Aqueous misdirection syndrome post silicone oil removal in a vitrectomized eye - a case report.

PUROPSE: Aqueous misdirection syndrome (AMS) is an aggressive post-operative glaucoma unresponsive to conventional measures with grave outcomes. In this report, we describe a rare case of AMS following silicon oil removal in a vitrectomized eye. METHODS: A diabetic patient with tractional retinal detachment underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicon oil injection. Following retinal reattachment, silicon oil removal was performed at three months. Post oil removal she developed increased intraocular pressure with shallowing of both the peripheral and central anterior chamber suggestive of AMS. RESULTS: Initial medical management with anti-glaucoma medications and cycloplegics was not beneficial. A pars plana lensectomy with complete anterior hyaloidectomy along with a surgical peripheral iridectomy helped relieve the aqueous misdirection. CONCLUSION: AMS can rarely occur following vitrectomy and is likely secondary to intact anterior hyaloid. Lensectomy along with zonulo-hyaloido-iridectomy is essential. This report highlights the occurrence of this rare complication and its effective management.

Closure rate and recovery of subfoveal microstructures following conventional internal limiting membrane peeling versus per fluoro octane-assisted inverted flap for large macular holes - A randomized controlled trial (InFlap Study).

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes following conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus perfluoro octane-assisted inverted flap technique for large macular holes (MH). METHODS: A consecutive 99 eyes of 99 patients were enrolled {45 - conventional group and 54 - inverted flap (InFlap) group}. The primary outcome was a difference in closure rate. Secondary outcomes were differences in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), restoration of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) between groups at 3 (primary endpoint), 6 and 12 (secondary endpoints) months. Additionally, the effect of different gas tamponades on closure rates, ILM flap disintegration in InFlap group, and subfoveal thickness (SFT) between groups in closed. RESULTS: At 3 months, there was no difference in the closure rate and BCVA between groups. At six months, closure rate was significantly better in the InFlap group. However, this difference was not maintained at 12 months. There was no difference in BCVA between groups at any visit. The ELM recovery was significantly higher in the conventional group at three months; however, there was no difference in ELM/EZ recovery between groups at other visits. The closure rate in the InFlap group was the same irrespective of gas tamponade. The ILM flap was identifiable in one-third of patients at 12 months. In closed MH, SFT was significantly more in InFlap group. CONCLUSION: The closure rate and visual outcomes remained similar in both groups in the immediate and long term. Conventional ILM peeling technique seems to have early ELM recovery when compared to inverted flap technique.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage following sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens - A case series.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SH) is a rare complication of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL). In this series, we report three cases of sutureless SFIOL who developed SH postoperatively. Details of surgery, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. Two cases had limited SH which resolved with conservative treatment and had optimum visual recovery. One case developed massive SH needing surgical drainage, with final best-corrected visual acuity of 6/18 due to a persistent retinal fold. SH can be a potential complication while creating scleral grooves for haptic fixation. The use of a bent needle instead of a straight microvitreoretinal knife while creating scleral grooves might reduce the risk of SH in sutureless SFIOL surgeries.

Incidence of post vitrectomy endophthalmitis in India - A multicentric study by VRSI study Group.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of post vitrectomy endophthalmitis (PVE) is reported to be between 0.02 and 0.84%. Resterilization of single use instruments is a common practice amidst developing countries to make it more affordable to the patients by reducing the cost of the surgery and also reduce the environmental hazard. The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence of PVE amidst existing sterilization practices of reused instruments in multiple vitreoretinal centres in India. METHODOLOGY: Centres with an endophthalmitis tracking system were invited to participate in a survey. Twenty-five centres were sent a questionnaire via email. The questionnaire included details about the institution, number of vitrectomies performed in a year, sterilization practices followed pre-operatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively, incidence of endophthalmitis and instrument reuse policies. RESULTS: A total of 29 cases of endophthalmitis were reported out of the 47,612 vitrectomies performed across various centres. The mean incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.06%. There was no difference in the rates of endophthalmitis based on various pre-operative, intraoperative or postoperative prophylactic measures. Nearly 80% of the centres change most of the instruments after every case, while the rest reused. The mean number of times a cutter was being reused until discarded was 4.7. Nearly 76% followed a performance-based protocol, and the remaining 24% had a fixed protocol for the number of times an instrument can be reused before discarding it. CONCLUSION: PVE rates are not significantly different in India despite the multiuse of single use instruments. The purpose of this paper is not to suggest an alternate protocol but to creating one in the future with these results in mind, to rationalise the use of single use instruments, make VR surgery more affordable and also have a positive impact on the carbon footprint of consumables in surgery.

Towards a Device Agnostic AI for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: An External Validation Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of a validated Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm developed for a smartphone-based camera on images captured using a standard desktop fundus camera to screen for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Participants: Subjects with established diabetes mellitus. Methods: Images captured on a desktop fundus camera (Topcon TRC-50DX, Japan) for a previous study with 135 consecutive patients (233 eyes) with established diabetes mellitus, with or without DR were analysed by the AI algorithm. The performance of the AI algorithm to detect any DR, referable DR (RDR Ie, worse than mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and/or diabetic macular edema (DME)) and sight-threatening DR (STDR Ie, severe NPDR or worse and/or DME) were assessed based on comparisons against both image-based consensus grades by two fellowship trained vitreo-retina specialists and clinical examination. Results: The sensitivity was 98.3% (95% CI 96%, 100%) and the specificity 83.7% (95% CI 73%, 94%) for RDR against image grading. The specificity for RDR decreased to 65.2% (95% CI 53.7%, 76.6%) and the sensitivity marginally increased to 100% (95% CI 100%, 100%) when compared against clinical examination. The sensitivity for detection of any DR when compared against image-based consensus grading and clinical exam were both 97.6% (95% CI 95%, 100%). The specificity for any DR detection was 90.9% (95% CI 82.3%, 99.4%) as compared against image grading and 88.9% (95% CI 79.7%, 98.1%) on clinical exam. The sensitivity for STDR was 99.0% (95% CI 96%, 100%) against image grading and 100% (95% CI 100%, 100%) as compared against clinical exam. Conclusion: The AI algorithm could screen for RDR and any DR with robust performance on images captured on a desktop fundus camera when compared to image grading, despite being previously optimized for a smartphone-based camera.

Morphological outcome and indication for laser following intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy for posterior retinopathy of prematurity.

The purpose of this study is to determine the natural course of retinal vascular development and recurrence requiring laser in eyes receiving intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for posterior retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Data of babies receiving IVB for posterior ROP was retrospectively analyzed. Birth weight, gestational age (GA) and post-menstrual age (PMA) at injection, need for laser, retinal maturation, and their timing were recorded. The study included 63 eyes of 32 babies, born at a median GA of 31 (IQR 29-32) weeks, and birth weight 1410 (1280-1697.5) g. Aggressive posterior ROP was seen in 36 (57%) eyes and staged ROP in 27 (43%). IVB was injected at a median PMA of 36 (34.5-37) weeks. Complete retinal vascularization was seen in 33 (52.4%) at a median PMA of 52 (47-60) weeks, prophylactic laser was needed in 17 (27%) at 61 (55.5-63) weeks, and only 13 (20.6%) eyes had recurrence needing treatment laser, at 42 (39-57) weeks respectively. Babies requiring laser had a significantly lower birth weight (p = 0.033) and received injection earlier (p = 0.08). Retinal vascular development progresses with IVB monotherapy with 21% of eyes developing recurrence that requires laser in this subset of Indian babies. Following IVB, monotherapy laser can be selectively performed only in cases with recurrence or failure to mature.

A Delphi method based consensus statement for surgical management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in India.

PURPOSE: To derive consensus statements for surgical management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) for vitreoretinal (VR) surgeons. METHODS: Thirteen prolific VR surgeons representing all regions of India were invited to participate in a 42-point questionnaire based on the Delphi methodology describing various surgical scenarios commonly encountered in PDR. Consensus was derived using predefined robust analytics. Scenarios that returned a moderate consensus in round 1 were taken to round 2 as per the Delphi methodology. After considering all inputs, the final consensus criteria were developed. RESULTS: A strong consensus was derived about waiting for 4 weeks before considering vitrectomy. In treatment-naïve eyes with fresh vitreous hemorrhage (VH), the wait time was slightly shorter for extramacular tractional retinal detachment (2-4 weeks) and longer (4-6 weeks) for eyes treated previously with laser or anti-VEGF agents. The expert panel recommended using preoperative anti-VEGF only in eyes with large membranes requiring extensive dissection. For post vitrectomy VH, while a conservative approach was recommended for the first episode of VH, experts recommended immediate vitreous lavage for recurrent episodes of VH. In eyes with iris neovascularization, the panel recommended immediate anti-VEGF injection followed by early vitreous lavage in nonresponsive eyes. A strong consensus was derived for stopping antiplatelet agents before surgery, while there was only a moderate consensus for performing vitrectomy for recalcitrant macular edema unresponsive to anti-VEGF injections in the absence of traction. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable consensus on managing the different scenarios encountered during surgical management of PDR and should help guide the VR surgeons in clinical decision-making.

Hyperreflective foci as biomarkers for inflammation in diabetic macular edema: Retrospective analysis of treatment naïve eyes from south India.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with hyperreflective foci (HRF) in diabetic macular edema (DME) in treatment naïve eyes. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 131 eyes of 91 treatment naïve patients with DME. Details of ophthalmological examination with duration of vision loss and systemic parameters were noted. The spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images were analyzed for number and location of HRF and the associated imaging biomarkers. Results: Inner retinal (IR) HRF were seen in 88 eyes (67%), outer retinal (OR) in 28 (21%), and subretinal (SR) in 12 (9%). The IR had (7.1 ± 7) HRF, the OR (6.5 ± 4.8), and SR (3.9 ± 2.9). A greater proportion of eyes with HRF also had subretinal fluid (SRF), significantly higher blood pressure and lower serum triglycerides. Univariate linear regression analysis showed women (3 HRF greater vs. men, P = 0.04), eyes with cystoid spaces (2.95 more HRF vs. no cystoid spaces, P = 0.02), and SRF (2.96 more HRF vs. no SRF, P = 0.007) had more HRF, whereas higher triglycerides (1 HRF lesser per 50 mg lower TGL, P = 0.03) had lesser. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of HRF as an imaging biomarker in DME suggesting an inflammatory origin. Long-term observations of large cohorts with automated analysis can give more insights.

Proportion of diabetic retinopathy among diabetics presenting for the first time to a tertiary eye institute in South India.

PURPOSE: To detect the proportion of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among diabetics visiting a tertiary eye care institute and correlate presenting symptoms to clinical diagnosis. METHODS: The study recruited 1000 eyes of 1000 diabetics visiting a tertiary eye care institute in South India for the first time. Along with basic demographic data and systemic history, details of presenting complaints and clinical diagnosis were noted. RESULTS: Data from 956 cases were analyzed. There were 29 (3%) newly diagnosed diabetics and 927 (97%) known diabetics. The commonest reason for the hospital visit was diminution of vision (66%) followed by "visiting for a routine checkup" (22.3%). Diabetic retinopathy was seen in 492 (51.5%), cataract in 161(17%) and refractive error in 240 patients (79.2%). Vision-threatening DR was present in 216 cases (22.59%) and clinically significant macular edema in 73 cases (7.63%) at first presentation itself. CONCLUSION: The cohort from a tertiary eye care institute has higher proportion of diabetic retinopathy, with vision-threatening DR at presentation. These data emphasize the need for more robust screening for DR, along with population awareness programs.

Profile of patients receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections during COVID-19-related lockdown.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact on vision due to delay in presentation of patients requiring intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, consequent to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively of patients who received anti-VEGF injections during four months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visual acuities, indication for treatment were noted along with basic demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 303 eyes of 263 patients. The indication for treatment was age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 60 eyes (19.8%), while 162 eyes (53.5%) had Diabetic Macular Edema, 71 eyes (23.4%) had Retinal Vein Occlusion and 10 eyes (3.3%) had other diagnosis. The visual acuity in the treatment naïve eyes (Group A, n = 168) was significantly worse (P <0.001) than those who presented for retreatment (Group B, n = 135). In Group B, there was a significant decline in vision for the entire cohort (P = 0.009) and those with AMD (P = 0.036). Those in Group B presented at a mean interval of 19.1 ± 10.6 (range, 4-64) weeks for retreatment. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a delay in patients receiving anti-VEGF injections. The visual acuity is worse in both treatment naïve as well as those requiring retreatment. This could have long-term impact on vision of patients requiring this vision preserving treatment.

Clinical profile and outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment related to trauma in pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of trauma-related rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) in pediatric population. DESIGN: Retrospective observational series. PARTICIPANTS: All patients under 18 years of age who underwent surgery for RD following trauma from 2010 to 2018. METHODS: Data were recorded from medical records regarding type of trauma, ocular status at presentation, details of RD (extent, number of breaks, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, choroidal detachment). The surgical intervention (scleral buckling or vitrectomy; tamponade used) and postoperative outcomes, including anatomical success, resurgeries, and visual acuity, were noted. RESULTS: We included 32 eyes of 32 patients, where closed globe injury was seen in 13 eyes (41%) and open globe injury (OGI) in 19 eyes (59%). At presentation, 50% of the eyes had RD, with total RD in 20 eyes (63%). Scleral buckling was performed in 9 eyes (28%), whereas the remainder (n = 23) underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicon oil tamponade for RD repair. Silicone oil removal was done in 16 eyes (70%) and recurrent or persistent RD was seen 17 eyes (53%). Final reattachment rate was 75% (n = 24). The final best-corrected visual acuity was better in the closed globe injury group (mean = 5/60 Snellen's vs 1/60 Snellen's in OGI group), though this was only marginally significant statistically. Late complications were seen in 26 eyes (81%), of which 18 (69%) had previous OGI. CONCLUSION: Pediatric traumatic RDs have very poor anatomical and visual outcomes. OGI fares worse than closed globe. Loss of vision in children can be prevented by better safety measures so as to avoid trauma.

Outcomes of sutureless and sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens in paediatric population.

PURPOSE: To analyse the outcomes of sutureless and sutured scleral fixated intraocular lenses (SFIOL) in paediatric population. SETTING: Vitreoretina department of a tertiary eye care institute in Southern India. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Data were collected from January 2010 to December 2018 for children less than 18 years of age, based on the following parameters: demographics, pre-operative characteristics, duration between aphakia and surgery, previous amblyopia treatment, the uncorrected (UCVA) and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and, 1,6 and 12 months or final visit. Early and late post-operative complications along with details of any resurgery was recorded. RESULTS: The study included 45 eyes of 43 patients. The mean age when children became aphakic was 8.8±3.6 years and the mean age at SFIOL implantation 10.1 ± 3.9 years. Sutureless SFIOL was performed for 36 (80%) eyes. The improvement in UCVA was statistically significant at 1-month follow up. Transient hypotony (n = 3), vitreous hemorrhage (n = 7) and raised IOP (n = 4) were the most observed early post-operative complications, while haptic exposure or disinsertion (n = 4, 9%) was a delayed postoperative complication. The mean spherical equivalent at the last follow up was 1.96 ± 0.83D and mean postoperative cylinder 2.32 ± 1.3D. The children were followed up for a mean duration of 20 ± 21.7 months. History of previous vitrectomy was found to be associated with two line reduction in UCVA (95% CI = 0.03-0.5 logMAR, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: SFIOLs- sutured and sutureless; both were suitable for the rehabilitation of paediatric aphakia. Sutureless scleral fixation is a safe alternative for children but prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed.