Oral acetazolamide as a medical adjuvant to retinal surgery in optic disc pit maculopathy in a pediatric patient.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel combination of surgical and medical management for the treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy. OBSERVATIONS: A 12-year-old obese girl with bilateral optic disc pits presented with decreased vision in the left eye (20/400). On dilated fundus examination, she was found to have a macula-involving serous retinal detachment. Pars plana vitrectomy, posterior hyaloid peel, internal limiting membrane peel, fluid-air exchange, temporal juxtapapillary endolaser, and C3F8 tamponade were performed. Postoperatively, there was persistence of subretinal fluid, so oral acetazolamide and a weight loss regimen were started. After 3 months of medical treatment, the subretinal fluid decreased significantly and visual acuity improved to 20/60. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: Currently, the mechanisms leading to optic disc pit maculopathy remain a topic of debate. As optic disc pits may provide a conduit between the subarachnoid and subretinal spaces, the reduction of intracranial pressure with the use of systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may play a role in decreasing the subretinal fluid associated with select cases of optic disc pit maculopathy.

Pain Control after Intravitreal Injection Using Topical Nepafenac 0.3% or Pressure Patching: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Pain after an intravitreal injection (IVI) can last up to 7 days and negatively impacts the patient's experience, potentially reducing treatment compliance. We prospectively evaluated topical nepafenac 0.3% suspension and patching for the reduction of pain after IVI. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients receiving an IVI of bevacizumab, aflibercept, or triamcinolone acetonide in 1 eye. METHODS: Participants were randomized equally to receive either a single drop of nepafenac 0.3%, a pressure patch for 2 hours, or a single drop of preservative-free artificial tears (control group). A single-blinded placebo-controlled design was used to mask the topical treatment used. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale that ranged from 0 to 10 (horizontal pain scale). Because pain scores were not normally distributed, statistical analysis was performed using a nonparametric randomization-based analysis of covariance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pain scores. RESULTS: Fifty-six and 53 patients of the 60 patients enrolled completed the 6- and 24-hour follow-ups, respectively. Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores at 6 and 24 hours after IVI were lower in the nepafenac group (0.8±0.3 and 0.1±0.1, respectively; n = 18) and the patching group (1.3±0.4 and 0.4±0.2, respectively; n = 19) compared with the control group (2.5±0.6 and 0.9±0.4, respectively; n = 19). After controlling for age, gender, number of prior injections, and physician administering the injection, patients in the nepafenac group reported significantly lower pain scores than those in the control group at 6 hours (1.3±0.6 less; P = 0.047) and 24 hours (0.7±0.3 less; P = 0.047). Although the patching group reported lower pain scores than the control group, this was not statistically significant (6 hours, P = 0.24; 24 hours, P = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Nepafenac 0.3% was effective as a single drop in reducing pain at 6 and 24 hours after IVI compared with placebo. Limited patching was associated with lower pain scores than placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant. Additional studies are needed to determine the most effective method to maximize the patient's experience after an IVI without sacrificing outcomes.

Navigated Retina Laser Therapy as a Novel Method for Laser Retinopexy of Retinal Tears.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a navigated laser system for the treatment of retinal tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A planned pattern laser retinopexy was performed using a navigated laser photocoagulator incorporating rapid panretinal photocoagulation technology with an individualized target overlay to produce a 3 × 3 square pattern surrounding a horseshoe tear. Institutional review board approval was not applicable for this case. RESULTS: Successful laser retinopexy 360° around the tear was achieved. CONCLUSION: In select cases, a navigated laser system may be utilized for the treatment of retinal tears. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:e206-e209.].

Lamellar keratoplasty with corneoscleral graft for limbal dermoids.

To assess the postoperative outcomes of limbal dermoid excision with corneoscleral graft transplantation. The charts of 8 consecutive patients (mean age: 13.0y) who had undergone limbal dermoid excision with lamellar corneoscleral graft transplantation by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Mean dermoid size was 7.75 mm (6.0-12.0 mm). Mean visual acuities (in logMAR units) before and after surgery were 1.8 and 1.7, respectively (P=0.29). Spherical equivalents were 1.3 diopter (D) before surgery and 0.7 D after surgery (P=0.40). The mean astigmatism measurements before and after surgery were 2.4 D and 1.5 D, respectively (P=0.17). Vector analysis revealed a mild change in astigmatism with a mean "d" of 3.2 (0.56-6.89). No intra- or post-operative complications occurred. Lamellar keratoplasty for limbal dermoids is safe and offers good cosmesis and tectonic stability. A significant decrease in the amount of astigmatism is not expected following surgery.

Utilization of Ophthalmology-Specific Emergency Department Services.

OBJECTIVE: To describe utilization trends of an ophthalmology-specific emergency department (ED). METHODS: Prospective cohort study of new patients presenting in the ophthalmology ED for at least a 30-day period in the spring of each year for five consecutive years (2010-14) at a university referral center. A data form, including information about the ED visit and patient demographics, was included in each patient chart. Data were analyzed with Pearson chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 5323 chart data forms were completed. An average of 42.2 new patients per day presented to the ophthalmology ED. Most common diagnoses were viral conjunctivitis (8.7%), dry eye syndrome (6.6%), and corneal abrasion (6.6%). Non-emergent visits accounted for 35.8% of surveys completed. Factors associated with non-emergent visits included female gender, age 65 years or older, weekday visits, and patient symptom duration greater than one week (p < 0.0001 for each factor). When compared to all other insurance categories combined, patients who were members of the regional public assistance program were the most likely to present with a non-emergency (48.5% versus 34.9%, p < 0.001), while Workers' Compensation patients were least likely to present with a non-emergency (16% versus 36.5%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Over one-third of new patient visits were non-emergent. Factors predictive of non-emergent patient visits were female gender, age 65 years or older, duration of symptoms greater than one week, weekday visits, and the form of insurance coverage.

Posterior Pole Retinal Detachment Due to a Macular Hole in a Patient with a Boston Keratoprosthesis.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course of a patient with a Boston Keratoprosthesis type I who developed a localized posterior pole retinal detachment secondary to a macular hole. OBSERVATIONS: A 73-year-old patient with a Boston Keratoprosthesis developed a localized posterior pole retinal detachment secondary to a macular hole. The retinal detachment was repaired with a 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, membrane peel, fluid-air exchange and 18% C3F8. Retinal reattachment was achieved but the macular hole remained open. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: A posterior pole retinal detachment secondary to a macular hole can be repaired using standard techniques despite the limited view through a Boston Keratoprosthesis.

Cataract surgery in the setting of severe pathologic myopia with high axial length: use of pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy.

Cataract surgery in patients with pathologic myopia and high axial length can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including imprecise intraocular lens calculations in eyes with posterior staphylomas and intraoperative complications such as suprachoroidal hemorrhage, posterior capsular rupture, and retinal tears. Although most surgeons recommend standard phacoemulsification and preservation of the posterior capsule in these cases, an alternative approach presented in this series entails the removal of the lens through the pars plana and removal of formed vitreous during the concurrent procedure.

Clinical Features, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles, and Outcomes of Infectious Keratitis Caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans.

PURPOSE: Reports on Achromobacter xylosoxidans ocular infections are increasing, drawing attention to its emerging role in infectious keratitis. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical features, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes of infectious keratitis secondary to Achromobacter xylosoxidans. METHODS: A microbiology database and clinical chart review was performed in all patients diagnosed with A. xylosoxidans keratitis at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between the years 1987 and 2014. Initial presentation, antimicrobial susceptibilities, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), treatment course, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were identified. The main risk factors were corneal graft (n = 8, 28.6%) and contact lens wear (n = 8, 28.6%). On presentation, visual acuity was 20/100 or worse in 20 (71.2%) patients. Hypopyon was present in 7 (25.0%) patients. In most cases, topical fluoroquinolones or tobramycin were the initial treatment, often accompanied by vancomycin. High susceptibility rates were found for piperacillin [100%, minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of isolates (MIC90) = 8] and ticarcillin (100%, MIC90 = 16). Low susceptibility rates were documented for ciprofloxacin (46.7%, MIC90 = 8), tobramycin (26.7%, MIC90 = 16), and gentamicin (20%, MIC90 = 16). One (3.6%) patient suffered endophthalmitis. Six (21.4%) patients underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, and 2 (7.1%) patients had conjunctival flap surgery. Visual acuity at final follow-up was 20/100 or worse in 16 (57.1%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious keratitis caused by A. xylosoxidans is associated with poor visual outcomes. Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides are not appropriate treatments for these ocular infections. Further studies are needed to define the clinical application of compound piperacillin and ticarcillin eye drops.

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy in a premature child.

Many of the clinical features associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) overlap with those commonly found in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Differentiating these two distinct entities may be challenging in premature infants. FEVR can be distinguished from ROP in that the former demonstrates exudates on examination and tends to recur or reactivate. The authors report the case of a premature infant diagnosed with FEVR and treated with diode laser who was subsequently lost to follow-up. Upon re-establishing care 3 years later, the patient demonstrated renewed bilateral vitreoretinopathy. This manuscript underscores the importance of accurate distinction between FEVR and ROP for the purpose of optimal patient management.

Extraocular extension of uveal melanoma after fine-needle aspiration, vitrectomy, and open biopsy.

IMPORTANCE: The most potentially devastating complication of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or open biopsy is extraocular extension of the tumor. In this collaborative case series, we report 4 cases of orbital recurrence of malignant melanoma as a late complication of biopsy and/or vitrectomy performed at referring institutions and then sent to us for evaluation. OBSERVATIONS: Four cases of extraocular extension of melanoma are documented following multiple procedures including FNAB, vitrectomy, and open biopsies. Three of the patients in this series underwent more than 1 FNAB, biopsy, and/or vitrectomy. One underwent FNAB only but did not undergo brachytherapy afterward. Most of the FNABs, open biopsies, and vitrectomies reported in these cases were not performed by us, so details of the technique are not available. From these cases, we are not able to determine whether the FNAB or additional invasive procedures caused the subsequent extraocular disease or if growth of the tumor into the extraocular space occurred independent of or prior to the procedures. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Large series of FNAB for uveal melanoma with no extraocular recurrence have been reported by multiple experienced centers, and the vast majority of these procedures are performed without effect on the patient's prognosis. However, the patients described in this series demonstrate that this complication is rarely possible.

Orbital compartment syndrome following extracorporeal support.

Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a rare, catastrophic, but potentially treatable complication. It requires prompt diagnosis and immediate intervention, as critical period for possible functional recovery is very short. This report adds to our understanding of potential mechanisms of perioperative blindness, and suggests extracorporeal circulatory support, systemic inflammatory response, and massive blood and fluid resuscitation as potential risk factors for perioperative OCS.

Retrospective analysis of patients self-referred to comprehensive ophthalmology seeking second opinions.

Patients choose to seek a second opinion in matters related to their health for a variety of reasons, and the total cost associated with these second opinion visits is estimated to be billions of dollars annually. Understanding the reasons behind second opinion self-referrals is key to improving patient satisfaction and reducing redundancy in delivered health care. This study represents a retrospective analysis of the records from a single provider at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service in order to determine the various reasons that patients self-refer to an ophthalmology clinic seeking second opinions. A total of 174 patients presenting for a second opinion were identified over a one-year period. Patients presented for second opinions for two primary reasons: 60% presented in order to seek a confirmation of a diagnosis from an outside ophthalmologist (54%) or optometrist (6%), and 40% presented due to a previous adverse experience with an outside provider, such as perceived treatment failure (26%), poor bedside manner (3%), distrust of the provider (5%), and poor provider communication skills (7%). This study strives to reiterate that the reduction of adverse patient experiences through effective communication of expected treatment options and outcomes, with a realistic time course of therapy, could significantly improve patient satisfaction and reduce costly second opinion visits.

Transition to a novel advanced integrated vitrectomy platform: comparison of the surgical impact of moving from the Accurus vitrectomy platform to the Constellation Vision System for microincisional vitrectomy surgery.

BACKGROUND: Microincisional vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) is the current standard surgical approach for pars plana vitrectomy. Historically, the most common surgical platform for vitrectomy surgery, since its introduction in 1997, has been the Accurus vitrectomy system. Recent introduction of the next generation of vitrectomy platforms has generated concerns associated with transitioning to new technology in the operating room environment. This study compared, in a matched fashion, surgical use of the Accurus vitrectomy system and the next generation Constellation Vision System to evaluate surgical efficiencies, complications, and user perceptions of this transition. METHODS: Electronic health records were abstracted as a hospital quality assurance activity and included all vitreoretinal surgical procedures at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital, during two discrete 12-month time periods. These two periods reflected dedicated usage of the Accurus (June 2008-May 2009) and Constellation Vision (July 2009-June 2010) systems. Data were limited to a single surgeon and evaluated for operating room (OR) total time usage/day, OR case time/case, and OR surgical time/case. Further analysis evaluated all patients undergoing combined MIVS and clear cornea phacoemulsification/intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during each individual time period to determine the impact of the instrumentation on these parameters. All records were evaluated for intraoperative complications. RESULTS: Five hundred and fourteen eligible patients underwent MIVS during the 2-year study windows, with 281 patients undergoing surgery with the Accurus system and 233 patients undergoing surgery with the Constellation system. Combined MIVS and phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed 141 times during this period with the Accurus and 158 times during the second study period with the Constellation. Total number of patients operated per day increased from 7.55 with Accurus to 8.53 with Constellation. Surgical room time decreased from 56 minutes with Accurus to 52 minutes with Constellation, and procedure time decreased from 35 minutes with Accurus to 31 minutes with Constellation (P < 0.004). Combined MIVS/phacoemulsification surgery saw similar declines in surgical room time and procedure time (P < 0.001). Subset analysis of procedures limited by case number per day (eg, four cases/day, five cases/day, six cases/day, and seven or more cases/day) showed similar outcomes with a decrease in surgical room time and procedure time. No increases in surgery-related complications were noted by quality assurance review during these time periods. DISCUSSION: Transitioning to advanced surgical technology is a complex issue for the surgeon, the hospital team, and the hospital administration. This study documents improvement in three significant measures of surgical efficiency: operative number of patients per day, operative room time, and surgical procedure time that reflect the positive impact of the novel, combined, integrated, posterior and anterior, ophthalmologic surgical platform of the Constellation Vision System. These data are imperative to evaluate the impact of transition from one surgical platform to another. During this transition, hospital quality assurance review and surgeon evaluation of operative complications showed no increased concerns for the shift from the Accurus to the Constellation Vision System surgical platform. Further, both operative staff and surgeons felt that the transition to the Constellation was not associated with increases in difficulty with setup, turnover, or use and that the Constellation decreased safety concerns for surgical usage. Ultimately, in this case, new technology benefited the surgeon, the patient, and the hospital.

Transconjunctival elimination of keratin from an intratarsal meibomian cyst.

An unusual example of an intratarsal meibomian keratinous cyst is described in a 69-year-old man with spontaneous transepithelial (conjunctival) elimination. The lesion created an externally visible lump in the eyelid, which on eversion was found to be accompanied by yellow-whitish protruding material with a surrounding circular mound of reactive tissue. Excision revealed a large mass and smaller fragments of anuclear keratin (trichilemmal-type) embedded and sequestered in fibrous tissue with a granulomatous response. A re-excision was required because of persistent and irritating keratinous material, contrasting with the more indolent course of an uncomplicated epidermoid cyst of the eyelid dermis. This is the first documented instance of spontaneous rupture and extrusion of a meibomian tarsal cyst's keratin contents.

Intraoperative wavefront aberrometry in cataract surgery.

Intraoperative wavefront aberrometry is a relatively new technology that aims to improve refractive outcomes following cataract surgery by optimizing the spherical power of the intraocular lens implant or calculating the appropriate axis and power of toric lenses during cataract surgery in an aphakic state. This article reviews the literature on intraoperative wavefront aberrometry and provides a critical assessment of the benefits and shortcomings of that technology.

Therapeutic interventions against inflammatory and angiogenic mediators in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

The global prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be 336 million people, with diabetic complications contributing to significant worldwide morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy results from cumulative microvascular damage to the retina and inflammation is recognized as a critical driver of this disease process. This paper outlines the pathophysiology leading to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and highlights many of the inflammatory, angiogenic, and cytokine mediators implicated in the development and progression of this disease. We focus a detailed discussion on the current targeted therapeutic interventions used to treat diabetic retinopathy.