Postoperative Visual Acuity Improvement Research Articles

The Effect of Steroid Intervention before Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Associated with Choroidal Detachment: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Purpose This meta-analysis discusses the effectiveness of steroid intervention before vitrectomy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment. Methods We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials and observational studies published until August 2023. We included studies involving: patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy; an experimental group that was not administered steroids and a control group that was administered steroids; and assessment of visual acuity, retinal reattachment rate, and complications. The heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were performed to ensure the statistical power and reliability of the analysis. Results Two randomized controlled trials and four case-control studies involving 490 eyes were included in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in the primary and final retinal reattachment rates after surgery between the steroid and non-steroid groups (primary retinal reattachment rate: odds ratio = 1.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.63–1.63, p = .41; final retinal reattachment rate: odds ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.43–1.59, p = .33). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative visual acuity improvement between the two groups (odds ratio = 1.19, confidence interval = 0.63–2.25, p = .69). In addition, subgroup analyses of different types of steroids showed that systemic and local administration of steroids had similar results for retinal reattachment rate and visual acuity improvement. Conclusion Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment who did not receive preoperative steroids achieved the same effect as patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment who did receive preoperative steroids in terms of retinal reattachment rate and visual acuity. It is recommended that patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment undergo surgery as promptly as possible.

Enhanced Surgical Safety through Protective Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of 22 Cases.

To assess the surgical safety, postoperative outcomes, and the impact of PPK on corneal endothelial cell density through a retrospective analysis of 22 cases. Settings and Design. A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was executed at Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital from February 2018 to December 2021, involving 22 patients (22 eyes) who were unresponsive to other medical treatments and had a corrected distance visual acuity of ≤0.1. Patients underwent PPK, with surgical procedures and postoperative care documented. Statistical analysis was performed on qualitative and quantitative variables to evaluate the surgical outcomes and the corneal endothelial cell density changes postoperation. All surgeries demonstrated a significant improvement in postoperative visual acuity (p ≤ 0.001) and recorded a 9.2% decrease in the corneal endothelial cell density at 12 months. Noteworthy complications included one case of intraoperatively discovered haptic dislocation and one postoperative bacterial keratitis. PPK could potentially mitigate perioperative complications, ensure graft clarity, and reduce corneal endothelial cell loss, presenting itself as a viable alternative to traditional PK. Although the results are encouraging, larger-scale studies are essential to validate the benefits and applicability of PPK in broader clinical settings.

Outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane flap surgery for chronic large macular holes in a sub-Saharan African setting

TopicOutcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap surgery for chronic large macular holes (MH) in a sub-Saharan Africa setting. PurposeTo report the anatomic and visual outcomes of ILM flap surgery without face-down positioning for eyes with chronic large MH at Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. DesignRetrospective, observational study. MethodsCase files of patients who underwent inverted ILM flap surgery for large MH in the retina unit of the Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, between January 2022 and December 2022 were reviewed. ResultsThe study included 30 eyes of 29 patients. MH size was between 471 μm and 1530 μm. The mean overall preoperative best corrected logMAR visual acuity was 1.27 ± 0.58. A one-line worsening of preoperative logMAR vision was associated with an increase in MH size by 129.5 μm (p = 0.056). MH closure was achieved in 90% of eyes. There was an improvement in mean best corrected postoperative logMAR visual acuity at 6 months to 0.83 ± 0.49 (p < 0.001). Good visual outcomes were seen in 60.7% of eyes. The remodeling of the external limiting membrane seen in 46.7% of eyes was associated with good visual outcomes (p = 0.04). ConclusionThere was a 90% anatomic closure rate for chronic large MHs that underwent inverted internal limiting membrane flap surgery among our series of patients in a sub-Saharan African setting. Good visual outcomes were seen in 60.7% of eyes, with an overall improvement in logMAR visual acuity.

Scleral Fixated Secondary IOLs: An Outcomes Comparison Between the Yamane and Gore-Tex-Sutured Techniques.

Among secondary intraocular lens (IOL) techniques, scleral fixated IOLs (SFIOLs) offer advantages in cases without capsular support. In this article, we compare outcomes between two types of Gore-Tex scleral sutured IOLs with the Yamane technique. This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent SFIOL implantation. Analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in final postoperative visual acuity (VA) for sutured SFIOLs (P < 0.001, Envista (n = 29) 95% CI 0.47-1.04, Akreos (n = 23) 95% CI 0.32-0.81) with no statistical improvement in the Yamane group (P = 0.44, n = 15, 95% CI -0.33-0.71). Outcomes analysis revealed greater incidences of cystoid macular edema (CME) in the Yamane cohort (P < 0.05) and a higher rate of reoperations in the Akreos cohort (P < 0.02). All complications related to suture material (n = 4) and IOL decentration (n = 2) occurred in the sutured SFIOL group. The sutureless Yamane technique offered fewer subsequent surgeries and suture-specific complications while revealing diminished VA improvement in long-term follow-up compared to the sutured SFIOLs. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:xx-xx.].

Nonpenetrating Foldable Intrastromal Keratoprosthesis: A Review of the Literature.

To review the literature focusing on the clinical outcomes of KeraKlear (KK) (KeraMed), a foldable intrastromal keratoprosthesis. We searched 6 databases using 4 keywords: KeraKlear, Foldable Keratoprosthesis, Intrastromal Keratoprosthesis, and Non-penetrating Keratoprosthesis. Included studies had to be conducted in vivo on humans, published until January 3, 2023, and had to investigate the implantation of the KK. Eyes were considered at high risk of keratoprosthesis retention failure whenever there was an active inflammatory ocular surface disorder or in case of previous KK failure. We aimed at recording the postoperative complications, rate of prosthesis retention, and mean improvements in visual acuity. We identified 144 publications, 6 of which (38 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. No randomized controlled trials were found, and some studies had significant limitations regarding sample size and follow-up duration. With a mean follow-up of 28 ± 18.8 months, postoperative complications of any kind occurred between 0% and 50% and 24% had an implant extrusion/needed a reoperation. The mean postoperative visual acuity improvement on the last follow-up was -0.83 ± 0.27 LogMAR, that is, -0.57 ± 0.3 for high-risk and -1.03 ± 0.25 for low-risk eyes, whereas 1 year after implantation, 50% of the prostheses were retained in the former and 81% in the latter group. None of the eyes developed glaucoma, endophthalmitis, or expulsive hemorrhages; none had to be eviscerated/enucleated. Despite the limited quality and quantity of evidence, the available literature seems to suggest the KK to be a valuable tool in the treatment of complicated corneal disorders. Because in many parts of the world, the access to corneal transplantation is limited, this prosthesis could represent a valid alternative.

Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Assessment of Imaging Biomarkers in Full-Thickness Macular Holes: Preliminary Data from a Pivotal Trial.

Artificial intelligence (AI)- and deep learning (DL)-based systems have shown significant progress in the field of macular disorders, demonstrating high performance in detecting retinal fluid and assessing anatomical changes during disease progression. This study aimed to validate an AI algorithm for identifying and quantifying prognostic factors in visual recovery after macular hole (MH) surgery by analyzing major optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers. This study included 20 patients who underwent vitrectomy for a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). The mean diameter of the FTMH was measured at 285.36 ± 97.4 μm. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.76 ± 0.06 logMAR, improving to 0.38 ± 0.16 postoperatively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). AI software was utilized to assess biomarkers, such as intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) volume, external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity, and retinal hyperreflective foci (HRF). The AI analysis showed a significant decrease in IRF volume, from 0.08 ± 0.12 mm3 preoperatively to 0.01 ± 0.01 mm3 postoperatively. ELM interruption improved from 79% ± 18% to 34% ± 37% after surgery (p = 0.006), whereas EZ interruption improved from 80% ± 22% to 40% ± 36% (p = 0.007) postoperatively. Additionally, the study revealed a negative correlation between preoperative IRF volume and postoperative BCVA recovery, suggesting that greater preoperative fluid volumes may hinder visual improvement. The integrity of the ELM and EZ was found to be essential for postoperative visual acuity improvement, with their disruption negatively impacting visual recovery. The study highlights the potential of AI in quantifying OCT biomarkers for managing MHs and improving patient care.

Foveal-Sparing ILM Peeling with ILM Flap Transposition over the Macular Hole for Repair of Full-Thickness Macular Holes.

Full-thickness macular holes, defined as full-thickness defects of the fovea, lead to central scotoma and deterioration of vision. Apart from peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM), ILM flap techniques have been reported to have potential in improving results in macular hole surgery. In addition, foveal-sparing ILM peeling gives a high macular hole closure rate and improvement in postoperative visual acuity. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes in a cohort of patients with full-thickness macular holes that underwent vitrectomy with foveal-sparing ILM peeling and transposition of an ILM flap over the macular hole. This retrospective study included patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy with foveal-sparing ILM peeling, combined with ILM flap transposition over the macular hole, for macular hole repair. All patients received a gas tamponade with 20% sulphur hexafluoride and were encouraged to undergo postoperative face-down positioning for 48 hours after surgery. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the macula and distance-corrected visual acuity (DCVA) were performed before and 3 months after surgery. In total, 42 eyes of 42 patients were included in this study. Leaving a broad area of residual ILM at the foveal rim led to a high risk of failure in macular hole closure, while leaving a narrow zone of residual ILM at the foveal rim resulted in high macular hole closure rates (97% type 1 closure and 3% type 2 closure), with a median improvement of DCVA of 4lines [interquartile range (IQR): 3 to 6] among pseudophakic and 3.5 lines (IQR: 2 to 5) among phakic patients. A combination of foveal-sparing ILM peeling with ILM flap techniques was shown to be a safe and effective surgical option for patients with full-thickness macular holes, resulting in a high macular hole closure rate and improvement in visual acuity in the majority of patients.

Effect of sutureless scleral fixed intraocular lens implantation on aphakic eyes: a system review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSutureless scleral fixed intraocular lens implantation (SF-IOL) has become one of the mainstream schemes in clinical treatment of aphakic eyes because of its advantages, such as avoiding dislocation of intraocular lens or subluxation caused by suture degradation or fracture and significant improvement of postoperative visual acuity. However, a consensus on the relative effectiveness and safety of this operation and other methods is still lacking. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of sutureless SF-IOL with other methods. Aphakia means that the lens leaves the normal position and loses its original function, including absence or complete dislocation and subluxation of the lens which could cause anisometropic amblyopia, strabismus, and loss of binocular function in children and adolescents. For adults, the loss of the lens could lead to high hyperopia and affect vision. Above all this disease can seriously affect the quality of life of patients.MethodsLiterature about sutureless SF-IOL in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Technical Journal VIP database, and Wanfang database published from 2000 to 2022 was reviewed. The weighted average difference was calculated by RevMan5.3 software for analysis. Two researchers independently selected the study and used the Cochrane collaboration tool to assess the risk of errors. Cochrane bias risk tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022363282).ResultsThe postoperative IOL-related astigmatism of sutureless SF-IOL was lower than that of suture SF-IOL, and there was statistical difference when we compared the absolute postoperative spherical equivalent after sutureless SF-IOL and suture SF-IOL. Indicating that the degree of refractive error after sutureless SF-IOL was lower. Meanwhile, the operation time of sutureless SF-IOL was shorter than that of suture SF-IOL. The subgroup analysis showed that the absolute postoperative spherical equivalent and astigmatism values in Yamane technique were lower than those in suture SF-IOL.ConclusionSutureless SF-IOL has the advantages of stable refraction, short operation time, and less postoperative complications. However, high-quality literature to compare these technologies is lacking. Some long-term follow-up longitudinal prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Microstructural and hemodynamic changes in the fundus after pars plana vitrectomy for different vitreoretinal diseases.

Pars plana vitrectomy is the standard treatment for several vitreoretinal diseases. Continuous improvements in ophthalmic surgical techniques have led to excellent postoperative recovery of the anatomic structure of the fundus. However, postoperative visual outcomes are not always satisfactory. A literature search of articles published before 31 December 2022 was conducted on PubMed using the following keywords: "diabetic retinopathy," "rhegmatogenous retinal detachment," "idiopathic epiretinal membrane," "idiopathic macular hole," "vitrectomy," "optical coherence tomography," "optical coherence tomography angiography," "microstructure," "microstructural," "hemodynamic," "hemodynamics," and "microcirculation." Additional studies were identified by hand-searching references for relevant studies. Articles were screened for language, repetition, and relevance to the direction of study. Studies with a sample size ≥ 7 and the final follow-up time ≥ 4weeks after vitrectomy were included in this review. Only articles published in English were included. Articles not related to our topic were excluded. Reviews and single case reports were excluded. We structured this review by disease category. The thickness of the retina and choroid, the area of the foveal avascular zone, the vessel density of the retinal and choroidal capillary plexus, and the potential association of related parameters with postoperative visual outcomes are the main outcome measures of studies included in this review. A total of 48 studies were included in this review. There were contradictory results regarding the association between postoperative microcirculatory parameters and visual acuity in patients with diabetic macular edema, with some studies concluding that improvement in perimacular microcirculation may be an important factor that affects visual acuity, and others concluded that postoperative improvement in visual acuity was not related to changes in macular blood flow. The results of studies on the relationship between postoperative microstructural and microcirculatory parameters and visual acuity in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, idiopathic epiretinal membrane, and idiopathic macular hole eyes have been inconsistent. In gas tamponade macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment eyes, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity has been reported to correlate positively with vessel density of deep capillary plexus and negatively with foveal avascular zone area of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus. In silicone oil tamponade macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment eyes, best-corrected visual acuity has been reported to be positively correlated with the retinal thickness of the parafoveal 3mm temporal quadrant and positively correlated with the vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus in the foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal area. In addition, best-corrected visual acuity was worse and associated with reduced thickness of the inner retina, ganglion cell layer, outer plexiform layer, and outer nuclear layer in silicone oil tamponade rhegmatogenous retinal detachment eyes compared to gas tamponade. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane eyes was positively correlated with the foveal avascular zone area but negatively correlated with full retinal thickness and inner retinal thickness in the foveal and parafoveal areas. Improvement in postoperative best-corrected visual acuity in idiopathic macular hole eyes was associated with reduced inner retinal thickness and reduced foveal avascular zone area. Microstructural and hemodynamic changes are involved in the recovery process after PPV for different vitreoretinal diseases. The thickness of each retinal layer in different regions of the macula, foveal avascular zone area, and vessel density of different retinal capillary plexuses in different macular regions may be potential prognostic factors for postoperative visual recovery. However, the results of the existing literature are inconsistent and require further study.

Effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary apoplexy: A comprehensive evaluation of presentation and clinical outcomes from a tertiary care center

BackgroundThe management of pituitary apoplexy (PA) is under debate. Therefore, we studied the clinical manifestations and neuroendocrine outcomes of PA after surgical management, as well as the efficacy and safety of the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA). MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted between January 2013 and May 2021, and included 62 cases of pituitary adenoma apoplexy that were managed with EETA. ResultsData from 62 patients were analyzed with a mean age of 50.7 ± 10.9 years, 90.3 % of whom were female. On admission, most patients presented with abrupt onset severe headache and vomiting, associated with endocrine dysfunction in 43.5 % and deteriorated visual acuity in 92 %. Third nerve palsy was the most noted ocular nerve palsy. After using EETA, the adenoma was resected totally, subtotally, and partially in 59.7 %, 29 %, and 11.3 % of the cases, respectively. Postoperative improvement in visual acuity was achieved in 90.3 % of patients, unchanged in 6.5 % with vision defects, and deteriorated in 3.2 %. Endocrine dysfunction improved to 19.3 % after being 43.5 %. Six patients (9.6 %) experienced transient diabetes insipidus (DI) that responded completely to desmopressin therapy for a time, and three cases were complicated with CSF leakage after the operation, but it resolved completely. No intracranial infection, carotid artery injury, or death occurred. ConclusionDespite the availability of alternative treatment options, the surgical intervention by EETA remains the most effective and reliable method for managing patients with PA who present with sudden visual or endocrine symptoms. EETA has been shown to result in significant improvements in both visual and endocrine function, with an acceptable complication rate that can be managed effectively in many cases. As such, EETA continues to represent the cornerstone in the management of PA and should be considered the first-line treatment option for amenable patients.

Fibrin-Glue-Assisted Surgery for Idiopathic Macular Holes

ABSTRACT Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) and gas tamponade has been the standard of care for idiopathic macular holes (MHs). However, the use of tamponades like intraocular gases has their associated complications and more importantly a need for postoperative positioning which can be a challenge in elderly and people with orthopaedic problems. This study describes a novel surgical technique of utilising fibrin glue to obviate the problems associated with conventional gas tamponade and also to help in avoiding any postoperative positioning. Methods This pilot clinical trial included 10 eyes of 10 patients with idiopathic MH, where PPV along with ILMP was done. Fibrin glue was used as a tamponade, and no postoperative positioning was given to any patient. The primary outcome measure was successful anatomical closure of the MH. The secondary outcome measures were postoperative improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and any complications of the procedure. Results The median age of patients was 62.5 years. Eight eyes were pseudophakic and two were phakic. The mean basal diameter of the MH was 1193 microns. The mean minimal linear diameter was 652 microns. Successful anatomic closure of MH was achieved in eight cases. The median BCVA improved from a Snellen equivalent of 20/100 preoperatively to 20/60 at 1 month postoperatively. The median follow-up period was 4 months. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the use of fibrin glue can be useful in patients where postoperative positioning is difficult.

Quality of Vision and Ocular Higher Order Aberrations after SMILE for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism

Background Previous studies have shown considerable amounts of higher order aberrations following SMILE. In our study we aim at accurately quantifying the higher order aberrations following SMILE in myopia and myopic astigmatism. Objective To detect the effect of SMILE on quality of vision and the incidence of higher order aberrations following SMILE. Patients and Methods This is a prospective study that included 30 eyes of 18 patients presented in the outpatient clinic seeking advice for myopic refractive surgical correction. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards stated by the ethical committee of Ain shams university hospitals with informed consents obtained from all participants. Results On studying the post-operative corneal third order aberrations we detected increase in post-operative vertical and horizontal coma, and spherical aberrations with non-significant change in vertical and horizontal trefoil. According to our study results, SMILE is an effective refractive surgery that improves visual acuity. That causes decrease in quality of vision through modulation transfer ratio and increase in ocular higher order aberrations. Conclusion SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is an efficient modality for refractive surgical correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, with significant post-operative improvement in unaided visual acuity detected post-operative increase in the ocular HOAs. Total coma, trefoil and sphere increase significantly in mesopic more than photopic pupil. The degree of myopia didn’t affect the ocular higher order aberrations except for modulation transfer ratio.

Effect of Optic Canal Opening on Postoperative Visual Acuity in Patients with Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas.

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) account for 5 to 10% of all intracranial meningiomas. They typically invade the optic canal and displace the optic nerve upward and laterally. The transcranial approach has been the standard surgical approach, while the transsphenoidal approach has been proposed for its minimally invasive nature; however, some reservations concerning this approach remain. From January 2000 to December 2018, a total of 97 patients who were diagnosed with TSM with invasion of the optic canal were enrolled and underwent microsurgery for tumor removal with optic canal opening. A retrospective analysis was performed on the effect of optic canal opening on postoperative visual acuity improvement. The median follow-up was 17.4 months (range: 3-86 months). Among the 97 patients with TSM involving the optic canal, optic canal invasion was seen on preoperative imaging in 73 patients and during intraoperative exploration in all patients. In total, 87/97 patients (89.7%) underwent optic canal opening to remove tumors involving the optic canal, and the rate of total macroscopic resection of tumors invading the optic canal was 100%. Among the 10 patients who did not undergo optic canal opening, the rate of total resection of tumors involving the optic canal was 80% (8/10, p < 0.001). There were no deaths or serious complications. The postoperative visual acuity improvement rate was 64.4%, 23.7% maintained the preoperative level, and the visual acuity deteriorated 11.9%. Intraoperative optic canal opening is the key to total resection of TSMs involving the optic canal and improving postoperative visual acuity.

Endonasal surgical management of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. Our experience

Purpose: to evaluate the results of endonasal interventions in patients with meningioma of the TS, to determine the criteria for selecting patients for endonasal approach, to establish indications and contraindications, to analyze the radicalism of operations, their technical features and complications associated with this approach. Materials and methods. the indications and contraindications for endonasal surgery of meningioma of the TS, which were performed in Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute from 2014 to 2022. The study includes 32 patients with a diagnosis confirmed by instrumental examinations: meningioma of the TS, who underwent endonasal tumour removal. The results of interventions were evaluated based on the postoperative ophthalmological (with optical coherence tomography - OCT), endocrinological (laboratory), instrumental (CT and MRI) and rhinoscopic follow-up of patients. Results. Performance of endonasal surgery for TS meningioma, method of bony defect plastic surgery, which significantly reduces the percentage of CSF leak was described in our article. Thus, it was confirmed that our percentage of CSF leak (9.4%) was significantly lower compared to other authors. We also assessed radicality of endonasal removal of TS meningioma of the TS. Simpson I was achieved in 87.5%. In 26 patients (81.2%) in the early postoperative period improvement of visual acuity and expansion of visual fields has been noted, which was confirmed by an ophthalmologist's examination and optical coherence tomography. In 4 patients (12.5%) no dynamic of visual disturbances was noted, in 2 patients (6.25%) a slight decrease of visual acuity was noted. Intra- and postoperative complications in patients with TS meningiomas were analyzed. There were no mortality, hemorrhagic complications and postoperative meningitis. Five (15.6%) patients had postoperative hypopituitarism. Two (6.25%) patients had a syndrome of inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, manifested by hyponatremia. Among postoperative complications there were 3 cases of CSF leak (9.38%). One case of CSF leak required reoperation (3.13%). We also observed an overpacking with a fat graft (1 case), which led to decreased visual acuity in the early postoperative period and required reoperation (3.13%). In 6 (18.7%) cases in the postoperative period, anosmia occurred due to the extended approach and traumatization of the nasal mucous membrane. Conclusions. The main complications of endonasal interventions are: intraoperative damage of neurovascular structures, CSF leak, meningitis, necrosis of the nasoseptal flap, hemorrhages in the tumour bed, overpacking with a fat graft which leads to decreased vision in the early postoperative period and anosmia. The rate of major complications described in this article is low and quite acceptable. Critical issues such as meningitis and hemorrhagic complications are completely absent in this study.

Clinical-surgical Characteristics of Patients with Macular Hole. Exilaser Ophthalmological Center. Cuenca, Ecuador. 2015-2019

Background: The macular hole (MH) is one of the least studied ophthalmological pathologies; satisfactory treatment has been achieved through the implementation of surgical techniques a few years ago and the study and analysis of its clinical-surgical characteristics are of vital importance to assess the success of surgery with intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Objective: Describe the clinical-surgical characteristics of patients diagnosed with a macular hole at the EXILASER Ophthalmological Center in Cuenca in the period 2015-2019. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study. The study universe corresponds to 75 patients who attended the EXILASER Ophthalmological Center and were diagnosed with MH between January-2015 and December-2019. Results: 76.0% of the patients are women; 81.3% are between 60 and 79 years old; 96.0% reside in urban areas; 34.7% are dedicated to housework; 24.0% report cataracts; 26.7% have arterial hypertension; 84.0% presented loss of central vision; 80.0% had decreased visual acuity. 50.7% presented affection only in the right eye; 53.3% had a chronic evolution greater than one year; 33.3% presented grade III MH. 44.0% had surgery; 93.9% had anatomical surgical closure. The relationship between the degree of MH, time of evolution, and closure of the MH was not significant (p&gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The success rate of MH closure after surgical intervention is greater than 90% with improvement in postoperative visual acuity. No significant association was found between the grade of the MH, time of evolution, and the closure of the MH.

Efficacy of Vitrectomy With Tamponade Versus No Tamponade for Myopic Traction Maculopathy: A Multicenter Study (SCHISIS Report No.1)

To evaluate the influence of tamponade on the visual and anatomic outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). Multicenter, retrospective clinical cohort study. Consecutive eyes that underwent vitrectomy for advanced MTM with tamponade of air, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), or perfluoropropane (C3F8) or without tamponade with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. Main outcome measures included postoperative visual acuity (VA) at 12 months in eyes with vs without tamponade. We included a total of 193 eyes (193 patients) in this study; 136 eyes (70%) treated with tamponade were compared with 57 eyes (30%) treated without tamponade. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. Both groups showed significant visual improvement at 12 months (both P < .001). However, postoperative visual acuity and visual improvement at 12 months were significantly better (P=.003 and P=.028, respectively) in eyes without tamponade, although the MTM in these eyes without tamponade took longer to resolve (P=.039). Retinal thickness and the ellipsoid zone were more preserved in eyes without tamponade (P < .001 and P=.001, respectively). Complications such as macular holes did not differ between the groups. A novel imaging finding of "schisis bending (accordioning)" was identified during MTM resolution. Vitrectomy either with or without tamponade for MTM was effective in improving vision in this study. However, eyes without tamponade experienced even better visual improvement and preserved retinal anatomy, despite a longer schisis resolution time. Surgery without tamponade may achieve better visual outcomes.

The factors influencing postoperative efficacy of anterior clinoidal meningioma treatment and an analysis of best-suited surgical strategies.

To explore the influence of the type of anterior clinoidal meningioma on surgical strategy planning, surgical approach selection, and postoperative efficacy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 63 cases, including data on visual function, extent of tumor resection, and postoperative follow-up. Grade I and II approaches were selected according to the type of tumor. A univariate analysis of the factors influencing the extent of tumor resection, postoperative visual function, and postoperative relapse and complications was conducted. Simpson Grade I-II total resection was seen in 48 cases (76.2%), with an overall relapse/progression rate of 12.7%. The tumor type and texture and the relationship between the tumors and adjacent structures were the main factors influencing total tumor resection (P < 0.01). The overall postoperative visual acuity improvement, stabilization rate, and deterioration rate were 76.2, 15.9, and 7.9%, respectively. Postoperative visual acuity level was significantly correlated with preoperative visual acuity level and tumor type (P < 0.01). Determining the type of tumor at a preoperative level and whether the optic canal and cavernous sinus are invaded can aid in the planning of detailed individualized surgical strategies.

Efficacy and Safety of Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens in Pediatric Ectopia Lentis: A Literature Review.

To review current evidence regarding the use of iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) in terms of its efficacy and safety in the population of pediatric ectopia lentis. A comprehensive literature search of six electronic databases (PubMed-NCBI, Medline-OVID, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Wiley) and secondary search through reference lists was conducted using keywords selected a priori. All primary studies on the use of iris-claw in pediatric ectopia lentis that evaluated visual acuity (VA), complications, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were included and critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Ten studies were eligible for inclusion with an overall sample size of 168 eyes of children with ectopia lentis, and the majority of studies evaluated anterior iris-claw IOL. All studies reported improvement in postoperative VA. The most commonly reported complication across studies was IOL decentration. All studies reported decreasing ECD, and this was observed in both anterior and retropupillary iris-claw IOL. Current evidence shows that iris-claw IOL is effective in terms of improving VA in pediatric ectopia lentis. Due to the lack of long-term evidence of its safety in children, one must remain cautious regarding potential endothelial cell loss. Further high-quality, interventional, long-term studies are needed.

Foveal Contour: Presence versus Complete Absence as a Prognostic Factor in Epiretinal Membrane Surgery

Introduction: The study explains the presence versus complete absence of the foveal contour on optical coherence tomography (OCT) image as predictor of improvement in visual acuity (VA) following epiretinal membrane removal surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in which 100 eyes that underwent vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane, with preoperative and postoperative VA and OCT, were analyzed. The study population was categorized into four groups based on the preoperational presence of a foveal contour and an intraocular lens implantation. Results: The most significant improvement in VA was found among eyes lacking a foveal contour. Pseudo-phakic eyes demonstrated greater improvement than phakic. The smallest improvement was documented in pseudo-phakic eyes with a foveal contour. Phakic eyes that had a foveal contour showed deterioration in VA. Among eyes that lacked foveal contour, the fraction of eyes with improved VA was only slightly larger than among pseudo-phakic eyes during midterm follow-up and no difference was observed at long-term follow-up. Among eyes with foveal contour, the fraction with improved VA was significantly larger among pseudo-phakic eyes. This difference became more prominent over long-term follow-up. Regardless of the presence of foveal contour, the fraction of patients whose VA worsened was greater among those with phakic versus pseudo-phakic eyes, and this difference increased during long-term follow-up. No correlation was found between the central macular thickness and the VA. Conclusion: Complete lack of foveal contour is positively correlated with greater improvement in postoperative VA. The presence of an intraocular lens contributes to improvement in VA, especially among patients with foveal contour.

Patients unfit for Lasik can benefit from implanted phakic copolymer lens

Objective: To assess visual outcomes and safety of implantable phakic copolymer lenses (IPCLs)V2 model in patients with moderate to high myopia. Methodology: This prospective interventional cross-sectional study involving 40 eyes of 27 patients who had IPCL implantation for correction of myopic and myopic-astigmatism was carried out at Dar Al-salam private eye hospital, Baghdad from 1st May 2017 to 1st May 2020. Pre-operative and post-operative parameters included visual acuity by logMAR system, refraction, detailed examination by slit lamp bio microscopy, dilated fundus examination, intraocular pressure measurement, anterior chamber depth measurement by a pentacam in addition to white-to-white diameter measurement preoperatively. All had IPCL implantation and follow-up period was 12 months. Results: We found that 26 (96.3%) patients are happy to extremely satisfied with the procedure. BCVA was 0.275 logMAR preoperatively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) in the follow-up period was 0.035, which was considerably better than preoperative (BCVA). All patients had the same or improved VA post-operatively and remained stable during follow-up. The mean residual was -0.06 D. (min-1.37-max0.37). Conclusion: IPCL V2 used for correction of high ametropia resulted in a highly significant improvement in postoperative uncorrected visual acuity with minimal controllable complications and excellent patient’s satisfaction.