Orbital relapse of retinoblastoma in patients with high-risk histopathology features

Aim:

To describe the clinical picture of orbital relapse of retinoblastoma following uncomplicated enucleation.

Methods:

Case series of two patients with group E retinoblastoma with high-risk features on histopathology, namely, post-laminar optic nerve extension in one patient, and massive choroidal tumor infiltration in the other. Neither of them received adjuvant chemotherapy post enucleation.

Results:

Both patients had orbital relapse of tumor within 4 months from enucleation, manifesting as implant migration and unstable conformer. Systemic chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy to the orbit resulted in complete tumor regression. Both patients were tumor free at the last follow up.

Conclusion:

Implant migration post enucleation should raise the suspicion for orbital relapse of retinoblastoma. High-risk histopathology features should increase the alert in an otherwise uncomplicated enucleation for retinoblastoma.

Widefield OCT angiography and ultra-widefield multimodal imaging of Susac syndrome

The aim is to present the changes in ultra-widefield and widefield multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography angiography of a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with Susac syndrome, over 1 year of follow-up. Fundus examination and multimodal imaging revealed bilateral arterial occlusion of multiple vascular branches with retinal ischemia. Over 1 year follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity improved while retinal ischemia gradually resolved. Widefield optical coherence tomography angiography showed reperfusion of macular large vessels, but not of the small capillaries. Despite anatomical improvement, functional defects of the visual field persisted. In conclusion, widefield and ultra-widefield imaging provided high-resolution details of the central and peripheral damages in Susac syndrome.

Hyperreflective Foci Number Correlates with Choroidal Neovascularization Activity in Angioid Streaks

Purpose

To assess the changes in hyperreflective foci (HF) by means of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients undergoing anti-VEGF treatment for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks (AS).

Methods

Fifteen eyes with diagnosis of AS-related CNV (8 males) and 15 control eyes with uncomplicated AS were consecutively recruited. Patients and controls underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and SD-OCT. Patients were subjected to a pro re nata treatment regimen, including monthly examinations and intravitreal aflibercept injection in case of fluid detection on SD-OCT. HF were measured on horizontal scans of the six-line radial SD-OCT, in the fovea and parafovea and the subdivided as retinal or choroidal. Specifically, HF were analyzed at the following time points: baseline, dry on SD-OCT, 1 month before its reactivation, and the time of CNV reactivation.

Results

HF numbers resulted higher in all CNV phases with respect to controls, except during inactive phase. Moreover, foveal and parafoveal HF were found significantly increased in active, prereactive, and reactive phases when compared with inactive phase (P < 0.05). A similar trend was detected for choroidal HF. Interestingly, a subanalysis revealed that only foveal choroidal HF are significantly higher in a prereactive phase if compared with an inactive phase (P = 0.03). Our correlational analysis unveiled negative associations between intraretinal HF numbers and logMAR best-corrected visual acuity.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that HF represent useful markers to monitor CNV activity. Choroidal HF appear already increased in the fovea 1 month before CNV reactivation. Validation of our results might lead to earlier anti-VEGF reinjection and possibly better visual outcomes.

Aurora borealis and string of pearls in vitreoretinal lymphoma: patterns of vitreous haze

Aims

Peculiar retinal signs of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) have been identified. However, limited information on the vitreous features of VRL is available. This study aims to characterise the vitreous involvement in VRL with the help of multimodal imaging.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, we reviewed charts and imaging of all patients with biopsy-proven VRL seen from January 2016 to April 2018 at a single referral centre. These included ultrawide-field imaging, ophthalmic ultrasonography and slit-lamp photography. The main outcome measures were patterns of vitreous haze of VRL, as observed by combining clinical and multimodal imaging information.

Results

Twenty-six eyes of 13 patients were included. At presentation, vitreous haze was present in 24 eyes (92%) and was the only sign of VRL in 4 eyes (15%). Three patterns of vitreous haze were identified in VRL. An aurora borealis pattern was present in 12 eyes and showed linear opacities with a myriad of cells aligned along the vitreous fibrils. A string of pearls pattern was present in two eyes at baseline and developed in other four eyes after vitrectomy, showing fine fibrils connecting bunches of inflammatory material. A non-specific pattern was observed in 10 eyes. Ophthalmic ultrasound showed corpuscular material correlating with the grading of vitreous haze.

Conclusion

VRL shows different patterns of vitreous haze. Multimodal imaging, including ultrawide-field imaging and slit-lamp photography, helps in recognising these patterns, raising suspicion for VRL.

Monitoring and Management of the Patient with Stargardt Disease

Stargardt disease (STGD1) represents one of the major common causes of inherited irreversible visual loss. Due to its high phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity, STGD1 is a complex disease to understand. Non-invasive imaging, biochemical, and genetic advances have led to substantial improvements in unveiling the disease processes and novel promising therapeutic landscapes have been proposed. This review recapitulates the modalities for monitoring patients with STGD1 and the therapeutic options currently under investigation for the different stages of the disease.

Prevalence and causes of blindness and vision impairment: magnitude, temporal trends and projections in South and Central Asia

BACKGROUND

To assess prevalence and causes of vision loss in Central and South Asia.

METHODS

A systematic review of medical literature assessed the prevalence of blindness (presenting visual acuity<3/60 in the better eye), moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; presenting visual acuity <6/18 but ≥3/60) and mild vision impairment (MVI; presenting visual acuity <6/12 and ≥6/18) in Central and South Asia for 1990, 2010, 2015 and 2020.

RESULTS

In Central and South Asia combined, age-standardised prevalences of blindness, MSVI and MVI in 2015 were for men and women aged 50+years, 3.72% (80% uncertainty interval (UI): 1.39-6.75) and 4.00% (80% UI: 1.41-7.39), 16.33% (80% UI: 8.55-25.47) and 17.65% (80% UI: 9.00-27.62), 11.70% (80% UI: 4.70-20.32) and 12.25% (80% UI:4.86-21.30), respectively, with a significant decrease in the study period for both gender. In South Asia in 2015, 11.76 million individuals (32.65% of the global blindness figure) were blind and 61.19 million individuals (28.3% of the global total) had MSVI. From 1990 to 2015, cataract (accounting for 36.58% of all cases with blindness in 2015) was the most common cause of blindness, followed by undercorrected refractive error (36.43%), glaucoma (5.81%), age-related macular degeneration (2.44%), corneal diseases (2.43%), diabetic retinopathy (0.16%) and trachoma (0.04%). For MSVI in South Asia 2015, most common causes were undercorrected refractive error (accounting for 66.39% of all cases with MSVI), followed by cataract (23.62%), age-related macular degeneration (1.31%) and glaucoma (1.09%).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of the global blind resided in South Asia in 2015, although the age-standardised prevalence of blindness and MSVI decreased significantly between 1990 and 2015.

Non-surgical management of congenital ichthyosis using hyaluronic acid gel injection

AIM

To test if hyaluronic acid gel injection in the upper eyelid achieves correction of congenital cicatricial ectropion and reduction in lagophthalmos, in preparation for intraocular surgery.

METHODS

This case reports the long-term outcome of hyaluronic acid gel injection in the upper eyelid for the correction of ectropion prior to cataract surgery. One millilitre of hyaluronic acid gel was injected in both the upper eyelids of a child with congenital ichthyosis in the suborbicularis plane, prior to cataract surgery.

RESULTS

Lagophthalmos reduced by 15 mm in the right eye and 13 mm in the left eye. Subsequently, the child underwent cataract surgery without any complications.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate the long-term outcome of using hyaluronic acid gel injection for successful, non-surgical correction of cicatricial ectropion in ichthyosis.

Comparison of methods to quantify macular and peripapillary vessel density in optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose

To compare macular and peripapillary vessel density values calculated on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) images with different algorithms, elaborate conversion formula, and compare the ability to discriminate healthy from affected eyes.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of healthy subjects, patients with diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma patients (44 eyes in each group). Vessel density in the macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and the peripapillary radial capillary plexus (RCP) were calculated with seven previously published algorithms. Systemic differences, diagnostic properties, reliability, and agreement of the methods were investigated.

Results

Healthy eyes exhibited higher vessel density values in all plexuses compared to diseased eyes regardless of the algorithm used (p<0.01). The estimated vessel densities were significantly different at all the plexuses (p<0.0001) as a function of method used. Inter-method reliability and agreement was mostly poor to moderate. A conversion formula was available for every method, except for the conversion between multilevel and fixed at the DCP. Substantial systemic, non-constant biases were evident between many algorithms. No algorithm outperformed the others for discrimination of patients from healthy subjects in all the retinal plexuses, but the best performing algorithm varied with the selected plexus.

Conclusions

Absolute vessel density values calculated with different algorithms are not directly interchangeable. Differences between healthy and affected eyes could be appreciated with all methods with different discriminatory abilities as a function of the plexus analyzed. Longitudinal monitoring of vessel density should be performed with the same algorithm. Studies adopting vessel density as an outcome measure should not rely on external normative databases.

Prevalence and causes of vision loss in South-east Asia and Oceania in 2015: magnitude, temporal trends and projections

BACKGROUND

To assess prevalence and causes of vision impairment in South-east Asia and Oceania regions from 1990 to 2015 and to forecast the figures for 2020.

METHODS

Based on a systematic review of medical literature, prevalence of blindness (presenting visual acuity (PVA) <3/60 in the better eye), moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; PVA <6/18 but ≥3/60), mild vision impairment (PVA <6/12 but ≥6/18) and near vision impairment (>N5 or N8 in the presence of normal vision) were estimated for 1990, 2010, 2015 and 2020.

RESULTS

The age-standardised prevalence of blindness for all ages and both genders was higher in the Oceania region but lower for MSVI when comparing the subregions. The prevalence of near vision impairment in people≥50 years was 41% (uncertainty interval (UI) 18.8 to 65.9). Comparison of the data for 2015 with 2020 predicts a small increase in the numbers of people affected by blindness, MSVI and mild VI in both subregions. The numbers predicted for near VI in South-east Asia are from 90.68 million in 2015 to 102.88 million in 2020. The main causes of blindness and MSVI in both subregions in 2015 were cataract, uncorrected refractive error, glaucoma, corneal disease and age-related macular degeneration. There was no trachoma in Oceania from 1990 and decreasing prevalence in South-east Asia with elimination predicted by 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

In both regions, the main challenges for eye care come from cataract which remains the main cause of blindness with uncorrected refractive error the main cause of MSVI. The trend between 1990 and 2015 is for a lower prevalence of blindness and MSVI in both regions.

Prevalence and causes of vision loss in North Africa and Middle East in 2015: magnitude, temporal trends and projections

BACKGROUND

To assess the prevalence and causes of vision impairment in North Africa and the Middle East (NAME) from 1990 to 2015 and to forecast projections for 2020.

METHODS

Based on a systematic review of medical literature, the prevalence of blindness (presenting visual acuity (PVA) <3/60 in the better eye), moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; PVA <6/18 but ≥3/60) and mild vision impairment (PVA <6/12 but ≥6/18) was estimated for 2015 and 2020.

RESULTS

The age-standardised prevalence of blindness and MSVI for all ages and genders decreased from 1990 to 2015, from 1.72 (0.53-3.13) to 0.95% (0.32%-1.71%), and from 6.66 (3.09-10.69) to 4.62% (2.21%-7.33%), respectively, with slightly higher figures for women than men. Cataract was the most common cause of blindness in 1990 and 2015, followed by uncorrected refractive error. Uncorrected refractive error was the leading cause of MSVI in the NAME region in 1990 and 2015, followed by cataract. A reduction in the proportions of blindness and MSVI due to cataract, corneal opacity and trachoma is predicted by 2020. Conversely, an increase in the proportion of blindness attributable to uncorrected refractive error, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy is expected.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2015 cataract and uncorrected refractive error were the major causes of vision loss in the NAME region. Proportions of vision impairment from cataract, corneal opacity and trachoma are expected to decrease by 2020, and those from uncorrected refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration are predicted to increase by 2020.

Macular Perfusion Parameters in Different Angiocube Sizes: Does The Size Matter in Quantitative Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography?

Purpose

To investigate the macular quantitative parameters interchangeability of three different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) angiocubes (i.e., 3 × 3, 6 × 6, and 12 × 12 mm) on healthy subjects and patients affected by diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to assess the interrater reliability of such indices across the different scan protocols.

Methods

Retrospective study involving 20 eyes of healthy subjects and 20 eyes with DR. All eyes underwent swept-source OCT-A with 3 × 3-, 6 × 6-, and 12 × 12-mm angiocubes centered on the fovea. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density on 3 × 3-, 6 × 6-, and 12 × 12-mm macular scans were calculated by three independent operators at all retina, superficial, deep, and choriocapillary vascular layers. Interchangeability and interrater reliabilities were estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Interscan reproducibility of FAZ area was very strong (ICC > 0.85) at every plexus. On the contrary, vessel density values significantly varied across different scan sizes (ICC < 0.51). Intrascan interrater reliability was high for all retina and superficial FAZ areas, while it was satisfactory at deep capillary plexus only for 3 × 3-mm scan.

Conclusions

FAZ area at all plexuses is a robust parameter even if calculated on angiocubes with different size. However, interrater reliability is higher when measured in smaller scans. Conversely, vessel density results depend on the size of angiocube, although their interrater reliability is extremely high. Studies involving OCT-A should take into consideration that scan size may influence macular perfusion parameters and interrater reliability.

Clinical Management of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia: A Review of the Current Evidence

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common non-pigmented malignancy of the ocular surface and is represented in a wide range of histologic diagnoses, ranging from mild epithelial dysplasia to invasive squamous carcinoma. Although surgical excision is still the gold standard for OSSN treatment, interest in conservative medical approaches is steadily growing. We have reviewed all of the literature on OSSN published in English in the MEDLINE database up to May 2018, using the keywords “ocular surface squamous neoplasia,” “squamous conjunctival carcinoma,” and “conjunctival carcinoma in situ,” with the aim to provide a comprehensive review of the most recent evidence on this distinct clinical entity.

Prevalence and causes of vision loss in high-income countries and in Eastern and Central Europe in 2015: magnitude, temporal trends and projections

BACKGROUND

Within a surveillance of the prevalence and causes of vision impairment in high-income regions and Central/Eastern Europe, we update figures through 2015 and forecast expected values in 2020.

METHODS

Based on a systematic review of medical literature, prevalence of blindness, moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI), mild vision impairment and presbyopia was estimated for 1990, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

RESULTS

Age-standardised prevalence of blindness and MSVI for all ages decreased from 1990 to 2015 from 0.26% (0.10-0.46) to 0.15% (0.06-0.26) and from 1.74% (0.76-2.94) to 1.27% (0.55-2.17), respectively. In 2015, the number of individuals affected by blindness, MSVI and mild vision impairment ranged from 70 000, 630 000 and 610 000, respectively, in Australasia to 980 000, 7.46 million and 7.25 million, respectively, in North America and 1.16 million, 9.61 million and 9.47 million, respectively, in Western Europe. In 2015, cataract was the most common cause for blindness, followed by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, uncorrected refractive error, diabetic retinopathy and cornea-related disorders, with declining burden from cataract and AMD over time. Uncorrected refractive error was the leading cause of MSVI.

CONCLUSIONS

While continuing to advance control of cataract and AMD as the leading causes of blindness remains a high priority, overcoming barriers to uptake of refractive error services would address approximately half of the MSVI burden. New data on burden of presbyopia identify this entity as an important public health problem in this population. Additional research on better treatments, better implementation with existing tools and ongoing surveillance of the problem is needed.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography versus Dye Angiography in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Sensitivity and Specificity Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) could be a valid tool to detect choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), allowing the analysis of the type, the morphology, and the extension of CNV in most of the cases.

PURPOSE

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of OCTA in detecting CNV secondary to nAMD, compared to fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).

METHODS

Prospective observational study. Patients with suspected nAMD were recruited between May and December 2016. Patients underwent FA, ICGA, spectral domain OCT, and OCTA (AngioVue, Optovue, Inc.). Sensitivity and specificity of FA, with or without ICGA, were assessed and compared with OCTA.

RESULTS

Seventy eyes of 70 consecutive patients were included: 32 eyes (45.7%) with type I CNV, 8 eyes (11.4%) with type II CNV, 4 eyes (5.7%) with type III CNV, 6 eyes (8.6%) with mixed type I and type II CNV, and 20 eyes (28.6%) with no CNV. Sensitivity of OCTA was 88% and specificity was 90%. Concordance between FA/ICGA and OCTA was very good (0,91; range 0,81-1,00).

CONCLUSIONS

OCTA showed high sensitivity and specificity for detection of CNV. Concordance between OCTA and gold-standard dye-based techniques was excellent. OCTA may represent a first-line noninvasive method for the diagnosis of nAMD.

Retinal vascular alterations in reticular pseudodrusen with and without outer retinal atrophy assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography

PURPOSE

To investigate the intraretinal structural and vascular alterations in patients featuring reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), RPD with outer retinal atrophy (ORA), and drusen.

DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Clinical practice study including 68 eyes of 57 patients (22 eyes of 17 patients with RPD; 24 eyes of 21 patients with RPD+ORA; 22 eyes of 19 patients with drusen). Each patient underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A). Measurement of retinal layers' thickness was obtained by the automated segmentation protocol of the Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Eye Explorer V.1.9.10.0). The superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel density, as well as the size of the foveal avascular zone were calculated on 3×3 OCT-A. Main outcome was to compare vessel density at the SCP and DCP among the groups and controls.

RESULTS

At the SCP, the vessel density was lower in RPD and RPD+ORA patients with respect to controls (P=0.02 and P=0.003, respectively). At the DCP, meaningful disparity was found between the study groups and the healthy subjects in the vessel density (P<0.001, P=0.04 and P=0.001 for RPD, RDP+ORA and drusen, respectively). The ganglion cell layer (GCL) was thinner in all patients affected either by RPD, RPD+ORA or drusen compared with healthy subjects (P=0.02, P=0.03 and P=0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Significant retinal vascular loss is a common feature of patients with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration, more pronounced in those featuring RPD and RPD+ORA. It is associated with retinal thinning, localised particularly at the GCL, compared with controls.

Vitrectomy in high myopia: a narrative review

Pathologic myopia is associated with degenerative changes of the globe, especially at the posterior pole. Eyes affected by pathologic myopia have higher odds to undergo posterior segment surgery and, in those eyes, vitreoretinal surgery is challenging. Many practical tips and tricks can make the surgical procedures simpler, significantly preventing sight-threatening intra- and post-operative complications. Moreover, novel surgical techniques and technological advancements (i.e. ad-hoc instrumentation, minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery, filters, dye staining, intraoperative optical coherence tomography and 3-dimensional surgery) may play role in highly myopic eyes. The aim of the present work is to review practical tips and tricks, novel surgical techniques and technological advancements.

Spotlight on reticular pseudodrusen

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in patients >50 years old. The hallmark of the disease is represented by the accumulation of extracellular material between retinal pigment epithelium and the inner collagenous layer of Bruch's membrane, called drusen. Although identified almost 30 years ago, reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) have been recently recognized as a distinctive phenotype. Unlike drusen, they are located in the subretinal space. RPD are strongly associated with late AMD, especially geographic atrophy, type 2 and 3 choroidal neovascularization, which, in turn, are less common in typical AMD. RPD identification is not straightforward at fundus examination, and their identification should employ at least 2 different imaging modalities. In this narrative review, we embrace all aspects of RPD, including history, epidemiology, histology, imaging, functional test, natural history and therapy.

Refining Coats' disease by ultra-widefield imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to describe ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) findings in affected and fellow eyes of patients with Coats' disease.

METHODS

Consecutive patients affected by Coats' disease were prospectively recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy in this cross-sectional, observational study. Patients underwent UWF color fundus photographs, UWF green autofluorescence, UWF fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), with 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm OCT-A scans of the macula. Images were qualitatively evaluated by two independent operators for the presence of pathology.

RESULTS

Eleven patients affected by Coats' disease (eight males, mean age 17.1 ± 6.7 years). Nine and two patients had a clinical diagnosis of unilateral and bilateral disease, respectively. Five eyes had macular fibrosis. All clinically affected eyes exhibited retinal pathology at UWF imaging with the temporal sector most involved followed by the inferior, nasal, superior and macula. In all eyes with macular fibrosis, OCT-A revealed replacement of the foveal avascular zone with coarse vessels suggestive of vascularized fibrosis and flow void area in the choriocapillaris due to a masking effect; type 3 neovascularization was seen in 75% of cases. Seven out of nine clinically unaffected fellow eyes showed retinal pathology at UWF FA with the temporal quadrant most involved.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that Coats' disease is a highly asymmetric bilateral disease and that UWF imaging is able to identify more retinal pathology than standard fundus imaging, thus guiding proper retinal photocoagulation. OCT-A allowed easy identification of type 3 neovascularization in a proportion of patients with macular fibrosis.

Optical coherence tomography analysis of evolution of Bruch's membrane features in angioid streaks

PurposeTo describe optical coherence tomography (OCT) features in the Bruch's membrane (BM) of eyes with angioid streaks (AS) and evaluate their evolution over the follow-up.Patients and methodsPatients with AS presenting between March 2016 and September 2016 at two tertiary referral centers were consecutively recruited in this study. Eligibility criteria included prior spectral domain (SD)-OCT images, taken at least 3 months before at the same referral center, with automated eye tracking and image alignment modules. Alterations of BM were described and compared to previous scans over the follow-up. Multimodal imaging was used to identify alteration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid.ResultsThirty-two eyes of 16 consecutive patients with AS were included. BM undulations, mostly observed around the optic nerve head, were found in 19 (59.4%) of 32 eyes. BM breaks were found in 31 (96.9%) out of 32 eyes. Evolution of BM undulations into BM breaks was observed in 5 eyes (15.6%). Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was observed in 12 eyes (37.5%) during follow-up, typically in areas of BM interruption.ConclusionsBM undulations, probably caused by high stretching forces exerted on the BM around the optic nerve head, seem to precede some BM breaks. BM interruptions may be a preferred way for the growth of CNV, which was identified in one-third of our cases.

Importance of Light Filters in Modern Vitreoretinal Surgery: An Update of the Literature

PURPOSE

Direct endobulbar illumination during vitreoretinal surgery causes light-induced retinal damage known as phototoxicity. Spectral filters have been proposed to eliminate hazardous wavelengths from the emission spectrum before entering the eye. The purpose of our paper is to review advances in vitreoretinal surgery, focusing on intraoperative light filters.

METHODS

A PubMed and Medline database search was carried out using the terms "spectral filters" associated with "vitreoretinal surgery," "phototoxicity," and "vitrectomy." Original articles, reviews, and book chapters up to March 2017 were reviewed; a few select articles published before 2000 are included for historical purposes. Material from recent meeting presentations was also added. The preferred language for the reviewed literature was English.

RESULTS

Spectral filters significantly reduce the risk of phototoxicity associated with endoillumination in vitreoretinal surgery, allowing higher exposure times than with optic light fibers alone. Spectral filters may affect intraoperative luminance, but do not alter color contrast. Amber filters showed superiority over green and yellow filters.

CONCLUSION

The choice of light sources coupled to spectral filters is strongly suggested, especially in dye-assisted chromovitrectomy. Histological donor eye studies and large multicenter trials are needed to validate the amount of photoprotection provided by spectral filters before a general recommendation can be made.

Ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography in diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review

Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a useful examination in patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy (DR). Traditional angiograms explore 30°–50° of the retina at once; however, visualization of peripheral retina is fundamental in order to assess nonperfused areas, vascular leakage, microvascular abnormalities, and neovascularizations. In order to expand the field of view, wide-field and ultra-wide-field imaging has been developed allowing to image up to 200° of retinal surface in one single shot. The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of the role of the most recent technique of ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography in DR.

Early response to ranibizumab predictive of functional outcome after dexamethasone for unresponsive diabetic macular oedema

PURPOSE

To analyse the effects of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients suffering from diabetic macular oedema (DME) on the basis of their visual and functional response to antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loading dose, in order to early shift to corticosteroids in poorly responding patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective monocentric study.

METHODS

Data of patients with diabetes shifted to 0.7 mg dexamethasone implant after three injections of ranibizumab (RNB) and followed-up to 12 months were reviewed. Main outcome was the evaluation of short-term changes after dexamethasone implant injection, stratifying patients on the basis of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) after RNB loading dose. Secondary outcome was to investigate clinical gain maintenance at long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 45 eyes of 45 patients (23 males, 51.1%), mean age 69.7±9 years, were included in the analysis. After 3 injections of RNB, 30 eyes (66.7%) had a poor visual response (-4.3±10.7 letters), while 15 eyes (33.3%) disclosed good visual outcome (+13.9±9.2 letters). Patients with poor visual response were associated with limited morphological improvement (p=0.04). After 1 month from dexamethasone, only poor responders showed relevant increase in BCVA (p=0.006) and reduction in CMT (p=0.002), in comparison to good visual response patients, featuring only minor clinical effects (p=0.3). The same trend was maintained up to 12 months, after a mean of 1.9±1.1 dexamethasone administrations.

CONCLUSION

Visual and anatomical responses after RNB loading dose are significant predictors of both early term and long-term visual acuity improvement after switching to corticosteroids in patients with DME unresponsive to anti-VEGF.

Intravitreal Steroids in Diabetic Macular Edema

Over the past decade, great strides have been made in the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). Therapeutic alternatives now include focal/grid laser photocoagulation, vitreo-retinal surgery, and intraocular injection of anti-angiogenic and steroid molecules. Intravitreal administration of steroids represents a fundamental alternative for recalcitrant and naive eyes with DME, especially in those cases when anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are contraindicated or a treatment regimen with fewer intravitreal injections is required. Currently, 3 intravitreal corticosteroid options for DME treatment are available: the dexamethasone delivery system, the fluocinolone acetonide insert, and off-label intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. All 3 agents are associated with risk of cataract progression and intraocular pressure elevation, but they maintain a good safety profile. In patients who remain unresponsive to anti-VEGF therapy, are pseudophakic, at low risk for glaucoma, or who have significant cardiovascular risk, treatment with long-lasting intraocular steroids is suggested. There still remain many unanswered questions about intravitreal drugs, regarding dose, frequency, the correct regimen of each treatment, and the potential long-term side effects.

Recent advances in the management of dry age-related macular degeneration: A review

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most important cause of vision loss in elderly people, is a degenerative disorder of the central retina with a multifactorial etiopathology. AMD is classified in dry AMD (d-AMD) or neovascular AMD depending on the presence of choroidal neovascularization. Currently, no therapy is approved for geographic atrophy, the late form of d-AMD, because no treatment can restore the damage of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or photoreceptors. For this reason, all treatment approaches in d-AMD are only likely to prevent and slow down the progression of existing atrophy. This review focuses on the management of d-AMD and especially on current data about potential targets for therapies evaluated in clinical trials.

Numerous examinations are available in clinics to monitor morphological changes in the retina, RPE and choroid of d-AMD patients. Fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are considered the most useful tools in the diagnosis and follow-up of d-AMD alterations, including the monitoring of atrophy area progression. Instead, OCT-angiography is a novel imaging tool that may add further information in patients affected by d-AMD.

Several pathways, including oxidative stress, deposits of lipofuscin, chronic inflammation and choroidal blood flow insufficiency, seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of d-AMD and represent possible targets for new therapies. A great number of treatments for d-AMD are under investigation with promising results in preliminary studies. However, only few of these drugs will enter the market, offering a therapeutic chance to patients affected by the dry form of AMD and help them to preserve a good visual acuity. Further studies with a long-term follow-up would be important to test the real safety and efficacy of drugs under investigation.

Ultra-Widefield Imaging in Patients with Angioid Streaks Secondary to Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

PURPOSE

To investigate the application of noninvasive ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging in patients with angioid streaks secondary to pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and to compare detected findings with those obtainable with 7 standard 30° fields (7SF) imaging.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty eyes of 20 consecutive patients with angioid streaks secondary to PXE (8 women and 12 men; mean age, 56.9 ± 12.3 years).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with angioid streaks secondary to PXE seeking treatment between January and June 2016 at the Medical Retina & Imaging Unit of the Department of Ophthalmology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, underwent UWF imaging (California; Optos PLC, Dunfermline, UK). Ultra-widefield color images and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) were evaluated. Ultra-widefield findings then were compared with those obtainable with 7SF.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Types and location of retinal lesions secondary to PXE.

RESULTS

Peripheral lesions not entirely visible with 7SF were identified in 29 of 40 eyes (72.5%; P < 0.0001). These peripheral lesions included peau d'orange (52.5% of the eyes), coquille d'oeuf (52.5%), cracked eggshell (5.0%), comet lesions (27.5%), peripheral retinal degenerations (17.5%), parastreak atrophies (10.0%), and peripheral hemorrhage (5.0%). Furthermore, chorioretinal atrophies, drusen of the optic disc, cracked eggshell, pattern-like dystrophies, and retinal hemorrhages associated with angioid streaks were observed on digital color or FAF images, or both, and described.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultra-widefield imaging showed valuable usefulness in patients with angioid streaks by providing in a single image the entire spectrum of retinal alterations associated with PXE. Peripheral lesions often are present in patients with angioid streaks and may be missed with 7SF imaging. A careful examination of fundus periphery should be performed during screening and follow-up visits.

Anti-VEGF Molecules for the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents the most common cause of vision loss in patients affected by diabetes mellitus. Although the pathophysiology of DME is not wholly understood, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as a key contributor to the development of DME. In addition, latest information suggests that acute and chronic inflammatory changes occur, contributing to the DME pathogenesis. The current therapeutic approach for DME is mainly based on the administration of anti-VEGF molecules. In particular, VEGF-inhibitors that have been studied for diabetic retinopathy include pegaptanib, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept. The present review analyzes the main characteristics of each molecule, describing the most important results of clinical trails.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: A Useful Tool for Diagnosis of Treatment-Naïve Quiescent Choroidal Neovascularization

PURPOSE

To describe the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) features of treatment-naïve quiescent choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration, and to estimate the detection rate for neovascularization by means of OCT-A.

DESIGN

Diagnostic tool validity assessment.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve quiescent CNV were identified from a pool of patients at 2 retina referral centers. Patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and OCT-A. Detection rates of CNV by means of OCT-A were estimated with a second cohort of patients without CNV (negative controls).

RESULTS

Twenty-two eyes of 20 consecutive patients with quiescent CNV were included. In 4 out of 22 eyes it was not possible to classify the CNV "shape," "core," "margin," and "location," either because the vascular network was not clearly shown (3 cases) or because it was not visible at all (1 case). CNV shape on OCT-A was rated as circular in 8 eyes and irregular in 10 eyes. CNV core was visible in 2 eyes. CNV margin was considered as well defined in 15 eyes and poorly defined in 3 eyes. CNV margin showed small loops in 9 eyes and large loops in the other 6 eyes. CNV location was foveal-sparing in 12 eyes. Sensitivity and specificity of quiescent CNV detection by OCT-A turned out to be 81.8% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT-A allows the clinician to noninvasively identify treatment-naïve quiescent CNV and may be considered as a useful tool to guide the frequency of return visits and, possibly, make treatment decisions.

Vitamin D Supplementation for Premenstrual Syndrome-Related Mood Disorders in Adolescents with Severe Hypovitaminosis D

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) might become severe enough to interfere with normal interpersonal relationships. This study was planned to assess whether administration of vitamin D (200,000 IU at first, followed by 25,000 IU every 2 weeks) for a 4-month period might lessen the appearance and the intensity of mood disorders associated with PMS in young girls with severe hypovitaminosis D. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: One hundred fifty-eight young girls (15-21 years old) with PMS-related severe symptoms of the emotional and cognitive domains and low serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D) levels (≤10 ng/mL) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups and treated for 4 months with vitamin D (group 1; n = 80) or placebo (group 2; n = 78). Clinical and hormonal effects were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In patients from group 1, levels of vitamin D reached the normal range (35-60 ng/mL) after the first month and remained stable throughout the whole study. At the end of treatment, anxiety score decreased from 51 to 20 (P < .001 vs baseline); irritability score declined from 130 to 70 (P < .001 vs baseline). Crying easily and sadness decreased by a score of 41 and 51 to a score of 30 and 31, respectively (P < .001). For disturbed relationships, the score decreased from 150 to 70 (P < .001). Conversely, no appreciable changes were noted in symptom intensity from patients of group 2. The frequency of adverse events (nausea and constipation) was not different between participants of group 1 and group 2.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the present findings, vitamin D therapy can be proposed as a safe, effective, and convenient method for improving the quality of life in young women with severe hypovitaminosis D and concomitant mood disorders associated with PMS.

Macular ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer comparison in different stages of age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To employ optical coherence tomography (OCT) to analyze the morphologic changes in the inner retina in different categories of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Single-center study. Inclusion criteria were age over 50, diagnosis of Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) category 2 and 3, naïve neovascular AMD, and atrophic AMD. Healthy patients of similar age acted as a control group. Primary outcome measures were the changes in ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Secondary outcomes included modifications of rim area and cup-to-disc ratio.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty eyes of 130 patients were recruited: 26 eyes for AREDS category 2, 26 for AREDS category 3, 26 for neovascular AMD, 26 with atrophic AMD, and 26 controls. Mean peripapillary RNFL thickness was significantly lower in neovascular AMD, compared to controls (P = .004); peripapillary RNFL did not significantly vary among AREDS category 2 and 3 and atrophic AMD groups, compared to controls. Mean GCC thickness was higher in the control group, becoming progressively thinner up to neovascular and atrophic AMD groups (P < .0001). Rim area was significantly thinner in the neovascular AMD group compared with controls (P = .047); cup-to-disc ratio was higher in the neovascular AMD group compared with the control group (P = .047).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that eyes with neovascular AMD display reduced RNFL and GCC thickness. RNFL is partially spared in atrophic advanced AMD. The identification of alteration in RNFL and GCC thickness may reveal useful for future therapeutic implications.

In vivo evidence of epiretinal membrane formation secondary to acute macular microhole after posterior vitreous detachment

The authors present the case of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) secondary to an acute self-repaired macular microhole documented by optical coherence tomography (OCT). A 65-year-old phakic woman presenting with acute onset of light flashes, myodesopsia, and central negative scotoma in the right eye was diagnosed with age-related posterior vitreous detachment. Spectral-domain OCT showed a tiny defect of the outer retina, consistent with the diagnosis of macular microhole, which spontaneously closed after 4 weeks. Six months later, the patient developed a contracting ERM, and her visual acuity significantly worsened. This case represents the first in vivo documentation of retinal pigment epithelium cell migration through a macular microhole, highlighting the importance of OCT in understanding idiopathic ERM pathogenesis.

Ophthalmic artery vasodilation after intranasal estradiol use in postmenopausal women

AIM

The study aim was to evaluate the acute hemodynamic effects of intranasal 17-beta-estradiol on ophthalmic arterial circulation in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Twenty-one healthy women in natural menopause for at least 6 months (mean age: 53.2± 2.9 years) were investigated. Each patient received 300 µg intranasal 17-beta-estradiol. We evaluated the heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, ophthalmic artery velocity at systolic and diastolic peak and its flow curve integral (FCI) before and 30, 60 and 180 minutes after the administration of the drug.

RESULTS

At all time points, the ophthalmic artery FCI showed statistically significant variations (p<0.001) of velocity (cm/sec) compared to T0 (speed recorded at baseline before drug administration). Moreover, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate did not significantly differ each other after drug administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of a single dose of intranasal 17-beta-estradiol to healthy postmenopausal women increases ophthalmic artery perfusion.

AlphaScope vs lens-based hysteroscope for office polypectomy without anesthesia: randomized controlled study

In this randomized controlled study, effectiveness, operative time, and acceptability of endometrial polypectomy were compared using an AlphaScope vs an office operative lens-based hysteroscope (LBH). One hundred fifty women with a diagnosis of endometrial polyp were operated on using an AlphaScope or LBH in the office setting. In 73 procedures using the AlphaScope (97.3%) and 68 using the LBH (90.7%), the polyp was successfully removed completely. In the AlphaScope group, 2 procedures were incomplete because of excessive endometrial mucosa thickness. In the LBH group, 3 procedures were incomplete because of difficulty in management of a large polyp, and 4 procedures were stopped because of patient pain and low compliance. Time to completion of the procedure and complete removal of the polyp was significantly shorter in the AlphaScope group than in the LBH group (p < .05). Similarly, the pain score at the end of the procedure was significantly lower in the AlphaScope group than in the LBH group (p < .05). The AlphaScope is an effective operative hysteroscope that increases the possibility of performing endometrial polypectomy in the office setting without anesthesia and improves the indications for and acceptability of office hysteroscopy.

Oral contraceptive therapy modulates hemispheric asymmetry in spatial attention

BACKGROUND

Functional cerebral asymmetries (FCAs) are known to fluctuate across the menstrual cycle. The visual line-bisection task administered to normally cycling women showed different patterns of the interhemispheric interactions during menses and the midluteal cycle phase. However, the contribution of estrogens and progestins hormones to this phenomenon is still unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

The aim of our study was to show a variation of FCAs in women administered oral contraceptives (OCs) using the visual line-bisection task. Visual line-bisection task with three horizontal lines was administered to 36 healthy women taking a 21-day OC. Twenty-nine patients were right handed. The task was administered during OC intake (day 10) and at the end of the pill-free period.

RESULTS

The right-handed women showed a significant leftward bias of veridical center on the first and third lines during OC intake compared with an opposite rightward bias during the pill-free period. The same phenomenon of contralateral deviation was observed in left-handed women on day 10 of OC intake.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study confirm a hormonal modulation on interhemispheric interaction and suggest that OCs may improve the interhemispheric interaction reducing FCAs compared with the low hormone level period. This opens new insights in OC prescription and choice of administration schedule in order to improve cognitive performances.