International Classification System for Ocular Complications of Anti-VEGF Agents in Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE: Complications associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapies are reported inconsistently in the literature, thus limiting an accurate evaluation and comparison of safety between studies. This study aimed to develop a standardized classification system for anti-VEGF ocular complications using the Delphi consensus process. DESIGN: Systematic review and Delphi consensus process. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five international retinal specialists participated in the Delphi consensus survey. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify complications of intravitreal anti-VEGF agent administration based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of anti-VEGF therapy. A comprehensive list of complications was derived from these studies, and this list was subjected to iterative Delphi consensus surveys involving international retinal specialists who voted on inclusion, exclusion, rephrasing, and addition of complications. Furthermore, surveys determined specifiers for the selected complications. This iterative process helped to refine the final classification system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportion of retinal specialists who choose to include or exclude complications associated with anti-VEGF administration. RESULTS: After screening 18 229 articles, 130 complications were categorized from 145 included RCTs. Participant consensus via the Delphi method resulted in the inclusion of 91 complications (70%) after 3 rounds. After incorporating further modifications made based on participant suggestions, such as rewording certain phrases and combining similar terms, 24 redundant complications were removed, leaving a total of 67 complications (52%) in the final list. A total of 14 complications (11%) met exclusion thresholds and were eliminated by participants across both rounds. All other remaining complications not meeting inclusion or exclusion thresholds also were excluded from the final classification system after the Delphi process terminated. In addition, 47 of 75 proposed complication specifiers (63%) were included based on participant agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Delphi consensus process, a comprehensive, standardized classification system consisting of 67 ocular complications and 47 unique specifiers was established for intravitreal anti-VEGF agents in clinical trials. The adoption of this system in future trials could improve consistency and quality of adverse event reporting, potentially facilitating more accurate risk-benefit analyses. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Evaluating fingerprint-like patterns in the healthy Henle fiber layer using enface OCT imaging.

PURPOSE: Enface OCT may disclose a distinct "fingerprint-like' pattern within the HFL in various macular disorders. This study aims to investigate the frequency and characteristics of this pattern in healthy eyes and identify potential factors influencing its visibility. METHODS: Two, independent masked reading center graders evaluated for the presence and prominence of a fingerprint pattern in the Henle fiber layer (HFL) on enface OCT images from 33 healthy subjects (66 eyes). The prominence of the pattern was rated qualitatively using a 0-3 scale, with 3 indicating the strongest prominence. Tilt angles (relative to the normal/perpendicular at the center) of the retina were measured on horizontal and vertical B-scans, and the retinal curvature was assessed using ImageJ, in order to determine the impact of the incident light angle on the visibility and prominence of the fingerprint pattern. Inter-grader agreement using Cohen's kappa and the frequency and percentage of patterns in the entire enface image and in each quadrant were calculated and compared using the Friedman test with Dunn's post-test. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to analyze the association between these metrics and fingerprint prominence. RESULTS: Substantial inter-grader agreement was observed (Cohen's kappa = 0.71) for assessing the prominence of the fingerprint pattern. Over 70% of eyes exhibited some evidence of the pattern (score ≥1). Significant difference in pattern prominence across quadrants was detected (p < 0.05), with lowest prominence in the temporal quadrant (p < 0.001 for pairwise comparisons against all other quadrants). The GEE analysis to account for the extent of the effect of scan tilt angle and RPE curvature was not able to predict the prominence of the fingerprint pattern, highlighting that angle of incidence (of the scanning laser light) alone could not explain the pattern. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that a fingerprint-like pattern within the HFL can also be observed in healthy eyes, challenging the notion that this finding is only manifest in the setting of disease. In addition, the lack of correlation with angle of incident light suggests that the pattern may be related to other intrinsic characteristics of the HFL.

FROM DRUSEN TO TYPE 3 MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION.

PURPOSE: To investigate the imaging features preceding the occurrence of type 3 (T3) macular neovascularization (MNV) using tracked spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. METHOD: From a cohort of eyes with T3 MNV and ≥ 12 months of previously tracked spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, T3 lesions that developed above soft drusen were selected for optical coherence tomography analysis. Retinal imaging findings at the location where type T3 MNV occurred were analyzed at each follow-up until the onset of T3 MNV. The following optical coherence tomography parameters were assessed: drusen size (height and width), outer nuclear layer/Henle fiber layer thickness at the drusen apex, and the presence of intraretinal hyperreflective foci, retinal pigment epithelium disruption, incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy, and complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy. RESULTS: From a cohort of 31 eyes with T3 MNV, T3 lesions developed above soft drusen in 20 eyes (64.5%). Drusen showed progressive growth ( P < 0.001) associated with outer nuclear layer/Henle fiber ( P < 0.001) thinning before T3 MNV. The following optical coherence tomography features were identified preceding the occurrence of T3 MNV, typically at the apex of the drusenoid lesion: disruption of the external limiting membrane/ellipsoid zone and/or the retinal pigment epithelium, hyperreflective foci, and incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy/complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina atrophy. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate specific anatomic alterations preceding the occurrence of T3 MNV that most commonly originates above soft drusen. Drusen growth, reduced outer nuclear layer/Henle fiber thickness, and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy at the drusen apex precede the development of T3 MNV. Identifying these optical coherence tomography features should warrant close monitoring for identification of T3 MNV, which can benefit from prompt intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT THICKNESS AND VARIABILITY AFFECTS VISUAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) thickness (i.e., height) and thickness variability on best-corrected visual acuity outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the Phase 3 HAWK and HARRIER trials. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography images from the pooled brolucizumab 6 mg and aflibercept 2 mg arms were analyzed for the maximum PED thickness across the macula at baseline through to week 96. Best-corrected visual acuity outcomes were compared in patients with different PED thickness and variability cut-off thresholds. RESULTS: Greater PED thickness at baseline or at week 12 was associated with lower mean best-corrected visual acuity gain from baseline to week 96 (baseline PED ≥200 µ m: +4.6 letters; <200 µ m: +7.0 letters; week 12 PED ≥100 µ m: +5.6 letters; <100 µ m: +6.6 letters). Eyes with the largest PED thickness variability from week 12 through week 96 gained fewer letters from baseline at week 96 (≥33 µ m: +3.3 letters; <9 µ m: +6.2 letters). Furthermore, increased PED thickness at week 48 was associated with higher prevalence of intraretinal and subretinal fluid. CONCLUSION: In this treatment-agnostic analysis, greater PED thickness and PED thickness variability were associated with poorer visual outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and greater neovascular activity.

EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY MORPHOLOGY OF MACULAR PUCKER CORRELATES WITH METAMORPHOPSIA: Possible Role of the Henle Fiber Layer.

PURPOSE: To describe macular pucker contraction patterns with en face optical coherence tomography (OCT), to provide a correlation with metamorphopsia scores, and to discuss the protective role of the Henle fiber layer (HFL) against tangential traction. METHODS: Retrospective, institutional, observational, and consecutive case series. Clinical charts, M-charts scores, and structural and en face OCT imaging of patients diagnosed with macular pucker were reviewed. RESULTS: A 120 eyes of 114 consecutive patients diagnosed with macular pucker were included. En face OCT patterns of macular pucker contraction were foveal in 51 of 120 eyes (42.5%) and extrafoveal in 69 of 120 eyes (57.5%). Foveal macular puckers had regular, a concentric, circle morphology in the HFL (46/51 eyes, 90.2%), whereas extrafoveal membranes had irregular, distorted, circular HFL morphology (62/69 eyes, 89.8%; P < 0.001). Foveal contraction morphology and regular HFL pattern, as well as extrafoveal contraction morphology and an irregular HFL pattern, highly correlated one with another (P < 0.001 in both cases). Foveal macular puckers with regular HFL patterns had significantly less vertical and horizontal M-charts scores as compared with extrafoveal membranes with irregular HFL (P < 0.001 in both cases). Ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane defects were rare in the parafoveal region (5/120 eyes, 4.2%). Visual acuity did not correlate with metamorphopsia scores (P = 0.903). CONCLUSION: En face OCT imaging identifies macular pucker contraction patterns that correlate with metamorphopsia scores and that can be used alongside the current structural OCT staging system to guide clinicians in the surgical decision-making process.

ACUTE POSTERIOR MULTIFOCAL PLACOID PIGMENT EPITHELIOPATHY AND PLACOID VARIANT DISEASES MASQUERADING AS AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION IN THE ELDERLY: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To report eight cases of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) or persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM) initially masquerading as age-related macular degeneration in elderly individuals. METHODS: APMPPE or PPM eyes in patients above age 55 years with macular retinal pigment epithelium disruption including drusenoid lesions on macular examination and/or with multimodal imaging were included. At least one method of multimodal imaging including fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA) was performed in all eyes for diagnosis and to monitor for macular neovascularization. RESULTS: Eight elderly male patients presented with vision loss and were all initially diagnosed with non-neovascular or neovascular age-related macular degeneration. With the aid of multimodal retinal imaging, a final diagnosis of either APMPPE or PPM was rendered. With FA and indocyanine green angiography, choroidal hypoperfusion was detected in all but one eye. With OCT, the angular sign of Henle fiber layer hyperreflectivity was identified in >50% of eyes. With OCTA, inner choroidal flow deficits were detected in all eyes. Macular neovascularization requiring anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection therapy complicated three of eight cases. CONCLUSION: Both APMPPE and PPM may develop in elderly individuals and may masquerade as age-related macular degeneration on presentation. Multimodal imaging including FA, indocyanine green angiography, and OCTA are important diagnostic modalities to assess for inner choroidal hypoperfusion to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and to detect macular neovascularization, which frequently complicates APMPPE and PPM. In these patients, serial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections are essential in treating macular neovascularization and in preventing significant vision loss.

CENTRAL BOUQUET HEMORRHAGE: Clinical and Multimodal Imaging Features.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics, multimodal imaging features, and anatomic basis of a distinctive pattern of deep retinal hemorrhages located in the central fovea, a presentation referred to as "central bouquet hemorrhage." METHODS: Retrospective, observational, multicenter case series of eyes with central bouquet hemorrhage. Multimodal imaging features were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Ten eyes from 10 patients (4 women and 6 men), with a mean age of 55.6 ± 21.7 years (range 25-84 years) were included. Underlying etiologies were neovascular age-related macular degeneration (40%), lacquer cracks in pathological myopia (30%), macular telangiectasia Type 2 (10%), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (10%), and ocular trauma associated with angioid streaks (10%). On ophthalmoscopy, all eyes with central bouquet hemorrhage displayed a deep retinal hemorrhage with round margins in the central fovea and associated with petaloid hemorrhages radiating in the surrounding Henle fiber layer. Cross-sectional optical coherence tomography showed a well-delineated round hyperreflective lesion involving the central foveal Henle fiber layer/outer nuclear layer in all cases. Accompanying hyperreflective hemorrhages tracking along the obliquely oriented Henle fiber layer were present in all eyes. Resolution occurred in all patients, either spontaneously (30%) or after treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (70%), and was associated with partial visual acuity improvement (from 20/113 to 20/36). CONCLUSION: "Central bouquet hemorrhage" is a novel descriptive term describing a characteristic round pattern of intraretinal blood in the fovea associated with Henle fiber layer hemorrhage and encountered in a spectrum of macular disease.

Sub retinal pigment epithelium hyporeflective spaces preceding large drusen collapse.

PURPOSE: To describe and study hyporeflective sub retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) spaces in large drusen and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment prior to collapse. METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal study which enrolled patients with large and very large drusen due to intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The following optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters were assessed: Drusen size (maximum width and height), OCT biomarkers of RPE atrophy, presence of intraretinal and subretinal fluid (IRF, SRF), acquired vitelliform lesion and sub RPE regions of hyporeflectivity within the PED compartment. RESULTS: Of the 50 eyes from 41 patients (mean age of 77.1 ± 9 years, 78% women) with large and very large drusen, 16 eyes progressed to collapse. Eyes with sub RPE hyporeflective spaces (n=8 eyes, 50%) were associated with greater drusen width and height than eyes without sub RPE hyporeflective spaces. At the collapse visit, eyes with sub RPE hyporeflective spaces displayed poorer visual acuity and greater iRORA (incomplete RPE outer retinal atrophy) and cRORA (complete RORA) length than eyes without sub RPE hyporeflective spaces (p=0.004 and p=0.04, respectively). CONCLUSION: Sub RPE hyporeflective spaces are a novel OCT finding of large and very large drusen that collapse to atrophy. Progressive RPE dysfunction and failure may lead to reduced drusenoid material formation and progressive degenerative hydration of the large drusen prior to collapse, but this awaits confirmation with histopathological analysis.

EVALUATION OF PARAVASCULAR INNER RETINAL DEFECTS USING EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for development of paravascular inner retinal defects (PIRDs) using en face optical coherence tomography. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. En face and cross-sectional optical coherence tomography images were reviewed (9 × 9 mm or 12 × 12 mm). Paravascular inner retinal defects were classified as either Grade 1 (i.e., paravascular inner retinal cysts) when the lesion was confined within the nerve fiber layer without any communication to the vitreous cavity or Grade 2 (i.e., paravascular lamellar hole) when the defects communicated to the vitreous. Paravascular inner retinal defect grading was correlated with presence of high myopia, stage of posterior vitreous detachment, and presence of epiretinal membrane and retinoschisis. RESULTS: Of 1,074 patients (2,148 eyes), PIRDs were detected in 261 eyes with a prevalence of 261 per 2,148 eyes (12.2%) and 176 per 1,074 patients (16.4%). A total of 116 eyes (44.4%) displayed Grade 2 PIRDs while 145 eyes (55.6%) were Grade 1. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the presence of partial/complete posterior vitreous detachment, retinoschisis, and epiretinal membrane was significantly correlated with PIRDs (OR = 2.78 [1.7-4.4], P < 0.001; OR = 2.93 [1.7-5], P < 0.001; and OR = 25.9 [2.8-242.5], P < 0.001, respectively). The presence of partial/complete posterior vitreous detachment and epiretinal membrane was also significantly associated with Grade 2 PIRDs versus Grade 1 PIRDs ( P = 0.03 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that wide-field en face optical coherence tomography facilitates the identification of PIRDs over a large area of retina with a single capture. The presence of PIRDs was significantly associated with posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane, and retinoschisis, confirming the role of vitreoretinal traction in the pathogenesis of PIRDs.

Pushing Retinal Imaging Forward: Innovations and Their Clinical Meaning - The 2022 Ophthalmologica Lecture.

Retinal imaging has greatly expanded our understanding of various pathological conditions. This article presents a summary of the key points covered during the 2022 Ophthalmologica Lecture held at the Euretina Congress in Hamburg. The first part of the article focuses on the use of optical coherence tomography angiography to examine and comprehend the choroid in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Subsequently, we delve into the discussion of the "postreceptor neuronal loss" theory in AMD, which was studied using en face structural optical coherence tomography (OCT). Following that, we explore pertinent findings obtained through cross-sectional OCT in retinal and optic nerve diseases, such as AMD, diabetic macular edema, pathologic myopia, central serous chorioretinopathy, and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.

The 12- and 24-Month Effects of Intravitreal Ranibizumab, Aflibercept, and Bevacizumab on Intraocular Pressure: A Network Meta-Analysis.

TOPIC: To investigate the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy on intraocular pressure (IOP) 12 and 24 months after initiation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is unclear whether serial anti-VEGF injections result in sustained IOP increases. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti-VEGF agents with each other or with controls for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, or diabetic macular edema were included. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis examined the proportion of patients whose IOP (1) increased 5 mmHg or more from baseline on consecutive visits, (2) increased 10 mmHg or more from baseline at any visit, (3) was 21 mmHg or more on consecutive visits, (4) was 25 mmHg or more at any visit, (5) was 30 mmHg or more at any visit, (6) prompted initiation of IOP-lowering medications, or (7) increased as per the clinicians' discretion. Grading of Recommendations Assessments, Development, and Evaluations methodology informed the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Twenty-six RCTs of 12 522 eyes were included. Aflibercept, bevacizumab, ranibizumab (0.3 mg and 0.5 mg), and noninjection controls were analyzed. Eighty-three of 84 network estimates for comparisons between anti-VEGF agents demonstrated no statistically significant difference (low to moderate certainty of evidence). Ranibizumab 0.5 mg showed higher rates than bevacizumab of IOP measurements of 30 mmHg or more at 12 months (low certainty of evidence). Fifty-three of 56 network estimates for comparisons between anti-VEGF agents and controls demonstrated no statistically significant difference (low to moderate certainty of evidence). Ranibizumab 0.5 mg showed higher rates of consecutive IOP increases of 5 mmHg or more at 24 months (low certainty of evidence) and higher rates of IOP increases as per the clinicians' discretion at 12 and 24 months (low and very low certainty of evidence, respectively). The 95% credible intervals in comparisons without statistically significant effects did not rule out important clinical effects. The certainty of evidence in these comparisons is limited by imprecision. CONCLUSION: This network meta-analysis does not show any clear difference in IOP increases 12 and 24 months after treatment initiation between anti-VEGF agents and controls. Imprecision precludes definitive conclusions.

Relationship between retinal fluid characteristics and vision in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: HARBOR post hoc analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between retinal fluid location, amount/severity, and vision with ranibizumab-treated neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: In the phase 3 HARBOR trial (NCT00891735), treatment-naive patients with nAMD received ranibizumab 0.5 or 2.0 mg through month 24. This post hoc analysis included eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) and/or intraretinal fluid (IRF) at screening, baseline, or week 1, and optical coherence tomography data at months 12 and 24 (n = 917). Outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change from baseline and proportion of eyes with 20/40 or better vision at months 12 and 24. Eyes were stratified by the location, amount, and/or severity of fluid. RESULTS: At baseline, 86% and 63% of eyes had SRF and IRF, respectively. Among eyes with residual SRF, mean BCVA gains at each time point were greater in eyes with central versus noncentral SRF; location did not affect the odds of having 20/40 or better vision over 24 months. Eyes with 20/40 or better BCVA at month 12 had significantly lower SRF thickness versus eyes with worse vision; however, no difference was apparent at month 24. Vision was comparatively worse in eyes with residual IRF at months 12 and 24; location and severity did not appear to affect this outcome. CONCLUSION: Residual IRF was associated with worse vision outcomes, regardless of location/severity, whereas, despite continued treatment, residual SRF was not associated with worse vision outcome at 24 months, regardless of location/thickness. These data suggest complex relationships between residual fluid, severity, and vision.

In vivo measurement of the lineal density of red blood cells in human retinal capillaries using high-speed adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy.

We present an automated method for measuring the lineal density of red blood cells (RBCs) in human retinal capillaries using adaptive optics near-confocal ophthalmoscopy (AONCO). The spatiotemporal traces of RBCs flowing in retinal capillaries were extracted from AONCO images, enhanced using the Gabor filter, the vesselness filter, and the Hough transform. A total of 43 capillary segments (each 50 µm long) were analyzed in 12 eyes of 12 subjects, and the measurement error of the automated method was 0.09 cell over 50 µm compared with results obtained by manual counting. Our method provides a tool for assessing RBC spatial distribution in retinal capillaries.

Quantitative assessment of choriocapillaris flow deficits in eyes with macular neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To investigate choriocapillaris flow deficits (CC FD) in a group of eyes with Type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV) versus a group of eyes with Type 1 and/or 2 MNV versus healthy eyes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, retrospective, multicenter, observational study, consecutive patients with Type 3 MNV, Type 1 and/or 2 MNV, and age-matched controls were included. PLEX Elite optical coherence tomography angiography was performed with a 6 × 6 mm scan pattern centered on the fovea. The CC FD was computed in 4 peripheral 1 × 1 mm squares to allow comparison between equidistant regions unaffected by MNV. RESULTS: Twenty Type 3, 20 Type 1 and/or 2 MNV [13 (65%) Type 1 MNV, 1 (5%) Type 2 MNV, and 6 (30%) mixed Type 1 and 2 MNV], and 20 age-matched controls were included. The mean impairment in the CC in the 4 peripheral squares was 16.07 ± 7.27% in Type 3 MNV eyes, 11.48 ± 5.59% in Type 1/2 MNV eyes, and 9.64 ± 3.59% in controls. Type 3 MNV displayed a statistically significantly higher CC FD compared with both Type 1/2 MNV (P = 0.031) and controls (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between Type 1/2 MNV and controls (P = 0.223). CONCLUSIONS: CC FD was significantly greater in the peripheral macular regions of eyes with Type 3 MNV compared to eyes with Type 1/2 MNV and normal control eyes. Pathogenic choroidal mechanisms may differ in eyes with different MNV subtypes. Whereas focal CC impairment may drive the development of Type 1/2 MNV, diffuse CC disruption may be more important in eyes with Type 3 MNV.

Evaluation of non-exudative microcystoid macular abnormalities secondary to retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate non-exudative microcystoid macular abnormalities for visual and anatomical outcome in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with and without glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). METHODS: Medical records of 124 eyes (105 patients) with RVO were reviewed and analyzed. Eyes demonstrating microcystoid macular abnormalities were divided into 2 groups, those with evidence of glaucoma (group A) and those without glaucoma (group B). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the prevalence and number of microcystoid macular abnormalities, and number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections were compared at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-one out of 105 eyes (67.6%) with RVO displayed microcystoid macular abnormalities. Thirty-eight out of 71 eyes (53.5%) presented with concomitant glaucoma (group A), while the remaining 33 eyes (42.6%) had no history of glaucoma (group B). At the end of the follow-up period, mean BCVA was worse in group A versus group B (20/80 versus 20/40, respectively; p = .003). The mean number of anti-VEGF injections was 10.1 ± 9.2 in group A versus 5.9 ± 6.9 in group B (p = .03). CONCLUSION: Eyes with RVO and concomitant glaucoma exhibited a significantly higher number of microcystoid macular abnormalities and worse BCVA versus eyes with RVO without glaucoma.

Focal Scleral Nodule: A New Name for Solitary Idiopathic Choroiditis and Unifocal Helioid Choroiditis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate multimodal imaging findings of solitary idiopathic choroiditis (SIC; also known as unifocal helioid choroiditis) to clarify its origin, anatomic location, and natural course. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three patients with SIC in 1 eye. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were collected. Multimodal imaging included color fundus photography, OCT (including swept-source OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and B-scan ultrasonography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standardized grading of imaging features. RESULTS: Mean age at presentation was 56 ± 15 years (range, 12-83 years). Mean follow-up duration in 39 patients was 39 ± 55 months (range, 1 month-25 years). The lesions measured a mean of 2.4 × 2.1 mm in basal diameter, were located inferior (64%) or nasal to the optic disc, and appeared yellow (53%). No systemic associations were found. The lesions all appeared as an elevated subretinal mass, with OCT demonstrating all lesions to be confined to the sclera, not the choroid. On OCT, the deep lesion margin was visible in 12 eyes with a mean lesion thickness of 0.6 mm. Overlying choroidal thinning or absence was seen in 95% (mean choroidal thickness, 28 ± 35 µm). Mild subretinal fluid was observed overlying the lesions in 9 patients (14%). Retinal pigment epithelial disruption and overlying retinal thinning was observed in 56% and 57%, respectively. OCT angiography was performed in 13 eyes and demonstrated associated choroidal and lesional flow voids. Four lesions (6%) were identified at the macula, leading to visual loss in 1 patient. One lesion demonstrated growth and another lesion showed spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSIONS: In this largest series to date, multimodal imaging of SIC demonstrated a scleral location in all patients. The yellow and white clinical appearance may be related to scleral unmasking resulting from atrophy of overlying tissues. Additional associated features included documentation of deep margin on swept-source OCT, trace subretinal fluid in a few patients, and OCTA evidence of lesional flow voids. Because of the scleral location of this lesion in every patient, a new name, focal scleral nodule, is proposed.

Incomplete Retinal Pigment Epithelial and Outer Retinal Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Classification of Atrophy Meeting Report 4.

PURPOSE: To describe the defining features of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA), a consensus term referring to the OCT-based anatomic changes often identified before the development of complete RPE and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We provide descriptive OCT and histologic examples of disease progression. DESIGN: Consensus meeting. PARTICIPANTS: Panel of retina specialists, including retinal imaging experts, reading center leaders, and retinal histologists. METHODS: As part of the Classification of Atrophy Meeting (CAM) program, an international group of experts analyzed and discussed longitudinal multimodal imaging of eyes with AMD. Consensus was reached on a classification system for OCT-based structural alterations that occurred before the development of atrophy secondary to AMD. New terms of iRORA and cRORA were defined. This report describes in detail the CAM consensus on iRORA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Defining the term iRORA through OCT imaging and longitudinal cases showing progression of atrophy, with histologic correlates. RESULTS: OCT was used in cases of early and intermediate AMD as the base imaging method to identify cases of iRORA. In the context of drusen, iRORA is defined on OCT as (1) a region of signal hypertransmission into the choroid, (2) a corresponding zone of attenuation or disruption of the RPE, and (3) evidence of overlying photoreceptor degeneration. The term iRORA should not be used when there is an RPE tear. Longitudinal studies confirmed the concept of progression from iRORA to cRORA. CONCLUSIONS: An international consensus classification for OCT-defined anatomic features of iRORA are described and examples of longitudinal progression to cRORA are provided. The ability to identify these OCT changes reproducibly is essential to understand better the natural history of the disease, to identify high-risk signs of progression, and to study early interventions. Longitudinal data are required to quantify the implied risk of vision loss associated with these terms. The CAM classification provides initial definitions to enable these future endeavors, acknowledging that the classification will be refined as new data are generated.

Consensus Nomenclature for Reporting Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Data: Consensus on Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Nomenclature Study Group.

PURPOSE: To establish a process to evaluate and standardize a state-of-the-art nomenclature for reporting neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) data. DESIGN: Consensus meeting. PARTICIPANTS: An international panel of retina specialists, imaging and image reading center experts, and ocular pathologists. METHODS: During several meetings organized under the auspices of the Macula Society, an international study group discussed and codified a set nomenclature framework for classifying the subtypes of neovascular AMD and associated lesion components. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A consensus classification of neovascular AMD. RESULTS: The study group created a standardized working definition of AMD. The components of neovascular AMD were defined and subclassified. Disease consequences of macular neovascularization were delineated. CONCLUSIONS: The framework of a consensus nomenclature system, a definition of AMD, and a delineation of the subtypes of neovascular AMD were developed. Establishing a uniform set of definitions will facilitate comparison of diverse patient groups and different studies. The framework presented is modified and updated readily, processes that are anticipated to occur on a periodic basis. The study group suggests that the consensus standards outlined in this article be used in future reported studies of neovascular AMD and clinical practice.

Comparison of vitreoretinal disorders in fellow eyes of lamellar macular holes versus epiretinal membrane foveoschisis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the rate and characteristics of vitreoretinal disorders in fellow eyes of lamellar macular holes (LMH) versus epiretinal membrane foveoschisis (ERMF). METHODS: Included patients in this retrospective study were divided into two groups based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of their primary eye: LMH (group A) and ERMF (group B). RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were enrolled: 59 (62.8%) in group A and 35 (37.2%) in group B. Fellow eyes in group A had a higher rate of retinal detachment (8/59 [13.6%] vs. 0/35 [0%], P = 0.024), and full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) (11/59 [18.6%] vs. 2/35 [5.7%], P = 0.079), compared with fellow eyes in group B. In group A, 4/59 patients (6.8%) showed a bilateral LMH while none from group B had a LMH in their fellow eye (0/35 [0%]), P = 0.293. Additionally, epiretinal proliferation was noted in 30/59 (50.8%) fellow eyes in group A versus 3/35 (8.6%) fellow eyes in group B, P < 0.001. Longitudinal data were available for 80/94 patients. Over a mean follow-up of 37.4 ± 29.9 months, 1/48 (2.1%) fellow eyes from group A developed a FTMH and 2/48 (4.2%) developed a LMH, while no FTMH or LMH occurred in fellow eyes of group B. CONCLUSIONS: Fellow eyes of LMH showed a high rate of macular and peripheral vitreoretinal disorders. In addition, epiretinal proliferation was detected in a higher number of fellow eyes of LMH versus ERMF. These findings suggest a bilateral process in eyes of patients with LMH.

Quantitative assessment of the retinal microvasculature and choriocapillaris in myopic patients using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To study the retinal capillary microvasculature and the choriocapillaris (CC) in myopic eyes using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). METHODS: Patients with high myopia (≥ - 6D; axial length ≥ 26.5 mm), moderate myopia (≥ - 3D, < - 6D), and age-matched healthy subjects presenting to the Shanghai General Hospital and Doheny-UCLA Eye Centers were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter study. Any subjects with evidence of macular abnormalities suggestive of pathologic myopia were excluded. SS-OCTA at both sites was performed using a Zeiss PLEX Elite instrument with a 6 × 6 mm scan pattern centered on the fovea. Two repeated volume scans were acquired for image averaging. The instrument pre-defined en face slab of the superficial and deep retinal capillary microvasculature was used to isolate and display the superficial and deep retinal capillaries. A slab spanning from 21 to 31 µm deep to the RPE fit line was used to isolate and display the CC. The OCTA images were exported for averaging using Image J. Littmann's method and the Bennett formula were applied to adjust for the impact of magnification in the high and moderate myopia groups. The resultant images were then binarized. Though projection artifact removal software was used, regions below the large superficial retinal vessels were excluded for quantitative analyses of the deep retinal capillary plexus and the CC. Vessel density (VD) and vessel length density (VLD) of the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus (SCP, DCP) and CC flow deficit (FD) were analyzed, quantified, and compared between different groups. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients with high myopia, 25 eyes of 25 patients with moderate myopia, and 25 eyes of 25 normal age-matched controls were included in this study. The VD of the SCP was lower in the high myopia group compared with the emmetropic control groups (p < 0.05), but the VD of the DCP demonstrated no significant difference among the three groups (p > 0.05). The VLDs of the SCP were lower in the high and moderate myopia groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05), while the VLD of the DCP was lower in the high myopia group compared with the moderate myopia and emmetropic control group (p < 0.05). The CC FD% in the high myopia group was significantly greater than both the control and moderate myopia subjects (p < 0.05). Of note, the severity of the CC flow deficit was not correlated with choroidal thickness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The retinal microvasculature may demonstrate alterations in highly myopia eyes. The CC in macular regions shows greater impairment in eyes with high myopia compared with eyes with lesser degrees of myopia, and these deficits are already present in the absence of features of pathologic or degenerative myopia. The threshold of CC FD leading to myopic maculopathy remains to be defined.