[Proteome analysis of undiluted vitreous humor in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion]. / Proteomanalyse unverdünnter Glaskörperflüssigkeit bei Patienten mit einem Venenastverschluss.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiological mechanisms of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the protein profile of human vitreous of patients with BRVO and to identify specific dysregulated proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Undiluted vitreous humor samples from patients with treatment naïve BRVO and 15 controls with idiopathic floaters were analyzed in this clinical-experimental study using capillary electrophoresis coupled to a mass spectrometer (CE-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Quantitative analysis of the dysregulated proteins was performed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein-protein interactions were depicted with the STRING database. RESULTS: A total of 84 proteins were found in the human vitreous samples of 15 patients with BRVO and 15 controls. In all, 14 proteins were significant when comparing the signal intensities of BRVO and control samples. Six significant dysregulated proteins with p < 0.001 were further verified with ELISA. Clusterin, complement factor C3, prostaglandin-H2 D­isomerase and vitronectin were significantly upregulated in the BRVO group and opticin was downregulated. The protein interactions analysis showed associations with inflammatory cascades, matrix changes, mechanisms of cell survival und death. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study reveal that the proteomic composition of vitreous humor differed significantly between the patients with BRVO and the controls. Whether the identified proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for pathophysiology, diagnostics or therapy should be examine in further studies.

[Clinical Comparison of a Trifocal and a Trifocal-Toric Intraocular Lens Based on the Same Diffractive Platform]. / Klinischer Vergleich einer trifokalen und einer trifokal-torischen Intraokularlinse auf gleicher diffraktiver Plattform.

Purpose To evaluate and compare the visual performance of a trifocal and a trifocal-toric intraocular lens (IOL) based on the same diffractive platform. Methods Prospective non-randomized comparative study enrolling 142 eyes of 77 patients (age 40-73 years) undergoing uneventful phacoemulsification lens surgery. Two groups were differentiated according to the implanted IOL: trifocal group, 98 eyes (50 patients) implanted with the trifocal diffractive IOL AT LISA tri 839MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec), and trifocal-toric group, 44 eyes (27 patients) implanted with the trifocal-toric diffractive IOL AT LISA trifocal-toric 939MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Visual and refractive changes were evaluated 3 months postoperatively. Results No significant differences between groups were found in postoperative refraction (p ≥ 0.144), monocular and binocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA; p = 0.519 and 0.398, respectively) and binocular uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA; p = 0.073). In contrast, significantly better monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA; p ≤ 0.002), as well as monocular UNVA (p = 0.005), were found in the trifocal group. A postoperative spherical equivalent within ± 1.00 D was found in 98 % and 100 % of eyes in the trifocal and trifocal-toric groups, respectively. Postoperative binocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA of 20/30 or better were found in 100, 95 and 100 % of eyes, and in 96.3, 95.8 and 90.9 % of eyes in the trifocal and trifocal-toric groups, respectively. Conclusions The evaluated trifocal and trifocal-toric IOLs both provide a successful restoration of the visual function after cataract surgery, with good levels of refractive precision, as well as UIVA and UNVA.

[Clinical Results After Implantation of a New Diffractive, Multifokal Intraocular Lens with a Reduced Near Add Power (+ 2.75 D)]. / Klinische Ergebnisse nach Implantation einer neuen diffraktiven multifokalen Intraokularlinse mit einer reduzierten Nahaddition (+ 2,75 dpt).

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the clinical data 3 months after implantation of a new diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) with a reduced near add power of + 2.75 D. METHODS: In a prospective study, patients who underwent cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange with implantation of an MIOL (Tecnis ZKB00, Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, California, USA) were included. Three months postoperative corrected and uncorrected visual acuities at different distances were measured and evaluated. Those patients that underwent bilateral MIOL implantation additionally filled out a questionnaire 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Between October 2013 and August 2014, 115 eyes of 62 patients were implanted with the ZKB00 IOL. Mean postoperative refractions were - 0.27 ± 0.44 D for the spherical equivalent, respectively. Mean binocular CDVA was - 0.01 ± 0.3 logMAR with a mean binocular UDVA of 0.06 ± 0.08 logMAR. For near distance in 40 cm, an UNVA of 0.07 ± 0.10 logMAR three months postoperatively was measured. CONCLUSION: The ZKB00 IOL belongs to a group of novel MIOL with an increased intermediate visual performance. Our study shows good visual acuity at all distances, as well as a high rate of satisfaction and subjectively good image quality.

[Correlation from Undiluted Vitreous Cytokines of Untreated Central Retinal Vein Occlusion with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography]. / Korrelation von intravitrealen Zytokinen und OCT-Parametern bei Zentralvenenverschluss.

PURPOSE: To correlate key inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cytokines from undiluted vitreous fluid of treatment-naïve patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with SD-OCT parameters. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (age 71.1 years, 24 phakic, 30 non-ischaemic) underwent intravitreal combination therapy, including single-site 23-gauge core vitrectomy. Twenty-eight samples from patients with idiopathic, non-uveitis floaterectomy served as controls. Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) were correlated with visual acuity (logMar), category of CRVO (ischaemic or non-ischaemic) and morphological parameters, such as central macular thickness (CMT), thickness of neurosensory retina (Tneuro), extent of serous retinal detachment (SRT) and disintegrity of the IS/OS and others. RESULTS: Mean IL-6 was 64.7 pg/ml (SD ± 115.8), mean MCP-1 1015.7 pg/ml (± 970.1), and mean VEGF-A 278.4 pg/ml (± 512.8), which was significantly higher than the control values of IL-6 6.2 ± 3.4 pg/ml (p = 0.06), MCP-1 253.2 ± 73.5 pg/ml (p < 0.0 000 001) and VEGF-A 7.0 ± 4.9 pg/ml (p < 0.0006), respectively. All cytokines correlated highly with one another (correlation coefficient r = 0.82 for IL-6 and MCP-1; r = 0.68 for Il-6 and VEGF-A; r = 0.64 for MCP-1 and VEGF-A). IL-6 correlated significantly with CMT, TRT, SRT, dIS/OS, and dELM. MCP-1 correlated significantly with SRT, dIS/OS, and dELM. VEGF-A did not correlate with changes in SD-OCT, while it had a trend to be higher in the ischaemic versus the non-ischaemic CRVO groups (p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory cytokines were more often correlated with morphological changes assessed by SD-OCT, whereas VEGF-A did not correlate with CRVO-associated changes in SD-OCT. VEGF inhibition alone may not be sufficient to decrease the inflammatory response in CRVO therapy.

[Half-Dose Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy (hdPDT) in the Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy]. / Photodynamische Therapie mit halber Verteporfin-Dosis zur Behandlung der Chorioretinopathia Centralis Serosa.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the efficacy and safety profile of half-dose photodynamic therapy (hdPDT) for treating central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An interventional, retrospective case series of patients with CSC (symptoms ≧ 3 months) receiving half-dose PDT (3 mg/m2 verteporfin). The ophthalmic examination at baseline and at 8 and 16 weeks after treatment included slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Amsler grid screening and contrast visual acuity (CVA). Fluorescein angiography (FA), autofluorescence (FAF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were measured at each visit. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured automatically. RESULTS: 12 eyes of 12 patients (10 male and 2 female patients; mean age 46.6 ± 7.91 years) were included in this study. Anatomical resolution was obtained in 10 eyes (83.4 %) at week 16, but 2 eyes (16.6 %) exhibited persistent SRD throughout the follow-up period. Baseline CMT decreased from initially 330.1 µm ± 131.3 to 205.6 µm ± 97.6 (p = 0.034) at week 8 and to 220.3 µm ± 120.1 (p = 0.05) at week 16. Visual acuity (number of total letters read) significantly improved from initially 82.8 ± 11.5 to 86.8 ± 13.9 at week 8 and 91.3 ± 13.8 at week 16 (p = 0.012). Contrast visual acuity (calculated decimal visual acuity) significantly improved from initially 0.14 ± 0.09 to 0.38 ± 0.28 (p = 0.002) at week 16. After therapy, no significant changes in RPE could be detected with FAF and no ocular adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: PDT with half-dose verteporfin resulted in reduced leakage in FA, enhanced visual acuity and resolution of subretinal fluid in OCT in patients with CSC, with no detected side effects of treatment.

[Functional Results One Year after Implantation of a Bitoric, Trifocal Intraocular Lens]. / Funktionelle Ergebnisse 1 Jahr nach Implantation einer bitorischen, trifokalen Intraokularlinse.

PURPOSE: An evaluation of the visual and refractive results was undertaken one year after implantation of a trifocal diffractive toric intraocular lens (IOL) during cataract surgery. METHODS: In a prospective study patients with a calculated postoperative corneal astigmatism of ≥ 0.75 D received a diffractive trifocal toric IOL (AT LISA tri toric 939MP, Carl Zeiss Meditech, Jena, Germany) during cataract surgery. One year postoperatively the near, intermediate and distance visual acuity, corrected and uncorrected vision as well as refraction were evaluated. RESULTS: 20 patients (40 eyes) with a median age of 59 ± 11 years of which 15 were female underwent bilateral cataract surgery. One year postoperatively a binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 0.10 logMAR ± 0.11 and a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 0.00 logMAR ± 0.08 could be found. Binocular intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) and near visual acuity (UNVA) were 0.00 logMAR ± 0.05 and 0.09 logMAR ± 0.07, respectively. 100 % of patients were between ± 1.0 D from target refraction. Even 1 year after surgery no patient had an IOL rotation greater than 5°. CONCLUSION: The implantation of a trifocal toric intraocular lens offers an effective way for visual rehabilitation in near, intermediate and far distances with a good rotational stability of the IOL platform.

[Refraction after Implantation of Multifocal and Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses]. / Richtiges Refraktionieren nach Implantation von Multifokal- und presbyopiekorrigierenden Intraokularlinsen.

Nowadays, further developments in the field of intraocular lenses offer a higher level of spectacle independence for our patients. As light gets scattered on different focal points a wider range of defocus is created. This greater defocus area makes it more difficult for us to determine the objective or subjective refraction. This contribution is concerned with the difficulties of measuring visual acuity in different intraocular lens designs and different measurement distances. Measuring refraction after implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens is a complex procedure and the experience of the examiner plays a crucial role. Retinoscopy, keratometry and the defocus curve are reliable methods for testing, while the auto refractometer, bichromatic testing and the cross-cylinder have limitations.

[Cytokine determination from vitreous samples in retinal vascular diseases]. / Zytokinbestimmung aus Glaskörperproben bei retinalen Gefäßerkrankungen.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine cytokine levels from vitreous samples of treatment-naive patients with diabetic retinopathy (DRP), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: In this study 187 patients (median age 67 years, 101 males) were treated with a combined drug therapy including a 23-gauge core vitrectomy. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) levels were determined a using cytometric bead assay (CBA) and compared to those of the control group. RESULTS: Compared to the control group all diseases had significantly elevated cytokine levels, except VEGF in ARMD. In DRP samples of patients with diffuse diabetic macula edema (DME) higher VEGF-A and MCP-1 levels were found than in patients with focal DME. Ischemic DRP had higher VEGF levels than non-ischemic DRP. All measured cytokines were significantly higher in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) than in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in intravitreal cytokine levels in DRP, RVO and ARMD could be demonstrated. The knowledge of depicted specific characteristic dysregulation of cytokines could allow more targeted future therapies.

[Treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy: MicroPulse photocoagulation versus bevacizumab]. / Behandlung der Retinopathia centralis serosa: MicroPulse-Laser vs. bevacizumab.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with either subthreshold diode-laser MicroPulse (MP) or intravitreal bevacizumab (BCZ) using the Pro Re Nata (PRN) scheme. METHODS: This comparative, controlled, prospective study over 10 months examined 52 eyes of 52 patients with either (a) treatment with MP at the active leakage site guided by fluorescein angiography (FA) (n=16 eyes), (b) intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg BCZ (n=10 eyes) or (c) passive observation (n=26 eyes). Outcome measures included changes in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leakage at FA, central macular thickness (CMT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and 10° macular perimetry. RESULTS: At the end of the study there was a 12.5 % persistent leakage in the MP group compared to 60 % in the BCZ group and 92 % in the control group. Mean CMT decreased by 94 µm in the MP, 38 µm in the BCZ and did not change in the control group. Mean BCVA improved by six ETDRS letters in the MP, decreased by one letter in the BCZ and by 2 letters in the control group. In the MP group mean perimetric deficit improved by 1.5 decibels and corrected lost variance by 2.6. In the BCZ it improved by 0.6 and by 0.5 in the control group. Retreatment was required in 7 out of 16 eyes of the SDM (43.75 %), and in 5 out of 10 eyes of the BCZ group (50 %). CONCLUSIONS: MP photocoagulation was superior to intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg BCZ in the treatment of CSC which resulted in enhanced visual acuity and macular perimetry.

[Significant improvement in compliance with the face-down position after vitrectomy and gas tamponade]. / Verbesserung der Compliance bei postoperativer "Gesicht-nach-unten-Lagerung" nach Vitrektomie mit Gastamponade.

BACKGROUND: The positioning of a patient in a "prone position" ("face down position", fdp) after pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade has been discussed controversially since the beginning of macular surgery. The "prone positioning" is almost standard although the duration varies. In most of the study designs for macular surgery "face-down positioning" is advised. However it is not clearly described how the "prone position" was achieved. In most of the studies it is not shown if the patients had suitable aids and how long and how efficiently they used them. Experience while practising this shows that the patient's compliance is a great challenge. Patients are mostly unable to comply, which could result in refusal. METHODS: In our prospective, controlled and randomised pilot study we observed postoperatively 40 patients who all underwent a pars-plana vitrectomy and sulfur hexafluoride-gastamponade (SF6 25%). All patients of the supported group (SG) and the control group (CG) were requested to keep their face downwards until the gas bubble was resorbed completely. In the postoperative time in hospital the participants of the SG used a simple prone-positioning support. In the time at home after hospital, the patients were supplied with an inflatable device. In this trial we wanted to show whether or not it is possible to improve the patient's compliance by using a prone-positioning support, designed to be particularly comfortable, so that real time in "face-down position" in hours per day could be increased significantly. Additionally, the contentment of the patient in reference to the available supports and the appearance of complications has been reported. RESULTS: In particular the real time of "fdp" in hours per day (24 h) varied greatly (SG: 19.5/24; CG: 5.5/24; P < 0.0001). Equivalent results were reflected in the contentment in reference to the available supports (SG: 99%; CG: 25%; P < 0.0001). Postoperative complications such as moderate or severe back-, neck- or headache only were observed in the CG. Development of a postoperative cataract was observed mainly in the non-supported group. CONCLUSIONS: By placing supports at the disposal of the patients, it is possible to improve significantly the compliance after surgery. To succeed in using the prone position also at home it is necessary to supply the patient with a support which is comfortable, cheap and easy to handle.

Subthreshold diode laser micropulse photocoagulation versus intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with either subthreshold diode laser MicroPulse (SDM) or intravitreal bevacizumab (BCZ). METHODS: This comparative, controlled, prospective study conducted over a period of 10 months examined 52 eyes of 52 patients with (a) treatment with SDM at the active leakage site guided by fluorescein angiography (FA) (n=16 eyes), (b) intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg BCZ (n=10 eyes), or (c) observation (n=26 eyes). Outcome measures included changes in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leakage at FA, central macular thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and 10° macular perimetry. RESULTS: At the end of the study, there was 12.5% persistent leakage in the SDM, compared with 60% in the BCZ and 92% in the control group. Mean CMT decreased by 94 µm in the SDM, 38 µm in the BCZ, and did not change in the control group. Mean BCVA improved more than 6 early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study letters in the SDM, decreased by one letter in the BCZ, and by two letters in the control group. In the SDM group, mean perimetric deficit improved by 1.5 decibels and corrected lost variance by 2.6. In the BCZ, it improved by 0.6, and in the control group by 0.5. Retreatment was required in 7/16 eyes of the SDM group (43.75%), and in 5/10 eyes of the BCZ group (50%). CONCLUSION: SDM photocoagulation was superior to intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg BCZ in the treatment of CSC, which resulted in enhanced visual acuity and macular perimetry.

[Combined pharmacosurgery as treatment for diabetic macular edema: core pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and triamcinolone]. / Kombinierte Pharmakochirurgie zur Behandlung des diabetischen Makulaödems: Kernvitrektomie mit intravitrealer Injektion von Bevacizumab und Triamcinolon.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to report the efficacy of a 1.5 mL core pars plana vitrectomy (cppV) combined with isovolumetric substitution with 1.25 mg bevacizumab and 8 mg triamcinolone for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Data of 73 eyes (60 patients; mean age: 65.4 ± 10.4 years) with diabetic macular edema were retrospectively analysed. Main outcome measures were changes in visual acuity, central macular thickness (CMT) and the need for re-intervention and further treatment modalities, i. e., laser photocoagulation (LPC) or pars plana vitrectomy (ppV). Study eyes were assigned to one of three groups: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy without ischaemic maculopathy (NPDR I. M.; group I; n = 38 eyes); NPDR with I. M. (group II; n = 17 eyes); proliferative diabetic retinopathy with or without I. M. (group III; n = 18). Mean follow-up times were 9 weeks (T1), 25 weeks (T2) and 44 weeks. RESULTS: Preoperative mean VA was 0.69 ± 0.4 logMAR. A statistically significant increase in mean VA was observed in all study eyes at 2 months after the initial operation (T1; 0.51 ± 0.22 logMAR; p < 0.01). This remained stable at T 2 (0.52 ± 0.33 logMAR; p = 0.6) and T 3 (0.55 ± 0.35 logMAR; p = 0.99). At baseline mean VA was 0.52 ± 0.21 logMAR in group I, 0.99 ± 0.5 logMAR in group II and 0.77 ± 0.42 logMAR in group III. At T 1 (2 months) the VA change was statistically significant in group II (0.64 ± 0.18 logMAR; p < 0.05) only. In contrast, group I had a highly significant VA gain after 6 months (0.36 ± 0.16; p < 0.01). Patients with PDR (group III) had a non-significant VA gain at T 1 (0.53 ± 0.24; p = 0.08) and remained stable at T 2 and T 3. The mean central macular thickness (CMT) in all study eyes decreased significantly from 393.7 ± 120.6 µm to 269.7 ± 100.2 µm (delta -28 %; p < 0.01) at T 1. Thereafter CMT slightly increased but, on the whole, remained stable at that level. Retreatment with the intravitreal combination therapy was performed in 20 of 73 eyes (27.4 %). Laser photocoagulation was only carried out in more than half of the eyes with PDR (10 / 18; 55.6 %). An increase in IOP was noted in 12 / 73 eyes (16.4 %) at different follow-up, and was controlled using topical medication. Systemic side effects were not reported. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the majority of the study eyes maintained or improved their visual acuity after pharmacosurgical therapy. Furthermore we observed a reduction of the central macular thickness in almost all study eyes. Only few retreatments and other treatment modalities were needed during the follow-up period. This combind pharmacosurgical treatment may supplement current treatment standards like laser photocoagulation, classical pars plana vitrectomy or intravitreal monotherapy for DME.

Inflammatory and angiogenic protein detection in the human vitreous: cytometric bead assay.

Introduction. To evaluate clinical feasibility and reproducibility of cytometric bead assay (CBA) in nondiluted vitreous samples of patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods. Twelve patients from a single clinics day qualified for intravitreal injections (ARMD n = 6, DME n = 3, CRVO n = 3) and underwent a combination treatment including a single-site 23 gauge core vitrectomy which yielded a volume of 0.6 mL undiluted vitreous per patient. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor isoform A (VEGF-A), and monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were assessed directly from 0.3 mL at the same day (fresh samples). To assess the reproducibility 0.3 ml were frozen for 60 days at -80°, on which the CBA was repeated (frozen samples). Results. In the fresh samples IL-6 was highest in CRVO (median IL-6 55.8 pg/mL) > DME (50.6) > ARMD (3.1). Highest VEGF was measured in CRVO (447.4) > DME (3.9) > ARMD (2.0). MCP-1 was highest in CRVO (595.7) > AMD (530.8) > DME (178). The CBA reproducibility after frozen storage was examined to be most accurate for MCP1 (P = 0.91) > VEGF (P = 0.68) > IL-6 (P = 0.49). Conclusions. CBA is an innovative, fast determining, and reliable technology to analyze proteins in fluids, like the undiluted vitreous, which is important to better understand ocular pathophysiology and pharmacology. There is no influence of intermittent storage at -80° for the reproducibility of the CBA.

[Changes of the anterior eye segment after eye muscle surgery--evaluation by optical coherence tomography in adults]. / Evaluation anatomischer Veränderungen des vorderen Augenabschnitts nach Augenmuskelchirurgie bei Erwachsenen mittels optischer Kohärenztomografie.

BACKGROUND: In the light of studies in children which showed no significant changes concerning anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness and chamber angle width after eye muscle surgery, the aim of this study was to evaluate such changes in adults by means of optical coherence tomography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Visante™ OCT (Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Jena) we measured central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and chamber angle width at 0° (CW0) and 180° (CW180) in 17 patients who had undergone eye muscle surgery on a minimum of one horizontal muscle preoperatively, one week and four months postoperatively. Exclusion criteria were an age under fifteen years at the time of surgery, previous intraocular surgery and other pathological conditions of the anterior segment. The median age at surgery was 43 years (min: 15; max: 67 years). RESULTS: In all eyes (one and two muscles), no significant differences of mean values taken preoperatively, one week and four months postoperatively were seen: CCT: 538 ± 51 mm; 535 ± 39 mm; 535 ± 46 mm (p = 0.77); ACD: 2.98 ± 0.44 µm; 3.01 ± 0.45 µm; 3.01 ± 0.40 µm (p = 0.42); KW 0: 38.0 ± 5.2° 38.4 ± 6.0° 37.8 ± 5.2° (p = 0.98); KW 180: 33.7 ± 5.6° 35.6 ± 5.7° 34.5 ± 6.8° (p = 0.32). The differences between the corresponding data of both subgroups (one vs. two muscles) concerning central corneal thickness (p-value: 0.74; 0.89; 0.42), anterior chamber depth (p-value: 0.31; 0.23; 0.36) as well as chamber angle width at 0° (p-value: 0.73; 0.27; 0.81) and at 180° (p-value: 0.87; 0.67; 0.89) were not significant. CONCLUSION: Using optical coherence tomography of the anterior eye segment in adults after muscle surgery, either in one or in two muscles - in accord with the results in children - no significant changes concerning central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth and chamber angle width were seen.

Combined intravitreal pharmacosurgery in patients with occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to wet age-related macular degeneration.

AIM: The aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined intravitreal therapy in patients with occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over 6 months. METHODS: In this prospective pilot study of a case series, 106 patients (mean age 75.4 years) with predominantly occult CNVs were treated with a 1.5-ml core pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal injections of triamcinolone (8 mg), bevacizumab (1.25 mg) and balanced salt solution. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMar), central macular thickness (optical coherence tomography), and intraocular pressure (IOP; Goldmann tonometry) were assessed at baseline and follow-up visits. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases in BCVA (vs. baseline) were observed at 2 months (mean +0.9; standard deviation +/-0.6 lines), 4 months (+1.3; +/-0.7), and 6 months (+1.2; +/-0.7) after the initial combined intravitreal therapy in 96/106 patients. At 6 months, BCVA had deteriorated in 20 of 96 (20.8%) patients by <2.5 lines, remained stable in 38 of 96 (39.6%) and improved in 31 (32.3%) patients by 1-3 lines, and in 7 (7.3%) patients by >3 lines. The mean central retinal thickness decreased by -41.2% (-195; +/-46 microm) over 6 months. 55% demanded intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment after initial therapy. Increases in IOP were managed by eye drops in 11 (10%) patients with no other adverse event occurring. CONCLUSION: After the combined intravitreal therapy, including two drugs and a limited core vitrectomy, a significant and sustained improvement in vision of patients with occult CNVs was observed over 6 months. In 45% of the initially treated patients, anti-VEGF therapy did not have to be continued, which might be attributed to both the pharmacological effects of the drugs and the physiological changes induced by the vitrectomy (posterior vitreous detachment, liquefaction, and oxygen redistribution).

[Virtual reality in ophthalmology]. / Virtuelle Realität in der Ophthalmologie.

BACKGROUND: The use of virtual reality (VR) has gained increasing interest for the acquirement of ophthalmosurgical skills outside the operating room and is thereby increasing patients' safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate trainees' acceptance of VR for assessment and training during several Drylabs with an ophthalmosurgical simulator (EYESi, VRmagic). METHODS: All 247 surgical trainees of several ophthalmological Drylabs between 2007 and 2008 underwent VR training during the course. Each participants performed several basic skills tasks followed by a virtual operation such as core vitrectomy or ILM peeling. The participants' opinion on VR was analysed with a standardised questionnaire. Participants were divided into 2 groups (more versus less experienced ophthalmologists/residents) and evaluated the visual quality of the simulator (aspect 1), the complexity of the tasks (2), the clinical impact (3), the learning effect (4) and the overall impression (5). RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 156 questionnaires. The study enrolled 108 surgical residents with a mean of 2.5 years (+/- 1.1) since graduation who had similar limited experience (less than 10 operations) and 48 more experienced ophthalmologists (more than 10 procedures) with a mean of 8.3 years (+/- 3.0) of experience. In group I the aspects were scored with 4.6 (quality), 4.5 (complexity), 4.5 (clinical impact), 4.7 (learning effect), and 4.6 (overall impression) and in group II with 4.2, 3.1, 4.1, 3.6 und 4.0. The evaluation of the quality deviated with a p value of < 0.05 whereas the other aspects deviated with a p value of < 0.01. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants of the two groups accepted and highly appreciated VR simulation for ophthalmosurgical assessment and training.

Intraocular architecture of secondary implanted anterior chamber iris-claw lenses in aphakic eyes evaluated with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

AIM: To evaluate the intraocular stability and safety of secondary iris-claw intraocular lenses (IOLs) in aphakic patients. METHODS: Eighteen eyes of 16 patients received iris-claw IOLs to correct for aphakia. Primary outcome measurements included visual acuity (6 m Snellen charts), central endothelium cell count (ECC) and intraocular position of the IOL assessed with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Sixteen patients (mean age 66 (range 16-84) years; axial length 24.44 mm) were re-examined 22 months postoperatively (range 12-38 months). Preoperative decimal best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.51, intraocular pressure (IOP) 15.3 mmHg and central ECC 1816 per mm(2). Postoperative BCVA was 0.68, IOP 13.1 mmHg and central ECC 1626 per mm(2) (difference over time 176 per mm(2) = 10.5%, p>0.05). The anterior chamber depth was 4 mm for the eyes with axial length <24 mm, and 4.34 mm for those > or =24 mm. CONCLUSION: Secondary anterior iris-claw IOLs appears to be a safe choice to correct aphakia with no significant intermediate postoperative central endothelium cell loss, especially in eyes with axial length > or =24 mm, as distances from the IOL to the central and peripheral cornea proved to be consistent.

[Combined intravitreal therapy for age-related macular disease]. / Kombinierte intravitreale Therapie zur Behandlung der altersbedingten Makuladegeneration.

Since the introduction of anti-VEGF drugs for the treatmet of CNV in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), visual acuity can be stabilised or improved in a significant number of patients. There is an ongoing debate on the safety, efficiency and economic aspects related to current intravitreal therapeutic concepts. Twenty-four to 36 hours after 80 % low-fluence verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) a combined phrarmacosurgical intravitreal therapy for 52 patients with wet AMD was conducted (multiple therapy). By performing a 23-gauge core vitrectomy with the Intrector, an intravitreal substitution with BSS, dexamethasone and bevacizumab was achieved via a self-adapting two-channel cannula for aspiration and injection in one probe tip. After 14 months the mean gain in visual acuity (VA) was 0.18 Snellen lines, with VA stabilisation in 14 / 52 (27 %) and VA gain in 38 / 52 (73 %) of the patients. This safe pharmacosurgical regimen indicated a low intravitreal retreatment rate of (13 / 52) 25 %.