Central Subfield Macular Thickness Research Articles

Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Poor Visual Acuity

Purpose: To investigate the significance of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and poor visual acuity (VA). Methods: Retrospective study of patients with nAMD with baseline best corrected VA of ≤ 20/200. Patients were divided into regular treatment (RT) and scarce treatment (ST) groups according to whether they underwent consecutive intravitreal anti-VEGF treatments at intervals of ≤ 4 months or not. Results: A total of 131 eyes were included: 87 and 44 eyes in the RT and ST groups, respectively. RT group showed significantly improved preservation of lesion size at both years 1 and 2, with significantly fewer incidences of new subretinal hemorrhage (SRH). Improvements in VA, reduction in central subfield macular thickness (CST), and maximal height of choroidal neovascularization were significantly favorable in RT group at year 1, and CST was significantly decreased at year 2. Survival analysis revealed that RT group had significantly greater preservation of VA and lesion size than that in ST group. Conclusion: Maintaining intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment for patients with nAMD and poor vision showed significant advantages in VA and lesion size stability and reduced the incidence of new SRH, which suggests preservation of paracentral vision.

Anatomical and Functional Outcomes with Prompt versus Delayed Initiation of Anti-VEGF in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

To investigate the correlation between time from diagnosis of treatment-naïve exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to the introduction of anti-VEGF treatment and anatomical and functional outcomes. Retrospective cohort study. Included were treatment-naïve exudative AMD patients who presented to a single tertiary medical center between 2012 and 2018. All patients were treated within the first 30 days of their diagnosis with three monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (prompt anti-VEGF) were injected with bevacizumab within ten days, group 2 (intermediate anti-VEGF) within 11-20 days, and group 3 (delayed anti-VEGF) within 21-30 days from diagnosis. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared up to two years from treatment. 146 eyes of 146 patients were included. Sixty-eight patients were in the prompt anti-VEGF group, 31 in the intermediate anti-VEGF group, and 47 in the delayed anti-VEGF group. Following the induction phase of three intravitreal bevacizumab injections, the mean central subfield macular thickness (328.0 ± 115.4 µm vs. 364.6 ± 127.2 µm vs. 337.7 ± 150.1 µm, p = 0.432) and the best-corrected visual acuity (0.47 ± 0.38 vs. 0.59 ± 0.48 vs. 0.47 ± 0.44 logMAR units, p = 0.458) were comparable between the prompt, intermediate and delayed anti-VEGF groups. Anatomical and functional outcomes, treatment burden, number of relapses and eyes with second-line anti-VEGF therapy were comparable between the groups at both 1-year and 2-year timepoints. Our real-world evidence data emphasize that even if anti-VEGF induction cannot be initiated promptly within ten days from diagnosis of naïve exudative AMD, the visual and anatomical prognosis of the patients may not worsen if the treatment is started within one month of diagnosis.

TOPOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF INTRARETINAL CYSTOID SPACE AND ITS PROGNOSTIC VALUES IN IDIOPATHIC EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE.

To assess the topographical distribution of intraretinal cystoid space (IRC) and its prognostic value in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). One hundred twenty-two eyes of iERM that had been followed up for 6 months after membrane removal were included. Based on the baseline IRC distribution, the eyes were divided into Groups A, B, and C (absence, IRC within 3 mm, and 6 mm from the fovea, respectively). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), ectopic inner foveal layer, and microvascular leakage (ML) were assessed. Fifty-six eyes (45.9%) had IRC, of which 35 (28.7%) were in Group B and 21 (17.2%) in Group C at baseline. Compared with group B, group C showed worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and a greater association with ML (OR = 5.415; P = 0.005) at baseline; and also presented with worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and wider distribution of IRC postoperatively. A wide distribution of IRC was an unfavorable baseline factor in achieving good visual acuity (OR = 2.989; P = 0.031). Widely distributed IRCs were associated with advanced disease phenotype as poor BCVA, thick macula, and baseline ML in iERM and also showed a poor visual outcome after membrane removal.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections with and without Simultaneous Cataract Surgery in Diabetic Patients with Macular Edema.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), often injected during cataract surgery, is currently the main treatment for diabetic macular edema. This retrospective study aimed to compare the effectiveness of IVB injections alone and during cataract surgery in patients with diabetic macular edema. We examined 43 eyes in 40 patients who underwent cataract surgery with simultaneous IVB injections 3-12 months after IVB injections alone. Best-corrected visual acuity and central subfield macular thickness (CMT) were measured 1-month post-injection. The CMTs of the same eyes with IVB-only first and combined-treatment procedures later were 384 ± 149 vs. 315 ± 109 μm pretreatment (p = 0.0002), and after 1 month, they were 319 ± 102 vs. 419 ± 183 μm (p < 0.0001). In the IVB-only procedure, 56.1% of eyes had CMT < 300 μm 1 month after the injection compared to 32.5% after the combined treatment. Therefore, on average, when IVB was administered during cataract surgery, CMT increased, whereas after IVB injection alone, it effectively decreased. More prospective trials with large sample sizes are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of IVB injection performed simultaneously with cataract surgery.

The Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients with Cataract Surgery

This study was design to evaluate the efficacy of cataract surgery with simultaneous intravitreal bevacizumab injection for wet age-related macular degeneration. Of the patients who underwent anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, cataract surgery was performed in 24 eyes (control group), and simultaneous intravitreal bevacizumab injection was performed in 27 eyes (bevacizumab group). Best corrected visual acuity, ocular tonometry, anterior chamber inflammation, and central subfield macular thickness were measured at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. The mean central subfield macular thickness increased 1 month postoperatively in the control group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.02), whereas there was no significant change in the bevacizumab group. When the preoperative and postoperative differences between the two groups were compared at each time point, the mean best corrected visual acuity improved in the bevacizumab group at 3 months after surgery (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.045), and the mean central subfield macular thickness was more decreased in the bevacizumab group at 1 month after surgery compared to that of the control group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.032). Additional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection was performed after surgery at 1.56 ± 2.05 months and 2.52 ± 2.01 months, in the control and bevacizumab groups, respectively (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.047). Simultaneous cataract surgery and intravitreal bevacizumab injection is considered an effective treatment since it reduces central subfield macular thickness in the short term, and it can delay the timing of additional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections after surgery.

Two-Year Outcomes After Variable Duration of Drug Cessation in Patients With Maculopathy Associated With Pentosan Polysulfate Use

Prior retrospective studies have provided limited evidence on disease progression following drug cessation in patients with maculopathy associated with pentosan polysulfate (PPS). To evaluate the 2-year evolution of maculopathy associated with PPS use after drug cessation. This cohort study prospectively evaluated the natural history of patients with maculopathy associated with PPS use. Participants seen at the Emory Eye Center were enrolled between December 1, 2018, and December 1, 2019, and data were collected through November 30, 2021. The main outcomes were changes in visual function and structure. Visual function was assessed annually with refraction and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mesopic microperimetry, and dark adaptometry. Structural outcomes included presence and extent of complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA), macular central subfield thickness (CST), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). Of the 12 participants (23 eyes), 11 (91.7%) were female (1 [8.3%] male), 11 (91.7%) were White (1 [8.3%] Black), and median (IQR) age at enrollment was 58 (47-64) years. Median (IQR) time from PPS discontinuation to initial visit was 0.6 (0.4-1.9) years. Median baseline ETDRS BCVA letter score was 83 (Snellen equivalent, 20/20) (IQR, 80-86.5 [20/25-20/20]), with a median 2-year change of -3 (IQR, -6 to -0.5; P = .08). Four eyes (17.4%) had a letter score decline of 15 or more, all associated with progressive cRORA. Median change in microperimetry average threshold was -3.5 dB (IQR, -4.1 to -2.5 dB; P = .001), and percent reduced threshold was 32.5% (IQR, 20.3%-52.8%; P = .004). Nine eyes (39%) had macular cRORA at baseline, with a median linearized growth rate of 0.23 mm/y (IQR, 0.22-0.25 mm/y). Two eyes (8.7%) without atrophy at baseline developed new-onset cRORA. Median baseline CST was 284 μm (IQR, 253-291 μm), with a median 2-year change of -5 μm (IQR, -13 to 0.5 μm; P = .0497). Median 2-year change in SFCT was 1 μm (IQR, -18 to 16 μm; P = .91). The findings of this cohort study suggest that functional and structural deficits continue to progress in PPS-associated maculopathy even after drug cessation. Additional study is needed to determine whether these findings can be generalized to other patients with PPS-associated maculopathy and whether longer follow-up could determine subsequent disease course.

Combined phacoemulsification surgery and intravitreal triamcinolone injection versus stand-alone surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective randomized trial

BackgroundWe would assess the efficacy of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide IVTA combined with standard phacoemulsification on the central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and the corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA) in type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsIn this prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial we recruited patients with type 2 diabetes who were eligible for cataract surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The case group received an intravitreal IVTA at the end of phacoemulsification, and the control group had routine surgery. CSMT, progression of DR, CDVA, IOP, and adverse events including endophthalmitis were compared between the groups preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.ResultsAmong a total of 66 patients that were treated within the study period, 50 patients were included in the final analysis. The case group comprised 21 eyes, and the control group included 29 eyes. Regression models and corrected ANOVA test for repeated measures showed a significant reduction in CSMT at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, which was most significant when the preoperative CSMT was ≥300 μm, with a cut-off value of 347.3 μm in the case group (p < 0.000). DR progression was halted in the case group at 6 months with 52.38% of patients having their DR classified as moderate (P = 0.012). CDVA was significantly improved from baseline 6/60 (logMAR 1.0) pre-op to 6/6 (logMAR 0.00) at 6 months post-op in the case group, and from baseline 6/120 (logMAR 1.3) pre-op to 6/12 (logMAR 0.3) at 6 months post-op in the control group. The gain in visual acuity was significantly higher in the case group at all study points (p < 0.001). No significant rise in IOP was observed at any study point in both groups (p = 0.23 > 0.05). No endophthalmitis was recorded.ConclusionsDiabetic patients benefit significantly from cataract surgery. This study supports IVTA injection at the end of phacoemulsification in diabetic patients. Triamcinolone is an affordable (which is of particular importance in low-income countries as per our setting), and relatively safe “phaco-enhancer”.Trial registrationNCT05413330. Initial release 10/06/2022. Unique Protocol ID: UDMS-Opthal-01-2022.

Clinical Comparative Study of Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide and Aflibercept in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Cystoid Macular Edema.

Objective To compare the curative effect of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and aflibercept on diabetic retinopathy (DR) cystoid macular edema. Methods A total of 102 patients with DR cystoid macular edema admitted to the hospital were enrolled between July 2018 and July 2021. According to random number table method, they were divided into the control group (intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide) and the observation group (intravitreal injection of aflibercept), 51 cases in each group. All were followed up for half a year. The clinical curative effect, visual acuity, central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), macular volume, scores of quality of life, and levels of cytokines in aqueous humor (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), human angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4)] at different time points (before and at 6 months after surgery) were compared between the two groups. The times of drugs injection and occurrence of adverse reactions in both groups were statistically analyzed. Results The total effective rate in observation group was higher than that in the control group (96.08% vs 82.35%) (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, visual acuity was improved, and CSMT and macular volume were decreased in both groups. Also, the above changes were more significant in the observation group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, levels of cytokines in aqueous humor were decreased in both groups. The levels of VEGF, MCP-1, and ANGPTL4 in observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, quality of life scores in observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the follow-up period, average times of drugs injection in the observation group were more than those in the control group, and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that in control group (5.88% vs 21.57%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion The curative effect of intravitreal injection of both triamcinolone acetonide and aflibercept is good on DR cystoid macular edema. The curative effect of aflibercept is better, which can improve visual acuity and quality of life, and regulate cytokines in aqueous humor, with high safety. However, aflibercept has a high price, and further research is needed to determine whether its price can be matched with clinical benefits. In clinic, medication plan should be selected according to the actual situation.

Diagnostic Reliability of Optical Coherence Tomography Biomarkers for Postsurgical Success in Visual Acuity in Patients with Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes.

Several optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers for postsurgical success in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) have been described in single predictor analyses. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of diagnosis of OCT biomarkers and to calculate their impact on postsurgical visual acuity by applying multiple regression analysis. This retrospective study included patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling for iERMs. Presurgical OCT scans were analyzed for the presence of OCT biomarkers by two reviewers. Intra- and interobserver reliability was calculated with the Kuder-Richardson 20 test. Among the 136 patients included, intra-/interobserver reliability of the OCT biomarkers was 0.89/0.70 for ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL), 0.82/0.53 for disorganization of retinal inner layer (DRIL), 0.93/0.89 for intraretinal cystoid changes, 0.84/0.78 for alterations of the ellipsoid zone, 0.84/0.72 for cotton ball sign, 0.68/0.58 for hyperreflective foci, 0.55/0.47 for epimacular membrane rips (EMM-rips), and 0.87/0.60 for retinal contraction. Only DRIL and central subfield macular thickness (CMT) were significant predictors for BCVA 3 months after surgery in a multiple regression analysis. Intraobserver reliability of OCT biomarkers was higher than interobserver reliability, reflecting both clinical and grading experience with respect to OCT biomarker evaluation. DRIL and CMT were shown to be significant predictors in a multiple regression analysis, with potential for negative influence on final BCVA after vitrectomy with membrane peeling for iERMs.

Effectiveness of microperimetry in evaluating anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for diabetic macular edema patients with relatively good vision: A retrospective observational study.

No studies have evaluated the retinal sensitivity (RS) for diabetic macular edema (DME) patients with good vision. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of microperimetry in evaluating the effectiveness of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for DME patients with relatively good vision.Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients (mean age, 61.3 ± 11.2 years) with DME and decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥0.6 were studied. All patients received 3 consecutive monthly injections of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents. The BCVA, central subfield macular thickness (CMT), and RS were evaluated by microperimetry (MAIA) within the 10 degree of the foveal center. To determine significant differences between the values, we used paired t tests.Patients were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after the third injection. The BCVA improved significantly from 0.18 ± 0.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units to 0.13 ± 0.13 logMAR units (P = .002; paired t test). The CMT decreased significantly from 464.3 ± 91.8 μm to 393.4 ± 129.0 μm (P = .005), and the RS also improved significantly from 21.8 ± 3.1 dB to 24.1 ± 2.8 dB at 4 weeks after treatment (P = .006). Among the patients with a decimal BCVA of 0.7 or better at baseline, there was no significant improvement in the BCVA (P = .28). However, the CMT decreased significantly from 479.5 ± 79.1 μm to 394.0 ± 99.8 μm at 4 weeks after treatment (P = .007). The RS also improved significantly from 22.0 ± 2.4 dB to 24.0 ± 3.1 dB at 4 weeks after treatment (P = .004).Measuring RS by microperimetry is a good option for evaluating the effectiveness of anti-VEGF treatment for DME patients with a relatively good BCVA.

MICROVASCULAR LEAKAGE IS A POOR PROGNOSTIC FACTOR FOR IDIOPATHIC EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE

Purpose: To investigate the angiographic findings assessed using fluorescein angiography and their prognostic values of idiopathic epiretinal membrane. Methods: Seventy-three eyes of idiopathic epiretinal membrane that had been followed up for 6 months after surgical treatment were included. Midphase fluorescein angiography images were obtained at baseline. Structural changes, including central subfield macular thickness, intraretinal cystic lesion, and ectopic inner retinal layer on the fovea, were assessed using optical coherence tomography. The main outcome measures were microvascular leakage (ML) and its association with optical coherence tomography findings and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Of a total of 73 eyes, 37 showed ML and had worse BCVA (P = 0.040), greater central subfield macular thickness (P = 0.028), and more ectopic inner retinal layer (P &lt; 0.001) than those without ML at baseline. Also, ML was associated with worse postoperative BCVA (P &lt; 0.001) and ectopic inner retinal layers (P &lt; 0.001; P = 0.034) at baseline and 6 months. The baseline factors associated with postoperative BCVA of ≥20/25 were better BCVA (P = 0.027) and the absence of ML (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Half of the idiopathic epiretinal membrane eyes showed that ML was associated with inner retinal deformity and poor visual recovery. Fluorescein angiography helped to predict visual prognosis after idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery.

Peripapillary optical coherence tomography as an alternative to fluorescein angiography for monitoring Behcet\u2019s retinal vasculitis

To study the correlation of OCT parameters including central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), peripapillary retinal thickness (PRT), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (PNFLT) with fluorescein angiography (FA) in evaluation of inflammatory activity in Behcet’s retinal vasculitis. In this case-series, concurrent FA and OCT were performed. A scoring system was devised for FA. PNFLT in 3.4-mm-diameter circle as well as PRT in doughnut shaped regions between the 1-mm- and 2.2-mm-diameter and between the 2.2-mm- and 3.45-mm-diameter circles was measured. The correlation of FA and OCT parameters was analyzed. A total of 105 sets of FA from 28 eyes (15 patients) were reviewed. Four (26.6%) were female and mean age was 31.6 ± 8.49 years. Each micron increase in CSMT, PRT2.2, PRT3.45, and PNFLT, caused a rise of 0.018 (95% CI 0.008–0.027, P < 0.001, r = 0.413), 0.053 (95% CI 0.035–0.070, P < 0.001, r = 0.443), 0.086 (95% CI 0.065–0.108, P < 0.001, r = 0.707), and 0.185 (95% CI 0.152–to 0.218, P < 0.001, r = 0.850) unit in FA score, respectively. Parameters having significant correlation with angiographic inflammatory activity, were CSMT, PRT2.2, PRT3.45 and RNFLT. Those with the strongest correlation, PRT3.45 and PNFLT, may be considered as quantitative non-invasive alternatives to FA for monitoring Behcet’s retinal vasculitis.

Outcomes after Cataract Surgery in High Myopes with Axial Length Differences of ≥2 mm

Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcome after cataract operations in high myopia patients, whose axial length differences are longer than 2 mm.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who had received phacoemulsification cataract surgery from January 2014 to June 2020. The patients whose axial lengths and inter-eye axial lengths exceeded 26 and 2 mm, respectively, were selected. Demographic data, axial lengths, central subfield macular thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer, and best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) before and at 6 months postoperatively were collected. The factors related to visual outcome were analyzed using univariate, multivariate linear regression.Results: Twelve patients had an inter-eye axial length difference longer than 2 mm. The average axial lengths of longer and shorter eyes were 29.17 ± 1.94 and 26.66 ± 2.51 mm, respectively (p = 0.02, Mann-Whitney U-test). The BCVAs (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution, logMAR) of the longer and shorter eyes before the surgery were 1.09 ± 0.62 and 0.19 ± 0.16, respectively (p = 0.03, Mann-Whitney U-test). The BCVAs (logMAR) of the longer and shorter eyes 6 months after surgery were 0.19 ± 0.16 and 0.08 ± 0.10, respectively (p = 0.11, Mann-Whitney U-test). In univariate linear regression analysis, the BCVAs 6 months after the surgery showed better preoperative BCVAs (p &lt; 0.001) and a thinner central subfield macular thickness (p = 0.001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, the BCVA at 6 months after the surgery showed significant improvement compared with preoperative BCVA values (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: High myopia patients whose axial length differences exceeded 2 mm showed improved VA after cataract surgery.

How to Achieve Near-Normal Visual Acuity with Bevacizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema Patients.

Patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are inherently interested in achieving normal or near-normal visual acuity. The study aimed to investigate factors influencing the visual acuity achieved by DME patients after bevacizumab (IVB) treatment. 98 patients (98 eyes) diagnosed with DR and DME underwent IVB treatment (9 injections/12 months). Patients were diagnosed and monitored using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart testing. We assessed macular central subfield thickness (CST), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) indicators and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). After the treatment, patients were divided into BCVA≤75 and BCVA>75 groups. The IVB therapy increased the number of ETDRS letters read by about 9 and 8 in the BCVA≤75 and the BCVA>75 group, respectively. Before and after treatment, the BCVA>75 group had lower CST than the BCVA≤75 group. The treatment reduced macular CST by 177 μm in the BCVA≤75 group and only by 93 μm in the BCVA>75 group. Total non-perfusion area (NPA) decreased in both BCVA score groups after IVB therapy. Normal or near-normal vision can be achieved with IVB treatment, provided it starts when visual acuity is not significantly reduced yet. The ophthalmic screening of DR patients should also target those with relatively high visual acuity.

Comparative study of optical coherence tomographic analysis of macula in preoperative and postoperative diabetic patients undergoing small incision cataract surgery

The clinical evaluation of macular edema has been difficult to characterize, but evaluation has become more precise with the help of optical coherence tomography (OCT). This study is undertaken to evaluate the quantitative changes in macular thickness using spectral domain OCT in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery pre and post operatively and its relation with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Study participants included 65 diabetic patients irrespective of presence or absence of retinopathy who underwent cataract surgery. Each eye underwent fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy and OCT of macula i.e.,preoperatively and at postoperatively at day 1, 1 week, 4 weeks and at 12 weeks. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded at each visit. The central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) increased in all patients irrespective of presence or absence of diabetic retinopathy of about 17.4±25.3µm and 29µm±38.8 at 1 month and 3 month follow up. There was a statistically significant increase seen in CSMT after cataract surgery especially in patients with preoperatively diagnosed macular edema. Associated retinopathy also acts as a risk factor. But there was no statistically significant increase in mild and moderate NPDR preoperatively and also in postoperative period after uncomplicated small incision cataract surgery.

Relationship Between Prolonged Intraocular Inflammation and Macular Edema After Cataract Surgery.

PurposeTo assess whether aqueous flare is related to an increased risk of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) following uneventful cataract surgery in nondiabetic and diabetic patients.MethodsA post hoc analysis of five consecutive randomized clinical trials in the Department of Ophthalmology, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Finland. Aqueous flare levels were recorded in 448 eyes of 448 patients before surgery, and after the course of topical anti-inflammatory treatment 28 days and three months after cataract surgery.ResultsAqueous flare increase of <50%, ≥50%, ≥100%, and ≥200% associated in central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) increase across the groups at 28 days and three months after surgery. Increase of aqueous flare ≥100% compared to those with <100% was associated with increased CSMT (P = 0.022 at 28 days, and P = 0.027 at three months). At three months, macular thickening (at least 10% CSMT increase) was observed in 12.7% compared to 4.6% of eyes when using a cutoff value of 100% increase in aqueous flare (P = 0.033). Although diabetic patients presented higher aqueous flare levels at baseline compared to nondiabetic patients (12.9 ± 11.8 vs. 9.8 ± 8.2 photon units/ms P < 0.001), the postoperative levels illustrated a similar profile in aqueous flare increase between the two groups.ConclusionsAt 28 days, aqueous flare increase was associated with macular thickening. A 100% cutoff value could potentially be used when studying anti-inflammatory efficacy of different treatment protocols. Flare values exceeding this cutoff value could be considered as an indication for extending anti-inflammatory therapy.Translational RelevanceA 100% increase in aqueous flare at 28 days after cataract surgery from baseline predicted macular thickening up to three months postoperatively. Identifying a correlation between increased aqueous flare levels and pseudophakic cystoid macular edema may allow recognition of the most vulnerable patients, development of prophylactic treatment strategies and reduction of the number and severity of postoperative complications.

English

BACKGROUND Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common delayed complication of cataract surgery. Nd:YAG (Neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet) laser posterior capsulotomy presents the advantages of a non-invasive, effective, relatively safe technique to manage intact posterior capsule that opacifies postoperatively. With this background we want to study the visual outcome and complications following Nd-YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in posterior capsular opacification following small incision cataract surgery (SICS). METHODS The study includes 64 patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary eye care hospital at Latur from June 2018 to May 2019 who have undergone SICS with PMMA PC IOL (polymethyl methacrylate posterior chamber intraocular lens) implantation and clinically diagnosed with posterior capsular opacification. 64 eyes with PCO were subjected to Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy after detailed slit lamp bio microscopic examination pre- and post-capsulotomy. Follow-up was done at 1 hour, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks and patients were examined for visual outcome and any complications at each visit. RESULTS There were 16 males (25 %) and 48 females (75 %) with a mean age of 65 years. Posterior capsule opacification occurs within 3 years accounting for 46.9 % of the cases. Elschnig pearls type of PCO was more common when compared to fibrous type of PCO. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was less than 6 / 60 in 35 patients (54.7 %) and within 6 / 60 to 6 / 24 in 23 patients (35. 9 %) with 6 patients (9.4 %) accounting for visual acuity between 6 / 24 to 6 / 18. After Nd - YAG Laser Capsulotomy, 46.9 % gained best corrected visual acuity of 6 / 18 or better, 39.1 % cases improved 6 / 12 and better and BCVA of 6 / 9, 6 / 6 was observed in 11 cases and 1 case respectively. Only 12 out of 64 patients had complications. Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) was found in 4 patients. Intraocular lens (IOL) pitting was found in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is a safe, effective and a non-invasive procedure which avoids all the complications of surgical capsulotomy in patients of posterior capsule opacification. KEYWORDS Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), Nd:Yag Laser Capsulotomy, Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Central Subfield Macular Thickness (CSMT)

Effect of cataract surgery on wet age-related macular degeneration activity.

Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and age-related cataract are often coexisting causes of visual impairment. Yet, the timing of cataract surgery in wet AMD patients is controversial. One hundred and eleven eyes of 111 patients with wet AMD underwent cataract surgery at Helsinki University Hospital in Finland during 2014-2018. Best-corrected visual acuity and central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) were analysed at the time of wet AMD diagnosis, at the last recording prior to cataract surgery and at the first recording and at 1 year after surgery. The cumulative number of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections at surgery, systemic and topical medication and postoperative anti-VEGF burden were recorded. Mean age was 78.9 ± 5.6 years at the time of surgery. Central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) significantly decreased (280.1 ± 75.0 µm preoperatively to 268.6 ± 67.6 µm at the first postoperative recording, p = 0.001, and to 265.9 ± 67.9 µm at 1 year, p = 0.003), visual acuity improved (0.70 ± 0.46 logMAR units preoperatively to 0.39 ± 0.40 at the first postoperative recording, and to 0.33 ± 0.34 at 1 year, p < 0.001 for both) and anti-VEGF treatment intervals lengthened despite the surgery (6.53 ± 2.08 weeks prior to surgery to 7.03 ± 2.23 weeks at 1 year, p = 0.246, and to 7.05 ± 2.57 weeks at the last documented visit, p = 0.035). A CSMT increase of over 30% from the preoperative values was seen in only one case (1 out of 111 eyes, 0.9%). Macular status at surgery, wet AMD subtype, comorbidity of type II diabetes, systemic drugs and topical anti-inflammatory medication were not associated with macular changes nor with treatment intervals after surgery. The cumulative number of anti-VEGF injections correlated neither with CSMT change postoperatively (r = -0.051, p = 0.619) nor with CSMT change at 1 year (r = 0.091, p = 0.426). Satisfactory visual outcomes and controlled disease activity were seen in patients with wet AMD undergoing cataract surgery. We found no evidence to support delaying surgery in patients who require it.

Panretinal photocoagulation after or prior to intravitreal conbercept injection for diabetic macular edema: a retrospective study

BackgroundPanretinal photocoagulation treatment (PRP) have been known as a standard treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (sNPDR). However, there is no consensus on when PRP should be administrated if anti-VEGF treatment is needed for the concurrent diabetic macular edema (DME). This study is to evaluate the difference between two groups of PRP prior to, or after intravitreal conbercept (IVC) for patients with PDR or sNPDR combined with DME.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. Fifty-eight eyes with DME secondary to PDR or sNPDR were divided into two groups; the PRP after (PRP-after group), or prior to (PRP-prior group), IVC. Changes in number of IVC injections, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) were compared after 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years from the first IVC injection.ResultsThe mean number of injections in PRP-after group was 4.8 (1 year) and 6.4 (2 year), lower than 6.4 (1 year) and 8.5 (2 year) in PRP-prior group (both p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in change in BCVA and CSMT between two groups after each follow-up.ConclusionPRP after IVC requires less injections but also yields similar visual and anatomic outcome comparing with PRP prior to IVC in patients with diabetic retinopathy combined with DME.

OCT ASSESSMENT OF MACULAR THICKNESS IN NON-PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN RELATION TO GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), also known as diabetic eye disease, is a retinal damage that occurs due to diabetes. Blindness can be the end result of diabetic retinopathy. Objective: To evaluate the relation of macular thickness to glycosylated hemoglobin in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients and Methods: This study included 100 eyes of 100 patients with a diagnosis of type 2 DM. This was designed as an observational, cross-sectional and non-cohort study during the period from 6/2019 to 3/2020. One hundred eyes were divided into two equal groups: one group included diabetic patients with no diabetic retinopathy and the other group included diabetic patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients were recruited from Retinal clinic in Al-Azhar University Hospital and asked to participate in this study. Results: The results showed that non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group and group of no DR were comparable as regard age, sex and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). There was a statistically insignificant difference between group of no DR and NPDR group, but group of no DR had shorter duration of DM, lower HbA1c level, lower macular thickness in all of the 9 standard early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) subfields, lower total macular volume (TMV) than NPDR Group. The results showed that central subfield macular thickness (CST) is positively and significantly related to glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in each group of no DR and NPDR, and that severity of DR stage was significantly increased with increased HbA1c levels. The results also showed that there’s significant positive association between severity of DR stage and macular thickness in all of the nine standard ETDRS subfields. There was a positive significant relation between duration of DM and HbA1c level in type 2 diabetic patients, while there was no significant relation between duration of DM and macular thickness. The results also showed significant inverse relation between insulin use and HbA1c level, and significant inverse relation between insulin use and prevalence of DR in type 2 diabetic patients. Conclusion: Increased incidence of DR, increased macular thickness and increased incidence of diabetic macular edema were associated with increased level of glycosylated hemoglobin in type II diabetic patients.