Longitudinal evaluation of RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma and stable visual fields / Avaliação longitudinal da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue em pacientes glaucomatosos e suspeitos de glaucoma com campos visuais estáveis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To longitudinally compare isolated structural parameters obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields. Methods: All patients were required to have a reliable SITA Standard 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field test. Visual field stability was defined as having <5 points with p<5% and/or having no points with p<1% and/or p<0.05% in the glaucoma progression analysis comparison graph. Furthermore, the glaucoma assessment strategy was used in optical coherence tomography. Results: The study included 75 eyes from 75 patients, 43 of which had glaucoma and 32 had suspected glaucoma. The mean visual field intervals were 29.57 ± 9.65 months between the first and third tests. No visual field parameter variations (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index) and no retinal nerve fiber layer or optic disk parameter variations between the first and third tests were observed (p>0.05 for all), and no retinal nerve fiber layer parameter variations throughout the study were observed, except for optic disk parameters presenting with cup volume changes (p=0.004). However, ganglion complex cells presented a progressively decreased average ganglion cell complex parameter, with a variability of -0.98% ± 3.71% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. By contrast, the global loss volume progressively increased throughout the study, with a variability of 14.71% ± 44.52% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. The inferior ganglion cell complex parameter was significantly decreased between the first and third tests (p=0.02). Conclusion: The present findings suggest that patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields may present structural ganglion complex cell progression as assessed using RTVue optical coherence tomography.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar longitudinalmente os parâmetros estruturais isolados obtidos através da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue em pacientes glaucomatosos e suspeitos de glaucoma com campos visuais estáveis. Métodos: Todos os incluídos deveriam ter Campimetria Computadorizada Humphrey Sita Standard 24-2 confiáveis. A estabilidade campimétrica foi definida se apresentassem menos de cinco pontos com p<5% e/ou nenhum ponto com p<1% e/ou p<0,05% no gráfico de comparação do Glaucoma Progression Analysis. Para a tomografia de coerência óptica, foi utilizado a estratégia de avaliação para glaucoma. Resultados: Foram incluídos 75 olhos de 75 pacientes: 43 com glaucoma e 32 suspeitos. A média dos intervalos do campo visual entre o 1o e 3o exame, foi de 29,57 ± 9,65 meses. Não houve variação para os parâmetros do campo visual (desvio médio, desvio padrão e índice da função visual) entre o primeiro e o último exame (p>0,05 para todos). Não houve variação dos parâmetros da camada de fibras nervosas da retina ao longo do estudo, enquanto que para os parâmetros do disco óptico, apenas cup volume apresentou mudança (p=0,004). Em relação à camada de células ganglionares da retina, notou-se uma redução progressiva na espessura média da Ganglionar Complex Cells com uma variabilidade entre o primeiro e último exame de -0,98 ± 3,71% (p=0,04). Quanto ao Global loss volume, houve um aumento progressivo ao longo do estudo com uma variabilidade entre o primeiro e último exame de 14,71 ± 44,52% (p=0,04). O parâmetro inferior do Ganglionar Complex Cells também reduziu significativamente entre o 1o e 3o exames (p=0,02). Os demais parâmetros da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue se mantiveram estáveis entre o 1o e 3o exames. Conclusão: Os presentes achados sugerem que pacientes glaucomatosos ou com suspeita de glaucoma e com campos visuais estáveis, podem apresentar progressão estrutural na camada de células ganglionares da retina avaliada por meio da tomografia de coerência óptica RTVue.

A bullous variant of central serous chorioretinopathy treated with oral spironolactone / Uma variante bolhosa da coriorretinopatia serosa central tratada com espironolactona oral

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 39-year-old male patient who presented with visual loss in the right eye for 6 weeks. The best-corrected visual acuity was counting fingers in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. The fundus examination demonstrated a right retinal detachment inferiorly extending to the fovea and a left macular serous detachment. After multimodal imaging study, the patient was diagnosed as having a bullous variant of central serous chorioretinopathy and treated with oral spironolactone associated with adjuvant laser photocoagulation. The retinal changes resolved after 6 months. The final visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes.

RESUMO Relatamos o caso de um homem de 39 anos apresentando perda visual no olho direito há seis semanas. A melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi conta-dedos no olho direito e 20/30 no esquerdo. A fundoscopia demonstrou descolamento de retina direito inferiormente com extensão à fóvea e descolamento macular seroso à esquerda. Após estudos de imagem multimodal, o paciente foi diagnosticado com uma variante bolhosa de coriorretinopatia serosa central e tratado com espironolactona oral associada à fotocoagulação a laser adjuvante. As alterações retinianas resolveram após seis meses. A acuidade visual final foi 20/20 em ambos os olhos.

Longitudinal evaluation of RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma and stable visual fields.

PURPOSE: To longitudinally compare isolated structural parameters obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields. METHODS: All patients were required to have a reliable SITA Standard 24-2 Humphrey Visual Field test. Visual field stability was defined as having <5 points with p<5% and/or having no points with p<1% and/or p<0.05% in the glaucoma progression analysis comparison graph. Furthermore, the glaucoma assessment strategy was used in optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The study included 75 eyes from 75 patients, 43 of which had glaucoma and 32 had suspected glaucoma. The mean visual field intervals were 29.57 ± 9.65 months between the first and third tests. No visual field parameter variations (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index) and no retinal nerve fiber layer or optic disk parameter variations between the first and third tests were observed (p>0.05 for all), and no retinal nerve fiber layer parameter variations throughout the study were observed, except for optic disk parameters presenting with cup volume changes (p=0.004). However, ganglion complex cells presented a progressively decreased average ganglion cell complex parameter, with a variability of -0.98% ± 3.71% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. By contrast, the global loss volume progressively increased throughout the study, with a variability of 14.71% ± 44.52% (p=0.04) between the first and third tests. The inferior ganglion cell complex parameter was significantly decreased between the first and third tests (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma with stable visual fields may present structural ganglion complex cell progression as assessed using RTVue optical coherence tomography.

A multicenter prospective comparative study evaluating cataract surgery and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation either with or without iStent inject implantation in Brazilian patients with glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Compare 12-month (12 M) safety and efficacy of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) + cataract surgery (Group 1) versus ECP + cataract surgery + iStent inject trabecular micro-bypass implantation (Group 2) in Brazilian patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, comparative case series included patients with OAG and cataract who were randomized to receive treatment in Group 1 or Group 2. Outcomes included mean and percent reduction versus preoperative in intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications; visual acuity; occurrence of adverse events; and rate of secondary surgeries. RESULTS: Preoperatively, Groups 1 and 2 had similar mean IOP (mean ± standard deviation 22.1 ± 3.6 and 22.0 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively) and mean number of medications (3.3 ± 0.6 and 3.4 ± 0.6 medications, respectively). At all follow-up timepoints through 12 M, both groups achieved significant IOP and medication reductions versus preoperative (IOP p < 0.001 and number of medications p < 0.001 for both groups). At 12 M, IOP reductions were 24.2% (Group 1) and 43.6% (Group 2) (p < 0.001); mean medication reductions were 50.2% and 71.5%, respectively. Mean postoperative IOP and number of medications were higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (IOP p < 0.01 all visits, medication p < 0.01 at 6 M and 12 M). Adverse events were generally mild and infrequent in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both treatment groups (ECP + phacoemulsification, with/without iStent inject implantation) achieved significant and safe reductions in IOP and medications versus preoperative in Brazilian OAG patients. Percent reductions were significantly greater, and mean IOP and medications were significantly lower, in the group receiving iStent inject. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION (CTR): CAAE project identification #20053019.5.0000.5078. Protocol #3.587.147. Clinical Trial Database of the Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. Registration Date: September 19, 2019.

A bullous variant of central serous chorioretinopathy treated with oral spironolactone.

We report the case of a 39-year-old male patient who presented with visual loss in the right eye for 6 weeks. The best-corrected visual acuity was counting fingers in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. The fundus examination demonstrated a right retinal detachment inferiorly extending to the fovea and a left macular serous detachment. After multimodal imaging study, the patient was diagnosed as having a bullous variant of central serous chorioretinopathy and treated with oral spironolactone associated with adjuvant laser photocoagulation. The retinal changes resolved after 6 months. The final visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes.

Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management.

Aim: To identify the ideal treatment protocol and success predictors for double-session micropulse transscleral (MP3) laser for glaucoma management. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent double-session MP3, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, were retrospectively investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify preoperative success predictors. The following comparisons were made: (1) Between eyes that obtained surgical success vs failure, (2) According to the time required for MP3, and (3) Considering only eyes that required retreatment. Results: A total of 191 eyes from 148 patients were included. The preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly higher than at last follow-up visit (27.3 ± 6.9 vs 14.6 ± 6.0 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Success was observed in 90.5% of the eyes. On logistic regression analysis with preoperative IOP and MP3 time as independent variables, only previous IOP was identified as a statistically significant factor (p = 0.004), with lower IOP relating to higher success. Eyes that required lower MP3 time underwent more MP3 procedures than those with higher MP3 time (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.03). In the 36 eyes that underwent retreatment, preoperative IOP was higher (31.6 ± 7.4 vs 26.3 ± 6.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001); eyes with successful IOP treatment had a higher MP3 treatment time at the first surgery than eyes with failed IOP correction (364.1 ± 68.2 vs 330.0 ± 18.0 seconds, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Thus, an ideal double-session MP3 protocol should use a high laser energy at the first surgery, and a high preoperative IOP can be considered as a predictor of surgical failure. Clinical significance: This is the first study to give special attention to the double-session MP3 protocol and success predictors. How to cite this article: Magacho L, Lima FE, Ávila MP. Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(2):111-116.

In vivo study to assess dosage of allogeneic pig retinal progenitor cells: Long-term survival, engraftment, differentiation and safety.

Despite notable efforts and significant therapeutical advances, age-related macular degeneration remains the single most common reason for vision loss. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are considered promising candidates for cellular treatments that repair and restore vision. In this allogenic study, the phenotypic profile of pig and human RPCs derived using similar manufacturing processes is compared. The long-term (12-week) survival of green fluorescent protein-pig retinal progenitor cells GFP-pRPC after subretinal transplantation into normal miniature pig (mini-pig) retina is investigated. Human eyes are both anatomically and physiologically mimicked by pig eyes, so the pig is an ideal model to show an equivalent way of delivering cells, immunological response and dosage. The phenotypic equivalency of porcine and clinically intended human RPCs was established. Thirty-nine mini-pigs are used in this study, and vehicle-injected eyes and non-injected eyes serve as controls. Six groups are given different dosages of pRPCs, and the cells are found to survive well in all groups. At 12 weeks, strong evidence of integration is indicated by the location of the grafted cells within the neuro-retina, extension of processes to the plexiform layers and expression of key retinal markers such as recoverin, rhodopsin and synaptophysin. No immunosuppression is used, and no immune response is found in any of the groups. No pRPC-related histopathology findings are reported in the major organs investigated. An initial dose of 250 k cells in 100 µl of buffer is established as an appropriate initial dose for future human clinical trials.

PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY AFTER AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR.

PURPOSE: We report a case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy secondary to cholesterol embolization syndrome after an endovascular aortic aneurism repair (EVAR). METHODS: Functional and anatomical damage was assessed by Snellen visual acuity, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: A 67-year-old man presented with sudden vision loss in the right eye for one day with concomitant livedo reticularis in both feet. His medical history included an abdominal EVAR repair three days before the symptoms. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Fundoscopy showed intraarteriolar cholesterol plaques (Hollenhorst) bilaterally, and a localized retinal whitening in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography at the lesion site revealed a hyperreflective band on the level of inner nuclear layer. The patient was referred for imaging and complete systemic evaluation. He was then closely followed up by a vascular team, without additional intervention. Retinal stigma partially regressed at six months with visual improvement. CONCLUSION: This case describes paracentral acute middle maculopathy as a rare ocular sign of cholesterol embolization in postoperative intraaortic operations. The diagnosis of this complication led to prompt clinical care with a multidisciplinary approach.

Double-session micropulse transscleral laser (CYCLO G6) for the treatment of glaucoma.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of double-session micropulse transscleral (MP3) laser for the treatment of glaucoma. This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent MP3 laser with the standard protocol and were within at least 12 months of their follow-up appointments. Eyes were treated at 2000 mW with 31.3% duty cycle for 80 s per treatment session, with double sessions in each hemifield alternating between upper and lower and upper and lower. Success criterion was defined as a greater than 20% reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and an IOP between 6 and 18 mmHg at the end of the follow-up period. Eighty-nine eyes of seventy-six glaucoma patients were included; 31 of which were considered primary, i.e., no previous glaucoma surgery. The average pre-treatment IOP was 29.9 ± 6.4 mmHg. At around 16.7 ± 3.1 months of follow-up, the average IOP was 14.8 ± 4.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) (28.8 ± 7.4 to 15.7 ± 5.3 mmHg, p < 0.001, at 17.0 ± 3.1 months in the primary eyes). The number of topical glaucoma medications was reduced from 3.6 ± 0.5 to 1.9 ± 0.9 at the last evaluation (p < 0.001). The best corrected visual acuity in logMAR ranged from 0.41 ± 0.34 preoperatively to 0.45 ± 0.44 at the last visit (p = 0.2), and also remained stable in primary eyes. Success was obtained in 86.5% of the eyes, with 1.5 ± 0.8 procedures, and in 90.3% with 1.2 ± 0.5 MP3 laser procedures in the primary eye group. MP3 laser in two consecutive 80-s sessions was shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of glaucoma. Primary eyes required lower number of MP3 laser procedures.

Cognitive evaluation of patients with glaucoma and its comparison with individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cognitive performance of patients with glaucoma and compare it to individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional and case-control study. All subjects were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and its subtests verbal fluency, word list memory, delayed recall of the word list, word list recognition test, Boston naming and constructive praxis from Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). The results were compared among the groups. RESULTS: A total of 50 healthy elderly with a mean age of 71.2 ± 5.2 years; 41 patients with glaucoma (72.2 ± 4.4 years); and 21 patients with AD (79.0 ± 7.6 years) were included. There was a reduction in all cognitive assessment tests evaluated, both for patients with glaucoma, and for those with AD compared with controls (p < 0.001 for all). Comparing the patients with glaucoma and AD, it was noted that the last had lower cognitive function (p < 0.001), except for the CERAD tests Boston (p = 0.1) and praxis (p = 0.6). Glaucoma patients, however, presented results of cognitive tests similar to those described for patients with mild AD, including lower values for MMSE (21.9 ± 3.7), Boston (10.6 ± 2.6) and praxis (5.9 ± 2.3). CONCLUSION: Glaucoma patients had reduction in cognition when compared to normal individuals. They were similar to the values reported in the literature for patients with mild AD, mostly, and also in some subjects with the presence of advanced AD.

Comparison of linear measurements of optic cup-to-disk ratio obtained with RTVue OCT and digital retinography.

PURPOSE: To compare the linear measurements of the optic disk cup obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography (OCT) with those obtained using digital retinography. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed with digital retinography and RTVue OCT images from patients with glaucoma or patients suspected of glaucoma. In color retinography, the greatest horizontal and vertical diameters of the optic disk starting from the inner edge of the Elschnig ring were obtained using a pachymeter with a grade of 0.01 mm. In OCT, the delineation of the optic nerve was obtained automatically from the horizontal and vertical cup results. RESULTS: One hundred eyes from 100 subjects with a mean age of 60.1 ± 15.7 years were included. Of these, 79 were the right eye and 21 the left eye, with 61 men and 39 women. The mean horizontal cup obtained with OCT was 0.91 ± 0.10, while that obtained with retinography was 0.79 ± 0.11 (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was poor agreement between the evaluated methods in the measurements of optic disk cup excavations. Measurements obtained automatically with OCT RTVue were higher but were significantly correlated with measurements obtained manually with digital retinography. Poor agreement of the optic disk parameters between the two imaging devices was noted.

Influence of visual field results in the glaucoma diagnosis / Influência dos resultados do campo visual no diagnóstico de glaucoma

Abstract Objective: To determine the influence of visual field results in the diagnosis of glaucoma. Methods: A questionnaire with ophthalmologists was conducted where slides of a digital photograph of the optic disc and computerized visual field exam were presented.(Physicians were instructed to answer whether glaucoma was observed in each of the slides). No other information was given to those examiners. Half of the patients had glaucoma with corresponding visual field, and the other half had physiological cupping and normal visual field. The slides were equally divided between retinography and corresponding visual field (same patient) and exams randomly exchanged, where an optic disc of glaucoma with a normal visual field was placed, and vice-versa. The order in which the slides were presented was also randomized. Results: Forty slides were evaluated by 29 ophthalmologists. No glaucoma specialist was included. The overall agreement among the examiners (Kappa) was 0.270 ± 0.281, and 0.261 ± 0.238 for the exams of the same eye and was 0.274 ± 0.217 from the slides with the exams changed (p=0.4). The diagnosis was made correctly in glaucoma patients with corresponding visual field exam in 66.89% of the cases, and in 66.20% of patients with physiological cupping. When the exams were exchanged, the results dropped to 34.13% and 35.86%, respectively (p<0.001 for both). Conclusion: Visual field results may influence the diagnosis of glaucoma by non-glaucoma specialists.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da campimetria computadorizada no diagnóstico do glaucoma. Métodos: Foi realizado questionário com oftalmologistas apresentando slides com uma fotografia digital de disco óptico e campo visual computadorizado. Os médicos deveriam assinalar se o exames apresentados eram de glaucoma ou não. Nenhuma outra informação foi passada para os examinadores. Metade dos pacientes apresentavam glaucoma com dano correspondente de campo visual, e a outra metade aumento fisiológico da escavação e campo visual normal. Os slides foram igualmente divididos em: retinografia e campo visual correspondentes (mesmo paciente) e exames invertidos de forma aleatória, colocando um disco óptico de glaucoma com um campo visual normal e vice-versa. A ordem de apresentação dos slides foi randomizada previamente. Resultados: Foram incluídos 40 slides, avaliados por 29 oftalmologistas. Nenhum especialista em glaucoma foi incluído. A concordância entre os examinadores (Kappa) foi de 0,270 ± 0,281, sendo de 0,261 ± 0,238 para os exames correspondentes e 0,274 ± 0,217 para os slides com os exames trocados (p=0,4). O diagnóstico foi realizado corretamente nos pacientes com glaucoma com o campo visual correspondente em 66,89% dos casos, e em 66,20% nos pacientes com aumento da escavação (normais). Quando houve a troca da correspondência dos exames, os valores caíram para 34,13% e 35,86%, respectivamente (p<0,001 para ambos). Conclusão: O conhecimento prévio dos resultados do campo visual pode influenciar o diagnóstico do glaucoma.

Comparison of linear measurements of optic cup-to-disk ratio obtained with RTVue OCT and digital retinography / Comparação entre as medidas lineares da relação escavação/disco óptico obtidas com o OCT RTVue e a retinografia digital

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the linear measurements of the optic disk cup obtained using RTVue optical coherence tomography (OCT) with those obtained using digital retinography. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed with digital retinography and RTVue OCT images from patients with glaucoma or patients suspected of glaucoma. In color retinography, the greatest horizontal and vertical diameters of the optic disk starting from the inner edge of the Elschnig ring were obtained using a pachymeter with a grade of 0.01 mm. In OCT, the delineation of the optic nerve was obtained automatically from the horizontal and vertical cup results. Results: One hundred eyes from 100 subjects with a mean age of 60.1 ± 15.7 years were included. Of these, 79 were the right eye and 21 the left eye, with 61 men and 39 women. The mean horizontal cup obtained with OCT was 0.91 ± 0.10, while that obtained with retinography was 0.79 ± 0.11 (p<0.01). Conclusions: There was poor agreement between the evaluated methods in the measurements of optic disk cup excavations. Measurements obtained automatically with OCT RTVue were higher but were significantly correlated with measurements obtained manually with digital retinography. Poor agreement of the optic disk parameters between the two imaging devices was noted.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as medidas lineares da escavação do disco óptico, obtidas com o OCT RTVue com as obtidas pela retinografia digital. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Utilizou-se imagens de retinografia digital e exames de OCT obtidos pelo aparelho RTVue de pacientes suspeitos ou com glaucoma. Na retinografia colorida, foram obtidos os maiores diâmetros horizontal e vertical do disco óptico, a partir da borda interna do Anel de Elschnig através de paquímetro com graduação de 0,01 mm. No OCT, a delineação do nervo óptico foi obtida automaticamente e a partir dos resultados foi registrado o diâmetro horizontal e vertical da escavação. Resultados: Foram incluídos 100 olhos de 100 indivíduos, com idade média de 60,1 ± 15,7 anos. Desses, 79 foram do olho direito e 21 do olho esquerdo, sendo 61 homens e 39 mulheres. Verificou-se que as médias das escavações horizontais obtidas com o OCT foram de 0,91 ± 0,10, enquanto que as obtidas pela retinografia foram 0,79 ± 0,11 (p<0,01). Conclusões: Nota-se fraca concordância entre os métodos avaliados para quantificar as medidas das escavações do disco óptico. As medidas obtidas automaticamente pelo OCT RTVue foram maiores, porém correlacionadas com as medidas obtidas manualmente pela retinografia digital. Além disso, notou-se fraca concordância nos parâmetros do disco óptico entre os dois dispositivos de imagens.

Three-year safety and visual acuity results of epimacular 90 strontium/90 yttrium brachytherapy with bevacizumab for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term safety and visual acuity outcomes associated with epimacular strontium 90 brachytherapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization because of age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Thirty-four treatment-naive patients with predominantly classic, minimally classic, and occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization lesions participated in this prospective, 2-year, nonrandomized multicenter study. Subjects from 1 center (n = 19) were reconsented and followed-up for 3 years. Each subject received a single 24-Gy beta irradiation treatment via an intraocular delivery device and 2 planned injections of bevacizumab at treatment and 1 month later. Additional bevacizumab therapy was permitted based on prespecified retreatment criteria. Adverse events were observed, and best-corrected visual acuity was measured using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study vision charts. Subjects were evaluated every 3 months during the first year of follow-up and every 6 months during Years 2 and 3 of follow-up. RESULTS: All 34 subjects were followed-up for 24 months and 19 were followed-up through 36 months. With up to 24 months of follow-up, 12 of 24 phakic patients (50%) exhibited ≥ 2 grades of progression in Lens Opacification Classification System (LOCS) II lens classification; 5 eyes underwent cataract extraction before the Month 36 visit. There was 1 case of nonproliferative retinopathy identified at 36 months of follow-up that did not have an adverse effect on visual acuity, was stable at 43 months of follow-up, and was isolated to the parafoveal region. Mean best-corrected visual acuity demonstrated an average gain of +15.0 and -4.9 letters at 12 months and 24 months, respectively; the drop in mean gain at Month 24 was largely attributable to cataract formation. At 36 months (n = 19), the mean best-corrected visual acuity was +3.9, 90% (17 of 19) of eyes had lost <15 letters from baseline, 53% (10 of 19) had gained ≥ 1 letter, and 21% (4 of 19) had gained ≥ 15 letters. Through 36 months, 11 eyes required additional bevacizumab retreatment therapy and received a mean of 3.0 injections (range, 2-7 injections). CONCLUSION: Epimacular brachytherapy shows promise as a therapeutic option for subfoveal neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The procedure was safe and well tolerated, with a reasonable risk-benefit profile that warrants further study in larger subject populations. The most common adverse event was cataract progression/formation. Surgical complications are similar to those expected from standard vitrectomy trials. This novel device is currently being evaluated in two prospective, randomized, controlled trials in treatment-naive subjects (CABERNET) and in subjects already treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (MERLOT).

Comparison of optical aberrations and contrast sensitivity between aspheric and spherical intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare visual acuity, aberrometry, and contrast sensitivity in patients who had a spherical intraocular lens (IOL) (SoFlex SE, Bausch & Lomb) implanted in one eye and an aspheric IOL (SofPort AO, Bausch & Lomb) implanted in the fellow eye during uncomplicated cataract surgery. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, double-blind study was performed. Forty patients (80 eyes) underwent bilateral phacoemulsification with implantation of a spherical IOL in one eye and an aspheric IOL in the fellow eye. Postoperatively, visual acuity, aberrometry, and contrast sensitivity tests were performed. Statistical analyses were performed using Student t and Wilcoxon tests, and mixed effects were used for each contrast condition situation. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (30 women, 9 men; 78 eyes) with a mean age of 69.3±6.17 years (range: 51 to 82 years) completed the study. No statistical differences were found regarding visual acuity among eyes. Lower levels of higher order aberrations were achieved in the aspheric group. No statistical difference between groups under photopic conditions was noted. In low spatial frequencies, better performance was observed with the aspheric IOL under mesopic conditions. In high spatial frequencies, the spherical IOL produced better quality of vision. Comparing mesopic conditions with glare, visual performance was statistically better using the aspheric IOL. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery results cannot be measured by means of visual acuity alone. Quality of vision must be considered, and implantation of IOLs with low levels of spherical aberrations and better contrast sensitivity are preferred. In this study, the aspheric IOL demonstrated better visual function, especially at night, when compared with spherical IOLs.

Twelve-month safety and visual acuity results from a feasibility study of intraocular, epiretinal radiation therapy for the treatment of subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term safety and feasibility of intraocular, epiretinal delivery of beta radiation for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration for 12 months. A 3-year follow-up period is planned to assess the long-term safety of the procedure. METHODS: In this nonrandomized, multicenter feasibility study, 34 treatment-naïve patients with predominantly classic, minimally classic, or occult lesions due to subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration received a single treatment with either 15 Gray (Gy) (8 patients) or 24 Gy (26 patients) beta radiation (strontium-90) using a novel intraocular delivery device. Adverse events and safety endpoints were observed and recorded. Visual acuity was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using standard Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study vision charts. RESULTS: Twelve months after treatment, no adverse events associated with exposure to radiation were observed. All patients in both 15 Gy (n = 4) and 24 Gy cohorts (n = 17) who met inclusion criteria and were treated according to protocol lost fewer than three lines of vision. Fifty percent (2/4) of the 15 Gy-treated patients and 76% (13/17) of the 24 Gy-treated patients improved or maintained their visual acuity at 12 months. In the 24 Gy group, 29% (5/17) gained three lines or more in visual acuity. The mean change in visual acuity observed at month 12 was +10.3 letters in the 24 Gy study cohort and -1.0 letters in the 15 Gy cohort. CONCLUSION: The short-term safety and efficacy of intraocular, epiretinal delivery of beta radiation for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization was promising in this small study group and should be studied in a larger cohort of patients.

Anestesia do tronco encefálico após bloqueio retrobulbar extraconal: é possível evitar? Relato de caso / Brainstem anesthesia after extraconal retrobulbar block: can it be avoided? Case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O CEROF-HC é uma instituição pública especializada em oftalmologia. A realização de bloqueios anestésicos para intervenções cirúrgicas oftálmicas é prática comum e eficiente. Como técnica não é isenta de riscos, há possibilidade de perfuração de meninges e a injeção de anestésico local (AL) na região do sistema nervoso central (SNC). O objetivo deste relato foi mostrar um caso de anestesia do tronco encefálico como complicação do bloqueio oftálmico e chamar a atenção para a profilaxia do acidente e o tratamento das complicações. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 60 anos, ASA II, com diagnóstico de catarata grau II, indicada para facectomia com implante de lente intra-ocular no olho direito. Histórico clínico de hipertensão arterial e antecedente de vitrectomia. Exames físicos, laboratoriais e cardiológicos normais. Foi realizado bloqueio retrobulbar extraconal, com anestésico local (lidocaína e bupivacaína) e hialuronidase (volume total de 5 mL). Imediatamente após, a paciente apresentou apnéia e perda da consciência. Foi tratada com intubação traqueal (IOT) e ventilação mecânica, mantendo-se estável. Foi realizada a operação. Começou a se movimentar 30 minutos após IOT, recuperando-se totalmente, sem apresentar qualquer seqüela. CONCLUSÕES: O bloqueio oftálmico, apesar de seguro, não é isento de riscos. O principal fator de risco é a inadequada realização da técnica anestésica. O anestésico local (AL), no bloqueio oftálmico, pode atingir o SNC por punção inadvertida da artéria oftálmica ou por punção das meninges que envolvem o nervo óptico, com a dispersão para o espaço subaracnóideo. Embora rara, pode levar a complicação grave, com parada respiratória, que, se não diagnosticada e tratada prontamente, pode ser fatal. São apresentadas as possibilidades de ocorrência dessa complicação, assim como a discussão da nomenclatura dos bloqueios anestésicos realizados em oftalmologia. Ressalta-se a importância...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The CEROF-HC is a public hospital specialized in ophthalmology. Anesthetic blocks for ophthalmic surgeries are common and effective. But the technique is not devoid of risks, and there is the possibility of meningeal perforation and injection of the local anesthetic (LA) in the central nervous system (CNS). The objective of this study was to report a case of brainstem anesthesia as a complication of the ophthalmologic regional anesthesia, stress the importance of preventing this accident, and discuss the treatment. CASE REPORT: A female patient, 60 years old, ASA II, with a diagnosis of grade II cataract, was scheduled for a facectomy and implantation of intraocular lens in the right eye. The patient had a past medical history of hypertension and vitrectomy. Physical exam, laboratory and cardiologic exams were normal. An extraconal retrobulbar block was performed with local anesthetic (lidocaine and bupivacaine) and hyaluronidase (total volume of 5 mL). Immediately after, the patient developed apnea and loss of consciousness. She was treated with tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, remaining stable. The surgery was performed as planned. Thirty minutes after the intubation, the patient began to move, recovering completely, without deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Although safe, ophthalmic block is not devoid of risks. The main risk factor is improper anesthetic technique. In the ophthalmic block, the local anesthetic (LA) can reach the CNS by inadvertently puncturing the ophthalmic artery or the meninges that surround the optic nerve, with dispersion to the subarachnoid space. Although rare, it can lead to a severe complication with respiratory arrest that can be fatal if it is not diagnosed promptly. Here we present the possibilities of such a complication, and discuss the nomenclature of anesthetic blocks used in ophthalmology. The importance of the knowledge of this and other complications by the surgical...

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El CEROF-HC es una institución pública especializada en oftalmología. La realización de bloqueos anestésicos para intervenciones quirúrgicas oftálmicas es una práctica común y eficiente. Como técnica no está exenta de riesgos, existe la posibilidad de perforación de meninges y la inyección de anestésico local (AL) en la región del sistema nervioso central (SNC). El objetivo de este relato fue mostrar un caso de anestesia del tronco encefálico como complicación del bloqueo oftálmico y destacar la profilaxis del accidente y el tratamiento de las complicaciones. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente del sexo femenino, 60 años, ASA II, con diagnóstico de catarata grado II, indicada para facectomía con implante de lente intraocular en el ojo derecho. Hoja clínica de hipertensión arterial y antecedente de vitrectomía. Exámenes físicos, laboratoriales y cardiológicos normales. Fue realizado bloqueo retrobulbar extraconal con anestésico local (lidocaína y bupivacaína) e hialuronidasis (volumen total de 5 mL). Inmediatamente después, la paciente presentó apnea y pérdida de la conciencia. Fue tratada con intubación traqueal (IOT) y ventilación mecánica, manteniéndose estable. Se realizó la operación. Empezó a moverse 30 minutos después del IOT, recuperándose totalmente sin presentar ninguna secuela. CONCLUSIONES: El bloqueo oftálmico, a pesar de seguro, no está exento de riesgos. El principal factor de riesgo es la inadecuada realización de la técnica anestésica. El anestésico local (AL), en el bloqueo oftálmico, puede alcanzar el SNC por punción inadvertida de la arteria oftálmica o por punción de las meninges que envuelven el nervio óptico, con la dispersión para el espacio subaracnoideo. Aunque sea rara, puede conllevar a complicación grave, con parada respiratoria, que, si no se diagnostica y se trata rápidamente, puede ser fatal. Se presentan las posibilidades de esta complicación, y la discusión de la nomenclatura de los bloqueos...

[Brainstem anesthesia after extraconal retrobulbar block: can it be avoided? Case report]. / Anestesia do tronco encefálico após bloqueio retrobulbar extraconal: é possível evitar? Relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The CEROF-HC is a public hospital specialized in ophthalmology. Anesthetic blocks for ophthalmic surgeries are common and effective. But the technique is not devoid of risks, and there is the possibility of meningeal perforation and injection of the local anesthetic (LA) in the central nervous system (CNS). The objective of this study was to report a case of brainstem anesthesia as a complication of the ophthalmologic regional anesthesia, stress the importance of preventing this accident, and discuss the treatment. CASE REPORT: A female patient, 60 years old, ASA II, with a diagnosis of grade II cataract, was scheduled for a facectomy and implantation of intraocular lens in the right eye. The patient had a past medical history of hypertension and vitrectomy. Physical exam, laboratory and cardiologic exams were normal. An extraconal retrobulbar block was performed with local anesthetic (lidocaine and bupivacaine) and hyaluronidase (total volume of 5 mL). Immediately after, the patient developed apnea and loss of consciousness. She was treated with tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, remaining stable. The surgery was performed as planned. Thirty minutes after the intubation, the patient began to move, recovering completely, without deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Although safe, ophthalmic block is not devoid of risks. The main risk factor is improper anesthetic technique. In the ophthalmic block, the local anesthetic (LA) can reach the CNS by inadvertently puncturing the ophthalmic artery or the meninges that surround the optic nerve, with dispersion to the subarachnoid space. Although rare, it can lead to a severe complication with respiratory arrest that can be fatal if it is not diagnosed promptly. Here we present the possibilities of such a complication, and discuss the nomenclature of anesthetic blocks used in ophthalmology. The importance of the knowledge of this and other complications by the surgical team is paramount, as well as the preparation and adequate monitoring to diagnose and treat immediately this complication to minimize the risks to the patient.

A randomized, investigator-masked, 4-week study comparing timolol maleate 0.5%, brinzolamide 1%, and brimonidine tartrate 0.2% as adjunctive therapies to travoprost 0.004% in adults with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the hypotensive efficacy of timolol maleate 0.5%, brinzolamide 1%, or brimonidine tartrate 0.2% ophthalmic solution, administered in conjunction with travoprost 0.004%, in patients with primary open-angle laucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) whose intraocular pressure (IOP) did not meet the treatment target using travoprost 0.004% monotherapy. METHODS: This was a randomized, comparative, investigator-masked study. Patients with OAG or OHT treated with travoprost 0.004% monotherapy were randomized to receive 1 of the 3 adjunctive therapies (timolol maleate 0.5%, brinzolamide 1%, or brimonidine tartrate 0.2%), 1 drop BID in each randomized eye, in addition to 1 drop QD of travoprost for a period of 4 weeks. IOP was measured on days 0 (travoprost 0.004%) and 28 (travoprost 0.004% and adjunctive treatment). Adverse events were monitored on days 0 and 28 by patient interview. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with OAG (46 eyes) and 3 patients with OHT (6 eyes), with a total of 52 eligible eyes, completed the study; 28 eyes were from male patients and 24 were from female patients. In addition to continuing travoprost treatment, 20 eyes received timolol, 16 eyes received brinzolamide, and 16 eyes were treated with brimonidine. There were no significant differences among the groups in the mean (SD) IOP at baseline on day 0 (19.0 [4.1], 17.2 [3.5], and 17.0 [3.1] mm Hg, respectively; P=NS). On day 28, the reduction in mean (SD) IOP in eyes treated with brimonidine tartrate 0.2% was significantly smaller (2.3 [1.8] mm Hg vs 3.9 [1.8] mm Hg [P=0.01]) and the mean (SD) percentage reduction in IOP was significantly smaller (13.4% [9.1%] vs 20.2% [7.5%] [P=0.01]) when compared with timolol maleate 0.5%, and likewise when compared with brinzolamide 1% (4.0 [2.1] mm Hg [P=0.02] and 22.7% [8.6%] [P=0.006], respectively). The group treated with brinzolamide was associated with a similar reduction in IOP to timolol (P=NS for both mean [SD] IOP and percentage reduction in IOP compared with timolol monotherapy). Barring the occasional conjunctival hyperemia, which was excluded as an adverse event for the purposes of this study, no adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Brinzolamide 1% and timolol maleate 0.5% treatment were both associated with a significantly greater reduction in IOP compared with brimonidine 0.2% when administered as a nonfixed adjuvant to travoprost 0.004% in the treatment of patients with OAG and OHT whose IOP was inadequately controlled with travoprost monotherapy. All treatments were well tolerated.

Efficacy of latanoprost or fixed-combination latanoprost-timolol in patients switched from a combination of timolol and a nonprostaglandin medication.

PURPOSE: To compare latanoprost with the fixed-combination latanoprost-timolol in glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients switched from a combination glaucoma therapy with timolol and another nonprostaglandin medication. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients receiving a combined treatment of timolol 0.5% and another nonprostaglandin medication (pilocarpine 4%, alpha-agonist, or a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) underwent a 30-day washout of their medications. A masked observer then measured their intraocular pressure (IOP). The subjects were randomized to either latanoprost or fixed-combination latanoprost-timolol eyedrops to use once daily at 7 am. The IOP was measured again 30 days after the patients started using one of the study drugs by the same examiner at the same time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Comparison of the study medications' hypotensive effect. RESULTS: Fifty-three eyes (28 in the latanoprost group and 25 in the latanoprost-timolol group) from 28 patients were included in the study. The IOP reduction was greater in both study groups compared with the previous combination therapy with timolol and another nonprostaglandin medication in millimeters of mercury (7.7+/-2.3 vs. 5.5+/-2.3, P<0.001, for the latanoprost group; 8.5+/-3.5 vs. 6.3+/-2.7, P<0.001, for the latanoprost-timolol group) and percentage (35.8+/-8.2% vs. 25.6+/-8.9%, P<0.001, for the latanoprost group; 38.6+/-8.7% vs. 28.6+/-9.0%, P<0.001, for the latanoprost-timolol group). There was no statistical difference between latanoprost and fixed-combination latanoprost-timolol in reducing IOP, in either millimeters of mercury (P = 0.3) or percentage (P = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Both latanoprost and fixed-combination latanoprost-timolol may be viable substitutes for timolol and another nonprostaglandin medication in glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients.