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Purpose: To report a case of occult globe perforation following craniofacial surgery. Methods: A 16-year-old girl presented with vision loss and hypotony of her left eye following a craniofacial procedure, including bilateral medial canthopexy. This report describes the evaluation and findings following the craniofacial surgery. Results: After recognition of vision loss and concern for rupture, surgical exploration was performed by an ophthalmologist at an outside institution on suspicion of globe penetration/perforation. Surgical exploration did not identify any scleral entry/exit sites. She was then referred for vitreoretinal consultation. Serous choroidal detachments and associated retinal detachment were identified on ultrasound. The patient was maintained on her postoperative oral antibiotics and followed closely. As the intraocular pressure improved, the choroidals began to resolve. Two retinal break sites were identified on opposite sides of the globe in the retinal periphery. Laser retinopexy was performed at the two penetration sites. The patient recovered excellent vision without any additional complications. Conclusion: Early recognition and high suspicion of globe injury is critical in cases of postoperative vision loss following craniofacial surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews advances in the ability to detect complications of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and monitor response to therapies. AMD studies used fluorescein angiography to determine the need for treatment. It discusses optical coherence tomography. It describes the use of fundus autofluorescence for the evaluation of AMD lesions.

The article describes the case of a 78-year-old man with a history of small-cell lung cancer who developed metastatic carcinoma to the retina. A review of the case and systematic literature review show that retinal metastases can occasionally be misinterpreted as infectious retinitis. It concluded that metastatic carcinoma to the retina should be considered in patients who are suspected of having infectious retinopathy and do not respond to antimicrobial therapies.

The article presents a case study of a 76-year-old woman with closed macular hole (MH) after undergoing an indocyanine green (ICG) assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. It reveals that the woman lost her sight in the left eye after one month of the operation and that her visual ability was rated as 20/400. Results show that intraretinal changes were determined after the ICG assisted ILM peeling was applied during the MH surgery.

A preface for the January 2011 issue of the journal "International Ophthalmology Clinics" is presented.

Purpose: The Phase 3 Mylight study was designed to confirm clinical equivalence of proposed biosimilar aflibercept (SOK583A1; Sandoz [proposed biosimilar aflibercept, SDZ-AFL]) to its reference biologic (Eylea; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Bayer AG [reference aflibercept, Ref-AFL])., Method: Mylight was a prospective, double-masked, 2-arm, parallel Phase 3 study. Participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were randomized 1:1 to receive eight injections of SDZ-AFL (n = 244) or Ref-AFL (n = 240) over 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean change in best-corrected visual acuity score from baseline to Week 8. Secondary endpoints included anatomical outcomes, best-corrected visual acuity at Weeks 24 and 52, safety, and pharmacokinetics., Results: Similarity in mean change in best-corrected visual acuity score was established between SDZ-AFL (n = 235) and Ref-AFL (n = 226) at Week 8 (difference: -0.3 [90% CI, -1.5 to 1.0]) and Week 52. No clinically meaningful differences occurred between groups in anatomical outcomes. Safety profiles were similar, with comparable incidences of treatment-related adverse events (SDZ-AFL: 2.5%; Ref-AFL: 2.9%). The incidence of anti-drug antibodies was similar between groups. Systemic free aflibercept concentrations 24 hours postdose were low and comparable between SDZ-AFL and Ref-AFL., Conclusion: Proposed biosimilar aflibercept matched reference aflibercept in efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, this Phase 3 study confirmed biosimilarity of SDZ-AFL to Ref-AFL., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Opthalmic Communications Society, Inc.)

Purpose: To develop professional guidelines for best practices for suprachoroidal space (SCS) injection, an innovative technique for retinal therapeutic delivery, based on current published evidence and clinical experience., Methods: A panel of expert ophthalmologists reviewed current published evidence and clinical experience during a live working group meeting to define points of consensus and key clinical considerations to inform the development of guidelines for in-office SCS injection., Results: Core consensus guidelines for in-office SCS injection were reached and reported by the expert panel. Current clinical evidence and physician experience supported SCS injection as a safe and effective method for delivering retinal and choroidal therapeutics. The panel established consensus on the rationale for SCS injection, including potential benefits relative to other intraocular delivery methods and current best practices in patient preparation, pre- and peri-injection management, SCS-specific injection techniques, and postinjection management and follow-up., Conclusion: These expert panel guidelines may support and promote standardization of SCS injection technique, with the goal of optimizing patient safety and outcomes. Some aspects of the procedure may reasonably be modified based on the clinical setting and physician judgment, as well as additional study., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Opthalmic Communications Society, Inc.)

Background/purpose: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies have proven effective in treating retinal diseases but come with a high financial burden to the patient and health care system. Biosimilar drugs present an opportunity to decrease the cost of these important ophthalmic medications, and several ophthalmic biosimilars are expected to be approved and enter the market in the coming years. The objectives of this review are to educate ophthalmologists on the safety and efficacy of biosimilars in ophthalmology in the United States and European Union, review the biosimilar manufacturing and approval process, and describe the upcoming ophthalmic biosimilars., Results: Two ranibizumab biosimilars are currently approved in the United States and European Union. Additional ranibizumab biosimilars, as well as biosimilars for aflibercept and bevacizumab, are currently in clinical development., Conclusion: Biosimilar use in ophthalmology is expected to grow with the patent expiration of two major anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, ranibizumab and aflibercept, and the development of an ophthalmology-specific bevacizumab biosimilar. Financial savings from biosimilar use in ophthalmology have the potential to reduce economic burden, increase treatment adherence, and ultimately improve health outcomes., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Opthalmic Communications Society, Inc.)

Purpose: To quantify ellipsoid zone (EZ) changes in integrity after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery, correlate findings to visual acuity, and determine predictors for prognosis., Methods: A post hoc analysis of eyes undergoing ERM surgery pooled from the prospective DISCOVER intraoperative optical coherence tomography study and eyes undergoing conventional ERM surgery without intraoperative optical coherence tomography. Quantitative EZ features were extracted using a multilayer machine learning enabled automated segmentation platform after image analyst review/correction for segmentation accuracy. Visual acuity and EZ integrity were quantitatively assessed and correlated before and after ERM surgery. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess preoperative visual acuity and EZ features as predictors for improvement in visual acuity or EZ integrity., Results: There were 177 eyes from 177 subjects that underwent ERM surgery from the DISCOVER and conventional arms. Improvement in visual acuity and multiple EZ integrity features was noted after ERM surgery, including EZ partial attenuation and EZ-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) volume (P < 0.05). A reduction in EZ partial attenuation and increase in EZ-RPE central subfield thickness (EZ-RPE CST) was significantly correlated with improved visual acuity after ERM surgery (P < 0.05). More robust EZ-RPE CST at baseline predicted visual acuity improvement after ERM peel in regression modeling (β = 0.005, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Longitudinal assessment of EZ features demonstrates significant postoperative improvement in multiple EZ integrity metrics after ERM surgery. Improving EZ integrity was correlated to improving the visual acuity. Ellipsoid zone integrity and visual acuity were significant predictors in regression modeling and may have value in clinical prognostication.

Purpose: Retinal fluid and thickness are important anatomical features of disease activity in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, as evidenced by clinical trials that have used these features for inclusion criteria, retreatment criteria, and outcome measures of the efficacy of intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents., Methods: A literature review of anatomical measures of disease activity was conducted., Results: Treatment goals for neovascular age-related macular degeneration include improving/maintaining vision by drying the retina, and several analyses have evaluated the relationship between visual function and anatomy. The change in retinal thickness has been found to correlate with the change in the visual acuity, and variation in retinal thickness may predict visual acuity outcomes. In addition, specific fluid compartments may have different prognostic values. For example, the presence of intraretinal fluid has been associated with poorer visual acuity, whereas the presence of subretinal fluid has been associated with better visual acuity. Retinal fluid and thickness are important for selecting dosing interval durations in clinical trials and clinical practice., Conclusion: Retinal thickness and retinal fluid are common anatomical measures of disease activity in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Further research is required to fully elucidate the relationship between anatomical features and visual outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the Opthalmic Communications Society, Inc.)

Purpose: To assess the relationship of dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) and intraoperative membrane-peeling dynamics as visualized using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to evaluate the functional implications of DONFL., Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of eyes undergoing membrane peeling for vitreomacular interface disorders in the prospective PIONEER intraoperative OCT study. Retinal layer measurements in preincision and postpeel intraoperative OCT images were obtained. The primary outcome was development of DONFL appearance on spectral domain OCT at 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included correlation of DONFL with surgical technique, surgical indication, intraoperative OCT findings, and retinal sensitivity., Results: Ninety-five eyes were included. The prevalence of DONFL at 6 months was 36%. Increased inner retinal layer thickness on intraoperative OCT immediately after membrane peeling was associated with development of DONFL (P < 0.01). Macular hole repair was significantly associated with DONFL appearance. Peel technique (forceps vs. diamond-dusted membrane scraper) was not associated with DONFL. There was no difference in retinal sensitivity or visual acuity between eyes with or without DONFL., Conclusion: Acute postpeel increase in inner retinal thickness and macular hole repair were associated with development of DONFL appearance. However, it is unclear whether the surgical indication (e.g., macular hole) or the surgical manipulations performed (e.g., internal limiting membrane peeling) is the major factor that has an impact on DONFL appearance. Overall, these findings suggest that one mechanism in the development of DONFL appearance may be intraoperative trauma to the inner retina, potentially during internal limiting membrane peeling (e.g., macular hole repair).

Purpose: To report the safety of intravitreal ocriplasmin injection based on 2 Phase 3 clinical trials in patients with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion/vitreomacular traction, including when associated with full-thickness macular holes., Methods: Safety analyses were based on 2 completed Phase 3 studies assessing intravitreal ocriplasmin injection. Adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and suspected adverse drug reactions are reported. The authors also report AEs of special interest from 8 other completed Phase 2 studies and 2 ongoing studies., Results: A total of 465 eyes were injected with ocriplasmin (125 µg), and 187 eyes were treated with placebo injection in Phase 3 studies. Overall AE rate was 69.0% in the placebo group and 76.6% for ocriplasmin-treated patients. Most AEs were in the study eye, mild or moderate in severity, and transient. All suspected adverse drug reactions were ocular; the majority was nonserious, of mild intensity, and transient., Conclusion: Intravitreal ocriplasmin injection provides a generally well-tolerated pharmacologic treatment option for patients with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion/vitreomacular traction, including when associated with full-thickness macular holes ≤400 µm in diameter.

Purpose: To assess the microarchitectural changes occurring during surgery for vitreomacular traction using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT)., Methods: A retrospective, consecutive case series of eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction with performance of concurrent iOCT. A custom, microscope-mounted portable spectral domain optical coherence tomography system was used. Clinical characteristics and iOCT images were analyzed., Results: Twelve eyes of 12 patients were included with a mean preoperative visual acuity of 20/78 improving to 20/51 (P = 0.02), postoperatively. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography was successfully performed in 100% of cases. Microarchitectural changes were noted on iOCT after surgical release of the vitreomacular traction particularly in the outer retina with increased subretinal hyporeflectivity (e.g., expansion of the distance between the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor layers). In 5 of 12 eyes (42%), iOCT findings altered the surgical procedure (e.g., internal limiting membrane peeling, gas tamponade) to address the subclinical findings (e.g., full-thickness macular hole formation, residual membrane)., Conclusion: Intrasurgical imaging using iOCT during vitreomacular traction surgery may identify subclinical changes (e.g., occult full-thickness macular hole formation) that may impact surgical decision making. Architectural changes may occur after surgical maneuvers that are particularly noted in the outer retina. The functional significance of these changes requires further investigation.

Purpose: To evaluate the intrasurgical retinal architectural and macular hole (MH) geometric alterations that occur during surgical MH repair using intraoperative optical coherence tomography., Methods: A retrospective, multisurgeon, single-center, consecutive case series of 21 eyes undergoing surgical repair for MH with concurrent intraoperative optical coherence tomography using a custom microscope-mounted optical coherence tomography system was performed. All patients underwent surgical repair with pars plana vitrectomy, membrane peel, and gas tamponade. A novel three-dimensional segmentation algorithm was used for volumetric analysis of intrasurgical changes of MH geometry after surgical repair. Intraoperative optical coherence tomographic characteristics analyzed included MH volume, minimum diameter, base area, and hole height. Outer retinal architecture changes were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively., Results: All 21 eyes were successfully imaged with intraoperative optical coherence tomography. Nineteen of 21 eyes had images of sufficient signal strength to allow for quantitative analysis. Significant changes were noted in MH geometry after internal limiting membrane peeling including increased MH volume, increased base area, and decreased top area (all P < 0.03). Additionally, increased subretinal hyporeflectance was noted by expansion of the height between the inner segment/outer segment and retinal pigment epithelium bands (P = 0.008). Peeling methods and surgeon experience did not correlate with the magnitude of architectural alterations. Macular hole algorithm measurements and alterations were associated with visual outcome and MH closure., Conclusion: Significant alterations occur in MH geometry and outer retinal structure after internal limiting membrane peeling. These changes are subclinical and unable to be appreciated with en face surgical microscope viewing and require intraoperative optical coherence tomography for visualization. Preliminary analysis of these measurements identified an association with visual outcome and successful MH closure. The functional significance of these changes deserves further study.

Purpose: To review the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diagnosis and management of vitreomacular disease and the impact of OCT on potential uses of ocriplasmin, a new pharmacologic vitreolysis agent recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion., Methods: Analysis of current literature regarding OCT in diagnosis and management of vitreomacular interface disease., Results: Posterior vitreous detachment is typically a nonpathologic age-related event. Anomalous posterior vitreous detachment emerges when the vitreous cortex fails to cleanly detach from the macula, optic nerve, or other adherent sites. Focal vitreomacular adhesion is a nonpathologic anatomical designation associated with perifoveal posterior vitreous detachment but normal retinal morphology on OCT. Vitreomacular traction is a pathologic consequence of persistent vitreous attachment with structural disturbance of the macular retina visible on OCT. Full-thickness macular holes are foveal defects continuous through all retinal layers to the retinal pigment epithelium. Vitreomacular traction and macular hole with focal vitreomacular adhesion are indications for pharmacologic vitreolysis., Conclusion: Noninvasive high-resolution OCT imaging has transformed the understanding of vitreomacular interface disease. Careful evaluation of the vitreomacular interface with OCT has increased in importance with the introduction of ocriplasmin for vitreomacular adhesion associated with symptomatic anatomical retinal changes.

Purpose: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of the Health Management Tool (HMT), a novel computing system using mobile handheld devices, to remotely monitor retinal visual function daily in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with ranibizumab., Methods: Patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in at least 1 eye (newly diagnosed or successfully treated < 1 year) and eligible for ranibizumab therapy were enrolled in this 16-week, prospective, open-label, single-arm study. Patients performed a shape discrimination hyperacuity test (myVisionTrack [mVT]) daily on the HMT device (iPhone 3GS) remotely and at all clinic visits. Data entered into HMT devices were collected in the HMT database, which also sent reminders for patients to take mVT., Results: Among 160 patients from 24 U.S. centers enrolled in the study (103 [64%] ≥ 75 years of age), 84.7% on average complied with daily mVT testing and ≈ 98.9% complied with at least weekly mVT testing. The HMT database successfully uploaded more than 17,000 mVT assessment values and sent more than 9,000 reminders., Conclusion: Elderly patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were willing and able to comply with daily self-testing of retinal visual function using mobile handheld devices in this novel system of remote vision monitoring.

Purpose: To evaluate ultrastructural macular changes during rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT)., Methods: A multisurgeon, single-center consecutive case series of 9 eyes undergoing surgical repair for macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with iOCT imaging using a custom microscope-mounted spectral domain OCT system. All patients underwent combined vitrectomy/scleral buckle repair. Imaging characteristics were analyzed, including persistence of subclinical intraoperative subretinal fluid and architectural changes associated with intraoperative maneuvers. Clinical characteristics were analyzed., Results: Nine eyes of nine patients were identified that underwent iOCT imaging during macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Persistent subclinical subretinal fluid was identified in 100% of eyes after perfluoro-n-octane instillation. Significant alterations to the foveal architecture were detected with iOCT in 100% of cases. Three foveal configurations were noted based on iOCT findings. Stage 1 was characterized by a small area of subfoveal hyporeflectivity (3/9 eyes), Stage 2 had prominent subretinal hyporeflectivity and foveal thinning with indeterminate macular hole (MH) formation (3/9 eyes), and Stage 3 demonstrated definitive full-thickness MH (3/9 eyes). No eyes were noted to have a MH preoperatively or in the immediate postoperative period. One Stage 3 eye developed a full-thickness MH 7 months postoperatively. Stage 3 configuration was associated with poorer final postoperative visual acuity (P = 0.009)., Conclusion: Microarchitectural changes occur during intraoperative repair of retinal detachments, including significant alterations in foveal configuration and persistent subretinal fluid. These features may help to prognosticate outcomes. These findings also suggest a possible novel mechanism for postrhegmatogenous retinal detachment MH formation.

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of trans-tamponade optical coherence tomography and evaluate factors contributing to image quality and acquisition success., Methods: Retrospective case series of eyes receiving Postoperative Day 1 optical coherence tomography imaging after vitrectomy and gas tamponade. The quality of the scans was graded by three independent expert readers. Clinical and surgical variables were recorded and correlated with scan quality., Results: Eighty eyes were included in the study. An image quality classification scheme was developed (0-4, 0 = no image and 4 = comparable quality to trans-fluid optical coherence tomography). In 51 scans (64%), visualization of the inner retina and retinal pigment epithelium was achieved (Grades 2-4) but with variable image quality of the retinal layers. Twenty-nine scans (36%) achieved visualization of all retinal layers (Grades 3-4). Only 9 scans (11%) were of comparable quality to fluid-filled eyes (Grade 4). Pseudophakia (P = 0.0001), shorter operative times (P = 0.007), and macular surgery (P = 0.002) correlated with scan quality. An optimum scan protocol was developed to facilitate maximum quality images., Conclusion: Successful trans-tamponade optical coherence tomography through gas on Postoperative Day 1 is possible but significant variability exists in scan quality.

Purpose of Review: To discuss the current combination treatments that involve existing as well as novel drugs that show promise for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration., Recent Findings: Photodynamic therapy in combination with antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and steroids is currently used as a second-line therapy in patients not responding to monotherapy with anti-VEGF agents or in whom the treatment burden of monthly injections is too great. It is used as a primary therapy for idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Radiation and antiplatelet-derived growth factor therapy show promising results and are currently under investigation., Summary: Using combination treatments that target other pathways involved in angiogenesis will hopefully improve on the results of current anti-VEGF agents and may result in greater visual improvement and more convenient dosing regimens.

Purpose: The purpose was to study preinjection optical coherence tomography-related factors in age-related macular degeneration eyes with retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) that may predispose retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tears associated with intravitreal bevacizumab injections., Methods: This multicenter retrospective case series involving 9 retina specialists and 7 centers investigated Stratus optical coherence tomography (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) parameters in eyes with vascularized PED (vPED) from February 2006 to February 2007. Of the 1,280 eyes in 1,255 patients receiving 2,890 intravitreal injections, there were 125 eyes with vPED. For every vPED eye that developed an RPE tear (Group 1), 3 or more vPED eyes without RPE tears (Group 2) were randomly selected in each study center during the same time period for comparison. The primary outcome measure was PED height (microm), and the secondary measures included volume index (vPED height x surface area), total macular volume, subretinal fluid, cystoid macular edema, center-point thickness, central 1 mm, and pre- and postinjection best-corrected Snellen visual acuities., Results: Twenty-one vPED eyes in 21 patients among 125 vPED eyes (16.8% of all vPED eyes) developed RPE tears. The 21 Group 1 eyes were compared with the 78 randomly selected Group 2 eyes. The vPED height was significantly higher for Group 1 eyes in comparison to Group 2 eyes (mean: 648.9 +/- 245.0 vs. 338.1 +/- 201.6 microm, P < 0.001). The same was true for the following: volume index (P = 0.001), subretinal fluid (P = 0.002), and total macular volume (P = 0.04). The mean preinjection and post-RPE tear best-corrected visual acuity were 0.92 logMAR (20/166) and 0.84 logMAR (20/137), respectively (P = 0.25). Multivariate analysis showed PED height to be the only significant risk factor associated with RPE tears in Group 1 eyes [odds ratio = 0.995 (95% confidence interval: 0.992-0.997), P < 0.001]., Conclusion: Elevated preinjection vPED height is the single most significant predictor for RPE tears after bevacizumab injections for vPED eyes. A vPED height >400 microm is associated with a significant risk for such a complication.

Radiotherapy is a promising adjunctive tool to antiangiogenesis therapies for control of the choroidal neovascularization that characterizes exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration. Historically, radiation monotherapy sufficient to effectively eradicate choroidal neovascularization has been associated with mixed results; however, newer techniques and delivery platforms have been developed to improve efficacy. The most significant improvements are technical advances that improve the precision of energy delivery, so that tissue destruction remains confined to the target. In addition, several combination therapies are showing promise for enhanced effect. Other strategies, such as pretreating neovascular tissue to increase its sensitivity to radiation, thereby reducing the energy dose, may also be viable. However, even though the modern delivery systems permit relatively low dosages, there are risks of radiotherapy to ocular tissue, and its role remains speculative, pending results of ongoing trials.

Clinical trials increasingly support the premise that inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor is a viable but insufficient target for long-term control of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additional biologic therapies targeted at very specific steps in the proliferative signaling pathway are being actively sought as alternatives or adjunctive strategies for the treatment of AMD. This rapidly advancing area of drug development is particularly encouraging because of the growing appreciation for the redundancies and interrelationships between the molecular events. The complexity of this signaling pathway supports the development of combination treatments for optimal control of biologic functions.