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Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Fabry disease (FD) on retinal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), arterial stiffness, and the resistive index (RI) of the central retinal artery (CRA) in early disease stages. Twenty-nine genetically confirmed FD patients and twenty-six healthy controls were enrolled. Vessel density (VD) values of the superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris plexuses (SCP, DCP, and CC) were measured via OCTA. CRA RI was studied using color Doppler and grayscale sonography, and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed with the Complior method. CRA RI was significantly lower in the control group compared to the Fabry group (p

Purpose: To evaluate the retinal vessel density (VD) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in asymptomatic patients affected by Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) without hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) and to highlight the presence of microvascular damage in theese clinically asymptomatic WD patients. Design: Prospective study. Methods: A total of 43 eyes from 43 WM patients (24 females, 19 males, mean age 55.1 ± 13.6 years) were enrolled from January 2023 to December 2023 in the Eye Clinic of the University of Naples Federico II. Along with WM patients, 40 healthy subjects (HS) (20 females, 20 males, mean age 52.3 ± 15.6 years) with a normal ophthalmic examination and no history of intraocular surgery or retinal pathologic features were included as control group All patients and controls underwent OCTA Results: The two groups were not significantly different for age and sex Visual acuity examination showed no statistically significant difference in BCVA between controls and patients Compared to HS, WD patients showed lower VD values in the SCP in the whole image (47.95 ± 5.17% vs. 52.99 ± 2.52 %; p < 0.001), as well as in the parafovea (53.01 ± 6.69% vs. 55.30 ± 2.61 %; p = 0.002), and fovea (21.38 ± 9.01% vs. 30.31 ± 5.84 %; p < 0.0001). On the other hand, in the DCP VD values were significantly higher in patients compared to controls in the whole image (55.82 ± 8.07% vs. 50.83 ± 5.46 %; p = 0.005), as well as in the parafovea (56.76 ± 6.26% vs. 52.59 ± 5.46 %; p = 0.0001), and fovea (38.75 ± 8.59% vs. 33.43 ± 8.68 %; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The finding that OCTA confirmed the presence of widespread microvascular damage in WD patients clinically silent. Thus, OCTA is a safe rapid imaging technique that could represent a valid biomarker of systemic vascular dysfunction.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relation between retinal vascular impairment and cognitive decline in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) over time.MethodsSpectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography study was performed in aMCI patients over 2 years follow-up and compared to baseline.ResultsThirty-eight eyes from 19 aMCI patients were evaluated. Structural and vascular OCT measures were reduced at follow-up except for vessel density (VD) of the choriocapillaris, unchanged, and foveal avascular zone, which was increased; no changes in any parameter were found in 18 age-matched healthy controls. Overall, these findings were confirmed when patients were evaluated separately according to progression to dementia. Only non-converters to dementia showed significant VD reduction in the deep capillary plexuses (coeff. β = −4.20; p

The identification of non-invasive biomarkers to investigate and monitor retinal structural and vascular changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) represents an interesting source of debate. Until now optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) evaluated the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and areas of retinal non-perfusion only in the macular region in MS patients. It could be interesting to identify possible biomarkers, useful in assessing the ischemic areas also in the near peripheral retina, since FAZ enlargement and the areas of peripheral retinal non-perfusions share common pathogenic processes. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the correlation between the FAZ area and retinal vessel density (VD) in the near peripheral retina by new wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). Moreover, we compared the FAZ area and the VD of superficial and deep capillary plexuses in the fovea region and in the near peripheral retina (6.4 × 6.4 mm) between RR-MS patients and healthy controls by means of a Solix full-range OCTA. Last, we also detected the changes in structural OCT parameters (ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer). Thirty-three eyes of 33 RR-MS patients and 35 eyes of 35 healthy controls were enrolled. RR-MS patients showed a lower VD in the superficial capillary plexus and a significant increase in the FAZ area compared with controls. The deep capillary plexus revealed a reduced VD although not statistically significant in patients with respect to controls. In the patients' group, the FAZ area showed significantly negative correlations with VD of superficial capillary plexuses in the foveal and whole region, while the FAZ area did not negatively correlate with the VD of the deep capillary plexus. The significant correlations among OCTA parameters could demonstrate the FAZ area as a possible biomarker for assessing the perfusion status in the near peripheral retina, useful in RR-MS management. These findings could confirm the role of vascular dysfunction in the pathogenetic mechanisms of MS.

Abstract We conducted a meta-analysis of real-world studies on the 0.19 mg Fluocinolone Acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant for chronic diabetic macular oedema (DMO), comparing these findings with the Fluocinolone Acetonide for Diabetic Macular Edema (FAME) study. The primary outcome was mean change of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 24 months. Secondary outcomes were 36-month mean BCVA, mean central macular thickness (CMT) change, rates of eyes receiving supplementary intravitreal therapy, cataract surgery, intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering drops and glaucoma surgery. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Nine real-world studies were included. The FAc implant yielded a significantly improved BCVA at 24 and 36 months (24-month MD = 4.52; 95% CI 2.56–6.48; 36-month MD = 8.10; 95% CI 6.34–9.86). These findings were comparable with the FAME study. The FAc implant yielded significantly reduced 24- and 36-month CMT. Pooled proportions of cataract surgery, IOP-lowering drops and glaucoma surgery were 39%, 27% and 3%, respectively, all lower than the FAME study. Pooled estimate of supplementary intravitreal therapy was 39%, higher than the 15.2% of the FAME study. This meta-analysis of real-world studies confirms favorable visual and anatomical outcomes following FAc insert for chronic DMO. In real-life studies more than one third of patients received supplementary intravitreal therapy, an issue that needs to be further explored.

Abstract Introduction Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was introduced in the late 1980s to correct myopia. The purpose of this study was to assess its long-term efficacy and safety, analyzing patients with at least 20-year follow-up. Methods This retrospective observational study was carried out on 85 eyes of 54 patients (33 females) that underwent PRK between 1991 and 1998 (mean age 32.62 ± 9.74, range 18–55 years). Both preoperatively and postoperatively, patients underwent a complete ophthalmological evaluation, including uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, slit-lamp, intraocular pressure, dilated fundus, and corneal topographic examinations. The outcome assessment was made by comparing the preoperative refraction, as spherical equivalent, with the postoperative ones, taking into account the planned refractive correction. Safety and efficacy indices were also calculated. All the data were evaluated with a paired t test. Results The mean attempted correction as spherical equivalent was – 5.64 ± 3.01 D (range – 1.00 to – 15.00 D), while the mean achieved correction after 20 years was – 4.30 ± 3.13 D (range – 1.88 to – 14.25 D), with a significant statistical difference (p

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results after ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma in terms of tumor control, visual acuity, radiation-related complications, tumor recurrence, metastases, and patients’ survival rate during 4 years’ follow-up. A total of 355 eyes from 355 patients have been treated with Ru-106 plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma between February 2011 and March 2020. Five patients were lost to follow-up, and then 350 eyes of 350 patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years) were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including echography and spectral domain–optical coherence tomography. The mean follow-up was 4 years (3 months to 9 years). After treatment, the mean tumor thickness was reduced to 1.75 ± 0.21 mm. Radiation complications were found in 63% of patients: 38% showed radiation maculopathy, 11% had optic neuropathy, and 14% developed cataracts. Cancer-free survival was 99%, 97%, and 85%, respectively, at 5, 7, and 9 years. Ru-106 plaque brachytherapy represents a reliable treatment of uveal melanoma. This technique is valid and safe with a low rate of ocular complications during a long-term follow-up.

Abnormalities in retinal vascularization and neural density have been found in many neurodegenerative diseases; however, conflicting results are described in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The aim of the present study was, therefore, to systematically analyze retinal layers and vascularization by means of spectral-domain (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in ALS patients. We enrolled 48 ALS patients and 45 healthy controls. ALS patients were divided into three groups: slow progressors (n = 10), intermediate progressors (n = 24) and fast progressors (n = 14), according to the disease progression rate. For SD-OCT, we evaluated the Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Regarding the OCT-A, we assessed the vessel density (VD) in superficial and deep capillary plexuses, radial peripapillary capillary plexus, choriocapillary and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. SD-OCT exam did not show any significant differences in GCC and RNFL thickness between patients and controls and among the three ALS groups. The SFCT was statistically greater in patients compared with controls (357.95 ± 55.15 µm vs. 301.3 ± 55.80 µm, p < 0.001); interestingly, the SFCT was thicker in patients with slow and intermediate disease progression than in those with fast disease progression (394.45 ± 53.73 µm vs. 393.09 ± 42.17 µm vs. 267.71 ± 56.24 µm, p < 0.001). OCT-A did not reveal any significant results. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-r) and disease duration did not correlate with any of the OCT parameters, except for SFCT with ALSFRS-r (r = 0.753, p = 0.024). This study demonstrated the possible association between choroidal thickness and disease activity in ALS. OCT could be a useful biomarker in the management of the disease.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris (CC) vessel density, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), in the macular region at baseline and after three once-monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (loading phase) in patients affected by exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods A total 38 eyes of 38 patients with exudative AMD (16 women, 22 men; mean age 72.47 ± 7.46 years) were included in this study. We evaluated vessel density in different macular areas (whole image, fovea and parafovea) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and CC. In addition, central macular thickness (CMT) and choroidal thickness in the foveal region and 500 µm in the nasal and temporal directions were analyzed by enhanced depth image-OCT. Results There were no significant differences in vessel density in the SCP, DCP and CC after the loading phase compared to baseline (p > 0.05). In contrast, CMT (p = 0.039; 320.63 ± 175.05 vs. 372.47 ± 167.05 µm) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (p 0.05) at baseline and after the loading phase. Also, best corrected visual acuity did not correlate with CMT, SCP and DCP at baseline and after treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusion Macular and choroidal thickness did not correlate with vessel density, but probably correlated to vascular exudation. The anti-VEGF treatment, acting on vascular hyperpermeability, determines the reduction of the retinal and choroidal exudation, resulting in a decrease of their thicknesses. Consequently, these parameters could reflect the effectiveness of the anti-VEGF injections for treating exudative AMD respect to OCTA parameters. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov indentifier, NTC04138420.

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the vascular features in eyes with Coats disease, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), at baseline and after 3 monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Fifteen eyes of 15 consecutive patients affected by Coats' disease were recruited in this study. All patients underwent the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) evaluation, fundus examination, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), multicolor imaging, structural Spectral Domain (SD)-OCT and OCTA at baseline and 1 month after the third monthly ranibizumab injection (loading phase). Fifteen patients completed the study, of whom nine were males and six females. Mean age was 20.4 ± 2 years. BCVA was 0.46 ± 0.11 logMar and 0.47 ± 0.12 logMar at baseline and after treatment, respectively (p = 0.164). SD-OCT revealed no significant decrease in central macular thickness (486.33 μm ± 93.37 at baseline vs. 483.4 μm ± 80.97 after treatment; p = 0.915). The subretinal exudates persisted in macular region after intravitreal injections. OCTA showed a general vascular rarefaction in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillary (CC) that did not change after loading phase. This study showed no functional and vascular improvement following 3 monthly ranibizumab injections. OCTA, non-invasive technique, could be useful during follow up of these patients and provide a better understand of pathogenesis of this disorder.

PurposeTo investigate the vascular status of the macula in psoriasis patients without history of ocular inflammation by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA).MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional multicenter study included 55 psoriasis patients and 55 control healthy subjects. A complete eye examination and 6 mm × 6 mm OCTA imaging were performed. Retinal vascular status was evaluated by analyzing vascular density (VD) of superficial vascular plexus (superficial wVD) and deep vascular plexuses (deep wVD) in a 6 mm × 6 mm area and in foveal (superficial fVD and deep fVD) and parafoveal sectors (superficial pVD and deep pVD). In addition, foveal thickness (FT) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and clinical variables, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure and refractive condition, were collected.ResultsBCVA, intraocular pressure and refractive condition were comparable between cases and controls. OCTA imaging showed that superficial wVD and superficial pVD were lower in the psoriasis group in comparison with controls (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01, respectively). Similarly, deep wVD and pVD were lower in the psoriasis group in comparison with control subjects (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). In a sub-analysis of 47 patients affected by psoriasis without psoriatic arthritis, lower values of wVD and pVD in both superficial and deep capillary plexuses were registered.ConclusionOCTA is a useful tool which provides data on vascular status of the retina in psoriasis with no ocular involvement. VD data may suggest that vascular changes may occur earlier than clinical onset of posterior inflammation.

PurposeTo evaluate the retinal vessel density (VD) in the macular region and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with and without disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRILs) after resolution of diabetic macular edema.MethodsThirty-seven eyes of 37 DRIL patients (mean age 63 ± 13.97 years), 30 eyes of 30 no DRIL patients and 35 eyes of 35 controls were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the VD in the macular region of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and FAZ area.ResultsDRIL and no DRIL groups showed decreased VD in SCP and DCP (pConclusionOCTA highlights the role of retinal vascular ischemia in the pathogenesis of DRILs. This parameter could represent an important functional predictive factor in diabetic patients.

PurposeTo assess the efficacy of vitrectomy in degenerative and tractional lamellar macular holes (LMHs) by meta-analysis of published studies.MethodsPubMed, Medline and Embase databases were searched up to May 2020. Included cohorts were divided into three groups: degenerative LMH group, lamellar hole associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP) group and tractional LMH group. LHEP is likely to be associated with degenerative LMHs, but less commonly could be associated with mixed LMHs. To reduce risk of possible misclassification bias, eyes with LHEP which could not have been precisely classified by the authors, were included into the LHEP group. The primary outcome was to investigate the visual change following primary vitrectomy in the degenerative LMH and LHEP group versus the tractional LMH group. A sensitivity analysis excluding the LHEP group was also performed on the primary outcome. Mean difference (MD) in best corrected visual acuity between baseline and post-treatment was calculated, along with 95% confidence interval (CI). Rate of incidence of post-operative full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) was assessed as secondary outcome.ResultsThirteen studies were included. Pooled analyses including all groups showed a significant visual improvement following vitrectomy (pre-post MD = -0.17;95%CI = -0.22,-0.12;pConclusionPrimary vitrectomy for LMH ensured a favorable visual outcome, with no difference in visual gain between degenerative and tractional LMHs. However, a higher incidence of post-operative FTMHs was found in eyes with the degenerative LMH subtype.

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX) for the treatment of macular oedema secondary to vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM) and retinal detachment (RD) by conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis of published studies. Methods. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of DEX use for the treatment of macular oedema secondary to ERM and RD vitrectomy were searched on PubMed and Embase databases. The primary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change between baseline and post-DEX treatment, reported as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Mean central macular thickness (CMT) change was assessed as a secondary outcome. Postimplant adverse events, including intraocular pressure rise and cataract development, were reported as well. Results. Five uncontrolled studies, 1 nonrandomized controlled study, and 1 randomized controlled study were included, with a total of 5 cohorts and 3 cohorts in the ERM group and RD group, respectively. Considering the last available follow-up, a significant improvement in postimplant BCVA was found in the overall population, irrespective of the indication for vitrectomy (MD = −0.28, 95% CI = −0.37, −0.20; p

Background: To evaluate retinal vessel density (VD) in macular and in peripapillary regions in patients with recent onset of multiple sclerosis, at initial demyelinating event (IDE) and in matched relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.Methods: We evaluated VD in superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, choriocapillaris and radial peripapillary capillary plexus in IDE, RRMS patients and in matched healthy controls (HCs) through Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). Clinical history, including history of optic neuritis, Expanded Disability Status scale and disease duration of patients were collected.Results: Thirty patients (20 with IDE and 10 with RRMS) and 15 HCs were enrolled. IDE patients showed a lower VD in radial peripapillary capillary plexus compared with controls (coeff. β = −3.578; p = 0.002). RRMS patients displayed a lower VD in both superficial capillary plexus and radial peripapillary capillary plexus compared with HCs (coeff. β = −4.955; p = 0.002, and coeff. β = −7.446; p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, RRMS patients showed a decreased VD in radial peripapillary capillary plexus compared with IDE patients (coeff. β = −3.868; p = 0.003).Conclusions: Peripapillary region vessel density reduction, revealed through OCT-A, might be considered as an early event in MS, and might be relevant as a biomarker of disease pathology.

OBJECTIVE:To assess the presence of retinal vascular network abnormalities in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients and healthy subjects (HS) through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS:OCTA and SD-OCT were performed in aMCI patients and cognitive normal HS. A complete neuropsychological evaluation was performed. Differences in vessel density (VD) in each retinal vascular plexus and in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were evaluated with linear mixed model after correction for age, sex and disease duration. RESULTS:Twenty-seven aMCI patients (10 Single domain aMCI, 17 Multidomain aMCI) and 29 HS were enrolled. aMCI patients showed a statistically significant reduced VD in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and an increased FAZ compared to controls. When aMCI patients were divided in single domain (SD) and multiple domains (MD) aMCI, SD aMCI showed no VD differences in SCP, DCP and Radial Peripapillary Capillary, while the FAZ area was significantly larger compared to controls. In MD aMCI, VD values were lower and FAZ was increased compared to controls. Comparing both aMCI groups, MD aMCI showed a significant reduction in VD values of SCP. No correlation was found between mini mental state examination (MMSE) scores and OCTA parameters. CONCLUSIONS:OCTA is able to detect changes in retinal microvascular network in early cognitive deficits and, the most sensitive alteration seems to be the enlargement of the FAZ. This non-invasive tool provides useful information on retinal involvement patterns in MCI diagnosis and follow up. Vascular network impairment seems to be related to the number of domains affected and not to MMSE.

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to analyze the changes in retinal vessel density (VD), using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A), in patients that received endoscopic endonasal approach for the removal of an intra-suprasellar pituitary adenoma compressing optic chiasm.MethodsWe evaluated the VD in Superficial Capillary Plexus (SCP), Deep Capillary Plexus (DCP), Radial Peripapillary Capillary (RPC) and the Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) area in a series of fourteen patients (7 males, 7 females, mean age 56 ± 13 years), as compared to healthy controls. We also detected the structural Spectral Domain (SD)-OCT parameters: Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC), Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL), visual field parameters (Mean Deviation, Pattern Standard Deviation) and Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA). These measurements were performed prior than surgery and 48 hours after.ResultsThe patients showed a significant decrease in VD of the macular and papillary regions, a significant increase in FAZ area, a significant impairment in SD-OCT, VF parameters and BCVA respect to 14 eyes of 14 healthy controls (pConclusionOCT-A allows to detect the early changes occurring within 48 hours after surgery showing that the improvement in retinal vessel density could occur before the recovery of the structural OCT parameters and can be a positive predictive factor for the functional recovery.

AIM: To describe the morphological changes of the lamina cribrosa (LC) in patients with optic nerve compression. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Twenty eyes with optic nerve compression, affected by Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) were compared with 18 refractive error-matched healthy eyes. The following examinations were performed: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, optic nerve echography, visual field, SD-OCT including the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), and LC thickness and extent. RESULTS: A-scan revealed significant differences in the subarachnoid space (SAS) between the affected and control groups. LC thickness and LC area were 233 µm (SD 23) and 0.41 mm2 (SD 0.19), respectively. Average GCC thickness (P=0.0005), LC thickness (P=0.001), MD (P=0.001) and PSD (P=0.001) differed significantly between the two groups; whereas LC area (P=0.2) and average RFNL (P=0.1) did not. CONCLUSION: Optic nerve compression reduces the SAS thereby altering the morphology of LC thickness and causing GCC damage.

The common approach of the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is made with an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid or the study of retinal fundus and the plaques formation through optical corneal tomography (OCT), or more simply with a fundus camera. Tears analysis is widely discussed in literature as an essential method to describe molecular and biochemical alterations in different diseases. The aim of our study was the identification with immunocytochemistry of Amyloid Beta-42 in tears from patients with or without familiarity for Alzheimer Disease, in order to make the diagnosis earlier and more accessible compared to other invasive methods. Our study was performed on tears from three phenotypically healthy subjects: two of them were Caucasian with Alzheimer familiarity (48 and 55 years old) and the other one was Asian without Alzheimer familiarity (45 years old) and affected by an adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis at the moment of withdrawal. Tear samples were collected from eye fornix and were examinated by immunocytochemistry (ICC) assay using anti-Amyloid Beta X-42 antibody. Two out of three tears samples showed positive Amyloid Beta-42. Considering that our patients were phenotypically healthy, the identification of Amyloid Beta-42 by ICC could be a candidable method to make the diagnosis of the disease earlier and more accessible and available then other current and invasive methods and it could be a candidate for a screening method too.

Retinal, choroidal and optic disc vascularity has never been evaluated in patients taking PDE5is long-term. The aim of our study was to evaluate the neurostructural and vascular changes after long-term use of tadalafil, using spectral domain (SD)-optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In the present clinical trial, 27 patients who have been taking tadalafil 20 mg on alternate days (OAD) for at least 6 months (Group A) were enrolled. The matched group consisted of 27 healthy men (Group B). Both groups of patients underwent SD-OCT to study ganglion cell complex (GCC), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroidal thickness and OCTA for the evaluation of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC). A reduction in SCP, DCP and RPC vessel density was found in patients using tadalafil long-term. Retinal and optic disc toxicity may be detected using modifications of capillary vessel density. Further studies are needed to investigate the possibility of a causal association.

In this cross-sectional study we assessed the vascular alterations in retinal and choriocapillaris perfusion in patients affected by β-thalassemia, by means of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). A total of 124 eyes of 62 patients (mean age 44.74 ± 5.79 years old) affected by β-thalassemia (transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT), non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) and minor) were compared to 40 eyes of twenty healthy subjects. We evaluated the vessel density (VD) in superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, radial peripapillary capillary, choriocapillaris and the foveal avascular zone area. The TDT group showed a statistically significant reduction in retinal and choriocapillaris VD respect to controls and the other groups (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in OCTA parameters between β-thalassemia minor and controls. The NTDT group showed a significant reduction in VD in deep capillary plexus respect to controls and β-thalassemia minor. Significant negative correlations were shown in TDT group between foveal avascular zone and hemoglobin (r = −0.437, p = 0.044) and between ferritin levels and VD of choriocapillaris (r = −0.431, p = 0.038). The OCTA parameters provided a deeper understanding on retinal and choriocapillaris vascular impairment affected by tissue hypoxia levels and the oxidative stress in different clinical phenotypes of the β-thalassemia.

The small Ras-related GTPase Rab-28 is highly expressed in photoreceptor cells, where it possibly participates in membrane trafficking. To date, six alterations in the RAB28 gene have been associated with autosomal recessive cone-rod dystrophies. Confirmed variants include splicing variants, missense and nonsense mutations. Here, we present a thorough phenotypical and genotypical characterization of five individuals belonging to four Italian families, constituting the largest cohort of RAB28 patients reported in literature to date. All probands displayed similar clinical phenotype consisting of photophobia, decreased visual acuity, central outer retinal thinning, and impaired color vision. By sequencing the four probands, we identified: a novel homozygous splicing variant; two novel nonsense variants in homozygosis; a novel missense variant in compound heterozygous state with a previously reported nonsense variant. Exhaustive molecular dynamics simulations of the missense variant p.(Thr26Asn) in both its active and inactive states revealed an allosteric structural mechanism that impairs the binding of Mg2+, thus decreasing the affinity for GTP. The impaired GTP-GDP exchange ultimately locks Rab-28 in a GDP-bound inactive state. The loss-of-function mutation p.(Thr26Asn) was present in a compound heterozygosis with the nonsense variant p.(Arg137*), which does not cause mRNA-mediated decay, but is rather likely degraded due to its incomplete folding. The frameshift p.(Thr26Valfs4*) and nonsense p.(Leu13*) and p.(Trp107*) variants, if translated, would lack several key structural components necessary for the correct functioning of the encoded protein.

Letter to the Editor

ObjectivesTo measure Optic Nerve Subarachnoid Space (ONSAS) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and controls using A-scan ultrasound and to evaluate the measurement of the ONSAS in relation to age patient and OCT parameters.MethodsThis retrospective study included 53 consecutive eyes of 27 patients with POAG and 64 normal eyes of 32 controls. Both glaucomatous and control groups were divided into 2 subgroups according to age: ResultsThe ONSAS was significantly lower in all glaucomatous eyes (3.54 ± 0.38) versus normal eyes (3.87 ± 0.32) (p = 0.001). Significant reduction of ONSAS was showed in control group 2 (3.63 mm ± 0.37) compared to control group 1 (3.87 mm ± 0.32) (p = 0.014) and between glaucoma group 1 (3.54 mm ± 0.38) and control group 1 (p = 0.001). While no significant differences were observed between glaucomatous group 2 (3.48 mm ± 0.41) and control group 2 (p = 0.17) and between glaucoma group 1 and glaucoma group 2 (p = 0.609). Lastly, the ONSAS was not significantly associated with GCC and RNFL parameters except for Focal Loss Volume (FLV), Superior RNFL and ONSAS in glaucoma group 1 and for FLV and ONSAS in all glaucomatous group.ConclusionStandardized A-scan ultrasound is a non invasive imaging technique with which it is possible to monitor ONSAS changes in glaucomatous patients. The reduction of ONSAS confirm the importance of the lower orbital CSFP as further risk factor in the progression of glaucoma disease.

INTRODUCTION:Epiretinal traction is not responsible only for epiretinal but also intraretinal changes. This study aims to describe structural and vascular intraretinal changes after macular peeling in idiopathic (iERM) vs diabetic ERM (dERM). METHODS:We conducted a prospective interventional study on forty-two eyes, 23 with iERMs and 19 with dERMs, undergoing ERM-ILM peeling. We performed SD-OCT preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively to assess central macular thickness (CMT), intraretinal cysts (IC) and/or continuous ectopic inner foveal layers (CEIFL), superficial and deep capillary free zone (CFZ) area on OCT-A. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as a Müller cells marker, was detected immunohistochemically on ILM specimens, to assess Müller cells iatrogenic damage. RESULTS:The CEIFLs were significantly more common in iERMs (12 (52.2%) in iERMs vs 2 (10.5%) in dERMs, p = 0.004), whereas ICs in dERMs (6 (26.1%) in iERMs vs 17 (89.5%) in dERMs, p

To highlight the differences in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) between eyes with vitreoretinal interface syndrome and healthy control eyes, to assess the changes in MPOD in eyes treated with macular peeling, to investigate the relationships between MPOD changes and measures of retinal sensitivity such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and microperimetry.In this cross-sectional comparative study, 30 eyes affected by idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM, 15eyes) or full-thickness macular hole (FTMH, 15eyes) were compared with 60 eyes from 30 healthy age-matched patients. MPOD values (mean MPOD, maximum MPOD, MPOD area, and MPOD volume) were measured in a range of 4°-7° of eccentricity around the fovea, using the one-wavelength reflectometry method (Visucam 200, Carl-Zeiss Meditec). Patients affected by iERM and FTMH were treated with vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane-inner limiting membrane (ERM-ILM) peeling, with follow-up examinations performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The main outcome measures were the differences in MPOD between eyes with vitreoretinal interface syndrome and healthy eyes, changes in MPOD after ERM-ILM peeling, and relationships between MPOD and functional changes.Mean MPOD differed significantly between control eyes and those with iERM (P = .0001) or FTMH (P = .0006). The max MPOD and MPOD area increased, but not significantly. After peeling, the only significant change in MPOD was in MPOD volume (P = .01). In the ERM group, postoperative mean MPOD correlated significantly with best-corrected visual acuity (r = .739, P = .002).MPOD was reduced in patients with iERM or FTMH compared with healthy eyes. We found a significant correlation between the mean postoperative MPOD and postoperative BCVA, hypothesizing that the postoperative increase in mean MPOD could be due to a change in distribution for unfolding and expansion of the fovea after the peeling. MOPD may be considered as a prognostic factor associated with a good visual prognosis in patients with iERM.

INTRODUCTION:Elements such as zinc, iron, copper, sulphur and phosphorus have been identified in retinal layers and implicated in vital retinal functions. Regarding mineral composition of epiretinal membranes (ERMs), literature is lacking. This study aimed to analyze both mineral composition and anatomical ultrastructure of ERMs to clarify the pathophysiology of this disease. METHODS:Twenty ERMs (10 diabetic ERMs and 10 idiopathic ERMs) from 20 patients were harvested during pars plana vitrectomy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the anatomical ultrastructure of the peeled ERMs. Mineral composition was analyzed using energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The most frequent elements were evaluated in relation to appearance of ERMs analyzed at SEM and at OCT images. RESULTS:Sulphur was the most frequent element found (in 80% of the samples), followed by sodium (50%) and phosphorus (45%). The presence of these elements was not significantly different between diabetic and idiopathic ERMs (P >0.05). Using SEM we found a folded tissue in all ERMs, except in 4 ERMs, where we observed only a smooth tissue. There was a trend of sodium to be more frequent in ERMs with folded layers at SEM examination. CONCLUSIONS:Several elements were identified in ERMs, and sulphur, sodium and phosphorus were the most frequent ones. This finding may help to understand their role in the physiopatology of epiretinal proliferation and in glial activation.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197065.].

BACKGROUND:Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling during primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) prevents the formation of postoperative macular epiretinal membrane (ERM). However, studies that compared vitrectomy with and without ILM peeling for RRD, have reported controversial outcomes. OBJECTIVE:To assess the efficacy of ILM peeling versus non-ILM peeling during vitrectomy for RRD by a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. METHODS:PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase databases, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to April 2018 to identify studies that compared primary vitrectomy with and without ILM peeling for RRD with at least six months follow-up. Primary outcomes were the rate of postoperative ERM formation and mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change after vitrectomy. Rate of recurrence of retinal detachment (RD) was assessed as secondary outcome. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) expressed pooled results for rate of ERM formation and rate of RD recurrence in ILM peeling and non-ILM peeling groups. Pooled results for BCVA change in the two groups were expressed as Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) with 95% CIs. RESULTS:Nine studies, one of which was a randomized controlled trial (RCT), with a total number of 404 eyes in the ILM peeling group and 365 eyes in the non-ILM peeling group, were included. The analysis from pooled data indicated a significant lower rate of postoperative ERM formation in the ILM peeling group compared to the non-ILM peeling group (9 studies, 769 eyes, RR = 0.14; CI: 0.07 to 0.28; P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in mean BCVA change (9 studies, 769 eyes, WMD = 0.02; CI: -0.11 to 0.16; P = 0.75). Rate of recurrence of RD was lower in the ILM peeling group (6 studies, 603 eyes, RR = 0.32; CI = 0.17 to 0.61; P< 0.001). CONCLUSION:ILM peeling during vitrectomy for RRD prevents the formation of macular epiretinal membrane postoperatively and reduces the incidence of RD recurrence, but better visual outcome was not found compared to non-ILM peeling vitrectomy.

This study describes Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) features of Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma (ONSM).A 22-year-old woman, diagnosed with meningioma encircling the right optic nerve inside the intraorbital segment optic canal at the magnetic resonance imaging, showed a normal fundus examination.Instead, SD-OCT and OCTA revealed alterations in the neurostructure and microvascular network of the optic nerve.Despite fundoscopy and fluorescein angiography, SD-OCT and OCTA represent valid, non-invasive and reliable methods to evaluate neurostructural and vascular irregularities in this benign tumor of the optic nerve. Keywords: Optic nerve sheath meningioma, OCT angiography, SD-OCT

Tears are exceptionally rich sources of information on the health status of the eyes, as well as of whole body functionality, due to the presence of a large variety of salts and organic components whose concentration can be altered by pathologies, eye diseases and/or inflammatory processes. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) provides a unique method for analyzing low concentrations of organic fluids such as tears. In this work, a home-made colloid of gold nanoparticles has been used for preparing glass substrates able to efficiently induce an SERS effect in fluid samples excited by a He–Ne laser ( λ = 633 nm). The method has been preliminary tested on Rhodamine 6G aqueous solutions at different concentrations, proving the possibility to sense substance concentrations as low as few μ M, i.e., of the order of the main tear organic components. A clear SERS response has been obtained for human tear samples, allowing an interesting insight into tear composition. In particular, aspartic acid and glutamic acid have been shown to be possible markers for two important human tear components, i.e., lactoferrin and lysozyme.

Letter to the editor

Purpose: To test the accuracy of Schiotz tonometry (ST) in patients that underwent photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Methods: 175 eyes previously treated with PRK for myopia, myopic astigmatism or mixed astigmatism, with a mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) of −4.27±2.83 diopters (range: -13 to −0.25 diopters), had their intraocular pressure (IOP) measured, at least 3 months after PRK, with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and ST with both 5.5-g and 10-g load and also utilizing the Friedenwald nomogram. These measurements were retrospectively compared to the IOP readings obtained with GAT before surgery. Results: Before PRK the mean IOP, as measured with GAT, was 14.7±2.63 mmHg. After PRK, the mean IOP readings were 10.9±2.85 mmHg (P

Two kinds of forces are active in vitreoretinal traction diseases: tangential and anterior-posterior forces. However, tangential forces are less characterized and classified in literature compared to the anterior-posterior ones. Tangential epiretinal forces are mainly due to anomalous posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), vitreoschisis, vitreopapillary adhesion (VPA), and epiretinal membranes (ERMs). Anomalous PVD plays a key role in the formation of the tangential vectorial forces on the retinal surface as consequence of gel liquefaction (synchysis) without sufficient and fast vitreous dehiscence at the vitreoretinal interface. The anomalous and persistent adherence of the posterior hyaloid to the retina can lead to vitreomacular/vitreopapillary adhesion or to a formation of avascular fibrocellular tissue (ERM) resulting from the proliferation and transdifferentiation of hyalocytes resident in the cortical vitreous remnants after vitreoschisis. The right interpretation of the forces involved in the epiretinal tangential tractions helps in a better definition of diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and surgical outcomes of vitreomacular interfaces.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious corneal disease, often observed in contact lens wearers. Clinical treatment of infected patients frequently involves the use of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), a polymer used as a disinfectant and antiseptic, which is toxic also for the epithelial cells of the cornea. Prompt and effective diagnostic tools are hence highly desiderable for both starting early therapy and timely suspension of the treatment. In this work we use Raman microspectroscopy to analyse in vitro a single Acanthamoeba cell in cystic phase. In particular, we investigate the effect of PHMB at the single-cell level, providing useful information on both the underlying biochemical mechanism and the time frame for Acanthamoeba eradication in ocular infections. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy, in conjunction with standard multivariate analysis methods, allows discriminating between live and dead Acanthamoebas, which is fundamental to optimizing patients' treatment.