Bilateral Frosted Branch Angiitis in Anti-phospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Purpose@#We report a case of bilateral frosted branch angiitis caused by anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome.Case summary: A 60-year-old female complained of worsening vitreous floaters and decreased visual acuity in both eyes. The initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8 in the right eye and 0.05 in the left. On slit-lamp examination, inflammatory findings were observed in the anterior chamber and vitreous body of both eyes. On fundus examination, vascular sheathing in the shape of a frosted branch was observed in the posterior pole and peripheral retina in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography indicated macular edema in the left eye. Staining and leakage of dye along the vascular sheathing were observed in both eyes with fluorescein angiography. On suspicion of panuveitis, we conducted a blood test and started eye drops and oral steroid therapy. However, vitreous inflammation, macular edema, and vascular sheathing increased; thus, we proceeded with systemic steroid therapy. We conducted blood tests at 8-week intervals; lupus anticoagulant was negative but anticardiolipin antibody and anti- ß2 glycoprotein-I antibody were positive. We diagnosed the patient with bilateral frosted branch angiitis caused by anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome. During the follow-up period, the BCVA remained steady at 0.5 in the right eye and 0.3 in the left eye, without symptom recurrence. @*Conclusions@#Bilateral frosted branch angiitis, a rare disease, is known to respond well to systemic steroid treatment. However, if accompanied by primary anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, as in the case presented, it may have an atypical prognosis.

Repeatability of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Measurements in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose@#To analyze the repeatability of vessel density (VD) measurements and manual foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) without macular edema. @*Methods@#The study population consisted of patients with RVO and central macular thickness @*Results@#A total of 48 eyes were included in the study. The ICCs of the VDs in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) were 0.748 and 0.665, respectively, and the CVs of the VDs in SCP and DCP were 9.1% and 12.6%, respectively. The ICCs associated with the FAZ of the superficial layer (SFAZ) and that of the deep layer (DFAZ) were 0.965 and 0.956, respectively, and the CV of the SFAZ and DFAZ were 8.8% and 9.7%, respectively. From Pearson correlation analyses, OCTA quality was significantly correlated with the CV of the VDs of SCP and DCP. However, there were no variables that were significantly correlated with the CV of SFAZ and DFAZ, including OCTA quality. @*Conclusions@#VD measurements in the SCP layer using OCTA exhibited good repeatability, and VD measurements in the DCP layer exhibited relatively low repeatability compared to that of SCP layer measurements in patients with RVO without macular edema after treatment with bevacizumab. Manual measurement of the FAZ area in both SCP and DCP layers resulted in good repeatability. In addition, the repeatability of VD measurements in SCP and DCP layers was correlated with OCTA image quality.

Repeatability of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Measurements in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose@#To analyze the repeatability of vessel density (VD) measurements and manual foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) without macular edema. @*Methods@#The study population consisted of patients with RVO and central macular thickness @*Results@#A total of 48 eyes were included in the study. The ICCs of the VDs in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) were 0.748 and 0.665, respectively, and the CVs of the VDs in SCP and DCP were 9.1% and 12.6%, respectively. The ICCs associated with the FAZ of the superficial layer (SFAZ) and that of the deep layer (DFAZ) were 0.965 and 0.956, respectively, and the CV of the SFAZ and DFAZ were 8.8% and 9.7%, respectively. From Pearson correlation analyses, OCTA quality was significantly correlated with the CV of the VDs of SCP and DCP. However, there were no variables that were significantly correlated with the CV of SFAZ and DFAZ, including OCTA quality. @*Conclusions@#VD measurements in the SCP layer using OCTA exhibited good repeatability, and VD measurements in the DCP layer exhibited relatively low repeatability compared to that of SCP layer measurements in patients with RVO without macular edema after treatment with bevacizumab. Manual measurement of the FAZ area in both SCP and DCP layers resulted in good repeatability. In addition, the repeatability of VD measurements in SCP and DCP layers was correlated with OCTA image quality.

Comparison of Retinal Layer Thicknesses of Highly Myopic Eyes and Normal Eyes

Purpose@#To evaluate the differences in individual segmental retinal layer thickness in adult patients with high myopia. @*Methods@#This study compared the retinal layers of patients with high myopia (axial length of ≥26.0 mm) with those of normal controls using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The thicknesses of the retinal layers were compared using nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields. Choroidal thickness was also measured in the subfoveal area. @*Results@#We included 37 eyes with high myopia and 37 eyes of healthy subjects. The mean age was 42.95 and 47.73 years (p = 0.114), and the mean axial length was 27.28 and 24.47 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. The parafoveal areas (outer ring segment) of the ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer, all segmental areas except the subfoveal region of the inner nuclear layer, most segmental areas (inner superior, inner inferior, outer superior, outer temporal, and outer nasal) of outer plexiform layer, and most segmental areas (subfovea, inner temporal, inner inferior, inner nasal, outer temporal, and outer inferior) of outer nuclear layer were thinner in eyes with high myopia than in normal eyes (all p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the levels of photoreceptor layer, retinal pigment epithelium, and nerve fiber layer. The mean choroidal thickness was 153.81 ± 64.80 and 239.54 ± 44.28 μm in the high myopia and control groups, respectively, which were significantly different (p < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#In high myopia without pathologic changes, there was a meaningful thinning of the retina and choroid, especially in most Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfield areas of the deep vascular complex, perifoveal area of the superficial vascular complex, and most areas of the outer nuclear layer in the outer retinal layer, which are associated with myopic axial elongation.

Repeatability of Manual Measurement of Foveal Avascular Zone Area in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Images in High Myopia

Purpose@#To analyze the repeatability of manual measurement of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in an optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) image in high myopia. @*Methods@#This study comprised patients with high myopia and controls. Two consecutive FAZ areas of the superficial and deep capillary plexus were obtained using OCTA. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were assessed, and univariate and multivariate generalized linear mixed models were conducted to identify factors related to repeatability. @*Results@#Thirty eyes with high myopia and 34 eyes of healthy subjects were included in the study. The mean age in high myopia and control subjects was 55.5 and 60.8 years, respectively, the mean spherical equivalent was −9.98 and −0.55 diopters, and the mean axial length was 28.0 and 23.9 mm. The ICCs of FAZ area of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) were 0.891 and 0.919, while the CVs were 8.8% and 8.5%. In measurement of the deep capillary plexus, the ICCs were 0.788 and 0.907, while the CVs were 11.2% and 11.0%, which were acceptable but exhibited lower repeatability than those of SCP. Multivariate analyses showed that older age (p = 0.030) and greater axial length (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with lower repeatability of SCP FAZ area measurements. In addition, greater axial length (p = 0.044) was a significant factor for lower repeatability of deep capillary plexus FAZ area measurements. @*Conclusions@#Manual measurement of FAZ area using OCTA exhibited relatively good repeatability for high myopia. Age and axial length affected repeatability and should be considered when analyzing FAZ areas in high myopia patients.

Effect of 0.1% Bromfenac for Preventing Macular Edema after Cataract Surgery in Patients with Diabetes

0.05). Mean changes in central macular thickness showed significant differences at 1 and 4 months postoperatively (−1.44 ± 11.72 and 10.44 ± 22.48 µm in bromfenac group vs. 47.19 ± 70.24 and 31.69 ± 48.04 µm in control group, p 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with 0.1% bromfenac sodium hydrate ophthalmic solution showed good efficacy for preventing cystoid macular edema early after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes.

Comparison of Retinal Layer Thicknesses of Highly Myopic Eyes and Normal Eyes

Purpose@#To evaluate the differences in individual segmental retinal layer thickness in adult patients with high myopia. @*Methods@#This study compared the retinal layers of patients with high myopia (axial length of ≥26.0 mm) with those of normal controls using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The thicknesses of the retinal layers were compared using nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields. Choroidal thickness was also measured in the subfoveal area. @*Results@#We included 37 eyes with high myopia and 37 eyes of healthy subjects. The mean age was 42.95 and 47.73 years (p = 0.114), and the mean axial length was 27.28 and 24.47 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. The parafoveal areas (outer ring segment) of the ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer, all segmental areas except the subfoveal region of the inner nuclear layer, most segmental areas (inner superior, inner inferior, outer superior, outer temporal, and outer nasal) of outer plexiform layer, and most segmental areas (subfovea, inner temporal, inner inferior, inner nasal, outer temporal, and outer inferior) of outer nuclear layer were thinner in eyes with high myopia than in normal eyes (all p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the levels of photoreceptor layer, retinal pigment epithelium, and nerve fiber layer. The mean choroidal thickness was 153.81 ± 64.80 and 239.54 ± 44.28 μm in the high myopia and control groups, respectively, which were significantly different (p < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#In high myopia without pathologic changes, there was a meaningful thinning of the retina and choroid, especially in most Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfield areas of the deep vascular complex, perifoveal area of the superficial vascular complex, and most areas of the outer nuclear layer in the outer retinal layer, which are associated with myopic axial elongation.

Risk Factor Analysis of Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed with Non-mydriatic Fundus Camera: KNHANES V

PURPOSE: To clarify the relationship between various factors (sociodemographic factors, health behavioral risk factors and health status, and diabetic factors) related to diabetic retinopathy and to suggest improvements regarding the associated medical examination. METHODS: The subjects were 1,444 diabetic patients diagnosed in the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), aged 19 years or older, who underwent non-mydriatic fundus photography. The criteria for diagnosing diabetes were a fasting glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL and a previous diagnosis of diabetes or currently undergoing treatment. The diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy followed the modified Airlie House classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses of diabetic retinopathy were performed. RESULTS: Among the 1,444 patients who were diagnosed with diabetes, 277 had diabetic retinopathy; the prevalence rate was 19.18%. The higher the body mass index, the lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy by 0.924 times (p = 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.883–0.966). The longer the duration of diabetes, the greater the risk of diabetic retinopathy; the prevalence period group of more than 11 years had a 26.025-fold higher risk than the newly diagnosed group (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 10.840–62.482). The risk of diabetic retinopathy increased with the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level; the risk was 5.973-fold higher in the group with HbA1c above 11.0% (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 2.984–11.956) compared with the group with HbA1c < 6.0%. The risk of diabetic retinopathy was 2.050-fold greater with insulin injections (p = 0.003; 95% CI, 1.284–3.275). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of diabetic retinopathy was higher in patients with a longer duration of diabetes, a high HbA1c level, and in those using insulin. These findings highlight the need for early education and ophthalmologic examinations for at-risk patients.

The Thickness of Each Retinal Layer and Visual Acuity after Vitrectomy in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the thickness of each retinal layer using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and investigated the correlation between the thickness of each retinal layer and postoperative visual acuity in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: This retrospective study included 46 eyes from 46 patients with idiopathic ERM who underwent pars plana vitrectomy. Each retinal layer thickness was measured by spectral-domain OCT before operation and at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation. The thickness of each retinal layer was evaluated in the control group before the operation. We performed an analysis of the changes in thickness of each retinal layer at 6 months after operation and then investigated the correlation between the retinal layer thickness and visual improvement. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the ERM group showed more increased compared with that in the control group, and the thickness of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium were decreased compared to those in the control group. At 6 months after the operation, thickness changes were reduced at the RNFL, ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), GCL-IPL complex, and outer plexiform layer, while the photoreceptor layer increased compared with the values preoperatively. Differences in the preoperative thickness of GCL between the two groups had a significant correlation with postoperative visual acuity (r = 0.477, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in preoperative thickness of the GCL between the two groups had a significant correlation with postoperative visual acuity. The greater was the thickness of the GCL, the worse was the visual outcome.

Female Hormone Factors Associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration in Menopausal Korean Women: KNHANES V

PURPOSE: To investigate whether endogenous and exogenous female hormone exposures were associated with risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This study included 4,479 postmenopausal females aged 45 years and older who completed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) V. The participants were divided into 4 groups: subjects with AMD, subjects without AMD, subjects with early AMD, and subjects with late AMD. Variables associated with endogenous and exogenous female hormone exposures were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 4,479 participants, 516 were found to have AMD and 3,963 were normal. There was no significant difference between the AMD and normal groups execpt for age in the risk analysis. Of the total 516 AMD participants, 488 had early AMD and 28 had late AMD. Women with AMD who had used oral contraceptives longer in the past had significantly higher odds of late AMD than early AMD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.013, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002–1.024). Increasing number of children was also associated with decreased odds of late AMD (OR = 0.672, 95% CI: 0.506-0.893). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that exposure to endogenous and exogenous female hormones may influence the risk of AMD progression.

Primary Repair of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Using 25-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 46 consecutive eyes of 46 patients who underwent 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy to repair primary RRD. Outcome measures included single surgery anatomical success rate, final anatomical success rate, postoperative visual acuity, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Forty eyes were phakic and six eyes were pseudophakic. Twenty-six eyes had superior quadrant retinal tear, 12 eyes had inferior quadrant tear and eight eyes had both. The mean operation time was 56.3 minutes. The single surgery anatomical success rate was 93.48% (43/46). Two eyes with recurrent retinal detachment underwent fluid gas exchange: one received barrier laser treatment in the outpatient clinic, and the other underwent reoperation; the final success rate was 100%. The best corrected visual acuity improved from 1.34 log MAR to 0.48 log MAR (p < 0.01) in macula - off patients (30 eyes) and from 0.32 log MAR to 0.07 log MAR (p = 0.279) in macula - on patients (16 eyes). Postoperative complications included wound leaking (two eyes), cataract progression (13 eyes), vitreous hemorrhage (one eye), transient hypotony (one eye), and increased intraocular pressure (seven eyes). CONCLUSIONS: Primary repair of RRD using 25-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy resulted in an excellent final anatomical success rate and postoperative visual outcomes.

A Case Report of Primary Vitrectomy in Multiple Bilateral Retinal Capillary Hemangiomas Accompanying Epiretinal Membrane

PURPOSE: To report the clinical result of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) as the primary treatment in a patient with multiple bilateral retinal capillary hemangiomas (RCH) accompanying epiretinal membrane (ERM). CASE SUMMARY: A 17-year-old female patient visited our clinic for decreased bilateral vision 4 days in duration. At the first visit, the vision in her right eye was 20/25 and, 20/100 in her left eye. Bilateral multiple retinal capillary hemangiomas were observed at the peripheral retina in both eyes on fundus examination, fluorescein angiography (FAG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). ERM and associated macular edema (ME) were noted in her left eye. For her left eye, focal laser photocoagulation (PC) was performed 6 times. ME was decreased and her vision improved to 20/25. However, 3 months after the initial visit, her vision decreased to 20/400 accompanied with exacerbated ERM and ME. Therefore, PPV was performed in her left eye. ERM and associated ME were decreased and her vision improved to 20/25 after 18 months. PPV was performed in the right eye immediately after her vision worsened (best corrected visual acuity, BCVA 20/40) and ERM occurred. After 15 months later, vision in her right eye improved to 20/20 and ERM was also decreased.

Analysis of the Results Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy Related to Nasal Cavity State

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the relationship of nasal cavity state and surgical results after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 306 eyes of 204 patients between January 2007 and December 2011. The correlation between the existence of preoperative nasal cavity abnormality, postoperative nasal cavity complications after proper management of nasal cavity abnormality, and postoperative nasal cavity complications according to nasal packing material were investigated. We analyzed the success rates and the correlation between each set of factors. RESULTS: The success rate of primary operations performed six months after tube removal was 87.3% (267/306). The success rate after secondary revision, granuloma removal and punctoplasty was 90.5% (277/306). Postoperative nasal cavity complications were inspected in 40 eyes. Of the 306 eyes, patients treated with Nasopore showed significantly more postoperative nasal cavity complications (47.8%, 32/67) than in patients treated with Merocel (3.3%, 8/239). The rate of postoperative nasal cavity complications was 8.7% in patients with normal nasal cavity, 16.7% in patients who received treatment, and 20% in patients without treatment, with significant statistical increase if the nasal cavity was abnormal (p = 0.019). The incidence of complications influenced the primary success rate (p = 0.008); however, preoperative nasal cavity abnormalities were not correlated with primary success (p = 0.479). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of endonasal DCR, preoperative nasal cavity abnormality and type of nasal packing material used did not affect the success rate but significantly affected postoperative nasal cavity complications. In conclusion, endonasal DCR with preoperative treatment of nasal cavity abnormality and Merocel packing is expected to reduce postoperative nasal cavity complications and increase patient satisfaction.

Analysis of the Results Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy Related to Nasal Cavity State

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the relationship of nasal cavity state and surgical results after endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 306 eyes of 204 patients between January 2007 and December 2011. The correlation between the existence of preoperative nasal cavity abnormality, postoperative nasal cavity complications after proper management of nasal cavity abnormality, and postoperative nasal cavity complications according to nasal packing material were investigated. We analyzed the success rates and the correlation between each set of factors. RESULTS: The success rate of primary operations performed six months after tube removal was 87.3% (267/306). The success rate after secondary revision, granuloma removal and punctoplasty was 90.5% (277/306). Postoperative nasal cavity complications were inspected in 40 eyes. Of the 306 eyes, patients treated with Nasopore showed significantly more postoperative nasal cavity complications (47.8%, 32/67) than in patients treated with Merocel (3.3%, 8/239). The rate of postoperative nasal cavity complications was 8.7% in patients with normal nasal cavity, 16.7% in patients who received treatment, and 20% in patients without treatment, with significant statistical increase if the nasal cavity was abnormal (p = 0.019). The incidence of complications influenced the primary success rate (p = 0.008); however, preoperative nasal cavity abnormalities were not correlated with primary success (p = 0.479). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of endonasal DCR, preoperative nasal cavity abnormality and type of nasal packing material used did not affect the success rate but significantly affected postoperative nasal cavity complications. In conclusion, endonasal DCR with preoperative treatment of nasal cavity abnormality and Merocel packing is expected to reduce postoperative nasal cavity complications and increase patient satisfaction.

A Case of Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy

PURPOSE: Hydroxychloroquine has been used as the antimalarial agent and drug of the treatment for autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy can cause serious visual disturbance although the incidence is low. This report is to describe a case of Hydroxycholoroquine retinopathy on 73 year old female. CASE SUMMARY: A 73 year old female patient presented our clinic with complaints of visual disturbance for several months. She had taking 400 mg/day (8.8 mg/kg of lean body weight/day) of hydroxychloroquine for 2 years. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in both eyes. Bull's eye maculopathy was observed on her fundus examination and Humphrey Automated Visual Field 24-2 showed central scotoma in both eyes. Parafoveal thinning of photoreceptor layers, loss of the inner and outer segment junction and external limiting membrane was observed on spectral domain Optical Coherence Tomography. Window defect was visible at the parafoveal area on fluorescein angiography. Electroretinogram revealed subtle dysfunction of cone cell and multifocal ERG trace array showed decreased amplitudes at the parafoveal area. Electrooculogram showed decreased Arden ratio. CONCLUSIONS: We strongly advise that all patients taking Hydorxycholoroquine therapy have a regular examination to find hydroxychloroquine retinopathy in early stage especially in the patients having high risk factors.

A Case of Orbital Abscess with Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

PURPOSE: To report a case of rapidly progressed orbital abscess after central retinal artery occlusion. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old man with right periorbital pain and edema starting 3 days earlier visited the hospital. His first visual acuity was 1.0 for the right eye with peripheral edema and tenderness; severe hemorrhagic chemosis, proptosis (approximately 3 mm) and extraocular motility limitation were also observed. According to the CT findings, a 2.5 x 1 cm-sized encapsulated cystic mass was found in the right orbital cavity, along the medial orbital wall; with a diagnosis of orbital abscess, he was hospitalized with systemic antibiotic treatment and abscess drainage. On the second day of hospitalization, the best corrected visual acuity was reduced to light perception, and relative afferent pupillary defect, pale retina and cherry red spot were found. Therefore, emergent incisional drainage, optic massage, and antibiotics were given to the patient. Immediately after the surgery, the peripheral edema and proptosis improved; nevertheless, central retinal artery occlusion did not resolve and vision did not improve. Two months later, best corrected visual acuity for the right eye was counting fingers and central retinal artery occlusion showed no further improvement. CONCLUSIONS: No case report on rapidly progressing orbital abscess has been proposed in Korea to date. In the case of rapidly progressed orbital abscess, incisional drainage and antibiotics should be administered promptly.