Trigeminal Nerve Affection in Patients with Neuro-Sjögren Detected by Corneal Confocal Microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Sjögren's syndrome and polyneuropathy more frequently develop cranial nerve affection when compared to patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We therefore aimed to analyze trigeminal corneal nerve fibre characteristics in both patient groups. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with Sjögren's syndrome associated neuropathy and 29 patients with CIDP were recruited at our university hospital and compared to 6 healthy controls. Dry eye symptoms and signs were assessed via clinical examination and the Ocular Disease Surface Index questionnaire. Trigeminal corneal nerve fibres were analyzed via corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) as a non-invasive in vivo microscopy. RESULTS: CCM revealed significantly reduced corneal nerve fibre density and corneal nerve fibre main branch density in the Neuro-Sjögren group when compared with healthy controls. There were no significant group differences between the Neuro-Sjögren and the CIDP group for any of the microscopic parameters. Dry eye assessment showed similarly reduced scores for both patient groups, while healthy controls showed better results for objective dry eye signs. There was no correlation between microscopic parameters of the corneal confocal microscopy and parameters of dry eye assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed trigeminal corneal nerve affection in patients with neuropathy associated with Sjögren's syndrome and patients with CIDP detected by CCM. No difference was found between both neuropathy groups indicating that CCM is not able to distinguish between both entities.

[Epidemiology and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. The Hannover data in the Retina.net ROP registry from 2001-2017]. / Epidemiologie und Therapie der behandlungsbedürftigen Frühgeborenenretinopathie. Die Hannoveraner Daten im Retina.net ROP-Register von 2001 bis 2017.

BACKGROUND: The Retina.net ROP registry documents data of preterm infants developing stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that need ROP treatment. The aim of this analysis was to investigate data regarding epidemiology, therapy and changes over time (15 years) in a single participating center (Hannover Medical School, MHH). METHODS: Analysis of data of infants treated for ROP at a single center over time (birth 2001-2016, ROP treatment in 2002-2017). RESULTS: Overall, 65 infants were treated (23 female). In 11 infants (16.9%) ROP screening was conducted externally and infants were transferred to the MHH for ROP treatment. Between 2006 and 2016, incidence of ROP requiring treatment among infants screened for the development of ROP was 4.1%. Mean gestational age was 25.7 weeks (standard deviation, SD 1.8), mean birth weight 763 g (SD 235), postmenstrual age at treatment 38.2 weeks (SD 3.2), postnatal age 12.4 weeks (SD 3.2). There was no significant change in parameters over time. ROP zone II, stage 3+ was most frequently treated (57 eyes of 31 infants). 58 infants were treated with laser (114 eyes), 7 infants were treated with anti-VEGF (bevacizumab, bilateral, 14 eyes) from 2014 onwards. Retreatment due to recurrence of ROP was necessary in one infant after initial laser coagulation. Infants with ROP requiring treatment often presented with neonatal comorbidities, ventilation in more than 90%, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and received transfusions. CONCLUSION: This is the first monocentric analysis over 15 years originating from the Retina.net ROP registry. In this cohort we see a change in ROP therapy from laser coagulation to anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) from 2014 onwards, demographic data and treatment parameters remained relatively stable over time.

Algorithms for optoacoustically controlled selective retina therapy (SRT).

OBJECTIVES: Selective Retina Therapy (SRT) uses microbubble formation (MBF) to target retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells selectively while sparing the neural retina and the choroid. Intra- and inter-individual variations of RPE pigmentation makes frequent radiant exposure adaption necessary. Since selective RPE cell disintegration is ophthalmoscopically non-visible, MBF detection techniques are useful to control adequate radiant exposures. It was the purpose of this study to evaluate optoacoustically based MBF detection algorithms. METHODS: Fifteen patients suffering from central serous chorioretinopathy and diabetic macula edema were treated with a SRT laser using a wavelength of 527 nm, a pulse duration of 1.7 µs and a pulse energy ramp (15 pulses, 100 Hz repetition rate). An ultrasonic transducer for MBF detection was embedded in a contact lens. RPE damage was verified with fluorescence angiography. RESULTS: An algorithm to detect MBF as an indicator for RPE cell damage was evaluated. Overall, 4646 irradiations were used for algorithm optimization and testing. The tested algorithms were superior to a baseline model. A sensitivity/specificity pair of 0.96/1 was achieved. The few false algorithmic decisions were caused by unevaluable signals. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm can be used for guidance or automatization of microbubble related treatments like SRT or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).

[Nonaretritic central retinal artery occlusion as marker for the generalized vascular risk]. / Retinaler nichtarteriitischer Zentralarterienverschluss als Marker für das generalisierte vaskuläre Risiko.

BACKGROUND: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) represents a limiting visual perception for affected patients. In all efforts to improve function it must not be forgotten that in the vast majority of cases the cause is one or more severe vascular or cardiac diseases, which can cause RAO just as ischemic stroke and can also be life-threatening. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present the available literature and to explain the importance of an intensive neurological internal medical clarification in RAO patients. CONCLUSION: Although cardiovascular diseases are already known in most patients at the onset of an RAO, further risk factors are detected in almost 80% of cases. Therefore, and because of the high risk for recurrent thromboembolism, immediate and standardized neurological internal medical clarification of the cause is urgently recommended after an acute RAO in the context of an inpatient stay.

Development of a Patient-Oriented Organizational Management System for Intravitreal Injection Therapy in a Standardized "Treat-and-Extend" Regime at a University Eye Clinic. / Entwicklung eines patientennahen Organisationsmanagements für die intravitreale Injektionstherapie in einem standardisierten "Treat-and-Extend"-Regime an einer Universitäts-Augenklinik.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of macular edema with intravitreal injections has revolutionized the treatment of associated diseases in ophthalmology. However, with a few exceptions, this is a chronic treatment where patients require many injections and usually need to stay in treatment for years. Patient adherence and control of patient flow are critical to treatment success. In this manuscript, we describe the development of a patient-oriented organization management for intravitreal injections in a university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2015, the intravitreal treatment in our clinic was switched to the treat-and-extend regime. At the same time, the optimization of the previous organizational processes in perioperative management was evaluated. For the period 2015 to 2018, we analyzed and gradually optimized the procedures of our intravitreal injection therapy in a survey with a specialized service provider. RESULTS: Through the analysis of the original processes, the patient appointment was optimized, work processes were summarized, spatially reorganized and there was only a slight increase in the number of staff involved compared with the significant increase in the number of injections. Through these measures, the total in-hospital-time of the patients could be drastically reduced and at the same time the number of patients on one operation day could be multiplied. CONCLUSION: In the context of chronic treatment with intravitreal injections, the care of an increased number of patients is a logistical challenge. By optimizing processes, existing resources can be better used to meet the increased demands. An optimized system offers the patient greater adherence and a better visual outcome largely independent of the medication used.

Selective retina therapy (SRT) in patients with therapy refractory persistent acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC): 3 months functional and morphological results.

PURPOSE: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disease presenting with detachment of the neurosensory retina and characteristic focal leakage on fluorescein angiography. The spontaneous remission rate is 84% within 6 months. In this study, the efficacy of selective retina therapy (SRT) was examined in patients with therapy refractory persistent acute CSC defined by symptoms for at least 6 months and persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) despite eplerenone therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective, monocentric observational study in 17 eyes (16 patients, mean age 42 years, 2 female). SRT was performed with the approved R:GEN laser (Lutronic, South Korea), a micropulsed 527-nm Nd:YLF laser device, with a train of 30 pulses of 1.7 µs at 100-Hz repetition rate at the point of focal leakage determined by fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline (BSL). Visits on BSL, week 4 (wk4), and week 12 (wk12) included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMar), central retinal thickness (CRT) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and FA. Statistical analysis was performed by pair-by-pair comparisons of multiple observations in each case with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. (IBM SPSS Statistics 25®). RESULTS: Mean CRT at BSL was 387.69 ± 110.4 µm. CRT significantly decreased by 106.31 µm in wk4 (95%-KI: 21.42-191.2; p = 0.01), by 133.63 µm in wk12 (95%-KI: 50.22-217.03; p = 0.001) and by 133.81 µm (95%-KI: 48.88-218.75; p = 0.001) compared to BSL. Treatment success defined as complete resolution of SRF occurred at wk4 in 7/17 eyes (35.3%) and at wk12 in 10/17 eyes (58.8%). Re-SRT was performed in 7/17 eyes (41.2%) after an average of 107.14 ± 96.59 days. Treatment success after Re-SRT was observed in 4/6 eyes (66.6%, 12 weeks after Re-SRT). Mean BCVA did not change significantly from BSL to any later timepoint after adjusting for multiple testing. Notably, eyes with treatment success showed better BCVA at all timepoints and gained more letters compared to failures. CONCLUSION: Single or repetitive SRT may be an effective and safe treatment in 2 of 3 patients suffering from acute persistent CSC after 6 months of symptoms or more. We observed complete resolution of SRF in around 60% of eyes 12 weeks after first SRT treatment and also 12 weeks after Re-SRT treatment in eyes with persistent or recurrent SRF. Results on the long-term course after SRT are still pending.

Surgical outcomes in patients with optic disc pit maculopathy: does peeling the ILM lead to better outcomes?

PURPOSE: Optic disc pits (ODPs) are rare congenital anomalies. Several patients develop optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M): visual impairment caused by intra- and/or subretinal fluid. Treatment mode remains controversial. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and gas tamponade with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM)-peeling in improving visual acuity and reducing subretinal fluid in ODP-M patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 16 patients who underwent surgery for ODP-M from 2002-2015. Six patients underwent PPV with gas tamponade (group 1); ten patients additionally received ILM-peeling (group 2). Pre- and postoperative visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) were compared between groups, as well as retinal morphology and the number of secondary vitrectomies and complications. RESULTS: Median visual acuity improved by 2 ETDRS lines in both groups (p = 0.713, Mann-Whitney U test). Median CRT decreased by 426.5 µm and 460 µm (p = 0.931). One patient in group 1 underwent repeat vitrectomy for persistent retinoschisis. Three patients in group 2 required repeat vitrectomy: two to treat a macular hole, one for peripheral retinal holes with retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, PPV with gas tamponade proved to be an effective first-line treatment for ODP-M. Additional ILM-peeling did not give a significant benefit in this study.

Comparison of Macular Pigment Optical Density in Glaucoma Patients and Healthy Subjects - A Prospective Diagnostic Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and glaucoma. METHODS: Forty-three patients with an established glaucoma diagnosis (25 females, 18 males, mean age 70 (range 34-84)) and 43 healthy controls (28 females, 15 males, mean age 62 (range 30-87)) were included in this prospective diagnostic case-control study. All subjects underwent detailed eye examination including ophthalmoscopy, best-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, measurement of the axial length of the eye, objective refraction, lens status, central foveal thickness on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). In all glaucoma patients, a visual field assessment and a measurement of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) on SD-OCT were done. MPOD was determined using the macula pigment module of the Spectralis HRA+OCT (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) at 0.51°, 1.02° and 1.99° retinal eccentricity using two-wavelength autofluorescence imaging. RESULTS: In the glaucoma group, the median of the visual field mean defect was 5.1 db (quartiles 3.0 and 13.5) and the mean RNFL-thickness global was 65.9 µm (SD ± 16.1). Median MPOD measured at 0.51°, 1.02° and 1.99° retinal eccentricity in the glaucoma group was 0.42 DU, 0.34 DU and 0.13 DU, in the control group 0.40 DU, 0.35 DU and 0.12 DU respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of median MPOD between glaucomatous and control eyes (p=0.510, 0.735, 0.481). No significant relation between MPOD at 1.02 retinal eccentricity and the presence of glare symptoms was found (p=0.948). However, age seems to correlate with median MPOD measured at 1.02 retinal eccentricity (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: There was no evidence for lower MPOD levels in our glaucoma patients; lower MPOD was not related to the presence of glare symptoms. However there seems to be a positive correlation between age and MPOD at 1.02° retinal eccentricity. To further investigate the relation between glare reported by glaucoma patients and glare disability linked to lower MPOD levels, additional studies are necessary that include both detailed inquiry of the quality of glare and a glare quantification and precise analysis of MPOD levels in glaucoma patients.

Ranibizumab Pro Re nata versus Dexamethasone in the Management of Ischemic Retinal Vein Occlusion: Post-hoc Analysis from the COMRADE Trials.

Purpose: To compare ischemia-related clinical outcomes in patients treated with either ranibizumab pro re nata (PRN) or single dexamethasone implant in the Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (COMRADE-B) or Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (COMRADE-C) trials.Methods: A post-hoc analysis of the Phase IIIb, 6-month, multicenter, double-masked, randomized, COMRADE-B and COMRADE-C trials. Change over 6 months in retinal ischemia status (central avascular [CA] zone and peripheral nonperfusion [PNP]), mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the development of shunt vessels and neovascularization, and frequency of laser therapy were assessed in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients treated with either ranibizumab 0.5 mg PRN or single dexamethasone 0.7 mg implant, as per European labels, in the COMRADE-B (N = 244; ranibizumab, 126, dexamethasone, 118) or COMRADE-C (N = 243; ranibizumab, 124, dexamethasone, 119) trials. BCVA progression in ischemic vs. non-ischemic patients based on the ischemia assessment at month 6 was carried out.Results: Visual acuity (VA) gains from baseline to month 6 were higher with ranibizumab than with dexamethasone in both patients with central ischemia and those with peripheral retinal nonperfusion, independent of the type of RVO (branch or central). The presence of CA and PNP had a significant impact on VA gain over 6 months in CRVO patients (p < .0001), while there was no significant impact in BRVO. Ranibizumab was associated with less new ischemia than dexamethasone. Central RVO patients treated with dexamethasone received more laser treatments over the 6 months than those treated with ranibizumab, while there was no difference in the frequency of laser therapy between the branch RVO treatment groups.Conclusions: VA gain over six months in ranibizumab-treated RVO patients is not affected by ischemia, and is associated with less development of new ischemia during the first 6 months of treatment and equal or fewer laser treatments than dexamethasone implant.

How and why SGLT2 inhibitors should be explored as potential treatment option in diabetic retinopathy: clinical concept and methodology.

Patients suffering from type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing classical microvascular complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy, which represent a significant health burden. Tight control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol reduce the risk of microvascular complications but effective pharmacologically targeted treatment options for the treatment and prevention of diabetic microangiopathy are still lacking. Pharmacological inhibition of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) might have the potential to directly protect against microvascular complications and could represent a potential treatment option. Randomized controlled clinical proof of concept trials are needed to investigate a potential central role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the prevention of diabetic microangiopathy and its classical clinical complications of retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy.

Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of macular flow density in glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Modifications in ocular blood flow may play a significant role in glaucoma development. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is based on the detection and analysis of the reflection behaviour of motion in a static environment and therefore is able to quantify the retinal flow density. We used this new technology to examine the density of the active flow vasculature in the macular area in glaucoma patients compared to healthy patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (mean age: 72.6 ± 7.1 years) and 21 healthy patients (mean age: 70.3 ± 8.6 years) were recruited. Patients received perimetry and OCT measurements of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and macular retinal thickness and OCT-A of the macular area in the superficial and deep retinal (DR) plexus. Flow density of the OCT-A scan was calculated by binarisation and quantification of the pixel density. RESULTS: Macular flow density was globally and nasally reduced in glaucoma patients in the superficial (globally: p = 0.0203; nasally: p = 0.0003) and DR plexus (globally: p = 0.0113, nasally: p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the superficial retina and the DR concerning the flow density. Flow density showed no significant correlation with perimetry results, RNFLT or retinal segment thickness. CONCLUSION: Patients with glaucoma exhibit a reduced macular flow density measured by OCT-A compared to controls. The independence of the macular flow density of the retinal segment thickness changes could indicate an altered vascular element in patients with glaucoma.

Selective retina therapy: toward an optically controlled automatic dosing.

Selective retina therapy (SRT) targets the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with pulsed laser irradiation by inducing microbubble formation (MBF) at the intracellular melanin granula, which leads to selective cell disruption. The following wound healing process rejuvenates the chorio-retinal junction. Pulse energy thresholds for selective RPE effects vary intra- and interindividually. We present the evaluation of an algorithm that processes backscattered treatment light to detect MBF as an indicator of RPE cell damage since these RPE lesions are invisible during treatment. Eleven patients with central serous chorioretinopathy and four with diabetic macula edema were treated with a SRT system, which uses a wavelength of 527 nm, a repetition rate of 100 Hz, and a pulse duration of 1.7 µs. Fifteen laser pulses with stepwise increasing pulse energy were applied per treatment spot. Overall, 4626 pulses were used for algorithm parameter optimization and testing. Sensitivity and specificity were the metrics maximized through an automatic optimization process. Data were verified by fluorescein angiography. A sensitivity of 1 and a specificity of 0.93 were achieved. The method introduced in this paper can be used for guidance or automatization of microbubble-related treatments like SRT or selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Comparison of ranibizumab versus dexamethasone for macular oedema following retinal vein occlusion: 1-year results of the COMRADE extension study.

PURPOSE: The COMRADE studies are the first randomized controlled head-to-head trials comparing the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab versus dexamethasone (DEX) in patients with macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The COMRADE extension trial was designed to provide additional 6-month data of patients who completed the core studies. METHODS: In this open-label, phase IV study patients who completed the COMRADE core studies were prospectively enrolled. Overall, 92 branch RVO (BRVO) patients (ranibizumab 52, DEX 40) and 83 central RVO (CRVO) patients (ranibizumab 61, DEX 22) were treated, and 94.6% of BRVO patients and 97.6% of CRVO patients completed the extension study. Patients were assigned to the same treatment group as in the core studies. Patients were monitored monthly and received either 0.5 mg ranibizumab or a 0.7 mg DEX implant as needed. RESULTS: Over the course of the extension, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of the study eye occurred in 55.8% of BRVO patients on ranibizumab and in 62.5% of those on DEX. Among CRVO patients, 65.5% in the ranibizumab group and 59.1% in the DEX group developed TEAEs. Overall, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was more frequent with DEX than ranibizumab treatment. Mean average change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in BRVO patients was significantly better for ranibizumab than DEX (p = 0.0249). The CRVO results were consistent with BRVO's, although not significant (p = 0.1119). CONCLUSION: When used according to the European labels, ranibizumab revealed a better ocular safety profile and produced greater average BCVA gains than DEX. By the end of the additional 6-month study period, this difference in BCVA was more pronounced in BRVO as in CRVO patients. The main limitation of the COMRADE studies was that DEX patients received only a single intravitreal treatment during the first 6 months, which is presumably not adequate. However, frequent DEX implants could lead to more steroid-related side effects, especially to an increased intraocular pressure.

Head-to-head comparison of ranibizumab PRN versus single-dose dexamethasone for branch retinal vein occlusion (COMRADE-B).

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab 0.5 mg versus dexamethasone 0.7 mg according to their European labels in macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in a 6-month, phase IIIb, randomized trial. METHODS: Patients received either monthly ranibizumab for 3 months followed by Pro re nata (PRN) treatment (n = 126) or a sustained-release dexamethasone implant followed by PRN sham injections (n = 118). Main outcomes were mean average change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 1 through month 6, mean changes in BCVA and foveal centre point thickness (FCPT), and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: There was no difference in BCVA gains between the treatments prior to month 3. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gain with dexamethasone declined thereafter. From month 3 to month 6, mean BCVA change from baseline was significantly higher with ranibizumab than with dexamethasone [raw means (standard deviation):+16.2 (±11) letters versus +9.3 (±10.1) letters]. At month 6, the difference in BCVA gains from baseline was +17.3 letters in the ranibizumab versus +9.2 letters in the dexamethasone group. Patients in the ranibizumab group received a mean of 2.94 loading injections and 1.74 PRN retreatment injections, while those in the dexamethasone group received a single loading injection. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and AEs were more frequent with dexamethasone than ranibizumab treatment. CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab PRN resulted in greater visual acuity (VA) gains in macular oedema following BRVO compared with single-dose dexamethasone over a 6-month study period, observed from month 3, when administered according to their European label. In clinical practice, retreatment with dexamethasone may be required prior to this point.

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography and ab interno trabecular meshwork surgery with the Trabectome.

IMPORTANCE: This study is the first description of the use of the intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) for trabecular meshwork surgery with the Trabectome in a regular clinical setting. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate intraoperatively the immediate success of ab interno trabeculotomy with the Trabectome defined as a removal of the trabecular meshwork. DESIGN: This is a retrospective clinical study performed in the University Eye Hospital, Medical School Hannover. PARTICIPANTS: A total of nine consecutive Caucasian patients suffering from primary open angle glaucoma, pigment dispersion glaucoma, or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma took part in the study. METHODS: All patients underwent ab interno trabeculotomy surgery with the Trabectome using a commercially available iOCT to visualize the anterior chamber angle (ACA) before and after the procedure. The visualization was done using a modified Swan-Jacobs lens (all nine patients) or without lens (view from above, five patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome of this study is the success of visualization of the ACA on iOCT, especially the postprocedural visualization of the wound gap after removal of the trabecular meshwork. RESULTS: Using the view from above, the ACA could be visualized before and after the procedure in only two of the five cases. Using the modified Swan-Jacobs lens, the ACA could be visualized before the procedure and the trabecular meshwork opening after the procedure in all nine patients. CONCLUSION: The iOCT can be used to objectify the immediate success of the surgical procedure, ie, the removal of the trabecular meshwork, of ab interno trabeculotomy with the Trabectome. The procedure itself cannot be captured sufficiently via iOCT.

Integrated results from the COPERNICUS and GALILEO studies.

OBJECTIVES: To report on the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept in patients with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in an integrated analysis of COPERNICUS and GALILEO. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg every 4 weeks or sham injections until week 24. From week 24 to week 52, all intravitreal aflibercept-treated patients in both studies and sham-treated patients in COPERNICUS were eligible to receive intravitreal aflibercept based on prespecified criteria. In GALILEO, sham-treated patients continued to receive sham treatment through week 52. RESULTS: At week 24, mean gain in best-corrected visual acuity and mean reduction in central retinal thickness were greater for intravitreal aflibercept-treated patients compared with sham, consistent with individual trial results. At week 52, after 6 months of intravitreal aflibercept as-needed treatment in COPERNICUS, patients originally randomized to sham group experienced visual and anatomic improvements but did not improve to the extent of those initially treated with intravitreal aflibercept, while the sham group in GALILEO did not improve over week 24 mean best-corrected visual acuity scores. Ocular serious adverse events occurred in <10% of patients. CONCLUSION: This analysis of integrated data from COPERNICUS and GALILEO confirmed that intravitreal aflibercept is an effective treatment for macular edema following CRVO.

Switch of Intravitreal Therapy for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion from Anti-VEGF to Dexamethasone Implant and Vice Versa.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcome of intravitreal dexamethasone implant for macular edema secondary to central (C) or branch (B) retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in patients with persistent macular edema (ME) refractory to intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment compared to treatment naïve patients and to dexamethasone-refractory eyes switched to anti-VEGF. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study including 30 eyes previously treated with anti-VEGF (8 CRVO, 22 BRVO, mean age 69 ± 10 yrs), compared to 11 treatment naïve eyes (6 CRVO, 5 BRVO, 73 ± 11 yrs) and compared to dexamethasone nonresponders (2 CRVO, 4 BRVO, 69 ± 12). Outcome parameters were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Mean BCVA improvement after switch to dexamethasone implant was 4 letters (p = 0.08), and treatment naïve eyes gained 10 letters (p = 0.66), while we noted no change in eyes after switch to anti-VEGF (p = 0.74). Median CFT decrease was most pronounced in treatment naïve patients (-437 µm, p = 0.002) compared to anti-VEGF refractory eyes (-170 µm, p = 0.003) and dexamethasone-refractory eyes (-157, p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone significantly reduced ME secondary to RVO refractory to anti-VEGF. Functional gain was limited compared to treatment naïve eyes, probably due to worse BCVA and CFT at baseline in treatment naïve eyes.