Preferences and Trends in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy in Korea and Japan

PURPOSE: To evaluate preferences and trends in the management of diabetic retinopathy in Korea and Japan. METHODS: An Internet survey comprised of 49 questions was sent to the members of Korean Retina Society (KRS) and Japanese Society of Ophthalmic Diabetology (JSOD). The survey was conducted during the period between June 2012 and July 2012. RESULTS: Ninety-one of 210 members of the KRS (43%) and 120 of 754 members of the JSOD (16%) participated in the survey. For diffuse diabetic macular edema, 'intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) followed by focal laser treatment' was the most preferred treatment in Korea (48%), while 'sub-tenon steroid injection followed by focal laser treatment' was the most common procedure in Japan (33%). Vitrectomy was the second most common procedure in Japan (18%). In contrast, none of the KRS members preferred vitrectomy in this situation. For refractory diabetic macular edema, however, vitrectomy with or without the use of anti-VEGF was chosen in 75% of the KRS members. In Japan, vitrectomy without the use of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF or steroid was relatively more preferred. Small-gauge (G) vitrectomy using either a 23 G or 25 G needle was popular in both countries (90% in Korea, 64% in Japan). CONCLUSIONS: Although the trends in diagnostic and surgical environments were similar in Korea and Japan, the preferred treatment approaches for diabetic macular edema were different. Sub-tenon steroid injection and vitrectomy were preferred in Japan, while anti-VEGF injection was most commonly employed in Korea.

Silicone Oil with Short-Term Prone Position in Macular Hole Retinal Detachment Surgery in High Myopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the result of vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and silicone oil tamponade with short term face-down positioning in highly myopic patients with retinal detachment due to macular hole. METHODS: Eleven eyes of highly myopic patients with retinal detachment caused by macular hole were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and silicone oil tamponade with short term (1-3 days) face-down positioning. Silicone oil was removed between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity, retinal reattachment rate, macular hole closure, and complications. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63.3 +/- 8.3 years. During the silicone oil period, all 11 eyes (100%) had complete retinal attachment. After silicone oil removal, retinal detachment recurred in 2 eyes (18.2%). Macular hole closure was observed in 8 eyes (72.7%). The best corrected visual acuity (log MAR) improved from 1.99 +/- 0.94 before surgery to 1.33 +/- 0.62 at final visit. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling and silicone oil tamponade with short term face-down positioning was effective in treating retinal detachment caused by macular hole in highly myopic eyes.

Comparison of the Postoperative Refractive Errors Measured by Ultrasound and Partial Coherence Interferometers after Phacovitrectomy

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of refractive outcome measured by Ultrascan(R) (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) and partial coherence interferometers after phacovitrectomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in 74 eyes of 74 patients who underwent phacovitrectomy. SRK-T formula was used to predict intraocular lens (IOL) power. The difference between the predicted and postoperative refractive outcomes for the 2 methodologies (Ultrascan(R) and IOL Master(R) [Zeiss, Carl Zeiss, Jena, Germany]) were compared. The predicted refractive outcome was defined as the estimated refractive error when the selected IOL was inserted. RESULTS: The axial length measured using IOL Master(R) was statistically longer than when measured using Ultrascan(R) (23.85 +/- 0.15 mm, 23.56 +/- 0.15 mm, p < 0.001). Based on keratometry, statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was not observed. The postoperative refractive error was more accurate when using the IOL Master(R) than Ultrascan(R) (0.08 +/- 0.74, 0.47 +/- 0.69, p < 0.001). However, in cases of vitreous hemorrhage, the postoperative refractive error was 0.42 +/- 0.49 with the IOL Master(R) and 0.07 +/- 0.54 with the Ultrascan(R). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, IOL Master(R) is a more accurate method for calculating the IOL power prior to phacovitrectomy. However, in cases of vitreous hemorrhage, Ultrascan(R) appears superior to IOL Master(R) when calculating the IOL power.

Comparison of the Postoperative Refractive Errors Measured by Ultrasound and Partial Coherence Interferometers after Phacovitrectomy

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of refractive outcome measured by Ultrascan(R) (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) and partial coherence interferometers after phacovitrectomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in 74 eyes of 74 patients who underwent phacovitrectomy. SRK-T formula was used to predict intraocular lens (IOL) power. The difference between the predicted and postoperative refractive outcomes for the 2 methodologies (Ultrascan(R) and IOL Master(R) [Zeiss, Carl Zeiss, Jena, Germany]) were compared. The predicted refractive outcome was defined as the estimated refractive error when the selected IOL was inserted. RESULTS: The axial length measured using IOL Master(R) was statistically longer than when measured using Ultrascan(R) (23.85 +/- 0.15 mm, 23.56 +/- 0.15 mm, p < 0.001). Based on keratometry, statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was not observed. The postoperative refractive error was more accurate when using the IOL Master(R) than Ultrascan(R) (0.08 +/- 0.74, 0.47 +/- 0.69, p < 0.001). However, in cases of vitreous hemorrhage, the postoperative refractive error was 0.42 +/- 0.49 with the IOL Master(R) and 0.07 +/- 0.54 with the Ultrascan(R). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, IOL Master(R) is a more accurate method for calculating the IOL power prior to phacovitrectomy. However, in cases of vitreous hemorrhage, Ultrascan(R) appears superior to IOL Master(R) when calculating the IOL power.

Surgical Outcomes of Transconjunctival 25-Gauge Plus Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: To evaluate anatomical and visual results of transconjunctival 25-gauge plus pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 46 eyes of 46 patients who underwent transconjunctival 25-gauge plus PPV for primary RRD repair between January 2013 and May 2013 with a minimum of 3-month follow-up was performed. Data collected for the study included patient demographics, lens status, preoperative visual acuity, macular status, and location and number of primary breaks. Main outcome measures were anatomical reattachment rate, postoperative visual acuity, operation time, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The study included 30 men and 16 women. The mean age of the patients was 54.3 years. The locations of retinal breaks were 24 (52.2%) eyes in the superior half, 15 (32.6%) eyes in the inferior half, and 7 (15.2%) eyes on both sides. The macula-on RRD was present preoperatively in 21 (45.7%) of 46 eyes. Of the 33 (71.7%) phakic eyes, 18 (39.1%) underwent combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and PPV. Two different tamponades, C3F8 gas and silicone oil were used in this study. C3F8 gas was injected in the 33 (71.7%) eyes, and the remaining eyes were filled with silicone oil (1,300 centistokes for 11 eyes, 5,700 centistokes for 2 eyes). Mean operation time was 48.8 +/- 13.2 minutes. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 45 (97.8%) of 46 eyes at 3 months. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.33 +/- 1.20 log MAR preoperatively to 0.68 +/- 0.94 log MAR postoperatively (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications included transient intraocular pressure elevation in 6 (13.1%) eyes and posterior capsular opacity in 3 (6.5%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that transconjunctival 25-gauge plus PPV can be a safe and effective option for surgical management of RRD.

Three Cases of Focal Choroidal Excavation in the Macula Detected by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE: To report the clinical finding of 3 patients with focal choroidal excavation in the macula detected by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). CASE SUMMARY: Five eyes of 3 patients with focal choroidal excavation detected by SD-OCT were enrolled in the present study. All patients had myopia (average refractive power -5.60 diopter). Two of the 3 patients had focal choroidal excavation in both eyes. All 5 eyes revealed foveal pigmentary changes on fundus examination. The excavation area in the autofluorescence image was hypofluorescent. Fluorescein angiographic finding was normal to various degrees of hyperfluoresence. Indocyanine green angiography revealed hypofluoresence at the excavation area. The excavation involoved from the retinal pigment epithelium layer to the external limiting membrane or outer nuclear layer and average choroidal thickness at excavation were statistically thinner than the uninvolved area based on SD-OCT (p = 0.002). Retinoschisis, serous pigment epithelial detachment and choroidal neovascularziation (CNV) were detected individually in 3 eyes. The other 2 eyes had no specific abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: During the follow-up period, the choroidal excavation remained relatively stable in 4 of 5 eyes, but CNV developed in 1 eye. Therefore, intravitreal bevacizumab injection was performed. Longer follow-up periods are necessary to determine the etiology, clinical course and visual prognosis of eyes with focal choroidal excavation.

Effect of Solvent in Indocyanine Green-Assisted Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling During Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare the outcomes in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery according to solvents of indocyanine green (ICG) for internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. METHODS: The medical records of 27 patients (27 eyes) with idiopathic ERM who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy with ICG staining for ILM peeling were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to solvents of 0.25% ICG solutions. Solvents used were balanced salt solution (BSS) in group I (15 eyes) and 5% glucose in group II (12 eyes). The severity of ERM, the duration of symptoms, the preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values, the visibility of the stained ILM (Good, Fair, Poor), and the postoperative complications were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the severity of ERM, the duration of symptoms and the preoperative BCVA in the two groups. The postoperative BCVA was significantly improved in both groups, and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.675). There was a significantly smaller number of eyes with poor ILM staining in group II than in group I (p = 0.014). No complications such as recurrence of ERM, atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or retinal detachment were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The higher specific gravity of 5% glucose compared with that of BSS as ICG solvents allows for improved ILM visualization. Therefore using the 5% glucose-ICG solution for staining ILM improved the visibility of ILM compared BSS-ICG solution and led to comparable visual recovery.

Comparison of Prone and Seated Position after Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Macular Hole Surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomical and functional results of vitrectomy for macular hole with and without prone posture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 71 eyes of 71 patients who received macular hole repair and were followed up for at least 6 months. The anatomical success, complications, and best corrected visual acuity at postoperative 6 months and last follow-up between patients who were advised to take a prone posture for 1 week (group 1) and patients who were advised to simply avoid the supine position right from the surgery (group 2) were analyzed. Subgroup division analysis according to macular hole size and concurrent phacoemulsification was performed. RESULTS: Macular hole closure rate was 91.7% (33 of 36 eyes) in group 1 and 88.6% (31 of 35 eyes) in group 2 (p=0.710). The mean visual acuity at final follow-up increased in both groups by 4.75 +/- 3.83 and 4.76 +/- 2.96 lines, respectively and revealed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.988). Twenty-seven of 36 eyes (75%) in group 1 and 30 of 35 eyes (85.7%) in group 2 underwent concurrent phacoemulsification, and no difference in macular hole closure rate and visual acuity improvement between the two postures was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable anatomical and functional outcomes were achieved without postoperative face-down posturing in the case of phacovitrectomy with wide internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade.

Three Cases of Vasoproliferative Tumor of the Retina

PURPOSE: Vasoproliferative tumor of the retina (VPTR) is a histologically benign lesion that can lead to visual loss due to associated complications. Herein, the authors report the clinical presentation, treatment, and prognosis of 3 VPTR cases. CASE SUMMARY: Three eyes of 3 patients with VPTR were enrolled in the present study. The patients' fundoscopic feature showed characteristic elevated lesions of the peripheral retina without previous history of ocular disease. The patients included 2 males and 1 female, with an average age of 44.7 years. Fluorescein angiography (FAG) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were helpful in establishing the diagnosis of VPTR. Additionally, 1 patient underwent ultrasonography and 2 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During the follow-up period, subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection was performed for 1 patient with macular edema, and cryotherapy was performed for 1 patient with increased peripheral exudation. CONCLUSIONS: For an adequate diagnosis of VPTR, careful examination of the peripheral retina is important. In addition, FAG/ICGA and ultrasonography can be helpful in VPTR diagnosis. Furthermore, proper treatment according to each subset of complication during the follow-up period is recommended.

Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy According to Degree of Choroidal Hyperfluorescence

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) depending on the degree of hyperfluorescence based on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) for treating chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients with chronic CSC were recruited for the present study. The minimum follow-up period was six months. The total energy of PDT was reduced to 25 J/cm2 for 83 seconds. The baseline middle-phase ICGA findings were classified as intense or low hyperfluorescence depending on the degree of hyperpermeability from choriocapillaris. The change in mean best-corrected visual acuity, the resolution of subretinal fluid, recurrence rate, and complication were analyzed in relation to each ICGA finding at baseline. RESULTS: The baseline ICGA findings showed intense hyperfluorescence in 11 eyes (47.8%) and low hyperfluorescence in 12 eyes (52.2%). The subretinal fluid resolved completely one month after a single application of low-fluence PDT in both groups. The subretinal fluid recurred in one of 12 eyes (8.3%) with low hyperfluorescence and in no eyes (0%) with intense hyperfluorescence. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-fluence PDT appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for long-standing chronic CSC regardless of the degree of hyperfluorescence based on the ICGA.

A Case of Giant Nodular Posterior Scleritis

PURPOSE: The authors report a case of a giant subretinal nodular mass following surgical vitreous opacity removal. CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old man complained of visual loss and vitreous floaters in the left eye for 3 months (best corrected visual acuity: 0.1). The fundus was not clearly visualized due to vitreous opacity. Vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were performed in the left eye. After removing the vitreous opacity, fundus examination revealed a creamy yellowish-white subretinal nodular mass (4 disc in size) infero-temporal to the fovea with adjoining chorioretinal folds and exudative retinal detachment. Fluorescein angiography (FA) of the left eye showed hypofluorescence of the nodule surrounded by a well-demarcated hyperfluorescent margin. B-scan ultrasonography revealed a prominent dome-shaped large echogenic nodule bordered by hypoechoic signal at the sclerochoroidal level. Giant nodular posterior scleritis was suspected and the patient was treated with oral corticosteroids. The large nodular lesion resolved completely within 3 months after initiation of the treatment and the best corrected visual acuity improved to 0.5. CONCLUSIONS: The authors of the present case study recommend a thorough evaluation of large posterior segment nodular lesions in order to detect this under-recognized but eminently treatable condition.

Phacovitrectomy versus Vitrectomy only for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of phacovitrectomy and vitrectomy only for treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: The anatomical success, functional success, and complications between Group I patients who underwent vitrectomy only and Group II patients who underwent phacovitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: Twenty-one eyes (84.0%) in Group I had reattachment after vitrectomy only, and 27 eyes (90.0%) in Group II had reattachment after phacovitrectomy. However, the differences in the measures attributes were not statistically significant (p = 0.271). The logMAR visual acuity improved in both groups with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.102). Postoperative complications included cataract progression in 20 eyes (80.0%) in Group I and 17 of the 20 eyes (68.0%) underwent cataract surgery within one year after the first surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Phacovitrectomy, irrespective of severe lens opacity, is a relatively effective combined surgical procedure in older patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and impending presbyopia. The procedure allows for easy access to the periphery during vitreous shaving and prevents the need for a second cataract operation.

The Results of Nation-Wide Registry of Age-related Macular Degeneration in Korea

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and clinical features of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Korea. METHODS: Web-based (www.armd-nova.or.kr) registration was conducted for AMD patients aged 50 or more who were newly diagnosed by retinal specialists in Korea from August 20, 2005 to August 20, 2006. Patient data including ophthalmologic examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiogram and/or indocyanin green angiogram (ICG), past medical history, behavioral habit, combined systemic diseases were up-loaded. RESULTS: Among finally enrolled 1,141 newly diagnosed AMD patients, 690 patients (60.5%) were male and 451 patients (39.5%) were female. The average age of AMD patients was 69.7+/-8.0. Early AMD was observed in 190 patients and 951 patients had late AMD. Classic choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) was observed in 18.6% of exudative AMD patients and 63.4 % had occult CNVM. Subfoveal CNVM was observed in 80.4% of the patients with CNVM. Among the 580 exudative AMD eyes that performed indocyanin green angiography (ICG), 184 eyes (31.7%) had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 36 eyes (6.2%) showed retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Age, male gender, smoking, diabetes and hypertension significantly increased the risk of the AMD among Koreans. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the low rate of participation by retinal specialists, definite incidence of AMD was not obtainable. However, the estimated 1-year AMD incidence in the Pusan area of Korea is at least 0.4%. In contrast to Western people, 31.7% of exudative AMD cases were revealed to be PCV and 6.2% were revealed to be RAP. This discrepancy between ethnic groups should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment modality selection of Korean AMD patients.

Clinical Characteristics of Traumatic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and factors affecting visual outcome after surgery in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment resulting from blunt trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 122 patients (122 eyes) who were diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after blunt trauma and who had been under regular observation for at least six months. RESULTS: The frequency of traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was 122 eyes out of 989 total eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (12.3%). The mean age was 36.3 years (7-66): 93 (76.2%) male, 29 (23.8%) female. The most common type of retinal break was a horseshoe-shaped retinal tear (31.1%), and the most common location was the superotemporal quadrant (32.8%) and on the retinal equator or anterior to the equator (90.2%). Patients older than 50 years had a shorter latent period from the traumatic event to the symptom presentation (p=0.028). Whether the retinal detachment involve the macula, the extent of detachment, the initial visual acuity and the time interval from symptom presentation to treatment influenced on the postoperative visual recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment had a favorable visual recovery in cases of early diagnosis. Therefore, detailed and frequent examinations of the retinal periphery after ocular trauma are important if vision is to be preserved. Older patients showed a tendency to advance into traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment more rapidly after trauma than did younger patients. Therefore, elderly patients will require special intensive treatment following traumatic retinal detachment.

Clinical Characteristics of Traumatic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and factors affecting visual outcome after surgery in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment resulting from blunt trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 122 patients (122 eyes) who were diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after blunt trauma and who had been under regular observation for at least six months. RESULTS: The frequency of traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was 122 eyes out of 989 total eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (12.3%). The mean age was 36.3 years (7-66): 93 (76.2%) male, 29 (23.8%) female. The most common type of retinal break was a horseshoe-shaped retinal tear (31.1%), and the most common location was the superotemporal quadrant (32.8%) and on the retinal equator or anterior to the equator (90.2%). Patients older than 50 years had a shorter latent period from the traumatic event to the symptom presentation (p=0.028). Whether the retinal detachment involve the macula, the extent of detachment, the initial visual acuity and the time interval from symptom presentation to treatment influenced on the postoperative visual recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment had a favorable visual recovery in cases of early diagnosis. Therefore, detailed and frequent examinations of the retinal periphery after ocular trauma are important if vision is to be preserved. Older patients showed a tendency to advance into traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment more rapidly after trauma than did younger patients. Therefore, elderly patients will require special intensive treatment following traumatic retinal detachment.

Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Multicenter Study of 65 Cases

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopahty (CSC). METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study. We collected demographic and ophthalmic data for patients with chronic CSC who were treated with PDT from 16 institutions in Korea. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmoscopic finding and optical coherence tomography at baseline and follow-up visits were compared longitudinally. RESULTS: Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients were recruited. Males (51 patients, 78.5%) outnumbered females (14 patients, 21.5%). The mean age was 46.4+/-10.0 years of age (28~69). By 1 month, mean BCVA improved from 0.47 to 0.37 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) (P <0.01). This BCVA increased throughout 6 months. Subretinal fluid resolved partially or completely in 89.1% of the patients. Central macular thickness (CMT) decreased from 303.4 to 168.7 micrometer. The amount of change in CMT after PDT was correlated to the female sex and prePDT CMT. At 3 months after PDT, the amount of change in BCVA was significantly related to that of change of CMT (p <0.05). Adverse events were reported in 4 cases, however, most were mild. CONCLUSIONS: PDT was effective and safe for treating chronic CSC.

Clinical Course of Young Adults With Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course of young patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients 50 years or younger who presented with CRVO and who were followed up for at least 6 months. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 37.7 years, and the mean follow-up time was 26.3 months. Participants included 27 patients with CRVO younger than 50 years among the total 393 patients with CRVO, and the sex distribution was nearly equal; 13 patients were male and 14 patients were female. Associated systemic diseases were hypertension (8 patients), diabetes (3 patients), stroke (3 patients), and myocardial infarction (1 patient). Of the 17 patients who had no systemic disease, 8 patients had hypercholesterolemia or another hematologic abnormalities. Of the 18 eyes with non-ischemic CRVO, 10 eyes (55.6%) showed improved final visual acuities (2 or more lines). Of the 9 eyes with ischemic CRVO, only 1 eye (11.1%) showed improved visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Hematological examination and treatment with systemic evaluation were recommended to younger patients with CRVO. The classification of retinal ischemia of young patients as well as that of older patients could be useful for the follow-up of patients and the assessment of its progression in the future.

Intravitreal Injection of tPA and Gas for Submacular Hemorrhage Associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE: To study the results of intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and expansile gas injection for the treatment of submacular hemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients (11 eyes) with submacular hemorrhage in AMD were included in this study. All patients were treated with intravitreal injections of tPA and C3F8 gas. Postoperatively, patients' follow-up period were at least 3 months. Outcome measures included early and final visual acuity, age, disc areas of hemorrhage, duration of symptoms, displacement of blood from the fovea, and final macular status. RESULTS: The maximum diameter of the hematoma ranged from 2 to 10 disc diameters. The mean duration of submacular hemorrhage was 7.5 days. Submacular blood was completely displaced in 7 patients (64%) and partially in four (36%). Best postoperative visual acuity improved in 7 eyes; in 6 eyes (55%), the improvement was two or more lines. Final visual acuity improved in 7 eyes (64%), remained stable in 2 eyes (18%), and worsened in 2 eyes (18%). Choroidal neovascularization positioned at subfovea in 7 eyes (64%) and juxtafovea in 4 eyes (36%). No significant difference was found between postoperative visual recovery and these factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that intravitreal tPA and expansile gas injection are safe and of useful for displacing hemorrhages secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Final visual acuity was limited by the underlying choroidal neovascularization of AMD.

A Case of Valsalva Retinopathy Associated with Straining at Stool / 영남의대학술지

The Valsalva maneuver is described as an expiratory effort against a closed glottis or airway. It leads to elevation of retinal venous pressure and may result in retinal hemorrhage. A fifty two-year-old man presented with an acute reduction of central visual acuity in his right eye which occurred after considerable straining at stool. Detailed past medical history revealed that he suffered from chronic constipation and hypertension. There were one disc sized subhyaloid hemorrhage and three small intraretinal hemorrhages around the fovea at the dilated fundus examination. After three months of follow-up without any treatment, the retinal hemorrhages resolved without any sequelae. Here we report a patient with sudden visual loss and retinal hemorrhage.

Clinical Manifestations of Optic Nerve Hypoplasia

PURPOSE: To estimate the baseline demographic and ocular characteristics of patients with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), and to analyze the different features and frequency of coexistent CNS abnormalities and pituitary hormone deficiency. METHODS: The authors reviewed the medical records of the patients who were seen between January 1988 and July 2005. Eyes with disc-to-macula / disc diameter ratio of 3.0 or more were eligible. The study comprised 70 patients (45 male, 25 female) and the average age was 6.4 years. RESULTS: Ocular manifestations included strabismus and nystagmus in 60 patients (85.7%) and 23 patients (32.9%), respectively. Eighty-four patients (87.5%) had visual acuity of 0.3 or less. Neuroradiologic examination of 27 patients revealed two with septo-optic dysplasia, two with pituitary hypoplasia, one with an absence of corpus callosum, one with diffuse encephalomalacia, one with a cerebral infarction in the right cerebral hemisphere, and one with a cerebellar injury. Of 12 patients who had undergone a clinical laboratory test, two had isolated growth hormone deficiency, one had a combined deficiency of growth hormone and gonadotropin and one had a combined deficiency of growth hormone and thyrotropin. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular features frequently associated with ONH are strabismus, nystagmus and poor vision. ONH is often associated with a wide variety of central nervous system abnormalities and pituitary hormone defect, so a systematic approach to patients with ONH is always recommended.