Retinal Vasculitis and Intraocular Inflammation after Intravitreal Injection of Brolucizumab.

PURPOSE: To evaluate features and outcomes of eyes with retinal vasculitis and intraocular inflammation (IOI) after intravitreal injection (IVI) of brolucizumab 6 mg/0.05 ml for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen eyes from 12 patients identified from 10 United States centers. METHODS: Review of patient demographics, ophthalmologic examination results, and retinal imaging findings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline and follow-up visual acuity (VA), prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, clinical presentation, retinal findings, fluorescein angiography results, and treatment strategies. RESULTS: The number of previous anti-VEGF IVIs ranged between 2 and 80 in the affected eye before switching to brolucizumab. Retinal vasculitis and IOI were diagnosed at a mean of 30 days after brolucizumab IVI. Mean VA before brolucizumab IVI was 0.426 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen equivalent, 20/53) and VA at diagnosis of retinal vasculitis was 0.981 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/191; range, 20/25-20/1600; P = 0.008). All affected eyes showed IOI with variable combinations of focal or elongated segmental sheathing and discontinuity of small and large retinal arteries, sclerotic arteries, regions of vascular nonperfusion, cotton-wool spots, Kyrieleis plaques, irregular venous caliber with dilated and sclerotic segments, perivenular hemorrhages, and foci of phlebitis. Fluorescein angiography revealed delayed retinal arterial filling, retinal vascular nonperfusion, and variable dye leakage from affected vessels and the optic nerve. Systemic evaluation for embolic causes was unrevealing in 2 patients, and 3 patients showed negative laboratory assessment for uveitis. Treatment consisted of various combinations of corticosteroids (systemic, intravitreal, and topical), and 2 eyes underwent vitrectomy without improvement in vision. After a mean follow-up of 25 days, mean VA was 0.833 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/136), which was reduced compared with baseline (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal vasculitis and IOI after brolucizumab IVI are characterized by variable occlusion of large or small retinal arteries, or both, and perivenular abnormalities. It may span from peripheral vasculitis to occlusion of large retinal arteries around the optic nerve or macula with severe vision loss. A high index of suspicion is required because vitreous cells may obscure visualization of retinal details.

Long-Term Visual Outcomes and Safety Profile of 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Posterior Segment Disease.

PURPOSE: To report longer-term outcomes of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in eyes with posterior segment disease. DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 390 eyes of 360 patients undergoing 27-gauge PPV for a vitreoretinal surgery indication. INTERVENTION: Three-port, transconjunctival, 27-gauge PPV. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in visual acuity (VA) and occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications with a minimum follow-up of 365 days. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 715±332 days (median, 514; range, 365-1440 days). Surgical indications included epiretinal membrane (ERM) (n = 121), vitreous floaters (n = 69), diabetic tractional retinal detachment (n = 49), vitreous hemorrhage (n = 40), full-thickness macular hole (n = 33), recurrent proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)-related retinal detachment (n = 18), primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) (n = 17), silicone oil removal (n = 16), dislocated intraocular lens (n = 10), submacular hemorrhage (n = 7), endophthalmitis (n = 6), and retained lens material (n = 4). Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA improved from 0.72±0.62 (20/105 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.40±0.55 (20/50 Snellen equivalent) postoperatively (P < 0.001). No case required conversion to 23- or 25-gauge instrumentation. Postoperative complications included transient ocular hypertension in 44 eyes (11.3%), vitreous hemorrhage in 31 eyes (7.9%), and transient hypotony in 22 eyes (5.6%). Acute postoperative endophthalmitis occurred in 1 case (0.26%). Overall, 82 of 390 eyes (21.0%) underwent at least 1 additional intraocular surgery in the follow-up period, most commonly for cataract extraction (n = 40/82 eyes, 48.8%). Of the 18 eyes undergoing surgery for primary RRD, recurrent detachment due to PVR occurred in 2 eyes (11.1%). CONCLUSIONS: At a minimum follow-up of 1 year, 27-gauge PPV was well tolerated with low rates of postoperative complications across varied surgical indications, including primary and complex retinal detachment.

Long-term retinal toxicity of intravitreal commercially available preserved triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) in rabbit eyes.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether intravitreal Kenalog (IVTK; Bristol Meyers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) produces histologic or electroretinographic changes in the rabbit retina up to 3 months after injection. METHODS: Ten Dutch-belted rabbits were injected with 4 mg/0.1 mL Kenalog in one eye and 0.1 mL physiologic salt solution (PSS) in the fellow eye. Simultaneous bilateral dark-adapted electroretinography was performed 2 weeks and 12 weeks after injection in 10 and 6 rabbits, respectively. Saturated a-wave amplitude, maximal scotopic b-wave amplitude, and individual a-wave and b-wave amplitudes of IVTK-injected and control eyes were compared at 2 and 12 weeks after injection. Light microscopy was performed on both eyes of three animals 3 months after injection. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies recognizing vimentin and human alveolar macrophage (HAM)-56, markers of glial cells and macrophages, respectively. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the saturated a-wave or maximal scotopic b-wave amplitudes between the PSS-injected eyes and the IVTK-injected eyes at 2 weeks (P = 0.95 and P = 0.56, respectively) and 12 weeks (P = 0.82 and P = 0.17) after injection. Light microscopy and immunohistochemistry disclosed only rare macrophages in the vitreous of IVTK-injected eyes. Retinal layers, retinal pigment epithelium, and choriocapillaris in treatment and control eyes were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: No demonstrable electroretinographic or histologic changes occurred to suggest immediate or delayed widespread retinal toxicity of IVTK.

Short-term course of intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the natural history of intraocular pressure (IOP) within the first 30 minutes after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA). DESIGN: Prospective, interventional, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria and underwent intravitreal injection of 0.1 ml (4 mg) of TA were studied. METHODS: Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry at baseline; immediately after injection; and at 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes after injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure measurements at baseline; immediately after intravitreal injection; and 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes after injection, and percentage of patients with IOP < or = 24 mmHg at 30 minutes. RESULTS: Patients who did not experience vitreous reflux (30/38 [78.9%]) at the site of injection had a significant initial elevation of IOP that rapidly normalized. Patients who experienced vitreous reflux (8/38 [21.1%]) at the site of injection had either no change in IOP or a small drop in IOP that rapidly normalized. The IOP measured in millimeters of mercury immediately after injection (45.9 [no reflux], 12.6 [reflux]), 2 minutes after injection (39.9 [no reflux], 13.5 [reflux]), 5 minutes after injection (33.3 [no reflux], 13.8 [reflux]), 10 minutes after injection (26.4 [no reflux], 15.1 [reflux]), and 20 minutes after injection (21.8 [no reflux], 15.0 [reflux]) showed a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. The difference in IOP between the 2 groups was not significant at baseline or 30 minutes after injection. At 30 minutes, 90% (95% confidence interval, 85.8%-95.2%) of patients without vitreous reflux had an IOP < 24 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing intravitreal injection of TA with no vitreous reflux have a risk of short-term elevation of IOP that rapidly normalizes over 30 minutes. In patients with vitreous reflux after the injection, the IOP declines immediately after injection and rapidly normalizes over 10 minutes.

Visual outcomes after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy in stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual acuity of eyes successfully treated with 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: Of 102 consecutive eyes achieving at least posterior pole reattachment, 30 eyes of 26 patients were tested by Teller or Allen acuity measurements and were subsequently converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). Visual outcomes were also examined as either favorable or unfavorable (Snellen equivalent >20/200). RESULTS: Seventy-two eyes were not tested because of either inability to perform testing (age or neurologic sequelae related to prematurity) or loss of follow-up. Of those tested, mean +/- SD logMAR visual acuity for the stage 4A and stage 4B groups was 0.51 +/- 0.09 (Snellen approximate 20/62) and 1.03 +/- 0.19 (Snellen approximate 20/200), respectively (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.64; P = .001). Of those eyes assessed by Teller measurements, 10 of 10 stage 4A eyes and 3 (37.5%) of 8 stage 4B eyes had favorable outcomes; among eyes assessed with Allen measurements, 4 of 4 stage 4A eyes and 0 of 8 stage 4B eyes had favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of eyes were not tested. Among eyes tested after successful 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy, some eyes treated prior to macular detachment may be associated with a more favorable outcome and improved maintenance of functional visual acuity.

Lens clarity after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy in stage 4A and 4B retinal detachments secondary to retinopathy of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess lens clarity after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy for stages 4A and 4B tractional retinal detachment secondary to retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: In a retrospective, interventional, consecutive clinical case series, 108 eyes of 102 patients who underwent lens-sparing vitrectomy for stages 4A and 4B tractional retinal detachment from February 1, 1998, through January 31, 2004, were reviewed. All procedures and follow-up examinations were performed by a single surgeon. Lens clarity was assessed at the final follow-up examination. RESULTS: Of the 108 eyes reviewed, 102 (94.4%) maintained clear lenses at the final follow-up examination, which ranged from 6 to 48 months (mean, 32 months) after the procedure. Thirty-two eyes had stage 4A detachments and 76 eyes had stage 4B. CONCLUSIONS: Three-port lens-sparing vitrectomy may be performed with relatively low risk of cataract formation during the early postoperative period. Maintenance of a clear crystalline lens during the critical period of visual development may lead to better functional outcomes.

Optical coherence tomography of idiopathic juxtafoveolar telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To document optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in a series of eyes with group 2A idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of patient charts, OCT, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography involving 23 eyes (12 patients). Mean retinal thickness in 9 macular areas was calculated and compared to previously published measurements from normal eyes. RESULTS: OCT in 8 of 13 stage 3 eyes revealed foveal cysts without evidence of cystoid macular edema on fluorescein angiography or biomicroscopy, and 1 lamellar hole. In stage 3 eyes, mild retinal thickening was found in 7 of 9 macular areas (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: OCT commonly reveals foveal cysts in stage 3 idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasia. Consistent findings of associated mild macular thickening and lack of late petaloid hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography suggest that these cysts differ in pathophysiology from cystoid macular

Retinal prostheses for the blind.

INTRODUCTION: Using artificial means to treat extreme vision impairment has come closer to reality during the past few decades. The goal of this research has been to create an implantable medical device that provides useful vision for those patients who are left with no alternatives. Analogous to the cochlear implants for some forms of hearing loss, these devices could restore useful vision by converting visual information into patterns of electrical stimulation that excite the remaining viable inner retinal neurons in patients with retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Data for this review were selected through a comprehensive literature search. RESULTS: Advances in microtechnology have facilitated the development of a variety of prostheses that can be implanted in the visual cortex, around the optic nerve, or in the eye. Some of these approaches have shown the promise of providing useful visual input to patients with visual impairments. CONCLUSION: While the development of various retinal prostheses have shown promise in limited clinical trials, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages for each type of prosthesis. This review will focus primarily on the Epiretinal Intraocular Retinal Prosthesis, studied by our group, but will also briefly review other modalities: the subretinal prosthesis, cortical prosthesis, and optic nerve prosthesis.

Outcomes of 27 Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery for Posterior Segment Disease.

PURPOSE: To report the initial experience, clinical outcomes, and safety profile of 27 gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in eyes with posterior segment disease. DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional case series. METHODS: setting: Private practice and tertiary care settings. STUDY POPULATION: Eyes undergoing 27 gauge PPV for a vitreoretinal surgery indication. INTERVENTION: Three-port, transconjunctival 27 gauge PPV. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in visual acuity and occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications with minimum follow-up of 90 days. RESULTS: Ninety-five eyes met the inclusion criteria. Surgical indications included epiretinal membrane (n = 26), diabetic tractional retinal detachment (n = 14), full-thickness macular hole (n = 11), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with (n = 7) or without (n = 9) proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), vitreous hemorrhage (n = 10), vitreous opacities (n = 8), endophthalmitis (n = 4), sub-silicone oil retinal detachment (n = 3), retained lens material (n = 1), submacular hemorrhage (n = 1), and aqueous misdirection (n = 1). Mean logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.08 ± 0.71 (20/240 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.53 ± 0.65 (20/67 Snellen equivalent) postoperatively (P < .001). Mean follow-up was 144 days (median 127 days, range 90-254 days). There were no intraoperative complications and no case required conversion to 20, 23, or 25 gauge instrumentation. A total of 3 sclerotomy sites (1.1%) were sutured at the conclusion of surgery. Postoperative complications included transient ocular hypertension in 8 eyes (8.4%), transient hypotony in 5 eyes (5.3%), and vitreous hemorrhage in 5 eyes (5.3%). No cases of postoperative endophthalmitis, sclerotomy-related retinal tears, or choroidal detachments were encountered in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The 27 gauge PPV was well tolerated with low rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications across varied surgical indications.

Anatomic success rate after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy in stage 4A or 4B retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To assess the anatomic success rate after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) in stage 4A and 4B tractional retinal detachments (TRDs) due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). DESIGN: A chart review and data evaluation of 108 eyes of 102 consecutive patients presenting with stage 4A (32 eyes) or 4B (76 eyes) TRDs that underwent primary LSV from February 1998 to January 2004 were performed. INTERVENTION: Three-port LSV was performed on all eyes by the same surgeon (ERH). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Retinal reattachment status was reviewed at final follow-up visit, which ranged from 6 to 48 months (mean, 32 months) after LSV. RESULTS: Ninety-two of 108 (85.2%) eyes were reattached after a single LSV and 102 of 108 (94.4%) eyes ultimately achieved at least partial posterior pole reattachment at the final follow-up visit. All 4A eyes achieved complete reattachment and 70 of 76 (92.1%) 4B eyes achieved partial or complete reattachment. Reversal or complete arrest of dragging of the macula was noted in all eyes that maintained partial or complete reattachment (94.4%). Six (5.6%) 4B eyes remained detached despite additional vitreoretinal procedures; 4 (66.7%) of these had intraoperative retinal tears. CONCLUSIONS: Eighty-five percent of eyes with 4A and 4B TRDs secondary to ROP were completely reattached with a single 3-port LSV procedure and nearly 95% were ultimately at least partially reattached at the posterior pole by the final follow-up visit. The development of retinal tears intraoperatively portended a poor prognosis for reattachment.

Outcomes of 140 consecutive cases of 25-gauge transconjunctival surgery for posterior segment disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 25-gauge instrumentation for a variety of vitreoretinal conditions on previously nonvitrectomized eyes. DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: One-hundred forty eyes of 140 patients were evaluated at the Doheny Retina Institute from July 2002 to July 2003. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent surgical procedures using the Millennium 25-gauge Transconjunctival Standard Vitrectomy system. Twenty eyes (14.3%) underwent procedures without vitrectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, surgical time, postoperative inflammation, complications, and number of sutured sites. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were noted. No cases required conversion to 20-gauge machines. Ten cases (7.1%) involved single-site sclerotomy suture placement due to bleb formation at the conclusion of the procedure, but 5 of these entry sites were enlarged to facilitate larger instrumentation for tissue manipulation. Median VA improved from 20/250 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, 1.08+/-0.47) preoperatively to 20/60 (0.47+/-0.30) (P<0.0001) at final visit. Mean follow-up was 33.8+/-9.7 weeks, and all eyes were observed for a minimum of 12 weeks. Mean total surgical time was 17.4+/-6.9 minutes. Intraocular pressures remained stable throughout the postoperative course. Five eyes (3.8%) presented on day 1 with shallow choroidal detachments, but all resolved by day 7, and none required volume infusion during the postoperative period. All but one of these cases was within the first 50 procedures performed. No detectable inflammation was noted in any eyes by 4 weeks postoperatively. No case of retinal detachment or endophthalmitis was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Transconjunctival surgery using 25-gauge instrumentation may hasten postoperative recovery by decreasing overall surgical time and postoperative inflammation. Procedures requiring minimal intraocular manipulation did not require sutures and, thus, may be better suited for this surgical modality.

Macular hole in cat scratch disease.

PURPOSE: To report the development of a macular hole as a complication of cat scratch disease. DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 10-year-old girl was seen with unilateral neuroretinitis from serologically confirmed cat scratch disease. Twelve days later, she developed a macular hole in the involved eye. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were obtained at presentation and after the development of a macular hole. RESULTS: Fundus photography and OCT on presentation revealed a nasal neurosensory detachment and multiple inflammatory foci throughout the macula, including a subfoveal lesion. Fundus photography and OCT 12 days later revealed the development of a partial posterior vitreous detachment and a full thickness macular hole. CONCLUSIONS: Macular hole should be included among posterior segment complications of cat scratch disease. In this case, the macular hole was associated with partial vitreous detachment and a preexisting subfoveal lesion, likely representing an inflammatory focus.

Retinal vein cannulation with prolonged infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) for the treatment of experimental retinal vein occlusion in dogs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of local thrombolytic agents directly injected into occluded retinal veins in an experimental animal model. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. METHODS: This experimental study was performed in two phases. In phase 1, 15 enucleated porcine eyes and 8 in vivo canine eyes were used for the development of the instrumentation and surgical technique required for retinal vein cannulation with prolonged intravascular infusion. In phase 2 of this study, experimental branch retinal vein occlusion was photo-chemically created using an intravenous injection of rose bengal followed by diode laser photocoagulation in eight eyes of eight dogs. Four eyes were treated by retinal vein cannulation and an injection of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) using a specifically designed microcatheter, while the remaining four eyes were untreated (control group). The total amount of t-PA injected intravenously ranged from 400 to 1000 mug, infused over a period ranging from 25 to 45 minutes with a mean pressure of 40 psi, resulting in a mean injection flow rate of 0.05 ml/min. The dogs underwent clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, and histologic examination. Main outcome measures were: Achievement of prolonged intravascular infusion of t-PA, changes in fundus appearance, fluorescein angiography, and histology. RESULTS: A microcatheter instrument and a surgical technique for retinal vein cannulation with prolonged intravascular infusion were developed. Cannulation and t-PA infusion for a period of at least 30 minutes was achieved in all four treated eyes with experimental branch retinal vein occlusion. No complications were recorded in all treated eyes. One week and 1 month postoperatively, treated eyes exhibited marked decreases in retinal hemorrhages, retinal vein dilation, and tortuosity, whereas nontreated eyes exhibited persistence of these findings. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated improved circulatory flow in treated relative to nontreated eyes. Histologic analysis confirmed the presence of thrombi in nontreated eyes only. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal vein cannulation with prolonged intravascular injection of t-PA is feasible and safe, and this may offer a new treatment option for retinal vein occlusion.

Retinal thickness in normal and RCD1 dogs using optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare retinal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness values obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in normal dogs and dogs with rod-cone dysplasia type 1 (RCD1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight eyes of 6 normal hound-bred dogs and 12 eyes of 6 dogs with RCD1, 2 to 5 years of age, were examined using the Fast RNFL Thickness, Fast Macular Thickness, and line scan protocols of OCT. RESULTS: Retinal thickness was significantly higher in the tapetal fundus than in the non-tapetal fundus, in both normal (P = .0036) and RCD1 (P < .0001) dogs. Superotemporal, superonasal, and inferior retinal thickness values were significantly higher in normal dogs (P < .0001). Area centralis thickness was 183.5 +/- 10.66 microm in normal dogs and 136.16 +/- 13.12 microm in RCD1 dogs (P < .0001). There was no difference in RNFL thickness between normal and RCD1 dogs (P > .05). CONCLUSION: OCT scanning in dogs is considered to be a useful method of evaluation in future retinal studies in this animal model.

The value of preoperative tests in the selection of blind patients for a permanent microelectronic implant.

PURPOSE: To determine the best candidates (ie, those requiring lowest current levels delivered to the retina to elicit visual perceptions) for long-term implantation of a microelectronic retinal implant through a series of preoperative visual, psychophysical, and electrophysiological tests. METHODS: This study protocol was granted an investigational device exemption by the Food and Drug Administration and was approved by the institutional review board at the University of Southern California. After informed consent was obtained, all subjects underwent the following preoperative tests: dark-adapted bright flash and 30-Hz flicker electroretinograms, electrical evoked responses (EERs) using a Burian-Allen corneal electrode to stimulate the globe, and psychophysical tests to evaluate the light and electrically elicited visual perceptions. Intraocular stimulation (IOS) of the retina was performed by an array of electrodes positioned on the internal limiting lamina. RESULTS: Lower vision correlated with less sensitive psychophysical responses (P<.0001). Lower vision and less sensitive psychophysical tests correlated with higher EER values for stimulus pulse widths of 2 ms (P<.0008) and 4 ms (P<.0002). Lower IOS currents correlated with more sensitive psychophysical responses (P<.02) and lower EER values at 4 ms (P<.04). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative testing, especially psychophysical and electrophysiological tests to assess light and electrically driven visual responses, can help in evaluating patients for suitability for receiving a permanent microelectronic retinal implant. Further study is warranted.

Refractive outcomes of lens-sparing vitrectomy for retinopathy of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the refractive outcomes of 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for subtotal retinal detachments owing to retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: The study included 9 infants who had undergone complete ablative laser treatment for threshold retinopathy of prematurity in both eyes, subsequently developed stage 4A retinal detachment in 1 eye for which they underwent LSV, and maintained complete retinal attachment bilaterally. Eyes that underwent LSV were compared with fellow eyes. Cycloplegic refraction was performed, and corneal curvature, axial length, lens thickness, lens position, and anterior chamber depth were measured. RESULTS: Significantly less myopia was present in eyes that had undergone LSV compared with control eyes (mean spherical equivalent, -6.78 vs -10.33 diopter [D]; P < .001). The reduced myopia in LSV eyes was predominantly owing to increased anterior chamber depth (mean, 3.81 vs 2.96 mm; P < .001) and a more posterior position of the lens (mean, 5.58 vs 4.63 mm; P < .001). There was a minor contribution from reduced corneal power in LSV eyes (mean, 43.90 vs 44.20 D; P = .02). There was no significant difference in axial length, lens thickness, or lens power between LSV and control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Infant eyes undergoing 3-port LSV for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity develop less myopia than fellow eyes treated with ablative laser alone. The difference is owing to posterior displacement of the lens, with a smaller contribution from reduced corneal power. The reduction in myopia may explain the excellent functional outcomes following 3-port LSV for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity.

Conjunctival epithelium in pars plana vitrectomy specimens.

PURPOSE: To review histopathology of vitrectomy specimens obtained during routine pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for evidence of inadvertent introduction of conjunctival epithelium into the vitreous cavity during PPV. METHODS: Retrospective review of all vitreous specimens obtained from PPV over a 3-year period during which vitreous samples were routinely submitted from routine and diagnostic PPV. Patient charts and operative reports were reviewed, with particular attention to history of postoperative endophthalmitis, and the use of transconjunctival PPV. RESULTS: A total of 650 specimens were obtained over a 3-year period. Three specimens with conjunctival epithelium were identified. None of these cases resulted in endophthalmitis. Two of these three cases used transconjunctival techniques. In one case all three sclerotomies were made using transconjunctival techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of conjunctiva in the vitreous aspirate from completely transconjunctival PPV indicates that conjunctival epithelium can be inadvertently introduced into the vitreous cavity during PPV. Although none of these cases resulted in endophthalmitis, special care to sterilize the conjunctiva before the creation of transconjunctival sclerotomies is warranted.