Retinal Thickness Research Articles

The Impact of ARMS2 (rs10490924), VEGFA (rs3024997), TNFRSF1B (rs1061622), TNFRSF1A (rs4149576), and IL1B1 (rs1143623) Polymorphisms and Serum Levels on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Development and Therapeutic Responses.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major global health problem as it is the leading cause of irreversible loss of central vision in the aging population. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies are effective but do not respond optimally in all patients. This study investigates the genetic factors associated with susceptibility to AMD and response to treatment, focusing on key polymorphisms in the ARMS2 (rs10490924), IL1B1 (rs1143623), TNFRSF1B (rs1061622), TNFRSF1A (rs4149576), VEGFA (rs3024997), ARMS2, IL1B1, TNFRSF1B, TNFRSF1A, and VEGFA serum levels in AMD development and treatment efficacy. This study examined the associations of specific genetic polymorphisms and serum protein levels with exudative and early AMD and the response to anti-VEGF treatment. The AA genotype of VEGFA (rs3024997) was significantly associated with a 20-fold reduction in the odds of exudative AMD compared to the GG + GA genotypes. Conversely, the TT genotype of ARMS2 (rs10490924) was linked to a 4.2-fold increase in the odds of exudative AMD compared to GG + GT genotypes. In females, each T allele of ARMS2 increased the odds by 2.3-fold, while in males, the TT genotype was associated with a 5-fold increase. Lower serum IL1B levels were observed in the exudative AMD group compared to the controls. Early AMD patients had higher serum TNFRSF1B levels than controls, particularly those with the GG genotype of TNFRSF1B rs1061622. Exudative AMD patients with the CC genotype of TNFRSF1A rs4149576 had lower serum TNFRSF1A levels compared to the controls. Visual acuity (VA) analysis showed that non-responders had better baseline VA than responders but experienced decreased VA after treatment, whereas responders showed improvement. Central retinal thickness (CRT) reduced significantly in responders after treatment and was lower in responders compared to non-responders after treatment. The T allele of TNFRSF1B rs1061622 was associated with a better response to anti-VEGF treatment under both dominant and additive genetic models. These findings highlight significant genetic and biochemical markers associated with AMD and treatment response. This study found that the VEGFA rs3024997 AA genotype reduces the odds of exudative AMD, while the ARMS2 rs10490924 TT genotype increases it. Lower serum IL1B levels and variations in TNFRSF1B and TNFRSF1A levels were linked to AMD. The TNFRSF1B rs1061622 T allele was associated with better anti-VEGF treatment response. These markers could potentially guide risk assessment and personalized treatment for AMD.

Impact of Intra-Retinal Fluids on Changes in Retinal Ganglion Cell and Nerve Fiber Layers in Neovascular AMD under Anti-VEGF Therapy.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) on change in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) and thickness in patients with naive neovascular AMD under anti-VEGF treatment. Design: post hoc analysis. Methods: 97 eyes of 83 patients on continuous therapy with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) and a follow-up of 24 months were included. RGCL and RNFL thickness in the perifoveal (-O), parafoveal (PF), and nasal areas and number of injections (IVI) were recorded before the first IVI as well as 1 and 2 years after initiating treatment and compared longitudinally and between groups with and without IRF. Results: The group with IRF at baseline had a higher RNFL thickness at baseline and showed a significant reduction in RNFL-PF between baseline and first and second follow-ups (p < 0.001) but not between first and second follow-ups. The group without IRF showed no significant reduction in RNFL over time. The presence of IRF was not associated with a reduction in RNFL-O or RNFL-nasal. RGCL thickness decreased significantly in both groups with and without IRF after 2 years. Number of IVIs showed no significant correlation to RNFL or RGCL after stratification for the presence of IRF. Conclusions: The presence of IRF has a significant influence on RNFL thickness at baseline as well as on its changes over time during anti-VEGF therapy. The preoperative presence of IRF should be considered when comparing changes in RNFL thickness after IVI.

Integrated Assessment of OCT, Multimodal Imaging, and Cytokine Markers for Predicting Treatment Responses in Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated Macular Edema: A Comparative Review of Anti-VEGF and Steroid Therapies.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a significant cause of vision loss, characterized by the occlusion of retinal veins, leading to conditions such as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Macular edema (ME), a prevalent consequence of RVO, is the primary cause of vision impairment in affected patients. Anti-VEGF agents have become the standard treatment, showing efficacy in improving visual acuity (VA) and reducing ME. However, a subset of patients exhibit a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy, necessitating alternative treatments. Corticosteroids, which address inflammatory pathways implicated in ME, have shown promise, particularly in cases resistant to anti-VEGF. This review aims to identify biomarkers that predict treatment response to corticosteroids in RVO-associated ME, utilizing multimodal imaging and cytokine assessments. Baseline imaging, including SD-OCT and OCT-A, is essential for evaluating biomarkers like hyperreflective foci (HRF), serous retinal detachment (SRF), and central retinal thickness (CRT). Elevated cytokine levels, such as IL-6 and MCP-1, correlate with ME severity and poor anti-VEGF response. Early identification of these biomarkers can guide timely transitions to corticosteroid therapy, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes. The practical conclusion of this review is that integrating biomarker assessment into clinical practice enables personalized treatment decisions, allowing for earlier and more effective management of RVO-associated ME by transitioning patients to corticosteroid therapy when anti-VEGF agents are insufficient. Advanced diagnostics and machine learning may further refine personalized treatment strategies, improving the management of RVO-associated ME.

Inner retinal layer thickness alterations in adult and pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis 1

This study compared the thickness of each intraretinal layer in patients with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and controls to analyze the association between intraretinal layer thickness and visual function. The macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography volumetric dataset obtained from 68 eyes (25 adult eyes, 43 pediatric eyes) with NF1 without optic glioma and 143 control eyes (100 adult eyes, 43 pediatric eyes) was used for image auto-segmentation. The intraretinal layers segmented from the volumetric data included the macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, and photoreceptor layer. Cases and controls were compared after adjusting for age, sex, refractive error, and binocular use. The association between retinal layer thickness and visual acuity was also analyzed. The GCIPL was significantly thinner in both adult and pediatric patients with NF1 compared with healthy controls. Average RNFL and GCIPL thicknesses were associated with visual acuity in adult patients with NF1. In pediatric patients, average GCIPL thickness was associated with visual acuity. These results suggest that changes in the inner retinal layer could be a biomarker of the structural and functional status of patients with NF1.

Effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor on early-stage post-vitrectomy macular edema in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PurposeTo investigate the effectiveness of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy on post-vitrectomy macular edema (PVME) and determine the risk factors for PVME recovery.MethodsThis retrospective study included 179 eyes of 179 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and developed PVME within 3 months after surgery. Eyes were grouped according to postoperative anti-VEGF treatment.ResultsCentral retinal thickness (CRT) decreased significantly from baseline to 3-month follow-up in groups with (509.9 ± 157.2 μm vs. 401.2 ± 172.1 μm, P < 0.001) or without (406.1 ± 96.1 μm vs. 355.1 ± 126.0 μm, P = 0.008) postoperative anti-VEGF treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) did not differ between the two groups during follow-up. In the group not receiving anti-VEGF therapy, BCVA was significantly improved at 1, 2, and 3 months (P = 0.007, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively), while in the anti-VEGF group, BCVA was significantly improved at 1 and 3 months (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001). A thicker baseline CRT (β = 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.61; P < 0.001) was significantly associated with decreasing CRT.ConclusionPVME tends to spontaneously resolve in the early postoperative period. The effect of anti-VEGF therapy in the first 3 months after diagnosis appears to be limited.

Study of corneal and retinal thicknesses at five years after FS-LASIK and SMILE for myopia

BackgroundThis study aimed to observe corneal and retinal thicknesses at 5 years after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia, investigate the effect of epithelial remodeling on refractive status and visual quality, and compare retinal thicknesses among fundus tessellation grades.MethodsPatients who received FS-LASIK or SMILE 5 years before were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. After 1:1 propensity score matching, each surgical group obtained 177 patients (177 eyes). Examinations including visual acuity, refraction, corneal and retinal thicknesses, corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and fundus photography were performed in this visit at 5 years after surgery. The Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire was used to assess visual symptoms and overall satisfaction. Corneal and retinal thicknesses between groups were compared, contributing factors were analyzed, and correlations with postoperative refractive status, HOAs, QoV scores and overall satisfaction were evaluated.ResultsThe discrepancy of epithelial thickness between central and pericentral zones in FS-LASIK group was larger than that in SMILE group, which was negatively correlated with postoperative spherical equivalent (SE), positively correlated with spherical aberration (all P < 0.05), but not correlated with QoV scores and overall satisfaction (all P > 0.05) in both surgical groups. There was no statistical difference in stromal thickness and total corneal thickness (all P > 0.05). Most annuluses of epithelial and stromal thicknesse were linearly related to preoperative SE (all P < 0.05). The macular thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness exhibited comparable values between two surgical groups and four fundus tessellation grades, with no significant association observed with postoperative SE (all P > 0.05).ConclusionThe tendency that epithelial thickness in central zone was thicker than peripheral zone was more obvious at 5 years after FS-LASIK compared to SMILE. This uneven distribution of epithelial thickness might play a role in myopic regression and the changes in HOAs, especially in patients with high myopia, but it had little effect on patients’ subjective visual quality and satisfaction. Retinal thicknesses were not affected by these two surgical methods, and they did not appear to be the clinical indicators for myopic regression or fundus tessellation progression.

Preoperative OCT-Derived Nasal Perifoveal Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Predictively Correlates Long-Term Visual Acuity Post Oil Removal Surgery.

With the widespread application of silicone oil in vitreoretinal surgery, the purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors of long-term vision loss 12months post oil removal in retina-detached eyes treated with vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade. Of the 592 patients approached, eligible eyes completed the investigation up to 12months post-oil-removal. Eligible eyes underwent pars-plana vitrectomy following oil tamponade. Oil removal was performed after 3 to 28months in different individuals, under the condition that the retina has reattached as well as the hemorrhage and inflammation has dissolved. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), age, sex, and interval between tamponade and removal were recorded, and retinal thickness was determined using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fifty eyes of 50 participants aged 31 to 83years were enrolled. BCVA (LogMAR) 12months post-oil-removal improved in 25 of 40 (62.5%) patients, varying from 0.05 (20/22) to 1.0 (20/200) (mean ± SD = 0.55 ± 0.32). Pre-oil-removal nasal perifoveal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness varied from 16 to 83µm (38.40 ± 18.50), and was significantly linked with post-oil-removal BCVA (0.5%, 95% confidence interval 0.0%-1.0%; P = 0.046). This study demonstrates the risk factors and prognosis of visual function after long-term regeneration post vitrectomy, oil tamponade, and oil removal, thereby underscoring the need for a complete, dynamic examination of retinal structure via OCT measurement. Related studies should be conducted on a larger scale to facilitate the stratification of late-period vision damage in retina-detached eyes. This study developed OCT-based clinical markers for the postoperative visual prognosis of eyes affected by retinal detachment.

Relationship between binocular vision and Govetto’s stage in monocular idiopathic epiretinal membrane

Govetto’s staging system (stages 1–4) for epiretinal membrane (ERM) based on optical coherence tomography images is a useful predictor of monocular visual function; however, an association between Govetto’s stage and binocular vision has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with Govetto’s stage among the monocular and binocular parameters. This retrospective study included consecutive patients with treatment-naïve eyes with unilateral ERM without pseudo-hole. We investigated Govetto’s stage, degrees of aniseikonia and metamorphopsia, foveal avascular zone area, central retinal and choroidal thickness, vertical ocular deviation, stereopsis, and binocular single vision (BSV). We compared the parameters between the BSV-present and BSV-absent groups and investigated correlations between Govetto’s stage and the monocular and binocular parameters. Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients were examined (age, 66.6 ± 10.2 years). In multivariate correlation analyses, Govetto’s stage correlated with BSV (P = 0.04, β = − 0.36) and central retinal thickness (P < 0.001, β = 0.74). Of the eyes, 18 were assigned to the BSV-present group and 10 to the BSV-absent group. Govetto’s stage was significantly more advanced in the BSV-absent group than in the BSV-present group (3.2 ± 0.8 vs 2.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.03). Of the 28 patients, 11 (39%) showed small-angle vertical deviations (1–12Δ). In conclusion, our findings showed that Govetto’s stage correlated with binocular vision in patients with monocular ERM. Govetto’s staging is a useful parameter for predicting not only monocular but also binocular vision.

Methylene Blue Reduces Electroretinogram Distortion and Ganglion Cell Death in a Rat Model of Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is, in most cases, a consequence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), ultimately resulting in the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current treatments are mostly focused on normalizing IOP, but we propose the additional use of neuroprotective agents, including methylene blue (MB), to block the loss of RGCs. Wistar rats were subjected to episcleral vein cauterization (EVC) in the left eye while the right eye was sham-operated. One week later, they were divided into two groups, which were injected with either 2.0 mg/kg MB or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), twice a day, for 7 days. Fifteen days after surgery, rats were tested with scotopic electroretinography (ERG) or pattern electroretinography (PERG). After sacrifice, the number of RGCs and the thickness of the inner retina (IR) were evaluated both in the peripheral and central areas of the retina. Scotopic ERG showed a marked reduction (p < 0.0001) on the a- and b-wave amplitude and oscillatory potential (OP) complexity of the eyes subjected to EVC. These parameters were significantly (p < 0.01) restored by the application of MB. PERG indicated that EVC was responsible for a very significant decrease in N2 amplitude (p < 0.0001) and prolongation of N2 implicit time (p < 0.0001). Treatment with MB significantly restored N2 amplitude (p < 0.0001). In parallel with the ERG results, morphological analysis showed a significant loss of RGCs (p < 0.0001) and IR thickness (p < 0.0001) in both the peripheral and central retinas subjected to EVC, which was significantly prevented (p < 0.0001) by MB treatment. We have shown that MB treatment can be effective in preventing physiological and morphological hallmarks of optic neuropathy in a model of ocular hypertension, which faithfully recapitulates human open-angle glaucoma. Due to its high safety profile, this drug could therefore represent a new pharmacologic strategy to prevent vision loss in glaucoma patients.

Presbyopia, Dry Eye, and Retinal Thickness in the Middle-Aged Population: Focusing on Sex Differences.

Risk factors for presbyopia have not been fully determined although previous studies suggested presbyopia was associate with age, dry eye, and retinal ganglion cell complex thickness (GCC). We accessed these signs and common ocular symptoms in the middle-aged population focusing on sex differences when women have drastic hormonal change. This cohort study consecutively enrolled 2743 patients aged 36-45 years (n=1000), 46-55 years (n=1000), and 56-65 years (n=743). All underwent ocular surface tests and had near add power and GCC measured. Common ocular symptoms were asked using questionnaire. Among female participants, visual symptoms (eye strain and photophobia) were more prevalent in the age group 46-55, whereas non-visual symptoms (dryness, irritation, and pain) were not. We identified symptomatic presbyopia (near add power ≥ 1.5D) in 14.4%, 73.8%, and 97.8%, positive corneal staining in 29.1%, 23.8%, and 23.9%, and a mean GCC of 98.2 μm, 105.3 μm, and 89.6 μm in the age groups 36-45, 46-55, and 56-65, respectively. Mean tear break-up time were 3.3, 3.5, and 3.3 seconds, respectively. Results indicated a large progression of presbyopia (P<0.01) from the period of 36-45 years onward and significantly increased GCC (P<0.01) in women of age group 46-55. No notable tendency was observed in symptoms and GCC for male participants. Visual symptoms in women were worse between 46 and 55 years than before or after these ages. The increase of symptomatic presbyopia and GCC may be contributing to visual symptoms in addition to menopausal transition symptoms in this age group.

LONGITUDINAL CHANGE OF RETINAL LAYER THICKNESS IN COGNITIVELY NORMAL ELDERLY SUBJECTS: Population-Based Cohort Study.

To identify longitudinal retinal layer thickness changes in normal eyes of cognitively healthy elderly people. Post hoc analysis was performed on 57 cognitively healthy elderly participants from the population-based Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging and Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia cohort studies who underwent baseline and final optical coherence tomography scans. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, subfoveal choroid, and average retinal layer thickness at four quadrant (nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior) points 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm from the center of the fovea were measured. The mean age of subjects was 75.1 years and the mean follow-up period was 55.9 months. Among the analyzed retinal layers, both the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and the outer nuclear layer at all 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm points showed a statistically significant decrease in thickness at the final visit compared with baseline. The annual decrease rates were -1.2 µm/year at 1 mm (total -6.6%), -1.3 µm/year at 2 mm (total -8.4%), and -1.1 µm/year at 3 mm (total -9.7%) for ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and -0.6 µm/year at 1 mm (total -4.2%), -0.5 µm/year at 2 mm (total -3.9%), and -0.4 µm/year at 3 mm (total -4.1%) for outer nuclear layer. Aging plays a significant role in the reduction of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer thicknesses in cognitively healthy elderly individuals.

An Investigation of the Correlation Between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness with Blood Biochemical Indices and Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The study aimed to explore the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) with blood biochemical indicators and cognitive dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the possible mechanism, thereby providing more theoretical basis for the occurrence and prevention of diabetes related complications. Eighty T2DM patients treated in our hospital from March 2022 to September 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and the clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) to analyze the changes in retinal blood vessels. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided as the diabetic retinopathy (DR) group (n=46) and simple diabetes group (n=34). The RNFLT, blood biochemical indexes and changes in cognitive functions of the patients were detected. The correlation between RNFLT with blood biochemical indexes and cognitive dysfunction was analyzed. Compared with the simple diabetes group, patients in the DR group had much lower mean, nasal, inferior and superior thicknesses (P<0.01). There existed no significant difference in blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein) between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the simple diabetes group, patients in the DR group had much higher fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) (P<0.001). Besides, the DR group had sharply lower scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale and higher levels of the Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A) and TMT-B (P<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that the mean RNFLT was negatively correlated with the levels of FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR index, TMT-A and TMT-B (P<0.05), positively correlated with the score of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) (P<0.05), and was no significant correlation with FINS and ApoB/ApoA1 (P>0.05). DR patients had significantly reduced RNFLT, elevated levels of blood glucose related indicators, and cognitive dysfunction. There existed a correlation between RNFLT and FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR index, TMT-A, TMT-B and MMSE.

Platelet-rich Fibrin Membrane Transplantation for the Treatment of Highly Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment.

Highly myopic macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) is often associated with a poor prognosis, and there is currently no optimal treatment. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous blood product, has been shown to promote tissue regeneration. This prospective, randomized, controlled study investigated the efficacy of conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus PRF membrane transplantation in highly myopic MHRD. Eyes with highly myopic MHRD were randomly assigned to either a conventional ILM peeling group (IP group, n = 19) or a PRF membrane transplantation group (PMT group, n = 21). The study followed participants for a period of 6months. The primary outcome measure was macular hole (MH) closure assessed using optical coherence tomography. Secondary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), superficial vascular density (SVD), deep vascular density (DVD), rate of retinal reattachment, and any complications encountered. MH closure was achieved in a significantly greater proportion of eyes in the PMT group (21/21, 100.00%) compared to the IP group (15/19, 78.95%) (P = 0.042). Retinal reattachment was accomplished in all patients (100.00%) within both groups. Except for an insignificant difference in BCVA observed at 1week post-surgery in the IP group, significant improvements in BCVA and CRT were documented in both groups across all other post-operative time points. Final BCVA (P = 0.040), CRT (P = 0.002), SVD (P = 0.002), and DVD (P = 0.013) were all significantly higher in the PMT group compared to the IP group. No serious complications were identified in either group. This study demonstrated the superiority of PRF membrane transplantation compared to conventional ILM peeling in promoting MH closure and enhancing retinal vascular density in patients with highly myopic MHRD. Additionally, PRF membrane transplantation effectively restores retinal reattachment, improves visual function, and increases retinal thickness without introducing additional complications. www. gov , NCT06200727.

Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Large Macular Holes Induces Only Structural Remodeling without Functional Impairment Over 12 Years

To evaluate the very long-term functional and structural outcomes of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). Observational case series nested within a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial (RCT) (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00190190). Patients who underwent vitrectomy with or without ILM peeling for an idiopathic large FTMH in a tertiary ophthalmology center, with a minimum follow-up of 10 years after surgery. Review of charts, spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) scans, OCT angiography (OCTA) scans, and microperimetry of patients originally enrolled in the RCT. Primary outcome was functional assessment in both groups (ILM peeling or not) including the retinal sensitivity (RS), distance and near best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and number of eyes achieving ≥0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution >10 years after surgery. Secondary outcomes were structural assessment in the entire 3× 3-mm and 6× 6-mm areas, and regionally in the different areas of the ETDRS grid: OCT and OCTA biomarkers in both groups and fellow eyes. Thirteen eyes of 13 patients with a mean follow-up of 12 ± 0.73 years were included. The mean RS and BCVA, or visual improvement did not differ between ILM peeling (n= 8) and no peeling (n= 5) (all P > 0.05). The dissociated optic nerve fiber layers on en face OCT were only observed in eyes with ILM peeling, predominantly in temporal parafoveal (20%) and perifoveal (19%) rings. The mean total retinal thickness and inner retinal thickness in the parafoveal ring were significantly lower in peeled eyes (309 ± 11 μm and 94 ± 9 μm respectively) versus nonpeeled eyes (330 ± 21 μm and 108 ± 11 μm respectively; P= 0.037 and P= 0.040), without significant difference in ganglion cell or retinal nerve fiber layers. Accordingly, the mean superficial capillary plexus density in the parafoveal ring was significantly lower in eyes with peeling versus without (39.65 ± 3.76 % versus 47.22 ± 4.00; P= 0.005). The mean foveal avascular zone area was smaller in eyes with peeling versus without (0.24 ± 0.05 mm2 vs. 0.42 ± 0.13 mm2, respectively, P= 0.005). Despite persistent structural changes especially in the parafoveal ring, ILM peeling for idiopathic large FTMH did not seem to impact long-term RS or BCVA over 12 years. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Intrapapillary vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography in primary open-angle glaucoma and normal eyes

Background: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is used to quantify optic nerve blood flow in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Intrapapillary vessel density (iVD) has a high diagnostic accuracy for differentiating healthy from glaucomatous eyes. We compared the iVD of patients with POAG with that of healthy controls in an Egyptian tertiary referral center. Methods: This cross-sectional study consecutively recruited patients with medically controlled POAG and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. All study participants underwent a detailed medical history evaluation and comprehensive ophthalmic examination, with recording of the cup-to-disc ratio (C/D ratio) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Humphrey visual field evaluation using the standard 24-2 program was performed and global indices, including mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD), were extracted. OCTA and spectral-domain (SD) OCT images were obtained. Average thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and thicknesses in the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants were recorded. OCTA imaging was used to measure vessel density, and the automatically processed data for iVD were extracted. Results: We included 86 eyes, 43 in the POAG and 43 in the healthy control group, with male predominance in both groups and mean (standard deviation [SD]) ages of 42.1 (9.4) and 39.3 (9.6) years, respectively. The two groups were comparable in terms of mean age, sex ratio, laterality of the included eyes, and mean IOP (all P &gt; 0.05). The mean (SD) C/D ratio, MD, and PSD were significantly higher in the POAG group than in the control group (all P &lt; 0.01). The mean (SD) average RNFL thickness and RNFL thicknesses in the four quadrants were significantly less in glaucomatous eyes than in healthy control eyes (all P &lt; 0.05). Eyes with POAG had a significantly lower mean (SD) iVD than healthy control eyes (P &lt; 0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between iVD and average RNFL thickness (r = + 0.52; P &lt; 0.001) and a significant negative correlation between iVD and PSD (r = - 0.31; P = 0.042) in eyes with POAG. Conclusions: The structural, vascular, and functional parameters measured in this study deteriorated in eyes with POAG compared to controls. Significant circumpapillary RNFL thinning correlated well with reduced iVD in eyes with POAG. Similarly, a lower iVD detected using OCTA had a significant inverse correlation with PSD in the perimetry of eyes with POAG. Further studies with additional parameters and longer follow-up periods are required to verify our preliminary findings.

Use of brimonidine tartrate eye drops after nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy event: Case series

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the response of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness to brimonidine tartrate (0.15%) eye drops after a nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) event. Methods: Series of cases with retrospective data collection of medical records and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations to evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer from 63 eyes of 36 patients with nonarteritic AION. The patients were collected according to the clinical criteria from the ophthalmology service of a major hospital. Healthy subjects were recruited from the general clinic and hospital staff. Patients were randomized into three groups: Group 1: patients using brimonidine tartrate (0.15%) eye drops, Group 2: patients without using eye drops, and Group 3: control group. Results: The group without medication had a statistically significant loss of lower nerve fiber layer (P = 0.025) and in the mean OCT (P = 0.035); however, in the other quadrants, the thickness reduction was not statistically significant. They showed a pattern of greater loss in the upper portion (P = 0.065), followed by the lower (P = 0.025), temporal (P = 0.051), and nasal (P = 0.07) portions, but the ISNT rule was preserved. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the nonuse of brimonidine tartrate led to a statistically significant loss of the lower nerve fibers layer and in the mean OCT.

Inter-eye asymmetry of microvascular density in patients on hydroxychloroquine therapy by optical coherence tomography angiography

AimsTo explore the inter-eye retinal microvascular density asymmetry of patients on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods40 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, including 20 systemic lupus erythematasus patients currently treated with HCQ (40 eyes) and 20 age- and sex-matched normal controls (NCs, 40 eyes). OCTA images were obtained to measure macular and peripapillary mircrovasculatures and microstructures, including vessel density, retinal nerver fiber layer thickness, and peripapillary ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness. The absolute values of the difference between right and left eyes were taken as a measure of inter-eye asymmetry. ResultsMacular whole image vessel density (wiVD-M) and perifoveal vessel density (pfVD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) were notably reduced in both the right and left eyes of the HCQ treatment group compared with NCs. Specifically, SLE patients treated with HCQ have higher inter-eye asymmetry of wiVD-M of SCP (2.28 ± 1.03 vs 1.27 ± 0.79, p < 0.01) and pfVD of SCP (2.55 ± 1.26 vs 1.78 ± 1.06, p = 0.04) compared with NCs. There were no significant differences in inter-eye asymmetry of structure parameters. Inter-eye asymmetry of wiVD-M of SCP (AUC = 0.80, p < 0.01) and pfVD of SCP (AUC = 0.71, p = 0.02) exhibited greater discrimination power. ConclusionSLE Patients treated with HCQ exhibited a notably higher inter-eye vessel density asymmetry compared to that of NCs. Thus, inter-eye vessel density asymmetry could be used to screen for HCQ retinal toxicity.

Individual Prognostication of Disease Activity and Disability Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis With Retinal Layer Thickness z Scores

Individual Prognostication of Disease Activity and Disability Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis With Retinal Layer Thickness <i>z</i> Scores

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Evaluation of Retinochoroidal Microvascular Circulation Differences in Pregnant Women with Pregestational and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

In this study, the changes in microvascular circulation caused by pregestational and gestational diabetes were observed, without focusing on retinal findings, to reveal the effect of diabetes regulation. A total of 135 subjects were included: 30 with gestational diabetes (GDM), 30 pregestational diabetes (PGDM), 30 healthy pregnant normoglycemic subjects, and 45 healthy non-pregnant subjects. All subjects were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and angiography. The retina, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), choroidal thickness (CT), superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC), vascular density (VD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas were measured. The foveal VD of SCP and DCP was significantly lower in the PGDM and GDM groups compared to the control groups (p:0.006 and p:0.001, respectively). CC VD was significantly higher in all pregnant groups compared to non-pregnant controls (p<0.001). The choroidal thickness values were highest in the healthy pregnant group and lowest in the PGDM group. There was no significant difference in FAZ area, retina, RNFL and GCL thickness between the groups. In the PGDM group, a negative correlation was observed between the FAZ area and the HbA1c level (r:- 0.417, p:0.043). There was a decrease in vascular density in pregnant women with diabetes compared to healthy pregnant women and controls. In the pregnant group with PGDM, a narrowing of the FAZ area was observed with increasing worsening of diabetes control. Diabetes type and glycemic control could influence the microvascular changes even in the absence of clinical or retinal findings.

LONG-TERM VISUAL OUTCOMES AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY BIOMARKERS IN EYES WITH MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION FOLLOWING ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY.

To evaluate the structural characteristics and long-term visual outcomes in eyes impacted by macular edema as a consequence of retinal vein occlusion that has undergone effective treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Inclusion criteria comprised 42 eyes of 41 patients, subjected to long-term follow-up, displaying resolved macular edema after a minimum of 5 years since the commencement of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. During the final visit, two experienced observers evaluated several qualitative parameters using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, such as the integrity of the external limiting membrane, the state of the ellipsoid zone and retinal pigment epithelium, and the presence of disorganization of the retinal inner layers. In addition, a quantitative evaluation of the inner and outer retinal thicknesses was conducted for the purpose of topographical analysis. The most prominent qualitative correlation identified with best-corrected visual acuity during the final visit was connected to the presence of disorganization of the retinal inner layers ( P = 0.004) and the integrity of the external limiting membrane ( P = 0.015). In relation to quantitative aspects, a noteworthy correlation was noted between the visual acuity during the last visit and the parafoveal thickness in both the inner ( P = 0.003) and outer retina ( P = 0.018). In eyes where macular edema resulting from retinal vein occlusion has been successfully resolved with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, changes in the status of the external limiting membrane and the presence of disorganization of the retinal inner layers serve as valuable optical coherence tomography biomarkers, indicating prolonged visual outcomes.