Short-term Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Brolucizumab Injection for Treatment-Naive Exudate Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Multicenter Study

Purpose@#To compare short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab injection with aflibercept in treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. @*Methods@#A total of 59 eyes from 59 treatment-naive nAMD patients in three hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Of which, 27 patients underwent intravitreal brolucizumab injections and 32 received aflibercept. After monthly consecutive three injections, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; in logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR]), central macular thickness (CMT), dry macula achievement rate, and intraocular inflammation (IOI) incidence were compared. @*Results@#After loading-phase treatment, BCVA was significantly increased from 0.48 ± 0.30 logMAR at baseline to 0.33 ± 0.21 logMAR at 3 months in the brolucizumab group (p = 0.002) and 0.40 ± 0.39 logMAR at baseline to 0.33 ± 0.36 logMAR at 3 months in the aflibercept group (p = 0.007). But there was no significant difference in BCVA improvement at 3 months between the two groups. CMT significantly decreased from 429.67 ± 250.59 μm at baseline to 210.67 ± 93.53 μm at 3 months in the brolucizumab group and from 346.69 ± 159.09 μm to 234.52 ± 83.42 μm in the aflibercept group (both p < 0.001). The amount of CMT reduction was significantly greater in the brolucizumab group after 3 months (p = 0.036). In typical AMD eyes, brolucizumab showed similar BCVA improvement but better CMT reduction at 3 months (p = 0.018). Dry macula achievement rate was not significantly different between the two groups. One IOI was observed in the brolucizumab group. @*Conclusions@#Intravitreal injections of brolucizumab and aflibercept showed similar anatomical and functional outcomes. But CMT reduction was greater in the brolucizumab group. One IOI was identified, which was tolerable for topical agents. These results suggest that brolucizumab could be a novel first line treatment option for treating naive nAMD patients.

Comparison of Visual Acuity and Retinal Thickness According to Membranectomy in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

PURPOSE: To compare the visual acuity and retinal thickness in patients with an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) after vitrectomy and membranectomy using two different methods.METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 77 eyes (32 eyes in the diamond-dusted membrane scraper [DDMS] group, and 45 eyes in the intraocular forceps [IOF] group) of 77 patients with idiopathic ERM who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and membranectomy. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR) and mean retinal thickness.RESULTS: In the IOF group, the BCVA at postoperative 1 week was significantly lower than at baseline and had improved at 12 weeks after surgery. In the DDMS group, the BCVA at postoperative 1 week showed no significant difference at baseline and had improved at 4 weeks after surgery. The central macular thickness at postoperative 6 months was significantly lower than at baseline (all, p < 0.001); there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.400). The postoperative macular thickness of the DDMS group was significantly lower than that of the IOF group in the inner inferior and outer inferior areas at postoperative 12 weeks and 4 weeks (p = 0.046 and p = 0.039, respectively). Five eyes of the DDMS group and 15 eyes of the IOF group developed cystoid macular edema, 14 eyes of that improved without treatment.CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ERM, the use of DDMS or IOF for vitrectomy and membranectomy both resulted in improved visual acuity and decreased mean retinal thicknesses.

A Case of Choroidal Osteoma with Subretinal Hemorrhage Improved by Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Aflibercept Injections

PURPOSE: To report a case of choroidal osteoma (CO) complicated by extensive subretinal hemorrhage treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and aflibercept injections. CASE SUMMARY: A 42-year-old female patient presented with decreased visual acuity and a temporal visual field defect in the left eye. The patient had a history of retinal hemorrhage in the left eye 3 years prior, which improved without any treatment. The patient's visual acuity had decreased to 0.6 at the initial visit. On fundus examination, orange-colored elevated lesions involving the superior peripapillary area with massive subretinal hemorrhage extending to the macular area were revealed. Optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and B-scan ultrasonography results indicated CO complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). With multiple intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and aflibercept (bevacizumab ×1, aflibercept ×2), the patient's visual acuity improved and the CNV lesion was kept stable without recurrence as of the 1-year follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab and aflibercept injections can be helpful in the treatment of CO complicated by CNV, by improving visual acuity and the retinal anatomy.

Fundus Photography with a Smartphone

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness, convenience, and possibility of using the medical records of fundus photography with a smartphone. METHODS: We used an ophthalmoscope to examine the images using a smartphone (iphone 6, Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) and +20D and +28D condensing lenses. Twenty-four subjects were selected for comparison with the conventional funduscopic camera. The posterior pole of the 45° range of the right eye and the fundus photograph taken using the smartphone were analyzed. We measured the distances between specific points on three photographs taken of the patient and calculated the photographing range. RESULTS: The +20 D lens was 0.80 ± 0.06 times smaller than that of the fundus camera and +1.12 ± 0.06 times bigger than that of the fundus photograph. When the area of the funduscope was converted to 45°, +20 D could visualize an area of 36.10 ± 2.82°, and +28 D could visualize a 50.56 ± 2.68° area. CONCLUSIONS: Without expensive equipment, a smart phone and a condensing lens can be used to easily perform fundus examination without the need for a special technique. Therefore, this technique is not only useful clinically, but also is very convenient for keeping medical records as fundus photographs.

Posterior Surface Opacification of a Silicone Intraocular Lens in a Patient with Asteroid Hyalosis

PURPOSE: In the present study, a case of posterior surface opacification of a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) in a patient with asteroid hyalosis (AH) is reported. CASE SUMMARY: 76-year-old male was referred to our clinic with IOL opacification in his left eye. The patient had uneventful cataract surgery 7 years prior with the same silicone IOL implanted in both eyes. Three years after surgery, posterior capsular opacity was observed in his left eye and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capulotomy was performed. After posterior capsulotomy, opacification of the IOL's posterior surface was observed on slit lamp examination. IOL exchange was performed and the explanted IOL was analyzed using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis of the deposits. The calcification was on the posterior surface of the IOL and composed mainly of calcium and phosphorus, the main components of AH. The right eye showed clear IOL with intact posterior lens capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons performing cataract surgery should consider the possibility of surface calcification of silicone IOLs in eyes with AH before IOL selection for implantation.

Unilateral Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Case Series and Literature Review

PURPOSE: We report 4 cases of unilateral retinitis pigmentosa (URP) with a literature review. METHODS: A retrospective, observational case series of 4 URP patients with no signs of bilateral involvement during the follow-up period of up to 5 years. RESULTS: The subjects were 4 female patients with an average age of 37 years. The mean follow-up period was 7 years. The subjects' blood analysis excluded any infective diseases. History of trauma or any family history of ocular diseases including retinitis pigmentosa was absent. The full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were normal in the unaffected eyes and the affected eyes showed markedly low or undetectable responses. Computerized visual field examinations were normal in the unaffected eyes, while 3 of the affected eyes had total visual field loss and 1 had concentric narrowing within 20 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: A long term follow-up of at least 5 years is required for diagnosis of URP to exclude a delayed onset in the unaffected eye. ERG is a reliable test to monitor the course of the disease and to confirm the diagnosis when uncertain. The etiology of URP is unknown although several studies regarding genetic causes that resulted in URP have been reported in recent years.

Ocular Manifestations of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

PURPOSE: To investigate the patterns and risk factors of the ocular manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their correlation with CD4+ count in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: This retrospective study examined 127 AIDS patients who presented to Soonchunhyang University Hospital. Data were collected from patient interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory investigations. Ophthalmologic examinations included the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior segment and adnexal examination, and dilated fundus examination. RESULTS: Of the 127 patients with AIDS, 118 were on HAART and 9 were not. The mean CD4+ count was 266.7 +/- 209.1 cells/microL. There were ocular manifestations in 61 patients (48.0%). The incidence of anterior segment manifestations was higher than posterior segment manifestations at 28.3% and 19.7%, respectively. The mean CD4+ count was significantly (p 35 years were independent risk factors for developing ocular manifestations.

The effect of dexmedetomidine sedation on patient and surgeon satisfaction during retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine sedation on patient's and surgeon's satisfaction during retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia. METHODS: Forty-four patients scheduled for elective retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into Dexmedetomidine (n = 22) and Control (n = 22) groups. Intravenous dexmedetomidine or 0.9% saline via infusion pump were administered continuously to the dexmedetomidine or control group, respectively. Ramsay sedation scale with a target level of 3-4 was used to assess adequacy of sedation. Perioperative pain, hemodynamic and respiratory data were collected, while satisfaction from patients and surgeon were assessed post-surgery using a 5-point satisfaction scale. RESULTS: Patient and surgeon satisfaction was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). The pain associated with sub-tenon's anesthesia and peripheral vitrectomy was lesser in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group (P = 0.020). There was significant reduction of heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.001), but only one patient needed treatment with atropine. There was no respiratory effect on both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine sedation during retinal surgery improved satisfaction from both patient and surgeon without respiratory complication. It is a safe and preferable choice of sedation for retinal surgery.

Clinical Features of Infectious Keratitis in West Coast Area of Chungcheongnam-do, Korea

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features of infectious keratitis in the western coastal area of Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. METHODS: We performed bacterial and fungal cultures in patients with findings of infectious keratitis. Any correlations between the culture results and the patients' place of residence, occupation, types of ocular trauma, contact lens wear, previous ocular disease, duration of treatment for complete recovery, time between the onset of symptom and beginning of treatment were evaluated. In addition, we assessed the antibiotic susceptibilities of the cultured organisms. RESULTS: We detected 34 (58.62%) among 58 cultures performed in 55 patients that were positive for organisms; 24 for Gram-positive bacteria, 17 for Gram-negative bacteria, 3 for fungi and 9 for polymicrobial infections. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) was the most frequent infection. The culture positivity rate was significantly higher (P=0.047) in patients with history of previous ocular disease but no correlations were detected with place of residence, type of ocular trauma or the timing of culture. The average treatment period was 33.95+/-30.59 days, which extended as the lesion size increased (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Pseudomonas species are considered to be the most frequent cause of infectious keratitis in Korea. However, in our study, CNS were the most frequent culture-positive organisms and visual prognosis was poorer in the culture-positive group.

The Role of Electroretinography in Assessing the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical significance of electroretinographic (ERG) responses, including the photopic negative response parameter, in assessing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Standard flash ERG was tested on 28 normal controls and 143 patients who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Of those, 97 patients had diabetic retinopathy in different stages. Electroretinography was performed according to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standards. Amplitudes and implicit times of ERG responses, including the photopic negative response (PhNR), were compared at different stages of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: Amplitudes of oscillatory potentials were significantly reduced in mild NPDR. Cone b-wave amplitude, 30--Hz flicker response, and PhNR were significantly reduced in moderate NPDR. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that oscillatory potentials are good indicators of retinal function change in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, and the appropriate results of the cone b-wave, 30-Hz flicker response and PhNR tests are good indicators of moderate NPDR.

Ulnar Neuropathy as a Complication of Retinal Detachment Surgery

PURPOSE: To report a case of ulnar neuropathy as an extraocular complication following retinal detachment surgery and face-down positioning. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with decreased visual acuity in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment not involving the macula in the left eye. A vitrectomy with scleral encircling and 18% SF6 gas tamponade was performed. The patient was instructed to assume a face-down position. After 5 days, the patient reported having paresthesia and numbness of the left 4th and 5th fingers. Neurologic exams were performed and the results indicated ulnar neuropathy. There was no improvement in the neurologic symptoms during the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons performing retinal surgery should caution their patients of ulnar neuropathy when face-down positioning is required. The patients should be instructed to minimize the time spent with their elbows flexed in a stationary position. Additionally, the pressure loaded on the bent elbow should be minimized.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy Combined With Surgical Removal of Anterior and Posterior Capsular Opacity

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and intraocular lens (IOL) stability of vitrectomy combined with the surgical removal of anterior capsular opacity (ACO) and posterior capsular opacity (PCO). METHODS: Forty-four pseudophakic eyes of 43 patients with retinal disorders underwent vitrectomy with surgical removal after cataract diagnosis. Nineteen eyes of 19 patients (group 1) had ACO and PCO removed while 25 eyes of 24 patients (group 2) had only PCO removed. Total removal of the entire lens capsule, except for the area around the haptics, was performed when capsular opacity with fibrosis was observed around the capsulorrhexis margin. LogMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraoperative complications and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: The retina was flat and postoperative BCVA improved in both groups. Intraoperative complications of IOL dislocation occurred in 3 eyes (15.8%) in group 1 and in 1 eye (4.0%) in group 2 (p=0.178). Among the 4 IOLs, 3 were open-loop haptic IOLs and 1 was a closed-loop haptic IOL. Late postoperative complications of IOL capture occurred in 1 eye (5.3%) in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of ACO and PCO for better visualization of the peripheral retina resulted in an improved visual recovery while intraoperative complications and postoperative complications were comparable to PCO removal alone. Removal limited to the optic zone would be more stable when considering any adhesion between the lens capsule and the IOL.