EVALUATION OF PRONE VERSUS SUPINE POSITIONING IN FRESH RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT TREATED WITH PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY AND GAS.

PURPOSE: To compare Supine versus Prone positioning in fresh rhegmatogenous retinal detachments treated with vitrectomy and gas tamponade. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial of 72 eyes with fresh rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy: 37 eyes were allotted supine position and 35 were allotted prone position. Cases were evaluated for single-surgery reattachment rates, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, cataract formation, and any complications. The patients were followed up for a period of 3 months. RESULTS: Both groups had similar demographics, and no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of extent of retinal detachment, position, and number of breaks. The anatomical success after single surgery was 97.3% in the Supine group and 94.3% in the Prone group ( P = 0.609). The best-corrected visual acuity at the end of 3 months was 0.44 ± 0.27 in the Supine group and 0.35 ± 0.27 in the Prone group ( P = 0.119) with a significant increase in best-corrected visual acuity preoperatively from 0.11 ± 0.22 and 0.13 ± 0.22 in Supine and Prone groups, respectively ( P = <0.001). The intraocular pressure in the two groups was comparable at each follow-up. The rates of cataract formation were also similar in the two groups-60% and 53.8% in Supine and Prone groups, respectively ( P = 1.00). Complications such as spikes in intraocular pressure, epiretinal membrane formation, and cystoid macular edema were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Rates of retinal reattachment were comparable in both groups showing that supine position is equally safe and effective for adequate tamponade.

Harnessing the medical undergraduate human resource for screening of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To assess whether medical undergraduates can be trained to effectively screen diabetic retinopathy (DR) by statistical comparison with a retina specialist at a tertiary eye care center in India. METHODS: Three final-year undergraduate medical students, having completed ophthalmology department rotation, received training from a retina specialist for grading DR, following which they were asked to grade a set of 50 fundus photographs centered on the macula with a view of 50° as sight-threatening DR (STDR), diabetic macular edema, and grade of DR. Agreement among the undergraduates and retina specialist was determined with the help of Cohen's Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Kappa coefficient between undergraduates for detection of STDR ranged from 0.695 to 0.817 and between each student and the retina specialist ranged from 0.663 to 0.712. The sensitivity and specificity for undergraduates' and retina specialist's detection of STDR were 93.93%-96.96% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was substantial agreement among the undergraduates as well as between the undergraduates and the retina specialist for the detection of STDR. Undergraduates also detected STDR with a high sensitivity. This study outlines the feasibility of training undergraduate students for screening DR.

Waxing and waning pattern of choroidal detachment post scleral buckle.

PURPOSE: Description of evolving and resolving pattern of choroidal mounds at different quadrants post scleral buckle surgery in a myopic patient. METHODS: A 48-year-old male with axial length of 32mm underwent scleral buckling for subtotal fresh retinal detachment with 360-degree multiple lattices with superior horse shoe tear. A posterior buckle was placed superiorly traversing 180-degree, 14 mm beyond muscle insertion. Uneventful drainage of sub-retinal fluid was performed intra-operatively. RESULTS: Post-operative day 1 depicted two choroidal detachment (CD) mounds in the ST quadrant with an adequate break buckle relationship. Post-operative day 2 depicted an additional CD mound in the inferonasal with an additional mound supero-nasally on day 4. Spontaneous resolution of the mounds was observed from day 7 with complete resolution by one month. CONCLUSION: Fragility of the choroidal vasculature in axial myopia can aggravate venous congestion when associated with one or two vortex vein obstruction after scleral buckle. Choroidal vasculature remodeling occurs after vortex vein obstruction leading to formation of new venous drainage routes.

NOVEL RETINAL IMAGING ABNORMALITIES IN ALPORT SYNDROME.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a novel observation during retinal screening of a child with Alport syndrome. METHODS: This was a review of case record and imaging files. RESULTS: Clinical examination of the retina and standard color fundus photography revealed no abnormality. However, distinct and identical wrinkling of the temporal macula (fingerprint sign) in both eyes was noted on Optos pseudocolor images of the retina. On optical coherence tomography, there were corresponding "saw-tooth" corrugations in the middle layers of the retina. En face images further highlighted the characteristic nature of this unusual observation. CONCLUSION: Fingerprint sign in the retina, a heretofore undescribed feature, is reported in a child with biopsy confirmed Alport syndrome.

Simplifying biometry in oil-filled eyes: A novel formula for axial length calculation in eyes with 1000 cSt silicone oil.

Purpose: To derive a formula for accurate axial length (AL) assessment using routine ultrasound in silicone oil-filled eyes, where optical biometry is unavailable or not possible. Methods: This was a prospective, consecutive, nonrandomized study of 50 eyes of 50 patients conducted in a tertiary care hospital in North India. AL measurements were taken using both manual A-scan and IOL master, both in silicone oil-filled status and 3 weeks after silicone oil removal. A correction factor of 0.7 was used for AL adjustment in oil-filled eyes. The corrected AL (cAL) was compared with IOL master values in oil-filled eyes. Agreement analysis was carried out using Bland Altman plot. Linear regression analysis was done using uncorrected manual AL to find a new equation. Data was analyzed using Stata 14. A P value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The study included 40 males and 10 females, with an age range of 6-83 years (mean 41.9 years). The mean AL of the oil-filled eye as measured by manual A-scan was 31.76 mm ± 3.09 and by IOL master was 24.7 mm ± 1.74. Linear regression analysis was performed in randomly selected 35 eyes of the observed data to obtain a new equation: predicted AL (PAL) = 14 + 0.3 × manual AL. The mean difference between PAL and optically measured AL with silicone oil in situ was 0.98 ± 1.67. Conclusion: We propose a new formula for better prediction of the correct AL in silicone oil-filled eyes using ultrasound-based AL measurement.

Intra-ocular hydatid cyst in a child: A rare presentation.

Intra-ocular cystic lesion in a young child can be parasitic lesion, old retinal detachment with cysts or simply a vitreous cyst. Intra-ocular localization of hydatid cysts is extremely rare accounting for less than one percent of all cases. This case describes a young child with left eye pain, redness and progressive diminution of vision with progressively enlarging intra- ocular cyst. Diagnosed as intra-ocular hydatid cyst, the radiological, intraoperative and microbiological features of same are described. Also, the management required in such a case is discussed.

Unconventional avenues to decelerate diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), causing significant visual impairment worldwide. Current gold standards for retarding the progress of DR include blood sugar control and regular fundus screening. Despite these measures, the incidence and prevalence of DR and vision-threatening DR remain high. Given its slowly progressive course and long latent period, opportunities to contain or slow DR before it threatens vision must be explored. This narrative review assesses the recently described unconventional strategies to retard DR progression. These include gut-ocular flow, gene therapy, mitochondrial dysfunction-oxidative stress, stem cell therapeutics, neurodegeneration, anti-inflammatory treatments, lifestyle modification, and usage of phytochemicals. These therapies impact DR directly, while some of them also influence DM control. Most of these strategies are currently in the preclinical stage, and clinical evidence remains low. Nevertheless, our review suggests that these approaches have the potential for human use to prevent the progression of DR.

PNEUMATIC VITREOLYSIS VERSUS PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY IN FOCAL SYMPTOMATIC VITREOMACULAR TRACTION SYNDROME: A Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare pneumatic vitreolysis and pars plana vitrectomy in the management of focal symptomatic vitreomacular traction (VMT). METHOD: Patients aged 18 years or older, with idiopathic focal symptomatic VMT and best-corrected visual acuity <20/40, without any other retinal pathology were randomized to undergo pneumatic vitreolysis (Group 1) or pars plana vitrectomy (Group 2). The primary outcome measure was resolution of traction confirmed with optical coherence tomography at 3 months. Secondary outcome measures were to compare changes in best-corrected visual acuity, central foveal thickness, and complications if any. RESULTS: A total of 30 eyes of 30 patients were included with 15 eyes in each group. Vitreomacular traction resolved successfully in 12 of 15 (80%) eyes in Group 1 and in all (100%) eyes in Group 2 (P = 0.224). The mean visual acuity improved from 0.80 ± 0.26 (20/126 Snellen's equivalent) to 0.70 ± 0.46 logMAR (20/100 Snellen's equivalent) in Group 1 (P = 0.71) and from 0.904 ± 0.44 (20/160 Snellen's equivalent) to 0.47 ± 0.26 logMAR (20/59 Snellen's equivalent) in Group 2 (P = 0.0016). Although 4 of 15 (26.66%) eyes in Group 1 had formation of full-thickness macular hole and 7 eyes required resurgery (4 for full-thickness macular hole and 3 for unresolved VMT), none in the pars plana vitrectomy group had any complications requiring resurgery (P = 0.0063). Two eyes in the pars plana vitrectomy group had intraoperative deroofing of the fovea leading to full-thickness macular hole. CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy is better than pneumatic vitreolysis as a single intervention in the management of focal symptomatic VMT.

Case Report: Pediatric Ocular Ischemia and Neovascular Glaucoma in Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

SIGNIFICANCE: Neovascular glaucoma is an important subset of secondary glaucoma in neurofibromatosis patients. Vasculopathy of the ophthalmic circulation needs to be borne in mind while evaluating their etiology. PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the presentation, diagnostic work-up and management of an unusual case of neovascular glaucoma in a child. CASE REPORT: A 7-year-old boy presented with uniocular ischemic fundus and secondary neovascular glaucoma. Detailed family history and evaluation led to a diagnosis of familial neurofibromatosis type 1. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed compromised retinal and choroidal circulations in the affected eye. Ocular ultrasound B scan and neuroimaging did not show any contributory lesions. Cardiovascular evaluation was within normal limits. Ophthalmic Doppler imaging revealed normal proximal ophthalmic arteries in both eyes; however, the central retinal artery of the affected eye showed low flow in its proximal part and absent flow in the distal part, as compared with the fellow eye showing regular flow until the optic disc margin. Corroborating the clinical, fundus fluorescein angiography and Doppler findings, a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1-related vasculopathy of the distal ophthalmic artery was made. Poor visual prognosis for the affected eye was explained, and anterior retinal cryopexy along with cyclocryotherapy was performed to treat the neovascular glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Vasculopathy of the ophthalmic circulation is an important cause of neovascular glaucoma in neurofibromatosis patients. The morphology of Lisch nodules may be altered in an ischemic eye, and therefore, careful examination of the other eye and systemic evaluation is vital in such unusual scenarios.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF OUTCOMES OF DRAINAGE TECHNIQUES IN VITRECTOMY FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of drainage through posterior retinotomy versus perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)-assisted drainage in vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and to study intraoperative and postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study of 52 cases who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Group 1 underwent PFCL-assisted drainage through preexisting break, whereas Group 2 had posterior retinotomy to drain subretinal fluid. Cases were evaluated for retinal reattachment rates, visual outcomes, optical coherence tomography parameters, and postoperative metamorphopsia. The patients were followed up for minimum period of 3 months. RESULTS: Two groups were comparable in terms of demographic and preoperative parameters. Both groups had single surgery success rate of 100% by the end of follow-up. Final best-corrected visual acuity in Group 1 was 0.61 ± 0.33 and 0.61 ± 0.32 in Group 2 (P = 0.77). Optical coherence tomography parameters (foveal contour, retinal layers, central macular thickness, and epiretinal membrane formation) were similar between the two groups. Subjective metamorphopsia was present in 30.77% (8 of 26) patients in Group-1 and 69.23% (18 of 26) patients in Group-2 (P = 0.034). One eye had retained subretinal PFCL away from the macula in Group 1. CONCLUSION: Anatomical and functional outcomes were similar in vitrectomy using PFCL-assisted drainage versus posterior retinotomy drainage. Postoperative metamorphopsia was lesser in patients who underwent PFCL-assisted drainage through the pre-existing break.

Selfie fundus imaging for diabetic retinopathy screening.

BACKGROUND: Regular screening for retinopathy and timely intervention reduces blindness from diabetes by 90%. Screening is currently dependent on the interpretation of images captured by trained technicians. Inherent barriers of accessibility and affordability with this approach impede widespread success of retinopathy screening programs. Herein, we report our observations on the potential of a novel approach, Selfie Fundus Imaging (SFI), to enhance diabetic retinopathy screening. METHODS: The study was undertaken over a two-month period during COVID 19 lockdown. 60 diabetic patients participated in the study. Retinal images were captured using three different approaches, handheld smartphone-based photographs captured by patients themselves after a short video-assisted training session (SFI group), and smartphone-based photographs captured by a trained technician and photographs taken on desktop conventional digital fundus camera (Gold standard). Sensitivity and kappa statistics was determined for retinopathy and macular oedema grading. FINDINGS: Mean age of the study participants was 52.4 years ± 9.8 years and 78% were men. Of 120 images captured using SFI, 90% were centred-gradable, 8% were decentred-gradable and 2% were ungradable. 82% patients captured the image within a minute (majority by 31-45 s). The sensitivity of SFI to detect diabetic retinopathy was 88.39%. Agreement between SFI grading and standard fundus photograph grading was 85.86% with substantial kappa (0.77). For the detection of diabetic macular oedema, the agreement between SFI images and standard images was 93.67, with almost perfect kappa (0.91). CONCLUSION: Fundus images were captured by patients using SFI without major difficulty and were comparable to images taken by trained specialist. With greater penetrance, advances, and availability of mobile photographic technology, we believe that SFI would positively impact the success of diabetic retinopathy screening programs by breaking the barriers of availability, accessibility, and affordability. SFI could ensure continuation of screening schedules for diabetic retinopathy, even in the face a highly contagious pandemic.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Early Stage 1a Retinal Hemangioblastoma in Von-Hippel-Lindau.

Von-Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is characterized by focal vasoproliferative tumors of retinal capillaries called retinal capillary hemangioblastomas (RCH). These tumors are initially small and can be easily missed if not looked for carefully. As they grow, these tumors are more demanding to treat and hence the importance of detecting them early and treating them. Herein, we describe and review the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the early- stage lesion, which suggested the involvement of superficial and a deeper retinal capillary plexus. In addition, to helping us detect these lesions earlier, OCTA may also help to understand the in vivo changes occurring at an earlier phase.

Comparative evaluation of once-daily and twice-daily dosing of topical bromfenac 0.09%: aqueous pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate aqueous pharmacokinetics of topical bromfenac 0.09% and compare clinical outcomes of once- and twice-daily dosing in phacoemulsification. SETTING: Dr. R.P. Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. METHODS: In phase I, single-drop aqueous pharmacokinetics of topical bromfenac was estimated at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in 60 eyes. In phase II, 45 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification were enrolled: group I (control, n = 15), group II (once-daily bromfenac, n = 14), and group III (twice-daily bromfenac, n = 16). Intraoperative pupillary miosis, postoperative anterior chamber (AC) flare, Summed Ocular Inflammation Score (SOIS), central macular thickness (CMT), and pain scores were assessed. Follow-up was performed at 1 day, 7 days, 28 days, and 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Half-life of topical bromfenac was 3.6 hours, mean residence time 5.5 hours, and peak concentration (63.73 ng/mL) achieved after 2 hours. Aqueous concentration was more than inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 12 hours but not at 24 hours. Cumulative effect was observed with repeated dosing with aqueous levels more than IC50 in once-daily and twice-daily groups at 5 days. Significant intraoperative miosis was observed in group I. Pain score, AC flare, and SOIS were significantly more in group I (P < .001) and comparable in groups II and III at all timepoints. CMT was comparable in all groups; no case developed cystoid macular edema. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose topical bromfenac did not maintain therapeutic aqueous concentration over 24 hours; however, cumulative effect was observed with repeated dosing. Clinical efficacy of once-daily and twice-daily dosing was comparable.

Demography, clinical profile and surgical outcomes of paediatric giant retinal tear related retinal detachments.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the demographic profile, clinical features and surgical outcomes of giant retinal tear (GRT) related retinal detachments (RD) in children. METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of children aged 14 years and below, who underwent surgery for RD at our centre in the last 5 years were reviewed. Among these, we selected medical records of children with RDs with GRT, and examined the coloured retinal drawings, ultrawidefield photographs and/or surgical videos. RESULTS: Out of 1536 medical records, 91 eyes of 87 children (5.6% of all RDs) were included. Mean age was 10.21 ± 3.08 years with male:female ratio of 8.6:1. The most common aetiologies for GRTs were high myopia (28 cases-32.18%) and trauma (25 cases-28.73%). Bilateral RD were possibly present in 29/87 (33.3%) cases. Six months follow up data was available for 82/91 eyes. Overall retinal re-attachment was achieved in 52/82 (63.41%) eyes; in 33/82 (40.24%) eyes retinal attachment could be achieved by a single surgery. Absence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (OR: 2.44, p-value:0.03, 95%CI: 1.21-5.08) or PVR-A (OR: 3.62, p-value: 0.03, 95%CI: 1.52-12.26) and presence of preexisting posterior vitreous detachment (OR: 7.14, p-value: 0.02, 95%CI: 1.31-38.73) were associated with successful retinal re-attachment after single surgery. Median time to presentation of cases succeeding after 1 surgery was 10 days. Ambulatory vision (1/60 and better) at final followup could be achieved in 45/82 (54.88%) eyes. CONCLUSION: GRT relatedRDs constitute a significant proportion of paediatric RDs. Anatomical success can currently be achieved in a large number of cases. Early surgery, absence of PVR and presence of PVD are associated with higher surgical success.

Isolated optic nerve involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a red flag for early relapse.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, with 70%-80% of cases curable with modern chemotherapy. However, 20% of the cases suffer from disease relapse with bone marrow being the most common site. Isolated ocular involvement as the first sign of relapse is extremely rare, occurring in less than 2.2% of cases. The presentation of optic nerve involvement in leukaemia represents a visual emergency and a sign of isolated central nervous system relapse even in the absence of abnormal cerebrospinal fluid cytology. This case highlights the importance of routine ophthalmic screening in ALL even during maintenance phase and prompt initiation of treatment in cases with isolated optic nerve involvement.

Ultra-wide field retinal imaging: A wider clinical perspective.

The peripheral retina is affected in a variety of retinal disorders. Traditional fundus cameras capture only a part of the fundus even when montaging techniques are used. Ultra-wide field imaging enables us to delve into the retinal periphery in greater detail. It not only facilitates assessing color images of the fundus, but also fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and red and green free images. In this review, a literature search using the keywords "ultra-widefield imaging", "widefield imaging", and "peripheral retinal imaging" in English and non-English languages was done and the relevant articles were included. Ultra-wide field imaging has made new observations in the normal population as well as in eyes with retinal disorders including vascular diseases, degenerative diseases, uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, retinal and choroidal tumors and hereditary retinal dystrophies. This review aims to describe the utility of ultra-wide field imaging in various retinal disorders.

Focal choroidal excavation: review of literature.

Focal choroidal excavation (FCE) is defined as an area of concavity in choroid detected on optical coherence tomography. These are mostly present in macular region without evidence of accompanying scleral ectasia or posterior staphyloma. Though initially considered to be congenital, increasing number of cases have been identified in association with other choroidal pathologies such as central serous choroidopathy, choroidal neovascularisation, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, choroiditis, choroidal tumours. In this review article, we aim to elaborate on the morphology, pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of FCE and specifically discuss the spectrum of diseases with known association along with the impact of their treatment on FCE.

Ophthalmic genetics practice and research in India: Vision in 2020.

Ophthalmic genetics is a much needed and growing area in India. Ethnic diversity, with a high degree of consanguinity, has led to a high prevalence of genetic disorders in the country. As the second most populous country in the world, this naturally results in a significant number of affected people overall. Practice involves coherent association between ophthalmologists, genetic counselor and pediatricians. Eye genetics in India in recent times has witnessed advanced research using cutting edge diagnostics, next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, stem cell therapies, gene therapy and genomic editing. This article will highlight the studies reporting genetic variations in the country, challenges in practice, and the latest advances in ophthalmic genetic research in India.