Role of fundus autofluorescence imaging in the management of submacular hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the baseline characteristics of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH). METHODS: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with treatment-naive, foveal-involving subretinal hemorrhage (size > 2-disc diameters) of any etiology, presenting between June 2017 and June 2023. Only cases with good-quality color fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, and blue-light FAF images at baseline were included. SMH imaging characteristics were documented and correlated with treatment outcomes. A successful treatment outcome was defined as the reduction, displacement or clearance of the SMH from beneath the fovea. RESULTS: Nineteen cases of SMH (13 males, 6 females), ranging from 14 to 85 years, were analyzed. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) was the most common etiology (n = 11, 58%). Baseline visual acuity ranged from 6/9 to counting fingers at ½ meter, with a median presentation time of 7 days from symptom onset (range: 1-57 days). Treatment success was observed in 13 eyes (68%). Hypoautofluoroscence on FAF was significantly associated with SMH resolution (p = 0.021). However, no association was found between treatment success and clinical hemorrhage characteristics (p = 0.222), OCT findings (p = 0.222), or specific treatments (p > 0.05). Hypoautofluoroscence on FAF was the sole predictor of treatment success, as demonstrated by Spearman's correlation (r = 0.637; p = 0.003) and linear regression analysis (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: FAF, in conjunction with color fundus photography and OCT, may provide valuable insights for clinicians in formulating treatment strategies for patients with SMH. Hypoautofluoroscence on FAF was a significant predictor of successful SMH resolution in this study.

Comparison of pigment epithelium detachment composition indices between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare changes in the fibrous component of pigment epithelium detachment composition indices (PEDCI-F) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) over 12 months. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of treatment-naïve n-AMD and PCV eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. OCT images were processed by filtering followed by pigment epithelium detachment (PED) segmentation and analysis of PED lesion heterogeneity based on the composition (PEDCI-F). RESULTS: A total of 74 eyes with n-AMD (36) and PCV (38) were included. Overall, PEDCI-F increased minimally in both n-AMD and PCV groups (both p > 0.05). The majority, i.e., 58.3% and 60.5%, of n-AMD and PCV eyes, respectively, showed an increase in PEDCI-F at 12 months. An increase in PEDCI-F was associated with improved BCVA logMAR (n-AMD, r = -0.79; p < 0.001 and PCV, r = - 0.06; p = 0.74) and the need for fewer anti-VEGF injections (n-AMD, r = - 0.53; p < 0.001 and PCV, r = - 0.09; p = 0.58). CONCLUSION: PEDCI-F increases in the majority of eyes with n-AMD and PCV through 12 months following treatment with anti-VEGF injections. This group had better visual acuity compared to the other subset with reduction in PEDCI-F requiring more anti-VEGF injections and worse visual acuity, possibly due to fibrovascular PED (FVPED) collapse and atrophy or a relative increase in other PEDCI constituents at 12 months.

A rare case of hyperpigmented torpedo maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To describe a rare presentation of torpedo maculopathy (TM). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 25-year-old male was examined in the retina clinic for a macular scar in the left eye. His visual acuity was 20/20, N6 in both eyes and no past history of ocular trauma or any medical or ocular history. The anterior segment was quiet and intraocular pressure was normal. RESULTS: The patient's left eye on 78D slit lamp biomicroscopy revealed a flat, diffusely hyperpigmented fusiform torpedo-like lesion with sharp margins and surrounding hypopigmentation located predominantly temporal to the fovea, with its tip pointing towards it and just crossing the vertical foveal midline. Dilated fundus examination with binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed no peripheral chorioretinal lesions or vitritis in both eyes. OCT scan through the lesion revealed gross damage to the outer retinal layers, as well as thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium and underlying shadowing, as well as a hyporeflective subretinal cleft involving the lesion. OCT also revealed outer retinal layer damage with an intact retinal pigment epithelium through the lesion's hypopigmented margins. Fundus autofluorescence image revealed a globally hypoautofluorescent lesion in the left eye, with surrounding patchy hyperautofluoroscent areas. Based on the patient history, clinical and imaging findings, other differential diagnoses such as atypical congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choroidal nevus, RPE hamartoma, trauma and inflammatory conditions were ruled out. The diagnosis of TM was confirmed based on the typical lesion shape and location. CONCLUSION: A torpedo lesion with diffuse hyperpigmentation is an unusually rare presentation.

Evolution of demarcation line after pneumatic retinopexy-a case report.

BACKGROUND: Demarcation line in a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) is a classic finding noted in chronic cases. In this case report, we describe a case of evolution of post-operative demarcation line after pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) in a subtotal rhegmatogenous RD. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 31-year-old male diagnosed with acute, subtotal, macula-off rhegmatogenous RD in the left eye of 15-day duration underwent PnR on the same day. His presenting visual acuity was 6/48 in the left eye. Transconjunctival cryopexy was performed to the retinal break at the same sitting and 0.5 cc of 100% perfluoroproprane (C3F8) gas was injected in the vitreous cavity and right lateral position was advised to the patient. RESULT: A pigmentary demarcation line was noted extending the nasal part of the macula along the most dependent part of the detachment on the immediate post-operative day and was more obviously visible on the 2nd and then on the 11th post-operative day. The visual acuity at the last follow-up visit improved to 6/18. Successful reattachment of the retina was noted on the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Post-operative demarcation lines after RD surgery could develop due to subretinal migration of pigments and along the most-dependent part depending upon post-operative positioning of the patient. Careful post-operative positioning, particularly in macula splitting RDs could be important to avoid pigment accumulation along the foveal area.

Congenital versus acquired optic disc pit maculopathy: An OCT based study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe and compare the demographic, ocular, and imaging characteristics of a cohort of patients with congenital and acquired optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM). METHODS: This retrospective case series included patients diagnosed with ODPM between June 2017 and April 2023. These patients' baseline demographics, ocular characteristics, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging characteristics and follow up changes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 14 eyes with ODPM were identified (9 congenital and 5 acquired). Eyes with congenital ODP developed maculopathy at a younger age, presented commonly with visual symptoms, and exhibited an obvious pit at the temporal foveal margin as well as a high cup: disc ratio (p < 0.05). Primary open-angle glaucoma was identified in all five eyes with acquired ODPM. On OCT, eyes with acquired ODPM lacked the characteristic nerve fibre layer schisis, outer retinal layer hole, and foveal serous macular detachment (p < 0.05) unlike congenital ODPM. At the final follow-up visit, two cases from the congenital ODPM group and one case from the acquired ODPM group displayed complete resolution of maculopathy. The two cases of congenital ODPM were treated with pars plana vitrectomy and laser barrage to the optic disc margin, while the solitary case of acquired ODPM was treated with trabeculectomy surgery alone. CONCLUSION: Clinical examination and baseline OCT imaging reveal distinct differences between congenital and acquired ODPM eyes. These characteristics may help with accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for these two distinct clinical entities.

Ocular surface changes following vitreoretinal procedures.

Dry eye disease (DED) can lead to ocular discomfort as well as visual disturbances. Older adults are more likely to develop DED. They are also more likely to develop retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, which may require vitreoretinal surgeries, lasers, and intravitreal injections. Posterior segment surgery may cause or worsen existing dry eye symptoms, albeit temporarily. Despite good anatomic and functional outcomes, ocular surface dysfunction can have a significant impact on the quality of life, lowering a patient's satisfaction with the retinal treatment. Preexisting DED, intraoperative tissue handling, and postoperative treatment may all contribute to the severity of ocular surface dysfunction. In this article, we have reviewed all relevant studies on the development of ocular surface changes and DED, as well as the impact of vitreoretinal surgeries and procedures on the ocular surface.

Post-vitrectomy delayed retinal breaks in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report a series of cases of post-operative new secondary retinal breaks following vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: This retrospective case series included data of patients diagnosed with post-operative retinal breaks following uneventful vitrectomy surgery for PDR from January 2018 to December 2021. RESULTS: New post-vitrectomy retinal breaks in PDR were seen in 7% of eyes (n = 10/148 eyes; 10 patients). Age of study patients ranged from 45 to 69 years and there were 8 males. Vitreous surgery was performed for vitreous hemorrhage in six eyes, macular tractional retinal detachment in three eyes and epiretinal membrane in one eye. Tractional fibrovascular proliferation near the retinal break prior to its development was noted either pre- or intra-operatively in 8 eyes. Mean time interval between the vitreous surgery and secondary retinal break development was 6.4 months. Residual fibrous tissue post-surgery adjacent to the break was noted in 4 cases. Sclerosed retinal vessel was noted in 4 eyes and associated inner retinal thinning or schisis in 5 eyes. No retinal detachment was noted in any case. Prophylactic barrage was done in 4 eyes. Last follow-up interval ranged from 4 to 53 months and visual acuity ranged from 6/6 to 6/60. No subretinal fluid, traction or break enlargement was noted at the last visit. CONCLUSION: Delayed post-operative retinal breaks following vitrectomy are uncommon in PDR eyes. Careful preoperative evaluation of the retinal proliferations, intraoperative dissection of the membranes and regular post-operative reviews are vital in anticipating the development of delayed post-vitrectomy retinal breaks. Observation could be the management strategy for these breaks.

Long-term effects of combined brilliant blue G and xenon light induced retinal toxicity following macular hole repair surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to look at the long-term effects of retinal phototoxicity after macular hole repair surgery using xenon endolight illumination and Brilliant blue G (BBG) dye. CASE PRESENTATION: An elderly man in his late seventies underwent para plana vitrectomy with BBG dye to repair an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (MH) in his right eye. Prior to macular hole surgery, his visual acuity in the right eye was 6/60, N24 at the time of presentation. The MH closed with type 1 closure immediately after surgery, but there was extensive damage to the outer retinal layers and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) at the macula, resulting in a reduction in visual acuity to 2/60. We presumed that the combination of BBG and xenon light, is the probable reason of retinotoxicity in the current patient. There was a progressive increase in the area of retinal and RPE layer damage and choroidal thinning over a 4-year period. CONCLUSION: Due to combined BBG-induced dye and endoilluminator toxicity, a rare case of continuously progressing RPE layer damage with choroidal thinning over a long follow-up interval was described. Such long-term effects of BBG and endolight induced retinotoxicity have not been reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.

Onion ring sign on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in diabetic macular edema: Its evolution and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report evolution and outcomes of hyperreflective crystalline deposit (HCD) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diabetic maculopathy (DM). METHODS: Patients with DM showing HCD on OCT for the first time between June 2017 and May 2021 were included in the study. Demographic, ophthalmic and OCT features were documented and analysed. Factors leading to the development of HCD and its effect on the functional outcome were analysed and described in this study. RESULTS: Sixty cases of HCD were identified in 45 (males -33; females - 12) patients for the first-time during the defined study period. Mean age of the eligible patients was 61.53 ± 8.19 years. Average duration of diabetes was 13.82 ± 7.38 years. Mean visual acuity of these patients was 0.902 ± 0.438 logMAR units (Snellen equivalent = 20/160). Patients with HCD showed subretinal hard exudates, were on anti-cholesterol medications (n = 36, 80%) and showed reduced visual acuity (20/160) if the HCD involved the fovea. The median time taken for the development of HCD was 28 months. Mean follow-up duration of the study was 26.19 ± 27.98 months. Persistence of HCD in all cases (n = 42, 100%) was noted at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Horizontal, single or multi-layered HCDs on OCT in DM represent intraretinal or subretinal cholesterol crystal precipitates evolving from the hard exudates identical to the "onion ring sign" seen in neovascular AMD. HCDs or CCs depict deranged lipid metabolism, chronic vascular leakage and can lead to substantial visual impairment if the fovea gets involved.

Choroidal Melanocytic Hamartoma.

We report on a case series that revealed flat, choroidal lesions on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and on enface MultiColor® (MCI) imaging of the fundus but were not noticeable on clinical examination or conventional color fundus images. This observational study included 12 eyes from 11 patients who had distinct, orange-colored lesions on MCI. Retinal imaging was conducted using conventional color fundus photography and OCT. On the color fundus images and the blue and green reflectance channels of MCI, each of the lesions was difficult to distinguish. On the infrared channel, the lesion was identified as bright white in color and bright orange on the multicolor image. The lesion was identified on OCT as a flat, homogeneous hyperreflective lesion involving the choroid, with an intact overlying retinal pigment epithelium and retinal layers. A comparison of the clinical and imaging features with other known entities led to the conclusion that the lesion was a distinct clinical entity. The presence of melanin in the lesion was confirmed based on the retinal imaging findings and the light absorption properties of melanin. As a result, the lesion was named as 'choroidal melanocytic hamartoma'. A longer follow-up is required to confirm the benign nature of this clinical entity.

Lincoff's Rule Is Not Followed in Pediatric Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments.

PURPOSE: To validate Lincoff's rules (LRs) in cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the pediatric age group and to identify factors in cases LR was not followed. METHOD: This was a retrospective study where 98 pediatric patients with RRD were identified through surgery records. Forty case sheets with complete record of ocular examination and surgical findings were analyzed. Visible or suspected preoperative retinal break identified using the LR and actual intraoperative retinal break noted was recorded. Validity of LR was tested and analysed. RESULT: The median age of the study participants was 11 years ranging from 5 to 18 years. There were 35 (88%) boys and 5 (12%) girls in the study. Myopia was noted in 13 (33%) eyes and in 21 (53%) eyes, there was a history of preexisting ocular trauma. Moderate degree of agreement with a Cohen's kappa 0.41 was noted with regards to LR validity in pediatric RRD. LR was validated in non-myopic eyes (p = 0.022), inferior RD (p < 0.001), and those with anteriorly located retinal breaks (p < 0.001). Other attributes such as history of trauma (p = 0.08), lens status (p = 0.489), macula sparing RRD (p = 0.882), and chronicity of RRD (p = 0.612) did not have a statistically significant association with validity of LR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the presence of anterior retinal break (p = 0.011) and presence of inferior RD (p = 0.022) as the two most important attributes in a RD for agreement of LR. CONCLUSION: LRs fail to accurately identify the exact location of the retinal break due to its posterior location and absence of posterior vitreous detachment in most cases with pediatric RRDs.

BRIDGE ARCH-SHAPED SUBRETINAL FLUID IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: Evolution and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To study factors leading to bridge arch-shaped subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography in wet age-related macular degeneration and evaluate its anatomical and functional outcomes. METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective study, patients with bridge arch-shaped SRF and choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) were included. RESULTS: Overall, 623 eyes in 431 patients with chronic CNVM were identified, and 24 eyes (4%) in 21 patients showed bridge arch-shaped SRF. Mean age of patients was 69.19 ± 12.0 years. Type-1 CNVM was noted in 79% cases before development of bridge arch-shaped SRF. Mean early treatment diabetic retinopathy letters visual acuity was 53.93 ± 32.19. Time interval to develop bridge arch-shaped SRF was 21.9 ± 30.63 months. Mean number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections given before developing bridge arch-shaped SRF was 6.5 ± 7.09. During the development of bridge arch-shaped SRF, visual acuity reduced by -20.57 ± 31.13 letters (P = 0.033) and fibrotic Type-2 CNVM (n = 18, 75%) was noted. Retinal pigment epithelium tear was noted in 8 eyes (33%). At the final visit, further reduction in visual acuity of -7.136 ± 13.73 early treatment diabetic retinopathy letters (P = 0.011) after developing bridge arch-shaped SRF was seen. Mean number of injections given after developing bridge arch-shaped SRF was 4.76 ± 3.76. CONCLUSION: Bridge arch-shaped SRF is an uncommon finding seen in eyes with Type-2 chronic CNVMs. Presence of retinal pigment epithelium breach and tear and nonaggressive treatment regimen with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections could be responsible for its pathogenesis. It is a marker of fibrotic enlargement, leading to poor visual outcomes despite showing favorable therapeutic response.