Prevalence of bacillary layer detachment in diabetic macular edema and response to 3 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography is widely used in maculopathy, including diabetic macular edema (DME). Bacillary layer detachment (BALAD) is a novel optical coherence tomography finding, defined as the separation of the intraretinal layer between the inner segment myoids and ellipsoids. A total of 161 treatment-naïve eyes with centrally involved DME that underwent 3 monthly loading doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively. BALAD was found in 6.2% of eyes with concurrent subretinal fluid (SRF). All eyes were divided into 3 groups: no either group had neither SRF or BALAD; the SRF only group had SRF but no BALAD; and the BALAD group had both SRF and BALAD. A significant increase in baseline central foveal thickness (CFT) in the BALAD group was observed (no either vs SRF only vs BALAD, baseline CFT: 387.6 ±â€…74.29 vs 440.6 ±â€…106.79 vs 642.0 ±â€…188.86; P < .01). Total resolution of BALAD was noted after anti-VEGF therapy, along with a significant decrease in CFT in all groups (CFT decrease: 82.4 ±â€…87.07 vs 187.6 ±â€…138.88 vs 252.1 ±â€…127.63; P < .01). Eyes with BALAD tended to have the worst baseline visual acuity (baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA: 0.76 ±â€…0.353 vs 0.63 ±â€…0.303 vs 1.15 ±â€…0.300; P = .046) but showed the most improvement after treatment (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA change: -0.14 ±â€…0.235 vs -0.22 ±â€…0.275 vs -0.27 ±â€…0.250; P = .079). After resolution of BALAD, all eyes in the BALAD group exhibited ellipsoid zone and/or interdigitation zone disruption corresponding to the BALAD area. BALAD is a novel optical coherence tomography finding associated with a spectrum of diseases including DME. With anti-VEGF therapy, total resolution of BALAD and a significant decrease in CFT can be obtained. However, ellipsoid zone/interdigitation zone disruption tended to develop.

TEN-YEAR LONGITUDINAL MORPHOLOGIC CHANGES IN DOME-SHAPED MACULAS IN HIGHLY MYOPIC EYES.

PURPOSE: To determine the longitudinal changes in the morphologic features of dome-shaped macula in highly myopic eyes. METHODS: Patients with a dome-shaped macula and high myopia (spherical equivalent <-8 diopters [D] or axial length ≥26.5 mm) were retrospectively studied. The medical records, optical coherence tomographic images, and ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography images were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 113 eyes of 82 patients were studied with a mean follow-up of 122.32 ± 6.36 months. During the follow-up, the mean dome height was significantly increased from 181.51 ± 105.55 to 209.85 ± 130.84 µ m ( P < 0.001). There was also a significant increase in the axial length (30.83 ± 1.82-31.16 ± 1.86 mm; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the dome height increased more than 50 µ m in 78 (69%) eyes, decreased in 23 (20%) eyes, and was stable in 12 (11%) eyes. The change in the axial lengths was significantly greater in the increased dome height group than in the decreased and stable dome height groups ( P = 0.042). Multivariable analysis showed that the greater axial length change (OR, 8.73; P = 0.017) and horizontal type dome-shaped macula (OR, 4.14; P = 0.026) were significantly associated with an increase in dome height. CONCLUSION: The direction of change in the dome-shaped macula height varies and 69% of the eyes had an increase in height, whereas 20% of the eyes had a decrease in height. The variations in the dome height may result from the difference between the deepening of the peridome scleral excavation and the changes of the axial length.

Effectiveness of Topical Ganciclovir 2% Monotherapy Versus Combined Steroid Therapy in Cytomegalovirus Endotheliitis.

We aimed to report the clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) corneal endotheliitis and the results of long-term treatment with topical ganciclovir 2% with and without steroids. This retrospective, interventional study included 15 eyes of 13 patients diagnosed with CMV corneal endotheliitis by positive CMV DNA and treated with long-term topical ganciclovir 2% eye drops at a tertiary referral center and the median follow-up period was 17 months. Ocular manifestations included keratic precipitates (KPs) (100%), elevated IOP (93.3%), iritis (60%), corneal edema (60%), and moth-eaten iris atrophy (60%). After long-term treatment, corneal edema, iritis, and KPs significantly decreased (effect size: 72%, 76% and 70%, respectively; p = 0.024, p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). Both the logMAR acuity and IOP significantly improved (median logMAR was 0.52 before treatment and 0.22 after treatment; median IOP was 42 mmHg before treatment and 12 mmHg after treatment; p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The ECD was maintained (effect size: 80%), and the percentage of hexagonal cell ratio of endothelial cells significantly improved after treatment (effect size: 82%; p = 0.035). Fewer anti-glaucoma medications were used in the non-steroid group (effect size: 79%; p = 0.034). Long-term maintenance treatment with topical ganciclovir 2% monotherapy not only provides effective therapy and reduces recurrence, but also decreases the high IOP related to the combination of steroids used.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation and Its Influence on Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization in a Mouse Model of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the major pathologic feature of neovascular AMD. Oxidative damages and the ensuing chronic inflammation are representative of trigger events. Hydrogen gas (H2) has been demonstrated as an antioxidant and plays a role in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. This experiment aimed to investigate the influence of H2 inhalation on a mouse model of CNV. METHODS: Laser was used to induce CNV formation. C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups: the control group; the laser-only group; and the 2 h, 5 h, and 2.5 h/2.5 h groups that received laser and H2 inhalation (21% oxygen, 42% hydrogen, and 37% nitrogen mixture) for 2 h, 5 h, and 2.5 h twice every day, respectively. RESULTS: The severity of CNV leakage on fluorescence angiography showed a significant decrease in the H2 inhalation groups. The mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and its immediate downstream target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed significant elevation after laser, and this elevation was suppressed in the H2 inhalation groups in an inhalation period length-related manner. The mRNA expression of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interlukin-6, also represented similar results. CONCLUSION: H2 inhalation could alleviate CNV leakage in a laser-induced mouse CNV model, and the potential mechanism might be related to the suppression of the inflammatory process and VEGF-driven CNV formation.

Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens: Anterior Chamber or Retropupillary Implantation? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Iris-claw intraocular lens (ICIOL) could be implanted in the anterior chamber (AC) or retropupillary (RP) in eyes lacking capsular and/or zonular support. Several studies have focused on comparing the efficacy and complications of these two techniques and we designed this research to review the published literatures. Materials and Methods: Peer-reviewed studies were collected through network databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov) and analyzed. The primary outcome was the standardized mean differences (SMDs) of pre- and post-operative corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA). The secondary outcome was the SMDs of pre- and post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell counts (ECC), and the odds ratios (ORs) of post-operative IOP elevation and cystoid macular edema (CME). Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was utilized to conduct statistical analysis. Results: Six studies (one randomized controlled trial and five retrospective case series) were relevant and included a total of 516 eyes (255 and 261 eyes in the AC ICIOL and RP ICIOL groups, respectively). The quantitative analysis showed no significant differences in CDVA (SMD: 0.164, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.171 to 0.500), ECC (SMD: -0.011, 95% CI: -0.195 to 0.173), and IOP elevation events (OR: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.459 to 1.383). Lesser IOP reduction (SMD: 0.257, 95%CI: 0.023 to 0.490) and a relative increase in the incidence of CME (OR:2.315, 95% CI: 0.950 to 5.637) were observed in the AC ICIOL group compared with RP ICIOL group. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicated that AC and RP ICIOL seem to have equivalent visual outcomes. RP ICIOL may perform slightly better with more IOP reduction and lesser CME. More randomized controlled trials, which have higher patient participation and more outcomes are needed to confirm our conclusions.

Laser photocoagulation for the treatment of bilateral late-onset retinopathy of prematurity-related retinal detachment in an adult male: A case report.

RATIONALE: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the major leading causes of childhood visual morbidity worldwide. Retinal break and traction develop in regressed ROP can further result in rhegmatogenous or tractional retinal detachment years or even decades later. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we reported a case of bilateral ROP related late complication in a 36-year-old male with a chief complaint of increased floaters in his left eye. DIAGNOSES: The fundus examination showed demarcation lines over temporal side in both eyes with tractional retinal detachment and retinal breaks anterior to the lines. A diagnosis of ROP-related late complication of combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was made. INTERVENTIONS: Peripheral laser photocoagulation along the demarcation lines for confining the detachment area in both eyes was performed with a stable condition during follow up. OUTCOMES: After laser retinopexy, the patient was followed up at one week and four months later with stable laser scars and without progression of the retinal detachments. CONCLUSION: Regressed ROP-associated retinal detachment can occur at any time during life. Special care and follow-up may be necessary for these patients.

Chrysin Inhibits High Glucose-Induced Migration on Chorioretinal Endothelial Cells via VEGF and VEGFR Down-Regulation.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic inflammatory disease, which causes multiple complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is among these complications and is a dominant cause of vision loss for diabetic patients. Numerous studies have shown that chrysin, a flavonoid, has many biological activities such as anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. However, it is rarely used in ocular diseases. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of flavonoid on high glucose induced migration of chorioretinal endothelial cells (RF/6A cells) and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The viability of RF/6A cells treated with chrysin was examined with a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The migration of RF/6A cells was assessed by the transwell migration and scratch wound assays. The expression of AKT, ERK, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), HIF-1α and MMP-2 were determined by western blotting. To observe the mRNA expression of VEGF receptor (VEGFR), qRT-PCR, was utilized. RESULTS: The results showed that chrysin can dose-dependently inhibit the RF/6A cell migration in vitro transwell and the scratch wound assays which are induced by high glucose. After pretreatment of RF/6A cells with different concentrations of chrysin, they did not produce any cytotoxicity in MTT assay. Moreover, chrysin down-regulated both phosphorylated AKT and ERK, as well as attenuated the expression levels of MMP-2. It also decreased the expression of the VEGF transcription factor and VEGF. Furthermore, it was shown that chrysin could suppress the protein and mRNA expression levels of VEGFR. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that chrysin could down-regulate the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK and MMP-2 and reduce the effects of VEGF and VEGFR in a high glucose environment. It further inhibits the high glucose-induced migration of RE/6A cells. Therefore, chrysin may have the potential for visual protection.

Vision Preservation in Eyes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy with Low-Dose Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of using low-dose intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) to preserve vision in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) eyes. METHODS: This retrospective chart review study examined 8 eyes of 7 PCV patients, for whom verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) or antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy was not affordable/available and also with intolerable risk because of underlying cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular ischemia. Low-dose IVTA (1 mg/0.025 mL) monotherapy was administered and repeated every 4 weeks if intraretinal edema or subretinal fluid persisted. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 26.4 months. Three eyes (3/8) maintained their initial best-corrected visual acuity and 4 eyes (4/8) exhibited improvement, whereas 1 eye (1/8) sustained some loss. The mean injection number per month was 0.7 for the first 6 months, after which it decreased to 0.4. In regard to adverse effects, intraocular pressure (IOP) of more than 21 mmHg was noted as persisting for a few weeks in 4 eyes and that of more than 30 mmHg was noted once in 1 eye. The increased IOP was adequately controlled by using IOP-lowering agents. Two initially phakic eyes each underwent cataract surgery in the 12th and 14th months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose IVTA therapy may be valuable for preserving the vision of PCV patients, while vPDT or anti-VEGF is not affordable/available or of those with underlying diseases for whom anti-VEGF therapy is with intolerable risk.

HORIZONTAL RIDGE AS A POSTERIOR POLE FINDING IN A HIGHLY MYOPIC EYE WITH DOME-SHAPED MACULA.

PURPOSE: This article describes a case with a highly myopic eye and a posterior pole with ridge-like lesions. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 72-year-old man with unilateral high myopia showed poor vision and an extremely elongated axial length in his right eye, but normal vision and normal axial length in his left eye. He was examined using fundus examination and optical coherence tomography, and revealed to have dome-shaped macula with two horizontal ridges connecting the optic disc and the macula in his highly-myopic eye. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a dome-shaped macula may not be limited to the macula area, but may involve the whole posterior pole and is potentially involved in the elongation of highly myopic eyeballs.

Orbital infarction syndrome after multiple percutaneous sclerotherapy sessions for facial low-flow vascular malformation: A case report and literature review.

Vision loss following sclerotherapy for facial vascular malformations (VMs) is a rare but detrimental complication. Here, we report a case of an 11-year-old boy with acute onset blepharoptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and blindness in his right eye after the 14 th sclerotherapy session (percutaneous intralesional injection of sodium tetradecyl sulfate) for a right facial low-flow VM without orbital involvement. Computed tomography angiography revealed no contrast enhancement in the right ophthalmic artery, superior ophthalmic vein, or extraocular muscles. He presented with the hallmarks of orbital infarction syndrome: Clear signs of anterior and posterior segment ischemia and disrupted arterial flow to the extraocular muscles. His blepharoptosis and eye movement improved 4 months later; however, he remained blind, and phthisis bulbi developed eventually. Thus, sclerotherapy for facial VM-even without orbital involvement--may result in severe ocular and orbital complications.

Early vitreomacular separation with delayed macular hole closure after ocriplasmin treatment.

Based on the indications, one-third to one-half of patients can achieve full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closure with or without the separation of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) within 28 days of ocriplasmin treatment. The authors report the case of a 63-year-old man with early VMA separation and delayed FTMH closure after ocriplasmin treatment. Four weeks posttreatment, the posterior vitreous detachment occurred at the optic disk, and the macular hole (MH) started decreasing thereafter. MH closure was finally achieved at 10 weeks posttreatment, leaving minimal subretinal fluid. The patient's vision improved from 0.8 LogMAR (pretreatment) to 0.3 LogMAR (12 weeks posttreatment). This case suggests that FTMH closure can be achieved within 28 days of ocriplasmin treatment.

Comparison of Clinical Features in Highly Myopic Eyes with and without a Dome-Shaped Macula.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical features of highly myopic eyes with a dome-shaped macula (DSM) with those without a DSM and to identify the funduscopic clues to suspect the presence of DSM. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PATIENTS: A total of 586 patients (1118 eyes) with high myopia (refractive error <-8 diopters [D] or axial length ≥26.5 mm) who had optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations through the central fovea at our High Myopia Clinic between February 2012 and November 2013. METHODS: Vertical and horizontal OCT scans across the central fovea were retrospectively analyzed. A DSM was defined by the presence of an inward bulge of >50 µm in the vertical OCT image. Fundus photographs also were analyzed to identify the funduscopic clues to suspect the presence of DSM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The rate of DSM in 1118 highly myopic eyes. The rate of DSM in highly myopic eyes with macular complications. Funduscopic features to suggest the presence of DSM. RESULTS: Among the 1118 eyes, 225 (20.1%) had a DSM. A DSM was present in both vertical and horizontal OCT sections in 20% of eyes, along only the vertical section in 77% of eyes, and in only the horizontal section in 2% of eyes. The results of multiple regression analyses showed that serous retinal detachment and foveal and extrafoveal retinoschisis were significantly associated with the presence of DSM and that choroidal neovascularization was not. Ophthalmoscopically, 91.4% of the eyes with the appearance of a horizontal ridge connecting the optic disc and the fovea had a DSM. CONCLUSIONS: A DSM is found in as many as 20% of highly myopic individuals. Horizontal ridges connecting the optic disc and the fovea might be an important clue to suspect the presence of a DSM on the basis of fundus photographs.

Treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization with posterior sub-Tenon's bevacizumab injection (Avastin ®).

The aim of this study was to report the successful treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in pathologic myopia (PM) with a posterior sub-Tenon bevacizumab (PSTB; Avastin(®)) injection. The study was a prospective case series including nine eyes of eight patients with PM and CNV. All nine eyes were injected with PSTB (12.5 mg/0.5 ml). Treatment effectiveness was evaluated with optical coherence tomography (OCT). If intraretinal edema or subretinal fluid were detected, injections were repeated after 2 weeks. The main outcome measures were logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness. The mean follow-up time was 77.56 weeks. BCVA improved by a mean of -0.38 logMAR (>3 lines). The average reduction in absolute central foveal thickness was 25.67 µm. OCT revealed marked CNV volume reduction and fluid-free status in seven eyes. The fluid-free status remained for ≥ 1 year in these eyes. Fluorescein angiography revealed CNV resolution in three eyes. Corneal stromal penetration of subconjunctival bevacizumab has been demonstrated in animal studies. PSTB may be an equally effective, yet less invasive alternative for the treatment of myopic CNV.