Biomechanical properties measured with dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer in central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: Recent evidence suggests that venous congestion at the vortex vein significantly contributes to the development of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), and sclera is observed to be thicker in affected eyes. This study aims to investigate whether eyes with CSCR exhibit stiff corneas, measured using Corneal Visualization Scheimflug Technology (Corvis ST), which may serve as an indicator of scleral stiffness. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study comprises 52 eyes from 33 patients diagnosed with CSCR and 52 eyes from 32 normal controls without CSCR. We compared biomechanical parameters measured with Corvis ST and anterior scleral thickness measured using anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography between the two groups. RESULTS: Age, sex, axial length, intraocular pressure, and central corneal thickness showed no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05, linear mixed model). Three biomechanical parameters-peak distance, maximum deflection amplitude, and integrated inverse radius-indicated less deformability in CSCR eyes compared to control eyes. The stress-strain index (SSI), a measure of stiffness, and anterior scleral thickness (AST) at temporal and nasal points were significantly higher in the CSCR eyes. SSI and AST were not correlated, yet both were significantly and independently associated with CSCR in a multivariate logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes affected by CSCR have stiffer corneas, irrespective of thicker scleral thickness. This suggests that stiffer sclera may play a role in the pathogenesis of CSCR.

Three-year outcome of photodynamic therapy combined with VEGF inhibitor for pachychoroid neovasculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors for pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) are not yet clear. METHODS: This study is a retrospective, observational case series. We retrospectively examined untreated PNV cases (22 cases, 22 eyes, mean age of 71.0 years) who underwent PDT therapy in combination with VEGF inhibitors followed by additional treatments with pro re nata protocol. Visual acuity, number of treatments, and time to recurrence were examined. In addition, foveal choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were evaluated in 13 of 22 patients who were followed up with SpectralisOCTR from baseline. RESULTS: Fifteen (68%) cases had polyps at baseline. LogMAR visual acuity averaged 0.24 ± 0.20 (range, - 0.079 to 0.82) at baseline and significantly improved after 1, 2, and 3 years (p = 0. 004, 0.0003, 0.002, respectively). Fourteen patients (64%) recurred, with an average time to recurrence of 1.8 ± 0.9 years. Foveal choroidal thickness decreased significantly after 1 year (average from 326 µm to 263 µm) and remained unchanged up to 3 years (255 µm). CVI also decreased after 1 year (average from 0.62 to 0.61) and remained unchanged until 3 years later (0.60). CONCLUSIONS: We examined the 3-year course of PDT in combination with the VEGF inhibitor for untreated PNV. Visual acuity was improved, foveal choroidal thickness and CVI were decreased after 3 years.

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and combined photodynamic therapy for pachychoroid neovasculopathy: long-term treatment outcomes.

PURPOSE: To examine the long-term visual outcomes after initial treatment with combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) or aflibercept treat-and-extend (TAE) monotherapy in patients with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PNV, initially treated with PDT combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) monotherapy in the TAE protocol and followed up for at least 6 months, were included in the study. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Survival analysis was performed, in which deterioration in logMAR visual acuity by 0.1 or 0.3 is defined as "death." The annual number of treatments was also analyzed. Sub-analysis was performed on 33 patients diagnosed with PNV without polypoidal lesions. RESULTS: This study included 46 patients (23 in the initial combined PDT group and 23 in the IVA TAE group). Mean age, sex, mean baseline logMAR visual acuity, or duration of observation (3.6 ± 3.2 years vs. 3.1 ± 1.9 years) in both groups were comparable. As for visual outcome, no significant differences were found in survival analysis based on worsening of 0.1 or 0.3 logMAR (3-year survival; 26% vs. 26%, 91% vs. 90%, respectively). Meanwhile, the additional number of anti-VEGF injections per year was significantly lower in the initial combined PDT group than in the IVA TAE group (1.0 ± 1.3 vs. 4.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found in the number of additional PDTs per year (0.07 ± 0.20 vs. 0.02 ± 0.09, p = 0.27). Similar results were found in a sub-analysis of 33 patients without polyps. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of PNV, regardless of the presence of polyps, the long-term visual outcomes were similar between the initial combined PDT and IVA TAE monotherapy. However, the annual number of anti-VEGF injections was lower in the initial combined PDT group than in the aflibercept TAE group, whereas that of PDT was comparable.

Cytokine profiles in the aqueous humor following brolucizumab administration for exudative age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To identify the inflammatory cytokine profile in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with intraocular inflammation (IOI) after intravitreal administration of brolucizumab (IVBr) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Eight eyes from seven patients with IOI after initial IVBr (IVBrIOI +) were enrolled. Sixteen eyes from 16 patients without IOI after IVBr (IVBrIOI -) and aflibercept (IVA) were used as controls. AH samples were analyzed using a multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS: C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)1, CXCL10, CXCL13, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-9, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin levels were significantly higher in IVBrIOI + than in IVBrIOI - and IVA. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly lower in IVBrIOI - compared to that in IVBrIOI + and IVA. In the IVBrIOI + group, there were significant correlations between CCL2, CXCL1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, G-CSF, GM-CSF, ICAM-1, and E-selectin, which also exhibited significant correlations in the IVBrIOI - group. CONCLUSION: The number of inflammatory cytokines increases during IOI, which is associated with type IV hypersensitivity and vascular inflammation. Some cytokines exhibit correlations even in non-inflamed eyes, indicating a subclinical response to IVBr.

Relationship between the vessel density around the optic nerve head and visual field deterioration in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To analyze the vessel density around the optic nerve head (ONH) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and to evaluate its correlation with visual functions. METHODS: Thirty-eight eyes with RP with visual field constriction within the central 10° were enrolled. The mean (± SD) age of the patients was 43.7 ± 15.1 years. In addition to visual acuity (VA) measurements and visual field tests (Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test), we also measured the vessel density at the macula by OCTA (superficial and deep vessel density: sVD(m) and dVD(m)) and in multiple layers around the ONH (vessel density in the radial peripapillary capillary [RPC] layer and in the nerve head [NH] layer: VDrpc and VDnh). The vessel density was calculated by binarizing the OCTA images. The associations between the logMAR VA and mean deviation (MD) values and the variables of central retinal thickness (CRT), sVD(m), dVD(m), VDrpc, VDnh, and also the size of the foveal avascular zone were investigated. RESULTS: The mean logMAR VA was 0.16 ± 0.34 and the MD value was - 17.2 ± 10.3 dB; the MD value was significantly related to the logMAR VA (p = 0.0028). Multivariate analysis with AICc model selection suggested only dVD(m) was associated with logMAR VA. On the other hand, the optimal model for the MD value included the CRT, dVD(m), and VDnh. CONCLUSION: The vessel density in the deep layer around the ONH was significantly associated with the visual field deterioration in patients with RP.

LOCATIONAL AGREEMENT OF NEAR-INFRARED AUTOFLUORESCENCE WITH CHOROIDAL VASCULAR HYPERPERMEABILITY IN CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To characterize the findings of eyes with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (CVH), a hallmark of central serous chorioretinopathy, using multimodal imaging and investigate the locational agreement between these findings and CVH. METHODS: Among patients with central serous chorioretinopathy in either eye, eyes with CVH identified using indocyanine green angiography without exudative changes were included. All eyes were examined using funduscopy, fluorescein angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and short-wavelength or near-infrared autofluorescence (SWAF or NIRAF). The locational agreement between CVH and imaging findings was evaluated for each modality. The relative index on how they overlapped was calculated as the overlapping index. Binarized images, particularly for NIRAF, were also evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 69 CVH sites in 33 eyes of 28 patients. Pachydrusen was detected in 36% of CVH sites. Fluorescein angiography revealed hyperfluorescent areas in 39% of CVH sites. Optical coherence tomography findings identified 65% of CVH sites, but the overlapping index was 5%. Short-wavelength or near-infrared autofluorescence imaging identified 89% of CVH sites, but they exhibited variable autofluorescence. NIRAF imaging revealed hypoautofluorescence findings in all CVH sites. When binarized, near-infrared autofluorescent dark dots were observed in all CVH sites. Overlapping indices before and after binarization were 78% and 98%, respectively. The near-infrared autofluorescent dark dots area corresponded well with that of CVH (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.987 [95% confidence interval, 0.952-0.995]). CONCLUSION: Hypoautofluorescent findings revealed on NIRAF imaging, especially after binarization processing, corresponded well with CVH sites. These multimodal imaging results may help investigate the anatomical or locational characteristics of CVH in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

Does the number of laser applications for ROP treatment influence the degree of myopia?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the number of laser shots applied during laser photocoagulation treatment and the degree of myopia at 3 years in children with laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHOD: A total of 68 eyes of 34 infants who had developed prethreshold ROP and were treated by diode laser therapy were included in the current study. Cycloplegic retinoscopic refraction testing was performed in the children at the age of 3 years, and the spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated for all the examined eyes. The number of laser shots that had been applied was compared between the eyes with and without high myopia (SE < - 5 diopters (D)). In addition, the relationship between the difference in the SE values between the two eyes in each infant and the difference in the number of laser shots applied between the two eyes was also analyzed. RESULTS: The number of laser shots applied was significantly higher for the eyes with high myopia than for those without high myopia (p = 0.0088), and the number of laser shots applied was significantly positively correlated with the degree of myopia (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was also observed between the differences in the SE values between the two eyes and the differences in the number of laser shots applied between the two eyes (p = 0.0013). CONCLUSION: The number of laser shots applied in photocoagulation treatment for ROP is significantly associated with the degree of myopia seen subsequently in the children.

The usefulness of the retinal sensitivity measurement with a microperimetry for predicting the visual prognosis of branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the retinal sensitivity in branch retinal vein occlusion (BVO) with macular edema (ME) following the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. METHODS: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements were carried out in 20 patients with BVO with ME, at baseline and 1 month after the anti-VEGF treatment. The relationships among BCVA, mean retinal sensitivity (MS), macular volume (MV), central retinal thickness (CRT), integrity of ellipsoid zone (EZ), mean retinal sensitivity in the most affected quadrant (qMS), and macular volume in the most affected quadrant (qMV) were investigated. In addition, the relationships among the change in BCVA at 1 month (ΔBCVA1m), mean sensitivity in the most affected quadrant at 1 month (ΔqMS1m), MV in the most affected quadrant at 1 month (ΔqMV1m), and CRT at 1 month (ΔCRT1m) were analyzed. The optimal model for BCVA at 3 months after the treatment (BCVA3m) was identified. RESULTS: There was not a significant difference in BCVA (paired Wilcoxon test, p = 0.058) between at baseline and after the treatment, but there were significant differences in MS, MV, CRT, qMS, and qMV (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between ΔqMS1m and ΔMV1m, ΔCRT1m, and ΔqMV1m, respectively. ΔMS1m or ΔqMS1m and BCVA at baseline and ΔBCVA1m were selected as explanatory variables in the optimal model for BCVA3m. CONCLUSION: Retinal sensitivity was related to retinal structure, whereas this was not the case with BCVA. In addition, retinal sensitivity was useful to predict BCVA after anti-VEGF therapy.

ELONGATED PHOTORECEPTOR OUTER SEGMENT LENGTH AND PROGNOSIS OF CHRONIC CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of elongated photoreceptor outer segment length on the visual prognosis of patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy after treatment using half-dose and half-fluence photodynamic therapy (reduced PDT). METHODS: The study included 36 eyes of 36 patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy who underwent reduced PDT and were followed up for at least 1 year. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography measurement was conducted at baseline and 12 months after reduced PDT. Thereafter, the association between the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months after reduced PDT and 7 baseline variables (age, symptom duration, BCVA, outer nuclear layer thickness, elongated photoreceptor outer segment length, height of subretinal detachment, and subfoveal choroidal thickness) was evaluated. Multivariate analyses using the model selection with the corrected Akaike Information Criterion index were performed. RESULTS: The optimal model for BCVA at 12 months only included baseline BCVA (coefficient = 0.90, P < 0.0001) and baseline elongated photoreceptor outer segment length (coefficient = -0.0016, P = 0.034), but not outer nuclear layer thickness. CONCLUSION: Elongated photoreceptor outer segment length was significantly associated with BCVA prognosis in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy after reduced PDT and can be useful for predicting residual photoreceptor function during the active phase of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

Early changes of vascular lesions and responses to combined photodynamic therapy in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate early changes of vascular lesions and their associations with the early responses to combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: This study evaluated 19 eyes of 19 patients with PCV who underwent PDT combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and were followed for 3 months. All subjects were examined 1 week and 1, 2, and 3 months after combined PDT. "Active" cases were defined as recurrence or persistence of serous retinal detachment or subretinal hemorrhage detected within 3 months. Branching vascular networks (BVNs) were evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and polyps by indocyanine-green angiography. RESULTS: In total, 16%, 58%, 84%, and 89% of eyes displayed BVNs 1 week, 1, 2, and 3 months after PDT, respectively. BVNs were detected significantly more often 1 month after PDT in the "active" group than "inactive" group (89% vs. 30%, p = 0.020). There were significantly higher overall proportions of BVNs detected by OCTA in the "active" group than "inactive" group (p = 0.0058). CONCLUSION: In most cases, BVNs disappeared once and gradually appeared again within 3 months. Detecting BVNs using OCTA from early phases could be a helpful biomarker to assess the early responses to PDT in eyes with PCV.

Diabetic Retinopathy as a Risk Factor Associated with the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to identify such risk factors in NAFLD patients who developed HCC. METHODS: Between April 2000 and -December 2016, a total of 182 patients with NAFLD were enrolled in this study; of these, only 22 patients had HCC. To identify risk factors, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. To identify risk factors other than the degree of fibrosis, propensity matched analysis adjusted by the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) was carried out on 44 patients. Multivariate and survival analyses were also performed in HCC patients. RESULTS: In 182 patients, multivariate analysis highlighted the NFS (OR 2.275; p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR 5.868; p = 0.037) as independent factors that were significantly associated with the development of HCC. After adjustment for the NFS, multivariate analysis identified diabetic retinopathy (OR 8.654; p = 0.017) as an independent factor that was significantly associated with the development of HCC. For predicting the development of HCC, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of diabetic retinopathy was significantly higher than that of diabetes (0.731 vs. 0.615; p < 0.001). In patients with HCC, multivariate analysis indicated that the NFS were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic retinopathy as well as liver fibrosis is a risk factor that associates with the development of HCC in NAFLD patients. Therefore, NAFLD patients with diabetic retinopathy should undergo careful screening for HCC.

Retinal sensitivity in angioid streaks.

PURPOSE: To investigate retinal sensitivity in eyes with angioid streaks (AS). METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational case series. A total of 13 eyes from 9 patients with AS underwent ophthalmologic examination, including fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral domain optical tomography (SD-OCT), and microperimetry. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy was assessed using FAF. Outer retinal atrophy, more specifically, disruption of the ellipsoid zone, was evaluated using SD-OCT images. The association between retinal sensitivity, RPE atrophy or outer retinal atrophy, and patient demographic characteristics or ophthalmologic findings were investigated. RESULTS: The mean area of outer retinal atrophy was 14.5 ± 12.9 mm2, significantly larger than the mean area of RPE atrophy (9.0 ± 9.0 mm2; P = 0.0028). The average retinal sensitivity in the area of RPE atrophy was 2.4 ± 5.6 dB, that in the area of outer retinal atrophy outside RPE atrophy was 14.6 ± 7.5 dB, and that in the area without any atrophy was 25.6 ± 5.1 dB. Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) was observed in 5 eyes. Eyes with RPD showed a greater extent of both outer retinal atrophy and RPE atrophy than those without RPD and a greater decrease in mean retinal sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with AS, especially in those with RPD, large areas of outer retinal atrophy and RPE atrophy were observed, and the retinal sensitivity in the areas was correspondingly decreased.

ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF RANIBIZUMAB-RESISTANT POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY AFTER SWITCHING TO A TREAT-AND-EXTEND REGIMEN WITH INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to study the angiopathic findings of ranibizumab-resistant polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy after switching to a treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 17 eyes of 17 Japanese patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (10 men and 7 women, age: 73.8 ± 7.4 years) who were treated with intravitreal aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 mL) injections from February 2013 to August 2014 at Tokyo University Hospital. All patients had switched to aflibercept because their polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy had been refractory to ranibizumab. RESULTS: The mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity at baseline and after 12 months of therapy was 0.30 ± 0.29 (Snellen equivalent: 20/40) and 0.17 ± 0.26 (20/30) (paired t-test P < 0.001). Visual acuity remained stable in 5 cases (29%), deteriorated in 3 (18%), and improved in 9 (53%). Branching vascular networks persisted in all 17 eyes but shrank in 15 (88%). The mean lesion diameter was 3329 ± 1261 µm at baseline and 3180 ± 1247 µm after 12 months (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: A treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal aflibercept for ranibizumab-resistant patients resulted in branching vascular network shrinkage over a 1-year period.

Trousseau's Syndrome With Severe Visual Loss As the Initial Symptom.

There are limited reports on patients with Trousseau syndrome, a condition characterized by hypercoagulability associated with malignant tumors, initially manifesting with reduced visual function. We present a case of a patient who experienced bilateral vision loss and was subsequently diagnosed with Trousseau's syndrome following examination and investigations. A 70-year-old man, undergoing chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer, reported decreased visual acuity in both eyes. A dilated fundus examination revealed retinal pigment epithelial atrophy in the posterior pole and cotton-wool spots. Optical coherence tomography exhibited partial disruption of the ellipsoid zone in the parafoveal region, and full-field electroretinogram results were subnormal, although the macular retinal structure was preserved. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected occipital lobe infarction. Elevated coagulability markers, including D-dimer (5.5µg/mL), led to the diagnosis of Trousseau's syndrome. In cases where patients with malignant tumors present with profound visual loss, considering the possibility of Trousseau's syndrome and conducting assessments of brain function and coagulability is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Nonsurgical closure of full thickness macular hole under topical therapy in two eyes with pathologic myopia.

PURPOSE: Non-surgical closure of a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) with eye drops has recently been reported, but there are few similar reports in cases with pathologic myopia. CASE PRESENTATION: (Case 1) The right eye of a 75-year-old female with an axial length of 28.83 mm had undergone anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for choroidal neovascularization presented with FTMH. Topical betamethasone, bromfenac, and blinzolamide treatments were started, and the FTMH was closed with visual improvement (20/32 to 20/20) after 5 weeks. (Case 2) In the right eye of a 55-year-old male with an axial length of 30.81 mm and lacquer cracks, subretinal hyperreflective material and FTMH developed. The above three drugs were started after anti-VEGF drug injection. Sixteen weeks later, the FTMH was closed with visual improvement (20/63 to 20/20). CONCLUSION: Nonoperative closure of FTMH has already been reported, but few in eyes with pathologic myopia. Our results suggest that nonoperative closure of FTMH associated with pathologic myopia under eye drops may be possible in some cases.

Mound-like Epiretinal Material: Its Short-term Changes and Association with Posterior Vitreous Detachment.

PURPOSE: To describe clinical characteristics of a retinal finding termed mound-like epiretinal material (MOLEM), and distinguish it from epiretinal proliferation, a similar epiretinal finding previously described in various pathologies. METHODS: Five eyes from five patients were retrospectively identified from medical records. Clinical findings and images, including fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT), were reviewed. RESULTS: All eyes displayed mound-like material with uniform and low-to-moderate reflectivity on an otherwise intact retinal surface detected on OCT. No eyes presented with concurrent pathology typically observed in cases of epiretinal proliferation, such as lamellar/full-thickness macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, or uveitis. Two eyes exhibited central serous chorioretinopathy, but there was no association of MOLEM with serous retinal detachment. In three out of five eyes, MOLEM appeared simultaneously with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Some lesions underwent irregular transformations over months and occasionally disappeared. While all cases were monitored without intervention, no visual decline or complications attributed to MOLEM were detected. CONCLUSION: MOLEM represents a novel clinical finding, characterized by transient morphological changes without symptoms and potential association with PVD. It may occur in eyes lacking macular diseases linked with epiretinal proliferation, a similar yet distinct lesion. The incidence, etiology, and clinical significance of MOLEM warrant further investigation by accumulating comparable cases, although the lesion appears benign and self-limiting.

Time to initiate anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and visual outcome in central retinal vein occlusion.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the progression of central retinal vein occlusion (CVO) prior to treatment initiation and its impact on prognosis. Of the 54 studied eyes with acute CVO, the average logMAR visual acuity (VA) at the initial visit was 0.65 ± 0.49 with an average time to treatment of 14.9 ± 14.5 days. VA at the initial treatment was identified as a stronger predictor of VA at the final visit compared to VA at the first visit or other factors. Patients who received treatment more than 28 days after the initial visit experienced a significant decline in VA compared to those treated within 28 days (0.21 ± 0.35 vs. 0.04 ± 0.13, p = 0.006). Additionally, patients who were treated between 15 and 28 days showed a greater decrease in VA compared to those treated within 14 days (0.12 ± 0.46 vs. 0.018 ± 0.02, p = 0.026). These findings from the current retrospective analysis suggesting that there is a possibility of VA decline at the initial treatment associating with worse prognosis even when treatment is administered within a month should be further investigated in the prospective study. Also, it may be crucial to consider frequent monitoring of acute CVO patients for initiating treatment at the optimal timing.

Relationship between visual acuity and visual field and its reproducibility in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) and its reproducibility in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study cohort comprised 227 eyes of 227 patients with RP. The reproducibility of two Humphrey VF tests (10-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm [SITA] tests) performed within a period of 3 months was calculated using the root mean squared error (RMSE) of each VF test point's sensitivity. The association between the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA and VF sensitivity was investigated. Additionally, the relationship between RMSE and age, fixation loss, false positives, false negatives, and logMAR VA was determined. RESULTS: The association between visual sensitivity and VA was most tight at the fovea, and it became weak toward the peripheral region in an eccentric manner. VF reproducibility appreciably increased as VA decreased. In particular, reproducibility was significantly decreased when logMAR VA was >0.5 compared with logMAR VA ≤ 0. CONCLUSION: Reproducibility of VF tests decreases with a decrease in VA. Careful consideration is necessary when a patient's logMAR VA is >0.5.

Long-term visual outcomes in pachychoroid spectrum diseases and its associating factors of eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

To analyze the long-term visual outcomes of pachychoroid spectrum diseases (PSD). Retrospective study. We reviewed the medical charts of consecutive patients with PSD, including focal choroidal excavation (FCE), pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV). The patients initially visited the Tokyo University Hospital from January 2008 to March 2021. Survival analyses were performed, in which loss of vision was defined as visual acuity (VA) of 0.2 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) or worse, 0.5 logMAR or worse, or VA worsening by 0.3 logMAR or greater. Moreover, we further investigated factors associated with visual prognosis, particularly in the CSC group. A total of 741 eyes of 638 patients were included in this analysis. The CSC or PNV group showed significantly worse visual prognosis than the FCE&PPE group for VA to 0.2 logMAR or worse (P = 0.0117 or 0.0001, respectively) and for VA worsening by 0.3 logMAR or greater (P = 0.0283 or 0.0037, respectively). In the CSC group, unlike age, sex, or treatment history, the accumulative duration of subfoveal fluid existence ≥ 12 months (continuous or intermittent) was significantly associated with visual prognosis (P < 0.0001). Among PSD, CSC and PNV were associated with a higher risk of vision loss in the long term than FCE and PPE. The duration of subretinal fluid existence was identified as a significant factor affecting long-term visual outcomes in CSC.

Longitudinal anatomical and visual outcome of macular telangiectasia type 2 in Asian patients.

Limited information regarding the anatomical and visual prognosis of macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 in the Asian population is currently available. Herein, we conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of Japanese patients diagnosed with MacTel type 2. Disease progression was evaluated using the Simple MacTel Classification developed by Chew EY et al. in 2023, and its association with visual changes was analyzed. Sixteen eyes of eight Japanese patients were included in the study, with an average follow-up period of 8.2 ± 3.9 years (range, 2.2-14.0). At the initial visit, 7 (44%) and 5 (31%) eyes were classified as Grade 2 (central ellipsoid zone break) and Grade 3 (noncentral pigment), respectively. The proportion of eyes that progressed by 1 or 2-steps in grade after 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12 years was 0%, 14%, 43%, 70%, and 100%, or 0%, 7%, 7%, 30%, and 75%, respectively. The visual acuity significantly deteriorated during the follow-up period, particularly in the two eyes with full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). Three out of 7 patients exhibited low serum serine concentrations, although no apparent correlation with anatomical or visual outcomes was observed. Overall, this cohort demonstrated chronic disease progression, both anatomically and functionally, in eyes with MacTel type 2, with FTMH potentially associated with greater visual loss.