Unveiling Key Pathological Indicators for Disease Progression in Vogt Koyanagi Harada Disease and Sympathetic Ophthalmia Through Advanced Choroidal Volume Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between quantitative parameters derived from volume analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) data and disease worsening in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKHD) and sympathetic ophthalmia (SO). METHODS: This retrospective study, conducted at Osaka University Hospital, employed swept-source OCT scans from patients diagnosed with VKHD or SO between October 2012 and January 2021. The choroidal vessel structure was segmented and visualized in three dimensions, generating quantitative vessel volume maps. Region-specific choroidal vessel volume (CVV), choroidal volume (CV), and vessel index (VI) were scrutinized for their potential correlation with disease severity. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes of 18 VKHD and 2 SO patient (8 females, 10 males) were evaluated. OCT-derived CVV maps revealed regional CV alterations in VKHD and SO patients. Two parameters, i.e. CV at 3- and 6-month follow-ups (p = 0.044, p = 0.040, respectively, with area under the ROC curve of 0.70) and CVV at 6 months (p = 0.046, area under the ROC curve of 0.71), were significantly higher in recurrent VKHD and SO compared to effectively treated cases. CONCLUSIONS: The volume analysis of OCT images facilitates a three-dimensional visualization of choroidal alterations, which may serve as a reflection of disease severity in VKHD and SO patients. Furthermore, noninvasive initial CVV or CV measurements may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting disease recurrence in VKHD and SO.

Microglia at sites of atrophy restrict the progression of retinal degeneration via galectin-3 and Trem2.

Outer retinal degenerations, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are characterized by photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy. In these blinding diseases, macrophages accumulate at atrophic sites, but their ontogeny and niche specialization remain poorly understood, especially in humans. We uncovered a unique profile of microglia, marked by galectin-3 upregulation, at atrophic sites in mouse models of retinal degeneration and human AMD. In disease models, conditional deletion of galectin-3 in microglia led to phagocytosis defects and consequent augmented photoreceptor death, RPE damage, and vision loss, indicating protective roles. Mechanistically, Trem2 signaling orchestrated microglial migration to atrophic sites and induced galectin-3 expression. Moreover, pharmacologic Trem2 agonization led to heightened protection but in a galectin-3-dependent manner. In elderly human subjects, we identified this highly conserved microglial population that expressed galectin-3 and Trem2. This population was significantly enriched in the macular RPE-choroid of AMD subjects. Collectively, our findings reveal a neuroprotective population of microglia and a potential therapeutic target for mitigating retinal degeneration.

Reperfusion of retinal nonperfusion by neovascular-vascular anastomosis in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Retinal nonperfusion is a significant cause of vision loss in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Therefore, reperfusion of a nonperfusion has been a matter of strong interest, but few previous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of reperfusion. CASE REPORTS: Here, we report longitudinal optical coherence tomography angiographic analysis of two cases of PDR, in which the retinal neovascularization (RNV) that developed in response to retinal ischemia formed anastomoses with pre-existing physiological retinal vessels, resulting in both superficial and deep capillary reperfusion within the nonperfusion. We named this interesting finding "neovascular-vascular anastomosis." Retinal reperfusion due to neovascular-vascular anastomosis differed from recanalization, defined as reperfusion of once-occluded blood vessels, and has not been reported previously. CONCLUSION: Our observation highlights the potential of RNV to rescue retinal ischemia by the formation of neovascular-vascular anastomoses.

Optical coherence tomography angiography imaging in peripheral commotio retinae: A case report.

Purpose: We present a case of traumatic commotio retinae (CR), in which blood flow was evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Observations: An 18-year-old Japanese man presented with traumatic retinal detachment and CR in his left eye, which had been hit by a handball. Fundus examination revealed peripheral retinal tear extending from the 1 to 3 o'clock position with retinal detachment, and CR near the area of tear. Fluorescein angiography (FA) confirmed an ischemic area near the retinal tear area at the CR. The patient underwent successful scleral buckling and cryopexy. Sequential OCTA imaging was performed and we were able to determine perfusion in the CR area, with maintained blood flow. Conclusions and importance: In blunt eye trauma, peripheral commotio retinae can be assessed non-invasively over time using OCTA. OCTA is a useful method for evaluating peripheral retinal whitened areas.

Efficacy of Vitrectomy With Tamponade Versus No Tamponade for Myopic Traction Maculopathy: A Multicenter Study (SCHISIS Report No.1).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of tamponade on the visual and anatomic outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective clinical cohort study. METHODS: Consecutive eyes that underwent vitrectomy for advanced MTM with tamponade of air, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), or perfluoropropane (C3F8) or without tamponade with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. Main outcome measures included postoperative visual acuity (VA) at 12 months in eyes with vs without tamponade. RESULTS: We included a total of 193 eyes (193 patients) in this study; 136 eyes (70%) treated with tamponade were compared with 57 eyes (30%) treated without tamponade. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. Both groups showed significant visual improvement at 12 months (both P < .001). However, postoperative visual acuity and visual improvement at 12 months were significantly better (P = .003 and P = .028, respectively) in eyes without tamponade, although the MTM in these eyes without tamponade took longer to resolve (P = .039). Retinal thickness and the ellipsoid zone were more preserved in eyes without tamponade (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). Complications such as macular holes did not differ between the groups. A novel imaging finding of "schisis bending (accordioning)" was identified during MTM resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy either with or without tamponade for MTM was effective in improving vision in this study. However, eyes without tamponade experienced even better visual improvement and preserved retinal anatomy, despite a longer schisis resolution time. Surgery without tamponade may achieve better visual outcomes.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Postoperative Macular Hole Formation after Vitrectomy for Myopic Traction Maculopathy: SCHISIS Report No. 2.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, pathogenesis, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of postoperative macular hole (MH) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). DESIGN: Multicenter, interventional, retrospective case series. SUBJECTS: Consecutive eyes that underwent PPV for MTM with a minimum 6-month follow-up. METHODS: We investigated the characteristics and treatment outcomes of postoperative MH after MTM surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, risk factors, and anatomic and visual outcomes of postoperative MH. RESULTS: We included 207 eyes (207 patients) with a mean follow-up of 25.9 months. During follow-up, 24 (11.6%) eyes developed MH (10 with concurrent MH retinal detachment); 15 eyes within 30 days (early), 4 eyes between 31 and 180 days (intermediate), and 5 eyes after 180 days (late). Logistic regression analysis revealed male gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.917; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.198-7.100; P = 0.018), thinner preoperative choroidal thickness (OR, 0.988; 95% CI, 0.976-1.000; P = 0.048), and use of indocyanine green for internal limiting membrane peeling (OR, 2.960; 95% CI, 1.172-7.476; P = 0.022) as significant risk factors for postoperative MH. Internal limiting membrane peeling with a fovea-sparing technique tended to protect against postoperative MH, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.096), because 1 eye still developed MH. Postoperative MHs were treated by observation (6 eyes), in-office octafluoropropane (C3F8) gas injection (7 eyes), or PPV (11 eyes). Macular hole closure was achieved in 20 eyes (83%). The hole closure rate was 67% (4/6 eyes) after observation, 71% (5/7 eyes) after C3F8 gas injection, and 91% (10/11 eyes) after PPV. However, visual outcomes were significantly worse for eyes with postoperative MH than those without (0.38 ± 0.43 vs. 0.68 ± 0.46; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative MH may occur in 11.6% of patients with MTM at any time after surgery. Retreatment resulted in relatively favorable anatomic closure but unfavorable visual outcomes. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Simultaneous intravitreal aflibercept and gas injections for submacular hemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept and gas injections for submacular hemorrhage (SMH) associated with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 22 eyes with SMH secondary to PCV that underwent intravitreal aflibercept and 100% perfluoropropane (0.3-0.5 mL) followed by 3-day prone positioning from August 2013 through November 2020. The primary outcome measure was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months. RESULTS: The average SMH size was 13.0 ± 9.7 (range, 2.0-37.8) disc diameter. The complete, partial, and no displacement of the SMH was observed in 8 (36%) eyes, 9 (41%) eyes, and 5 (23%) eyes, respectively. The BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) continuously improved significantly from 0.81 ± 0.41 (Snellen equivalent, 20/125) at baseline to 0.48 ± 0.44 (20/60), 0.33 ± 0.39 (20/43), and 0.28 ± 0.45 (20/38), at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively (P = 0.01 for 3 months; P < 0.001 for 6 and 12 months). The BCVA improved by 3 or more lines in 14 eyes (64%). Two eyes (9%) developed visually significant vitreous hemorrhage, and 1 (5%) eye developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment; all were successfully treated with vitrectomy. The better BCVA at 12 months tended to be associated with lower height of the SMH at baseline (R2 = 0.171, P = 0.056) and a greater displacement of SMH (R2 = 0.244, P = 0.069). Worse BCVA at 12 months was associated with anticoagulant medication (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal aflibercept and gas injections are effective and relatively safe for SMH associated with PCV, resulting in significant visual improvement.

Vascular tortuosity analysis in eyes with epiretinal membrane imaged by optical coherence tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate macular vessel tortuosity using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and its association with visual outcomes in eyes undergoing surgery for epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: The study included 22 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for ERM between May 2019 and July 2020 and OCTA at Osaka University Hospital. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examinations, including swept-source OCTA. Standard vitrectomy was performed, and the patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. Distortion of retinal vessels was calculated using two parameters: the actual vessel length in the vessel section (VL) and the direct vessel branching point distance (BD) in the three quadrants (nasal, temporal, and superior-inferior) of the macula. We analyzed the correlation between these parameters and visual outcomes. RESULTS: Significantly longer VL was found at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.006, 0.008, and 0.022, respectively) in the temporal quadrant compared to baseline temporal VL. Significantly shorter VL was found in nasal quadrants at 1 and 3 months (p = 0.046 and p = 0.018) in the comparison of nasal baseline VL. VL/BDs were correlated with the same postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1, 3, and 6 months (p = 0.035, 0.035, and 0.042, respectively) in the superior-inferior quadrant. A significant association of changes in VL and BCVA was found at 3 and 6 months postoperatively in the nasal quadrant (p = 0.018 and 0.0455, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in vascular distortion after ERM surgery can be measured using OCTA. The change in vessels around the macula became more linear; this was associated with visual outcomes after surgery.

PAX6-positive microglia evolve locally in hiPSC-derived ocular organoids.

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). They govern the immunogenicity of the retina, which is considered to be part of the CNS; however, it is not known how microglia develop in the eye. Here, we studied human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that had been expanded into a self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone (SEAM) of cells that partially mimics human eye development. Our results indicated that microglia-like cells, which have characteristics of yolk-sac-like linage cells, naturally develop in 2D eye-like SEAM organoids, which lack any vascular components. These cells are unique in that they are paired box protein 6 (PAX6)-positive, yet they possess some characteristics of mesoderm. Collectively, the data support the notion of the existence of an isolated, locally developing immune system in the eye, which is independent of the body's vasculature and general immune system.

Acute endophthalmitis and hyphema mimicking pink hypopyon associated with ocular toxocariasis: A case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute endophthalmitis and hyphema mimicking pink hypopyon associated with ocular toxocariasis. OBSERVATIONS: An immunocompetent 56-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a sudden onset and a three-day history of decreased visual acuity in her left eye. There were no known inciting factors for her symptoms; however, she had a history of eating undercooked beef five days prior. On examination, the best-corrected visual acuity of her left eye was light perception and the intraocular pressure was 24 mmHg. Hyphema mimicking pink hypopyon and vitreous opacity suggestive of acute endophthalmitis were observed in her left eye. The patient underwent an emergency pars plana vitrectomy. The intraoperative findings included iridodialysis, severe vitritis, multiple whitish spots on the retina, white sheathed retinal vessels, and whitish peripheral granuloma. The aqueous humor tap and vitreous tap cultures were negative. Blood tests showed elevated eosinophil and total immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of her intraocular fluid showed positive anti-Toxocara canis IgG reactions; the patient was therefore diagnosed with ocular toxocariasis. Subsequent treatment with oral albendazole and prednisone resulted in significant improvement and recovery of visual acuity to 20/12.5. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Acute endophthalmitis with hyphema mimicking pink hypopyon is a rare clinical presentation of ocular toxocariasis. The findings from this case highlight the importance of suspecting ocular toxocariasis if a patient presents with acute endophthalmitis and hyphema accompanied with peripheral granuloma. Early vitrectomy and subsequent treatment with oral albendazole and prednisone can be effective in visual recovery.

Fovea-Sparing versus Standard Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Myopic Traction Maculopathy: A Study of 102 Consecutive Cases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (FSIP) and standard ILM peeling for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 102 eyes of 96 consecutive patients who underwent primary PPV for MTM and were followed up for at least 12 months. METHODS: We compared the outcomes of eyes that underwent vitrectomy with FSIP from October 2012 to March 2017 with those of eyes that underwent vitrectomy with standard ILM peeling from June 2008 to September 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months and the final follow-up visit after surgery, time to MTM resolution, and postoperative complications such as macular hole (MH) formation. RESULTS: There were 26 and 76 eyes in the FSIP and standard ILM peeling groups, respectively. In both groups, the mean visual acuity (VA) at the 12-month follow-up was significantly improved relative to the mean preoperative VA (P < 0.001 for both groups). The preoperative and postoperative BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) showed no significant between-group differences (preoperative: 0.60±0.35 in the FSIP group and 0.61±0.39 in the standard ILM peeling group, P = 0.935; postoperative BCVA: 0.32 ± 0.43 in the FSIP group and 0.37 ± 0.38 in the standard ILM peeling group, P = 0.281). The mean time to the resolution of foveal retinal detachment and schisis was also comparable between groups (8.9 ± 4.8 months in the FSIP group and 6.9 ± 4.6 months in the standard ILM peeling group, P = 0.084). None of the eyes in the FSIP group and 6 eyes (8%) in the standard ILM peeling group developed postoperative MH. Consequently, the BCVA at 12 months deteriorated by 3 or more lines for 4 eyes (5%) in the standard ILM peeling group; this deterioration was not observed for any eye in the FSIP group. Risk factors for postoperative MH formation were worse preoperative visual acuity (P = 0.035) and thinner choroidal thickness (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The visual and anatomic improvements after vitrectomy with FSIP may be comparable to those after vitrectomy with standard ILM peeling, with FSIP showing the ability to prevent postoperative MH formation and a consequent impairment in vision.

Effect of Gas Tamponade on the Intraocular Lens Position and Refractive Error after Phacovitrectomy: A Swept-Source Anterior Segment OCT Analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the intraocular lens (IOL) position and refractive outcomes after cataract surgery and phacovitrectomy using swept-source anterior segment OCT (SS-ASOCT). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients underwent cataract surgery (group A: 34 eyes), phacovitrectomy without gas tamponade (group B: 20 eyes), and phacovitrectomy with gas tamponade (group C: 22 eyes). METHODS: Various parameters associated with the anterior chamber and lens were measured by SS-ASOCT (CASIA2; Tomey Corp, Nagoya, Japan) before and after surgery. Axial lengths were measured by optical biometry (IOLMaster; Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). The refraction (spherical equivalent) was measured 1 week and 1 month after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Refractive outcomes and the parameters measured by SS-ASOCT were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The overall mean median absolute error (MedAE) was 0.34 diopters (D) at 1 month postoperatively. The MedAE was greater in group C (0.47 D) than in group A (0.31 D) and group B (0.20 D). The overall mean refractive prediction error (ME) was -0.22±0.62 D at 1 month postoperatively. The ME was significantly greater in group C (-0.82±0.64 D) than in group A (0.08±0.39 D) and group B (-0.07±0.45 D) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), indicating a greater myopic shift in group C. The forward movement of the IOL position was significantly correlated with a greater ME at 1 month (R = 0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Forward fixation of the IOL caused myopic refractive errors even after the gas had disappeared in eyes that underwent phacovitrectomy with gas tamponade.

Association between disorganization of retinal inner layers and visual acuity after proliferative diabetic retinopathy surgery.

We report to evaluate if disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) obtained by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) predicts the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients who underwent vitrectomy for PDR were studied retrospectively. BCVA and SS-OCT images were obtained until 6 months postoperatively. The associations between BCVA and SS-OCT parameters measured in a 1-mm central foveal area were evaluated. The DRIL length, external limiting membrane disruption, and ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption 1 month postoperatively were associated positively with the postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA at 1, 3, and 6 months (1 month, p = 0.009, p = 0.013, p = 0.001; 3 months, p = 0.03, p = 0.021, p = 0.002; and 6 months, p = 0.021, p = 0.013, and p = 0.005, respectively). The eyes with a 500-µm or longer DRIL 1 month postoperatively (19%, 4/21 eyes) had significantly worse VA at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.007, p = 0.008, and p = 0.020, respectively). Multilinear regression analysis of all visits until 6 months postoperatively showed that the DRIL was correlated more significantly (p = 0.0004) with logMAR BCVA than the disrupted EZ length. The DRIL in the early postoperative period may predict the visual outcomes after treating PDR.

Retinal Microvasculature and Visual Acuity after Intravitreal Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Edema: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

We investigated changes in retinal vascular area and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) after intravitreal aflibercept in diabetic macular edema (DME) and the association of these changes with visual outcomes. The retinal vascular area in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) and the FAZ area were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in 23 eyes of 23 patients with DME, before and after intravitreal aflibercept. Overall, there was no significant change in retinal vascular area or FAZ. Better BCVA after treatment was significantly associated with larger retinal vascular area in the SCP and the DCP, both at baseline (R2 = 0.512, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.361, P = 0.002, respectively) and after intravitreal aflibercept (R2 = 0.717, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.618, P < 0.001, respectively). MAs were observed in the DCP in 20 eyes (87%), but only detected in four eyes (17%) in the SCP before treatment. The number of eyes with MAs in the DCP significantly decreased to 13 (57%) after treatment (P = 0.049). The persistence of DME was associated with persistent MAs (P = 0.019) and less visual gain (P = 0.031) following treatment. Thus, preserving retinal perfusion and the resolution of MAs are associated with better vision and resolution of the DME after intravitreal aflibercept.

Optical Biometry-Based Intraocular Lens Calculation and Refractive Outcomes after Phacovitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Epiretinal Membrane.

We investigate the refractive error after phacovitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD; 100 eyes) and epiretinal membrane (ERM; 102 eyes). Axial lengths were measured by optical biometry in most patients. The main outcome measures were the refractive and absolute prediction errors. The overall mean refractive prediction error (ME) and mean absolute prediction error (MAE) were -0.40 ± 0.72 D and 0.62 ± 0.55 D, respectively, at 3 months postoperatively. The ME and MAE were significantly higher in the RRD group than in the ERM group (-0.63 ± 0.74 D vs -0.16 ± 0.63 D, P < 0.001 and 0.75 ± 0.62 D vs 0.49 ± 0.43 D, P = 0.002, respectively), indicating greater myopic shift in the RRD group. In the RRD group, adding +0.5 D to the preoperative predicted refractive power decreased the postoperative ME and MAE to -0.13 ± 0.74 D and 0.58 ± 0.47 D, respectively. Based on our results, we conclude that postoperative myopic shift was significantly higher in the RRD group than in the ERM group, possibly because of forward displacement of the intraocular lens by gas tamponade. The myopic shift can be minimized by adding +0.5 D to the predicted refractive power in patients undergoing phacovitrectomy for RRD.

Inverted internal limiting membrane insertion versus standard internal limiting membrane peeling for macular hole retinal detachment in high myopia: one-year study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy with inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) insertion for macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) in high myopia. METHODS: We studied 49 eyes of 49 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for MHRD and were followed for more than 12 months postoperatively. Eyes that underwent vitrectomy with inverted ILM insertion from October 2013 to August 2015 were compared with eyes that underwent standard ILM peeling from October 2006 to September 2013. Macular hole closure rate, retinal reattachment, and postoperative visual acuity (VA) at 6 and12 months were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: This series included 13 eyes in the inverted ILM insertion group and 36 eyes in the standard ILM peeling group. The MH closure rate was significantly better in the inverted ILM group (92 vs 39%) (P = 0.003). The initial and final retinal reattachment rates (92% vs. 86%, and 100% in both groups, respectively) did not differ significantly between groups. Although the mean preoperative VA did not differ significantly between the groups, postoperative VA tended to be better in the inverted ILM group at 12 months (P = 0.059). The rate of visual improvement of three or more lines in the inverted ILM insertion group (85%) was higher than that in the standard ILM peeling group (47%) at 12 months (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Compared to conventional ILM peeling, inverted ILM insertion has a higher MH closure rate and tendency of better postoperative VA in patients with MHRD.

Changes in Retinal Microvasculature and Visual Acuity After Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Purpose: To investigate the changes in the retinal microvasculature during the course of anti-VEGF therapy in eyes with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and their association with visual outcomes. Methods: The vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were quantitatively measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in 48 consecutive eyes with RVO before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after anti-VEGF therapy. Anti-VEGF therapy was performed either with ranibizumab or aflibercept following a pro re nata (PRN) regimen. The correlation between post-treatment best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and changes in the retinal microvasculature evaluated by OCTA were assessed. Results: The BCVA improved significantly at 12 months (P < 0.001). Better BCVA at 12 months was significantly associated with a better VD in the SCP and DCP both at baseline (R2 = 0.524, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.457, P < 0.001, respectively) and at 12 months (R2 = 0.521, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.662, P < 0.001, respectively). Overall, both VD and FAZ did not change significantly during the 12 months. However, the progression of nonperfusion was observed in the SCP in 6 (13%) eyes and in the DCP in 10 (21%) eyes. The number of macular edema recurrence was significantly associated with a decrease in the VD (P = 0.006 [SCP] and P < 0.001 [DCP]) and less visual gain (P = 0.02) after treatment. Conclusions: Anti-VEGF therapy maintains retinal perfusion in most patients with RVO. Preserving retinal perfusion is crucial for better visual outcomes.

Vitrectomy without prone positioning for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in eyes with inferior retinal breaks.

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomic and functional outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) between two groups with and without postoperative prone positioning. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 142 eyes of 142 patients with a primary RRD. All patients underwent PPV with 20% sulfur hexafluoride gas tamponade and were divided into two groups: the groups that did and did not maintain a prone position postoperatively. All patients were followed for more than 3 months. The main outcome measures were the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal reattachment rate, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-five eyes were included in the prone position group and 77 eyes in the group without prone positioning; the respective initial reattachment rates were 83.1% and 96.1%, a difference that reach significance (p = 0.011). In the eyes with inferior breaks, the initial reattachment rate was 94.7% (18 eyes) without prone positioning, which was significantly (p = 0.036) better than the 60% (6 eyes) initial reattachment rate in the group with prone positioning. In the eyes without inferior breaks, there was no significant difference in the initial reattachment rates between the two groups. The BCVAs at the 3-month postoperative visit did not differ significantly between the two groups. An epiretinal membrane (ERM) was observed postoperatively in 10 (13.0%) eyes in the group without prone positioning; no ERMs were seen postoperatively in eyes in which the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was peeled during PPV. CONCLUSIONS: PPV without postoperative prone positioning is associated with a higher reattachment rate in eyes with a RRD, especially those with inferior retinal breaks. PPV with postoperative supine and lateral positioning might be beneficial to manage RRDs associated with inferior retinal breaks if ILM peeling is performed intraoperatively.

Predictors of postoperative bleeding after vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To clarify the association between perioperative variables and postoperative bleeding in pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage in diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study enrolled 72 eyes of 64 patients who were admitted to Osaka University Hospital between April 2010 and March 2014, and underwent vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage as a result of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding developed in 12 eyes. Using binomial logistic regression analysis, we found that the duration of operation was the only significant variable associated with postoperative bleeding within 12 weeks after vitrectomy. Furthermore, Poisson regression analysis identified fasting blood glucose just before vitrectomy, no treatment with antiplatelet drugs and treatment with antihypertensive drugs, as well as duration of operation, to be significantly associated with the frequency of bleeding within 52 weeks after vitrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Long duration of operation can be used to predict bleeding within both 12 and 52 weeks after vitrectomy. In addition, fasting blood glucose just before vitrectomy, no treatment with antiplatelet drugs and treatment with antihypertensive drugs might be risk factors for postoperative bleeding up to 1 year after vitrectomy.

Intraoperative B-scan ultrasonography and pars plana vitrectomy for severe open globe injury with hemorrhagic retinal and choroidal detachment.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to report the initial clinical experience of intraoperative B-scan ultrasonography in combination with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for severe open globe injury with hemorrhagic retinal and choroidal detachment. METHODS: Six eyes of six consecutive patients with severe open globe injury underwent intraoperative B-scan ultrasonography and 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy at Osaka University Hospital in Japan. The feasibility of intraoperative B-scan ultrasonography, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal reattachment, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Five patients presented with a ruptured globe and one patient with double penetration. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was no light perception in four eyes and light perception in two eyes. All patients underwent intraoperative B-scan ultrasonography and 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy within 12 h after open globe injury. Intraoperative B-scan ultrasonography was feasible in all cases and was useful for diagnosing choroidal hemorrhage (four eyes), massive subretinal hemorrhage (two eyes), and retinal detachment (five eyes). In addition, serial real-time B-scan imaging facilitated successful evacuation of the choroidal hemorrhage and massive subretinal hemorrhage by external drainage, resulting in opening of the vitreous space to allow subsequent pars plana vitrectomy without entry site-related complications. After surgery, all patients had successful retinal attachment, and there was no loss of light perception. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative B-scan ultrasonography is technically feasible and may potentially improve the safety and efficacy of severe open globe injury repair.