[Treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration: Consensus of French experts for first-line treatment selection and the importance of long-term risk/benefit ratio]

Choosing a first-line treatment to optimize long-term outcomes is a major challenge for treating patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The development of several new molecules makes it critical to identify the relevant factors to consider so as to provide an optimal risk-benefit ratio when initiating a treatment in naïve patients with neovascular AMD. This paper proposes a consensus established with the Delphi method (which includes a gradation in a consensus based on an analysis of the convergence rate of answers) to provide criteria that guide the ophthalmologist's decision for treatment initiation and follow-up in neovascular AMD patients. Fourteen questions were submitted to 93 French retina experts. Thirteen (93%) of the questions reached a consensus (≥50% of answers consensual). The criteria recommended to take into account were both efficacy and onset of action of the molecules, their safety, and the ability to decrease injection frequency. The primary criterion of expected efficacy of a molecule is a combination of the gain in visual acuity and resorption of retinal fluid. With regard to safety, experts recommend tighter follow-up for molecules currently in development, and at every scheduled visit, patients should be screened to identify early any potential adverse effects such as intraocular inflammation, retinal vasculitis or vascular occlusion. Experts also emphasize the importance of the packaging of the biological, with a preference toward prefilled syringes. Injection frequency is a key factor, and the authors recommended aiming for a maximal injection interval of 12 to 16 weeks. The stability of that maximum interval is also an important factor to consider in treatment selection.

[Immunosuppressive therapy in severe or chronic pediatric uveitis: Review of the literature]

Immunosuppressants are prescribed for pediatric uveitis in cases of severe involvement affecting the prognosis for vision or life, in cases of recurrent or chronic uveitis to achieve corticosteroid sparing, or in cases of corticosteroid resistance. Immunosuppressants used in children include antimetabolites (methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine), cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and biologics, including infliximab, adalimumab, anakinra, canakinumab, and tocilizumab. The mechanisms of action and indications of the various immunosuppressants are described in this review.

[Treat-and-extend anti-angiogenic protocol in clinical practice for patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration: Consensus of French experts]

Optimizing treatment regimens for anti-angiogenic drugs is now a major issue in the management of patients with exudative AMD. The evolution of these approaches has led retinologists to favor so-called proactive administration regimens, such as Treat-and-Extend (T&E), which make it possible to anticipate recurrence and to plan intravitreal injections of anti-angiogenic drugs in advance. Nevertheless, a real need to standardize the application of this regimen has been identified. This article proposes a consensus based on the Delphi methodology, which might provide a guide for ophthalmologists to manage patients with exudative AMD using the T&E protocol. While some aspects remain debated to date, this article provides elements to guide the implementation of T&E. The experts recommend that a loading dose of 3 monthly injections should be administered before starting T&E. They also recommend adjusting the reinjection intervals by±2 weeks in a standardized fashion. The intervals are then decreased in the presence of anatomical and/or functional deterioration, maintained when the interval of recurrence is identified, and increased when anatomical and/or functional improvement is observed. A maximum interval between 3 and 4 months is recommended by the experts, with maintenance of the maximum interval for 1 year before considering a possible exit from the T&E protocol. In the event of a significant decrease in visual acuity related to the disease along with significant anatomical degradation, it is recommended to restart monthly injections. In the case of bilateral disease, when synchronized timing of injections for both eyes is desired, the experts recommend using the shorter of the two intervals.

Scleral fixated intraocular lens by a modified technique: Methods and results

PURPOSE

A certain number of conditions can result in compromised anterior and/or posterior capsular integrity. Several surgical options have been employed for repositioning dislocated intraocular lenses in the absence of adequate capsular support. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional outcomes and complication profile of a modified surgical technique for replacing dislocated intraocular lenses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients who had undergone the modified surgical procedure for dislocated intraocular lenses between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for visual outcomes and complications. Patient demographic characteristics, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, surgical indications, refractive outcomes, intraocular pressure and postoperative complications were recorded and analysed at baseline and at six months, which was the conclusion of the study. We also present our modified surgical technique.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight eyes of sixty-eight patients (74% male) were included. Mean age at surgery was 58 years (range 4-89 years). Mean best-corrected visual acuity increased significantly from 0.80 (SD±0.2) LogMar to 0.40 (SD±0.1) LogMar (P<0.005). Median astigmatic error at the conclusion of follow-up remained stable. There were no intraoperative complications and a low postoperative complication rate (10.2%), mainly related to the surgical context.

CONCLUSION

Sutureless intrascleral fixation of dislocated intraocular lenses is an option in case of deficient capsular support. Visual outcomes and complication rates are comparable to other case series.

[Congenital abnormalities of the optic disc]

Congenital abnormalities of the optic disc are not uncommon in clinical practice and should be recognized. Size abnormalities of the optic disc include optic disc aplasia, hypoplasia, megalopapilla, and optic disc cupping in prematurity. Among congenital excavations of the optic disc head, morning glory disc anomaly and optic disc pit can be complicated by serous retinal detachment; the papillorenal disc is an association of bilateral optic disc cupping and renal hypoplasia which should be ruled out; optic disc coloboma is caused by an abnormal closure of the embryonic fissure and can be complicated by choroidal neovascularization and retinal detachment. Other abnormalities that will be discussed are congenital tilted disc syndrome, duplicity of the optic disc head, congenital pigmentation of the optic disc head and myelinated retinal nerve fibers. All of these abnormalities can be associated with syndromes and neurological diseases, as well as other potentially blinding ophthalmological defects which can be secondarily complicated by amblyopia, strabismus and nystagmus. Thus, they should be recognized in order to plan for appropriate follow-up.

[Inefficacy of aflibercept in the treatment of idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 without neovascularization]

Idiopathic macular telangectasia type 2 is a rare disease consisting primarily of bilateral macular capillary telangiectasia, alterations of the ellipsoid zone and intraretinal cysts that may appear as cystoid macular edema in the absence of neovascularization. Our goal was to study the efficacy of aflibercept in the treatment of these cysts. Thus, we performed a series of three intravitreal injections of aflibercept in the right eye of a woman with a typical presentation of macular telangectasia type 2 complicated by cystoid macular edema without neovascularization. These injections did not significantly improve the anatomical or functional results. Other studies investigating the efficacy of other anti-VEGF in this disease led mainly to a decrease in macular thickness on OCT after injection, without any functional improvement. The anti-VEGFs therefore appear to be of little value in treating MacTel 2 intraretinal cysts without neovascularization.

Persistence of foveal capillary plexi in a case of fovea plana evident on OCT angiography

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with fovea plana discovered on a systematic work-up. His best-corrected visual acuity was limited to 20/25 in both eyes. Anterior segment examination showed no evidence of iris transillumination or aniridia. Macular OCT revealed persistence of the inner nuclear layers in the foveolar area and an absence of foveal pits, suggesting a diagnosis of fovea plana. Fluorescein angiography revealed that the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was absent. OCT angiography revealed persistence of the superficial and deep capillary plexi. Our case confirms that OCT angiography affords additional insights into macular exploration and the diagnosis of fovea plana by revealing absence of the foveal pit associated with persistence of both superficial and deep capillary plexi in the foveal area.

[Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of primary congenital glaucoma]

INTRODUCTION

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a rare and sight threatening condition. Few large epidemiological studies are available in the literature concerning this condition. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children affected by PCG.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Children affected by PCG, from 1 day to 3 years old at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively included between 1999 and 2014. The analysis concerned the pregnancy, family history, initial referral, clinical presentation with description of the classic findings in this condition, mean age at first consultation, duration of follow-up and presence of a delay in treatment, defined as a delay of over one month from the appearance of clinical signs until diagnosis. Two groups were defined according to age at appearance of the clinical signs: "early" group prior to 2 months old and "late" group beyond 2 months up until 3 years old.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-one eyes of 71 children were included, with 49.3% girls (n=35 children) and 50.7% boys (n=36 children) for a male:female ratio of 1.02. The "early" group included 50 children i.e. 70.3% of the population; the "late" group 21 children or 29.7% of the population. A first-degree family history of congenital glaucoma existed in 28% of cases (n=19). The average age at first consultation was 13.1 months for the entire population, and the mean duration of follow-up was 56.6 months. Involvement was bilateral in 99.3% of cases (n=70 children) and the most frequent clinical sign was buphthalmos in 64.5% of eyes (n=91 eyes). Treatment was delayed in 35.3% of cases (n=25 children).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study is of particular relevance because it was performed over a long period and on a large population, considering the rare prevalence of the pathology, and has found epidemiological and clinical data comparable with those available in the literature for similar populations.

[Blindness and visual rehabilitation]

Blindness and visual impairment are a major public health problem all over the world and in all societies. A large amount of basic science and clinical research aims to rehabilitate patients and help them become more independent. Various methods are explored from cell and molecular therapy to prosthetic interfaces. We review the various treatment alternatives, describing their results and their limitations.

[Anatomical and functional prognosis of secondary retinal detachments after sutureless macular surgery]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence, characteristics and risk factors for rhegmatogenous complications of transconjunctival sutureless 23-gauge vitrectomy (TSV) in macular surgery. The results were correlated with those reported in the literature.

METHODS

Multicentric retrospective study of a cohort of patients undergoing macular surgery by 23-gauge TSV between January 2009 and June 2010.

RESULTS

Four hundred and seventy-four patients divided into: epiretinal membrane (MEM) (n=279), vitreomacular traction (n=65) and idiopathic macular hole n=130. Forty-three percent of patients were pseudophakic. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was absent in 60% of cases and was therefore systematically performed intraoperatively. It was seen that 1.7% of patients developed retinal tears and 2.7% retinal detachment with a higher incidence in the vitreomacular traction (VMT) group and the group in which the PVD was performed intraoperatively. Rhegmatogenous lesions were localized mainly in the inferior retina in the macular hole group.

DISCUSSION

Results are consistent with the TSV literature. Their location does not appear to be related to the sclerotomies or handedness as in 20-gauge surgery, probably due to sclerotomy trocars. Localization of rhegmatogenous lesions in the inferior retina in macular hole surgery suggests a role of gas in this subgroup. In addition to instrument-retinal touch, the performance of a surgical PVD represents a major independent risk factor for retinal detachment (RD).

CONCLUSION

Even with limited macular surgery, it is essential to check the retinal periphery for 360 degrees, especially for VMT and intraoperative PVD, and especially inferiorly in the case of gas tamponnade.

[Early treatment with Nd:YAG laser for Valsalva retinopathy: results of five cases and literature review]

INTRODUCTION

According to the literature, the treatment of retinopathy of Valsalva (VR) by laser is recommended when the macular hemorrhage has not regressed after 3 weeks.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report five cases of VR treated early (≤ 24 hours) by Nd:YAG laser membranotomy (LM). Clinical examination was performed before and after LM (D1, D7, M1, M3 and M6). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis was performed to determine the precise location of the macular hemorrhage.

RESULTS

Good visual recovery was obtained early by LM with a stable outcome at 6 months. The hemorrhage was located under the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and posterior hyaloid in two patients and only under the ILM in three patients.

DISCUSSION

The literature review and our study confirm the good functional results for patients treated by LM for VR. Furthermore, very few side effects are reported with this type of treatment compared with the natural course of the disease, which may certainly regress spontaneously, but carries a risk of secondary preretinal fibrosis. However, to obtain optimal efficacy, the treatment should be carried out as soon as possible, in order to avoid clotting of the hematoma, preventing any subsequent evacuation by laser.

CONCLUSION

LM for VR is an effective, safe and inexpensive technique compared to the surgical management of these patients presenting with a persistant premacular hematoma after a period of observation.

[Ocular coloboma and results of brain MRI: preliminary results]

INTRODUCTION

Congenital ocular colobomas are the result of a failure in closure of the embryonal fissure. We present a prospective study (2007-2011) in which we report brain MRI findings in children with ocular coloboma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-five children (54 eyes) were included; 15 boys, 20 girls with a median age of 24.0 months (1.0-96.0) at first presentation. Within 2 to 3 months following complete ophthalmologic examination, brain MRI was performed.

RESULTS

Colobomas were bilateral in 19 cases and unilateral in 16 cases. Eleven different types of coloboma were identified. Of 54 eyes, 74% demonstrated optic nerve coloboma, of which 28 were severe. Of 35 MRI's performed, abnormalities were present in 86%: gyration abnormalities (n=21), lateral ventricular dilatation (n=17), dilatation of the Virchow-Robin and subarachnoid spaces (n=14), signal abnormalities and brain stem malformations (n=14), white matter signal abnormalities (n=11), corpus callosum abnormalities (n=10). Most of these abnormalities were related. Gyration abnormalities were the most frequent. There was no significant association between the severity of the coloboma and the abnormalities found (P=1.0). Likewise, there was no significant association of gyration abnormalities with the severity of coloboma in children (P=1.0).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study shows, for the first time, the existence of frequent cerebral abnormalities on MRI in children with ocular coloboma. The most common abnormality being gyration abnormalities, in 60% of cases.

[Angioid streaks]

Angioid streaks represent breaks in Bruch's membrane, appearing as dark or reddish radial streaks eminating from the optic disc. Usually asymptomatic, these streaks may develop neovascularisation and lead to a maculopathy with marked loss of vision. Some associations with systemic disease are classically described, especially pseudoxanthoma elasticum. This condition may involve cardiovascular complications. A mutation has been found in the ABCC6 gene, which encodes for a membrane transport protein involved in the synthesis of the extracellular matrix. Imaging allows for visualization of the extent of the streaks, and autofluorescence is particularly informative. Spectral domain OCT may also demonstrate early breaks in Bruch's membrane. Neovascular complications, previously responsible for inevitable visual impairment at some point after their occurrence, are now managed by intravitreal injections of anti-VEGFs with clear efficacity. The ophthalmologist must be aware of this condition, in order to guide the patient towards a systemic work-up if necessary, and also to insure quick and targeted treatment in the case of neovascular complications.