Final logMAR Visual Acuity Research Articles

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses for visual rehabilitation of unilateral aphakic children in China

PurposeTo investigate the effectiveness, safety and tolerance of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGP CLs) in the visual rehabilitation of unilateral aphakic children in China. MethodsRecords of 36 children (36 eyes) with RGP CLs to unilateral aphakia between 2014 and 2018 were evaluated. Each enrolled child underwent vision assessment (visual acuity, fixation, and deviation) at each follow-up visit and their caregivers completed a questionnaire designed to find out the reasons for RGP CLs dropout. The fit characteristics and adverse events were also evaluated. ResultsThe mean age was 7.0 months (interquartile range, 5.0–12.8 months). The final mean logMAR visual acuity (VA) of the treated eyes was 1.2 ± 0.7 for 12 patients who cooperated in visual assessments and 6 out of these subjects had a VA of better than 1.0 logMAR. The proportion of treated eyes which could be recorded the visual results increased significantly after RGP CLs intervention (5.6% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001). The final VA assessed for the fellow eyes and both eyes were 0.7 ± 0.4 and 0.6 ± 0.3, respectively. Of the 36 patients, 24 had strabismus. There was no severe lens-related adverse event except only one patient had mild conjunctivitis. At the end of the follow-up it was found that 25 eyes are still using RGP CLs (69%). Indications to discontinue contact lens wear included difficult manipulation of RGP CL, loss of motivation, unstable lens, and eye irritation. ConclusionsRGP contact lenses provide an effective and safe alternative method for visual rehabilitation and can be well tolerated in pediatric aphakia.

Early Predictors of Long-term Outcomes in Childhood Glaucoma.

A data-based staging system for childhood glaucoma is likely to improve the prediction of visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) control outcomes. We investigated early clinical factors associated with poor long-term visual, and IOP control outcomes in early-onset glaucoma as the initial steps to constructing a severity staging system. Statistical modeling of retrospective case series data. Glaucoma patients younger than 3 years of age who presented to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 1990 and 2010 with at least 5 years of follow up. Statistical modeling of retrospective case series data from first, second, third, 3-year, 5-year, and final visits. Association of early clinical characteristics to final IOP-control outcomes and visual acuities. A total of 26 eyes of 15 children were included. Nine of 15 (60%) of patients were male. Mean age at initial presentation: 9.98±10.55 months. Mean duration between initial and final visits: 11.13±3.55 years. By the third visit (mean 6.69 mo after presentation), presence of nystagmus, anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) or having failed angle surgery increased the final LogMAR visual acuity by 0.76 (P=0.0516), 0.64 (P=0.0618), and 0.58 (P=0.0159), respectively. At year 3, failed amblyopia therapy, failed angle surgery, nystagmus, media opacity (MO), or ASD increased the final LogMAR by 1.30, 1.34, 1.21, 0.85, 0.64, respectively (all P<0.02). Failed angle surgery or MO increased the chance of uncontrolled IOP at the final visit (proportional odds ratio of 6.77 and 12.88, respectively). In this pilot study of a modest size cohort, the presence of nystagmus, ASD or failed angle surgery early in the course of infantile-onset glaucoma management predicted poor final visual outcome, whereas failed angle surgery and presence of MO predicted poor final IOP control. These predictors of poor outcomes will serve as the initial steps in constructing a severity staging system.

Visual and refractive outcomes following management of anterior capsular tears with a capsulorrhexis relaxing incision

ObjectiveTo evaluate the refractive outcomes after anterior capsular tear (ACT). DesignRetrospective case–control study. ParticipantsAfter ethics approval, the surgical operative records of 4301 consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery by a single surgeon were reviewed for cases of ACT. MethodsAll ACTs were managed using a balancing incision of the capsulorrhexis margin 180 degrees away from the tear. If the patient’s other eye had undergone cataract surgery by the same surgeon, it was included as a control. ResultsFifty-one eyes of 51 patients were complicated by ACT (incidence = 1.2%). The mean age of patients in the study was 64.2 ± 12.1 years. Of the 51 patients with ACT, 34 underwent contralateral surgery. These eyes were used as the control group. There was no significant difference in preoperative visual acuity (p = 0.683) or proportion of eyes that received in-the-bag intraocular lens placement (p = 0.347) between groups (ACT = 92.2%; control = 97.1%). In 3 ACT eyes, the tear extended into the posterior capsule (5.9%), and although this did not occur in control eyes, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.150). There was no difference in best-corrected final logMAR visual acuity between groups (p = 0.424) or postoperative spherical equivalent between ACT (−0.23 ± 1.2D) and control (−0.15 ± 0.62D) eyes (p = 0.985). ConclusionsCataract extraction complicated by ACT can result in equivalent visual and refractive outcomes as in uncomplicated surgery. The technique used in this study prevented extension of ACT to the posterior capsule in 94.1% of cases.

Outcomes of Boston keratoprosthesis type 1 reimplantation: multicentre study results

ObjectiveTo investigate the visual and anatomical outcomes of Boston keratoprosthesis (Kpro) type 1 reimplantation. DesignSubgroup analysis of multicentre prospective cohort study. ParticipantsOf 303 eyes that underwent Kpro implantation between January 2003 and July 2008 by 1 of 19 surgeons at 18 medical centres, 13 eyes of 13 patients who underwent reimplantation of Boston Kpro type 1 were compared with 13 eyes of 13 diagnosis-matched patients who underwent initial implantation. MethodsForms reporting preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were prospectively collected and analyzed. Main outcome measures were Kpro retention and logMAR visual acuity. ResultsAfter a mean follow-up time of 17.1 ± 17.6 months, the retention of both initial and repeat Kpro implantation was 92.3% (12/13 in both groups), and 62% of initial implantation and 58% of repeat implantation eyes achieved visual acuity better than 20/200. Vision worse than 20/200 was often due to glaucoma or posterior segment pathology. Best-recorded logMAR visual acuity was significantly improved postoperatively in both groups (p < 0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference in final logMAR visual acuity between the 2 groups (p = 0.89). Sterile keratolysis (n = 4) and fungal infection (n = 5) were the most common causes of initial Kpro failure in the repeat Kpro group. The single failure in the repeat Kpro implantation group was due to fungal keratitis, and in the control group it was related to Kpro extrusion. ConclusionsRepeat Kpro implantation is a viable option after failed initial Kpro, with visual and anatomical outcomes comparable to those of initial procedures.

Primary iris claw IOL retrofixation with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in cases of inadequate capsular support.

To assess the outcomes and analyze complication rates following primary iris claw IOL retrofixation with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. This is a retrospective interventional case series. Patients with poor capsular support-diagnosed preoperatively or owing to intraoperative complications-were treated with iris claw IOL retrofixation with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. The data were retrospectively analyzed. 104 eyes of 102 patients with poor capsular support who underwent the procedure between 2010 and 2013 were analyzed. The minimum follow-up period was 12months (ranging from 12 to 36months). Iris claw IOL was implanted in-traumatic subluxated cataracts-24 cases (23.07%), non-traumatic subluxated cataracts in 16 cases (15.38%), or as a complication of cataract surgery-intraoperative posterior capsular rent in 48 cases (46.15%) and intraoperative nucleus drop in 16 cases (15.38%). The final mean best-corrected logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.36±0.64 preoperatively to 0.36±0.32 at 1-year follow-up. Complications included pupil ovalization in 11 cases (10.57%), transient elevation in intraocular pressure in 7 eyes (6.73%), postoperative hypotony in 5 eyes (4.80%), cystoid macular edema in 2 eyes (1.92%), retinal detachment in 1 eye (0.96%), vitreous hemorrhage in 1 eye (0.96%), and hyphema in 1 eye (0.96%). Primary iris claw IOL retrofixation provided excellent alternative in patients with inadequate capsular support. The visual outcomes were good along with favorable rates of complications. The addition of triamcinolone acetonide helps in reducing the chances of cystoid macular edema.

Levodopa as a possible treatment of visual loss in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

To determine the clinical effectiveness and potential neuroprotection of levodopa in improving visual acuity, visual field, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in eyes affected by NAION. Retrospective cohort study involving 59 eyes of 59 participants with NAION who were evaluated within 15days of NAION onset. Participants received 25mg carbidopa/100mg levodopa three times daily with meals for 12weeks (levodopa group) or were untreated (control group). Best-corrected visual acuity converted to logMAR, mean deviation (MD) threshold sensitivity on automated perimetry, and mean RNFL thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were assessed. The primary outcome was the categorization of eyes into improved visual acuity (by 0.3 logMAR difference), worsened visual acuity (by 0.3 logMAR difference), or no change in visual acuity. The proportions in each category were compared between the levodopa and control groups. Among participants with 20/60 or worse initial visual acuity, levodopa-treated participants had significant improvement (P < 0.0001) in the mean change from initial to final logMAR visual acuity of -0.74 ± 0.56 (95% CI, -0.98 to -0.50), while the mean change for the control group at -0.37 ± 1.09 (95% confidence interval estimate, -1.00 to +0.26) was not significant (P = 0.23). A significant difference between groups was observed (P = 0.0086) such that 19/23 (83%) in the levodopa group improved and none got worse, as compared with 6/14 (43%) in the control group improving while four (29%) worsened. The change in visual field MD and RNFL thickness on OCT showed no significant difference at P = 0.23 and P = 0.75 respectively. No levodopa-treated participant had any adverse event from the levodopa. Treatment within 15days of onset of NAION with levodopa improved central visual acuity by an average of 6 lines on Snellen acuity chart. Levodopa may promote neuroprotection of the maculopapular retinal ganglion cell fibers in NAION.

INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB IN THE TREATMENT OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANE DUE TO ANGIOID STREAKS.

To investigate the results of intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks and to assess the factors influencing disease progression. Patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) for CNV secondary to angioid streaks were reviewed retrospectively. In addition to demographic findings, ophthalmologic findings at baseline and during follow-ups were recorded. Twenty-three eyes of 20 patients (mean age, 45.7 years; 7 women) were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 23 months. Mean number of injections was 5.1. Initial and final logMAR visual acuity was not different (0.53 ± 0.33 and 0.60 ± 0.40 logMAR, P = 0.79). At the last examination, patients with final active CNV (N = 14) were younger (mean age, 42 years) than patients with final inactive CNV (N = 9) (mean age, 52 years). The former group required higher number of injections (6.6 vs. 2.8, P = 0.013). Eyes with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (N = 10) needed injections every 4.4 months while the others (N = 13) every 7.2 months (P = 0.072). Pseudoxanthoma elasticum positivity ended up with active membranes in 70% of the cases, composing half of the overall final active CNVs in this study. Intravitreal bevacizumab stabilized vision in eyes with CNV and angioid streaks. At younger ages, CNV behaved more aggressively and seemed to be more resistant to treatment.

Bleb Revision for Resolution of Hypotony Maculopathy Following Primary Trabeculectomy

To describe a surgical method of bleb revision for hypotony maculopathy, to evaluate its long-term efficacy, and to define the relationship between the duration of hypotony maculopathy and visual acuity (VA) outcomes. Noncomparative retrospective case series. Medical records of 33 patients with hypotony maculopathy who underwent primary bleb revision between June 1999 and September 2012 by a single surgeon at an academic medical center were reviewed. Hypotony maculopathy was characterized by the presence of a decrease in VA, retinal striae, and macular edema in the setting of decreased intraocular pressure (IOP) after glaucoma filtering surgery. The main outcome measure was final logMAR VA after bleb revision at 6 and 12 months. Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients were followed for 4.68 ± 3.56 years (range 0.55-12.69 years). Mean duration of hypotony maculopathy was 4.98 ± 8.93 months. LogMAR VA improved from 0.78 ± 0.40 at baseline to 0.34 ± 0.34 (P < .001) 6 months after bleb revision and to 0.45 ± 0.55 (P < .001) 12 months after bleb revision. Spearman rank coefficient (rs) correlating duration of hypotony and BCVA at both 6 and 12 months was significant (P = .015 and rs = 0.426, P = .028 and rs = 0.416, respectively). Mean IOP increased from 3.51 ± 2.27 mm Hg to 12.06 ± 4.06 mm Hg (P < .001) at 12 months. Fifty-two percent were on no antiglaucoma medications at last follow-up. Five eyes (15%) required a second bleb revision to correct persistent hypotony maculopathy. Surgical repair for hypotony maculopathy provided a significant improvement in VA at 6 and 12 months. Surgical bleb revision is associated with good long-term control of IOP and improved VA in eyes with hypotony maculopathy after previous glaucoma filtering surgery.

Comparison of foveal-sparing with foveal-involving photodynamic therapy for myopic choroidal neovascularization

To evaluate the visual outcomes of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia in eyes treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT), and to determine the effect of lesion location and foveal involvement on visual prognosis. Interventional case series of 24 consecutive patients with myopic CNV treated with PDT. The main outcome measure was final LogMAR visual acuity (VA). Of 24 eyes, the CNV lesion was subfoveal in 11 and extrafoveal in 13. Overall, the mean LogMAR VA at 24 months was 0.72. Extrafoveal CNV lesions achieved significantly better final VA compared with subfoveal CNV (LogMAR 0.45 vs 1.05, P=0.012). Eyes with extrafoveal CNV lesions were subdivided into foveal-sparing PDT (where the PDT laser spot did not involve the foveal center) and foveal-involved PDT (where the PDT laser covered the fovea). At all time points, the group with foveal-sparing PDT had significantly better VA compared with the foveal-involved group. The final LogMAR VA for the foveal-sparing PDT group was 0.26 compared with 1.00 for the foveal-involved PDT group (P=0.003). At 24 months, 77.8% of foveal-sparing PDT cases achieved VA of ≥ 20/40, compared with 25% of foveal-involved PDT cases and 9.1% of subfoveal CNV lesions (P=0.006). For patients with myopic CNV, foveal-sparing PDT results in significantly better long-term visual outcomes compared with those with foveal-involved PDT. Foveal-sparing PDT may be of value for treatment of myopic CNV patients who are not suitable for treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections.

Photodynamic therapy of symptomatic choroidal nevi

Purpose:To evaluate the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for patients with symptomatic choroidal nevi involving the fovea or located near the fovea with subretinal fluid extending to the fovea.Materials and Methods:Retrospective review of five patients who underwent PDT for choroidal nevi at two separate centers in Ankara and Barcelona.Results:The mean initial logMAR visual acuity was 0.5 (range: 0 to 1.5). The mean largest tumor base diameter was 3.2 mm (range: 2.1–4.5 mm) and the mean tumor thickness was 1.1 mm (range: 0.7–1.6 mm). The mean number of PDT sessions was 1.6 (range:1–3). The mean final tumor thickness was 1.0 mm (range: 0–1.6 mm) at a mean follow-up of 19 months (range: 12–32 months). The mean final logMAR visual acuity was 0.4 (range: 0–1.5). Subfoveal fluid disappeared or decreased significantly in 4 of 5 eyes (80%) after PDT.Conclusions:PDT led to resolution of subretinal fluid with preservation of visual acuity in many symptomatic choroidal nevi in this study. Careful case selection is important as PDT of indeterminate pigmented tumors may delay the diagnosis and treatment of an early choroidal melanoma and thereby increase the risk for metastasis.

Results of bevacizumab as the primary treatment for retinal vein occlusions

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab as the primary treatment of macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusions.MethodsPatients diagnosed as having central retinal...

Long-term response to fractionated radiotherapy of presumed optic nerve sheath meningioma

Background/aimsTo review the long-term results of treatment of optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) with conformal radiotherapy.MethodsEleven patients with presumed ONSM were treated with fractionated conformal radiotherapy using 45–54 Gy in...

The Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy With Verteporfin for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Retrospective Multi-Center Case Study

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Korean patients. Methods: Clinical data of patients who were treated with PDT for PCV and followed up for more than 6 months were collected from 14 hospitals around the country. The changes in the best corrected visual acuity, angiographic outcome, retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and adverse effects of treatment were evaluated. Results: Eighty six patients (86 eyes) were recruited (male: 75.6%, age: 65.98.3 years, mean follow-up: 14.810.2 months). The mean logMAR visual acuity at baseline was 0.550.32 and did not show any statistically significant difference from the final mean logMAR visual acuity (0.530.54) (p =0.639). The mean treatment session number of PDT was 21.2. Visual acuity stabilized or improved in 70.9% of patients. Visual acuity improved by more than 2 lines in 33 eyes (38.4%) and worsened by more than 2 lines in 21 eyes (24.4%) of patients. Vascular leakage decreased in 62.5% of patients in fluorescein angiography and polypoidal lesions disappeared or were reduced in 57.3% of patients in indocyanine green angiography. There was no systemic adverse effect of PDT, but increased subretinal hemorrhage after PDT occurred in 10 eyes (11.6%). Conclusions: In polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is safe and effective for preserving visual acuity and reducing vascular leakage and retinal thickness.

Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Choroidal Neovascularization in Ocular Histoplasmosis

To define the role of intravitreal bevacizumab in individuals with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) resulting from Ocular Histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS). Retrospective chart review of a surgical therapy. We reviewed the course of 28 eyes of 28 patients who underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for treatment of CNV secondary to OHS. Outcome was measured by pretreatment and posttreatment visual acuity (VA). The average pretreatment logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA was 0.65 (Snellen equivalent of 20/88). Mean follow-up was 22.43 weeks with an average of 1.8 intravitreal injections. Average final logMAR VA was 0.43 (Snellen equivalent of 20/54). Twenty eyes (71%) experienced an increase in central VA, whereas four eyes (14%) were unchanged and four eyes (14%) experienced a decrease in vision. Intravitreal bevacizumab may improve or stabilize VA in a significant majority of patients with neovascular complications of OHS (24 eyes [85.7%] in our study population).

Clinical and histopathological features of posttraumatic iris cyst

Iris cyst excision involves complex surgical maneuvers and may have a variable visual outcome depending upon preexisting and postoperative complications. Hereby, we report a case series of 10 eyes from which posttraumatic iris cysts were excised and proven histopathologically. Histopathology records were reviewed. Data regarding patient profile, clinical profile, surgical details, treatment outcomes and follow-up were reviewed. Outcome measures were defined as recurrences, visual acuity and number of other surgeries required. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare changes in the visual acuity and Fisher test was used to find out the significance of several risk factors. Mean age was 24.7 years (3-58 years). Mean follow-up was 2.36 years. Mean preoperative logMAR visual acuity was 0.56 in comparison to final logMAR visual acuity of 1.62. Factors related to adverse functional outcome were related to post-surgical complications.

Long-term results of excision of plaque-like foveal hard exudates in patients with chronic diabetic macular oedema

To analyse the long-term results of surgical removal of plaque-like diabetic foveal hard exudates. In this retrospective, interventional, non-randomized, controlled study, vitrectomy and excision of submacular hard exudates was performed on 11 eyes of 11 patients with plaque-like hard exudates. The mean preoperative LogMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and exudate diameter were 1.35+/-0.3 and 1.19 disks (range, 0.5-1.8), respectively. In the control group, which consisted of 10 eyes of 7 patients who refused the surgery, baseline mean BCVA and exudate diameter were 1.06+/-0.2 and 1.2 disks (range, 0.7-2.0), respectively. Main outcome measures included BCVA, fundus photography, and surgical complications. The mean follow-up was 39.1+/-3.2 months for the study group and 32.5+/-3.6 months for the control group. In the study group, BCVA improved in 8 (73%) eyes at the final examination. The mean final BCVA was 1.08+/-0.4 (P=0.021). Macular oedema and exudates resolved completely in all eyes. In the control group, final LogMAR visual acuity declined to 1.53+/-0.1 (P=0.005). Macular pigment epithelium atrophy or scar formation was observed in 7 (64%) eyes in the study group and in all eyes in the control group. Surgical excision of plaque-like foveal hard exudates resulted in better anatomical and functional outcome when compared to observation alone.

Preoperative Factors Influencing Visual Outcome following Surgical Excision of Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

To evaluate long-term visual acuity outcomes and the influences of various preoperative factors on visual outcome in patients undergoing surgical removal of choroidal neovascular neovascularization (CNV) caused by age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). The authors studied 146 eyes of 146 patients who were followed for at least 1 year after surgical excision of CNV associated with ARMD. Surgical indications included subfoveal active CNV localized mainly above the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and a standard Japanese decimal visual acuity of 0.3 or worse. CNV above the RPE was diagnosed by fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography. CNVs were divided into completely classic CNV or mainly classic CNV. The relationships of the post-operative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity with preoperative logMAR visual acuity, the shortest distance from the center of the foveal avascular zone to the CNV margin, CNV size, and age were analyzed. Final logMAR visual acuity was improved (defined as a logMAR visual acuity increase of 0.2 or more) in 78 eyes (54%), stable in 47 (32%), and worsened in 21 (14%). Stepwise regression identified CNV size as a significant factor influencing final logMAR visual acuity (R2 = 0.213, p<0.0001), while preoperative logMAR visual acuity, shortest distance from the center of the foveal avascular zone to the CNV margin, and age showed no significant correlation with final logMAR visual acuity. Surgical complications included retinal detachment in six eyes (4%), subretinal hematoma in four eyes (2%), macular hole in three (2%), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in two (1%). CNV recurred postoperatively in 18 eyes (12%). In 92 eyes with completely classic CNV, visual acuity was improved in 57 (62%), stable in 27 (29%), and worsened in 8 (9%). In 54 eyes with mainly classic CNV, visual acuity was improved in 21(39%), stable in 20 (37%), and worsened in 13 (24%). Surgical excision of CNV for ARMD was effective for completely classic CNV, and better postoperative visual acuity was achieved in cases of small CNV. Given the fact that photodynamic therapy (PDT) has only been used in Japan since 2004, future study should compare PDT and surgical excision in Japanese subjects for relative merits against surgical risk and postoperative complications, to define indications for PDT and surgical excision.

Vitrectomy for juvenile uveitis: prognostic factors for the long-term functional outcome

This study evaluated the long-term effect of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in children and adolescents with chronic uveitis on visual function, anatomical outcome, and the requirement of systemic treatment. Further, predictive preoperative factors associated with a beneficial visual outcome were assessed. Retrospective review of 29 eyes of 23 consecutive paediatric and juvenile patients below 20 years of age with chronic uveitis who underwent a PPV for visually significant opacities in 25 eyes, vitreous haemorrhage in three eyes, and retinal detachment in one eye. The clinical diagnosis was chronic intermediate uveitis in 22 eyes and retinal vasculitis of different origin in seven eyes. LogMAR visual acuity improved from an average of 0.91 to 0.33 (P<0.001). Cystoid macular oedema (CME) was significantly reduced in eight of 10 eyes postoperatively (P=0.021). In the multiple regression analysis, a low preoperative logMAR visual acuity and the presence of a CME had a negative influence on the final logMAR visual acuity. Furthermore, the appearance of chronic uveitis relapses was significantly reduced from 15 eyes before to seven eyes after surgery (P=0.042). PPV has a beneficial effect on the course and the complications of chronic uveitis in paediatric and juvenile patients with respect to the anatomical and visual outcome. Preoperative logMAR visual acuity and clinically significant CME were the most accurate predictors for the functional outcome.

Vitrectomy for Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema

Purpose: We evaluated visual outcomes following vitrectomy for diabetic cystoid macular edema. Methods: Visual outcomes and factors possibly influencing final visual acuity were assessed and documented retrospectively in 45 eyes of 40 patients, all of whom were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively. Results: Compared with the preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity, final logMAR visual acuity improved 0.2 or more in 51% of the eyes, was unchanged in 47%, and decreased 0.2 or more in 2%. A final postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better was achieved in 38%. Preoperative visual acuity and the extent of the cystoid space on fluorescein angiography were significantly related to final visual acuity. A final postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better was noted in 8% of eyes with a preoperative visual acuity below 0.1, in 50% of eyes with a preoperative visual acuity of 0.1 or better, in 71% of eyes with a cystoid space smaller than 5 disc areas, and in 20% of eyes with a cystoid space of 5 disc areas or more. The state of the posterior vitreous membrane did not influence final visual acuity. There were no complications that decreased visual acuity. Conclusions: We conclude that diabetic cystoid macular edema is a good indication for vitrectomy, regardless of the state of the posterior vitreous membrane. A preoperative visual acuity of 0.1 or better and/or a cystoid space smaller than 5 disc areas may be indications for surgery aimed at achieving a final postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better.

Penetrating Keratoplasty vs. Epikeratoplasty for the Surgical Treatment of Keratoconus

Penetrating keratoplasty and epikeratoplasty have been utilized in the surgical treatment of keratoconus. Comparison of the relative efficacy of each procedure in achieving visual outcomes has not been achieved due to limited numbers of cases and follow-up in previous series. All patients who underwent either penetrating keratoplasty or epikeratoplasty for keratoconus between January 1987 and December 1997, and for whom at least 24 months of postoperative follow-up data for visual acuity was documented in the medical record, were included in this retrospective, nonrandomized, sequential comparative trial. The sole criteria for outcome in each group, as well as for comparison of the two groups, was Snellen visual acuity measured at the time of each follow-up with the presenting optical aid. Inclusion criteria were met for 443 eyes treated with penetrating keratoplasty and 161 eyes treated with epikeratoplasty. Mean follow-up was 4.3 years for penetrating keratoplasty and 4.5 years for epikeratoplasty. In each group, approximately 50% of the patients chose rehabilitation with optical correction with either spectacles or contact lenses and 50% chose no optical correction. Final median logMAR visual acuity for all patients, irrespective of means of visual rehabilitation, was 0.30 (20/40) for penetrating keratoplasty and 0.40 (20/50) for epikeratoplasty (P < .00005). In 209 penetrating keratoplasty and 77 epikeratoplasty eyes with optical correction, the final median logMAR visual acuity was 0.18 (20/30) for penetrating keratoplasty and 0.40 (20/50) for epikeratoplasty (P < .00005). The final median logMAR visual acuity in 234 penetrating keratoplasty and 84 epikeratoplasty eyes without optical correction was 0.48 (20/60) in both groups (P-value was not statistically significant). Although penetrating keratoplasty was statistically superior to epikeratoplasty with respect to visual outcome, results with epikeratoplasty were adequate to recommend its use as a surgical alternative in cases when it is not desirable to perform penetrating keratoplasty.