Ultrasound biomicroscopic assessment of zonular appearance in exfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: To assess zonular appearance using biomicroscopy (UBM) in exfoliation syndrome (XFS). METHODS: Normal eyes and eyes with XFS were enrolled in this prospective, consecutive, comparative cohort study. Following pupillary dilation, XFS patients were classified into three clinical stages (early, moderate or severe) by a single examiner (R.R.). Cross-sectional zonular UBM images were obtained circumferentially at eight evenly spaced locations. Five experienced observers evaluated the images using a standardized scoring system based on the zonular appearance (0, none; 1, early; 2, moderate; 3, severe). The extent of zonular involvement on UBM based on UBM score of all observers was correlated with the clinical stage of XFS using a five-stage classification. RESULTS: We enrolled 44 eyes (44 patients), 11 normal and 33 with XFS (10 early, 10 moderate and 13 severe) [mean age 69.4 +/- 9.9 (SD) years; range 50-87 years]. UBM scores of all observers were significantly different between the normal/early and moderate/severe groups (P < 0.001, t-test). With discriminant analysis, the predicted XFS stage showed good agreement with the clinical staging [all kappa > 0.61, area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve > 0.86]. CONCLUSION: UBM can detect zonular involvement in XFS and may be useful in preoperative planning. This may be important in eyes with posterior synechiae in which a diagnosis and the severity of XFS cannot be determined on slit-lamp examination.

Peripapillary choroidal neovascularization associated with melanocytoma of the optic disc: a clinicopathologic case report.

BACKGROUND: Melanocytoma of the optic disc is a benign melanocytic tumor that rarely causes visual impairment. We report a case of a melanocytoma of the optic disc with a decreased vision related to a peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane (PCNVM) that was successfully treated by submacular surgery. METHODS: A 45-year-old southern European patient had a melanocytoma of the optic disc in his left eye with vision of 20/100. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated a PCNVM impeding the fovea associated with a subretinal hemorrhage. RESULTS: The patient underwent a complete vitrectomy and removal of the PCNVM. Subsequently, the subretinal hemorrhage disappeared and visual acuity improved to 20/25. Visual acuity remained good for a period of 14 months' follow-up without any recurrence of neovascular membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Submacular surgery is a potentially effective treatment for large PCNVM associated with a melanocytoma of the optic disc.

A new silicone eyecup for ultrasound biomicroscopy.

This study compared a new disposable silicone eyecup for high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy to the standard hard plastic eyecup. The results showed the silicone eyecup attenuated leakage of the medium in which the probe was immersed, decreased scanning time, decreased distortion of the iris and angle during scanning, enhanced image quality, and improved patient comfort. These findings indicate the silicone eyecup is a good alternative to the hard plastic eyecup and also is easier to use.

Iridociliary apposition in plateau iris syndrome persists after cataract extraction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ultrasound biomicroscopic appearance of the anterior segment before and after cataract extraction in eyes with plateau iris syndrome and to determine the effect of postoperative zonular relaxation on ciliary body position. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Eyes with plateau iris syndrome scanned before and after cataract extraction between January 1994 and September 2001 were enrolled. The iridociliary relationship and the anterior chamber depth at a distance of 3 mm from the scleral spur were assessed. RESULTS: We examined six eyes of six patients. Mean patient age was 74.2 +/- 6.4 years (standard deviation [SD]) (range, 65-81 years). Mean refractive error was + 1.0 +/- 3.9 diopters [D] (range, -5.75-+5.50), and mean axial length was 21.85 +/- 0.77 mm (range, 20.90-22.95 mm). All eyes had undergone laser iridotomy and argon laser peripheral iridoplasty before cataract extraction. Ultrasound biomicroscopy examination revealed a narrow angle and absence of a ciliary body sulcus in all eyes with focal areas of iridotrabecular apposition in three eyes. Following cataract extraction, the anterior chamber depth increased (P =.0006, paired t test), while the iridociliary contact remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Iridociliary apposition persists after cataract extraction in plateau iris syndrome. Whether the cause is congenital or acquired, or both, remains to be determined.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy in uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome.

PURPOSE: To assess anterior segment anatomy in uveitis-glaucoma- hyphema syndrome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Nine pseudophakic eyes (nine patients) with complete or incomplete uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome underwent ultrasound biomicroscopy. RESULTS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed intraocular lens malposition in each case. Of the eight eyes with posterior chamber intraocular lenses, haptics were in contact with the iris pigment epithelium (four eyes) or the pars plicata (three eyes) or prolapsed into the angle recess near a filtration bleb internal ostium (one eye). All other posterior chamber intraocular lens haptics were located in the ciliary sulcus with the exception of two in the capsular bag. Both haptics in the eye with the anterior chamber intraocular lens had eroded into the ciliary body. CONCLUSION: By its ability to detect haptic position, ultrasound biomicroscopy can assist in elucidating the cause of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome and in deciding on the course of treatment.