Surgical management of a case of giant retinal tear with closed funnel retinal detachment in a pediatric patient.

BACKGROUND: A 7-year-old male child was brought by his parents with a complaint of low vision in both eyes for 2 months. The child had low vision in both the eyes for 1.5 years, but the parents noticed when it worsened further 2 months back, leading to profound vision loss. On ophthalmic evaluation, the child did not perceive light in the right eye. Furthermore, anterior segment examination showed complicated cataract and open funnel retinal detachment with intra-retinal cysts in ultrasound (USG) B scan. In the left eye, he could appreciate light but with poor fixation. Fundus evaluation of the left eye showed total retinal detachment on indirect ophthalmoscopy, which was confirmed on USG B scan. Since the right eye had poor visual potential, no intervention was done. The left eye underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade, which led to successful anatomical outcomes. The immediate and late postoperative periods were uneventful, and the child was kept under follow-up and was observed closely. PURPOSE: To educate regarding the surgical management of giant retinal tears in a pediatric patient. SYNOPSIS: To inform regarding the surgical challenges faced and steps adopted to manage such cases. HIGHLIGHTS: Through this case, we want to highlight the challenges faced, such as delayed presentation, difficult preoperative evaluation, intraoperative difficulties such as mobile retina, absence of posterior vitreous detachment, and tenacious vitreous gel. We also want to emphasize on the steps taken to overcome the challenges. CONCLUSION: In such challenging situations, effective planning, careful manipulation, and persistence are essential for success. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/T0Gy6Wj13zI.

Surgical management of a case of double optic disc pits with maculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Double optic disc pit maculopathy is a rare entity. It can be difficult to manage because of excessive leakage and chronic maculopathy. PURPOSE: To describe surgical management in a case of double optic disc pits with maculopathy. SYNOPSIS: A 42-year-old male presented with double optic disc pits with macular detachment in the left eye. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/60, N12. Preoperative OCT showed the presence of two disc pits. The macular region had large retinoschisis and subretinal fluid (SRF) with a central foveal thickness of 879 microns and loss of the ellipsoid zone. A shallow communication from the temporal aspect of the disc to the submacular area was also noted. Among the options of observation, laser photocoagulation, and surgery, the patient opted for surgical management. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A standard-3 port 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was done. After staining the ILM with brilliant blue, ILM peeling was done with the help of forceps and Finesse loop. ILM flaps were inverted over to cover the optic disc pits and sealed with a drop of fibrin glue. Next, 20% SF6 gas was used for tamponade. Pre- and post-surgery parameters such as visual acuity and OCT were evaluated. POSTOPERATIVE EVALUATION: After 6 weeks, left eye BCVA was 20/40 with OCT showing reduced SRF and reduced intraretinal schisis with a foveal thickness of 546 microns. At 3 months of follow-up, the vision in the left eye had improved to 20/30 with further reduction in the retinoschisis and foveal thickness of 482 microns. HIGHLIGHTS: In this interesting case, we demonstrate a unique way of sealing the defect surgically by vitrectomy and inverted ILM flap with fibrin glue over the disc pits. Despite sealing the maculopathy is slow to resolve. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/s9nY5UPe1s4.

Global warming impact of fluorinated gases in ophthalmic surgeries at a tertiary eye center in India.

PURPOSE: Global warming is one of the greatest health threats of the 21 st century. The ophthalmic sector contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases, thus altering the natural environment. There is currently no data on global emissions of fluorinated gases in ophthalmic surgery. This retrospective study from 2017 to 2021 aims to report the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) equivalence of sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ), hexafluoroethane (C 2 F 6 ), and octafluoropropane (C 3 F 8 ) at a tertiary eye center. METHODS: Data collected from 1842 surgical procedures that used injections of fluorinated gases were analyzed. Environmental impact (global warming potential over 100 years) was calculated by converting milliliters to grams by using modified ideal gas law at standard temperature and pressure for the canisters and then to their CO 2 equivalence. RESULTS: Though 70% of surgeries used C 3 F 8 , the least greenhouse effect causing fluorinated gas, the total carbon emission was 1.4 metric tons. The most common indication was macular hole surgery (36.86%). CONCLUSION: This study paves a step toward analyzing the problem statement, thus awakening us to contemplate options to make ophthalmic surgeries greener.

Developing a Risk Stratification Model Based on Machine Learning for Targeted Screening of Diabetic Retinopathy in the Indian Population.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a predictive risk score model based on deep learning (DL) independent of fundus photography, totally reliant on systemic data through targeted screening from a population-based study to diagnose diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Indian population. METHODS: It involved machine learning application on datasets of a cross-sectional population-based study. A total of 1425 subjects (1175 subjects with known diabetes and 250 with newly diagnosed diabetes) were included in the study. We applied five machine learning algorithms, random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), support vector machines (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), and decision trees (DT), to predict diabetic retinopathy in our datasets. We incorporated a percentage split in the first experiment and randomly divided our data set into 80% as a training set and 20% as a test set. We performed a three-way data split in the second experiment to prevent overestimating predictive performance. We randomly divided our data set into 60% as a training set, 20% as a validation set, and 20% as the test set. Furthermore, we integrated five-fold cross-validation to split the percentage to evaluate our method. We judged the predictive performance based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy (Acc), sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: The RF classifier achieved the best prediction performance with AUC, Acc, and sensitivity values of 0.91, 0.89, and 0.90, respectively, in the percentage split. Similarly, a three-way data split attained an outcome of 0.86 and 0.85 in AUC and Acc. Likewise, the five-fold cross-validation performed the best with results of 0.90, 0.97, 0.91, and 0.75 in AUC, Acc, sensitivity, and specificity, respectively. CONCLUSION: Since the RF classifier achieved the best performance, we propose it to identify diabetic retinopathy for targeted screening in the general population.

Distance and near vision changes after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection in eyes with center-involving diabetic macular edema.

Purpose: To elucidate distance and near vision changes after intravitreal injections in center-involving diabetic macular edema (CIDME) in phakic and pseudophakic groups. Methods: A retrospective study was done on 148 eyes (72 phakic and 76 pseudophakic) with center-involving DME. All eyes were treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection. All patients underwent distance best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, near BCVA testing, dilated fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and follow-up visits. Eyes that could not improve after the first injection were given 2nd, 3rd, and more injections in the subsequent visits. Results: On follow-up, post injections in the phakic group (n = 72), there were 65 eyes (90.3%) with stable/improved near vision and 59 eyes (81.9%) with stable/improved distance vision, whereas in the pseudophakic group (n = 76), 63 eyes (82.9%) and 60 eyes (78.9%), respectively. Both in phakic and pseudophakic eyes, 7.7%-13% of the cohort showed only near vision improvement. Conclusion: In DME, besides the changes in distance vision, there are also changes in near vision. These changes should be taken into account while determining the response to anti-VEGF in DME treatment.

The deceptive coloboma.

Background: Scleral fistulas are known to develop following blunt trauma in patients with retinochoroidal coloboma. These cases can be managed by surgical options such as silicone buckles, or with glue and scleral patch graft. Some cases have been shown to close spontaneously. We report the first-ever case managed by vitrectomy, endophotocoagulation, and gas tamponade. Purpose: We present a rare and interesting case of an atypical choroidal coloboma with traumatic scleral fistula due to blunt trauma manifesting with hypotony-related disc edema, maculopathy, and chorioretinal folds, which was managed surgically with vitrectomy, endophotocoagulation, and gas tamponade with a good anatomical and visual outcome. Synopsis: The video contains the case description and surgical management of a traumatic scleral fistula in a patient with atypical superotemporal choroidal coloboma. The patient developed hypotonic maculopathy and disc edema after 3 months following a blunt trauma sustained in a road traffic accident. A scleral fistula was suspected at the temporal edge of the coloboma but could not be accurately localized. In addition, due to the edge effect of the coloboma, the external repair was difficult. Hence, vitrectomy with internal tamponade was attempted. Highlights: The video highlights a different surgical approach to managing a traumatic scleral fistula at the edge of a retinochoroidal coloboma. There was a risk of leakage of intravitreal fluid into the orbit through the fistula; however, the gas bubble gave a better tamponade due to higher surface tension. It sealed the fistula presumably by creating a trap-door-like effect. The endophotocoagulation helped create adhesion between the tissues at the edge of the coloboma effectively sealing it. This was followed by a rapid recovery of the hypotony-related problems with good vision. Traumatic scleral fistula, at a difficult place such as the edge of a coloboma, can be successfully closed from an internal approach with vitrectomy, endolaser, and gas tamponade. Video link: https://youtu.be/6rxgtFyy6cw.

Scleral cut-down technique of subretinal fluid drainage in scleral buckle surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Background: The art of scleral buckle (SB) surgery is being largely forgotten. However, it still remains a good option for selected cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Drainage of subretinal fluid (SRF) is one of the most crucial steps of the surgery. When performed correctly, it gives the advantage of immediate retinal reattachment, and it hastens recovery. However, it has its own set of complications. Purpose: To demonstrate, step by step, the scleral cut-down technique of SRF drainage in SB surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to discuss its indications, contraindications, and complications. Synopsis: Longstanding RRDs with bullous detachments, old age, inferior breaks, or multiple breaks are indications of SRF drainage. In shallow RDs or young patients, a non-drainage procedure may be preferred. It is safer to drain at the bed of the buckle. After the sclera is cut and dissected, it is essential to inspect the choroid for the presence of large vessels. Choroidal vessels are avoided from getting injured while perforating. The release of pigments indicates the end of the drainage. Various possible complications can be prevented by being careful in the surgical technique. Highlights: Diagrammatic illustrations explain the steps of the surgical technique. Intraoperative complications have been explained in an easy-to-understand manner with tips to manage such conditions and their prevention. The video highlights the correct way of performing SRF drainage. Online Video Link: https://youtu.be/L0TrdkCwk20.

Surgical management of complicated retinal detachment in a case of retinal hemangioblastoma.

Background: A 40-year-old male presented with a complaint of sudden onset diminution of vision in the left eye for 2 weeks. He was a follow-up case with retinal hemangioblastoma in both eyes. He underwent two sittings of fundus fluorescein angiography-guided trans-pupillary thermotherapy 2 years back. Since then, he was regularly followed up for 2 years with stable vision and stable retinal findings. At present, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the right eye is 6/6, and in the left eye, it is counting fingers 2 meters. On fundus examination, he had one active hemangioblastoma in the right eye and total retinal detachment in the left eye with multiple active lesions. The right eye was treated with a single sitting of thermotherapy, and the left eye underwent pars plana vitrectomy and angioma excision, followed by silicone oil tamponade. The immediate and late post-operative periods were uneventful, with successful anatomical and functional outcomes. The left eye BCVA on late follow-up was 6/36, no further treatment was advised, and the patient was kept under follow-up and observed closely. Purpose: : To educate regarding the systemic workup, diagnosis, and surgical management of complicated retinal detachment in retinal hemangioblastoma. Synopsis: : Systemic workup, diagnosis, and surgical steps in the management of complicated retinal detachment in retinal hemangioblastoma were performed. Highlights: : Close follow-up, keen observation, and prompt treatment in the early stages of the disease are indispensable to prevent untoward sequelae of retinal hemangioblastoma. A thorough systemic workup is necessary to diagnose the systemic involvements early. Surgery, if indicated for the retinal hemangioblastoma or its associated sequelae, should be performed diligently and with careful handling of blood vessels and anomalous tissues. Online Video Link: https://youtu.be/CkoqWEnaPB8.

Idiopathic lenticular surface neovascularization: An unusual presentation.

PURPOSE: To present a case of posterior lenticular surface neovascularization in the absence of any ocular or systemic pathology. OBSERVATIONS: A 29-year-old asymptomatic male was detected with the right eye (OD) posterior lenticular surface neovascularization extending for six-clock hours in the temporal portion along with the presence of mild posterior capsular haze. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 in OD and 20/20 in the left eye (OS). No additional abnormality was identified in the remainder of the OD anterior segment and the fundus respectively. OS evaluation was unremarkable. OD imaging including B-scan ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) were essentially normal. The anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) thickened lens capsule with a dense hyperreflective layer adhered to its posterior surface and separating from the capsule in the periphery. Few hyperreflective dots were visible posterior to the ciliary body although no CB thickening was noted. No systemic abnormality was detected. The patient is being managed conservatively and has shown no signs of progression of the neovascularization over six months. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This is the first reported case of an isolated idiopathic posterior lenticular surface neovascularization occurring in an otherwise healthy patient. Although an unspecified breach in the posterior capsule or undetermined cyclitis can trigger such neovascularization, further histopathological studies of the capsular biopsy and ciliary body can provide better insight into its etiopathogenesis. Additionally, considering the asymptomatic nature of the condition, these patients can be observed and closely monitored.

Stage-specific predictive models for breast cancer survivability.

BACKGROUND: Survivability rates vary widely among various stages of breast cancer. Although machine learning models built in past to predict breast cancer survivability were given stage as one of the features, they were not trained or evaluated separately for each stage. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there are differences in performance of machine learning models trained and evaluated across different stages for predicting breast cancer survivability. METHODS: Using three different machine learning methods we built models to predict breast cancer survivability separately for each stage and compared them with the traditional joint models built for all the stages. We also evaluated the models separately for each stage and together for all the stages. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the most suitable model to predict survivability for a specific stage is the model trained for that particular stage. In our experiments, using additional examples of other stages during training did not help, in fact, it made it worse in some cases. The most important features for predicting survivability were also found to be different for different stages. By evaluating the models separately on different stages we found that the performance widely varied across them. We also demonstrate that evaluating predictive models for survivability on all the stages together, as was done in the past, is misleading because it overestimates performance.