Poor Final Visual Acuity Research Articles

Epidemiology of keratitis/scleritis-related endophthalmitis in a university hospital in Thailand

To demonstrate the demographics, associated factors, clinical presentations, microbiology, management, visual outcome and complications of keratitis/scleritis-related endophthalmitis (KSE). A retrospective chart of all endophthalmitis patients diagnosed between September 2001 and August 2011 was reviewed. Only endophthalmitis cases with previous corneal or scleral infection were included in the study. The patients were followed until losing vision or eyeball, becoming phthisis, or the end of 2018. Eighty-seven patients with KSE were identified, all unilateral. The mean age was 56.4 ± 21.4 years. There was a slight male predilection (55 patients, 63.2%). The mean follow-up time was 50 ± 149 weeks. The causative pathogens were identified in 35 patients (40.2%), with the highest frequency being bacteria. The most common bacterium was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 13), and the most common fungus was Aspergillus sp. (n = 5). Fifteen patients achieved (17.2%) final visual acuity (VA) of hand motion or better after treatment. Eyeball removal was performed in 61 (70.1%) patients. From multivariate analysis, the only prognostic factor for poor final VA (worse than hand motion, HM) was poor VA (worse than HM) at the initial visit (relative risk 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.15–3.36, p = 0.013). KSE is uncommon but has a devastating outcome. We found that the patient’s initial VA was the only predictor for their final vision. P. aeruginosa was the most common identifiable organism in this study. However, several fungal infections were recognised. These findings should raise awareness for treatment of KSE in the tropics.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Posterior Segment Intraocular Foreign Body: Canadian Experience from a Tertiary University Hospital in Quebec.

Purpose To identify predictive factors for visual outcomes of patients presenting with a posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for all consecutive patients operated for posterior segment IOFB removal between January 2009 and December 2018. Data were collected for patient demographics, clinical characteristics at presentation, IOFB characteristics, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes. A multiple logistic regression model was built for poor final visual acuity (VA) as an outcome (defined as final VA 50 letters or worse [Snellen equivalent: 20/100]). Results Fifty-four patients were included in our study. Ninety-three percent of patients were men, with a mean age of 40.4 ± 12.6 years. Metallic IOFB comprised 88% of cases with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) size of 5.31 ± 4.62 mm. VA improved in 70% of patients after IOFB removal. Predictive factors for poor VA outcome included poor baseline VA, larger IOFB size, high number of additional diagnoses, an anterior chamber extraction, a second intervention, the use of C3F8 or silicone tamponade, and the presence of vitreous hemorrhage, hyphema, and iris damage. Predictive factors for a better visual outcome included first intention intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and the use of air tamponade. In the multiple logistic regression model, both baseline VA (p = 0.009) and number of additional complications (p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for a poor final VA. Conclusions A high number of concomitant complications and poor baseline VA following posterior segment IOFB were significant predictive factors of poor visual outcome.

Intracystic hyperreflective material in centre-involving diabetic macular oedema.

To report evolution and predictive value of intracystic hyperreflective material (ICHRM) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in centre-involving diabetic macular oedema (CI-DME). Demographic and OCT features of patients with treatment-naïve CI-DME were analysed retrospectively. OCT parameters noted were macular oedema type, ICHRM presence, presence of hyperreflective spots, disorganised inner retinal layers and outer retinal layers integrity. Eyes were grouped into group 1 CI-DME without ICHRM and group 2 CI-DME with ICHRM. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were done to study the correlation between various OCT features and final vision. In this study, 62 eyes of 50 patients were included in group 1 and 61 eyes of 51 patients in group 2. Mean presenting logMAR vision in groups 1 and 2 was 0.374 ± 0.346 and 0.523 ± 0.369 respectively. Poor final visual acuity was noted in CI-DME with ICHRM group (p = 0.015). On linear regression analysis, 3 OCT features, namely, ICHRM presence (p = 0.034), inner segment-outer segment layer disruption (p = 0.001) and ellipsoid zone defects (p = 0.003), were associated with poor final vision. More intravitreal anti-VEGF (2.98 vs 0.629) and steroid (1.51 vs 0.242) injections were required for macular oedema resolution in ICHRM group. This study is the first to assess the ICHRM on OCT as predictor for treatment outcome in DME eyes. We described its evolution during the DME management and its plausible influence on intravitreal therapy. We believe that this finding has the potential to become a novel biomarker for predicting the visual outcome in DME.

Comparison of Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis in Contact Lens and Non–Contact Lens Wearers

To compare the outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis (PAK) in contact lens wearers (CLWs) and non-contact lens wearers (non-CLWs) and identify risk factors for poor visual acuity (VA) outcomes in each group. Retrospective cohort study METHODS: Two hundred fourteen consecutive cases of PAK were included between January 2006 and December 2019. Clinical features, microbiologic results, and treatment course were compared between CLW and non-CLW groups. Analyses of clinical features predicting poor final VA were performed. This study identified 214 infected eyes in 207 patients with PAK, including 163 eyes (76.2%) in CLWs and 51 eyes (23.8%) in non-CLWs. The average age was 39.2 years in CLWs and 71.9 years in non-CLWs (P < .0001). The average logMAR visual acuity (VA) at presentation was 1.39 in CLWs and 2.17 in non-CLWs (P < .0001); average final VA was 0.76 in CLWs and 1.82 in non-CLWs (P < .0001). Stromal necrosis required a procedural or surgical intervention in 13.5% of CLWs and 49.0% of non-CLWs (P < .0001). A machine learning-based analysis yielded a list of clinical features that most strongly predict a poor VA outcome (worse than 20/40), including worse initial VA, older age, larger size of infiltrate or epithelial defect at presentation, and greater maximal depth of stromal necrosis. Non-CLWs have significantly worse VA outcomes and required a higher rate of surgical intervention, compared with CLWs. Our study elucidates risk factors for poor visual outcomes in non-CLWs with PAK.

Open-globe wounds in operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: risk factors for poor visual outcomes and enucleation.

To determine the rates and types of open-globe wounds in soldiers admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 2001 to 2011 after sustaining combat injuries. Data were collected in the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database. Inclusion criteria were patients who suffered open-globe injuries. Open-globe injuries were classified by type of wound: corneal, corneo-scleral or scleral, or type of open-globe injury: perforating, rupture, penetrating or intraocular foreign body. The primary analysis assessed the effect on final visual acuity (VA) and the risk of enucleation. In this study, 285 (32.02%) open-globe injuries were recorded in 890 eyes in the data set. Corneal wounds were noted in 127 (44.56%) eyes, corneo-scleral wounds in 78 (27.37%) and scleral wounds in 129 (45.26%) eyes. The involvement of both the corneal and sclera was associated with poorer visual outcome (BCVA < 20/200) compared to injuries with an injury confined to either the cornea or scleral alone (p = 0.038). At a wound length of greater than approximately 14 mm, patients had 75% chance of having a poor final VA. Enucleation was performed in 64 (22.46%) eyes of patients with wounds. The type of wound was not found to be predictive of enucleation in multivariate analysis, but rather the type of open-globe injury was predictive. Perforating (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.43-1.72) and globe rupture injuries (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.33-1.66) were more likely to undergo enucleation. Open-globe injuries occur frequently in combat ocular trauma. Poor final VA was noted most with corneo-scleral wounds with approximately 50% of patients having a final VA less than 20/200.

Epidemiology and Clinical Patterns of Ocular Trauma at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Korea.

BackgroundTo evaluate the patterns of distribution and clinical manifestations of ocular injuries referred to the level 1 trauma center of Pusan National University Hospital (PNUH) in Korea.MethodsWe analyzed 254 of 4,287 patients who were referred to the Department of Ophthalmology at the level 1 trauma center of the PNUH, from January 2016 through December 2018. Data on the incidence of ocular injuries, sex, age, monthly and seasonal distribution, day and time of injury, side of injury, cause, residence of patients, referral time to an ophthalmologist and subsequent examination time, final visual acuity (VA), and complications were obtained from medical records and retrospectively reviewed. The patients were grouped according to their main diagnosis using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS) and Ocular Trauma Score (OTS).ResultsThe incidence of ocular injuries with major trauma was higher in men (n = 207, 81.5%), the median age at time of injury was 54 years, and Pusan recorded the most cases. The incidences of ocular injury were 1.47/100,000, 1.57/100,000, 1.48/100,000 in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The most common cause was by a motorbike accident, followed by a pedestrian traffic accident and falls. According to the BETTS classification, open-globe injuries represented 4% of cases, closed-globe injuries represented 12.6%, and other injuries represented 83.1%. Open-globe injuries were significantly associated with low final VA (P = 0.01). In the OTS, 79.4% of patients received 4 or 5 points and 13.7% of patients received 1 or 2 points. The patients who received 1 or 2 points in the OTS score showed final VA below hand movement (P < 0.001), except for two patients. Lid laceration and low initial VA were highly correlated with poor final VA (P < 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first study on the epidemiology and clinical manifestations in trauma patients with ocular injuries at a level 1 trauma center. The incidences of ocular injuries with major trauma were about 1.47–1.57/100,000. BETTS, OTS, lid laceration and initial VA were associated with final VA. We expect our study to provide a basis of data for the evaluation, prevention, and management of ocular injuries in patients with systemic trauma.

Posterior Segment Retained Intraocular Foreign Body: A Study from Western Nepal.

Posterior segment retained Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) management is challenging. Facility of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and availability of well trained vitreo retina surgeons are the basic need to accomplish this work. Encircling band provide permanent 360° support to close the anterior retinal break and prevent traction on the retina. The objective of this study is to analyse the clinical characteristics and predictors of the final visual outcome and survival of the globe in cases of retained IOFB in the posterior eye segment. A hospital based retrospective observational study was conducted. All the patients of retained IOFB in the posterior segment presented from January 2016 to June 2019 were enrolled. Patients presented with visual acuity of NPL were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using a variety of tests using SPSS version 21. Forty eyes of 40 patients were included. The mean age was 27.08±10.68 years (range 5-66). 95% of our patients were male. Most of them (52.5%) worked on the farm. 26(65%) of 40 eyes had Zone I injury. The median time spent before presentation was 13.5 day. Retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and endophthalmitis were present in 15, 23 and 5 eyes, respectively, before IOFB removal. The mean LogMAR visual acuity was improved significantly from 2.50±0.87 to 1.33± 1.01 (p=0.003). Poor presenting visual acuity, retinal detachment and large diameter of IOFB were found as the predictor of poor final visual acuity. Pars plana vitrectomy by a vitreo retinal surgeon can give encouraging results in the cases of retained posterior segment IOFB. Poor presenting visual acuity, large diameter of IOFB and RD before IOFB removal are predictors of poor visual outcome.

Factors associated with extremely poor visual outcomes in patients with central retinal vein occlusion

Here, we examined prognostic factors for extremely poor visual outcomes in patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in actual practices. We included 150 consecutive eyes with treatment-naïve acute CRVO from four different facilities and observed them for over 24 months. Macular edema (ME) was treated with one or three monthly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (1 or 3 + pro re nata). According to the final Snellen visual acuity (VA), we divided the patients into very poor VA (< 20/200) and control (≥ 20/200) groups and examined risk factors for poor final visual outcomes. The baseline Snellen VA was hand motion to 20/13. The mean number of anti-VEGF injections for ME was 5.3 ± 3.7 during the follow-up period. In total, 49 (32.7%) patients exhibited a very poor final VA; this group comprised significantly older patients with a significantly poorer baseline VA (P < 0.01 for both) than the control group. Comorbid internal carotid artery disease and diabetic retinopathy were significantly associated with a poor final VA. In actual clinical practice, visual outcomes may be extremely poor despite ME treatment in certain patients with CRVO, with advanced age, poor baseline VA, and comorbid internal carotid artery disease and diabetic retinopathy being significant risk factors.

Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy After Combat Ocular Trauma in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: 2001-2011.

To determine the risk factors associated with developing proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) from combat ocular injuries in U.S. service members. Retrospective review of associated risk factors and outcomes of PVR within the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database. Ocular injuries in U.S. service members wounded during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2001 to 2011 were assessed, and of these all cases of PVR were studied. Principal outcome measures were the risk factors associated with PVR development and rate of final visual acuity (VA) less than 20/200. Eight hundred ninety eyes of 651 U.S. service members were evaluated. A total of 76 eyes (8.5%) of 66 patients developed PVR. Five patients had bilateral PVR. Nineteen patients had bilateral eye injuries. Sixty-one eyes (80.2%) had a final VA less than 20/200. PVR was found to be a significant risk factor for a poor final VA (P < .001). Retinal detachment (RD) was found in 52 eyes (68.4%) of patients. In patients with a RD, intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) (P < .001), unsuccessful repair (P = .002), and macular hemorrhage (P = .04) were significant risk factors for the development of PVR. Time to initial retina surgery was not found to be a risk factor for PVR development (P = .5). Time to initial retina surgery was available in 41 patients and the time to surgery on average was 22.56 days (range: 3 to 87 days). PVR occurs frequently in combat trauma and is a significant cause of poor final VA. In patients with PVR and RD, injuries caused by an IOFB, macular hemorrhage, or unsuccessful repair were significant risk factors for the development of PVR. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:556-563.].

Ocular Trauma in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from 2001 to 2011: A Bayesian Network Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose To update the epidemiology of ocular injuries in soldiers admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) from 2001 to 2011 after sustaining combat injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Methods Data were collected in the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database. A Bayesian Network Analysis was completed to better understand the relationships between different ocular demographic variables, injuries, surgeries, ocular trauma scores (OTS) and visual outcomes. Results There were 890 consecutive globe or adnexal combat injuries, or both, sustained by 652 United States soldiers treated at WRAMC between 2001 and 2011.The primary mechanism of injury was improvised explosive device (62.47%). Many patients (62.0%) had final visual acuity (VA) grades of 1–2 (20/15 – 20/200), while 29.9% of patients had final VA grades of 3–5 (less than 20/200), and 8.1% had unknown final VA grades. Bayesian Network Analysis revealed that the injury variables of Retina (47.9%), Lens (44.6%), Posterior Segment (43.7%) and Anterior Segment (40.3%), and the surgical variables of Enucleation (97.6%) and cataract extraction and posterior capsule intraocular lens placement (CEPCIOL; 43.3%) all had probabilities greater than 40% for a poor final VA, while all other variables were less than 40%. Conclusion Modern-day combat trauma results in complicated ocular injuries causing 30% of patients to be left legally blind in their injured eye. It is critical to maintain a wide variety of deployable, specialty trained ophthalmologists to ensure the best visual outcomes for wounded warriors and to maintain mission readiness.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Visual Outcomes in Childhood Glaucoma.

To determine the prognostic factors for poor visual outcomes in childhood glaucoma. The medical records of patients with childhood glaucoma diagnosed at age 4 years or younger who were treated surgically from 2002 to 2019 at Songklanagarind Hospital, Hatyai, Thailand, were retrospectively reviewed. Glaucoma subtypes, clinical characteristics, final visual acuity, and etiology of visual impairment were recorded. The generalized estimating equation for logistic regression analysis was used to determine prognostic factors for final visual acuity of worse than 20/200. Forty-five eyes of 31 patients were included (33.3% had primary glaucoma and 66.7% had secondary glaucoma). At the final visit (mean: 6.8 years), 20.5% had good visual acuity (20/50 or better), 15.9% had fair visual acuity (worse than 20/50 to 20/200), and 63.6% had poor visual acuity (worse than 20/200). The major cause of visual impairment (worse than 20/50) was deprivation amblyopia. Prognostic factors for poor final visual acuity (worse than 20/200) were secondary glaucoma, age at diagnosis of younger than 3 months, and interval to surgery of more than 3 months. Eyes with a final visual acuity of better than 20/200 had higher mean intraocular pressure preoperatively that tended to increase postoperatively and every visit afterward compared to the other group. Two-thirds of eyes with childhood glaucoma ended up with poor final vision. Early surgery to control intraocular pressure, along with amblyopia treatment, should be considered to prevent poor visual outcome. The prognostic factors for poor visual outcome can contribute to parental advice and planning of patient care. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(5):283-291.].

Moraxella keratitis: epidemiology and outcomes.

We aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and visual outcome of Moraxella keratitis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients diagnosed with Moraxella spp. keratitis at the Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, Paris, France, between January 2016 and December 2018. Definitive microbiological identification was performed on archival strains using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight coupled to mass spectrometry. One hundred one culture-proven cases of Moraxella keratitis were identified. The most common isolates were Moraxella lacunata (50%) and Moraxella nonliquefasciens (38%). Systemic predisposing factors, principally diabetes mellitus (13%) were identified in 28% of patients, and 87% of patients had ocular surface conditions, including blepharitis (25%), prior ocular surgery (21%), glaucoma (17%), exposure keratopathy (16%), and trauma (16%). Severely affected inpatients were treated empirically with fortified antibiotics including vancomycin, piperacillin, and gentamicin. The presence of hypopyon and being over the age of 60years were associated with a poorer final visual acuity (p < 0.05). Adjuvant treatment, mostly amniotic membrane transplantation, was required for 31 eyes. The prognostic factors significantly associated with the need for adjuvant treatment were a larger infiltrate and hypoesthesia. The clinical features including ulcer healing, treatment duration, and infiltrate size were not different between Moraxella species. Keratitis caused by Moraxella spp. are rare in France but may threaten sight. The early identification of patients with a poor ocular surface, particularly those with neurotrophic keratopathy and anesthetic cornea, is crucial to prevent delayed healing of ulcers and the need for adjuvant treatment.

Correlation of Baseline Visual Acuity with Outcomes of Treatment with Anti-VEGF in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PurposeNeovascular age-related macular degeneration (nv-AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in individuals 55 years and older. The advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has greatly altered the visual acuity (VA) prognosis in these patients. While many studies have described treatment outcomes, few have explored the impact of early detection on VA outcomes.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study consisted of treatment-naïve eyes with nv-AMD (ICD9 diagnosis code 362.52) that were treated with bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept by four physician investigators in a large urban tertiary center from March 2008 to October 2015. Eyes were categorized by baseline VA into good (20/50 or better), intermediate (20/50–20/200), and poor (20/200 or worse) initial VA. VA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were evaluated throughout the treatment period.Results224 eyes were evaluated. Of eyes with good, intermediate, and poor initial VA, 14.1%, 37.2%, and 58.3% showed an increase in 2 or more lines of vision on LogMAR, respectively [p < 0.001], while 71.8%, 40.7%, and 16.7% of eyes had a final VA of 20/50 or better, respectively [p < 0.001]. Average final Snellen VA in eyes with good, intermediate, and poor initial VA was 20/47, 20/96, and 20/277, respectively. Change in VA for good, intermediate, and poor initial VA groups was ΔLogMAR of +0.117, +0.041, and −0.230, respectively. Of eyes with good, intermediate, and poor baseline VA, 42.3%, 20.9%, and 20.0%, respectively, showed resolution of fluid on OCT [p = 0.003].ConclusionPatients with good initial VA were more likely to maintain good vision and show resolution of fluid on OCT through follow-up. Patients with poor initial VA tended to gain more vision, however, had poorer final VA. This underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of nv-AMD in maintaining superior outcomes.

Adenoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Review of 51 Consecutive Patients

To describe the clinical and imaging characteristics, pathologic features, and management options of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) adenoma/adenocarcinoma. Retrospective case series. Fifty-one patients with RPE adenoma/adenocarcinoma. Treatment options for the patients included observation, partial lamellar sclerouvectomy (PLSU), enucleation, and others. Factors related to visual acuity (VA) outcomes (>2 Snellen lines loss, poor final VA [≤20/200], good final vision [≥20/40]), tumor growth, and need for enucleation. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 51 years, and the majority of patients were white (40/51, 78%) and female (34/51, 67%). Primary management included observation (29/51, 57%), PLSU (9/51, 18%), enucleation (4/51, 8%), or others (9/51, 18%). Outcomes revealed decreased VA (10/32, 31%), poor final VA (17/32, 53%), good final VA (11/32, 34%), tumor growth (12/25, 48%), and need for enucleation (7/51, 14%). By multivariable analysis, features predictive of decreased VA included increasing baseline tumor thickness (P= 0.01) and presence of vitreous hemorrhage (P= 0.05). Factors predictive of poor final VA included presence of exudative retinal detachment (P= 0.004), baseline VA 20/50 to 20/150 (P= 0.008), and baseline VA ≤20/200 (P= 0.01). Absence of feeding and/or draining vessel was predictive of good VA (P= 0.004). Tumor growth was associated with multiple treatments (P= 0.02). Increased tumor thickness (P= 0.03) and presence of exudative retinal detachment (P= 0.01) were predictive of enucleation. RPE adenoma/adenocarcinoma can simulate choroidal melanoma. Greater tumor thickness, vitreous hemorrhage, exudative retinal detachment, and poor baseline VA predict worse visual outcome and greater risk for enucleation.

Neuro-Ophthalmic Injuries With Systemic Neurologic Injury or Traumatic Brain Injury in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

To analyze the final visual acuity (VA) of neuro-ophthalmologic injuries (NOI) in combat ocular trauma and to study the association of NOI with systemic neurologic injury (SNI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database was reviewed. Inclusion criteria were any US service member and Department of Defense civilians who suffered NOI, SNI, or TBI in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The primary outcome measure was the rate of poor final VA in patients with an NOI with secondary outcome measures the rate of SNI and TBI. in patients with NOI. One hundred seventy-eight (20.00%) of 890 eyes had an NOI. Optic nerve injury was observed in 79 (44.38%) eyes, other cranial nerve injury in 68 (38.20%), Horner syndrome in 4 (2.25%), diplopia in 45 (25.28%), and ptosis in 13 (7.30%). In patients with NOI, 76 (42.69%) eyes had a final VA less than 20/200. In injured eyes (n = 359) of patients (n = 251) with TBI, 154 eyes (34.26%) had a final VA less than 20/200. In multivariate analysis, optic nerve injury (P < 0.001), unlike TBI (P = 0.47), was associated with final VA less than 20/200. SNI (n = 229) had a statistically significant association (odds ratio 29.8, 95% confidence interval 19.2-47.8, P < 0.001) with NOI. Optic nerve injury and cranial nerve injury were associated with TBI and SNI (all, P < 0.001). Optic nerve injury and cranial nerve injury are associated with TBI and SNI. Optic nerve injury, but not TBI or cranial nerve injury, is associated with a poor final VA.

Treatment compliance and adherence among patients with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration treated by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor under universal health coverage

PurposeTo analyze and compare loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates between patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and those with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in patients, receiving treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), under universal health coverage.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the relevant data of 1264 patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy, in this cohort study. The observation period ranged from September 01, 2015 to December 31, 2018. Intervals between each procedure and the subsequent follow-up examination were measured. Demographic data, visual acuity (VA), the type of transport for treatment access, and distance between the residence and clinic were evaluated as risk factors for LTFU.ResultsWe collected data for 841 patients with nAMD (age, 81.0 (± 8.1 years)) and 423 patients with DR (age, 67.7 (± 12.1 years)). The rate of LTFU, for at least 6 months, was 28.8% and 2.9% for patients with DR and nAMD, respectively (p < 0.001). In the DR group, 18.9% patients were lost to follow-up exceeding > 12 months. Multivariate regression analysis showed that advanced age, lack of mobility, and need for assisted transport, poor final VA despite treatment, and decrease in vision during the observational period were independent risk factors for LTFU exceeding 12 months (p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe found a high long-term LTFU rate for patients with DR, despite treatment under universal health coverage. Considering the risk of disease progression, particularly in patients with chronic DR, strategies for better compliance and adherence to therapy should be considered for optimized patient care.

Eye injury and demographic parameters associated with poor visual outcome

Eye injuries can result in long-term disability, and healthcare providers need better tools to predict outcomes. Few prognostic models for poor visual acuity have been examined using variables usually present in very severe injuries, which creates a gap in prognosis. Therefore, a model associated with severe and less severe injuries is examined. Eye injuries hospitalized in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2006 through 2014 were included. A total of 258 eye injuries met the inclusion criteria of being an acute mechanical, chemical or physical eye injury. Prognostic variables were grouped by patient characteristics, eye injury characteristics and eye injury diagnosis. Poor final visual acuity was the main outcome measure (vision less than 20/200). Multivariable regression analysis used stepwise selection to identify the strongest set of predictive variables. Lens subluxation (95% CI: 2.09-14.83), vitreous prolapse (95% CI: 2.76-26.87), vitreous hemorrhage (95% CI: 1.71-10.03), posterior segment intraocular foreign body (95% CI: 1.19-39.09), and vitritis (95% CI: 0.97-11.12) were significantly associated with poor final visual acuity. The predictive model identified the combination of age over 36, lens subluxation, vitreous prolapse and hemorrhage, vitritis, and macular hemorrhage as the combination most likely to have poor visual acuity. The final model resulted in a strong fit as measured by AIC, log likelihood, goodness-of-fit, and the c-statistic. This model can be used in clinical practice to evaluate the severity and predict final visual acuity in both severe and less severe eye injuries. The model accounts for characteristics of the injury as well as the patient. Additional studies with larger samples could further verify this model.

Outcome and Predictors for 2-Year Visual Acuity in Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Ranibizumab

Purpose: To determine the role of baseline characteristics in predicting visual outcome in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with ranibizumab. Methods: A review was carried out of the charts of 97 eyes that received pro re nata (PRN) intravitreal ranibizumab (IR) 0.5 mg treatment for DME. The change in the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was analyzed. The baseline demographics and ocular and optic coherence tomography findings were analyzed to determine the association with the 2-year visual acuity (VA). Results: BCVA increased from 0.54 ± 0.2 (0.05-1.0) to 0.41 ± 0.3 (0.0-1.0) log of the minimum angle of resolution (P < 0.001). Age (P = 0.012), gender (P = 0.018), baseline BCVA (P < 0.001), presence of leaking microaneurysms (MA) (P = 0.018), development of vitreomacular traction (VMT) (P = 0.001), development of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) (P = 0.040), and disruption of ellipsoid zone (EZ) (P = 0.007) were found as predictors of 2-year VA. There was no association between visual outcome and the other characteristics. Conclusions: PRN treatment of IR provides significant benefits in VA gain and anatomic improvement in eyes with DME. Older age, female sex, lower baseline VA, VMT development, and EZ disruption are predictors for the poor final VA. Development of PVD and leaking MA are predictors for the good final VA.

Macular Features on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Associated With Visual Acuity in Coats' Disease.

PurposeTo investigate the association between macular features on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and visual acuity (VA) in Coats' disease.MethodsThirty-nine eyes (39 patients) with SD-OCT from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2016 were reviewed for SD-OCT features. Central subfield (CSF) SD-OCT findings were analyzed relative to VA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) at baseline and final visit (when follow-up ≥ 6 months) and across visits.ResultsMean VA ± standard deviation at baseline (37 eyes) was 0.92 ± 0.82. SD-OCT features associated with worse VA included, for treatment-naïve eyes (n = 21), outer retinal atrophy (ORA) (1.18 ± 0.34 with versus 0.20 ± 0.30 without, P = 0.005), subretinal fluid (SRF) (1.80 ± 0.63 vs. 0.63 ± 0.50, P = 0.008), bright hyperreflectivities (1.23 ± 0.68 vs. 0.52 ± 0.53, P = 0.02), thicker foveal subretinal space (r2 = 0.32, P = 0.01), and CSF (r2 = 0.39, P = 0.007); and for previously treated eyes (n = 16), a compact hyperreflective structure (1.60 ± 0.88 vs. 0.56 ± 0.64, P = 0.02) and ORA (1.34 ± 0.86 vs. 0.30 ± 0.44, P = 0.01). At final follow-up (n = 22), mean VA was 0.81 ± 0.83. Eyes with final VA <20/200 (n = 6, vs. >20/60, n = 11) more commonly had a compact hyperreflective structure and ORA at baseline and final visit (P < 0.05). Mean change in VA from baseline (n = 20) was −0.20 ± 0.59. Mean improvement in VA (range, −0.525 to −1.127) occurred in eyes with baseline SRF (P = 0.02) and bright hyperreflectivities (P = 0.03). Changes in thickness that correlated with change in VA included those for the foveal subretinal space (r2 = 0.52, P < 0.001) and CSF (r2 = 0.26, P = 0.045).ConclusionsA compact hyperreflective structure (fibrosis) and ORA were associated with poor final VA while SRF, bright hyperreflectivities (exudation), and foveal subretinal thickness were associated with VA improvement post treatment.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of scleral rupture due to blunt ocular trauma.

PurposeTo describe and identify ocular and wound characteristics, and prognostic factors associated with final visual acuity (VA) in patients with scleral rupture due to blunt ocular trauma.MethodsThe medical records of 61 patients with globe rupture due to blunt ocular trauma who underwent primary repair were reviewed retrospectively. The data recorded included demographic characteristics, initial and final VA, ocular signs, wound characteristics, and surgeries. Initial VA, ocular signs, wound characteristics, and surgeries were analyzed to determine the association with the final VA.ResultsForty three women and 18 men with a mean age of 43.6±23.5 years were included in the study. The locations of scleral wounds were mostly in the superonasal quadrant (41.0%) and zone 2 (75.4%). In eyes with hyphema (P=0.009), vitreous hemorrhage (P=0.001), and retinal detachment (P=0.004), final VA was statistically worse than eyes without these signs. A moderate positive correlation was found between the initial and final VA (P<0.001). Final VA was statistically worse in eyes with horizontal midline wounds than in eyes with vertical midline wounds (P=0.002). A moderate negative correlation was found between scleral wound length and final VA (P<0.001). Patients who underwent cataract surgery had statistically better final VA (P=0.002).ConclusionsScleral rupture was detected mostly in females, superonasal quadrant and zone 2. Poor final VA was significantly associated with poor initial VA, longer wound length, horizontal midline wound, presence of hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment at presentation, and cataract surgery not performed during follow-up period. Scleral ruptures have different demographic, ocular and wound characteristics than other open globe injuries.