Fluorescence imaging of the ILM flap following MH surgery.

PURPOSE: To report on the imaging of internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap following macular hole (MH) surgery. OBSERVATIONS: Three eyes of 3 patients with baseline Snellen visual acuities (VAs) of 20/250, 20/30, and 20/100 underwent superior wide-base internal limiting membrane flap transposition (SWIFT) for MH. Indocyanine green (ICG) was used for intraoperative staining of the ILM. Following MH surgery, MH closed in all cases and VAs were 20/30, 20/30, and 20/60 respectively. An "en face" ICG fluorescence image of the ILM flap was obtained using infrared confocal scanning laser imaging at 795 nm. ICG fluorescence demonstrated the ILM flap to be intact and in good position with complete coverage of the MH in all cases. An area of hypofluorescence was present superiorly, corresponding to the flap harvest site with absent ILM. ICG hyperfluorescence of varying intensity was present at the MH site in all 3 cases. Folding of the ILM flap was present in one case. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Following MH surgery, the status of an ILM flap may be evaluated by an "en face" image of the flap obtained by ICG fluorescence imaging. This imaging modality may be valuable in the study of various ILM flap techniques.

Brolucizumab-associated intraocular inflammation in eyes without retinal vasculitis.

PURPOSE: To analyze a series of eyes with brolucizumab-associated intraocular inflammation (IOI) without retinal vasculitis reported to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS). METHODS: The ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee analyzed clinical characteristics from submitted reports of IOI after brolucizumab. Eyes with retinal vasculitis or that received intraocular antibiotics were excluded. RESULTS: Forty-nine eyes of 45 patients were collected. Mean visual acuity (VA) at baseline was 20/49 (range 20/20 - 5/200). Patients presented with IOI a mean of 24 (range 3-63) days after most recent brolucizumab injection; 61% presented for an unscheduled visit while 39% presented at routine follow-up. Mean VA at IOI presentation was 20/67 (range 20/20 - 3/200). Most common symptoms were floaters (78%) and blurry vision (76%). Pain (20%) and redness (16%) were less common; 3 (6%) eyes were asymptomatic. IOI was anterior only in 18%, posterior only in 31%, and both anterior and posterior in 51% of eyes. Treatment included topical steroids alone in 67% eyes, while 10% eyes received no treatment. Mean VA at last follow-up was 20/56 (range 20/20 - 1/200). Three (6%) eyes lost 3 or more lines and 1 (2%) eye lost 6 or more lines. CONCLUSIONS: Brolucizumab-associated IOI without retinal vasculitis typically presented with a delayed onset of a few weeks. Often, visual acuity decline was relatively mild. Most symptoms resolved and nearly all had a return to baseline VA, but a small percentage of patients had a significant decrease in VA at last follow-up.

Superior Wide-Base Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Transposition for Macular Holes: Flap Status and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap techniques are used for the management of macular holes (MHs). Status of the flap after surgery often is uncertain. The current study evaluated the status of the ILM flap after MH surgery with superior wide-base ILM flap transposition (SWIFT). DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eyes undergoing SWIFT for MH. METHODS: Data were collected on demographic characteristics, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity (VA), and MH status. OCT and indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence were used to evaluate the MH and the ILM flap status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Status of MH, ILM flap position, and ILM flap integrity. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with a mean age of 65.3 years and mean follow-up of 11.6 months were included in the study. Thirteen eyes had 1 or more high-risk characteristics. Four eyes (24%) were highly myopic, 6 eyes (35%) had chronic MH, and 3 eyes (18%) had a history of prior MH surgery and ILM removal. The mean MH basal diameter was 899.4 µm and the mean inner diameter was 516.1 µm. In 6 eyes, the MH inner diameter was 650 µm. The baseline mean VA equivalent was 0.88 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). The MH closed in 16 eyes (94%). Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging demonstrated complete coverage of the MH by the ILM flap in 14 eyes (82%), partial coverage in 1 eye (6%), and no coverage in 2 eyes (12%). In the 2 eyes without ILM flap coverage, the MH was closed in 1 eye and remained open in 1 eye. Non-center-involving folding of the ILM flap was present in 4 eyes (24%). At the last follow-up visit, the mean VA equivalent was 0.54 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: Superior wide-base ILM flap transposition is a useful technique for the management of high-risk MHs, including persistent MHs with previously removed ILM. After surgery, the ILM flap may be visualized by ICG fluorescence imaging. After SWIFT, ICG imaging indicates that the ILM flap is intact and in a good position in most cases.

Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis Following Intravitreal Brolucizumab.

PURPOSE: To analyze a case series of retinal vasculitis reported to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) following Food and Drug Administration approval of brolucizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: The ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics Committee analyzed clinical and imaging characteristics from submitted reports of retinal vasculitis after brolucizumab. RESULTS: Retinal vasculitis was reported in 26 eyes of 25 patients (22 [88%] female) after treatment with brolucizumab. Imaging studies were available for 24 of 26 eyes. Most cases (92%) were associated with intraocular inflammation, which presented at a mean of 25 days (range, 3-63 days) after the most recent brolucizumab injection. Mean visual acuity (VA) was 20/52 (range, 20/25-4/200) before the adverse event, 20/151 (range, 20/25-hand motion) at presentation of the adverse event, and 20/243 (range, 20/30-light perception) at last follow-up. Twelve eyes (46%) had a greater than 3-line decrease in VA at final follow-up, and 12 eyes (46%) had a final VA of 20/200 or worse. Analysis of retinal imaging identified vasculopathy that involved retinal arteries (91%), retinal veins (79%), and choroidal vessels (48%). Occlusive disease was apparent on imaging in 83% of eyes. Treatment approaches were varied. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal vasculitis has been identified in a series of eyes following brolucizumab. Although a few eyes in this series were asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, some eyes had significant vision loss. A careful examination for signs of active inflammation prior to brolucizumab injection is recommended. Once vasculopathy is suspected, angiographic imaging may help define the spectrum of involvement. Optimal treatment strategies remain unknown.

Scleral fixation of fluocinolone acetonide implant.

PURPOSE: To report on the technique of scleral fixation of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant in 2 eyes with recalcitrant diabetic macular edema (DME). OBSERVATIONS: Two eyes of 2 patients with persistent DME, partially responsive to anti-VEGF therapy, underwent intravitreal FAc implant injection. First case had a history of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and scleral fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens implant (PCIOL) for retained lens fragments and dislocated IOL. Subsequently, the patient presented with intermittent anterior chamber migration of the FAc implant associated with an increase in DME. The FAc implant was fixated to the sclera, preventing further migrations, and improving the DME. The second case had a history of persistent DME, PCIOL with open capsule, epiretinal membrane (ERM), and a free-floating FAc implant within the vitreous cavity. She underwent PPV, membrane peel, and simultaneous scleral fixation of the free-floating FAc implant. The surgical technique included 23 G PPV, externalization of FAc implant, re-implantation and scleral fixation through the same sclerotomy utilizing a 10/0 prolene suture. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: A surgical technique for scleral fixation of FAc implant is described. The technique is valuable in the management of patients with persistent diabetic macular edema or uveitis who benefit from treatment with fluocinolone acetonide implant but are at risk for anterior chamber migration of the implant.

Vascularization and Reperfusion of Autologous Retinal Transplant for Giant Macular Holes.

Importance: Autologous retinal transplant is a recently described treatment modality for myopic and other refractory macular holes (MH). Establishment of blood supply may influence survival of a transplanted tissue. However, there are currently no reports on the vascular status of a transplanted retinal graft. Objective: To report on vascularization and reperfusion of autologous retinal graft after transplant for giant MHs demonstrated by multimodal imaging. Design, Setting, Participants: Two patients with giant MH (basal diameter ≥2000 µm) who underwent autologous retinal transplant at Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group in Los Angeles, California, in June 2018 and February 2019, respectively, were included. Main Outcomes and Measures: Status of MH, Snellen visual acuity, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fluorescein angiography findings. Results: Two eyes of 2 female patients were included. The mean age was 68.5 years. Baseline visual acuity was counting fingers and 20/200, and MHs measured 3441 µm and 2387 µm, respectively. Six weeks postoperatively, MHs were closed and the superficial inner retina blood vessels within the graft appeared perfused. Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated early integration of the graft into the surrounding retina and perfused graft vasculature in both patients. Fluorescein angiography confirmed perfusion of retinal graft. At the last follow-up, visual acuity was 20/200 and 20/150, respectively, the MH was closed, and the retinal grafts were perfused. Conclusions and Relevance: Autologous neurosensory retinal transplant may be used for the treatment of giant MHs. Vascularization and reperfusion of the retinal graft is observed within 6 weeks of transplant. It is hypothesized that visual improvement occurs as a result of flattening of the MH rim, partial centripetal migration of MH edges during the early healing phase, and further centripetal migration in the later phase associated with the shrinkage of the retinal graft.

SUPPLEMENTAL SCLERAL BUCKLE IN THE ERA OF SMALL INCISION VITRECTOMY AND WIDE-ANGLE VIEWING SYSTEMS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate trends and outcomes of scleral buckle as adjunct to pars plana vitrectomy for management of retinal detachment. METHODS: Retrospective case series including 300 consecutive cases of retinal detachment that underwent pars plana vitrectomy. The series was divided into three consecutive groups: Group A (first 100 cases), Group B (second 100 cases), and Group C (third 100 cases). RESULTS: Three hundred eyes of 289 patients, mean age 61.0 years, were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 31.3 months for Group A, 28.5 months for Group B, and 12.0 months for Group C (P < 0.001). The baseline mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution equivalent was 1.58 for Group A, 1.31 for Group B, and 1.33 for Group C (P = 0.15). Supplemental scleral buckle was performed in 53% of Group A, 35% of Group B, and 17% of Group C (P < 0.001). Single surgery reattachment rate was 93% for Group A, 95% for Group B, and 97% for Group C (P = 0.48). The mean change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution equivalent was -0.84 for Group A, -0.81 for Group B, and -0.71 for Group C (P = 0.50). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates decreasing use of supplemental scleral buckle in the era of small gauge vitrectomy surgery and wide-angle viewing systems while the outcomes remain stable. Selective, less frequent use of supplemental scleral buckle is compatible with good anatomical and visual outcomes.

Outcomes of small-gauge vitreoretinal surgery without scleral-depressed shaving of the vitreous base in the era of wide-angle viewing systems.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) without scleral-depressed shaving of the vitreous base. METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive case series. Surgical technique included small-gauge PPV (25G, 23G, 25G+ or 27G) and wide-angle vitrectomy viewing system in all cases. No cases were excluded based on the level of complexity of RD. Outcome measures were retinal reattachment rates and Snellen visual acuity (best-corrected visual activity [BCVA]). RESULTS: 312 eyes of 301 patients, mean age 60.8 years, and mean follow-up 23.1 months. Baseline characteristics included macula-off RD in 207 (66%) eyes, psudophakia in 124 (40%) eyes, high myopia in 74 (24%) eyes and giant retinal tear in 14 (5%) eyes. The retina was reattached with one procedure in 296 (95%) eyes. Final retinal reattachment was achieved in 310 (99%) eyes. The BCVA at baseline was >20/40 in 76 (24%) eyes, 20/50-20/100 in 48 (15%) eyes, 20/200-20/400 in 46 (15%) eyes and <20/400 in 142 (46%) eyes. At the last follow-up, the BCVA was >20/40 in 168 (54%) eyes, 20/50-20/100 in 60 (19%) eyes, 20/200-20/400 in 49 (16%) eyes and <20/400 in 35 (11%) eyes. The mean change in logMAR equivalent was -0.12 for the macula-on group and -1.13 for the macula-off group (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Small-gauge PPV without scleral-depressed vitreous base shaving can be associated with good anatomical and visual outcomes. Case selection based on the complexity of RD may not be required when considering small-gauge PPV.

Reported Complications Following Laser Vitreolysis.

Importance: Use of laser vitreolysis for symptomatic floaters has increased in recent years, but prospective studies are not available and the complication profile is poorly understood. Objective: To analyze cases of complications following laser vitreolysis as voluntarily reported to the American Society of Retina Specialists Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ASRS ReST) Committee, an independent task force formed to monitor device-related and drug-related safety events. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective assessment was performed of all cases of complications following laser vitreolysis that were voluntarily reported by practitioners throughout the United States to the ASRS ReST Committee from the first report on September 19, 2016, through March 16, 2017, the date of data analysis and manuscript writing. Main Outcomes and Measures: Complications reported to the ASRS ReST Committee following laser vitreolysis were analyzed by type to gain an understanding of the spectrum of potential complications. Results: A total of 16 complications following laser vitreolysis were reported in 15 patients by 7 US vitreoretinal specialists during the study period. Complications included elevated intraocular pressure leading to glaucoma; cataracts, including posterior capsule defects requiring cataract surgery; retinal tear; retinal detachment; retinal hemorrhages; scotomas; and an increased number of floaters. Conclusions and Relevance: This report presents a spectrum of complications reported to the ASRS ReST Committee across 6 months. The rate of complications cannot be determined because the denominator of total cases is unknown. Also, these findings cannot determine whether there is a causal association between these complications and laser vitreolysis. Prospective studies are warranted to better understand the efficacy of this procedure and the frequency of attendant complications. Until then, practitioners should be aware of the profile of potential complications to properly inform patients during the consent process. The ASRS ReST Committee will continue to monitor device-related and drug-related adverse events and encourages active surveillance and reporting by all physicians.

Clinical Course of Vitreomacular Traction Managed Initially by Observation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical course and outcomes of patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT) managed initially by observation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This noncomparative case series included patients with a diagnosis of VMT based on clinical symptoms and findings on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) between 2005 and 2014. VMT was documented using a standardized grading system based on the degree of distortion of the foveal contour. Data were collected at five retina clinics using standardized collection forms. Visual acuity, changes in SD-OCT findings, and timing of the release of VMT as seen on SD-OCT were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 230 eyes of 185 patients. Mean age was 72.5 years, and mean follow-up was 32 months. At baseline, VMT grading was grade 1 in 92 eyes (40%), grade 2 in 118 eyes (51.3%), and grade 3 in 20 eyes (8.7%). By last follow-up, spontaneous release of VMT occurred in 73 eyes (31.7%). Spontaneous release of VMT occurred at a mean of 18 months (median: 10.9 months) after initial visit. Mean logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.28 (20/55) (range: 20/20 to 20/400) at baseline and 0.25 (20/51) (range: 20/20 to 20/400) at last follow-up. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 10 eyes (4.1%) for macular hole (six eyes) and increased VMT (four eyes); BCVA was at least 20/40 in eight of the 10 eyes at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients with VMT generally had a favorable clinical course when managed initially by observation. Spontaneous release of VMT occurred in approximately one-third of patients. At last follow-up, pars plana vitrectomy was performed in fewer than 5% of patients.

The spectrum of superficial and deep capillary ischemia in retinal artery occlusion.

PURPOSE: To describe the spectrum of retinal capillary ischemia, including superficial and deep capillary ischemia, as identified with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT), that occurs in retinal arterial occlusive disease. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. METHODS: Clinical charts, color fundus photography, red-free fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, near-infrared reflectance, and SD OCT imaging in 40 eyes of 35 patients with retinal arterial occlusive disease were studied in both the acute and chronic phases in multicenter clinical practices. SD OCT imaging analysis was employed to characterize the presence of superficial and deep capillary ischemia in each eye. RESULTS: Of the 40 eyes, 15 eyes had central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), 22 eyes had branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), and 3 eyes had cilioretinal artery occlusion. During the acute phase, SD OCT showed the following 3 distinct patterns, related to retinal ischemia occurring at varying levels within the retina: (1) thickening and hyperreflectivity of the inner retinal layers, including the nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers owing to ischemia of the superficial capillary plexus; (2) a hyperreflective band at the level of the inner nuclear layer, termed "paracentral acute middle maculopathy," representing ischemia of the intermediate and deep retinal capillary plexuses (deep capillary ischemia); and (3) diffuse thickening and hyperreflectivity of both the inner and middle retinal layers, which represented both superficial and deep capillary ischemia. Of all eyes, 31 (78%) had both superficial and deep lesions. The remaining 9 eyes (22%) had isolated deep capillary ischemia producing paracentral acute middle maculopathy with sparing of the superficial capillary plexus and a normal fluorescein angiographic appearance. As the lesions evolved into the chronic phase over the ensuing 3 months, the resultant thinning and atrophy reflected the retinal layers affected during the acute phase. CONCLUSION: SD OCT imaging reveals the spectrum of capillary ischemia in retinal artery occlusive disease showing variable involvement of the superficial and intermediate/deep capillary plexuses. Isolated deep capillary ischemia manifested as paracentral acute middle maculopathy on SD OCT and may be seen in some eyes with retinal arterial circulation compromise despite complete absence of perfusion abnormalities on fluorescein angiography.

Ranibizumab for macular telangiectasia type 2 in the absence of subretinal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 0.3 mg or 0.5 mg of ranibizumab in eyes with macular telangiectasia type 2 without subretinal neovascularization. METHODS: Ten eyes were randomized to either 0.3 mg or 0.5 mg ranibizumab group in 1 eye only. Study eye received ranibizumab at baseline and at Months 1 and 2. Injections at Months 3, 4, and 5 were at investigator's discretion. Participants were followed monthly through 6 months with best-corrected visual acuity, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: For study eyes at baseline, median best-corrected visual acuity letter score was 60 (20/64 Snellen equivalent) and central subfield retinal thickness was 181.5 µm. Median number of injections was six. Median change in best-corrected visual acuity at Month 3 was 4 letters (range: -5 to 9 letters) at both doses in the study eye and 3 letters (range: -10 to 5 letters) in the untreated fellow eye. At Month 3, retinal leakage decreased 0.87 disk area and 0.76 disk area for 0.3 mg and 0.5 mg ranibizumab, respectively. Median change in central subfield retinal thickness was 1 µm and -11 µm for 0.3 mg and 0.5 mg ranibizumab, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab (0.3 mg or 0.5 mg) decreases leakage secondary to macular telangiectasia type 2, but accompanying improvements in best-corrected visual acuity appear similar to improvements in the untreated fellow eye where retinal thickness is relatively unchanged.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders and Melatonin Production in 127 Blind Women with and without Light Perception.

Light is the major environmental time cue that synchronizes the endogenous central circadian pacemaker, located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, and is detected exclusively by the eyes primarily via specialized non-rod, non-cone ganglion cell photoreceptors. Consequently, most blind people with no perception of light (NPL) have either nonentrained or abnormally phased circadian rhythms due to this inability to detect light. Conversely, most visually impaired participants with some degree of light perception (LP) exhibit normal entrainment, emphasizing the functional separation of visual and "nonvisual" photoreception. The aims of the study were to identify the prevalence of circadian disorders in blind women, with the further aim of examining how eye disease may relate to the type of circadian disorder. Participants (n = 127, age 50.8 ± 13.4 years) completed an 8-week field study including daily sleep diaries and sequential 4 to 8 hourly urine collections over 48 h on 2 to 3 occasions separated by at least 2 weeks. Circadian type was determined from the timing and time course of the melatonin rhythm measured by cosinor-derived urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin rhythm peak. Of the participants with NPL (n = 41), the majority were abnormally phased (24%) or nonentrained (39%), with 37% classified as normally entrained. Of the participants with LP (n = 86), the majority were normally entrained (69%). Eighteen LP participants (21%) were abnormally phased (8 advanced, 10 delayed). Nine LP participants (10%) were nonentrained. The eye conditions most associated with abnormal phase and/or nonentrained circadian rhythms were bilateral enucleation (67%) and retinopathy of prematurity (57%). By contrast, 84% of participants with retinitis pigmentosa and 83% of those with age-related macular degeneration were normally entrained. These findings suggest that the etiology of blindness in addition to LP status is related to an individual's ability to process the circadian light signal.

Clinical course of vitreomacular adhesion managed by initial observation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical course of patients with idiopathic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). METHODS: A noncomparative case series of patients who had clinical symptoms and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings consistent with VMA. The VMA was graded based on the optical coherence tomography findings at initial and follow-up examinations. Grade 1 was incomplete cortical vitreous separation with attachment at the fovea, Grade 2 was the Grade 1 findings and any intraretinal cysts or clefts, and Grade 3 was the Grade 2 findings and the presence of subretinal fluid. RESULTS: One hundred and six eyes of 81 patients were identified as having VMA by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at 3 retina clinics. The mean age was 73 years and the mean time of follow-up was 23 months. Forty-three eyes (41%) had Grade 1 VMA, 56 eyes (52%) had Grade 2 VMA, and 7 eyes (7%) had Grade 3 VMA. By the last follow-up, spontaneous release of VMA occurred in 34 eyes (32%), and pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 5 eyes (4.7%). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.269 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution or 20/37 at baseline (range, 20/20-20/200) and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.251 or 20/35 at the last examination (range, 20/20-20/400). CONCLUSION: In this selected patient cohort with mild symptoms, the clinical course of patients with VMA managed by initial observation was generally favorable.

Endophthalmitis associated with intravitreal injections: office-based setting and operating room setting.

PURPOSE: To report on the occurrence of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections (IVI) in two different settings: office-based and operating room. METHODS: Consecutive case series. Retrospective review of all patients who underwent IVI by 2 physicians between January 2009 and December 2011. Group A underwent IVI in the examination room in office-based setting and Group B underwent IVI in the operating room. RESULTS: A total of 11,710 IVIs were performed during the study period. Group A: A total of 8,647 IVIs performed including 2,041 ranibizumab, 6,169 bevacizumab, and 437 triamcinolone acetonide. The diagnosis included neovascular age-related macular degeneration (5,376), diabetic macular edema (1,587), retinal vein occlusion (1,068), and miscellaneous diagnosis (616). Group B: A total of 3,063 IVIs performed including 683 ranibizumab, 2,364 bevacizumab, and 16 triamcinolone acetonide. The diagnosis included neovascular age-related macular degeneration (1,836), diabetic macular edema (771), retinal vein occlusion (189), and miscellaneous diagnosis (267). A total of 5 cases (0.043%) of clinically suspected endophthalmitis occurred in 11,710 injections. Three cases (0.035%) occurred in Group A, and 2 cases (0.065%) occurred in Group B. CONCLUSION: The rate of clinically suspected endophthalmitis after IVIs is low whether the procedure is performed in the office or operating room setting. The findings have implications in terms of the patient convenience, efficiency, and cost of administrating these treatments.

Outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the era of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcomes, choroidal neovascular complex status, and adverse events in patients with visually significant cataract and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who had cataract surgery. SETTING: Private practices, Beverly Hills, California, and New London, Connecticut, USA. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Data were abstracted from the medical records of patients with neovascular AMD treated by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy who had cataract surgery. The main outcome measures were Snellen corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), perioperative adverse events, and status of the choroidal neovascular complex. RESULTS: The study enrolled 30 eyes of 28 patients. The CDVA was 20/40 or better in 10% of eyes preoperatively and 40% postoperatively; 20/50 to 20/100 in 53% and 33%, respectively; and 20/200 or worse in 37% and 27%, respectively. The change in CDVA from preoperatively to postoperatively was statistically significant, with a mean change of 0.22 logMAR ± 0.27 (SD) at 2 months (P<.0001), 0.22 ± 0.36 logMAR at 6 months (P=.001), and 0.17 ± 0.54 logMAR at the last follow-up (P=.01). Patients received a mean of 0.32 injections per month postoperatively compared with 0.49 injections per month preoperatively. Perioperative macular adverse events did not occur in any eye. CONCLUSIONS: With regular evaluations and appropriate treatment with anti-VEGF agents, cataract surgery did not appear to be associated with an increased incidence of perioperative complications or macular adverse events.