[OPHTHALMOLOGY - ON THE TIP OF THE SPEAR].

INTRODUCTION: Ophthalmology is a broad branch of medicine, which includes an extensive range of sub-specialties on one hand, and interfaces with other fields of medicine on the other. This issue contains papers from different sub-specialties of ophthalmology, that together cover several of the most important issues in this field. These papers present the topics in a manner compatible with the wide readership of the journal, and touch upon the most current updates and innovations. The original articles in this issue deal with treatments for the prevention of myopia progression in children, treatment of complicated cases of retinal detachment in children, ocular manifestations of vascular abnormalities in patients with coronavirus, and a series of patients with corneal damage due to ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps intended to clear the air of this virus. The review papers describe glaucoma and the current change in its treatment paradigm, which focuses on earlier intervention, ocular manifestations of systemic autoimmune diseases, and the possibilities for artificial corneal implantation. We hope that this special issue will be of interest and clinical value to its readers.

Management of Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation (BDUMP)-A Case Report.

Background and Objectives: This study reports a case of a 62-year-old patient experiencing a significant decline in vision over the past three months. The initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20 in both eyes diminished to 20/200 in the right eye (RE) and counting fingers (CF) in the left eye (LE) within this timeframe. The patient was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer just one month before the significant vision deterioration. Materials and Methods: A thorough ophthalmologic examination revealed a notable progression of cataracts and the presence of subretinal fluid on the posterior pole, accompanied by choroidal thickening. The right eye exhibited multifocal, orange-pigmented, and elevated choroidal lesions, while the left eye's fundus examination was impeded by dense cataracts. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed bilateral choroidal thickening with overlying folds and subretinal fluid, and ultrasound imaging of the choroidal lesions indicated moderate homogenous internal reflectivity. Results: The patient received a diagnosis of BDUMP (bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation), a paraneoplastic syndrome marked by simultaneous, bilateral, painless vision loss and the rapid onset of bilateral cataracts with serous retinal detachments. Despite cataract extraction, the expected visual recovery was not achieved (RE: CF; LE: 2/200, respectively). Plasmapheresis showed some success in stabilizing vision loss attributed to serous retinal detachments. Conclusions: BDUMP necessitates addressing the underlying malignancy for effective treatment. Left untreated, it can lead to near blindness within a year. The prognosis remains grim, with an average survival time ranging from 12 to 15.7 months from the time of diagnosis. Considering this case report, it is crucial to establish effective management plans and further investigate potential treatment methods and predictive markers centered around BDUMP. Collaboration between healthcare professionals and researchers is crucial in addressing the complexities of BDUMP, as the timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease remains a top priority.

Retinal detachment following retinopathy of prematurity in France: Screening and treatment pathways.

AIM: Preterm children are highly vulnerable to sensorial impairments through Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP). The objective was to determine whether some cases of ROP requiring surgery could be secondary to deficiencies in care pathways. METHODS: Descriptive study of neonatal characteristics and the screening/treatment pathways of children treated for stage ≥4A ROP from 2009 to 2020 in a referral unit in France. RESULTS: Twenty-five preterm children (44 eyes) were included: median gestational age was 25 weeks, and median birthweight was 700 grams. Eighty-four per cent had received at least one fundus examination, 50% of which were completed on time. At the time of retinal detachment diagnosis, only 36% of the children had received laser or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intra-vitreal injection. ROP stage was only reported in 8%, and the zone or type was reported in 16% of the files. CONCLUSION: The risk of blindness and the effectiveness of laser or anti-VEGF treatment highlight the need to enhance screening and treatment practices in France.

[Central serous chorioretinopathy: A review]. / Choriorétinopathie séreuse centrale : une revue.

The central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by serous retinal detachments SRD associated with one or several retinal pigment epithelium detachments/irregularities (PEDs). The choroid is thickened with dilated choroidal veins and choroidal hyperpermeability suggesting an underlying choroidopathy. CSCR belongs to the pachychoroid spectrum. CSCR affects mostly middle-aged men and the main risk factor is the corticosteroid intake. In most cases, the subretinal detachment resolves spontaneously with a good visual prognosis. However, recurrent or chronic form of the disease can lead to irreversible retinal damage and decreased visual acuity. Laser on an extra foveal leak point or half dose/half fluence photodynamic therapy are the first-line treatment options.

Patching Retinal Breaks with Chitosan for Retinal Detachment in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is caused by one or more full-thickness retinal breaks. The current RRD treatments have several drawbacks. Chitosan is one of the most commonly used natural polymers for wound healing and has been demonstrated to be biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, bioadhesive, and bioactive. This study aimed to determine the reliability and effectiveness of chitosan for sealing retinal breaks in rabbits. METHODS: Eighteen blue purple rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: chitosan (n = 6), RRD (n = 6), and control (n = 6). The RRD model was established using vitrectomy, making retinal holes, and subretinal fluid injection in the RRD and chitosan groups. One week after the establishment of the model, chitosan was applied within the range of the holes in the chitosan group, and the vitreous body was filled with perfusion fluid. Except the chitosan treatment, the RRD group underwent the same procedure. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, fundus photography, B-mode ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), histology, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed. RESULTS: Retinas of all eyes in the RRD group were detached, whereas those of all eyes in the chitosan group remained attached. The concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 in the vitreous fluid of the RRD group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the concentrations of EGF, FGF-2, TGF-ß, and VEGF in the vitreous fluid of the chitosan group were higher compared to those of the RRD group (p < 0.05), whereas the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 were lower (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chitosan may be a reliable method for sealing retinal breaks. Moreover, chitosan can maintain high levels of growth factors and reduce inflammatory factors in the vitreous, which may reduce and delay the death of retinal cells and help restore visual function after retinal repositioning.

Membrana de plasma rica en factores de crecimiento como tratamiento de agujero macular en una paciente vitrectomizada por desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno / Plasma rich in growth factors membrane as a macular hole treatment in a vitrectomized patient due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

La formación de un agujero macular tras una vitrectomía por desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno es una complicación rara. Aunque existen diferentes opciones quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de estos agujeros maculares con buenos resultados, se ha demostrado que el antecedente de un desprendimiento de retina con compromiso macular es el factor de riesgo más importante relacionado con la necesidad de múltiples intervenciones para el cierre de estos agujeros, por lo que debe prestarse especial atención al manejo de estos pacientes. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno con compromiso macular que requirió tratamiento con cirugía de catarata, implante de lente intraocular y vitrectomía vía pars plana. Cuatro años después de la cirugía primaria presentó un agujero macular grande y fue tratada con membrana de plasma rica en factores de crecimiento con cierre del agujero macular y mejoría visual sin recidiva 12 meses después de la cirugía (AU)

The formation of a macular hole after vitrectomy due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a rare complication. Although there are different surgical options in the treatment of these macular holes with favorable outcomes, it has been shown that the history of macula-off retinal detachment is the most important risk factor related to the need for multiple interventions to close these macular holes, therefore special attention should be paid in the management of these patients. We present the case of a patient with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who required treatment with cataract surgery with intraocular lens implant and pars plana vitrectomy. Four years after the primary surgery, she presented a large macular hole, and was treated with membrane of plasm rich in growth factors with closure of the macular hole and visual improvement without recurrence 12 months after surgery (AU)

Coats disease in India: clinical presentation and outcome in 675 patients (690 Eyes).

PURPOSE: To study the clinical profile, treatment, and visual outcome of patients with Coats disease in India. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational hospital-based study of patients diagnosed with Coats disease during a 10-year period using an electronic medical record system. RESULTS: We identified 675 patients with Coats disease with a prevalence rate of 0.025%. The mean age of the patients was 16.8 years (median, 12 years). Majority were males (75%) with unilateral presentation (98%) in first decade of life (n = 309, 46%). The most common presentation was foveal exudation (stage 2B, n = 161, 23.3%), followed by exudative retinal detachment-extrafoveal (stage 3A1, n = 143, 20.7%), and extrafoveal exudation (stage 2A, n = 136, 19.7%). Treatment modalities included observation (48 eyes, 17%), laser photocoagulation ± intravitreal bevacizumab/triamcinolone acetonide (n = 82, 29%), cryotherapy ± intravitreal bevacizumab/triamcinolone acetonide (n = 64, 23%), and surgical intervention (n = 86, 31%). Despite appropriate treatment, at mean follow-up of 16 months, there was no significant difference between presenting and final visual acuity (48% vs. 48%, p > 0.05). Using multivariate regression analysis, factors associated with poor visual outcome were younger age (< 0.001; - 0.02 to - 0.1), unilateral disease (0.04; - 0.68 to - 0.01), cataract (0.004; 0.13 to 0.69), retinal detachment (< 0.001; 0.49 to 0.82), and glaucoma (< 0.001; 0.34 to 0.94). CONCLUSION: The most common clinical presentation of Coats disease in India is foveal exudation in first and second decade. At initial presentation, about half of the affected eyes had blindness and one-third underwent surgical intervention.

Exudative retinal detachment as an initial presentation of retinopathy of prematurity: Clinical profile and outcomes of a rare presentation.

Purpose: To describe the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) presenting with isolated exudative retinal detachment (ERD). Methods: Retrospective interventional case series. Preterm infants diagnosed with ROP with ERD at presentation were included. All demographic details, clinical findings, and treatment given were documented. The anatomical outcome was categorized as good, fair, and poor. Refractive outcome was classified into mild, moderate, and severe according to spherical equivalent at the last visit. Results: Fifteen eyes (8 patients) were included. Mean gestational age was 31.3 weeks, and birth weight was 1462.6 g. All eyes presented with aggressive ROP. Patches of retinal edema in avascular retina were seen in all eyes. A total of 86.6% of eyes had vascular sclerosis while 86.6% of eyes had subretinal exudates. The anatomical outcome was good in all eyes. In addition, 40% of eyes had a mild refractive error. Conclusion: Exudative retinal detachment in ROP is rare. The use of unregulated oxygen can be a contributory factor. Vascular sclerosis is consistent with hyperoxia-induced retinopathy models. Retinal edema and subretinal exudates indicate disrupted inner and outer blood-retinal barrier. Treatment outcomes are good when diagnosed and treated in time.

CLINICAL FEATURES AND SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF ENCIRCLING SCLERAL BUCKLING WITH CRYOTHERAPY IN FAMILIAL EXUDATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY-ASSOCIATED RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features and surgical outcomes of encircling scleral buckling surgery with cryotherapy in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) patients with rhegmatogenous RD. METHODS: This study was a consecutive, retrospective interventional case series. Clinical features, including the FEVR stage, proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade, range of RD and degeneration, and presence of retinal breaks, and surgical outcomes, including the success rate, best-corrected visual acuity, and myopic shift, were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 16 eyes with Stage 3A FEVR and eight eyes with Stage 4A FEVR. 13 eyes had Grade A proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and 11 eyes had Grade B proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 22 of 24 eyes (91.67%) with FEVR-rhegmatogenous RD after initial encircling scleral buckling surgery. The best-corrected visual acuity improved from a mean of 1.08 ± 0.86 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution preoperatively to 0.45 ± 0.41 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution postoperatively (P < 0.01). A myopic shift of -2.39 ± 1.38 (range, -1 to -6) diopter (P < 0.01) was observed. The mean follow-up period was 34.5 ± 27.7 (range, 7-104) months. CONCLUSION: Our study clarified the efficacy of encircling scleral buckling surgery with cryotherapy in FEVR-rhegmatogenous RD with Stage 3A or 4A FEVR and Grade A or B proliferative vitreoretinopathy, especially in patients with multiple retinal holes.

Glaucoma e óleo de silicone / Glaucoma and silicone oils

RESUMO O óleo de silicone é um importante tampão utilizado na retinopexia cirúrgica de casos graves de descolamento de retina. O aumento da pressão intraocular e o desenvolvimento de glaucoma secundário são frequentes complicações da sua utilização. A depender do período de aparecimento, diversos mecanismos justificam a ocorrência de tais complicações. Compreender os fatores de riscos e a patogênese do aumento da pressão intraocular associada a aplicação de óleo de silicone em cirurgia retiniana ajuda a orientar o tratamento adequado para cada paciente. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar a literatura sobre a patogenia, a incidência, os fatores de risco e o tratamento desta condição clínica.

ABSTRACT Silicone oil has been an important intraocular tamponade in retinopexy in cases of complicated retinal detachment surgery. The increase of intraocular pressure and development of secondary glaucoma are a known complication of its use. A variety of mechanisms have been proposed for the pathogenesis, depending on the onset. This article aims to review the literature about pathogenesis, the incidence and risk factors, as well as the treatment of this pathology.

Desprendimiento de retina: la importancia del cribado de la agudeza visual / Retinal detachment: the importance of visual acuity screening

El desprendimiento de retina es una patología infrecuente en Pediatría y presenta diferencias con respecto a los casos que se dan en la edad adulta. Predomina en varones escolares. El subtipo más frecuente es el regmatógeno y la principal causa son los traumatismos, sin olvidar otras causas como las sindrómicas y lesiones no accidentales. El abordaje de esta patología es quirúrgico, aunque el éxito anatómico de la cirugía no implica buen resultado funcional. Presentamos el caso de un niño en el que se detectó una disminución unilateral importante de la agudeza visual en consulta programada (AU)

The retinal detachment is an infrequent pathology in pediatrics and presents differences with the cases that occur in adulthood. It predominates in school-age boys. The most frequent subtype is rhegmatogenous and the main cause is trauma, without forgetting other causes such as syndromic and non-accidental injuries. The approach to this pathology is surgical, although the anatomical success of the surgery does not imply a good functional result. We present the case of a child in whom a significant unilateral decrease in visual acuity was detected in a scheduled consultation (AU)

Recognising and managing retinal detachments.

Retinal detachments are a potentially sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency that may result in significant, irreversible vision loss. The risk of developing retinal detachment increases with advancing age, myopia and trauma. Pre-existing retinal degenerations can precipitate a pre-detachment symptomatic period of photopsia or floaters, allowing clinicians to intervene early and prevent detachments. Novel imaging techniques, such as spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and well-established topographic modalities, such as B scan, can help to elucidate the type of detachment and any underlying causes, and help with surgical management. The overarching goal of treatment is to identify and seal all retinal holes, relieve vitreoretinal traction and prevent further recurrence. Prompt prophylactic retinopexy of retinal holes and tears is crucial in preventing retinal detachment, the main treatments of which are pars plana vitrectomy, tamponading agents and silicone scleral buckle.

Laser photocoagulation for the treatment of bilateral late-onset retinopathy of prematurity-related retinal detachment in an adult male: A case report.

RATIONALE: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the major leading causes of childhood visual morbidity worldwide. Retinal break and traction develop in regressed ROP can further result in rhegmatogenous or tractional retinal detachment years or even decades later. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we reported a case of bilateral ROP related late complication in a 36-year-old male with a chief complaint of increased floaters in his left eye. DIAGNOSES: The fundus examination showed demarcation lines over temporal side in both eyes with tractional retinal detachment and retinal breaks anterior to the lines. A diagnosis of ROP-related late complication of combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was made. INTERVENTIONS: Peripheral laser photocoagulation along the demarcation lines for confining the detachment area in both eyes was performed with a stable condition during follow up. OUTCOMES: After laser retinopexy, the patient was followed up at one week and four months later with stable laser scars and without progression of the retinal detachments. CONCLUSION: Regressed ROP-associated retinal detachment can occur at any time during life. Special care and follow-up may be necessary for these patients.

Recurrent macular hole retinal detachment in a patient with pathologic myopia treated by additional intravitreal silicone oil injection: A case report.

RATIONALE: Treatment of macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) in patients with pathologic myopia may require multiple surgeries due to the risk of surgical failures or recurrences. Intravitreal silicone oil injection before an additional surgery may be another option for recurrent MHRD in aphakic eyes, but this procedure is rarely performed. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 69-year-old man visited the hospital with a chief complaint of metamorphopsia in his right eye for 5 days. The right eye had undergone a cataract extraction 5 years prior and an Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy 1 year prior. The axial length was 36.18 mm; the fundus examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed inferior retinal detachment with a macular hole involving the posterior pole. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, endolaser photocoagulation, and silicone oil tamponade were performed. Five months after the surgery, the retina was detached, and a macular hole was observed. DIAGNOSIS: Recurrent MHRD in a patient with pathologic myopia. INTERVENTION: PPV with ILM peeling, endolaser photocoagulation, and silicone oil tamponade at the initial visit and additional intravitreal silicone oil injection (0.5 ml) at follow-up visits. OUTCOMES: The retina was well-attached until 5 months after the additional intravitreal silicone oil injection. LESSONS: Additional intravitreal silicone oil injection can be a good option for treating MHRD in aphakic eyes if the detachment of the retina is dependent on posturing. The surgeon should consider the volume of silicone oil or postoperative posturing in the treatment of MHRD.

Overview of Cochrane systematic review about retinal detachment / Visão geral das revisões sistemáticas Cochrane em descolamento de retina

ABSTRACT Retinal detachment (RD) is a common ophthalmic emergency that could bring permanent blindness if it is untreated or treatment is delayed. We conducted a review of Cochrane systematic reviews regarding retinal detachment interventions after a search strategy, we showed and analyzed the data narratively in Ophthalmologic Departure of Escola Paulista de Medicina-UNIFESP. As result, the group of pneumatic retinopexy was less susceptible to choroidal detachment and myopic shift as adverse events when compared with scleral buckle. Although there is no statistically significant difference in visual acuity between standard and heavy silicone oil and between C3F8 and silicone oil, the following interventions may present some benefits for RD: (a)LMWH with 5-FU versus placebo at high-risk of developing postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR); (b) silicone oil was favorable for macular attachment at 2 years compared to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6); (c) Retinal redetachment was reported in fewer participants in the Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) group compared to the scleral buckling group. So, these points can be considered when choosing the technique to improve better results in cases of retinal detachment. In addition, there is still a need for studies with a prophylactic RD approach and studies with greater evidence of which surgical technique is most appropriate for each indication of RD considering the economic cost and the patient's quality of life.

RESUMO Descolamento de retina (DR) é uma emergência oftalmológica comum que pode evoluir como uma das causas de cegueira se não for tratada ou tiver o tratamento demorado. Esta é uma revisão de revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane sobre descolamento de retina, relacionada às intervenções realizadas no tratamento do DR, após uma estratégia de busca apresentamos e analisamos os dados narrativamente conduzida no departamento de oftalmologia da Escola Paulista de Medicina-UNIFESP. Como resultado, o grupo de retinopexia pneumática foi menos suscetível ao descolamento de coroide e miopização como efeito adverso em comparação ao grupo de introflexão escleral. Apesar de não ter diferença estatisticamente significante entre a acuidade visual entre o uso de óleo de silicone padrão versus pesado, nem entre C3F8 e óleo de silicone, as seguintes intervenções apresentaram benefícios para o tratamento: (a) Heparina de baixo peso molecular com 5 fluorouracil diminuíram o risco de evoluir com proliferação vítreo-retiniana; (b) Uso de silicone foi mais favorável como substituto vítreo na fixação macular em 2 anos comparado com o uso de hexafluoreto de enxofre; (c) Novo descolamento de retina foi menor em pacientes submetidos a Vitrectomia pars plana comparada ao grupo de introflexão escleral. Portanto, esses dados podem ser considerados na escolha da técnica empregada para obter melhores resultados nos casos de DR. Além disso, existe a necessidade de estudos de alto nível de evidência em busca do procedimento cirúrgico mais apropriado e profilático para DR, levando em consideração custo-benefício e qualidade de vida.

Management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a Polish cohort of infants.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is potentially blinding, but screening and timely treatment can stop its progression. The data on treatment outcomes of ROP from Central and Eastern Europe are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the latest results of ROP management in Poznan medical center to update the data from this world region. In the years 2016-2019, 178 patients (350 eyes) received treatment for ROP (6.1% of the screened population). The mean gestational age was 26 weeks (range 22-31 weeks), the mean birth weight was 868 g (range 410-1890 g). The most frequent ROP stage at treatment was zone II, stage 3 + (34.9%). As the first line of treatment, 115 infants (226 eyes, 64.6%) underwent laser photocoagulation (LP); 61 infants (120 eyes, 34.3%) received intravitreal ranibizumab injections (IVR); and 2 infants (4 eyes, 0.6%) were treated simultaneously with LP and IVR. One hundred twenty-six eyes (36%) of 63 patients required retreatment: 20.4% treated with LP and 66.7% treated with IVR. Retinal detachment occurred in 14 eyes (4%). The incidence of ROP, ROP requiring treatment, and reoccurrence rates are higher in the Polish population than in Western Europe and the USA. The identified treatment patterns find increasing use of anti-VEGF agents.