Best-corrected Visual Acuity Measurement Research Articles

Optical coherence tomography angiography features in diabetic patients with unexplained visual loss

Background Diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) has a known effect on visual loss in diabetics. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) allows identification of the vascular abnormalities of diabetic maculopathy.Aim This study aimed to detect the quantitative and qualitative OCTA features of foveal and macular areas in diabetic patients with unexplained visual loss.Settings and design This was a cross-sectional study.Patients and methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 15 diabetic patients with unexplained visual loss. They underwent comprehensive ophthalmological assessment, including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) converted to LogMAR for statistical analysis and macular OCTA imaging (AngioVue OCTA). Quantitative data analyzed were foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ perimeter, and acircularity index (AI). Vessel density (VD) parameters included full-retinal VD in a 300-µm circle around the FAZ (FD-300) plus foveal and parafoveal VD in superficial and deep capillary plexuses.Results A positive significant correlation was found between LogMAR BCVA and FAZ area (r=0.701, P=0.004), FAZ perimeter (r=0.732, P=0.002), and AI (r=0.540, P=0.038). However, there was no significant correlation between BCVA and either FD-300 (P=0.144), or superficial and deep parafoveal VD (P=0.187 and 0.764, respectively), or superficial and deep foveal VD (P=0.34 and 0.187, respectively). In addition, DMI grade showed a significant positive correlation with LogMAR BCVA (P=0.011).Conclusion FAZ parameters (perimeter, area, and AI) measured by OCTA macula can precisely depict DMI in diabetic patients with unexplained visual loss and are closely correlated to BCVA. It is recommended to perform OCTA macula for those patients before making treatment decisions.

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant results in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in non-infectious uveitic macular edema. Between April 2013 and February 2017, 27 eyes of 21 patients were included in the study at Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital. The files of patients who underwent intravitreal dexamethasone implantation for non-infectious uveitic macular edema and followed up at least 6 months were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were evaluated in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) before and at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after injection and the need for re-injection. Twenty-seven eyes of 21 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 39.2±11.7 years. The mean monitoring time was 24.15±10.08 months. In patients who received single-dose intravitreal dexamethasone implant, the decrease in CMT measurements and improvement in BCVA measurements at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection compared to baseline was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001 for each). Recurrence was detected in 33.3% (n=9) of the cases during follow-up; in cases with recurrence, second implants were repeated after an average of 9.67±3.12 months. The third dexamethasone implantation was applied due to the second relapse of four cases from nine relapsing cases. Third implants were performed at an average of 12.50±4.79 months. During the follow-up period, the most common complications in our patients were cataract (37%) and increased intraocular pressure (40.7%). Intravitreal dexamethasone implantation is an effective and reliable treatment option in non-infectious uveitic macular edema. There was no difference between the first dose and re-implantations in terms of efficacy and safety.

Multifocal electroretinography-assisted anatomical and functional evaluation of subthreshold green laser in acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

Purpose:To compare observation versus subthreshold green laser (STL) in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in terms of anatomical and functional outcomes.Methods:Prospective randomized interventional study. 30 eyes with the first episode of acute CSC underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, measurement of best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) at baseline. Patients were randomized equally to group A (observation) or group B (STL using 532 nm wavelength applied to the leakage point). Outcome measures included BCVA, CS, central foveal thickness (CFT), and mean macular thickness (MMT) on SD-OCT and P1 amplitude and implicit time (IT) on mfERG. Patients were followed up for 6 months.Results:Mean BCVA was comparable between the two groups on follow up; however, mean CS was significantly higher in group B at 6 months (P = 0.032). CFT was significantly lower in group B at 1 month (P = 0.001) and 3 months (P = 0.049); however, this difference was not maintained at 6 months (P = 0.265). P1 amplitude and IT in all 5 rings were comparable between the two groups at baseline. On follow up, P1 amplitude of ring 1 became significantly higher in group B at 3 months (P = 0.036) and 6 months (P = 0.022).Conclusion:Immediate treatment of acute CSC with STL, as compared to conservative management, leads to more rapid resolution on SD-OCT and superior functional outcomes as evidenced by CS and mfERG.

Intravitreal Ranibizumab versus Intravitreal Ranibizumab Combined with Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema

Objectives:This is a retrospective, comparative evaluation of the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and IVR combined with posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (STA) in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME).Methods:A total of 79 pseudophakic eyes of 57 patients with DME who underwent IVR injection treatment were examined retrospectively. All of the patients were treatment-naive. In the study group (STA+IVR), consisting of 30 eyes of 39 patients, the STA and IVR were administered in the first treatment session simultaneously, followed by 2 consecutive monthly IVR injections. In the control group (IVR only) comprised 40 eyes of 27 patients, 3 consecutive monthly IVR injections were administered. Patients with serous retinal detachment (SRD) according to optical coherence tomography images were identified in both groups for subgroup analyses. The primary outcome measures were changes in central macular thickness (CMT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1, 2, and 3 months post-injection.Results:There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic characteristics of the patients’ baseline BCVA and CMT measurements (p>0.05). For the IVR group, the mean pre-treatment CMT and BCVA was 421.20±89.10 μm and 0.42±0.24 logMAR, respectively. After the third injection, the mean was 308.12±59.07 μm and 0.20±0.12 logMAR, respectively. The combined treatment group baseline measurements were 454.50±122.52 μm and 0.54±0.29 logMAR, respectively. After the third injection, the mean was 294.22±50.33 μm and 0.27±0.21 logMAR, respectively. The decrease was statistically significant for both groups (p=0.001). Comparison of the CMT within groups revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of the combined group after the second injection (p=0.017). There was no statistically significant difference in the BCVA gains between groups (p>0.05). Patients with SRD were evaluated as a subgroup, and at the first month, the mean gain in CMT was -71.63±57.98 μm in the control group and -123.61±93.46 μm in the study group (p=0.048). The required anti-glaucomatous treatment was statistically significant in the combined group (p=0.008).Conclusion:Both treatments provided improvement in BCVA and CMT and can be considered functional and anatomically effective treatment options for DME.

Safety and long-Term Outcomes of Repeated Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant (OZURDEX®) for the Management of Macular Edema

Purpose: This study to assess the efficacy and the safety of repeated dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) in vascular macular edema in real-life practice. Materials and Methods: This was a 22-month prospective study, including eyes with vascular macular edema according to the inclusion criteria. Baseline and follow-up visits included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundoscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and central macular thickness (CMT) measurement with optical coherence tomography. Main outcomes included changes in BCVA and CMT at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th months; time to retreatment; and incidence of side effects. Results: A total of 31 eyes of 24 patients were included in the present study. After the first intravitreal injection, BCVA (baseline 0.940 ± 0.463 LogMAR) improved significantly to 0.483 ± 0.323 LogMAR at 2nd month (P = 0.000), 0.657 ± 0.357 at 4th month (P = 0.000), and 0.690 ± 0,448 at 6th month (P = 0.001). Mean CMT (baseline = 582.51 ± 148.20) decreased statistically significantly at 2nd month and 4th month after the first intravitreal injection (245.87 ± 103.86 and 456.68 ± 182.735, respectively, both P < 0.001 vs. baseline). At the 6th month, CMT was 407.93 ± 212.70 for the 16 eyes that had not been reinjected versus baseline CMT 576.93 ± 158.56 (P = 0.008). After other Ozurdex® injections, we had the same visual acuity gain and CMT reduction, an average of 2.03 ± 0.83 injections were done. The most common side effects were cataract development and rise in IOP. Conclusion: Ozurdex® implant is an effective treatment for vascular macular edema with a good safety profile; however, its effectiveness seems to decrease with time requiring repeated injections.

Comparison of Optical Coherence Angiography Measurements in Patients with Neovascular and Non-Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Objectives:The purpose of the study was to determine the differences of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) measurements between the patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and non-neovascular early AMD.Methods:This retrospectively designed study included patients with neovascular AMD (N-AMD group) and non-neovascular early AMD (NN-AMD group). The patients had a completed ocular examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, in decimal), intraocular pressure (IOP, mmHg), and OCTA measurements such as choroidal blood flow (au) and retinal vessel density (VD, %).Results:The N-AMD group (1.46±0.28 au) showed a lower mean choroidal flow measurement than the NN-AMD group (1.73±0.32 au), (p<0.001). The patients in the N-AMD group had reduced VD measurements in all superficial and deep retinal layers compared with the NN-AMD group. However, significant differences in VD measurements were observed only in total superficial parafovea and in the superior and inferior quadrants of superficial parafovea while comparing the N-AMD and NN-AMD groups (p<0.05 for all). Almost all deep retinal VD measurements (p<0.05 for them) were significantly different in the N-AMD group except the overall and foveal zones (p=0.144 and p=0.433, respectively).Conclusion:Retinal VD is reduced in patients with N-AMD when compared to NN-AMD. This outcome offered a retinal vessel contribution to AMD pathogenesis.

Spectrum of Disease Severity in Patients With X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Due to RPGR Mutations.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to perform a detailed longitudinal phenotyping of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP) caused by mutations in the RPGR gene during a long follow-up period.MethodsAn Italian cohort of 48 male patients (from 31 unrelated families) with RPGR-associated RP was clinically assessed at a single center (mean follow-up = 6.5 years), including measurements of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Goldmann visual field (GVF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), microperimetry, and full-field electroretinography (ERG).ResultsPatients (29.6 ± 15.2 years) showed a mean BCVA of 0.6 ± 0.7 logMAR, mostly with myopic refraction (79.2%). Thirty patients (62.5%) presented a typical RP fundus, while the remaining sine pigmento RP. Over the follow-up, BCVA significantly declined at a mean rate of 0.025 logMAR/year. Typical RP and high myopia were associated with a significantly faster decline of BCVA. Blindness was driven primarily by GVF loss. ERG responses with a rod-cone pattern of dysfunction were detectable in patients (50%) that were significantly younger and more frequently presented sine pigmento RP. Thirteen patients (27.1%) had macular abnormalities without cystoid macular edema. Patients (50%) with a perimacular hyper-FAF ring were significantly younger, had a higher BCVA and a better-preserved ellipsoid zone band than those with markedly decreased FAF. Patients harboring pathogenic variants in exons 1 to 14 showed a milder phenotype compared to those with ORF15 mutations.ConclusionsOur monocentric, longitudinal retrospective study revealed a spectrum disease progression in male patients with RPGR-associated RP. Slow disease progression correlated with sine pigmento RP, absence of high myopia, and mutations in RPGR exons 1 to 14.

Anatomical and functional outcomes of subthreshold micropulse laser versus intravitreal ranibizumab injection in treatment of diabetic macular edema

BackgroundTo compare the therapeutic effects of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) versus intravitreal injection of ranibizumab in treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) both anatomically using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and functionally using best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).Methodshis study was an interventional prospective randomized comparative study. The study included 120 eyes classified into 3 groups: Group 1 included 40 eyes of 28 patients treated by SML laser, group 2 included 40 eyes of 32 patients treated by intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, and group 3 (control group for mfERG) included 40 eyes of 20 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) of more than 10 year duration with no signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR). BCVA measurements, OCT and mfERG were done for the cases before and after interference and were followed up for 6 monthsResultsBy the end of the follow up period, BCVA significantly improved by 31% in group 1 vs 93% in group 2 with a statistically highly significant difference between the two groups (p value < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in central subfield thickness in both groups with more reduction in group 2 compared with group 1 (p value < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in P1 amplitude of mf-ERG in group 2 (p value < 0.002) with no significant improvement in group 1. There was a significant decrease in P1 implicit time in group 2 (p value < 0.001) while there was no significant decrease in group1.ConclusionsIntravitreal injection of ranibizumab is a superior treatment modality for DME compared with SML regarding both anatomical and functional outcomes.Trial registration: This study has been approved by the local ethical committee of faculty of medicine of Minia University and retrospectively registered at the clinical trial gov. with Identifier: NCT04332133.

Scleral Buckling Versus Sutureless Parsplana Vitrectomy in the Management of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

PurposeThe aim of the article is to compare scleral buckle (SB) and primary sutureless pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without SB in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair.MethodsA retrospective study of rhegmatogenous RD surgeries performed between eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) up to grade B and a minimum of two months postoperative follow-up were included. The primary outcome measure was an improvement in the final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and secondary outcome measures were a final anatomical success, number of resurgeries, and cataract progression.ResultsA total of 37 eyes in the SB group and 30 eyes in the sutureless PPV group were included. The mean follow-up was 7.5 ± 5 months and 9 ± 4 months in the SB and PPV group, respectively. The improvement in the final BCVA from baseline was four lines in the SB group and five lines in the PPV group (p=0.87). The final anatomical success was 97% in SB and 93% in the PPV group. The number of re-surgeries for attachment of retina were higher in the PPV group, (SB: 8/37 vs PPV: 8/30 p=0.03).The number of resurgeries (16/37 vs. 33/30; p=<0.05), cataract progression (3/37 vs. 10/30; p=0.01), and the mean number of hospital visits (6 vs. 9; p=0.001) were significantly higher in the sutureless PPV group.ConclusionsVisual acuity improvement and anatomical success rates were similar between SB and sutureless PPV in RRD repair. The number of operations, cataract progression, and the mean number of hospital visits were higher in the sutureless PPV group.

Stereopsis and retinal microstructures following macular hole surgery

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in stereopsis in patients who underwent vitrectomy for macular hole (MH) and assess the relationship between stereopsis and retinal microstructures. Fifty-two patients who underwent successful vitrectomy for unilateral MH and 20 control participants were recruited. We examined stereopsis using the Titmus Stereo Test (TST) and TNO stereotest (TNO), optical coherence tomography, and best-corrected visual acuity measurements, preoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. As a result, preoperative and postoperative 3, 6, and 12-month values of stereopsis assessed by TST (log) were 2.7, 2.2, 2.2, and 2.2, respectively. TNO (log) were 2.8, 2.5, 2.4, and 2.4, respectively. Stereopsis in MH after surgery was significantly worse than that in normal participants (p < 0.001). Preoperative TST significantly correlated with MH size and defect length of external limiting membrane (ELM). Postoperative TST demonstrated significant correlation with the preoperative ELM defect length, and postoperative TNO was associated with the preoperative interdigitation zone defect length. Vitrectomy for MH significantly improved stereopsis, although not to normal levels. The ELM defect lengths, which approximately correspond to TST circles, are prognostic factors for postoperative stereopsis by TST. The interdigitation zone defect length, similar in size to the TNO index, is a prognostic factor for postoperative stereopsis by TNO.

The Effect of Hemodialysis on Axial Length, Ocular Surface, and Intraocular Pressure in Patients with End-Stage Renal Failure.

PurposeTo evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length, and ocular surface in patients with end-stage renal failure after single-session hemodialysis treatment and to examine the correlation of these findings with systemic hemodynamic parameters.Patients and MethodsA total of 112 eyes of 112 patients enrolled in a hemodialysis treatment program for three times a week (approximately four hours per session) for at least three months in our hospital between December 2019 and March 2020 were included in the study. Approximately 30 minutes before and after hemodialysis, the best-corrected visual acuity measurement, slit-lamp examination, IOP measurement, and dilated fundus examination with the Goldmann applanation tonometer were performed in all patients. The axial length measurement was undertaken by ultrasonic biometry, and the CCT measurement by ultrasonic pachymetry. The ocular surface evaluation was performed based on the tear breakup time (BUT), basal secretion time (BST) and keratoepitheliopathy score. Blood pressure, serum osmolarity, and body weight were measured before and after hemodialysis.ResultsThe mean IOP decreased from 12.2 ± 3.5 to 10.8 ± 2.2 mmHg, and the mean decrease was 1.4 ± 2 mmHg, indicating statistical significance (p<0.001). The mean CCT dropped from 502 ± 41.2 to 494.1 ± 35.4 μm, and the mean decrease was 8.1 ± 7.7 μm, which also indicated a statistically significant change (p<0.001). The mean axial length was reduced from 23.1 ± 0.8 to 22.9 ± 0.8 mm. The reduction in the axial length was significant with an average value of 0.26 ± 0.15 mm (p<0.001). When the ocular surface changes were examined, BUT decreased from 7.4 ± 3.1 to 6.3 ± 2.5 s, BST from 8.6 ± 1.7 to 6.6 ± 1.3 mm, and the keratoepitheliopathy score increased from 0.36 ± 0.61 to 1.59 ± 0.93, and all these changes were statistically significant (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the axial length change and the IOP change (r=0.202, p=0.03). A significant correlation was also observed between BST and plasma colloid osmotic pressure (r=−0.268, p=0.004). In addition, there was a strong correlation between serum osmolarity and the keratoepitheliopathy score (r=−0.437, p<0.001).ConclusionHemodialysis causes significant changes in IOP, CCT, axial length, and ocular surface. These changes should be considered in the ophthalmological examination of patients after the hemodialysis session.

OCT of Outer Retinal Hyperreflectivity, Neovascularization, and Pigment in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2

To investigate whether outer retina hyperreflectivity (ORHR) and outer retina neovascularization (ORNV) are visible in eyes with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) before pigment proliferation is visible. Retrospective study in a cohort of patients from the MacTel Project. Thirty-nine MacTel 2 eyes without pigment on color fundus photography (CFP) at presentation were studied over a mean of 36.6 months (range, 13.8-50.4 months; standard deviation, ±10 months). All patients routinely underwent Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (VA) measurement, CFP, spectral-domain OCT, and OCT angiography (OCTA). Pigment in the macula on CFP, best-corrected VA, presence of ORHR, presence of ORNV, presence and surface of ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss, and occurrence of ORHR, ORNV, and pigment. At presentation, 13 eyes showed no EZ loss, and no ORHR nor change was observed during the follow-up. In the 19 eyes with only EZ loss at baseline, ORHR appeared in 6 eyes, and one of them also showed visible pigment on CFP. Among the 7 eyes with ORHR and ORNV at baseline, pigment proliferation became visible in 4 eyes. Overall, at the end of follow-up, 14 eyes showed ORNV and 13 showed ORHR, of which 5 showed pigment on CFP. In all cases, ORHR on spectral-domain OCT corresponded to ORNV on OCTA. Hyperreflectivity and neovascularization developed within an EZ loss area or at its edge. At the end of follow-up, although the EZ loss area was larger in eyes with ORHR, pigment, or both than in eyes without any pigment migration (0.33 mm2 vs. 0.94 mm2; P= 0.01), VA was similar in both groups (0.32 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] vs. 0.35 logMAR; Snellen equivalent, 20/40 vs. 20/50; P= 0.64). Spectral-domain OCT and OCTA showed that in MacTel 2 eyes, ORHR was associated with ORNV on OCTA and most often did not correspond to pigmentation on CFP. When ORNV developed, hyperreflectivity appeared along the abnormal capillary tracts after a mean follow-up of 36 months. In most cases, the presence of ORHR was not associated with rapid vision loss.

Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation in retinitis pigmentosa: a 6-month follow-up results of a phase 3 trial.

To investigate the efficacy and the safety of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) implantation in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This prospective, single-center, phase 3 clinical study enrolled 124 eyes of 82 RP patients. The patients received 5 million UC-MSCs to the suprachoroidal area with a surgical procedure. Patients were evaluated on the 1st day, 1st, and 6th months postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior segment and fundus examinations, color photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual field (VF) tests were carried out at each visit. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) recordings were performed at the end of the 6th month. Ocular and systemic adverse events of the surgical procedure were also noted. All of the 82 patients completed the 6-month follow-up period. None of them had any serious systemic or ocular complications. There were statistically significant improvements in BCVA and VF during the study (all P<0.05). The amplitudes of the P1 waves in the central areas showed significant improvements in mfERG recordings. There were also significant increases in implicit times of P1 waves in the central areas. Suprachoroidal administration of UC-MSCs has beneficial effect on BCVA, VF, and mfERG measurements during the 6-month follow-up period. Cell mediated therapy based on the secretion of growth factors (GFs) seems to be an effective and safe option for degenerative retinal diseases.

Development of Deep Learning Models to Predict Best-Corrected Visual Acuity from Optical Coherence Tomography.

PurposeTo develop deep learning (DL) models to predict best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images from patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).MethodsRetrospective analysis of OCT images and associated BCVA measurements from the phase 3 HARBOR trial (NCT00891735). DL regression models were developed to predict BCVA at the concurrent visit and 12 months from baseline using OCT images. Binary classification models were developed to predict BCVA of Snellen equivalent of <20/40, <20/60, and ≤20/200 at the concurrent visit and 12 months from baseline.ResultsThe regression model to predict BCVA at the concurrent visit had R2 = 0.67 (root-mean-square error [RMSE] = 8.60) in study eyes and R2 = 0.84 (RMSE = 9.01) in fellow eyes. The best classification model to predict BCVA at the concurrent visit had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.92 in study eyes and 0.98 in fellow eyes. The regression model to predict BCVA at month 12 using baseline OCT had R2 = 0.33 (RMSE = 14.16) in study eyes and R2 = 0.75 (RMSE = 11.27) in fellow eyes. The best classification model to predict BCVA at month 12 had AUC = 0.84 in study eyes and AUC = 0.96 in fellow eyes.ConclusionsDL shows promise in predicting BCVA from OCTs in nAMD. Further research should elucidate the utility of models in clinical settings.Translational RelevanceDL models predicting BCVA could be used to enhance understanding of structure–function relationships and develop more efficient clinical trials.

FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL EFFECTS OF NONDAMAGING RETINAL LASER THERAPY FOR MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2

Purpose: Macular telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 2 is a progressing neurovascular disease of the macula, currently lacking effective treatment. This study assessed the effect of nondamaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) compared with sham. Methods: Twelve MacTel patients were enrolled in this double-masked, controlled, randomized clinical trial. For the nine patients with both eyes eligible, one eye was randomized to NRT or sham and the other received alternate treatment. For three patients with only one eye eligible, that eye was randomly assigned either NRT or sham. Ellipsoid zone disruption, best-corrected visual acuity, and macular automated perimetry at 12 months served as structural and functional measures. Results: Eleven eyes were randomized to sham and 10 to NRT. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity was 66 letters (20/50) for sham and 72 letters (20/40) for NRT (P = 0.245). Ellipsoid zone disruption area was 298 µm2 in sham and 368 µm2 in NRT (P = 0.391). At 12 months, ellipsoid zone disruption increased by 24% in sham and decreased by 34% in NRT (P &lt; 0.001). Best-corrected visual acuity measures remained stable during follow-up compared with baseline. At 1 year, the mean macular sensitivity was 28 dB in the NRT group, compared with 26 dB in sham. Conclusion: Nondamaging retinal laser therapy was safe and well tolerated in patients with MacTel and resulted in structural and functional improvements, which could represent a protective effect of laser-induced hyperthermia. Longer follow-up and larger number of patients should help corroborate these effects.

Visual, refractive and topographic outcomes of progressive thickness intrastromal corneal ring segments for keratoconic eyes.

To evaluate one-year visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes of 58 eyes of 53 keratoconus patients who underwent surgery with a progressive thickness intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS). This multi-center, retrospective, observational study evaluates the one-year effects of progressive thickness ICRS implanted in keratoconus patients meeting the inclusion criteria. One or two progressive ICRS were implanted in the selected eyes after creating an intrastromal tunnel with a femtosecond laser. Pre- and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity, best-corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction (both spherical equivalent and cylindrical refractions), corneal astigmatism, maximum keratometry, corneal thickness, and corneal topography measurements and indices were evaluated. In this retrospective case series, 58 eyes of 53 keratoconus patients were included with a follow-up of 12 months. The mean age was 30.89 ± 11.90 years. There were improvements postoperatively in mean values of visual acuities, both uncorrected from 0.71 (preoperatively) to 0.28 (log MAR), and best-corrected from 0.28 to 0.10 (log MAR), mean cylindrical refraction from - 2.35 ± 1.51 to - 4.15 ± 2.23 D, and mean spherical equivalent from - 2.10 ± 2.25 to - 4.64 ± 3.2 D. There was also a reduction in maximal keratometry from 54.21 D preoperatively to 50.93 D postoperatively. The implantation of the progressive thickness ICRS is an effective and safe method to improve the vision of keratoconic eyes. Corneal stability was maintained at the 12-month mark.

Visual Acuity Variability: Comparing Discrepancies between Snellen and ETDRS Measurements among Subjects Entering Prospective Trials

To compare the variability between Snellen visual acuity (VA) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS) best-corrected VA (BCVA) measurements. Retrospective chart review. Eyes from subjects entering 12 prospective retinal trials in a large, urban retina practice. Eyes were included if a Snellen VA measurement was performed at the visit preceding trial screening and VA was better than counting fingers. Snellen VA and ETDRS BCVA were then converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units, and the variability between measurements was calculated. Outcome measures include VA variability among disease states, absolute VA, and central subfield thickness (CST). A total of 773 eyes of 413 subjects were identified with a mean of 27.2 days (median, 19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.1-29.3) between measurements. Mean Snellen and ETDRS measurements were 0.40 (20/50) and 0.27 logMAR (20/40), respectively. Overall, mean ETDRS BCVA was 6.1 letters better than Snellen VA (median, 5.8; 95% CI, 5.3-7.0; P < 0.05); 76.6% of eyes had improved ETDRS. Restricting the number of days between measurements did not result in any meaningful differences from this directionality. Among eyes with worse VA, variation was more pronounced than among eyes with better VA; eyes 20/25 or better were a mean+1.9 letters better on ETDRS testing (P < 0.05) and eyes 20/160 or worse were a mean+12.6 letters better on ETDRS testing (P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses by disease state found statistically significantly better vision measurements with the ETDRS protocol compared with Snellen in 4 of the 5 disease states studied. Although lens status did not affect the extent of discrepancy between ETDRS and Snellen measurements, amount of retinal edema (CST) did: increased CST correlated with increased variability. The ETDRS protocol BCVA measurement resulted in significantly better scores when compared with Snellen VA measurements. This difference was more pronounced among eyes with worse VA. Additionally, specific retinal disease states and anatomic variables such as extent of retinal edema (CST) may have a meaningful impact on the anticipated variability between ETDRS and Snellen VA measurement.

Association between Macular Thickness Profiles and Visual Function in Healthy Eyes: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases (SEED) Study

This study aimed to evaluate the association between optical coherence tomography (OCT)-measured retinal layer thickness parameters with clinical and patient-centred visual outcomes in healthy eyes. Participants aged 40 and above were recruited from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study, a multi-ethnic population-based study. Average macular, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and outer retinal thickness parameters were obtained using the Cirrus High Definition-OCT. Measurements of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and 11-item visual functioning questionnaire (VF-11) were performed. Associations between macular thickness parameters, with BCVA and Rasch-transformed VF-11 scores (in logits) were assessed using multivariable linear regression models with generalized estimating equations, adjusted for relevant confounders. 4,540 subjects (7,744 eyes) with a mean age of 58.8 ± 8.6 years were included. The mean BCVA (LogMAR) was 0.10 ± 0.11 and mean VF-11 score was 5.20 ± 1.29. In multivariable regression analysis, thicker macula (per 20 µm; β = −0.009) and GCIPL (per 20 µm; β = −0.031) were associated with better BCVA (all p ≤ 0.001), while thicker macula (per 20 µm; β = 0.04) and GCIPL (per 20 µm, β = 0.05) were significantly associated with higher VF-11 scores (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, among healthy Asian eyes, thicker macula and GCIPL were associated with better vision and self-reported visual functioning. These findings provide further understanding on the potential influence of macular thickness on visual function.

Choroidal Thickness in Young Adults and its Association with Visual Acuity

To describe the choroidal thickness (ChT) in a large sample of young adults with the aim of establishing a normative ChT profile reference in this demographic cohort and explore its association with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Cross-sectional study. From a single center, 741 young adults (19-30 years of age, 49% male) were recruited to undergo a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including BCVA measurement, post-cycloplegic autorefraction, ocular biometry, tonometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging. The enhanced depth imaging mode on the SD-OCT was used. The main outcome measure was the central macular ChT (0.5-mm radius around the fovea). The ChTs at the inner (between 0.5-mm and 1.5-mm radius) and outer macular rings (between 1.5-mm and 2.5-mm radius) were also measured. The median central macular ChT was 370μm (interquartile range 312-406μm). The choroid was thickest at the superior-inner, inferior-inner, and central macular regions (370-373μm) and thinnest nasally at the outer macular region (median 256μm). Decreased central macular ChT was associated with younger age, female sex, nonwhite ethnicities, and myopia (P ≤ .013). There was a significant association between better BCVA and increased central macular ChT (P < .001), after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and ocular measures. His relationship was only apparent in eyes with central macular ChTs <300μm (P= .019) and absent in eyes with ChTs >300μm. The central ChT of young adults was 370μm. There was a significant association between worse BCVA and thinner choroids below a threshold of 300μm, raising the possibility that ChT could be predictive of visual function.

Intravitreal Injections for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion: Long-Term Functional and Anatomic Outcomes.

Purpose To report the long-term visual and anatomic outcomes of intravitreal injections for macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in a real-life clinical setting. Design Retrospective interventional case series. Methods A total of 223 consecutive eyes with ME secondary to RVO, treated with the first three intravitreal Ranibizumab or dexamethasone injections between August 2008 and September 2018, were enrolled in the study. Subsequent retreatment was guided by best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements, aimed at achieving macular fluid regression and BCVA stability. BCVA and CMT were recorded at baseline and at subsequent annual time points. The mean number of injections administered each year and the incidence of adverse events were recorded. Results The mean BCVA and CMT at baseline were 0.79 logMar (SD 0.71) and 615.7 μm (SD 257.5), respectively. The mean follow-up (FU) period was 47.8 months (min 12–max 120). At 12 months, the mean BCVA and CMT had significantly improved to 0.62 logMar (SD 0.68; p < 0.0001) and 401.04 μm (SD 257.5), respectively. The mean follow-up (FU) period was 47.8 months (min 12–max 120). At 12 months, the mean BCVA and CMT had significantly improved to 0.62 logMar (SD 0.68; p < 0.0001) and 401.04 Conclusion Intravitreal Ranibizumab and/or dexamethasone injections were found to be effective at inducing a long-lasting improvement of BCVA and CMT in a real-life clinical setting. A safety profile similar to that already well-established in Ranibizumab and dexamethasone treatment was observed, as well as a steady decrease in the number of intraocular injections required. The results support intravitreal treatments for BRVO and CRVO in patient populations with similar characteristics in similar settings.