Treatment Results of Treatment-naïve Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration in Patients Over 85 Years of Age

Purpose@#To investigate the characteristics and treatment results of patients aged ≥ 85 years who were diagnosed with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). @*Methods@#The medical records of patients diagnosed with treatment-naïve nAMD who were ≥ 85 years old at the time of diagnosis with at least 12 months follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The number of intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and agents used during the entire period were investigated. Best-corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography results before and after treatment were analyzed. Visual acuity of the fellow eye was also collected. @*Results@#A total of 40 eyes of 40 patients with mean age of 87.5 ± 2.4 were included in the study. The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.85 ± 0.57, and the mean of the fellow eye was 0.93 ± 0.99. Compared to before the treatment, there was no significant difference after intravitreal injection in terms of visual acuity. Central retinal thickness showed significant reduction at all time points after treatment. @*Conclusions@#In patients aged ≥ 85 years at the time of diagnosis, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF prevented deterioration of visual acuity and showed successful anatomical outcomes. Especially, many had poor visual acuity in the fellow eye, suggesting the importance of maintaining visual acuity. Therefore, active treatment is necessary in the elderly.

Modified Rectangular Loop Suture for Refractory Pupillary Optic Capture of Scleral Fixated Intraocular Lens

Purpose@#To report a modified rectangular loop suture technique for patients with refractory pupillary optic capture after intraocular lens scleral fixation. @*Methods@#A modified rectangular loop suture was performed in four patients with persistent pupillary capture despite medication and laser iridotomy. A loop suture pattern was designed in the two quadrants without the scleral fixation knot. A 2 mm loop suture point was marked 2 mm away from the corneal limbus. The suture point was similarly marked in the opposite quadrants. Small conjunctival incisions were made at a marked point and a non-absorbable 10-0 prolene long needle was passed. The needle was inserted at the 1 o’clock position through the conjunctival incision and passed between the intraocular lens and the iris plane. Then it was withdrawn using a 26-gauge (G) syringe from the 8 o’clock position in the opposite quadrant. Similarly, the needle was passed from the 7 o’clock position under the conjunctiva, and pulled out of the sclera at the 2 o’clock position. It was then passed to the 1 o’clock position under the conjunctiva and a knot was made and buried. The operation was completed without closure of the conjunctival incision. @*Results@#In all four eyes, pupillary optic capture was corrected and remained stable without recurrence for an average of 7.25 months. @*Conclusions@#The modified rectangular loop suture may be useful for refractory pupillary capture cases. The procedure is relatively simple and minimizes scleral exposure to the conjunctival suture. It is expected that this may reduce patient discomfort.

One-year Results of Aflibercept Treatment for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy with Good Visual Acuity

Purpose@#To evaluate the one-year efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept injection in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20 / 40 or better. @*Methods@#This was a multicenter retrospective study. The medical records of patients diagnosed with treatment-naïve PCV were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with an initial BCVA of 20 / 40 or better and who had undergone intravitreal aflibercept injection were included. Patients were treated with three consecutive monthly injections, followed by pro re nata regimen according to the clinician’s discretion at variable interval visits. The proportions of eyes for which BCVA was maintained (≤ 0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution change) or improved at 12 months were evaluated. The changes of BCVA, central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), pigment epithelial detachment, and subretinal fluid also were assessed. @*Results@#A total of 86 eyes were included. The mean number of injections for 12 months of treatment was 5.4 ± 1.7. BCVA was maintained or improved in 94.2% (81 / 86) of cases. Mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) had changed from the baseline (0.23 ± 0.09) at 3 months (0.21 ± 0.14), 6 months (0.24 ± 0.22), and 12 months (0.20 ± 0.18), but with no statistical significance. CSMT had improved significantly from the baseline (336.1 ± 97.3 μm) at 3 months (223.6 ± 47.22 μm), 6 months (239.6 ± 64.2 μm), and 12 months (223.8 ± 47.9 μm). Pigment epithelial detachment was observed in 93% of cases at the baseline, 72.1% at 3 months, and 69.8% at 12 months, showing a significant decrease at all observation points. Subretinal fluid was observed in 91.9% of cases at the baseline, 20.9% at 3 months, and 29.1% at 12 months, showing a significant decrease at all observation points. @*Conclusions@#In cases of PCV with good visual acuity, intravitreal aflibercept injections decreased CSMT and were effective in maintaining visual acuity.

Survey of AREDS2 Formula Intake in Korean Patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose@#To investigate the use of second AREDS2 formula in patients with intermediate or advanced age-related macular degeneration. @*Methods@#A prospective survey was conducted between December 2019 and July 2020. The questionnaire consisted of 24 questions on demographics, disease perception, and formula intake. @*Results@#The survey included 100 patients (males, 56%; age [>60 years], 89%). We found that 66%, 84%, and 93% of patients had a good understanding of their disease, had stopped smoking, and were aware of the need for antioxidant supplements; 58% of patients were aware of the supplement they were prescribed, and 63.8% (37% of total) were using the AREDS2 formula. Only 8% of patients had knowledge regarding the supplement ingredients, and 91% consumed the supplement daily. Patients with long disease duration used supplements less frequently (p < 0.05). Older patients and those with a low education level had a limited perception of the disease (p < 0.05). @*Conclusions@#In this prospective survey, some patients consumed supplements other than the AREDS2 formula. Further studies are required to determine ways to increase the use of the AREDS2 formula.

New Method of Quantitative Analysis of Hard Exudate Using Optical Coherence Tomography: Application in Diabetic Macular Edema

PURPOSE: In the present study, the volume of hard exudates (HEs) was quantitatively measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the agreement and correlation with area of HEs in fundus photography were analyzed. METHODS: The medical records of patients with diabetic macular edema who underwent focal laser treatment and were followed up more than 3 months were retrospectively evaluated. An automated customized program designed for measuring HE volume was used. The HEs in each OCT B-scan binary image were measured using 512 × 128 pixels, 6 mm × 6 mm OCT cube scans. The volume was measured by summing the segmented HEs in each 128 B-scan image. The area was measured in 6 mm x 6 mm fundus photography. The volume and area were measured before and 3 months after the treatment. The agreement of increase and decrease in HEs, and the correlation of volume and area of HEs were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients (39 eyes) were included in the study. The volume was significantly reduced from 0.07978 to 0.02565 mm³ at 3 months (p < 0.001). The area was also significantly reduced from 15.35 to 8.60 mm² at 3 months (p < 0.001). The volume was decreased in 34 eyes and increased in 5 eyes. The area was decreased in 37 eyes and increased in 2 eyes. A significant correlation between volume and area was found (p < 0.001) as well as agreement between increase and decrease in volume and area. CONCLUSIONS: In the 3-dimensional quantitative volumetric analysis, the volume and area of HEs were correlated and the direction of increase and decrease was concordant. Considering the distribution of HEs in multiple layers of the retina, volumetric analysis could be considered a substitute for the analysis of HE area.

Poor Prognosis in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-associated Retinopathy

PURPOSE: To report a case of retinopathy in a patient with chronically resistant idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) associated with a poor prognosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 52-year-old female presented with a complaint of decreased visual acuity, which was 0.63 in both eyes. The patient had received a splenectomy, was receiving systemic treatment for chronic ITP, and had a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Multiple retinal and subretinal hemorrhages and Roth spots were found on fundus examination. Fluorescein angiography revealed microaneurysms and hemorrhages in all four quadrants of the retina. The patient's platelet count was 38,000/µL. The patient was diagnosed with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and ITP-associated retinopathy, and underwent panretinal photocoagulation. Sudden visual loss was noted 4 months later, at which time the patient's visual acuity was 0.1 in both eyes, and her platelet count was 7,000/µL. For 2 years, the patient's platelet count was not controlled, and remained between 12,000–19,000/µL despite active medical treatment. Macular edema did not improve with intravitreal triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and bevacizumab. Retinal hemorrhages were not absorbed and visual acuity decreased to light perception in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. CONCLUSIONS: ITP-associated retinopathy was associated with a poor prognosis when the systemic disease was not controlled.

Change in Axial Length in Highly Myopic Adults Using Partial Coherence Interferometry

PURPOSE: To investigate the change in axial length (AL) in highly myopic adults using partial coherence interferometry, and to identify the factors associated with the increase in AL. METHODS: Medical records of highly myopic adults (≥ −6 diopters [D] or AL ≥ 26.0 mm) were retrospectively reviewed. The AL of each patient was measured using partial coherence interferometry at least three times over 2 years, and the yearly change in AL was calculated. Associations between age, AL, choroidal thickness, and the rate of AL change were evaluated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients (4 males, 20 females) and 44 eyes were included in this study. The mean age was 54.9 ± 10.4 years, the initial AL was 29.335 ± 2.006 mm, the choroidal thickness was 72.7 ± 41.80 µm, the average spherical equivalent was −11.86 ± 3.85 D (−5.1~−22.0 D), and the mean follow-up period was 2.2 ± 0.5 years. A significant increase in AL of ≥0.05 mm was observed in 38 eyes (86.4%) at 2 years. The mean AL was significantly increased, to 29.409 ± 2.007 mm (p < 0.001), at 1 year and to 29.476 ± 2.028 mm (p < 0.001) at 2 years. The average rate of AL change was 0.071 ± 0.049 mm (−0.01~0.19 mm) per year. None of the included factors showed an association with the rate of AL change in multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, an increase in AL in highly myopic adults was more frequent than in previous reports using A-scan. Periodic measurements are therefore recommended for the early detection of complications.

Rapid Progression of the Epiretinal Membrane after Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection

PURPOSE: To report a case of rapid progression of the epiretinal membrane following intravitreal aflibercept injection in a patient with exudative age-related macular degeneration. CASE SUMMARY: An 82-year-old female presented with a complaint of decreased visual acuity in her left eye for 1 month. The initial best-corrected visual acuity was 0.2 in the left eye. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography revealed soft drusen with retinal hemorrhage of the macula and a transparent epiretinal membrane in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography showed retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) of the left eye, so intravitreal aflibercept injection was performed. One month after the first injection, intraretinal cystic macular edema decreased, while transparency of the epiretinal membrane decreased and reflectivity and thickness of the membrane increased. After two additional injections of aflibercept, RAP showed improvement, whereas the epiretinal membrane progressed. Visual acuity of the left eye decreased to 0.1 and vitrectomy of the membrane was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Careful observation for potentially rapid progression of epiretinal membrane is needed after intravitreal aflibercept injection in the management of exudate age-related macular degeneration accompanied by epiretinal membrane.

Vitrectomy versus Intravitreal Antibiotic Injection to Treat Acute Endophthalmitis Developing after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of vitrectomy plus intravitreal antibiotic injection (vitrectomy group) with intravitreal antibiotic injection alone (antibiotic group) for eyes with acute endophthalmitis developed after cataract surgery with visual acuity of hand motion or better. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review, we compared the visual acuities of 10 eyes of a vitrectomy group and 17 eyes of an antibiotic group. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension), time of symptom onset, time of diagnosis, type of systemic antibiotic prescribed, or positive culture rate. Mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was similar in the two groups (2.17 vs. 1.96 logMAR; p = 0.60). Both groups exhibited significant improvements in mean BCVA after 2 months: from 2.17 to 0.81 logMAR in the vitrectomy group (p = 0.01) and from 1.96 to 0.76 logMAR in the antibiotic group (p = 0.002), but the final BCVA did not differ significantly between the two groups (0.81 vs. 0.76 logMAR, p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Both vitrectomy combined with intravitreal antibiotic injection and intravitreal antibiotic injection alone significantly improved visual acuity; the final BCVA did not differ between the two groups. Intravitreal antibiotic injection alone may be an effective first-line treatment for endophthalmitis in patients with initial visual acuity of hand motion or better.

Posterior Vitreous Structures Evaluated by Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography with En Face Imaging

PURPOSE: To evaluate posterior vitreous structures using swept-source (SS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) with en face imaging. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed OCT images of healthy individuals who did not have intra-ocular disease. We obtained high-definition horizontal and vertical line scans crossing the fovea and 3D scans using SS-OCT, with the 3D scan centered between the fovea and the optic-nerve head. An enhanced vitreous visualization function was used to highlight vitreous structures. En face mode was used to measure the area of Martegiani (AM) and bursa premacularis (BP). We performed all measurements using a built-in function of the viewing software. RESULTS: We enrolled 24 eyes from 12 healthy individuals. The mean patient age was 28.7 ± 4.6 years (range, 24 to 39 years). The mean AM and BP areas were 5.73 ± 0.88 and 18.76 ± 6.95 mm2, respectively. In en face imaging, AM shape was most frequently a vertical oval (18 / 22, 81.8%), while the predominant BP shape was round (16 / 20, 80.0%). AM was in contact with the optic disc, either at the temporal-disc margin (13 eyes, 59.1%) or the nasal optic-disc margin (9 eyes, 40.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior vitreous structures, such as AM and BP, were readily visualized using en face imaging with SS-OCT. Investigating normal vitreous configuration might help in understanding changes in vitreous structures associated with retinal pathology.

Clinical Manifestation and Outcomes of Neuroretinitis in Korea

PURPOSE: In the present study, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of neuroretinitis in Korea were investigated. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with neuroretinitis from 2012 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The present study included 9 eyes of 7 patients. The subjects consisted of 5 males and 2 females and the mean age was 45.1 ± 13.2 years. Two patients had Influenza-like symptoms and the others had no specific general symptoms. The mean best corrected visual acuity was logMAR 0.48 ± 0.55 (0-1.6) on the initial visit. Four patients 40 years of age or under had no abnormal findings in laboratory work-up. Conversely, 3 patients over 40 years of age were positive for Toxocara based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two of 3 patients positive for Toxocara were treated with albendazole and 1was not. Eight eyes had good visual recovery over 20/30 except for 1 patient who did not take the albendazole despite being positive for Toxocara detected using ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: Three of 7 patients with neuroretinitis in Korea showed positive results for Toxocara based on ELISA. In cases with seropositive Toxocara ELISA results, albendazole treatment should be considered.

Vascular Displacement in Idiopathic Macular Hole after Single-layered Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Surgery

PURPOSE: To compare vascular displacement in the macula after surgical closure of idiopathic macular hole (MH) after single-layered inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique and conventional ILM removal. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent either vitrectomy and ILM removal only or vitrectomy with single-layered inverted ILM flap for idiopathic MH larger than 400 µm from 2012 to 2015. A customized program compared the positions of the retinal vessels in the macula between preoperative and postoperative photographs. En face images of 6 × 6 mm optical coherence tomography volume scans were registered to calculate the scale. Retinal vessel displacement was measured as a vector value by comparing its location in 16 sectors of a grid partitioned into eight sectors in two rings (inner, 2 to 4 mm; outer, 4 to 6 mm). The distance and angle of displacement were calculated as an average vector and were compared between the two groups for whole sectors, inner ring, outer ring, and for each sector. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the ILM flap group and 22 in the ILM removal group. There were no statistical differences between the groups for baseline characteristics. The average displacement in the ILM flap group and the ILM removal group was 56.6 µm at −3.4° and 64.9 µm at −2.7°, respectively, for the whole sectors (p = 0.900), 76.1 µm at −1.1° and 87.3 µm at −0.9° for the inner ring (p = 0.980), and 37.4 µm at −8.2° and 42.7 µm at −6.3° for the outer ring (p = 0.314). There was no statistical difference in the displacement of each of the sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative topographic changes showed no significant differences between the ILM flap and the ILM removal group for idiopathic MH. The single-layered ILM flap technique did not appear to cause additional displacement of the retinal vessels in the macula.

Lens-Save Versus Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Lens Implantation in Primary Vitrectomy for Phakic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: To compare lens-save and simultaneous phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in primary vitrectomy for phakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: A retrospective comparative analysis of 54 consecutive eyes from 54 phakic RRD patients who underwent vitrectomy with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up was performed. The patients were divided into the vitrectomy group and the combined group (patients who underwent vitrectomy with concurrent cataract surgery). The main outcome measures were the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anatomical success rate, complications and cataract status according to LOCSIII grading. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, except for age and cataract status. The mean age was 46.9 year in the vitrectomy group (n = 20) and 60.5 years in the combined group (n = 34) (p < 0.001). The postoperative BCVA (log MAR) improved from 1.27 and 1.30 at baseline to 0.45 and 0.28 at 12 months (p < 0.05), respectively, which was not a significant difference between the 2 groups. In the vitrectomy group, cataract status was changed from 1.8 at baseline to 2.5 at 12 months (p = 0.001). Two patients (11.1%) had an additional cataract surgery performed. The primary anatomical success rate was 90.0% in the vitrectomy group and 94.1% in the combined group. CONCLUSIONS: The vitrectomy group and combined group had similar results in the repair of phakic RRD. Although postoperative cataract progression was noted, lens should be saved in vitrectomy for young patients, as significant cataract is uncommon.

A Case of Yokoyama Procedure in Myopic Strabismus Fixus

PURPOSE: To present a surgical result of Yokoyama procedure in myopic strabismus fixus. CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old female patient presented with progressive esotropia and diplopia. According to the Krimsky test, the patient showed 70 prism diopter esotropia and 30 prism diopter hypotropia in her left eye. The axial length was 34.97 mm in the right eye and 33.71 mm in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with myopic strabismus fixus. The authors performed the Yokoyama procedure on her left eye. Surgical examination revealed each medial rectus muscle was recessed. Half of the muscle bellies of the superior and lateral rectus muscles were sutured together without muscle splitting 15 mm posterior from their insertion. At 1 year postoperatively, the patient showed 30 prism diopter esotropia and 20 prism diopter hypotropia in her right eye by alternative prism cover test. The authors performed the same procedure on her right eye. At 2 months after the second surgery, the patient showed orthotropia in the primary position and gaze limitation was improved. CONCLUSIONS: The Yokoyama procedure can be an effective method for improving deviation and ocular motility in esotropia caused by high myopia.

A Case of Pigmentary Glaucoma after Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE: To report a case of secondary pigmentary glaucoma after implantable contact lens (ICL) implantation successfully treated with trabeculectomy without ICL removal. CASE SUMMARY: A 29-year-old woman presented with refractory intraocular pressure (IOP) increase in both eyes. IOP was 22 mm Hg in the right eye and 39 mm Hg in the left eye. The patient received posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation in both eyes 22 months prior. Slit lamp examination revealed patent iridotomy sites in both eyes. Gonioscopy revealed open angles with 4-degree pigment deposits on the trabecular meshwork in both eyes. Ultrasound biomicroscopy examination confirmed contact between ICL and the posterior surface of the iris. In spite of well tolerated medical therapy and selective laser trabeculoplasty, IOP was 46 mm Hg in her left eye. Trabeculectomy was performed in her left eye without ICL removal. At 6 months postoperative, IOP measured 6 mm Hg without any anti-glaucoma medication and bleb was maintained in good condition in the left eye. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this case study indicate that ICL implantation can lead to secondary pigmentary glaucoma and trabeculectomy without ICL removal may help to decrease the IOP.

Clinical Features of Orbital Cellulitis in Children

PURPOSE: The present study reviews the clinical features of orbital cellulitis in childhood for early diagnosis and proper treatment. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective study by computed tomography (CT) on children under 14 years of age diagnosed with orbital cellulitis and admitted to Pusan National University Hospital from 2003 to 2010. RESULTS: In total, 27 patients were identified (range 4 months to 14 years). Periorbital swelling was the most common initiating symptom, followed by fever and conjunctival injection. Paranasal sinus disease was the most common predisposing factor. Preseptal cellulitis was the most common finding, followed by subperiosteal abscess, orbital cellulitis, and orbital abscess. All patients underwent a blood culture; none were positive. Intravenous antibiotics therapy was performed empirically and was effective in all cases. No patients suffered from permanent complications except recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital cellulitis in children presents with periorbital swelling, fever, conjunctival injection in association with sinusitis, and upper respiratory infection (URI). A CT study is a reliable diagnostic option for the early detection and localization in the pediatric orbital cellulitis. Early empirical antibiotic therapy is mandatory for successful treatment.

Short-Term Clinical Outcomes of Pterygium Treatment with Conjunctival Flap Advancement

PURPOSE: The present study reviewed the surgical outcomes of conjunctival flap advancement with pterygial tissue excision in primary and recurrent pterygium. METHODS: In a retrospective survey of 169 eyes of 169 patients who underwent pterygial tissue excision and conjunctival flap advancement surgery, after a three-month follow-up minimum, history of pterygium surgery, surgical outcomes, recurrence rates, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 74 male and 95 female patients. The mean age was 56 +/- 11.93 years (range: 31-81 years). One hundred and forty eyes were considered as primary pterygium without history of surgery and 29 eyes were considered as recurrent pterygium. In the cases of primary pterygium, 139 eyes were treated after the surgery without recurrence (success rate: 99.2%) and one recurred case was localized to the sclera. Among the 29 eyes with recurrent pterygium, 26 eyes were treated without recurrence (success rate: 89.7%) and 3 recurred cases were localized to the sclera. There were no significant complications related to the surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival flap advancement surgery with pterygial tissue excision was an effective method in primary and recurrent pterygium treatment and showed low recurrence and minimal complications.