Recovery course of persistent posterior subretinal fluid after successful repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To investigate best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF) absorption time or ellipsoid zone (EZ) restoration time and various variables in patients with persistent SRF after successful primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study allowed independent analysis of the healing pattern by two observers based on composite of serial cross-sectional macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. Univariate and multivariate analyses were implemented. RESULTS: One hundred and three cases had persistent SRF after pars plana vitrectomy, scleral buckling, or pneumatic retinopexy. By univariate analysis, SRF resolution time correlated positively with the number of retinal breaks (p < 0.001) and with increased myopia (p = 0.011). Using multivariate analysis, final BCVA (log MAR) correlated positively with age, duration of RRD, initial BCVA (OR = 3.28; [95%CI = 1.44-7.47]; p = 0.015), and SRF resolution time (OR = 0.46 [95%CI 0.21-1.05]; p = 0.049). EZ restoration time was longer with increasing number of retinal tears (OR = 0.67; [95%CI 0.29-1.52]; p = 0.030), worse final BCVA, and presence of macula-off RRD (OR = 0.26; [95%CI 0.08-0.88]; p = 0.056). SRF resolution time correlated marginally with prone position. CONCLUSIONS: Residual posterior SRF is more common in eyes with multiple breaks or in myopic eyes. Final BCVA is better in younger subjects and in eyes with shorter duration of RRD. Persistent SRF is a self-limited disorder with a mean resolution of 11.2 months with good visual prognosis improving from a mean baseline logMAR of 1.08 to 0.25 at one year.

Intravitreal Ziv-Aflibercept versus Bevacizumab for Naïve Central Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema: An Interim Analysis of a Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept (IVZ) and bevacizumab (IVB) injections for the treatment of macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive 3 monthly IVZ (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) or IVB (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) followed by the pro-re-nata protocol for persistent or recurrent macular edema. The primary outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity and central subfield thickness. An interim analysis was planned when half of the participants completed the follow-up. Results: Twenty-four participants were recruited. At 6 months, mean best-corrected visual acuity in the IVB and IVZ groups improved from 1.23 ± 0.64 to 0.76 ± 0.56 logMAR (p = 0.003) and from 1.13 ± 0.59 to 0.53 ± 0.26 logMAR (p = 0.003), respectively. The percentage of visual improvement and reduction in central subfield thickness in the IVZ group were insignificantly better than those in the IVB group (44.41 ± 26.72 vs 39.64 ± 24.22%; p = 0.65) and (51.94 ± 20.35 vs 45.78 ± 24.71%; p = 0.51), respectively. Although the mean number of injections was lower in the IVZ group (4.55 ± 1.29 vs 4.82 ±1.33), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.68). No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The interim analysis demonstrated that the visual and anatomical results of IVZ were insignificantly better than those of IVB at 6 months of follow-up. The results also showed that IVZ was non-inferior to IVB for anatomical improvement but inconclusive for visual improvement. Clinical Trial Registration: (identifier: TCTR20191205008).

Predictors for Visual Outcome After Silicone Oil Removal in Eyes with Complicated Retinal Detachment.

Purpose: To determine the predictors for visual outcome after silicone oil removal (SOR) in eyes with complicated retinal detachment. Patients and Methods: A total of 182 eyes with complicated retinal detachment that had undergone SOR were retrospectively reviewed. Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications were recorded at baseline, 1 day, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Good visual outcome was defined as best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/200 at 3 months visit. Factors predicting visual outcome were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: After SOR, anatomical retinal reattachment was noted in 165 eyes (90.66%). Good visual outcome (VA ≥ 20/200) was achieved in 104 eyes (57.14%) at 3 months after SOR. For the eyes that remained attached after SOR, the percentage of good visual outcome was 63.03%. With univariate and multivariate analysis, visual acuity before SOR (p<0.001), circumferential peripheral retinopexy (p=0.037), additional endolaser during SOR (p=0.004), and pseudophakia status at the last follow up (p=0.021) were associated with visual outcome. Complications after SOR included redetachment (9.4%), hypotony (6.6%) and bullous keratopathy (1.7%). Conclusion: While anatomically attached retina was achieved in most of the patients, the functional outcomes were still much lower. Good BCVA before SOR and pseudophakia status at the last follow up were predictors for good visual outcomes, whereas circumferential peripheral retinopexy and additional endolaser during SOR were predictors for poor visual outcomes after SOR in eyes with complicated retinal detachment.

Clinical characteristics of full thickness macular holes that closed without surgery.

PURPOSE: To ascertain the anatomic factors that help achieve non-surgical sealing in full thickness macular hole (FTMH). METHODS: Retrospective collaborative study of FTMH that closed without surgical intervention. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients (mean age 57.9 years) included 18 patients with blunt ocular trauma, 18 patients that received topical or intravitreal therapies and 42 patients with idiopathic FTMH. Mean±SD of the initial corrected visual acuity (VA) in logMAR improved from 0.65±0.54 to 0.34±0.45 (p<0.001) at a mean follow-up of 33.8±37.1 months. FTMH reopened in seven eyes (9.0%) after a mean of 8.6 months. Vitreomacular traction was noted in 12 eyes (15.8%), perifoveal posterior vitreous detachment in 42 (53.8%), foveal epiretinal membrane in 10 (12.8%), cystoid macular oedema (CME) in 49 (62.8%) and subretinal fluid (SRF) in 20 (25.6%). By multivariate analysis, initial VA correlated to the height (p<0.001) and narrowest diameter of the hole (p<0.001) while final VA correlated to the basal diameter (p<0.001). Time for closure of FTMH (median 2.8 months) correlated to the narrowest diameter (p<0.001) and the presence of SRF (p=0.001). Mean time for closure (in months) was 1.6 for eyes with trauma, 4.3 for eyes without trauma but with therapy for CME, 4.4 for eyes without trauma and without therapy in less than 200 µm in size and 24.7 for more than 200 µm. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest an observation period in new onset FTMH for non-surgical closure, in the setting of trauma, treatment of CME and size <200 µm.

Efficacy of Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Treatment of Large Idiopathic Full-Thickness Macular Holes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate anatomical and visual outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) in large idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). Predictive factors also formed part of the study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical charts and optical coherence tomography images of patients with large idiopathic FTMH (≥400 µm) was conducted. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight eyes of 155 patients with a mean age of 62.94±7.50 years were included in the study. Mean preoperative visual acuity (VA) was 1.26±0.36 logMAR. Mean preoperative minimum linear diameter (MLD) and basal linear diameter (BLD) were 644.89±136.85 µm and 1208.11±307.14 µm, respectively. At 12 weeks postoperative follow-up, FTMH closure rate was 61.39% and mean postoperative BCVA was 0.92±0.36 logMAR. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed the anatomical outcome was significantly associated with BLD ≤1200 µm, preoperative vitreomacular interface (VMI) disorder and extended ILMP (a radius of 2 disc diameters), whereas only postoperative ellipsoid loss ≤500 µm was significantly associated with visual outcome. In subgroup analyses, the large FTMH group (400-600 µm) had significantly better results in closure rate (70.97% vs 55.21%, P = 0.047) and visual results (P = 0.031) than the extra-large FTMH group (>600 µm). CONCLUSION: PPV with conventional ILMP provided relatively low closure rate in large FTMH. Surgical success was significantly associated with BLD ≤1200 µm, no preoperative VMI abnormality, extended ILMP and postoperative ellipsoid defect ≤500 µm. Therefore, we suggest the extended ILMP if conventional ILMP technique is used. The large FTMH group had significantly better surgical outcomes than the extra-large group, so there is a need for reclassification of large FTMH.

Comparative study of 1 DD and 2 DD radius conventional internal limiting membrane peeling in large idiopathic full-thickness macular holes: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes of 1-disc diameter (DD) and 2-DD conventional internal limiting membrane peeling (C-ILMP) in large full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial. One hundred patients with large idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) were randomized into C-ILMP and extended C-ILMP (EC-ILMP) groups. The primary outcome was closure rate at 6 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes were visual acuity (VA), closure type, consequence of ILMP and complications. RESULTS: The mean symptom duration was 12.19 ± 9.64 months. Mean preoperative VA was 1.25 ± 0.37 logMAR. The average minimum linear diameter was 633.05 ± 129.82 µm and basal linear dimension was 1158.49 ± 249.07 µm. The two groups did not differ in term of demographic data. Closure rate was significantly higher in the EC-ILMP group (76.47% vs. 51.02%, 95% CI 7.24-43.66; p = 0.008). There were also no significant differences in closure type, central foveal thickness, dissociated optic nerve fibre layer detection, or change in fovea-to-disc distance. There were also no significant differences in postoperative VA (p = 0.069) or visual improvement (mean 0.39 ± 0.43 logMAR; p = 0.286). According to subgroup analysis, EC-ILMP resulted in a higher closure rate in patients with chronic FTMH for >6 months, (p = 0.008). Furthermore, EC-ILMP resulted in better anatomical closure and visual result in patients with FTMH with macular hole closure index ≤0.5, p = 0.003 and p = 0.010, respectively. CONCLUSION: Extended C-ILMP yielded a significantly higher closure rate in large FTMHs, but visual outcome did not differ significantly. According to subgroup analysis, extended C-ILMP was more effective in chronic large FTMH with MHCI ≤ 0.5.

Oral Spironolactone versus Conservative Treatment for Non-Resolving Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Real-Life Practice.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of oral spironolactone treatment versus conservative treatment for patients with persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in real-life practice. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records and retinal images of 62 patients with non-resolving CSC were reviewed. Twenty-one patients received oral spironolactone (50 mg/day) while 41 patients received conservative treatment. Primary outcome was proportion of eyes with complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) within 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included changes in SRF height, central macular thickness (CMT), lesion size and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The occurrence of drug side effect was also assessed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic data, clinical characteristics, optical coherence tomography parameters and leaking patterns in fluorescein fundus angiography between two groups. Complete resolution of SRF was significantly higher and faster in the spironolactone group than the conservative treatment group (p=0.03). Although significant anatomical improvement in SRF height, CMT and lesion size were observed in both groups (p < 0.001), final BCVA was improved significantly in only the spironolactone group (p < 0.05). The recurrence of SRF after complete resolution was observed in 4/12 eyes (33.33%) in the treatment group. None of the patients experienced any side effects of spironolactone. CONCLUSION: Oral spironolactone (50 mg/day) could achieve both significant anatomical and visual improvement, while the significant visual gain could not be provided with the conservative treatment. Spironolactone should be considered as an alternative treatment option in non-resolving CSC patients who cannot afford the PDT treatment.

Emulsification of Different Viscosity Silicone Oil in Complicated Retinal Detachment Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study silicone oil (SO) emulsification, anatomic and visual outcome after complicated retinal detachment surgery by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intraocular SO tamponade, comparing between low and high viscosity SO. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with complicated retinal detachment who had been surgically treated by PPV and intraocular SO tamponade were randomly divided into low viscosity (Group 1) or high viscosity (Group 2). Main Outcome Measures were rate of silicone oil emulsification, anatomic retinal reattachment and visual outcome, assessed at 1,3,6,9 and 12 months. RESULTS: One hundred patients were divided into 50 patients in each group. The rate of silicone oil emulsification in Group 1 (63.64%) was higher than Group 2 (40%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Rates of anatomic retinal reattachment were 88% in Group 1 and 90% in Group 2 (p = 0.76). For functional visual outcome, final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at Month 12 compared with the baseline BCVA was improved vision 52% in Group 1 and 58% in Group 2 (p = 0.82). CONCLUSION: SO emulsification rate in low viscosity group is non-significantly higher than high viscosity group, but results in a comparable reattachment rate and final visual recovery. Emulsification in both groups is detected at as early as 1 month and mostly within 3 months. We recommend using either low or high viscosity SO in complicated retinal detachment surgery and removing it as early as possible to prevent the consequent serious complications. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02988583.

Predictors for Visual Outcomes in Eye Injuries with Intraocular Foreign Body.

OBJECTIVE: To study the visual outcomes and identify the predictive factors for visual outcomes in patients with eye injuries and retained intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 359 consecutive patients with eye injuries and retained IOFBs were retrospectively reviewed during 2009-2018. Demographic data, clinical findings, treatment and visual outcomes were studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the predictive factors. RESULTS: Most of the patients were male and the average age was 36.4 years old. The three most common causes of eye injuries were grass trimming (25.07%), chiseling (23.12%) and hammering (13.93%). Most of the patients (79.39%) presented with poor initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (<3/60). Pars plana vitrectomy with IOFB removal was done in 273 eyes (76.04%). After treatment, eyes with poor BCVA (<3/60) decreased from 79.39% to 62.95% and eyes with good BCVA (≥3/60) increased from 20.61% to 37.05%. Poor initial best-corrected visual acuity (odds ratio 23.39, P<0.001), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (odds ratio 9.91, P<0.001) and the presence of infectious endophthalmitis (odds ratio 2.06, P=0.02) were statistically significant predictive factors for poor visual outcome. CONCLUSION: Most patients with eye injuries and IOFBs usually have poor final BCVA. Poor presenting BCVA, retinal detachment and endophthalmitis are significant predictive factors for poor visual outcomes. These factors can be used to inform the visual prognosis and plan prompt surgical intervention for the patients. Causes of IOFBs were mostly work-related and could be preventable. Education and activation of using appropriate protective safety glasses during work are necessary to avoid serious eye injuries and blindness.

Ocular angiostrongyliasis in Thailand: a retrospective analysis over two decades.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the clinical manifestations, management, and visual outcomes of patients with ocular angiostrongyliasis. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients with ocular angiostrongyliasis presenting between 1995 and 2017 at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Cases were found based on a search of diagnostic codes. A total of 18 patients were diagnosed through identification of the Angiostrongylus cantonensis parasite within the eye. Medical records and ocular photography were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 18 cases, with a mean age of 40.7±14.2 years. All patients had a history of raw food ingestion, such as snails. Most of the patients presented with blurred vision: 13 cases (72.22%) had best-corrected visual acuity of 2/60 or worse. Only one living larva was detected in each case. The size of larvae varied widely from 2.6-12.6 mm in length. Larvae were commonly detected in the vitreous cavity. Although multiple treatment modalities were used, including focal laser, surgery, antihelminthic drugs, and steroid treatment, the majority of cases (70.6%) did not have visual improvement. CONCLUSION: Focal laser is recommended to eradicate subretinal angiostrongyliasis, while laser treatment prior to surgical removal is recommended to eliminate intracameral and intravitreal angiostrongyliasis. Pulse methylprednisolone therapy may be beneficial in cases of acute optic neuritis. The visual prognosis mainly depends on ocular pathology and parasitic migration pathway.

Long-term visual outcome and its predictors in macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion treated with dexamethasone implant.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the functional long-term outcome in patients with macular oedema (MO) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) treated with dexamethasone implant (DEX implant) and to identify its clinical predictors. METHODS: A 24-month, retrospective, multinational, real-world study. Chart review of patients with either naïve or recurrent MO secondary to CRVO/BRVO treated with DEX implant, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), demographic baseline characteristics and details of any additional treatment during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 155 eyes (65 CRVO, 90 BRVO) from 155 patients were included. At 24 months, mean BCVA did not change significantly in CRVO (-2.1±24.5 letters, p=0.96) and BRVO patients (1.3±27.0 letters, p=0.07). A worse baseline BCVA (p<0.001), visual acuity (VA) gain ≥5 letters at 2 months (p=0.006) and no need for adjunctive intravitreal therapy after first DEX implant (p=0.001) were associated with a better final BCVA gain. Treatment-naïve patients (p=0.006, OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.57) and those with a baseline CST≤400 µm (p=0.02, OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.63) were identified as being less likely to need additional intravitreal therapy. CONCLUSION: Clinical baseline characteristics and the early treatment response were identified as possible predictors for long-term outcome and the need of adjunctive intravitreal therapy in MO secondary to BRVO/CRVO treated by DEX implant.

Factors affecting visual outcomes after treatment of infectious endophthalmitis in northeastern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting visual outcomes after treatment of infectious endophthalmitis during 2012-2016 at a large referral eye center in northeastern Thailand. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical charts of patients with a diagnosis of infectious endophthalmitis including demographic data, types of endophthalmitis, causative organisms, methods of treatment, anatomical, and functional outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Factors associated with improved visual outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Four hundred and eleven patients (417 eyes) were recruited for the study. The three most common types were post-traumatic (44.53%), post-operative (31.87%), and endogenous endophthalmitis (17.52%). Vitreous cultures revealed causative organisms in 41.25%. Most common Gram-positive organisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus 30% (36/120), Bacillus spp. 20% (24/120), and Streptococcus pneumoniae 18.33% (20/120). Most common Gram-negatives were Pseudomonas spp. 24.32% (9/37), Klebsiella spp. 24.32% (9/37), and Enterobacter spp. 16.21% (6/37). Methods of treatment were medical treatment (18.71%) and surgical treatment (81.29%), including pars plana vitrectomy with or without silicone oil tamponade (62.59%) and destructive surgery (18.71%). After treatment, visual improvement was noted in 44.6%, stable vision in 18.47%, and worse vision in 36.93%. Factors associated with improved visual outcomes were post-operative endophthalmitis (P<0.001), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (P=0.003), and initial visual acuity before treatment of hand motion or better (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: Most infectious endophthalmitis patients were post-traumatic, post-operative, and endogenous. The most common method of treatment was pars plana vitrectomy. Treatment could improve visual outcomes and at least stabilize the vision in 63.07%. Factors associated with improved visual outcomes were types of endophthalmitis, causative organisms, and initial visual acuity before treatment.

Predictive factors in the treatment of streptococcal endophthalmitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate visual outcomes and possible predictive factors in the treatment of infectious endophthalmitis caused by Streptococcus species during 2012-2016 at a large referral eye center in northeastern Thailand. METHODS: A retrospective medical record chart review of patients with culture-positive endophthalmitis caused by Streptococcus species was conducted. Demographic data including age, gender, occupation, duration of symptoms, time to surgery, surgical procedures, initial visual acuity at presentation, and final visual acuity after treatment were collected and analyzed. Possible predictive factors associated with improved visual outcomes were also studied. RESULTS: Forty-five eyes of 45 patients were recruited for the study. The 3 most common types of endophthalmitis were postoperative (35.56%), posttraumatic (20%), and endogenous (15.56%). At presentation, most patients (95.56%) had visual acuity of hand motion (55.56%), light perception (28.89%), or no light perception (11.11%). The 3 most common isolates were Streptococcus pneumoniae (44.44%), Group B ß-hemolytic Streptococcus (26.68%), and Streptococcus viridans (20%). Most patients (62.22%) were treated with surgical interventions, either pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics or pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics and silicone oil tamponade. After treatment, improved visual outcome was noted in only 9 patients (20%), and no visual improvement was seen in 36 patients (80%). Evisceration and enucleation were performed in 15 patients (33.33%). The only possible predictive factor associated with improved visual outcomes was early vitrectomy, performed within 3 days. CONCLUSION: Streptococcal endophthalmitis is often associated with poor visual prognosis. Only 9 patients (20%) had improved vision after treatment. The only possible predictive factor associated with improved visual outcomes was vitrectomy within 3 days. Early diagnosis and early vitrectomy are therefore recommended.

Retinal detachment in albinism.

PURPOSE: To report the visual and anatomic outcomes of albino retinal detachment (ARD) repair. METHODS: Collaborative retrospective analysis of ARD. Outcome measures were number of surgical interventions, final retinal reattachment, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at last follow-up. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes of 16 patients (12 males; mean age =37.8 years) had the following complications at presentation: macula off (14), total (7) or inferior detachment (5), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (5), detectable break (16), lattice (5), horseshoe tears (9), and giant tear or dialysis (4). Mean number of interventions was 1.8 (range =1-5) and included cryopexy (15) with scleral buckle (11), and/or vitrectomy (8). Mean initial BCVA was counting finger (CF) 1 m and at last follow-up (mean 77 months) CF4m with mean improvement of 4.5 lines (early treatment diabetic retinopathy study) (P=0.05). Intraoperative choroidal hemorrhage occurred in three eyes. The retina was finally attached in 14 eyes, with residual inferior detachment in three eyes with silicone oil in situ. Silicone oil was kept in six of seven eyes because of residual inferior detachment (3) and removal of silicone oil, which led to redetachment (1) or fear of redetachment (2). CONCLUSION: Repair of ARD may require several interventions, with the need to keep silicone oil in several cases due to nystagmus and reduced melanin pigment.

Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularizations: Clinical Study of 3 Cases.

BACKGROUND: We report 3 patients with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHOD: Retrospective, observational case series. Medical charts and photographs were reviewed. RESULTS: Two patients with central serous chorioretinopathy who developed iatrogenic CNV after focal laser photocoagulation were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections. One patient with CNV secondary to thermal laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema was treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Visual improvement has been demonstrated in the patients treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections, and their successful visual outcome was stable for more than 2 years. Stable visual acuity was also observed in the patient treated with PDT, no visual improvement was observed possibly due to the macular scar and macular ischemia. No systemic or ocular complications were detected among the 3 cases. CONCLUSION: To prevent a laser-induced CNV, it is critical to avoid heavy small-spot laser burns and repeated application. Patients should be monitored carefully for CNV after laser treatment. In our cases, PDT and intravitreal ranibizumab injections were effective for the treatment of laser-induced CNV.

Systemic abnormalities associated with retinal vein occlusion in young patients.

OBJECTIVES: To study the systemic abnormalities associated with retinal vein occlusion in patients aged ≤50 years with a particular emphasis on atherosclerotic diseases and thrombophilic disorders. METHODS: Medical charts of patients, aged ≤50 years whose diagnoses were retinal vein occlusions during the period 1995-2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was the number of systemic abnormalities associated with these patients. Secondary outcomes included types of retinal vein occlusion and sites of occlusion. RESULTS: Atherosclerotic diseases were the most common systemic abnormalities associated with retinal vein occlusion and accounted for 55.1% of the patients in the study. Hypertension in 27.55%, diabetes mellitus in 16.33%, and 5.1% with dyslipidemia were noted. The number of thrombophilic disorders seemed to be less than expected and were noted in only 5.1%. Other systemic abnormalities included viral hepatitis infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Oral contraceptives were used by some patients. CONCLUSION: Atherosclerotic diseases remained the most commonly associated systemic diseases in the majority of these patients. Approach to these patients should include a screening for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and lipid abnormalities. Thrombophilia should also be considered where no obvious atherosclerotic diseases are found or if the patient is <40 years old, a history of thrombosis or a family history of thrombosis is possible.

Incidence of and risk factors for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine retinopathy in Thai rheumatologic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidences of and risk factors for chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy in Thai rheumatologic patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 234 rheumatologic patients receiving either CQ or HCQ was conducted. Patients were divided based on whether or not they developed retinopathy as retinopathy-positive or negative groups. Medical records giving details regarding age, gender, body weight, underlying diseases, daily doses, and cumulative doses of CQ or HCQ were reviewed. CQ and HCQ retinopathy were diagnosed by indirect ophthalmoscopy, Humphrey visual field test, and optical coherence tomography. The main outcome measures were incidences and risk factors of CQ and HCQ retinopathy. RESULTS: The CQ retinopathy was detected in 14 of 173 patients (8.09%) who received CQ for 139-2,033 days, cumulative doses from 14.3 to 325.1 g, and daily doses from 0.8 to 18.5 mg/kg/d. Their ages ranged from 27 to 65 years. When compared to the CQ retinopathy-negative group, only age, body weight, and cumulative dose showed statistically significant differences. The HCQ retinopathy-positive group was comprised of 2 of 61 patients (3.28%) who received HCQ for 660-828 days, cumulative doses from 80 to 130 g, and daily dose from 1.9 to 4.4 mg/kg/d. Their ages were 36 and 39 years. Compared to the HCQ retinopathy-negative group, there were no statistically significant differences in studied risk factors. CONCLUSION: Incidences of and risk factors for CQ and HCQ retinopathy were reported. Since most patients developed retinopathy earlier than 5 years, it is suggested that patients taking long-term CQ or HCQ should undergo ophthalmologic screening annually after the baseline examination.

Blood culture bottles are superior to conventional media for vitreous culture.

BACKGROUND: To compare blood culture bottles and conventional media for the vitreous culture in patients with clinically suspected infectious endophthalmitis. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study at KKU Eye Center, Khon Kaen University. PARTICIPANTS: There were 342 patients with clinically suspected infectious endophthalmitis participated in the study. METHODS: The vitreous specimens were inoculated in both blood culture bottles and on conventional culture media (blood agar, MacConkey agar, chocolate agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar and thioglycolate broth). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of positive culture yields in both blood culture bottles and conventional media. RESULTS: Positive culture yields in both methods were found in 151 eyes (49.5%). There were 136 of 151 eyes (90.1%) with positive culture in blood culture bottles, whereas 99 of 151 eyes (65.6%) yielded positive cultures in conventional media. These findings were different with a statistical significance (P < 0.00001) and an odds ratio of 3.47 (95% confidence interval 1.92, 6.63). A combination of blood culture bottles and conventional media improved the yield. CONCLUSIONS: Blood culture bottles are superior to conventional media for vitreous culture in clinically suspected infectious endophthalmitis. Vitreous culture using blood culture bottles should be recommended as the primary method for microbiological diagnosis. A combination of both methods further improves the positive culture yield.

Macular sensitivity after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy in central serous chorioretinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the macular sensitivity after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy in patients with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy using the automated static perimeter. METHODS: Prospective consecutive case study of 24 patients with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy was performed. The macular sensitivity was measured using a conventional automated static perimeter with the Swedish interactive threshold algorithm 10-2 and foveal threshold. Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus examination, macular thickness, and volume were also examined. The mean macular sensitivities of the affected eyes and their normal fellow eyes were calculated and compared. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean macular sensitivities of the affected eyes were lower than the normal fellow eyes with a statistically significant difference in all areas of the study (P<0.05). Best corrected visual acuity improved significantly from pretreatment (0.26±0.3 logMAR) to posttreatment (0.075±0.15 logMAR, P<0.05). Macular thicknesses in affected eyes were 230.66±67.34 µm and in the normal eyes were 238.33±92.26 µm (P=0.68). Macular volumes in affected eyes were 8.77±0.49 and in the normal eyes were 8.70±0.50 (P=0.60). These findings were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Eyes with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy had lower macular sensitivity than normal fellow eyes. These findings agreed well with the previous microperimetric studies. The conventional automated static perimeter can also be used when a microperimeter is not available.

12-year retrospective study of Sturge-Weber syndrome and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical manifestations and neuroimaging features of patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) treated at Srinagarind Hospital over a 12-year period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study of sixteen patients with SWS (9 males and 7 females) was conducted. The medical records, photographs, and neuroimaging studies were reviewed RESULTS: All patients had port-wine stain (PWS) involving the eyelid. Bilateral cutaneous lesions were revealed in four patients (25%). Glaucoma was the main ocular disease being diagnosed in 11 eyes of nine patients (56.25%); four eyes were finally blind. The cyclodestructive procedure and/or surgical treatment was required in four eyes. Other ocular abnormalities were refractive error dilated episcleral vessels, corneal abnormalities, tortuous retinal vessels, choroidal hemangioma, amblyopia, and strabismus. Twelve patients (75%) had neurological impairment including seizure, hemiparesis, headache, and delayed development. However the most common neurological manifestation was epilepsy (75%), which could be controlled with antiepileptic drugs. Neurological imaging was performed in the majority of cases (14 patients). Intracranial abnormalities were demonstrated in 11 patients (78.57%). These included cerebral atrophy (81.82%), cerebral calcification (54.55%), leptomeningeal angioma (27.27%), and enlarged choroidal plexus (27.27%). The ocular complication and intracranial abnormalities were usually ipsilateral to the PWS. One patient with unilateral PWS, however had bilateral intracranial lesion. CONCLUSION: Port-wine stains, glaucoma, and seizure were the most common clinical features of Sturge-Weber syndrome detected in the present study. Complete ophthalmic and neurological evaluation should be performed at the time ofdiagnosis. Multidisciplinary team management as well as lifelong follow-up is needed.