350 min after retinal reperfusion, and the retinal tissue was submitted for amino-acid analysis. RESULTS: In all four eyes, the macula showed the 'cherry red spot'. The CRAO was confirmed by fluorescein angiography and decreased b-wave on electroretinogram. Retinal histology confirmed ischaemic changes in the inner retina. Changes in all 13 vitreous amino-acid concentrations after CRAO (including glutamate) were not significantly different between study and control eyes (P = 0.09 to 0.82). All retinal amino-acid concentrations (including glutamate) were not significantly different between two eyes (P = 0.07-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: In the primate model of acute inner retinal ischaemia induced by transient CRAO, we were unable to detect significantly elevated concentrations of vitreous and retinal glutamate. Our primate model has the advantage of closely modelling the CRAO in humans. Further basic and clinical studies are needed to elucidate the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in retinal ischaemia.     

Circadian fluctuations of macular edema in patients with morning vision blurring: correlation with arterial pressure and effect of light deprivation

PURPOSE: This study explored the causes of vision fluctuations in patients with chronic macular edema. METHODS: Fifteen patients (16 eyes) with vision blurring at awakening due to post-central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) macular edema underwent three examination sessions over 24 hours (at 7 PM, immediately after awakening at 7 AM, and at 7 PM), which comprised assessment of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study score and measurement of macular thickness (MT) by optical coherence tomography. Ocular perfusion pressure was calculated from ambulatory arterial pressure measurement. In addition, after the 7 AM measurements, the patients were randomly selected for monocular light deprivation during the day to evaluate the role of retinal illumination in these fluctuations. RESULTS: Circadian fluctuation of MT was documented in all patients. At 7 AM, mean visual acuity (VA) was worse (mean +/- SD of the difference: 6.5 +/- 7.2 points; P < 0.002) and mean MT was higher (57.4 +/- 34 microm; P < 0.001) than at 7 PM. Fluctuations of MT were correlated to fluctuation of arterial pressure (P = 0.05), but were not influenced by monocular light deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: In most patients complaining of visual fluctuations due to macular edema secondary to CRVO, MT and VA were found to undergo a circadian cycle. These short-term anatomic and functional variations were associated with arterial pressure variations (that is, macular thickening was inversely correlated to the arterial pressure drop during the night), but were not due to light deprivation.     

Clinical characteristics and outcome of current standard management of central retinal artery occlusion

Background: To investigate the visual outcomes in acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with current standard therapy at two university teaching hospitals. Methods: Retrospective analysis of two cohorts of CRAO patients from John Hopkins Hospital (JHH; USA), and Flinders Medical Centre (FMC; Australia), treated with current standard therapy. The outcome measures were visual acuity, and subsequent ocular and systemic ischaemic events. Results: The mean follow‐up period was 11.2 ± 13.1 months in the JHH cohort and 35.4 ± 34.9 months in the FMC cohort. The frequency distribution of vascular risk factors and the incidence of subsequent ischaemic events were similar for the patients from both institutions. All patients from JHH were treated as inpatients, whereas 79% of patients from FMC were treated as outpatients. More patients in the JHH cohort underwent paracentesis, ocular massage or were treated with intraocular hypotensive agents (76%) than in the FMC cohort (26%); however, there was no significant difference in visual outcome between the two cohorts (P = 0.114). Conclusion: Despite differences in management of CRAO between two institutions in different countries, visual outcomes were similar. This suggests a lack of efficacy of current standard treatment in acute CRAO.     

Scanning laser polarimetry of the retinal nerve fiber layer in central retinal artery occlusion

PURPOSE: To report the results of scanning laser polarimetry (NFA/GDx; Laser Diagnostic Technologies, San Diego, CA). DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ten consecutive patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). METHODS: Neuro-ophthalmic examination and scanning laser polarimetry of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) of 10 patients with CRAO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of visual loss, visual acuity, funduscopy, and scanning laser polarimetry of the RNFL in 10 eyes of 10 patients with CRAO. RESULTS: The duration of visual loss before examination and scanning laser polarimetry ranged from 1 to 7 days. Visual acuity was counting fingers at 1 foot or worse in all 10 eyes with CRAO, and funduscopy revealed pallid retinal edema accompanied by a cherry red spot in all affected eyes. Funduscopy of the fellow eyes in all but one patient, who had anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and was subsequently diagnosed with giant cell arteritis, revealed no acute changes. Scanning laser polarimetry of all eyes with CRAO revealed diffuse attenuation of the retardation of the RNFL. Scanning laser polarimetry of the fellow eye revealed a normal bimodal distribution in the eight patients in whom it could be measured. In one patient who was examined 1 day after the onset of visual loss, repeat nerve fiber analysis 6 weeks later revealed further depression of the RNFL compared with the initial scan. Repeat analysis of the RNFL in four other patients showed persistence of the diffuse depression noted during their initial examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Scanning laser polarimetry in CRAO reveals diffuse depression of the retardation of the RNFL, which occurs acutely after the onset of visual loss. To our knowledge these patients represent the first reports of scanning laser polarimetry of the RNFL in acute CRAO.     

Aggressive systematic treatment for central retinal artery occlusion

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy of an aggressive systematic regimen for the treatment of acute nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). METHODS: Eleven patients who had unilateral CRAO with symptoms of fewer than 48 hours' duration were treated with an aggressive stepwise systematic regimen until retinal circulation improved or until all the treatment steps were performed. Five patients with unilateral CRAO and symptoms of fewer than 48 hours' duration were treated in the same institution in an arbitrary nonsystematic manner. The therapeutic steps of the aggressive treatment included ocular massage, sublingual isosorbide dinitrate, intravenous acetazolamide, intravenous mannitol or oral glycerol, anterior chamber paracentesis, intravenous methylprednisolone followed by streptokinase, and retrobulbar tolazoline. After each step, retinal flow was evaluated by three-mirror contact lens. The nonsystematic treatment was arbitrary and included one or several of the above. Visual acuity and complete eye examination data were recorded before and after treatment. RESULTS: Visual acuity and retinal arterial supply were improved in eight (73%) of the 11 patients treated in the stepwise systematic manner. All eight patients in whom visual acuity improved had symptoms for fewer than 12 hours, and the presumed cause was either platelet-derived or cholesterol embolus from atheroma or the patients had glaucoma. Patients in whom visual acuity did not improve had CRAO that was attributed to calcified emboli or primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and had symptoms more than 12 hours before treatment. Visual acuity did not improve in all five patients with the nonsystematic treatment regardless of the presumed cause or duration of the occlusion. The success of the treatment in the systematic treatment group was statistically significantly better compared with the outcome of the nonsystematic treated group (Fischer exact test, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of CRAO, an aggressive systematic regimen including medical and mechanical means may reestablish retinal circulation and improve visual outcome. The cause of arterial occlusion, the nature of occlusive emboli, and the duration of retinal ischemia may determine the visual outcome, but a larger series is warranted to verify the effectiveness of the treatment and the prognostic factors.