Regional reduction of ganglion cell complex after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole

Foveal microvascular features following inverted flap technique for closure of large macular holes

PURPOSE

To describe the anatomical and functional outcomes following use of the inverted flap technique (IFT) to close idiopathic macular holes (MH) of diameter greater than 400 μm. To compare the changes in the macular microvascularization following surgery in operated and healthy fellow eyes.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 24 patients who underwent vitrectomy and IFT for large MH closure. The main variables were closure pattern, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and recovery of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ). Foveal avascular zones (FAZ) and vessel and perfusion densities, obtained by OCT angiography scans, were compared with those in healthy fellow eyes.

RESULTS

Complete MH closure was achieved in 95.8% (23/24) of patients 6 months after surgery. There was a significant improvement in postoperative BCVA, from 1.0 to 0.4 logMAR (p < 0.001). The most frequent closure pattern was 1a (62.5%, 15/24), followed by 2c (12.5%, 3/24). The closure pattern was not correlated with height, minimum or maximum diameters or macular hole index (MHI) (p > 0.05). ELM and EZ recovery occurred in 87.5% and 83.3% of cases, respectively. FAZ were smaller in operated eyes than in the fellow eyes (p = 0.012). There were no differences in the vessel or perfusion densities between the operated and fellow eyes (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the inverted flap technique for large MH closure provides a high rate of functional and anatomical recovery. We observed a reduction in the FAZ following surgery, with no differences in the macular microvascularization parameters, suggesting that the technique is safe.

Clinical utilization of microperimetry in ophthalmic surgery: A narrative review

Microperimetry is an emerging technology that provides concurrent analysis of retinal structure and function by combining retinal sensitivity and fixation analysis with fundus imaging. We summarize the substantial evidence validating the evolving role of microperimetry as an adjunctive assessment of visual function in the perioperative setting. We show that microperimetry provides useful complementary information to other established imaging and functional modalities in the perioperative setting for a wide range of vitreoretinal surgical procedures, as well as in cataract and refractive surgeries. This includes preoperative uses such as prognostication of visual and anatomical outcomes, timing of surgical intervention, and assessment of patient suitability for surgery-as well as postoperative uses including quantification of visual recovery, investigation of unexplained postoperative vision loss, and informing expected long term functional outcomes.

Choriocapillary regional characteristics in idiopathic macular holes using optical coherence tomography angiography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the characteristics of vascular density (VD) of the retinal capillary plexuses in idiopathic macular hole (IMH), the fellow eye, and healthy control eyes by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

A retrospective cases series study involving 20 unilateral eyes (20 patients) with IMH, the unaffected fellow eyes (n = 20) and 20 health controls, with age- and sex-matched, was conducted in Shanxi Eye Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. VD of the retinal capillary plexuses measurements were obtained by OCTA.

RESULTS

Four quadrants of superficial capillary plexuses (SCP) in IMH eyes were not significant compared with that in the unaffected fellow eyes (all P > 0.05). The four quadrants of deep capillary plexuses (DCP) in IMH eyes were lower than that in the unaffected fellow eyes (all P < 0.05). Different regions retinal thickness in the IMH eyes was higher than that in the unaffected fellow eyes (all P < 0.05). a significant negative correlation between deep vessel density and retinal thickness in different quadrants among IMH eyes (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the correlation between the vascular density of SCP and retinal thickness was significant in macular fovea area (= 0.519, P = 0.019). <0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

The morphology of retina and choroid in idiopathic macular hole is different from that in fellow eye. The thickness of choroid in the fovea area of the unaffected eye also showed a decreasing trend. Taken together, the mechanism of macular hole may be further understood, that is, the decrease of choroid thickness may occur before the macular hole formation. It was verified again that the choroidal blood flow area in macular fovea of IMH patients was significantly lower than that in fellow eyes and healthy eyes.

Unsuspected Central Vision Decrease from Macular Ganglion Cell Loss after Posterior Segment Surgery

PURPOSE

To describe a novel post-surgical complication of circumscribed macula ganglion cell loss as an apparent cause of unsuspected vision loss following posterior segment surgery.

METHODS

Patients were seen in referral and were evaluated with comprehensive examination to include optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry.

RESULTS

All 8 patients had a sudden central vision loss following vitrectomy and many patients suspected the central loss was present even before the eye patch was removed on the first postoperative day. Of the 8, 1 had a vitrectomy with no membrane peeling while the remaining 7 had membrane peeling. The mean post-operative visual acuity was 20/200. The mean ganglion cell layer (GCL) volume was 0.69 µm3 in the involved eye and 1.035 µm3 in the fellow eye (P<.001). The global retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses in the involved and fellow eyes were 81.3 and 90 µm respectively (P = .08). The outer retinal architecture was unremarkable in the involved eyes and did not appear to explain the poor acuity. The GCL volume loss was not necessarily associated with RNFL thicknesses that were in the abnormal range or in optic nerve pallor. Microperimetry showed severe depression of the threshold sensitivities.

CONCLUSION

Severe loss of the macular ganglion cells may occur after vitrectomy and is associated with central vision loss. The diagnosis is made by having a high index of suspicion when examining OCT B-scan images and by evaluating GCL volumes. The frequency of this occurrence is currently unknown.

Long-Term Observations of Thickness Changes of Each Retinal Layer following Macular Hole Surgery

Purpose

To determine the long-term changes of the thickness of each retinal layer following macular hole (MH) surgery combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling.

Method

The medical records of 42 eyes of 42 patients (41 to 86 years of age) who underwent MH surgery with ILM peeling between February 2016 and October 2018 were reviewed. A single surgeon operated on all patients, and all were followed for at least 24 months postoperatively. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed to obtain retinal thickness maps of the parafoveal region corresponding approximately to the ILM peeled area. Each retinal layer was automatically segmented by the embedded software, and thickness maps were constructed for the total retinal layer (TRL), inner RL (IRL), middle RL (MRL), and outer RL (ORL). The averaged value of each retinal layer thickness was analyzed in the temporal/upper, temporal/lower, nasal/upper, and nasal lower quadrants.

Results

The TRL thickness was significantly decreased in the temporal areas postoperatively. The IRL thickness thinned progressively and significantly until 6 months without further thinning in the temporal quadrants. The MRL thickness of all areas was significantly thicker than the baseline values at 0.5 months and then gradually decreased in the temporal regions. However, the thickening in the nasal regions returned to the baseline values after 1.5 months. The ORL decreased transiently relative to the baseline values at 0.5 months in all areas.

Conclusions

The ILM peeling does not affect only the thickness of the inner retina but also the middle and outer retinae in the parafoveal region. The chronological changes of the thickness after surgeries varied among the retinal layers and macular regions.

Inner retinal structure and visual function after idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery with and without brilliant blue G

PURPOSE

Vital dyes are frequently used to visualize the internal limiting membrane (ILM) of the neuroretina. This study evaluated and compared the microstructure of the inner retina and visual function with and without brilliant blue G (BBG) staining for ILM peeling during idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients (55 eyes) with ERM underwent ILM peeling without dyes (non-dye group) and 55 patients (55 eyes) underwent ILM peeling with BBG staining (BBG group). The logMAR visual acuity (VA) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography at baseline and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

LogMAR VA improved significantly in both groups at 12 months and the BBG group tended to be better than the non-dye group but with no significant difference between the groups (unpaired t-test, P = 0.490). The average GCC thickness significantly decreased in both groups; however, there was no difference in the rates of change in GCC thickness between the groups. The ratio of GCC thickness to total retinal thickness (%) was significantly higher in the BBG group in the superior quadrant at 12 months postoperatively (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

BBG-assisted ERM surgery resulted in better visual improvement and fewer structural changes in the inner retinal layers. BBG-assisted ILM peeling is safe both functionally and anatomically.

REGIONAL DENSITIES OF RETINAL CAPILLARIES AND RETINAL SENSITIVITIES AFTER MACULAR HOLE SURGERY WITH INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING

PURPOSE

To measure the vascular density (VD) of the retinal capillary plexuses by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) after surgery for an idiopathic macular hole.

METHODS

Retrospective, observational case series.Sixteen eyes of 16 patients with an idiopathic macular hole underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling. The VDs of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were determined by OCTA, and the retinal sensitivity (RS) and the inner retinal thickness (IRT) were measured before, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. The VD, RS, and IRT were measured at the four parafoveal quadrants.

RESULTS

The mean age was 68.9 years. The VDs of the SCP and DCP were significantly correlated with the RS and IRT at 12 months postoperatively (all P < 0.001 for both SCP and DCP). The VDs of the SCP and DCP were higher, the RS more sensitive, and the IRT thicker in the nasal than the temporal quadrant at 12 months (P < 0.001, <0.001, =0.009, <0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The significant correlation between the VDs of the SCP and DCP and the RS and IRT may be due to the nasal shift of the posterior retina.

Two cases with retinitis pigmentosa that developed severe retinal atrophy long after vitreo-retinal surgery

Purpose

To report two cases with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who underwent vitreo-retinal surgery and developed severe retinal atrophy.

Observations

Case 1 was a 36-year old man who underwent 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for a macular hole (MH), and Case 2 was a 71-year-old man who also underwent 20-gauge PPV for an epiretinal membrane (ERM). During 13 years follow-up period, severe retinal atrophy developed near the macula that progressed rapidly and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was reduced to 1.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units in the MH case and to no light perception in the ERM case.

Conclusions and importance

An unexpected severe retinal atrophy can develop long after vitreo-retinal surgery in RP patients.

Effect of internal limiting membrane peeling on normal retinal function evaluated by microperimetry-3

Background

To evaluate the effect of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling surrounding macular holes (MH) for the function of retina by microperimetry-3(MP-3).

Methods

This is a prospective, cohort study which included patients with MHs who were treated by 23-gauge 3-port pars plana vitrectomy and ILM peeling with air tamponade. Color fundus photography, retinal optical coherence tomography and MP-3 were performed 1 week before, 1 and 4 months after the operation. In MP-3 examination, a customized follow-up pattern with 45 spots in the central 8° visual field was used. The spots corresponding to the retina surrounding macular holes were selected for comparison of pre- and post-operative function.

Results

We incuded 44 eyes of 44 patients with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 1.06 ± 0.40 (logMAR). All eyes achieved an anatomical success at 4 months. BCVA significantly improved at 1 month (0.53 ± 0.30, P < 0.01) and 4 months (0.31 ± 0.24, P < 0.01), respectively. Mean retinal sensitivity (MRS, dB) of the retina surrounding macular hole was 23.46 ± 3.01 dB at baseline, and significantly increased at 1 month (26.25 ± 2.31 dB, u = − 4.88, P < 0.01) and 4 months (27.14 ± 2.45 dB, t = − 6.29, P < 0.01). Patients with increased MRS are significantly younger than those with deceased MRS (59.72 ± 3.22 years vs. 65.60 ± 8.19 years, P < 0.01). After ILM peeling, the increasing extent of MRS was significantly higher in inferior and nasal retina than in superior and temporal retina at 1 and 4 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

ILM peeling in normal retina will not decrease the retinal function in a short-term after surgery.

Infracyanine Green vs. Brilliant Blue G in Inverted Flap Surgery for Large Macular Holes: A Long-Term Swept-Source OCT Analysis

Background and Objectives: To compare the long-term toxicity of infracyanine green (IFCG) to brilliant blue G (BBG) in inverted internal limiting membrane flap surgery (I-ILMFS) for large, full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). Materials and Methods: Prospective randomized study including 39 eyes with ≥ 400 µm idiopathic FTMH who underwent I-ILMFS with either IFCG or BBG. Postoperative 6- and 12-month corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), closure rate, and swept-source optical coherence tomography parameters, including ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) mean defect length, central foveal thicknesses (CFT), parafoveal macular thickness (MT), ganglion cells and inner plexiform layer (GCL++) thickness, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, were compared. Results: Nineteen eyes were included in the IFCG group and 20 eyes in the BBG group. In all cases a FTMH closure was found. CDVA improved at 6 and 12 months in both groups (p < 0.0005); the increase at 12 months was greater in the BBG group (p = 0.036). EZ and ELM defects did not differ between groups at either follow-up time. CFT at 12 months was greater in the BBG group (p = 0.041). A 12-months compared to 6-months MT decrease was present in both groups (p < 0.01). The GCL++ superior inner sector was thicker in the BBG group at 12 months (p = 0.036), as were the superior outer sector (p = 0.039 and p = 0.027 at 6 and 12 months, respectively) and inferior outer sector (p = 0.011 and p = 0.009 at 6 and 12 months, respectively). Conclusion: In our study BBG in I-ILMFS exhibits better long-term CDVA and retinal thickness than does IFCG, suggesting a lesser toxicity from BBG. These findings support the use of BBG over IFCG in I-ILMFS.

Efficacy of 27-Gauge Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Epiretinal Membrane in Glaucoma Patients

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery for patients with ERM and glaucoma.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 20 consecutive ERM patients with glaucoma, who underwent 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (27GMIVS) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. The preoperative and 6-month postoperative visual field was tested with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 program. Changes in threshold sensitivity in the HFA test points were analyzed point-by-point, with points classified into groups based on sensitivity as abnormal (less than 5th percentile in pattern deviation) or normal (all other points) and based on location as central (12 central points) or peripheral (all other points) with a linear mixed-effects model.

Results

Visual acuity and mean deviation improved postoperatively (P < 0.001 for both) in all patients. Threshold sensitivity in central or peripheral points that were abnormal preoperatively improved postoperatively (P=0.006 or P < 0.001, respectively). Threshold sensitivity also improved in the central normal test points (P=0.03), but not in the peripheral normal points (P=0.12).

Conclusion

Visual acuity improved, and there was no visual field progression, after ERM surgery in glaucomatous eyes during a 6-month postoperative follow-up, suggesting that ERM and ILM removal using 27GMIVS may be effective even in glaucomatous eyes.

Long-term functional and anatomical evolution in surgically closed macular holes with internal limiting membrane peeling

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to describe the long-term evolution of macular retinal thickness and visual acuity in patients who present surgically closed full-thickness macular hole, operated by vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study of patients operated for full-thickness macular hole with closure of the hole and at least 6 months of post-operative follow-up was performed. All patients had pars plana vitrectomy, peeling of the internal limiting membrane, gas filling and positioning. Comparison of the early post-operative (in the first 5 months) visual acuity and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography-measured macular thickness with late post-operative data (between 6 months and 6 years) was performed. Foveal retinal thickness and temporal and nasal retinal thickness between 1 and 3 mm from the centre were recorded.

Results:

In total, 35 eyes of 34 patients were included, with an early post-operative measure realized at a mean of 1.8 months and a late measure done at a mean of 25.5 months (7–73 months). Foveal thickness stayed unchanged (282 vs 288 µm), nasal parafoveal thickness remained increased compared to normal and stayed constant (345 vs 345 µm) and temporal parafoveal macular thickness was decreased (313 vs 308 µm) ( p = 0.028). Best-corrected visual acuity was improved by the surgery and the gain increased over time.

Conclusion:

Internal limiting membrane peeling improves anatomical success of full-thickness macular hole, but this procedure is not without long-term scalable consequences on macular thickness on the temporal quadrant (thinning) as on the nasal quadrant (thickening).

Ability of MultiColor scanning laser ophthalmoscope to detect non-glaucomatous retinal nerve fiber layer defects in eyes with retinal diseases

PURPOSE

To compare the ability of ocular fundus images obtained by Spectralis MultiColor scanning laser ophthalmoscope (MC-SLO) to that obtained by conventional color fundus images (CF) in detecting non-glaucomatous nerve fiber layer defects (NFLDs).

METHODS

A cross-sectional, retrospective study. Patients with retinal diseases who had ocular examination with both the MC-SLO and CF instruments at the Kagoshima University from December 2016 to February 2017 were studied. Eyes that had NFLDs with non-glaucomatous optic discs were analyzed. The visibility of the NFLDs was classified into three grades: grade 0, not visible; grade 1, barely visible; and grade 2, clearly visible. The NFLD grade for blue, green, and red scanning lights of the MC-SLO, merged images with three wavelengths and the color and red-free images were determined by two ophthalmologists. These scores were compared by Steel-Dwass tests.

RESULTS

Thirty-one eyes of 26 patients with a mean age of 63.1 ± 11.2 years were studied. There were 14 eyes with diabetic retinopathy, 11 eyes with age-related macular degeneration, 3 eyes with a branch retinal vein occlusion, and 3 eyes with an epiretinal membrane/macular hole. Both the intra-rater (0.631-0.790) and inter-rater (0.637-0.733) agreements were good. NFLDs were detected by the blue wavelength in all cases and by green wavelength and merged wavelengths in 90.3% of the images. The mean NFLD grade was 1.58 ± 0.49 for blue light images, 1.13 ± 0.54 for green light images, 0.07 ± 0.24 for red light images, and 1.16 ± 0.56 for merged images. The NFLD score for blue wavelength was significantly higher than that for green and red wavelength images (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) but not significantly higher than that for the merged images. NFLDs were detected in 12 eyes (38.7%) in the color images and 16 eyes (51.6%) in the red-free images. The NFLD score for the CF and the red-free image was 0.41 ± 0.55 and 0.70 ± 0.67 which is significantly lower than that of blue MC-SLO images.

CONCLUSION

The images obtained by MC-SLO are superior to that obtained by CF in detecting NFLDs in eyes with retinal diseases. We recommend MC-SLO imaging to screen for NFLDs in eyes with retinal diseases.

Different fixation targets affect retinal sensitivity obtained by microperimetry in normal individuals

Purpose

To determine the differences in the retinal sensitivities obtained by microperimetry with a single cross or a circular fixation target in normal individuals.

Methods

Thirty-two eyes of 16 healthy volunteers (mean age 28.9±1.4 years, range 24-44 years) were studied. The retinal sensitivity of the central 0 degrees and of the mean central 2 degrees consisting of 8 points were determined independently using the two different fixation targets with Microperimeter 3. The Goldmann III stimulus with a luminance of 1.0 cd/m² was presented for 200 ms on a white background.

Results

The retinal sensitivity of the central 0 degrees was significantly better with the circular target than that with the cross target (P=0.003, right eyes; P=0.001, left eyes). The mean retinal sensitivity in the central 2 degrees was not significantly different between the cross and circular fixation targets. (P=0.07, right eyes; P=0.08, left eyes).

Conclusion

These results indicate that the circular fixation target is a better target to use to evaluate the central retinal sensitivity. The difference in the retinal sensitivity is most likely due to the cross fixation target overlapping the test stimulus target.

Internal retinal layer thickness and macular migration after internal limiting membrane peeling in macular hole surgery

PURPOSE

To provide a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)-based analysis of retinal layers thickness and nasal displacement of closed macular hole after internal limiting membrane peeling in macular hole surgery.

METHODS

In this nonrandomized prospective interventional study, 36 eyes of 32 patients were subjected to pars plana vitrectomy and 3.5 mm diameter internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic macular hole (IMH). Nasal and temporal internal retinal layer thickness were assessed with SD-OCT. Each scan included optic disc border so that distance between optic disc border and fovea were measured.

RESULTS

Thirty-six eyes had a successful surgery with macular hole closure. Total nasal retinal thickening (p<0.001) and total temporal retinal thinning (p<0.0001) were observed. Outer retinal layers increased thickness after surgery (nasal p<0.05 and temporal p<0.01). Middle part of inner retinal layers (mIRL) had nasal thickening (p<0.001) and temporal thinning (p<0.05). The mIRL was obtained by deducting ganglion cell layer (GCL) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness from overall thickness of the inner retinal layer. Papillofoveal distance was shorter after ILM peeling in macular hole surgery (3,651 ± 323 μm preoperatively and 3,361 ± 279 μm at 6 months; p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Internal limiting membrane peel is associated with important alteration in inner retinal layer architecture, with thickening of mIRL and shortening of papillofoveal distance. These factors may contribute to recovery of disrupted foveal photoreceptor and vision improvement after IMH closure.

Evaluation of Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness after Vitreoretinal Surgery with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling in Cases with Idiopathic Macular Hole

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate macular retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic macular holes using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen eyes of 18 patients with unilateral idiopathic macular hole who underwent vitrectomy with ILM peeling were retrospectively analyzed. Healthy fellow eyes of the patients and 18 eyes of 18 age-matched healthy individuals constituted the control group. The patients were evaluated at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements, biomicroscopic examination findings and SD-OCT measurements were recorded. Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness was evaluated with ganglion cell analysis software of Cirrus HD-OCT before surgery and at 1 month and 3 months after surgery and compared with control groups. Presence of dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) was evaluated with C-scan mode.

RESULTS

Of the 18 patients, 9 were male and 9 were female with a mean age of 65.6±5.6 (55-77) years. Preoperative BCVA was 0.75±0.19 logMAR, while it was 0.44±0.17 logMAR and 0.36±0.15 logMAR at postoperative 1 and 3 months, respectively (p<0.001). Postoperative mean GCIPL thickness was 66.33±17.28 µm. There was a correlation between mean GCIPL thickness and BCVA at postoperative 3 months (p<0.01). When compared with the control group, GCIPL thickness was significantly thinner in all quadrants of all patients at postoperative 3 months. Dissociated optic nerve fiber layer appearance was observed on C-scan in 13 of 18 eyes postoperatively. There was no correlation between the presence of DONFL and BCVA (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Internal limiting membrane peeling during macular hole surgery may cause functional and/or structural changes that may be associated with visual acuity. Significant GCIPL thinning and DONLF appearance may occur postoperatively.

Visual field changes after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane or macular hole in glaucomatous eyes

Purpose

To investigate visual field changes after vitrectomy for macular diseases in glaucomatous eyes.

Methods

A retrospective review of 54 eyes from 54 patients with glaucoma, who underwent vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM; 42 eyes) or macular hole (MH; 12 eyes). Standard automated perimetry (Humphrey visual field 24–2 program) was performed and analyzed preoperatively and twice postoperatively (1^st and 2nd sessions; 4.7 ± 2.5, 10.3 ± 3.7 months after surgery, respectively). Postoperative visual field sensitivity at each test point was compared with the preoperative value. Longitudinal changes in mean visual field sensitivity (MVFS) of the 12 test points within 10° eccentricity (center) and the remaining test points (periphery), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, and the association of factors with changes in central or peripheral MVFS over time were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. In addition, 45 eyes from 45 patients without glaucoma who underwent vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM; 34 eyes) or macular hole (MH; 11 eyes) were similarly examined and statistically analyzed (control group).

Results

In glaucomatous eyes, visual field test points changed significantly and reproducibly; two points deteriorated only at the center and twelve points improved only at the periphery. Central MVFS decreased (p = 0.03), whereas peripheral MVFS increased postoperatively (p = 0.010). In the control group, no visual field test points showed deterioration, and central MVFS did not change significantly after vitrectomy. BCVA improved, GCC thickness decreased, and IOP did not change postoperatively in both groups. The linear mixed-effects models identified older age, systemic hypertension, longer axial length, and preoperative medication scores of ≥2 as risk factors for central MVFS deterioration in glaucomatous eyes.

Conclusions

Visual field sensitivity within 10° eccentricity may deteriorate after vitrectomy for ERM or MH in glaucomatous eyes.

SUPERFICIAL FOVEAL AVASCULAR ZONE DETERMINED BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY BEFORE AND AFTER MACULAR HOLE SURGERY

PURPOSE

To determine the size of the superficial foveal avascular zone (FAZ) by optical coherence tomography angiography before and after surgery for an idiopathic macular hole.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational case series, in which 16 eyes of 16 patients with an idiopathic macular hole were studied. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed with internal limiting membrane peeling. The foveal retinal vasculature was examined by optical coherence tomography angiography, and the area of the superficial FAZ was determined before, and at 1 and 3 months after the surgery. The area of the macular hole was also measured in the en face optical coherence tomography images. The central foveal thickness was measured to determine the relationship between the size of the superficial FAZ and foveal shape. The unaffected fellow eyes were used as controls.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 68.9 years. The average preoperative superficial FAZ area was 0.45 ± 0.14 mm, which was significantly reduced to 0.23 ± 0.08 mm at 1 month (P < 0.001) and 0.25 ± 0.08 mm at 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). The size was smaller than that of the control eyes (0.36 ± 0.12 mm, P = 0.003). There was a significant inverse correlation between the area of the postoperative superficial FAZ and the central foveal thickness (r = -0.589, P = 0.016). The correlations between the visual acuity and the area of the superficial FAZ at 1 and 3 months postoperatively were not significant (P = 0.369 and 0.285).

CONCLUSION

The significant decrease in the superficial FAZ after the macular hole surgery indicates that there was a centripetal movement of the foveal tissue postoperatively.

Efficacy of vitrectomy and inner limiting membrane peeling in age-related macular degeneration resistant to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, with vitreomacular traction or epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

We assessed the efficacy of vitrectomy and inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, followed by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, anti-VEGF-resistant age-related macular degeneration (AMD) due to vitreomacular traction (VMT) or epiretinal membrane (ERM).

METHODS

We identified six patients with anti-VEGF-resistant AMD due to VMT or ERM amongst a total of 588 patients with AMD (821 eyes) referred to Okayama University Hospital between February 2012 and May 2014. These patients underwent vitrectomy to release the VMT (4 cases) or remove the ERM (2 cases), along with ILM peeling. The regimen used for intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF reagents after surgery was based on the severity of exudative changes in each patient. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) measurements were compared.

RESULTS

After vitrectomy and ILM peeling, all six patients responded to anti-VEGF therapy, which was then able to maintain dry retinas. Mean BCVA did not improve significantly (0.49 ± 0.28 before vs. 0.43 ± 0.38 after surgery, P = 0.538). However, mean CR was significantly decreased after surgery, from 423 ± 83.5 μm to 257 ± 75.8 μm (P = 0.0078).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitrectomy and ILM peeling followed by anti-VEGF therapy may be a useful therapeutic option for anti-VEGF-resistant AMD with VMT or ERM.