Best-corrected Visual Acuity Recovery Research Articles

Outcomes of Non-Penetrating versus Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy in Open-Angle Glaucoma.

In this retrospective study, Non-Penetrating-Deep-Sclerectomy and Penetrating-Deep-Sclerectomy interventions showed similar >90% complete success rates at one-year post-surgery. However, Non-Penetrating-Deep-Sclerectomy achieved a superior safety profile in terms of best-corrected visual acuity recovery and rates of post-surgical complications. Comparing the surgical outcomes of two surgical techniques: non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) and penetrating deep sclerectomy (PDS). This was a retrospective, longitudinal, comparative study including 66 eyes from 57 patients aged 69±9 years who underwent either NPDS or PDS for medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma. Outcome measurements included intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), rates of complications, post-operative corrective interventions and glaucoma medications at baseline and at all post-operative appointments up to 1 year. An exploratory mixed-effects model was used to assess the intergroup differences for IOP and BCVA. One-year post-surgery, similar significant IOP reduction from baseline were observed in NPDS (from 19,9±1.3 to 11.5±0.9mmHg, P<0.001) and PDS (from 19,5±1,1 to 10.7±0.6mmHg, P<0.001). A conservative complete success rate (defined as medicated IOP ≤16mmHg and ≥20% reduction in IOP) was of 87% for NPDS and 97% for PDS. No BCVA changes were observed between baseline and 1-year post-surgery in both groups, and glaucoma medications showed a similar 10-fold reduction in both groups (P<0.001 vs. baseline). However, a significant difference in the speed of post-operative BVCA recovery was observed between NPDS and PDS (P<0.01), NPDS showing a faster recovery. Moreover, lower numbers of post-surgical complication and post-operative interventions were observed following NPDS compared to PDS (NPDS n=30 and 34 vs. PDS n=80 and 48 (P<0.05), respectively). The present study confirmed that both NPDS and PDS are highly effective surgical interventions for the management of primary open angle glaucoma. However, NPDS had a superior safety profile, in terms of BCVA recovery, complication rates and post-operative interventions.

Microvascular Changes after Epiretinal Membrane Vitrectomy with Intraoperative Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant: An OCT Angiography Analysis.

We aimed to explore microvascular changes evaluated with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients undergoing epiretinal membrane (ERM) pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with intravitreal Ozurdex implantation, compared with standard PPV. (2) Methods: Prospective interventional analysis on 25 eyes undergoing PPV + Ozurdex (Group A) and 25 eyes undergoing PPV alone. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCTA parameters, such as vessel density (VD) of the superficial and deep capillary plexi (SCP and DCP) in the whole 6.4 mm × 6.4 mm and fovea area, were evaluated preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. (3) Results: Postoperative BCVA significantly improved in both groups. No cases of post-operative cystoid macular edema (CME) were reported in Group A vs. two eyes in Group B. In Group A we found a statistically significant increase of SCP's VD in either the whole image (from 42.1 ± 4.1 to 45.6 ± 4.3%, p = 0.01) and the fovea image (from 38.5 ± 7.5 to 41.7 ± 4.2%, p = 0.03). In Group B, we reported no significant variations in the SCP's VDs. In the DCP, VD significantly increased only in the whole image in Group A. Stage 4 ERMs showed the greatest improvement in VD, especially in Group A. (4) Conclusions: Intraoperative Ozurdex prompted a significant BCVA recovery and limited the occurrence of postoperative CME compared to the standard procedure. Moreover, Ozurdex implant is associated with a better restoration of microvascular structure in SCP and DCP.

Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Assessment of Imaging Biomarkers in Full-Thickness Macular Holes: Preliminary Data from a Pivotal Trial.

Artificial intelligence (AI)- and deep learning (DL)-based systems have shown significant progress in the field of macular disorders, demonstrating high performance in detecting retinal fluid and assessing anatomical changes during disease progression. This study aimed to validate an AI algorithm for identifying and quantifying prognostic factors in visual recovery after macular hole (MH) surgery by analyzing major optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers. This study included 20 patients who underwent vitrectomy for a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). The mean diameter of the FTMH was measured at 285.36 ± 97.4 μm. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.76 ± 0.06 logMAR, improving to 0.38 ± 0.16 postoperatively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). AI software was utilized to assess biomarkers, such as intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) volume, external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity, and retinal hyperreflective foci (HRF). The AI analysis showed a significant decrease in IRF volume, from 0.08 ± 0.12 mm3 preoperatively to 0.01 ± 0.01 mm3 postoperatively. ELM interruption improved from 79% ± 18% to 34% ± 37% after surgery (p = 0.006), whereas EZ interruption improved from 80% ± 22% to 40% ± 36% (p = 0.007) postoperatively. Additionally, the study revealed a negative correlation between preoperative IRF volume and postoperative BCVA recovery, suggesting that greater preoperative fluid volumes may hinder visual improvement. The integrity of the ELM and EZ was found to be essential for postoperative visual acuity improvement, with their disruption negatively impacting visual recovery. The study highlights the potential of AI in quantifying OCT biomarkers for managing MHs and improving patient care.

Fellow-Eye Comparison between Phaco-Tanito Microhook Trabeculotomy and Phaco-iStent Inject W.

This study aims to compare the surgical efficacy and safety of the Tanito microhook trabeculotomy (TMH-CE) and iStent inject W (Inject-CE) when performed in combination with cataract surgery on the eyes of glaucoma patients. A total of 78 glaucomatous eyes from 39 participants were retrospectively analyzed. Intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber flare (ACF), and corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) were all evaluated preoperatively and at multiple postoperative time points. The preoperative IOP was significantly higher in the TMH-CE (19.6 ± 6.7 mmHg) than in the Inject-CE (15.7 ± 3.8 mmHg) (p < 0.0001). At the 12-month follow-up, reductions in IOP and the number of medications were more pronounced in the TMH-CE (6.6 mmHg, 27.6% and -1.1, respectively) group than Inject-CE (2.7 mmHg, 12.4% and -0.7, respectively) (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0034), while the IOP and medication-number levels were identical between TMH-CE (13.0 ± 3.3 mmHg and 1.3 ± 0.9, respectively) and Inject-CE (12.9 ± 2.6 mmHg and 1.9 ± 0.9, respectively) (p = 0.88 and p > 0.99, respectively). The TMH-CE group exhibited a higher ACF, a higher frequency of layered hyphema, and a greater anterior chamber floating red blood cells score in the early postoperative periods. Despite these differences, the changes in BCVA, ACF, and CECD were equivalent between the two groups in later follow-up periods. TMH-CE provides a more significant IOP reduction and medication-number reduction compared to Inject-CE, while Inject-CE shows quicker BCVA recovery. This study provides valuable insights for ophthalmologists choosing the most suitable surgical approach for glaucoma and cataract patients.

Clinical characteristics of radiation-induced optic neuropathy: A single-center retrospective study

PurposeTo observe the clinical and imaging characteristics of radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 43 patients (69 eyes) who were diagnosed with RION at the Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2010 to 2021. ResultsThe latency from radiotherapy to onset of visual loss ranged from 1 to 132 (36.33 ​± ​30.48) months. Optic disc pallor and optic disc edema were found in 27.0% (10/37) and 8.1% (3/37) of the eyes, respectively, within 2 months. After treatment, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was restored in 24.6% (17/69) of the eyes and the final BCVA improved in 13.0% (9/69) of the eyes. An 82.5% (33/40) of the eyes with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed enhancement of the affected optic nerve, mostly (69.7%) in the intracranial segment, and 36.4% (12/33) of the eyes with expansion and T2-high signals also showed enhancement of the affected optic nerve. The superior retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the outer circle superior quadrant (OS) of the inner limiting membrane to retinal pigment epithelium (ILM-RPE) layer thinned significantly during the first month. The center of the ILM-RPE layer thickened significantly during the first two months and the inner circle temporal quadrant (IT) of the ILM-RPE layer thickened significantly from the third to sixth month. The RNFL thinned significantly after 6 months except for the temporal quadrant, and the average inner circle superior quadrant (IS) and outer circle of the ILM-RPE layer thinned significantly after 6 months. There was no significant difference between hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) therapy in improving BCVA recovery or final BCVA (P ​> ​0.05). ConclusionsThe structural damage of the RNFL and ILM-RPE layer occurred during the first month, the RNFL showed progressive thinning during the follow-up period, while the ILM-RPE layer showed thinning during the first month, thickening from the third to sixth month, and thinning after 6 months. There was a discrete region of enhancement of the optic nerve, often with expansion and high-T2 signals on MRI. HBOT and high-dose IVMP therapy were hardly effective for treating RION in the non-acute stage.

Effect of Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling or Not on Blood Flow Signal in Macular Area of Diabetic Patients with Preretinal Membrane

Purpose To study the effect of intraoperative internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling on the macular vascular structure in patients with diabetic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods Patients with diabetic ERM were divided into an ERM + ILM peeling group (18 eyes) and an ERM peeling group (19 eyes), all of whom underwent standard vitrectomy and were followed up until 6 months postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Central macular thickness (CMT), Vessel density (VD) and vessel length density (VLD) of the superficial as well as deep retinal capillary plexus were compared between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference in BCVA (p = .188, .410, .901, .916) and CMT (p = .164, .128, .110, .105) between the two groups at the week 1, month 1, month 3 and month 6 after operation. In the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), the change in VD (p = .106) and VLD (p = .438) was not affected by ILM peeling, and there was no significant difference in VD (p = .154, .063, .100, .162) and VLD (p = .386, .263, .431, .391) between the two groups during the four follow-up after operation. For the deep capillary plexus (DCP), there was an effect of ILM peeling on the changes in VD (p = .024) and VLD (p = .012), ILM peeling delayed the recovery time of the VD and VLD; The VD (p = .026, .000, .003) and VLD (p = .005, .000, .000) of ERM + ILM peeling group were lower than those of ERM peeling group from the month 1 to the month 6 after operation. Conclusion Intraoperative peeling of the ILM in patients with diabetic ERM delayed the improvement of blood flow signal in the DCP but did not affect the recovery of postoperative BCVA and CMT.

Treatment approaches to postoperative fibrinoid syndrome after phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND: Postoperative fibrinoid syndrome (PFS) is an early complication of phacoemulsification, manifested by fibrin deposition on the iris and the intraocular lens surface, which leads to visual acuity decrease.&#x0D; AIM: To assess the rate and the treatment efficacy (by YAG laser, enzymatic, medicalmentous) in PFS after phacoemulsification.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 56,019 cataract surgery cases of 20172021. There were 49 patients with PFS divided into 3 groups according to treatment approaches: 1st group medicamentous treatment (MT) + YAG laser destruction of the fibrin film (n = 6); 2nd MT + prourokinase injection into the anterior chamber (n = 6); 3rd MT only (n = 37).&#x0D; RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before the PFS development. There was a more rapid increase in BCVA in the 1st and the 2nd groups compared with the 3rd one on the third day (0.20 0.09 and 0.21 0.08 versus 0.09 0.08 for groups respectively, p = 0.001) and on the fifth day of treatment (0.25 0.10 and 0.27 0.13 versus 0.16 0.14, p = 0.029). Nevertheless, in one week, there was no difference in BCVA between groups. Unfortunately, BCVA did not return to baseline in any group.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The incidence of PFS after phacoemulsification is relatively low and amounts to 0.093%. The most rapid BCVA recovery was observed in the 1st and the 2nd groups.

Time to steroids impacts visual outcome of optic neuritis in MOGAD

BackgroundTo characterise the response to treatment of inaugural optic neuritis (ON) in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).MethodsWe searched the French MOGAD database for adults with inaugural ON...

Comparison of long-term visual and anatomical outcomes between internal limiting membrane flap and peeling techniques for macular holes with a propensity score analysis.

To compare visual and anatomical outcomes between internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap (IF) and peeling (IP) techniques for full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). A retrospective case series with propensity-score matching (PSM). Patients with a minimum 12 months follow-up were divided into IF and IP groups and matched based on FTMH size and preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). BCVA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were obtained to assess outer retinal layer integrity, foveal thickness, and foveal displacement. Twenty-six eyes were included in each group after PSM. The IF group showed significantly greater BCVA after 1 month, its corresponding change from preoperative BCVA, proportions of eyes with ellipsoid zone defects <250 μm after 1 month, and interdigitation zone restoration after 6 and 12 months (P = 0.007, 0.038, 0.048, 0.025, and 0.023, respectively), as well as less foveal gliosis after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (P = 0.020, 0.017, 0.050, and 0.024, respectively). In the IP group, the mean outer nuclear layer thickness significantly decreased at 3 (P = 0.019) and 12 months (P = 0.016) compared to 1 month, and the foveal displacement toward the optic disc was significant after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (P = 0.049, 0.006, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Compared to IP, IF promoted faster recovery of BCVA and outer retinal layers and was more protective against postoperative foveal thinning and displacement; hence, it should be considered for small and large FTMHs.

Surgical outcomes of partial ciliary body direct suturing under the scleral flap for traumatic cyclodialysis cleft: A five-case series.

Cyclodialysis cleft is an uncommon finding due to blunt ocular trauma. A larger and more chronic cyclodialysis requires surgical repair. The aim of this study was to introduce a minimally invasive suturing technique for the lens-sparing repair of traumatic cyclodialysis cleft and evaluate outcomes. This study was a retrospective case series. The medical and surgical records of five patients with traumatic cyclodialysis cleft who underwent this surgery were reviewed. The surgeon (Y.S.) dissected a fornix-based conjunctival flap and created a 90° circumferential and limbal-based scleral flap. Several small incisions parallel to the limbus were made within the scleral bed 1.5 and 3 mm posterior to the limbus. After suprachoroidal fluid drainage, tiny bumps in the ciliary body were exposed from the incisions and sewn directly onto the scleral bed with 10-0 nylon sutures. The mean age of the patients was 37.8 ± 1.3 years. The mean duration from injury to surgery was 14.8 ± 16.7 months. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.56 ± 0.70 and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 5.2 ± 1.9 mmHg. In all patients, IOP normalized and BCVA then returned to baseline following this procedure. Mean postoperative BCVA was 1.17 ± 0.86 and IOP was 17.8 ± 1.3 mmHg. Mean IOP and BCVA recovery times were 82.0 ± 139.6 and 294.3 ± 284.3 days, respectively. Partial ciliary body direct suturing under the scleral flap is a less invasive surgical option without lensectomy and considered safe and effective as a primary surgical repair for traumatic cyclodialysis cleft.

Clinical difference after the first optic neuritis between aquaporin-4-IgG-associated and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorders.

To investigate the difference in clinical course after the first optic neuritis (ON) between aquaporin-4 IgG-associated disorder (AQPAD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder (MOGAD) METHODS: In this study, 31 eyes in 24 patients with AQPAD and 26 eyes in 18 patients with MOGAD were included. The clinical course for the first 6months after the first ON was monitored by a retrospective cohort study. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was observed before the onset and at nadir, 2weeks (2W), 1month (1M), 2months (2M), 3months (3M) and 6months (6M). The decimal BCVA was converted to the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) for statistical analyses. MOGAD eyes showed longer median number of days from ON onset to nadir (6.0 vs. 11.5, P = 0.012) and to treatment (7.0 vs. 11.0, P = 0.020) than AQPAD eyes. The median logMAR was higher in AQPAD eyes than in MOGAD eyes at nadir (2.00 vs. 1.77, P = 0.050), 2W (1.85 vs. 0.40, P = 0.001), 2M (0.023 vs. -0.079, P = 0.032) and 3M (0.046 vs. -0.079, P = 0.002). The median time to recovery of BCVA to 0.7 was longer in AQPAD eyes than in MOGAD eyes (44.0 vs. 21.0days, P = 0.024), but that to BCVA 1.0 was not different between the two disorders (168.0 vs. 40.0days, respectively, P = 0.056). Compared with MOGAD eyes, AQPAD eyes tended to show worse visual outcome even during the first ON episode.

Microstructural Macular Changes after Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: This study aimed to describe foveal microstructural changes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with air tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: External limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity, cystoid macular edema (CME), and subretinal fluid bleb (SB) development were analyzed using optical coherence tomography in 59 eyes over a 6-month follow-up period after PPV surgery for RRD. Eyes were grouped as macula-on (n = 30) or macula-off (n = 29), and the association between ELM and EZ recovery and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was investigated. Predictive factors for ELM and EZ recovery were also identified. Results: The interval between symptom onset and surgery did not significantly differ between the macula-on and macula-off groups. Macula-on patients showed ELM and EZ integrity throughout, whereas macula-off patients had ELM and EZ integrity restored in 89.7% and 86.2% cases, respectively, with a resultant increase in final BCVA. Significant associations were found between preoperative macular involvement and ELM/EZ restoration. ELM/EZ recovery was also inversely associated with CME development. Significant associations were also found between final BCVA and preoperative BCVA and EZ recovery. CME and SB development were equally distributed between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Prompt surgery for macula-off RRD allows the progressive recovery of outer retinal layers and significant visual gain.

A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing nepafenac, intravitreal triamcinolone and no adjuvant therapy for epiretinal membrane.

To compare the efficacy of topical nepafenac 0.1% versus intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) at the conclusion of vitrectomy surgery versus no adjuvant therapy (NAT) in improving macular morphology post-operatively in patients undergoing vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM), as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial Setting: Multi-centre 80 patients scheduled to undergo vitrectomy surgery for idiopathic ERM were randomized to receive either IVTA (4 mg/0.1 cc) at the end of surgery, topical nepafenac sodium 0.1% TID for 1 month post-operation or no adjuvant treatment (NAT). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured before surgery, and 1 and 2 months post-operation. Although all three groups showed reduction in macular thickness post-operation, the NAT group showed the most improvement, with a reduction of 136.18 ± 29.84 μm at two months. There was no statistically significant difference in macular thickness between the groups at each time point, p = 0.158. The NAT group also had the best recovery in BCVA with an improvement of 0.207 logMAR (10.35 letters) at two months post-operation. There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA between the groups, p = 0.606. There was statistically significant difference in the IOP between the three groups, p = 0.04 only at 1-month visit. The IVTA group had the highest rise in average IOP at both 1 and 2 months post-operation (2.72 and 1.58 mmHg, respectively). Our study data suggest there was no advantage in the use of topical nepafenac or IVTA for post-vitrectomy ERM surgery.

Functional Assessment of Outer and Middle Macular Layers in Multiple Sclerosis.

The involvement of macular preganglionic elements’ function, during the neurodegenerative process of multiple sclerosis (MS), is controversial. In this case-control observational and retrospective study, we assessed multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) responses from 41 healthy Controls, 41 relapsing-remitting MS patients without optic neuritis (ON) (MS-noON Group) and 47 MS patients with ON: 27 with full recovery of high-contrast best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (MS-ON-G Group) and 20 with poor recovery (between 0.2 and 1 LogMAR) of BCVA, (MS-ON-P Group). In the latter Group, Sd-OCT macular volumes and thicknesses of whole and inner and outer retina were measured. MfERG N1 and P1 implicit times (ITs), and N1-P1 response amplitude densities (RADs), were measured from concentric rings (R) with increasing foveal eccentricity: 0–5° (R1), 5–10° (R2), 10–15° (R3), 15–20° (R4), 20–25° (R5), and from retinal sectors (superior, nasal, inferior and temporal) between 0–15° and 0–25°. In the MS-ON-P Group, mean mfERG RADs detected from R1 (0–5°) and from the central nasal sector (0–15°) were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) with respect to those of the Control, MS-noON and MS-ON-G Groups. No other significant differences between Groups for any mfERG parameters were found. All Sd-OCT measurements, apart from the inner retina macular volume in the central 1 mm, were significantly reduced in MS-ON-P patients compared to Controls. The functional impairment in the MS-ON-P Group was associated but not correlated with structural changes of the outer and inner retinal layers in corresponding retinal Areas and Sectors. Our results suggest that in MS, exclusively after ON with poor recovery of BCVA, the neurodegenerative process can induce dysfunctional mechanisms involving photoreceptors and bipolar cells of the fovea and of the more central nasal macular area.

Morphological Outer Retina Findings in Multiple Sclerosis Patients With or Without Optic Neuritis.

Purpose: To investigate on the morphology of the macular inner (IR) and outer (OR) layers in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with and without history of optic neuritis (ON), followed by good or poor recovery of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).Methods: Thirty-five normal control subjects and 93 relapsing remitting MS patients were enrolled. Of this, 40 MS patients without ON (MS-noON, 40 eyes), 27 with history of ON and good BCVA recovery (MS-ON-G, 27 eyes), and 26 with history of ON and poor BCVA recovery (MS-ON-P, 26 eyes) were studied. Controls and MS patients underwent an extensive ophthalmological examination including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography evaluating in 3 localized macular areas (0–1 mm, Area 1; 1–3 mm, Area 2; 3- 6 mm, Area 3), volumes (MV), and thicknesses (MT) of the whole retina (WR), further segmented in IR and OR. The differences of MV and MT between the groups were tested by ANOVA. In the MS-ON-P group, the correlations between MV and MT and BCVA were evaluated by Pearson's test.Results: When compared to controls, the MS-noON group showed not significantly (p > 0.01) different MVs, whereas MTs were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in the evaluation of WR and IR. In the MS-ON-G group, a significant (p < 0.01) reduction of WR and IR MVs and MTs was found in Areas 2 and 3; OR MVs and MTs were similar (p > 0.01) to controls. In the MS-ON-P group a significant (p < 0.01) reduction of WR, IR, and OR MVs and MTs was detected in all areas; the BCVA reduction was significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with WR and IR MVs and MTs.Conclusions: In MS without history of ON or when ON is followed by a good BCVA recovery, the neurodegenerative process is limited to IR macular layers; in the presence of ON, with a poor BCVA recovery, a morphological impairment of both IR and OR macular layers occurs.

Effect of posterior sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide as ‎an adjunct therapy to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth ‎factor in the management of diabetic macular oedema

ABSTRACT Background: to monitor and compare the effect of posterior sub-tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection as an adjunct therapy to intravitreal ranibizumab injection on patients with diabetic macular oedema. Aim of the Work: To assess the effect of combined intravitreal ranibizumab injection, and sub-tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection in the management of diabetic macular oedema. Patients and Methods: Patients with diabetic retinopathy associated with DME (Central macular thickness over 300 um) which are randomly allocated into two groups. In group 1, three monthly doses (0.5 mg) of intravitreal ranibizumab are received. In group 2, the anti-VEGF injection was performed 3times monthly with the sub-tenon steroid injection [triamcinolone acetonide] during the 1st injection. All patients’ best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP and CMT were followed up for six months. Results: The combined treatment showed improved best-corrected visual acuity from baseline 0.15 ± 0.15 log MAR to 0.46 ± 0.19 log MAR (p 0.001). When comparing the combination treatment with the anti-VEGF treatment alone, recovery of BCVA and CMT was statistically significant (p <0.001‎). Conclusion: sub-tenon triamcinolone addition to the routine anti-VEGF therapy is an effective method for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema not only in rapid and great improvement but also in decreased frequent injections.

One-year outcomes of 27G core-pars plana vitrectomy of idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

The present study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of 27G core-pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (IERM). A retrospective analysis was performed on 38 eyes from 38 patients with IERM with a mean age of 62.73±5.61 years. 27G core-PPV was combined with IERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Pre-operative and post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and lens density were measured. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography were performed to determine the patients' macular area. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-mode ultrasound were subsequently performed to observe any complications and the follow-up period ranged from 1 week to 12 months post-operatively. A total of 36 patients achieved visual improvement of ≥2 Snellen lines, of which 33 patients exhibited improvements within 1 week and the lens density remained unchanged. The mean central macular thickness significantly decreased at 12 months post-operatively (P≤0.05); however, it was not observed to be correlated with BCVA (r=0.41; P>0.05). The foveal avascular zone of the affected eye was significantly smaller than that of the healthy fellow eye (P≤0.05) and negatively correlated with post-operative BCVA (r=-0.72; P≤0.05). Superficial retinal capillary density and deep retinal capillary density decreased post-operatively (both P≤0.05) and no complications were observed. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that application of 27G core-PPV with ILM peeling is minimally invasive for IERM and facilitates rapid post-operative BCVA recovery.

Baseline visual acuity and interdigitation zone as predictors in idiopathic epiretinal membranes: A retrospective cohort study.

Determine which functional and anatomical characteristics may be predictors of final visual acuity in patients with idiopathic ERM (iERM) submitted to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ERM and internal and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Retrospective cohort study. Patients with iERM submitted to PPV between 2016 and 2017. Data regarding the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the characteristics of the retinal layers observed in SD-OCT were collected preoperatively and until 12 months postoperatively. Central macular thickness (CMT), disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL), outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, integrity of subfoveal external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and interdigitation zone (IZ) were evaluated. A total of 128 eyes with iERM from 121 patients were included. BCVA improved significantly (p < 0.001). Significant improvement of BCVA, CMT, DRIL, ONL, ELM, and EZ were obtained. The final IZ was not different from baseline until the end of the study. A significant correlation was observed between the baseline BCVA, EZ, IZ, and the postoperative BCVA (p < 0.001). However, only the baseline BCVA and the integrity of the subfoveal baseline IZ were predictive factors for final BCVA (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). PPV provides a significant improvement of BCVA and retinal anatomy recovery in iERM eyes. Baseline IZ didn't change during the 12 months following surgery. Baseline BCVA and subfoveal IZ at baseline were prognostic factors for the final BCVA.

Correlation between higher-order aberrations and visual acuity recovery (CoHORT) after spectacles treatment for pediatric refractive amblyopia: A pilot study using iDesign measurement.

PurposeTo determine the correlation between higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) recovery speed after spectacles treatment using iDesign measurements in refractive amblyopic children.MethodsThis is a prospective case series. Children aged from 3 to 7 years with refractive amblyopia (Landolt C equivalent < 0.8) were recruited. All participants were followed for at least 6 months after full correction of the refraction error by spectacles. The HOAs were measured using iDesign before and after cycloplegia at first visit and at 3-month intervals. Then correlation between BCVA recovery after treatment for 6 months and HOAs was determined.ResultsWe analyzed 24 eyes of 12 children (mean age, 4.5 years). Baseline mean BCVA was logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.335 (Landolt C equivalent 0.46), which improved to logMAR 0.193 (Landolt C equivalent 0.64) after treatment with full-correction spectacles for 6 months. The amblyopic eye BCVA recovery was negatively correlated with tetrafoil with/without cycloplegia (P = 0.006 and 0.022, respectively) and trefoil with cycloplegia (P = 0.049).Conclusionstrefoil and tetrafoil measured with iDesign negatively correlates with the BCVA recovery speed of refractive amblyopic eyes after spectacles treatment in this pilot study. The current study results may aid in further investigation for diagnosis and treatment of refractory refractive and idiopathic amblyopia.

&lt;p&gt;Hybrid 23/27 Gauge Vitrectomy – Combining the Charm of 27G with the Efficacy of 23G&lt;/p&gt;

BackgroundMinimally invasive transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (MIVS) has evolved into the standard of care, smaller incisions thought to result in lower ocular surface trauma and shorter times to recovery. The currently most relevant limitations in macular surgery may be light intensity and 27G instrument stability. Therefore, we thought to compare standard 23 and 27G vitrectomy with a hybrid technique using one 23G and two 27G ports regarding surgical times and short-term outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective comparison included 90 single-center consecutive cases of eyes undergoing elective micro-invasive vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes or idiopathic macular holes between October 2017 and June 2018. The main criteria for the comparison were total surgical time as primary outcome parameter and treatment-demanding intra- and postoperative complications along with recovery of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) from prior to surgery to 1 month thereafter as secondary parameters as independent parameters for the recovery from the pre-existing pathology and the surgical trauma.ResultsSurgical times were shorter with 23G and 23/27G compared to 27G (23G: 38.4±13.1; 27G: 48.1±15.3; 23/27G: 34.9±9 mins; p=0.0005) with no differences in BCVA and CRT outcomes. Switching from 27G to a larger port size was not necessary in any instance. Cryotherapy was applied in 15%, 30%, and 22.5% to suspected retinal pathologies, beyond these, in 5%, 0%, and 7.5% for retinal tears. Four postoperative retinal detachments occurred (4.4%), one in the 23G and three in the 23/27G group requiring re-vitrectomy.ConclusionIn this exploratory case series, 23/27G hybrid vitrectomy, combining the advantages of 23G and 27G techniques, resulted in shorter surgical times without evident disadvantages. The combination with cataract surgery was unproblematic.