Endophthalmitis after pars plana vitrectomy: Incidence, causative organisms, and visual acuity outcomes

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence, causative organisms, and visual acuity outcomes associated with endophthalmitis after pars plana vitrectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. METHODS: The medical records were reviewed of all patients who developed acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis (within 6 weeks of surgery) after pars plana vitrectomy at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 2003. RESULTS: During the 20-year study interval, the overall incidence rate of postvitrectomy endophthalmitis was 0.039% (6/15,326). Cultured organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3), Proteus mirabilus (n = 1), and Staphylococcus epidermidis/Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 1); one case was culture-negative. Visual acuity after treatment for endophthalmitis ranged from 2/200 to no light perception, with a final vision of light perception or no light perception in four of six (67%) eyes. CONCLUSION: The incidence of endophthalmitis after pars plana vitrectomy is low but the visual acuity outcomes after treatment are generally poor.     

Treatment strategies and visual acuity outcomes in chronic postoperative Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To report the treatment strategies and visual acuity outcomes of chronic postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Propionibacterium acnes. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: All patients presenting 8 or more weeks after cataract surgery with intraocular inflammation caused by culture-proven P. acnes infection and treated at two institutions from 1974 through 1996 were included. METHODS: Patients underwent three different initial treatment strategies. The study did not have a defined treatment protocol, but all patients received intraocular antibiotics. Patients were not randomly assigned to the various treatment strategies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Final visual acuity and effectiveness of various treatment procedures either as initial or follow-up therapy were assessed. RESULTS: Using the 3 initial strategies, 36 patients were treated: (1) intraocular antibiotic injection alone (IOAB; n = 12); (2) pars plana vitrectomy and IOAB injection (PPV; n = 10); and (3) PPV with subtotal capsulectomy and IOAB injection (PPV-PC; n = 14). The number of patients with recurrent or persistent inflammation after one of the three initial treatment strategies were as follows: (1) IOAB alone, 12 (100%); (2) PPV, 5 (50%); and (3) PPV-PC, 2 (14%). None of the patients that underwent subsequent PPV, total capsular bag removal, IOAB injection, and either intraocular lens (IOL) exchange or removal had persistent or recurrent intraocular inflammation. Overall, final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 18 patients (50%), and a total of 28 patients (78%) retained 20/400 or better vision. The mean follow-up after the last treatment was 2.9 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of chronic P. acnes endophthalmitis, initial treatment with IOAB injection alone or vitrectomy without capsulectomy was associated with high rates of recurrent or persistent intraocular inflammation. Pars plana vitrectomy, partial capsulectomy, and IOAB injection without IOL exchange was usually successful on long-term follow-up. In patients with recurrent intraocular inflammation, pars plana vitrectomy, total capsular bag removal, IOAB injection, and IOL exchange or removal was a uniformly successful strategy. In contrast to other types of postoperative endophthalmitis, IOL exchange can be considered in these patients after total capsular bag removal.     

Vitrectomy for retained lens fragments in the vitreous after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To assess the visual results, retinal detachment (RD) rate, incidence of glaucoma, and intraocular lens (IOL) placement after vitrectomy for removal of retained lens fragments in the vitreous after phacoemulsification. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Lund, Lund, Sweden. METHODS: This retrospective noncomparative interventional case series included all cases of pars plana vitrectomy for removal of retained lens fragments from January 1997 through January 2000. RESULTS: Sixty-six eyes of 65 patients had pars plana vitrectomy with removal of the lens material over the 3-year period. Visual acuity on presentation was 0.1 or worse in 36 eyes (54%). Visual acuity after vitrectomy was 0.5 or better in 35 eyes (53%). The postoperative visual acuity was worse than 0.1 in 14 eyes (21%). Twenty-seven (56%) of the 48 eyes operated on within 1 week and 8 (44%) of the 18 eyes operated on later achieved a visual acuity of 0.5 or better. Twelve eyes (80%) that had secondary posterior chamber IOL implantation achieved an acuity of 0.5 or better. An RD occurred in 7 eyes (11%). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between those having vitrectomy the first few days after cataract surgery and those having it later, although there was a trend toward better results when the vitrectomy was done sooner. Secondary IOL implantation resulted in a good visual outcome. Retinal detachment was the most severe complication.     

Management of endophthalmitis with retained intraocular foreign body

AIMS: To assess the impact of primary injection of intravitreal antibiotics and delayed pars plana vitrectomy with removal of intraocular foreign body (IOFB) in patients with clinical features of bacterial endophthalmitis and retained IOFB. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients with clinical features of infective endophthalmitis and a retained IOFB who had immediate injection of intravitreal antibiotics and delayed pars plana vitrectomy with removal of IOFB in two vitreo-retinal centres during 1995-2001. Nine patients were identified and minimum follow-up was 3 months. RESULTS: Four of the nine patients had a final visual outcome of 6/18 or better. One patient developed total retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: The current series suggests that immediate injection of intravitreal antibiotics with delayed removal of IOFB in eyes with clinical features of infective endophthalmitis and a retained IOFB is a possible alternative to immediate removal of IOFB. This management may be associated with preservation of the eye and restoration of useful visual acuity.     

Endophthalmitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical settings and treatment outcomes for endophthalmitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. METHODS: The medical records were reviewed of all patients treated for P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis at a single institution between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 2001. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Final visual acuity and rate of enucleation or evisceration. RESULTS: The study included 28 eyes of 28 patients with a median age of 75 years (range, 5-93 years). The clinical setting of endophthalmitis included: cataract surgery (n = 9), corneal ulcer (n = 7), penetrating keratoplasty (n = 5), bleb associated (n = 2), glaucoma drainage implant (n = 2), pars plana vitrectomy (n = 1), iris cyst removal (n = 1), and trauma (n = 1). In acute-onset postoperative cases (n = 10), the median interval between surgery and presentation with endophthalmitis was 4 days (range, 1-26 days). The median duration of symptoms was 1 day, and all patients were treated on the day of diagnosis. Eleven patients (39%) had hand motions or better vision in the infected eye at the time of initial diagnosis. Because of no light perception visual acuity, necrosis of cornea and sclera, and intractable pain, 7 eyes (25%) underwent evisceration or enucleation as initial treatment; of the remaining 21 eyes, intravitreal antibiotics were administered in all cases and intravitreal dexamethasone was administered in 15 cases (71%). Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 12 patients (43%). The organism was sensitive to the initial antibiotics administered in all but 2 cases. Final visual acuity was 5/200 or better in 2 of 28 eyes (7%). Nineteen patients (68%) had a final visual acuity outcome of no light perception, and no patient achieved a final visual acuity of better than 20/400. Overall, 18 of the 28 eyes (64%) were either eviscerated or enucleated. CONCLUSIONS: Endophthalmitis caused by P. aeruginosa is associated with poor visual outcomes despite prompt treatment with intravitreal antibiotics to which the organisms were sensitive.     

Management of endophthalmitis while preserving the uninvolved crystalline lens

Twelve phakic eyes (11 patients) with culture-positive endophthalmitis were treated without removal of the uninvolved crystalline lens. Eight eyes were treated by pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular injection of antibiotics. Four eyes were treated with intraocular antibiotic injection alone. The clinical infection was successfully eradicated in all patients, including one patient treated with reinjection of antibiotics. During follow-up after successful treatment, eight eyes had progression of a preexisting lens opacification, two eyes had stable lens opacification, and two eyes maintained clear lenses. Six of 12 eyes achieved 20/80 or better visual acuity with an average follow-up time of 13 months. Six of eight eyes treated with pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular antibiotic injection achieved this level of visual acuity in contrast to none of four eyes treated with only intraocular antibiotic injection. These results indicated that endophthalmitis in phakic eyes can be successfully treated while preserving a clear, uninvolved crystalline lens by the use of pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular administration of appropriate antibiotics.     

Pars plana vitrectomy in the management of retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery

Purpose: To assess the outcome of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery. Methods: A retrospective study of all consecutive cases with pars plana vitrectomy performed for retained lens fragment was conducted. Twenty‐seven eyes of 27 patients were included in the study. Results: Twenty‐four (89.9%) eyes received phacoemulsification. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed at the same sitting, or ranged from day 1?70 after cataract surgery. The mean follow up was 31.1 months. Final visual acuity of 6/12 or better was achieved in 15 (55.6%) patients. After excluding patients with pre‐existing eye diseases, 68.4% of patients had visual acuity 6/12 or better. Complications after pars plana vitrectomy included glaucoma (22.2%), retinal detachment (11.1%) and surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (3.7%). Conclusion: Ocular complications with poor visual outcome can occur after removal of intravitreal retained lens fragments complicating cataract surgery.     

Surgical management of postoperative endophthalmitis: comparison of 2 techniques

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of 2 surgical techniques in eyes with postoperative endophthalmitis. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. METHODS: Twenty-four eyes with endophthalmitis after cataract surgery had vitrectomy as an initial procedure according to the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) criteria (Group 1, n = 24). These eyes were compared with 28 eyes that had total pars plana vitrectomy with an encircling band, silicone tamponade, and endolaser (Group 2, n = 28). The visual and anatomical outcomes and the need for additional procedures (repeat vitrectomy) were evaluated in the 2 groups. RESULTS: In Group 1, 6 eyes (25.0%) had an additional procedure, 3 eyes (12.5%) had phthisis, and 21 eyes (87.5%) had successful surgery. In Group 2, no eye had an additional procedure, 1 eye (3.5%) had phthisis, and 27 eyes (96.4%) had successful surgery. The number of additional procedures was significantly less and the rate of surgical success was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Despite the poor visual prognosis of endophthalmitis surgery, more radical intervention can increase the chance of surgical success and decrease the number of additional procedures in eyes with postoperative endophthalmitis.     

Foldable versus rigid intraocular lenses in conjunction with pars plana vitrectomy and other vitreoretinal procedures

PURPOSE: To compare the results of foldable acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation through a clear corneal incision with those of rigid IOL implantation in eyes having pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). SETTING: Tertiary referral-based university institute. METHODS: A consecutive retrospective comparative chart review was performed in all eyes that had PPV and foldable IOL implantation between May 15, 1999, and November 1, 2000 (n = 30), and all eyes that had PPV and rigid IOL implantation between April 1, 1996, and May 14, 1999 (n = 30). Preoperative baseline data and postoperative outcome data were recorded. Pars plana vitrectomy and associated vitreoretinal procedures were performed as indicated according to individual circumstances. A minimum of 1 week of follow-up information was available for all eyes. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics in both groups of patients, including age, sex, eye involved, and phakic state, were similar. The preoperative visual acuities were also similar, ranging from 20/30 to hand motions; the mean visual acuity was 20/200. The IOL was implanted in all eyes uneventfully and did not restrict fundoscopy. The mean follow-up was significantly longer in the rigid IOL group (20 months) than in the foldable IOL group (7 months) (P<.001), probably because of the earlier case acquisition. The mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 20/200 in the foldable IOL group and 20/100 in the rigid IOL group. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the rate of postoperative retinal detachment, recurrent macular hole, or repeat PPV. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on the first postoperative day was more common in the rigid IOL group than in the foldable IOL group (P =.078) because more patients in the rigid IOL group had surgery for diabetic ocular complications and these patients had a greater IOP rise. CONCLUSION: Acrylic IOLs can be safely implanted in conjunction with PPV in selected cases.     

Preventing recurrent opacification of the visual pathway after pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To determine the rate of secondary opacification of the visual pathway following pediatric cataract surgery in children between the ages of 10 months and 7 years. METHODS: The medical records of children less than 7 years old who underwent lens aspiration, posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, primary pars plana posterior capsulectomy, and anterior vitrectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-six eyes in 19 children were included in the study. All procedures were performed by an anterior segment surgeon and a vitreoretinal surgeon. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of re-opacification of the visual pathway and of early postoperative complications. RESULTS: The visual pathway remained clear in 25 of 26 eyes (96%) after pediatric cataract surgery combined with primary pars plana posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy. The mean age at surgery was 46 +/- 23 months (+/-SD). Secondary opacification of the visual pathway occurred in one eye (4%), requiring another surgical procedure. At last follow-up (mean, 26 months; range, 6 to 79 months), the visual pathway was clear in all 26 eyes (100%). No cases of clinically significant IOL displacement or of retinal detachment were noted. CONCLUSIONS: For children undergoing pediatric cataract surgery between the ages of 10 months and 7 years, IOL implantation combined with primary pars plana posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy is effective in preventing re-opacification of the visual pathway.     

Clinical outcomes of pars plana capsulotomy with anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: The management of the posterior capsule in pediatric cataract surgery remains challenging. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role and clinical outcomes of primary pars plana capsulotomy and pars plana anterior vitrectomy during pediatric cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: Consecutive cases of pars plana capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy during pediatric cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical technique was the same in all patients and involved pars plana capsulotomy with anterior vitrectomy after the IOL was implanted in the capsular bag. RESULTS: Seventy-six pediatric cataract cases in 61 patients performed from 1994 through 1999 used the pars plana posterior capsulotomy technique and were included in this analysis. A posterior chamber IOL was implanted in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications associated with the surgery. Median age at the time of surgery was 21 months. All patients had at least 1 year of follow-up and mean follow-up was 29.4 months. Among patients old enough to read Snellen's letters (53 eyes), final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 32 eyes (60%) and 20/50 to 20/200 in 21 eyes (40%). Poor final visual acuity was associated with deprivation amblyopia or optic nerve dysplasia or hypoplasia. There were no postoperative retinal complications or cases of IOL dislocation during the follow-up period. Seven eyes (9.2%) of five patients with a median age of 2.5 months developed reopacification of the visual axis at a mean of 4.1 months postoperatively. This event occurred in 6 of 28 eyes with an age of 6 months or less (21.4%), versus only 1 of 48 eyes with an age greater than 6 months (2.0%) (P =.006, Fisher exact test). The visual axis was restored by pars plana membranectomy in 6 eyes and 1 eye of one patient underwent neodymium:YAG laser membrane discission. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana capsulotomy with pars plana anterior vitrectomy is a safe, effective method of managing the posterior capsule in pediatric cataract surgery with IOL implantation. Visual axis reopacification is associated with a very young age at the time of surgery. Continued follow-up of these patients is important to assess the long-term outcomes of this surgical approach.     

Primary capsulectomy, anterior vitrectomy, lensectomy, and posterior chamber lens implantation in children: limbal versus pars plana.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of a limbal versus a pars plana approach for primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy in the management of childhood cataract. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial of 45 eyes was conducted. After being matched, 38 eyes were included in the study and were divided into 2 equal groups for data analysis. All eyes had lensectomy and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. Primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy were performed through the limbus in half of the eyes and the pars plana in the other half. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, estimated red reflex, postsurgical inflammatory reaction, corneal clarity, posterior synechias, iris capture, IOL position, capsulectomy size, glaucoma, cystoid macular edema, retinal tear, and postoperative refraction. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 approaches in the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The anatomic and visual results were encouraging when posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy, using a limbal or pars plana approach, were combined with lensectomy and PC IOL implantation in children. The application of these techniques depends on surgeon experience and skill.     

Visual axis opacification after AcrySof intraocular lens implantation in children

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual axis opacification after AcrySof intraocular lens (IOL) (Alcon) implantation in pediatric eyes. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 103 consecutive eyes of 72 children with congenital cataract. Two groups were formed based on age at surgery: Group 1, younger than 2 years, and Group 2, older than 2 years. All eyes in Group 1 (n = 37) had primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) with anterior vitrectomy. In Group 2 (n = 66), management of the posterior capsule was assigned randomly to no PCCC (Group 2A, n = 37) or PCCC (Group 2B, n = 29). The PCCC group was further randomized into 2 subgroups: no vitrectomy (Group 2BN, n = 14) or vitrectomy (Group 2BV, n = 15). The primary outcome measures were visual axis opacification and the resulting need for a secondary procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows (version 11.0.1). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 5.2 years +/- 5.0 (SD) (range 0.2 to 16.0 years) and the mean follow-up, 2.3 +/- 0.9 years (range 1.0 to 4.0 years). Overall, 41 eyes (39.8%) developed visual axis opacification and 14 (13.6%) required secondary intervention. In Group 1, 4 eyes (10.8%) developed visual axis opacification and 3 (8.1%) had a secondary pars plana vitrectomy. In Group 2A, 31 eyes (83.8%) developed posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and 10 eyes (27.7%) had secondary intervention. Children 8 years or younger at the time of surgery developed significantly greater PCO than older children (P =.01). Five eyes (37.5%) in Group 2BN had opacification of the anterior vitreous face, 1 of which required a secondary procedure. One eye (6.7%) in Group 2BV had visual axis opacification that did not require a secondary procedure. CONCLUSIONS: AcrySof IOL implantation with appropriate management of the posterior capsule maintained a clear visual axis in 60.2% of eyes. Of the 39.8% of eyes with visual axis opacification, 13.6% had visually significant opacification and required a secondary procedure.     

内源性真菌性眼内炎的临床特征及手术治疗

目的 分析内源性真菌性眼内炎的临床特征及手术治疗效果.方法 回顾性研究,分析6例（7眼）的临床特点和手术效果.结果 共6例（7眼）,均无眼外伤或内眼手术史,无全身侵入性操作史.本病的特点是易发生于老年、女性、糖尿病者、长期使用糖皮质激素者.早期临床表现与一般葡萄膜炎相似.3例（3眼）行眼球摘除术,1例（双眼患者）死亡,1例（1眼）行玻璃体切除术加玻璃体腔注射抗真菌药物,保存了部分视功能,1例失访.结论 内源性真菌性眼内炎根据病史、临床表现及实验室检查可以确诊并且与一般葡萄膜炎相鉴别,早期施行玻璃体切除加玻璃体腔抗真菌药物注射可以保存部分视功能.     

Glaucoma secondary to trabecular meshwork precipitates: a case report of Grant’s syndrome

AIM: To describe a via pars plana anterior iris enclavation IOL fixation technique. METHODS: A total of 35 consecutive aphakic vitrectomised patients (average age 71±7.14y) underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and via pars plana anterior iris enclavation IOL fixation. RESULTS: The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.11±0.14 logMAR, the mean post-operative BCVA was 0.07±0.11 logMAR. The preoperative mean spherical equivalent was 7.22±4.21. The final mean spherical equivalent was -0.25±0.15. No eyes had hypotony, retinal or choroidal detachment or endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: This technique may be a safe and useful in the case of aphakia, and a prospective study would be useful to confirm this findings.     

Combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole treatment

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of simultaneous phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with macular hole. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 38 eyes (36 patients) after combined phacoemulsification, insertion of a posterior capsule IOL and pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: The macular hole was successfully closed in 32 of the 38 eyes (84%). In six eyes (16%) the hole failed to close and one eye underwent a second operation. Vision improved by two or more Snellen lines in 29 eyes (73%), there was no change in seven eyes (18%), and visual acuity decreased in two eyes (5%). Intraoperative and postoperative complications included retinal tears in nine eyes (24%), posterior capsule rupture in two eyes (5%), transient postoperative increase of intraocular pressure in eight eyes (21%), and posterior capsule opacification in five eyes (13%). CONCLUSION: Combining phacoemulsification, IOL insertion and pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole repair can reduce the need for cataract surgery in the future, decrease costs, shorten postoperative recovery time and allow for clearer intraoperative visualization, making the procedure safer and more effective.     

Vitrectomy for posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies: visual results and prognostic factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual results and determine the prognostic factors after the removal of retained posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) by pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study of 40 consecutive cases of pars plana vitrectomy for the removal of IOFBs during the period of January 1991 to June 2000 was conducted. Association between visual outcome and various preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 40 cases available for the study, the IOFBs could be removed in 36 eyes. Half the patients had removal of the IOFB within 14 days of the injury. Nineteen patients (47.5%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Postoperative retinal detachment occurred in 13 patients (32.5%). Poor visual outcome was found to be significantly associated with poor initial visual acuity and postoperative retinal detachment, whereas good visual outcome was significantly associated with the absence of lens injury and absence of postoperative retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable visual results could be achieved after the removal of posterior segment IOFBs by vitrectomy, despite a delay in surgery. Postoperative retinal detachment, poor initial visual acuity, and the absence of lens injury were the factors that played a significant role in determining the visual outcome.     

Incidence and visual outcome of endophthalmitis associated with intraocular foreign bodies

Purpose To determine the risk factors and visual outcome of endophthalmitis associated with traumatic intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal and its allied management. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients with penetrating eye trauma and retained IOFB with associated endophthalmitis managed at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital over a 22 year period (1983 to 2004). Results There were 589 eyes of 565 patients (90.3% male; 9.7% female) which sustained ocular trauma and had retained IOFB that required management. Forty-four eyes (7.5%) developed clinical evidence of endophthalmitis at some point after trauma. From these 44 eyes, initial presenting visual acuity (VA) of 20/200 or better was recorded in 8 eyes (18.1%) and the remaining 36 eyes (81.9%) had VA ranging from 20/400 to light perception. Eleven eyes (25%) underwent IOFB removal and repair within 24 hours after trauma while 33 eyes (75%) had similar procedures done 24 hours or more after trauma. Thirty-one eyes (70%) underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) at the time of removal of posteriorly located IOFBs. Definite positive cultures were obtained from 17 eyes (38.6%). Over a mean follow-up of 24.8 months, 21 eyes (47.7%) had improved VA, 6 eyes (13.6%) maintained presenting VA while 17 eyes (38.7%) had deterioration of their VA, including 10 eyes (22.7%) that were left with no light perception (NLP) vision. After the treatment of endophthalmitis, 20 eyes (45.4%) had VA of 20/200 or better at their last follow-up. Four eyes (12.9%) from the vitrectomy group (31 eyes) and 5 eyes (45.4%) from non-vitrectomy (11 eyes) group had final VA of NLP. Predictive factors for the good visual outcome included good initial presenting VA, early surgical intervention to remove IOFB (within 24 hours), and PPV. Predictors of poor visual outcome included IOFB removal 48 hours or later, posterior location and no PPV for the posteriorly located IOFB. Conclusions Delayed removal of IOFB following trauma may result in a significant increase in the development of clinical endophthalmitis. Other risk factors for poor visual outcome may include poor initial presenting VA, posterior location of IOFB and no vitrectomy at the time of IOFB removal.     

Lipid accumulation and protein modifications of Bruch’s membrane in age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disease, which is the leading cause of blindness in western countries. There is an urgency to establish new therapeutic strategies that could prevent or delay the progression of AMD more efficiently. Until now, the pathogenesis of AMD has remained unclear, limiting the development of the novel therapy. Bruch’s membrane (BM) goes through remarkable changes in AMD, playing a significant role during the disease course. The main aim of this review is to present the crucial processes that occur at the level of BM, with special consideration of the lipid accumulation and protein modifications. Besides, some therapies targeted at these molecules and the construction of BM in tissue engineering of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells transplantation were listed. Hopefully, this review may provide a reference for researchers engaged in pathogenesis or management on AMD.     

Removal of silicone oil with 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system

PURPOSE: To report a new and simple technique for silicone oil removal from pars plana with 25-gauge (G) transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system (TSVS). METHODS: In this prospective, interventional clinical trial, 13 eyes underwent silicone oil (1000 centistokes) removal from pars plana passively, with 25-G TSVS, between January and May 2005. Main outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), silicone oil removal time, complications, and number of sutured sites. RESULTS: In all eyes silicone oil was removed successfully under sub-Tenon (n = 12) and topical (n = 1) anesthesia. The mean silicone oil removal time was 7.27 +/- 0.48 minutes. No intraoperative complications were reported. No suture placement was necessary. Mean postoperative follow-up period was 3.92 +/- 1.49 (range: 3-7) months. Visual acuity improved or stabilized in 11 (84.61%) eyes. Retinal redetachment occurred in 2 (15.38%) eyes resulting in a decrease in vision. Decrease in postoperative IOP was found only at 2 hours (P = 0.003). Postoperatively, transient hypotony at 2 hours (n = 1) and transient vitreous hemorrhage (n = 1) were noted. There were no cases of choroidal detachment, endophthalmitis, clinically significant corneal endothelial decompensation, or macular edema. CONCLUSION: Removal of silicone oil of 1000 centistokes with 25-G transconjunctival sutureless sclerotomies was effective and safe.