23-gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy Research Articles

A novel approach to remove retained lens material: Suction-assisted elevation and anterior chamber phacoemulsification.

To describe and evaluate the feasibility of a novel pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) technique for the removal of retained lens material (RLM), which obviates the need for either 20-gauge intravitreal fragmentation or perfluorocarbon-assisted elevation. Interventional case series. After thorough 23-gauge PPV, the hard lens material is engaged and held adherent to the vitreous cutter using aspiration, then raised into the anterior chamber. There, a standard phacoemulsification probe, inserted through a corneal incision, is used to fragment and remove the material. Three eyes of 3 patients were operated on. In all eyes, RLM could be removed completely. Postoperatively, 2 of 3 eyes (67%) achieved 20/20 best-corrected visual acuity. No complications such as glaucoma, cystoid macular edema, corneal edema, or retinal detachments were recorded. Intraoperatively, retinal tears were detected in 2 of 3 (67%) eyes and treated with endolaser retinopexy and fluid-air exchange. One eye subsequently developed macular hole requiring further surgery. Suction-assisted lens elevation may be a viable and convenient technique to remove RLM during PPV. Although the comparison with other methods is beyond the scope of this preliminary study, visual outcomes and complication rates were encouraging and should be validated in a larger group of patients.

Changes in Ocular Surface Status after 25-gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Purpose: We used a noninvasive ocular surface analyzer to explore changes in the ocular surface parameters of patients who underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Methods: The medical records of 82 patients (163 eyes) who underwent PPV were retrospectively reviewed. The non-invasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), the lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland loss status, and the tear meniscus height were measured before, and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Consecutive changes in the ocular surface indices of operative and non-operative fellow eyes were statistically compared. Also, factors that reduced the NIBUT at 1 month after surgery were analyzed.Results: One month after surgery, the NIBUT was significantly decreased in the operative group compared to before surgery (<i>p</i> = 0.006). Compared to non-operative eyes, the NIBUT of operative eyes decreased significantly 1 month after surgery (<i>p</i> = 0.003). Older age and lower preoperative NIBUT (<i>p</i> = 0.029, <i>p</i> = 0.002) were significantly associated with lower NIBUT 1 month after surgery.Conclusions: Twenty-five gauge PPV significantly reduces the NIBUT 1 month after surgery.

Intraoperative OCT-Guided Volumetric Measurements of Subretinal Therapy Delivery in Humans

Purpose: To evaluate a recently developed technique using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) volumes in patients with submacular hemorrhage secondary to exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Three patients (72 to 83 years old) had 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, subretinal tPA, and a partial gas fill. An investigational intraoperative OCT system with a modified widefield noncontact indirect viewing apparatus was used to image subretinal tPA blebs. Using the recently developed technique, the volume and surface area in the segmented region of interest were determined. Results: In each case, the delivered tPA volume measured from the syringe differed from the intraoperative OCT–measured subretinal tPA volume: Patient 1, 130 µL from syringe, 118 µL based on intraoperative OCT, 9% difference; Patient 2, 140 µL, 50 µL, 64%; Patient 3, 110 µL, 122 µL, 11%. The total bleb surface area was 129 mm2 in Patient 1, 55 mm2 in Patient 2, and 106 mm2 in Patient 3. Conclusions: This was the first human study to implement and evaluate intraoperative OCT image–based methods to obtain volumetric bleb measurements in patients receiving subretinal tPA for exudative AMD. This proof-of-concept study showed that intraoperative OCT–obtained bleb volume differed from intraoperative recordings, which could be explained by tPA delivery into the vitreous, efflux through the retinotomy, or human error. Intraoperative OCT can provide visualization and quantification of subretinal tPA bleb volume and surface area, which has implications for improved safety, efficacy, and analysis of the effects of subretinal drug delivery.

Vitreous abnormalities in a patient with Gaucher disease

Purpose: To report a case and management of vitreous abnormalities in a patient with Gaucher disease. Methods: Case report. Results: A 28-year-old female with a known diagnosis of Gaucher disease presented to our retina service with complaints of “blurry” vision in both eyes. Ophthalmic examination revealed a Snellen visual acuity of 20/70 OD and 20/20 OS. The anterior segment examination was unremarkable bilaterally; however, the vitreous was notable for multiple yellowish-white vitreous opacifications in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography revealed the opacities but was otherwise unremarkable in terms of retinal vascular findings. Swept-source optical coherence tomography confirmed the position of these vitreous abnormalities to be directly anterior to and in contact with the retinal nerve fiber layer. She subsequently underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy to remove the vitreous debris; Triamcinolone Acetate (Kenalog) was used intraoperatively to visualize the posterior hyaloid. The cassette was sent for pathological analysis, which revealed amorphous vitreous material with occasional lymphocytes and histiocytes. Her post-vitrectomy Snellen visual acuity was 20/40 OD with pinhole to 20/25, and the patient reported resolution of her subjective symptoms. Her opacities had not recurred as of last follow-up. Conclusion: Vitreous abnormalities in Gaucher disease are an extremely rare and uncommon ophthalmologic finding. As our case demonstrates, vitrectomy can be an appropriate surgical approach for improving vision in these patients.

Outcomes after giant peripheral retinotomy and anterior flap retinectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy using small gauge vitrectomy.

To analyze the visual and anatomical outcomes for eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) undergoing giant peripheral retinotomy (GPR) using 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). In this retrospective multi-center study, patients with RRD with either anteroposterior or circumferential retinal shortening and advanced PVR requiring more than 90-degree GPR with/without relaxing retinotomy were included. Subjects of either gender, any age group, and with complete surgical notes were included. Outcome measures of the study included anatomical success (i.e. complete retinal re-attachment) at 6 months using survival analysis, visual outcomes, and post-operative complications. Forty-one eyes of 41 patients (33 males) with a mean age of 44.9 ± 21.4 years were included. At 6 months follow-up, anatomical success was seen in 29 eyes (70.7%) with a cumulative re-attachment rate of 66% (95% confidence interval = 48 = 79%). All re-detachments occurred at ≤6 months with a peak at 4-6 months (n = 9). Twenty-three eyes (56%) achieved ambulatory vision (5/200) or better. Direct perfluorocarbon liquid-silicone oil exchange was performed in 20 eyes. Intra-operative complications included persistent retinal folds (2 eyes), subretinal air (1 eye), and subretinal bleed (1 eye). Eleven eyes (26.8%) developed secondary glaucoma (2 eyes required a drainage device), and hypotony of ≤6 mmHg was noted in 3 eyes (7.3%). Corneal decompensation was noted in 8 eyes (19.5%), and 3 eyes (7.3%) underwent re-surgery for re-RRD. After GPR using small gauge PPV, two-thirds achieve anatomical success, and over half have ambulatory vision, but overall post-operative complications can occur in more than half of the eyes.

Outcomes of 25-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy in the Treatment of Idiopathic Macular Hole.

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the anatomical and functional results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM), membrane blue staining and subsequent expansile gas tamponade (perfluoropropane) in the treatment of idiopathic macular hole (IMH). The retrospective analysis consisted of 100 eyes of a total of 100 patients (61 women and 39 men) with IMH, operated on at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Slovak Medical University and University Hospital Bratislava from 1 January 2021 to 1 January 2024, using 25-gauge PPV with ILM peeling and perfluoropropane tamponade (C3F8) of 15% concentration. After surgery, the patients were required to remain in a face-down position for at least one week. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), minimal linear diameter (MLD) on optic coherence tomography, macular hole closure type and occurrence of complications were evaluated. The obtained results were expressed with the use of arithmetic averages and displayed in graphs. Primary closure of macular hole was achieved in 93 patients (93%). The most frequently occurring type of closure was 1A. After surgery, the BCVA of all patients improved, from an average value of 0.101 preoperatively to 0.300 one year after surgery. In all groups of patients (regardless of the size of the macular hole before surgery), during the one-year follow-up period there was a gradual increase in BCVA with its stabilization by 6 months. The main factors that influenced postoperative BCVA were the preoperative values of MLD and BCVA. PPV with ILM peeling and perfluoropropane tamponade is an effective treatment for idiopathic macular holes with a success rate of more than 90%. This surgical procedure, associated with a relatively low number of complications, brings patients a definite improvement of BCVA.

Trimanual vitrectomy versus bimanual vitrectomy in tractional proliferative diabetic retinopathy

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact as well as safety of trimanual vitrectomy versus bimanual vitrectomy in cases with complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) necessitating surgical intervention. Methods We designed a randomized, interventional, prospective study on 40 pseudophakic eyes suffering from tractional retinal detachment (TRD). 20 eyes of 16 cases with trimanual 23-gauge Parsplana vitrectomy (PPV) were categorized as Group A ”trimanual group.” Twenty eyes of 18 cases with bimanual 23-gauge PPV were categorized as Group B” bimanual group” in the duration between May 2021 and December 2022. All cases were under continual observation for ≥ 6 months postoperatively. Results A total of 40 eyes out of 34 cases with the mean age of cases 50.5 years (ranged between 29–69 y) in group A and 47.9 (ranged between 33–60 y) old in group B were assessed. Retinal attachment, total elimination of the pre-retinal proliferation attained in all cases of the two groups. Surgical time was statistically significant shorter in the trimanual group compared to bimanual group (p value < 0.05). Both groups gained statistically significant better vision. The mean pre-operative VA (Visual acuity) in group A was 1.75 (Log MAR) and 1.59 in group B, whereas the mean final visual outcome 6 months following operation was 0.73 in the 1st group & 0.82 in the 2nd one (p value < 0.001*). Conclusion Trimanual PPV is a safe as well as efficient approach that may ameliorate the result of vitrectomy in tractional PDR.

Analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy without intraocular tamponade in the treatment of high myopic eyes with myopic foveoschisis and central foveal detachment

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without intraocular tamponade in the treatment of high myopic eyes with myopic foveoschisis (MF) accompanied by foveal detachment (FD). Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. The medical records of patients diagnosed with unilateral MF accompanied by FD at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University between May 2018 and December 2021 were collected. All patients underwent 23-gauge PPV with posterior vitreous cortex clearance, and no intraocular tamponade was applied. The cases were divided into groups based on whether the internal limiting membrane was peeled during surgery or retained. Follow-up was conducted for at least 12 months. The main outcome measures included postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), central foveal thickness (CFT), MF resolution, and complications. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results: A total of 40 patients (40 eyes) with MF and FD were included in the study, with 30.0% being male and 70.0% female. The mean age was (56.9±11.7) years, and the axial length of the eyes was (29.1±1.9) mm. At 12 months postoperatively, BCVA improved from baseline 1.15±0.58 to 0.73±0.39 (t=6.11, P<0.001), and CFT decreased from baseline (610.1±207.2) μm to (155.9±104.1) μm (t=13.47, P<0.001). Complete resolution of MF with foveal reattachment was observed in 80.0% of eyes, with a median time of 6 (5, 8) months. There was no significant difference in BCVA and CFT between the internal limiting membrane peeled group and retained group [0.68±0.39 vs. 0.79±0.40, t=0.85, P=0.403; (148.3±63.8)vs.(164.3±137.2)um,t=0.48, P=0.634]. One eye experienced macular hole and another eye developed retinal detachment postoperatively. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between BCVA at 12 months postoperatively and baseline BCVA (β=0.433, P<0.001). Conclusions: Pars plana vitrectomy without intraocular tamponade is effective in treating MF accompanied by FD. The choice between internal limiting membrane peeling and retention does not significantly affect visual prognosis.

Surgical Outcomes of 23 Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Non Clearing Diabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage

Surgical Outcomes of 23 Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Non Clearing Diabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage

Outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy in the management and diagnosis of patients with infectious, non-infectious, and unidentified uveitis

PurposeTo present the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with infectious, non-infectious, and unidentified uveitis, focusing on visual and clinical outcomes, diagnostic yield, and surgery-related complications.MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study included patients who underwent 23-gauge PPV for the management of uveitis and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Patients were divided into infectious, non-infectious, and unidentified uveitis groups based on definitive diagnosis after surgery. Etiologies of uveitis, indications for surgery, diagnostic yield, visual outcomes, presence of cystoid macular edema (CME), immunosuppressive drugs, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and repeated vitrectomies were reviewed.ResultsThis study included 62 eyes of 54 patients. Twenty eyes were diagnosed with infectious uveitis, 24 eyes with non-infectious uveitis, and 18 eyes with unidentified uveitis. The diagnostic yield of vitrectomy was 41.7%. Mean BCVA significantly improved at postoperative 1 month compared to baseline and remained stable at following time-points in all groups. The most common early postoperative complication was increased intraocular pressure (17%), and late complication was cataract (36%). Nine eyes underwent re-vitrectomy and the most common cause was retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).ConclusionPPV seems to be effective in diagnosing cases of unknown origin, improving visual acuity, and reducing the need for systemic immunosuppressive drugs. PVR is the most serious complication with poor prognosis that requires repeated surgery in patients with uveitis.

Incidence of Postoperative Epiretinal Membrane Development Following 23-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Complex Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment: A Comparative Study of Silicone Oil and Balanced Salt Solution Tamponade

BACKGROUND: Tractional retinal detachment (TRD) poses a significant threat to vision in diabetic patients, necessitating surgical intervention. However, the choice of tamponade agent (silicone oil vs. balanced salt solution [BSS]) and the presence of incomplete hemostasis during surgery can influence postoperative complications, specifically the development of epiretinal membranes (ERMs). METHODS: This prospective study involved 235 patients undergoing 23-Gauge pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic TRD with incomplete hemostasis. Patients were categorized into two groups based on tamponade agent used. ERM development was assessed clinically and through optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Among the cases with incomplete hemostasis and residual preretinal hemorrhage, 71.80% of those in the silicone oil group developed ERMs, in contrast to 11.76% in the BSS. Notably, 46.2% of silicone oil cases with ERMs required reoperation, whereas 47.4% remained ERM-free. DISCUSSION: The choice of tamponade agent was a crucial determinant in ERM development, with silicone oil exhibiting a significantly higher incidence. Moreover, silicone oil cases with macular tractional effects had a substantial proportion of ERMs necessitating reoperation. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant postoperative monitoring. CONCLUSION: In cases involving incomplete hemostasis during vitrectomy for diabetic TRD, the use of silicone oil as a tamponade agent is associated with a substantially increased risk of postoperative ERM development. Clinically, this highlights the need for meticulous patient management. Further research is warranted to validate these results and explore long-term outcomes.

Surgical outcomes of petalloid multilayered inverted internal limiting membrane flaps in extra-large macular holes.

To analyze the surgical outcomes of petalloid multilayered inverted internal limiting flap using perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) in extra-large macular holes (MHs) (minimum linear diameter >550 µm and basal diameter [BD] >1000 µm). This was a prospective interventional series of 103 eyes of 99 patients with extra-large MHs which were treated with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, petalloid multilayered inverted internal limiting membrane flaps under PFCL and 15% perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas tamponade. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (i-OCT) was used to confirm correct positioning of flaps. Follow-up was at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Mean age of patients was 58.282 ± 16.3 years. Mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 1.206 ± 0.384, and the value at the third month was logMAR 0.793 ± 0.337. Mean minimum linear diameter (MLD) was 711.96 ± 270.744 µm. MLD ranged from 557µm (minimum MLD) to 2657 µm (maximum MLD). Mean BD was 1301.165 ± 425.914 µm. Type 1 closure was seen in 92.2% eyes, 5.8% eyes had type 2 closure, and 1.9% eyes had type 3 closure. Eyes with both type 1 closure (P = 0.001) and type 2 closure (P = 0.009) showed a significant improvement in BCVA postoperatively at 3 months. Petalloid multilayered inverted internal limiting membrane flap under PFCL technique with adjunctive use of i-OCT showed improved morphological and functional outcomes in the treatment of extra-large MHs. We present here a large series of extra-large MHs, in which a novel technique of petalloid multilayered inverted ILM flaps was used.

Predictive value of ellipsoid zone-related angle parameters in primary surgery of large macular hole: a case control study

BackgroundTo explore the predictive value of Ellipsoid Zone (EZ) -related angle parameters for the outcome of primary macular hole surgery.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. Patients diagnosed with large macular hole (MH) (minimum diameter > 500 μm) between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. All patients underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and air tamponade. Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured in preoperative and 2-week post-operative. Classic and angle related parameters were measured via ImageJ. Angle regularity (AR) were defined as the standard deviation of the angle parameters in vertical and horizontal direction.ResultsSeventy-six eyes were included for analysis; 24 eyes showed an unclosed macular hole at the 2-week postoperative and 52 eyes showed a closed hole. Preoperatively, MLD (P < 0.001), BD (P = 0.009) and diameter of EZ/ELM disruption (P = 0.002 and 0.025) in patients failed to close the hole after primary surgery were significantly larger than those succeeded. EZ-MH (P = 0.018), EZ-NFL (P = 0.006), EZ-GCL (P = 0.004), EZ-INL (P = 0.002), EZ-OPL (P = 0.009) and EZ-ONL (P = 0.011) angles were smaller in patients with unclosed hole. AR of the EZ-NFL (P = 0.009), EZ-GCL (P = 0.009), EZ-OPL (P = 0.023), EZ-ONL (P = 0.048) and Basal-NFL (P = 0.030) angles among the unclosed patients were significantly larger than those of the closed group. EZ-NFL (P = 0.015), EZ-GCL (P = 0.004), EZ-INL (P < 0.001), EZ-OPL (P < 0.001), EZ-ONL (P < 0.001), Basal (P = 0.023) and Basal-NFL (P < 0.001) angles of hole-unclosed patients enlarged significantly after the surgery.ConclusionsPatients with large macular holes and an increased EZ-related angle and angle AR are more likely to experience unsuccessful outcomes following primary MH surgery. Therefore, EZ-related angles hold potential as valuable parameters for predicting the surgical outcome.

New Releasable Nonabsorbable Polypropylene 8.0 Suturing Technique for Sclerotomy Sealing in 23-Gauge Vitrectomy.

We propose a new releasable 8.0 polypropylene suture for leaking sclerotomies at the end of vitrectomy. Characteristic of this suture is that it can be easily removed the day after surgery at the slit-lamp examination. Patients undergoing 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with the need for at least 2 sclerotomy sutures and having a preoperative Ocular Surface Disease Index score <12 were consecutively allocated to sealing with either polyglactin 910 absorbable suture (VY GROUP) or nonabsorbable 8.0 polypropylene releasable suture (PR GROUP). Evaluation of adverse events, Ocular Surface Disease Index score, and conjunctival hyperemia (through the Efron scale) was performed at 1, 7, and 30 days postoperatively. Both methods effectively sealed sclerotomies. PR GROUP showed a significantly lower Ocular Surface Disease Index score and lower degree of conjunctival hyperemia at both 7 and 30 days follow-up. The Ocular Surface Disease Index score decreased significantly after 7 days in PR GROUP while in VY GROUP improved at 30 days postoperatively. PR GROUP showed a lower degree of conjunctival hyperemia both at 7 and 30 days follow-up. Polypropylene 8-0 releasable sutures proved to be effective in 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy wound sealing while inducing less ocular surface inflammation and patient discomfort compared with the standard polyglactin 910 suture.

Novel Technique for 27-Gauge Forceps-Assisted Transscleral Refixation of the Dislocated CZ70BD Intraocular Lens.

To report a novel technique for refixation of the dislocated CZ70BD intraocular lens. Posterior vitrectomy is performed with a 23-gauge or 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy system with chandelier illumination. One needle of a double-arm 9-0 prolene needle is passed through the sclera 1.5 mm postlimbus. The needle is retrieved through the corneal paracentesis using a 27-G needle, and the suture is then cut. The suture end is passed through the eyelet of the dislocated CZ70BD intraocular lens inside the vitreous cavity. This is aided with a pair of 27-G MaxGrip forceps, which is inserted through a 27-G sclerostomy site at the intended scleral outlet. After passing the suture through the eyelet, the suture is pulled out at the 27-G sclerostomy site and a knot is tied and rotated. Similar procedure is performed for the second haptic if necessary. Seven eyes were successfully operated on using this technique with a mean follow-up of 12.4 months. There was significant improvement in the best-corrected visual acuity after the operation ( P = 0.016). Postoperative intraocular lens centration and alignment were satisfactory. One patient developed macula-on retinal detachment 1 month after the operation, which was successfully repaired without loss in the best-corrected visual acuity. The described novel technique is effective for refixation of dislocated CZ70BD intraocular lens.

A comparative study of anatomical and functional outcomes after 20, 23 and 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy in adult population at a tertiary care center in Rajasthan

Pars plana vitrectomy is the most common technique in vitreoretinal surgery that enables access to the posterior segment for treating conditions such as retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, endophthalmitis, dropped nucleus and dropped iol in a controlled closed system.Prospective, comparative study of patients, more than 18 years of age, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for various vitreoretinal disease at J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer, from October 2020 to March 2022,with no previous history of any vitreoretinal surgery.96 eyes of 96 patients that underwent 20-gauge (n=32), 23-gauge (n=32) and 25-gauge (n=32) Pars plana vitrectomy were included in this study. The mean duration of surgery was significantly higher in the conventional 20-Gauge as compared to the micro incisional vitrectomy system. Mean Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly in all three groups at postoperative 3 months, no significant difference between the 3 groups. Re retinal detachment occurs in 6 eyes(2 eyes in each group). Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage occurs in 1 eye in 25-gauge and postoperative endophthalmitis occurs in 2 eyes(1 eye each in 20-gauge and 23-gauge). There was a similar rate of ocular hypertension in all three groups. Postoperatively 20-gauge showed significantly higher mean conjunctival hyperemia and subconjunctival hemorrhage compared to Sutureless microincisional vitrectomy surgery.Functional and anatomical outcomes assessed by BCVA and retinal status postoperatively seem to be comparable between 20,23 and 25-gauge vitrectomy systems. Sutureless microincisional vitrectomy surgery showed significantly shorter duration of surgery.

Intraoperative slow-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) in epiretinal membrane peeling surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant for the regression of macular edema and the improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after the removal of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial recruited 81 patients with idiopathic ERM. These patients all underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling surgery. Among them, 41 eyes in the DEX group received additional DEX implants and 40 in the non-DEX group did not. Outcomes including central retinal thickness (CRT), BCVA, and intraocular pressure were measured 1 and 3months after surgery. Results: The DEX group had thinner CRTs compared to the non-DEX group at 1 month postoperatively (p <0.05), but did not differ significantly at the 1-week and 3-month follow-up visits (p = 0.109 and p = 0.417, respectively). There were no statistical differences with respect to BCVA (p = 0.499, 0.309, 0.246, and 0.517, respectively) and intraocular pressure (p = 0.556, 0.639, 0.741, and 0.517, respectively) between the two groups at each point of follow-up visits. Conclusion: DEX accelerated the reduction of CRT at 1month after surgery. However, no evidence of further anatomical (CRT) or functional (BCVA) benefits using DEX was observed at 3months. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05416827.

Swept Source-Optical Coherence Tomography-Guided Facedown Posturing to Minimize Treatment Burden and Maximize Outcome after Macular Hole Surgery.

We evaluated the closure of full-thickness macular holes (MHs) the day after surgery in minimizing the burden and maximizing patient outcomes. Herein, 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and fluid-gas (20% sulfur hexafluoride) were performed for the treatment. Patients were instructed to remain in the facedown position until the confirmation of MH closure, and the position was discontinued in cases where the closure was confirmed. In total, 43 eyes of 43 patients, whose average age was 69.7 ± 8.6 years, were enrolled in this study. We used swept source (SS)-optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the confirmation of MH closure for gas-filled eyes and used spectral domain (SD)-OCT for the reconfirmation of MH closure after the gas volume was reduced to less than half of the vitreous cavity. MH closure was confirmed in 40 eyes (93%, the closure group) on the next day after surgery. The time from surgery to SS-OCT imaging was 24.7 h. Although facedown positioning was terminated in cases where MH closure was confirmed, there were no cases in which the MH was re-opened afterward. The basal and minimum MH size was significantly larger in the non-closure group than that in the closure group (p = 0.027, p = 0.043, respectively). Therefore, checking with SS-OCT the day after surgery and terminating facedown positioning in cases where MH closure was confirmed would be a useful method, removing a great burden for the elderly without sacrificing the MH closure rate.

Minimal Gas Vitrectomy with Scleral Buckle to Minimize Retinal Displacement in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment with Inferior Breaks.

To present a novel technique, minimal gas vitrectomy with scleral buckle (MGV-SB), as a means of potentially minimizing retinal displacement compared to standard vitrectomy or vitrectomy/scleral buckle for select cases. A patient with a right macula off retinal detachment and retinal breaks at 7 o'clock and 10 o'clock underwent a 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, localization and cryopexy of the breaks along with an inferior temporal segmental scleral buckle. No air-fluid exchange was performed. Suturing of sclerotomies, anterior chamber paracentesis of 0.3 ml and intravitreal injection of 0.6 mL pure sulfur hexafluoride were then performed. The patient was advised to perform the steamroller maneuver with initial face down positioning for 6 hours. The patient achieved retinal reattachment and post-operative wide-field fundus autofluorescence imaging demonstrated a high integrity retinal attachment (HIRA) with no retinal displacement. The MGV-SB technique has the potential to minimize retinal displacement in cases with inferior break(s) by using a small volume expansile gas tamponade and localized scleral buckle compared to standard vitrectomy or vitrectomy/scleral buckle with a full gas fill.

Clinical Outcomes of 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment Repair.

Purpose: To analyze the clinical outcomes of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) repair of diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) of various severities. Methods: This retrospective case series examined the outcomes of 27-gauge PPV to repair diabetic TRD from 2016 to 2020. The effect of medical and ophthalmologic history parameters and baseline detachment characteristics on visual acuity (VA) and retinal reattachment was analyzed. A grading system was established to stage the severity of the baseline vitreoretinal traction or detachment and compare the visual and anatomic outcomes between stages. Results: The study comprised 79 eyes (79 patients). The overall redetachment rate was 10.1% (8/79). The proportion of eyes with severe visual impairment (worse than 20/200) decreased from 81.0% (64/79) preoperatively to 56.9% (37/65) 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Worse preoperative logMAR VA was associated with greater odds of redetachment (P = .017) and worse postoperative VA (P < .001). Insulin dependence was associated with better VA at 6 months (P = .017). A shorter known duration of diabetes (P = .026) and evidence of neovascularization of the iris (NVI) or angle (P = .004) were associated with worse visual outcomes. Eyes with detachment involving the posterior pole extending beyond the equator had worse VA at 6 months (P = .048). Conclusions: The primary reattachment rate after 27-gauge PPV was 89.9%. There was significant VA improvement, with a roughly 40% reduction in the number of eyes with severe visual impairment by the final follow-up. Insulin dependence, duration of diabetes, presence of NVI before surgery, and baseline posterior pole detachment extending beyond the equator were predictors of visual outcomes.