OCT analysis of preoperative foveal microstructure in recent-onset macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: visual acuity prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate, in patients undergoing macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery (RRD), the correlation between preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) morphological features and postoperative visual acuity. METHODS: Retrospective interventional non-randomised clinical trial on 89 eyes of 89 patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for macula-off primary RRD at Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli from 2020 to 2023. Preoperative 6×6 mm OCT B scans with Nidek Mirante (Nidek, Gamagori, Japan) were performed, collecting the following features: foveal involvement (fovea-on vs fovea-off), subretinal hyper-reflective points (HRPs), outer retinal corrugations (ORCs) and intraretinal cystic spaces (ICS) in the outer nuclear layer. The patients were followed in a 6-month follow-up to evaluate best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) outcomes. RESULTS: Preoperative mean BCVA was 0.15±0.22 and improved to 0.29±0.3 decimals at 6 months (p<0.001). The presence of subretinal HRPs showed a significant negative impact on BCVA improvement in the univariate regression analysis (r=-0.264, p=0.024), as well as the presence of foveal detachment (r=-0.355, p=0.012). The other OCT features did not show a significant correlation with BCVA improvement: ORCs (r=0.072, p=0.257) and ICS (r=-0.020, p=0.734). In the multivariate regression analysis, the negative impact of foveal detachment was confirmed (r=-0.199, p=0.05) while the statistical significance of subretinal HRPs was lost (r=-0.135, p=0.105). CONCLUSIONS: The negative impact of foveal involvement in a macula-off RRD was confirmed. Moreover, the presence of subretinal HRPs, as a possible indirect marker of inflammatory response extent, may act as a negative predictor for postoperative visual recover. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05747144.

Large language models as assistance for glaucoma surgical cases: a ChatGPT vs. Google Gemini comparison.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define the capability of ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini in analyzing detailed glaucoma case descriptions and suggesting an accurate surgical plan. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 60 medical records of surgical glaucoma was divided into "ordinary" (n = 40) and "challenging" (n = 20) scenarios. Case descriptions were entered into ChatGPT and Bard's interfaces with the question "What kind of surgery would you perform?" and repeated three times to analyze the answers' consistency. After collecting the answers, we assessed the level of agreement with the unified opinion of three glaucoma surgeons. Moreover, we graded the quality of the responses with scores from 1 (poor quality) to 5 (excellent quality), according to the Global Quality Score (GQS) and compared the results. RESULTS: ChatGPT surgical choice was consistent with those of glaucoma specialists in 35/60 cases (58%), compared to 19/60 (32%) of Gemini (p = 0.0001). Gemini was not able to complete the task in 16 cases (27%). Trabeculectomy was the most frequent choice for both chatbots (53% and 50% for ChatGPT and Gemini, respectively). In "challenging" cases, ChatGPT agreed with specialists in 9/20 choices (45%), outperforming Google Gemini performances (4/20, 20%). Overall, GQS scores were 3.5 ± 1.2 and 2.1 ± 1.5 for ChatGPT and Gemini (p = 0.002). This difference was even more marked if focusing only on "challenging" cases (1.5 ± 1.4 vs. 3.0 ± 1.5, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: ChatGPT-4 showed a good analysis performance for glaucoma surgical cases, either ordinary or challenging. On the other side, Google Gemini showed strong limitations in this setting, presenting high rates of unprecise or missed answers.

Exclusive Ru-106 brachytherapy for the management of a recurrent corneo: Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of personalized exclusive brachytherapy treatment for the management of a highly recurrent squamous cell conjunctival carcinoma with corneal invasion. CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a case of a Caucasian 81-years-old man who presented 10 years ago to our clinic with a pink-white para-limbal mass with dilated feeder arteries and mild leukoplakia. Excisional biopsy confirmed the presence of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Successively, he underwent two 4-weeks cycles of Mytomicin C topical therapy and a second excisional surgery, due to several recurrences of the lesion. At the last relapse, the pink-white peri-limbic mass which invaded the corneal limbus, determining corneal opacification from 5- to 7-clock hours, was confirmed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Due to resistance to MMC therapy and chronic epitheliopathy, an AS-OCT guided exclusive radiotherapy plan was set: a Rhutenium-106 CCD plaque was applied directly over the afflicted corneal surface, the corneal limbus and the neighboring sclera for 24 hours. The remission of both conjunctival and corneal malignancy was complete 2 months after surgery and no signs of recurrence were highlighted at AS-OCT analysis at the 2-year follow up. CONCLUSION: Brachytherapy treatment showed optimal management of both corneal and conjunctival involvement, with a free-of-disease follow-up of 24-months. This result suggests that, in specific conditions, Ru-106 brachytherapy could be an effective option of treatment even if not associated with surgical excision.

Microvascular Changes after Epiretinal Membrane Vitrectomy with Intraoperative Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant: An OCT Angiography Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore microvascular changes evaluated with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients undergoing epiretinal membrane (ERM) pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with intravitreal Ozurdex implantation, compared with standard PPV. (2) Methods: Prospective interventional analysis on 25 eyes undergoing PPV + Ozurdex (Group A) and 25 eyes undergoing PPV alone. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCTA parameters, such as vessel density (VD) of the superficial and deep capillary plexi (SCP and DCP) in the whole 6.4 mm × 6.4 mm and fovea area, were evaluated preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. (3) Results: Postoperative BCVA significantly improved in both groups. No cases of post-operative cystoid macular edema (CME) were reported in Group A vs. two eyes in Group B. In Group A we found a statistically significant increase of SCP's VD in either the whole image (from 42.1 ± 4.1 to 45.6 ± 4.3%, p = 0.01) and the fovea image (from 38.5 ± 7.5 to 41.7 ± 4.2%, p = 0.03). In Group B, we reported no significant variations in the SCP's VDs. In the DCP, VD significantly increased only in the whole image in Group A. Stage 4 ERMs showed the greatest improvement in VD, especially in Group A. (4) Conclusions: Intraoperative Ozurdex prompted a significant BCVA recovery and limited the occurrence of postoperative CME compared to the standard procedure. Moreover, Ozurdex implant is associated with a better restoration of microvascular structure in SCP and DCP.

Incidental Finding of Suprachoroidal Space's Silicone Oil Migration: A Tumor-Mimicking Lesion and Its Clinical Management.

The migration of silicone oil into the suprachoroidal region is a rare complication of vitrectomy. A 70-year-old man was admitted to our ocular oncology unit with a choroidal elevation in the nasal area, as well as signs of pars plana vitrectomy surgery performed about 5 years ago for retinal detachment. The patient underwent ocular ultrasound, visual field test, fluorangiography, and magnetic resonance imaging, which led to the diagnosis of silicone oil migration in the suprachoroidal space. Silicone oil may move into the suprachoroidal area, mimicking choroidal neoformation. It is important to have a comprehensive diagnosis and then set up the appropriate treatment. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:104-108.].

Inferior implant of XEN63 Gel stent in a refractory open-angle glaucoma due to silicone oil tamponade: A case report.

BACKGROUND: To discuss the efficacy of an inferior implant of XEN 63 gel stent in a patient with refractory glaucoma after trabeculectomy failure and vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 73-year-old man with a history of refractory open glaucoma with trabeculectomy failure. He experienced recurrent retinal detachments with silicone oil tamponade, with uncontrolled intra-ocular pressure (IOP) after silicone oil removal. Due to the presence of oil emulsion in the anterior chamber, the chosen location for XEN 63 implantation was the infero-temporal quadrant. Mild hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage were seen post-operatively, but were self-limiting. At week 1, the intraocular pressure was 8 mmHg with a well-formed bleb seen in anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). At 6 month follow up, the patient maintained a IOP of 12 mmHg without topical hypotensive drugs. Slit lamp examination revealed a widespread, developed bleb with no signs of inflammation. CONCLUSION: In this case of refractory glaucoma in a vitrectomized eye with previous oil tamponade, the inferior placement of the XEN 63 gel stent delivered an adequate intraocular pressure even at 6-months follow up, with a diffuse functional infero-nasal bleb seen with AS-OCT.

Kaminari Kagura: the "lightning bolt shape" technique for posterior vitreous detachment induction.

PURPOSE: To describe and evaluate the effectiveness of the Kaminari Kagura technique as a posterior hyaloid detachment treatment. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, consecutive, randomized interventional study. METHODS: This study examined 30 eyes from 30 patients divided into two groups: (1) a Kaminari Kagura group (15 eyes) and (2) a control group (15 eyes) scheduled for vitrectomy with an optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based diagnosis of adherent posterior hyaloid. RESULTS: The mean time for posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) induction in the Kaminari Kagura group was 58 ± 6.6 s, and that in the control group was 69 ± 9 s (p < 0.005). No intra- or post-operative complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The Kaminari Kagura technique results in effective posterior hyaloid detachment in less time than that required for posterior vitreous cortex engagement.

Eyewatch adjustable drainage device in vitrectomized eyes with refractory glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: To describe the efficacy and safety of the adjustable system eyeWatch in vitrectomized glacomatous eyes. METHODS: Prospective, non-comparative, small case series of 2 patients who underwent glaucoma drainage device implant with the eyeWatch system. Intraocular pressure, number of medications and early and late complications were evaluated. RESULTS: None of the operated eyes developed early or late complications. After 1 week post operatively, the IOP raised at 28 mmHg in the first eye and 25 mmHg in the second one. The eyeWatch Pen was used to open and set the device into position 3 (that means implant half opened) After waiting for 30 min, IOP was 15 mmHg and 11 mmHg, respectively. Thirty days after surgery we set the EyeWatch into position 0 (that means implant full opened) even though the IOP was under control. A new IOP measurement was done and we registered that IOP was 14 mmHg and 10 mmHg respectively, and it remained stable after six months of follow up. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in our case series the use of eyeWatch adjustable system allows a safe and gradual regulation of the flow during post-operative management also in vitrectomized eyes. Considering the percentage of hypotony related complications in vitrectomized eyes this system is an effective and safe technique to handle glaucoma in post vitreoretinal surgery eyes.

Early post-operative anterior segment parameters modifications induced by PreserFlo MicroShunt in primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The aim this study is to determine anterior chamber parameters variations induced by PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation, in the early post-operative days. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study on 48 eyes undergoing PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation alone (n = 30) or combined with phacoemulsification (n = 18). Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and volume (ACV), central corneal thickness (CCT) and total corneal astigmatism (TCA) were evaluated pre-operatively, post-operatively at day-1 and at 1 week with the Pentacam tomography. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 20.9 ± 4.0 to 8.0 ± 2.8 mmHg (p < 0.0001) and to 10.8 ± 3.7 mmHg (p = 0.0001) at day-1 and week-1, respectively. TCA varied significantly from baseline (1.5 ± 1.2 D) to both day 1 follow up (2.7 ± 1.9 D, p = 0.0003) and week 1 follow up (2.2 ± 1.6 D, p = 0.02). Nevertheless, only K1 showed a transient flattening at day 1, while K2 value didn't show any statistical variation in the early post-operative period. CCT value rose significantly at day 1 (547 ± 49 vs. 529 ± 32 µm at baseline, p = 0.04), but then returned toward pre-operative values at week 1 (537 ± 39 µm, p = 0.57). In contrast, ACD values changed insignificantly from 3.3 ± 0.9 to 3.7 ± 1.0 mm at day 1 (p = 0.21), and then stabilized at 3.4 ± 0.9 mm (p = 0.82) at week 1 follow up. ACV changed from 150.0 ± 36.2 to 159.5 ± 42.1 mm3 at day 1 (p = 0.58), and successively to 153.9 ± 37.9 mm3 at week 1 follow up (p = 0.96). The subgroup analysis in eyes undergoing standalone PreserFlo implantation didn't show significant changes in both ACD and ACV. CONCLUSION: PreserFlo implantation minimizes the anterior chamber modifications generated by traditional filtering surgery, inducing low and transient corneal and biometric changes only in the very early postoperative period and insignificant changes to ACD and ACV, label of its safety and minimal invasiveness.

Two-Port "Dry Vitrectomy" as a New Surgical Technique for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Focus on Macula-on Results.

We evaluated a new surgical technique for treating primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), consisting of localized vitrectomy near the retinal break associated with drainage of subretinal fluid without infusion. Twelve eyes of twelve patients with primary RRDs with macula-on superior, temporal, and/or nasal quadrants' RRD with retinal breaks between 8 and 4 o'clock, pseudophakic or phakic eyes, were enrolled. All eyes underwent a two-port 25-gauge vitrectomy with localized removal of the vitreous surrounding the retinal break(s), followed by a 20% SF6 injection and cryopexy. The difference between pre-operative (T0) and post-operative mean BCVA at 6 months follow-up (T6) was not statistically significant (0.16 logMAR vs. 0.21 logMAR; p = 0.055). Primary anatomic success at 6 months was achieved by 86% of patients. No other complications, except for two retinal re-detachments linked to an incorrect head position of the patients, were recorded. Although further studies are necessary to evaluate the treatment's efficacy, we believe our technique could be considered a valid alternative for managing primary RRD.

Spontaneous ciliary body detachment in a Marfan patient: A case of personalized management.

Purpose: We present a case of a patient with Marfan Syndrome who underwent a personalized approach to manage a spontaneous ciliary body detachment and degeneration of the ciliary processes, causing refractive ocular hypotony. Observations: A 20-year-old MFS man, with a history of bilateral juvenile cataract surgery with failed IOL positioning due to subluxation and consequent explantation, was referred to our clinic after the discovery of persistent ocular hypotonia in his left eye for the past two months, non-responder to corticosteroids. Slit-lamp examination showed shallow anterior chamber and aphakia, with chorioretinal folds, optic disc swelling and mild peripheral retinal lifting. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 4 mmHg. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) revealed the presence of a flat, annular ciliochoroidal detachment, posterior pole congestion and total ciliary body separation. One-month systemic therapy with corticosteroids revealed ineffective, and a newly performed UBM showed a significant reduction in the number and thickness of the ciliary processes. At this point, he underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil endotamponade, combined with a focal trans-scleral cryopexy of the ciliary body, 2 mm behind the limbus and one spot per quadrant, in order to favor ciliary body reattachment. Post-operative IOP was 28 mmHg and the choroidal detachment was resolved, with UBM highlighting ciliary body reattachment. Six months after, with good IOP control using topical therapy, silicone oil was removed. One year after, visual acuity had inccreased to 6/10 and a good IOP control was still maintained with eye drops. Conclusion and Importance: A rare case of spontaneous ciliary body detachment in a long standing aphakic MFS patient was successfully managed with focal trans-scleral cryopexy of the ciliary body combined with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil endotamponade.

Internal Tube Occlusion with An Easily Removable Non-Absorbable Double Suture: A Novel Surgical Technique Adjunct for Non-Valved Glaucoma Drainage Devices.

To describe a surgical variant for non-valved glaucoma drainage device implants using an easily removable non-absorbable double suture into the lumen of the tube. A retrospective, non-comparative case series of 10 patients who underwent a non-valved glaucoma drainage device implant with an endoluminal double-suture for refractory glaucoma. The sutures were easily removed postoperatively without the need for an operating room. Intraocular pressure, number of medications, and early and late complications were evaluated with a follow-up of 12 months. None of the eyes that underwent an operation developed early or late complications. The first endoluminal suture was removed in all eyes with a mean time of removal of 30 ± 7 days. The second suture was removed in all eyes with a mean time of removal of 90 ± 7 days. No complications were noted, either, after or during suture removal. The mean preoperative IOP was 27.3 ± 4.0 and the postoperative IOP, at the end of the follow-up, was 12.7 ± 1.4. At the end of the follow-up, six patients (60%) achieved complete success and four patients (40%) achieved qualified success. In conclusion, in our case series, the surgical variant allowed for a safe and gradual regulation of the flow during postoperative management. Considering the efficacy of non-valved glaucoma drainage devices, an improvement in the safety profile allows surgeons to broaden the surgical indications.

Dynamics of Epiretinal Membrane Peeling under Perfluorocarbon Liquid Evaluated by Intraoperative OCT.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to provide intraoperative data demonstrating a significant difference in the membrane peeling dynamics performed under a perfluorocarbon (PFCL) bubble, compared to normal balanced saline solution (BSS). METHODS: This is a prospective, interventional, single-center study on a series of 36 consecutive eyes of 36 patients affected by primary epiretinal membrane (ERM). Eighteen eyes underwent standard ERM peeling, while 18 eyes received a PFCL-assisted procedure. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) B-Scans were collected to evaluate the displacement angle (DA) between the underlying retinal plane and the flap of epiretinal tissue, along with the number of times the surgeon had to grab the flap during the intervention. Follow-up visits were carried out at postoperative week 1 and months 1, 3 and 6. RESULTS: The mean DA was 164.8° ± 4.0 in the PFCL-assisted group and 119.7° ± 8.7 in the standard group, with a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, we found a significant difference in the amount of ERM grabs between the two groups (7.2 ± 2.5 in the PFCL-assisted group vs. 10.3 ± 3.1 in the standard group, p = 0.005). The mean BCVA and metamorphopsia significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.05), with no significant intergroup difference at all follow-up visits. Similarly, CST significantly decreased in both groups, and final CST was similar between the two groups (p = 0.719). Overall, three eyes in the standard group developed postoperative dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL, 16.6%), compared to none of the PFCL-assisted group. CONCLUSION: We reported a statistically significant difference in the intraoperative peeling dynamics of the PFCL-assisted group, accounting for a decreased tendency in the tearing of the ERM flap and possibly reduced damage to the fiber layer, with equal effectiveness in improving visual function and foveal thickness.

Brolucizumab for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: One-Year Real-World Experience from a Tertiary Center.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the early efficacy and safety of treatment with intravitreal injections (IVIs) of brolucizumab in patients presenting with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in a real-world setting. METHODS: This retrospective study included 194 eyes of 180 patients with nAMD treated with standard 6-mg IVIs of brolucizumab in our clinic between March 11, 2021, and June 15, 2022. Both treatment-naive (33 eyes) and switch therapy patients (161 eyes) were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), retinal fluid distribution (classified as intraretinal, subretinal, under the pigmented epithelium), treatment intervals, and adverse event rates were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Average follow-up time was 37.2 ± 16.6 weeks. Mean baseline BCVAs were 38.1 ± 4.5 and 41.9 ± 6.7 letters in the treatment-naive and switch therapy groups, with a final gain of 16.0 ± 4.9 (p < 0.0001) and 10.7 ± 5.9 (p < 0.0001) letters in the two groups, respectively. Throughout the study period, CST significantly decreased in both treatment naïve (from 352.0 ± 129.4 to 284.2 ± 93.8 µm; p = 0.0015) and switch therapy (from 369.9 ± 140.5 to 307.4 ± 123.5 µm; p < 0.0001). Significant fluid control rates were achieved at the end of the study period (45% and 27% eyes were completely free of fluid in naïve and switch groups, respectively). Five eyes (2.6%) developed adverse events with different grades of intraocular inflammation and visual outcomes. CONCLUSION: Brolucizumab IVI showed very good anatomical and functional outcomes in both naive and switch patients in this real-world experience. Nevertheless, even showing a favorable risk/benefit profile, clinicians and patients should be aware of the possibility of a small rate of severe complications.

Applications of Human Amniotic Membrane Patching Assisted Vitrectomy in the Management of Postoperative PVR in Complex Retinal Detachments.

Human amniotic membranes (hAMs) are extraembryonic tissues currently employed in the treatment of many ocular and systemic diseases. Several reports indicate that hAMs can suppress the signaling pathway of tissue growth factor beta (TGF-ß), a cytokine that plays a major role in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) through the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in exposed retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a modified vitrectomy procedure (hAMP-V) involving the extensive coverage of exposed RPE with hAM patches to prevent postoperative PVR in a series of 15 cases of retinal detachment complicated by severe preoperatory PVR. The primary outcome was to assess the rate of successful retinal reattachment of a single hAMP-V procedure at 6 months from silicone oil removal. Secondary outcomes included the collection of intraoperative data concerning the quantity, size, and scope of hAM patches, and the assessment of postoperative improvements in mean LogMar BCVA at 3 and 6 months. Successful retinal reattachment was obtained in 14 out of 15 eyes (93.3%). Surgical failure due to major recurrence of PVR occurred in 1 out of 15 eyes (6.7%). Postoperative improvements in mean LogMar BCVA were statistically significant (p < 0.05, paired t-test). No intraoperative and postoperative adverse effects were reported. The study helped to refine the surgical technique while also offering cues for future improvements.

Sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale IOL: a review on the novel designed lens.

BACKGROUND:  Complicated cataract surgery is the main cause of secondary lens implantation surgery. Several approaches have been introduced to face those circumstances. As it concerns scleral-fixated IOLs for the posterior chamber, many types of IOL can be implanted. The aim of article is to review the single piece sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale lens; Methods: Narrative review; Results: Several works described as safe the IOL implantation utilizing the handshake approach, without tactile manipulation, which allows for self-centration and lens firm fixation in uncomplicated surgery. This allows to reduce high order aberration such as astigmatism and coma, with a very good postoperative BCVA Conclusions: Carlevale lens is one of the best option to manage insufficient capsular support.

Bilateral papilledema associated with retinal hemorrhagic appearance as earliest sign of spinal cord tumor.

INTRODUCTION: To report a case of a 57-years-old female patient who presented with prominent bilateral proptosis and swollen disks. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57-year-old obese patient admitted to our ophthalmic department complaining of bilateral sense of eye swelling and mild blurring vision. The anterior segment and pupillary reflex were normal on ophthalmological testing. Likewise, eye movements were preserved and she did not report diplopia in any position of gaze. Dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral hemorrhagic papilledema, pre-retinal hemorrhages in both eyes, dot and blot hemorrhages in the peripheral retina. Visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Routine hematological investigations revealed increased both Von Willebrand factor and ristocetin factor and LAC positivity. The lumbar puncture (LP) showed elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast of brain and spinal cord showed signs of intracranial hypertension and the presence of two lesions in continuity with each other respectively located at T12-L1 and L1-L2. Radiologic features were compatible with the diagnosis of ependymoma. A surgical procedure was conducted and confirmed the diagnosis after anatomical pathology analysis. CONCLUSION: Although rare, bilateral hemorrhagic swollen disks could be an early sign of spinal cord tumors, in particular ependymomas.

Early evaluation of optic nerve head morphology and choroidal thickness after PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate changes in choroidal and optic nerve morphological parameters following MicroShunt PreserFlo implantation. The secondary aim is to investigate how the structural changes relate to the decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: Prospective observational study on 15 eyes with glaucoma requiring MicroShunt implantation. Optical coherence tomography was used to measure macular choroidal thickness (MCT), peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT), lamina cribrosa depth (LCD), cup depth and prelaminar tissue thickness (PLT), before and one day after surgery. Results were expressed in median and interquartile range (IQR) and correlated with IOP results. RESULTS: The IOP decreased from a median of 25 (IQR = 11) mmHg to 8 (IQR = 2) mmHg the day after surgery. Median MCT increased after MicroShunt implantation from 252.1 (IQR = 156.4) µm to a postoperative value of 318.1 (IQR = 166.6) µm (p < 0.001), with a median increase of + 87.7 µm (+ 26.4%). PCT increased from 157.2 (IQR = 109.1) µm before surgery to 206.0 (IQR = 136.1) µm after surgery (p < 0.001). Moreover, we found a significant post-operative decrease in cup depth (median reduction of - 29.3 µm, p < 0.001) and an increase in PLT (median increase of 27.3 µm, p = 0.028). On the other side, LCD reduction 24 h after surgery didn't reach any statistical significance. CONCLUSION: PreserFlo implantation determines retinal structural changes which appear similar to those caused by traditional filtering surgery, confirming the effectiveness of this device, meantime carrying a much smaller complications rate when compared to trabeculectomy.

Supportive treatment to chemotherapy with MMC, in patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasia or conjunctival melanocytic tumor.

PURPOSE: Since there is a lack of clear information regarding the benefit to combine supportive therapies (such as artificial tears) to mitomycin C (MMC) in the treatment of ocular surface neoplasia, the primary purpose of the study was to evaluate hyaluronic acid eye drops and hyaluronic acid-conjugated lactobionic acid (LACTOyal FREE) eye drops as supportive therapy. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasia or conjunctival melanocytic tumor treated with MMC, who had used also artificial tears as supportive treatment. A 6-month follow-up with evaluation of subjective and objective tests for ocular surface integrity was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were analyzed, most of them with squamous disease (71.4%). The break-up time (BUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Schirmer test values showed a significant difference at any time point with overall population. No statistical difference was found among subgroups (Lactoyal vs No Lactoyal). CONCLUSION: The use of an ancillary therapy based on hyaluronic acid allows to improve both subjective and objective ocular parameters, reducing MMC induced adverse effects. Meantime, hyaluronic acid-conjugated lactobionic acid eye drops highlighted the same advantages with a more positive trend in OSDI results.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: Analysis of Surgical Phases and Comparison with Standard Phacoemulsification in Uncomplicated Cataracts.

The aim of this work is to compare the time of surgical phases and the cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) of the phacoemulsification phase in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and in standard surgical procedures of phacoemulsification (PCS). This prospective, non-randomized study analyzed the data of 100 cataract surgeries, 66 using FLACS and 34 with standard PCS. The time of surgical phases was recorded by a digital chronometer; an additional parameter recorded was the CDE of the phacoemulsification phase. The mean time of femtosecond laser phase was 121.7 ± 27.3 s with minimal fluctuations in duration; the mean opening time of the corneal tunnel and the service incisions was 60.5 ± 20.4 s in the PCS, and 48.8 ± 17.4 s in FLACS (p = 0.04); the mean time of capsulorhexis was 39.6 ± 12.9 s in the PCS and 7.0 ± 5.2 s in FLACS (p < 0.0001); the mean time of phacoemulsification was 180.1 ± 45.6 s in the PCS and 163.0 ± 38.2 s in FLACS (p = 0.12); the mean aspiration time of the residual cortical was 66.3 ± 27.5 s in the PCS and 91.5 ± 35.7 s in FLACS (p = 0.02). Overall, the total surgical time of the cataract surgery was 742.3 ± 185.8 s in PCS and 985.1 ± 118.6 s in FLACS (p = 0.03). The mean CDE was 11.35 in the PCS and 8.3 in FLACS (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the greatest advantage obtained from the use of the femtosecond laser was the reduction of the duration of the phacoemulsification time and of the CDE parameter.