Mean Final Best-corrected Visual Acuity Research Articles

Erythropoietin: a novel treatment for traumatic optic neuropathy—a pilot study

To determine the visual outcome and safety of intravenous erythropoietin in patients with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). In a university-based hospital, from December 2008 to March 2010, seven cases with indirect TON (EPO group) received three intravenous (IV) injections of 10,000 IU of recombinant human erythropoietin in three successive days. They were compared to eight patients with indirect TON who had received no specific treatment from December 2006 to November 2008 (observation group). The primary end point was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in both groups at last follow-up and secondary measure was systemic adverse effects of medication in the EPO group. Mean ages of patients in the observation and EPO groups were 23.3 (SD = 10.8) and 19.7 (SD = 12.1) years, respectively. Mean follow-up in the observation and EPO groups were 5.8 (SD = 3.8) and 7.0 (SD = 5.8) months, respectively. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly (p = 0.028) improved from 1.82 logMAR (SD = 1.27) at initial visit to 0.94 logMAR (SD = 0.82) at last follow-up in the EPO group, whereas the observation group showed an insignificant (p = 0.285) improvement from 2.55 log MAR (SD = 0.62) to 2.32 logMAR (SD = 0.83). Mean final BCVA was significantly higher in the EPO group than in the observation group (p = 0.012). Two cases developed mild transient systemic hypotension during EPO injection. Intravenous erythropoietin may be a new effective and safe treatment for patients with indirect TON.

Enzymatic Descemetic Lamellar Keratoplasty: Pilot Study

This was a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of a new surgical technique of descemetic anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with the help of enzymatic hyaluronidase solution. We selected 10 patients, 6 male and 4 female, with surgical keratoconus, with a mean age of 45+/-16 years (range 29-61), with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <or=20/70 logMAR. The study period was from February 1, 2008, to November 3, 2008, at the S. Maria della Scaletta Hospital (Imola, Italy). We evaluated the following parameters preoperatively and postoperatively: BCVA with Snellen card; endothelial density measured by specular microscope (SP 2000P, Topcon, Japan); and mean astigmatism measured by computerized topography (Keratron Scout, Optikon 2000, Rome, Italy). The parameters were evaluated monthly, with a maximum follow-up of 8 months. There were no perforations and minimal complications (second anterior chamber in 4 eyes) on the first day, which spontaneously resolved after 7 days. Two patients required resuturing because of loose suture on the second postoperative day. The visual recovery was comparable to that obtained by most authors after DALK. The final mean BCVA was 20/25. There was a drop in endothelial cells of approximately 10.1% after 7 months. The mean central astigmatism at the end of the follow-up was 2 diopters (+/-0.88). The enzyme application to the recipient cornea makes the stromal dissection easier, but other studies are needed about type and concentration of the enzyme, and the application times.

FACTORS CORRELATED WITH POSTOPERATIVE VISUAL ACUITY AFTER VITRECTOMY AND INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING FOR MYOPIC FOVEOSCHISIS

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that are correlated with the visual outcomes in patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for myopic foveoschisis (MF). In this retrospective, interventional consecutive case series, 39 eyes of 39 consecutive patients who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for MF were studied. Preoperative optical coherence tomography showed that none of the eyes had a macular hole or vitreoretinal traction. Eyes were divided into those with MF and a foveal detachment (FD; FD group, n = 27) and those with MF without an FD (no-FD group, n = 12). The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the optical coherence tomography findings. Optical coherence tomography showed a complete resolution of the MF with a reattachment of the fovea in all eyes, and the retina remained attached during the mean follow-up of 41 months. The final mean BCVA improved significantly in the FD group (P = 0.0003) but not in the no-FD group (P = 0.56). The final BCVA of the FD group and no-FD group improved in 70% and 42%, remained unchanged in 26% and 33%, and worsened in 4% and 25% of the eyes, respectively. A better final BCVA was significantly correlated with a better preoperative BCVA (P < 0.0001), a shorter axial length (P = 0.045), and the presence of an FD (P = 0.028). Pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling results in long-term favorable anatomical and visual outcomes. Eyes with an FD may be good candidates for surgery.

Association of systemic health and functional outcomes with changes in hard exudates associated with clinically significant macular oedema over the natural course of the disease

AimHard exudates associated with clinically significant macular oedema (CSMO) do not always increase without laser photocoagulation and can generally be classified as regressing or progressing. We studied the systemic differences...

Comparison of Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone for Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Pair-Matched Analysis

Background: To compare the outcome of bevacizumab or triamcinolone acetate (TA) treatment in patients with macular edema (ME) after branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: In a retrospective assessment, 10 bevacizumab-treated patients and 10 TA-treated with ME after BRVO were pair-matched according to initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) as measured by Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT). BCVA and CMT were the main endpoints. Results: The initial BCVA was 0.2 ± 0.13 in bevacizumab-treated patients and 0.2 ± 0.16 in TA-treated patients, with a CMT of 497 ± 102 µm and 517 ± 88 µm, respectively. Following bevacizumab, the mean final BCVA increased by 2.8 ± 4 lines, and by 0.6 ± 3.5 lines in patients receiving TA. The mean final CMT was 238 ± 118 µm and 195 ± 243 µm in the respective treatment groups. Conclusions: Both treatments decreased the CMT, but only bevacizumab induced an improvement in BCVA from baseline, which was significant 8 weeks after treatment, but no longer significant after 13 months.

Clinical Results of Vitrectomy in Macular Hemorrhage From a Ruptured Retinal Artery Macroaneurysm

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between postoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings and visual acuity in patients who underwent vitrectomy for macular hemorrhage related to the rupture of a retinal artery macroaneurysm. Methods: A retrospective case review was conducted for patients who underwent vitrectomy for macular hemorrhage caused by a retinal arterial macroaneurysm. The relationship between postoperative OCT findings and visual acuity was analyzed. Results: This study included 12 patients whose preoperative mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR) was 1.70.8 and whose mean final BCVA was 0.60.5. These values were statistically different (p=0.004). Mean foveal thickness by OCT was 437.5161.5 at the preoperative period and 252.884.9 three months postoperative, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.017). As the foveal thickness decreased after removal of the remnant organized retinal hemorrhage in the postoperative period, BCVA improved at the final follow-up (p=0.048). According to the postoperative OCT, the photoreceptor disruption group presented a lower BCVA than that of the photoreceptor preservation group at the final follow-up (logMAR: 1.40.4 vs. 0.30.2, p=0.009). Conclusions: Photoreceptor preservation as observed by OCT was significantly associated with better visual outcome after vitrectomy in patients with macular hemorrhage caused by rupture of a retinal arterial macroaneurysm.

Visual Prognosis of Retinoblastoma in the Posterior Pole Treated with Primary Chemotherapy Plus Local Treatments

PurposeTo evaluate the visual outcomes of retinoblastoma in the posterior pole (RBPP) treated with chemotherapy plus local treatments and to address the prognostic factors that influence such outcomes.MethodsThe medical records of patients with RBPP diagnosed at the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Children's Hospital between August 1987 and September 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Only those patients treated via primary chemotherapy plus local treatments were included. The presence of foveal involvement and tumors in the posterior pole before and after treatment, the type of regression pattern and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of each patient were evaluated.ResultsA total of 13 eyes in 12 patients were included. The mean final BCVA for treated RBPP was 20/210 (range, hand motion to 20/16). However, eight eyes (61.5%) had an acuity of 20/200 or better and seven eyes (53.8%) had an acuity of 20/50 or better. The mean final BCVA was significantly better in cases with negative foveal involvement; however, four eyes (37.5%) with positive foveal involvement had an acuity of 20/200 or better. Tumors area in the posterior pole and the type of regression pattern were not significantly related to final BCVA.ConclusionsOver one half of the studied RBPP patients had working vision. Although the eyes had RBPP with positive foveal involvement, about one-third of the patients had working vision. Vision preservation should be considered when deciding on RBPP treatment.

Neovasküler Yaşa Bağlı Makula Dejenerasyonunda Pegaptanib ile Kombine Pegaptanib ve Fotodinamik Tedavinin Karşılaştırılması

Objective: The aim of this study is to review our experience with Pegaptanib in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to determine whether outcomes would be improved by combining Pegaptanib with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Material and Methods: Institutional, retrospective case series. The charts of 20 patients with neovascular AMD who received Pegaptanib monotherapy or combined ocular PDT with Verteporfin were retrospectively reviewed. Main outcome measures consisted of the number of treatments applied, Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), angiographic lesion characteristics and center field thickness (CFT) in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results: Average follow-up time was 7.7 months (range, 3-12 months). Ten patients (50%) were in Pegaptanib monotherapy group (Group A) and 10 patients were in combination therapy with PDT group (Group B). Patients in both groups received 2 to 9 (mean, 5.2) Pegaptanib injections. Group B received 1 to 4 (mean, 1.8) PDT treatments. Initial BCVA ranged from 20/50 to 20/3200 (mean, 20/509), final BCVA ranged from 20/70 to 20/3200 (mean, 20/759). In group A, the mean initial and final BCVA were 20/650 and 20/617, respectively (p= 0.590). The corresponding numbers in group B were 20/398 and 20/1060, respectively (p= 0.062). Four of the 10 eyes (40%) in Group B lost three lines or more. None of the eyes in Group A lost three lines or more vision (p= 0.087). There was neither significant change in the lesion size (p= 0.513), nor in CFT (315 µm to 268 µm, p= 0.99). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that combined ocular PDT and Pegaptanib treatment may not be superior to Pegaptanib alone in patients with neovascular AMD. Further studies are needed.

Acute Retinal Necrosis: Clinical Features, Early Vitrectomy, and Outcomes

To determine the viral diagnosis and the outcome of eyes with acute retinal necrosis (ARN) treated with intravenous acyclovir and oral prednisolone alone or combined with early vitrectomy and intravitreal acyclovir lavage. Nonrandomized, retrospective, interventional, comparative, consecutive series. A cohort of 27 human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients with ARN comprising 24 unilateral and 3 bilateral cases. Vitreous biopsy for viral diagnosis. Twenty eyes were treated with intravenous acyclovir in combination with oral prednisolone (group A). Ten eyes were treated additionally with early vitrectomy, intravitreal acyclovir lavage, laser demarcation of necrotic retinal areas when feasible-with or without scleral buckling, and gas or silicone oil tamponade (group B). Vitrectomy was performed in all cases of secondary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). Results of vitreous biopsy, rate of RD, rate of phthisis bulbi, and course of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Varicella zoster virus (VZV) was detected in 26 eyes, followed by herpes simplex virus (5 eyes), and Epstein-Barr virus (2 eyes, in conjunction with VZV). An RD developed in more eyes in group A (18 of 20 eyes) than in group B (4 of 10 eyes; P = 0.007). In 2 of 20 eyes in group A and in 0 of 10 eyes in group B, phthisis bulbi developed without a significant difference between groups A and B. Mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) at first visit was 1.09 (standard deviation [SD], 0.83), and mean final BCVA was 1.46 (SD, 0.88) without significant difference between groups A and B. Varicella zoster virus is the leading cause of ARN. Visual prognosis is guarded. Early vitrectomy with intravitreal acyclovir lavage was associated with a lower incidence of secondary RD; however, it did not improve mean final visual acuity.

25-GAUGE SUTURELESS VITRECTOMY VERSUS 20-GAUGE VITRECTOMY FOR THE REPAIR OF PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT

To compare the anatomic and visual results and complications of 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy versus conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A retrospective comparative analysis of 125 consecutive eyes from 125 patients with a minimum of 3 months follow-up was performed. All patients underwent primary vitrectomy with complete fluid air exchange, gas tamponade, and laser retinopexy. Excluded were eyes with prior retinal or vitreous surgery, and patients with inadequate follow-up. Sixty-four patients underwent 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and 61 patients underwent 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy from September 2004 to April 2007. Primary endpoints included one surgery retinal reattachment success rate, visual outcomes, postoperative intraocular pressures and complications as determined by standard clinical evaluation. Baseline demographic and preoperative ocular characteristics showed no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts. The mean follow-up interval was 305.4 days for the 25-gauge group and 452.4 days for the 20-gauge group. The single operation success rate with one procedure was 58/64 (90.6%) for 25-gauge cases and 56/61 (91.8%) for 20-gauge cases, Fisher Exact Test (P = 0.801). All cases were attached at final follow-up and the anatomic success rate was 100% for each of the two cohorts. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/125 and 20/169 for 25-gauge and 20-gauge cases, respectively (P > 0.5). The final follow-up mean BCVA was 20/34 and 20/36 for the 25-gauge and 20-gauge groups, respectively (P > 0.6). In the 25-gauge group two cases were complicated by hypotony that resolved uneventfully and one case developed postoperative choroidal and vitreous hemorrhage. In the 20-gauge group there was one case of sterile endophthalmitis and one case of vitreous hemorrhage. There was no significant difference between 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and 20-gauge vitrectomy for the repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

Intraocular lens exchange with removal of the optic only

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in patients with an opacified ACRL-C160 intraocular lens (IOL) using an optic-only removal technique. Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The study comprised eyes with previous phacoemulsification and implantation of a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic IOL in the capsular bag and subsequent development of severe late opacification of the IOL. In all eyes, the IOL optic was explanted; any haptic with firm adhesions was left in the capsular bag. This was followed by placement of a new IOL. The perioperative complications were evaluated, and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before surgery and after surgery was compared. Twenty-three eyes of 20 patients were evaluated. Uneventful IOL exchange and placement of a new IOL in the bag was achieved in 9 eyes (39.1%) and in the sulcus in 13 eyes (56.5%), with posterior capsule rupture in 2 eyes (8.7%). One eye (4.3%) developed zonular dehiscence, and scleral IOL fixation was performed. The mean BCVA was 0.64 +/- 0.35 logMAR before IOL exchange and 0.24 +/- 0.20 logMAR after IOL exchange. During 41 months of follow-up, 1 eye (4.3%) each was affected by recurrent anterior uveitis and delayed zonular dehiscence. The final mean BCVA was 0.38 +/- 0.40 logMAR. There was no corneal decompensation or infectious keratitis. The optic-only removal technique was a safe and helpful procedure that allowed recovery of visual acuity because it decreased the intraoperative complication of zonular dehiscence.

Comparison of two doses of primary intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for diffuse diabetic macular edema: results from the Pan-American Collaborative Retina Study Group (PACORES) at 12-month follow-up

To report the 12-month anatomic and ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) response after primary intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) (1.25 mg or 2.5 mg) in patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema (DDME). In addition, a comparison of the two different doses of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) utilized was made. We reviewed the clinical records of 82 consecutive patients (101 eyes) with DDME in this interventional retrospective multicenter study. All patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months (mean 57.6 +/- 8.4 weeks) were included in this analysis. Patients underwent ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, ophthalmoscopic examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline and follow-up visits. The mean age of our patients was 59.7 +/- 9.3 years. The mean number of IVB injections per eye was three (range: one to six injections) at a mean interval of 14.1 +/- 10.5 weeks. In the 1.25 mg group at 1 month BCVA improved from 20/190, logMAR = 0.97 to 20/85, logMAR 0.62, a difference that was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). This improvement was maintained throughout the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. The mean final BCVA at 12 months was 20/76, logMAR = 0.58 (p < 0.001), a statistically significant difference from baseline BCVA. Similar BCVA changes were observed in the 2.5 mg group. In the 1.25 mg group, the mean central macular thickness (CMT) decreased from 419.1 +/- 201.1 microm at baseline to 295.11 +/- 91.5 microm at 1 month, 302.1 +/- 124.2 microm at 3 months, 313.4.1 +/- 96.3 microm at 6 months, and 268.2 +/- 95.5 microm at 12 months (p < 0.0001). Similar CMT changes were observed in the 2.5 mg group. Adverse events included transient high blood pressure in one patient (1.2%), transient increased intraocular pressure in one eye (1%), and tractional retinal detachment in one eye (1%). Primary IVB at doses of 1.25 to 2.5 mg seem to provide stability or improvement in BCVA, OCT, and FA in DDME at 12 months. There seems to be no difference in our results between intravitreal bevacizumab at doses of 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg. In addition, our results suggest the need for at least three injections a year to maintain the BCVA results.

PRIMARY INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR SUBFOVEAL CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

To report the 12-month anatomic and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) response after primary intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA) (1.25 mg or 2.5 mg) in patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Sixty-three eyes of 63 consecutive patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration, a mean age of 73.7 +/- 7.5 years and a minimum of 12 months (mean 55.5 +/- 6.2 weeks) of follow-up participated in this interventional retrospective multicenter case series in 7 centers from 6 countries. Patients were treated with at least 1 intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg of bevacizumab. Patients underwent Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study BCVA testing, ophthalmoscopic examination, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography at baseline and follow-up visits. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare mean values. The mean number of intravitreal bevacizumab injections per eye was 3.5 (range, 1-8). Mean baseline BCVA was 20/320, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = 1.2, and mean final BCVA was 20/200, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = 1.0 (P < 0.001). Central macular thickness at baseline by optical coherence tomography had a mean of 389.2 +/- 149.6 microm which was significantly reduced to a mean of 281.0 +/- 96.1 microm, 268.2 +/- 82.6 microm, 262.6 +/- 92.3 microm, and 241.3 +/- 76.7 microm at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after initial treatment, respectively (P < 0.0001). Ocular adverse events included transient increased intraocular pressure in 2 (3.1%) eyes, endophthalmitis in 2 (3.1%) eyes, and transient hypotony in 1 eye (1.1%). No systemic adverse events were observed. Primary intravitreal bevacizumab at doses of 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg seems to provide stability or improvement in BCVA, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography in subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration at 12 months.

Primary intravitreal bevacizumab for the management of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: Pilot study of the Pan-American Collaborative Retina Study Group

To determine the feasibility, safety, and clinical effect of primary intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with cystoid macular edema (CME) after cataract surgery. Five institutions in Venezuela, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Brazil. Twenty-eight eyes of 25 patients treated with at least 1 intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg or 2.50 mg of Avastin participated in this interventional retrospective multicenter study at 5 institutions from 5 countries. Baseline and follow-up visits included Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, and ophthalmoscopic examination. The mean follow-up was 32 weeks (range 24 to 52 weeks). Twenty eyes (71.4%) had improved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (> or =2 ETDRS lines), and no eye had worse visual acuity (> or =2 ETDRS lines). The BCVA remained stable in 8 eyes (28.6%). The mean baseline BCVA was 20/160 (logMAR = 0.92) and the mean final BCVA, 20/63 (logMAR = 0.50); the difference was statistically significant (P<.0001). The mean central macular thickness at baseline (466.3 microm; range 208 to 784 microm) decreased significantly (264.5 microm; range 176 to 513 microm) by the end of follow-up (P<.0001). Eight eyes (28.6%) required a second injection and 4 (14.3%), a third injection. The mean interval between injections was 13 weeks (range 5 to 26 weeks). No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. Short-term results suggest that primary intravitreal Avastin is well tolerated in patients with pseudophakic CME. Treated eyes had a significant improvement in BCVA and decrease in macular thickness by OCT.

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.

Surgical outcomes for vitrectomy in Eales' disease

To present and analyse the anatomical and functional outcomes for vitrectomy in Eales' disease. This retrospective case series enrolled 63 patients (71 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the complications of Eales' disease. Indications included nonclearing vitreous haemorrhage (VH) with/without epiretinal membranes in 49 (69%) eyes, and retinal detachments (RD) involving/threatening macula in 22 (31%). Additional procedures (scleral buckling; gas/oil tamponade) were performed at surgeon's discretion. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. The primary outcome measures were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and posterior segment status. The mean age of the patients was 29.6 years (range: 15-70 years); 60 were male (95%). Preoperatively, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) existed in 28 (39.4%) eyes. Forty (56.3%) eyes underwent only PPV; the rest required additional surgical procedures (q.v.). The mean baseline BCVA (1/60) improved to 6/24 postoperatively (P<0.0001). Fifty-four eyes of 50 patients (76%) showed an improvement of > or =2 equivalent Snellen lines; six eyes (four patients) remained stable (+/-1 line); visual acuity worsened in 11 eyes (nine patients). The mean final BCVA was similar in eyes operated for VH and RD (P=0.08); but the magnitude of change from baseline was greater in the VH group (P=0.009). PVD had a borderline association with final BCVA (P=0.056); but did not influence the functional/anatomical improvement. Thirteen eyes required repeat interventions; 11 (15.49%) eyes experienced surgical failure. Although surgical outcomes in Eales' disease depend on preoperative PVD/RD to some extent; good results are possible in the presence of incomplete PVD and tractional sequelae.

Primary Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) for Diabetic Macular Edema: Results from the Pan-American Collaborative Retina Study Group at 6-Month Follow-up

To report the 6-month anatomic and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) response after primary intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Interventional retrospective multicenter study at 6 centers from 6 countries of patients with DME. We reviewed the clinical records of 88 consecutive patients (110 eyes) with DME. Seventy-eight eyes of 64 consecutive patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and mean age of 59.7+/-9.3 years were included in this analysis. Patients were treated with at least one intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg of bevacizumab and underwent Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) BCVA testing, ophthalmoscopic examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline and follow-up visits. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare mean values. Changes in BCVA, OCT, and FA. Mean follow-up was 6.31+/-0.81 months (range, 6-9). Sixteen (20.5%) eyes needed a second injection at a mean of 13.8 weeks (range, 4-28), and 6 eyes needed a third injection (7.7%) at a mean of 11.5 weeks (range, 5-20). The mean baseline BCVA was 0.87 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), and the final mean BCVA was 0.6, a difference that was statistically significant (P<0.0001). Final BCVA analysis by subgroups demonstrated that 32 (41.1%) eyes remained stable, 43 (55.1%) improved > or =2 ETDRS lines of BCVA, and 3 (3.8%) decreased > or =2 ETDRS lines of BCVA. Mean central macular thickness at baseline by OCT was 387.0+/-182.8 mum and decreased to a mean of 275.7+/-108.3 at end of follow-up (P<0.0001). No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. Primary intravitreal bevacizumab at doses of 1.25 to 2.5 mg seem to provide stability or improvement in VA, OCT, and FA in DME at 6 months. Follow-up is still short to make any specific treatment recommendations; however, the results appear promising. Evaluation in a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial with longer follow-up is needed.

High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in recent traumatic optic neuropathy; a randomized double-masked placebo-controlled clinical trial

To compare the effect of high-dose intravenous corticosteroid therapy with placebo in the treatment of recent traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). In a double-masked placebo-controlled clinical trial, 31 eyes of 31 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients with history of trauma < or =7 days were included. Unconscious patients, eyes with penetrating trauma and candidates for decompression surgery were excluded. The treatment group (16 eyes) received 250 mg methylprednisolone intravenously every 6 h for 3 days, then 1 mg/kg prednisolone orally for 14 days; the placebo group (15 eyes) received 50 ml normal saline intravenously every 6 h for 3 days, then placebo for 14 days. Visual improvement was considered as a decrease of at least 0.4 logMAR in final visual acuity. Mean final BCVA (best corrected visual acuity) in the treatment group was 1.11+/- 1.14 and the placebo group was 1.78 +/- 1.23. This difference was not significant (P = 0.13). Visual acuity was improved in 68.8% of the treatment group and 53.3% of the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.38). The difference between initial and final BCVA in both groups was determined to be statistically significant (P < 0.001 and 0.010 respectively). Our study confirms earlier findings that there is no difference in visual acuity improvement between intravenous high-dose corticosteroids and placebo in treatment of recent TNO.

Long-Term Outcome of Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Scleral Fixated Sutured Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation

To investigate the long-term visual outcome and the complication rate following transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (sutured PC-IOLs). A retrospective case-series descriptive study. Records of patients who underwent combined pars plana vitrectomy and sutured PC-IOLs at Moorfields Eye Hospital and who had at least 12 months of follow-up were examined for recorded complications. Sixty-one eyes of 48 patients (33 males and 15 females) were identified and included in the analysis, with mean follow-up of 6 years. The mean final best-corrected visual acuity remained at preoperative levels (P=.211) and was largely determined by the underlying ocular pathology before sutured PC-IOL. Overall 30 of 61 (49%) eyes, two or more procedures were performed to reverse a significant peri- or postoperative complication. Breakage of polypropylene sutures was the main indication accounting for 17 of 30 (57%) of those reoperations. Subgroup analysis showed that younger patients were more likely to suffer the above complication (P=.009). The multivariate analysis also showed that longer follow-up was significantly associated with suture breakage (P=.014), with the mean time to breakage approximately 4 years after surgery. Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing sutured PC-IOLs appears to be associated with a high rate of postoperative complications and significant need for further surgery, which should be discussed during their informed consent process.

Phacoemulsification in the Vitreous Cavity for Retained Nuclear Lens Fragments

To evaluate anatomic and functional results after surgery of retained lens fragments in the vitreous cavity after previous phacoemulsification. The authors studied retrospectively 18 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retained nuclear lens fragments. Patients having only cortical material in the vitreous cavity were excluded. In all cases the nucleus or nuclear fragments were removed after a complete vitrectomy using perfluorocarbon injection in the vitreous cavity, associated with phacoemulsification in the vitreous cavity. The authors used a conventional phaco probe devoid of the silicone sleeve. Time lapse between cataract surgery and vitrectomy varied between 0 and 24 days (mean 8.2 +/- 7.4). Follow-up was 33.9 +/- 20.6 months (range 4 to 53). The mean final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/45 (range 20/400 to 20/20). It was 20/40 or better in 33% of patients, reaching 40% when patients with previous macular disease were excluded. A total of 61% of patients reached a final BCVA ranging from 20/50 to 20/200. Retinal detachment occurred in one eye and topical medications were necessary to manage intraocular pressure in four cases. PPV with intravitreous phacoemulsification is the technique of choice for dislocated nuclei or nuclear fragments in the vitreous cavity. (