Galectin-1 Attenuates PDGF-Mediated AKT Signaling in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

Galectins have the potential to interact with transmembrane glycoproteins to modulate their functions. Since galectin-1 interacts with PDGF-Rß, we analyzed the effect of galectin-1 on PDGF-BB-mediated AKT signaling in primary human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and galectin-1-deficient immortalized human RPE cells (LGALS1-/-/ARPE-19) following incubation with PDGF-BB and galectin-1. Expression and localization of galectin-1, PDGF-Rß and pAKT were investigated using western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Cell proliferation of RPE cells was analyzed using BrdU ELISA. Following treatment of human RPE cells with human recombinant (hr)-galectin-1 and PDGF-BB, an intense clustering of PDGF-Rß and colocalization with galectin-1 were detected. By Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry of human RPE cells, an enhanced PDGF-BB-mediated expression of pAKT was observed, which was substantially reduced by additional incubation with hr-galectin-1. Vice versa, in LGALS1-/-/ARPE-19 cells, the PDGF-BB-induced pAKT signal was enhanced compared to wild-type cells. Furthermore, a decreased expression of PDGF-Rß in human RPE cells was observed after treatment with PDGF-BB and hr-galectin-1, while in untreated LGALS1-/-/ARPE-19 cells, its constitutive expression was increased. In addition, after treatment of RPE cells with hr-galectin-1, the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation was markedly reduced. In summary, galectin-1 has the distinct potential to reduce PDGF-mediated pAKT signaling and proliferation in human RPE cells-an effect that is most likely facilitated via a decreased expression of PDGF-Rß.

Epithelial Remodeling and Epithelial Wavefront Aberrometry after Spherical vs. Cylindrical Myopic Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE).

Background/Objectives: To compare the epithelial thickness changes and the changes in epithelial wavefront aberrometry following spherical versus astigmatic myopic small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods: Eighty-six eyes of 86 patients who underwent SMILE were included in this retrospective study. A total of 43 eyes underwent myopic spherical correction (spherical group) and 43 eyes underwent myopic cylindrical correction (cylindrical group). The groups were matched according to the spherical equivalent of surgically corrected refraction. Subjective manifest refraction as well as high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (MS-39; CSO; Florence, Italy) were obtained preoperatively as well as 3 months postoperatively. The latter was utilized for computing epithelial wavefront aberrometry in addition to epithelial thickness mapping. Results: Epithelial thickness increased significantly in both groups after SMILE (p < 0.01). In the cylindrical group, epithelial thickening was more pronounced on the flat meridian compared to the steep meridian (p = 0.04). In both groups, epithelial wavefront aberrometry showed a significant postoperative increase in the epithelium's spherical refractive power, causing a myopization of -0.24 ± 0.42 diopters (D) in the spherical group (p < 0.01) and -0.41 ± 0.52 D in the cylindrical group (p < 0.0001). While no significant changes in epithelial cylindrical refractive power were observed in the spherical group, a significant increase was noted in the cylindrical group from -0.21 ± 0.24 D to -0.37 ± 0.31 D (p = 0.01). In both groups, epithelial higher-order aberrations increased significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Postoperative epithelial remodeling after SMILE alters lower-order (sphere and cylinder) and higher-order aberrations of the corneal epithelial wavefront and might contribute to refractive undercorrection, especially in astigmatic corrections. Epithelial wavefront aberrometry can be used to quantify the refractive effect of epithelial remodeling processes after keratorefractive surgery.

Enhancing ectasia screening using advanced AS-OCT: a case series of challenging refractive candidates.

Purpose: Ectasia screening in candidates for laser refractive surgery is mandatory during preoperative evaluation. Despite the availability of modern imaging techniques, refractive surgeons often face borderline decisions when patients present with suspicious tomographic findings. This case series presents refractive candidates with suspicious tomographic findings and demonstrates how to interpret them using Scheimpflug imaging and additional anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich. Case series: This case series examines six potential candidates for refractive surgery with a mean age of 29.2 ± 3.9 years, whose corneal assessments using Scheimpflug imaging raised suspicion for ectasia. Each candidate was additionally examined with AS-OCT and reevaluated. The mean manifest subjective spherical equivalent was -3.67 ± 1.8 diopters. The total corneal thickness measured 537 µm ± 30 µm at its thinnest point. None of the candidates had any reported underlying corneal or ophthalmic diseases, and slit lamp examinations revealed no abnormal morphological findings. Conclusions: Both Scheimpflug imaging and AS-OCT are appropriate tools for screening refractive candidates for ectasia. While topographic and elevation analyses yielded comparable results regarding corneal structure, the epithelial mapping provided by AS-OCT played a critical role in decision-making for cases with borderline tomographic findings. Establishing a global consensus on the use of epithelial mapping in ectasia screening is necessary.

[Macular hole: Differential diagnosis, treatment options and new guideline recommendations]. / Makulaforamen: Differenzialdiagnose, Behandlungsoptionen und neue Leitlinienempfehlungen.

Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) usually result in a pronounced reduction of visual acuity and represent one of the most frequent indications for retinal surgery. If diagnosed and treatment is initiated at an early stage, surgery has a high success rate with respect to both hole closure and improvement of visual acuity. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based staging and sizing enables an estimation of the surgical outcome. The differential diagnostic distinction from clinically similar disorders, such as lamellar macular holes, macular pseudoholes, and foveoschisis is clinically relevant as the pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment are significantly different. While vitrectomy with peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) and gas tamponade is established as the standard treatment for FTMH, some aspects of treatment are handled differently between surgeons, such as the timing of surgery, the choice of endotamponade and the type and duration of postoperative positioning. For FTMH associated with vitreomacular traction, alternative treatment options in addition to vitrectomy include intravitreal ocriplasmin injection and pneumatic vitreolysis. The current clinical guidelines of the German ophthalmological societies summarize the evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of FTMH.

[Vitreomacular traction: diagnostics, natural course, treatment decision and guideline recommendations]. / Vitreomakuläre Traktion: Diagnostik, natürlicher Verlauf, Therapieentscheidung und Leitlinienempfehlungen.

Vitreomacular traction is a tractive foveolar adhesion of the posterior vitreous limiting membrane, resulting in pathological structural alterations of the vitreomacular interface. This must be differentiated from physiological vitreomacular adhesion, which exhibits a completely preserved foveolar depression. Symptoms depend on the severity of the macular changes and typically include reduced visual acuity, reading problems and metamorphopsia. High-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) imaging enables classification of the sometimes only subtle morphological changes. If pronounced vitreomacular traction is accompanied by epiretinal gliosis and alterations to the outer retina, it is referred to as a vitreomacular traction syndrome. Vitreomacular traction has a high probability of spontaneous resolution within 12 months. Therefore, treatment should only be carried out in cases of undue suffering of the patient and with symptoms during bilateral vision and a lack of spontaneous resolution. In addition to pars plana vitrectomy, alternative treatment options, such as intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin and pneumatic vitreolysis are discussed for vitreomacular traction with an associated macular hole; however, ocriplasmin is no longer available in Germany. The best anatomical results in comparative investigations were achieved by vitrectomy. Pneumatic vitreolysis is controversially discussed due to the increased risk of retinal tears. In one of the current S1 guidelines of the German ophthalmological societies evidence-based recommendations for the diagnostics and treatment of vitreomacular traction are summarized.

Accuracy of toric intraocular lens power calculation depending on different keratometry values using a novel network based software platform.

Purpose: To compare different corneal keratometry readings (swept-source-OCT-assisted biometry and Scheimpflug imaging) with a novel software platform for calculation of toric intraocular lenses. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. Design: Retrospective, non-randomized, clinical trial. Methods: Twenty-three eyes undergoing toric intraocular lens implantation were included. Inclusion criteria were preoperative regular corneal astigmatism of at least 1.00 D, no previous refractive surgery, no ocular surface diseases and no maculopathies. Lens exchange was performed with CALLISTO eye (Zeiss). For each patient, the expected postoperative residual refraction was calculated depending on three different corneal parameters of two different devices: standard K-front (K) and total keratometry (TK) obtained by a swept-source-OCT-assisted biometry system (IOL Master 700, Zeiss) as well as total corneal refractive power (TCRP) obtained by a Scheimpflug device (Pentacam AXL, Oculus). Barrett's formula for toric intraocular lenses was used for all calculations within a novel software platform (EQ workplace, Zeiss FORUM®). Results were statistically compared with postoperative refraction calculated according to the Harris dioptric power matrix. Results: The standard K values (mean PE 0.02 D ± 0.45 D) and TK values (mean PE 0.09 D ± 0.43 D) of the IOL Master 700 reached similar results (p = 0.96). 78% of eyes in both K and TK groups achieved SE within ±0.5 D of attempted correction and all eyes (100%) were within ±1.0 D of attempted correction in both groups. By contrast, the prediction error in the IOL calculation using the TCRP of the Scheimpflug device was significantly greater (mean PE -0.56 D ± 0.49 D; p = 0.00 vs. standard K and p = 0.00 vs. TK) with adjusted refractive indices. Thirty-nine and Ninety-one percentage of eyes in the TCRP group achieved SE within ±0.5 D (p = 0.008 K vs. TCRP and p = 0.005 TK vs. TCRP) and ± 1.0 D (p = 0.14 vs. TCRP) of attempted correction, respectively. Conclusion: All three corneal parameters (standard K, TK, TCRP) performed well in calculating toric IOLs. The most accurate refractive outcomes in toric IOL implantation were achieved by IOL calculations based on swept-source-OCT-assisted biometry. The SS-OCT-based K-front and TK values achieve comparable results in the calculation of toric IOLs.

One-stage versus two-stage bilateral implantable collamer lens implantation: a comparison of efficacy and safety.

Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) represents a safe and effective treatment for myopia and myopic astigmatism. To compare the outcomes of a bilateral one-stage same day approach to a two-stage approach, the databases of the University Eye Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilians-University and Smile Eyes Linz, Austria were screened for eyes that had undergone ICL implantation. Two-stage surgery was performed at an interval of 1 day (17 patients), 2 days (19 patients) and 1 week (2 patients). Variables analyzed were preoperative, 1-day and last follow-up uncorrected distance (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, refractive spherical equivalent (SEQ), astigmatism, age, endothelial cell count (ECD), intraocular pressure (IOP) and ICL vaulting. In total, 178 eyes (100 eyes one-stage, 78 eyes two-stage) of 89 patients were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 1.1 ± 0.8 and 1.3 ± 0.5 years. Mean preoperative SEQ was - 7.9 ± 2.6 diopters (D) in the one-stage and - 8.0 ± 1.7 D in the two-stage group (p = 0.63) and improved to 0.00 ± 0.40 and - 0.20 ± 0.40 D at end of follow-up, showing slightly better stability in the one-stage group (p = 0.004). There was no difference in the efficacy (1.1 vs. 1.2, p = 0.06) and the safety index (1.2 vs. 1.2, p = 0.60) between the two groups. No eye (0%) in either group lost 2 lines or more of UDVA (p > 0.99). Refraction within ± 0.50 D and ± 1.00 D around target was achieved comparably often (89 vs. 86%, p = 0.65; 99 vs. 99%, p > 0.99). Endothelial cell loss was slightly higher in the two-stage group (1.3 vs. 4.3%). Vaulting at the final follow up was higher in the one-stage group (373.8 ± 205.4 µm vs. 260.3 ± 153.5 µm, p = 0.00007). There were no serious intraoperative complications in either group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both the one- and two-stage approaches are equally effective, predictable and safe. Regarding endothelial cell loss, vaulting and SEQ stability, the one-stage group showed slightly better outcomes, but these results are clinically questionable because they are so small. Larger studies are needed to quantitatively evaluate a potential benefit.

Central serous chorioretinopathy: An evidence-based treatment guideline.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a relatively common disease that causes vision loss due to macular subretinal fluid leakage and it is often associated with reduced vision-related quality of life. In CSC, the leakage of subretinal fluid through defects in the retinal pigment epithelial layer's outer blood-retina barrier appears to occur secondary to choroidal abnormalities and dysfunction. The treatment of CSC is currently the subject of controversy, although recent data obtained from several large randomized controlled trials provide a wealth of new information that can be used to establish a treatment algorithm. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of our current understanding regarding the pathogenesis of CSC, current therapeutic strategies, and an evidence-based treatment guideline for CSC. In acute CSC, treatment can often be deferred for up to 3-4 months after diagnosis; however, early treatment with either half-dose or half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the photosensitive dye verteporfin may be beneficial in selected cases. In chronic CSC, half-dose or half-fluence PDT, which targets the abnormal choroid, should be considered the preferred treatment. If PDT is unavailable, chronic CSC with focal, non-central leakage on angiography may be treated using conventional laser photocoagulation. CSC with concurrent macular neovascularization should be treated with half-dose/half-fluence PDT and/or intravitreal injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor compound. Given the current shortage of verteporfin and the paucity of evidence supporting the efficacy of other treatment options, future studies-ideally, well-designed randomized controlled trials-are needed in order to evaluate new treatment options for CSC.

Optimizing Refractive Outcomes of SMILE: Artificial Intelligence versus Conventional State-of-the-Art Nomograms.

PURPOSE: AI (artificial intelligence)-based methodologies have become established tools for researchers and physicians in the entire field of ophthalmology. However, the potential of AI to optimize the refractive outcome of keratorefractive surgery by means of machine learning (ML)-based nomograms has not been exhausted yet. In this study, we wanted to comprehensively compare state-of-the-art conventional nomograms for Small-Incision-Lenticule-Extraction (SMILE) with a novel ML-based nomogram regarding both their spherical and astigmatic predictability. METHODS: A total of 1,342 eyes were analyzed for creation of three different nomograms based on a linear model (LM), a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) and an artificial-neuronal-network (ANN), respectively. A total of 16 patient- and treatment-related features were included. Each model was trained by 895 eyes and validated by the remaining 447 eyes. Predictability was assessed by the difference between attempted and achieved change in spherical equivalent (SE) and the difference between target induced astigmatism (TIA) and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). The root mean squared error (RMSE) of each model was computed as a measure of overall model performance. RESULTS: The RMSE of LM, GAMM and ANN were 0.355, 0.348 and 0.367 for the prediction of SE and 0.279, 0.278 and 0.290 for the astigmatic correction, respectively. By applying the created models, the theoretical yield of eyes within ±0.50 D of SE from target refraction improved from 82 to 83% (LM), 84% (GAMM) and 83% (ANN), respectively. Astigmatic outcomes showed an improvement of eyes within ±0.50 D from TIA from 90 to 93% (LM), 93% (GAMM) and 92% (ANN), respectively. Subjective manifest refraction was the single most influential covariate in all models. CONCLUSION: Machine learning endorsed the validity of state-of-the-art linear and non-linear SMILE nomograms. However, improving the accuracy of subjective manifest refraction seems warranted for optimizing ±0.50 D SE predictability beyond an apparent methodological 90% limit.

Inhibition of the membrane repair protein annexin-A2 prevents tumor invasion and metastasis.

Cancer cells are exposed to major compressive and shearing forces during invasion and metastasis, leading to extensive plasma membrane damage. To survive this mechanical stress, they need to repair membrane injury efficiently. Targeting the membrane repair machinery is thus potentially a new way to prevent invasion and metastasis. We show here that annexin-A2 (ANXA2) is required for membrane repair in invasive breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, we show by fluorescence and electron microscopy that cells fail to reseal shear-stress damaged membrane when ANXA2 is silenced or the protein is inhibited with neutralizing antibody. Silencing of ANXA2 has no effect on proliferation in vitro, and may even accelerate migration in wound healing assays, but reduces tumor cell dissemination in both mice and zebrafish. We expect that inhibiting membrane repair will be particularly effective in aggressive, poor prognosis tumors because they rely on the membrane repair machinery to survive membrane damage during tumor invasion and metastasis. This could be achieved either with anti-ANXA2 antibodies, which have been shown to inhibit metastasis of breast and pancreatic cancer cells, or with small molecule drugs.

Reconstructing disease dynamics for mechanistic insights and clinical benefit.

Diseases change over time, both phenotypically and in their underlying molecular processes. Though understanding disease progression dynamics is critical for diagnostics and treatment, capturing these dynamics is difficult due to their complexity and the high heterogeneity in disease development between individuals. We present TimeAx, an algorithm which builds a comparative framework for capturing disease dynamics using high-dimensional, short time-series data. We demonstrate the utility of TimeAx by studying disease progression dynamics for multiple diseases and data types. Notably, for urothelial bladder cancer tumorigenesis, we identify a stromal pro-invasion point on the disease progression axis, characterized by massive immune cell infiltration to the tumor microenvironment and increased mortality. Moreover, the continuous TimeAx model differentiates between early and late tumors within the same tumor subtype, uncovering molecular transitions and potential targetable pathways. Overall, we present a powerful approach for studying disease progression dynamics-providing improved molecular interpretability and clinical benefits for patient stratification and outcome prediction.

Rotational stability of plate haptic toric intraocular lenses after combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery.

AIM: To evaluate the postoperative intraocular lens (IOL) rotational stability and residual refractive astigmatism following combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery with implantation of a plate haptic toric IOL. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, 32 eyes of 32 patients underwent a combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and phacoemulsification for vitreoretinal diseases and cataract with regular corneal astigmatism of at least 1 diopter (D). A plate haptic toric IOL (AT Torbi 709M, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) was implanted in all eyes. The outcome measures were rotational stability and refractive astigmatism up to 6mo postoperatively as well as the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Preoperative refractive astigmatism was 2.14±1.17 D, which was significantly reduced to 0.77±0.37 D six to eight weeks postoperatively and remained stable throughout the observation period (0.67±0.44 D at three months and 0.75±0.25 D at six months; for all groups: P<0.0001 compared to baseline). BCVA improved significantly from 0.36±0.33 logMAR preoperatively to 0.10±0.15 logMAR following surgery (P=0.02). Mean IOL axis deviation from the target axis was 3.4°±2.9° after six to eight weeks and significantly decreased over time (2.4°±2.6° six months after surgery; P=0.04). In one patient IOL, re-alignment was performed. CONCLUSION: Corneal astigmatism is significantly reduced following combined 25-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery. The plate haptic toric IOL position and axis remain stable during the observation period of six months.

[Gene therapy in ophthalmology]. / Gentherapie in der Augenheilkunde.

In 2017 the gene therapy medication voretigene neparvovec-rzyl was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for retinal gene therapy of hereditary retinal dystrophies caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl is a gene augmentation therapy using an  adeno-associated virus-based vector to express a healthy copy of the human RPE65 gene in the patient's retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The success of gene augmentation therapy in RPE65-linked retinal dystrophy encouraged research activities on the concept of gene supplementation to be extended to nongenetic diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration; however, it also showed that the principle of success cannot be easily extended to other retinal dystrophies. This review article presents the most commonly used principles and technologies of gene therapy and provides an overview of the current challenges and limitations. Furthermore, practice-relevant aspects of the indications and the treatment procedure are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of disease stages, especially with respect to patient's expectations and the evaluation of treatment success.

Optical coherence tomography-based misdiagnosis and morphological distinction in pachychoroid neovasculopathy vs. polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of misdiagnosis of aneurysmatic pachychoroid type 1 choroidal neovascularization/polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PAT1/PCV) among cases diagnosed as non-aneurysmatic pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and to define optical coherence tomography (OCT) features facilitating their distinction. METHODS: The database of the Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, was screened for patients diagnosed with PNV. Multimodal imaging was screened for the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and aneurysms/polyps. Imaging features facilitating the diagnosis of PAT1/PCV were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 49 eyes of 44 patients with a clinical PNV diagnosis were included, of which 42 (85.7%) had PNV and 7 (14.3%) represented misdiagnosed PAT1/PCV. SFCT was comparable (PNV: 377 ± 92 vs. PAT1/PCV: 400 ± 83 µm; p = 0.39). Whereas no difference was detected in total pigment epithelium detachment (PED) diameter (p = 0.46), maximum PED height was significantly higher in the PAT1/PCV group (199 ± 31 vs. 82 ± 46, p < 0.00001). In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the optimum cutoff for defining "peaking PED" was 158 µm with an area under the curve of 0.969, a sensitivity of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.59-1.0), and a specificity of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.84-0.99). Sub-retinal hyperreflective material (SHRM; p = 0.04), sub-retinal ring-like structures (SRRLS; p < 0.00001), and sub-RPE fluid (p = 0.04) were significantly more frequent in eyes with PAT1/PCV. CONCLUSION: A relevant percentage of eyes diagnosed with PNV might instead suffer from PAT1/PCV. The detection of a maximum PED height ("peaking PED") exceeding approximately 150 µm, SHRM, SRRLS, and sub-RPE fluid might greatly aid in the production of a more accurate diagnosis.

Epiretinal Amniotic Membrane in Complicated Retinal Detachment: a Clinical and In Vitro Safety Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Amniotic membrane (AM) is a popular treatment for external ocular diseases. First intraocular implantations in other diseases reported promising results. Here, we review three cases of intravitreal epiretinal human AM (iehAM) transplantation as an adjunct treatment for complicated retinal detachment and analyze clinical safety. Possible cellular rejection reactions against the explanted iehAM were evaluated and its influence was assessed on three retinal cell lines in vitro. METHODS: Three patients with complicated retinal detachment and implanted iehAM during pars plana vitrectomy are retrospectively presented. After removal of the iehAM at subsequent surgery, tissue-specific cellular responses were studied by light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. We investigated the influence of AM in vitro on retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19), Müller cells (Mio-M1), and differentiated retinal neuroblasts (661W) . An anti-histone DNA ELISA for cell apoptosis, a BrdU ELISA for cell proliferation, a WST-1 assay for cell viability, and a live/dead assay for cell death were performed. RESULTS: Despite the severity of the retinal detachment, stable clinical outcomes were obtained in all three cases. Immunostaining of the explanted iehAM showed no evidence of cellular immunological rejection. In vitro, there was no statistical significant change in cell death or cell viability nor were proliferative effects detected on ARPE-19, Müller cells, and retinal neuroblasts exposed to AM. CONCLUSION: iehAM was a viable adjuvant with many potential benefits for treatment of complicated retinal detachment. Our investigations could not detect any signs of rejection reactions or toxicity. Further studies are needed to evaluate this potential in more detail.

Local Recurrence in Choroidal Melanomas following Robotic-Assisted Radiosurgery (CyberKnife).

Introduction: Tumor recurrence in choroidal melanoma has been associated with decreased overall survival due to metastatic spreading. To detect risk factors of local recurrence and side effects, we analyzed tumor planning and treatment parameters in patients with recurrence of choroidal melanoma after treatment with robotic-assisted radiosurgery (CyberKnife). Methods: Six hundred ninety-four patients treated with CyberKnife between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, best-corrected visual acuity, tumor height, and diameter were recorded. Treatment planning and radiation doses were reviewed. Salvage therapy, overall survival, metastasis, and complications were recorded. Results: Seventy-four patients showed local recurrence. Local recurrence occurred after 42.1 months post CyberKnife treatment (mean; range: 5-100 months). Fourteen out of 74 patients (18.9%) died during follow-up. Recurrence treatment included enucleation in 51 patients (68.9%) and radiosurgery in 19 patients (25.7%). Treatment planning without contrast medium MRI, radiation dose of less than 21 Gy, and insufficient margin delineation were identified as risk factors incrementing local control. Discussion: Robotic-assisted radiosurgery (CyberKnife) is a suitable treatment option for large choroidal melanoma up to 12 mm. Patients with significantly better visual acuity received repeat CyberKnife treatment as salvage therapy and showed an eye retention rate of 81%.

Long-Term Results of Adjunct Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Lamellar Macular Hole Surgery Showing Lasting Restoration of Foveal Anatomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-time results of highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used as an adjunct in lamellar macular hole (LMH) surgery. Nineteen eyes of nineteen patients with progressive LMH were enrolled in this interventional case series, on which 23/25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed and 0.1 mL of highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma was applied under air tamponade. Posterior vitreous detachment was induced, and the peeling of tractive epiretinal membranes, whenever present, was performed. In cases of phakic lens status, combined surgery was carried out. Postoperatively, all patients were instructed to remain in a supine position for the first two postoperative hours. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, microperimetry, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were carried out preoperatively and at minimum 6 months (in median 12 months) postoperatively. Foveal configuration was postoperatively restored in 19 of 19 patients. Two patients who had not undergone ILM peeling showed a recurring defect at 6-month follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.29 ± 0.08 to 0.14 ± 0.13 logMAR (p = 0.028, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Microperimetry remained unchanged (23.38 ± 2.53 preoperatively; 23.0 ± 2.49 dB postoperatively; p = 0.67). No patients experienced vision loss after surgery, and no significant intra- or postoperative complications were observed. Using PRP as an adjunct in macular hole surgery significantly improves morphological and functional outcomes. Additionally, it might be an effective prophylaxis to further progression and also the formation of a secondary full-thickness macular hole. The results of this study might contribute to a paradigm shift in macular hole surgery towards early intervention.

Pars-plana-vitrectomy for endophthalmitis treatment and the role of standardized ultrasound.

PURPOSE: Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation following surgery or endogenous spread of pathogens. Besides clinical signs and symptoms, standardized ultrasound might help to confirm the diagnosis. Thus, we analyzed 172 cases of endophthalmitis for pathogens, visual acuity (VA) and the predictive value of standardized ultrasound. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients treated with pars-plana-vitrectomy for endophthalmitis at the University Eye Hospital was performed. Sex, age, VA at presentation, first day after surgery, four weeks postoperatively, and at last follow-up, as well as pathogen culture, and presence of standardized ultrasound before vitrectomy were recorded. Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests were used for groupwise comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients (male = 47.7%) with a median age of 76 years (IQR 65-82 years) treated for endophthalmitis (exogenous = 85.5%) were included. Median follow-up time was 65 days (IQR 12-274 days). Visual acuity at presentation was 2.30 logMAR (IQR 2.70-2.30 logMAR); it increased to 1.00 logMAR (1.4-0.40 logMAR) at last follow-up. A total of 79 patients (45.9%) underwent standardized ultrasound before vitrectomy. Patients with positive ultrasound criteria had a significantly decreased VA at presentation (p = 0.034). Positive microbiological cultures for Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus faecalis were associated with decreased VA (p = 0.028) at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Standardized ultrasound is an easy and robust tool in the diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Positive criteria are significantly associated with decreased VA at presentation. The recovery of VA depends on pathogens and is significantly worse for certain species (Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis).