Incidence and clinical significance of fovea plana in the French population with age-related cataract.

BACKGROUND: Fovea plana is defined as an immature macula diagnosed by OCT, showing the unusual shunt of the inner retinal layers into the fovea. The incidence of fovea plana in the adult population remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of fovea plana in the French population with age-related cataract. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery in Rothschild Foundation Hospital, France, between January and March 2021, with preoperative analyzable OCT scans available, were retrospectively screened in order to determine the incidence of fovea plana in these population. Ophthalmological characteristics of patients were reported, and detailed. RESULT: Fovea plana was encountered in 20 out of 204 patients during the 3 months corresponding to an incidence of 9.8%. One of those patients had stage 2 fovea plana. CONCLUSION: Although fovea plana is defined as an immature macula, it is not rare in preoperative population. This macular aspect was not associated with poor visual acuity in our cohort.

Approche diagnostique et thérapeutique de la vasculopathie polypoïdale choroïdienne. Recommandations de la Fédération France Macula.

PURPOSE: To update the medical literature on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and to propose a treatment algorithm in agreement with French market approval, supported by the France Macula Federation (FFM). METHODS: Literature review and expert opinion. RESULTS: The diagnosis of PCV is based on multimodal imaging, including indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), which is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of PCV. Regarding the therapeutic management of PCV, the FFM recommends treating PCV first-line either by monotherapy with intra-vitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, or by a combined treatment of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Verteporfin and intra-vitreal anti-VEGF injections, depending on the location of the PCV.

Macular pigment density variation after supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin using the Visucam® 200 pigment module: Impact of age-related macular degeneration and lens status.

PURPOSE: To assess the evolution of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) following supplementation with various macular formulations obtained with the Visucam® 200, and to study the factors affecting MPOD measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-masked multicenter study, patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (patients without retinal pathology who underwent cataract surgery 1 month previously) and group B (patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration [AMD] in one eye). In each group, half of the patients were randomly assigned to receive a food supplementation either with or without carotenoids (5mg of Lutein and 1mg of Zeaxanthin). Outcome measures included MPOD responses obtained with the Visucam® 200 for one year. RESULTS: In total, 126 subjects (52 men, 74 women) with a mean age of 75.3±7.61 years were enrolled. Mean MPOD values at the time of inclusion were statistically lower in group A (0.088 density unit [DU]) compared to group B (0.163 DU, P<0.05). No statistically significant increase in MPOD was noted in either group, even after discontinuation of the supplementation. By multiple regression analysis, age, female gender, lens status and the presence of AMD seemed to significantly affect MPOD measurements. CONCLUSION: No significant improvement in MPOD seems to be detected with the Visucam® 200 after carotenoid supplementation. The MPOD measurement seems to be highly affected by cataract extraction and the presence of AMD.

[Intravitreal ranibizumab for management of choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks: a case report]. / Traitement par injection intravitréenne de ranibizumab de néovaisseaux choroïdiens compliquant des stries angioïdes : à propos d'un cas.

Angioid streaks are biomicroscopically observable manifestations that frequently lead to choroidal neovascularization. Traditional treatments used to include laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy. Over the past few years, anti-VEGF therapies have been used as an alternative treatment. The case of a 54-year-old patient who received anti-VEGF therapy (ranibizumab) for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks is reported. The patient received two injections that led to complete resolution of intraretinal fluid and reduction in lesion size. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient has presented no recurrence. This case illustrates the efficacy of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for choroidal neovascularization in angioid streaks. Further prospective studies on a larger number of patients should help establish the best treatment and follow-up strategies.

[Outer retinal cysts in exudative age-related macular degeneration: a spectral domain OCT study]. / Kystes rétiniens externes dans la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge exsudative: un nouvel aspect de l'OCT.

PURPOSE: To describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings and progression of peculiar retinal cysts that we identified in patients being followed up after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. METHODS: This is an observational case series. All relevant data (including best-corrected visual acuity and spectral domain OCT scans) concerning exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients treated with at least three anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (IVT) during the previous 12 months were collected over a period of four months. RESULTS: A total of 376 consecutive choroidal neovascularization (CNV) patients (398 eyes) were examined. Of these patients, 18 (18 eyes, 4.5%), who underwent a mean of five (range, 3 to 15) anti-VEGF IVTs, had a cystic appearance of the retina on OCT scans. These cysts were usually multiple (2 to 7) and presented as optically empty spaces bordered by a mildly reflective rim. Tiny punctate spots were seen inside or along the inner border of the cyst. The presence of these two features allowed the differentiation of these cysts from CME cavities. Usually round, the cysts could be elongated in shape and simulate a serous retinal detachment (SRD). A thin layer of degenerate retina below the cysts helps differentiate them from SRD. The cysts, varying in size from 60 to 600 µm, were always located below the outer plexiform layer and visualized over or contiguous to a fibrous and hyperreflective thickening of the choriocapillary/retinal pigment epithelial (CC/RPE) complex or over an atrophic portion of the CC/RPE complex. Their size did not change over time. CONCLUSIONS: These retinal cysts are a newly reported SD-OCT finding in anti-VEGF-treated exudative AMD. They could correspond to active scavenger macrophages and must be differentiated from CME and SRD in order to avoid unnecessary anti-VEGF retreatment.

[Treatment of circumscribed choroidal haemangiomas by photodynamic therapy: a review]. / Traitement des hémangiomes choroïdiens circonscrits par photothérapie dynamique : revue de la littérature.

Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) is an uncommon benign vascular tumor of the choroid that is usually diagnosed when it causes a decrease in vision due to exudative retinal detachment. The classical treatments of CCH were photocoagulation and radiotherapy, which induced additional chorioretinal damage, explaining the poor visual prognosis even in adequately treated patients. It is difficult to compare these two therapeutic options, laser photocoagulation having been abandoned for many years due to the retractile retinal scars that it induced. Conventional radiotherapy and proton therapy with a total dose of 20 Gy gave and give good results but can be performed only by teams used to these types of treatment. Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT), which allows a selective occlusion of vascular lesions without damaging overlying retinal structures, has emerged as a sound alternative for the treatment of CCH. Most of the clinicians used the standard treatment of age related macular degeneration by photodynamic therapy (TAP) study protocol with or without variations. The main variations brought to the TAP study protocol were the duration of the verteporfin infusion, and/or the increase of the laser power settings, and/or the increase of the duration of exposure, and/or the number of PDT spots (single spot or multiple spots, overlapping or not). Mid-term PDT results are very encouraging. PDT has been reported to bring about resolution of subretinal fluid and to reduce tumor thickness in almost all cases. Visual acuity was improved or stabilized in at least 80% of the cases. Several studies reported on minor local side effects following PDT, consisting of atrophy and proliferation of the retinal pigment epithelium, atrophy of the choroid, transient choroidal effusion, and mild subretinal fibrosis. Published data demonstrated that PDT is a safe and effective alternative to radiotherapy or photocoagulation as first-line therapy for CCH.

[Evolving intravitreous injection technique]. / Evolution des pratiques pour la réalisation des injections intravitréennes.

The technique of intravitreous injections has been well documented for several years. Recently, a descriptive article on the intravitreous injections procedure was published in the Journal Français d'Ophtalmologie, and the AFSSAPS (French agency for drug safety) released recommendations concerning this matter on the occasion of commercial launch of pegaptanib. Since that time, the number of intravitreal injections has considerably increased, because anti-VEGF drugs had been made available to ophthalmologists, and several teams have performed a large number of procedures, allowing them to better comprehend intravitreous injections. The present paper describes our current practice of intravitreous injections. Several specialists have exchanged their experiences and issued a common synthesis. Detailed modifications of the initial recommendations have been suggested, with such basic changes such as abandoning preoperative pupil dilatation and easing postsurgical monitoring. Follow-up examinations should be adapted to each patient rather than being systematic. The suggested modifications do not change the procedure of intravitreous injections substantially, but they simplify many steps and detail the various procedures when consensus is lacking.

[Outcome of photodynamic therapy for subretinal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevi]. / Résultats de la photothérapie dynamique dans le traitement des néovaisseaux sous-rétiniens secondaires aux naevi choroïdiens.

INTRODUCTION: Choroidal nevi are the most common benign intraocular tumors. However, the occurrence of subretinal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevus is very rare. Our goal was to assess the efficacy and the safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of subretinal neovascularization related to choroidal nevi. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study including subretinal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevi treated by PDT from 1999 to 2005. PDT was performed according to the standard protocols used for treating neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Post-PDT follow-up was also done according to the guidelines used in ARMD. Moreover, tumors were followed up every 3 months. RESULTS: Six subretinal neovascularizations secondary to choroidal nevi were included in our study. All nevi were localized in the posterior choroids. The median diameter of tumors was 3mm and their thickness was less than 2mm in all cases. Subretinal neovascularizations were classic in five cases. The last case was a small vascularized pigment epithelium detachment. Locations were subfoveal in two cases, juxtafoveal in three cases, and extrafoveal in one case. In half the cases, the size of subretinal neovascularization was 1-disk-diameter or less. A mean of 3.3 sessions of PDT were necessary to obtain the stabilization of subretinal neovascularization on both fluorescein angiography and OCT. The average follow-up period was 35 months with no patients lost to follow-up. Visual outcomes were extremely variable. Large or subfoveal neovascularization but also a history of atrophic ARMD were related to worse functional results. No growth of the nevi was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Subretinal neovascularization is reassuring from the oncologist's point of view because it is considered a relative indicator of benignity of the nevus. However, it often marks a definitive turning point in visual function. PDT appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment subretinal neovascularization secondary to choroidal nevus, with results similar to those observed in ARMD.

[Macular edema from various etiologies]. / Diversité des oedèmes maculaires.

Macular edema typically occurs as the final ocular manifestation of many intraocular or systemic diseases with fluid collection within the macular layers due to the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. This could be chemically mediated by VEGF, because increased VEGF has been shown to increase blood-retinal barrier permeability, or mechanically induced by vitreomacular traction causing hemodynamic or retinal pigment epithelium pump disturbances. This article reviews the different clinical entities of macular edema, focusing on their physiopathological concepts and on the current therapeutic strategies for their management.

Systemic bevacizumab for retinal angiomatous proliferation associated with retinal pigment epithelial detachment.

PURPOSE: To report the off-label use of systemic bevacizumab in a patient with stage 3 retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) associated with a vascularized pigmented epithelium detachment (PED). METHODS: Interventional case report. RESULTS: The patient was treated with systemic bevacizumab after obtaining fully informed consent. At 3 months post-treatment, the authors observed an improvement of one line (seven letters) in visual acuity and total regression of the PED on ocular coherence tomography. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic bevacizumab therapy appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of RAP associated with PED during this short follow-up period of 3 months. The authors recommend a large trial with long-term follow-up to confirm the promising results and evaluate the occurrence of adverse effects associated with systemic bevacizumab.

[Monitoring anti-VEGF drugs for treatment of exudative AMD]. / Injections intra-vitréennes d'anti-VEGF pour la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge exsudative: place des examens complémentaires dans les décisions de retraitement.

AIM: Anti-VEGF drugs are the most recent treatments for choroidal neovascularization, the most severe complication of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These drugs are administered by intravitreal injections. Several clinical studies have demonstrated their advantages. However, these same studies have not established the modalities for monitoring their efficacy. The aim of this paper is to provide an in-depth look at the existing practices in monitoring anti-VEGF therapy among different French specialists. METHODS: Several meetings were held with specialists coming from both the hospital setting and private practice to share their practices in monitoring anti-VEGF therapy and to propose more rational monitoring to standardize practices. RESULTS: The physicians attached an increasing importance to optical coherence tomography (OCT) in monitoring anti-VEGF drugs after intravitreal injection. They acknowledged the value of fluorescein angiography when initiating the treatment and 3 months after beginning anti-VEGF therapy. They advise using fluorescein angiography every time that functional results are not at the level expected by the physician or the patient. The authors provide a flow chart that should help in deciding on retreatment. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest the use of a flow chart aimed to define indications of retreatment according to clinical response and OCT results.

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in the treatment of exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (V-PDT) in the treatment of exudative idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV) lesions that were not suitable for laser photocoagulation. METHODS: This was a prospective, open label study in two centers involving 30 consecutive patients (31 eyes) diagnosed with exudative IPCV using fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (VA) measurement, contrast sensitivity (CS) testing, FA, ICGA, and OCT. OCT was used to assess the stage of the polypoidal dilations (active or scarred) and the evolution of the signs associated with exudation. Study patients were treated with V-PDT and followed up at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months. Re-treatment was applied, at an interval of 3 months, until there was an absence of leakage on FA and hyperfluorescence on ICGA. RESULTS: Thirty eyes (29 patients) completed the 12 months post-treatment visit and were retained for further analysis. The mean number of V-PDT treatments was 2.5 (SD 1.1). At 12 months post-treatment, the mean foveal thickness had significantly (p<0.03) decreased to 224 (SD 104) microm from the baseline 292 (SD 124) microm while the mean VA had significantly (p<0.02) improved to 0.50 (SD O.38) from the baseline 0.38 (SD 0.24). Serous detachment of the macula completely resolved in 83.3% of the eyes while 73.3% of the polypoidal dilations were occluded at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that V-PDT is effective and relatively safe in treating exudative IPCV.

[How to perform intravitreal injections]. / Description des pratiques pour la réalisation des injections intravitréennes.

Drugs to treat retinal diseases are often injected intravitreally. This procedure can cause severe complications. We present ways to minimize the risk for complications. Rigorous preoperative antisepsis with povidone iodine, a sterile environment (using gloves and a mask for the injector, a lid speculum, and a drape on the eye to be injected), and immediate follow-up after injection are key issues of the injection technique.

Anomalous vitreoretinal adhesions in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration: an OCT study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between the retina and the vitreous in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Consecutive patients with exudative ARMD, proven by fluorescein angiography, were recruited. Fundus biomicroscopic examination, color and re d - f ree fundus photographs, and serial scans of the macular region using optical coherence tomography (OCT3, Carl Zeiss) were performed before and after photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne, Novartis Ophthalmics). Vitreoretinal relationships have been described and compared with fundus photographs and data of fundus biomicroscopy examination. RESULTS: Sixty-six eyes of 52 consecutive patients (33 women, 19 men; mean age 75 years, range 64 to 89 years) with exudative ARMD were studied. Analysis of serial OCT scans showed that 13 eyes (20%) did not present any visible vitreous structures. Two eyes (3%) had the appearance of a complete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Fifty-one eyes (77%) exhibited some abnormalities of the vitre o retinal interface including 12 eyes with epiretinal membrane and retinal thickening and distortion. Among the 39 eyes examined before and after PDT with Visudyne, only 3 eyes developed a partial vitreous detachment and 1 eye progressed to a complete PVD. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with exudative ARMD exhibit a high prevalence of abnormalities of the vitreoretinal interface similar to that observed in many chronic inflammatory diseases. PDT with verteporfin does not modify the observed vitre o retinal adhesions.

[Helicobacter pylori in central serous chorioretinopathy and diffuse retinal epitheliopathy. Results of the first prospective pilot study]. / Rôle de l'Helicobacter pylori dans la choriorétinopathie séreuse centrale et l'épithéliopathie rétinienne diffuse. Résultats de la première étude prospective pilote.

PURPOSE: Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in focal occlusive arterial diseases in young people. Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and diffuse retinal epitheliopathy (DRE) being suspected vascular occlusive diseases of choriocapillaris, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with long-lasting (>6 months) CSC and/or DRE. METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients living in southeastern France were included in this prospective pilot study. H. pylori infection was assessed by the (13)C-urea breath test, serology, as well as histology of gastric biopsy specimens in some cases. RESULTS: Evidence for H. pylori infection was detected in nine out of the 16 patients with active long-lasting CSC/DRE (56.3%). H. pylori-infected patients more frequently presented gastric pain (four of nine H. pylori-positive patients: 44%) than H. pylori-negative patients (one out of seven: 14%). Men were more frequently H. pylori-positive (seven men out of ten: 70%) than women (two women out of a total of six: 33%). DISCUSSION: When the prevalence of H. pylori infection (56.3%) was compared to the prevalence in a historical control population from southeastern France (27.5%), it was found to be significantly higher (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results may indicate a possible association between H. pylori infection and CSC/DRE manifestations. This new etiopathogenic hypothesis deserves to be confirmed in a national or international multicenter study because it could lead to a new therapeutic approach in CSC/DRE, i.e., Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Incidental retinal phototoxicity associated with ingestion of photosensitizing drugs.

BACKGROUND: to report on the possible correlation between incident retinal phototoxicity and the use of photosensitizing drugs. METHODS: four patients were examined because of scotomas and visual loss after an incidental exposure to a strong light source. One patient (two eyes) was exposed to standard camera flash; one patient (one eye) had a brief exposure to welding light; one patient (two eyes) underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsifications with intraocular lens implantation. The fourth patient had a severe retinal phototoxicity following a secondary intraocular lens implantation. All four patients underwent a thorough assessment including history of systemic drug use. These patients had ophthalmologic evaluation including: best corrected visual acuity (ETDRS charts), fundus examination, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies and were followed for 1 year. RESULTS: on presentation, the mean visual acuity was 7.5/20 (range: 20/400-20/20). Fundus examination disclosed yellow-gray sub-retinal lesions in all affected eyes. Early phase fluorescein angiography showed one or multiple hypofluorescent spots surrounded by a halo of hyperfluorescent window defect. In the late phase, some of these spots leaked the fluorescein dye. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated hypofluorescent spots throughout with ill-defined borders of hyperfluorescence observed during the late stages. The common finding in these four patients was the fact that they were all taking one or more photosensitizing drugs (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, allopurinol, and benzodiazepines). Three of the patients had a full visual recovery a few months after the phototoxicity. The fourth patient remained with a visual acuity of 20/60 12 months after the light exposure. Despite the visual recovery, non-homogeneous retinal pigment epithelial disturbances persisted in all affected eyes. CONCLUSION: phototoxicity following incidental light exposure may occur in patients taking drugs of photosensitizing potential. Therefore, the thorough history of systemic drug ingestion should be obtained if patients have exposure to strong light sources.

[Radiotherapy for age-related macular degeneration: risk factors of complications, prevention and treatment of side-effects]. / Radiothérapie dans la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge: facteurs de risque de survenue des complications, prévention et traitement des effets secondaires.

PURPOSE: To analyze the retinal and choroidal side-effects of radiotherapy given for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and to describe the risk factors of these complications and their treatment. MATERIAL: and methods: Two hundred and ninety five eyes in 270 patients with ARMD were treated using radiotherapy. Nineteen patients had diabetes. The doses were as follows: 15 Gy or less (4 eyes); 16 Gy/4 fractions (113 eyes); 18 Gy/5 fractions (35 eyes); 20 Gy/5 fractions (123 eyes); 24 Gy/6 fractions (2 eyes); 28.8 Gy/8 fractions (17 eyes); more than 28.8 Gy (1 eye). Patients had a regular follow-up visit with visual acuity, contrast sensitivity evaluation, biomicroscopic fundus examination, fluorescein and ICG angiographies every six months over a mean period of 15 months. RESULTS: Radiation retinopathy was noted in 15 eyes, a bilateral neovascular glaucoma in one patient, ischemic optic neuropathy in 5 eyes, choroidal telangiectasiae in 19 eyes, venous occlusion in 2 eyes, oedematous retinopathy with major exudation (ORME) in 31 eyes, and choroidal hematoma in 8 eyes. Radiation retinopathy, choroidal telangiectasiae and ORME were related to radiation dose. Radiation retinopathy was more severe and more frequent in patients with diabetes. Choroidal telangiectasiae were diagnosed with ICG angiography and were treated early with laser. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy for ARMD should not be done in patients with diabetes. Hypofractionation is not recommended. ICG angiography should be considered essential in the follow-up of patients treated with radiotherapy.

Long term results of radiotherapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation in age related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiotherapy has been proposed as an alternative treatment for patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) that is untreatable according to macular photocoagulation study guidelines. This prospective study was designed to evaluate whether radiotherapy may affect the functional and anatomical outcome in a large cohort of patients affected by subfoveal CNV, with a follow up period up to 24 months. METHODS: 212 patients (231 eyes) with newly diagnosed subfoveal CNV not amenable to laser therapy were included in this study. Two radiotherapy methods, the lateral beam technique (6 MV, 20 Gy in five fractions) and lateral arc therapy (25 MV, 16 to 20 Gy, in four or five fractions), were used. Comparisons of best corrected visual acuity (VA), fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, at inclusion and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after radiotherapy were performed using univariate analysis. RESULTS: A VA improvement of two or more lines was observed in 34% at 12 months, 31% at 18 months, and 32% of the eyes at 24 months. Paired comparisons of CNV areas in FA and ICG showed no significant change between baseline and each visit. However, 12 and 18 months after treatment, 47% of the eyes showed a decrease of 10% or more in CNV size both in ICG and FA. Radiation side effects included radiation retinopathy (eight eyes), optic neuropathy (four eyes), choroidal vasculopathy (five eyes), and branch retinal vein occlusion (three eyes). CONCLUSION: Compared with the natural course of subfoveal CNV, the results of this prospective study suggest that radiotherapy could stabilise visual and anatomical outcome in selected cases.