Morphological outcome and indication for laser following intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy for posterior retinopathy of prematurity.

The purpose of this study is to determine the natural course of retinal vascular development and recurrence requiring laser in eyes receiving intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for posterior retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Data of babies receiving IVB for posterior ROP was retrospectively analyzed. Birth weight, gestational age (GA) and post-menstrual age (PMA) at injection, need for laser, retinal maturation, and their timing were recorded. The study included 63 eyes of 32 babies, born at a median GA of 31 (IQR 29-32) weeks, and birth weight 1410 (1280-1697.5) g. Aggressive posterior ROP was seen in 36 (57%) eyes and staged ROP in 27 (43%). IVB was injected at a median PMA of 36 (34.5-37) weeks. Complete retinal vascularization was seen in 33 (52.4%) at a median PMA of 52 (47-60) weeks, prophylactic laser was needed in 17 (27%) at 61 (55.5-63) weeks, and only 13 (20.6%) eyes had recurrence needing treatment laser, at 42 (39-57) weeks respectively. Babies requiring laser had a significantly lower birth weight (p = 0.033) and received injection earlier (p = 0.08). Retinal vascular development progresses with IVB monotherapy with 21% of eyes developing recurrence that requires laser in this subset of Indian babies. Following IVB, monotherapy laser can be selectively performed only in cases with recurrence or failure to mature.

Periocular steroids for macular edema associated with retinal arteriovenous malformation: A case report.

Retinal racemose hemangiomas (RRH) are vascular malformations comprising of direct arteriovenous communications in the retina. Exudation and neurosensory detachment are some of the complications which may cause decreased visual acuity. Herein, we describe a case of a 38-year-old male presenting with unilateral Group II RRH complicated with macular edema. Initial treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab yielded a poor therapeutic response. Subsequently, he was treated with a posterior sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide following which there was a prompt decrease in edema with simultaneous improvement in vision. The visual acuity was maintained and no recurrence was seen even after 6 months of successful treatment.

Persistent macular detachment after successful macular hole closure and its management in an emmetropic eye.

Macular hole with a concomitant macular detachment is unusual in emmetropic eyes. A middle aged women was operated for a full thickness macular hole with inverted flap technique. There was persistence of subretinal fluid for 4 months even after the hole was successfully closed. A second surgery was performed to remove the highly viscous subretinal fluid. This report highlights the technical difficulties in managing such cases. This case also highlights the need for recognition of coexisting pathologies before deciding the surgery.

Spring-action Apparatus for Fixation of Eyeball (SAFE): a novel, cost-effective yet simple device for ophthalmic wet-lab training.

Achieving a formed and firm eyeball which is stably fixed in a holding device is a major challenge of surgical wet-lab training. Our innovation, the 'Spring-action Apparatus for Fixation of Eyeball (SAFE)' is a robust, simple and economical device to solve this problem. It consists of a hollow iron cylinder to which a spring-action syringe is attached. The spring-action syringe generates vacuum and enables reliable fixation of a human or animal cadaveric eye on the iron cylinder. The rise in intraocular pressure due to vacuum fixation can be varied as per need or nature of surgery being practised. A mask-fixed version of this device is also designed to train surgeons for appropriate hand positioning. An experienced surgeon performed various surgeries including manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), phacoemulsification, laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), femtosecond LASIK docking, Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty and trabeculectomy on this device, while a trainee surgeon practised MSICS and wound suturing. Skill-appropriate comfort level was much higher with SAFE than with conventional globe holders for both surgeons. Due to its stability, pressure adjustability, portability, cost-efficiency and simplicity, we recommend SAFE as the basic equipment for every wet lab.