Radiation retinopathy intricacies and advances in management.

BACKGROUND: Radiation retinopathy is a chronic, progressive, vision-threatening complication from exposure to various radiation sources. While several treatment modalities are available, proper management for this disease is a continuing challenge with no consensus on the most efficacious. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide an updated review of the published literature on the course of the disease, available treatments and their efficacies, frequency of regimen, core issues in patient management, and additional newer treatment modalities, including possible prophylactic approaches. VALUE: We also highlighted the challenges encountered with managing chronically treated patients through an analysis of a clinical case report on a patient who was treated for several years with different modalities after a diagnosis of radiation retinopathy.

Novel Postoperative Dropless Protocol for Micro-Incision Vitrectomy Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of a novel postoperative dropless protocol for 25-gauge and 27-gauge micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The institutional review board approved a single-center, retrospective study. A total of 493 surgeries were identified, and 451 cases from 369 patients met eligibility criteria. Instead of pre- or postoperative drops, patients were given a novel postoperative dropless protocol consisting of subconjunctival injections of a 1:1 cefazolin:dexamethasone mix at each sclerotomy and intravitreally, and injection of posterior sub-Tenon's Kenalog. Primary outcome measure was cases of postoperative endophthalmitis. RESULTS: There was one presumed case of endophthalmitis. Anterior chamber paracentesis sample was negative for culture and Gram stain. For all patients, mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.65 (±0.69) to 0.57 (±0.61) postoperatively (P = 0.004). Mean intraocular pressure increased from 14.5 (±4.3) to 15.5 (±4.8) postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean follow-up was 96 days. CONCLUSION: This novel postoperative dropless protocol could potentially be a convenient alternative to topical eye drops for patients undergoing MIVS, but further study is required to establish its safety. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:587-592.].

25 vs. 27-gauge micro-incision vitrectomy surgery for visually significant macular membranes and full-thickness macular holes: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate visual and safety outcomes for 25-gauge (25G) and 27-gauge (27G) micro-incision vitrectomy platforms (MIVS) for the treatment of epiretinal membrane and full-thickness macular holes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel surgery from January 2017 through December 2018. 207 cases met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Primary endpoint was post-operative Best-Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCVA) at 6 months. RESULTS: For all patients combined, mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.57 (± 0.40) to 0.37 (± 0.36) post-operatively (p < 0.001). For 25G ERMs, logMAR BCVA improved from 0.51 (± 0.28) to 0.30 (± 0.25) post-operatively (p < 0.001). For 27G ERMs, logMAR BCVA improved from 0.33 (± 0.28) to 0.28 (± 0.27) post- operatively (p = 0.15). For 25G FTMHs, logMAR BCVA improved from 0.87 (± 0.48) to 0.51 (± 0.44) post-operatively (p < 0.001). For 27G FTMHs, logMAR BCVA changed from 0.89 (± 0.47) to 0.96 (± 0.60). CONCLUSION: Final visual outcomes improved for both 25G and 27G ERM groups and the 25G FTMH group. Both 25G and 27G were safe and well tolerated MIVS platforms for the treatment of ERM and FTMH.

Preventing Progression in Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration With Subthreshold Laser Therapy: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among the elderly in developed countries. Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is a new technique that targets drusen - a marker of nonexudative AMD - without causing incidental retinal damage associated with conventional laser photocoagulation. This review summarizes published literature on subthreshold retinal laser therapy as prophylactic treatment of nonexudative AMD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases was conducted from January 1997 to April 2018. Studies were analyzed based upon study design, laser parameters, drusen reduction, changes in visual acuity (VA), and the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and/or geographic atrophy (GA). RESULTS: Twelve studies involving 2,481 eyes treated with subthreshold retinal laser therapy were included in this review. Treatment led to increased drusen reduction, and studies with significant VA improvement were associated with significant drusen reduction. There was no significant change in the risk of developing CNV or GA. CONCLUSIONS: Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is effective for reducing drusen and potentially improving vision in patients with nonexudative AMD. This therapy does not show benefits in reducing development of CNV or GA. Thus, its long-term efficacy to prevent progression to advanced AMD cannot yet be recommended. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:e61-e70.].

Reductions in final visual acuity occur even within the first 3 days after a macula-off retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To determine if final visual acuity (VA) is affected by duration of macular detachment (DMD) within the first week of macula-off retinal detachment (RD). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of eyes that underwent repair within 7 days with vitrectomy or vitrectomy with scleral buckle for macula-off RD at Stanford University Hospital between 1 May 2007 and 1 May 2017. A generalised linear model was constructed using DMD, postoperative lens status, preoperative VA, patient age and surgeon as the independent variables and the final VA as the dependent variable. The main outcome measure was the final VA. RESULTS: Seventy-nine eyes met the entry criteria. Group 1 included 52 eyes with RD repaired within 3 days of DMD, and group 2 included 27 eyes repaired between 4 and 7 days of DMD. The average final VA in group 1 eyes was logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.21 (Snellen 20/33) and in group 2 eyes was logMAR 0.54 (Snellen 20/69). In group 1 and group 2 eyes, preoperative VA (p=0.017and p=0.007), DMD (p=0.004 and p=0.041) and final lens status (p<0.0001 and p<0.001) predicted postoperative VA. Post-hoc analysis showed significant differences in final VA between detachments of 1day vs 3 days (p=0.0009). CONCLUSION: DMD affects the final VA even among patients whose DMD is <3 days. Based on these results, interventions that shorten DMD, including those occurring within the first 3days, may result in improved long-term VA outcomes.

NONDAMAGING RETINAL LASER THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY: What is the Evidence?

PURPOSE: To summarize the literature addressing subthreshold or nondamaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and to discuss results and trends that provoke further investigation. METHODS: Analysis of current literature evaluating NRT with micropulse or continuous wave lasers for CSCR. RESULTS: Sixteen studies including 398 patients consisted of retrospective case series, prospective nonrandomized interventional case series, and prospective randomized clinical trials. All studies but one evaluated chronic CSCR, and laser parameters varied greatly between studies. Mean central macular thickness decreased, on average, by ∼80 µm by 3 months. Mean best-corrected visual acuity increased, on average, by about 9 letters by 3 months, and no study reported a decrease in acuity below presentation. No retinal complications were observed with the various forms of NRT used, but six patients in two studies with micropulse laser experienced pigmentary changes in the retinal pigment epithelium attributed to excessive laser settings. CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence, NRT demonstrates efficacy and safety in 12-month follow-up in patients with chronic and possibly acute CSCR. The NRT would benefit from better standardization of the laser settings and understanding of mechanisms of action, as well as further prospective randomized clinical trials.

Multi-Modal Longitudinal Evaluation of Subthreshold Laser Lesions in Human Retina, Including Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope-Adaptive Optics Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is efficacious for a variety of retinovascular disorders. Currently, it is unknown which laser parameters can ensure no detectable damage to human retina tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One informed physician participant with a normal retina was treated with three levels (75%, 50%, and 25%) of subthreshold 577-nm laser (PASCAL; Topcon, Santa Clara, CA) at 20-millisecond (ms) duration and 100 µm spot size. Several high-resolution retinal imaging modalities, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscope-adaptive optics (SLO-AO), were used to longitudinally image retinal laser lesions during a 9-month period. RESULTS: SLO-AO and SD-OCT imaging of subthreshold laser therapy in human retina showed no cone cell or RPE damage at all time points during a 9-month period using the 25% threshold power 577-nm laser in the human retina. CONCLUSION: It is likely that subthreshold laser therapy with 577-nm laser at 20-ms duration in the human retina is safe at the 25% of threshold power level.

PROSPECTIVE TRIAL OF ENDOGENOUS FUNGAL ENDOPHTHALMITIS AND CHORIORETINITIS RATES, CLINICAL COURSE, AND OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH FUNGEMIA.

PURPOSE: Former studies have found rates of endogenous endophthalmitis ranging from 0% to 37% in patients with fungemia. This study sought to prospectively determine the rate and risk factors for endogenous chorioretinitis and endophthalmitis in patients with fungemia. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed of consecutive adult inpatients at a single site from 2010 to 2013 of patients with positive blood cultures for fungus. One hundred and nineteen pieces of information were gathered for each patient. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were enrolled in the study with 7 positive cases of chorioretinitis for a rate of 5.6%. Of these positive cases, 2 patients had endophthalmitis for a rate of 1.6%. Two patients who had a negative initial examination subsequently had a positive examination; 57% of the chorioretinitis patients who could report symptoms were asymptomatic, 57% of the chorioretinitis patients died, and 32% of negative cases died. Prolonged hospitalization, altered mental status, total parenteral nutrition, and gastrointestinal surgery were protective on univariate but not multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Despite modern antifungal therapy, fungal chorioretinitis and endophthalmitis continue to occur in patients with positive fungal cultures. Two dilated ophthalmic examinations should still be considered even in asymptomatic patients with fungemia.

Intraocular Nematode Affixed to Posterior Lens Capsule.

The clinical presentation of an intraocular nematode unusually affixed to the posterior lens capsule is described. A 64-year-old female patient presented with a 7-year history of gradually declining vision and enlarging central scotoma, but no inflammation. On follow-up 2 years later, vision had further declined and a non-motile, 8-mm nematode was seen affixed to the posterior lens capsule that remained unchanged through final follow-up. The patient disclosed having resided in Africa as a child. Systemic review revealed no evidence of extraocular involvement. Nematode carcasses may remain preserved in the human eye for extended periods without ongoing inflammation.

Short-Term Outcomes of Aflibercept Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema in Patients With Incomplete Response to Ranibizumab and/or Bevacizumab.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Aflibercept is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Currently, the effect of switching to aflibercept from other anti-VEGF agents for DME is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, interventional case series, DME patients with persistent retinal fluid despite regular (every 4 to 6 weeks) intravitreal injection (IVI) with ranibizumab 0.3 mg, and/or bevacizumab 1.25 mg were switched to IVI aflibercept 2 mg. Collected data included visual acuity, central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT), and the area of thickest edema on registered spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). RESULTS: At 1 month after the first aflibercept IVI, 79% (11 of 14 eyes) showed anatomic improvement with a 23% decrease in average CSFT from 421 µm to 325 µm (P < .0132). CONCLUSION: A majority of patients with DME with persistent fluid on SD-OCT despite regular ranibizumab 0.3 mg and/or bevacizumab 1.25 mg IVIs showed a positive anatomic response to IVI aflibercept 2 mg.

Incontinentia Pigmenti: A Comprehensive Review and Update.

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare syndrome with skin lesions, ocular abnormalities in the retina and elsewhere, central nervous system abnormalities, and teeth defects. The authors present an updated review of the literature, highlighting diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of IP. IP is an X-linked dominant syndrome with an incidence of 0.0025%; most patients are female. IP is caused by a mutation in the IKBKG gene, causing a loss of function of NF-κß, leaving cells susceptible to apoptosis from intrinsic factors. The cardinal feature of IP is four stages of skin distinctive lesions. Of those with IP, 36.5% have detectable eye pathology and 60% to 90% of those have retinal issues. Peripheral avascularity and macular occlusive disease commonly occur. The authors performed a comprehensive review of Medline from 1947 to 2014. All papers mentioning IP in ophthalmologic journals were reviewed as well as applicable publications from other medical specialties.

Assessing photoreceptor structure after macular hole closure.

PURPOSE: To describe photoreceptor structure and recovery after macular hole (MH) closure with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. METHODS: A pilot imaging study of four eyes from four subjects undergoing PPV for MH was conducted. Imaging with spectral domain optical coherence tomography and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy was performed at varying time points after PPV. RESULTS: Despite successful MH closure, disruption of the foveal inner segment ellipsoid zone was seen in all patients when imaged at a mean of 117 days after PPV. Disruption of the photoreceptor mosaic was seen using adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy at locations corresponding to regions of ellipsoid zone disruption on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Cone density immediately surrounding these disruptions was normal, except for one patient. In 2 patients who were imaged serially up to 516 days after PPV, recovery of cone cells within regions of mosaic disruption could be detected over time. CONCLUSION: Photoreceptor disruption exists even after apparent MH closure. Remodeling of the foveal cone mosaic continues for many months after surgery, perhaps accounting for the delayed postoperative improvements of visual acuity in some patients. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy are useful tools for monitoring photoreceptor recovery after surgical closure of MH.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of emulsified subretinal silicone oil presenting as a macular inverted pseudohypopyon.

The authors present a rare case of an inverted pseudohypopyon due to subretinal emulsified silicone oil in the macula of a patient who underwent pars plana vitrectomy surgery for repair of retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy 1 year prior to presentation of this finding. The patient's predisposing diagnosis is pathologic myopia.

Outcomes of macular hole surgeries for macular telangiectasia type 2.

PURPOSE: To describe surgical outcomes of macular telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 2 associated full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) in 4 patients and to review the literature. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case series with a review of medical records, including optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: One eye of each patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling, gas tamponade, and prone positioning. In 2 patients, the holes did not close (final visual acuity: 20/70 and 20/200). In 1 patient, the hole reopened after 4 months (final visual acuity: 20/400). In the fourth patient, the hole remained closed (final visual acuity: 20/30). In contrast to the failed cases with large retinal cavitations seen on optical coherence tomography before FTMH formation, the successful case had small intraretinal cavitation before FTMH development, and the appearance of FTMH being similar to typical idiopathic FTMH. Adding these cases to the limited published reports resulted in closure rate of 30% for FTMH associated with MacTel. CONCLUSION: Since surgical outcomes for FTMH in MacTel Type 2 may be less successful than typical idiopathic FTMH, it is important to recognize that FTMH may be associated with MacTel. Lower success rate may be because of the pathophysiology of MacTel. The degree of tissue atrophy and appearance of FTMH on optical coherence tomography may guide surgical prognosis.

Paired responses to intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema: predictors of response in the fellow eye.

BACKGROUND: Factors predictive for response of diabetic macular edema (DME) to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) remain unclear. In this study, we assess the predictability of DME response to IVB based on the response to IVB in a previously treated fellow eye and other known pre-injection factors in (DME). METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted on 28 patients (56 eyes) with bilateral DME who underwent bilateral IVB therapy. Responses in both eyes were measured by change in central subfield thickness (CSFT) via optic coherence tomography (OCT), and change in visual acuity. Age, lens status, and starting macular thickness were recorded. RESULTS: We found 21 % of the reduction in CSFT after IVB on OCT in the study eye may be explained by the percentage change in CSFT in the previously treated fellow eye [CI: 0.092-0.716; p-value = 0.0141]. Also, the pre-injection CSFT predicts 14 % of the response to IVB in the same eye [R² = 9.6 %, p-value = 0.018]. When combined in a multi-factorial model, 33 % of the change in CSFT following IVB may be explained by these two factors. Lens status, change in visual acuity, and age were not statistically significant predictors of response. CONCLUSIONS: In DME, the response to IVB in an eye is partially explained by the pre-injection retinal thickness in the same eye and by the response to IVB in the previously treated fellow eye. Lens status, change in visual acuity, and age were not statistically significant predictors of response in this study.

Endophthalmitis following photorefractive keratectomy with a history of radial keratotomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We report the case of an 81-year-old woman with a history of radial keratotomy 9 years prior who developed endophthalmitis without preceding keratitis 4 days after uneventful photorefractive keratectomy surgery. This case report utilized clinical examination and microbacterial laboratory findings. FINDINGS: Diagnosis of bacterial endophthalmitis was made via clinical examination and cultured vitreous tap which grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. No preceding keratitis was seen on exam. The patient responded to intravitreal antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the epithelium removed during the photorefractive keratectomy procedure may have uncovered areas of full-thickness radial keratotomy incisions allowing bacterial ingress, causing bacterial endophthalmitis without preceding keratitis.

Branch retinal artery occlusion after internal carotid artery angioplasty and stenting.

PURPOSE: A 67-year-old man with an embolic branch retinal artery occlusion occurring as a complication of internal carotid artery stenting, despite the use of a distal filter cerebral protection device was reported. METHODS: Observational case report. One patient case is included in this case report. RESULTS: The patient developed a branch retinal arterial occlusion with visible emboli 24 hours after a carotid angioplasty and stenting procedure and was found to have multiple anastomoses between the external carotid artery and ophthalmic artery as a result of carotid stenosis. He required a second, emergent angioplastic procedure. CONCLUSION: External carotid-ophthalmic arterial anastomoses can act as a pathway for emboli to travel from the internal carotid artery to the retinal circulation, resulting in retinal arterial occlusions, despite the use of cerebral protective devices. Ophthalmologists and interventional radiologists should be aware of these factors, especially as the number of percutaneous carotid artery stenting procedures continues to increase.

Effects of green diode laser in the treatment of pediatric Coats disease.

PURPOSE: To review the effect of green diode laser ablation therapy on retinal structure and functional outcome in patients with advanced Coats disease. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Fourteen eyes of 13 patients with Coats disease were included in this study. Medical records, Retcam photographs (Clarity Medical Systems, Pleasanton, CA), and fluorescein angiograms were reviewed. All patients initially were treated with green diode laser (532 nm) ablation therapy to areas of the retinal telangiectasis associated with exudation. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, treatment outcome defined as complete resolution of telangiectatic lesions or exudative detachment, and macular status at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: Before treatment, 1 eye was at stage 2 (telangiectasis and exudation), 12 eyes were at stage 3 (exudative retinal detachment), and 1 eye was at stage 4 (total retinal detachment with glaucoma). Five eyes had highly detached retina of more than 4 mm. Median age at diagnosis was 51 months (range, 0.5 to 153 months). Median follow-up was 39.5 months (range, 15 to 70 months). Median number of green diode laser photocoagulation treatments was 2 (range, 1 to 5). After laser photocoagulation, 13 (93%) of 14 eyes had no active exudation. Functionally, 4 (29%) of 14 eyes had 20/50 or better visual acuity, 3 (21%) of 14 eyes had 20/60 to 20/200 visual acuity, 5 (36%) of 14 eyes had 20/400 to light perception visual acuity, and 2 (14%) of 14 eyes had no light perception visual acuity. No eye was phthisical or enucleated. CONCLUSIONS: Green diode laser therapy can be an effective treatment for advanced Coats disease, even in the presence of a moderate to severely elevated retinal detachment.