Risk of retinal detachment after cataract extraction, 1980-2004: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: To estimate the long-term cumulative risk of retinal detachment (RD) after cataract extraction (CE). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study and nested case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota who had CE from 1980 through 2004 (10 256 CEs in 7137 residents) and were diagnosed subsequently with RD in the same period. Two controls chosen from the primary cataract surgery cohort were matched to each RD case by age, gender, and duration of follow-up. METHODS: Cases were identified through the Rochester Epidemiology Project databases. Records were reviewed to confirm case status and ascertain risk factor information. The observed probability of RD after CE was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A cumulative probability ratio of RD after CE was determined by comparing the observed probability of RD and the expected probability of RD in residents without CE. Logistic regression models assessed differences between cases and controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Probability of and risk factors associated with RD after CE. RESULTS: Eighty-two cases of RD were identified. The cumulative probability of RD increased in a nearly linear manner over the 25-year study period. At 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after extracapsular CE (ECCE) and phacoemulsification, cumulative probabilities of RD were 0.27%, 0.71%, 1.23%, 1.58%, and 1.79%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the probability of RD after ECCE when compared with phacoemulsification (P = 0.13). The cumulative probability ratio of RD at 20 years after ECCE and phacoemulsification remained 4.0-fold (95% confidence interval, 2.6-5.4) higher than would be expected in a similar group of residents not undergoing CE (P<0.001). Male gender, younger age, myopia, increased axial length, and posterior capsular tear were associated significantly with RD (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative risk of RD after ECCE and phacoemulsification is increased for up to 20 years after surgery.

Extended follow-up of small melanocytic choroidal tumors treated with transpupillary thermotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To report our longer-term follow-up observations in patients with small choroidal melanomas primarily treated with transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). METHODS: In this noncomparative interventional case series, 40 patients with small melanocytic tumors of the choroid (thickness <3.5 mm) underwent TTT. Follow-up examinations including ophthalmoscopy, ultrasonography, and fundus photography were conducted at 24 to 48 hours, 2 to 6 weeks, and 6-month intervals after treatment. RESULTS: Forty patients (mean age, 58 years) with small melanocytic tumors underwent TTT. Mean follow-up in all patients was 42 months. In most cases TTT resulted in tumor regression. Thirty-one (77.5%) of 40 tumors did not recur after initial treatment with TTT. In 5 (12.5%) of 40 tumors with initial basal diameters ranging from 4 x 2.75 mm to 7.5 x 6 mm and a mean initial thickness of 2.0 mm, edge recurrences developed, which were satisfactorily treated with additional TTT (4 cases) or cryotherapy (1 case). The mean interval between initial TTT and recurrence in this subgroup was 15 months (range, 7-22 months). Of 36 eyes that were successfully treated with TTT or cryotherapy, 26 eyes (72%) had posttreatment visual acuity better than or equal to pretreatment visual acuity. Four (10%) of 40 tumors were not controlled with TTT and eventually required brachytherapy (n = 1), proton radiation (n = 1), or enucleation (n = 2). The initial basal diameters of these tumors ranged from 7.5 x 7.5 mm to 9 x 7.5 mm, with a mean initial thickness of 2.6 mm. The mean interval between treatment and determination of treatment failure was 22 months (range, 7-30 months). CONCLUSIONS: Transpupillary thermotherapy resulted in tumor regression of most small melanocytic choroidal tumors. Tumor edge recurrences were successfully treated with additional TTT in most cases. Four tumors required irradiation or enucleation because of treatment failures with TTT. Transpupillary thermotherapy as a stand-alone therapy is insufficient for some small choroidal melanomas.

Screening for metastasis from choroidal melanoma: the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study Group Report 23.

PURPOSE: To describe the predictive value of liver function tests (LFTs), chest x-ray, and diagnostic imaging for detecting melanoma metastasis during routine follow-up after treatment for choroidal melanoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective longitudinal follow-up of patients enrolled onto two randomized trials was conducted by the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) Group. Baseline and annual or semiannual systemic and laboratory evaluations were performed according to a standard protocol for 2320 patients enrolled on the COMS. RESULTS: COMS patients were screened annually for metastasis and new cancers using LFTs (alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, or bilirubin). Elevated findings (1.5 to 2 times upper limit of normal) on LFT prompted a diagnostic or imaging test to confirm or rule out cancer recurrence. Of 714 patients with clinical reports of metastasis, 675 patients died. Of these 675 patients, all but four had either histopathologically confirmed or clinically suspected metastatic melanoma present at the time of death. Among all patients, the 5-year cumulative diagnosis rate of metastatic melanoma was 24% (95% CI, 22% to 27%). Based on all patients with reported metastasis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value associated with at least one abnormal LFT before first diagnosis of metastasis at any site was 14.7%, 92.3%, 45.7% and 71.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Use of LFTs results followed by diagnostic tests has high specificity and predictive values but low sensitivity. Better tests are needed to identify earlier metastatic disease associated with choroidal melanoma.

Radiation complications and tumor control after 125I plaque brachytherapy for ocular melanoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the outcome of 125I plaque brachytherapy at our institution and identify the risk factors associated with the development of radiation complications, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1986 to 2000, 156 patients underwent 125I episcleral plaque (COMS design) application for the treatment of ocular melanoma. Chart analysis of follow-up ophthalmologic appointments assessed the incidence of ocular side effects after therapy. Statistical analysis assessed outcomes and significant influencing factors. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 6.2 years, the 5-year overall survival was 83%. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 91%. Initial local control at 5 years was 92%, with 100% ultimate local control after secondary therapy that included 9 enucleations. The risk of metastasis was 10% at 5 years and 27% at 10 years. Vision stayed the same or improved in 25% of patients, and 44% of patients maintained visual acuity better than 20/200. Thirteen percent of patients experienced chronic pain or discomfort in the treated eye. Dose rates to the tumor apex greater than 90 to 100 cGy/h were associated with increased systemic control but worse radiation toxicity. CONCLUSION: Patients in our series experienced excellent local tumor control. Higher dose rates to the tumor apex were associated with reduced rates of distant metastases but worse ocular function.

Retinopathy from a green laser pointer: a clinicopathologic study.

OBJECTIVE: To report retinopathy following exposure to light from a commercially available class 3A green laser pointer. METHODS: A 55-year-old woman with a ring melanoma was scheduled for enucleation. The eye (visual acuity 20/20) had a healthy-appearing macular retina. The retina was exposed to light from a commercially available class 3A green laser: 60 seconds to the fovea, 5 minutes to a site 5 degrees below the fovea, and 15 minutes to a site 5 degrees superior to the fovea. Color photographs were obtained before and after exposure. The eye was enucleated 20 days after exposure. RESULTS: Laser power measurements averaged less than 5 mW. Retinopathy was observed 24 hours after laser exposure. This was characterized by a yellowish discoloration at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the subfoveal region and at the site superior to the macula where the retina received 15 minutes of laser exposure. Each site developed granular changes at the level of the RPE within 5 days of exposure. Histologic study showed RPE damage in the exposed subfoveal and parafoveal regions. CONCLUSION: A class 3A green laser pointer caused visible retinopathy in the human eye with exposures as short as 60 seconds.

Development of metastatic disease after enrollment in the COMS trials for treatment of choroidal melanoma: Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study Group Report No. 26.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the time between treatment for choroidal melanoma and first diagnosis of metastatic disease, sites of metastasis, treatments for metastasis, and time between diagnosis of metastasis and death. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal follow-up of patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma who were enrolled in 2 randomized trials conducted by the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study Group. METHODS: Systemic and laboratory evaluations were performed during follow-up according to a standard protocol for 2320 patients enrolled in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study trials without evidence of melanoma metastasis or other primary cancer at baseline. RESULTS: Seven hundred thirty-nine patients were diagnosed with at least 1 site of metastasis during follow-up after treatment for choroidal melanoma. Five- and 10-year cumulative metastasis rates were 25% (95% confidence interval, 23%-27%) and 34% (95% confidence interval, 32%-37%), respectively. Liver was the most common site (89%). The death rate following the report of melanoma metastasis was 80% at 1 year (95% confidence interval, 77%-83%) and 92% at 2 years (95% confidence interval, 89%-94%). Overall survival after metastasis did not vary by baseline size of primary tumor nor treatment for metastasis (when known). Long-term survival after diagnosis of metastasis was uncommon; only 8 patients survived 5 or more years. CONCLUSION: Metastasis rate increased significantly with increasing primary tumor dimensions at time of patient enrollment. Prognosis after metastatic disease remains poor. Effective methods are needed to prevent, diagnose, and treat metastasis from choroidal melanoma.

Second primary cancers after enrollment in the COMS trials for treatment of choroidal melanoma: COMS Report No. 25.

OBJECTIVE: To report sites of second primary cancer and the time to first diagnosis during routine follow-up after treatment for choroidal melanoma. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal follow-up of patients enrolled in 2 randomized trials conducted by the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) Group. METHODS: Baseline and annual or semiannual systemic and laboratory evaluations were performed according to a standard protocol for 2320 patients enrolled in the COMS without evidence of melanoma metastasis or other primary cancer at baseline. Deaths were coded by a mortality coding committee. RESULTS: Subsequent to treatment for choroidal melanoma, a total of 222 patients were diagnosed with a second primary cancer other than basal or squamous cell skin cancer (5-year rate of 7.7% [95% confidence interval, 6.6%-9.0%]). The most common sites were prostate (23% of reported cases) and breast (17%); 12 of these 222 patients were diagnosed simultaneously with second primary cancers in 2 or more sites. Of these 222 patients, 113 died; 37 (33%) were coded as dead with melanoma metastasis, 33 (29%) as dead with a malignant tumor other than metastatic melanoma, and 13 (11%) as dead with a malignancy of uncertain origin. Radiotherapy did not significantly increase the development of second primary cancers. The rate of diagnosis of second primary cancer did not differ significantly by smoking status, although the rate in former smokers was increased vs that observed in either current smokers or those who never smoked. CONCLUSION: Routine medical surveillance for development of second primary cancers among patients treated for choroidal melanoma is important, especially for those with a history of smoking, regardless of the size of choroidal melanoma at the time of treatment.

Photodynamic therapy for choroidal hemangioma associated with serous retinal detachment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings in 3 eyes with circumscribed choroidal hemangioma before and after treatment with photodynamic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the setting of a tertiary referral center, 2 patients with circumscribed, posteriorly located, choroidal hemangiomas (thicknesses 2.4 and 2.9 mm) contiguous with the superior boundary of the optic nerve and accompanied by serous detachments of the sensory retina extending into the macula were treated with photodynamic therapy using a Zeiss diode laser (692 nm) and a sensitizing dye, verteporfin. A third patient with a circumscribed subfoveal hemangioma (3.9 mm in thickness) and a prominent serous retinal detachment was similarly treated. The tumors were studied with ultrasonography and fluorescein angiography. Visual fields were tested with Goldmann perimetry at follow-up. RESULTS: Following photodynamic therapy, the serous retinal detachments resolved, and the choroidal hemangioma in each of the 3 eyes regressed to a nonmeasurable thickness within 2 to 5 months. The visual acuity improved from 20/50 to 20/20, 20/150 to 20/20, and 3/200 to 20/200 in the respective cases. Two eyes were treated twice. The tumors have not recurred at follow-up visits from 11 to 16 months. Nerve fiber bundle field defects were not demonstrated with Goldmann field testing. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy seems to be effective in the management of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. Following photodynamic therapy, the choroidal hemangiomas in 3 eyes were no longer measurable by ultrasonography, and the accompanying serous detachments resolved with improvement in the central visual acuities. Nerve fiber bundle defects were not identified.

A contact lens as an artificial cornea for improved visualization during practice surgery on cadaver eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a polymethylmethacrylate contact lens as an artificial cornea to enhance visualization for practice surgery using cadaver eyes. DESIGN: The opaque cornea of a cadaver eye is removed by trephination. Cyanoacrylate glue is used to secure a large-diameter polymethylmethacrylate contact lens to the corneal rim. RESULTS: Excellent visualization for practice surgery is achieved with this technique. The adhesion of the contact lens to the cadaver eye maintains the anterior chamber sufficiently to perform phacoemulsification cataract extraction or pars plana vitrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This technique improves visualization of the intraocular structures during practice surgery, thereby enhancing the ability of the learning surgeon to perform and practice delicate surgical maneuvers. The procedure is simple, effective, and inexpensive.

Retinal microvascular abnormalities in patients treated with external radiation for graves ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: A prospective study was conducted to determine if external ionizing radiation could favorably influence the orbital manifestations of Graves ophthalmopathy. Diabetes and untreated systemic hypertension were exclusion criteria. Radiation was directed to the orbits of 42 affected patients using 0.2 rad (20 Gy) delivered in 10 doses of 0.02 rad (2 Gy). Patients were periodically examined during a 3-year interval. OBJECTIVE: To report retinal microvascular abnormalities observed in our study cohort. METHODS: Fundus findings documented with ophthalmoscopy, stereoscopic color photography, and stereoscopic fluorescein angiography prior to radiation were compared with similarly documented findings approximately 3 years following radiation. RESULTS: Prior to orbital radiation, retinal microvascular abnormalities were identified in 2 patients. The abnormalities were present bilaterally in one patient and unilaterally in the other. During the course of the study, microvascular abnormalities developed de novo in the unaffected retina of the latter patient while the retinopathy in the fellow eye progressed. Retinal microvascular abnormalities and their sequelae developed de novo in both eyes in 2 more patients. In addition to the radiation, other confounding factors known to be associated with microvascular retinopathy (uveitis, inadequately controlled systemic hypertension, and borderline blood glucose levels) were identified among the 3 patients whose eyes developed new retinal microvascular abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Whether the retinal microvascular abnormalities observed in these patients were caused or aggravated by external beam irradiation cannot be precisely ascertained. However, the observed progression and de novo development of retinal microvascular abnormalities within 3 years of orbital radiation raise concern that 0.2 rad (20 Gy) delivered to the orbit in 10 doses of 0.02 rad (2 Gy) may aggravate existing retinal microvascular abnormalities or cause radiation retinopathy in some patients with Graves disease. These findings and the failure of external beam radiation with 0.2 rad (2000 cGy) to favorably affect Graves ophthalmopathy, as demonstrated in a previous study, have led us to discourage further treatment of Graves ophthalmopathy with radiation.

Non-cancerous ophthalmic clues to non-ocular cancer.

This survey reviews selected medical disorders in which the ophthalmologist has a unique opportunity of anticipating the existence of asymptomatic, life-threatening disease simply by recognizing that certain benign conditions involving the eye or adnexa represent clues to occult non-ocular cancer and other neoplasias. Having knowledge that these clues are associated with specific types of neoplasia, the ophthalmologist can then initiate a goal-directed oncologic investigation designed to identify the underlying neoplasm with the hope of providing potentially life-saving therapy. The survey is organized to feature each clue separately. The clinical characteristics of the clue are described and illustrated with color photographs when possible. A discussion reviews associated malignancies and other important medical features. The survey begins with clues expressed anteriorly in the lids, progressively reviewing those clues located more posteriorly, concluding with clues involving the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid.

Changing concepts in the management of choroidal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To review emerging information related to changing concepts in the management of choroidal melanoma. DESIGN AND METHODS: This perspective reviews and discusses selected studies from the past two decades that have influenced management strategies for large, medium, and small-size choroidal melanomas. RESULTS: Large choroidal tumors continue to be managed primarily by enucleation. The large tumor trial of the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) demonstrated neither a positive nor negative effect on 5- and 8-year mortality rates among more than 1000 patients whose eyes containing large choroidal melanomas were randomized to treatment between enucleation alone or enucleation preceded by external radiation. The medium-size tumor trial of the COMS randomized more than 1300 patients between iodine-125 brachytherapy and enucleation. Mortality rates following brachytherapy did not differ from mortality rates following enucleation for up to 12 years after treatment. Iodine-125 has become the most commonly used isotope for brachytherapy in North America. Ten-year follow-up of eyes treated with helium ion and 20 years of experience with proton beam confirm the relative safety and efficacy of these modalities for treatment of choroidal melanoma. Although there is a trend toward earlier treatment of small melanomas, controversy exists regarding the indications for treatment as well as the choice of specific therapy. Recurrences of melanoma after eye-sparing treatment appear to be associated with an increased rate of metastatic disease. Effective adjunctive therapy to prevent or treat melanoma metastasis is lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal melanoma is a lethal tumor. Although evidence suggests that patients with untreated choroidal melanomas have a poorer prognosis than patients who receive treatment, our current treatments are unable to prevent tumor-related deaths for many patients. The use of preoperative external radiation as an adjunct to enucleation for large choroidal melanomas is unsupported by data from the COMS trial. The use of radiation with either brachytherapy or charged particles for the management of medium-size choroidal melanomas is well supported on the basis of long-term follow-up studies. There is a trend toward treatment of smaller choroidal melanomas. Treatment of melanomas should be directed toward minimizing the potential for recurrences as recurrent melanomas are associated with an increased rate of metastatic disease. Gains in our ability to manage choroidal melanoma will likely be modest at best until effective systemic therapies can be identified.

TTT as rescue treatment for choroidal melanoma not controlled with iodine-125 brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of transpupillary thermotherapy in the management of two small choroidal melanomas that continued to grow following Iodine-125 brachytherapy. METHODS: Case reports from a tertiary care center. RESULTS: One small growing choroidal melanoma showed a partial response to Iodine-125 brachytherapy; four years later, it regrew to a thickness of 2.7 mm. After transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT), the tumor regressed to a flat scar and has remained inactive for more than three years. A second small melanoma failed to show regression after Iodine-125 brachytherapy; it progressively grew to 3.6 mm. TTT was used to treat the tumor on two successive occasions six weeks apart. The tumor regressed to a flat scar within three months and has remained inactive for 2.5 years. CONCLUSION: TTT may be considered as a rescue treatment for small choroidal melanomas that have failed to respond satisfactorily to brachytherapy.

Perioperative morbidity and mortality associated with vitreoretinal and ocular oncologic surgery performed under general anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of postoperative systemic complications and nonophthalmic reasons for prolonged hospitalization after vitreoretinal procedures performed under general anesthesia. METHODS: Patient charts of vitreoretinal or ocular oncologic surgical cases performed under general anesthesia between 1996 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. Occurrences of postoperative systemic events within 4 weeks of surgery were documented. RESULTS: We identified 418 cases as having been performed under general anesthesia during the study period. The mean American Society of Anesthesiology physical status classification was 2.1. There were no confirmed cases of myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary embolism (PE), or deep venous thrombosis (DVT) within the first 24 hours after surgery. There were two instances of hospital admission for evaluation of postoperative chest pain (0.48%; 95% CI, 0.06-1.72), and four instances of hospital admission, or prolongation of stay, because of urinary retention (0.96%; 95% CI, 0.26-2.43). In the 4 weeks following surgery, there was one MI (0.24%; 95% CI, 0.01-1.33), 2 cases of nonfatal PE (0.48%; 95% CI, 0.06-1.72), and 2 cases of DVT (0.48%; 95% CI, 0.06-1.72). All patients that developed PE and DVT had risk factors for the development of thromboembolic disease in addition to surgery under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 2.6% of cases had postoperative systemic complications after vitreoretinal or ocular oncologic surgery that was conducted under general anesthesia. Urinary retention was the most common reason for unanticipated hospital stay.