Real-world experience with brolucizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration over 2 years: the REBA extension study.

BACKGROUND: To determine long-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in the real-world setting. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, multicentric study and an extension of the REBA study (Real-world Experience with Brolucizumab in nAMD) to 24 months. The study entailed follow-up of 91 consecutive eyes (67 patients) with nAMD who received brolucizumab therapy and completed 24 months of follow-up. Both treatment-naïve and switch therapy patients were included. All relevant data were collected. The primary outcome measure was changed in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time. Secondary outcome measures included change in central subfield thickness (CST) and complications. RESULTS: The mean (SD) baseline BCVA was 48.4 (3.5) letters and 36.2 (7.1) letters in treatment-naïve group and switch therapy group, respectively. BCVA gain was + 9.2 (3.7) letters (p = 0.01) and + 7.7 (3.4) letters (p = 0.011), respectively. The change in mean (SD) CST has shown a significant decrease in retinal thickness in treatment-naïve group (from 432.5 (68.4) to 283.0 (51.3) µm; p = 0.018) and in switch therapy group (from 452.5 (40.5) to 271.0 (43.4) µm; p = 0.011) group. One switch patient developed vascular occlusion and another a macular hole after the fifth brolucizumab injection as reported in the primary study. Both patients recovered uneventfully. Three patients demonstrated reversible intraocular inflammation between months 10 and 24. CONCLUSION: Patients showed a significant anatomical and functional response to brolucizumab therapy in the real world, regardless of prior treatment status, until the end of the follow-up period. Overall, 5 significant untoward events were noted.

Relevance of Visual Acuity Measurement for Therapeutic Decisions in Diabetic Macular Edema.

This study aimed to determine the validity of basing retreatment decisions on anatomical criteria alone (captured using optical coherence tomography (OCT)-OCT-guided strategy) rather than the gold standard (combined visual acuity (VA) and OCT) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). This cross-sectional study included 81 eyes undergoing treatment for DME from September 2021 to December 2021. An initial therapeutic treatment decision based on OCT results was made on inclusion. Subsequently, in light of the patient's VA score, this initial decision was upheld or adjusted, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. In 67 out of the 81 eyes included in the study (82.7%), the OCT-guided strategy produced equivalent results to the gold standard. In this study, the OCT-guided retreatment decision strategy yielded sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 73.8%, respectively, and PPV and NPV of 76.6% and 91.2%, respectively. These findings differed according to the patient's treatment regimen: the sensitivity and specificity for eyes under a treat and extend regimen was higher, 100% and 88.9%, respectively, than eyes under a Pro Re Nata regimen, 90% and 69.7%, respectively. These findings show that VA testing could be omitted from the follow-up of certain patients with DME treated with intravitreal injections without impacting the quality of care.

Postoperative Aspergillus Infection: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical findings, therapy and outcomes of pauci-symptomatic Aspergillus infection in 11 eyes of 11 patients who had recently undergone uneventful cataract surgery and IOL implantation in a single operating room on the same day. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study that looks at 11 patients who demonstrated Aspergillus infection after cataract surgery. All data were collected and intracameral samples sent for microscopic evaluation and culture. Additional swabs were sent from the operating room and operative consumables. RESULTS: A total of 11 eyes of 11 patients were included in the analysis and were followed for at least 12 months. All patients responded completely to local and systemic voriconazole therapy. The source of infection was noted to be air-conditioning vents. Eyes with manual small incision cataract surgery (11/17) had a higher propensity for infection. CONCLUSION: Pauci-symptomatic aspergillosis infection has been reported here following cataract surgery.

Spontaneous closure of an idiopathic macular hole after epiretinal membrane development.

Purpose: To report non-operative closure of an idiopathic full thickness macular hole (FTMH) spontaneous secondary to the development of a macular epiretinal membrane (ERM). Observations: A 68-year-old woman, with no relevant medical history, and a 6-month history of decreased visual acuity in her right eye was diagnosed to have an idiopathic FTMH. The patient refused surgery and the FTMH was followed-up for seven years. The spectral domain optical coherent tomography follow-up showed the evolution of the FTMH and its spontaneous closure after development of an ERM. In the presence of an ERM with vitreo-papillary detachment, it is possible that the centripetal forces involved helped bring together the edges of the macular hole resulting in a possible spontaneous closure. Additionally and separately, the presence of an ERM may act as scaffolding for Muller cell migration and consequent macular hole closure. Conclusions and importance: Development of an ERM was followed by non-operative FTMH closure in this specific case. It is important to note, that this is an extraordinary situation in which the patient had a favorable anatomical evolution despite having rejected conventional surgical intervention. Studies aimed at determining the mechanisms and situations in which these cases occur could provide answers that help us make more appropriate decisions. To our knowledge, the present case is the first in the literature to report a spontaneous closure of a FTMH secondary to the appearance and progression of a previously non-existent ERM.

Minimal surgery for tractional retinal detachment secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Tractional retinal detachment secondary to retinal vein occlusion is a complex entity that can be extremely difficult to manage due to an intricate association of the retinal tissue with the fibrovascular proliferation, making vitreous dissection an extraordinarily difficult procedure. Minimal surgery without endo-tamponade can reduce recovery time and avoid complications of surgery, which in some cases can lead to blindness and even phthisis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Indian woman presented with progressive worsening of vision (right eye) due to fovea involving tractional retinal detachment secondary to supero-temporal branch retinal vein occlusion. After anterior, core and peripheral vitrectomy, the epicenter of the fibrous bridge causing foveal split was identified and released. The corrected distance visual acuity improved from 6/60 pre-operatively to 6/12 post-operatively. At the 5-year follow-up, the patient remains stable both anatomically and visually. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates how careful identification of the epicenter of traction helps maximize visual gain in patients with minimal risk of iatrogenic retinal tears and eliminates the need for endo-tamponade with either gas or silicone oil. Minimal surgery for tractional detachment provides excellent visual gains with minimal risks in select cases.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant for Chronic Diabetic Macular Edema Previously Treated in Real-Life Practice: The REALFAc Study.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients and a chronic disease requiring long-term treatments. The fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant has recently been approved to treat DME in patients considered insufficiently responsive to available therapies. This study evaluates the functional and anatomical efficacy of the FAc implant in real-life practice. A total of 62 eyes with chronic DME were included and followed for a mean of 13.9 (+7.5) months. Previous treatment included at least anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 83.9% of eyes, dexamethasone implant (DEX-I) in 100% of eyes, vitrectomy in 29.0% of eyes, and laser photocoagulation (either panretinal or focal photocoagulation) in 75.8% of eyes. The mean baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 64.0 (+/−17.2) letters (median: 67.5 letters) with a mean DME duration of 60.3 (+/−30.6) months. The maximum BCVA gain occurred at 21 months with a mean gain of 5.0 (+/−12.7) letters. A total of 50.0% of eyes gained ≥5 letters during follow-up. Patients with lower BCVA at baseline had the lowest final BCVA (p < 0.001) but the highest BCVA gain (p = 0.02). The best overall improvement in mean central macular thickness (CMT) occurred at 18 months (p < 0.0001). The improvement in BCVA was inversely associated with the decrease in CMT and showed a decrease when CMT increased (DME recurrence). According to the history of vitrectomy, we did not find any significant difference in mean final BCVA (p = 0.1) and mean BCVA gain (p = 0.2) between eyes previously vitrectomized or not. A total of 23 eyes (37.1%) required additional treatment for DME, and 17.7% required an IOP-lowering procedure during follow-up. In conclusion, this real-life observational study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the FAc implant in patients with chronic DME already treated with other available therapies.

Risk Factors for COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis: The Ophthalmologist's Perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic rise in the incidence of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in India. The purpose of our report is to describe the prevalence of ROCM in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second Indian COVID-19 wave, as well as its diagnostics proceeding, and to discuss the challenges met in the time frame from the suspected diagnosis to the therapeutic decision in such patients. We conducted a retrospective multicentre case series study at six centres of Sudhalkar and Raghudeep group of hospitals in India. ROCM was confirmed in 38 (2.5%) of the 1546 patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The average time to establish a diagnosis was 16 days. In total, 19 (50%) patients suffered from type 2 diabetes and were mostly treated with hypoglycaemic agents (in 90% of cases). The standard of care for SARS-CoV-2 management included systemic steroids therapy, intravenous remdesivir for 5 days, and concomitant prophylactic antibiotic therapy following admission. The median (IQR) blood glucose levels in all patients during the course of hospitalisation was 320 (250.5-375) mg/dl. A total of 16% of patients had an irreparable functional loss, and the mortality was 5%. We may hypothesise that excessive administration of antibiotics that profoundly affects human microbiota, coupled with poorly controlled glycaemia and unprotocolised haphazard steroid administration, contribute to a favourable setting for mucormycosis infections.

Fluocinolone acetonide implant in diabetic macular edema: International experts' panel consensus guidelines and treatment algorithm.

Center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision impairment in working-age adults. While its management is particularly challenging in a poorly compliant population, continuous innovation and the advent of new molecules have improved its outcome. The control of glycemia and of systemic aggravating factors remain essential to slow down progression of disease complications including DME. The indications for macular laser photocoagulation has progressively been phased out as a standard of care and replaced by local intraocular anti-VEGFs biologics and glucocorticoids (GCs). Intravitreal GCs in controlled-release drug delivery systems have allowed to reduce injection frequency and treatment burden. The non biodegradable Fluocinolone Acetonide (FAc) implant allows a long-lasting stabilization of both functional and anatomic improvements. However, adequate patient selection and monitoring through regular follow-up are essential for optimal results. Based on their experience and the latest literature, the aim of the present review is to provide international expert panel consensus on the place of the FAc implant in the treatment algorithm of DME, as well as its safety profile and how to manage it.

Comparison of intraocular lens calculation methods after myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and radial keratotomy without prior refractive data.

AIM: To compare intraocular lens (IOL) calculation methods not requiring refraction data prior to myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and radial keratotomy (RK). METHODS: In post-LASIK eyes, the methods not requiring prior refraction data were Hagis-L; Shammas; Barrett True-K no-history; Wang-Koch-Maloney; 'average', 'minimum' and 'maximum' IOL power on the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) IOL calculator. Double-K method and Barrett True-K no-history, 'average', 'minimum' and 'maximum' IOL power on ASCRS IOL calculator were evaluated in post-RK eyes. The predicted IOL power was calculated with each method using the manifest postoperative refraction. Arithmetic and absolute IOL prediction errors (PE) (implanted-predicted IOL powers), variances in arithmetic IOL PE and percentage of eyes within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of refractive PE were calculated. RESULTS: Arithmetic or absolute IOL PE were not significantly different between the methods in post-LASIK and post-RK eyes. In post-LASIK eyes, 'average' showed the highest and 'minimum' showed the least variance, whereas 'average' and 'minimum' had highest percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and 'minimum' had the highest percentage of eyes within ±1.0 D. In the post-RK eyes, 'minimum' had highest variance, and 'average' had the least variance and highest percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D. CONCLUSION: In post-LASIK and post-RK eyes, there are no significant differences in IOL PE between the methods not requiring prior refraction data. 'Minimum' showed least variance in PEs and more chances of eyes to be within ±1.0 D postoperatively in post-LASIK eyes. 'Average' had least variance and more chance of eyes within ±1.0 D in post-RK eyes.

Current Treatments and Innovations in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Multiple treatment options have been used over time to attempt to modify the natural progression of the disease in both proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). These two retinal complications are the result of microvascular occlusions and vascular hyperpermeability and are considered one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in patients of working age. It is now well demonstrated that PDR and DME are associated with increased levels of inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors in the ocular compartment. To date, laser photocoagulation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, and corticosteroids have demonstrated efficacy in their treatment in large randomized controlled trials and in real-life observational studies. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of current treatments, including the main drugs used in diabetic pathologic manifestations, as well as new therapeutic alternatives, such as extended-release intraocular devices.

Initial Pro Re Nata Brolucizumab for Exudative AMD: The PROBE Study.

The present study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of pro re nata (PRN) intravitreal brolucizumab therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) without a loading dose in the real-world setting. The PROBE study (Pro Re Nata Brolucizumab for Exudative AMD) is a retrospective, observational, multicentric study that included 27 treatment-naïve patients (27 eyes) with neovascular AMD who received PRN brolucizumab therapy with the treatment interval being at least 8 weeks, should the need for a second consecutive injection arise. The primary outcome measure was changed to best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time. Secondary outcome measures included the determination of change in central subfield thickness (CST) and complications. The mean follow-up was 11.2 ± 1.2 months. The mean baseline and final BCVA were 57.4 ± 4.5 letters and 65.3 ± 3.12 letters, respectively (p = 0.014). The mean gain in letters at the end of follow-up was 7.8 ± 3.5 letters. There was a significant decrease in CST at the end of the follow-up period (p = 0.013). Patients received a mean of 2.2 ± 0.9 injections (in addition to the first mandatory injection) during the follow-up period. There were no adverse events noted. In conclusion, initial PRN brolucizumab for exudative AMD without a loading dose demonstrated significant visual improvement and no adverse events.

Real-World Experience with Brolucizumab in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The REBA Study.

The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the real-world setting. The REBA study (real-world experience with brolucizumab in wet AMD) was a retrospective, observational, multicentric study that included 78 consecutive patients (105 eyes), with neovascular AMD, who received brolucizumab therapy. Both treatment-naive and switch-therapy patients were included. Switch therapy was based either on fluid recurrence, fluid recalcitrance, or inability to extend beyond q4/q6. All relevant data were collected. The primary outcome measure was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time. Secondary outcome measures included determination of change in central subfield thickness (CST) and complications. The mean baseline BCVA was 49.4 ± 5.4 letters and 40 ± 3.2 letters, and corresponding mean BCVA gain was +11.9 ± 3.9 letters (p = 0.011) and +10.4 ± 4.8 letters (p = 0.014) in the treatment-naive and switch-therapy groups, respectively. The change in CST was significantly decreased in the treatment-naive (p = 0.021) and the switch-therapy (p = 0.013) groups. The mean follow-up was 10.4 months in both groups. One patient in the switch-therapy group developed vascular occlusion and another a macular hole after the fifth brolucizumab injection. Both patients recovered uneventfully. In conclusion, patients showed a very good anatomical and functional response to brolucizumab therapy in the real world, regardless of prior treatment status, until the end of the follow-up period. Two significant untoward events were noted.

Brolucizumab for Choroidal Neovascular Membrane with Pigment Epithelial Tear and Subretinal Fluid.

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of brolucizumab in the management of choroidal neovessels (CNV) with a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear and subretinal fluid. We used a case series of patients with CNV who developed an RPE tear either spontaneously or following an intravitreal injection. All patients received intravitreal brolucizumab as primary or switch therapy. Appropriate data were collected. Follow-up was one year. The paired t-test was used to determine the significance of the results. The primary outcome measure was the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcome measures were the change in subretinal fluid and complications, if any. A total of five patients were included in the analysis. The age range was 67-74 years and baseline BCVA was from 20/80 to 20/100. On average, all patients showed improvement in BCVA (p = 0.012) and also showed a significant anatomical improvement (p = 0.03). None of the patients had any complications, and all patients responded to additional anti-VEGF injections. In conclusion, all patients showed significant visual and anatomical improvement with brolucizumab; no complications were noted. All patients, including those who received switch, demonstrated a favorable anatomical and visual response to intravitreal brolucizumab without safety concerns.

Retinal Vascularization Analysis on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography before and after Intraretinal or Subretinal Fluid Resorption in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study.

The aim was to analyze the variations in macular vascularization on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) according to the presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) induced by exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We included exudative AMD patients with IRF and/or subretinal fluid (SRF) and age-matched control eyes. All patients underwent a macular 6 × 6 mm swept-source OCTA. The mean perfusion density (MPD) and mean vascular density (MVD) were calculated in the superficial (SCP) and the deep (DCP) capillary plexus at two timepoints: during an episode of exudation (T0) and after its total resorption (T1). A total of 22 eyes in the IRF ± SRF group, 11 eyes in the SRF group and 11 eyes in the healthy group were analyzed. At T0, the IRF ± SRF group showed significantly lower MPD and MVD than healthy eyes in the SCP (p < 0.001) and DCP (p < 0.001). At T1, MPD and MVD significantly increased from T0 in the SCP (p = 0.027 and p = 0.0093) and DCP (p = 0.013 and p = 0.046) but remained statistically lower than in the healthy eyes. For the SRF group, only the DCP showed significantly lower MPD (p = 0.012) and MVD (p = 0.046) in comparison to the healthy eyes at T0. The present study shows that retinal vascular changes do occur in the case of exudative AMD.

ENDOGENOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS IN THE SETTING OF COVID-19 INFECTION: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe endogenous endophthalmitis in the setting of COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: Patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia who presented to our department with any or all of the following complaints: pain, watering, redness, and decreased vision were identified. All relevant data were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Three patients with endogenous endophthalmitis were identified. All patients had been treated for COVID-19 pneumonia and therefore had received remdesivir and systemic steroids; 2 of the 3 patients received tocilizumab. All patients received vitreous biopsy, vitrectomy, and intraocular antibiotic injection. Patient 1 demonstrated Klebsiella pneumoniae in blood culture, K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in urine culture, and K. pneumoniae in vitreous fluid, whereas Patients 2 and 3 demonstrated Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the blood and nasopharyngeal culture, respectively. Correspondingly, the same organism was cultured from vitreous in Patients 2 and 3. The visual acuity at the last follow-up in Patients 1 to 3 was 20/100, 20/80, and 20/40, respectively. The probable source of infection was identified in each as renal calculi, dental caries, and the pharynx, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in the vitreous fluid of Patient 1. CONCLUSION: We report good outcomes of early intervention for endogenous endophthalmitis in the setting of COVID-19 infection. We also document the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in vitreous.

Visual Acuity Gain Profiles and Anatomical Prognosis Factors in Patients with Drug-Naive Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Dexamethasone Implant: The NAVEDEX Study.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the visual acuity (VA) gain profiles between patients with drug-naive diabetic macular edema (DME) treated by dexamethasone implant (DEX-implant) and assess the baseline anatomical and functional factors that could influence the response to the treatment in real-life conditions. A retrospective, multi-center observational study included 129 eyes with drug-naive DME treated by DEX-implant. The Median follow-up was 13 months. Two groups of VA gain trajectories were identified-Group A, with 71% (n = 96) of patients whose average VA gain was less than five letters and Group B, with 29% (n = 33) of patients with an average gain of 20 letters. The probability of belonging to Group B was significantly higher in patients with baseline VA < 37 letters (p = 0.001). Ellipsoid zone alterations (EZAs) or disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRILs) were associated with a lower final VA (53.0 letters versus 66.4, p = 0.002) but without a significant difference in VA gain (4.9 letters versus 6.8, p = 0.582). Despite a low baseline VA, this subgroup of patients tends to have greater visual gain, encouraging treatment with DEX-implant in such advanced-stage disease. However, some baseline anatomic parameters, such as the presence of EZAs or DRILs, negatively influenced final vision.

Current intravitreal therapy and ocular hypertension: A review.

To determine the effect of commonly used intravitreal agents on immediate and long-term IOP elevations and their association, if any, with glaucoma. Literature searches in PubMed and the Cochrane databased in January 2020 yielded 407 individual articles. Of these, 87 were selected for review based on our inclusion criteria. Based on the evidence provided, 20 were assigned level I, 27 level II, and 22 level III. Eight articles were rejected because of poor quality, insufficient clarity, or irrelevance based on standardized protocols set out by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The studies that reported on short-term IOP elevation (i.e., between 0 and 60 min) showed that an immediate increase in IOP is seen in all patients who receive anti-VEGF agents or triamcinolone acetonide when measured between 0 and 30 min of intravitreal injection and that the IOP elevation decreases over time. The data on long-term IOP elevation were mixed; Pretreatment with glaucoma medications, anterior chamber tap, vitreous reflux, longer intervals between injections, and longer axial lengths were associated with lower IOP elevations after injection of anti-VEGF agents, while the position of the implant vis-à-vis, the anterior chamber was important for steroid therapy. Data were mixed on the relationship between IOP increase and the type of intravitreal injection, number of intravitreal injections, preexisting glaucoma, and globe decompression before injection. There were no data on the onset or progression of glaucoma in the studies reviewed in this assessment. However, some studies demonstrated RNFL thinning in patients receiving chronic anti-VEGF therapy. Most, if not all, intravitreal agents cause ocular hypertension, both in the short term and long term. The functional consequences of these observations are not very clear.

SINGLE INJECTION RESPONSE TO ANTIVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AGENTS IN PATIENTS WITH WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: Incidence and Characteristics.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of complete resolution of choroidal neovascular membrane-associated exudation with a single antivascular endothelial growth factor injection in treatment-naive wet age-related macular degeneration patients and its associated characteristics. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study of naive wet age-related macular degeneration patients who received antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy with ranibizumab/aflibercept and demonstrated complete resolution of retinal exudation with a single injection. Complete resolution was defined as the total disappearance of the intraretinal fluid, cysts, and subretinal fluid and a return of retinal thickness to <250 µm on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. All relevant data were collected. Follow-up was scheduled on Days 1, 7, and 30 postoperatively and then monthly, with at least 9 visits mandatory per year if the macula remained fluid free. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (29 men; mean age 67.25 ± 4.40 years) were identified. The mean baseline and final-corrected distance visual acuity was 20/160 and 20/45, respectively. Patients completed a mean of 10.9 follow-up visits per year. Smaller choroidal neovascular membranes (<200 µm), early presentation, better presenting corrected distance visual acuity, subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes, absence of blood/fibrosis, and use of aflibercept (2 mg) favored resolution with one injection. CONCLUSION: A subset (13.76%; 63/458, 95% confidence intervals: 10.73-17.25) of patients with treatment-naive wet age-related macular degeneration demonstrates resolution of choroidal neovascular membrane-associated exudation with a single antivascular endothelial growth factor injection, sustained over 2 years or more. This can lower therapy costs, treatments, office visits, and the potential risk of geographic atrophy.

Sub-optimal gain in vision in retinal vein occlusion due to under-treatment in the real world: results from an open-label prospective study of Intravitreal Ranibizumab.

BACKGROUND: Macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is an important cause of loss of vision. Intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are the standard of care in this disease, as shown in numerous randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this study was to study the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab, an anti-VEGF agent, in the real-world setting. METHODS: This was 48 weeks, open-label, prospective, multicentre, observational study. Patients diagnosed with ME secondary to RVO were treated with IVI of Ranibizumab 0.5 mg in real-world conditions. Efficacy was measured by improvement seen in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in terms of Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) Letter Scores and change in central retinal thickness (CRT) measured by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: One hundred eyes of 100 patients (79 with branch retinal vein occlusion and 21 with central retinal vein occlusion) were recruited in the study. The mean (standard deviation, SD) BCVA was 52.8 (21.99) letters at baseline and 62.3 (24.40) letters at week 48. From baseline, there was a significant improvement in BCVA by 7.7 letters (p = 0.001) at 48 weeks. The mean (SD) of CRT was 479.9 (216.25) µm at baseline and it decreased significantly to 284.9 (171.35) µm at week 48 (p < 0.001). During the study period, the average number of intravitreal injections was 3.5 per patient. There was no report of endophthalmitis in any eye. CONCLUSIONS: Ranibizumab is well tolerated and effective in treating macular edema secondary to RVO in real-world clinical settings. However, there is under-treatment compared to controlled clinical trials, and the gain in vision is sub-optimal with under-treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry - India: CTRI/2015/07/005985 .

Real-time imaging of airflow patterns and impact of infection control measures in ophthalmic practice: a pandemic perspective.

PURPOSE: To analyze exhaled airflow patterns in a clinical scenario and the impact of infection control practices and room air circulation in context of the COVID-19 pandemic. SETTING: Raghudeep Eye Hospital, India. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Ten patients attending ophthalmic outpatient clinic (OPD) and operating room (OR) were included. Using Schlieren imaging, exhaled airflow patterns were documented with/without an N95 mask or face shield during respiratory activities. Recordings were performed with and without room air conditioning turned on. Exhaled airflow patterns in OPD and OR when using vs not using these infection control measures and the impact of room air circulation on these were compared. RESULTS: Five patients each in OPD and OR were included. There was a forward stream of exhaled air from the patient's mouth/nose during all respiratory activities. An N95 mask dampened its intensity and forward transmission. Taping the mask around the nasal bridge further reduced airflow leakage. A mechanical barrier in front of the patient's face blocked forward propagation of the exhaled airflow. Turning on a forceful and direct draft of air over the surgeon's working area dampened and diverted the exhaled airflow away from the surgeons' breathing area. This effect was particularly pronounced in the OR, with the overhead laminar airflow. CONCLUSIONS: Using high force airflow with the draft facing downward can dampen and divert the exhaled airflow away from healthcare providers. Using masks/mechanical barriers and taping the mask reduces potential dissemination of aerosols and, thereby, human and surface contamination.