Bioactivity and Bioavailability of Carotenoids Applied in Human Health: Technological Advances and Innovation.

This article presents a groundbreaking perspective on carotenoids, focusing on their innovative applications and transformative potential in human health and medicine. Research jointly delves deeper into the bioactivity and bioavailability of carotenoids, revealing therapeutic uses and technological advances that have the potential to revolutionize medical treatments. We explore pioneering therapeutic applications in which carotenoids are used to treat chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related macular degeneration, offering novel protective mechanisms and innovative therapeutic benefits. Our study also shows cutting-edge technological innovations in carotenoid extraction and bioavailability, including the development of supramolecular carriers and advanced nanotechnology, which dramatically improve the absorption and efficacy of these compounds. These technological advances not only ensure consistent quality but also tailor carotenoid therapies to each patient's health needs, paving the way for personalized medicine. By integrating the latest scientific discoveries and innovative techniques, this research provides a prospective perspective on the clinical applications of carotenoids, establishing a new benchmark for future studies in this field. Our findings underscore the importance of optimizing carotenoid extraction, administration, bioactivity, and bioavailability methods to develop more effective, targeted, and personalized treatments, thus offering visionary insight into their potential in modern medical practices.

Mitochondrial quality control in non-exudative age-related macular degeneration: From molecular mechanisms to structural and functional recovery.

Non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (NE-AMD) is the leading blindness cause in the elderly. Clinical and experimental evidence supports that early alterations in macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mitochondria play a key role in NE-AMD-induced damage. Mitochondrial dynamics (biogenesis, fusion, fission, and mitophagy), which is under the central control of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), in turn, determines mitochondrial quality. We have developed a NE-AMD model in C57BL/6J mice induced by unilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx), which progressively reproduces the disease hallmarks circumscribed to the temporal region of the RPE/outer retina that exhibits several characteristics of the human macula. In this work we have studied RPE mitochondrial structure, dynamics, function, and AMPK role on these parameters' regulation at the nasal and temporal RPE from control eyes and at an early stage of experimental NE-AMD (i.e., 4 weeks post-SCGx). Although RPE mitochondrial mass was preserved, their function, which was higher at the temporal than at the nasal RPE in control eyes, was significantly decreased at 4 weeks post-SCGx at the same region. Mitochondria were bigger, more elongated, and with denser cristae at the temporal RPE from control eyes. Exclusively at the temporal RPE, SCGx severely affected mitochondrial morphology and dynamics, together with the levels of phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK). AMPK activation with metformin restored RPE p-AMPK levels, and mitochondrial dynamics, structure, and function at 4 weeks post-SCGx, as well as visual function and RPE/outer retina structure at 10 weeks post-SCGx. These results demonstrate a key role of the temporal RPE mitochondrial homeostasis as an early target for NE-AMD-induced damage, and that pharmacological AMPK activation could preserve mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and function, and, consequently, avoid the functional and structural damage induced by NE-AMD.

Novel surgical approaches for treating myopic traction maculopathy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) is a complication of pathological myopia and encompasses various pathological conditions caused by tractional changes in the eye. These changes include retinoschisis, foveal retinal detachment, and lamellar or full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). This meta-analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of novel surgical for treating MTM. METHODS: To compare the outcomes of different surgical approaches for MTM, multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Meta-Register of Controlled Trials, were comprehensively searched. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1. RESULTS: Nine comparative studies involving 350 eyes were included in this meta-analysis. There were significant differences between fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSIP) and standard internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity BCVA (standard mean difference (SMD): -0.10, 95% CI: -0.32 to 0.12) and central foveal thickness CFT (SMD: 0.05, 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.33) were not significantly different (p = 0.39 and p = 0.71, respectively). However, the postoperative BCVA improved significantly (SMD = - 0.47, 95% CI: - 0.80, - 0.14, p = 0.006) in the FSIP group compared to the standard ILMP group. Postoperative CFT did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.62). The FSIP group had a greater anatomical success rate than the other groups, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.26). The incidence of postoperative macular hole formation was significantly lower (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.07-0.54; p = 0.05) in the FSIP group than in the standard ILMP group. The unique characteristics of highly myopic eyes, such as increased axial length and structural changes, may have contributed to the greater incidence of FTMH in the ILMP group. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, FSIP is the initial surgical approach for early-stage MTM and has shown promising outcomes. However, to establish the safest and most efficient surgical technique for treating different MTM stages, further comparative studies, specifically those focusing on ILMP and FSIP, are necessary. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Choroidal Perfusion Changes After Vitrectomy for Myopic Traction Maculopathy.

BACKGROUND: The choroidal vasculature supplies the outer retina and is altered in many retinal diseases, including myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). Choroid health is typically assessed by measuring the choroidal thickness; however, this method has substantial limitations. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was recently introduced to provide quantitative information on the vascular flow in the choroid. This index has been evaluated in a wide range of diseases but has not been extensively used to characterize MTM. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the CVI across different stages of MTM and the influence of macular surgery on choroidal perfusion markers in different surgically resolved MTM stages. METHODS: Eighteen healthy myopic eyes in the control group and forty-six MTM eyes in the surgical group were evaluated using enhanced optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Binarized OCT images were processed to obtain the luminal choroidal area (LCA) and stromal choroidal area (SCA), which were used to calculate CVI in the form of a percentage ratio. CVI data were collected at baseline, one and four months postoperatively, and at the final clinical visit. MTM eyes were divided into four stages based on disease severity. The choriocapillaris flow area (CFA) and central subfield thickness (CSFT) were measured along side the CVI. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups at baseline, except for visual acuity (p < 0.0001). Surgery significantly improved vision at all postoperative time points (p < 0.0001). At baseline, there were no significant differences in CVI, CFA, or CSFT scores between the control and surgical groups. However, all three measurements were lower at the final visit in the surgical group (p ≤0.0001). No significant differences were found in any of the parameters among the four stages of MTM (p > 0.05). Ultimately, correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses did not reveal any significant association between CVI and visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find significant preoperative differences in CVI between healthy myopic eyes and eyes with MTM. However, the postoperative CVI and CFA values were significantly lower than those of the control eyes. Thus, CVI may not be a good biomarker for surgical outcomes, as the correlation between CVI and visual acuity was not statistically significant.The CVI and CFA decreased after surgery, providing evidence of choroidal changes after surgical management.

Effectiveness of treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs / Efetividade do tratamento da doença macular relacionada à idade exsudativa com drogas antifactor de crescimento endotelial vascular

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the effectiveness of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs in exudative age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study of 54 patients with age-related macular degeneration receiving bevacizumab or aflibercept. Demographic data, visual acuity, and central retinal thickness measurements were collected. Improvement/stability of visual acuity and reduction in retinal thickness configured satisfactory responses. Results: Among the 60 eyes studied, there was no difference (p = 0.262) in satisfactory response when using bevacizumab (48.5%) or aflibercept (63.0%). Snellen's visual acuity, letter gain, and retinal thickness showed improvement or maintenance in 55.0%, 32.8%, and 78.3% of cases, respectively. The percentage of improvement/maintenance was higher in eyes with an initial visual acuity of < Snellen 20/400 (70.0% versus 40.0%; p = 0.002). Conclusion: A higher percentage of improvement/stabilization of visual acuity and macular thickness was observed in patients with age-related macular degeneration, with better response in patients with visual acuity worse than Snellen 20/400.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar a efetividade de medicamentos antifactor de crescimento endotelial vascular na degeneração macular relacionada à idade exsudativa. Métodos: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo em 54 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade que usaram bevacizumab ou aflibercept. Foram coletados dados demográficos, da acuidade visual e da espessura central da retina. Melhora/estabilidade da acuidade visual e redução da espessura configuraram respostas satisfatórias. Resultados: Entre 60 olhos estudados, não houve diferença (p = 0,262) de acordo com o uso de bevacizumab (48,5%) ou aflibercept (63,0%). Acuidade visual segundo Snellen, ganho de letras e espessura retiniana demonstraram melhora ou estabilidade em 55,0%, 32,8% e 78,3% dos casos, respectivamente. Entre os olhos com acuidade visual inicial < 20/400, o percentual de melhora/estabilidade foi superior (70,0% versus 40,0%; p = 0,002). Conclusão: Em pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade, foi percebida uma maior proporção de melhora ou estabilização da acuidade visual e espessura macular, com melhor resposta entre os pacientes com visão pior que 20/400.

Clinical effectiveness of screening for age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that occurs in patients over 50 years old. Early diagnosis enables timely treatment to stabilize disease progression. However, the fact that the disease is asymptomatic in its early stages can delay treatment until it progresses. As such, screening in specific contexts can be an early detection tool to reduce the clinical and social impact of the disease. OBJECTIVE: Assess the effectiveness of screening methods for early detection of AMD in adults aged 50 years or older. METHODS: A systematic review of comparative observational studies on AMD screening methods in those aged 50 years or older, compared with no screening or any other strategy. A literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library and Lilacs database. RESULTS: A total of 5,290 studies were identified, three of which met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the systematic review. A total of 8,733 individuals (16,780 eyes) were included in the analysis. The screening methods assessed were based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) compared with color fundus photography, and OCT and telemedicine testing compared to a standard eye exam. CONCLUSION: The systematized data are limited and only suggest satisfactory performance in early screening of the population at risk of developing AMD. OCT and the telemedicine technique showed promising results in AMD screening. However, methodological problems were identified in the studies selected and the level of evidence was considered low.

Paracentral acute middle maculopathy in the immediate postoperative of cataract surgery.

This case report identified paracentral acute middle maculopathy as the cause of severe and irreversible vision loss after cataract surgery. Cataract surgeons should be aware of known risk factors for the development of paracentral acute middle maculopathy. In those patients, extra care regarding anesthesia, intraocular pressure, and some other aspects of cataract surgery must be taken. Paracentral acute middle maculopathy is currently understood as a clinical sign evident on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and it is probably evidence of deep ischemic insult to the retina. It should be a differential diagnosis in cases of marked low vision acuity associated with no fundus abnormalities in the immediate postoperative period, as demonstrated in the presented case.

Revisiting Retinal Degeneration Hallmarks: Insights from Molecular Markers and Therapy Perspectives.

Visual impairment and blindness are a growing public health problem as they reduce the life quality of millions of people. The management and treatment of these diseases represent scientific and therapeutic challenges because different cellular and molecular actors involved in the pathophysiology are still being identified. Visual system components, particularly retinal cells, are extremely sensitive to genetic or metabolic alterations, and immune responses activated by local insults contribute to biological events, culminating in vision loss and irreversible blindness. Several ocular diseases are linked to retinal cell loss, and some of them, such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, are characterized by pathophysiological hallmarks that represent possibilities to study and develop novel treatments for retinal cell degeneration. Here, we present a compilation of revisited information on retinal degeneration, including pathophysiological and molecular features and biochemical hallmarks, and possible research directions for novel treatments to assist as a guide for innovative research. The knowledge expansion upon the mechanistic bases of the pathobiology of eye diseases, including information on complex interactions of genetic predisposition, chronic inflammation, and environmental and aging-related factors, will prompt the identification of new therapeutic strategies.

Electrophysiological findings in extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen.

PURPOSE: To present electroretinogram findings in extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen (EMAP) and describe associated systemic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Data on medical history, visual symptoms, multimodal imaging findings, and visual field were collected from the medical records of patients with extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen who attended a visual electrophysiology laboratory. Electrophysiological tests, including full-field electroretinogram, multifocal electroretinogram and photopic negative response, were performed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (10 [56%] females, age 49-66 years) were included. Of these, 17 (94%) had a history of rheumatic fever in childhood and/or adolescence, 7 (39%) had cardiovascular disease, 4 (22%) had autoimmune disease, and 10 (56%) had inflammatory conditions. The primary visual complaints were nyctalopia (95%), followed by visual field loss (67%) and dyschromatopsia (67%). The key retinal findings included retinal pigmented epithelium atrophy in the macular region and subretinal drusenoid deposits. Regarding electrophysiological results, 100% of patients had abnormalities on multifocal electroretinogram, 94% displayed alterations in photopic negative response, and 78% showed changes in the full-field electroretinogram. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, electrophysiologic evaluation demonstrated diffuse retinal dysfunction affecting all layers of the retina in patients with EMAP. The disease is associated with immune-mediated systemic conditions, chiefly rheumatic fever.

Desprendimiento de la capa bacilar de la retina asociado a enfermedad inflamatoria ocular / Detachment of the Bacillary Layer of the Retina Associated with Ocular Inflammatory Disease

El desprendimiento de la capa bacilar de la retina es la separación de los segmentos internos de los fotorreceptores del resto de la retina neurosensorial, o separación entre la zona miode y elipsoide de la retina, que en un hallazgo reciente se puede identificar mediante la tomografía de coherencia óptica de dominio espectral. El objetivo es actualizar los conocimientos sobre el desprendimiento de la capa bacilar de la retina y el uso de la tomografía de coherencia óptica de dominio espectral en las enfermedades oculares que están asociadas con este signo. Se consultaron las fuentes bibliográficas como Google académico, SciELO LAC, Medline y MEDICARIBE. Se limitaron los resultados al idioma español e inglés y a los últimos cinco años. Se recuperaron 54 documentos, de ellos 18 resultaron relevantes a esta investigación. Los autores más mencionados fueron Ramtohul, Metha y Cicinelli. Ellos trabajaron el signo clínico en cuestión y reportaron la experiencia en la atención a los pacientes aquejados con esta enfermedad ocular. El desprendimiento de la capa bacilar de la retina es un signo presente en varias enfermedades asociadas a inflamación del segmento posterior ocular. La tomografía de coherencia óptica de dominio espectral es una técnica efectiva para determinarlo, aunque estos planteamientos aún son escasos en la literatura, lo cual reafirma la importancia científica de continuar los estudios a partir de hipótesis iniciales desde el punto de vista histológico y tomográfico(AU)

Retinal bacillary layer detachment is the separation of the inner segments of the photoreceptors from the rest of the neurosensory retina, or separation between the myode and ellipsoid zone of the retina, which in a recent finding can be identified by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The objective is to update the knowledge about the detachment of the bacillary layer of the retina and the use of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in ocular diseases that are associated with this sign. Bibliographic sources such as academic Google, SciELO LAC, MEDLINE and MEDICARIBE were consulted. Fifty-four documents were retrieved, of which 18 were relevant to this research. The results were limited to the Spanish and English language and to the last five years. The most mentioned authors were Ramtohul, Metha and Cicinelli. They worked on the clinical sign in question and reported the experience in caring for patients afflicted with this ocular disease. Detachment of the bacillary layer of the retina is a sign present in several diseases associated with ocular posterior segment inflammation. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography is an effective technique to determine it, although it is still scarce in the literature, which reaffirms the scientific validity of continuing studies from initial hypotheses from the histological and tomographic point of view(AU)

Maculopatía por inmunoganmapatía / Maculopathy due to Immunoganmopathy

La maculopatía por inmunoganmapatía es una enfermedad macular inusual caracterizada por la presencia de fluido intra y subretinal en asociación con ganmapatías monoclonales. Puede constituir la primera manifestación de enfermedad sistémica en un número considerable de pacientes. La infiltración de la retina neurosensorial y del espacio subretiniano por las inmunoglobulinas provoca un aumento de la presión osmótica lo cual genera acumulación del fluido intra y subretinal. El "silencio angiográfico" la distingue de otras maculopatías con desprendimientos serosos. La plasmaféresis combinada con quimioterapia constituye la primera línea del tratamiento. Aunque el líquido intrarretinal mejora considerablemente, el subretinal persiste en la mayoría de los ojos. La agudeza visual mejor corregida final muestra una ganancia de 0,3 décimas como promedio después del tratamiento. Con el objetivo de exponer contenido actualizado sobre maculopatía por inmunoganmapatía, se realizó una revisión de las publicaciones más relevantes relacionadas con el tema durante los últimos ocho años(AU)

Immunoganmapathy maculopathy is an unusual macular disease characterized by the presence of intra- and subretinal fluid in association with monoclonal ganmapathies. It may constitute the first manifestation of systemic disease in a considerable number of patients. Infiltration of the neurosensory retina and the subretinal space by immunoglobulins causes an increase in osmotic pressure which leads to accumulation of intra- and subretinal fluid. The "angiographic silence" distinguishes it from other maculopathies with serous detachment. Plasmapheresis combined with chemotherapy is the first line of treatment. Although intraretinal fluid improves considerably, subretinal fluid persists in most eyes. The final best-corrected visual acuity shows a gain of 0.3 tenths on average after treatment. In order to expose updated content on immunoganmopathy maculopathy, a review of the most relevant publications related to the subject during the last eight years was performed(AU)

Ocular retinal findings in asymptomatic patients with antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus.

The objective is to perform a multimodal ophthalmological evaluation, including optical coherence angiography (OCTA), asymptomatic APS secondary to SLE (APS/SLE), and compare to SLE patients and control group (CG). We performed a complete structural/functional ophthalmological evaluation using OCTA/microperimetry exam in all participants. One hundred fifty eyes/75 asymptomatic subjects [APS/SLE (n = 25), SLE (n = 25), and CG (n = 25)] were included. Ophthalmologic abnormalities occurred in 9 (36%) APS/SLE, 11 (44%) SLE, and none of CG (p < 0.001). The most common retinal finding was Drusen-like deposits (DLDs) exclusively in APS/SLE and SLE (16% vs. 24%, p = 0.75) whereas severe changes occurred solely in APS/SLE [2 paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and 1 homonymous quadrantanopsia]. A trend of higher frequency of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) triple positivity (100% vs. 16%, p = 0.05) and higher mean values of adjusted Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score (aGAPSS) (14 ± 0 vs. 9.69 ± 3.44, p = 0.09) was observed in APS/SLE with PAMM vs. those without this complication. We identified that ophthalmologic retinal abnormalities occurred in more than 1/4 of asymptomatic APS/SLE and SLE. DLDs are the most frequent with similar frequencies in both conditions whereas PAMM occurred exclusively in APS/SLE patients. The possible association of the latter condition with aPL triple positivity and high aGAPSS suggests these two conditions may underlie the retinal maculopathy. Our findings in asymptomatic patients reinforce the need for early surveillance in these patients. Key Points • Retinal abnormalities occur in more than 1/4 of asymptomatic APS/SLE and SLE patients. • The occurrence of PAMM is possibly associated with APS and DLDs with SLE. • Presence of aPL triple positivity and high aGAPSS seem to be risk factors for PAMM.

Clinical-genetic findings in a group of subjects with macular dystrophies due to mutations in rare inherited retinopathy genes.

PURPOSE: To describe the results of clinical and molecular analyses in a group of patients suffering from inherited macular dystrophies, in which next-generation sequencing (NGS) efficiently detected rare causative mutations. METHODS: A total of eight unrelated Mexican subjects with a clinical and multimodal imaging diagnosis of macular dystrophy were included. Visual assessment methods included best corrected visual acuity, color fundus photography, Goldmann visual field tests, kinetic perimetry, dark/light adapted chromatic perimetry, full-field electroretinography, autofluorescence imaging, and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography imaging. Genetic screening was performed by means of whole exome sequencing with subsequent Sanger sequencing validation of causal variants. RESULTS: All patients exhibited a predominantly macular or cone-dominant disease. Patients' ages ranged from 12 to 60 years. Three cases had mutations in genes associated with autosomal dominant inheritance (UNC119 and PRPH2) while the remaining five cases had mutations in genes associated with autosomal recessive inheritance (CNGA3, POC1B, BEST1, CYP2U1, and PROM1). Of the total of 11 different pathogenic alleles identified, three were previously unreported disease-causing variants. CONCLUSIONS: Macular dystrophies can be caused by defects in genes that are not routinely analyzed or not included in NGS gene panels. In this group of patients, whole exome sequencing efficiently detected rare genetic causes of hereditary maculopathies, and our findings contribute to expanding the current knowledge of the clinical and mutational spectrum associated with these disorders.

Differentiating Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion From Normal Tension Glaucoma With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: To describe a patient with branch retinal artery occlusion that was misdiagnosed as normal tension glaucoma (NTG). CASE PRESENTATION: A female 76-year-old patient presenting inferior nasal visual field scotoma, neuroretinal thinning in the optic disk of the right eye with corresponding atrophy of superior retinal nerve fiber layer in optical coherence tomography (OCT). She was treated with latanoprost eye drops for NTG. However macular OCT angiography showed a localized thinning of the inner retina following the superior temporal branch retinal artery path, along with a superficial and medium capillary plexus reduction and superior macular ganglion cell layer atrophy. Further investigation with carotid arteries angio-tomography revealed an atheromatous lesion in the right and left carotid bulb with stenosis of 50-60%, in addition to aneurysms of the cavernous, pituitary and communicating segments of the left and right internal carotid artery, reinforcing the diagnosis of superior temporal branch retinal artery ischemic. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of establishing differential diagnosis in cases of presumed NTG and reinforces the use of the OCT angiography in clinical practice.

Recurrence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis after Vitrectomy: Case Report and Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report one case of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) recurrence after vitrectomy and review the scientific basis about it. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old male patient with previous OT, properly treated, underwent vitrectomy due to macular hole. During follow-up, patient evolved with recurrence of the OT. After 1 year, patient presents visual acuity of 20/200 and extensive macular scar. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus on using perioperative antiparasitic therapy aiming recurrence prophylaxis. Studies with better statistical design are necessary to evaluate the recurrence risk after ocular surgeries and the possible recommendation of prophylaxis, especially in countries where the strains are more virulent and the recurrence more common.

Baseline predictors of short-term visual outcomes after intravitreal conbercept injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. We aimed to identify baseline predictors of visual prognosis after intravitreal conbercept injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 58 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were treated with intravitreal injections of conbercept 0.5 mg in routine clinical practice. Basic information such as age, sex, intraocular pressure, and disease course was collected. Best-corrected visual acuity, mean retinal sensitivity, and optical coherence tomography findings were recorded at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of best-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: After the 6-month treatment, the mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.10 ± 0.42 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.41 ± 0.18 logMAR, the mean retinal sensitivity increased from 5.13 ± 0.86 dB to 7.32 ± 1.21 dB, the mean central retinal thickness decreased from 440.38 ± 61.05 µm to 260.01 ± 24.86 µm, and the total number of hyperreflective dots and the number of hyperreflective dots in each retina layer were significantly reduced as compared with those before treatment (all p<0.05). Twenty-two patients showed improved vision, and 36 had unimproved vision. Multivariate analyses revealed that the number of subretinal hyperreflective dots, the state of external limiting membrane, baseline best-corrected visual acuity, and age were independent predictors of best-corrected visual acuity (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Poor recovery of patients after intravitreal conbercept injection may be related to the number of subretinal hyperreflective dots, the state of external limiting membrane, baseline best-corrected visual acuity, and age, which may be used as predictors of short-term visual outcomes and should be fully evaluated before operation.

Naïve subretinal haemorrhage due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration. pneumatic displacement, subretinal air, and tissue plasminogen activator: subretinal vs intravitreal aflibercept-the native study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare visual and anatomical outcome in subretinal aflibercept vs. intravitreal aflibercept in the context of Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV), pneumatic displacement with subretinal air and subretinal tPA in patients with naïve submacular haemorrhage (SMH) secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Retrospective interventional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: 80 patients treated with subretinal aflibercept vs. intravitreal aflibercept in the context of PPV, subretinal air and subretinal tPA in patients with SMH secondary to naïve nAMD. METHODS: Records were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfoveal thickness (CST), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded at baseline and 24 months after treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: BCVA, CST, and number of anti VEGF treatment over follow-up period. RESULTS: The average duration from onset of symptoms to surgery was 1.26 days (range 0-3 days). Based on review of OCT images, SMH was subretinal in all 80 patients (100%), and sub-RPE in 29 patients (36.3%). Forty-one patients (51.25%) were treated with subretinal aflibercept ("subretinal group"), and 39 patients (48.75%) were treated with intravitreal aflibercept injections ("intravitreal group"). The groups were well balanced for age and gender p = 0.6588, and p = 0.263, respectively). Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in BCVA and CST (for all groups: p < 0.001). The mean number of anti VEGF given during follow-up period was statistically significantly lower in the "subretinal group" (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study shows better management of the CNV, with a statistically significant lower need for anti-VEGF injections when treated with subretinal aflibercept compared to intravitreal application.