PREOPERATIVE ANATOMICAL FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVED SURGICAL OUTCOMES FOR STAGE 5 RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY.

PURPOSE: To describe preoperative anatomical features of Stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity with results of surgery and patient-related and surgery-related factors affecting postoperative success. METHODS: Forty eyes of 33 infants who underwent vitrectomy with lensectomy or lens-sparing vitrectomy for Stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity were enrolled. Stage 5 cases were divided into different groups according to their preoperative anatomical features as follows: A: for eyes with ophthalmoscopically observable total retinal detachment; B: for eyes with total leucocoria associated with funnel retinal detachment; and C: for eyes with very shallow anterior chamber and corneal opacity. Only A and B eyes underwent surgery. The effect of the presence of vascular dilation and tortuosity, preoperative treatment status, surgically induced posterior hyaloid detachment, and sparing the lens on anatomical and functional results was evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-five percentage of the eyes were in Group A and 65% were in Group B. The mean follow-up was 30.6 months (12-68). Anatomical success was 55.5% for Group A and 15.4% for Group B (P: 0.047), and functional success was 33.3% for Group A and 7.7% for Group B at the third year (P: 0.125). The presence of vascular dilation and tortuosity and postoperative vitreous hemorrhage were found to have negative effects; preoperative treatment and surgical induction of posterior hyaloid detachment were found to have positive effects on anatomical and functional results. CONCLUSION: Surgery for ophthalmoscopically observable retinopathy of prematurity-associated retinal detachment resulted in better anatomical and functional outcomes, and the results are even better in eyes with preoperative treatment, lens-sparing vitrectomy, and surgically induced posterior hyaloid detachment.

RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM UNDULATIONS IN ACUTE STAGE OF VOGT-KOYANAGI-HARADA DISEASE: Biomarker for Functional Outcomes After High-Dose Steroid Therapy.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical significance of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) undulations in the acute stage of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelium undulations were detected and classified into 3 grades: Grade 1, slight; Grade 2, moderate; and Grade 3, severe undulations, in the enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomographic images. The relationship between the clinical characteristics and the presence of RPE undulations was investigated. RESULTS: Among the 61 eyes of 31 patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, 40 eyes had some degree of RPE undulations (Grade 1 = 12, Grade 2 = 15, and Grade 3 = 13). The patients with RPE undulations in both eyes were significantly older at the onset (P = 0.0002). The eyes with RPE undulations were more likely to develop posterior recurrences (P = 0.032) and have worse vision at 12 months (P = 0.043). Multiple regression analysis revealed that RPE undulations were an independent predictor of posterior recurrences (P = 0.009) and poor visual outcomes (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Retinal pigment epithelium undulations detected by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomographic are relatively frequent occurrences at the acute stage of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada, and their presence is a predictor of posterior recurrences and poor visual outcomes after high-dose steroid therapy.

[Causal Participation in Accident Assessment]. / Zur kausalen Mitwirkung in der Unfallbegutachtung.

A variety of different factors may participate in causing an accident or in influencing its course. These have different legal consequences in different areas of insurance. These differences are outlined for the assessment areas, together with the different states of evidence. In particular, it is discussed whether and under which conditions a trauma can indirectly (as a participating factor) either cause, trigger or exacerbate detachment of the retina.

MORPHOLOGY SCORE AS A MARKER OF RETINAL FUNCTION IN DRUSENOID PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a morphology score for drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (dPED) regarding predictability of a decline in retinal function beyond best-corrected visual acuity. METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 10 patients with dPED due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were included (age 72.8 ± 4.2 years). All underwent volume spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescence angiography, and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy infrared imaging as well as multifocal electroretinography and microperimetry. The dPED morphology score suggested consists of five parameters: hyperreflective spots in infrared, lesion diameter, lesion height, presence of vitelliform-like material in the subretinal space or subretinal fluid, and integrity of the ellipsoid zone in spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Subsequently, a score value between 0 and 1 according to the extent of morphologic changes was correlated to foveal multifocal electroretinography and microperimetry measurements. RESULTS: The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40. The mean height and mean diameter of dPED were 312.2 ± 111 µm and 2,535 ± 805 µm. Two dPED showed no hyperreflective spots in confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy infrared images, three displayed a moderate stage of hyperreflective spots, and eight had severe hyperreflective spots. Two eyes showed subretinal fluid, and five patients showed vitelliform-like material in the subretinal space. Eight eyes revealed a severe disruption of the ellipsoid zone. Although no correlation was found between dPED morphology score and best-corrected visual acuity, eyes with a dPED morphology score >0.5 revealed distinctly decreased values in functional measurements compared with those with a score ≤0.5. CONCLUSION: The dPED morphology score aggregates all currently known morphologic changes in dPED and represents a valuable tool for clinical lesion evaluation. Furthermore, it allows for assessing an estimate of functional decline beyond best-corrected visual acuity.

[Surgical managment of retinal detachment]. / Operative Möglichkeiten bei Ablatio retinae.

The detachment of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium can be related to breaks of the retina allowing vitreous fluid to gain access to the subretinal space, to exudative changes of the choroid such as tumours or inflammatory diseases or to excessive tractional forces exerted by interactions of the collagenous vitreous and the retina. Tractional retinal detachment is usually treated by vitrectomy and exudative detachment can be addressed by treatment of the underlying condition in many cases. In rhegmatogenous retinal detachment two different surgical procedures, vitrectomy and scleral buckling, can be applied for functional and anatomic rehabilitation of our patients. The choice of the surgical procedure is not really standardised and often depends on the experience of the surgeon and other more ocular factors including lens status, the number of retinal breaks, the extent of the detachment and the amount of preexisting PVR. Using both techniques, anatomic success rates of over 90 % can be achieved. Especially in young phakic patients scleral buckling offers the true advantage to prevent the progression of cataract formation requiring cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Therefore, scleral buckling should be considered in selected cases as an alternative surgical option in spite of the very important technical refinements in modern vitrectomy techniques.

Multimodal imaging of pigment epithelial detachment: a guide to evaluation.

PURPOSE: To describe the spectrum of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) occurring mainly in age-related macular degeneration and central serous chorioretinopathy and also in other inflammatory, neoplastic and iatrogenic, retinal, and systemic disorders. METHODS: Pigment epithelial detachments are divided into drusenoid, serous, vascularized, or mixed categories. RESULTS: The clinical presentation, classification, and natural history of PEDs are reviewed as illustrated with multimodal imaging combining traditional and novel imaging techniques, including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Most PEDs occur because of pathophysiologic mechanisms taking place below the retinal pigment epithelium that are difficult to identify with conventional imaging modalities. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography and indocyanine green angiography allow a better analysis of the subretinal pigment epithelium compartment. CONCLUSION: The differentiation between various kinds of PEDs is essential because each PED type is a distinct entity that has a specific pathogenesis, natural history, prognosis, and optimal treatment strategy.

Alterations of vascular pigment epithelium detachments associated with age-related macular degeneration during upload with intravitreal ranibizumab.

PURPOSE: To describe morphologic alterations of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor upload therapy with ranibizumab. METHODS: Prospective, single-arm interventional study. Primary outcome was the reduction of height of PED during monthly treatment using ranibizumab. Secondary outcomes were factors influencing the regression of PED. Inclusion criteria were presence of PED associated with naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration, visual acuity of >20/200, and height of PED >150 µm on optical coherence tomography. All eyes (n = 54) received 3 injections of ranibizumab in monthly intervals ("upload therapy"). Last review examination was performed 14 weeks after the initial treatment. RESULTS: The mean PED height decreased from 515 µm (SD, 268.3) to 294 µm (SD, 201.9) at Week 14 with the highest degree of regression after the first treatment. A complete resolution of PED was noted in 8 eyes (15%). Using conventional regression model, none of the factors investigated, including height of PED, presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid, intraretinal cysts, macular volume, retinal thickness, presence of foveal depression, presence of hemorrhage, and visual acuity, had a significant impact on the morphologic response. Using a modified binary logistic regression model ("bootstrapping"), presence of foveal depression (P > 0.033), and retinal thickness (P > 0.004) showed statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This study on the responses and potential predictive factors associated with vascularized PED during the uploading phase of intravitreal ranibizumab shows a complete resolution of the PED in 15% of the cases.

Complications after heavy silicone oil tamponade in complicated retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To observe the complications after heavy silicone oil (HSO) tamponade in complicated retinal detachment. METHODS: Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients with complicated retinal detachment were included in this retrospective study. Vitrectomy and HSO tamponade were performed in all patients. Other surgical procedures were performed as necessary. The main outcome measures included retinal reattachment, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, intraocular inflammation, lens opacity, and HSO emulsification. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 3 months to 24 months (average, 8.1 ± 5.3 months). Retinal reattachment was achieved in 29 eyes (87.9%) with a first surgery and in 33 eyes (100%) with a second surgery. In all 33 eyes, HSO had been removed and the visual acuity was improved. Short-term (within 2 weeks after operations) complications included temporarily increased intraocular pressure and mild inflammation in the anterior chamber. Major long-term complications included cataract (100%) and HSO emulsification (42.4%). Other long-term complications included ocular hypertension (12.1%), retinal detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (12.1%), and low intraocular pressure (9.1%). CONCLUSION: Heavy silicone oil tamponade is safe and effective to treat complicated retinal detachment. The most common complications are cataract and HSO emulsification.

Morphologic differences, according to etiology, in pigment epithelial detachments by means of en face optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess morphologic differences in pigment epithelial detachment (PED) with en face optical coherence tomography in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: We recruited 30 eyes of 22 patients with PED. Nine eyes had a clinical diagnosis of CSC and 21 had AMD. All patients were assessed with en face optical coherence tomography. Morphologic PED aspects were estimated on C-scans and classified according to shape, inner silhouette, content, wall aspects, wall thickness, and size. RESULTS: Pigment epithelial detachment shape was predominantly circular (88.8%) in CSC and irregular or with multilobular features in AMD (76.2%). The PED inner silhouette had a smooth aspect (88.9%) in CSC and a slightly granular aspect or granular profile in AMD (100%). Clear PED content was the most characteristic feature of CSC (88.9%) but not of AMD. In CSC, PED morphologic wall aspect was uniform or slightly irregular (100%), while in AMD, it was slightly irregular (52.4%) or irregular (47.6%). Pigment epithelial detachment wall thickness and dimensions were larger in AMD than in CSC. Statistically significant differences were observed between CSC and AMD concerning PED inner silhouette, contents, wall aspects, and wall thickness measurements. CONCLUSION: En face optical coherence tomography scanning is a valuable tool for showing important morphologic differences between CSC and AMD.

Characteristics and Seasonal Variations of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey: 8-Year Results.

Objectives: To assess seasonal variations in the incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting due to primary RRD to a university hospital operating as a reference clinic in the region between 2011 and 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients' ages, sex, affected eye, and presentation times were recorded. Years were divided into months, quarters, seasons, and half-year periods, and these periods were analyzed in terms of differences in patient numbers. Results: Two hundred eighty-one eyes of 276 patients meeting the study criteria were included. The patients' mean age was 60.2 years, and the male:female ratio was 1.35:1. Right and left eye rates were similar. Detachments were most common (49.4%) in the upper temporal quadrant. Eighty-nine patients (31.6%) had undergone uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery a mean 2.7 years previously. The mean annual case number was 35.13±5.43, and no statistically significant variation was determined in case numbers by year (p=0.558). Analysis of all years revealed a monthly mean case number of 23.42±4.4, with the highest number of cases, 29 (10.3%), being seen in September and the lowest number, 13 (4.7%), in December. No statistically significant monthly variation was determined (p=0.613). Similarly, no statistically significant variation was observed in case numbers analyzed by quarter, season, or half-year (p>0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of cases of uncomplicated RRD does not exhibit seasonal variation in our region. We also think that since 31.6% had a history of cataract surgery, patients undergoing phacoemulsification surgery, even if uncomplicated, should be periodically assessed for detachment.

Imaging polarimetry in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the birefringence properties of eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To compare the information from two techniques--scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) and polarization-sensitive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT)--and investigate how they complement each other. METHODS: The authors prospectively examined the eyes of two healthy subjects and 13 patients with exudative AMD. Using scanning laser polarimetry, they computed phase-retardation maps, average reflectance images, and depolarized light images. To obtain polarimetry information with improved axial resolution, they developed a fiber-based, polarization-sensitive, spectral-domain OCT system and measured the phase retardation associated with birefringence in the same eyes. RESULTS: Both GDx and polarization-sensitive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography detected abnormal birefringence at the locus of exudative lesions. Polarization-sensitive, spectral-domain OCT showed that in the old lesions with fibrosis, phase-retardation values were significantly larger than in the new lesions (P = 0.020). Increased scattered light and altered polarization scramble were associated with portions of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: GDx and polarization-sensitive spectral-domain OCT are complementary in probing birefringence properties in exudative AMD. Polarimetry findings in exudative AMD emphasized different features and were related to the progression of the disease, potentially providing a noninvasive tool for microstructure in exudative AMD.

Ocular Trauma Score in childhood open-globe injuries.

BACKGROUND: To assess prognostic value of the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) in childhood open-globe injuries. METHODS: This retrospective, interventional case series included 61 children with open-globe injuries. Certain numerical values rendered to the OTS variables (visual acuity, rupture, endophthalmitis, perforating injury, retinal detachment, afferent pupillary defect) at presentation were summated and converted into OTS categories; the likelihood of the final visual acuities in the OTS categories were calculated, and compared with those in the OTS Study. RESULTS: Age ranged from 3 years to 14 years (mean, 8.0 years). Forty-two boys and 19 girls were included. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 56 months (mean, 18 months). The likelihood of the final visual acuities (no light perception, light perception/hand motion, 1/200-19/200, 20/200-20/50, and > or = 20/40) in the OTS categories (1 through 5) in this group were similar to those in the OTS Study group. CONCLUSIONS: OTS calculated at initial examination may provide prognostic information in children with open-globe injuries.

Retinal pigment epithelium tears: Classification, pathogenesis, predictors, and management.

Various eye conditions cause tears in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The most common cause of a RPE tear is vascularized retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration. Although RPE tears can develop spontaneously in vascularized PEDs, most recent cases have been associated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. The subretinal fluid within the PED applies hydrostatic pressure to the RPE and stretches it. The PED enlarges as the hydrostatic pressure increases. Contraction of the choroidal neovascular membrane adds tractional forces to the RPE monolayer. Especially in larger PEDs, the risk of a RPE tear increases after anti-VEGF therapy owing to increasing contraction of the choroidal neovascular membrane. The risk factors and predictors defined by retinal imaging can contribute to prevention of RPE tears, and modified therapies can be used for patients at most risk; however, there is no proven method for prevention of RPE tears. After tear formation, in the presence of an active choroidal neovascular membrane, anti-VEGF should be repeated until the underlying disease has been suppressed. When the subretinal fluid is present for more than 6 months, the denuded area is covered with thickened fibrotic tissue. We review the literature to describe the classification, epidemiology, mechanisms of development, and repair of RPE tears, diagnosis, risk factors and predictors, prevention, and management.

Evaluation of intraretinal migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells in age-related macular degeneration using polarimetric imaging.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the intraretinal migration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using polarimetry. We evaluated 155 eyes at various AMD stages. Depolarized light images were computed using a polarization-sensitive scanning laser ophthalmoscope (PS-SLO), and the degree of polarization uniformity was calculated using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT). Each polarimetry image was compared with the corresponding autofluorescence (AF) images at 488 nm (SW-AF) and at 787 nm (NIR-AF). Intraretinal RPE migration was defined by the presence of depolarization at intraretinal hyperreflective foci on PS-SLO and PS-OCT images, and by the presence of hyper-AF on both NIR-AF and SW-AF images. RPE migration was detected in 52 of 155 eyes (33.5%) and was observed in drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and serous PED with significantly higher frequencies than in other groups (P = 0.015). The volume of the migrated RPE cluster in serous PED was significantly correlated with the volume of the PED (R2 = 0.26; P = 0.011). Overall, our results showed that intraretinal RPE migrations occurred in various AMD stages, and that they occurred more commonly in eyes with serous and drusenoid PED.

Lens clarity after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy in stage 4A and 4B retinal detachments secondary to retinopathy of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess lens clarity after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy for stages 4A and 4B tractional retinal detachment secondary to retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: In a retrospective, interventional, consecutive clinical case series, 108 eyes of 102 patients who underwent lens-sparing vitrectomy for stages 4A and 4B tractional retinal detachment from February 1, 1998, through January 31, 2004, were reviewed. All procedures and follow-up examinations were performed by a single surgeon. Lens clarity was assessed at the final follow-up examination. RESULTS: Of the 108 eyes reviewed, 102 (94.4%) maintained clear lenses at the final follow-up examination, which ranged from 6 to 48 months (mean, 32 months) after the procedure. Thirty-two eyes had stage 4A detachments and 76 eyes had stage 4B. CONCLUSIONS: Three-port lens-sparing vitrectomy may be performed with relatively low risk of cataract formation during the early postoperative period. Maintenance of a clear crystalline lens during the critical period of visual development may lead to better functional outcomes.

Epidemiologic characteristics of retinal detachment surgery at a specialized unit in Denmark.

PURPOSE: To examine the incidence of retinal detachments and to evaluate patient profiles and surgical characteristics. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients operated for primary retinal detachment (RD) and redetachment between 2010 and 2012 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark. We included all RD such as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), tractional retinal detachment (TRD) and exudative retinal detachment (ERD). RESULTS: In total, 779 RD surgeries were performed: 83.7% (n = 652) primary operations and 16.3% (n = 127) reoperation. For primary operation, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckling and combined operations were performed in 95.1% (n = 620), 4.6% (n = 30) and 0.3% (n = 2) respectively. Over time there was less use of silicone oil and greater use of gas tamponade (p = <0.001), less simultaneous cataract operations (p = <0.001), less use of cryotherapy (p = 0.045) and more use of peeling procedures (p = <0.001) in primary operations. The annual incidence of surgery for primary RD was 22.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.4-23.8] per 100 000 inhabitants aged >15 years. Retinal detachment (RD) was more common in males than females (1.8:1), and mean age at presentation was 61.8 years (standard deviations ± 12.3). The annual incidence for RRD and TRD operation was 20.72 (95% CI 19.11-22.43) and 1.25 (95% CI 0.9-1.7) per 100 000 inhabitants >15 years. CONCLUSION: This study presents the first overall incidence for RD in Denmark. The highest incidence of RRD was among males aged 60 to 79 years, whereas TRD was among females at same age. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was the preferred surgical technique, and during 2012 all RD patients were treated with PPV, independent of lens status and age.

Retinectomy vs vitrectomy combined with scleral buckling in repair of posterior segment open-globe injuries with retinal incarceration.

PurposeTo evaluate the anatomic and functional outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with scleral buckling (SB) vs retinectomy in treating posterior segment open-globe injuries with retinal incarceration.MethodsPatients (38 eyes) with posterior segment open-globe injuries and retinal incarceration were identified, and they underwent either PPV combined with SB (PPV+SB, n=19) or retinectomy (n=19). The two groups were matched in the following categories: the severity of injury (including wound length), the location of the incarceration site and the presence of retinal detachment. Anatomic reattachment of the retina and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured at the time of 12 months after operation.ResultsAt 12 months after operation, the PPV+SB group demonstrated a better anatomic retinal attachment rate (84.2% vs 68.4%, P=0.252) and BCVA (73.7% vs 47.4%, P=0.247) compared with the retinectomy group, however, the differences failed to reach statistical significance. Compared with the PPV+SB group, the rectinectomy group had significantly higher rates of hemorrhage (47.4% vs 15.8%, P=0.036), inflammation (42.1% vs 10.5%, P=0.027), and a lower intraocular pressure (IOP, 9.8±3.1 vs 13.6±4.1 mmHg, P=0.002) after silicone oil (SO) removal.ConclusionsFor patients with posterior segment open-globe injuries and retinal incarceration, PPV and SB treatments resulted in a better anatomic and functional outcome and less post-operation complications compared with the retinectomy.

Morphologic analysis of stage 3 and stage 4 macular holes: implications for treatment.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the observed anatomy of macular holes can be explained by a hydrodynamic model in which fluid flow through the hole is balanced by fluid pumping across the retinal pigment epithelium. We use this model to draw conclusions about the possible role of vitreomacular traction in determining the anatomy of macular holes and their resolution after vitreous surgery. DESIGN: Cross sectional. METHODS: Retrospective study in a clinical practice. The study included 42 eyes of 42 patients with a stage 3 or 4 macular hole (Gass classification). We measured the radius of the macular hole and the radius of the surrounding cuff of subretinal fluid from color or red-free fundus photographs and determined the relationship between these two variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68.0 +/- 7 years (range, 51 to 80). Twenty-five patients had stage 3 macular holes and 17 patients had stage 4 macular holes. The neurosensory detachment radius was related to the square of the macular hole radius for stage 3 and stage 4 holes, with no significant difference between the stage 3 and stage 4 linear trend lines (P = .999). There was no correlation between patient age and the area of the macular hole (r = 0.0645) or neurosensory detachment plus hole (r = 0.156) over the range of age in this study. However, the area of the doughnut-shaped cuff of subretinal fluid increased with increasing patient age (P = .0493), thus suggesting an age-dependent decline in the pumping ability of the retinal pigment epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: Our data are consistent with a hydrodynamic model in which macular hole anatomy is determined by a balance between fluid flow through the hole and fluid outflow across the retinal pigment epithelium. Because stage 3 and stage 4 macular holes exhibit a similar relationship between the size of the macular hole and the size of the cuff of subretinal fluid around the hole, simple relief of vitreomacular traction would not lead to resolution of the subretinal fluid cuff unless it is accompanied by a reduction in hole diameter due to approximation of wound edges.

The prognostic utility of the Silicone Study Classification System. Silicone Study Report 9. Silicone Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility and the prognostic utility of the Retina Society and Silicone Study Classification Systems in eyes after surgery for severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). DESIGN: Subgroup analysis of the Silicone Study--a randomized, multicentered, surgical trial. SETTING: Community and university-based ophthalmology clinics. MATERIALS: Three hundred forty eyes with preoperative and intraoperative evaluations using both systems of grading PVR (reproducibility study), and 287 eyes with preoperative and intraoperative evaluations using both systems of grading PVR and with a 24-month follow-up examination (prognosis study). INTERVENTIONS: Vitrectomy for PVR with long-acting perfluoropropane gas or silicone oil as the intraocular tamponade. OUTCOME MEASURES: Retinal reattachment, visual acuity ( > or = 5/200), intraocular pressure, corneal clarity, and the need for reoperation. RESULTS: The reproducibility of the Silicone Study Classification System was 64% (type of contraction), 77% (number of clock hours), 67% (posterior PVR), 88% anterior and posterior PVR), and 94% (anterior, posterior, and subretinal PVR). The reproducibility of the Retina Society Classification System was 99%. Using the Silicone Study Classification System, location of PVR predicted visual acuity (P=.004, chi 2 test for trend) and hypotony (P=.03, chi 2 test for trend). Using the Retina Society Classification System, the grade of PVR predicted only visual acuity (P=.01, chi 2 test for trend). For eyes with anterior and posterior PVR, there was a decreasing trend in successful visual acuity outcome with increasing severity of PVR (from C-3 to D-3, P=.02, chi 2 test for trend). CONCLUSIONS: Although the classification of PVR using the Silicone Study classification System was not reproducible for the type of contraction or for posterior PVR, identification of the anteroposterior extent of the PVR was prognostic of visual acuity and hypotony at 24 months. The joint knowledge of the location of PVR (using the Silicone Study Classification System) and the tightness of the funnel for retinas with 9 to 12 clock hours involved by fixed folds (using the Retina Society Classification System) has prognostic utility for eyes with anterior and posterior PVR.

Central serous retinopathy: variants.

Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC) is a localized detachment of the sensory retina in the macula which is commonly seen by the general ophthalmologist. However, ICSC with bullous retinal detachment is a rare disease characterized by extensive sensory retinal detachment of the posterior pole and elsewhere. Thus far it has been reported in only nine Caucasian patients in the American literature. Two case reports are presented, one typifying ICSC, the other typifying ICSC with bullous retinal detachment. Although both entities probably share the same pathophysiologic mechanism, they are distinct in terms of diagnostic features and treatment. While ICSC is usually self-limiting and frequently diagnosed by history alone, ICSC with bullous retinal detachment is frequently misdiagnosed and subsequently treated improperly.