Central Subfield Foveal Thickness Research Articles

EVALUATION OF OPTIC DISK AND MACULAR VASCULARITY CHANGES IN CRVO USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

To quantify changes in optic disk and macular vasculature in patients with central retinal vein occlusion using optical coherence tomography angiography and detect its correlation with visual acuity. The study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with treatment-naive central retinal vein occlusion and 20 age-matched controls. Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiographywere performed on the macula and optic disk. Central 1-mm subfield foveal thickness was measured. Vessel densities (VD) of superficial and deep macular capillary plexuses with whole disk VD, inside disk VD, and radial peripapillary capillary plexus were analyzed. Macular ischemia was evaluated by fundus fluorescein angiography. Visual acuity was correlated with measured parameters. All measured macular and disk VDs differed significantly between cases and controls except inside disk VD. Visual acuity showed a highly significant negative correlation with whole disk VD ( P = 0.005) and radial peripapillary capillary ( P = 0.002), borderline correlation with central subfield foveal thickness ( P = 0.06), and insignificant correlation with macular VDs. Radial peripapillary capillary VD showed a significant correlation with deep parafoveal ( P = 0.04), and superficial and deep perifoveal VDs ( P = 0.01). Optic disk VD could provide more accurate indication of retinal blood supply than macular VD in cases of central retinal vein occlusion with severe macular edema.

Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, Angiogenic, and Apoptotic molecules in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema Patients.

The aim of this study is to evaluate molecules involved in oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, and discern which of these are more likely to be implicated in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) by investigating the correlation between them in the plasma (PLS) and vitreous body (VIT), as well as examining data obtained from ophthalmological examinations. Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients with PDR/DME (PDRG/DMEG; n = 112) and non-DM subjects as the surrogate controls (SCG n = 48) were selected according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria and programming for vitrectomy, either due to having PDR/DME or macular hole (MH)/epiretinal membrane (ERM)/rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Blood samples were collected and processed to determine the glycemic profile, total cholesterol, and C reactive protein, as well as the malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, interleukin 6 (IL6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and caspase 3 (CAS3) were assayed. The VITs were collected and processed to measure the expression levels of all the abovementioned molecules. Statistical analyses were conducted using the R Core Team (2022) program, including group comparisons and correlation analyses. Compared with the SCG, our findings support the presence of molecules involved in OS, inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in the PLS and VIT samples from T2DM. In PLS from PDRG, there was a decrease in the antioxidant load (p < 0.001) and an increase in pro-angiogenic molecules (p < 0.001), but an increase in pro-oxidants (p < 0.001) and a decline in antioxidants (p < 0.001) intravitreally. In PLS from DMEG, pro-oxidants and pro-inflammatory molecules were augmented (p < 0.001) and the antioxidant capacity diminished (p < 0.001), but the pro-oxidants increased (p < 0.001) and antioxidants decreased (p < 0.001) intravitreally. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the PLS-CAT and the VIT-SOD levels (rho = 0.5; p < 0.01) in PDRG, and a negative correlation between the PSD-4HNE and the VIT-TAC levels (rho = 0.5; p < 0.01) in DMEG. Integrative data of retinal imaging variables showed a positive correlation between the central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) and the VIT-SOD levels (rho = 0.5; p < 0.01), and a negative correlation between the CSFT and the VIT-4HNE levels (rho = 0.4; p < 0.01) in PDRG. In DMEG, the CSFT displayed a negative correlation with the VIT-CAT (rho = 0.5; p < 0.01). Exploring the relationship of the abovementioned potential biomarkers between PLS and VIT may help detecting early molecular changes in PDR/DME, which can be used to identify patients at high risk of progression, as well as to monitor therapeutic outcomes in the diabetic retina.

Choroidal Blood Flow After Intravitreal Ranibizumab in Vitrectomized and Non-Vitrectomized Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema.

AimDiabetic retinopathy staging system and progression predictors are soon to be considered insufficient for ophthalmologic practice. Given the growing evidence of the role of choroidal dysfunction, our purpose was to assess choroidal vascular changes with intravitreal ranibizumab (RBZ) treatment in diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The study included DME eyes, grouped in vitrectomized (group 1) and non-vitrectomized (group 2) eyes, submitted to RBZ in a pro re nata regimen, with 24 weeks of follow-up. Main outcome measures such as central subfield foveal thickness (CFT), choroidal thickness (CT), and choroidal vascular index (CVI) were obtained from structural OCT, and choriocapillaris flow density (CCD) was obtained from OCT angiography and analyzed before and after treatment.ResultsThirty-one patients were included, 10 eyes in group 1 and 24 eyes in group 2. The mean number of injections was 5.18 (range 2–6). Globally, there was an improvement in BCVA (+4.3 ETDRS letters, p=0.004) and CFT (−84.6 µm, p<0.001) with no changes in CT, CVI, or CCD (p>0.05). When considering only group 2, there was a significant decrease in CT (p=0.033) and a significant increase in CCD (p=0.010) 6 months after treatment, with no differences in CVI (p=0.111). Baseline CVI was correlated with visual acuity at week 24 both globally (r=0.406, p=0.029) and in group 2 (r=0.604, p=0.004).ConclusionIn non-vitrectomized eyes, choriocapillaris blood flow improves with RBZ. Baseline CVI may correlate with visual function after RBZ. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04387604.

Retinal Microvascular Vessel Density Differences between Adult Athletes and Nonathletes.

Regular physical activity may affect the neurovascular structures. Many studies have shown the positive effects of physical activity on ocular disorders such as glaucoma, retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Athletes were expected to have a better retinal vascular structure compared with the nonathletes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of regular physical activity on the retinal microvascular structure. This observational and cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2020 with participants aged 20 to 35 years who had a visual acuity of ≥20/20, axial length of 22 to 24 mm, refractive defect spherical equivalent of ≤±1 D, and IOP of ≤21 mmHg. Updated AngioScan software (Navis version 1.8.0) of Nidek's RS-3000 Advance system was used to analyze the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography images. A total of 60 right eyes of 60 individuals were included in the study. Thirty subjects were in the athlete group, and 30 patients were in the nonathlete group. Sixteen of the individuals in the athlete group and 15 in the nonathlete group were women (P > .05). Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thicknesses in all quadrants were thinner in nonathletes (P < .05). All of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study regions except central foveal subfield thickness were significantly higher in the athlete group (P < .05). In the nonathlete group, significantly reduced vessel densities of the superficial and deep capillary plexus and radial peripapillary capillary plexus, and the foveal avascular zone circularity index along with an increased foveal avascular zone perimeter and area were also detected (P < .05). Our study revealed that optical coherence tomography angiography measurements may be used in the determination of the effects of physical activity on retinal vascular structure changes.

Efficacy of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept in patients with macular edema following retinal vein occlusion in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana: a retrospective case series

AimTo evaluate the efficacy of ziv-aflibercept in Ghanaian patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).MethodologyIn this retrospective study, the medical records of patients with ME secondary to RVO who had been treated with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept (IVZ) (1.25 mg/0.05 ml), as part of routine clinical practice, on pro re nata basis with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were retrieved and analyzed. The main outcome measures are mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) measured on optical coherence tomography from baseline to 12 months post-IVZ, and ocular and systemic safety.ResultsForty-three eyes were included in this study. Their mean age was 62.8 ± 11.9 years, 67.4% had at least 12-month duration of follow-up, 50% had primary open-angle glaucoma and 38 (88.4%) eyes were treatment naive. There was significant improvement in mean BCVA in LogMAR at 1 month post-initiation of IVZ (0.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.6), and visual improvement was maintained up to 12 months (p < 0.001). Eyes with ME following BRVO had better mean BCVA at baseline and on subsequent visits compared to eyes with CRVO/HRVO (p = 0.01). There was significant reduction in mean CSFT up to 12 months post-IVZ injection compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Ocular complications observed were consistent with complications associated with RVO.ConclusionWe have observed significant improvement in functional and anatomic outcomes 12 months post-initiation of IVZ. There is the need to confirm long-term efficacy and safety of IVZ in a large prospective study.

Choroidal thickening in retinal vein occlusion patients with serous retinal detachment

To evaluate choroid thickness and macular retinal metrics in treatment naive retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients with serous retinal detachment (SRD) before and after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) injection and to elucidate the possible role of choroid in the development of SRD and the potential role of SRD as a prognostic parameter. This is a retrospective study involving 85 RVO patients, 41 central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and 44 branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), with macular edema: 21 central retinal vein occlusion and 22 branch retinal vein occlusion with SRD and the rest without SRD. Patients were evaluated with ophthalmic examinations and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) both before and 4–6 weeks after intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. Choroid thickness and retinal metrics were measured and compared between SRD and non-SRD groups within each RVO subtype. In both CRVO and BRVO patients, the mean central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) and central subfoveal choroid thickness (CSCT) of the SRD groups were thicker than those in the non-SRD groups (p < 0.05) at onset. After one anti-VEGF injection, CSFT and FNRT decreased in all groups (p < 0.05). The CSCTs were thicker in the SRD groups compared with the non-SRD groups (p < 0.05). The mean changes of CSFT were more remarkable in the SRD groups (p < 0.05). Thicker choroid was a feature of naive RVO patients with SRD and SRD may be an indicator of better anatomical recovery of retina in RVO patients after a single dose of anti-VEGF treatment.

Renal Biomarkers for Treatment Effect of Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema.

Aims To investigate the correlations between renal biomarkers and the treatment outcomes of ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods This hospital-based study retrospectively enrolled 88 eyes from 67 patients who had received one-year intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for DME. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and during the follow-up period were recorded. BCVA and OCT characteristics at baseline and their changes after ranibizumab treatment were compared between different proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) groups. Results Of the 88 eyes studied, those with moderately increased proteinuria had a thicker central subfield foveal thickness (CFT) and a higher proportion of intraretinal cysts than those with no proteinuria (P = 0.012 and 0.045, respectively) at baseline. After one year of ranibizumab treatment, the reduction in CFT was greater in patients with severely increased proteinuria than those with normal to mildly increased proteinuria (P = 0.030). On the other hand, patients with an eGFR <30 tended to have poorer visual improvements than those with normal eGFR (P = 0.044). Conclusions After ranibizumab treatment for DME, patients with severe proteinuria tended to gain better anatomical improvement, while those with poor eGFR tended to have poorer visual improvement.

Evaluation of macula in high myopic fundus using optical coherence tomography

: High myopia is a risk factor for a number of retinal pathologies. OCT is very useful in eyes with high myopia and allows the detection of subtle macular changes that are otherwise undetectable.To evaluate relationship between the axial length, refractive error and macular thickness in subjects with high myopia.Cross sectional observational single centric study. 50 diagnosed patients of high myopia(refractive error&amp;#62;= -6 dioptres and/or axial length&amp;#62;=24 mm) along with a control of 50 emmetropic patients were included. Patient’s anterior segment evaluation was done by slit lamp. Detailed fundus evaluation was done with indirect ophthalmoscopy and with +78 Dioptre lens along with measuring BCVA (Best corrected Visual Acuity). Axial length was measured using contact biometry. OCT was performed with TOPCON SD-OCT. Average macular thickness, central foveal thickness and total macular volume measured using 3D macula scan of all the cases and controls. Unpaired t test.The mean axial length was 27.40 mm among cases (SD±0.99) and 22.84 mm among controls (SD±0.422). The mean macular volume in cases was 6.90 and in controls was 7.82. The macular volume decreased with increasing axial length (ρ=-0.673) and increasing spherical equivalent (ρ=-0.035). The average macular thickness was inversely correlated with axial length (ρ=-0.605) and directly correlated with spherical equivalent (ρ=-0.049).The mean central subfield foveal thickness was 170.10 µm amongcases and 158.34µm among controls. The axial length and central foveal thickness were found to be positively correlated (ρ=0.727).Average macular thickness and total macular volume are inversely correlated to the degree of myopia, whereas central foveal thickness is positively correlated to the degree of myopia.

Retinal thickness among normal myopic Filipinos using spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Purpose: To determine mean macular and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of myopic Filipinos using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to evaluate influence of age, gender, and degree of myopia.&#x0D; Design: Observational clinic-based cohort.&#x0D; Methods: Participants were divided into two groups: low-moderate myopia [spherical equivalent (SE) -0.50 D to -6.00 D] and high-pathologic myopia (SE &lt; -6.00 D and AL &gt; 26.5 mm). Subgroup analyses between low myopia (refraction &lt; -3.00 D or less) and moderate myopia (&gt; -3.00 D to -6.00 D), and high myopia (&gt; -6.00 D to -8.00 D) and pathologic myopia (more than -8.00 D) were done. Macular and RNFL thickness were measured by a SD-OCT and axial length (AL) with non-contact biometry.&#x0D; Results: Of 156 eyes, 88/156 (56%) had low-moderate myopia, 68/156 (44%) had high-pathologic myopia. There were 67/156 (43%) male and 89/156 (57%) female subjects. Mean central foveal subfield thickness measurements were 264 ± 24 μm for low myopia, 258 ± 17 μm for moderate myopia, 253 ± 25 μm for high myopia, and 218 ± 48 μm for pathologic myopia. Mean RNFL thickness measurements were 105.62 ± 3.89 μmfor low myopia, 97.6 ± 2.45 μm for moderate myopia, 85.9 ± 3.87 μm for high myopia, and 75.14 ± 3.89 μm for pathologic myopia. Average SE (p &lt; 0.0001) decreased while AL (p &lt; 0.0001) increased with more myopia. Myopia and age significantly affected macular and RNFL thickness parameters except for the following where only the degree of myopia was a significant factor: central foveal, temporal parafoveal, nasal perifoveal, inferior and nasal RNFL thicknesses.&#x0D; Conclusion: Retinal SD-OCT thickness measurements decreased with increasing level of myopia and age. Central foveal, temporal parafoveal, nasal perifoveal, inferior and nasal RNFL thicknesses may be more appropriate SD-OCT parameters among myopic Filipino patients to monitor for glaucoma since they may be less influenced by age.

Bradykinin 1 Receptor Antagonist BI1026706 Does Not Reduce Central Retinal Thickness in Center-Involved Diabetic Macular Edema.

PurposeThe bradykinin 1 receptor may be important in inflammatory retinal vascular leakage in diabetic macular edema. BI 1026706 is an antagonist of bradykinin 1 receptor that has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies. Boehringer Ingelheim trial 1320.22 (NCT02732951) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of oral BI 1026706 for 12 weeks were evaluated in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus and mild visual impairment owing to center-involved diabetic macular edema.MethodsPatients (n = 105) were randomized to receive either oral BI 1026706 100 mg twice daily (morning and evening) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary end point of the study was week 12 change from baseline in central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Additional end points included absolute CSFT values, safety, and pharmacokinetics.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, there was no meaningful change from baseline in the adjusted mean CSFT in either treatment group (BI 1026706, 10.3 µm; placebo, –6.2 µm; adjusted mean treatment difference, 16.5 µm [95% confidence interval, –16.2 to 49.1]). There were also no differences in best-corrected visual acuity outcomes between treatment groups. Most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate intensity, and were balanced between treatment groups.ConclusionsBI 1026706 was not superior to placebo in CSFT week-12 change from baseline. Therefore, BI 1026706 does not reduce CSFT, a morphologic sign of diabetic macular edema.Translational RelevanceKinin-kallikrein inhibition effects may not be apparent over 12 weeks for bradykinin 1 receptor inhibition alone.

Chorioretinal response to intravitreal aflibercept injection in acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

To evaluate chorioretinal responses to intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Seventy-one eyes from 71 patients with symptomatic CSC for less than six months were included. Thirty-five eyes received a single IAI and 36 eyes were observed without treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3mo. The mean SFCT in the IAI group decreased at 1mo, rebounded at 2mo and remained stable at 3mo compared to the baseline, while significant change was not noted in the observation group. The mean CSFT decreased significantly during the 3-month study period in both groups, and was significantly lower in the IAI group at 1mo (P<0.001). A rebound of CSFT between 1 and 2mo was noted in 14 eyes (40.0%) in the IAI group and in 1 eye (2.8%) in the observation group (P<0.001). The significant visual improvement was achieved from 1mo in the IAI group, and from 2mo in the observation group. The rate of complete absorption of subretinal fluid at 3mo did not differ between the two groups. (45.7% vs 41.7%, P=0.813). A single IAI for acute CSC induce a transient decrease in SFCT and CSFT, which implies that IAI may have a pharmacological effect on the underlying hyperpermeable choroid in acute CSC.

Safety of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept in choroido-retinal vascular diseases: A randomised double-blind intervention study.

AimTo evaluate the safety of 1.25mg and 2mg intravitreal ziv-aflibercept (IVZ) in Ghanaian eyes with choroido-retinal vascular diseases.DesignProspective, randomised, double blind, interventional study.MethodsTwenty patients with centre involving macular oedema in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and neovascular age-related macular degeneration were assigned to 2 groups receiving 3 doses of 1.25mg/0.05ml (group 1) and 2mg/0.08ml IVZ (Group 2) at 4 weekly intervals. Safety data was collected after 30 minutes, 1 and 7 days, and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injection. Changes in continuous variables were compared using paired t-test and categorical variables were compared using chi-square test of proportions. Repeated-Measures ANOVA with nesting test was used to compare variations in continuous variables by IVZ dose over time. Primary outcome measures were ocular and systemic adverse events at 4 weeks.ResultsEleven females and nine males, with mean age of 63.2± 7.3 years were included. Ocular adverse events included subconjunctival haemorrhage in 1 eye, intraocular pressure (IOP) >21mmHg at 30 minutes in 6 eyes and mild pain in 3 eyes at 1-day. There was no significant difference in IOP rise between the 2 groups at 30 minutes (p = 0.21). No other ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. There was significant improvement in the best corrected visual acuity (LogMAR) from 0.95±0.6 to 0.6±0.4 (p<0.01) and 0.47±0.3 (p<0.01), reduction in central subfield foveal thickness from 405.9±140 um at baseline to 255.6±75 um (p<0.01) and 238±88 um (p<0.01) at 4 and 12 weeks respectively, although no difference was observed between the 2 groups (p = 0.34).ConclusionIVZ at 1.25mg and 2mg had similar safety profiles, and did not have any major unexpected adverse events. Further studies with larger cohorts are required to confirm efficacy.

Disorganization of Retinal Inner Layers as a Biomarker for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane After Macular Surgery—The DREAM Study

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) can cause distortion and disorganization of all inner retinal layers. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the extent of disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) and to investigate its predictive value for visual outcome in cases of idiopathic ERM that were treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and ERM peeling. Multicenter international retrospective case series. In 90 eyes from 90 patients with idiopathic ERM treated by PPV and membrane peeling with 12-month follow-up, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans previous to surgery were evaluated for presence and severity of DRIL, central foveal subfield thickness (CST), maximal retinal thickness (MRT), presence of intraretinal cystoid changes and subretinal fluid, and integrity of the inner/outer segment layer and of the interdigitation zone. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CST, and MRT were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12months after surgery. Correlations between baseline OCT measures (DRIL) and functional and visual outcome were analyzed. Main outcome measures are presence and severity of DRIL at baseline; anatomic and functional outcomes after 3, 6, and 12months; and the correlation between DRIL and baseline characteristics and outcome measures. Patients without and with mild DRIL had a significantly better baseline BCVA compared with patients with severe DRIL (0.61 ± 0.13, 0.56 ± 0.23, 0.73 ± 0.20 [logMAR], respectively). BCVA, CST, and MRT at baseline were statistically significantly correlated with DRIL severity (P= .003, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). DRIL status before surgery showed a statistically significant interaction with change in BCVA, CST, and MRT over 12months (P < .001 for all). Patients without and with mild DRIL gained a mean of 3 lines of vision after 12months, in contrast to 1 line in patients with severe DRIL. DRIL grading correlates with functional and anatomic measures in patients with idiopathic ERM and could serve as a biomarker to predict outcome after surgery. Patients with severe DRIL have limited benefits from surgery. This should be considered in the decision process whether to perform ERM peeling in this patient group.

Foveal Avascular Zone and Vessel Density in Healthy Subjects: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

Purpose:To report the normal characteristics and correlations of the foveal microvascular networks using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in a healthy Iranian population.Methods:Enface 3x3 OCTA images were obtained using the RTVue Avanti spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with AngioVue software (Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, central foveal point thickness and inner retinal thickness at the foveal center and the vascular density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) in the fovea were recorded.Results:Seventy normal eyes of 70 subjects (range, 9 to 71 years) were studied. Mean FAZ area was 0.32 ± 0.11 (range, 0.13-0.67) mm2 in SCP and 0.50 ± 0.13 (range, 0.19-0.94) mm2 in DCP. Mean SCP vessel density was 29.6 ± 4.7 (range, 16.3-40.3) % in the fovea. Mean DCP vessel density was 27.0 ± 5.9 (range, 15.0-45.2) % in the fovea. The FAZ area at SCP level was negatively correlated to the central subfield thickness (P < 0.001). The FAZ area at DCP level correlated negatively to the central subfield thickness and was significantly associated to age (both P < 0.001). The foveal SCP vessel density significantly correlated with foveal thickness and the foveal DCP vessel density correlated significantly with central foveal subfield thickness and was inversely related to age (all P < 0.05).Conclusion:In this study, central foveal subfield thickness was a major determinant of the FAZ size and foveal vessel density. Age was a determinant for FAZ area and whole image vessel density in DCP.

Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant 190 μg (ILUVIEN®) in Vitrectomized versus Nonvitrectomized Eyes for the Treatment of Chronic Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: To compare the functional and anatomical outcomes after a 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant between vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: This is a retrospective, comparative analysis of 43 eyes with chronic DME. All eyes were treated with a single 0.2 µg/day FAc implant and followed up for a mean period of 8.5 months (median, 6.0 months; range, 1-21 months). The patients with a 0.2 µg/day FAc implant were divided into 2 groups: 24 eyes which had undergone pars plana vitrectomy prior to 0.2 µg/day FAc (group 1) and 19 eyes which had not been vitrectomized (group 2). Outcome measures included mean changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT), and intraocular pressure (IOP), and were measured prior to administration of the 0.2 µg FAc implant, in the first week, at month 1, and quarterly thereafter. Results: Following the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant, the mean change in BCVA at the last observation point, from baseline, was +16.9 ± 3.39 (mean ± SE) letters (p ≤ 0.001) in group 1 and +8.2 ± 4.62 letters (p = 0.092) in group 2. From baseline, a gain of ≥15 letters was achieved in 37.5 and 36.8% of the eyes in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Additionally, an improvement in vision ≥20/40 in 29.2% of group 1 and 15.8% of group 2 was observed. The mean change in CSFT was -217.7 ± 40.8 µm and -155.6 ± 43.4 µm in group 1 and group 2, respectively. The mean change in IOP was +1.6 ± 0.7 mm Hg in group 1 and +0.8 ± 1.3 mm Hg in group 2, relative to baseline. At the last observation point, there were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 (p > 0.05) in terms of their changes in BCVA, CSFT, and IOP. Conclusion: The results from the real-life practice study demonstrate that the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant is effective and well tolerated in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes of patients with chronic DME. Our results support the use of a 0.2 μg/day FAc implant to obtain long-term functional and anatomical improvements (mean, 8.5 months; median, 6.0 months) in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes.

Comment on "Predictors of short-term outcomes related to central subfield foveal thickness after intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion".

Comment on "Predictors of short-term outcomes related to central subfield foveal thickness after intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion".

Foveal thickness reduction after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in chronic diabetic macular edema.

To report foveal thickness reduction in eyes with resolution of macular edema and recovery of a foveal depression after one-year of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME). Foveal thickness was assessed with optical coherence tomography to determine the central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) and macular volume in 42 eyes with DME (CSFT>275 µm). Evaluations also included measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and were performed at baseline, and upon foveal depression recovery achieved after 12 monthly intravitreal injections of either 1.5 mg/0.06 mL bevacizumab (n=21) or 0.5 mg/0.05 mL ranibizumab (n=21). Data was compared to 42 eyes of normally sighted, non-diabetic, healthy individuals with similar age, gender and race distributions. Mean baseline BCVA was 0.59±0.04 and 0.32± 0.03 logMAR (P<0.001) after treatment and resolution of DME, with all, but 3 eyes, showing BCVA improvement. Mean CSFT before treatment was 422.0±20.0 µm, and after treatment, decreased to 241.6±4.6 µm (P<0.001), which is significantly thinner than CSFT found in control subjects (272.0±3.4 µm; P<0.001). Moreover, in 33/42 DM eyes (79%), CSTF was thinner than the matched control eye. Macular volume showed comparable results, but with lower differences between groups (control: 8.5±0.4 mm3; DME: 8.2±1.0 mm3; P=0.0267). DME eyes show significantly lower foveal thickness than matched controls after DME resolution achieved with one-year anti-VEGF therapy. Further investigation into the reasonsfor this presumable retinal atrophy using fluorescein angiography and functional parameters as well as establishing possible predictors is warranted. This finding should be considered during the treatment of DME.

Short-Term Outcomes of Switching to Ranibizumab Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema in Patients with Persistent Fluid After Bevacizumab Therapy.

To evaluate the efficacy of switching from bevacizumab to ranibizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Patients with DME who showed persistent fluid after at least 3 monthly bevacizumab injections were administered a single ranibizumab injection and were followed up after 1 month. Anatomic responders to ranibizumab were followed up monthly and administered ranibizumab injections on an as-needed basis for 3 months. At the 1-month follow-up, mean central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) decreased from 422 to 346 μm (P < 0.001) and mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/49 to 20/46 (P = 0.063) in 62 enrolled eyes. Thirty-nine eyes (62.9%) were classified as anatomical responders and, after repeated ranibizumab injections (mean number: 2.6), mean CSFT improved (429-317 μm, P < 0.001) while BCVA was stabilized (20/52 to 20/48, P = 0.066) after 3 months, compared with baseline. The rate of patients who showed partial response to previous bevacizumab between anatomical responders and nonresponders to ranibizumab was compared. The results showed that the rate was significantly higher in the responder group than nonresponder group (76.9% vs. 43.5%, P = 0.008). Switching patients to ranibizumab may present a suitable option for the treatment of DME with persistent fluid after repeated bevacizumab injections. This treatment switch was more effective in eyes that showed partial response to previous bevacizumab therapy, compared with nonresponsive eyes.

Analysis of foveal characteristics and their asymmetries in the normal population

The advance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) enables a detailed examination of the human retina in-vivo for clinical routine and experimental eye research. Only few investigations to date captured human foveal morphology in a large subject group on the basis of a detailed analysis employing mathematical models. However, even for important foveal characteristics unified terminology and clear definitions were not implemented so far. This might be a reason, why to this day the human fovea is considered to be a mostly symmetric and round structure. Therefore, the most important finding of this work is the detailed analysis of the asymmetric structure of the human fovea. We employed five clinically highly relevant foveal characteristics, which are derived from a previously published fovea model. For each, an accurate mathematical description is given. The presented properties include (1) mean retinal thickness inside a defined radius, (2) foveal bowl area, (3) a new, exact definition of foveal radius, (4) maximum foveal slope, and (5) the maximum height of the foveal rim. Furthermore, minimum retinal thickness was derived and analyzed. 220 strictly controlled healthy Caucasian subjects of European decent with an even distribution of age and gender were imaged with an Heidelberg Spectralis OCT. Detailed analysis demonstrated the following general results: (1) significant gender difference regarding the central foveal subfield thickness (CFST) but no significant differences for the minimum central retinal thickness, (2) a strong correlation between right and left eye of the same subject, and, as essential finding, (3) strong structural differences of the fovea form in the different anatomical directions (nasal, temporal, inferior and superior). In the analysis of the foveal asymmetry, it will be demonstrated that the foveal radius is larger in nasal and temporal direction compared to inferior and superior position. Furthermore, it will be shown that the circular fovea rather has an elliptic form with the larger axis along the nasal to temporal direction. Interestingly, the foveal slope shows a divergent behavior as the temporal direction has the smallest slope angle and both, inferior and superior angles are clearly larger than the others. The findings in this work can be used for an exact quantification of changes in early stages of various retinal diseases and as a marker for initial diagnosis.

Predictors of short-term outcomes related to central subfield foveal thickness after intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion.

To investigate the predictive factors for short-term effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections on central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This was a retrospective study in 60 eyes treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections for ME due to CRVO. Follow-up was three months. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) score and CSFT measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used to observe the changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Baseline BCVA, CSFT, age, CRVO duration and the presence of cystoid macular edema (CME) or subretinal fluid (SRF) were analyzed as potential predictive factors of the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections. BCVA improved from 0.9 logMAR at baseline to 0.6 logMAR at 3mo, which was associated with a significant reduction in CSFT from 721 µm to 392 µm 3mo after injection. About 50% of CME cases and more than 90% of SRF cases responded to treatment with a complete resolution at 3mo. Age (P=0.036) and low baseline CSFT (P=0.037) were associated with a good 3-month prognosis. Patients >60 years old achieved better CME resolution (P=0.031) and lower CSFT at 3mo (305 µm vs 474 µm, P=0.003). Intravitreal bevacizumab significantly improved visual acuity and CSFT in patients with CRVO after 3mo. Older age and lower baseline CSFT were good predictors of short-term CSFT outcomes. The retinal thickness response to bevacizumab might depend on the resolution of CME rather than SRF.