Prevention of Argentinian flag sign in intumescent cataracts using anterior chamber air bubble and cortical fluid release techniques.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficiency of a new method for the prevention of argentinian flag sign during the process of continuous, circular, and centered anterior capsulotomy (CCC) on the anterior capsule in cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts. This study was registered in an appropriate registry and the registration number of registration was xyy11[2022]-XJSFX-087; The date of of registration was 2022-04-29. METHODS: Preoperative examinations including slit-lamp examination, ocular A-scan ultrasonography, and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) UBM were conducted on 61 patients with intumescent cataracts. Cases with cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts were selected and after staining with indocyanine green, the anterior chamber air bubble technique was used to compress the anterior capsule, and liquefied cortex was aspirated using a puncture needle. Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (CDVA) and intraocular pressure were recorded on postoperative days 1, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty eyes were identified as having cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts. No cases of the Argentinian flag sign occurred, and standard capsulorrhexis was achieved, facilitating smooth phacoemulsification. All patients achieved satisfactory outcomes at follow-ups of 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Mild corneal edema was observed in three cases on the first postoperative day, with no other complications noted. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior chamber air bubble technique combined with cortical fluid release technique can prevent the occurrence of the Argentinian flag sign in cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts, this method is simple, convenient and economic for the clinical promotion.

Refractive error and ocular alignment in school-aged children from low-income areas of São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Uncorrected refractive errors and amblyopia are reported as the two main causes of childhood visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Our purpose was to evaluate refractive status, ocular alignment and effective refractive error coverage (eREC) of school-aged children from low-income areas of Sao Paulo city, Brazil. METHODS: Data from the "Ver na Escola" Project were used for the current study. Children enrolled in the selected schools had an ophthalmic exam including eye alignment assessed by cover test, automatized and subjective dynamic and static refraction. The associations of demographic variables with occurrence and magnitude of refractive errors and eREC were investigated by multiple logistic regressions and multilevel mixed effect models. RESULTS: A total of 17,973 children (51.12% females) with mean ± sd age 8.24 ± 3.54 years old examined from July 2018 to July 2019, were included in the study. Most of the participants (73%) showed orthoposition of the visual axis for both distance and near. Heterophoria was found in about 25% of participants (N = 4,498), with 71.7% of them (N= 3,222) classified as exophoria. Less than 2% (N = 232) showed strabismus, most of them (N = 160) esotropia. Overall, 1,370 (7.70%) of participants had myopia and 577 (3.24%) had hyperopia. Age was found to be significantly associated with increasing static subjective refraction spherical equivalent (Coefficient: -0.18; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.21 to -0.16; p < 0.001). Female sex (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.01-1.27; p = 0.027) and older age (OR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.16-1.19; p < 0,001) were significantly associated with myopia diagnosis. Older age decreased the odds of hyperopia (OR = 0.95; 95%CI: 0.93-0.98; p < 0.001). The overall effective refractive coverage was 51.76% and was significantly associated with age group, ranging from 32.25% in children aged 3 to 7 years to 61.35% in children aged 8 to 12 years. CONCLUSIONS: Most children have shown eye alignment for both distance and near assessments and no refractive error. Myopia was observed in 7.70% of the population and it was associated with older age and female sex. Hyperopia was observed in 3.24% and was associated with younger age. The overall eREC was 51.76%, significantly associated with age.

Ibrutinib-Related Uveitis in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients: A Case Report and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of ibrutinib-related uveitis and review the literature to date. METHODS: We report two cases of ibrutinib-related uveitis using CARE guidelines and review the cases reported in the literature. RESULTS: Case 1) A 55-year-old female with recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma presented with bilateral decreased visual acuity, photophobia, and floaters that started one month after initiating oral treatment with ibrutinib. Chronic non-granulomatous bilateral anterior-intermediate uveitis with macular edema was identified. Secondary causes were ruled out, and a presumptive diagnosis of ibrutinib-related uveitis was made. Case 2) A 57-year-old female with Waldenström macroglobulinemia who was treated with ibrutinib for two years presented with bilateral blurred vision, photophobia, red eyes, and floaters. A diagnosis of non-granulomatous, noninfectious panuveitis with bilateral cystoid macular edema was made. Secondary causes were ruled out, and ibrutinib toxicity was the most likely cause. CONCLUSION: Ibrutinib-related uveitis is a novel and under-diagnosed clinical entity. The most frequent clinical presentation in the literature is bilateral, non-granulomatous, anterior, and intermediate uveitis. Macular edema is a frequent complication. Uveitis usually requires topical treatment and the suspension of ibrutinib. Switching to second-generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors is proposed as a potential therapeutic alternative.

Comparison of the refractive prediction errors of artificial intelligence formula with 3 conventional formulas and 11 combination methods in cataract surgery on eyes with short axial length.

PURPOSE: To compare the refractive prediction error of Hill-radial basis function 3.0 with those of 3 conventional formulas and 11 combination methods in eyes with short axial lengths. METHODS: The refractive prediction error was calculated using 4 formulas (Hoffer Q, SRK-T, Haigis, and Hill-RBF) and 11 combination methods (average of two or more methods). The absolute error was determined, and the proportion of eyes within 0.25-diopter (D) increments of absolute error was analyzed. Furthermore, the intraclass correlation coefficients of each method were computed to evaluate the agreement between target refractive error and postoperative spherical equivalent. RESULTS: This study included 87 eyes. Based on the refractive prediction error findings, Hoffer Q formula exhibited the highest myopic errors, followed by SRK-T, Hill-RBF, and Haigis. Among all the methods, the Haigis and Hill-RBF combination yielded a mean refractive prediction error closest to zero. The SRK-T and Hill-RBF combination showed the lowest mean absolute error, whereas the Hoffer Q, SRK-T, and Haigis combination had the lowest median absolute error. Hill-radial basis function exhibited the highest intraclass correlation coefficient, whereas SRK-T showed the lowest. Haigis and Hill-RBF, as well as the combination of both, demonstrated the lowest proportion of refractive surprises (absolute error >1.00 D). Among the individual formulas, Hill-RBF had the highest success rate (absolute error ≤0.50 D). Moreover, among all the methods, the SRK-T and Hill-RBF combination exhibited the highest success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Hill-radial basis function showed accuracy comparable to or surpassing that of conventional formulas in eyes with short axial lengths. The use and integration of various formulas in cataract surgery for eyes with short axial lengths may help reduce the incidence of refractive surprises.

Unilateral acute cataract after facial aesthetic procedure: a case report.

Aging and face sagging have many causes, and various techniques are used for treatment, including noninvasive procedures, such as focused ultrasound, which uses the principle of collagen regeneration by coagulative necrosis of the dermis layers using radiofrequency, but this procedure has complications. We reported a case of a 54-year-old female patient who complained of poor visual acuity in her right eye three days after a focused ultrasound facial aesthetic procedure, with the best visual acuity of 20/60. Biomicroscopy of the right eye revealed an acute cataract with three points of fibrosis extending from the posterior to the anterior capsule. The patient underwent phacoemulsification surgery with visual rehabilitation and improved vision of 20/20. We hypothesized that the occurrence of acute cataract was related to the inappropriate use of focused ultrasound.

A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of laser correction with a mechanical and laser microkeratome for myopia.

PURPOSE: Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide. However, a comparison of the effectiveness of different laser-assisted interventions is lacking. Thus, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of LASIK and IntraLASIK in addressing myopia. METHODS: The study was conducted in two ophthalmology clinics in Beijing, China, in 2022. A total of 84 patients (152 eyes) with different degrees of myopia were examined and underwent LASIK (n=46, 80 eyes) or IntraLASIK (n=38, 72 eyes). Keratometry, corneal topography, pachymetry, visual acuity evaluation, and corneal biomechanical analysis were performed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: IntraLASIK produced more precise flaps than LASIK, with deviations of <8 mm and 0.1 mm from the intended thickness and diameter, respectively. LASIK resulted in nonuniform flaps, with thickness deviations of 5-86 mm. IntraLASIK demonstrated a superior efficacy for patients with severe myopia and thin corneas, with a mean spherical equivalent of 0.9 D at 6 months compared to the 1.4 D for LASIK. Approximately 91% and 83% of the patients with mild to moderate and severe myopia, respectively, achieved results within ± 0.49 D from the refractive target with IntraLASIK. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor decreased with an increase in laser intensity, and they decreased faster with thinner corneas. Thus, IntraLASIK is more useful than LASIK in patients with thin corneas and severe myopia.

Early visual intervention, visual function analysis, and grating visual acuity outcomes in children with congenital Zika syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess grating visual acuity and functional vision in children with congenital Zika syndrome. METHODS: Initial and final grating visual acuity was measured using Teller acuity cards. Cerebral vision impairment standardized tests were used to assess functional vision. Patients were referred to the early visual intervention program for visually disabled children. Neuroimaging was performed. RESULTS: In this study, 10 children were included with an age range of 1-37 months. Eight patients presented with macular atrophic scars. Neuroimaging revealed microcephaly and cerebral abnormalities in all patients. Low vision and cerebral vision impairment characteristics were observed in all children. The final grating visual acuity in this group varied from 3.00 to 0.81 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: The grating visual acuity test revealed low vision in all children with congenital Zika syndrome. Functional vision evaluation revealed cerebral vision impairment characteristics in all patients, who were referred to the early visual intervention program. Visual acuity improved in six children.

Optic disc edema and visual loss from paracentral acute middle maculopathy mimicking optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis is an important cause of unilateral and acute visual loss in young adults, but other differential diagnoses should be considered, especially when the disease has an atypical presentation. This report presents the case of a young woman with reduced visual acuity in her right eye, associated with optic disc edema and a relative afferent pupillary defect, that was initially misdiagnosed as optic neuritis and subsequently found to have paracentral acute middle maculopathy, possibly secondary to subtle impending central retinal vein occlusion. This case emphasizes the need to remember that retinal vascular diseases can occasionally mimic optic neuritis. Detailed anamnesis and ophthalmic examination can avoid unnecessary interventions.

Should intravitreal dexamethasone implant in refractory diabetic macular edema be used as an adjuvant therapy or switch therapy?

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implant used as either an adjuvant or a switching therapy for diabetic macular edema in patients with poor anatomic response after three consecutive monthly injections of ranibizumab. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with diabetic macular edema who received three consecutive doses of ranibizumab as initial therapy and demonstrated poor response. A single dose of intravitreal de xamethasone implant was administered to these patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment modalities: the adjuvant therapy group, consisting of patients who continued treatment with ranibizumab injection after receiving intravitreal dexamethasone implant, and the switch therapy group, consisting of patients who were switched from ranibizumab treatment to intravitreal dexamethasone implant as needed. The main outcome measurements were best corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: In this study that included 64 eyes of 64 patients, the best corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness values did not significantly differ between the groups at baseline and at 6 months of follow-up (p>0.05). However, at 12 months, the best corrected visual acuity values in the adjuvant and switch therapy groups were 0.46 and 0.35 LogMAR, respectively (p=0.012), and the central retinal thickness values were 344.8 and 270.9, respectively (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world setting, it seems more reasonable to use intravitreal dexamethasone implant as a switch therapy rather than an adjuvant therapy for diabetic macula edema refractory to ranibizumab despite three consecutive monthly injections of ranibizumab. Patients switched to intravitreal dexamethasone implant were found to have better anatomic and visual outcomes at 12 months than those who continued ranibizumab therapy despite their less-than-optimal responses.

Giant corneal keloid following Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for the treatment of corneal decompensation secondary to trauma.

PURPOSE: This report aims to present a case of corneal keloid caused by chronic corneal insult after trauma and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old male with a history of vision loss in the right eye was referred to our hospital. The patient underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation to alleviate elevated intraocular pressure after ocular trauma to the same eye. One year following the procedure, the eye developed endothelial failure, leading to the performance of Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) with repositioning of the shunt tube. Upon initial examination, a well-circumscribed elevated white opaque lesion involving the central corneal surface of the RE was observed. Based on the patient's clinical history, slit lamp examination, and UBM findings, the diagnosis of corneal keloid was established. Superficial keratectomy was performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of corneal keloid. Following the procedure, BCVA improved slightly. However, 3 months later, the patient underwent a penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Corneal keloids should be considered following any form of ocular trauma, particularly in cases involving ocular surgery. Diagnosing corneal keloids can sometimes be challenging due to the variety of potential differentials; however, by carefully evaluating the patient's medical history and clinical presentation, we can effectively narrow down the differential diagnosis of corneal conditions.

Evaluation of the impact of binocular versus monocular cataract surgery using Catquest-9SF: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This prospective, randomized, unmasked, clinical trial aimed to report the visual outcomes of cataract surgery on both eyes versus cataract surgery on one eye in Brazilian patients. METHODS: This study included patients with bilateral cataracts and binocular visual acuity worse than or equal to 0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. The patients were randomly assigned to undergo surgery on one (Control Group) or both eyes (one eye at a time; Intervention Group). Postoperatively, self-reported visual function using Catquest-9SF (primary outcome measure), binocular visual acuity, stereopsis, and ocular dominance (secondary outcome measures) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients (77 and 148 eyes in the Control and Intervention Groups, respectively) completed the follow-up. Patients who underwent surgery on both eyes exhibited significantly better self-reported visual function (p=0.036) and stereopsis (p=0.026) than those who underwent surgery on one eye. Binocular visual acuity and ocular dominance did not affect the group comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery on both eyes resulted in significantly better self-reported visual function and stereopsis than surgery on one eye.

A novel predictor of persistent ocular hypotony after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: The initial intraocular pressure difference between the eye with RRD and the fellow eye.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictive value of initial intraocular pressure difference of the detached and fellow eyes of patients with complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment on postoperative persistent ocular hypotony. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 538 eyes of 538 unilateral complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients with a proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade of C-1 or higher, treated with silicone oil endotamponade following pars plana vitrectomy. The patients were divided into Group A (patients having silicone oil removal without ocular hypotony; n=504) and Group B (patients with persistent ocular hypotony following silicone oil removal [n=8, 23.5%] and with retained silicone oil [n=26, 76.5%] due to the risk of persistent ocular hypotony; total n=34). Ocular hypotony was defined as an intraocular pressure of <6 mmHg on two or more occasions. Patients' demographics, including age, sex, and follow-up time, and ocular characteristics, including ocular surgical and trauma history, initial and final best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and initial intraocular pressure difference of the detached and fellow eyes, and anatomical success rates and postoperative complications, were retrospectively collected from the electronic patient files. RESULTS: The initial intraocular pressure was significantly lower in the detached eyes of Group B than in Group A (8.3 ± 3.5 vs. 12.9 ± 3.3, p<0.001). Also, the initial intraocular pressure difference was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (8.9 ± 3.2 vs. 2.2 ± 2.7mmHg, p<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of the initial intraocular pressure difference was 7.5mmHg for the risk of persistent ocular hypotony. The most influential factors on postoperative persistent ocular hypotony in the binary logistic regression analysis were the initial intraocular pressure difference and the need for a retinectomy. CONCLUSION: In eyes with complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade, the initial intraocular pressure difference could be of value in predicting postoperative persistent ocular hypotony and could guide surgeons on the decision of silicone oil removal.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF THE PROPOSED BIOSIMILAR AFLIBERCEPT, SDZ-AFL, IN PATIENTS WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: 52-Week Results From the Phase 3 Mylight Study.

PURPOSE: The Phase 3 Mylight study was designed to confirm clinical equivalence of proposed biosimilar aflibercept (SOK583A1; Sandoz [proposed biosimilar aflibercept, SDZ-AFL]) to its reference biologic (Eylea; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Bayer AG [reference aflibercept, Ref-AFL]). METHOD: Mylight was a prospective, double-masked, 2-arm, parallel Phase 3 study. Participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were randomized 1:1 to receive eight injections of SDZ-AFL (n = 244) or Ref-AFL (n = 240) over 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean change in best-corrected visual acuity score from baseline to Week 8. Secondary endpoints included anatomical outcomes, best-corrected visual acuity at Weeks 24 and 52, safety, and pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: Similarity in mean change in best-corrected visual acuity score was established between SDZ-AFL (n = 235) and Ref-AFL (n = 226) at Week 8 (difference: -0.3 [90% CI, -1.5 to 1.0]) and Week 52. No clinically meaningful differences occurred between groups in anatomical outcomes. Safety profiles were similar, with comparable incidences of treatment-related adverse events (SDZ-AFL: 2.5%; Ref-AFL: 2.9%). The incidence of anti-drug antibodies was similar between groups. Systemic free aflibercept concentrations 24 hours postdose were low and comparable between SDZ-AFL and Ref-AFL. CONCLUSION: Proposed biosimilar aflibercept matched reference aflibercept in efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, this Phase 3 study confirmed biosimilarity of SDZ-AFL to Ref-AFL.

Jacobi-Fourier phase masks as ophthalmic elements to correct presbyopia.

PURPOSE: Investigations into the correction of presbyopia have considered lens design, clinical implications and the development of objective metrics such as the visual Strehl ratio. This study investigated the Jacobi-Fourier phase mask as an ophthalmic element in the correction of presbyopia. The goal was to develop a contact or intraocular lens whose performance was largely insensitive to changes in pupil diameter. METHODS: Numerical simulations based on Fourier optics were performed to evaluate three different Jacobi-Fourier polynomials, with the aim of providing a range of clear vision (1 Dioptre (D)). Performance was evaluated for three pupil sizes (6, 4 and 2 mm), while polychromatic images were simulated using three different wavelengths (656.3, 587.6 and 486.1 nm). The Neural Transfer function was included in the simulation. To validate the method and results, we used the Visual Strehl combined objective metric (VSCombined) currently used in visual optics. This metric gives more weight to the phase transfer function and is more suitable for non-symmetrical phase functions. RESULTS: Numerical validation showed the suitability of the Jacobi-Fourier phase masks for extending the range of clear vision of presbyopic eyes, providing a visual acuity of at least 0.10 logMAR (6/7.5 Snellen) at all distances between 1 and 6 m. The results show a range of clear vision of 1D was not affected by changes in pupil size, an increase in retinal image contrast accompanied by image artefact reduction by increasing the radial order of the Jacobi-Fourier phase mask and a reduction of wavelength dependence of the retinal images. These results are supported by simulated images and the objective criterion VSCombined. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Jacobi-Fourier phase masks as ophthalmic elements for presbyopic correction show promising results, with a good range of clear vision and reduced dependence on pupil size and chromatic aberration.

Implantation of asymmetrical corneal intrastromal rings: A case series.

This case series reports eight eyes with keratoconus treated with laser implantation of one or two segments of progressive thickness corneal intrastromal ring (PT-ICRS). In this case series, it was evident that the insertion of PT-ICRS induces more pronounced corneal flattening at the thickest point, causing a reduction in distortion (coma) and lower astigmatism, resulting in a remarkable improvement in vision. Compared to the implementation of traditional intrastromal rings, the PT-ICRS variant showed superior results despite the small sample size. However, the same degree of asymmetry enhancement was not observed in cases in which a 330° PT-ICRS was implanted, despite the improvement in visual results when replacing a 320° traditional ring with a 330° PT-ICRS. These conclusions are limited as this is a case series with few cases.

Myopic shift in pediatric cataract surgery associated with age and surgical complications.

PURPOSE: To investigate predictors for myopic shift after pediatric cataract surgery after at least 3 years follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional and retrospective study. METHODS: This study included patients treated for congenital or infantile cataract operated up to 5 years of age between 2010 and 2017. Patients were recruited for ophthalmologic evaluation. Surgical and medical data were acquired in medical charts. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to look for potential risk factors for myopic shift. RESULTS: This study evaluated 81 eyes of 50 patients, with 62 (77%) being bilateral cases, 48 (59%) with intraocular lens implantation, and 37 (74%) patients being strabismic. Age at surgery was 7.7 (3.7-30.5) months and at evaluation was 93.5 (55.1-113.0) months. Total myopic shift was -4.32 ± 3.25 D, significantly greater in patients operated on up to 6 months of life (-5.73 ± 3.14 D). The distant best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.6 (0.3-1.0) log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). Regarding myopic shift, in univariate analysis, older age at surgery is a protective factor (+0.08 D for each month older, P = 0.001). The presence of strabismus (-2.52 D, P = 0.014), aphakia (-2.45 D, P = 0.006), distant BCVA (-0.15 D per 0.1 logMAR, P = 0.024), and surgical complications (-3.02 D, P = 0.001) are risk factors. In multivariate analysis, older age at surgery (+0.06 D, P = 0.012) and surgical complications (-2.52 D, P = 0.001) remain significant. CONCLUSION: In pediatric cataract surgery, myopic shift is greater when surgery is performed in a younger age and if associated with surgical complications.

Evaluation of Macular Thickness in Glaucoma Patients Using Prostaglandin Analog Eye Drops Undergoing Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C: Prospective, Comparative, Randomized, Masked Examiner Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the macular thickness of glaucomatous patients undergoing trabeculectomy (TREC) with mitomycin C (MMC) with or without the use of prostaglandin analog (PA) eye drops. METHODS: In this prospective, comparative clinical trial, patients with glaucoma and indications for TREC with MMC using PA and without previous macular changes were randomized into 2 groups: the study group (SG) and the control group (CG). In the CG, PA was suspended between 30 and 60 days after the preoperative exams. The subjects were evaluated, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) with the Cirrus 4000 macular protocol preoperatively and in the postoperative period on 3 occasions: 1-3 days ("PO1"), 6-9 days ("PO7"), and 27-30 days ("PO30") after surgery. The results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients were included (17 in the CG and 18 in the SG). There was no statistically significant difference in age (p = 0.2), the preoperative visual field mean deviation (p = 0.08), or the preoperative intraocular pressure (SG: 24.8 ± 7.8 mm Hg vs. CG: 22.8 ± 6.0 mm Hg, p = 0.4). The preoperative macular OCT parameters were equivalent between the groups (p > 0.05). When comparing the variation of parameters between the groups between preop and PO30 there was equivalence in all of the comparisons evaluated. The presence (or absence) of the lens did not affect the results. CONCLUSION: PA eye drops did not affect macular thickness after TREC with MMC in glaucomatous patients.

Pachychoroid neovascular membrane in a patient with sickle cell disease trait.

PURPOSE: To describe a rare presentation of pachychoroid neovascular membrane in a patient with sickle cell trait and the accuracy of ruling out hemoglobinopathies in the presentation of pachychoroid spectrum. METHODS: The patient was subjected to physical examinations, multimodal images (fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography), hemoglobin electrophoresis, and peripheral blood smear, documenting sickle cell trait. The management included laser treatment to target non-perfusion areas, along with a single dose of anti-VEGF. RESULTS: A 45-year-old male patient with diagnosis of pachychoroid neovascularization treated for 6 years with multiple anti VEGF injections in the left eye. A detailed clinical evaluation included hypochromic conjunctiva, peripheral vascular occlusion with non-perfusion areas led us to suspect sickle cell disease retinopathy. The images of fluorescein angiography showed peripheral arteriovenous anastomosis with non-perfusion areas; the optical coherence tomography revealed a thinner neuroepithelium with a thicker choroid; also, hemoglobin electrophoresis and peripheral blood smear documenting sickle cell trait. The chosen management was photocoagulation of the peripheral retina on the non-perfusion areas and anti VEGF without neovascular activity recurrence in the follow up period. CONCLUSION: Although sickle cell trait is considered a mild form of this pathology without serious retinal manifestations, it has to be noted that in the context of pachychoroid spectrum diseases is a trigger that could perpetuate retinal ischemia and neovascular activity.

Unilateral hemi-central retinal artery occlusion as a presenting sign of Susac syndrome.

A young woman presented at our clinic with sudden visual loss in the right eye, recurrent vertigo, and right-sided tinnitus. We performed a complete ophthalmological evaluation. This revealed effects of the condition on the small arterioles of the peripheral retina. Susac syndrome is characterized by the clinical triad of retinal arteriolar occlusions, cochleovestibular manifestations, and encephalopathy (which can be identified by neuroimaging abnormalities). Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy improved the patient's visual acuity and the remission of her other symptoms. Hemi-central retinal artery occlusion is an atypical neuro-ophthalmological finding in this disease. However, its identification as a sign of Susac syndrome may facilitate timely diagnosis and accurate treatment.

Clinical outcomes and significance of postoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy in patients with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical outcomes in patients after type 1 Boston keratoprosthesis surgery and the significance of ultrasound biomicroscopy imaging for postoperative follow-up. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 20 eyes of 19 patients who underwent corneal transplantation with type 1 Boston keratoprosthesis between April 2014 and December 2021. Data on patient demographics, preoperative diagnosis, visual acuity, and postoperative clinical findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Type 1 Boston keratoprosthesis implantation resulted in intermediate- and long-term positive outcomes. However, blindness and other serious complications such as glaucoma, retroprosthetic membrane formation, endophthalmitis, or retinal detachment also occurred. The use of ultrasound biomicroscopy imaging allowed for better evaluation of the back of the titanium plate, anterior segment structures, and the relationship of the prosthesis with surrounding tissues, which provided valuable postoperative information. CONCLUSION: Regular lifetime monitoring and treatment are necessary in patients who undergo Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis implantation for high-risk corneal transplantation. ultrasound biomicroscopy imaging can be a valuable imaging technique for the evaluation of patients with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis, providing important information on anterior segment anatomy and potential complications. Further studies and consensus on postoperative follow-up protocols are required to optimize the management of patients with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis.