Modified superior inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique with vitrectomy versus vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for retinal detachment with myopic macular hole.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the modified superior inverted internal limiting (ILM) membrane flap technique in retinal reattachment, macular hole closure and external retinal layers restoration in macular hole associated retinal detachment compared to ILM peeling. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 10 patients that required pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment with macular hole followed for more than 12 months. Data from medical records were retrospectively collected and patients were divided into the superior inverted flap (5 patients) and ILM peeling group (5 patients). We compared best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after surgery, retinal attachment, macular hole closure rate and external retinal layer restoration between groups. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in BCVA in both groups before and after surgery, with no differences between the two groups at 12 months after surgery (p=0.9). The macular hole closed in 100% of cases in the inverted flap group and 80% of the ILM peeling group with no significant differences between groups. The retina was reattached in 100% of cases in both groups. Only 2 patients in the inverted flap group (40%) had external retinal layer restoration and none in ILM peeling group (p=0.62). CONCLUSIONS: ILM peeling and superior inverted flap techniques are useful for treating retinal detachment with macular hole in myopic eyes.

[The effects of ocular hypotensive drugs on the cornea: an in vivo analysis with confocal microscopy]. / Efectos corneales de hipotensores oculares que contienen cloruro de benzalconio: análisis in vivo con microscopia confocal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of anti-glaucoma treatments containing benzalconium chloride (BAC) on the human cornea. METHODS: A prospective single masked cohort study was conducted on the 50 eyes of 50 patients. The inclusion criteria were: recently diagnosed glaucoma or ocular hypertension with previous treatment, or ophthalmologist-prescribed anti-glaucoma therapy, and oral consent to participate in the study. The patients were not randomised, as the ophthalmologist decided the best therapy according to clinical criteria. The patients were divided in 2 cohorts: one exposed to BAC (23 patients), and not exposed (27 patients). The mean follow-up period was 22 weeks (range 18-30). The change in cell density before and after therapy was measured in: basal layer epithelium, basal layer of limbal epithelium and endothelium. The change in stromal reflectivity and the number of nerve branches in sub-basal nerve plexus was also measured. BAC exposure was blinded to the main researcher. RESULTS: A greater increase in basal layer epithelium cell density was observed in BAC exposed cohort (P<.05). No significant differences were detected in the endothelium, limbal cell density, stromal reflectivity, or sub-basal nerve plexus. Age, sex, IOP, active ingredient or BAC concentration did not affect the direction or magnitude of the ocular surface alterations found. CONCLUSION: Chronic anti-glaucoma therapy induces changes in the corneal epithelium. Preservative free drops showed less disruption of the ocular surface by confocal microscopy analysis. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the clinical impact of these histological findings.