Effects of hemoglobin concentration on retinochoroidal vascular plexuses: an optical coherence tomography angiography study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal and choroidal microvascular structures using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with anemia and polycythemia vera (PV). METHODS: In this prospective study, 142 patients (142 eyes) were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: the anemia (n = 56), PV (n = 46), and healthy groups (n = 40, controls). For each patient, 6- × 6-mm macular angiography images were taken using an OCTA system (optovue, Inc., Fremont). For each eye analyzed, the software automatically measured vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP; superior, nasal, temporal, and inferior quadrants), choriocapillaris (CC), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ). RESULTS: The OCTA analysis revealed that the VD of the DCP was significantly decreased in the superior and inferior hemispheres of the whole area, multiple quadrants of the perifovea, and CC with a 1-mm2 flow area in the anemia group compared with the PV group (p < 0.017), but the VD of the SCP did not show any significant difference in any quadrant between the two groups (p > 0.017). When compared with the healthy group, the anemia and PV groups showed a significant difference in multiple quadrants of the parafovea and temporal quadrant of the perifovea in the VD of the SCP and CC with a 2-mm2 flow area (p < 0.017). The FAZ and non-flow area did not manifest any significant difference between the groups (p > 0.017). The hemoglobin concentrations in the anemia, PV, and healthy groups were 8.11 ± 1.33, 17.5 ± 1.2, and 15.6 ± 0.73 g/dL, respectively, indicating statistically significant differences between the groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, quantitative OCTA analysis revealed a higher tendency for retinal and choroidal microvascular morphological changes in patients with anemia and PV. The outcomes of the current investigation can provide new insights into the retinal and choroidal pathophysiologies found in patients with hemoglobin abnormalities.

Long-term Outcomes of Submacular Perfluorocarbon Liquid Removal with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Transretinal Aspiration.

BACKGROUND: An important complication associated with perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) use during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is its retention in the submacular area. The aim of this study was to present the long-term outcomes of the surgical method used in this study to remove submacular PFCL and to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center, observational study. Patients who underwent surgical intervention due to submacular PFCL were included in this study. The surgical procedural includes internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, transretinal aspiration of submacular PCFL with a 25/27-gauge soft-tipped cannula, then perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas tamponade, and facedown positioning for 5 days. The long-term anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated with an ophthalmological examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT). OUTCOMES: A total of 15 patients with submacular PFCL were included in this study, and the mean age of the patients was 64.33 ± 10.36 years (47 - 83). The localization of submacular PFCL was subfoveal in nine patients (60.00%), non-subfoveal in four patients (26.67%), and both subfoveal and non-subfoveal in two patients (13.33%). The mean time of submacular PFCL diagnosis was 4.86 ± 1.02 weeks (2 - 8) and the mean time of the surgery was 9.80 ± 1.17 weeks (8 - 14). Complete removal of submacular PFCL was achieved in all cases (100%) and no significant treatment-associated complications were observed. The mean follow-up time was 37.60 ± 14.00 months (18 - 60) and the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved (p = 0.001). At the end of the follow-up time, prominent ellipsoid zone disruption was observed in six patients (40.00%), while in nine patients (60.00%), there was no prominent ellipsoid zone disruption. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical procedural for submacular PFCL removal is a reasonable option and improves visual acuity in the long term without any significant treatment-associated complications.

Relation of anatomy with function following the surgical treatment of idiopathic epiretinal membrane: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic factors associated with functional and anatomical outcomes and to assess the longitudinal course of visual acuity and retinal morphology after vitreoretinal surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study included a total of 634 eyes who underwent surgery for idiopathic ERM in 22 academic centers nationwide in Turkey. Data on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography features (central foveal thickness (CFT), ERM and foveal contour morphology, ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity) were collected and compared at baseline, 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month follow-ups. Prognostic factors for functional (having ≥ 20/25 Snellen BCVA) and anatomical (having normal/shallow foveal contour) recoveries after surgery were investigated by means of multivariate regression analyses. A cutoff value of preoperative BCVA optimizing functional recovery was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 24 months, 37.4% of the eyes achieved ≥ 20/25 BCVA and 54% regained normal or shallow foveal contour. Functional recovery was more likely in eyes with better baseline BCVA and intact EZ (R2 = 0.356, p < 0.001). The cutoff baseline BCVA value for good visual prognosis was 0.35 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen 20/44) (sensitivity 60%, specificity 85%, p < 0.001). Anatomical recovery was negatively associated with advanced age, higher baseline CFT, foveal herniation-type ERM morphology, and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (R2 = 0.225, p < 0.001). The negative effect of ILM peeling on anatomical recovery was not significant after the first postoperative year (p = 0.05). Mean BCVA values and foveal morphology progressively improved at each visit. Cases with convex baseline foveal contour continued to change towards normal foveal depression over 24 months of follow-up, which took longer than the eyes with shallow/flat contoured cases. One-third of eyes with severe baseline EZ defects showed recovery at follow-up and achieved significantly greater visual acuity gains than the remaining eyes with persistent defects (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Functional and anatomical restoration of the eyes appears to be a slow process after ERM surgery. This process may take much longer in eyes with worse foveal morphology at baseline. Although photoreceptor disruption may be reversible in some eyes, full functional recovery is unlikely when it persists.

Postoperative eccentric macular holes after surgery for vitreomacular interface diseases.

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of postoperative eccentric macular hole (ECMH) after epiretinal membrane (ERM), macular hole (MH), and idiopathic vitreomacular traction (VMT) surgery and discuss the underlying possible mechanisms. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out for 711 eyes of 711 consecutive patients who underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ERM (396 eyes), MH (268 eyes), and VMT (47 eyes) surgery between 2010 and 2016. Mean follow-up time was 19 months. RESULTS: Eight patients developed ECMH (1.12%). Four of the patients were ERM, three patients were idiopathic full thickness MH, and one patient was ERM and lamellar pseudohole. There was no ECMH in patients with VMT. The average time of hole formation after vitrectomy was 7.25 weeks with a range from 2 to 15 weeks. Three patients developed 2 ECMH, and others had 1 ECMH. The location of the ECMH was mostly in the temporal of fovea. All patients were asymptomatic. No retinal detachment or choroidal neovascularization occurred in any patient and no additional intervention was attempted in the postoperative period in any case. CONCLUSION: Postoperative ECMH may be seen after vitreomacular interface surgery. They are mostly asymptomatic, usually do not require additional intervention and often located in the parafoveal area. ILM peeling-induced muller cell damage, residual ILM contraction, and iatrogenic trauma may play a role as the underlying cause in our case series.

Mirror image of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy in identical twins.

PURPOSE: To report the identical twins who had mirror fundus and angiographic images of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). CASE PRESENTATION: A pair of 16 year old female twins presented with mirror-image asymmetry of monocular decreased vision. The twins were born full term with normal weights. Neither twin revealed any medical disorders during childhood and there was no known family history of ocular disorders. On ocular examination, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in OD and 20/63 in OS for twin 1. For the twin 2, the BCVAs were 20/63 and 20/20 for OD and OS, respectively. Intraocular pressures were within normal limits and anterior segment examinations were unremarkable for both twins. Dilated fundus examinations and angiographic images revealed characteristics FEVR appearance with mirror image phenomenon in the twins. CONCLUSION: This is the first report describing identical twins with mirror images of FEVR. This report may confirm a strong underlying genetic inheritance in the pathogenesis of FEVR.

Intravitreal aflibercept for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization associated with rubella retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with rubella retinopathy (RR) treated with intravitreal aflibercept. CASE PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old girl presented a complaint of visual decrease in her left eye. She had a history of hearing decrease since she was 1 year old in addition to patent ductus arteriosus. On ocular examination, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/400 in the left eye. Dilated fundus examinations revealed a classic salt-and-pepper appearance in both eyes and a whitish subretinal lesion with retinal hemorrhages in the left macula. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) of the left eye illustrated a pattern of diffuse spotty fluorescence with an active subfoveal CNV lesion, that hyperfluoresces in the early phases of the FFA, maintains well-demarcated borders, and leaks. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed thickened and elevated retinal layers at the macula due to the subretinal and intraretinal fluid with foveal and extrafoveal protruding hyper-reflective lesion in the left eye. Single dose of intravitreal aflibercept was performed to the left eye and at the first month after the injection, the BCVA improved to 20/100 and the OCT revealed scar formation. At the follow-up visits, the macula was similar to those at the first month post-injection, and the BCVA was preserved. No additional injections were needed. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal aflibercept may be a treatment alternative, which provides satisfactory anatomical and functional results and leads to a better visual acuity in cases with RR complicated by CNV.

INTRAOCULAR LENS POSITION IN COMBINED PHACOEMULSIFICATION AND VITREORETINAL SURGERY.

PURPOSE: To assess the decentration and angle of tilt of the intraocular lens (IOL) according to the intravitreal tamponade types used in combined phacoemulsification and vitreoretinal surgery. METHODS: This prospective and randomized clinical study involved 73 eyes of 69 patients who underwent combined vitreoretinal surgery. Eyes with intravitreal tamponades formed the study group and eyes without intravitreal tamponades formed the control group. The study group was further divided into silicone oil and gas tamponade subgroups. Cross-sectional IOL images were captured using a Pentacam HR (Oculus, Germany) and tilt and decentration were calculated with Adobe Photoshop software (Adobe, San Jose, CA). RESULTS: The mean angle of tilt and decentration at the vertical meridian were significantly higher in both tamponade groups than in the control group (P < 0.05 for all). No significant difference was observed among the groups regarding IOL position parameters at the horizontal meridian (P > 0.05). When comparing the silicone oil and gas tamponade subgroups, no significant differences were noted on the position of IOL at both meridians (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal tamponades have an important effect on the position of IOL in combined vitreoretinal surgery. Silicone oil and gas tamponades may induce postoperative tilt and decentration of one-piece acrylic IOLs.

Bilateral choroidal neovascularization associated with gyrate atrophy managed with intravitreal bevacizumab.

PURPOSE: To report a case with gyrate atrophy (GA) complicated by bilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-year-old man presented with a complaint of sudden visual decrease in his both eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/400 and 20/500, with a spherical refractive error of -2.00 and -1.75 D, in the right and left eyes, respectively. Dilated fundus examination revealed multiple bilateral, sharply defined chorioretinal atrophy areas in the midperipheral and peripheral zone with the suspicion of CNV in both eyes. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed bilateral cystoid macular edema consistent with CNV development which was confirmed by fundus fluorescein angiography. Single dose of intravitreal bevacizumab injections were performed to both eyes of the patient. At the first month after the injection, the BCVA improved and OCT revealed scar formation without any intraretinal/subretinal fluid in both eyes. At the first-year follow-up, the maculas remained dry on the OCT and the BCVA was preserved. No additional injections were needed. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab might be a treatment alternative, which provides satisfactory anatomical and functional results and leads to a better central vision in cases with GA complicated by CNV.

Thirteen-year vitreoretinal surgical outcomes of 5,097 cases from a tertiary referral center in Turkey.

A 13-year retrospective chart review of 5,097 consecutive cases that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in a tertiary referral center in Turkey was performed. Age at onset, sex, laterality, associated systemic disease, pre- and postoperative visual acuities (VA), indications, type of surgery and outcomes of surgery were analyzed. The most common indications for vitreoretinal surgery (VRS) were rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (n = 1,802, 35.4%) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 1,505, 29.5%). The most common vitreoretinal technique combinations performed were PPV with encircling endolaser (EL) and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (33.0%), PPV with encircling EL (30.4%), and only PPV (7.0%). A statistically significant increase in the mean VA was noted at the first- (1.16 ± 0.44 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, logMAR) and sixth-month (1.06 ± 0.61 logMAR) visits when compared to the preoperative VA (1.77 ± 0.58 logMAR; p < 0.001). Comparisons in the top surgical indications, techniques and outcomes for vitrectomy between the countries could be important for the development of subspecialization in VRS.

Effect of perfluoropropane (C3F8) versus sulfurhexafluoride (SF6) tamponades on the retinal microvasculature after macular hole surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of C3F8 and SF6 gasses by using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with surgically closed idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). METHODS: A prospective, comparative study, in which 38 eyes of 38 patients with an idiopathic FTMH were studied. Twenty patients were randomized to the C3F8 group and 18 patients to the SF6 group. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling with 14 % C3F8 or 20 % SF6 gasses. The superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel densities (VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in SCP, the choriocapillaris flow area; and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were examined at preoperative and postoperative first- and third-month controls using OCTA. RESULTS: When the changes in the FAZ, SFCT, SCP and DCP VDs were compared, no significant differences were found between the groups (p>0.05 for all). It was determined that the 1-mm radius flow area increases in the C3F8 group at the first and third months after the surgery were significantly higher than in the SF6 group (p<0.05). A significant gain was observed in the BCVA values compared to their preoperative values for both groups; however any differences between the C3F8 and SF6 groups in terms of BCVA were not detected in this study. CONCLUSION: This is the first report to compare the effects of C3F8 and SF6 gasses on idiopathic FTMH surgery by using OCTA. C3F8 and SF6 gasses may have similar effect on the remodeling process of vascular tissues.

Unilateral exudative retinal detachment as the sole presentation of relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Ocular findings are rarely the initial symptom of leukemia, although up to 90% of all leukemia patients have fundus changes during the course of the disease. Herein we report a relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient with thesole presentation of sudden visual loss and exudative retinal detachment. An 8-year-old boy with acute lymphoblasticleukemia developed sudden visual loss during his first remission period. Bullous retinal detachment with total afferentpupillary defect was observed. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intraocular mass lesion; simultaneouslyobtained bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid samples showed no evidence of leukemic cells. Following local irradiation,and systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy the mass disappeared. Local irradiation, and systemic and intrathecalchemotherapy effectively controlled the isolated ocular relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and eliminated the needfor enucleation.

Standard internal limiting membrane peeling versus internal limiting membrane abrasion technique for primary epiretinal membrane surgery.

PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to compare the standard inner limiting membrane peeling technique to the inner limiting membrane abrasion technique with respect to visual outcomes and central retinal thickness in the primary epiretinal membrane surgery. METHODS: A total of 59 eyes from 57 epiretinal membrane patients were separated into two groups including the standard inner limiting membrane peeling group and the inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique group. At 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, the mean alteration in best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness were assessed for each group. RESULTS: The study includes 32 (54%) standard inner peeling and 27 (46%) inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique patients. The mean preoperative logMAR best-corrected visual acuity for the standard inner limiting membrane peeling and inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion groups was 0.73 (±0.29) and 0.61 (±0.3) respectively. At 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, the best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly in each group. At each period of observation, the alteration in best-corrected visual acuity was not statistically significant (p=0.54, p=0.52, p=0.67). When comparing the alterations between the standard inner limiting membrane peeling and inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique groups at 6 months (p=0.26) and 24 months (p=0.06), no statistically significant differences were observed, but they were statistically different at 12 months (p=0.03), reflecting a greater reduction in central retinal thickness for the inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique group after one year. CONCLUSION: Abrasion of the inner limiting membrane with a diamond-dusted membrane scraper during epiretinal membrane surgery demonstrates similar effectiveness to the standard inner limiting membrane peeling technique. At 12 months, retinal thinning was found to be more significant in inner limiting membrane peeling with abrasion technique patients in terms of central retinal thickness values. As a result, it may be argued that the inner limiting membrane abrasion technique eliminates the inner limiting membrane and related structures more effectively while inflicting less retinal damage.

Vitreoretinal Surgery amid Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Restrictions.

PURPOSE: To define the characteristics of vitreoretinal surgeries amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions in Turkey. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted for vitreoretinal surgeries during the 10-week period (during this period, all elective surgeries were postponed across the country by the order of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health) in a single tertiary referral hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The number of surgeries, surgical indications, risk factors, etiological factors, and associated conditions were investigated and compared with the clinical features of the patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery in the same period of the recent year. RESULTS: During this period, vitreoretinal surgery was performed more commonly for the male population (P < 0.001). The number of vitreoretinal surgeries was statistically significantly correlated with the number of COVID-19 cases (P = 0.006 and r = -0.791 for weekly numbers of new surgeries and cases, and P < 0.001 and r = 0.929 for cumulative numbers of surgeries and cases). Diabetes mellitus in 26 patients (32.9%) was the most common systemic comorbidity. The most common indication for vitreoretinal surgery was rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 44 patients (55.7%) followed by diabetic retinopathy complications in 21 patients (26.6%). No one was operated on for vitreoretinal interface disorders during this period, and the rate of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was higher than the same period of the recent year (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Amid COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Turkey, the number of vitreoretinal surgeries was inversely associated with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The male population needed more vitreoretinal surgery, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was the most common indication for all patients.

Tomographic characteristics of focal choroidal excavation and its association with retinal disorders.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphological, clinical, and tomographic characteristics of focal choroidal excavation in the context of concomitant retinal pathologies. METHODS: This case series included 13 eyes of 13 patients with focal choroidal excavation diagnosed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Morphologic characteristics of excavation and quantitative thicknesses of retinal layers and choroid were analyzed in excavation area, area adjacent to excavation, and fellow eye without focal choroidal excavation by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: At the initial examinations, one eye had a history of blunt trauma, three eyes were diagnosed with choroidal neovascularization, one with choroidal osteoma, one with angioid streaks, one with retinal detachment, one with diabetic macular edema, one with optic pit, one with torpedo maculopathy, and the rest three with idiopathic focal choroidal excavation. The mean choroidal thickness in the area of focal choroidal excavation was statistically significantly thinner compared to in the area adjacent to focal choroidal excavation and fellow eye (p < 0.001) and total average outer nuclear layer thickness was statistically significantly thicker in the area of excavation compared with fellow eye (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the presence of focal choroidal excavation in various ocular diseases and the evaluation of focal choroidal excavation using the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated choroidal thinning and outer nuclear layer thickening in the area of the excavation.

Valsalva retinopathy: Long-term results and management strategies.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term results and efficacy of the treatment modalities for preretinal hemorrhage due to valsalva retinopathy. METHODS: Retrospective review was conducted on 24 eyes of 24 patients with valsalva retinopathy who were treated between 2004 and 2019. These patients were treated with Nd:YAG laser, argon laser and vitrectomy or were only observed. Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy was performed in 10 eyes, argon laser was applied to two of those following failed Nd:YAG laser, and vitrectomy was performed in one eye. A conservative approach was adopted in 13 eyes. RESULTS: There were 15 females and nine males with mean age of 41.08 ± 12.72 (21-65) years. Mean follow-up period was 42.83 ± 23.78 (range: 12-116) months. Patients with hemorrhage size smaller than or equal to 4-disc diameter were observed for spontaneous resorption and achieved 20/20 visual acuity within 6 months. Visual acuity of all patients treated with Nd:YAG and/or argon laser, increased within the first week after the treatment. Vitrectomy was performed in only one patient with hemorrhage located away from macula. The good visual outcomes were achieved in all treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Observation, Nd:YAG laser and argon laser seem to be safe and effective approaches for eyes with valsalva retinopathy. The size, volume and duration of hemorrhage are the most crucial factors for treatment choice, success and complications.