Incidence of Cataract Surgery after Vitrectomy for Vitreous Opacities

Clinical features of retinal detachment treated with segmental scleral buckling

PURPOSE

Our study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes and clinical features of retinal detachment (RD) cases treated with segmental scleral buckling (SB), elucidating the role of segmental SB as a vital option in specific situations during the current era.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 128 eyes with primary rhegmatogenous RD that underwent segmental scleral buckling between November 2008 and December 2020. Clinical features and success rates were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 128 eyes were included. The patient's ages ranged from 12 to 72 years, with a median age of 45. Most of the eyes were phakic (97%). Regarding the type of break, 47% were holes, and flap tears were found in 68 cases (53%). The break locations were superior-temporal (54%), inferior-temporal (31%), superior-nasal (9.5%), and inferior-nasal (5.5%). The length of the SB applied ranged from 3.5 to 8.0 clock hours, with a median of 6.0. Primary success was achieved in 121 eyes, and recurrence occurred in 7 eyes. All recurrent RD cases reattached after undergoing secondary VT. The causes of failure included 2 break reopens, 1 missed break, and 4 eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The single-surgery anatomic success (SSAS) rate for segmental SB was 94.5%. The final success rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

For phakic, low complexity retinal detachment in our study, segmental scleral buckling emerges as a surgical option with a high primary success rate and a lower incidence of complications.

RECURRENT FLOATERS AFTER LIMITED VITRECTOMY FOR VISION DEGRADING MYODESOPSIA

PURPOSE

Limited vitrectomy improves vision degrading myodesopsia, but the incidence of recurrent floaters postoperatively is not known. We studied patients with recurrent central floaters using ultrasonography and contrast sensitivity (CS) testing to characterize this subgroup and identify the clinical profile of patients at risk of recurrent floaters.

METHODS

A total of 286 eyes (203 patients, 60.6 ± 12.9 years) undergoing limited vitrectomy for vision degrading myodesopsia were studied retrospectively. Sutureless 25G vitrectomy was performed without intentional surgical posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) induction. CS (Freiburg Acuity Contrast test: Weber index, %W) and vitreous echodensity (quantitative ultrasonography) were assessed prospectively.

RESULTS

No eyes (0/179) with preoperative PVD experienced new floaters. Recurrent central floaters occurred in 14/99 eyes (14.1%) without complete preoperative PVD (mean follow-up = 39 months vs. 31 months in 85 eyes without recurrent floaters). Ultrasonography identified new-onset PVD in all 14 (100%) recurrent cases. Young (younger than 52 years; 71.4%), myopic (≥-3D; 85.7%), phakic (100%) men (92.9%) predominated. Reoperation was elected by 11 patients, who had partial PVD preoperatively in 5/11 (45.5%). At study entry, CS was degraded (3.55 ± 1.79 %W) but improved postoperatively by 45.6% (1.93 ± 0.86 %W, P = 0.033), while vitreous echodensity reduced by 86.6% ( P = 0.016). New-onset PVD postoperatively degraded CS anew, by 49.4% (3.28 ± 0.96 %W; P = 0.009) in patients electing reoperation. Repeat vitrectomy normalized CS to 2.00 ± 0.74%W ( P = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

Recurrent floaters after limited vitrectomy for vision degrading myodesopsia are caused by new-onset PVD, with younger age, male sex, myopia, and phakic status as risk factors. Inducing surgical PVD at the primary operation should be considered in these select patients to mitigate recurrent floaters.

Refractive error after combined phaco-vitrectomy: A multicentric study

PURPOSE

To study the post-operative refractive error (RE) of patients undergoing combined phaco-vitrectomy and to find out which intraocular lens (IOL)-power formula had the best refractive outcomes.

METHODS

In this retrospective multicentric study we compared the preoperative expected target with the postoperative RE of patients undergoing combined phaco-vitrectomy due to vitreomacular traction, macular pucker, full thickness macular hole or lamellar macular hole. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to compare the postoperative REs and the differences between expected and postoperative REs among the SRK-T, Olsen's and Holladay-2 formulas. The correlation between the difference in REs and IOL-power was also studied.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven eyes with a mean axial length of 23.73 ± 1.21 mm were included. Forty-two (63%), 14 (21%) and 11 (16%) eyes were implanted with an IOL that was calculated respectively with SRK-T, Olsen's and the Holladay-2 formula. The mean preoperative expected- and post-operative REs were -0.16 ± 0.12D and -0.48 ± 0.17, respectively (p = 0.045). SRK-T and Holladay-2 formulas led to a significant myopic shift whereas Olsen's caused a significant hyperopic error, independently from the IOL power.

CONCLUSION

Independently from the IOL power, none of the analyzed formulas is precise at calculating the post-operative RE.

Vitrectomy Improves Contrast Sensitivity in Multifocal Pseudophakia With Vision Degrading Myodesopsia

PURPOSE

Multifocal intraocular lenses (MFIOL) are associated with degradation in contrast sensitivity function (CSF); yet the contribution of vitreous is not known, nor is the benefit of vitrectomy.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized clinical study.

METHODS

A total of 180 eyes of 180 patients (55 MFIOL, 60 monofocal intraocular lenses [MIOL], 65 phakic) with symptomatic vitreous opacities were enrolled. Vitreous structure was assessed with quantitative ultrasonography (QUS). Vision was evaluated with visual acuity and CSF measurements.

RESULTS

Vitreous echodensity was the same in all lens cohorts, yet CSF was worse in MFIOL eyes (P < .001). In 86 patients who elected vitrectomy, there was 68% greater vitreous echodensity and 31% worse CSF than in observation controls (P < .0001 for each). Preoperatively, CSF was 25% worse in MFIOL than in MIOL (P = .014). Postoperatively, vitreous echodensity decreased by 55%, 51%, and 52%, whereas CSF improved by 37% 48% in and 43% in MFIOL, MIOL, and phakic eyes, respectively (P < .0001 for each). NEI Visual Function Questionnaire analyses showed improved visual well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with vision degrading myodesopsia who elected vitrectomy had greater vitreous echodensity and worse CSF than controls, but no other differences in age, sex, or myopia. MFIOL eyes had worse CSF than MIOL and phakic eyes, very possibly due to combined effects of the MFIOL and vitreous opacification. Limited vitrectomy reduced vitreous echodensity and improved CSF in all eyes. All patients with CSF-degrading vitreous opacities benefited from limited vitrectomy, including those with MFIOL. As MFIOL eyes had 37% improvement in CSF, patients with MFIOL and vision degrading myodesopsia merit consideration of vitrectomy.

In vivo study to assess dosage of allogeneic pig retinal progenitor cells: Long-term survival, engraftment, differentiation and safety

Despite notable efforts and significant therapeutical advances, age‐related macular degeneration remains the single most common reason for vision loss. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are considered promising candidates for cellular treatments that repair and restore vision. In this allogenic study, the phenotypic profile of pig and human RPCs derived using similar manufacturing processes is compared. The long‐term (12‐week) survival of green fluorescent protein‐pig retinal progenitor cells GFP‐pRPC after subretinal transplantation into normal miniature pig (mini‐pig) retina is investigated. Human eyes are both anatomically and physiologically mimicked by pig eyes, so the pig is an ideal model to show an equivalent way of delivering cells, immunological response and dosage. The phenotypic equivalency of porcine and clinically intended human RPCs was established. Thirty‐nine mini‐pigs are used in this study, and vehicle‐injected eyes and non‐injected eyes serve as controls. Six groups are given different dosages of pRPCs, and the cells are found to survive well in all groups. At 12 weeks, strong evidence of integration is indicated by the location of the grafted cells within the neuro‐retina, extension of processes to the plexiform layers and expression of key retinal markers such as recoverin, rhodopsin and synaptophysin. No immunosuppression is used, and no immune response is found in any of the groups. No pRPC‐related histopathology findings are reported in the major organs investigated. An initial dose of 250 k cells in 100 µl of buffer is established as an appropriate initial dose for future human clinical trials.

"IRIS SHELF" TECHNIQUE FOR MANAGEMENT OF POSTERIOR SEGMENT INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODIES

PURPOSE

To describe "iris shelf" technique for removal of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) through a corneal incision combined with phacovitrectomy and to report its outcomes.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with posterior segment metallic IOFBs who had combined phacovitrectomy were collected and analyzed. In all patients, the IOFB was placed on the iris surface after forming the anterior chamber with viscoelastic to be extracted through a corneal phacoemulsification incision.

RESULTS

Thirty-three eyes of 33 male patients with a mean age of 31.6 ± 8.3 years were included in the study. The mechanism of injury was hammering in 24 eyes (72.7%) and gunshot in 9 eyes (27.3%). The mean interval between injury and IOFB removal was 14.76 ± 6 days. The mean IOFB volume was 8.5 ± 5.5 mm3, and its longest dimension was 3.45 mm (range, 1-8 mm). The mean preoperative corrected distance visual acuity changed from 20/1,500 (1.79 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) to 20/94 (0.67 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), postoperatively (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications included retinal detachment (two eyes), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (one eye), epiretinal membrane (one eye), and posterior synechiae (three eyes).

CONCLUSION

The "iris shelf" technique with phacovitrectomy is a safe and reproducible approach for posterior segment IOFB extraction through a corneal incision with favorable visual and anatomical outcomes.

Lyophilized amniotic membrane patch (LAMPatch) as a replacement of tamponades in the treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

BACKGROUND

The basis of retinal detachment repair is sealing the retinal breaks. In order to seal the retinal breaks, chorioretinal adhesion around these lesions has to be achieved. Laser retinopexy is not immediate thus necessitates the use of a temporal endotamponade to maintain both tissues in apposition. We propose the use of a patch of lyophilized human amniotic membrane (LAMPatch) in order to occlude the retinal tear effectively until the chorioretinal adhesion is settled, overcoming the risks and limitations of the current tamponades.

METHODS

23-gauge vitrectomy was performed on eyes with primary retinal detachment with single retinal breaks of less than one-hour extension. A LAMPatch was deployed over the retinal breaks after retina was repositioned with perfluorocarbon. Neither gas nor silicon oil were injected.

RESULTS

Six eyes of six patients with total or partial retinal detachment were included. Retinas remained reattached in all cases until the end on follow-up (3, 5 months). Best-corrected visual acuity at 1-week postop was between 20/30 and 20/100. Neither elevations of intraocular pressure, cataracts nor signs of inflammation were registered during follow-up. No second surgeries were needed.

CONCLUSION

This technique has proven to be safe and effective in this small case series. No intraocular pressure rise, inflammation or cataracts were registered until last follow-up visit.

Retinal Tamponades: Current Uses and Future Technologies

Purpose of Review

In this article, the current use and limitations of existing retinal tamponades are discussed. Potential novel developments that address those limitations are subsequently highlighted, along with areas of future improvements.

Recent Findings

While retinal tamponades have existed for decades and improved the treatment of retinal detachments, many problems still exist with their use, including inadequate tamponade of the inferior retina, toxicity from retained heavy liquids, glaucoma, and keratopathy, among others. New advancements in the components of heavy liquids and vitreous substitutes aim to mitigate those issues.

Summary

Existing retinal tamponades, including perflurocarbon heavy liquids, fluorinated gases, and silicone oil, have specific limitations that cause potentially avoidable morbidity. New developments, such as heavy silicone oil, novel vitreous gels, and future avenues of approach, such as potentially reabsorbing heavy liquids may help increase our ability to treat retinal detachments with fewer complications.

Vitreous and Vision Degrading Myodesopsia

Macromolecules comprise only 2% of vitreous, yet are responsible for its gel state, transparency, and physiologic function(s) within the eye. Myopia and aging alter collagen and hyaluronan association causing concurrent gel liquefaction and fibrous degeneration. The resulting vitreous opacities and collapse of the vitreous body during posterior vitreous detachment are the most common causes for the visual phenomenon of vitreous floaters. Previously considered innocuous, the vitreous opacities that cause floaters sometimes impact vision by profoundly degrading contrast sensitivity function and impairing quality-of-life. While many people adapt to vitreous floaters, clinically significant cases can be diagnosed with Vision Degrading Myodesopsia based upon echographic assessment of vitreous structure and by measuring contrast sensitivity function. Perhaps due to the ubiquity of floaters, the medical profession has to date largely ignored the plight of those with Vision Degrading Myodesopsia. Improved diagnostics will enable better disease staging and more accurate identification of severe cases that merit therapy. YAG laser treatments may occasionally be slightly effective, but vitrectomy is currently the definitive cure. Future developments will usher in more informative diagnostic approaches as well as safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Improved laser treatments, new pharmacotherapies, and possibly non-invasive optical corrections are exciting new approaches to pursue. Ultimately, enhanced understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of Vision Degrading Myodesopsia should result in prevention, the ultimate goal of modern Medicine.

To Treat or Not to Treat: Management Options for Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters

Vitreous floaters are a common cause for presentation to ophthalmologists, and may significantly affect visual function. In the absence of some more serious underlying pathology such as uveitis, many patients may not experience significant persistent visual impairment from floaters. For some patients, the symptomatic effects of floaters may persist. For these patients, treatment options are available, of which the most commonly reported is vitrectomy. Other treatment modalities have also become more common, notably YAG vitreolysis. Selection of appropriate patients for surgery is often difficult, in part due to the relative lack of objective outcomes with which to measure both visual impairment and improvement post-procedure. Although well-tolerated, vitrectomy does carry with it risks, including iatrogenic retinal breaks, retinal detachment, and in phakic patients, subsequent cataract formation. Techniques such as small gauge vitrectomy, intraoperative examination and treatment of breaks or other worrying lesions, and careful consideration of the need for posterior vitreous detachment induction may help limit the incidence of these adverse events. For other treatment options such as YAG vitreolysis, research and clinical experience remain more limited, and as such the long-term efficacy and risks of these therapies are still unclear. Here, we review the evidence surrounding the role of vitrectomy and YAG vitreolysis in the treatment of vitreous floaters and potential means to minimize therapeutic complications.

Complications Associated with the Use of Expandable Gases in Vitrectomy

Intraocular gases have been used in vitreoretinal surgery for over 40 years. The aim of this study was to review the complications related to the use of expandable gases in vitrectomy and their management. A PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase search was conducted using the terms "intraocular gas" and "vitrectomy for retinal detachment." Of the articles retrieved by this method, all publications in English and abstracts of non-English publications were reviewed. Intraocular pressure elevation was reported in up to 58.9% patients after vitrectomy with expandable gas administration for retinal detachment. Vitreoretinal surgery is known to induce cataract development. With that, cataract progression is associated with lens exposure to intraocular gas, the duration of such exposure, patient's age, and the magnitude of vitreous removal. With intraocular gas, the posterior surface of the lens becomes a strongly refractive factor, resulting in high myopia and temporary vision impairment. Other complications related to the use of expandable gases include anterior chamber and subconjunctival gas displacement. Single reports on subretinal and cranial gas migration were published. In vitrectomy for uncomplicated retinal detachments, attempts to shift from expandable gases towards air are observed. Nevertheless, gas tamponade remains a reasonable choice for patients suffering from retinal detachment.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Limited Vitrectomy for Vision Degrading Vitreopathy Resulting from Vitreous Floaters

PURPOSE

Vitreous floaters can lower visual acuity (VA) and degrade contrast sensitivity function (CSF). Limited vitrectomy improves VA and normalizes CSF, but long-term results in a large series with objective quantitative outcome measures are lacking.

DESIGN

Case series.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred ninety-five eyes of 145 patients (87 men, age = 57.6 ± 4.3 years; 58 women, age = 61.5 ± 12.0 years) reporting bothersome vitreous floaters were compared to 70 age-matched controls. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) alone was the cause in 96/195 (49.2%), myopic vitreopathy alone was the cause in 30/195 (15.4%), PVD with myopic vitreopathy was the cause in 56/195 (28.7%), and asteroid hyalosis was the cause in 13/195 eyes (6.7%).

METHODS

Limited vitrectomy with 25-gauge instruments was performed without surgical PVD induction, preserving 3 to 4 mm of retrolental vitreous in phakic eyes. Follow-up averaged 32.6 ± 23.5 months (range, 3-115 months), with 2 years or more in 144 eyes, 3 years or more in 69 eyes, 4 years or more in 51 eyes, and 5 years or more in 24 eyes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity, 39-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ) results, CSF (Weber index), and quantitative ultrasonography results.

RESULTS

After surgery, vitreous echodensity decreased by 94.1% (P < 0.0001) and VFQ results improved by 19.3% (P < 0.0001). Preoperative VA was 0.68 ± 0.21, improving to 0.77 ± 0.19 after surgery (P < 0.0001). Preoperative CSF was degraded by 91.3% compared with controls (P < 0.0001), normalizing at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after surgery (P < 0.00005 for each). There were no cases of endophthalmitis. There were 3 retinal tears and 3 retinal detachments that underwent successful repair. Clinically significant vitreous hemorrhage developed in 2 patients, clearing spontaneously. Two macular puckers and 4 recurrent floaters from new PVD were cured by re-operation. Cataract surgery occurred in 21 of 124 patients (16.9%; mean age, 64 ± 7 years; none younger than 53 years), an average of 13.1 ± 6.8 months after vitrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited vitrectomy for Vision Degrading Vitreopathy decreases vitreous echodensity, improves patient well-being, improves VA, and normalizes CSF. The long-term efficacy and safety profiles suggest this may be a safe and effective treatment for clinically significant vitreous floaters, warranting a prospective randomized trial.