Significant Change In Best-corrected Visual Acuity Research Articles

Xen gel stent implant for persistent glaucoma after silicone oil removal.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the XEN-Stent for managing unresponsive to medical therapy secondary glaucoma after silicone oil (SO) removal. This retrospective chart reviewed 12 patients who underwent vitrectomy and SO endotamponade. They experienced intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after SO removal despite taking the maximum tolerated glaucoma medication. Eleven eyes underwent an XEN-implant, while 1 underwent an XEN-implant with phacoemulsification/IOL implantation. The primary outcome was to achieve success criteria: IOP <18 mmHg and >20% IOP reduction without medication (complete success) or with medication (qualified success) and without a secondary IOP-lowering procedure. IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the number of glaucoma medications (Glaucoma Medication Score-GMS) were recorded at baseline, 1 day, 1 week, 1 (M1), 3 (M3), 6 (M6), and 12 (M12) months postoperatively. Baseline characteristics included males percentage 66.6%, mean age of 61.8 ± 5.7 years, BCVA 0.69 ± 0.3 logMAR, IOP 30 ± 4.2 mmHg, and GMS 3.1 ± 0.5. There was a significant reduction in IOP by 14 ± 1.9 mmHg and GMS by 0.27 ± 0.6 at M12 compared to baseline (p < 0.01), but no significant change in BCVA (p = 0.21). Complete success dropped to 50% (M3), rising to 75% (M6, M12) after needling. Two patients achieved qualified success at M12. Needling was performed in 6 eyes, with 3 requiring a second procedure. Ex-PRESS was required in 1 eye. One eye experienced hypotony and hyphema, which resolved within a week. XEN implant may be an initial treatment for persistent post SO removal glaucoma with minimal complications. Needling procedures can help maintain or restore surgical success.

Clinical and Transcriptional Profiles Reveal the Treatment Effect of Adalimumab in Patients with Initial-Onset and Recurrent Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease

ABSTRACT Purpose We aimed to evaluate adalimumab efficacy in patients with initial-onset or recurrent Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) syndrome. Methods A retrospective clinical study was performed to examine the therapeutic effect of adalimumab in 22 VKH patients,16 with initial-onset and six with recurrent VKH. Another 22 patients with initial-onset VKH who did not receive adalimumab were included as controls. The main observational parameters included the central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber cell grade (ACC), glucocorticoid dose (GCD), and the development of sunset glow fundus. MRNA sequencing was used to profile the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from nine patients with initial-onset VKH disease, six patients with recurrent VKH, and eight healthy controls. Results In the initial-onset group, adalimumab therapy significantly improved the BCVA, CMT, SCT, and ACC. Furthermore, adalimumab significantly decreased GCD in patients with initial-onset. In patients with recurrent VKH, the SCT significantly improved after adalimumab treatment, but no significant changes in BCVA, CMT, and ACC were observed. All six patients experienced relapse during follow-up. The TNF-α pathway exhibited a significant increase in initial-onset VKH when compared with that in both healthy controls and recurrent patients. Conversely, it was suppressed in recurrent VKH when compared with that in the initial-onset or healthy control groups. Conclusions In patients with initial-onset VKH, adalimumab effectively reduces glucocorticoid dependence. However, adalimumab may not be effective for preventing relapse or providing long-term inflammation relief in patients with recurrent VKH.

Short term clinical observation of keratoconus treated with stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty combined with corneal collagen cross-linking

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Femtosecond laser-assisted stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty (SLAK) combined with corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the treatment of middle and advanced Keratoconus. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Data of 23 cases (24 eyes) of keratoconus treated with femtosecond laser-assisted SLAK combined with CXL in Laser Vision Centre of Xi'an No.1 Hospital from September 2020 to June 2022 were collected, including 16 males and 7 females, aged (23.69±5.18) years. The thickness, diopter number and diameter of the donor corneal stromal lens were assessed. uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and diopter were recorded before and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Sirius 3D fault corneal topography instrument to measure flat simulated keratometry (Kf), steep simulated keratometry (Ks) and the difference between them (ΔK), as well as central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal high-order aberration. Results: Six months after surgery, CCT (454.83±50.01) μm were significantly higher than before (384.92±35.45) μm (P<0.05). Six months after surgery, UCVA (1.41±0.32) was significantly lower than before (1.11±0.33)(P<0.05). Six months after surgery, spherical diopter [(-15.73±7.89) D], Kf [(56.82±4.76) D] and Ks [(61.00±4.70) D] were significantly higher than before [(-12.08±5.99) D, (53.55±4.95) D, (58.65±5.10) D] (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in BCVA, column mirror degree and higher order aberrations before and 6 months after surgery(P>0.05). No corneal stromal lens folds, melting and displacement were observed in all eyes during the follow-up period, and no corneal opacity or immune rejection was observed. Conclusions: femtosecond laser-assisted SLAK combined with CXL can significantly increase the corneal thickness of keratoconus and has good effectiveness. In addition, six months of postoperative follow-up of patients showed no significant changes in BCVA and high-order aberrations in the 6 mm central diameter of the cornea, and no postoperative adverse reaction were found in all eyes, indicating that the operation has certain safety.

Visual and Anatomical Outcomes After Initial Intravitreal Faricimab Injection for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients with Prior Treatment History.

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a single injection of intravitreal faricimab (IVF) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who had a prior treatment history. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a consecutive cohort of 80 eyes of 75 patients with nAMD who had a prior history of treatment with an injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) were compared before the initial IVF injection and after a treatment interval matching the previous duration. Central choroidal thickness decreased significantly following the IVF injection, but there was no significant change in BCVA or CST. Mean (± standard deviation) BCVA changed from 0.34 ± 0.37 to 0.36 ± 0.40 (P = 0.29), CST changed from 242 ± 72 to 242 ± 82µm (P = 0.99), and CCT changed from 189 ± 98 to 179 ± 97µm (P < 0.0001). When the changes were evaluated according to the previous anti-VEGF agent administered, CCT was found to be significantly decreased by 8.7 ± 2.5µm (P < 0.0001) in eyes previously treated with brolucizumab and by 13.1 ± 3.6µm (P < 0.0001) in eyes previously treated with aflibercept. No adverse events were observed during the study period. Intravitreal faricimab injection is a safe and effective treatment for nAMD in terms of short-term outcomes. Further long-term study is necessary.

The Impact of Robotic Fractionated Radiotherapy for Benign Tumors of Parasellar Region on the Eye Structure and Function.

To evaluate the radiation effect of fractionated robotic radiotherapy of benign tumors located in the parasellar region on the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. A prospective observational study based on the expanded ophthalmological examination. The pre-treatment baseline was used as a control for the post-radiotherapy follow-up examinations. The study group consists of 34 patients (68 eyes) irradiated using the CyberKnife system. There were ten patients with cavernous sinus meningioma, nine with pituitary adenoma, five with meningioma of the anterior and middle cranial fossa, five with meningioma in the region close to optic chiasm, three with craniopharyngioma, and two with meningioma of the orbit. All patients were treated using three fractions of 600-800 cGy. We assessed the impact of radiation on the eye based on changes in anatomical and functional features. The condition of the eye surface, central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), lens densitometry, central macular thickness (CMT), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) were the anatomical features assessed. The functional tests were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field (VF) and visual-evoked potentials (VEP). An ophthalmologic examination was performed before and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after radiotherapy. We did not observe any significant changes in BCVA, IOP, CCT, CMT, VF, and VEP, nor in the slit-lamp examination during the two-years observation. We found a significant decrease in ECD at all follow-up measurements. The drop in ECD exceeded approximated age-related physiological loss. The reduction in ECD was not large enough to disrupt corneal function and thus affect vision. We also observed a statistically significant reduction of RNFL in all observation time points. However, there was no correlation between the dose delivered to the optic pathway and the decrease in RNFL thickness. The thinning of the RNFL was not significant enough to impair visual function. Fractionated robotic radiotherapy of the tumors located close to the optical pathway is safe and does not impair patient's vision. Minor changes found in optic nerve anatomy (RNFL thinning) might be related to radiation effect or tumor compression. The causal relation between low doses of radiation delivered to the cornea and the observed significant but slight decrease in ECD is uncertain. The observed changes did not cause visual disturbances perceivable by the patients.

Formation and evolution of idiopathic lamellar macular hole-a pilot study

BackgroundThe developmental pathways and subsequent evolutional processes of idiopathic lamellar macular hole (LMH) were studied with spectrum domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).MethodsTwenty-seven eyes of 26 patients of idiopathic LMH with pre-LMH SD-OCT available were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant OCT parameters and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were collected and analyzed.ResultsFour types of developmental pathways of idiopathic LMH were noted. Type 1 (5 cases), involved disruption of a foveal cyst from vitreomacular traction. Type 2 (10 cases), demonstrated rupture of parafoveal cysts or schisis mainly from epiretinal membrane (ERM). In type 3 pathway (5 cases), a central intraretinal cyst formed under tight ERM with subsequent cyst roof dehiscence. Type 4 (7 cases), showed gradual loss of foveal tissue without cystic lesions from ERM traction. There was no statistically significant change in BCVA during LMH formations or subsequent evolutional processes in any types of the developmental pathways. Three cases developed epiretinal proliferation (EP) during evolution, which showed tendency of decrease in BCVA. Among the three cases, one later developed the degenerative configuration.ConclusionsIn summary, four types of tractional developmental pathways of idiopathic LMH were identified. BCVA was relatively stable during LMH formation and follow-up. Deterioration of visual acuity were found in cases that developed EP during evolution. Transformation into degenerative configuration might be possible after LMH formation.

Comparison of the Effect of Bromfenac versus Betamethasone Ophthalmic Solutions in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose To examine the effect of 0.1% bromfenac (BF) ophthalmic solution and 0.1% betamethasone (BM) ophthalmic solution on diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods This was a prospective trial. Nineteen patients (mean age of 66.6 ± 10.1 years) with DME and mean retinal thickness within a diameter of 1 mm from the fovea (central subfield thickness: CST) of 250–500 µm were randomized and instilled with BF or BM. CST, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after administration. Results CST at baseline (p = .128) and that at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of administration was not significantly different between the BF (10 patients) and BM groups (9 patients). In patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <8.0%, CST, compared with baseline, was significantly decreased in the BF group (seven patients) at 8 (p = .025) and 12 weeks (p = .043) of administration. When compared with the baseline, no significant changes in BCVA were observed at any point in time in either group. Baseline IOP was comparable between the groups. In the BM group, the values of change in IOP from baseline significantly increased at 8 (p = .025) and 12 weeks (p = .044) of administration, with no significant changes in IOP over the 12 weeks of administration in the BF group. Conclusions BF did not affect IOP even after 12 weeks of administration, suggesting its effect in reducing CST in DME with good glycemic control. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN-CTR); UMIN000026201, February 18, 2017; Japan Registry of Clinical Trials; jRCTs031180308, March 15, 2019

Short-term outcomes of mitomycin C-augmented excisional bleb revision with capsulectomy for failed Ahmed glaucoma valve.

To report short-term outcomes of mitomycin C-augmented excisional bleb revision with capsulectomy (ERC) after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) failure. Patients who underwent ERC procedures between January 2017 and December 2019 with a minimum follow-up of 6mo were evaluated retrospectively for indications of AGV and AGV implantation to ERC interval. The number of anti-glaucoma medications (AGMs), intraocular pressure (IOP) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded at baseline, 1, 7, 30, 90, and 180d. Intra- and postoperative complications were also recorded. Positive outcome was defined as IOP≤21 mm Hg with or without AGMs. Fourteen eyes [14 patients, median age 69.5y, interquartile range (IQR) 61.3-80] were included. Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (n=5, 36%) was the most common form of glaucoma. The median AGV implantation to ERC interval was 8.8mo (IQR 3.91-43.67). At 6mo, the median number of AGMs decreased from 3.0 (IQR 3.0-4.0) to 2.0 (IQR 1.5-3), the median IOP decreased from 26 mm Hg (IQR 22-29) to 16.5 mm Hg (IQR 13.75-20) and there was no significant change in BCVA. The success rate at 6mo was 92.9%. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative probability of survival was 93%, 79%, 64%, and 64% at 1wk, and 1, 3, and 6mo, respectively. No intraoperative complications were identified. Postoperative complications were identified in 5 eyes (36%), which were resolved spontaneously during the first week following ERC. ERC has a high success rate for short-term management of AGV failure. A longer follow-up study is required to determine long-term cumulative failure rates.

Clinical Features of Untreated Type 2 Macular Telangiectasia and Efficacy of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Macular Neovascularization

Objectives:To compare best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) in patients with type 2 macular telangiectasia (MacTel 2) and a control group and to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in MacTel 2 patients with macular neovascularization (MNV).Materials and Methods:We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive MacTel 2 patients who underwent a full ophthalmologic examination including BCVA and dilated fundus examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography imaging at baseline and follow-up visits. BCVA, CMT, and CCT were compared between all identified patients (n=26) and a control group (n=30). A subgroup analysis was performed among eyes with MNV (n=7) before and after treatment.Results:CMT and CCT were significantly lower in the MacTel 2 group compared to the control group. Forty-one treatment-naive eyes without MNV proliferation showed no significant change in BCVA, CMT, or CCT during follow-up. Eight eyes of 7 MacTel 2 patients developed MNV during follow-up. All of the patients were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF.Conclusion:It is important to closely follow MacTel 2 patients for MNV development. To avoid adverse effects, we prefer to monitor patients who have not yet developed MNV. Patients with proliferative MacTel 2 with decreasing visual function may benefit from intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment.

Management of Intraocular Pressure Elevation After CO2 Laser-Assisted Sclerectomy Surgery in Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose: To report the safety and efficiency of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and the management of unexpected postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation.Methods: This was a prospective case series study. A total of 23 eyes from 23 patients with POAG who underwent CLASS were involved and followed-up for 12 months. The primary outcomes included the changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, and medications before and after CLASS. The secondary outcomes were success rate and postoperative laser interventions.Results: The mean age of the patient was 42.6 ± 16.0 years. There was no significant change in BCVA and visual field at baseline and 12 months after CLASS. The number of medications was significantly reduced after CLASS. The IOP was also significantly decreased and remained well controlled during the follow-up period, except for a transient elevation at 1 month postoperatively, due to the occurrence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS). Generally, 17 patients (73.9%) were treated with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser synechiolysis to remove iris obstruction in the filtration site and seven patients (30.4%) underwent Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture to deal with scleral reservoir reduction. Only one patient (4.3%) received surgical repositioning due to iris incarceration. The complete success rate and total success rate at 12 months were 69.6 and 95.7%, respectively.Conclusion: CLASS was a safe and effective approach for Chinese patients with POAG. Peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), iris incarceration, and scleral reservoir reduction were common causes of unexpected postoperative IOP elevation. Individualized Nd:YAG laser intervention helps to improve the long-term outcomes after CLASS.

Intraocular lens power calculation changes before and after isotonic collagen cross-linking in keratoconus patients.

Purpose:To find the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation changes before and after isotonic collagen cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconus patients.Methods:Thirty-five eyes of 25 patients who underwent isotonic CXL were included. The cases included conventional CXL (n = 16), accelerated CXL (n = 7), contact lens-assisted CXL (CACXL) (n = 9), accelerated CACXL (n = 3). All underwent ocular biometry (IOL master), corneal topography (Orbscan II), and simulated keratometry (Orbscan II) preoperatively and 1-year post CXL. Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), simulated keratometry (Sim K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and IOL power were analyzed in the overall data and then grouped based on flattening (Group A) and no flattening (Group B) of Sim K value post CXL procedure.Results:For the overall data, there was no significant change in IOL power (P = 0.05) at the end of 1 year, BCVA showed a significant increase (P < 0.01), and Sim K reading showed a statistically significant flattening (P = 0.001); ACD and AL showed insignificant change. In intergroup comparison, there was no statistically significant change in IOL power. However, in Group A, a significant change in BCVA and Sim K values was observed. In both groups (Group A and Group B), IOL power was found to be negatively correlated with AL and Sim K values.Conclusion:Isotonic CXL did not affect IOL power calculation at the end of 1 year. However, significant change in BCVA and sim K reading was noted.

Defining a Cutoff for Progression of Macular Holes.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine a cutoff for progression of idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (MH) size.MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients waiting 4 weeks for MH surgery. Two observers performed 3 repeat sets of MH size measurements on optical coherence tomography (OCT) high-density radial scans taken at first presentation and 4 weeks later before surgery. Primary outcome was the definition of a cutoff for true enlargement of MH size versus measurement error. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for change in minimum linear diameter (MLD) size and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).ResultsFifty-one patients were included with a mean MH size of 334 µm (±179 µm; range 39 to 793 µm). The cutoff for an increase in MLD size calculated as the outer confidence limit for the 99.73% limits of agreement was 31 µm. This was independent of MH size. Using this cutoff, MLD size increased in 9/34 (26.5%) of patients without and in 14 of 17 (82.4%) of patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT; P < 0.001). Mean BCVA deteriorated in patients in whom the MH had progressed from 0.62 (±0.23) logMAR to 0.82 (±0.29; P < 0.001), whereas there was no significant change in BCVA in patients without MH progression (P = 0.25). In 31% (16/51) of patients, classification of their MHs (small ≤250 µm, medium 251–400 µm, and large >400 µm) changed over the 4-week period.ConclusionsUsing a cutoff discriminates change from measurement error. A significant proportion of MHs progressed by 4 weeks, particularly in the presence of VMT.Translational RelevanceThe established cutoff enables clinicians to differentiate true MH enlargement from measurement error.

CRB1-Associated Retinal Dystrophies: A Prospective Natural History Study in Anticipation of Future Clinical Trials

To investigate the natural disease course of retinal dystrophies associated with crumbs cell polarity complex component 1 (CRB1) and identify clinical end points for future clinical trials. Single-center, prospective case series. An investigator-initiated nationwide collaborative study that included 22 patients with CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies. Patients underwent ophthalmic assessment at baseline and 2 years after baseline. Clinical examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts, Goldmann kinetic perimetry (V4e isopter seeing retinal areas), microperimetry, full-field electroretinography, full-field stimulus threshold (FST), fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Based on genetic, clinical, and electrophysiological data, patients were diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (19 [86%]), cone-rod dystrophy (2 [9%]), or isolated macular dystrophy (1 [5%]). Analysis of the entire cohort at 2 years showed no significant changes in BCVA (P=.069) or V4e isopter seeing retinal areas (P=.616), although signs of clinical progression were present in individual patients. Macular sensitivity measured on microperimetry revealed a significant reduction at the 2-year follow-up (P < .001). FST responses were measurable in patients with nonrecordable electroretinograms. On average, FST responses remained stable during follow-up. In CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies, visual acuity and visual field measures remain relatively stable over the course of 2 years. Microperimetry showed a significant decrease in retinal sensitivity during follow-up and may be a more sensitive progression marker. Retinal sensitivity on microperimetry may serve as a functional clinical end point in future human treatment trials for CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies.

Observation of retinal neovascularization using optical coherence tomography angiography after panretinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

BackgroundTo describe the longitudinal changes in retinal neovascularization elsewhere (NVE) as observed on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated by panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).MethodsEach patient included in this prospective clinical study was newly diagnosed with PDR and NVE confirmed by both fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and OCTA. They received four sessions of PRP using a multiwavelength laser. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCTA images of the NVE were obtained before each PRP session and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the PRP treatment. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to investigate the differences between the BCVA and NVE areas before and after PRP.ResultsThirty-two eyes of 32 patients with a mean age of 50.56 ± 7.05 years were included. We found a statistically significant reduction in the NVE area at all time points compared with the baseline except at 6 months (all P < 0.05). Further analysis demonstrated no statistically significant change in the NVE area between two adjacent timepoints except from baseline to post-1st PRP (P < 0.05). BCVA at 3 months showed a statistically significant improvement compared with baseline (P < 0.05), but no significant changes in BCVA were observed during the other visits.ConclusionsWe found an overall regression in the NVE area following PRP starting as early as 1 week after the 1st session and lasting up to 3 months. OCTA provides quantitative information on vascular changes and could be a practical method for the longitudinal evaluation of neovascularization.

Outcomes of three intravitreal injections of bevacizumab given monthly for diabetic macular oedema is a viable treatment for an economically disadvantaged population

Background: The treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) by intravitreal injection (IVI) of approved anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is costly and hence off label use of bevacizumab is practiced in spite of concerns about its safety.Aim: To examine the effect of three IVI of bevacizumab given monthly, on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) of eyes with DMO.Setting: Charity hospital attached to a medical college in India.Methods: Patients with centre involving DMO with BCVA ≤ 6/9 and CFT ≥ 260 microns were recruited prospectively, and three IVI bevacizumab given monthly (from a common vial). At four months BCVA and CFT were assessed and compared with baseline data. Side effects, if any, were recorded. Best corrected visual acuity was converted to logMAR units for statistical analysis. Student’s t-test were conducted to see statistically significant changes in BCVA and CFT.Results: A total of 50 eyes of 38 patients received three monthly IVI bevacizumab. Best corrected visual acuity (logMAR) improved from baseline mean of 0.80 ± 0.49 to final mean of 0.51 ± 0.36, which was significant (p = 0.0001). The mean baseline CFT (μm) improved from 448.40 ± 149.47 to 368.76 ± 131.49, which was significant (p = 0.0001). No cases of endophthalmitis were reported. Various factors such as diabetes duration and HbA1c (hemoglobinA1c) value were not found to be significant for the improvement in BCVA and CFT.Conclusion: Intravitreal injection bevacizumab given as three monthly injections was safe, economical and effective in the management of DMO.

Initial Ten Years of Experience with the Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant: A Retrospective Chart Review.

PurposeTo evaluate the initial ten years of results from the intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX) in patients treated for retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic macular edema (DME) or uveitis.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients receiving DEX since its FDA approval. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure and cataract status were collected. Baseline data were collected from the initial DEX and post-treatment data at the visit at least four weeks after the last DEX.ResultsIn total, 315 eyes received 1216 DEX over 63.9±4.6 weeks. In the branch RVO (n=90), central RVO (n=59) and DME (n=62) cohorts, BCVA improved significantly (p<0.05). The uveitis (n=154) cohort did not have a significant change in BCVA, 0.62±0.04 to 0.61±0.04 logMAR (p=0.34). Younger patients, vitrectomized eyes, and eyes without a history of glaucoma were associated with significantly better BCVA outcomes in the uveitis cohort (p<0.05). Overall, CMT decreased significantly from 376.6±6.8 to 322.7±5.0 µm (p<0.05). Intraocular pressure increased significantly (p<0.001) and the percentage of patients requiring anti-glaucoma medications increased from 33.0% to 67.6%. Of phakic eyes, 58.8% (n=63) had cataract progression or underwent surgery with those who underwent surgery experiencing a significant improvement in BCVA (p<0.05).ConclusionRepeated DEX over extended follow-up offers significant anatomic benefits to all cohorts. Visual benefits are only seen in RVO, DME and select uveitis demographics.

Evaluation of pre- and post-surgery reading ability in patients with epiretinal membrane: a prospective observational study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the pre- and post-surgery reading ability in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) to evaluate whether measurement of reading performance is a helpful test in addition to visual acuity (VA) as an assessment measure.MethodsThis prospective observational study involved 42 eyes of 40 patients with idiopathic ERM. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reading ability, and metamorphopsia score were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. As the outcome measure, the reading ability of each patient (i.e., overall performance) was examined with MNREAD-J, the Japanese version of the MNREAD reading acuity (RA) charts, to determine RA, critical print size (CPS), and maximum reading speed (MRS). Generally, a difference of 0.2 logMAR or more is considered a significant change in BCVA. Thus, as a subgroup analysis, we additionally evaluated the BCVA and reading ability of the patients with a BCVA difference of 0.1 logMAR or less between at baseline and at 12 months post-surgery.ResultsRelative to their values at baseline, the subjects exhibited significantly improved BCVA, RA, and CPS throughout the post-surgery examination period (P < 0.001) and significantly improved MRS at 12 months post-surgery (P = 0.04). No significant change in the vertical metamorphopsia score was observed throughout the post-surgery follow-up period. However, and compared to the value at baseline, significant improvements in the horizontal metamorphopsia score were observed at 3, 6 (P < 0.05), and 12 months (P < 0.001) post-surgery. In the subgroup analysis of the 23 eyes that exhibited a BCVA improvement of 0.1 logMAR or less, the median BCVA did not change, but the median RA and CPS improved by 0.2 logMAR.ConclusionsOur findings showed that the surgical removal of ERM improves reading ability, even when the BCVA score does not improve. The measurement of reading performance appears to be a helpful test in addition to VA as a measure for assessing the surgical removal of ERM.

Multilocus Mitochondrial Mutations Do Not Directly Affect the Efficacy of Gene Therapy for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

Clinical trials of gene therapy for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) were conducted in 9 volunteers with the mitochondrial mutation, G11778A in ND4. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether multilocus mitochondrial mutations directly influence the efficacy of gene therapy for LHON. Nine volunteers with LHON participated in a clinical trial with intravitreal injection of an adenoviral vector expressing wild-type ND4. Patients were subsequently divided into 2 groups: according to the differences in therapy efficacy and based on improvements in visual acuity. Full mitochondrial DNA sequences of the 2 groups of patients were generated and compared using PubMed, PolyPhen, and PROVEAN. Furthermore, the association between the detected mutations and clinical effects of gene therapy was analyzed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved (≥0.3 log of minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) in 7 patients 6 months after gene therapy, whereas there was no significant change in BCVA (<0.3 logMAR) of the remaining 2 patients. All 9 patients carried the G1178A mutation in addition to other nonsynonymous mutations. Among these mutations, some were predicted to be neutral and deleterious. Meanwhile, different mitochondrial mutations in the group in which treatment was ineffective, compared with those in responders, were at nucleotide positions 6569 (CO1; Patient 3), 9641 (CO3; Patient 3), and 4491 (ND2; Patient 5). Detection of the 3 primary mitochondrial mutations causing LHON is sufficient for screening before gene therapy; sequencing of the entire mitochondrial genome is unnecessary before treatment. Patients with LHON can respond to targeted gene therapy irrespective of additional multilocus mitochondrial mutations.

Trabeculectomy with Suprachoroidal Derivation in Eyes with Uncontrolled Glaucoma: A Case Series with a 24-Month Follow-up

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of trabeculectomy with suprachoroidal derivation in eyes with uncontrolled glaucoma after a 24-month follow-up period.MethodsThis was a prospective uncontrolled non-randomized case series. All patients scheduled for a trabeculectomy due to uncontrolled glaucoma at the “Instituto de Glaucoma y Catarata” (Lima, Peru) between 2011 and 2014 were included. Thee patients underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and suprachoroidal derivation with two autologous scleral flaps. Postsurgical follow-up visits took place on day 1, and at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications at each control were registered. Main outcome measures were IOP reduction, number of glaucoma medications and complication rate. Postoperative IOP of > 21 mmHg, < 5 mmHg, additional glaucoma surgery or severe complications were considered as indications of failure.ResultsThirty-three participants (41 eyes) were included in the study, of whom 27 (81.82%) (31 eyes [75.61%]) finished the 24 months of follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, mean IOP had decreased by 11.29 ± 9.32 mmHg (p < 0.001), and glaucoma medication usage in 25 (25/31; 80.65%) eyes had stopped. Ten (10/41; 24.39%) patients complained of blurred vision, and 15 (15/41; 36.59%) patients referred to foreign body sensation the first day after surgery; both sensations resolved spontaneously after 1 week in all cases. No failures, significant changes in BCVA (p = 0.387) or severe complications were found.ConclusionsIn this case series, trabeculectomy with suprachoroidal derivation exhibited high efficacy and safety after a 24-month follow-up. A larger sample with a control group is needed to confirm our initial findings.

Correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism by femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis.

We analysed one-year refractive results and the incidence of complications in patients with correction of low-to-high myopia or myopic astigmatism by femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) using femtosecond laser LenSx® (Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas, USA) aexcimer laserExcimer Amaris 500 (Schwind eye-tech-solutions GmbH and Co KG, Kleinostheim, Germany). To the retrospective study were included 171 eyes of 87 patients (38 men, 49 women) who underwent correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism by FS-LASIK in the outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital in Hradec Králové between 2013-2017. We assessed uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subjective refraction, central corneal thickness (CCT) in the thinnest point, patientssatisfaction and the incidence of complications in the one-year follow-up period. At the time of laser procedure the mean patientsage was 29,26 ± 6,47 years (range 18 to 46 years). In 21 eyes was corrected myopia (range -6,5 to -2,5 D sph) and in 150 eyes myopic astigmatism (range -8,75 to -0,25 D sph and -3,0 to -0,25 D cyl). The mean preoperative UCVA 0,06 ± 0,08 (range 0,02 to 0,8) got better to 1,12 ± 0,17 (range 0,8 to 1,5) at the end of follow-up period. There wasnt statistically significant change in BCVA between preoperative and postoperative values. Preoperative mean value of subjective refraction was -4,14 ± 1,43 D sph (range -8,5 to -1 D sph) and -0,57 ± 0,58 D cyl (range -3 to 0 D cyl) and after 12 months -0,02 ± 0,16 D sph (range -0,1 to 0,75 D sph) and -0,01 ± 0,1 D cyl (range -0,5 to 0,5 D cyl). The initial mean CCT was 554,76 ± 30,07 &#956;m (range 485 to 660 &#956;m), after 6 months 494,06 ± 34,99 &#956;m (range 421 to 594 &#956;m) and after 12 months 492,92 ± 34,55 &#956;m (range 411 to 592 &#956;m). We observed peroperative complications in 3 eyes. The suction loss of femtosecond laser occurred during flap creation due to sudden eye movement. Postoperatively in one case we enrolled flap pucker first postoperative day. In other case flap dislocation occurred after abdonimal surgery under general anesthesia which was performed 3 months after refractive procedure and we had to indicate flap reposition. The mean grade of patientssatisfaction was at the end of follow-up period 1,04. The most often complaints were the sensation of dry eye (10 patients) and blurry vision during computer working, inadequate lighting and fatique (6 pacients). According to our experience correction of low-to-high myopia or myopic astigmatism by using FS-LASIK is an effective, relatively safe and predictable method. The basic assumption of good postoperative results and patientssatisfaction is thorough and comprehensive preoperative examination with respect to indication criteria.