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.

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.

Observational Study in Drusen Patients with Epiretinal Membrane after Vitrectomy and Membrane Peeling

Purpose@#To observe results in drusen patients with epiretinal membrane after a vitrectomy and membrane peeling. @*Methods@#This retrospective, observational study included drusen patients diagnosed with epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy with membrane peeling. Twenty eyes had epiretinal membrane with drusen (group 1) and 112 eyes had epiretinal membrane without drusen (group 2). At the 6 month follow-up, central foveal thickness and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. In Group I, the results with drusen size 65 μm were compared. The largest drusen size change was measured and compared according to the existence of preoperative intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption. @*Results@#Preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, the average size of the largest drusen was 198.23 ± 27.34 and 192.23 ± 26.12 μm, respectively, and there was no significant change during the follow-up period. Group I patients with intraretinal cysts and ellipsoid zone disruption experienced low BCVA during the preoperative period; the BCVA had improved postoperatively at 6 months, but with limitations. @*Conclusions@#Postoperatively at 6 months, no significant change was observed in the largest drusen size after vitrectomy and membrane peeling. Thus, drusen patients with epiretinal membrane, as well as intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption can expect an extended recovery period and slow BCVA improvement.

Observational Study in Drusen Patients with Epiretinal Membrane after Vitrectomy and Membrane Peeling

Purpose@#To observe results in drusen patients with epiretinal membrane after a vitrectomy and membrane peeling. @*Methods@#This retrospective, observational study included drusen patients diagnosed with epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy with membrane peeling. Twenty eyes had epiretinal membrane with drusen (group 1) and 112 eyes had epiretinal membrane without drusen (group 2). At the 6 month follow-up, central foveal thickness and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. In Group I, the results with drusen size 65 μm were compared. The largest drusen size change was measured and compared according to the existence of preoperative intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption. @*Results@#Preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, the average size of the largest drusen was 198.23 ± 27.34 and 192.23 ± 26.12 μm, respectively, and there was no significant change during the follow-up period. Group I patients with intraretinal cysts and ellipsoid zone disruption experienced low BCVA during the preoperative period; the BCVA had improved postoperatively at 6 months, but with limitations. @*Conclusions@#Postoperatively at 6 months, no significant change was observed in the largest drusen size after vitrectomy and membrane peeling. Thus, drusen patients with epiretinal membrane, as well as intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption can expect an extended recovery period and slow BCVA improvement.

Visual and Structural Differences in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane According to the Presence of Retinoschisis

PURPOSE: To present differences in visual acuity and macular structure before and after surgery in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) according to the presence of retinoschisis. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 324 eyes with idiopathic ERM, that underwent pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling, and were followed for more than 6 months. Subjects were classified into two groups according to the presence of retinoschisis using preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT; group 1, ERM with retinoschisis; group 2, ERM without retinoschisis). Preoperative and postoperative macular structure changes and surgical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 included 61 eyes, and group 2 included 263 eyes. Group 1 had a significantly higher preoperative and final postoperative best-corrected visual acuity compared with group 2 (p = 0.01, p = 0.02). Preoperative disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL) was significantly less in group 1 than group 2 (p = 0.01). Preoperative central macular thickness was not significantly different between the two groups. However, postoperative central macular thickness was significantly lower in group 1 than group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, p < 0.01). The ratio of the inner or outer layer in the total retinal thickness before surgery was significantly smaller in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative visual acuity was better and the occurrence of DRIL was less in idiopathic ERM with retinoschisis than without retinoschisis. Postoperative visual and structural outcome was better in idiopathic ERM with retinoschisis than without retinoschisis. Retinoschisis may have played a role in reducing the tractional force given to the inner and outer retina.

Structural Analysis of Different Incision Sizes and Stromal Hydration in Cataract Surgery Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE: To analyze healing changes of corneal wounds of different corneal incision sizes with or without stromal hydration in cataract surgery using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Cataract surgeries were performed by a single surgeon and 2.2- and 2.8-mm corneal incisions were made using a diamond blade (ME-759; Meyco, Biel-Bienne, Swiss). Patients were divided into four groups according to incision size (2.2 and 2.8 mm), and with/without stromal hydration. Fifteen eyes were assigned to each group and incision wounds were measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography at 2 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Corneal thickness, incision length and incision angle were measured and existence of epithelial, endothelial gaping and Descemet's membrane detachment was evaluated. RESULTS: Incision thickness was greater in the group with stromal hydration than in the group without on operation day (p < 0.05). Stromal hydration exerted greater influence in the 2.2-mm incision group than in the 2.8-mm incision group. Corneal thickness decreased more rapidly in the stromal hydration group than in the group with no hydration (p = 0.022). Endothelial gaping was greater in the 2.2-mm incision group than in the 2.8-mm incision group 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery (p = 0.035, p = 0.009, and p = 0.008, respectively). No other statistical significance was observed between the two groups (2.2 and 2.8 mm) during follow-up regarding corneal thickness, epithelial gaping and Descemet's membrane detachment. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal wounds with a smaller incision could be more vulnerable to external stimuli such as stromal hydration and are less stable than those with a larger incision.

A Case of Acute Endophthalmitis Following a Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute endophthalmitis after a dexamethasone (Ozurdex(R)) intravitreal implant for macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old male patient presented with decreased vision in the right eye due to ME secondary to BRVO. The patient was treated with an intravitreal bevacizumab injection, but ME did not improve. Two months after the injection, dexamethasone (Ozurdex(R)) intravitreal implantation was performed. Four days after the implantation, the patient visited our clinic complaining of severe visual disturbance. Slight conjunctival injection was observed and inflammatory cells and hypopyon were found in the anterior chamber. Fundus was not visible due to vitreous opacity. The patient was presumed to have acute endophthalmitis. Vitrectomy, intravitreal antibiotics injection, dexamethasone implant removal and phacoemulsification were performed. After treatment, the patient's fundus markedly improved, the inflammatory response was controlled and coagulase negative staphylococcus was detected from vitreous culture. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of intravitreal dexamethasone implant associated with acute endophthalmitis, careful examination for diagnosis of endophthalmitis is recommended because the patient may not present with severe ocular pain and injection due to anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroid.