Fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling versus complete internal limiting membrane peeling for myopic traction maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of vitrectomy with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSIP) and complete internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, observational study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, we included 22 eyes of 21 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy with FSIP or ILMP for MTM and were monitored for at least 6 months. Eleven eyes were treated with FSIP, and 11, with ILMP. RESULTS: With FSIP, the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 0.61 (20/82) to 0.34 (20/44; P = .009) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units. With ILMP, the postoperative BCVA improved from 0.65 (20/89) to 0.52 (20/66) logMAR units, but was not significant (P = .106). The postoperative final central foveal thickness (CFT) reduced significantly after FSIP (from 557.6 to 128.8 µm, P = .003) and ILMP (from 547.3 to 130.3 µm, P = .008). The postoperative incidence of a macular hole was 0% (0/11 eyes) with FSIP and 27.3% (3/11 eyes) with ILMP. All patients with a macular hole had foveal detachment in association with a thin fovea preoperatively. With ILMP, postoperative BCVA with a macular hole worsened by -3.5 letters; in contrast, postoperative BCVA without a macular hole improved by +10.5 letters. With FSIP, postoperative BCVA without a macular hole significantly improved by +13.5 letters (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: FSIP resulted in significant improvement in MTM and prevented postoperative macular hole development.

Vitreomacular interface alterations following peripheral laser retinopexy: Interface changes after laser.

AIM: To demonstrate the morphological outcomes of macular hole following prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy (PPLR). METHODS: Our retrospective case-control analysis included 92 eyes, 55 in the laser group and 37 in the non-laser group. Fifty-five patients were subjected to prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy in preparation for pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole, with and without vitreomacular adhesion (laser group). Before and after prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy, we evaluated any changes in vitreomacular anatomy by optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence tomography changes were also analyzed in the visits preceding pars plana vitrectomy in 37 macular hole eyes not subjected to prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy (non-laser group). RESULTS: In the laser group, 7 out of 55 eyes (12.7%) showed macular hole closure (6 out of 18 macular hole eyes with vitreomacular adhesion (33.3%) and 1 out of 37 eyes without vitreomacular adhesion (2.7%)), while no patients showed macular hole closure in the non-laser group (p < 0.05). The mean width of the seven closed macular hole was 191.4 µm (range: 59-282 µm). In all except one of the six macular hole eyes with vitreomacular adhesion, the macular hole closed without vitreomacular adhesion release. In our analysis of the patient subgroup with vitreomacular adhesion, we observed a release of vitreomacular adhesion in 3 out of 18 eyes (16.6%) in the laser group and in 1 out of 13 eyes (7.6%) in the non-laser group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings support a possible beneficial role for prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy in selected individuals with macular hole.

Post traumatic retinal injuries: Does the ocular protective reflex play a crucial role?

Traumatic retinal injuries are commonly encountered in most retinal subspecialty clinics. Retinal dialysis, detachment and other complications consequent to blunt trauma are often thought to be due to equatorial expansion of the globe following an antero-posterior compressive force. However, stretching of the globe along the primary anatomical equator may not hold true for the adjusted globe position as a consequence of the protective Bell's phenomenon which gets activated before impact. The upward and outward rolling of the globe likely creates a new equator, with the compressive forces acting along this new plane, thereby leading to stretching along the ocular coats closer to the retinal periphery. Additionally, the coup and countercoup mechanisms with increased vulnerability of temporal sclera predisposes to retinal complications more commonly along the temporal and the nasal retina. Further, retinal complications involving other quadrants can also be explained through understanding of the Bell's phenomenon.

Long-term surgical outcomes of multiple parfoveolar curvilinear internal limiting membrane peeling for myopic foveoschisis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term results of a modified technique for parafoveal multiple curvilinear internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling to preserve the epi-foveal ILM in myopic foveoschisis surgery. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients (36 eyes) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the extent of ILM peeled: the fovea-sparing ILM peeling group (FS) (18 eyes) and total ILM peeling group (TP) (18 eyes). Patients were followed up for at least 12 months. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity changes, evolution of macular schisis and the factors associated with the development of a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). RESULTS: FTMH developed in 1 of 18 eyes (5.6%) in the FS group and 3 of 18 eyes (16.7%) in the TP group (P = 0.28). Long-term follow-up showed visual improvement was better in the FS group than in the TP group (0.94 vs. 0.58 logMAR). Macular schisis disappeared in 13 of 18 eyes (72.2%) in the FS group, but disappeared in 7 of 18 eyes (38.9%) in the TP group (P = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed that only the preoperative outer lamellar macular hole (P = 0.016) was a significant risk factor for development of postoperative FTMH. CONCLUSIONS: Fovea-sparing ILM peeling achieves a higher rate of macular schisis resolution over total peeling. A preoperative outer lamellar macular hole can be a risk factor for the development of a macular hole.

Free amino acids hydroxyproline, lysine, and glycine promote differentiation of retinal pericytes to adipocytes: A protective role against proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

AIM: This study was conducted to estimate the aminoacid levels in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and to correlate it with the adiponectin levels. Secondly to test if these amino acids can alter or induce adiponectin levels and its related factors in retinal cells like pericyte as an in vitro model. METHODS: All human studies were done as per declaration of Helsinki with institutional approval and after obtaining consent from participating individuals. The vitreous amino acids were estimated in PDR (Proliferative diabetic retinopathy) and MH (Macular Hole) as disease control using HPLC. Bovine retinal pericytes (BRP) were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium and treated with 0.5 mM of any one of the individual amino acids (proline, hydroxyproline, phenylalanine, alanine, serine, glycine, lysine, isoleucine or valine) along with 100 nM insulin for 14 days in high glucose (25 mM) condition. The mRNA expression profile of adipogenic markers (such as Pref1, APN, ZAG and PPARγ), angiogenic markers (VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9, TGF-ß) and antioxidant markers (Nrf2 and UCP-2) were evaluated by qPCR. Adipogenesis was further confirmed by adipogenesis assay, secretion of adiponectin in medium and triglyceride accumulation by Oil red O staining in Bovine retinal pericytes. RESULTS: Amino acids valine (p < 0.004), isoleucine (p < 0.0007), leucine (p < 0.022), serine (p < 0.0007), glycine (p < 0.001), alanine (p < 0.017), phenylalanine (p < 0.013), and lysine (p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in the vitreous of PDR group (n = 30) when compared to macular hole (n = 20). There was a significant positive correlation between serine (p < 0.021), alanine (p < 0.00016), phenylalanine (p < 0.04), isoleucine (p < 0.023), leucine (p < 0.043), and lysine (p < 0.026) with adiponectin level in the vitreous. The amino acids hydroxyproline, proline, lysine, glycine and alanine induced the triglyceride accumulation and expression of Adiponectin. VEGF and MMP-9 expression was decreased with all the amino acids treated and PEDF was significantly increased with phenylalanine treatment. TGFß mRNA expression showed a significant decrease with proline, alanine, glycine, lysine and isoleucine. The Nrf2 expression was significantly increased in alanine and serine when compared to control. The UCP-2 gene showed a significant increase in proline and lysine treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that amino acids hydroxyproline, proline, lysine, glycine and alanine which are elevated in the PDR vitreous show a tendency to induce adipogenic effects in retinal pericytes by triggering the accumulation of triglycerides and adiponectin. Hence we hypothesize that these aminoacids when elevated along with insulin and glucose can induce metabolic changes in pericytes. The functional implications of these changes tend to be protective as it increases the antioxidant potential and decreases the angiogenesis markers which are potentially pathogenic.

PROPHYLACTIC PREOPERATIVE LASER RETINOPEXY DOES NOT REDUCE THE OCCURRENCE OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL COMPLICATIONS IN MACULAR SURGERY.

PURPOSE: Knowledge on the utility of prophylactic 360° laser retinopexy before pars plana vitrectomy in the absence of peripheral retinal pathology is limited. This study compares the occurrence of rhegmatogenous events in the setting of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with and without prophylactic preoperative laser. METHODS: Our multicenter, retrospective case-control analysis reviewed patients who underwent epiretinal membrane removal or macular hole repair through 23- or 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy: 205 controls who did not receive prophylactic laser and 176 cases who received preoperative prophylactic laser retinopexy anterior to the equator. Main outcome measures were the rate and characteristics of postoperative retinal tears and detachments. Patients with previous pars plana vitrectomy or significant retinal disease were excluded. RESULTS: Of those patients with prophylactic laser and those without, there was no significant difference in the number of retinal breaks (1.7% vs. 0.49%, respectively; P = 0.339) or retinal detachments (0% vs. 0.49%, respectively; P = 1.00). Of the lasered group, there was one sclerotomy-related retinal break and two non-sclerotomy-related retinal breaks. Of the nonlasered group, there was one non-sclerotomy-related retinal break and one sclerotomy-related retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: Preoperative prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy does not seem to offer an added benefit in the prevention of intraoperative and postoperative rhegmatogenous events.

Antivascular endothelial growth factor agents pretreatment before vitrectomy for complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents pretreatment before vitrectomy for patients with complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: The PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to June 2017 to identify related studies. The Peferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed. The StataSE V.12.0 software was used to analyse the relevant data. The weighted mean difference, relative risk and their 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of the association. RESULTS: 14 randomised controlled trials involving 613 patients were assessed, the anti-VEGF pretreatment group included 289 patients and the control group included 324 patients. Our analysis indicated that anti-VEGF pretreatment before vitrectomy for complicated PDR could facilitate much easier surgery regarding less intraoperative bleeding, less endodiathermy, shorter duration of surgery, less iatrogenic retinal breaks, less frequency of using silicone oil and relaxing retinotomy (P<0.05). Additionally, anti-VEGF pretreatment could also achieve better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, less early recurrent vitreous haemorrhage (VH) and quicker absorption of recurrent VH (P<0.05). However, the incidence of late recurrent VH, recurrent retinal detachment or related secondary surgery could not be reduced (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The pretreatment of anti-VEGF agents before vitrectomy for patients with complicated PDR might facilitate much easier surgery and better visual rehabilitation, reduce the rate of early recurrent VH and accelerate its absorption. Moreover, future better-designed studies with larger sample sizes are required to further evaluate the efficacy of different anti-VEGF agents and reach a firmer conclusion.

Direct transretinal removal of subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid: the role and timing of internal limiting membrane peeling.

PURPOSE: To describe a case series including 4 patients undergoing direct transretinal aspiration of subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling after macula-off retinal detachment surgery. METHODS: Four patients who had undergone vitreoretinal surgery due to primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were further treated because of retained subfoveal PFCL. Direct transretinal aspiration of PFCL through a self-sealing foveal retinotomy was performed in all cases using a 41-G needle placed on the top of the bubble. The ILM was peeled off prior to and after PFCL removal in 2 cases, respectively. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively to assess the status of the macula. RESULTS: Subfoveal PFCL was successfully removed in all cases. Two patients had silicone oil tamponade at the time of the second surgery, which was temporarily removed in both cases and then reapplied in one. Best-corrected visual acuity improved in all cases. No postoperative macular hole was observed by OCT. CONCLUSIONS: Direct transretinal aspiration of subfoveal PFCL with a 41-G cannula combined with conventional ILM peeling is a safe and effective technique to avoid long-term damage to the retinal layers with good functional outcomes. Performing the ILM peeling immediately before or after the PFCL aspiration does not seem to influence anatomic results.

LASER PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT OF THE FELLOW EYE IN GIANT RETINAL TEARS: Long-Term Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report the results of a retrospective study on prophylactic laser treatment versus observation of giant retinal tears (GRTs) fellow eyes. METHODS: One hundred and sixty consecutive charts of patients operated for GRT were included in this retroprospective study. Standard office visit included manifest and corrected refraction, intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segment with +90 diopter lens, and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed at baseline and during follow-up period. RESULTS: Observation group included 62 and prophylactic laser treatment group 98 eyes. The incidence of retinal tears with localized preequatorial retinal detachment, GRTs with macula-ON retinal detachment, and GRTs with Macula-OFF retinal detachment were 3.2, 0, and 14.5%, respectively, during 43.5 ± 19.8 months of follow-up period in observation group and 11.2, 2, and 0%, respectively, in prophylactic laser treatment group during 37.2 ± 16.3 months of follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic laser treatment of GRTs fellow eyes decreased the incidence of GRTs and limited the consequences of newly developed tears, lowering the occurrence of a macula-off retinal detachment with a consequent better final visual outcome respect to observation group.

Review of economic studies and budget impact analysis of ocriplasmin as a treatment of vitreomacular traction. / Revisión de estudios económicos y análisis de impacto presupuestario de la ocriplasmina como tratamiento de la tracción vitreomacular.

OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of ocriplasmin as a treatment for vitreomacular traction (VMT), and to estimate the impact on the Spanish National Health System (NHS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1) Systematic review. The following databases were searched in January 2015: MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE, EMBASE, CRD, the Cochrane Library, and key websites. Selection criteria were: full economic evaluations that compared ocriplasmin with usual care ('watch and wait' and/or vitrectomy) in patients with VMT. The outcomes to extract were costs of the alternatives and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Studies of budget impact analysis were also included. The methodological quality was assessed, and a narrative synthesis of the included studies was carried out. 2) Estimation of budget impact. The impact on the budget as a result of the introduction of ocriplasmin in the NHS was estimated, including data from different sources. RESULTS: Six studies were identified, none of them performed in Spain. The two best studies concluded that ocriplasmin is cost-effective in their respective countries (Canada and United Kingdom), but only in patients with certain conditions (without epiretinal membrane, for example). The results of the budget impact analysis are different between countries. The analysis for Spain showed that the introduction of ocriplasmin would mean a saving over 1 million Euros for the NHS in 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness of ocriplasmin has not been demonstrated in Spain. However, good studies performed in other countries found that ocriplasmin is cost-effective in selected patients. Given the current prices in Spain, ocriplasmin could involve a saving for the Spanish NHS.

Phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and high myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and complications following phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with cataract and high myopia. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 43 eyes of 28 consecutive patients (12 males, 16 females) with cataract and high myopia who had undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The mean [± standard deviation (range)] age of the patients was 59.20 ± 11.08 (39-77) years. RESULTS: The frequency of nuclear cataract was significantly higher than that of other cataract types (P=0.003). The mean axial length was 28.97 ± 1.99 (26-33) mm and the mean IOL power was 5.09 ± 4.78 (-3.0 to +14.0) diopters (D). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -16.48 ± 5.23 (-8.00 to -25.00) D and the mean postoperative SE was -1.46 ± 0.93 (0.00 to -3.00) D (P=0.00). The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.91 ± 0.37 (0.30 to -1.50) logMAR and the mean postoperative BCVA was 0.29 ± 0.25 (0.00-1.00) logMAR (P=0.00). Twenty-two eyes (51.2%) achieved the target postoperative refraction (±1.0 D). The eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the axial length. The mean biometric error was significantly higher in the group with the greatest axial length than in the other groups (P=0.007). Preoperative argon laser photocoagulation was performed in 7 eyes (16%) on account of retinal tears, retinal holes, or lattice degeneration. Postoperatively, retinal tears developed in 2 eyes (4%) and were treated with photocoagulation. One eye (2%) developed retinal detachment postoperatively, with the patient consequently referred for retinal surgery. Postoperatively, posterior capsule opacities developed in 11 eyes (25%), with all cases treated by laser capsulotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Good postoperative outcomes following phacoemulsification surgery were observed in patients with cataract and high myopia. However, clinicians should be aware of the risk of postoperative retinal tears and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Preoperative prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation treatment should be considered where necessary.

Phacoemulsificatıon in eyes wıth cataract and high myopia / Facoemulsificação em olhos com catarata e alta miopia

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the outcomes and complications following phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with cataract and high myopia.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the data of 43 eyes of 28 consecutive patients (12 males, 16 females) with cataract and high myopia who had undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The mean [± standard deviation (range)] age of the patients was 59.20 ± 11.08 (39-77) years.Results:The frequency of nuclear cataract was significantly higher than that of other cataract types (P=0.003). The mean axial length was 28.97 ± 1.99 (26-33) mm and the mean IOL power was 5.09 ± 4.78 (-3.0 to +14.0) diopters (D). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -16.48 ± 5.23 (-8.00 to -25.00) D and the mean postoperative SE was -1.46 ± 0.93 (0.00 to -3.00) D (P=0.00). The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.91 ± 0.37 (0.30 to -1.50) logMAR and the mean postoperative BCVA was 0.29 ± 0.25 (0.00-1.00) logMAR (P=0.00). Twenty-two eyes (51.2%) achieved the target postoperative refraction (±1.0 D). The eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the axial length. The mean biometric error was significantly higher in the group with the greatest axial length than in the other groups (P=0.007). Preoperative argon laser photocoagulation was performed in 7 eyes (16%) on account of retinal tears, retinal holes, or lattice degeneration. Postoperatively, retinal tears developed in 2 eyes (4%) and were treated with photocoagulation. One eye (2%) developed retinal detachment postoperatively, with the patient consequently referred for retinal surgery. Postoperatively, posterior capsule opacities developed in 11 eyes (25%), with all cases treated by laser capsulotomy.Conclusions:Good postoperative outcomes following phacoemulsification surgery were observed in patients with cataract and high myopia. However, clinicians should be aware of the risk of postoperative retinal tears and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Preoperative prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation treatment should be considered where necessary.

RESUMOObjetivo:Avaliação dos resultados e complicações associadas à cirurgia de facoemulsificação em olhos com catarata e miopia alta.Método:Quarenta e três olhos de 28 pacientes (12 homens, 16 mulheres) consecutivos com catarata e alta miopia, que haviam sido submetidos a facoemulsificação e implante de lentes intraoculares (LIO), foram avaliados retrospectivamente. A idade foi de 59,20 ± 11,08, (39-77) anos [média ± desvio padrão, (variação)].Resultados:A frequência de catarata nuclear foi significativamente maior do que os outros tipos (p=0,003). O comprimento axial foi 28,97 ± 1,99, (26-33) mm e o poder da LIO foi 5,09 ± 4,78, (-3,0 a 14,0) dioptrias (D). O equivalente esférico pré-operatório (SE) foi de -16,48 ± 5,23, (-25,00 a -8,00) D e o SE pós-operatório foi -1,46 ± 0,93, (0,00 a -3,00) D, (P=0,00). A melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré-operatória (BCVA) foi de 0,91 ± 0,37, (0,30 -1,50) logMAR e a BCVA pós-operatória foi de 0,29 ± 0,25, (0,00-1,00) logMAR, (P=0,00). Vinte e dois olhos (51,2%) estavam dentro de refração alvo pós-operatória (± 1,0 D). Os olhos foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com o comprimento axial. O erro biométrico foi significativamente maior no terceiro grupo, em comparação com os outros grupos (p=0,007). Fotocoagulação pré-operatória por laser de argônio foi realizada em 7 olhos (16%) devido a roturas retinianas, buracos de retina ou degeneração látice. No pós-operatório, as roturas da retina ocorreram em dois olhos (4%); tratados com fotocoagulação. Um olho (2%) desenvolveu descolamento de retina no pós-operatório e foi encaminhado para cirurgia de retina. No pós-operatório, opacidades da cápsula posterior ocorreram em 11 olhos (25%) e estes foram tratados com capsulotomia a laser.Conclusões:A cirurgia de facoemulsificação permite bons resultados em pacientes com catarata e miopia alta. No entanto, devemos estar atentos para a possibilidade de roturas da retina pós-operatórias e para o descolamento de retina regmatogênico. Se necessário, devemos usar o tratamento profilático de fotocoagulação a laser antes da cirurgia.

Long-term outcome of foveolar internal limiting membrane nonpeeling for myopic traction maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term results of a novel technique to preserve the foveolar cone without peeling off the foveolar internal limiting membrane (ILM) during myopic traction maculopathy surgery. METHODS: Nineteen patients (19 eyes) were retrospectively studied and divided into 2 groups by the extent of ILM peeled and followed for more than 3 years. Group 1: foveolar ILM nonpeeling group (FN) (12 eyes) and Group 2: total peeling of foveal ILM group (TP) (7 eyes). A donut-shaped ILM was peeled off, leaving a 400-µm diameter ILM over foveola with a sharp margin in FN group. RESULTS: Macular hole was developed in 2 of the 7 eyes (28.6%) in the TP group and none in the FN group. Long-term central fovea thickness thinning and decrease of vision were found in the TP group, but not in the FN group (P < 0.05). Inner segment/outer segment line recovered in 75% of the 12 eyes in the FN group, but in only 14.3% of the 7 eyes in the TP group. CONCLUSION: Preservation of the foveolar cone by foveola nonpeeling surgery correlates with better anatomical and visual results than total peel, prevents long-term foveolar retinal thinning, and successfully saves the fovea from macular hole formation.

[The periphery of the vitrectomised eye]. / La périphérie de l'œil vitrectomisé

The periphery of the vitrectomised eye is the site of retinal breaks in 1 to 15% of cases. These breaks must be looked for and treated to avoid retinal detachment. They are more frequent in the presence of fragile lesions in high myopia, or vitreoretinal traction. They can be related to vitreous incarceration in a sclerotomy site or with the movements of the vitrectomy probe. Traction is proportional to aspiration rate, and inversely proportional to the distance between the cutter and the vitreous base. Twenty-three- or 25-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy seems to decrease the risk of vitreous incarceration and peripheral retinal tear.

Vitreous base visualisation through trans-scleral illumination with a standard 25-gauge light probe.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique of vitreous base visualisation through trans-scleral illumination using a standard 25-gauge light probe. METHODS: All vitrectomies are performed using 25-gauge+ instruments and valved trocars. A non-contact viewing system is used to visualise the retina. After core vitrectomy and the necessary additional procedures, triamcinolone acetonide (Kenacort) is injected in the vitreous cavity. Then, the standard 25-gauge light pipe is covered with a sleeve obtained from a 20-gauge venflon cannula. The light brightness is increased to 100%, and the light probe used to indent the sclera and trans-illuminate the vitreous base. The vitreous cutter is activated between the crystals of triamcinolone acetonide and the retinal surface. Complete vitreous base shaving is carried out for 360°. RESULTS: Iatrogenic peripheral retinal tears, as a result of vitreous shaving, occurred in 4.1% of cases with this technique. CONCLUSIONS: This method represents a valid and low-cost option to achieve accurate vitreous base shaving.

Factores predictivos para resultados funcionales en la cirugía del agujero macular idiopático / Predictive factors for attaining functional results in the idiopathic macular hole surgery

Introducción: el agujero macular idiopático (AMI) es una maculopatía frecuente, caracterizada por una dehiscencia de retina en la zona foveal. Actualmente, aparecen discrepancias morfofuncionales tras su cirugía y el periodo de recuperación visual varía y puede ser largo. Por tal motivo, toma valor la consideración de factores predictivos para la recuperación visual posquirúrgica del agujero macular idiopático. Objetivo: esta revisión de la literatura pretende mostrar los factores predictivos relacionados con los resultados funcionales de la cirugía del AMI. Métodos se realizó una búsqueda en diferentes publicaciones y textos básicos de la especialidad. Resultados: se encontró que las investigaciones recogen dentro de los factores de buen pronóstico para la recuperación funcional: estadío 2 del agujero macular, menor tiempo de evolución, diámetro superior menor de 400 µm, factor forma del agujero macular > 0,9, índice del agujero macular < 0,5, tipo de cierre en U y recuperación de la línea límite de los segmentos externos de los conos en la fóvea, entre otros. Conclusiones: en esta revisión se exponen con claridad los factores relacionados con la recuperación funcional tras la cirugía del agujero macular idiopático, cuya consideración constante proporcionará a los oftalmólogos las herramientas para brindar una atención médica de excelencia y, por consiguiente, una elevación de la calidad de vida de los pacientes con esta enfermedad

Introduction: idiopathic macular hole is a common maculopathy characterized by retinal deshicence in the foveal area. There occur at present some morphofunctional discrepancies after surgery and the visual recovery period could be long. For these reasons, it is important to consider predictive factors for the postsurgical visual recovery of the idiopathic macular hole. Objective: this literature review was aimed at showing the predictive factors related to the functional results of the idiopathic macular hole surgery, for which a search into different publications and basic textbooks of the specialty was made. Methods: search into different publications and basic textbooks of the specialty. Results: the research works collected some factors of good prognosis for functional recovery such as: staging II of the macular hole, less time of evolution, upper diameter lower than 400 Ám, macular hole form over 0.9, macular hole index lower than 0.5, U-type closure and recovery of the limit line of the external segments of cones in the fovea, among other factors. Conclusions: this review clearly presents the factors related to functional recovery after idiopathic macular hole surgery; the permanent consideration of these factors will provide the ophthalmologists with the necessary tools to render optimal medical care, and consequently, a rise of the life of quality in those patients suffering Keywords: idiopathic macular hole, predictive factors, functional visual recovery from this disease

Elimination of infusion bubbles and uncontrolled reflux in the alcon constellation vitrectomy vision system.

PURPOSE: To identify the sources and management of 2 problems associated with the Alcon Constellation Vitrectomy (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) System: 1) infusion bubbles and 2) uncontrolled reflux. METHODS: Surgical and analytical videos were evaluated to identify the source of intraoperative bubbles, which localized to the duckbill valve (DV). Intraoperatively, the authors modified the infusion tubing and its control by removing the DV. The DV was repurposed as a one-way valve to block reflux originating from the vitrectomy console. RESULTS: Twenty consecutive 23-gauge vitrectomies in 20 eyes of 20 subjects from 2 surgeons (S.R.R. and E.H.S.) were reviewed. Infusion bubbles at the DV developed with each transitory tubing pressure drop upon opening of the infusion clamp. Removal of the DV from the infusion line eliminated infusion bubbles in 20 consecutive 23-gauge cases. Adding a one-way valve, which was fashioned from the DV, to the aspiration tubing, resulted in elimination of infusion bubbles and console-originated reflux in 20 eyes. Placement of the DV to block reflux eliminated both uncontrolled and purposeful console-originated reflux. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative modification of Constellation tubing may eliminate two potentially harmful problems until manufacturer correction is instituted. Because the authors' modified connections represent off-label connectivity, the manufacturer cannot contact potentially affected surgeons or suggest temporary alternative connectivity improvements.