Presence Of Epiretinal Membrane Research Articles

Long-Term Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation and Epiretinal Membrane in Patients with Glaucoma or Glaucoma Suspect.

Background: A relationship between glaucoma and epiretinal membrane (ERM) has been suggested previously. We investigated the association between intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation and idiopathic ERM in patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect. Methods: Among patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect, data from 43 patients with ERM and 41 patients without ERM were reviewed and analyzed in this retrospective study. The long-term fluctuation of IOP was defined based on the standard deviation of IOP across all visits. Results: Patients with ERM were older and had a higher SD of IOP and a higher proportion of having a history of cataract surgery and greater macular thickness (p = 0.018, 0.049, 0.013, and <0.001, respectively). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the high-IOP-fluctuation group was associated with the presence of ERM (p = 0.047). Among patients with ERM, eyes with stage-3 or -4 ERM had worse visual field defects based on mean deviation than those with stage-1 or -2 ERM (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Long-term IOP fluctuation was associated with idiopathic ERM in patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect. Idiopathic ERM could serve as a biomarker for long-term IOP fluctuation in glaucoma patients, particularly in clinics where measuring long-term IOP fluctuation during the first visit is not feasible due to its time-consuming nature.

EVALUATION OF PARAVASCULAR INNER RETINAL DEFECTS USING EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.

To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for development of paravascular inner retinal defects (PIRDs) using en face optical coherence tomography. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. En face and cross-sectional optical coherence tomography images were reviewed (9 × 9 mm or 12 × 12 mm). Paravascular inner retinal defects were classified as either Grade 1 (i.e., paravascular inner retinal cysts) when the lesion was confined within the nerve fiber layer without any communication to the vitreous cavity or Grade 2 (i.e., paravascular lamellar hole) when the defects communicated to the vitreous. Paravascular inner retinal defect grading was correlated with presence of high myopia, stage of posterior vitreous detachment, and presence of epiretinal membrane and retinoschisis. Of 1,074 patients (2,148 eyes), PIRDs were detected in 261 eyes with a prevalence of 261 per 2,148 eyes (12.2%) and 176 per 1,074 patients (16.4%). A total of 116 eyes (44.4%) displayed Grade 2 PIRDs while 145 eyes (55.6%) were Grade 1. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the presence of partial/complete posterior vitreous detachment, retinoschisis, and epiretinal membrane was significantly correlated with PIRDs (OR = 2.78 [1.7-4.4], P < 0.001; OR = 2.93 [1.7-5], P < 0.001; and OR = 25.9 [2.8-242.5], P < 0.001, respectively). The presence of partial/complete posterior vitreous detachment and epiretinal membrane was also significantly associated with Grade 2 PIRDs versus Grade 1 PIRDs ( P = 0.03 and P < 0.001). Our results indicate that wide-field en face optical coherence tomography facilitates the identification of PIRDs over a large area of retina with a single capture. The presence of PIRDs was significantly associated with posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane, and retinoschisis, confirming the role of vitreoretinal traction in the pathogenesis of PIRDs.

Bacterial endophthalmitis following anti-VEGF intravitreal injections: a retrospective case series

BackgroundTo describe the incidence of endophthalmitis and the treatment outcomes of acute bacterial endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections in a Brazilian hospital. The analysis was based on the timing of infection after intravitreal injection, culture results, visual acuity, and the presence of epiretinal membrane after a 1-year follow-up period, spanning nine years.MethodsThis retrospective case series, conducted over a 9-year period, aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of acute endophthalmitis following intravitreal Bevacizumab injections. The inclusion criteria involved a chart review of 25 patients who presented clinical signs of acute endophthalmitis out of a total of 12,441 injections administered between January 2011 and December 2019. Negative culture results of vitreous samples or incomplete data were excluded. Ultimately, 23 patients were enrolled in the study. Eight patients were treated with intravitreal antibiotic injections (IVAI) using vancomycin 1.0 mg/0.05mL and ceftazidime 2.25 mg/0.05mL, while 15 patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) followed by intravitreal antibiotic injections at the end of surgery (IVAIES). The main outcome measures were the efficacy of controlling the infection with IVAI as a standalone therapy compared to early PPV followed by IVAIES. Data collected included pre-infection and one-year post-treatment best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) abnormalities, and enucleation/evisceration rates. To compare groups, Mann-Whitney and ANOVA tests were employed for statistical analysis.ResultsThe incidence rate of bacterial endophthalmitis was 0.185% (1/541 anti-VEGF injections), with the highest infection rates observed in 2014 and 2017. Patients presented clinical symptoms between 2 and 7 days after injection. The most common isolated organisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Streptococci spp. Treatment outcomes showed that both IVAI and PPV + IVAIES effectively controlled the infection and prevented globe atrophy. After one year, the PPV group with BCVA better than Light Perception had a significantly better BCVA compared to the IVAI group (p 0.003). However, PPV group had higher incidence of epiretinal membranes formation compared to the IVAI group. (P 0.035)ConclusionAnti-VEGF injections carry a risk of developing acute bacterial endophthalmitis. Isolated antibiotic therapy could be an effective treatment to control the infection, but performing PPV + IVAIES as a primary treatment showed promising results in terms of improving BCVA after one year, despite a higher rate of epiretinal membrane formation. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Investigating the associations of macular edema in retinitis pigmentosa

Macular edema (ME), the accumulation of intraretinal fluid in the macula, is a common sight affecting sequelae of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). However, it is unclear why some patients develop ME, and others do not. This study aims to identify associations between clinical-genetic factors in RP with ME. Patients with clinically confirmed RP cases were identified from the inherited retinal disease database at a large tertiary referral academic center. Demographic and genetic testing findings were noted. Additionally, optical coherence tomography volume scans were graded using a validated grading system. One hundred and six patients (73.1%) were found to have ME in at least one eye (OD = 88, mean = 37.9%, OS = 98, mean = 31.7%). Structurally, the presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) (p < 0.007) and vitreo-macular traction (VMT) (p < 0.003) were significantly associated with ME. Additionally, X-linked (p < 0.032) and autosomal dominant inheritance (p < 0.039) demonstrated a significant association with ME, with RP1 (p < 0.045) and EYS (p < 0.017) pathogenic variants also significantly associated with ME. This study, in a large cohort of RP patients, confirms previous retinal structural associations for ME in RP and identifies potential new genetic associations.

The additive effect of intravitreal dexamethasone combined with bevacizumab in refractory diabetic macular edema

PurposeTo evaluate the short-term structural and visual outcomes and side effects associated with intravitreal dexamethasone (IVD) combined with bevacizumab (IVB) in treating patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and an inadequate response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. MethodsIn this prospective interventional case series, a total of 81 eyes of 81 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and refractory DME were included and assigned to one of two groups: I) those receiving three monthly intravitreal injections of combined bevacizumab and dexamethasone (IVB+IVD) and II) those receiving three monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab alone (IVB). The primary outcome was the inter-group difference in central macular thickness (CMT); secondary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers, and intraocular pressure (IOP) one month after the last injection. ResultsReduction in CMT and improvement in BCVA were significantly greater in the IVB+IVD group than the IVB group (109.88±156.25 vs. 43±113.67, respectively, P=0.03; and −0.13±0.23 vs. −0.01±0.17, respectively, P=0.008). Presence of neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) (P<0.001) and complete inner segment/outer segment junction (IS-OS) disruption (P=0.049) on baseline OCT scans were associated with further CMT reductions in response to IVD. Conversely, identifiable epiretinal membrane (ERM) (P=0.002) and multiple hyperreflective foci (>20) (P=0.049) were associated with smaller reductions in CMT. Vitreomacular traction correlated with worse visual outcomes in the IVB+IVD group (P=0.003). The intergroup IOP difference was not clinically significant. ConclusionIn patients with refractory DME, addition of IVD to the standard IVB regimen can improve visual and structural outcomes without increasing the risk of endophthalmitis, IOP rise, or intraocular inflammation. Patients with NSD are more likely to respond well to IVD. The presence of ERM may predict poor treatment response.

Factors Affecting Intensive Aflibercept Treatment Response in Diabetic Macular Edema: A Real-World Study.

To investigate the systemic and ocular factors that affect the response to intensive aflibercept treatment in diabetic macular edema (DME) in a real-world setting. This retrospective cohort study evaluated 30 eyes of 23 patients with DME who underwent intensive intravitreal aflibercept injections (five monthly loading doses). Treatment response was assessed by central retinal thickness (CRT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at each monthly visit. The patients were categorized as good (<300 μm) and suboptimal (≥300 μm) responders based on CRT after the loading phase. Baseline systemic and ocular factors associated with treatment response were investigated. The mean CRT and BCVA significantly improved after five loading injections (486.87 ± 95.46 to 334.90 ± 69.47 μm and 0.51 ± 0.30 to 0.35 ± 0.25 LogMAR, respectively, all p < 0.05). During 12 months of follow-up, 16 eyes (53.33%) maintained CRT without additional treatment. Eyes with diabetes mellitus (DM) for ≥15 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 80 mL/min/1.73 m2, serum creatinine ≥ 0.95 mg/dL and potassium ≥ 4.7 mmol/L, and presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) were more likely to have a suboptimal response to the treatment. Five monthly loading doses of intravitreal aflibercept injection provided significant anatomical and visual improvements in patients with DME. Patients with longer DM duration, lower eGFR, higher serum creatinine or potassium levels, or ERM were predisposed to a suboptimal treatment response. Individual response to intensive aflibercept treatment for DME can be predicted by these systemic and ocular risk factors.

Clinical characteristics and surgical prognosis of idiopathic macular holes with epiretinal proliferation.

To investigate the clinical features and surgical outcomes of idiopathic macular holes (IMHs) with epiretinal proliferation (EP). This retrospective study included 282 eyes of 269 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for IMHs. Clinical demographic data, baseline and postoperative retinal microstructure features on optical coherence tomography images, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and postoperative closure rate were compared between eyes with and without EP. EP was identified in 38 of 282 eyes (13.5%). Eyes with EP had a significantly longer symptom duration (P = 0.019), higher frequency of pseudophakic conditions (P = 0.034), presence of epiretinal membrane (P < 0.001), and a larger base diameter (P = 0.014) than those without EP. Additionally, compared with eyes without EP, those with EP had a higher percentage of U-type closure (P = 0.047) and thicker central fovea (P = 0.012) at 1 month postoperatively; a significantly lower frequency of ellipsoid zone disruption (P = 0.033) and outer foveolar lucency (P = 0.021) and a thicker central fovea (P = 0.004) at 10 months postoperatively. The presence of EP represents a more chronic pathogenic process but has no negative effect on postoperative outcomes and can even facilitate anatomical recovery after surgery.

Multimodel Imaging Evidence of Traction Component in Lamellar Macular Hole with Epiretinal Proliferation

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of epiretinal traction in idiopathic lamellar macular hole (LMH) with or without lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP). Methods: A retrospective consecutive case series included 108 eyes diagnosed with LMH in a single tertiary referral center. Epiretinal traction was determined by the presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM), attached posterior hyaloid, or vascular traction with multimodal imaging studies and intraoperative findings in those received surgical interventions. Results: The 53 LMHs with LHEP had similar age, refraction, initial, and final visual acuity to the 55 LMHs without LHEP. Both groups exhibited high incidences of vascular traction (with and without LHEP: 92% and 84%, p = 0.36, respectively) and ERM and/or attached posterior hyaloid (both 100%, p = 1.00). The vision improved 10.5 and 14 ETDRS letters (p = 0.60) in the 30 eyes with and 19 eyes without LHEP that underwent vitrectomy. Vascular tractions released postoperatively in 88% and 100% of LMHs with and without LHEP, respectively (p = 0.27). The LMH, ERM foveoschisis, and mixed subtypes exhibited epiretinal traction in 100% of cases in all subtypes (p = 1.00). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that epiretinal traction, evaluated by multimodal imaging, is the norm rather than the exception in LMHs showing LHEP. The presence of tractional forces should be taken into consideration when treatment was planned in LMHs.

Changes in metamorphopsia following intravitreal aflibercept injection for diabetic macular edema

The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in metamorphopsia in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) following intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVA) with the treat and extend (TAE) regimen for a year. We performed a post hoc analysis of a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, prospective study. The study included 20 patients with DME. All eyes received 3 monthly loading injections of 2 mg aflibercept, followed by a TAE regimen. Every visit, the severity of metamorphopsia and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were obtained. The severity of metamorphopsia was measured using M-CHARTS. The metamorphopsia scores before treatment and at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months following treatment were 0.25 ± 0.23, 0.21 ± 0.15, 0.19 ± 0.23, 0.14 ± 0.16, 0.17 ± 0.20 and 0.10 ± 0.17, respectively, with significant improvement from before treatment to 3 and 12 months following treatment (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005, respectively). At the time of macular edema resolution, the presence of an epiretinal membrane (ERM) was associated with the metamorphopsia score (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the metamorphopsia score in patients with DME improved following IVA with the TAE regimen for one year. The presence of ERM was associated with the metamorphopsia score.

Predicting the individual probability of macular hole closure following intravitreal ocriplasmin injections for vitreomacular traction release using baseline characteristics

The primary objective was to create and establish a new formula that predicts the individual probability of macular hole closure for eyes with full thickness macular holes (FTMH) accompanied by vitreomacular traction (VMT) which received enzymatic vitreolysis using intravitreally administered ocriplasmin. The secondary objective was to evaluate the forecast reliability of a previously published formula for VMT resolution in VMT-only eyes (OddsIVO-Success = eIntercept × ORyears × ORln(µm); ProbabilityIVO-Success = OddsIVO-Success/(OddsIVO-Success + 1)) on VMT resolution using the current dataset of eyes with FTMH accompanied by VMT. Retrospective analysis of the OASIS, ORBIT, and INJECT-studies. Patients with FTMH and VMT with complete information (n = 213) were included. The effect of gender, age, FTMH diameter, lens status and the presence of epiretinal membranes (ERM) on FTMH closure was assessed using separate univariate logistic regression analyses. With regard to VMT release separate univariate regression analyses were carried out and results were compared with formerly published data of VMT resolution in eyes with VMT only. Overall, 126 eyes (63%) experienced VMT resolution within 28 days. Younger age (p < 0.0001) and VMT diameter (p = 0.041) had a significant impact on VMT release. Overall, 81 eyes (38%) treated with ocriplasmin showed FTMH closure within 28 days. Univariate analysis of the different predictors analyzed revealed that FTMH diameter < 250 µm had a significant impact on treatment success (p = 0.0495). It was not possible to calculate and establish a new multivariate formula that can predict the individual FTMH closure probability for eyes with FTMHs and VMT. However, the results of VMT release prediction in eyes with FTMHs accompanied by VMT matched the prediction of VMT release in eyes with VMT only when using the previously published formula. All in all, predictors for calculating the individual probability of VMT resolution on the one hand and FTMH closure on the other hand are different suggesting diverse pathophysiological mechanisms.

Impact of Epiretinal Membrane on Optical Coherence Tomography Tools Used for Monitoring Glaucoma.

Background: Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) measurements can be influenced by many factors including the presence of concomitant retinal diseases. The aim of this study it to assess the impact of epiretinal membrane (ERM) on RNFL and GCL assessment using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: GCL, peripapillary RNFL (pRNFL), and Bruch’s Membrane Opening Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW) thicknesses were analysed using an SD-OCT (Spectralis OCT) in eyes with idiopathic ERM and compared with a control group. Results: 161 eyes were included, 73 eyes in the control group and 88 eyes with idiopathic ERM. The pRNFL analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in overall and temporal sector thicknesses. For GCL thickness report, the percentage of scans in which the GCL was erroneously segmented by automatic segmentation was assessed for each eye. A statistically significant difference was found in all sectors (p < 0.001), with the exception of external nasal sector. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the GCL total volume report was found in ERM group compared to the control group. For MRW at BMO analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in MRW thickness in any sector. Conclusion: In eyes with ERM, the GCL and pRNFL analysis seemed affected by the morphological retinal layers’ modification. MRW-BMO did not appear to be directly affected by the presence of ERM.

Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Analysis in Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Forms of Retinitis Pigmentosa due to USH2A Genetic Variants

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze macular structure by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a cohort of patients affected by autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome, due to genetic variants in USH2A gene, and to correlate optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters with functional and genetic data. Methods: The subjects of this study were 92 patients, 46 syndromic (Usher syndrome type IIa [Ush2]) and 46 nonsyndromic (autosomal recessive RP [arRP]), with clinical and genetic diagnosis of USH2A-related retinal dystrophy, who underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and spectral-domain OCT analysis. The study focused on evaluating the differences between the 2 groups in the following parameters: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ellipsoid zone (EZ) width, presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM), and cystic macular lesions (CMLs). Variants in USH2A gene were divided into 3 categories, according to the expected impact (low/high) at protein level of the different variants on each allele. Results: BCVA and EZ width were significantly lower in Ush2 than in arRP patients (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001). ERM was detected in 34.8% (16/46) of arRP patients and in 65.2% (30/46) of Ush2 patients (p = 0.003). CML was detected in 17.4% (8/46) of arRP patients and 30.4% (14/46) of Ush2 patients (p = 0.14). The allelic distribution was statistically different (p = 0.0003) by dividing the 2 diseases: for Ush2 patients it was 45.7% (high/high), 39.1% (low/high) and 15.2% (low/low); for arRP patients it was 8.7% (high/high), 56.5% (low/high), and 34.8% (low/low). The severity class of the variants significantly affected visual acuity and EZ width parameters (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: Retinal disease, as evaluated by means of SD-OCT, shows more advanced degeneration signs in the syndromic than the nonsyndromic form of retinal dystrophy related to USH2A gene. Variant types and allelic profiles are determining factors for the onset of syndromic features. However, since the 3 allelic profiles can be found in both Usher and RP patients, other factors must necessarily play a determining role.

FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION PATIENTS WITH TWO DISTINCT ENTITIES: A Multicenter Study.

To describe optical coherence tomography characteristics of full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) in age-related macular degeneration patients. A multicenter, retrospective, observational case series of patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration and FTMHs seen between January 1, 2009, and January 3, 2020. Clinical charts and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images were reviewed. Optical coherence tomography findings included FTMH-inverted trapezoid or hourglass appearance, central macular thickness (CMT), complete retinal pigment epithelium and complete retinal outer retinal atrophy, and presence of pigment epithelium detachment and epiretinal membrane. The mean outcome was the morphologic and functional characterization of different subtypes of FTMHs. A total of 86 eyes of 85 consecutive patients, with mean age of 80.31 ± 8.06 and mean best-corrected visual acuity of 1.17 ± 0.58 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution. Two different subtypes of FTMHs were identified: tractional and degenerative. Fifty (58%) degenerative FTMHs characterized with inverted trapezoid appearance and 36 (42%) tractional FTMHs characterized with hourglass appearance. Degenerative FTMHs presented with 66% of CMT < 240 µm, 14% of CMT > 320, and 70% of complete retinal outer retinal atrophy, in comparison with 41% of CMT < 240 µm, 42.9% of CMT > 320%, and 20% of complete retinal outer retinal atrophy in the tractional FTMH group (P = 0.002, 0.003, <0.001, respectively). The presence of epiretinal membrane and pigment epithelium detachment where significantly higher in tractional FTMHs (P = 0.02, 0.03, respectively). Degenerative and tractional FTMHs may be two distinct clinical entities. Discerning degenerative from tractional FTMHs is possible by using optical coherence tomography features including shape of the FTMHs, CMT, internal-external ratio of FTMHs, and presence of complete retinal outer retinal atrophy, pigment epithelium detachment, and epiretinal membrane.

Indications and outcomes for intravitreal injection of C3F8 gas for symptomatic vitreomacular traction

To evaluate the indications and outcomes of perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas injection for symptomatic vitreomacular traction (VMT). A retrospective analysis of eyes with VMT treated with 0.3 mL of C3F8 gas was performed. Patients were not asked to posture after gas injection. In phakic patients, cataract surgery was performed simultaneously. Patients were examined after one week and one month postoperatively. Twenty-nine consecutive eyes of 26 patients with symptomatic VMT who underwent pneumatic vitreolysis were included. A complete posterior vitreous detachment was achieved in 18 eyes (62.1%) after a single gas injection at the final visit. The rate of posterior vitreous detachment was reduced significantly with the presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) (p = 0.003). Three eyes formed a macular hole (MH) postoperatively and another eye developed a retinal detachment. Mean visual acuity increased significantly after one month (p < 0.008). Pneumatic vitreolysis is a viable option for treating VMT with few adverse events. Patient with concomitant ERM had a significantly lower success rate.

Risk factors for onset or progression of epiretinal membrane after cataract surgery

While the precise diagnosis of early stage epiretinal membrane (ERM) at the time of cataract surgery and evaluation of risk factors for development or progression of ERM after cataract surgery is increasingly important, there is only limited information. In the present study, we evaluated the risk factors for onset or progression of ERM on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) after cataract surgery. The univariate analysis showed that eyes with partial posterior vitreous detachment (PVD; p < 0.001), hyper-reflective foci (HF) on the inner retinal surface (p < 0.001), vitreoschisis (p = 0.014), and discrete margin of different retinal reflectivity (DMDRR; p = 0.007) on ultra-widefield fundus photography (UWF-FP) had significant risk for the onset or progression of ERM after cataract surgery. The multivariate analysis showed that partial PVD (HR, 3.743; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.956–7.162; p < 0.001), HF (HR, 2.330; 95% CI, 1.281–4.239; p = 0.006), and DMDRR on UWF-FP (HR, 3.392; 95% CI, 1.522–7.558; p = 0.003) were the independent risk factors for the onset or progression of ERM after cataract surgery after adjustment for other confounding factors. Our study shows that the onset or progression of ERM after cataract surgery depends on an abnormal vitreoretinal interface (VRI) represented by partial PVD, HF on SD-OCT, and DMDRR on UWF-FP, not on age, axial length, or presence of ERM at the time of surgery. A meticulous funduscopic evaluation of the VRI would help to predict the ERM risk before cataract surgery.

Age, Initial Central Retinal Thickness, and OCT Biomarkers Have an Influence on the Outcome of Diabetic Macular Edema Treated With Ranibizumab- Tri-center 12-Month Treat-and-Extend Study.

Objective: We report the tri-center 1-year outcomes of a treat-and-extend (T&E) regimen in four-week intervals with ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: In this retrospective study, all eyes received 3 monthly loading injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab, followed by a T&E regimen for DME. Regression models were used to evaluate the associating factors for visual and anatomical outcomes.Results: Ninety one eyes from 64 patients were enrolled. Mean LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.58 at baseline to 0.36 at month 12 and mean central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from 411 μm at baseline to 290 μm at month 12. Younger age and eyes having thinner baseline CRT, with ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD), and without epiretinal membrane (ERM) were associated with better final CRT. Moreover, eyes with thicker baseline CRT tend to receive more injections. Among the parameters, only having ERM or EZD was associated with significant BCVA recovery.Conclusions: A T&E regimen with ranibizumab by 4-week intervals is effective in improving BCVA and reducing CRT with efficacy notable starting from the third month. Clinical parameters including age, initial CRT, and presence of ERM or EZD significantly influenced therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the presence of ERM should not preclude DME patients from receiving anti-VEGF therapy. Future studies with larger cohorts are warranted.

Prognostic Factors Associated with Ocriplasmin Efficacy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion and Full-thickness Macular Hole: Analysis from Four Studies.

PurposeTo assess the effect of patient baseline characteristics on the efficacy of ocriplasmin treatment for symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) with full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) from phase 3/4 studies.MethodsPatients with symptomatic VMA and FTMH at baseline and receiving ocriplasmin treatment 125 g were pooled from the MIVI-TRUST, OASIS, and ORBIT studies. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether patient baseline characteristics were predictors of having VMA resolution by Day 28 and FTMH closure by Month 6.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy-four patients receiving ocriplasmin treatment were assessed. Overall, 22.6% (62/274) of the patients experienced both VMA resolution by Day 28 and non-surgical FTMH closure by Month 6. Patients with FTMH 250 µm at baseline had a significantly higher success rate compared to those with FTMH 400 µm (29.9% [41/137] vs 2.2% [1/48]; P = 0.009). In patients with VMA resolution by Day 28, both small FTMH size (P = 0.001) and FTMH width at RPE (P = 0.012) were significantly associated with a higher FTMH closure rate. Patients with VMA resolution had higher rates of FTMH closure. Previously identified baseline predictive factors, including age, lens status, or presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) were not found to be predictive of both VMA release and FTMH closure.ConclusionThe analysis revealed that FMTH 250 µm was the only factor predictive for achieving both pharmacological VMA resolution by Day 28 and nonsurgical FTMH closure by Month 6; neither lens status or presence of ERM, previously identified baseline characteristics favoring VMA resolution, showed statistically significant predictive power for both outcomes.

Prevalence of epiretinal membrane in the phakic eyes based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

The prevalence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and associated factors in the phakic eyes have not been fully elucidated yet. This cross-sectional study included 2,354 phakic eyes without retinal diseases or surgical history. Ocular parameters, such as uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), intraocular pressure (IOP), white-to-white corneal diameter (WTW), mean keratometric value (Km) of total corneal refractive power at 4-mm diameter (TCRP4), astigmatism of TCRP4, total corneal irregular astigmatism (TCIA), pupil diameter, axial length (AXL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) were compared between ERM group and control group. Additionally, an age-matched control group was selected by individual matching and compared with the ERM group to eliminate the confounders. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with the presence of ERM. Among 2,354 eyes, 429 eyes (18.2%) had ERM based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The ERM group showed higher prevalence of PVD, worse CDVA, higher astigmatism of TCRP4, higher TCIA, smaller pupil size, longer AXL, and thicker LT than control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.011, P < 0.001, P = 0.023, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Only PVD, CDVA, SE, astigmatism of TCRP4, TCIA, and AXL maintained the significance when compared with the age-matched control group (P < 0.001, P = 0.026, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.003, and P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, PVD, CDVA, and TCIA were independently associated with the presence of ERM (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.011, and P = 0.002). The prevalence of ERM detected using SD-OCT was 18.2% in the middle aged phakic population. Eyes with TCIA, in addition to older age and PVD, were more likely to have ERM.

COMBINED PNEUMATIC AND ENZYMATIC VITREOLYSIS FOR SEVERE CASES OF VITREOMACULAR TRACTION.

To evaluate the efficacy of combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis for treatment of severe cases of vitreomacular traction (VMT). We analyzed a retrospective, consecutive series of five patients diagnosed with severe VMT refractory to pneumatic vitreolysis who then received an additional ocriplasmin injection while their gas bubble from pneumatic vitreolysis was still present between February 2015 and February 2019. Vitreomacular traction release was confirmed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Four of the five patients treated with combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis achieved VMT release by Day 28, and all cases eventually achieved complete VMT release. In addition to having VMT refractory to pneumatic vitreolysis, patient characteristics included broad adhesion diameter (>1,500 µ m, n = 1), presence of epiretinal membrane (n = 2), age >65 years (n = 4), and pseudophakia (n = 1). The visual acuity improved by three or more lines at 6 months in both of the patients with initial vision worse than 20/50 on an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart but not in those whose vision was already fairly good (i.e., visual acuity >20/60). None of the patients experienced the following complications after receiving this combined treatment: retinal tears or detachments, vitreous floaters, and ellipsoid zone changes. Sequential, combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis resulted in VMT release in all 5 cases (4 cases by 28 days) and may be a potentially useful alternative to surgical intervention for refractory VMT cases.

OCT changes of idiopathic epiretinal membrane after cataract surgery

BackgroundWe reviewed our experience in the management of cataract and idiopatic epiretinal membrane surgeries at the Humanitas Research Institute–Milan, Italy- over the past 3 years.MethodsWe conducted a single center retrospective observational case series of patients that underwent sequential cataract and idiopatic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgeries from 2012–2015 in Humanitas Research Institute. Full data was obtained for 53 eyes of 57 patients. Patients with ERM secondary to uveitis or trauma or associated with simultaneous retinal detachment were excluded. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and myopia of more than 6 diopters were exclusion criteria as well.ResultsCataract surgery was not associated with an ERM stage progression at one month follow up, but caused retinal inflammation that resulted in a significant increase in central macular thickness (CMT), macular volume (MV), central macular edema (CME), IS/OS disruption (IS/OS) and neurosensory detachment (NSD). However, there was no significant change in Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).ConclusionWe suggest that patients undergoing cataract surgery in the presence of epiretinal membranes need tight follow up to treat and control eventual macular inflammatory changes and eventual prompt vitrectomy if BCVA is threatened.