Comparison of the safety and efficacy of Mitomycin C 0.02% used intra-operatively by subconjunctival injection versus direct scleral application using sponges in phacotrabeculectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of subconjunctival injection (MMC: 0.02%) to those with subconjunctival application of sponges soaked in Mitomycin C (MMC: 0.02%) intra-operatively in patients who underwent phacotrabeculectomy. METHODS: A total of 68 patients undergoing phacotrabeculectomy were randomized into two groups; the sponge group received 0.02% MMC-soaked sponges (n = 38), and the injection group received subconjunctival injection of 0.02% MMC (n = 30). The primary outcome was post-operative mean intra-ocular pressure reduction (IOP). The secondary outcomes were bleb morphology using Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Score (IBAGS) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), post-operative use of 5-fluorouracil, and complications rates. These were compared at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. Complete success was defined as ≥30% reduction in IOP without anti-glaucoma medications. RESULTS: In sponge and injection groups, the mean pre-operative IOP was 29.1 ± 8.1 and 29.8 ± 8.8 mmHg, respectively. At 6 months, IOP in sponge and injection groups reduced by 52% (14 ± 3.6 mmHg, P < 0.001) and 50% (15.2 ± 4.1 mmHg, P < 0.001), respectively. Complete success was observed in 90.9% in the sponge group and 95.83% in the injection group. Both groups had diffuse, shallow, relatively avascular blebs at 6 months using IBAGS and AS-OCT. A few complications were seen in the sponge group during this period, which were not vision-threatening. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival MMC injection is an effective, safe, convenient, and time-saving alternative to sponge-soaked delivery of MMC in phacotrabeculectomy.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for neovascular glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a potentially blinding, secondary glaucoma. It is caused by the formation of abnormal new blood vessels, which prevent normal drainage of aqueous from the anterior segment of the eye. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications are specific inhibitors of the primary mediators of neovascularization. Studies have reported the effectiveness of anti-VEGF medications for the control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in NVG. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of intraocular anti-VEGF medications, alone or with one or more type of conventional therapy, compared with no anti-VEGF medications for the treatment of NVG. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register); MEDLINE; Embase; PubMed; and LILACS to 22 March 2019; metaRegister of Controlled Trials to 13 August 2013; and two additional trial registers to 22 March 2019. We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of people treated with anti-VEGF medications for NVG. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed the search results for trials, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias, and the certainty of the evidence. We resolved discrepancies through discussion. MAIN RESULTS: We included four RCTs (263 participants) and identified one ongoing RCT. Each trial was conducted in a different country: China, Brazil, Egypt, and Japan. We assessed the trials to have an unclear risk of bias for most domains due to insufficient information. Two trials compared intravitreal bevacizumab combined with Ahmed valve implantation and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) with Ahmed valve implantation and PRP. We did not combine these two trials due to substantial clinical and statistical heterogeneity. One trial randomised participants to receive an injection of either an intravitreal anti-VEGF medication or placebo at the first visit, followed by non-randomised treatment according to clinical findings after one week. The last trial randomised participants to PRP with and without ranibizumab, but details of the study were unavailable for further analysis. Two trials that examined IOP showed inconsistent results. One found inconclusive results for mean IOP between participants who received anti-VEGF medications and those who did not, at one month (mean difference [MD] -1.60 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.98 to 1.78; 40 participants), and at one year (MD 1.40 mmHg, 95% CI -4.04 to 6.84; 30 participants). Sixty-five percent of the participants with anti-VEGF medications achieved IOP ≤ 21 mmHg, versus 60% without anti-VEGF medications. In another trial, those who received anti-VEGF medications were more likely to reduce their IOP than those who did not receive them, at one month (MD -6.50 mmHg, 95% CI -7.93 to -5.07; 40 participants), and at one year (MD -12.00 mmHg, 95% CI -16.79 to -7.21; 40 participants). Ninety-five percent of the participants with anti-VEGF medications achieved IOP ≤ 21 mmHg, versus 50% without anti-VEGF medications. The certainty of a body of evidence was low for this outcome due to limitations in the design and inconsistency of results between studies. Post-operative complications included anterior chamber bleeding (3 eyes) and conjunctival hemorrhage (2 participants) in the anti-VEGF medications group, and retinal detachment and phthisis bulbi (1 participant each) in the control group. The certainty of evidence is low due to imprecision of results and indirectness of evidence. No trial reported the proportion of participants with improvement in visual acuity, proportion of participants with complete regression of new iris vessels, or the proportion of participants with relief of pain and resolution of redness at four- to six-week, or one-year follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Currently available evidence is uncertain regarding the long-term effectiveness of anti-VEGF medications, such as intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab or aflibercept, as an adjunct to conventional treatment in lowering IOP in NVG. More research is needed to investigate the long-term effect of these medications compared with, or in addition to, conventional surgical or medical treatment in lowering IOP in NVG.

Comparison of a single intraoperative posterior sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection versus topical steroids for treatment of postcataract surgery inflammation in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of a single intraoperative posterior sub-Tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection with postoperative topical steroids in controlling intraocular inflammation in uncomplicated pediatric cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective comparative study of children (<13 years of age) undergoing cataract surgery in a tertiary care eye center in South India. Preoperative evaluation was similar in both groups. The surgical procedure was the same for both groups except at the end of surgery only Group 1 (right eye of bilateral cataracts and all unilateral cataracts) received intraoperative 0.5 ml (40 mg/ml) posterior sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Postoperatively, Group 1 was administered only topical antibiotic and Group 2 was put on topical antibiotic, mydriatic, and steroids. Intraocular inflammation and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed clinically on day 1, 1st week, 1st month, and 3 months, postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 30 eyes were included in the study. Age ranged between 1 month and 132 months, with 18 eyes included in Group 1 and 12 eyes in Group 2. The mean postoperative IOP at the 3 months follow-up was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.4). The presence of intraocular lens had no role in postoperative inflammation (P = 1). Group 2 showed more anterior segment inflammation with six eyes (50%) developing posterior synechiae and distortion of the pupil 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In pediatric cataracts, a single intraoperative sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide appears to be safe and effective in controlling postcataract surgery inflammation.

Does the ISNT Rule Apply to the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer?

PURPOSE: To determine whether the ISNT rule (Inferior>Superior>Nasal>Temporal) or the "IST" rule (Inferior>Superior>Temporal) can be applied to the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness as measured using Heidelberg Retinal Tomography (HRT) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 189 normal and 42 glaucomatous eyes. RNFL thicknesses measured in different quadrants using HRT and OCT were compared to determine the percentage of eyes obeying the ISNT and IST rule. RESULTS: The HRT-measured mean RNFL thickness in normal eyes showed that 25.9% obeyed the ISNT rule and 70.4% conformed to the "IST" rule. The "IST" rule was able to identify normal eyes better (P=0.040), but had a poor sensitivity (45%) and specificity (70%) to diagnose glaucoma. The OCT-measured average RNFL thickness showed that 47.1% of normal eyes obeyed the ISNT rule and 58.7% conformed to the "IST" rule. Exclusion of the nasal sector also increased the number of glaucomatous eyes conforming to the IST rule (31% obeyed the ISNT rule and 50% obeyed the IST rule). Sensitivities and specificities of the ISNT and the IST rules for OCT-quantified RNFL ranged from 42% to 77%. CONCLUSIONS: A larger number of normal eyes obeyed the IST rule compared with the ISNT rule for the RNFL thickness measured by HRT and OCT. Exclusion of the nasal sector from the analysis (IST rule) marginally improved the specificity in diagnosing glaucoma at the cost of the sensitivity, making neither of these parameters (ISNT and IST) likely to be useful clinically.

Strabismus surgery before versus after completion of amblyopia therapy in children.

BACKGROUND: Normal visual development occurs when the brain is able to integrate the visual input from each of the two eyes to form a single three-dimensional image. The process of development of complete three-dimensional vision begins at birth and is almost complete by 24 months of age. The development of this binocular vision is hindered by any abnormality that prevents the brain from receiving a clear, similar image from each eye, due to decreased vision (e.g. amblyopia), or due to misalignment of the two eyes (strabismus or squint) in infancy and early childhood. Currently, practice patterns for management of a child with both strabismus and amblyopia are not standardized. OBJECTIVES: To study the functional and anatomic (ocular alignment) outcomes of strabismus surgery before completion of amblyopia therapy as compared with surgery after completion of amblyopia therapy in children under seven years of age. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2014, Issue 6), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to July 2014), EMBASE (January 1980 to July 2014), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (January 1982 to July 2014), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 24 July 2014. A manual search for articles from a review of the references of the selected publications and conference abstracts was completed to identify any additional relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided data on strabismus surgery in children less than seven years of age, performed after initiation of, but before completion of amblyopia therapy, as compared with strabismus surgery after completion of amblyopia therapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed studies identified from the electronic and manual searches. MAIN RESULTS: There were no RCTs that fit our inclusion criteria and so no analysis was possible. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: As there are no RCTs currently available and the best existing evidence is only from non-randomized studies, there is a need for prospective RCTs to investigate strabismus surgery in the presence of strabismic amblyopia. The optimal timing of when to perform strabismus surgery in children with amblyopia is unknown.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for neovascular glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a potentially blinding secondary glaucoma. It is caused by the formation of abnormal new blood vessels which prevent normal drainage of aqueous from the anterior segment of the eye. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are specific inhibitors of the primary mediators of neovascularization. Studies have reported the effectiveness of anti-VEGFs for the control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in NVG. OBJECTIVES: To compare the IOP lowering effects of intraocular anti-VEGF agents to no anti-VEGF treatment, as an adjunct to existing modalities for the treatment of NVG. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 12), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE, (January 1950 to January 2013), EMBASE (January 1980 to January 2013), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) (January 1982 to January 2013), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov/) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 11 January 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of people treated with anti-VEGF agents for NVG. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed the search results for trials to be included in the review. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion with a third author. Since no trial met our inclusion criteria, no assessment of risk of bias or meta-analysis was undertaken. MAIN RESULTS: No RCTs were found that met the inclusion criteria for this review. Two RCTs of anti-VEGF agents for treating NVG were not included in the review due to the heterogeneity and uncontrolled assignment of adjunct treatments received by the study participants. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Currently available evidence is insufficient to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-VEGF treatments, such as intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab, as an adjunct to conventional treatment in lowering IOP in NVG. Well designed RCTs are needed to address this issue, particularly trials that evaluate long-term (at least six months) benefits and risks since the effects of anti-VEGF agents may be short-term only. An RCT comparing anti-VEGF agents with no anti-VEGF agents taking into account the need for co-interventions, such as panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), glaucoma shunt procedures, cyclodestructive procedures, cataract surgery, and deep vitrectomy, could be of use to investigate the additional beneficial effect of anti-VEGF agents in treating NVG. Since decisions for when and which co-interventions should be used are based on clinical criteria, they would not be appropriate for randomization. However, the design of a study on this topic should aim to balance groups by stratification of co-intervention at time of randomization or by enrolling a sufficient number of participants to conduct subgroup analysis by co-interventions (ideally 15 participants per treatment group for each subgroup). Alternatively, the inclusion criteria for a trial could limit participants to those who receive the same co-intervention.

Ocular clinical profile of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome in a tertiary eye care center in South India.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical profile of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome in a hospital setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series of patients with PEX, with and without glaucoma attending the general ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary care center in South India. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation including recording diurnal variation of tension (DVT), gonioscopy and visual field assessment. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 529 patients (752 eyes). There were 296 (56%) females. The highest number of patients (261 patients) was from the age group between 60 and 69 years. Of 752 eyes, 57.8% eyes had unilateral PEX and 72% had established PEX. Gonioscopy showed open angles in 98.1% of eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 mmHg in at least 1 of 4 measurements was recorded in 5.7% eyes. DVT was normal in 96.4% of unilateral PEX eyes, similar to fellow non-PEX eyes. Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma occurred in 1.9% of eyes and 4.7% of eyes were glaucoma suspects. There was no correlation between the stage of PEX and increased IOP. Mean central corneal thickness of PEX eyes was 522 ± 27µ. Pupillary dilatation in 90.5% eyes with early PEX was ≥ 7 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A small percentage of PEX eyes had raised IOP, and the number of eyes with glaucomatous optic neuropathy was even lower. PEX eyes did not demonstrate wide fluctuations in IOP. No correlation was found between raised IOP and stage of PEX. There was good pupillary dilatation in early stage PEX eyes suggesting that all PEX eyes may not have poor pupillary dilatation and related complications.

Posttraumatic subgaleal and orbital hematoma due to factor XIII deficiency.

The authors report on a 6-year-old boy who presented with a tense subgaleal hematoma and proptosis 2 weeks after a minor head injury that were successfully managed by continuous closed-system drainage and blood transfusion. At evaluation he was found to have a transient mild factor XIII deficiency.

Dimensions of the foveal avascular zone using the Heidelberg retinal angiogram-2 in normal eyes.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to study the dimensions of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) using Heidelberg Retinal Angiogram-2 (HRA-2; Heidelberg Engineering GmBH, Dossenheim, Germany). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study of the FAZ area and circumference was done with fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) using HRA-2 in 31 normal individuals. The FAZ was studied using both contrast-adjusted and nonadjusted methods. Contrast adjustment was done to obtain better visualization of the finer capillaries around the fovea enabling more precise measurements of the FAZ in normal eyes. RESULTS: The mean area of the FAZ calculated by the contrast-adjusted method was 0.2753 mm 2 (±0.074) and the mean circumference was 2.22 mm (±0.048). By the conventional method, the area and circumference of the FAZ were 0.6241 mm 2 (±0.177) and 3.23 mm (±0.454), respectively. CONCLUSION: The measurements of area and circumference of FAZ using contrast-adjusted methods were significantly smaller than the conventional method.

Bilateral choroidal metastasis from carcinoma of the submandibular gland.

Metastatic tumor is the most common uveal malignancy. However, choroidal metastasis from a salivary gland neoplasm is extremely rare. We report a case of bilateral, multifocal choroidal metastasis from carcinoma of the submandibular gland.

An "epidemic" of post cataract surgery endophthalmitis by a new organism.

We report a case series of endophthalmitis by an organism hitherto not reported in the eye. Nineteen of 63 cataract patients operated in a high-volume setup were urgently referred to us with acute onset of decreased vision one to two days following cataract surgery. All patients had clinical evidence of acute endophthalmitis with severe anterior chamber exudative reaction. Vitreous tap was done in three representative patients and repeated intravitreal injections were given as per established protocol. The vitreous sample from all three patients grew Enterobacter amnigenus Biogroup II, a gram-negative bacillus which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported in the eye. With prompt and accurate microbiological support, it was possible to salvage 17 of these eyes without performing vitrectomy. Six eyes regained 6/200 or better vision.

Ethmoidal involvement in "imploding" (silent) sinus syndrome.

A 32-year-old woman presented with mild enophthalmos of her right eye of recent onset. A CT scan revealed characteristic findings of silent sinus syndrome, involving not just the maxillary but the less frequently reported ethmoid sinus as well. A clinically and radiologically noted shrunken and lateralized middle turbinate was a strong pointer to the suspected cause. The symptoms resolved with endoscopic sinus drainage.

The incidence of vitreous loss and visual outcome in patients undergoing cataract surgery in a teaching hospital.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of vitreous loss in patients undergoing cataract surgery and the visual outcome in a tertiary teaching hospital. METHODS: Hospital records of 2095 consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery between July 1999 and June 2000 were reviewed in this non-concurrent cohort study. Incidence and visual outcome of vitreous loss managed using standard vitrectomy techniques were assessed for different cataract surgical techniques (extracapsular, Blumenthal technique and phacoemulsification) as well as at different levels of surgical training. The outcome was compared with matched cases without vitreous loss (controls). RESULTS: Vitreous loss occurred in 160 of 2095 eyes (7.63%; CI -7 to 9.3): 8.3% for ECCE, 8.1% for the Blumenthal technique and 5% with phacoemulsification. Vision > or = 6/18 was achieved in 85% of cases and 95% of controls. For experienced surgeons, 95% of the cases and controls had vision > or = 6/18. 5.8% of cases and 0.7% of controls had vision < 6/60. One patient in each group was blind following cataract surgery; both had operable cataracts in the fellow eye. CONCLUSIONS: The vitreous loss rate in this tertiary teaching hospital is relatively high. This complication, managed with standard surgical techniques, is compatible with good visual outcome. In eyes with vitreous loss, the final visual acuity achieved by experienced surgeons was similar to that in uncomplicated cases.