Macular sequelae in vasoproliferative tumors: results of surgical approach.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in three patients diagnosed with vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs). METHODS: A retrospective, single-center case series was conducted, and retinal findings from three cases were documented by clinical examination and multimodal imaging. RESULTS: Three patients presented with an elevated, yellow-white retinal lesion located at the peripheral retina and extensive retinal exudation. All three patients were closely monitored, and tumor-associated features included lipid exudates, cystoid macular edema (CMO), pre-retinal fibrosis and epi-retinal membrane (ERM). Clinical management relied on observation, cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal steroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Despite different clinical courses, two patients underwent vitreo-retinal surgery to address VPT-related complications of macular hole and vitreo-macular traction, whereas a patient underwent phacoemulsification to treat steroid-induced cataract. CONCLUSION: VPTs are uncommon benign vascular tumors and usually located at the infero-temporal peripheral retina. Close observation and early diagnosis of VPTs are of great importance in preventing vision-threatening complications and ensuring the best final visual outcome. The optimal treatment has yet to be defined due to lack of multi-center clinical studies. Despite the availability of less invasive therapeutic interventions, however, our case series show that pars plana vitrectomy is sometimes the most appropriate choice to restore visual acuity.

Two cases of diabetic macular edema complicated by an atypical macular hole.

BACKGROUND: Here we report two patients who developed an atypical macular hole (MH) during the treatment course for diabetic macular edema (DME). CASE PRESENTATIONS: Patient 1 was a 73-year-old male. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed perifoveal retinoschisis (RS) in addition to cystoid macular edema and serous retinal detachment (SRD) in his left eye, and that an MH had developed during the clinical course. A convex surface was formed at the MH margin toward the vitreous cavity, and granular shadows were observed in the fluid cuff. Intraoperative findings revealed a thin epiretinal macular membrane (ERM) around the MH. Patient 2 was a 79-year-old male. Although the patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in both eyes, RS and a thin ERM in addition to SRD was observed in his left eye after surgery, and an MH developed during the clinical course. As in Patient 1, a convex surface was formed at the fluid cuff margin toward the vitreous cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Both patients had persistent DME, SRD, RS, and a thin ERM before the development of the MH. OCT revealed the formation of a convex surface at the MH margin toward the vitreous cavity, suggesting that the fragility of the layered structure of the retina combined with tangential retinal traction may have been involved in the atypical MH form.

Long-term evaluation of corneal sub-basal nerve recovery after photorefractive keratectomy and influence of pars plana vitrectomy.

The corneal sub-basal nerve (SBN) plexus is destroyed during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and its recovery is still a matter of debate. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was used to evaluate SBN plexus in 23 patients at a distance of 10-25 years (mean 15.6 years) from myopic PRK. Because 8 out of the 23 PRK patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, IVCM was also performed on those patients 6 months after PPV. Thirteen patients matched for age and myopia served as controls (non-PRK). SBN plexus was markedly reduced after PRK compared with non-PRK eyes and showed a slow, continuous but incomplete recovery up to the end of our follow-up (range 10-25 years). PRK and non-PRK eyes showed a marked reduction in SBN density 6 months after PPV, thus demonstrating a detrimental effect exerted by PPV on SBN plexus.

Multicenter survey of sutureless 27-gauge vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a consecutive series of 410 cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of the 27-gauge (G) vitrectomy system for the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This retrospective consecutive series multicenter study involved a total of 410 eyes of 406 patients who underwent 3-port transconjunctival 27G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for RRD between November 2014 and December 2016 and who were followed for a minimum of 3 months postoperative. The main outcome measure was primary reattachment, with the secondary outcome measures being final reattachment, improvement of visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), intraoperative and postoperative complications, and surgery time. RESULTS: Of the 410 treated eyes, primary reattachment was achieved in 392 (95.6%) and final reattachment was achieved in 410 (100%). In 226 eyes (55.1%) with macula-on RRD, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA improved from 0.16 ± 0.51 pre-surgery to 0.02 ± 0.14 post-surgery (P = 0.11). In 184 eyes (44.9%) with macula-off RRD, logMAR VA improved from 1.06 ± 0.77 pre-surgery to 0.26 ± 0.35 post-surgery (P < 0.001). Following surgery, the mean IOP was highest at 1 day (15.7 ± 7.0 mmHg) postoperative. In all eyes, surgery was concluded without the use of sutures or the need of conversion to a larger-gauge instrument. Although hypotony was observed in 14 (3.4%) of the 410 treated eyes at 1 day postoperative, it spontaneously resolved within 1 week without additional surgical intervention. No postoperative complications such as infectious endophthalmitis were observed throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that 27G PPV is both safe and effective for the treatment of primary RRD.

Metabolic characterization of human aqueous humor in the cataract progression after pars plana vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: While pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) has become the third most commonly performed surgery in the world, it can also induce multiple post complications easily. Among them, cataract progression is the most frequent one that can lead to blindness eventually. METHODS: To understand the underlying mechanisms of post PPV cataract progression, we performed comprehensive metabolic characterization of aqueous humor (AH) samples from 20 cataract patients (10 post PPV complication and 10 none PPV cataract) by a non-targeted metabolomic analysis using gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC/TOF MS). RESULTS: A total of 263 metabolites were identified and eight of them are determined to be significantly different (VIP ≥ 1 and p ≤ 0.05) between post PPV group and none PPV control group. The significantly changed metabolites included glutaric acid and pelargonic acid that play key roles in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we constructed a metabolic regulatory network in each group based on metabolite-metabolite correlations, which reveals key metabolic pathways and regulatory elements including amino acids and lipids metabolisms that are related to cataract progression. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, this work discovered some potential metabolite biomarkers for post PPV cataract diagnostics, as well as casted some novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of cataract progression after PPV.

Selective ILM Staining and Safety of Two Vital Dyes During a Human-Like Pars Plana Vitrectomy Ex Vivo in Porcine Eyes.

PURPOSE: An ideal dye for intraocular use should effectively stain the target tissue while being easy to apply and remove. Additionally, it should not have any adverse effects resulting from prolonged contact with the retinal tissue. Recently, concerns have been raised about the safety of some vital dyes during surgical procedures as they may cross the internal limiting membrane and deposit on the retina. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether commercially available vital dyes, VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® (AL.CHI.MI.A. S.r.l., Ponte San Nicolò, Padova, Italy), have the potential to cross the internal limiting membrane during vitreoretinal surgery and deposit on the retina. Furthermore, we evaluated their safety in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: A human-like pars plana vitrectomy was performed on porcine eyes ex vivo, with VIEW-ILM® or TWIN® used to stain the internal limiting membrane either with or without subsequent internal limiting membrane peeling. The two dyes were then extracted from retinal punches with or without internal limiting membrane, and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. Safety was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity tests and in vivo skin sensitization and irritation tests according to ISO standards. RESULTS: High performance liquid chromatography analyses demonstrated that VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® effectively stained the internal limiting membrane without crossing the membrane. No residual dyes were found in the retinal layers after internal limiting membrane removal. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo safety tests confirmed the absence of cytotoxicity, skin sensitization, and irritation. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the safety and efficacy of VIEW-ILM® and TWIN® for internal limiting membrane staining. The experimental protocol described in this study could be utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of vital dyes.

A Retrospective Review of Endogenous Endophthalmitis: Three Years of Experience at Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre at International Islamic University Malaysia.

Introduction Endogenous endophthalmitis is characterized by severe intraocular inflammation caused by the invasion of microorganisms into the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. It results from hematogenous spread from distant foci of infection. This, in turn, leads to potential vision loss and blindness due to reduced anatomical and functional outcomes. The latest reported prevalence of endogenous endophthalmitis accounts for at least 2-8% of cases of general endophthalmitis which is fairly significant. Purpose This study aimed to analyze the clinical profile of endogenous endophthalmitis presented in the Ophthalmology Clinic, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre at International Islamic University Malaysia (SASMEC@IIUM). This study includes the patients' demographics, clinical manifestations, causative organism, treatment, and final visual outcome. Methods This is a retrospective case series of endogenous endophthalmitis patients from January 2020 to June 2023. The data were obtained from the patients' medical records in SASMEC@IIUM. Results A total of six patients (six eyes) were diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis from January 2020 to June 2023. Four patients (66.6%) were female, with a mean age of 51.6 ± 17.5 years. Presenting visual acuity ranged between 6/21 to hand movement (HM). Five patients (83.3%) presented with reduced vision, while one presented with eye redness (16.6%). Ocular signs included vitritis and retinitis (five eyes, 83.3%), hypopyon (five eyes, 83.3%), injected conjunctiva (five eyes, 83.3%), and eyelid swelling (one eye, 16.6%). The most common primary infection seen was intraabdominal sepsis (three patients, 50%), septic arthritis, hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and urinary tract infection (UTI). Vitreous biopsy was only positive in two patients (33.3%) However, five out of the six patients (83.3%) had positive blood cultures (two Staphylococcus aureus, two Klebsiella pneumoniae and one Pseudomonas aeruginosa). All patients received intravitreal injections and intravenous antibiotics. Only one patient underwent subsequent trans pars plana vitrectomy (TPPV). Final visual acuity ranged from 6/6 to no light perception (NPL). Conclusion In this case series of six patients, we observed a variety of outcomes with similar presentations despite standardized treatment in all patients. Five out of six patients showed poorer visual outcomes and only one patient showed a final visual acuity of 6/6. Therefore, further study with a larger sample size is needed to evaluate the factors associated with the final visual outcome in endogenous endophthalmitis.

Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant for Uveitis: Dissecting Responder and Non-Responder Outcomes at a Tertiary Center.

Macular edema (ME) remains a primary cause of visual deterioration in uveitis. Visual acuity (VA) can often be maintained using corticosteroid depot systems. This study evaluated the efficacy of a fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant (ILUVIEN®) in treating non-infectious uveitis using real-world data. This retrospective analysis included 135 eyes subdivided into responders and non-responders. Central retinal thickness (CRT), VA, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were followed over time. A significant decrease in CRT and an increase in VA were observed in all eyes throughout the follow-up period (p < 0.01). An IOP increase (p = 0.028) necessitated treatment in 43% of eyes by Month 6. Non-responders were older (p = 0.004) and had been treated with more dexamethasone (DEX) implants (p = 0.04); 89.3% had a defect in the external limiting membrane (ELM) and inner/outer segment (IS/OS) zone (p < 0.001). Immunomodulatory therapy had no impact on treatment response. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) patients had a mean CRT reduction of 47.55 µm and a reduced effect by Month 24 (p = 0.046) versus non-PPV patients. We conclude that the FAc implant achieves long-term control of CRT and improves VA. Increases in IOP were manageable. Eyes with a previous PPV showed milder results. Data showed a correlation between older age, a damaged ELM and IS/OS zone, frequent DEX inserts, and poorer outcome measures.

A Novel Modified Surgical Approach for FIL SSF Lens.

This study aimed to describe a novel modified surgical technique for FIL SSF lens (Rome, Italy: Soleko) implantation. A retrospective study of FIL SSF lens implantation on six eyes of six patients with subluxated or dislocated intraocular lens (IOL). Standard pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed in all patients. The subluxated or dislocated IOL was removed from a 2.4 corneal incision. From the same incision, the folded FIL SSF lens was inserted. Then lens plugs were extremized through a 23G scleral incision inside two 4 mm pockets that were created at the beginning of the operation. In two cases one pocket had to be converted into a triagonal-shaped scleral flap. All scleral pockets were sutured with 7.0 Vicryl suture and the conjunctiva with 7.0 Vicryl. In the follow-up period of six months, the lens is centered and not tilted. The refractive outcome is within the expectations. Visual acuity is improved in all patients. No haptic exposure and no other complications were noted in all cases. FIL SSF lens is a good option for treating aphakia. This modified implantation technique is safe, fast, and easy. It is also versatile, combining the advantages of both previously described techniques, as it gives the option of flap conversion if needed. Larger studies and prospective comparative studies can highlight the best and more appropriate technique.

Closure of Macular Holes With Topical Therapy.

Purpose: To report the results of a nonsurgical approach to repair macular holes (MHs). Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with MHs from 2018 to 2021 was performed. Topical therapy consisted of a steroidal agent, a nonsteroidal agent, and a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Data collected included the size, stage, and duration of the MH; topical agents used and the duration; lens status; and complications. Macular edema was graded on a scale ranging from 0 (no edema) to 4 (large amount of edema) and recorded. Before and after MH closure, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured and converted to logMAR notation. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was performed. Results: Seven (54%) of the 13 eyes initially treated topically experienced successful MH closure. Small holes (<230 µm) with a better initial BCVA (0.474 logMAR vs 0.796 logMAR) were more likely to respond favorably to topical therapy (mean 121 µm vs 499 µm). In addition, holes with less surrounding edema responded better. All holes not responding to topical therapy were subsequently closed with pars plana vitrectomy, membrane peeling, and fluid-gas exchange. Conclusions: Topical therapy is a reasonable first-line treatment for MHs, with a better than 50% success rate. This is especially true for small early-onset holes with minimal or no edema. Surgery still had a high success rate after a 1- to 3-month delay while the MH was treated with eyedrops.

Conjunctival Pigmentation Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Risk Factors and Outcomes.

PURPOSE:  To investigate the incidence and the risk factors for conjunctival pigmentation at the sclerotomy sites following valved and non-valved cannula pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) performed by different surgical techniques. METHODS:  This is a prospective observational study which included 70 eyes of 70 patients who underwent PPV for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Twenty-eight eyes were operated using 25G non-valved cannulas (Group A), 22 eyes using 25G non-valved cannulas (Group B), and 20 eyes using 25G valved cannulas (Group C). The evaluated clinical parameters include the surgical technique, the patients' age, the number of retinal tears, the tamponade agent, the presence of residual sub-retinal fluid (SRF), and the duration of postoperative posturing. RESULTS:  Group A was associated with significant conjunctival pigmentation at up to 6 months after PPV. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade was associated with less conjunctival pigmentation at 3 months follow-up visit [odds ratio, OR 0.09 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.01; 0.67)], whereas the presence of residual SRF was a significant risk factor for postoperative pigmentation at 1-year follow-up visit [OR 5.89 (95% CI 1.84; 23.12)]. The area of measured pigmentation was also positively correlated to the number of retinal tears at all follow-up visits over 2 years. Six patients presented with conjunctival pigmentation at 2 years follow-up visit. CONCLUSION:  New vitrectomy techniques with valved cannulas prevent the postoperative appearance of conjunctival pigmentation. The number of retinal tears, the presence of SRF, and the use of long-standing tamponade agents were the most significant predisposing factors. The post-vitrectomy conjunctival pigmentation gradually reduces over time.

Trends and Hotspots Concerning Macular Hole between 2002 and 2021: A 20-Year Bibliometric Study.

BACKGROUND: Macular hole (MH) can severely impair central vision. Although it can be treated with vitrectomy surgery, avoiding recurrence and improving visual acuity are still priorities to be addressed. This study aims to reveal the trends and hotspots about MH. METHODS: The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to perform a bibliometric analysis investigating trends of MH research from 2002 to 2021. We evaluated the details of associated regions, institutions, authors, and journals. To construct and overlay network visualizations, VOSviewer software was used. RESULTS: In total, 1518 publications were collected. Our analysis showed that MH research is becoming increasingly relevant, with Japan achieving the largest number of publications (291), largest number of citations (7745 in total), and highest h-index value (48). Retina published the most publications on this topic, totaling more than the next two journals combined. An analysis of keyword co-occurrence was evaluated, highlighting several novel keywords of interest, such as flap technique, transplantation, epiretinal proliferation (EP), foveal microstructure, and retinal sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Details on MH research were uncovered by comprehensively analyzing the global trends and hotspots over the past two decades, presenting valuable information for future MH research. Japan, the USA, and China hold leading positions in research on this topic. Amendable surgical methods are a potential focus for improving prognosis.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a rare causative organism of endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections. It presents an aggressive disease course with potentially devastating outcomes. In this case, the patient presented late with a severely painful, red eye with a reduced visual acuity from 6/18 to light perception following bilateral intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Strict adherence to the bilateral intravitreal injection protocol meant prevention of infection in the right eye. Intravitreal vancomycin was administered without delay and an emergency vitreous biopsy was performed, confirming S. lugdunensis as the causative organism. An intense course of oral and topical steroids was chosen due to the aggressiveness of this organism. Early vitreo-retinal opinion was sought but the patient was deemed not suitable for vitrectomy due to initial improvements in visual acuity to hand movements. The patient showed improvements in the visual acuity to 1/60, and remains on a weaning regime of oral and topical steroids with no further complications.

Efficacy and Safety Profile of 25-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Pakistan: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Introduction This study aims to evaluate the primary anatomical success and visual outcomes of 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (25g PPV) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in Pakistan. Design This is a five-year retrospective, interventional cohort study conducted at tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan from October 2013 to October 2018. Methods This is a retrospective, interventional cohort study of 418 consecutive patients with RRD who underwent 25g PPV. All surgeries were performed by two experienced surgeons at tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan. Consecutive patients who underwent 25g PPV surgery as the treatment for RRD from October 2013 to October 2018 were included. We excluded patients who had a history of previous retinal surgery or did not complete the 4-8 weeks of primary outcome visit. We used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) for statistical analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results We identified 452 patients through the coding system of our hospitals who underwent 25g PPV surgery for RRD during the study period. A total of 441 patient files were reviewed for the study, of which 418 patients met the criteria for final analysis. The mean age was 49 ± 15.8 years. There was a higher number of males (n = 284, 67.9%). In our study, 186 (44.4%) patients were phakic at the time of presentation. The macula was detached in 361 (86.4%) patients. At the primary outcome visit (4-8 weeks of follow-up), the primary anatomical success rate was 89.47%. The most common cause of failure was proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (n = 20), followed by missed breaks (n = 5). Conclusions The surgical outcomes of RRD with 25g PPV surgery in our study were similar to the outcomes reported in the developed world. We propose a prospective multicenter national study to prospectively evaluate the risk factors for RRD surgical failure in the Pakistani population.

Adverse Events during Vitreoretinal Surgery under Adequacy of Anesthesia Guidance-Risk Factor Analysis.

Vitreoretinal surgeries require the administration of general anesthesia (GA) in selected groups of patients. The administration of intraoperative rescue narcotic analgesia (IRNA) during GA poses the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The surgical pleth index (SPI), a crucial component of the adequacy of anesthesia (AoA) guidance of GA, optimizes the intraoperative titration of IRNA. The current analysis evaluated the risk factors for the occurrence of PONV and the oculo-cardiac reflex (OCR) in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) under AoA guidance. In total, 175 patients undergoing PPV were randomly allocated to receive either GA with SPI-guided IRNA administration using fentanyl alone or in addition to different preoperative analgesia techniques. Any incidence of PONV or OCR was recorded. Obesity, overweight, smoking status, motion sickness, postoperative intolerable pain perception, female gender, fluid challenge and arterial hypertension did not correlate with an increased incidence of PONV or OCR under AoA guidance. Diabetes mellitus, regardless of insulin dependence, was found to correlate with the increased incidence of PONV. The AoA regimen including SPI guidance of IRNA presumably created similar conditions for individual subjects, so no risk factors of the occurrence of PONV or OCR were found, except for diabetes mellitus. We recommend using AoA guidance for GA administration to reduce OCR and PONV rates.

Pediatric open globe injury in left-behind children treated by pars plana vitrectomy in China.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the clinical features of pediatric open globe injury (OGI) in left-behind children (LBC) and in non-left-behind children (non-LBC) prospectively. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with OGI were included and divided into 2 groups: LBC and non-LBC. A complete ophthalmological examination was performed. Primary wound repair was completed within 8 hours from initial administration. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was subsequently performed for retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB), endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients (4 to 15 years old) were recruited, including 54 LBC and 42 non-LBC. Rupture of the eyeball (P<0.001), endophthalmitis (P<0.001), primary hospitalization time (PHT) over 24 hours (PHT >24 h) (P=0.016), traumatic cataract (P=0.013), vitreous hemorrhage (P=0.040), numbers of surgeries (P<0.001), and lower OTS scores and grades (P<0.001) predisposed patients to poorer final visual acuity (VA). Compared with non-LBC, LBC were significantly younger (P<0.001), had lower OTS scores (P=0.020), had longer PHT (P<0.001), and worse baseline (P=0.011) and final VA (P<0.001). The 3 most common injury sources were pencils (20 cases, 20.8%), knives (11 cases, 11.5%), and iron wire (7 cases, 7.3%). Pencils were the major injury source for IOFB (14 cases, 53.8%). LBC were significantly more likely to be injured by instruments which should be routinely kept away from children (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of pediatric OGI was worse in LBC than in non-LBC. It is necessary to improve the guardianship of LBC. Many tragedies may be avoided if adult instruments are properly stored and if children are educated to properly use writing devices.

Successful Management of Complex Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Congenital Glaucoma.

 Retinal detachment in congenital glaucoma is rare and often associated with a poor prognosis. In this report, we describe ocular manifestations of congenital glaucoma, pre- and post-operative ophthalmic findings, and overall anatomic and functional outcomes after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair along with a review of the literature. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a 45-year-old monocular patient with congenital glaucoma was successfully repaired with small gauge pars plana vitrectomy, intra-operative perfluorocarbon use and 1,000 centistoke silicone oil tamponade. Best-corrected visual acuity improved from CF to 20/70; however, the post-operative course was complicated by hypotony-associated maculopathy after removal of silicone oil. Five thousand centistoke silicone oil was reinfused with good anatomic and functional outcomes. The functional outcome may ultimately be limited by pre-existing amblyopia and other ocular comorbidities.

Adverse Events during Vitrectomy under Adequacy of Anesthesia-An Additional Report.

The intraprocedural immobilization of selected subsets of patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) requires the performance of general anesthesia (GA), which entails the intraoperative use of hypnotics and titration of opioids. The Adequacy of Anesthesia (AoA) concept of GA guidance optimizes the intraoperative dosage of hypnotics and opioids. Pre-emptive analgesia (PA) is added to GA to minimize intraoperative opioid (IO) usage. The current additional analysis evaluated the advantages of PA using either COX-3 inhibitors or regional techniques when added to AoA-guided GA on the rate of presence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), oculo-emetic (OER), and oculo-cardiac reflex (OCR) in patients undergoing PPV. A total of 176 patients undergoing PPV were randomly allocated into 5 groups: (1) Group GA, including patients who received general anesthesia alone; (2) Group T, including patients who received preventive topical analgesia by triple instillation of 2% proparacaine 15 min before induction of GA; (3) Group PBB, including patients who received PBB; (4) Group M, including patients who received PA using a single dose of 1 g of metamizole; (5) Group P, including patients who received PA using a single dose of 1 g of acetaminophen. The incidence rates of PONV, OCR, and OER were studied as a secondary outcome. Despite the group allocation, intraoperative AoA-guided GA resulted in an overall incidence of PONV in 9%, OCR in 12%, and OER in none of the patients. No statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding the incidence of OCR. PA using COX-3 inhibitors, as compared to that of the T group, resulted in less overall PONV (p < 0.05). Conclusions: PA using regional techniques in patients undergoing PPV proved to have no advantage when AoA-guided GA was utilised. We recommend using intraoperative AoA-guided GA to reduce the presence of OCR, and the addition of PA using COX-3 inhibitors to reduce the rate of PONV.

Surgical approach in a case of unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis and literature review.

PURPOSE: To present a case of unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis (URPED) complicated with tractional retinal detachment and macular hole formation, and highlight the successful anatomical and functional restoration following surgical repair. To conduct an updated review of the literature. OBSERVATIONS: A 16-year-old asymptomatic female presented with a unilateral atypical peripapillary lesion of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the left eye. At baseline, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 and anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Fundus examination revealed an irregularly shaped atrophy of the RPE adjacent to the optic disc with scalloped border of RPE hyperplasia and a fibroglial proliferation in the overlying retina. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated mild changes of the RPE and the outer retina layers. Three years after initial diagnosis, the patient was referred to our clinic due to blurry vision. Complete ophthalmological evaluation revealed tractional retinal detachment with full thickness macular hole formation. Pars plana vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane removal and internal limiting membrane peeling led to anatomical recovery of the macular area with BCVA of 20/32 at four-months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This is the first report of tractional retinal detachment and macular hole as rare complications of URPED. Systematic follow-up examinations seem to be essential for the prevention of permanent visual loss, whereas prompt surgical intervention can contribute to visual acuity restoration in complicated cases.

Comparative study of pars plana vitrectomy with or without intravitreal dexamethasone implant for idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

Purpose: To investigate if use of adjunctive intravitreal dexamethasone implant during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) leads to faster visual recovery and reduction of retinal thickness in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: In this non-randomized, comparative, interventional study 30 eyes (from 30 patients with idiopathic ERM) were enrolled. In the control group (n = 15), patients underwent 25-G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and ERM peeling. In the study group (n = 15), each patient underwent the same procedure as those in the control group, and also received an additional dexamethasone implant. Primary outcome after treatment was mean gain in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and secondary outcome was reduction in central retinal thickness (CRT). Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and two-sample t-test. Results: The mean gain in BCVA (logMAR) from baseline at 1-month follow-up was significantly higher in the study group (median = -0.3, IQR = -0.4, -0.1) than in the control group (median = 0, IQR = -0.1, 0.3; P < 0.008). However, no significant difference in mean gain in BCVA between the two groups was detectable at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.55). At 1-month follow-up, one and seven patients in the control and study groups gained ≥15 letters of BCVA (P < 0.05), respectively. The mean reductions in CRT at the 1-month follow-up were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (Mean = -60 µm, SD = 92.1; P < 0.014; 95% CI = 19.75-156.54). The difference in mean reduction of CRT at 6 months was not significant (P < 0.24). Conclusion: Adjunctive dexamethasone implant can aid faster visual recovery after PPV in idiopathic ERM, although the implants do not affect long-term gains in visual acuity.