Retinal pigment epithelium tear in an idiopathic acute onset bullous central serous chorioretinopathy.

Although retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears are common in patients with chronic conditions such as exudative age-related macular degeneration or may occur in response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or laser treatment, a spontaneous RPE tear can occur in patients with acute and new-onset bullous central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). We present a rare case of a healthy young Asian man with unilateral massive subretinal fluid (SRF). An idiopathic acute-onset bullous CSCR with an RPE tear was diagnosed through ancillary examinations. This patient exhibited good visual recovery as indicated by foveal sparing, spontaneous resolution of SRF, and the lack of a need for unnecessary surgery.

Refractive status, biometric components, and functional outcomes of patients with threshold retinopathy of prematurity: systemic review and a 17-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term refractive status, visual outcome, astigmatism, and the change in biometric optic components in older adolescents up to age 17 years with threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with diode laser. METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal study in which cycloplegic refraction, keratometry, and the biometric measurement of optic components were performed on 28 consecutive preterm eyes with laser-treated threshold ROP at age 17 years. The study results were statistically analysed and compared with age-matched full-term control. RESULTS: All patients with ROP had myopia (average spherical equivalent of - 6.35 D, ranges from - 1.25 to - 12.38 D), and 12 eyes (43%) were highly myopic (spherical equivalent < - 6.0 D). Threshold ROP eyes exhibited a significantly poorer visual acuity (P < 0.001), greater cylinder refractive error (P < 0.001), higher corneal astigmatism (P < 0.001), and flatter horizontal corneal curvature (P = 0.01) compared with age-matched controls. Biometric optic components analysis revealed a significant shallower anterior chamber depth (P < 0.001), thicker lens (P < 0.001), and shorter axial length (P = 0.021) in laser-treated ROP eyes compared with age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: In this 17-year longitudinal study, a higher prevalence of myopia and astigmatism was observed in laser-treated threshold ROP eyes compared with age-matched control eyes. Myopia and astigmatism in laser-treated ROP eyes typically progress through adolescence after school age. Therefore, we recommend that preterm patients with laser-treated threshold ROP should attend regular follow-up not only for refractive status but also for structural change of anterior segment until their adolescence.

A CARE-compliant article: a case report of possible association between recurrence of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome and the Herpesviridae family.

RATIONALE: Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is a self-limited multifocal chorioretinopathy that typically affects otherwise healthy young females in the second to fourth decades of life. Current understanding of the pathophysiology of MEWDS is still limited. One of the possible underlying causes is an infectious etiology. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 24-year-old female with recurrent episodes of typical MEWDS ocular manifestation was observed over 2 years. Viral-specific antibody serologic tests showed evidence of exposure to the Herpesviridae family during the acute stage of MEWDS in the first and recurrent episodes. DIAGNOSES: MEWDS was diagnosed by the clinical findings and ancillary testing results of fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography and electroretinogram. The laboratory serology data was positive for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the first episode and exhibited high Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer in the recurrent episode. INTERVENTIONS: Due to the self-limited nature of MEWDS, we observed the clinical course without intervention. OUTCOMES: During acute onset of MEWDS, serologic data for VZV IgM antibody was positive in the first episode. Two years later, the patient had recurrent episodes of MEWDS in the contralateral eye. Serologic study showed highly elevated IgG titer (1:160) of Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen (EB-VCA) in the acute stage. The follow-up paired serum virus serology test showed that the prior EB-VCA IgG titer decreased fourfold to 1:40 in the recovery stage. LESSONS: Recurrence of MEWDS may be associated with acute systemic infection of the Herpesviridae family or virus-induced autoimmune inflammatory reaction.

Predictive factors of visual outcome in posterior segment intraocular foreign body.

BACKGROUND: To identify the predictive factors for visual outcomes of patients with posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB) after open-globe injury. METHODS: A retrospective, interventional study was conducted to evaluate consecutive patients with retained posterior segment IOFB who underwent vitrectomy over a 10-year period from 2007 to 2016. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify the potential predictive factors for final visual outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were evaluated, with predominantly males (97.6%) and mean age 37.21 years. Hammering on metal (47.62%) was the major mechanism of injury. The majority of foreign bodies were metallic (95.24%) with a mean dimension of 4.3 mm. Twenty-four (57.14%) patients initially presented with a Snellen visual acuity <6/60. After surgery, 19 (45.24%) eyes had final visual outcomes of 6/12 or better; however, visual outcomes worse than 6/60 were documented in 17 (40.48%) eyes. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the occurrence of retinal detachment (RD; p<0.01) and larger IOFB dimension (p=0.02) independently predicted worse final visual outcomes after adjusting for age and initial VA. Eyes with entry wounds located posteriorly into the sclera significantly increased the risk of RD compared to eyes with entry wounds involving cornea only (p=0.03). There was no association between time interval for IOFB removal and development of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: RD and larger IOFB dimension are significant predictive factors associated with worse final visual outcomes. Increased time to IOFB removal is not associated with either a higher risk of endophthalmitis or worse visual outcomes.

Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome Following Acute Epstein-Barr Virus Infection.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) and Epstein-Barr (EB) virus infection. METHODS: A prospective, consecutive case series study was performed in patients with the characteristic findings of MEWDS. Patients received EB viral-specific antibody serologic tests. RESULTS: Five cases of MEWDS who had prodromal flu-like symptoms were enrolled, comprising 2 women and 3 men with a mean age of 34. Mean diopter of myopia was -7.5. During acute onset of MEWDS, EB virus infection was confirmed by positive EB virus serology test. One showed positive EB viral capsid antigen (EB-VCA) IgM, and the other four showed highly elevated titer of EB-VCA IgG more than 1:160. Two months later, paired serum virus serology data showed negative EB-VCA IgM, or prior EB-VCA IgG titer decreased four-fold in the recovery stage. CONCLUSION: MEWDS may be associated with acute systemic EB virus infection. Ocular symptoms might develop due to this infection or represent virus-induced autoimmune inflammatory retinitis.

Development of a full thickness macular hole after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a sequential study via optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate a full thickness macular hole (MH) development after vitrectomy (VT) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to investigate the possible disease mechanism with optical coherence tomography (OCT). CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old female underwent 23G vitrectomy surgery to repair the macula-detached RRD successfully. However, intraretinal cysts initially developed two months after surgery. Cysts gradually increased in number and size, and cystoid macular edema was noted at the 5th month. Thereafter, inner retina dehiscence and a lamellar macular hole developed. The lamellar hole further dehisced and progressed into a full-thickness MH at the 10th month. The patient then received 23G vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling surgery. OCT and fundus picture showed macular hole sealed 10 days afterward. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism of secondary MH included tangential traction, cystoid degeneration of macula, and glial migration. The sequential OCT studies provide evidence to support the disease mechanism of cystoid degeneration of the macula.

PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF VISUAL OUTCOME FOR VITREOMACULAR TRACTION SYNDROME AFTER VITRECTOMY.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term functional and anatomical outcomes for vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT) after vitrectomy and to analyze the predictive factors regarding visual outcome. METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive case series of 22 eyes in 22 patients with VMT who underwent vitrectomy to relieve macular edema were studied. Eyes were classified into two groups according to the diameter of vitreomacular adhesion based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography: Group 1 (14 eyes) focal attachment ≤1,500 µm; and Group 2 (eight eyes) broad attachment >1,500 µm. RESULTS: Mean postoperative follow-up was 25.4 months (range, 6-68). The preoperative mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.73 (20/107), which significantly improved to 0.49 (20/62) postoperatively (P < 0.01). Seventeen eyes (77%) had Snellen visual acuity improvement ≧ two lines, and nine eyes had improvement ≧ three lines. The improvement of visual acuity was significantly better in Group 1 than in Group 2 (2.7 lines vs. 0.8 lines) (P = 0.03). The preoperative mean central macular thickness was 563 µm ± 176 µm, which significantly improved to 298 µm ± 69 µm postoperatively (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, better final visual acuity was significantly associated with Group 1 VMT (P < 0.01) and with shorter symptom duration (P < 0.01). Greater improvement of visual acuity was also significantly associated with younger age of patients (P = 0.02) and with Group 1 VMT (P < 0.01). In linear regression analysis, patients with longer symptom duration had worse final visual acuity (ß = 0.02) and patients of younger age had greater visual acuity improvement (ß = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Most patients of VMT gained significant functional and anatomical improvements after vitrectomy. Group 1 optical coherence tomography pattern, shorter symptom duration, and younger age are significant predictive factors of better visual outcome.

Long-term outcome of combined vitrectomy and transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses in the management of posteriorly dislocated lenses.

BACKGROUND: There is no general consensus on the optimal choice of intraocular lenses (IOLs) or fixation methods in eyes with inadequate capsular support. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term safety, efficacy and refractive status of combined vitrectomy and transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber (PC) IOLs in the management of posteriorly dislocated lenses in Taiwan. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective interventional study at our medical facility. The posteriorly dislocated crystalline lenses (or dislocated IOL) were removed with pars plana vitrectomy followed by transscleral suture fixation of PC IOLs at the same setting. Additionally, preexisting ocular condition, postoperative visual acuity (VA) and refraction were recorded. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were enrolled for analysis, including traumatic posteriorly dislocated IOLs in seven cases, and traumatic posteriorly dislocated crystalline lenses or retained lens nuclei after cataract surgery in eight cases. The end result of our study showed that best-corrected VA of 6/12 or better was achieved in 13 patients (87%) after a mean 45 months follow-up. The mean VA significantly improved from 0.98 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline to 0.14 logMAR at last follow-up (p < 0.01). The refractive status after suture fixation of PC IOL revealed a mean myopic shift of -1.18 ± 1.47 D from the predicted spherical equivalent. Overall, most complications were minor. Ciliary body hemorrhage occurred during operation in one case and was cleared without visual compromise. Erosion of prolene suture through conjunctiva was noted in three patients. Elevated intraocular pressure was well controlled by topical antiglaucoma medications in three cases. No suture breakage or IOL dislocation was noted in any of the patients. There were no serious adverse events of retinal detachment, corneal compromise, or endophthalmitis in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that use of combined vitrectomy and transscleral suture fixation of PC IOLs is a safe and efficient technique to correct aphakia in eyes without adequate capsular support. Our study demonstrated good long-term visual outcome with only minor complications. Furthermore, we recommend that the IOL power should be adjusted 1.00 D less for transscleral suture fixation.

Combination therapy with intravitreal bevacizumab and macular grid and scatter laser photocoagulation in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of combined intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and macular grid and scatter laser photocoagulation in the treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) over a 12-month period. METHODS: A prospective, interventional case series study was conducted in 20 patients. Patients were treated with 3 monthly IVB injections, followed by macular grid laser and scatter laser photocoagulation to nonperfused ischemic retina. Repeated IVB injections were performed on an as-needed basis when patients had recurrent macular edema. RESULTS: The best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 17 eyes (85%) and a vision gain of 3 lines or more was noted in 12/20 eyes (60%). Mean visual acuity improved from 0.68 logMAR at baseline to 0.28 logMAR at 3 months, 0.26 logMAR at 6 months, and 0.26 logMAR at 12 months (P<0.01). The mean central macular thickness (CMT) was 442 µm at baseline and decreased to 266, 264, 300, and 294 µm at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months' follow-up, respectively (P<0.01). A mild rebound CMT increase was noted at 6 months, which was reduced after bevacizumab reinjection. Ten patients (50%) required repeated IVB injections. Fifteen eyes (75%) have complete edema resolution on optical coherence tomography scan at the 12-month return visit. Overall, patients received an average of 4 injections during the 12-month period. No adverse ocular or systemic events were observed following injections. CONCLUSIONS: Early IVB injections in combination with subsequent macular grid and scatter laser photocoagulation treatment significantly improved vision and reduced macular edema secondary to BRVO. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term outcomes and safety.

Comparison of the effect of reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy with intravitreal bevacizumab and standard-fluence alone for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has previously been reported to be effective in treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), with satisfactory polyp regression. However, the optimum treatment protocol remains controversial. This study compared the effect of reduced-fluence PDT combined with intravitreal bevacizumab (rPDT/IVB) and standard-fluence PDT (sPDT) alone for treating symptomatic PCV in Chinese patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out of the medical records of patients with PCV who were treated with rPDT/IVB (14 eyes of 13 patients) or sPDT (12 eyes of 12 patients) with at least 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean best-corrected visual acuity of the rPDT/IVB group improved significantly at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.041). Only one eye (7.1%) in the rPDT/IVB group showed a decrease in visual acuity, compared with four eyes (33.3%) in the sPDT group. A total of 40.0% of eyes in the sPDT group showed increased lipid exudate at follow-up 1 month after treatment, whereas no increase in lipid exudate was observed in the rPDT/IVB group (p = 0.015). The mean maximum area of post-treatment hemorrhage in the rPDT/IVB group was smaller than that in the sPDT group (2.57 ± 2.74 mm(2) vs. 12.69 ± 10.28 mm(2), p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with rPDT/IVB for patients with PCV showed encouraging results in vision improvement, a lower decrease in visual acuity, significantly less post-treatment lipid exudate and a smaller area of post-treatment hemorrhage at the 6-month follow-up than patients treated with sPDT.

Long-term biometric optic components of diode laser-treated threshold retinopathy of prematurity at 9 years of age.

PURPOSE: To assess quantitatively the biometric optic components and its relationship with refractive status in preterm school children with diode laser-treated threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study in which ultrasound biometric measurement of optic components and cycloplegic refraction were performed on 24 consecutive preterm children with diode laser-treated threshold ROP at the age of 9 years. The study results were compared with 1021 age-matched full-term control children from a national survey. RESULTS: The eyes with laser-treated ROP showed statistically significantly thicker lens (3.94 versus 3.39 mm), steeper vertical corneal curvature (7.47 versus 7.67 mm) and shallower anterior chamber depth (ACD) (2.91 versus 3.58 mm) than age-matched full-term controls, but no difference in axial length (23.32 versus 23.24 mm). The laser-treated eyes had a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of -4.49 D compared with mean SE of -0.44 D in controls. Of 46 eyes studied, 93% of eyes were myopic and 28.3% with high myopia (<-6.0 D) compared with the 32% prevalence of myopia in controls. In preterm children, younger gestational age tended to correlate with shallower ACD (r = 0.352) and thicker lens (r = -0.298); lower birth weight tended to correlate with shallower ACD (r = 0.372) and steeper cornea (r = 0.360). CONCLUSIONS: There were higher prevalence and greater magnitude of myopia in preterm children. The significantly thicker lens, steeper corneal curvature and shallower anterior chamber depth are the major factors contributing to the development of myopia in preterm school children with laser-treated threshold ROP.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) and panretinal photocoagulation in the treatment of high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection with panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. METHODS: A prospective, interventional case series study was conducted in 17 patients (20 eyes) with high-risk PDR, who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (2.5 mg) followed by PRP when the peripheral vitreous became clear or 2 weeks after injection. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, including Snellen visual acuity and fluorescein angiography at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after bevacizumab injection. Main outcome measures included the serial changes in visual acuity, vitreous clear-up time, and neovascularization on the disc (NVD) regression time. RESULTS: All patients had obvious reduction in angiographic leakage and involution of retinal neovascularization (NV) at the 1- and 3-month follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 months. The vitreous hemorrhage (VH) showed a partial resolution as early as 1 week, and complete regression at 3 months. The mean vitreous clear-up time after intravitreal Avastin was 8.5±2.2 weeks. The mean time interval from intravitreal Avastin to NVD regression was 10.8±3.4 weeks. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle resolution visual acuity improved from 1.03 at baseline to 0.36 at 1-month, 0.38 at 3-month, and 0.48 at the 6-month follow-up (P<0.01). Three eyes (18%) required vitrectomy surgery during follow-up. The indication for vitrectomy was dense, persistent VH in 2 eyes, and focal tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in 1 eye. Recurrent retinal NV with minor preretinal hemorrhage was observed in 6 eyes (30%) 3 months after the first injection, and resolved after repeated bevacizumab injections. Patients received an average of 1.4 injections (range: 1-2). Seven eyes (35%) underwent 2 injections. One eye (5%) had ocular complication of PDR progression to TRD. No systemic adverse events were observed following injections. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term results suggest combined intravitreal bevacizumab and PRP achieved rapid clearance of VH, regression of retinal NV, and visual improvement in the treatment of high-risk PDR. Long-term study is warranted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety.

Effect on pain relief and inflammatory response following addition of tenoxicam to intravenous patient-controlled morphine analgesia: a double-blind, randomized, controlled study in patients undergoing spine fusion surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that adding tenoxicam (T) to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with morphine (M) would improve postoperative pain relief and wound inflammatory responses compared with M alone after spine surgery. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, double-blind, controlled study. SUBJECTS: Ninety-four patients eligible for elective spine surgery. SETTING: Teaching hospital. METHODS: Patients were randomized to one of three groups: the M group (PCA regimen with M), the TM group (PCA regimen with T and M), or the T+TM group (20 mg T administered 30 minutes before wound closure in addition to the TM regimen). The primary end point was the numeric rating scale score for pain intensity, and secondary end points pertaining to postoperative pain management included M consumption, PCA demand/delivery, use of rescue analgesics, adverse events, and levels of inflammatory mediators in wound drainages. RESULTS: PCA demand was reduced in both the TM and T+TM groups compared with the M group (both P ≤ 0.001). The incidence of skin itching was significantly reduced in the T+TM group compared with the other groups (both P ≤ 0.05). PGE2 and interleukin-6 levels in wound drainages were reduced in the TM and T+TM groups compared with the M group (both P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of T and M for IV-PCA was not more efficacious than IV-PCA with M alone in reducing postoperative pain after spine surgery but reduced PCA demand and suppressed local inflammation at the surgical site. Administration of T before wound closure may ameliorate IV-PCA M-induced skin itching.

Optical coherence tomography in resolution of photoreceptor damage in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is an acute-onset chorioretinal inflammatory disease. This disorder is characterized by unilateral multiple gray-white dots of the posterior pole in young healthy women. Symptoms include blurred vision, photopsia, and visual field (VF) defects. Although the etiology of MEWDS is still unknown, most patients have spontaneous improvement in vision and fundus appearance within a period of weeks. Herein, we report a typical case of MEWDS, and describe the spontaneous resolution of photoreceptor damage during the entire course, demonstrated by serial optical coherence tomography (OCT). The OCT is a sensitive and noninvasive tool for the diagnosis and serial microstructure evaluation of patients with MEWDS.

Management of double-penetrating ocular injury with retained intraorbital metallic foreign body.

The prognosis of double penetrating ocular trauma is usually guarded. We report the good anatomical and functional outcome in a patient with double-penetrating ocular trauma associated with intraorbital foreign body. A 58-year-old man presented at the emergency room complaining of blurred vision of the left eye with stinging pain after he hammered an iron plate. Best-corrected visual acuity was hand movement/30 cm. Subconjunctival hemorrhage with one 1.4-mm laceration wound was noted over the nasal conjunctiva. Fundus examination showed vitreous hemorrhage with one whitish patch over the nasal retina. Orbital computed tomography scan revealed one metallic foreign body at the posterior nasal upper orbit. Double-penetrating globe injury with intraorbital foreign body was impressed, and immediate vitrectomy surgery with endolaser photocoagulation was carried out. One exit wound nasal to the disc was noted during operation. The intraorbital metallic foreign body was left alone. Vision recovered to 6/8.6 without ocular complication after a 20-month follow-up. Prompt, careful preoperative evaluation and meticulous vitrectomy intervention are essential in the successful management of such patients. Posteriorly located intraorbital metallic foreign body should be managed conservatively. Long-term regular electroretinography evaluation is needed for possible retinal toxicity from intraorbital foreign body.

Combination photodynamic therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab used to treat circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

Circumscribed choroidal hemagioma (CCH) is an ocular tumor that can result in decreased vision or blindness. Numerous treatment methods have been reported without satisfying results. In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin has been used to treat choroidal hemagioma and resolve the associated exudative retinal detachment, and the results have been inspiring. Here, we report the case of a 36-year-old man with longstanding CCH who suffered from blurred vision for 3 years. He underwent PDT with intravenous infusions of verteporfin, which was a treatment method based on a modified version of the standard macular degeneration PDT protocol, in addition to subsequent intravitreal administrations of bevacizumab as adjuvant therapy for macular edema. Twelve months after treatment, the CCH tumor remained noticeably shrunken, with the complete absorption of the subretinal fluid and the absence of macular edema. In terms of treating subretinal fluid retention, this combination treatment is a safe, effective, and long-lasting therapy for treating established CCH tumors. However, even though the patient's visual field defects improved, the patient's visual acuity remained stable at 6/60 without further improvement. Long-term CCH with prolonged macular edema might have affected the visual prognosis. Patients with CCH still require long-term follow-up examinations after receiving PDT treatments.

Optical coherence tomography in spontaneous resolution of vitreomacular traction syndrome.

Vitreomacular traction syndrome (VTS) is a vitreoretinal interface abnormality. The disorder is caused by incomplete posterior vitreous detachment with persistent traction on the macula that produces symptoms and decreased vision. Most symptomatic eyes with VTS undergo a further decrease in visual acuity. Spontaneous complete vitreomacular separation occurs infrequently in eyes with VTS. Surgical intervention may be considered if severe metamorphopsia and decreased visual quality occur. Herein, we report 2 typical cases of idiopathic VTS with spontaneous resolution of vitreo-retinal traction demonstrated by optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence tomography is a sensitive and useful tool for the confirmation of diagnosis and for the serial anatomical evaluation of patients with VTS.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) in the treatment of macular edema associated with perfused retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection in patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusive diseases. METHODS: A prospective, interventional cases series study was conducted in patients with ME secondary to perfused retinal vein occlusions (RVOs), who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (2.5 mg per injection in a volume of 0.1 mL). Patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, including Snellen visual acuity, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the first injection and at the final visit. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) received intravitreal bevacizumab injections. The mean follow-up time was 6.5 months. Mean Snellen visual acuity improved from 20/125 at baseline to 20/74 at 1 month, 20/69 at 3 months, and 20/57 at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). Five of the 25 eyes (20%) had vision gain of >3 lines. The mean central 1 mm macular thickness was 422 microm at baseline and decreased to 263, 333, and 239 microm at 1 month, 3 months, and the last follow-up, respectively. Recurrent macular edema with a rebound increase of central retinal thickness was observed 3 months after the first injection, and improved after repeated bevacizumab injections. Patients received an average of 2 injections (range 1-3). FA showed no evidence of increased nonperfusion avascular area. No adverse ocular or systemic events were observed following injections. CONCLUSIONS: The observed anatomic and visual acuity improvements after intravitreal bevacizumab injection demonstrate that bevacizumab is a useful adjunctive treatment for ME secondary to RVO without safety concerns in a short term. However, repeated injections are needed to maintain visual improvement. Long-term study is warranted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety.