Stratifying the risk of re-detachment: variables associated with outcome of vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a large UK cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: To identify variables associated with primary anatomical outcome following vitrectomy and internal tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, using a database of RD treated with vitrectomy and internal tamponade. Collected data complied with the RCOphth Retinal Detachment Dataset. The main outcome measure was anatomical failure within six months of surgery. RESULTS: There were 6377 vitrectomies. 869 eyes were excluded, either because no outcome was recorded, or inadequate follow up, leaving 5508 operations for analysis. 63.9% of patients were male, and the median age was 62. Primary anatomical failure occurred in 13.9%. On multivariate analysis, the following were associated with increased risk of failure: age <45, or >79, inferior retinal breaks, total detachment, one quadrant or greater inferior detachment, low density silicone oil, and presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. C2F6 tamponade, cryotherapy, and 25 G vitrectomy, were associated with reduced risk of failure. The area under the receiver operator curve was 71.7%. According to this model, 54.3% of RD are at low risk (<10%), 35.6% are at moderate risk (10-25%), and 10.1% are at high risk (>25%) of failure. CONCLUSIONS: Previous attempts to identify high risk RD have been limited by small numbers, the inclusion of both scleral buckling and vitrectomy, or by excluding some types of RD. This study examined outcomes in unselected RD, treated by vitrectomy. Identification of the variables associated with anatomical outcome after RD surgery enables accurate risk stratification, which is valuable for patient counselling and selection, and for future clinical trials.

Factors affecting anatomical and visual outcome after macular hole surgery: findings from a large prospective UK cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To reassess the definition of a large macular hole, factors predicting hole closure and post-surgery visual recovery. DESIGN: Database study of 1483 primary macular hole operations. Eligible operations were primary MH operations treated with a vitrectomy and a gas or air tamponade. Excluded were eyes with a history of retinal detachment, high myopia, previous vitrectomy or trauma. RESULTS: A higher proportion of operations were performed in eyes from females (71.1%) who were 'on average' younger (p < 0.001), with slightly larger holes (p < 0.001) than male patients. Sulfur hexafluoride gas was generally used for smaller holes (p < 0.001). From 1253 operations with a known surgical outcome, successful hole closure was achieved in 1199 (96%) and influenced by smaller holes and complete ILM peeling (p < 0.001), but not post-surgery positioning (p = 0.072). A minimum linear diameter of ~500 µm marked the threshold where the success rate started to decline. From the 1056 successfully closed operations eligible for visual outcome analysis, visual success (defined as visual acuity of 0.30 or better logMAR) was achieved in 488 (46.2%) eyes. At the multivariate level, the factors predicting visual success were better pre-operative VA, smaller hole size, shorter duration of symptoms and the absence of AMD. CONCLUSIONS: Females undergoing primary macular hole surgery tend to be younger and have larger holes than male patients. The definition of a large hole should be changed to around 500 µm, and patients should be operated on early to help achieve a good post-operative VA.

Factors affecting visual recovery after successful repair of macula-off retinal detachments: findings from a large prospective UK cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors affecting visual outcomes in successfully re-attached macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) surgery. DESIGN: A prospective study, using online databases, of visual outcomes for 2074 macula-off retinal detachments that were successfully re-attached by vitrectomy and internal tamponade. The database included detailed retinal diagrams of each detachment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The probability of achieving a post-operative visual acuity (VA) of ≤0.30 LogMAR (Snellen 6/12 or better). RESULTS: Male patients accounted for 64.9% of the sample and the median age was 63 years old. The median pre-operative VA was counting fingers (LogMAR 1.98); this improved to 0.41 LogMAR post-operatively. A post-operative VA of ≤0.30 LogMAR was achieved for 1012 (48.8%) eyes and the factors affecting this were the patient age and gender, pre-operative VA, duration of central vision loss, PVR grade, lens status, total RD and the presence of any ocular co-pathology where the model area under the receiver operator curve was 71.6%. CONCLUSIONS: From the identified risk factors that decrease the probability of achieving a post-operative visual acuity of ≤0.30 LogMAR, the most important modifiable risk factor was the duration of central vision loss. Recent macula-off retinal detachments should be repaired within 72 h of the loss of central vision.

Ranibizumab pretreatment in diabetic vitrectomy: a pilot randomised controlled trial (the RaDiVit study).

PurposeOur aim was to evaluate the impact of intravitreal ranibizumab pretreatment on the outcome of vitrectomy surgery for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The objective was to determine the feasibility of a subsequent definitive trial and estimate the effect size and variability of the outcome measure.Patients and methodsWe performed a pilot randomised double-masked single-centre clinical trial in 30 participants with tractional retinal detachment associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Seven days prior to vitrectomy surgery, participants were randomly allocated to receive either intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, Frimley, UK) or subconjunctival saline (control). The primary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity 12 weeks following surgery.ResultsAt 12 weeks, the mean (SD) visual acuity was 46.7 (25) ETDRS letters in the control group and 52.6 (21) letters in the ranibizumab group. Mean visual acuity improved by 14 (31) letters in the control group and by 24 (27) letters in the ranibizumab group. We found no difference in the progression of tractional retinal detachment prior to surgery, the duration of surgery, or its technical difficulty. Vitreous cavity haemorrhage persisted at 12 weeks in two of the control group but none of the ranibizumab group.ConclusionRanibizumab pretreatment may improve the outcome of vitrectomy surgery for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy by reducing the extent of post-operative vitreous cavity haemorrhage. However, the effect size appears to be modest; we calculate that a definitive study to establish a minimally important difference of 5.9 letters at a significance level of P<0.05 would require 348 subjects in each arm.

25th RCOphth Congress, President's Session paper: 25 years of progress in vitreoretinal surgery.

Over the past 25 years, vitreoretinal surgery has undergone considerable change in technology, techniques, and professional organisation. Many conditions that were considered untreatable in 1988 are now treated routinely by vitreoretinal surgeons. Over the same period, vitreoretinal surgery has become a separate subspecialty with its own scientific meetings and professional organisation. This article describes a noncomprehensive selection of some of the highlights of the past 25 years, including the establishment and growth of BEAVRS (British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons), the revolution in the management of macular holes, the development of submacular surgery, and the introduction of sutureless vitrectomy.

Sutureless vitrectomy.

The introduction of pars plana vitrectomy was a revolution in ophthalmic surgery which allowed successful treatment of many previously untreatable conditions. After rapid early technical development, 3-port 20-gauge vitrectomy became established as the norm. Recent years have seen the introduction of new and innovative systems for performing vitrectomy without the need for sutures. This article describes the history of sutureless vitrectomy, and reviews the literature addressing the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

A pilot randomised controlled trial comparing the post-operative pain experience following vitrectomy with a 20-gauge system and the 25-gauge transconjunctival system.

AIMS: To compare post-operative pain following 25-gauge (25G) and 20-gauge (20G) vitrectomy in the first week following surgery. METHODS: The study was a pilot randomised controlled trial with patients masked to the treatment allocation. Post-operative pain was assessed using both a visual scale and verbal pain scores for 1 week following surgery. Additional data collected included intraocular pressure (IOP), time taken to perform the surgical procedure, per-operative and post-operative complications, and dropout rates. RESULTS: Forty patients were recruited for the study: 21 randomised to 20G vitrectomy and 19 to 25G. In the first 12 h following surgery, presence of significant post-operative pain (defined as >1 cm on a visual analogue scale) was similar in both 20G (50%) and 25G (53%) patients. In the first week following surgery, 38 of the 527 scores (7.2%) were >1 (median 2.1, IQR 1.3-3) cm; however, there was evidence that "significant pain" was experienced more commonly in the 20G group. There was no statistical difference in the time taken to complete the surgical procedure, although in the 25G group the time from first incision to the start of vitrectomy was significantly shorter (p = 0.043) and in the 20G group the time taken to complete the vitrectomy was less (p = 0.047). Post-operative hypotony (IOP <6 mmHg) was observed in 25% of patients in the 25G group. No patients required additional surgery for hypotony. CONCLUSION: There was evidence that 25G resulted in less patient discomfort. However, pain was not a prominent feature in either group. We failed to find a significant advantage in 25G for patients or surgeons.

A new technique of combined retinal and choroidal biopsy.

AIMS: To evaluate a new technique in large retinal and choroidal biopsies in patients with uveitis of unknown aetiology and chorioretinal lesions or infiltrate. METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative, consecutive interventional case series. Patients were identified from the computerised patient database and from histopathology records. RESULTS: A total of nine patients were included in the study. The commonest indication of biopsy was panuveitis of unknown aetiology. Positive histological diagnoses from the chorioretinal biopsies were made in five cases (55.6%). Complications included vitreous haemorrhages and one case of retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: The technique of large chorioretinal biopsy described appears to be safe. It produced good amounts of chorioretinal tissue for histopathological analysis. Positive histology results were seen in the majority of the sample and especially in those where vitreous biopsy alone proved to be inadequate.

Visual improvement after long-standing central serous macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of cases of congenital optic disc pits are associated with serous macular detachment. Long-standing serous detachments (over 1 year) with poor initial presenting acuity are usually associated with cystic degeneration of the macula and loss of pigment from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, with resultant poor visual outcome. METHODS: A 43-year-old male presented with an optic disc pit and associated serous elevation of the macular region with cystic changes at the fovea. RESULTS: Over the following 2 years, the patient was aware of an improvement in vision, and acuity improved from 1/60 to 6/18 with resolution of subretinal fluid, as evidenced on optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSIONS: We report an unusual case of an optic disc pit associated with a long-standing serous macular detachment that resolved gradually over a 2.5-year period and, despite very poor presenting visual acuity, demonstrated eventual visual recovery.

Vitreous management in penetrating trauma: primary repair and secondary intervention.

Ocular trauma involving the vitreous produces a very wide range of pathology, the treatment of which can confuse. In the past, the prognosis for vision following such injuries was poor. Modern closed intraocular surgical techniques have transformed the management of penetrating trauma and allowed salvage of vision in many previously hopeless cases. However, many controversies remain, including the timing of surgical intervention, the use of encircling buckles, and the type of internal tamponade. This article will discuss those controversies, and make some practical recommendations for the management of penetrating and perforating trauma involving the vitreous.

Successful treatment of macular holes associated with peripheral retinal vascular tumours.

BACKGROUND: Macular holes have been described in association with benign vascular tumours of the retina. However, their successful treatment has not been reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three patients with macular holes associated with retinal vascular tumours had vitrectomy, peeling of the internal limiting membrane, and intraocular gas tamponade. RESULTS: In all three cases, the macular holes were successfully closed, and the visual acuity improved. CONCLUSION: Macular holes associated with benign retinal vascular tumours respond to conventional macular hole surgical techniques.

Failure of prophylactic retinopexy in fellow eyes without a posterior vitreous detachment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe adverse sequelae of retinal prophylaxis in fellow eyes of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. DESIGN: Records were reviewed for 17 patients who had retinal breaks or detachment subsequent to prophylactic retinopexy applied to the fellow eye (without posterior vitreous detachment) at the time of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery. Subsequent treatment included cryotherapeutic and laser retinopexy, scleral buckling, and vitrectomy. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, 12 were male (mean age, 49 years). Laser retinopexy alone was used in 6 cases. Sixteen (94%) developed retinal tears related to acute posterior vitreous detachment, of which 8 (47%) were at the edge of retinopexy and 8 (47%) were in the normal or untreated retina. Thirteen (76%) developed a retinal detachment, of which 11 (85%) did not involve the fovea. Median visual acuity following treatment was 0.18 logMAR (6/9 Snellen equivalent). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic retinopexy in fellow eyes without posterior detachment is not completely successful and may cause breaks to develop at the edge of treated areas during subsequent acute posterior vitreous detachment. Patient education alone regarding the symptoms of retinal tear and detachment may be preferable to prophylactic retinopexy of the fellow eye in the absence of a posterior vitreous detachment.

Progressive changes in diabetics and their management.

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is increasing worldwide due to an increasing number, and prolonged survival, of diabetic patients. Many effective treatments for different types and stages of retinopathy exist. However, there is patchy delivery of care, inconsistent screening, and unresolved questions about several management questions. This article discusses the current state of knowledge about therapeutics in diabetic retinopathy, and highlights areas where further studies and evidence base is required.

Delayed atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium after submacular surgery.

PURPOSE: We report a case of delayed atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) eighteen months after apparently successful excision of submacular choroidal new vessels (CNV) in a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Submacular surgery for CNV was achieved without visible disturbance of the underlying RPE in an 83 year old man diagnosed with AMD. At the time of surgery the CNV displayed clinical features consistent with lying internal to Bruch's membrane (Type 2 configuration). There was no visible RPE defect at the fovea and vision improved during the subsequent 12 months follow-up. Eighteen months later, however, an atrophic central RPE defect appeared, with a similar shape to the CNV originally excised. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that submacular CNV with Type 2 configuration can occur in AMD and lead to an initially favourable outcome following submacular surgery. Atrophy of the RPE nevertheless did eventually occur and in a pattern consistent with damage during the original operation. It is important to consider results of longer term follow-up when interpreting success rates for surgery in AMD.

Delayed atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium after submacular surgery.

PURPOSE: We report a case of delayed atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) eighteen months after apparently successful excision of submacular choroidal new vessels (CNV) in a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). RESULTS: Submacular surgery for CNV was achieved without visible disturbance of the underlying RPE in an 83 year old man diagnosed with AMD. At the time of surgery the CNV displayed clinical features consistent with lying internal to Bruchs membrane (Type 2 configuration). There was no visible RPE defect at the fovea and vision improved during the subsequent 12 months follow-up. Eighteen months later, however, an atrophic central RPE defect appeared, with a similar shape to the CNV originally excised. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that submacular CNV with Type 2 configuration can occur in AMD and lead to an initially favourable outcome following submacular surgery. Atrophy of the RPE nevertheless did eventually occur and in a pattern consistent with damage during the original operation. It is important to consider results of longer term follow-up when interpreting success rates for surgery in AMD. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2005; 15: 170-2).

Vitrectomy and gas for inferior break retinal detachments: are the results comparable to vitrectomy, gas, and scleral buckle?

AIMS: To compare the success rates of vitrectomy and gas with vitrectomy, gas, and buckle in the treatment of inferior break retinal detachments. METHODS: A retrospective case note review of 86 patients who presented with inferior break retinal detachments was carried out. An inferior break was defined as a horseshoe tear present between 4 and 8 o'clock. Patients were analysed in two groups; group A consisted of 41 patients who underwent a vitrectomy and gas, group B consisted of 45 patients who underwent a vitrectomy, gas, and scleral buckle. The features of the retinal detachment, peroperative and postoperative complications, and outcomes of treatment were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The primary anatomical success rate at 3 months was 89% in group A versus 73% in group B (p = 0.11). There was no statistical difference in the complication rate between the two groups (p = 0.819). The most common cause of treatment failure was proliferative vitreoretinopathy, 20% (n = 9) in group B compared with 5% (n = 2) in group A and this reached statistical significance (p = 0.0159). There was a higher rate of epiretinal membrane development in group B (p = 0.0004). The final attachment rate was not statistically different between the two groups, 95% (39) in group A and 93% (42) in group B (p = 1.0). CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy and gas without the application of a scleral buckle may be used to safely treat inferior break retinal detachments. It may be used as an alternative to vitrectomy, gas, and buckle which has an increased risk of choroidal haemorrhage, requires a longer operating time, and has all the associated complications of a scleral buckle.

Silicone oil concentrates fibrogenic growth factors in the retro-oil fluid.

AIM: To determine whether silicone oil concentrates protein and growth factors in the retro-oil fluid. METHODS: A laboratory analysis of intraocular fluid and vitreous specimens obtained from patients undergoing removal of silicone oil, revision vitrectomy, or primary vitrectomy for macular hole, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), or retinal detachment. Patients were prospectively recruited from routine vitreoretinal operating lists. Vitreous cavity fluid and vitreous samples were analysed for the presence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and total protein using either commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or protein assay kits. RESULTS: The median levels of bFGF, IL-6, and protein in the retro-oil fluid were raised (p<0.05) compared to all the other vitreous and vitreous cavity fluid samples. bFGF, IL-6, and protein levels were raised in PVR vitreous compared to non-PVR vitreous. TGF-beta2 levels were not significantly raised in retro-oil fluid or in PVR vitreous. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of fibrogenic (bFGF) and inflammatory (IL-6) growth factors and protein is raised in retro-silicone oil fluid. This may contribute to the process of retro-oil perisilicone proliferation and subsequent fibrocellular membrane formation.

Screening for retinal detachment.

There is a reasonable basis for examination of patients with acute symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment, and this is current practice for patients who present with such symptoms. Significant morbidity is associated with detachment of the macula before treatment of retinal detachment, and in most cases, this occurs before presentation. There may be benefit in public information campaigns in an attempt to encourage patients to present earlier. A small reduction in the proportion of patients who present for surgery with a detached macula would produce a significant decrease in visual morbidity. With the current state of evidence, however, there is no justification for the general screening of patients for retinal detachment, or for predisposing lesions.