Choroidal macrovascular and capillary alterations in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the choroidal vascular alterations and effect of surgical treatment in the setting of idiopathic epiretinal membranes. METHODS: The structure of the choroid was studied in 33 patients with unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membrane using optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography. Eyes with epiretinal membrane underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling. The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow density were used to evaluate changes in choroidal structure after surgery and compare with the healthy fellow eyes. RESULTS: The choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio of the eyes with epiretinal membrane were higher than those of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.009 and p=0.04, respectively) and decreased postoperatively compared with preoperative values (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively). The choriocapillaris flow of eyes with epiretinal membrane was lower than that of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.001) and increased after surgery compared with the preoperative value (p=0.04). The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow values of the healthy fellow eyes were comparable at baseline and final visit. In eyes with epiretinal membrane, the final choroidal vascularity index correlated with the final choriocapillaris flow (r=-0.749, p=0.008) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane appears to affect the choroidal structure with increased choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/ choroidal thickness ratio and decreased choriocapillaris flow. These macrovascular (choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness) and microvascular (choriocapillaris flow) alterations appear to be relieved by surgical treatment of the epiretinal membranes.

Choroidal macrovascular and capillary alterations in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the choroidal vascular alterations and effect of surgical treatment in the setting of idiopathic epiretinal membranes. Methods: The structure of the choroid was studied in 33 patients with unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membrane using optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography. Eyes with epiretinal membrane underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling. The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow density were used to evaluate changes in choroidal structure after surgery and compare with the healthy fellow eyes. Results: The choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio of the eyes with epiretinal membrane were higher than those of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.009 and p=0.04, respectively) and decreased postoperatively compared with preoperative values (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively). The choriocapillaris flow of eyes with epiretinal membrane was lower than that of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.001) and increased after surgery compared with the preoperative value (p=0.04). The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow values of the healthy fellow eyes were comparable at baseline and final visit. In eyes with epiretinal membrane, the final choroidal vascularity index correlated with the final choriocapillaris flow (r=-0.749, p=0.008) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane appears to affect the choroidal structure with increased choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio and decreased choriocapillaris flow. These macrovascular (choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness) and microvascular (choriocapillaris flow) alterations appear to be relieved by surgical treatment of the epiretinal membranes.

REPAIR OF THE EXIT WOUND OF A PERFORATING GLOBE INJURY WITH THE AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE: A SURGICAL ADJUVANT FOR EARLY VITRECTOMY.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of the amniotic membrane for the repair of the exit wound of a perforating injury involving the retina and the choroid. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 46-year-old man presented one day after a perforating ocular injury with an exit wound close to the inferior temporal retinal vascular arcade. The next day, the patient underwent a combined vitrectomy and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. During vitrectomy, a retinochoroidectomy was performed at the exit wound and the internal limiting membrane was peeled over the macula and up to the exit wound. Laser retinopexy was followed by plugging of a piece of the amniotic membrane to the exit wound. A second piece of the amniotic membrane was used to cover the bare retinochoroidectomy area. The surgery was concluded with a silicone exchange. Postoperatively, no sign of proliferative vitreoretinopathy was observed, and at 3 months, the silicone oil was removed. The follow-up was uneventful, and the eye achieved a final visual acuity of 20/30. CONCLUSION: The amniotic membrane may offer a simple and safe solution for the repair of the exit wounds of perforating injuries involving the retina and the choroid. The use of the amniotic membrane for this purpose may afford the opportunity for early vitrectomy in the management of perforating ocular injuries.

Histologic and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Radiosurgery in Strabismus Surgery in a Rabbit Model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of monopolar radiosurgery (MRS) assisted strabismus surgery and to compare its histologic and immunohistochemical wound healing outcomes with conventional surgery. METHODS: Superior rectus muscle resection was performed on 30 white rabbits with three different surgical muscle cutting techniques: monopolar radiosurgery (MRS group), conventional scissors preceded by bipolar electrocautery (BEC group), and conventional scissors with no cauterization (control group). Degree of tissue injury, bleeding, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as wound healing rate (CD68+ cell number), were evaluated. RESULTS: In CS group, hemorrhage scores were significantly higher than those in the other groups (MRS group: Z = 5.182; p < 0.001 and BEC group: Z = 4.463; p < 0.001) and MRS group had lower scores than BEC group; however, the difference was not significant (Z = 1.423; p = 0.211). The tissue injury score in BEC group was higher when compared with MRS, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.028). Median inflammation scores at days 1 and 21 were lowest in MRS group, but the difference was not statistically significant among groups (day 1; p = 0.115, day 21; p = 0.095). The median fibrosis score was higher in the control group, when compared with MRS, and the difference was statistically significant (muscle-sclera; p = 0.011 and muscle-conjunctiva: p = 0.003). The macrophage score (number of CD68+ cells) was lowest in CS group; however, the difference was not significant (p = 0.657). CONCLUSIONS: Monopolar radiosurgery is a novel method for strabismus surgery and provides equivalent hemostasis effects and wound healing properties, compared with conventional methods, and enhances surgeon comfort, as muscle incisions are made in one step with clean surgical area.

Sectorwise analysis of peripapillary vessel density and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in exfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study compared the peripapillary vessel density and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and healthy controls for evaluation of the early structural and vascular alterations in XFS. METHODS: One eye was included from 75 patients with XFS and 54 healthy controls. The patients with XFS were matched the controls for age, intraocular pressure and axial length. The vascular density of the radial peripapillary capillaries (RPCs) and the peripapillary RNFL thickness were evaluated with optical coherence tomography angiography. RESULTS: The mean peripapillary RNFL thicknesses of the groups were similar in all sectors (p > 0.05 for all). However, eyes with XFS demonstrated lower mean peripapillary vessel densities in all areas (p < 0.05 for all) except for the nasal sector (p = 0.68) compared to the controls. The gradual age correlated decline in the peripapillary RNFL thickness and the RPC vessel density observed in the healthy eyes was absent in XFS (r = - 0.14 p = 0.65 and r = - 0.23 p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the peripapillary vascular density despite a preserved RNFL thickness in XFS supports the hypothesis that vascular alterations may precede structural alterations and have an important role in the pathogenesis of XFS. XFS may have different effects on the microvasculature of different peripapillary areas, with the nasal sector being mostly preserved.

Choroidal vascularity index and choriocapillary changes in retinal vein occlusions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in the choroidal structure in the setting of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: Changes in the structure of the choroid were studied in sixty-four eyes with unilateral central or branch RVO using optical coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging and OCT-angiography (OCT-A). Choroidal vascularity index (CVI), Haller layer/choroidal thickness (H/C) ratio, and choriocapillaris flow density were used to compare the structural characteristics of the choroid with fellow eyes and the eyes of thirty-four age-, gender-, and systemic co-morbidity-matched controls. RESULTS: Eyes with RVO had a higher H/C ratio but a lower choriocapillaris flow density compared to both fellow and control eyes (p < 0.001). CVI was significantly lower in both eyes of the patients with RVO compared with control eyes (p < 0.05) with a more robust decrease in the eye that had developed RVO (p < 0.001). The H/C ratio (r = 0.303 p < 0.001), CVI (r = - 0.268, p = 0.001), and choriocapillaris flow density (r = - 0.237, p = 0.003) were all correlated with logMAR visual acuity, and other clinical features. CONCLUSION: Retinal vein occlusions alter the hemodynamic properties of the choroid leading to structural changes. These changes may be secondary to a compensatory mechanism to supply oxygen to hypoxic retina.

MANAGEMENT OF METASTATIC BREAST CARCINOMA OF IRIS WITH INTRAOCULAR BEVACIZUMAB INJECTIONS.

PURPOSE: To describe intraocular use of bevacizumab for a metastatic breast carcinoma of the iris resistant to advanced systemic chemotherapy protocols, for which conventional treatment would be local radiotherapy or brachytherapy. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 65-year-old woman, who was previously diagnosed with breast carcinoma and treated with radical mastectomy coupled with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, presented with an iris mass in her left eye. Four successive intravitreal injections of bevacizumab resulted in progressive regression of the tumor to an almost indiscernible size at 8 months, along with blunting of the highly complex tumor vascular network on fluorescein angiography. At 12 months, the patient's visual acuity remained 20/20, and no ocular or systemic adverse effects were encountered. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab can offer a simpler and safer solution to treat metastatic iris tumors compared with other treatment options. This report of bevacizumab for treating iris metastasis from breast carcinoma may broaden the treatment options for similar neoplasms of the iris.

Pharmacologic Management of Pressure-Induced Stromal Keratopathy after LASIK.

PURPOSE: To emphasize the importance of anticipation of pressure-induced stromal keratopathy (PISK) in eyes with a previous history of LASIK. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old man developed LASIK-related pressure-induced stromal keratopathy after uneventful phacoemulsification (Phaco) and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in his left eye. With immediate discontinuation of the steroid drops and initiation of antiglaucoma medication, his visual acuity, interface edema, and haze improved rapidly. One year later, during Phaco with IOL implantation in his other eye, with anticipation of a similar LASIK-related pressure-induced stromal keratopathy, a very brief course of soft steroid therapy was given together with antiglaucoma medication. Intraocular pressure elevation was avoided, and no interface edema or haze was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that the risk for LASIK-related pressure-induced stromal keratopathy may be reduced with appropriate precautions.

Autologous Serum Eye Drops Accelerate Epithelial Healing After LASEK.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of autologous serum on the rate of epithelial healing and clinical results after laser epithelial keratectomy (LASEK) for correction of myopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty eyes of 15 patients received autologous serum drops (Study Group) while 30 eyes of 15 patients received conventional artificial tears (Control Group) after LASEK. LASEK was performed with 25-second application of 18% alcohol. Laser ablation was performed with the ESIRIS excimer laser (SCHWIND, Kleinostheim, Germany). Patients were seen daily until epithelial closure, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Time to epithelial healing was the main outcome measure. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, and haze were recorded. RESULTS: Preoperative myopic spherical equivalent refraction was -2.98 ± 1.13 diopters (D) in the study group and -2.65 ± 1.01 D in the control group (p = 0.264). The mean time to epithelial healing was about 1 day shorter in the eyes receiving autologous serum than the eyes receiving conventional treatment (2.78 ± 0.40 days versus 3.73 ± 0.58 days, respectively) (p = 0.001). All eyes achieved 20/25 or better UCVA at 6 months. Over 90% of eyes were within ±0.50 D of emmetropia at 12 months in both groups. No significant difference was noted in the incidence of haze. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous serum eye drops seem to accelerate epithelial healing after LASEK, which may shorten the duration of early postoperative discomfort by about 1 day.

Long term results of Epi-LASIK and LASEK for myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long term clinical and confocal results of mechanical (Epi-LASIK) versus alcohol-assisted laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for correction of myopia. SETTING: Gazi University Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Twenty-two eyes treated with LASEK and twenty eyes treated with Epi-LASIK were evaluated with a mean follow-up duration of 45 months. Mechanical separation of the epithelium was performed with Lasitome epithelial separator, and alcohol-assisted separation with 25s application of 18% alcohol. Laser ablation was performed with the ESIRIS laser. All patients were examined daily until epithelial closure; at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; and every year subsequently. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, haze, and gray scale value in confocal microscopy, efficacy and safety indexes. RESULTS: Preoperative myopic spherical equivalent refraction was -4.65 ± 1.74 D in the LASEK and -3.87 ± 1.30 D in the Epi-LASIK-treated eyes (p=0.36). Of both LASEK and Epi-LASIK-treated eyes, 95% achieved 20/25 or better final UCVA. The grade of haze and mean gray scale value in confocal microscopy were similar in LASEK and Epi-LASIK-treated eyes at all postoperative periods. The efficacy index was 0.94 in LASEK group and 0.96 in Epi-LASIK group (p=0.44). The safety index was 1.01 in LASEK group and 1.02 in Epi-LASIK group (p=0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Both LASEK and Epi-LASIK offer safe and effective correction of myopia in the long term.

Herpetic keratitis after corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A for progressive keratoconus.

To describe a case of herpetic keratitis after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A for progressive keratoconus. A 31-year-old woman with rapidly progressive keratoconus in the left eye was treated with CXL. Four days postoperatively, a dendritic ulcer developed in the treated eye. The diagnosis was confirmed with polymerase chain reaction analysis of the corneal swab for herpes simplex. The patient had no prior history of herpetic eye disease or cold sores. The keratitis resolved in 10 days with treatment. At 1 month, the visual acuity was stable, but a mild superficial opacity was noted. Herpetic keratitis can be induced by CXL even in patients with no history of previous herpetic eye disease. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can facilitate successful management of this rare but important complication.