Color enhancement and achromatization to increase the visibility of indocyanine green-stained internal limiting membrane during digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of using digital assisted vitrectomy (DAV) for color enhancement in color channel and achromatization in color profile on the visibility of indocyanine green (ICG)-stained internal limiting membrane (ILM). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Twenty eyes from 20 patients (7 men, 13 women) who underwent 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane removal were included. The presettings of five different imaging modes of the NGENUITY® 3D visualization system (Alcon laboratories, Inc.), were adjusted, and intraoperative images of ILM removal were captured under each presetting. The color contrast ratios (CCR) between the ICG-stained ILM area and peeled ILM area were compared across presettings objectively. Subjective visibility of ILM in each patient for different presettings was ranked using a Likert scale and evaluated by five examiners. Data on sex, age, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to other presettings the best CCR was achieved by adjusting the color channel to enhance red and by modifying the color profile to create a monochrome image (P<0.01). The same presetting resulted in a highest subjective visibility (P<0.01). Mean preoperative BCVA and 6-month postoperative BCVA (logMAR) were 0.11±0.18 and 0.05±0.19, respectively (p=0.24). Mean preoperative IOP and 6-month postoperative IOP were 13.8±2.8 mmHg and 13.3±3.4 mmHg, respectively (p=0.51). No apparent intra- and post-operative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Color enhancement and achromatization using DAV may offer potential advantages to enhance the visibility of ICG-stained ILM.

Aniseikonia after reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

This study investigated aniseikonia after reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (RFPDT) for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). We examined 48 eyes of 48 patients (38 men; mean age, 49.2 ± 9.9 years) with CSC resolved after RFPDT. Horizontal and vertical aniseikonia were measured using the New Aniseikonia Test at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after RFPDT. The maximum absolute value of the horizontal and vertical measurements indicated the aniseikonia score. The aniseikonia score was 2.2 ± 2.3 at 6 months and 2.2 ± 2.0 at 12 months after RFPDT, both of which improved significantly from the baseline score of 4.1 ± 2.9 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The 12-month aniseikonia score significantly correlated with the baseline aniseikonia score (P = 0.047), outer nuclear thickness at baseline (P = 0.027) and 12 months after RFPDT (P = 0.014), baseline SRD area (P = 0.005), and ellipsoid zone disruption at 12 months after RFPDT (P = 0.021). In multivariate analysis, baseline serous retinal detachment (SRD) area (P = 0.034) was significantly associated with aniseikonia score at 12 months after RFPDT. Eyes with a larger SRD area might have higher aniseikonia scores even after SRD resolution following RFPDT.

Short-Term Outcomes of Faricimab Treatment in Aflibercept-Refractory Eyes with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

To evaluate the functional and anatomical effects of switching to faricimab for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) refractory to intravitreal aflibercept, this retrospective study evaluated patients with nAMD who received intravitreal injections of aflibercept (IVA) every <8 weeks and were switched to faricimab. After switching, the patients were treated with a treatment and extended regimen that started with the interval just before switching and received at least three injections. We evaluated changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), treatment interval, and presence of retinal fluid. Overall, 55 eyes from 55 patients were examined. After three injections of faricimab, the BCVA and CCT did not change significantly. However, the CRT decreased significantly (p < 0.05), the injection interval was significantly extended (7.5 ± 2.3 vs. 5.9 ± 1.5 weeks, p < 0.01), and the rates of the presence of intraretinal fluid and subretinal fluid decreased significantly to 16.4% and 40% of eyes, respectively (both p < 0.01). An ocular adverse event (retinal pigment epithelium tear) developed in one eye. Switching to faricimab was effective for anatomic changes. It may be an additional treatment option for some eyes refractory to IVA.

Usefulness of intraoperative optical coherence tomography to minimize the intraocular lens tilt during the intrascleral fixation: a clinical and experimental evaluation.

To report the usefulness of intraoperative real-time adjustment of intraocular lens (IOL) tilt during the intrascleral fixation with intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) as a clinical evaluation and investigate the factors contributing to IOL tilt using iOCT as an experimental evaluation. Retrospective cohort study and experimental research. As a clinical evaluation, the medical records of 43 eyes of 41 patients who underwent intrascleral IOL fixation combined with real-time iOCT observation were retrospectively reviewed. As an experimental evaluation, in order to investigate the factors contributing to IOL tilt, the four experiments were performed using iOCT. The mean IOL tilt angle (°) at the end of surgery and 3 months after surgery were 1.81 ± 1.15 and 2.10 ± 1.66, respectively (p = 0.46). No apparent intra- or postoperative complications occurred during the follow-up period. The experimental evaluation indicated that the IOL tilt was influenced by the insertion angle of the haptic in the vertical direction. The mean IOL tilt angle (°) was 1.94 ± 0.09, 4.67 ± 0.11, 8.90 ± 0.11, and 15.78 ± 0.85 when the insertion angle of the haptic was 0°, 10°, 27.5°, and 45° in the vertical direction, respectively (p < 0.01). Clinical and experimental IOL tilt assessment using iOCT is interactively useful for better quality surgery and better postoperative outcome.

Two-year outcome of half-time photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy with and without choroidal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To compare the two-year outcome of half-time photodynamic therapy (htPDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) with and without choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included 88 eyes of 88 patients with cCSC who underwent htPDT and were followed up for more than 24 months. Patients were divided into two groups with (21 eyes) or without (67 eyes) CNV before htPDT treatment. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), and the presence of subretinal fluid (SRF) were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after PDT. RESULTS: A significant intergroup difference was noted in terms of age (P = 0.038). Significant improvements in the BCVA and SCT were found at all time points in eyes without CNV but only at 24 months in eyes with CNV. CRT was significantly reduced in both groups at all time points. No significant intergroup differences were noted in terms of BCVA, SCT and CRT at all time points. There were significant differences in the rate of recurrent and persistent SRF between groups (22.4% (without CNV) vs. 52.4% (with CNV), P = 0.013, and 26.9% (without CNV) vs. 57.1% (with CNV), P = 0.017, respectively). The presence of CNV was significantly associated with the recurrence and persistence of SRF after initial PDT (P = 0.007 and 0.028, respectively). Logistic regression analyses showed that the baseline BCVA, and not the presence of CNV, was significantly associated with BCVA at 24 months after initial PDT (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A htPDT for cCSC was less effective in eyes with CNV than in those without CNV regarding the recurrence and persistence of SRF. Additional treatment might be required in eyes with CNV during 24-month follow-up periods.

Removal of Sub-Internal Limiting Membrane Hemorrhage Secondary to Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm Rupture: Internal Limiting Membrane Non-Peeling Technique.

The appropriate surgical technique to improve the closure rate of perioperative full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) secondary to submacular hemorrhage (SMH) with sub-internal limiting membrane (ILM) hemorrhage caused by retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) rupture remains an unsolved clinical problem. Several ILM transplantation techniques have been attempted, but these are challenging. Our new technique can remove sub-ILM hemorrhage with the central fovea ILM intact, without peeling the ILM. The medical records of three eyes from three patients with SMH and sub-ILM hemorrhage secondary to RAM rupture were retrospectively reviewed. During the surgery, a small ILM fissure was made outside the central fovea with ILM forceps, and sub-ILM hemorrhage was washed out through it by manually spraying balanced salt solution. Sub-ILM hemorrhage removal was achieved successfully in all eyes, with no occurrences of FTMH or other complications. Best-corrected decimal visual acuity improved from 0.05 (Snellen equivalent (SE), 20/400), 0.05 (SE, 20/400), and 0.05 (SE, 20/400) preoperatively to 0.3 (SE, 20/63), 0.4 (SE, 20/50), and 0.15 (SE, 20/125) at 3 months postoperatively, respectively. This new technique may help keep the foveal ILM intact and prevent perioperative FTMH formation.

Short-Term Outcomes of Intravitreal Faricimab Injection for Diabetic Macular Edema.

Background and Objectives: Faricimab is a novel bispecific antibody with Fab regions inhibiting both vascular endothelial growth factor-A and angiopoietin-2. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain short-term outcomes of intravitreal injection of faricimab (IVF) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in daily clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was carried out on consecutive patients with DME who had been treated with IVF and were followed up for at least 1 month. Outcome measures included changes in logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), number of IVF administrations, and safety. Clinical outcomes were also compared between the treatment-naïve and switch groups. Results: A total of 21 consecutive DME eyes from 19 patients were identified. The mean number of IVFs was 1.6 ± 0.8 during the mean follow-up time of 5.5 months. The overall mean logMAR BCVA following IVF was 0.236, 0.204, 0.190, and 0.224 at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, without a significant change from baseline to 1 month (p = 0.176) or for 6 months (p = 0.923). The overall mean CRT (µm) following IVF was 400.6, 346.6, 342.1, and 327.5 at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. CRT significantly decreased from baseline to 1 month (p = 0.001) but did not reach a significant level over 6 months following IVF (p = 0.070). No significant difference in BCVA or CRT was observed between the treatment-naïve and switch groups. No serious safety concerns were noted. Conclusions: IVF for the treatment of DME may preserve visual acuity and improve macular thickness without serious safety concerns in the short term in a real-world clinical setting.

IMPACT OF MACULAR INTRARETINAL HEMORRHAGE AND MACULAR HOLE ON THE VISUAL PROGNOSIS OF SUBMACULAR HEMORRHAGE DUE TO RETINAL ARTERIAL MACROANEURYSM RUPTURE.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of macular intraretinal hemorrhage (IRH) and macular hole (MH) on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after displacement of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) rupture. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included 48 eyes with SMH due to RAM rupture. Cases underwent vitrectomy to displace SMH and were followed up for 6 months. We classified cases according to the presence of IRH and MH and compared the postoperative BCVA among the groups. RESULTS: We classified the eyes into IRH(+)MH(+) group (10 eyes), IRH(+)MH(-) group (23 eyes), and IRH(-)MH(-) group (15 eyes). The postoperative BCVA was significantly worse in the IRH(+)MH(+) and IRH(+)MH(-) groups than in the IRH(-)MH(-) group (0.91 ± 0.41 in logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution units, Snellen equivalent 20/163, 0.87 ± 0.45, 20/148, and 0.18 ± 0.21, 20/30, respectively; P < 0.001). The postoperative central retinal thickness was significantly lower in the IRH(+) group (IRH(+)MH(+) and IRH(+)MH(-) groups combined) than in the IRH(-) group (IRH(-)MH(-) group) (121.4 ± 70.1 µ m and 174.3 ± 32.9 µ m, respectively, P = 0.008). The postoperative external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone continuities were significantly discontinuous in the IRH(+) group ( P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that both IRH(+)MH(+) and IRH(+)MH(-) were associated with the postoperative BCVA (regression coefficient, 0.799 and 0.711, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Both IRH and MH were poor prognostic indicators in cases with SMH due to RAM rupture.

Characteristics of Cellular Infiltration into Posterior Vitreous in Eyes with Uveitis on the Classification Basis Assessed Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of posterior vitreous cells in patients with uveitis on the classification basis using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: In this retrospective chart review, all eyes were classified into three groups: infectious uveitis (IFU, n=7), noninfectious granulomatous uveitis (NIGU, n=13), and noninfectious nongranulomatous uveitis (NINGU, n=13). We measured the size, number, and density of vitreous hyperreflective particles in the posterior vitreous area that was defined as the space between the vitreous top and the internal limiting membrane on OCT. The correlations between vitreous haze and vitreous particles were also evaluated. Results: Thirty-three eyes from 23 patients with active posterior uveitis were included. IFU had significantly more particles than NIGU and NINGU (P=0.03 and P<0.001, respectively). The vitreous particle density was higher in IFU than in NIGU and NINGU (P=0.03 and P=0.003, respectively). The mean largest particle size was greater in IFU and NIGU than in NINGU (P=0.01 and P=0.03, respectively). The median vitreous haze of 2+ in IFU, 1+ in NIGU and NINGU showed no significant difference among three groups (P=0.21). Conversely, the correlation of the largest particle size with vitreous haze was significant at ρ= 0.44 (P=0.01). Conclusion: SD-OCT may be useful for assessing ocular inflammation based on morphological characteristics of vitreous particles on the uveitis classification basis.

Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Fluorescein Angiography-Guided Pars Plana Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: The Maximized Utility of the Digital Assisted Vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To show the usefulness of the intraoperative three-dimensional fluorescein angiography (3D-FA)-guided pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: The NGENUITY 3D visualization system was used for the digital assisted vitrectomy. Three-dimensional fluorescein angiography-guided pars plana vitrectomy was performed in three patients with vitreous hemorrhage secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. We investigated both whether several angiographic findings can be successfully displayed on the screen during 3D-FA and whether pars plana vitrectomy can be performed simultaneously on the same screen while implementing 3D-FA. RESULTS: In all cases, the abnormal FA findings including hypofluorescence due to non-perfusion areas, and the hyperfluorescence due to macular edema and fibrovascular proliferative membrane were successfully displayed on the screen. The segmentation and delamination of fibrovascular proliferative membrane and panretinal photocoagulation for detected non-perfusion areas were able to be performed on the same screen while implementing 3D-FA. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional fluorescein angiography-guided pars plana vitrectomy is a novel approach that fully utilizes the advantages of digital assisted vitrectomy and a promising option for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

THE LONG-TERM EFFECT OF CYSTOTOMY WITH FIBRINOGEN CLOT REMOVAL FOR A CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO IDIOPATHIC MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 1: A CASE REPORT.

PURPOSE: To report the case of a patient with cystoid macular edema secondary to idiopathic macular telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 1, which was successfully treated by cystotomy and en bloc removal of the fibrinogen-rich component of the cystoid lesion. METHODS: An 80-year-old man was referred to our department because of a visual defect in his right eye. His best-corrected decimal visual acuity was 0.7 (Snellen equivalent, 20/30). A fundus examination revealed clustered temporal juxafoveal microaneurysms and foveal cystoid macular edema. The patient refused to undergo conventional treatments, including direct retinal photocoagulation for microaneurysms, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection, and intravitreal triamcinolone injection. However, he provided consent to undergo cystotomy and en bloc removal of the fibrinogen-rich component of the cystoid lesion. RESULTS: His best-corrected decimal visual acuity was 0.2 (Snellen equivalent, 20/100) just before the surgery. A 27-gauge vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling was performed. Cystotomy was performed during the surgery, and the fibrinogen clot visible in the cystoid cavity was also removed. Cystoid macular edema rapidly disappeared after the surgery. Three years postoperatively, the patient had best-corrected decimal visual acuity of 0.5 (Snellen equivalent, 20/40) at the last medical examination, and the cystoid macular edema had not recurred. CONCLUSION: Cystotomy and en bloc removal of the fibrinogen-rich component of the cystoid lesion could be valid treatment options for cystoid macular edema secondary to MacTel Type 1.

INTRAOPERATIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR REAL-TIME VISUALIZATION OF THE POSITIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUCKLING MATERIAL AND RETINAL BREAKS DURING SCLERAL BUCKLING FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To report the usefulness of a new surgical method using intraoperative optical coherence tomography that can more accurately place the buckling material for scleral buckling using a noncontact wide-angle viewing system with a cannula-based chandelier endoilluminator for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: The medical records of 12 eyes of 11 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with scleral buckling combined with real-time intraoperative optical coherence tomography observation were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Real-time observations of the positional relationship between the protrusion of buckling material and retinal breaks with intraoperative optical coherence tomography revealed that retinal breaks were not properly placed on the protrusion of the buckling material in five eyes, requiring the intraoperative repositioning of the buckling material. Eventually, the scleral buckling combined with real-time intraoperative optical coherence tomography observation yielded the initial anatomical success rates of 100% without noteworthy intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This procedure is a novel approach that enables safer and more accurate placement of the buckling material and may contribute to improving the outcomes of scleral buckling in the future.

Removal of Subfoveal Massive Hard Exudates through an Intentional Macular Hole in Patients with Diabetic Maculopathy: A Report of Three Cases.

Recently, good postoperative visual acuity has been reported using surgical removal of hard exudates (HEs) through an intentional macular hole (iMH). We report 3 cases of subfoveal HE secondary to diabetic maculopathy (DM) treated with HE removal via an iMH. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed in three eyes of 3 patients with subfoveal HE secondary to DM. In all eyes, after PPV, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling of the lower half was performed within the range of papilla diameter 2 centered on the fovea, leaving the upper half for subsequent inverted ILM flap technique. Then, by grabbing the inner layer of the fovea using ILM forceps, an iMH was created. The HE was then flushed from the iMH with a balanced salt solution as much as possible. Finally, the inverted ILM flap technique was performed using the upper half of the ILM that was left during the previous maneuver. At the end of the surgery, the eyes were flushed with 50 mL of 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) after the fluid-air exchange of the vitreous cavity. After surgery, HE was adequately removed, iMH was completely closed, and visual acuity improved in all eyes. This surgical procedure did not cause a central scotoma but rather improved the central sensitivity of the visual field in all eyes. No serious surgery-related complications occurred. In conclusion, HE removal via an iMH hole can be one of the treatment options for patients with subfoveal HE secondary to DM.

Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreoretinal complications in only seeing eyes after treatment for retinoblastoma.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of two only seeing eyes of two cases with retinoblastoma in which vitrectomy was performed to treat vitreous hemorrhage or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after treatment for retinoblastoma. OBSERVATIONS: Case 1 was an 8-month-old girl whose bilateral retinoblastoma (group D, OU) was treated by chemotherapy and focal ablation therapy. As the tumor size increased, enucleation was required in the right eye. At 4 years of age, about 1 year after the last treatment for retinoblastoma, lens-sparing vitrectomy was performed for dense, nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage, which had occurred 6 months previously. No recurrence of the tumor was found, and the patient's visual acuity improved to 0.9 postoperatively. Case 2 was a 4-month-old boy who was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma (group D, OD; group C, OS) and underwent treatment, including systemic and local chemotherapy and proton beam therapy. Because large, regressed tumor masses were present in the posterior pole of the right eye, the left eye was the only seeing eye. At the age of 1 year 7 months, retinal detachment developed in the left eye 1 month after cryotherapy was performed for tumor recurrence. Although a scleral buckling procedure without drainage was performed, the retina was not reattached. The retina was reattached after vitrectomy with melphalan irrigation and silicone oil tamponade. However, recurrence was noted 6 months after the operation, and enucleation was required. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: Vitrectomy appears to be beneficial for the treatment of vision-threatening complications after retinoblastoma treatment. However, vitrectomy may be associated with the potential spread of tumor cells and/or tumor recurrence and therefore should be reserved as the last treatment modality for only seeing eyes. Careful postoperative follow-up is mandatory.

INTRAOPERATIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY-GUIDED PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

PURPOSE: To show surgical results of the intraoperative 3D fluorescein angiography-guided pars plana vitrectomy for branch retinal vein occlusion with vitreous hemorrhage and neovascularization elsewhere. METHODS: The NGENUITY 3D visualization system was used for the digital-assisted vitrectomy. Three-dimensional fluorescein angiography-guided pars plana vitrectomy was performed in three patients with branch retinal vein occlusion with vitreous hemorrhage and neovascularization elsewhere. RESULTS: In all eyes, the scatter retinal photocoagulations for a nonperfusion area, depicted as hypofluorescein, and the segmentation and delamination of the perivascular fibrovascular proliferative membrane, depicted as hyperfluorescein, could be safely performed on the same screen while implementing intraoperative 3D fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional fluorescein angiography-guided pars plana vitrectomy, a novel approach that fully uses the advantages of digital-assisted vitrectomy, can be one of the useful techniques for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion with vitreous hemorrhage and neovascularization elsewhere.

Outcomes of Primary 27-Gauge Vitrectomy for 73 Consecutive Cases With Uveitis-Associated Vitreoretinal Disorders.

Background: Since the advent of 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy system a decade ago, evidence regarding the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) has increased. Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety profile of 27-gauge PPV for various vitreoretinal conditions associated with uveitis. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 73 consecutive cases that underwent primary 27-gauge PPV for uveitis-related ocular disorders between October 2014 and April 2021. The primary outcome measures were mean change in logMAR best-corrected decimal visual acuity (BCVA) pre-operatively to 3 months post-operatively, the proportion of BCVA improvement category defined as the degree of logMAR BCVA difference ("improved" [≤-0.3], "unchanged" [-0.3 to 0.3], and "worsened" [≥0.3]) pre-operatively to 3 months post-operatively, the mean change in intraocular inflammation scores pre-operatively to 3 months post-operatively; and intraoperative and post-operative complications. Results: The mean logMAR BCVA significantly improved from 0.69 pre-operatively to 0.42 at 3 months post-operatively (P = 0.017). The percentages of eyes with "improved," "unchanged," and "worsened" BCVA at 3 months post-operatively were 37, 50, and 13%, respectively. The mean anterior chamber cell score was 0.6 pre-operatively and 0.2 at 3 months post-operatively (P = 0.001), the mean anterior chamber flare score was 0.4 pre-operatively and 0.1 at 3 months post-operatively (P = 0.004), and the mean vitreous haze score was 1.9 pre-operatively and 0.1 at 3 months post-operatively (P < 0.001). Surgery-related complications occurred in 35 (48%) eyes, 68% of which were related to intraocular pressure and transient. Conclusions: Given its risk-benefit profile, 27-gauge PPV is a promising option for the treatment of vitreoretinal disorders in uveitis.

The contribution of the proximity of the retinal detachment to the fovea for postoperative metamorphopsia after 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for the primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To investigate clinical factors contributing to metamorphopsia after 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (27GPPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) to reveal whether the proximity of the preoperative retinal detachment to the fovea is associated with postoperative metamorphopsia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 77 eyes of 77 patients after 27GPPV for RRD. Patients were subdivided into three groups using optical coherence tomography findings: Group A, patients with RRD outside the vascular arcade; Group B, patients whose condition was present within the vascular arcade, but without foveal detachment; and Group C, patients with foveal detachment. RESULTS: The average metamorphopsia score (°) assessed with M-charts 12 months after surgery was 0.01 ± 0.04 in Group A (24 eyes), 0.08 ± 0.18 in Group B (20 eyes), and 0.49 ± 0.48 in Group C (33 eyes) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that metamorphopsia at 12 months after surgery significantly correlated with the proximity of the retinal detachment to the fovea (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Metamorphopsia after 27GPPV for RRD correlated with the proximity of the preoperative retinal detachment to the fovea. Attention should be paid to the possibility of postoperative metamorphopsia development when retinal detachment is present within a vascular arcade even if the fovea is not involved.

Multiple Intravitreal Liposomal Amphotericin B for a Case of Candida glabrata Endophthalmitis.

We report a case of Candida glabrata endophthalmitis which was effectively treated by intravitreal liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) injection. A 72-year-old man was referred to our department for positive blood culture of Candida glabrata. First ophthalmologic examination revealed a chorioretinal lesion in left eye, and the patient was diagnosed as possible candida chorioretinitis. Despite systemic antifungal therapy, his chorioretinal lesion increased in both eyes and complicated by vitritis. Intravitreal administration of L-AMB was introduced for probable candida endophthalmitis. Finally, improvement of vitritis and regression of chorioretinal lesions were obtained by total of 9 times intravitreal injection. Our case suggests the safety and efficacy of intravitreal L-AMB injection for Candida glabrata endophthalmitis.

Increased expression of Protein S in eyes with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

Protein S (PS) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that ameliorates the detrimental effects of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of PS in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). This was a study of 50 eyes with DM (37 with DME, 6 with proliferative DR, and 7 with no DR) and 19 eyes without DM. The level of PS was measured by enzyme immunoassay and was compared between eyes with or without DM, with or without DME, and with severe DME (≥ 350 µm) or mild DME (< 350 µm). We also performed immunohistopathologic evaluations of post-mortem eyes and the cystoid lesions excised during surgery. The aqueous free PS was significantly higher with DM (7.9 ± 1.2 ng/ml, P < 0.01) than without DM (6.1 ± 0.7). The aqueous free PS was significantly elevated with DME (8.2 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) compared to proliferative DR (7.0 ± 1.0) and no DR (7.0 ± 0.7). Eyes with severe DME had significantly higher aqueous free PS than mild DME (8.5 ± 1.3 vs. 7.7 ± 1.0, P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed PS in the outer plexiform layer of the retina and cystoid lesion. The higher expression of PS with DR and DME suggests that PS is involved in their pathogenesis.

Changes in Gene Expression Profiling and Phenotype in Aged Multidrug Resistance Protein 4-Deficient Mouse Retinas.

Multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) is an energy-dependent membrane transporter responsible for cellular efflux of a broad range of xenobiotics and physiological substrates. In this trial, we aimed to investigate the coeffects of aging and MRP4 deficiency using gene expression microarray and morphological and electrophysiological analyses of mouse retinas. Mrp4-knockout (null) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were reared in the same conditions to 8-12 weeks (young) or 45-55 weeks (aged). Microarray analysis identified 186 differently expressed genes from the retinas of aged Mrp4-null mice as compared to aged WT mice, and subsequent gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses showed that differently expressed genes were related to lens, eye development, vision and transcellular barrier functions that are involved in metabolic pathways or viral infection pathways. No significant change in thickness was observed for each retinal layer among young/aged WT mice and young/aged Mrp4-null mice. Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses of retinal cell type did not exhibit an overt change in the cellular morphology or distribution among the four age/genotype groups, and the electroretinogram responses showed no significant differences in the amplitude or the latency between aged WT mice and aged Mrp4-null mice. Aging would be an insufficient stress to cause some damage to the retina in the presence of MRP4 deficiency.