Is current age related macular degeneration self-monitoring a good tool for detecting exudative recurrence?

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of patients with exudative AMD to detect exudative recurrence. Another objective was to assess if self-monitoring, as currently taught, improves this ability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out in the ophthalmology center of BeauSoleil clinic in Montpellier between March 1 and April 1 2016. Inclusion criteria were presence of neovascular age related macular degeneration treated with the loading dose of three monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, with at least one injection in the past 12 months and at least one exudative recurrence. All patients underwent a visual acuity measurement with ETDRS charts at 4 meters. A questionnaire assessed familiarity with the Amsler grid and its proper use, performance of and type of self-monitoring at home and the subjective feeling of an exudative recurrence at the visit with a 5-level Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of 94 eyes of 70 patients were included in this study with 69.0 % women and a median (interquartile range) age of 83 (77-96) years. Among them, 81 % performed regular self-monitoring, mostly with environmental Amsler tests (70 %). Only 63 % of the patients knew of the Amsler grid, among which 52 % used it correctly. Sensitivity (95 % confidence interval, 95 % CI) and specificity (95 % CI) of the subjective sensation of exudative recurrence were 0.32 (0.14-0.55) and 0.85 (0.74-0.92), respectively, for the entire population. Sensitivity (95 % CI) and specificity (95 % CI) were 0.33 (0.13-0.59) and 0.85 (0.74-0.93); 0.25 (0.0063-0.81) and 0.82 (0.48-0.98), respectively, in patients performing and not performing self-monitoring. CONCLUSION: Patients' prediction in wet AMD is insufficient in detecting exudative recurrences, even if regular self-monitoring with Amsler grid or environmental Amsler is performed.

[OCT measurement of the impact of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy on foveal thickness]. / Mesure par OCT de l'impact d'une capsulotomie au laser Nd:YAG sur l'épaisseur maculaire.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior capsular opacification is the commonest complication of cataract surgery. It is treated with Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. However, after treatment, cases of cystoid macular edema have been reported. The purpose of this study was to measure the foveal thickness change after Nd:YAG capsulotomy using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in order to clarify the physiopathology of this edema. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, single-center study was conducted on patients who underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy between May 2008 and November 2009. All patients received the same drug protocol after Nd:YAG capsulotomy (acetazolamide, apraclonidine, and rimexolone). Demographic parameters (age, sex, and medical history), clinical features (visual acuity, intraocular pressure) before and after Nd:YAG laser, and laser complications were analyzed. Central foveal thickness was measured by OCT (Stratus OCT 3, Zeiss). Data were collected before Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after capsulotomy. The preoperative and postoperative thicknesses were compared. We used a Student t-test for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 26 patients were analyzed. The mean foveal thickness was 209 ± 26 µm before capsulotomy, 213 ± 23 µm, 204 ± 19 µm, 213 ± 23 µm 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, respectively, after capsulotomy. The foveal thickness did not significantly change during the first 3 months following laser treatment. No complications occurred. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Macular cystoid edema was a classical complication after Nd:YAG capsulotomy. However, there was no significant increase of macular thickness shortly after Nd:YAG capsulotomy in our study.

[Pseudoexfoliation syndrome and phacoemulsification: comparative study with a control population]. / Syndrome pseudoexfoliatif et phakoexerèse : étude comparative à une population témoin.

PURPOSE: To determine the outcomes in cataract surgery by phacoemulsification in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) compared with eyes without this syndrome and to analyze the clinical features of pseudoexfoliation syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-center comparative study was conducted on patients who underwent cataract surgery between January 2006 and December 2008. Demographic parameters (age, sex, ethnicity, medical and ophthalmologic history), clinical features (visual acuity, pupil dilatation, intraocular pressure) before and after surgery, and surgery complications were analyzed and compared to a control group without PEX. RESULTS: One hundred and four eyes of 81 patients were included in the study. The eyes were divided into two groups: 52 eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and 52 eyes without pseudoexfoliation (control group). The rate of surgical complications was not statistically different between the pseudoexfoliation and control groups. The mean preoperative and postoperative visual acuity were not statistically different between the two groups. The mean postoperative visual acuity was LogMAR 0,06 + or - 0,2 in the pseudoexfoliation group and LogMAR 0,03 + or - 0,06 in the control group. The mean follow-up was 1,4 + or - 1,3 months in the pseudoexfoliation group and 1 month in the control group. Pseudoexfoliation was bilateral in 72 % of cases. Open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension was associated in 21 cases (40 %) in the pseudoexfoliation group versus no open-angle glaucoma and five cases of ocular hypertension in the control group (10 %). Poor pupil dilatation was observed in 25 cases (48 %) in the pseudoexfoliation group and in two cases (4 %) in the control group. Phacoemulsification with IOL was the surgical technique in all the cases, with only one case of anterior chamber IOL in the pseudoexfoliation group. DISCUSSION: Cataract surgery in PEX is known to be associated with more complications during surgery. Poor pupil dilatation is one of the most common problems in cataract surgery in eyes with PEX. Nevertheless, the cataract surgery in eyes with PEX syndrome is not associated with a higher rate of surgical complications in our study. However, PEX required optimized surgery. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is most common in its bilateral presentation. It is associated with chronic secondary open-angle glaucoma. The best visual acuity after surgery was similar in the two groups, but PEX required more time to attain this maximal visual acuity. Coronary heart disease could occur more frequently in patients with PEX compared with subjects without PEX. CONCLUSION: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome did not confer a statistically higher risk for surgical complications in eyes without marked phacodonesis or lens subluxation. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome did confer a higher risk for glaucoma and coronary ischemia.

[Value of first-day postoperative visit after cataract surgery]. / Intérêt de la visite du J1 dans la chirurgie de la cataracte.

INTRODUCTION: In France in 2009, newly operated patients after cataract surgery are usually seen by their surgeon the day after surgery (D1). The value of this day-after visit has been undergoing reassessment for some years, but this visit remains in widespread use in France. The aim of this study was to assess whether this visit changes patient management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred three consecutive patients (106 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification were prospectively treated in our department (82% were outpatients). All intraoperative events were noted. The day after surgery, we monitored ocular tension, the anterior segment, and the fundus. Every change in the postoperative prescription compared with a standard prescription was noted. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications occurred in eight cases. On D1, six patients had ocular hypertension that exceeded 24 mmHg, 14 had a corneal edema, six had corneal erosion, two had a Seidel, one had an anterior subluxation of the IOL, and one had retinal detachment. In 26 cases (24.5%), the prescription was changed compared to our standard prescription. DISCUSSION: Several studies have shown that the day-after-surgery visit was not mandatory. The main objective of this visit is to check for ocular hypertension. More rarely, it can detect a Seidel in front of the wound, incorrect position of the IOL, retinal detachment, or other complications that may require surgery. CONCLUSION: The day-after-surgery visit remains necessary after phacoemulsification because complications, sometimes unpredictable, can occur and compromise the result of surgery. This visit also has an educational value (to reiterate to the patients the symptoms that would require an emergency visit).

[Ophthalmologic disease in sarcoid-like granulomatosis and true sarcoidosis in immunodeficiency. Four case reports]. / Atteintes ophtalmologiques de la sarcoïdose et des "sarcoid-like reaction" dans les déficits immunitaires. A propos de 4 cas.

Granulomatosis lesions occurring after diagnosis of primary or secondary immunodeficiency are not accidental and have been described in a small number of patients suffering from various diseases: common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), malignancy (lymphoma and solid tumors), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Two types of granulomatosis can appear: true sarcoidosis and sarcoid-like reaction. We report four patients, two with CVID and two with malignancy, in whom clinical granulomatosis appeared a few months to a few years after diagnosis of immunodeficiency. They developed noncaseating granulomas of the lung, spleen and liver associated with conjunctival granulomas and bilateral panuveitis. The granulomatous disorder was diagnosed after immunodeficiency on histopathological studies revealing noncaseating granulomas. Causation agents such as infectious organisms and environmental compounds were excluded. The relationship between sarcoid-like reaction, true sarcoidosis and immunodeficiency is discussed. The underlying pathophysiology responsible for the association between granuloma formation and immunodeficiency in the same patient remains obscure. It may be quite difficult to distinguish true sarcoidosis and sarcoid-like reaction. It is possible that these two entities are the clinical extremes of a common pathological process.

[Cataract surgery and age-related maculopathy: benefits in terms of visual acuity and quality of life--a prospective study]. / Chirurgie de la cataracte et dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge: bénéfice en termes d'acuité visuelle et de qualité de vie--étude prospective.

PURPOSE: To assess the benefits of cataract surgery in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in terms of visual acuity and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 30 patients were included in this prospective study between October 2003 and January 2005. The eyes were divided into two groups: the first group (n=12) with geographic atrophy and neovascularization (late-stage AMD) and the second group (n=30) with drusen and retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities (early-stage AMD). Assessment included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and quality-of-life measures (VF-14 questionnaire) before surgery and BCVA and the VF-14 score after surgery. RESULTS: In the first group, there was no statistical difference but a trend toward improvement in BCVA (p>0.05). In terms of quality of life, there was a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative VF-14 (p=0.0078). In the second group, there was a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative BVCA (p<0.0001). In terms of quality of life, there was a statistical difference between pre- and postoperative VF-14 (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study shows a benefit in terms of visual acuity and quality of life in the majority of patients with age-related maculopathy after cataract surgery, even in late-stage AMD. Indeed, we noted a marked improvement in visual acuity in cases of early-stage AMD and a slight improvement of visual acuity in late-stage AMD. Quality of life was improved at both stages. In conclusion, cataract surgery is justified in patients with AMD.

[Pseudoexfoliation syndrome in cataract surgery. Retrospective study of 37 cases]. / Le syndrome de pseudo-exfoliation capsulaire dans la chirurgie de la cataracte. Etude rétrospective de 37 cas.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical features of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and to determine complications in cataract surgery in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome compared with eyes without this syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center comparative study was conducted on patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2004 and 2006. Demographic parameters (age, sex, ethnicity, medical and ophthalmologic history), clinical features (visual acuity, pupil dilatation, intraocular pressure) before and after surgery, and surgical complications were analyzed and compared to a control group without pseudoexfoliation. RESULTS: Seventy-four eyes of 71 patients were included in the study. The sex ratio of the pseudoexfoliation group was 1.26 with 19 males (56%) and 15 females (44%). Pseudoexfoliation was unilateral in 21 cases (61%). Open-angle glaucoma was associated in 11 cases (32%) in the pseudoexfoliation group versus two cases in the control group (5.4%). Poor pupil dilatation was observed in eight cases (24%) in the pseudoexfoliation group and in one case (2.7%) in the control group. Phacoemulsification with IOL was the surgical technique in all the cases with only one case (2.7%) of anterior chamber IOL in the pseudoexfoliation group. There was no significant difference in the surgical complications between the pseudoexfoliation and control group (5.4%). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 16+/-5 mmHg in the pseudoexfoliation group and 14+/-3 mmHg in the control group. The mean postoperative intraocular pressure at 1 month was 14+/-4 mmHg in the pseudoexfoliation group and 14+/-3 in the control group. The mean preoperative visual acuity was 1.0+/-0.7 LogMar in the pseudoexfoliation group and 0.7+/-0.5 LogMar in the control group. The mean postoperative visual acuity was 0.4+/-0.6 LogMar in the pseudoexfoliation group and 0.2+/-0.1 LogMar in the control group. The mean follow-up was 70 days in the pseudoexfoliation group and 30 days in the control group. CONCLUSION: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is the most common in its unilateral presentation. It is frequently associated with chronic secondary open-angle glaucoma. Poor pupil dilatation is one of the most common problems faced by cataract surgeons. Nevertheless, pseudoexfoliation syndrome did not confer a statistically higher risk for surgical complication in eyes without marked phacodonesis or lens subluxation.

[Characteristics of patients undergoing cataract surgery in a poor northern suburb of Paris]. / Caractéristiques socio-économiques, oculaires et systémiques des patients opérés de cataracte: particularités d'une population suburbaine en situation de précarité et mode de prise en charge en centre hospitalo-universitaire.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of patients undergoing cataract surgery in a poor northern suburb of Paris in terms of socioeconomic factors as well as systemic and ocular characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study investigated 250 consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery in the Bobigny University Hospital between May and November 2005. Information on age, sex, place of birth, residence, medical insurance, and fluency in French were gathered from medical charts; clinical records were used to collect information on associated general disease, number of medications, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) score, lack of autonomy, associated ocular disorders, best corrected visual acuity before surgery, and surgical and anesthetic procedures. RESULTS: The mean age was 72 years, the sex ratio was 1, 54.8% of the patients were born out of France, more than 90% lived in Seine-Saint-Denis department, 57.2% were referred by local ophthalmologists, and 24% did not speak French. More than 60% of the patients benefited from free medical care related to a critical general chronic disease, 25% had an ASA score of at least 3, and 65% took a minimum of three medications per day. Legal blindness was present in 20% of the cases and 45% had associated ocular disorders. One-third of the patients were out-patients. DISCUSSION: and conclusion: General chronic disease was present in more than half of the patients studied and associated ocular disorders were present in approximately half of the patients. The best corrected visual acuity before surgery was 1/10.

[Phacoemulsification in eyes with white cataracts: results and complications]. / La phacoémulsification chez les patients atteints de cataracte blanche: résultats et complications.

PURPOSE: To compare visual acuity and complications in phacoemulsification in eyes with white cataract and in eyes with immature senile cataract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study on 36 eyes in 34 patients with white cataract (group 1) and 36 eyes in 36 patients with immature senile cataract (group 2). RESULTS: In group 1, mean preoperative visual acuity was 1/100 and mean postoperative visual acuity was 5/10 at 1 month. Posterior capsule tears occurred in four eyes (11%). In group 2, mean preoperative visual acuity was 2/10 and mean postoperative visual acuity was 7/10 at 1 month. No posterior capsule tear was observed. The preoperative visual acuity was significantly lower in group 1 (p=1.8x10(-14)). Postoperative visual acuities were not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.07). The increase in visual acuity was significantly higher in group 1 (p=2.2x10(-11)). DISCUSSION: Our study shows that white cataract is not a risk factor of poor postoperative visual acuity and the increase in visual acuity is greater in the white cataract group than in the immature cataract group. CONCLUSION: The results of phacoemulsification in white cataracts are satisfactory in spite of a high rate of posterior capsule rupture in our study.

[Long-term changes in pupil size after implantation of an Artisan phakic intraocular lens for correction of high myopia]. / Modifications à long terme du diamètre pupillaire après insertion d'un implant phaque Artisan pour la correction des fortes amétropies myopiques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term changes in pupil size after implantation of an Artisan phakic intraocular lens for correction of high myopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen myopic eyes of seven patients were included in the study. Pupil size was measured under photopic conditions, under scotopic conditions after 10 min of dark adaptation, and after topical medical mydriasis. The pupil size was measured using the eye image of the OPD scan (Nidek). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 46 months after surgery. The mean photopic pupil diameter was 2.94+/-0.33 mm (range, 2.54-3.6 mm). The diameter of the scotopic pupil remained less than 6.0 mm in all patients (4.68+/-0.59 mm, with maximal pupil diameter of 5.67 mm). The mean pupil diameter after pharmacological dilation was also reduced (5.39+/-1.08 mm; range, 4.19-7.59 mm), with pupil dilation more than 7 mm in only one patient. CONCLUSION: The iris-fixated intraocular lens mechanically limited pupil dilation in our patients. The long-term reduction in pupil size after Artisan phakic intraocular lens implantation may contribute to the maintenance of the quality of vision in scotopic conditions.

[Cotton-wool spots as first ocular manifestation of giant cell arteritis]. / Artérite à cellules géantes révélée par des nodules cotonneux.

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell arteritis is the most common vasculitis in the elderly. Visual loss is established as the most dreaded and irreversible complication of the disease, which makes giant cell arteritis an ophthalmic emergency. It is important to recognize its various ocular manifestations; isolated cotton wool spots are one of them. CASE REPORT: We describe a patient with constitutional symptoms and mild visual loss who was found to have giant cell arteritis. The ophthalmic examination was significant for only isolated cotton-wool spots. A delay in arm-to-retina circulation time was demonstrated by fluorescein angiography. Prompt treatment with corticosteroids led to preservation of vision and uneventful resolution of the cotton-wool spots. DISCUSSION: Common ophthalmologic presentations include anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or choroidal ischemia when short posterior ciliary arteries are involved, and central retinal artery occlusion. Retinal ischemia has also been recognized as a possible manifestation. Because the disease concerns medium-size and larger arteries, it cannot involve terminal retinal arterioles to produce cotton-wool spots. These are probably caused by platelet microembolization from the partially thrombosed regional arteries. CONCLUSION: Isolated cotton-wool spots can be an early ophthalmoscopic finding in giant cell arteritis and precede severe irreversible visual loss. Their detection is essential because it allows the ophthalmologist to establish a prompt treatment and preserve vision.