Ahmed glaucoma valve in vitrectomized eyes: An implantation technique to minimize early postoperative fluid-loss hypotony.

PURPOSE: To describe the application of a modified Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgical implantation technique in vitrectomized eyes, in order to minimize the risk of early postoperative hypotony, which leads to hemorrhagic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of patients implanted with AGV using the surgical technique described were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criterion: glaucomatous eyes with previous history of pars plana vitrectomy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and ophthalmic examination were performed preoperatively and postoperatively weekly for 1 month for the detection of early hypotony, choroidal effusion/detachment, intraocular hemorrhage. The surgical technique consisted in creating a 5 mm long scleral tunnel with a 23 G needle reaching the anterior chamber at the iridocorneal angle, in which the Ahmed glaucoma valve tube was inserted. RESULTS: Ten eyes of 10 patients were included. Median preoperative IOP was 30.5 mmHg [interquartile range (IQR) 28.3-33.0]; median postoperative IOP was 12.0 mmHg (IQR 9.3-13.0) at 1 week, and 12.5 mmHg (IQR 11.0-15.0) at 1 month. In no cases postoperative IOP was <8 mmHg. On the first postoperative day, five (50%) eyes showed few blood clots in the anterior chamber. On the second-week appointment, moderate choroidal effusion was observed in two eyes (20%). No hemorrhagic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of a long intrascleral tunnel with a 23 G needle for AGV implantation in vitrectomized eyes could be effective in decreasing leakage through the space between the valve tube and the sclerocorneal tissue. This technique is safe, easy to perform, feasible and fast. Due to its advantages and good postoperative results, it could also be adopted in non-vitrectomized eyes.

Dexamethasone/Netilmicin Eye Drops and Eye Gel for the Treatment of Ocular Inflammation After Micro-Incisional Vitreoretinal Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone/netilmicin (dexa/net) fixed combination in the treatment of ocular inflammation after sutureless micro-incisional vitreoretinal surgery (MIVS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicenter, open, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial was run in 6 sites in Italy. Treatment started the day of surgery and continued 4 times daily for 14 days. Patients were 1:1 randomized to dexa/net (eyedrops solution and eye gel) or dexamethasone/tobramycin (dexa/tobra) eyedrops suspension and ointment. Viscous formulations (gel or ointment) were used alone during the early post-operative phase; afterwards, a combination of eye drops during daytime and viscous formulations at bedtime was adopted. The primary efficacy parameter evaluated was bulbar conjunctival hyperemia. Additional efficacy and safety parameters (palpebral conjunctival hyperemia, anterior chamber flare and cells, symptoms of ocular discomfort and ocular tolerance, adverse events and intraocular pressure) were also evaluated. Control visits were performed at day 1, day 4 and day 14 after surgery; the endpoint of the study was set at 14±2 days after surgery. RESULTS: A complete resolution of bulbar conjunctiva hyperaemia at the study end point was reached in 92.9% of patients treated with dexa/net and 75.0% of those treated with dexa/tobra (p=0.02, Fisher's exact test). No differences were observed between treatments for other efficacy parameters. Statistically significant differences in favour of dexa/net (p< 0.0001, ANOVA) were observed for most of subjective tolerance variables examined (blurred vision, foreign body sensation, stickiness, burning) starting day 1 after surgery when only the viscous formulations were used. No increase in intraocular pressure or adverse events was observed during the study. CONCLUSION: The combination dexa/net is safe and effective in the treatment of post-operative inflammation following sutureless MIVS. In particular, the use of eye gel formulation is characterized by a great tolerability.

Mixture of ether and silicone oil for the treatment of inferior complicated retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy and ocular tolerance of a new tamponade made with ether and silicone oil (HeavySil [HSIL]) for the treatment of retinal detachment (RD) complicated by inferior proliferative vitreous retinopathy (PVR). METHODS: Prospective noncomparative interventional study on 31 consecutive eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy and were treated with HSIL as an intraocular tamponade. All patients presented with at least one retinal break and grade B-C PVR located between 4 and 8 o'clock. The main endpoint criteria were retinal reattachment after the removal of HSIL and complications arisen from the use of this tamponade. RESULTS: Primary anatomic success was achieved in 27 out of 31 cases. Mean visual acuity improved from logMAR 1.4 (SD 0.7) to logMAR 1.1 (SD 0.6) (p=0.02). The main complications reported were cataract formation (5 out of 7 phakic eyes cases), clinically visible emulsification (6 cases), and difficulty of oil removal in 3 cases. Severe intraocular inflammation with HSIL in situ was found in only one case. CONCLUSIONS: HeavySil, a saturated solution of ether with silicone oil, is a safe and effective tamponade agent for the treatment of complicated RD. The most common complications are cataract formation and oil emulsification.

Surgical technique for anterior segment surgery in pediatric patients using 25-gauge instruments.

Many surgical techniques for the management of vitreous prolapse in the wound, secondary pupillary membrane, and congenital cataract in pediatric patients have been described. We report our experience using 25-gauge instruments and describe intraoperative and postoperative advantages.