Comparison of the horizontal diameter to a modeled area of traction in eyes with vitreomacular traction: is the diameter close enough to the truth?

PURPOSE: In daily practice, vitreomacular traction (VMT) is described by the horizontal diameter of its attachment site implying a regular round shape of VMT. We investigated the deviation from this circular area of vitreous traction in patients with VMT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans was performed. The area of vitreomacular attachment was determined using six radial OCT scans (Ameasured). The assumed circular area of traction was calculated based on measuring the maximal horizontal diameter for comparison (Acircular). RESULTS: Thirty-seven eyes of 37 patients with pure VMT were included. Patients' mean age was 72.8 ± 8.2 years. Mean horizontal VMT diameter was 400.8 ± 230.5 µm (median 361 µm; range 44-991 µm). While there was no difference between mean areas of traction for Acircular and Ameasured (P = 0.93), the individual difference (|Acircular - Ameasured|) was 0.042 (± 0.044) mm2 in mean or relative 73.0% (± 135.8%). A difference of ≥ 30% of Ameasured to Acircular was found in 16 eyes (43.2%) and ≥ 100% in 7 eyes (18.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Vitreous attachment sites possess an irregular non-circular shape in a significant number of eyes with VMT. Consequently, the area of traction appears inaccurately described by its horizontal VMT diameter alone. As the area of traction is important for therapeutic recommendation, our results emphasize the need for a more precise description of the area of traction in eyes with VMT.

Demographics of patients receiving Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in real-world practice: healthcare research data versus randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are based on strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, non-interventional studies (NISs) might provide additional information to guide management in patients more representative to the real-world setting. The aim of this study was to compare baseline characteristics of patients receiving intravitreal treatment in the NIS OCEAN with those from published RCTs. METHODS: The ongoing OCEAN study enrolled patients treated with ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) or branch/central retinal vein occlusion (B/CRVO). Baseline patient characteristics were compared by indication within the OCEAN cohort. Furthermore, the characteristics were set in reference to those of published RCTs in the same indications. Confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and assessed for statistically significant differences as indicated by non-overlapping CIs. RESULTS: Patient characteristics in the NIS OCEAN were evaluated for 3,614 patients with nAMD, 1,211 with DME, 204 with BRVO and 121 with CRVO. Between these groups, significant differences in mean age, gender distributions, and mean baseline VA were seen, reflecting known differences between the indications. Compared to the patient characteristics of published RCTs (trials selected by literature search: nAMD: 13 RCTs, DME: 9, RVO: 5), the OCEAN patients' mean age was significantly higher in every indication. The gender distributions across the trials were comparable, with only few differences between OCEAN and the RCTs. Regarding the mean baseline VA, notable differences were found in nAMD and in DME, with VA significantly higher in some RCTs and lower in others. CONCLUSIONS: The described differences underline the complementarity of NISs and RCTs. OCEAN covers a broader spectrum and more variability of patients than do RCTs. As baseline values may have impact on the treatment response (ceiling effect), there is an ongoing need for research in all patient subgroups. Country-specific assessments of patient populations can better reflect the real-world situation. NISs can deliver insights that RCTs may not, as NISs can include non-typical patients, patients with comorbidities, a broader age spectrum and patients of various disease stages. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The NIS OCEAN was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02194803 ).

[Regional Differences in the Care of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Based on the Non-Interventional OCEAN Study]. / Regionale Unterschiede in der Versorgung von Patienten mit neovaskulärer  altersabhängiger Makuladegeneration in einer nicht interventionellen Beobachtungsstudie (OCEAN).

Background: The main cause of blindness in the elderly in Germany is neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). In the non-interventional OCEAN study, data were prospectively collected on the routine clinical care of patients treated with the drug ranibizumab. Patients: As part of an interim analysis within the ongoing study (NCT02194803), stratification was performed by the 17 regions of the German associations of panel physicians and by areas of different population density. Only data were analysed for patients for whom the first treatment with ranibizumab was documented. Results: A total of 5,606 patients were documented. The present manuscript reviews 2,658 treatment-naive patients with nAMD, documented by 324 ophthalmologists. Most patients receiving an intravitreal injection were female (60 %). The average patient was aged 77.7 ± 8.2 years at study start. The great majority of patients had statutory health insurance (91 %). At baseline, fluorescein angiography (FLA) was performed for 72 % of patients, while optical coherence tomography (OCT) was carried out for 76 %. A combination of both was performed for 54 % of patients, varying regionally from 26 % (Saxony-Anhalt) to 100 % (Berlin). The average waiting time between the first examination and the first injection was 20.0 ± 18.5 days. With different statistical models (ANOVA adjusted, with/without interactions), significant effects on treatment delay were found for district type (population density), federal state and type of specialist. Conclusion: No major regional differences were observed in the demographic characteristics of the patient population. The main regional disparities in the care of nAMD patients were in the application of diagnostic methods and the waiting times between the first examination and the first drug administration. The regional variations in treatment delays could clearly influence the risk of worse functional outcome.

[Delayed treatment initiation of more than 2 weeks. Relevance for possible gain of visual acuity after anti-VEGF therapy under real life conditions (interim analysis of the prospective OCEAN study)]. / Verzögerung des Behandlungsbeginns um mehr als 2 Wochen. Relevanz für möglichen Visusgewinn nach Anti-VEGF-Therapie unter Real-Life-Bedingungen (Interimanalyse der prospektiven OCEAN-Studie).

BACKGROUND: The largest German prospective non-interventional ophthalmological study OCEAN (NCT02194803) investigates the treatment of retinal diseases with ranibizumab in routine patient care. A feature of this study is the participation of ophthalmic surgeons in surgical centers as well as general ophthalmologists who do not perform intravitreal injections themselves. OBJECTIVES: The functional outcome following administration of three intravitreal injections was analyzed with respect to the time from initial examination to the first injection (defined as treatment delay) as well as potentially confounding factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This interim analysis included only data from therapy naïve patients participating in the OCEAN study, who received at least three ranibizumab injections. The potential impact of various factors on treatment delay was analyzed by the χ(2)-test. RESULTS: Data of 1333 patients were analyzed. The median delay before treatment was 15 days (range 0-90 days). Patients with a delay of more than 28 days showed a significantly lower gain in visual acuity than patients with a delay of less than 14 days. Age, gender and baseline visual acuity did not show an association with the treatment delay; however, referral from a primary care ophthalmologist, undertaking fluorescein angiography in an external practice and the underlying indications did affect the observed treatment delays. CONCLUSION: Every patient should be treated within 14 days, following recent recommendations of the ophthalmological societies. Liability issues have to be considered as the statistical evaluation of real life data showed unambiguous results.

[Self-relaxation techniques for glaucoma patients. Significance of autogenic training, hypnosis and music therapy]. / Entspannungsmethoden beim Glaukom. Stellenwert von autogenem Training, Hypnose und Musikmedizin.

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is currently the second most common cause of severe visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Standard pharmaceutical and surgical interventions often fail to prevent progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether adjuvantly applied self-relaxation techniques can significantly impact intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion and the overall mental state of affected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the literature was carried out and a comprehensive overview of currently available data is presented. RESULTS: Autogenic training, hypnosis and music therapy can significantly impact intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion and overall mental state of patients suffering from glaucoma. CONCLUSION: As all of these adjuvant therapeutic options are cost-effective, available almost everywhere and at anytime as well as without any known side effects, they can be useful additional techniques in the overall concept for treating glaucoma patients. Regular ocular examinations by an ophthalmologist are, however, mandatory.

Prophylactic Circumferential Retinal Cryopexy to Prevent Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment after Posterior Capsule Rupture during Phacoemulsification.

Purpose. To evaluate whether prophylactic circumferential retinal cryopexy (CRC) can prevent pseudophakic retinal detachment (PRD) development after posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during phacoemulsification. Methods. Retrospective patient chart analysis of eyes experiencing a PCR during phacoemulsification. Comparison of PRD development between eyes receiving CRC (cryo+ group) or not (cryo- group). Results. Overall 106 patients were analyzed, thereof 61 (58%) in the cryo+ and 45 (42%) in the cryo- group. In both clusters a total of 10 PRDs (9.4%) occurred, thereof 3 (30%) in the cryo+ as well as 7 (70%) in the cryo- group (p = 0.087), 79.8 ± 81.58 weeks after PCR. Relative/absolute risk reduction in CRC-treated eyes was calculated to be 68%/11%. Prophylactic CRC reduced PRD development 0.3-fold. Number needed to treat was estimated to be 9.4. Conclusion. Prophylactic CRC might be a useful treatment option in eyes with PCR to hamper PRD development in the further course. Further research is indicated to evaluate this beneficial effect between eyes with and without a rupture of the anterior vitreous cortex and accompanying vitreous loss in an expanding number of eyes.

[Intravitreal fibrinolysis and retinal vein occlusion]. / Intravitreale Fibrinolyse und retinaler Venenverschluss.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare intravitreal activity and concentrations of different components of the fibrinolytic cascade in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) as well as branch RVO (BRVO) and healthy controls. These results were correlated with corresponding intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations as a biomarker for the severity of blood-retina barrier (BRB) breakdown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Vitreous samples were obtained from 14 eyes with CRVO, 22 eyes with BRVO and 11 controls and the activities and concentrations of plasminogen, plasmin-alpha2-antiplasmin (PAP) and VEGF were analyzed. RESULTS: Intravitreal activities and concentrations in the CRVO, BRVO and control groups were 2.07 ± 1.87%, 1.24 ± 1.12% and 0.38 ± 0.63% for functional plasminogen, 8.14 ± 7.07 ng/ml, 6.96 ± 4.8 ng/ml and 9.74 ± 10.98 ng/ml for PAP while respective results for VEG levels were 1269 ± 1318 pg/ml, 528 ± 543 pg/ml and 105 ± 116 pg/ml, respectively. There were significant differences in intravitreal functional plasminogen and VEGF between the groups analyzed (in each case p < 0.001). Intravitreal functional plasminogen correlated with intravitreal VEGF concentrations (r = 0.478, p = 0.001). No adverse events or serious side effects occurred. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in intravitreal functional plasminogen and VEGF between eyes with CRVO, BRVO and controls. Intravitreal activity of plasminogen was significantly correlated with the severity of BRB breakdown in RVO affected eyes. The knowledge of intravitreal activities and concentrations of different components of the fibrinolytic cascade could offer new therapeutic strategies in RVO-affected eyes in the future.

Can dynamic contour tonometry and ocular pulse amplitude help to detect severe cardiovascular pathologies?

We demonstrate the close relationship between a conspicuous ocular pulse amplitude and severe underlying cardiovascular disease. Two otherwise symptom-free glaucoma patients without any previously diagnosed underlying cardiovascular pathology but with a conspicuous ocular pulse amplitude and who underwent routine examinations in our glaucoma department were referred to the appropriate specialty for further diagnostic procedures. In both patients, the diagnosis of a tachyarrhythmia was made as suspected on dynamic contour tonometry measurements. In addition to medical treatment, one patient underwent electric cardioversion and the second patient was scheduled for pacemaker implantation. A third patient with an unexpected high ocular pulse amplitude despite severe cardiovascular pathology underwent major surgery due to an aortic aneurysm. Carotid stenosis was diagnosed due to side differences in ocular pulse amplitude as well. Ocular pulse amplitude might be a noninvasive and affordable screening tool and could be used to detect severe cardiovascular disease. A prospective study including a larger number of patients is needed to prove this hypothesis.

[Vitreous body and retinal vein occlusion]. / Glaskörperstatus und retinaler Venenverschluss.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the adhesion status of the posterior vitreous cortex (PVC) towards the internal limiting membrane (ILM) has an impact on the development of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis the operation protocols of 238 eyes receiving pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) and radial optic neurotomy (RON) for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or ppV in combination with arteriovenous sheathotomy (AVS) for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) were evaluated with respect to the intraoperative status of posterior vitreous body adhesion. The results were compared with age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: In this study 145 eyes (60.9 %) suffering from CRVO and 93 eyes (39.1 %) diagnosed with BRVO were included. In eyes with CRVO and BRVO the posterior vitreous cortex (PVC) was significantly more often attached (126 eyes, 86.9 % and 89 eyes, 95.7 %, respectively) than completely detached (19 eyes, 13.1 % and 4 eyes, 4.3 %, respectively, in each case p < 0.001). In the age groups between 70 and 79 years as well as between 80 and 89 years the PVC was significantly more often attached in both RVO entities in comparison to age-matched healthy controls (CRVO 70-79 years, p = 0.001 and 80-89 years, p = 0.002 and BRVO 70-79 years, p < 0.001, 80-89 years, p = 0.011). In eyes from the age group between 65 and 69 years (of age) the PVC was not significantly more often attached in comparison to healthy controls (CRVO p = 0.334 and BRVO p = 0.114). CONCLUSION: According to these findings posterior vitreous adhesion is an independent risk factor for the development of retinal vein occlusion among patients aged 70 years or older.

[Combination of different techniques for secondary anchoring of intraocular lenses]. / Kombination verschiedener Techniken bei sekundärer Verankerung intraokularer Linsen.

BACKGROUND: The four fundamental techniques of secondary intraocular lens (IOL) fixation, namely sulcus placement, scleral or iris suture fixation and scleral haptic fixation can be combined in special situations. AIM: When is a combination of different techniques advisable? METHODS: This article describes our experiences and gives an example of combined technique use. RESULTS: These situations arise in cases when neighboring ocular structures are only partially preserved or show particular distinctive defects that can be repaired at the time of secondary IOL anchoring. This article presents a case of IOL-induced iris chafing and traumatic iridodialysis which was closed by a combined technique of iris suture and scleral suture fixation. CONCLUSION: A combination of different anchoring techniques for secondary IOL implantation can achieve a simultaneous repair of perilenticular structures and reduce the amount of suture material used.

[Retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens implantation technique for aphakia]. / Technik der retropupillaren Irisklauenintraokularlinsenimplantation bei Aphakie.

BACKGROUND: Overview of the retropupillary implantation of iris claw intraocular lenses (Artisan®,Ophtec, Groningen, Niederlande and Verisyse(TM),AMO, Santa Ana CA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search and review of implantation techniques, patient selection, potential complications and management strategies. RESULTS: This approach has the advantage of a simple implantation technique, an anatomically correct implantation site (as compared to endocapsular implantation) and a relatively low complication rate. An intact iris is, however, a prerequisite for this technique. Ischemic vitreoretinopathies, such as diabetes or vascular occlusive entities, as well as uveitis might be considered as contraindications. CONCLUSIONS: The retropupillary implantation of iris claw intraocular lenses is an interesting and especially time-effective rehabilitation technique for aphakia.

[Implantation of intraocular lenses in the ciliary sulcus]. / Implantation von Intraokularlinsen in den Sulcus ciliaris.

Implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) into the ciliary sulcus is the second most common implantation site after the regular capsular bag (in the bag) placement of an IOL. Although mainly not primarily intended, it is very often used in both complicated cataract surgery and secondary implantation due to IOL dislocation or aphakia. In most cases stable positioning is possible, especially when using optic capture techniques. A variety of difficulties can occur with sulcus implantation depending on the anatomical and surgical conditions present at the time of implantation. The most anterior position of the sulcus lense has to be considered for calculation of the refractive power of the IOL.

[Reliability and safety of intravitreal Ozurdex injections. The ZERO study]. / Zuverlässigkeit und Sicherheit von intravitrealen Ozurdex-Injektionen. Die ZERO-Studie.

BACKGROUND: Since July 2010 Ozurdex® is approved in Germany for treatment of macular edema from retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The objective of this observational study was a systemic summary and analysis of clinical experience regarding complications and side effects of intravitreal administration of dexamethasone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective, multicenter study conducted at 10 centers, 342 eyes with RVO were treated with intravitreal dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Allergan). After treatment the patients were followed-up over a period of 8 months and intraoperative, perioperative and postoperative complications, such as elevated intraocular pressure and dislocation of implants were systematically recorded. RESULTS: No infections, endophthalmitis, perioperative hypotension, intraoperative lens injuries or retinal detachment occurred. Elevated intraocular pressure was the most common complication accounting for nearly 20 %. In 9 % of patients the intraocular pressure increased by more than 10 mmHg compared to baseline and in 6 patients to > 35 mmHg. In cases of known glaucoma intraocular pressure elevation was not significantly more frequent compared to non-glaucoma patients. In four cases a progression of lens opacity led to phacoemulsification and two implant dislocations in the anterior chamber required surgical repositioning in the vitreous cavity. In two cases a postinterventional macular hole was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In the clinical routine Ozurdex treatment has proven to be a therapy method with minimal side effects. In Ozurdex administration intraocular pressure elevation was observed as the most common side effect; however, this generally did not require surgical intervention. Caution is advised in patients with an anterior chamber lens and iridectomy. Macular holes as a rare complication might result from vitreous traction during the administration process. In summary, even in the clinical routine application of Ozurdex the complication rate was not higher than in registration studies.

[Tear in the retinal pigment epithelium by intravitreal injection of aflibercept]. / Riss des retinalen Pigmentepithels durch intravitreale Aflibercept-Injektion.

Development of tears in the retinal pigment epithelium (RIP) has been described as a possible complication following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody therapy with substances which have been available for years when treating pigment epithelium detachment (PED) in eyes affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Aflibercept has become available for the treatment of exsudative AMD since December 2012. This case report describes a further patient in addition to the only other case published so far who developed RIP after aflibercept treatment for PED. Patients have to be thoroughly informed about this potential side effect before initiation of intravitreal aflibercept injection therapy.

[Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema]. / Das pseudophakiebedingte zystoide Makulaödem.

Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema is still a relevant clinical disease entity although major progress in modern cataract surgery has been made within the last decades. The relevance is attributed to the large number of cases that are performed each year. Even after uneventful surgery, a pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema can develop and may lead to severe and lasting visual impairments. In respect to the pathophysiology, four consecutive steps have to be considered: (i) surgical procedure-related induction and release of various inflammation mediators into the anterior chamber; (ii) removal of the physiological lens barrier between the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, leading consecutively to an increase in diffusion rate in either direction; (iii) local action of the inflammation mediators towards the macular area; and (iv) increased vitreoretinal traction due to the anteriorly oriented drive of the vitreous. To prevent the development of a pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema, systemic and ocular pathologies should be treated consequently prior to surgery. Furthermore, an individual risk profile of each patient needs to be evaluated to define the best pre- and postsurgical medical treatment. A less traumatic surgical approach can help to prevent macular oedema development additionally. The diagnosis is made by performing biomicroscopy, fluorescence angiography and optical coherence tomography as well as by evaluating the patients' major complaints. Standard operation procedures or recommended guidelines by the specialised eye associations to prevent and treat pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema are not available up to date. A synopsis of recommendations in the literature suggests a step-wise treatment regimen, including topical medical treatment on the one hand and a surgical approach on the other hand as well as a combination of both, if needed. Topical medical treatment options include the use of non-steroidal, corticosteroid and/or carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drops. Surgical interventions include pars plana vitrectomy.

[Seasonal variation in the occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at the beginning of the 21st century. Study results and literature review]. / Saisonale Variation des Auftretens rhegmatogener Netzhautablösungen zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts. Eigene Ergebnisse und Übersicht über die Literatur.

AIM: The present study aims to ascertain whether there are seasonal variations in the occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at the beginning of the 21st century, compare these results with seasonal variations observed in the literature for the 20th century, and determine whether current general lifestyle changes in terms of the increased use of visual media (TV, PC) and a decrease in outdoor activity influence seasonal patterns of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHOD: A quantitative retrospective analysis of 2605 surgical protocols of retinal detachment repair procedures performed at the eye clinic of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany, between 1998 and 2008 was carried out. RESULTS: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was diagnosed in 1490 cases and, as such, was the most frequently occurring type of retinal detachment during the selected period of time (p = 0.001). A seasonal distribution was detected with statistically significant maximum and minimum incidences in July and October, respectively, (p = 0.008). These results are consistent with the findings of large studies conducted in the 20(th) century that observed a maximum in the summer months and a minimum in the winter months. Furthermore, in the period between 2003 and 2008 significantly more rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were observed than from 1998 to 2002 (p = 0.001). During school holiday periods 1.43% fewer rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were observed than had been estimated statistically. The increased number of hours of sunlight and increased average monthly temperatures had no significant impact on the occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: Current changes in lifestyle in terms of the increased use of visual media and a decrease in outdoor activity do not appear to have influenced the seasonal variation in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Factors other than light intensity and average temperature that have not yet been evaluated appear to be the cause of these seasonal variations.