Comparison of Chandelier-Assisted versus Standard Scleral Buckling for the Treatment of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Compare the anatomical and functional outcomes, operation duration, and complication rates between standard scleral buckling (SSB) and chandelier-assisted scleral buckling (CSB) for phakic eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 2024. The primary endpoint will be set as a final success. The secondary endpoint will be primary success, operation time, and final BCVA. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis showed that there is no statistical difference between CSB and SSB for the final success rate (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.97-1.03). For the primary success rate, there is no statistical difference between CSB and SSB (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.94-1.06). For operation time, our meta-analysis showed that the CSB group is less than the SSB group (pooled MD = -15.8, 95% CI = -22.60 to -9.00). For postoperative complications, our study shows that the CSB group presented with lower pooled risk than the SSB group (RR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.41-0.89). There is a trend that the ERM formation risk is higher in the CSB group if there is no routine suture for the sclerotomy (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: CSB showcases a significantly reduced operation duration and less postoperative complication in contrast to the SSB group, maintaining comparable primary and ultimate anatomical success rates as well as final BCVA.

TLR2 and TLR4 Are Expressed in Epiretinal Membranes: Possible Links with Vitreous Levels of Complement Fragments and DAMP-Related Proteins.

Previous studies reported the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), merely TLR2 and TLR4, and complement fragments (C3a, C5b9) in vitreoretinal disorders. Other than pathogens, TLRs can recognize endogenous products of tissue remodeling as damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMPs). The aim of this study was to confirm the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the fibrocellular membranes and vitreal fluids (soluble TLRs) of patients suffering of epiretinal membranes (ERMs) and assess their association with disease severity, complement fragments and inflammatory profiles. Twenty (n = 20) ERMs and twelve (n = 12) vitreous samples were collected at the time of the vitrectomy. Different severity-staged ERMs were processed for: immunolocalization (IF), transcriptomic (RT-PCR) and proteomics (ELISA, IP/WB, Protein Chip Array) analysis. The investigation of targets included TLR2, TLR4, C3a, C5b9, a few selected inflammatory biomarkers (Eotaxin-2, Rantes, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGFA), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor receptor (VEGFR2), Interferon-γ (IFNγ), Interleukin (IL1ß, IL12p40/p70)) and a restricted panel of matrix enzymes (Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/Tissue Inhibitor of Metallo-Proteinases (TIMPs)). A reduced cellularity was observed as function of ERM severity. TLR2, TLR4 and myD88 transcripts/proteins were detected in membranes and decreased upon disease severity. The levels of soluble TLR2 and TLR4, as well as C3a, C5b9, Eotaxin-2, Rantes, VEGFA, VEGFR2, IFNγ, IL1ß, IL12p40/p70, MMP7 and TIMP2 levels were changed in vitreal samples. Significant correlations were observed between TLRs and complement fragments and between TLRs and some inflammatory mediators. Our findings pointed at TLR2 and TLR4 over-expression at early stages of ERM formation, suggesting the participation of the local immune response in the severity of disease. These activations at the early-stage of ERM formation suggest a potential persistence of innate immune response in the early phases of fibrocellular membrane formation.

Effect of Iatrogenic Traction during Macular Peeling Surgery on Postoperative Microperimetry.

INTRODUCTION: Vitrectomy with peeling of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane offers the chance for improvement of metamorphopsia and visual acuity. Microscope integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) enables real-time imaging of retinal alterations during peeling, such as intraoperative transient retinal thickening owing to tractional forces during peeling. The aim of our study was to measure the amounts of transient retinal thickening due to tractional forces during membrane peeling, as documented with iOCT, and to analyze possible effects on postoperative retinal function. METHODS: This prospective, monocenter study included patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling due to an idiopathic ERM. During peeling, an iOCT device (ReScan700, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) with continuous OCT-assistance during the peeling procedure, and video documentation of the peeling procedure, was used for the assessment of intraoperative transient retinal thickening owing to tractional forces during peeling. Directly before and 3 months after surgery, macular-OCT scans and microperimetry were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients were included in the study. Microperimetry could be performed in all patients, while iOCT documentation could be analyzed in 22 patients. Transient retinal thickening owing to tractional forces during peeling could be observed in 14 patients (64%), with a median thickening to 143% of the normal (preoperative) retinal thickness at that location (IQR 132-163). Six patients (24%) developed new deep microscotomata as seen in microperimetry 3 months after surgery, among them were 2 patients who also had transient retinal thickening during peeling. CONCLUSION: New deep microscotomata developed only in a minority of patients with transient retinal thickening owing to tractional forces during peeling.

Intraoperative efficacy and clinical outcomes of two commercial staining solutions used in idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare two commercially available staining solutions (MembraneBlue Dual® by D.O.R.C., Netherlands, and TWIN by AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L., Italy), in terms of intraoperative handling, staining efficacy and safety, in eyes undergoing surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, the performance of the dyes used during the procedure (cohesion, ERM and internal limiting membrane [ILM] staining efficacy) was scored by the surgeon using a customized questionnaire after 10 procedures with each of the two dyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), blue-light fundus autofluorescence (BAF), and microperimetry-determined retinal sensitivity were reviewed preoperatively and then at 1 and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: ILM staining efficacy with TWIN was scored 2.89 ± 0.33 by the surgeons, which turned out to be higher than with MembraneBlue Dual® (1.90 ± 0.31, P = 0.0002). The cohesion score was 2.70 ± 0.48 for TWIN and resulted significantly higher than with MembraneBlue Dual® (1.60 ± 0.51, P = 0.0010). BCVA, CFT and retinal sensitivity were similar in the two groups, 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P nonsignificant for all). CONCLUSIONS: Both TWIN and MembraneBlue Dual® dyes showed suitable staining properties and equivalent safety and efficacy profiles, both intra- and postoperatively. The TWIN dye might offer a solution for surgeons who prefer a more cohesive and stable dye.

Effect of Air Tamponade on Postoperative Visual Acuity and Intraretinal Cystoid Changes after Peeling of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes in Pseudophakic Patients.

PURPOSE: Epiretinal membrane is a macular disorder leading to metamorphopsia and decreased visual acuity. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible effects of air tamponade, balanced salt solution (BSS), and combined phacoemulsification on functional and anatomical outcomes. PROCEDURES: This prospective exploratory analysis included 72 eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes, scheduled to undergo 23-G pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling. Air tamponade or BSS was used in all cases. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed intraoperatively, and follow-up including visual acuity testing and OCT measurements was conducted until 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved between +2.1 and +3.1 letters, and mean central subfield thickness of the macula decreased between -29.6 and -76 µm in the examined groups, without significant differences between the air tamponade and BSS groups. There was no significant difference in the presence of intraretinal cystoid changes between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of air tamponade did not show any significant differences in the anatomical and functional postoperative results compared to BSS. Furthermore, phacovitrectomy did not result in significantly more intraretinal cystoid changes 3 months after surgery.

Periostin in Eye Diseases.

The transparency of the eye can be disturbed by several eye diseases. It has recently been reported that periostin plays pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of several eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, pterygia, corneal dystrophy, and chronic ocular allergic diseases. In these diseases, formation of fibro (vascular) tissue plays an important role. Gene expression profiling of human retinal fibro (vascular) membrane revealed significant up-regulation of periostin. The expression of periostin after environmental perturbations, including IL-4 and/or IL-13 induction, can alter normal physiological interactions among fibroblasts, macrophages and ECM protein in the eye. Modulating the expression of periostin by low-molecular weight compounds, antibodies or RNAi directed against the molecule could be a novel therapeutic strategy for inhibiting the progression of those periostin-involved eye diseases.

Periostin in vitreoretinal diseases.

Proliferative vitreoretinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), and age-related macular degeneration are a leading cause of decreased vision and blindness in developed countries. In these diseases, retinal fibro(vascular) membrane (FVM) formation above and beneath the retina plays an important role. Gene expression profiling of human FVMs revealed significant upregulation of periostin. Subsequent analyses demonstrated increased periostin expression in the vitreous of patients with both proliferative diabetic retinopathy and PVR. Immunohistochemical analysis showed co-localization of periostin with α-SMA and M2 macrophage markers in FVMs. In vitro, periostin blockade inhibited migration and adhesion induced by PVR vitreous and transforming growth factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2). In vivo, a novel single-stranded RNAi agent targeting periostin showed the inhibitory effect on experimental retinal and choroidal FVM formation without affecting the viability of retinal cells. These results indicated that periostin is a pivotal molecule for FVM formation and a promising therapeutic target for these proliferative vitreoretinal diseases.

Idiopathic preretinal glia in aging and age-related macular degeneration.

During analysis of glia in wholemount aged human retinas, frequent projections onto the vitreal surface of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) were noted. The present study characterized these preretinal glial structures. The amount of glial cells on the vitreal side of the ILM was compared between eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and age-matched control eyes. Retinal wholemounts were stained for markers of retinal astrocytes and activated Müller cells (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), Müller cells (vimentin, glutamine synthetase) and microglia/hyalocytes (IBA-1). Retinal vessels were labeled with UEA lectin. Images were collected using a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope. Retinas were then cryopreserved. Laminin labeling of cryosections determined the location of glial structures in relation to the ILM. All retinas investigated herein had varied amounts of preretinal glia. These glial structures were classified into three groups based on size: sprouts, blooms, and membranes. The simplest of the glial structures observed were focal sprouts of singular GFAP-positive cells or processes on the vitreal surface of the ILM. The intermediate structures observed, glial blooms, were created by multiple cells/processes exiting from a single point and extending along the vitreoretinal surface. The most extensive structures, glial membranes, consisted of compact networks of cells and processes. Preretinal glia were observed in all areas of the retina but they were most prominent over large vessels. While all glial blooms and membranes contained vimentin and GFAP-positive cells, these proteins did not always co-localize. Many areas had no preretinal GFAP but had numerous vimentin only glial sprouts. In double labeled glial sprouts, vimentin staining extended beyond that of GFAP. Hyalocytes and microglia were detected along with glial sprouts, blooms, and membranes. They did not, however, concentrate in the retina below these structures. Cross sectional analysis identified small breaks in the ILM above large retinal vessels through which glial cells exited the retina. Preretinal glial structures of varied sizes are a common occurrence in aged retinas and, in most cases, are subclinical. While all retinal glia are found in blooms, vimentin labeling suggests that Müller cells form the leading edge. All retinas investigated from eyes with active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) had extensive glial membranes on the vitreal surface of the ILM. Although these structures may be benign, they may exert traction on the retina as they spread along the vitreoretinal interface. In cases with CNV, glial cells in the vitreous could bind intravitreally injected anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. These preretinal glial structures indicate the remodeling of both astrocytes and Müller cells in aged retinas, in particular those with advanced AMD.

Paravascular abnormalities in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate the paravascular abnormalities (PVA) around the retinal vascular arcades and their post-operative evolution in eyes with epiretinal membranes (ERM). METHODS: This is an observational case series. Fifty-seven eyes of 55 patients with concurrent PVA and ERM were studied (study group). Forty-one eyes in 41 patients with ERM but no PVA served as controls. Multiple optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were made along the upper and lower arcades and across the fovea in each patient. Serial fundus photography and OCT scans were performed in eyes receiving an operation. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon. The incidence and location of paravascular retinal cysts, deep cystic spaces underneath the vessels, and paravascular retinal defects, as well as vitreoretinal interface changes, were determined and correlated with macular thickness. RESULTS: In the study group, paravascular retinal cysts were detected in 57 eyes (100 %), deep cystic spaces in nine eyes (15.8 %), and paravascular lamellar holes in 31 eyes (54.4 %). No case had a full-thickness hole. ERM adhesion to the PVA was noted in 16 eyes (28.1 %) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) changes over the PVA in 22 eyes (38.6 %). Compared with the control, the study group had significantly increased macular thickness. PVA, except lamellar holes, disappeared or decrease in severity after ERM and ILM removal surgery. CONCLUSION: Different types of PVA are relatively common in eyes with ERM. Our findings suggest that PVA may develop secondary to ERM-induced macular thickening. Except for lamellar holes, most lesions decrease following an operation.

Evaluation of New and Preexisting Epiretinal Membranes Following Glaucoma Filtration Surgery.

Secondary epiretinal membranes (ERMs) can develop from various causes, including those associated with glaucoma treatments such as trabeculectomy (TLE) and EX-PRESS (EXP) insertion surgery. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of new ERMs and changes in preexisting ERMs following TLE or EXP insertion. Between April 2018 and March 2019, 102 and 74 eyes that underwent primary and standalone TLE and EXP insertion, respectively, were evaluated. Of these, 48 eyes were included in the TLE group and 32 eyes were included in the EXP group. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to assess preoperative and postoperative ERMs. In the TLE group, postoperative ERMs were observed in one (case 1) (3%) out of 34 eyes without preexisting ERMs and in one (case 2) (7%) out of 14 eyes with preexisting ERMs, showing an increase in ERM stage. In the EXP group, postoperative ERMs were observed in one (case 3) (5%) out of 22 eyes without preexisting ERMs and in one (case 4) (10%) out of 10 eyes with preexisting ERMs, showing a decrease in the ERM stage. Case 1 was a 58-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the left eye who underwent TLE. Although no preoperative ERMs were observed, postoperative ERM was noted at the three-month follow-up. Case 2 was a 49-year-old man with POAG in the right eye who underwent TLE. Although ERM was observed preoperatively, ERM progressed at six months postoperatively. Case 3 was a 59-year-old woman with POAG in the right eye who underwent EXP insertion. No preoperative ERMs were observed, but an ERM was noted at the 15-month follow-up. Case 4 was a 72-year-old woman with steroid-induced glaucoma in the right eye who underwent EXP insertion surgery. A preoperative ERM was present, and the foveal pit was absent; however, the foveal pit was observed at the 12-month follow-up. Despite the low incidence of ERMs, filtration surgery may be associated with ERM development and the progression or regression of preexisting ERMs.

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing 27-Gauge Vitrectomy to 23-Gauge Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membranes and Full-Thickness Macular Holes.

Purpose: To compare the surgical and clinical outcomes of 27-gauge vitrectomy and 23-gauge vitrectomy. Methods: We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized study. Fifty-three patients affected by vitreoretinal interface disorders (epiretinal membranes and macular holes) were randomly scheduled to undergo 27-gauge (28 patients) or 23-gauge (25 patients) pars plana vitrectomy. The presence of any potential factor of increased baseline inflammation or eye anatomy influencing the surgery was criteria for exclusion. The time of surgery, postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), state of sclerotomy wounds, rate of complications, postoperative pain, and indicators of inflammation were studied. We also introduced a new parameter to compare intraocular inflammation after surgery, given by the change in the number of intraretinal hyperreflective foci (HRF). Results: The 27-gauge vitrectomy was 1.28 min longer than 23-gauge vitrectomy (P < 0.05). The day after surgery, the mean IOP value was significantly higher in the 27-gauge group (16.12 mmHg versus 13.04 mmHg in the 23-gauge group,P < 0.05), but this difference disappeared in successive follow-ups and the sclerotomy wounds closed after 2 weeks in the both groups. The rate of postoperative hypotony did not significantly differ in the two groups (10.71% in the 27-gauge group and 8% in the 23-gauge group the day after the surgery,P = 0.94). Less postoperative eye redness was seen in 27-gauge eyes (value 1 on the scale) compared to 23-gauge (value 2 on the scale) (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in intraocular inflammation (cells, Tyndall, and number of HRF,P > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The 27-gauge vitrectomy may have better outcomes in terms of IOP maintenance and cause less redness after the surgery but with a slightly prolonged surgery time and no other differences under other parameters (inflammation, rate of complications, postoperative pain, visual gain, and closure of the sclerotomy wounds).

Surgical management, use and efficacy of adjuvant dyes in idiopathic epiretinal membranes: a systemic review with network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a nonvascular fibrocellular tissue formed by cellular metaplasia and proliferation at the vitreoretinal surface and is generally treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of all available ERM removal interventions and assessed the use and efficacy of surgical dyes in managing idiopathic ERMs. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the US National Library of Medicine were searched (June 28, 2023). Clinical studies that included patients with ERMs were included. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were also appraised using Cochrane risk of bias (ROB). RESULTS: Ten RCTs and ten non-RCTs were included in this study. A pairwise meta-analysis between ERM removal and combined ERM and ILM removal showed no significant difference in visual outcome (change in BCVA) 1 year postintervention (MD = - 0.0034, SE = 0.16, p = 0.832). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the central macular thickness postoperatively between the two groups (MD = - 4.95, SE = 11.11, p = 0.656) (Q = 4.85, df = 3, p = 0.182, I2 = 41.21%). The difference in ERM recurrence between the groups was also not statistically significant (OR = 4.64, p = 0.062, I2 = 0). In a network meta-analysis, there was no significant difference in visual outcomes between ERM removal only and other treatment modalities: combined ILM and ERM removal (MD = 0.039, p = 0.837) or watchful waiting (MD = 0.020, p = 0.550). In a network meta-analysis, there was no significant difference in the visual outcomes between ERM removal alone and dye-stained combined ERM and ILM peeling (MD = 0.122, p = 0.742 for brilliant blue G; BBG and MD = 0.00, p = 1.00 for membrane blue-dual; MBD). The probability of being a better surgical dye for better visual outcomes was 0.539 for the MBD group and 0.396 for the BBG group. The recurrence of ERM was not significantly different when the ILM was stained with any of the dyes. No study was judged on ROB assessment as having low ROB in all seven domains. CONCLUSION: The two types of surgical modalities provided comparable efficacy, with no significant differences between the outcomes. Among the dye-assisted ILM peeling methods, the membrane blue-dual dye was the most effective in providing better structural and functional outcomes.

Success of iOCT in surgical management of ERM peeling.

PURPOSE: Epiretinal membranes (ERM) are a disorder leading to progressive vision loss and metamorphopsia. The ERM is treated through a pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) with membrane peeling. The aim of this study was to define the success of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) in ERM surgery to standard surgical visualization techniques and enhance our current approach to clinical practice. METHODS: This study included 56 eyes of 54 patients who underwent surgical intervention for management of idiopathic ERM. Patients were recruited between February 2018 and March 2020 at "Francesco Miulli" Hospital ophthalmology department in Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy. RESULTS: in 28 eyes, ERM peeling was performed without staining and without iOCT; 25% of these eyes peeling ERM (n = 7) was performed easily, while 75% of eyes peeling ERM (n = 21) was not possible without staining and was necessary staining with Brillant Blu G.In 28 eyes ERM peeling were performed with iOCT; in 92.5% of these eyes (n = 26) ERM peeling was easily done without staining, while in 7.5% of this group of eyes (n = 2) ERM peeling was not possible without staining. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows how iOCT has successfully assisted the surgeon to complete peeling in most of the cases treated without the use of a chromovitrectomy dye; in flat ERM was more difficult and iOCT failed to visualize the inner limiting membrane (ILM).

Untangling the Extracellular Matrix of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane: A Path Winding among Structure, Interactomics and Translational Medicine.

Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) are fibrocellular sheets of tissue that develop at the vitreoretinal interface. The iERMs consist of cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM) formed by a complex array of structural proteins and a large number of proteins that regulate cell-matrix interaction, matrix deposition and remodelling. Many components of the ECM tend to produce a layered pattern that can influence the tractional properties of the membranes. We applied a bioinformatics approach on a list of proteins previously identified with an MS-based proteomic analysis on samples of iERM to report the interactome of some key proteins. The performed pathway analysis highlights interactions occurring among ECM molecules, their cell receptors and intra- or extracellular proteins that may play a role in matrix biology in this special context. In particular, integrin ß1, cathepsin B, epidermal growth factor receptor, protein-glutamine gamma-glutamyltransferase 2 and prolow-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 are key hubs in the outlined protein-protein cross-talks. A section on the biomarkers that can be found in the vitreous humor of patients affected by iERM and that can modulate matrix deposition is also presented. Finally, translational medicine in iERM treatment has been summed up taking stock of the techniques that have been proposed for pharmacologic vitreolysis.

Retromode Imaging Modality of Epiretinal Membranes.

(1) Purpose: To determine the characteristics of macular epiretinal membranes (ERM) using non-invasive retromode imaging (RMI) and to compare retromode images with those acquired via fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and fundus photography. (2) Methods: Prospective observational case-series study including patients with macular ERM with no other ocular disease affecting their morphology and/or imaging quality. We compared RMI, FAF and fundus photography features by cropping and overlapping images to obtain topographic correspondence. (3) Results: In total, 21 eyes (21 patients) affected by ERM were included in this study. The mean area of retinal folds detected by RMI was significantly higher than that detected by FAF (11.85 ± 3.92 mm2 and 5.67 ± 2.15 mm2, respectively, p < 0.05) and similar to that revealed by fundus photography (11.85 ± 3.92 mm2 and 10.58 ± 3.45 mm2, respectively, p = 0.277). (4) Conclusions: RMI appears to be a useful tool in the evaluation of ERMs. It allows for an accurate visualization of the real extension of the retinal folds and provides a precise structural assessment of the macula before surgery. Clinicians should be aware of RMI's advantages and should be able to use them to warrant a wide range of information and, thus, a more personalized therapeutic approach.

Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes: Visual Outcomes and Prognostic Factors

Objectives: To evaluate the associations between anatomical changes and visual outcomes in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study of 130 consecutive idiopathic ERM patients and report their visual outcomes and the factors associated with visual outcome and anatomical changes. Results: Of 130 eyes of 130 patients, 87 eyes underwent surgery, while the remaining 43 eyes were observed. At 6-month follow-up, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased in the whole population. Mean Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter score changed from 51 to 65 in the surgical group and from 67 to 68 in the non-surgical group. The surgical group had improvement in BCVA at all ERM stages and grades of disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) (p<0.01). In multivariable analysis of the surgical group, factors associated with BCVA of ETDRS 60 letters or more were no or mild DRIL and the absence of ellipsoid zone disruption at baseline (p=0.002 and p=0.034, respectively) and this statistically significant positive correlation was still maintained at 12-month follow-up. Conclusion: Baseline DRIL grade and presence of ellipsoid zone disruption were the most informative prognostic factors in patients with idiopathic ERMs. Patients with severe DRIL and/or advanced ERMs had improved vision after ERM removal.

Usefulness of the Components of Full-Field Electroretinography to Predict Postoperative Visual Outcomes in Patients With Epiretinal Membranes.

Purpose: To confirm the predictors of postoperative visual outcomes by performing full-field electroretinography (ffERG) before surgery in patients with epiretinal membranes (ERMs). Methods: Sixty-one eyes of patients with ERMs who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling were prospectively reviewed. Correlations between preoperative data (ffERG and optical coherence tomography) and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to obtain cutoff values of the ffERG parameters predicting good visual outcome (final BCVA ≥ 20/30). Results: Postoperative BCVA was significantly correlated with the implicit time and amplitude of the b-wave in light-adapted (LA) 3.0 electroretinography (ERG), with the amplitude difference between N1 and P1 in the LA 30-Hz flicker ERG, and with the sum of the amplitudes of OS1, OS2, and OS3 in dark-adapted (DA) oscillatory potential (OP) ERG (P < 0.01). The area under the ROC curve to predict good visual outcome was statistically significant for the four parameters (0.787, 0.815, 0.757, and 0.792, respectively). Conclusions: The postoperative BCVA in patients with ERM was significantly correlated with the implicit time and amplitude of the b-wave in the LA 3.0 ERG, the amplitude difference between N1 and P1 in the LA 30-Hz flicker ERG, and the sum of the amplitudes of OS1, OS2, and OS3 in DA OP ERG of ffERG. It is thought that ffERG before surgery may help predict visual outcomes after surgery. Translational Relevance: It was confirmed that the degree of retinal function in the ERM can predict BCVA after treatment.

A simple new technique for the induction of residual posterior vitreous cortex removal and membrane peeling.

AIM: To describe a quick, cost-effective alternative to using a scraper to remove the residual posterior vitreous cortex and create an inner limiting membrane (ILM) flap during vitrectomy. METHODS: The surgical technique and a retrospective interventional single-center series of cases were described. A hook was made on the tip of a conventional syringe needle (outer diameter, 0.6 mm; 23 gauge) by bending the needle against a plate. We used this hook to remove the residual posterior vitreous cortex and create an ILM flap during vitrectomy. The efficacy and safety of using this instrument in ophthalmological procedures for a variety of vitreoretinal disorders were evaluated. RESULTS: The hook was effective for removing focal or diffuse residual posterior vitreous cortex in eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and pathological myopia. It was also successfully used to make a free edge of the ILM and help strip the epiretinal membrane. There were no serious complications associated with using the hook in delicate ophthalmological procedures. CONCLUSION: The hook, made by bending a conventional needle, is a simple and cost-effective instrument for removing residual posterior vitreous vortex and to create epiretinal and ILM flaps during vitrectomy in eyes with various vitreoretinal diseases.

Vitreoretinal Society of India practice pattern survey 2020: Surgical retina.

Purpose: To present the outcomes of the Vitreo-retinal Society of India (VRSI) Practice Pattern Survey 2020 in surgical retina. Methods: An online survey of members of VRSI was conducted in April 2020 regarding their practice patterns on varied medical and surgical retina topics concerning imaging and management approach. The results were evaluated by two independent experts in this field and compared with the evidence and other practice patterns in the world. Results: A total of 107 VRSI members participated in the online survey. Responses were obtained on management of wide-ranging surgical retina topics such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, Macular Hole, and Epiretinal membranes. Participants were also surveyed regarding their attitudes and perceptions about microscopes with the heads-up display system. Each of the survey question responses were then compared to contemporary literature, including evidence-based guidelines, randomized controlled trials, real-world evidence, and analogous international surveys. Comprehensive analysis related to this has been put forward in the article. Conclusion: This survey represents the contemporary practice patterns among vitreoretinal specialists in India. The survey results are vital for fellow practitioners to understand the "standard of care" practice in surgical retina. This will guide them to devise the best possible individualized treatment strategy for most favorable clinical outcomes.

Macular vascular circulation and retinal oxygen saturation changes for idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the postoperative changes in retinal-choroidal blood flow area and retinal vascular oxygen saturation among patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membranes (iERMs). METHODS: This study prospectively included 24 eyes of 24 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for iERMs. The flow area of choriocapillary layer, retinal superficial capillary plexuses (SCPs) and retinal deep capillary plexuses (DCPs) were performed using optical coherence tomography angiography with angiovue prototype software, and retinal vascular oxygen saturation was measured using retinal oximeter with the built-in software. The flow area of choriocapillary layers and mean retinal vessel oxygen saturation before and after surgery were compared. RESULTS: Three months after vitrectomy, the foveal flow area of choriocapillary layer increased clinically significantly from 1.5 ± 0.2 to 1.6 ± 0.2 mm2 (p = 0.02). The retinal vascular changes of SCPs and DCPs were not statistically significant. The mean retinal arterial oxygen saturation was 89.9 ± 11.3% preoperatively and increased to 94.5 ± 9.7% postoperatively (p = 0.04). Foveal retinal thickness revealed a clinically significant decrease from 547.8 ± 88.2 µm to 403.0 ± 47.5 µm after surgery (p < 0.05). Postoperative best corrected visual acuity had no statistically significant correlation with foveal flow area of the choriocapillary layer and retinal vascular oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: There was a decrease of retinal thickness, an improved flow area of choriocapillary layer in macular region, and an increase of retinal arterial vascular oxygen among iERMs patients after vitrectomy.