Rahnella Aquatilis Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Injection in an Immunocompetent Patient.

PURPOSE: To present a novel case of exogenous Rahnella aquatilis endophthalmitis following an intravitreal injection. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 74-year-old male presented with acute progressive vision loss and pain in the left eye, 5 days after an intravitreal injection for diabetic macular edema. The patient was diagnosed with exogenous endophthalmitis and empirically treated with intravitreal injections of vancomycin and ceftazidime as well as topical and oral ciprofloxacin. In follow up two days later, the patient was treated with preoperative povidone-iodine followed by prompt vitrectomy with additional vancomycin and ceftazidime due to pharmacy sterile hood issues that delayed antibiotic availability. Microbiological cultures and two mass spectrometry identification tests confirmed the diagnosis of exogenous Rahnella aquatilis endophthalmitis. Despite the presence of scattered retinal hemorrhagic infarcts involving the macula and subsequent full-thickness atrophic macular holes seen in follow up, the patient achieved a favorable anatomical and functional outcome of BCVA 20/80 at 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the occurrence of exogenous Rahnella aquatilis endophthalmitis following an intravitreal injection for diabetic macular edema. Prompt diagnosis and treatment produced a favorable outcome relative to other typical Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae organisms.

Surgically Induced Scleritis Associated With Suture Hypersensitivity Following Strabismus Surgery.

A 67-year-old woman with history of mild suture hyper-sensitivity presented with localized scleritis after strabismus surgery. After infection was ruled out, the patient was prescribed topical and systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and systemic steroids, which led to full clinical resolution. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(1):e4-e6.].

Ab Interno Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Plugs In An Eye With Persistent Hypotony.

PURPOSE: This case report aims to describe a new method for increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with acute hypotony resulting from uveitis flare-ups and preexisting glaucoma drainage devices. The temporary glaucoma tube plug method described is effective and safe. METHODS: This case report presents a 47-year-old female patient with a history of chronic panuveitis and secondary glaucoma, who had 2 previously implanted Ahmed glaucoma valves. The patient developed panuveitis flare-up and persistent hypotony. A novel method of ab interno plugging of the glaucoma tubes using 2-0 prolene suture plugs was performed. Following treatment, the IOP increased successfully and remained within the normal range. CONCLUSION: The temporary ab interno glaucoma tube plug method effectively increased IOP in a patient with 2 preimplanted Ahmed glaucoma valves with persistent low IOP due to uveitis.

Acute macular infarctions in pediatric patients with hemoglobin SS disease.

Purpose: To report two cases of symptomatic posterior pole arterial occlusions in patients with hemoglobin SS disease. Observations: Two teenage patients with hemoglobin SS disease presented with visual distortions, and on dilated fundus examination and testing, they were found to have arterial occlusions involving the posterior pole. The patients were evaluated for stroke with head imaging and received exchange transfusion by hematology. Conclusions and Importance: This case series reports the unusual findings of arterial occlusions in the posterior pole resulting in areas of retinal whitening and ischemia in patients with HbSS. While sickle cell retinopathy is typically considered a peripheral retinal disease, these findings underscore the importance of vigilance when examining patients with sickle cell disease.

The Warburg effect alters amino acid homeostasis in human retinal endothelial cells: implication for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) remains a leading cause of blindness despite progress in screening and treatment. Recently, the Warburg effect, a metabolic alteration affecting amino acid (AA) metabolism in proliferating cells, has drawn attention regarding its role in PDR. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Warburg effect on AA metabolism in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) subjected to PDR-associated risk factors and validate the findings in patients with PDR. In vitro experiments exposed HRECs to high glucose (HG) and/or hypoxia (Hyp), known inducers of the Warburg effect. The HG + Hyp group of HRECs exhibited significant differences in non-essential AAs with aliphatic non-polar side chains, mainly driven by elevated glycine concentrations. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed several glycine metabolism-related pathways significantly altered due to the Warburg effect induced by HG + Hyp. Crucially, vitreous humor samples from PDR patients displayed higher glycine levels compared to non-diabetic and diabetic patients without PDR. The odds ratio for PDR patients with glycine levels above the cut-off of 0.0836 µM was 28 (p = 0.03) compared to non-PDR controls. In conclusion, this study provides mechanistic insights into how a specific Warburg effect subtype contributes to glycine accumulation in PDR and supports glycine's potential as a biomarker for PDR pathogenesis.

Recalcitrant Fusarium Fungal Endophthalmitis: Novel Surgical Technique Combining Vitrectomy with Intralesional Injection of Voriconazole and Povidone Iodine.

PURPOSE: To show the feasibility while comparing functional and anatomical outcomes of vitrectomy combined with intralesional injection of voriconazole and povidone iodine for recalcitrant fusarium fungal endophthalmitis. METHODS: In a noncomparative interventional case, vitrectomy combined with intralesional injection of voriconazole and povidone iodine was performed in a single patient. RESULTS: Following vitrectomy and intralesional injection, our patient's fungal endophthalmitis stabilized and vision improved to 20/25. He did not require further intravitreal injections or vitrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy and intralesional injection for the treatment of refractory filamentary fungal endophthalmitis proved to be safe and effective for this case.

A Case of Retinal Atherosclerotic Oxalosis due to Hyperoxaluria in a Patient with Short Gut Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe a severe case of crystalline retinopathy secondary to hyperoxaluria from short gut syndrome. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 62-year-old Caucasian female with short gut syndrome and end-stage renal disease from renal oxalosis presented with chronic bilateral vision loss. She had previously been treated for presumed occlusive vasculitis. Visual acuity on initial exam was 20/400 OD and 20/100 OS with an afferent pupillary defect of the right eye.Exam revealed attenuated retinal vasculature and diffuse crystalline infiltration of retinal arterial lumens and throughout the retinas bilaterally. Optical coherence tomography revealed inner retinal atrophy with crystalline deposition in the inner retinal layers. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated delayed vascular filling and dropout consistent with severe ischemic vasculopathy. It was concluded that the short-gut syndrome led to over-absorption of oxalate with subsequent hyperoxaluria leading to retinal atherosclerotic oxalosis. CONCLUSION: Retinal calcium oxalate deposits due to hyperoxaluria have been previously noted; however, this degree of severe retinal vascular infiltration has not been described. Our patient was receiving hemodialysis, which is associated with high rebound increases in systemic oxalate concentrations. It is important to keep hyperoxaluria in mind as a potential cause of retinopathy in patients with end-stage renal disease presenting with vision loss.

Intraoperative Complication Rates in Cataract Surgery After Resuming Surgery Following the COVID-19 Shutdown.

Purpose: To evaluate surgeon performance and intraoperative complication rates of cataract surgery after resumption of elective surgeries following the operating room (OR) shutdown from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Subjective surgical experience is also evaluated. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study which analyzes cataract surgeries performed at an inner city, tertiary academic center. Cataract surgeries were categorized into Pre-Shutdown (January 1-March 18, 2020), and Post-Shutdown, for all cases which occurred after surgeries resumed (May 11-July 31, 2020). No cases were performed between March 19 and May 10, 2020. Patients undergoing combined cataract and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) were included, but MIGS complications were not counted as cataract complications. No other combined cataract-other ophthalmic surgeries were included. A survey was used to gather subjective surgeon experience. Results: A total of 480 cases (n=306 Pre-Shutdown and n=174 Post-Shutdown) were analyzed. Although there was a higher frequency of complex cataract surgeries performed Post-Shutdown (5.2% vs 21.3%; p<0.00001), complication rates before versus after the shutdown were not statistically significant (9.2% vs 10.3%; p=0.75). Phacoemulsification was the step of cataract surgery in which residents were most concerned about when returning to the OR. Conclusion: After the surgical hiatus due to COVID-19, significantly more complex cataract surgeries were reported and surgeons reported higher general anxiety level when first returning to the OR. Increased anxiety did not lead to higher surgical complications. This study provides a framework to understand surgical expectations and outcomes for patients whose surgeons faced a prolonged two-month hiatus from cataract surgery.

Intraocular Lens Formula Comparison of Flanged Intrascleral Intraocular Lens Fixation with Double Needle Technique.

Purpose: To analyze visual outcomes and accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in predicting postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing flanged intrascleral IOL fixation. Design: Case Series. Subjects: Twenty-three patients who had undergone secondary IOL placement using flanged intrascleral fixation technique. Methods: Retrospective chart review. Main Outcome Measures: Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and postoperative spherical equivalent based on manifest refraction. Results: Visual acuity improved from 20/577 to 20/58. Overall, the actual refraction was 0.06 D more myopic than predicted. Holladay 2, Sanders Retzlaff Kraff/Theoretical (SRK/T) and Barrett Universal II resulted in mild myopic surprise (-0.55, -0.18 and -0.20 D). Haigis and Hill-RBF (Radial Basis Function) resulted in mild hyperopic surprise (+0.28 and +0.28 D). Hoffer Q and Holladay 1 were the most accurate (-0.02D and -0.08 D). Conclusion: Flanged intrascleral IOL fixation improved vision even in patients with other posterior segment pathologies. The effective lens positioning is likely similar to in-the-bag positioning. Hoffer Q and Holladay 1 formulas with in-the-bag calculations were the most accurate.

Patient Clinical Outcomes in Standalone Versus a Combined Ophthalmology-rheumatology Uveitis Clinic.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate uveitis care outcomes in standalone versus a combined ophthalmology-rheumatology clinic. METHODS: Participants were patients aged 18 years and older with a minimum 12-month history of chronic uveitis prior to being referred to the combined uveitis clinic at Kresge Eye Institute and who were treated in the combined clinic for at least 6 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), objective markers of inflammation, and achieving targeted dose of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) were compared in the cohort of uveitis patients 6 months prior to and after the initial evaluation in the combined clinic. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of study participants were female with a mean age of 51.5 years. BCVA improved from 0.58 logMAR (Snellen: ~20/74) at the initial combined clinic visit to 0.50 logMAR (Snellen: ~20/63) 6 months after the first combined visit (p = 0.0137). The establishment of the combined uveitis clinic led to higher frequency of patients at target dose of IMT: an increase from 49.0% at 6 months prior to the combined visit to 70.1.4% and 79.8% at the initial combined visit and 6 months after the combined visit, respectively. CONCLUSION: A combined model of management for chronic uveitis patients wherein rheumatological services are coupled with ophthalmic care leads to improvement in patient clinical outcomes and achieving target therapy.

Plasmapheresis as a viable treatment option for scleritis.

Purpose: We describe a case and our experience with using plasmapheresis as a treatment for scleritis. Observations: Treating relapsing autoimmune scleritis can be challenging when it inadequately responds to traditional therapy. Our patient could not receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy for her scleritis due to recent gastrointestinal surgery and previously failed multiple steroid sparing treatments due to intolerance. There was good initial control with high dose oral prednisone, however, the steroid could not be tapered to a safe dosage (<10 mg per day) without relapse. Therefore, we opted to treat our patient with plasmapheresis. Conclusions and Importance: After undergoing plasmapheresis, our patient experienced total resolution of symptoms with corresponding clinical resolution of scleritis. Plasmapheresis derives great benefit by filtering circulating immune complexes. Although rarely used, plasmapheresis can be effective in treating non-infectious scleritis.

Accuracy of intravitreal injection volume for aflibercept pre-filled syringe and BD Luer-Lok one-milliliter syringe.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the accuracy of intravitreal injection volume of the pre-filled syringe (PFS) in which aflibercept is packaged compared to the BD Luer-Lok 1-mL syringe. METHODS: Ophthalmologists injected their typical intravitreal volume for aflibercept using either the PFS or BD Luer-Lok 1-mL syringe for 5 times each. The injected fluid was weighed using a micro-scale and converted to volume. The volume of fluid injected was also evaluated when the 0.05 mL line on the PFS was lined up to the tip or base of the dome-shaped plunger. RESULTS: Injection volume was measured for 12 physicians. The average injected fluid volume was 74.22 ± 15.87 µL for PFS and 53.42 ± 4.61 µL for the BD Luer-Lok 1-mL syringe (p < 0.0001). The average deviation in volume injected for the PFS was higher compared to the BD Luer-Lok 1-mL syringe (11.36 µL vs. 3.35 µL, p < 0.0001). When the PFS was lined up with the tip of the dome-shaped plunger at the 0.05-mL line, the average injected volume was 71.03% higher. CONCLUSIONS: The intravitreal injection volume and variability using the new PFS were significantly higher than the volume injected using the BD Luer-Lok 1-mL syringe previously used, potentially leading to higher rates of visually significant elevation of intraocular pressures.

Pleiotropy of a Stickler syndrome genotype.

PURPOSE: To report a case of pleiotropy in the COL2A1 gene typically associated with Stickler Syndrome Type 1. OBSERVATIONS: A patient with a confirmed mutation of the COL2A1 gene presented with an isolated retinitis pigmentosa phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The mutated COL2A1 gene in Stickler Syndrome Type 1 represents a site of pleiotropy, highlighting a change in phenotype across the same genotype potentially due to tissue alternative splicing.

CASE OF TORPEDO MACULOPATHY WITH TWO DISTINCT ZONES OF THE RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report a case of torpedo maculopathy with two distinct zones of the retinal pigment epithelium visualized on optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 6-year-old female presented for a routine examination. Visual acuity was 20/20 bilaterally. Dilated fundus examination was normal in the right eye. Dilated fundus examination of the left eye showed a wedge-shaped area of hypopigmentation in the temporal macula. Optical coherence tomography macula of the left eye showed outer retinal cavitation with segmentation of the foveal retinal pigment epithelium into a superficial fluffy zone and a deeper hyperreflective zone. CONCLUSION: This case helps contribute to the growing body of the torpedo maculopathy literature that may reveal different stages of the same disease evolving over time.

Autosomal Dominant Vitreoretinochoroidopathy With a Novel BEST1 Mutation and a Review of Reported Mutations.

Here we describe a patient with atypical presentation of autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC) with a novel missense mutation in BEST1 gene and briefly review reported ADVIRC-associated genetic mutations. The patient is a 71-year-old African American female who presented with progressively worsening blurry vision bilaterally over the course of 40 years, with significant deterioration in both peripheral and central vision in the past five years. Her anterior segment exam was unremarkable. Fundoscopic examination showed confluent, demarcated areas of pigmentary chorioretinal atrophy in the mid-periphery of the retina with sparing of the macula in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the lesions revealed flattening of the fovea with an elevation of the inner retinal structures and outer plexiform layer, and peripheral retinal thinning and loss of retinal structures with choroid hyperreflectivity, consistent with peripheral chorioretinal atrophy. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous c.830C>T, p.(T277M) mutation located on exon 7 of the BEST1 gene. This patient represents an atypical presentation of ADVIRC with more posterior involvement, and this case is associated with a novel missense mutation in the BEST1 gene.

Intraocular Povidone Iodine During Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Severe and Atypical Endophthalmitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience and clinical outcomes of povidone iodine (PI) infusion in the setting of pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of endophthalmitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of 12 patients with clinical and/or culture evidence of endophthalmitis requiring pars plana vitrectomy with 0.025% PI used in vitreous irrigation solution during vitrectomy. The primary endpoint was clinical resolution of the infection. Secondary endpoints included visual recovery, need for repeat surgery, and ocular toxicity RESULTS: There were 11 eyes that showed clinical or culture evidence of resolution of infection postoperatively (91.7%); 10 eyes had improvement in vision postoperatively (83.3%). Overall uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/5321 (2.43 ± 0.58 logMAR) to 20/375 (1.27 ± 1.05 logMAR) (P = .0003). No clinical evidence of ocular toxicity or unexplained vision loss due to PI was observed. CONCLUSIONS: PI infusion during pars plana vitrectomy for endophthalmitis appears safe and led to excellent post-surgical results in a traditionally high-risk cohort. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:485-490.].

Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening Examination and Changes in Vital Signs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dilation and examination during retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening can cause systemic complications and even life-threatening adverse events (AEs). The main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and significance of AEs and changes in vital signs during ROP screenings, and to correlate birth weight, gestational age, and length of exam as possible predictors of these changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study that includes 1,360 screening exams from 680 premature infants in two neonatal intensive care units. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were monitored from the time that dilating drops were administered until 4 hours after the examination was completed. Any clinical deterioration or complication was documented. RESULTS: Of 1,360 infant screening exams, 153 (11%) screening exams resulted in at least one change in vital sign that alerted the monitor. There was one serious AE requiring bag valve mask resuscitation 30 minutes after dilating drops were placed. Gestational age, birth weight, and length of ROP exam were not significant predictors of AEs. There were statistically significant changes when comparing pre- and post-vital signs following dilation and funduscopy exam. CONCLUSIONS: Although ROP screening exams are essential for at-risk neonates, mydriatic drops and retinal exams can result in changes to vital signs and AEs. It is important to closely monitor neonates during these examinations. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:458-463.].

Comparison of Povidone-Iodine and Gentamicin Soak as Scleral Buckle Infection Prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the best method of antimicrobial prophylaxis against implanted material-associated infections in the setting of scleral buckle surgery. DESIGN: Experimental study. PARTICIPANTS: Scleral buckle elements were soaked in either gram-positive or polymicrobial broth, while control buckle elements were soaked in PBS only. METHODS: Solid silicone and sponge scleral buckle elements were inoculated with common pathogens of the ocular surface, and then soaked in either 1% or 5% povidone-iodine, 1 mg/mL gentamicin solution, or sterile saline for 1, 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Bacteria were then isolated from the buckle elements and cultured for 24 hours. RESULTS: In all gram-positive bacterial conditions, gentamicin solution decreased the bacterial load from 451,666.67 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL to 171,611.11 CFU/mL (p=0.0004). The fractional bacterial survival after soaking in gentamicin was higher for the silicone sponge than band (0.357 vs 0.079, p=0.038). Both 1% and 5% povidone-iodine were able to completely eradicate all gram-positive bacteria of both buckle elements. Only 5% povidone-iodine was able to completely sterilize all microbes on the buckle after soaking in a polymicrobial solution consisting of gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. CONCLUSION: Povidone-iodine solution was significantly more effective at bacterial eradication compared to gentamicin solution. For all scleral buckle procedures, we recommend soaking the buckle element in 2-3% povidone-iodine solution before placement and rinsing the ocular surface with the same solution after placement.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY FINDINGS IN TWO CASES OF SOLAR RETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To report optical coherence tomography angiography findings obtained in two patients with solar retinopathy. METHODS: Two case reports. RESULTS: Two patients presented with blurry vision after sun gazing during the recent solar eclipse and were found to have characteristic foveal lesions on examination and optical coherence tomography consistent with solar retinopathy. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed a focal area of nonperfusion of the choriocapillaris in the affected eyes. CONCLUSION: Changes to the choriocapillaris layer on optical coherence tomography angiography in two patients with solar retinopathy suggest that damage is not limited to the retina.