Switch to aflibercept in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 30-month results / Mudança de tratamento para o aflibercepte no tratamento da Degeneração Macular neovascular Relacionada à Idade: resultados de 30 meses

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate visual function and changes in the central macular thickness of patients with unresponsive neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were switched from ranibizumab (Lucentis®) to aflibercept (Eylea®) treatment at 30 months. Methods: This retrospective study examined patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were switched to aflibercept after ≥6 previous intravitreal ranibizumab injections at 4- to 8-week intervals. All patients were switched to intravitreal aflibercept (2.0 mg) and analyzed after 3 consecutive injections followed by a prore nata dosing regimen and after 30 months of treatment. Best corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopic examination, intraocular pressure, fundus examination, and central macular thickness were recorded at the start of treatment, before the transition to intravitreal aflibercept treatment, and at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months of intravitreal aflibercept treatment. Results: A total of 33 eyes met the inclusion criteria. The median age of the patients was 73.57 ± 7.98 years, and 21 (61.8%) patients were males and 12 (35.3%) were females. Before the transition, the patients received a mean of 16.8 ± 8.8 ranibizumab injections (range 6-38).After the transition to intravitreal aflibercept treatment, the mean number of aflibercept injections was 9.09 ± 3.94. No significant differences were observed in best corrected visual acuity after the aflibercept switch in any of the months. The central macular thickness was significantly decreased at 6, 12, 18, and 30 months (p=0.01, p=0.03, p=0.05, p=0.05, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were switched to intravitreal aflibercept treatment due to unresponsiveness to intravitreal ranibizumab exhibited a significant anatomic improvement in the retina, and although this state persisted, there was no significant functional gain.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar, depois de 30 meses, a função visual e as alterações na espessura macular central de pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade sem resposta terapêutica ao ranibizumabe (Lucentis®) que mudaram seu tratamento para o aflibercepte (Eylea®). Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com degeneração macular neovascular relacionada à idade que mudaram o tratamento para o aflibercepte após 6 ou mais injeções intravítreas de ranibizumabe a intervalos de 4-8 semanas. Todos os pacientes mudaram para o aflibercepte intravítreo (2,0 mg) e depois de 3 injeções consecutivas, seguidas de um regime de dosagem pro re nata, foram avaliados após 30 meses de tratamento. A melhor acuidade visual corrigida, o exame biomicroscópico, a pressão intraocular, a fundoscopia e a espessura macular central foram registrados no início do tratamento, antes da transição para o tratamento com aflibercepte intravítreo e aos 6, 12, 18, 24 e 30 meses de tratamento com o aflibercepte intravítreo. Resultados: Satisfizeram aos critérios de inclusão 33 olhos. A mediana da idade dos pacientes foi de 73,57 ± 7,98 anos. Dos pacientes, 21 (61,8%) eram homens e 12 (35,3%) eram mulheres. Antes da transição para o tratamento com o aflibercepte intravítreo, os pacientes receberam em média 16,8 ± 8,8 injeções de ranibizumabe (faixa 6-38).Depois da transição, o número médio de injeções de aflibercepte foi de 9,09 ± 3,94. Não houve diferenças significativas na melhor acuidade visual corrigida depois da mudança para o aflibercepte em qualquer das avaliações. Houve diminuição significativa da espessura macular central aos 6, 12, 18 e 30 meses (respectivamente, p=0,01, p=0,03, p=0,05, p=0,05 e p<0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes com degeneração macular neovascular relacionada à idade que mudaram seu tratamento para o aflibercepte intravítreo devido à falta de resposta ao ranibizumabe intravítreo, tiveram melhora anatômica significativa da retina; mas embora esse estado tenha persistido, não foi observado nenhum ganho funcional significativo.(AU)

Age-related macular degeneration: an overview / Degeneração macular relacionada à idade: um panorama geral

ABSTRACT Age-related macular degeneration is the most important cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly and has been considered a severe public health problem. Current treatments have only been successful in delaying the loss of central vision. Due to increased life expectancy, governments and researchers have been challenged to seek more efficient and successful treatments for age-related macular degeneration. Considering its relevance for public health and the need of further research, this article aims to address age-related macular degeneration objectively, tackling on the current knowledge about its pathophysiology, potential molecular biomarkers, main prevention procedures and treatments, as well as introducing possible molecules that may be a therapeutic target in this disease.

RESUMO Degeneração macular relacionada à idade é a causa mais importante de perda irreversível da visão em idosos, e é considerada um sério problema de saúde pública. Os tratamentos atuais são bem-sucedidos apenas ao postergar a perda da visão central. Devido à maior expectativa de vida, os governos e pesquisadores têm dificuldade de encontrar tratamentos mais eficientes e exitosos para degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Considerando sua relevância para saúde pública e a necessidade de mais pesquisas, este artigo procura abordar a degeneração macular relacionada à idade de forma objetiva, abordando os conhecimentos atuais sobre sua fisiopatologia, potenciais biomarcadores moleculares, principais procedimentos de prevenção e tratamentos, e apresentar possíveis moléculas que podem ser alvo terapêutico nessa doença.

Quality of life among patients with age-related severe macular degeneration assessed using the NEI-VFQ, HADS-A, HADS-D and SF-36 tests. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Exudative age-related macular degeneration (e-AMD) may cause severe central vision loss. Patients with e-AMD can experience difficulties in daily basic activities and suffer from psychological problems. Our aim was to assess quality of life (QoL) and anxiety and depression status among patients with e-AMD. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a state university. METHODS: We included 200 e-AMD patients and 120 age and gender-matched controls. We assessed QoL using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) and the Short Form (SF)-36 test; and anxiety and depression status using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scales A and D (HADS-A and HADS-D). RESULTS: The mean ages in the e-AMD and control groups were 68.40 ± 9.8 and 66.31 ± 8.98, respectively. Visual acuity among e-AMD patients was 0.37 ± 0.31 and 0.39 ± 0.32 in the right and left eyes, respectively. The e-AMD patients performed significantly worse than the controls in NEI-VFQ-25 (P < 0.05 for all items). The proportions of e-AMD patients scoring higher than the cutoffs in HADS-A and HADS-D were significantly higher than among the controls (41.5% versus 12.5% and 63.5% versus 27.5%; P < 0.001). The e-AMD patients had significantly lower mean scores than the controls for each of the SF-36 QoL items (P < 0.001). The NEI-VFQ-25 scores were significantly lower among patients with bilateral e-AMD than among those with unilateral disease (P < 0.05 for all). The HADS scores were positively correlated with duration of e-AMD and patient age, but negatively with vision levels (P < 0.05 for all items). CONCLUSION: The e-AMD patients had higher depression and anxiety scores and lower QoL scores.

Repeatability of contrast sensitivity testing in patients with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataract / Reprodutibilidade dos escores de sensibilidade ao contraste em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionadas à idade, glaucoma e catarata

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the intrasession and intersession repeatability of contrast sensitivity (CS) measurements in patients with glaucoma, cataract, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy controls. Methods: CS measurements were performed using the OPTEC-Functional Vision Analyzer (FVA), which uses a standardized and closed (view-in) system. Measurements for patients with glaucoma, cataract, or AMD and healthy controls were repeated within 30 minutes (intrasession) and during two sessions (intersession), separated by one week to one month. Test-retest reliability and correlation were measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of repeatability (COR). Results: Ninety subjects (90 eyes) with visual acuity of 0.17 logMAR or higher in the cataract group or 0.00 logMAR in the other groups were included. During the first session, the ICC values were 0.87, 0.90, 0.76, and 0.69, and COR values were 0.24, 0.20, 0.38, and 0.25 for the control, glaucoma, cataract, and AMD groups, respectively. The reliability scores significantly improved during the second session, except in the glaucoma group. There was an acceptable floor effect and no ceiling effect at higher frequencies in the glaucoma and AMD groups. Conclusion: In subjects with good visual acuity, the FVA system is useful for evaluating CS and demonstrates good repeatability, as shown by ICC and COR. Because there is no ceiling effect, this system is beneficial for evaluation of early changes in CS, particularly in patients with glaucoma or AMD.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a reprodutibilidade intrassessão e intersessão das medidas de sensibilidade ao contraste (CS) em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade (AMD), glaucoma e catarata. Método: As medidas de CS foram feitas pelo OPTEC-Funcional Visão Analyzer (FVA), que utiliza um sistema padronizado e fechado de avaliação da acuidade visual. Medidas em pacientes com AMD, glaucoma, catarata e nos controles saudáveis foram repetidas no prazo de 30 minutos (intrassessão) em duas visitas (intersessão), separadas por uma semana a um mês. A confiabilidade e correlação teste-reteste foram calculados por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) e coeficiente de reprodutibilidade (COR). Resultados: Noventa olhos de 90 indivíduos foram recrutados com acuidade visual de 0,17 logMAR ou melhor em catarata e 0,00 logMAR nos outros grupos. A confiabilidade da CS na primeira visita dos grupos normal, glaucoma, catarata e AMD foram, respectivamente, ICC 0,87; 0,90; 0,76; 0,69, e COR 0,24; 0,20; 0,38; 0,25. Os índices de confiabilidade foram significativamente melhorados nas segundas visitas, exceto no grupo glaucoma. Houve um efeito chão aceitável e nenhum efeito teto em frequências mais altas nos grupos glaucoma e AMD. Conclusões: Em indivíduos com boa acuidade visual, o sistema FVA de avaliação da CS é útil e apresenta boa confiabilidade, como mostrado pelas análises de ICC e COR. Por não apresentar efeito teto, este sistema parece ser benéfico para a avaliação das alterações precoces de CS, especialmente no glaucoma e AMD.

A study of the vitreoretinal interface in patients with age-related macular degeneration / Estudo da interface vitreorretiniana em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess whether hyaloid adhesion is more prevalent in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than in control patients and to evaluate whether it is more prevalent in exudative AMD than in non-exudative AMD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, controlled analytical study. Patients from the Ophthalmology Department of the Public Service Hospital of the State of São Paulo were included if they were diagnosed with AMD that was confirmed by fundus biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography. Patients were divided into three groups: patients without a vitreoretinal disease (controls), patients with exudative AMD, and patients with non-exudative AMD. For the optimal study of the vitreoretinal interface, all patients were subjected to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT; Cirrus HD-OCT, version 4000; Carl Zeiss Meditec) and ultrasonography (UltraScan®, Alcon). Results with p values of ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: We assessed 75 eyes of 23 patients with AMD (14 women and nine men) and 15 the control patients (11 women and four men). In total, 33 eyes had AMD that was consistent with the inclusion criteria, of which 11 had the non-exudative form (non-atrophic) and 22 had the exudative form (11 active and 11 disciform scars). Adherence was observed in eight eyes in the control group (26.67%), in seven eyes with exudative AMD (31.82%), and in five eyes with non-exudative AMD (45.45%). Conclusion: Patients with exudative and non-exudative forms of AMD did not present with higher vitreoretinal adhesion than control patients as assessed by SD-OCT and ultrasound. Moreover, patients with exudative AMD (neovascular membrane and disciform scar) did not reveal a higher adherence than those with non-exudative AMD when evaluated by the same methods.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se a adesão hialoidea é mais prevalente em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada a idade (DMRI) (exsudativa e não exsudativa) comparado ao grupo controle e avaliar se a prevalência é maior na forma exsudativa comparada a forma não exsudativa. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, analítico, de grupo controle, com os pacientes atendidos no Departamento de Retina do Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE), que tiveram o diagnóstico de DMRI confirmado após a biomicroscopia de fundo e angiofluoresceinografia. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, um composto por pacientes sem doenças vitreorretinianas (30 olhos), outro pacientes com DMRI exsudativa (22 olhos) e o terceiro grupo por pacientes com DMRI não exsudativa (11 olhos). Para melhor estudo da interface vitreorretiniana, todos os pacientes foram submetidos aos exames de SD-TCO (Cirrus HD-TCO, versão 4000; Carl Zeeis Meditec) e ultrassonografia (UltraScan®, Alcon). Foram considerados significativos os resultados com valor de p≤0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 75 olhos de 23 pacientes com DMRI e 15 no grupo controle, sendo que apenas 33 olhos que apresentavam DMRI obedeciam aos critérios de inclusão, sendo 11 pertencentes à forma seca (nenhuma forma atrófica) e 22 à forma exsudativa (11 de forma ativa e 11 disciforme). A adesão foi encontrada em oito olhos no grupo controle (26,67%), em sete olhos com DMRI exsudativa (31,82%) e em cinco olhos no grupo DMRI não exsudativa (45,45%). Conclusão: Neste estudo, pacientes com DMRI (formas exsudativa e não exsudativa) não apresentaram maior adesão vitreorretiniana quando comparados ao grupo controle, ao serem avaliados através SD-TCO (Cirrus HD-TCO, versão 4000; Carl Zeeis Meditec) e ultrassonografia (UltraScan®, Alcon). Neste estudo, pacientes com DMRI exsudativa (ativa e disciforme) não apresentaram maior adesão quando comparados à forma seca, ao serem avaliados pelos mesmos métodos.

Aumento da imunorreatividade da molécula de adesão intercelular-1 na esclera e coroide em modelo experimental de hipercolesterolemia / Increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 immunoreactivity in the sclera-choroid complex in hypercholesterolemia experimental model

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a expressão da molécula de adesão intercelular-1 (ICAM-1) na esclera e coroide de coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos. Métodos: Coelhos New Zealand foram organizados em dois grupos: GN (grupo dieta normal), composto por 8 coelhos (8 olhos), recebeu ração padrão para coelhos, durante 4 semanas; GH (grupo hipercolesterolêmico), composto por 13 coelhos (13 olhos), recebeu dieta rica em colesterol a 1% por 8 semanas. Foi realizada a dosagem sérica de colesterol total, triglicerídeos, HDL colesterol, glicemia de jejum no início do experimento e no momento da eutanásia. Ao final da 4ª semana para o GN e 8ª semana para o GH foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais. Os olhos foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina e submetidos à análise histológica, histomorfométrica e imunohistoquímica com o anticorpo ICAM-1. Resultados: Observou-se significativo aumento do colesterol total e triglicerídeos do GH em relação ao GN (p<0,001). A avaliação histológica com hematoxilina eosina revelou grande quantidade de macrófagos no complexo esclero-coroidal do GH. No GH constatou-se significativo aumento da espessura da esclera e coroide em relação ao GN (p<0,001). Houve significativo aumento da expressão da ICAM-1 na esclera e coroide dos animais do GH em relação ao GN (p<0,001). Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que a dieta hipercolesterolêmica induz ao aumento da expressão da ICAM-1 na esclera e coroide de coelhos. .

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits Methods: New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: the normal diet group (NG), with 8 rabbits (8 eyes), was fed a standard rabbit diet for 4 weeks; the hypercholesterolemic group (HG), with 13 rabbits (13 eyes), was fed a 1% cholesterol- enriched diet for 8 weeks. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and fasting blood glucose exams were performed at the start of the experiment and at the euthanasia time. HG and NG animals were euthanized after 8th week and 4th week, respectively. Their eyes were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and underwent histological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses with ICAM-1 antibody. Results: The diet has induced a significant increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in HG when compared with NG (p<0.001). The histological analysis with hematoxylin-eosin revealed a large number of macrophages in the HG sclera-choroid complex. Moreover, a significant increase in the HG sclera and choroid thickness was observed in relation to NG (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the ICAM-1 expression in HG sclera and choroid in relation to NG Conclusion: This study has revealed that the hypercholesterolemic diet induces an increase in the ICAM-1 expression in the rabbits’ sclera and choroid. .

Charles Bonnet syndrome: characteristics of its visual hallucinations and differential diagnosis / Síndrome de Charles Bonnet: características das alucinações visuais e diagnóstico diferencial

Objective: To present an eight-case serie of patients with Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS). Method: All patients were initially evaluated by an ophthalmologist and then submitted to a neurologic evaluation with exclusion of alternative psychiatric and neurologic diagnoses. Results: Five patients were male (62.5%) and the mean age was 52.3+16.0 years. Two patients suffered from severe myopia and glaucoma, three had retinitis pigmentosa, one had anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, one had age-related macular degeneration and one had toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Mean visual acuity in the right eye was 1,12 logMAR and in the left eye 0.57 logMAR. A mean delay of 41.7 months occurred until diagnosis. All hallucinations were complexes and mostly ocurred on a weekly-basis (62.5%) and lasted for seconds (87.5%). Conclusions: Physicians who care for low vision patients should be aware of CBS and appropriately diagnose its hallucinations after exclusion of psychiatric and neurologic diseases. .

Objetivo: Apresentar uma série de oito casos da síndrome de Charles Bonnet (SCB). Método: Todos os pacientes foram avaliados por um oftalmologista e por um neurologista, tendo sido excluídos diagnósticos alternativos neurológicos e psiquiátricos. Resultados: Cinco pacientes eram homens (62,5%) e a média de idade foi de 52,3±16,0 anos. Do total de pacientes: dois tinham miopia grave e glaucoma, três retinose pigmentar, um neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior, um degeneração macular relacionada à idade e um retinocoroidite toxoplásmica. A acuidade visual média no olho direito foi de 1,12 logMAR e no olho esquerdo foi de 0.57 logMAR. Houve um atraso de 41,7 meses, em média, para o diagnóstico. Todas as alucinações eram complexas, ocorriam, em sua maioria, semanalmente (62,5%) e duravam segundos (87,5%). Conclusão: Médicos que lidam com pacientes com baixa visão devem saber distinguir as características peculiares da SCB, após exclusão de doenças neurológicas e psiquiátricas. .

Effect of candesartan on the expression of sclera-choroidal intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in hypercholesterolemic models

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of blocking the angiotensin II AT-1 receptor by the systemic administration of candesartan on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups, as follows: GI, which was fed a rabbit standard diet; GII, which was fed a hypercholesterolemic diet; and GIII, which received hypercholesterolemic diet plus candesartan. Samples of the rabbits' sclera and choroid were then studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining and histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. RESULTS: Histological analysis of hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sclera and choroid revealed that macrophages were rarely present in GI, and GII had significantly increased macrophage numbers compared to GIII. Moreover, in GII, the sclera and choroid morphometry showed a significant increase in thickness in comparison to GI and GIII. GIII presented a significant increase in thickness in relation to GI. Sclera and choroid immunohistochemical analysis for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression revealed a significant increase in immunoreactivity in GII in relation to GI and GIII. GIII showed a significant increase in immunoreactivity in relation to GI. CONCLUSION: Candesartan reduced the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and consequently macrophage accumulation in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. .

SIRT1 negatively regulates amyloid-beta-induced inflammation via the NF-B pathway

Chronic inflammation induced by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays a key role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 may be associated with chronic inflammation in AMD. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) regulates inflammation via inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, and resveratrol has been reported to prevent Aβ-induced retinal degeneration; therefore, we investigated whether this action was mediated via activation of SIRT1 signaling. Human adult retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were exposed to Aβ, and overactivation and knockdown of SIRT1 were performed to investigate whether SIRT1 is required for abrogating Aβ-induced inflammation. We found that Aβ-induced RPE barrier disruption and expression of IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-9 were abrogated by the SIRT1 activator SRT1720, whereas alterations induced by Aβ in SIRT1-silenced RPE cells were not attenuated by SRT1720. In addition, SRT1720 inhibited Aβ-mediated NF-κB activation and decrease of the NF-κB inhibitor, IκBα. Our findings suggest a protective role for SIRT1 signaling in Aβ-dependent retinal degeneration and inflammation in AMD.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography features of multiple subfoveal retinal pigment epithelial tears after intravitreal bevacizumab.

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear has been described to occur spontaneously, after laser photocoagulation and in recent times, after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. In the latter case, the rapid contraction of the choroidal vascular membrane underneath a serous RPE detachment is believed to be the underlying cause. Preservation of good visual acuity after the occurrence of RPE tear with continued use of intravitreal VEGF agents has been reported. In this case report, we describe the occurrence of multiple RPE tears with the use of intravitreal bevacizumab and also correlate the preservation of visual acuity with features seen on spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Degeneración macular relacionada a la edad / Age-related macular degeneration

La degeneración macular relacionada a la edad es la causa más frecuente de pérdida de visión irreversible en personas mayores de 60 años. Son factores de riesgo la edad, la genética, el tabaquismo y la obesidad abdominal. Su primera manifestación visible son las drusas, acumulación de productos provenientes de la degradación incompleta de la digestión de segmentos de fotoreceptores por el epitelio pigmentario. La administración de antioxidantes y zinc disminuye el riesgo de pérdida severa de visión en un 25 por ciento en pacientes con drusas. El proceso puede evolucionar a la atrofia de fotoreceptores y epitelio pigmentario (forma seca) o a la aparición de vasos de neoformación que invaden el espacio subretinal, son sangre y líquido subretinal (forma húmeda). La primera es de comienzo insidioso y lentamente progresiva. La segunda produce pérdida brusca de visión central. No existe hoy día un tratamiento eficaz para la forma seca. La forma neovascular no tratada tiene un pobre pronóstico conduciendo a ceguera legal. Sin embargo, la terapia antiangiogénica con inyecciones intravitreas repetidas de bloqueadores del factor de crecimiento endotelial (VEGF) permite la estabilización o mejoría de visión en la mayoría de los pacientes

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in persons over 60 years of age. Risk factors are age, genetics, smoking and abdominal obesity. Drusen are the first visible sign of the disease, as yellow deposits lying deep in the retina. Drusen are accumulation of residual bodies due to incomplete digestion of the outer segments of the photoreceptors by the retinal pigment epithelium. In patients with drusen, the administration of antioxidants and zinc, reduces the risk of severe loss of vision by 25 percent. The disease may progress to atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium ("dry AMD") or to a neovascular form, with invasion of the subretinal space by sprouts of coroidal neovascularization, with blood and subretinal fluid ("wet AMD"). The dry form is a slowly progressive disease, with patches of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor atrophy. Patients with the wet form experience sudden loss of vision. There is no proven effective treatment for the dry form today. Neovascular AMD has a poor prognosis if left untreated, resulting in legal blindness. However, antiangiogenic therapy with anti-vascular endotelial growth factor modalities, administered in repeated intravitreal injections, allows stabilization or improvement of visual acuity in most cases.

Avaliação da perimetria macular em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade por meio do oftalmoscópio de rastreamento a laser / Evaluation of macular perimetry in patients with age-related macular degeneration using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a relação entre alterações anatômicas (drusas duras, drusas moles, hiperpigmentação, neovasos, descolamento do epitélio pigmentado da retina, hipopigmentação e atrofia coriorretiniana) e a sensibilidade à luz em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI); analisar a sensibilidade macular em áreas com ausência de lesões anatômicas nos pacientes com DMRI comparando-as ao grupo de controles, para avaliar a existência ou não de lesão funcional em área sem lesão anatômica. MÉTODOS: Estudo comparativo, descritivo e analítico, de corte transversal. O grupo de casos foi formado por 31 indivíduos portadores de DMRI com idade entre 51 e 88 anos. O grupo de controles ficou composto por 31 indivíduos considerados "sadios", não portadores de DMRI com idade entre 61 e 80 anos. Os grupos foram pareados por sexo e idade. Realizou-se a perimetria macular estática, vermelho-vermelho, com o oftalmoscópio de rastreamento a laser (ORL). Os resultados da perimetria macular foram correlacionados à lesão anatômica identificada no local correspondente pelo laser infravermelho e fotografias coloridas. RESULTADOS: As áreas com neovasos ou atrofia apresentaram sensibilidade significantemente diferente em relação às áreas com ausência de lesões anatômicas nos pacientes com DMRI. Houve perda funcional significativa em áreas com ausência de lesões anatômicas nos pacientes com DMRI em relação ao grupo de controles. CONCLUSÕES: Áreas com neovasos ou atrofia podem ser fatores individuais de piora da sensibilidade macular localizada. Pode ocorrer perda funcional mesmo sem lesão anatômica aparente nos pacientes com DMRI.

PURPOSES: To evaluate the correlation between anatomical changes (hard druses, soft druses, hyperpigmentation, new vessels, detachment of retinal pigment epithelium, hypopigmentation and chorioretinal atrophy) and light sensitivity in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD); analyze macular sensitivity in areas with no anatomical lesions in patients with ARMD and compared them to the control group in order to detect if there was any functional lesion in areas with no anatomical changes. METHODS: A cross-sectional, comparative, descriptive and analytic study was performed. The case group consisted of 31 subjects with ARMD aged between 51 and 88 years. The control group consisted of 31 "healthy" subjects, without ARMD aged between 61 and 80 years. The groups were matched for gender and age. We performed static macular perimetry, red-red, using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Results of macular perimetry were correlated with the anatomic lesion identified in the same site by infrared laser and color photographs. RESULTS: Areas with new vessels or atrophy showed a significantly different sensitivity in relation to areas without anatomical lesions in patients with ARMD. There was significant functional loss in areas with no anatomical lesions in patients with ARMD in relation to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Areas with new vessels or atrophy could be distinct factors for worsening of the localized macular sensitivity. There might be functional loss even in areas with no apparent anatomical changes in ARMD patients.

Age related macular degeneration: a study of patients managed with radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the west. Radiotherapy affects the evolution of exudative macular degeneration directly by its effect on the endothelium and inflammation modulation. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the improvement in visual acuity and healing of sub retinal neovascular membrane (SRNV) following fractionated radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 47 patients (58 eyes) of ARMD were retrospectively analyzed. One of the following radiotherapy fractionation schedules was employed in all the patients in this study. a) 15 Gy/5 fractions/1 week (five patients) b) 20 Gy/5 fractions/1 week (19 patients) c) 22.5 Gy/5 fractions/1 week (21 patients) d) 25 Gy/5 fractions/1 week (two patients). VA and funduscopy was taken at each follow-up for objective improvement and to assess the healing of SRNV. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 7.23 months. The mean improvement in the VA in the entire group was of 0.44 line. (Median 1, SD 1.04). Overall 75% of the eyes showed either steady vision or an improvement in subjective vision analysis. The deterioration free survival was significantly better in the group that had a relatively short duration of symptoms (P = 0.01). Scarring at presentation was a significant adverse factor for improvement in vision after radiotherapy (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients of ARMD treated with radiotherapy, the initial duration of symptoms and scarring of eyes at presentation were significant prognostic variables for improvement in VA after radiotherapy.

Enhanced susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to oxidation in wet type age-related macular degeneration in male patients

To determine the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein [LDL] to oxidation in the plasma of male patients with wet type age related macular degeneration [AMD] and in a similar control group, in order to evaluate the LDL oxidative status as risk factor of AMD. We conducted this study in the Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Nikookari Eye Hospital ' Drug of Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran during the period between October 2004 and December 2005. Sixty male patients with AMD [mean age 67 +/- 16 years] with BMI 4.1 +/- 1.3 were selected as the patient group. The control group consisted of 60 males, apparently healthy, and without ophthalmologic signs and family history of AMD. Low-density lipoprotein was isolated by gradient ultracentrifugation and susceptibility of LDL to in vitro copper-mediated oxidation was assayed by measuring conjugated dienes production [lag phase duration] at 234 nm. Lipid and lipoproteins were determined by standard methods. Comparing with control, significant reduction in the duration of lag phase [p<0.004] and a significant increase in LDL-C concentrations [p=0.006], were noticed. No significant change in cholesterol [p>0.3], triglyceride [p>0.1] and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [p>0.1] levels were found between control and patient groups. A significant negative correlation between Lag phase and LDL-C levels [p=0.004, r=-0.364] was found in the patient group. The increased LDL concentration and enhanced susceptibility of LDL to oxidation may play a roll in the wet type AMD process

Estudo histológico da termoterapia transpupilar a laser em coelhos pigmentados / Histological study of transpupillary thermotherapy in pigmented rabbits

Objetivos: Estudar, experimentalmente, as alterações macroscópicas e histológicas induzidas pela termoterapia transpupilar (TTT), utilizando-se diferentes parâmetros, na retina e coróide de coelhos pigmentados. Local: Instituto da Visão e Hospital São Geraldo da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG. Material e métodos: Dois olhos de coelhos pigmentados foram submetidos a seis aplicações da termoterapia transpupilar, utilizando-se o laser de diiodo modificado e fixando-se o tempo de exposição em 60 segundos, variando-se o tamanho das miras e a potência do laser. A análise histológica de todas as lesões foi realizada 24 horas após a implementação do tratamento. Resultados: Nos casos em que se observaram alterações macroscópicas ao exame clínico, a análise histológica evidenciou lesão de toda a espessura retiniana e coroideana. Conclusão: Houve boa correlação clinico-histológica em todas as amostras estudadas mostrando que, na presença de lesão macroscópica, houve lesão retiniana e coroideana à microscopia óptica. Estudos histológicos realizados com maior intervalo de tempo e utilizando animais com padrão retiniano filogenicamente mais próximo ao do homem são necessários para auxiliar a estabelecer os parâmetros da termoterapia transpupilar.

Estudo e classificaçäo das membranas neovasculares subretinianas na degeneraçäo macular relacionada à idade pela angiografia digital com indocianina verde / Study and classification of subretinal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration by digital angiography with indocyanine green

Objetivo: analisar por meio da angiografia digital com indocianina verde (ICV) casos de membrana neovascular subretiniana (MNSR) oculta ou mal definida, diagnosticada pela angiofluoresceinografia (AF) em degeneraçäo macular relacionada à idade. Material e método: pacientes com MNSR oculta ou mal definida, diagnosticada pela AF foram analisados por meio do ICV, excluindo-se olhos com tratamento prévio com raio laser ou outra doença ocular. Resultados: trinta e quatro olhos foram estudados. Foi encontrada placa com hiperfluorescência difusa em 18 olhos (52,9 por cento) em 11 olhos (32,3 por cento) a existência de um ponto focal hiperfluorescente, sendo que estas alteraçöes näo foram detectadas pela angiofluoresceinografia. Conclusäo: a ICV em alguns casos detecta a presença de membrana neovascular subretiniana presumível näo-evidenciada ao exame

Distrofia macular viteliforme multifocal / Multifocal vitelliform macular distrophy

Säo apresentados 2 casos atípicos da distrofia macular viteliforme de Best. Ao invés da clássica lesäo macular em gema de ovo evidenciou-se a presença de múltiplas lesöes branco-amareladas medindo 200 a 1500 micra e distribuidas difusamente no polo posterior e equador de ambos os olhos. Ambos os casos apresentaram eletrooculograma subnormal

Maculopatia solar: relato de seis casos / Solar maculopathy: cases report

Os autores descrevem seis casos de maculopatia actínica decorrentes da observaçäo do eclipse solar de 3 de novembro de 1994. Os pacientes foram acompanhados no nosso serviço por mais ou menos 6 meses, e a maioria recuperou a acuidade visual prévia. Entre toda a propedêutica realizada, o teste de fotoestresse foi observado como o mais sensível para acompanhar a lesäo macular