Retinal microvascular differences after successful macular hole surgery by using the superior and temporal inverted flap technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal microvascular differences after successful macular hole surgery by using the superior and temporal inverted flap technique. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients with idiopathic macular holes with a horizontal diameter of 250-400 µm at the narrowest point, and who have a follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. Group 1 included 14 patients' 14 eyes that have been treated using the superior inverted flap technique. Group 2 included 15 patients' 15 eyes that have been treated using the temporal inverted flap technique. The vessel density (VD) ratios in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) at the central area and the four parafoveal quadrants were compared between the groups at baseline and postoperative month 6. RESULTS: The mean baseline BCVA improved significantly in both groups at postoperative month 6 (1.21 to 0.50 and 1.32 to 0.52 logMAR, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in mean BCVA between the two groups at postoperative month 6 (P < 0.05). The mean VD in SCP in the center area increased significantly in both groups at month 6 postoperatively (P = 0.011 and 0.020, respectively); however, the mean VD in DCP in the center area did not significantly change in both groups (P = 0.079 and 0.078, respectively). The mean VD ratios in SCP and DCP at the four parafoveal quadrants did not change significantly in both groups at month 6 (P < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are safe for retinal microvasculature at postoperative month 6.

Real-World Outcomes of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema in Türkiye: MARMASIA Study Group Report No. 1.

Objectives: This study aimed to report the demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) and provide an overview of outcomes during routine clinical practice in Türkiye. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, real-world study included 1,372 eyes (854 patients) treated with a pro re nata protocol by 21 ophthalmologists from 8 tertiary clinics on the Asian side of the Marmara region of Türkiye (MARMASIA Study Group). Five cohort groups were established by collecting the patients' baseline and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month follow-up data, where each subsequent cohort may include the previous. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, approximate ETDRS letters) and central macular thickness (CMT, µm), number of visits and IVI, and rates of anti-VEGF switch and intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) combination were evaluated. Results: The 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month cohorts included 1372 (854), 1352 (838), 1185 (722), 972 (581), and 623 (361) eyes (patients), respectively. The mean baseline BCVA and CMT were 51.4±21.4 letters and 482.6±180.3 µm. The mean changes from baseline in BCVA were +7.6, +9.1, +8.0, +8.6, and +8.4 letters, and in CMT were -115.4, -140.0, -147.9, -167.3, and -215.4 µm at the 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month visits (p<0.001 for all). The median cumulative number of anti-VEGF IVI was 3.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively. The overall anti-VEGF switch and IDI combination rates were 18.5% (253/1372 eyes) and 35.0% (480/1372 eyes), respectively. Conclusion: This largest real-life study of DME from Türkiye demonstrated BCVA gains inferior to randomized controlled trials, mainly due to the lower number of IVI. However, with the lower baseline BCVA and higher IDI combination rates in our cohorts, these gains were relatively superior to other real-life study counterparts.

Efficacy of Simultaneous Application of Subretinal Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Bevacizumab for Submacular Hemorrhages.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the patients who received simultaneous subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and bevacizumab for submacular hemorrhages secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with simultaneous subretinal tPA and subretinal bevacizumab with 18% SF6 tamponade. Anatomical and functional results of the patients before surgery and at the 1st, 6th, and 12th months after surgery, additional treatments, and complications after PPV were evaluated. Results: Eight eyes of eight patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 72.38±92.3. The mean time from the onset of symptoms to treatment was 5.13±1.88 days. The patients' mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2.23±0.14 logMAR at baseline. Mean BCVA increased significantly at 1st, 6th, and 12th months to 1.68±0.47 logMAR, 1.58±0.49 logMAR, and 1.51±0.58 logMAR, respectively (p=0.001 at all). The mean central foveal thickness (CFT) in measurable patients was 836.8±627.02 µm at baseline. Mean CFT decreased significantly to 370.13±66.13 µm in the 1st month, 373.38±78.33 µm in the 6th month, and 367.75±116.43 µm in the 12th month (p<0.05). The maximum measurable subretinal hemorrhage height at baseline was 814.2±556.45 µm. The mean number of anti-VEGFs performed for 12 months after surgery was 4.13±2.1. At month 12, the ellipsoid zone could not be detected in 6 (75%) patients. Conclusion: Administration of subretinal bevacizumab and subretinal tPA effectively removes subretinal hemorrhage under the fovea. Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment must be continued, as choroidal neovascular membrane activity continues after surgery.

Capsulorhexis with 23-gauge vitreous cutter in intumescent cataract surgery: Case series.

A capsulorhexis technique with a 23-gauge vitreous cutter in intumescent cataract surgery is presented. These patients have a high risk of uncontrollable extension of the opening of the anterior lens capsule. We used vitreous cutter for capsulorhexis along with the other steps performed as in standard phacoemulsification surgery. This technique allows controlled capsulorhexis and may be an alternative method in patients with intumescent cataracts with high intralenticular pressure and absence of red reflex.

Effects of fluorescein on corneal endothelial morphology after fundus fluorescein angiography in patients with diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of fluorescein dye on corneal endothelial morphology (CEM) after fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients were divided into two groups, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (Group-1, NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (Group-2, PDR). CEM properties including endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation of cell area (CV), average cell area (AVG), percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured before FFA and at week 1 and month 1 after FFA were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: The study consisted of 48 patient's 48 eyes in Group-1 and 50 patient's 50 eyes in Group-2. In both groups, the mean ECD, CV, AVG, HEX, and CCT measurements at week 1 and month 1 after FFA did not differ statistically from the mean measurements before FFA (p > 0.05). The mean ECD measurements in Group-1 were higher than that in Group-2 and showed statistically significant differences among the groups (p < 0.01 for all). In the Pearson correlation analysis in Group-1, there was no statistically significant relationship between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and (intraocular pressure) IOP values and ECD, AVG, CV, HEX, and CCT measurements (except central macular thickness [CMT] and HEX) before FFA, at week 1 and month 1 after FFA (p > 0.05). In Group-2 there was no statistically significant relationship between BCVA, IOP, and CMT measurements and ECD, AVG, CV, HEX, and CCT measurements before FFA, at week 1 and month 1 after FFA (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant change in CEM after FFA in patients with NPDR and PDR with DME.

A novel Yamane technique modification: Reverse intraocular lens implantation for simplifying trailing haptic insertion.

We described a modified Yamane technique for simplifying trailing haptic insertion in aphakia correction. In Yamane intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) implantation technique, trailing haptic implantation is challenging for many surgeons. This modification provides an easier and safer way of trailing haptic insertion into the needle tip and decreases the possibility of bending or breaking the trailing haptic.

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome in monozygotic twin brothers: Case report.

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) is a genetic disease affecting multiple organ systems. In the eye, it is associated with anterior segment dysgenesis with a high risk for glaucoma. Dental anomalies, cardiovascular malformations, hypospadias, and craniofacial abnormalities are other associated systemic conditions. Five years old monozygotic twin brothers with ARS were referred to Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, ophthalmology clinic for iris abnormalities. At presentation, pathognomonic components of ARS were found in both patients, including iris anomaly (corectopia, iris hypoplasia, and iris strands in Scwalbe's ring), oligodontia, hypodontia, hypospadias, and periumbilical skin fold. Intraocular pressure was within normal ranges in both of the patients. Patients were followed up in the glaucoma unit.

Comparison of Clinical and Topographic Outcomes of Hybrid and Scleral Lenses in Advanced Keratoconus.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effects of hybrid contact lenses (HCLs) and mini-scleral contact lenses (MSCLs) on visual acuity, spherical equivalent, topographic astigmatism, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in eyes with advanced keratoconus. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 43 eyes of 27 patients diagnosed with advanced keratoconus fit hybrid contact lenses (AirFlex®) and mini-scleral contact lenses (Mini-misa®). Pre-fitting examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, topographic findings (topographic astigmatism, maximum keratometry, mean keratometry, central corneal thickness, thinnest corneal thickness, and corneal HOAs. Post-fitting examinations included lens corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, topographic astigmatism, corneal HOAs, and contact lens-related discomfort symptoms. Results: Mean BCVA (log MAR) improved significantly from 0.65±0.27 to 0.14±0.09 with HCL and 0.58±0.25 to 0.15±0.13 with MSCL (p<0.05). The mean spherical equivalent and topographic astigmatism measurements decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.05). Eight patients in the HCL group experienced lens-related discomfort. Root-mean square HOA decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant improvements in visual acuity, spherical equivalent, topographic astigmatism, and HOAs were observed with both lenses. However, higher patient comfort with scleral lenses may lead to higher compliance in patients with advanced keratoconus.

Elevated serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios in patients with acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, and healthy control samples. METHODS: Serum fibrinogen/albumin ratios were assessed in patients with acute (Group-1, 30 eyes) and chronic (Group-2, 30 eyes) central serous chorioretinopathy, and compared with healthy control (Group-3, 30 eyes) samples. RESULTS: Fibrinogen/albumin ratios were significantly higher in Group-1 (104.72 ± 12.34) than in Group-2 (75.83 ± 10.06) and in Group-3 (72 ± 9.54) (p = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between age, CMT, and BCVA with fibrinogen/albumin ratios in the Pearson correlation analysis. In the ROC curve analysis, the most appropriate cut-off value of the fibrinogen/albumin ratio for acute CSCR was ≥87.8 and the optimal cut-off value for the fibrinogen/albumin ratio for chronic CSCR was ≥68.6. CONCLUSION: The fibrinogen/albumin ratio may be useful as an inflammatory biomarker to monitor the systemic inflammatory state during the treatment and follow-up in patients with acute CSCR.

Add-On Effect of Simultaneous Intravitreal Dexamethasone to Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Patients with Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Purpose: To report the effect of simultaneous dexamethasone and bevacizumab combination treatment in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: Treatment-naive patients who had a macular edema secondary to BRVO with a duration of less than 1 month were treated either with intravitreal bevacizumab (Group-1) or intravitreal bevacizumab simultaneously combined with dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Group-2). In both groups, patients received monthly bevacizumab injection during the first 3 months. Between months 3 and 12, all patients were allowed to receive pro-re-nata bevacizumab. In Group-2, the first dexamethasone implant injection was simultaneously received with first bevacizumab injections. The patients were evaluated for re-treatment after 6 months and 11 months for second and third dexamethasone simultaneously with intravitreal bevacizumab. Results: In Group-1, 35 eyes of 35 patients and in Group-2, 32 eyes of 32 patients were treated. The mean gains in BCVA were +10.7 letters in the Group-1 and +21.3 letters in the Group-2 (P = 0.021) at month 12. The mean reduction in Central Macular Thickness (CMT) from the baseline were -173.74 µm in the Group-1 and -257.97 µm in the Group-2 (P = 0.0018). In Group-1, the mean intravitreal bevacizumab injection number was 7.18 ± 1.05. In Group-2, the mean intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone injection number was 5.15 ± 1.24. There was a significant difference in mean injection numbers between 2 groups (P = 0.044). Conclusion: In the early period of macular edema adding dexamethasone to bevacizumab therapy does improve visual acuity and CMT, and reduce the injection frequency more than bevacizumab alone.

Bevacizumab simultaneous combined with dexamethasone implant for treatment of neovascular serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the add-on effect of simultaneous intravitreal dexamethasone implant to bevacizumab for treatment of neovascular serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: A 72-year-old male patient was previously treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and aflibercept for neovascular serous PED secondary to nAMD. Because of the recurrences in neovascular PED patient was treated with simultaneous intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant. RESULTS: At the initial visit, the patient's the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the left eye was 20/800. His left eye had neovascular serous PED with a height of 1100 µm and a largest linear diameter of 3953 µm accompanied by subretinal fluid. He received four intravitreal bevacizumab and five intravitreal aflibercept injections. Although there was a decrease in PED sizes from time to time during the 16-month treatment period, PED height was 926 µm and PED greatest linear diameter was 5820 µm at the end of 16th month. Later, the patient could not have an injection for 3 months (he could not come to his controls during the pandemic period), and when he arrived 3 months later, the PED height was 910 µm and the greatest linear diameter was 5830 µm. With a single simultaneous intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant, the PED regressed to 168 µm in height after 3 months. The BCVA increased to 20/200. Any clinical toxic effects did not occur and intraocular pressure did not rise for 3 months after injection. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant injection effectively and safely treated treatment-resistant neovascular serous PED. This therapy may be a novel alternative therapy for treatment resistant neovascular serous PED secondary to nAMD. However, further studies are required to understand its effectiveness and safety.

Efficacy of Intravitreal Dexamethasone After Combined Phacoemulsification and Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachments.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of intravitreal dexamethasone with simultaneous silicone tamponade after combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in severe diabetic tractional retinal detachments (TRDs). Methods: In this single center, prospective, randomized, and open labeled 2 parallel group study, patients who applied to our clinic due to diabetic TRD involving the macula with grade-3 and 4 cataracts were randomized to receive either simultaneous silicone tamponade and intravitreal dexamethasone (Group-1) or only silicone tamponade (Group-2). Primary outcome measurements were the incidence rate of retinal re-detachment and, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) at sixth month, and anterior segment inflammation and posterior iris synechia at first and at sixth months. Results: We operated 22 eyes of 22 patients in Group-1 (PPV with dexamethasone implant) and 21 eyes of 21 patients in Group-2 (PPV without dexamethasone implant). The rate of re-detachment and PVR were significantly higher in the Group-2 compared with in Group-1 at sixth month (Group-1, 0/22, Group-2, 6/21 28.6%, P = 0.038). Anterior chamber fibrin exudation at first month was significantly superior in the Group-2 (Group-1, 0/22, Group-2, 8/21 38.0%, P = 0.021). Posterior iris synechia was more observed in the Group-2 at sixth month (Group-1, 0/22, Group-2, 7/21 33.3%, P = 0.029). Conclusions: Dexamethasone implant at the end of combined phacoemulsification and PPV with silicon oil tamponade in patients with diabetic TRD reduces retinal re-detachment, anterior chamber fibrin exudation and posterior iris synechia. This approach can be an alternative option in the treatment of diabetic TRD with coexisting cataracts.

Bilateral Hypertensive Papillopathy with Diffuse Retinal Telangiectasis.

A 16-year-old type 1 diabetic female patient was consulted to our clinic for acute bilateral painless vision loss with a 2-week history in the right eye and a 1-week history in the left eye. At the initial visit, the best-corrected visual acuity was 0.2 in the right eye and 0.05 in the left eye. In fundus examination, both optic disks were pale and slightly swollen. In both eyes, superficial telangiectatic vessels were extending from the optic disk to the retina. Telangiectatic vessels disappeared within 10 days with systemic hypertension regulation and without any ocular treatment.

Laboratory and clinical correlates of brain atrophy in Neuro-Behçet's disease.

Background: Diagnostic evaluation of patients with parenchymal Neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuro-ophthalmologic, and neuropsychological evaluation. In this study, we aimed to find out the ideal diagnostic method that most closely reflects the progress in cognitive disability and brain atrophy in NBD. Methods: In this matched case-control study, we included patients with parenchymal NBD, Behçet's disease without neurological involvement (BD), rheumatoid arthritis, and healthy controls. Detailed ophthalmological examination, pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (prVEP) test, optical coherence tomography (OCT), brain MRI volumetry and cognitive evaluation tests were performed. Disability status was assessed by revised EDSS. Results: Sixty-eight individuals (35 female, 33 male) were recruited. Mean ACE-R scores were significantly lower in the NBD group (NBD vs. healthy, 80±14.4, 93±4.9, p=0.002). prVEP values were similar across groups, but retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) were more frequently abnormal in the NBD group. We found considerable volume reduction in the brainstem, cerebellum, hippocampus, and thalamus in the NBD group. Regarding prVEP, 120 minutes P100 amplitude (p<0.001, r=0.97) and 60 minutes P100 amplitude values (p=0.006, r=0.90) were positively correlated with the total cerebral white matter volume. Conclusion: Our results confirmed previous observations on cognitive dysfunction in patients with NBD. We reported MRI volumetry data of patients with parenchymal neuro-Behçet's disease for the first time and elucidated novel brain regions with atrophy. Clinically determined scores and OCT failed to predict the status of brain atrophy. prVEP P100 amplitude may be used as a surrogate marker of cerebral white matter involvement in NBD.

Spontaneous resolution of serous retinal detachment in preeclampsia.

A 24-year-old pregnant woman applied with 2 days of sudden vision loss. Funduscopy showed serous retinal detachment along in the right eye and tear was not found. In the left eye, there were two small subretinal fluid accumulationsThe patient was diagnosed with serous retinal detachment due to preeclampsia. Serous retinal detachment of the patient regressed spontaneously within 1 month. All pregnant women with gestational hypertension should undergo retinal examination.

Bilateral simultaneous non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy with occlusion of unilateral cilioretinal artery: A case report.

A 45-year-old female patient consulted our hospital for bilateral visual loss. She was receiving hemodialysis for 15 years. At presentation ophthalmologic examination, her visual acuity was hand movements in the right eye and light perception negative in the left eye. The direct light response was weak in the right eye and absent in the left eye. A total afferent pupillary defect was detected in the left eye. Fundoscopy revealed bilateral sectorial pale, sectorial hyperaemia and swollen optic discs. On the left papilla, there were splinter haemorrhages. At the right eye, there was pale edema at superior maculo-papillary bunch that coherent with occlusion of the cilioretinal artery. She was diagnosed as non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy based on the clinical and funduscopic examination. Methylprednisolone intravenous 1000mg/day for three days, then, oral methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day were administered for one week. Simultaneous acetylsalicylic acid 325 mg/day and hydration with 0.9% 1000cc isotonic solution treatment started. After two months, visual acuities did not change in both eyes, and both optic disks were pale.