Outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy in the management and diagnosis of patients with infectious, non-infectious, and unidentified uveitis.

PURPOSE: To present the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with infectious, non-infectious, and unidentified uveitis, focusing on visual and clinical outcomes, diagnostic yield, and surgery-related complications. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included patients who underwent 23-gauge PPV for the management of uveitis and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Patients were divided into infectious, non-infectious, and unidentified uveitis groups based on definitive diagnosis after surgery. Etiologies of uveitis, indications for surgery, diagnostic yield, visual outcomes, presence of cystoid macular edema (CME), immunosuppressive drugs, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and repeated vitrectomies were reviewed. RESULTS: This study included 62 eyes of 54 patients. Twenty eyes were diagnosed with infectious uveitis, 24 eyes with non-infectious uveitis, and 18 eyes with unidentified uveitis. The diagnostic yield of vitrectomy was 41.7%. Mean BCVA significantly improved at postoperative 1 month compared to baseline and remained stable at following time-points in all groups. The most common early postoperative complication was increased intraocular pressure (17%), and late complication was cataract (36%). Nine eyes underwent re-vitrectomy and the most common cause was retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). CONCLUSION: PPV seems to be effective in diagnosing cases of unknown origin, improving visual acuity, and reducing the need for systemic immunosuppressive drugs. PVR is the most serious complication with poor prognosis that requires repeated surgery in patients with uveitis.

Choroidal hypertransmission width on optical coherence tomography: a prognostic biomarker in idiopathic macular hole surgery.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that optical coherence tomography (OCT) choroidal hypertransmission width (CHW) is a prognostic biomarker in idiopathic macular hole (MH) surgery METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing successful pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic MH. We collected demographic, clinical, and OCT variables at the preoperative and last available visits. Two investigators assessed the following OCT parameters: MH minimum diameter, base diameter, CHW, ellipsoid zone, and external limiting membrane status (absent vs. present). Delta CHW was calculated as the difference between CHW and MH minimum diameter. Linear models were used to investigate factors associated with postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and BCVA change. RESULTS: Thirty-six eyes (36 patients) with a median (interquartile range (IQR)) follow-up of 9 (8-11) months were included. The median BCVA (IQR) improved from 0.75 (1-0.6) logMAR preoperatively to 0.2 (0.6-0.1) logMAR at the last visit (p < 0.001). Preoperative MH minimum diameter (for a 10-µm increase, estimate (standard error (SE)): 0.009 (0.003) logMAR, p = 0.003), base diameter (for a 10-µm increase, 0.003 (0.001) logMAR, p = 0.032), CHW (for a 10-µm increase, 0.008 (0.002) logMAR, p < 0.001), and delta CHW (for a 10-µm increase, 0.013 (0.005) logMAR, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with postoperative BCVA. The proportion of variance explained was the highest for MH CHW (R2 0.35), followed by minimum MH diameter (R2 0.24), delta CHW (R2 0.19), and MH base diameter (R2 0.14). None of the study variables was associated with delta BCVA. CONCLUSION: Preoperative CHW is associated with postoperative visual acuity in patients undergoing successful idiopathic MH surgery and may be a useful OCT prognostic biomarker.

Lamellar macular hole in highly myopic eyes and insights into its development, evolution, and treatment: a mini-review.

Lamellar macular holes (LMHs) are a manifestation of myopic tractional maculopathy (MTM). Owing to the complex and multidirectional traction force in the elongated eyeball, the clinical features, development, evolution, and treatment algorithms of LMH in highly myopic eyes may differ from those of idiopathic LMH or MTM in general. This review aimed to specifically explore the LMHs in highly myopic eyes. Several developmental processes of LMH and their association with macular retinoschisis have been demonstrated, with the tractional component identified in all processes. Epiretinal proliferation was more prevalent and more extensive in LMHs in highly myopic eyes than in idiopathic LMHs. LMHs in highly myopic eyes may remain stable or progress to foveal detachment and full-thickness macular hole with or without retinal detachment. The predictive factors associated with disease progression were summarized to facilitate monitoring and guide surgical intervention. The treatment of LMHs in highly myopic eyes was based on an algorithm for treating myopic tractional maculopathy, including gas tamponade, pars plana vitrectomy, macular buckling, and a combination of vitrectomy and macular buckling. New internal limiting membrane (ILM) manipulation techniques such as fovea-sparing ILM peeling or fovea-sparing ILM peeling combined with ILM flap insertion could reduce the risk of developing iatrogenic full-thickness macular holes postoperatively. Further research should focus on the treatment of LMH in highly myopic eyes.

Immunohistochemical, functional, and anatomical evaluation of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical, functional, and anatomical evaluation of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Twenty-four specimens of idiopathic ERM from 24 consecutive patients who underwent 23 G pars plana vitrectomy for ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling at the San Juan University Hospital in Alicante (Spain) in 2019 were analyzed. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular analysis by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at the time of diagnosis and 3 months after surgery. Specific glial fibrillar acid protein antibodies (GFAP) and S100 calcium-binding protein ß (S100ß) immunostaining markers were used to identify the macroglial component of the ERM, Müller cells, and astrocytes. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 protein (Iba1) antibodies were used as specific markers for inflammatory cells, such as microglia and macrophages. RESULTS: Mean preoperative BCVA measured with Snellen chart was 0.3 and 0.6 preoperatively and at 3 months after surgery, respectively. SD-OCT identified 15 patients (62.5%) with a disruption of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands. The immunohistochemical study showed the presence of Müller cells in almost all cases (91.6%), as well of abundant microglia and macrophages. Microglia and macrophages were more frequently present in earlier stages of ERM. Microglia were present in ERM independently of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands integrity as measured by SD-OCT. A greater presence of macrophages was found in those ERMs with no outer retinal hyperreflective band disruption. CONCLUSIONS: Müller cells seem to be the most frequent cell group in ERMs, with also presence of microglia cells and macrophages. Astrocytes were more frequently found in early stages of ERMs. Microglia and macrophages were most frequent in ERMs with early stage (1, 2, or 3) than in advanced stages (4).

Comparing forceps and self-assembled intraocular rare earth magnet in removing metallic intraocular foreign bodies in 25-guage vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and efficiency of self-assembled intraocular rare earth magnet and forceps in removing intraocular foreign bodies(IOFBs) undergoing 25-gauge(G) pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with metallic IOFB underwent 25-G PPV were enrolled into this study. Self-assembled intraocular rare earth magnet were used in 15 patients(bar group), and forceps were used in 15 patients(forceps group). Success rate of removing IOFB, time taken to remove IOFB, incidence of IOFB slippage and fall, iatrogenic retinal damages were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in success rate of removing IOFBs between the groups(93.3% and 100%, P > 0.99). The median time taken of removing FB was significantly shorter in bar group than in forceps group(112 and 295 s, P = 0.001). None of the patients in bar group had IOFB slippage and fall, or related iatrogenic retinal damage in the process of removal. In forceps group, IOFB slippage and fall during removal were observed in 7 of 15(47.6%) patients, related iatrogenic retinal injuries were recorded in 6 of 15(40.0%) patients, both were significantly higher than bar group(P = 0.003 and P = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with forceps, the assembled intraocular magnet can greatly reduce the possibility of IOFB slippage and fall, prevent related iatrogenic retinal damage, and shorten the time taken to remove IOFB. The assembled intraocular magnet can be an useful tool in removing metallic IOFBs in PPV.

Efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade for treating myopic foveoschisis: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and explore the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade in treating myopic foveoschisis (MF) through a meta-analysis. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted on the PubMed, Web of Science and National Library of Medicine (NLM) English-language databases and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Chinese-language databases. The primary outcome measures were postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT), with the secondary outcome being the postoperative complication rate. Data analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies involving 234 eyes were included. The meta-analysis results showed the following: (1) The average postoperative BCVA improved compared with preoperative levels, with an average improvement in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of 0.40, a statistically significant difference (95% CI: -0.44, - 0.20, p < 0.001); (2) the rate of postoperative BCVA improvement was 77% (95% CI: 65%, 90%, p < 0.001); (3) the postoperative CFT significantly decreased by an average of 385.92 µm, a statistically significant difference (95% CI: -437.85, - 333.98, p < 0.001); (4) the postoperative macular retinal complete reattachment rate was 90% (95% CI: 83%, 97%, p < 0.001); (5) the most common postoperative complication was a cataract, with an incidence of 55.9%. CONCLUSION: Using PPV combined with ILM peeling and gas tamponade to treat MF is reliable.

Management of macula-on giant retinal tear detachments- outcome of pars-plana-vitrectomy with silicone oil versus gas tamponade.

BACKGROUND: To compare the outcome of eyes with a macula-on giant retinal tear (GRT) detachment treated with pars-plana-vitrectomy (PPV) depending on the used endotamponade. METHODS: All consecutive cases with a macula-on GRT-associated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) managed with PPV between 2007 and 2022 were retrospectively assessed depending on the selected endotamponade. By reviewing medical charts and surgical protocols the pre- and intraoperative parameters were analysed in detail. The number of vitreoretinal (VR) procedures needed for reattachment, the redetachment rate and the functional outcome were evaluated. Eyes treated with primary silicone oil (SO) tamponade were compared to eyes with primary gas tamponade. Cases with pre-existing conditions affecting outcome e.g. macula-off situation, history of trauma, status after complicated cataract surgery, former VR surgery or proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade C or higher were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 51 eyes of 45 patients with a macula-on GRT detachment were treated with PPV and SO (n = 32; 63%) or gas (n = 19; 37%) endotamponade in the observed period. Eyes with primary SO tamponade underwent on average 2.3 (SD 0.8) VR procedures and had a redetachment rate of 13% (n = 4). Eyes with gas tamponade showed a higher redetachment rate of 32% (n = 6) with a mean number of 1.6 (SD 1.0) PPV procedures. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly better in eyes with primary gas tamponade (mean logMAR BCVA 0.32; SD 0.30) compared to eyes with SO (mean logMAR BCVA 0.60; SD 0.42; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of GRT-associated RRDs is complex. In clinical routine often SO is used as endotamponade. Because of known disadvantages (second procedure necessary for SO removal, unexplained SO-related visual loss, secondary glaucoma, SO emulsification) some VR surgeons prefer a gas tamponade. In our cohort, eyes with a gas compared to SO tamponade showed higher redetachment rates. However, the final postoperative BCVA was significantly better in eyes with gas compared to SO tamponade. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial protocol was approved by the local ethics committee on 25th of November 2022 (Ethikkommission der Universität Regensburg, Votum 22-3166-104).

Examining the etiological factors resulting in retinal detachment following prophylactic vitrectomy in the context of acute retinal necrosis syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to elucidate the factors contributing to the occurrence of retinal detachment (RD) following prophylactic vitrectomy in cases of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective examination was undertaken, encompassing the medical records of patients diagnosed with ARN who underwent prophylactic vitreous intervention at the Ophthalmology Department of Wuhan University Renmin Hospital East Campus between October 2019 and September 2023. Subsequently, patients who manifested RD in the postoperative period were identified, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted to ascertain the factors underlying the occurrence of RD post-surgery. RESULTS: This study comprised 14 cases (involving 14 eyes) of patients diagnosed with ARN who underwent prophylactic vitreous intervention. The findings revealed that 4 patients experienced postoperative RD, resulting in an incidence rate of 28.57%. Notably, among these cases, 3 cases of RD manifested in the presence of silicone oil, while 1 case occurred subsequent to the removal of silicone oil. All 4 cases of RD exhibited varied degrees of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Following the occurrence of RD, all patients underwent a secondary vitreous intervention coupled with silicone oil tamponade, leading to successful reattachment of the retina. However, despite these interventions, there was no significant enhancement observed in postoperative visual outcomes when compared to preoperative levels. CONCLUSION: RD following prophylactic vitrectomy in cases of ARN is not an infrequent occurrence and is primarily linked to the postoperative onset of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy with or without Internal Limiting Membrane Peel for Epiretinal Membrane: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The safety and effectiveness of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling remains poorly understood for the treatment of epiretinal membrane (ERM). OBJECTIVES: Our study aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of PPV with and without ILM peeling for ERM. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to January 2023 for comparative studies reporting visual and anatomical outcomes for patients with ERM that received PPV with or without ILM peeling. Primary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at last study observation and change in BCVA from baseline. Secondary outcomes included retinal thickness (RT) at last study observation, change in RT from baseline, risk of ERM recurrence, and adverse events. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Risk of bias of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool of observational studies using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions-I tool. The certainty of evidence of outcomes was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS: Nineteen studies reporting on 1,291 eyes at baseline were included. PPV with and without ILM peel achieved a similar BCVA at last study observation (p = 0.68) and change in BCVA from baseline (p = 0.79). These findings remained consistent irrespective of whether simultaneous phacoemulsification was performed. PPV with ILM peel achieved a significantly lower incidence of ERM recurrence (risk ratio [RR] = 0.26, 95% CI = [0.13, 0.51], p < 0.0001) and additional surgery (RR = 0.17, 95% CI = [0.04, 0.74], p = 0.02) compared to PPV without ILM peel. CONCLUSION: PPV with and without ILM peel achieved a similar BCVA at last study observation in ERM patients. Patients treated with PPV and ILM peel also had a reduced risk of ERM recurrence and lower reoperation risk. These conclusions are associated with a moderate certainty of evidence and potential for bias from multiple non-randomized studies.

Epiretinal Membrane Formation following Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation following primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. METHODS: This comparative, retrospective, single-center cohort study included eyes with primary RRD treated between 2011 and 2023 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckle (SB), PPV+SB, or pneumatic retinopexy (PnR). Demographic, clinical, and surgical parameters were collected from medical records. The primary outcome was the risk of ERM formation, while the secondary outcome was the risk of ERM requiring surgery. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression were performed, and a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were reported. RESULTS: Overall, 394 eyes were included. The mean age was 58.49 ± 12.8 years, and most patients were male. There was a significantly lower risk of ERM formation following SB compared to PPV in the univariable analysis (HR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.08-0.60, p = 0.003); however, there was no significant association between treatment modality and ERM formation on multivariable Cox regression controlling for confounding factors (p = 0.24). ERM formation was found more commonly in patients who were older (HR = 1.0 per 1 year increase in age, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04, p = 0.001), those with worse baseline visual acuity (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.09-1.71, p = 0.008), and those with macula-off RRDs (HR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.41-3.32, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical modality does not have a significant impact on the risk of ERM following retinal detachment repair. However, age, baseline visual acuity, and macular status are important predictors of ERM formation after RRD repair.

Foveal Microstructure and Visual Outcomes after Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Patients with Different Types of Epiretinal Membrane Foveoschisis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of the epiretinal membrane foveoschisis (ERM-FS) with different morphological types. METHODS: This retrospective observational study reviewed 44 consecutive ERM-FS patients who underwent ERM surgery. According to the optical coherence tomography images, ERM-FS was classified into three groups: group A, FS crossed the fovea with the foveola elevated; group B, FS located at the foveal edges with a near-normal central foveal point thickness; and group C, FS with undermined foveal edges with a near-normal central foveal point thickness. RESULTS: There were 10 eyes in group A, 20 eyes in group B, and 14 eyes in group C. Preoperatively, eyes in group A had the best best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the thickest central foveal point thickness, and the highest ellipsoid zone (EZ) intact rate among the three groups. After surgery, a resolution of foveoschisis was observed in 40.0%, 45.0%, and 50.0% of the eyes in group A, group B, and group C (p = 0.928), respectively. BCVA was significantly improved postoperatively. Although there was no significant difference in BCVA among the three groups at 1 month postoperatively, BCVA of group A was the best at 4 and 10 months. Correlation analysis indicated that the type of ERM-FS, baseline BCVA, central foveal point thickness, and postoperative EZ continuity (all p < 0.05) were important factors for the final BCVA. CONCLUSIONS: The damage to the retinal structure and visual function was milder in group A ERM-FS. Our study emphasized the necessity of OCT-based subtyping in patients with ERM-FS.

Fundus Autofluorescence Patterns in Subretinal Hemorrhages Associated with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

INTRODUCTION: Submacular hemorrhage (SMH) is a vision-threatening complication of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The exact treatment scheme is not established yet. The aim of the current study was to describe surgical results and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns after pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) + subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) + anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intravitreal tPA + anti-VEGF + sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tamponade and to compare them to intravitreal tPA + anti-VEGF + SF6 in the treatment of SMH in the course of AMD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed FAF imaging in patients with a previous SMH in the course of AMD with a duration of <60 days treated with vitrectomy with subretinal anti-VEGF and tPA and intravitreal anti-VEGF, tPA, and SF6 administration (group 1) or intravitreal tPA + anti-VEGF + SF6 (group 2). In all eyes, a throughout ophthalmic examination, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were done for diagnosis. SD-OCT was performed monthly during treatment. RESULTS: Three FAF patterns were observed in both groups. Pattern one (normal autofluorescence) was observed in 5/18 in group one and 5/21 group two. Pattern two was observed in 6/18 in group one and 7/21 in group two. Pattern three was noted in 7/18 in group one and 5/21 in group two. Improvement in visual acuity was statistically significant for both groups: 0.01 Snellen (2.0 logMAR) to 0.11 Snellen (0.96 logMAR) in group one (p = 0.019) and 0.11 Snellen (0.96 logMAR) to 0.33 Snellen (0.48 logMAR) in group two (p = 0.0007). Central retinal thickness also decreased with statistical significance for both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FAF patterns did not depend on the treatment used, but solely on the duration of SMH before treatment. SMH if not treated prompt enough might cause long-standing photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium defect, which is represented by hypo- and hyperautofluorescence. Performing a subretinal injection of tPA and anti-VEGF does not cause any defects associated with the injection site. That might be associated with previous local internal limiting membrane peeling, which reduces the injection pressure. Not only prompt treatment of SMH but also further continuation of anti-VEGF treatment is mandatory to maintain vision.

Aetiology and epidemiology of surgical vitreoretinal presentations in an Australian paediatric population: A seven-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric vitreoretinal pathology is distinct from adult cases in both presentation and surgical planning. Here we aim to report the aetiology and epidemiology in children 0-18 years requiring vitreoretinal surgery at a major tertiary paediatric hospital in Queensland, Australia. METHODS: Retrospective review of cases requiring vitreoretinal surgery between May 2015 and October 2022 was conducted. Demographics, ocular and medical history, surgical pathology, procedures performed, and epidemiology data were retrieved. Patients were grouped into three main aetiologies: traumatic, syndromic, or secondary. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients, the majority male (87, 70.2%) with a mean age of 10.3 years underwent vitreoretinal surgery. Trauma accounted for 32.3% of cases requiring surgery of which 47% were due to a penetrating eye injury. 35.5% were associated with a syndromic cause with common aetiology including coats, congenital cataract, sticklers, and retinopathy of prematurity. 32.3% developed secondary pathology and retinal detachment was the primary cause for surgery (55%). The average time from symptom onset to presentation was 30 days (SD 56.88) with patients living an average of 306.2 km (SD 558.9) away from the Queensland Children's Hospital. Older age was significantly associated with increased days to presentation in the traumatic group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an insight into the aetiology and epidemiology of paediatric vitreoretinal presentations in Queensland, Australia.

Epiretinal membrane in uveitis: Rate, visual prognosis, complications and surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a common finding in patients with uveitis that contributes to visual impairment. We describe the long-term visual acuity (VA) and morphometric progression in patients with uveitis and epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with uveitic ERM from a tertiary centre database. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for ERM progression was calculated using a marginal Cox regression model to estimate hazard ratios (HR). RESULTS: Two hundred and sixteen eyes (4%) of a total 5450 eyes with uveitis were identified to have an ERM. The most common diagnosis was idiopathic uveitis in 45 patients (28.7%), followed by sarcoidosis in 21 (13.4%), HLAB27-related uveitis in 15 (9.6%) and toxoplasmosis in 15 (9.6%). Risk factors for ERM development include age (HR 1.03), intermediate uveitis (HR 2.33), posterior uveitis (HR 1.53) and ERM fellow eye (HR 18.28). Anterior uveitis (HR 0.53) and alternating disease (HR 0.53) were protective. Median VA was 20/40 at diagnosis of ERM and 20/40 at final follow up. Progression of ERM grade occurred in 17 eyes (7.9%) during the study period. ERM peel was performed in 44 eyes (20.4%). Median VA was 20/60 and 20/40 at baseline and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Improvement in visual acuity occurred in 23 eyes (60.5%) following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to intermediate and posterior uveitis, fellow eye involvement is a strong risk factor for ERM development. In treated uveitis, the majority maintain their long-term vision and rates of ERM progression are low.

Epiretinal membranes in patients with uveitis: an update on the current state of management.

PURPOSE: This review aims to summarize the current knowledge concerning the clinical features, diagnostic work-up, and therapeutic approach of uveitic epiretinal membranes (ERM). METHODS: A thorough investigation of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database. Additionally, a complementary search was carried out on Google Scholar to ensure the inclusion of all relevant items in the collection. RESULTS: ERM is an abnormal layer at the vitreoretinal interface, resulting from myofibroblastic cell proliferation along the inner surface of the central retina, causing visual impairment. Known by various names, ERM has diverse causes, including idiopathic or secondary factors, with ophthalmic imaging techniques like OCT improving detection. In uveitis, ERM occurrence is common, and surgical intervention involves pars plana vitrectomy with ERM peeling, although debates persist on optimal approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological studies and OCT advancements improved ERM understanding, revealing a diverse group of diseases without a unified model. Consensus supports surgery for uveitic ERM in progressive cases, but variability requires careful consideration and effective inflammation management. OCT biomarkers, deep learning, and surgical advances may enhance outcomes, and medical interventions and robotics show promise for early ERM intervention.

Nucleus drop following phacoemulsification surgery: Incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes in patients with nucleus drop (ND) following phacoemulsification surgery at a tertiary care ophthalmic institute. METHODS: Medical records of patients with ND during phacoemulsification between January'2019 and December'2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Incidence of ND was calculated overall, and according to surgical expertise levels and surgical steps. Associated pre- and intra-operative risk factors were assessed. Clinical outcome parameters [best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP)] were compared with respect to timing of PPV (immediate vs early vs delayed), location (sulcus vs scleral fixated-IOL) and timing of IOL placement (primary vs secondary). RESULTS: Among 93,760 phacoemulsifications, ND was noted in 130 patients (0.1%). Significant direct and associated pre-operative risk factors were advanced cataract, glaucoma, posterior polar cataract, and diabetes mellitus. Junior medical consultants had 40 ND (mostly in non-complex cases), whereas senior medical consultants had 90 ND (mostly in complex cases). ND most frequently occurred during emulsification of nuclear fragments. Sulcus placement of IOL during primary surgery yielded significantly better visual outcome compared to secondary procedures, although timing of PPV had insignificant effect. 77.1% had BCVA of 6/12 or better at final follow-up. Timing of IOL implantation, PPV, and type of IOL did not have any significant effect on IOP. CONCLUSIONS: Though the incidence of ND is low, it is a dreaded complication. Accurate pre-operative evaluation, risk stratification, distribution of cases among surgeons based on their surgical expertise, and immediate or early management of ND yields better anatomical and functional outcomes.

Evaluation of the (Baha) technique of scleral indentation using a self-retained scleral indenter during vitrectomy surgery: a randomized trial.

AIMS: The current study compared a novel technique of scleral indentation using the self-retaining Leyla retractor to the conventional scleral self-indentation with the chandelier light. METHODS: Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were randomized on a 1:1 basis to either have the (Baha) indentation using a tip of a thimble scleral indenter welded to the support for the Leyla retractor system or to have the conventional scleral indentation while using a 25-gauge chandelier light. A video was recorded for the surgery of all the cases and reviewed by another consultant masked to the type of indentation. The indentation duration (i.e., the time in seconds between the first appearance of a hump due to scleral indentation in the recorded video until its final disappearance) was measured for every case. RESULTS: The current study included 60 eyes of 60 adults with a mean age of 59.6 ± 9.8 years. Thirty-nine of the eyes were phakic and 21 were pseudophakic. The mean indentation time was 618 ± 87 and 696 ± 72 s in (Baha) indentation and conventional indentation groups, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 38). There was a positive correlation between the vertical palpebral fissure height and the indentation duration for both (Baha) indentation (r = 0.58) and conventional indentation groups (r = 0.42). Readjustment of the chandelier endo-illumination was required in 19 cases (63.3%) in the conventional indentation group. Iatrogenic breaks or accidental crystalline lens touch did not occur in any case. CONCLUSION: The (Baha) technique is effective and safe, especially in patients with a larger palpebral fissure.

Clinical features of retinal detachment treated with segmental scleral buckling.

PURPOSE: Our study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes and clinical features of retinal detachment (RD) cases treated with segmental scleral buckling (SB), elucidating the role of segmental SB as a vital option in specific situations during the current era. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 128 eyes with primary rhegmatogenous RD that underwent segmental scleral buckling between November 2008 and December 2020. Clinical features and success rates were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 128 eyes were included. The patient's ages ranged from 12 to 72 years, with a median age of 45. Most of the eyes were phakic (97%). Regarding the type of break, 47% were holes, and flap tears were found in 68 cases (53%). The break locations were superior-temporal (54%), inferior-temporal (31%), superior-nasal (9.5%), and inferior-nasal (5.5%). The length of the SB applied ranged from 3.5 to 8.0 clock hours, with a median of 6.0. Primary success was achieved in 121 eyes, and recurrence occurred in 7 eyes. All recurrent RD cases reattached after undergoing secondary VT. The causes of failure included 2 break reopens, 1 missed break, and 4 eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The single-surgery anatomic success (SSAS) rate for segmental SB was 94.5%. The final success rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: For phakic, low complexity retinal detachment in our study, segmental scleral buckling emerges as a surgical option with a high primary success rate and a lower incidence of complications.

Posterior vitreous attachment as a risk factor for endophthalmitis following intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the importance of the status of posterior vitreous in eyes with endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). METHODS: The absence or existence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was elicited in 23 eyes of 23 patients with injection related endophthalmitis, during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and compared with 24 control eyes of 24 patients who received intravitreal anti-VEGF without any complication. RESULTS: Thirtten (54.2%) out of 24 patients in the control group had full PVD, whereas only 2 (9.5%) out of 23 eyes in endophthalmitis group (p < 0.001) had full PVD. In all eyes without PVD, posterior vitreous was inducted to be detached at least from optic nerve and macular area without any iatrogenic tear. CONCLUSION: The absence of PVD is a factor that increases the risk of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections. Uncomplicated separation of the posterior vitreous from the retina in PPV contributes to better prognosis.

Surgical Management of Diabetic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the accumulation of fluid in the extracellular space within the macula and is a major cause of visual impairment among patients with diabetes. First-line treatment for DME includes pharmacotherapy with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications and intravitreal corticosteroids. Alternative therapeutic strategies include laser photocoagulation for non-center involving DME, and surgical options such as pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel in cases with vitreoretinal interface anomalies or DME refractory to pharmacotherapy, and the Port Delivery System (PDS) for sustained release of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medication. Our aim is to review the existing literature on surgical management of DME including imaging changes in chronic DME and the clinical relevance of surgical intervention. RECENT FINDINGS: Imaging changes associated with DME and a worse prognosis include disorganization of the retinal layer, disruption of both the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone, and vitreomacular interface abnormalities. Studies involving pars plana vitrectomy with and without ILM peel show anatomic improvement but may not always be associated with significant change in visual outcomes. Early studies lacked detailed imaging of the retinal layers and PPV was likely performed as a last resort. In addition, the novel PDS is surgically implanted into the pars plana and works as a drug reservoir with controlled release of drug. However, it has been recalled in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration due to issues with dislodgement. Surgical interventions for DME include pars plana vitrectomy with and without ILM peel and new surgical therapies for DME such as the PDS and subretinal gene therapy have the potential to reduce the risk of DME progression.