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Purpose: To examine the changes in retinal microvasculature in association with retinal layers’ condition in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Participants in this study were 89 patients with macula off RRD, who were successfully treated with PPV and gas tamponade without internal limiting membrane peeling, in two centers. All participants underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at week 5, month 3 and month 6 postoperatively. The fellow untreated eyes were also examined and served as control data. Results: A statistically significant enlargement in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in both superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), accompanied with a statistically significant thinning of inner retinal layers, was noticed 5 weeks postoperatively. These changes, namely FAZ enlargement and thinning of inner retinal layers, in the operated eyes compared to the fellow eyes, remained unchanged till month 6 postoperatively. BCVA improved significantly from week 5 to months 3 and 6 postoperatively. The improvement in BCVA was associated with the gradual ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery from the first (week 5) till the last examination (month 6). Conclusions: The FAZ enlargement in the operated eyes was accompanied with a statistically significant thinning in the inner retinal layers. Inter-correlation of BCVA and EZ integrity was noticed.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate potential predictive factors of long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Participants in this study were 86 patients diagnosed with macula-off RRD, who underwent PPV. Demographic characteristics and preoperative characteristics of RRD were recorded, while best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured preoperatively and at specific postoperative time points (6 weeks and 6, 12, and 24 months). In addition, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics at postoperative week 6 were assessed as potential factors affecting the long-term postoperative visual outcome 24 months after PPV for RRD. Results: Increasing age, duration of RD of more than 1 week, presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, increasing central retinal thickness, ellipsoid zone disruption, and external limiting membrane disruption were significantly associated with a worse BVCA. BCVA was not associated with gender, lens status, the location of breaks, the gas tamponade agent used in PPV, the presence of subretinal fluid, and intraretinal fluid. Conclusions: It is important to determine predictive factors for visual outcomes in order to inform patients about their prognosis and help in the decision-making process for patient management.

Purpose: To examine the changes in retinal microvasculature in association with retinal layers’ condition in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Participants in this study were 89 patients with macula off RRD, who were successfully treated with PPV and gas tamponade without internal limiting membrane peeling, in two centers. All participants underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at week 5, month 3 and month 6 postoperatively. The fellow untreated eyes were also examined and served as control data. Results: A statistically significant enlargement in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in both superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), accompanied with a statistically significant thinning of inner retinal layers, was noticed 5 weeks postoperatively. These changes, namely FAZ enlargement and thinning of inner retinal layers, in the operated eyes compared to the fellow eyes, remained unchanged till month 6 postoperatively. BCVA improved significantly from week 5 to months 3 and 6 postoperatively. The improvement in BCVA was associated with the gradual ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery from the first (week 5) till the last examination (month 6). Conclusions: The FAZ enlargement in the operated eyes was accompanied with a statistically significant thinning in the inner retinal layers. Inter-correlation of BCVA and EZ integrity was noticed. © The Author(s) 2021.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature is to evaluate the association between cardiometabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and triglycerides) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods: Pertinent publications were identified through a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE databases, without language restrictions. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD), with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using random effects (DerSimonian Laird) models, as appropriate. A set of subgroup analyses and meta-regression analysis models were performed. Results: Twenty-one studies (including 1560 patients with NAION and 2292 controls), examining the association between NAION and cardiometabolic risk factors, were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Hypertension (pooled OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.16–1.94), diabetes mellitus (pooled OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.33–2.21), and hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia (pooled OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.53–2.62) were associated with NAION. Among the components of dyslipidemia, higher serum triglycerides were associated with NAION, with a medium effect size (SMD = + 0.58, 95% CI: + 0.12 to + 1.04), whereas synthesis of four studies reporting on HDL and LDL cholesterol did not reveal any significant associations. A significant association between NAION and higher serum lipoprotein(a) levels (pooled OR = 2.88; 95%CI: 1.01–8.21) was also noted. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that NAION was associated with cardiometabolic factors, suggesting that vascular dysfunction may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Our findings may alert health care providers to try modifying these risk factors for NAION prevention. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Purpose To investigate the adjunct efficacy and safety of vitamin supplements, including resveratrol, in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Methods Participants in this prospective study were 45 patients with DME, who were treated with either intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (n = 23, Group I) or with combination of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and vitamin supplements, including resveratrol (n = 22, Group II). All patients underwent visual acuity measurement, slit-lamp examination and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at baseline and monthly after the loading phase of three-monthly anti-VEGF injections, following a PRN protocol. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity in both groups at month 12 compared to baseline, although the mean change in visual acuity did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.183). Accordingly, there was a statistically significant decrease in central retinal thickness in both groups at month 12 compared to baseline, while the mean difference in central retinal thickness was significantly greater in the “combination” group. The mean number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection was less in Group II (6.45 ± 1.12 in Group II vs. 7.39 ± 1.31 in Group I, p = 0.018). Conclusions Vitamin supplements with resveratrol was found to be an effective adjunct to intravitreal anti-VEGF injections in patients with DME, offering better anatomic restoration with less injections at the 12-month follow-up.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature is to evaluate the association between cardiometabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and triglycerides) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).Pertinent publications were identified through a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE databases, without language restrictions. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD), with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using random effects (DerSimonian Laird) models, as appropriate. A set of subgroup analyses and meta-regression analysis models were performed.Twenty-one studies (including 1560 patients with NAION and 2292 controls), examining the association between NAION and cardiometabolic risk factors, were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Hypertension (pooled OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.16-1.94), diabetes mellitus (pooled OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.33-2.21), and hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia (pooled OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.53-2.62) were associated with NAION. Among the components of dyslipidemia, higher serum triglycerides were associated with NAION, with a medium effect size (SMD = + 0.58, 95% CI: + 0.12 to + 1.04), whereas synthesis of four studies reporting on HDL and LDL cholesterol did not reveal any significant associations. A significant association between NAION and higher serum lipoprotein(a) levels (pooled OR = 2.88; 95%CI: 1.01-8.21) was also noted.This systematic review and meta-analysis found that NAION was associated with cardiometabolic factors, suggesting that vascular dysfunction may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Our findings may alert health care providers to try modifying these risk factors for NAION prevention.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and investigate the possible risk factors for poor quality of life in...

A 71-year-old woman presented with progressive, bilateral, blurred vision and nyctalopia for the last 6 months. Her past medical history included total hysterectomy and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer 4 years ago, without metastases. Optical coherence tomography revealed outer retinal layers' thinning bilaterally, while diffuse retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities were found in fundus autofluorescence. Full-field electroretinogram showed abnormalities in both a- and b-waves with significant reduction of retinal sensitivity, affecting however more the rod system. The patient was positive for alpha-enolase and was diagnosed with cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR), which developed 4-year primary cancer. Computerized tomography scan revealed an enlarged para-aortic lymph node at the left kidney, and the patient was started on chemotherapy, combined with immunosuppressive treatment. In conclusion, CAR should be suspected in patients experiencing unexplained visual disturbances, especially in the context of previous cancer. © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and investigate the possible risk factors for poor quality of life in patients with RVO. Methods: Participants in the study were 67 patients with RVO, 42 male and 25 female, mean-aged 73.1 +/- 10.9 years, and 70 sex- and age-matched controls. Demographic data, lifestyle factors and medical history were recorded. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity measurement, dilated fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography. All participants completed two questionnaires assessing quality of life (EQ-5D, NEI VFQ-25). Risk factors for health-related quality of life in RVO patients were investigated. Results: Patients with RVO exhibited significantly lower composite score for VFQ-25 compared to controls (74.1 +/- 3.8 vs. 91.7 +/- 3.9 for patients and controls, respectively, p < .001). In addition, RVO patients had significantly lower EQ-5D Index score compared to controls (0.88 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.92 +/- 0.12 for patients and controls, respectively, p = .043). Risk factors associated with quality of life in patients with RVO were found the alcohol consumption, the presence of thyroidopathy, coagulation disorders, visual acuity in the eye with RVO, central retinal thickness, the type of edema, the presence of ischemia and the condition of external limiting membrane. In multivariate analysis, only alcohol consumption and visual acuity in the eye with RVO were found to be independent risk factors, affecting quality of life in RVO patients. Conclusions: Patients with RVO presented lower quality of life in comparison with controls. Potential risk factors should be taken into account and their early detection may improve quality of life in such patients and lead to targeted health policies.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate potential predictive factors of long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Participants in this study were 86 patients diagnosed with macula-off RRD, who underwent PPV. Demographic characteristics and preoperative characteristics of RRD were recorded, while best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured preoperatively and at specific postoperative time points (6 weeks and 6, 12, and 24 months). In addition, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics at postoperative week 6 were assessed as potential factors affecting the long-term postoperative visual outcome 24 months after PPV for RRD. Results: Increasing age, duration of RD of more than 1 week, presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, increasing central retinal thickness, ellipsoid zone disruption, and external limiting membrane disruption were significantly associated with a worse BVCA. BCVA was not associated with gender, lens status, the location of breaks, the gas tamponade agent used in PPV, the presence of subretinal fluid, and intraretinal fluid. Conclusions: It is important to determine predictive factors for visual outcomes in order to inform patients about their prognosis and help in the decision-making process for patient management. © 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel. Copyright: All rights reserved.

The purpose of this study was to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of ranibizumab versus aflibercept for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in a long-term follow-up.Participants in this prospective study were 112 treatment naïve patients with DME, who received treatment with either intravitreal ranibizumab (n = 54) or aflibercept (n = 58). The demographic data, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics were evaluated at baseline and at month 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 18 post treatment, while factors affecting visual outcome were determined using multivariate analysis.At month 18, the mean BCVA of ranibizumab-treated eyes increased 7.9 letters compared to 6.9 letters for eyes receiving aflibercept, with greater number of injections in ranibizumab group (9.2 ± 2.3 vs. 7.6 ± 2.1 injections in the ranibizumab and aflibercept group respectively,Ranibizumab and aflibercept presented similar anatomical and functional outcomes in 18-month follow-up in patients with DME. It is important to determine factors, affecting VA, so as to provide individualized treatment.

To stratify the literature on angioid streaks, from pathophysiology to treatment.Review of the current literature.Angioid streaks are crack-like dehiscences of Bruch membrane, which may coexist with systemic diseases, such as pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Paget disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hemoglobinopathies, or other diseases of the collagen. Various diagnostic methods, including infrared and red-free retinography, autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography, are useful to diagnose, evaluate, and monitor angioid streaks. Choroidal neovascularization consists of a major complication of angioid streaks leading to visual impairment. Therefore, observation could not be a treatment option. Photodynamic treatment or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have been used for the treatment of angioid streaks, offering promising but short-term results. Currently, the available treatment may limit the disease, but not permanently inactivate it.This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of angioid streaks, presenting the existing literature on this topic.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant for the treatment of macular edema after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal. Methods: This prospective study included 27 patients who were diagnosed with macular edema after PPV for ERM removal and who were treated with either intravitreal dexamethasone implant (n = 15) or were observed without intervention (n = 12). Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were assessed 1, 6, and 12 months ­after treatment. Results: Patients treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implant showed significant improvement in BCVA and reduction in CRT at months 1, 6, and 12 after treatment, while patients in the control group showed improvement that did not reach statistical significance. The two groups differed significantly in terms of BCVA and CRT at all time points of the follow-up period, in favor of the dexamethasone implant group. Eighty percent of the patients treated with intravitreal dexamethasone needed only one implant until month 12, while no serious adverse events were noticed in any group. Conclusions: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant was found to be effective and safe for the treatment of macular edema after PPV for ERM removal.

To examine the retinal layers’ changes and alterations in retinal microvasculature in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Participants in this study were 103 patients with RRD, 85 macula off and 18 macula on, who were treated with PPV and gas tamponade without internal limiting membrane peeling, in two centers. All participants underwent best corrected visual acuity measurement, slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography at week 5 and at month 6 postoperatively. The fellow untreated eyes were also examined and served as control data. A statistically significant enlargement in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in both superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) was noticed 5 weeks postoperatively in patients with RRD treated with PPV compared to the fellow eyes and remained 6 months after surgery. The FAZ enlargement in the operated eyes was accompanied with a statistically significant thinning of the inner retinal layer. In addition, there was a significant decrease in foveal and parafoveal vessel density (VD) in both SCP and DCP in the operated eyes compared to control eyes at week 5 postoperatively, which also remained at postoperative month 6. The study demonstrated that patients with RRD treated with PPV presented changes in the retinal microvasculature in both SCP and DCP, including enlargement of FAZ and decrease in VD. These changes seemed to be associated with inner retinal layer thinning.

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the potential risk factors associated independently with central serous retinopathy (CSR) in a Greek population, using multivariate approach.Participants in the study were 183 consecutive patients diagnosed with CSR and 183 controls, matched for age. All participants underwent complete ophthalmological examination and information regarding their sociodemographic, clinical, medical and ophthalmological history were recorded, so as to assess potential risk factors for CSR. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed.Univariate analysis showed that male sex, high educational status, high income, alcohol consumption, smoking, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, autoimmune disorders, H. pylori infection, type A personality and stress, steroid use, pregnancy and hyperopia were associated with CSR, while myopia was found to protect from CSR. In multivariate analysis, alcohol consumption, hypertension, coronary heart disease and autoimmune disorders lost their significance, while the remaining factors were all independently associated with CSR.It is important to take into account the various risk factors for CSR, so as to define vulnerable groups and to shed light into the pathogenesis of the disease.

Σκοπός: Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν να συγκρίνει τα ανατομικά και λειτουργικά αποτελέσματα του ranibizumab έναντι του aflibercept σε ασθενείς με διαβητικό οίδημα ωχράς σε μακροχρόνια περίοδο παρακολούθησης και να αξιολογήσει παράγοντες που σχετίζονται με το οπτικό αποτέλεσμα σε πολυμεταβλητό μοντέλο. Υλικό και μέθοδος: Συμμετέχοντες σε αυτήν την προοπτική μελέτη ήταν 112 ασθενείς με διαβητικό οίδημα ωχράς, που έλαβαν ενδοϋαλοειδική θεραπεία είτε με ranibizumab (n=54) είτε με aflibercept (n=58). Τα δημογραφικά δεδομένα των ασθενών, η οπτική οξύτητα και χαρακτηριστικά από την οπτική τομογραφία συνοχής αξιολογήθηκαν κατά τη διάγνωση του οιδήματος και στους μήνες 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 και 18 μετά τη θεραπεία, ώστε να γίνει σύγκριση των δύο αντι-αγγειογενετικών παραγόντων. Επιπλέον, τελέστηκε πολυμεταβλητή ανάλυση, για να καθοριστούν οι παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν το οπτικό αποτέλεσμα. Αποτελέσματα: Κατά τον μήνα 18, η μέση οπτική οξύτητα των οφθαλμών που είχαν λάβει ranibizumab αυξήθηκε κατά 7.9 γράμματα σε σύγκριση με 6.9 γράμματα σε αυτούς που έλαβαν aflibercept, με μεγαλύτερο αριθμό εγχύσεων στην ομάδα του ranibizumab (9.2±2.3 vs. 7.6±2.1 εγχύσεις στην ομάδα του ranibizumab και aflibercept αντίστοιχα, p=0.0002). Η διαφορά στην οπτική οξύτητα και στο κεντρικό πάχος του αμφιβληστροειδούς δεν διέφερε ανάμεσα στις δύο ομάδες τον μήνα 18. Παράγοντες, που βρέθηκε να σχετίζονται με χαμηλή οπτική οξύτητα, ήταν η αυξημένη ηλικία, το αυξημένο πάχος του αμφιβληστροειδούς, η διαταραγμένη ελλειψοειδής ζώνη και τα υψηλά επίπεδα HbA1c ≥7.5%. Συμπεράσματα: Οι δύο αντι-αγγειονετικοί παράγοντες, ranibizumab και aflibercept, παρουσιάζουν παρόμοια ανατομικά και λειτουργικά αποτελέσματα σε ασθενείς με διαβητικό οίδημα ωχράς σε περίοδο παρακολούθησης 18 μηνών. Είναι σημαντικό να μελετώνται και να καθορίζονται παράγοντες, που επηρεάζουν την οπτική οξύτητα, για την εξατομίκευση της θεραπείας. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of ranibizumab versus aflibercept for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in a long-term follow-up. Methods: Participants in this prospective study were 112 treatment naïve patients with DME, who received treatment with either intravitreal ranibizumab (n=54) or aflibercept (n=58). The demographic data, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics were evaluated at baseline and at month 1,2,3,6,12 and 18 post treatment, while factors affecting visual outcome were determined using multivariate analysis. Results: At month 18, the mean BCVA of ranibizumab-treated eyes increased 7.9 letters compared to 6.9 letters for eyes receiving aflibercept, with greater number of injections in ranibizumab group (9.2±2.3 vs. 7.6±2.1 injections in the ranibizumab and aflibercept group respectively, p=0.0002). The difference in letters between the two groups was not statistically significant, nor the difference in central subfield thickness at month 18. Factors associated with poorer BCVA were found to be increasing age, HbA1c ≥7.5%, increasing central retinal thickness and disrupted ellipsoid zone. Conclusions: Ranibizumab and aflibercept presented similar anatomical and functional outcomes in 18-month follow-up in patients with DME. It is important to determine factors, affecting VA, so as to provide individualized treatment.

Purpose: To examine the retinal layers’ changes and alterations in retinal microvasculature in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Participants in this study were 103 patients with RRD, 85 macula off and 18 macula on, who were treated with PPV and gas tamponade without internal limiting membrane peeling, in two centers. All participants underwent best corrected visual acuity measurement, slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography at week 5 and at month 6 postoperatively. The fellow untreated eyes were also examined and served as control data. Results: A statistically significant enlargement in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in both superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) was noticed 5 weeks postoperatively in patients with RRD treated with PPV compared to the fellow eyes and remained 6 months after surgery. The FAZ enlargement in the operated eyes was accompanied with a statistically significant thinning of the inner retinal layer. In addition, there was a significant decrease in foveal and parafoveal vessel density (VD) in both SCP and DCP in the operated eyes compared to control eyes at week 5 postoperatively, which also remained at postoperative month 6. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that patients with RRD treated with PPV presented changes in the retinal microvasculature in both SCP and DCP, including enlargement of FAZ and decrease in VD. These changes seemed to be associated with inner retinal layer thinning. © 2020, Springer Nature B.V.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of ranibizumab versus aflibercept for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in a long-term follow-up. Methods: Participants in this prospective study were 112 treatment naïve patients with DME, who received treatment with either intravitreal ranibizumab (n = 54) or aflibercept (n = 58). The demographic data, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) characteristics were evaluated at baseline and at month 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 18 post treatment, while factors affecting visual outcome were determined using multivariate analysis. Results: At month 18, the mean BCVA of ranibizumab-treated eyes increased 7.9 letters compared to 6.9 letters for eyes receiving aflibercept, with greater number of injections in ranibizumab group (9.2 ± 2.3 vs. 7.6 ± 2.1 injections in the ranibizumab and aflibercept group respectively, p = 0.0002). The difference in letters between the two groups was not statistically significant, nor the difference in central subfield thickness at month 18. Factors associated with poorer BCVA were found to be increasing age, HbA1c ≥7.5%, increasing central retinal thickness and disrupted ellipsoid zone. Conclusions: Ranibizumab and aflibercept presented similar anatomical and functional outcomes in 18-month follow-up in patients with DME. It is important to determine factors, affecting VA, so as to provide individualized treatment. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Purpose To evaluate the anatomical and functional findings in patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT) alone or in combination with epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, we studied 102 patients with VMT, either alone (n = 37) or combined with ERM (n = 65). All patients were examined with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). We recorded the vitreofoveal angle of VMT nasally and temporally, the horizontal diameter of VMT, macular thickness, the presence, type, and location of macular edema, the ellipsoid zone (ΕΖ)/external limiting membrane (ELM) status, and the visual acuity. Results Patients with VMT combined with ERM presented smaller vitreofoveal angle nasally and temporally, broader adhesion diameter, and a greater extent of EZ defect compared to patients with VMT alone, although there was no statistically significant difference in EZ and ELM condition regarding the number of affected cases. There is also no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups concerning the visual acuity. In the majority of patients with VMT alone, cystoid macular edema was present mainly at the foveal area. In cases where VMT coexisted with ERM, macular edema was mostly found to be diffuse, while cystoid or mixed type, extending to the whole macular area, was also present. Conclusions Patients with VMT in association with ERM have different characteristics in SD-OCT compared to those with VMT alone regarding the type and location of macular edema, the extent of EZ defect, as well as the vitreofoveal angle and the VMT diameter. Moreover, they presented worse visual acuity compared to those with VMT alone, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Purpose:To stratify the literature on angioid streaks, from pathophysiology to treatment.Methods:Review of the current literature.Results:Angioid streaks are crack-like dehiscences of Bruch membrane, which may coexist with systemic diseases, such as pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Paget disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hemoglobinopathies, or other diseases of the collagen. Various diagnostic methods, including infrared and red-free retinography, autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography, are useful to diagnose, evaluate, and monitor angioid streaks. Choroidal neovascularization consists of a major complication of angioid streaks leading to visual impairment. Therefore, observation could not be a treatment option. Photodynamic treatment or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have been used for the treatment of angioid streaks, offering promising but short-term results. Currently, the available treatment may limit the disease, but not permanently inactivate it.Conclusion:This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of angioid streaks, presenting the existing literature on this topic. © 2020 Royal Society of Chemistry. All rights reserved.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant for the treatment of macular edema after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal. Methods: This prospective study included 27 patients who were diagnosed with macular edema after PPV for ERM removal and who were treated with either intravitreal dexamethasone implant (n = 15) or were observed without intervention (n = 12). Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were assessed 1, 6, and 12 months -after treatment. Results: Patients treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implant showed significant improvement in BCVA and reduction in CRT at months 1, 6, and 12 after treatment, while patients in the control group showed improvement that did not reach statistical significance. The two groups differed significantly in terms of BCVA and CRT at all time points of the follow-up period, in favor of the dexamethasone implant group. Eighty percent of the patients treated with intravitreal dexamethasone needed only one implant until month 12, while no serious adverse events were noticed in any group. Conclusions: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant was found to be effective and safe for the treatment of macular edema after PPV for ERM removal. © 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel. All rights reserved.