Enhancing Intermediate Vision in Patients Affected by Epiretinal Membrane Treated by Phaco-Vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to see if a refractive enhanced monofocal IOL (Eyhance IOL, IOL Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA, USA) can provide better intermediate vision in patients undergoing phaco-vitrectomy due to cataract and epiretinal macular membrane (ERM). METHODS: A nonrandomized prospective observational comparative study enrolled patients affected by cataract and ERM undergoing phaco-vitrectomy. A follow up of 6 months was established. Corrected and uncorrected visual acuity of both monocular and binocular types were assessed regarding intermediate and far distances. The CATQUEST 9-SF questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes of twenty-three patients were enrolled, with 11 in the enhanced monofocal group. The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity after 6 months was not statistically different. Both monocular and binocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity after 6 months were higher in the enhanced monofocal group (p < 0.001). The corrected intermediate visual acuity after 6 months was higher in the enhanced monofocal group (p = 0.01). The CATQUEST-9SF questionnaire showed significant differences in the variation between the preoperative condition and six-month postoperative results (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This refractive enhanced monofocal IOL can provide better intermediate vision compared to a standard monofocal IOL in patients undergoing phaco-vitrectomy due to cataracts and ERM. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Three-Dimensional Visualization System for Vitreoretinal Surgery: Results from a Monocentric Experience and Comparison with Conventional Surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe the experience of our centre (Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy) in using a heads-up three-dimensional (3D) surgical viewing system in vitreoretinal surgery, making a comparison with the conventional microscope surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data taken from 240 patients (240 eyes) with surgical macular diseases (macular hole and epiretinal membrane), retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage who underwent vitreoretinal surgeries, by means of the NGENUITY 3D Visualization System (Alcon Laboratories Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA), in comparison with 210 patients (210 eyes) who underwent vitreoretinal surgeries performed using a conventional microscope. All surgeries were performed with standardized procedures by the same surgeons. We analyzed data over a follow-up period of 6 months, comparing the surgical outcomes (best-corrected visual acuity, anatomical success rate and postoperative complication rate) between the two groups. RESULTS: the 3D group included 74 patients with retinal detachment, 78 with epiretinal membrane, 64 with macular hole and 24 with vitreous hemorrhage. There were no significant differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics between the 3D group and the conventional group. We found no significant differences in outcome measures at three and six months follow-up between the two groups (p-value ≥ 0.05 for all comparisons). Surgery durations were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a heads-up 3D surgical viewing system provided comparable functional and anatomical outcomes in comparison with conventional microscope surgery, proving to be a valuable tool for vitreoretinal surgery in the treatment of different retinal diseases.

Non-Invasive Retinal Imaging Modalities for the Identification of Prognostic Factors in Vitreoretinal Surgery for Full-Thickness Macular Holes.

In this review, we will focus on different non-invasive retinal imaging techniques that can be used to evaluate morphological and functional features in full-thickness macular holes with a prognostic purpose. Technological innovations and developments in recent years have increased the knowledge of vitreoretinal interface pathologies by identifying potential biomarkers useful for surgical outcomes prediction. Despite a successful surgery of full-thickness macular holes, the visual outcomes are often puzzling, so the study and the identification of prognostic factors is a current topic of interest. Our review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on prognostic biomarkers identified in full-thickness macular holes by means of different retinal imaging tools, such as optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, microperimetry, fundus autofluorescence, and adaptive optics.

Combining primary and sulcus piggyback IOLs for the correction of a spherical-cylindrical defect in an eye with abnormal cornea.

INTRODUCTION: Piggyback IntraOcular Lenses (IOLs), or supplementary secondary implant lenses, have been developed to provide a sufficient dioptric power in eyes with high refractive defects, which are not fully correctable after cataract surgery with single IOL in the range of powers available. These lenses can also be used for the correction of refractive errors that occurred for a wrong choice of the IOL power after cataract surgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a complete refractive success obtained in a patient with an abnormal cornea, with a central stable ectasia, with thinning, high myopic astigmatism and cataract, obtained with the implant of a primary posterior chamber IOL at the time of cataract surgery and a subsequent implant of a secondary piggyback, sulcus-based customized toric IOL (Camellens FIL 622-2 Toric Monofocal IOL, Soleko, Rome, Italy). CONCLUSIONS: This brief report demonstrates the utility of combining primary and piggyback IOLs implant for the correction of a complex spherical-cylindrical refractive defect in a case of abnormal cornea and cataract.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for the Evaluation of Retinal and Choroidal Vasculature in Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Monocentric Experience.

Purpose: We investigated the chorioretinal microvascular changes in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: Twenty-six patients (52 eyes) affected by RP were compared with 19 healthy controls (38 eyes). OCTA 3 mm × 3 mm macular scans were performed in all subjects. We evaluated the vessel density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (VD SCP), deep capillary plexus (VD DCP), choriocapillaris (VD CC), and choroid (VD choroid). We also evaluated the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and the correlation between clinical and OCTA parameters. We also measured central retinal thickness (CRT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT). Results: RP patients compared to healthy controls showed significantly lower VD SCP values (27.56% ± 15.37 vs. 49.39% ± 1.55; p-value < 0.0001), lower VD DCP values (38.43% ± 15.23 vs. 3.34% ± 0.26; p-value < 0.0001), lower VD CC values (46.02% ± 1.293 vs. 50.63% ± 0.4274; p-value = 0.0040), and lower VD choroid values (38.48% ± 15.23 vs. 3.34% ± 0.26; p-value < 0.0001). Even the FAZ area was significantly lower in RP patients (0.45 mm2 ± 0.35 vs. 0.26 mm2 ± 0.13; p-value < 0.0001). The FAZ area was larger with increasing age, both in control (r = 0.42; p = 0.012) and RP group (r = 0.46; p-value = 0.009). In RP patients, there was a statistically significant correlation between best-corrected visual acuity and VD SCP (r = 0.24, p-value = 0.04) and VD DCP (r = 0.52; p-value = 0.0004) and between subfoveal choroidal thickness and VD SCP (r = 0.43, p-value < 0.001) and VD DCP (r = 0.35, p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, OCTA reported relevant vascular alterations in RP patients in comparison with the healthy controls, in agreement with the published literature. These abnormalities were associated with choroidal atrophy and related to visual acuity loss. OCTA provided clinically significant information and may represent a reliable tool for the management of RP patients.

SURGICAL APPROACH FOR SUBFOVEAL DENSIRON 68 BUBBLE REMOVAL IN A CASE OF RECURRENT INFERIOR RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To describe a surgical approach to remove a retained subfoveal Densiron 68 bubble in a case of recurrent inferior retinal detachment. METHODS: A 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed to remove the subfoveal silicone oil bubble and to treat the retinal detachment. Through a midperipheral retinal tear, we reached the subfoveal space by extending the retinal detachment up to the macular region. We inserted in the subretinal space a Charles cannula protected with a silicone tip to catch and aspirate the bubble. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography successfully guided the surgical maneuvers. RESULTS: We achieved the complete removal of the bubble from the subretinal space, and this led to the restoration of the retinal morphology with functional improvement, although the fovea developed atrophy. CONCLUSION: We reported a surgical approach for the removal of a retained subfoveal Densiron 68 bubble that combines a macular detachment together with the aspiration of the bubble using a protected Charles cannula. This technique may provide an alternative approach in the management of this challenging complication.

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity: a single-center retrospective review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report our experience in the management of type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) in premature infants, who received intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections either as first-line monotherapy or as rescue therapy following laser therapy. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study on 37 patients (74 eyes) affected by sight-threatening ROP that underwent treatment either with IVB alone or laser photocoagulation followed by IVB at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Careggi University Hospital of Florence, between 2008 and 2015. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were males (45.9%) and 20 were females (54.1%). The mean gestational age was 24 weeks and the mean birth weight was 610 g. Fifty-six eyes (75.7%) of 28 patients were diagnosed as type 1 ROP and 18 eyes (24.3%) of nine patients as APROP. Sixty-six eyes of 33 patients received IVB as first-line monotherapy, eight eyes of four patients were treated with IVB after laser photocoagulation treatment, as rescue therapy. The mean postmenstrual age at treatment was 33.9 weeks. All the patients received bilateral injections. None of the infants required repeat injections. The mean follow-up time was 59.6 months. All the patients achieved a good response to treatment, showing the regression of the proliferative phase and a complete peripheral retinal vascularization within 2 months from the injection of bevacizumab. One patient with a bilateral ROP had only a partial resolution of a vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye. The procedures were well tolerated without local or systemic adverse events during the follow-up. No infants showed recurrences. Ocular motility alterations appeared in four patients (10.8%), with the absence of stereopsis in six cases (16.20%). After treatment, spherical equivalent values in cycloplegic refraction ranged from -4.0 D to +5.0 D, with a mean value of +1.75 D. All the patients showed a normal neuropsychomotor development. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the effectiveness and safety of IVB in the treatment of ROP, both as monotherapy and rescue therapy after laser photocoagulation, according to the published literature.

Bilateral choroidal metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular salivary gland.

PURPOSE: A case of bilateral choroidal metastasis from an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland is described. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-years-old woman with a history of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma presented with visual impairment in both eyes. Fundus images showed bilateral creamy-white choroidal masses. Optical coherence tomography revealed subretinal fluid with high reflective speckles and a "lumpy bumpy" anterior contour of the lesions. Fluorescein angiography showed a hypofluorescent pattern of the lesions in early arterial phases, and progressive late hyperfluorescence. A diagnosis of bilateral choroidal metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma was made. The patient was advised to underwent palliative chemotherapy, but she expired a few weeks after the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Salivary gland carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the choroid, with few cases described in literature. In patients with a history of salivary glands tumor the possibility of choroidal metastatization should always be considered.

The role of anterior segment optical coherence tomography in uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe features of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome, using Anterior Segment-Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) and to evaluate the diagnostic role of AS-OCT as an imaging technique alternative to UBM. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Four eyes of 4 patients with UGH syndrome were analyzed. All patients reported previous uncomplicated cataract surgery with in-the-bag implantation of single-piece-intraocular lens (IOL). They underwent at presentation complete ophthalmological examination and imaging with slit-lamp anterior segment photographs, UBM and AS-OCT. RESULTS: Although AS-OCT did not allow to visualize the structures behind the iris, it displayed a contact between IOL (plate and/or haptics) and iris and IOL tilting in 3 out of 4 eyes. AS-OCT directly detected the cause of UGH syndrome in one eye, 2 eyes required some expedients to display the iris chafing, like scans in mydriasis and/or patient's gaze direction change. AS-OCT did not allow to appreciate the IOL-iris contact (showed by UBM technique) only in one eye, probably due to the change of patient position from supine to sitting, and consequent anteriorization of iris diaphragm. Furthermore AS-OCT showed fine details, as capsular bag collapse and indirect signs of haptic malposition in 3 out of 4 eyes. CONCLUSION: AS-OCT is a non-invasive technique that allows to determine IOL position and IOL-uveal contact in selected cases of UGH syndrome. Considering AS-OCT and UBM advantages and limitations, AS-OCT should be used as first imaging modality when clinical diagnosis is uncertain. When UGH diagnosis cannot be verified using AS-OCT, UBM should be performed.

Comparison of Visual and Aberrometric Outcomes in Suture-Free Scleral Fixation: Three-Piece Lenses versus Carlevale Lenses.

Purpose: To compare the refractive results between sutureless scleral fixation intraocular lens (IOLs) (Carlevale, Soleko) and suture-free scleral fixation three-piece IOLs (Sensar AR40, Johnson & Johnson) for secondary implantation in patients with IOL dislocation or aphakia. Methods: This is a monocentric retrospective study on 28 patients (28 eyes) with sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale IOL and 25 patients (25 eyes) with suture-free scleral fixation three-piece IOL. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) evaluation, refractive measures and IOL tilt evaluation with anterior segment optical coherence tomography were conducted at one, three, six and twelve months after surgery. Point Spread Function (PSF) was measured using a total ocular aberrometer. Results: BCVA in both groups improved since the postoperative visit at 1 month and reached a stable value at 3 months At month 12, mean BCVA was 0.23 logMAR in group one and 0.32 logMAR in group two. Mean IOL tilt angle at 12 months was 2.76° ± 1.87 in group one and 2.51° ± 1.80 in group two. PSF at 12 months was 0.18 ± 0.09 in group one and 0.15 ± 0.05 in group two. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for all comparisons. The post-operative complications were similar within the two groups. Conclusions: Our results show that secondary IOL implantation has similar visual and surgical outcomes when a sutureless Carlevale lens scleral fixation and a suture-free scleral fixation three-piece IOL are used.

Multimodal imaging of optic disc melanocytoma.

PURPOSE: To describe the findings of four patients (four eyes) with optic disc melanocytoma (ODM), using multimodal imaging. METHODS: Retrospective case series. RESULTS: On ocular ultrasonography ODMs appeared as hyperechogenic lesions with moderate-to-high internal reflectivity. On blue-light fundus autofluorescence, ODMs showed total hypoautofluorescence, while, on infrared reflectance images appeared as bright and well-marginated lesions. MultiColor composite images showed reddish-brown lesions with well-defined margins. Swept-source optical coherence tomography revealed elevated lesions covering the optic disc with an irregular hyperreflective surface, dishomogeneous internal structure with hyperreflective dots, and posterior shadowing. In all cases optical coherence tomography angiography detected intratumoral blood vessels which were not detectable with fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSION: Multimodal imaging in ODM might be useful both at presentation, increasing the diagnostic accuracy, and at follow-up, providing helpful details, that can help to rule out the possibility of malignant transformation and other ocular complications.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for the Evaluation of Retinal Vasculature in Fabry Disease: Our Experience and Review of Current Knowledge.

Purpose: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive and objective tool for the evaluation of the retinal microvascular changes in Fabry disease (FD). We investigated changes in retinal vasculature in FD patients, and the possible correlation with systemic parameters, by using OCTA, and reviewed the current status of literature. Methods: Thirteen FD patients (eight females, five males, mean age 49.85 ± 14.7 years) were compared with 13 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. OCTA 3 × 3 mm macular scans were performed in all subjects. We evaluated the vessel density and vessel perfusion in distinct macular areas (whole, inner, and outer) of both the superficial capillary plexus (SCP VD and SCP VP) and of the deep capillary plexus (DCP VD and DCP VP). We also evaluated the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics (area, perimeter, and circularity), and correlation between systemic and OCTA parameters. A literature review on the current understanding of OCTA in FD is then presented. Results: FD patients showed significantly lower SCP VD values in the whole area (17.37 ± 2.08 mm-1 vs. 18.54 ± 1.21 mm-1; p-value 0.022), as well as in the outer area (17.46 ± 2.10 mm-1 vs. 19.08 ± 1.14 mm-1; p-value 0.002), but not in the inner. Even the DCP VD was significantly lower in all the imaged areas: whole (17.75 ± 3.93 mm-1 vs. 19.71 ± 1.20 mm-1; p-value 0.024), outer (18.25 ± 4.17 mm-1 vs. 20.33 ± 1.20 mm-1; p-value 0.023), and inner (19.54 ± 4.17 mm-1 vs. 21.96 ± 1.55 mm-1; p-value 0.011). There were no significant differences in vessel perfusion parameters (both SCP VP and DCP VP ones) and FAZ. No significant correlations were found between the OCTA parameters and systemic parameters (maximal left ventricular wall thickness and glomerular filtration rate) in FD patients. Conclusions: OCTA can be considered as a promising non-invasive tool, which enables a quantitative evaluation of retinal vascular involvement in FD, despite the varying data reported in literature. Our results support the use of OCTA as an objective tool to evaluate retinal vascular abnormalities in FD. The utility of OCTA in FD needs to be validated by longitudinal studies taking into account the overall progression of the disease.

Clinical outcomes and secondary glaucoma after gamma-knife radiosurgery and Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma: a single institution experience.

We retrospectively analyzed data from records of 48 patients (48 eyes) treated with gamma-knife (n = 18) or Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy (n = 30) for uveal melanoma, in our Ocular Oncology Unit between December 2013 and September 2019, with the aim to evaluate treatment outcomes, and incidence and risk factors for secondary glaucoma. Patients demographics and tumor characteristics at diagnosis were recorded. Follow-up data were collected regarding local tumor control, treatment complications, enucleation need, metastases occurrence and survival status. The median follow-up period was 33.7 months in the gamma-knife group and 26.2 months in the brachytherapy group. The mean tumor thickness, the largest basal diameter and the tumor volume were significantly higher in the gamma-knife group than in the brachytherapy group. The local tumor control rate was 100% in the brachytherapy group and 77.8% in the gamma-knife group. In the gamma-knife group, six patients were enucleated, no patient treated with brachytherapy underwent enucleation. The overall survival rate was 96.7% in the brachytherapy group and 94.44% in the gamma-knife group. Secondary glaucoma occurred in 10 patients after gamma-knife and in one patient after brachytherapy: it should be emphasized that larger lesions were treated with gamma-knife, whereas smaller tumors were selected for brachytherapy. We found a significative correlation of tumor thickness (P value = 0.043) and volume (P value = 0.040) with secondary glaucoma occurrence after gamma-knife treatment. Moreover, secondary glaucoma significantly correlated with radiation retinopathy in the gamma-knife group (P value = 0.009). This study shows preliminary clinical results that could be useful for further studies with more patients and longer follow-up.

Extensive conjunctival melanoma successfully treated with surgical resection and pre- and postoperative topical mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a large conjunctival melanoma (CM) successfully treated with surgical resection and pre- and postoperative topical mitomycin C (MMC). METHODS: This is a single observational case report. RESULTS: A 58-year-old man was referred to us for a large pigmented conjunctival lesion of the right eye. Slit lamp examination revealed an extensive pigmented lesion diffusely involving the temporal bulbar conjunctiva, with multifocal intensely dark areas and an elevated limbal component extending on the corneal surface. The remaining bulbar and forniceal conjunctiva was not involved. The lesion was clinically diagnosed as CM. Clinical examination and head and neck ultrasonography did not show regional lymphadenopathy. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant topical MMC 0.04% four times a day for 3 weeks. At the end of MMC therapy we observed a reduction in pigmentation and thickness of the lesion. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical excision of the lesion with "no touch technique," double freeze-thaw cryotherapy of the margins and reconstruction of the tissue defect with amniotic membrane graft. Histopathologic examination of the specimen confirmed the presence of CM, surrounded by primary acquired melanosis with atypia. The excision margins were positive for tumor involvement, so we decided to perform an adjuvant treatment with other four cycles of topical MMC. CONCLUSIONS: The patient was closely followed-up after the treatment, without any local or distant recurrence at 32 months.

Combined brachytherapy and vitreoretinal surgery for a large retinal capillary hemangioma with exudative retinal detachment.

INTRODUCTION: We report about a large retinal capillary hemangioma (RCH) with exudative retinal detachment and a macular fold, treated with Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy (Ru-106 BT) and scleral buckling surgery, followed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), for the removal of macular tractions. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 17-year-old boy was referred to our Ocular Oncology Unit for a large RCH in the left eye. BCVA was hand motion. The RCH measured 4.9 × 6.85 mm in basal diameters and 4.0 mm in thickness and was located in the mid-peripheral temporal retina. It was surrounded by extensive subretinal exudation, forming an exudative retinal detachment, with a retinal fold that extended from the lesion to the optic disc. We performed Ru-106 BT and at the moment of the plaque removal we placed a radial buckle with the aim to unbend the retinal fold. At 3-months follow-up the exudation decreased, we achieved the opening of the peripheral side of the retinal fold, but the macula was still detached. We decided to perform a lens sparing PPV, macular peeling and air tamponade, to remove the vitreoretinal tractions ab interno and to try to complete the opening of the macular fold. After 1-month BCVA was counting fingers, the retina appeared attached, also in the macular area, but the retinal fold remained partially close in the macular side. After 6 months the tumor was inactivated, the macula remained attached, unfortunately, the macular fold remained partially close. CONCLUSION: Ru-106 BT and scleral buckling concurrent approach can be an effective treatment modality in selected cases of large RCHs, followed by PPV to remove eventual vitreo-retinal tractions.

Leukostasis retinopathy with leukemic infiltrates as onset manifestation of chronic myeloid leukemia: a case report.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of retinopathy as onset manifestation of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), successfully treated with leukapheresis and medical therapy. METHODS: A 28-year-old male patient presented complaining painless acute visual impairment in his right eye (RE). He reported moderate asthenia and episodes of night sweats during the previous month. His past medical history was unremarkable. BCVA at presentation was 20/80 in RE and 20/32 in left eye (LE). Fundus examination revealed venous congestion, diffuse Roth spots, and whitish macular infiltrates in both eyes. OCT showed hyperreflective foveal infiltrates, in both eyes. Blood test showed markedly elevated white blood cells (WBCs) count (430 × 103/mm3). Clinical-instrumental examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly. These features were consistent with CML. The patient was treated with leukapheresis and nilotinib. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of treatment, the WBCs count dropped (71 × 103/mm3), and the patient reported subjective improvement of symptoms. At 1-month follow-up, BCVA and retinopathy signs were improved in both eyes. OCT showed the almost complete resolution of foveal infiltrates with ellipsoid zone focal defects. At 4-months follow-up, we observed complete resolution of retinopathy. BCVA was 20/32 in RE and 20/25 in LE. OCT showed the persistence of ellipsoid zone focal defects in RE and complete anatomical restoration in LE. At 6-months follow-up, the patient was clinically well and his WBCs count was normal. CONCLUSION: In our case, the CML-related retinopathy represented the onset sign of the underlying systemic pathology, leading to proper management and treatment, with hematological normalization and resolution of the retinopathy.

Computer-assisted retinal vessel diameter evaluation in Fabry disease.

PURPOSE: Fabry disease retinal vascular involvement has been widely reported, with narrowing of the retinal arterioles, dilation and irregularity of the retinal veins, and exaggerated tortuosity of the retinal vessels. We evaluated retinal vessel diameter in Fabry disease, by means of a dedicated software, aiming to provide a quantitative marker of retinal vascular network abnormalities in Fabry disease patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational case-control study evaluating different branches of vessels, peripapillary vessels (group A), temporal vascular arcades (group B), and second-order collaterals of the temporal arcades (group C). We obtained the vessel diameters values from eye fundus digital images of eight Fabry disease patients and eight age-sex matched controls, using a semiautomatic software. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the Fabry disease group versus the control group. RESULTS: The difference between the average diameters of all the types of vessels considered were significantly smaller in Fabry disease patients compared to healthy controls, resulting in a decrease in size (mm) of 10.9% for group A, 7.8% for group B, and 7.4% for group C. The most evident difference between Fabry disease patients and controls was found in the largest vessels. CONCLUSION: A computer-assisted analysis of retinal vessel diameter in Fabry disease by means of dedicated software showed narrower retinal arteries in Fabry disease patients than in controls. Our data support the use of semiautomatic assessment of retinal vessel attenuation as an objective and reproducible method to evaluate retinal vascular alterations in Fabry disease, providing a clinical non-invasive tool for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Ocular oncology service during the COVID-19 outbreak in Florence (Italy): Practical considerations for the management of patients.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has imposed the adoption of strategies to limit the risk of contagion for cancer patients without compromising their healthcare. As well as cancers of other sites, the treatment of certain ocular and periocular malignancies is considered non-deferrable and should proceed despite the pandemic. Delays in treatment of these patients may result in negative outcomes. Herein, we provide some practical considerations deriving from our experience at the Ocular Oncology Unit of Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy).

Multimodal imaging of a retinal cavernous hemangioma.

PURPOSE: We describe the characteristics of an isolated retinal cavernous hemangioma in a young female patient using multimodal imaging. CASE DESCRIPTION: Fundus examination of the right eye showed a large vascular mass, composed by clusters of dark red and dilated saccular angiomatous formations with superficial whitish fibroglial tissue and hemorrhages, located in the inferonasal peripheral retina, along the vascular arcade. On green-light fundus autofluorescence the lesion appeared hypoautofluorescent, with moderately hyperautofluorescent areas. On multiColor imaging it showed mainly a green pseudocolor, with knobby surface and well-defined irregular margins. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed early hypofluorescence within the tumor mass and late incomplete staining, without leakage. Ocular ultrasonography documented an elevated well-defined hyperechogenic lesion, with high internal reflectivity, without choroidal excavation, retinal detachment, or acoustic shadowing. Swept source optical coherence tomography showed multilobulated cavernous formations, varying in size, containing for the greatest part hyperreflective material, within an interconnecting fibrous scaffold and with an overlying partially adherent epiretinal membrane. Optical coherence tomography angiography documented a few highly reflective, tortuous and abnormal branching veins extending into the tumor mass, with a root-like appearance, and surrounding nodular changes, corresponding to the angiomatous formations. CONCLUSIONS: Different imaging modalities can be used in combination for a better evaluation of the pathological features of this rare vascular tumor.