Relationships between causative genes and epiretinal membrane formation in Japanese patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between macular complications and causative genes frequently found in Japanese patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: In the retrospective and observational study, we analyzed the data of 75 patients with RP (EYS-RP: 42 patients; USH2A-RP: 19 patients; RHO-RP: 14 patients) who were followed-up at Kyushu University Hospital and whose causative genes had been identified. Macular complications including epiretinal membrane (ERM), macular edema (ME), and macular hole (MH) were evaluated using optical coherence tomography and fundus photography. Main outcome was the proportion of macular complications. RESULTS: The proportion of ERM was 35.7% in the EYS group, 10.5% in the USH2A group and 14.3% in the RHO group. The proportion of ME was 7.1% in the EYS group, 5.3% in the USH2A group and 14.3% in the RHO group, and that of MH was 2.4% in the EYS group, 5.3% in the USH2A group and 0% in the RHO group. In the EYS group, the proportion of ERM was relatively higher (p = 0.06), and the presence of EYS was significantly associated with a higher age- and sex-adjusted OR for ERM (OR = 5.67, 95% CI = 1.59-25.20). There was no significant difference in the proportion of MH or ME among causative genes. CONCLUSIONS: EYS causative gene may be associated with higher rate of ERM complication in RP.

[Epiretinal membrane: diagnostics, indications and surgical treatment]. / Epiretinale Gliose: Diagnostik, Indikationsstellung und chirurgische Therapie.

An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a frequently occurring disease affecting the macula, which can be associated with visual impairment and metamorphopsia, depending on the severity and location. A distinction is made between an idiopathic form caused by age-related changes of the vitreous body and a secondary form associated with diseases of the posterior segment. The development of fibrocellular epiretinal membranes formed by dedifferentiation of intraretinal and extraretinal cells at the level of the vitreomacular interface plays a major role in the pathogenesis. The diagnostics and indications for surgical treatment of ERM are based on the visual acuity, evidence of metamorphopsia, ophthalmoscopic findings and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula. In addition to the possibility of observation of the course where benign spontaneous courses are not uncommon, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with peeling of the ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) to prevent recurrences is the treatment of choice in symptomatic patients. The prognosis after surgical treatment is very good. In approximately two thirds of the cases, an improvement in visual acuity and/or a reduction of metamorphopsia can be achieved, with a number of predictive, primarily OCT-based factors enabling a prediction of the functional prognosis. Comprehensive patient education regarding the generally long duration of postoperative rehabilitation and the possibility of persistent symptoms or visual deterioration despite successful membrane removal is essential.

Long-Term Outcomes of Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane With Internal Limiting Membrane Removal in Patients With Good Preoperative Visual Acuity.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term visual results of vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal for idiopathic ERM in eyes with a preoperative visual acuity (VA) of 20/50 or better. Methods: This retrospective review of a consecutive case series comprised 337 patients. Of these, 36 eyes of 36 patients had ERM and ILM removal from 2017 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included a subjective decrease in VA, a preoperative VA of 20/50 or better, vitrectomy with ERM and ILM removal for ERM, and a minimum 6-month follow-up. Paired t tests were used to determine the statistical significance (P < .05) of VA changes postoperatively. Results: The mean (±SD) best-corrected logMAR VA improved to a maximum of 0.125 ± 0.09 (Snellen equivalent 20/26.4) at a mean of 11.1 months postoperatively (P < .001). The VA continued to significantly improve over the long term (mean, 41.6 months; range, 6-63; P < .001). Overall long-term data trended heavily toward VA improvement (25/36 patients [69.4%]) and stability (10/36 patients [27.7%)] after ERM and ILM removal, with only 1 patient (2.8%) having worse VA. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to ERM and ILM removal. Conclusions: Surgery to remove idiopathic ERM and ILM for patients with significant symptoms and good preoperative VA may result in excellent long-term visual results.

Title - Long term outcomes of vitrectomy and ERM peel: Can pre-operative metamorphopsia measured using the D-Chart help improve surgical candidate selection?

PURPOSE: To assess the predictive value of pre-operative metamorphopsia, measured using the D-Chart, in patients undergoing epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery and how this relates to improvement in quality of life after surgery. METHODS: 17 patients from vitreo-retinal surgery clinics at a tertiary ophthalmology centre were recruited when listed for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ERM peel between September 2019 - February 2020. Pre-operatively patients underwent visual acuity (VA), Visual-Function Index 14 (VF-14) and metamorphopsia (D-Chart-Thomson Software Solutions) assessment and answered a questionnaire regarding cardinal ERM symptoms. Post-operatively patients were re-assessed in the same domains. RESULTS: 13 patients completed the protocol (inclusion rate 76%) with a mean follow-up of 32.1 (± 3.1) months. Mean pre-operative VA of the affected eye was 0.42 logMAR (± 0.25). Mean pre-operative VF-14 score was 81.51 (± 12.8) and mean M-Score of the affected eye was 14.6 (± 12.7). Post-operatively, mean VA of the operated eye was 0.11 logMAR (± 0.11), mean VF-14 score was 97.4 (± 3.8) and mean M-Score was 1.31 (± 2.8). Mean improvement in VA was 0.31 logMAR (p < 0.001), in VF-14 15.9 (p = 0.002), and M-Score -13.3 (p = 0.003). There was a significant association between pre-operative D-Chart score and improvement in VA (r = -0.570, p = 0.042), visual functioning (r = 0.606 p = 0.028) and metamorphopsia (r = 0.916 p < 0.001), with those demonstrating poorer D-Chart scores showing greater improvements. CONCLUSION: Pre- and post-operative visual distortion measured using the D-Chart, correlates with vision related quality of life in patients undergoing epiretinal membrane surgery. Patients with worse pre-operative distortion scores noticed the greatest improvements in distortion and vision related quality of life following surgery. With a mean follow-up time of 32.1 months, this long-term follow-up data further reinforces the efficacy of vitrectomy and ERM peel by demonstrating significant and sustained improvement in visual acuity, metamorphopsia and visual functioning. The authors suggest there is a role for D-Chart assessment pre-operatively to improve selection of patients in ERM surgery.

Quantitative evaluation of metamorphopsia with M-CHARTS™ and evaluation of retinal morphologic changes by optical coherence tomography before and after pars plana vitrectomy in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: We aimed to quantitatively evaluate metamorphopsia pre- and postoperatively in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane(iERM) using M-CHARTS™ and to evaluate the relationship between morphological changes in retinal layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and metamorphopsia scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 42 patients followed in Akdeniz University Hospital Ophthalmology Clinic diagnosed with iERM by fundus examination and OCT between 2020-2022. Detailed ophthalmologic findings, visual acuities, metamorphopsia scores, and OCT parameters of all patients were recorded. The relationship between pre- and postoperative visual acuity, metamorphopsia scores and OCT parameters was investigated. Changes in OCT parameters were compared by evaluating patients with stable or increasing metamorphopsia scores as one group (group1) and patients with decreasing metamorphopsia scores as the other group (group 2). RESULTS: In "group 2", preoperative Ganglion Cell Layer+Inner Plexiform Layer (Central) (GCL+IPL (C)) was significantly (P: 0.028) higher than in "group 1". CONCLUSION: A statistically significant preoperative thickness difference in the OCT parameters of the GCL+IPL (C) layer was associated with the quantitative metamorphopsia complaints of the patients. The thickness of the preoperative GCL+IPL (C) layer can be considered an important indicator of symptoms of metamorphopsia determining functional success after surgery.

The impact of Vitreo-Macular interface abnormalities on the response to Anti-VEGF therapy for centre involving diabetic macular oedema.

BACKGROUND: The influence of Vitreomacular Interface Abnormalities (VMIA) such as Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) and/or vitreomacular traction (VMT) on the response of patients with Centre Involving Diabetic Macular Edema (CIDME) to standard of care Anti-VEGF medications is under-researched. The aims of this study were: 1) To determine the incidence of VMIA at baseline and 12 months amongst treatment naive patients commencing anti-VEGF treatment 2) To compare the response to Anti-VEGF medications at 3 monthly intervals for 12 months in a large cohort of patients with and without VMIA on their baseline OCT scan. Response was determined in terms of: number of injections, central macular thickness and visual acuity. METHODS: A retrospective case notes review of treatment naïve patients with newly diagnosed CIDME. Included patients had been commenced on intravitreal Anti-VEGF injections (ranibizumab or aflibercept) at a single centre. Inclusion criteria were: treatment naïve DME patients with a CMT of 400µ or more receiving anti-VEGF treatment with at least 12 months follow up and in whom macular OCT scans and visual acuity (VA) measurements were available within two weeks of baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Exclusion criteria included: previous intravitreal therapy, previous vitrectomy, cataract surgery during the follow-up period, concurrent eye conditions affecting vision or CMT. RESULTS: 119 eyes met the inclusion criteria and underwent analysis. Groups were comparable in their baseline demographics. Baseline CMT measurements were comparable at baseline (417µ and 430µ in the No-VMIA and VMIA groups respectively) and improved to approximately 300µ in both groups. From 6 months CMT continued to improve in the no-VMIA while progressively deteriorating in the VMIA group. Change in CMT was statistically different at 12 months between the 2 groups (108µ and 79µ, p= 0.04). There was a mean of 7 injections after 12 months. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown a 46% incidence of VMIA amongst patients newly diagnosed with centre involving DME undergoing treatment with anti-VEGF injections. We have also demonstrated a significant difference in CMT and VA response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with and without VMIA. Initial response was similar between the 2 groups up until 6 months. From 6 to 12 months significant differences in treatment response emerged. Differences in clinical response between patients with and without VMIA may help guide further prospective controlled studies and optimise treatment strategies.

A novel vector field analysis for quantitative structure changes after macular epiretinal membrane surgery.

The aim of this study was to introduce novel vector field analysis for the quantitative measurement of retinal displacement after epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal. We developed a novel framework to measure retinal displacement from retinal fundus images as follows: (1) rigid registration of preoperative retinal fundus images in reference to postoperative retinal fundus images, (2) extraction of retinal vessel segmentation masks from these retinal fundus images, (3) non-rigid registration of preoperative vessel masks in reference to postoperative vessel masks, and (4) calculation of the transformation matrix required for non-rigid registration for each pixel. These pixel-wise vector field results were summarized according to predefined 24 sectors after standardization. We applied this framework to 20 patients who underwent ERM removal to obtain their retinal displacement vector fields between retinal fundus images taken preoperatively and at postoperative 1, 4, 10, and 22 months. The mean direction of displacement vectors was in the nasal direction. The mean standardized magnitudes of retinal displacement between preoperative and postoperative 1 month, postoperative 1 and 4, 4 and 10, and 10 and 22 months were 38.6, 14.9, 7.6, and 5.4, respectively. In conclusion, the proposed method provides a computerized, reproducible, and scalable way to analyze structural changes in the retina with a powerful visualization tool. Retinal structural changes were mostly concentrated in the early postoperative period and tended to move nasally.

Traumatic terson syndrome with a peculiar mass lesion and tractional retinal detachment: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case with bilateral Terson syndrome presented with a unique mushroom-like mass lesion on the optic disc along with proliferative vitreoretinopathy and tractional retinal detachment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old man was injured during a traffic accident and had diffuse brain swelling and intraocular hemorrhage. Poor vision in both eyes was noted after the patient regained consciousness. B-scan ultrasonography showed extensive vitreous opacity with a posterior vitreous detachment and without obvious retinal detachment. Vitrectomy was performed in both eyes five months after the accident. After clearing up the vitreous opacity, a peculiar pigmented mushroom-like mass lesion was noted in the posterior pole and had severe adhesion to the underneath optic disc. Extensive multilayered peripapillary epiretinal membrane was found covering the posterior pole and led to tractional retinal detachment around the macula. The mass was presumed to be an organized vitreous hemorrhage originated from the optic disc. The extensive and adherent epiretinal membrane together with the mass lesion were removed as much as possible and silicon oil was injected for tamponade. However, in the right eye, the retina redetached under silicon oil, whereas in the left eye, his vision improved to 20/100. CONCLUSIONS: Terson syndrome usually has a favorable prognosis but may be complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy and tractional retinal detachment. Careful monitoring is warranted and early vitrectomy should be considered in cases suspecting additional pathologies.

Selective internal limiting membrane peeling for prevention of secondary epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: We introduce selective internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, a guideline procedure to determine whether to remove the ILM during vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series METHODS: Patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for RRD and were followed up for 12 months or longer were included. When vitreous cortex remnants (VCRs) were detected with triamcinolone acetonide, the ILM was removed; otherwise, the ILM was preserved ("selective ILM peeling"). The factors associated with the presence of VCRs and incidence of secondary epiretinal membrane (ERM) were analyzed. RESULTS: VCRs were detected in 87 of 133 eyes (65.4%) in which the ILM was removed. Younger age, better preoperative visual acuity, and vitreous hemorrhage were negatively correlated with the presence of VCRs. No ERM occurred in the eyes after ILM peeling. Among the eyes with ILM preservation, subclinical ERM was noticed in 4 eyes (8.7%), and 1 eye (2.1%) required additional surgery owing to ERM. ERM occurred more commonly in eyes with the ILM preserved (P = .004). However, no differences in the rate of additional surgeries were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Selective ILM peeling offers an alternative option to reduce the burden of ILM peeling or additional surgery.

Optical coherence tomography biomarkers as outcome predictors to guide dexamethasone implant use in patients with iERM: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the anatomical features of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and vitreous cytokine levels as predictors of outcomes of combined phacovitrectomy with intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implants for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) treatment. METHODS: A prospective, single-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 48 eyes. They were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo the DEX group (combined phacovitrectomy with ERM peeling and Ozurdex implantation) and control group (phacovitrectomy only). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed at 1 d, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The structural features of OCT before surgery were analysed for stratified analysis. Baseline soluble CD14 (sCD14) and sCD163 levels in the vitreous fluid were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: BCVA and CMT were not significantly different in the DEX and control groups. Eyes with hyperreflective foci (HRF) at baseline achieved better BCVA (Ptime*group=0.746; Pgroup=0.043, Wald χ²=7.869) and lower CMT (Ptime*group = 0.079; Pgroup = 0.001, Wald χ²=6.774) responses to DEX during follow-up. In all patients, the mean vitreous level of sCD163 in eyes with HRF was significantly higher than that in eyes without HRF (P = 0.036, Z=-2.093) at baseline. In the DEX group, higher sCD163 predicted greater reduction in CMT from baseline to 1 month (r = 0.470, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: We found that intraoperative DEX implantation did not have beneficial effects on BCVA and CMT over a 3-month period in all patients with iERM, implying that the use of DEX for all iERM is not recommended. In contrast, for those with HRF on OCT responded better to DEX implants at the 3-month follow-up and thier vitreous fluid expressed higher levels of sCD163 at baseline. These data support the hypothesis that DEX implants may be particularly effective in treating cases where ERM is secondary to inflammation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trail has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trail Registry( https://www.chictr.org.cn ) on 2021/03/12 (ChiCTR2100044228). And all patients in the article were enrolled after registration.

Autologous platelet concentrate in epiretinal membrane surgery: A single-centre prospective comparative non-inferiority study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the anatomical and functional results including reading ability after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery in patients with and without the use of autologous platelet concentrate (APC). METHODS: Design: Prospective, comparative non-inferiority series. SETTING: Institutional. PATIENTS: 51 eyes of 51 patients, who underwent pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) for ERM surgery. 29 eyes additionally received intraoperative APC, 22 eyes underwent standard procedure without APC use. OBSERVATIONS: anatomical and functional outcome parameters (central retinal thickness (CRT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading ability (RA)) were compared between the two groups at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Subjective assessment of visual acuity and reading ability was also analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: BCVA, RA and CRT. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant CRT reduction and RA improvement, while BCVA improvement was significant only in eyes with intraoperative APC use during the follow-up time of 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference between CRT reduction, BCVA and RA improvement between the groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative APC use for ERM surgery results in similar anatomical and functional outcomes compared with standard ERM surgery without APC use.

Comparative Evaluation of Visual Outcomes in Combined Cataract and Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane with an Advanced or Conventional Intraocular Lens.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of new monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) in comparison with conventional monofocal IOL in patients undergoing combined cataract and vitrectomy surgery for epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: This prospective non-randomized comparative study included 65 eyes of 65 patients who underwent combined cataract and vitrectomy for ERM with implantation of advanced monofocal IOL (Eyhance ICB00, 33 patients) and standard monofocal IOL (Tecnis ZCB00, 32 patients). Monocular visual acuities were measured 6 months post-operatively, including corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, UCDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA). Furthermore, contrast sensitivity and metamorphopsia were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups regarding operation time, post-operative CDVA, UCDVA, UCNVA, and spherical equivalent (p > 0.05). Monocular UCIVA was significantly higher in the Eyhance IOL group than in the Tecnis IOL group (p = 0.005). The photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivities were comparable between each group for any spatial frequency (p > 0.05). The correlation coefficients from correlations between retinal wrinkling ratio and M score did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.877), and the degree of metamorphopsia was not significantly related to the type of IOL (p = 0.969). CONCLUSIONS: In combined cataract and vitrectomy for ERM, Eyhance IOL provided significant better visual performance at intermediate distance than standard monofocal IOL without compromising operation time, distance vision, contrast sensitivity, and evaluating metamorphopsia. Eyhance IOL can be a useful option for both surgeons and patients.

A classification of idiopathic epiretinal membrane based on foveal avascular zone area using optical coherence tomography angiography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics and prognoses of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) using a classification based on the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. METHOD: IERMs were classified into four stages based on the FAZ area. Baseline FAZ-related parameters, pre-and postoperative central macular thickness (CMT), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed and compared between different stages. The correlations of structural parameters with pre-and postoperative logMAR BCVA were analyzed. RESULTS: 162 iERM eyes were enrolled, including 105 eyes followed up for 12 months after surgery. The preoperative BCVA was better at the early stage. Postoperative BCVA at Stages 2 and 3 were better compared to Stage 4. The early stage was associated with thinner CMT pre-and postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in CMT between postoperative Stages 1 and 2 or Stages 3 and 4. Preoperative logMAR BCVA was negatively correlated with FAZ area, perimeter, and FD-300 and was positively correlated with CMT and acircularity index (AI). CMT correlated positively with BCVA for each stage, except Stage 4; FAZ area, perimeter, and FD-300 had a negative correlation at Stage 1. Baseline BCVA and CMT positively correlated with BCVA at the last follow-up, while FAZ area and FD-300 were negatively correlated. Baseline BCVA had a positive correlation for each stage, except Stage 1; FD-300 had a negative correlation at Stages 2 and 3; CMT had a positive correlation at Stage 3. CONCLUSION: A classification based on the FAZ area was established innovatively. This classification can reflect the progression of iERM and is helpful to the postoperative prognosis.

(1) Classification based on FAZ area facilitate automation and consistency compared to the previous OCT-based qualitative grading.(2) With baseline FAZ stage advanced, thickened CMT and worsened BCVA was observed at baseline and 1-year post-operation. (3) Baseline FAZ area and FD-300 negatively correlated with logMAR BCVA at the last follow-up, reflecting the nonnegligible prognostic impact of macular vascular changes.

Effect of topical bromfenac on intraretinal cystoid lesion in simultaneous cataract and idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs,) bromfenac on the intraretinal cystic lesions (IRC) when performing simultaneous cataract and idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) surgery. METHODS: This study included patients with iERM who had been followed up for 6 months after vitrectomy, membrane removal, and concurrent cataract surgery. Eyes were treated with topical bromfenac or not. The baseline fluorescein angiography (FA) was obtained to assess the microvascular leakage (ML). Structural changes of macula, including IRC and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The main outcome measures were changes in IRCs and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) regarding FA findings. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen eyes were included. IRC and ML were observed in 51 eyes (43.2%) and 63 eyes (53.4%), respectively. The IRC did not show any association with the ML. Of total, 29 eyes (24.6%) were treated with topical bromfenac (Group A). Compared to Group B, topical bromfenac did not show beneficial effects in aspect of preventions for the newly developed IRC and treatment for pre-existed IRC. Whether the ML existed or not, topical bromfenac did not show any different effect on the changes in BCVA and IRC. CONCLUSION: When performing simultaneous cataract and ERM surgery, topical NSAIDs, bromfenac did not show beneficial effects on the preventions and treatment of IRC in both eyes with and without the ML.

Comparison of postoperative morphological changes and retinal displacement in diabetic and idiopathic epiretinal membranes.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative retinal displacement by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERM) and diabetic epiretinal membranes (dERM). METHODS: This retrospective study included 36 iERM and 22 dERM cases. In cross-sectional OCT images (B-scan) the presence of foveal pit, subfoveal fluid, cotton ball sign (CBS), intraretinal cystic changes (ICC), disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRILs) and ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL) were recorded. Central macular thickness (CMT) and EIFL thicknesses were calculated. Retinal displacement was quantified using infrared image of OCT approach consisting of the fovea to disc margin, interarcade distance and perimacular distances. RESULTS: The presence of subfoveal fluid (p = 0.014) and DRIL (p = 0.02) was significantly higher in the dERM group. CMT decreased significantly in both groups (p˂0.001). The EIFL was significantly thicker in the iERM group compared to the dERM group (p = 0.049), and it decreased significantly in the iERM group postoperatively. In the iERM group, while the fovea-disc margin distance decreased, the interarcade and perimacular distance increased significantly (p˂0.001). In the dERM group, the disc-fovea distance change was not significant (p = 0.082). Significant visual improvement was achieved with vitrectomy in both groups (p˂0.001). In the dERM group, the presence of DRIL was associated with lower pre and post-op visual acuity (VA) (r = 0.596 and p = 0.004 for pre-operative and r = 0.567 and p = 0.007 for post-operative). CONCLUSION: Significant retinal displacement occurs after vitrectomy in both iERM and dERM. The low VA in the dERM group may be related to the presence of DRILs.

Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy With Membrane Peel for Lamellar Macular Holes and Related Conditions Using a New Optical Coherence Tomography Consensus Definition.

Purpose: To characterize the change in visual acuity (VA) in eyes treated with vitrectomy using the 2020 international consensus-based optical coherence tomography (OCT) definition of lamellar macular hole (LMH), macular pseudohole (MPH), and epiretinal membrane with foveoschisis (ERMF). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed from 2000 to 2022 of patients who had vitrectomy for symptomatic decreased VA from LMH, MPH, or ERMF performed by the same surgeon at a community hospital. Preoperative spectral domain (SD-OCT) was reviewed to classify patients using the consensus guidelines. Primary outcomes were the mean change in best-corrected VA at 3 months, 1 year, and the final postoperative examination. Results: Fifty-one patients were included, 30 with LMH, 14 with MPH, and 7 with ERMF. The VA was 20/63 at baseline, 20/62 (P = .79) 3 months postoperatively, 20/40 (P = .003) at 1 year, and 20/52 (P = .10) at the final examination for LMH; 20/64, 20/50 (P = .16), 20/40 (P = .040), and 20/40 (P = .02), respectively, for MPH; and 20/53, 20/50 (P = .42), 20/30 (P = .03), and 20/38 (P = .04), respectively, for ERMF. Subgroup analysis showed that eyes with LMH without ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption on SD-OCT improved from 20/57 at baseline to 20/39 (P = .01) at the final examination. Conclusions: There was no significant improvement in VA at the final postvitrectomy examination in eyes with LMH, while there was significant improvement in eyes with MPH and ERMF. This supports surgery in selected eyes with MPH and ERMF but possibly not in eyes with LMH, unless OCT shows no EZ disruption.

Subthreshold micropulse laser therapy for early postoperative macular thickening following surgical removal of epiretinal membrane.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the functional and anatomical outcomes of subthreshold micropulse laser (SMPL) therapy in eyes with early postoperative macular thickening after idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) removal. METHODS: This was a prospective and interventional study. Forty-eight eyes from 48 patients with macular edema at 1 month after iERM removal were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the SMPL group (n = 24) received SMPL therapy while no special intervention was used for the observation group (n = 24). Baseline demographic data and clinical findings before and at 1 and 3 months after SMPL treatment or observation, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the changes in central subfield thickness (CST) and average macular thickness (AMT), were analyzed. RESULTS: An improvement in BCVA with a decrease in CST and AMT from baseline to the 3-month follow-ups were observed in both SMPL and observation groups. No significant difference in BCVA was observed between the SMPL group and observation group either in the 1-month (0.26 [0.15, 0.52] vs. 0.26 [0.15, 0.39], P = 0.852) or the 3-month (0.15 [0.10, 0.30] vs. 0.23 [0.15, 0.30], P = 0.329) follow-up. There was a greater reduction in CST in the SMPL group versus observation group between baseline and the 3-month follow-up (-77.8 ± 72.3 µm vs. -45.0 ± 46.9 µm, P = 0.049). The alteration in AMT did not differ between the two groups in either 1-month (-16.5 ± 20.1 µm vs. -19.7 ± 16.3 µm, P = 0.547) or 3-month (-36.9 ± 26.9 µm vs. -34.0 ± 20.1 µm, P = 0.678) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: SMPL therapy led to a significant decrease in CST at the 3-month follow-up while did not significantly improve the visual acuity in patients with postoperative macular thickening following iERM surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on Aug 27, 2020 (Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR 2000037227).

PI3Kδ Mediates Fibrosis by Patient-Derived Vitreous.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process in developing fibrotic diseases, including forming epiretinal membranes (ERMs). ERMs can result in irreversible vision loss. Previous research has demonstrated that vitreous (VIT) derived from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy can stimulate angiogenesis through the Axl/PI3K/Akt pathway. Building upon this knowledge, we aimed to explore the influence of VIT from patients with macular membranes in ARPE-19 cells. Our findings reveal that patient-derived VIT from individuals with macular membranes promotes EMT and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-delta (PI3Kδ) expression in ARPE-19 cells. To elucidate the function of PI3Kδ in the ERM, we conducted experiments involving the knockout of p110δ, a key subunit of PI3Kδ, and observed that its absence hinders EMT induced by patient-derived VIT. Moreover, p110δ depletion reduces cell proliferation and migration in ARPE-19 cells. Remarkably, these effects were further corroborated by applying the p110δ inhibitor idelalisib, which blocks fibrosis in the laser-induced fibrosis model. Collectively, our results propose that p110δ plays a critical role in the progression of ERMs. Consequently, targeting p110δ emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating fibrosis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in ERM formation and highlight the potential for p110δ-directed antifibrotic therapy in retinal diseases.

Color enhancement and achromatization to increase the visibility of indocyanine green-stained internal limiting membrane during digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of using digital assisted vitrectomy (DAV) for color enhancement in color channel and achromatization in color profile on the visibility of indocyanine green (ICG)-stained internal limiting membrane (ILM). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Twenty eyes from 20 patients (7 men, 13 women) who underwent 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane removal were included. The presettings of five different imaging modes of the NGENUITY® 3D visualization system (Alcon laboratories, Inc.), were adjusted, and intraoperative images of ILM removal were captured under each presetting. The color contrast ratios (CCR) between the ICG-stained ILM area and peeled ILM area were compared across presettings objectively. Subjective visibility of ILM in each patient for different presettings was ranked using a Likert scale and evaluated by five examiners. Data on sex, age, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to other presettings the best CCR was achieved by adjusting the color channel to enhance red and by modifying the color profile to create a monochrome image (P<0.01). The same presetting resulted in a highest subjective visibility (P<0.01). Mean preoperative BCVA and 6-month postoperative BCVA (logMAR) were 0.11±0.18 and 0.05±0.19, respectively (p=0.24). Mean preoperative IOP and 6-month postoperative IOP were 13.8±2.8 mmHg and 13.3±3.4 mmHg, respectively (p=0.51). No apparent intra- and post-operative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Color enhancement and achromatization using DAV may offer potential advantages to enhance the visibility of ICG-stained ILM.

Clinical Performance Comparison of Ultrahigh-speed Dual Pneumatic Vitrectomy Probes: Is Faster and Smaller Better?

PURPOSE: Various vitrectomy probes are currently being used commercially, and there are ongoing efforts toward developing probes with higher cutting rates and smaller gauges. This study aimed to compare the efficiency and safety of various commercially available small gauge ultrahigh-speed dual pneumatic vitrectomy probes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients and recorded intraoperative videos while they underwent microincision three-port vitrectomy surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital. The patients were categorized into four groups based on the vitrectomy probe used during surgery: 23-7500 (UltraVit 23-gauge 7,500 cuts per minute [CPM]), 23-7500 (UltraVit 25-gauge 7,500 CPM), 25-10K (Advanced UltraVit 25-gauge 10,000 CPM), and 27-10K (Advanced UltraVit 27-gauge 10,000 CPM). RESULTS: In total, 82 eyes from 82 patients were included in this work, with 16, 11, 26, and 29 eyes in groups 23-7500, 25-7500, 25-10K, and 27-10K, respectively. The corresponding vitrectomy times were 295.56 ± 53.55, 293.09 ± 50.28, 299.92 ± 59.42, and 349.38 ± 67.23 seconds, respectively. There was a significant difference in the vitrectomy time between the groups (p = 0.004). The mean number of sutures was 3, 3, 2.96, and 0.83, respectively. In the 23-7500 group, there was one case of iatrogenic retinal break, while in the 27-10K group, there was one case of postoperative hypotony. CONCLUSIONS: Although advancements have been made in the 27-gauge vitrectomy probe, it still takes more vitrectomy time than it does when using the 23- and 25-gauge probes. However, the delay was within an average of 1 minute, and considering the significantly reduced need for sutures, there is a substantial benefit in terms of postoperative discomfort. Therefore, when choosing a probe for epiretinal membrane surgery among the four options, it is reasonable to select the 27-gauge probe according to the surgeon's preference.