Outcomes of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses after laser in situ keratomileusis.

BACKGROUND: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most common refractive surgery in young patients, which aims at providing a clear distance vision without the use of spectacles. With time, these patients develop symptomatic cataract, which affects activities of daily living, and to improve visual acuity, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation can be considered. In post-myopic LASIK patients, to allow continuation of spectacle independence, the implantation of presbyopia-correcting IOLs is a suitable option. The purpose of this retrospective case series is to report the visual outcome and quality in post-myopic LASIK eyes after the implantation of AT LISA tri839MP IOL. METHOD: Twenty eyes of 13 patients with history of myopic LASIK within 20 years underwent phacoemulsification by one single surgeon. All eyes were implanted with AT LISA tri839PMP IOL, and their outcomes were evaluated at 6 months postoperation. RESULTS: The mean postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (VA) is 0.28 ± 0.29, while the corrected distance VA is 0.06 ± 0.14. The mean postoperative uncorrected near VA is 0.02 ± 0.05, while the corrected near VA is 0.01 ± 0.02. The mean postoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (SE) is - 0.92 ± 0.76D. There is a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative refraction (p = 0.02), which shows a postoperative myopic shift. There is also a statistically significant difference between the mean targeted SE and postoperative manifest refraction SE (p = 0.00). Only one out of 20 eyes (5%) reported halo and glare symptoms. Ten out of 20 eyes (50%) are able to achieve spectacles independence. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in post-myopic LASIK eyes, AT LISA tri839MP provides a good visual outcome at both near and distance, but is more predictable at near than at distance. There is a myopic shift in the postoperative SE. Visual quality is satisfactory and has not been exacerbated. Most patients can remain to be spectacles free at all distances.

FACTORS INFLUENCING NEED FOR RETREATMENT AND LONG-TERM VISUAL OUTCOME AFTER INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and the predictive factors associated with the need for retreatment and long-term visual outcome after intravitreal bevacizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 93 eyes with subfoveal or juxtafoveal myopic CNV treated initially with either 3-monthly or single intravitreal bevacizumab injections followed by pro re nata retreatment. The efficacy was evaluated by the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) during follow-up visits. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the potential predictive factors on final BCVA, change in BCVA, and number of injections. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the potential predictive factors for retreatment. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 25.12 ± 11.18 (SD) months. The mean logMAR BCVA at baseline was 0.72 ± 0.58 logMAR (20/100 Snellen equivalent) and was maintained at 0.39 ± 0.46 logMAR (20/50 Snellen equivalent) at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean number of injections was 3.53 ± 1.70 (range, 3-10), and a total of 25 eyes (26.9%) received retreatment. Patients who received single loading injection had significantly lower mean total number of injections (1.50 ± 0.73 vs. 3.96 ± 1.53). Both subfoveal and juxtafoveal myopic CNV eyes had significant improvement in BCVA (0.28 ± 0.43 vs. 0.22 ± 0.32 [20/40 vs 20/30 Snellen equivalent], P = 0.506), and juxtafoveal myopic CNV eyes had significantly better BCVA at baseline and at the last follow-up than the subfoveal group. Treatment-naive eyes had significant improvement from baseline BCVA, and the amount of improvement was significantly more than those who received previous photodynamic therapy (0.31 ± 0.43 vs. 0.06 ± 0.11 [20/40 vs 20/25 Snellen equivalent], P < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that the baseline CNV size (P < 0.05), baseline BCVA (P < 0.001), and duration of symptoms (P < 0.05) were significant predictive factors for final BCVA, and BCVA improvement. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that CNV size (P = 0.014) and follow-up duration (P = 0.017) were significant predictive factors for retreatment. No significant association was found for number of injections. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab seems to be an effective treatment for both subfoveal and juxtafoveal myopic CNV in the long term. Patients presented with shorter duration of symptoms and smaller CNV size before treatment as significant prognostic factors that predict better visual outcome. Eyes with longer follow-up duration and larger baseline CNV size may have higher risk for retreatment.

Ultraviolet light and ocular diseases.

The objective of this study is to review the association between ultraviolet (UV) light and ocular diseases. The data are sourced from the literature search of Medline up to Nov 2012, and the extracted data from original articles, review papers, and book chapters were reviewed. There is a strong evidence that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is associated with the formation of eyelid malignancies [basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)], photokeratitis, climatic droplet keratopathy (CDK), pterygium, and cortical cataract. However, the evidence of the association between UV exposure and development of pinguecula, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract, ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), and ocular melanoma remained limited. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is related to UV exposure. It is now suggested that AMD is probably related to visible radiation especially blue light, rather than UV exposure. From the results, it was concluded that eyelid malignancies (BCC and SCC), photokeratitis, CDK, pterygium, and cortical cataract are strongly associated with UVR exposure. Evidence of the association between UV exposure and development of pinguecula, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract, OSSN, and ocular melanoma remained limited. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether AMD is related to UV exposure. Simple behaviural changes, appropriate clothing, wearing hats, and UV blocking spectacles, sunglasses or contact lens are effective measures for UV protection.

Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling versus no peeling for idiopathic full-thickness macular hole.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling improves anatomic and functional outcomes of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery when compared with the no-peeling technique. DESIGN: Systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis undertaken under the auspices of the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Patients with idiopathic stage 2, 3, and 4 FTMH undergoing vitrectomy with or without ILM peeling. INTERVENTION: Macular hole surgery, including vitrectomy and gas endotamponade with or without ILM peeling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCdVA) at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were BCdVA at 3 and 12 months; best-corrected near visual acuity (BCnVA) at 3, 6, and 12 months; primary (after a single surgery) and final (after >1 surgery) macular hole closure; need for additional surgical interventions; intraoperative and postoperative complications; patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (EuroQol-5D and Vision Function Questionnaire-25 scores at 6 months); and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Four RCTs were identified and included in the review. All RCTs were included in the meta-analysis; IPD were obtained from 3 of the 4 RCTs. No evidence of a difference in BCdVA at 6 months was detected (mean difference, -0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.03; P=0.27); however, there was evidence of a difference in BCdVA at 3 months favoring ILM peeling (mean difference, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.17 to-0.02; P=0.02). There was evidence of an effect favoring ILM peeling with regard to primary (odds ratio [OR], 9.27; 95% CI, 4.98-17.24; P<0.00001) and final macular hole closure (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.63-9.75; P=0.02) and less requirement for additional surgery (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.23; P<0.00001), with no evidence of a difference between groups with regard to intraoperative or postoperative complications or PROs. The ILM peeling was found to be highly cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence supports ILM peeling as the treatment of choice for patients with idiopathic stage 2, 3, and 4 FTMH.

Intravitreal bevacizumab: safety of multiple doses from a single vial for consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To report the incidence of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and the safety profile of multiple doses of bevacizumab from the same vial reused for multiple patients. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: A private hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS: A systematic retrospective review of consecutive intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections between 5 June 2006 and 17 December 2010 at a single institute was conducted. Patients were identified from prospectively designed audit forms, and each patient's medical record was reviewed for any documented complications. Bevacizumab 1.25 mg/0.05 mL to 2.50 mg/0.1 mL was aspirated from the designated vial, with a maximum of 10 consecutive injections being aspirated from the same vial. The opened vial was then discarded without overnight storage. Ranibizumab was aspirated from the commercially available 1 mg/0.1 mL single-use vial. RESULTS: A total of 1655 intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections into 392 eyes of 383 patients were evaluated during the study period. There were 1184 bevacizumab injections and 471 ranibizumab injections. There was one case of suspected endophthalmitis after ranibizumab injection, though culture of the vitreous tap was negative. The point prevalence of endophthalmitis was 0.06% (1/1655) for the total number of injections: 0.21% (1/471) after ranibizumab, and 0% after bevacizumab. CONCLUSION: Although many centres aliquot multiple syringes from a single vial to be kept in a refrigerator for use, the current study shows that so long as proper sterile techniques are implemented, there were no cases of endophthalmitis from using the same vial, which was reused for a maximum of 10 consecutive injections. For intravitreal injection, bevacizumab costs approximately US$50 to US$100 per dose, as opposed to US$2000 per dose for ranibizumab. Sharing multiple doses of bevacizumab from a single vial can substantially reduce the cost of treatment.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for myopic choroidal neovascularization.

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a vision-threatening complication in the eyes with pathological myopia, which is particularly prevalent among young and middle-aged Asians globally. To date, the verteporfin in photodynamic therapy study is the only randomized-controlled study in treatment of subfoveal myopic CNV. However, its long-term benefit is controversial. Recently, intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors have shown promising results. In the absence of randomized-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors with photodynamic therapy and placebo, the purpose of this article is to review the current studies on functional and anatomical outcomes in both subfoveal and juxtafoveal myopic CNV. Furthermore, the influences of various doses and frequencies, as well as age and previous photodynamic therapy treatment on its effect are described.

Presence of crystalline lens as a protective factor for the late development of open angle glaucoma after vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the late development of open angle glaucoma (OAG) after vitrectomy and to compare the rate of postvitrectomy OAG development in phakic and pseudophakic eyes. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 101 eyes of 101 patients who had vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane or idiopathic macular hole with a follow-up duration of more than 6 months. Eligible patients were assessed for new development of OAG during the follow-up period. Patients were separated into two groups based on the lens status at the end of the vitrectomy for statistical analysis using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 51 months (range, 6-80 months). Of the 101 eyes, 8 (7.9%) eyes developed OAG during the follow-up period. Phakic eyes were less likely to develop OAG after vitrectomy compared with pseudophakic eyes, with 2% and 13%, respectively (log-rank test, P = 0.025). The result remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, refractive error and the use of gas tamponade (adjusted odds ratio = 0.09, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The presence of the crystalline lens may be protective against the late development of OAG after vitrectomy.

The efficacy of intravitreal vancomycin and dexamethasone in the treatment of experimental bacillus cereus endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: Bacillus cereus causes the most virulent and refractory form of endophthalmitis. The authors analyzed effectiveness of intravitreal vancomycin with or without dexamethasone for experimental Bacillus cereus endophthalmitis. METHODS: Rabbit eyes were injected intravitreally with 1x10(6) colony-forming units of Bacillus cereus organisms. At 24 hours after injection, eyes were injected intravitreally with 0.1 ml of balanced salt solution (group 1, n=10), 1 mg vancomycin (group 2, n=10), and antibiotic plus 0.4 mg dexamethasone (group 3, n=10). Inflammatory scores were assessed 7 days and 14 days after treatment. Furthermore, histologic grading was carried out at the conclusion of the clinical observations. RESULTS: Eyes treated with vancomycin, with or without dexamethasone at 7 days and 14 days expressed significant less inflammation over iris and vitreous than the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, eyes treated with vancomycin with dexamethasone showed less inflammation over the conjunctiva and vitreous at 7 days and over the iris and vitreous at 14 days, compared to antibiotic treatment alone (p<0.05). Additionally, at 14 days, the histopathological changes of eyes treated with vancomycin with dexamethasone had less conjunctival inflammation, mild iridocyclitis, less vitreous cells, and less choroidal vasculitis and retinitis compared to control group and antibiotic treatment alone, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of vancomycin improved the therapeutic outcome of Bacillus cereus endophthalmitis. The addition of dexamethasone to antibiotic treatment provided a therapeutic benefit over antibiotic alone.

Transient increase in intraocular pressure during a dose-tapering regime of systemic dexamethasone in preterm infants.

PURPOSE: To determine the intraocular pressure (IOP) profile during and after systemic dexamethasone treatment in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants. DESIGN: A cohort study at a university-affiliated tertiary neonatal center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven VLBW infants who received a 3-week dose-tapering course of systemic dexamethasone for treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were consecutively enrolled over a period of 32 months. METHODS: Intraocular pressure was assessed using a handheld tonometer immediately before (week 0), during (weeks 1 and 3), and after (weeks 5, 7, and 9) commencement of the dexamethasone course. The mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the longitudinal IOP measurements at different time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To assess the magnitude and duration of increase in IOP during systemic corticosteroid treatment. RESULTS: The IOP at week 1, while the infants were receiving the maximum dose of dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg/day), was significantly higher than (1) the pretreatment IOP at week 0 (mean [+/- standard deviation]: 19.7 [+/-3.7] vs. 16.4 [+/-3.7] mmHg, respectively) (P<0.0001), (2) the IOP when the infants were receiving the minimum dose of dexamethasone (0.15 mg/kg/day) at week 3 (19.7 [+/-3.7] vs. 15.8 [+/-4.3] mmHg) (P<0.0001), and (3) the IOP after the dexamethasone course had been stopped between week 5 and week 9 (19.7 [+/-3.7] vs. 16.0 [+/-4.0], 15.3 [+/-3.5], and 14.5 [+/-3.3] mmHg for weeks 5, 7, and 9, respectively) (P<0.0001 for all comparisons). In contrast, there was no significant difference between the pretreatment IOP (week 0) and IOP at week 3, 5, 7, or 9 (P = 0.07-0.62) and in the IOP between week 3 and week 5, 7, or 9 (P = 0.27-0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a dose-tapering regime of dexamethasone is associated with transient increase of IOP. As IOP was significantly raised during the high-dose but not the low-dose treatment period, we speculate that the physiologic or stress dose of corticosteroids commonly advocated for treatment of serious neonatal conditions should be safe and unlikely to cause significant ocular hypertension in preterm infants.

An update of treatment options for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVES: To review the role of conventional and new treatment modalities in the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. DATA SOURCES AND EXTRACTION: Literature search of Medline till March 2007, using the key words/terms 'treatment' and 'age-related macular degeneration' to retrieve relevant original papers and review articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the elderly in developed countries. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration has a relentless course and the consequent visual loss is debilitating. Successful treatment has always been a challenge due to poor understanding of its pathogenesis. Laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin are the standard conventional treatments. However, these approaches do not prevent disease recurrence and repeated treatments are required. Recent advances in understanding the molecular pathway for the angiogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration enables exploration of new treatment approaches. Antiangiogenic therapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, such as pegaptanib and ranibizumab, have recently been approved for clinical practice. Other antiangiogenic agents include bevacizumab, triamcinolone, and anecortave are also being evaluated in clinical trials. Additional treatment modalities include transpupillary thermotherapy and surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, increased understanding in its pathogenesis coupled with rapid development in instrumental technology and new/emerging medications greatly expands available treatment options. Despite these various therapeutic options, current treatment is mainly directed at achieving visual stabilisation. Restoration of vision with newer agents is limited and not possible in every patient. Thus, early recognition and treatment to arrest the progression of neovascular age-related macular degeneration is the preferred means of attaining the best visual outcome.

Update on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the classification, clinical features, and evaluation of diabetic retinopathy and to review its conventional as well as most updated management. DATA SOURCES: Literature search of Medline up to October 2006. STUDY SELECTION: Key words for the literature search were 'diabetic', 'retinopathy', 'treatment', 'laser photocoagulation', 'vitrectomy', 'corticosteroid', 'protein kinase C inhibitor', and 'VEGF inhibitor'. DATA EXTRACTION: Original articles, review papers, and book chapters were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Diabetic retinopathy remains one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. The duration of diabetes and severity of hyperglycaemia are the major risk factors. It progresses from non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy to proliferative diabetic retinopathy through various stages, and the accurate diagnosis of its stage is important. Strict metabolic control and tight blood pressure control can significantly reduce the risk of developing retinopathy and its progression, but are difficult to achieve in clinical practice. Laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy are effective in preventing severe visual loss from sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy and its complications, but both modalities have potential side-effects. Results from clinical trials for protein kinase C inhibitors, intravitreal steroid injections, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and growth hormone inhibitors are promising. Evidence from past clinical trials does not support a role for anti-platelet agents, aldose reductase inhibitors, and advanced glycation end-products inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Strict metabolic control, tight blood pressure control, laser photocoagulation, and vitrectomy remain the conventional management of diabetic retinopathy. Further clinical trials exploring the role of protein kinase C inhibitors, intravitreal steroid, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, growth hormone, and other potential therapies for diabetic retinopathy are actively ongoing. In the near future, results from these clinical trials may lead to the introduction of additional treatments and a corresponding reduction in the frequency of visual loss due to diabetic retinopathy.

Assessment of macular function by multifocal electroretinography following epiretinal membrane surgery with indocyanine green-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in macular function and potential retinal toxicity in epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery with indocyanine green (ICG)-assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG). METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients were randomly assigned to have ERM surgery with ILM peeling using 0.5 mg/ml or 1.25 mg/ml ICG staining. Patients were examined at baseline and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The postoperative mfERG N1 and P1 response amplitudes and peak latencies of various ring eccentricities were assessed and compared with baseline to determine any serial changes. RESULTS: After surgery, the median best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/70 at baseline to 20/30 at 6 months postoperatively (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, P=0.004). At 3 months postoperatively, the 0.5 mg/ml group showed no significant changes in N1 and P1 response amplitudes and peak latencies, whereas the 1.25 mg/ml ICG group showed significant reductions in N1 and P1 response amplitudes compared with baseline. No significant changes in mfERG responses were observed in either group at 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our mfERG findings suggested that the use of a higher concentration of ICG for ILM staining might result in transient retinal functional impairment postoperatively. The lowest possible concentration of ICG should be used intraoperatively to minimize potential retinal toxicity.

Effect of application duration of 2% lidocaine jelly on aqueous lidocaine concentration for topical anesthesia in cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the intraocular penetration of lidocaine 2% gel after different duration of application and to assess their effects on intraoperative pain. METHODS: Samples of aqueous humor were obtained in 41 eyes that had phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine gel. The duration between lidocaine gel application and paracentesis was recorded. The aqueous concentration of lidocaine was measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Patients were also asked to report the severity of intraoperative pain using a verbal analogue scale. Correlation analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between duration of lidocaine gel application, aqueous lidocaine concentration and intraoperative pain score. RESULTS: The mean duration of lidocaine gel application was 20.3+/-6.1 min and the mean aqueous lidocaine level was 14.2+/-8.5 micro g/ml. Longer duration of lidocaine gel application was significantly associated with higher aqueous concentration of lidocaine (Spearman's rho=0.58, P<0.001). Eyes in which lidocaine gel was applied for 20 minutes or more had significantly higher aqueous lidocaine level (two-tailed t-test, P=0.001) However, the duration of lidocaine gel application and the aqueous concentration of lidocaine showed no correlation with the patent's perceived pain score (P=0.20 and P=0.79, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increase in duration of lidocaine gel application resulted in higher aqueous concentration of lidocaine. Patients' level of perceived pain during phacoemulsification under lidocaine gel anesthesia was not related to the intraocular lidocaine absorption level after 10 min of gel application.

Visual experiences during vitreous surgery under regional anesthesia: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To investigate patients' subjective intraoperative visual experiences during vitreous surgery performed under regional anesthesia, to ascertain if patients were frightened by their visual experiences, and to determine the risk factors associated with a frightening visual experience. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective study. METHODS: Sixty-five patients who had vitreous surgery under regional (retrobulbar or peribulbar) anesthesia in five centers in Ireland, Singapore, and Hong Kong were interviewed within 2 hours of their operation using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty patients (46.2%) perceived light perception throughout the entire operation, 19 patients (29.2%) experienced transient loss of light perception, and 16 patients (24.6%) experienced no light perception throughout the entire duration of the surgery. Nine patients (13.8%) were frightened by their intraoperative visual experiences. Patients who were frightened by their visual experiences were more likely to see color (100%) than those who were not frightened (55.4%) (P = .010). The mean age of the patients who were frightened was lower (51.8 years) compared with those who were not frightened (64.6 years) (P = .003). The mean duration of surgery was longer for patients who were frightened (118.9 minutes) compared with those who were not frightened (91.2 minutes) (P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients undergoing vitreous surgery under regional anesthesia retained at least light perception intraoperatively. Importantly, 13.8% of patients were frightened by their visual experiences. A younger age, longer duration of surgery, and perception of color were risk factors for a frightening visual experience.

Prevalence and characteristics of peripheral retinal degeneration in Chinese adults with high myopia: a cross-sectional prevalence survey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence of peripheral retinal findings in adult Chinese patients with high myopia (refraction < or = -6.00 D) and to investigate the correlation between the retinal lesions and the severity of myopia or axial length. METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence survey screening was conducted in high ethnic Chinese myopes with refractions equal to or less than -6.00 D. The examinations included cycloplegic refraction, A and B scan ultrasonography, and retinal examinations by indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral indentation and Goldmann three-mirror contact lens examination. RESULTS: Two hundred thirteen eyes in 213 patients with a mean refraction of -10.10 +/- 4.23 D (range = -6.00 to -27.00 D) were examined. The mean axial length was 26.69 +/- 1.68 mm (range = 25.18-33.62 mm) and the mean age was 33.5 +/- 10.6 years (range = 18-73 years). The most common peripheral retinal finding was pigmentary degeneration (51.2%), followed by lattice degeneration in 12.2% and retinal holes in 7.5% of eyes. A positive correlation was noted between axial length and the lesions of pigmentary degeneration and pavingstone degeneration. The prevalence of retinal holes was 6.4% and 30.0% in eyes with axial length of < 30 mm and > or = 30 mm, respectively (chi-squared test, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of peripheral retinal degenerations was found in adult Chinese high myopes. The presence of retinal holes was positively correlated with very high myopia of an axial length of > or = 30 mm.

TIMP-1 production in human retinal pigment epithelial cells after laser exposure.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in the production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase type 1 (TIMP-1) by human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells following argon laser exposure. METHODS: Human cultured ARPE19 cells were exposed to argon green laser at four different energy levels ranging from 60mW to 360mW. After laser exposure, the culture media were sampled at 0, 24, 72 and 144 hours for TIMP-1 concentration produced by the RPE cells. The levels of TIMP-1 in the cells treated with different laser energy levels were compared with a control group not exposed to laser application. Immunocytochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed to detect any adverse effects on the RPE cells caused by laser exposure. RESULTS: Immediately after laser exposure, the concentration of TIMP-1 was not detectable. At 24 hours after laser exposure, the concentration of TIMP-1 increased significantly in RPE cells treated with 120mW and 240mW at 24 hours (P=0.006 and P=0.001 respectively) compared with control cells. At 72 hours after treatment, RPE cells treated at 120mW, 240mW and 360mW demonstrated significantly increase in TIMP-1 production compared with control (P=0.003, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). No significant reduction in cell viability was observed following laser application as detected by PCNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that early TIMP-1 production by RPE cells in cell cultures was enhanced following laser exposure.

Indocyanine green-assisted internal limiting membrane removal in epiretinal membrane surgery: a clinical and histologic study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome and quantify histologically the amount of microscopic internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) present in ILM and ERM specimens obtained from ERM surgery. DESIGN: Interventional consecutive case series. METHODS: Patients scheduled for ERM surgery were recruited prospectively. Pars plana vitrectomy, removal of ERM, and ILM peeling with indocyanine green (ICG) staining were performed in all patients. Epiretinal membrane and ILM specimens were sent for histologic examination. The amount of ERM present in ILM specimens and the amount of ILM present in ERM specimens were quantified by manual counting. Outcome measures include change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), proportion of cases with 2 or more lines of visual improvement, anatomic outcome, proportions of microscopic ERM within ILM, and microscopic ILM within ERM. RESULTS: Eighteen eyes in 18 patients were operated with a mean follow-up of 19.3 months. There were 13 primary ERMs and five secondary ERMs. The mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.83 preoperatively to 0.49 postoperatively (P <.001). The mean lines of improvement in BCVA was 3.3 lines with 14 patients (77.8%) who had 2 or more lines of BCVA improvement. Histologic evaluation of the specimens showed no significant correlation with the final BCVA of 20/50 or better. Eleven (61.1%) of the ILM specimens showed various amount of microscopic ERM and 16 (88.9%) of the ERM specimens showed various amount of ILM fragments. The mean proportion of ERM within ILM specimens was 4.69% and that of ILM within ERM specimens was 51.5%. No significant recurrence of ERM was found. CONCLUSION: Recurrence of ERM may be minimized by removing residual microscopic ERM present on the ILM. Indocyanine green-assisted ILM peeling in ERM surgery appears to have favorable visual and anatomic outcomes.