25G Pars Plana Vitrectomy-Lensectomy and Sulcus IOL Implantation for Patients with Cataract and Cornea Guttata

Introduction:Corneal guttata is a non-inflammatory progressive decline of endothelial cell density (ECD) which represents an early clinical feature of Fuch's dystrophy. In patients with corneal guttata, the relative risk for corneal transplantation after phacoemulsification has been found to be 68.2 times higher than in those without it. In the present study, five patients with corneal guttata underwent 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with concurrent lensectomy and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the sulcus. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether this technique has a less damaging effect on endothelial cells as compared to standard phacoemulsification. Methods:This retrospective case series study was conducted at "My Retina" Athens Eye Centre, Greece. Five patients with moderate to dense cataract and clinical signs of corneal guttata were included. All patients had ECD measurement prior to and after surgery. The operation included 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with subsequent lensectomy and a three-piece IOL implanted in the sulcus with intact anterior capsule. Results:The mean value of ECD was 1157.8±237.51 cells/mm² preoperatively and 1118.2±227.42 cells/mm² postoperatively, indicating a 3.4% reduction from initial values. Retinal detachment was not observed on any of the operated patients after surgery. The IOL was well centered to the sulcus in all patients. Iatrogenic retinal tears were identified in one patient and were treated with laser retinopexy and SF6 gas tamponade. Conclusion:Our results show that PPV along with lensectomy through fragmatome may cause less corneal decompensation than femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) or phacoemulsification, especially in patients with corneal guttata. Therefore, reducing the risk for possible future corneal transplantation.

Multiple Types Late-Onset Postoperative Retinal Folds following Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment Repair with Silicone Oil: Morphologic Variability and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Features - A Case Report

Introduction

Retinal folds (RFs) may develop following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, though it consists an uncommon complication.

Case Presentation

Herein, we present a case of late-onset postoperative outer RFs with aggravating characteristics following vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO) tamponade for RRD repair; early clinical findings, complications, anatomical and functional status during a 12-month follow-up period are described. Retinal imaging by acquiring optical coherence tomography scans and angiograms indicates detailed morphological and angiographic characteristics of the evolution of RFs over time. Our case provides insight into a combination of various types of RFs along with retinal disorganization with appearance in the late postoperative period after RRD repair with SO tamponade.

Conclusion

Our aim was to raise awareness of the pathological processes that may be associated with the development and evolution of RFs after successful RRD repair, indicating that it is critical to accurately diagnose the type of RFs and closely monitor their progression in an attempt to provide prognostication for future visual outcomes.

Assessment of Maternal Retinal Microvasculature in Preterm Pregnancy Using OCT-Angiography: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Pregnancy induces a cascade of hemodynamic changes that are likely to affect the maternal systemic and ocular circulation. Objective:The current study aimed to investigate retinal microvasculature alterations in women with preterm and full-term pregnancy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Design:This was a cross-sectional, comparative, single-center study. Methods:The present study included 21 women with preterm pregnancy, who were in the early postpartum period, and 18 controls with full-term pregnancy. Optical coherence tomography angiography imaging was performed to analyze macular microvasculature characteristics at the retinal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the choriocapillaris (CC). Results:In females with preterm pregnancy, the mean values of vessel density (VD) at the SCP of the total macular area were significantly higher than those in females with full-term pregnancy (p=0.001), and the mean values of foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal VD at the SCP were higher, though not statistically significant. Similarly, the mean values of perfusion at the SCP of the total macular area were significantly higher in females with preterm pregnancy than controls (p=0.023), while the mean values of foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal perfusion were higher, though not statistically significant. The mean values of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters (area, perimeter, circularity) at the SCP in females with preterm pregnancy did not have any significant differences from those of controls. Concerning the measurements of choroidal parameters, there were no statistically significant differences in subfoveal choroidal thickness, as well as the CC OCT-A characteristics between females with preterm and full-term pregnancy. Conclusions:Our study indicates that retinal blood flow alterations may be present in the early postpartum period in women with preterm pregnancy. Increased macular vasculature may reflect the systemic perfusion changes compensating for placental insufficiency.

Inner retinal layers' alterations of the microvasculature in early stages of Parkinson's disease: a cross sectional study

PURPOSE

To investigate microcirculation characteristics of the inner retinal layers at the macula and the peripapillary area using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) of patients in early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

32 PD patients and 46 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this cross sectional study. OCT-A imaging was performed to analyze microcirculation characteristics at each separate macular region (fovea, parafovea, and perifovea) and the peripapillary area of the inner retinal layers.

RESULTS

Individuals with PD had significantly lower parafoveal, perifoveal and total vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) than controls (all p < 0.001), while foveal VD was higher in PD eyes than that of controls, though not statistically significant. Similarly, individuals with PD had significantly lower parafoveal, perifoveal and total perfusion in the SCP than control eyes (all p < 0.001), while foveal perfusion was significantly higher in PD eyes than that of controls (p = 0.008). PD eyes had significantly smaller FAZ area and perimeter accompanied by decreased circularity at the SCP as compared to controls (all p < 0.001). Concerning the peripapillary area, individuals with PD had significantly lower radial peripapillary capillary perfusion density and flux index at the SCP than controls (all p < 0.001). All p values remained statistically significant even after using the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, except for that of foveal perfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates alterations of the inner retinal layers at the macula and the peripapillary area at the preliminary stages of PD. OCT-A parameters could potentially comprise imaging biomarkers for PD screening and improve the diagnostic algorithms.

The Choroid after Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To characterize choroidal structure and vasculature after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (hd-vPDT) in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A).

METHODS

This prospective case-control study included 10 eyes. Choroid was examined before and at 1 month following hd-vPDT. We measured choroidal thickness (CT) at subfoveal area and at 750 μm nasal and temporal of fovea and thickness of Haller and choriocapillaris/Sattler layers. Whole (WA), luminal (LA) and interstitial area (IA) at EDI-OCT, and perfusion density at OCT-A were analyzed. The unaffected fellow eyes were used for comparisons.

RESULTS

Mean CT at subfoveal area and at 750 μm nasal and temporal of fovea, values of Haller and choriocapillaris/Sattler layers and those of WA, LA and IA were reduced, while PD increased at 1 month after hd-vPDT (all p < 0.001). There was a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation (ρ = -0.658) between PD and post-treatment logMARVA. None of analyzed parameters reached values of unaffected fellow eye.

CONCLUSION

Following hd-vPDT, choroidal thickness with both luminal and interstitial components markedly decreased, while perfusion of choriocapillaris improved.

Effect of silicone oil on retinal microcirculation after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment evaluated by OCT angiography: a literature review

Silicone oil (SO) has been widely used as intravitreal tamponade agent for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and has been occasionally associated with incomplete retinal structural and functional recovery. The use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) has recently attracted significant attention for detailed analysis of retinal capillary plexus and blood flow changes as predicting factors for postoperative outcomes. A detailed literature search was performed in PubMed database until October 2022. The following keywords were used: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, silicone oil, optical coherence tomography angiography, macular microvasculature, peripapillary capillary plexus, vessel density, and foveal avascular zone. We identified and reviewed 19 studies referring to microcirculation alterations of the retinal capillary plexus as seen on OCT-A in eyes treated by vitrectomy with intravitreal SO for RRD. A comprehensive update revealed variability of microcirculation characteristics of the retinal capillary plexus including the macular and the peripapillary capillaries. Further studies are warranted to clarify the OCT-A values in an attempt to identify the potential effect of SO on retinal tissue in clinical practice. A review of the existing literature sheds light on the effect of SO on retinal capillary plexus and the potential impact on functional outcomes after vitrectomy for RRD. This article discusses important aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance to identify distinct alterations of the microvasculature status, and proposes the need for further future research in this field.

Long-Term Outcomes following Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Choroidal Neovascularization Related to Nd:YAG Laser Macular Injury: A Case Report

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to Nd:YAG laser macular injury consists of a rare condition without standardized treatment. Herein, we present the long-term outcomes of a case with a spontaneous closure of a laser-associated macular hole that was followed by late-onset CNV and was successfully treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. A 32-year-old man suffered a macula injury in his right eye after accidental exposure to an 800-nm wave length Nd:YAG laser pulse. Ophthalmological examination demonstrated deterioration in visual acuity along with parafoveal and post-hyaloid hemorrhage. After 1 month, fundoscopy indicated the formation of a full-thickness macular hole. A close observation revealed spontaneous closure of the hole and visual improvement within the next month. One and a half year later, the patient presented with sudden visual distortion, while optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography disclosed the development of CNV. The patient was successfully treated with a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. The patient's condition has remained stable during an 8-year follow-up period. In conclusion, laser-induced macular injury consists of an increasingly remarkable condition that may have a profound impact on visual outcomes. Our case provides insight into the potential mechanisms of Nd:YAG laser injury and its complications, indicating that CNV may occur even in the long term, while anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may help maintain stable anatomic and functional outcomes.

Vitreous inflammatory and angiogenic factors on patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema: the role of Lipocalin2

PURPOSE

Quantitative analysis of vitreous inflammatory and angiogenic factors from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or diabetic macular edema (DME).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Collection of undiluted vitreous samples from 20 diabetic patients: 13 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 7 with diabetic macular edema (DME). DME patients had suboptimal response to anti-VEGF treatment. Samples from 11 control patients, with vitreomacular interface pathology such as idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) (n = 4), vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT) (n = 3) and full thickness macular hole (FTMH) (n = 3), were also collected. The levels of IL1b, IL6, IL8, IL27, TNFα, ICAM-1, VCAM, MCP-1, VEGFA and LCN2 were measured using cytometry flow analysis. Median values were compared with Mann-Whitney test since the distributions were skewed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).

RESULTS

The median concentration of LCN2, IL6, IL8, IL1b, IL27, ICAM, VCAM-1, MCP-1, TNFa and VEGFA was higher in PDR patients than in controls. Similarly, the median concentration of LCN2, IL6, IL8, IL27, ICAM, VCAM-1, TNFa and VEGFA was higher in DME patients than in controls. In particular, median LCN2 concentration in diabetic patients was 5,711 pg/ml (interquartile range [IR] = 2,534), while in controls was 2,586 pg/ml (IR = 2,345). Moreover, median LCN2 was 6,534 pg/ml in the DME group (IR = 6,850) and 4,785 pg/ml in the PDR group (IR = 2,608), (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Various inflammatory and angiogenic factors are involved in the pathophysiology of PDR and DME. Elevated vitreous levels of LCN2 in PDR and especially in DME patients reveal a potential pathogenic association. More extended studies could verify LCN2 as an alternative therapeutic target.

Molecular Biologic Milieu in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: A Literature Review

Multiple lines of evidence support an immunologic response along with inflammation to be implicated in the pathophysiology of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the signaling molecules in the vitreous and subretinal fluid (SRF) involved in these processes. A detailed literature search was performed in PubMed database until November 2021. We identified all papers referring to inflammatory and immunological mediators in the context of primary RRD and in cases complicated by PVR. We analyzed prospective and retrospective cohort studies and reference lists of the retrieved articles. A comprehensive investigation of immunological and inflammatory responses provides significant evidence for the implication of varying signaling molecules in the pathophysiology of RRD and the development of PVR. The reviewed series has revealed that disruption of the normal equilibrium during these processes may be present in the vitreous and SRF of these eyes. The precise role of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in the pathophysiology of these disorders remains to be clearly elucidated. Overall, immunological and inflammatory signaling molecules are widely implicated in both primary RRD and PVR. The reviewed literature indicates that precise knowledge concerning the pathological milieu sheds light on the underlying pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets and highlights unmet needs to be addressed by future research.

Evaluation of the choriocapillaris after photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. A review of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) studies

PURPOSE

Emerging evidence suggests that choroidal microcirculation and microstructural changes after verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) can be shown in detail using OCT-Angiography (OCT-A). The use of OCT-A for the examination of choriocapillaris (CC) has attracted significant attention as the technique offers potential explanations for the effects of vPDT on choroidal tissue.

METHODS

A meticulous literature search was performed in the PubMed database without restriction on year of publication until June 2021. The reference list of all electronically retrieved articles was carefully reviewed for potentially relevant articles that had not been identified.

RESULTS

We identified and reviewed 11 studies reporting a comprehensive update on microvasculature and morphologic changes of the CC layer as seen on OCT-A in chronic CSC. The reviewed articles extensively analyze both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the CC flow pattern after applying vPDT safety-enhanced protocols. The changes in the CC plexus indicate the potential of beneficial or deleterious treatment effect on choroidal tissue remodeling. The reviewed series have revealed variability of flow pattern, vessel density, and perfusion of the CC over time.

CONCLUSION

The CC plexus alterations during the post-vPDT period in chronic CSC may imply the treatment effect on choroidal tissue, indicating the potential of anatomical or functional recovery over time. The reviewed literature may confirm the diagnostic value of OCT-A in the assessment of the pathophysiology of eyes with CSC.

Macular microcirculation changes after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with silicone oil tamponade evaluated by OCT-A: preliminary results

Background:

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with macular involvement is a sight-threatening condition. Silicone oil (SO) is efficacious for retinal tamponade, especially in complex cases. Whether macular detachment per se or the potential tamponading agent may affect macular microcirculation after RRD repair is a matter of research.

Objectives:

To investigate macular microcirculation changes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal SO for RRD repair in the early posttreatment period.

Design:

Prospective comparative cross-sectional study.

Data sources and Methods:

Fourteen eyes of 14 patients were included in the study. All eyes underwent a single successful PPV with SO tamponade for macula-off RRD. OCT-A was performed to analyze macular microcirculation and visual outcomes at 1 month postoperatively. The fellow unaffected eye was used as control.

Results:

Vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was significantly lower at each macular region (fovea, parafovea, and perifovea) of SO-treated eyes compared with the fellow eyes (all p = 0.001). Similarly, perfusion density (PD) in the SCP was significantly lower at each macular region than the fellow eyes (all p = 0.001). There was enlargement of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and decrease of circularity at RRD eyes compared with the fellow ones (all p = 0.001). Postoperative logMAR visual acuity (VA) was significantly lower in treated eyes than fellow eyes and correlated inversely with foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal VD and PD SCP (all p < 0.001). Postoperative VA had no correlation with FAZ parameters.

Conclusion:

Enlargement of FAZ SCP and decrease in VD and PD SCP during the short-term follow-up were possibly attributable to ischemic changes in the macular area after RRD repair with SO tamponade. In this preliminary study, the flow density in macular capillary plexus may represent an indicator of visual outcomes.

Macular microcirculation characteristics in Parkinson's disease evaluated by OCT-Angiography: a literature review

PURPOSE

Given the fact that retina may provide a window into the central nervous system, there has been interest in identifying retinal biomarkers as predicting factors of pathological processes in neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging evidence has suggested that macular microcirculation changes in Parkinson disease (PD) may indicate the alterations of cerebral microvasculature. The use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) has attracted significant attention in recent years as this technique offers a detailed analysis of the existence of changes at the macular capillary plexus.

METHODS

A detailed review of the literature was performed in PubMed until June 2021. We identified all papers referring to the alterations of the macular capillary plexus in PD using OCT-A.

RESULTS

A comprehensive update indicates that microvasculature alterations of the macular capillary plexus utilizing OCT-A may comprise useful biomarkers regarding the cerebral vasculature in PD. Since the available evidence is limited, additional studies are warranted to establish the OCT-A parameters as predicting factors in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

A review of the existing literature sheds light on the microvasculature changes of the macular capillary plexus as seen on OCT-A in PD patients. The current article discusses notable aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance of the potential long-term effectiveness of OCT-A biomarkers in PD and proposes the need for further future research.

A Narrative Review of the Ocular Manifestations in Noonan Syndrome

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on ophthalmological manifestations of Noonan Syndrome (NS). Emerging evidence has suggested that NS patients may present with a wide spectrum of ocular characteristics. Detailed investigation of genotype has revealed the diversity of related gene mutations. The potential association of genetic basis with clinical expressivity of phenotype remains a challenging aspect of this issue.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in PubMed; we have analyzed prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case reports, and reference lists of retrieved articles until February 2021. We identified all papers referring to NS ocular manifestations referring to genotype and phenotype characteristics.

RESULTS

A comprehensive update on ocular manifestations of NS patients indicates significant evidence for variability of genotype and phenotype features. Ophthalmologic features of NS are characterized by a wide spectrum of abnormalities; external ocular malformations, distortions of refraction, alignment, motilily, anterior and posterior ocular segment and visual impairment. Currently, a variety of pathogenic mutations in patients with NS have been investigated, while the nature of the genetic variants may determine expressivity. Albeit it remains a clinical diagnosis with variation in the progress of each NS phenotype. Although the available evidence that is needed to establish genotype-phenotype correlation as predicting factor in clinical practice is limited, it could aid risk assessment and patient management.

CONCLUSION

A review of the existing literature sheds light on the ocular characteristics of NS. The current article discusses notable aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance of the potential genotype-phenotype correlation in clinical practice, and proposes the need for further future research.

Sensitivity of spectral domain optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of posterior vitreous detachment in vitreomacular interface disorders: A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the sensitivity of Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) regarding the diagnosis of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in vitreomacular interface disorders (VID).

METHODS

A total of 48 eyes of 48 patients were included in this prospective cohort study. PVD in eyes with VID was investigated. We determined the status of posterior vitreous cortex using slit lamp (SL) biomicroscopy and SD-OCT preoperatively, during vitrectomy and on the intraoperative video recording. Sensitivity and specificity of the examining methods were analysed. Four masked independent examiners participated in this study.

RESULTS

PVD was diagnosed in 16 eyes (33.3%) on SD-OCT, 20 eyes (41.7%) on SL examination and 28 eyes (58.3%) during vitrectomy. Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of PVD was 37.5% and 31.3% using SD-OCT, 90% and 64.3% on the SL examination, 92.9% and 90% on the video recording respectively, compared to the intraoperative PVD diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

SD-OCT shows a relatively low detection sensitivity of PVD in VID. Thorough OCT investigation is necessary to establish an appropriate diagnosis of PVD and treatment in VID.

Assessment of Anatomical and Functional Macular Changes with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography After Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair

Purpose: To evaluate macular capillary plexus changes with OCT-angiography with regard to macular detachment duration in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).Methods: 23 eyes of 23 patients were included in this retrospective case-control study and were divided into 2 groups. Group-A had a macular detachment duration of 0 to 10 days and group-B of 11 to 30 days. All eyes underwent a single successful pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and gas tamponade. We analysed the OCT-A characteristics and visual outcomes at 12 weeks postoperatively in the 2 groups. The fellow eye was used as control.Results: Vessel density (VD) and flow density (FD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) were significantly lower in group-B (p < .01) than in group-A and control. FAZ SCP in both groups was significantly larger than the control (p < .01), although it did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 1.000). BCVA was significantly lower in group-B compared to group-A (p < .01). BCVA was positively correlated with VD SCP in group B (p = .015), but not in group-A. Postoperative BCVA had no correlation with FAZ SCP in both groups.Conclusions: The macular detachment duration could be a predicting factor of flow density in macular capillary plexus which in turn might be an indicator of visual outcomes in chronic cases.