Scleral Fixated Secondary IOLs: An Outcomes Comparison Between the Yamane and Gore-Tex-Sutured Techniques.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Among secondary intraocular lens (IOL) techniques, scleral fixated IOLs (SFIOLs) offer advantages in cases without capsular support. In this article, we compare outcomes between two types of Gore-Tex scleral sutured IOLs with the Yamane technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent SFIOL implantation. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in final postoperative visual acuity (VA) for sutured SFIOLs (P < 0.001, Envista (n = 29) 95% CI 0.47-1.04, Akreos (n = 23) 95% CI 0.32-0.81) with no statistical improvement in the Yamane group (P = 0.44, n = 15, 95% CI -0.33-0.71). Outcomes analysis revealed greater incidences of cystoid macular edema (CME) in the Yamane cohort (P < 0.05) and a higher rate of reoperations in the Akreos cohort (P < 0.02). All complications related to suture material (n = 4) and IOL decentration (n = 2) occurred in the sutured SFIOL group. CONCLUSIONS: The sutureless Yamane technique offered fewer subsequent surgeries and suture-specific complications while revealing diminished VA improvement in long-term follow-up compared to the sutured SFIOLs. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:xx-xx.].

Pembrolizumab-Induced Nodular Posterior Scleritis.

Purpose: To report a case of painless posterior scleritis presenting as a choroidal nodule in a patient with history of a tumor being treated with pembrolizumab. Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed, and a relevant literature review was performed. Results: A 20-year-old woman with a history of ependymoma presented with painless blurred vision in the right eye after being started on pembrolizumab for a tumor recurrence. Fundoscopy showed a solitary amelanotic choroidal lesion with surrounding subretinal fluid in the affected eye. Ultrasonography showed moderate internal reflectivity and fluid in Tenon capsule consistent with nodular posterior scleritis. After a course of systemic steroids and discontinuation of the pembrolizumab, the choroidal lesion completely resolved. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of posterior scleritis as an ocular complication of this class of medications.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Microvascular Variations in Pre- and Posttreatment of Retinoblastoma Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to describe variations in microvasculature before and after treatment of treatment-naive lesions and during consolidation therapy of retinoblastoma lesions using an investigational portable optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) system. METHODS: This study is a single-center, prospective, observational case series. Recruited subjects were either undergoing surveillance for retinoblastoma or had newly detected retinoblastoma. Nine tumors from 7 eyes in 6 patients were included. During exams under anesthesia, the tumors were imaged with an investigational portable OCTA system. OCTA images were analyzed to assess vascular changes before and after treatment. RESULTS: In all 6 presented cases, OCTA imaging revealed distinctive vascular patterns, such as dilated feeder arteries and draining veins, disorganized and complex branching patterns, irregular vessel calibers, and dilation and tortuosity of vessels. After treatment, OCTA imaging revealed decreased intrinsic tumor vascularity and reduced dilation of draining and feeder vessels. Tumor relapse demonstrated prominent vascularity (n = 1) that resolved on repeat OCTA after transpupillary thermotherapy treatment. Type 2 (n = 1), 3 (n = 6), and 4 (n = 1) tumor regression patterns were seen in our patients after treatment, and OCTA findings were consistent with a previously published report. Interestingly, in one of the presented cases, OCTA demonstrated clear feeder, draining, and intrinsic tumor vessels that were not as evident on fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSIONS: OCTA may offer a noninvasive and sensitive technique to evaluate the vasculature of both the tumor and the surrounding retina in retinoblastoma. With additional research and development into its use in patients with retinoblastoma, OCTA may one day be useful in assessing treatment response and residual tumor activity.

Choroidal nevus with retinal invasion, clinical and imaging features.

PURPOSE: To report a clinically challenging case of a choroidal nevus with retinal invasion with accompanying ancillary testing. OBSERVATIONS: A 60-year-old Caucasian female was referred for a suspicious melanocytic choroidal lesion in her left eye. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a melanocytic choroidal lesion, measuring 10 mm × 10 mm in basal diameter. The lesion had a clinically evident area of retinal invasion seen as a protruding choroidal mass at its center, darker in appearance compared to the rest of the lesion, obscuring retinal vessels. The choroidal nevus had associated chronic retinal changes and the absence of overlying orange pigment or subretinal fluid. On fundus autofluorescence, there was a hypoautofluorescent area showing the site of retinal invasion. Fluorescein angiography at the lesion site exhibited central blocked perfusion corresponding to the area of retinal invasion. Ultrasonography showed a dome-shaped choroidal lesion that was optically dense with a medium-high internal reflectivity measuring 3.3mm in thickness. The optical coherence tomography showed a choroidal mass extruding through a break in Bruch's membrane with inner retinal invasion. A watchful waiting strategy was adopted, and at 28 months follow-up, the choroidal lesion did not show growth or presence of new suspicious features of malignant transformation. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: This case highlights the importance of recognizing the key features of choroidal nevi with retinal invasion, which can prevent the treatment of a benign condition and assist in the arrival of a correct diagnosis. These lesions should be monitored for long-term.

Intravitreal Voriconazole for the Treatment of Cryptococcus neoformans Endogenous Endophthalmitis.

Background: Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that can cause fungemia and, in rare instances, lead to endogenous fungal endophthalmitis. No standard of care has been established to treat fungal endophthalmitis when systemic antifungal treatment fails to resolve the intraocular infection. Intravitreal voriconazole has been used for the treatment of fungal endophthalmitis caused by a broad range of fungal pathogens, and a limited number of reports have shown the efficacy of using intravitreal voriconazole for C neoformans endophthalmitis. We report a case of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis caused by C neoformans that was responsive to intravitreal voriconazole. Case Report: A previously healthy 57-year-old male diagnosed with primary neuroendocrine lung tumor developed endogenous endophthalmitis from C neoformans. The endophthalmitis was resistant to intravenous amphotericin B treatment but was responsive to intravenous fluconazole in one eye and was apparently more responsive to intravitreal voriconazole in the other eye. Conclusion: Intravitreal voriconazole should be considered for the treatment of cryptococcal endophthalmitis.

Vision retention in early versus delayed glaucoma surgical intervention in patients with Boston Keratoprosthesis type 1.

IMPORTANCE: The loss of vision following Boston Keratoprosthesis (BKPro) surgery due to glaucoma occurs at a high frequency as diagnosis and management of glaucoma after this procedure pose challenges. OBJECTIVE: To compare visual outcomes in patients undergoing Boston Keratoprosthesis surgery with and without prior or concurrent glaucoma surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients who underwent Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis surgery. 19 eyes of 18 patients who had undergone BKPro and met the inclusion criteria were identified. Twelve eyes received BKPro with prior or concurrent glaucoma surgery (Group 1), and seven eyes were identified undergoing BKPro surgery without prior or concurrent glaucoma surgery (Group 2). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Main outcome included best corrected visual acuity at each follow up. RESULTS: In Group 1, mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) within a year of BKPro surgery was 20/100 (range 20/40 to Count Fingers (CF); n = 12) and mean BCVA at 1 year from BKPro surgery was 20/115 (range 20/30 to CF; n = 12). 7 out of 12 patients retained or had improved BCVA at 1 year follow up after BKPro implantation, and 5 out of 12 patients had mild BCVA worsening. In Group 2, the mean BCVA within a year of BKPro surgery was 20/140 (ranging from 20/25 to hand motion vision (HM); n = 7) and mean BCVA at 1 year from BKPro surgery was Count Fingers (range 20/60 to Light Perception (LP); n = 6). 4 out of 6 patients lost significant vision at one year after BKPro. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: BKPro patients with early glaucoma surgical intervention retained vision significantly better compared to patients with late or no intervention. Our preliminary findings support the recommendation for concurrent or pre-emptive glaucoma surgical intervention in patients undergoing BKPro implantation.

Visual consequences of electronic reader use: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of electronic readers (e-readers) for vocational and professional uses, it is important to discover if there are visual consequences in the use of these products. There are no studies in the literature quantifying the incidence or severity of eyestrain, nor are there clinical characteristics that may predispose to these symptoms with e-reader use. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this pilot study was to assess the degree of eyestrain associated with e-reader use compared to traditional paper format. The secondary outcomes of this study were to assess the rate of eyestrain associated with e-reader use and identify any clinical characteristics that may be associated with the development of eyestrain. METHODS: Forty-four students were randomly assigned to study (e-reader iPAD) and control (print) groups. Participant posture, luminosity of the room, and reading distance from reading device were measured during a 1-h session for both groups. At the end of the session, questionnaires were administered to determine symptoms. RESULTS: Significantly higher rates of eyestrain (p = 0.008) and irritation (p = 0.011) were found among the iPAD study group as compared to the print 'control' group. The study group was also 4.9 times more likely to report severe eyestrain (95 % CI [1.4, 16.9]). No clinical characteristics predisposing to eyestrain could be identified. CONCLUSIONS: These findings conclude that reading on e-readers may induce increased levels of irritation and eyestrain. Predisposing factors, etiology, and potential remedial interventions remain to be determined.

Corticosteroids: Triamcinolone, Dexamethasone and Fluocinolone.

Steroids have been extensively used to treat macular edema due to diabetic retinopathy, venous occlusive disease, ocular inflammation and, to a lesser extent, also in some cases of choroidal neovascularization. The various intraocular steroids that have been employed include dexamethasone, triamcinolone and fluocinolone. During the past few years, new drug delivery methods for corticosteroids have been developed and are now part of our therapeutic armamentarium. This chapter provides a brief description of the pharmacology, efficacy and adverse effects associated with the use of steroids in various retinal diseases.

Association of Pigmentary Glaucoma and Nonsenile Nuclear Cataracts.

PURPOSE: To describe a new association between nonsenile nuclear cataracts and pigmentary glaucoma in patients with controlled intraocular pressure (IOP). DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series of nonsenile nuclear cataracts seen in patients with pigmentary glaucoma with controlled IOP in a single glaucoma specialist practice. Eight eyes of 7 patients with pigmentary glaucoma and visually significant cataract who underwent cataract removal were reviewed. RESULTS: Patients with pigmentary glaucoma developed rapidly progressing, nonsenile nuclear cataracts, with resulting myopic shifts between 4 and 13 D from baseline in <2 years. The patients had controlled IOP and there were no associations between medication use and cataract development. CONCLUSIONS: A new association between pigmentary glaucoma and nonsenile nuclear cataracts is described. In these patients, the IOP remains controlled and no association is seen between the cataract and medication use. The cataract is rapidly progressive and can cause a myopic shift between 4 and 13 D. Awareness of the purely nuclear cataract and its' clinical presentation can assist the clinician when approaching the patient with pigment dispersion and decreasing vision. To the best of our knowledge, this is a new association and warrants further investigation.

Results of Trabectome Surgery Following Failed Glaucoma Tube Shunt Implantation: Cohort Study.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Trabectome after failed tube shunt surgery.Twenty patients with prior failed tube shunt surgery who underwent Trabectome alone were included. All patients had at least 3 months of follow-up. Outcomes measured included intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications, and secondary glaucoma surgeries. The success for Kaplan-Meier survival analysis is defined as IOP ≤21 mm Hg, IOP reduced by at least 20% from preoperative IOP, and no secondary glaucoma surgery.Mean preoperative IOP was 23.7 ± 6.4 mm Hg and mean number of glaucoma medications was 3.2 ± 1.5. At 12 months, IOP was reduced to 15.5 ± 3.2 mm Hg (P = 0.05) and number of medications was reduced to 2.4 ± 1.5 (P = 0.44). Survival rate at 12 months was 84% and 3 patients required additional glaucoma surgery with 15 patients reaching 12 months follow-up. Other than failure of IOP control and transient hypotony (IOP < 3 mm Hg) day 1 in 2 cases, there were no adverse events.Trabecular bypass procedures have traditionally been considered an approach appropriate for early-to-moderate glaucoma; however, our study indicates benefit in refractory glaucoma as well. Eyes that are prone to conjunctival scarring and hypertrophic wound healing, such as those who have failed tube shunt surgery, may benefit from procedures that avoid conjunctival incision such as Trabectome. This study indicates potential benefits in this patient population.Trabectome was safe and effective in reducing IOP at 1-year follow-up in patients with prior failed tube shunt surgery, but not effective in reducing medication reliance in these patients.

Cystoid macular edema and macular pigmentation associated with nab-Paclitaxel therapy.

PURPOSE: To report the first known case of retinal pigment epithelium hyperpigmentation changes and cystoid macular edema in a patient on nab-paclitaxel therapy. METHODS: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 72-year-old man on nab-paclitaxel therapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma developed cystoid macular edema with minimal capillary leakage with subsequent retinal pigment epithelium hyperpigmentation after resolution of cystoid macular edema. CONCLUSION: Nab-paclitaxel therapy may be associated with the development of retinal pigment epithelium hyperpigmentation in the setting of resolved minimal capillary leakage cystoid macular edema.

Uncommon etiology of chest pain: pulmonary sequestration.

Chest pain is a common presenting symptom in the emergency department. After ruling out emergent causes, emergency physicians need to identify and manage less commonly encountered conditions. Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital condition involving pulmonary parenchyma. In PS, a portion of non-functional lung tissue receives systemic blood supply from an anomalous artery. While most individuals with PS present in early life with symptoms of difficulty feeding, cyanosis, and dyspnea, some present later with recurrent pneumonia, hemoptysis, or productive cough. In this report, we present a case of PS in an adult with acute onset pleuritic chest pain.