Risk Factors and Outcomes of Delayed Presentation of Diabetic Retinopathy Patients to a County Hospital.

Purpose: To identify risk factors and evaluate outcomes of patients with delayed presentation and advanced diabetic retinopathy in our safety-net county hospital population. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 562 patients who presented with a new diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Delayed presentation was defined as moderate or severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) at the initial visit. Comparisons between patient groups were performed with chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and multinomial logistic regression for multivariable analysis. Linear and logistic regression modeling with general estimating equations to account for patients having two eyes was used to compare eye-level outcomes. Results: Lack of a primary care provider (PCP) was highest in patients who presented initially with PDR (28.8%), compared to 14.3% in moderate/severe NPDR, 12.4% in mild NPDR, and 7.6% in no DR groups (P < 0.001). Only 69.4% of patients with a PCP had an ophthalmology screening referral. Highest lack of referral (47.2%) was seen in the PDR group (P = 0.002). Patients with PDR were more likely to be uninsured (19.2%) compared to no and mild DR groups, with rates of 7.6% and 9.0%, respectively (P = 0.001). The PDR group had worse initial and final visual acuities (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Several risk factors were noted for delayed DR presentation, including lack of PCP, lack of screening referral, and uninsured/underinsured status. Patients with advanced DR at presentation had worse final visual outcomes despite aggressive treatment. Translational Relevance: Screening programs targeting populations with identified risk factors are essential for improving outcomes.

Outcomes of chronic macula-off retinal detachment repair.

PURPOSE: There have been disparate outcomes in the few studies that have looked at anatomic success and visual acuity (VA) in chronic retinal rhegmatogenous detachment (RRD) repair. Chronic retinal detachments (RD) without a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occur in young myopes often secondary to an atrophic hole. These patients are often asymptomatic, and studies report good surgical anatomic results. However, chronic RD with a PVD is symptomatic but presents late due to patient compliance. This paper aims to evaluate this lesser-studied chronic macula-off RD with PVD. METHODS: After obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, patients who had undergone surgical intervention for all diagnosis codes of RD were identified in the Denver Health Medical Center database. Medical records were reviewed, and patients found to have open-globe injuries, tractional RD due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, macula-on detachments, and RD due to previous ocular surgery were excluded. Similarly, patients without PVD were also excluded. A total of 37 patients with PVD-type chronic macula-off RD were thus identified and preoperative characteristics, surgical intervention, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The average patient age was 53.8 years. The length of RRD duration ranged from 30 to 365 days (mean 136.7 days). Twenty-six (70.3% patients had proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade C or greater. Initial anatomic success-defined as re-attachment after one surgery-was 54.1%. The final attachment was 94.6%. Fifteen of 37 (40.5%) of the patients had issues with drop adherence, positioning, or missing post-operative appointments. CONCLUSION: Chronic macula-off RD with a PVD should be identified as it is associated with much lower rates of initial re-attachment. Socioeconomic factors likely are the driving factor for patients with PVD-type chronic macula-off RD to present late, struggle with positioning, and have difficulty with follow-up and drop compliance. These extended periods without treatment then lead to high rates of PVR and poor initial anatomic success. However, repair of PVD-type chronic macula-off RD should still be pursued as final anatomic success is high.

Correlation of Complement Activation in Aqueous and Vitreous in Patients With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: A growing body of evidence suggests complement dysregulation is present in the vitreous of patients with diabetic eye disease. Further translational study could be simplified if aqueous-as opposed to vitreous-were used to sample the intraocular complement environment. Here, we analyze aqueous samples and assess whether a correlation exists between aqueous and vitreous complement levels. Methods: We collected aqueous, vitreous, and plasma samples from patients with and without proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing vitrectomy. We assessed correlation between complement levels in aqueous and vitreous samples after using a normalizing ratio to correct for vascular leakage. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess the correlation between complement levels in the aqueous and vitreous. Results: Aqueous samples were obtained from 17 cases with PDR and 28 controls. In all patients, aqueous Ba, C3a, and albumin levels were strongly correlated with vitreous levels (Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.8 for Ba and C3a and 0.7 for albumin; all P values < 0.0001). In PDR eyes only, aqueous and vitreous C3a levels were significantly correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.7; P = 0.002), whereas in control eyes, both Ba and C3a (Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.7; P < 0.0001) were significantly correlated. Conclusions: A strong correlation exists between aqueous and vitreous complement levels in diabetic eye disease. Translational Relevance: The results establish that accurate sampling of the intraocular complement can be done by analyzing aqueous specimens, allowing for the rapid and safe measurement of experimental complement targets and treatment response.

Fibrotic cataract as a sign of posterior capsule violation post vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To report fibrotic cataract as a sign of posterior capsule violation post vitrectomy. OBSERVATIONS: A 16 year old female presented to our retina clinic after multiple prior vitrectomies at an outside hospital for traumatic retinal detachment. On presentation, it was noted that she still had a silicone oil inside the eye, and a dense, fibrotic cataract limiting the posterior pole view. The decision was made to pursue cataract phacoemulsification plus silicone oil removal. We utilized the Zepto capsulotomy system given the white cataract. After gentle bimanual irrigation and aspiration of the cataract, it was discovered there were two small, round, posterior capsule defects with fibrosis around these holes that extended anteriorly, involving the capsular fornix and anterior capsule. This was confirmed intraoperatively on heads-up OCT. A three-piece intraocular lens was placed into the capsular bag, but given the contracted capsular fornix, the IOL was decentered inferonasally, so it was repositioned in the sulcus with good centration. CONCLUSIONS: It is known that pars plana vitrectomy leads to accelerated cataract formation postoperatively. This case report is the first to our knowledge that describes a fibrotic cataract as a sign of posterior capsular violation. IMPORTANCE: We demonstrate that presence of fibrotic cataract post vitrectomy should raise suspicion for capsular violation and should prompt further discussion with the patient regarding appropriate surgical planning and expectations.

PROFOUND VISUAL RECOVERY AT 16 MONTHS AFTER RESOLUTION OF SEROUS RETINAL DETACHMENTS SECONDARY TO THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA: CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW.

PURPOSE: To report a unique case of dramatic improvement in objective visual function during the recovery phase, after resolution of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-related serous retinal detachments and to review prognostic trends in reported cases involving the macula. METHODS: Observational case report and literature review. RESULTS: A 36-year-old white woman with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura developed vision loss from serous retinal detachments in both eyes. Over a 16-month period, after both retinae remained attached, best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/50 in both eyes with dramatic improvement on optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging. CONCLUSION: Although thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a life-threatening illness, visual prognosis in patients with macula off serous retinal detachments appears excellent. Most cases reviewed in literature improved to baseline visual acuity, but recovery periods ranged from days to many months. Hyperautofluorescent granularity on autofluorescence photography may be an indicator of chronic retinal detachment and a more delayed visual recovery.

Complement Activation in the Vitreous of Patients With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: A growing body of evidence points to complement dysregulation in diabetes. Early studies have indicated the presence of complement components inside the eye in patients with diabetic retinopathy, but these data have been confounded by leakage of proteins from the systemic circulation into the vitreous cavity. Methods: We took samples of plasma and vitreous from patients with and without proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and measured levels of 16 complement components as well as albumin. We employed a normalized ratio using local and systemic complement and albumin levels to control for vascular leakage into the vitreous cavity. Results: Before normalizing, we found significantly higher levels of 16 complement components we measured in PDR eyes compared to controls. After normalizing, levels of C4, factor B, and C5 were decreased compared to controls, while C3a and Ba levels were elevated compared to controls. We also found higher ratios of C3a/C3, C5a/C5, and Ba/factor B in PDR eyes compared to controls. Conclusions: We found evidence of local, intraocular activation of C3, C5, and factor B. The normalized data suggest involvement of the alternative complement pathway. By showing activation of specific complement components in PDR, this study identifies targets for diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

Predictors for recovery of macular function after surgery for primary macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To determine predictors of best-corrected postoperative visual acuity (VA) in patients who underwent surgical intervention for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary macula-off retinal detachments from the University of Colorado Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Database (2012-2017) were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was a postoperative VA of 20/40 or better at least 6 months after surgery. Patient demographics, medical history, duration of central vision loss before surgery, examination findings, operative technique, and postoperative findings were analyzed as possible predictors of postoperative visual recovery to 20/40 or better. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables, and Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for continuous variables. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for variables that were significant in the univariable analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Eighty-one (61.8%) patients achieved a postoperative VA of 20/40 or better 6 or more months after surgery. Patients with a single retinal break were more likely than patients with more than one break to reach a postoperative VA of 20/40 or better (76.9% vs. 55.4%, p = 0.021). Patients with a better preoperative logMAR VA had better postoperative VA (p = 0.021). Duration of central vision loss prior to surgical repair was not related to final postoperative VA in this particular study. CONCLUSION: Postoperative recovery of visual acuity to 20/40 or better was significantly more common in patients with a single retinal break as well as in patients with better preoperative visual acuity. Duration of central vision loss prior to surgical repair was not significantly associated with postoperative VA.

Religion, Nonreligion, and Deviance: Comparing Faith's and Family's Relative Strength in Promoting Social Conformity.

The view that religion, as a source of moral guidance and social support, can function to prevent or protect individuals, especially children and adolescents, from a range of deviant and delinquent behaviors is largely (but not completely) born out in the literature. In nations with strong religious identities such as the USA, there is a normative expectation that adolescents who identify with religion are less likely to engage in deviant behavior than those who claim no religion. The present study explores this issue using data from over 10,000 American middle school and high school youth to examine the relationship between religion, nonreligion, and various forms of deviance. Results indicate that youth who identify with a religious (rather than nonreligious) label are not less likely to be involved in deviant acts after controlling for protective factors. The effects from some of these protective factors are significant and stronger than the effects from religion.

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Children: Clinical Factors Predictive of Successful Surgical Repair.

PURPOSE: To describe presenting clinical features and surgical techniques that are associated with successful surgical repair of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred twelve eyes of 191 patients 0 to 18 years of age undergoing surgical repair for RRD between 2001 and 2015 with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. METHODS: Patients were divided into 3 age groups (0-6 years, 7-12 years, and 13-18 years) and comparisons were made using bivariate and multivariate generalized estimating equation models. A mixed means model was used to examine visual acuity in each age group over time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complete reattachment of the retina at final follow-up. RESULTS: Of 212 eyes, 166 (78%) achieved total reattachment at final follow-up. Mean follow-up was 36.3 months. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with Stickler syndrome was more likely to occur in the younger cohorts (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.91), whereas RRD associated with blunt trauma was more likely to occur in the oldest cohort (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.4). Subtotal RRD was more likely to be repaired successfully than total RRD (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.5-8.4; P = 0.0100), and eyes with previous vitreoretinal surgery were less likely to undergo successful repair (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.78; P = 0.0258). There was no significant difference between age groups in the rate of surgical success (P = 0.55). There was a significantly higher success rate with primary scleral buckle (SB; 63%; OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.5) and combined SB plus pars plana vitrectomy (PPV; 68%; OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-5.1) compared with PPV alone (51%). CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric patients with RRD achieved complete reattachment with surgery. Success was more common in patients with a subtotal RRD at presentation. Previous vitreoretinal surgery was a risk factor for failure. Younger patients were more likely to demonstrate RRD involving the macula, but there was no difference between age groups in successful reattachment at final follow-up. Primary PPV showed a lower rate of success than SB or combined SB plus PPV.

Increased Incidence of Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis After Colorado Flooding.

In September 2013, central Colorado experienced a record amount of rainfall resulting in widespread flooding. Within 1 month of the flooding, 4 patients presented to the authors' institution with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. This represents the largest number of cases ever recorded over a 1-month period. The authors hypothesize that the combination of immunocompromised status and environmental exposure resulted in the increased incidence.

CONCURRENT ENDOPHTHALMITIS AND ANTERIOR SEGMENT ISCHEMIA AFTER STRABISMUS SURGERY.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report a case of simultaneous endophthalmitis and anterior segment ischemia (ASI) that occurred in a patient after strabismus surgery. This is the first known case of both complications occurring at the same time. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 60-year-old woman presented with eye pain and loss of vision 6 days after uncomplicated strabismus surgery for thyroid eye disease. On examination, she had corneal edema, anterior segment fibrin, an atonic iris, and no view to the posterior segment. On fluorescein angiography of the anterior segment, a large portion of the iris was nonperfused. Posterior segment ultrasound showed dense vitritis and a choroidal abscess. Intraoperative cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSIONS: Endophthalmitis and anterior segment ischemia are both exceedingly rare complications of strabismus surgery. It is possible that each one occurred independently, but more likely one process potentiated the other. One possible mechanism is inflammation-induced thrombosis.

The influence of needle gauge and infection source on vitreous aspirate cultures.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: While the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) included only post-cataract surgery patients, the methods and data from that study are widely applied in the management of endophthalmitis of all types. We sought to examine how our experience with in-office vitreous aspiration differed from the EVS in two ways: first, by reviewing microbiological culture yields from vitreous aspirates obtained using 30-gauge needles versus 25-27-gauge needles and second, by reviewing culture yields in cases of endogenous versus non-endogenous endophthalmitis. METHODS: Cases of endophthalmitis over a 14-year period were reviewed when vitreous tap was the initial diagnostic procedure. The data included infection source, needle size used to obtain a vitreous aspirate, organism cultured and rates of unsuccessful attempts at vitreous aspiration or dry taps. RESULTS: 10 cases were endogenous endophthalmitis, while 36 cases were a mix of postoperative, post-traumatic, post-intravitreal injection and miscellaneous patients. A positive microbiological culture was obtained in 11/36 (31%) of vitreous taps using a 25-27-gauge needle and in 8/10 (80%) taps using a 30-gauge needle (p<0.01). A positive vitreous culture was obtained in 18/36 (50%) of all non-endogenous cases, while a positive result was obtained in 0/10 (0%) cases of endogenous endophthalmitis (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a smaller needle in obtaining vitreous samples in endophthalmitis did not lower the microbiological yield. A positive microbiological yield was significantly less likely in cases of endogenous endophthalmitis compared with non-endogenous cases. Vitreous tap as a method for identifying the causative organism in endogenous endophthalmitis was of limited utility.

Progression of gyrate atrophy measured with ultra-wide-field imaging.

The study aims to determine the progression of gyrate atrophy by measuring the area growth of chorioretinal atrophic lesions using ultra-wide-field images (UWFI). A retrospective, observational, and comparative study was conducted and UWFI (200°) were obtained from two patients with gyrate atrophy at baseline and follow-up. Measurements of atrophy were obtained for three types of lesions: Solitary atrophic lesions (SAL), De novo solitary lesions (DNSL), and peripapillary atrophy (PPA). Comparison of baseline and follow-up was done using t tests. Two patients with gyrate atrophy were included. Patient 1 presented 16 SAL, 5 DNSL, and PPA measured for both eyes (BE). Overall area growth (OAG) for SAL (expressed in decimals) presented a mean of 3.41, σ 3.07. DNSL area for BE presented a mean of 1586.08 P (2), σ 1069.55. OAG for PPA presented a mean of 1.21, σ 0.17. Patient 2 presented 5 SAL, no DNSL, and PPA was measured for BE. OAG for SAL presented a mean of 1.58, σ 1.05 (range 1.02-3.47). OAG for PPA presented a mean of 1.05, σ 0.001. Gyrate atrophy progression can be determined by measuring the changes in area using UWFI.

Ophthalmic manifestations and outcomes after cavernous sinus thrombosis in children.

PURPOSE: To review the causes, treatment, and outcomes of cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) in children. METHODS: The medical records of children (<18 years of age) diagnosed with thrombophlebitis of an intracranial venous sinus were reviewed to identify cases of CST presenting to Children's Hospital Colorado from January 2000 through January 2013. Cases were evaluated for etiology, symptoms, imaging characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 110 children with a venous thrombus of an intracranial sinus were included. Of these, 9 had a CST. All cases were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. All 9 had sinusitis, 4 had orbital involvement, and 1 resulted from a nasal septal abscess. Eight cases presented with ophthalmoplegia, and 5 presented with decreased vision. Every patient underwent sinus surgery: 4 underwent orbitotomy for abscess drainage, and 1 required bilateral exenteration. Cultures were inconclusive in 2 cases, and 2 cases were culture positive rhino-orbital mucormycosis. There was 1 case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 9 cases, 4 returned to normal vision and ocular motility; 5 had permanent ophthalmoplegia and vision loss. There were no cases of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: CST is a rare complication of orbital and sinus disease. High clinical suspicion, early neurologic imaging, and a multidisciplinary approach to management are key factors in reducing morbidity and mortality from CST in children.

Injectable suture device for intraocular lens fixation.

UNLABELLED: We describe a surgical technique for scleral fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) using a 24-gauge injectable polypropylene suture delivery system. A 3-piece PC IOL is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. Two sclerotomies are made 1.5 mm posterior to the limbus using a microvitreoretinal blade. The 24-gauge injector delivers a preformed suture loop into the eye with the double-armed needles still external to the eye. Each polypropylene IOL haptic is directed through the loop using microforceps. The suture loop is tightened around the haptic, and the attached needles are used to fixate the IOL to the sclera and close the sclerotomies simultaneously. This technique has been used in an ex vivo porcine eye and in an aphakic patient. In the latter, the IOL was quickly fixated to the sclera and maintained a stable position postoperatively. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Olson has a patent pending for the device described in this article. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.