A Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Avacincaptad Pegol for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy with Comparison to Pegcetacoplan.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of geography atrophy (GA) with intravitreal avacincaptad pegol (ACP) and to compare it to pegcetacoplan (PEG). DESIGN: Cost analysis based on data from published studies. SUBJECTS: None; based on data from published sham control compared with 2 treatment groups in each of the index studies. METHODS: Costs were based on 2022 Medicare reimbursement data for both facility (hospital-based) and nonfacility settings in Miami. Specific usage and outcomes were derived from the GATHER2 study as well as DERBY and OAKS trials. For ACP, all patients were treated EM in year 1 then randomized to EOM or EM in year 2. Two-year models were created for patients in the facility setting for extrafoveal (ACP and PEG) and all patients (PEG). OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost, cost utility, and cost per area of GA (in US$). RESULTS: The cost to treat GA with ACP in every month (EM) and every other month (EOM) treatment groups over the 2 years as reported was $67,400 and $40,600, respectively. With ACP treatment over 2 years, the daily cost of delaying GA 3.4 months (EM) and 4.5 months (EOM) was $649 (EM) and $356 (EOM). The (facility-based) costs per unit area of RPE saved for extrafoveal GA patients over the two-year period were $119,000/mm2 (EM ACP) vs. $54,000/mm2 (EM PEG) (P<0.001), $57,100/mm2 (EOM ACP) vs. $31,400/mm2 (EOM PEG) (P<0.001), and $45,300/mm2 (hypothetical EOM from outset ACP). CONCLUSION: Treatment of GA with intravitreal ACP EOM was more cost effective than EM. When assessing extrafoveal lesions, ACP was less cost effective than PEG for both EM and EOM treatment.

Faricimab in Previously Treated Eyes With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Assessment of Durability and Treatment Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy and durability of faricimab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who were previously treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective case series was conducted at a single tertiary center in the United States. It focused on nAMD patients who transitioned to faricimab after initial anti-VEGF therapy, with a follow-up period of at least 9 months. "Complete dryness" was defined as the absence of intra- and/or subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography. Durability was gauged by the extension of treatment intervals relative to the injection frequency of the previous agent. RESULTS: Sixty-two eyes from 62 patients were included. Treatment interval ranged from 5 to 10 weeks; 10 (16%) patients were able to be extended by 2 or more weeks compared to their previous regimen. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) central field thickness was 310 µm (254, 376) on initiating faricimab and declined by the ninth month (P values at 3, 6, and 9 months were 0.01, 0.02, and 0.07, respectively). Median (IQR) visual acuity at initiation of faricimab was 0.4 (0.20, 0.50) and did not change by the ninth month. Complete anatomical dryness was present in 10 (16%) eyes before switching; 90% remained dry at 9 months. Of 52 (84%) incompletely dry eyes before switching, 15% achieved complete dryness by 9 months on faricimab. CONCLUSIONS: Faricimab modestly improved the treatment intervals for a small proportion of previously treated patients on anti-VEGF therapy. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy: Outcomes of Vitreoretinal Surgery.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical presentation and outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSCR). DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive case series. SUBJECTS: All patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for complications secondary to PSCR between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2021, at a university referral center. METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), single operation anatomic success rate. RESULTS: The study included 65 eyes of 61 patients. Disease distribution included 24 (44.4%) eyes with hemoglobin SC disease, 14 (25.9%) with hemoglobin SS disease, 13 (24.1%) with sickle cell trait, and 3 (5.6%) with sickle cell-ß thalassemia. Preoperative transfusion was not performed in any study patients. Regional anesthesia with monitored anesthesia care (RA-MAC) was utilized in 58 (89.2%) eyes and general anesthesia in 7 (10.8%). In eyes that underwent surgery for retinal detachment (RD; N = 52) the rate of single operation anatomic success was 72.4% with combined scleral buckling/pars plana vitrectomy (SB/PPV; N = 29) compared with 47.8% with PPV alone (N = 23; P = 0.07). Mean BCVA at the last follow-up examination was 1.27 (20/372) in the SB/PPV group and 1.05 (20/226) in the PPV group (P = 0.48). In all SB cases, an encircling band was utilized and there were no known cases of anterior segment ischemia. All eyes that had surgery for vitreous hemorrhage (N = 13) underwent PPV with endolaser and mean BCVA improved from 1.67 (20/944) preoperatively to 0.45 (20/56) at last follow-up examination (P < 0.001). Mean preoperative BCVA, indication for surgery, single operation success rate, and mean BCVA at last follow-up examination did not differ based on sickle cell disease type (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RD, SB/PPV achieved slightly higher rates of single operation anatomic success compared with PPV alone. Visual acuity outcomes were similar in the 2 groups. The majority of patients received RA-MAC anesthesia and preoperative transfusions were not performed. There were no cases of postoperative anterior segment ischemia. Hemoglobin SC disease was the most common disease type in the current study and surgical outcomes did not differ between sickle cell disease types. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pegcetacoplan for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of geography atrophy (GA) with intravitreal pegcetacoplan and to identify utility-measurement surrogates. DESIGN: Cost analysis based on data from a published study. SUBJECTS: None; based on data from published sham control compared with 2 treatment groups in the index study. METHODS: Costs were based on 2022 Medicare reimbursement data. Specific outcomes were extrapolated from the DERBY and OAKS trials. Assumptions were made for the lifetime analysis based on a theoretical logistic growth model of the atrophy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost, cost utility, cost per quality-adjusted life-year, and cost per area of GA (in US$). RESULTS: The costs to treat GA in every month (EM) and every-other-month (EOM) treatment groups over the 2 years as reported were $70 000 and $34 600, respectively. The costs per area of delaying GA for 2 years in all patients were $87 300/mm2 (EM) and $49 200/mm2 (EOM), and in initially extrafoveal patients, $53 900/mm2 (EM) and $32 100/mm2 (EOM). The costs per day of delaying GA for 2 years were $295 (EM) and $170 (EOM); the marginal cost (EM vs. EOM) per retinal pigment epithelium cell saved was $30. The modeled lifetime costs were $350 000 (EM) and $172 000 (EOM), or $309 000/mm2 (EM) and $180 000 (EOM) /mm2. The modeled time to 95% atrophy at 13 years was delayed by 2.5 years (EM) and 2.1 years (EOM). The costs/quality-adjusted life-year gained based on modeled visual loss with 95% atrophy were $706 000 (EM) and $397 000 (EOM). CONCLUSION: Treatment of GA with intravitreal pegcetacoplan EOM was more cost effective than EM. Treatment of extrafoveal lesions yielded greater utility than the treatment of the entire group. As atrophy progression approaches an upper limit, the marginal cost/benefit ratios increase. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Recovery course of persistent posterior subretinal fluid after successful repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To investigate best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF) absorption time or ellipsoid zone (EZ) restoration time and various variables in patients with persistent SRF after successful primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study allowed independent analysis of the healing pattern by two observers based on composite of serial cross-sectional macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. Univariate and multivariate analyses were implemented. RESULTS: One hundred and three cases had persistent SRF after pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckling, or pneumatic retinopexy. By univariate analysis, SRF resolution time correlated positively with the number of retinal breaks (p < 0.001) and with increased myopia (p = 0.011). Using multivariate analysis, final BCVA (log MAR) correlated positively with age, duration of RRD, initial BCVA (OR = 3.28; [95%CI = 1.44-7.47]; p = 0.015), and SRF resolution time (OR = 0.46 [95%CI 0.21-1.05]; p = 0.049). EZ restoration time was longer with increasing number of retinal tears (OR = 0.67; [95%CI 0.29-1.52]; p = 0.030), worse final BCVA, and presence of macula-off RRD (OR = 0.26; [95%CI 0.08-0.88]; p = 0.056). SRF resolution time correlated marginally with prone position. CONCLUSIONS: Residual posterior SRF is more common in eyes with multiple breaks or in myopic eyes. Final BCVA is better in younger subjects and in eyes with shorter duration of RRD. Persistent SRF is a self-limited disorder with a mean resolution of 11.2 months with good visual prognosis improving from a mean baseline logMAR of 1.08 to 0.25 at one year.

Retinal Detachment Associated with Retinal Dialysis: Clinical Features and Outcomes of Surgery in a 10-Year Study.

PURPOSE: To report the surgical approaches and outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for retinal detachment associated with retinal dialysis. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive case series. SUBJECTS: All patients who underwent surgery for retinal detachment secondary to retinal dialysis between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2022. METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), single-operation success rate. RESULTS: The study cohort included 60 eyes of 58 patients with a mean age of 26.4 (standard deviation, 13.0) years. Males comprised 49 (84.5%) patients. Known trauma occurred in 35 (61.4%) cases. Initial surgical management included scleral buckling (SB) in 49 (81.7%) eyes and combined SB and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in 11 (18.3%) eyes. Preoperative BCVA correlated with BCVA at last follow-up visit (r = 0.66; P < 0.001). At last visit, the SB group had a mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA of 0.36 (20/46) and a single-operation success rate of 76.9% at 6 months, whereas the SB/PPV group had a mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA of 1.08 (20/238) and single-operation success rate of 77.8% (P = 0.04 and P = 0.96, respectively). Six eyes in the SB/PPV group received silicone oil tamponade. In eyes with at least 1 year of follow-up, 4 (14.8%) in the SB group and 6 (100%) in the SB/PPV group developed a visually significant cataract requiring cataract surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal detachment associated with retinal dialysis is typically associated with trauma and more often occurs in young male patients. The current study confirms that SB without PPV is an effective initial treatment strategy for most patients with retinal dialysis and has a low rate of cataract formation. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

INTRAOCULAR INFLAMMATION INCIDENCE AFTER INTRAVITREAL BROLUCIZUMAB INJECTION FOR EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical outcomes of intraocular inflammation (IOI) of eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) injected with brolucizumab in our tertiary referral center. METHODS: A retrospective case series for which clinical records of all eyes that received intravitreal brolucizumab at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between December 1, 2019, and April 1, 2021, were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 345 eyes of 278 patients who received 801 brolucizumab injections. IOI was detected in 16 eyes of 13 patients (4.6%). In those patients, baseline Logarithm of Minimu Angle of Resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity was 0.32 0.2 (20/42), while it was 0.58 0.3 (20/76) at IOI presentation. The mean number of injections among eyes experiencing IOI was 2.4, and the interval between the last brolucizumab injection and IOI presentation was 20 days. There was no known case of retinal vasculitis. Management of IOI included topical steroids in seven eyes (54%), topical and systemic steroids in five eyes (38%), and observation in one eye (8%). Best-corrected visual acuity returned to baseline and inflammation resolved in all eyes by the last follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: Intraocular inflammation after brolucizumab injection for neovascular AMD was not uncommon. Inflammation resolved in all eyes by the last follow-up visit.

Cost analysis of childhood glaucoma surgeries using the US Medicaire allowable costs.

AIM: To analyze and calculate the relative cost of various childhood glaucoma surgical interventions per mm Hg intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction ($/mm Hg). METHODS: Representative index studies were reviewed to quantitate the reduction of mean IOP and glaucoma medications for each surgical intervention in childhood glaucoma. A US perspective was adopted, using Medicare allowable costs to calculate cost/mm Hg IOP reduction ($/mm Hg) at 1y postoperatively. RESULTS: At 1y postoperatively, the cost/mm Hg IOP reduction was $226/mm Hg for microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy, $284/mm Hg for cyclophotocoagulation, $288/mm Hg for conventional ab-externo trabeculotomy, $338/mm Hg for Ahmed glaucoma valve, $350/mm Hg for Baerveldt glaucoma implant, $351/mm Hg for goniotomy, and $400/mm Hg for trabeculectomy. CONCLUSION: Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy is the most cost-efficient surgical method to lower IOP in childhood glaucoma, while trabeculectomy is the least cost-efficient surgical method.

Infectious Endophthalmitis vs Noninfectious "Pseudohypopyon" After Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide.

Introduction: To describe a patient who presented with visual loss and an apparent hypopyon but none of the other symptoms or signs most common with infectious endophthalmitis. Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 73-year-old woman was treated with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for cystoid macular edema. The eye had 12 previous injections without complication. After the 13th injection, the patient noted painless visual loss. An examination showed a visual acuity (VA) of finger counting and an apparent hypopyon, which shifted after a head-tilt test, suggesting a noninfectious "pseudohypopyon." Two days later, the VA worsened to hand motions and the hypopyon had increased in size. The eye was treated with a vitreous tap and injection with vancomycin and ceftazidime. The inflammation resolved, VA improved to 20/40, and cultures showed no growth. Conclusions: Distinguishing infectious endophthalmitis from noninfectious inflammation remains challenging. There is no definitive technique by which to distinguish between the 2 conditions; thus, clinicians must use their best judgment and follow the patient closely.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retained Lens Fragments After Cataract Surgery: Outcomes Based on Timing of Surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes and complications in patients with retained lens fragments (RLF) after cataract surgery, comparing those who received pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) on the same day, within 1 week, or later than 1 week after cataract surgery. Patients and Methods: Retrospective case series of all patients who underwent PPV for RLF at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2020. Individuals with less than 3 months of follow-up, chronic uveitis, congenital cataract, previtrectomy retinal detachment (RD), and severe trauma were excluded. All analyses for categorical and binary variables used chi-squared tests. Analyses for continuous variables were performed using multivariate analyses of covariance, adjusting for differences in baseline visual acuity before cataract surgery. Results: The study included 246 eyes of 246 patients. The timing distribution included the following: 140 (57%) eyes underwent same-day PPV, 33 (13%) eyes underwent same-week PPV, and 73 (30%) eyes underwent PPV after 1 week (up to 90 days). When all eyes were included in analysis, there were no statistically significant differences in mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between groups at last follow-up examination (P = 0.07). When only eyes without known pre-existing ocular disease (N = 157) were included in analysis, there were no differences in mean BCVA between groups at all postoperative timepoints (P > 0.05). The rate of RD did not differ between groups when eyes with and without pre-existing ocular disease were analyzed (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In the current study, there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative BCVA or rates of RD at last follow-up examination in eyes undergoing PPV for RLF on the same day, within 1 week, or later than 1 week after cataract surgery.

ACUTE- AND DELAYED-ONSET ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER OPEN GLOBE INJURIES: Clinical Features and Visual Acuity Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to report the clinical features and best-corrected visual acuity outcomes in patients with acute- and delayed-onset endophthalmitis after open globe injuries. METHODS: The study included a retrospective, comparative, consecutive case series of patients with endophthalmitis after open globe injury between January 2016 and October 2020 at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. RESULTS: Acute-onset endophthalmitis accounted for 16 of 20 cases (80%), and all cases were diagnosed at the initial examination. Delayed-onset endophthalmitis cases, occurring more than 2 weeks after injury, accounted for 4 of 20 cases (20%) and were because of Zone 1 wound leaks and infections. Factors associated with endophthalmitis included presence of a retained intraocular foreign body (11/20 [55%]) and delay of presentation >24 hours (15/20 [75%]) ( P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The mean presenting best-corrected visual acuity was logMAR 1.64 (20/800), and the mean best-corrected visual acuity at the last follow-up was logMAR 1.22 (20/300). CONCLUSION: In patients with open globe injury-related endophthalmitis, visual acuity outcomes are generally poor. Despite intravitreal antibiotics at primary closure, delayed-onset endophthalmitis cases may develop in the setting of compromised Zone 1 wound integrity.

DIRECT MACULAR HOLE MANIPULATION RESULTS IN HIGH SUCCESS RATE IN SECONDARY MACULAR HOLE REPAIR.

PURPOSE: To investigate closure rates and functional outcomes of surgery for refractory and recurrent macular holes (MHs) in a real-world setting. METHODS: Retrospective review of secondary MH surgeries. RESULTS: A total of 72 eyes from 72 patients were included. Eyes had a mean of 1.51 surgeries before inclusion into this study with a mean MH size of 762 µ m and a mean baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity of 1.11 (∼20/260 Snellen). Closure rates were 89.3% for tissue transplantation, 77.3% for internal limiting membrane (ILM) flaps, 92.9% for MH manipulation, and 12.5% for repeat ILM peeling ( P < 0.05). Best-corrected visual acuity changes in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution from baseline to postoperative month six were +0.29 for ILM peeling alone (15 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters worse), -0.39 for MH manipulation (20 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters improved), -0.23 for tissue transplantation (13 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters improved), and -0.2 for ILM flaps (10 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters improved; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Secondary MH closure is possible using various surgical techniques with acceptable anatomical closure rates. Repeat ILM peeling is associated with the lowest closure rates and poorest functional results. To distinguish between techniques would require a large sample size of approximately 750 eyes.

Rates of Fellow Eye Macular Hole Development During Long Term Follow-Up.

Purpose: Identify the long-term rate of fellow eye full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) development. Patients and Methods: In this single site, single provider retrospective consecutive case series, idiopathic FTMH patients who underwent surgery from 2003 to 2014 who also had at least 5 years of follow-up information within our electronic medical record (EMR) which was started in 2014 were identified. Cases with secondary causes (ie, trauma), high myopia, bilateral FTMH on presentation, previous retinal surgery, retinal breaks, or intraocular inflammation were excluded. Demographics, medical and ocular history, refractive error, phakic status, best corrected visual acuity, follow-up duration, surgical technique, single operation anatomic success, and reoperations were recorded. Results: The rate of fellow eye FTMH was 2.6% (2/77) at 1 year, 5.2% (4/77) at 3 years, 9.1% (6/66) at 6 years, and 9.1% (7/77) as of final follow up. There were 2 cases by year 1, 2 additional cases by year 3, 2 additional cases by year 6, and 1 additional case reported thereafter. The average follow up was 11.1 ± 4.5 years. There was no significant difference in visual outcomes between primary eyes and fellow eyes. There was no significant difference in gender, age, ocular comorbidities, refractive error, phakic status, and visual acuity between the unilateral and bilateral groups. Conclusion: The rate of FTMH in the fellow eye was low but significant, increased during long-term follow up, and may stabilize after 6 years.

CRYSTALENS REPOSITIONING WITH SCLERAL SUTURE TECHNIQUE.

PURPOSE: To present a surgical technique that allows rescue (repositioning) of a dislocated Crystalens model intraocular lens using scleral sutures. METHODS: The surgical technique is described with supplemental video. RESULTS: The technique was used in one patient with 3 months of follow-up information. The intraocular lens was well-positioned, and the visual acuity is 20/20, without adverse events. CONCLUSION: Scleral suture techniques for repositioning of the Crystalens offer a suitable alternative to intraocular lens exchange.

Rescuing an Akreos 4-Point Haptic Intraocular Lens: A Novel Surgical Technique.

PURPOSE: To present a surgical technique that allows rescue (repositioning) of a dislocated Akreos AO model intraocular lens using scleral sutures. METHODS: The surgical technique is described with supplemental video. RESULTS: The technique was used in 4 eyes of 3 patients with 2 to 18 months of follow-up information. The intraocular lens was well positioned, and the visual acuity (as limited by other disease) was good, without adverse events. CONCLUSION: Scleral suture techniques for repositioning of the Akreos AO intraocular lens offer a suitable alternative to intraocular lens exchange.