RANDOMIZED TRIAL COMPARING MICROSERRATED VERSUS CONVENTIONAL INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FORCEPS FOR INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING.

PURPOSE: To evaluate anatomic outcomes and surgeon response following the use of microserrated (Sharkskin, Alcon, Forth Worth, TX) internal limiting membrane (ILM) forceps compared with conventional (Grieshaber; Alcon) ILM forceps for peeling of the ILM. METHODS: Patients were prospectively assigned in a 1:1 randomized fashion to undergo ILM peeling using microserrated forceps or conventional forceps. Rates of retinal hemorrhages, deep retinal grasps, ILM regrasping, time to ILM removal, and surgeon questionnaire comparing the use of microserrated and conventional ILM forceps were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 90 eyes of 90 patients were included in this study. The mean number of deep retinal grasps was higher in the conventional forceps group (1.51 ± 1.70 vs. 0.33 ± 0.56, respectively [P < 0.0001]). The mean number of failed ILM grasps was higher with conventional forceps (6.62 ± 3.51 vs. 5.18 ± 2.06 [P = 0.019]). Microserrated forceps provided more comfortability (lower number) in initiating the ILM flap (2.16 ± 0.85 vs. 1.56 ± 0.76, P < 0.001), comfortability in regrasping the ILM flap (2.51 ± 1.01 vs. 1.98 ± 0.89, P = 0.01), and comfortability in completing the ILM flap (2.42 ± 1.03 vs. 1.84 ± 1.02, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Surgeons utilizing the microserrated forceps experienced fewer deep retina grasps and fewer failed ILM grasps compared with conventional ILM forceps. The microserrated forceps was also a more favorable experience subjectively among the surgeons.

Analysis of retinal alterations utilizing intraoperative OCT following surgical interventions with novel ILM forceps in the DISCOVER study.

This study aimed to assess retinal alterations following membrane peeling procedures using novel ILM Forceps with laser ablated surface with the help of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT). A post-hoc analysis was performed to evaluate iOCT findings in eyes that underwent membrane peeling procedures with the novel ILM Forceps. Pre-peel and post-peel iOCT videos and images were evaluated for each eye to assess for post-peel anatomic alterations. Surgical video/iOCT scan correlation was conducted to evaluate the etiology of anatomic alterations. Thirty-two eyes were included in the analysis. Three eyes (9%) had focal full thickness retinal elevations identified on iOCT following tissue-instrument interaction with the ILM Forceps. Two eyes (6%) had focal inner retinal elevations and one eye (3%) had a full-thickness retinal elevation that were not related to direct tissue-instrument interaction but rather indirect peeling forces. iOCT-identified architectural alterations related to direct-tissue instrument interaction were relatively infrequent (< 10%) with similar frequency to previously reported alterations with other surgical instruments.

Randomized trial comparing the effects of a 3D head-up system and microscope eyepiece-assisted simulated vitrectomy with intraocular illumination on the ocular surface of an operator.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of a 3D head-up system and microscope eyepiece-assisted simulated vitrectomy intraocular illumination on the ocular surface of an operator. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled study. According to the application system, thirty ophthalmic operators (60 eyes) were randomly divided into 3D and eyepiece groups. Under different intensities of intraocular illumination, operators in both groups viewed the fundus model through a 3D display screen or microscopic eyepiece for 2 h. Objective examinations and a subjective symptom questionnaire were used immediately after the test to evaluate the ocular surface of the operators. Objective examinations included nonintrusion tear meniscus height (NIKTMH), nonintrusion break-up time (NIKBUT), and bulbar redness and strip meniscometry tube (SMTube) measurements. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS 26.0 software. RESULTS: After the test, the NIKTMH, NIKBUT and SMTube measurements decreased; however, the degree of change varied among the groups of different systems. The differences between the 3D group and the eyepiece group in NIKTMH measurements, SMTube measurements, subjective symptom scores (eye dryness, difficulty focusing, and cervical pain), and light intensity reaching the ocular surface of the operators were statistically significant (P < 0.05). All of the objective and subjective tests showed that the 3D group had fewer effects on the NIKTMH and SMTube measurements, and the subjective comfort of the 3D group was greater. CONCLUSION: For both 3D screens and eyepieces, simulated vitrectomy with intraocular illumination for two hours can lead to discomfort and abnormalities in the operator's ocular surface; however, these abnormalities are less severe in the 3D group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on December 22, 2022, at the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry with NO. ChiCTR2200066989.

Surgical outcomes after primary Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery with vitrectomy for neovascular glaucoma.

This study aimed to evaluate the 3-year long-term outcomes of primary Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery for neovascular glaucoma (NVG). We retrospectively evaluated 27 consecutive patients with NVG between November 2013 and November 2017. All the patients were treated with panretinal photocoagulation and pars plana vitrectomy before BGI surgery without anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment. The surgical success of the BGI was defined as an IOP of <22 mmHg and <5 mmHg with or without antiglaucoma medication. The outcomes were assessed on the basis of intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, postoperative complications, and cumulative success rate. Except for 2 mortality cases, 25 eyes (92.6%) were followed up for 3 years. The mean IOPs (mmHg)/numbers of glaucoma medications ± standard error of the mean before and 12 and 36 months after BGI surgery were 41.6/4.6 ± 1.9/0.2, 14.8/2.2 ± 0.8/0.4 and 16.9/2.6 ± 1.1/0.3, respectively. In all of the follow-up time points, the postoperative mean IOP and number of glaucoma medications were statistically significantly lower than the preoperative values (analysis of variance, P < 0.001). At 3 years after surgery, the rates of visual acuity improvement (logMAR ≤ -0.3), invariance (-0.3 < logMAR < 0.3), and worsening (logMAR ≥ 0.3) were 56.0% (14/25 eyes), 24.0% (6/25 eyes), and 20.0% (5/25 eyes), respectively. The most common postoperative complications were hyphema (4 eyes, 14.8%) and vitreous hemorrhage (5 eyes, 18.5%), and serious complications such as expulsive hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, and tube/plate exposure did not occur. The cumulative probabilities of surgical success after the operation were 100% at 1 year, 85.2% at 2 years, and 77.4% at 3 years. In conclusion, combined non-valved pars plana tube placement in conjunction with vitrectomy was successful at lowering IOP with relatively low complication rates.

Comparison of safety and effectiveness between 23-gauge and 25-gauge vitrectomy surgery in common vitreoretinal diseases.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare safety and effectiveness between 23-gauge and 25-gauge vitrectomy systems for the treatment of common vitreoretinal diseases in non-vitrectomized eyes. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy from April 2018 to December 2019 at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry at the Medical University of Vienna (MUV) for the following indications: macular epiretinal membrane, macular hole, macular lamellar hole, vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous opacities, vitreomacular traction syndrome and macular edema. RESULTS: 201 eyes of 195 patients that underwent 23-gauge (n = 105 eyes) or 25-gauge (n = 96 eyes) vitrectomy were included in this study. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved at 1-3 months postoperatively and beyond 3 months in both gauge groups. Risk of any complication within 1 month postoperatively was lower in the 25-gauge group, but the difference was statistically not significant (HR [95% CI]: 0.95 [0.53; 1.70], p = 0.85). Intraocular pressure less than 5 mmHg was observed in 2 eyes (2%) in the 23-gauge group at the first postoperative day. Intraocular pressure elevation over 25 mmHg occurred in 5 eyes (2 eyes, 2%, in 23-gauge and 3 eyes, 3%, in 25-gauge group) at postoperative day 1, between 7 and 28 days in 5 cases (2 eyes, 2%, in 23-gauge and 3 eyes, 3%, in 25-gauge group), and in 2 eyes (2%) of the 23-gauge group at postoperative day 145 and 61, respectively. Retinal detachment occurred in 1 eye (1%) in the 23-gauge and in 3 eyes (3%) in the 25-gauge group. We did not observe any cases of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Results in terms of safety, surgical success and visual outcomes for the treatment of common vitreoretinal surgery indications seem to be comparable between 23-gauge and 25-gauge vitrectomy systems, indicating that the two gauge systems can be used equally in the clinical routine.

Impact of contact versus non-contact wide-angle viewing systems on outcomes of primary retinal detachment repair (PRO study report number 5).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vitrectomy to repair retinal detachment is often performed with either non-contact wide-angle viewing systems or wide-angle contact viewing systems. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the viewing system used is associated with any differences in surgical outcomes of vitrectomy for primary non-complex retinal detachment repair. METHODS: This is a multicenter, interventional, retrospective, comparative study. Eyes that underwent non-complex primary retinal detachment repair by either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone or in combination with scleral buckle/PPV in 2015 were evaluated. The viewing system at the time of the retinal detachment repair was identified and preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 2256 eyes were included in our analysis. Of those, 1893 surgeries used a non-contact viewing system, while 363 used a contact lens system. There was no statistically significant difference in single surgery anatomic success at 3 months (p=0.72), or final anatomic success (p=0.40). Average postoperative visual acuity for the contact-based cases was logMAR 0.345 (20/44 Snellen equivalent) compared with 0.475 (20/60 Snellen equivalent) for non-contact (p=0.001). After controlling for numerous confounding variables in multivariable analysis, viewing system choice was no longer statistically significant (p=0.097). CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in anatomic success achieved for primary retinal detachment repair when comparing non-contact viewing systems to contact lens systems. Postoperative visual acuity was better in the contact-based group but this was not statistically significant when confounding factors were controlled for.

Instrument Gauge and Type in Uveal Melanoma Fine Needle Biopsy: Implications for Diagnostic Yield and Molecular Prognostication.

PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate and compare the effects of using small-gauge needles and vitrectors on the ability to obtain adequate diagnostic and prognostic uveal melanoma biopsy specimens. DESIGN: Comparative evaluation of biopsy instruments. METHODS: Survival of uveal melanoma cells was evaluated in vitro following needle aspiration. Five therapeutically enucleated eyes were sampled in triplicate for ex vivo diagnostic biopsy experiments with 25 gauge (25 G) needle, 27 gauge (27 G) needle, and 27 G vitrector. During surgery in 8 patients, paired diagnostic transscleral fine needle aspiration biopsies were performed using both 25 G and 27 G needles. A review of cytologic specimens was performed by a panel of 3 expert cytopathologists. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate 100 consecutive tumors undergoing prognostic biopsy for gene expression profiling to assess the relationship between needle gauge and prognostic adequacy. RESULTS: No significant cell shearing of uveal melanoma cells occurred in vitro with 25 G, 27 G, or 30 G needles. For ex vivo biopsy samples, diagnostic yield was 100% using 25 G needle (5/5) or 27 G vitrector (5/5) but 60% using a 27 G needle (3/5). For in vivo samples, no difference in diagnostic yield was found between 25 G (75%, 6/8) or 27 G (75%, 6/8) needle sizes. Of 100 molecular prognostic biopsy samples evaluated, 65 were obtained using 27 G needles; for these biopsies, the prognostic yield was 65/65 (100%). CONCLUSIONS: For diagnostic biopsy of uveal melanoma, a larger-gauge needle or a 27 G vitrector may have better overall cellularity and diagnostic yield when compared to a 27 G needle. However, for much more common molecular prognostic testing, a 27 G needle provided adequate sample in 100% (65/65) of cases, and a larger needle provided no additional benefit.

Outcomes of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with extensive scleral-depressed vitreous removal and dynamic examination.

There are multiple surgical approaches to the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Here, we evaluated the outcomes of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), alone or in combination with scleral buckle (SB-PPV), for RRD repair using a standardized technique by 3 vitreoretinal surgeons: "extensive" removal of the vitreous with scleral depression and dynamic examination of the peripheral retina. One hundred eighty seven eyes of 180 consecutive patients treated for primary RRD by three vitreoretinal surgeons at a tertiary academic medical center from September 2015 to March 2018 were analyzed. Most RRDs occurred in males (134 [71.3%] eyes), affected the left eye (102 [54.3%]), and were phakic (119 [63.3%]). PPV alone was performed in 159 eyes (84.6%), with a combined SB-PPV used in the remaining 29 eyes (15.4%); focal endolaser was used in all (100%) cases. The single surgery anatomic success rate was 186 eyes (99.5%) at 3 months, and 187 (100%) at last follow up. Overall best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) had significantly improved at 3 months ([Snellen 20/47] P<0.00005) and last follow up ([Snellen 20/31] P<0.00005), as compared to day of presentation ([Snellen 20/234]). Our findings suggest that "extensive" removal of the vitreous and dynamic peripheral examination with scleral depression may lead to high single surgery success in primary uncomplicated RRD repair.

Decoding fluid droplet generation during phacoemulsification and pars plana procedures in the COVID-19 era-An experimental study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate fluid droplet spray generation during phacoemulsification (PE), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and fragmatome lensectomy (FL) and assess factors affecting these. METHODS: This is an experimental study. PE through 2.2 and 2.8 mm incisions was performed in six goat eyes and four simulator eyes using both continuous and interrupted ultrasound (U/S). PPV and FL were performed in three goat eyes. Generation of visible fluid droplet spray was analyzed from video recordings through the microscope camera and an external digital camera. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was applied over the incision site during PE and FL. RESULTS: When PE was performed through both incision sizes, there was no visible fluid droplet spray if the phaco tip was centered in the incision, without sleeve compression. When there was phaco tip movement with the phaco sleeve sandwiched between the tip and the incision wall, there was visible fluid droplet spray generation. It was more difficult to induce fluid droplet spray with 2.8 mm incision, and spray was lesser with interrupted U/S. During PPV, there was no droplet spray. During FL, fluid droplet spray was only seen when U/S was delivered with the fragmatome tip close to the sclerotomy. HPMC impeded droplet spray. CONCLUSION: Fluid droplet generation during PE can be minimized to a large extent by keeping the phaco tip centered within the incision, avoiding sleeve compression. Smaller incision and continuous U/S were more prone to droplet generation. FL should be performed away from sclerotomy. HPMC over incision is recommended.

Clinical comparison of 27-gauge and 23-gauge instruments on the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy surgery for the treatment of vitreoretinal diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To compare outcomes of 27-gauge and 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for treatment of vitreoretinal diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: Sixty-eight patients undergoing microincisional PPV for treatment of vitreoretinal diseases were randomized 1 : 1 to 27-gauge or 23-gauge surgery with a 7500 cuts-per-minute vitrectomy probe. The most common reasons for vitrectomy were epiretinal membrane (49%) and vitreous hemorrhage (24%). Mean ±â€Šstandard deviation (SD) changes from immediate preoperative to immediate postoperative intraocular pressure were -0.40 ±â€Š6.60 mmHg in the 27-gauge and -3.05 ±â€Š7.64 mmHg in the 23-gauge group (adjusted mean difference 2.42 mmHg, 95% lower confidence limit 0.64, P = 0.013), but these changes were not associated with primary reason for vitrectomy (P = 0.065). Mean ±â€ŠSD conjunctival edema grades in the 27-gauge and 23-gauge groups 1 week after surgery were 0.02 ±â€Š0.124 and 0.10 ±â€Š0.246, respectively (least squares mean difference -0.09, 95% upper confidence limit -0.03, P = 0.004), and were 0.01 ±â€Š0.122 and 0.12 ±â€Š0.338, respectively, at the probe incision site. Conjunctival edema grades were similar in both groups at 1 and 3 months. Mean ±â€ŠSD pain ratings on postoperative day 1 - an indicator of patient comfort - were similar in the two groups. SUMMARY: Smaller diameter vitrectomy instruments are associated with smaller reductions in immediate postoperative intraocular pressure.

A Microsurgical Vacuum Pick for Membrane Peeling Without Forceps During Vitreoretinal Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe a new device and method for peeling membranes without forceps during vitreoretinal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A novel micro-vacuum-pick (MVP) was used to peel internal limiting membrane (ILM) and/or epiretinal membrane (ERM) in 24 consecutive pars plana vitrectomy procedures. The MVP was used to create an edge in the membrane, strip the membrane from the retinal surface, and evacuate the membrane from the eye through the lumen of the device using active aspiration. RESULTS: The MVP was the sole device used to peel and remove ILM and/or ERM in each case. No surgical complication occurred during any case. The MVP was used to perform the fluid-air exchange in all cases in which a fluid-air exchange was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The MVP introduces a new method of peeling ILM and ERM without forceps. The MVP device and method eliminate the need for a separate device to create an edge in the ILM or ERM, reduce or eliminate instrument exchanges during membrane peeling, and eliminate the need for a separate extrusion cannula for fluid-air exchange. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:196-199.].

Safety and Efficacy of YAG Laser Vitreolysis for the Treatment of Vitreous Floaters: An Overview.

Emerging evidence has suggested that the entoptic phenomena associated with vitreous opacities (i.e. vitreous floaters) are more bothersome than previously believed. In addition, the prevalence of vitreous floaters is likely increasing due to the evolving global pandemic of myopia. The use of YAG laser vitreolysis for the treatment of annoying vitreous floaters has attracted significant attention in recent years as the technique offers a number of potential advantages. Unfortunately, the currently available evidence that is needed to guide clinical practice is both very limited and contradictory. As a consequence, the technique remains highly controversial. A review of the existing literature sheds light on patient- and treatment-related factors that may significantly affect both the effectiveness and the safety of the procedure. The current article discusses important aspects of key publications on the topic, offers suggestions for clinical practice, and highlights unmet needs that should be addressed by future research.

Comparison of 27-gauge versus 25-gauge vitrectomy results in patients with epiretinal membrane: 6-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the 27G versus 25G vitrectomy in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty pseudophakic eyes of 60 consecutive patients treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using 27G (30 eyes) or 25G (30 eyes) were prospectively evaluated including eye's inflammation, surgery time, ERM + ILM removal time and complications. Additionally, 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 180 days after PPV, the following were estimated: intraocular pressure (IOP), sclerotomy wound closure time, distance best corrected visual acuity (DBCVA), foveal macular thickness (FMT) and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). RESULTS: The eye's inflammation resolved within 30 days after surgery in both groups. The surgery and ERM + ILM times were longer in the 27G group (p ≤ 0.02). The most common postoperative complication was hypotony in both groups, more common in 25G group (23.3% vs. 10% of eyes). In 27G group, the mean IOP prior to 180 days postoperatively was higher (p < 0.05) and the sclerotomy wound closure time was shorter (p < 0.001). Mean DBCVA values (7, 14, 30 days after surgery) were significantly better in 27G group (p < 0.001). The mean FMT values were similarly and significantly reduced in both groups 1 day postoperatively (p < 0.05) as compared to preoperative values and then stabilized during follow-up. Mean SIA was lower in 27G group 30, 90 and 180 days after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of 27G PPV in patients with ERM significantly reduced sclerotomy wound closure time and surgically induced astigmatism, better stabilized intraocular pressure and allowed to achieve faster visual acuity improvement, as compared to 25G PPV.

Outcome of Surgical Membranectomy With a Vitrector via Limbal Approach for Posterior Capsular Opacity in Children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical membranectomy with a vitrector via a limbal approach for posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in children. METHODS: In this retrospective analytical interventional study, medical records of children younger than 17 years who underwent surgical membranectomy with anterior vitrectomy via a limbal approach were analyzed. Time lag for PCO formation after cataract surgery was assessed. Any adverse events during surgery, rate of successful completion of membranectomy, postoperative complications, improvement in visual acuity, and intraocular lens (IOL) centration were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 60 eyes of 58 children were included: 26 had traumatic etiology and 34 had developmental cataract. Mean time duration for PCO formation was 27.83 ± 39.83 months for traumatic cases and 53.53 ± 52.20 months for developmental cataract (P = .04). A satisfactory opening in the center of the membrane was achieved in 47 cases (n = 47, 78.3%). The complications encountered were uveitis (5 eyes), corneal edema (3 eyes), pigment deposition over IOL (2 eyes), raised intraocular pressure (1 eye), IOL drop (1 eye), and broken haptic (1 eye). Membranectomy with posterior optic buttonholing of the IOL in 9 aphakic eyes resulted in good IOL centration, no anterior chamber reaction, and no iris optic capture in the postoperative period. Mean visual acuity improved from 1.16 ± 0.52 to 0.73 ± 0.55 logMAR (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical membranectomy with a vitrector via a limbal approach is a safe and effective method for managing PCO in the pediatric population. Posterior optic buttonholing of the IOL during membranectomy or secondary IOL implantation results in good IOL centration and fewer complications. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(1):33-38.].

FIRST-IN-HUMAN CLINICAL STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY SURGERY USING A NEW HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY.

PURPOSE: Investigate the effective performance and safety of a new hypersonic vitrector technology. METHODS: Postapproval, prospective, single-arm, noncomparative, open-label study at one clinical site in India. INDICATIONS: macular hole (9/20), vitreous hemorrhage (7/20), vitreomacular traction (3/20), and vitreomacular traction with pseudomacular hole (1/20). Safety endpoints included intraoperative and postoperative adverse events. Effective performance endpoints were surgeon-rated effectiveness, range of surgical time, and device settings. Other performance measures were preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp and indirect ophthalmoscopy, applanation tonometry, color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Core vitreous removal (20/20 subjects), peripheral vitreous removal (18/20), and posterior vitreous detachment induction (13/15) surgeries were successfully completed. Total surgical time was 22.5 minutes to 106 minutes. Serious adverse events through 3 months were 2 device-associated retinal tears and detachment (one intraoperative) and one unrelated postoperative enlargement of macular hole with subretinal fluid. CONCLUSION: This first-in-human study suggests that this new hypersonic vitrector technology is a promising alternative to commercially available guillotine vitrectors. The hypersonic vitrector was effective in core vitreous removal in all cases. Larger-scale studies are required to expand on our initial findings for induction of a posterior vitreous detachment or peripheral vitrectomy.