[Update from France Macula Federation: Diagnosis of wet AMD]. / Actualisations de la Fédération France Macula : diagnostic de la DMLA exsudative.

PURPOSE: To update the recommendations of the France Macula Federation for the diagnosis of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Analysis of literature and expert opinion. RESULTS: The FMF recommends diagnosing wet AMD by combining the results of fundus examination (or color or monochromatic fundus photographs), optical coherence tomography (OCT) showing exudative signs, and morphological visualization of the neovascular membrane, which may be obtained non-invasively (OCT-angiography) or invasively (fluorescein and/or indocyanine green angiography). Under optimal conditions in which all these tools are available, the FMF recommends using non-invasive methods as first-line tools and resorting to dye angiography if diagnostic doubt remains. CONCLUSION: As observed in other fields of medical imaging, non-invasive methods are preferred to invasive methods for the diagnosis of wet AMD, while the latter are reserved for more difficult cases.

[Update from France Macula Federation: Treatment of Wet AMD]. / Actualisations de la Fédération France Macula : prise en charge thérapeutique de la DMLA exsudative.

PURPOSE: To update the recommendations of the France Macula Federation for treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Analysis of literature and expert opinion. RESULTS: The FFM recommends initiating anti-VEGF therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis of exudative AMD. There has been no major change in the last several years concerning the procedure of intravitreal injection itself. However, the litigious points are discussed: simultaneous bilateral injection; antibiotic therapy; medico-legal aspects. All anti-VEGF strategies possess advantages and limitations. The strategy should be left to the ophthalmologists' preference. However, the chosen strategy should be explained to patients and strictly followed. CONCLUSION: The treatment of wet-AMD is more precisely codified than before. However, various strategies still coexist.

Accuracy of peripapillary versus macular vessel density in diagnosis of early to advanced primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular and peripapillary vessel density (mVD, pVD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in healthy subjects, patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, OCT-A images were obtained from 60 eyes of 36 healthy, ocular hypertension (OHT), preperimetric glaucoma (PPG), early glaucoma (EG) and moderate and advanced POAG subjects. Superficial mVD was acquired over a 6×6-mm cube centered on the foveal avascular zone and pVD over a 4.5×4.5-mm cube centered on the optic disc. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness was calculated using spectral-domain OCT. Correlations between vascular, structural and Humphrey VF indices were evaluated (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). RESULTS: Median pVD and mVD in the PPG eyes were lower than in healthy eyes (51.87% and 47.23% versus 55.70% and 53.61%, respectively; P<0.001 and P=0.003), but higher than in mild glaucoma eyes (46.21% and 41.98%, P<0.001 compared to normal eyes) and moderate to advanced glaucoma eyes (37.45% and 39.89%, P<0.0001 compared to normal eyes). The highest correlations were found between structural parameters and pVD (r=0.87 and 0.86 for pRNFL and GCC, P<0.0001), followed by mVD (r=0.69 for both pRNFL and GCC, P<0.0001). Correlations with mean VF sensitivity were similar for pVD and mVD (r=0.61 and 0.56) and for GCC and pRNFL (r=0.60 and 0.52, P<0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: VD measured with OCT-A shows reduction in POAG. Detection of this damage differentiates PPG from normal and perimetric POAG eyes with a high correlation with structural parameters. Peripapillary VD accuracy is higher than mVD in detecting the disease. These results suggest that OCT-A could improve POAG diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind glaucoma.

Real study: Re-treatment evaluated on visual acuity for Lucentis® in neovascular AMD.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of a monthly injection of Lucentis® until stable visual acuity (VA) is obtained for three consecutive months without exudation in patients with neovascular age macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Prospective, single-center, non-controlled trial including naïve AMD patients with neovascularization. An assessment of VA and a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed at baseline and every month. Monthly injections of Lucentis® were performed over three months. The monthly injections were then continued until three consecutive stable VA results were obtained with no signs of exudation. RESULTS: Fifteen out of the 21 patients included were anatomically good responders. A mean gain of +14Le (9) was obtained up to the point at which there was no exudation. There was no additional gain from this point until 3 consecutive stable VA results were obtained. During the PRN phase, an additional mean gain of +3.2Le (7.7) was obtained. CONCLUSION: This initial VA-guided regimen with ranibizumab might prevent the slight decrease in VA observed during the first year of PRN studies.

[Management of wet AMD in France in 2015]. / Prise en charge de la DMLA exsudative en France en 2015.

PURPOSE AND CONTEXT: Intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF agents, available in France since 2007, allows stabilization and improvement in visual acuity in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the past few years, the management of this disease has evolved in terms of both diagnostic methods and treatment schedules, which have been adapted to the pathophysiology of AMD. The goal of this survey, performed in a representative sample of French ophthalmologists, was to describe the evolution of medical practices one year after a similar survey (Massé et al., J Fr Ophtalmol 2016; 39: 40-7). METHOD: The survey was performed from December, 2014 to March, 2015 in 191 ophthalmologists (53 general ophthalmologists and 98 retina specialists) with an on-line questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed by a committee of ophthalmologists to describe practices concerning screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of wet AMD. RESULTS: An initial intravitreal injection of an anti-VEGF agent was usually performed within 10 days after the diagnosis of wet AMD by 98% of ophthalmologists and within 5 days by 63%. The treatment protocols favored by retina specialists were pro re nata (PRN) for 58%, Observe and Plan for 25% and Treat and Extend for 17%. Bilateral intravitreal injections were performed on the same day by 46% of retina specialists, mostly for the convenience of the patient and because of the low infectious risk. The initial protocol was maintained by one third of retina specialists throughout the course of treatment, while two thirds of them reported that they reassessed the protocol on average after 5 months. CONCLUSION: This survey on the practices of the ophthalmologists in wet AMD highlights an improvement in the time course of patient management and an evolution of treatment schedules toward individualized protocols.

[Overview of medical practices in wet AMD in France]. / Vue d'ensemble des pratiques médicales dans la DMLA exsudative en France.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Wet AMD is characterized by the formation of choroidal neovascularization, mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and responsible for a decrease in visual acuity and metamorphopsia of sudden onset. Intravitreal anti-VEGF can stabilize or even improve visual acuity. Although there is a consensus among ophthalmologists about the induction phase injection of anti-VEGF, there appear to be differences in practice regarding therapeutic treatment modalities. The goal of this work was to explore this hypothesis and to better understand real life practices. METHOD: The Ipsos institute conducted a qualitative survey of 16 retinal specialists and 9 general ophthalmologists in September and October 2013, using a questionnaire developed by a scientific committee of experts. Fifteen telephone interviews and 4 face-to-face meetings with a retina specialist and an ophthalmologist were conducted. This qualitative study allowed the development of a quantitative survey of 200 retina specialists and general ophthalmologists, conducted between November 2013 and January 2014, to describe practices in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of wet AMD. RESULTS: A distribution of roles between the ophthalmologist making the initial diagnosis and the retinal specialists responsible for treatment and follow-up was noted. Treatment was initiated within 10 days of diagnosis as recommended by the HAS in only one third of patients. After the induction phase of treatment, i.e. three monthly injections of anti-VEGF, treatment and monitoring practices were heterogeneous with 74% of physicians using a PRN treatment protocol, 22% a bimonthly protocol (with monthly monitoring in 19.4% of cases) and 4% a "treat and extend" protocol. There was little change in the protocol chosen in the case of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Three quarters of ophthalmologists report using a PRN protocol, and over 90% report seeing their patients monthly, either for injection or for a check-up. This apparent uniformity is in reality more complex: for the large majority, they prefer to closely follow the patient so as to treat the slightest recurrence, but with great variability in practices with regard to individualization of treatment.

Age-related macular degeneration screening using a nonmydriatic digital color fundus camera and telemedicine.

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of a nonmydriatic digital color fundus camera and telemedicine as screening tools for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Nonmydriatic color fundus photography was performed on patients consulting health examination centers and transmitted by telemedicine to an ophthalmology department. Rates for different grades of AMD were calculated and also statistically related to the presence or absence of risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 1,022 patients screened, a total of 1,363 color fundus photographs were interpreted, with 80% gradable images, allowing a diagnosis of AMD in 178 photographs. Among all the gradable images, 83.7% had no AMD (grade 0). The rates of AMD at grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 8%, 5.6%, 2.3% and 0.4%, respectively. A statistical odds ratio was found between the presence of AMD on fundus photographs and age, familial history of AMD or prior cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Nonmydriatic color fundus photography and telemedicine succeeded in screening for AMD.

[Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for naive myopic choroidal neovascularization: 19-month results]. / Néovaisseaux choroïdiens du myope fort naïfs traités par injections intravitréennes de bévacizumab : résultats à plus de 12 mois.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization. PATIENTS: We report a retrospective study of patients with subfoveal or juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization associated with pathologic myopia treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in Lyon, France, from January 2009 to June 2010. Best-corrected visual acuity, ocular pressure, fundus examination, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography were performed for each patient at baseline and monthly. Indications for retreatment were persistent or recurrence of exsudative activity. RESULTS: The study included eight eyes of eight patients. The mean follow-up time was 19 months. The mean number of intravitreal injections was three at the end of the first year. Six patients maintained or improved their vision. No injection complications or drug-related side effects were noted during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, intravitreal injection of bevacizumab seems to be a safe and effective treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization.

[Idiopathic macular telangiectasia: clinical appearance, imaging and treatment]. / Les télangiectasies maculaires idiopathiques : aspects cliniques, imagerie et traitements.

INTRODUCTION: This work aims to summarize the clinical features of idiopathic macular telangiectasia (IMT) and the role of imaging in this condition as well as to review available treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of IMT patients diagnosed, followed and treated between June 2010 and March 2012 at the Red Cross Hospital in Lyon. Patients were identified on the basis of Yanuzzi classification. Funduscopic appearance, fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence photos and high-resolution spectral domain ocular coherence tomography (SD-OCT) allowed these IMT patients to be classified into two groups. Patients with visual loss secondary to cystoid macular edema were treated with laser and/or intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. RESULTS: Four patients were examined on the basis of decreased visual acuity secondary to IMT. The combination of fluorescein angiography and SD-OCT allowed the diagnosis of two patients as group 1 IMT and two patients as group 2 IMT. Patients with group 1 telangiectasias were treated by laser and/or intravitreal anti-VEGF. We found functional and anatomical efficacy of anti-VEGF treatment for group 1 IMT. DISCUSSION: The physiopathology of IMT is complex and still remains imperfectly understood. Anti-VEGF treatment appears to be an effective alternative for the treatment of cystoid macular edema in group 1 IMT. CONCLUSION: The physiopathology of IMT is very complex. We have shown that anti-VEGF seems to give satisfactory results for cystoid macular edema in group 1 IMT, although several reinjections may be required. It seems that there is no effective treatment for group 2 IMT without neovascular complications. Future therapeutic progress in the treatment of atrophic age-related macular degeneration will probably be effective in this condition as well.

Bevacizumab versus ranibizumab in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration: a retrospective study of 58 patients.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab versus ranibizumab in the treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective case-controlled series of 30 patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and 28 patients treated with intravitreal ranibizumab for exudative AMD. Main outcomes measured included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and foveal thickness, quantity of subretinal fluid, neovessel size and total number of injections over the first year treatment period. A secondary outcome was the report of any adverse events in both groups. RESULTS: BCVA stabilized and increased from LogMAR 0.70 to 0.47 in the bevacizumab group and from 0.55 to 0.54 in the ranibizumab group (P>0.05). CMT decreased in the bevacizumab group from 369 to 284 µm and in the ranibizumab group from 340 to 271 µm (P>0.05). The number of injection was significantly lower (4.8) in the bevacizumab group than in the ranibizumab group (5.8) (P<0.05). No serious ocular adverse events were noted in both groups. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study failed to show a difference in visual and anatomic outcomes between bevacizumab and ranibizumab. The number of re-treatment was lower in the bevacizumab group (P=0.03).

[Role of intolerance to hypoxia in the occurrence of anterior bilateral ischaemic optic neuropathy at high altitude]. / Survenue d'une neuropathie optique ischémique antérieure aiguë bilatérale en haute altitude: rôle de l'intolérance à l'hypoxie.

The pathophysiology of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) is still imperfectly understood, but arterial hypertension seems to play a decisive role. Intolerance to hypoxia is defined as desaturation of hemoglobin more than 15% at rest and/or elevation of blood pressure at rest or after exercise over 20mmHg in hypoxia. We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who presented bilateral NA-AION during a trek at high altitude (>2500m). The etiological check up was negative. Due to the circumstances of occurrence, we requested a tolerance to hypoxia test, which was positive. In this case, the combined effects of altitude and effort probably led to prolonged desaturation of oxyhemoglobin associated with an excessive blood pressure increase upon exercise leading to ischemia of the optic nerve head. This case showed the value of a systematic search for hypoxia tolerance in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy occurring during a situation of prolonged hypoxia (long-distance flight, high altitude).