Bevacizumab versus Dexamethasone Implant Followed by Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Macula Edema Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To compare visual and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) treatment for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab administered monthly on a pro re nata (PRN) basis (26 eyes, IVB group) or an initial 700-µg dexamethasone implant followed by a bevacizumab PRN injection (20 eyes, IVD group) for treatment of macular edema associated with BRVO. We compared best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT). We also measured ellipsoid zone recovery rate and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer volume within the center 6 mm zone. A linear mixed model analysis was performed to compare serial changes in BCVA and CMT. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA and significant reduction in CMT. However, BCVA in the first month was significantly better in the IVD group (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, IVD group 0.21 ± 0.26 vs. IVB group 0.39 ± 0.30, p = 0.038) and the 1-month CMT was thinner in the IVD group (IVD group 270.0 ± 62.0 µm vs. IVB group 338.9 ± 122.6 µm, p = 0.028), and these trends were maintained during the 6-month follow-up. The IVD group showed more rapid macular edema resolution (p = 0.049); however, there were no significant differences in ellipsoid zone recovery rate (p = 0.268) or ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer volume between the two groups (p = 0.459). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in final visual or anatomical outcomes between the two groups; however, initial dexamethasone implant injection followed by bevacizumab PRN injection initially showed more rapid improvement in vision and BRVO-associated macular edema resolution compared to intravitreal bevacizumab administered monthly on a PRN basis.

Correction of Hypertropia Coexisting with Intermittent Exotropia

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical features associated with hypertropia and report the surgical outcomes of hypertropia coexisting with exotropia. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 148 patients with intermittent exotropia coexisting with hypertropia over 4 PD who received exotropia surgery. The cases accompanied by apparent paralytic strabismus such as superior oblique palsy were excluded. Patients were divided into group I(clinically diagnosed hypertropia) and group II (non-specific hypertropia) and the clinical features of coexisting hypertropia and surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 148 patients, group Iconsisted of 38 patients (26%) and group II of 110 patients (74%). The average amount of preoperative hypertropia angle in primary gaze was 9.58 +/- 3.89 PD and 6.62 +/- 2.69 PD in group I and II, respectively. Group I included 12 patients with dissociated vertical deviation (DVD), 10 patients with unilateral inferior oblique overaction, 13 patients with asymmetric bilateral inferior oblique overaction and 3 patients with superior oblique overaction. Group II included 19 patients with comitant hypertropia (17%), head tilt positive pattern (simulated superior oblique palsy) was found in 84 patients (76.3%) and variable incomitance was observed. In group I, 29 patients received simultaneous horizontal muscle with hypertropia surgery. Postoperative hypertropia angle in group I was 1.41 +/- 2.93 PD and 4 cases were considered surgical failure. In group II, hypertropia was resolved with horizontal muscle surgery only and the amount of postoperative hypertropia was 0.45 +/- 1.60 PD. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, vertical deviations in intermittent exotropia with concomitant hypertropia related to obvious oblique muscle dysfunction or DVD were corrected effectively by oblique or vertical rectus muscle surgery. Nonspecific hypertropia can be resolved after horizontal muscle surgery alone, however, for precise differential diagnosis, careful examination for variable clinical features is necessary before determining surgery.

A Case of Canaliculocele Treated with Punctoplasty and Marsupialization

PURPOSE: Canaliculocele is a rare cause of eyelid mass which is formed by dilation of the canaliculus. We introduce a case of canaliculocele treated with punctoplasty and marsupialization. CASE SUMMARY: A 35-year-old woman visited our clinic complaining of a right medial upper eyelid mass. It started 3 months ago and had the wax and wane feature. On slit lamp examination, cystic lesion was visible in the medial area of the right upper eyelid, and the punctum was obscure. Right upper canaliculus was not shown in dacryocystography. One-snip punctoplasty was performed for the diagnosis, and turbid contents were drained leading to collapse of the cyst. After diagnosis of canaliculocele, marsupialization was added by excision of the posterior wall of the mass. On histopathologic examination, the cystic wall was composed of nonkeratinized squamous epithelium with an attenuated superficial cell layer. The patient healed without recurrence of a cyst after 6 months of follow up.