Early versus delayed photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) patients are sometimes referred to Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with very long-term disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of PDT in CSCR eyes with long-standing disease. METHODS: The medical records of the patients that underwent PDT for CSCR between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed. Cases were divided into two groups based on the duration of disease before PDT treatment: early treatment (3 to 6 months) and delayed treatment (longer than 6 months). The treatment was defined as successful when the subfoveal fluid was absorbed during follow-up. RESULTS: The PDT treatment was successful in 76% and 77% of eyes in the early and delayed treatment groups, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvement in central retina measurements at the 3-months follow-up which persisted to the last follow-up visit. The visual acuity (VA) at baseline was significantly worse in the delayed treatment group (0.5 ± 0.26 vs. 0.3 ± 0.24, P = 0.042) and improved in both groups but remained low in the delayed treatment group during the study. CONCLUSION: We suggest that if CSCR is not spontaneously improving over 3 months the patient should be offered PDT, to prevent VA loss from the long-term presence of subretinal fluid in the macula. PDT is not associated with loss of vision in eyes with chronic CSCR, and can be safely used in eyes with relatively good VA.

OCULAR SURFACE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCES IN RETINAL VASCULAR DISEASES.

PURPOSE: To define the effect of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) on the ocular thermographic profile. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included subjects diagnosed with DR or AMD between January and April 2019. Individuals without ocular disease served as controls. A thermal imaging camera was used for ocular surface temperature (OST) acquisition. The mean temperatures of the medial cantus, lateral cantus, and cornea were calculated. RESULTS: Thermographic images were obtained from 133 subjects (260 eyes, 97 DR and 163 AMD) and 48 controls (55 eyes). Ocular surface temperature was higher among patients with AMD and lowest among patients with DR (P < 0.001). A subgroup analysis revealed that eyes with diabetic macular edema had significantly higher OSTs than DR eyes without diabetic macular edema. Moreover, the OST in eyes with diabetic macular edema was similar to the measurements of the AMD group. There were no differences in OSTs between neovascular and nonneovascular AMD eyes. CONCLUSION: Although AMD and DR are considered posterior segment conditions, their effect on OST implies that the entire globe is involved. Although both conditions result from similar multifactorial pathophysiologic changes, the differences in OST between DR and AMD might be due to dissimilarity in the balance of pathologic processes involved in each condition. Further research is required to better understand the pathophysiology of these diseases and their effect on OST as well as to determine the effect of vasculature, circulation, and tissue metabolism on ocular temperature.

OUTCOMES OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR AFTER FAILED PNEUMATIC RETINOPEXY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and anatomical outcomes of reoperations following failure of pneumatic retinopexy (PR) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair and compare the different surgical techniques used in these cases. METHODS: The study included 114 eyes of 114 patients who underwent PR for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and required subsequent surgery for its repair. These included repeated PR, scleral buckling, vitrectomy with gas or silicone oil, and vitrectomy with scleral buckling. The groups were compared for rates of retinal reattachment, visual improvement, and the occurrence of recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and any other postoperative complications. RESULTS: In 91 (79.8%) eyes, the retina was reattached with one additional procedure. The success rate was significantly lower in eyes treated by repeated PR than by other surgical techniques (33 vs. 76-90%; P < 0.001). Visual acuity after PR failure was not significantly different than that at presentation and had improved significantly after surgery for retinal reattachment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pneumatic retinopexy failure was not associated with visual acuity loss, and the outcomes in 79.2% of cases that required only one additional surgery are comparable with those achieved with primary surgery. Poor outcomes were associated with eyes that required more than one additional surgery and that suffered complications.

Safety of cataract surgery in patients treated with the new oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification of cataract in patients taking new oral anticoagulants (NOACs). METHODS: In a prospective case series, consecutive patients on NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) who were referred for uncomplicated cataract surgery to the eye institute underwent a thorough ophthalmological and hematological evaluation. Rivaroxaban and apixaban anti-factor Xa tests, and diluted thrombin time for dabigatran, were used for monitoring anticoagulation levels in blood. Blood was drawn for these tests just prior to surgery and at a peak level of the drug at about 4 h post-surgery (2 h after the drug was given). All surgeries were videotaped and patients were examined at 1 and 7 days after the operation. The main outcome measures included assessment of intra-operative, postoperative ocular bleeding, and other related complications. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes of 25 unrelated patients ranging in age from 63 to 92 years (mean 77.6 years) underwent phacoemulsification. Intra-operative bleeding was observed in 5 eyes from the conjunctiva or limbus at the main incision site. No intraocular bleeding occurred. No hemorrhagic complications were observed during the 1-week follow-up. According to anti-factor Xa levels prior to surgery and following surgery, 85% of the patients were on therapeutic levels of NOACs. CONCLUSIONS: Clear corneal incision phacoemulsification performed under topical anesthesia can be safely performed in simple cases of cataract without discontinuing NOAC treatment.

ACCURACY AND PRECISION OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS OF ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AGENTS IN REAL LIFE: What Is Actually in the Syringe?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and precision of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor volume delivery by intravitreal injections in the clinical setup. METHODS: Volume output was measured in 669 intravitreal injections administered to patients, calculated from the difference in syringe weight before and after expelling the drug. Three groups were included: prefilled bevacizumab 1.0 mL syringe (Group 1, n = 432), pre-filled ranibizumab in a small-volume syringe with low dead-space plunger design (Group 2, n = 125), and aflibercept drawn and injected using a 1.0-mL syringe (Group 3, n = 112). Accuracy was analyzed by mean absolute percentage error, and precision by coefficient of variation. RESULTS: Volume outputs in all 3 groups were significantly different from the target of 50 µL (P < 0.0001 for all), and mean absolute percentage error values were 12.25% ± 5.92% in Group 1, 13.60% ± 8.75% in Group 2, and 24.69% ± 14.84% in Group 3. No difference was found between groups 1 and 2, but both were significantly more accurate than Group 3 (P < 0.0001 for both). CONCLUSION: The current practices used for intravitreal injections are highly variable, with overdelivery of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs measured in most cases, but underdelivery in 16.3% of injections. Use of a prefilled syringe was associated with improved accuracy, and low dead-space plunger design may improve precision.

[DEVELOPMENT AND CHALLENGES IN TREATMENT OF UVEAL MELANOMA].

INTRODUCTION: Uveal melanoma, the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, is potentially a lethal tumour. Since the development of local radiotherapy, tumour control is achieved in the majority of cases and most eyes are salvaged. Despite this, more than 50% of patients develop distant metastatic spread, mainly to the liver, and in the absence of efficient treatments to extend life, die soon after. A great deal of effort has been put into developing prognostic markers for metastatic spread and survival. Novel genetic prognostic tests, recently introduced, are now being clinically used in many ocular oncology centres worldwide. In addition, in most centres, patients are referred for systemic surveillance programs for early detection of liver metastasis. Novel treatment modalities to battle metastatic uveal melanoma are being developed and used in clinical trials. Their efficacy is yet to be proved. This review summarizes the recent developments and current challenges related to uveal melanoma management.

Different Clinical Courses on Long-Term Follow-Up of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients Treated with Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term outcome of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with multiple intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. METHODS: All patients treated with over 30 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for neovascular AMD between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 67 eyes received 2,960 (mean 45 ± 9.1 per eye) anti-VEGF injections. Eyes with good final visual acuity (VA) had better initial VA (p = 0.020) and maintained it. Patients with moderate-to-poor final VA improved significantly after the first 3 monthly injections, and thereafter deteriorated consistently, mostly during the third (p = 0.019) and fourth (p = 0.006) years. Eyes with worse final VA had more intraretinal fluid (p = 0.05) and subretinal fibrosis (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Two distinct clinical courses were identified: good final VA was associated with initial and long-term stability of good VA; eyes with worse final VA had worse initial VA, progressive deterioration following the initial improvement, and more scarring and intraretinal fluid. This probably underscores the long-term benefits of early detection and treatment.

Intracameral cefuroxime and the incidence of post-cataract endophthalmitis: an Israeli experience.

PURPOSE: The European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) study reported a decrease in endophthalmitis rates from 0.34 % to 0.08 % with the use of intracameral cefuroxime. The purpose of this study was to compare the endophthalmitis rates before and after the introduction of intracameral cefuroxime (ICC) routinely at the end of cataract surgery. METHODS: A retrospective consecutive cohort study. We compared the rates of endophthalmitis between the years 2000-2006, and the years 2007-2014, after the pivotal publication of the ESCRS. Data collected included age, gender, culture results, initial and final visual acuity, and complications. Only patients that presented with endophthalmitis following cataract surgery performed at the two centers were included. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases of endophthalmitis occurred between the years 2000 and 2006, out of 26,663 cataract operations performed at the two centers, a rate of 0.083 %. Ten cases occurred between the years 2007 and 2014 out of 29,431 cataract operations, a rate of 0.034 %. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03) CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of prophylactic use of intracameral cefuroxime was associated with a significant reduction in post-operative endophthalmitis rates in our centers. We strongly recommend adoption of this routine by for all cataract operations except when contraindicated.

SWITCHING TREATMENT FOR NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION FROM BEVACIZUMAB TO RANIBIZUMAB: Who is Likely to Benefit From the Switch?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of switching from bevacizumab to ranibizumab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration initially treated with bevacizumab and switched to ranibizumab. Visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) were retrieved at four time points: before the last three bevacizumab injections, at the switch, after the first three ranibizumab injections, and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen eyes of 110 patients were included. Switching from bevacizumab to ranibizumab did not achieve a significant change in visual acuity, and a significant reduction in CRT was achieved after the first three injections but was not maintained by the end of follow-up. Eyes that lost ≥0.1 logMAR before the switch were more likely to improve in visual acuity (P = 0.013), and eyes with ≥10% increase in CRT before the switch were more likely to improve anatomically (P = 0.0003). In 47.3% of the eyes, the CRT was reduced by ≥10% after the first 3 ranibizumab injections, and the reduction was maintained with additional injections. CONCLUSION: Switching to ranibizumab should be considered in patients with visual acuity decrease or CRT increase, despite monthly bevacizumab injections. The response should be evaluated after the first three injections to guide future treatment.

Outcomes of repeated pars plana vitrectomy for persistent macular holes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of repeated pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade for persistent macular holes (MHs). METHODS: Twenty-nine eyes that underwent repeated pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling for persistent MHs were included in this retrospective study. Data retrieved included demographic information, visual acuity before the first and second surgeries, MH diameter before and after both surgical procedures and throughout the follow-up, surgical details, time between surgeries, final visual acuity, and the occurrence of any complications. RESULTS: Reoperation achieved closure of the persistent MH in 68.9% of the eyes. Final visual acuity improved significantly when compared with that before the second surgery, and postoperative complications were minimal. Reoperation achieved significant improvement in visual acuity (P < 0.001), and 62% of patients gained >2 lines. The final visual acuity was significantly better in eyes with closed MH after the second surgery than that in eyes where it persisted (0.68 ± 0.37 vs. 1.17 ± 0.25 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively, P = 0.002). Shorter interoperative time and smaller initial MH diameter were significantly correlated with better visual prognosis (P = 0.029 and 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Repeated pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade is a safe and effective treatment option for persistent MHs. Earlier reoperation is recommended for greater visual recovery.

Diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder after surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSES: To investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who underwent surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and to explore variables associated with the disorder. METHODS: Subjects eligible for the study were patients aged 18 years or older, who underwent surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at the Goldschleger Eye Institute, from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2009, and were followed for at least 1 month. Study patients were screened for the existence of PTSD symptoms via a telephone survey, and positively identified patients were asked to undergo a structured psychiatric interview. Posttraumatic stress disorder was assessed by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, and the 25-item National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) was used as a measure of vision-related quality of life. Objective clinical measures were obtained from the patient's medical records. Clinical variables were compared between PTSD-diagnosed patients, patients who were screened for PTSD but were found to be PTSD negative in the interview (false-positive group), and patients who were found negative for PTSD in the screening survey. RESULTS: Of the 547 eligible patients, 366 were enrolled in the study. Nine patients (2.5%) met the criteria for PTSD diagnosis. Posttraumatic stress disorder patients reported significantly more traumatic events in their past (P = 0.015), and for these patients, NEI-VFQ-25 composite score was significantly lower (P < 0.001). Clinical measures were not found as independent risk factors for PTSD prediction. CONCLUSION: Posttraumatic stress disorder may develop in the aftermath of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Previous traumatic events and NEI-VFQ-25 scores were found as independent risk factors for PTSD prediction.

Macular hole after vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report a series of full-thickness macular holes (MH) that developed after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: A retrospective review of the demographic and medical data, including optical coherence tomography studies of 6 patients (7 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for RRD and subsequently developed MH. RESULTS: There were 4 women and 2 men with a mean age of 60 ± 10 years (range, 50-79 years). The mean interval between RRD repair and MH formation was 20 ± 18 months (range, 1-48 years). Five eyes underwent surgery to repair the MHs, four of which were closed at the last follow-up. Two eyes were not operated, one because of unfavorable prognosis, and in the other, which presented with an epiretinal membrane before the development of the MH, the hole closed spontaneously. In all operated cases, the inner limiting membrane was peeled during MH surgery. The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution was 0.73, 0.53, 0.77, and 0.57 at RRD presentation, after surgical repair of RRD and before MH diagnosis, at MH presentation, and at last follow-up, respectively. The study subjects accounted for 1.1% of our 609 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for primary RRD during the study period. CONCLUSION: Macular hole may develop after pars plana vitrectomy for RRD, and these cases can be surgically repaired. The pathogenesis of the formation of these holes remains unclear.

Long-term silicone oil tamponade in eyes with complicated retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report the visual and anatomic outcomes of eyes with exceedingly long-term silicone oil tamponade. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 43 eyes of 41 patients with silicone oil tamponade for 5 years or more. Rates of retinal reattachment, visual acuity, and complications are presented. Further analysis was performed to identify if silicone oil complications are more common in eyes with lower vision. For this, cases were divided into group A-visual acuity of 20/400 or better and group B-visual acuity of less than 20/400. RESULTS: Mean silicone oil duration was 12.6 ± 6.3 years. The etiology at presentation included: recurrent RRD (60.46%), RRD secondary to trauma (25.58%), and TRD (13.95%). Ninety-three percent of eyes underwent at least one ocular surgery before the vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. The retinal attachment rate was 55.8%. Mean visual acuity at presentation was 2.03 ± 0.6 logMAR, and at the final follow-up, 1.85 ± 0.78 logMAR (p = 0.166). Emulsification developed in 33.3% of cases, glaucoma in 28.6%, band keratopathy in 21.4%, and corneal decompensation in 16.7%. In 26.2% of eyes, the final visual acuity was 20/400 or better (group A). In 73.8% of eyes, final visual acuity was worse than 20/400 (group B). The rates of silicone oil emulsification and glaucoma were not statistically significant between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term silicone oil tamponade is a possible option in eyes with complicated retinal detachment following multiple intravitreal procedures, although the complication rates are relatively high. In 26.2% of eyes, visual acuity of 20/400 or better can be preserved for many years.

Enhanced S-cone function with preserved rod function: a new clinical phenotype.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical findings and genetic analysis in two brothers having a novel retinal disease characterized by an enhanced S-cone phenotype with normal rod function. METHODS: Both patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations, including fundus photography, electroretinography (ERG), fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Mutation analysis of the following candidate genes was performed: nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group E member 3 (NR2E3), neural retina leucine zipper (NRL), nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1), and thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB). RESULTS: Spectral photopic ERG responses demonstrated enhanced S-cone function in both patients. Their scotopic b-wave ERG amplitude responses, however, were within normal limits. Their scotopic a-wave amplitude responses were within the lower limit of normal. The a- and b-wave latencies were normal for one sibling and on the upper limit of normal for the other. Peripheral retinal findings were normal. OCT showed flattening of the macular curvature and thinning of the photoreceptor layer. Mutation analysis of NR2E3, NRL, NR1D1, and THRB genes was negative. CONCLUSIONS: We describe what appears to be a previously unidentified familial retinal phenotype with enhanced S-cone function and well preserved rod system function in contrast to the severely reduced rod function seen in the enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS). Genetic analysis of candidate genes did not reveal the cause of disease. We postulate that the disease might be caused by mutation of another, as yet unidentified gene, which encodes a protein that functions as a negative inhibitor of rod and S-cone development.

Gunshot wound to the eye and orbit: a descriptive case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to report ocular and orbital findings in a series of six patients (8 eyes) with gunshot wounds and to review the literature on the pathophysiology, management, and outcome of such patients. METHODS: Retrospective case series and review of the literature. Main outcome measures were ocular and orbital injury, surgical intervention, and presenting and final visual acuity. RESULTS: Six male patients (mean age, 32 years) were enrolled. Three patients with globe concussion and low presenting visual acuity were treated by observation. Two patients (25%) underwent primary enucleation or evisceration. Retinal detachment developed in one patient who had a globe perforation, and he underwent vitrectomy and lensectomy with silicone oil injection. Visual acuity remained unchanged in all but one patient who underwent retinal detachment surgery. Final visual acuity was poor in all patients, with five eyes ending in no perception of light. Four patients had orbital fractures, two of whom underwent orbital reconstruction. One of these patients also underwent drainage of orbital abscess, eyelid surgery, and a dacryocystorhinostomy. The mean follow-up time was 26 months. CONCLUSIONS: Gunshot wounds to the eye and orbit cause severe open and closed ocular injuries with guarded outcome and poor visual acuity. When feasible, initial wound closure may preserve the globe and allow further surgical rehabilitation. Primary evisceration may be required in cases of a severely ruptured globe. Orbital surgery may be needed in cases of infection, orbital wall disruption with disfigurement, or late enophthalmos.

Pediatric retinal damage due to soccer-ball-related injury: Results from the last decade.

OBJECTIVE: To outline the incidence of posterior segment injuries related to soccer-ball blunt trauma in children. METHODS: Retrospective search of the computerized hospital medical database between the years 2007 and 2017. All pediatric trauma cases were reviewed and cases with blunt trauma related to direct orbital/ocular hit from a soccer-ball were included. Cases were divided into two groups (non-severe and severe) based on the presence of sight-threatening findings on presentation (e.g. retinal tear, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and macular edema). RESULTS: Out of 343 pediatric patients with relevant diagnoses, 14 (4.1%) were treated for injuries related to soccer-ball trauma. All patients were males at their early-to-mid teens (14.3 ± 2.1 years). The most common funduscopic finding was peripheral commotio retina (13, 93%). There was equal distribution between the two groups (seven each). Retinal injury in the severe group included retinal tear (3), vitreous hemorrhage (4), retinal detachment (1), and macular hole (1). Five patients in this group presented with visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Rate of external signs of injury were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Soccer-ball blunt trauma in children can cause significant posterior segment injuries regardless of the presence of external injury or ocular complaints. A thorough ocular exam is mandatory in all cases for the detection of vision-threatening retinal injuries.

Blunt ocular trauma in patients over 70: Clinical characteristics and prognosis.

PURPOSE: To describe the mechanisms and outcomes of open globe injuries (OGIs) in patients 70 years or older. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients from two large academic centers in Israel who were underwent surgery for OGI. Data was collected from surgical and clinic charts. Anatomical and functional results were recorded as well any additional surgeries and complications. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients were included. The mechanism of OGI consisted of blunt trauma with ocular rupture secondary to falls. All eyes underwent immediate primary closure of the corneal and scleral lacerations. Additional surgeries were performed in 34.3% of cases. In 31.2% of cases additional surgery was not required, and in 21.9% of cases the damage was so devastating that additional procedures were not recommended. Four patients (12.5%) chose not to undergo additional surgery. Mean visual acuity at presentation was 2.24 ± 0.72 logMAR and it improved to 1.92 ± 0.89 logMAR at final follow-up (p = 0.002). VA at presentation was significantly correlated to final VA (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: OGI in the elderly represents a unique group. It is mostly related to falls, with a female predominance and a poor visual prognosis. In this patient population, general health concerns and increased risks of anesthesia require special attention. Care should be taken to educate elderly patients and their caretakers on how to avoid falls.

Epidemiology of Pars Plana Vitrectomy in the Elderly: A Retrospective 10-Year Survey of 592 Cases.

PURPOSE: To report the epidemiology of the surgical indications of pars plana vitrectomy in patients aged 75 years or older. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent vitrectomy surgery in a single center between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated retrospectively for demographics, medical background, and surgical indications. Data on patients aged 75-85 were compared to those of patients older than 85 years and those recorded between 2008-2013 and 2014-2018. RESULTS: A total of 592 patients were included, of whom 55% were males. The mean±standard deviation age of the cohort at presentation was 80.4±4.60 years, and the mean visual acuity was 1.3±0.93 logMAR. The main indications for surgery were retinal detachment (n=117, 19.7%), epiretinal-membrane/vitreomacular traction (n=140, 23.6%), dropped intraocular lens/retained lens (n=89, 15%), macular hole (n=64, 11%), submacular hemorrhage (n=40, 6.7%), diagnostic vitrectomy (n=37, 6.2%), non-diabetic vitreous hemorrhage (n=30, 5.1%), and diabetic vitreous hemorrhage and other diabetic complications (n=33, 5.6%). Patients aged 85 years and older had higher rates of urgent surgeries (65%), such as for submacular hemorrhage and trauma (p=0.0000039 and p=0.001, respectively), and lower rates of non-urgent surgeries, such as for epiretinal membrane and macular hole (p=0.000032 and p=0.02, respectively), compared to patients aged 75-84 years. Additionally, the surgical rate for submacular hemorrhage decreased during 2008-2014 compared to 2014-2018 (p=0.000014). CONCLUSION: Understanding the unique distribution of indications for vitrectomy among elderly patients is essential for appropriate management and treatment. Urgent cases represent 65% of the surgeries performed in the older population.

Ocular injuries incurred by Israeli defense forces during low-intensity conflicts.

BACKGROUND: To describe ocular injuries sustained by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers during low-intensity conflicts from 1998 to 2017, and to evaluate the use of protective eyewear. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data retrieved from two tertiary Israeli medical centers and the military trauma registry. The analysis included all IDF soldiers with ocular injuries who were referred to these centers between 1998 and 2017. Data on injury type, the use of protective eyewear, and interventions were retrieved and analyzed. Additional data regarding the use of protective eyewear and ocular injuries in 108 patients with head and neck injuries in one operation was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 126 soldiers, all males, mean age 22 (SD 5.3) years, sustained ocular injuries during low-intensity conflicts and treated at one of the two participating medical centers. Blast was the most common type of injury (n = 70/126, 56%), followed by shrapnel (n = 37/126, 29%) and gunshot wound (n = 12/126, 9%). The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS) injury pattern disclosed lamellar laceration (n = 34/126, 27%), intraocular foreign body (n = 27/126, 21%), penetrating (n = 10/126, 8%), and perforating (n = 7/126, 6%) injuries. Average VA improved from 20/140 at presentation to 20/60 after surgical or conservative intervention, the median VA improved from 20/40 to 20/30 (P < 0.001). Forty-nine patients (49/126, 39%) had poor visual outcome. The mean follow-up lasted 22 (SD 31) months. The use of protective eyewear was correlated with better initial VA(20/30 vs 20/217, P = 0.07). Among 108 patients with head and neck injuries, there was a higher rate of ocular injuries in the group of patients who did not use protective eyewear (n = 26/73, 36% vs n = 4/35, 11%, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular injuries are common occurrences in low-intensity conflicts. The use of protective eyewear significantly reduces these injuries and should be mandatory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prognostic.