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Background/aims Vitrectomy to repair retinal detachment is often performed with either non-contact wide-angle viewing systems or wide-angle contact viewing systems. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the viewing system used is associated with any differences in surgical outcomes of vitrectomy for primary non-complex retinal detachment repair. Methods This is a multicenter, interventional, retrospective, comparative study. Eyes that underwent non-complex primary retinal detachment repair by either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone or in combination with scleral buckle/PPV in 2015 were evaluated. The viewing system at the time of the retinal detachment repair was identified and preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 2256 eyes were included in our analysis. Of those, 1893 surgeries used a non-contact viewing system, while 363 used a contact lens system. There was no statistically significant difference in single surgery anatomic success at 3 months (p=0.72), or final anatomic success (p=0.40). Average postoperative visual acuity for the contact-based cases was logMAR 0.345 (20/44 Snellen equivalent) compared with 0.475 (20/60 Snellen equivalent) for non-contact (p=0.001). After controlling for numerous confounding variables in multivariable analysis, viewing system choice was no longer statistically significant (p=0.097). Conclusion There was no statistically significant difference in anatomic success achieved for primary retinal detachment repair when comparing non-contact viewing systems to contact lens systems. Postoperative visual acuity was better in the contact-based group but this was not statistically significant when confounding factors were controlled for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical pharmacology training for clinicians typically focuses on a drug's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. However, pharmaceutical formulation, the process of optimizing manufacturing methods and excipients to make a final drug product, is a critical process in determining whether a potential drug can become a realistic, routinely used therapeutic agent. This review focuses on the formulation methods used in commonly prescribed retina drug products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The incidence of syphilitic infections continues to rise and represents a major public health concern, particularly in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The infection has a multitude of clinical presentations and is often referred to as the ‘great imitator.’ We present a rare case of an isolated presumed syphilitic optic nerve gumma and characterize it using newer imaging modalities. Observations A 36-year-old HIV-positive man, compliant with treatment, presented with a five day history of decreased vision in the left eye. On examination his visual acuity was 20/30 with mild dyschromatopsia and an inferior altitudinal field defect in the left eye. Funduscopy demonstrated small cup to disc ratios bilaterally and a swollen and hyperemic left optic disc. Following five months of stable vision, the patient's vision in the left eye declined to 20/60, associated with diffuse visual field loss and continued swelling of the left optic disc. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging with contrast demonstrated enhancement of the left optic nerve, and his serologies were positive for syphilis. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography were used to better characterize the lesion being most consistent with a syphilitic optic nerve gumma. Conclusions and importance Gummas of the central nervous system are a rare presentation of neurosyphilis and the last reported gumma of the optic nerve was in 1990. Such lesions have not been characterized using newer imaging modalities including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography, both of which may assist in the diagnosis of this rare entity. With the increased prevalence of syphilis and remarkable response to therapy, syphilitic gummas should be considered in at-risk patients presenting with an optic neuropathy.

Purpose: To report 18 years of follow-up of a patient with atypical ocular sarcoidosis. Methods: The patient was observed in clinic and with photography for over 18 years. Results: One patient with a history of dermal melanoma and atypical ocular sarcoidosis. Discussion: Several features presented in this case are exceedingly atypical including lack of any intraocular inflammation over 18 years of yearly observation, the preservation of excellent vision despite the choroidal disease, and lack of systemic symptoms. This case suggests a disconnect between ocular sarcoidosis and intraocular inflammation, and supports clinical observation as a prudent method in patients with extensive choroidal disease and good vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]