An analysis of the factors involved in IOL decentration after phacoemulsification using CASIA 2 anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the magnitude of IOL transversal shift (ITS) after phacoemulsification and to analyse the factors contributing to IOL decentration and ITS. METHODS: 94 consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery and IOL implantation was enrolled. Each patient underwent anterior segment optical coherence tomography with CASIA 2 (Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) to assess crystalline lens decentration, thickness and diameter seven days preoperatively and at one and sixty days postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed to evaluate the determinants of ITS and final decentration. RESULTS: The preoperative crystalline lens diameter was associated with the ITS and with the IOL final decentration. A positive association between the final IOL decentration and the first post-surgical day decentration was found (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Greater crystalline lens diameter was associated with greater decentration and with greater ITS. Day-one IOL decentration seems to be the main determinant of final IOL decentration.

Passive CAP-VAC: a simple and safe technique to clean the posterior capsule.

PURPOSE: To describe a new and less risky technique for the cleaning of posterior capsule during phacoemulsification called passive cap vac. METHOD: Passive cap vac consisted in the removal of residual posterior capsule opacities using a disconnected 0.3 mm aspiration cannula. The hole of the aspiration cannula was faced toward posterior capsule and gently rubbed against it to achieve a complete cleaning of posterior capsule. The video of the technique is available online. RESULT: With this new technique, the aspiration was ruled by the gravity and by the height of the balanced saline solution (BSS), in addition the Venturi's effect and the absence of active aspiration beyond the cannula avoided an excessive aspiration of posterior capsule. CONCLUSION: Passive cap vac allowed to clean posterior capsule using softer forces than traditional way, minimizing the risk of capsular tear.

The "Topography" of Glaucomatous Defect Using OCT and Visual Field Examination.

Aim: To describe the modifications in the superior and inferior retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness regarding the distribution of the VF defects for the horizontal meridians in glaucomatous patients and the differences in the RNFL thickness topography between glaucomatous and healthy subjects. Methods: One hundred twenty eyes of 91 patients affected by glaucoma and 94 eyes of 51 normal patients were retrospectively reviewed. Computerized 30°VF (Octopus G1 Dynamic strategy) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) ONH and 3D disk analysis were performed in all cases. The RNFL thickness measures analyzed in both groups were superior-nasal (SN), superior-temporal (ST), inferior-nasal (IN), and inferior temporal (IT) sectors. The VFs were classified according to the distribution of the VF defect as for the horizontal meridian in the pattern deviation plot as superior, inferior, predominantly superior, or predominantly inferior. Result: In the glaucomatous group, 78 eyes (65%) showed a predominantly superior VF defect, while 38 eyes (32%) showed a predominantly inferior VF defect. Fifty-six eyes (46.7%) presented an exclusively superior, and 27/120 eyes (22.5%) presented an exclusively inferior VF defect. In the control group, the thickest RNFL sector was IT. The ST sector showed the thickest RNFL in presence of an exclusive superior VF defect. In case of an exclusive inferior VF defect, the thickest RNFL was the IT sector. VF showing superior defect presented a more altered MD than the VF with an inferior defect. Conclusion: Glaucomatous damage affects both the superior and inferior neural rim almost simultaneously. However, the neural rim loss seems to be asymmetric, involving the inferior or superior rim depending on the predominant involvement of the superior or inferior hemifield at the VF test. Particularly, the IT sector appears to be the most compromised in glaucomatous eyes. Therefore, the asymmetry between superior and inferior RNFL could support the diagnosis of glaucoma. How to cite this article: de Paula A, Perdicchi A, Pocobelli A, et al. The "Topography" of Glaucomatous Defect Using OCT and Visual Field Examination. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(1):31-35.

Understanding the role of microperimetry in glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The present narrative review attempts to provide an overview on the use of microperimetry or fundus-driven perimetry in glaucoma, considering the clinical use, the different strategies and limits compared to standard automated perimetry. METHODS: An electronic database (PubMed and Medline) search was performed of articles of any type published in the English language between 1998 and 2020 with a combination of the following terms: microperimetry, glaucoma, primary open-angle chronic glaucoma, visual field, Humphrey visual field, fundus automated perimetry. RESULTS: All the original articles, case reports, and short series analyzed were included in the present review, offering an excursus on the strengths and limitations characterizing the use of microperimetry in glaucomatous patients. The characteristics of a recently introduced fundus-driven perimetry Compass (CMP; Centervue, Padua, Italy) were also included. CONCLUSION: Although there remain several contradictions regarding routine use of microperimetry and the restricted research on this topic limits our ability to draw firm conclusions, microperimetry may be preferable in cases of localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and normal visual field. However, standard automated perimetry remains the gold standard for monitoring glaucoma, especially in patients with diffuse retinal nerve fiber layer impairment and visual field defects. The newly introduced Compass device can potentially provide a more accurate structural-functional evaluation than standard automated perimetry and can therefore produce superior testing reliability.

Volume Rendering of Angiographic Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Fovea Plana and Normal Foveal Pit.

This paper aims to study adaptative vascular arrangements in idiopathic fovea plana with volume-rendered optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). A retrospective review of two cases of idiopathic fovea plana (mean age: 26.5 years) and two age-matched controls imaged with OCTA was conducted using spectral-domain OCTA (RTVue XR Avanti, Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA) equipped with the AngioVue software. Both en face OCTA slabs and OCTA b scans were processed through Fiji software (http://fiji.sc; software version 2.0.0-rc-68/1.52e), and then extracted as image sequences for volume rendering reconstructions using the ImageVis3D volume rendering system (3.1.0 release). Eyes with idiopathic fovea plana demonstrated a regular superficial vascular plexus connecting to a single vascular monolayer representing the deeper vascular plexuses. At this location, several vertical short path connections were demonstrated, in contraposition with normal eyes where short path connections were infrequently observed. Advances in three-dimensional OCTA reconstruction increase the understanding of vascular connections and arrangement in retinal plexuses and possible anatomical variations that cannot be detected with conventional two-dimensional b scans.

Current concepts on ocular vascular abnormalities in the phakomatoses.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel Lindau disease, and tuberous sclerosis complex are classified under the term phakomatoses. They are characterized by ocular vascular abnormalities such as vascular tortuosity, corkscrew retinal vessel configuration, moyamoya-like aspect, microaneurysms, hemangioblastomas, and focal sheathing of retinal arteries, possibly due to abnormal formation, migration, and differentiation of neural crest cells. These alterations can be the first sign or the hallmark of disease and can be related to vasoproliferative tumors. PURPOSE: Novel imaging technologies in ophthalmology, such as near-infrared reflectances and spectral domain optical coherence tomography, have improved our knowledge in the diagnosis of these pathologies. Previously undetected macular vascular alterations have been reported in phakomatoses using optical coherence tomography angiography. This review will summarize the ophthalmic vascular abnormalities and novel imaging methods in the phakomatoses. CONCLUSION: Active research is being led into the ophthalmic management of these conditions and their complications, and owing to elevated vascular endothelial growth factor production from hemangioblastoma, hamartoma, and retinal vascular proliferative tumors, increasing interest in this line of therapy has been conducted although research is still ongoing in this area.

Ocular manifestations in phakomatosis pigmentovascularis: Current concepts on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis is a rare congenital multisystemic disease with variable manifestations where a vascular malformation of the skin is associated with a pigmentary nevus. Ocular involvement includes glaucoma, choroidal hemangioma, and pigmentary alterations that predispose to uveal melanoma. Diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, although recent advances in molecular genetics have better clarified the etiopathogenesis of the condition. The advent of improved imaging techniques such as enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography has provided new insight into the ocular alterations, enabling better follow-up of patients. We review the ophthalmic manifestations of the disease with an update on etiopathogenesis and current management strategies.

Effect of intraocular pressure lowering on the capillary density of optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of IOP lowering on the capillary density of optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. METHODS: Twenty eyes of 14 glaucomatous patients and 15 eyes of nine normal patients were enrolled. The most appropriate hypotonic treatment was applied to every patient. A HD Angio Disc 4.5 scan (Avanti-AngioVue) was performed at baseline and after a month in the glaucomatous eyes. The following parameters were analyzed: Radial Papillary Capillaries (RPC) density, inside disc, peripapillary, superior-hemi, inferior-hemi, quadrants, and peripapillary, hemi-superior, hemi-inferior, and quadrants RNFL thickness. Optic nerve head analysis was also evaluated. In addition, the RPC density and the RNFL were assessed in the eight sectors provided by the software. RESULTS: The RPC density did not significantly change after IOP reduction (p > 0.05). The inferior-temporal (p = 0.005) and inferior-nasal sectors (p < 0.001) showed a greater capillary density than the respective superior sectors in healthy eyes. In contrast in the glaucomatous eyes, the superior-nasal exhibited greater capillary density with respect to the inferior-nasal sectors. The aggregate RPC density of the inferior sectors was greater than the superior ones in the control group (p < 0.001). An improvement of the average disc area (p = 0.01) and the average cup volume (p = 0.059) were also observed along with increased RNFL thickness at different locations (all, p < 0.05) after IOP lowering therapy was initiated. CONCLUSION: The glaucomatous eyes presented rarefaction of the radial papillary capillaries density in the inferior sectors, but no significant changes in the density after IOP-lowering medications.

Near-complete genome sequence and biological properties of an allexivirus found in Senna rizzinii in Brazil.

Senna rizzinii is a flowering shrub found mainly in the northeast region of Brazil. Here, we report the coding-complete genome sequence, particle morphology, mode of transmission, and the indicator host responses of an isolate of the putative allexivirus cassia mild mosaic virus (CaMMV) found in S. rizzinii. The virus was transmitted mechanically to Chenopodium amaranticolor, C. quinoa, Gomphrena globosa, which showed local lesions, and S. rizzinii, and S. occidentalis, which were infected systemically. It was also efficiently transmitted to S. rizzinii by grafting. Seed transmission was not observed. The near-complete genome sequence of the virus is 7829 nucleotides in length, containing six open reading frames (ORF), like other allexiviruses.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolated in patients affected with blepharitis in a tertiary eye centre in Spain.

PURPOSE: To describe which bacteria can be found on lid margins in patients affected with blepharitis, to show their antibiotic susceptibility pattern, and to evaluate the antibiotic resistance trend of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus through time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive cases of 198 eyes affected with blepharitis between 2012 and 2018 were reviewed. A sample was collected by rubbing a swab against the base of the eyelashes of both the eyes of all patients. The samples were inoculated in blood agar and chocolate agar. The susceptibility of the identified bacteria to common antibiotics was tested. In addition, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus detected from year 2016 to 2018 was compared with that of 4 years before. RESULTS: The most common isolated bacterium was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (89%) and Staphylococcus aureus (28%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus showed highest susceptibility to vancomycin (100%), neomycin (94%) and chloramphenicol (91%). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most resistant to penicillin and erythromycin (resistance in 92%, 91% for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, 86% and 43% of eyes for Staphylococcus aureus). Corynebacterium was resistant to oxacillin and erythromycin. Streptococcus viridans showed resistance to gentamycin and tobramycin. Moraxella was susceptible to most antibiotics. Bacillus was resistant to oxacillin. The antibiotic resistance trend of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus showed that the resistance to rifampicin increased through the years 2012-2018. CONCLUSION: Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most isolated bacteria in patients affected by blepharitis in our tertiary eye centre. Both bacteria were resistant to erythromycin. Through the years, it seems that coagulase-negative Staphylococcus gained resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin.

Cluster analysis of computerized visual field and optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex defects in high intraocular pressure patients or early stage glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between functional defects shown by cluster analysis of computerized visual field and anatomic defects from optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex examination in ocular hypertension or eyes affected by glaucoma. METHODS: 205 eyes affected by ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure > 22 mmHg) or early stage glaucoma were enrolled. The age of the patients ranged from 26 to 87 years (average: 61.83 ± 1.54 years). Computerized 30° visual field (Octopus G1x Dynamic strategy) and optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex (I-Vue Optovue) analyses were performed for each eye selected; 68 eyes were tested and retested from two to seven times for a total of 320 visual fields and 320 optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex examinations. The visual field was considered abnormal with a mean defect < -2 and loss variance > 6. The optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex was considered abnormal with a significant focal loss volume (p < 5%) and/or a significant thinning of total, superior, or inferior thickness (p < 5%). Four different groups of examinations were created according to the results of visual field and ganglion cell complex: normal visual field and normal ganglion cell complex (group 1), abnormal visual field and abnormal ganglion cell complex (group 2), normal visual field and abnormal ganglion cell complex (group 3), and abnormal visual field and normal ganglion cell complex (group 4). The cluster analysis of visual fields (EyeSuite software Interzeag CH) was performed only in the visual field of group 3, and the correlation between cluster values and topographical changes at optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex was analyzed. RESULTS: The results of the ganglion cell complex and visual field examinations matched 247 (77.19%) times. In 143 cases, the examinations belonged to group 1, in 104 to group 2, in 23 to group 3, and, finally, in 50 to group 4. The visual field cluster analysis performed on group 3 showed that the correlation between optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex and visual field cluster analysis defects was 100% (both the exams altered). In 72% of them, there was also a topographical correspondence between the visual field and optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex defects. CONCLUSION: In the early stages of glaucoma, the visual field cluster analysis seems to be useful to detect some focal defects that can be otherwise underestimated when globally considering the visual field. In group 3, where the conventional analysis of visual field was normal while the optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex exam was abnormal, the visual field cluster analysis showed a topographical correlation with optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex defects in more than 70% of the examinations performed. In addition, the patients with abnormal visual field and normal optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex were older than those with normal visual field and abnormal optical coherence tomography-ganglion cell complex (66.44 ± 3.51 vs 57.04 ± 5.96 years, p < 0.001 (0.0002)). These results confirm that the reliability of a visual field examination is subjective and decreases with age because of its difficulty and the personal compliance of the patient toward this examination.