Postoperative Changes in Vessel Density according to Macular Hole and Macular Pseudohole Subtypes

Purpose@#To determine the postoperative changes in vessel density according to macular hole and macular pseudohole (MPH) subtypes and to investigate the differences in the mechanisms underlying their development. We also investigated whether changes in vessel density are correlated with changes in the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). @*Methods@#We reviewed the medical records of patients with MPH or a macular hole who underwent pars plana vitrectomy. We included 15 eyes of 15 patients with a full thickness macular hole (FTMH), nine eyes of nine patients with a tractional lamellar macular hole (LMH), eight eyes of eight patients with a degenerative LMH, and nine eyes of eight patients with a MPH. The BCVA, foveal avascular zone (FAZ), foveal and parafoveal vessel density, and mfERG ring 1 and ring 2 P1 amplitudes were analyzed before and 1 and 6 months after surgery. @*Results@#One month postoperatively, the foveal vessel density of patients with a MPH or tractional LMH increased (p = 0.011, p = 0.008). The parafoveal vessel density of patients with a MPH, tractional LMH, and FTMH increased (p = 0.007, p = 0.038, p = 0.031). There was no significant increase in foveal or parafoveal vessel density in patients with a degenerative LMH (p = 0.201, p = 0.171). There was a significant correlation between the change in parafoveal vessel density and that in BCVA 6 months postoperatively in patients with a FTMH (r = -0.543, p = 0.037). @*Conclusions@#By assessing changes in vessel density after vitrectomy, it is possible to estimate the effect of traction according to the type of macular hole. There was a significant correlation between parafoveal vessel density and BCVA in patients with a FTMH. Restoration of the retinal structure and vessel density might improve visual acuity.

Neovascular Glaucoma after Diabetic Vitrectomy: Incidence and Risk Factors

Purpose@#The prevalence and risk factors of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after diabetic vitrectomy were evaluated. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 171 eyes of 141 patients who underwent diabetic vitrectomy in-hospital between March 2013 and July 2019 and were followed for >12 months postoperatively. Regardless of the presence or absence of neovascularization in the anterior segment, all patients received injections of intravitreal bevacizumab during vitrectomy. Patients with preoperative neovascularization in iris (NVI) or angle (NVA) received both intracameral and intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Data were collected regarding baseline demographics, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, hypertension, NVG in the fellow eye, panretinal photocoagulation history, iris and angle neovascularization, and postoperative findings (e.g., rebleeding and residual retinal detachment). @*Results@#In total, 141 patients and 171 eyes were included in the study, and the incidence of postoperative NVG was 5.85% (10 patients). Five patients (27.78%) with preoperative NVI or NVA developed postoperative NVG. Significant risk factors for postoperative NVG were preoperative NVA or NVI (odds ratio [OR] = 16.428, p = 0.003), shorter diabetic duration (OR = 0.853, p = 0.033), and the absence of preoperative panretinal photocoagulation (OR = 0.006, p = 0.035). @*Conclusions@#There is a high possibility of postoperative NVG in patients with preoperative NVI or NVA, a short duration of diabetes, and no preoperative panretinal photocoagulation. In such patients, close monitoring is required after diabetic vitrectomy.

Depression, Anxiety, Somatization Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder in Older Patients with Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of depression, anxiety, somatization disorder, and adjustment disorder in older patients diagnosed with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to evaluate the relationship between exudative AMD and psychological disease. @*Methods@#The 2016 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-Aged Patient Sample was applied in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups: AMD patients undergoing intravitreal injection treatment and a control group. Comorbidities were evaluated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. @*Results@#A total of 1,319,052 subjects were selected, of which 3,134 were in the exudative AMD group receiving intravitreal injections. The average age of the subjects was 74.7 ± 6.7 years, and 41.8% were male. In patients with exudative AMD, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, somatization disorder, and adjustment disorder were 16%, 20%, 0.5%, and 0.4%, respectively; in particular, the prevalence of depression and adjustment disorder were significantly higher than in the control group. In multivariate regression analysis, exudative AMD was a significant factor of depression (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.31, p < 0.001) and adjustment disorder (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.47-4.18, p < 0.001). However, the association between AMD and anxiety or somatization disorder was not statistically significant. @*Conclusions@#Exudative AMD showed a significant association with psychiatric disease, such as depression, and requires close clinical attention.

Neovascular Glaucoma after Diabetic Vitrectomy: Incidence and Risk Factors

Purpose@#The prevalence and risk factors of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after diabetic vitrectomy were evaluated. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 171 eyes of 141 patients who underwent diabetic vitrectomy in-hospital between March 2013 and July 2019 and were followed for >12 months postoperatively. Regardless of the presence or absence of neovascularization in the anterior segment, all patients received injections of intravitreal bevacizumab during vitrectomy. Patients with preoperative neovascularization in iris (NVI) or angle (NVA) received both intracameral and intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Data were collected regarding baseline demographics, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, hypertension, NVG in the fellow eye, panretinal photocoagulation history, iris and angle neovascularization, and postoperative findings (e.g., rebleeding and residual retinal detachment). @*Results@#In total, 141 patients and 171 eyes were included in the study, and the incidence of postoperative NVG was 5.85% (10 patients). Five patients (27.78%) with preoperative NVI or NVA developed postoperative NVG. Significant risk factors for postoperative NVG were preoperative NVA or NVI (odds ratio [OR] = 16.428, p = 0.003), shorter diabetic duration (OR = 0.853, p = 0.033), and the absence of preoperative panretinal photocoagulation (OR = 0.006, p = 0.035). @*Conclusions@#There is a high possibility of postoperative NVG in patients with preoperative NVI or NVA, a short duration of diabetes, and no preoperative panretinal photocoagulation. In such patients, close monitoring is required after diabetic vitrectomy.

Depression, Anxiety, Somatization Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder in Older Patients with Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of depression, anxiety, somatization disorder, and adjustment disorder in older patients diagnosed with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to evaluate the relationship between exudative AMD and psychological disease. @*Methods@#The 2016 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-Aged Patient Sample was applied in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups: AMD patients undergoing intravitreal injection treatment and a control group. Comorbidities were evaluated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. @*Results@#A total of 1,319,052 subjects were selected, of which 3,134 were in the exudative AMD group receiving intravitreal injections. The average age of the subjects was 74.7 ± 6.7 years, and 41.8% were male. In patients with exudative AMD, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, somatization disorder, and adjustment disorder were 16%, 20%, 0.5%, and 0.4%, respectively; in particular, the prevalence of depression and adjustment disorder were significantly higher than in the control group. In multivariate regression analysis, exudative AMD was a significant factor of depression (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.31, p < 0.001) and adjustment disorder (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.47-4.18, p < 0.001). However, the association between AMD and anxiety or somatization disorder was not statistically significant. @*Conclusions@#Exudative AMD showed a significant association with psychiatric disease, such as depression, and requires close clinical attention.

Delayed Symptoms after Intralenticular Dexamethasone Implant

Purpose@#To report a case of delayed symptoms after intralenticular dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex ® ; Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA).Case summary: A 65-year-old male was referred for myodesopsia and decreased visual acuity. A dexamethasone implant was located in the crystalline lens, and the lens showed mild nucleus opacity. The patient had been treated with multiple intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and had received an injection of dexamethasone implant about seven weeks before symptom onset. Based on the symptoms, phacoemulsification was performed and an intraocular lens was placed within the capsular bag. After surgery, symptoms improved. One month after surgery, as cystoid macular edema worsened, the patient was treated with an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (MaQaid ® ; Wakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). After intravitreal injection, cystoid macular edema improved. @*Conclusions@#Intralenticular injection of the dexamethasone implant is very rare; however, great care should be taken during the procedure. It should be noted that the onset of symptoms by intralenticular dexamethasone implant may not occur immediately following the procedure. Thus, close follow-up is necessary, with the possibility of surgical intervention depending on visual acuity and underlying complications.

Choroidal Thickness Changes Following Vitrectomy in Epiretinal Membrane Based on the Optical Coherence Tomography Pattern

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of morphological classification in epiretinal membrane (ERM) based on surgical outcomes and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the postoperative choroidal thickness. METHODS: This observational study included 122 eyes with ERM who underwent vitrectomy. Using OCT, the preoperative ERM was classified into six types: cystoid macular edema (CME), convex, flat, normal foveal contour (Normal), pseudolamellar hole (PLH), and vitreomacular traction (VMT). The preoperative multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), postoperative change in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), central macular thickness (CMT), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative subfoveal choroidal thickness increased in the VMT type compared to the fellow eye (207 µm vs. 234 µm, p = 0.028). Choroidal thickness decreased in all types at 12 months after vitrectomy (all, P < 0.05). There was a positive linear correlation between the mfERG and the preoperative BCVA (p = 0.001). The initial visual acuity was best in the Normal type followed by the flat, PLH, convex, CME, and VMT types (p = 0.001). The final visual acuity was the best in the Normal type, followed by the PLH, Flat, VMT, Convex, and CME types (p = 0.030). Gas tamponade during the surgery did not affect the surgical outcomes of the CMT (p = 0.458), BCVA (p = 0.550), and SCT (p = 0.127). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative SCT increased only in the VMT type, but choroidal thickness decreased in all types after vitrectomy, regardless of the preoperative morphology.

The Treatment of Large Macular Holes Using a Multi-layered Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique

PURPOSE: To describe a multi-layered inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique and to evaluate the surgical outcomes of this surgery in patients with macular holes > 800 µm in base diameter. METHODS: The medical records of patients who received a multi-layered ILM flap technique were retrospectively studied and patients with macular holes > 800 µm were included in the analyses. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after surgery, preoperative hole size, hole base size, vertical size, and hole closure after surgery were checked using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed and the ILM was stained using indocyanine green and peeled with the base attached at the hole margin. The ILM flap was inverted over the macular hole with 2~3 layers, and gas injection was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of 12 patients was 65.2 ± 12.3 years. The mean BCVA (logMAR) was 1.27 ± 0.61. The mean hole size was 563.6 ± 221.9 µm, the mean vertical size was 418.8 ± 80.9 µm, and the mean hole base size was 1,182.8 ± 298.5 µm. The mean follow-up period was 174.4 ± 143.3 days. Nine macular holes were closed after surgery but three macular holes were not closed. The postoperative mean BCVA (logMAR) was 0.21 ± 0.51. Eight eyes showed visual improvement while three eyes did not show visual improvement after macular hole surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The macular hole was closed successfully and the visual acuity improved after the multi-layered, inverted ILM flap technique. The multi-layered, inverted ILM flap technique is therefore considered the treatment of choice for large macular holes.

A Case of Streptococcus dysgalactiae Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To report the first case of endophthalmitis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the Republic of Korea. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old male was transferred because of endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. His initial visual acuity was light perception. Because inflammation of the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity progressed rapidly, we performed total pars planar vitrectomy and intraocular lens extraction in addition to administering intravitreal antibiotics and intravitreal dexamethasone injections. Streptococcus dysgalactiae was identified in samples cultured from the vitreous and anterior chamber fluid. Four days after surgery, we washed the anterior chamber and intravitreal antibiotics were again injected because of increased inflammation of the anterior chamber and vitreous. The patient was discharged 25 days after surgery but corneal neovascularization, contraction, edema, infiltration, and hypopyon remained. Visual acuity progressed to no light perception and there was shrinkage of the globe. CONCLUSIONS: Endophthalmitis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae is very rare. We report the first case of endophthalmitis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae in the Republic of Korea. The prognosis for recovery was poor despite aggressive treatment.

Folliculosebaceous Cystic Hamartoma of the Eyelid

PURPOSE: Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma is a rare cutaneous hamartoma consisting of dilated folliculosebaceous units invested in mesenchymal elements. There is no report of folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma case occurred in the eyelid. We report here on this case along with a review of the relevant literature. CASE SUMMARY: 72-year-old female visited for the complaint of a mass in right upper eyelid. The mass was 1.9 × 1.2 cm sized and palpated in the subcutaneous level of right upper eyelid. The mass was not tender and had hardness like rubber. It was covered by skin without adhesion but fixed on the upper tarsal plate. Turning the eyelid inside out, it was found that the upper tarsal plate was penetrated by the mass. There was no specific finding except both cataract by other ophthalmic examination. The paranasal sinus computed tomography finding was well demarcated 0.9 cm sized mass with calcification. The excisional biopsy was performed for diagnosis and treatment. In pathologic finding, various sized normal sebaceous lobules were connected with the dilated follicles through the sebaceous canal and formed infundibular structure. There were sclerosing collagen, adipose cells and vessels between follicles and sebaceous lobules. So it was compatible with folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma. 18 months later, there was no recurrence and wound was clear. CONCLUSIONS: Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma of the eye lid is rare disease, and differential diagnosis is necessary in patient with mass of eyelid.

A Case of Bilateral Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion after Taking Tamoxifen

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral branch retinal vein occlusion development after taking long-term tamoxifen adjuvant therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old female breast cancer patient with a 10-year history of tamoxifen intake presented with decreased visual acuity that began 5 years prior. The patient had no other past history. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.3 in the right eye and 0.04 in the left eye. There was no specific finding of anterior segment on slit lamp examination. On fundus examination, sheathed branch retinal veins were observed in the inferotemporal area of the right eye and superotemporal and inferotemporal areas of the left eye. Microangiopathies were observed around the occluded branch retinal veins in both eyes and macular edema was present in the left eye. Laser photocoagulation was performed at the non-perfusion area in both eyes and an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and 3 intravitreal injections of triamcinolone were administered into the left eye. The BCVA did not change after 3 years and remained relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS: If a patient presents with decreased visual acuity after taking tamoxifen, fundus examination and fluorescein angiogram should be performed due to the possibility of branch retinal vein occlusion.

Prognostic Factors for Neovascular Glaucoma after Vitrectomy in Eyes with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic factors for neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: In the present study we retrospectively reviewed intraindividual and interocular differences in 14 patients (28 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage and having only 1 eye neovascular glaucoma. The patients underwent vitrectomy between March 2008 and July 2014 at Maryknoll Hospital. The patient clinical data on preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank (Mann-Whitney) test and chi-square test to evaluate the significance of differences within the patient groups. RESULTS: The decrease of photopic b-wave amplitudes on the preoperative electroretinogram significantly correlated with the development of neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy for proliferative retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results from the present study, decreased photopic b-wave amplitudes on preoperative electroretinogram is an effective prognostic factor for the development of neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy for proliferative retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage.

A Case of Double Depressor Palsy due to Bilateral Thalamic Infarction

PURPOSE: We report a rare case of double depressor palsy after bilateral thalamus infarction. CASE SUMMARY: A 47-year-old male presented with complaints of diplopia upon awakening. He had atrial fibrillation, mitral valve regurgitation, aortic valve regurgitation and a history of spleen infarction 1 year prior. His right eye was hypertrophic and right eye downgaze was limited unilaterally of equal degree in adduction and abduction. Right eye horizontal and upward movements were intact. Left eye movement was intact in all directions. Pupillary light reflex response and convergence test were normal. Nystagmus was not observed. The patient was diagnosed with double depressor palsy of the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain showed an old infarction of the left thalamus and diffusion MRI showed acute infarction of the right thalamus. The patient's daily warfarin dose was 2 mg and was increased to 5 mg with cilostazol 75 mg two times a day. Seven weeks later, the patient's ocular movement revealed near normal muscle action and, subjectively, the patient was diplopia-free. CONCLUSIONS: Double depressor palsy is a extremely rare disease and can be caused by bilateral thalamic infarction.

A Case of Complete Recovery of Isolated Neurogenic Ptosis after Trauma

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of isolated neurogenic blepharoptosis secondary to eyelid trauma. CASE SUMMARY: A previously healthy 41-year-old male was evaluated for decreased visual acuity and blepharoptosis in the left eye after ocular trauma. On ophthalmologic examination, visual acuity in the left eye was hand motion, intraocular pressure was 29 mm Hg, hematoma and eyelid edema were minimal. The patient had complete unilateral ptosis with superficial upper eyelid laceration. Additional findings in the left eye included fracture of the medial orbital wall, hyphema, iris sphincter muscle tear, iridodialysis and conjunctival laceration. The other examinations were unremarkable with full ocular motility. Because of iris sphincter muscle tear and iridodialysis, the pupillary reaction could not be evaluated. His left upper eyelid drooped completely and levator function test (LFT) was 0 mm. He was diagnosed with an isolated neurogenic blepharoptosis and received oral prednisolone at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day for 7 days with gradual tapering. One month later, the patient had normal symmetric lid height and completely restored levator function.