Prevalence and risk factors for metamorphopsia after successful retinal detachment surgery.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the prevalence of metamorphopsia following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery, as well as associated predictive factors. METHODS: A total of 107 eyes successfully operated for RRD underwent metamorphopsia severity assessment using M-CHARTS, and foveal microstructure analysis by spectral domain optical coherence tomography, at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression rendered evaluation of preoperative risk factors. The correlation between metamorphopsia score and outer retinal layer (ORL) integrity was investigated, and preoperative risk factors evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of postoperative metamorphopsia decreased from 51.4% to 29.9% and the median metamorphopsia score significantly improved (0.5, 95% CI [0.3;0.9] to 0.2, 95% CI [0;0.5], p<0.001) from 1 t to 6 months, respectively. Preoperative macular detachment was the only predictor found (OR 11.0, 95% CI [3.1;39.4], p<0.001). Metamorphopsia severity was significantly associated with outer nuclear layer thickness, and the status of the ellipsoid, and cone interdigitation zones. One month M-CHARTS had 81% sensitivity and 87% specificity in predicting full metamorphopsia recovery at 6 months (0.45 cut-off score). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of metamorphopsia decreased in parallel to ORL restoration, thus demonstrating the etiological role of photoreceptor-level morphological changes. M-CHARTS allowed for monitoring and predicting metamorphopsia recovery after RRD.

Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab for the Prevention of Postoperative Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy in High-Risk Patients Selected by Laser Flare Photometry.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab at the time of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery, on postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in high-risk patients selected by laser flare photometry. METHODS: This single-center observational retrospective cohort study included 137 consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade for primary RRD with increased aqueous flare between July 2016 and June 2021. From June 2019, an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab was administered as an adjunct to RRD repair. Patients who underwent surgery before this time and who did not receive intravitreal bevacizumab served as controls. The main outcome was the rate of retinal redetachment due to PVR. RESULTS: The median flare value was 22.0 (16.5-36.5) pc/ms in the control group and 28.2 (19.7-41.0) pc/ms in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.063). Eyes treated with bevacizumab were more likely to have macula-off RRD (p = 0.003), grade B PVR (p = 0.038), and worse visual acuity (p = 0.004) than controls. The rate of PVR redetachment was significantly lower in the bevacizumab group (11.1%) than in the control (30.1%) (p = 0.012). This difference was more pronounced after adjusting for potential confounding factors (p = 0.005); the risk of developing PVR was 4.5-fold higher in controls (95% CI, 1.6-12.8). After adjustment, the final median visual acuity was also significantly higher in eyes treated with bevacizumab (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that bevacizumab may reduce the risk of PVR-related recurrent RRD and improve visual outcomes in high-risk patients selected by laser flare photometry.

Dissociated Optic Nerve Fiber Layer Appearance after Macular Hole Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Temporal Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique with Conventional Peeling.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the temporal inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique compared with that of conventional ILM peeling on the extent of the dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) and retinal sensitivity in patients undergoing macular hole (MH) surgery. DESIGN: Single-center, prospective, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients requiring vitrectomy for MHs sized > 250 µm. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to 1 of the following 2 groups: (1) the control group undergoing standard ILM peeling and (2) the experimental group (flap group) undergoing the temporal inverted ILM flap technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the total DONFL score at 3 months after surgery. Important secondary outcomes were microperimetry results, primary MH closure rate, external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery rates, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were recruited between February 2018 and July 2020; primary outcome data were available for 60 patients. The median DONFL score was 7.0 (3.0-12.5) in the control group and 5.0 (1.5-8.5) in the flap group at 3 months after surgery (P = 0.145). The focal depressions characteristic of the DONFL were limited to the temporal side of the fovea in the flap group, whereas they were found all around the fovea in the control group on spectral-domain OCT images. The MH closure rate (P = 1), EZ and ELM recovery rates (P = 0.252), and BCVA (P = 0.450) were similar between the 2 groups. The 3-month overall median retinal sensitivity (MRS) (P = 0.142) and MRS improvement (P = 0.916) in the control group were comparable with those observed in the flap group. In addition, there was no significant difference between the 2 techniques when considering the temporal area (P = 0.105) or the nasal area (P = 0.468). CONCLUSIONS: The temporal inverted ILM flap technique reduced the extent of the DONFL by preserving the nasal part of the fovea. However, the overall DONFL score was similar between the 2 techniques. In addition, the MRS and BCVA did not differ from those obtained after complete ILM peeling. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Efficacy of the DRL orthokeratology lens in slowing axial elongation in French children.

Background: This study aims to assess and compare the impact of Orthokeratology Double Reservoir Lens (DRL) versus Single Vision Lenses (SVL) on axial elongation and anterior chamber biometric parameters in myopic children over a 6- and 12-month treatment period in France. Methods: A retrospective study involving 48 patients aged 7 to 17 years, who underwent either orthokeratology treatment or single-vision spectacle correction, was conducted. Changes in refractive error, axial length, and anterior chamber depth were examined. Results: Twenty-five patients comprised the Orthokeratology (OK) group, while twenty-three were in the control group (single-vision spectacle group). Significant increases in mean axial length were observed over time in both the control (0.12 ± 0.13 mm and 0.20 ± 0.17 mm after 6 and 12 months, respectively; F (2,28.9) = 27.68, p < 0.001) and OK groups (0.02 ± 0.07 mm and 0.06 ± 0.13 mm after 6 and 12 months, respectively; F (2,29.1) = 5.30, p = 0.023). No statistically significant differences in axial length were found between male and female children (p > 0.620). Age-specific analysis revealed no significant axial elongation after 12 months in the 14-17 years group in the OK group. Anterior biometric data analysis at 6 and 12 months showed statistical significance only for the DRL group. Conclusion: Orthokeratology resulted in an 86 and 70% reduction in axial elongation after 6 and 12 months of lens wear, respectively, compared to the single-vision spectacles group. Myopia progression was more pronounced in younger children, underscoring the importance of initiating myopia control strategies at early ages.

Association of Microvasculature Changes with Visual Outcomes after Successful Retinal Detachment Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular microvascular changes and their correlation with visual outcomes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 74 eyes successfully operated for RRD. METHODS: The foveal avascular zone area in the superficial capillary plexus, the vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus, vessel density deep capillary plexus (VD DCP), and choriocapillary plexus were evaluated using octangiography at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The fellow eyes were used as controls for comparison. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The correlation between octangiography parameters and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed using a hybrid linear mixed model. We also analyzed the relationship between octangiography parameters and the integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) of photoreceptors. RESULTS: The median VD DCP was significantly decreased in RRD eyes at 1 month (P = 0.019), but gradually improved over time to reach the value of the fellow eyes at 6 months (P = 1). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in median foveal avascular zone area, superficial capillary plexus, and choriocapillary plexus (P = 0.579, P = 0.618, P = 0.068 and P = 0.819, P = 1, and P = 1, respectively) at both 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Postoperative BCVA was positively correlated with VD DCP (P = 0.009) in multivariate analysis. Eyes with low 1-month VD DCP tended to have worse final BCVA (P = 0.067). There was no correlation between VD DCP and ELM and/or EZ integrity at both 1 (P = 0.156) and 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.161). Eyes with intact ELM and EZ at 6 months, however, had significantly higher 1-month VD DCP than those with disrupted ELM and/or EZ (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The VD DCP was affected in RRD eyes as well as strongly associated with postoperative BCVA and the restoration of photoreceptor layers. It might thus serve as a predictor for visual recovery following successful RRD surgery.

Prevalence and predictive factors for posterior vitreous attachment in eyes undergoing epiretinal membrane surgery.

BACKGROUND: To report the prevalence of posterior vitreous attachment (PVA) in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and to determine associated preoperative predictive factors. METHODS: Retrospective observational case series of 408 eyes who underwent surgery for iERM without vitreomacular traction. The status of the posterior hyaloid was assessed intraoperatively. Predictive factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. We also evaluated the effect of PVA on the anatomical and functional outcomes of surgery. RESULTS: Eighty-two (20.1%) eyes were found to have an undetached posterior hyaloid during vitrectomy. In multivariate analysis, axial length (AL) and lens status were strongly associated with the posterior vitreous status (p = 0.031 and p = 0.048). The odds of having a PVA decreased by a factor 0.81 per mm of AL (95% CI, 0.66-1.00). Phakic eyes had a 2.88-fold increased risk of exhibiting PVA compared to those with previous cataract extraction (95% CI, 1.10-7.52). The presence of PVA did not have any effect on postoperative anatomical and functional outcomes. In contrast, we found that eyes with shorter axial length, low preoperative visual acuity and disruption of the ellipsoid zone exhibited worse visual recovery (p = 0.006, p < 0.001 and p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: PVA was observed in 20.1% of eyes undergoing vitrectomy for iERM. Shorter AL and phakic status were strong predictive factors of PVA in those eyes. However, the morphological features and the surgical prognosis of iERMs with PVA did not differ from those with posterior vitreous detachment.

Effect of Duration of Silicone Oil Tamponade on Retinal Structure after Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of tamponade duration on retinal changes induced by silicone oil (SO) in patients who underwent successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. METHODS: Retrospective comparative case series of 68 patients who underwent SO tamponade for RRD. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on timing of SO removal: <6 months (group 1, n = 34) versus ≥6 months (group 2, n = 34). The main outcome measure was the change in central macular, inner, and outer retinal layer thickness (CMT, IRLT, and ORLT) before and after SO removal (SOR). RESULTS: The median tamponade duration was 4 [Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:471-6, Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi. 1997 Jan;33(1):39-41] months in group 1 and 8 [Arch Ophthalmol. 1994 Jun;112(6):778-85, Retina. 2004 Dec;24(6):871-7] months in group 2 (p < 0.001). The mean CMT significantly increased from 245.3 ± 22.2 µm and 238.8 ± 41.6 µm under SO to 281.3 ± 60.2 µm and 259.0 ± 43.5 µm after SOR in group 1 (p = 0.009) and in group 2 (p = 0.007), respectively. Automated segmentation measurement revealed a significant increase in mean IRLT (p = 0.014 and p = 0.013) but no change in mean ORLT (p = 0.080 and p = 0.257) in both groups. After adjustment, there was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of mean final CMT, IRLT, and ORLT and mean retinal thickness changes after SOR. There was also no correlation between the tamponade duration and macular microstructural changes or visual recovery. CONCLUSION: SO tamponade causes a thinning of all retinal layers, mainly affecting the inner retinal layer. However, these changes resolved following SO extraction and were not affected by longer tamponade duration.

OUTCOMES OF COMBINED PHACOEMULSIFICATION AND PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and to compare the anatomical and functional results of phacovitrectomy and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone for phakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: Retrospective, comparative case series of 266 phakic eyes that underwent either combined phacovitrectomy or PPV alone for primary retinal detachment. The primary anatomical success rate, the final best-corrected visual acuity, and the refractive outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-seven eyes were included in the combined group and 139 in the PPV group. The primary anatomical success rate was 84.3% in the combined group and 89.2% in the PPV group (P = 0.311). One hundred and nine (78.4%) eyes of the PPV group required cataract removal for visual rehabilitation during the follow-up period. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean final best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.185) and mean visual changes (P = 0.470). Overall, combined cataract extraction resulted in a significant myopic shift compared with delayed cataract surgery (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Combined phacoemulsification and PPV is a safe and effective procedure to treat retinal detachment. The anatomical and functional results were comparable with those obtained with PPV and delayed cataract surgery. However, the refractive outcomes were less favorable and shifted toward myopia, especially in macula-off cases.

EyeSi Surgical Simulator: validation of a proficiency-based test for assessment of vitreoretinal surgical skills.

PURPOSE: To develop and investigate an evidence-based performance test for assessment of vitreoretinal surgical skills on the EyeSi Surgical Simulator. METHODS: Ten junior residents without any surgical experience, eight senior residents with prior experience in cataract surgery and five vitreoretinal surgeons were included in the study. The test consisted of seven modules and was completed twice by all groups during a single session. Validity evidence was evaluated using Messick's validity framework. Senior residents completed four additional test sessions and were retested 3 months after to assess skill acquisition and retention. RESULTS: Content was aligned with vitreoretinal surgical skills as evaluated by expert surgeons. Response process was ensured through standardized instruction and data collection. The test showed satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach's α = 0.76 (internal structure) and significant discriminative ability between the residents and the experienced surgeons (relation to other variables). A pass/fail level was determined at 596 using the contrasting groups' method. Consequences of applying this standard resulted in no false positive and no false negative. Senior residents significantly improved their simulator skills over time, reaching a plateau at the fifth iteration and equalling expert performance (p = 0.420). This level of competency was retained during the post-3-month retention testing (p = 0.062). CONCLUSION: We established a performance test with solid evidence for assessment of vitreoretinal surgical skills on the EyeSi Simulator and determined a benchmark criterion that may be used for future implementation of proficiency-based training for novices.

Insulin inhibits inflammation-induced cone death in retinal detachment.

BACKGROUND: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) involving the macula is a major cause of visual impairment despite high surgical success rate, mainly because of cone death. RD causes the infiltration of activated immune cells, but it is not clear whether and how infiltrating inflammatory cells contribute to cone cell loss. METHODS: Vitreous samples from patients with RD and from control patients with macular hole were analyzed to characterize the inflammatory response to RD. A mouse model of RD and retinal explants culture were then used to explore the mechanisms leading to cone death. RESULTS: Analysis of vitreous samples confirms that RD induces a marked inflammatory response with increased cytokine and chemokine expression in humans, which is closely mimicked by experimental murine RD. In this model, we corroborate that myeloid cells and T-lymphocytes contribute to cone loss, as the inhibition of their accumulation by Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) increased cone survival. Using monocyte/retinal co-cultures and TSP1 treatment in RD, we demonstrate that immune cell infiltration downregulates rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF), which physiologically regulates glucose uptake in cones. Insulin and the insulin sensitizers rosiglitazone and metformin prevent in part the RD-induced cone loss in vivo, despite the persistence of inflammation CONCLUSION: Our results describe a new mechanism by which inflammation induces cone death in RD, likely through cone starvation due to the downregulation of RdCVF that could be reversed by insulin. Therapeutic inhibition of inflammation and stimulation of glucose availability in cones by insulin signaling might prevent RD-associated cone death until the RD can be surgically repaired and improve visual outcome after RD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03318588.

Perioperative risk of bleeding with antithrombotic agents in macular surgery: a national, prospective, multicentre study.

PURPOSE: To compare the risk of haemorrhagic complications in elective macular surgery between patients with no antithrombotic (AT) treatment (defined as patients with no history of AT therapy or who discontinued AT therapy) and patients who continued AT treatment during the surgery. METHODS: E-case report forms were prospectively recorded in a database before vitreoretinal surgery and 1 month after. Data on patient characteristics, surgical techniques, haemorrhagic complications and antithrombotic status were collected. Patients with retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy and previous retinal haemorrhage were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 748 procedures (single procedure in one eye per patient) were performed between January and May 2019. Among them, 202 patients (27.0%) were treated with antithrombotic therapy at the time of surgery: 19.5% with antiplatelet agents (n = 146), 6.3% with anticoagulants (n = 47) including 3.2% (n = 24) patients treated with novel oral anticoagulants, 0.8% (n = 6) with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, and 0.4% (n = 3) with heparin. Overall, 92 patients (12.3%) developed one or more haemorrhagic complications, of which 63 (11.5%) and 29 (14.4%) were in the non-AT and AT group, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed no difference between AT treatment groups regarding ocular bleeding complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.7-2.2], p = 0.54). CONCLUSION: No cases of uncontrolled or severe perioperative haemorrhage in patients continuing antithrombotic agents were reported in this selected population. For the majority of the patients taking antiplatelets or anticoagulants, these agents could be safely continued during macular surgery.

Prevalence and risk factors for outer retinal layer damage after macula-off retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report the prevalence of outer retinal layer (ORL) damage after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery and to determine its associated preoperative risk factors. METHODS: 253 eyes successfully operated for macula-off RRD were included in the study. The integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ) and cone interdigitation zone (CIZ) of the photoreceptors was assessed at 1 month and 6 months using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Risk factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The correlation between ORL integrity and visual outcomes was also evaluated. RESULTS: CIZ, EZ and ELM defects were found in, respectively, 198 (93.4%) eyes, 100 (47.2%) eyes, 64 (30.2%) eyes at 1 month and in 160 (63.2%) eyes, 44 (17.4%) eyes and 18 (7.1%) eyes at 6 months. In multivariate analysis, duration of macular detachment was the only factor associated with ORL damage at 6 months (p=0.007). Best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 0.5±0.3 at 1 month to 0.3±0.3 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution at 6 months (p<0.001) and was strongly correlated with the number of affected bands (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of outer retinal band defects substantially decreased through the study period, confirming the ability of photoreceptors to recover over time. However, shorter interval to surgery and better visual outcomes were significantly associated with fewer defects within the ORL at 6 months. These findings suggest that earlier surgery may limit RRD-associated photoreceptor degeneration and improve the patient's visual prognosis.

EYESI surgical simulator: validity evidence of the vitreoretinal modules.

PURPOSE: To investigate the validity of six vitreoretinal modules on the Eyesi Surgical Simulator. METHODS: Fifteen residents with no vitreoretinal experience and six trained vitreoretinal surgeons (>100 procedures per year) were included in the study. Four modules were selected in agreement with an experienced surgeon: the navigation (Nav), forceps (For), vitrector (Vit) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling modules. The first level of the basic training modules (Nav1 and For1) and the first two levels of the more procedural modules (Vit1, Vit2, ERM1 and ERM2) were completed twice by both groups in the above order. The performance parameters for each task were calculated by the simulator software. The results from both iterations were recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Experienced vitreoretinal surgeons outperformed residents with regard to the overall score on the Nav1 (p = 0.01), For1 (p < 0.01), ERM1 (p = 0.02) and ERM2 (p = 0.04) modules. No differences in overall score were found between the two groups on the Vit1 (p = 0.17) and Vit2 modules (p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: Validity for the simulator metrics was found on four vitreoretinal modules not previously investigated, with regard to construct validity, content and the response process. These exercises could be included in a future competency-based training programme that could potentially be applied in the standard ophthalmological curriculum.

Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling in Macula-off Retinal Detachment Complicated by Grade B Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical benefit of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling as a surgical adjunct in the repair of primary retinal detachment (RD) complicated by grade B proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, comparative case series. METHODS: Setting, study population, observationalprocedures and Main outcome measures. SETTING: Institutional. STUDY POPULATION: Seventy-five consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for primary macula-off RD complicated by grade B PVR. OBSERVATIONAL PROCEDURES: Patients were divided into an ILM peeling (Group P) and a no ILM peeling group (Group NP). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anatomic success rate, best-corrected visual acuity, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics were collected at 1 and 6 months. RESULTS: In all, 37 eyes with ILM peeling were included in Group P and 38 eyes without ILM peeling were included in Group NP. The anatomic success rate after single surgery was higher in Group P (89%) than in Group NP (66%, P = .03). Mean final visual acuity was 0.41 ± 0.40 logMAR in Group P vs 0.43 ± 0.22 logMAR in Group NP (P = .82). We found no epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation in Group P, whereas 5 cases of ERM (20%) were detected in Group NP (P = .012). The 2 groups did not differ in terms of cystoid macular edema occurrence, macular thickness, or photoreceptor damage. CONCLUSIONS: ILM peeling during vitrectomy in macula-off RD complicated by grade B PVR reduces the need for a second surgery for redetachment or macular pucker.

Intraocular Cytokine Levels in Post-Cataract Endophthalmitis and their Association with Visual Outcome.

PURPOSE: The host immune reaction during endophthalmitis, studied in particular through the intraocular cytokine network, is essential for the comprehension of the disease and the development of new therapies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the cytokine composition of aqueous humor during endophthalmitis. METHODS: In a multicenter case-control study, forty-nine patients with postoperative endophthalmitis and 60 controls (cataract surgery) were included. Visual acuity, local inflammatory grading, medical history and intraocular levels of 27 cytokines and chemokines (measured by multiplex immunoassay) were recorded. RESULTS: During endophtalmitis, an increase in total cytokines was observed. The raise of Th1 cytokines was particularly noticeable. Chemokines, such as IL-8, MIP-1 ß, MCP-1, G-CSF and IP-10, also increased. Pearson's correlation analyses showed a poor visual prognosis with high levels of IL-8, MCP-1 and VEGF and a low level of IL-10 at admission. CONCLUSION: An increase in inflammatory cytokines is noticeable during endophthalmitis, with a particular emphasis on IL-8, MCP-1 and VEGF. Targeted anti-inflammatory and anti-VEGF treatments may be of interest in the future.

Visual Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Epiretinal Membrane Peeling in Patients with Asteroid Hyalosis: A Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate outcomes of epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling in patients with asteroid hyalosis (AH) and to compare them with those from controls without AH. METHODS: This is a retrospective matched cohort study of 1,104 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for ERM between January 2004 and February 2014. Patients with AH were included in the study group and were matched for preoperative visual acuity, age, gender, date of surgery, and axial length with control patients without AH selected from the same cohort. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography were measured at baseline and postoperatively with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were included in the AH group and 44 in the control group. The mean initial BCVA was 0.53 ± 0.21 LogMAR for the AH group vs. 0.49 ± 0.20 LogMAR for the control group, and the mean initial CMT was 419 ± 74 vs. 423 ± 75 µm, respectively. During the follow-up, no significant difference was found regarding the final BCVA at 6 months (0.23 ± 0.14 vs. 0.24 ± 0.17) LogMAR (p = 0.87) and 12 months (0.16 ± 0.09 vs. 0.17 ± 0.12) LogMAR (p = 0.92), despite a tendency toward slower visual recovery for the AH group at 1 month, with a mean BCVA of 0.36 ± 0.12 vs. 0.28 ± 0.18 LogMAR (p = 0.08). No difference was found regarding the progression of CMT at 1.6 and 12 months with a mean CMT of 396 ± 47 vs. 378 ± 55 µm (p = 0.39), 356 ± 39 vs. 365 ± 41 µm (p = 0.48), and 349 ± 68 vs. 352 ± 53 µm (p = 0.87), respectively. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy with ERM peeling in patients with AH was beneficial and showed similar functional and anatomical outcomes in both groups. AH does not seem to affect visual improvement or the complication rate after ERM peeling. Therefore, the indications for vitrectomy in case of ERM should not be prompted by the presence of AH.

Validity of aqueous flare measurement in predicting proliferative vitreoretinopathy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To investigate aqueous flare as a preoperative predictor for later proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) development in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) and to determine the validity of this measurement in patients at low clinical risk for postoperative PVR. METHODS: This study included 100 eyes of 100 patients who underwent surgery for primary RD. Aqueous flare was determined preoperatively with a laser flare-cell meter (Kowa FM-500, Kowa Company Ltd, Tokyo, Japan). Patients were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively. Failures related to PVR were recorded for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty eyes (20%) developed PVR postoperatively. Preoperative flare values in these eyes were significantly higher than in eyes with no redetachment (48.12 ± 61.24 versus 17.74 ± 29.63 photon counts per millisecond (pc/ms), p = 0.002). The odds ratio for PVR development with flare values >15 pc/ms was 12.3 (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval, 3.54-42.59). Of 54 eyes at low clinical risk for postoperative PVR, five developed PVR postoperatively. Flare values were significantly higher in these eyes (25.30 ± 7.10 pc/ms) than in eyes with no redetachment (12.44 ± 10.16 pc/ms, p = 0.008). Using logistic regression, the odds ratio of PVR redetachment risk increased by the factor 1.078 per 1 pc/ms of flare value (95% CI, 1.01-1.15). CONCLUSION: Preoperative aqueous flare is a strong predictive factor for PVR redetachment. The laser flare-cell meter provides a fast and safe tool to accurately identify patients at risk for postoperative PVR, especially when clinical examination did not predict this risk.