Integrity Of External Limiting Membrane Research Articles

Evaluation of the relationship between the real-time changes of macular structure and visual function in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after silicone oil tamponade

PurposeTo evaluate the relationship between the real-time changes of macular structure and visual function in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients. MethodsForty-six patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular structural changes were analyzed within 3 months after silicone oil tamponade. ResultsThe mean final BCVA was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA (P=0.002). The parafoveal thickness became thinner, the proportion of subretinal fluid (SRF) decreased, and the proportion of intact external limiting membrane (ELM) increased within 3 months postoperatively. The recovery stage and the integrity of ELM in the SRF (-) group were significantly faster than that in the SRF (+) group (all P<0.05). The central foveal thickness (CFT), the inferior and temporal thickness of the parafovea, and the integrity of the ELM were significantly correlated with BCVA at each time point (all P<0.05). Long duration of preoperative RRD, thinner CFT at 1 month postoperatively, and without integrity of ELM at 3 months postoperatively were associated with poor final BCVA recovery (R2=0.462). ConclusionsThe macular microstructural tended to restore integrity within 3 months. The presence of SRF in macula delayed the recovery of RRD patients but did not affect the visual function.

Prediction of postoperative visual acuity restoration in macula off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using artificial intelligence

PurposeTo assess feasibility of automatic segmentation of OCT biomarkers of visual acuity (VA) and the possibility of prediction of postoperative VA after successful reattachment in macula off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) eyes using artificial intelligence (AI). Designretrospective case control study MethodsPatients operated of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macula-off non-traumatic RRD with available good quality OCT acquisitions were included. Ellipsoid zone(EZ) foveal damage and reflectivity, external limiting membrane(ELM) foveal damage, foveal flattening, outer nuclear layer(ONL) thickness and the presence of cysts and hyperreflective foci(HRFs) was assessed on preoperative OCT B scan images by both a trained segmenter and human graders. Different machine learning(ML)models were tested for detection of cases with VA>0.4 logMar at 6 months from surgery.Segmentation performance of the model was compared with ground truth segmentation provided by human graders. Postoperative VA prediction based on the segmented OCT biomarkers, preoperative VA and age was compared with actual postoperative VA to assess accuracy of the model. ResultsA total of 58 eyes of 58 patients were included. A significant difference in preoperative VA, foveal flattening, foveal EZ and ELM damage, EZ reflectivity and presence of HRF in the ONL was detected between groups(all p < 0.001).The segmenter showed good agreement with human assessment in both qualitative and quantitative variables. The Optimizable Naïve Bayes model was the best performing ML model and showed an accuracy of 86.2 % in detection of cases with postoperative VA>0.4 logMar. ConclusionsThe results confirm the prognostic relevance of EZ and ELM integrity and reflectivity, foveal flattening, ONL cysts and ONL HRF in macula off RRD, and, for the first time in literature, reports feasibility of the segmentation of these factors in preoperative OCT B scan images. We also report good classification performances of Naïve Bayes models based on OCT biomarkers, preoperative VA and age in distinguishing patients that should expect a postoperative VA>0.4 logMar at 6 months from surgery.

Internal limiting membrane peeling combined with mouse nerve growth factor injection for idiopathic macular hole

BackgroundThe study was intended to confirm whether Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) with Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) peeling and intravitreal injection mouse Nerve Growth Factor(mNGF) was effective for the treatment of Idiopathic Macular Hole(IMH) by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography(OCTA) and microperimetry.MethodsA retrospective study was performed in adults’ patients. A total of 44 eyes (March 2021-October 2021) with IMH who received surgical treatment in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province were selected. The subjects were treated using PPV combined with ILM peeling and intravitreal mNGF (combined group) or PPV combined with ILM peeling (placebo group). The Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and MP-3 microperimetry were carried out and observed at baseline, 1 week(1W), 1,3 and 6 months (1 M,3 M,6 M) postoperatively.ResultsThe minimum diameter of MH were (568.650 ± 215.862)μm and (533.348 ± 228.836)μm in the Placebo and Combine group pre-operative. During the observation, the macular hole closure rate in the placebo group and combined group were 90% and 95.8% respectively and the difference was not statistically significant(p = 0.583). Compared to pre-surgery, the perimeter and circularity of Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) in the placebo group decreased at 1,3,6 M (p = 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001) and 1W,1,6 M (p = 0.045,0.010, < 0.001) post-surgery respectively. And the perimeter and circularity of FAZ showed significant reduction in the combined group at 1,3,6 M (p = 0.005,0.004, < 0.001) and at each follow-up time point (all values of p < 0.001). The vascular density of SCP increased at 1W(p = 0.031) and 6 M(p = 0.007), the perfusion density of SCP was significantly improved at each follow-up time point (p = 0.028, 0.011, 0.046, 0.004) in the combined group. The BCVA in the combined group was more obvious than that in the placebo group at 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after operation (t1 = 2.248, p1 = 0.030; t3 = 3.546, p3 = 0.001; t6 = 3.054, p6 = 0.004). The changes of BCVA in the combined group was more conspicuous than that in the placebo group at each follow-up time point, and the difference was statistically significant (t1 = 2.206,p1 = 0.033;t2 = 2.54,p2 = 0.015;t3 = 3.546,p3 = 0.001;t6 = 3.124,p6 = 0.003).At 1 M, 3 M and 6 M, the MRS of 2° and 4° in the combined group was better than that in the placebo group(t = -2.429,-2.650,-3.510,-2.134,-2.820,-3.099 p = 0.020,0.011,0.001,0.039,0.007,0.004). During various time points, the MRS of 12°in the combined group was better than that in the placebo group, the difference was statistically significant (t = -3.151, -3.912, -4.521, -4.948, p1 = 0.003, < 0.001, < 0.001 < 0.001). The integrity of External Limiting Membrane (ELM) in combination group was better than that in placebo group at 6 M postoperative(p = 0.022) and that of Ellipsoid Zone(EZ) was preferable in the combined group at 3 M and 6 M after surgery(p = 0.012,0.004). Correlation analysis showed that the integrity of EZ was correlated with 12°MRS at 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after surgery(r = -0.318, -0.343,-0.322;p = 0.023,0.033, < 0.001). There was no correlation between postoperative ELM integrity and postoperative BCVA and 12°MRS(p > 0.05).ConclusionsOur results manifested that PPV combined with ILM peeling and intravitreal injection mNGF might be more effective for initial IMH. This method increased the blood flow, MRS and promoted the recovery of ELM and EZ in the macular and might improve the visual function of patients postoperatively.

Evaluation of the optical coherence tomography findings of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between basal visual acuity (VA) and basal optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). The study included 200 eyes of 200 patients with iERM. In the evaluation of basal VAs, logMAR 0.3 (0.5 on Snellen chart) was accepted as the limit, and the patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 with VA values below logMAR 0.3 and Group 2 with those above logMAR 0.3. Using OCT, the ellipsoid zone (EZ), interdigitation zone (IZ), external limiting membrane (ELM) integrity, peaked appearance of EZ in the fovea, disorganization of the inner retinal layers (DRIL), central foveal thickness (CFT), maximum retinal thickness (MRT), total photoreceptor length (TPL), photoreceptor outer segment length (PROSL), photoreceptor deformity index (PDI), and inner retinal layer irregularity index (IRLII) were evaluated and compared between the groups. There were an equal number of patients in Group 1 and Group 2. The preservation of ELM, EZ, and IZ integrity and the peaked appearance of EZ in the fovea were observed at higher rates in Group 1, whereas the rate of DRIL was higher in Group 2 (p<0.05 for all). In the multiple regression analysis performed to evaluate categorical OCT parameters, only the presence of DRIL was found to be significantly associated with VA (p<0.003). CFT*, MRT*, and IRLII** were significantly lower in Group 1 (*p<0.001, **p=0.001). TPU, PROSL, and FDI were similar between the two groups (p>0.05 for all). According to the multiple regression analysis, only the presence of DRIL was correlated with lower VA values. Among the OCT parameters, an increase in CFT and MRT, as well as the IRLII value moving away from 1 were related to lower VA values.

Preoperative and Postoperative Factors Affecting Functional Success in Anatomically Successful Retinal Detachment Surgery.

To investigate preoperative and postoperative factors affecting functional success in anatomically successful retinal detachment surgery. Seventy-five eyes of 75 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent anatomically successful surgery from 2014 to 2019 with more than 1 year follow-up were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, ocular examination findings, preoperative and postoperative spectral domain optic coherence tomography images were retrospectively evaluated. The mean age was 53.9 ± 17 years (range, 11-85 years). The mean follow-up period was 36.7 ± 16 months (range, 14-72 months). The mean best-corrected visual acuity of the patients before surgery was 1.35 ± 1.24 and at postoperative 12 months was 0.66 ± 0.5 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. Patients who were operated in 7 days of visual symptoms onset were found to have better visual acuity at the first and subsequent postoperative exams. Preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage, and extent of retinal detachment were found to have a negative effect on functional success at 12 months. Regeneration of the outer retinal layers had a positive effect on visual acuity at 12 months but did not significantly increase visual acuity after 12 months. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative external limiting membrane integrity was significantly associated with better functional outcomes. Early intervention, presence of preoperative external limiting membrane integrity, and restoration of postoperative outer retinal layers positively affected functional success. The presence of preoperative vitreous hemorrhage, preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and the extent of retinal detachment had a negative effect on prognosis at 12 months.

Automatic quantification of retinal photoreceptor integrity to predict persistent disease activity in neovascular age-related macular degeneration using deep learning.

Using deep learning (DL)-based technique, we identify risk factors and create a prediction model for refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) characterized by persistent disease activity (PDA) in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. A total of 671 typical B-scans were collected from 186 eyes of 186 patients with nAMD. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography images were analyzed using a classification convolutional neural network (CNN) and a fully convolutional network (FCN) algorithm to extract six features involved in nAMD, including ellipsoid zone (EZ), external limiting membrane (ELM), intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), pigment epithelium detachment (PED), and subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM). Random forest models were probed to predict 1-year disease activity (stable, PDA, and cured) based on the quantitative features computed from automated segmentation and evaluated with cross-validation. The algorithm to segment six SD-OCT features achieved the mean accuracy of 0.930 (95% CI: 0.916-0.943), dice coefficients of 0.873 (95% CI: 0.847-0.899), a sensitivity of 0.873 (95% CI: 0.844-0.910), and a specificity of 0.922 (95% CI: 0.905-0.940). The six-metric model including EZ and ELM achieved the optimal performance to predict 1-year disease activity, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.980, the accuracy of 0.930, the sensitivity of 0.920, and the specificity of 0.962. The integrity of EZ and ELM significantly improved the performance of the six-metric model than that of the four-metric model. The prediction model reveals the potential to predict PDA in nAMD eyes. The integrity of EZ and ELM constituted the strongest predictive factor for PDA in nAMD eyes in real-world clinical practice. The results of this study are a significant step toward image-guided prediction of long-term disease activity in the management of nAMD and highlight the importance of the automatic identification of photoreceptor layers.

Hyperreflective Foci in Diabetic Macular Edema with Subretinal Fluid: Association with Visual Outcomes after Anti-VEGF Treatment

Introduction: Objectives of the study were to describe the hyperreflective foci (HRF) on optical coherence tomography angiography in diabetic macular edema (DME) with subretinal fluid (SRF) and explore the association of HRF in the outer retina with photoreceptor integrity and visual outcomes after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 46 eyes (36 patients) with DME treated with anti-VEGF drugs. The following parameters, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), the height of SRF, the number of HRF in the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, and the outer retina, as well as the integrity of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ), were evaluated and compared between the baseline and after 2 monthly injections of anti-VEGF drugs. The relationship between the HRF in the outer retina and the integrity of ELM and EZ, as well as BCVA, was analyzed. Results: BCVA was significantly improved in DME after anti-VEGF treatment; however, for the subgroup of DME patients with SRF, visual acuity remained unchanged after anti-VEGF treatment (p < 0.05 vs. p = 0.375). The number of HRF (p < 0.05), CMT (p < 0.001), and SRF height (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced, accompanied with partial restoration of ELM and EZ integrity after anti-VEGF injection. The HRF in the outer retina was correlated with the final ELM (p = 0.036) and EZ (p = 0.004) status. The final BCVA was significantly better in eyes with intact ELM (p = 0.002) and EZ at final visit (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The number of HRF in outer retina was negatively associated with the microstructural restoration of ELM and EZ, as well as the visual outcome in DME patients with SRF after anti-VEGF treatment.

Outer retinal features in OCT predict visual recovery after primary macula-involving retinal detachment repair.

To find predictive markers for the visual potential in optical coherence tomography (OCT) one month after surgical repair of macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (miRD) with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. This retrospective single-center, single-surgeon cohort study included 74 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary miRD between January 2013 and August 2020 with follow-up examinations for at least 6 months. Patients developing recurrent detachments, media opacities, or with an axial length over 27 mm were excluded from the analysis. LogMAR visual (VA) and LogRAD reading acuity (RA) ± standard deviation (SD), and OCT measurements 6 months after surgery were compared to OCT and VA measurements one month after surgery using multiple linear regression analysis for predictions. VA increased from 0.34 ± 0.25 at one month to 0.22 ± 0.21 after 6 months [p < 0.001; effect size = -0.662, 95% confidence interval (CI): -(0.99-0.33)]. The continuity of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) increased between 1 and 6 months. Subfoveal ELM integrity after one month predicted VA [adjusted R2 of 8.0%, F(2, 71) = 4.17, p = 0.018] and RA [adjusted R2 of 29%, F(2, 27) = 6.81, p = 0.002] after 6 months. EZ integrity had a less pronounced predictive effect on VA and RA. ELM integrity after 1 month correlated with better reading acuity after 6 months (p = 0.016). VA and morphological OCT parameters improve between 1 and 6 months after surgery for miRD. The grade of ELM is a better predictor for RA than for VA, explaining more variance.

External limiting membrane disruption predicts long‐term outcome in strict Treat‐and‐Extend Regimen in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration

AbstractPurposeTo determine long‐term outcomes and outcome predicting factors in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) applying a strict treat‐and‐extend regimen (TER).MethodsUp to 8‐year retrospective follow‐up of treatment‐naïve subjects with nAMD starting treatment with either ranibizumab or aflibercept in a TER without loading dose but with predefined exit criteria. Spectral‐domain Optical Coherence Tomography scans were acquired in a follow‐up mode and evaluated following a standardized protocol.ResultsTwo hundred‐eleven (211) eyes of 187 patients with a mean follow‐up of 60.3 ± 20.9 months were included. Real‐life follow‐up adherence was high (e.g. 88% at 3 years, 64% at 5 years) with the major part of discontinuations of TER being due to success. During follow‐up, 30.3% of eyes reached the predefined exit criteria, whereof 79.7% in the first five years. Mean BCVA increased from initially 63.9 ± 15.5 ETDRS letters (20/55) to 70.0 ± 14.7 (20/40) after one year (+6.1 letters, p &lt; 0.001) and to 68.5 ± 18.1 (20/43) (+4.6 letters, p = 0.028) at 5 years. A worse BCVA (p = 0.001) and a better external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption score at baseline predicted (p = 0.019) BCVA gain at 5 years. The probability of reaching the exit criteria was significantly associated with a low central retinal thickness (CRT) (p = 0.025), a better ELM disruption score (p = 0.044) and the absence of a central pigment epithelial detachment (PED) (p = 0.05) at baseline.ConclusionsSignificant visual gains were sustained in a long‐term TER in a real‐world setting. Integrity of ELM at baseline predicted BCVA gain at 5 years and the potential for TER exit due to success.

External Limiting Membrane Disruption Predicts Long-Term Outcome in Strict Treat-And-Extend Regimen in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

The use of anti-vascular-endothelial growth factor agents for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in different treatment schemes is widely common in clinical practice. However, there is currently limited data on the long-term outcomes of a strict treat-and-extend regimen (TER) and imaging biomarkers to predict both functional outcome and the potential for a TER exit due to success. In this retrospective study we followed treatment-naïve subjects with nAMD starting treatment with either ranibizumab or aflibercept in a TER without loading dose but with predefined exit criteria for up to 8 years. We evaluated both the functional outcome and several spectral-domain optical coherence tomography parameters in a follow-up mode using a standardized protocol. Within the 211 eyes followed for a mean of 60.3 ± 20.9 months, follow-up adherence was high with major part of discontinuations of TER being due to success. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased from initially 63.9 ± 15.5 ETDRS letters to 70.0 ± 14.7 after 1 year (+6.1 letters, p < 0.001) and to 68.5 ± 18.1 (+4.6 letters, p = 0.028) at 5 years. A worse BCVA (p = 0.001) and a better external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption score at baseline predicted (p = 0.019) BCVA gain at 5 years. The probability of reaching the exit criteria was significantly associated with a better ELM disruption score (p = 0.044) and the absence of a central pigment epithelial detachment (PED) (p = 0.05) at baseline. Significant visual gains were sustained in a long-term TER in a real-world setting. Integrity of ELM at baseline predicted BCVA gain at 5 years and the potential for TER exit due to success.

COVID-19: more than a respiratory virus, an optical coherence tomography study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate anatomic and morphologic features of inner and outer retinal layers in patients recovered from COVID-19 with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT), whether correlate with any symptoms during disease process.Methods32 patients recovered from COVID-19 and age- and gender-matched 36 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, macular and peripapiller retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), outer plexiform layer (OPL) and the outer retinal hyperreflective bands including external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ) and interdigitation zone (IZ) were examined with SD-OCT. The differences of each retinal layers thickness among subgroup analysis of ocular pain and headache were also compared.ResultsMacular RNFL of inner and outer nasal and outer inferior quadrants were thinner in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy control group (p = 0.046, p = 0.014 and p = 0.016, respectively). Thinning in outer superior quadrant of GCIPL and INL quadrants were detected in patients with headache (p = 0.026 and p = 0.01). Superonasal and inferotemporal sectors of pRNFL were thinner in patients with ocular pain compared to patients without ocular pain (p = 0.024 and p = 0.015). Integrity of EZ, ELM and IZ was evaluated as continuous line and protected on each OCT scans.ConclusionThe study demonstrated convincing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can affect the inner and outer retinal layers, with subclinical localized alterations, particularly in patients with headache and ocular pain symptoms during COVID-19 period.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10792-021-01952-5.

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

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

Effect of Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant on Visual Acuity and Foveal Photoreceptor Integrity in Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vascular Disease

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dexamethasone intravitreal (DEX) implant on the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity in treatment-naïve patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vascular disease (RVD). Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted on patients with ME secondary to RVD, who underwent a DEX implant. Results: One-hundred eyes were included. Mean age was 70.3 ± 11.1 years. Mean ELM integrity significantly improved from 1,575.9 ± 285.9 μm at baseline to 1,711.7 ± 244.0 μm at month 3 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in EZ integrity from baseline to month 3 (1,531.5 ± 317.1 vs. 1,694.3 ± 252.8 μm, respectively, p < 0.0001). At month 3, mean visual acuity (VA) gain was 9.9 ± 14.1 letters (p < 0.0001). Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) significantly decreased by –193.2 ± 185.7 μm from baseline to month 3 (p < 0.0001). Mean changes in VA and CRT were significantly correlated with baseline ELM integrity (p = 0.0065 and p = 0.0046, respectively) and EZ integrity (p = 0.0300 and p = 0.0035, respectively). At month 3, the proportion of eyes which had an intact ELM (mean difference 16.0%, 95% CI 5.4–26.4%, p = 0.0033) and EZ (mean difference 12.0%, 95% CI 1.8–22.1%, p = 0.0210) was significantly higher than at baseline. Conclusions: DEX implant was able to significantly improve ELM and EZ integrity in naïve patients with ME.

Short-term outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone in relation to biomarkers in diabetic macular edema.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dexamethasone implant (0.7 mg) on biomarkers such as hyper-reflective dots, external limiting membrane integrity and disorganization of retinal inner layers in treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder cases with diabetic macular edema and its effects on edema and visual acuity. This is a prospective study of treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder patients with diabetic macular edema, treated with single dexamethasone implant. Pre- and post-injection-based best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, hyper-reflective dots, external limiting membrane integrity and disorganization of retinal inner layers were assessed. A total of 27 diabetic macular edema eyes, including 9 non-responder eyes, 9 eyes which received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and 9 treatment-naïve eyes, were included in this study. Baseline hyper-reflective dots were 22.22 ± 11.76, 30 ± 7.91 and 19.44 ± 8.82 which reduced to 3.33 ± 1.32, 9 ± 8.35 and 8.78 ± 2.53 four months after implant in treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder cases, respectively. Baseline central macular thickness was 589.44 ± 175.37, 537 ± 181.81 and 673.11 ± 138.24 and the central macular thickness after dexamethasone implant was 272.11 ± 39.00, 336.44 ± 132.88 and 524.00 ± 200.39 in treatment-naïve patients, patients who received less than three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and non-responder cases, respectively. External limiting membrane integrity was restored in two patients in each group, whereas two patients with disorganization of retinal inner layers in treatment-naïve group showed reorganization of retinal structures after treatment with dexamethasone implant. Better response to dexamethasone implant in cases with more hyper-reflective dots shows that these hyper-reflective dots can be used as a predictive biomarker. Dexamethasone implant might help in restoring external limiting membrane integrity and resolution of disorganization of retinal inner layers.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY CHANGES AFTER SUBTHRESHOLD MICROPULSE YELLOW LASER IN DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA.

To assess changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with subthreshold micropulse yellow laser (SMPL) over a period of 6 months. Thirty-five eyes (35 consecutive patients) with treatment-naive DME prospectively underwent (at baseline, 3 and 6 months) best-corrected visual acuity, swept-source OCT angiography/OCT, and fundus autofluorescence. Following parameters were evaluated on OCT angiography in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP): the area of foveal avascular zone, number of microaneurysms (MA), area of cysts, and presence of capillary network alterations. Microaneurysm change was also evaluated in 15 fellow eyes, not needing treatment over 6 months. Vessel and perfusion densities were evaluated in the SCP, DCP, and choriocapillaris, with image J. Retina thickness, number of hyperreflective retinal spots, and external limiting membrane integrity were evaluated on OCT. All measurements were performed by two masked graders, independently. All patients had diabetes mellitus Type 2 (mean age, 69.4 ± 10.9 years; duration of diabetes mellitus, 15.7 ± 8.7 years; and HbA1c 7.7 ± 1.2%). Mean best-corrected visual acuity at baseline was 69.7 ± 12.0 letters ETDRS, 72.7 ± 10.7 at 3 months (gain 3.1 ± 4.3, P = 0.0049) and 74.3 ± 9.5 at 6 months (gain 4.6 ± 7.2, P < 0.0001). Foveal avascular zone area decreased in the DCP at 6 months (P = 0.01). Area of cysts decreased in the SCP at 3 months and 6 months (P = 0.038; P = 0.049), and in the DCP at 6 months (P = 0.0071). Number of MA decreased at 6 months in the SCP (P = 0.0007) and at 3 months and 6 months in the DCP (P = 0.048; P < 0.0001) in treated eyes. No significant change in number of MA was found in nontreated eyes. There was no statistically significant change in any other OCT angiography/OCT parameter. Subthreshold micropulse yellow laser induces more pronounced changes in the DCP than in the SCP in DME. These changes occurred as early as 3 months after treatment. The evaluation of specific parameters in the DCP may help in determining treatment response.

Long-Term Outcomes after Macular Hole Surgery

To evaluate the structural and visual outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (MH) with at least 5 years of follow-up information. Retrospective case series. Patients with idiopathic MH who had at least 5 years of follow-up information after PPV. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded preoperatively and, when available, at 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 10 years after surgery. Reestablishment of the postoperative integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and the external limiting membrane (ELM) and presence of cystoid spaces were evaluated using spectral-domain (SD) OCT. Postoperative BCVA and its correlation with different SD OCT parameters. Eighty-seven eyes of 80 patients with a mean age at surgery of 68.9±7.03 years were included. The mean postoperative follow-up was 9.6±4.3 years (median, 9 years; range, 5-22 years). The mean preoperative BCVA was 0.20±0.14 (range, 0.03-0.66). Postoperative BCVA was improved at all time points compared with preoperative BCVA (P < 0.05). Improvement in the postoperative BCVA remained stable 10 years after surgery. Initial successful closure of MH was achieved in 82 eyes (94%). Macular hole reopening occurred in 7 eyes (8.0%). Eleven eyes (13%) were reoperated: 4 eyes (4.5%) for persistence and 7 eyes (8.0%) for reopening of MH. Indocyanine green (ICG) stain was used in 22 eyes (25.2%). Among 57 patients (66%) who were phakic before surgery, 52 eyes (91.2%) underwent cataract extraction after PPV at a mean duration of 32.7±38.5 months (range, 2-187 months). Postoperative EZ integrity was restored in 52 eyes (60%), ELM integrity was restored in 54 eyes (62%), and cystoid spaces of variable severity were observed in 28 eyes (32%). Preoperative BCVA of 20/60 or better and postoperative reestablished ELM and EZ integrity were associated significantly with better postoperative BCVA at different postoperative follow-up visits (P < 0.05). Visual acuity improvement after MH surgery continued during the first 3 years after PPV and was maintained thereafter in a substantial fraction of patients, and final BCVA correlated with better preoperative BCVA and better postoperative OCT parameters.

Outcome Predictors of SD-OCT-Driven Intravitreal Ranibizumab in Choroidal Neovascularization due to Myopia

Purpose: To analyze the efficacy and outcome predictors of SD-OCT (spectral-domain optical coherence tomography)-driven ranibizumab treatment in patients with choroidal neovascularization due to myopia (mCNV). Methods: This prospective investigator-initiated study includes 20 patients with treatment-naïve mCNV. Evaluation included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), morphological SD-OCT parameters, and treatment frequency. Results: From baseline to month 12, BCVA improved from 58.5 ± 16.9 to 66.1 ± 14.9 letters. Central retinal thickness (CRT) significantly decreased, and qualitative SD-OCT parameters improved. Better baseline visual acuity (VA), lower spherical equivalent, better inner/outer segment line and external limiting membrane integrity showed a significant positive effect on BCVA outcome. Less fluctuation in CRT (worst minus best CRT) indicated better BCVA at 12 months. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: SD-OCT-guided intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in mCNV was efficient and safe. We determined useful predictive factors in regard to VA outcome after 12 months.

Retinoschisis: A Predictive Factor in Vitrectomy for Lamellar Macular Holes in Highly Myopic Eyes

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for lamellar macular hole (LMH) with or without macular retinoschisis in highly myopic eyes. Methods: In this retrospective, consecutive case-control study, 21 highly myopic patients (22 eyes) with LMH were divided into two groups based on preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT): the “flat group” had no macular retinoschisis (n = 10), and the “retinoschisis group” had macular retinoschisis (n = 12). The average follow-up time was 17.2 ± 12.6 months. Outcomes were based on 6-month postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ), external limiting membrane (ELM), and residual foveal thickness (RFT). Results: The appearance of the macula on OCT was normalized in 19 eyes (86.3%) at the final follow-up visit. Compared to the flat group, the retinoschisis group presented a significantly higher incidence of epiretinal membrane (p = 0.046) and lower refractive error (p = 0.033), shorter axial length (p = 0.0009), better integrity of ELM and EZ (p = 0.005 and p = 0.005, respectively), and better preoperative and postoperative BCVAs (p = 0.015). Conclusions: PPV is an effective method to achieve a high anatomical success, improve postoperative vision, and prevent foveal thinning in highly myopic eyes with LMH. In these eyes, the presence of retinoschisis strongly indicates the need for vitrectomy.

Prediction of Visual Acuity After Cataract Surgery Using Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Eyes With Retinitis Pigmentosa.

To investigate the predictive factors of visual acuity (VA) after cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Retrospective, observational study. The authors reviewed a consecutive series of 70 patients (109 eyes) with RP who underwent cataract surgery. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and 3 months after surgery were measured. The relationship between preoperative ellipsoid zone (EZ) conditions, external limiting membrane (ELM) conditions, central macular thickness (CMT), and postoperative BCVA were investigated. The mean BCVA was significantly improved after cataract surgery from 0.80 to 0.45 (P < .001). However, final BCVA did not improve in 57 eyes (52.3%). The mean postoperative BCVA was significantly better in eyes with an intact ELM than those without (P < .001), in eyes with an intact EZ than those without (P < .001), and in eyes with relatively normal CMT (≥ 200 μm) than those with decreased CMT (< 200 μm) (P < .001). In multiple linear regression analysis, preoperative logMAR VA (P < .001), ELM integrity (P < .001), and CMT (P = .017) remained the only three variables that were associated significiantly with postoperative BCVA (R2 = 0.753; P < .001). Postoperative BCVA in approximately half of the eyes was improved after cataract surgery in patients with RP. The preoperative BCVA and the status of ELM and CMT are important parameters to predict postoperative VA. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:587-594.].

Macular integrity assessment to determine the association between macular microstructure and functional parameters in diabetic macular edema.

To respectively evaluate macular morphological features and functional parameters by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and macular integrity assessment (MAIA) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). This prospective, non-controlled, open study included 61 eyes of 38 consecutive patients with DME. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, MAIA microperimetry, and SD-OCT. DME morphology, including central retinal thickness (CRT) and central retinal volume (CRV); integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction; and the deposition of hard macular exudates were assessed within a 1000-µm central subfield area. MAIA microperimetry parameters evaluated were average threshold (AT)-retinal sensitivity, macular integrity index (MI), fixation points within a circle of radius 1° (P1) and 2° (P2), and bivariate contour ellipse area considering 63% and 95% of the fixation points (A63 and A95, respectively). MI was significantly higher in eyes with disrupted ELM or IS/OS, compared with eyes with intact ELM and IS/OS. Values of BCVA (logMAR), total AT, AT within 1000-µm diameter, P2, A63, A95, and CRT were significantly worse in eyes with disrupted IS/OS, compared with eyes with intact IS/OS. The values of BCVA (logMAR), AT within 1000-µm diameter, and CRT were significantly worse in eyes with disrupted ELM, compared with eyes with intact ELM. These parameters were not significantly different between eyes with or without hard macular exudate deposition. CRV was not significantly different in the presence or absence of the integrity of ELM, IS/OS, or deposition of hard macular exudates. At the center, nasal and temporal sectors of the fovea, significant negative correlations were observed between retinal thickness and AT of the corresponding area. At the inferior and superior sectors of the fovea, no correlations were observed between retinal thickness and AT of the corresponding area. In the intact IS/OS group, significant negative correlations were observed between CRT and central AT. There was no correlation between retinal sensitivity and thickness when the IS/OS layer was disrupted. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that IS/OS integrity was an independent factor affecting MI. Functional (BCVA and visual field) and morphological parameters (retinal thickness) were significantly associated with an intact IS/OS. Local photoreceptor integrity was a strong predictor of local visual function throughout the retina. MI revealed the functional status in DME, reflecting the IS/OS juction status in the macula.