First experiences with high-density silicone oil (Densiron) as an intraocular tamponade in complex retinal detachment

Background In this study, we evaluated the anatomic and functional outcome and intraocular adverse effects after a 3-month endotamponade with Densiron 68, a mixture of F₆H₈ with silicone oil, in complex inferior re-detachments.Methods Forty-eight eyes of 48 patients aged 27–82 years with retinal re-detachment due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grades CP1 to CA7 were included. Mean duration of the Densiron endotamponade was 108.7±66.9 days, with a mean follow-up after removal of 102.8±31.9 days.Results Twenty-two patients (45.8%) showed stable retinal reattachment after Densiron removal. Fourteen patients (29.2%) developed retinal re-detachment after removal, generally within 1 month and in the upper circumference (n=8). In 11 patients (22.9%) recurrent re-detachment (inferior n=8) appeared during Densiron endotamponade. In one eye (2.1%) treatment was primarily unsuccessful. Visual acuity improved from mean logMAR 1.66±1.03 to 1.47±0.97 (not statistically significant, P=0.257). Side effects included temporary inflammatory reaction (n=10), fibrin accumulation (n=6), sterile hypopyon (n=2), vitreous hemorrhage (n=6), elevated IOP (n=5), emulsification (n=4) and chronic hypotony (n=4).Conclusion The anatomical success rate without further interventions of 45.8% (22 of 48 patients) seems unsatisfactory. However, in evaluating the potential of Densiron, it should be considered that all patients in this study had previous surgery with standard procedures, including silicone oil, which had already failed. Intraoperative laser photocoagulation of the periphery of the upper quadrants might reduce the risk of retinal re-detachments.     

Densiron 68 heavy silicone oil in the management of inferior retinal detachment recurrence: analysis on functional and anatomical outcomes and complications

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of a heavy silicone oil (Densiron 68) in the management of inferior retinal detachment recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective non-comparative consecutive case series study. Forty-nine cases of complex inferior retinal detachment were treated using Densiron 68 heavy silicone oil (HSO) as the endotamponade. Our main purpose was anatomic reattachment following Densiron 68 removal. Functional outcomes, rate of recurrences, the presence of inflammatory complications and intraocular pressure alterations were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients affected by complex retinal re-detachment were recruited. The mean follow-up was 7.6 (±1.5) mo. The mean best corrected visual acuity after Densiron 68 removal was 0.95 logMAR, standard error (SE: 0.068). Retinal reattachment was 61.2% after first surgery and 81.6% after second surgery. Nineteen cases (38.8%) had recurrences when intraocular heavy silicon oil was in situ, 26.3% (5 cases) of which involved the inferior retina. CONCLUSION: Densiron 68 ef?ciently fills the inferior retinal periphery and might lower the risk of inferior proliferative vitreoretinopathy development, in particular after a standard silicon oil tamponade that reduces the proliferative process in the upper quadrants of the retina.     

Peeling of internal limiting membrane during vitrectomy for complicated retinal detachment prevents epimacular membrane formation

Background  To investigate the clinical benefit of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling at the macula for the prevention of epimacular membrane formation following vitreous surgery using silicone oil for the treatment of complicated retinal detachment. Methods  This was a non-randomized, retrospective, interventional study of a case series. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively for 20 consecutively recruited patients who underwent successful primary vitrectomy with ILM peeling at the macula using silicone oil (group 1) and 22 consecutively recruited patients who underwent successful primary vitrectomy using silicone oil without ILM peeling at the macula for complicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (group 2). The main outcome measures were distant visual acuity and epimacular membrane formation. The data were analyzed and compared using Fisher’s Exact test, Pearson Chi-square test, independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and a repeated ANOVA. Results  The mean age of patients was 52.7 ± 12.6 years in group 1 and 53.2 ± 13.3 years in group 2 (p = 0.89). The mean follow-up time was 24.6 ± 7.6 weeks in group 1 and 34.1 ± 12.6 weeks in group 2 (p = 0.01). Preoperatively, ten eyes in group 1 and 10 eyes in group 2 were pseudophakic; the macula was detached in all cases. Silicone oil had been removed from all eyes of both groups at least 3 months before the final examination. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to sex (p = 0.44), mean duration of retinal detachment (p = 0.12), mean preoperative visual acuity (logMAR), mean number of retinal breaks (p = 0.43), and grade of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (p = 0.35). The final visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.60 ± 0.30 in group 1 and 0.72 ± 0.35 in group 2 (p = 0.49). Four eyes in group 1 and two eyes in group 2 underwent cataract surgery during silicone oil removal. Epimacular membrane formation was observed in two eyes before silicone oil removal and in four eyes within 8 weeks after silicone oil removal in group 2. No epimacular membrane formation was seen in group 1 (p = 0.02). Conclusion  ILM peeling at the macula during vitreous surgery with silicone oil for the treatment of complicated retinal detachment may prevent epimacular membrane formation without negatively affecting distant visual acuity. The results of this study were presented at the 8th Euretina Congress 2008, Vienna, Austria. The authors have no conflicting interests in the subject matter presented.     

Circulatory parameters in the retrobulbar central retinal artery and vein of patients with diabetes and medically treated systemic hypertension

Background  We aim to study the circulatory parameters in the retrobulbar central retinal artery and vein in diabetic patients with and without medically treated systemic hypertension. Methods  The study included 108 patients with diabetes that were allocated in four different groups according to the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and hypertension: group 1—patients without DR and without hypertension (n = 23), group 2—patients without DR and with hypertension (n = 21), group 3—patients with nonproliferative DR and without hypertension (n = 36), group 4—patients with nonproliferative DR and with hypertension (n = 28). The circulatory parameters that were evaluated were: peak systolic blood velocity (PSV), end-diastolic blood velocity (EDV), maximum venous velocity (Vmax), minimum venous velocity (Vmin) and the Pourcelot index which were measured using color Doppler imaging. Non-parametric tests were used to test inter-group differences. Spearman’s coefficient of correlation was tested between ocular perfusion pressure and the circulatory parameters in each of the patient groups. Contingency table was performed to test the relation of diabetic retinopathy and hypertension to the PSV in the central retinal artery. Results  The PSV and EDV in the central retinal artery was significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.02, p = 0.04) and group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.02) than in group 3. The Pourcelot index in the central retinal vein was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 4 (p = 0.02), and in group 2 than in groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.02, p < 0.01). A significant relationship was detected between the presence of hypertension, the stage of diabetic retinopathy and the PSV in the central retinal artery of our patients (χ² = 8.29; p = 0.04). Conclusion  Medically treated hypertension affects the retrobulbar circulatory parameters in the central retinal artery and vein in diabetes.     

Bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation

Aim To determine the anatomical and functional outcome after injection of bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) in eyes with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Design Prospective interventional case series. Methods Sixteen eyes of 16 consecutive patients with visual loss due to RAP underwent intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab. Best corrected visual acuity testing, fluorescein and ICG-angiography as well as OCT imaging were performed at baseline and at each follow-up visit within a 3-month period. Results Mean visual acuity pre-injection was 0.68 ± 0.36 logMAR (n = 16), mean reading ability 0.58 ± 0.26 logRAD (n = 11). Far vision increased significantly by a mean of 1.7 ± 2 lines 4 weeks after the injection (p = 0.004), as did reading (0.6 ± 2.3 lines, p > 0.05). Both remained stable up to 3 months. Central retinal thickness decreased from 367 ± 112 μm (mean±SD) to 272 ± 123 μm 3 months after injection (p = 0.006). Leakage decreased angiographically in 12 eyes (75%) and remained stable in four eyes (25%). Re-injection of bevacizumab within the 3-month follow-up period was performed once in eight eyes, and twice in one eye. No adverse events were observed. Conclusion Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) resulted in a reduction of leakage, intra- and subretinal fluid. An increase in visual acuity was seen already 4 weeks after first injection. However, a complete occlusion of feeder vessels could not be achieved within this 3-month period. Randomized clinical trials would be required to evaluate dose and frequency of injections and possible beneficial effects of combination therapies, as well as the long-term results.     

Comparison of Densiron 68 and 1 000 cSt silicone oil in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with inferior breaks

AIM:To compare success rates and complications of Densiron 68 and 1000cSt silicone oil (SO) in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with inferior breaks (IBs).METHODS:Totally 61 eyes of 61 consecutive patients with RRD with IBs were assigned to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with Densiron (n=31) or PPV with SO (n=30) in order of presentation. SO and Densiron removal was performed 3 months after initial surgery. Follow up visits were terminated 6 months after SO removal.RESULTS:With a single operation, the Densiron group showed 84% and SO 74% reattachment. With further surgery, both groups showed 90% re-attachment. Complications such as cataract, raised intraocular pressure (IOP), inflammatory reaction, macular epiretinal membranes, and emulsification of SO were seen in both groups.CONCLUSION:Densiron and SO are found to have similar success rates and complications.     

Effect of intravitreal plasmin on vitreous removal through a 25-gauge cutting system in the rabbit in vivo

Purpose  Intravitreal plasmin creates a posterior vitreous detachment, but may also liquefy the vitreous. This study measures the rate of vitreous removal from rabbit eyes after plasmin injection in vivo. Methods  Intravitreal injections of 150 IU hyaluronidase (n = 5), 0.5 activity units (AU, n = 6) or 0.9 AU of streptokinase-activated human plasmin (n = four groups of 6) in 0.1 ml were performed in rabbits, the fellow eyes received 0.1 ml BSS. After 30 min (hyaluronidase), 30 min, 4 h, 12 h or 24 h (0.9 AU plasmin) or 24 h (0.5 AU plasmin), 1 ml of vitreous was removed from each eye without infusion, using a 25-gauge cutter and a standardized protocol. Animals were sacrificed after surgery. Results  Compared to fellow eyes, the average rate of vitreous removal was increased by hyaluronidase by 68.9 ± 6.3% (p < 0.05) and by 0.5 AU plasmin (24 h) by 26.8 ± 3.3% (p < 0.05). 0.9 AU of plasmin increased removal rates by 0.8 ± 10% (n.s.), 15.4 ± 6.3% (p < 0.05), 40.3 ± 3.1% (p < 0.05), and 71.9 ± 32.4% (p < 0.05) after 30 min, 4 h, 12 h and 24 h incubation respectively. The ratios of removal rates of treated/control eyes in the 0.9 AU groups showed a linear correlation with incubation time (r = 0.783, p < 0.0001). Conclusion  Intravitreal plasmin increases the rate of vitreous removal in rabbits. This work was presented in part at the 76th Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2004. Supported in part by grants from the University of Aachen, Germany and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (HE 3503/1-1) to M. Hermel, and by NuVue Technologies, Keene, New Hampshire, USA. W. Dailey and M. Hartzer have a proprietary interest in plasmin.     

玻璃体切除联合重硅油治疗下方视网膜脱离的临床研究

目的观察2种不同密度的硅油Densiron68与Oxane5700治疗下方视网膜脱离的临床效果。方法非随机前瞻性临床研究。玻璃体切除术联合硅油填充治疗视网膜脱离45例（46眼）。分析其临床疗效。结果随访至硅油取出术后6个月。Densiron68组和Oxane5700组在首次手术后视网膜复位率分别为78．3％和73．9％（P〉0．05）;进一步治疗后分别为91．3％和87．0％（P〉0．05）;随访结束时分别为91．3％和82．6％（P〉0．05）。但在曾行玻璃体手术或巩膜扣带术者的首次手术后复位率分别为71．4％和33,3％。术后炎症反应、硅油乳化、并发性或后发性白内障的发生率Densiron68组高于Oxane5700组（P〈0．05）。结论Densiron68和Oxane5700治疗复杂视网膜脱离的疗效无明显差异。术后炎症反应、硅油乳化、并发性或后发性白内障的发生率Densiron68组高于Oxane5700组。对曾使用普通硅油失败或无法坚持俯卧位者,Densiron68是一种较好的选择。     

Densiron intraocular tamponade: a case series

Purpose: To report on the use of Densiron (heavy silicone oil), a new endotamponade agent with proposed benefits in complex retinal detachments involving inferior proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Method: Retrospective case note review. Results: Ten cases (10 eyes) in which Densiron was used in eyes which had failed initial retinal detachment surgery. The overall success rate of long‐term total reattachment was 70%. Mean preoperative visual acuity was logMAR 2.03 (SD 0.406), which improved to a mean postoperative visual acuity of logMAR 1.00 (SD 0.571) (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Densiron was well tolerated with few side‐effects and appears to be a useful agent in patients with inferior proliferative vitreoretinopathy.     

Densiron68在玻璃体视网膜手术中应用的临床分析

目的 探讨Demiron68作为玻璃体腔填充物治疗玻璃体视网膜疾病的有效性及安全性.方法 对18例19只眼玻璃体视网膜疾病患者入选,年龄在19～78岁,平均年龄(47.63±21.93)岁,术前术后常规行视力、眼压的测定,眼前后段检查、OCT、角膜内皮镜及B超等检查.手术方式包括:Densiron68填充术及硅油取出术.Densiron68的充填时间是44～141d,平均(76±23.84)d.取油后的随访时间为40～197d,平均(95.74±44.58)d.结果 取油后,16只眼(84.21%)达到稳固的视网膜复位效果,1例患者(5.26%)在Densiron 68充填第12d时出现了复发性视网膜脱离,2例(10.53%)取油后出现复发性视网膜脱离;术后视力较术前改善14只眼(73.68%);术后OCT检测黄斑区各层形态结构基本正常,神经上皮层未见萎缩、变薄等现象;角膜内皮细胞计数术前、填充术后1月与取油术后1月比较无显著差异(P>0.05);术后并发症主要有短暂的前房反应、硅油乳化、晶体后囊膜混浊、术后一过性高眼压和瞳孔阻滞性青光眼.结论 Densiron68作为玻璃体视网膜疾病的眼内填充物,可以明显提高患者视网膜的解剖复位率和视力,并对角膜内皮细胞和黄斑区神经上皮层无不良影响.虽然其填充后短期内并发症发生率较高,但不影响手术后的视网膜解剖复位率和视力提高.     

Ophthalmodynamometry and ischemic ophthalmopathy

Background To report on the clinical application of a modified ophthalmodynamometer for the detection of ischemic ophthalmopathy. Methods A 70-year-old patient showed unilateral loss of vision to 1/20, thin retinal arteries, tiny intraretinal hemorrhages, and iris neovascularization. We performed a modified ophthalmodynamometry using a Goldmann contact lens in the holding grip of which a pressure sensor was incorporated. Results Ophthalmodynamometry showed that the diastolic central retinal artery pressure was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the affected eye than in the contralateral eye (14.6 ± 2.2 arbitrary units versus 45.5 ± 5.1 arbitrary units). These ophthalmodynamometric measurements of both eyes were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in a control group (73.8  ± 6.2 arbitrary units) consisting of 149 normal eyes. Doppler sonography eventually revealed a marked stenosis of the right internal carotid artery, consistent with the diagnosis of a unilateral ischemic ophthalmopathy. Conclusions Ophthalmodynamometry is a helpful additional tool in the assessment of the oculo-afferent and cerebroafferent vessels in patients with symptomatic ocular ischemia.     

Central corneal thickness and Diaton transpalpebral tonometry

Background To examine the effects of central corneal thickness on the measures obtained from transpalpebral tonometry (Diaton), and to identify correlations between intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with Diaton and the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). Methods In this cross-sectional study, 162 eyes of 81 participants were included. Intraocular pressure measurements were obtained in all patients using Diaton and GAT. Central corneal thickness was determined by ultrasound pachymetry. The participants were stratified by corneal thickness: group I <530 μm (n = 56), group II 530–560 μm (n = 65), and group III >560 μm (n = 41). Results There were moderate correlations between IOP readings obtained using the Diaton and corrected GAT (C-GAT) (r = 0.303; P < 0.0001), and between corrected Diaton (C-Diaton), and C-GAT (r = 0.399; P < 0.0001). The mean Diaton tonometer readings were lower than C-GAT measurements (Diaton-corrected GAT mean difference, 0.9 ± 3.8 mmHg; c-Diaton-corrected GAT mean difference, 0.7 ± 3.5 mmHg). Differences were detected between the groups of patients for the GAT values [2.4 ± 3.6 mmHg for those with the thinnest corneas (<530 μm), 0.7 ± 3.6 mmHg for those with moderate corneas (between 531 μm and 560 μm), and −0.6 ± 3.6 mmHg for those with the thickest (>560 μm) corneas], whereas a significantly lower difference (0.9 ± 3.8 mmHg) was noted for the Diaton values of all individuals. Conclusions The Diaton measurements show moderate correlation with those provided by applanation tonometry. The Diaton tonometer seems to be more affected by the corneal thickness, especially in the thinnest corneas. No author has a financial interest in any product mentioned in the article. No author has a conflict of interest in any product mentioned in the article.     

Anatomical and functional outcomes after Densiron 68 heavy silicone oil tamponade for complicated retinal detachment in Chinese eyes

AIM:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Densiron 68 heavy silicone oil (HSO) tamponade for complicated retinal detachment (RD) in Chinese eyes.METHODS: Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with complicated RD were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy with an internal tamponade using Densiron 68 HSO. Anatomical and functional results and complications were evaluated, including retinal status, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), intraocular inflammation, lens opacity, and HSO emulsification.RESULTS:All the patients were followed up for 3mo to 1y (5.8±1.16mo). Retinal reattachment was achieved in 19 of 21 patients (90.5%). VA improved in 18 of 21 patients (85.7%), from 1.93 logMAR (±0.48) to 1.52 logMAR (±0.45) (P=0.001). Postoperative complications included early dispersion of HSO in 7 eyes (38.8%), cataract in 10 of 18 phakic eyes (55.5%), moderate postoperative inflammation reaction in 10 eyes (47.6%), and elevated IOP in 5 eyes (23.8%), all of which were controlled by medication or by surgery.CONCLUSION: High anatomical and functional success rates can be achieved with primary vitrectomy for complicated RD by using Densiron 68 HSO; however, it should not be ignored that Densiron 68 HSO can cause some complications in the eye.     

One-year results of combined photodynamic therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab injection for retinal pigment epithelial detachment secondary to age-related macular degeneration

Background  To evaluate the efficacy of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab injection in eyes with a serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods  Twenty-two eyes with a serous PED exceeding two disc areas associated with AMD with choroidal vascular abnormalities [choroidal neovascularization (n = 10), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (n = 9), and retinal angiomatous proliferation (n = 3)] received combined PDT and intravitreal bevacizumab, and were followed about every 6 weeks for more than 1 year. Additional treatments were given for residual or recurrent lesions. The main outcome measures were changes in the PED height measured by optical coherence tomography, and the best-corrected visual acuity. Results  After one treatment, the PED resolved in 12 eyes (55%) and the PED decreased in ten eyes (45%). There was no recurrence in eight (36%) eyes; however, PED recurred in 14 eyes. At 1 year, the average PED height decreased to 413 microns from the baseline 751 microns (p < 0.001). Twenty eyes (91%) had improved or stabilized vision; two eyes had decreased vision due to a retinal pigment epithelial tear and subretinal hemorrhage. Conclusions  Combined PDT and intravitreal bevacizumab may decrease the PED height and stabilize visual acuity at 1 year. The authors have no proprietary and financial interest in any aspect of this report.     

The effect of thalidomide on neovascularization in a mouse model of retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose Abnormal angiogenesis is the hallmark feature of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and contributes to the severe visual loss that accompanies this disease. Thalidomide is a well-known anti-angiogenic drug. We tested the assumption that injection of intraperitoneal thalidomide could reduce the severity of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in a mouse model. Methods Forty-three baby wild type mice were used in this study. The mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy consisted of a 5-day exposure to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 to 12 (P12) followed by 5 days in room air (relative hypoxia). Control mice were those with normally developing retinal vasculature exposed to room air from birth until postnatal day 17 (P17). Thalidomide (200 mg/Kg) was administered daily intraperitoneally to control and ROP mice in two protocols: (1) from P12 to P16, and (2) from P11 to P15 . Fluorescein-conjugated dextran angiography of retinal vasculature was performed on P17, and retinal whole mounts were prepared to score features of retinopathy. The parameters that were scored in a masked fashion included blood vessel growth, blood vessel tufts formation, extra retinal neovascularization, degree of central constriction, and tortuosity of vessels. These parameters constitute the Modified Retinopathy Scoring System (MRSS). In addition, quantification of the number of blood vessel tufts was performed in a masked fashion with hematoxylin & eosin (H&S) staining of paraffin-embedded eye sections. Results The retinopathy score by MRSS in the thalidomide treated mice was similar to that of untreated mice that were exposed to oxygen (9.3 ± 1.9 vs 10.15 ± 1.6; p = 0.21). The neovascularization count was also similar between the two groups (10.4 ± 5.6 vs 9.6 ± 4.8; p = 0.56). In the control group left in the room air, the retinopathy score was 0.19 ± 0.37 (p = 0) and the neovascularization count was also very low (2.92 ± 2.14; p = 0). Conclusions Although thalidomide might have a proven anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effect, our model did not show a significant effect on the retinopathy. The reason might be an ineffective level of the drug in the retina due to ineffective metabolism of the drug, or due to blockage of the drug by the blood-retina barrier, or the involvement of other factors besides those influenced by thalidomide in the process. Poster presented at ISOPT, Berlin 2006.     

Resolving the clinical acuity categories “hand motion” and “counting fingers” using the Freiburg Visual Acuity Test (FrACT)

Purpose  The Freiburg Visual Acuity Test (FrACT) has been suggested as a promising test for quantifying the visual acuity (VA) of patients with very low vision, a condition often classified using the semi-quantitative clinical scale “counting fingers” (CF), “hand motion” (HM), “light perception” (LP) and “no light perception”. The present study was designed to assess FrACT performance in a sizable number of CF, HM, and LP patients in order to generate a setting for future clinical studies in the low vision range. Methods  We examined a total of 41 patients (LP, n = 11; CF, n = 15; HM, n = 15) with various eye diseases (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, ARMD), covering the clinical VA scale from LP to CF. The FrACT optotypes were presented at a distance of 50 cm on a 17-inch LCD monitor with four random orientations. After training, two FrACT measurements (test and retest) were taken, each comprising 30 trials. Results  FrACT measures reproducibly the VA of CF and HM patients. In CF patients, FrACT resulted in a mean logMAR = 1.98 ± 0.24 (corresponding to a decimal VA of 0.010), for HM in a mean logMAR = 2.28 ± 0.15 (corresponding to a decimal VA of 0.0052). In all LP patients the FrACT values were close to what would be obtained by random guessing. The mean test–retest 95% confidence interval was 0.21 logMAR for CF patients and 0.31 logMAR for HM respectively. Test-retest variability declined from 24 to 30 trials, showing that at least 30 trials are necessary. Conclusion  FrACT can reproducibly quantify VA in the CF and HM range. We observed a floor effect for LP, and it was not quantifiable further. Quantitative VA measures are thus obtainable in the very low-vision range using FrACT.     

Combined intravitreal triamcinolone injection and laser photocoagulation in eyes with persistent macular edema after branch retinal vein occlusion

Background  To determine the efficacy of combined intravitreal triamcinolone (TA) injection and laser photocoagulation in persistent macular edema after branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods  Follow-up analysis of a case series of 24 patients with macular edema after BRVO (15 of 24 non-ischaemic, 9 of 24 ischaemic). Patients received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg TA followed by laser photocoagulation within the previously edematous area, applied in one or two sessions. Standardized clinical examinations included best corrected visual acuity testing, anterior and posterior segment biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fluorescein angiography was performed before treatment and 3 and 6 months later. Results  Median visual acuity improved significantly from 0.58 logMAR (95%-confidence interval (KI): 0.54 – 0.75, decimal 0.27) at baseline to 0.41 logMAR (KI: 0.37 – 0.64, decimal 0.39) at 1 month (p = 0.001), 0.33 logMAR (KI: 0.32 – 0.62, decimal 0.47) at 3 months (p = 0.002), and 0.41 logMAR (KI: 0.33 – 0.67, decimal 0.39) at 6 months (p = 0.016). A gain of one or more logarithmic lines was evaluated in 16/24 eyes (67 %) and a gain of 3 lines or more in 8/24 eyes (33 %) at 6 months. Three eyes had lost more than 1 line during the follow-up period. Median change of visual acuity at 6 months was +2.0 lines (KI: 0.2 – 2.4). Median central foveal thickness (OCT-CFT) was 423 μm (KI: 378 – 456, n = 24) at baseline and decreased to 270 μm (KI: 249 – 311, n = 24) at 1 month (p < 0.0001), 265 μm (KI: 254 – 344, n = 24) at 3 months (p < 0.0001), and 266 μm (KI: 259 – 365, n = 18) at 6 months (p = 0.001). Conclusions  Macular edema after BRVO can effectively be treated by a combination of intravitreal TA injection and subsequent laser photocoagulation. During a 6-month follow-up this combination treatment resulted in a significant reduction of central foveal thickness and improvement of visual acuity.     

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     

重硅油在玻璃体视网膜疾病手术中的应用

目的:评价Densiron 68硅油作为眼内充填物的有效性及安全性.方法:回顾性分析2015-01/2016-01我院眼科因复杂视网膜脱离接受重硅油充填术的患者30例30眼.观察分析术前及术后的最佳矫正视力(BCVA)、眼压、视网膜复位情况及术后并发症等. 结果:术前与硅油充填术后BCVA的差异,术前与取硅油术后3mo BCVA的差异均有统计学意义(z=-2.198,P=0.028;z=-2.682,P=0.007).平均术前眼压为16.067±4.025mmHg,硅油充填术后为20.233±8.007mmHg,差异有统计学意义(t=-2.913,P=0.005);而硅油取出术后眼压14.933±3.423mmHg,与术前眼压比较差异无统计学意义(t=2.635,P=0.430).重硅油取出术后视网膜复位率90%,常见并发症为硅油乳化、并发性白内障.结论:重硅油Densiron 68作为眼内充填物治疗复杂性玻璃体视网膜疾病有效及安全,但由于重硅油乳化率较高、术后易并发白内障,因此临床使用时应严格掌握适应证.     

Preclinical investigation of fluorometholone acetate as a potential new adjuvant during vitreous surgery

Objective To examine the effects of intravitreal fluorometholone acetate (FMT) on the morphology and function of the retina and to investigate its possible use for vitreous surgery. Methods Brown Norway rat eyes (n = 6, 12 groups) were injected with 0.05 ml of SF₆ gas for vitrectomization. Four weeks later, FMT solution was injected into the vitreous cavity/subretinal space of the vitrectomized eyes at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/ml (0.05 ml/eye, n = 12 for each group). The retinal function was evaluated by electroretinography (ERG) at 4 and 8 weeks after FMT injection. Retinal toxicity was also assessed histologically by a light microscopy. Sham-operated eyes (0.05 ml of irrigating solution, n = 12) were used as control animals. FMT-assisted pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling was performed in primate eyes (n = 2). Retinal toxicity was assessed by ophthalmoscope, fluorescein angiography and electron microscopy three months after the vitreous surgery. Results There was no remarkable reduction in any ERG waves at either time interval at 4 and 8 weeks after the intravitreal/subretinal injection of FMT. No obvious histological change was observed in any of the rat eyes either. Using ophthalmoscope, fluorescein angiography and electron microscopy, the appearance of the primate retinas remained to be in a non-pathological condition. Conclusion FMT appears to be a potentially useful tool in assisting vitreous surgery including safe ILM peeling. The study was supported in part by grants from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, Japan (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research #17591839, #14571676).