Choroiditis following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in unvaccinated identical twins

ABSTRACT Unvaccinated identical twins developed bilateral anterior uveitis soon after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms. During follow-up, both patients developed choroiditis, and one twine developed posterior scleritis and serous retinal detachment. Prompt treatment with oral prednisone ameliorated the lesions, and no recurrence was observed at the 18-month follow-up. Choroiditis may rarely be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, and it responds well to corticosteroid therapy. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, we hypothesize that the virus may act as an immunological trigger for choroiditis.

Unilateral hemi-central retinal artery occlusion as a presenting sign of Susac syndrome

ABSTRACT A young woman presented at our clinic with sudden visual loss in the right eye, recurrent vertigo, and right-sided tinnitus. We performed a complete ophthalmological evaluation. This revealed effects of the condition on the small arterioles of the peripheral retina. Susac syndrome is characterized by the clinical triad of retinal arteriolar occlusions, cochleovestibular manifestations, and encephalopathy (which can be identified by neuroimaging abnormalities). Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy improved the patient's visual acuity and the remission of her other symptoms. Hemi-central retinal artery occlusion is an atypical neuro-ophthalmological finding in this disease. However, its identification as a sign of Susac syndrome may facilitate timely diagnosis and accurate treatment.

Autologous Serum for the Treatment of Macular Holes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of autologous human serum as an adjuvant agent in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macular holes (MH). Thus, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases up to August 20th, 2023. The inclusion criteria targeted randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or non-RCTs that compared the use of autologous serum in vitrectomy for MH with the same procedure without the serum. The outcomes were MH closure rates and postoperative complications such as retinal detachment and cataracts. Odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MDs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Review Manager 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) was used for statistical analysis. Four studies, comprising two RCTs and two non-randomized cohort studies with 373 eyes of 372 patients, were included. The pooled analysis showed no significant difference in MH closure rates (OR 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48 to 3.43; P=0.62) and no difference concerning the incidence of adverse events (OR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.30-3.09; P=0.96). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis excluding the study by Lauritzen et al. revealed a significant difference in anatomical closure, favoring the serum arm, and demonstrated a reduction in the level of heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis demonstrated no difference between groups in the pooled analysis of all studies. However, considering the quality assessment of one of the included studies, and observing the divergent result in sensitivity analysis following its exclusion, there are indications that might suggest the superiority of the serum in terms of the analyzed endpoints. This finding highlights the existing research gaps and the imperative need for additional high-quality randomized trials to further investigate this treatment.

Large macular hole and autologous retinal transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Macular holes are breaks in the retinal tissue at the center of the macula, affecting central vision. The standard treatment involves vitrectomy with membrane peeling and gas tamponade. However, for larger or chronic holes, alternative techniques like autologous retinal graft have emerged. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of retinal transplantation in managing large macular holes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. The study was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024504801). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases for observational studies including individuals with large macular holes with or without retinal detachments and retinal transplantation as the main therapy. We used a random-effects model to compute the mean difference with 95% confidence intervals and performed statistical analysis using R software. RESULTS: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 19 studies involving 322 patients diagnosed with various types of macular holes (MHs). These included cohorts with refractory MH, high myopia associated with MH, primary MH, and MH with retinal detachment (RD). The findings were promising, revealing an overall closure rate of 94% of cases (95% CI 88-98, I2 = 20%). Moreover, there was a significant improvement in postoperative visual acuity across all subgroups, averaging 0.45 (95% CI 0.33-0.58 ; I2 = 72%; p < 0.01) overall. However, complications occurred with an overall incidence rate of 15% (95% CI 7-25; I2 = 59%). CONCLUSION: ART for large MH shows promising results, including significant improvements in visual acuity and a high rate of MH closure with low complication risks overall and for subgroups.

Quality of life in patients with Graves' orbitopathy submitted to orbital decompression: comparison between balanced and inferomedial techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare inferomedial wall orbital decompression to balanced medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression in patients with Graves' orbitopathy in the inactive phase with regard to exophthalmos reduction and the effects on quality of life. METHODS: Forty-two patients with inactive Graves' orbitopathy were randomly divided into two groups and submitted to one of two orbital decompression techniques: inferomedial wall orbital decompression or medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included Hertel's exophthalmometry and a validated Graves' orbitopathy quality of life questionnaire. The results of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Compared to preoperative measurement, exophthalmos reduction was statistically significant in both groups (p<0.001) but more so in patients undergoing medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression (p=0.010). Neither orbital decompression techniques increased the visual functioning subscale score on the Graves' orbitopathy quality of life questionnaire (inferomedial wall orbital decompression p=0.362 and medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression p=0.727), but a statistically significant difference was observed in the score of the appearance subscale in patients submitted to medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Inferomedial wall orbital decompression is a good alternative for patients who do not require large exophthalmos reduction. However, medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression offers greater exophthalmos reduction and greater improvement in appearance (higher Graves' orbitopathy quality of life questionnaire scores), making it a suitable option for esthetic-functional rehabilitation.

Unilateral hemi-central retinal artery occlusion as a presenting sign of Susac syndrome.

A young woman presented at our clinic with sudden visual loss in the right eye, recurrent vertigo, and right-sided tinnitus. We performed a complete ophthalmological evaluation. This revealed effects of the condition on the small arterioles of the peripheral retina. Susac syndrome is characterized by the clinical triad of retinal arteriolar occlusions, cochleovestibular manifestations, and encephalopathy (which can be identified by neuroimaging abnormalities). Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy improved the patient's visual acuity and the remission of her other symptoms. Hemi-central retinal artery occlusion is an atypical neuro-ophthalmological finding in this disease. However, its identification as a sign of Susac syndrome may facilitate timely diagnosis and accurate treatment.

Choroiditis following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in unvaccinated identical twins.

Unvaccinated identical twins developed bilateral anterior uveitis soon after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms. During follow-up, both patients developed choroiditis, and one twine developed posterior scleritis and serous retinal detachment. Prompt treatment with oral prednisone ameliorated the lesions, and no recurrence was observed at the 18-month follow-up. Choroiditis may rarely be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, and it responds well to corticosteroid therapy. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, we hypothesize that the virus may act as an immunological trigger for choroiditis.

Assessment of ganglion cell complex thickness and its correlation with retinal sensitivity using microperimetry 6 months after epiretinal membrane surgery.

PURPOSE: To verify the correlation between the full-macular and the ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness measurements and retinal sensitivity (RS) assessed by microperimetry (MP) 6 months after surgical peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Forty-three were submitted to pars-plana posterior vitrectomy (PPV) with concomitant peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM) for idiopathic ERM treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and 3D volumetric high-definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging were preoperatively acquired. Six months after the surgery, BCVA, OCT imaging, and RS measured by MP were assessed. For the OCT parameters, we analyzed both the full-macular and the ganglion cell layer complex (GCC) thicknesses. The MP parameters tested were 44 points covering 20 central degrees (6 mm), with direct correspondence with the nine sectors of the OCT-ETDRS map. This approach enables the direct topographic correlation between the structure and functional measurements. The OCT and MP exam measurements were also performed in 43 eyes of age-matched healthy controls. Correlations between BCVA, RS, and OCT parameters were examined. RESULTS:  All patients exhibited a substantial improvement in visual acuity following surgery. The RS parameters were significantly lower in patients compared to the controls. The full-macular thickness measurements were thicker than controls preoperatively and significantly reduced postoperatively; however, remaining significantly higher than controls, in the 4 inner sectors, at the fovea and for the average macular thickness. Preoperative GCC measurements were higher than those in controls. There was a significant reduction in GCC thickness in all sectors postoperatively, especially in the outer sectors, as well as in the average macular thickness. A positive correlation was found between full-macular and GCC thickness and RS postoperatively in several sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that ERM peeling can improve visual acuity in the postoperative period. However, RS may not fully restore, remaining significantly lower when compared to the controls. Both full-macular and GCC thickness measurements were reduced 6 months after surgery. However, significant thinning of the GCC thickness was observed when compared to the normal control eyes, indicating the occurrence of some degree of ganglion cell layer atrophy. We have demonstrated significant correlations among various OCT thickness parameters, particularly for GCC measurements. We believe that GCC integrity may play an important role in visual function after ERM surgery, and that MP may help better understand the correlations between structural and functional findings following ERM surgery.

Low-level red-light therapy for myopia control in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Low-Level Red-Light (LLRL) Therapy is a safe and natural way to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the body. When it comes to treating myopia in children, LLRL therapy is recent, and its efficacy and safety still are not clear. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature for LLRL was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines on November 5, 2022. Databases, including PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were queried. A meta-analysis of random effects was conducted. Inclusion criteria included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or observational studies where LLRL therapy was used in children (3‒15 years old) with myopia. Exclusion criteria were studies with other ocular abnormalities. Efficacy was evaluated through the mean change in Axial Length (AL) and cycloplegic Spherical Equivalent Error (SER), while safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse effects. RESULTS: A total of 5 final studies were included (4 RCTs, and 1 observational), in which 685 total patients were analyzed. The mean age was 9.7 ± 0.66 years, with 48,2% female patients. The number of eyes in the LRLL arm is 714 and, in the control, arm is 656. LLRL showed better results in SER and AL mean change (OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.83; p < 0.00001, and MD -0.33; 95% CI -0.52 to -0.13; p = 0.001, respectively), in comparison to the control group. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between groups (MD = 5.76; 95% CI 0.66 to 50.14; p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: LLRL therapy is a non-invasive, effective, and safe short-term treatment option; however, long-term evaluation, particularly in comparison to other therapies, requires additional investigation.

Combined Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation and Phacoemulsification Versus Phacoemulsification Alone in the Glaucoma Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The complete safety and efficacy of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) remain unclear in the literature and, to our knowledge, there are no current meta-analyses on phaco-ECP versus phacoemulsification alone to date. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing these two strategies through studies, assessing the effectiveness and safety of outcomes in a population with glaucoma. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023482376). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to December 2023. A random-effects model was used for all analyses due to heterogeneity. Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Denmark) was used for statistical analysis. Finally, nine studies were included in this comprehensive review and a total of 5389 eyes were analyzed in our study. In comparison to the ECP and phacoemulsification group, those receiving phacoemulsification alone showed better results in best-corrected visual acuity (MD 0.09; CI 95% 0.03 to 0.16; I²=0%), but worse outcomes in intraocular pressure (IOP) (MD -1.49; 95% CI -2.29 to -0.68; I²=29%) and use medications (MD -0.75; 95% CI -0.94 to -0.56; I²=0%) in the last visit. Complication rates, both general and serious, were significantly different between the groups, indicating the potential impact of combined procedures on patient outcomes. Thus, combining ECP with phacoemulsification for glaucoma treatment showed sustained IOP reduction and decreased medication dependence. However, higher complication rates suggest careful consideration of risks. More extensive research with larger trials and longer follow-ups is needed to validate findings and address limitations, providing valuable insights into this treatment approach.

Effects of aflibercept and bevacizumab on cell viability, cell metabolism and inflammation in hypoxic human Müller cells.

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs such as aflibercept (AFL) and bevacizumab (BVZ) inhibit pathological neo-angiogenesis and vascular permeability in retinal vascular diseases. As cytokines and growth factors are produced by Müller glial cells under stressful and pathological conditions, we evaluated the in vitro effect of AFL (Eylea®, 0.5 mg/mL) and BVZ (Avastin®, 0.5 mg/mL) on cell viability/metabolism, and cytokine/growth factor production by Müller cells (MIO-M1) under cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxia after 24h, 48h and 72h. Cell viability/metabolism were analyzed by Trypan Blue and MTT assays and cytokine/growth factors in supernatants by Luminex xMAP-based multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Cell viability increased with AFL at 48h and 72h and decreased with BVZ or hypoxia at 24h. BVZ-treated cells showed lower cell viability than AFL at all exposure times. Cell metabolism increased with AFL but decreased with BVZ (72h) and hypoxia (48h and72h). As expected, AFL and BVZ decreased VEGF levels. AFL increased PDGF-BB, IL-6 and TNF-α (24h) and BVZ increased PDGF-BB (72h). Hypoxia reduced IL-1ß, -6, -8, TNF-α and PDGF-BB at 24h, and its suppressive effect was more prominent than AFL (EGF, PDGF-BB, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and BVZ (PDGF-BB and IL-6) effects. Hypoxia increased bFGF levels at 48h and 72h, even when combined with anti-VEGFs. However, the stimulatory effect of BVZ predominated over hypoxia for IL-8 and TNF-α (24h), as well as for IL-1ß (72h). Thus, AFL and BVZ exhibit distinct exposure times effects on MIO-M1 cells viability, metabolism, and cytokines/growth factors. Hypoxia and BVZ decreased MIO-M1 cell viability/metabolism, whereas AFL likely induced gliosis. Hypoxia resulted in immunosuppression, and BVZ stimulated inflammation in hypoxic MIO-M1 cells. These findings highlight the complexity of the cellular response as well as the interplay between anti-VEGF treatments and the hypoxic microenvironment.

Surgical management of retinal detachment and macular holes secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii causes ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), involving inflammation, scarring, and retinal complications. The OT complications were retinal detachment (RD), and retinal breakage (RB). Surgical interventions like scleral buckling (SB) and vitrectomy are common. Limited understanding exists of the safety and efficacy of surgical management of RD/RB secondary to OT. Another complication is toxoplasmosis-related macular holes (tMH), with sparse evidence on surgical outcomes. This meta-analysis aims to clarify clinical characteristics, and surgical results, and enhance understanding of RD, RB, and MH secondary to OT. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science database were queried for retrospective studies, case series and case reports that provided information on RD, RB and MH associated with OT and reported the outcomes of: (1) Retinal reattachment of RD/RB and tMH closure; (2) Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement; and (3) Complications. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used for outcomes with high heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was performed using the software R (version 4.2.3, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). RESULTS: Fourteen final studies, comprising a total of 96 patients were analyzed, 81 with RD or RB and 15 with tMH. Overall, surgical management was associated with several advantages: a high rate of retinal reattachment of RD/RB of 97% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 92-100%; I2 = 0%), retinal reattachment of just RD of 96% (95% CI 89-100%; I2 = 30%) and tMH closure 97% (95% CI 87-100; I2 = 12%). There were significant differences in BCVA after surgeries in studies of RD/RB (MD 0.60; 95% CI 0.35-0.65; I2 = 20%) and MH (MD 0.67; 95% CI 0.50-0.84; I2 = 0%). The overall complication rate associated with surgical procedures in RD/RB secondary to OT was confirmed to be 25%. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the treatment approaches currently in use are effective, with a remarkable rate of retinal reattachment of RD/RB, tMH closure, and substantial improvements in visual acuity. More randomized, long-term studies on disease and surgical factors can provide valuable insights into their impact on anatomical and visual outcomes.

Optical coherence tomography detection of retinal neural loss in patients with tuberous sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Tuberous Sclerosis (TS) is a rare, multisystem genetic disease caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, leading to abnormalities in cell differentiation and proliferation. This study aimed to evaluate the neural integrity of individuals with TS by using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to examine the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the macular thickness in patients with TS and to compare with healthy controls. METHODS: Peripapillary and macular OCT scans (Optopol Revo NX SD OCT) were performed on 41 eyes from 22 TS patients, divided into two groups based on the presence of retinal hamartomas, and compared to 20 eyes from a control group. The average peripapillary RNFL thickness was measured for each quadrant. The macular total thickness and ganglion cell layer (GCL) + inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness were measured based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) map. All measurements were then compared between the groups and controls. RESULTS: The TS group showed significantly reduced RNFL thickness and macular thickness when compared to the control group. Specifically, patients with retinal hamartomas exhibited an even more pronounced thinning of both RNFL and macular thickness. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TS patients undergo significant changes in retinal neurodevelopment and experience axonal loss. This finding may have significant prognostic utility regarding central nervous system degeneration in TS, particularly among patients with retinal hamartomas. OCT may serve as a valuable tool for assessing axonal structural abnormalities in TS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Correlation between retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry and structural abnormalities on optical coherence tomography after successful epiretinal membrane surgery.

BACKGROUND: To verify the correlation between retinal sensitivity (RS) assessed by the microperimetry (MP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters measured in eyes submitted to pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) treatment. METHODS: 43 patients underwent PPV. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT imaging were acquired preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. The RS values were recorded 6 months after the surgery. Total macular thickness (TMT) measurements and OCT-evaluated structural findings were also analyzed. The MP examination tested 44 points, with direct topographic correspondence with the OCT-ETDRS map. Correlations between BCVA, RS, and OCT parameters were assessed. RESULTS: TMT measurements in patients were significantly thicker preoperatively and reduced after surgery. All patients demonstrated BCVA improvements after surgery. The RS parameters after surgery were significantly lower in patients. For OCT structural analyses, patients with lower RS at the fovea correlated with the preexisting disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL). In addition, lower RS values were associated with DRIL, outer retinal changes (ORC), and intraretinal microcysts after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The RS values after surgery were significantly lower when compared to controls. The DRIL presence before and after surgery, and microcysts and ORC after surgery were related to worse visual outcomes.

Retinoblastoma treatment in a Brazilian population. Presentation and long-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor with a high cure potential when proper therapy is used. The purpose of this paper is to report the clinical features and outcomes of patients with retinoblastoma who were treated with a combination of local and systemic chemotherapy-based protocols. METHOD: We retrospectively studied patients treated with systemic chemotherapy plus local treatment between 2003 and 2015 with a follow-up ≥2 years. We correlated clinical and pathological characteristics with decimal visual acuity (VA) and death. RESULTS: Among 119 patients, 60% had unilateral disease (UNI), and 52% were male. The median presentation age was 19.5 months, 10% had a positive family history, and the most frequent sign was leukocoria (68.8%). Advanced disease was more frequent in eyes with UNI (98.4%) than in eyes with bilateral retinoblastoma (BIL: 55.3%). Enucleation was performed in 97% of UNI eyes and in 55.8% of BIL eyes. The overall globe salvage was 26.6%, 44.25% of BIL eyes. Bilateral enucleation was required in 5%. High-risk pathologic features occurred in 50% and 37% of eyes enucleated without and with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. High-risk features were related to the presence of goniosynechiae in the pathologic specimen and were more frequent in children younger than 10 months or older than 40 months. Extraocular disease was present in 5% of patients, and the death rate related to metastasis of the tumor was 8%. The final VA was ≥ 0.7 in 72.8% and ≥0.1 in 91% of BIL patients. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of retinoblastoma with conservative systemic-based chemotherapy was associated with an excellent survival rate (92%). Albeit the low overall globe salvage rate, in BIL patients, approximately half the eyes were conserved, and a satisfactory functional visual result was achieved The evaluated protocol is an important treatment option, especially in developing countries.

Normative data for macular perimetry using the MP-3 microperimeter in healthy individuals / Dados normativos para perimetria macular usando o microperímetro MP-3 em indivíduos normais

ABSTRACT Purpose: Microperimetry has been used for several years as a form of visual function testing in patients with retinal diseases. Normal microperimetry values obtained with microperimeter MP-3 have not yet been fully published, and baseline values for topographic macular sensitivity and correlations with age and sex are needed to establish degrees of impairment. This study aimed to determine values for light sensitivity thresholds and fixation stability using the MP-3 in healthy individuals. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers (age, 28-68 years), underwent full-threshold microperimetry using a 4-2 (fast) staircase strategy with the standard Goldmann III stimulus size and 68 test points positioned identically to those in the Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test grid. The fixation stability was simultaneously recorded during the microperimetry test. The relationship between global sensitivity and age was calculated using linear regression analysis. Results: Microperimetry was performed on 37 participants (74 eyes). The global mean sensitivity was 29.01 ± 1.44 (range, 26-31) dB. The mean central sensitivity at 2° measured by the MP-3 was 28.5 ± 1.77 dB in the right eye (OD) and 28.75 ± 1.98 dB in the left eye (OS). The total median fixation stability values within 2° and 4° were 80% and 96%, respectively. The linear regression analysis also revealed an age-related global sensitivity decline per year of -0.051 dB ± 0.018 (OD) and -0.078 dB ± 0.021 (OS). Conclusions: Microperimetry performed with the MP-3 allows for an automatic, accurate, and topography-specific examination of retinal sensitivity thresholds. The results of this study provide a normal and age-matched database of MP-3 microperimetry.

RESUMO Objetivos: A microperimetria tem sido usada há vários anos como uma forma de teste de função visual em pacientes com doenças da retina. Os valores normais de microperimetria obtidos com MP-3 ainda não foram totalmente publicados e os valores basais para sensibilidade macular topográfica e correlações com idade e sexo são necessários para estabelecer graus de comprometimento. O objetivo do trabalho é determinar valores para limiares de sensibilidade à luz e estabilidade de fixação usando o MP-3 em indivíduos normais. Métodos: Trinta e sete voluntários saudáveis (idade: 28-68 anos), submetidos à microperimetria de limiar total usando uma estratégia de escada 4-2 (rápida) com o tamanho de estímulo padrão Goldmann III e 68 pontos de teste posicionados de forma idêntica aos do Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 grade de teste. A estabilidade da fixação foi registrada simultaneamente durante o teste de microperimetria. A relação entre a sensibilidade global e a idade foi calculada por meio de análise de regressão linear. Resultados: A microperimetria foi realizada em 37 indivíduos (74 olhos). A sensibilidade média global foi de 29,01 ± 1,44 dB, intervalo: 26-31 dB. A mediana da sensibilidade central a 2° medida pelo MP-3 foi de 28,5 ± 1,77 dB (ER) e 28,75 ± 1,98 dB (OE). Os valores médios totais de estabilidade da fixação em 2° e 4° foram 80% e 96%, respectivamente. A análise de regressão linear também revelou um declínio de sensibilidade global relacionado à idade por ano de -0,051 dB ± 0,018 (ER) e -0,078 dB ± 0,021 (LE). Conclusões: A microperimetria realizada com o MP-3 permite um exame automático, preciso e específico da topografia dos limiares de sensibilidade da retina. Os resultados deste estudo fornecem um banco de dados normal e de idade correspondente da microperimetria MP-3.

Low-level red-light therapy for myopia control in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Low-Level Red-Light (LLRL) Therapy is a safe and natural way to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the body. When it comes to treating myopia in children, LLRL therapy is recent, and its efficacy and safety still are not clear. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature for LLRL was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines on November 5, 2022. Databases, including PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were queried. A meta-analysis of random effects was conducted. Inclusion criteria included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or observational studies where LLRL therapy was used in children (3‒15 years old) with myopia. Exclusion criteria were studies with other ocular abnormalities. Efficacy was evaluated through the mean change in Axial Length (AL) and cycloplegic Spherical Equivalent Error (SER), while safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse effects. Results A total of 5 final studies were included (4 RCTs, and 1 observational), in which 685 total patients were analyzed. The mean age was 9.7 ± 0.66 years, with 48,2% female patients. The number of eyes in the LRLL arm is 714 and, in the control, arm is 656. LLRL showed better results in SER and AL mean change (OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.83; p < 0.00001, and MD -0.33; 95% CI -0.52 to -0.13; p = 0.001, respectively), in comparison to the control group. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between groups (MD = 5.76; 95% CI 0.66 to 50.14; p = 0.11). Conclusion LLRL therapy is a non-invasive, effective, and safe short-term treatment option; however, long-term evaluation, particularly in comparison to other therapies, requires additional investigation.

Quality of life in patients with Graves' orbitopathy submitted to orbital decompression: comparison between balanced and inferomedial techniques

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare inferomedial wall orbital decompression to balanced medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression in patients with Graves' orbitopathy in the inactive phase with regard to exophthalmos reduction and the effects on quality of life. Methods: Forty-two patients with inactive Graves' orbitopathy were randomly divided into two groups and submitted to one of two orbital decompression techniques: inferomedial wall orbital decompression or medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included Hertel's exophthalmometry and a validated Graves' orbitopathy quality of life questionnaire. The results of the two groups were compared. Results: Compared to preoperative measurement, exophthalmos reduction was statistically significant in both groups (p<0.001) but more so in patients undergoing medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression (p=0.010). Neither orbital decompression techniques increased the visual functioning subscale score on the Graves' orbitopathy quality of life questionnaire (inferomedial wall orbital decompression p=0.362 and medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression p=0.727), but a statistically significant difference was observed in the score of the appearance subscale in patients submitted to medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression (p=0.006). Conclusions: Inferomedial wall orbital decompression is a good alternative for patients who do not require large exophthalmos reduction. However, medial plus lateral wall orbital decompression offers greater exophthalmos reduction and greater improvement in appearance (higher Graves' orbitopathy quality of life questionnaire scores), making it a suitable option for esthetic-functional rehabilitation.

A comparative study of visual outcome in patients with optic neuritis treated with five or seven days of intravenous corticosteroid treatment.

BACKGROUND: Optic neuritis (ON), a major cause of visual impairment in young adults, is generally associated with rapid visual recovery when treated with intravenous methylprednisolone treatment (IVMPT). However, the optimal duration of such treatment is unknown, ranging from three to seven days in clinical practice. We aimed to compare the visual recovery in patients treated with 5-day or 7-day duration IVMPT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with ON in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2016 to 2021. We compared the proportion of participants with visual impairment in 5-day and 7-day treatment schedules at discharge, at 1 month and between 6 and 12 months after the diagnosis of ON. The findings were adjusted to age, severity of the visual impairment, co-intervention with plasma exchange, time from symptom onset to IVMPT and the etiology of the ON to mitigate indication bias. RESULTS: We included 73 patients with ON treated with 5 or 7-day duration of 1 g/d intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. Visual impairment at 6-12 months in the 5-day or the 7-day treatment groups was similar (57% x 59%, p > 0.9, Odds Ratio 1.03 [95% CI 0.59-1.84]). The results were similar after adjusting for prognostic variables and when observed at different time points. CONCLUSION: Visual recovery is similar in patients treated with 5-day and 7-day duration treatments of 1 g/day intravenous methylprednisolone, suggesting a ceiling effect. Limiting the duration of the treatment can reduce hospital stay and costs, without interfering with clinical benefit.

Normative data for macular perimetry using the MP-3 microperimeter in healthy individuals.

PURPOSE: Microperimetry has been used for several years as a form of visual function testing in patients with retinal diseases. Normal microperimetry values obtained with microperimeter MP-3 have not yet been fully published, and baseline values for topographic macular sensitivity and correlations with age and sex are needed to establish degrees of impairment. This study aimed to determine values for light sensitivity thresholds and fixation stability using the MP-3 in healthy individuals. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers (age, 28-68 years), underwent full-threshold microperimetry using a 4-2 (fast) staircase strategy with the standard Goldmann III stimulus size and 68 test points positioned identically to those in the Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test grid. The fixation stability was simultaneously recorded during the microperimetry test. The relationship between global sensitivity and age was calculated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Microperimetry was performed on 37 participants (74 eyes). The global mean sensitivity was 29.01 ± 1.44 (range, 26-31) dB. The mean central sensitivity at 2° measured by the MP-3 was 28.5 ± 1.77 dB in the right eye (OD) and 28.75 ± 1.98 dB in the left eye (OS). The total median fixation stability values within 2° and 4° were 80% and 96%, respectively. The linear regression analysis also revealed an age-related global sensitivity decline per year of -0.051 dB ± 0.018 (OD) and -0.078 dB ± 0.021 (OS). CONCLUSIONS: Microperimetry performed with the MP-3 allows for an automatic, accurate, and topography-specific examination of retinal sensitivity thresholds. The results of this study provide a normal and age-matched database of MP-3 microperimetry.