Fovea sparing versus complete internal limiting membrane peeling for myopic traction maculopathy: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) is the leading cause of visual loss in high myopia. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and complete ILM peeling for MTM. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed to find relevant studies. A meta-analysis was conducted by comparing the weighted mean differences (WMD) in the change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) from baseline and calculating the odd ratios (OR) for rates of complete reattachment (CR) and postoperative macular hole (MH) formation. RESULTS: Ten studies were selected, including 417 eyes (172 eyes in the fovea-sparing ILM peeling group (FSIP) and 245 eyes in complete ILM peeling group (CIP)). There was no significant difference in terms of mean change in CFT from baseline and the rate of CR(WMD = 3.53, 95% CI, -25.56 to 32.63, P = 0.81, and OR = 1.41, 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.44, P = 0.22). FSIP was superior to CIP in terms of mean change of logMAR BCVA post operation (WMD = -0.09, 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.03, P = 0.003), and associated with a significantly lower frequency of postoperative MH formation (OR = 0.19, 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.50, P = 0.0008). CONCLUSION: FSIP resulted in similar anatomic outcomes compared to CIP, but resulted in better visual acuity and lower rates of postoperative MH development.

Inverted ILM flap technique versus conventional ILM peeling for idiopathic large macular holes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique with the conventional ILM peeling for idiopathic large macular holes (MHs). METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) using online databases including NCBI PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ISI Web of Science was performed. Anatomic success and type 1 closure rates, the mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the mean change of BCVA from baseline were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 251 articles, four described clinical trials matching the inclusion criteria and were selected. They included 276 eyes (135 eyes in the inverted ILM flap group and 141 eyes in the ILM peeling group). All the studies used gas tamponade, with two studies having a follow-up duration of 3 months, while one study had a follow-up of 6 months and one study- 12 months. The meta-analysis demonstrated that anatomic success and type 1 closure rates (presence of neurosensory retina in MH) were better in the inverted ILM flap technique (odds ratio (OR) = 4.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.09-11.47; P = 0.0003 and OR = 5.23; 95% CI, 2.83-9.66; P<0.00001). Similarly, the inverted flap technique was superior in terms of postoperative logMAR BCVA and mean change of logMAR BCVA from baseline (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.17, 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.24, P<0.00001 and WMD = 0.08, 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.16, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Inverted ILM flap treatment resulted in better closure rates and visual acuity when compared to the standard ILM peeling for large MHs.

INCIDENCE OF ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER VITRECTOMY: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the literature reporting rates of postoperative endophthalmitis after pars plana vitrectomy and investigate whether modern microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) increases the postoperative endophthalmitis rate, compared with traditional 20-gauge (20 G) vitrectomy. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies describing the incidence of post-pars plana vitrectomy endophthalmitis. A meta-analysis of comparative studies reporting the endophthalmitis rates after MIVS versus 20 G vitrectomy was also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 31 studies reported 199 endophthalmitis cases in 363,544 participants (0.05%). The incidence of endophthalmitis after 20 G vitrectomy was 0.04% (88/229,435), compared with 0.03% (8/27,326) after 23 G and 0.11% (33/29,676) after 25 G. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the incidence of endophthalmitis was higher after MIVS (23 G/25 G) compared with 20 G vitrectomy (odds ratio = 3.39, 95% confidence interval, 1.39-8.23). In a subgroup analysis, we also found an increased risk of endophthalmitis after 25 G compared with 20 G vitrectomy (odds ratio = 4.09, 95% confidence interval, 2.33-7.18), but not for 23 G versus 20 G (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval, 0.47-2.78). CONCLUSION: The incidence of post-pars plana vitrectomy endophthalmitis was low, with no significant differences between 23 G MIVS and 20 G vitrectomy, but 25 G MIVS may result in a higher postoperative endophthalmitis rate.

Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) versus fellow or control eyes. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis using databases including PubMed, Embase and ISI Web of Science to find relevant studies. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated for the SFCT in CSC eyes, the unaffected fellow eyes and normal controls. RESULTS: Twelve studies were selected for this meta-analysis, including 1108 eyes (397 CSC eyes, 228 unaffected fellow eyes and 483 eyes of normal controls). The meta-analysis clearly demonstrated that the subfoveal choiroid of eyes with a clinical presentation of CSC was thickened compared to unaffected fellow eyes (WMD = 52.81, 95% confidence interval (CI), 39.13-66.49, P<0.00001) and was thickened compared to control eyes (WMD = 145.03, 95%CI, 121.33-168.73, P<0.00001). The mean SFCT measurement of the unaffected fellow eyes showed also significantly increased choroidal thickness compared to that of normal control eyes (WMD = 77.20, 95% CI, 44.98-109.42, P<0.00001). Similar results were obtained in a sub-analysis based on the same instrument. CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that SFCT is significantly increased in eyes with clinical manifestation of CSC, and in the clinically non-manifested fellow eyes. These results support the hypothesis that CSC is a bilateral disorder with an initial unilateral clinical presentation.

SUBTHRESHOLD MICROPULSE DIODE LASER VERSUS CONVENTIONAL LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relative efficacy of subthreshold micropulse diode laser versus conventional laser photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Efficacy estimates were determined by comparing weighted mean differences of the mean change of best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness from baseline. RESULTS: Six RCTs were selected for this meta-analysis, including 398 eyes (203 eyes in the subthreshold micropulse diode laser group and 195 eyes in the conventional laser group). Subthreshold micropulse diode laser was superior to conventional laser in terms of mean change of logMAR best-corrected visual acuity at 3, 9, and 12 months after treatment (P = 0.02; P = 0.04, and P = 0.03, respectively), and it showed a similar trend at 6 months (P = 0.05). Although, there was no significant difference in terms of mean change in central macular thickness from baseline to 3, 6, 9, or 12 months (P = 0.80; P = 0.20; P = 0.88, and P = 0.86, respectively). CONCLUSION: Subthreshold micropulse diode laser treatment resulted in better visual acuity compared with conventional laser, although the differences before 12 months are likely to be too small to be of clinical relevance and may be dependent on baseline best-corrected visual acuity. The two types of treatment seem to have similar anatomical outcome.

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Versus Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) compared with penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for patients who had corneal stromal pathologies without endothelial abnormalities. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis using databases including PUBMED, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov to find relevant randomized controlled trials. Efficacy parameters were the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, and refractive error. Safety parameters were postoperative endothelial cell loss and graft rejection. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials were selected for this meta-analysis, including 409 eyes (217 eyes in the DALK group and 192 eyes in the PK group). Postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA and UCVA were significantly better for PK than that for DALK [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.07, P = 0.005 and WMD = 0.12, 95% CI, 0.05-0.18, P = 0.0007, respectively], whereas, the proportion of patients whose postoperative best-corrected visual acuity ≥ 20/40 did not differ statistically [risk ratio (RR) = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.89-1.07, P = 0.57]. There were no significant differences in terms of refractive error either by spherical equivalent or astigmatism (P = 0.11 and P = 0.25, respectively). The endothelial cell loss percentage in the PK group was significantly higher compared with the DALK group (WMD = -8.75, 95% CI, -15.25 to -2.25, P = 0.008). The DALK group was associated with a significantly lower frequency of graft rejection and endothelial rejection than the PK group (RR = 0.48, 95% CI, 0.28-0.82, P = 0.007 and RR = 0.07, 95% CI, 0.01-0.35, P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: DALK is an alternative surgical procedure for corneal stromal pathologies without endothelial abnormalities, with lower efficacy but better safety.

Pharmacogenetics of Complement Factor H Y402H Polymorphism and Treatment of Neovascular AMD with Anti-VEGF Agents: A Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the Y402H polymorphism (rs1061170, a T-to-C transition at amino acid position 402) in the complement factor H (CFH) gene have a pharmacogenetics effect on the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We performed a meta-analysis using databases including PubMed and EMBASE to find relevant studies. 13 published association studies were selected for this meta-analysis, including 2704 patients. For the CFH Y402H polymorphism, anti-VEGF treatment was much less effective in AMD patients with the CFH CC genotype (CC versus TT: odds ratio (OR) = 55, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.31 to 0.95, P = 0.03; CC versus CT: OR = 0.60, 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.91, P = 0.02; and CC versus CT + TT: OR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.90, P = 0.02, respectively). In subgroup analysis, CFH Y402H polymorphism was more likely to be a predictor of response for Caucasians (CC versus CT+TT: OR = 0.63, 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.95, P = 0.03). In conclusion, pharmacogenetics of CFH Y402H polymorphism may play a role in response to anti-VEGF treatment for neovascular AMD, especially for Caucasians.

Bevacizumab versus ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of bevacizumab versus ranibizumab for the treatment of the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search using the Cochrane Methodology Register to identify randomized controlled trials comparing bevacizumab with ranibizumab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Efficacy estimates were determined by comparing weighted mean differences in the change of best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness from baseline. Safety estimates were determined by calculating the risk ratio for rates of death, arteriothrombotic events, venous thrombotic events, and at least 1 serious systemic adverse event. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.1 software. RESULTS: A total of 6 randomized controlled trials were selected for this meta-analysis, including 2,612 patients (1,292 patients in the bevacizumab group and 1,320 patients in the ranibizumab group). There were no significant differences between bevacizumab and ranibizumab in best-corrected visual acuity mean change at 1 year or 2 years (weighted mean difference = -0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.48 to 0.69, P = 0.47 and weighted mean difference = -1.16, 95% CI, -2.82 to 0.51, P = 0.17, respectively). Ranibizumab was found to be more efficacious in reducing central macular thickness at 1 year (weighted mean difference = 4.35, 95% CI, 0.92-7.78, P = 0.01). The pooled risk ratios comparing the rates of serious systemic adverse events at 1 year and 2 years were slightly in favor of ranibizumab (risk ratio = 1.24, 95% CI, 1.04-1.48, P = 0.02 and risk ratio = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.05-1.37, P = 0.008, respectively), whereas the rates of death, arteriothrombotic events, and venous thrombotic events did not differ statistically. CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab and ranibizumab had equivalent efficacy for best-corrected visual acuity in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Ranibizumab tended to have a better anatomical outcome. There were no differences between drugs in rates of death, arteriothrombotic events or venous thrombotic events, and differences in rates of serious systemic adverse events that require further study.

Ranibizumab monotherapy or combined with laser versus laser monotherapy for diabetic macular edema: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative efficacy of ranibizumab (RBZ) monotherapy or combined with laser (RBZ + Laser) versus laser monotherapy for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search using PUBMED, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RBZ or RBZ + Laser to laser monotherapy in patients with DME. Efficacy estimates were determined by comparing weighted mean differences (WMD) in the change of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline, and the risk ratios (RR) for the proportions of patients with at least 15 letters change from baseline. Safety analysis estimated the RR of cardiac disorders at 6 to 12 months in RBZ therapy vs. laser monotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.1 software. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were selected for this meta-analysis, including 1749 patients (394 patients in the RBZ group, 642 patients in the RBZ + Laser group, and 713 patients in the laser group). RBZ and RBZ + Laser were superior to laser monotherapy in the mean change of BCVA and CMT from baseline (WMD = 5.65, 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.44-6.87, P<0.00001; WMD  = 5.02, 95% CI, 3.83-6.20, P<0.00001, and WMD  = -57.91, 95% CI, -77.62 to -38.20, P<0.00001; WMD  = -56.63, 95% CI, -104.81 to -8.44, P = 0.02, respectively). The pooled RR comparing the proportions of patients with at least 15 letters improvement or deterioration were also in favor of RBZ and RBZ + Laser (RR = 2.94, 95% CI, 1.82-4.77, P<0.00001; RR = 2.04, 95% CI, 1.50-2.78, P<0.00001, and RR = 0.21, 95% CI, 0.06-0.71, P = 0.01; RR = 0.52, 95% CI, 0.29-0.95, P = 0.03, respectively). There were no significant differences between RBZ and RBZ + Laser for any of the parameters. There were no difference in the safety profile between RBZ and laser. CONCLUSION: RBZ and RBZ + Laser had better visual and anatomic outcomes than laser monotherapy in the treatment of DME. RBZ + Laser seemed to be equivalent to RBZ.

Ex-PRESS implantation versus trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ex-PRESS implantation (Ex-PRESS) compared to trabeculectomy in the treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search using the Cochrane Methodology Register to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCCTs) comparing Ex-PRESS to trabeculectomy in patients with OAG. Efficacy estimates were measured by weighted mean difference (WMD) for the percentage intraocular pressure reduction (IOPR%) from baseline to end-point, and odds ratios (OR) for the complete success rate and postoperative interventions. Safety estimates were measured by OR for postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.1 software. RESULTS: A total of four RCCTs were selected for this meta-analysis, including 215 eyes of 200 patients (110 eyes in the Ex-PRESS group, 105 eyes in the trabeculectomy group). There was no significant difference between Ex-PRESS and trabeculectomy in the IOPR% (WMD = 3.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), -6.17-12.47; P = 0.51). The pooled OR comparing Ex-PRESS to trabeculectomy for the complete success rate at one year after surgery were in favor of Ex-PRESS (OR = 2.93; 95% CI, 1.39-6.16; P = 0.005). The Ex-PRESS procedure was found to be associated with lower number of postoperative interventions (OR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.81; P = 0.02) and with a significantly lower frequency of hyphema than trabeculectomy (OR = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.85; P = 0.03), whereas other complications did not differ statistically. CONCLUSION: In OAG, Ex-PRESS and trabeculectomy provided similar IOP control, but Ex-PRESS was more likely to achieve complete success, with fewer postoperative interventions. Complication rates were similar for the two types of surgery, except for a lower frequency of hyphema in the Ex-PRESS group.