Long-term follow-up of primary silicone oil tamponade for retinal detachment secondary to macular hole in highly myopic eyes: a prognostic factor analysis

PurposeTo investigate the risk factors associated with retinal detachment recurrence after first vitrectomy in high myopic eyes with macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD).MethodsPatients with high myopic eyes with MHRD who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil (SO) tamponade with a follow-up period more than 12 months and more than 3 months after SO removal were included in this retrospective study. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors associated with retinal re-detachment.ResultsA total of 45 eyes from 43 patients were included in this study (11 male and 34 female patients). The retinal re-detachment rate after the first removal of silicon oil was 35.5% (16/45) in a mean postoperative follow-up time of 35.64 ± 32.94 months. Complete macular atrophy on fundus photography (odds ratio (OR) = 17.021, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.218–130.609, p = 0.006) was a risk factor for MHRD after SO removal, while internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (OR = 0.091, 95% CI: 0.013–0.633, p = 0.015) and duration of SO tamponade (OR = 0.667, 95% CI: 0.454–0.980, p = 0.039) were protective factors.ConclusionFor high myopic eyes with MHRD, complete macular atrophy was a significant risk factor for retinal re-detachment after silicon oil removal. ILM peeling and the duration of silicon oil tamponade were protective factors.Subject terms: Retinal diseases, Risk factors     

Efficacy and safety of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant clinical studies published prior to March 2020. The primary outcome was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the secondary outcomes included the subretinal fluid (SRF), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and central macular thickness (CMT).ResultsFive randomized controlled trials (RCT) and four cohort studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 352 eyes. The MRA treatment was not superior to placebo in BCVA at 1 month (WMD = −0.06, 95% CI −0.15–0.02, P = 0.15, I² = 86%), 3 months (WMD = −0.04, 95% CI −0.14–0.06, P = 0.44, I² = 77%) and 6 months (WMD = −0, 95% CI −0.05–0.05, P = 0.92, I² = 0%). The MRA treatment resulted in significant reduction than the placebo in the SRF (WMD = −60.64, 95% CI −97.91 to −23.37, P = 0.001, I² = 49%), SFCT (WMD = −39.15, 95% CI −52.58 to −25.72, P < 0.001, I² = 0%), and CMT (WMD = −60.75, 95% CI −97.85 to −23.65, P = 0.01, I² = 53%).ConclusionsOur meta-analysis shows that the MRA treatment can improve anatomical structure in CSC patients, but it is not effective for achieving BCVA gain. The applicant of the MRA is safe and have no severe effect.Subject terms: Prognostic markers, Retinal diseases     

Postoperative severe visual impairment: surgical outcome of 165 patients with orbital tumours in the muscle cone

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of postoperative severe vision impairment (PSVI) for a primary orbital tumour in the muscle cone.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent orbitotomy for primary intraconal tumours at the Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from January 2010 to December 2015.ResultsA total of 165 cases of orbitotomy for primary orbital tumours in the muscle cone were included in the study. Postoperatively, 12 cases with vision acuity ≤20/400 or ≥4 rows of vision decline and without any corrected effect were analysed as PSVI, including no light perception (NLP) for 3 cases. The multivariate logistic regression indicated that the tumour in orbital apex (P = 0.048, OR = 4.912, 95% CI: 1.011–23.866), severe optic nerve displacement (P = 0.030, OR = 6.007, 95% CI: 1.184–30.473) and intraoperative tight adhesion (P = 0.003, OR = 12.031, 95% CI: 2.282–63.441) were the independent risk factors for PSVI.ConclusionsThe incidence of PSVI for the intraconal tumour was 7.3%, and the incidence of NLP was 1.8%. The tumour in orbital apex, severe optic nerve displacement and intraoperative tight adhesion were independent risk factors for PSVI.Subject terms: Risk factors, Vision disorders, Surgery     

Reproducibility of qualitative assessment of drusen volume in eyes with age related macular degeneration

BackgroundAlthough an optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived central drusen volume ≥0.03 mm³ has been found to be a risk factor for progression to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD), this parameter is not currently available on most OCT devices or acquisition protocols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of human graders to qualitatively assess drusen volume by inspection of OCT B-scans.Methods100 subjects (200 eyes) from the Amish Eye Study diagnosed with early or intermediate AMD underwent OCT imaging with both Cirrus OCT and Spectralis OCT. Drusen volume was automatically computed from the Cirrus OCT volumes using the Cirrus Advanced RPE Analysis software. Spectralis volume scans were reviewed by two independent, masked graders who were asked to determine whether the central drusen volume was ≥0.03 mm³. Cohen’s kappa coefficients were computed to assess the agreement.ResultsAfter excluding 11 eyes with poor image quality and 5 eyes used for training of the graders, the remaining 184 eyes were included in this analysis. The agreement between the graders and the automated evaluation of drusen volume by the Cirrus OCT was excellent with K = 0.88 for grader 1 and K = 0.82 for grader 2. The agreement between graders was also excellent with a K = 0.88.ConclusionsThe presence of a high central drusen volume can be assessed reliably by qualitative inspection of OCT B-scans. This approach may be useful in the assessment of risk for progression to late AMD.Subject terms: Macular degeneration, Eye diseases     

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

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

Risk factors for astigmatic components and internal compensation: the Nanjing Eye Study

PurposeTo determine the risk factors for total astigmatism (TA), anterior corneal astigmatism (ACA), and internal compensation in Chinese preschool children.MethodsIn the population-based Nanjing Eye Study, children were measured for noncycloplegic refractive error and for biometric parameters. Data from questionnaires and measures from right eyes were analyzed for determining risk factors for TA, ACA, and internal compensation from multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsOf 1327 children (66.8 ± 3.4 months, 53.2% male), older age of the child (OR = 0.95 for per month increase; P = 0.03), older paternal age at child birth (OR = 1.04 for per year increase; P = 0.03), paternal astigmatism (OR = 1.89; P = 0.003), maternal astigmatism (OR = 1.73, P = 0.008), and second-hand smoke exposure during pregnancy (OR = 1.64; P = 0.03) were associated with higher risk of TA, while partial breastfeeding (OR = 0.49, P = 0.006) or formula feeding (OR = 0.46, P = 0.003) were associated with lower risk of TA. Larger ratio of axial length to corneal radius (OR = 16.16 for per unit increase; P = 0.001), maternal working during pregnancy (OR = 1.27; P = 0.04), and cesarean delivery (OR = 1.68, P = 0.04) were associated with higher risk of ACA, while formula feeding was associated with lower risk of ACA (OR = 0.57, P = 0.01). Paternal astigmatism (OR = 0.50, P = 0.01) and assisted reproduction (OR = 0.56, P = 0.03) were associated with lower risk of horizontal or vertical internal compensation. More outdoor activity time (OR = 1.15 for per hour increase, P = 0.01) was associated with higher risk of oblique internal compensation while more nighttime sleep on weekends (OR = 0.83 for per hour increase, P = 0.01) was associated with lower risk of oblique internal compensation.ConclusionsOur study confirmed some previously reported risk factors and identified some novel risk factors for astigmatism including formula feeding for lower risk of both ACA and TA, and older paternal age at child birth for higher risk of TA.Subject terms: Risk factors, Paediatrics, Epidemiology     

Is there an association of socioeconomic deprivation with acute primary angle closure?

BackgroundSocioeconomic deprivation is known to increase the risk of late presentation of many diseases. This is the largest study in United Kingdom investigating the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and acute primary angle closure (APAC).MethodsA retrospective review of case notes was conducted of 718 consecutive patients who underwent laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in Edinburgh (Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion) and Fife (Queen Margaret Hospital) between 2015 and 2019. Baseline demographics including sex, age, ethnicity, pre-existing diabetes, use of anti-depressants, and family history of glaucoma were collected. Deprivation was scored using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) Index 2020v2. A lower rank and decile indicate higher degrees of deprivation. We investigated differences in characteristics between patients who were referred routinely versus patients who referred as APAC.ResultsThe SIMD rank and deciles were consistently lower in patients who were referred urgently with APAC in both centres (P = <0.05) when compared to those referred routinely for LPI. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression, the presentation of APAC is negatively associated with SIMD Decile (OR = −0.101, 95% CI −0.178 to −0.026, P = 0.008) and family history of glaucoma (OR = −1.010, 95% CI −1.670 to −0.426, P = 0.001), and positively associated with age (OR = 0.029, 95% CI 0.009–0.049, P = 0.004).ConclusionsSocioeconomic deprivation is an important risk factors for patients presenting with APAC. Socioeconomic deprivation should be incorporated into the design of glaucoma services and considered when triaging patients for prophylactic and therapeutic LPI and cataract surgery.Subject terms: Epidemiology, Optic nerve diseases     

Characteristics of paediatric patients hospitalised for eye trauma in 2007–2015 and factors related to their visual outcomes

ObjectiveTo analyse the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of children under the age of 16 years with ocular trauma at the Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University (Shanghai, China) and to investigate the preventive measurements taken to avoid vision-threatening eye trauma.MethodsThe inpatient medical records of children <16 years old treated for ocular trauma between January 2007 and December 2015 were collected. The age, sex, type of trauma, cause of injury, complications and visual acuity on admission and discharge were analysed statistically.ResultsA total of 2211 patients (2231 eyes) were enroled. Of these, 73.7% were male, and 61.2% were children aged 0–6 years. Mechanical ocular trauma was present in 75.3% of eyes, and penetrating injuries in 59.8%. The top three offending objects were scissors (16.3%), firecrackers (8%) and pencils (4.9%). Iris prolapse (odds ratio [OR] = 2.27), retinal detachment (OR = 2.91), endophthalmitis (OR = 2.25) or an intraocular foreign body (OR = 2.80) was associated with the same or worse visual prognosis among all the subjects. Traumatic cataract (OR = 0.37) was associated with final visual improvement.ConclusionsAn efficient strategy for preventing eye injury should focus on male children during preschool years. Our root cause analysis showed specific environmental patterns of vision-devastating objects. Specific preventive measures are proposed to reduce the incidence of paediatric eye injuries.Subject terms: Risk factors, Eye diseases     

Clinical spectrum and treatment outcomes of patients with nanophthalmos

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

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

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

Automated MRI-based quantification of posterior ocular globe flattening and recovery after long-duration spaceflight

Background/ObjectivesSpaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), a health risk related to long-duration spaceflight, is hypothesized to result from a headward fluid shift that occurs with the loss of hydrostatic pressure gradients in weightlessness. Shifts in the vascular and cerebrospinal fluid compartments alter the mechanical forces at the posterior eye and lead to flattening of the posterior ocular globe. The goal of the present study was to develop a method to quantify globe flattening observed by magnetic resonance imaging after spaceflight.Subjects/MethodsVolumetric displacement of the posterior globe was quantified in 10 astronauts at 5 time points after spaceflight missions of ~6 months.ResultsMean globe volumetric displacement was 9.88 mm³ (95% CI 4.56–15.19 mm³, p < 0.001) on the first day of assessment after the mission (R[return]+ 1 day); 9.00 mm³ (95% CI 3.73–14.27 mm³, p = 0.001) at R + 30 days; 6.53 mm³ (95% CI 1.24–11.83 mm³, p < 0.05) at R + 90 days; 4.45 mm³ (95% CI −0.96 to 9.86 mm³, p = 0.12) at R + 180 days; and 7.21 mm³ (95% CI 1.82–12.60 mm³, p < 0.01) at R + 360 days.ConclusionsThere was a consistent inward displacement of the globe at the optic nerve, which had only partially resolved 1 year after landing. More pronounced globe flattening has been observed in previous studies of astronauts; however, those observations lacked quantitative measures and were subjective in nature. The novel automated method described here allows for detailed quantification of structural changes in the posterior globe that may lead to an improved understanding of SANS.Subject terms: Eye manifestations, Visual system, Physiology, Biological techniques     

Intraocular endoscopy in the management of ocular trauma: clinical settings and treatment outcomes at a tertiary eye care centre

PurposeTo report the application of endoscopy in the management of ocular trauma, describe the clinical settings and the treatment outcomes.MethodsRetrospective, consecutive, non-comparative case series at a tertiary eye care centre. Data recorded included aetiology of trauma, presenting vision, corneal condition at presentation, per-operative clinical findings during endoscopy, prognostication of the cases on table, final visual and anatomic outcome. Odds ratios for a favourable outcome were computed for various surgical indications.ResultsThe study included 58 eyes of 58 patients. Males constituted 82% of all cases. Mean age at presentation was 35.55 ± 18.9 years, median 31.5 years. Commonest corneal condition causing opaque media was corneal oedema (44.8%) followed by corneal laceration in 25.8%, repaired corneal laceration in 13.7% and scarred cornea in 12%. Commonest indication for surgery was retinal detachment (36.2%) followed by vitreous haemorrhage (29.3%), retained foreign body (13.7%) and combined detachment with haemorrhage in 10.3%. Of the 58 eyes, 17 eyes were deemed inoperable on endoscopic examination and 11 eyes were deemed to have poor prognosis. Of the fair prognosis (n = 30), 60% had final vision of 20/400 (p = 0.0001) compared to 10% before surgery and 13.33% had final vision of 20/40 (p = 0.03) as compared to nil in the pre-operative period. Odds ratio for a favourable visual outcome was best for the indication of vitreous haemorrhage (OR = 9, p = 0.0006).ConclusionEndoscopy in ocular trauma with opaque media provides adequate visualisation and allows for prognostication. In cases deemed to have prognosis, suitable intervention leads to globe and vision salvage.Subject terms: Trauma, Outcomes research     

Ultrasonographic measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter in dysthyroid optic neuropathy

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in eyes with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) and its relationship with clinical characteristics and disease severity.MethodsPatients diagnosed as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), with or without DON, and healthy participants were recruited. Vertical and horizontal sectional images of the optic nerve were collected by B-scan ultrasonography. ONSDs at 3 mm and 6 mm behind the eyeball were measured independently by two researchers. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of ONSD with demographic and ocular parameters in TAO patients. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were applied to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ONSD for DON.ResultsA total of 47 healthy eyes, 36 TAO eyes without DON, and 33 eyes with DON were studied. ONSDs at 3 mm and 6 mm of DON eyes were significantly higher than those in non-DON and healthy eyes (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ONSDs between clinically active and inactive eyes (both P > 0.05). DON occurrence showed a positive association with both ONSDs at 3 mm (β = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.14–0.83, P = 0.007) and 6 mm (β = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.20–0.96, P = 0.003). ONSDs at 3 mm and 6 mm showed a desirable diagnostic capacity to distinguish DON from non-DON eyes (AUROC was 0.77 and 0.75, respectively).ConclusionsAn increase in ONSD is evident in DON eyes independent of clinical activity. Ultrasound-based ONSD has sufficient ability to distinguish DON from non-DON eyes.Subject terms: Eye diseases, Biomarkers     

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

Purpose

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Characteristics of Geographic atrophy in an elderly UK population—The Bridlington Eye Assessment Project (BEAP): a cross-sectional study (2002–2006)

Background/objectivesGeographic atrophy (GA) is a common cause of visual loss. The UK population prevalence is unknown. We studied GA prevalence, characteristics, and associations in an elderly UK population.MethodsMasked grading of colour fundus photographs from 3549 participants in the cross-sectional study of Bridlington residents aged ≥65 years. GA size, shape and foveal involvement were correlated with demography and vision.ResultsGA was detected in 130 eyes (101 individuals) of 3480 participants with gradable images (prevalence 2.90%; 95% CI 2.39–3.52 either eye), was bilateral in 29/3252 subjects (0.89%, 95% CI 0.62–1.28) with bilateral gradable photos, with mean age of 79.26 years (SD 6.99, range 67–96). Prevalence increased with age, from 1.29% (95% CI 0.69–2.33) at 65–69 to 11.96% (95% CI 7.97–17.50) at 85–90 years. Mean GA area was 4.51 mm² (SD 6.48, 95% CI 3.35–5.66); lesions were multifocal in 47/130 eyes (36.2%; 95% CI 28.4–44.7). Foveal involvement occurred in 41/130 eyes (31.5%; 95% CI 24.2–40.0). In eccentric GA, mean distance from circumference to fovea was 671μm (SD 463; 95% CI 570–773). Older age (OR 1.10/year increase; 95% CI 1.06–1.14), RPD (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.10–3.19) and large drusen/RPD ≥ 125 μm (OR 6.16; 95% CI 3.51–10.75) were significantly associated with GA in multivariate analysis. GA lesions (18/31 eyes; 58%; 95% CI 40.7–73.6) had U-shape configuration more frequently in RPD subjects than those without (9/99 eyes, 9.1%; 95% CI 4.66–16.6) (p = 0.0001).ConclusionGA, commonly solitary and eccentric, occurred in the perifovea. However, one third of GA eyes had foveal and bilateral involvement. Possible association of RPD with GA phenotype exists. Population multimodal imaging studies may improve understanding further.Subject terms: Macular degeneration, Risk factors, Epidemiology     

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

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

Seasonal patterns of incidence,demographic factors and microbiological profiles of infectious keratitis: the Nottingham Infectious Keratitis Study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the seasonal patterns of incidence, demographic factors and microbiological profiles of infectious keratitis (IK) in Nottingham, UK.MethodsA retrospective study of all patients who were diagnosed with IK and underwent corneal scraping during 2008–2019 at a UK tertiary referral centre. Seasonal patterns of incidence (in per 100,000 population-year), demographic factors, culture positivity rate and microbiological profiles of IK were analysed.ResultsA total of 1272 IK cases were included. The overall incidence of IK was highest during summer (37.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 31.3–44.1), followed by autumn (36.7, 95% CI: 31.0–42.4), winter (36.4, 95% CI: 32.1–40.8) and spring (30.6, 95% CI: 26.8–34.3), though not statistically significant (p = 0.14). The incidence of IK during summer increased significantly over the 12 years of study (r = 0.58, p = 0.049), but the incidence of IK in other seasons remained relatively stable throughout the study period. Significant seasonal variations were observed in patients’ age (younger age in summer) and causative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.9% in summer vs. 14.8% in winter; p < 0.001) and gram-positive bacilli (16.1% in summer vs. 4.7% in winter; p = 0.014).ConclusionThe incidence of IK in Nottingham was similar among four seasons. No temporal trend in the annual incidence of IK was observed, as reported previously, but there was a significant yearly increase in the incidence of IK during summer in Nottingham over the past decade. The association of younger age, P. aeruginosa and gram-positive bacilli infection with summer was likely attributed to contact lens wear, increased outdoor/water activity and warmer temperature conducive for microbial growth.Subject terms: Epidemiology, Corneal diseases     

Correlation between body composition and blepharoptosis in adults

BackgroundThe present study aimed to explore the association between body composition indices, such as fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM), and blepharoptosis.MethodsThe study evaluated 12,168 Korean adults aged 40 years or older using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011). FM index (FMI, kg/m²) and LBM index (LBMI, kg/m²) were used to correct for the effects of body size. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between blepharoptosis and body composition indices such as FMI, LBMI, and fat percentage of whole body or head. Stratified analyses were also performed by levator function.ResultsHigher FMI and head fat percentage were significantly associated with blepharoptosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.65; and aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.03–1.69 in the highest tertile compared with the lowest, respectively). In the subgroup with good levator function (≥8 mm), higher FMI, head fat percentage, and head lean mass were significantly associated with blepharoptosis (aOR for the right eye [aORr] = 1.42 and aOR for the left eye [aORl] = 1.36; aORr = 1.41 and aORl = 1.37; and aORr = 1.50 and aORl = 1.49 in the highest tertile compared with the lowest, respectively; all p < 0.05).ConclusionsBody compositions with high adiposity indices, such as high FMI and head fat percentage, were positively associated with blepharoptosis. Awareness of the potential correlation between obesity-associated fat deposition and blepharoptosis could improve management of the condition and contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of blepharoptosis.Subject terms: Risk factors, Epidemiology     

Continued anti-VEGF treatment does not prevent recurrences in eyes with stable neovascular age-related macular degeneration using a treat-and-extend regimen: a retrospective case series

BackgroundThe continuation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment after achieving stability in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration has generally been advocated. In our own patients, we thought to assess whether continued anti-VEGF treatment is capable of preventing recurrences.MethodsIn this retrospective observational case series, patients with stable disease either opted to continue treatment every 12–14 weeks (Group 1) or stopped treatment with subsequent follow-up visits every 8–12 weeks (Group 2).ResultsOf the 103 eyes of 103 patients achieving stability, 49 eyes continued treatment (Group 1), whereas treatment was stopped in 54 eyes undergoing regular follow-up (Group 2). Recurrent disease was observed in 21 (42.9%) and 33 (61.1%) cases in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p = 0.08). Time between achieving stable disease and recurrence was comparable between Group 1 and Group 2 (11.1 ± 8.2 months vs. 9.2 ± 6.7 months; p = 0.43). The number of visits between achieving stability and disease recurrence was similar, but not the number of injections (3.5 ± 2.0 vs. 0.2 ± 0.4; p < 0.001).ConclusionsContinuing anti-VEGF therapy after achieving functional and morphological stability every 12–14 weeks does not prevent recurrences. Patients deserve to be informed of a potential lifetime risk of recurrences, even under continued therapy.Subject terms: Macular degeneration, Retinal diseases