Mean Foveal Thickness Research Articles

Somatostatin analogues as a treatment option for cystoid maculopathy in retinitis pigmentosa

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of somatostatin analogues (SA) for cystoid maculopathy (CM) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective case series, clinical and imaging characteristics...

Accuracy of generative deep learning model for macular anatomy prediction from optical coherence tomography images in macular hole surgery

This study aims to propose a generative deep learning model (GDLM) based on a variational autoencoder that predicts macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) images following full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery and evaluate its clinical accuracy. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative swept-source OCT data were collected from 150 patients with successfully closed FTMH using 6 × 6 mm2 macular volume scan datasets. Randomly selected and augmented 120,000 training and 5000 validation pairs of OCT images were used to train the GDLM. We assessed the accuracy and F1 score of concordance for neurosensory retinal areas, performed Bland–Altman analysis of foveolar height (FH) and mean foveal thickness (MFT), and predicted postoperative external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) restoration accuracy between artificial intelligence (AI)-OCT and ground truth (GT)-OCT images. Accuracy and F1 scores were 94.7% and 0.891, respectively. Average FH (228.2 vs. 233.4 μm, P = 0.587) and MFT (271.4 vs. 273.3 μm, P = 0.819) were similar between AI- and GT-OCT images, within 30.0% differences of 95% limits of agreement. ELM and EZ recovery prediction accuracy was 88.0% and 92.0%, respectively. The proposed GDLM accurately predicted macular OCT images following FTMH surgery, aiding patient and surgeon understanding of postoperative macular features.

Pre‐operative OCT in idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery: The importance of biomarkers in predicting visual outcomes

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the influence of inner segment (IS)/outer segment (OS) junction integrity in the post‐operative visual outcomes in patients submitted to idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study that included patients who underwent plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling between 2017 and 2022 our centre. All patients were submitted to a complete ophthalmological observation and high‐resolution (HR) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) (Spectralis® Heidelberg) scans centred on the fovea. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT morphology were evaluated pre‐operatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. Our main outcome was to understand if there was a statistical correlation between the pre‐operative IS/OS junction integrity status and post‐operative BCVA gain.Results: This retrospective study included 39 eyes from 39 patients (19 male and 20 female) with a mean age of 70.9 ± 7.8 years. Pre‐operatively, mean BCVA was 0.23 ± 0.12. Pre‐operative OCT scans revealed a mean central foveal thickness (CFT) of 549 ± 110 μm. BCVA showed a mean post‐operative improvement of 0.09 ± 0.14 at 1 month, 0.19 ± 0.17 at 3 months, 0.26 ± 0.21 at 6 months and 0.29 ± 0.23 at 12 months. There was a mean CFT reduction of 77 ± 87 μm, 129 ± 116 μm, 136 ± 121 μm and 160 ± 135 μm at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post‐operatively. Regarding IS/OS junction status, 20 patients presented with an intact IS/OS junction and 19 patients with a disrupted or irregular junction. At 6 and 12 months post‐operatively, the correlation between visual acuity gain and IS/OS status was statistically very significant (p‐value = 0.008 and 0.002, respectively).Conclusions: IS/OS junction status in pre‐operative OCT seems to be a strong predictor of visual outcomes in patients submitted to vitreoretinal surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane. This biomarker should be taken into account regarding the visual prognosis of these patients.

Stripping of the Posterior Hyaloid for the Treatment of Vitreomacular Traction.

To describe and evaluate the effectiveness of stripping the posterior hyaloid as vitreomacular traction treatment. This prospective, consecutive, interventional study examined 10 eyes of 10 patients who underwent vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction. The best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/63 (0.5 ± 0.18 logMAR) preoperatively to 20/36 (0.25 ± 0.15 logMAR) 3 months after the surgeries. Optical coherence tomography analysis showed a reduction of the mean foveal thickness from 462 ± 82 µ to 372 ± 28 µ at 3-month follow-up in all the eyes. No postoperative complications were reported. Stripping of the posterior hyaloid for the treatment of vitreomacular traction could improve the symptoms and visual acuity of patients, alleviating the traction on the macula and avoiding secondary retinal damage as macular hole formation.

Foveal Thickness Fluctuations in Anti-VEGF Treatment for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of foveal thickness (FT) fluctuation (FTF) on 2-year visual and morphological outcomes of eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) undergoing anti-VEGF treatment for recurrent macular edema (ME) based on a pro re nata regimen. Retrospective, observational case series. We analyzed 141 treatment-naive patients (141 eyes) with CRVO-ME at a multicenter retinal practice. We assessed FT using OCT at each study visit. Patients were divided into groups 0, 1, 2, and 3 according to increasing FTF. We evaluated the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the length of the foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) band defect measured using OCT, and the association of FTF with VA and EZ band defect length. The mean baseline logMAR BCVA and FT were 0.65±0.52 (Snellen equivalent range: 20/20-20/2000) and 661.1±257.4 μm, respectively. The mean number of anti-VEGF injections administered was 5.6±3.6. At the final examination, the mean logMAR BCVA and FT values were significantly improved relative to the baseline values (both P<0.01). During the observation, BCVA longitudinally improved in Groups 0 and 1, remained unchanged in Group 2, and worsened in Group 3. Likewise, the length of the foveal EZ band defect did not increase in Group 0; however, it gradually increased in Groups 1, 2, and 3. Foveal thickness fluctuation was significantly and positively associated with the logMAR BCVA and length of the foveal EZ band defect at the final examination (P<0.01). The final logMAR BCVA of patients developing neovascular complications was 1.27±0.72 (Snellen equivalent range: 20/50-counting fingers), which was significantly poorer than that of patients without complications (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the neovascular complication rate among the FTF groups (P=0.106, Fisher exact test). In eyes receiving anti-VEGF treatment for CRVO-ME, FTF can longitudinally impair the visual acuity and foveal photoreceptor status during the observation period, thus influencing the final outcomes. However, neovascular complications, which would also lead to a poor visual prognosis, may not be associated with FTF. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Comparative Study of Postoperative Macular Thickness Following Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery – Diabetic versus Nondiabetic Patients in a Tertiary Care Center at Chengalpattu District

Background: Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world. This study aims to determine whether cataract surgery has an effect on the progression of macular thickness in nondiabetic and diabetic patients, specifically in the absence of pre-existing diabetic retinopathy (DR) changes. Methods: It is a prospective cohort study carried out between January 2022 and September 2022 at Shri Sathya Sai Medical College, which is a Tertiary Health-care Center situated at Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu, after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board. A total of 72 patients posted for cataract surgery were divided into two groups each group of 36 patients, Group 1 well-controlled diabetics without DR planned for cataract surgery and Group 2 nondiabetics. The patients underwent cataract surgery by small incision cataract surgery/phacoemulsification method based on the staging of cataract and also the surgeon’s choice and cataract surgery was done by the same surgeon and the patients were implanted with rigid/foldable intraocular lens. Results: Out of 72 patients analyzed in both the groups, 37 were male patients and 35 were female patients in the age group commonly 50–65 years. The mean age group in the diabetes group was 57.19 ± 9.18 and the normal group was 61.67 ± 7.73. The mean foveal thickness of the DR group was higher than that of the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. At the end of the 3rd month, the mean foveal thickness returned to near-normal range. Conclusion: The thickness of the fovea is increased after cataract surgery in the 1st week postoperatively in both diabetic and nondiabetic groups and returns to near-normal preoperative value in both the groups at the end of 3 months postoperative period.

Evaluation of childhood developing via optical coherence tomography-angiography in Qamdo, Tibet, China: A prospective cross-sectional, school-based study.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new and reliable machine used to evaluate retinal structure and macular perfusion in children. The use of OCTA under bad condition such as high altitude, low atmospheric oxygen, and low humidity, in children is rarely. To quantify the macular micro-vasculature in healthy children of various ages using OCTA in Qamdo. Design: Prospective cross-sectional, school-based study. Three hundred and forty-seven normal students from 9 schools in 4 different areas in Qamdo were included. OCTA was performed on a 3 mm × 3 mm area centered on the macular region and macular cube 512 × 128 showed details in macular. Early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study Vessel Flow Density (VD) of the macular central vascular plexus density (CVD), inner vascular plexus density (IVD), full vascular plexus density (FVD), and the size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured. All these results corrected by t/s = 3.382 × 0.01306 × (axial length-1.82). The differences were compared among various ages, sexes and living environments. The mean FAZ area in all eyes was 0.27 mm2 ± 0.12 mm2. The mean foveal thickness (MFT) in the macular cube was 227.64 μm ± 23.51 μm. Compared with girls, boys had a lager FAZ (P = 0.0029). Among the different age groups, MFT (P < 0.001) and FVD (P < 0.0001), IVD (P < 0.0001), and CVD (P = 0.0050) increased with age. FAZ areas were not correlated with age (P = 0.8853) or others (MFT, area). OCTA can use to evaluate macular perfusion in children. Our data bridge the gap between structural OCT and perfusion density in children in high altitude. Even though these were not a longitudinal study, it may provide us with hints about retina development during puberty and clinical implications of OCTA in children.

Long-term outcomes of autologous platelet treatment for optic disc pit maculopathy

PurposeOptic disc pits (ODPs) are rare congenital cavitary abnormalities of the optic nerve head, which can lead to serous macular detachments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with autologous platelet concentrate (APC) for the treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M).MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on eleven eyes of ten patients with ODP-M, who received PPV combined with APC. Nine eyes operated primary, four of which had a repeat surgery also with injection of APC and two eyes underwent a rescue surgery, after they have been operated in another eye center without APC. Morphological and functional results were the main outcome parameters, determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), respectively.ResultsThe mean duration of visual loss before surgery was 4.7 ± 3.89 months (range 0–12 months). The mean BCVA increased significantly from 0.82 ± 0.33 logMAR (range 0.4–1.3) preoperatively to 0.51 ± 0.36 logMAR (range 0–1.2) at the last examination (p = 0.0022). A significant morphological improvement was also noticed with decrease of the mean foveal thickness from 935.82 ± 248.48 µm (range 559–1400 µm) preoperatively to 226.45 ± 76.09 µm (range 110–344 µm) at the final examination (p < 0.0001). The patients were followed-up for a mean 65.36 ± 48.81 months (range 1–144 months). Two eyes developed postoperatively a retinal detachment. Cataract surgery was performed in 5 eyes during the follow-up period.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that PPV with APC can improve functional and morphological outcomes, both as a primary and a rescue therapy, without any recurrence over a long follow-up period. To the best of our knowledge, this was the longest observation period regarding the use of APC in treatment of ODP-M.

Impact of adherence to gluten-free diet in paediatric celiac patients on optical coherence tomography findings: Ocular imaging based study

ObjectiveThis study aims to measure choroidal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, GCC thickness, and foveal thickness by optical coherence tomography and to investigate whether there is a difference between celiac patients who adhere to the gluten-free diet and who do not. Materials and methodsA total of 68 eyes of 34 pediatric patients diagnosed with celiac disease were included in the study. Celiac patients were divided into two groups those who adhere to the gluten-free diet and those who do not. Fourteen patients who adhere to the gluten-free diet and 20 patients who do not adhere to the gluten-free diet were included in the study. Choroidal thickness, GCC, RNFL, and foveal thickness of all subjects were measured and recorded using an optical coherence tomography device. ResultsThe mean choroidal thickness of the dieting and non-diet groups was 249.05 ± 25.60 and 244.18 ± 33.50 µm, respectively. The mean GCC thickness of the dieting and non-diet groups was 96.56 ± 6.26 and 93.83 ± 5.62 µm, respectively. The mean RNFL thickness of the dieting and non-diet groups was 108.83 ± 9.97 and 103.20 ± 9.74 µm, respectively. The mean foveal thickness of the dieting and non-diet groups was 259.25 ± 33.60 and 261.92 ± 32.94 µm, respectively. There was not a statistically significant difference between the dieting group and the non-diet group in terms of choroidal, GCC, RNFL and foveal thicknesses (p = 0.635, p = 0.207, p = 0.117, p = 0.820, respectively). ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study states that adhering to a gluten-free diet does not make any difference in choroidal, GCC, RNFL, and foveal thicknesses in pediatric celiac patients.

Retinal neurodegeneration in metabolic syndrome: a spectral optical coherence tomography study.

To evaluate the effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on retinal neurodegeneration by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients diagnosed as MetS were compared with the age and sex-matched healthy control group (CG). Waist circumference measurements, fasting serological biochemical tests, and systemic blood pressures of all participants were evaluated. The MetS group was divided into 3 subgroups according to the number of MetS components: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia (low-, high-density lipoprotein, hypertriglyceridemia), and visceral obesity findings; 3-component MetS3, 4-component MetS4, and all-component MetS5. All patients underwent complete eye examination and spectral OCT retinal imaging. Totally 58 eyes of 58 patients were included in the MetS group and 63 eyes of 63 age and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in CG. MetS group was composed of 22 subjects in MetS3, 21 subjects in MetS4, and 15 subjects in the MetS5 subgroup. Mean foveal thickness (MetS, 218.7±23.1 µm vs CG, 228.8±21.9 µm, P=0.015), mean inferior (MetS, 283.4±17.0 µm vs CG, 288.7±38.4 µm, P=0.002), superior (MetS, 287.0±18.5 µm vs CG 297.3±17.1 µm, P=0.001), nasal (MetS 287.3±16.7 µm vs CG 297.9±13.9 µm, P=0.000) and temporal (274.5±17.6 µm vs CG 285.6±13.6 µm, P=0.000) thickness in the 3 mm Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) circle was significantly lower in the MetS group. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean inferior, superior, nasal, and temporal thickness of 6 mm ETDRS circle, total macular volume, peripapillary and macular retinal nerve fiber layer, macular ganglion cell layer with inner plexiform layer, and ganglion cell complex. No statistically significant difference was found in these values ​​between the MetS3, MetS4, and the MetS5 groups. A significant reduction in central macular region thickness in MetS is detected and macular thickness is more susceptible to MetS induced neurodegeneration than peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer.

Evaluation of Visual Acuity, Macular Thickness, and Level of Proteinuria in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

Macular edema, serous retinal detachment, and retinal pigment epithelial detachment have been reported in patients with nephrotic syndrome. However, there is limited data about macular thickness in children with nephrotic syndrome. The aim of this study was to compare the mean macular thickness in children with nephrotic syndrome and in a control group and to correlate it with visual acuity and level of proteinuria. The comparative cross-sectional study included 66 children aged 6 to 17 years with nephrotic syndrome and healthy control seen in two tertiary centers in Malaysia. We recorded demographic data, as well as visual acuity, level of proteinuria, and the mean macular thicknesses in both groups. The mean macular thickness was measured using Stratus optical coherence tomography according to nine areas of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study map. The mean foveal thickness was 238.15 ± 22.98 µm for children with nephrotic syndrome and 237.01 ± 22.60 µm for the control group. There was no significant difference in the mean macular thickness between the groups (p = 0.843). A significant correlation with visual acuity was observed in the superior outer macula (r = -0.41, p = 0.019), the nasal outer macula (r = -0.41, p = 0.019), and the inferior outer macula (r = -0.40, p = 0.021). There was no significant correlation between the mean macular thickness and level of proteinuria (p = 0.338), although those with higher levels of proteinuria demonstrated a trend towards increased macular thickness. The mean macular thickness in children with nephrotic syndrome was similar to that of healthy children. A significant correlation between the mean thickness of the outer macular layer and the presenting visual acuity was observed. There was no correlation between the mean macular thickness and the level of proteinuria.

Long-Term Effect of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF) Injections in Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Angioid Streaks

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with angioid streaks. Methods Multicenter retrospective cohort study, including eyes with CNV secondary to angioid streaks treated with anti-VEGF injections, were performed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in ETDRS letters; qualitative and quantitative (foveal thickness) OCT parameters; anti-VEGF type; and number of injections were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 months. Results Thirty-nine eyes from 29 patients, 17 (58.6%) females, were included. The mean follow-up time was 69.4 ± 34.5 months. BCVA was 59.3 ± 23.3 letters at baseline and 63.7 ± 21.9 letters at 48 months. At 3 months, BCVA improved 6.9 ± 11.7 letters (P=0.003). Then, BCVA remained stable. The mean foveal thickness decreased from 343.3 ± 120.2 μm at baseline to 268.3 ± 65.4 at 48 months (P=0.021). The mean number of injections was 4.6 ± 2.1 at 12 months, decreasing to 1.7 ± 2.4 injections between 36 and 48 months (P=0.093). Conclusion This real-world study suggests that the functional and morphologic response to anti-VEGF therapy for CNV related to angioid streaks is generally satisfactory and maintained in the long term.

Foveal Thickness Fluctuation in Anti-VEGF Treatment for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Long-term Study

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) causes macular edema (ME), which can be controlled with anti-VEGF treatments. However, these treatments are not curative, necessitating additional anti-VEGF treatments at recurrence. Long-term results, optimal anti-VEGF treatment regimens, and the comprehensive effects of ME recurrence are largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to examine the effects of foveal thickness (FT) fluctuation (FTF) on the visual and morphologic outcomes of anti-VEGF treatments for BRVO-ME administered via a pro re nata regimen. A retrospective, observational case series. This study analyzed 309 treatment-naïve patients (309 eyes) with BRVO-ME between 2012 and 2021 at a multicenter retinal practice. The FT was assessed using OCT at each study visit. We evaluated the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the defect length of the foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) band using OCT. At baseline, the mean logMAR BCVA was 0.30 ± 0.30 and the mean FT was 503 ± 162 μm. The number of anti-VEGF injections for BRVO-ME was 5.8 ± 4.6 during the mean follow-up period (50.6 ± 22.2 months). At the final examination, the mean logMAR BCVA and FT values were significantly improved compared with those at the baseline. Multiple regression analyses showed that age, baseline logMAR BCVA, and FTF were significantly associated with the final logMAR BCVA (β= 0.20, 0.35, and 0.30, respectively). Foveal thickness fluctuation (divided into groups 0-3 in ascending order of FTF) was significantly associated with logMAR BCVA and the defect length of the foveal EZ band at the final examination. The defect lengths of the foveal EZ band were longitudinally shortened in groups 0 and 1 and were slightly prolonged in groups 2 and 3. The logMAR BCVA showed improvements in groups 0 and 1 and worsened slightly in groups 2 and 3. Foveal thickness fluctuation was significantly associated with visual acuity and foveal photoreceptor status. Thus, the morphologic and functional prognoses of eyes with BRVO may improve with the identification of the characteristics of eyes with greater FTF and consequently controlling the FTF more strictly.

Evaluation of macular perfusion in patients with treatment-naive overt hypothyroidism using optical coherence tomography angiography

Background/Aim: Thyroid hormones play an essential role in retinal development and physiological functions. Although the effects of hyperthyroidism on ocular circulation are well-defined, no studies report the effects of clinical hypothyroidism on retinal and choroidal circulation. We aimed to compare the macular vessel density and flow indexes of patients with treatment-naive hypothyroidism and healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: This case-control study included 104 eyes of 52 participants. Group 1 (n=24) consisted of patients with treatment-naive overt hypothyroidism, while Group 2 (n=28) consisted of age and sex-matched healthy controls. Images were obtained using AngioVue software 2.0 of the OCTA device in a 6 × 6 mm area centered on the macula. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, macular retinal thickness, FAZ perimeter (PERIM), choroidal flow index (CF), outer retinal flow index (ORF) and macular vessel density (VD) in the superficial (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) were recorded for all patients. Results: The whole [Group 1: 49.9 (7.0)%; Group 2: 54.6 (5.9)%], parafoveal [Group 1: 54.7 (4.8)%; Group 2: 58.6 (3.9)%] and perifoveal [Group 1: 51.5 (7.2)%; Group 2: 55.9 (6.8)% ] VD in DCP were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (P=0.012; P=0.002 and P=0.028 respectively). However, parafoveal VD in SCP was significantly higher in Group 1 [52.4 (2.26)] than in Group 2 [49.9 (6.87)] (P=0.032). The mean VD in DCP was significantly positively correlated with the choroidal (P=0.021) and outer retinal flow indexes (P=0.033). The mean foveal VD in DCP was significantly positively correlated with the mean foveal (P<0.001), parafoveal (P=0.001) and perifoveal retinal thicknesses (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study has provided, for the first time, a quantitative assessment of macular perfusion in patients with overt hypothyroidism using OCTA. The reduction in VD in the DCP might be attributed to the lack of angiogenic effects of T4 or neural hypometabolism secondary to hypothyroidism.

Retinitis Punctata Albescens and RLBP1-Allied Phenotypes: Phenotype–Genotype Correlation and Natural History in the Aim of Gene Therapy

PurposeTo identify relevant criteria for gene therapy based on clinical and genetic characteristics of rod–cone dystrophy associated with RLBP1 pathogenic variants in a large cohort comprising children and adults.DesignRetrospective cohort study.ParticipantsPatients with pathogenic variants in RLBP1 registered in a single French reference center specialized in inherited retinal dystrophies.MethodsClinical, multimodal imaging, and genetic findings were reviewed.Main Outcome MeasuresAge of onset; visual acuity; ellipsoid line length; nasal, temporal, and foveal retinal thickness; and pathogenic variants and related phenotypes, including Newfoundland rod–cone and Bothnia dystrophies (NFRCDs), were reappraised.ResultsTwenty-one patients (15 families) were included. The most frequent form was NFRCD with 12 patients (8 families) homozygous for the recurrent deletion of exons 7 through 9 in RLBP1 and 5 patients (4 families) with biallelic protein-truncating variants (2 novel: p.Gln16∗ and p.Tyr251∗). A novel combination of the p.Arg234Trp Bothnia variant with a nonsense variant in trans led to Bothnia dystrophy in 2 sisters. One proband carrying the p.Met266Lys Bothnia variant and in trans p.Arg121Trp and a second, with the p.Arg9Cys and p.Tyr111∗ combination, both demonstrated mild retinitis punctata albescens. Independently of genotype, all patients showed a visual acuity of worse than 20/200, an ellipsoid line width of less than 1000 μm, and a mean foveal thickness of less than 130 to 150 μm, with loss of both the interdigitation and ellipsoid lines.ConclusionsThe eligibility for RLBP1 gene therapy first should be determined according to the biallelic variant combination using a robust classification as proposed herein. An ellipsoid line width of more than 1200 μm and a central thickness of more than 130 to 150 μm with detectable ellipsoid and interdigitation lines should be 2 prerequisite imaging indicators for gene therapy.

Evaluation Of Foveal Thickness And Macular Choroidal Thickness With Optical Coherence Tomography in Behçet's Disease

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate foveal thickness and macular choroidal thickness on patients who were diagnosed with Behcet’s Disease (BD). Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients who were diagnosed with BD and Group 2 consisted of 30 healthy controls. Detailed ophthalmological examination was performed on both groups and foveal thickness and macular choroidal thickness were measured with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). To measure the choroidal thickness enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT) technique was used. Results: Mean foveal thickness in patients with BD was 216.06 ± 53.14 μm and mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 363.21 ± 85.22 μm. Mean foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness in healthy controls was 211.65 ± 16.60 μm and 352.83 ± 87.11 μm respectively. There was no statistical significance between patients with BD and control group regarding foveal and subfoveal choroidal thickness. However, anatomical deformation of Elipsoid Zone structure in OCT had the most effect on visual acuity (p=0,001). Conclusion: This study shows that there was no statistically significant difference in terms of foveal thickness and macular choroidal thickness in patients with BD.

Photocoagulation-associated spontaneous release of epiretinal membrane secondary to retinal vascular tumor: case series of 8 cases.

To evaluate the secondary epiretinal membrane (ERM) response after photocoagulation in retinal vascular tumor. This retrospective interventional case series included 8 patients (8 eyes) who were diagnosed with retinal vascular tumor and secondary ERM. All eyes were treated with photocoagulation and underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations at baseline and at each follow-up. Of the 8 eyes with retinal vascular tumor and associated ERM, 4 eyes (50%) were von Hippel and 4 eyes (50%) were vasoproliferative tumor of the retina. The mean follow-up time was 12.63 ± 14.64 (range, 4-51) months. The BCVA in the eyes at baseline was 1.16 ± 1.10 logMAR (range, HM to 20/40). ERM located in the macular region in 100% of the eyes and led to CME with a mean central foveal thickness of 497.6 ± 147.7 μm (range, 294-736 μm) at presentation. After photocoagulation, the ERM spontaneously peeled in 7 of 8 eyes (87.5%), among which one case required surgical treatment due to complicating tractional retinal detachment. After ERM peeling without complications, 6 eyes recovered normal macular structure, with an improved BCVA in 5 eyes and a stable BCVA in 1 eye. Laser photocoagulation is necessary and effective treatment for retinal vascular tumor. After laser photocoagulation, retinal vascular tumor-related ERM spontaneously released in 75% of the cases, without complication and surgical intervention.

Choroidal Thickness by Handheld Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Term Newborns.

PurposeTo describe normative values for choroidal thickness in newborns and characterize their relationship to vitreoretinal features.MethodsTerm newborns underwent awake, handheld swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in this prospective cohort study. An automated segmentation algorithm followed by manual adjustments measured choroidal thickness at the fovea and five perifoveal locations. Two masked, trained graders, with a third mediating disagreements, analyzed scans for vitreoretinal findings. OCT vitreoretinal findings, including dome-shaped macula, subretinal fluid, punctate hyperreflective vitreous opacities, persistent inner retinal layers, foveal ellipsoid zone, tractional and non-tractional vitreous bands, epiretinal membrane, cystoid macular edema, vessel elevation, scalloped retinal layers, hyporeflective vessels, and retinal spaces, were assessed and correlated with foveal choroidal thickness using a generalized linear mixed model.ResultsFifty-nine eyes of 39 infants (mean gestational age, 39.5 weeks; 18 male, 46%) were included. Mean foveal choroidal thickness was 455.5 ± 93.9 µm. Choroid was thinner inferonasally (343.6 ± 106.2 µm) compared to superonasally (368.4 ± 92.9 µm; P = 0.03) and superotemporally (369.6 ± 100.6 µm; P = 0.02). Thinner foveal choroidal thickness was associated with absence of a foveal ellipsoid zone (437.1 ± 78.5 µm vs. 553.7 ± 93.9 µm; P = 0.02). Choroidal thickness was not significantly associated with other OCT findings.ConclusionsWe identified an association between thinner choroid and foveal immaturity. Additional study is needed to determine whether choroidal development impacts visual outcomes.Translational RelevanceHandheld SS-OCT achieved normative measurements for choroidal thickness across the macula in term newborns, providing a foundation for future investigations into the role of choroidal development in infancy.

Macular pigment optical density after panretinal photocoagulation

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Panretinal photocoagulation, an important treatment method in diabetic retinopathy, can affect macular pigment optical density, which has protective and antioxidant properties. As a result of this effect, the retina may become more sensitive to high‐energy visible light. Background The current study assesses the effect of panretinal photocoagulation treatment on macular pigment optical density, which has essential functions for the retina. Methods In this prospective clinical study, the colour perimetry method was used to measure macular pigment optical density. Thirty‐six eyes of 36 participants with severe non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular involvement were included in the study. Conventional panretinal photocoagulation treatments were applied at baseline, one month, two months, and at three months to the participants who clinically required this treatment. Macular pigment optical density and retinal thickness measurements were performed at baseline, months one, two, three and six. Results The mean macular pigment optical density reduction in the fovea over the six-months was 0.02 ± 0.02 logarithmic units (p < 0.001). Similarly, the pericentral areas declined by 0.04 ± 0.03 logarithmic units (p < 0.001). Mean central macular thickness and foveal thickness increased by 5.03 ± 5.02 μm and 2.78 (interquartile range 2–4) μm, respectively. In this study, correlation analysis shows that the laser energy applied was significantly and strongly correlated with reductions in macular pigment optical density (for the fovea and pericentral area respectively: r = −0.855, p < 0.001; r = −0.895, p < 0.001). Further, there were significant and strong correlations between the applied laser energy, and central macular thickness and fovea thickness (r = 0.751, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.718, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Panretinal photocoagulation may potentially cause a decrease in macular pigment density in proportion to the laser energy applied.

CHANGES IN TOTAL AND INNER RETINAL THICKNESSES IN TYPE 1 DIABETES WITH NO RETINOPATHY AFTER 8 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP

To evaluate changes in retinal layer thickness in patients with Type 1 diabetes with no diabetic retinopathy after 8 years of follow-up. Ninety Type 1 diabetes and 60 control eyes were studied. Changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and inner nuclear layer thicknesses in all Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study areas were evaluated. The mean ages were 42.93 ± 13.62 and 41.52 ± 13.05 years in the diabetic and control group, respectively. In 2009, total retinal thickness was higher in diabetic patients; differences were statistically significant in all except the nasal areas. In both groups, the mean foveal thickness remained the same during the 8 years. Among diabetic patients, there was a significant reduction in total retinal thickness in all areas excluding the outer temporal one; controls only in the inferior areas. The thickness loss was due to the thinning of the inner retinal layers (inner nuclear layer, ganglion cell layer, and retinal nerve fiber layer). The controls showed a significant diminution in the retinal nerve fiber layer and in the ganglion cell layer areas. The inner nuclear layer showed a diminution in the diabetes mellitus group. Before the onset of diabetic retinopathy, Type 1 diabetes patients experience a diminution of their inner retinal layer thicknesses over time, supporting the hypothesis of retinal neurodegeneration.