Complete Resolution Of Macular Edema Research Articles

Long-term results of anti-VEGF therapy in macular edema caused by central retinal vein occlusion

Purpose. To evaluate long-term results of anti-VEGF therapy performed in a modified “treat-and-extend” regimen in macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.Material and methods. The prospective study included 29 patients (16 men and 13 women) aged 24–81. The median follow-up period was 36 months [24; 60]. 20 patients underwent ranibizumab monotherapy, 3 patients – aflibercept monotherapy, while 6 patients received a combination of the two drugs following the modified regimen, which allowed terminating anti-VEGF treatment when macular edema remission was achieved.Results. Macular edema completely resolved in 27 out of 29 patients (93.1%) by the end of the second year, while the remaining 2 patients showed the complete resolution during the third year. 18 patients (62.1%) could terminate anti-VEGF therapy during the first 6 months, whereupon they received 3 to 5 monthly injections with no macular edema relapse over the subsequent 21–22 months of the follow-up. 11 patients continued anti-VEGF therapy and averagely received 7.09 ± 1.14, 5.09 ± 2.34 and 2.18 ± 2.36 injections with individually determined intervals at years 1, 2 and 3, respectively. On the whole, 22 patients (75.9%) terminated anti-VEGF therapy and transferred to drugless observation at the end of year 2, while 5 other patients (17.2%) terminated anti-VEGF therapy during year 3. As a result of the treatment, the maximum BCVA improved from 0.15 [0.07; 0.3] to 0.7 [0.4; 0.9] by the end of year 1 (Z = -4.69; p = 0.0000027) and remained stable during the rest of the follow-up.Conclusion. Anti-VEGF therapy in modified treat-and-extend regimen is effective in macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. and results in a significant and sustainable visual acuity gain and complete resolution of macular edema with a minimum quantity of injections in most patients.

SCORE2 Report 20: Relationship of Treatment Discontinuation With Visual Acuity and Central Subfield Thickness Outcomes

To investigate the relationship of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment discontinuation with baseline factors and outcomes in eyes treated initially with aflibercept or bevacizumab for macular edema from central or hemiretinal vein occlusion. Long-term follow-up after a randomized clinical trial from 64 US centers. Analysis included 150 SCORE2 Month 60 completers classified into 3 groups: discontinued treatment early, treated intermittently, and treated continuously. Outcomes included visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST). Patients who discontinued treatment early were younger (60.9 years, vs 66.7 and 70.5 for the treated intermittently and treated continuously groups; P=.001), and 17.4% were Black, compared to 19.5% and 4.7% for the treated intermittently and treated continuously groups (P=.006). At Month 60, the discontinued treatment early group had a higher proportion with complete resolution of macular edema (69.6%) than those treated intermittently (15.0%) and treated continuously (15.7%) (P < .001). Least-squares means analyses over follow-up demonstrated that the discontinued treatment early group had a lower mean CST (257 µm) than the treated intermittently (CST=303 µm, P=.02) and treated continuously (CST=300 µm, P=.01) groups. Compared to those treated continuously, those who discontinued treatment early were younger and more likely Black. The discontinued treatment early group had a higher proportion with complete resolution of macular edema at Month 60, and a lower mean CST over follow-up, but not better VA, than the treated continuously and treated intermittently groups. Results support the need for continued monitoring and individualized treatment for patients treated with anti-VEGF for macular edema from central or hemiretinal vein occlusion.

Laser photocoagulation of a hypofluorescent perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex/capillary macroaneurysm.

To report successful treatment of a hypofluorescent perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PEVAC)/capillary macroaneurysm. A 63 year old healthy gentleman had a perifoveal isolated aneurysmal lesion with white rim. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed cystoid macular edema (CME) with neurosensory detachment. The aneurysmal lesion was seen in the inner retina as a hyperreflective intraretinal structure with a heterogenous lumen suggestive of PEVAC/capillary macroaneurysm. OCT angiography showed a capillary loop and a slightly hyperreflective lesion at the tip of the loop in the superficial capillary plexus slab. Minimal reduction in edema was noted following one dose of intravitreal triamcinolone (2 mg). Fundus fluorescein angiography performed at 6 weeks demonstrated the capillary loop, but the aneurysmal lesion remained hypofluorescent with no definite leak in the late phase. Few perifoveal microaneurysms were seen in both the eyes. Six weeks later, focal laser photocoagulation of the aneurysmal lesion was performed, which resulted in complete resolution of macular edema at 1 month. There was no recurrence of macular edema till his recent follow up, which is 4 month post laser. PEVAC is typically described as unifocal lesion and is not associated with other retinal vascular abnormalities. But in this case, in addition to the lesion, perifoveal microaneurysms were seen in both the eyes. Despite the absence of leak on fundus fluorescein angiography, targeted focal laser photocoagulation resulted in complete resolution of macular edema at 1 month. Laser photocoagulation would be helpful even in hypofluorescent PEVAC/capillary macroaneurysms.

A rare case report of branch retinal vein occlusion in a COVID-19-positive patient

This case report is about a rare case of branch retinal vein occlusion in a healthy 53-year-old male with active COVID-19 infection. All laboratory tests for hypercoagulable state were normal. The patient responded well to multiple injections of intravitreal ranibizumab with complete resolution of macular edema and improvement of vision.

Epidemic Retinitis with Positive or Negative Weil Felix Test - a Comparative Study and Outcome with Doxycycline

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare clinical manifestations and disease outcomes in Epidemic Retinitis (ER) with positive or negative Weil Felix Test (WFT). Methods Retrospective, observational, comparative study. WFT positive or negative patients formed Group 1 and 2, respectively. Patients receiving oral doxycycline monotherapy formed subgroup A and B. Duration of resolution of macular edema and retinitis was compared. Results Novel finding of “ring retinitis” was observed equally in group 1 and 2. Complete resolution of macular edema took 41.3 days (range: 30–60 days) and 43.68 days (range: 20–105 days) (p = .668) and retinitis lesions resolved in 34.3 days (range: 14–65 days) and 34 days (range: 12–60 days) (p = .875) in group A and B, respectively. All (n = 14) eyes with retinitis within 1 disc diameter of fovea improved better than 20/80 except 1. Conclusion No significant difference with respect to clinical, imaging findings and the treatment outcome was observed in WFT positive or negative cases.

Photodynamic Therapy for Retinal Hemangioblastoma: Treatment Outcomes of 17 Consecutive Patients

To report the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for management of retinal hemangioblastoma. Retrospective case series. Seventeen patients with retinal hemangioblastoma treated with PDT. The medical records of 17 patients with retinal hemangioblastoma treated with PDT were reviewed, and treatment outcomes were assessed. Photodynamic therapy was performed with 6 mg/m2 body surface area of verteporfin infused intravenously over 10 minutes activated by 50 J/cm2 laser light at 689 nm for 83 or 166 seconds. Tumor control, subretinal and intraretinal fluid resolution, and visual outcome. Eighteen retinal hemangioblastomas in 17 eyes were treated with PDT. Median patient age was 31 years (mean, 36 years; range, 7-66 years), and median follow-up was 51 months (mean, 61 months; range, 2-144 months). Genetic testing confirmed von Hippel-Lindau disease in 8 of 17 patients (47%). The tumors were unilateral in all patients and unifocal in most patients (n= 13/17 [76%]). The tumor median basal diameter was 3.5 mm (mean, 3.4 mm; range, 1.5-6.0 mm) and median thickness was 2.1 mm (mean, 2.3 mm; range, 1.0-5.0 mm). The tumor location was juxtapapillary in 9 of 18 cases (50%). Associated findings included subretinal fluid (n= 14/17 [82%]) and macular edema (n= 12/17 [71%]). The median number of PDT sessions was 1.5 (mean, 1.8; range, 1.0-4.0). Standard duration of PDT (83 seconds) was used in all cases except 2, in which double duration (166 seconds) was used. Outcomes revealed tumor control in 13 of 18 tumors (72%), partial or complete resolution of subretinal fluid in 10 of 14 eyes (71%), and partial or complete resolution of macular edema in 7 of 12 eyes (58%), and stable or improved visual acuity in 12 of 17 eyes (71%). Photodynamic therapy-related transient exudative response was noted in 4 of 17 eyes (24%). Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for both juxtapapillary and peripheral retinal hemangioblastomas, providing satisfactory rates of tumor control and visual stabilization and improvement. Patients should be monitored for PDT-related transient exudative response.

Twenty-Four Month Results of Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Macular Edema after Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: Visual Outcomes and Resolution of Macular Edema

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report 24-month results after one intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection followed by pro re nata (PRN) dosing for macular edema (ME) after branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: Eyes with BRVO met the followings were included: 77 letters or less best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] score) and central retinal thickness (CRT) of 250 µm or more. IVR injection was performed followed by a PRN regimen. The retreatment criteria included visual loss of five or more ETDRS letters compared with the previous visit, 250 µm or more of CRT, or presence of residual or recurrent ME including the parafoveal lesions. The primary outcome measures were the BCVA changes at month 12 and month 24 from baseline, and the secondary outcomes were changes in CRT, resolution of ME, the number of IVR injections, and changes of nonperfused areas (NPAs). Results: Twenty eyes of 20 patients (5 men, 15 women; mean age, 68.2 years) were enrolled. The mean BCVAs (ETDRS letters) at baseline, month 12, and month 24 were 62.0, 80.2, and 80.9, respectively. The mean ETDRS letters gains were 18.3 and 19.0 at month 12 and month 24, respectively. The percentages of patients with Snellen equivalent BCVAs of 20/20 or better at month 12 and month 24 were 75% and 70%, respectively. The mean CRTs at baseline, month 12, and month 24 were 480, 252, and 272 μm, respectively. Forty percent of all eyes had complete resolution of ME. The mean number of IVR injections was 8.3 times, which gradually decreased over time. The NPA change in either Zone 1 or Zone 2 was not significant during the follow-up. No adverse side effects were observed. Conclusion: IVR injection followed by a PRN regimen provided pretty good visual outcomes at month 24.

Aflibercept Versus Bevacizumab and/or Ranibizumab for Recurrent Macular Edema Secondary to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.

To compare functional and anatomic outcomes of treatment with intravitreal aflibercept versus bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab in patients with recurrent macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Retrospective, comparative case series of patients with recurrent ME in the setting of CRVO. Patients with recurrent ME received treatment with aflibercept (Group 1, G1) or bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab (Group 2, G2). Primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT). Of the 20 eyes (20 patients) with recurrent ME included in the study, 9 received aflibercept (G1) and 11 received bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab (G2). Median BCVA at recurrence of ME and at most recent follow-up was 20/60 (G1) and 20/80 (G2) and 20/40 (G1) and 20/50 (G2, P > 0.05 for all comparisons), respectively. Median CFT at recurrence of ME and at most recent follow-up was 492 μm (G1) and 448 μm (G2) and 291 μm (G1) and 295 μm (G2, P > 0.05 for all comparisons), respectively. Complete resolution of ME for at least 4 months was found in 78% (G1) and 55% (G2) of patients with a median injection free interval of 11 (G1) and 13 (G2) months (P > 0.05). In patients with recurrent ME secondary to CRVO, there was improvement in BCVA and CFT in all groups, although patients treated with aflibercept showed a trend toward better anatomical outcomes decreased need for recurrent injections.

Subthreshold Photocoagulation Using Endpoint Management in the PASCAL® System for Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema.

We evaluated subthreshold photocoagulation using endpoint management (EPM) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The study enrolled 10 eyes from 10 patients (6 men and 4 women) with DME. The entry criteria included central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 300 μm and decimal visual acuity (VA) ≤ 0.5. The primary endpoints were VA (logMAR) and CMT at 6 months follow-up. Secondary endpoints included fundus autofluorescence, macular volume (MV), and macular sensitivity (MS). We used the PASCAL Streamline Yellow® (wavelength, 577 nm) system to perform grid pattern laser photocoagulation at 50% of the threshold (size, 100 μm; duration, 0.015 s; spacing, 0.5; and energy, 4.5–7.8 mJ). At 6 months posttreatment, CMT was significantly decreased, while there were no significant changes in macular sensitivity, mean BCVA (logMAR), or macular volume. Autofluorescence imaging revealed no changes after treatment in 6 of 10 eyes. No eyes exhibited subjective symptoms of scotoma after photocoagulation. Optical coherence tomography showed the complete resolution of macular edema in 4 eyes (40%) after a single treatment; MS was increased in all 4 of these eyes at 6 months posttreatment. In conclusion, subthreshold photocoagulation using EPM is safe and effective for DME treatment and preserves MS. This trial is registered with UMIN000012401.

Ranibizumab versus aflibercept for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion: 18-month results in real-life data.

The objective of this study was to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of ranibizumab versus aflibercept for the treatment of macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in routine clinical practice. Participants in this observational study included 62 treatment-naïve patients with CRVO who received intravitreal injections of either ranibizumab or aflibercept. The demographic data, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics were evaluated at baseline and at months 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 18 post-treatment. At month 18, the mean BCVA of ranibizumab-treated eyes increased 7.9 letters, compared to 7.4 letters for eyes receiving aflibercept, with a similar number of injections. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in letters or in central subfield thickness at month 18. At the end of the follow-up, 50% of patients in the ranibizumab group and 42.9% in the aflibercept group showed complete resolution of macular edema. Ranibizumab and aflibercept demonstrated similar anatomical and functional outcomes over 18-month follow-up in patients with macular edema due to CRVO, with a similar number of injections.

Correlation of foveal bulge on SD‐OCT and visual acuity in resolved macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion

PurposeTo investigate the correlation between the presence of a bulge in the photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) line and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in eyes with resolved macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).MethodsA total of 17 eyes (17 patients) with macular edema associated with BRVO were evaluated. The medical records of patients who had a complete resolution of macular edema with intact IS/OS line in the central fovea on spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) images were retrospectively reviewed. These eyes were classified into those with foveal bulge and those without foveal bulge and the characteristics of the 2 groups were compared.ResultsTwelve eyes (70.5%) had complete resolution of macular edema after a mean follow up of 24.1 months. A foveal bulge was present in 9 of 17 eyes with resolved macular edema. The BCVA was significantly better in eyes with a foveal bulge than in eyes without foveal bulge (p &lt; 0.001). All eyes with foveal bulge had a decimal BCVA less than 0.5 against only 28.6% in eyes without foveal bulge (p = 0.011).ConclusionsFoveal bulge seems to be frequent in resolved macular edema associated with BRVO. Visual acuity was significantly better in the subgroup with foveal bulge making it a potential good marker of the functional properties of the fovea.

Effect of aflibercept on refractory macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion

ObjectiveTo report short-term visual and anatomic outcomes of patients who were switched to aflibercept for persistent macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). MethodsRetrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of 17 patients with persistent macular edema secondary to CRVO (defined as intraretinal edema and either <50 µm reduction in central foveal thickness [CFT] or worsening or no improvement in visual acuity [VA] compared to baseline) despite anti-VEGF treatment who were switched to aflibercept treatment. Main outcome measures included VA, anti-VEGF treatment history, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography evaluation of macular edema and CFT. ResultsThe mean age was 77 years, and the mean VA at CRVO diagnosis was 20/135 with a CFT of 523.4 µm. Mean number of injections before switching to aflibercept was 12.9 (range: 3–40) and mean number of months of anti-VEGF treatment before switching to aflibercept was 18.7. Mean VA at switch to aflibercept was 20/182 (p = 0.50) with mean CFT of 547.9 µm (p = 0.66). Mean aflibercept injections were 4.0, and mean follow-up from switch to last follow-up was 5.2 months. Final mean VA was 20/115 (p = 0.017), with a CFT of 315.2 µm (p = 0.0012). Of the patients, 35.2% gained ≥3 lines. 29% of patients had complete resolution of macular edema, and the mean change in CFT was −233 µm. ConclusionsAflibercept appears to have a beneficial effect on anatomic and VA outcomes in a subset of patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO that is refractory to treatment with bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab.

Tocilizumab in Uveitic Macular Edema Refractory to Previous Immunomodulatory Treatment

ABSTRACTPurpose: To analyze the efficacy of tocilizumab in uveitic macular edema (ME) resistant to various immunomodulatory drugs.Methods: Patients received tocilizumab every 4 weeks intravenously. Central foveal thickness (CFT) was assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT).Results: Five patients (8 eyes) who were ineffectively pretreated with systemic prednisolone, at least one immunosuppressive drug, and at least one biologic drug for uveitic macular edema were included in the study. At 3 months, a response of ME (≥25% reduction in CFT) was observed in 6 eyes (75.0%) of 5 patients. During follow-up, complete resolution of ME was achieved in 5 eyes (62.5%) of 4 patients. Improvement of BCVA was observed in 3 eyes of 3 patients, and stabilization in 3 eyes of 3 patients. Tocilizumab was well tolerated, and no severe side effects occurred.Conclusions: Treatment with tocilizumab can be considered in chronic uveitic macular edema even if previous immunomodulatory therapy has failed.

Bevacizumab for the treatment of a complicated posterior melanocytoma

PurposeTo present a case of a complicated posterior melanocytoma that was successfully treated with intravitreal bevacizumab.Case reportA 50-year-old Caucasian man was referred with sudden-onset metamorphopsia and decreased vision in his right eye over the course of the last 2 months. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/80 and poorer than Jaeger 14 in the right eye, and 20/20 and Jaeger 1 in his left eye. In the right fundus, there was a melanocytic lesion occupying the inferotemporal quadrant of the optic disk, extending to the adjacent choroid inferiorly; optic nerve edema, superotemporal retinal vein dilatation, and subretinal fluid under the macula and nasal half of the posterior pole were observed, and a subretinal choroidal neovascularization complex was observed adjacent to the superotemporal margin of the optic disk, confirmed by fluorescein angiography, surrounded by a dense subretinal hemorrhage. Optical coherence tomography showed retinal edema and detachment of neurosensory retina. The patient was treated with three consecutive doses on a monthly basis of intravitreal 1.25 mg/0.05 mL bevacizumab. Visual acuity recovered rapidly, and at 4 months after treatment, it was 20/20 and Jaeger 1, with complete resolution of macular edema and subretinal fluid and hemorrhage. After 3 years of follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity remained stable, macular area was normal, and there was no evident optic nerve edema, retinal vein caliber and aspect were normal, and there was no significant change of the tumor. Fluorescein angiography only evidenced late staining of choroidal neovascularization scar, and optical coherence tomography showed a normal macular anatomy.ConclusionIntravitreal bevacizumab was effective in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization, optic nerve edema, venous dilatation, and local capillary telangiectasia, complicating an optic disk melanocytoma.

Response to aflibercept as secondary therapy in patients with persistent retinal edema due to central retinal vein occlusion initially treated with bevacizumab or ranibizumab.

Recent advances have given practitioners options for the treatment of macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. These options include steroid injections and implants as well as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications. However, there is little in the medical literature to guide secondary therapy when an initial treatment strategy is insufficient. The authors present encouraging results from the treatment of six consecutive cases of central retinal vein occlusion treated with aflibercept as a secondary therapy for macular edema refractory to repeated intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab injections. A retrospective review of six consecutive cases of central retinal vein occlusion with persistent macular edema despite regular anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections that were transitioned to aflibercept was conducted. Optical coherence tomography and visual acuity data were examined. All six eyes from the six patients included showed either complete or near complete resolution of macular edema with one or two injections of aflibercept. The improvement in edema was accompanied by lasting modest visual gains in three of the six patients and in subjective visual improvement in four of the six patients. The six eyes in this series all responded favorably to aflibercept as a secondary therapy. Although the sample size is too small to draw definitive conclusions, the results are encouraging.

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of 0.5% Indomethacin Eye Drops in Uveitic Macular Edema

The aim of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of 0.5% indomethacin (INDOM) eye drops in adult patients suffering from macular edema (ME) related to different etiology uveitis. Forty-six eyes of 31 adult patients (20 females and 11 males) mean age 39 years, affected by inflammatory ME, were randomized to receive a dose of commercial 0.5% INDOM eye-drops four times per day (16 subjects = 23 eyes) or placebo (the vehicle of INDOM, 15 subjects = 23 eyes) during a 6-month active therapy follow-up. Study assessment at each visit included visual acuity testing (VA), slit-lamp examination, IOP evaluation, and Heidelberg Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) central foveal thickness (CFT) measurement. Any variation in subjective symptoms and tolerability was also detected. Statistical analysis showed, from baseline to the 6-month visit, a significant reduction in CFT (P < 0.0001) and a significant improvement in VA only in the 0.5% INDOM-treated group; a global reduction of discomfort symptoms was present in both groups (P < 0.001). The four times per day administration of 0.5% INDOM eye drops in eyes affected with uveitic ME from different etiologies, compared with placebo, is associated with a significant reduction in ME at the 6-month follow-up visit, as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). However, not all eyes showed a complete resolution of ME because of vitreoretinal traction. (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/index.html number, EUDRACT 2011-001522-20.).

Retinal Microstructural Changes in Eyes With Resolved Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: An Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Study

To assess macular photoreceptor abnormalities in eyes with resolved branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AO-SLO). Prospective observational cross-sectional case series. After complete resolution of macular edema and retinal hemorrhage, 21 eyes (21 patients) with BRVO underwent full ophthalmologic examination and imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a prototype AO-SLO system. Cone density and spatial mosaic organization were assessed using AO-SLO images. Regular parafoveal cone mosaic patterns were clearly visualized with the prototype AO-SLO imaging system in the BRVO-unaffected side. However, in the side of the retina previously affected by the BRVO, cone mosaic patterns were disorganized and dark regions missing wave-guiding cones were apparent. Additionally, retinal capillaries were dilated, no longer had a uniform caliber, and had less direct paths through the retina. In the affected side, parafoveal cone density was significantly decreased, compared with the corresponding retinal area on the unaffected side (P < .001). Furthermore, the hexagonal Voronoi domain ratio and the nearest-neighbor distances were significantly lower than in the unaffected side (P < .05). These parameters were also correlated with photoreceptor layer integrity in the parafovea. After BRVO-associated retinal hemorrhage and macular edema resolved, affected parafoveal cone density decreases and the cone mosaic spatial arrangement is disrupted, becoming more irregular. These cone microstructural abnormalities may extend to parafovea in the BRVO-unaffected side.

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant migration to the anterior chamber in an aphakic child

Abstract An 8-year-old girl, who underwent pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy for non-infectious uveitis, was treated with a dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex ® , Allergan Inc., Irvine CA), because of the persistence of cystoid macular edema. The implant migrated into the anterior chamber; however, no cornea edema was detected and a complete resolution of macular edema was observed.

The Variable Efficacy of Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone Acetonide for Cystoid Macular Edema Due to Radiation Retinopathy

Background: Both intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone have been shown to be effective in treating macular edema secondary to VEGF-mediated disease. The purpose of this study is to describe the variable effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in the treatment of macular edema secondary to radiation retinopathy. Methods: Retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series. Charts of five patients with macular edema due to radiation retinopathy who received IVB with subsequent IVTA were reviewed. Clinical examination, Snellen visual acuity (VA), and central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were examined. Main outcome measures included VA and CMT. Results: Of the five patients reviewed, patient 1 demonstrated complete resolution of macular edema both clinically and by OCT with IVB after the first two injections with a decrease in CMT to 243 and 284 µm from a baseline CMT of 340 µm. However, response diminished following successive injections and the patient was switched to IVTA with a complete response. Mean CMT was 249 µm following four injections of IVTA and vision improved 3 lines. Patients 2 and 3 demonstrated a partial response to IVB with a mean CMT of 362 and 451 µm from 436 and 596 µm, respectively. They similarly had a partial response to IVTA with a mean CMT of 363 and 433 µm from 460 and 429 µm. There was no improvement in vision. Patient 2 was then switched to a combination of IVB and IVTA with complete resolution of macular edema with a CMT of 299 and 289 µm following two treatments. Patients 4 and 5 failed to respond to IVB with a mean increase in CMT of 64.5 and 6 µm. Both responded well to IVTA with complete resolution of macular edema. Mean decrease in CMT was 146 and 183 µm with a mean CMT of 254 and 281 µm. Final vision was stable in patient 4 and improved 3 lines from 20/100 to 20/50 in patient 5. Conclusion: IVB and IVTA have variable effects on the reduction of macular edema due to radiation retinopathy. IVB appears to have an initial effect in reducing macular edema in some patients but after multiple injections there can be resistance to its effects. IVTA was effective in three of five patients with complete resolution of macular edema. The combination of IVB and IVTA completely resolved macular edema in one patient resistant to IVB or IVTA alone. The reason for this may be due to their different therapeutic mechanisms of action and consideration should therefore be given to their use in combination.

Presence of Foveal Bulge in Optical Coherence Tomographic Images in Eyes With Macular Edema Associated With Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

To determine whether a significant correlation exists between the presence of a bulge in the photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) line and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in eyes with resolved macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Retrospective, observational case series. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who had a complete resolution of macular edema and had an intact IS/OS line in the central fovea in the spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic (SDOCT) images. Thirty-one eyes with macular edema associated with BRVO (BRVO group) and 31 unaffected fellow eyes (control group) of 31 patients were evaluated. In normal eyes, the intact IS/OS line determined by SDOCT has a bulge at the central fovea, called the foveal bulge. The eyes in the BRVO group were classified by the presence or absence of foveal bulge, and the characteristics of the 2 groups were compared. A foveal bulge was present in 7 of 31 eyes in the BRVO group. The incidence of a foveal bulge was significantly lower in the BRVO group (22.6%) than in the control group (100%; P < .0001). All 7 eyes with foveal bulge had a decimal BCVA of ≥1.0 at the final visit. The incidence of a foveal bulge was significantly higher in eyes with BCVA of ≥1.0 (77.8%) than in the eyes with BCVA of <1.0 (0%; P < .0001). The foveal bulge is a good marker of the functional properties of the fovea in eyes with resolved macular edema associated with BRVO.