BACILLARY LAYER DETACHMENT BECAUSE OF MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and multimodal imaging features of bacillary layer detachment (BD), and its response to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, in eyes with macular neovascularization. METHODS: Retrospective, observational case series of 14 eyes (14 patients, 7 men) imaged with eyes (14 patients, 7 men) were imaged with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and either fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography angiography. Therapeutic response was monitored with serial imaging and best-corrected visual acuity assessments. RESULTS: The mean age was 75 ± 13 (range: 45-96) years, with mean follow-up duration of 27 ± 21 (range: 1-56) months. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration was found in 71% (10/14) eyes. Type 2 macular neovascularization lesions were associated with BD in all 14 eyes. Subretinal hemorrhage was noted in 79% (11/14) eyes. BD promptly resolved after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy in all eyes. The baseline best-corrected visual acuity improved from logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.84 ± 0.32 (Snellen equivalent 20/138) to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.48 ± 0.31 (Snellen equivalent 20/60) at the last follow-up, with treatment of the macular neovascularization. CONCLUSION: Type 2 macular neovascularization and subretinal hemorrhage are associated with BDs, which may be due to a rapid influx of exudative fluid into the potential space between the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone. Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy results in rapid resolution of BDs and visual improvement in most eyes.

ATTENUATION OUTER RETINAL BANDS ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOLLOWING MACULAR EDEMA: A Possible Manifestation of Photoreceptor Misalignment.

PURPOSE: Macular edema is a common retinal disease which may leave important anatomical and functional sequelaes. Directional fundus imaging consists of comparing on- and off-axis images to reveal angle-dependent reflectance properties of fundus structures, which may be related to misaligned photoreceptors. Here, we analyzed directional optical coherence tomography (OCT) and flood-illumination adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy images to detect evidence of misaligned photoreceptors following macular edema. METHODS: Transversal, observational study. Nine patients having recovered a normal macular profile after macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion were included. For each patient, a reference OCT scan (i.e., with the incident beam normal to the fovea) was acquired, and off-axis scans were then acquired by laterally shifting the entry pupil. In addition, in four of these eyes, directional adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy documented the directional variations of cone metrics. RESULTS: Included patients comprised two women and seven men (age range, 19-76 years). Reference OCT scans showed patchy attenuation of the cone outer segment tips and to a lesser extent of the inner segment/outer segment lines in all, but two eyes; these. Increased intensity of the cone outer segment tips and inner segment/outer segment lines could be observed on off-axis scans. Accordingly, fusion images showed 66% average reduction of the length of cone outer segment tips attenuation. In two cases, although reference scans showed continuity of outer bands, focal attenuation was evidenced in off-axis images. Directional adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy imaging showed a strong directional variability of cone counts in these areas, ranging from near absence to roughly two-third of reference values. In each case, directional variations of cone counts paralleled those of the reflectance of outer bands. CONCLUSION: After macular edema, focal attenuations of the inner segment/outer segment and of the cone outer segment tips lines may be present on OCT. These areas may show a strong directional variability by both OCT and adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy, suggesting that misaligned photoreceptor outer segments contribute to such features. The evaluation of outer retinal damage following macular edema should therefore take into account the optical Stiles-Crawford effect to disambiguate missing from misaligned cones.

CORRELATION BETWEEN INNER-RETINAL CHANGES AND OUTER-RETINAL DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE.

PURPOSE: To investigate correlations between the inner-retinal irregularity index and interdigitation zone (IZ) defects preidiopathic and postidiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. METHODS: The authors retrospectively assessed ophthalmic parameters in 89 eyes of 89 patients with ERM. They divided patients into the no-IZ defect (51, 57%) and IZ defect (38, 43%) groups. The IZ defect group was subdivided into recovered (22, 58%) and remaining IZ defect (16, 42%) subgroups, according to IZ recovery status at final examination. The inner-retinal irregularity index of each group was measured before and 1-, 3-, and 6-month postsurgery. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The IZ defect group had a statistically significant higher inner-retinal irregularity index than the no-IZ defect group before (P = 0.023), but not after ERM surgery. The inner-retinal irregularity index of the recovered and remaining IZ defect subgroups was similar before surgery, but differed markedly 6 months after surgery (P = 0.048). Changes in the inner-retinal irregularity index quantitatively correlated with IZ defect size before and after ERM surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The inner-retinal irregularity index differed significantly according to the IZ status and also correlated with the IZ defect before and after ERM surgery. The inner-retinal irregularity index may reflect the outer-retinal damage in ERM.

Atrophy of retinal inner layers is associated with poor vision after endophthalmitis: a spectral domain optical coherence tomography study.

PurposeTo investigate the retinal structural changes in endophthalmitis and their association with visual outcome.Patients and methodsForty-five eyes of 45 patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis were included. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed after inflammation was controlled. The relationship between SD-OCT features and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last follow-up was analyzed.ResultsThe structural changes included inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) disruption (49%), atrophy of retinal inner layers (24%), epimacular membrane (24%), and macular edema (24%). BCVA was worse in patients with ISe disruption (P=0.005) and retinal inner layers' atrophy (P=0.004) compared with those without. There was no significant difference of BCVA between the patients with and without epimacular membrane, or intraretinal cysts. Multivariate regression showed that atrophy of retinal inner layers (b=0.41±0.17, P=0.022) was the only independent factor associated with BCVA.ConclusionAtrophy of retinal inner layers is associated with visual impairment in endophthalmitis, despite successful management.

Rearing Light Intensity Affects Inner Retinal Pathology in a Mouse Model of X-Linked Retinoschisis but Does Not Alter Gene Therapy Outcome.

Purpose: To test the effects of rearing light intensity on retinal function and morphology in the retinoschisis knockout (Rs1-KO) mouse model of X-linked retinoschisis, and whether it affects functional outcome of RS1 gene replacement. Methods: Seventy-six Rs1-KO mice were reared in either cyclic low light (LL, 20 lux) or moderate light (ML, 300 lux) and analyzed at 1 and 4 months. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinogram and cavity size by optical coherence tomography. Expression of inward-rectifier K+ channel (Kir4.1), water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were analyzed by Western blotting. In a separate study, Rs1-KO mice reared in LL (n = 29) or ML (n = 27) received a unilateral intravitreal injection of scAAV8-hRs-IRBP at 21 days, and functional outcome was evaluated at 4 months by electroretinogram. Results: At 1 month, no functional or structural differences were found between LL- or ML-reared Rs1-KO mice. At 4 months, ML-reared Rs1-KO mice showed significant reduction of b-wave amplitude and b-/a-wave ratio with no changes in a-wave, and a significant increase in cavity size, compared to LL-reared animals. Moderate light rearing increased Kir4.1 expression in Rs1-KO mice by 4 months, but not AQP4 and GFAP levels. Administration of scAAV8-hRS1-IRBP to Rs1-KO mice showed similar improvement of inner retinal ERG function independent of LL or ML rearing. Conclusions: Rearing light conditions affect the development of retinal cavities and post-photoreceptor function in Rs1-KO mice. However, the effect of rearing light intensity does not interact with the efficacy of RS1 gene replacement in Rs1-KO mice.

Macular hole surgery: the healing process of outer retinal layers to visual acuity recovery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) modifications of outer retinal layers as determinants for functional recovery after surgery for idiopathic macular hole (IMH). METHODS: This prospective study included 23 eyes of 23 consecutive patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for IMH. We excluded patients with other retinal diseases. Baseline and follow-up evaluations at months 3 and 6 included complete ophthalmologic and instrumental evaluations. Functional evaluation was performed by Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Amsler test. Morphologic evaluation was performed by spectral-domain 3D-OCT (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) for a deep analysis of retinal layers as well as central retinal thickness evaluation. A standard 23-G or 25-G vitreoretinal surgery was performed, completed by posterior hyaloid and inner limiting membrane peeling by means of vital dyes and gas tamponade. Statistical analysis was performed on collected data. RESULTS: The mean BCVA increased significantly from 0.57 ± 0.25 logMAR at baseline to 0.34 ± 0.22 logMAR at month 6. Intraretinal layers modification showed a progressive recomposition of inner segment/outer segment layer in 91% of patients at month 6. Retinal layers recomposition showed a progressive increase in all patients during follow-up from the immediate postoperative control to the last 6-month visit. CONCLUSIONS: Optical coherence tomography examination appears useful to investigate visual recovery after macular hole surgery. To ensure postsurgical functional increase, recomposition of all retinal layers, in particular in the outer retina, is mandatory. This process could be slow and not immediately observable during follow-up examinations.

Inner retinal layer change in glaucoma patients receiving anti-VEGF for neovascular age related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate the effects of long-term anti-VEGF treatment on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) thickness for patients with neovascular AMD and glaucoma. METHODS: Medical records of respective patients who had received more than 15 anti-VEGF injections were reviewed. Initial and latest SD-OCT macular scans were segmented and changes of the RNFL and RGCL thickness at the four outer ETDRS quadrants were evaluated. Secondary outcome measures included changes of visual field parameters seen in automated perimetry. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included (mean age 78 ± 6 years). The mean total number of anti-VEGF injections was 39 ± 16. The mean treatment duration was 6.1 ± 2.1 years. The mean IOP decreased from 18 ± 5 mmHg at baseline to 15 ± 5 mmHg at the last visit (p = 0.026). The mean RNFL thickness volume of the outer ETDRS quadrants (0.98 ± 0.18 mm3 to 0.97 ± 0.18 mm3 p = 0.61) and its average thickness (37.9 ± 7.3 µm to 37.2 ± 7.4 µm, p = 0.6) did not significantly change. However, the average RGCL thickness decreased significantly from 0.86 ± 0.12 mm3 to 0.79 ± 0.11 mm3 (p = 0.01), and from 27.7 ± 4.2 to 25.9 ± 3.7 µm (p = 0.01). Number of injections correlated with the RGCL change (r2 = 0.36, p = 0.01). The mean sensitivity, mean defect and absolute scotomata did not significantly change with p-values of 0.28, 0.21 and 0.07, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients under long term treatment with anti-VEGF and concurrent glaucoma show significant decrease in macular RGLC volume. However, this decrease is comparable to reported RGCL decrease in patients under anti-VEGF treatment without underlying glaucoma and suggests that glaucoma patients may not be at a higher risk for losing macular RNFL and RGCL, at least if adequate control of intraocular pressure is maintained.

Gli1 Expression in Human Epiretinal Membranes.

Purpose: We evaluate the expression of Gli1 in human epiretinal membranes (ERM) and correlate this with clinical data. Methods: We prospectively recruited patients with ERM. A total of 33 human ERM specimens were immunolabeled with anti-Gli1 antibody and the number of total cells/hyperfield (HF), Gli1(+) cells/HF, and the percentage of Gli1(+) cells/total cells were calculated. We evaluated the interrelationship of cellular properties and clinical findings, such as presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal breaks, intraocular inflammation, central foveal thickness, maximal retinal thickness, retinal contraction, lamellar holes, pseudoholes, the attenuation or absence of an inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction/external limiting membrane (ELM), cystic changes, and paravascular inner retinal defects. Results: Among 33 specimens, 25 specimens (75.8%) showed nuclear Gli1 expression. The mean Gli1(+) cells/total cells was 54.0 ± 36.7% (range, 0%-92.8%). There was significantly higher expression of Gli1(+) cells in ERM specimens from patients with DR (P = 0.014), and lower expression from patients with retinal breaks (P = 0.022). Epiretinal membrane specimens from patients with alteration of IS/OS junction/ELM or cystic changes on OCT showed higher percentage of Gli1(+) cells/total cells. Conclusions: Gli1 expression was detected in most ERM specimens. Patients who had DR or OCT findings indicating chronic retinal insults showed higher Gli1 expression. Gli1 may have a role in the pathogenesis of ERM after chronic retinal insults.

The role of membrane-inner retina adherence in predicting simultaneous internal limiting membrane peeling during idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery.

PurposeTo correlate the frequency and extent of simultaneous inadvertent internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling during idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal with characteristics of ERM adherence demonstrated on pre-operative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Patients and methodsThis is a prospective, observational, case series of patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic ERM. Inner retina-ERM adhesion was categorized as focal, broad or complete in five anatomic locations at macular area based on preoperative SD-OCT findings. The extent of spontaneous ILM peeling was quantified on a scale 0-100% in each of the aforementioned anatomic locations by the operating surgeons who were masked to the OCT characteristics. All operations were recorded with a high definition recording system and the area of simultaneous ILM peel was quantified by a second masked observer. The final extent of spontaneous ILM peel was calculated as the average of the two scores.ResultsThirty consecutive subjects who underwent surgery for idiopathic ERM were included in the study. Evidence of simultaneous ILM peeling was identified in 80.3% of individuals. With regards to the type of ERM-macula adhesion, inadvertent ILM peel was observed in 70% of the patients who pre-operatively showed complete adhesion, in 43% with broad adhesion and in only 21% with focal adhesion (P<0.001). The extent of the spontaneous ILM peel during removal of ERM was also significantly dependent on the type of ERM-inner retina adhesion. Total simultaneous ILM peel was observed in 59% of locations with complete ERM-macula adhesion but only in 22% and 7% of locations with broad and focal adhesion respectively (P<0.001).ConclusionsSimultaneous ILM peel is a frequent occurrence during ERM surgery, especially when there is complete or broad ERM adherence to the macula. The type of ERM-inner retina adhesion represents a valid predictor of the extent of simultaneous ILM peel during removal of ERM. Thorough evaluation of preoperative OCT may be a useful tool in determining a safer, more simplistic strategy in ERM surgery.

Evaluation of inner segment/outer segment junctions in different types of epiretinal membranes / Avaliação da junção segmento interno/segmento externo em diferentes graus de membranas epirretinianas

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationships of inner/outer segment (IS/OS) junction disruption, macular thickness, and epiretinal membrane (ERM) grade with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), as well as the relationship between IS/OS junction disruption and ERM grade. Methods: Fifty-four eyes of 54 patients with different grades of ERM were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups by ERM grade according to retinal striae and vessel distortion: grade/group 1, visible membranes without retinal striae or vessel distortion; grade/group 2, mild to moderate macular striae or vessel straightening; and grade/group 3, moderate to severe striae and vascular straightening. Correlations of BCVA with age, central retinal thickness, ERM grade, and IS/OS disruption as well as of IS/OS disruption, central macular thickness, and BCVA with ERM grade were evaluated. Results: Twenty-nine (53.7%) eyes exhibited IS/OS junction disruption. Groups 1 and 2 differed significantly with respect to BCVA (p=0.038), but groups 2 and 3 did not (p=0.070). Central macular thickness was significantly greater in group 2 than in group 1 (p=0.031) and in group 3 than in group 2 (p=0.033). Groups 1 and 2 differed significantly in terms of IS/OS disruption (p=0.000), but groups 2 and 3 did not (p=0.310). Conclusions: The IS/OS junction appears to be disrupted during the early stages of ERM. Grade 3 ERM is associated with a significantly higher incidence of IS/OS disruption.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a relação entre a interrupção da junção segmento interno/segmento externo (IS/OS), espessura macular e grau de membrana epirretiniana (ERM), com a melhor acuidade visual corrigida (BCVA), e a relação entre a interrupção da junção IS/OS com a severidade da ERM. Métodos: Cinquenta e quatro olhos de 54 pacientes com diferentes graus de ERM foram avaliados retrospectivamente. ERMs foram classificadas, de acordo com as estrias de retina e a distorção dos vasos, em 3 grupos: grupo 1 foram membranas visíveis sem estrias retinianas ou distorção dos vasos, grupo 2 membranas com estrias maculares discretas a moderadas ou retificação dos vasos, e grupo 3 membranas com estrias moderadas a graves e retificação vascular. A correlação da BCVA com a idade, espessura central da retina, severidade da ERM e interrupção da junção IS/OS foram avaliadas. A relação de interrupção da junção IS/OS, a espessura macular central e acuidade visual com a severidade da ERM também foram avaliadas. Resultados: Vinte e nove olhos (53,7%) apresentavam interrupção da junção IS/OS. A BCVA foi diferente entre ERMs grupo 1 e grupo 2 (p=0,038), a diferença entre o grupos 2 e 3 não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,070). A espessura macular central foi estatisticamente maior no grupo 2, quando comparado ao grupo 1 (p=0,031) e maior no grupo 3 quando comparado ao grupo 2 (p=0,033). A diferença entre o grupo 1 e grupo 2 em relação à interrupção da junção IS/OS foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,000), ao passo que a diferença entre o grupo 2 e do grupo 3 não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,310). Conclusões: As junções IS/OS parecem estar interrompidas nos estágios iniciais da ERM. O grau 3 de ERM têm uma maior incidência significativa de interrupção da junção IS/OS.

Inner-Retinal Irregularity Index Predicts Postoperative Visual Prognosis in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between the inner-retinal irregularity index and visual outcomes before and after idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We analyzed 66 eyes of 66 patients with idiopathic ERM. Ophthalmic examinations included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements, metamorphopsia assessment, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before surgery and 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery. Correlations between the inner-retinal irregularity index, defined as the length ratio between the inner plexiform layer and retinal pigment epithelium, and visual outcomes before and after ERM surgery were evaluated and compared with the correlation between the central foveal thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, interdigitation zone defect, and visual outcomes. RESULTS: Inner-retinal irregularity index and central foveal thickness were significantly correlated with BCVA and metamorphopsia at each follow-up examination (all P < .05). The interdigitation zone defect correlated with BCVA at 3 and 6 months post-surgery (P < .001 and P < .015, respectively). However, GC-IPL thickness was not correlated with visual outcomes at any follow-up examination. The preoperative interdigitation zone defect was correlated with 6-month BCVA (P = .035) and the preoperative inner-retinal irregularity index was significantly correlated with the 6-month BCVA and marginally correlated with the 6-month metamorphopsia (P = .018 and P = .097, respectively). CONCLUSION: The inner-retinal irregularity index was significantly correlated with visual outcomes before and after ERM surgery. This index can be used as a new surrogate marker for inner-retinal damage and a predictive prognostic marker in ERM.

Does perfluoro-n-octane use in 23G vitrectomy for retinal detachment surgery affect the integrity of the ellipsoid zone?

PURPOSE: To examine the integrity of the ellipsoid zone after perfluoro-n-octane use for reattachment of the central retina in macula-off retinal detachment cases. METHODS: Intraoperative video documentation with microscope-integrated intraoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) of 10 consecutive patients with macula-off retinal detachment, scheduled for primary vitrectomy for retinal detachment repair, was retrospectively examined for defects in the integrity of the ellipsoid zone due to perfluoro-n-octane use. RESULTS: Successful intraoperative visualization was possible in all cases, retinal detachment was reattached in all cases, but residual islands of subretinal fluid persisted directly after perfluoro-n-octane use in 80% of cases. These were resorbed in all cases in the postoperative OCTs. Disturbances in the integrity of the ellipsoid zone or intraoperative macular hole formation did not present in any of our cases. CONCLUSIONS: Perfluoro-n-octane use seems to be a safe procedure regarding integrity of the ellipsoid zone in cases scheduled for primary vitrectomy for retinal detachment repair.

Spectral domain ocular coherence tomography findings pre- and post vitrectomy with fibrovascular membrane delamination for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PurposeTo describe the intraretinal microstructure using serial spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) preceding and following pars plana vitrectomy and delamination of fibrovascular membranes in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).MethodsThis retrospective, interventional case series includes 28 eyes. Outcome measures included LogMAR distance best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), SD-OCT integrity of photoreceptor inner and outer segments junction (IS/OS), and integrity of external limiting membrane (ELM).ResultsPre-operative central macular thickness (CMT) was significantly correlated with the final post-operative LogMAR BCVA (Pearson's coefficient r=0.89; P=0.001). The eyes were categorised into three groups based on post-operative IS/OS integrity (group 0: IS/OS intact; group 1: IS/OS irregular but not completely disrupted; group 2: IS/OS completely disrupted). Mean BCVA improved significantly in group 0 (n=9) from 1.13±0.75 preoperatively to 0.34±0.21 (Student's t-test: P=0.06), in group 1 (n=10) the BCVA improved from 0.88±0.56 to 0.58±0.31 (Student's t-test: P=0.053) and in group 2 (n=9) the BCVA improved from 1.64±0.53 to 1.53±0.75 (Student's t-test: P=0.652).IS/OS integrity and ELM integrity at 3 months post operatively, were significantly and positively correlated with final BCVA (Pearson's coefficient: r=0.83, P<0.001 and r=0.72, P<0.001, respectively).ConclusionsPre-operative CMT and post-operative disruption of the IS/OS and ELM are useful prognostic indicators in fibrovascular delamination surgery for patients with PDR.

Correlation between visual acuity changes and optical coherence tomography morphological findings in idiopathic epiretinal membranes.

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features on visual acuity changes in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERMs). METHODS: Seventy-nine eyes of 71 patients were included in this study. SD-OCT was performed for all patients; data were collected upon ERM diagnosis and at the final visit. The patients were divided into subgroups based on their SD-OCT features. The initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and changes in BCVA for each subgroup were compared. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with changes in BCVA. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 20.78 months, the mean change in logMAR visual acuity was 0.052 ± 0.089. Eyes with inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction disruption and cystoid macular edema (CME) had a significantly lower mean initial BCVA than those without disruption and CME (P = 0.036 and P = 0.012, respectively). However, only eyes with CME had significant changes in BCVA (P = .034). Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of CME as the only factor that had a significant correlation with VA changes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with idiopathic ERMs, the presence of CME and IS/OS disruption detected by OCT correlated with a poorer initial BCVA. Most patients' visual acuity remained stable during follow-up. The presence of CME with OCT represented a predictor of the progression of visual acuity. These results may provide valuable clinical information regarding the management of patients with idiopathic ERMs. We demonstrated that the presence of CME and IS/OS disruption detected with OCT correlated with a poorer BCVA in idiopathic ERMs. The visual acuity of most patients was stable during the follow-up period. The presence of CME in OCT represented a predictor of vision deterioration for patients with idiopathic ERMs.

Two-Year Anatomical and Functional Outcomes After Macular Hole Surgery: A Prospective, Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine 2-year anatomical and functional outcomes after macular hole (MH) surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The surgical eye (SE) and fellow eye (FE) of 10 patients undergoing MH surgery were examined preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), external limiting membrane (ELM), inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction, cone outer-segment tips (COST) line, and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness were analyzed on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Inferior peripapillary RNFL was thinner in the SE at 110 ± 12.2 versus 123 ± 9.82 for FE (P < .05). Defect size in ELM (r = 0.61; P < .001), IS/ OS (r = 0.67; P < .001) junction, and COST (r = .67; P < .001) line correlated with visual recovery. Average GCIPL was thinner in SE compared to FE (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Eyes after MH repair demonstrated inferior RNFL and GCIPL thinning. Defect size in ELM, IS/OS junction, and COST line predicted visual recovery.

Foveal Photoreceptor Deformation as a Significant Predictor of Postoperative Visual Outcome in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the outer nuclear layer (ONL) deformation detected by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is correlated with visual acuity before and after surgery in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 44 patients who underwent vitreous surgery for treatment of ERM were included. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluations including measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and SD-OCT before and after surgery. The central foveal thickness (CFT), foveal ONL thickness, juxtafoveal ONL plus outer plexiform layer (OPL) thickness, photoreceptor outer segment thickness, and size of the disrupted interdigitation zone (IZ) line were measured. We defined the "photoreceptor deformation index" (PDI) as the ratio of foveal ONL thickness to the juxtafoveal ONL plus OPL thickness. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed that the only significant predictor of preoperative mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA was preoperative CFT (P < 0.0001). Preoperative PDI (P < 0.0001) and disrupted IZ diameter (P = 0.0242) were positively correlated with logMAR at 3 months after surgery. PDI (P < 0.0001) and disrupted IZ diameter (P = 0.0351) were also positively correlated with logMAR BCVA at 6 months after surgery. The only significant predictor of logMAR at 12 months after surgery was preoperative PDI (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PDI was most significantly correlated with postoperative BCVA. These results suggest that PDI is a novel parameter predicting visual outcome after surgery in eyes with ERM.

Correlation between Visual Acuity, Inner Segment/Outer Segment Junction, and Cone Outer Segment Tips Line Integrity in Uveitic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the foveal inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction or ellipsoid portion of inner segment (EPIS/ellipsoid zone), and the cone outer segment tips (COST) line or interdigitation zone integrity in eyes with uveitic macular edema (ME). METHOD: A retrospective observational study involving all patients from January 2012 to December 2013 with uveitic ME was performed. All patients underwent BCVA using Snellen charts spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) examination using Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). RESULTS: Fifty-two eyes from 45 patients were included in this study. Multivariate analysis showed a negative correlation between BCVA and the central retinal subfield thickness (CST), the cystoid pattern of edema, and the interdigitation zone interruption. Univariate logistic analysis showed a strong correlation between the ellipsoid zone and the interdigitation zone integrity. CONCLUSIONS: The ellipsoid zone defect, the interdigitation zone interruption, and the CST are correlated with poor vision. Visual acuity is also strongly affected by the cystoid pattern. The interdigitation zone integrity appears to be the most important factor in the visual prognosis of uveitic ME.

Nitric oxide and oxidative stress is associated with severity of diabetic retinopathy and retinal structural alterations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine plasma nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in diabetic retinopathy and its association with severity of disease. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 60 consecutive cases and 20 healthy controls were included. METHODS: Severity of retinopathy was graded according to early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) classification. Photoreceptor inner segment ellipsoid band (ISel) disruption and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alteration were graded using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Data were statistically analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, NO assay and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured using standard protocol. RESULTS: Increased severity of diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with increase in plasma levels of LPO (P < 0.05), NO (P < 0.001) and decrease in plasma levels of GSH (P < 0.0001), ISel disruption (P < 0.001) and RPE topographic alteration (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Increased plasma NO levels are associated with increased severity of diabetic retinopathy. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that increased plasma LPO, NO and decreased GSH levels are associated with in vivo structural changes in inner segment ellipsoid and RPE.