Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Positive Predictors of Eplerenone Therapy in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers as potential predictors of treatment response in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a retrospective cohort study that included 42 patients with chronic CSCR. After complete ocular and hematological examinations, all patients received 50 mg/day of oral eplerenone for three months and were followed for at least six months. All participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 participants with a positive response to treatment (complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) at six months) and Group 2 poor responders (moderate or less than 50% reduction in SRF from baseline). The primary outcome measure was the resolution of SRF, and various OCT biomarkers like central macular thickness (CMT), pigment epithelial detachments (PED), double-layer sign, elongation of the photoreceptor's outer segment, the integrity of the external limiting membrane, the integrity of the ellipsoid zone, hyperreflective foci in the outer segment, and subretinal deposits in the SRF were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 41.33 ± 10.75 years, and 34 participants were male. Thirty-seven (88.1%) of the participants had good responses to eplerenone, with the mean height of SRF decreasing significantly from a maximum of 269.74 µm to a minimum of 21.86 µm at six months (p<0.001). The mean CMT decreased from the first visit time point to the third visit time (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis assessed the absence of PED and double-layer signs associated with a good response.

CONCLUSION

The eplerenone therapy seems to be efficient for chronic CSCR, and OCT can be an invaluable aid to the treating physician.

Comparing the efficacy of glucocorticoids and anti-VEGF in treating diabetic macular edema: systematic review and comprehensive analysis

Introduction

The aim of this study was to better understand the efficacy of various drugs, such as glucocorticoids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), and to evaluate various clinical treatment regimens consisting of different therapeutic measures.

Methods

This study included randomized controlled trials up to February 2023 comparing the efficacy of corticosteroid-related therapy and anti-VEGF therapy. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched, and the quality of the studies was carefully assessed. Finally, 39 studies were included.

Results

Results at 3-month followup showed that intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) + triamcinolone acetonide (TA) was the most beneficial in improving best-corrected visual acuity and reducing the thickness of macular edema in the center of the retina in patients with DME. Results at 6-month follow-up showed that intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) was the most effective in improving patients' bestcorrected visual acuity and reducing the thickness of central macular edema.

Discussion

Overall, IVB+TA was beneficial in improving best-corrected visual acuity and reducing central macular edema thickness over a 3-month follow-up period, while DEX implants had a better therapeutic effect than anti-VEGF agents at 6 months, especially the patients with severe macular edema and visual acuity impaired.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=397100, identifier CRD42023397100.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Implantation of Foldable Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens With and Without Heparin Surface Modification in Indian Diabetic Patients

Background This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of a heparin surface-modified (HSM) hydrophobic acrylic foldable intraocular lens (IOL) (CT LUCIA 601PY) and non-heparin-modified hydrophobic acrylic foldable IOL (AcrySof IQ SN60WF) in diabetic patients undergoing phacoemulsification. Methodology This randomized, single-surgeon, double-masked controlled trial was conducted at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. In this randomized controlled trial, 100 eyes of 100 diabetic patients with or without mild-to-moderate diabetic retinopathy were enrolled (HSM IOL, n = 50; non-HSM IOL, n = 50). Outcome measures were aqueous flare, visual acuity, and anterior chamber depth (ACD). These were measured preoperatively as well as one day, one week, one month, three months, six months, and one year postoperatively. Results The HSM IOL group had significantly lower anterior chamber aqueous flare values (photon count/ms) than the non-HSM IOL group on postoperative day one (9.97 ± 5.2 vs. 17.56 ± 11.3, p < 0.001), postoperative week one (11.47 ± 7.78 vs. 17.06 ± 9.4, p = 0.02), and postoperative month three (7.7 ± 4.1 vs. 12.5 ± 5.6, p = 0.004) of phacoemulsification. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was significantly better in the HSM IOL group on postoperative day one (uncorrected distance visual acuity: p = 0.022; CDVA; p = 0.005), but there was no significant difference at any other follow-ups. ACD was significantly longer in the HSM IOL group at all follow-ups. Conclusions The implantation of HSM IOL resulted in significantly lower inflammatory reactions in the early postoperative period in diabetics.

Is Intravitreal Injection of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Effective for the Treatment of Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema in Patients With Posterior Vitreous Detachment?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether intravitreal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) is effective for the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who already had posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

METHODS

It is a retrospective chart review of the patients with refractory DME and PVD. The efficacy of intravitreal injection of rTPA was assessed based on the changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in these patients.

RESULTS

Nine eyes of nine patients as the study group and 14 eyes of the 14 patients as the control group were examined. Before the injections, the mean CMT was 470.0± 107.6 in the study group, compared to 536.2± 150.5 in the control group, with no statistical significance (p=0.403). The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the mean changes in CMT from baseline to one and three months after injections between the study and control groups (p=0.439, p=0.781, respectively). Likewise, no statistically significant disparities were observed in the mean pre-injection BCVA between the study group (0.877± 0.349) and the control group (0.950± 0.300) (p=0.415). Additionally, after three months of injection, there were no significant changes in the mean BCVA of the study group (0.844± 0.304) and the control group (0.864± 0.253) (p=0.512).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that rTPA has no effect on changes in CMT and BCVA in patients who had refractory DME and PVD at the same time. This may suggest that the improvement in CMT in previous studies may be due to the induction of PVD.

Safety and efficacy profile of intravitreal ranibizumab vs dexamethasone in treatment of naïve diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy parameters of intravitreal ranibizumab vs intravitreal dexamethasone (IVD) in the treatment of patients with naïve diabetic macular edema (DME) in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and possible complications like intraocular pressure (IOP) rise and cataract progression.

METHODS

A hospital-based prospective and comparative study of naïve DME patients was conducted between November 2020 and October 2021 with a minimum follow-up (F/U) period of 6 months. Thirty phakic patients received one dose of IVD implant (Group A) and the other 30 (Group B) received three consecutive monthly doses of ranibizumab. The main exclusion criteria were steroid responders and the presence of ocular inflammation.

RESULTS

The mean pre-injection CMT in Group A was 405µ and reduced to 297.07µ at 3 months and 278.35µ at 6 months. Mean increase in logMAR BCVA was 0.55. The mean pre-injection IOP was 16.28 and 17.64 mm of Hg at 6 months. In Group B, the mean pre-injection CMT was 401.07µ and reduced to 276.1µ at 3 months and 292.9µ at 6 months. Mean BCVA increased to 0.37. The mean pre-injection IOP was 17.28 mm Hg and 16.42 mm Hg at 6 months. There was no significant progression of cataract in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The mean decrease in CMT was comparable in both the groups at 6 months F/U with an improvement of BCVA with no significant IOP fluctuation or cataract progression. Hence, IVD appears to be noninferior to ranibizumab in the treatment of naïve DME.

Intravitreal injections with anti-VEGF agent aflibercept versus subthreshold micropulse laser for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: the alternative treatment regimens for verteporfin-shortage in China

PURPOSE

To compare short-term anatomical outcomes observed in optical coherence tomography (OCT) between intravitreal injection (IVI) with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent aflibercept (IVA) and subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) therapy in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).

METHODS

Thirty-nine eyes of 36 patients with symptomatic cCSC in this retrospective study received either IVA or SML between December 2020 and August 2022. Spectral-domain-OCT (SD-OCT) findings were compared between the two treatment groups in terms of central macular thickness (CMT), serous subretinal fluid (SRF) height, the presence of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and subretinal hyperreflective foci (HF) at baseline and one-month follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant reductions in CMT and SRF at one-month follow-up visit. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the IVA and SML groups. Complete SRF resolution was observed in 10 out of 21 and 7 out of 18 eyes in the IVA and SML groups, respectively; however, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) damage remained persistent in patients with PEDs at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Both IVA and SML were effective in treating cCSC. IVA and SML treatments had comparable effects in reducing CMT and SRF in eyes with cCSC. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up visits are warranted to identify the long-term efficacy.

Switching to Conbercept in Diabetic Macular Edema After Unsatisfactory Response to Previous Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab

Objective

To assess the functional and anatomical effects of transitioning to conbercept intravitreal injection (IVC) treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who had inadequate responses to prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections.

Methods

We retrospectively included eyes with persistent DME after at least 3 injections of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR). The analysis included the assessment of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) during 6 months after the switch.

Results

A total of 30 patients (30 eyes) were included. CMT dropped sharply from 437.8±40.67μm at baseline to 363.59±45.09,312.52 ± 39.15, 278.51 ± 37.92, and 292.59 ± 38.09 after 1, 2, 3 and 6 months of IVC, respectively (p <0.001). BCVA in log MAR units was significantly improved from 0.73±0.15 at baseline to 0.50±0.09,0.46±0.72, 0.40±0.06 and 0.48±0.04 after 1, 2, 3 and 6 months, respectively (p <0.001).

Conclusion

Switching to Conbercept effectively improved visual and anatomical structure in DME patients who had not responded satisfactorily to previous anti-VEGF injections.

Single-dose Effect of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Post-vitrectomy Macular Edema under Silicone Oil

PURPOSE

To investigate the single-dose effect of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant for patients with post-vitrectomy macular edema (ME) under silicone oil (SO) tamponade.

METHODS

Twelve eyes diagnosed with ME after undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with SO injections were retrospectively reviewed. Each eye received a single intravitreal DEX implant (0.7-mg, Ozurdex; Allergan Inc) injection as treatment for recalcitrant ME. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with baseline (1.24 ± 0.34), the mean LogMAR BCVA improved at 1 (1.14 ± 0.27), 3 (1.13 ± 0.22), and 6 (1.22 ± 0.30) months without statistical significance. Maximal CMT resolution was observed at 1 month after intravitreal injection. The CMT value improved significantly at 1 (P = .008), 3 (P = .006), and 6 (P = .009) months. IOP did not show significant elevation during follow-up. No serious adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

Single-dose treatment of DEX implant may have benefit for recalcitrant post-vitrectomy ME under SO tamponade.

Evaluation of Macular Pigment Optical Density in Eyes with Hyperopic Anisometropic Amblyopia Using Fundus Reflectometry

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) scores in eyes with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia and compare those with their fellow and control eyes using one-wavelength fundus reflectometry.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 33 patients diagnosed with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia aged 12-40 years. The control group consisted of 36 hyperopic and 42 emmetropic children, age-matched to the patients. Central macular thickness (CMT), MPOD, axial length (AL), best-corrected visual acuity, and refraction errors were measured between the study group and the control group.

Results

Eyes with the diagnosis of hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia had significantly higher mean and maximum (max) MPOD scores compared with their fellow eyes as well as hyperopic and emmetropic eyes (p<0.001 for all). The mean AL in eyes with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia was statistically shorter than that in hyperopic and emmetropic controls (p=0.027, p<0.001, respectively). The mean CMT was found to be thicker in eyes with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia when compared to their fellow eyes, as well as hyperopic and emmetropic controls, eventhough there was no significant difference was found among the four groups (p=0.052). The mean MPOD levels were significantly correlated with the difference in CMT (r=-0.21, p=0.032), and logMAR visual acuity scores (r=-0.44, p<0.001) in the hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia group.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that the MPOD is reduced in eyes with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia. This reduction may be due to less visual stimulus-induced deterioration of foveal development and microarchitecture in anisometropic amblyopic eyes.

Efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation therapy versus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for refractory macular edema secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation (SMLP) therapy versus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in patients with refractory macular edema (ME) secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

METHODS

This single-center, prospective, nonrandomized, case-control trial involved patients with refractory ME that responded poorly to three or more initial anti-VEGF injections. The patients were examined and divided into two groups according to their chosen treatment: the intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) group and the SMLP group. Both groups were followed up monthly for 12 months. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were assessed throughout the follow-up period.

RESULTS

The IVR group comprised 49 eyes, and the SMLP group comprised 45 eyes. The improvements in the optical coherence tomography findings and visual acuity were comparable between the two groups at the final follow-up. The total number of injections was significantly lower in the SMLP than IVR group. No serious adverse events occurred during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

SMLP therapy is better for patients with central macular thickness (CMT) of ≤400 μm. For patients with CMT of >400 μm, we advise continuation of anti-VEGF agents to reduce ME followed by application of SMLP therapy when CMT has decreased to ≤400 μm.

Macular dynamics and visual acuity prognosis in retinal vein occlusions - ways to connect

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to establish possible connections between macular dynamics, various macular features, and visual acuity prognosis among patients with retinal vein occlusions. Materials and Methods: This study included 85 patients with central retinal vein occlusions (CRVO) and 26 with branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVO). We assessed macular features such as central macular thickness (CMT), foveal intraretinal hemorrhage (IRH), the presence and distribution of hyperreflective foci (HF), ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption, inner retinal layer disorganization (DRIL), and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), as well as their dynamics over one year of observation and their impact on final visual acuity prognosis, depending on the type of occlusion. Results: Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) evolution is statistically significant regarding groups of age and type of occlusion and insignificant regarding gender. The best response to intravitreal treatment, quantified as a decrease in CMT, was registered after the first intravitreal injection. Connecting a decrease in CMT with BCVA improvement, we did not register a statistically significant correlation in the CRVO group, only in BRVO cases. The study results showed that complete PVD plays a significant positive role in decreasing CMT and BCVA improvement in cases of CRVO. Our study revealed that no matter the type of occlusion, the presence of foveal IRH will have a negative impact on the BCVA outcome. Statistically significant differences have been noted only for the evolution of visual acuity in non-ischemic CRVO cases, in correlation with the presence of EZ disruption. Outer retinal layer HF has proved to be a predictive factor for poor visual acuity outcomes. Conclusions: The most important non-imaging predicting factors regarding BCVA after retinal vein occlusions are age and baseline BCVA. CMT's dynamics still establish a weak connection with visual acuity fluctuations. The presence of foveal IRH, outer retinal layer HF, and foveal EZ disruption has a negative impact on visual acuity outcomes. Abbreviations: CRVO = central retinal vein occlusions, BRVO = branch retinal vein occlusions, CMT = central macular thickness, IRH = foveal intraretinal hemorrhage, HF = hyperreflective foci, EZ = ellipsoid zone disruption, DRIL = inner retinal layer disorganization, PVD = posterior vitreous detachment, BCVA = best corrected visual acuity, OCT = optical coherence tomography, BCVA Ti = best corrected visual acuity at first, BCVA Tf = best corrected visual acuity after one year, NR of IVI = number of intravitreal injections, SD = standard deviation, M = male, F = female, CMT Ti = central macular thickness at first, CMT T1 = central macular thickness after first injection, CMT T3 = central macular thickness after 3 injections, CMT Tf = central macular thickness after one year.

Factors affecting central macular thickness of diabetic macular oedema patients after an induction treatment of intravitreal ranibizumab

OBJECTIVE

Intravitreal ranibizumab is one of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factors used for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema, not always successfully. We aimed to identify the factors affecting the changes of central macular thickness after induction treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab, to predict the treatment effect and facilitate early treatment decisions.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study involving a retrospective record review of diabetic macular oedema patients who received an induction treatment of three monthly 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab injections between 2016 and 2019. Central macular thickness was measured at baseline and 3 months post-treatment. Linear regression was applied to identify the factors associated with the changes of central macular thickness.

RESULTS

A total of 153 diabetic macular oedema patients were involved in this study. Their mean age was 57.5 ± 7.7 years, 54.9% were female. The mean change of central macular thickness from baseline to 3 months after completed induction treatment of intravitreal ranibizumab was 155.5 ± 137.8 μm. Factors significantly associated with changes of central macular thickness were baseline central macular thickness [b = 0.73; 95% (CI): 0.63, 0.84; p = <0.001] and presence of subretinal fluid [b = 35.43; 95% CI: 3.70, 67.16; p = 0.029].

CONCLUSION

Thicker baseline central macular thickness and presence of subretinal fluid were the factors significantly associated with greater changes of central macular thickness in diabetic macular oedema patients after receiving three injections of intravitreal ranibizumab.

The Injection Practice Patterns of Retina Specialists in Managing Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

To compare the PRN anti-VEGF injection patterns of four retina specialists with respect to the visual and anatomic outcomes in the management of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

Medical records of patients who received bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept anti-VEGF injections (years 2010-2020) by four retina specialists were reviewed for frequency, injection intervals, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness, center involved (CMT) for statistical analysis. Outcomes measured were change in logMAR BCVA and CMT from the first to last injection visit.

Results

Out of 137 AMD patients, 172 eyes were injected by four retina specialists in PRN fashion. Although all four specialists started the injection at similar baseline BCVA and CMT (p > 0.1), significant differences in mean injection number (9.0, p = 0.0001), injection intervals (5.06 weeks, p = 0.001), and total length of treatments (53.3 weeks, p = 0.0001) were observed. The mean change in logMAR BCVA between the first and last injection was -0.05, -0.22, 0.07, and 0.06 for the four specialists, respectively (p = 0.031), and the mean change in CMT was -53.3, -41.4, -72.7, and -21.9 µm (p = 0.41), respectively.

Conclusion

Despite similar baseline criteria for injections by the retina specialists, different anti-VEGF injection regimens were practiced resulting in variations in BCVA and CMT outcomes. This suggests a need in establishing a universally adoptable injection regimen with possible integration of the confounding factors to reduce burden on both patients and retina specialists.

Long-Term Visual Acuity and Optical Coherence Tomography Changes After Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes

Objective

To evaluate the long-term visual acuity and retinal thickness changes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 72 patients who underwent PPV for idiopathic ERM in a tertiary hospital over 5 consecutive years. The main outcome measurement was change in visual acuity and macular thickness as recorded with optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Medical records of 239 patients with a diagnosis of ERM who underwent PPV with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling were reviewed; of these, 72 patients with idiopathic ERM were included in the final analysis. All patients completed at least one year of follow-up, and 23 patients (30%) had 5 or more years of follow-up. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/65, and mean preoperative central macular thickness (CMT) on OCT was 434 microns (µm). Mean postoperative BCVA and CMT at one year were 20/40 and 303 µm, respectively (p<0.0001). A total of 42 patients (58%) improved by 2 or more lines; BCVA and CMT continued to improve postoperatively for up to 5 years of the follow-up period. There was no significant difference in BCVA or CMT between phakic and pseudophakic patients, and ILM peeling was performed in 67% of patients. Improved BCVA at 1 year was associated with younger age (p<0.0001) and ILM peeling (p=0.020).

Conclusion

PPV is an effective treatment for idiopathic ERM, and ILM peel may be of benefit. BCVA continues to improve up to 2 years and beyond after surgery regardless of the duration of symptoms.

Retrospective analysis of the efficacy of early switching from bevacizumab to aflibercept or ranibizumab in diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE

The study aimed to compare the anatomical and functional gains of switching to ranibizumab or aflibercept in eyes with treatment-naive diabetic macular edema (DME) which has an inadequate response to three consecutive bevacizumab injections.

METHODS

This observational, retrospective, comparative study presented 12-month results of 80 patients with DME. One eye of each patient was enrolled, and bevacizumab was switched as aflibercept (40 eyes) or ranibizumab (40 eyes). DME was diagnosed based on a fundoscopic examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), central macular thickness (CMT), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (51.2%) were male, and 39 (48.8%) were female, with a mean age of 62.3 ± 6.7 years. At the end of the study, the mean number of intravitreal injections was 8.1 ± 1.8 in the aflibercept group, whereas 8.9 ± 1.4 in the ranibizumab (p = 0.091). The mean CMT decreased from 449.2 ± 69.3 µm to 311.0 ± 48.9 µm in the aflibercept group, and from 444.9 ± 109.2 µm to 316.3 ± 54.5 µm in the ranibizumab group (for both, p < 0.0001). The mean BVCA increased from 49.2 ± 11.1 ETDRS letters to 62.5 ± 9.9 in the aflibercept group (p < 0.0001) and from 49.9 ± 12.0 ETDRS letters to 61.1 ± 9.1 in the ranibizumab group (p < 0.0001). Macular laser treatment was required in 17.5% of the aflibercept group and 22.5% of the ranibizumab group (p = 0.781).

CONCLUSION

Significant improvement was observed with ranibizumab and aflibercept treatments in initial bevacizumab-resistant DME. Early switching therapy may contribute to better visual and anatomical outcomes.

Response to Initial Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor for Diabetic Macular Edema Is Significantly Correlated with Response to Third Consecutive Monthly Injection

Purpose: To determine whether the response to the initial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection to treat diabetic macular edema (DME) is significantly correlated with the response to the third consecutive monthly injection of the same anti-VEGF agent. Methods: Seventy eyes with DME that were treated with an anti-VEGF agent (16 eyes with 1.25-mg bevacizumab, 35 eyes with 0.5-mg ranibizumab, and 19 eyes with 2.0-mg aflibercept) were studied. They were treated with three consecutive monthly injections of one of the three anti-VEGF agents. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR units) and the central macular thickness (CMT) were measured at the baseline, 1 week after the initial injection, and 1 month after the third consecutive monthly injection. The changes of both values from the baseline 1 week after the initial injection (day 7) and 1 month after the third monthly injection were determined. The significance of the correlations between the BCVA and the CMT was determined. Results: The mean BCVA improved significantly for all three agents (0.38 ± 0.22 logMAR units at the baseline to 0.27 ± 0.25 logMAR units) after the three monthly injections (p < 0.05, repeated ANOVA). For all cases, a moderate but significant correlation was found between the BCVA at day 7 and 1 month after the third injection (r = 0.58, p < 0.01; Spearman’s rank correlation). No significant correlation was found for bevacizumab (r = 0.09, p = 0.73), moderate correlation was found for ranibizumab (r = 0.42, p < 0.05), and a strong correlation was found for aflibercept (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) between the BCVA at day 7 and at 1 month after the third injection. The mean CMT improved significantly for all three agents (481.9 ± 96.3 μm at the baseline to 364.1 ± 116.0 μm after the three monthly injections, p < 0.05), and a moderate correlation was found for the three agents between CMT at day 7 to that at one month after the third anti-VEGF injection (r = 0.54, p < 0.01). A moderate correlation was found for all three agents between CMT at day 7 to that at one month after the third anti-VEGF injection (r = 0.68 for bevacizumab, r = 0.41 for ranibizumab and r = 0.53 for aflibercept, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The significant correlations between the results on day 7 to that one month after the third anti-VEGF treatment for DME indicates that the long-term effects of anti-VEGF therapy can be predicted by the short-term response. In addition, the results indicate that there may be differences in the effectiveness between the three anti-VEGF agents.

Optical Coherence Tomography Reflectivity in Foveal Cysts: A Novel Biomarker for Early-Response Prediction of Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Dexamethasone

This study investigated spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers to predict short-term anatomical improvement for diabetic macular edema (DME) after dexamethasone (DEX) injection in intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) non-responders. This retrospective comparative study included 31 eyes of 31 patients with DME unresponsive to anti-VEGF, divided into better and lesser responder groups. OCT prior to DEX injection was used to evaluate the morphological features including optical density (ODN) and optical density ratio (ODR) of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) cysts. Correlations between baseline OCT parameters and mean central macular thickness (CMT) changes at 1 month were analyzed. There were no between-group differences in age, sex, number of previous anti-VEGF injections, duration of diabetes, or HbA1c level. However, ODN and ODR values in ONL cysts were lower in the better responder group (p = 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively). ODN and ODR showed negative correlations with CMT changes (R = −0.546, p = 0.002 and R = −0.436, p = 0.014, respectively). Higher OCT reflectivity in the foveal cystoid space was associated with a lesser decrease in CMT after DEX injection in anti-VEGF non-responders, suggesting the usefulness of this parameter in predicting short-term CMT responses after DEX injection.

Comparison of Ranibizumab Treatment Response of Superior and Inferior Temporal Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Year Follow-Up

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare ranibizumab treatment response of macular edema secondary to superior and inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion.

METHODS

Sixty-four eyes of 64 patients treated with 0.5 mg/0.05 mL ranibizumab due to macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion were enrolled in this retrospective study. Thirty-eight eyes with superior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion were classified as Group 1 and 26 eyes with inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion as Group 2. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and the number of intravitreal injections were evaluated and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The mean baseline, 3^rd, 6^th, 9^th, and 12^th month BCVA values in Group 1 were 0.77±0.47, 0.37±0.20, 0.37±0.22, 0.38±0.24, and 0.35±0.18 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and in Group 2 were 0.75±0.45, 0.37±0.18, 0.35±0.19, 0.32±0.17, and 0.28±0.20 logMAR, respectively. The mean baseline, 3^rd, 6^th, 9^th, and 12^th month CMT values in Group 1 were 522.92±136.01, 318.03±66.65, 287.53±48.27, 271.95±32.47, and 280.47±91.66 µm and in Group 2 were 524.08±145.51, 289.85±53.08, 268.96±31.57, 260.77±30.22, and 244.04±44.78 µm, respectively. BCVA and CMT improved significantly within both groups after the treatment (p<0.05) and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). However, a significantly higher number of injections was needed for Group 1.

CONCLUSION

Ranibizumab improved the visual and anatomical outcomes similarly in both superior and inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema. However, more frequent injections were needed to achieve the same efficacy in superior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion.

Effects of Smoking on Outcomes of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of smoking on the response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

METHODS

This is a retrospective case - control study that included 60 eyes with DME. Smoking habits were obtained from hospital records and patient recall. Patients were divided into two groups: the ever-smoker group and the never-smoker group. All patients received Intravitreal ranibizumab with three loading doses followed by PRN protocol and all were followed up for at least 1 year. Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) at the fovea, and number of visits.

RESULTS

Smoking was not associated with worse posttreatment visual acuity and was not found to influence the change in ocular coherence tomography measurement of central macular thickness and the change in BCVA (posttreatment minus pretreatment). There were no statistically significant differences in the duration of treatment or number of visits between two groups of patients the ever-smoker group and the never-smoker group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, smoking status did not influence the treatment outcome of anti-VEGFs; however, smoking should be encouraged due to its well-known other systemic unwanted effects.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on central macular thickness and choroidal thickness in the healthy eyes of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) on central macular thickness (CMT) and choroidal thickness (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 42 healthy eyes of 21 patients with ISSNHL (aged 24-61 years) who started HBOT within the first three days of the onset of hearing loss. Duration and severity of hearing loss were noted before starting HBOT. Central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal thickness (CT) 1500 µm nasal and temporal of the fovea, and subfoveal CT were measured by spectral domain optic coherence tomography before the first session of HBOT and after sessions 10 and 20. measurements obtained before and after HBOT were compared.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (52.4%) were men and 10 (47.6%) were women. The mean age was 44.67 ± 10.1 years. The mean duration of sudden hearing loss before HBOT was 2.05 ± 1 day. Hearing loss was mild in 5 patients, moderate in 5 patients, moderate to severe in 2 patients, severe in 4 patients and profound in 5 patients. Comparison of measurements obtained before HBOT and after 10 and 20 sessions of HBOT revealed no significant differences in CMT (219.17 ± 22.91, 220.33 ± 19.66, and 220.21 ± 19.3 µm), subfoveal CT (347.71 ± 66.82, 348.38 ± 74.55, and 345.45 ± 75.39 µm), nasal CT (328.64 ± 82.31, 316.02 ± 79.32, and 313.52 ± 89.92 µm), or temporal CT (321.76 ± 71.29, 317.05 ± 73.94, and 314.05 ± 74.61 µm, respectively) (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HBOT for the treatment of ISSNHL had no significant effect on CMT or CT in healthy eyes.

Assessment for Macular Thickness after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose

Macular edema including cystoid macular edema is one of the main causes of unfavorable visual outcomes after cataract surgery. The macular thickness and the occurrence of macular edema after uncomplicated cataract surgery was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in this study.

Methods

Macular map images were taken by OCT before surgery and at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postsurgery. The subjects were classified into two groups (group 1, patients with no macular edema; group 2, patients with macular edema). Group 2 was defined as increase in central macular thickness (CMT) by 30% compared with that before surgery. The risk factors for macular edema were evaluated. Group 2 was divided into two subgroups: subclinical macular edema (group 2A) and cystoid macular edema (group 2B) and they were assessed in terms of the clinical course of best-corrected visual acuity and CMT.

Results

A total of 376 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 36 (9.57%, group 2) showed macular edema measured by OCT after the surgery. Univariate analysis for group 1 and 2 revealed that intracameral injection of epinephrine during phacoemulsification was associated with the development of macular edema. In group 2, five patients (1.33%) developed cystoid macular edema. Statistically significant differences in the clinical course of CMT were observed at 2 months (201.2 ± 23.1, 250.0 ± 29.8, and 371.0 ± 160.3 in group 1, group 2A, and group 2B, respectively; p < 0.001) and 1 month postoperatively (198.5 ± 23.6, 237.8 ± 40.9, and 314.0 ± 104.5 in group 1, group 2A, and group 2B, respectively; p < 0.001). Group 2B required additional treatment and eventually achieved best-corrected visual acuity of >0.2 with CMT in the normal range.

Conclusions

The intracameral injection of epinephrine may cause macular edema after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Examination of CMT using OCT is recommended for the early detection of macular edema.

THE EFFECT OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY ON RETINA, CHOROIDAL THICKNESS, AND CHOROIDAL VASCULARITY INDEX

PURPOSE

To determine the acute and cumulative effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on retina and choroid tissue in healthy eyes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-five subjects who were planned to undergo HBOT for non-ophthalmologic indications comprised the population of this prospective study. Central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and choroidal thickness (CT) (3 points: subfoveal area, 500 µm nasal and fovea temporal) were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) before HBOT and half an hour after the 1st and 20th sessions of HBOT. The subfoveal choroidal area was segmented using ImageJ software with the binarization technique on enhanced depth imaging (EDI) OCT images. Choroidal area (CA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA) were calculated. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was determined as the ratio between LA and CA.

RESULTS

The right eyes of 35 patients aged between 22 and 59 years were enrolled in the study. The mean CMT values of the patients were 259.36 ± 22.31 µm, 256.94 ± 22.72 µm, and 254.58 ± 23.02 µm before HBOT, after the 1st session, and after the 20th session, respectively. The change in CMT values before and after HBOT was statistically significant (p=0.001). When the patients' RNFL, CT, CA, SA, LA, and CVI changes before and after the HBOT were examined, no statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to jointly evaluate the effect of HBOT on the vascular and stromal components of the choroid and macula in healthy eyes. Due to its thinning effect on the macula, it can be preferred as an adjunctive and facilitating treatment option in addition to current treatments in patients with macular edema due to retinal vascular disorders.

Ultrasound energy consumption and macular changes with manual and femtolaser-assisted high-fluidics cataract surgery: a prospective randomized comparison

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to compare ultrasound (US) consumption and central macular thickness (CMT) and volume changes with manual and femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted cataract nucleus workup.

METHODS

Sixty patients scheduled for immediate sequential bilateral surgery underwent a prospective randomized intraindividual comparison of nucleus sector fragmentation performed manually in one eye and with low-energy FSL assistance in the partner eye, followed by high-fluidics phacoaspiration with a maximum US power of 30%. Ultrasound (US) energy consumption and macular thickness and volume were compared as measured by intraoperative effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography pre- and 1 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks postoperatively. Results are presented as means ± SD or medians [min; max].

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients completed the full follow-up. For the manual and FSL-assisted groups, nuclear hardness was almost identical with a mean LOCS III grade of 2.44 ± 1.08 and 2.50 ± 1.00 (p = 0.371). Median EPT was 1.40 [0.2; 8.3] and 1.25 [0.2; 9.4] seconds. Median preoperative CMT was 276.50 [263.25; 289.75] µm and 276.00 [262.00; 290.00] µm. Median postoperative CMT was 278.00 [260.50; 288.00] versus 275.50 [264.00; 290.50] µm at 1 week, 279.50 [266.75; 292.25] versus 280.00 [266.50; 294.50] µm at 3 weeks and 280.50 [268.00, 293.75] versus 279.50 [264.75; 295.25] µm at 6 weeks. Differences in CMT and total macular volume between the groups were not statistically significant at any point in time.

CONCLUSION

Femtosecond laser (FSL) prefragmentation of the nucleus into six sectors did not reduce US energy consumption compared with manual splitting of the nucleus into four quadrants in this particular surgical setting. Sectorial FSL-prechopping with the low-energy FSL used had no additional impact on postoperative macular thickness and volume.

Impact of Different Clinical Baseline Characteristics on Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Ozurdex® Outcomes

Purpose

To determine the impact of different baseline clinical characteristics on the improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who underwent the intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX) Ozurdex^®.

Methods

This was a single center retrospective study conducted on patients with DME, either naïve or previously treated, who were treated with one or more DEX and had a follow-up of at least 6 months. The main outcome measure was the proportion of DEX achieving an improvement ≥15 letters in BCVA.

Results

The study analyzed 192 DEX implants administered to 97 eyes (65 patients). Among the 192 DEX analyzed, 57 (29.7%) implants achieved a BCVA improvement ≥15 letters (ETDRS) from baseline, with a mean time for achieving such improvement of 89.2 (39.7) days. Eyes who received an additional DEX and those with a duration of DME < 6 months had a greater probability of achieving a BCVA improvement ≥15 letters (odds-ratio: 2.55, p = 0.0028 and odds-ratio: 1.93, p = 0.0434). The mean (standard deviation) change in BCVA from baseline was 7.5 (14.5) letters, p < 0.0001. The mean change in central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline was -128.0 (151.0) µm, p < 0.0001. The mean number of DEX implanted was 1.9 (0.8). Four (2.1%) DEX experienced an intraocular pressure increased ≥10 mm Hg; all the cases were successfully managed with topical antiglaucoma medication.

Conclusion

The results of this study confirmed previous evidence suggesting that DEX is effective for improving BCVA and CMT in patients with DME.

Influence of glycaemic control on macular thickness in diabetic retinopathy

Introduction

Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is one of the major cause of decreased visual acuity in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Poor glycaemic control is associated with increased incidence of DME.

Methods

A total of 112 eyes of 112 patients were studied in this cross‐sectional study and were classified into three groups based on HbA1c: group 1 included patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c ≤7%), group 2 included patients with moderate glycaemic control (HbA1c between 7% and 9%) and group 3 included patients with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥9%).

Results

We included 112 eyes of 112 patients. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 11.37 years. In statistical analysis, CMT (mean 188.80 ± 27.64 μm) positively correlated with mean HbA1c level (7.95 ± 1.29%) (r = 0.238, p < .05). There was a significant difference in CMT values among the three groups of HbA1c (F (2,109) = 19.39, p < .001). Post hoc analysis showed statistical significance between HbA1c≤7% and HbA1c ≥9% group and HbA1c 7%–9% and ≥9% group. However, statistical significance was not found among HbA1c ≤7% group and HbA1c 7%–9% group. Multiple regression analyses showed a significant correlation between CMT and HbA1c after adjusting for age and duration of diabetes.

Conclusion

Serum HbA1c level has a significant correlation with CMT in diabetic patients.

Combined Phacoemulsification and Intravitreal Dexamethasone Is an Effective Option for High-Risk Diabetic Macula Oedema Patients

Objective

Cataract surgery in diabetic patients carries an increased risk of post-operative macula oedema, particularly in those with a history of diabetic macula oedema (DMO) treatment or DMO at the time of surgery. We investigated whether simultaneous phacoemulsification with intravitreal Ozurdex^® reduces the risk of developing new, or deteriorating current, DMO.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 79 consecutive ‘high-risk’ diabetic patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens insertion and intravitreal Ozurdex^® implantation immediately subsequently. ‘High risk’ was defined as diabetic patients with prior treatment history for DMO or current DMO. Central macula thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure were recorded pre-operatively, at two to four weeks and at three months post-operatively. A significant change in CMT was defined as a change of ≥0.1 LogOCT units.

Results

The mean age was 72.6 years; 52% were males. The mean pre-operative CMT was 365um. Thirty-seven per cent (37%) patients had prior DMO history that had resolved; 63% had confirmed DMO in surgery. Two to four weeks post-operatively, 82% of patients had stable CMT and 18% showed improvement. No patients deteriorated. Three months post-operatively, 48% of patients had stable CMT relative to pre-operative measurements, 38% improved, and 14% deteriorated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences in response with demographical or pathological factors, including diabetic retinopathy grade and treatment history.

Conclusion

Phacoemulsification surgery combined with Ozurdex^® insertion at the end of the procedure is a highly effective strategy for protecting against the formation of new, or the deterioration of current DMO, in the highest risk diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery.

The Effect of Ranibizumab Loading Treatment on Vision-Related Quality of Life in Diabetic Macular Edema

AIMS

To investigate the changes in vision-related quality of life after a loading dose of three consecutive intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections in patients with unilateral diabetic macular edema (DME).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients who received IVR injections in only one eye with DME were included in our study. The following characteristics of the patients were recorded: gender, education status, marital status, work status, presence of chronic disease. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated at baseline (before treatment) and 1 month after the third intravitreal injection (after treatment). Patients were administered the Turkish form of the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Functions Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25 TR). The quality of life scores assessed by the NEI VFQ-25 TR, the BCVA, intraocular pressure (IOP), and CMT measurements were compared at baseline (before treatment) and 1 month after the third intravitreal injection (after treatment).

RESULTS

We enrolled 52 patients (25 females, 27 males) in our study; mean age was 64.35 ± 9.26 years. After treatment, BCVA improved significantly (p = 0.001), and macular thickness decreased significantly (p < 0.001). All NEI VFQ-25 TR subscale scores were significantly higher after treatment (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between the change in BCVA and CMT and the change in NEI VFQ-25 TR subscale and composite scores. The increase in near activities scores was significantly higher in males (p = 0.020) and in the retired group (p = 0.022). There were no significant differences in the changes in NEI VFQ-25 TR subscale and composite scores in relation to educational status.

DISCUSSION

Significant improvements in BCVA, macular edema, and vision-related quality of life were found in DME patients who received IVR injections with a loading dose, as shown by the NEI VFQ-25 TR. Interestingly, a significant improvement in quality of life was observed even though the patients could see well with the fellow eye. In conclusion, the NEI VFQ-25 TR is a useful scale to evaluate the changes in visual function and psychosocial characteristics of DME patients after treatment.

Effect of pattern scanning laser on macular thickness in diabetic retinopathy

Purpose:

This study investigates the effect of pattern scanning laser (PASCAL) panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on central macular thickness (CMT) and visual acuity (VA) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods:

This retrospective non-randomized comparative case series included 262 eyes (163 with macular edema) of 177 patients with PDR. Treatment was PRP alone (137), PRP + anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (69), PRP + focal laser (28), or all three (89). CMT and central macular volume 3 and 6 mm from fovea were analyzed before and 1, 3, and 6 months after PRP. Spot number was plotted against CMT, and linear regression analysis was performed.

Results:

For each treatment group and time point, there was a non-significant relationship between spot number and CMT. In eyes receiving all three treatment modalities, a significant negative relationship was found between spot number and 3-mm volume at 6 months (p = 0.04) and 6-mm volume at 1 month (p = 0.002) and 6 months (p = 0.011). There was no significant change in VA in any treatment group at the 6-month time point.

Conclusion:

PASCAL PRP ± focal laser or anti-VEGF was not associated with increased development of macular edema or change in VA. PASCAL PRP with focal laser and anti-VEGF may result in a decrease in macular edema.

Intravitreal Fasudil for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with an Unfavorable Response

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the effect of intravitreal injection of a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil, on diabetic macular edema (DME) with an unfavorable response.

METHODS

This study included 14 eyes of 13 patients (mean age: 65.7 ± 5.2 years) with DME, and eligible eyes underwent single intravitreal injection of 0.025 mg fasudil. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated before and 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. The standard automated perimetry (SAP) results and maximal response of the electroretinogram (ERG) were recorded before and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The BCVA, IOP, and CMT remained unchanged during the study period. Similarly, the mean deviation obtained by SAP and each ERG parameter did not show significant changes after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although single intravitreal fasudil injection failed to show therapeutic benefits in DME, it seemed to have no negative effect on the retina.

Prognostic biomarkers of chronic diabetic macular edema treated with a fiuocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant

Background

This study aimed to investigate retinal imaging biomarkers, such as disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) and/or ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and functional outcomes in eyes treated with 0.2 µg/day of a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (FAc) after an insufficient response to previous treatments.

Methods

This was a retrospective comparative study of 18 eyes (15 patients) with persistent and/or recurrent diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with FAc. Eyes were divided according to the number of prior intravitreal treatments: group 1 (n = 8) with ≤ 6 injections (early switch) and group 2 (n = 10) with > 6 injections (late switch). Outcomes included percentage of eyes with DRIL and/or EZ disruption at baseline and analysis of the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using ETDRS letters, central macular thickness (CMT), DRIL, and EZ disruption at the last observation.

Results

Group 2 revealed a significantly higher percentage of DRIL and/or EZ disruption than group 1 (P < 0.05). At the last observation, group 1 revealed a higher percentage of eyes achieving vision stability/ improvement, gaining ≥ 15 letters, and achieving ≥70 letters (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). The mean BCVA gain was 8.8 and 0.7 letters for groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.397). Both groups revealed a significant mean CMT reduction (> 20% reduction from the baseline value), without a significant statistical difference between them (P = 0.749). After treatment, most eyes from both groups showed resolution of DRIL and EZ disruption.

Conclusions

Patients with DME presenting with a lower percentage of DRIL and/or EZ disruption at baseline had better functional outcomes, supporting the possible benefit of an early switch to FAc after insufficient response to previous treatments. Future randomized studies with a larger patient cohort are warranted to confirm our conclusions.

Impact of Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (ND-YAG) Posterior Capsulotomy Laser Treatment on Central Macular Thickness: A Prospective, Observational Study From a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction

Opacification of the posterior capsule is labeled as a secondary cataract. The objective of the current study was to assess central macular thickness (CMT) changes following neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (ND-YAG) posterior capsulotomy and to find out the correlation between CMT with the age, energy, and total shots utilized during the procedure.

Methodology

In this single-centered prospective observational study, 137 patients with a mean age of 57 ± 12.61 years, who had cataract surgery previously and were candidates for ND-YAG posterior capsulotomy were recruited through consecutive sampling. The study was conducted at Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) Free Eye Hospital, Township, Lahore, Pakistan, between April 2020 to April 2021. The CMT, total energy, and sum total of shots used were recorded. The thickness of the central macula was measured preoperatively and postoperatively after two weeks. The paired sample t-test was used to find out any significant changes in CMT pre and two weeks postoperatively. The comparison of changes in CMT to age, energy, and the total number of shots was made through Pearson correlation. Means of CMT were compared using an independent sample t-test, at two weeks postoperatively among two energy groups.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and two weeks postoperative values of the CMT (P-value= 0.209). No significant difference was found in CMT statistically among the two energy groups (p=0.11). The patient's age, sum total of laser shots, and aggregate of laser energy did not have any significant correlation with CMT changes. The time period between cataract surgery and ND-YAG surgery showed a moderately positive correlation with a p-value of 0.01.

Conclusion

The current study revealed that ND-YAG capsulotomy does not affect the CMT significantly postoperatively. The patient's age, total energy applied, and the total number of laser shots used do not influence the macular thickness. However, the length of duration from the last cataract surgery to the current surgery was significantly associated with a change in the CMT.

Role of Cold Balanced Salt Solution (BSS) in the Prophylaxis of Cystoid Macular Edema After Cataract Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study

Purpose

To evaluate the postoperative effect on central retinal macular thickness of a cooled irrigating eye solution used during cataract surgery.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective, single-center study, 100 eyes of 50 patients (26 males and 24 females) were evaluated with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) before and after phacoemulsification for senile cataract. Eyes were randomly divided into two groups based on the irrigating solution used during surgery: Group 1, 50 eyes received intraoperative irrigating solution at room temperature (~20.0±0.1°C); and Group 2, 50 fellow eyes received cold intraoperative irrigating solution (2.7±0.1°C). Changes in central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated in both groups by SD-OCT macular raster scan for the nine Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfields and total macular volume, performed pre-surgery, and 1 and 4 weeks post-surgery.

Results

Despite there being no significant differences in variables between the two groups preoperatively, significant increases in CMT were observed at 1 week after surgery in both groups (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively), as well as in total macular volume (p<0.0001 and p=0.02, respectively). Inter-subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction in CMT (p=0.03) and total macular volume (p=0.001) at 1 week post-surgery in Group 2 compared to Group 1, whereas no significant differences were observed at 4 weeks.

Conclusion

The use of a cooled irrigating eye solution during phacoemulsification may be beneficial in preventing the possible development of postoperative macular thickening. Further clinical studies may support this finding.

Ocular Findings Among Patients With Vitamin D Deficiency

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the ocular findings in patients with low vitamin D levels. Methods All patients who attended the Internal Medicine Clinic between March 2018 and February 2020 with vitamin low D levels but had been untreated for the same were included in our study. The exclusion criteria were as follows:history of intraocular surgery, trauma, steroid use, secondary glaucoma, and history of rheumatologic diseases. The patients were classified into three groups: group 1 had severe deficiency with vitamin D levels below 10 µg/L; group 2 had vitamin deficiency with levels of 10-20 µg/L; and group 3 had vitamin D insufficiency with levels of 20-30 µg/L. A comparison among groups was performed in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, central macular thickness (CMT), dry eyes, cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and refractive error. The evaluation of statistical data was performed with the SPSS Statistics software version 22 (IBM, Armonk, NY). Results There were a total of 98 patients and 196 eyes, who were classified into three groups. There were 41 patients in group 1, 45 in group 2, and 12 in group 3. Groups were similar in terms of age (p=0.25) and gender (p=0.46). The average age among the cohort was 51 ± 13.08 years; 65 (66.3%) of the patients were female and 33 (33.7%) were male. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of IOP (p=0.55), dry eyes (p=0.35), cataract (p=0.22), glaucoma (p=0.50), macular degeneration (p=0.64), and refractive error (p=0.46) among the groups. There was a statistically significant difference in CMT between group 1 and other groups (p=0.002 and p=0.002, respectively). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in RNFL thickness between group 1 and group 2 (p=0.01). When compared in terms of quadrants, a significant difference was found only with regard to the nasal quadrant. Conclusion Based on our findings, lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D might be related to thinning in CMT. Regarding RNFL thickness, while there was a significant difference between groups 1 and 2, there was no difference between groups 1 and 3, and hence the association between lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and thinning in RNFL thickness could not be clearly established. Hence, we have assumed that lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D might cause thinning in the macula and nasal quadrant of RNFL, and vitamin D deficiency might affect the nasal quadrant of RNFL primarily. Further long-term studies with a larger number of patients might clarify the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the thinning in CMT, RNFL quadrants, and RNFL thickness.

Central macular thickness in patients with sickle cell disease and no signs of retinopathy: a cross-sectional study of Jordanian patients

OBJECTIVES

To measure central macular thickness in Jordanian patients with sickle cell disease who did not have retinopathy and compare the findings with age- and sex-matched controls using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, participants underwent visual acuity testing, slit-lamp bio-microscopy, dilated ophthalmoscopy, and SDOCT imaging to measure central macular thickness. Macular quadrant measurements and thickness difference indexes (TDIs) were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes with sickle cell disease and 20 control eyes were enrolled. The median visual acuity in both groups was 20/20. The mean macular thickness was significantly lower in eyes with sickle cell disease than in matched controls (mean difference, 22.15 ± 6.44 µm). Peripheral quadrants were all significantly thinner in eyes with sickle cell disease, especially in superior and temporal quadrants. TDIs were lower in eyes with sickle cell disease than in control eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with sickle cell disease that had no clinical evidence of retinopathy exhibited significantly lower central macular thickness in all quadrants, compared with eyes in age- and sex-matched controls. SDOCT is a non-invasive imaging modality that can detect preclinical changes in eyes with sickle cell disease and can be used to screen and monitor the disease process.

Incidence of Paradoxical Neurosensory Detachment in Diabetic Eyes Undergoing Hemodialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease

Introduction

Ocular fluid dynamics are known to improve during hemodialysis, and the improvement of uremia after dialysis may lead to osmotic pressure changes in the retina, which eventually affect retinal edema. Recent studies using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the effect of hemodialysis on macular thickness have shown variable results with a majority of them finding a decrease in retinal thickness. Paradoxical neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) may be defined as the accumulation of subretinal fluid under the macula in patients who are on continuous HD. The purpose of the study was to find out the incidence of paradoxical neurosensory detachment in diabetic eyes undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and its management.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, prospective study involving end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients secondary to diabetes. This study evaluated the changes in macular thickness in diabetic retinopathy patients with and without diabetic macular edema (DME) by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) 60 minutes before and after HD for ESRD.

Results

Sixty-three eyes (36 patients) were included, with a mean age of 58.2±9.8 years. Seven eyes had paradoxical NSD at presentation with an incidence of 11.11%. Eyes with DME (Group A) showed a significant reduction in central macular thickness (CMT) by 28±2μm post HD, compared to eyes without DME (Group B) where CMT decreased by 15±2μm (p=0.003). Massive subretinal fluid accumulation (paradoxical NSD) with mean CMT 675.57±69.41μm recovered to 250.71±46.79μm at the final follow-up. Five eyes underwent an intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-I, Ozurdex; Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) to achieve the resolution of SRF, whereas two eyes improved spontaneously by nine months.

Conclusion

Hemodialysis results in a decrease of macular thickness in diabetic eyes with or without DME. Paradoxical neurosensory detachment can develop in eyes of patients undergoing HD chronically. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-I, Ozurdex; Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) results in early amelioration of such a complication.

Efficacy of Antiangiogenic Drugs in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: A Bayesian Network Analysis

Aims: To compare the efficacy of five kinds of antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of diabetic macular edema Methods: A comprehensive search of seven databases without language restrictions includes PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CBM, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang date. All literature used was published before October 2020. Eligible randomized trials were screened for inclusion in this study, and Bayesian framework was used to perform a network meta-analysis (NMA). Data on the mean change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) at 6 months were extracted. Results: 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that covered 2214 eyes, which received treatment of more than 3 months durations were included. In the pooled pair-wise meta-analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between all treatments. The same result was observed in the network meta-analysis with 0-37.82% Global I-squared. For BCVA at 6 months, conbercept and ranibizumab may be favorable than bevacizumab, aflibercept, triamcinolone acetonide and sham injections according to the ranking probabilities. As for CMT at 6 months, ranibizumab may be the most effective compared to bevacizumab, aflibercept and triamcinolone acetonide. In terms of IOP at 6 months, ranibizumab have better effect than bevacizumab, triamcinolone acetonide and sham injections. The results of sensitivity analysis also confirm it. Conclusion: The analysis confirms that ranibizumab may be the most favorable for BCVA improvement and have a stronger efficacy in decreasing CMT and IOP than other drugs when taking all the indicators into consideration. This conclusion may provide clinical evidence to guide treatment decisions. However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials will be necessary to further confirm this.

Intravitreal Ranibizumab Versus Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema in Vitrectomized Eyes: 12 Month Results

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept on the treatment of diabetic macular edema in previously vitrectomized eyes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of fifty-two vitrectomized eyes with diabetic macular edema were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups; Group 1 (n = 30 eyes) received 0.5 mg/0.05 mL intravitreal ranibizumab and Group 2 (n = 22 eyes) received 2 mg/0.05 mL intravitreal aflibercept for 3 monthly injections and thereafter as needed over 12 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and injection number of the drugs were the outcomes of the study.

RESULTS

Fifty-two previously vitrectomized eyes were enrolled in this study. Thirty-eight of them (73.1%) were male and 14 (26.9%) were female. The mean age was 61.54 ± 7.33 year (range: 50-72 year). BCVA increased and CMT decreased significantly in both groups at the end of the follow-up period (p < .05). The change in BCVA and CMT was not statistically different between the groups (p > .05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the injection number (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Both ranibizumab and aflibercept were found to be effective on diabetic macular edema in previously vitrectomized eyes. There was no difference between the groups in terms of visual acuity gain and CMT improvement. However, the number of injections was found to be lower in aflibercept group. Therefore, aflibercept may be preferred in the treatment of macular edema in previously vitrectomized eyes.

Comparison of intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab and Aflibercept in neovascular age related macular degeneration

Clinical relevance: Pivotal studies are based on strict treatment regimens of vascular endothelial growth factor blocking drugs in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. However, looser regimens with poorer results have been reported in real-world studies with various outcomes. This results in a search of more precise data to rely on in the management of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Background: The aim of this study is to analyse the real-world outcome of vascular endothelial growth factor blocking agents in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study of treatment-naïve patients who received intravitreal aflibercept or ranibizumab administration for neovascular age-related macular degeneration for at least 12 months on an as needed regimen following a loading phase of three-monthly injections. Full eye examination and optical coherence tomography scans were provided at all visits. The drugs were compared on the basis of visual acuity, central macular thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness. The baseline optical coherence tomography features were analysed seeking a correlation with the outcome.Results: One hundred and forty-one eyes were enrolled. The mean age was 71.7 ± 8.5 years. Sixty-eight (48.2%) patients received aflibercept and 73 (51.8%) received ranibizumab injections. The mean number of injections was 6.5 ± 2.5. The mean number of injections were also similar between groups (6.4 ± 2.5 vs. 6.5 ± 2.6, respectively, p = 0.783). At one year, both drugs caused significant increase in visual acuity and decrease in central macular thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness.Conclusion: In a real-world setting, aflibercept and ranibizumab yielded similar results at one year in the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Optical Coherence Tomography findings in patients with Multiple Substance Use Disorder

OBJECTIVE

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a relatively new diagnosis method displaying biological tissue layers by with high-resolution sections. In the present study, the purpose was to examine the OCT findings of patients with Multiple Substance Use Disorder (MSUD) by comparing these findings with healthy controls.

METHODS

The study included 30 MSUD and 30 controls. Detailed biomicroscopic examinations were carried out for all participants, and intraocular pressure, followed by OCT. The central macular thickness (CMT), mean macular thickness (MMT), mean macular volume (MMV), and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) were measured by using OCT.

RESULTS

It was determined that the MMT and CMT were thinned in both eyes compared to the healthy controls. The MMV was decreased in both eyes in patients with substance use disorders compared to healthy controls. The RNFL and total thickness were thickened in temporal and inferior parts in patients with MSUD in both eyes compared to healthy. In the superior quadrant, thickening was detected only in the left eye.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results obtained here, it was concluded that vision-related findings should be carefully questioned and evaluated when treatment is planned for patients with substance use.

Micropulse laser in patients with refractory and treatment-naïve center-involved diabetic macular edema: short terms visual and anatomic outcomes

Purpose:

The purpose of the study is to describe visual and anatomic outcomes of 5774nm micropulse laser photocoagulation in eyes with either treatment-naïve or refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) at 3 months.

Methods:

This was a prospective case series that recruited 23 consecutive patients (33 eyes) with center-involved DME that was either treatment-naïve or had not responded to prior treatment. Micropulse therapy was performed with the Easy Ret 577 (Quantel Medical, Cournon d’Auvergne, France) diode laser in a high-density manner in eyes with treatment-naïve or refractory DME. The primary outcome was the change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMAR) at 1 and 3 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in the central macular thickness (CMT), thickness area, macular volume, and macular capillary leakage at 1 and 3 months.

Results:

There were no significant changes in BCVA at 3 months, with mean ± standard deviation (SD) of −0.08 ± 0.01 (p = 0.228) and + 0.01 ± 0.01 (p = 0.969) for treatment-naïve and refractory groups, respectively. The change in CMT at 3 months was statistically but not clinically significant in the treatment-naïve group only (mean ± SD; –30 ± 130 µm; p = 0.011). The macular volume and area thickness change were not statistically significant (p = 0.173 and p = 0.148 for macular volume and area thickness, respectively) in the treatment-naïve group. There was no difference concerning the leakage area in both groups. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:

We concluded that micropulse 577nm laser therapy maintained the visual acuity and macular thickness at 3 months in both treatment-naïve and refractory DME.

Choroidal Thickness Evaluation in a Transfusion-Dependent Beta-Thalassemia Greek Population

Purpose

To evaluate choroidal thickness in a group of beta-thalassemia patients as assessed by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

Patients and Methods

This single-center, observational study involved transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TD-β-thal) patients and healthy controls. One eye of each participant was included in the study. Submacular and peripapillary choroidal thickness, as well as central macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, were evaluated.

Results

Thirty-eight TD-β-thal patients (mean age 42 ± 10.7 years) and 22 healthy controls (mean age 40.3 ± 10.2 years) were included in the study. Subfoveal choroidal thickness was 297.4 ± 74.5 μm in the patient group and 358.4 ± 71.4 μm in the control group (p=0.003). Overall, in the submacular area, the choroid was found to be significantly thinner in the beta-thalassemia population compared to controls in all evaluated points, except for the spot located 1500 μm nasally to the fovea (p=0.093). In the peripapillary area, choroidal thickness was also significantly lower in the thalassemic population compared to the controls (nasal p=0.033, temporal p=0.01, superior p=0.01), except for the inferior quadrant (p= 0.191). We did not observe statistically significant differences in the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and the central macular thickness between the two groups (p=0.658 and p=0.276, respectively). No correlations with hemoglobin, serum ferritin or iron levels emerged. Patients with the intermediate subtype appeared to have significantly thinner choroids than the ones with thalassemia major.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that choroidal thickness in the submacular and peripapillary area is significantly reduced in thalassemic patients, compared to healthy individuals. Choroidal thinning in beta-thalassemia possibly reflects the effect of chronic anemia and underlying hemodynamic changes on choroidal tissue.

Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection before Panretinal Photocoagulation on the Prevention of Macular Edema Aggravation in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective: To investigate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection before PRP on the prevention of macular edema (ME) in patients with PDR. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with PDR treated by PRP with (combination group) or without (PRP alone group) preoperative IVB injection (1.25 mg/0.05 mL). The primary outcome measure was the change in the central macular thickness (CMT), while the secondary outcome measure was the change in visual acuity. Measurements were made before and at one, two, and three months after treatment. Results: In the PRP alone group, the mean baseline CMT of 277.8 μm increased to 290.4 μm at one month (p = 0.201) and 308.8 μm at two months (p = 0.002), followed by a decrease to 271.2 μm at three months (p = 0.437). In the combination group, the values at baseline and one, two, and three months after PRP were 322.9 μm, 295.4 μm (p = 0.002), 330.1 μm (p = 0.906), and 274.5 μm (p = 0.030), respectively. Visual acuity changes were comparable between the two groups at all time points. Conclusion: IVB injection before PRP leads to decreased CMT in comparison to CMT in patients with PRP alone.

The Acute Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vaping and Tobacco Cigarette Smoking on Choroidal Thickness in Young, Healthy, Habitual, Dual Smokers

The present study aims to evaluate and compare the acute effects of tobacco cigarettes (TC) smoking and electronic cigarette (EC) vaping on foveal and choroidal thickness (CT) in young, healthy, dual smokers. Participants underwent four trials: 5 min TC; 5 min EC; 30 min EC; and 60 min nothing (sham trial). Scans before and immediately after each trial were obtained using spectral domain optical coherence tomography with the enhanced depth imaging mode. Changes in central foveal thickness (CFT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and CT at fourother points, 500 μm and 1000 μm temporally and nasally to the fovea, were measured. Forty-seven participants (33 male, 14 female; mean age 24.85 ± 1.57 years) were included. They smoked 13.53 ± 5.27 TCs/day for 6 ± 2.3 years and vaped ECs for the past 2.4 ± 1.08 years. We did not observe any statistically significant change in SFCT, CFT, and CT of the other points after any of the fourtrials. The acute changes in CFT and CT after EC vaping or TC smoking did not differ significantly compared to the sham trial. Smoking and vaping does not seem to result in statistically significant acute alterations in foveal and CT in young, dual smokers.

Effect of panretinal photocoagulation on macular vasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the changes of macular vascular density in the superficial capillary (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP), foveal avascular area (FAZ), choroidal flow, and macular thickness after pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP).

METHODS

In this prospective interventional non-comparative case series, patients with very severe nonproliferative (NPDR) and early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and no significant macular edema who were candidates for pan-retinal photocoagulation underwent measurement of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at the baseline, 1, and 6 months following completion of PRP treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine eyes from 21 patients with diabetes were enrolled. Superficial and deep capillary plexus densities in the foveal and parafoveal area didn't change significantly 1 and 6 months post-PRP (p > 0.1 in all of them). The FAZ area constricted 6 months following PRP (p = 0.075). Based on the calculated circularity index, the FAZ became significantly more circular after 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.047). Although the choroidal flow area increased after PRP this increase wasn't statically significant neither at 1 month nor at 6 months post-PRP (p = 0.31 and 0.23, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Although OCTA parameters were not significantly affected by PRP at both short-term (1 month) and long-term (6 months) follow-ups, the FAZ area became significantly circular after PRP may be due to redistribution of blood flow in hypoperfused foveal capillary plexus.

Central Macular Thickness in Diabetic Macular Edema

Context

Retinal microvascular dysfunction differs in macular edema lesions in the two eyes of the same patient with diabetic retinopathy.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between central macular thickness (CMT) and metabolic/systemic factors including anthropometric and laboratory findings, in patients with regressed diabetic retinopathy and a history of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with internal limiting membrane peeling in one eye.

Subjects and Methods

Forty-two eyes with PPV and the same patients' fellow 42 eyes (without PPV) included this study. Fasting blood samples of these 42 diabetics were collected to study adiponectin levels and other routine parameters.

Results

The average hemoglobinA1c value was 7.3±1.3%. CMT of the vitrectomized eyes were significantly correlated with atherogenic index of plasma, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and uric acid (UA). On the other hand, CMT of the nonvitrectomized fellow eyes significantly correlated with glucose levels and diabetes duration. Adiponectin, adiponectin/body mass index, adiponectin/fibrinogen were found significantly higher in the subgroup with CMT≥300μm in the vitrectomized eyes (P<0.05). UA levels were higher in the subgroup with CMT≥300μm in the fellow (nonvitrectomized) eyes (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Although there was no relationship between CMT and hemoglobinA1c values, CMT seemed to be affected by atherogenicity, prooxidant chemical alterations in the course of inflammation, so determination of adiponectin and UA levels may be suggested before surgery to predict the atherosclerotic damage and the postoperative CMT value. Vitrectomy performed at the proper time may be helpful in metabolic remodeling process of the retinal tissue along with life style changes, well control of diabetes, and intraocular treatments.

Factors Predicting Treatment Response in Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Naïve Diabetic Macular Edema Patients Treated with Intravitreal Bevacizumab

Purpose: To identify factors that affect the therapeutic response of intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema (DMO) and explore the correlation between the functional and anatomical outcomes observed. Methods: A retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series design was used. Baseline imaging data and clinical records of 65 eyes with DMO, secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, which received intravitreal bevacizumab for the first time in 2016, were analyzed. The central macular thickness (CMT), macular volume, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), following the initial 3 injection loading phase were recorded. Outcomes were compared to multiple variables including glycemic control, diabetic retinopathy grade, DMO subtype on optical coherence tomography, and use of past macular laser therapy. Results: The participants' age ranged from 46 to 84 of which 63% were men and 37% were women. The mean baseline CMT was 443.21 μm. A mean reduction of 11.23% (P < 0.0005) in CMT was observed following the loading phase. Women exhibited a greater reduction in CMT (P = 0.032). Participants with diffuse retinal thickening (DRT) and with cystoid macular edema (CMO) showed a net reduction in CMT of 17.39% (P = 0.047) and 8.24% (P = 0.04) respectively. Eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy demonstrated a mean gain in CMT of 16.86% (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Female patients and DRT demonstrated a positive anatomical response. Patients with CMO and proliferative diabetic retinopathy displayed a negative therapeutic response. Such observations may be considered in clinical decision-making when opting for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for DMO.

Comparison of conbercept and ranibizumab for the treatment efficacy of diabetic macular edema: a Meta-analysis and systematic review

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) and ranibizumab (IVR) in patients with diabetic macular edema.

METHODS

Reviewers have searched 12 databases, including PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Springer, ScienceDirect, OVID, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, cqVIP, WanFangdata and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), up to December 28, 2018. RevMan 5.3 (Cochrane Library Software, Oxford, UK) was employed for statistical analysis. Fixed and random effects models were applied to assess heterogeneity. Odds ratio (OR) was applied for dichotomous variables; weighted mean difference (WMD) was applied for continuous variables. The confidence interval (CI) was set at 95%. Central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were employed to analyze the improvement of DME patients. Inclusion criteria for picking out studies were retrospective studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared IVC and IVR for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

RESULTS

Four retrospective studies and five RCTs were included with a total of 609 patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in mean CMT and mean BCVA in the baseline parameters [BCVA (WMD: -0.48; 95%CI: -1.06 to 0.10; P=0.1), CMT (WMD: -0.83; 95%CI: -15.15 to 13.49; P=0.91). No significant difference was found in the improvement of BCVA and adverse event (AE) in IVC group, compared with IVR group after treatment of loading dosage [the 1^st month BCVA (WMD: 0.01; 95%CI: -0.26 to 0.27; P=0.96), the 3^rd month BCVA (WMD: -0.04; 95%CI: -0.14 to 0.06; P=0.46); the 6^th month BCVA (WMD: -0.24; 95%CI: -1.62 to 1.14; P=0.73)], AE (OR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.38 to 1.84; P=0.66)]. A slight difference was found in the effectiveness rate (OR: 1.70; 95%CI: 0.97 to 2.96; P=0.06), There were statistically significant differences between IVC and IVR treatment in terms of CMT [1^st month CMT (WMD: -19.88; 95%CI: -27.94 to -11.82; P<0.001), 3^rd month CMT (WMD: -23.31; 95%CI: -43.30 to -3.33; P=0.02), 6^th month CMT (WMD: -74.74; 95%CI: -106.22 to -43.26; P<0.001)].

CONCLUSION

Pooled evidence suggests that both IVC and IVR are effective in the therapy of diabetic macular edema and affirms that IVC presents superiority over IVR therapy in regard of CMT in patients with diabetic macular edema, but no statistically significant difference with regard to visual improvement. Relevant RCTs with longer-term follow-up are necessary to back up our conclusion.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on retinal thickness and progression of retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study

Purpose: Evaluation of the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the progression of retinopathy, choroidal and retinal thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods: This prospective non-randomized cohort study consisted of 60 eyes of 30 patients who received 30 sessions of HBOT for a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). The participants were divided into three groups; group 1: mild-moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DRP) (n = 14), group 2: severe non-proliferative DRP (n = 20) and group 3: DRP without active proliferative findings with the applied laser for at least 2 years (n = 26). The cases were examined on base-line (measurement-1), after the 10th session of HBOT (Measurement-2), after the 20th session of HBOT (Measurement-3), after the 30th session of HBOT (Measurement-4), and after 10 days of the last session of HBOT (Measurement-5). The changes in central macular thickness (CMT; subfoveal point [CMT-SF], nasal point [CMT-N] and temporal point [CMT-T]), central choroidal thickness (CCT; subfoveal point [CCT-SF], nasal point [CCT-N] and temporal point [CCT-T]), and the stage of DRP were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of change ratio (CR%) in CMT-SF and CMT-N values. However, in Measurement-3, CR% in CMT-T was significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.019). A significant increase in CMT-N and CMT-T parameters over time was observed in Group 1 (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in CCT-SF, CCT-N, and CCT-T values with time in each of the three groups (p < 0.05). At the end of HBOT, there was no progression or regression in the stage of DRP in any group. Conclusions: HBOT has both a thinning effect on the choroid layer in all three groups and a thickening effect on the macula in the mild-moderate non-proliferative diabetic eyes.

Aflibercept therapy in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and its effect on choroidal thickness

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) after intravitreal aflibercept injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD).

METHODS

Eighty-nine eyes (48 treatment naive, 41 resistant) were included in this prospective study. All patients were treated with three consecutive monthly injections then every two months as required. BCVA, CMT and SCT were recorded and compared within and between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean increase in BCVA after injections was 0.18 ± 0.34 logMAR in the naive group (p = 0.01) and 0.092 ± 0.38 logMAR in the resistant group (p = 0.131). The mean decrease in CMT was 200.3 ± 216.1 μm in the naive group and 183.3 ± 203.4 μm in the resistant group (p < 0.001 for both). The mean decrease in SCT was 22.1 ± 62.0 μm in the naive group (p = 0.014). The mean change in SCT was 22.28 ± 74.05 μm in the resistant group; this was not statistically significant (p = 0.061).

CONCLUSION

BCVA, CMT and SCT decreased significantly after intravitreal aflibercept injections in naive patients with NV-AMD. Despite anatomic success, functional improvement was not reached and SCT did not significantly decrease after intravitreal aflibercept injections in resistant patients.

Clinical effectiveness of ranibizumab and conbercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis

Introduction

To assess the ocular efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab and conbercept injection in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, Wed of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WANFANG DATA databases, up to June 20, 2018. We also searched abstracts and clinical study presentations at meetings as well as trial registries; we contacted authors of included studies if questions arose. Eligibility criteria for selection of studies were randomized controlled trials and retrospective trials that compared ranibizumab with conbercept for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials and four retrospective studies were included with a total of 853 patients. Best-corrected visual acuity after loading dosage was improved in the conbercept group, compared with the ranibizumab group (weighted mean difference: -0.04; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.00; P=0.04). There was a significant difference between conbercept and ranibizumab therapy with respect to unchanged or recurrent leakage of choroidal neovascularization (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.88; P=0.02). No significant differences were observed in central macular thickness (weighted mean difference: -2.92; 95% CI: -9.00 to 3.17; P=0.35), complete and partial closure of leakage of choroidal neovascularization (complete closure, P=0.70; partial closure, P=0.35), or number of injections (weighted mean difference: 0.42; 95% CI: -0.46 to 1.29; P=0.35) between the conbercept and ranibizumab groups at the end of the follow-up periods.

Conclusion

Pooled evidence confirmed that conbercept was superior to ranibizumab with respect to visual gain after treatment. Additional studies with long-term follow-up are needed to support our conclusion.