Topical interferon alpha 2b in the treatment of refractory pseudophakic cystoid macular edema

Purpose

To report the efficacy and safety of interferon alpha 2b in the treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema resistant to conventional therapy.

Observations

A 64-year-old patient presented with pseudophakic cystoid macular edema in her left eye, which developed two months after an uncomplicated cataract surgery and was resistant to multiple topical NSAIDs and multiple intravitreal bevacizumab injections over the course of nine months. She also developed side effects to oral acetazolamide and intravitreal triamcinolone injection; a skin rash and a rise in intraocular pressure (34 mmHg), respectively. She was subsequently started on topical interferon alpha 2b (1 MIU/ml) four times a day nine months after developing pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. Cystoid macular edema improved significantly in four weeks and completely resolved after twelve weeks. Her vision improved from 20/100 before starting treatment to 20/25 twelve weeks after starting treatment. Macular structure and visual acuity were stable throughout a thirty-six weeks follow-up period.

Conclusions

and Importance: This case report displays the potential efficacy and safety of interferon alpha 2b in the treatment of refractory cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery. Ocular surface irritation was the only reported adverse effect of the treatment in our patient, this responded to lubricants.

Is it melanoma-associated retinopathy or drug toxicity? Bilateral cystoid macular edema posing a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

Purpose

To report the clinical presentation, multimodal imaging, and management of a patient with metastatic melanoma who presented with cystoid macular edema (CME).

Observations

We report a case of a 71-year-old Caucasian male with metastatic melanoma who presented with bilateral cystoid macular edema after being on treatment with a programmed T cell death ligand 1 inhibitor, MPDL3280, for 1 year. Multimodal imaging techniques, including color fundus photographs, autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (Spectralis, Heidelberg, Germany), and spectral-domain OCT angiography (Zeiss; California, USA) were performed to evaluate the etiology of his CME and to monitor his response to treatment. Clinical examination and multimodal imaging revealed 1 + chronic vitreous cells, an epiretinal membrane, and mild macular edema in both eyes. Fundus autofluorescence showed paravenous hypoautofluorescence in the right eye and scattered hypoautofluorescent spots in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) revealed mild drop out of superficial vessels in the peri-foveal region bilaterally. These findings were concerning for melanoma-associated retinopathy, drug-related uveitis, or activation of a previous chronic autoimmune process. The patient was started on prednisone 30 mg oral daily and ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% 1 drop four times daily. He was then treated with bilateral sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implants (Ozurdex). He had complete resolution of CME, and was tapered off of oral steroids within 6 weeks.

Conclusions and Importance

Melanoma-associated retinopathy can be accompanied by CME, which presents a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma in cases where a new drug has been recently initiated. By treating the condition locally, the ophthalmologist may be able to taper systemic immunosuppression more quickly.

HLA-A29 negative Birdshot-like chorioretinopathy associated with common variable immunodeficiency

Purpose

To report the longest ophthalmic follow-up and the associated ocular complications of HLA-A29 negative Birdshot-like chorioretinopathy (BLCR) associated with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

Observations

A 22-year-old man known for CVID presented with a 3-month history of decreased visual acuity OS. Funduscopy revealed significant cystoid macular edema OS, as well as optic disk edema and chorioretinal infiltrates without signs of vitritis OU. No infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic etiologies were identified. He subsequently received one dose of intravitreal triamcinolone OS which completely resolved the macular edema. The optic nerve edema persisted despite the addition of intravenous immunoglobulin. His visual acuity was 20/20 OU at the 24th follow-up month.

Conclusion

and importance: To our knowledge, this is the third case of HLA-A29 negative BLCR associated with CVID. It is the first case with long-term follow-up providing, in consequence, the best understanding of the natural history and possible complications of this rare disease. Aggressive systemic treatment, in collaboration with an immunologist, is generally needed to control the ophthalmic complications.

Indocyanine green angiography findings of cystoid macular edema secondary to paclitaxel therapy

PURPOSE

To report 2 cases of paclitaxel-related maculopathy manifesting as cystoid macular edema (CME) with late petaloid hyperfluorescence on indocyanine green angiography (IA).

CASES

A 74-year-old man (patient 1) undergoing paclitaxel chemotherapy for gastric and metastatic liver cancer and a 69-year-old man (patient 2) receiving paclitaxel for hypopharyngeal cancer presented with anorthopia in both eyes. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed macular edema in both eyes of each patient. Fluorescein angiography showed weak petaloid pooling around the fovea in the late phase. IA revealed CME with petaloid hyperfluorescence that matched the region of macular edema detected by SD-OCT. The CME was attenuated in the right eye but not in the left eye of patient 1 at 2 weeks after discontinuation of paclitaxel treatment, whereas it was no longer apparent in either eye at 3 months. The CME was no longer detected in either eye of patient 2 at 3 months after discontinuation of paclitaxel.

CONCLUSION

These cases suggest that paclitaxel-induced CME may result from intraretinal accumulation of intracellular fluid and minimal impairment of the blood retinal barrier.

Acute hypotony maculopathy following the initiation of a topical aqueous suppressant in a patient with a history of panuveitis without prior filtering surgery

Purpose

To report a case of profound hypotony maculopathy as a complication of single-agent glaucoma therapy in a patient with a history of panuveitis without previous filtering surgery.

Observations

A 70-year old Hispanic male with a history of resolved bilateral panuveitis, chronic angle closure glaucoma, and pars plana vitrectomy was started on topical timolol 0.5% daily in the left eye for mildly elevated intraocular pressure (15 mmHg). The patient returned 1.5 weeks later with new onset hypotony (1 mmHg), chorioretinal folds, and cystoid macular edema in the same eye without associated signs of inflammation. The drop was discontinued. The patient returned 1 month later with normalized eye pressure and improved vision with near-resolution of chorioretinal changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Conclusions and importance

Hypotony maculopathy is most commonly seen following glaucoma filtering surgery and ocular trauma. The development of hypotony maculopathy following the administration of topical glaucoma medication alone is rare. Our case is the first to our knowledge to describe the rapid onset of visually significant hypotony maculopathy characterized by profound OCT changes upon the administration of a single topical glaucoma agent in a patient without prior filtering surgery. Treatment with glaucoma medications in patients with complex ocular histories including uveitis and vitreoretinal surgery requires caution and close follow-up.

Post-transplant erythrocytosis-related maculopathy: successful management of hyperviscosity with phlebotomy

PURPOSE

To report clinical features in a case of hyperviscosity retinopathy following post-renal transplant erythrocytosis (PTE) and its outcome after phlebotomy.

METHODS

Fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were carried out for a 29-year-old renal allograft recipient who presented with acute unilateral visual loss.

RESULT

There was mild retinal vascular dilation in both eyes with retinal hemorrhages and retinal opaqueness in left eye. Cystoid macular edema was noted on OCT. Microvascular leaks and micro-occlusions were seen all around the foveal avascular zone on fluorescein angiogram. Investigations revealed hemoglobin to be 16.8 g%, and a PTE was diagnosed. The patient underwent phlebotomy following which there was near complete resolution of macular edema with improvement in vision.

CONCLUSION

Hyperviscosity retinopathy can cause acute visual loss in cases of renal allograft recipients who develop PTE. Prompt management with phlebotomy can lead to reversal of macular edema in such cases.

The effect of oral acetazolamide on cystoid macular edema in hydroxychloroquine retinopathy: a case report

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy can accompany other retinal complications such as cystoid macular edema (CME), which leads to central visual loss. We report a case of CME with HCQ retinopathy that improved with the use of oral acetazolamide, and discussed the possible mechanisms of CME in HCQ retinopathy using multimodal imaging modalities.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and HCQ retinopathy developed bilateral CME with visual decline. Fluorescein angiography (FA) showed fluorescein leakage in the macular and midperipheral area. After treatment with oral acetazolamide (250 mg/day) for one month, CME was completely resolved, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/50 to 20/25, and FA examination showed decreased dye leakage in the macular and midperipheral areas.

Conclusions

In cases of vision loss in HCQ retinopathy, it is important to consider not only progression of maculopathy, but also development of CME, which can be effectively treated with oral acetazolamide.

Cystoid Macular Edema during Treatment with Paclitaxel and Bevacizumab in a Patient with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review

We present a case of a metastatic breast cancer patient with cystoid macular edema (CME) occurring during treatment with paclitaxel and bevacizumab. She had a history of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and partial mastectomy plus axillary lymph node dissection for stage IIB left-breast cancer. Twenty-four months later, she was diagnosed with multiple bone metastases and underwent chemotherapy with paclitaxel and bevacizumab. Thirty-three months after the initiation of the chemotherapy, she noticed bilateral blurred vision. The retinal thickening with macular edema was observed by optical coherence tomography, resulting in a diagnosis of CME. With cessation of paclitaxel and administrating ocular instillation of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, her macular edema gradually reduced and disappeared in a month. While CME caused by chemotherapy is very rare, taxane may cause ocular adverse events such as CME. It is important to urge patients to consult an ophthalmologist promptly when they have visual complaints during taxane chemotherapy.

Atypical chronic central serous chorioretinopathy with cystoid macular edema: Therapeutic response to medical and laser therapy

Purpose

To describe an atypical case of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods

A 58-year-old man with longstanding, bilateral visual impairment was self-referred for a second opinion.

Results

Findings by direct ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) were suggestive of atypical, chronic CSCR. Treatment with oral anti-mineralocorticoids resulted in moderate improvement, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) had minimal effect.

Conclusion

Chronic CSCR may lack cardinal features of CSCR. Once retinal degenerative changes ensue, current treatments may not be effective in improving anatomical and visual outcomes in patients with chronic CSCR.

Adalimumab in refractory cystoid macular edema associated with birdshot chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To report the clinical outcomes of adalimumab therapy in cases of birdshot chorioretinitis (BCR) with cystoid macular edema (CME) refractory to conventional immunotherapy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of three BCR patients treated with adalimumab for refractory CME. The main outcome measure was central subfield thickness (CST) on optical coherence tomography. Any patients treated with local steroids and/or receiving systemic steroids higher than 40 mg prednisolone daily during adalimumab therapy were excluded.

RESULTS

At baseline, all patients were receiving systemic corticosteroids and two second-line immunosuppressive agents. The mean duration of treatment with adalimumab was 31.2 months (range 17.2-52). The mean CST was 327 ± 112.7 μm (mean ± SD) at baseline and 256.2 ± 39.7 μm at 6 months and 235.5 ± 32.5 μm at 12 months. Adalimumab permitted cessation or reduction in the daily dose of oral prednisolone plus withdrawal of a second-line agent in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In these patients, adalimumab was effective in the treatment of refractory CME.

Intravitreal Aflibercept as Rescue Therapy for Post-Radiation Cystoid Macular Edema Resistant to Intravitreal Bevacizumab: Outcomes at 1 Year

Background/Aims

To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept as rescue therapy for post-radiation cystoid macular edema (CME) resistant to prior treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB).

Methods

Retrospective, interventional, case-controlled series. Eyes with persistent post-radiation CME were treated with intravitreal aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 mL). Central macular thickness (CMT) and visual acuity were compared to a matched control group treated with only IVB at 1 year.

Results

Ten eyes of 10 patients were included, with 5 eyes in the intervention and 5 in the control group. The eyes in the intervention group had previously been treated with IVB (mean 11.6 injections, range 6-22) but failed to show resolution of CME. Following rescue treatment with a mean of 9 injections of aflibercept, the mean CMT was reduced from 463 ± 138 to 267 ± 80 μm (p = 0.02) and the mean Snellen visual acuity was improved from 20/67 to 20/42 (p = 0.03). At 1 year, the eyes in the intervention group had lower CMT (267 ± 80 vs. 361 ± 71 μm, p = 0.09) and significantly better Snellen visual acuity (20/48 vs. 20/76, p = 0.02) compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Aflibercept may be an effective rescue therapy for persistent post-radiation CME in eyes with incomplete response to IVB, with reduction in CMT and improvement in visual acuity.

Type 3 Neovascularization Associated with Retinitis Pigmentosa

PURPOSE

To report a case of type 3 neovascular lesion in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) complicated by macular edema.

CASE REPORT

A 78-year-old man with a long follow-up for RP was referred for painless visual acuity decrease in the right eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/125 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left. Fundus examination showed typical RP and macular edema in both eyes. In the right eye, spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed a marked cystic macular edema associated with disruption of the Bruch membrane/retinal pigment epithelium complex overlying a pigmentary epithelium detachment, with a vascular structure which appeared to originate from the deep capillary plexus and to be connected with the subretinal pigment epithelium space. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed a high-flow vessel infiltrating the outer retinal layers in the deep capillary plexus segmentation, and a tuft-shaped, bright, high-flow network that seemed to be connected with the subretinal pigment epithelium space in the outer retinal layer segmentation. This presentation was consistent with an early type 3 neovascular lesion in the right eye.

CONCLUSION

Type 3 neovascularization may be considered a possible complication of RP.

Cystoid macular edema associated with preservative-free latanoprost after uncomplicated cataract surgery: case report and review of the literature

Background

Cystoid macular edema associated with latanoprost administration has been reported in patients after complicated cataract surgery with coexisting risk factors. We present the first case of preservative free latanoprost associated cystoid macular edema that occurred many months after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Case presentation

A 65-year old Caucasian female presented in the Outpatients Clinic complaining of reduced vision and metamorphopsia in the right eye. She had undergone uneventful phacoemulsification 19 months ago in the right eye and was under treatment with preservative free latanoprost eye drops for the last 7 months for ocular hypertension. Her remaining medical and ocular history were otherwise unremarkable. Cystoid macular edema with serous retinal detachment was diagnosed in the right eye using optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. Latanoprost was discontinued and brinzolamide and nepafenac eye drops were administered in the right eye. Two months later, cystoid macular edema completely resolved with restoration of visual acuity. Nepafenac eye drops were administered for another 2 months. Eight months after latanoprost cessation optical coherence demonstrated no sign of cystoid macular edema whereas a subtle epiretinal membrane was noted.

Conclusions

Cystoid macular edema may potentially occur in patients receiving preservative free latanoprost. More interestingly, in our case it was diagnosed in a patient with a long standing pseudophakia after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. No obvious risk factor for macular edema development was recognized. Prompt diagnosis and latanoprost discontinuation resulted in complete resolution of the cystoid macular edema and functional restoration of the eye.

A Case of Diabetic Macular Edema with Prominent Chorioretinal Folds

PURPOSE

To report a case of diabetic macular edema with prominent chorioretinal folds.

CASE REPORT

This study involved a 55-year-old male with untreated bilateral diabetic retinopathy who had undergone cataract surgery at another clinic. Following that surgery, diabetic macular edema rapidly exacerbated, accentuating marked cystoid macular edema and radial chorioretinal folds in the macula. Investigation of his medical history revealed that in addition to diabetes, he had uncontrolled hypertension and severe diabetic nephropathy. Vitreous surgery was performed on both eyes due to a resistance to a subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide or intravitreal injection of an antivascular endothelial growth factor agent. After surgery, the macular edema and chorioretinal folds showed a tendency towards improvement. Thereafter, kidney transplant surgery was performed for renal failure, and a mild tendency of chorioretinal folds was observed.

CONCLUSION

In the case presented in this study, we observed remarkable cystoid macular edema in the fovea centralis and theorize that distortion with the surrounding tissue might have occurred, thus leading to the formation of chorioretinal folds around the macula.

Primary iris claw IOL retrofixation with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in cases of inadequate capsular support

PURPOSE

To assess the outcomes and analyze complication rates following primary iris claw IOL retrofixation with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.

METHODS

This is a retrospective interventional case series. Patients with poor capsular support-diagnosed preoperatively or owing to intraoperative complications-were treated with iris claw IOL retrofixation with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. The data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

104 eyes of 102 patients with poor capsular support who underwent the procedure between 2010 and 2013 were analyzed. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months (ranging from 12 to 36 months). Iris claw IOL was implanted in-traumatic subluxated cataracts-24 cases (23.07%), non-traumatic subluxated cataracts in 16 cases (15.38%), or as a complication of cataract surgery-intraoperative posterior capsular rent in 48 cases (46.15%) and intraoperative nucleus drop in 16 cases (15.38%). The final mean best-corrected logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.36 ± 0.64 preoperatively to 0.36 ± 0.32 at 1-year follow-up. Complications included pupil ovalization in 11 cases (10.57%), transient elevation in intraocular pressure in 7 eyes (6.73%), postoperative hypotony in 5 eyes (4.80%), cystoid macular edema in 2 eyes (1.92%), retinal detachment in 1 eye (0.96%), vitreous hemorrhage in 1 eye (0.96%), and hyphema in 1 eye (0.96%).

CONCLUSION

Primary iris claw IOL retrofixation provided excellent alternative in patients with inadequate capsular support. The visual outcomes were good along with favorable rates of complications. The addition of triamcinolone acetonide helps in reducing the chances of cystoid macular edema.

High-Dose (2.5 mg) Intravitreal Bevacizumab as Rescue Therapy for Persistent Postradiation Cystoid Macular Edema

Background/Aims

To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal high-dose (2.5 mg/0.1 mL) bevacizumab as rescue therapy for postradiation cystoid macular edema (CME) resistant to standard-dose (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) bevacizumab.

Methods

Retrospective, interventional case series.

Results

Fifteen eyes of 15 patients were included. Eyes were treated with a mean of 10 standard-dose (1.25 mg) bevacizumab injections but failed to show CME resolution. Following 3 monthly treatments of high-dose (2.5 mg) bevacizumab, mean central macular thickness (CMT) reduced significantly from 406 ± 100 to 360 ± 83 μm (p = 0.01) and mean logMAR visual acuity improved from 0.55 ± 0.17 (Snellen 20/71) to 0.48 ± 0.21 (Snellen 20/60, p = 0.07). At the final follow-up of 9 months, CMT was 395 ± 124 μm (p = 0.67) and visual acuity was 0.51 ± 0.23 (Snellen 20/65, p = 0.22). Five eyes (30%) had a >10% reduction in CMT at the final follow-up. In these eyes, the observed CMT reduction was statistically significant (p = 0.04) and logMAR visual acuity was significantly better (p ≤ 0.01) compared to the remainder of the cohort.

Conclusions

Overall, the use of high-dose (2.5 mg) bevacizumab did not result in a sustained, significant improvement in CMT and visual acuity outcomes following incomplete response to standard-dose (1.25 mg) bevacizumab. However, a minority of eyes exhibited favorable response with significant CMT reduction.

The Use of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Uveitic Cystoid Macular Edema

The use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the management of uveitic cystoid macular edema is controversial. In this letter, we review the literature and report our results from a retrospective case series of 281 patients taking topical nepafenac 0.1% for uveitic cystoid macular edema between 2010 and 2016. Over a 4-month period, there was a modest improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (0.66 ± 3.7 logMAR) and central macular thickness (69.8 ± 132.5 μm). Patients with idiopathic anterior uveitis and HLA-B*27-associated anterior uveitis recovered more vision while taking topical nepafenac 0.1%, than those with other uveitides, however, this was not statistically significant. There is a need for controlled prospective studies to evaluate the efficacy of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the management of uveitic cystoid macular edema. At present, clinicians have little evidence on which to base practice.

Visual response and anatomical changes on sequential spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in birdshot chorioretinopathy treated with local corticosteroid therapy

BACKGROUND

Birdshot chorioretinopathy is a chronic bilateral inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by bilateral retinal vasculitis, mild to moderate vitritis, retinal vascular leakage, cystoid macular edema (CME), and typical "birdshot" chorioretinal lesions. Typically, patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy are treated with systemic immunosuppressive and/or corticosteroid therapy in an effort to minimize loss of vision. Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) has shown regional or generalized photoreceptor loss in addition to both retinal as well as choroidal thinning in these patients. The present study describes anatomical changes of the retina and alterations in choroidal thickness and vasculature on sequential spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in 4 patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy treated with local corticosteroids.

METHODS

A retrospective observational case series identified 4 consecutive patients (8 eyes) at New England Eye Center, Boston diagnosed with birdshot chorioretinopathy according to the research criteria of the international consensus conference that were managed by a single retina specialist and treated exclusively with local corticosteroid therapy (intravitreal/sub-tenon injections) without systemic immunosuppression. All patients underwent longitudinal SD-OCT imaging with both the 512 × 128 cube scan and the 1-line raster protocol. A chart review was performed to review the visual response to treatment. Two independent observers analyzed sequential SD-OCT images for retinal parameters such as occurrence of CME at any time during the course of disease, presence of retinal thinning and presence of hyper-reflective foci within the retina, and choroidal parameters including its thickness and its vasculature.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 47 years (26-60 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 96 months. All patients were HLA-A29 positive. Visual acuity remained stable in 75 % of eyes, 63 % eyes had central retinal thinning, 75 % eyes had hyper reflective foci within the retina and 75 % eyes had CME during follow-up. Mean total sub-foveal choroidal thickness of all 8 eyes at the time of the last SD-OCT was significantly lower than at initial SD-OCT (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

This case series suggests that treatment with local corticosteroids may have good visual outcome despite retinal and choroidal thinning. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to further determine the benefits of local corticosteroid therapy.

The Efficacy and Safety Profile of Ocriplasmin in Vitreomacular Interface Disorders

Vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) describes the adhesion of the posterior hyaloid face to the inner retina in any part of the macula. This can arise after incomplete separation of the posterior vitreous cortex from the macula during vitreous liquefaction. While the VMA may resolve spontaneously, a strong and persistent adhesion can lead to a variety of anatomical changes, including vitreomacular traction (VMT) and macular hole (MH). Both conditions can present with metamorphopsia and decreased vision. In cases of symptomatic VMT and full-thickness macular hole, pars plana vitrectomy has long been the standard of care. However, due to the possible surgical complications and need for postoperative care, many have searched for non-surgical options via pharmacologic vitreolysis. Ocriplasmin (Jetrea, Thrombogenics USA, Alcon/Novartis EU) is a recombinant protease approved in October 2012 for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). There have been conflicting views on the safety of Ocriplasmin with changes in the ellipsoid zone seen on OCT and changes seen on ERG indicating photoreceptor damage. This publication reviews the efficacy and safety of ocriplasmin injection for VMA based on previously published data.

Effect of nepafenac on the foveal profile of glaucomatous patients undergoing phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

Retrospective, pilot study to determine whether nepafenac treatment pre- and postcataract surgery in glaucoma patients using topical hypotensive agents minimized cystoid macular edema by comparing pre- and postsurgical foveal characteristics, as in some cases these agents cannot be withdrawn and, hypothetically, their inflammatory effect on the fovea could be neutralized by the addition of nepafenac.

METHODS

Patients were divided into two subgroups depending on whether or not topical nepafenac was added to the surgical protocol (NEP = nepafenac group and nNEP = non nepafenac group). All had undergone phacoemulsification and data on pre- and postoperative macular status were recorded.

RESULTS

In the nNEP group, there was a significant increase in foveal thickness (FT) in the first month postoperative visit with respect to the preoperative status (p = 0.006), and this situation did not change at the third postoperative month (p = 0.9411). In the NEP group, the increase in FT was not significant at the first month after surgery (p = 0.056) nor at the final visit (p = 0.268), in contrast to the nNEP group.

CONCLUSION

This study of the possible prophylactic effect of nepafenac on postoperative macular edema supports the results of other studies that confirm subclinical edema post phacoemulsification, and found a significantly lower gradient in the increase in FT in patients treated pre- and postoperatively with nepafenac.

Management of anterior chamber dislocation of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant: a case report

Background

Ozurdex is a 700 mcg dexamethasone intravitreal implant, approved for the management of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, and other related pathoglogiesAnterior chamber dislocation of Ozurdex represents an uncommon complication of the intravitreal injection, which can be managed by repositioning the implant into the vitreous cavity. We describe the case of a successful repositioning of an Ozurdex implant by mobilization and subsequent balanced saline solution injection in the anterior chamber.

Case presentation

An 83-year-old white woman presented to our Emergency Unit complaining of pain and vision loss in herright eye lasting a week. Her anamnesis revealed a history of persistent cystoid macular edema after phacoemulsification with scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, recently treated with an intravitreal Ozurdex implant. She also took a long-distance flight 2 days after the injection.

An anterior segment examination showed corneal edema and the rod implant adherent to corneal endothelium. To avoid corneal decompensation, we opted for a implant repositioning. Under topical anesthesia, a 30-gauge needle was introduced through a limbar incisionto mobilize the dislocated rod. Balanced saline solution was injected, with a successful repositioning of the implant into the vitreous cavity. Topical 5 % hypertonic saline solution and 0.2 % betamethasone associated with 0.5 % chloramphenicol drops were administered four times a day. To prevent redislocation of the Ozurdex implant, she was instructed to avoid prone position, any kind of physical effort, and not to undertake long-distance flights during the first postoperative week. One week after surgery, an anterior segment examination showed an improvement of corneal edema. Funduscopy showed that the Ozurdex implant was settled into the vitreous cavity.

Conclusions

Anterior chamber dislocation of Ozurdex from the vitreous cavity is rare. In our patient, in addition to the posterior capsule tearing, the long-distance flight could have contributed to implant dislocation. Repositioning of the implant is necessary to avoid endothelial decompensation. It can be carried out by using saline balanced solution with the same efficacy as other surgical procedures reported in the literature. A possible disadvantage of this procedure could be implant migration.

Ultrawide field fluorescein angiogram in a family with gyrate atrophy and foveoschisis

Gyrate atrophy of choroid and retina is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by peripheral multiple sharp areas of chorioretinal atrophy which become confluent with age. Macula and central vision is typically involved late in the disease. Macular involvements such as cystoid macular edema, epimacular membrane, and choroidal neovascularization have been reported in gyrate atrophy. In this report, we present a family with diminished central vision presenting within 8 years of age. All of three siblings had typical peripheral chorioretinal atrophic lesions of gyrate atrophy and hyperornithinemia. On spectral domain optical coherence tomography, two of elder siblings showed macular edema. Hyporeflective spaces appeared to extend from outer nuclear layer to the inner nuclear layer level separated by multiple linear bridging elements in both eyes. Ultrawide field fluorescein angiogram (UWFI) even in late phase did not show any leak at macula suggesting foveoschisis. Foveoschisis in gyrate atrophy has not been reported before.

Sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant in juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis

The purpose of this study is to review the results of treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis with the use of intravitreal dexamethasone implant. Sixteen eyes with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis received intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat recalcitrant anterior segment inflammation (43.7 %), chronic macular edema (6.2 %), or a combination of both (50 %). One month after injection, mean visual acuity had improvement to 39.6 ± 11 ETDRS letters (p < 0.001). Mean AC cells measure at 1 month was 0.79 and 0.75 at 3 months. One month after injection, there was a significant reduction of central retinal thickness (CRT) to 342.4 ± 79.3 µm (p < 0.01). One month after the second implant, 11 eyes (91.6 %) achieved improved activity of the anterior uveitis, and mean best-corrected visual acuity improved to 44.6 ± 8.1 ETDRS letters (p < 0.01). At 1 month after the second injection, 4/5 eyes had resolution of macular edema with CRT of 250.4 ± 13.7 µm (p < 0.01). Of the 16 eyes, 12 eyes received a second injection at mean of 7.5 ± 3.1 months after the first treatment, and 5 eyes received a third Ozurdex injection on average 7 ± 4.6 months after the second injection. Of the 16 eyes, five eyes were pseudophakic prior to injection. Of the remaining 11 eyes, 8 (73 %) developed worsening posterior subcapsular cataract at a mean of 7.3 ± 1.2 months after the first injection. After the first injection, only one eye required topical antiglaucoma therapy with maximum pressure of 25 mmHg. In patients with recalcitrant JIA-associated active uveitis, injection of sustained-release dexamethasone can achieve control of anterior inflammation and resolution of macular edema.

A cross-sectional study of submacular thickening in intermediate uveitis and determination of treatment threshold

Background

The aim of this work is to refine understanding of anatomical and functional alterations in eyes with Intermediate Uveitis (IU), their natural history in mild cases not necessitating treatment and their response to treatment in severely affected eyes with macular edema.

Methods

61 consecutive patients with IU presenting over a 6-year period were prospectively recruited into the study. Two subgroups of patients with IU were identified on the basis of the need or not for systemic cortico-steroid treatment. A group of healthy volunteers was identified for determining normal average central foveal thickness (CFT) values. Statistical comparisons were sought between patient sub-groups and with the group of normal volunteers for CFT and Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) at baseline and after 6 months. In a post hoc analysis, a cut-off value of CFT for systemic treatment initiation in IU was statistically identified and its sensitivity and specificity determined.

Results

A statistically significant difference in mean CFT at baseline was observed between patients under systemic treatment and untreated patients (p = 0.0005) as well as between untreated patients and healthy volunteers. (p < 0.001) After six months difference in CFT between the two patients subgroups was no longer significant (p = 0.699). BCVA was worse for patients under systemic treatment. No statistically significant difference could be identified between the subgroup of untreated patients and the group of healthy volunteers either at baseline or after 6 months. Correlation between LogMAR visual acuity and central retinal thickness at baseline was strong (r = 0.7436, p < 0.0001, Pearson’s correlation coefficient). The cut-off value of CFT for initiating systemic treatment was determined at 215.5 μm in a post hoc analysis (sensitivity 62.5 %, specificity 96.4 %).

Conclusions

Subclinical retinal thickening of mildly inflamed eyes with IU can occur though bearing no functional clinical significance and spontaneously resolving within 6 months. A cut-off CFT value for treatment of macular edema in IU, in the presence of other relevant morphological features on Optical Coherence Tomography, seems to emerge from post hoc analysis of collected data demonstrating strong specificity and moderate sensitivity.

[Tolerability and short-term efficacy of the Ozurdex® dexamethasone intravitreal implant for treatment of uveitic cystoid macular edema: A retrospective study of 52 injections performed at the Clermont-Ferrand teaching hospital]

Macular edema is the main cause of decreased visual acuity in uveitis and determines the visual prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the tolerability and efficacy of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant in the management of uveitis. Twenty-five patients with uveitic cystoid macular edema were all treated with the Ozurdex(®) dexamethasone intravitreal implant from January 2012 to August 2014. The main outcome measures were visual acuity recovery, changes in macular thickness and resolution of the vitritis. Thirty-two eyes of 25 patients received 52 injections of Ozurdex(®). Both complete regression of the macular edema and resolution of the vitritis occurred in 100 % patients. Visual acuity improved in 62 % of patients: the mean reduction in macular thickness was 252 (±171μm); the mean time between injections was 6.7 (±3.8) months. Secondary ocular hypertension was seen in 33 % of patients. No patient required secondary surgery although a selective laser trabeculoplasty was required for one patient. The dexamethasone intravitreal implant Ozurdex(®) resulted in continuous and complete regression of uveitic cystoid macular edema. It allows evaluation of the potential visual recovery of treated eyes. The tolerability and duration of action provide a rationale for considering Ozurdex(®) as a first-line therapy for uveitis which remains uncontrolled despite optimal systemic treatment.