Combined aspirin and clopidogrel therapy in phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a risk factor for ocular hemorrhage?

Brazilian Angiology and Vascular Surgery Society Guidelines for the treatment of extracranial cerebrovascular disease

Extracranial cerebrovascular disease has been the subject of intense research throughout the world, and is of paramount importance for vascular surgeons. This guideline, written by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV), supersedes the 2015 guideline. Non-atherosclerotic carotid artery diseases were not included in this document. The purpose of this guideline is to bring together the most robust evidence in this area in order to help specialists in the treatment decision-making process. The AGREE II methodology and the European Society of Cardiology system were used for recommendations and levels of evidence. The recommendations were graded from I to III, and levels of evidence were classified as A, B, or C. This guideline is divided into 11 chapters dealing with the various aspects of extracranial cerebrovascular disease: diagnosis, treatments and complications, based on up-to-date knowledge and the recommendations proposed by SBACV.

Modified technique for reconstruction of large cyclodialysis cleft with capsular tension ring and continuous and cerclage sutures without scleral flaps

To present a modified technique for the reconstruction of a large cyclodialysis cleft with capsular tension ring (CTR) and continuous and cerclage sutures without scleral flaps in 12 cases. The mean visual acuity was 0.75 ± 0.47 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR), and the average intraocular pressure (IOP) was 3.35 ± 0.41 mmHg before surgery. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) revealed a ciliary cleft of 4.3 ± 3.5 clock hours. We performed the modified technique for the reconstruction of a large cyclodialysis cleft. Postoperative visual acuity improved to 0.48 ± 0.26 logMAR, and the IOP improved to 15.88 ± 3.81 mmHg. Postoperative UBM showed that cyclodialysis disappeared in the whole circumference of 12 eyes. The postoperative complications included 42% (5 eyes) with a temporary elevation of IOP and 16% (2 eyes) with a posterior shift of the ciliary body. No other complications were detected during the follow-up. Based on the results, our modified technique might be useful for most cyclodialysis clefts.

Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery in Patients Aged Over 80 Years: Efficacy and Safety

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery in patients aged over 80 years.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with retrobulbar anesthesia were recruited. Based on age, the patients were divided into the elderly group (≥ 80 years of age) and the control group (< 80 years of age). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and surgical complications were regarded as the main measurement indicators.

Results

This study included 43 eyes from 43 patients aged 80 to 91 years and 86 eyes from 86 patients aged 54 to 79 years. Surgical intervention substantially improved BCVA both in the elderly and control groups (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Statistical analyses showed no significant difference in the incidence of surgical complications between the two groups (p = 0.631). The operations in either group were not delayed or canceled for the reason of complications of retrobulbar anesthesia, severe anxiety, or physical discomfort in the perioperative period. Moreover, no patient required a second operation. Also, no stroke, myocardial infarction, or death occurred during the follow-up period. All the surgical complications were treated satisfactorily.

Conclusion

Our outcomes indicate that PPV combined with ERM and ILM peeling with retrobulbar anesthesia is effective and safe in elderly patients aged 80 years or older. Based on age alone, we believe that advancing age should not be the risk factor for idiopathic ERM surgery.

Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) refers to the accumulation of blood in the suprachoroidal space, a relatively uncommon but significant complication that can occur spontaneously, during ophthalmic surgery, or as a consequence of ocular trauma. If left undiagnosed and untreated, SCH can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. Therefore, it is crucial for ophthalmologists to have a thorough understanding of this complication, taking proactive measures to prevent it during surgery and being knowledgeable about effective management strategies for patients with SCH. This review article aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of SCH, covering its risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and the best practices for its management. By enhancing awareness and knowledge in this area, we can improve patient outcomes and minimize the impact of SCH in ophthalmic practice.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Postoperative Hyphema After 23-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose

We aim to investigate the incidence, clinical course, and risk factors for developing postoperative hyphema after 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) without neovascularization of the iris or angles and neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

Methods

This retrospective study included 155 consecutive eyes from 124 patients with at least three-month follow-up who underwent PPV for PDR without neovascularization of the iris or angles and NVG. Demographic data, surgery notes, postoperative hyphema assessment, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the surgical outcome were recorded.

Results

Postoperative hyphema occurred in 18 of 155 eyes (11.6%), with 14 of those having hyphema on day 1, and 4 having hyphema on days 7–20. Of the 18 eyes, only 3 (16.7%) had normal IOP, and immediate intraocular hypertension was observed in 15 (83.3%). Seven eyes required anterior chamber paracentesis and five needed anterior chamber irrigation. The average time for absorption of the hyphema was 13.1 days, and IOP was controlled in all cases. There was a significant correlation between membrane removal and the development of hyphema (OR = 5.65 and 95% CI: 1.190–25.203; p = 0.013). No recurrence of hyphema was observed. In patients with hyphema, the final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.75 ± 0.84 logMAR, which improved significantly compared to the initial BCVA of 2.20 ± 0.65 logMAR (t = 3.893; p = 0.001), and the final anatomic success rate was 100%.

Conclusion

The development of hyphema is not uncommon after PPV for patients with PDR without neovascularization of the iris or angles and NVG, and membrane removal is a risk factor for postoperative hyphema. The timely management of hyphema ensures that hyphema does not affect the visual recovery or the final anatomical success.