[Qualitative and quantitative study of ophthalmologic consultation in France: A multicenter descriptive survey]. / Étude qualitative et quantitative de la consultation ophtalmologique en France : enquête multicentrique descriptive.

This study aimed to precisely map current ophthalmologic consultation in France through systematic data collection in one consultation day. Nine ophthalmologic centers participated in the survey, performing 1148 observations of patients aged from 2 to 102 years old, with a mean of 55.12years old and a male/female distribution of 43.8 %/56.2 %. In general, the patients came in either spontaneously (28.8 %) or for follow-up (59.6 %). Emergency consultations comprised 5.7 % of all cases. Comorbidities or major risk factors were found. Most the patients already wore visual correction (82.6 %), mainly glasses (77.3 %). At the end of the consultation, 48.2 % received a prescription for new optical correction. During the interview, 53.3 % of patients reported visual symptoms, most frequently blurriness, distortion or loss of vision. 25.3 % of the patients experienced ocular symptoms such as pain, watery eyes or itching. An ophthalmic disease was the reason for the consultation in 77.1 % of all cases. Its management included medicinal and/or surgical treatment (45.6 % and10.5 % respectively). The necessary tests were performed on site the same day and only 2.6 % of the patients were given a prescription for additional testing to be performed elsewhere in a referral center. From a qualitatively and quantitatively representative sample, this survey describes ophthalmologic consultation in France today in terms of age, male/female distribution, reason for the visit, the proportion of visual correction and other diseases, diagnosis and treatment.

[Clinical factors favoring excessive subconjunctival fibroblastic proliferation after glaucoma surgery]. / Facteurs cliniques favorisant la cicatrisation conjonctivale excessive après chirurgie du glaucome.

PURPOSE: To understand risk factors for failure of glaucoma filtering surgery. PATIENTS: A retrospective study of 67 eyes (16 nonpenetrating trabeculectomies, 51 trabeculectomies [31 with 5FU and 20 with mitomycin]) of 61 patients in whom 5FU bleb revision was needed because of increasing intraocular pressure. Postoperative incidents were analyzed to explain excessive subconjunctival fibroblastic proliferation. RESULTS: In eight cases, IOP increased after 6.16 months (+/-2) and for 59 eyes, after 33.5 days after surgery (+/-11.4). Postoperative incidents were 24 (35.9%) bleb leaks, nine cases (13.4%) of hypotony with choroidal detachment, six (9.0%) iris incarcerations, seven (10.4%) cystic blebs, and 21 (31.3%) inflammatory flat blebs. After a mean follow-up of 27 months +/- 18, the success of bleb 5FU revision was 84.6% for nonpenetrating trabeculectomy (without glaucoma treatment, 69.2%; with medical treatment, 15.4%) and 73.9% for trabeculectomy (47.8% and 32.6%). CONCLUSION: Postoperative outcomes favor an inner or outer obstacle to conjunctival filtration. Aqueous humor can no longer remain in the subconjunctival spaces, increasing the risk of glaucoma surgery failure. Early follow-up of glaucoma surgery is crucial to obtaining long-lasting filtration.

[What should we think? Is pneumotonometry still reliable?]. / Que faut-il en penser? La tonométrie à air est-elle encore fiable?

UNLABELLED: Noncontact tonometer (NCT) is an applanation tonometry, as is Goldmann tonometry. Numerous studies have shown the reliability of this technique but problems still exist. METHOD: We measured intraocular pressure (IOP) in 340 patients (668 eyes) with NCT and Goldmann tonometer (GAT). To evaluate the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT), we classified the patients according to their CCT (<500 microm; between 520 and 580 microm, and>600 microm). RESULTS: The mean difference between the two IOP measurements was -1.4 mmHg +/- 2.67 (-12 to +7), p<0,0001 for the thinner corneas, +0.13 mmHg +/- 2.67 (-8 to +8), p=0.445 for the regular corneas, and + 3.04 mmHg +/- 3.2 (-7 to +13) p<0.0001 for the thicker corneas. CCT influences NCT and GAT, but the difference between the two techniques is higher for thicker CCTs, higher IOPs, and in younger patients. CONCLUSION: NCT is good for glaucoma screening but is less reliable than GAT for glaucoma follow-up if CCT and IOP are far from regular values.

[Diode laser in "Malignant Glaucoma" treatment]. / Le laser Diode dans le traitement du "Glaucome Malin".

UNLABELLED: Malignant glaucoma remains one of the most dramatic complications of ocular surgery. It can occur after glaucoma surgery but also after iridotomy, capsulotomy, or cataract extraction. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE: to evaluate diode laser cyclodestruction as a complementary treatment in refractory malignant glaucoma. PATIENTS: Seven women with malignant glaucoma with onset several months before (mean, 43 months; range, 12-96 months), in whom shallow anterior chamber and high IOP (25 mmHg +/- 5.5 treated with 2.86 +/- 0.9 topical and systemic medications) persisted despite prior surgical treatment (mean, 2; range, 1-5). Controlateral eyes had hyperopia (mean, +3.7 D, range, +1 to +6), five had shallow anterior chamber and high IOP. UBM detected plateau iris in four women. METHODS: Seven eyes with malignant glaucoma and three controlateral eyes underwent cyclodestruction with diode laser (Viridis Twin Quantel Medical, laser, 810 nm), 22 burns around 270 degrees , 2 mm from the limbus for glaucomatous eyes and 15 inferior burns for controlateral eyes. RESULTS: Resolution of malignant glaucoma, with lower pressure (mean, 35%; range, 10%-70%), lower levels of medications (64%), final IOP at 13.2 mmHg (+/- 4.7), and deepening anterior chamber was achieved in all cases (mean follow-up, 18 months; range, 12-22). Cycloplegic topical treatment was stopped in 70% of cases. CONCLUSION: Diode laser cyclodestruction can help to resolve refractory malignant glaucoma. Larger UBM studies could help us to better understand the mechanisms of malignant glaucoma.

[HRT and glaucoma surgery follow-up]. / HRT et suivi des glaucomateux opérés.

Heidelberg Retina Tomography (HRT) analysis of the optic nerve might be temporarily modified after glaucoma surgery. However, optimal follow-up of glaucoma patients requires comparing reliable optic nerve images. The aim of this study was to define the consequences of glaucoma surgery on HRT measurements. Results showed temporary modifications until at least the third month, suggesting that it is better to wait 6 months after surgery to obtain reliable measurements.

[Value of local ophthalmic artery fibrinolysis in severe forms of central retinal vein occlusion]. / Intérêt de la fibrinolyse locale intra-artérielle ophtalmique dans les formes sévères de l'occlusion de la veine centrale de la rétine.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of selective ophthalmic artery thrombolysis as a treatment for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) for which no alternative therapy is available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients included in this study presented with recent severe non-ischemic CRVO. Urokinase (300,000 IU) was perfused for 40 minutes into the ophthalmic artery. Visual acuity, fundoscopy and retinal arteriovenous transit time were assessed during one year of follow-up. RESULTS: Five of the 13 patients treated experienced a marked improvement of vision (p = 0.05) and retinal perfusion within 24-48 hours, and exhibited progressive lesion regression at fundoscopy within 2-4 weeks. The clinical course of the 5 patients prior to treatment resembled that of combined central retinal artery and vein obstruction (CRAO/CRVO), which typically has a poor visual outcome. One patient relapsed 1 month after thrombolysis. No technical complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Although there was no control group, the short period between fibrinolysis and significant visual improvement combined with marked retinal perfusion improvement, suggests that local thrombolysis is beneficial for CRVO, especially recent CRAO/CRVO.

Superselective ophthalmic artery fibrinolytic therapy for the treatment of central retinal vein occlusion.

AIM: To study the effect of superselective ophthalmic artery fibrinolysis as a treatment for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: Retrospective, university based single centre study. The charts of 26 eyes of 26 patients treated were reviewed. Among the 26 patients, there were nine cases of combined artery and vein occlusion, three cases of combined cilioretinal artery and CRVO, and 14 cases of classic CRVO. Complete preoperative and postoperative ophthalmological examination and fluorescein angiography were performed in all cases. The therapeutic procedure comprised the infusion of urokinase through a microcatheter into the ostium of the ophthalmic artery, via a femoral artery approach. The main outcome measure was the improvement in visual acuity 48 hours after the procedure. RESULTS: Six eyes of six patients exhibited significant improvement in visual acuity immediately after the fibrinolysis procedure. Among them, four had a initial funduscopic appearance suggestive of combined occlusion of the central retinal artery (CRAO) and vein. For these patients, the visual benefit was maintained in the long term. Intravitreal haemorrhage occurred in two patients. There were no extraocular complications linked to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Selective ophthalmic artery infusion of urokinase was followed by improvement in VA in six out of 26 cases of CRVO. Eyes with combined CRAO and CRVO with recent visual loss appeared to be the most responsive. This treatment did not prevent the occurrence of ischaemia in the failure cases. The efficacy of in situ fibrinolysis for treatment of CRVO needs to be further evaluated in a controlled study.

Superselective ophthalmic arterial fibrinolysis with urokinase for recent severe central retinal venous occlusion: initial experience.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of local ophthalmic arterial fibrinolysis on central retinal venous occlusion (CRVO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients had recent severe nonischemic CRVO for which no alternative therapy was available. A flow-guide microcatheter was introduced coaxially via the femoral artery into the ophthalmic arterial ostium, and urokinase was perfused for 40 minutes. Vision, funduscopic findings, and retinal perfusion were assessed during 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: Five of the 13 patients treated experienced visual improvement (P =.05) and retinal perfusion within 24-48 hours. Vision returned to normal within 24-48 hours in three patients, within 1 week in one patient, and within 1 month in one patient. These five patients exhibited progressive lesion regression within 2-4 weeks at funduscopy. Their clinical course prior to treatment resembled that of combined central retinal arterial occlusion (CRAO) and CRVO, which typically has a poor visual outcome. One patient relapsed 1 month after fibrinolysis. Of the remaining eight patients, one had normal vision at 12 months, and seven had no improvement. No technical complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Although there was no control group, the short period between fibrinolysis and substantial visual improvement, combined with marked retinal perfusion improvement, suggests that fibrinolysis is beneficial for CRVO, especially for recent CRAO and CRVO.

Reticulated hyaluronic acid implant in nonperforating trabecular surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate experimentally and clinically the tolerance and efficacy of a reticulated hyaluronic acid implant in nonperforating trabecular surgery (NPTS). SETTING: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, USA, and Clinique Sourdille and Clinique Ophtalmologique Universitaire, Nantes, France. METHODS: In experimental surgery, NPTS was performed with and without a hyaluronic acid implant in 25 rabbit eyes. In a pilot study, the results of NPTS with a hyaluronic acid implant in 72 human eyes were retrospectively analyzed in terms of visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), external filtration, postoperative inflammation, and gonioscopy. Mean follow-up was 13.8 months (range 6 to 24 months). RESULTS: In the experimental surgery, the rabbit eyes with the implant showed a different healing process than the eyes without the implant. The implant was slowly bioabsorbed and remnants were seen at the operative site (where the tissue was removed) up to day 56 postoperatively. This site was detectable at all histology study periods. Intraocular pressure reduction was longer in the implant group: greater than 5 months versus 3 weeks (P < .05). In the pilot study, visual acuity remained stable, IOP decreased from a mean preoperative level of 26.3 mm Hg +/- 5.22 (SD) to a mean postoperative level without treatment of 15.4 +/- 3.1 mm Hg (P < .0001). No external filtration was detected in 60 eyes, a slightly elevated conjunctiva was noted in 12 eyes. Postoperative inflammation (laser flare and cell measurements) was low. Gonioscopy consistently demonstrated the persistence of a decompression space behind the trabeculum. CONCLUSION: Comparative experimental surgery results showed excellent tolerance and efficacy in the rabbit eyes with a hyaluronic acid implant. Clinical results, to be confirmed by a randomized comparative study, also showed excellent biocompatibility and encouraging efficacy.

Optical coherence tomography of macular thickness after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular thickness changes after uneventful cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compare the findings with those of flare and cell measurements of the anterior chamber. SETTING: Clinique Sourdille, Nantes, France. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 41 eyes having uneventful cataract surgery with a clear corneal small incision and intracapsular fixation of a foldable intraocular lens were evaluated by OCT and laser flare and cell measurements preoperatively and 1, 8 to 12, and 30 to 60 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Some postoperative increase in macular thickness was noted in 11 eyes. This was not related to a higher postoperative flare. Visual consequences were proportional to the macular elevation. CONCLUSION: Clinical and subclinical thickness changes, without breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier, can be detected after cataract surgery. Most of these changes resolve spontaneously, but their mid- and long-term significance is unknown.

Epiretinal membranes surrounding idiopathic macular holes.

PURPOSE: To describe the features of the epiretinal membranes (ERMs) surrounding idiopathic macular holes. METHODS: The charts of 83 consecutive patients (85 eyes) who underwent macular hole surgery with a systematic search for an ERM around the hole were reviewed. Visual acuity testing, fundus biomicroscopy, red free and blue filter fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiograms were performed before and after surgery. Eyes with and without ERM removal were compared. RESULTS: An ERM was removed from 26 of 85 eyes (30.6%). ERMs were found more frequently in stage 4 than in stage 3 macular holes (76.9% versus 24.6%; P < 0.01). Holes had been present for longer in eyes with ERM than in those without (14.7 versus 8.6 months; P = 0.05). Fewer stage 3 holes with an ERM had an operculum than those without (P = 0.01). The outcome and complication rates were similar in eyes with an ERM and those without. Of the 24 ERMs detectable on blue filter fundus photographs, only 11 (45.6%) were visible on red free photographs. CONCLUSION: We support the hypothesis that the presence of ERMs surrounding idiopathic macular holes is secondary to hole formation.

Late reopening of successfully treated macular holes.

BACKGROUND: Most idiopathic macular holes can be closed by a surgical procedure combining vitrectomy, posterior hyaloid ablation, and fluid-gas exchange followed by postoperative positioning. Reopening of closed macular holes has been reported, but its frequency is not known. Here the incidence of reopening after successful macular hole surgery is reported. METHODS: 77 consecutive cases of idiopathic macular holes operated with autologous platelet injection between July 1993 and October 1995 were reviewed. The procedure consisted of three port vitrectomy, posterior hyaloid removal, nonexpansile fluid-gas exchange, and autologous platelet injection followed by face down positioning. The incidence of reopening was analysed in the cohort of the 72 anatomical successes. RESULTS: Mean follow up was 12.3 months. The macular hole reopened in five eyes of five patients (five out of 72 patients, 6.9%), in four cases after cataract extraction. In four cases too, an epiretinal membrane was noted, either clinically or during reoperation, and fluorescein leakage in the macular area was present in two cases. Three of the five cases of reopening were reoperated and all three were anatomical successes. CONCLUSION: Late macular hole reopening occurred in five out of 72 patient, and in four cases after cataract surgery. The presence of an epiretinal membrane around the hole in four of them suggested that tractional forces were responsible for the reopening. Reoperation, performed in three cases, again closed the macular holes.

Visual field loss after vitrectomy for full-thickness macular holes.

PURPOSE: To report the results of a prospective study of the incidence of peripheral visual field loss after macular hole surgery. METHODS: Prospectively, 30 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with full-thickness macular holes operated on between December 1995 and April 1996 had preoperative and postoperative Goldmann visual field tests. The surgical procedure consisted of three-port pars plana vitrectomy, posterior hyaloid removal, nonexpansile fluid-hexafluoroethane (C2F6) exchange, and, in 19 of 30 patients, autologous platelet injection, followed by face-down positioning. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of these 30 cases were considered to be anatomic successes. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative visual fields disclosed that four patients (13%) had a peripheral scotoma, including one patient with stage 4 macular hole. Three other patients (10%) had a postoperative relative arcuate defect. Mean postoperative intraocular pressure was higher in the latter group. None of the patients complained of peripheral scotoma. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, seven of 30 patients (23%) had a postoperative visual field defect. Two categories of scotomas were observed: peripheral and relative arcuate. The cause of peripheral visual field loss is unclear. Increased intraocular pressure may be the cause of relative arcuate scotomas.

[Evaluating the results of surgery of choroidal neovessels]. / Evaluation des résultats de la chirurgie des néovaisseaux choroïdiens.

BACKGROUND: Subfoveal choroidal neovascularization has usually a poor visual prognosis. Submacular surgery has been advocated as an alternative treatment. Visual results of this recent surgical technique is under current clinical evaluation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 16 eyes from 15 patients who underwent submacular surgery through a small retinotomy. Mean follow-up was 8 months (range from 5 to 88 weeks): group 1: submacular hemorrhages caused by age-related macular degeneration, 8 eyes; group 2: advanced subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration, 3 eyes; group 3: young onset subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, 5 eyes. RESULTS: Group 1: mean preoperative visual acuity was 0.024. Postoperative visual acuity increased for 5 eyes (63%) and decreased for 3 eyes (37%) (mean follow-up: 33 weeks). Two eyes had recurrent neovascularization. Group 2: mean preoperative visual acuity was 0.083. Postoperative visual acuity decreased for both eyes (mean follow-up: 58 weeks). Two eyes had recurrent neovascularization. Group 3: mean preoperative visual acuity was 0.082. Postoperative visual acuity increased for both eyes (mean follow-up: 26 weeks). Two eyes had recurrent neovascularization. In both groups, recurrent neovascularization was managed by laser photocoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes may stabilize or improve visual acuity in young patients. In subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration. this technique does not provide currently measurable visual improvement except in cases complicated by submacular hemorrhage. Results of future trials comparing surgery with spontaneous evolution or laser photocoagulation are necessary.

[Surgical treatment of post-traumatic macular holes]. / Traitement chirurgical des trous maculaires post-traumatiques.

BACKGROUND: Macular hole is a rare complication of blunt ocular trauma. Little is known about its spontaneous course and only a few operated cases have been reported. METHOD: We present five cases of post-traumatic macular holes, 4 of which have been operated on. RESULTS: In one case, the hole sealed spontaneously due to the formation of a slightly contractile epimacular membrane, and visual acuity improved from 0.1 to 0.5. The other four cases underwent vitrectomy, posterior hyaloid stripping, fluid-gas exchange and 12 days of postoperative positioning. In addition, two of these cases had autologous platelet injection. The macular hole closed in 3 of the 4 cases and vision improved in two. CONCLUSION: Traumatic macular holes can close spontaneously, although this is rare. Usually, surgery with or without healing adjuvants is needed to close the hole. Visual results may be good if there is no damage to the subfoveal retinal pigment epithelium or to Bruch's membrane.

[Results of surgery of vitreomacular traction syndromes]. / Résultats de la chirurgie des syndromes de traction vitréo-maculaire.

PURPOSE: The vitreomacular traction syndrome is a rare entity in which partial posterior vitreous detachment is combined with persistent macular adherence, thus causing macular traction. In most cases, an epimacular membrane is associated with this vitreomacular traction. We evaluate here the results of vitreous surgery for this syndrome. METHODS: We reviewed 18 consecutive eyes that had undergone vitrectomy and posterior epiretinal membrane stripping, to define the visual results and complications of surgery for the vitreomacular traction syndrome. Minimum follow-up was 3 months. RESULTS: Patients' average age was 63.5 years. All had evidence of cystic macular changes on biomicroscopic examination. Sixteen patients had an epiretinal membrane, and two, a full-thickness macular hole. Cystoid macular edema was present in 7 eyes on fluorescein angiography. The release of vitreomacular traction improved vision in 72% of eyes, with six patients obtaining 20/40 visual acuity or better. Complications of surgery included progression of nuclear sclerosis, and epiretinal membrane formation. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction syndrome may improve visual acuity, but the visual prognosis remains poor.

Autologous platelet concentrate for the treatment of full-thickness macular holes.

BACKGROUND: To improve the anatomic success rate in the surgery of full-thickness macular holes, we tested, in a prospective pilot study, the effects of autologous platelet concentrate deposited on the macula at the end of surgery. METHODS: Two consecutive groups of patients were compared. Twenty eyes (group 1, mean symptom duration 11 months) were operated on with injection of an autologous platelet concentrate on the macula after fluid-gas exchange. Another 20 eyes (group 2, mean symptom duration 11 months) were subsequently operated on without autologous platelet concentrate. For all stage 3 holes, posterior hyaloid was detached en bloc at the level of the optic disc. The patient was left supine for 24 h after surgery, and then remained face down for 10 days. RESULTS: In group 1, 19 cases were an anatomic success, i.e. there was flattening of the retina surrounding the hole and reattachment of the edge of the hole to the retinal pigment epithelium; in 9 cases the hole was even undetectable. Final visual acuity was 0.5 or more in 9 eyes, and 0.4 or more in 14. Visual acuity improved by two lines or more in 17 of the 19 successfully operated eyes. In group 2, only 13 cases were an anatomic success. The functional results for the successfully operated eyes were identical to those of group 1. CONCLUSION: These results strongly suggested that autologous platelet concentrate could significantly improve the success rate in macular hole surgery and led us to begin a comparative, prospective, randomized trial.