Management of Complications and Vision Loss from Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetes can be associated with profound visual loss due to several mechanisms. As the duration of diabetes and blood glucose levels increase, these changes become more severe. The proliferation of new blood vessels, vitreous hemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachments may ultimately result and can be devastating to visual function. New advances, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications and innovative microsurgical instruments, have provided additional methods for the management of diabetic retinopathy in the clinic and in the operating room, leading to improved outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in earlier treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, especially with anti-VEGF injections, allow for a reduction in severity, improved vision, and more controlled and successful surgery. Modern surgical techniques and instrumentation have also allowed for improved patient outcomes. Future research into sustained delivery and release of anti-VEGF, reducing the need for frequent in-office injections, may prove to be additionally beneficial. Over the last decade, anti-VEGF has become an increasingly common treatment modality for the management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhages, and tractional retinal detachments. Further research is needed to determine the ideal method of delivery and timing of the treatment.

In Situ Tremor in Vitreoretinal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Surgeon tremor was measured during vitreoretinal microscopic surgeries under different hand support conditions. BACKGROUND: While the ophthalmic surgeon's forearm is supported using a standard symmetric wrist rest when operating on the patient's same side as the dominant hand (SSD), the surgeon's hand is placed directly on the patient's forehead when operating on the contralateral side of the dominant hand (CSD). It was hypothesized that more tremor is associated with CSD surgeries than SSD surgeries and that, using an experimental asymmetric wrist rest where the contralateral wrist bar gradually rises and curves toward the patient's operative eye, there is no difference in tremor associated with CSD and SSD surgeries. METHODS: Seventy-six microscope videos, recorded from three surgeons performing macular membrane peeling operations, were analyzed using marker-less motion tracking, and movement data (instrument path length and acceleration) were recorded. Tremor acceleration frequency and magnitude were measured using spectral analysis. Following 47 surgeries using a conventional symmetric wrist support, surgeons incorporated the experimental asymmetric wrist rest into their surgical routine. RESULTS: There was 0.11 mm/s2 (22%) greater (p = .05) average tremor acceleration magnitude for CSD surgeries (0.62 mm/s2, SD = 0.08) than SSD surgeries (0.51 mm/s2, SD = 0.09) for the symmetric wrist rest, while no significant (p > .05) differences were observed (0.57 mm, SD = 0.13 for SSD and 0.58 mm, SD = 0.11 for CSD surgeries) for the experimental asymmetric wrist rest. CONCLUSION: The asymmetric wrist support reduced the difference in tremor acceleration between CSD and SSD surgeries.

Comparison of United States and International Ophthalmic Drug Pricing.

PURPOSE: To compare United States and international drug pricing for commonly prescribed intravitreal and topical ophthalmic medications. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: For 25 commonly used ophthalmic medications (3 intravitreal, 22 topical), we obtained 2017 third quarter United States average wholesale price (AWP), drug acquisition cost, or consumer pricing through United States government health insurance plans (Veterans Affairs [VA], Medicaid, Medicare Part B, and Medicare Part D) and commercial drug plans (CVS Caremark and Navitus Health Solutions), online pricing without insurance through a large United States warehouse retailer (Costco), and international drug pricing through government-sponsored health plans in Italy, Spain, Turkey, Canada, and Japan. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Drug acquisition costs and consumer pricing of ophthalmic drugs through various payment systems. All prices were converted to United States dollars. RESULTS: For intravitreal medications in the United States, aflibercept and ranibizumab were priced similarly to each other and were more expensive than dexamethasone implants. Pricing of aflibercept and ranibizumab through government health insurance plans in Italy, Spain, Turkey, Canada, and Japan were less expensive by as much as 84.3% compared with the United States. For topical medications in the United States, pricing varied significantly both across different classes of medications and also between nonbranded and branded medications. Drug acquisition costs through the VA and Medicaid were inexpensive on average, but pricing through a hospital-employee drug insurance plan offered the smallest range (between $2.35 and $60.00). In all 5 non-United States countries studied, each topical medication with the exceptions of cyclosporine emulsion and difluprednate was less than $100, and 94.4% of topical medications in these countries had a nonbranded or branded option that was less than $50. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, for topical more than intravitreal medications, significant price variation exists across both different drug pricing systems and different medications. Price differentials between nonbranded and branded medications can be significant. Internationally, topical medications exhibited a more limited and lower price range compared with drug pricing in the United States.

DIFFERENCES IN REFRACTIVE OUTCOMES BETWEEN PHACOEMULSIFICATION FOR CATARACT ALONE AND COMBINED PHACOEMULSIFICATION AND VITRECTOMY FOR EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE.

PURPOSE: To determine whether preoperative adjustments are required for intraocular lens calculations in combined phacovitrectomy surgery. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study of 50 eyes that underwent combined phacovitrectomy and a control group of 50 eyes after cataract surgery over a 3-year period by a single anterior segment surgeon and a single posterior segment surgeon. Main outcome measures were predicted refractive error (RE), as determined by SRK/T and Holladay 1 formulas, change compared with actual RE, surgically induced astigmatism, and the relationships between preoperative central foveal thickness or change in central foveal thickness and final RE. RESULTS: The differences in predicted and final RE between groups were not statistically significant between groups when both SRK/T and Holladay 1 formulas were used (P > 0.05). Regardless of the formula used, final RE was neither significantly hyperopic nor myopic as compared to the target. There was no difference in surgically induced astigmatism between the two groups. Increased preoperative central foveal thickness was correlated with greater difference between predicted and actual RE. No relationship was noted between change in central foveal thickness and RE. CONCLUSION: Combined phacovitrectomy for concurrent cataract epiretinal membrane by experienced cataract and vitreoretinal surgeons seems to deliver as predictable refractive results as cataract surgery alone.

Cost Evaluation of Early Vitrectomy versus Panretinal Photocoagulation and Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate costs and cost-utility of early vitrectomy (pars plana vitrectomy [PPV]) compared with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) without diabetic macular edema. DESIGN: A decision analysis model of cost-utility. PARTICIPANTS: There were no participants. METHODS: A decision analysis was based on results from the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Protocol S comparing treatment of PRP with IVR (0.3 mg) in PDR without incident macular edema to model the total 2-year costs and outcomes for each treatment scenario. These values were compared with the 2-year hypothetical costs of early PPV for PDR. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data were used to calculate associated modeled costs in a hospital/facility-based and nonfacility setting. Cost-utility was calculated on the basis of the preserved visual utility and estimated life years remaining. In addition, costs for lifetime treatment were modeled for all scenarios and used to calculate lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALY) costs for each scenario. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of the model's assumptions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost of treatment, utility, and cost per QALY. RESULTS: The modeled cost per QALY of treatment for PDR for 2 years of utility in the facility (nonfacility) setting was $163 988 ($102 559) in the PRP group, $436 992 ($326 424) in the IVR group, and $181 144 ($107 965) in the PPV group. Sensitivity analysis showed that both IVR and PPV groups would have equivalent costs per QALY over the first 2 years if 78% (facility) and 80% (nonfacility) of patients in the PPV group required additional treatment with IVR (at the dose of 10.1 injections as in Protocol S). Beyond 2 years, the cost per QALY in the facility (nonfacility) setting was calculated as $61 695 ($21 752) in the PRP group, $338 348 ($239 741) in the IVR group, and $63 942 ($22 261) in the PPV group. CONCLUSIONS: Early PPV as a strategy for treatment of PDR without macular edema demonstrates cost-utility similar to management with PRP and more favorable cost-utility compared with IVR in the short term. This advantage over IVR continues when lifetime costs are factored.

Cost-Utility of Evaluation for Posterior Vitreous Detachment and Prophylaxis of Retinal Detachment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the costs and cost-utility of examination for posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and treatment of associated pathology, and of managing various other peripheral retinal disorders to prevent retinal detachment (RD). DESIGN: A decision analysis model of cost-utility. PARTICIPANTS: There were no participants. METHODS: Published retrospective data on the natural course of PVD, retinal tears, and lattice degeneration were used to quantitate the visual benefits of examination and treatment. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services data were used to calculate associated modeled costs in a hospital/facility-based and nonfacility/ambulatory surgical center (ASC)-based setting. Published standards of utility for a given level of visual acuity were used to derive costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost of evaluation and treatment, utility of defined health states, QALY, and cost per QALY. RESULTS: The modeled cost of evaluation of a patient with PVD and treatment of associated pathology in the facility/hospital (nonfacility/ASC)-based setting was $65 to $190 ($25-$71) depending on whether a single or 2-examination protocol was used. The cost per QALY saved was $255 to $638/QALY ($100-$239/QALY). Treatment of a symptomatic horseshoe tear resulted in a net cost savings of $1749 ($1314) and improved utility, whereas treatment of an asymptomatic horseshoe tear resulted in $2981/QALY ($1436/QALY). Treatment of asymptomatic lattice degeneration in an eye in which the fellow eye had a history of RD resulted in $4414/QALY ($2187/QALY). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation and management of incident acute PVD (and symptomatic horseshoe tears) offer a low cost and a favorable cost-utility (low $/QALY) as a result of the minimization of the cost and morbidity associated with the development of RD, thus justifying current practice standards.

PROPHYLACTIC PREOPERATIVE LASER RETINOPEXY DOES NOT REDUCE THE OCCURRENCE OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL COMPLICATIONS IN MACULAR SURGERY.

PURPOSE: Knowledge on the utility of prophylactic 360° laser retinopexy before pars plana vitrectomy in the absence of peripheral retinal pathology is limited. This study compares the occurrence of rhegmatogenous events in the setting of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with and without prophylactic preoperative laser. METHODS: Our multicenter, retrospective case-control analysis reviewed patients who underwent epiretinal membrane removal or macular hole repair through 23- or 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy: 205 controls who did not receive prophylactic laser and 176 cases who received preoperative prophylactic laser retinopexy anterior to the equator. Main outcome measures were the rate and characteristics of postoperative retinal tears and detachments. Patients with previous pars plana vitrectomy or significant retinal disease were excluded. RESULTS: Of those patients with prophylactic laser and those without, there was no significant difference in the number of retinal breaks (1.7% vs. 0.49%, respectively; P = 0.339) or retinal detachments (0% vs. 0.49%, respectively; P = 1.00). Of the lasered group, there was one sclerotomy-related retinal break and two non-sclerotomy-related retinal breaks. Of the nonlasered group, there was one non-sclerotomy-related retinal break and one sclerotomy-related retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: Preoperative prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy does not seem to offer an added benefit in the prevention of intraoperative and postoperative rhegmatogenous events.

Cost Evaluation of Panretinal Photocoagulation versus Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate costs of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) vs. intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). DESIGN: A Markov-style model of cost-effectiveness and cost utility. PARTICIPANTS: There were no participants. METHODS: Based on results from Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research (DRCR) Network Protocol S, we performed a Markov-style analysis to generate the total 2-year costs for each treatment arm. The cost per line-year saved and cost utility were calculated based on the estimated life years remaining. Both treatment arms were assumed to result in 9 lines of vision saved in 20% of patients. Medicare reimbursement data were acquired to determine costs, which were then separately calculated for practice settings of a hospital-based facility as the highest end of the cost range and a nonfacility in the same geographic area as the lowest end. Cost parameters for a prototypical patient's life expectancy also were modeled and calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Inputed cost of therapy, cost per line saved, cost per line-year saved, and cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY). RESULTS: When PRP was the primary treatment, the 2-year cost in the facility setting was $13 053, with cost per line saved $7252, cost per line-year $240, and cost per QALY $7988. In the nonfacility setting costs were approximately 21% lower. When IVR was the primary treatment, the 2-year cost in the facility setting was $30 328, cost per line saved was $16 849, cost per line-year $575, and cost per QALY $19 150. In the nonfacility setting costs were approximately 15% lower. Extrapolation to lifetime therapy yielded the cost per QALY with PRP treatment of $14 219 to $24 005 and with IVR of $138 852 to $164 360. Cost utility for PRP would be 85% lower than IVR in the facility setting and 90% lower than IVR in the nonfacility setting. CONCLUSIONS: PRP compared with IVR as primary treatment for PDR is less expensive over 2 years, but both fall well below the accepted cost per QALY upper limit. However, over an average lifetime, the cost differential between PRP and IVR increases, and IVR therapy may exceed the typical accepted limit of cost per QALY.

AIMING FOR THE BULL'S EYE: The Cost-Utility of Screening for Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Throughout medicine, the cost of various treatments has been increasingly studied with the result that certain management guidelines might be reevaluated in their context. Cost-utility is a term referring to the expense of preventing the loss of quality of life, quantified in dollars per quality-adjusted life year. In 2002, the American Academy of Ophthalmology published hydroxychloroquine screening recommendations which were revised in 2011. The purpose of this report is to estimate the cost-utility of these recommendations. METHODS: A hypothetical care model of screening for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy was formulated. The costs of screening components were calculated using 2016 Medicare fee schedules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. RESULTS: The cost-utility of screening for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy with the 2011 American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines was found to vary from 33,155 to 344,172 dollars per quality-adjusted life year depending on the type and number of objective screening tests chosen, practice setting, and the duration of hydroxychloroquine use. Screening had a more favorable cost-utility when the more sensitive and specific diagnostics were used, and for patients with an increased risk of toxicity. CONCLUSION: American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines have a wide-ranging cost-utility. Prudent clinical judgment of risk stratification and tests chosen is necessary to optimize cost-utility without compromising the efficacy of screening.

The Physician Payments Sunshine Act: data evaluation regarding payments to ophthalmologists.

PURPOSE: To review data for ophthalmologists published online from the Physician Payments Sunshine Act. DESIGN: Retrospective data review using data acquired from a publicly available electronic database. METHODS: A database was downloaded from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website under Identified General Payments to Physicians and a primary specialty of ophthalmology. Basic statistical analysis was performed including mean, median, and range of payments for both single payments and per provider. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data summary by category of payment and geographic region and comparison with other surgical subspecialties. RESULTS: From August 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, a total of 55 996 individual payments were reported to 9855 ophthalmologists for a total of $10 926 447. The mean amount received in a single payment was $195.13 (range, $0.04-$193 073). The mean amount received per physician identifier (ID) was $1108 (range, $1-$397 849), and the median amount was $112.01. Consulting fees made up the largest percentage of fees. There was not a large difference in payments received by region. The mean payments for the subspecialties of dermatology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and urology ranged from $954 to $6980, and median payments in each field by physician ID ranged from $88 to $173. CONCLUSIONS: A large amount of data were released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the Physician Payment Sunshine Act. In ophthalmology, mean and median payments per physician did not vary greatly from other surgical subspecialties. Most single payments were less than $100, and most physicians received less than $500 in total payments. Payments for consulting made up the largest category of spending. How this affects patient perception, patient care, and medical costs warrants further study.

Cost evaluation of surgical and pharmaceutical options in treatment for vitreomacular adhesions and macular holes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cost-effectiveness and cost utilities for treatment options for vitreomacular adhesions (VMAs) and full-thickness macular holes (MHs). DESIGN: A Markov model of cost-effectiveness and utility. PARTICIPANTS: There were no participants. METHODS: Outcomes of published clinical trials (index studies) of surgical treatment of VMAs and MHs and a prospective, multicenter clinical trial of pharmaceutical vitreolysis with intravitreal ocriplasmin with saline control were used to generate a model for costs of treatment and visual benefits. All techniques were assumed to result in a 2.5-line visual benefit if anatomy was resolved. Markov analysis, with cost data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was used to calculate imputed costs for each primary treatment modality in a facility setting, with surgery performed in a hospital serving as the highest end of the range and nonfacility setting with surgery performed in an ambulatory surgery center serving as the lowest end of the range. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Imputed costs of therapy, cost per line saved, cost per line-year saved, cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). RESULTS: When pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was selected as the primary procedure, the overall imputed cost ranged from $5802 to $7931. The cost per line was $2368 to $3237, the cost per line-year saved was $163 to $233 and the cost per QALY was $5444 to $7442. If intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin was the primary procedure, the overall imputed cost was $8767 to $10 977. The cost per line ranged from $3549 to $4456, the cost per line-year saved was $245 to $307, and the cost per QALY was between $8159 and $10 244. If intravitreal saline injection was used as a primary procedure, the overall imputed cost was $5828 to $8098. The cost per line was $2374 to $3299, the cost per line-year saved was $164 to $227, and the cost per QALY was $5458 to $7583. CONCLUSIONS: As a primary procedure, PPV was the most cost-effective therapy in this model. The other treatments had similar costs per QALY saved and compare favorably with costs of therapy for other retinal diseases.

Cost-effectiveness of retinal detachment repair.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate costs and treatment benefits of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) repair. DESIGN: A Markov model of cost-effectiveness and utility. PARTICIPANTS: There were no participants. METHODS: Published clinical trials (index studies) of pneumatic retinopexy (PR), scleral buckling (SB), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and laser prophylaxis were used to quantitate surgical management and visual benefits. Markov analysis, with data from the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services, was used to calculate the adjusted costs of primary repair by each modality in a hospital-based and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lines of visual acuity (VA) saved, cost of therapy, adjusted cost of therapy, cost per line saved, cost per line-year saved, and cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) saved. RESULTS: In the facility, hospital surgery setting, weighted cost for PR ranged from $3726 to $5901 depending on estimated success rate of primary repair. Weighted cost was $6770 for SB, $7940 for PPV, and $1955 for laser prophylaxis. The dollars per line saved ranged from $217 to $1346 depending on the procedure. Dollars per line-year saved ranged from $11 to $67. Dollars per QALY saved ranged from $362 to $2243. In the nonfacility, ASC surgery setting, weighted cost for PR ranged from $1961 to $3565 depending on the success rate of primary repair. The weighted costs for SB, PPV, and laser prophylaxis were $4873, $5793, and $1255, respectively. Dollars per line saved ranged from $139 to $982. The dollars per line-year saved ranged from $7 to $49, and the dollars per QALY saved ranged from $232 to $1637. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment and prevention of RD are extremely cost-effective when compared with other treatment of other retinal diseases regardless of treatment modality. Retinal detachment treatment costs did not vary widely, suggesting that providers can tailor patient treatments solely on the basis of optimizing anticipated results because there were no overriding differences in financial impact.

A Case of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

PURPOSE: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of granulocytes, caused the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. While ocular manifestations of CML are rare, the presentations can range from asymptomatic to sudden vision loss. CML associated ocular findings that have been reported include retinal hemorrhages, leukemic infiltrates, and optic disc edema, but a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the setting of CML has not been described. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 21-year-old man presented with intermittent vision loss in his right eye, tinnitus in the right ear, and abdominal distension. Work up revealed significant leukocytosis, splenomegaly, and a positive BCR-ABL1 mutation. He was diagnosed with CML and started on systemic therapy. Exam of the right eye revealed a large intraocular mass. After two weeks of systemic treatment, the large elevation in the right eye had improved, allowing visualization of diffuse subretinal whitening. At follow up, an RRD secondary to an atrophic hole in an area of prior subretinal infiltrates were noted. He underwent repair with a scleral buckle. Postoperative course was complicated by redetachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, which led to an unrepairable detachment, despite multiple surgeries with silicone oil tamponade. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular findings related to CML are rare, with the lowest incidence when compared to other leukemias, and are associated with worse outcomes. Posterior segment findings include intraretinal hemorrhages, Roth spots, and retinal infiltrates. This unique case describes an RRD in CML retinopathy with an aggressive course and poor anatomical result.

Comparison of Standard 7-Field, Clarus, and Optos Ultrawidefield Imaging Systems for Diabetic Retinopathy (COCO Study).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity levels assessed from 7 standard-field stereoscopic color photographs on a 35° fundus camera to both Clarus and Optos ultrawidefield color images. Design: Cross-sectional, comparative imaging study. Participants: Participants with DR imaged at a single-center retina practice. Methods: Participants were imaged on 3 cameras at a single visit with the Topcon 35° fundus camera, Clarus, and Optos. The DR Severity Scale (DRSS) level was determined within the 7-field (7F) area of each image set using the ETDRS scale. An additional global DRSS was assigned for both Clarus and Optos images using the entire visible retina. Weighted kappa (wκ) measured the agreement between cameras. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was a 3-way comparison of DRSS level within the 7F area imaged on the 3 cameras. Secondary outcomes included a comparison of the DRSS obtained with standard 7F imaging to the global DRSS of Clarus and Optos and a comparison of the global DRSS between Clarus and Optos only. Results: Ninety-seven eyes (50 participants) were evaluated. Agreement within 1-step of ETDRS levels between standard 7F imaging and Clarus 7F was 90.1% (wκ = 0.65), and with Optos 7F in 85.9%, (wκ = 0.58). Agreement within 1-step between standard 7F imaging and Clarus global was 88.9% of eyes (wκ = 0.63), and Optos global was 85.7%, (wκ = 0.54). Agreement between Clarus and Optos global DR level within 1-step was 89.1% (wκ = 0.68). Intergrader agreement for the 7F ETDRS level was 96% for standard 7F imaging, 98% for Clarus, and 95.5% for Optos. Conclusions: These findings suggest that when evaluating the 7F area on Clarus and Optos, DR severity grades are comparable to standard 7F imaging. However, it is important to understand the unique attributes and differences of each fundus camera when changing the type of system used in a clinical setting due to upgrading equipment. Additionally, if the facility has access to > 1 device, there should not be an exchange between cameras for the same patient. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

The Wisconsin silicone oil study (report #1): anatomical and functional outcomes of repair of retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Silicone oil (SO) is a long-term tamponade for repair of complex retinal pathology but has limitations including late redetachment. This study describes our experience with SO tamponade for repair of retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), with attention to anatomic and functional outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series of eyes with retinal detachment (RD) complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) receiving SO tamponade at the University of Wisconsin between 2013 and 2019. Group 1 defined as primary SO placement; Group 2 had SO placed after failing prior retinal detachment repair. RESULTS: Inclusion criteria of SO placement for repair of RD with PVR was met for 117 eyes. The final reattachment rate was 84% for all eyes, with no difference between Groups 1 and 2. Vision improvement was 2.1 lines for Group 1 (p = 0.06 from baseline) and 4.6 lines for Group 2 (p < 0.0001). The mean number of silicone oil placements was 1.4. Less improvement in vision was noted with repeat SO placement, though overall functional vision of 5/200 or better was achieved in 63.2% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: SO tamponade allows long-term anatomical stabilisation and substantial vision recovery in eyes with retinal detachment complicated by PVR. Rates of anatomic and functional success have improved significantly when compared to prior studies using oil tamponade for repair of PVR.

STELLATE NONHEREDITARY IDIOPATHIC FOVEOMACULAR RETINOSCHISIS: NOVEL FINDINGS AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY ANALYSIS.

PURPOSE: To present novel findings in stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis, including the largest series of optical coherence tomography angiography findings to date. METHODS: A retrospective case series with multimodal imaging was obtained and reviewed. RESULTS: All three patients were women, aged 59-63. Two cases were unilateral, and one was bilateral. Vision ranged from 20/20 to 20/60 in the affected eyes. Peripheral retinoschisis was observed in all three patients. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. In one case, progressive macular retinoschisis leading to foveal involvement was observed over two years, with an associated vision decline from 20/25 to 20/60. Attempted interventions included topical dorzolamide in all cases and intravitreal bevacizumab in one patient; however, no treatment effect was observed. The foveal avascular zone size was within normal limits (mean 280 µ m). In all stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis eyes, the retinoschisis cavities were nonvascular. CONCLUSION: Novel findings regarding stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis include the progressive nature of foveal involvement and the lack of response to topical dorzolamide and intravitreal bevacizumab. Foveal avascular zone was normal in all eyes, consistent with the relatively preserved vision in these cases. Retinoschisis cavities were nonvascular in all eyes, a finding which may give insight into the mechanism of this disease.

Ocular Emergencies During the Coronavirus Disease 'Safer at Home Order' in Wisconsin.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus pandemic created large shifts in utilization of hospital resources, patient presentations, and delivery of medical care. OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study evaluated the ocular emergencies at a tertiary-care academic hospital in Wisconsin during the COVID-19-related "Safer at Home" order. METHODS: Ophthalmology consultations performed March 23 through May 26, 2020, were compared to the same time period in the 4 preceding years and the subsequent year. Billing codes were obtained to evaluate the diagnoses and procedures performed during this time frame. RESULTS: In 2020, 155 consultations were performed (42 emergency department, 113 inpatient), compared to a mean of 214 over the 5 other study years. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of total consultations in 2020 was 0.72 (P ≤ 0.001) compared to previous years. Significantly fewer emergency department consultations were performed (IRR 0.62, P ≤ 0.001), while inpatient consultations were similar (IRR 0.88, P = 0.119). The most common diagnosis across all study years was fracture of the skull/orbit with injury to the eye/orbit. In 2020, 13% of consultations led to a procedure, compared to a total of 16% in the other years (IRR 0.59, P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a 28% reduction in ophthalmology consultations at a major university hospital in Wisconsin during the COVID-19-related "Safer at Home" order, though the number of consultations leading to surgery were stable. This suggests that while patients with less acute needs may have deferred care, those requiring urgent surgery still presented to the emergency department. These data may help hospitals appropriately allocate eye care resources during future public health emergencies.