Non-surgical treatment of stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of visual impairment in premature infants, often requiring surgical interventions in advanced stages. This retrospective case series study investigates non-surgical management for Stage 4A ROP, specifically the use of combined laser therapy and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. METHODS: Ten eyes from five infants with Stage 4A ROP were treated with a combined laser and anti-VEGF approach. Comprehensive follow-up examinations were conducted to evaluate the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The study demonstrated successful retinal attachment without complications, showcasing the efficacy and safety of this non-surgical method. A comparison with surgical interventions highlighted the potential benefits in terms of reduced adverse effects. DISCUSSION: This combined treatment emerges as a promising first-choice option for Stage 4A ROP, offering rapid regression without surgical intervention, particularly in early stages. However, larger randomized clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings and establish definitive guidelines for managing this complex condition. CONCLUSION: Combined laser and anti-VEGF therapy proved to be an effective and safe non-surgical approach for Stage 4A ROP, with the potential to reduce the need for surgery, especially in its early presentation. Further research is required to confirm these findings and provide comprehensive recommendations for clinical practice.

Efficacy of Subthreshold Micropulse Laser for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS: Retrospective clinical study conducted at the Departments of Ophthalmology at a university and a municipal hospital in Zurich, Switzerland. We enrolled acute and chronic CSCR patients with persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) treated with SML. Two treatment protocols (fluorescein/indocyanine green angiography or optical coherence tomography guided) were evaluated for efficacy after 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes of the study were reduction and percentage of eyes with complete resolution of SRF 3 and 6 months after SML treatment. Secondary endpoints included changes in central subfield thickness (CST) and visual acuity (VA) after 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The study involved 37 eyes (35 patients, 48.6% chronic). A statistically significant reduction in SRF height and CST could be shown, irrespective of SRF duration, type of CSCR, or chosen guidance after 3 and 6 months: SRF - 40 µm (p < 0.01), CST - 52 µm (p < 0.01). Percentage of eyes with complete resolution of fluid at 3 and 6 months after SML were 24.3 and 21.6%, respectively. No statistically significant functional improvement (VA) could be shown. Multivariable regression and linear mixed regression analyses did not identify statistically significant differences in SRF reduction, CMT change, or VA improvement with respect to the type of CSCR or the treatment plan used (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of SML in CSCR is under continuous debate. Our study findings demonstrate structural but only little functional changes with SML. In view of the shortage of verteporfin for photodynamic therapy, SML remains an important therapeutic option for CSCR patients.

Subthreshold laser treatment for non-center involved diabetic macular edema via non-damaging retinal laser therapy (NRT).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of subthreshold laser treatment via non-damaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) in patients with non-center involved diabetic macular edema (non-CI DME). METHODS: In this prospective controlled study, NRT with 577 nm wavelength was performed to the edematous inner subfields as needed at 3 monthly intervals, while the control group received no treatment. If CI-DME developed in either group, intravitreal anti-VEGF was performed and the eye was excluded from subsequent analysis. RESULTS: A total of 75 eyes (36 study eyes, 39 controls) were evaluated. The change in superior, nasal and temporal inner subfield thicknesses over time and between groups was found significant (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.04 respectively). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change was not significant over time and between groups (P = 0.69). Rates of CI-DME development requiring intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment were not different during the first and second years (P = 0.171, 0.908). No laser scar was detected in any eye in fundus autofluorescence imaging. CONCLUSION: NRT performed as needed at 3 monthly intervals is effective after 21 months of follow up in the treatment of non-CI DME and it was safe. With this method, it may be foreseen that BCVA will be better preserved in the long term by avoiding the possible side effects of conventional laser.

Subthreshold micropulse diode laser treatment in diabetic macular edema: biological impact, therapeutic effects, and safety.

PURPOSE: To introduce the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) with subthreshold micropulse diode laser (SMPL), to summarize the biological impact, therapeutic effects, and safety of this treatment, and to discuss the response to DME when SMPL is combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or steroid. METHODS: The literature search was performed on the PubMed database, with a selection of English-language articles published from 2000 to 2023 with the following combinations of search terms: diabetes macular (o) edema, micropulse laser or subthreshold micropulse laser, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, and steroid. RESULTS: SMPL is a popular, invisible retinal laser phototherapy that is inexpensive, safe, and effective in the treatment of DME. It can selectively target the retinal pigment epithelium, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, promote the absorption of macular edema, and exert a similar and lasting clinical effect to traditional lasers. No significant difference was found in the therapeutic effects of SMPL between different wavelengths. However, HbA1c level and pretreatment central macular thickness (CMT) may affect the therapeutic outcomes of SMPL. CONCLUSION: SMPL has a slow onset and produces lasting clinical effects similar to conventional photocoagulation. It has been reported that SMPL combined with the intravitreal anti-VEGF injection can significantly reduce the number of injections without influencing the therapeutic effect, which is essential for clinical applications and research. Although 577 nm SMPL is widely used clinically, there are no standardized protocols for SMPL. Additionally, some important problems regarding the treatment of SMPL require further discussion and exploration.

Neonatal hemodynamics of recipient twins after fetoscopic selective laser coagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: An unicist classification.

To characterize the neonatal hemodynamic profiles in recipients born after twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with fetoscopic selective laser coagulation (FSLC). Retrospective analysis during the first month of life of recipient twins. Of the 480 newborns born during an 11-year period, 138 recipient twins with prenatal FSLC were classified into four groups: no hemodynamic impairment (NoHI, n = 102, 74%), isolated high blood pressure (HighBP, n = 18, 13%), right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO, n = 10, 7%), and cardiac failure (CF, n = 8, 6%). The time (median (IQR)) between FSLC and birth was significantly shorter in the HighBP (36 days (23-54)) and CF (44 days (18-54)) groups than in the RVOTO (91 days (68-112)) and NoHi (82 days (62-104)) groups (p < 0.001).     Conclusion: Four distinct and well-characterized groups of recipients were identified based on their hemodynamics. High blood pressure and heart failure occurred in approximately 20% of the infants and were associated with a time between laser coagulation and birth of less than 2 months. What is Known: • Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is characterized by a hemodynamic imbalance that leads to high fetal and neonatal mortality if left untreated. One-third of recipient twins born without prenatal fetoscopic laser coagulation (FSLC) develop a life-threatening cardiac failure. What is New: • Four distinct groups of recipient twins with prenatal FSLC have been identified based on their hemodynamics. High blood pressure and cardiac failure occurred in 20% of the infants and were associated with an interval between FSLC and birth of less than 2 months.

Neurotrophic Keratopathy in Marfan Syndrome Patient After Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation: A Call for Risk Stratification.

BACKGROUND Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is a non-invasive, widely employed procedure that uses diode laser to target the ciliary body to lower the intraocular pressure. Despite its acknowledged efficacy, certain complications are recognized, with neurotrophic keratopathy being a rare yet serious consequence. This report seeks to shed light on a potential high-risk subgroup susceptible to neurotrophic keratopathy, exemplified by our patient with Marfan syndrome, a condition characterized by thin sclera. CASE REPORT Our patient, who was confirmed to have Marfan syndrome with pseudophakic glaucoma, underwent micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation due to high intraocular pressure bilaterally and subsequently quickly manifested neurotrophic keratopathy in both eyes postoperatively. Swift initiation of management involved a comprehensive approach, including topical antibiotics, preservative-free lubrication, medroxyprogesterone acetate 1%, serum balanced salt solution (BSS) 50%, and the application of bandage contact lenses to expedite healing. Fortunately, the left eye demonstrated resolution within 10 days, while the right eye exhibited delayed healing, leading to subsequent scarring. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights the critical importance of recognizing populations predisposed to neurotrophic keratopathy before subjecting them to micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Such awareness allows for the fine-tuning of procedural parameters, offering a strategic approach to mitigate the risk of neurotrophic keratopathy development. By further exploring and recognizing potential risk factors, clinicians can enhance patient outcomes and refine the safety profile of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation.

Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation compared to continuous wave cyclophotocoagulation for the management of refractory pediatric glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: Micropulse cyclophotocoagulation (MPCPC) has been shown in adults to offer a favorable post-operative safety profile compared to continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CWCPC) in the management of glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long term efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of MPCPC in the management of pediatric glaucoma when compared to CWCPC. METHODS: IRB approved retrospective chart review of patients with pediatric glaucoma that underwent MPCPC and CWCPC at 2 separate institutions. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 21mmHg on any number of topical glaucoma medication without requiring additional surgical intervention or oral IOP lowering medication. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients in the study, 22 (26 eyes) underwent MPCPC and 26 (30 eyes) underwent CWCPC. At 1 year, 7 out of 26 eyes (26.9%) achieved success in the MPCPC group compared to 13 out of 30 eyes (43.3%) in the CWCPC group. Survival analysis unveiled a statistically significant difference in success between the two groups (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In pediatric glaucoma patients undergoing cyclophotocoagulation procedures, CWCPC outperformed MPCPC using default settings in terms of achieving long-term IOP control. Additional studies are required to evaluated augmented MPCPC settings in pediatric glaucoma patients.

Diode Laser Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation With a Novel Low-Cost Torchlight Method of Trans-Corneal Transillumination in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma.

PRCIS: Trans-corneal transillumination (TI) aided transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) for intraocular pressure control of refractory pediatric glaucoma was found to be effective at 1 year. PURPOSE: To study 1-year outcomes of diode laser TSCPC with trans-corneal TI using a novel low-cost torchlight method in refractory pediatric glaucoma. METHODS: This prospective interventional study included children with refractory glaucoma who underwent TSCPC with the Oculight laser system (IRIS Medical Instruments) with trans-corneal TI (TSCPC-TI) using a novel low-cost torchlight method. Children completing a minimum 1-year follow-up were analyzed. They were compared with a historical control group of children who underwent TSCPC without TI (TSCPC-No-TI) at the 1-year follow-up period. We analyzed the mean laser energy delivered, post-laser intraocular pressure reduction, number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM), the requirement of retreatment and complications of the procedure in both groups. RESULTS: Forty-two eyes of 35 patients comprised the TSCPC-TI group and were compared with 31 eyes of 21 patients in the TSCPC-No-TI group. The TSCPC-TI group required lower energy than the TSCPC-No-TI group (24.7±7.8 J vs. 47.2±10.9 J, P <0.0001). Mean topical antiglaucoma drug requirement decreased from 2.9±0.08 before treatment to 0.66±0.8 at the end of 1 year in TSCPC-TI and from 2.6±1.0 before treatment to 0.6±0.77 in the TSCPC-No-TI groups, respectively ( P =0.15). There was a significantly reduced dependence of oral acetazolamide in the TSCPC-TI group at 1-year follow-up [5.7% vs. 61.9%, respectively ( P <0.001%)]. No adverse event of hypotony or choroidal detachment was noted in any group. CONCLUSIONS: TSCPC aided by TI with a low-cost torchlight for pediatric refractory glaucoma was found to be effective at 1 year in reducing intraocular pressure and the burden of medication.

Topical anesthesia versus topical and subconjunctival anesthesia combined in diabetic retinopathy photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: comparison between two anesthetic techniques on the ability to reduce pain during panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) treatment. METHODS: Observational retrospective single center study. Medical charts of patients who underwent PRP for proliferative diabetic retinopathy were revised. Patients were included if they had the first eye treated with oxybuprocaine hydrochloride drops, and in case of severe pain, the fellow eye received topical anesthesia in combination with 2% subconjunctival lidocaine. The groups were compared for pain perception using an analog visual scale (VAS), number of laser spots, number of interruptions, and laser session duration. RESULTS: Forty-two eyes of 21 patients (mean age: 58.3 ± 7.6 years) were analyzed. The mean number of laser spots was significantly higher under combined anesthesia (+84.2 ± 155.9 spots, p = 0.01), with a reduced time for laser execution (-2.5 ± 3.12, p = 0.0008). The use of combined anesthesia significantly decreased the number of interruptions (-40.8%, p < 0.0001) into a single session. On the pain grading scale, the pain perception was significantly lower in the combined anesthesia group (p < 0.0001). In eyes receiving topical anesthesia the treatment was stopped for pain in 5 eyes (23.8%), while 5 eyes under combined anesthesia presented subconjunctival hemorrhage (23.8%). CONCLUSION: Using combined anesthesia in patients subjected to PRP appeared to reduce pain perception limiting the treatment duration and the interruptions for pain without significant complications. Further studies on a larger scale would be desirable to replicate such findings and standardize the analgesic procedures in ophthalmology.

Efficacy and safety of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation versus cyclocryotherapy in the treatment of intractable glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To perform a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) and cyclocryotherapy (CCT) in the treatment of intractable glaucoma. Systemic searches of the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases yielded experimental and observational comparative studies. TSCPC and CCT efficacy and safety outcomes were compared. Subgroup analyses of participant ethnicity, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) level, and underlying causes of glaucoma were conducted. The pooled effects were computed using the random-effects model. The meta-analysis included nine studies totalling 668 eyes. There was no statistically significant difference between the TSCPC and CCT groups in the IOP reduction (IOPR%), decrease in antiglaucoma medications, the operative success rate with or without medications, or retreatment rate in the efficacy analysis. In the subgroup analysis, CCT had a better IOP-lowering effect among non-Asian participants and a non-inferior IOPR% to TSCPC among Asian participants. TSCPC and CCT were associated with similar rates of deterioration in visual acuity, postoperative visual analog scale, and other analysed postoperative complications in the safety analysis. In both groups, severe complications were uncommon. Diode laser TSCPC and CCT had nearly equivalent clinical efficacy in treating intractable glaucoma, while CCT demonstrated a better IOP-lowering effect in non-Asian. Both cyclodestructive procedures have a comparable safety profile.

The outcomes of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory primary angle-closure glaucoma in a South Indian population.

BACKGROUND: The surgical intervention of refractory primary angle-closure glaucomas (PACGs) is a big challenge to any ophthalmologist since the efficacy of lens extraction in eyes with a long duration of angle closure is limited. Also, trabeculectomy in such eyes is not without vision-threatening complications. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in eyes with refractory PACG. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzing all patients who underwent CPC for refractory PACG in the year 2019 was conducted. Out of the 68 patients recruited, 56 PACG patients fulfilled the study criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 58.5 years. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) intraocular pressure (IOP) at baseline was 38.91 (14.86) mmHg, and it ranged from 21 to 74 mmHg. Participants' mean (SD) follow-up duration was 11.87 (7.83) months. Almost 90.9% of eyes showed IOP reduction from baseline during the follow-up period. There was also a reduction in the mean antiglaucoma medications (AGM) to 2.67 (1.29) in the final follow-up visit compared to the baseline of 3.30 (0.81). Chronic hypotony was noted in four eyes, out of which phthisis bulbi occurred in one eye. Six eyes underwent additional incisional surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The outcomes from our study support the role of transscleral diode laser CPC in the interim optimization of IOP in PACG eyes refractory to other modalities. This is emerging as a primary treatment option to optimize IOP to safer limits before any planned incisional procedure. Though complications like chronic hypotony occur as anticipated, vision-threatening complications are rare.

Direct Laser Photocoagulation of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Novel Method to Seal Retinal Breaks during Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the clinical effectiveness of employing direct retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) laser photocoagulation as a technique for achieving chorioretinal adhesion to effectively seal retinal breaks. METHODS: A total of 20 eyes from 20 patients were enrolled in the study; all selected eyes exhibited either rhegmatogenous or combined rhegmatogenous-tractional retinal detachment. During vitrectomy, direct RPE laser photocoagulation was executed, employing a power range of 100-150 mW and a duration of 120-200 ms, targeting the peripheries where the edges of each retinal break were anticipated to settle post-reattachment. This treated area's neuroretina thickness was compared to measurements obtained after conventional transretinal laser photocoagulation. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average duration of 24 months, with a range of 11-46 months. A visible pigmentary reaction in the ophthalmoscopic examination was evident in the treated regions for all but one eye, where the retinal break was situated amidst myelinated nerve fibers. The study encountered no severe complications, and successful retinal reattachment was achieved in all 20 eyes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the final follow-up showed a statistically significant improvement compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.0001). A noteworthy difference in neuroretinal thickness was observed one-month post-surgery between areas treated with direct RPE and those treated with transretinal photocoagulation, measuring 217 µm and 104 µm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that direct RPE laser photocoagulation is an effective therapeutic intervention for sealing retinal breaks.

Efficacy of Continuous-Wave Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Post-Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Glaucoma Patients: A Retrospective Study from Poland.

BACKGROUND Glaucoma, a vision-threatening condition, results from optic nerve damage and affects millions of people worldwide. Often asymptomatic, it is hereditary, with risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and steroid use. Despite its link with intraocular pressure (IOP), not everyone with high IOP develops glaucoma. After pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), patients face increased IOP risks. Traditional treatment includes pharmacotherapy, and, when ineffective, surgical interventions. Continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC) is an alternative for refractory glaucoma but can have complications. Our study compares the efficacy and safety of CW-TSCPC after PPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 18 patients diagnosed with glaucoma who underwent the CW-TSCP procedure as the first-choice therapy after conservative treatment of glaucoma proved ineffective. The comparison group consisted of 12 patients who underwent the CW-TSCP procedure after conservative drug treatment and in whom surgical treatment of glaucoma had been unsuccessful. All patients had inadequate control of IOP after PPV. RESULTS Study and comparison group patients showed a decrease in IOP during the follow-up, independent of the type of endotamponade used (P<0.05). When the indication for PPV was retinal detachment hemorrhage into the vitreous chamber, a significant decrease in IOP between 0 days and 180 days was only found in the study group (P<0.05). In contrast, when the indication for PPV was the state after uveitis or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a significant decrease in IOP was found at 180 days in the study and comparison groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The analysis showed that the CW-TSCPC procedure can be recommended as the first-choice invasive treatment in patients with increased IOP after PPV.

[Primary vitrectomy in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity with unfavorable progression]. / Pervichnaya vitrektomiya v lechenii retinopatii nedonoshennykh neblagopriyatnogo tipa techeniya.

PURPOSE: The study aims to determine the indications and evaluate the results of primary vitrectomy in unfavorable progression of stage III active retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The control group consisted of 17 patients (28 eyes) with unfavorable progression of stage III ROP, who had the disease progress after coagulation of the avascular retina and underwent the second stage of treatment - vitrectomy. The main group consisted of 5 patients (10 eyes) with unfavorable progression of stage III ROP, who underwent primary vitrectomy. Gestational age at birth was 24-30 weeks, body weight ranged from 680 to 1250 g. According to spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A), the initial state of the retina and vitreoretinal interface in patients of the main and control groups were identical. RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of control patients, according to SOCT and OCT-A data, showed the spread of neovascularization beyond the retinal plane, its interaction with the posterior hyaloid membrane and vitreous body structures in the early stages of the disease, traction changes in the underlying retina, areas of retinoschisis, as well as thickening of the posterior hyaloid membrane. The tactics of treating patients with unfavorable progression of stage III ROP has changed since 2020. Primary vitrectomy was performed in case the signs listed above were identified. The transition of the disease to the inactive stage was recorded in all cases one month after primary vitrectomy. After one year the pathological process did not reactivate in any of the cases, and no pathological changes were found in the projection of the former proliferation ridge. CONCLUSIONS: Extraretinal retinovitreal neovascularization, according to multimodal preoperative diagnostics, indicates the need for vitreoretinal surgery as a pathogenetically substantiated method of treatment for unfavorable progression of stage III active ROP.

Diabetic Macular Edema - Diagnostics and Treatment Guidelines.

Together with diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME) ranks among the most common causes of severe loss of vision in working adults. Due to recent developments in imaging methods, new classification schemes of DME have been created. In addition to this, new treatment options have been introduced (new intravitreal drugs as well as treatment protocols). At the same time laser, surgical as well as combination therapy is still available. In this paper we evaluate the current knowledge about DME diagnostic and treatment options and formulate recommended guidelines for the management of DME.

Posterior to the ridge laser in zone 2 stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity with plus disease: Efficacy and safety.

Purpose: This study aimed to ascertain the efficacy and safety of an additional posterior to the ridge laser for treatable zone 2 stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of infants undergoing laser treatment for ROP at a single center from March 2014 to March 2022. The chart review specifically searched for infants treated for zone 2 stage 3 ROP with plus disease, where additional posterior to the ridge laser was performed. Results: Seventy-eight eyes of 45 infants met the inclusion criterion. The mean birth weight and gestational age were 1166.09 ± 329.66 gm and 29 ± 2 weeks, respectively. Group 1 comprised 52 eyes treated for high-risk prethreshold stage 3 ROP, while group 2 comprised 26 eyes treated for threshold ROP. 532-nm frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (Nidek, Japan) was used in all eyes. Apart from the standard laser to the avascular retina, an additional three rows of laser were applied posterior to the ridge in all eyes during the primary laser sitting (except in two eyes where it was performed as a rescue treatment 2 weeks after the first sitting). No complications were observed during or immediately after the laser procedure. A favorable outcome was achieved in 98.07% of eyes with prethreshold ROP and 76.92% of eyes with threshold ROP. Overall, a favorable outcome was achieved in 71 (91.02%) of the 78 eyes. Conclusion: Posterior to the ridge laser performed in the primary sitting along with the standard laser for treatable stage 3 ROP in zone 2 is safe and effective. Further prospective studies are needed to study this underutilized approach.

From randomised controlled trials to real-world data: Clinical evidence to guide management of diabetic macular oedema.

Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) are generally considered the gold-standard for providing scientific evidence for treatments' effectiveness and safety but their findings may not always be generalisable to the broader population treated in routine clinical practice. RCTs include highly selected patient populations that fit specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Although they may have a lower level of certainty than RCTs on the evidence hierarchy, real-world data (RWD), such as observational studies, registries and databases, provide real-world evidence (RWE) that can complement RCTs. For example, RWE may help satisfy requirements for a new indication of an already approved drug and help us better understand long-term treatment effectiveness, safety and patterns of use in clinical practice. Many countries have set up registries, observational studies and databases containing information on patients with retinal diseases, such as diabetic macular oedema (DMO). These DMO RWD have produced significant clinical evidence in the past decade that has changed the management of DMO. RWD and medico-administrative databases are a useful resource to identify low frequency safety signals. They often have long-term follow-up with a large number of patients and minimal exclusion criteria. We will discuss improvements in healthcare information exchange technologies, such as blockchain technology and FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), which will connect and extend databases already available. These registries can be linked with existing or emerging retinal imaging modalities using artificial intelligence to aid diagnosis, treatment decisions and provide prognostic information. The results of RCTs and RWE are combined to provide evidence-based guidelines.

Panretinal photocoagulation plus intravitreal conbercept for diabetic retinopathy in real world: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate outcomes of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) plus intravitreal conbercept (IVC) for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in real world and explore risk factors for patients with poor reactivity and presence of vision-threatening complications after combination treatment. METHODS: Retrospective review of DR patients received PRP plus IVC over 6 months. The main outcome was improvement ≥ 2 steps in ETDRS diabetic retinopathy severity scale (DRSS) levels. Different strategies for eyes receiving IVC within or over 1 month after PRP were analyzed. For patients with DRSS improvement < 2 steps and presence of vision-threatening adverse events, a binary logistic regression method was used to select risk factors. RESULTS: Sixty one eyes were involved in this study. After treated with combination therapy with a median number of 3 injections, 44% of eyes improved ≥ 2 steps in DRSS levels. A total of 14 eyes (23%) occurred vision-threatening adverse events. No significant difference was found in eyes receiving conbercept within or over 1 month after PRP. Duration of diabetes (OR 0.849, 95%CI 0.734-0.982, P = 0.027), GFR (OR 0.961, 95%CI 0.933-0.990, P = 0.010) and baseline DRSS levels (OR 3.290, 95%CI 1.483-7.295, P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for DRSS improvement < 2 steps after treatment. Occurrence of vision-threatening complications was only related to high DRSS levels (OR 3.668, 95%CI 1.710-7.868, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination therapy was effective for most patients with DR in real world. Eyes received PRP combined with earlier or later conbercept was demonstrated no significant difference for outcomes. For patients with poor renal function, high DRSS levels or occurred DR at the early stage of diabetes, follow-up should be strengthened.

Exudative retinal detachment after laser in retinopathy of prematurity.

Treatment of retinopathy of prematurity with laser photocoagulation can be very effective in preventing future blindness, but its complications should be well understood by the ophthalmologists performing the treatment. We present the case of a 4-month-old girl in whom laser photocoagulation led to an exudative retinal detachment in both eyes. The fluid eventually resolved after treatment with topical and systemic steroids, but the effects of persistent fluid led to permanent photoreceptor loss. Optical coherence tomography can be useful in diagnosing the complication of exudative retinal detachment after laser photocoagulation and monitoring treatment response.