Long-term intraocular pressure control and corneal graft survival in eyes with a pars plana Baerveldt implant and corneal transplant.

PURPOSE: To investigate long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control and corneal graft survival in eyes with a valveless Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) through the pars plana (PP) and a penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 48 patients (51 eyes) who underwent PP placement of a GDI and a PK between July 1996 and June 2006 at the University of Virginia. The GDI was inserted during the same operation as the PK in 26 eyes (51.0%). Glaucoma control was assessed by IOP and the need for further glaucoma medication or surgery. Corneal grafts were assessed for clarity. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 38.4 months. IOP was successfully controlled in 88%, 85%, and 82% of eyes at 12, 24, and 48 months, respectively. Corneal grafts were clear in 89%, 67%, and 41% of eyes at 12, 24, and 48 months, respectively. Corneal graft failure was significantly higher in eyes with an anterior chamber intraocular lens (P

Is monthly retreatment with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) necessary in neovascular age-related macular degeneration?

PURPOSE: To report our short-term experience with bevacizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and recommend a new treatment strategy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 29 consecutive patients receiving 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab for AMD and completing 12 weeks of follow up. Outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) central macular thickness. Injections were repeated if no further improvement was observed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients were included. The average BCVA improved from 20/148 at baseline to 20/106 at twelve weeks (P = 0.041). Of the 29 eyes, 25 (86.2%) had stable or improved BCVA. Average mean central macular thickness measured by OCT improved from 351 mum at baseline to 278 mum at 12 weeks (P = 0.003). Stabilization of vision and improved OCT central macular thickness were maintained for at least eight weeks following only a single injection in the majority of eyes. During the three months of follow up, only five eyes (17.2%) required repeat injections, with only three (10.3%) requiring retreatment at eight weeks and none at four weeks. No significant ocular or systemic side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: This short-term data suggests that bevacizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment for neovascular AMD. Injections as frequent as every month do not appear to be necessary since initial treatment effect appears to be maintained for at least eight weeks in almost all of our patients.

Combined pars plana lensectomy/vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole repair without postoperative prone positioning.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the anatomic and visual outcomes following combined pars plana lensectomy/vitrectomy (CPPLV) as a primary procedure for idiopathic macular hole (MH) without post-operative prone positioning (PPP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 42 patients (47 eyes) with MH who underwent CPPLV was performed. No PPP was performed; however, patients were instructed to avoid the supine position during the first postoperative week. The main outcome measures included MH closure rate, best corrected post-operative Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), and procedure complications. RESULTS: Anatomical closure was achieved in 44 eyes (93.6%). The average BCVA in these eyes improved from 20/203 at baseline to 20/91 post-operatively, with 28 (63.6%) having 20/40 or better. Twenty-eight (59.6%) of the 47 eyes had a BCVA of 20/40 or better post-operatively and 35 (74.5%) eyes improved by at least 2 Snellen lines. Post-operative retinal detachment (RD) was observed in 4 eyes (8.5%) and late reopening of the hole in 4 (9.1%). DISCUSSION: The anatomical and visual outcomes and the RD rate of CPPLV with sulcus intraocular lens implantation without PPP are comparable to those of traditional MH surgery techniques. The main advantages include sparing the patient the inconvenience of PPP and eliminating the need for additional post-vitrectomy cataract extraction procedure.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation.

PURPOSE: To report our short-term experience with intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: A retrospective, interventional case series was performed that included 13 patients who received intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg) for treatment of RAP and completed 12 weeks of follow-up. Ophthalmic assessment included determination of best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), complete ocular examination, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Injections were repeated if no further improvement or worsening was observed after an initial favorable functional and/or anatomical response. Main outcome measures were BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by OCT. RESULTS: Twelve eyes (92.3%) had stable or improved BCVA, and 8 eyes (61.5%) had at least 2 lines of vision improvement. The average BCVA improved from 20/203 at baseline to 20/113 at 12 weeks (P = 0.001). Average CMT improved from 369 mum at baseline to 216 microm (P = 0.016) and 315 microm (P = 0.020) at 8 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. Six eyes underwent fluorescein angiography at the 12-week follow-up visit; 3 (50%) of these eyes had decreased leakage compared with baseline. Both stabilization of vision and improved CMT were maintained for at least 8 weeks after a single injection in almost all eyes. No significant side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: These short-term data suggest that bevacizumab is a viable treatment option for RAP in AMD. The initial treatment effect appears to be maintained for at least 8 weeks.

Is reduction in the risk of vision loss the only benefit of photodynamic therapy in predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization?

PURPOSE: To emphasize the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the size and progression of the neovascular lesion (NL) and evolution of the disciform scar (DS) in predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (SFCNV). METHODS: A retrospective study of 62 eyes treated with PDT for SFCNV was performed. The greatest linear dimension (GLD) before and at last follow-up after treatment and the size of the DS post-PDT were analyzed. A subgroup of patients with DS in their fellow eye at presentation without prior PDT was also studied. The size of the scar in these eyes was compared to that following PDT. RESULTS: After an average follow-up at 9 months, the size of the NL was stabilized or reduced in 64% of the study eyes with absence of fluorescein leakage in 45%. Only 3 eyes (5%) developed DS. At presentation, 14 patients already had DS in their fellow eye, the size of which was significantly larger than that post-PDT (p = 0.044). It was also significantly larger than that of the potential scar in the study eyes of the same subgroup of patients (p = 0.002) and of the rest of the patients (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a beneficial effect for PDT on the size of the NL and DS in SFCNV, which might be of great significance, particularly when PDT fails to prevent severe vision loss.