Multifocal Pattern Dystrophy Simulating Fundus Flavimaculatus: Multimodal Imaging for Early Diagnosis.

Multifocal pattern dystrophy simulating fundus flavimaculatus (MPDSFF) is a clinical entity characterized by several clinicopathological, angiographic, tomographic, and electrophysiological findings. A 58-year-old caucasian female patient presented with bilateral floaters and metamorphopsia. Best-corrected visual acuity (VA) was 6/6 in both eyes and intraocular pressure was 14 and 15 mm Hg, respectively. Fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), autofluoresence (AF), fluorescein angiography (FA) and pattern Electroretinogram were employed for the diagnosis of this case. Clinical and imaging findings were consistent with MPDSFF. Noticeable progression was observed in OCT scans 6 months following the baseline visit, while no significant changes were observed over the following 12 months. Prognosis of VA in MPDSFF patients may remain relatively good even in the presence of considerable anatomic changes. Disease progression may be slow and significant reduction in VA may present only secondary to a choroidal neovascular membrane. Patient follow-up should include OCT scans, PERG, and AF in addition to VA and dilated fundus examination every 6-12 months. As relevant literature is limited and no effective treatment modality has been employed for this clinical entity, the identification of the cellular death pathway in pattern dystrophies may lead to an applicable management approach.

Teaching binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy to novice residents using an augmented reality simulator.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the traditional teaching approach of binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) to the EyeSI augmented reality (AR) BIO simulator. DESIGN: Prospective randomized control trial. PARTICIPANTS: 28 post-graduate year one (PGY1) ophthalmology residents. METHODS: Residents were recruited at the 2012 Toronto Ophthalmology Residents Introductory Course (TORIC). 15 were randomized to conventional teaching (Group 1), and 13 to augmented reality simulator training (Group 2). 3 vitreoretinal fellows were enrolled to serve as experts. Evaluations were completed on the simulator, with 3 tasks, and outcome measures were total raw score, total time elapsed, and performance. RESULTS: Following conventional training, Group 1 residents were outperformed by vitreoretinal fellows with respect to all 3 outcome measures. Following AR training, Group 2 residents demonstrated superior total scores and performance compared to Group 1 residents. Once the Group 1 residents also completed the AR BIO training, there was a significant improvement compared to their baseline scores, and were now on par with Group 2 residents. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides construct validity for the EyeSI AR BIO simulator and demonstrates that it may be superior to conventional BIO teaching for novice ophthalmology residents.

Ozurdex in age-related macular degeneration as adjunct to ranibizumab (The OARA Study).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DXI; Ozurdex; Allergan, Irvine, Calif.) in combination with ranibizumab (Lucentis; Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) versus ranibizumab monotherapy on visual acuity (VA) and anatomical outcomes in a neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) cohort. DESIGN: Multicentred, single-blinded, pilot randomized control trial. PARTICIPANTS: Ten patients 50 years or older with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD were randomized to receive DXI in combination with ranibizumab (group 1) or ranibizumab alone (group 2) after a 3-month ranibizumab loading period. METHODS: Group 1 patients received 1 DXI after the loading phase with the option of retreatment at months 4 to 6. Ranibizumab was administered pro re nata for 6 months in both study arms. Mean VA and central macular thickness (CMT) reductions from baseline to study endpoint (9 months) were reported in addition to adverse event frequency across study cohorts. RESULTS: From baseline to the study endpoint, VA improved by 10.8 ± 13.2 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters in the control arm and 3.0 ± 10.5 letters in the intervention arm (p = 0.331). CMT decreased by 31.7% ± 17.5% and 13.3% ± 27.0% (p = 0.236) for the control and intervention cohorts, respectively. One patient developed intraocular pressure in excess of 30 mm Hg 3 months after DXI administration. CONCLUSIONS: For this nAMD population, no visual or anatomical benefits were observed when treating with DXI in adjunct to ranibizumab relative to ranibizumab monotherapy. DXI-related adverse events were consistent with those previously documented for dexamethasone.

Management of canalicular obstructions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The successful treatment of canalicular obstructions continues to represent a therapeutic challenge. Conjuctivodacryocystorhinostomy with a Lester Jones bypass tube is the standard treatment in these situations. Although a high rate of anatomic success can be achieved with this procedure, a relatively high rate of complications and poor patient satisfaction have been reported. Because of this, alternative techniques have emerged. Herein, we review all these techniques described in the literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Increasing interest in minimally invasive surgery and developments in fiberoptic technology have fueled advances in endocanalicular surgery. Canalicular trephination for obstructions at any level of the canalicular system and laser and balloon canaliculoplasty for focal canalicular and common canalicular stenoses may offer a well tolerated, fast and easy alternative, with potentially better patient satisfaction when compared with conjuctivodacryocystorhinostomy. SUMMARY: The alternative techniques to conjuctivodacryocystorhinostomy are less invasive, and respect and utilize any healthy and functional part of the canalicular system. The correct choice of the technique for a given canalicular obstruction, and therefore the long-term success, depends on the site and degree of the obstruction.

Current trends of intravitreal steroid use in retinal diseases.

The aim of this article is to provide a current update on the use of intravitreal steroids as a treatment option for a variety of retinal diseases and to review the current literature in regard to their properties, safety, and adverse effects.

A modified technique of retrograde intubation dacryocystorhinostomy for proximal canalicular obstruction.

PURPOSE: To describe a modification of the retrograde intubation dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with proximal canalicular obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interventional case report of a 43-year-old female with a nine-month history of left epiphora following a road traffic accident involving the proximal lower canaliculus. An external DCR approach was performed. Following the creation of a lower canalicular pseudopunctum, the O'Donoghue silicone stent was introduced through the common ostium, out through the pseudopunctum of the lower canaliculus, and returned through the punctum of the normal upper canaliculus down through the common ostium into the nose. RESULTS: The patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms and on her last follow-up, two years later, her lower canaliculus was patent to syringing. CONCLUSION: This modification of the retrograde intubation DCR is an effective technique which decreases the intraoperative time needed to insert the tubes and minimises further trauma to the newly created punctal area.

The incidence of irreversible retinal toxicity in patients treated with hydroxychloroquine: a reappraisal.

PURPOSE: To define the risk of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-related retinal toxicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving recommended dosages of the drug (< or =6.5 mg/kg/day). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study, from 1985 to 2000. PARTICIPANTS: Greek patients with RA (n = 335) and SLE (n = 191) treated with HCQ, 400 of whom had completed at least 6 years of treatment. METHODS: Ophthalmologic evaluation was performed every 6 months from 1985 to 1995, and yearly thereafter. This consisted of best-corrected visual acuity, color vision testing, static central visual field testing, fundoscopy, electroretinography, and fluorescein angiography, when indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fundus lesions attributed to HCQ. RESULTS: No HCQ retinal toxicity was noted in any of the 526 patients during the first 6 years of treatment. Two (3.4%) of the first 58 long-term (>6 years) treated patients developed HCQ-related maculopathy at 8 and 6.5 years of treatment, despite regular ophthalmologic evaluation. On follow-up 7 and 9 years after cessation of HCQ treatment, both patients had stable eye disease. No HCQ retinal toxicity was observed in the subsequent 342 patients who were treated for >6 years. Overall, the incidence of HCQ-related retinopathy in 400 patients who were treated with recommended dosages of the drug for a mean of 8.7 years was reduced to 0.5%. CONCLUSIONS: After a baseline ophthalmic examination to confirm the absence of preexisting fundus pathology, patients with normal renal function may receive HCQ at a maximal daily dosage of 6.5 mg/kg and continue safely for 6 years. However, annual screening is recommended in patients who have taken the drug, even in recommended doses, for >6 years.