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Introduction: To evaluate the effect of an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab at the time of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery, on postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in high-risk patients selected by laser flare photometry., Methods: This single-center observational retrospective cohort study included 137 consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade for primary RRD with increased aqueous flare between July 2016 and June 2021. From June 2019, an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab was administered as an adjunct to RRD repair. Patients who underwent surgery before this time and who did not receive intravitreal bevacizumab served as controls. The main outcome was the rate of retinal redetachment due to PVR., Results: The median flare value was 22.0 (16.5-36.5) pc/ms in the control group and 28.2 (19.7-41.0) pc/ms in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.063). Eyes treated with bevacizumab were more likely to have macula-off RRD (p = 0.003), grade B PVR (p = 0.038), and worse visual acuity (p = 0.004) than controls. The rate of PVR redetachment was significantly lower in the bevacizumab group (11.1%) than in the control (30.1%) (p = 0.012). This difference was more pronounced after adjusting for potential confounding factors (p = 0.005); the risk of developing PVR was 4.5-fold higher in controls (95% CI, 1.6-12.8). After adjustment, the final median visual acuity was also significantly higher in eyes treated with bevacizumab (p = 0.025)., Conclusion: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that bevacizumab may reduce the risk of PVR-related recurrent RRD and improve visual outcomes in high-risk patients selected by laser flare photometry., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To investigate functional/morphological outcomes of the treat-and-extend regimen (TER) with aflibercept in typical choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) secondary to exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD)., Methods: This was a retrospective study of 37 eyes treated with 2 mg aflibercept according to a TER protocol. Examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), numbers of injections, and visits needed. Additionally, quantitative/qualitative analyses with fluorescein angiography and spectral- domain optical coherence tomography were conducted at baseline as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months., Results: BCVA significantly improved from 0.6 ± 0.27 to 0.4 ± 0.34 logMAR. The final mean numbers of injections were 8.03 ± 1.27 and 7.28 ± 0.75 and the numbers of visits 6.5 ± 1.09 and 7.14 ± 1.57 in typical CNV and in RAP or atypical CNV, respectively, and they did not differ between the different subtypes of CNV (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Aflibercept in TER is effective for all exudative AMD subtypes. The patient's visual gain, the mean number of injections, and the number of visits needed did not depend on the subtype of CNV., (© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In normal eyes, retinal detachment (RD) occurs at a rate of approximately 5 per 100,000 people per year and the frequency of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains largely unchanged in primary RD, with the incidence ranging from 5.1 to 11.7%. PVR is the most common cause of failed repair of rhegmatogenous RD, and risk factors for PVR are related to several well-known pre-, intra-, and postoperative clinical situations. Current methods of surgical management of RD and PVR are pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Surgical success rates for PVR have improved as techniques and instruments of vitrectomy evolved. However, despite these advances, more than one fourth of initially successful cases results in redetachment due to recurrent vitreoretinal traction. Retinal pigment epithelial cells are the key factor in triggering PVR development. In addition, soluble mediators and the extracellular matrix components play a critical role in cellular events, including proliferation and tissue contraction which occur in PVR. Although PPV remains a critical component of the treatment in RD and PVR, ongoing efforts seek to identify adjuvant therapies that might inhibit PVR development. Recent studies have therefore been directed toward pharmacologic inhibition of cellular proliferation and membrane contraction with drugs such as daunorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and heparin. More detailed understanding of the pathophysiology underlying PVR may lead to the development of effective prophylactic and/or adjunctive therapies. Further work is necessary to identify optimal adjunctive therapies for the management of RD and PVR., (© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Introduction: Certain injuries, especially those with a deep-impact (involving the choroid and even the sclera) intraocular foreign body (IOFB), have a high risk for developing either full-blown proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) or full-thickness retinal folds. Although less severe than the former, this so-called 'stage 0 PVR' can severely impact vision, and effective treatment for these folds has not existed heretofore., Patients and Methods: Four eyes of 4 patients sustained an IOFB injury with deep impact. All eyes underwent vitrectomy and IOFB removal soon after the injury, and all eyes showed substantial visual improvement postoperatively. However, in a few months the visual acuity dropped again, due to the development of full-thickness retinal folds radiating from the scar. All four eyes then underwent a second vitrectomy with (late rather than prophylactic) chorioretinectomy by creating a 1-mm-wide ring of bare sclera around the scar. The highest setting of the diathermy machine was used as the endodiathermy probe evaporated both the retina and the choroid to create the ring. Laser retinopexy to surround the ring was used only if the lesion was not in the posterior pole., Results: Within a few days, the retinal folds completely disappeared in each eye, and the visual acuity reached the highest earlier value seen after the initial surgery. All patients have long-term follow-up (mean, 22 months) with no postoperative complications., Conclusions: Chorioretinectomy, although it is ideally used as a prophylaxis against PVR formation and the development of retinal fold formation, also proved equally effective as a late treatment option in the presence of such folds. Such late chorioretinectomy, however, is applicable only for eyes with deep-impact IOFB injuries, not for eyes with a perforating injury or rupture., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Aim: To present a patient who developed bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis., Methods: A 44-year-old man who was unconscious because of bacterial meningitis was referred to us for conjunctival hyperemia and decreased pupillary light reflexes. Ophthalmoscopy revealed inflammation in the anterior chamber and vitreous opacities in both eyes. He was diagnosed as having endogenous endophthalmitis associated with the meningitis. Ceftazidime and vancomycin hydrochloride were injected intravitreally and subconjunctivally repeatedly in both eyes., Results: Vision improved to 20/200 in the left eye 1 month later, but the right eye became hypotonic and blind. Vision deteriorated to light perception in the left eye due to a retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and vitreous surgery successfully reattached the retina. Vision recovered to 20/80, and the retina has remained attached for 1 year., Conclusions: We recommend that endogenous endophthalmitis be suspected in cases of meningitis, and if present, intravitreal and subconjunctival antibiotics should be promptly given to preserve vision., (Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Surgical therapy for diabetic retinopathy has been refined since the 1960s (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study). While the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study abstained from panretinal photocoagulation at the time of surgery, today, endophotocoagulation is the most important singular reason for vitrectomy, e.g., in vitreous hemorrhage. Despite improved techniques, the surgical prognosis is lagging behind patient expectations, especially in cases of advanced proliferative stages. The following review addresses current surgical options and indications of diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy.

Purpose: To review the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic vitreoretinopathy (PDVR) and to present recommendations for its clinical staging., Design: Focused literature review and authors' clinical experience., Results: Although several biochemical mediators may be responsible for the pathogenesis of PDVR, no common biochemical pathway exists. Of those mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor is the one most studied so far. However, since in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) the thickened posterior vitreous cortex is one of the main factors in the development of proliferations, a consequent shrinkage of the posterior vitreous cortex leads to hemorrhages and tractive retinal detachments. Therefore, PDR should be called PDVR. In consequence, the authors present a new morphological classification of PDVR., Conclusions: There is no consensus about the biochemical pathway responsible for the progression of PDVR. Although several classifications are described in the literature, the classification suggested here is important in the judgment of, the communication about and the therapy of diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, it is the only reliable classification for predicting the surgical outcome in diabetics., (Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are imbalanced in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). It is not known whether such an imbalance is already present in early PVR stages. We therefore analyzed VEGF and PEDF concentrations in subretinal fluids prior to PVR development., Methods: A large number (n = 137) of subretinal fluid samples were obtained at the time of scleral buckling surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Thirty patients developed PVR within 6 months after surgery. One hundred and seven patients undergoing the same surgery but without complications served as controls. Furthermore, vitreous from 16 patients with macular hole or pucker (MHP) served as reference for baseline intraocular concentrations. PEDF and VEGF concentrations were measured by commercial ELISAs., Results: PEDF levels were substantially higher (9.6 microg/ml) compared to MHP vitreous (0.3 microg/ml, p < 0.001). VEGF levels were also higher (RRD: 0.07 ng/ml; MHP: 0.01 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Subretinal concentrations were not significantly different between PVR and control RRD patients., Conclusions: Although both VEGF and PEDF are increased at first surgery for RRD, they do not predict PVR development later on. The high PEDF concentrations and its known antiangiogenic activity suggest a protective role against neovascularization.

Purpose: It was the aim of this study to describe the clinical features and surgical outcomes of retinal detachment following open globe injuries in a pediatric population., Methods: The study was a retrospective chart review of 33 children who had undergone surgery for retinal detachment after open globe injury., Results: The mean age was 11 years (range 4-18) and the mean follow-up period was 57.1 months (range 6-204). Twenty-five patients (76%) were males. Of the open globe injuries, 21 (64%) were penetrations, 6 (18%) intraocular foreign bodies, and 6 (18%) ruptures. Eighteen retinal detachments (55%) were identified by B-scan. Eighteen eyes (55%) had total retinal detachment and 23 eyes (70%) showed macular involvement. Twenty-one eyes (64%) presented with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade C or worse. Retinal reattachment was successful in 12 eyes (36%). Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/100 or better was noted in 4 eyes (12%) preoperatively and in 12 eyes (35%) postoperatively. Features seen in patients with a poor surgical outcome included undetermined or light perception only preoperative vision (p = 0.012), diagnosis by B-scan (p = 0.003), the presence of PVR grade C or worse (p = 0.001), total retinal detachment (p = 0.001), and macula-off status (p = 0.016)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that retinal detachment caused by open globe injuries in the pediatric population is associated with worse surgical results and unsatisfied visual outcomes. Early vitrectomy, before a diagnosis of retinal detachment is made by serial echographic examinations, may be considered to reduce the incidence of PVR. Further clinical research is required to identify ways to improve the outcomes for these patients., (Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: To evaluate interleukin-8 (IL-8), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) profiles in vitreous humor and blood samples in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and in patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and to compare the levels with those of controls., Patients and Methods: NO concentrations were determined by using the Greiss reaction in plasma and vitreous humor samples. GSH levels were determined in both blood and vitreous humor samples, using DTNB, a disulfide chromogen. Vitreous IL-8 were assayed by ELISA. Twenty-three patients with PDR, 18 patients with PVR and 21 cadavers as the control group were included in the study., Results: Plasma and vitreous NO levels were found to be 25.6 +/- 2.1 and 36.9 +/- 3.0 micromol/l in patients with PDR, 27.0 +/- 4.7 and 34.3 +/- 2.9 micromol/l in patients with PVR and 17.4 +/- 2.7 and 15.9 +/- 1.4 micromol/l in controls, respectively. Vitreous humor and plasma NO levels did not show any statistically significant difference between PDR and PVR groups. However, the values for vitreous in both groups were significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.0001). Although IL-8 levels in vitreous samples of patients with PDR were not significantly different (79.6 +/- 9.7 pg/ml) from those of patients with PVR (42.2 +/- 7.3 pg/ml) (p = 0.06), the levels in both groups were significantly higher than those of controls (19.0 +/- 3.9 pg/ml) (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Blood and vitreous GSH levels were found to be 5.3 +/- 0.4 micromol/g. Hb and 0.58 +/- 0.16 micromol/l in patients with PDR and 8.4 +/- 0.5 micromol/g. Hb and 15.7 +/- 2.2 micromol/l in patients with PVR and 12.0 +/- 1.1 micromol/g. Hb and 0.26 +/- 0.03 mmol/l in controls, respectively. Vitreous and blood GSH levels were significantly lower in patients with PDR compared to those with PVR (p < 0.0001 for both)., Conclusion: Elevated levels of vitreous and plasma NO and vitreous IL-8 in PDR and PVR implicate a role for these parameters in the proliferation in these ocular disorders. GSH concentrations both in vitreous and blood samples of the PVR and PDR patients were much less than those observed in the control group. Lower GSH concentrations detected in PDR in comparison with those in PVR in vitreous humor and to a lesser degree in blood may play an important role in pathogenesis of new retinal vessel formation in patients with PDR. This also suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of PVR and particularly that of PDR., (Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Purpose: To compare the cellularity of vitreous samples obtained from patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and from patients with uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) to detect possible variations in cellularity over time., Methods: One hundred and twenty-five vitreous specimens collected from patients with RD (n = 41) and PVR (n = 84) were processed through direct paraffin embedding and cytospin. Different cell types were identified by light-microscopy (hematoxylin-eosin and Papanicolaou stain) according to their morphologic features, and a scale of cellular density was established for each cell type. Student's t test was used to analyze differences in the cellularity of RD versus PVR. A quadratic model was used to identify variations in the density of each cellular type in the PVR group, based on its evolution time., Results: During the first months after surgery, more macrophages and fibroblast-like cells were observed in the PVR group, but at other times no differences were found., Conclusions: There are some differences in vitreous cellularity in PVR specimens when compared with RD. Especially relevant could be the large number of macrophages in earlier stages and their constant presence over time in PVR samples. The cytology of vitreous samples may shed light on the chronology of PVR cell pathobiology., (Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel)

In a search for a pharmacologic adjuvant in the management of posttraumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), we investigated the effect of intravitreal injection of prinomastat (AG3340) on an experimental model. Posterior penetrating eye trauma was created in one eye each of 24 New Zealand white rabbits. One week after the surgery, all rabbits were randomized (1:1) to receive 0.5 mg prinomastat or the vehicle of the drug intravitreally every week for 6 weeks. The degree of PVR for each hemiretina was scored, and the two scores were summed to obtain a total eye score. The mean total eye score was 3.58 in the treatment group and 5.75 in the control group (p = 0.0307). The numbers of eyes with tractional retinal detachment in the prinomastat-treated (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups were 3 and 9, respectively (p = 0.0391). These results suggest that intravitreally administered prinomastat has an inhibitory effect on posttraumatic PVR., (Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel)

We reviewed 1,136 cases of retinal detachment in 1,073 patients. Late recurrence was defined as the reappearance of subretinal fluid after at least 6 months of clear, total reattachment. Fifty-one patients (4.75%) had a late recurrence. New or reopened peripheral breaks were either definitely observed or presumed to be present in 40 eyes (78.5%), and none were definite peripheral holes or retinal dialyses. Three macular holes reopened after having initially been managed by vitrectomy. One additional macular hole occurred as a new break. Late severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in the last 7 cases. Only vitrectomy for initial detachment and lens extraction after reattachment correlated with late recurrence. Vitrectomy was still a significant risk factor when macular holes were excluded.

We investigated the role of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The IL-8 level in the vitreous and the blood of 20 patients with PVR was measured by a specific enzyme-linked immunoassay method. Vitreous from cadaver eyes (n = 20) was used as the control. The IL-8 level in the vitreous was between 31.3 and 65 pg/ml in 40% of eyes with PVR. IL-8 was detected neither in the blood of the patients with PVR nor in the vitreous from cadaver eyes. IL-8 levels in the vitreous did not correlate with either the grade of PVR or the duration of symptoms. These results suggest that IL-8 may play a role in the pathogenesis of PVR.

In this study, the late secondary changes of the eye in long-standing, untreated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) were examined. The most common complications were cataract (61.1%), strabismus (45.5%), toxic uveitis (27.3%) and development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (100.0%). Complete loss of vision was found in all cases. Maximal visual acuity was hand motion, but only in 9.1% of cases. In the late follow-up period of untreated RRD, anatomic changes of the eye, permanent loss of vision and esthetic defects will appear.