Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Macular Holes Autologous Retinal Transplant.

In this paper, we compare the post-operative macular microvascular parameters (vascular density and foveal avascular zone) in eyes with refractory macular hole (MH) that underwent pars plana vitrectomy and autologous retinal transplant (ART) with the fellow unoperated eye. We conducted a retrospective case control study of six consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and ART with at least six months of post-operative follow-up. Pre-operatively, all eyes underwent SD-OCT (Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography) examination. Post-operative OCT-A analyses included vascular density (VD) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. Six patients with a mean age of 63.7 ± 14.3 years were included. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range 6-30 months). The pre-operative BCVA (best-corrected visual acuity) was 0.99 ± 0.46 logMAR and 1.02 ± 0.23 logMAR at the last post-operative visit (p = 1.00). The mean MH diameter was 966 ± 620 µm. VD in the MH group was 28.1 ± 7.3% compared to 20.2 ± 2.9% in the fellow eyes group (p < 0.05). The mean post-operative FAZ area in the MH group was 109.8 ± 114.6 mm2 compared to 41.5 ± 10.4 mm2 in the control group (p < 0.05). In all six eyes, MH closure was obtained. The post-operative visual acuity did not improve after ART. Eyes with a closed MH showed a bigger FAZ with a higher VD compared to the fellow healthy eye.

Bilateral Ischemic Retinopathy Associated With Upshaw-Schulman Syndrome: A Case Report.

Purpose: This is the first report to our knowledge of ischemic retinopathy in a pediatric patient with Upshaw-Schulman syndrome (USS). Methods: A 6-year-old girl previously diagnosed with USS was referred to our clinic with exodeviation of the left eye and a 2-month-long decrease in vision of both eyes. A dilated fundus examination showed a total vitreous hemorrhage in both eyes. The first course of action was conservative treatment, with the patient experiencing visual-acuity improvement in her right eye. Results: An ischemic retina and optic nerve atrophy was found once the left eye was cleared of the hemorrhage. Conclusions: We present a case of a vitreous hemorrhage, possibly secondary to an episode of severe thrombocytopenia. Following USS diagnosis, providers should perform dilated ophthalmologic examinations as part of initial and follow-up general evaluations. This case exemplifies that, in understudied and underdescribed pediatric retinal diseases, extreme therapeutic decisions-such as surgery-should not be rushed.

Serous retinal detachment as a sign of leukemic choroidopathy: A systematic review.

Leukemia is a rare disease associated with a high mortality rate. The presence of unilateral or bilateral serous retinal detachment (SRD) as a sign of choroidal infiltration can be one of the manifestations of acute leukemia, both as a primary sign or in a relapse. We consolidated the literature on SRD as a sign of leukemic choroidopathy regarding its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and main imaging diagnostic tools. Well-documented cases regarding acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), relapsed ALL and relapsed AML published until September, 2020, in peer reviewed journals were included. The literature shows an interesting range of choroidal infiltration cases assessed by modern imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) with and without enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and fluorescein angiography (FA). These tools allow choroidal assessment and better understanding and characterization of this rare condition. Complete ophthalmological workup should be performed in these patients using both FA and EDI-OCT to assess the choroidal anatomy and integrity. An increase in choroidal thickness measured with EDI-OCT can reveal active disease and potentially diagnose a leukemic relapse promptly.

Screening Diabetic Retinopathy Using an Automated Retinal Image Analysis System in Independent and Assistive Use Cases in Mexico: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The automated screening of patients at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy represents an opportunity to improve their midterm outcome and lower the public expenditure associated with direct and indirect costs of common sight-threatening complications of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of an automated deep learning-based system to classify retinal fundus images as referable and nonreferable diabetic retinopathy cases, from international and Mexican patients. In particular, we aimed to evaluate the performance of the automated retina image analysis (ARIA) system under an independent scheme (ie, only ARIA screening) and 2 assistive schemes (ie, hybrid ARIA plus ophthalmologist screening), using a web-based platform for remote image analysis to determine and compare the sensibility and specificity of the 3 schemes. METHODS: A randomized controlled experiment was performed where 17 ophthalmologists were asked to classify a series of retinal fundus images under 3 different conditions. The conditions were to (1) screen the fundus image by themselves (solo); (2) screen the fundus image after exposure to the retina image classification of the ARIA system (ARIA answer); and (3) screen the fundus image after exposure to the classification of the ARIA system, as well as its level of confidence and an attention map highlighting the most important areas of interest in the image according to the ARIA system (ARIA explanation). The ophthalmologists' classification in each condition and the result from the ARIA system were compared against a gold standard generated by consulting and aggregating the opinion of 3 retina specialists for each fundus image. RESULTS: The ARIA system was able to classify referable vs nonreferable cases with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 98%, a sensitivity of 95.1%, and a specificity of 91.5% for international patient cases. There was an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 98.3%, a sensitivity of 95.2%, and a specificity of 90% for Mexican patient cases. The ARIA system performance was more successful than the average performance of the 17 ophthalmologists enrolled in the study. Additionally, the results suggest that the ARIA system can be useful as an assistive tool, as sensitivity was significantly higher in the experimental condition where ophthalmologists were exposed to the ARIA system's answer prior to their own classification (93.3%), compared with the sensitivity of the condition where participants assessed the images independently (87.3%; P=.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that both independent and assistive use cases of the ARIA system present, for Latin American countries such as Mexico, a substantial opportunity toward expanding the monitoring capacity for the early detection of diabetes-related blindness.

Intravitreal quantum dots for retinitis pigmentosa: a first-in-human safety study.

Background: Studies indicate that electrical stimulation of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) retina is beneficial. Quantum dots (QDs) can convert light to electrical stimulus and therefore may have therapeutic potential for RP. Methods: This was an open-label, fellow eye-controlled, first-in-human safety study. Five adults with end-stage (arm A) and 15 with severe (arm B) RP received one or two intravitreal injections of 0.2 or 2µM cadmium/selenium 655 Alt QDs. Results: No adverse events were attributed to QDs. In arm A, median best corrected visual acuity was unchanged. In arm B, mean best corrected visual acuity improved from 6/398 to 6/177, versus 6/147 to 6/144 in the fellow eye. Conclusion: Intravitreal QDs can be safely administered to patients with RP. Vision appears to benefit and further validating studies are justified.

Lay abstract This study investigated the use of quantum dots (QDs) to treat very advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a disease characterized by progressive loss of peripheral and then central vision. QDs are sometimes called 'artificial atoms'. If they are injected into the eye, they settle in the retina, the light-sensing layer of cells that is damaged by RP. When light enters the eye, it is absorbed by the QDs in the retina, and the light energy is converted to electrical energy. Electrical stimulation has been shown to benefit degenerating retina, as occurs in RP, and hence QDs may have the potential to improve or preserve vision in people with RP. This preliminary study recruited 20 people with very severe RP and injected QDs into their eyes. We aimed to see whether the QDs were safe. No adverse reactions were attributed to the QDs, and the average vision of treated eyes improved, whereas the participants' untreated fellow eyes showed no real change in vision. Although encouraging, these results are only preliminary, and a larger study is planned to explore these findings.

Autologous Retinal Transplantation for Primary and Refractory Macular Holes and Macular Hole Retinal Detachments: The Global Consortium.

PURPOSE: To report the anatomic and functional outcomes of autologous retinal transplantation (ART). DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty eyes of 130 patients undergoing ART for the repair of primary and refractory macular holes (MHs), as well as combined MH-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (MH-RRD), between January 2017 and December 2019. METHODS: All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy and ART, with surgeon modification of intraoperative variables. A large array of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data was collected. Two masked reviewers graded OCT images. Multivariate statistical analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Macular hole closure rate, visual acuity (VA), external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone (EZ) band integrity, and alignment of neurosensory layers (ANL) on OCT. RESULTS: One hundred thirty ART surgeries were performed by 33 vitreoretinal surgeons worldwide. Patient demographics were: mean age of 63 ± 6.3 years, 58% female, 41% White, 23% Black, 19% Asian, and 17% Latino. Preoperative VA was 1.37 ± 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/500), which improved significantly to 1.05 ± 0.09 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/225; P < 0.001) after surgery (mean follow-up, 8.6 ± 0.8 months). Autologous retinal transplantation was performed for primary MH repair in 27% of patients (n = 35), for refractory MH in 58% of patients (n = 76; mean number of previous surgeries, 1.6 ± 0.2), and for MH-RRD in 15% of patients (n = 19). Mean maximum MH diameter was 1470 ± 160 µm, mean minimum diameter was 840 ± 94 µm, and mean axial length was 24.6 ± 3.2 mm. Overall, 89% of MHs closed (78.5% complete; 10% small eccentric defect), with a 95% closure rate in MH-RRD (68.4% complete; 26.3% small eccentric defect). Visual acuity improved by at least 3 lines in 43% of eyes and by at least 5 lines in 29% of eyes. Reconstitution of the EZ (P = 0.02) and ANL (P = 0.01) on OCT were associated with better final VA. Five cases of ART graft dislocation (3.8%), 5 cases of postoperative retinal detachment (3.8%), and 1 case of endophthalmitis (0.77%) occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In this global experience, patients undergoing ART for large primary and refractory MHs and MH-RRDs achieved good anatomic and functional outcomes, with low complication rates despite complex surgical pathologic features.

Unintentional injection of a dexamethasone implant into the crystalline lens: a case report.

The intravitreal dexamethasone implant is a sustained-release anti-inflammatory drug system that releases 0.7 mg of dexamethasone into the vitreous cavity. The following case report describes a rare complication: accidental injection of the dexamethasone implant into the crystalline lens. A 73-year-old woman was diagnosed with central retina vein occlusion and cystoid macular edema. Initial tSreatment included three monthly intravitreal doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, which was not successful. Treatment was then modified to an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. Ten weeks later, the implant was observed in the posterior cortex of the crystalline lens. Because no improvement had occurred, the patient underwent phacoemulsification surgery, during which part of the lens migrated into the vitreous cavity. Therefore, 23-gauge pars plana complete vitrectomy was performed with trans-surgical administration of intravitreal aflibercept. Crystalline lens injury due to an intravitreal dexamethasone implant is a rare complication and typically results from the injection procedure. Immediate surgical or conservative approaches should be considered on an individual basis.

Oculocardiac Reflex During Intravitreal Injection.

Oculocardiac reflex (OCR) has been described to occur with mechanical manipulation of the eye, eyelids or orbit. There are no reports in the literature of OCR during intravitreal injection (IVI). This may be due to the fact that heart rate is not monitored during the procedure. We aimed to evaluate OCR during IVI. A total of 532 patients were enrolled in the study at Asociacion para Evitar la Ceguera en Mexico. Mexico City, Mexico. IVI was performed on one eye in every patient with diabetic retinopathy (DR), age related macular degeneration (AMD) or choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia. Heart rate was monitored with a pulse oximeter before, during and after injection. OCR was defined as a 20% decrease or more of basal heart rate. The population enrolled included 270 females and 262 males with mean age of 63.8 years. A decrease in heart rate of 20% or more occurred in 18 patients during IVI (3.3%; 95% confidence interval 1.85% and 4.92%). OCR was asymptomatic in these patients. OCR occurred in 3.3% of our patients during IVI. Hence, OCR must be considered when performing IVI.

Unintentional injection of a dexamethasone implant into the crystalline lens: a case report / Injeção não intencional de implante de dexametasona no cristalino: relato de caso, acompanhamento e desfecho

ABSTRACT The intravitreal dexamethasone implant is a sustained-release anti-inflammatory drug system that releases 0.7 mg of dexamethasone into the vitreous cavity. The following case report describes a rare complication: accidental injection of the dexamethasone implant into the crystalline lens. A 73-year-old woman was diagnosed with central retina vein occlusion and cystoid macular edema. Initial tSreatment included three monthly intravitreal doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, which was not successful. Treatment was then modified to an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. Ten weeks later, the implant was observed in the posterior cortex of the crystalline lens. Because no improvement had occurred, the patient underwent phacoemulsification surgery, during which part of the lens migrated into the vitreous cavity. Therefore, 23-gauge pars plana complete vitrectomy was performed with trans-surgical administration of intravitreal aflibercept. Crystalline lens injury due to an intravitreal dexamethasone implant is a rare complication and typically results from the injection procedure. Immediate surgical or conservative approaches should be considered on an individual basis.

RESUMO O implante intravítreo de dexametasona é um sistema anti-inflamatório de liberação sustentada que libera 0,7 mg de dexametasona na cavidade vítrea. O relato de caso a seguir descreve uma complicação rara: injeção acidental do implante de Dexametasona no cristalino. Uma mulher de 73 anos foi diagnosticada com oclusão da veia central da retina e edema macular cistóide. O tratamento inicial incluiu três doses intravítreas mensais de tratamento com fator de crescimento endothelial anti-vascular, que não tiveram sucesso. O tratamento foi então mudado para um implante intravítreo de dexametasona. Dez semanas depois, o implante foi observado no córtex posterior do cristalino. Como não houve melhora, a paciente foi submetida à cirurgia de facoemulsificação, durante a qual parte do cristalino migrou para a cavidade vítrea. Portanto, foi realizada vitrectomia completa via pars plana 23-gauge com administração de aflibercepte intravítreo durante a cirurgia. Lesões no cristalino devido a implantes intravítreos de dexametasona são uma complicação rara e geralmente resulta do procedimento de injeção. Abordagens cirúrgicas ou conservadoras imediatas devem ser consideradas caso a caso.

Non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted scleral buckling for primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report our experience in non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted scleral buckling (SB) in uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). METHODS: Retrospective case series of 282 eyes that underwent non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted SB and were followed for a mean of 13.5 months. RESULTS: There were 160 male patients. The average age was 42.6 years old. There were 262 eyes that were phakic, 18 pseudophakic, and 2 aphakic. Two-thirds of eyes presented with the macula detached. Eyes had an average of 1.6 breaks. The single operation anatomic success rate was 85.1% (240/282). The pre-op visual acuity improved from 1.21 to 0.76 logMAR at 6 months (p < 0.0001). Complications included a case of scleral laceration, choroidal hemorrhage, 3 epiretinal membranes, 1 macular fold, and 4 eyes with buckle exposure. CONCLUSION: Non-contact wide-angled visualization with chandelier-assisted SB compares favorably with conventional SB for primary uncomplicated primary RRD.

Intravitreal bromfenac liposomal suspension (100 µg / 0.1 ml). A safety study in rabbit eyes.

INTRODUCTION: There is a need to find alternative treatments for MEe. Bromfenac has shown promise in inhibiting the COX-2 enzymatic pathway that partially causes the inflammatory cascade which contributes to the precipitation of ME. However, like other NSAID's, its intraocular half-life is limited. We hypothesize that a delayed-release liposome formulation containing bromfenac might provide a similar anti-inflammatory effect as long-lasting steroid release systems without the well-known steroidal side-effects. We introduced a novel formulation with these characteristics into the vitreous cavity of rabbit eyes in order to evaluate its safety profile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 10 left eyes of rabbits were injected with the liposome-encapsulated bromfenac suspension (100 µg/0.1 ml). Basal ERG's were recorded. Total follow-up time was 3 months, at which point ERG's were repeated and eyes were enucleated for histopathological study. Total amplitude and implicit times were recorded. A difference of 25% in either recording was considered significant. Significance was assessed using the paired-t test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: No significant changes were recorded in ERG measurements after 3 months when compared to basal measurements. Histopathological analysis of retinal specimens found no traces of liposome-induced toxicity. CONCLUSION: The liposome-encapsulated bromfenac suspension (100 µg/0.1 ml) is not toxic and has been proven safe to use in an animal model. Therefore, this formulation shows promise as a possible future alternative treatment for ME and should be further studied to show its biological effect and efficacy.

Unilateral Orbital Emphysema Secondary to Vitreoretinal Surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics, imaging findings, and clinical evolution of patients who developed orbital emphysema after vitreoretinal surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective, descriptive, observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with orbital emphysema after vitreoretinal surgery who were diagnosed and treated between January 2006 and October 2018 at a single ophthalmology referral center. METHODS: Medical records and orbital computed tomography images were reviewed and analyzed. A minimum follow-up of 3 months was required. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: This study included 16 patients with a mean age of 47.9 ± 14.7 years, 50% were women, and 25% had a history of previous ocular trauma. A diagnosis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was established in 75% of patients. Twenty-five percent of patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), 50% underwent encircling scleral buckling plus PPV, 18.8% underwent repeat PPV, and 6.2% underwent scleral buckling plus repeat PPV. Additionally, 62.5% received silicone oil endotamponade. The median time between vitreoretinal surgery and orbital emphysema was 8 days (interquartile range [IQR] 5-15 days). Mean proptosis was 6.7 ± 4.6 mm. Orbital cellulitis was considered as a differential diagnosis in 31.2% of patients, and tomographic evidence of fracture was observed in 25% of patients. Treatment with compressive patching was prescribed for 87.5% of patients, transpalpebral drainage was prescribed for 75% of patients, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was prescribed for 43.8% of patients, and surgical management was prescribed for 31.2% of patients. The comparison between BCVA before vitreoretinal surgery (median, 1.8 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; IQR, 1.33-2.3 logMAR) and at the last follow-up (median, 2.3 logMAR; IQR, 1.42-2.8 logMAR) was not statistically significant (P = 0.125, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test). No association was found between surgeon experience and lower final BCVA (P = 0.604, Fisher exact test); however, development of ocular hypertension was associated with worse final BCVA (P = 0.0101; relative risk, 7; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-44.63). CONCLUSIONS: Although orbital emphysema constitutes a very unusual complication of vitreoretinal surgery, it is important to identify this condition promptly and treat patients efficiently to avoid potential vision loss.

Conjunctival tattoo with inadvertent ocular globe penetration and vitreous involvement: Clinico-pathological correlation and scanning electron microscopy X-ray microanalysis.

PURPOSE: The aim is to report a case of conjunctival tattooing with inadvertent injection of tattoo ink into the vitreous cavity and its consequences, the scanning electron microscopy X-ray microanalysis of the ink components, and the microscopic findings of the affected conjunctiva and vitreous. METHODS: Descriptive case report. RESULTS: A 32-year-old man complained of ocular pain and blurred vision after undergoing a subconjuctival red ink tattoo in his left eye. Ophthalmologic examination revealed best corrected visual acuity of 20/80 and intraocular pressure of 26 mmHg. Pain was elicited with eye movements. The bulbar conjunctiva was colored intense red. In the anterior chamber, pigment granules and filaments were suspended on the aqueous humor, and lens capsule was also stained red. Ultrasonography showed high-density non-mobile echoes in the conjunctiva; anterior chamber and vitreous cavity revealed high-density mobile echoes corresponding to pigment particles. Conjunctival tattoo with inadvertent globe penetration was the clinical diagnosis. The patient received medical and surgical treatment. Histopathological examination of the conjunctiva showed red pigment globular deposits within the stroma, and neutrophils and sparse histiocytes with similar intracytoplasmic pigment granules were seen. No granulomatous foreign body reaction was noticed. Vitreous material contained pigment granules; no inflammatory cells were observed. Scanning electron microscopy X-ray microanalysis of the tattoo red ink revealed significant signals of iron, barium, and copper. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival tattoo is a new form of body decoration gaining worldwide popularity. This procedure is performed by untrained professionals causing severe ocular complications including blindness. Safety regarding tattoo ink needs further study as the composition varies among colors. Strict regulations on this matter should be considered.

A Proposed Method to Quantify Vitreous Hemorrhage by Ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To propose a method for quantification of vitreous hemorrhages (VH) termed minimum image gain (MIG). Therefore, to obtain MIG measurements in patients with VH and to compare them to normal controls; to compare results between graders; and to obtain and compare MIG from two different ultrasound systems. METHODS: Retrospective and cross-sectional, observational, and comparative study performed in two parts: Part 1) Retrospective comparison of MIG in VH vs controls by two experienced graders, with intra/inter-observer variability: MIG technique is described. MIG is performed retrospectively in two groups, VH patients and normal controls. Groups are compared with independent samples t-test. Intra- and interobserver variability between graders was obtained. Part 2) Cross-sectional analysis of variability from nonexperienced graders and with different ultrasound systems: MIG is performed in cross-sectional measurements of VH patients, by two unexperienced graders, and with two ultrasound systems. Interobserver variability and Bland-Altman plot with levels of agreement (LoA) were obtained. RESULTS: Part 1: 50 patients with VH resulted in mean MIG: 52.8 dB; 34 controls resulted in mean MIG: 77.97 dB. Independent samples t-test resulted in a statistical significant difference. Intra- and inter-observer variability resulted in an almost perfect agreement between experienced graders. Part 2: 63 patients with VH, mean MIG: 56.19 dB. Inter-observer variability resulted in a very high agreement between unexperienced observers. LoA resulted in a statistical difference between the two ultrasound systems. CONCLUSION: MIG may provide an objective and reproducible way to quantify vitreous hemorrhage density and potentially any vitreous humor opacity. Agreement is high even with unexperienced graders. However, the two ultrasound systems analyzed may not be interchangeable.

Preoperative Bevacizumab for Tractional Retinal Detachment in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of an intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab (IVB) as a preoperative adjunct to small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) compared with PPV alone in eyes with tractional retinal detachment secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: This prospective, double-masked, randomized, multicenter, active-controlled clinical trial enrolled 224 eyes of 224 patients between November 2013 and July 2015. All eyes underwent a baseline examination including best-corrected visual acuity, color photos, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. Data were collected on intraoperative bleeding, total surgical time, early (<1 month) postoperative vitreous hemorrhage, and mean change in best-corrected visual acuity at 12 months. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 214 patients (214 eyes) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to PPV plus IVB ([study group] 102 eyes) or PPV plus sham ([control] 112 eyes). Iatrogenic retinal breaks were noted intraoperatively in 35 eyes (34.3%) in the study group, and 66 eyes (58.9%) in the control group (P = .001). Grade 2 intraoperative bleeding was noted in 32 (31.3%) eyes in the study group and 58 (51.7 %) eyes in the control group (P = .001). Endodiathermy was necessary in 28 (27.4 %) eyes in the study group, compared with 75 (66.9%) eyes in the control group (P = .0001). Mean surgical time was 71.3 ± 32.1 minutes in the study group and 83.6 ± 38.7 minutes in the control group (P = .061). CONCLUSION: Preoperative IVB seems to reduce intraoperative bleeding, improving surgical field visualization, and reducing intraoperative and postoperative complications. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.

Anti-VEGF treatment switch in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a comparison of aflibercept versus ranibizumab after a single-dose switch.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect achieved from a single dose of anti-VEGF treatment switch, in patients with nAMD previously treated with bevacizumab, switched to either aflibercept or ranibizumab, and to compare the response between aflibercept and ranibizumab. METHODS: In retrospective, observational, and comparative study, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, patients switched to aflibercept; Group 2, patients switched to ranibizumab. Paired samples t test was performed to measure differences in central macular thickness (CMT). To compare whether there were differences between groups mixed-design ANOVA was used. RESULTS: In Group 1, CMT changed from 360.51 to 260.16 µm, presenting a significant mean difference from PreSwitch to PostSwitch of 100.34 µm (p = 0.002, paired samples t test). In Group 2, CMT changed from 366.33 to 260.72 µm, showing a significant difference from PreSwitch to PostSwitch of 105.61 µm (p ≤ 0.000, paired samples t test). The mixed-design ANOVA compared both groups and resulted in a nonsignificant value of 0.90. CONCLUSION: The effect achieved from a single dose in patients switched to aflibercept or ranibizumab reduced significantly CMT measurements. Comparing aflibercept and ranibizumab, the effect appears to be similar in both drugs, in terms of reduction of CMT.

Secondary hyperhomocysteinemia-related occlusive retinal vasculopathy: A case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of occlusive retinal vasculopathy, secondary to hyperhomocysteinemia. OBSERVATIONS: A 43-year-old male was examined at the retina outpatient clinic due to complaints of bilateral decrease in visual acuity. The patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, wide-field fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography, as well as spectral domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced-deep imaging. The patient had a significant medical history of chronic kidney disease and progressive bilateral vision loss over the last two years, which worsened in the left eye during the past 3 months. Fundus examination revealed a vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye and bilateral proliferative retinopathy. Blood glucose and systemic blood pressure were unremarkable. Plasma homocysteine was reported at >500 µmol/L, which is higher than the corrected reference range by age. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a rare but well-known disease, capable of accelerating atherosclerotic disease and generating a prothrombotic state that can lead to multiple systemic complications. Despite its low incidence, the disease should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients with bilateral proliferative retinopathy, in the absence of diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension.

Multimodal imaging in choroidal osteoma.

PURPOSE: To describe characteristics of choroidal osteomas (CO), using ocular ultrasound, fluorescein angiography, ultra-widefield retinal imaging, ultra-widefield autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, enhanced-depth-imaging OCT, and OCT angiography (OCT-A). METHODS: Retrospective, observational case series study. Clinical records from patients with diagnosis of CO who underwent complete imaging evaluation were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes from 11 patients were included. Mean patient age was 33.4 years (range 20-61), 72.7% were female, 100% were Hispanic, and 54.5% had unilateral CO. Median visual acuity was 20/150 (range 20/20-2000). CO was completely calcified in 25%, partially decalcified in 50%, and decalcified in 25%. Other features included choroidal neovascularization (18.75%), focal choroidal excavation (12.5%), choroidal depression associated to decalcification (18.75%), thinning of outer retina and photoreceptor layers over decalcified tumor (75%). Decreased fluorescence on FAF was observed in decalcified regions while relatively preserved fluorescence was observed in calcified regions. CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays, diagnostic tests provide important information about each stage of choroidal osteoma. Progressive decalcification of the tumor might have a common pathogenic role for development of FCE or choroidal depression. OCT-A/FA proved to be valuable tools for detection of CNV in patients with CO.

Micropulse laser for persistent optic disc pit maculopathy. A case report.

PURPOSE: Optic disc pits (ODP) are rare and congenital anomalies of the optic disc, sometimes remaining asymptomatic. However, serous macular detachment or optic disc maculopathy is the most common complication, causing significant visual deterioration, without a current consensus about treatment. We describe a case of ODP maculopathy that was treated successfully with micropulse laser. OBSERVATIONS: A patient with ODP maculopathy remained with macular serous detachment after nine months of follow up after pars plana vitrectomy. Subthreshold micropulse laser was used to treat macular serous detachment, achieving a significant improvement in central macular thickness after one session. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Subthreshold micropulse laser is designed to stimulate the retinal pigment epithelium without damage to the photoreceptors, resulting in absorption of subretinal and intraretinal fluid. Macular serous detachment in patients with ODP requires a prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid damage to photoreceptors. Subthreshold micropulse laser is a potential treatment for eyes with ODP and macular serous detachment complication.