Functional and Morphological Results of Epiretinal Membrane Surgery in Idiopathic versus Diabetic Epiretinal Membranes.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic and diabetic epiretinal membranes (ERM) are different in terms of pathophysiology, etiology, and macular morphology, and thus might respond to surgical treatment differently. We aimed to compare the surgical results of two groups. METHODS: Retrospective case series study of 71 eyes of 66 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) due to idiopathic or diabetic ERM with at least 1-year follow-up. Examinations were performed before, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The average macular thicknesses in nine sectors described by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) were measured with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and BCVA was evaluated. ERM recurrence rates were investigated. RESULTS: In both idiopathic and diabetic groups, retinal thickness (RT) changes occurred as long as 12 months after vitrectomy surgery for ERM. However, in the idiopathic group, significant changes were mainly seen in the first 6 months, while in the diabetic group changes slowed considerably between the third and sixth months, but again accelerated (becoming significant) during the last 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, as compared to those with idiopathic ERM, diabetic patients would likely see continuing benefits from ERM surgery 6 to 12 months post surgery. The BCVA changes of the two groups were similar. ILM peeling decreased ERM recurrence in the idiopathic group but not in the diabetic group.

Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography imaging in Bietti crystalline dystrophy.

Background: Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to genetic defect in the CYP4V2 gene. BCD is a disease characterized by shiny yellow crystalline deposits in the retina with progressive atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris. Our aim is to present ocular imaging findings of a patient with BCD.Materials and Metods: A 38-year-old female patient with BCD was evaluated and the findings of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were examined.Results: OCT imaging revealed multiple outer retinal tubulations (ORTs) with a few hyperreflective crystalline deposits. OCTA imaging showed that the vessel density of superficial anddeep capillary plexus and choriocapillaris blood flow were significantly decreased. ORTs were composedof multiple microtubules as finger-like protrusions that joined the macrotubules.Conclusion: In BCD, crystallinedeposits, ORTs and retinal vascular morphology can be shown in detail using OCT and OCTA.

Multimodal Retinal Imaging Findings in Williams-Beuren Syndrome.

A 17-year-old male patient diagnosed with Williams-Beuren syndrome presented with a gradual decline in vision in both eyes during a 3-year period. The ophthalmologic examination was notable for numerous loop-shaped tortuous vessels accompanying normal appearing retinal vessels and cystoid macular edema (CME). Mild foveal hypoplasia with a persistence of inner retinal layers was noted on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT angiography showed that the abnormal vessels were not retinal vessels but were compatible with prepapillary vascular loops. The CME persisted despite repeated intravitreal bevacizumab treatment. The resolution was observed following an intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:514-518.].

Comparison of Three Different Techniques on the Movement of Implants After Evisceration.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of 3 evisceration techniques involving placement of an acrylic implant within the scleral shell without posterior sclerotomy (Group 1), posterior sclerotomy with placement of a porous implant within the intraconal space (Group 2) and posterior sclerotomy with placement of a acrylic implant within the intraconal space (Group 3) with respect to ocular mobility, implant complications and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, interventional case series. A chart review of 72 patients undergoing evisceration between February 2013 and January 2018 was carried out. Thirty-five patients met the inclusion criteria having a normal or near normal size eye and at least 6 months follow-up. The horizontal movements of the implant and the artificial eye was measured by using a ruler. Data analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test for 2 independent samples. RESULTS: Neither infection nor prolapse of the implant had occurred in any of the patients. The mean implant sizes were 18 mm in Group 1, 20 mm in Group 2 and 20 mm in Group 3. Statistically, a significant difference was assessed between Group 1 and Group 2 in both nasal and temporal movement of the socket; nasal and temporal movement of the prosthesis. Statistically, a significant difference was assessed between Group 1 and Group 3 in both nasal and temporal movement of the socket; nasal and temporal movement of the prosthesis. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 in neither nasal and temporal movement of the socket nor nasal and temporal movement of the artificial eye. CONCLUSION: Group 1 showed the significantly better movement of both prosthesis and socket in adduction and abduction than Group 2 and 3. The likely explanation for this may be that preserving the scleral shell integrity allows more efficient transmission of muscle contraction to the socket and prosthesis.

Short term effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents on cornea, anterior chamber, and intraocular pressure.

Objective: To evaluate short term changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. Materials and methods: A total of 100 eyes from 100 patients, who were naive for intravitreal injection treatment, were included in this retrospective study. Patients who received only a single type of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept) for two consecutive months were examined. ACD, CCT, IOP, and ECD measurements were taken at pre-injection and one month after the first and second injections and were compared. Results: The mean corneal ECD for all eyes and phakic eyes was significantly lower one month after the first (p = 0.041 and p = 0.047, respectively) and second injections (p = 0.013 and p = 0.034, respectively) compared to the values at pre-injection levels. Similarly, the mean ACD of all eyes and phakic eyes was significantly lower one month after the first (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and second injections (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the values at pre-injection levels. However, there was no significant difference in pseudophakic eyes one month after the first and second injections (ECD, p = 0.28 and p = 0.23; ACD, p = 0.75 and p = 0.71, respectively). There was no significant change in IOP and CCT values at pre-injection and one month after the first and second injections for all eyes and for both the phakic and pseudophakic eyes. Discussion: After the anti-VEGF injections, IOP and CCT values were not significantly changed and were similar in all eyes and phakic eyes; however, in these groups, there was a small but statistically significant decrease in ACD and ECD. On the contrary, there was no significant difference in pseudophakic eyes. Clinicians performing intravitreal injections must be aware of these associations for a better understanding of ACD and ECD changes in phakic eyes.

The effect of combined phacotrabeculectomy, trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification on the corneal endothelium in the early stage: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effect of combined phacotrabeculectomy, trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification on the corneal endothelium in the early stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective and non-randomized study, three groups were identified each consisting of 20 eyes (Group I phacotrabeculectomy, group II trabeculectomy, group III phacoemulsification). In the pre- and postop month 1, corneal endothelial cell density (CECD), coefficient of variation (CV) (polymegathism) and hexagonality (Hex) (pleomorphism) were measured by means of a non-contact specular microscope (Nidek CEM-530, NIDEK Co., Ltd. Japan). RESULTS: The postop CECD in each of the three groups showed a significant decrease when compared with the preop period (6.1% in the phacotrabeculectomy group, 4.9% in the trabeculectomy group and 7.4% in the phacoemulsification group). The amount of decrease in the preop and postop CECD values showed no significant difference among these three groups. The postop CV value in each of the three groups showed a significant increase when compared with the preop period. The postop Hex value in each of the three groups showed no significant change when compared with the preop period. CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed that performing a combined phacotrabeculectomy on patients with glaucoma and cataract association in the same session did not do more harm to the corneal endothelium than other surgical methods. For this reason, this method can be applied safely to a patient population that is likely to develop corneal decompensation.

Endophthalmitis After XEN Gel Stent Implantation: 2 Cases.

Herein, we report 2 cases of endophthalmitis after XEN Gel Stent implantation. A 68-year-old woman and an 80-year-old man had previously undergone uncomplicated XEN Gel Stent implantation for primary open-angle glaucoma 4 and 5 months prior, respectively. Both patients had presented with pain, redness, loss of vision, and sensitivity to light. For both patients, the best-corrected visual acuity was hand motion, eyelids and conjunctiva were hyperemic and edematous, anterior chamber had +3 cells and exhibited hypopyon, and B-scan ultrasonography revealed vitreous condensation. Blebitis was absent; the bleb height was medium, bleb width was 1 to 2 hours, and the bleb was avascular in the first case. In the second case, ∼2 mm of the XEN Gel Stent implant protruded from the conjunctiva; therefore, bleb formation was not observed. On a previous visit, the bleb height was medium, bleb width was 2 to 3 hours, and the bleb was mildly vascular. Both patients had undergone vitrectomy with silicone oil injection, but only the female patient had received intravitreal and topical antibiotics preoperatively. After surgery, both patients received topical antibiotic therapy. After 2 to 3 months, the silicone oil was removed; the final visual acuity remained low for the female patient (hand motion level). Despite immediate treatment, the final visual acuity may remain poor, similar to the outcome of patients with other types of endophthalmitis. It is important to provide the patients scheduled for XEN Gel Stent implantation information on the risk of infection and the other risk factors involved.

Peripapillary choroidal thickness in contralateral eyes after evisceration of diseased eyes / Espessura coroide peripapilar de olhos contralaterais após evisceração do olho doente

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate peripapillary choroidal thickness changes in contralateral eyes of patients who had undergone evisceration of their diseased eyes. Methods: In this retrospective study, peripapillary choroidal thickness parameters in 34 eyes of 34 patients who had undergone diseased-eye evisceration between March 2014 and May 2016 were evaluated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The scans were manually delineated to identify the principal surfaces of Bruch's membrane, the Bruch's membrane opening, and the anterior sclera. Peripapillary choroidal thickness was measured between the Bruch's membrane and the anterior sclera at increasing distance away from the Bruch's membrane opening. The mean peripapillary choroidal thickness values in the contralateral eyes of the patients and those of the control group were compared. Results: The mean peripapillary choroidal thickness was higher in the contralateral eyes of the patients compared with that of normal eyes at all distances from the Bruch's membrane opening. Conclusion: Increased peripapillary choroidal thickness was noted in the contralateral eyes of the patients, potentially resulting in a thicker choroid. Although further investigation is required to determine the cause, these findings indicate the presence of a compensatory factor in the contralateral eyes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações da espessura coroide peripapilar em olhos contralaterais de pacientes submetidos à evisceração do olho doente. Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo, parâmetros da espessura coróide peripapilar de 34 olhos de 34 pacientes submetidos à evisceração, entre março de 2014 e maio de 2016, foram avaliados com tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral. As varreduras foram manualmente delineadas para identificar as principais superfícies da membrana de Bruch, a abertura da membrana de Bruch e a esclera anterior. A espessura coroide peripapilar foi medida entre a membrana de Bruch e a esclera anterior a uma distância crescente da abertura da membrana de Bruch. Compararam-se os valores médios da espessura coroide peripapilar dos olhos contralaterais dos pacientes e do grupo controle. Resultados: A espessura coroide peripapilar média foi mais espessa nos olhos contralaterais dos pacientes, quando comparada com os olhos normais, em todas as distâncias da abertura da membrana de Bruch. Conclusão: O aumento da espessura coroide peripapilar foi notado nos olhos contralaterais dos pacientes. O espessamento da coroide pode ser resultante do distúrbio. Embora seja necessária uma investigação mais aprofundada para determinar a causalidade, esses achados podem apontar para um fator compensatório dos olhos contralaterais.

Peripapillary choroidal thickness in contralateral eyes after evisceration of diseased eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate peripapillary choroidal thickness changes in contralateral eyes of patients who had undergone evisceration of their diseased eyes. METHODS: In this retrospective study, peripapillary choroidal thickness parameters in 34 eyes of 34 patients who had undergone diseased-eye evisceration between March 2014 and May 2016 were evaluated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The scans were manually delineated to identify the principal surfaces of Bruch's membrane, the Bruch's membrane opening, and the anterior sclera. Peripapillary choroidal thickness was measured between the Bruch's membrane and the anterior sclera at increasing distance away from the Bruch's membrane opening. The mean peripapillary choroidal thickness values in the contralateral eyes of the patients and those of the control group were compared. RESULTS: The mean peripapillary choroidal thickness was higher in the contralateral eyes of the patients compared with that of normal eyes at all distances from the Bruch's membrane opening. CONCLUSION: Increased peripapillary choroidal thickness was noted in the contralateral eyes of the patients, potentially resulting in a thicker choroid. Although further investigation is required to determine the cause, these findings indicate the presence of a compensatory factor in the contralateral eyes.

Multimodal Imaging Including Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of a Patient With Argus II Retinal Prosthesis One Year After Implantation.

A 58-year-old man with end-stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and visual acuity of light perception in both eyes received simultaneous phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and implantation of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products, Sylmar, CA) to his right eye 1 year ago. He accomplished the fitting and rehabilitation sessions, and no extraocular or intraocular complications were encountered perioperatively, postoperatively, or during the follow-up. The patient used the prosthesis actively for 2.5 to 3 hours per day. In this report, the authors compare the multimodal imaging findings including optical coherence tomography angiography of the chronic electrically stimulated retinal prosthesis implanted eye with the fellow eye. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:55-59.].