Comprehensive mass spectrometry lipidomics of human biofluids and ocular tissues.

Evaluating lipid profiles in human tissues and biofluids is critical in identifying lipid metabolites in dysregulated metabolic pathways. Due to various chemical characteristics, single-run lipid analysis has not yet been documented. Such approach is essential for analyzing pathology-related lipid metabolites. Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in western countries, is emblematic of this limitation. Several studies have identified alterations in individual lipids but the majority are based on targeted approaches. In this study, we analyzed and identified approximately 500 lipid species in human biofluids (plasma and erythrocytes) and ocular tissues (retina and retinal pigment epithelium) using the complementarity of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed-phase chromatography (RPC), coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. For that, lipids were extracted from human eye globes and blood from 10 subjects and lipidomic analysis was carried out through analysis in HILIC and RPC, alternately. Furthermore, we illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques for lipid characterization. RPC showed greater sensitivity in hydrophobicity-based lipid separation, detecting diglycerides, triglycerides, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters, whereas no signal of these molecules was obtained in HILIC. However, due to coelution, RPC was less effective in separating polar lipids like phospholipids, which were separated effectively in HILIC in both ionization modes. The complementary nature of these analytical approaches was essential for the detection and identification of lipid classes/subclasses, which can then provide distinct insights into lipid metabolism, a determinant of the pathophysiology of several diseases involving lipids, notably age-related macular degeneration.

Surgery, Tissue Plasminogen Activator, Antiangiogenic Agents, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial for Submacular Hemorrhage Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and the safety of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) management using either surgical pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or pneumatic displacement (PD) with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor added to each arm. DESIGN: Randomized, open-label, multicenter superiority study. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) 50 years of age or older with recent SMH (≤ 14 days) of more than 2 optic disc areas and predominantly overlying the retinal pigment epithelium. METHODS: Patients were assigned randomly to surgery (PPV, subretinal tPA [maximum, 0.5 ml/50 µg], and 20% sulfur hexafluoride [SF6] tamponade) or PD (0.05 ml intravitreal tPA [50 µg] and 0.3 ml intravitreal pure SF6). Both groups were asked to maintain a head upright position with the face forward at 45° for 3 days after intervention and received 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab at the end of the intervention, at months 1 and 2, as the loading phase, and then on a pro re nata regimen during a 6-month follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy endpoint was mean best-corrected visual acuity (VA) change at month 3. The secondary endpoints were mean VA change at month 6, 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire composite score value at months 3 and 6, number of anti-VEGF injections, and complications during the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients randomized, 78 patients (86.7%) completed the 3-month efficacy endpoint visit. The mean VA change from baseline to month 3 in the surgery group (+16.8 letters [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.7-24.9 letters]) was not significantly superior to that in the PD group (+16.4 letters [95% CI, 7.1-25.7 letters]; adjusted difference ß, 1.9 [-11.0; 14.9]; P = 0.767). Both groups achieved similar secondary outcomes at month 6. No unexpected ocular safety concerns were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery did not yield superior visual gain nor additional benefit for SMH secondary to nAMD compared with PD at 3 months, with intravitreal anti-VEGF added to each arm. Both treatment strategies lead to a clinical improvement of VA without safety concerns for SMH over 6 months. Both design and results of the trial cannot be used to establish equivalence between treatments. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Diabetic retinopathy in the pediatric population: Pathophysiology, screening, current and future treatments.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The incidence of DR in the pediatric population has increased in the last two decades and it is expected to further rise in the future, following the increase in DM prevalence and obesity in youth. As early stages of the retinal disease are asymptomatic, screening programs are of extreme importance to guarantee a prompt diagnosis and avoid progression to more advanced, sight threatening stages. The management of DR comprises a wide range of actions starting from glycemic control, continuing with systemic and local medical treatments, up to para-surgical and surgical approaches to deal with the more aggressive complications. In this review we will describe the pathophysiology of DR trying to understand all the possible targets for currently available or future treatments. We will briefly consider the impact of screening techniques, screening strategies and their social and economic impact. Finally a large part of the review will be dedicated to medical and surgical treatments for DR including both currently available and under development therapies. Most of the available data in the literature on DR are focused on the adult population. The aim of our work is to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive overview of the state of the art regarding DR in the pediatric population, considering the increasing numbers of this diseases in youth and the inevitable consequences that such a chronic disease could have if poorly managed in children.

Study protocol of OmegaROP-2 prospective study: expression of placental fatty acid receptors in preterm newborns with retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete vascularization of the retina in preterm infants carries a risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Progress in neonatal resuscitation in developing countries has led to the survival of an increasing number of premature infants, resulting in an increased rate of ROP and consequently in visual disability. Strategies to reduce ROP involve optimizing oxygen saturation, nutrition, and normalizing factors such as insulin-like growth factor 1 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Our previous study, OmegaROP, showed that there is an accumulation or retention of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in mothers of infants developing ROP, suggesting abnormalities in the LC-PUFA placental transfer via fatty acid transporting proteins. The present study aims to better understand the LC-PUFA transport dysfunction in the fetoplacental unit during pregnancy and to find a novel target for the prevention of ROP development. METHODS: The study protocol is designed to evaluate the correlation between the expression level of placental fatty acid receptors and ROP occurrence. This ongoing study will include 100 mother-infant dyads: mother-infant dyads born before 29 weeks of gestational age (GA) and mother-infant dyads with full-term pregnancies. Recruitment is planned over a period of 46 months. Maternal and cord blood samples as well as placental tissue samples will be taken following delivery. ROP screening will be performed using wide-field camera imaging according to the International Classification of ROP consensus statement. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will have a tangible impact on public health. Indeed, if we show a correlation between the expression level of placental omega-3 receptors and the occurrence of ROP, it would be an essential step in discovering novel pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this retinopathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04819893.

The gut microbiota in retinal diseases.

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract and consists of archaea, fungi, viruses, and bacteria, with bacteria being dominant. From birth onwards, it coevolves dynamically together with the host. The composition of the gut microbiota is under the influence of a complex interplay between both host and environmental factors. Scientific advances in the past few decades have shown that it is essential in maintaining homeostasis and tipping the balance between health and disease. In addition to its role in food digestion, the gut microbiota is implicated in regulating multiple physiological processes in the host gut mucosa and in distant organs such as the brain. Persistent imbalance between gut microbial communities, termed "dysbiosis," has been associated with several inflammatory and metabolic diseases as well as with central nervous system disorders. In this review, we present the state of the art of current knowledge on an emerging concept, the microbiota-retina axis, and the potential role of its disturbance in the development of retinopathies. We also describe several microbiota-targeting strategies that could constitute preventive and therapeutic tools for retinopathies.

THREE-YEAR TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF AFLIBERCEPT VERSUS RANIBIZUMAB FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA: Data from the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry.

PURPOSE: Compare the 3-year outcomes of ranibizumab versus aflibercept in eyes with diabetic macular edema in daily practice. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of naive diabetic macular edema eyes starting intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (0.5 mg) or aflibercept (2 mg) from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017 that were collected in the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry. RESULTS: We identified 534 eyes (ranibizumab-267 and aflibercept-267) of 402 patients. The adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) visual acuity change of +1.3 (-0.1 to 4.2) letters in the ranibizumab group and +2.4 (-0.2 to 5.1) letters (P = 0.001) in the aflibercept group at 3 years was not clinically different. However, the adjusted mean CST change seemed to remain significantly different throughout the 3-year period with higher reductions in favor of aflibercept (-87.8 [-108.3 to -67.4] µm for ranibizumab vs. -114.4 [-134.4 to -94.3] for aflibercept; P < 0.01). When baseline visual impairment was moderate (visual acuity ≤68 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters), we found a faster improvement in visual acuity in eyes treated with aflibercept up until 18 months of treatment than eyes treated with ranibizumab, which then stayed similar until 36 months of treatment, whereas there was no apparent difference when baseline visual impairment was mild (visual acuity ≥69 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters). The rate of serious adverse events was low. CONCLUSION: Aflibercept and ranibizumab were both effective and safe for diabetic macular edema over 3 years.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in Giant Cell Arteritis.

This study aimed to assess the implication of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in GCA. Blood samples were obtained from 34 GCA patients (before and after 3 months of treatment with glucocorticoids (GC) alone) and compared with 20 controls aged >50 years. MAIT cells, defined by a CD3+CD4-TCRγδ-TCRVα7.2+CD161+ phenotype, were analyzed by flow cytometry. After sorting, we assessed the ability of MAIT cells to proliferate and produce cytokines after stimulation with anti CD3/CD28 microbeads or IL-12 and IL-18. MAIT were stained in temporal artery biopsies (TAB) by confocal microscopy. MAIT cells were found in the arterial wall of positive TABs but was absent in negative TAB. MAIT frequency among total αß-T cells was similar in the blood of patients and controls (0.52 vs. 0.57%; P = 0.43) and not modified after GC treatment (P = 0.82). Expression of IFN-γ was increased in MAIT cells from GCA patients compared to controls (44.49 vs. 32.9%; P = 0.029), and not modified after 3 months of GC therapy (P = 0.82). When they were stimulated with IL-12 and IL-18, MAIT from GCA patients produced very high levels of IFN-γ and displayed a stronger proliferation compared with MAIT from controls (proliferation index 3.39 vs. 1.4; P = 0.032). In GCA, the functional characteristics of MAIT cells are modified toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype and a stronger proliferation capability in response to IL-12 and IL-18, suggesting that MAIT might play a role in GCA pathogenesis. Our results support the use of treatments targeting IL-12/IL-18 to inhibit the IFN-γ pathway in GCA.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANATOMICAL AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION TREATED WITH ANTIVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR.

PURPOSE: Assess the relationship between subretinal fluid (SRFL), intraretinal fluid, and visual outcomes of neovascular age-related degeneration in routine clinical practice. METHODS: Treatment-naive eyes enrolled in the Fight Retinal Blindness! registry after January 2017 were identified. Lesion activity was graded at each visit as inactive, active not SRFL only (A-NSRFL only), or active SRFL only (A-SRFL only). Eyes were grouped based on initial activity as follows: 1) initially A-NSRFL only or 2) initially A-SRFL only, and their predominant activity status over 12 months was as follows: 1) mostly inactive, 2) mostly A-NSRFL only, or 3) mostly A-SRFL only. RESULTS: Seven hundred and three eyes were eligible for analysis. Initially A-NSRFL only had a similar adjusted mean 12-month visual acuity change to initially A-SRFL eyes (5.7 vs. 6.9 letters; P = 0.165), but their final visual acuity was worse (62.5 vs. 67.5 letters at 12 months; P = 0.003). The adjusted mean 12-month visual acuity change between the predominant activity groups was significantly different (P = 0.005), with mostly inactive (7.6 letters) and mostly A-SRFL only (7.5 letters) eyes gaining more than mostly A-NSRFL only eyes (3.6 letters). CONCLUSION: Eyes with SRFL only had similar outcomes at 1 year to eyes that were mostly inactive. Intraretinal fluid was associated with worse visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between intraretinal fluid and SRFL when managing neovascular age-related degeneration.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF VITREOMACULAR INTERFACE ABNORMALITIES USING MACULAR SPECTRAL-DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN AN ELDERLY POPULATION (THE MONTRACHET STUDY).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of vitreomacular interface abnormalities (VMIAs) and to identify associated factors in an elderly population in Europe. METHODS: The MONTRACHET (Maculopathy Optic Nerve nuTRition neurovAsCular and HEarT diseases) Study is a population-based study, conducted in subjects older than 75 years. Vitreomacular adhesions, vitreomacular tractions, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and macular cysts were assessed on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography examinations. The prevalence of VMIAs was estimated. We studied the association of demographic and clinical factors with VMIAs. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 82.3 (SD, 3.8) years, and 37.3% were men. The prevalence rates of VMIAs were vitreomacular adhesions (17.7%), vitreomacular tractions (1.4%), lamellar macular holes (1.0%), full-thickness macular holes (0.2%), macular pseudoholes (0.4%), epiretinal membranes (38.9%), and macular cysts (5.8%). In multivariate analysis, vitreomacular adhesions were positively associated with male sex (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with older age (P < 0.001) and cataract extraction (P < 0.001). Epiretinal membranes were positively associated with older age (P < 0.001) and cataract extraction (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VMIAs based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography analysis was high in subjects older than 75 years.

Plasma fatty acids and primary open-angle glaucoma in the elderly: the Montrachet population-based study.

BACKGROUND: To compare plasma fatty acids (FAs) between participants with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and participants without neuropathy in an elderly population and to investigate specific FAs pattern in POAG. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study in participants older than 75 years. Participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination with optic nerve photographs, visual field test and optic nerve OCT with RNFL thickness measurement. Glaucomatous status was defined according to the International Society for Epidemiologic and Geographical Ophthalmology classification. Lipids were extracted from plasma and FAs methylesters prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Among the 1153 participants of the Montrachet study 810 were retained for analysis and 68 had POAG. The mean age was 82.11 ± 3.67. In multivariable analysis FAs levels were not different between POAG participants and controls (P = 0.078). A FAs pattern characterized by high negative weight of gamma-linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), Cis-7 hexadecenoic acid monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) and high positive weight of eicosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic n-6, alpha linoleic acid PUFAs, eicosenoic acid MUFAs, margaric acid and behenic acid saturated FAs was positively associated with POAG. After adjustment for major confounders, individuals in the upper tertile of FAs pattern scores compared with those in the lower tertile were more likely to present POAG (OR = 3.09 [95% CI 1.29-7.40] P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference regarding isolated plasma FAs between participants with POAG and participants without neuropathy in elderly but specific FAs pattern might be associated with POAG.

Ranibizumab or Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema: Comparison of 1-Year Outcomes from the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry.

PURPOSE: Both ranibizumab and aflibercept improved vision and decreased macular thickness in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) in clinical trials. This study compared the 12-month treatment outcomes of each drug in routine clinical practice. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data from the prospectively designed observational Fight Retinal Blindness! registry. PARTICIPANTS: Treatment-naive eyes tracked in the registry that initiated treatment with either ranibizumab (0.5 mg) or aflibercept (2 mg) for DME from December 1, 2013, through June 1, 2018. METHODS: Visual acuity (VA) was analyzed at 12 months in all eyes (completers, noncompleters, and eyes that switched treatment). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the mean change in VA from baseline to 12 months. RESULTS: We identified 383 eyes (ranibizumab, n = 166 eyes; aflibercept, n = 217 eyes) of 291 patients. Eyes receiving aflibercept showed a lower mean VA (mean difference, -3.1 letters) and a thicker maculae (mean difference, +26 µm) at baseline than those receiving ranibizumab, which were not significantly different. Patients receiving ranibizumab were older (mean difference, +2.7 years). The adjusted mean difference in VA change and central subfield thickness (CST) reduction were, respectively, +1 letter (1.4 letters for aflibercept vs. 0.4 letter for ranibizumab; P = 0.4) and -30 µm (-85 vs. -55 µm; P < 0.01) in eyes with initial VA of 20/40 or better and +3 letters (10.6 vs. 7.6 letters; P < 0.01) and -46 µm (-148 vs. -102 µm; P < 0.02) in those with VA of 20/50 or worse. Eyes in the aflibercept group received more median injections over 12 months than the ranibizumab group although this difference was not significant (8 vs. 6 injections; P = 0.13). Treatment switches, albeit low, were more frequent from ranibizumab to aflibercept than vice versa. Significantly more eyes in the aflibercept group were lost to follow-up within 12 months (21% vs. 9% ranibizumab; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both drugs were beneficial for DME. Aflibercept-treated eyes, which had borderline worse vision and thicker maculae at baseline, showed larger CST reductions after 12 months of treatment. Larger VA gains were observed with aflibercept treatment when the initial VA was 20/50 or worse.

UNDERDIAGNOSED OPTIC DISK PIT MACULOPATHY: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Features For Accurate Diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To report a cohort with optic disk pit maculopathy (ODPM) presenting with neurosensory macular detachment that were initially misdiagnosed and mistreated; and to describe structural features on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in misdiagnosed and all other consecutive cases of ODPM. METHODS: Multicenter international retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: 59 eyes from 59 patients with ODPM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 1) Proportion of patients with ODPM initially misdiagnosed, inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. 2) Morphologic features on spectral domain optical coherence tomography: other causes of subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid, inner/outer retinoschisis, communication with optic disk pit, and retinal pigment epithelium alterations. 3) Visual and anatomical outcomes 6 months after proper treatment. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (25.4%) with ODPM were correctly diagnosed initially and those were significantly younger than misdiagnosed cases (age 33.8 ± 15.2 vs. 58.7 ± 15.8 years, P < 0.0001). Forty of forty-four misdiagnosed eyes (90.9%) were treated for their presumed diagnosis before referral. Eyes with initial misdiagnosis had significantly more outer retinoschisis at baseline (88.4 vs. 40.0%, P = 0.0002) and more retinal pigment epithelium alterations (90.0 vs. 27.3%, P < 0.0001) 6 months after proper treatment. CONCLUSION: Optic disk pit maculopathy is an underdiagnosed entity and can mimic other causes for subretinal fluid. Awareness and identification of pertinent spectral domain optical coherence tomography features can help avoid inappropriate and delayed treatment.

Causative Pathogens of Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection: An International Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to investigate the microbiological spectrum of endophthalmitis after anti-VEGF injections and to compare streptococcal with non-streptococcus-associated cases with regard to baseline characteristics and injection procedure. METHODS: Retrospective, international multicenter study of patients with culture-positive endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection at 17 different retina referral centers. RESULTS: Eighty-three cases with 87 identified pathogens were included. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (59%) and viridans streptococci (15%) were the most frequent pathogens found. The use of postoperative antibiotics and performance of injections in an operating room setting significantly reduced the rate of streptococcus-induced endophthalmitis cases (p = 0.01 for both). CONCLUSION: We found a statistically significant lower rate of postinjectional local antibiotic therapy and operating room-based procedures among the streptococcus-induced cases compared to cases caused by other organisms.

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in vitreoretinal surgery: a prospective multicenter study involving 804 patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the rate of hemorrhagic complications after vitreoretinal surgery and the influence of antithrombotic agents. METHODS: Hemorrhagic complications of vitreoretinal procedures performed in seven ophthalmologic centers on patients treated or not treated with antiplatelet (AP) or anticoagulant (AC) agents were prospectively collected. Patients' characteristics, surgical techniques, and complications were recorded during surgery and for 1 month after. RESULTS: Eight hundred four procedures were performed between January 2015 and April 2015. Among them, 18.4% were treated with AP agents (n = 148) and 7.8% with AC agents (n = 63), with 18 of them treated with NOACS (new oral anticoagulants). AP or AC agents were continued in 96.5% and 80.7% of cases, respectively. Fifty-three patients (6.6%) developed one or more hemorrhagic complications in one eye during this period. In univariate analysis, AC agents were not associated with hemorrhagic complications (P = 0.329) in contrast to AP (P = 0.005). However, in multivariate analysis, AP agents were no longer associated with hemorrhagic complications and the intraoperative use of endodiathermy was the only factor associated with hemorrhagic complications (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that AP and AC agents were not a factor associated with hemorrhagic complications during vitreoretinal surgery. The continuation of these treatments should be considered without risk of severe hemorrhagic complications.

Oestrus ovis external ophtalmomyiasis: a case report in Burgundy France.

BACKGROUND: External ophtalmomyiasis (EOM) is a zoonosis related to the presence of Oestrus ovis larvae at the ocular level in small ruminants (i.e. ovine, caprine). In humans, EOM is a rare cosmopolitan disorder, mostly described in warm and dry rural areas in patients living close to livestock areas. In metropolitan France (excluding Corsica), EOM is an exceptional disease with less than 25 cases recorded since 1917. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of EOM in a 19-years old man in the last week of September 2016 in Burgundy. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of an EOM in Burgundy, a French region described as cold and humid, is surprising and could be due to a more marked climatic warming during the vegetative season in Burgundy resulting in the implantation of Diptera of the genus Oestrus sp. in this region.

Initial response and 12-month outcomes after commencing dexamethasone or vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors for retinal vein occlusion in the FRB registry.

To compare baseline characteristics, initial response and 12-month efficacy and safety outcomes in eyes with branch and central retinal vein occlusion (BRVO and CRVO) treated with dexamethasone implants (DEX) or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) we performed a multi-centre, retrospective and observational study using Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry. Of 725 eligible eyes, 10% received DEX initially with very frequent adjunctive anti-VEGF (BRVO-DEX 49%, CRVO-DEX 60%). The primary outcome of mean adjusted change in VA at 12 months with DEX and anti-VEGF initiated groups were not statistically significantly different (BRVO: DEX + 6.7, anti-VEGF + 10.6 letters; CRVO: DEX + 2.8, anti-VEGF + 6.8 letters). DEX initiated eyes had fewer injections and visits than anti-VEGF initiated eyes. The BRVO-DEX eyes had greater initial mean changes in VA and central subfield thickness (CST) and achieved inactivity sooner than BRVO-anti-VEGF eyes. The mean CST after the first three months was above 350 µm in all but the BRVO-anti-VEGF group, suggesting undertreatment. In routine care DEX is uncommonly used when available as initial treatment of BRVO and CRVO requiring supplemental anti-VEGF within the first year. The 12-month outcomes were similar, but DEX initiated eyes had fewer injections and visits but more episodes of raised IOP Vs those starting anti-VEGF.

Two-year outcomes of Xen 45 gel stent implantation in patients with open-angle glaucoma: real-world data from the Fight Glaucoma Blindness registry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety outcomes of the Xen 45 gel stent implant over 24 months of follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Fight Glaucoma Blindness observational registry. Complete success (CS) was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction ≥20% from preoperative and an IOP ≤18 mm Hg and ≥6 mm Hg with no secondary procedure at 2 years and without IOP-lowering medications. Qualified success (QS) was defined similarly, allowing the use of IOP-lowering medications. RESULTS: The Xen 45 gel stent implant was implanted in 646 eyes of 515 patients. Preoperative IOP was 21.4±7.6 (mean±SD) mm Hg on 2.7±1.3 IOP-lowering medication and mean deviation was -10.2±8.4 dB. After 24-month follow-up, IOP was 16.8±7.3 mm Hg (mean reduction of 21.7%) on 1.2±1.4 IOP-lowering medications. CS and QS rates at 24 months were 26% and 48%, respectively. CS and QS were higher in the Xen stand-alone group (33% and 52%, respectively) than in the Xen+cataract group (16% and 42%, respectively). Bleb needling was performed in 28.4% of cases, and 18% underwent a secondary procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The Xen 45 gel stent implant offers acceptable long-term efficacy for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. However, there is a significant rate of reoperation and needling, and outcomes are less effective if combined with cataract surgery.

Three-Year Outcomes of VEGF Inhibitors in Naive Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: Fight Retinal Blindness!

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3-year outcomes of VEGF inhibitors in the treatment of cystoid macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in an international multicenter cohort of eyes. DESIGN: Multicenter, international, BRVO database study. SUBJECTS: Seven hundred forty-seven patients (760 eyes) undergoing intravitreal therapy for BRVO for 3 years in a multicenter international setting. METHODS: Demographics, visual acuity (VA) in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution letters, central subfield thickness (CST), treatments, number of injections, and visits data was collected using a validated web-based tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity gain at 3 years in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution letters. Secondary outcome measures included anatomical results, treatment pattern, and percentage of completers. A subgroup analysis by study drug was conducted for clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Mean adjusted VA change was +11 letters (95% confidence interval 9-13), mean adjusted change in CST was -176 µm (-193, -159). Median number of injections/visits was 16 of 24 at 3 years of follow-up. Most eyes received VEGF inhibitors exclusively (89%, n = 677) and as a monotherapy in 71% (n = 538). Few eyes were switched to steroids (11%, n = 83). Suspensions in treatment >180 days occurred in 26% of study eyes. Aflibercept showed greater CST reductions (-147 vs. -128 vs. -114 µm; P < 0.001) and significantly lower switching rates (14% vs. 38% vs. 33%; P < 0.001) compared with ranibizumab and bevacizumab, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This international study of 3-year BRVO outcomes after starting treatment with VEGF inhibitors found adequate visual and anatomical results in routine clinical care. Visual outcomes were similar among the different initiating VEGF inhibitors, although eyes starting with aflibercept had better anatomical outcomes and a lower switching rate. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

European Unmet Needs in the Management of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Daily Practice: Data from the Fight Retinal Blindness! Registry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the proportion, predictors, and outcomes of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with a high burden of VEGF inhibitor intravitreal (IVT) injections after 2 years in routine clinical practice. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data from a prospectively designed observational outcomes registry, the Fight Retinal Blindness! Project, of patients treated in European centers. PARTICIPANTS: Treatment-naïve eyes (1 eye per patient) starting VEGF inhibitors for nAMD from January 2017 to March 2020 with 24 months of follow-up. We analyzed the following 3 treatment-burden groups defined by the mean interval of the 3 closest injections to the 24-month visit: (1) those with a high-treatment burden had injection intervals ≤ 42 days, (2) those with a low-treatment burden had injection intervals between 43 and 83 days; and (3) those with tolerable treatment burden had injection intervals between 84 and 365 days. METHODS: Multinomial regression was used to evaluate baseline risk predictors of patients requiring a high-treatment burden. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportion of patients that experienced a high-treatment burden at 2 years and its predictors. RESULTS: We identified 2038 eligible patients completing 2 years of treatment (2038/3943 patients [60%]) with a median (quartile 1, quartile 3) of 13 (10, 17) injections. The proportion of patients with a high-treatment burden was 25% (516 patients) at 2 years. Younger patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-0.99; P < 0.01) were more likely to have high-treatment burden, whereas eyes with type 3 choroidal neovascular lesions at baseline were significantly less likely (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.13-0.52; P < 0.01). Regarding type of fluid, patients with subretinal fluid only at baseline (OR, 3.85; 95% CI, 1.34-11.01; P = 0.01) and persistent active intraretinal (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.18-2.06; P < 0.01) or subretinal fluid only (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.52-3.21; P < 0.01) after the loading phase had a higher risk of high treatment burden at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: High treatment burden is a common issue in routine clinical practice in Europe, with a quarter of patients requiring injections of conventional VEGF inhibitors every 6 weeks at 2 years and 40% discontinuing treatment within 2 years. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.