SPONTANEOUS FORMATION AND RESOLUTION OF A LAMELLAR HOLE IN A PATIENT SUCCESSFULLY TREATED FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA WITH A FLUOCINOLONE ACETONIDE IMPLANT.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a case of spontaneous formation and resolution of a lamellar macular hole in a patient with diabetic macular edema treated with steroid implants. METHODS: This study is a case report. RESULTS: A 53-year-old man presented with blurry vision and was found to have diabetic macular edema that remained refractory to treatment despite multiple short-term intravitreal steroid implants. He was eventually treated with an intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant and was subsequently noted to have developed a lamellar macular hole that then resolved spontaneously without any additional therapy. CONCLUSION: There can be spontaneous formation and resolution of lamellar holes in the treatment of diabetic macular edema because of reorganization of the inner retinal layers, without significant impact on visual acuity. To the best of our knowledge, this finding has not been previously reported.

Internal limiting membrane peeling combined with mouse nerve growth factor injection for idiopathic macular hole.

BACKGROUND: The study was intended to confirm whether Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) with Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) peeling and intravitreal injection mouse Nerve Growth Factor(mNGF) was effective for the treatment of Idiopathic Macular Hole(IMH) by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography(OCTA) and microperimetry. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in adults' patients. A total of 44 eyes (March 2021-October 2021) with IMH who received surgical treatment in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province were selected. The subjects were treated using PPV combined with ILM peeling and intravitreal mNGF (combined group) or PPV combined with ILM peeling (placebo group). The Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and MP-3 microperimetry were carried out and observed at baseline, 1 week(1W), 1,3 and 6 months (1 M,3 M,6 M) postoperatively. RESULTS: The minimum diameter of MH were (568.650 ± 215.862)µm and (533.348 ± 228.836)µm in the Placebo and Combine group pre-operative. During the observation, the macular hole closure rate in the placebo group and combined group were 90% and 95.8% respectively and the difference was not statistically significant(p = 0.583). Compared to pre-surgery, the perimeter and circularity of Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) in the placebo group decreased at 1,3,6 M (p = 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001) and 1W,1,6 M (p = 0.045,0.010, < 0.001) post-surgery respectively. And the perimeter and circularity of FAZ showed significant reduction in the combined group at 1,3,6 M (p = 0.005,0.004, < 0.001) and at each follow-up time point (all values of p < 0.001). The vascular density of SCP increased at 1W(p = 0.031) and 6 M(p = 0.007), the perfusion density of SCP was significantly improved at each follow-up time point (p = 0.028, 0.011, 0.046, 0.004) in the combined group. The BCVA in the combined group was more obvious than that in the placebo group at 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after operation (t1 = 2.248, p1 = 0.030; t3 = 3.546, p3 = 0.001; t6 = 3.054, p6 = 0.004). The changes of BCVA in the combined group was more conspicuous than that in the placebo group at each follow-up time point, and the difference was statistically significant (t1 = 2.206,p1 = 0.033;t2 = 2.54,p2 = 0.015;t3 = 3.546,p3 = 0.001;t6 = 3.124,p6 = 0.003).At 1 M, 3 M and 6 M, the MRS of 2° and 4° in the combined group was better than that in the placebo group(t = -2.429,-2.650,-3.510,-2.134,-2.820,-3.099 p = 0.020,0.011,0.001,0.039,0.007,0.004). During various time points, the MRS of 12°in the combined group was better than that in the placebo group, the difference was statistically significant (t = -3.151, -3.912, -4.521, -4.948, p1 = 0.003, < 0.001, < 0.001 < 0.001). The integrity of External Limiting Membrane (ELM) in combination group was better than that in placebo group at 6 M postoperative(p = 0.022) and that of Ellipsoid Zone(EZ) was preferable in the combined group at 3 M and 6 M after surgery(p = 0.012,0.004). Correlation analysis showed that the integrity of EZ was correlated with 12°MRS at 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after surgery(r = -0.318, -0.343,-0.322;p = 0.023,0.033, < 0.001). There was no correlation between postoperative ELM integrity and postoperative BCVA and 12°MRS(p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results manifested that PPV combined with ILM peeling and intravitreal injection mNGF might be more effective for initial IMH. This method increased the blood flow, MRS and promoted the recovery of ELM and EZ in the macular and might improve the visual function of patients postoperatively.

Intravitreal gas injection for early persistent macular hole after primary pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical presentations and outcome of early intravitreal injection (IVI) of octafluoropropane (C3F8) for persistent macular holes (MH) after primary pars plana vitrectomy with the internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling technique. METHODS: Nineteen eyes of 18 patients with persistent MH after vitrectomy underwent intravitreal injection of C3F8 between 11 and 21 days after the initial surgery (intravitreal gas injection group). Another nine eyes with a persistent MH without additional IVI C3F8 were included (non-intravitreal gas injection group). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) features including size and configuration of MH, and time duration between the 2 surgeries were compared between the MH closure and open groups. The closure rate of persistent MHs was compared between the intravitreal gas injection group and non-intravitreal gas injection group. RESULTS: Twelve of 19 eyes (63%) achieved MH closure after 1 to 3 times IVI C3F8. The final BCVA after vitrectomy and IVI gas was significantly better in the MH closure group (P = .005). Nine of 12 patients (75%) in the MH closure group had a visual acuity improvement of more than 2 lines. Original MHs with smaller minimal diameter, higher macular hole index (MHI) and higher tractional hole index (THI); and persistent MHs with smaller minimal diameter, higher THI, and lower diameter hole index (DHI) showed higher MH closure rate. None of the persistent MHs closed in the non-intravitreal gas injection group (0/9 eyes). CONCLUSION: Early intravitreal injection of C3F8 can be a cost-effective first-line treatment for early persistent MHs after primary surgery, especially in eyes with favorable OCT features.

FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE FORMATION AND SPONTANEOUS CLOSURE DURING INTRAVITREAL RANIBIZUMAB THERAPY FOR CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

PURPOSE: To describe the occurrence of full-thickness macular hole formation and spontaneous closure in a case of central retinal vein occlusion treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. METHODS: A 67-year-old hypertensive man presented with acute central retinal vein occlusion with macular edema in his left eye for which he received intravitreal ranibizumab. RESULTS: He developed a FTMH following the second injection, which was kept under observation. Recurrence of intraretinal edema allowed approximation of the MH edges which subsequently achieved closure with further intravitreal RBZ and formation of an epiretinal membrane. CONCLUSION: Full-thickness macular hole formation in acute central retinal vein occlusion after intravitreal ranibizumab, although rare, can occur in eyes with massive macular edema and absence of posterior vitreous detachment after intravitreal pharmacotherapy. Spontaneous closure of secondary holes can take place with improvement in visual acuity.

MACULAR HOLE CLOSURE WITH TOPICAL STEROIDS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of topical difluprednate 0.05% use in the closure of full-thickness macular holes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 4 patients with full-thickness macular holes who received difluprednate drops 4 times daily for a minimum of 12 weeks. Main outcome measures were macular hole status assessed with optical coherence tomography, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complications of treatment. RESULTS: All patients had macular hole closure within 12 weeks of difluprednate exposure. Mean time to macular hole closure was 5 weeks (range, 2-12 weeks). Visual acuity improved with macular hole closure. Average baseline visual acuity was 20/42. Average visual acuity after macular hole closure was 20/26 (P = 0.14). Two patients experienced increased intraocular pressure with topical steroid use. CONCLUSION: Exposure to difluprednate in this cohort of patients with full-thickness macular holes was associated with reduced macular edema, macular hole closure, and visual improvement.

The efficacy and safety of ocriplasmin for patients with vitreous macular traction.

PURPOSE: To estimate the efficacy and safety of ocriplasmin for patients with vitreous macular traction (VMT). METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid were searched up to May 2020 to identify related studies. Statistical analysis was conducted by R software version 3.6.3. Results in proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by means of Freeman-Tukey variant of arcsine square transformation. RESULTS: The pooling results indicated the overall complete release rate was 50% (95% CI [45%-54%]). For VMT patients younger than 65 years old, with smaller adhesion size of VMT (<1500 µm), phakic eyes, with macular hole (MH) and subretinal fluid (SRF), while without epiretinal membrane (ERM), ocriplasmin could achieve much higher complete release rates than those under opposite conditions. The general nonsurgical closure rate of MH was 34% (95% CI [30%-37%]), and it was positively correlated with the MH size. The visual improvement rate was 45% (95% CI [32%-59%]), and it was higher for patients with VMT resolution (59%, 95% CI [41%-75%]). The secondary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) rate for patients without MH closure or VMT resolution was about 31% (95% CI [23%-39%]). The incidence of MH progression was 10% (95% CI [4%-18%]), and other severe adverse events such as endophthalmitis, retinal detachment and retinal tear were relatively rare. CONCLUSION: Ocriplasmin is an effective, reliable and relatively safe intervention for the treatment of VMT. The most suitable candidates were patients younger than 65 years old, with smaller adhesion size (<1500 µm), phakic eyes, with MH and SRF, while without ERM.

CLINICAL ASSOCIATIONS AND PROGNOSTIC IMPLICATIONS OF REPAIR TISSUE PROLIFERATION IN EYES WITH RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM TEARS.

PURPOSE: To investigate demographic and clinical factors influencing the longitudinal changes of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dehiscence area after RPE tears, including the presence of RPE tear-associated repair proliferation (TARP), and identify factors associated with TARP development over follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study of patients with a history of macular neovascularization and RPE tear. The area of RPE dehiscence was measured on repeated short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence imaging. Associations between covariates and RPE dehiscence areas were tested with multivariable linear mixed models. Associations between TARP development and clinical variables were investigated with Cox regression models. Factors associated with visual acuity changing rates were explored with linear mixed models. RESULTS: Thirty-seven eyes of 36 patients were included in this study and followed for a median time of 18 months. Tear-associated repair proliferation was identified in 27 eyes (73%). The median time for TARP detection was 112 days; none of the investigated factors was significantly associated with TARP occurrence. The presence of TARP (estimate: -0.042 mm2/month; P = 0.001) and female gender (estimate: -0.035 mm2/month; P = 0.006) were associated with slower rates of RPE dehiscence enlargement over time. Faster rates of visual improvement were observed in eyes with TARP compared with those without TARP (estimate = -0.010 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution/month if TARP was present; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Retinal pigment epithelium tear repair with TARP and female gender were associated with slower RPE degeneration after RPE tears. The presence of TARP was associated better visual prognosis. Additional research on factors promoting TARP development may have therapeutic and prognostic implications.

The Effect of Intravitreal Ocriplasmin on Hue Discrimination.

SIGNIFICANCE: We report 13 patients who received ocriplasmin for symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion. Farnsworth-Munsell 100 (FM 100) hue test total error score (TES) increased from baseline to month 1, before recovering at year 1. Ocriplasmin may alter hue discrimination. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether intravitreal ocriplasmin affects hue discrimination. METHODS: Thirteen patients with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion received intravitreal ocriplasmin 125 µg. Patients underwent full ocular examination, optical coherence tomography, and FM 100 hue test at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year. RESULTS: Mean age was 74.8 years. The median baseline FM 100 TES was similar in the injected and fellow eyes (272 vs. 252, respectively). Median TES in the injected eye increased from 272 to 348 at 1 week (median difference compared with baseline, +52.0; 98.8% confidence interval of difference, -64.0 to 184.0; P = .29), decreased to 324 at 1 month (median difference compared with baseline, -4.0; 98.8% confidence interval of difference, -44.0 to 256.0; P = .40), and decreased to 268 at 1 year (median difference compared with baseline, -108.0; 93.8% confidence interval of difference, -200.0 to 52.0; P = .19). Two patients (15.4%) had anatomic release of vitreomacular adhesion, occurring within 1 month of injection. CONCLUSIONS: Ocriplasmin may alter hue discrimination, but larger studies are required to provide sufficient power to detect or exclude a statistically significant effect. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the duration of any effect.

Case Series: Small Full-thickness Macular Hole Treated with Topical Dorzolamide and Bevacizumab Intravitreal Injections.

SIGNIFICANCE: This article reports two cases reported of combined treatment with topical dorzolamide and intravitreal bevacizumab injections, successfully treating small full-thickness macular hole without the need for traditional macular hole surgery. PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the potential effectiveness of combination treatment with topical dorzolamide and bevacizumab intravitreal injection therapy for small macular holes. CASE REPORTS: Case 1 was a 68-year-old woman presented with distorted and decreased vision in her right eye for 9 months. Fundus examination showed a full-thickness macular hole, which was confirmed with spectral domain optical coherence tomography measuring 96 µm. Treatment with topical dorzolamide and intravitreal bevacizumab 1.25 mg/0.05 mL injections was initiated. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed gradual improvement of the full-thickness macular hole with complete hole closure and visual improvement in just 1 month. Case 2 was a 73-year-old woman who presented with distorted and decreased vision in her right eye for 8 months. Fundus examination showed a full-thickness macular hole in the right eye, confirmed with spectral domain optical coherence tomography, measuring 76 µm. Treatment with topical dorzolamide and intravitreal bevacizumab 1.25 mg/0.05 mL injections was initiated. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed gradual improvement of the full-thickness macular hole with complete closure at 2 months and improvement in visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of topical dorzolamide and bevacizumab intravitreal injection is a reasonable consideration for small macular holes with vascular components before considering surgery. Both cases had early macular closure in less than 3 months.

[Retinal detachment after intravitreal ocriplasmin injection]. / Ablatio retinae nach intravitrealer Ocriplasmin-Injektion.

After an uneventful intravitreal injection (IVI) of Ocriplasmin in a patient with reduced visual acuity due to vitreomacular traction (VMT) and a small macular hole, retinal detachment occurred within a few days after the operation. Although retinal detachment is known as a risk factor of IVI this case is noteworthy: an excessive reaction occurred in the region of the vitreous body, which resulted in the development of severe traction on the retina leading to a posterior vitreous body detachment, retinal holes and complete retinal detachment. This possible complication should be discussed in the preoperative patient informed consent and the reason for this excessive reaction should be the subject of further investigations.

PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC CLOSURE OF A PERSISTING TRAUMATIC MACULAR HOLE WITH INTRAOCULAR STEROIDS.

PURPOSE: To report a case of successful closure of traumatic macular hole after treatment with intraocular steroids in a nonvitrectomized eye. METHODS: Retrospective observational case report. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 34-year-old man developed a full-thickness macular hole and submacular bleed after injury with firecracker in the left eye. Visual acuity in the left eye was counting fingers close to face. Intraocular gas, 0.3 cc of 100% SF6, was injected for displacement of submacular bleed. At 2 months after presentation, macular hole persisted with signs of intraocular inflammation. A trial of intraocular triamcinolone injection (2 mg in 0.05 ml) was given, which resulted in complete closure of macular hole and improvement in visual acuity to 6/36 and thereby avoiding the need for ocular surgery. CONCLUSION: Ocular steroids could play an important role in successful closure of persisting macular holes in a setting of blunt trauma, especially in a background of uveitis.

The effectiveness of ocriplasmin versus surgery for the treatment of macular holes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review looking at the effects of ocriplasmin compared to pars plana vitrectomy on macular holes to assess the effectiveness of the treatment options. METHODS: Literature was searched through MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Clinical Trials.gov, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses until June 12, 2018. Conferences held through Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Canadian Society of Ophthalmology, and American Academy of Ophthalmology were searched until June 18, 2018. A total of 208 records were screened leaving 26. One author independently reviewed them for quality and extracted data. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed. The adverse events, MH closure rate, change in MH size, and the extent to which the patients' visual acuity is restored by each treatment option; ocriplasmin and vitrectomy. RESULTS: Twenty-six articles were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis results showed a 34% closure of macular holes after ocriplasmin treatment compared to 92% after vitrectomy. A significant improvement in visual acuity was seen after vitrectomy (SMD = -1.42; CI: [-1.98, -0.86]) as well as the ocriplasmin treatment (SMD = -0.73; CI: [-0.98, -0.48]). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested 92% macular hole closure after vitrectomy compared to 34% after ocriplasmin. A significant improvement in visual acuity of patients was seen after both treatments. More good quality randomized controlled trials are required to make strong conclusions.

Treatment of Secondary Full-Thickness Macular Holes with Topical Therapy.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of secondary full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) treated with topical therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with secondary FTHMs initially treated with topical therapy in a referral-based retina practice. METHODS: Patients evaluated between April 14, 2016, and February 22, 2019, for secondary FTMHs who underwent topical therapy were included. Patient demographics, ocular history, type of drops used, duration of therapy, and duration of follow-up as well as anatomic features on OCT, including hole diameter and presence of vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane (ERM), and cystoid macular edema (CME), were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Closure rate of FTMHs and change in visual acuity. RESULTS: A total of 123 FTMHs were seen during the study, of which 12 were secondary macular holes. Topical therapy was attempted in 9 eyes (8 patients). Six of these 9 FTMHs were associated with prior retinal detachment (RD). Previous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) had been performed in 3 eyes (1 for RD, 2 for ERM). One eye had vitreomacular traction and a remote history of blunt trauma. Average initial hole diameter was 79.6 µm (range, 44-132 µm). Average follow-up was 53 weeks (range, 5-153 weeks). All FTMHs had some element of ERM and CME. All patients received difluprednate with the addition of a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in 6 eyes and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drops in 2 eyes. Eight eyes (89%) achieved successful hole closure and resolution of CME with concurrent improvement in visual acuity after an average of 6 weeks of therapy (range, 2-19 weeks). Average vision among all 9 eyes improved from 0.69 to 0.37 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent from approximately 20/100 to approximately 20/50). No episodes of corneal melts or ulcers occurred. One patient showed mild keratopathy and elevation of intraocular pressure with topical NSAID and steroid therapy that resolved when the topical NSAID was stopped and difluprednate was tapered down to once weekly. CONCLUSIONS: Topical therapy achieved high closure rates in secondary FTMH and can be considered as an initial treatment option especially in those with small holes and CME.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of ocriplasmin versus watchful waiting for treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion in the US.

Aim: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ocriplasmin in symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) with or without full-thickness macular hole ≤400 µm versus standard of care. Methods: A state-transition model simulated a cohort through disease health states; assignment of utilities to health states reflected the distribution of visual acuity. Efficacy of ocriplasmin was derived from logistic regression models using Ocriplasmin for Treatment for Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion Including Macular Hole trial data. Model inputs were extracted from Phase III trials and published literature. The analysis was conducted from a US Medicare perspective. Results: Lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$4887 per quality-adjusted life year gained in the total population, US$4255 and US$10,167 in VMA subgroups without and with full-thickness macular hole, respectively. Conclusion: Ocriplasmin was cost effective compared with standard of care in symptomatic VMA.

TRAUMATIC MACULAR HOLE CLOSURE AND VISUAL IMPROVEMENT AFTER TOPICAL NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUG TREATMENT.

PURPOSE: To report a case of pediatric traumatic macular hole that closed with visual improvement after treatment with topical ketorolac. METHODS: Retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 15-year-old girl presented with persistent left blurred vision after being hit with a soccer ball 2 months before. Visual acuity was 20/40 with a full-thickness macular hole with cystoid macular edema. After treatment with ketorolac 0.4% four times a day for a month, the hole closed with resolution of the cystoid macular edema but some remaining subretinal fluid. The ketorolac was tapered over the following month, and the subretinal fluid resolved during the subsequent months. At 10 months after initial presentation, patient's vision was 20/20 with a normal foveal contour, no subretinal fluid, and minimal ellipsoid zone disruption. CONCLUSION: Topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug treatment may play a role in the resolution of traumatic macular holes with cystoid macular edema.

CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL TEAR IMAGED BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

PURPOSE: To report a patient presenting a retinal pigment epithelial tear in which optical coherence tomography angiography enabled the visualization of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) not evidenced by the fluorescein angiography. She was treated with 3 monthly intravitreous anti-VEGF injections and intraretinal fluid resolution occurred. METHODS: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 62-year-old Caucasian woman presented with decreased visual acuity in the right eye for 3 months. Fundus biomicroscopy revealed a yellowish macular lesion associated with intraretinal hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography showed a large hyperfluorescent area consistent with window defect. Optical coherence tomography showed a retinal pigment epithelial tear with subretinal fluid. However, there was no clear evidence of CNV on fluorescein angiography or OCT. Optical coherence tomography angiography confirmed the presence of an active CNV by the visualization of the neovascular network in the region corresponding to the scrolled up retinal pigment epithelium. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that optical coherence tomography angiography can be useful to confirm the presence of CNV in cases where fluorescein angiography and OCT cannot establish the diagnosis. The reported case suggests the applicability of optical coherence tomography angiography in patients in whom retinal pigment epithelial tear is detected and associated CNV is suspected.

EXPERIENCE WITH OCRIPLASMIN IN PATIENTS WITH VITREOMACULAR TRACTION SYNDROME: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 10 PATIENTS.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of ocriplasmin in patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome <1,500 µm with or without a full-thickness macular holes of <400 µm. METHODS: In this study, a retrospective analysis of 10 eyes of 10 patients with VMT who were treated with ocriplasmin between December 2014 and January 2016 was performed. Ocriplasmin 0.125 mg was injected only once in all cases. Outcome measures included the detachment of VMT, best-corrected visual acuity, the evaluation of optical coherence tomography, including the closure of full-thickness macular holes, and the reduction of macular edema (if present) and the decrease of metamorphopsia if present. RESULTS: Ten patients (7 women and 3 men) with an average age of 75.1 years (range, 63-84 years) were treated with ocriplasmin with a follow-up period of 8 weeks. All patients were treated for VMT syndrome, and 5 patients (50.0%) showed an additional macular hole. An absolute detachment of VMT was seen in 3 patients (30.0%) and partially in 4 patients (40.0%). In three of the five patients, a complete closure of the full-thickness macular holes was seen. The two other patients needed an additional pars plana vitrectomy as a result of the persistent macular hole. An improvement of visual acuity was seen in 6 out of 10 patients (60.0%), a reduction of macular edema in 8 out of 9 patients (88.9%), and a decrease of metamorphopsia in 6 out of 7 patients (85.7%). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis, the treatment with ocriplasmin showed a resolution of VMT in 7 of 10 patients (70.0%) after a follow-up period of 8 weeks.

THE OCCURRENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, MANAGEMENT, AND PROGNOSIS OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM TEARS IN PATIENTS WITH POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY: A Retrospective Study of 397 Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. METHOD: A retrospective review of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy cases with confirmed RPE tears was conducted. Patients' comprehensive clinical data were collected and analyzed. The treatment strategy was a loading dose of one intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection, combined with additional injections if exudative activities or visual deterioration were detected. RESULTS: Among 397 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy patients, 33 patients with RPE tears (8.3%) were included. 42.4% of them happened spontaneously. Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) occurred more frequently in RPE tear patients and most of them had serous vascularized or hemorrhagic PED. The height and greatest linear diameter of PED, and the subfoveal choroidal thickness of these cases were significantly larger, whereas the central foveal thickness was significantly smaller. Most of the RPE tears occurred at the edge of the PED. After our treatment strategy, patients' best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 2.13 ± 1.24 (median 20/52) to 1.32 ± 1.31 (median 20/166). Large subretinal hemorrhage may increase the risk of the formation of subretinal fibrosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Retinal pigment epithelium tears in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy are associated with high subRPE hydrostatic pressure, produced by a large PED or hemorrhage. After our intervention strategy, this condition may not necessarily result in poor prognosis.

Systemic steroids for the management of choroidal neovascular membrane with pigment epithelial tear and recalcitrant subretinal fluid.

A 67-year-old man was diagnosed to have dry age related macular degeneration in the right eye and a choroidalneovascular membrane (CNVM) with a large pigment epithelial detachment in the left eye, confirmed with clinical examination, angiography and optical coherence tomography scans. He received an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in the right eye and developed a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear 3 weeks later. 3 consecutive ranibizumab injections failed to clear the subretinal fluid (SRF). A course of systemic steroids was administered and this improved the vision. Subsequently, the patient received one more ranibizumab injection and the disease process resolved. The left eye corrected distance visual acuity (LE CDVA) was 20/30 at the final visit (1 year after the last injection). Systemic steroids may be a management option in patients with CNVM and RPE tear with recalcitrant SRF if there is no contraindication to their use.