Risk of Endophthalmitis Based on Cumulative Number of Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections.

PURPOSE: To determine the risk of endophthalmitis in eyes undergoing intravitreal injections (IVIs) of anti-VEGF based on cumulative number of injections per eye. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients from a single center undergoing IVIs of ranibizumab, aflibercept, or bevacizumab. METHODS: Eyes were divided into quartiles based on injection number causative of endophthalmitis between January 1, 2011, and June 1, 2022. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Interquartile clinical outcomes and cumulative risk of endophthalmitis per injection and per eye. RESULTS: A total of 43 393 eyes received 652 421 anti-VEGF injections resulting in 231 endophthalmitis cases (0.035% per injection, 1 in 2857), of which 215 were included. The cumulative endophthalmitis risk increased from 0.0018% (1 in 55 556) after 1 injection to 0.013% (1 in 7692) after 11 injections (0.0012 percentage point change), versus 0.014% (1 in 7143) after 12 injections to 0.025% (1 in 4000) after 35 injections (0.00049 percentage point change), versus 0.025% (1 in 4000) after 36 injections to 0.031% (1 in 3226) after 66 injections (0.00017 percentage point change), versus 0.031% (1 in 3226) after 63 injections to 0.033% (1 in 3030) after 126 injections (0.000042 percentage point change) (P < 0.001). Likewise, the cumulative endophthalmitis risk per eye increased from 0.028% (1 in 3571) to 0.20% (1 in 500) between injections 1 and 11 (0.018 percentage point change), versus 0.21% (1 in 476) to 0.38% (1 in 263) between injections 12 and 35 (0.0075 percentage point change), versus 0.38% (1 in 263) to 0.46% (1 in 217) between injections 36 and 66 (0.0026 percentage point change), versus 0.46% (1 in 217) to 0.50% (1 in 200) between injections 67 and 126 (0.00063 percentage point change) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative endophthalmitis risk per injection and per eye increased with greater number of injections received but appeared to do so at a higher rate during earlier injections and at a lower rate further into the treatment course. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Surgical Management of Full-Thickness Macular Holes in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: A Global Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To report on macular hole repair in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2). DESIGN: Global, multicenter, retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing surgery for MacTel2-associated full-thickness macular hole (MTMH). METHODS: Standardized data collection sheet distributed to all surgeons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anatomic closure and visual outcomes of MTMH. RESULTS: Sixty-three surgeries in 47 patients with MTMH were included from 30 surgeons. Mean age was 68.1 years, with 62% female, 72% White, 21% East or South Asian, 2% African American, and 2% Hispanic or Latino. Procedures included 34 internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling alone, 22 ILM flaps, 5 autologous retinal transplantations (ARTs), 1 retinotomy, and 1 subretinal bleb. For ILM peeling, preoperative visual acuity (VA) was 0.667 ± 0.423 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). Minimum hole diameter (MHD) was 305.5 ± 159.4 µm (range, 34-573 µm). Sixteen of 34 ILM peels (47%) resulted in MTMH closure. At postoperative month 6, VA was stable at 0.602 ± 0.516 logMAR (P = 0.65). VA improved by at least 2 lines in 43% and at least 4 lines in 24%. For ILM flaps, preoperative VA was 0.878 ± 0.552 logMAR. MHD was 440.8 ± 175.5 µm (range, 97-697 µm), which was significantly larger than for ILM peels (P < 0.01). Twenty of 22 ILM flaps (90%) resulted in MTMH closure, which was significantly higher than for ILM peels (P < 0.01). At postoperative month 6, VA improved to 0.555 ± 0.405 logMAR (P < 0.05). VA improved by at least 2 lines in 56% and at least 4 lines in 28%. For ARTs, preoperative VA was 1.460 ± 0.391 logMAR. MHD was 390.2 ± 203.7 µm (range, 132-687 µm). All 5 ARTs (100%) resulted in MTMH closure. At postoperative month 6, VA was stable at 1.000 ± 0.246 logMAR (P = 0.08). Visual acuity improved at least 2 lines in 25%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical closure of macular holes improved VA in 57% of MTMHs. Internal limiting membrane flaps achieved better anatomic and functional outcomes than ILM peeling alone. Autologous retinal transplantation may be an option for refractory MTMHs. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Enhanced durability and evolution of retreatment criteria of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agents for diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increasing prevalence of diabetic macular edema (DME) necessitates an updated review of treatment modalities. While the shift from laser to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has transformed patient outcomes, benefits of these agents are not fully realized in real-world implementation relative to the setting of controlled clinical trials. This review outlines the evolution of intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment extension protocols for DME that reflect efforts to address treatment adherence challenges while optimizing visual outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies highlight the efficacy of extended-interval dosing with anti-VEGF agents in managing DME. Trials such as RISE/RIDE, VISTA/VIVID, and LUCIDATE have established the foundation of these regimens by demonstrating sustained visual gains with continuous treatment. However, newer trials including PROTOCOL T, KESTREL/KITE, YOSEMITE/RHINE, and PHOTON have furthered this concept, revealing that less frequent dosing of various anti-VEGF agents can maintain similar visual acuity and anatomical outcomes to traditional monthly injections. SUMMARY: The reviewed findings suggest a paradigm shift in DME treatment toward less frequent anti-VEGF injections. This has significant implications for clinical practice, potentially leading to greater adherence to treatment regimens and sustained visual function in patients, while minimizing treatment burden and healthcare costs. Further investigation into the long-term effects of extended dosing intervals is required.

SUPRACHOROIDAL SPACE INJECTION TECHNIQUE: Expert Panel Guidance.

PURPOSE: To develop professional guidelines for best practices for suprachoroidal space (SCS) injection, an innovative technique for retinal therapeutic delivery, based on current published evidence and clinical experience. METHODS: A panel of expert ophthalmologists reviewed current published evidence and clinical experience during a live working group meeting to define points of consensus and key clinical considerations to inform the development of guidelines for in-office SCS injection. RESULTS: Core consensus guidelines for in-office SCS injection were reached and reported by the expert panel. Current clinical evidence and physician experience supported SCS injection as a safe and effective method for delivering retinal and choroidal therapeutics. The panel established consensus on the rationale for SCS injection, including potential benefits relative to other intraocular delivery methods and current best practices in patient preparation, pre- and peri-injection management, SCS-specific injection techniques, and postinjection management and follow-up. CONCLUSION: These expert panel guidelines may support and promote standardization of SCS injection technique, with the goal of optimizing patient safety and outcomes. Some aspects of the procedure may reasonably be modified based on the clinical setting and physician judgment, as well as additional study.

Exploring the Associated Genetic Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy as a Model of Inflammation in Retinal Diseases.

To investigate potential biomarkers and biological processes associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) using transcriptomic and proteomic data. The OmicsPred PheWAS application was interrogated to identify genes and proteins associated with DR and diabetes mellitus (DM) at a false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p-value of <0.05 and also <0.005. Gene Ontology PANTHER analysis and STRING database analysis were conducted to explore the biological processes and protein interactions related to the identified biomarkers. The interrogation identified 49 genes and 22 proteins associated with DR and/or DM; these were divided into those uniquely associated with diabetic retinopathy, uniquely associated with diabetes mellitus, and the ones seen in both conditions. The Gene Ontology PANTHER and STRING database analyses highlighted associations of several genes and proteins associated with diabetic retinopathy with adaptive immune response, valyl-TRNA aminoacylation, complement activation, and immune system processes. Our analyses highlight potential transcriptomic and proteomic biomarkers for DR and emphasize the association of known aspects of immune response, the complement system, advanced glycosylation end-product formation, and specific receptor and mitochondrial function with DR pathophysiology. These findings may suggest pathways for future research into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for DR.

EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE WITH FOVEAL HERNIATION: Visual and Surgical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Foveal herniation occurs when neuroretinal tissue protrudes through and above the level of an epiretinal membrane. This study describes the visual symptoms and spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings associated with foveal herniation and evaluates the postoperative visual, anatomical, and surgical outcomes. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of patients diagnosed with epiretinal membrane identified 59 patients with preoperative foveal herniation on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Data regarding visual symptoms, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness, macular volume, and size of foveal herniation were collected, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 58 of the 59 patients with foveal herniation underwent surgical epiretinal membrane peeling, with foveal contour restored in 53.5% of patients after surgery. Average BCVA improved from 20/80 to 20/40 Snellen equivalent at most-recent postoperative visit (P < 0.0001). The average central retinal thickness decreased from 632 µm to 432 µm (P < 0.0001) and the average macular volume decreased from 11.3 mm3 to 9.5 mm3 (P < 0.0001) at 3 months postoperatively. Preoperatively, greater herniation height was associated with worse BCVA (P = 0.008), greater central retinal thickness (P = 0.01), retinoschisis, cystoid macular edema, foveolar detachment, ellipsoid zone abnormality, and external limiting membrane abnormalities (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, there was a decrease in retinoschisis, cystoid macular edema, foveolar detachment, ellipsoid zone, and external limiting membrane abnormality (P < 0.05) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSION: Patients with larger foveal herniation height had greater preoperative central retinal thickness, worse preoperative and postoperative BCVA, and more intraretinal abnormalities on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Surgical epiretinal membrane peeling in patients with foveal herniation resulted in a significant improvement in patients' BCVA and microstructural abnormalities.

VITRECTOMY FOR VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE ASSOCIATED WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION: Visual Outcomes, Prognostic Factors, and Sequelae.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage (VH) associated with retinal vein occlusion and to identify prognostic indicators. METHODS: Interventional, retrospective consecutive case series between 2015 and 2021. RESULTS: The study included 138 eyes of 138 patients (64 female and 74 male); 81 patients had branch retinal vein occlusion and 57 had central retinal vein occlusion. The mean age was 69.8 years. The mean duration between the diagnosis of VH and surgery was 79.6 ± 115.3 (range, 1-572) days. The mean follow-up was 27.2 months. The logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity significantly improved from 1.95 ± 0.72 (Snellen equivalent, 20/1782) to 0.99 ± 0.87 (20/195) at 6 months and to 1.06 ± 0.96 (20/230) at the final visit (both P < 0.001). The visual acuity at 6 months improved by three or more lines in 103 eyes (75%). Postoperative complications during follow-up included recurrent VH in 16 eyes (12%) (of which 8 eyes underwent reoperations), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in six eyes (4%), and new neovascular glaucoma in three eyes (2%). Worse final visual acuity was significantly associated with older age ( P = 0.007), concurrent neovascular glaucoma ( P < 0.001), central retinal vein occlusion ( P < 0.001), worse preoperative visual acuity ( P < 0.001), postoperative new neovascular glaucoma ( P = 0.021), and postoperative retinal detachment ( P < 0.001). The duration of VH was not associated with visual outcomes ( P = 0.684). Preoperative antivascular endothelial growth factor injections and tamponade did not prevent postoperative recurrent VH. CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy is effective for VH associated with retinal vein occlusion, regardless of the duration of hemorrhage. However, pre-existing risk factors and postoperative sequelae may limit visual recovery.

Clinical Presentation of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Historical Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the clinical presentation of acute, primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). DESIGN: Single-center, consecutive case series with historical controls. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients seeking treatment for primary RRD in a 50-day period during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 9-April 27, 2020) and the corresponding 50-day period during the previous year (March 4-April 22, 2019) in the United States. METHODS: The cohorts were compared to assess demographic variables and clinical presentations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of presenting macular attachment status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with macula-on RRD at presentation. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity (VA), duration of symptoms before presentation, proportion seeking treatment within 1 day of symptom onset, and presence of primary proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included in the 2020 cohort compared with 111 patients in the 2019 primary control cohort. Demographic factors were similar between the groups. Significantly fewer patients demonstrated macula-on RRD in the 2020 cohort (20/82 patients [24.4%]) than in the 2019 cohort (55/111 patients [49.5%]; P = 0.001). Patients in the 2020 cohort showed worse median VA at presentation (1.00 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR; Snellen equivalent, 20/200] in 2020 vs. 0.48 logMAR [Snellen equivalent, 20/60] in 2019; P = 0.008), fewer patients sought treatment within 1 day of symptoms (16/80 patients [19.5%] in 2020 vs. 41/106 patients [36.9%] in 2019; P = 0.005), and a greater proportion demonstrated primary PVR (11/82 patients [13.4%] in 2020 vs. 5/111 patients [4.5%] in 2019; P = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P = 0.03) and established patient status (P = 0.02) were independent predictors of macula-on status in the 2020 cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with primary RRD during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to have macula-on disease and more likely to delay seeking treatment and to show worse vision and PVR.

Full-thickness macular holes after surgical repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments: incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) formation following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair may limit post-operative visual acuity and often requires a return to the operating room, but little is known about this phenomenon. METHODS: This study included all patients with a FTMH that developed after RRD repair from January 1, 2015-July 31, 2020. The main outcome was the rate of FTMH formation following RRD repair as well as characteristics of FTMH following RRD repair that spontaneously close. RESULTS: There were 470 eyes with a diagnosis of both a FTMH and a RRD during the study period. Of these, 27 (0.28%) developed a FTMH following RRD repair. The median time to FTMH diagnosis was 91 days (25th, 75th quartiles 40, 204 days). The mean minimum hole diameter was 514.5 ± 303.6 microns. There were 4 FTMHs (14.8%) that spontaneously closed without surgical intervention. The spontaneous closure was noted from 4 to 12 weeks after the initial diagnosis of the FTMH. These holes were smaller than the holes that did not close spontaneously (mean minimum diameter 161.8 ± 85.2 vs 588.7 ± 279.3 microns, p = 0.0058). Of the 27 post-operative FTMHs, there were 23 eyes (85%) that underwent surgical intervention with pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling. Nineteen eyes (83%) closed with one surgery, 20 eyes (87%) ultimately closed, while 3 eyes (11.1%) did not close. CONCLUSIONS: FTMH is relatively uncommon to occur following RRD repair with a prevalence of 0.28% in our series with 87% of these holes achieving closure following surgery or spontaneously. Approximately 15% of FTMHs following RRD repair closed spontaneously and these holes were significantly smaller.

RETINAL DETACHMENT WITH INFERIOR RETINAL BREAKS: Primary Vitrectomy Versus Vitrectomy With Scleral Buckle (PRO Study Report No. 9).

INTRODUCTION: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with inferior retinal breaks are believed to have a higher risk of recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. This study compared anatomic and visual outcomes between primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and combination PPV with scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with inferior retinal breaks. METHODS: This is an analysis of the Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes study, a multi-institutional cohort study of consecutive primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgeries from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015. The primary outcome was single-surgery success rate. Only eyes with inferior retinal breaks (one break in the detached retina between five and seven o'clock) were included. RESULTS: There were 238 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, 95 (40%) of which underwent primary PPV and 163 (60%) that underwent combined PPV/SB. The single-surgery success rate was 76.8% for PPV and 87.4% for PPV/SB (P = 0.0355). This remained significant on multivariate analysis (P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that a superior single-surgery success rate of PPV/SB was especially noted in phakic eyes (85.2% vs. 68.6%; P = 0.0464). CONCLUSION: Retinal detachment with inferior retinal breaks had a higher single-surgery success rate if treated with PPV/SB compared with PPV alone, particularly in phakic eyes.

CHARACTERISTICS AND SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT IN OLDER ADULTS: A Multicenter Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To describe characteristics and outcomes of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in older adults (age ≥ 80). METHODS: Consecutive patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckling (SB), or PPV/SB in the Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes Study were evaluated. Outcome measures included single surgery anatomic success and visual acuity. RESULTS: Of 2,144 patients included, 125 (6%) were 80 years or older. Compared with younger patients (age 40-79), older adults were more likely to be pseudophakic (P < 0.001), have macula-off detachments (P < 0.001), and have preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (P = 0.02). In older adults, initial surgery was PPV in 73%, PPV/SB in 27%, and primary SB in 0%. Single surgery anatomic success was 78% in older adults compared with 84% in younger patients (P = 0.03). In older adults, single surgery anatomic success was 74% for PPV and 91% for PPV/SB (P = 0.03). The final mean logMAR was lower for older adults (0.79 [20/125] vs. 0.40 [20/40], [P < 0.001]). In older adults, the final mean logMAR for eyes that underwent PPV was 0.88 (20/160) compared with 0.50 (20/63) for PPV/SB (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Octogenarians and nonagenarians presented with relatively complex pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. Single surgery anatomic success and visual outcomes were worse compared with younger patients, and PPV/SB had better outcomes compared with PPV alone.

Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes Study: Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment Outcomes: Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes Study Report Number 3.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates outcomes of comparable pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or PPV with scleral buckle (PPV-SB). DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Data were gathered from patients from multiple retina practices in the United States with RRD in 2015. METHODS: A large detailed database was generated. Pseudophakic patients with RRD managed with PPV or PPV-SB were analyzed for anatomic and visual outcomes. Eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, giant retinal tears, previous invasive glaucoma surgery, and ≤90 days of follow-up were excluded from outcomes analysis. Single surgery anatomic success (SSAS) was defined as retinal attachment without ongoing tamponade and with no other RRD surgery within 90 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Single surgery anatomic success and final Snellen visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: A total of 1158 of 2620 eyes (44%) with primary RRD were pseudophakic. A total of 1018 eyes had greater than 90 days of follow-up. Eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, previous glaucoma surgery, and giant retinal tears were excluded, leaving 893 pseudophakic eyes eligible for outcome analysis. A total of 461 (52%) were right eyes. A total of 606 patients (67%) were male, with a mean age of 65±11 years. Pars plana vitrectomy and PPV-SB as the first procedure were performed on 684 eyes (77%) and 209 eyes (23%), respectively. The mean follow-up was 388±161 days, and overall SSAS was achieved in 770 eyes (86%). Single surgery anatomic success was 84% (577/684) for PPV and 92% (193/209) for PPV-SB. The difference in SSAS between types of treatment was significant (P = 0.009). In eyes with macula-on RRD, SSAS was 88% in eyes treated with PPV and 100% in eyes treated with PPV-SB (P = 0.0088). In eyes with macula-off RRD, SSAS was 81% in eyes treated with PPV and 89% in eyes treated with PPV-SB (P = 0.029). Single surgery anatomic success was greater for PPV-SB than PPV for inferior (96% vs. 82%) and superior (90% vs. 82%) detachments. Mean final VA was similar for PPV (20/47) and PPV-SB (20/46; P = 0.805). CONCLUSIONS: In pseudophakic RRDs, SSAS was better in patients treated with PPV-SB compared with PPV alone, whereas visual outcomes were similar for both groups.

Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes Study Report Number 2: Phakic Retinal Detachment Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Anatomically similar rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) can be treated with scleral buckle (SB), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), or SB combined with PPV (PPV/SB). This study compares moderately complex phakic primary RRD treated with SB, PPV, or PPV/SB to review anatomic and visual outcomes. DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Data were gathered on all patients from multiple retina practices in the United States with RRD in 2015 and >90 days of follow-up. The cohort of phakic patients with moderately complex RRD was analyzed. METHODS: A large and detailed database was generated. Eyes with findings that would bias toward PPV (vitreous hemorrhage, dense cataract, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, giant retinal tear, among others) were excluded. Age <40 years (bias toward SB) was excluded. Comparable cases of moderately complex RRD were then chosen naive to surgeon, surgery, and outcome for subgroup analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Single surgery anatomic success (SSAS), defined as retinal attachment with no other RRD surgery within 90 days, is the main outcome measure. Final visual acuity is the secondary outcome measure. Pearson's chi-square and analysis of variance were used to test treatment effect of surgery type on SSAS and vision. RESULTS: Single surgery anatomic success was noted in 155 of 169 SB cases (91.7%), 207 of 249 PPV cases (83.1%), and 271 of 297 PPV/SB cases (91.2%). Scleral buckle and PPV/SB were superior to PPV for SSAS (P = 0.0041). For macula-on or split cases, SB had significantly better visual outcomes than PPV or PPV/SB even after controlling for cataract (cases with minimal cataract at final follow-up or after cataract surgery) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For phakic moderately complex primary RRDs in this study of PPV versus SB versus PPV/SB, SB had the best visual outcomes, and PPV had the worst SSAS outcomes.

Age-related macular degeneration therapy: a review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the current clinical landscape of potential future therapies for both nonexudative (dry) and exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We highlight some of the more promising treatments that are furthest along in development. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with dry AMD have long been hoping for a highly efficacious treatment that may slow disease progression or even help regain vision. Patients with wet AMD have many effective treatment options but still there are those who have suboptimal responses or are burdened by the high frequency of treatment. We detail exciting new concepts and targets for novel medications. Specifically, for dry AMD we discuss research looking at complement inhibition, neuroprotection, visual cycle modulators, cell-based therapies, and anti-inflammatory agents. For wet AMD we summarize new, potentially more durable anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, extended release options, and gene therapy. SUMMARY: There are promising new strategies for AMD. Many of the potential new treatments are in or have recently completed phase 2 or phase 3 clinical trials with promising results thus far, including some that have received US Food and Drug Administration approval. Additional therapeutic breakthroughs will likely continue to occur thanks to the number of clinical trials that are nearing the finish line.

Outcomes of Eyes Lost to Follow-up with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy That Received Panretinal Photocoagulation versus Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

PURPOSE: To compare anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) that were lost to follow-up (LTFU) for more than 6 months after treatment with either intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-nine patients who were LTFU immediately after treatment for more than 6 months between September 2013 and September 2016. METHODS: Patients with eyes receiving either intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment or PRP with the next follow-up visit occurring more than 6 months after treatment were identified. Visual acuity (VA) and anatomic outcomes at the visit before being LTFU, the return visit, the 6-month visit after return, the 12-month visit after return, and the final visit were gathered and compared between the 2 treatment groups. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Visual acuity and anatomic outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-six eyes of 59 patients were included in the study, of which 30 received IVI with anti-VEGF and 46 received PRP. In the anti-VEGF group, mean VA worsened significantly when comparing the visit before being LTFU (0.43±0.38 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) with the return visit (0.97±0.80 logMAR; P = 0.001) as well as with the final visit (0.92±0.94 logMAR; P = 0.01). In the PRP group, mean VA worsened significantly when comparing the visit before being LTFU (0.42±0.34 logMAR) with the return visit (0.62±0.64 logMAR; P = 0.03). However, no significant difference was observed at the final visit (0.46±0.47 logMAR; P = 0.38). There was a significantly greater number of eyes with tractional retinal detachment in the IVI group compared with the PRP group at the final visit (10 vs. 1, respectively; P = 0.005). There was a significantly greater incidence of neovascularization of the iris in the IVI arm compared with the PRP arm at the final visit (4 vs. 0, respectively; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with PDR that received only intravitreal anti-VEGF demonstrated worse anatomic and functional outcomes after being LTFU compared with eyes that received PRP. Given the potential sequelae of being LTFU, the choice of treatment for PDR must be considered carefully.

PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY WITH ANTERIOR CHAMBER VERSUS GORE-TEX SUTURED POSTERIOR CHAMBER INTRAOCULAR LENS PLACEMENT: Long-Term Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) placement versus scleral fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) using Gore-Tex suture. METHODS: Retrospective, interventional case series of eyes undergoing combined PPV and IOL placement for retained lens material, aphakia, or dislocated IOL. Eyes with history of amblyopia, corneal opacity, retinal, or optic nerve disease were excluded. Outcome measures were change in visual acuity and occurrence of postoperative complications with minimum follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: Sixty-three eyes of 60 patients were identified. Thirty-three eyes underwent combined PPV and ACIOL placement and 30 eyes underwent combined PPV and scleral fixation of a PCIOL using Gore-Tex suture. Mean follow-up was 502 ± 165 days (median 450, range 365-1,095 days). In the ACIOL group, mean visual acuity improved from 20/914 preoperatively to 20/50 postoperatively (P < 0.001). In the scleral-fixated PCIOL group, mean visual acuity improved from 20/677 preoperatively to 20/46 postoperatively (P < 0.001). No difference in visual acuity was noted between groups at 1-year (P = 0.91) or final follow-up (P = 0.62). Regarding postoperative complications, eyes undergoing ACIOL placement had a significantly higher rate of transient corneal edema (30.3 vs. 6.7%, P = 0.02) compared with eyes undergoing scleral fixation of a PCIOL. CONCLUSION: Combined PPV with ACIOL placement or scleral fixation of a PCIOL with Gore-Tex suture were well tolerated. The techniques resulted in similar visual outcomes at minimum follow-up of 1 year.

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.

27-GAUGE VITRECTOMY WOUND INTEGRITY: A Randomized Pilot Study Comparing Angled Versus Straight Entry in Fluid-Filled Vitrectomized Eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes using angled versus straight trocar insertion during 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane. METHODS: Pilot randomized controlled trial. Thirty eyes of 30 patients undergoing 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane were randomized 1:1 to receive angled or straight trocar insertion. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and postoperative wound-related complications were compared. RESULTS: Fifteen eyes were randomized to each the angled and straight incision groups. No significant difference in phakic status (P = 0.71) or preoperative IOP (15.1 ± 3.4 vs. 14.6 ± 3.0 mmHg, P = 0.67) existed between groups. On postoperative Day 1, eyes in the straight group had lower IOP compared with the angled group (11.8 ± 3.9 vs. 15.3 ± 5.2 mmHg, P = 0.04) and a relative decrease in IOP compared with preoperative values (11.8 ± 3.9 vs. 15.1 ± 3.4 mmHg, P < 0.01). No IOP difference between groups was present at Day 7 (P = 0.43) or Day 30 (P = 0.42). Postoperative complications included transient hypotony (1 eye, straight group) and serous choroidal detachment (1 eye, angled group). CONCLUSION: Eyes with straight incisions had transiently lower IOP on postoperative Day 1, possibly suggestive of subclinical wound leak in the very early postoperative period. Overall, rates of hypotony and sclerotomy-related complications were similarly low between wound construction strategies.

MINIMAL ENDOILLUMINATION LEVELS AND DISPLAY LUMINOUS EMITTANCE DURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL HEADS-UP VITREORETINAL SURGERY.

PURPOSE: To determine minimal endoillumination levels required to perform 3-dimensional heads-up vitreoretinal surgery and to correlate endoillumination levels used for measurements of heads-up display (HUD) luminous emittance. METHODS: Prospective, observational surgical case series of 10 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery. Endoillumination levels were set to 40% of maximum output and were decreased at set intervals until the illumination level was 0%. Corresponding luminous emittance (lux) of the HUD was measured 40 cm from the display using a luxmeter (Dr. Meter, Model #LX1010BS). RESULTS: In 9 of 10 cases, the surgeon felt that they could operate comfortably at an endoillumination level of 10% of maximum output with corresponding HUD emittance of 14.3 ± 9.5 lux. In the remaining case, the surgeon felt comfortable at a 3% endoillumination level with corresponding HUD emittance of 15 lux. Below this threshold, subjective image dimness and digital noise limited visibility. Endoillumination levels were correlated with luminous emittance from the 3-dimensional HUD (P < 0.01). The average coefficient of variation of HUD luminance was 0.546. There were no intraoperative complications. CONCLUSION: With real-time digital processing and automated brightness control, 3-dimensional HUD platforms may allow for reduced intraoperative endoillumination levels and a theoretically reduced risk of retinal phototoxicity during vitreoretinal surgery.

RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT AFTER INTRAARTERIAL CHEMOTHERAPY FOR RETINOBLASTOMA: The 2016 Founders Award Lecture.

PURPOSE: To evaluate rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in eyes with retinoblastoma after intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Chart review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Development of RRD in the IAC era. RESULTS: Of 167 eyes in 157 consecutive patients, mean patient age at diagnosis of retinoblastoma was 19 months. Intraarterial chemotherapy was primary (75/167, 45%) or secondary (92/167, 55%). There were 10 eyes (10/167, 6%) that developed RRD after IAC. The RRD was mostly related to rapid tumor regression with atrophic retinal hole, occurring within one month (n = 8) or 12 months (n = 2) of IAC. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was found after primary (6/75, 8%) or secondary (4/92, 4%) IAC. Of primary cases, RRD was found in Group D (1/38 [3%], P = 0.1075) or Group E (5/30 [17%], P = 0.0348). For primary IAC (n = 75 eyes), RRD was found in endophytic (5/22 [23%], P = 0.0073), exophytic (0/29 [0%], P = 0.0760), or combined endophytic/exophytic pattern (1/24 [4%], P = 0.6575). A comparison of eyes with RRD (n = 10) versus without RRD (n = 157) found significant differences including greater mean age at presentation (38 vs. 18 months, P = 0.0522), greater 4-quadrant vitreous seeding (5/10, 50% vs. 27/157, 17%, P = 0.0236), and absence of subretinal fluid (3/10, 30% vs. 102/157, 65%, P = 0.0236). The cause of RRD was tumor regression-related atrophic retinal hole(s) in 7 (7/10, 70%) (unifocal [1/10, 10%] or multifocal [6/10, 60%] holes), cryotherapy-induced single atrophic hole in 2 (2/10, 20%), and single flap-tear from posterior vitreous detachment in one (1/10, 10%). In 4 (4/10, 40%) eyes with RRD, proliferative vitreoretinopathy was noted. The RRD was not related to intravitreal injection in any case, as in primary IAC no case had previous injection and in secondary IAC the injections were performed many months previously. Primary RRD repair involved pars plana vitrectomy in three, scleral buckle without drainage in one, laser barricade in one, and observation in five eyes. After 24 months mean follow-up, the retina showed complete reattachment (3/10, 30%), partial reattachment (2/10, 20%), and persistent detachment in all observed eyes (5/10, 50%). Enucleation was necessary for tumor recurrence (4/10, 40%) or neovascular glaucoma (1/10, 10%). There were no tumor-related metastases or death. CONCLUSION: After IAC for retinoblastoma, RRD occurs in 6%, mostly in advanced eyes with extensive endophytic tumor and generally from atrophic retinal hole after rapid tumor regression.