Poor Visual Outcome Research Articles

Poor Visual Outcome After First Attack in a Cohort of Patients With Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Related Optic Neuritis.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON) is typically a highly treatable condition that responds quickly to treatment with high doses of corticosteroids. We reviewed the cohort of patients with MOG-ON to identify patients who had poor visual outcome after the first attack despite rapid initiation of treatment. Records of all patients diagnosed with MOG-ON seen in a tertiary neuro-ophthalmology practice were reviewed to identify and describe those with poor visual recovery (final visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in at least one eye) after the first attack despite initiation of treatment within 1 week of symptoms onset. Two patients of 36 fulfilled inclusion criteria: both had bilateral severe optic neuritis at presentation, and both were seen within 7 days of symptoms onset and treated immediately with pulse doses of intravenous corticosteroids followed by very-slow oral taper. Plasma exchange (PLEX) was performed 2 weeks after symptoms onset in both patients because of poor response to steroids, followed by monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions. Despite the use of all available treatment modalities, final visual outcome was poor in both patients. In both patients, there was enhancement of intracanalicular portion of optic nerve in the worse-seeing eye. In this cohort of patients with MOG-ON, 2 (5.6%) had very poor visual outcome after the first attack despite immediate initiation of treatment with pulse doses of corticosteroids and subsequent treatment with PLEX. These cases highlight that despite immediate initiation and escalation of treatment, some patients with MOG-ON can have very poor visual outcomes after the initial attack that may be because of the involvement of the intracanalicular portion of the optic nerves.

PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT THICKNESS AND VARIABILITY AFFECTS VISUAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

To evaluate the impact of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) thickness (i.e., height) and thickness variability on best-corrected visual acuity outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the Phase 3 HAWK and HARRIER trials. Optical coherence tomography images from the pooled brolucizumab 6 mg and aflibercept 2 mg arms were analyzed for the maximum PED thickness across the macula at baseline through to week 96. Best-corrected visual acuity outcomes were compared in patients with different PED thickness and variability cut-off thresholds. Greater PED thickness at baseline or at week 12 was associated with lower mean best-corrected visual acuity gain from baseline to week 96 (baseline PED ≥200 µ m: +4.6 letters; <200 µ m: +7.0 letters; week 12 PED ≥100 µ m: +5.6 letters; <100 µ m: +6.6 letters). Eyes with the largest PED thickness variability from week 12 through week 96 gained fewer letters from baseline at week 96 (≥33 µ m: +3.3 letters; <9 µ m: +6.2 letters). Furthermore, increased PED thickness at week 48 was associated with higher prevalence of intraretinal and subretinal fluid. In this treatment-agnostic analysis, greater PED thickness and PED thickness variability were associated with poorer visual outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and greater neovascular activity.

Visual Outcomes of Phacoemulsification in Senile Cataract Patients in Purworejo Indonesia

Purpose: There was still limited study about the success rate of phacoemulsification in Indonesia, although it has been widely used. This study aimed to assess the visual acuity based on the characteristics of patients with senile cataract who underwent phacoemulsification. Study Design: Descriptive observational. Place and Duration of Study: Panti Waluyo Hospital, Purworejo from January to November 2019. Methods: This included 58 senile cataract patients (70 eyes) who underwent phacoemulsification. Basic patient characteristics such as: age, gender, cataract stages, comorbidity and pre- and postoperative visual acuity were taken from medical records. The visual acuity was measured pre-and postoperatively using Snellen Chart. The data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis method. Results: There were 23 men and 35 women who underwent phacoemulsification during the study period. Seventy six percent were 60 – 74 years old. Eighty percent had immature cataract. Half of the patients did not have any comorbidity of diabetes mellitus or hypertension. There were 45 (64.3%) eyes with moderate to severe visual impairment (vision 6/18 – ≥ 3/60) and 25 (35.7%) eyes with blindness (vision &lt; 3/60). The postoperative vision of 57 eyes (81.4%) improved to a good outcome. Thirteen eyes (18.6%) were categorized as borderline outcome. No eyes were reported to have poor outcome post-surgery. Conclusion: The postoperative visual acuity of cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification was classified as good outcome (81.4%) and borderline outcome (18.6%). In this study, there was no poor visual outcome found.

CHOROIDAL VASCULARITY AND VISUAL OUTCOMES IN MACULA-OFF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

To investigate the association between visual outcomes and choroidal changes in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. This study retrospectively reviewed 63 eyes of patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent vitrectomy. Their fellow eyes were analyzed as a control group. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI), ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane integrity, central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were documented and analyzed. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors affecting the final best-corrected visual acuity. Eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment showed increased CVI (68.8 ± 4.1) compared with the control group (66.1 ± 8.8, P = 0.028). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that patients with a poor final best-corrected visual acuity had a longer detachment duration ( P = 0.002), worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity ( P = 0.034), thinner central foveal thickness ( P = 0.005), and greater CVI ( P = 0.001) and were more likely to be tamponated with silicone oil ( P = 0.001). Choroidal vascularity index was particularly increased in eyes with poor ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane integrity, prolonged detachment duration, thin central foveal thickness, and worse best-corrected visual acuity. Increased CVI could indicate poor visual outcomes in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Choroidal remodeling could be associated with the disruption of the ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane integrity.

Predictors of disease course and long-term outcomes of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children and adolescents.

This study provides insights into predictive factors for an unfavorable disease course, persistent headaches, and poor visual outcomes in patients with childhood IIH. Patients with persistent headaches may have a variant of a chronic pain syndrome warranting a different therapeutic approach. • Childhood-onset Idiopathic Intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a heterogenous disease. The knowledge on disease trajectory and long-term outcomes and its predictors is limited. • A higher opening pressure and factors suggestive of the metabolic syndrome predict an unfavorable disease coursewhereasfemale sex and disease recurrence are significantly associated with poor visual outcomes • A third of the patients diagnosed with IIH experience ongoing headachesdespite achieving favorable visual outcomes.This subset, characterized by lower disease-severity indicators at onset may represent a distinct subgroup warranting a different therapeutic approach.

Central posterior hyaloid fibrosis: evolution and outcomes

PurposeTo report contributory factors and clinical outcomes of central posterior hyaloid fibrosis (CPHF) associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).MethodsIn this retrospective, single-center study, patients with CPHF and nAMD were included. Demographic and imaging characteristics, as well as the anatomical and functional outcomes, of these patients were analysed.ResultsWe identified 530 eyes in 273 patients with chronic predominantly scarred macular neovascularisation (MNV), and 32 eyes in 29 patients revealed CPHF, representing a prevalence of 6%. Patients had a mean age of 72.76 years. Before and during the development of CPHF, Type 2 MNV was observed in all eyes. At the time of MNV diagnosis, mean logMAR visual acuity was 1.308 ± 0.559 (20/407). The average time to develop CPHF was 27.3 months since the diagnosis of MNV. At the time of CPHF identification, the mean logMAR visual acuity was 1.498 ± 0.374 (20/630). RPE tear was observed in 6% (n = 2) of CPHF eyes. The average number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections administered prior to the diagnosis of CPHF was 2.4 and after the onset of CPHF was 0.9. The final visual acuity was not significantly different at the final follow-up visit [1.304 ± 0.42 (20/402); p = 0.646].ConclusionRarely observed in eyes with predominantly scarred subfoveal type 2 MNVs and extensive subretinal fibrosis, CPHF is associated with poor visual outcomes. Its presence could possibly suggest a profibrotic effect of MNV on the posterior hyaloid. Trial Registration Number: Not applicable.

MACULAR CHORIORETINAL ATROPHY AND VISUAL OUTCOMES IN RANIBIZUMAB- OR AFLIBERCEPT-TREATED MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.

To investigate the predictors of macular chorioretinal atrophy, consisting of patchy atrophy (PA) at the macula and choroidal neovascularization (CNV)-related macular atrophy (CNV-MA), during treatment with ranibizumab or aflibercept for myopic CNV (mCNV) and its impact on visual outcomes. This retrospective study included 82 eyes with treatment-naïve mCNV who were treated with pro re nata injections of ranibizumab or aflibercept. Nine eyes (11.0%) presented with macular PA at baseline (PA group), and 73 eyes (89.0%) did not (non-PA group). VA improved during the first year in the non-PA group; a similar trend was noted in the PA group until 3 months after initial treatment. This improvement was maintained until 24 months ( P < 0.001) in the non-PA group, but not in the PA group. In the PA group, macular chorioretinal atrophy progressed faster ( P < 0.0001), and CNV-MA was more frequent during the 2 years of treatments ( P = 0.04). Even non-PA group eyes sometimes developed CNV-MA (42% at Month 24) if they had a larger CNV and thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness at baseline, resulting in poorer visual prognosis ( P < 0.01). Macular PA at baseline was a risk factor for CNV-MA development and was associated with poor visual outcomes.

PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA-INDUCED ACUTE EXOGENOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS POST-CATARACT SURGERY

Introduction: The Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study revealed that only a small percentage of endophthalmitis cases, specifically 4.1%, were caused by Gram-negative organisms, and the most frequent of these was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, poor visual outcomes were consistently linked to this bacterium. Objective: To provide knowledge regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a cause of exogenous endophthalmitis and its management. Case Illustration: A 65-year-old male was admitted to the Emergency Department due to pain and blurred vision in his left eye. After cataract surgery, three days prior, these symptoms had been present for four days. The patient had conjunctival redness, corneal edema, posterior synechia of the iris, and very low visual acuity in the affected eye. A B-mode ocular ultrasonography revealed a considerable vitreous opacity and an aberrant echo in the left eye, suggesting endophthalmitis in the patient. The patient underwent emergency surgery immediately, including Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), Silicon oil, IOL extraction, and intravitreal antibiotics injection. Moreover, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in the vitreous by a smear test and culture process. On the first day after the surgery, the patient's vision improved to light perception but with incorrect projection. A Fundus exam showed an attached retina with silicon oil and no macular edema. After one month, the patient's visual acuity improved to 2/60. Conclusions: Identifying the causative organisms in infectious endophthalmitis is critical in determining treatment and visual results. Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) followed by intravitreal injection of antibiotics as the "gold standard" treatment for acute postoperative endophthalmitis.

Health-Related Quality of Life after Cataract Surgery in Armenia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Cataract surgery helps to enhance visual function and improve the quality of life of cataract patients. The present study assessed visual outcomes and explored health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and factors associated with it following cataract surgery in Armenia. An interviewer-administered survey along with the ophthalmologic examination was conducted among 248 patients. It explored socio-demographic characteristics, use of eye care services, smoking status, comorbidities, and receiving and giving social support. A Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to measure HRQoL. Simple and multivariable linear regression was used for the analysis. About 72.8% of examined eyes had good visual outcomes, while 17.7% had borderline outcomes. Poor visual outcomes were detected in 9.5% of the eyes. The mean composite SF-36 score for physical health was 50.8, while the mean composite score for mental health was 49.9. Gender, socioeconomic status, having a non-communicable disease, and receiving and giving tangible social support were significantly associated with SF-36 physical component in the adjusted analysis, while the variables which demonstrated significant association with the mental component included socioeconomic status, having a non-communicable disease, and giving tangible support. The visual outcome after cataract surgery in Armenian patients is below WHO-recommended standards. The quality of ophthalmological surgical care should be monitored to maximize the visual outcome in Armenian patients, with a focus on women, patients with poor socioeconomic status, and those with non-communicable diseases.

Determinants of Clinical Outcomes After Infectious Scleritis.

The aims of this study were to describe the clinical course of microbial infectious scleritis and identify factors associated with poor visual outcomes. Data from 26 eyes of 26 patients with culture-proven bacterial or fungal scleritis presenting at a single tertiary center from January 1, 2007, to July 1, 2021, were reviewed. Thirty-six variables were analyzed for associations with poor vision [best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <20/200] or loss of vision (no light perception vision or requirement for enucleation or evisceration) at final visit. The mean age at initial presentation was 67.1 ± 14.0 (range: 34-92) years with a mean follow-up of 2.1 ± 2.2 (0.05-8.45) years. The mean presenting logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA was 1.3 ± 1.0 (∼20/400) and mean final logMAR BCVA was 1.6 ± 1.2 (∼20/800). Fourteen eyes (53.8%) exhibited poor vision and 7 (26.9%) had loss of vision at final follow-up. History of necrotizing scleritis and poor presenting vision were associated with poor final vision (OR = 19.1; P = 0.017 and OR = 7.5; P = 0.047, respectively), whereas fungal scleritis was associated with loss of vision (odds ratio [OR] = 30.3, P = 0.013). Subconjunctival antimicrobial treatment was inversely associated with loss of vision (OR = 0.06, P = 0.023). There was no difference in vision between medical and combined medical-surgical management, although infection resolution time was shorter for combined intervention (16.8 ± 10.6 vs. 53.7 ± 33.8 days; P = 0.005). Infectious scleritis is often successfully treated, but loss of vision or eye removal is common. Poor baseline vision, history of necrotizing scleritis, and fungal etiology were prognostic for worse clinical outcomes. Surgical intervention was associated with quicker resolution compared with medical treatment alone.

Changes of optical coherence tomographic hyperreflective foci in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients after successful surgery

PurposeTo assess the changes of hyperreflective foci (HRF) in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients after successful reattachment surgery. MethodsTwenty-nine macula-off RRD eyes with successful reattachment surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image macular regions and measure HRF in outer retina and inner retina at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery. The relationships between HRF and photoreceptor layer status, visual outcomes were evaluated. ResultsAfter retinal reattachment, HRF mainly distributed at the location where external limiting membrane (ELM) or inner and outer segment (IS/OS) line was disrupted. The HRF numbers in outer and inner retina were greater in eyes with discontinuous IS/OS line than eyes with continuous IS/OS line (all p<0.05). In the outer retina, HRF increased in the initial three months after retinal reattachment, and then decreased gradually after 3 months (p<0.05). The HRF number in the outer retina at postoperative 0.5 months was associated with favorable visual outcomes at 6 and 12 months (r=-0.487, p =0.025; r=-0.626, p=0.005, respectively), nevertheless, the HRF number at 3 months was correlated with poor visual results at 6 and 12 months (r=0.441, p =0.017; r=0.477, p=0.019, respectively). ConclusionHRF mainly occurred near the site where ELM or IS/OS line was injured after retinal reattachment. In the outer retina, the number of HRF gradually increased in the first 3 months and then gradually decreased. The early appearance of HRF in the outer retina was associated with a good visual prognosis, while the late appearance may suggest a less favorable visual outcome.

Case Report: Orbital cellulitis with panophthalmitis during pregnancy: a rare case in Bangladesh

Background: It is uncommon to develop vision-threatening orbital cellulitis with panophthalmitis during pregnancy. Typically, the reasons are trauma-related or endogenous. It requires immediate diagnosis and treatment, but this has proven difficult because of local and systemic medications’ safety and adverse effects during pregnancy. Globe salvage has a poor prognosis, with most patients undergoing enucleation or evisceration of the diseased eye. Case presentation: We presented a 22-year-old woman in her third trimester of pregnancy who encountered orbital cellulitis with panophthalmitis caused by methicillin-positive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Despite rigorous intravenous and topical antibiotics, she underwent evisceration of the affected eye. However, the pregnancy, progressed without incident, with the delivery of a healthy baby at full-term. Conclusion: Bacterial infection is uncommon during pregnancy, but may cause endogenous panophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis, especially in immunosuppression and anemia, with a poor visual outcome.

Fall-related ocular trauma in patients over 90 years in tertiary ophthalmic center in Germany: 90-TOSG Report 1.

To investigate the clinical characteristics of fall-related ocular trauma in patients over 90years of age. Retrospective, medical record reviews. Patients over the age of 90years treated in a tertiary center with fall-related ocular trauma were included in the study. Fifty consecutive patients (fifty eyes) were analyzed. The mean age was 93.6 ± 1.8years and 41 patients (82%) were female. The most common site of the injuries was orbital fracture (18 patients, 36%), accompanied with open globe rupture (OGR) in three patients, and globe contusion in two patients. Seventeen patients (34%) presented with OGR. Ocular trauma score in those patients was category 1 in 10 patients (58.8%) and category 2 in the others. Conjunctival hemorrhage and/or periocular contusion was seen in 14 patients (28%) and globe contusion in six patients (12%). At the presentation, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2.82 ± 0.24 logMAR in patients with OGR and 1.98 ± 0.81 logMAR in six patients with globe contusion. Three of the patients with OGR had a final vision of 20/200 or better whereas the remaining patients had hand movements or less. The most common risk factors were female gender (82%) and use of antihypertensive drugs (46%). Patients with OGR had a poor visual outcome despite the early treatment. It is important to raise public awareness about of the poor prognosis of ocular injuries due to falls in the elderly population in order to establish preventive measures.

Early Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil Tamponade in the Management of Postoperative Endophthalmitis.

Background: Early vitrectomy for postsurgical endophthalmitis may improve visual acuity outcomes. Silicone oil as a tamponade has some potential benefits in the management of endophthalmitis. This study aims to evaluate the use of a silicone oil tamponade in the surgical management of endophthalmitis. Material and Methods: All patients with a pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for postsurgical endophthalmitis at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Germany, between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. We included all preoperative data, including BCVA at diagnosis, clinical findings, and symptoms. For every follow-up visit, we looked at BCVA and complications. Results: In total, 82 patients were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 13.1 months (range 1-58 months). An intravitreal injection was the cause in 42 patients (51.2%) and cataract surgery in 29 patients (35.4%). The mean interval between the causing event and the date of onset was 8.8 days (range, 1-59 days). The most prevalent pathogen was Staphylococcus epidermidis in 16 patients (19.5%). In 47 patients (57.3%), no pathogen was found. The initial best-corrected visual acuity was 2.1 logMAR and improved significantly to 1.0 logMAR after six months (p < 0.001) and 1.1 logMAR after 1 year (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, a low BCVA at diagnosis (p = 0.041) was a significant predictor for poor visual acuity outcomes. A total of 17 patients (20.1%) developed postoperative complications. Five patients (6.1%) needed an anterior chamber washout with repeated injections of antibiotics. Two patients (2.4%) had persistent fibrin and were treated with YAG-laser treatment. Three patients (6.7%) developed a retinal detachment. Two patients (2.4%) had persistent corneal decompensation with endothelial cell loss and received perforating keratoplasty. We performed a matched-pair analysis (n = 30, each group n = 15) to compare a silicone oil tamponade with BSS at the end of surgery. The visual acuity outcome showed no significant differences (BCVA after one year: 1.17 logMAR in eyes with silicone oil and 0.90 logMAR in eyes with BSS; p = 0.684). Conclusions: In our study, a vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade in the surgical management of postoperative endophthalmitis led to a significant improvement in visual acuity and had a low complication rate. Low BCVA at diagnosis was significantly associated with poor visual acuity outcomes. A comparison of silicone oil and BSS at the end of surgery showed similar results.

Endogenous endophthalmitis in post-COVID-19 patients: a case report.

Two patients who were hospitalized and received treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia with remdesivir and systemic steroids presented with decreased vision. The first case had a severe anterior chamber reaction with a hypopyon and dense exudates in the vitreous. The second case had cells and flare in the anterior chamber and exudates in the vitreous. They were diagnosed with EE and underwent a diagnostic vitreous tap followed by pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotic and steroid. The culture of vitreous fluid was negative for any bacteria and fungus in both cases. However, the first case demonstrated Escherichia coli in urine culture. The follow-up visual acuity was no perception of light and only perception of light in the first and second case, respectively. Severe COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized, receive systemic steroid and have associated comorbidities like diabetes mellitus are at high risk of EE. Delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment in these patients leads to poor visual outcome.

Long-term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Primary Congenital Glaucoma between 1991 and 2000: A Single-Center Database Study

To estimate the long-term surgical and visual outcomes in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) who completed at least 20 years of follow-up. Retrospective study. Two hundred twenty eyes of 121 patients undergoing surgery for PCG between January 1991 and December 2000 and who returned for a follow-up visit from January 2021 through January2022. Retrospective review of medical records of patients who underwent primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy (CTT) without mitomycin C as an initial procedure. Success was defined as complete when intraocular pressure (IOP) was ≥ 6 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg without glaucoma medication and as qualified when up to 2 glaucoma medications were required. Failure was defined as uncontrolled IOP with more than 2 glaucoma medications, need for a second IOP-lowering procedure, chronic hypotony (IOP < 6 mmHg on 2 consecutive visits), or any sight-threatening complication. A mixed-effects model using maximum likelihood estimation was used in estimation of eye-based variables and to make comparisons between different visits. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the probabilities of surgical and functional successes. Cox proportional hazards regression using sandwich clustered estimation was used to evaluate risk factors for failure and poor visual outcome. Primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who demonstrated complete success over the 20-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included rate of surgical failure and need for reoperation for glaucoma, visual acuity, refractive errors, risk factors for poor outcome, and complications. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed 1-year, 10-year, and 20-year complete success rates of 90.7%, 78.9%, and 44.5%, respectively. In univariate analysis, surgical failure was higher among patients with any additional non-glaucoma intraocular surgery. None of the clinical parameters were associated significantly with failure in multivariable analysis. Overall, the proportion of eyes with good, fair, and poor visual outcomes was 33.2%, 16.4%, and 50.4%, respectively. Myopia was seen in 68.9% eyes. Twenty-eight eyes of those who underwent primary CTT (14.4%) required second surgery for IOP control. No significant intraoperative complications occurred. Six eyes required enucleation because of painful blind eye. In this large cohort of patients with PCG, CTT is a useful procedure. It provides good IOP control and moderate visual recovery that remained over a 20-year follow-up after surgery. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Mid-phase pinpoint hyperfluorescent spots on fundus fluorescein angiography in acute central retinal artery occlusion – a novel imaging finding

PurposeTo describe the development and outcome of mid-phase pinpoint hyperfluorescent spots (MPHS) on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) in acute (< 7-day symptom onset) central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included acute CRAO patients who underwent multimodal imaging utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and FFA between June 2017 and January 2023. The correlation of FFA images with the OCT images in various stages and severity of CRAO were studied.ResultsTwenty-three FFA studies on 23 patients with acute CRAO were included. In 11 (48%) cases, an important finding noted on FFA was the presence of single or multiple MPHS with adjacent minimal late vascular leakage. Of these 11 cases, eight (73%) were males and median age was 41 years (inter quartile range: 33–55 years). Visual acuity ranged from ‘light perception’ to 6/18, and these patients presented anytime on the same day to seven days after symptom onset. On OCT, three eyes had severe CRAO, seven eyes had moderate CRAO, and one eye had mild CRAO. MPHS were primarily observed at the posterior pole and more frequently observed in moderate CRAO severity. During follow-up, the MPHS and retinal vessel staining on FFA disappeared as the CRAO showed signs of resolution.ConclusionMPHS at the posterior pole on FFA in acute CRAO patients could indicate a more severe occlusion and poor visual outcomes, even after treatment. This finding is most likely caused by red blood cell aggregation or rouleaux formation.Trial registration numberNot applicable.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of optic neuritis in Taiwan - a hospital-based cohort study.

Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory disease of optic nerve. The distinct etiologies of ON significantly influence its clinical manifestation, neuroimaging findings, and visual outcomes. However, the clinical characteristics might be influenced by the racial differences. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of various types of ON at a Taiwanese tertiary center. This cohort study analyzed 163 patients who received treatment and continued following-up for ON between 2015 and 2022. We selected patients who had been tested for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab). The participants were classified into four groups on the basis of their etiologies, specifically (1) multiple sclerosis (MS)-related, (2) AQP4-Ab-positive, (3) MOG-Ab-positive, or (4) idiopathic ON. The researchers recorded the patients' clinical characteristics, treatment course, magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, and visual outcomes. MOG-Ab-positive group had higher percentages of disk swelling and pain with eye movement. Long optic nerve and perineural enhancement are the hallmarks of MOG-Ab-related ON. The ON relapse rate was higher in AQP4-Ab-positive group. Although members of AQP4-Ab-positive group received immediate steroid pulse therapy, these patients experienced the worst visual outcomes. Moreover, a thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was noted in AQP4-Ab-positive group. MS group had a higher incidence of extra-optic nerve lesions. Multivariate regression identified pretreatment visual acuity and RNFL thickness as the important factors affecting visual outcomes. This cohort study identified the clinical features of different types of ON. Patients with AQP4-Ab-positive ON had poorer visual outcomes, which may be attributed to multiple relapses and profound nerve damage, as revealed by OCT findings. Patients with MOG-Ab-positive ON displayed long optic nerve enhancement but had more favorable prognoses. Thus, antibody-based classification facilitates treatment and prognosis in ON.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis in a Patient with Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report

A 58 year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus and rectal Adenocarcinoma presented with acute loss of vision and pain in the left eye with hypopyon with no systemic symptoms at presentation. Diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis was made. Treatement was medical by topical, intravitreal and systemic antibiotics, with poor visual outcome. This case reminds ophthalmologists that endogenous endophthalmitis might be associated with underlying malignancy.

Caspase-9 inhibition confers stronger neuronal and vascular protection compared to VEGF neutralization in a mouse model of retinal vein occlusion.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a sight-threatening condition typically treated with intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists. Treatment response to anti-VEGF therapies is highly variable, with poor visual outcomes and treatment response in patients with significant retinal nonperfusion following RVO. Recently, caspase-9 has been identified as a potent regulator of edema, gliosis, and neuronal dysfunction during acute retinal hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of caspase-9 inhibition against VEGF-neutralization in an established mouse model of RVO. Adult male C57Bl/6 J mice were randomized to induction of RVO and treatment with either vehicle, intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF antibody, topical administration of a selective caspase-9 inhibitor (Pen1-XBir3), or a combination therapy. Animals were followed on days 1, 2, and 8 after RVO with fundus retinal imaging, and with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture retinal swelling, capillary nonperfusion (measured by disorganization of retinal inner layers, DRIL), hyperreflective foci (HRF), and retinal atrophy. Focal electroretinography (ERG) measurements were performed on day 7. Histology was performed on retinal sections from day 8. Both VEGF neutralization and caspase-9 inhibition showed significant retinal protection from RVO compared to vehicle treatment arm. Retinal reperfusion of occluded veins was accelerated in eyes receiving caspase-9 inhibitor, but not significantly different from vehicle in the anti-VEGF group. Retinal edema was suppressed in all treatment groups, with approximately 2-fold greater edema reduction with caspase-9 inhibition compared to VEGF neutralization. HRF were reduced similarly across all treatment groups compared to vehicle. Retinal detachment was reduced only in eyes treated with caspase-9 inhibitor monotherapy. Caspase-9 inhibition reduced retinal atrophy and preserved ERG response; VEGF neutralization did not prevent neurodegeneration following RVO. Caspase-9 inhibition confers stronger neuronal and vascular protection compared to VEGF neutralization in the mouse laser-induced model of RVO.