A registration trend in eyelid skin cancers and associated risk factors in Iran, 2005-2016.

BACKGROUND: Eyelid skin cancers are the most prevalent ophthalmic malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the Human Development Index (HDI) and lifestyle risk factors with eyelid skin cancers in Iran. METHODS: This ecological study analyzed the data collected from the Iranian National Population-based Cancer Registry (2005-2016). The data on provincial-level eyelid skin cancer risk factors were obtained from national sources. The association between provincial HDI and lifestyle risk factors with the prevalence of eyelid skin cancers was assessed. RESULTS: The mean 12-year age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of eyelid skin cancers was 16.22 per 100,000 (9,104 cases). The overall ASIR showed an upward trend with an estimated annual average increase of 0.006 per year. There were positive correlations between the prevalence of overall eyelid skin cancers and provincial HDI, smoking, and obesity (r = 0.32, 0.42, and 0.37, respectively). In multivariate analysis, obesity/overweight remained a positive predictor for high prevalence of total eyelid skin cancers (OR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.08-3.58, P = 0.026), carcinoma (2.10, 1.15-3.83, P = 0.015), and basal cell carcinoma (1.48, 0.99-2.20, P = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: An increasing trend in ASIR of eyelid skin cancers was observed in more than a decade in Iran which was positively associated with provincial HDI and prevalence of obesity. The findings of the study highlight the importance of promotional programs for preventing obesity/overweight and appropriate allocation of screening facilities based on the HDI level.

Resident-Performed Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery: Impact of Resident-Level Characteristics.

Purpose: To evaluate the rate of complications in resident-performed phacoemulsification and influencing factors. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the outcomes of cataract surgeries performed by 18 ophthalmology residents were analyzed. The outcome of first 80 phacoemulsification cataract surgeries (1440 cataract surgeries) performed by each resident were analyzed. Outcome measures included the rate of intraoperative capsular rupture requiring anterior vitrectomy, nucleus drop, and incomplete attempts at uncomplicated procedures. Changes in the rate of complications over the surgical training course were also assessed. Results: The most common surgical complications were capsular rupture (7.5%), followed by incomplete attempt(s) (5.9%), and nucleus drop (1.1%). Comparing the first 40 and second 40 surgeries, the rate of complications decreased as a function of surgeon experience in all resident cohorts. Greater theoretical skills and younger surgeon age were associated with a lower rate of intraoperative capsular rupture (hazard ratios = 1.421 and 1.481, respectively; P = 0.047 and P = 0.041, respectively). The use of antianxiety drugs and number of surgeries in the first 6 months demonstrated no predictive value for a lower rate of intraoperative complications (hazard ratios = 0.929 and 1.002; P = 0.711 and P = 0.745, respectively). Conclusion: The use of antianxiety medication and more surgeries in the first 6 months did not decrease the rate of intraoperative complications of phacoemulsification, while improvement of theoretical skills may have increased the safety of resident-performed cataract surgery.

Pars plana lensectomy and iris-claw Artisan intraocular lens implantation in patients with Marfan syndrome.

RATIONAL: The rationale of this study was to evaluate the visual and anatomical outcomes of pars plana lensectomy and iris-claw Artisan intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with subluxated crystalline lenses secondary to Marfan syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, we evaluate the records of 21 eyes of 15 patients with Marfan syndrome and moderate-to-severe crystalline lens subluxation who underwent pars plana lensectomy/anterior vitrectomy and implantation of iris-claw Artisan IOL at referral hospital from September 2015 to October 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-one eyes of 15 patients (10 males and five females) with a mean age of 24.47 ± 19.14 years were included. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was improved from 1.17 ± 0.55 logMAR to 0.64 ± 0.71 logMAR at the final follow-up visit (P < 0.001). The mean intraocular pressure did not change significantly (P = 0.971). The final refraction showed a mean sphere of 0.54 ± 2.46 D and a mean cylinder of 0.81 ± 1.03 at the mean axis of 57.92 ± 58.33 degrees. One eye developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment 2 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana lensectomy and iris-claw Artisan IOL implantation seem to be a useful, impressive, and safe procedure with a low rate of complications in Marfan patients with moderate-to-severe crystalline lens subluxation. Visual acuity was significantly improved with acceptable anatomical and refractive outcomes.

A joinpoint and age-period-cohort analysis of ocular cancer secular trends in Iran from 2004 to 2016.

Investigating secular trends of ocular cancer registration in Iran. After acquiring Iranian national population-based cancer registry data, trends of age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) of ocular cancers and annual percent changes (APC) between 2004 and 2016 were analysed in age groups, gender, topography and morphology types with joinpoint regression analysis. Age, period, and cohort effects on incidence rates were estimated by age-period-cohort model. Geographic distribution of ASIR was assessed using GIS. Overall ASIR of ocular cancers was 16.04/100,000 (95% CI 15.77-16.32). Joinpoint regression analysis showed a significant increase of ASIR between 2004 and 2009 for males (APC = 5.5, 95% CI 0.9-10.2), ages over 50 years (APC = 5.2, 1.2-9.4), skin/canthus/adnexal cancers (APC = 4.2, 0.8-7.7), and carcinomas/adenocarcinomas (APC = 4.3, 0.6-8.1); however, between 2009 and 2016 a declining trend was observed in all investigated variables. ASIR of retinoblastoma was significantly increased (averaged APC = 20.7, 9-33.7) between 2004 and 2016. age-period-cohort analyses showed that incidence rates of ocular cancers significantly increased with aging, time periods, and birth cohort effects (p < 0.001). ASIR varied from 6.7/100,000 to 21.7/100,000 in Iran. Excepting retinoblastoma, all ocular cancer incidence trends were downward over a 13-year period; however, it was increasing between 2004 and 2009 cancer. ASIR was significant aging in Iran.

A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Age-related Macular Degeneration.

BACKGROUND: In response to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) World report on vision, the WHO is developing a Package of Eye Care Interventions (PECI) to support the integration of eye care into health systems within countries. This study was done to systematically review clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to provide evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: All AMD-related CPGs published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed and evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. RESULTS: Of 3778 CPGs identified, 48 underwent full-text screening and eight underwent quality appraisal. Five National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) guidelines for AMD were finally selected for data extraction. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment was strongly recommended for advanced, active neovascular AMD based on high-quality evidence. Photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation were not recommended as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy as first-line treatment for AMD. Recommendations on other interventions, including epiretinal brachytherapy, miniature lens system implantation, and limited macular translocation, were weak and evidence mostly came from low-quality case series studies. Hence these interventions were recommended to be used only with special arrangements or research. Existing evidence on treating geographic atrophy was limited, an implantable miniature telescope might be an effective intervention to improve vision but was still under investigation. DISCUSSION: Current CPGs recommend anti-VEGF therapy for patients with late active neovascular AMD, while other interventions should be used with caution and further researches are warranted.

Outcomes of combined phacoemulsification/intraocular lens implantation and silicon oil removal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and complications of simultaneous silicon oil removal (SOR) and phacoemulsification and intra ocular lens implantation. METHODS: In this retrospective non-comparative case series, the visual, refractive and anatomical outcomes of patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification/silicone oil removal (5700 centistokes) surgery between 2017 and 2019 in a single center were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-four eyes of 44 patients (eighteen males) were included. The mean age of the patients was 51.45 ± 11.59 years. The primary pathology was tractional retinal detachment (TRD) secondary to diabetic retinopathy in 36 eyes and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in 8 eyes. The median time period between silicone oil tamponade and removal was 9 months. There was no statistically significant difference between best corrected visual acuity (-0.14 ± 0.69 LogMAR, p= 0.19) and intraocular pressure (p= 0.26) before and after the surgery. Mean post-operative spherical equivalent (SE) at last visit was 0.36 ± 1.64 which was different from the target refraction (- 0.5D). After cataract/SOR surgery, one eye (2.3%) developed retinal re-detachment in RRD patient. Vitreous hemorrhage occurred in nine eyes (20.5%) which all had TRD as the primary pathology. CONCLUSION: Combined phacoemulsification, silicone oil and IOL implantation removal surgery seems to be a safe and useful procedure with high success rate and acceptable visual, refractive and anatomical outcomes.

Association of White Blood Cell Counts, Leukocyte Ratios, and Serum Uric Acid with Clinical Outcome of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of serum uric acid and leukocyte counts and ratios as predictors of clinical outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema. METHODS: In this prospective study, the patients were treated with three monthly intravitreal bevacizumab. The correlation of serum uric acid and immune cell indices with the changes of best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness at the end of month 3 were evaluated through univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 80 eyes from 80 diabetic patients were included in the study. The difference of uric acid level and immune indices between groups with different retinopathy severity was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Lower duration of diabetes (p = 0.045), monocyte count (p = 0.021), and uric acid level (p < 0.001) were correlated with larger improvement in visual acuity at 3-month visit. Higher logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of baseline visual acuity (p = 0.007), lymphocyte count (p = 0.008), lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio (p < 0.001) and lymphocyte to platelet ratio (p < 0.001) were correlated with larger improvement in visual acuity at 3-month visits. According to multivariate analysis, baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (r = 0.125, p = 0.009), duration of diabetes (r = -0.216, p = 0.047), lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio (r = 0.712, p < 0.001), lymphocyte to platelet ratio (r = 0.238, p < 0.001), and uric acid level (r = -0.397, p < 0.001) were the significant predictors of changes in visual acuity in our subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid and leukocyte counts and ratios may predict the response of diabetic macular edema to intravitreal injection.

A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for myopic macular degeneration.

Background: Myopic macular degeneration (MMD) is a primary cause of blindness and visual impairment in many parts of the world. A review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for intervention selection are required with the increasing demand for MMD management in clinical practice as well as in national health services. Therefore, we aim to systematically review CPGs for MMD and assist the recommendations development of the Package of Eye Care Interventions (PECI) program of the World Health Organization. Methods: A systematic review of CPGs published on MMD between 2010 and April 2020 was conducted. Guidelines were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. Cochrane systematic reviews were also included when the evidence from included CPGs were inadequate or contradict. Results: After applying exclusion criteria and conducting the quality appraisal, two CPGs were finally included. The average of the AGREE II ratings for the identified Guidelines were 56 and 63 respectively (7 for each item). To provide further information on interventions for MMD, one Cochrane review on MMD was additionally identified and included in the study. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs were recommended for patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) as first-line therapy to improve vision and reduce central macular thickness, and ranibizumab showed significant effectiveness compared to photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT was recommended to be performed in those resistant to the treatment by one CPG but lacked of adequate description and support. Data extracted from the Cochrane systematic reviews indicated that anti-VEGF therapy for mCNV had significant effectiveness in improving visual acuity and reducing CMT compared to PDT with moderate to low certainty of evidence. Ranibizumab and bevacizumab were considered as equally effective with moderate certainty. Conclusions: The outcomes of this review suggest that high quality clinical practice guidelines for MMD management are limited. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents was recommended as an effective intervention to treat myopic CNV as the first-line treatment, while there was inadequate guidance for the application of PDT in myopic CNV management. The use of other interventions for MMD were not recommended at this time and additional evidence is called for.

A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for childhood glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to identify and critically appraise clinical practice guidelines on the assessment, diagnosis and management of childhood glaucoma. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic literature search of databases and professional websites for clinical practice guidelines published on eye conditions between 2010 and April 2020 in English was conducted. Identified guidelines were screened for relevance to childhood glaucoma and exclusion criteria applied. Guidelines that passed the screening and quality appraisal with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool and, if they achieved a mean score of ≥45 and ≥3 on subsets of 9 and 5 AGREE II items, respectively, were selected for inclusion and data extracted using a standardised form. RESULTS: Following screening and critical appraisal, three guidelines were included for data extraction. None of the three guidelines was specifically developed for childhood glaucoma. A consistent recommendation was that children should undergo some form of eye screening examination or a comprehensive eye assessment to detect paediatric eye disease. Children at high risk of childhood glaucoma should undergo additional screening. One clinical practice guideline recommended interventions for childhood glaucoma consisting of tube surgery and topical beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Recommended interventions for childhood glaucoma were based on low-quality to moderate-quality evidence or expert opinion. CONCLUSION: Based on our selection criteria, we did not identify any high-quality clinical practice guidelines specifically targeted at childhood glaucoma. This is compounded by the lack of high-quality evidence on childhood glaucoma.

Incidence and management of acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence, management, and clinical outcomes of cases who developed acute endophthalmitis following the administering of the intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection. METHODS: In this retrospective, non-comparative, single-center, cross-sectional study, the records of patients diagnosed with acute endophthalmitis following IVB injection between March 2013 and October 2019 were reviewed. Immediate injection of intravitreal antibiotics and early pars plana vitrectomy was performed for all cases after clinical diagnosis of acute post IVB endophthalmitis. RESULTS: A total of 28,085 IVB injections were performed during the study period. Nine eyes of nine patients developed acute post IVB endophthalmitis giving an overall incidence of 0.032% (95% CI, 0.01-0.06) (3.2 in 10,000 injections). Three cases (33%) were culture-positive (staphylococcus epidermidis). The mean time between IVB injection and presentation of endophthalmithis was 2.77 ± 1.25 days (Range, 1-6). The mean number of previously received IVB injections before developing of endophthalmitis was 4 ± 1.5 (range 2 to7). The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before IVB injection, at the presentation of endophthalmithis and three months after the treatment of endophthalmithis were 1.18 ± 0.62, 2.5 ± 0.42, and 1.94 ± 0.88 logMAR, respectively (P = 0.025). One eye developed phthisis bulbi. CONCLUSION: The incidence of acute endophthalmitis following Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab is very low. The time interval between injection and presentation is short. Prompt treatment with immediate intravitreal antibiotics and early pars plana vitrectomy are key in maximizing outcomes. The prognosis of post-IVB endophthalmitis is poor and may result in significantly visual impairment.

Development of Progressive Chiari I Malformation in a Child with Unilateral Sporadic Retinoblastoma.

PURPOSE: To report a case of progressive Chiari malformation type I (CIM) in a patient with unilateral sporadic retinoblastoma (RB) treated with intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) and enucleation. METHODS: A 5-year-old male patient with a history of RB in his left eye treated with IAC and enucleation presented to our clinic for routine RB surveillance. Radiotherapy had not been used for the treatment of his RB. RESULTS: A progressive herniation of cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum was detected on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain and cervical MRI revealed no central nervous system mass, hydrocephalus, or syringomyelia. There was no history of head trauma. CONCLUSION: Progressive CIM may occur in unilateral sporadic RB.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in a Case of Regressed Familial Retinoblastoma.

PURPOSE: To present a case of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in association with regressed familial retinoblastoma. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old man with regressed unilateral familial retinoblastoma in his left eye presented with decreased vision of the left eye since two months ago. The patient had undergone chemotherapy and cryotherapy for the treatment of retinoblastoma 20 years ago. In the left eye, funduscopy disclosed regressed mass of retinoblastoma, inferonasal to the optic disc, and focal subfoveal neurosensory detachment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography revealed CSC. As there was no sign of recurrence of retinoblastoma and retinal findings did not show late-onset chemotherapy-related retinopathy, the patient was diagnosed with CSC and followed up. After two months, visual acuity of the left eye improved, and repeated macular OCT revealed absorption of the subretinal fluid. CONCLUSION: Subretinal fluid accumulation in a patient with regressed retinoblastoma is not always a sign of tumor recurrence or a treatment-related retinopathy.

Topical Umbilical Cord Serum for Corneal Epithelial Defects after Diabetic Vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of topical umbilical cord serum (TUCS) therapy in treating corneal epithelial defects (CEDs) after diabetic vitrectomy. METHODS: In this double-masked, randomized clinical trial, we included 80 eyes of 80 patients who were candidates for vitrectomy due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications. In cases of corneal edema obscuring the fundus view during surgery, the corneal epithelium was removed using a 6-mm trephine and a blade no.15. The day after the surgery, patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the TUCS group that received 20% TUCS six times/day in addition to the conventional treatment of CED and (2) the control group, which was prescribed artificial tears as placebo in addition to the conventional treatment of CED. The rate of healing of CEDs was measured via two maximum linear dimensions perpendicular to each other at the start of therapy and on postoperative days 1-5, 7, and 12. RESULTS: Of 80 eyes, 40 were assigned to each treatment group. The mean times to complete CED healing were 2.4 ± 0.7 and 3.8 ± 2.1 days in the TUCS and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Persistent CED occurred in two eyes in the control group but in no eyes in the TUCS group. CONCLUSION: TUCS therapy may be safe and effective in healing CEDs after vitrectomy in patients with diabetes.

Von Hippel-Lindau Disease and the Eye.

Retinal hemangioblastoma (also referred to as retinal capillary hemangioma) is a benign lesion originating from the endothelial and glial components of the neurosensory retina and optic nerve head. Historically known as a manifestation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, it can be seen as an isolated finding or in association with some rare ocular conditions. In addition to characteristic ophthalmoscopic features, results of numerous ancillary tests including angiography, ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and genetic tests may support the diagnosis and differentiate it from similar conditions. Because of serious life-threatening complications of VHL disease, every ocular approach to retinal hemangioblastomas should be in relationship with additional multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic efforts. In addition, any patient with actual or probable diagnosis of VHL disease should be screened for ocular involvement. Unfavorable visual loss can occur early, and ocular complications of VHL range from exudative retinopathy to tractional retinal detachment, neovascular glaucoma, and phthisis bulbi. Accordingly, various treatment methods have been tested with overall acceptable responses, including photocoagulation, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, plaque radiotherapy, vitrectomy, and more novel intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors and propranolol.

PERIPHERAL ISCHEMIC RETINAL PHOTOCOAGULATION IN ADDITION TO INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB VERSUS INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB ALONE FOR THE TREATMENT OF MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION: A Randomized Double-Masked Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of peripheral ischemic retinal photocoagulation in addition to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the treatment of macular edema due to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Forty-eight eyes of 48 treatment-naive patients were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups. Group A comprised 24 eyes that were treated with three consecutive monthly injections of IVB, and Group B comprised 24 eyes that were treated with IVB plus photocoagulation of the peripheral nonperfused retina. Further IVB injections were administered as needed in both groups. Monthly follow-up was conducted for 9 months after the first injection. RESULTS: The data of 46 patients were analyzed. Best-corrected visual acuity changes from the fourth to eighth month follow-up in comparison with the baseline were significantly higher in Group B (P = 0.002-0.044-0.002-0.002-0.012). In addition, significant differences were observed in central macular thickness in Group B throughout the study period (all P < 0.001). Group B required less frequent IVB injections during the 9-month study period. CONCLUSION: Photocoagulation of the retinal nonperfused area in patients with macular edema because of central retinal vein occlusion might amplify the beneficial effects of IVB on best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness and reduce the frequency of IVB injection.

INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF PROPRANOLOL FOR THE TREATMENT OF RETINAL CAPILLARY HEMANGIOMA IN A CASE OF VON HIPPEL-LINDAU.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal propranolol for the management of retinal capillary hemangioma in a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau. METHODS: Two intravitreal injections of 50 µg/0.05 mL propranolol were administered 6 weeks apart in the left eye of a 26-year-old patient with bilateral multiple retinal capillary hemangiomas. Safety and response to therapy were evaluated using electroretinogram, fluorescein angiography, and measurement of visual acuity. Laser photocoagulation was performed in the right eye. RESULTS: One month after the second intravitreal injection of propranolol, fluorescein leakage decreased from the tumors located on the optic nerve head and in the inferonasal retinal periphery. Reduction of the retinal capillary hemangioma vascularity and enhancement of its fibrosis associated with the attenuation of the feeder vessel were also observed. Ophthalmic examination showed no adverse effect except for a mild transient vitreous haziness after each injection. Electroretinogram performed 4 weeks after the first injection revealed no retinal toxicity. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal propranolol showed a therapeutic effect on retinal capillary hemangioma with no short-term adverse effects except a mild transient inflammatory response in a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau.

Effects of Intravitreal Silicone Oil on Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal silicone oil (SO) on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with unilateral pseudophakic macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were treated with a three-port pars plana vitrectomy and a 5,700-cSt SO endo-tamponade and subsequent SO removal. SFCT was measured before and 3 months after SO removal. The main outcome measure was the difference between the SFCT of operated eyes and the fellow eyes. RESULTS: Before SO removal, the mean SFCT differences in group 1 (3-6 months' duration of SO), group 2 (6-9 months' duration of SO), and group 3 (9-18 months' duration of SO) were -14.8, -25.5, and -62.1 µm, respectively (p = 0.002, r = 0.398). Three months after SO removal, the mean SFCT differences in group 1, group 2, and group 3 were -13.4, -23.3, and -59.0 µm, respectively (p = 0.002, r = 0.393). CONCLUSION: SFCT decreased significantly in eyes with long-term (≥6 months) intravitreal SO tamponade. Choroidal thinning did not improve after SO removal.

Toward the Art of Robotic-assisted Vitreoretinal Surgery.

New technological progress in robotics has brought many beneficial clinical applications. Currently, computer integrated robotic surgery has gained clinical acceptance for several surgical procedures. Robotically assisted eye surgery is envisaged as a promising solution to overcome the shortcomings inherent to conventional surgical procedures as in vitreoretinal surgeries. Robotics by its high precision and fine mechanical control can improve dexterity, cancel tremor, and allow highly precise remote surgical capability, delicate vitreoretinal manipulation capabilities. Combined with magnified three-dimensional imaging of the surgical site, it can enhance surgical precision. Tele-manipulation can provide the ability for tele-surgery or haptic feedback of forces generated by the manipulation of intraocular tissues. It presents new solutions for some sight-threatening conditions such as retinal vein cannulation where, due to physiological limitations of the surgeon's hand, the procedure cannot be adequately performed. In this paper, we provide an overview of the research and advances in robotically assisted vitreoretinal eye surgery. Additionally the barriers to the integration of this method in the field of ocular surgery are summarized. Finally, we discuss the possible applications of the method in the area of vitreoretinal surgery.

Intravitreal Injection of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa; a Safety Study.

PURPOSE: To examine the safety of a single intravitreal injection of autologous bone Marrow Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: A prospective, phase I, nonrandomized, open-label study was conducted on 3 eyes of 3 volunteers with advanced RP. Visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, fundus examination, optical coherence tomography, fundus auto-fluorescence, fluorescein angiography and multifocal electroretinography were performed before and after an intravitreal injection of approximately one-million MSCs. The patients were followed for one year. Further evaluation of MSCs was performed by injection of these cells into the mouse vitreous cavity. RESULTS: No, adverse events were observed in eyes of 2 out of 3 patients after transplantation of MSCs. These patients reported improvements in perception of the light after two weeks, which lasted for 3 months. However, severe fibrous tissue proliferation was observed in the vitreous cavity and retrolental space of the third patient's eye, which led to tractional retinal detachment (TRD), iris neovascularization and formation of mature cataract. Injection of this patient's MSCs into the vitreous cavity of mice also resulted in fibrosis; however, intravitreal injections of the two other patients' cells into the mouse vitreous did not generate any fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of autologous bone marrow MSCs into patients' eyes with advanced RP does not meet safety standards. Major side effects of this therapy can include fibrosis and TRD. We propose thorough evaluation of MSCs prior to transplantation by intravitreal injection in the laboratory animals.\.