PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY FORMATION AFTER UNCOMPLICATED PRIMARY RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR.

PURPOSE: To determine predictive factors of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) formation after uncomplicated primary retinal detachment repair. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center, case-control study of 74 consecutive patients with (37 eyes) and without (37 eyes) PVR formation after undergoing uncomplicated primary surgery for retinal detachment repair. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with PVR formation. RESULTS: Retinal detachment involving the macula was 4.2 times (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-12.9; P = 0.0119) more likely to have PVR formation compared with those without. Patients who were current or former smokers were 3.6 times (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-11.7; P = 0.0352) more likely to have PVR formation compared with nonsmokers. Compared with 25-gauge (g) vitrectomy, larger gauge vitrectomy (20 g or 23 g) was 3.6 times (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-11.3; P = 0.0276) more likely to have PVR formation. Duration of retinal detachment symptoms, high myopia, lens status, lattice degeneration, location of retinal break, number of retinal breaks, and surgical technique (e.g., scleral buckle with or without vitrectomy versus vitrectomy alone) were not found to be predictive of PVR formation. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking and macular involvement are significant risk factors predictive of PVR formation after uncomplicated primary retinal detachment repair.

Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Injection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors: Management and Visual Outcomes.

PURPOSE: We describe the presentation of patients developing endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. Moreover, we evaluate the management by comparing the outcomes of immediate tap and injection of intravitreal antibiotics (TAI) versus initial surgical pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Finally, we analyze the predictive factors of visual outcomes at 6-month follow-up. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized interventional study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients developing endophthalmitis after receiving an intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agent between 2006 and 2016. METHODS: All patients received a vitreous biopsy sent for cultures before the initiation of treatment: TAI group versus PPV with intravitreal antibiotics (PPV group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6-month follow-up after treatment for endophthalmitis. RESULTS: A total of 258 357 intravitreal injections occurred over the course of the 10-year period, of which 40 patients (0.016%) had endophthalmitis within 3 weeks after injection. In total, 34 patients (85.0%) had pain and 25 patients (62.5%) had hypopyon on initial examination. Among 24 culture-positive cases, 66.7% of the causative organisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, followed by Streptococcus species (10.0%). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) at 6-month follow-up was significantly worse for patients who had a positive culture for Streptococcus species (4.0; standard deviation [SD], 0.8) (approximately light perception) compared with those who had a positive culture for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (0.4; SD, 0.3) (∼20/50) (P < 0.0001). Compared with the TAI group, a higher proportion of samples were culture-positive in the PPV group (90.9% vs. 48.3%, P = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA at 6-month follow-up between the TAI and PPV groups. Younger age (<85 years) and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) (≤25 mmHg) at presentation were predictive of achieving a BCVA of 20/400 or better at 6-month follow-up after treatment. Initial management (TAI vs. PPV), duration of symptoms, presence of pain, presence of hypopyon, presenting BCVA, and culture status (positive vs. negative) were not found to be predictive of visual outcomes at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in BCVA at 6-month follow-up was detected between the TAI and PPV groups. Younger age and lower IOP at presentation were associated with better visual outcomes at 6-month follow-up.

DYSFUNCTIONAL AUTONOMIC REGULATION OF THE CHOROID IN CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of changing perfusion pressures on retinal and choroidal structure in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: This prospective observational case series included seven healthy volunteers (14 eyes) and seven patients (14 eyes) with CSC. Each patient underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging in the upright (sitting) and supine positions. Image segmentation focused on central macular thickness, subretinal fluid, total macular volume, choroidal thickness, and choriocapillaris thickness. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in the upright and supine positions. RESULTS: Choriocapillaris thickness was thicker in CSC participants (34.23 µm; range, 30.9-36.5 µm) compared with healthy controls (13.96 µm; range, 7.15-23.87 µm) (P ≤ 0.001). The choroid was similarly thicker in CSC participants (371.4 µm; range, 200.2-459.4 µm) compared with healthy controls (231.4 µm; range 161.8-287.5 µm) (P ≤ 0.001). Choroidal thickness increased in patients with CSC when transitioning from upright (371.4 µm) to supine (377.8 µm) (P ≤ 0.01). By contrast, there was an 11.97% decrease in choroid thickness in normal controls when transitioning from upright (231.4 µm) to supine (203.9 µm). There were no significant hemodynamic changes. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that choroidal thickness increased in response to increased perfusion pressures in patients with CSC and not in normal controls. These findings likely represent an autonomic dysregulation of choroidal blood flow in patients with CSC.

OCULAR HYPERTENSION AFTER INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE (OZURDEX) SUSTAINED-RELEASE IMPLANT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ocular hypertension (OHT) after Ozurdex injection to determine the incidence of OHT, therapy for OHT, and any associative factors such as diagnosis, underlying glaucoma and therapy, or sequential Ozurdex injection(s). METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series with patients receiving one or more intravitreal Ozurdex implantations at a tertiary care academic center. Ocular hypertension was defined as a single measurement of ≥30 mmHg or an increase of ≥10 mmHg from baseline. RESULTS: Ninety-four injections in 52 patients (59 eyes) were reviewed. Forty eyes received a single injection, and 19 eyes received multiple injections. Ocular hypertension developed in 14 patients (26.9%). Thirteen patients (25%) had preexisting glaucoma or suspicion of glaucoma, and 6 of these developed OHT. Glaucoma eye drops were initiated after 13 injections (13.8%). Invasive surgery for glaucoma was required in 3 patients (3.2%): all had glaucoma or suspicion of glaucoma (one case was related to neovascular glaucoma and unlikely related to steroid response after Ozurdex). There was no difference in relative intraocular pressure increase (i.e., difference between final follow-up or subsequent intravitreal injection vs. baseline) between single versus multiple Ozurdex injections (P = 0.883). CONCLUSION: Patients (26.9%) who received Ozurdex developed OHT. Glaucoma or glaucoma-suspicion factors were present in all patients who required invasive surgery for glaucoma. A greater proportion of patients who received multiple injections had an intraocular pressure elevation, but the relative intraocular pressure increase was not significant.

COMBINED VITRECTOMY AND INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE (OZURDEX) SUSTAINED-RELEASE IMPLANT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining intravitreal dexamethasone implantation (Ozurdex) with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on cases where Ozurdex injection was performed in the operating room in conjunction with pars plana vitrectomy. Our primary outcome measure was the presence of surgical complications in the perioperative and 3-month postoperative window. We also measured visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and macular edema at baseline, one, and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Fifteen eyes in 14 cases were reviewed. There were no complications intraoperatively or at 1-month postoperatively. Two patients (2 eyes) with prior retinal detachment developed proliferative vitreoretinopathy and redetachment at 3 months. Visual acuity improved in 7 of 15 eyes, and an average improvement of 2 lines was achieved for the entire cohort. There was no overall change in intraocular pressure although 1 patient developed an increase in intraocular pressure >5 mmHg. Five of 9 patients with baseline macular edema experienced improvement or resolution at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative Ozurdex in combination with PPV may be safe and effective in treating macular edema caused by many different underlying diseases.

Factors associated with spontaneous release of vitreomacular traction.

PURPOSE: To analyze the factors that may predict the release of vitreomacular traction (VMT) and vitreomacular adhesion. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of sixty-one patients with VMT imaged by optical coherence tomography over at least 3 months. Records from all patients seen at the University of Iowa from January 2012 to September 2013 were screened for the ICD9 code for VMT, vitreomacular adhesion, and epiretinal membrane (379.27 and 362.56). Release of VMT (R-VMT) was defined by resolution of patients' symptoms or traction by optical coherence tomography without surgical intervention or ocriplasmin injection. Individual factors or characteristics were evaluated by chi-square test. Using a binary logistic regression model, the potentially prognostic factors were evaluated for contribution to R-VMT. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients that met entry criteria, 21 (35%) developed R-VMT during optical coherence tomography follow-up, and 40 (65%) did not. Isolated inner retinal distortion without outer retinal involvement was significantly associated with R-VMT (P = 0.01). Vitreous injections were also associated with R-VMT (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Eyes with VMT and isolated inner retinal distortion and those receiving vitreous injections are more likely to develop VMT release without the need for surgical intervention or ocriplasmin treatment.

Nonmydriatic fundus photography for teleophthalmology diabetic retinopathy screening in rural and urban clinics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relative diagnostic value of nonmydriatic fundus photography (nFP) among patients screened for diabetic retinopathy in remote rural medical clinics and an urban academic medical center for nonadherence to recommended annual dilated eye examination. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed among diabetic patients seen in primary outpatient clinics between 2006 and 2011 who were screened for diabetic retinopathy with nFP for history of nonadherence to recommended annual dilated eye examination. A single nonstereoscopic, 45°, 10-megapixel digital image of the disc and macula of both eyes was obtained locally and transmitted electronically to a retinal specialist for remote review. The results from remote rural Native American Indian reservations were compared with those from an urban academic family practice clinic. The proportion of subjects diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and the quality of fundus images were compared. RESULTS: Among 872 patients (1,744 eyes) screened from rural sites and 517 subjects (1,034 eyes) screened from an urban site, images were of good quality for evaluation in 82.4% and 85.7% of subjects, respectively. Diabetic retinopathy was noted in 12.6% of rural subjects and 29.6% of urban subjects (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: nFP can be a useful tool in both rural and urban settings to screen for diabetic retinopathy in patients who are nonadherent to the recommended dilated annual eye exam. In our study population, a surprisingly higher percentage of diabetic subjects screened from the urban clinic had retinopathy compared with subjects screened in rural clinics.

Outcomes of Primary Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment With No Postoperative Positioning.

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomic and visual outcomes of primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair using no amount of postoperative prone positioning to clarify the role of face-down posturing for RRD reattachment. Methods: This retrospective consecutive interventional case series comprised patients who had primary vitrectomy for RRD repair. The surgical outcomes, single-surgery anatomic success rate, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed. The primary objective was to evaluate the anatomic and visual outcomes of vitrectomy RRD reattachment using no postoperative prone positioning. Results: This study comprised 116 eyes of 116 patients. Single-surgery anatomic success was achieved in 112 (96.5%) of 116 eyes. The single-surgery anatomic success rate was 100% in phakic patients (n = 56) and 93% in pseudophakic patients (n = 60), with both groups having an improvement in the mean BCVA. Conclusions: Primary vitrectomy with no postoperative prone positioning is a successful surgical intervention for RRD repair. The anatomic closure rate in this study is one of the highest reported in the literature and involved a large number of macula-off RRDs, with minimal complications and a significant improvement in BCVA, primarily using 14% perfluoropropane for gas tamponade.

Diagnostic implications of Gardner Syndrome, case report of a familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) variant, for eye care professionals.

INTRODUCTION: Gardner Syndrome (GS) is a variant of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). FAP is characterized by several precancerous adenomatous intestinal polyps while GS has additional distinct extraintestinal features such as congenital hypertrophy of retinal epithelium (CHRPE), which we describe here. PRESENTATION OF CASE: 42-year-old male with GS presenting with flashes and floaters observed to have CHRPE-like lesions characteristic of GS. DISCUSSION: Subtle CHRPE findings differentiate pathological, described in the present case, from non-pathological etiologies and may guide further management. CONCLUSION: Here we present the signs and symptoms that raise suspicion for GS associated with CHRPE and how to approach management late in the disease presentation.

NAD+ and Niacin Supplementation as Possible Treatments for Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Narrative Review.

Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are progressive retinal diseases characterized by increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review investigates the potential therapeutic benefits of NAD+ and niacin supplementation in managing glaucoma and AMD. A literature search was conducted encompassing keywords such as "niacin", "NAD", "glaucoma", "AMD", and "therapeutics". NAD+ depletion is associated with increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucoma and AMD. Niacin, a precursor to NAD+, has shown promise in replenishing NAD+ levels, improving choroidal blood flow, and reducing oxidative damage. Animal studies in glaucoma models indicate that nicotinamide (NAM) supplementation preserves RGC density and function. Large-scale population-based studies indicate an inverse correlation between niacin intake and glaucoma prevalence, suggesting a preventative role. Randomized controlled trials assessing niacin supplementation showed significant improvements in visual field sensitivity and inner retinal function, with a dose-dependent relationship. In AMD, nicotinamide supplementation may improve rod cell function and protect against oxidative stress-induced damage. Cross-sectional studies reveal that individuals with AMD have a lower dietary intake of niacin. Further studies suggest niacin's role in improving choroidal blood flow and dilating retinal arterioles, potentially mitigating ischemic damage and oxidative stress in AMD. Beyond current management strategies, NAD+ and niacin supplementation may offer novel therapeutic avenues for glaucoma and AMD. Further research is warranted to elucidate their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

Five-year follow-up of macular morphologic changes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair: Fourier domain OCT findings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate serially long-term macular morphologic changes after successful macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair and correlate changes with macular function. METHODS: Repeat Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD OCT) imaging and microperimetry (MP-1) testing of 8 of the initial cohort of 17 eyes studied 5 years earlier. RESULTS: The mean follow-up after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair was 3.4 months (range, 1-8.5 months) for the first FD OCT and 5 years (range, 3.75-5.75 years) for the follow-up FD OCT. The final postoperative best-corrected visual acuity mean was 20/201 (range, 20/20 to counting fingers). Six eyes with final best-corrected visual acuity >20/40 had an intact external limiting membrane and progressive resolution of photoreceptor inner segment-outer segment junction disruption and/or subretinal fluid on serial FD OCT, which correlated with improvement in macular function on MP-1. Two eyes with poor or worsening best-corrected visual acuity on follow-up had persistent or worsening inner segment-outer segment disruption on serial FD OCT. External limiting membrane was intact in one eye and persistently disrupted in the other. CONCLUSION: Macular function may progressively improve or worsen long-term after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Progressive resolution of subretinal fluid and/or inner segment-outer segment disruption on FD OCT correlated with improvement in macular function, whereas worsening or persistent inner segment-outer segment disruption correlates with worsening or persistently poor visual outcome.

Extraocular muscle enlargement leading to the diagnoses of Burkitt lymphoma and acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Orbital involvement in nonendemic Burkitt lymphoma is rare. The authors report a unique case of a patient who sought treatment for extraocular muscle enlargement without a concurrent orbital mass, which subsequently led to the diagnoses of Burkitt lymphoma and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in an adult patient. The case report adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance. This single case report was institutional review board exempt, given that it does not meet the definition of human subjects' research.

Relationship Between Macular Thickness and Visual Acuity in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema With Anti-VEGF Therapy: Systematic Review.

Purpose: To examine the relationship between central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity (VA) in patients with center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) receiving antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Methods: Peer-reviewed articles from 2016 to 2020 reporting intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept that provided data on pretreatment (baseline) and final retinal thickness (CMT) and visual acuity (VA) were identified. The relationship between relative changes was assessed via a linear random-effects regression model controlling for treatment group. Results: No significant association between the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA and CMT was found in 41 eligible studies evaluating 2667 eyes. The observed effect estimate was a 0.12 increase (95% CI, -0.124 to 2.47) in logMAR VA per 100 µm reduction in CMT after treatment change. There were no significant differences in logMAR VA between the anti-VEGF treatment groups. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant relationship between the change in logMAR VA and change in CMT as well as no significant effect of the type of anti-VEGF treatment on the change in logMAR VA. Although OCT analysis, including measurements of CMT, will continue to be an integral part of the management of DME, further exploration is needed on additional anatomic factors that might contribute to visual outcomes.

Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil Tamponade and Single-Dose Intravitreal Methotrexate for Recurrent Retinal Detachment with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy.

Our case emphasizes the approach of a single-dose of intraoperative methotrexate (MTX) - applied directly into silicone oil - to arrest the anomalous progression of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). A 78-year-old male presented with severe vision loss secondary to a pseudophakic macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment oculus sinister (OS). He was initially treated with primary pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular gas; however, the patient developed recurrent macula-off retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy OS. Subsequent management involved vitrectomy with membrane removal, silicone oil tamponade, and adjuvant intravitreal MTX. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery with a dramatic vision improvement after silicone oil removal OS. Here, we highlight the use of silicone oil tamponade with single-dose adjuvant MTX for the management of complex retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Retrolenticular Vitreous Opacities as a Diagnostic Indicator of Systemic Amyloidosis.

Purpose: Systemic amyloidosis is a group of rare, life-threatening disorders characterized by the deposition of amyloid plaques in numerous tissues. Vitreous involvement can occur in amyloidosis and here we describe critical diagnostic findings. Methods: Case report of vitreous amyloidosis diagnosis confounded by non-specific presentation. Results: Despite false-negative vitreous biopsies, in the setting of previous vitreoretinal surgery, the case reveals vitreous opacities, decreased visual acuity, and retinal neovascularization as critical signs in ocular amyloidosis. Conclusions: Here we present the signs and symptoms that raise suspicion for vitreous amyloidosis and how to approach diagnosis early in the disease presentation.

Trocar-Based Surgical Approach to Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage Drainage.

Purpose: Suprachoroidal hemorrhage is an uncommon but serious ocular condition that typically occurs in the setting of intraocular surgery and trauma. We present an external trans-conjunctival vitreoretinal trocar-cannula-based drainage of suprachoroidal hemorrhage as a viable surgical approach. Methods: Case report. Results: Trans-conjunctival trocar-cannula-based drainage of suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a safe and efficacious surgical approach to drainage of large choroidal hemorrhages. Conclusions: Although discrepancies persist regarding the optimal surgical approach to suprachoroidal hemorrhage management; herein, we describe the successful execution of an external trans-conjunctival vitreoretinal trocar-cannula-based drainage of suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Long-Acting Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant for Recurrent Bilateral Non-Infectious Posterior Uveitis.

Purpose: Our case emphasizes the utility of long-acting intravitreal fluocinolone implants (YUTIQ) for managing recalcitrant forms of non-infectious posterior uveitis, NIPU. Patient: We present a case of bilateral NIPU refractory to topical corticosteroids and intravitreal triamcinolone and dexamethasone. Results: Management with bilateral YUTIQ improved local ocular inflammatory control with improved vision and anatomical outcomes. Conclusion: NIPU can develop into recurrent forms resistant to short-acting therapeutics. Long-acting efficacy with YUTIQ emphasizes the need to recognize such refractory NIPU cases.

Comparison of retinal nerve fiber layer and central macular thickness measurements among five different optical coherence tomography instruments in patients with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis.

BACKGROUND: To compare the mean central macular thickness (CMT) and the mean average optic nerve retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the eyes of patients with a history of optic neuritis and/or multiple sclerosis (MS) using 5 commercially available optical coherence tomography (OCT) instruments. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 46 patients (92 eyes) with a history of optic neuritis and/or MS. Both eyes were imaged on the same day with 5 OCT instruments: 1 time-domain OCT (Stratus) and 4 different Fourier-domain (spectral-domain) OCT (3D OCT-1000, Cirrus, RTVue-100, and Spectralis). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (50 eyes) were included in the final analysis after excluding patients with diabetes, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or retinal pathology and inadequate scan quality. Randomized block analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences across instruments (P < 0.001) for both eyes for mean CMT and mean average optic nerve RNFL. When testing for significant differences in measurements from instrument to instrument, some difference was noted between the right and left eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences exist among commercially available OCT instruments in measuring mean CMT and mean average RNFL thickness in patients with optic neuritis and/or MS. These findings likely result from the differences in data acquisition and segmentation algorithm software among OCT instruments. Awareness of these variations among OCT instruments will be important in using these instruments for clinical trials and management of patients with optic neuritis and/or MS.