logMAR VA Research Articles

Factors associated with low prevalence of Fuchs' uveitis syndrome in Japan.

AimTo investigate the causes of low prevalence of Fuchs' uveitis syndrome (FUS) in Japan.MethodsMedical records of 160 patients diagnosed with FUS at 14 uveitis specialty facilities in Japan were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsIn 160 FUS patients, mean follow-up period before referral to our uveitis facilities was 31.6 ± 50.9 months. The most common reason for referral was idiopathic uveitis (61.9%), followed by cataract (25.0%), high intraocular pressure (IOP) including glaucoma (16.3%), and FUS (14.4%). Unilateral involvement was 96.9%. The most frequent ocular finding of FUS was anterior inflammation (91.9%), followed by stellate-shaped keratic precipitates (88.1%), cataract/pseudophakia (88.1%), diffuse iris atrophy (84.4%), vitreous opacity (62.5%), heterochromia (53.1%) and high IOP including glaucoma (36.3%). As treatments of these ocular findings, cataract surgery was performed in 52.5%, glaucoma surgery in 10.6%, and vitrectomy in 13.8%. Mean logMAR VA was 0.28 ± 0.59 at the initial visit, and decreased significantly to 0.04 ± 0.32 at the last visit. Proportions of FUS patients with BCVA <0.1 and 0.1 to <0.5 decreased, while that of ≥0.5 increased at the last visit compared with the initial visit.ConclusionsOcular findings of FUS in Japanese FUS patients were consistent with the characteristic features. The low prevalence of FUS in Japan may be a result of being overlooked and misdiagnosed as mild idiopathic uveitis, cataract, and/or glaucoma.

Retinal gene therapy in RPE-65 gene mediated inherited retinal dystrophy.

Voretigene neparvovec (VN) is a gene therapeutic agent for treatment of retinal dystrophies caused by bi-allelic RPE65 mutations. We illustrate, both the benefits and pitfalls associated with ocular gene therapy in the same patient. Two eyes of one patient with bi-allelic RPE65 mutations have been treated with VN. The clinical examinations included visual acuity (VA, in normal and low luminance), colour vision, contrast sensitivity, International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standard retinal electrophysiology and dark-adapted full-field stimulus threshold (FST), Goldmann VF analysis and imaging studies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and autofluorescence. These were performed at baseline, 2-weeks, 3 and 6-months, 1 and 2-years follow-up. The first eye showed improvement in rod photoreceptor function with increased peripheral and low luminance vision (baseline VA: 0.9 logMAR and 2-years post-operative VA: 0.7 logMAR). The second eye, whilst showing increased light sensitivity, suffered a drop in central vision (at 2-weeks) with loss of foveal photoreceptors as shown by the loss of ellipsoid zone on OCT scan (baseline VA: 0.6, 2-year post-operative VA: 1.2). FST improvements were maintained in both eyes indicating a sustained efficacy of VN with little waning of its effect. We present a previously unreported adverse complication of subretinal VN therapy in bi-allelic RPE65, indicating a probable immune response in treatment of the second eye, resulting in loss of foveal photoreceptors. This case-series highlights the potential and pitfalls of retinal gene therapy in the same patient. The immune responses of the body to a 'foreign vector', remains a challenge.

Predictors of Vision Loss after Surgery for Macula-Sparing Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose To determine factors associated with loss of good vision (defined as Snellen visual acuity [VA] < 20/40) after surgery among eyes presenting with macula-on primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with initial VA ≥20/40. Methods Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study of eyes undergoing scleral buckle (SB), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), or combined pars plana vitrectomy/scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for non-complex macula-on RRD with initial VA ≥20/40. Results Among 646 eyes with macula-on RRDs with initial VA ≥20/40, 106 (16.4%) had VA <20/40 (i.e. lost good vision) at final follow-up. Eyes losing good vision had slightly worse pre-operative logMAR VA (mean 0.15 ± 0.10 [20/28]) compared to eyes that preserved good vision (mean 0.11 ± 0.10 [20/26]) (p = 0.004). RRDs extending greater than 6 clock-hours were more likely to lose good vision than smaller detachments (multivariate OR 4.57 [95% CI 1.44–14.51]; p = 0.0099). Compared to eyes repaired with SB alone, eyes undergoing PPV (multivariate OR 7.22 [95% CI 2.10–24.90]; p = 0.0017) or PPV/SB (multivariate OR 10.74 [95% CI 3.20–36.11]; p = 0.0001) were each more likely to lose good vision. Eyes requiring further RRD-related (multivariate OR 8.64 [95% CI 1.47–50.66]; p < 0.017) and non-RRD related vitreoretinal surgery (multivariate OR 14.35 [95% CI 5.39–38.21]; p < 0.0001) were more likely to lose good vision. Conclusion Among macula-on RRDs, loss of good vision was associated with worse vision on presentation, vitrectomy-based procedures, greater extent of detachment, and lack of single surgery success. Understanding predictors of visual outcome in macula-on RRD repair may guide pre-operative counseling regarding visual prognosis.

Efficacy of Plasma Exchange Treatment for Demyelinating Optic Neuritis Associated with Various Serum Antibodies: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Introduction To evaluate the value of plasma exchange (PE) for patients with three subtypes of demyelinating optic neuritis (ON): aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive ON (AQP4-ON), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-positive ON (MOG-ON), and AQP4 and MOG double-antibody-seronegative ON (D-ON).MethodsA single-center prospective study compared the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at most severe onset, 1 day before intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone (IVMP) treatment, 1 day before PE treatment, after five-cycles of PE therapy, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits. The proportions of eyes in each visual outcome category were also compared. Logistic regression and a receiver operating characteristic curve were used to analyze predicted factors for VA improvement.ResultsA total of 124 ON attacks of 122 patients were included. No significant differences were found in BCVA (P = 0.659) before and after PE therapy for 22 D-ON attacks, but VA improved in two of six MOG-ON patients. In 95 AQP4-ON patients suffering 96 attacks, the mean logMAR BCVA markedly improved and was steadily maintained after five-cycles of PE treatments (adjusted P < 0.001), with VA exhibiting a significantly increasing trend (adjusted P = 0.001) after PE treatment. The combination of the number of previous ON episodes and the time window to PE treatment showed accuracy of 74.7% for predicting an improvement in BCVA score ≥ 2 levels. In addition, a combination of logMAR VA before PE and the time window to PE treatment resulted in 83.4% accuracy in predicting whether VA would regain 1.0 logMAR.ConclusionPE therapy effectively improves visual outcomes for AQP4-ON patients, but offers limited value for D-ON patients. Early initiation greatly increases likelihood of achieving VA improvement.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-022-00344-w.

One-year efficacy of "rescue photodynamic therapy" for patients with typical age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and pachychoroid neovasculopathy refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

This study aimed to evaluate the one-year outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a rescue treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Patients with AMD refractory to anti-VEGF therapy, treated with "rescue-PDT" were retrospectively investigated. The time of PDT was defined as the baseline value. Baseline characteristics including sex, age, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and foveal choroidal thickness (FCT) were examined. The changes in BCVA, CMT, and recurrence were also assessed at the 1-year follow-up. The logMAR VA change of 0.3 or more was defined as "improved" or "declined." Twenty-three consecutive eyes (typical AMD: 10 eyes, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: 10 eyes, and pachychoroid neovasculopathy: 3 eyes), which underwent "rescue-PDT," were analyzed in this study. The BCVA was improved in three patients and maintained in 20 patients at 12months after PDT (mean BCVA change: 0.11 ± 0.19). The CMT improved in 19 patients (82.6%), and the mean CMT changed from 318.5 ± 93.7μm to 225.9 ± 51.6μm (p < 0.01) 12months after PDT. "Retreatment" of anti-VEGF drug injections was considered if the retinal fluid or retinal hemorrhage recurred after PDT. The baseline FCT of the "retreatment group (15 eyes)" was significantly lower than that of the "no retreatment group (8 eyes)" (206.3 ± 50.7μm vs 293.9 ± 85.7μm: p = 0.033). PDT could be an effective treatment option for anti-VEGF refractory AMD to maintain visual acuity and control retinal fluid for up to 12months.

Preoperative Biometry and Uncorrected Visual Outcome Following Cataract Surgery at a Teaching Hospital at Western Part of Nepal

Introduction: Proper preoperative biometry in cataract surgery provides expected postoperative uncorrected visual outcome. Astigmatism is one of the major problems to achieve best postoperative unaided visual acuity. Aims: To determine the distribution of biometric parameter and unaided visual outcome in the cataract patients operated at Nepalgunj medical college, Banke, Nepal. Methods: The patients who underwent cataract surgery between January 2019 and December 2020 at Nepalgunj medical college were studied. Patient’s demographic parameter, keratometric value, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length data, type of surgery, preoperative and post-operative visual acuity and other clinical details were collected and analyzed. Results: This study enrolled 261 eyes of 261 patients who had undergone cataract surgery. The mean age of patients was 60.8 ± 14.62 years. The mean corneal astigmatism was 1.30±1.43 D. Corneal astigmatism was higher than 1.00 D in almost 40% of cases. With-therule astigmatism was the most common type (46.4%) of astigmatism observed in this study. The mean average keratometry was 44.83±2.05 D. The mean preoperative LogMAR VA of 1.52±0.83 improved to 0.48 ± 0.48 postoperatively without statistically significant differences between manual small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification technique (p=0.496). Conclusion: The biometric data helps to improve surgical procedure and select most appropriate intraocular lens to attain maximal postoperative uncorrected visual acuity following cataract surgery. This study found superior convention incision is better for cataract surgery with equivalent visual outcome following manual small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification.

Foveal microstructure and visual function in patients with lamellar macular hole, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis or macular pseudohole.

To compare the foveal microstructures, such as the prevalence of epiretinal proliferation (EP) and residual ellipsoid zone (EZ), in eyes with lamellar macular hole (LMH), epiretinal retinal membrane (ERM) foveoschisis and macular pseudohole (MPH), and to investigate the association of the foveal microstructure with visual functions. In addition to the prevalence of EP, we calculated the residual EZ index within 1mm and 3 mm (rEZ1 and rEZ3) in all examined eyes. Comparisons were conducted to baseline characteristics (logMAR visual acuity [logMAR VA], metamorphopsia score [Mave], central retinal thickness [CRT], the prevalence of EP, rEZ1 and rEZ3) between MPH, ERM foveoschisis and LMH subgroups. The relationships (1) between logMAR VA and each of age, type (MPH, ERM foveoschisis and LMH), the prevalence of EP, rEZ1, rEZ3, spherical equivalent (SE) and CRT and (2) between Mave and each of variables were investigated. Fifty-one eyes of 48 patients were enroled. The mean age was 65.2 ± 11.1 years. Ten eyes were diagnosed as LMH, 22 eyes as ERM foveoschisis and 19 eyes as MPH, respectively. There was a significant difference in CRT only between LMH and ERM foveoschisis (p = 0.023). There was a tendency toward significance in rEZ1 between LMH and ERM foveoschisis (p = 0.057), but not in rEZ3. The optimal model for logMAR VA included age, rEZ1, SE and CRT. On the other hand, the optimal model for Mave included the prevalence of EP, rEZ1 and SE. Microstructural observations are useful to predict visual functions in LMH, ERM foveoshisis and MPH.

Redefining response in wet AMD to anti VEGF therapy based on non-OCTA versus OCTA evaluation.

Anti vascular endothelial growth factor (anti VEGF) has been the mainstay of treatment in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Subsequent decision to continue anti VEGF therapy depends on the treatment response quantified by functional (visual acuity) and morphological (optical coherence tomography) parameters then categorized from good to poor. This study evaluates the agreement between OCT angiography (OCTA) and non-OCTA (logMAR VA plus OCT) to decide anti-VEGF treatment's continuity. After an anti VEGF treatment, on a follow up visit, a patient underwent non-OCTA evaluation (decision A) then OCTA evaluation (decision B) to judge the necessity of future anti VEGF application. Out of 129 eyes, on 72 eyes (49%), there were agreements on both decision arms, but on 55 eyes (42%) there was disagreement. Particularly, disagreement on 47/55 eyes was important, where OCTA advised "continue anti VEGF" and non-OCTA advised "Stop anti VEGF" therapy. Cohen's Kappa for probability of agreement to continue anti VEGF was fair (0.33) and to stop anti VEGF therapy was none (0.1). Based on resulting disagreements between the two modalities on deciding the continuity of anti VEGF, we conclude that OCTA must be considered in the conventional decision making algorithm in patients with wet AMD under anti VEGF therapy.

O31 Giant cell arteritis - a rare ocular presentation

O31 Giant cell arteritis - a rare ocular presentation

Sociodemographic and Economic Factors in Outcomes of Tube Shunts for Neovascular Glaucoma.

ImportanceFew studies have analyzed associations between sociodemographic factors and neovascular glaucoma (NVG) outcomes.Aim and backgroundTo determine the potential impact of sociodemographic and economic factors on the NVG tube shunt surgery outcomes.DesignRetrospective, single-center, comparative case series.ParticipantsConsecutive patients who underwent tube shunt surgery for NVG and had ≥6 months of follow-up.Materials and methodsRegional average adjusted gross income (AGI) was determined by cross-referencing self-reported residential zip codes with average AGI per zip code supplied by the Internal Revenue Service. Two groups were created: (1) lower-income: individuals from neighborhoods with the lowest 10% of AGI (near the United States poverty line), (2) higher-income: the remaining 90% of individuals.Main outcome measuresVisual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and glaucoma medication number at 6 months and the most recent visit.ResultsThe mean annual AGI in the higher-income group (130 patients) was $69,596 ± 39,700 and the lower-income group (16 patients) was $27,487 ± 1,600 (p < 0.001). Age, sex, distance to the clinic, language, and all baseline clinical variables (including VA and IOP) were comparable between groups. Lower-income was associated with non-white race (81.3 vs 52.3%; p = 0.024). At month 6, VA in the lower-income group [median: HM (20/70–NLP)] was worse than the higher-income group [median: CF (20/25–NLP)] (log MAR VA: 2.32 ± 0.8 vs 1.77 ± 1.1; p = 0.02); these trends persisted through the most recent visit (p = 0.043). Follow-up IOP and medications were similar between groups.Conclusions and relevanceLower-income may be associated with worse VA outcomes following NVG tube shunt surgery.How to cite this articleShalaby WS, Arbabi A, Myers JS, et al. Sociodemographic and Economic Factors in Outcomes of Tube Shunts for Neovascular Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(2):70–77.

Optic neuritis in Asian type opticospinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS-ON) in a non-Asian population: A functional-structural paradox

BackgroundBiomarkers have improved the classification of autoimmune inflammatory disorders, including optic neuritis (ON) as a frequent presentation of multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis spectrum disorders, MOG antibody-related disease (MOGAD), and opticospinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS). The phenotype of OSMS in non-Asian populations is less well known. ObjectiveWe investigated the clinical features and prognosis of OSMS–ON in a Brazilian cohort. MethodsThis was a single-center cohort study of patients from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) with OSMS. All individuals were MOG- and AQP4-seronegative, clinically diagnosed with ON, and had magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed transverse myelitis (TM). Subjects and healthy controls (HCs) were assessed for visual acuity (logMAR VA), automated perimetry mean deviation (MD), intraocular pressure, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), followed by automated retinal layer segmentation of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL). Receiver operator characteristic curves were plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for group comparisons of retinal asymmetry of the pRNFL and mGCIPL. ResultsThe 30 patients with OSMS were predominantly female and white. The mean age was 48 years (range 20–70 years). Unilateral ON was the index event in 83.3% of patients. Over the average 18-year follow-up period, there were 89 relapses of ON. In individuals with OSMS, the average VA was 0.07±0.14 in the right eye (RE) and 0.13±0.30 in the left eye (LE). The MD was −5.37±5.88 dB and −5.23±3.34 dB for the RE and LE, respectively. There was a significant cumulative loss of VA (p = 0.0003) and MD (p = 0.0001) with a higher number of recurrent episodes. Atrophy of the pRNFL thickness was significant in OSMS (RE, 78.62 ± 16.01 µm; LE, 79.86 ± 13.79 µm) relative to the HC group (RE, 98.87 ± 10.68 µm; LE, 97.87 ± 10.85 µm, p = 0.0001). Likewise, there was significant mGCIPL atrophy in patients with OSMS (RE, 74.96 ± 14.46 µm; LE, 73.88 ± 13.79 µm) relative to the HC group (RE, 90.50 ± 6.74 µm; LE, 90.41± 6.89 µm; p = 0.0001). Retinal asymmetry, inter-eye percentage, and absolute differences accurately separated patients with unilateral ON from HCs (AUC=0.89 and AUC=0.85, respectively). ConclusionA structural-functional paradox was found in OSMS with a high diagnostic value for a novel metric based on retinal asymmetry. The functional visual outcome are excellent despite significant structural damage to the inner retinal layers in patients with a high ON relapse rate and long-term bilateral sequential involvement.

Endophthalmitis After Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Factor Injections: Outcomes of Eyes Managed Without Microbiologic Cultures

To evaluate outcomes of eyes that developed endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections that were managed without microbiologic cultures. Retrospective, single-center, comparative cohort study. We included all eyes with postinjection endophthalmitis from July 1, 2013, to September 1, 2019. Endophthalmitis cases were divided into the culture group if treated with intravitreal antibiotics and a vitreous or aqueous tap sent for microbiologic sampling or into the no culture group if treated with immediate injection of intravitreal antibiotics with an anterior chamber paracentesis that was not sent for microbiologic sampling. The main outcome measures were visual acuity, the incidence of retinal detachment, and the need for additional procedures. Of 165 endophthalmitis cases identified, 119 (72%) were in the culture group and 46 (28%) were in the no culture group. At endophthalmitis presentation, eyes in the culture group had a mean logMAR VA of 1.98 (∼20/1900) compared with 1.90 (∼20/1600) for eyes in the no culture group (P=.589). At the 6-month follow-up, the mean vision loss was 5.5 lines lost from baseline for the culture group compared with 2.5 lines lost for the no culture group (P=.017). Eyes in the culture group required a subsequent pars plana vitrectomy in 29 of 119 cases (24%) compared with 7 of 46 cases (15%) in the no culture group (P=.29). Six of 119 eyes (5%) in the culture group developed secondary retinal detachments compared with none in the no culture group (P=.143). When access to microbiologic facility is not available, the management of postinjection endophthalmitis using intravitreal antibiotics without microbiologic cultures may be an acceptable treatment strategy.

Assessment of macular function in patients with non-vascularized pigment epithelial detachment

Non-vascularized pigment epithelial detachments (PED) are usually associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between visual function and morphologic parameters. Seventeen eyes of eleven patients with non-vascularized AMD were enrolled. In addition to conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT), polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) measurements were performed by evaluating the regularity of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) entropy within the PED area. Retinal sensitivity was measured with MP-3 microperimetry, and retinal sensitivities within (RSin) and outside (RSout) the PED area were calculated. The relationship between OCT parameters and visual function was analyzed. As a result, there was a significant difference between the RSin and RSout (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Moreover, RSin was significantly related to logMAR VA (p = 0.033, linear mixed model). The regularity of RPE entropy was significantly related to visual acuity and RSin (p = 0.00038, p = 0.031, linear mixed model), although neither the height nor area of PED correlated with visual function. Our results suggest that retinal sensitivity is significantly deteriorated within the PED area and RPE entropy measured with PS-OCT was closely related to visual function in eyes with non-vascularized PED.

Short-Term Outcomes following “Switching” to Monthly Ranibizumab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Showing Insufficient Response to Bimonthly Aflibercept

Results CRT and logMAR VA were 349.62 ± 223.51 μm and 0.50 ± 0.23 at the baseline and 274.69 ± 148.77 μm and 0.46 ± 0.24, 311.54 ± 192.90 μm and 0.45 ± 0.20 at 1 month after the first and third ranibizumab injections, respectively. The CRT decrease during three ranibizumab injections was statistically significant (38.08 ± 69.52 μm, p=0.033). Change in VA was not statistically significant. The percentage of eyes with SRF was 100% at baseline and 53.8%, 76.9%, and 69.2% one month after each ranibizumab injections. The percentage of eyes with IRF was 38.5% at baseline and 23.1%, 23.1%, and 15.4%, respectively, after switching. Conclusion Switching to monthly ranibizumab in nAMD showing an insufficient response to bimonthly aflibercept led to immediate anatomical improvement. It can be considered in countries where the healthcare insurance system limits the minimum injection interval of aflibercept.

Scleral Buckling for Primary Retinal Detachment: Outcomes of Scleral Tunnels versus Scleral Sutures.

Purpose There are primarily two techniques for affixing the scleral buckle (SB) to the sclera in the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD): scleral tunnels or scleral sutures.MethodsThis retrospective study examined all patients with primary RRD who were treated with primary SB or SB combined with vitrectomy from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 across six sites. Two cohorts were examined: SB affixed using scleral sutures versus scleral tunnels. Pre- and postoperative variables were evaluated including visual acuity, anatomic success, and postoperative strabismusResults The mean preoperative logMAR VA for the belt loop cohort was 1.05 1.06 (Snellen 20/224) and for the scleral suture cohort was 1.03 1.04 (Snellen 20/214, p = 0.846). The respective mean postoperative logMAR VAs were 0.45 0.55 (Snellen 20/56) and 0.46 0.59 (Snellen 20/58, p = 0.574). The single surgery success rate for the tunnel cohort was 87.3% versus 88.6% for the suture cohort (p = 0.601). Three patients (1.0%) in the scleral tunnel cohort developed postoperative strabismus, but only one patient (0.1%) in the suture cohort (p = 0.04, multivariate p = 0.76). All cases of strabismus occurred in eyes that underwent SB combined with PPV (p = 0.02). There were no differences in vision, anatomic success, or strabismus between scleral tunnels versus scleral sutures in eyes that underwent primary SB.ConclusionScleral tunnels and scleral sutures had similar postoperative outcomes. Combined PPV/SB in eyes with scleral tunnels might be a risk for strabismus post retinal detachment surgery.

Visual outcomes and incidence of pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema in eyes with cataract and idiopathic epiretinal membrane after two-step sequential surgery.

To determine whether pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or cataract surgery should be performed first in concurrent epiretinal membrane (ERM) and cataract treatment with respect to visual outcome and pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCMO) incidence. Patients who underwent PPV and cataract surgery sequentially at a tertiary medical centre were retrospectively recruited. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) measured from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images collected before and after each surgery were documented. OCT-defined PCMO incidence and its influence on visual outcomes were analysed. In total, 259 and 159 eyes received PPV (ERM-CATA) before and after cataract surgery (CATA-ERM), respectively. The ERM-CATA group had better final BCVA (logMAR: 0.274 vs. 0.558, p < 0.001) and greater BCVA gain (logMAR VA change: -0.379 vs. -0.220, p = 0.001) than did the CATA-ERM group. Baseline BCVA was positively correlated with final BCVA (p < 0.001), whereas baseline CMT, final CMT, and postoperative CMT changes were not. PCMO incidence did not differ significantly between the two groups (15.4% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.287), and final BCVA changes did not significantly differ between eyes with and without PCMO. PCMO incidence was much higher (29.40% vs. 16.30%, p = 0.008) in eyes with baseline CMT ≥ 500 μm. When managing ERM and cataract, PPV should be performed before cataract surgery to yield better visual outcomes. Both surgical sequences yield similar PCMO rates. Greater baseline CMT is a risk factor for PCMO after cataract surgery.

Chronic ocular complications in lamotrigine vs. trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare the severity of chronic ocular complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) induced by lamotrigine (LT) vs. trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS). MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated all SJS/TEN patients treated within our hospital network from 2008 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included patients with reactions identified as caused by either LT or TS, and patients with at least one ophthalmology follow up in the chronic phase (≥3 months from disease onset). Primary outcome measures included LogMAR best-corrected VA at most recent visit and the presence or absence of severe ocular complications (SOC). Secondary outcome measures included chronic ocular complication severity scores using a modified Sotozono scoring system. ResultsForty-eight eyes of 24 patients were included in the study. The mean duration of follow-up was 39.50 ± 35.62 vs. 48.17 ± 33.09 months, respectively (p = 0.482). The LT group had worse average VA at the most recent visit (LogMAR VA; 0.508 vs. 0.041, p < 0.0001) and had a higher prevalence of SOCs (66.7% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.0038). The LT group scored worse on Sotozono chronic complications scores for the cornea (1.875 vs. 0.5, p = 0.0018), eyelid margin (5.583 vs.3.083, p = 0.0010), and overall condition (8.500 vs. 4.833, p = 0.0015). Sub-analyses showed that a moderate or severe acute ocular severity score was a significant predictor of chronic outcomes. ConclusionsCompared to patients with TS-induced SJS/TEN, patients with LT-induced SJS/TEN developed worse chronic ocular complications on several parameters. Future prospective studies are warranted to provide additional insight into the drug type as a predictor of chronic ocular complications.

Assessment of Suprachoroidal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Cases of Diabetic Macular Edema

Background: Diabetic retinopathy [DR] remains one of the main causes of visual reduction in the world. The visual reduction in patients with DR is usually due to diabetic macular edema [DME].Suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide injection is a new effective modality used for the management of diabetic macular edema. The aim of the work: To assess the visual acuity [VA], central macular thickness [CMT] by optical coherence tomography [OCT] and intraocular pressure [IOP] measurement in patients with DME injected with Triamcinolone Acetonide through suprachoroidal space. Patients and Methods: Forty eyes of 37 patients [18 males and 19 females]] with DME were included and followed-up for 6 months to assess VA, CMT and IOP. Patients were included if they were diagnosed as DME. Results: Baseline measurements were logMAR best corrected visual acuity [VA] which was 0.83 ± 0.09, [OCT] which was 422.42 ± 64.1 µm and [IOP] which was 15.25 ± 1.46 mmHg. Post injection measurements of VA during the four points of the follow-up period showed statistically significant improvement. At one-week post-injection, logMAR VA was 0.82 ± 0.09, at one-month follow-up was 0.72 ± 0.09, at three months was 0.68 ± 0.1, at six months, was 0.62 ± 0.1,. OCT follow-up measurements showed highly significant improvements, which started from the first week post-injection till the end of the follow-up period at six months point. At one week, it measured 391.7 ± 60.6 µm, at one month the measurement was 337.1 ± 54.5 µm, at three months was 302.7 ± 46.5, at six months, was 267.9 ± 40.7. Conclusion: Injection of TA to the suprachoroidal space in DME, was well tolerated without any serious ocular adverse events and produced significant resolution in CST and significant improvement in BCVA.

Midterm Results of Microhook ab Interno Trabeculotomy in Initial 560 Eyes with Glaucoma.

All the 560 glaucomatous eyes of 375 Japanese subjects (181 men, 194 women; mean age ± standard deviation, 76.0 ± 13.2 years) who underwent microhook ab interno trabeculotomy (µLOT) alone (159 eyes, 28%) or combined µLOT and cataract surgery (401 eyes, 72%) performed by one surgeon at Matsue Red Cross Hospital between May 2015 and March 2018 to control intraocular pressure (IOP) were retrospectively assessed. Preoperative and postoperative IOPs, numbers of antiglaucoma medications, the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (logMAR VA), anterior chamber (AC) flare, visual field mean deviation (MD), and corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) were compared up to 36 months. Surgical complications and required interventions were described. The duration of the follow-up was 405 ± 327 (range, 2–1326) days. The mean preoperative IOP (20.2 ± 7.0 mmHg) and number of antiglaucoma medications (2.8 ± 1.1) decreased to 13.9 ± 4.5 mmHg (31% reduction, p < 0.0001) and 2.5 ± 1.0 (11% reduction, p < 0.0001), respectively, at the final visit. After combined surgery, compared with preoperatively, the final VA improved 0.11 logMAR (p < 0.0001), AC flare increased 4.5 photon counts/msec (p = 0.0011), MD improved 0.6 decibel (p < 0.0001), and the CECD decreased 6% (p < 0.0001). Layered hyphema (172 eyes, 31%) and hyphema washout (26 eyes, 5%) were the most common postoperative complication and intervention, respectively. At the final visit, 379 (69%) eyes achieved successful IOP control of ≤18 mmHg and ≥20% IOP reduction, and 349 (64%) eyes achieved successful IOP control of ≤15 mmHg and ≥20% IOP reduction. Older age, steroid-induced glaucoma, developmental glaucoma, and the absence of postoperative complications were associated with lower final IOP; exfoliation glaucoma, other types of glaucoma, and higher preoperative IOP were associated with higher final IOP. µLOT has a significant IOP-lowering potential in patients with glaucoma, and improves visual function when combined with cataract surgery.

Elevated advanced glycation end products are associated with subfoveal ellipsoid zone disruption in diabetic macular edema.

Purpose:Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), due to increased production and a slow turnover rate, serve as mediators of “metabolic memory” even after the resolution of hyperglycemia. A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the association of AGEs with subfoveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption in diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods:A tertiary-care-center-based cross-sectional study included 40 consecutive cases with DME and 20 healthy controls in the age group of 40–65 years. All the study subjects underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for cross-sectional imaging of the retina. The EZ was defined as a hyperreflective band below the external limiting membrane. The disruption of EZ was graded as intact EZ and disrupted EZ. Serum AGEs were assessed by assay of Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (Nε-CML) using the standard protocol. Data were analyzed statistically.Results:Subfoveal EZ disruption was noted in 80% (32/40) of the cases of DME. In the cases without EZ disruption, visual acuity (LogMAR VA) was 0.60 ± 0.52, whereas in cases with EZ disruption, LogMAR VA was 0.96 ± 0.56 (P < 0.001). In the cases without EZ disruption, Nε-CML was 94.31 ± 57 ng/mL, whereas in cases with EZ disruption Nε-CML was 120.64 ± 71.98 ng/mL (P < 0.001).Conclusion:In DME, increased levels of AGEs are significantly associated with EZ disruption on SD-OCT.