Long term surgical results and safety profile of the novel CM T Flex scleral fixated intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To report the long term visual outcomes and complications with use of the novel CM-T Flex scleral fixated intraocular lens (CMT-SFIOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 116 eyes that underwent CMT-SFIOL were reviewed and 57 eyes with CMT-SFIOL that completed a 2-year follow-up were included. Main outcome measures noted were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and complications. Postoperatively, follow-ups were done at 1 week (1w), 1 month (1 m), 1 year (1y) and 2-year (2y) intervals. RESULTS: 40 (70.17%) of 57 eyes received CMT-SFIOL for surgical aphakia. Mean follow up was 39.77 ± 8.44 months. BCVA for distance & near improved from 1.26 ± 0.84 to 0.76 ± 0.77, 0.50 ± 0.72 and 0.51 ± 0.73 & 1.28 ± 0.58 to 0.98 ± 0.49, 0.92 ± 0.44 and 0.89 ± 0.40 at 1 m, 1y and 2y respectively (p < 0.001 for all). At 1w, 10 eyes (17.54%) had corneal edema (CE) and 8 eyes (14.03%) had anterior chamber (AC) reaction. Two eyes (3.50%) had IOP > 30 mm Hg and 1 eye (1.75%) had vitreous hemorrhage (VH). At 1 m, 3 eyes (5.26%) had CE and 5 eyes (8.77%) had AC reaction. Two eyes (3.50%) had IOP > 30 mm Hg and 1 eye (1.75%) had VH. Cystoid macular edema was noted in 3 eyes (5.26%). At 1y and 2y, 2 eyes (3.5%) and 1 eye (1.75%), had CE. No decentration, dislocation, haptic exposure or retinal detachment was noted. No eyes required resurgery. CONCLUSION: CM-T Flex SFIOL is an effective method to correct aphakia, with reliable and safe long-term results.

Clinical results after binocular implantation of a unique nondiffractive enhanced monofocal intraocular lens designed for enhanced monovision to increase the depth of focus.

PURPOSE: To provide the reports of a pilot study to assess the visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity with RayOne enhanced monovision (EMV), a unique nondiffractive enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) to increase the range of focus. METHODS: A retrospective case series study was conducted by analyzing 25 patients (50 eyes) who had bilateral implantation of EMV IOL after cataract surgery. Data collected included biometry, spherical equivalent (SE), and VA for near, intermediate, and distance. Patients were reviewed at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery. Contrast sensitivity (CS) was checked at 1 month. RESULTS: The study included 14 males (56%). Age of participants was 61.4 ± 7.4 years. Uniocular uncorrected near and distance VA improved from 0.33 ± 0.13 to 0.05 ± 0.07 and from 0.63 ± 0.31 to 0.05 ± 0.10 log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at 1 month (P < 0.001 for both). Binocular uncorrected near and distance VA improved from 0.09 ± 0.18 and 0.14 ± 0.27 to 0.05 ± 0.06 and 0.00 ± 0.09 logMAR, respectively (P < 0.001). SE changed from - 0.23 ± 2.55 to - 0.33 ± 0.46. CS at 3 months was 1.74 ± 0.21. At 1 month, 48 eyes (96%) achieved uncorrected intermediate VA 6/15 (0.4 logMAR) or better. When comparing eyes that had uncorrected intermediate vision of ≥ 0.2 (6/9 or better) to eyes that had < 0.2 logMAR at 1 month, there was no difference between groups with respect to baseline parameters. CONCLUSION: The pilot study shows that the nondiffractive EMV IOL is safe, effective, and stable, providing excellent distance and intermediate vision and good near vision.

Closure rate and recovery of subfoveal microstructures following conventional internal limiting membrane peeling versus per fluoro octane-assisted inverted flap for large macular holes - A randomized controlled trial (InFlap Study).

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes following conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus perfluoro octane-assisted inverted flap technique for large macular holes (MH). METHODS: A consecutive 99 eyes of 99 patients were enrolled {45 - conventional group and 54 - inverted flap (InFlap) group}. The primary outcome was a difference in closure rate. Secondary outcomes were differences in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), restoration of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) between groups at 3 (primary endpoint), 6 and 12 (secondary endpoints) months. Additionally, the effect of different gas tamponades on closure rates, ILM flap disintegration in InFlap group, and subfoveal thickness (SFT) between groups in closed. RESULTS: At 3 months, there was no difference in the closure rate and BCVA between groups. At six months, closure rate was significantly better in the InFlap group. However, this difference was not maintained at 12 months. There was no difference in BCVA between groups at any visit. The ELM recovery was significantly higher in the conventional group at three months; however, there was no difference in ELM/EZ recovery between groups at other visits. The closure rate in the InFlap group was the same irrespective of gas tamponade. The ILM flap was identifiable in one-third of patients at 12 months. In closed MH, SFT was significantly more in InFlap group. CONCLUSION: The closure rate and visual outcomes remained similar in both groups in the immediate and long term. Conventional ILM peeling technique seems to have early ELM recovery when compared to inverted flap technique.

Ranibizumab port delivery system in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Ranibizumab has proven its efficacy in various retinal diseases and particularly in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The number of injections and the frequent follow-up visits has been burdensome to patients particularly during the COVID era. Ranibizumab port delivery system (RPDS) seems to be a boon in prolonging the action of the drug without the need for frequent injections and follow-up visits. This review article highlights the dosage, adverse effects, and visual outcome associated with various trials of RPDS. For this article, we conducted a PubMed search and review of literature on nAMD, the incidence of AMD, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, RPDS, phase-1 trial of RPDS, phase-2 (LADDER trial) of RPDS, phase-3 (ARCHWAY trial) of RPDS, PORTAL trial of RPDS, results of phase-1 trial of RPDS, results of phase-2 (LADDER) trial of RPDS, and results of phase-3 (ARCHWAY) trial of RPDS.

Role of Curcumin in Retinal Diseases-A review.

PURPOSE: To review the role of curcumin in retinal diseases, COVID era, modification of the molecule to improve bioavailability and its future scope. METHODS: PubMed and MEDLINE searches were pertaining to curcumin, properties of curcumin, curcumin in retinal diseases, curcumin in diabetic retinopathy, curcumin in age-related macular degeneration, curcumin in retinal and choroidal diseases, curcumin in retinitis pigmentosa, curcumin in retinal ischemia reperfusion injury, curcumin in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and curcumin in current COVID era. RESULTS: In experimental models, curcumin showed its pleiotropic effects in retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy by increasing anti-oxidant enzymes, upregulating HO-1, nrf2 and reducing or inhibiting inflammatory mediators, growth factors and by inhibiting proliferation and migration of retinal endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner in HRPC, HREC and ARPE-19 cells. In age-related macular degeneration, curcumin acts by reducing ROS and inhibiting apoptosis inducing proteins and cellular inflammatory genes and upregulating HO-1, thioredoxin and NQO1. In retinitis pigmentosa, curcumin has been shown to delay structural defects of P23H gene in P23H-rhodopsin transgenic rats. In proliferative vitreoretinopathy, curcumin inhibited the action of EGF in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In retinal ischemia reperfusion injury, curcumin downregulates IL-17, IL-23, NFKB, STAT-3, MCP-1 and JNK. In retinoblastoma, curcumin inhibits proliferation, migration and apoptosis of RBY79 and SO-RB50. Curcumin has already proven its efficacy in inhibiting viral replication, coagulation and cytokine storm in COVID era. CONCLUSION: Curcumin is an easily available spice used traditionally in Indian cooking. The benefits of curcumin are manifold, and large randomized controlled trials are required to study its effects not only in treating retinal diseases in humans but in their prevention too.

Diabetic retinopathy in pregnancy - A review.

Diabetes and gestational diabetes (GD) are areas of concern worldwide. GD can eventually lead to serious development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) during pregnancy or worsening of an already existing DR. GD confers future risk of diabetes, both in the mother and fetus, further complicating their lives. DR in pregnant women has been intriguing in terms of understanding the prevalence, assessing risk factors causing pathogenesis, and problems associated with treating them. Pregnancy itself is a risk factor for progression of DR. Physiological changes such as metabolic, vascular, immunologic, and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause development as well as worsening of DR. This can eventually lead to permanent visual loss if not addressed on time. Timing of laser, choice of treatment for diabetic macular edema with laser, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents (VEGF), and intravitreal steroids pose a serious challenge in managing these patients without causing damage to the mother and fetus. This review article showcases the prevalence, risk factors, and pathogenesis, outlines the management of DR in pregnancy, and recommends guidelines based on the available evidence. PubMed and MEDLINE searches were performed pertaining to the prevalence of GD in India, DR in pregnancy, risk factors for progression of DR, role of vasoactive mediators in DR, role of angiopoietic factors in DR, hormonal influence of DR, role of growth factors in DR, use of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, retinal lasers, anti-VEGF agents, intravitreal steroids, anesthesia, and retinal surgery, all pertaining to pregnancy and guidelines and recommendations for managing DR in pregnancy.

KSI-301: antibody biopolymer conjugate in retinal disorders.

KSI-301 is a new intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody biopolymer conjugate under investigation for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Preclinical and early clinical trials so far have shown promising results in retinal vascular diseases. When using anti-VEGF agents for treatment of retinal disorders, the frequency of injections and follow-up visits has increased the treatment burden, greatly affecting the treatment outcome. There are new anti-VEGF agents in the horizon with extended duration of action, durability, safety profile and efficacy, which seem to address the above issues. PubMed search and Medline search were performed on newer anti-VEGF agents, KSI-301, antibody biopolymer conjugate in retina, KODIAK KSI-301, DAZZLE study, GLEAM study, GLIMMER study, GLOW study and BEACON study. This review article showcases the biophysical properties and ongoing trials related to KSI-301. Moreover, we discuss the efficacy and safety profile of KSI-301 on the basis of the results of available trials.

Micropulse trans-scleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma: an initial experience in Indian eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of micro-pulse trans-scleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) in Indian eyes with refractory glaucoma. METHODS: A prospective interventional short-term study was carried out with relatively small sample size of 55 eyes with refractory glaucoma. All eyes had visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements at baseline, 1 week (1w), 1 month (1 m) and 3 months (3 m). A single surgeon treated all eyes with recommended MP-TSCPC treatment settings. Surgical success was defined as achieving an IOP between 8-21 mmHg or achieving > 20% IOP reduction. RESULTS: The age of participants was 56.98 ± 15.74 years. Our study had more number of males. VA (in logMAR) at baseline was 1.38 ± 0.99. VA was 1.43 ± 0.93 at 1w, 1.47 ± 0.94 at 1 m and 1.47 ± 0.96 at 3 m (p > 0.05 for all). IOP (in mmHg) at baseline was 30.38 ± 10.70. IOP was 15.72 ± 6.85 at 1w, 16.98 ± 8.72 at 1 m and 17.60 ± 8.40 at 3 m (p < 0.001 for all). At 3 m, 49 (89.1%) eyes had surgical success. Surgical success was lesser in primary open angle glaucoma (p = 0.03). IOP at baseline showed significant correlation with percentage reduction in IOP at each review (p < 0.05). Use of glaucoma medication reduced from 2.94 ± 0.98 to 2.01 ± 1.16 at 3 m (p < 0.001). At 3 m, hypotony was noted in 4 (7.3%) eyes and reduction in visual acuity was seen in 15 (27.3%) eyes. CONCLUSION: Initial experience in Indian eyes has shown that MP-TSCPC is safe and effective for refractory glaucoma. Patients can expect significant IOP lowering along with reduction in number of topical medications required for control of IOP.

A Novel Sutureless Scleral-Fixated Lens That Eliminates Extra Ocular Haptic Manipulation: The CM-T Flex Lens.

The authors present their experience with an innovative model of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL): the CM-T Flex intraocular lens (IOL). By its unique design, the CM-T Flex IOL simplifies the process of SFIOL fixation by limiting the process to simply exteriorizing and releasing the haptic. This retrospective cohort study included nine eyes with surgical aphakia. The CM-T Flex IOL was used in these nine aphakic eyes that had completed a 3-month follow-up. Improvement in visual acuity (0.34 ± 0.25 logMAR [range: 0.2 to 1] to 0.22 ± 0.32 logMAR [range: 0 to 0.77]) was recorded with no major complications. IOL stability and centration was established. The authors concluded that the CM-T Flex IOL was effective for refractive rehabilitation in aphakic eyes. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:648-650.].

Innovative intraocular lens design to manage surgical aphakia in an eye with a filtering bleb.

An innovative intraocular lens (IOL), the CM-T Flex IOL, was used to correct surgical aphakia without disturbing a functioning filtering bleb. A 66-year-old man presented with aphakia in the left eye. Cataract extraction and trabeculectomy was performed in the left eye 2 years previously elsewhere. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in the left eye was 6/18, and, on examination, it showed a filtering bleb that encroached on the limbus and superior cornea. The cornea was clear with a deep anterior chamber. Retinal examination was normal. Disc cupping was noted with a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.8. Refractive correction was performed by implanting the CM-T Flex IOL. This IOL has a unique design that eliminates the need for maneuvering the IOL haptics extraocularly. It entails a simple grasp, exteriorize, and release technique that anchors the IOL firmly to the scleral bed. At 6 months, CDVA in the left eye was 6/9 with a stable, centered IOL.

Perspectives of physicians in general and ophthalmologists in particular about restarting services post-COVID-19 lockdown.

PURPOSE: To assess the perspectives of physicians in general and ophthalmologists in particular about restarting elective out-patient (OP) and operating (OT) services after relaxation of lockdown for COVID-19. METHODS: An online survey, containing 31 questions, was conducted among medical doctors using a secure Google forms link. The survey was open for 48 hours from 16th-18th April 2020. RESULTS: Responses were received from 556 physicians (including 266 ophthalmologists). About a third (n = 205) wanted to start OP immediately after lockdown. In OP, mask of any kind for patient (60.8%), 3-ply for assistants (52.7%) and N95 for doctors (72.7%) were most common preferences. In OP, 31.5% and 46.6% felt full PPE and gloves alone were sufficient respectively. Ophthalmologists were more likely to start immediately after lockdown compared to other specialists (P = 0.004). Among 299 surgeons, an almost equal number (27%) wanted to start routine OT services immediately and 2 weeks post lockdown. A large majority (76.9%) would mandate COVID-19 tests before elective surgeries. In OT, 34.1% wanted N95 for surgical team and 3-ply for patient, 23.4% wanted 3-ply masks for everyone. 40.5% felt additional personal protective equipment (PPE) is not required and 33.1% felt that full PPE is required for everyone in OT. Ophthalmic surgeons preferred 3-ply masks and were less inclined to use full PPE (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Perspectives of doctors vary, especially with regarding to timing of restarting services and precautions to be taken in the OT. Ophthalmologists may tend to err on the side of taking lesser stringent precautions when restarting services post lockdown.

Gradual resolution of foveal herniation after epiretinal membrane peeling.

We demonstrate the gradual resolution of foveal herniation with optical coherence tomography (OCT) images after epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal. A young male presented with diminished vision in the left eye (OS). Examination of OS revealed an ERM and thickening of the foveal region. OCT delineated the ERM clearly. It also showed a central defect in the ERM through which the inner retinal layers had prolapsed into the vitreous cavity leading to foveal herniation. The patient underwent vitrectomy and surgical removal of the ERM. After removing the source of macular traction, over a period of 4 months, gradual reduction in height of the elevated central foveal tissue was observed. At 6 months, the foveal bulge had reduced remarkably and remained stable. The resolution of foveal herniation after ERM removal is a slow process. The OCT images convey that it may take few months for the foveal bulge to decrease in height. When the outer retinal layers are normal, visual recovery, though delayed, is appreciable.

The use of air from the infusion line to confirm infusion tip positioning in vitreous surgery for eyes with media opacities.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the use of an air bubble in infusion to ascertain infusion tip (IT) positioning before commencing vitreoretinal surgery (VRS) in eyes with media opacities. METHODS: Twenty-four eyes were studied. An air bubble was introduced into the IT by manually expelling fluid from the distal end of the IT. Passage of this air bubble into the vitreous cavity immediately on opening the infusion line confirmed IT position and VRS was commenced only after this event. RESULTS: The air bubble was seen within the eye in 18/24 eyes immediately on opening the infusion line. In 6 eyes, the air bubble did not exit the infusion line, and VRS was commenced only after IT position was confirmed by other methods. In all 24 eyes, no untoward effect attributable to the air bubble was noticed during subsequent VRS. CONCLUSIONS: An air bubble introduced into the IT helps to quickly confirm IT position when direct visualization of the IT is difficult. There were no untoward events in eyes where the air bubble could not enter the vitreous cavity.

Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis after retinal detachment surgery masquerading as scleral abscess.

Scleral necrosis is a rare occurrence after many ocular procedures. In the absence of infection or use of surgical adjuncts such as antimetabolites or radiation, the necrosis is presumed to be directly related to surgical trauma and is hence termed surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS). A high index of suspicion is required for an early diagnosis of SINS and its differentiation from infective scleritis is important as the treatment modalities of these two related conditions are different. We report a case of SINS at sclerotomy site following 23-gauge transconjunctival retinal detachment surgery that was initially suspected to be a scleral abscess. Prompt recognition and institution of topical and systemic steroid therapy helped in limiting the extent of scleral damage.

Peripheral retinal avascularity and capillary leakage in central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report a novel finding of peripheral retinal avascularity (PRA) and peripheral capillary leakage (PCL) on wide-field fluorescein angiography (WFA) in non-dependent quadrants, in eyes with bilateral chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS: Forty six patients with bilateral CSCR were studied. Four patients had PRA and PCL, and 42 patients did not. The demographic profile, clinical findings, and imaging characteristics of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between those patients with and without PRA and PCL with respect to the demographic profile, clinical findings, and imaging characteristics. Laser photocoagulation to extrafoveal points of leakage seen on fluorescein angiography (FA) was sufficient to cause complete resolution of CSCR in these 4 patients. PRA areas were not treated. CONCLUSION: The PRA and PCL in CSCR are novel findings, which have not been previously described.

Sandwich Technique with Anterior Silicone Oil and Posterior Perfluorocarbon Liquid for Intraoperative Retinal Stabilization in Eyes with Large Retinal Breaks.

During retinal surgeries, the presence of large retinal defects or breaks (giant retinal tears or retinotomies ≥3 clock hours) requires the use of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) to stabilize the posterior retina. Thereafter, direct PFCL-oil exchange is preferred to avoid posterior slippage of the retina. However, in an eye filled with PFCL, fluid currents at the surface of the PFCL pose a few problems when laser is attempted. Multiple bubbles are formed due to fluid currents, and the fluid jet from the infusion port may continually dislodge the free end of the retina despite the presence of PFCL. This effect is accentuated when instruments are exchanged or if the active port is unoccluded. On the other hand, if laser is postponed until the eye is filled with oil, fluid accumulation may occur under the macula, as posterior tamponade is absent. We present a modified technique that entails the use of a "sandwich" of anterior SO and posterior PFCL to comfortably perform laser in a well-formed closed vitreous chamber with continuous maintenance of retinal attachment.

Early Buckle Migration and Restrictive Strabismus after Successful Medical Management of Scleral Buckle Infection.

We report a case of restrictive strabismus caused by early scleral buckle (SB) migration within 1 month of surgery after successful medical management of SB infection. A 24 year-old man underwent scleral buckling surgery for left eye inferior retinal detachment (RD). A solid silicone buckle element was placed inferiorly along with an encircling silicone band. Two days after surgery, he presented with SB infection. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the exudate at conjunctival suture sites. Since the retina was well attached and it was only the second postoperative day, it was decided to retain the buckle. SB infection was treated with intravenous cefotaxime and topical fortified cefazolin and successfully eradicated. One month thereafter, anterior SB migration was noted on slit lamp biomicroscopy. Restrictive strabismus and diplopia were also noted. Eventually, SB removal was performed at 2 months. This case report highlights the role of infection and subsequent inflammation as a cause for buckle migration and restrictive strabismus in the early post-operative period. These changes can be seen as early as 1 month after primary surgery and may occur even after successful medical management of the SB infection.