Impact of intravitreal injection therapy on contrast sensitivity in patients with nAMD and DME.

PURPOSE: The study aims to evaluate changes in contrast sensitivity (CS) during therapy with intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Prospective, uncontrolled, multicenter study on patients with neovascular AMD or DME who underwent intravitreal injection therapy with Ranibizumab, Aflibercept, or Bevacizumab was conducted. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CS measured by Mars Letter Contrast Sensitivity Test (MLCS) and Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT) in logCS were evaluated before 3 consecutive VEGF inhibitor injections, which followed the pro renata regimen in treatment-naïve and pretreated eyes with a maximum of 9 injections. Correlation of MLCS and FrACT was calculated by the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Eighty eyes of 74 patients (mean age 72.7; SD ± 9.96) were included. BCVA improved significantly from 0.44 (SD ± 0.21) logMAR to 0.38 (SD ± 0.23) logMAR by 0.06 (SD ± 0.14) logMAR values (p < 0.001). CS measured by MLCS increased significantly from 1.27 (SD ± 0.25) logCS to 1.39 (SD ± 0.22) logCS (p < 0.001). CS measured by FrACT also improved significantly from 1.22 (SD ± 0.32) logCS to 1.30 (SD ± 0.29) logCS (p = 0.035). A positive correlation between MLCS and FrACT was found (r = 0.389; p < 0.001). Despite statistical significance, results for BCVA, MLCS, and FrACT failed clinical significance. Overall best test results were achieved with MLCS. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection therapy with VEGF inhibitors led to an improvement of BCVA and CS measured by MLCS and FrACT. MLCS was superior and more sensitive compared to FrACT and even BCVA to evaluate CS in elderly patients with macular pathology.

XEN® implantation: an effective strategy to stop glaucoma progression despite prior minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether XEN® implantation is a reasonable and safe method to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) and amount of medication for adult primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) over a 3-year period. The influence of the type of anesthesia, previous glaucoma surgery, and postoperative interventions on the outcome were examined. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 96 eyes were included. XEN® implantation was performed as sole procedure under general (n = 86) or local anesthesia (n = 10). IOP and number of glaucoma medication were assessed preoperatively: day 1, week 6, month 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36. Further outcome parameters were Kaplan-Meier success rates, secondary intervention, and complication rates. RESULTS: IOP decreased from 20.7 ± 5.1 to 12.8 ± 2.5 mmHg at the 36-month follow-up (p < 0.001) and glaucoma therapy was reduced from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 1.2 ± 1.6 (36 months, p < 0.001). Transient postoperative hypotony was documented in 26 eyes (27.1%). General anesthesia resulted in a significant improvement of the survival rate compared to local anesthesia (77% vs. 50%, p = 0.044). Prior iStent inject®, Trabectome®, or SLT laser had no significant impact, such as filter bleb revision. The number of postoperative needlings had a significantly negative influence (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: XEN® implantation effectively and significantly lowers the IOP and number of glaucoma therapy in POAG in the 36-month follow-up with a favorable profile of side effects and few complications. In case of IOP, general anesthesia has a significant positive influence on the survival rate, whereas prior SLT or MIGS does not have significant impact.

Graft failure rate and complications after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with pre-existing glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with pre-existing glaucoma. DESIGN: In this retrospective, observational case series we included data of 150 consecutive DMEKs in eyes with pre-existing glaucoma of 150 patients after excluding data of the second treated eye of each patient and of re-DMEKs during follow-up. Cumulative incidences of IOP elevation (IOP > 21 mmHg or ≥ 10 mmHg increase in IOP from preoperative value), post-DMEK glaucoma (need of an additional intervention due to worsening of the IOP), graft rejection, and graft failure rate were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. COX regression analysis was used to evaluate independent risk factors. RESULTS: The 36-month cumulative incidence of IOP elevation was 53.5% [95 CI 43.5-63.5%] and of post-DMEK glaucoma 36.3% [95 CI 26.3-46.3%]. Graft rejection occurred with a 36-month cumulative incidence of 9.2% [CI 95% 2.3-16.1]. None of the analyzed risk factors increased the risk for the development of graft rejection. The 36-month cumulative incidence of graft failure was 16.6% [CI 95% 8.4-24.8]. Independent risk factors for graft failure were the indication for DMEK "status after graft failure" (n = 16) compared to Fuchs' dystrophy (n = 74) (p = 0.045, HR 8.511 [CI 95% 1.054-68.756]) and pre-existing filtrating surgery via glaucoma drainage device (GDD) (n = 10) compared to no surgery/iridectomy (n = 109) (p = 0.014, HR 6.273 [CI 95% 1.456-27.031]). CONCLUSION: The risks of postoperative complications (IOP elevation, post-DMEK glaucoma, graft rejection, and graft failure) in patients with pre-existing glaucoma are high. In particular, pre-existing filtrating surgery via GDD implantation-but not trabeculectomy-and DMEK after graft failure increase the risk of graft failure.

Whole genome sequencing in families with oligodontia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Tooth agenesis (TA) is among the most common malformations in humans. Although several causative mutations have been described, the genetic cause often remains elusive. Here, we test whether whole genome sequencing (WGS) could bridge this diagnostic gap. METHODS: In four families with TA, we assessed the dental phenotype using the Tooth Agenesis Code after intraoral examination and radiographic and photographic documentation. We performed WGS of index patients and subsequent segregation analysis. RESULTS: We identified two variants of uncertain significance (a potential splice variant in PTH1R, and a 2.1 kb deletion abrogating a non-coding element in FGF7) and three pathogenic variants: a novel frameshift in the final exon of PITX2, a novel deletion in PAX9, and a known nonsense variant in WNT10A. Notably, the FGF7 variant was found in the patient, also featuring the WNT10A variant. While mutations in PITX2 are known to cause Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome 1 (ARS1) predominantly featuring ocular findings, accompanied by dental malformations, we found the PITX2 frameshift in a family with predominantly dental and varying ocular findings. CONCLUSION: Severe TA predicts a genetic cause identifiable by WGS. Final exon PITX2 frameshifts can cause a predominantly dental form of ARS1.

Macular, papillary and peripapillary perfusion densities measured with optical coherence tomography angiography in primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the blood flow situation in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: In this prospective study a total of 26 POAG and 23 PXG eyes were included. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including standard automated perimetry, stereoscopic photographs of the optic disc, peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer analysis and examination of vascular parameters of the optic nerve head (ONH), the peripapillary region and macula using OCTA. In addition to the vascular parameters recorded by the device, the vascular images were graphically evaluated using Image J. All recorded vascular parameters were compared between both groups and correlated to structural and functional parameters. RESULTS: The mean superficial perifoveal plexus perfusion density (PD) was significantly lower in PXG eyes than compared to POAG eyes using OCTA (32.57% ± 3.57% vs. 34.92% ± 2.11%, p = 0.007). The mean PD parameters for the superficial peripapillary plexus (40.98% ± 3.04% vs. 42.09% ± 2.29%, p = 0.152) as well as the size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) (0.23 mm2 ± 0.1 mm2 vs. 0.23 mm2 ± 0.09 mm2) did not differ between both groups. Additional graphic evaluation using Image J showed no significant difference for superficial perifoveal plexus PD (32.97% ± 1.11% vs. 33.35% ± 0.95%, p = 0.194) and peripapillary plexus PD (46.65% ± 0.83% vs. 46.95% ± 0.5%, p = 0.127) between the groups. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness correlated significantly with peripapillary plexus PD for both OCTA data and Image J data (p < 0.001, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The severity of the glaucoma seems to be crucial for peripapillary and macular perfusion densities, and not the form of glaucoma. An additional graphic evaluation is a possible step that could be implemented to improve the comparability of OCTA scans and to optimize the possibility of quantitative perfusion analysis in the case of deviating quality criteria.

Infectious Posterior Uveitis - Toxoplasmosis, Treponema, Tuberculosis (TTT). / Infektiöse posteriore Uveitis ­ Toxoplasmose, Treponema, Tuberkulose (TTT).

Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the most important infectious causes of posterior uveitis. The epidemiology, clinical picture, diagnostic and treatment strategies of these diseases are presented.

Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma Therapy Monitoring: Significant Vitreous Haze Reduction After Intravitreal Rituximab.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intravitreal rituximab is an off-label treatment option for primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL). The objective of this study was to monitor the therapeutic response and safety profile of intravitreal rituximab in a cohort of PVRL patients. METHODS: In this retrospective, uncontrolled, open label, multicentre study, 20 eyes from 15 consecutive patients diagnosed with PRVL received at least one intravitreal injection of 1mg in 0.1ml rituximab. Biodata of the PVRL patients was recorded as well as visual acuity and vitreous haze score immediately before rituximab intravitreal injection and at follow-up examinations. Intravitreal rituximab safety data was also recorded. Additional rituximab injections were made during control visits on a pro re nata (PRN) regime using increased vitreous haze to indicate recurrence. RESULTS: There was significant vitreous haze reduction (p=0.0002) followed by significant improvement of visual acuity (mean best visual acuity before therapy 0.57 logMAR, after therapy 0.20 logMAR (p=0.0228) during the follow-up time up to 4 years. Only mild ocular side effects were reported. Median follow-up time was 565 days (range, 7-1253 days). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal rituximab therapy shows promising PVRL regression without any severe side effects. Although our clinical data support rituximab as intravitreal therapy in PVRL disease, further study is warranted.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in Serpiginous Choroiditis.

BACKGROUND: To describe changes in the retina/choroid in patients with Serpiginous Choroiditis (SC) by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) in a multimodal imaging approach. METHODS: Prospective, monocentric study of 24 eyes of 12 consenting patients diagnosed with SC, who underwent OCTA, which was analyzed and compared to other methods such as enhanced depth imaging-OCT, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and fundus autofluorescence. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 9 patients with peripapillary SC, 1 macular SC, and 2 atypical cases. All eyes presented an inactive SC confirmed by standard imaging. OCTA demonstrated the lesions tridimensionally in great detail. There was no difference in the angioarchitecture among the 3 forms of SC. A loss of the choriocapillaris/retinal pigment epithelium left a "window-defect", where the vessels of larger caliber of the choroid became recognizable and their appearance inverted ("white-on-black"). A relationship between the presence of segmentation errors (SE) in the slabs and low visual acuity was established with a one-way ANOVA. CONCLUSIONS: OCTA was able to non-invasively assess vascular lesions of the choroid/retina in patients with SC with a high degree of correlation to other diagnostic modalities. Consequent long-term assessments could lead to a better understanding of disease progression.

Influence of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) on the iStent inject® outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the influence of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) on iStent inject® outcomes in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: In this retrospective comparative cohort outcome study, 66 patients who were treated with two iStent inject® devices were included. Patients were divided into two subgroups consisting of patients without SLT treatment prior to surgery and patients who had been treated previously with 360° SLT but without sufficient response. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of antiglaucoma medications after 6 weeks with three, six, 12, and 24 month follow-ups. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP decreased from 20.4 ± 5.3 mmHg to 14.8 ± 3.0 mmHg for patients without SLT treatment prior to surgery (p = 0.001) and from 19.2 ± 4.5 mmHg to 14.0 ± 1.6 mmHg for patients with insufficient response to 360° SLT treatment (p = 0.027) at 12 months after iStent inject® implantation. No significant difference was found between the two groups (p >  0.05). The number of antiglaucoma medications did not change in both groups (p >  0.05) and showed no significant difference between the two groups (p >  0.05). CONCLUSION: Prior SLT treatment seems to have no negative influence on the IOP lowering-effect of iStent inject® implantation in patients with OAG. It is therefore an appropriate incremental procedure with no exclusion criterion for an iStent inject® implantation.

Ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC)-12-month results of a new minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess whether the ab interno canaloplasty is a reasonable minimally invasive method to lower significantly the IOP level and number of antiglaucomatous medication over a certain period of time in adult primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort outcome study, 36 eyes of 28 POAG patients (mean age 74.8 ± 9.3 years) with an IOP above target pressure were included. Ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC) was performed in all subjects (MEyeTech GmbH, Alsdorf, Germany) as sole procedure in pseudophakic eyes (n = 20) or in combination with cataract surgery in phakic eyes (n = 16). The intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of glaucoma medication were assessed preoperatively, day 1, week 6, month 3, month 6, and month 12. RESULTS: IOP decreased from 19.8 ± 4.1 to 13.8 ± 3 mmHg at 12 months follow-up (n = 21, p < 0.001). The IOP reduction showed significant results at all time points (1 day p < 0.001; 6 weeks p < 0.001; 3 months p < 0.001; 6 months p = 0.001; 12 months p < 0.001). Glaucoma therapy was stabilized at 2.1 ± 1.6 number of medications after 12 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the number of medication at 12 months follow-up (p = 1.0). No major perioperative complications can be reported. CONCLUSION: The ABiC effectively lowers the IOP in POAG in the short term follow-up of 12 months. A reduction of glaucoma therapy cannot be achieved and should be discussed with the patients prior to surgery.

Dexamethasone Inserts in Noninfectious Uveitis: A Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To report the effectiveness of repeated intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) inserts in noninfectious uveitis patients. DESIGN: Prospective, single-center, interventional clinical trial between February 2010 and March 2015. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with noninfectious uveitis with cystoid macular edema and/or vitreitis. METHODS: Patients were treated with a 700-µg intravitreal DEX insert (Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA). Follow-up visits were scheduled 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), vitreous haze (VH) score, intraocular pressure (IOP), and adverse events were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the reduction of CRT. Secondary outcome was the improvement in BCVA and reduction of VH. RESULTS: In total, 109 eyes of 76 patients received 298 DEX inserts. Fifty-two patients were women (68%). The mean age of all participants was 57 years (range, 24-88 years). More than 3 DEX inserts were injected into 44% of eyes. Mean number of injections were 1.54±0.5 (standard deviation [SD]), 1.98±0.84, and 2.46±1.1 over 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Central retinal thickness decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 465 µm at baseline to 318, 342, and 388 µm after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Similar trends were seen in eyes receiving a second, third, and fourth DEX insert. Patients with idiopathic uveitis and sarcoidosis benefited well from DEX inserts. The greatest overall benefit was achieved in patients with no systemic treatment and patients receiving antimetabolites and cyclosporin A. A significant VH score reduction was documented in 44% of eyes after 1 month. A gain of more than 3 lines in BCVA was recorded in 31% to 37%, 26% to 39%, and 8% to 32% of eyes after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. A transient rise in mean IOP after 1 month (P < 0.001) and after 3 months (P = 0.001) was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The repeated longer-term administration of DEX inserts in noninfectious uveitis patients, either alone or in combination with other therapies, led to improved CRT, BCVA, and VH. Underlying diseases and concomitant systemic therapy seem to have an impact on overall treatment benefit. Ocular complications were reversible and were managed by local treatment, with exception of cataract formation.

Three-year results of ab interno trabeculectomy (Trabectome): Berlin study group.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term outcome of Trabectome surgery in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEX): 3-year results. METHODS: Trabectome surgery (NeoMedix, Tustin, CA, USA) was performed in 268 POAG patients (women 57.46%, men 42.54%, age 72.35 ± 9.63 years) and 98 PEX glaucoma patients (women 58.16%, men 41.84%, age 73.42 ± 8.54 years), and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). Parameters were examined preoperatively, 1 day, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed using Criteria A (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg or ≥20% reduction from preoperative IOP), Criteria B (IOP ≤ 18 mmHg or ≥20% IOP reduction), Criteria C (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg, with or without medication) and D (IOP ≤ 18 mmHg, with or without medication). Complete success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg (Criteria E) and IOP ≤ 18 mmHg without medication (Criteria F). RESULTS: IOP was reduced from 19.10 ± 4.11 mmHg to 14.27 ± 2.93 mmHg (p < 0.001) and glaucoma medication was decreased from 2.40±0.92 to 1.77±1.00 (p < 0.001) in POAG after 36 months. In PEX, IOP decreased from 22.49±9.40 mmHg to 14.57±5.05 mmHg after 36 months (p < 0.001). Medications dropped from 2.31±1.02 to 1.75±0.91 (p = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a success rate of 80.5% for POAG and 80.8% for PEX using criteria A (p = 0.933) and 62.4% for POAG and 73.7% for PEX using criteria B (p = 0.147) at 36 months postoperatively. Complete success showed a low survival rate (criteria E-13.5% in POAG and 7.9% in PEX, p = 0.070 and criteria F-12.8% in POAG and 5.9% in PEX, p = 0.083). CONCLUSIONS: Trabectome is a safe method to lower IOP in patients with POAG and PEX glaucoma in the long-term period. It is beneficial to inform patients prior to surgery about adjuvant glaucoma medication after the surgery.

Real-life clinical data for dexamethasone and ranibizumab in the treatment of branch or central retinal vein occlusion over a period of six months.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic outcome for dexamethasone implant (DEX) or intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections over 6 months in patients with macular edema due to branch or central retinal vein occlusion (BRVO, CRVO), in a real-life setting. METHODS: A total of 107 patients with BRVO or CRVO were included into this retrospective single-center observational study. Patients were treated with monotherapy consisting of DEX or three monthly IVR injections following a pro re nata regimen (PRN). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were compared between the two therapy groups after 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: BRVO patients treated with DEX achieved a statistically significant gain in BCVA measured in logMAR after 1 month (mean gain, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.08-0.34, p = 0.001), 3 months (0.16, 0.03-0.28, p = 0.012) and 6 months (0.19, 0.07-0.32, p = 0.002), whereas patients treated with IVR showed a statistically significant BCVA gain in month 3 (mean improvement, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.01-0.26, p = 0.039) and month 6 (0.16, 0.03-0.29, p = 0.018). BCVA in CRVO patients with DEX worsened slightly at month 6 (mean worsening, 95% CI: -0.08, -0.24 to 0.08, p = 0.305), while IVR treated-patients achieved a statistically significant BCVA gain at 3 months (mean improvement, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.02-0.25, p = 0.021). Both therapies were accompanied by statistically significant CRT reductions of 150 to 200 µm (median). Adverse events reported were predictable and limited. CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical setting, comparable improvement in BCVA and CRT were observed after DEX and IVR injections for treatment of BRVO. CRVO patients showed greater benefit with IVR.

[Peripheral Exudative Haemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy: Course of Disease and Diagnosis - Including Wide-field Imaging of Associated Diseases Age-related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy, Therapy]. / Peripher exsudative hämorrhagische Chorioretinopathie: Krankheitsverlauf, Diagnosestellung inklusive Weitwinkelbildgebung der assoziierten Erkrankungen altersabhängige Makuladegeneration und polypoidale Choriovaskulopathie, Therapie.

PEHCR (peripheral exudative haemorrhagic chorioretinopathy) is a disease manifested clinically, particularly by subretinal bleeding, retinal exudates, retinal pigment epithelium detachments (RPE detachments), exudative retinal detachment and sub-RPE bleeding. The PEHCR lesion is often characterized by its polypoidal pattern, which is very similar to PCV (polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy) polyps. Diagnosis is best made with a wide-field ICGA (indocyanine green angiography). In approximately half of patients, macular changes in the form of drusen, up to exudative AMD (age-related macular degeneration), are detected in the affected eye or partner eye. Since there is very little literature directly available on PEHCR, this work also discusses the peripheral changes described in the context of AMD that were investigated with wide-field imaging.

[Ultra-Wide Field Retinal Imaging and Angiography in the Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Decisions in Vascular Diseases of the Peripheral Retina]. / Ultraweitwinkel-Fundusfotografie und -angiografie in der Differenzialdiagnose und zur Therapieplanung bei peripheren vaskulären Netzhauterkrankungen.

Investigation of vascular diseases of the peripheral retina requires imaging procedures that allow a comprehensive view of the periphery, as well as reproducible pictures. In particular, ultra-wide field fluorescence angiography facilitates diagnosis, therapeutic decisions and follow-up examinations. While vasculopathies such as Coats disease and familiar exudative vitreoretinopathy are diagnosed within the first and second decade of life, patients' compliance during fundus imaging is typically reduced within this age range. Compared to the repeated imaging procedures for composite formation, ultra-wide field imaging has significantly reduced recording time. Nevertheless, current imaging systems are not able to map the entire retina in scaled proportions. Therefore, the imaging frame must be guided by patients' gaze onto the affected retinal area. Moreover, the medical photographer must be aware of the clinical setting and the region of interest. Hence, previous detailed funduscopy by trained ophthalmologists will remain indispensable.

Dexamethasone implants in paediatric patients with noninfectious intermediate or posterior uveitis: first prospective exploratory case series.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone (DEX) implants in paediatric patients with noninfectious intermediate or posterior uveitis. METHODS: Prospective single center exploratory case series. Children and adolescents, 6 to 17 years old, with a vitreous haze score of ≥1.5+ or cystoid macular edema (CME) of >300 µm were enrolled. Vitreous haze score at month 2 was chosen as primary endpoint. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and concomitant medication at month 6 were defined as secondary endpoints. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract formation were determined as safety endpoints. RESULTS: Three out of 6 eligible patients participated in the case series. At month 2, vitreous haze was reduced from a score of 1.5+ to 0.5+ and 0 and BCVA improved by ≥3 lines, ≥4 lines and ≥2 lines of Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS)-letters, respectively. Visual acuity gain was accompanied by a CRT reduction of -186 µm and -83 µm in the first and third patient, in whom CME was the indication for DEX implantation. A reduction of concomitant medication was achieved in 1 patient. IOP increase was seen in all 3 patients, but could be treated sufficiently with primarily IOP lowering medications and without need for glaucoma surgery. Cataract progression did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: DEX implants led to an improvement in all endpoints, especially BCVA. This study confirms that IOP rises may also occur in the paediatric population and should be monitored and treated appropriately. TRIAL REGISTRATION: European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials (EudraCT)- nr: 2013-000541-39.

Retrospective, controlled observational case study of patients with central retinal vein occlusion and initially low visual acuity treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant.

BACKGROUND: Patients with initially low visual acuity were excluded from the therapy approval studies for retinal vein occlusion. But up to 28 % of patients presenting with central retinal vein occlusion have a baseline BCVA of less than 34 ETDRS letters (0.1). The purpose of our study was to assess visual acuity and central retinal thickness in patients suffering from central retinal vein occlusion and low visual acuity (<0.1) in comparison to patients with visual acuity (≥0.1) treated with Dexamethasone implant 0.7 mg for macular edema. METHODS: Retrospective, controlled observational case study of 30 eyes with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion, which were treated with a dexamethasone implantation. Visual acuity, central retinal thickness and intraocular pressure were measured monthly. Analyses were performed separately for eyes with visual acuity <0.1 and ≥0.1. RESULTS: Two months post intervention, visual acuity improved only marginally from 0.05 to 0.07 (1 month; p = 0,065) and to 0.08 (2 months; p = 0,2) in patients with low visual acuity as compared to patients with visual acuity ≥0.1 with an improvement from 0.33 to 0.47 (1 month; p = 0,005) and to 0.49 (2 months; p = 0,003). The central retinal thickness, however, was reduced in both groups, falling from 694 to 344 µm (1 month; p = 0.003,) to 361 µm (2 months; p = 0,002) and to 415 µm (3 months; p = 0,004) in the low visual acuity group and from 634 to 315 µm (1 month; p < 0,001) and to 343 µm (2 months; p = 0,001) in the visual acuity group ≥0.1. Absence of visual acuity improvement was related to macular ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with central retinal vein occlusion and initially low visual acuity, a dexamethasone implantation can lead to an important reduction of central retinal thickness but may be of limited use to increase visual acuity.

Monthly microperimetry (MP1) measurement of macular sensitivity after dexamethasone implantation (Ozurdex) in retinal vein occlusions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in macular sensitivity as measured via microperimetry (MP) in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) after dexamethasone implantation (DEX implantation, Ozurdex), in comparison to distance visual acuity, reading ability, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Twenty-three patients with ME secondary to RVO were treated with a DEX implantation in this prospective, observational case study. Patients were controlled at baseline and then monthly with microperimetry and assessment of distance visual acuity, reading ability, and SD- OCT. Side effects of the DEX implant were monitored by measuring the intraocular pressure (IOP) and lens grading with Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) charts. RESULTS: The 23 patients with RVO included 16 patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and 7 patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Improvement in distance visual acuity, reading ability, and in central 8-points microperimetry showed statistical significance from month 1 to 3, whereas the 40-points microperimetry improved with statistical significance from month 1 to 2. The reduction of central retinal thickness measured with SD-OCT remained statistically significant until month 4. Subgroup analysis of patients with BRVO and CRVO confirmed the best test results observed at month two after DEX implantation. CONCLUSIONS: The highest macular sensitivity was measured two months after DEX implantation. This corresponds to the best test results for distance visual acuity, reading ability, and SD-OCT observed two months after treatment.

Fast and Successful Management of Intraocular Inflammation with a Single Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a single dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®, 700 µg). Methods: In this prospective noncomparative case series, 84 patients (54 females) received a dexamethasone intravitreal implant. At weeks 4, 12 and 24 after the injection, vitreous haze, macular thickness and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed and adverse events reported. Results: Clearance of vitreous haze could be achieved after 4 weeks in 61% of all eyes (p < 0.001) and remained significant until week 24 (p < 0.001). This was paralleled by a reduction of central retinal thickness after 4 (p < 0.001), 12 (p < 0.001) and 24 weeks (p < 0.006). Significant and fast improvement of BCVA was already achieved after 4 weeks (p < 0.001) but vanished by week 24. Intraocular pressure reached ≥35 mm Hg in 3 eyes and was significantly more frequent in intermediate uveitis compared to posterior uveitis (p < 0.016). Conclusions: The dexamethasone implant is effective in controlling intraocular posterior segment inflammation and reduces central retinal thickness fast and effectively. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Viral Anterior Uveitis: Differences in Retinal Vessel Area Density between the Affected and Non-Affected Eye Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE: To investigate differences in the retinal vessel area density (VAD) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) between eyes with unilateral herpetic viral anterior uveitis (VAU) (herpes-simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV)) and the non-affected fellow eye. METHODS: In this monocentric, observational, prospective case series we analyzed the VAD of the macula, optic disc, and peripapillary region in affected and non-affected eyes of 22 patients with HSV-positive and 22 patients with VZV-positive VAU using OCTA. We analyzed also the visual field mean deviation (MD), the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, Bruch's Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW), and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness on OCT and correlated the results with the different VADs. RESULTS: The macular VAD in the superficial vascular plexus (SVC) was significant lower in the affected compared to the non-affected eye for both viruses (HSV: 33.0% ± 3.3% vs. 34.7% ± 2.6%, p = 0.011; adjusted p = 0.040; VZV: 33.1% ± 3.2% vs. 34.3% ± 2.8%, p = 0.012; adjusted p = 0.050). Additionally, the VAD of the peripapillary SVC differed between the affected and non-affected eye for VZV-positive VAU (47.1% ± 6.2% vs. 50.5% ± 6.3%, p = 0.048, adjusted p = 0.100). For both HSV-positive and VZV-positive VAU, there were correlations between macular or peripapillary SVC VAD and BMO-MRW, GCL thickness, RNFL thickness or MD of the affected eye. CONCLUSION: We observed vascular dysfunction characterized by decreased macular and peripapillary VAD in the superficial plexus on OCTA in eyes with HSV- and VZV-positive VAU compared to non-affected fellow eyes. These changes might be an early sign of glaucomatous damage or may be a direct consequence of the herpes viruses themselves.