Changes of aqueous humor cytokine profiles of patients with high intraocular pressure after PPV for retinal detachment.

High intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the early complications after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), which may cause glaucoma and poor visual prognosis secondary to surgery. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is one of the complications of retinal detachment (RD) and is the main reason for the poor prognosis, which is related to different kinds of cytokines. It's essential for the basic mechanism to analyze the relative aqueous humor cytokine profiles with IOP after PPV for RD. In this study, we have collected the aqueous humor of 16 patients and qualified 27 cytokines using Luminex and compared biomarkers with the high IOP group and the normal group. As a result, the concentrations of VEGF, IL-6, FGF2, and G-CSF upregulated significantly (P < 0.05), while VEGFR2 downregulated significantly (P < 0.05) in the high IOP group. IL-6 was positively correlated with high IOP (r = 0.561, P = 0.041). Meanwhile, the concentrations of IL-6 (r = 0.543, P = 0.03), IL-5 (r = 0.576, P = 0.019), IL-15 (r = 0.614, P = 0.011), IL-4 (r = 0.517, P = 0.04), ICAM-1 (r = 0.611, P = 0.012), and G-CSF (r = 0.636, P = 0.008) were significantly associated with preoperative PVR classification, and the aqueous humor levels of IL-4 (r = 0.567, P = 0.022), HGF (r = 0.701, P = 0.005), and MCP-1 (r = 0.565, P = 0.035) are significant relative to laser points. Hence, cytokines might potentially be the therapeutic target of high IOP after PPV.

Posterior vitreous attachment as a risk factor for endophthalmitis following intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the importance of the status of posterior vitreous in eyes with endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). METHODS: The absence or existence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was elicited in 23 eyes of 23 patients with injection related endophthalmitis, during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and compared with 24 control eyes of 24 patients who received intravitreal anti-VEGF without any complication. RESULTS: Thirtten (54.2%) out of 24 patients in the control group had full PVD, whereas only 2 (9.5%) out of 23 eyes in endophthalmitis group (p < 0.001) had full PVD. In all eyes without PVD, posterior vitreous was inducted to be detached at least from optic nerve and macular area without any iatrogenic tear. CONCLUSION: The absence of PVD is a factor that increases the risk of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections. Uncomplicated separation of the posterior vitreous from the retina in PPV contributes to better prognosis.

[Outcomes of bimanual vitreoretinal surgery in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy complications]. / Rezul'taty bimanual'noi vitreoretinal'noi khirurgii v lechenii oslozhnenii diabeticheskoi retinopatii.

The incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) requiring vitreorentinal surgery is increasing. The search for new effective and safe methods of treatment, the choice of the optimal time for surgery, and the assessment of long-term treatment outcomes are relevant problems. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the long-term results of vitreorentinal surgery using the bimanual technique in DR with different stages of fibrovascular proliferation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 135 patients (135 eyes) who were divided into groups depending on the predominant type of proliferation - vascular or fibrous. Patients underwent vitrectomy with membranectomy using the bimanual technique, with peripheral panretinal endolaser coagulation of the retina and tamponade of the vitreous cavity with balanced salt solution. The postoperative observation period lasted up to 12 months. RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in visual function and anatomical changes in central retinal thickness. A statistically significant improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was found in patients with initially predominantly vascular proliferation. Correlation analysis showed that initially higher BCVA tends to persist in the postoperative period. A negative correlation was found between the final BCVA and the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, fibrous stage of proliferation, high central retinal thickness, and the presence of diabetic macular edema (DME) - both initially and after treatment. The frequency of complications in the groups was comparable, except for postoperative DME, which was more often detected in patients with fibrous proliferation. CONCLUSION: The bimanual technique of vitreorentinal surgery for complications of DR allows achieving high anatomical and functional results. Higher BCVA is noted in patients with the vascular stage of proliferation and initially high BCVA. The obtained data allow us to form a hypothesis about the possibility of earlier surgery in patients with high BCVA, but require further investigation.

Macular edema after surgery to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: 1-year follow-up, incidence, and associated risk factors.

PURPOSE: To clarify the postoperative incidence of macular edema in patients undergoing surgery to repair rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and identify the associated risk factors. METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, 79 patients who underwent surgery to correct rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil injection were analyzed. Patients were followed up postoperatively at 7, 30, 90, 180, and 365 days. At each visit, optical coherence tomography was performed to assess the presence or absence of macular edema. were analyzed as possible risk factors for macular edema: age, sex, macular status (attached or detached), presence of vitreoretinal proliferation, history of previous intraocular surgery, reported time of symptoms suggestive of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment up to the date of surgery, and the surgical modality performed. RESULTS: The 1-year macular edema prevalence rate was 26.6%. In the adjusted analysis, older patients had a higher risk of macular edema, and each 1-year increase in age increased the risk of macular edema by 6% (95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.12). The macular status, vitreoretinal proliferation, the surgical technique used, prior intraocular surgery, and the intraocular lens status were not identified as risk factors. However, the incidence of macular edema increased up to 180 days after surgery, peaking at 10.6%, and then decreased until 365 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Macular edema was a common complication after surgery to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, with its incidence peaking between 30 and 180 days after surgery. Age was an important risk factor for macular edema in this cohort.

Comparison of complications of intrascleral fixation according to the extent of vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intraocular lens (IOL) fixation is performed after intraoperative anterior or total vitrectomy. This study aimed to compare the intraoperative and postoperative complications of these two techniques. METHODS: This retrospective study included 235 eyes that underwent intrascleral fixation surgery at our hospital between July 2014 and January 2021. The eyes were classified into the anterior vitrectomy group (A-vit group; 134 eyes) and the pars plana vitrectomy group (PPV group; 101 eyes). The age, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, observation period, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, and the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: Intrascleral fixation was performed more frequently in the PPV group, and a significant difference was observed between the eyes with a history of vitrectomy and eyes with scleral buckles (p = 0.00041). In terms of the incidence of postoperative complications following intrascleral fixation, the incidence of low intraocular pressure postoperative was higher in the PPV group than that in the A-vit group, and a significant difference was observed between the two groups (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The visual outcome and complications following intrascleral fixation did not differ according to the extent of vitreous excision.

Retinal detachment.

Retinal detachment (RD) occurs when the neurosensory retina, the neurovascular tissue responsible for phototransduction, is separated from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Given the importance of the RPE for optimal retinal function, RD invariably leads to decreased vision. There are three main types of RD: rhegmatogenous, tractional and exudative (also termed serous) RD. In rhegmatogenous RD, one or more retinal breaks enable vitreous fluid to enter the subretinal space and separate the neurosensory retina from the RPE. In tractional RD, preretinal, intraretinal or subretinal membranes contract and exert tangential forces and elevate the retina from the underlying RPE. Finally, in exudative RD, an underlying inflammatory condition, vascular abnormality or the presence of a tumour causes exudative fluid to accumulate in the subretinal space, exceeding the osmotic pump function of the RPE. The surgical management of RD usually involves pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckling or pneumatic retinopexy. The approach taken often depends on patient characteristics as well as on practitioner experience and clinical judgement. Advances in surgical technology and continued innovation have improved outcomes for many patients. However, even if retinal re-attachment is achieved, some patients still experience decreased vision or other visual symptoms, such as metamorphopsia, that diminish their quality of life. Continued research in the areas of neuroprotection and retinal biology as well as continued surgical innovation are necessary to enhance therapeutic options and outcomes for these patients.

Delayed macular hole secondary to Terson syndrome: a case report and literature review.

Terson syndrome refers to intraocular haemorrhage that occurs due to subarachnoid bleeding associated with an acute increase in intracranial pressure. No previous study has reported a delayed macular hole (MH) secondary to Terson syndrome. A 17-year-old boy visited our department and presented with vitreous bleeding and a history of subarachnoid haemorrhage. Sub-internal limiting membrane (ILM) haemorrhage with ILM detachment and intraretinal haemorrhage were detected during pars plana vitrectomy. Additionally, a delayed MH was detected 1 week after the surgery. There was no sign of MH closure during a 2-month follow-up. Subsequently, an MH massage was performed to close the MH. Our findings suggest that a delayed MH can occur secondary to Terson syndrome. Elevated hydrodynamic pressure and hydrostatic pressure, which are caused by sub-ILM and intraretinal haemorrhages of the fovea, contribute to the formation of an MH. Additionally, ILM peeling may cause damage to the macula and facilitate the formation of MHs. Although the MH may close by itself, early surgical intervention is recommended when there is no sign that the MH will close spontaneously because a prolonged MH can lead to retinal damage.

[Surgical therapy and pathogen detection in endogenous endophthalmitis : Analysis of data from five German eye hospitals]. / Operative Therapie und Keimnachweis bei endogener Endophthalmitis : Datenauswertung aus 5 Augenkliniken.

BACKGROUND: Endogenous endophthalmitis results from hematogenous spread of bacterial or fungal infection in severely diseased patients. Specific systemic and intraocular therapy is required. The basis for this treatment is causal pathogen detection in blood culture or vitreous sample. However, functional results are limited. OBJECTIVE: The current article provides practical hints for surgical therapy and pathogen detection in patients with endogenous endophthalmitis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of anonymous data of 68 male and female patients from 2018-2023 from five ophthalmology clinics in Germany was performed. RESULTS: Mean age of affected patients was 71.4 years (31-96 years). Surgical therapy included pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) and intravitreal injection (IVOM). In 44 of 68 patients (65%), 1-3 surgeries were performed, 4-6 surgeries were required in 14/68 (21%) of patients, and 10 or more surgeries were required in 4/68 patients (6%). Pathogen detection was possible in 34% of vitreous specimens and in 11% of anterior chamber samples. Mean initial visual acuity was logMAR 1.5. After treatment and a mean follow-up of 2.5 months, mean visual acuity was logMAR 1.3. Preanalytical methods for specimen collection like the Freiburg endophthalmitis set to optimize pathogen detection are presented. CONCLUSION: Severe inflammatory intraocular reactions in endogenous endophthalmitis necessitate a combination of ppV and repeated IVOM. In addition to providing a vitreous sample, ppV also serves to remove inflammatory fibrin membranes. Early pars plana vitrectomy with specific antibiotic or antifungal therapy should be sought in addition to the focus search and systemic therapy.

Visual outcomes and complications of combined versus sequential pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification for epiretinal membrane.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic epiretinal membrane (ERM) often requires surgical intervention via pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), for which cataract development is a common complication. There is insufficient data on the visual outcomes and complications of combined phacovitrectomy (COMB) in comparison to sequential PPV with deferred cataract surgery (SEQ) for ERM. METHODS: A retrospective dataset analysis of 8 National Health Service ophthalmology departments. The main outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity (VA), operative complications, postoperative cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and recurrent ERM. RESULTS: We included 898 and 299 eyes in the COMB and SEQ groups, respectively. Both procedures resulted in significantly better VA across all follow-up intervals (24 weeks). The proportion of eyes with Snellen VA of at least 20/40 at 12-24 weeks was comparable in both groups (47.8% [COMB] vs. 54.7% [SEQ], p = 0.4456). More eyes in the COMB group experienced posterior capsular rupture (2.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.0009) and iatrogenic retinal trauma (2.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.0023). However, regression analysis revealed that combined surgery did not predict either complication. There were no significant differences in the rates of CMO (6.5% [COMB] vs. 9% [SEQ], p = 0.1522) and recurrent ERM (2.1% [COMB] vs. 3.3% [SEQ], p = 0.2758) between both groups. CONCLUSION: Both combined and sequential procedures are comparably effective and safe means for managing eyes with ERM.

Extensive Endolaser During Vitrectomy for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Is Associated With Epiretinal Membrane Formation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation, a common complication following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, is associated with vision loss and metamorphopsias. Although laser retinopexy is generally associated with ERM formation, the correlation between the extent of laser treatment and ERM formation during PPV is not well established. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with ERM formation including extend of endolaser retinopexy after PPV for primary RRD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational case series of 181 consecutive patients (185 eyes) who underwent PPV for primary RRD repair by a single surgeon was performed. Charts were reviewed by two independent reviewers, and de-identified data including patient characteristics and intraoperative findings such as number of laser spots placed were recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative ERM formation occurred in 75 eyes (40.5%) of which 68 (90.6%) were Stage 1, two (2.6%) were Stage 2, three (4%) were Stage 3, and two (2.6%) were Stage 4. Only one patient required secondary PPV for visually significant ERM. Patients with ERM had significantly more laser spots compared with patients with no ERM, with a mean of 807 and 519 laser spots respectively (95% CI: 387.6 to -187.3; P < 0.0001). Univariable analysis identified ≥750 endolaser spots (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% CI: 2.0 to 8.4; P < 0.0001), ≥4 retinal tears (OR = 2.8, 95%: CI 1.4 to 6.4; P = 0.005), and female sex (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.7; P = 0.02) as significantly associated factors. After adjusting for potential confounding factors (ie, age, sex, macula status, lattice degeneration, length of symptoms, vitreous hemorrhage, number of endolaser spots, number of retinal tears) in multivariable logistic regression, ≥ 750 endolaser spots (OR = 2.4; P = 0.04) and female sex (OR = 2.4; P = 0.03) persisted as significant independent factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified ≥ 750 laser spots and female sex as independent risk factors for ERM formation following PPV for RRD with an OR of 2.4 each. Although the incidence of ERM formation was generally high (40.5%), only one case required secondary PPV with ERM peeling, and visual outcomes were comparable between patients with and without ERM at final follow up. While endolaser photocoagulation is critical for successful RRD repair, consideration of the risk of ERM formation with extensive laser exposure is warranted. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:326-333.].

Face-down positioning or posturing after pars plana vitrectomy for macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

BACKGROUND: A macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is one of the most common ophthalmic surgical emergencies and causes significant visual morbidity. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas tamponade is often performed to repair primary macula-involving RRDs with a high rate of anatomical retinal reattachment. It has been advocated by some ophthalmologists that face-down positioning after PPV and gas tamponade helps reduce postoperative retinal displacement. Retinal displacement can cause metamorphopsia and binocular diplopia. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this review is to determine whether face-down positioning reduces the risk of retinal displacement following PPV and gas tamponade for primary macula-involving RRDs. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2022, Issue 11), MEDLINE (January 1946 to 28 November 2022), Embase.com (January 1947 to 28 November 2022), PubMed (1948 to 28 November 2022), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database (1982 to 28 November 2022), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search. We last searched the electronic databases on 28 November 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which face-down positioning was compared with no positioning or another form of positioning following PPV and gas tamponade for primary macula-involving RRDs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodology and assessed the certainty of the body of evidence for the prespecified outcomes using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We identified three RCTs (369 eyes of 368 participants) that met the eligibility criteria. Two RCTs provided data on postoperative retinal displacement, one reported on postoperative distortion and quality of life outcomes, two on postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logMAR, and two on postoperative ocular adverse events such as outer retinal folds. Study characteristics and risk of bias All the trials involved predominantly male participants (range: 68% to 72%). Only one trial provided race and ethnicity information, was registered on a trial registry, and reported funding sources. Using the RoB 2 tool, we assessed the risk of bias for proportion of eyes with retinal displacement, mean change in visual acuity, objective distortion scores, quality of life assessments, and ocular adverse events, with most domains judged to be at low risk of bias. Findings Immediate face-down positioning may result in a lower proportion of participants with postoperative retinal displacement compared with support-the-break positioning at six months (risk ratio [RR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54 to 0.99; 1 RCT; 239 eyes of 239 participants; very low certainty evidence). One study found no evidence of a difference in BCVA at three months when comparing postoperative face-up with face-down positioning with or without perfluorocarbon liquid (mean difference [MD] -0.03, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.02; I2 = 0; 56 eyes of 56 participants; very low certainty evidence). Immediate face-down positioning appears to have little to no effect on postoperative distortion scores at week 26 (MD 1.80, 95% CI -1.92 to 5.52; 1 RCT; 219 eyes of 219 participants; very low certainty evidence) and postoperative quality of life assessment scores at week 26 (MD -1.80, 95% CI -5.52 to 1.92; 1 RCT; 217 eyes of 217 participants; very low certainty evidence). Adverse events One study that enrolled 262 participants with macula-involving RRDs suggested that immediate face-down positioning after PPV and gas tamponade may reduce the ocular adverse event of postoperative outer retinal folds at six months (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.90; 1 RCT; 262 eyes of 262 participants; very low certainty evidence) and binocular diplopia (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.90; 1 RCT; 262 eyes of 262 participants; very low certainty evidence) compared with support-the-break positioning. Immediate face-down positioning may increase the ocular adverse event of elevated intraocular pressure compared with support-the-break positioning (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.73; 1 RCT; 262 eyes of 262 participants; very low certainty evidence). Another study found no evidence of a difference in postoperative outer retinal folds when comparing face-down versus face-up positioning at one and three months (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.02; RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.28 to 3.61; 1 RCT; 56 eyes of 56 participants; very low certainty evidence). No studies reported non-ocular adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Very low certainty evidence suggests that immediate face-down positioning after PPV and gas tamponade may result in a reduction in postoperative retinal displacement, outer retinal folds, and binocular diplopia, but may increase the chance of postoperative raised intraocular pressure compared with support-the-break positioning at six months. We identified two ongoing trials that compare face-down positioning with face-up positioning following PPV and gas tamponade in participants with primary macula-involving RRDs, whose results may provide relevant evidence for our stated objectives. Future trials should be rigorously designed, and investigators should analyze outcome data appropriately and report adequate information to provide evidence of high certainty. Quality of life and patient preferences should be examined in addition to clinical and adverse event outcomes.

Macular hole following scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Macular hole (MH) development following scleral buckling (SB) surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair is rare. This study presents both full-thickness MH (FTMH) and lamellar MH (LMH) cases following SB for the treatment of RRD. METHODS: Clinical records of patients undergoing SB surgery for treatment of RRD at the Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) from January 2016 to December 2021 were reviewed, and cases with postoperative MH were selected. Clinical features and follow-up data were summarised, and possible causes were analysed. RESULTS: Among 483 identified cases (483 eyes), four eyes (three male patients, one female patient) had postoperative MH, with prevalence, mean age, and mean axial length of 0.83%, 43.5 ± 10.66 years, and 29.13 ± 3.80 mm, respectively. All patients did not undergo subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage. The mean time for detecting MH was 26 ± 15.5 days postoperatively. Macula-off RRD with high myopia and FTMH combined with retinal re-detachment were diagnosed in three patients. One patient had macula-on RRD with outer LMH. The average follow-up duration was 7.25 ± 1.5 months. The FTMH closed successfully after reoperation, while the outer LMH closed without intervention. Visual acuity insignificantly improved or slightly decreased in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high myopia combined with macula-off RRD might be more susceptible to FTMH, causing MH related retinal detachment. Additionally, LMH following SB was noted in patients with macula-on RRD. Therefore, we should raise awareness of MH following SB for RRD repair.

Incidence of macular displacement after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery using ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence.

PURPOSE: The incidence of retinal displacement after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery is variable and its clinical consequences are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and clinical features of retinal displacement after RRD surgery by using ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging. METHODS: Retrospective observational study including all consecutive patients who underwent RRD surgery at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital. Postoperative data included the visual acuity and symptoms of visual impairment. Macular retinal displacement occurrence and its features were assessed and measured by using the autofluorescence images. RESULTS: A total of 123 eyes were included. UWF fundus autofluorescence revealed the presence of macular retinal displacement in 14 (11%) eyes. All displacements were inferior, with a mean angle of 3.8°. Patients with and without macular displacement did not differ in postoperative visual acuity. The retinal detachment extent and preoperative macular involvement were not significantly associated with the occurrence of retinal displacement. CONCLUSION: In this representative cohort of eyes that underwent RRD surgery with systematic screening for postoperative retinal displacement by UWF fundus autofluorescence, 11% of eyes experienced an inferior retinal shift. As in other cohorts, the presence of metamorphopsia was not associated with the occurrence of retinal shift.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy in the Treatment of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

AIM: The aim of the study is to retrospectively evaluate the anatomical success rate and functional results of 25G+ PPV in the treatment of newly diagnosed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The set consists of 152 eyes of 152 patients, of which 71 (47%) were men, average age 54 years, operated on by one surgeon for RRD at the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital and Medical Faculty of Masaryk University Brno from 1.7.2019 to 4.5.2021 using the 25G+ PPV technique. 25G+ PPV with pre-equatorial cerclage was performed on 7 patients. The patients' anamnesis included blunt ocular trauma and uncomplicated cataract surgery with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. The cause of RRD was retinal tear/s, regardless of their number and location. The transparency of the anterior segment of the eye enabled reliable visualization of the posterior segment. Preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade A-D2 was admissible. Patients with a history of penetrating ocular trauma were excluded. The postoperative findings and functional outcomes of the patients were evaluated 1-3 months after PPV. The operation was anatomically successful if the retina was fully attached. Final visual acuity (VA) was evaluated for each patient. The final visual acuity examination was carried out typically on a Snellen optotype, either without correction, with the patient's own spectacle correction or with correction according to the current values on the autorefractometer. The arithmetic average was used for the numerical expression of the attained results, and the numerical values were also expressed in percentages. Since the different groups were not compared with each other, no statistical test was necessary to analyze the results. RESULTS: In 150 (98.7%) of the 152 patients in the group, we achieved complete retinal reattachment, in 2 (1.3%) patients the retina remained detached, and we recorded anatomical failure of the treatment. Fifty (33%) patients achieved VA ≥ 4/8. CONCLUSION: In 133 (87.5%) patients, we are able to state anatomical success even without the presence of intraocular tamponade in the operated eye. These patients can be considered completely cured. 25G+ PPV has demonstrated its contribution to resolving RRD.

[Selective vital dyes in macular surgery : Do they increase the probability of intraoperative identification of the internal limiting membrane also for an experienced surgeon?] / Selektive Vitalfarbstoffe in der Makulachirurgie : Erhöhen sie die Wahrscheinlichkeit der intraoperativen ILM-Identifizierung auch bei einem erfahrenen Operateur?

BACKGROUND: Various vital dyes exist on the market for intraoperative internal limiting membrane (ILM) identification. The aim of this study was to verify the added value of these dyes for ILM identification and in the difficulty of ILM peeling during pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) by a single surgeon highly experienced in this operation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 400 ppV surgical reports involving ILM peeling were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative assessment of identification or difficulty of intraoperative ILM peeling had to be documented in the surgical report. The total group consisted of 2 cohorts each with 200 surgical reports (first cohort without selective vital dyes, period 2004-2006; second cohort with vital dyes in the majority of ppVs, period 2013-2020). RESULTS: The difference between both groups in terms of intraoperative identification of ILM was statistically significant (p < 0.001); however, no statistically significant difference (p = 0.951) was found between the two groups in terms of difficulty of ILM peeling. In logistic regression analysis neither patient gender, age, eye side, lens status nor posterior vitreous limiting membrane status were significantly associated with ILM identification. CONCLUSION: The introduction of intravital dyes represents a decisive advancement in retinal surgery. In the investigated sample this benefit was evident from two precisely defined surgical cohorts of a single highly experienced surgeon. This underlines the additional benefit of using selective vital dyes to identify ILM in macular surgery for less experienced surgeons.

Pitchfork sign following pars Plana vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane: A case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of pitchfork sign following pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. RESULTS: A 75-year-old man was referred to the surgical retina service due to a quantitative and qualitative decline in vision in the left eye (LE) for several months. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination revealed the presence of a stage III epiretinal membrane (ERM) according to the Govetto classification. Seven days after undergoing a 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ERM peeling and balanced salt solution (BSS) tamponade, OCT examination revealed the presence of the 'pitchfork sign' in the macular region, along with the detection of a choroidal neovascularization (CNV) through OCT-A examination. After receiving two monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, a complete regression of the MNV was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We reported, for the first time, the iatrogenic onset of the pitchfork sign following vitreoretinal surgery. This discovery highlights the unique presentation of the pitchfork sign in the context of surgical procedures, expanding our comprehension of its range of causes.

In-Office Vitreous Biopsy With a Vitreous Cutter and Manual Actuation.

In-office vitreous biopsy is currently performed with a 25-gauge needle or less frequently with a specialized in-office surgical system. This article demonstrates in-office vitreous biopsy with a standard vitreous cutter, using syringes to actuate the cutter. A 79-year-old woman presented six days after intravitreal bevacizumab with endophthalmitis. After subconjunctival anesthesia, a valved 27-gauge trocar was inserted through the pars plana. Two syringes were connected to a pneumatic 27-gauge Alcon vitrectomy handpiece and manually actuated by an assistant while the physician aspirated with a third syringe to obtain the vitreous biopsy. Intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime were injected. A total of 0.5 cc of fluid was collected without complications. Manual actuated vitrectomy reliably collects sufficient vitreous samples for diagnostic evaluation and may be safer and more effective than needle biopsy. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:116-118.].

Pits of Fire: Post Scleral Graft Vasculitis in Patients With Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy.

Occlusive vasculitis is a rare complication following an uneventful surgery. In this article, we report two cases of optic disc pit maculopathy that underwent scleral graft and developed vasculitis following uneventful surgery. Both patients underwent autologous scleral graft for optic disc pit maculopathy through 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. Scleral graft was harvested from patient's same eye and plugged in the optic disc pit. After a postoperative period of approximately 3 months, both patients developed features of occlusive vasculitis with vitreous base contraction. Uveitic workup did not reveal other causes of vasculitis. Both patients were treated with topical and systemic steroids and responded well until the last follow-up. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:172-175.].