Risk Factors of Cystoid Macular Edema After Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cystoid macular edema after pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and identify possible related risk factors.

METHODS

A retrospective monocentric study was conducted within a cohort of pseudophakic patients undergoing vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment between January 2019 and December 2022. Demographic data, initial and intraoperative characteristics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and postoperative data were analyzed. Cystoid macular edema was defined on optical coherence tomography exclusively.

RESULTS

A total of 164 eyes of 164 patients were included for analysis. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 65.7 ± 12.0 years. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 2.1 ± 1.0 logMAR preoperatively and 1.0 ± 0.7 logMAR postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 13.4 ± 7.7 months. The prevalence of cystoid macular edema was 17.1% [9.8-26.4]. In multivariate analysis, severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy (relative risk 3.6 [1.3-9.7]) and laser retinopexy (relative risk 8.4 [1.1-64.7]) were independently and significantly associated with cystoid macular edema.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of cystoid macular edema in pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after pars plana vitrectomy was 17.1%. Severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy stage and the use of endolaser retinopexy were independent risk factors for development of cystoid macular edema.

Postoperative complications after successful primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for cystoid macular edema (CME) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) development after surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

Retrospective observational cohort study involving 62 consecutive patients with primary RRD who underwent RRD repair with either scleral buckling (SB) or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). SB was used in young phakic patients without posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), high myopic patients, and RRD associated with either anterior or inferior retinal tears. PPV was preferred over SB in pseudophakic patients or those with media opacity and posterior breaks that precluded the SB approach. After surgery, the macular changes, including CME and ERM development, were evaluated 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were performed in phakic patients where media opacity or lens bulging did not allow the surgeon to perform surgical maneuvers. The inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling was randomly performed in the macula-off and the macula-on RRD "pending foveal detachment" subgroup.

RESULTS

Sixty-two eyes affected by RRD who underwent SB or PPV were enrolled. CME occurred in 33.3% of the PPV group regardless of the ERM formation. No CME cases were found in the SB group. Macula-off RRD increased the risk of CME by odds ratio (OR) = 4.3 times compared to macula-on RRD regardless of the surgical procedure (p = 0.04). Macula-off status increased the risk of CME of OR = 1.73 times compared to macula-on in the PPV subgroup (p = 0.4). Combined cataract surgery and PPV increased the risk of CME by OR = 3.3 times (p = 0.16) compared to PPV alone, and ILM peeling increased the risk of postoperative CME by OR = 1.8 times (p = 0.37). ERM occurred in 28% of patients who did not undergo ILM peeling, and 29.42% of those who underwent ILM peeling developed ERM (p = 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of postoperative CME was higher in patients with macula-off than in macula-on RRD and in those with macula-off RRD who underwent PPV. The SB would be advisable in patients with RRD sparing the macula. Furthermore, despite having several advantages, the combined phacoemulsification plus IOL implantation and PPV highly increased the risk of postoperative CME.

Changes in chorioretinal flow index after cataract surgery: an optical coherence tomography angiography study

PURPOSE

Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME) occurs in up to 2% of uneventful cataract surgeries. This study evaluates changes in macular blood flow succeeding uneventful phacoemulsification cataract extraction among otherwise visually healthy subjects.

METHODS

This prospective study included 18 eyes of 18 patients undergoing routine phacoemulsification. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) was performed using the Angio-Retina 6 × 6 mm protocol with the XR Avanti Angio-Vue system (Optovue Inc., Fremont, California) prior to the surgery and 4-8 weeks thereafter. Exclusion criteria included motion artifacts, segmentation errors and signal strength index (SSI) < 40. The main outcome measure was change in flow index (FI) measured in all 4 retinal segmentation layers within an area of 1 mm diameter around the foveal center.

RESULTS

Following surgery, a significant increase in SSI (46.65 ± 8.62 versus 53.12 ± 8.07, p = 0.01), superficial plexus FI (0.98 ± 0.23 versus 1.16 ± 0.16, p = 0.02) and deep plexus FI (0.54 ± 0.46 versus 0.93 ± 0.39, p = 0.01) was found. No significant changes were noted in the outer retina or the choriocapillaris.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates a significant increase in FI in the superficial and deep retinal plexus following uneventful cataract surgery, with the greatest changes occurring in the latter. These findings corroborate evidence from structural imaging and support the vascular etiology of pseudophakic CME.

Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant for the treatment of persistent post-surgical cystoid macular edema in vitrectomized eyes

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is the most common cause of decreased visual acuity after both vitrectomy and cataract surgery. Various strategies have been used for its treatment, such as intravitreal corticosteroids. The intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant (Iluvien^®) is approved for the treatment of persisting diabetic macular edema and for the prevention of recurrence of non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment. There are very few reports about its off-label use for post-surgical CME. We present four clinical cases of post-surgical CME (three following vitrectomy and one following cataract surgery in a vitrectomized eye 2 years ago). All of them had been previously treated with an average of four injections of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex^®), with repeated recurrence of CME. After treatment with Iluvien, three cases showed improvement of both visual acuity and macular anatomy, with resolution of the macular edema. One patient required additional treatment with Ozurdex during follow-up, further improving CME. Two of the cases required topical pressure lowering treatment, and none required filtering surgery. Iluvien could be an effective therapeutic option for persistent non-diabetic macular edema after vitrectomy or cataract surgery refractory to other intravitreal therapies, with the benefit of being able to provide longer recurrence-free periods.

Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa

This chapter describes the clinical evaluation process of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The clinical evaluation consists of a complete history and ophthalmic examination. Here, we outline the aspects of the history and ophthalmic exam that are most important for the evaluation of RP patients. In addition, the expected findings of RP patients and the etiology of these findings are discussed.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid drugs for prevention of cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery

INTRODUCTION

To compare the efficacy and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), corticosteroid (CS), and a combination of both drugs to prevent cystoid macular edema (CME) after cataract surgery.

METHODS

We searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases to assess the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 28 April 2021. Network meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020182520).

RESULTS

Twenty-four RCTs were included in this review. The NSAID and combination of both drugs were significantly reduced the risk of developing CME than CS alone in non-diabetics and mix populations. In the ranking profiles, the combination therapy showed a significant advantage over the single drugs and was less likely to develop CME. Diclofenac was the most likely to reduce the odds of developing CME compared with bromfenac and nepafenac. Dexamethasone was the most likely to reduce the odds of developing CME compared with betamethasone and fluorometholone.

CONCLUSION

NSAID combination with CS has significantly reduced the risk of developing CME postoperatively than the single drug. Diclofenac was superior to bromfenac and nepafenac in preventing CME. Dexamethasone was superior to betamethasone and fluorometholone in preventing CME.

Bilateral Cystoid Macular Edema with Zanubrutinib Therapy: A Case Report

We present a patient with recurrent mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who was treated with zanubrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor. He subsequently developed bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) in both eyes. This is the first report of CME in a patient with MCL who was treated with zanubrutinib. CME was refractory to topical corticosteroid therapy, but sub-Tenon's steroid injections and holding off zanubrutinib managed to decrease the CME. Treatment managed to prevent further vision loss but did not restore lost vision. The prompt ophthalmic exam is recommended for patients on zanubrutinib with decreased vision.

Cystoid Macular Edema following Treatment with Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel and Atezolizumab for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a rare side effect associated with chemotherapy. Although the development of CME has been reported to occur following treatment with taxane drugs, such as nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (Nab-PTX), the occurrence of CME with treatment with atezolizumab has not yet been reported. Here, we report the case of a 49-year-old woman who developed CME 19 months into chemotherapy with Nab-PTX and atezolizumab. Improvement was not achieved with steroid injections into the Tenon's sac, and Nab-PTX and atezolizumab treatments were ceased. One month later, there was subjective improvement in her symptoms. Although many reports have indicated that cessation of chemotherapy has successfully improved CME, a specific treatment for CME has not yet been established. Clinicians should be aware of the ophthalmologic side effects and offer immediate treatment if symptoms develop.

Acute iridocyclitis and cystoid macular edema related to kinked Hydrus® Microstent in advanced glaucoma

A 58-year-old male who underwent cataract extraction with combined intraocular lens and Hydrus^® Microstent (Ivantis Inc, Irvine, CA, US) implantation 2 years ago in the right eye (OD) due to advanced glaucoma presented with blurry vision in right eye (OD) for 3 months. The visual acuity was 20/60 and slit-lamp examination indicated mild anterior chamber inflammation with unexposed, functioning tube shunt superotemporally in OD. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated cystoid macular edema (CME) with subretinal fluid. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated petaloid pattern leakage of CME. Gonioscopy revealed a kinked appearance of a Hydrus^® Microstent protruding into the anterior chamber and causing iris chafing. Topical ketorolac tromethamine and prednisolone acetate were started. At the 2^nd month of follow-up, the anterior chamber was quiet, and the CME resolved completely. Protruded kinked Hydrus^® Microstent may lead to acute iridocyclitis and CME through iris chafing, which may be responsive to topical anti-inflammatory drops.

Current Management Options for Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa

With an estimated prevalence of 1 in 4000 worldwide [1], retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a spectrum of progressive inherited retinal disorders that can lead to blindness as early as age 30 [2]. Despite its relatively high prevalence and devastating consequences, RP does not have a definitive cure. Therapeutic attempts have been made with nutritional supplementation, but these strategies only have proven benefit in a limited number of patients with rare forms of RP. Thus, current standards of care involve regular follow-up, management of associated ocular pathology such as macular edema and cataracts, and genetic counseling and low vision rehabilitation. In recent years, gene therapy, visual prostheses, and stem cell therapy have emerged as FDA-approved treatments for RP, but these options are not yet widely used. Herein, this chapter will discuss the therapeutic strategies listed above that comprise the current standards of care and briefly discuss some emerging options.

Multimodal Imaging of Pigmented Paravenous Retinochoroidal Atrophy in a Pediatric Patient with Cystoid Macular Edema

The aim of this case report is to present the multimodal imaging characteristics of pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) in a pediatric patient with cystoid macular edema (CME). A 7-year-old girl was admitted to our clinic with complaints of mild blurred vision and poor night vision. Best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in both eyes. Fundus examination showed atrophic areas around the optic nerve and along the retinal vessels in both eyes. A few small dot-shaped paravenous pigmentations were observed in the mid-peripheral retina. Fundus autofluorescence was consistent with PPRCA. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed the presence of CME and loss of the outer retinal layers outside the macula, with intact retinal layers in the macula. OCT angiography revealed normal choriocapillaris vasculature and flow. The patient was followed up for 6 months but showed no change in CME or clinical appearance. CME without ocular inflammation is an unusual finding of PPRCA and may suggest the involvement of chronic or latent inflammation in the etiology of PPRCA.

Treatment of Intravitreal Ranibizumab Resistant Radiation Retinopathy with Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant: A Case Report

A 43-year-old female patient presented with complaints of decreased vision in both eyes. Her medical history revealed the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. She was treated with chemotherapy, and whole-brain, manubrium sterni, and right chest wall radiation therapy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200 and 20/160 in the right and left eye, respectively. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the presence of cystoid macular edema (CME). OCT angiography confirmed the presence of microaneurysms, ischemia, and capillary drop-out on the macula. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed multiple microaneurysms with surrounding ischemia and leakage. Based on these findings and medical history, a diagnosis of radiation maculopathy was considered. The patient was administered intravitreal four doses of ranibizumab injections. Laser photocoagulation was performed on the ischemic areas of the retina in both eyes. Despite the follow-up and treatment, the presence of residual CME and BCVA 20/200 in both eyes was determined; it was decided to change the treatment regimen to an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. One month after injection, BCVA was 20/80 in both eyes, and normal foveal contour and no edema as confirmed on OCT. The DEX implant showed a promising result and should be kept in mind in the treatment of radiation retinopathy.

Central macular thickness change after uneventful small-incision cataract surgery - An observational study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to diagnose CME with the help of optical coherence tomography (OCT) after uneventful cataract surgery to prevent visual deterioration.

Methods

This study was conducted on 120 patients, who underwent manual small-incision cataract surgery with posterior chamber intra-ocular lens implantation. Follow-up was performed after the first week, sixth week, and 12^th week post-operatively. Detailed examination was performed at each visit along with measurements of central macular thickness using OCT. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0.

Result

The mean age of the patients was 61.85 ± 11.41 years having female preponderance. The pre-operative mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was found to be 0.05 ± 0.04, whereas the mean post-operative BCVA was found to be 0.65 ± 0.17 at the first week, 0.66 ± 0.17 at the sixth week, and 0.67 ± 0.17 at the 12^th week follow-up. The post-operative mean macular thicknesses at the first week, sixth week, and 12^th week post-operatively were documented to be 221.66 ± 8.49 μm, 224.60 ± 8.75 μm, and 219.17 ± 8.22 μm, respectively.

Conclusion

A sub-clinical increase in macular thickness occurs even after uncomplicated cataract surgery. The maximum increase was observed after 6 weeks of surgery, which returns to near normal values within 3 months. Comparison of central macular thicknesses pre-operatively and post-operatively at the first week, sixth week, and 12^th week suggests a significant correlation.

Successful treatment with repeated dexamethasone implant injections for recurrent macular edema after acute retinal necrosis

Background

The treatment of recurrent cystoid macular edema associated with acute retinal necrosis is challenging due to the concern that treatment with intravitreal steroids may reactivate the retinitis.

Case report

An immunocompetent patient diagnosed with acute retinal necrosis was treated with oral valacyclovir and intravitreal injections of foscarnet. Giant tears in her retina necessitated a vitrectomy with silicone oil. She developed cystoid macular edema after the removal of the silicone oil. The edema responded to high-dose prednisolone but recurred when the dose was tapered to 20 mg daily. Under close surveillance and increased antiviral medication, she was treated with a dexamethasone implant with complete resolution of the edema. Unfortunately, the edema recurred, and the treatment had to be repeated. Over 18 months, she received five dexamethasone implants without recurrence of the viral retinitis.

Conclusions

This case shows successful treatment of recurring cystoid macular edema following acute retinal necrosis with repeated intravitreal dexamethasone implants in a patient receiving valacyclovir maintenance treatment.

Therapeutic Effects of Combination Therapy and Photobiomodulation Therapy on Retinal Regeneration

Introduction: Many systemic and ocular diseases cause macular edema (ME). Macular edema is seen in two primary forms; the first is diffuse thickening of the macula, and the other is a macula with a distinct petaloid (cloverleaf) appearance called cystoid macular edema. Macular edema has a known role in the reduction of visual equity, and many options have been proposed for the reversal of this condition. Methods: Articles on the effects of macular laser grid photocoagulation on diabetic macular edema (DME) or cystoid macular edema published between 2000 and 2022 were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The following keywords were used for the search: "macular laser photocoagulation", "macular edema", "cystoid macular edema", "intravitreal pharmacotherapies", and "antivascular endothelial growth factor". Two hundred nineteen articles were found in google scholar and 165 articles in PubMed, and a total of 58 articles were included in the study after applying the exclusion criteria. Results: We investigated the effects of various lasers photocoagulation such as Focal and/or grid macular laser, subthreshold micropulse laser (SMPL), as well as intravitreal pharmacotherapies with triamcinolone acetonide, and fluocinolone, and extended released intraocular implants such as Ozurdex, Retisert, Iluvien, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factors such as bevacizumab (Avastin), Eyela, and Lucentis. Corticosteroids were more effective than lasers, although some researchers have found that lasers and combined lasers and corticosteroids are more effective. In addition, some studies have shown that the frequency and concentrations of intravitreal pharmacotherapies are effective in increasing visual outcomes. Conclusion: The results of the studies showed that the combined intravitreal corticosteroids are much more effective in improving visual acuity (VA) than a single corticosteroid, and the low concentration of the drug is safer. Still, corticosteroids have side effects such as increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Therefore, combining the medication with a laser is much more reasonable than each alone. Also, the subthreshold photocoagulation laser (670 nm) is better at reducing the central macular thickness (CMT) and improving VA than the micro pulse yellow laser and pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP).

Non-vasogenic cystoid maculopathies

Besides cystoid macular edema due to a blood-retinal barrier breakdown, another type of macular cystoid spaces referred to as non-vasogenic cystoid maculopathies (NVCM) may be detected on optical coherence tomography but not on fluorescein angiography. Various causes may disrupt retinal cell cohesion or impair retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller cell functions in the maintenance of retinal dehydration, resulting in cystoid spaces formation. Tractional causes include vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membranes and myopic foveoschisis. Surgical treatment does not always allow cystoid space resorption. In inherited retinal dystrophies, cystoid spaces may be part of the disease as in X-linked retinoschisis or enhanced S-cone syndrome, or occur occasionally as in bestrophinopathies, retinitis pigmentosa and allied diseases, congenital microphthalmia, choroideremia, gyrate atrophy and Bietti crystalline dystrophy. In macular telangiectasia type 2, cystoid spaces and cavitations do not depend on the fluid leakage from telangiectasia. Various causes affecting RPE function may result in NVCM such as chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and paraneoplastic syndromes. Non-exudative age macular degeneration may also be complicated by intraretinal cystoid spaces in the absence of fluorescein leakage. In these diseases, cystoid spaces occur in a context of retinal cell loss. Various causes of optic atrophy, including open-angle glaucoma, result in microcystoid spaces in the inner nuclear layer due to a retrograde transsynaptic degeneration. Lastly, drug toxicity may also induce cystoid maculopathy. Identifying NVCM on multimodal imaging, including fluorescein angiography if needed, allows guiding the diagnosis of the causative disease and choosing adequate treatment when available.

Refractive Outcomes of Combined Cataract Surgery and Vitrectomy Compared to Cataract Surgery Alone

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the refractive outcomes of combined cataract surgery and vitrectomy compared to cataract surgery alone.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review study included two groups: (1) combined surgery in 103 eyes (101 patients) who underwent cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) placement by a single cataract surgeon and vitrectomy by a single vitreoretinal surgeon at the same surgical setting; (2) cataract surgery alone by the same surgeon in 107 eyes (84 patients). Refractive outcomes and complications between the combined and cataract surgery alone group were compared. The predicted refractive error was compared to postoperative refractive outcomes in both groups, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), intraoperative or postoperative complications of either cataract surgery or vitrectomy, and cystoid macular edema.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between predicted and actual postoperative refractive outcomes between the combined and cataract surgery alone groups (within ±0.5 diopters [D], p = 0.099; within ±1.0 D, p = 0.721). There was no difference in SIA refractive outcomes between the two groups (p = 0.509). The use of intraoperative gas for retina tamponade did not significantly affect postoperative refractive outcomes. Both cataract surgery and vitrectomy were successfully performed without unexpected complications from either procedure affecting the other.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Combined cataract surgery and vitrectomy allows excellent refractive outcomes equal to cataract surgery alone, allowing each procedure to be performed independently by separate anterior and posterior segment surgeons. Combined procedures can be performed in eyes with a variety of retinal indications and can include fluid-gas exchange with minimal risk of PCIOL malposition or change in targeted refraction.

Nab-Paclitaxel related cystoid macular edema

OBJECTIVES

Nab-paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various solid malignant tumors. It was conceived with a solvent free formulation to overcome toxicity events and hypersensitivity reactions associated with paclitaxel. However, it still carries ocular adverse effects. The present review examines nab-paclitaxel related cystoid macular edema (CME) and the available therapeutic options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature was reviewed on nab-paclitaxel related CME on published articles through January 2021 using the keywords "nab-paclitaxel "and "cystoid macular edema".

RESULTS

Bilateral CME is found in patients in treatment with nab-paclitaxel and causes considerable visual acuity decline. In ophthalmology multimodal imaging has an integral role in the diagnostic work up of patients and shows characteristic findings in nab-paclitaxel related CME. The case of a patient with treatment for bilateral CME is presented and analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

The preferred management strategy for nab-paclitaxel-related CME is drug cessation that leads to complete resolution of edema. When discontinuation of treatment is not possible due to the systemic conditions of patients, effective alternative therapeutic modalities are topical dorzolamide or steroidal treatment. Given the higher complication hazards of intravitreal therapy topical treatment should be preferred owing to comparable efficacy.

Intermediate Uveitis: A Review

PURPOSE

This review aims to provide an update on the clinical presentation, etiologies, complications, and treatment options in intermediate uveitis (IU).

METHODS

Narrative literature review.

RESULTS

IU affects all age groups with no clear gender predominance and has varied etiologies including systemic illnesses and infectious diseases, or pars planitis. In some instances, IU may be the sole presentation of an underlying associated condition or disease. Management of IU and its complications include administration of corticosteroids, antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors, and/or biologics, along with surgical interventions, with varying degrees of effectiveness across literature. In particular, increasing evidence of the safety and efficacy of immunomodulatory agents and biologics has seen greater adoption of these therapies in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

IU is an anatomical description of uveitis, involving intraocular inflammation of the vitreous, peripheral retinal vasculature, and pars plana. Various treatment options for intermediate uveitis are currently used in practice.

Frequency of cystoid macular edema and vitreomacular interface disorders in genetically solved syndromic and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) corresponds to a group of inherited retinal disorders where progressive rod-cone degeneration is observed. Cystoid macular edema (CME) and vitreomacular interface disorders (VMID) are known to complicate the RP phenotype, challenging an age-old concept of retained central visual acuity. The reported prevalence of these changes varies greatly among different studies. We aim to describe the frequency of CME and VMID and identify predictors of these changes in a cohort of Caucasian patients with genetically solved syndromic (sRP) and non-syndromic RP (nsRP).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of patients with genetically solved sRP or nsRP. Genetic testing was clinically oriented in all probands and coordinated by a medical geneticist. The presence/absence of CME and VMIDs such as epiretinal membrane (ERM), vitreomacular traction (VMT), lamellar hole (LH), macular hole (MH), and macular pseudohole (MPH), and the integrity of the neurosensory retina and retinal pigment epithelium were evaluated in individual macular SD-OCT b-scans. Mixed-effects regression analysis models were used to identify significant predictors of BCVA, CME, and VMID. Significance was considered at α < 0.05.

RESULTS

We included 250 eyes from 125 patients. Mean age was 44.9 ± 15.7 years and 55.2% were male. Eighty-eight patients had nsRP and 37 had sRP. Median BCVA was 0.5 (0.2-1.3) logMAR. CME was found in 17.1% of eyes, while ERM was found in 54.3% of eyes. The frequency of CME (p = 0.45) and ERM (p = 0.07) did not differ between sRP and nsRP patients, nor across different inheritance patterns. Mixed-effects univariate linear regression identified age (p = 0.04), cataract surgery (p < 0.01), and loss of integrity of outer retinal layers (p < 0.01) as significant predictors of lower visual acuity, while increased foveal thickness (p < 0.01) and the presence of CME (p = 0.04) were predictors of higher visual acuity. On mixed-effects multivariable analysis, only increased foveal thickness was significantly associated with better visual acuity (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We found that the burden of ERM and CME in RP patients is high, highlighting the importance of screening for these potentially treatable conditions to improve the quality of life of RP patients.

Improvement of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema with subconjunctival injections of interferon α2b:a case report

Purpose

To report a patient with resistant cystoid macular edema after an uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery who responded to subconjunctival interferon α2b injections.

Observations

This report describes a 60-year-old male patient with pseudophakic cystoid macular edema that was unresponsive to multiple courses of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids during the follow-up period. Weekly subconjunctival interferon α2b (5 MIU/ml) was administered four times. Cystoid macular edema completely resolved after the 4th injection.During a six-month follow-up period, cystoid macular edema did not recur. No adverse local and systemic side effects were observed.

Conclusions and importance

Weekly subconjunctival interferon α2b injections might be a safe and effective treatment modality in the treatment of stubborn pseudophakic cystoid macular edema to conventional treatment.

Mid-term safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat persistent cystoid macular edema in vitrectomized eyes for bacterial endophthalmitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mid-term safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-i) for treating unresponsive to medical therapy cystoid macular edema (CME) in vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Retrospective and interventional case series study conducted on vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis that developed a CME that did not adequately respond to medical therapy, who underwent 0.7-mg DEX-i. Main outcome measures were changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS

Eleven eyes were included in the study. Microbiological findings of vitreous biopsies were 7 (63.6%) staphylococcus epidermidis; 3 (27.3%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and 1 (9.1%) Propionibacterium acnes. Median (interquartile range, IqR) duration of CME was 4.0 (3.0-4.0) months. Median (IqR) time between vitrectomy and DEX-i was 9.0 (9.0-11.0) months. Median CRT was significantly decreased from 548.0 (412.8-572.5) µm at baseline to 308.0 (281.3-365.5) µm at month 6 (p = 0.0009, Friedman test). Median BCVA significantly improved from 38.0 (30.5-44.8) letters at baseline to 50.0 (46.8-53.0) letters at month 6 (p < 0.0001, Friedman), with 9 (81.8%) eyes gaining ≥ 10 letters. Elevation of intraocular pressure was observed in one (9.1%) eye, which was successfully controlled with medical therapy. No recurrence of endophthalmitis or other complications was observed. Eight (72.7%) eyes required an additional DEX-i, while 3 (27.3%) were successfully controlled with only one DEX-i. CME recurrence occurred in 5 (62.5%) Gram-positive and 3 (100.0%) Gram-negative bacteria (p = 0.2357).

CONCLUSION

In vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis affected by CME unresponsive to medical therapy, DEX-i had an acceptable safety profile and achieved favorable outcomes. The possibility of suppressing mechanisms for infection control should be taken into account, although correct management of endophthalmitis and long time without reactivation before DEX-i reduce the risk.

A case report of cystoid macular edema, uveitis and vitreomacular traction in a patient taking Anastrozole

Purpose

To report a case of cystoid macular edema, uveitis, and vitreomacular traction in a patient with a history of breast cancer and taking anastrozole.

Observations

A 73-year-old female with a history of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and treatment with anastrozole presented with bilateral blurry vision, photophobia, and eye soreness. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of both maculae revealed vitreomacular traction (VMT), an epiretinal membrane, cystoid macular edema (CME) in the right eye, and drusen without subretinal fluid bilaterally. Although later, macular OCT did show evidence of cystoid intraretinal spaces in the left eye as well. Fluorescein angiography showed bilateral petaloid leakage, bilateral slow disc leaking, as well as peripheral leakage in the right eye. Anastrozole was discontinued and, subsequent macular OCT showed release of VMT in the right eye, and eventual resolution of intraretinal cystoid spaces bilaterally.

Conclusions and importance

Stopping of anastrozole was associated in resolution of refractory CME in a patient on aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer. It is therefore important to consider anastrozole and other aromatase inhibitor drugs as possible factors predisposing patients to the development of CME.

The detrimental effects of delayed intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for treating retinal pathology: lessons from a forced test-case

Purpose

Determine the anatomical consequences of delaying intravitreal injection (IVI) therapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in patients using treat-and-extend (T&E) protocol.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review of consecutive patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy using T&E protocol prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

The study included 923 eyes of 691patients; 58.8% (543 eyes), 25% (231 eyes), and 16.2% (149 eyes) had nvAMD, DME, and RVO, respectively. Mean (± SD) patient age was 74.5 ± 11.7 years. Overall, 56.3% of cases had a delay in therapy of ≥ 7 days; specifically, 56.2%, 61.5%, and 49.0% of nvAMD, DME, and RVO cases, respectively, had a delay. The median delay in days, among cases ≥ 7 days late was 21 (IQR 7 to 42) days, with 21(IQR 7 to 45), 22.5(IQR 8 to 42), and 14(IQR 7 to 33.5) days of delay among patients with nvAMD, DME, and RVO, respectively. Delaying therapy by ≥ 7 days resulted in increased CST in 47.5%, 58.5%, and 58.9% of nvAMD, DME, and RVO cases, respectively, with a significant correlation between the length of treatment delay and the increase in CST (Spearman’s rho: 0.196; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Delayed IVI treatment in eyes treated with T&E protocol was associated with increased macular thickness with potential consequences with respect to visual outcome.

Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide 0.19 mg (Iluvien®) for the treatment of uveitic macular edema: 2-year follow-up of 20 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate intravitreal 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAi) (Iluvien®) for the treatment of chronic non-infectious uveitis with associated cystoid macular edema (CME).

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical reports from a single Danish tertiary centre including 20 patients (20 eyes), treated with 0.19 mg FAi for non-infectious uveitic CME. The primary endpoints were change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT). The secondary endpoints were recurrence rate, change in systemic treatment, and intraocular pressure (IOP).

RESULTS

Mean follow-up of the 20 eyes was 2.3 ± 1.1 years. BCVA improved at 6 (p = 0.13), 12 (p = 0.05), 18 (p = 0.03), and 24 months and CRT decreased at 6 (p = 0.004), 12 (p = 0.006), 18, and 24 months after 0.19 mg FAi. Within 18 months after implantation, four of 14 patients (28.6%) relapsed. Three of five patients discontinued systemic corticosteroids within 4 months and one patient continued with reduced dose. Five of 10 patients receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) at time of implantation discontinued within 1 year. No patients started new systemic treatment. Eight eyes were treated with topical IOP-lowering medication at the time of implantation, of these two later underwent trabeculectomy. There were no complications associated with previous glaucoma surgery.

CONCLUSION

This long-term follow-up study showed that intravitreal treatment with 0.19 mg FAi should be considered in the treatment of chronic non-infectious uveitic CME in selected patients. This treatment is safe even in selected glaucoma patients and may offer reduction or cessation of local or systemic anti-inflammatory treatment.