Vitreous Haze Research Articles

Infectious endophthalmitis: review of 420 cases

BackgroundTo characterize the causative pathogens and the visual outcomes among patients with endophthalmitis at a large referral center in northeastern Thailand.MethodsAll cases of infectious endophthalmitis treated between 1983 and 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. The patient data – including age, sex, history of ocular injuries, previous treatment and duration of the symptoms – were recorded. The ocular examination included affected side, anterior chamber reaction, vitreous haze, and presence of intraocular foreign bodies. Smears and cultures were prepared from anterior chamber paracentesis and/or vitreous tapping. Intraocular antibiotics were administered at the time of anterior chamber paracentesis and/or vitreous tapping. Vitrectomy and/or lensectomy were performed when indicated. Initial visual acuity before treatment and the final best-corrected vision were compared.ResultsA total of 420 cases of endophthalmitis were reviewed: 181 cases (43.1%) had ocular trauma before the infection; 135 (32.2%) developed endophthalmitis after intraocular surgery; and, 122 (29.1%) had a positive culture. Bacteria were isolated in 114 cases (93.4%) and fungi were noted in eight (6.6%). The common causative bacterium was Staphylococcus epidermidis. Combined vitrectomy and intraocular antibiotics were performed in 189 cases (45.0%), whereas 69 cases (16.4%) were treated with intraocular antibiotics alone.ConclusionMost of the reviewed cases were associated with trauma and intraocular surgery. The most frequently encountered bacterium causing infectious endophthalmitis was S. epidermidis. Most cases were treated with combined vitrectomy and intraocular antibiotics. The final visual outcomes seem to vary according to the type of endophthalmitis.

Silicone oil induced high astigmatism in a pseudophakic vitrectomized eye

A 66-year-old male lawyer with dropped whole nucleus during phacoemulsification procedure. He was hepatitis C virus positive, international normalized ratio 1.5, prothrombin concentration 60%, and coagulation time 15.5 s. Positive predictive value was done, nucleus was removed with sleeveless phaco needle through pars plana, an AcrySof three piece intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in the ciliary sulcus. Postoperative sustained vitreous haze required silicone oil injection. One day postoperatively, vision was counting fingers again, opened posterior capsule, clear fundus details. Refraction revealed: −8 × 120 astigmatic error correcting the patient to 0.2 vision (decimal fraction) with uniocular diplopia; as the patient claimed. Corneal topography revealed minimal corneal astigmatic error. By revising patient's clinical data, the IOL was perfectly in the sulcus supported by a remarkably thick anterior capsule. The capsulorhexis opening has changed into an oval one with a long axis almost the same as that of negative cylinder, 2 months later silicone oil was removed. The unaided vision of this eye returned to 0.9 to be corrected to 1.0 with +0.75 cylinder at 20.

Immune recovery uveitis masked as an endogenous endophthalmitis in a patient with active CMV retinitis.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis may occur in profoundly immunocompromised patients and be the initial AIDS-defining infection. The incidence and prevalence of CMV retinitis has declined substantially in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); nevertheless, it remains a leading cause of ocular morbility. We report the case of a 40-year-old man with blurred vision and pain in the right eye, three weeks after the initiation of effective HAART treatment. Ocular examination revealed a panuveitis causing an anterior chamber reaction with hypopyon and a dense vitreous haze. An endogenous endophthalmitis was suspected and treatment was ensued, without improvement. A vitreous tap was performed, and a positive polymerase chain reaction for CMV was found. A diagnosis of immune recovery uveitis (IRU) was made, and the patient responded to treatment with valganciclovir and dexamethasone. IRU is an intraocular inflammation that develops in patients with HAART-induced immune recovery and inactive CMV retinitis, although cases of active CMV retinitis have been described. Presentation with panuveitis and hypopion is rare and may be misleading regarding diagnosis and management.

Visual recovery after managing traumatic cataracts

Dear Editor, We read with interest the article on, ‘Visual recovery and predictors of visual prognosis after managing traumatic cataracts in 555 patients’ by Shah et al.[1] There are few points on which we would like some clarifications, based on the data provided in the manuscript. Recruitment of subjects Authors have described high frequency of penetrating injuries in their study. However, the exclusion of patients with closed injuries associated with retinal detachment and secondary glaucoma implies an obvious bias and explains the high frequency of penetrating injuries seen in the cohort. Classification of cataract While classifying traumatic cataracts, it is not clear how cataracts with anterior capsular tear and localized cortical opacification in the visual axis but without loose cortical matter in anterior chamber were classified and whether such eyes were included in the study cohort. Cataract surgery The manuscript states that in all cases of corneal wound repair, traumatic cataract was managed as a second procedure. We would like to know how eyes with anterior capsular rupture with flocculent lens matter in anterior chamber managed. It would be pertinent for the authors to describe their technique of surgical management of cataract and anterior vitrectomy. Also it is not clearly understood whether capsulectomy and vitrectomy were performed in all adults only to overcome the significant vitreous haze. The manuscript makes no mention of zonular dialysis and subluxated cataract, which is a common associated pathology in cases of ocular trauma.[2] Follow-up A six weeks follow-up is inadequate to comment on the long-term complications of ocular trauma or to assess advent of amblyopia in children under seven years. Injuries to other ocular structures It is not clearly understood what the authors imply as ‘Missing’ in Table 4.[1] Also it is difficult to believe that none of the 555 patients developed any traumatic optic neuropathy. On the contrary, the presence of an afferent pupillary defect has been described as an indicator of poor visual outcome in cases with traumatic cataract.[3] Reason for failure in improvement in vision No reason for failure of improvement in visual acuity was noted in 202 (36.4%) patients, which is more than one-third of the study cohort. How do the authors explain this unusual observation in their study? Also what were included in the other causes noted in seven patients in the study? Conclusion Without taking into consideration the posterior segment complications, concluding that open globe injury has a favorable prognosis for satisfactory visual recovery after the management of traumatic cataract is too simplistic and sends out an incorrect message to the readers.

An atypical case of HLA-B27-associated uveitis with hypopyon and posterior segment involvement

The presence of a hypopyon and posterior segment involvement are uncommon clinical findings in HLA-B27-associated uveitis. Furthermore, first-time attacks rarely occur in the elderly. This report highlights an atypical uveitis case involving an older patient, an evident hypopyon and severe intermediate uveitis in one eye.
 The 60-year-old Caucasian male was admitted for a painful, red eye with a sudden decreased vision to hand motion, in the affected eye. Ocular and systemic history were unremarkable. An anterior chamber examination of the eye revealed extensive cells and flare with a conspicuous hypopyon. An evaluation of the posterior segment revealed significant vitreous haze, obstructing all view to the retina. Despite the age and the atypical ocular findings of the patient, a diagnosis of HLA-B27-associated uveitis was made following an extensive clinical and laboratory evaluation. The inflammatory condition was successfully managed with a combination of intravenous, topical and oral corticosteroids tapered over the course of a few weeks, and visual acuity recovered to 20/30.
 This case is an important reminder that atypical signs, such as a hypopyon or intermediate uveitis, can occur and may be a significant sign of HLA-B27-associated uveitis. Clinicians should be aware of the diverse manifestations of HLA-B27-associated uveitis and be careful to include a comprehensive assessment of both the anterior and posterior segments of any presenting painful, red eye.

Increased serum levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (sTNFR2) in patients with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis

This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of the cytokine TNF-α and its soluble receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in patients with toxoplasmosis retinochoroidits (TR) and controls. 37 patients with TR and 30 subjects with positive serology for toxoplasmosis but without history and signs of uveitis were included in this study. Serum concentrations of TNF-α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were determined by ELISA. Serum concentrations of TNF-α and sTNFR1 were similar in controls (mean ± SD median values; 56.57±141.96 and 504.37±163.87, respectively) and TR patients (mean ± SD values, 121.62±217.56 and 511.15±189.30, respectively). Serum concentrations of sTNFR2 were higher in the uveitis group when compared to the control group (respectively, mean ± SD values, 1734.84±379.32 and 1442.75±309.47; p=0.002). There was no association between the serum levels of the molecules and the time of first symptoms, severity of vitreous haze, size or localization of active lesions, levels of visual acuity, and presence of vasculitis. These results suggest that TR is associated with changes in the circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers, but they are not correlated with local/ocular signs.

Acute Retinal Necrosis Secondary to Varicella Zoster Virus in an Immunosuppressed Post-Kidney Transplant Patient

A woman, aged 42 years, presented to the ophthalmologist complaining of right eye redness, tearing, photosensitivity, and blurred vision of a 1-month duration. Her past medical history was significant for a kidney transplant for which she was immunosuppressed with mycophenolate mofetil 750 mg twice a day and prednisone 10 mg daily. Ophthalmologic examination of the right eye revealed visual acuity of 20/60, intraocular pressure of 16 mmHg, scleral injection, and a significant inflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber. Funduscopy revealed vitreous haze, optic nerve edema, arteriolar sheathing and attenuation, and peripheral 360° of retinal whitening – a clinical picture consistent with retinitis (figure 1). The left eye examination was entirely normal. Figure 1 (A) Examination of the fundus on day of presentation shows peripheral whitening and vasculitis as evidenced by optic nerve edema, vitreous haze, and retinal arteriolar narrowing. The decrease in clarity of the photograph is secondary to the vitreous haze, ... The differential diagnosis for retinitis in an immunocompromised host includes acute retinal necrosis (ARN), progressive outer retinal necrosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and toxoplasmosis. Less common causes of acute retinitis include syphilis,1 Bechet's disease, and lymphoma. Aqueous fluid obtained from the anterior chamber was sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) viral DNA analysis, and the patient was treated with 2 mg of ganciclovir injected intravitreally on the day of presentation. A 2-week course of renal-dose adjusted intravenous (IV) acyclovir was started with subsequent regression of the retinal whitening (figure 2). Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection with a viral load of 6.5 × 107 IU was later confirmed with PCR of the aqueous fluid. The vision initially improved to 20/40 in the right eye. She was transitioned from IV acyclovir to oral valacyclovir. Figure 2 (A) After treatment with anti-viral medication, there is regression of retinal whitening and atrophic retinal tissue. (B) Areas of regression are indicated by white asterisks. The arterioles that previously were narrowed, indicated by the white arrows, ... Seven weeks later, the patient developed a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that was diagnosed after she complained of an abrupt decrease in vision. Despite successful surgical reattachment of the retina with pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckle, and silicon oil, the patient's vision remained at light perception level only. Necrotizing herpetic retinopathies are caused by VZV, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, CMV, and rarely, Epstein Barr virus. A spectrum of clinical presentations may occur depending on the virus and the host's immunity.2 Immunosuppressed patients are at risk for development of necrotizing retinopathies typically associated with immunocompromised states, such as CMV retinitis and progressive outer retinal necrosis. They may also develop syndromes that are typically seen in immunocompetent hosts, such as ARN. Acute unilateral decrease in vision, photophobia, and eye pain are the usual presentations of ARN.3 The key feature seen on examination is white-yellow, multifocal, peripheral patches that later coalesce into diffuse areas of full-thickness, peripheral retinal necrosis.4 Other signs of ocular inflammation including vitritis, vasculitis, optic disc edema, keratic precipitates, and posterior synechiae may also be seen. Untreated ARN results in blindness from retinal scarring, retinal detachment, or optic atrophy; therefore, ARN is an ophthalmic emergency. One-third of patients develop the disease in the fellow eye within one month of presentation, if left untreated.5 The diagnosis of ARN is made on the basis of clinical appearance, and antiviral treatment should be initiated promptly. Timely referral to a uveitis or retina specialist experienced in the care of such patients and collaboration with an infectious disease specialist are essential.

Voclosporin: newer analyses of a randomized, controlled trial for noninfectious uveitis

AbstractPurpose To provide an overview of the voclosporin clinical development program for noninfectious uveitis involving the posterior segment.Methods Two trials, LX211‐01 (active uveitis) and LX211‐02 (clinically controlled, quiescent uveitis), were conducted for noninfectious uveitis involving the posterior segment. All trials were dose‐ranging and double‐masked. Study LX211‐01 enrolled 218 patients with active, posterior segment uveitis. The co‐primary efficacy endpoints were mean change from baseline in vitreous haze (VH) score after 16 and 24 weeks of therapy or at time of rescue, if earlier. Study LX211‐02 enrolled 232 patients with clinically quiescent posterior segment uveitis. The primary endpoint for this study was the proportion of patients who experienced an inflammatory exacerbation.Results In Study LX211‐01, the voclosporin 0.4 mg/kg group BID demonstrated statistically significant differences from placebo in the co‐primary endpoints, Week 16 and Week 24 (p=0.008 at 16 weeks, p=0.027 at 24 weeks). Analyses of important subpopulations, support the effect of voclosporin on severe uveitis. In Study LX211‐02, voclosporin 0.4 mg/kg BID reduced the rate of recurrence of inflammatory exacerbation in patients with quiescent disease by up to 50% over a 26‐week period.Conclusion In Study LX211‐01, clinically meaningful reduction in vitreous haze with strong statistical significance was observed. The response to treatment with voclosporin was early and sustained. In Study LX211‐02, there was an up to 50% reduction vs. control in inflammatory exacerbation recurrence rate. Voclosporin safety is consistent with the class and is manageable with routine monitoring. Commercial interest

Classification of uveitis

AbstractPurpose Classification and standardization of uveitis is important, as it enhances the precision and comparability of clinical research from different centers and assists in the development of a complete picture of the course of the disorders and their response to treatmentMethods Attempts have been made to standardize some aspects of uveitis, and various classification criteria, inflammation grading schema, and outcomes criteria have been described.Results The most widely used classification of uveitis is the one devised by the International Uveitis Study Group (IUSG) in 1987, based on the anatomical location of the inflammation. This classification includes anterior uveitis (iritis, iridocyclitis, and anterior cyclitis), intermediate uveitis (pars planitis, posterior cyclitis, and hyalitis), posterior uveitis (focal, multifocal, or diffuse choroiditis, chorioretinitis, retinitis, and neuroretinitis) or panuveitis (anterior chamber, vitreous, retina, and choroid). In 2005, the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) Working Group standardized a grading schema for aspects of intraocular intraocular inflammation, that is, anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare, and vitreous haze, was developed. Standardized definitions of outcomes, including reporting visual acuity outcomes, were approved.Conclusion Today’s uveitis nomenclature has been revised regarding the anatomical location and the grade of inflammation, and supplemented by the inclusion of definitions for onset, duration and course.

Unilateral Terson syndrome. Outcome after early vitrectomy

AbstractPurpose To report the clinical features and the results after an early vitrectomy of a case of a Terson syndrome following an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhageMethods 32 years old male with decreased visual acuity (VA) of the right eye (RE) of evolution difficult to determine. As recent precedent a month before stands out a subarachnoid and parenchymal hemorrhage secondary to ruptured aneurysm of the right medial cerebral artery, treated by external ventricular drainage and posterior surgical clipping with satisfactory outcome. The examination revealed visual acuity of light perception in RE and funduscopy shows widespread vitreous haze with impossibility of glimpse the retina, with fibrinous‐looking condensationsResults Suspecting Terson syndrome a pars plana vitrectomy is performed with aspiration of subhyaloid bleeding in the posterior pole. The patient achieved a VA of 0.9 and the funduscopy shows the demarcation zone of ancient bleeding in the posterior poleConclusion Terson's syndrome is the combination of intraocular bleeding and subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to rupture of an aneurysm. The bleeding can be intraretinal, subretinal or vitreal. It is a commonly underdiagnosed pathology. It is associated with worse neurological prognosis with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. However, vitreous hemorrhage is usually resolved spontaneously within a few months, and generally has good long‐term visual prognosis. But early vitrectomy is indicated in bilateral cases, persistent bleeding or proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Study Assessing Double‐masKed Uveitis tReAtment (SAKURA)

AbstractPurpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal injections of DE‐109 ophthalmic suspension.Results Primary Outcome Measures: Proportion of subjects with vitreous haze score [Time Frame: 5 months] [Designated as safety issue: Yes]Conclusion Study Design: Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor) Primary Purpose: Treatment

Intravitreal Infliximab for Sight-Threatening Relapsing Uveitis in Behçet Disease: A Pilot Study in 15 Patients

To assess the safety and to conduct a preliminary assessment of efficacy of intravitreal infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody, for sight-threatening relapsing uveitis in Behçet disease. Prospective, noncomparative, interventional pilot study. A single intravitreal injection of infliximab (1 mg/0.05 mL) was given to 15 patients with relapsing posterior uveitis at the onset of a unilateral attack. Best-corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber cells, vitreous haze, and posterior eye segment inflammation were assessed at baseline and at 1, 7, 14, and 30 days after treatment. Ocular or extra-ocular side effects were not observed. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution, 0.74; range, 0.15 to 1.7) improved significantly by day 7 and continued to improve through day 30 after infliximab (mean, 0.30; P < .0001). Profound decreases in anterior chamber cells and vitreous haze (both P < .0001), as well as beneficial effects in retinal vasculitis (P = .0001) and retinitis (P = .001) were evident through day 30. Cystoid macular edema persisted in 9 of 11 eyes affected, but central macular thickness decreased from a baseline mean of 434 to 309 mm at the end of follow-up (P < .0001). Lack of systemic treatment at baseline in 4 patients or background immunosuppressive medications, which remained unchanged during follow-up, did not influence significantly these responses; additional treatment was not required. These findings suggest that intraocularly produced or acting tumor necrosis factor, or both, is crucial in Behçet disease-associated relapsing uveitis and that intravitreal infliximab should be considered when systemic administration is not feasible or contraindicated. Further studies may identify patients for whom intravitreal infliximab is preferable to systemic treatment.

Rabbit Ocular Reactivity to Bacterial Endotoxin Contained in Aqueous Solution and Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices

To describe the ocular reactivity of the rabbit to bacterial endotoxin contained in an aqueous medium and in a cohesive and a dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). Experimental, randomized animal study. Seventy-five New Zealand white rabbits. This study was performed using 75 rabbits to evaluate the ocular reactivity to bacterial endotoxin contained in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS), a cohesive OVD, and a dispersive OVD. For each test material, 25 rabbits were randomized into 5 groups and were exposed to the test material containing 0.75 endotoxin units (EU), 0.25 EU, 0.08 EU, and 0.02 EU of endotoxin or the vehicle control. The rabbits in each group received bilateral intracameral injection of 0.05 ml of the same test material. All eyes were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 24, 48, and 72 hours after injection. At 24 and 72 hours, slit-lamp biomicroscopy (and additionally indirect ophthalmoscopy) was performed through dilated pupils. Corneal clouding, anterior chamber (AC) flare, cells and fibrin, vitreous haze and cells, cells and fibrin on lens surface, lens opacities, and onset time. The inflammation seen after exposure to the 3 endotoxin-spiked materials followed the same general time course. Anterior chamber cells, flare, iris hyperemia, and conjunctival congestion were seen as early as 3 hours. They started to diminish after 6 hours (DPBS eyes) and 9 hours (OVDs) and were not detectable at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. The AC inflammation was more severe in the OVD eyes than in the DPBS eyes. Anterior chamber fibrin was seen in the OVD eyes only, which persisted through 72 hours in many eyes. A trend toward a dose-response relationship was seen for AC cells and flare and the presence of cells and fibrin on the lens surface in all 3 treatment groups in the first 24 hours. Inflammation was seen after intracameral injection of as little as 0.02 and 0.08 EU in OVD and DPBS eyes, respectively. Observed responses to intracamerally injected endotoxin in OVDs were more severe and of longer duration than those in aqueous medium.

Evaluation of Intraocular Reactivity to Metallic and Ethylene Oxide Contaminants of Medical Devices in a Rabbit Model

To evaluate the intraocular reactivity to metallic and ethylene oxide (EO) contaminants of ophthalmic devices in rabbits. Two experimental animal studies. Thirty-five New Zealand white rabbits. A metallic exposure study and an EO exposure study were performed. In the first study, both eyes of 25 rabbits were equally allocated to intracameral injections of alumina 0.2 μg, alumina 20 μg, copper sulfate 0.4 μg, copper sulfate 20 μg, or an aqueous control. In the second study, 10 rabbits were allocated (5 per group) to receive intracamerally an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) exposed to EO or not exposed to EO (control). All eyes were examined by slit lamp at baseline and 3, 6, 9, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exposure, with dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy being performed at 24 and 72 hours. Tonometry was performed only in the first study. Grade of corneal clouding, anterior chamber (AC) flare, AC cells, AC fibrin, iridal hyperemia, cell and fibrin on the lens surface, vitreous haze and cells, lens opacities, intraocular pressure, and onset time. For metallic compounds at the study's low doses, mean inflammatory grades were 0.2 or less above the control for all responses at all time points. For the high-dose alumina, mean inflammatory grades peaked at 6 to 9 hours at 0.5 to 0.7 above the control responses for conjunctival congestion, iris hyperemia, AC cells, flare, and fibrin and declined over the remaining time points. For the high-dose copper sulfate, mean inflammatory grades peaked between 3 and 24 hours at 1.2 to 1.8 above the control responses for conjunctival congestion, iris hyperemia, AC cells, flare, fibrin, and corneal clouding, then subsequently declined. The intraocular pressure changes appeared significant for only high-dose copper sulfate, with mean declines of 4.3 to 7.5 mmHg at 6 to 72 hours. No clinically meaningful differences in ocular inflammation were observed between the OVD exposed to EO and the OVD not exposed to EO. Alumina and copper sulfate did not cause clinically meaningful ocular inflammation at the low study levels (levels expected with ophthalmic devices). Ethylene oxide exposure of an OVD was not associated with inflammation.

Detecting Endotoxin Contamination of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices: Intracameral versus Intravitreal Assays in Rabbits

To compare the sensitivities of intracameral and intravitreal assays in the rabbit model to determine the relative adequacy of these methods in detecting bacterial endotoxin contamination of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs). Experimental, randomized animal study. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits. Rabbits were randomized into 4 groups to receive a cohesive or a dispersive OVD via intracameral or intravitreal injection. All 40 treated eyes (10 eyes of 5 animals in each group) received bilateral injection of OVD spiked with bacterial endotoxin at 7.0 endotoxin units/ml. All eyes were evaluated by slit-lamp biomicroscopy for inflammatory response at 3, 6, 9, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exposure. Eyes that received intravitreal injection were also dilated at 24, 48, and 72 hours and were re-examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Conjunctival inflammation, anterior chamber (AC) flare, cells and fibrin, vitreous haze and cells, iridal hyperemia, corneal clouding, lens opacities, and onset times. Intracamerally injected eyes frequently showed conjunctival congestion, AC cells and flare, iridal hyperemia, and fibrin within 6 hours. Up to 80% showed AC cells and flare at 9 hours, and up to 70% showed fibrin at 24 hours. These signs diminished within 48 hours. Fibrin and cells also were seen on the lens surface of most of the eyes. Intravitreally injected eyes showed no signs of inflammation within 24 hours, other than some conjunctival inflammation. After the 24-hour time point, in addition to some conjunctival inflammation, some other signs of inflammation were observed infrequently in the intravitreally injected eyes, including minor vitreous cell reaction in 2 eyes. Although there was 1 dispersive OVD-treated eye with cells and fibrin on the lens capsule at 48 hours, no aqueous cells or flare were seen in the AC of any intravitreally injected eyes at any time during the course of the study. The rabbit intravitreal assay, when limited to 72 hours, does not seem to have adequate sensitivity to detect endotoxin reliably in OVDs.

Twenty-five gauge vitrectomy in uveitis

To evaluate anatomical and functional results of 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy in patients with uveitis. Vitrectomy was performed on 20 eyes with residual vitritis secondary to infectious and noninfectious uveitis. Patients were evaluated 1 week before surgery and after surgery at day 1, week 1, week 4 and week 12. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, anterior chamber cells and flare and vitreous haze were measured. Mean VA improved from 2.06 ± 0.94 logMAR before surgery to 0.58 ± 0.46 logMAR at week 12 (p<0.05). No case required conversion to standard 20-gauge instrumentation or suture placement, no intraoperative complications were noted. Transient postoperative hypotony was seen in three eyes. One patient with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis had a relapse during follow-up. 25-gauge vitrectomy has proven its efficacy on cleansing vitreous opacities and improving visual acuity on patients with residual vitritis secondary to uveitis with minimal postoperative inflammation and complications.

Combined anterior and posterior scleritis associated with central retinal vein occlusion: a case report

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to report an uncommon presentation of anterior and posterior scleritis with central retinal vein occlusionMethodsWe report a 30-year-old female presenting with unilateral anterior and posterior scleritis with concurrent central retinal vein occlusion, the subsequent work-up, and the management. The patient presented with decreased vision and extraocular and intraocular inflammatory signs in the left eye.ResultsAt presentation, the best corrected visual acuity in the right eye (OD) was 20/20 and left eye (OS) was perception of light, with inaccurate projection of rays in all quadrants. Intraocular pressure was 12 mmHg in both eyes. OS showed mild proptosis with lid edema. Ocular movements were free and full in both eyes. The bulbar conjunctiva showed nodular anterior scleritis. OS showed mild vitreous haze with an exudative detachment at the posterior pole, disc edema with dilated, congested and tortuous veins and multiple dot blot hemorrhages, flame-shaped hemorrhages, and soft exudates throughout the posterior pole and mid-periphery An ultrasound B scan showed a large hypoechoic area in the sub-Tenon’s space (T-sign) suggestive of periocular fluid collection and thickened sclero–choroidal complex. Orbital ultrasound did not show evidence of any orbital mass or any increase in extraocular muscle thickness. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed few areas of pinpoint hyperfluorescence in the early phase with leakage in the late phase, leakage from the optic disc and vascular staining and pooling of dye in areas of exudative detachment in the late phases in the left eye. Systemic work-up was within normal limits. The patient responded well over the next month with systemic and topical steroids showing complete resolution of the scleritis and exudative retinal detachment.ConclusionSimultaneous anterior and posterior scleritis with concurrent central retinal vein occlusion is a rare entity requiring prompt diagnosis and systemic work-up for efficient management

Clinical Features of Newly Diagnosed Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Northern Thailand

To characterize the clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in northern Thailand. Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. We recorded characteristics of 52 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with CMV retinitis at a tertiary university-based medical center in northern Thailand. Indirect ophthalmoscopy by experienced ophthalmologists was supplemented with fundus photography to determine the proportion of eyes with various clinical features of CMV retinitis. Of the 52 patients with CMV retinitis, 55.8% were female. All were HIV-positive. The vast majority (90.4%) had started antiretroviral therapy. CMV retinitis was bilateral in 46.2% of patients. Bilateral visual acuity worse than 20/60 was observed in 23.1% of patients. Of 76 eyes with CMV retinitis, 61.8% had zone I disease and 21.6% had lesions involving the fovea. Lesions larger than 25% of the retinal area were observed in 57.5% of affected eyes. CMV retinitis lesions commonly had marked or severe border opacity (47.4% of eyes). Vitreous haze often was present (46.1% of eyes). Visual impairment was more common in eyes with larger retinitis lesions. Retinitis lesion size, used as a proxy for duration of disease, was associated with fulminant appearance (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.51) and marked or severe border opacity (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.67). Based on lesion size, retinitis preceded antiretroviral treatment in each patient. Patients seeking treatment at a tertiary medical center in northern Thailand had advanced CMV retinitis, possibly because of delayed diagnosis. Earlier screening and treatment of CMV retinitis may limit progression of disease and may prevent visual impairment in this population.

Post-cataract outcomes in patients with noninfectious posterior uveitis treated with the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant

PurposeTo describe visual acuity (VA) and inflammation following cataract surgery in eyes with noninfectious posterior uveitis (NIPU) that were being treated with a fluocinolone acetonide (FA) intravitreal implant compared with those that were not.DesignPost hoc, subgroup analysis of data from a 3-year, dose-masked, randomized, multicenter trial evaluating the FA implant for the treatment of NIPU.Participants and controlsThe subset of eyes that underwent cataract surgery during the 3-year trial. Eyes were either implanted with a 0.59- or a 2.1-mg FA implant, or, in the case of affected fellow eyes, received standard-of-care local treatment.Main outcome measuresVA, anterior and posterior chamber inflammation at 1 and 3 months after surgery, and rate of uveitis recurrence and serious postoperative ocular adverse events.ResultsOf 278 patients enrolled in the main trial, 132/142 phakic implanted eyes and 39/186 phakic non-implanted eyes underwent cataract surgery. Mean improvement in VA was significantly greater in implanted than non-implanted eyes at 1 (P = 0.0047) and 3 months (P = 0.0015) postoperatively; significantly fewer anterior chamber cells were seen in implanted than non-implanted eyes at 1 (P = 0.0084) and 3 months (P = 0.0002). Severity of vitreous haze was less in implanted than non-implanted eyes at 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.0005). The postsurgical uveitis recurrence rate was lower in implanted than non-implanted eyes (26.5% vs 44.4%; P = 0.0433). Glaucoma was reported in 19.7% of implanted eyes and no non-implanted eyes (P = 0.0008) postoperatively.ConclusionIn this post hoc subgroup analysis, eyes with NIPU treated with the FA intravitreal implant demonstrated better vision and less intraocular inflammation following cataract surgery than non-implanted eyes. Recurrent uveitic inflammation did not appear to be triggered by cataract surgery. Glaucoma occurred more frequently in implanted eyes.

Intermediate Uveitis in a Pediatric Italian Population

Purpose: To investigate clinical data, outcome, and treatment of intermediate uveitis in children.Methods: Retrospective cohort study, including 116 children affected by intermediate uveitis.Results: Sixty-two percent of patients were males. Ocular involvement was bilateral in 84%. Mean age at uveitis onset was 10.3 ± 3.6 years and 12.2 ± 7 years at first visit. Ninety-seven percent were classified as having idiopathic uveitis. The incidence of ocular complications during follow-up was 0.131/eye-year. Macular edema or a marked vitreous haze at presentation may be risks factors for incident visual loss. The most frequent causes of visual loss were macular edema (64%) and cataract (21%).Conclusions: Most cases are idiopathic (pars planitis); only few children presented associated systemic disease. Macular edema and severe vitritis at presentation are associated with increased risk of visual impairment. Cystoid macular edema is the main cause of visual impairment.