Modified ILM flap technique for macular hole.

Background: Currently, vitrectomy is considered as the first line of treatment in the management of macular holes. Various surgical modalities have been described to obtain anatomical closure. However, there are still challenges when the hole is large and chronic (>400 microns) in nature. Here we describe a modified technique of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling which results in the successful closure of such macular holes. Purpose: To demonstrate modified ILM flap techniques in management of chronic macular holes. Synopsis: Here we have described the role of modified ILM peeling techniques in three different cases such as chronic traumatic macular hole >400 microns, chronic idiopathic macular hole >400 microns and <400 microns. Highlights: This modified ILM flap technique provides the benefit of an inverted ILM flap, which helps in glial proliferation and also relives tangential traction thereby aiding in successful macular hole closure in chronic cases. Video link: https://youtu.be/RKVLd1mSw08.

An ophthalmology professionalism survey tool: outcomes from a multi-center study in Central India.

Purpose: To describe a professionalism survey tool and its use to assess knowledge of medical professionalism in ophthalmology training programs in Central India. Settings and Design: Multi-center survey study. Methods: A validated 33-question, scenario-based survey addressing professionalism attributes was administered at five centers in central India. The attributes tested included "personal characteristics," "physician-patient relationships," "workplace practice and relationships," and "socially responsible behaviors." A mean attribute score (%) was calculated and compared to "gold standard" responses by a group of expert senior ophthalmologists (100% agreement for responses). Results: A total of 225 participants completed the survey; 124 residents, 47 fellows, and 54 consultants (98.4% response rate). The total mean attribute score was 80.7 ± 9.1 (min 16.67, max 100). There was variation in the mean attribute score by professionalism attribute (P < 0.001), and a trend toward higher mean attribute scores for consultants compared to trainees across all attribute groups. The scores for "personal characteristics" (93 ± 9.7) and "physician-patient relationship" (82 ± 15.8) were the highest, whereas scores for "socially responsible behaviors" (73.9 ± 18.6) and "workplace practices" were low (72 ± 13). Conclusions: There is a generally high level of professionalism knowledge among ophthalmologists in central India. The results suggest that experience does impact knowledge of professionalism. Potential for improvement in professionalism exists in around "workplace practices", and around "socially responsible behaviors". These findings may serve as a valuable discussion starter and teaching tool to enhance professionalism in ophthalmology training programs.

Phaco-handpiece used as a Fragmatome for managing nucleus drop.

Background: Nucleus drop during cataract surgery is a dreaded complication and requires urgent vitreo-retinal intervention which is managed commonly using a fragmatome. However, a fragmatome is not readily available in routine ophthalmology set-ups because its use is very limited. On the other hand, a phaco-probe is commonly available with all surgeons and makes it cost-effective. Purpose: The purpose is to demonstrate the utility of a phaco-probe as an alternative to a fragmatome in managing nucleus drop during cataract surgery, making it cost-effective and less time-consuming and simple. Synopsis: The video shows two cases of complicated cataract surgery in which a nucleus is dropped in the vitreous cavity. The sleeve of the phaco-probe was removed, and infusion was disconnected to make it function as a fragmatome. We noted reduced lenticular repulsion from the phaco-handpiece tip as compared to the fragmatome, and no scleral burns were observed. The cases were completed by secondary placement of an intra-ocular lens in the sulcus in the same sitting. Thus, the phaco-probe can be considered to manage nucleus drop in the absence of a fragmatome. Highlights: A phaco-probe can be used as an alternative to a framgamtome, which is a cost-effective and simple technique. Video link: https://youtu.be/6c-40Bcijrc.

Coloboma associated retinal detachment: Anatomical and functional results in the era of microincision vitrectomy surgery with an evaluation of risk factors for a recurrence.

Purpose: : To analyze the anatomical and visual outcomes of microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) with silicone oil tamponade in eyes having coloboma-related retinal detachment (RD) and evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of RD. Methods: : This was a retrospective, multicentric analysis of eyes having coloboma RD undergoing MIVS with silicone oil tamponade between March 2010 and July 2018. Results: : We evaluated 148 eyes of 144 patients. The mean age of presentation was 17.4 ± 9.8 years (range: 2-65 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 13.1 ± 13.8 months (range: 3-84 months). The single operation success rate was 88.5% (131 eyes), with an overall successful outcome achieved in 90.5% (134 eyes). Recurrence of RD occurred in 17 eyes (11.5%) over a mean duration of 2.59 ± 3 months. The risk of recurrence was found to be higher in eyes where relaxing retinectomy (RR) was performed (odds ratio [OR]: 3.22; P = 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in vision was noted in the majority of cases from logMAR 1.85 ± 0.34 preoperatively to logMAR 1.33 ± 0.6 post-surgery (P = 0.002). Conclusion: : MIVS with silicone oil tamponade provided an anatomical success rate of 90.5% in eyes with coloboma RD with a significant improvement in visual acuity. Eyes in which RR was performed were susceptible to higher rates of re-detachment.

Safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide for the management of serous choroidal detachment prior to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: A Pilot study.

Purpose: To study the safety and efficacy of pre-operative suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide (SCTA) for achieving reduction/resolution of serous choroidal detachment (CD) associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: This was a prospective, noncomparative, interventional pilot study. All consecutive patients presenting with RD and coexisting CD underwent transconjunctival injection of SCTA before proceeding with vitrectomy/scleral buckle surgery. Sequential ultrasound B scans were performed for assessing the change in height of the CD. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 53.8 ± 10.8 years (range: 39-72 years). The CD was present in a median of 3 quadrants; the cumulative mean CD height was 5.59 mm (range: 2.02-9.42 mm). Following SCTA, a successful response (>50% reduction) was seen in five eyes by day 3 and in two eyes by day 5. Three eyes failed to respond to SCTA and required surgical drainage before proceeding with vitrectomy. No intraprocedural injection-related complications were noted. A transient rise in the intraocular pressure (30 mmHg) was seen in one eye following vitrectomy and was managed successfully with topical antiglaucoma medications. Conclusion: Suprachoroidal administration of triamcinolone appears to be a safe and effective technique to achieve CD resolution in eyes with RRD.

Risk Factors for Development of Endophthalmitis after Open Globe Injury in Children: A Case-Control Study.

AIM: To identify risk-factors for developing endophthalmitis following open globe injury (OGI) in children. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center, case-control study of children aged <18 years who sustained OGI. RESULTS: Our cohort of 93 eyes consisted of 30 cases (Group A- endophthalmitis) and 63 controls (Group B- no endophthalmitis). Twenty-four eyes (80%) diagnosed with endophthalmitis presented after 24 hours of injury. The presence of central corneal zone-1 injuries (Odd ratio [OR]: 6.64, p= 0.001) and vitreous in wound (OR: 3.53) were associated with the risk of developing endophthalmitis. (p= < 0.05) Additionally the presence of iris prolapse (OR: 4.76) and posterior capsular rupture (PCR) (OR: 5.80) increased the risk of developing endophthalmitis.(p <0.05) . Streptococci was isolated in 15 eyes, Pseudomonas in 3 eyes, and Candida in 1 eye. The visual outcomes at three months were significantly worse in Group A (LogMAR 1.77±1.06) compared to Group B (LogMAR 0.65±0.68)(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Central corneal involvement, vitreous/ iris incarceration and PCR were important risk factors for development of PTE in children.

Klebsiella Cluster Endophthalmitis following Intravitreal Bevacizumab: Role of Early Detection, Pars Plana Vitrectomy, and Intracameral Moxifloxacin.

AIM: To report the clinical profile, outcomes of early vitrectomy for cluster endophthalmitis developing after intravitreal Bevacizumab (IVB), and discuss the role of prophylactic intracameral moxifloxacin for eyes undergoing combined cataract surgery with IVB. METHODS: Single center, retrospective analysis of 35 consecutive eyes developing post-IVB inflammation. RESULTS: Of the 35 eyes that were administered IVB (27 eyes 'IVB alone' and 8 eyes 'IVB with cataract surgery'). Endophthalmitis developed in 28 eyes, 6 eyes were managed with Intravitreal antibiotic (IVAB) alone, while 22 eyes required early vitrectomy. Only one eye undergoing a combined phacoemulsification with IVB developed endophthalmitis. Majority(26/28) of the eyes achieved visual acuity equal to/greater than pre-IVB injection vision over a period of 3.15 ± 3.2 months. CONCLUSION: Early detection and prompt PPV were effectual for achieving good functional outcomes in our cluster of post-IVB Klebsiella endophthalmitis. Intracameral moxifloxacin was protective in cases undergoing combined cataract surgery with IVB.

Bacillary Layer Detachment in Hyper-acute Stage of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The term bacillary layer detachment (BLD) represents a possible separation between the myoid and ellipsoid component of the inner segment, following insult or injury to the outer retina. It has been described previously in cases of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis, central serous chorioretinopathy, Vogt Koyanagi Harada disease and trauma. PURPOSE: To describe the presence of BLD in Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE). METHOD: Clinical and OCT-based description of three consecutive cases of APMPPE with BLD. RESULT: All the three cases (a 25-year-old female, a 36-year-old male, and a 32-year-old male) presented with unilateral, diminution of vision of acute onset. They were diagnosed as APMPPE and OCT revealed a splitting of the ellipsoid zone, resembling a BLD. All the three cases showed complete resolution by 1 week. CONCLUSION: BLD appears in the acute stage of APMPPE and resolves rapidly within a week.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on uveitis patients receiving immunomodulatory and biological therapies (COPE STUDY).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the change in the ongoing immunomodulatory (IMT) and biological therapies among patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU), and determine the number of uveitis relapses during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: In this national multicentric prospective case series, data of subjects with NIU receiving corticosteroids, systemic IMT and/or biological agents were analysed. The data collection was performed from 1 March 2020 to 25 June 2020. Main outcome measures included change in the ongoing treatments with corticosteroids, IMT and biological agents, use of alternate therapies and rates of uveitis relapse. RESULTS: In this study, 176 patients (284 eyes) with NIU (mean age: 33±17.1 years; males: 68) were included. A total of 121 eyes (90 patients) were deemed to have active NIU. Of these, seven subjects (7.8%) did not receive intravenous methylprednisolone despite need felt by the treating uveitis experts. In addition, 35 subjects (57.4%) received a rapid tapering dosage of oral corticosteroids despite active disease. A total of 161 (91.5%) subjects were receiving systemic IMT and 25 (14.2%) were on biological therapies. Overall, IMT was altered in 29/161 (18.0%) subjects. Twenty-two eyes were treated with intravitreal therapies in the study period. Fifty-three eyes (32.5%, 29 subjects) developed relapse of NIU, of which 25 subjects (86.2%) were deemed to have reactivation related to altered systemic IMT. No patient developed COVID-19 during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, uveitis specialists may tend to reduce the ongoing systemic IMT, or prefer less aggressive treatment strategies for NIU. These subjects may be at high risk of relapse of uveitis.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns and the purported reasons for delayed presentation of patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy at a tertiary eyecare facility in Central India: A questionnaire-based study.

PURPOSE: To identify the reasons for delayed presentation among patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) and to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) patterns in context to diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS: Single-center, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based KAP survey. All consecutive cases of STDR who presented to our tertiary eye care facility from June 2020 to November 2020 were recruited. The KAP scoring survey tool was incorporated into the questionnaire to help evaluate and represent the patient's disease. RESULTS: 170 patients with STDR were enrolled in the study. The mean age of patients was 54 ± 9.34 years (Range: 21-70 years); 110 patients (64.7%) were between 41 and 60 years; 131 patients (76%) had DM for more than 5 years. The STDR changes were more prevalent in patients with an educational qualification of high school or less (n = 142; 83.5%). Fifty-two patients (30.6%) had been informed regarding the detrimental effect of diabetes on the eyes and were recommended to consult an ophthalmologist by the treating physician. Of these, 24 (46.15%) patients were educated about retinal changes due to diabetes. Eighty-five (50%) patients in our study had good knowledge about DM; 13 (7.6%) patients had good knowledge about DR. For patients not compliant for follow-ups with the treating physician, the use of "home glucometers for self-monitoring (n = 60, 35.3%) was the most prevalent reason. The main reason for poor compliance for undergoing a dilated fundus examination by the ophthalmologist was "Had good vision, so didn't feel the need" in 143 (90.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: The absence of visual complaints, lack of knowledge, and failure to undergo a dilated fundus examination in the past were the prevalent risk factors in patients presenting with STDR. Knowledge/practice about DR was poor among the patients with STDR. The treating physicians and ophthalmologists were the most common sources for patient education.

Comparison of post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis rates using syringing or regurgitation on pressure over the lacrimal sac as a preoperative screening tool for nasolacrimal duct obstruction: An impact assessment of protocol alteration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: To compare the post-cataract endophthalmitis (PCE) rates among eyes undergoing syringing or regurgitation on pressure over the lacrimal sac (ROPLAS) test prior to cataract surgery. Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective, comparative analysis of eyes developing PCE who underwent syringing prior to cataract surgery (group A) in the pre-COVID-19 era between November 1 2019 and January 31, 2020 and the eyes that underwent ROPLAS test prior to cataract surgery (group B) in the COVID-19 era between November 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. Results: A total of 87,144 eyes underwent cataract surgery during the two time periods of the study. Syringing was performed in 48,071 eyes, whereas ROPLAS was performed in 39,073 eyes. In group A, 19 eyes (0.039%) developed PCE, whereas 20 eyes (0.051%) developed PCE in group B (P = 0.517). Between the two groups, the grade of anterior chamber cellular reaction (P = 0.675), hypopyon (P = 0.738), and vitreous haze (P = 0.664) were comparable. Gram-positive organisms were detected in 4 eyes in group A and 6 eyes in group B; 2 eyes in group A had gram-negative bacilli. The presenting visual acuity (Group A: LogMAR 1.42 and Group B: LogMAR 1.30) and final visual acuity (Group A: LogMAR 0.52 and Group B: LogMAR 0.5) were comparable between the two groups. (P = 0.544 and 0.384, respectively). Conclusion: The rates of PCE were comparable among the eyes undergoing either syringing test or ROPLAS prior to cataract surgery.

Changing patterns of posterior segment trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic: A regional analysis from the Bodhya Eye Consortium.

Purpose: To assess changes in the presentation patterns of posterior segment trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic from six tertiary eye care institutes of North and Central India. Methods: A multicenter, hospital-based, retrospective comparative analysis of patients presenting with posterior segment trauma was done during the COVID-19 (Group A) (March 25, 2020 - September 30, 2020) period and the pre-COVID-19 (Group B) (March 25, 2019 - September 30, 2019) period. Results: A total of 405 patients were diagnosed with posterior segment trauma (Group A: 206, Group B: 199). The time interval between onset of trauma and presentation was higher in Group A (16.59 ± 29.87 days) as compared to Group B (9.41 ± 19.19 days) (P = 0.004). A majority of patients in Group A had a history of prior consultation before presentation (P = 0.049). In Group A, 120 (58.2%) patients sustained ocular trauma at home as compared to 80 (40.2%) patients in Group B (P < 0.0001). Patients presenting with light perception were significantly more in Group A (43.7%) as compared to Group B (30.2%) (P = 0.004). In Group B, 37.6% patients had presenting visual acuity of counting finger or better as compared to 27.6% patients in Group A (P = 0.07). Patients in Group A had a significantly higher proportion of post-traumatic endophthalmitis with delayed presentation (P = 0.011) and retinal detachment (P = 0.041). Patients undergoing surgery for foreign-body removal were significantly fewer in Group A (P = 0.05). Conclusion: Although the number of patients presenting with posterior segment trauma was comparable in Groups A and B, a greater number of patients sustained home injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. A majority of these patients had delayed presentation with poor presenting visual acuity and a higher tendency of retinal detachment.

Clinical profile and response to steroids in post-fever retinitis: a nine-year experience from a referral institute in the rural hinterland of Central India.

PURPOSE: To describe the demographics, clinical features, and treatment outcomes with systemic steroids in eyes presenting with post-fever retinitis (PFR) from Central India. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective analysis of 147 eyes of 98 PFR cases between 2011 and 2019. RESULTS: Mean age of the study cohort was 33.46 ± 12.76 years, with 72 males and 26 females. The mean interval between the onset of fever and the diminution of vision was 21.10 ± 13.54 days (range 0-60 days). The number of PFR cases increased over the nine years with 89 cases (90.1%) presenting during winters. Unilateral involvement was seen in 49 cases, while 49 had bilateral involvement. Clinical characteristics included: multifocal retinitis (n = 122; 61.2%), hemorrhages (n = 132; 89.8%), disc edema (n = 57; 38.8%), anterior chamber reaction (n = 28; 19%), and vitritis (n = 103; 70.1%). Treatment included intravenous followed by oral steroids in 70 patients and oral steroids exclusively in 23; five patients denied treatment. The visual acuity improved from 1.09 ± 0.52 LogMAR to 0.29 ± 0.42 LogMAR (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There has been an increase in the prevalence of PFR cases over the last decade with clustering during the winters. Multifocal retinitis, retinal hemorrhages, and vitritis were the most common clinical findings in our series. The retinitis resolved with improvement in vision following steroid therapy in all eyes.

Impact of prophylactic intracameral moxifloxacin on post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis: data from a tertiary eye care facility in rural India.

PURPOSE: To study the impact of prophylactic intracameral (IC) moxifloxacin on the incidence, clinical profile and outcomes in eyes developing post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis (PCE). METHODS: This was a single-centre, retrospective, comparative, observational study in which all eyes with PCE between June 2013 and May 2014 without IC moxifloxacin prophylaxis (group A) and June 2015-May 2016 with IC moxifloxacin prophylaxis (group B) were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 101,815 cataract surgeries were performed in group A and 112,967 in group B. PCE was diagnosed in 179 eyes (0.18%) in group A and 92 eyes (0.08%) in group B (p < 0.001). Greater reduction in risk of PCE was seen in subsidised patients compared to private. The presenting and final visual acuity was significantly better in group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic IC moxifloxacin reduced the incidence of PCE with maximum benefit being observed for the subsidised patients and also helped achieve a significantly better visual acuity following the resolution of endophthalmitis.

Resolution Pattern and Predictors of Outcome for Optic Disc Pit - Maculopathy Following Vitrectomy: An Optical Coherence Tomography Based Morphometric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To characterize the resolution pattern and macular structure recovery of optic disc pit-maculopathy (ODP-M) following vitrectomy using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational case series. Serial SD-OCT scans of all consecutive eyes of ODP-M undergoing vitrectomy were evaluated to analyze the sequence of maculopathy resolution. RESULTS: Subretinal fluid (SRF) resolved/reduced in 9 of 12 eyes over a mean of 6 months. For eyes showing resolution, we observed that the closure of the communication tract (CT) [1-3 months] preceded the closure of outer layer defect (OLD) [2-6 months], while SRF[1-12 months] and outer retinal fluid(ORF)[1-12 months] were the last to be resolved. Three eyes with residual SRF/macular fluid had a patent CT. CONCLUSION: Maculopathy resolved in a staged manner: closure of CT preceded the closure of OLD and absorption of SRF. Non-closure of CT was associated with the persistence of maculopathy. SYNOPSIS: Optic disc pit maculopathy following vitrectomy shows a staged resolution. The persistence of maculopathy is seen in eyes with non-closure of the communication tract. ABBREVIATION: Key CDVA: Corrected distance visual acuityCMT: Central macular thicknessCR: Complete restorationCT: Communication tractILM: Internal limiting membraneIRF: Inner retinal fluidIR: Incomplete restorationMLF: Multilayered fluidODP-M: Optic disc pit maculopathyOLD: Outer layer defectORF: Outer retinal fluidPPV: Pars plana vitrectomyPVD: Posterior vitreous detachmentSD-OCT: Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence TomographySRF: Subretinal fluid.

Cyclodialysis cleft repair with scleral band-buckle encirclage without cryopexy in the management of traumatic hypotony maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of traumatic cyclodialysis cleft repair in the management of hypotony maculopathy using anterior placement of encircling scleral band-buckle. OBSERVATIONS: A 51-year-old male who had sustained blunt trauma in the left eye two months prior to presentation in the clinics, presented with visual acuity of 20/200, a persistent cyclodialysis cleft with hypotony maculopathy and intraocular pressure (IOP) of 6 mm Hg. A silicone band-buckle was passed 360°; with its anterior edge hugging the insertion of rectus muscles along the 'spiral of Tillaux'. Post-operative course showed closure of the cleft with an IOP of 20 mm Hg at day 4. Patient underwent cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation at two months and improved to 20/40 at the last follow up visit with a normal IOP. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: We successfully managed a case of hypotony maculopathy due to persistent cyclodialysis cleft using a circumferential band buckle. We avoided the use of cryopexy to avoid the potential risk of inflammation - further worsening choroidal effusion and rare occurrence of suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Retinal vasculitis and skin ulcer preceding Budd-Chiari syndrome in a patient with Behcet's disease.

Behcet's disease (BD) is a multisystem disorder with a classical triad of recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and uveitis. It involves both arterial and venous system which can lead to life-threatening complications. Both superficial and deep venous systems can be involved leading to peripheral skin lesions and devastating complications like cerebral venous thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). This report describes a case of an HLA B-52 positive BD in a 22-year-old woman who presented with retinal vasculitis and venous ulcer on the foot and later on developed ascites due to obstruction of supra-hepatic inferior vena cava (BCS). This report highlights the fact that BCS can develop in patients of BD and every ophthalmologist should be aware of this life-threatening complication while they are treating these patients, as timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent mortality.