The effect of retaining intact posterior capsule in congenital cataract surgery in children aged 4-8 years.

BACKGROUND: The present study sought to observe the effect of retaining intact posterior capsule in congenital cataract surgery in children aged 4-8 years. METHODS: This is a retrospective case control study. Seventy-seven children (130 eyes) aged from 4 to 8 years who underwent cataract surgery were divided into two groups. In Group A, 50 eyes underwent phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and posterior capsule capsulotomy combined with anterior vitrectomy. In Group B, 80 eyes underwent cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The postoperative visual acuity and the rate of complications were compared. RESULTS: In all patients, cataract surgeries were performed evenly without intraoperative complications. The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 42 months. No apparent visual axis opacity was detected in group A during the follow-up. By the last visit, apparent visual axis opacity was detected in 31 eyes (38.75%) in group B. Among them, 9 eyes (29.03%) with mild posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were treated with Nd:YAG laser, 3 eyes (9.68%) with thick proliferative membranes were treated with posterior capsule capsulotomy combined with anterior vitrectomy and proliferative membranes in 19 eyes (61.29%) were completely aspired and the posterior capsule was retained. During follow-up, only 2 (6.45%) eyes had PCO recurrence and were treated with Nd:YAG laser. The visual acuity was significantly higher than that before surgery in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: For older children, the incidence of PCO will be low even if intact posterior capsule is retained. Either Nd:YAG laser or surgical treatment for PCO will be able to maintain good vision.

DETECTION OF CLINICALLY UNSUSPECTED RETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION WITH WIDE-FIELD OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for detection of clinically unsuspected neovascularization (NV) in diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS: This prospective observational single-center study included adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of nonproliferative DR. Participants underwent a clinical examination, standard 7-field color photography, and OCTA with commercial and prototype swept-source devices. The wide-field OCTA was achieved by montaging five 6 × 10-mm scans from a prototype device into a 25 × 10-mm image and three 6 × 6-mm scans from a commercial device into a 15 × 6-mm image. A masked grader determined the retinopathy severity from color photographs. Two trained readers examined conventional and wide-field OCTA images for the presence of NV. RESULTS: Of 27 participants, photographic grading found 13 mild, 7 moderate, and 7 severe nonproliferative DR. Conventional 6 × 6-mm OCTA detected NV in 2 eyes (7%) and none with 3 × 3-mm scans. Both prototype and commercial wide-field OCTA detected NV in two additional eyes. The mean area of NV was 0.38 mm (range 0.17-0.54 mm). All eyes with OCTA-detected NV were photographically graded as severe nonproliferative DR. CONCLUSION: Wide-field OCTA can detect small NV not seen on clinical examination or color photographs and may improve the clinical evaluation of DR.

POSTERIOR FUNDUS HEMORRHAGES: Frequency and Associated Factors: The Beijing Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To examine frequency and associations of retinal hemorrhages. METHODS: The population-based Beijing Eye Study included 3,468 individuals. Monoscopic fundus photographs were examined for hemorrhages. RESULTS: Retinal hemorrhages were detected in 515 eyes (429 individuals) (prevalence: 7.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.0-8.0 per eye; 12.7%; 95% CI: 11.7-13.7 per person). Higher prevalence of retinal hemorrhages was correlated (multivariate analysis) with higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 121; 95% CI: 61-240), and higher prevalence of retinal vein occlusions (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 27; 95% CI: 17-42). Retinal hemorrhages were due to diabetic retinopathy (189 [36.7%] eyes), retinal vein occlusions (n = 65 [12.6%]), posterior vitreous detachment (n = 23 [4.5%]), glaucoma (n = 14 [2.7%]), exudative age-related macular degeneration (n = 8 [1.6%]), hypertensive retinopathy (n = 10 [1.9%]), and exudative myopic maculopathy (n = 1 [0.2%]). Retinal hemorrhages without evident ocular cause ("NOH") were detected in 204 (3.0%) eyes (or 39.6% of all retinal hemorrhages). Higher prevalence of NOHs was correlated with higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001; odds ratio: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) after adjusting for blood glucose concentration and prevalence of cortical cataract. CONCLUSION: In a population-based recruited cohort of individuals aged 50+ years, prevalence of any fundus hemorrhage was about 8% per eye and 13% per individual. Approximately 60% of the hemorrhages were due to ocular reasons, mainly diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and posterior vitreous detachment, whereas 40% of the bleedings were not evidently associated with ophthalmologic causes but strongly with elevated systolic blood pressure.

ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL TESTING IN DIABETIC PATIENTS WITHOUT RETINOPATHY: Results of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Visual Acuity Under Varying Contrast and Luminance Conditions.

PURPOSE: To assess early retinal microvascular and functional changes in diabetic patients without clinical evidence of diabetic retinopathy with optical coherence tomography angiography and central visual analyzer. METHODS: This was an observational case-control study of diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy and nondiabetic controls. Patients underwent optical coherence tomography angiography imaging and visual acuity testing using the central visual analyzer. The foveal avascular zone area and the capillary density in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses were measured manually by a masked grader. RESULTS: Sixty eyes from 35 diabetic patients were included in the study group, and 45 eyes from 31 nondiabetic patients were included in the control group. The foveal avascular zone area was not significantly different between the diabetic group and controls (both P > 0.05). The mean capillary density in the deep capillary plexus was significantly lower in diabetic eyes compared with control eyes (P = 0.04). The mean visual acuity in all central visual analyzer modules was significantly decreased in diabetic patients compared with controls (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography angiography was able to detect retinal microvascular changes in the deep capillary plexus, and the central visual analyzer showed signs of decreased visual acuity under conditions simulating suboptimal contrast and glare in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy.

LONG-TERM REMISSION OF NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION WITH AS-NEEDED ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY.

PURPOSE: To determine the presenting characteristics of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration with long-term remission (LTR), which was defined as the absence of intraretinal/subretinal fluid, or hemorrhage, and absence of leakage on fluorescein angiography for longer than 6 months while on as-needed antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment. METHODS: The presenting characteristics of patients with LTR were compared with a control group including 32 eyes of 28 age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched patients who did not achieve LTR. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent of patients in the LTR group had Type 1 choroidal neovascular membrane and 18.5% had retinal angiomatous proliferation. In the control group, 28 eyes had Type 1 choroidal neovascular membrane (87.5%), and none of the patients had retinal angiomatous proliferation; overall, there was a significant difference in lesion types between the 2 groups (P = 0.036). Eyes with LTR at presentation had significantly thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness (147 vs. 178 µm, P = 0.04). There was more intraretinal fluid and less subretinal fluid at the presentation in the remission group (59.3% intraretinal fluid and 11.1% subretinal fluid) compared with the control group (28.1% intraretinal fluid and 34.4% subretinal fluid, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The presence of retinal angiomatous proliferation, thinner choroidal thickness, more intraretinal fluid, and less subretinal fluid at presentation were associated with LTR in patients receiving as-needed treatment for age-related macular degeneration.

HIGH-DOSE HIGH-FREQUENCY AFLIBERCEPT FOR RECALCITRANT NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of monthly (0.1 mL/4 mg) aflibercept for refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet age-related macular degeneration). METHODS: This was a retrospective interventional case series in which patients with wet age-related macular degeneration were treated with stepwise dose escalation. Nonvitrectomized patients resistant to monthly (Q4W) ranibizumab/bevacizumab were switched to 2 mg aflibercept every 8 weeks. With resistance, they were escalated to Q4W 2 mg aflibercept, then Q4W 4 mg (high dose high frequency, 4Q4W) aflibercept. Resistance was defined as ≥2 recurrences after being dry following ≥3 injections or persistent exudation on treatment of ≥5 injections. RESULTS: Thirty-three eyes of 28 patients were treated with 4Q4W aflibercept and followed for a mean of 16 months. A dry retina (no intraretinal or subretinal fluid) was achieved after initiating 4Q4W aflibercept treatment at a mean of 3.8 months. Central foveal thickness, maximum foveal thickness, intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, and retinal pigment detachment height decreased significantly at 1 month after initiating the 4Q4W aflibercept, and the morphologic therapeutic effect was sustained until the last visit. Forty-five percent of eyes had one or more lines of vision improvement. New geographic atrophy developed in 9% of eyes during follow-up. No ocular or systemic adverse events occurred after initiating 4Q4W aflibercept. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal high-dose high-frequency aflibercept is an effective treatment for patients with refractory wet age-related macular degeneration.

Findings of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the vascular anatomy of eyes with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: This retrospective case-control study enrolled 11 consecutive BVMD patients and 13 age-matched healthy participants. Both eyes of each participant were imaged using a macular OCTA scan (3 × 3 mm) by 70-kHz 840-nm spectral-domain OCT. The flow signal was calculated using the split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) algorithm. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis showed uneven hypo- and hyperintense signal changes at the choriocapillary level in OCTA images of BVMD patients. Quantitative analysis showed significant reductions in the flow density of the superficial vascular layer (whole: 49.2% vs. 53.9%, p < 0.001) and the choriocapillary flow area (5.1 vs. 5.5 mm2, p = 0.02) in BVMD patients compared to controls. The choriocapillary flow area in the postvitelliform group was reduced compared to that of the vitelliform group. There was a statistically significant association between choriocapillary flow area and superficial vascular flow density (p = 0.045), choriocapillary flow area and foveal avascular zone area (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Vascular changes in BVMD were apparent in the choriocapillary layer. The changes became more striking in late stages of the disease. OCTA provides useful quantitative measurements for staging and monitoring the progression of BVMD.

Optical Coherence Tomography Features of Tuberculous Serpiginous-like Choroiditis and Serpiginous Choroiditis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of tuberculous serpiginous-like choroiditis (Tb-SLC) and serpiginous choroiditis (SC) and to perform OCT to differentiate between these conditions. METHODS: This retrospective, case-control study examined consecutively enrolled patients with active Tb-SLC or SC. Patients underwent comprehensive ocular examinations and imaging (OCT, color fundus photography, autofluorescence imaging, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography). Findings were examined and compared between eyes with SC and Tb-SLC. RESULTS: Nine patients with active Tb-SLC (14 eyes) and 8 with active SC (12 eyes) were included. The following OCT findings were observed significantly more often in the Tb-SLC group than in the SC group: vitreal hyper-reflective spots [5 Tb-SLC eyes (36%), no SC eyes; P = 0.02], intraretinal edema [11 Tb-SLC eyes (79%), 3 SC eyes (25%); P = 0.01], sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) drusenoid deposits [11 Tb-SLC eyes (79%), 2 SC eyes (17%); P < 0.01], and choroidal granulomas [8 Tb-SLC eyes (57%), 2 SC eyes (17%); P = 0.03]. A hyporeflective, wedge-shaped band was observed more often in the SC group [5 Tb-SLC eyes (36%), 9 SC eyes (75%); P = 0.045] than in the Tb-SLC group. The incidence of other OCT signs did not differ between the groups and included outer nuclear layer hyper-reflection, outer retinal tabulation, and choriocapillaris point-like hyper-reflection. CONCLUSION: Vitreal hyper-reflective spots, intraretinal fluid, sub-RPE drusenoid deposits, and choroidal granulomas on OCT images may indicate Tb-SLC. Additionally, a hyporeflective, wedge-shaped band may indicate SC. Therefore, OCT is likely helpful in differentiating between Tb-SLC and SC.

Repeatability and Reproducibility of Quantitative Assessment of the Retinal Microvasculature Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Based on Optical Microangiography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) based on optical microangiography (OMAG) measurements of macular vessels in normal eyes. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 40 eyes of 40 healthy volunteers underwent repeated OCTA (Cirrus HD-OCT 5000 angiography system, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.) scans on two separate visit days. On each visit day, the eyes were scanned three times. The following parameters were used to quantitatively describe the OCTA images of the superficial vascular network: vessel area density (VAD), vessel skeleton density (VSD), vessel diameter index (VDI), vessel perimeter index (VPI), vessel complexity index (VCI), flux, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated for evaluating intravisit and intervisit repeatability, as well as interobserver reproducibility. RESULTS: The measurements showed high repeatability [CVs ⪕ 4.2% (intravisit) and ⪕ 4.6% (intervisit)] and interobserver reproducibility (ICCs ⪖ 0.923) for all parameters. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated good repeatability and reproducibility of OCTA based on OMAG for the measurement of superficial vessel parameters in normal eyes.

Long Non-Coding RNA-MALAT1 Mediates Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis Through the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Rats with Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA-MALAT1 (LncRNA-MALAT1) on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with glaucoma. METHODS: RGCs were isolated and cultured, and monoclonal antibodies (anti-rat Thy-1, Brn3a and RBPMS) were examined by immunocytochemistry. An overexpression vector MALAT1-RNA activation (RNAa), gene knockout vector MALAT1-RNA interference (RNAi), and control vector MALAT1-negative control (NC) were constructed. A chronic high intraocular pressure (IOP) rat model of glaucoma was established by episcleral vein cauterization. The RGCs were divided into the RGC control, RGC pressure, RGC pressure + MALAT1-NC, RGC pressure + MALAT1-RNAi and RGC pressure + MALAT1-RNAa groups. Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the normal, high IOP, high IOP + MALAT1-NC, high IOP + MALAT1-RNAa and high IOP + MALAT1-RNAi groups. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of LncRNA-MALAT1 and PI3K/Akt. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry were used to detect RGC apoptosis. RESULTS: Immunocytochemistry revealed that the cultured RGCs reached 90% purity. Compared with the RGC pressure + MALAT1-NC group, the RGC pressure + MALAT1-RNAa group exhibited elevated expression levels of MALAT1, lower total protein levels of PI3K and Akt and decreased RGC apoptosis, while these expression levels were reversed in the RGC pressure + MALAT1-RNAi group. RGC numbers and PI3K/Akt expression levels in the high IOP model groups were lower than those in the normal group. In the high IOP + MALAT1-RNAa group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt were reduced but higher than those in the other three high IOP model groups. Additionally, RGC numbers in the high IOP + MALAT1-RNAa group were lower than those in the normal group but higher than those in the other three high IOP model groups. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that LncRNA-MALAT1 could inhibit RGC apoptosis in glaucoma through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE REMNANT EDGE BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AFTER PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and the progression of epiretinal membrane (ERM) remnant edge seen by optical coherence tomography after ERM peeling. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 86 eyes of 85 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with ERM and underwent pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane peeling between 2013 and 2014. Data collected and analyzed included age, gender, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, use of indocyanine green dye to stain internal limiting membrane, tamponade used after vitrectomy, ERM edge boundaries, presence of cystoid macular edema, and central foveal thickness. RESULTS: An ERM remnant edge was detected in 33/86 study eyes (38.4%) at the first postoperative optical coherence tomography scan. Compared with those without an ERM remnant, patients with an ERM remnant after surgery were significantly older at baseline and had a higher incidence of ERM recurrence at their last visit. They were not significantly different in terms of gender, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, reduction of central foveal thickness from baseline, proportion of eyes with preoperative ERM elevation on optical coherence tomography, presence of macular edema before surgery, intraoperative use of indocyanine green staining for ILM peeling, or tamponade used. Based on the edge morphology, we classified the ERM remnant into three types: Type 1 was flat and blended with the retina (14/33 eyes, 42.4%), Type 2 was flat but stepped (17/33 eyes, 51.5%), and Type 3 was elevated (2/33 eyes, 6.0%). A significantly higher risk of ERM recurrence was seen in Type 2 and Type 3 ERM remnants (75% and 100%, respectively) than Type 1 ERM remnants (10%). CONCLUSION: An ERM remnant edge was detected by optical coherence tomography after ERM peeling in 38.4% of eyes. The presence of a postoperative ERM edge was associated with a higher risk of ERM recurrence, particularly in Type 2 and Type 3 ERM remnants.

Congenital aniridia with cataract: case series.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates patients with congenital aniridia and cataract who underwent phacoemulsification, capsular tension ring placement, and foldable intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: In this prospective case series, 10 patients (17 eyes) underwent cataract surgery via a 3.2 mm clear corneal incision. A continuous circular capsulorhexis with <6 mm diameter was employed. A capsular tension ring and HOYA yellow foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens was implanted. All patients wore color contact lenses postoperatively. Paired t test was used to compare visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and corneal endothelial changes before and after surgery. RESULTS: A single surgeon performed all surgeries. The best-corrected visual acuity improved from value 1.03 ± 0.27LogMAR preoperatively to value 0.78 ± 0.26LogMAR postoperatively (p = 0.000). The photophobic symptoms improved significantly after surgery. The mean corneal endothelial cell density before and after surgery was 3280 ± 473 cells/mm2 and 2669 ± 850 cells/mm2, respectively (p = 0.006). None of the patients developed corneal endothelial decompensation or secondary glaucoma after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of congenital aniridia and coexistent cataract by phacoemulsification, posterior chamber foldable lens implantation, capsular tension ring placement was safe and effective. Use of colored contact lenses in the postoperative period can reduce photophobic symptoms in this group of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-OOC-17011638 (retrospectively registered at 12,June,2017).

Scleral and choroidal volume in relation to axial length in infants with retinoblastoma versus adults with malignant melanomas or end-stage glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To measure scleral and choroidal volume in eyes of Chinese, and to assess associations with age and axial length. METHODS: We histomorphometrically examined globes from infants and adults which had been enucleated due to retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, or absolute painful glaucoma. Thickness of sclera and choroid were measured, and volumes were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 225 globes (mean axial length: 24.6 ± 4.2 mm; range:17.0-35.7 mm; mean age: 30.4 ± 22.6 years; range: 1-83 years). Mean computed scleral volume was 648 ± 136 mm(3). Scleral volume in children aged <5 years significantly increased with longer axial length (P = 0.001; correlation coefficient r: 0.42) and older age (P = 0.003; r: 0.39) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis within the group of children aged ≤2 years, larger scleral volume increased with longer axial length (P = 0.04; standardized correlation coefficient beta: 0.32; correlation coefficient B: 21.6; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.52, 42.7) and showed a statistically non-significant tendency to increase with older age (P = 0.06;b eta: 0.30; B: 56.9; 95% CI: -1.5,115). In individuals aged ≥ 5 years, scleral volume was not significantly associated with axial length (P = 0.75) or age (P = 0.13). Mean choroidal volume as measured and calculated in 95 individuals (age: 16-81 years) was 44.1 ± 14.1 mm(3), and was not significantly associated with age (P = 0.47; r: -0.08) or axial length (P = 0.83; r: -0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study on children eyes with retinoblastoma and adult eyes with malignant melanomas or end-stage glaucoma suggests that primary eye growth up to an age of 2 years is associated with an increase in scleral volume. After the age of 2 years, scleral volume and choroidal volume remain unchanged, leading to scleral and choroidal thinning with longer axial length, in particular at the posterior pole.

REPRODUCIBILITY OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY MEASUREMENT BY TWO-WAVELENGTH AUTOFLUORESCENCE IN A CLINICAL SETTING.

PURPOSE: Macular pigment, composed of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, is postulated to protect against age-related macular degeneration, likely because of filtering blue light and its antioxidant properties. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is reported to be associated with macular function evaluated by visual acuity and multifocal electroretinogram. Given the importance of macular pigment, reliable and accurate measurement methods are important. The main purpose of this study is to determine the reproducibility of MPOD measurement by two-wavelength autofluorescence method using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. METHODS: Sixty-eight eyes of 39 persons were enrolled in the study, including 11 normal eyes, 16 eyes with wet age-related macular degeneration, 16 eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration, 11 eyes with macular edema due to diabetic mellitus, branch retinal vein occlusion or macular telangiectasia, and 14 eyes with tractional maculopathy, including vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane, or macular hole. MPOD was measured with a two-wavelength (488 and 514 nm) autofluorescence method with the Spectralis HRA + OCT after pupil dilation. The measurement was repeated for each eye 10 minutes later. The analysis of variance and Bland-Altman plot were used to assess the reproducibility between the two measurements. RESULTS: The mean MPOD at eccentricities of 1° and 2° was 0.36 ± 0.17 (range: 0.04-0.69) and 0.15 ± 0.08 (range: -0.03 to 0.35) for the first measurement and 0.35 ± 0.17 (range: 0.02-0.68) and 0.15 ± 0.08 (range: -0.01 to 0.33) for the second measurement, respectively. The difference between the 2 measurements was not statistically significant, and the Bland-Altman plot showed 7.4% and 5.9% points outside the 95% limits of agreement, indicating an overall excellent reproducibility. Similarly, there is no significant difference between the first and second measurements of MPOD volume within eccentricities of 1°, 2°, and 6° radius, and the Bland-Altman plot showed 8.8%, 2.9%, and 4.4% points outside the 95% limits of agreement, respectively. The data for the reproducibility did not differ significantly among the various disease and normal eyes. CONCLUSION: Under routine examination conditions with pupil dilation, MPOD measurement by two-wavelength autofluorescence method showed a high reproducibility.

SCLERAL AND CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN SECONDARY HIGH AXIAL MYOPIA.

PURPOSE: To assess differences in scleral and choroidal thickness between eyes with secondary high axial myopia caused by congenital glaucoma, eyes with primary high axial myopia, and nonhighly myopic eyes. METHODS: The study consisted of 301 Chinese individuals with a mean age of 23.9 ± 22.6 years and mean axial length of 24.8 ± 4.2 mm. It included the "secondary highly myopic group" (SHMG) because of congenital glaucoma (n = 20 eyes; axial length >26.0 mm), the "primary highly myopic group" (PHMG) (n = 73; axial length >26.0 mm), and the remaining nonhighly myopic group (NHMG). RESULTS: The secondary highly myopic group versus the primary highly myopic group had significantly thinner sclera in the pars plana region (343 ± 71 µm versus 398 ± 83 µm; P = 0.006), whereas scleral thickness in other regions did not differ significantly between both highly myopic groups and was significantly thinner in both highly myopic groups than in the NHMG. Mean total scleral volume did not differ significantly (P > 0.20) between any group (SHMG: 659 ± 106 µm; PHMG: 667 ± 128 µm; NHMG: 626 ± 135 µm). Choroidal thickness was significantly thinner in both highly myopic groups than in the NHMG, with no significant differences between both highly myopic groups. Choroidal volume did not differ significantly (P > 0.40) between any of the groups (SHMG: 43 ± 12 µm; PHMG: 43 ± 13 µm; NHMG: 46 ± 17 µm). CONCLUSION: In secondary high axial myopia, the sclera gets thinner anterior and posterior to the equator; whereas in primary high axial myopia, scleral thinning is predominantly found posterior to the equator. Because volume of sclera and choroid did not differ between any group, scleral and choroidal thinning in myopia may be due to a rearrangement of tissue and not due to the new formation of tissue.

MACULAR BRUCH MEMBRANE DEFECTS IN HIGHLY MYOPIC EYES: The Beijing Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To examine prevalence and associations of macular Bruch membrane defects (MBMDs) in a population-based setting. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: The Beijing Eye Study 2011 included 3,468 subjects who underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination including spectral domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging of the macula. Macular Bruch membrane defects were defined as an interruption of Bruch membrane on the optical coherence tomography images in the macular region. RESULTS: Macular Bruch membrane defects could be detected only in highly myopic eyes (defined as refractive error of ≤-6 diopters or axial length of ≥26.5 mm) with a prevalence of 17/164 (10.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7%-18.1%). Best-corrected visual acuity <0.05 was found in 5 (29%) of 17 eyes with MBMDs, and in 7 (41%) eyes, visual acuity was <0.3 and ≥0.05. In the MBMD region, retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris were completely lost, and the deep and middle layers of the retina and the choroid were almost completely absent. In the MBMD region, mean retinal thickness was 153 ± 57 µm (mean ± SD) and choroidal thickness was 12.7 ± 28.1 µm. On the fundus photographs, MBMDs appeared as whitish areas with round borders. In multivariate regression analysis, presence of MBMD was significantly associated only with longer axial length (Odds ratio: 3.87; 95% CI, 1.64-9.14). CONCLUSION: Macular Bruch membrane defects with a prevalence of approximately 10% in highly myopic eyes are associated with a complete loss of retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris, an almost complete loss of photoreceptors and choroid, and marked reduction in visual acuity. Macular Bruch membrane defects may be added to the panoply of features of myopic maculopathy.

FEATURES OF OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF VOGT-KOYANAGI-HARADA DISEASE.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To examine the diagnostic value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the detection of acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. METHODS: Clinical charts and OCT images were retrospectively reviewed for patients consecutively diagnosed with acute VKH, subacute VKH, multifocal central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), and posterior scleritis. All patients underwent OCT, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography (FA) before treatment. The characteristics of OCT and FA were analyzed and recorded. RESULTS: The study included 80 eyes with acute VKH, 32 eyes with subacute VKH, 33 eyes with CSCR, and 13 eyes with posterior scleritis. The most common OCT features of VKH disease were hyperreflective dots (70/80; 88%), subretinal membranous structures (64/80; 80%), retinal detachment higher than 450 µm (63/80; 79%), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) folds (44/80; 55%). For the detection of VKH disease, sensitivity and specificity were for subretinal membranous structures 80% and 95.6%, respectively, for high retinal detachment 78.8% and 76.1%, respectively, for subretinal hyperreflective dots, 87.5 and 60.9%, respectively, and for RPE folds 55% and 80.4% respectively. Subretinal membranous structures showed the highest positive predictive value (97.3%) and negative predictive value (65.7%) of all OCT assessed features. CONCLUSION: OCT-related morphological signs have a relatively high predictive value for the diagnosis of acute VKH.

Risk Factors of Myopic Shift among Primary School Children in Beijing, China: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with myopic shift among primary school children. METHODS: In a one-year prospective school-based study, 5052 children from ten schools were enrolled using a multi-stage random cluster approach. The baseline examination included non-cycloplegic auto-refractometry and questionnaire interview. Measurements were repeated at the follow-up. RESULTS: Among 5052 students at baseline investigated, 4292 students (85.0%) returned for the follow-up examination. The mean refractive error (-1.13±1.57 diopters) had changed -0.52±0.73 diopters from the baseline to the follow-up examination. 2170 (51.0%) had a rate of significant myopic shift (significant myopic shift is defined as the change of spherical equivalent of the refraction ≤ -0.50D between the follow-up and baseline measures). We confirmed that common associated factors (older age, parental myopia, lower refractive status at baseline, shorter reading distance and lower frequency of outdoor activities during class recesses) were associated with greater shift towards myopia. After controlling for age, sex, region of habitation, parental myopia and refractive status at baseline, greater shift towards myopia was independently associated with distance from near-work (OR=1.48 , 95% CI=1.26-1.74, P<0.001) and longer time outdoors for leisure (OR=0.87, 95% CI=0.78-0.97, P<0.013). CONCLUSION: Greater shift towards myopia was independently associated with modifiable factors (distance from near-work and longer time outdoors for leisure) might suggest that encouraging children to go outside for outdoor activities during class recess and after school may be a promising and feasible intervention against myopia development.

Posterior scleral reinforcement and vitrectomy for myopic foveoschisis in extreme myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of surgical posterior scleral reinforcement in extremely myopic patients (axial length ≥30 mm) with myopic foveoschisis. METHODS: The retrospective interventional case series study included patients with an axial length ≥30 mm, posterior scleral staphyloma, and myopic foveoschisis, who were treated either by posterior scleral reinforcement and 23-gauge 3-port pars plana vitrectomy (posterior scleral reinforcement group) or by vitrectomy (vitrectomy group) alone. All eyes additionally underwent cataract surgery. RESULTS: The study included 28 patients (28 eyes) with no significant (all P > 0.05) difference between the posterior scleral reinforcement group (n = 14) and the vitrectomy group (n = 14) in age, refractive error, axial length, and preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). In addition to posterior scleral staphyloma and foveoschisis, a macular hole, a macular hole-associated retinal detachment, and a macular detachment without macular hole were present in three eyes, five eyes, and one eye, respectively in the study group and in three eyes, three eyes, and six eyes, respectively in the control group. In the study group, BCVA was significantly better after surgery than at baseline (P = 0.005) with an improvement in BCVA in 13 eyes, whereas BCVA was unchanged in 1 eye. In the control group, BCVA at baseline and at the end of follow-up did not differ significantly (P = 0.22). Gain in BCVA was marginally significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group (improvement by 0.69 ± 0.76 logMAR vs. 0.19 ± 0.54 logMAR; P = 0.05). The number of eyes with any improvement in BCVA (13 [93%] eyes vs. 11 [79%] eyes; P = 0.289) did not differ between both groups; an improvement in BCVA by more than 2 lines (10 [71%] eyes vs. 3 [21%] eyes; P = 0.009) was significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group. Anatomical success (defined as closure of macular holes and collapse of the foveoschisis) was achieved earlier in the study group (3.7 ± 3.2 months vs. 6.2 ± 3.0 months; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Posterior scleral reinforcement in association with vitrectomy, as compared with vitrectomy alone, was associated with a higher improvement in visual acuity in extremely myopic eyes with foveoschisis.

Optical Coherence Tomographic Features and Visual Prognosis after Treatment for Idiopathic Choroidal Neovascularization.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether pretreatment spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic (SD-OCT) features are associated with visual prognosis after treatment for idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (ISCNV) with intravitreal ranibizumab. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated SD-OCT images of eyes with ISCNV undergoing treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab with a mean follow-up of 7 months. RESULTS: This study included 22 patients (22 eyes) with a mean age of 32.7 ± 8.1 years. In univariate analysis, better final visual acuity expressed in logMAR units was significantly associated with a lower amount of pretreatment ellipsoid zone defects (p = 0.03; standardized correlation coefficient ß = 0.46) and a lower amount of pretreatment external limiting membrane (ELM) damage (p = 0.007; ß = 0.56). All other SD-OCT parameters were not significantly associated with final visual acuity. A higher improvement in visual acuity was marginally significantly associated with larger pretreatment ellipsoid zone defects (p = 0.049; ß = -0.43). CONCLUSIONS: The integrity of the outer retinal layers at baseline, in particular of the ELM, is of importance in predicting the final visual outcome in patients undergoing intravitreal medical therapy for ISCNV.