Hybrid 23/25-Gauge Direct Perfluorocarbon Liquid-Silicone Oil Exchange.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel technique for direct perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)-silicone oil exchange that aims to reduce the inherent risk of intraoperative intraocular pressure spike. METHODS: We use the conventional setup for passive PFCL-silicone exchange, but intentionally create a mismatch between the passive PFCL aspiration and the active silicone injection that favors the PFCL extrusion. This is achieved by converting one port to a large gauge one-23 or 20-gauge. RESULTS: We did not note the occurrence of high intraocular pressure spikes with this technique as noted by disk pallor or attenuated vessels. CONCLUSION: A hybrid 23/25-gauge technique for direct PFCL-silicone oil exchange is safe and reduces the risk of intraoperative intraocular pressure spike.

Recovery course of foveal microstructure in the nonsurgical resolution of full-thickness macular hole.

PURPOSE: To analyze the recovery course of foveal microstructures in eyes with nonsurgical healing of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). METHODS: By serial OCT scans, the temporal healing sequences were analyzed in ocular trauma, vitreomacular traction (VMT), cystoid macular edema (CME), and the remaining group. We evaluated correlations between the final best-corrected spectacle visual acuity and reconstruction time of external limiting membrane (ELM), and inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS). RESULTS: The healing (mean±standard deviation in months) most involved fusion at the level of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) (6.3±10.5) followed by restoration of ELM (9.1±13.8), and lastly, by IS/OS regeneration (13.1±19.5). In severe blunt ocular trauma, healing was fast and involved subretinal zipper glue-like reapposition with resulting outer retinal atrophy. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity correlated with normalization of the clivus (p=0.012), faster ELM (p=0.006), and IS/OS reconstitution (p=0.024). Recurrence of FTMH occurred when the healing was halted (3 eyes) or was aberrant by lamellar hole epiretinal proliferation (LHEP) (3 eyes) or by the persistence of VMT (1 eye). CONCLUSION: Recovery sequences proceeded from the ONL to the deeper layers with BCVA correlating absolutely and temporally with the restoration of outer retinal layer integrity.

PREVALENCE OF FOVEOLAR LUCENCY WITH DIFFERENT GAS TAMPONADES IN SURGICALLY CLOSED MACULAR HOLES ASSESSED BY SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of foveolar lucency (FL) in surgically closed macular holes by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. METHODS: One hundred forty-two eyes of 132 patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade in a 60-month time frame. Anatomical success and FL rates assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography, mean preoperative, and postoperative best-measured visual acuity and surgical details were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Spectral domain optical coherence tomography confirmed closed holes with FL in 33.7% (34/101) of eyes at 1 month, 7.3% (9/123) at 3 months, 4.6% (6/129) at 6 months, and 3% (4/133) at 12 months. Prevalence of FL in closed holes at Month 1 was lower in C3F8-treated eyes (9.5%, 2/21) compared with C2F6 (40.9%, 18/44, P = 0.03) and SF6-treated eyes (38.9%, 14/36, P = 0.05). No differences were observed at Month 3. No differences in best-measured visual acuity change were observed between closed holes with or without FL at Month 1 (-0.14 ± 0.19 vs. -0.11 ± 0.23, P = 0.48) or any of the other time points. CONCLUSION: Temporary FL is a highly prevalent feature in successfully closed macular holes. Eyes treated with C3F8 gas had lower rates of FL at Month 1 than C2F6 and SF6-treated eyes. The presence of FL in closed holes does not seem to have any effect on the visual outcomes.

Short-term safety of dexamethasone implant for treatment of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion, in eyes with glaucoma or treated ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: To report the short-term safety of dexamethasone implants to treat macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), in eyes with treated glaucoma or ocular hypertension at baseline using an as-needed re-treatment regimen. METHODS: Retrospective clinical database study from two centers using the same electronic medical record system. Extracted data included: intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA), central 1 mm retinal thickness (CRT) by optical coherence tomography, phakic status, number of injections, glaucoma treatment, and peri-operative complications. RESULTS: Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients on IOP-lowering treatment for glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) at baseline and mean IOP of 16 mmHg at baseline received one to four (mean, 1.8; median, 1) dexamethasone implants over 18 months for RVO-related macular edema. Fourteen eyes (42 %) had IOP of ≥21 mmHg, and three eyes (9 %) had IOP of ≥35 mmHg at one or more visits during the study period. Nine of 14 eyes (64 %) with raised IOP required additional topical treatment only for a mean (SE) period of 8.5 months (3.2), while the remaining five eyes (36 %) required long-term additional IOP-lowering treatment for a mean (SE) of 16 months (1.44). Surgery for IOP lowering was not required in any eye. Mean VA (SE) improved from 44 (3) ETDRS letters at baseline to 47 letters (5) at 2 months (p = 0.049), 48 (8) letters at 6 months and 46 (4) letters at 12 months. Mean CRT (SE) improved from 530 (25) µm at baseline to 323 (27) µm at 2 months (p < 0.001), 498 (76) µm at 6 months, and 359 (25) µm at 12 months (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The short-term IOP rise after intravitreal dexamethasone implant in eyes with glaucoma or ocular hypertension at baseline was acceptable and consistent with previous reports in patients without preexisting glaucoma. Treated OHT or glaucoma may not be a strict contraindication against the use of dexamethasone implant, but close monitoring of IOP is required.

Recovery course of persistent posterior subretinal fluid after successful repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To investigate best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF) absorption time or ellipsoid zone (EZ) restoration time and various variables in patients with persistent SRF after successful primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study allowed independent analysis of the healing pattern by two observers based on composite of serial cross-sectional macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. Univariate and multivariate analyses were implemented. RESULTS: One hundred and three cases had persistent SRF after pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckling, or pneumatic retinopexy. By univariate analysis, SRF resolution time correlated positively with the number of retinal breaks (p < 0.001) and with increased myopia (p = 0.011). Using multivariate analysis, final BCVA (log MAR) correlated positively with age, duration of RRD, initial BCVA (OR = 3.28; [95%CI = 1.44-7.47]; p = 0.015), and SRF resolution time (OR = 0.46 [95%CI 0.21-1.05]; p = 0.049). EZ restoration time was longer with increasing number of retinal tears (OR = 0.67; [95%CI 0.29-1.52]; p = 0.030), worse final BCVA, and presence of macula-off RRD (OR = 0.26; [95%CI 0.08-0.88]; p = 0.056). SRF resolution time correlated marginally with prone position. CONCLUSIONS: Residual posterior SRF is more common in eyes with multiple breaks or in myopic eyes. Final BCVA is better in younger subjects and in eyes with shorter duration of RRD. Persistent SRF is a self-limited disorder with a mean resolution of 11.2 months with good visual prognosis improving from a mean baseline logMAR of 1.08 to 0.25 at one year.

Management of optic disc pit maculopathy: the European VitreoRetinal society optic pit study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a variety of techniques, and their anatomical and functional results, for the treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M). A secondary aim was to report on results of secondary procedures in cases of initial failure or recurrence. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective study of 95 eyes with ODP-M, treated by 25 surgeons from 12 countries. Primary outcomes were anatomical resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF), intraretinal fluid (IRF) and visual acuity (VA) at 12 months. RESULTS: Higher rates of SRF and IRF resorption were achieved in eyes treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) compared to external laser with or without tamponade: 64/72 (88.9%) versus 8/14 (57.1%) for SRF (p = 0.003), and 50/59 (84.7%) versus 3/10 (30%) for IRF (p = 0.002). The addition of juxtapapillary laser or internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel during PPV did not improve SRF or IRF resolution. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with tamponade and PPV with tamponade plus endolaser were associated with significant visual gain. In the former group, VA improved from a mean of logMAR 0.91 (20/162), to a mean of logMAR 0.52 (20/66) at 12 months; in the latter group, VA improved from a mean of logMAR 0.82 (20/132) to a mean of logMAR 0.47 (20/59) at 12 months. Retreatments were performed in 14 eyes (15.7%), only enhancing anatomical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy with tamponade had better final outcomes than external laser treatment with or without gas tamponade. Laser endophotocoagulation and ILM peel provided no additional benefit. A secondary treatment resulted in anatomical but not functional improvement.

Clinical characteristics of full thickness macular holes that closed without surgery.

PURPOSE: To ascertain the anatomic factors that help achieve non-surgical sealing in full thickness macular hole (FTMH). METHODS: Retrospective collaborative study of FTMH that closed without surgical intervention. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients (mean age 57.9 years) included 18 patients with blunt ocular trauma, 18 patients that received topical or intravitreal therapies and 42 patients with idiopathic FTMH. Mean±SD of the initial corrected visual acuity (VA) in logMAR improved from 0.65±0.54 to 0.34±0.45 (p<0.001) at a mean follow-up of 33.8±37.1 months. FTMH reopened in seven eyes (9.0%) after a mean of 8.6 months. Vitreomacular traction was noted in 12 eyes (15.8%), perifoveal posterior vitreous detachment in 42 (53.8%), foveal epiretinal membrane in 10 (12.8%), cystoid macular oedema (CME) in 49 (62.8%) and subretinal fluid (SRF) in 20 (25.6%). By multivariate analysis, initial VA correlated to the height (p<0.001) and narrowest diameter of the hole (p<0.001) while final VA correlated to the basal diameter (p<0.001). Time for closure of FTMH (median 2.8 months) correlated to the narrowest diameter (p<0.001) and the presence of SRF (p=0.001). Mean time for closure (in months) was 1.6 for eyes with trauma, 4.3 for eyes without trauma but with therapy for CME, 4.4 for eyes without trauma and without therapy in less than 200 µm in size and 24.7 for more than 200 µm. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest an observation period in new onset FTMH for non-surgical closure, in the setting of trauma, treatment of CME and size <200 µm.

Survey of the use of laser protective eyewear among international retina specialists: a European vitreoretinal society study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the trends for the use of eye protection methods during retinal laser in clinic and operating room. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Retrospective analysis of a 14-item survey questionnaire submitted to the European Vitreoretinal Society members. RESULTS: Responses from 630 members were analysed. Most of the respondents practised in Europe (52.7%), followed by North America (21.0%). The majority of respondents had laser filters in the microscope for the operating surgeon (92.1%), or used protective goggles (6.8%). Only 38.9% of respondents indicated that auxiliary staff in the operative room used protective goggles during laser treatment. Three-dimensional retina viewing system was used by only 22.5% of respondents, of those, 34.5% reported use of laser protection goggles by the operating surgeon. Rates of laser protection by auxiliary staff were 62.9% for indirect laser and 60.8% for slit lamp laser. We found a higher rate for use of laser protection by auxiliary staff in North America-based practices for endolaser (p<0.00001), laser indirect ophthalmoscope (p<0.00001) and slit lamp laser (p=0.00033) compared with the rest of the world. CONCLUSION: The use of laser protection methods is routinely adopted by the physicians in the operating room and clinic, but less so by their assisting or auxiliary staff.

Non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration with subretinal fluid.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the various patterns of subretinal fluid (SRF) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the absence of macular neovascularisation (MNV) and to assess the long-term outcomes in these eyes. METHODS: This retrospective study included only eyes with non-neovascular AMD and associated SRF. Eyes with evidence of MNV were excluded. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was obtained at baseline and at follow-up, and qualitative and quantitative SD-OCT analysis of macular drusen including drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and associated SRF was performed to determine anatomic outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-five eyes (45 patients) were included in this analysis. Mean duration of follow-up was 49.7±36.7 months. SRF exhibited three different morphologies: crest of fluid over the apex of the drusenoid PED, pocket of fluid at the angle of a large druse or in the crypt of confluent drusen or drape of low-lying fluid over confluent drusen. Twenty-seven (60%) of the 45 eyes with fluid displayed collapse of the associated druse or drusenoid PED and 24 (53%) of the 45 eyes developed evidence of complete or incomplete retinal pigment epithelial and outer retinal atrophy. CONCLUSION: Non-neovascular AMD with SRF is an important clinical entity to recognise to avoid unnecessary anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Clinicians should be aware that SRF can be associated with drusen or drusenoid PED in the absence of MNV and may be the result of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) decompensation and RPE pump failure.

Fully Automated Direct Perfluorocarbon Liquid-Silicone Oil Exchange.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a modified technique of fully automated direct perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)-silicone oil (SO) exchange. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This technique is indicated for cases that require direct PFCL-SO exchange as in giant retinal tear or large retinectomies to avoid retinal slippage. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is carried out in standard fashion; then the dual active injection/extrusion mode is activated in the vitrectomy machine. The machine parameters are set at approximately 30-40 psi for SO injection and 150-250 mmHg for active PFCL aspiration. In this method, both the SO injection and the PFCL extrusion are simultaneously controlled by the foot pedal. RESULTS: We used this technique for a total of 24 cases: 6 cases of giant retinal tears and 18 retinectomies. We did not encounter any complications related to significant IOP spike during surgery or complete removal of the PFCL. CONCLUSION: This automated technique for direct PFCL-SO exchange maintains a controlled balance between SO injection and PFCL aspiration, that mitigates the risk of intraoperative IOP spikes. It is safe, quick, and can be performed without the need of an assistant or extra chandelier light or high-pressure viscous tubing.

Assessment of Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Changes following Cataract Surgery in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To assess eye pressure, ganglion cell complex, and retinal nerve fiber layer changes following cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) were included in the study. They were divided into two groups; the first group included patients with PEXG and cataract who underwent phacoemulsification (pseudophakic group; n = 40 eyes). The second group included patients with PEXG without cataract (control group; n = 45 eyes). Both groups were on antiglaucoma treatment. IOP changes after surgery and the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thicknesses were evaluated in patients underwent cataract extraction surgery compared to controls that did not have cataract, nor underwent surgery. Both groups were followed up postoperatively for 18 months. RESULTS: There was no difference in the mean age and glaucoma stage in both groups (P=0.242 and 0.70, respectively). In the pseudophakic group, the mean IOP significantly dropped from 20.43 ± 0.90 to 17.00 ± 2.75 mmHg at the end of the follow-up period (P ≤ 0.001). Slight decrease (≈3 µm) was recorded in the mean GCC thickness of the pseudophakic patients from the baseline at the end of the follow-up period. This decrease was lower than that of the controls (≈5 µm). No significant pRNFL changes were recorded all over the postoperative visits (88.78 ± 22.55 µm at 3 months, 88.67 ± 23.14 µm at 6 months, 87.62 ± 23.04 µm at 12 months, and 87.32 ± 22.61 µm at 18 months) as compared to preoperative value (90.28 ± 22.31 µm) with P=0.335, 0.387, 0.158, and 0.110, respectively, or controls (89.69 ± 21.76 µm, 88.73 ± 21.08 µm, 87.33 ± 20.67 µm, and 87.23 ± 20.54 µm with P=0.850, 0.990, 0.951, and 0.984). CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation may aid in managing pseudoexfoliation glaucoma by lowering IOP and slowing the rate of GCC and pRNFL losses over a short-term period.

Central retinal artery occlusion during vitrectomy: Immediate retinal revascularization following induction of posterior vitreous detachment.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) during vitrectomy surgery and the possible role of vitrectomy in acute CRAO management. OBSERVATIONS: An 84-year-old man presented with broad vitreomacular traction and epiretinal membrane in the right eye. Preoperative assessment clearly showed normal retinal vasculature. On starting vitrectomy, complete CRAO with marked segmentation of all retinal vessels was noted. Vitrectomy was performed in the usual manner and once the posterior hyaloid detached from the disc, immediate complete revascularization of the retinal vessels was noted. The patient had a complete visual recovery. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Immediate vitrectomy with induction of posterior vitreous detachment may have a role in selected cases of acute CRAO, particularly if performed within a short window.

Repeat Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Refractory Cystoid Macular Edema in Syphilitic Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To report the successful utilization of adjunctive repeat intravitreal corticosteroid therapy for the treatment of cystoid macular edema in syphilis-related uveitis. METHODS/PATIENTS: An HIV-positive patient with treated ocular syphilis who developed refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) was treated with repeat intravitreal corticosteroid therapy including dexamethasone intravitreal implants. RESULTS: Treatment led to the resolution of CME and improvement in visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal corticosteroid therapy may be a viable adjunctive treatment for refractory CME in patients with treated syphilitic uveitis. Corticosteroid-induced exacerbation of infection is unlikely in patients with an adequate serologic treatment response.

Intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone for treatment of cystoid macular oedema associated with chronic myeloid leukaemia and imatinib therapy.

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone in the treatment of cystoid macular oedema in a case with chronic myeloid leukaemia on imatinib treatment. Methods. We treated a 78-year-old man with bilateral cystoid macular oedema with intravitreal triamcinolone and subsequent bevacizumab in one eye and intravitreal bevacizumab, alone, in the fellow eye. Results. Serial intravitreal bevacizumab with and without triamcinolone treated cystoid macular oedema in both eyes and improved the vision. Conclusion. Intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone could be viable options to treat cystoid macular oedema due to chronic myeloid leukaemia and imatinib therapy.

Paravascular inner retinal defect associated with high myopia or epiretinal membrane.

IMPORTANCE: Paravascular retinal abnormalities are common in highly myopic eyes. However, affected areas may be underestimated, and the pathogenesis and effects on retinal function remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the characteristics and pathogenesis of paravascular inner retinal defects (PIRDs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective and observational case series (between April 2013 and April 2014) at a referral retinal practice among 28 patients (41 eyes) with PIRDs. The entire affected retinal area was examined in 4 quadrants in sequential thin sections using optical coherence tomography. The effect of PIRDs on retinal function was examined using Goldmann perimetry. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Morphological changes on optical coherence tomography sections and visual field test by Goldmann perimetry. RESULTS: On fundus photography, PIRDs appeared as spindle-shaped or caterpillar-shaped dark areas along the major retinal vessels disconnected from the optic disc. On optical coherence tomography cross-sections of retinal vessels, PIRDs often appeared as cystoid or fissure-like spaces; however, longitudinal optical coherence tomography sections along retinal vessels revealed that most PIRDs were actually wide defects in the inner retina or located beneath the major retinal vessels, often deviating into the vitreous cavity. Of 41 eyes with PIRDs, 37 (90%) were myopic; 21 eyes (51%) had high myopia. The mean refractive error of the eyes with PIRDs was -7.94 (95% CI, -9.48 to -6.40) diopters. The mean axial length of the eyes with PIRDs was 26.96 (95% CI, 25.42-28.49) mm. Twenty-one eyes (51%) showed epiretinal membrane in the macular area. In these eyes, PIRDs had formed along the temporal arcade vessels, which increasingly deviated toward the fovea by epiretinal membrane traction. Of 41 eyes with PIRDs, 35 showed visual field defects corresponding to the PIRD locations. The most common visual field defects were relative Bjerrum scotoma (in 75% [60 of 80]; 95% CI, 66%-85%) and nasal steps (in 59% [47 of 80]; 95% CI, 48%-70%) corresponding to the PIRD predilection locations. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Paravascular inner retinal defects primarily occur in eyes with high myopia or epiretinal membrane. Deviated retinal vessels due to axial elongation or epiretinal membrane traction may be involved in the pathogenesis. Paravascular inner retinal defects often cause retinal dysfunction corresponding to the location. A PIRD may partially overlap with retinal lesions previously reported as cleavage of the retinal nerve fiber layer, inner retinal cleavage, paravascular retinal cysts, or lamellar holes. However, the term PIRD more precisely describes the characteristic features of the lesion.

Association of focal choroidal excavation with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To study the prevalence, tomographic features, and clinical characteristics of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) in eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: We examined 243 consecutive eyes with exudative AMD with a prototype swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. Three-dimensional images of the macular area, covering 6 × 6 mm(2), were reconstructed by segmentation of the outer surface of the retinal pigment epithelium. RESULTS: Three-dimensional swept-source OCT revealed 15 excavations in 12 eyes (4.9%); 10 had a single excavation and 2 had multiple excavations (2 and 3 excavations, respectively). In multiaveraged scans, unusual choroidal tissue was found beneath 5 excavations, bridging the excavation with the outer choroidal boundary. Additionally, the suprachoroidal space was observed beneath 7 excavations-the outer choroidal boundary appeared to be pulled inward by this bridging tissue. In 9 excavations, color fundus photographs showed pigmentary disturbance. Fourteen excavations (93.3%) were located within or adjacent to the choroidal neovascularization area. Compared with eyes without FCE, in eyes with FCE, the mean age was significantly higher (P = 0.040) and mean visual acuity was significantly better (P = 0.014). In addition, polypoidal lesions were observed in 8 of 12 eyes with FCE, but they appeared to have a limited effect on either the rate of FCE (P = 0.44) or the clinical characteristics of the eyes. CONCLUSIONS: While FCE may be partially related to the choroidal neovascularization associated with exudative AMD, other factors may also influence this association.

Multimodal evaluation of macular function in age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate macular function using multimodality in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at various stages. METHODS: Macular function in 20 control eyes (20 subjects), 17 eyes (17 patients) with large drusen, 18 eyes (18 patients) with drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and 19 eyes (19 patients) with neovascular AMD was examined using a Landolt chart for visual acuity; retinal sensitivity was measured by microperimetry; and focal macular electroretinography (fmERG) was performed. In all of these eyes, retinal morphology was examined using optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Eyes with neovascular AMD showed morphologic changes in the neurosensory retina as well as marked deterioration of macular function in all parameters measured with a Landolt chart, fmERG, and microperimetry. Eyes with large drusen showed only minimal morphologic changes in the neurosensory retina. In this large drusen group, although retinal sensitivity at the central point was significantly decreased (P = 0.0063), the other parameters of macular function were well preserved. In eyes with drusenoid PED, the structure of the neurosensory retina was well preserved, while the foveal thickness was significantly increased (P = 0.013). The macular function of these eyes was significantly deteriorated, with the VA, amplitude of the a-wave and b-wave, and retinal sensitivity being markedly decreased. In addition, the area of PED correlated with the latency of the a-wave and b-wave and with the retinal sensitivity within the central 4° or 8° region. CONCLUSION: Multimodal evaluation demonstrated a significant decrease in macular function in drusenoid PED and in neovascular AMD.

Macular choroidal thickness and volume of eyes with reticular pseudodrusen using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To investigate the choroidal thickness/volume of eyes with reticular pseudodrusen using high-penetration swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and to evaluate the choroidal vasculature changes using en face images. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Thirty-eight eyes with reticular pseudodrusen and 14 normal eyes were studied with prototype SS-OCT. Eyes with reticular pseudodrusen were classified into 3 subgroups: eyes without late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Group1), eyes with neovascular AMD (Group2), and eyes with geographic atrophy (Group3). Mean regional choroidal thickness/volume measurements were obtained by 3-dimensional (3D) raster scanning. The choroidal vascular area was measured using en face images reconstructed from a 3D SS-OCT data set. RESULTS: Mean age and axial length did not differ between eyes with reticular pseudodrusen and normal eyes. The mean choroidal thickness and volume of each sector was significantly reduced in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen compared with normal eyes (P < .020 for all). Mean choroidal thickness and volume of each area showed no significant difference between the 3 groups; however, most of them showed decreased thickness compared with normal eyes. En face images through the choroid revealed narrow and sparse choroidal vessels in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen. The area of choroidal vasculature was significantly reduced in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen compared with normal eyes (P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with reticular pseudodrusen, macular choroidal thickness/volume was reduced regardless of choroidal neovascularization/geographic atrophy. Thinned vessels in the choroid suggest choroidal involvement in the pathogenesis of reticular pseudodrusen.