Safety and Effectiveness of Intravitreal Brolucizumab Injection in Combination With Sub-Tenon's Capsule Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy During the Loading Phase.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of combining intravitreal brolucizumab injection with sub-tenon's capsule triamcinolone acetonide injection (STTA) during the loading phase for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, untreated patients with PCV receiving intravitreal brolucizumab injections with STTA during loading at Saitama Medical University Hospital's Eye Center from May 2021 to June 2022 were analyzed. Complete regression rates of polypoidal lesions were assessed using indocyanine green angiography 12 weeks post-treatment initiation. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (19 eyes) participated. Best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved at eight weeks compared to baseline. No significant intraocular pressure increases occurred throughout the loading phase, while central foveal and choroidal thickness significantly reduced at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Subretinal fluid was present in all patients before treatment, rapidly resolving post-intravitreal brolucizumab injections and STTA, with residual rates of 36.8% (seven eyes) and 5.3% (one eye) at four and 12 weeks, respectively. Intraocular inflammation did not occur during the loading phase, and the complete regression rate of polypoidal lesions was 89.5% (17 eyes). CONCLUSIONS: Combining intravitreal brolucizumab injection with STTA during the loading phase may be one treatment option for PCV management.

A Case of Dellen Formation following 27-Gauge Vitrectomy with Rapid Improvement by Scleral and Conjunctival Sutures.

Introduction: Dellen is a corneal disease characterized by shallow, saucer-like excavations at the corneal margin. Herein, we presented a case of dellen formation that developed following a 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and was rapidly resolved using scleral and conjunctival sutures. Case Presentation: A 73-year-old woman underwent a 27-gauge PPV for the epiretinal membrane of the right eye. Intraoperatively, owing to coexisting diabetic retinopathy, the peripheral vitreous was shaved, and retinal photocoagulation was performed on the peripheral retina. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 15 mm Hg on 1 day after the PPV and on postoperative day 4; however, on day 14, the IOP decreased to 10 mm Hg, and conjunctival bleb formation was observed. By day 18, the bleb height remained unchanged, and dellen formation was noted at the corneal periphery. Because of marked corneal thinning, conjunctival and scleral sutures were placed 20 days following the PPV. Intraoperative findings revealed leakage from the scleral wound at the trocar puncture site. The IOP increased to 20 mm Hg at 19 h following the suture, resulting in the disappearance of the bleb and dellen. Since then, the bleb or dellen did not recur. Conclusion: We encountered a case of late-onset scleral wound cleavage 2 weeks following microincision vitreous surgery, resulting in bleb and dellen formation, which was immediately managed by the scleral and conjunctiva suturing.

Case of Spontaneous Closure and Recurrence of Macular Hole in Vitrectomized Eye.

Rationale: Development and spontaneous closure of a macular hole (MH) in a vitrectomized eye is relatively rare. We report our findings in a case in which vitrectomy was performed successfully to treat a vitreous hemorrhage (VH), but a MH developed eight months later. The MH spontaneously closed 2 weeks later, but then reopened. A second vitrectomy was performed with insertion of the internal limiting membrane flap into the MH which led to the successful closure of the MH. The purpose of this article is to present an explanation of how MH developed in this eye without vitreous traction. Patient: A 64-year-old woman visited an eye clinic with vision reduction in her right eye of 3 days duration. A VH was detected in the right eye and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed. A retinal tear was detected which was the origin of the VH. The vision was restored to a decimal visual acuity of 1.2. Eight months later, the patient noticed that her vision was distorted and was referred to our hospital. Diagnosis: Optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images showed a thin epiretinal membrane on the macula, cystoid changes in the macular area, and a full-thickness MH. Interventions: The MH closed spontaneously in two weeks, however a lamellar MH with an epiretinal proliferation (EP) developed 11 months later. Two months later, OCT showed cyst-like changes in the retina and a full-thickness MH. A second PPV was performed with the insertion of the ILM flap and EP into the MH to close the MH. Her visual acuity improved, and distorted vision was not present. Lessons: Clinicians should be aware that a MH can develop in a vitrectomized eye without vitreous traction but can close spontaneously. We conclude that careful follow-up examinations are necessary even in vitrectomized eyes.

Electroretinographic and Optical Coherence Tomographic Evaluations of Eyes with Vitreoretinal Lymphoma.

Vitreoretinal lymphomas (VRLs) present with different clinical characteristics. However, only a few case reports have been published that evaluated the retinal function and the retinal morphology. The relationship between retinal morphology and function of eyes with a vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) was investigated via optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electroretinography (ERG). The ERG and OCT findings in 11 eyes of 11 patients (69.4 ± 11.5 years old) who were diagnosed with VRL at the Saitama Medical University Hospital between December 2016 to May 2022 were studied. The decimal best-corrected visual acuity ranged from hand movements to 1.2 (median 0.2). Histopathological studies of the vitreous specimens showed class II VRL in one eye, class III VRL in seven eyes, class IV VRL in two eyes, and class V VRL in one eye. The IgH gene rearrangement was positive in three of the six eyes tested. The OCT images showed morphological abnormalities in 10 of the 11 (90.9%) eyes. Severe attenuation was found for the amplitudes of the b-wave of the DA 0.01 ERG in 6 of 11 eyes (54.5%), the DA 3.0 a-wave in 5 of 11 eyes (45.5%), the DA 3.0 b-wave in 36.4%, the LA 3.0 a-wave in 36.4%, the LA 3.0 b-wave in 18.2%, and flicker responses in 36.4% of the eyes. None of the DA 3.0 ERGs had a negative shape (b/a < 1.0). In the five eyes in which the a-wave was severely attenuated, hyperreflective dots were observed subretinally. The ERG analysis in eyes with a VRL indicates a relatively severe dysfunction of the outer retinal layer and was helpful in determining the site of the morphological changes in eyes with VRL.

Image sharpening algorithms improve clarity of surgical field during 3D heads-up surgery.

BACKGROUND: Image-sharpening algorithms with color adjustments enable real-time processing of the surgical field with a delay of 4 msec for heads-up surgery using digital three-dimensional displays. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the algorithms with the Artevo 800® digital microscope. METHODS: Seven vitreoretinal surgeons evaluated the effects of image-sharpening processing on the clarity of the surgical field with the Artevo 800® system that is used for cataract and vitreous surgeries. The scorings were made on a 10-point scale for anterior capsulotomy, phacoemulsification, cortex aspiration, core vitrectomy, and peeling of an epiretinal membrane or an internal limiting membrane. In addition, the images during the internal limiting membrane peeling were processed with or without color adjustments. We also evaluated the skewness (asymmetry in the distribution of the pixels) and kurtosis (sharpness in the distribution of the pixel) of the images to evaluate the contrast with each intensity of image-sharpening. RESULTS: Our results showed that the mean visibility score increased significantly from 4.9 ± 0.5 at 0% (original image) to 6.6 ± 0.5 at 25% intensity of the image-sharpening algorithm (P < 0.01). The visibility scores of the internal limiting membrane increased significantly from 0% (6.8 ± 0.3, no color adjustments) to 50% after the color adjustments (7.4 ± 0.4, P = 0.012). The mean skewness decreased significantly from 0.83 ± 2.02 at 0% (original source) to 0.55 ± 1.36 at 25% intensity of the image-sharpening algorithm (P = 0.01). The mean kurtosis decreased significantly from 0.93 ± 2.14 at 0% (original image) to 0.60 ± 1.44 at 25% intensity of the image-sharpening algorithm (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the image-sharpening algorithms can improve the clarity of the surgical field during 3D heads-up surgery by decreasing the skewness and kurtosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This was a prospective clinical study performed at a single academic institution, and the procedures used were approved by the Institutional Review Committee of the Kyorin University School of Medicine (reference number, 1904). The procedures also conformed to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Caused by Biallelic Loss-of-Function Variants of Gene for Dermatan Sulfate Epimerase.

Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, caused by biallelic loss-of-function variants for dermatan sulfate epimerase (mcEDS-DSE), is a rare connective tissue disorder. Eight patients with mcEDS-DSE have been described with ocular complications, including blue sclera, strabismus, high refractive errors, and elevated intraocular pressure. However, a case with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) has not been reported. We report our findings in a 24-year-old woman who was diagnosed with mcEDS-DSE in childhood and presented to our clinic with an RRD in the left eye. The RRD extended to the macula and was associated with an atrophic hole. The patient underwent scleral buckling surgery and cryopexy with drainage of subretinal fluid through a sclerotomy under local anesthesia. The sclera did not appear blue but was very thin at the sclerotomy site. The patient developed frequent bradycardia during the surgery. Subretinal or choroidal hemorrhages were not observed intraoperatively; however, a peripapillary hemorrhage was observed one day after operation. The retina was reattached postoperatively, and the peripapillary hemorrhage was absorbed after one month. The peripapillary retinal hemorrhages, thin sclera, and bradycardia were most likely due to the fragility of the eye. The genetic diagnosis of mcEDS-DSE played an important role before and during the surgery by alerting the surgeons to possible surgical complications due to the thin sclera.

Correction: Sasaki et al. Automatic Determination of the Center of Macular Hole Using Optical Coherence Tomography En Face Images. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 3167.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Early changes in photopic negative response in eyes with glaucoma with and without choroidal detachment after filtration surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the electroretinographic (ERG) changes in the early postoperative period following glaucoma filtration surgery, and its relationship with choroidal detachment (CD). METHODS: This retrospective observational single-centre study included 57 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent unilateral glaucoma filtration surgery. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of CD. ERG components, including the photopic negative response (PhNR), a-wave and b-wave were compared before and after surgery using skin electrodes. RESULTS: There were 46 patients in the non-CD group and 11 in the CD group. ERG was recorded within 5.1 (2.1 to 8.1) (mean (95% CI)) days after surgery. In the non-CD group, the PhNR amplitude, PhNR/b-wave amplitude ratio and PhNR implicit time improved significantly after surgery (p=0.008, 0.002 and 0.039, respectively). In the CD group, the amplitude of the PhNR, a-wave and b-wave were significantly deteriorated after surgery (p=0.002, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) (p=0.031) and postoperative CD (p<0.001) were significantly associated with change in the PhNR amplitude in the univariate models. In the multivariate analysis, severe CD (stage 3) cases tended to be deteriorated more. CONCLUSION: Even in the early postoperative period within several days, the PhNR amplitude increased with IOP lowering following filtration surgery in the absence of CD. The presence of CD may arrest the improvement of the retinal ganglion cell function. The present results enhance understanding the structural and functional recovery after glaucoma surgery and the role of postoperative CD.

Evaluations of microvascular density by optical coherence tomography, angiography, and function by multifocal electroretinography of the macular area in eyes with branch retinal artery occlusion.

Introduction: It is reported that eyes with a branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) had normal full-field electroretinography (ERG) but the response of the multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) was reduced in the area of the arterial occlusion. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a recently appeared modality that can evaluate microvascularizations in different retinal layers and in different regions of the retina. The purpose of this study was to determine the density of the microcirculation and the function of the macular area of eyes with BRAO, and to determine whether they are significantly correlated. Methods: The OCTA and mfERG findings of 7 eyes of 6 patients (3 men, 3 women) were studied. The mean age of the patients was 71.7±10.6 years. The OCTA examinations were made with volume scans of 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 mm squares centered on the fovea. The macular vessel densities (mVD) in the superficial retinal layer (SRL) and deep retinal layer (DRL) were measured for the superior and inferior halves of 3  × 3  and 6  × 6 mm diameter concentric circles. The mfERGs were recorded with targets set to stimulate the focal areas of the retina corresponding to the areas examined by OCTA. Results: The OCTA examinations showed that the mVD of the 3 mm concentric circle in the SRL was significantly lower on the affected side than on the unaffected side (P = 0.022). No such difference was observed in the DRL. The N1 amplitude of the 20.2° concentric circle and the N1-P1 amplitude of the 10.1° concentric circle of the mfERGs were significantly smaller on the affected side than on the unaffected side (P = 0.047 and 0.031). A significant positive correlation was found between the mVD of the 6 mm concentric circle in the DRL and the P1-N2 amplitude of the 20.2° concentric circle (ρ = -0.929 and p = 0.003). Discussion: These findings indicate that OCTA images may be able to show changes in the density of the retinal macular microcirculation, and the mfERGs may be able to show alterations in the function of the macular area of the eyes with BRAO. A layer-by-layer analysis of the local retinal microcirculation and function should help in determining the pathogenesis of BRAO.

Evaluation of macular visibility through a high-order aspheric intraocular lens using a simulated model eye.

We evaluated the macular visibility of a newly designed extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses (IOL) using a wide viewing system for macular manipulation (Risight;60D, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) in a model eye and compared it with various other types of IOLs. We used a model eye that was constructed based on the Glustrand model to compare a newly designed EDOF IOL (DIB00V; Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision), an EDOF IOL with a diffraction grating (ZXR00V; Johnson & Johnson surgical Vision), and a monofocal aspheric (DCB00V; Johnson & Johnson Vision, XY-1; HOYA Surgical Optics, Tokyo, Japan) or spherical IOL (NX70s; Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd). In the model eye, a 1951 United States Air Force (USAF) test was placed at the location of the macula. The contrasts in a range of spatial frequencies were quantified using the images obtained from the 1951 USAF test target. The contrast at each spatial frequency was plotted and integrated to calculate the area under the curve contrast (AUC-contrast). Qualitative evaluations showed that good-quality images were obtained for all IOLs. At a spatial frequency of 16 LP/mm, the average contrast was the highest for the DIB00V and NX70s (0.216 each). The highest average contrast at 32 LP/mm was obtained using the NX70s (0.128), and at 64 LP/mm using the DIB00V (0.123). The horizontal AUC-contrast was the highest for the NX70s (8.754), and the vertical AUC-contrast was the highest for the DIB00V (8.334). On average, the DIB00V had the highest AUC-contrast value (8.227). The high-order aspheric IOL, DIB00V, was found to exhibit good macular visibility despite being an EDOF IOL.

Relationship Between Deep Retinal Macular Vessel Density and Bipolar Cell Function in Glaucomatous Eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between macular retinal function and the changes in the macular retinal vascular structure in glaucomatous eyes. Methods: The study included patients with glaucoma who visited Saitama Medical University and underwent optical coherence tomography angiography, and multifocal electroretinographic examinations at the same time between February 2020 and April 2021. Correlations among the ocular parameters, macular vessel density, and multifocal electroretinographic parameters were evaluated using a mixed model. Results: Forty-one eyes (mean deviation, -12.4 ± 7.8 dB) of 24 subjects (mean age, 75.2 ± 8.3 years) were included in the analysis. There were no significant correlations for macular vessel density in the superficial retinal layer. However, macular vessel density in the deep retinal layer showed a significant positive correlation with P1-N1 amplitude (coefficient = 0.724; P = 0.001). There were no significant correlations between the optical coherence tomography parameters and any of the multifocal electroretinographic parameters. Conclusions: A decrease in N1-P1 amplitude was observed in glaucomatous eyes in relation to a reduction in macular vessel density in the deep retinal layer, which suggests that ischemia-induced bipolar cell dysfunction may be involved in the intermediate retinal dysfunction associated with glaucoma. Translational Relevance: Intermediate retinal dysfunction in glaucoma is related to the changes in deep retinal microvasculature.

Automatic Determination of the Center of Macular Hole Using Optical Coherence Tomography En Face Images.

To evaluate the automated determination of the center of an idiopathic macular hole (MH) by using swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) images with new macro-based algorithms in ImageJ and to compare the difference between the MH center measurements obtained automatically and manually. This cross-sectional study included 39 eyes of 39 elderly individuals (22 women, 17 men) with stage 3 and 4 MH. The MH center was automatically determined using the ImageJ macro. The foveal center was also manually identified by two masked examiners using horizontal and vertical serial B-scan OCT angiography images. The mean age was 68.8 ± 8.3 years. After adjusting for the effect of magnification, the mean distance between the MH center determined manually by Examiner 1 and that determined automatically was 15.5 ± 9.9 µm. The mean distance between the two manually determined measurements of the MH center was 20.3 ± 19.7 µm. These two mean distance values did not differ significantly (Welch t-test, p = 0.27) and was non-inferior (p < 0.0001). The automated ImageJ-based method for determining the MH center was comparable to manual methods. This study showed that automated measurements were non-inferior to manual measurements, and demonstrated a substitutable usefulness, at least for use in clinical practice.

Intraocular Temperature Distribution in Eyes Undergoing Different Types of Surgical Procedures during Vitreous Surgery.

Vitreous temperature has been reported to vary during intraocular surgery. We measured the temperature at three intraocular sites, just posterior to the crystalline lens (BL), mid-vitreous (MV), and just anterior to the optic disc (OD), and investigated temperature changes before and after different types of surgical procedures in 78 eyes. The mean temperature at the beginning was 30.1 ± 1.70 °C in the anterior chamber, 32.4 ± 1.41 °C at the BL, 33.8 ± 0.95 °C at the MV, and 34.7 ± 0.95 °C at the OD. It was lowest at the BL, and highest at the OD. The mean temperature after cataract surgery was slightly lower especially at an anterior location. Thus, the temperature gradient became slightly flatter. The mean temperature after core vitrectomy was even lower at all sites and a gradient of the temperature was not present. The mean temperature after membrane peeling was significantly higher than that after core vitrectomy, and there was no gradient. The mean temperature after fluid/air exchange was lower at the BL and higher at the MV and at the OD. Thus, a gradient of higher temperatures at the OD appeared. The intraocular temperature distribution is different depending on the surgical procedure which can then change the temperature gradient. The temperature changes at the different intraocular sites and the gradients should be further investigated because they may affect the physiology of the retina and the recovery process.

OCT angiography measured changes in the foveal avascular zone area after glaucoma surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate quantitative changes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area after glaucoma surgery using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). METHODS: Fifty-four consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent unilateral glaucoma surgery to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) between April 2018 and July 2019.Eyes underwent IOP-lowering glaucoma surgery and their fellow (non-surgical) eyes were included. OCTA of the macula was performed in both eyes before glaucoma surgery and 3 months postoperatively. Two blinded examiners reviewed the image quality. Within- and between-group comparisons of the FAZ area and correlation of the FAZ area with age, IOP, central sensitivity and clinical variables. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) age was 66.7±11.3 years. After surgery, the IOP and FAZ area significantly decreased from 22.1±9.5 mmHg to 10.3±3.5 mmHg and from 0.485±0.193 mm2 to 0.446±0.174 mm2, respectively (both p<0.001). Conversely, in the non-surgery group, the preoperative and postoperative mean FAZ areas (0.398±0.119 mm2 and 0.396±0.110 mm2, respectively) did not significantly differ (p=0.469). Change in the FAZ area significantly correlated with the preoperative FAZ area, preoperative foveal sensitivity and change in IOP (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The FAZ area is decreased with IOP-lowering surgery in patients with POAG, and change in the FAZ area was significantly correlated with both preoperative foveal sensitivity and change in IOP.

Deep Learning with a Dataset Created Using Kanno Saitama Macro, a Self-Made Automatic Foveal Avascular Zone Extraction Program.

The extraction of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) from optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images has been used in many studies in recent years due to its association with various ophthalmic diseases. In this study, we investigated the utility of a dataset for deep learning created using Kanno Saitama Macro (KSM), a program that automatically extracts the FAZ using swept-source OCTA. The test data included 40 eyes of 20 healthy volunteers. For training and validation, we used 257 eyes from 257 patients. The FAZ of the retinal surface image was extracted using KSM, and a dataset for FAZ extraction was created. Based on that dataset, we conducted a training test using a typical U-Net. Two examiners manually extracted the FAZ of the test data, and the results were used as gold standards to compare the Jaccard coefficients between examiners, and between each examiner and the U-Net. The Jaccard coefficient was 0.931 between examiner 1 and examiner 2, 0.951 between examiner 1 and the U-Net, and 0.933 between examiner 2 and the U-Net. The Jaccard coefficients were significantly better between examiner 1 and the U-Net than between examiner 1 and examiner 2 (p < 0.001). These data indicated that the dataset generated by KSM was as good as, if not better than, the agreement between examiners using the manual method. KSM may contribute to reducing the burden of annotation in deep learning.

Quantitative assessment of macular function after surgery for optic disc pit maculopathy: A case report.

RATIONALE: We describe a case of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) in which vitrectomy with juxtapapillary laser (JPL) treatment led to the reattachment of retinoschisis (RS) as well as serous retinal detachment (SRD). PATIENT CONCERNS: An 80-year-old man complained of distorted vision and decreased visual acuity (VA) in his left eye for 12 months. DIAGNOSIS: We conducted quantitative functional evaluation on the area of RS and SRD using the Humphrey visual field analyzer. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography showed SRD and RS in connection with the optic disc. The best-corrected logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA was 0.7. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent JPL treatment combined with pars plana vitrectomy. During surgery, posterior vitreous detachment and tamponade were created with sulfur hexafluoride. OUTCOMES: After surgery, SRD (and subsequently RS) gradually reduced and had completely disappeared at 31 months. VA gradually improved and was 0.0 (logMAR) at 28 months. The analysis of the mean macular thickness of the central 3-mm diameter showed that the macula thickness recovered to 300 µm at 17 months postoperatively. Retinal sensitivity began to improve at 24 months postoperatively and had increased at 48 months postoperatively. LESSONS: In conclusion, vitrectomy with JPL treatment for ODP-M had a favorable anatomical outcome as well as a long-term functional outcome. These findings provide useful information for clinicians who are planning a therapeutic strategy, including the choice of surgical procedure for ODP-M.

Vitreous Noise on Optical Coherence Tomography as an Early Finding of Brolucizumab-Related Intraocular Inflammation.

We describe a case of brolucizumab-related intraocular inflammation (IOI) detected using vitreous haze on optical coherence tomography (OCT) at an early stage before the patient was aware of any symptom. A 69-year-old female presented with decreased right vision. The patient was diagnosed with pachychoroidal neovasculopathy and started intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) with a 3+ treat-and-extend strategy (TAE). Although the serous retinal detachment (SRD) disappeared after IVA treatment, the patient was managed with treatment every 4 weeks without extending the treatment interval To shorten the treatment interval, intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) was started 44 weeks after starting IVA treatment. After initiating IVBr treatment, the SRD completely disappeared. However, 16 weeks after starting IVBr, OCT showed noise in the vitreous cavity, which had not been seen before, and infrared images showed a black smoke-like shadow over the macula. Despite these findings, the patient had no subjective symptoms, and so IVBr was re-administered with an 8-week TAE interval. Five days after IVBr treatment, vitreous inflammatory cells were observed, and the noise in the vitreous cavity and the smoke-like shadow in the infrared image were further enhanced. We diagnosed the patient with brolucizumab-related IOI, and anti-inflammatory treatment was initiated. After extensive treatment, the vitreous opacity gradually disappeared, and the vitreous noise on OCT and the black smoke-like shadow on infrared images disappeared. IOI may have already been present 16 weeks after starting IVBr treatment, when we judged that there was no inflammation and IVBr was re-administered. When following patients receiving IVBr, IOI may be detected by OCT at an earlier stage by evaluating vitreous haze.

Distance between the center of the FAZ measured automatically and the highest foveal bulge using OCT-angiography in elderly healthy eyes.

The center of the fovea, termed the foveola, is the area of highest visual acuity, has the highest density of cone photoreceptors. We investigated the distance between the automatically-determined center of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and the manually-determined highest foveal bulge (FB) point using single swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) instrument. This cross-sectional study included 49 eyes of 49 individuals (34 women and 15 men; median age: 68 years) with no history of ocular disorders. The FAZ in the superficial capillary plexus was automatically determined using the Kanno-Saitama macro method, and the center of the FAZ was automatically determined using ellipse approximation. Another candidate foveal center, the highest FB point, was determined manually on the serial cross-sectional B-scan images. As a result, the foveal center was manually identified as the highest FB point on B-scan OCTA images. The center of the FAZ was more likely to be located inferior to the highest FB point (p = 0.031). In participants with a total (linear) distance of more than 50 µm between the center of the FAZ and the highest FB point, the displacement was significantly more in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction (p = 0.017). These results can be applicable to further studies regarding the spatial relationships between the center of the FAZ and the highest FB point in various macular diseases or previously-treated eyes.

Examination of Age-Related Retinal Vascular Changes in the Macula Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of the Eyes After Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) allows noninvasive observation of the retinal vasculature, and image analysis can be used to calculate the retinal vessel density and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. A previous study showed that macular vessel density and the signal strength index (SSI) of OCTA images increased significantly after cataract surgery. However, the effect of aging on OCTA analysis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate age-related changes in macular vascularization while excluding the effects of cataracts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: OCTA imaging of the macula was performed in adult patients who had undergone cataract surgery between February 2018 and May 2019 and in young healthy participants between April 2017 and April 2018. RESULTS: The median (quartiles) age of the overall study population was 59.0 (27.0, 69.0) years, and no severe refractive error was observed (axial length: 24.2 ± 1.3 [mean ± SD] mm; spherical equivalent: 0.75 [-2.25, 0.00] diopter). When we investigated the relationship between macular vessel density and age after excluding the effects of cataracts, we found that the macular vessel density showed age-related changes even in the absence of the effects of the SSI. However, the FAZ area was not affected by age. CONCLUSION: Macular vessel density decreased with age, even when the effects of cataracts were excluded. The effects of age and cataracts should be considered when designing studies and interpreting OCTA findings of the retinal vasculature.