Neuroprotective effect of melatonin loaded in ethylcellulose nanoparticles applied topically in a retinal degeneration model in rabbits.

We are reporting for the first time the synthesis and application of an innovative nanometric system for the controlled topic release of melatonin in the retina. The ethylcellulose nanocapsules were characterized by diverse physicochemical techniques (scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameters) and an in vitro release study was done. A complete ex vivo and in vivo trans-corneal permeation and an irritation study were carried out with the new formulations in albino rabbits, to which a retinal degenerative model was induced. The results obtained demonstrate that the in vitro release of melatonin (1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL) transported by nanocapsules is slower when compared to a solution of melatonin. Greater penetration of melatonin through the cornea was demonstrated by ex vivo and in vivo tests. This can be attributable to an enhanced neuroprotective effect of melatonin on retinal ganglion cells when it is included in ethylcellulose nanocapsules compared to a solution of melatonin. These outstanding findings add promising new perspectives to current knowledge about administrations using nano-technological tools in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases at the ocular level.

Dynamic Infrared Imaging of Vitreous Floaters.

Background and Objective: To evaluate the use of dynamic infrared (IR) imaging as a tool for the objective evaluation of symptomatic vitreous floaters and to correlate it with the patient symptomatology. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Retrospective study that examined 66 eyes of 44 patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic vitreous opacities. Patients were imaged using the Heidelberg Spectralis dynamic infrared (IR) image in video mode to record the vitreous movements and shadow artifacts within 30 degrees of the center of the macula. Patients were also asked how symptomatic their vitreous floaters were from absent to severe. After reviewing IR videos and OCT, a grading system was created to evaluate the floaters and a masked reader was asked to evaluate the videos and OCT based on the grading system created. Results: A total of 66 eyes were identified and examined with the IR videos, 50 were symptomatic, and 16 were asymptomatic. After masked review and analysis of the IR videos, there were 4 characteristics that correlated with the patient's symptoms: size, location, movement, and density of obscuration of the OCT B Scan by the vitreous opacity. A table with grading of these characteristics was created to analyze how symptomatic patients were. A masked grader was asked to grade the videos and OCT using the grading system created. A positive correlation was found between the masked grader and the symptoms of patients. (0.70039; p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Dynamic IR video capture of vitreous opacities is a new imaging technique that can qualitatively assess vitreous opacities in a way that correlates to a patient's symptoms. This imaging modality can provide a qualitative assessment of the patient's severity of symptoms based on the location, density, and movement of the visualized vitreous opacities in the imaged video.

Pseudoangiomatous retinal gliosis (PARG) treated with iodine plaque in patient with chronic retinal detachment.

Purpose: To describe a case of a chronic retinal detachment complicated by the development of pre and subretinal hemorrhage secondary to a large pseudoangiomatous retinal gliosis (PARG) that interfered with retinal reattachment. After the lesion was regressed following plaque radiotherapy retinal reattachment was successfully completed. Observations: A 56y.o healthy man with known history of a chronic inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) of the left eye (OS) presented to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) emergency department (ED) complaining of new floaters OS. On examination, the patient had a visual acuity of 20/30 right eye (OD) and 20/200 OS. Fundoscopic examination showed a treated tear in OD and dense vitreous hemorrhage OS. Initial B-scan ultrasonography OS showed an inferior RD with diffuse hyperechoic material in the vitreous cavity, preretinal and subretinal space most consistent with hemorrhage. Three days later the patient presented with further vision loss and a repeat B scan showed total RD and increasing subretinal hemorrhage with a solid mass like lesion. At this point, decision was made to proceed with retinal detachment repair, removal of the vitreous hemorrhage, and retina evaluation. During surgery, a total retinal detachment was encountered with poor view of the inferior retina due to a large round vascular lesion in the subretinal space with surrounding hemorrhage and clots. The retina was reattached during surgery, however, the postop was complicated by recurrence of VH, dense hyphema, increased IOP, recurrence of retinal detachment, and growth of the mass like lesion noted during surgery. Consultation with ocular oncology diagnosed the patient with secondary PARG lesion and plaque radiotherapy was given achieving remarkable regression of the lesion. After the lesion had regressed, successful retinal reattachment was achieved, and the patient had excellent visual recovery. Conclusion and importance: PARG lesions are uncommon in particular when associated to chronic retinal detachments. This case highlights the importance of having a high clinical suspicion for the development of these lesions to diagnose them correctly and treat them aggressively with plaque radiotherapy in order to be able to manage the underlying complex retinal detachment.

Rubeosis iridis and macular hemorrhages from multiple Corkscrew retinal vessels in a patient with NF1.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a patient with NF1 presenting with ocular findings of AV malformation, multiple retinal hemorrhages, and neovascular glaucoma in the absence of retinal ischemia. METHODS: Review of the medical record was conducted in accordance with the local IRBt. RESULTS: A 60-year-old female patient with diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) and sudden decrease of vision in her left eye was found to have rubeosis iridis and high intraocular pressure (IOP). On fundus exam multiple corkscrew retinal vessels and retinal hemorrhages were present in her left eye. On Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) the foveal hemorrhages appeared as outer layer hyperreflective retinal infiltrates whereas in the parafoveal area the hyperreflectivity was present between the RPE and neurosensory retina. Fluorescein Angiogram (FA) showed normal perfusion and no areas of leakage or ischemia. Treatment with anti-angiogenics in a timely manner correlated with a good visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We present a unique patient with NF1, rubeosis iridis, high IOP, and macular hemorrhages from multiple corkscrew retinal vessels in a well perfused retina, who underwent treatment with a single dose of intravitreal Bevacizumab and had an excellent response.