Autologous Internal Limiting Membrane Fragment Transplantation for Large, Chronic, and Refractory Macular Holes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a technique of autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) fragment transplantation for the treatment of large, chronic, and/or refractory macular holes (MH). DESIGN: This was a 6-month prospective interventional case series. METHOD: Ten eyes of 10 patients with MH underwent pars plana vitretomy (PPV) and ILM peeling followed by transplantation of an autologous ILM fragment to the MH. Six patients had primary MH with an internal diameter greater than 500 µm and a duration of more than 18 months, including 1 patient with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy previously treated with panretinal photocoagulation. Four eyes with MH had previously been submitted to PPV (i.e. 1 for retinal detachment and 3 to attempt to close large MH). One of the latter also displayed juxtapapillary choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration. The primary and secondary outcomes were MH closure and improvement of the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), respectively. RESULTS: Complete MH closure was achieved in all cases. A statistically significant improvement in the average BCVA was observed after 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.018; paired t test). The BCVA improved in 8 eyes (80%), and in 6 of those eyes it improved by ≥ 15 letters. In 1 patient, the BCVA remained unchanged after the surgery, but the visual field reportedly improved. One patient experienced a slight worsening (0.16 logMAR). Two cases developed atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium despite MH closure and BCVA improvement. CONCLUSION: Treatment with autologous ILM fragment transplantation seems to be an efficient alternative for large, chronic, and refractory MH.

Optic disc edema and visual loss from paracentral acute middle maculopathy mimicking optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis is an important cause of unilateral and acute visual loss in young adults, but other differential diagnoses should be considered, especially when the disease has an atypical presentation. This report presents the case of a young woman with reduced visual acuity in her right eye, associated with optic disc edema and a relative afferent pupillary defect, that was initially misdiagnosed as optic neuritis and subsequently found to have paracentral acute middle maculopathy, possibly secondary to subtle impending central retinal vein occlusion. This case emphasizes the need to remember that retinal vascular diseases can occasionally mimic optic neuritis. Detailed anamnesis and ophthalmic examination can avoid unnecessary interventions.

Assessment of ganglion cell complex thickness and its correlation with retinal sensitivity using microperimetry 6 months after epiretinal membrane surgery.

PURPOSE: To verify the correlation between the full-macular and the ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness measurements and retinal sensitivity (RS) assessed by microperimetry (MP) 6 months after surgical peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Forty-three were submitted to pars-plana posterior vitrectomy (PPV) with concomitant peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM) for idiopathic ERM treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and 3D volumetric high-definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging were preoperatively acquired. Six months after the surgery, BCVA, OCT imaging, and RS measured by MP were assessed. For the OCT parameters, we analyzed both the full-macular and the ganglion cell layer complex (GCC) thicknesses. The MP parameters tested were 44 points covering 20 central degrees (6 mm), with direct correspondence with the nine sectors of the OCT-ETDRS map. This approach enables the direct topographic correlation between the structure and functional measurements. The OCT and MP exam measurements were also performed in 43 eyes of age-matched healthy controls. Correlations between BCVA, RS, and OCT parameters were examined. RESULTS:  All patients exhibited a substantial improvement in visual acuity following surgery. The RS parameters were significantly lower in patients compared to the controls. The full-macular thickness measurements were thicker than controls preoperatively and significantly reduced postoperatively; however, remaining significantly higher than controls, in the 4 inner sectors, at the fovea and for the average macular thickness. Preoperative GCC measurements were higher than those in controls. There was a significant reduction in GCC thickness in all sectors postoperatively, especially in the outer sectors, as well as in the average macular thickness. A positive correlation was found between full-macular and GCC thickness and RS postoperatively in several sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that ERM peeling can improve visual acuity in the postoperative period. However, RS may not fully restore, remaining significantly lower when compared to the controls. Both full-macular and GCC thickness measurements were reduced 6 months after surgery. However, significant thinning of the GCC thickness was observed when compared to the normal control eyes, indicating the occurrence of some degree of ganglion cell layer atrophy. We have demonstrated significant correlations among various OCT thickness parameters, particularly for GCC measurements. We believe that GCC integrity may play an important role in visual function after ERM surgery, and that MP may help better understand the correlations between structural and functional findings following ERM surgery.

Correlation between retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry and structural abnormalities on optical coherence tomography after successful epiretinal membrane surgery.

BACKGROUND: To verify the correlation between retinal sensitivity (RS) assessed by the microperimetry (MP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters measured in eyes submitted to pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) treatment. METHODS: 43 patients underwent PPV. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT imaging were acquired preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. The RS values were recorded 6 months after the surgery. Total macular thickness (TMT) measurements and OCT-evaluated structural findings were also analyzed. The MP examination tested 44 points, with direct topographic correspondence with the OCT-ETDRS map. Correlations between BCVA, RS, and OCT parameters were assessed. RESULTS: TMT measurements in patients were significantly thicker preoperatively and reduced after surgery. All patients demonstrated BCVA improvements after surgery. The RS parameters after surgery were significantly lower in patients. For OCT structural analyses, patients with lower RS at the fovea correlated with the preexisting disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL). In addition, lower RS values were associated with DRIL, outer retinal changes (ORC), and intraretinal microcysts after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The RS values after surgery were significantly lower when compared to controls. The DRIL presence before and after surgery, and microcysts and ORC after surgery were related to worse visual outcomes.

Optical coherence tomography detection of retinal neural loss in patients with tuberous sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Tuberous Sclerosis (TS) is a rare, multisystem genetic disease caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, leading to abnormalities in cell differentiation and proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the neural integrity of individuals with TS by using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to examine the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the macular thickness in patients with TS and to compare with healthy controls. METHODS: Peripapillary and macular OCT scans (Optopol Revo NX SD OCT) were performed on 41 eyes from 22 TS patients, divided into two groups based on the presence of retinal hamartomas, and compared to 20 eyes from a control group. The average peripapillary RNFL thickness was measured for each quadrant. The macular total thickness and ganglion cell layer (GCL) + inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness were measured based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) map. All measurements were then compared between the groups and controls. RESULTS: The TS group showed significantly reduced RNFL thickness and macular thickness when compared to the control group. Specifically, patients with retinal hamartomas exhibited an even more pronounced thinning of both RNFL and macular thickness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TS patients undergo significant changes in retinal neurodevelopment and experience axonal loss. This finding may have significant prognostic utility regarding central nervous system degeneration in TS, particularly among patients with retinal hamartomas. OCT may serve as a valuable tool for assessing axonal structural abnormalities in TS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Discrimination ability of central visual field testing using stimulus size I, II, and III and relationship between VF findings and macular ganglion cell thickness in chiasmal compression.

PURPOSE: To compare the relationship between macular ganglion cell layer (mGCL) thickness and 10-2 visual field (VF) sensitivity using different stimulus sizes in patients with temporal hemianopia from chiasmal compression. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 30 eyes from 25 patients with temporal VF loss on 24-2 SITA standard automated perimetry due to previous chiasmal compression and 30 healthy eyes (23 controls). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macular area and 10-2 VF testing using Goldmann stimulus size I (GI), II (GII), and III (GIII) were performed in the Octopus 900 perimeter. For the sake of analysis, mGCL thickness and VF data were segregated into four quadrants (two temporal and two nasal) and two halves (temporal and nasal) centered on the fovea, in order to evaluate separately both the severely affected nasal hemi-retina corresponding to the temporal VF sectors and the subclinically affected temporal hemi-retina corresponding to the nasal VF sectors. Data from patients and controls were compared using generalized estimated equations. The discrimination ability of GI, GII, and GIII was evaluated, as was the correlation between mGCL and 10-2 VF sensitivity using GI, GII, and GIII. RESULTS: All mGCL parameters in the nasal and temporal halves of the retina were significantly reduced in patients compared to controls. 10-2 VF test sensitivity using GI, GII, and GIII was significantly lower in patients than in controls (p≤0.008) for all parameters, except the three nasal divisions when using GI (p = 0.41, 0.07 and 0.18) Significant correlations were found between temporal VF sectors (all stimulus sizes) and the corresponding nasal mGCL measurements, with similar discrimination ability. Significant correlations were also observed between all three nasal VF divisions and the corresponding temporal mGCL thickness when using stimulus sizes I and II, but not stimulus size III. CONCLUSIONS: On 10-2 VF testing, GII outperformed GI and GIII with regard to discrimination ability and structure-function correlation with mGCL thickness in the subclinically affected nasal part of the VF in patients with chiasmal compression. Our findings suggest that the use of GII can enhance the diagnostic power of 10-2 VF testing in early cases of chiasmal compression, although further studies are necessary to support this conclusion.

Structural and functional assessment of macula in patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy submitted to panretinal photocoagulation and associated intravitreal bevacizumab injections: a comparative, randomised, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of therapy with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections versus PRP alone in patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (HR-PDR) with a 6-month follow-up. METHODS: Forty-two patients with HR-PDR were prospectively studied in a randomised, masked, controlled trial. Both eyes of each patient were randomised either to the study group (SG) receiving PRP plus IVB injections or the control group (CG) receiving PRP alone. Mean change in visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography-measured foveal thickness (FT) and macular volume (MV) were compared. RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons showed no significant difference in VA while FT exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) difference at 1 month of follow-up and MV was significantly reduced at the 1- and 3-month follow-up. Compared to baseline, VA was significantly worse at all follow-ups in the CG and was stable in the SG. FT increased significantly in the CG from baseline to the 1- and 6-month follow-ups and in the SG, no significant difference was observed. MV was significantly increased in the CG during all follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: In HR-PDR, using IVB injections as adjuvant treatment to PRP reduces the VA deterioration and results in decreased FT and MV measurements compared to PRP alone.

Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration as Adjuvant Treatment for Severe Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome Induced by All-Trans Retinoic Acid.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A derivative which can increase intracranial pressure, causing visual loss and papilledema. Those patients should be treated similarly to others patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. We described a case of a 32-year-old woman presenting with severe visual loss and intracranial hypertension induced by ATRA for acute promyelocytic leukemia, which was treated clinically and with optic nerve sheath fenestration. Patients receiving ATRA therapy should be monitored to neurological and ophthalmic signs and symptoms of intracranial hypertension.

Choroidal Thickness in Eyes with Band Atrophy of the Optic Nerve from Chiasmal Compression.

Background: The choroid is a vascular tissue that helps maintain retinal and prelaminar optic nerve head function. Choroidal thickness has been previously studied in diseases accompanied by retinal neural loss, but the relationship between the two sets of measurements is not clear. In eyes with temporal hemianopia as a result of chiasmal compression lesions (CCL), retinal neural loss tends to be greater in the nasal than the temporal hemiretina, a fact that may be useful in evaluating the effect of inner retinal layer loss on choroidal thickness. Purpose: To evaluate macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in eyes with temporal hemianopia as a result of chiasmal compression and in healthy controls. Methods: 33 eyes of 26 patients with band atrophy of the optic nerve and temporal visual field defects as a result of previously treated suprasellar tumors (CCL group) and 40 eyes of 21 healthy controls underwent SS-OCT scanning. The thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), the peripapillary choroid (pChoroid), the macular RNFL (mRNFL), the macular ganglion cell layer (mGCL), and the macular choroid (mChoroid) was expressed globally and by sector (peripapillary quadrants and macular hemifield and quadrants). Ratios between macular nasal and temporal hemifield and quadrantic measurements were calculated using generalized estimated equation models, and the two groups were compared. Results: The pRNFL, mRNFL, and mGCC thicknesses were significantly smaller in the CCL group than in the control group (64.67 ± 10.53 µm, 29.68 ± 5.80 µm, and 80.60 ± 10.17 µm vs. 103.78 ± 12.23 µm, 39.89 ± 3.82 µm, and 105.51 ± 7.76 µm, respectively; p < 0.001). For the choroid, the only difference between the groups was increased macular nasal hemifield and superonasal quadrant thickness in CCL (222.47 ± 61.05 µm and 230.45 ± 58.59 µm in the CCL group, respectively vs. 190.68 ± 52.54 µm and 197.65 ± 54.80 µm in the control group, respectively; p < 0.05). The temporal/nasal ratios were significantly higher for the mRNFL and mGCC parameters and significantly lower for the mChoroid parameters in the CCL group, except for the superotemporal/superonasal quadrant ratio. Conclusions: The choroid does not thin after the inner retinal layer becomes damaged due to CCL and may even be thicker in some areas with corresponding severe retinal neural loss. While further studies are needed to interpret these findings, choroidal thinning is most likely not secondary to optic nerve disease-related inner retinal neural loss.

Morphofunctional evaluation of peripapillary retinoschisis associated with myopic posterior staphyloma and hyaloid traction: does it cause peripapillary vitreoretinal traction?

This case report presents the details of a 33-year-old female patient who was referred to a specialized retina service because of mild vision loss in her right eye). The patient's visual acuity was 20/25 in right eye and 20/50 in the left eye (; amblyopic); the spherical equivalent was -12.75 diopters (right eye) and -14.75 diopters (left eye). Multimodal retinal imaging showed peripapillary schisis in both the inner and outer retinal layers, grade II posterior vitreous detachment, and a tessellated fundus. Using Humphrey perimetry and MP-3 microperimetry, the functional evaluation indicated macular sensitivity within normal limits and decreased sensitivity in the peripapillary region, especially in right eye. The pattern-re versal visual evoked potential was measured. The N75 and P100 latency and amplitude in right eye were within normal values for checks of 1º. However, the amplitude was low for checks of 15'. Highly myopic patients who have posterior staphyloma that involves the optic nerve are susceptible to posterior hyaloid traction, and the resulting peripapillary vitreous traction may compromise vision.

Multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss in a previously healthy man: a possible complication after COVID-19 vaccination?

BACKGROUND: The present case aims to describe a previously healthy man who presented multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and to discuss the possible mechanisms related to occurrence of this condition. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of multiple attacks of transient monocular visual loss in a previously healthy middle-aged man two weeks after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. TVL attacks were described as sudden and painless complete visual loss, lasting about one minute, followed by a full recovery. He presented several non-simultaneous attacks in both eyes, 16 in the right eye, and 2 in the left eye on the same day, fifteen days after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The brain's magnetic resonance angiography, echocardiogram, and doppler ultrasound imaging of the carotid and vertebral arteries were non-revealing. The complete blood exam revealed a slightly elevated C-reactive protein test. We assessed fundus examination during the transient visual loss attack and revealed diffuse vascular narrowing for both arterial and venous branches, notably in the emergence of the optic disc in right eye. In addition, the circumpapillary optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) vessel density map was reduced. Oral verapamil hydrochloride 60 mg twice daily was initiated, and the attacks of transient visual loss improved after two days. CONCLUSIONS: To date, and the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of multiple transient monocular visual loss attacks due to retinal vasospasm in a previously healthy middle-aged man documented by fundus retinography and OCTA. We discuss in this article the possible association of retinal vasospasm and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination, probably related to vaccine-induced inflammation.

A standardized method to quantitatively analyze optical coherence tomography angiography images of the macular and peripapillary vessels.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a relatively new non-invasive imaging technique to evaluate retinal vascular complexes. However, there is still a lack of standardization and reproducibility of its quantitative evaluation. Furthermore, manual analysis of a large amount of OCTA images makes the process laborious, with greater data variability, and risk of bias. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe a fast and reproducible quantitative analysis of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), macular superficial and deep vascular complexes (mSVC and mDVC, respectively), and peripapillary superficial vascular complex (pSVC) in OCTA images. METHODS: We survey models and methods used for studying retinal microvasculature, and software packages used to quantify microvascular networks. These programs have provided researchers with invaluable tools, but we estimate that they have collectively achieved low adoption rates, possibly due to complexity for unfamiliar researchers and nonstandard sets of quantification metrics. To address these existing limitations, we discuss opportunities to improve effectiveness, affordability, and reproducibility of microvascular network quantification with the development of an automated method to analyze the vessels and better serve the current and future needs of microvascular research. OCTA images of the macula (10°x10°, 15°x15°, or 20°x20° centered on the fovea) and peripapillary area (15 × 15º centered on optic nerve head) were exported from the device and processed using the open-source software Fiji. The mSVC, mDVC, and pSVC were automatically analyzed regarding vascular density in the total area and four sectors (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal). We also analyzed the FAZ regarding its area, perimeter, and circularity in the SVC and DVC images. RESULTS: We developed an automated model and discussed a step by step method to analyze vessel density and FAZ of the macular SVC and DVC, acquired with OCTA using different fields of view. We also developed an automated analysis of the peripapillary SVC. CONCLUSION: Our developed automated analysis of macular and peripapillary OCTA images will allow a fast, reproducible, and precise quantification of SVC, DVC, and FAZ. It would also allow more accurate comparisons between different studies and streamlines the processing of images from multiple patients with a single command.

Severe bilateral visual loss as the first sign of IgA nephropathy.

We describe a case of a 33-years-old woman who presents with severe acute bilateral visual loss secondary to massive exudative hypertensive maculopathy as the first sign of immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The patient's ophthalmic examination showed bilateral cotton-wool spots, flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages, diffuse narrow arterioles, optic disk edema, and exudative maculopathy. Systemic workup demonstrated a systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 240 mmHg and 160 mmHg, respectively, proteinuria, and hematuria, suggesting kidney disease as the causative condition. A kidney biopsy confirmed immunoglobulin A nephropathy. She was treated with systemic corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, and a single bilateral intravitreal injection of aflibercept. There was a prompt resolution of macular edema and vision improvement. Our case draws attention to the fact that severe bilateral visual loss can be the first sign of severe hypertension. Secondary causes, such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy, should be ruled out.

Evaluation of contrast sensitivity in non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with panretinal photocoagulation with and without intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.

PURPOSE: To evaluate contrast sensitivity in non-high-risk, treatment-naïve proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients treated with panretinal photocoagulation and intravitreal injections of ranibizumab) versus panretinal photocoagulation alone. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 30 patients with bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy were randomized into two groups: one received panretinal photocoagulation and ranibizumab injections (study group), while the other received panretinal photocoagulation alone (control group). All eyes were treated with panretinal photocoagulation in three sessions according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study guidelines. Contrast sensitivity measurements were performed under photopic conditions (85 cd/m2) with the Visual Contrast Test Sensitivity 6500 chart, allowing for the evaluation of five spatial frequencies with sine wave grating charts: 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0 cycles per degree (cpd). Outcomes were measured in contrast sensitivity threshold scores among and within groups, from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes (28 in the study group and 30 in the control group) reached the study endpoint. A comparative analysis of changes in contrast sensitivity between the groups showed significant differences mainly in low frequencies as follows: at month 1 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.001) and 3.0 cpd (p=0.04); at month 3 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.016), and at month 6 in 1.5 cpd (p=0.001) and 3.0 cpd (p=0.026) in favor of the study group. CONCLUSIONS: In eyes of patients with non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy, panretinal photocoagulation treatment with ranibizumab appears to cause less damage to contrast sensitivity compared with panretinal photocoagulation treatment alone. Thus, our evaluation of contrast sensitivity may support the use of ranabizumab as an adjuvant to panretinal photocoagulation for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF FOCAL CHOROIDAL EXCAVATION COMPLICATED BY CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN A PATIENT WITH ANGIOID STREAKS AND PSEUDOXANTHOMA ELASTICUM.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) complicated with Type-2 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a patient with angioid streaks secondary to pseudoxanthoma elasticum before and after treatment with bevacizumab. METHODS: Fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and SD-OCT angiography were performed in a 60-year-old white woman with angioid streaks and bilateral FCE. Spectral domain OCT images were taken before and after three-monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Histopathological analysis of the dermis established the diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. RESULTS: Multimodal imaging revealed bilateral FCE and CNV. Spectral domain OCT diagnosed bilateral FCE and Type-1 and Type-2 CNV in the right eye, and irregular vascular network, along macular streak, in both eyes, which were not observed on fluorescein neither on indocyanine green angiography, but only on SD-OCT angiography. Patient presented good anatomical and functional response to intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. CONCLUSION: Focal choroidal excavation is a rare condition detected mainly by SD-OCT, which may be associated with angioid streaks secondary to pseudoxanthoma elasticum and complicated by CNV. Multimodal imaging is important for diagnosis and follow-up of such patients, even in the absence of signs of CNV, and anatomical and functional response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy is good.

Prevalence of Focal Inner, Middle, and Combined Retinal Thinning in Diabetic Patients and Its Relationship With Systemic and Ocular Parameters.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of focal inner, middle, and combined inner/middle retinal thinning (FIRT, FMRT, and FCRT, respectively) in different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) without diabetic macular edema and to assess the relationship between such findings with ocular and systemic parameters. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, comparative study comprising healthy participants and diabetic patients with different stages of DR. Forty-nine horizontal macular B-scans from the selected eye were obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and analyzed for the presence of FIRT, FMRT, or FCRT and any relationship with systemic and ocular parameters. Focal retinal thinning (FRT) was subjectively defined as any evidence of inner and/or middle retinal thinning. Results: A total of 190 participants (52 healthy participants and 138 diabetic patients) were included. A higher prevalence of FRT was observed in eyes with advanced DR versus healthy eyes and versus diabetic eyes with no DR or mild DR. FIRT and FCRT were significantly greater in eyes with proliferative DR treated with pan-retinal photocoagulation, and FMRT was significantly more common in eyes with severe nonproliferative DR. FRT was significantly more common in patients with coronary artery disease and was positively correlated with diabetes duration, serum creatinine, and glycosylated hemoglobin and negatively correlated with age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and visual acuity. Conclusions: FRT occurs in all stages of DR and is increasingly prevalent with increasing severity of DR. Translational Relevance: OCT identification of FRT may provide a surrogate biomarker of retinal and systemic disease in diabetic patients.

Safety and cost-effectiveness of single-use endolaser probe reprocessing in vitreoretinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endolaser probes have been designed and sold for single-use only. However, in Brazil, they are not included in the list of single-use medical products that are prohibited from being reprocessed and could potentially be reused if safety requirements are accomplished. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare the quality, safety and costs of reprocessed versus original single-use endolaser probes of a specific brand and model. METHODS: The study, conducted at a university hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was divided in two phases. The first one tested the feasibility, sterility and physical integrity of ten reprocessed laser probes. In the second phase, all vitrectomy procedures using endolaser probes (reprocessed and original ones) from August 2017 to October 2019 were evaluated. The operated cases were followed for any signs of infection and number of defective probes for each group were counted. The cost of acquiring a new probe and for all reprocessing stages were evaluated and quantified in US dollars($). RESULTS: Microbiologic, residual ethilen oxide and microscopic evaluation of integrity of reprocessed laser probes were all within acceptable range. The second phase of this study included 590 endolaser probes, of which 375 were original and 215 were reprocessed. Functionality rates differed significantly between groups. Among the original probes, 373 (99.47%) were functioning and 2 (0.53%) were non-functioning. Among the reprocessed ones, 201 (93.5%) were functioning and 14 (6.5%) were non-functioning (p < .001). The average cost of one reprocessing was $3.00, and the average cost of an original probe was $150.00. Considering the loss rates, potential savings were $147.60 for each once-reprocessed probe. The frequency of infectious endophthalmitis was null in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a single cycle endolaser probe reprocessing was safe and efficient, not associated with increase in endophthalmitis rate and proved to be significantly cost-effective, even considering a greater malfunction rate when compared to the original devices.

Inverted internal limiting membrane flap for the management of optic disc pit maculopathy.

Optic disc pit is a rare congenital anomaly that can cause serous macular detachment. It has no universally accepted single treatment. Recently, several investigators have performed new procedures to directly seal the pit. Herein, we report a case showing a promising method for optic pit maculopathy surgical treatment. We created an inverted internal limiting membrane flap and fold it over the pit to promote barrier in order to stop further fluid accumulation. Gradual absorption of subretinal fluid was observed over 12 months of follow-up. Optical coherence tomography can demonstrate internal limiting membrane folded over the pit and progressive subretinal fluid resolution. This technique resulted in a satisfactory anatomic outcome with good functional improvement in the best-corrected visual acuity.

Optic coherence tomography features of subretinal vitreous substitutes.

BACKGROUND: To draw comparisons between spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of subretinal silicon oil (SO), perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) or C3F8 gas. METHODS: Cases diagnosed with retained subretinal vitreous substitutes (VS) were retrospectively selected. Demographic data were collected and OCT features were analyzed. RESULTS: In the 13 cases with subretinal PFO, hyper-reflectivity under the bubble was noted in 8 eyes (61.5%); choroidal shadow at the borders of the bubble in 11 eyes (84.6%); hyper-reflective halo around the bubble in 5 eyes (38.4%) and a hyper-reflective apical dot in 8 eyes (61.5%).The two cases with multiple PFO bubbles had complete septum dividing the bubbles. The one case with subretinal SO had hyper reflectivity under the bubble; no choroidal shadow at the edge of the bubble; hyper-reflective halo was noted around the bubble and the apical hyper-reflective dot was present; there was no complete septum dividing multiple bubbles. The single case with subretinal C3F8 had some bubbles with totally round base, incomplete septum, hyper reflectivity under the bubble, choroidal shadow at the edge of the bubble, a hyper-reflective halo and an apical dot. CONCLUSION: Different subretinal VS share similar SD-OCT characteristics. Round base bubbles are only observed with subretinal C3F8 gas, while incomplete septum are related to retained subretinal SO or gas.

Morphofunctional evaluation of peripapillary retinoschisis associated with myopic posterior staphyloma and hyaloid traction: does it cause peripapillary vitreoretinal traction? / Avaliação morfofuncional da retinosquise peripapilar associada ao estafloma posterior miópico e à tração hialoidea: isso causa tração vitreo-retiniana peripapilar?

ABSTRACT This case report presents the details of a 33-year-old female patient who was referred to a specialized retina service because of mild vision loss in her right eye). The patient's visual acuity was 20/25 in right eye and 20/50 in the left eye (; amblyopic); the spherical equivalent was -12.75 diopters (right eye) and -14.75 diopters (left eye). Multimodal retinal imaging showed peripapillary schisis in both the inner and outer retinal layers, grade II posterior vitreous detachment, and a tessellated fundus. Using Humphrey perimetry and MP-3 microperimetry, the functional evaluation indicated macular sensitivity within normal limits and decreased sensitivity in the peripapillary region, especially in right eye. The pattern-re versal visual evoked potential was measured. The N75 and P100 latency and amplitude in right eye were within normal values for checks of 1º. However, the amplitude was low for checks of 15′. Highly myopic patients who have posterior staphyloma that involves the optic nerve are susceptible to posterior hyaloid traction, and the resulting peripapillary vitreous traction may compromise vision.

RESUMO Este relato de caso apresenta um paciente feminino de 33 anos encaminhado para um serviço especializado de retina devido à leve perda de visão em olho direito. A acuidade visual foi de 20/25 no olho direito e 20/50 no olho esquerdo, o equivalente esférico foi de -12,75 dioptrias e -14,75 dioptrias, respectivamente. Avaliações multimodais revelaram isquese peripapilar nas camadas internas e externas da retina, descolamento vítreo posterior grau II e fundo tesselado. Avaliação funcional com perimetria Humphrey e microperimetria MP-3 revelaram sensibilidade macular normais e diminuição da sensibilidade na região peripapilar, especialmente no olho direito. Potencial visual evocado de padrão reverso apresentou no olho direito latência e amplitude N75 e P100 dentro dos valores normais para verificação de 1º. Entretanto, a amplitude foi baixa para a de 15′. Pacientes alto míopes com esfiloma posterior envolvendo o nervo óptico são suscetíveis à tração da hialoide posterior. Portanto a tração vitreopapilar resultante pode causar comprometimento da visão.