Young patients with branch retinal vein occlusion: a review of 60 cases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in young patients. METHODS: Observational case series with retrospective comparative controls. The medical records of 60 consecutive patients (aged ≤ 49 years) with BRVO were reviewed to note patients' age, sex, body mass index, history of smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hormonal replacement therapy in women. Results were compared with those of a control group of 123 individuals. RESULTS: An increased risk of BRVO was found in patients with a history of systemic hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and increased body mass index but not with diabetes, smoking, or hormone replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: Systemic hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and increased body mass index are important risk factors for BRVO in young patients, just as in the older population. We recommend obtaining a complete blood count, reviewing the medical history, and evaluating the patient for systemic hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia as part of the initial workup of young patients with BRVO. If no clear risk factors are found, a more extensive workup should be considered.

Combining phacoemulsification and vitrectomy in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Modern vitrectomy and cataract extraction techniques have reached levels not imagined 20 years ago. Combining pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification and posterior capsulectomy now has the potential to condense three separate procedures: pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and YAG capsulotomy into one procedure. Interest in combined surgery is increasing as reports in the literature documenting its safety and efficacy continue to be published. The purpose of this article is to review the recent trends in combined surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have shown that when comparing sequential surgery to combined surgery, there is no significant difference in visual outcome. Multiple reports confirm the safety of combined surgery in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. SUMMARY: In select patients with diabetes, combining vitrectomy with phacoemulsification and posterior capsulectomy allows patients who often have bilateral vitreoretinal disease to come to a stable postoperative vision in the eye requiring vitreous surgery much earlier than three separate procedures spread out over months or years.

Complications of hydrogel explants used in scleral buckling surgery.

PURPOSE: To report a group of patients with symptoms of pain, strabismus, sensation of orbital fullness, and presence of a subconjunctival mass many years after successful scleral buckling surgery using hydrogel explants. DESIGN: We present an interventional consecutive case series of patients who underwent scleral buckling surgery using hydrogel explants from 4 to 14 years before onset of clinical symptoms. SETTING: This is a retrospective, multicenter clinical study. PATIENT POPULATION: 17 eyes of 15 patients presented with this disorder. All patients were examined; Snellen acuity, ocular motility, tonometry, slit lamp, and fundus examination were recorded. Two patients underwent either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Removal of the hydrogel explant was attempted in all patients. Removal of the buckle was technically difficult; the hydrogel material was fragile and fragmented when handled. RESULTS: All patients had prompt relief of pain and discomfort. Ocular motility and diplopia were greatly improved. Extraocular muscle surgery was not required in any case. Three eyes had intraoperative eye wall perforation. One eye developed postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis. Five eyes had recurrence of retinal detachment. One eye had additional complications of corneal edema and glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who develop this clinical condition should be considered for removal of the hydrogel scleral buckle. Early recognition of this condition may prevent serious complications associated with delayed removal.

Hypercoagulable states and central retinal vein occlusion.

Central retinal vein occlusion is a common cause of permanent visual loss. Work up and laboratory evaluation of patients requires the clinician to rule out hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and glaucoma. Patients without an identifiable risk factor are often subject to extensive testing for primary and secondary thrombophilias. The purpose this paper is to review the literature to determine which of these tests is associated with central retinal vein occlusion. Antiphospholipid antibodies and elevated plasma homocysteine levels appear to be the tests associated most commonly in patients with central retinal vein occlusion in most controlled studies. Primary thrombophilias are found rarely when screening patients with central retinal vein occlusion. Extensive testing for thrombophilias is not warranted in the vast majority of patients with central retinal vein occlusion. Older patients with any of the common vascular risk factors do not require thrombophilic screening. By carefully selecting the patients who are evaluated for thrombophilias, the likelihood of finding true-positive tests is increased.

Combining phacoemulsification with pars plana vitrectomy in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a series of 223 cases.

PURPOSE: To describe the results of combined phacoemulsification, insertion of posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL), and pars plana vitrectomy for patients with retinal disorders resulting from diabetic retinopathy. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred twenty-three patients with vitreoretinal disorders secondary to diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: A case series of 223 consecutive patients with retinal disorders resulting from diabetic retinopathy who underwent combined phacoemulsification, insertion of PCIOL, and pars plana vitrectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vision, number of secondary procedures, and complications. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-three patients (153 with vitreous hemorrhage, 58 with traction retinal detachment, and 12 with macular traction) underwent combined surgery. The average increase in vision was 4.3 Snellen lines. The average follow-up was 10 months. Retinal detachment occurred in 5% of patients who underwent surgery. Diabetic macular edema was found in 12% after combined surgery. Cystoid macular edema was found in 3%. Vitreous hemorrhage requiring another procedure occurred in 11%. Twenty-two patients (10%) required a repeat vitrectomy (12 for vitreous hemorrhage and 10 for retinal detachment). CONCLUSIONS: Combined phacoemulsification, insertion of PCIOL, posterior capsulectomy, and pars plana vitrectomy can be used to treat patients with complications resulting from proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Combined surgery may prevent a second operation for postvitrectomy cataract, allowing earlier visual rehabilitation.