Greater Improvement In Visual Acuity Research Articles

Visual outcomes in tuberculum sellae meningiomas comparing transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approaches

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) account for 3-10% of intracranial meningiomas. Visual loss is the presenting symptom in up to 80% of cases. Surgical management poses a great challenge due to tumor proximity to neurovascular structures such as the optic nerve and the internal carotid artery (ICA); hence, there is controversy regarding the optimal approach. The aim of this study is to determine differences in visual outcomes between transcranial (TCA) and endoscopic endonasal (EEA) approaches. A retrospective study including 29 patients with TSM surgically treated by TCA or EEA between 2011 and 2023 in a single referral center was conducted. Pre-and post-operative neuro-ophthalmologic evaluations, focusing on visual acuity and campimetry, were evaluated. Sixteen (55.16%) patients were intervened through a TCA and the remaining 13 (44.84%) via an EEA. The lesions in each group were similar in terms of pre- operative volume (15.12 vs 12.9cm3, p=0.497) and neurovascular invasion (optic canal invasion 48.26 vs 41.37%, p=0.664; ICA 44.81 vs 31.03%, p=0.797). There were no significant differences in visual outcomes between both approaches; TCA presented an improvement of 5.18 points in visual fields (p=0.140), whereas EEA had an improvement of 17.39 points in visual acuity (p=0.114). EEA seems to offer greater improvement in visual acuity than TCA. However, the ideal approach should be individualized; taking into account the tumor's volume and invasiveness, as well as the patient's visual complaints.

Comparative analysis of the correction of irregular postkeratoplastic astigmatism with scleral lenses and intrastromal ring implantation

Background. Many patients after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) experience induced postkeratoplastic astigmatism, which is often irregular and causes an increase in corneal aberrations that reduce visual acuity and quality. The aim of the study. To conduct a comparative analysis of the effect of rigid gas permeable scleral lenses and the MyoRing implantation method on clinical and functional parameters in patients with IPA. Material and methods. The clinical study included 60 patients (60 eyes). The age of patients with IPA was from 25 to 42 years. All patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty. All patients were divided into two groups depending on the method for irregular postkeratoplastic astigmatism correction. Group I included 30 patients (30 eyes) who were fitted with rigid gas permeable scleral lenses. Group II consisted of 30 patients (30 eyes) who underwent implantation of the MyoRing into a penetrating corneal graft. The observation period was 1 year. Results. After 12 months of observation, there was a greater increase in uncorrected visual acuity by an average of 3 lines, in corrected visual acuity – by 2 lines; a greater decrease in corneal aberrations in photo- (root mean square (RMS) of total aberrations (RMS total) by 0.30 ± 0.08 µm, RMS of higher order aberrations (RMS HOA) – by 1.01 ± 0.24 μm) and mesopic conditions (RMS total – by 0.33 ± 0.09 μm, RMS HOA – by 0.08 ± 0.03 μm) in patients wearing rigid gas permeable scleral lenses compared with patients after MyoRing implantation into a penetrating corneal graft. Conclusion. Patients of group I, wearing rigid gas permeable scleral lenses, showed a greater improvement in visual acuity and a decrease in corneal aberrations in photo- and mesopic conditions compared to the patients of group II (after MyoRing implantation) at a follow-up period of 12 months.

Outcomes of resident physician-performed cataract surgery in a diverse veterans affairs health system population.

To evaluate visual acuity (VA) outcomes and complications from resident physician-performed cataract surgery in a diverse Veterans Affairs Hospital population. A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent cataract surgery performed by resident physicians from 01/01/2013 to 12/31/2015 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical information, best-corrected VA (BCVA) (1 day, months 1, 2-3, and 6), and surgery complications were extracted. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models were performed for risk factors of BCVA change. This study included 1183 patients, with mean (SD) age of 70.8 (9.3) years. 1154 (97.5%) were males, 493 (41.7%) African-American, and 681 (57.6%) Caucasian. The mean (SD) VA in logMAR was 0.69 (0.74) at baseline, improved to 0.19 (0.36) at 1 month, 0.16 (0.34) at 2-3 months, and 0.14 (0.36) at 6 months. 1080 (91.3%) patients experienced VA improvement from baseline and 1023 (86.5%) patients achieved at least 20/40 BCVA at 1 month. There were 86 (7.3%) complications, most commonly including 47 (4.0%) posterior capsular tears and 64 (5.4%) vitreous loss. In multivariable analysis, younger age (P < 0.0001), worse baseline VA (P < 0.0001), and absence of iris prolapse (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with greater improvement in VA at 1 month. In a diverse VAMC, resident-performed cataract surgeries achieved significant improvement in VA with a cumulative complication rate lower than previously reported. Resident physician education may benefit from specific focus on prevention of iris prolapse and better incision construction during surgery as these intraoperative events often led to delayed stabilization of visual outcome beyond 1 month.

Comparison of the effectiveness of amblyopia treatment with eye-patch and binocular Occlu-tab for the same treatment duration.

Purpose:This study aimed to compare the conventional eye patch with Occlu-tab—a binocular open-type amblyopia training device—and evaluate their effectiveness in amblyopia treatment.Methods:In this prospective, multi-center study, 40 patients between ages 3 to 12 years, diagnosed with anisometropic amblyopia (refraction difference of both eyes ≥ 2 D, best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] of the amblyopic eye ≤ 0.1 [logMAR]) were treated with Occlu-tab or conventional eye patch for 1 h per day thrice a week. We compared the visual acuity of both groups before and after 6, 7, and 8 weeks of amblyopia treatment. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey’s test were used to compare the visual acuity of both groups pre- and post-treatment.Results:Both groups had significantly improved visual acuity at 6, 7, and 8 weeks compared to that before treatment (all P < 0.001). The improvement in BCVA of the Occlu-tab group (0.33 ± 0.25) was significantly greater than that of the eye patch group (0.16 ± 0.17) after 8 weeks of treatment (P = 0.02).Conclusion:Amblyopia treatment using binocular open game training with Occlu-tab led to greater improvement in visual acuity than that with a conventional eye patch for the same treatment duration.

OCT-based biomarkers for predicting treatment response in eyes with centre-involved diabetic macular oedema treated with anti-VEGF injections: a real-life retina clinic-based study

Background/aimsTo determine whether a combination of baseline and change in spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)-based biomarkers can predict visual outcomes in eyes with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) treated with antivascular...

Visual acuity and refractive findings in children prescribed glasses from a school-based vision program

We report visual acuity improvement and refractive profiles in children prescribed glasses by a school-based vision program (SBVP) in Baltimore, Maryland. In this cross-sectional analysis, pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students who failed vision screening underwent an eye examination. Students prescribed glasses are included. Visual acuity improvement was the difference between presenting and best-corrected visual acuity based on noncycloplegic manifest refraction. Clinically significant refractive error (CSRE) was defined as ≥0.75 D myopia, ≥2.00 D hyperopia without strabismus, ≥1.00 D hyperopia with esodeviation, or ≥1.50 D astigmatism AND presenting visual acuity ≤20/40 or ≥2-line interocular difference with the better-seeing eye ≤20/30. Characteristics associated with greater visual acuity improvement were explored. Of the 4,972 students, mean age was 9.4 ± 2.7 years; 77% were black, and 18% were Hispanic. Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and CSRE were found in 65%, 24%, 60%, and 46% students, respectively. In the better-seeing eyes, 70% gained ≥2 lines. Of students with CSRE, improvement of at least 5 lines in the worse-seeing eye increased from 30.9% in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten to 77.3% in 7th and 8th grade (Ptrend < 0.001). Students with CSRE had a higher rate of gaining at least 2 lines' improvement in their worse-seeing eyes compared with those without (98.7% vs 80.6%). Older students as well as black and Hispanic students were more likely to have improvement of at least 2 lines. Most students prescribed glasses from our SBVP had clinically significant visual deficits corrected.

Comparison of the Safety and Efficacy of Interferon Alpha-2a and Cyclosporine-A When Combined With Glucocorticoid in the Treatment of Refractory Behçet's Uveitis: A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of interferon alpha-2a (IFN-α2a) and cyclosporine-A (CsA) in patients with refractory Behçet’s uveitis (BU). Methods: In this 12-month randomized, controlled, prospective trial, 26 participants (44 eyes) completed the study. Patients were randomly allocated to the IFN-α2a or CsA groups. All patients in both groups received a standardized prednisone burst and tapering schedule as per protocol. The primary outcome measures were response rate, complete remission rate, and tolerance rate. The secondary outcome measures included time to achieve complete remission, the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and Behçet’s disease ocular attack score 24 (BOS24). T-tests and non-parametric tests were used to compare quantitative variables, and chi-square tests were performed to compare qualitative variables. Results: The response and complete remission rates were 85.7% (12/14 patients) and 50.0% (7/14 patients) in the IFN-α2a group, compared with 66.7% (8/12 patients) and 25.0% (3/12 patients) in the CsA group, respectively (p > 0.05). Complete remission was achieved at 3.3 and 7.0 months after initiation of IFN-α2a and CsA (p = 0.023). LogMAR BCVA significantly improved 1 month after IFN-α2a initiation (23 eyes) (p = 0.002), and this beneficial effect remained statistically significant during the entire follow-up period (p < 0.05); however, this improvement was not observed in the CsA group (21 eyes). At the endpoint, LogMAR BCVA in the IFN-α2a group was significantly better (0.22 vs. 0.31, p = 0.031) with a higher improvement rate (60.9 vs. 47.6%, p > 0.05). Moreover, compared to the CsA group, more eyes in the IFN-α2a group had a lower BOS24 score (87.0 vs. 57.1%, p = 0.042). None of the patients had any side effects that influenced the medication adherence. Conclusion: Compared to CsA plus corticosteroid, IFN-α2a plus corticosteroid appears to induce a better treatment response, a significantly greater improvement in visual acuity, and more stable remission of intraocular inflammation in a 12-month study period.

Early visual training and environmental adaptation for infants with visual impairment

AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of early visual training and environmental adaptation on visual function and neurological development in infants with visual impairment.MethodThis was a pilot intervention clinical trial study. Thirty infants (mean age 5.9mo, SD 2.1mo, range 4–11mo; 16 males, 14 females) with peripheral visual impairment (PVI, n=15) or cerebral visual impairment (CVI, n=15) participated in a 6‐month visual intervention programme. Thirty matched infants (mean age 6mo, SD 1.4mo, range 4–9mo; 18 males, 12 females) served as a comparison group. Primary outcome measures were visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and qualitative ocular motor functions. Secondary outcomes were scores on the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS).ResultsThe treatment group showed a significant improvement in all the primary outcomes (p<0.01). The comparison group improved only in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (p<0.01). The treatment group showed greater improvement than the comparison group in visual fixation (p=0.033) and smooth pursuit (p<0.01). The CVI subgroup showed greater improvement in visual acuity than the PVI subgroup (p<0.01). GMDS subscales of hand–eye coordination (p=0.01) and performance (p<0.01) increased in the treatment group, while the total score of the comparison group decreased, driven by language (p=0.039) and hand–eye coordination (p=0.025) subscales.InterpretationResults suggest that, in infants with visual impairment, visual function and certain developmental outcomes improve in response to early visual training and environmental adaptation, in an interactive context. What this paper adds Early visual training and environmental adaptation are associated with enhanced visual acuity and smooth pursuit.Early visual training and environmental adaptation are associated with an improvement of neurological developmental outcome.Performance, hand–eye coordination, and language scores in Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales increase after visual training.After training, visual acuity improves more in infants with cerebral rather than anterior visual impairment.Type and complexity of visual impairment contribute to determine infants’ response to training.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy following Traumatic Ocular Injury and Initial Globe Repair: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.

Penetrating and perforating ocular trauma are often devastating and may lead to complete visual loss in the traumatized eye and subsequent compromise of the fellow eye. A significant proportion of traumatic injuries are complex, often requiring vitreoretinal intervention to preserve vision. A retrospective analysis at a level 1 trauma center was performed to evaluate the time course, incidence, and outcomes following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) after traumatic ocular injury and initial globe repair. Eyes that underwent open globe repair following ocular trauma at Brooke Army Medical Center, between January 1, 2014 and December 30, 2016 were analyzed. Specific factors evaluated include mechanism of injury, defect size and complexity, ocular trauma score, zone of injury, associated orbital trauma, and time from injury to surgical intervention. A subset analysis was conducted specifically on eyes requiring subsequent PPV for vision preservation because of vitreoretinal disease. Surgical outcomes, time to secondary intervention, and complication rates were then assessed. In total, 70 eyes requiring open globe repair were examined, with 43 having undergone PPV. Average and median time to vitrectomy were 18.8 and 8 days, respectively. Eyes that underwent PPV were more likely to have an afferent papillary defect, vitreous hemorrhage, intraocular foreign body, and retinal detachment at the time of initial injury (although the latter two factors were not statistically significant), and were more likely to receive penetrating keratoplasty. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in 37.2% of eyes that underwent PPV, versus 3.7% of those that did not (P = 0.0013). Timing of PPV (i.e., before or after 14 days) had no statistically significant effect on the rate of PVR (Table I). Eyes that underwent PPV showed an improvement of visual acuity from average 2.5 logMAR following initial injury to 1.5 logMAR 6 months after PPV, equivalent to 18.7 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters gained, versus 37.7 ETDRS letters gained in eyes without PPV. Among PPV eyes, early repair (<14 days) was associated with greater improvement in visual acuity. Overall, patients requiring PPV following open globe repair generally had more severe injuries and worse 6-month postoperative visual acuity. Patients who underwent more expedited vitrectomy showed greater improvement in visual acuity as measured by ETDRS letters gained.

Weighted Comparison of the Corneal Topographic Data in Intracapsular versus Ciliary Sulcus Intraocular Lens Implantation during Phacoemulsification Surgery.

Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative changes in corneal topography, intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual acuity in patients who developed posterior capsule rupture during phacoemulsification surgery and simultaneously underwent ciliary sulcus intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and in those with intact capsular integrity who simultaneously underwent intracapsular IOL implantation and to compare these changes within and between the two groups.Methods:Among the 855 patients, 92 eyes of 69 patients whose corneal topography, IOP, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were successfully measured were included in the study. Preliminary chamber parameters [horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), iridocorneal angle, anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior chamber depth (ACD)] were measured before and after surgery using a Sirius corneal topography device.Results:The IOL was implanted in the capsular bag in 58 patients and in the ciliary sulcus between the posterior iris and the capsule in 34 patients. In the sulcus IOL group, both BCVA and IOP measurements statistically significantly increased in the postoperative period compared with the preoperative values (p<0.001). As regards postoperative changes between the intracapsular and sulcus IOL groups, no significant difference was found in the changes in HVID (p=0.584), iridocorneal angle (p=0.282), and ACD (p=0.382), whereas the changes in ACV, IOP, and BCVA were statistically significantly different (p=0.020, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively).Conclusion:While the IOP of the sulcus IOL group significantly increased, that of the intracapsular group significantly decreased. Visual acuity increased in both lens implants, but patients with intracapsular lenses had greater improvement in visual acuity; thus, intracapsular IOL implantation was more advantageous than sulcus IOL implantation.

Predictors of Spectacle Wear and Reasons for Nonwear in Students Randomized to Ready-made or Custom-made Spectacles

Visual impairment from uncorrected refractive errors affects 12.8 million children globally. Spectacle correction is simple and cost-effective; however, low adherence to spectacle wear, which can occur in all income settings, limits visual potential. To investigate predictors of spectacle wear and reasons for nonwear in students randomized to ready-made or custom-made spectacles. In planned secondary objectives of a noninferiority randomized clinical trial, students aged 11 to 15 years who fulfilled eligibility criteria, which included improvement in vision with correction by at least 2 lines in the better eye, were recruited from government schools in Bangalore, India. Recruitment took place between January 12 and July 15, 2015, and analysis for the primary outcome occurred in August 2016. Data analysis for the secondary outcome was conducted in August 2018. Spectacle wear was assessed by masked observers at unannounced visits to schools 3 to 4 months after spectacles were distributed. Students not wearing their spectacles were asked an open-ended question to elicit reasons for nonwear. Predictors of spectacle wear and reasons for nonwear. Of 460 students recruited and randomized (52.2% male; 46 students aged 11 to 12 years and 13 to 15 years in each trial arm), 78.7% (362 of 460) were traced at follow-up, and 25.4% (92 of 362) were not wearing their spectacles (no difference between trial arms). Poorer presenting visual acuity (VA) and improvement in VA with correction predicted spectacle wear. Students initially seen with an uncorrected VA less than 6/18 in the better eye were almost 3 times more likely to be wearing their spectacles than those with less than 6/9 to 6/12 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.52-5.27). Improvement of VA with correction of 3 to 6 lines or more than 6 lines had adjusted odds ratios of 2.31 (95% CI, 1.19-4.50) and 2.57 (95% CI, 1.32-5.01), respectively, compared with an improvement of less than 3 lines. The main reason students gave for nonwear was teasing or bullying by peers (48.9% [45 of 92]). Girls reported parental disapproval as a reason more frequently than boys (difference, 7.2%). Three-quarters of students receiving spectacles were wearing them at follow-up, which supports the use of the prescribing guidelines applied in this trial. Predictors of spectacle wear, poorer presenting VA, and greater improvement in VA with correction are similar to other studies. Interventions to reduce teasing and bullying are required, and health education of parents is particularly needed for girls in this setting. isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN14715120.

Factors Associated With Visual Acuity and Central Subfield Thickness Changes When Treating Diabetic Macular Edema With Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy

Identifying the factors that are associated with the magnitude of treatment benefits from anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME) may help refine treatment expectations. To identify the baseline factors that are associated with vision and anatomic outcomes when managing DME with anti-VEGF and determine if there are interactions between factors and the agent administered. This post hoc analysis of data from the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network multicenter randomized clinical trial , Protocol T, was conducted between December 2016 and December 2017. Between August 22, 2012, and August 28, 2013, 660 participants were enrolled with central-involved DME and vision impairment (approximate Snellen equivalent, 20/32-20/320). Repeated 0.05-mL intravitreous injections of 2.0-mg aflibercept (201 eyes), 1.25-mg bevacizumab (185 eyes), or 0.3-mg ranibizumab (192 eyes) per protocol. Change in visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfield thickness at 2 years and change in VA over 2 years (area under the curve [AUC]). Among 578 participants, the median age (interquartile range) was 61 (54-67) years. Across anti-VEGF treatment groups, each baseline factor was associated with mean improvement in VA and a reduction in central DME compared with the baseline. For every decade of participant age, the mean VA improvement was reduced by 2.1 letters (95% CI, -3.0 to -1.2; P < .001) in the VA and 1.9 letters (95% CI, -2.4 to -1.3; P < .001) in the VA AUC analyses. For each 1% increase in hemoglobin A1c levels, VA improvement was reduced by 1 letter in the VA (95% CI, -1.5 to -0.5; P < .001) and 0.5 letters (95% CI, -0.9 to -0.2; P < .001) in the VA AUC analyses. Eyes with no prior panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and less than severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy had an approximately 3-letter improvement in the VA (95% CI, 0.9-5.4; P = .007) and VA AUC (95% CI, 1.3-4.2; P < .001) analyses compared with eyes with prior PRP. On average, African American participants had greater reductions in central subfield thickness compared with eyes of white participants (-27.3 μm, P = .01), as did eyes with central subretinal fluid compared with eyes without this OCT feature (-22.9 μm, P = .01). There were no interactions between the predictive factors and the specific anti-VEGF agent that was administered for any VA or OCT outcome. Lower hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with the magnitude of vision improvement following anti-VEGF therapy, providing further evidence to encourage glycemic control among persons with diabetes. Younger patients and those without prior PRP might expect greater improvement in VA than older patients or those with prior PRP.

INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF AFLIBERCEPT IN PATIENTS WITH POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY: A 3-YEAR FOLLOW-UP.

To compare the 3-year follow-up results of intravitreal injections of aflibercept between fixed dosing (FD) regimen and a pro re nata (PRN) regimen after three initial monthly doses for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and to analyze factors influencing improvement in visual acuity. We retrospectively studied all treatment-naive patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy who were scheduled to receive intravitreal aflibercept injections FD or PRN after induction treatment between March 2013 and May 2014. Best-corrected visual acuity was evaluated before treatment and at 4, 12, 24, and 36 months after initial treatment. Factors that influence improvement in visual acuity were also investigated. Thirty-three eyes were assessed at the 3-year follow-up examination. Twenty-three eyes were treated with intravitreal aflibercept injections every 2 months for at least 1 year after three initial monthly doses (FD group), and 10 eyes were treated PRN after loading doses (PRN group). In the FD group, during the follow-up period from 1 to 3 years, quarterly dosing with capped PRN or a treat and extend regimen were selected. The mean number of administered intravitreal aflibercept was 15.3 ± 4.6 in the FD group and 9.0 ± 8.9 in the PRN group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.004). Significant improvement of the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution values for best-corrected visual acuity was shown at 36 months, as compared to baseline values (P = 0.019). No significant difference in the improvement of best-corrected visual acuity between the two groups was observed at baseline or at 4, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment (all P > 0.05), although there was a trend toward better results in the FD group. Multiple regression analysis showed that the FD group had better visual acuity at 36 months and greater improvement in visual acuity than the PRN group (P = 0.031 for both comparisons). Intravitreal aflibercept was effective in improving the vision of patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, as evaluated at the 3-year follow-up. Fixed treatment might be an important factor influencing improvement in visual acuity.

PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF VISUAL OUTCOME FOR VITREOMACULAR TRACTION SYNDROME AFTER VITRECTOMY.

To assess the long-term functional and anatomical outcomes for vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT) after vitrectomy and to analyze the predictive factors regarding visual outcome. A retrospective, consecutive case series of 22 eyes in 22 patients with VMT who underwent vitrectomy to relieve macular edema were studied. Eyes were classified into two groups according to the diameter of vitreomacular adhesion based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography: Group 1 (14 eyes) focal attachment ≤1,500 μm; and Group 2 (eight eyes) broad attachment >1,500 μm. Mean postoperative follow-up was 25.4 months (range, 6-68). The preoperative mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.73 (20/107), which significantly improved to 0.49 (20/62) postoperatively (P < 0.01). Seventeen eyes (77%) had Snellen visual acuity improvement ≧ two lines, and nine eyes had improvement ≧ three lines. The improvement of visual acuity was significantly better in Group 1 than in Group 2 (2.7 lines vs. 0.8 lines) (P = 0.03). The preoperative mean central macular thickness was 563 μm ± 176 μm, which significantly improved to 298 μm ± 69 μm postoperatively (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, better final visual acuity was significantly associated with Group 1 VMT (P < 0.01) and with shorter symptom duration (P < 0.01). Greater improvement of visual acuity was also significantly associated with younger age of patients (P = 0.02) and with Group 1 VMT (P < 0.01). In linear regression analysis, patients with longer symptom duration had worse final visual acuity (β = 0.02) and patients of younger age had greater visual acuity improvement (β = 0.008). Most patients of VMT gained significant functional and anatomical improvements after vitrectomy. Group 1 optical coherence tomography pattern, shorter symptom duration, and younger age are significant predictive factors of better visual outcome.

Choroidal structure as a biomarker for visual acuity in intravitreal aflibercept therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between choroidal structure and visual acuity after intravitreal aflibercept therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, single-centre and observational study including 18 eyes of 18 patients with PCV (73.8 ± 10.2 years of age) who were treated with three monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by additional treatments in a treat-and-extend protocol. The cross-sectional images of the macula were obtained with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography at baseline, at 3 months, and at 12 months. The choroidal layer was divided into luminal or stromal segments by applying binarization processing to calculate these areas. The relationships between age, spherical equivalent, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), baseline value, or changes in the luminal or the stromal areas, and the BCVA change at 12 months were analysed using multiple regression analyses and model selection procedures.ResultsBoth stromal and luminal areas were decreased at 3 and 12 months compared to baseline areas (5% and 9% at 3 months, 6% and 12% at 12 months, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Greater improvement of visual acuity (VA) at 12 months was significantly associated with younger age, greater spherical equivalent, worse baseline BCVA, greater baseline luminal area, and smaller baseline stromal area.ConclusionsChoroidal structure might be useful as a new biomarker for potential Visual outcomes after intravitreal aflibercept therapy for PCV.

Recent clinically relevant highlights from the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network.

To present some recent clinically relevant results from Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research (DRCR) Network trials that may guide management of diabetic macular edema (DME) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Among eyes with DME and visual acuity 20/50 or worse, aflibercept, on average, had greater improvement in visual acuity over 2 years compared with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Aflibercept is associated with higher rates of improvements in diabetic retinopathy severity among eyes with PDR and vision-impairing DME at baseline compared with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Among eyes with persistent central-involved DME after at least six antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, no difference in mean visual acuity improvement was observed between eyes that received continued ranibizumab and sham injections versus ranibizumab and intravitreous sustained dexamethasone drug-delivery system, especially for phakic eyes. For eyes with PDR, ranibizumab was associated with lower rates of developing PDR-worsening events compared with panretinal photocoagulation, especially among eyes that did not receive ranibizumab for central-involved DME at baseline. Ranibizumab is cost-effective for PDR for eyes with, not without, vision-impairing central-involved DME, highlighting challenges when safety and efficacy results are at odds with cost-effectiveness results. Aflibercept for DME, in certain circumstances, is more likely to have superior visual acuity and anatomical outcomes compared with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. No vision benefits are apparent, especially for phakic eyes, by adding intravitreous corticosteroids for persistent DME following anti-VEGF injections.

Ranibizumab Versus Bevacizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration With an Incomplete Posterior Vitreous Detachment.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ranibizumab to those of bevacizumab during the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment. A retrospective chart review. A retrospective chart review was performed on treatment-naive neovascular AMD subjects with an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment treated with either ranibizumab or bevacizumab over a 12-month period. One hundred thirty subjects were analyzed. There were 49 subjects determined to have vitreous attachment to the fovea. Subjects with vitreous attachment to the fovea required a significantly greater number of injections during the study interval compared with those without (10.2 ± 0.75 vs 7.8 ± 0.62) (P < 0.0001). In subjects with vitreous attachment to the fovea, the ranibizumab cohort had a greater improvement in visual acuity (0.18 ± 0.1 vs 0.04 ± 0.11 logMAR) (P = 0.0176) and a greater reduction in macular thickness (93.4 ± 32.2 μm vs 30.3 ± 28.3 μm) (P = 0.0064) compared with the bevacizumab cohort. Neovascular AMD patients with vitreous attachment to the fovea may have better visual and anatomic outcomes when treated with ranibizumab compared with bevacizumab.

Bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Chinese patients in a clinical setting.

To determine the outcome of non-investigational treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. Retrospective chart review of 81 eyes with neovascular AMD followed-up for at least 12mo and received 3-monthly loading IVB injections. Re-treat was based upon the individual clinician's judgment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography measurements of central foveal thickness outcomes were evaluated at 12, 24mo. Eighty-one eyes (of 75 patients) completed 12mo of follow-up and 44 eyes (of 41 patients) completed 24mo of follow-up. The mean baseline logMAR BCVA significantly improved from 0.94±0.69 to 0.85±0.68 at 12mo (P<0.001) and from 0.91±0.65 to 0.85±0.60 (P=0.004) at 24mo. The proportion of eyes that lost <15 logMAR letters at 12mo was 90.1% and at 24mo was 81.8%. IVB was effective in improving visual acuity in both treatment naïve and previous photodynamic therapy (PDT)-treated subgroups. Treatment naive patients required significantly fewer injections than patients with prior PDT. Multiple regression analysis identified that poorer baseline visual acuity was associated with greater improvement in visual acuity (P=0.015). Fewer injections in clinical practice may result in suboptimal visual outcomes compared with clinical trials of IVB in neovascular AMD patients. Poor baseline visual acuity and prior PDT treatment may also improve vision after IVB. The safety and durability of effect was maintained at 24mo.

Aflibercept as primary treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularisation: a retrospective study.

AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate long-term efficacy of intravitreal injections of aflibercept as primary treatment for subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic choroidal neovascularisation (CNV).MethodsThirty-eight treatment-naive eyes of thirty-eight patients with subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic CNV received initial intravitreal aflibercept injections and were followed for at least 18 months. Aflibercept was applied again for persistent or recurrent CNV, as required. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS.ResultsMean patient age was 45.8 years, and mean eye refractive error was −7.79 D. For the total patient group (n=38 eyes), mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 0.69 at baseline to 0.15 at 18 months (P<0.01). Over half of the treated eyes obtained resolution with one aflibercept injection. Patients were also grouped according to age, as <50 years (n=20 eyes) and ≥50 years (n=18 eyes). Mean BCVA improvement was significantly greater in eyes of the younger myopic CNV group, compared with those of ≥50 years (0.21 vs 0.35; P<0.05). The mean number of aflibercept injections was 1.8 for the <50 years myopic CNV group, and 3.6 for the ≥50 years myopic CNV group (P<0.001). Correlation between spherical equivalent refraction and final visual acuity reached statistical significance only for the <50 years myopic CNV group (P<0.001; Levene's correlation).ConclusionsIntravitreal aflibercept provides long-term visual acuity improvement in myopic CNV. The <50 years old myopic CNV group had significantly fewer injections, with greater visual acuity improvement. Intravitreal aflibercept in myopic CNV does not require the three-injection loading phase used for aflibercept treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

VEGFR2 Gene Polymorphisms and Response to Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A previously published study demonstrated a pharmacogenetic association between the minor alleles of 2 VEGFR2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and greater improvement in visual acuity (VA) to treatment with ranibizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug, in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We evaluated whether this association was replicated among patients who participated in the Comparison of AMD Treatments Trials (CATT) or the Alternative Treatments to Inhibit VEGF in Patients with Age-Related Choroidal Neovascularisation (IVAN) trial. Cohort studies within randomized clinical trials. Eight hundred thirty-five patients participating in CATT and 512 patients participating in IVAN. Each patient was genotyped for the SNPs rs4576072 and rs6828477 in the VEGFR2 gene. Mean change in VA from baseline to 1 year after initiation of treatment with ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Differences in VA response between the patient group homozygous for the minor allele of each SNP and the other genotype groups were evaluated with analysis of variance. Differences in VA response by the number of minor alleles present for either SNP or both combined were evaluated with tests of linear trend. Analyses were conducted separately for CATT and IVAN participants and with both the studies combined. No statistically significant difference in mean change in VA was identified between genotypes of either SNP (P ≥ 0.05). Furthermore, a stepwise analysis failed to show a significant interaction for either SNP based on the number of minor alleles present. The lack of association was similar in both the CATT and IVAN cohorts and whether the analysis combined patients treated with either ranibizumab or bevacizumab or when restricted to patients treated with ranibizumab only. The CATT and IVAN data do not support a pharmacogenetic association between the 2VEGFR2 SNPs, rs4576072 and rs6828477, and change in VA in response to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with neovascular AMD.