Acute and chronic optic nerve head biomechanics and intraocular pressure changes in patients receiving multiple intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF.

PURPOSE: To evaluate acute and chronic changes in optic nerve head (ONH) structures and intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients receiving intravitreal injections (IVIs) of anti-VEGF. METHODS: Twenty-nine eyes receiving IVIs for the first time were studied. IOP, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and ONH structures were evaluated by Spectralis optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging technology. Structures were measured before and 5 min after each one of the three monthly injections of a loading dose treatment. In 13 eyes (44.8%) with more than six IVIs, another evaluation pre and immediately postinjection was performed after 1 year. RESULTS: A significant acute and transient IOP increase (all p ≤ 0.001), Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) enlargement (p ≤ 0.001), cup widening (p < 0.05) and deepening (p ≤ 0.001), and prelaminar tissue thinning (p ≤ 0.001) were observed 5 min after each injection. Compared with baseline values, a significant BMO expansion (p = 0.001) and RNFL thinning (p < 0.001) were observed in the third month. In eyes with more than six IVIs, similar immediate postinjection changes, including IOP increase (p = 0.001), prelaminar tissue thinning (p = 0.007), and cup deepening (p = 0.012) were observed at 1 year, while BMO expansion was not significant (p = 0.556). Compared with baseline preinjection values, a significant BMO expansion (p = 0.003), prelaminar tissue thinning (p = 0.011), and cup deepening (p = 0.006) in the inferior region of the ONH occurred. No change in IOP was observed at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated IVIs could lead to irreversible changes in ONH structures. Large-scale, prospective studies are required to determine the long-term effects of anti-VEGF treatments in ONH tissues.

Ganglion cell analysis at acute episode of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy to predict irreversible damage. A prospective study.

PURPOSE: To assess the capability of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness analysis by optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect early neuronal loss in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). METHODS: Sixteen patients with unilateral NAION participated in this prospective study. Complete ophthalmologic evaluation including visual acuity, visual field (VF) test, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and GCIPL thickness were performed in the acute phase (within 1 week: 2.7 ± 2.1 days) and at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 and 6 months after diagnosis. The mean time elapsed from acute episode to irreversible damage detection by GCIPL and pRNFL analysis was registered. Correlations between the GCIPL thinning and functional parameters such as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and visual field indices [mean deviation (MD) and visual field index (VFI)] in acute and chronic phase were also analyzed. RESULTS: NAION eyes showed a significant thinning of the mean GCIPLminimum (min) compared to the unaffected eyes as early as 2.2 days after symptoms onset (p = 0.017) and at each follow-up visit. (p ≤ 0.003). The mean GCIPL average (av) was also thinner in NAION eyes compared to uninvolved eyes at 1 (p = 0.003), 3 (p = 0.002) and 6 months (p < 0.001). At the acute phase, 100 % of NAION eyes showed significant pRNFL thickening, while abnormal thinning was evident in GCIPLav, GCIPLmin, and GCIPL deviation map analysis in 31.3, 56.3, and 62.5 % of NAION eyes. The abnormal thinning rates increased to 43.8, 75, and 81.3 % at 2 weeks and to 62.5, 100, and 100 % at 1 month, respectively. At 2 weeks, GCIPLmin thickness significantly correlated with both acute and chronic BCVA, MD, and VFI. Furthermore, the mean superior and inferior GCIPL thicknesses at 2 weeks associated with corresponding mean inferior and superior hemifield MD at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: GCIPL analysis by SD-OCT can be considered as a useful biomarker to establish ganglion cell damage. GCIPL min and GCIPL deviation map are abnormally thinner in 56.3 % and 62.5 % of eyes at presentation, respectively. Therefore, both parameters are abnormally thinned in more than 50 % of eyes at presentation. At 2 weeks, GCIPL min thickness significantly correlated with chronic BCVA, MD and VFI; therefore, GCIPL min thickness can predict final visual dysfunction.

Same-site trabeculectomy with mitomycin and Ologen™ following failed non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of same-site trabeculectomy (TRAB) with mitomycin C (MMC) and Ologen™ (Aeon Astron Europe BV. Leiden, The Netherlands) in patients with a failed non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS). METHODS: A retrospective study of 24 consecutive eyes (22 patients) undergoing reintervention by same-site TRAB with at least one-year follow-up after failed NPDS. Mean visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and use of glaucoma medications were compared before and one year after surgery. Early and late postoperative complications were registered. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed according to four levels of success criteria. RESULTS: Overall the mean IOP reduced significantly (24.9 ± 7.1 vs. 14.4 ± 4.5 mmHg; p < 0.001), and the number of glaucoma medications (2.80 ± 1.01 vs. 0.55 ± 0.94; p < 0.001) significantly decreased, one year after surgery. The mean VA remained stable one year after surgery (p = 0.516). Hypotony, defined as IOP ≤ 5 mmHg, in the early postoperative period was observed in 62.5% of eyes, but only in 2 patients (8.33%) in the long term. The mean survival time ranged from 10 months (CI 95% 5-15) to 29 months (CI 95%: 26-32) according to the most stringent and lenient success criteria respectively. CONCLUSION: Same-site TRAB augmented with MMC and Ologen™ may provide an effective, safe and lasting alternative following failed NPDS, especially when sparing of the conjunctiva is highly desirable. Postoperative hypotony is the most common postoperative complication.

Advanced glaucoma. Clinical practice guideline.

OBJECTIVE: To present an update clinical practice guideline that serve as a guide for the detection, evaluation and treatment of adults patients with advanced glaucoma. METHODS: After defining the objectives and scope of the guide, the working group was formed and structured clinical questions were formulated following the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) format. Once all the existing clinical evidence had been independently evaluated with the AMSTAR 2 (Assessment of Multiple systematic Rewiews) and Cochrane "Risk of bias" tools by at least two reviewers, recommendations were formulated following the Scottish Intercollegiate methodology. Guideline Network (SIGN). RESULTS: Recommendations with their corresponding levels of evidence that may be useful in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of adults patients with advanced glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that for many of the questions the level of scientific evidence available is not very high, this clinical practice guideline offers an updated review of the different existing aspects related to the evaluation and management of advanced glaucoma.

Glaucoma progression. Clinical practice guide.

OBJECTIVE: To provide general recommendations that serve as a guide for the evaluation and management of glaucomatous progression in daily clinical practice based on the existing quality of clinical evidence. METHODS: After defining the objectives and scope of the guide, the working group was formed and structured clinical questions were formulated following the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) format. Once all the existing clinical evidence had been independently evaluated with the AMSTAR 2 (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews) and Cochrane "Risk of bias" tools by at least two reviewers, recommendations were formulated following the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline network (SIGN) methodology. RESULTS: Recommendations with their corresponding levels of evidence that may be useful in the interpretation and decision-making related to the different methods for the detection of glaucomatous progression are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that for many of the questions the level of scientific evidence available is not very high, this clinical practice guideline offers an updated review of the different existing aspects related to the evaluation and management of glaucomatous progression.

Aniridic glaucoma: An update. / Actualización en glaucoma anirídico.

Aniridia is a congenital bilateral ocular disorder with dominant autosomal inheritance. More than 50% of patients will develop aniridic glaucoma (AG) during their lives. Open angle glaucoma is more common in aniridia, but a closed angle mechanism has been described in relation with anterior rotation of the rudimentary iris, occluding trabecular meshwork. Diagnosis and follow-up of AG is difficult in relation with the presence of keratopathy, nystagmus and foveal hypoplasia. Central corneal thickness usually measures more than 600 microns, which prevents achieving a reliable value of intraocular pressure. Medical treatment of AG is not different from the rest of glaucoma. It is recommended to use preservative free formulations, and combined therapy is often required. Surgical treatment is needed in many cases. There is no consensus on the first line surgery for AG, but in open angle AG, angle surgery is usually first choice, and glaucoma drainage devices are the next preferred surgical technique. In closed angle AG glaucoma drainage devices are usually the first choice, with trabeculectomy as the second preferred surgical technique.

Aniridic glaucoma: An update.

Aniridia is a congenital bilateral ocular disorder with dominant autosomal inheritance. More than 50% of patients will develop aniridic glaucoma (AG) during their lives. Open angle glaucoma is more common in aniridia, but a closed angle mechanism has been described in relation with anterior rotation of the rudimentary iris, occluding trabecular meshwork. Diagnosis and follow-up of AG is difficult in relation with the presence of keratopathy, nystagmus and foveal hypoplasia. Central corneal thickness usually measures more than 600 microns, which prevents achieving a reliable value of intraocular pressure. Medical treatment of AG is no different from the rest of glaucoma. It is recommended to use preservative free formulations, and combined therapy is often required. Surgical treatment is needed in many cases. There is no consensus on the first line surgery for AG, but in open angle AG, angle surgery is usually first choice, and glaucoma drainage devices are the next preferred surgical technique. In closed angle AG glaucoma drainage devices are usually the first choice, with trabeculectomy as the second preferred surgical technique.

Ocular toxicity after inadvertent overdose of intracameral cefuroxime during cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe intracameral toxic effects of cefuroxime at a higher dose than recommended in cataract surgery. METHODS: Retrospective study of 8 eyes of 8 patients who inadvertently received 12.5 mg/0.1 ml of intracameral cefuroxime due to a dilution error, at the end of the cataract surgery. All patients underwent a strict ophthalmology follow-up for 6 months. RESULTS: All patients presented with a marked anterior segment inflammation with corneal oedema that resolved completely in all cases (between 5 days and 3 months). At 6 months of follow-up a statistically significant difference was found in the corneal endothelial cell density when compared with the fellow eye (P = .038), being <1000 cells/mm2 in 3 cases. Three patients (37.5%) showed early macular oedema, with subfoveal ellipsoid layer disruption in one case as a permanent sequel. One patient developed an optic neuropathy with associated afferent pupillary defect. CONCLUSIONS: Although 1 mg/0.1 ml of intracameral cefuroxime has been shown to reduce the incidence of endophthalmitis, its overdose can have potentially toxic eye effects in both anterior and posterior segments.

Ocular toxicity after inadvertent overdose of intracameral cefuroxime during cataract surgery. / Toxicidad ocular tras sobredosificación accidental de cefuroxima intracameral en cirugía de catarata.

PURPOSE: To describe intracameral toxic effects of cefuroxime at a higher dose than recommended in cataract surgery. METHODS: Retrospective study of 8 eyes of 8 patients who inadvertently received 12.5mg/0.1ml of intracameral cefuroxime due to a dilution error, at the end of the cataract surgery. All patients underwent a strict ophthalmology follow-up for 6 months. RESULTS: All patients presented with a marked anterior segment inflammation with corneal oedema that resolved completely in all cases (between 5 days and 3 months). At 6 months of follow-up a statistically significant difference was found in the corneal endothelial cell density when compared with the fellow eye (P=.038), being<1000 cells/mm2 in 3 cases. Three patients (37.5%) showed early macular oedema, with subfoveal ellipsoid layer disruption in one case as a permanent sequel. One patient developed an optic neuropathy with associated afferent pupillary defect. CONCLUSIONS: Although 1mg/0.1ml of intracameral cefuroxime has been shown to reduce the incidence of endophthalmitis, its overdose can have potentially toxic eye effects in both anterior and posterior segments.

Postoperative management of patients with pituitary tumors submitted to pituitary surgery. Experience of a Spanish Pituitary Tumor Center of Excellence.

There is a lack of evidence on timing, frequency, and duration of postoperative endocrine, radiologic, and ophthalmologic assessments that should be performed after pituitary surgery (PS). However, it is known that careful optimization of treatment and follow-up strategies as well as a multidisciplinary approach may have a significant impact on long-term outcomes, improving surgical results, minimize complications and facilitate their correct treatment if occurring, and optimize the hormonal, ophthalmological, and radiological reassessment throughout the follow-up. Considering that there are no specific guidelines on the postoperative management of patients with pituitary tumors (PT), we present our protocol for the postoperative management of patients with PT. It has been elaborated by the multidisciplinary team of a Spanish Pituitary Tumor Center of Excellence (PTCE) that includes at least one neurosurgeon, ENT, neuroradiologist, neuro-ophthalmologist, endocrine pathologist and endocrinologist specialized in pituitary diseases. We elaborated this guideline with the aim of sharing our experience with other centers involved in the management of PT thereby facilitating the postoperative management of patients submitted to PS.

[Incipient or presymptomatic nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy]. / Neuropatía óptica isquémica anterior no arterítica incipiente o preclínica.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 62-year-old man with classic nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in the left eye and incipient NAION in the right eye. Incipient NAION progressed to classic NAION after 3 weeks. There was no ocular, orbital, neurologic, or systemic disorder that was responsible for optic disc edema. DISCUSSION: Recently, Hayreh has described the new entity, incipient NAION. Diagnostic criteria include asymptomatic optic disc edema and no visual loss in the contralateral eye of patients affected by NAION. Incipient NAION represents the earliest asymptomatic clinical stage in the evolution of the NAION disease process. There is no treatment for this entity. Steps should be taken to treat risk factors for NAION to reduce the risk of progression of incipient to classic NAION .

Optociliary shunt vessels in compressive optic neuropathy by the intracranial internal carotid artery.

PURPOSE: To report a clinical case of optic nerve compression by supraclinoidal internal carotid artery associated with optociliary shunt vessels. METHODS: A 78-year-old woman with the clinical triad of left visual loss, ipsilateral optic disc pallor, and retinochoroidal (optociliary) shunt vessels is reported. She complained of loss of vision in the left eye of 2 years'' duration. RESULTS: A diffuse depression of the visual field was found in the affected eye. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed left optic nerve compression by the supraclinoidal internal carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of optociliary shunt vessels, visual loss, and optic atrophy is a nonspecific sign of chronic optic nerve compression and in some instances may be falsely localized.

[Evaluation of trypan-blue toxicity in macular hole surgery with electroretinography]. / Evaluación mediante electrorretinografía de la toxicidad del azul tripán en la cirugía del agujero macular.

PURPOSE: Concern has been raised about the retinal toxicity of vital dyes. We designed a prospective study to determine the possible toxicity of trypan-blue (TB) in macular hole surgery with TB-assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling through the performance of electroretinograms (ERGs). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with a macular hole underwent ophthalmological evaluation prior to surgery and at 6 months follow-up. All patients underwent vitrectomy and ILM-staining under air. All phakic patients underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation simultaneously. There were two study groups: In group 1, ILM-staining was performed with 0.06% TB, while in group 2 the procedure was performed with 0.15% TB. Preoperative ERG recordings were measured in the week prior to surgery. Postoperative ERGs were measured 3 to 6 months after surgery. The ERG data between eyes with macular hole and fellow eyes were compared in the pre- and post-operative stages. Visual acuity (VA) changes in both groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Nine patients were recruited in each group. VA improved significantly in both groups, with more than 65% of patients improving more than 2 lines. There were no statistical differences in VA gain between groups or in ERG values between affected and fellow eyes. CONCLUSION: No significant retinal toxicity of TB staining could be clinically detected.

[Intracranial hypertension and cranial sinus stenosis]. / Hipertensión intracraneal y estenosis de los senos craneales.

CLINICAL CASE: Craneal sinuses stenosis can appear in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Neuroimaging techniques revealed a right transverse sinus stenosis. As the pressure gradient between both sides of the stenosis was small and response to conservative treatment good, angioplasty was not indicated. DISCUSSION: Lateral sinus stenosis in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension is prevalent. It is not clear whether these stenoses are the origin of, or secondary to, cerebrospinal fluid pressure increases. Some cases refractory to conservative treatment may respond to angioplasty with stent placement.

The diagnostic usefulness of the negative electroretinogram. / La utilidad diagnóstica del electrorretinograma negativo.

The definition of the negative response of the full field electroretinogram is the presence of a b-wave with less amplitude than the a-wave (b/a ratio<1) in the combined response of cones and rods. The presence of this pattern reflects an alteration in the bipolar cells, the Müller cells, or in the transmission of the stimulus from the photoreceptors to the bipolar cells, with preserved photoreceptor function. This finding can be seen bilaterally and symmetrically in different hereditary conditions, such as congenital stationary night blindness, juvenile X-linked retinoschisis, and Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. On the other hand, it can also be found unilaterally (or asymmetrically) in acquired pathologies, such as some types of immuno-mediated retinitis (Birdshot retinochoroiditis), autoimmune retinopathies, cancer/melanoma associated retinopathy, or retinal toxicity. The objective of this review is to summarise the characteristics of the pathologies in which this finding can be observed, in order to highlight its usefulness in the differential diagnosis of retinal conditions.

Phaco-non-penetrating deep sclerectomy in ocular hypertension secondary to dexamethasone intravitreal implant. / Faco-esclerectomía profunda no perforante como tratamiento de la hipertensión ocular secundaria al implante intravítreo de dexametasona.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics and progression of patients treated with a 0.7mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) and required glaucoma filtering surgery (phaco-non-penetrating deep sclerectomy) to control ocular hypertension (OHT). METHODS: A retrospective observational study including patients treated with Ozurdex® in a tertiary-care university hospital from May 2011 to April 2016. RESULTS: In five years of follow-up, 1.10% (4/363) of patients treated with 0.7mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant required phaco-non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (PNPDS) to control OHT refractory to topical treatment. All four patients started or increased previous antihypertensive topical treatment since the first dexamethasone intravitreal implant. Three or more dexamethasone intravitreal implants were injected in the four cases before intraocular pressure (IOP) became uncontrolled and PNPDS was performed. All four patients have a successfully controlled IOP without treatment after PNPDS. Two patients required additional treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implants after PNPDS, maintaining IOP under control without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the successful results of PNPDS in OHT secondary to dexamethasone intravitreal implant. All four patients have achieved controlled IOP without treatment. Re-treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implant in those patients who underwent PNPDS is also possible, and IOP remains controlled.

Prognostic value of gonioscopy after deep sclerectomy.

PURPOSE: To ascertain gonioscopic characteristics and identify prognostic indicators related to intraocular pressure (IOP) after deep sclerectomy (DS). METHODS: A transversal, prospective, and nonselected study was performed in 106 eyes (95 patients) after DS. Three surgeons performed all the surgeries and the gonioscopic examination, using the same protocol including 13 gonioscopic data. These data were evaluated for an association with postoperative IOP and time after surgery. RESULTS: A subscleral space was found in 91 eyes (85.8%), with visualization of the line of scleral flap in 48 eyes (45.3%). The trabeculo-Descemet membrane (TDM) was transparent in 46 eyes (43.4%), opaque in 4 cases, and pigmented in 18 eyes. This TDM was broken using Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture in 38 eyes(35.8%). Thin vessels around TDM were found in 58 eyes (54.7%), and blood remained in 25 eyes (23.5%). Gonioscopic variables significantly positively related with postoperative IOP were as follows: presence of subscleral space, scleral flap line view, and a Schwalbe line depressed. A narrow anterior chamber angle and iris synechia in TDM had a statistically significant negative effect on the postoperative IOP control. Similarly, eyes requiring Nd:YAG goniopuncture had a worse IOP control. The frequency of eyes with visible subscleral space and transparent TDM decreases with time after surgery (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A visible subscleral space was a gonioscopic sign positively related to IOP control after surgery, although it decreased with follow-up. Eyes with goniopuncture, postoperative narrow angle, and iris synechia had worse postoperative IOP control. Although new vessels in TDM were a common finding after DS, the authors did not find any association with postoperative IOP.

Influence of deep scleral flap size on intraocular pressure after deep sclerectomy.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of several morphometric characteristics of the deep scleral flap on intraocular pressure (IOP) control after deep sclerectomy. METHODS: The authors conducted a nonrandomized prospective study of 56 eyes of 51 patients who underwent deep sclerectomy alone or combined with phacoemulsification. A reticulated hyaluronic acid implant was used in all cases. The surface, volume, and weight of the dissected deep scleral flap were measured and recorded. The correlation between these parameters and the postoperative IOP was evaluated at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Forty-nine eyes (87.50%) achieved an IOP of 21 mmHg or less without treatment, and the need for medication was decreased significantly (p<0.001) at 12 months postoperatively. The authors found a significant inverse correlation between the mean postoperative IOP at 6 months and the surface, volume, and weight of the deep scleral flap, but not at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Greater weight, surface area, and volume of the deep scleral flap dissected during deep sclerectomy achieve significantly lower postoperative IOPs in the early postoperative period.

[Results of nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy in inflammatory glaucoma: one year follow up]. / Resultados de la esclerectomía profunda no perforante en el tratamiento del glaucoma inflamatorio al año de seguimiento.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy in uveitic glaucoma. METHODS: In this observational retrospective trial, 6 eyes with inflammatory glaucoma underwent a nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy and a reticulated hyaluronic acid implant. The minimal follow-up period was 12 months. RESULTS: At 12 months, the complete success rate (defined as an IOP higher than 5 and lower than 21 mmHg without medication) was 66.67% and the qualified success rate was 100%. The mean postoperative IOP at 12 months was 16.67 mmHg (SD: 3.26), and the mean IOP reduction was 23.00 mmHg (SD:13.75) (p= 0.027). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications required was reduced from 2.67 (SD: 0.52) before surgery to 0.50 (SD: 0.84) one year after surgery (p= 0.038). No change on visual acuity was observed. Complications included one case of hyphema and one case of bleb encapsulation. CONCLUSIONS: Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy in this preliminary study, deep sclerectomy was efficacious and had few postoperative complications, so it can be an alternative in the management of uveitic glaucoma.