Iris Rubeosis Research Articles

Predictors of visual outcome after pars plana vitrectomy secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Objective: Advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious ophthalmological complications, including blindness. This research aimed to determine visual outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, as well as to identify its predictors. Methods: This prospective clinical study was performed in the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo. 60 subjects (eyes) with performed pars plana vitrectomy secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy were included in the study. Results: After univariate linear regression analysis, glucose, HbA1c, vascular endothelial growth factor, previous pan-retinal laser photocoagulation, baseline best corrected visual acuity, gas injection, vitreous haemorrhage, iris rubeosis, and glaucoma were found to be statistically significant parameters associated with postoperative visual outcome (p<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between factors and postoperative best corrected visual acuity. Only intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor concentration, previous pan-retinal photocoagulation, and gas injection remained statistically significant associated with postoperative best corrected visual acuity (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitrectomy is an effective treatment for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Factors correlated with the better visual outcome are good systemic control, previous pan-retinal photocoagulation, low intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor concentration, younger age, intraoperative internal gas tamponade, combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy surgery, and the absence of postoperative complications. Abbreviations: PDR = proliferative diabetic retinopathy, VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor, TDR = tractional retinal detachment, BCVA = best corrected visual acuity, DR = diabetic retinopathy, RDD = rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, NVG = neovascular glaucoma, BRVO = branch retinal vein occlusion, CBC = complete blood count, DBT = differential blood count, ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate, HbA1c = glycosylated hemoglobin, PHACO = phacoemulsification, ILM = internal limiting membrane, PPV = pars plana vitrectomy, IOP = intraocular pressure, PRP = pan-retinal photocoagulation, ETDRS = Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study.

Блокаторы ангиогенеза в лечении неоваскулярной глаукомы (обзор литературы)

The review article presents an analysis of Russian and foreign literature about using of anti-VEGF drugs (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept and conbercept) in surgery of neovascular glaucoma (NVG), which are used «off-label» for this disease. The efficacy is evaluated and various methods of their administration are presented, as well as possible complications. The authors conclude that the most successful strategy in combined treatment of NVG is the use of antiangiogenic drugs, since in the vast majority of cases it allows to achieve the rapid disappearance or, at least, a significant regression of the iris rubeosis and reduction of hemorrhagic complications, which significantly improves the efficacy of subsequent surgical treatment of NVG. Keywords: neovascularization, anti-VEGF drugs, surgical treatment of neovascular glaucoma, prevention of hemorrhagic complications, improving the efficacy of surgical treatment

Применение блокаторов ангиогенеза в комбинированном лечении неоваскулярной глаукомы

Neovascularization is the result of an imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important proangiogenic factors and its expression is enhanced in the ischemic retina. The study and introduction of VEGF inhibitors into the combined surgical treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in recent years have been of increasing interest to ophthalmologists. The review article presents an analysis of Russian and foreign literature on the use of anti-VEGF drugs (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept and conbercept) in surgery of NVG, which are used «off-label» for this disease. The efficacy is evaluated and various methods of their administration are presented, as well as possible complications. The authors conclude that the most successful strategy in combined treatment of NVG is the use of antiangiogenic drugs, since in the vast majority of cases it allows to achieve the rapid disappearance or, at least, a significant regression of the iris rubeosis and reduction of hemorrhagic complications, which significantly improves the efficacy of subsequent surgical treatment of NVG. Keywords: neovascularization, anti-VEGF drugs, surgical treatment of neovascular glaucoma, prevention of hemorrhagic complications, improving the efficacy of surgical treatment

Local and systemic production of 45 cytokines in complicated proliferative diabetic retinopaty

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is multifactorial by its origin, involving many cytokines and growth factors. Studies of cytokine levels in biological fluids seem to be relevant for an in-depth understanding of the disease pathogenesis. The purpose of the work was a comparative analysis of 45 cytokines at systemic (blood serum (BS)) and local (vitreous humor (VH)) levels in the patients with complicated proliferative DR, showing various features of the clinical pattern. The content of cytokines was tested in 53 samples of BS and 32 samples of VH in 53 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus with severe proliferative DR. We used the multiplex analysis technique by means of xMAP platform and Luminex xPONENT 3.1 program using 45-plex sets (Procarta Plex «eBioscience», Austria). 25 cytokines were detected at significant amounts in BS test samples, and 27 cytokines were revealed in VH specimens. Sensitivity limits of the test system allowed to find significantly higher levels of 7 cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, HGF, LIF and VEGF-A) in VH samples, than in the BS, thus indicating to their local intraocular production. Correlations between the contents of VEGF-A growth factor and amounts of cytokines, including those involved in inflammatory reactions, are shown in VH, thus presuming the interrelation of pathogenetic components, i.e., inflammation and neoangiogenesis. The features of intraocular cytokine content were determined for various manifestations of diabetic ocular changes. Hemophthalmus has been shown to be associated with increased IL-8 and IP-10; iris rubeosis, with increase in LIF; proliferative DR activity was associated with higher MCP-1 levels, and extremely severe changes were related to increase in IL-6 and EGF. Testing of cytokines in biological fluids is informative when studying the mechanisms of inflammation, neoangiogenesis, and protective responses in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Effect of Pars Plana Vitrectomy With or Without Cataract Surgery in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

IntroductionPars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is considered to be an essential and effective surgical approach for the management of complications of diabetic retinopathy. Given the high rate of accelerated cataract progression after PPV, PPV combined with cataract surgery appears to be an attractive treatment option for patients with diabetes. However, this combined surgical approach remains controversial in terms of effectiveness and safety. We have therefore conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the treatment outcome of PPV with or without cataract surgery.MethodsA systematic search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) was performed to identify relevant articles, using the key words “pars plana vitrectomy,” “cataract,” and “diabetic retinopathy.” Main outcome measures included the final visual acuity and postoperative complications. The incidence of postoperative complications was pooled using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals in a random effect model.ResultsUltimately, one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and four high-quality retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. In four of these studies, final visual acuity did not vary significantly between patients undergoing PPV alone and those undergoing PPV combined with cataract surgery (combined surgery). Only one study reported better visual improvement in the combined treatment group. Our analysis also showed that most phakic eyes after PPV had cataract progression with varying degrees. In addition, patients receiving PPV alone had a lower risk of neovascular glaucoma (OR 0.36; P < 0.05), iris synechias to anterior capsule (OR 0.36; P < 0.05), and iris rubeosis (OR 0.26; P < 0.05) compared with those receiving combined surgery.ConclusionOverall, our findings show that PPV combined with cataract surgery achieved good outcomes without a substantial increased risk to visual acuity or most complications. Given the high rates of cataract progression after PPV, combined surgery may be the more appropriate treatment for patients with diabetes and coexistent visually significant cataract.

Vitreous concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor as a potential biomarker for postoperative complications following pars plana vitrectomy.

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to investigate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration in vitreous on postoperative complications after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Material and methodsNinety subjects were surgically treated with PPV and followed up for 12 months at the Clinical Centre University Sarajevo, Clinic for Eye Disease. Exclusion criteria were presence of other eye diseases, systemic acute/chronic inflammatory conditions, or malignant neoplasms; previously performed PPV surgery; previously received intravitreal or systemic anti-VEGF therapy. A vitreous sample was obtained while performing the PPV procedure, using the Quantikine ELISA test to determine VEGF level, as a risk factor. Outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative complications reported using categorical data: blunt and sharp dissection of membranes, intraoperative hemorrhage stopped by increasing infusion pressure, pressing with blunt instrument, or using diathermy. The following postoperative complications were assessed on the first day and at the 12-month follow-up visit: vitreous hemorrhage, fibrovascular proliferation (FVP), rubeosis iridis, and neovascular glaucoma (NVG).ResultsLevels of vitreous VEGF at the time of PPV were significantly higher in eyes with: vitreous hemorrhage on the first day after PPV (p = 0.003); FVP on the first day and 12 months after PPV (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively); iris rubeosis on the first day and 12 months after PPV surgery (p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively); NVG on the first day and 12 months after PPV surgery (p = 0.043 and p = 0.011, respectively), compared to the eyes without complications.ConclusionsPreoperative levels of VEGF in vitreous can be a useful biomarker and predictor of the postoperative outcome in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for prevention of postoperative vitreous cavity haemorrhage after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Postoperative vitreous cavity haemorrhage (POVCH) is a significant complication following vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). It delays visual recovery and can make further treatment difficult if the view of the fundus is significantly obscured. A number of interventions to reduce the incidence of POVCH have been proposed, including the perioperative use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Anti-VEGFs reduce vascular proliferation and the vascularity of neovascular tissue, which is often the source of bleeding following vitrectomy. This updated review aimed to summarise the effects of anti-VEGF use to reduce the occurrence of POVCH after vitrectomy surgery for PDR. We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2015, Issue 4), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to May 2015), PubMed (January 1966 to May 2015), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2015), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS) (January 1982 to May 2015), the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov), and the the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 26 May 2015. We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that looked at the use of anti-VEGFs and the incidence of POVCH in people undergoing vitrectomy for PDR. Both review authors independently assessed and extracted the data. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.The primary outcomes of the review were the incidence of early and late POVCH following perioperative anti-VEGF administration. Secondary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity at six months following surgery, the incidence of vitreous cavity washout or revision vitrectomy at six months, adverse effects of intervention (cataract, iris rubeosis and rubeotic glaucoma, retinal detachment, increased inflammation and systemic side effects), quality of life measures performed at least six months following vitrectomy, and density of POVCH. The current review included 12 RCTs that looked at the pre- or intraoperative use of intravitreal bevacizumab to prevent postoperative vitreous haemorrhage during pars plana vitrectomy for complications of PDR. The studies were conducted in a variety of countries (three from Iran, two from Italy, two from Egypt, and the remaining from South Korea, USA, Mexico, Pakistan, and Japan). The inclusion criteria for entry into the studies were standard complications of proliferative retinopathy: non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment involving the macula, or combined tractional rhegmatogenous detachment. The included studies randomised a total of 654 eyes. The average age of the participants was 54 years.We identified methodological issues in all included studies. Risk of bias was highest for masking of participants and investigators (four studies were an 'open label' design), and a number of studies were unclear when describing randomisation methods and sequence allocation.Participants receiving intravitreal bevacizumab in addition to pars plana vitrectomy were less likely to experience early POVCH (grade 2) compared to people undergoing pars plana vitrectomy alone (risk ratio (RR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.96, 2 studies, 144 eyes, high-quality evidence). This corresponds to an absolute effect of 130 fewer people (95% CI 167 fewer to 7 fewer) with early POVCH per 1000 people when treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. We saw similar results for all grades of POVCH (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.53, 9 studies, 512 eyes) and when excluding cases where assessment of outcome was impossible due to presence of silicone oil (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.60, 6 studies, 302 eyes).The effect of pre- or intraoperative intravitreal bevacizumab on the incidence of late postoperative haemorrhage was uncertain (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.72, 3 studies, 196 eyes, low-quality evidence). The absolute effect was 55 fewer people (95% CI 138 fewer to 143 more) with late POVCH per 1000 people when treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. This outcome was rarer and was only reported in a few studies. We are currently unable to provide an estimate of the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on postoperative visual acuity due to significant study heterogeneity.No local or systemic complications of intravitreal bevacizumab were reported by the RCTs. The risk of postoperative retinal detachment was lower in the participants treated with pre- or intraoperative bevacizumab (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.08, 7 studies, 372 participants, low-quality evidence); the absolute effect was 49 fewer people (95% CI:73 fewer to 8 more) with postoperative retinal detachment per 1000 people when treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. The use of pre- or intraoperative bevacizumab lowers the incidence of early POVCH. The reported complications from its use appear to be low. Futher randomised studies that look at other anti-VEGF medications are ongoing and will strengthen the current review findings, giving both surgeons and patients evidence to guide treatment choices in the management of proliferative retinopathy.

A Prospective Study to Evaluate Intravitreous Ranibizumab as Adjunctive Treatment for Trabeculectomy in Neovascular Glaucoma

IntroductionThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) as adjunctive treatment for trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (TMC) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG).MethodsThis is a prospective study of 15 eyes from 14 consecutive patients with NVG carried out between December 2008 and December 2009. Each eye received IVR (0.5 mg/0.05 ml) 1 week before TMC. Trabeculectomy was performed with fornix-based conjunctival flap method. After TMC, additional panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), subconjunctival five fluorouracil injection, and bleb needling may be performed if indicated. The primary outcome measures were post-TMC intraocular pressure (IOP) and numbers of anti-glaucoma medication. The secondary outcome measures included of the recurrence of neovascularization at iris (NVI) and complications.ResultsSix eyes underwent adequate PRP before IVR but iris rubeosis still persisted. All eyes showed regression of NVI within 1 week after IVR. After TMC, mean IOP was significantly decreased from 37.9 mmHg preoperatively to 15.6 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). Intraoperative hyphema was observed in four eyes. Thirteen eyes had controlled IOP (<21 mmHg) at last visit among which only one eye needed anti-glaucoma medication. Two eyes were considered as failure and needed further intervention. Visual acuity was maintained or improved in eight eyes. Recurrent NVI was not detected. All patients were symptom-free at last visit. Mean follow-up was 39 weeks.ConclusionIVR is an effective treatment adjunctive to TMC for NVG. The occurrence of intraoperative complications was low and the short-term outcomes after trabeculectomy were favorable.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40123-015-0033-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Brachytherapy of uveal melanomas

AbstractRadioactive plaque brachytherapy is currently the most common treatment modality for primary uveal melanoma. The American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for brachytherapy of uveal melanoma, revised in 2014, are summarised. Several isotopes are used for brachytherapy of the eye, such as strontium‐90 and ruthenium‐106 (beta rays, embedded within the plaque) and palladium‐103 and iodine‐125 (gamma rays, seeds attached to the plaque). The isotope determines how thick tumours can be irradiated (strontium up to 3 mm, ruthenium up to 6 mm, iodine and palladium over 6 mm) and to which extent scatter radiation will affect neighbouring tissues. The plaque is implanted under local or general anaesthesia, localising the tumor by indirect ophthalmoscopy and scleral depression or transillumination. The size and shape of the plaque are chosen according to the size and shape of the melanoma. Most common complications are radiation cataract, retinopathy and optic neuropathy, depending on the location of the tumour, and iris rubeosis and neovascular glaucoma when managing larger tumours. Brachytherapy results for small melanomas irradiated with ruthenium and large melanomas irradiated with iodine are presented as examples.

Prophylactic Use of Bevacizumab to Avoid Anterior Segment Neovascularization Following Proton Therapy for Uveal Melanoma

To investigate whether the prophylactic use of bevacizumab reduces the rate of rubeosis after proton therapy for uveal melanoma and improves the possibility to treat ischemic, reapplicated retina with laser photocoagulation. Comparative retrospective case series. Uveal melanoma patients with ischemic retinal detachment and treated with proton therapy were included in this institutional study. Twenty-four eyes received prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab injections and were compared with a control group of 44 eyes without bevacizumab treatment. Bevacizumab injections were performed at the time of tantalum clip insertion and were repeated every 2 months during 6 months, and every 3 months thereafter. Ultra-widefield angiography allowed determination of the extent of retinal ischemia, which was treated with laser photocoagulation after retinal reapplication. Main outcome measures were the time to rubeosis, the time to retinal reattachment, and the time to laser photocoagulation of ischemic retina. Baseline characteristics were balanced between the groups, except for thicker tumors and larger retinal detachments in the bevacizumab group, potentially to the disadvantage of the study group. Nevertheless, bevacizumab prophylaxis significantly reduced the rate of iris rubeosis from 36% to 4% (log-rank test P = .02) and tended to shorten the time to retinal reapplication until laser photocoagulation of the nonperfusion areas could be performed. Prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab in patients treated with proton therapy for uveal melanoma with ischemic retinal detachment prevented anterior segment neovascularization, until laser photocoagulation to the reapplied retina could be performed.

Iris rubeosis, severe respiratory failure and retinopathy of prematurity – case report

Case study reports for the first time about development of massive iris neovascular complication in course of retinopathy of prematurity related to systemic and ocular ischemic syndrome due to tracheostomy-requiring extremely severe premature respiratory failure. Premature female, 950 grams birth weight, born from 17-year-old gravida 1, at 28 weeks' gestation by cesarean section due to premature placental abruption with threatening hemorrhages, with 1 to 5 Apgar score. The baby developed severe respiratory failure which required tracheostomy advanced bronchopulmonary dysplasia treated with steroids (BPD) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) with failure to extubate together with secondary ocular ischemia. All the mentioned with multifactorial organs complications (NEC, leucopenia, anemia, pneumonia, periventricular leucomalacia, electrolyte abnormalities and metabolic acidosis) resulted in massive peripupillary iris neovascularization (NVI) in both eyes coexisting with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in 38 weeks' PMA infant. Ultrasonography-B, slit-lamp and indirect fundus examinations with photography were used to document focusing ocular diagnosis. The previous retinopathy of prematurity screening examinations performed at standard intervals of time starting from four weeks of life, that is 32 weeks' PMA continuing every two weeks did not present typical lesions seen in retinopathy however in the second zone of retina slightly marked "plus sign" was visible. Ophthalmological examination at 38 weeks' PMA disclosed massive, round capillary dilatation of the minor arterial circle, spreading to the iris periphery form pupillary margin, and narrow pupils which did not fully react to mydriasis. The intraocular pressure was normal. Ultrasound examination revealed major thickening and echo increase of peripheral retina with its partial detachment. Diode-laser pan-retinal photocoagulation and cryoapplication was performed leading to successful regression of neovascular anterior segment (rubeosis was no longer visible by slit-lamp examination) as well as inhibition of retinopathy of prematurity progression. In described preterm infant, vasoactive molecules released by the ischemic retina may have induced vasodilation of iridal vessels, therefore increasing the perfusion of segments of the minor arterial circle, rendering them clinically visible by examination. It has been observed that hypoxia besides other inflammatory risk factors may have significant influence not only on the development of severe anterior-neovascular complications but also on rapid progression of advanced ROP stages with omission of typical clinical stages of ROP. Simultaneously retinal laser-panphotocoagulation with cryotheraphy seems to be the beneficial method for treatment of these complications. The therapy is effective and destroys the cells that produce Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) which is known to be the most important key factor in the progression of ROP.

Long‐term results and prognostic factors for visual acuity after diabetic vitrectomy: A 10‐year follow‐up study

AbstractPurpose To report long‐term results and estimate long‐term prognostic factors for visual acuity following modern diabetic vitrectomy.Methods Retrospective review of patient files from a large diabetes center between 1996 and 2010. Surgical history was obtained from the Danish National Patient Register. Follow‐up intervals were 3 months and 1, 3, 5 and 10 years after surgery.Results In total, 167 patients had diabetic vitrectomy. Surgery indications were non‐clearing vitreous hemorrhage (47%) or tractional retinal detachment (53%). Median visual acuity increased from 0.06 before surgery to 0.21 after surgery (p&lt;0.001) and stabilized. The proportion of patients with reading ability stabilized as from the 3‐month follow‐up. After 10 years, 66% of the operated eyes were pseudophakic or aphakic and 13% carried silicone oil. Preoperative iris rubeosis was correlated with inability to read after 1 and 3 years (p&lt;0.04). Use of silicone oil was correlated with inability to read at all follow‐up examinations (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion After diabetic vitrectomy, visual acuity improved and stabilized as from the 3‐month follow‐up. The most consistent long‐term predictor of unfavorable visual acuity was use of silicone oil as tamponade agent. The results can be used to counsel patients on the risk of complications after surgery.

Ranibizumab as adjuvant in the treatment of rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma—results from a prospective interventional case series

To evaluate the capability of adjuvant intraocular ranibizumab (Lucentis) injections in the treatment of rubeosis and intraocular pressure in patients with rubeosis and neovascular glaucoma. Ten eyes with rubeosis (R) and ten eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) received Lucentis injections (ranibizumab 0.5 mg/0.05 ml) in this prospective, monocenter, 12-months, interventional case series. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the change of degree of iris rubeosis as documented by iris fluorescein angiography measured after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), numbers of additional interventions or antiglaucoma medications administered after injection, the gonioscopic status of the anterior chamber angle, and central retinal thickness. In the R group, 3.6 injections and in the NVG group 2.3 injections of Lucentis were administered. Additional treatments were photocoagulation (n = 19), cyclodestructive procedures (n = 9), cryopexy (n = 3), and vitrectomy (n = 1). The mean stage of rubeosis was 3.4 ± 0.7 in the R group and 3.6 ± 0.8 in the NVG group at baseline. At month 12, the rubeosis was almost resolved in the R group (0.1 ± 0.3, p < 0.001), and decreased significantly in the NVG group (0.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). In the NVG subgroup, mean IOP was 41.4 ± 13.4 mmHg at baseline, which decreased rapidly (18.2 ± 12.3, day-14, p = 0.005) and stabilized during the follow-up (15.6 ± 2.0 mmHg, p < 0.05). BCVA improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05, at month 12). Injection of 0.5 mg ranibizumab appears to be beneficial as an adjuvant treatment in neovascular glaucoma and rubeosis due to its anti-angiogenic properties and its ability to prevent establishment or progression of anterior chamber angle obstruction. Conventional therapeutic procedures addressing the retinal ischemia are still required in a stage-wise treatment approach.

Benefit from Bevacizumab for Macular Edema in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: Twelve-Month Results of a Prospective, Randomized Study

To evaluate the efficacy of intraocular injections with bevacizumab over 12 months in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). A prospective study including a randomized 6-month, sham injection-controlled, double-masked clinical trial followed by a 6-month open-label extension. Sixty patients with ME secondary to CRVO. At baseline, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive intraocular injections of bevacizumab or sham injections every 6 weeks for 6 months. From month 6, all patients received intraocular injections of bevacizumab every 6 weeks for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients gaining at least 15 letters at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures included mean change from baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in foveal thickness, and development of neovascular glaucoma. At the end of follow-up, 18 of 30 patients (60.0%) in the bevacizumab/bevacizumab (bz/bz) group had gained ≥ 15 letters compared with 10 of 30 patients (33.3%) in the sham/bevacizumab (sh/bz) group (P < 0.05). The BCVA improved by 16.0 letters at 12 months in the bz/bz group compared with 4.6 letters in the sh/bz group (P < 0.05). In an unplanned retrospective analysis, patients aged >70 years had a significantly worse outcome when receiving delayed treatment, losing 1.4 letters (95% confidence interval [CI], -9.7 to 8.4) in the sh/bz group compared with a gain of 20.1 letters (95% CI, 13.9-26.3) in the bz/bz group in patients aged <70 years (P < 0.003). The mean decrease in central retinal thickness (CRT) was 435 μm in the bz/bz group compared with 404 μm in the sh/bz group (P = not significant). No patients developed iris rubeosis during the 6-month open-label extension period. There were no events of endophthalmitis, retinal tear, or retinal detachment during the 12-month treatment period. No serious nonocular adverse events were reported. Intraocular injections of bevacizumab given every 6 weeks for 12 months improve visual acuity (VA) and reduce ME significantly. Patients receiving delayed treatment have a limited visual improvement. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Bevacizumab for Macular Edema in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Masked Clinical Study

To evaluate the efficacy of intraocular injections with bevacizumab in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Prospective, randomized, sham injection-controlled, double-masked clinical trial. Sixty patients with ME secondary to CRVO. At baseline, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive intraocular injections of bevacizumab or sham injections every 6 weeks for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients gaining at least 15 letters at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included mean change from baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, and neovascular glaucoma. At the end of follow-up, 18 of 30 patients (60.0%) in the study group had gained ≥15 letters compared with 6 of 30 patients (20.0%) in the control group (P=0.003). The BCVA improved by 14.1 letters at 24 weeks compared with a decrease of 2.0 letters in the control group (P < 0.003). The mean decrease in central retinal thickness (CRT) was significantly greater in the study group (426 μm) than in the control group (102 μm) at all time points up to week 24 (P < 0.001). No residual edema, defined as CRT <300 μm at 24 weeks, was found in 26 of 30 patients (86.7%) in the treatment group compared with 6 of 30 patients (20%) in the control group (P < 0.001). In the sham group, 5 of 30 patients (16.7%) had developed iris rubeosis at week 24. No patients in the study group had rubeosis at week 24 (P=0.052). There were no events of endophthalmitis, retinal tear, or retinal detachment during the 24-week treatment period. No serious non-ocular adverse events were reported. Intraocular injections of bevacizumab given every 6 weeks for 6 months improve visual acuity (VA) and reduce ME significantly compared with sham. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Iris rubeosis and hyphema caused by chemical injury due to household detergent

We report an unusual case of iris rubeosis and hyphema caused by chemical injury due to household detergent. A 74-year-old man with a 15-year history of diabetes mellitus was refilling a container with household detergent at home. He splashed the detergent in his eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed extensive epithelial damage to the left eye, leading to a persistent corneal epithelial defect. We used a bandage soft contact lens with levofloxacin eye drops as concomitant therapy in order to promote healing. However, a strain of fluoroquinolone-resistant Corynebacterium colonized the eye, so that the corneal ulcer eventually became severe. Use of the bandage soft contact lens was discontinued. His antimicrobial agent was changed to cefmenoxime, a drug to which fluoroquinolone-resistant Corynebacterium is sensitive, and topical instillation of autologous serum subsequently promoted improvement of the ulcer. On day 38 after injury, iris rubeosis led to hyphema and ghost cell glaucoma. With improvement of his corneal epithelial defect, the iris rubeosis and hyphema regressed and his visual acuity improved to 20/25 on the left eye. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case resulting in severe complications due to chemical injury by a neutral detergent. Ophthalmologists should be aware that corneal epithelial damage may become prolonged in elderly patients with diabetes, and unexpectedly severe when wearing bandage soft contact lens, with infection of Corynebacterium resistant to fluoroquinolones, even if the chemical agent is a neutral detergent.

Early panretinal photocoagulation for ERG‐verified ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion

We have previously shown that photopic cone b-wave implicit time ≥ 35.0 ms in 30 Hz flicker electroretinography (ERG) predicts ocular neovascularization (NV) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Here, we evaluate the effects of early panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with ERG-verified ischaemic CRVO. Patients with CRVO, admitted to our department between 2000 and 2008, were classified as having ischaemic or non-ischaemic CRVO based on the ERG-results. In a first group of 71 patients, 18 patients had ischaemic CRVO and were assigned to standard treatment that is regular examinations and PRP as soon as NV was found. In a consecutive group of 65 patients, 18 patients with ischaemic CRVO received early PRP. In this group, ERG was performed on average 6 weeks after the first symptoms of CRVO. The patients underwent PRP as soon as possible after the ERG-examination, and the treatment was completed within one to three sessions. Twelve patients in the standard treatment group developed neovascular glaucoma during a mean period of 5 months after the CRVO. In the early treatment group, one patient developed subtle iris rubeosis 7 months after PRP. Otherwise, none of the patients showed any signs of ocular NV, and the intraocular pressure remained within normal range, without the necessity of supplementary medication, during a mean follow-up of 41 months. This study indicates that ocular NV in patients with CRVO can be predicted by photopic 30 Hz flicker ERG and that early PRP in ERG-verified ischaemic CRVO could be suggested as standard treatment.

Retrospective review of 50 eyes with long-term silicone oil tamponade for more than 12 months

Silicone oil (SO) is an established tamponade in treating complex vitreoretinal diseases. Although SO is intended to be removed after several weeks to months, permanent SO might be unavoidable in a small subgroup of patients with an extremely complicated clinical course. The aim of this study is to describe the long-term effects of intraocular SO tamponade. This retrospective study included 50 patients with intraocular SO (Oxane 5700 Bausch & Lomb, Kingston-upon-Thames, UK) for at least 12months. The most common reasons for long-term SO tamponade were: retinal re-detachment (re-RD), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), ocular trauma, and persistent hypotony. Mean age was 59.2 ± 18.4years, and mean duration of silicone oil in the eye was 54.5 ± 58.6months (median, 30months). The average number of previous surgeries were 2.2 ± 1.5. Anatomic success was achieved in 37/50 (74%) of patients. Visual acuities (logMAR) were 1.8 ± 0.6, 1.6 ± 0.6, 2 ± 0.7 and intraocular pressures (mmHg) were 15.6 ± 7, 15.7 ± 5.5, 16.5 ± 7.1 at 3months, 1year and at last follow-up respectively. The main long-term silicone-oil-related complications observed were: band keratopathy (8%), corneal decompensation (12%), iris rubeosis (14%), and optic neuropathy (28%). Forty percent of patients achieved ambulatory vision in the SO-filled eye at final follow-up. Long-term silicone oil can be a last-resort option in selected patients with severe vitreoretinal disease. Anterior and posterior segment complications did occur at significant rates. Forty percent of our patients maintained ambulatory vision. The actual number of patients that achieved satisfactory stereopsis and benefited functionally from long-term SO was much less [7/50 (14%)].

Favourable outcome after cataract surgery with IOL implantation in uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Management of uveitic cataract in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is challenging, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is controversial. This study investigated the outcome after minimally invasive surgery with IOL implantation. Retrospective analysis after phacoemulsification with in-the-bag IOL implantation was performed in 16 patients (17 operations) with ANA-positive JIA-associated chronic uveitis. In these patients, 25 G capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy was performed and they received an intravitreal triamcinolone (TA) injection. Mean age at uveitis onset was 5 ± 2 years, and surgery was performed at a mean age of 11 ± 2.2 years. Preoperatively, uveitis was inactive in all patients, and visual acuity was logMAR 0.8 ± 0.44; additional uveitis complications were present in all patients, and 15 patients were receiving systemic immunosuppression/biologicals. After surgery (mean follow-up 26.5 ± 11.7 months), presence of cystoid macular oedema, papilloedema, ocular hypertension/glaucoma and hypotony did not increase compared with baseline. There was no significant worsening of AC inflammation (by cell numbers and laser flare values). IOL deposits persisted in four patients, and synechiae developed in eight. The visual acuity was improved (≥2 lines) in all patients (mean logMAR 0.3 ± 0.24). Retrolental membrane formation was not noted. Secondary capsular opacification was observed in seven patients, requiring Nd:YAG capsulotomy in five of them. Phacoemulsification and in-the-bag IOL implantation may improve visual outcome in JIA-associated uveitis with minimally invasive surgical technique and intravitreal TA injection. Well-controlled uveitis with appropriate use of topical steroids and systemic immunosuppression or biologicals appears as a perioperative requirement.

Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Pediatric Retinal and Choroidal Diseases

To determine the efficacy of off-label intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for the treatment of pediatric retinal and choroidal vascular diseases. Retrospective, non-comparative, open-label, interventional, consecutive case series of all patients younger than 18 years treated with off-label IVB at a single center from January 1, 2005, to January 1, 2008. Primary outcome measures with best-corrected visual acuity by age-appropriate testing and central macular thickness by time-domain optical coherence tomography. Thirty-five eyes of 33 patients were treated with IVB alone or in combination with other treatments for choroidal neovascularization, Coats' disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, and various other indications. IVB was used in 24 eyes to reduce excess retinal fluid and exudation. Mean Snellen visual acuity improved from 20/170 at baseline to 20/100 at 1 month (P = .006), 20/80 at 3 months (P = .006), and 20/50 at 6 months (P = .023). Central macular thickness improved from 356 μm at baseline to 287 μm at 6 months (P = .028). IVB was used in 11 eyes to control peripheral retinal neovascularization and iris rubeosis. Although IVB reduced vascular engorgement, it did not prevent the progression of preretinal tractional forces. Mean visual acuity was maintained at each time point. No systemic or ocular adverse events were directly attributable to IVB in any patient. IVB reduced vascular leakage and temporarily regressed pathologic neovascularization of the choroid, retina, and iris in this series of pediatric patients. Further prospective studies are warranted.