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Topical povidone-iodine (PI) is widely used as an ocular surface antiseptic for intravitreal injections (IVIs). Although PI is generally well tolerated, it can be associated with significant ocular irritation. Aqueous chlorhexidine (AqCHX) has been described as a possibly better tolerated antimicrobial for ophthalmic procedures. We compared patient pain scores, ocular surface characteristics, and antimicrobial efficacy between PI 5% and AqCHX 0.1% during IVIs.Prospective single-center, randomized clinical trial.Patients receiving same-day bilateral intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections.Each patient had 1 eye randomized to PI or AqCHX, and the second eye received the other agent. Both eyes received topical proparacaine 0.5%.After IVIs, participants rated their pain (Wong-Baker, scale 0-10) for each eye 1 minute after PI or AqCHX instillation and 1 day after the procedure. Each eye was assessed using a standardized quantitative grading system of corneal epitheliopathy (ocular staining score). Microbial swab cultures of the conjunctiva both before instillation of topical antisepsis and 10 minutes after IVIs were given.A total of 100 eyes of 50 patients were included. The mean patient age was 68 years (range, 39-92), and 30 of 50 (60%) were male. Compared with AqCHX, eyes receiving PI had a greater mean pain score immediately after injection (1.44 vs. 0.44, P0.001) but not on postprocedure day 1 (1.04 vs. 0.48, P = 0.06). Eyes that received PI had a higher ocular staining score indicating worse corneal epitheliopathy (4.22 vs. 3.10, P0.001). There was no difference in rates of positive microbial cultures between groups. There was no difference in rates of adverse events between groups (P = 0.99), and no cases of endophthalmitis occurred.Povidone-iodine demonstrated greater ocular surface discomfort and corneal epitheliopathy compared with AqCHX during same-day bilateral IVIs. The 2 agents otherwise demonstrated no difference in positive microbial cultures or adverse events. Aqueous chlorhexidine may be a better tolerated alternative to PI for antimicrobial prophylaxis during IVIs for some patients.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of physician face mask use on rates and outcomes of post-injection endophthalmitis. Design Retrospective, comparative cohort study Methods . Setting Single-center Study Population Eyes receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections from 7/1/2013 to 9/1/2019. Intervention Cases were divided into “face mask group” if face masks were worn by the physician during intravitreal injections or “no talking group” if no face mask was worn but a no talking policy was observed during intravitreal injections. Main Outcome Measures Rate of endophthalmitis, visual acuity, and microbial spectrum. Results Of 483,622 intravitreal injections administered, 168 out of 453,460 (0.0371%) cases of endophthalmitis occurred in the “no talking” group, and 9 out of 30,162 (0.0298%) cases occurred in the face mask group (odds ratio, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.41–1.57; p=0.527). Sixteen cases of oral flora-associated endophthalmitis were found in the “no talking” group (1 in 28,341 injections) compared to none in the face mask group (p=0.302). Mean logMAR visual acuity at presentation in cases that developed culture-positive endophthalmitis was significantly worse in the “no talking” group compared to the face mask group (17.1 lines lost from baseline acuity vs 13.4 lines lost; p=0.031), though no difference was observed at six months following treatment (p=0.479). Conclusion Physician face mask use did not influence the risk of post-injection endophthalmitis compared to a no talking policy. However, no cases of oral flora-associated endophthalmitis occurred in the face mask group. Future studies are warranted to assess the role of face mask use to reduce endophthalmitis risk, particularly due to oral flora., Highlights • Physician face mask use may not reduce the rate of post-injection endophthalmitis compared to a “no talking” policy • No cases of oral flora endophthalmitis were identified with physician face mask use • Visual outcomes following endophthalmitis were similar with physician face mask use compared to a “no talking” policy

To compare 2 mg intravitreal triamcinolone (IVT) versus 40 mg posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (STT) for the treatment of eyes with pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.A retrospective, single-center review of eyes receiving 2 mg IVT between 3/1/2012-3/1/2017 and 40 mg STT between 1/1/2015-3/1/2017. Visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits.Forty-five eyes were included in the IVT group and 50 eyes in the STT group. Change in VA from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months was not significantly different between IVT and STT (6 months: 2.3 lines vs. 2.4 lines,2 mg IVT and 40 mg STT both achieved significant improvement in vision and CMT with no significant difference between interventions at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Purpose To assess whether vitreous culture results affect the clinical management of patients with acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Setting : Single-center. Study Population : Patients who developed endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of aflibercept, bevacizumab, or ranibizumab between January 1, 2016, and May 31, 2018. Observation : A change in clinical management was defined as additional intravitreal antibiotic injections or pars plana vitrectomy. Main Outcome Measures : A change in clinical management within 2 weeks of initial endophthalmitis culture and treatment; visual acuity. Results Of 204,986 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections performed, 60 cases (0.0293%) of endophthalmitis were identified, 18 of which were culture-positive. Six of 60 eyes (10%) had a change in clinical management. A change in clinical management was initiated in 3 of 18 (17%) culture-positive cases compared to 3 of 42 (7%) culture-negative cases (P = .357). Changes in management for culture-positive cases were performed based on declining vision (2 cases) and worsening clinical examination (1 case). Changes in management for culture-negative endophthalmitis cases were performed based on declining vision (1 case) and worsening clinical examination (2 cases). No additional interventions were initiated based on positive-culture results. Comparing vision loss from baseline by culture result, at final follow-up, oral flora-associated culture-positive cases lost 17.5 lines, non–oral flora-associated culture-positive cases lost 9.1 lines, and culture-negative cases lost 2.5 lines of vision (P Conclusion Following endophthalmitis from intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents, vitreous culture data may help prognosticate visual outcomes but appear to have a limited effect on clinical management.

Purpose Explore the spectrum of clinical manifestations of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) maculopathy observed across a range of practice settings. Design Multi-institutional retrospective study. Participants Patients exhibiting findings suggestive of PPS maculopathy identified from April 30, 2019, to December 4, 2020. Methods Members of the Macula Society submitted cases of presumed PPS maculopathy for consideration in this series. Diagnosis was confirmed by masked review of fundus imaging. Clinical characteristics of confirmed cases were summarized with descriptive statistics. Main Outcome Measures Pentosan polysulfate exposure characteristics and fundus imaging features. Results There were 74 patients with PPS maculopathy included in the current study. Median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis was 62.0 years (56.0–65.8). The median duration of exposure to PPS was 14.0 years (10.2–18.9), with a median cumulative exposure of 1.5 kg (0.9–2.4). The most common presenting symptom was decreased or blurry vision (66.2%), followed by prolonged dark adaption or nyctalopia (32.4%). The most common referral diagnosis was age-related macular degeneration (54.1%); 16.2% of patients were referred for suspected PPS maculopathy. Novel imaging findings emerged, including highly asymmetric disease in 2 patients and a prominent vitelliform maculopathy in 2 patients. Conclusions Most patients with PPS maculopathy exhibit characteristic findings on multimodal fundus imaging in the setting of high cumulative exposure to the oral drug. Some patients in the current study manifested novel imaging findings, expanding our understanding of the phenotypic spectrum of this condition. We recommend considering standardized ophthalmic screening of patients treated with PPS.

Background/aimsTo evaluate the outcomes of eyes with macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) that are lost to follow-up (LTFU) after antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections.MethodA retrospective, single-centre, consecutive case series of RVO patients receiving injections who were LTFU >6 months was conducted. Data were collected from the visit before LTFU; return visit; 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after return; and the final visit.ResultsNinety eyes of 83 patients were included. Fifty (55.5%) eyes had branch RVO and 40 (44.5%) had central RVO. Mean LTFU duration was 277.8 days with additional mean follow-up for 748.1 days after return. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (VA) (Snellen) at the visit before LTFU was 0.72 (20/105) which worsened on return [1.04 (20/219), pConclusionRVO patients receiving anti-VEGF injections who were LTFU experienced a decline in VA that did not return to the levels seen before LTFU despite improvement in CFT after restarting therapy, underscoring the importance of ongoing treatment.

Purpose To assess the utility of microbiologic culture data for the management of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Design Retrospective, single-center, cohort study. Participants All patients treated for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017, at a single institution. Methods Endophthalmitis cases were determined from billing records and confirmed with chart review. A change in clinical management was defined as additional intravitreal antibiotic injections or pars plana vitrectomy. Main Outcome Measures A change in clinical management within 2 weeks of initial endophthalmitis culture and treatment; visual acuity (VA). Results A total of 111 eyes of 111 patients were treated for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, of which 57 (51%) were culture-positive. After initial treatment of endophthalmitis, a change in clinical management after vitreous culture occurred in 9 of 111 eyes (8%), including 6 of 57 (11%) culture-positive eyes compared with 3 of 54 (6%) culture-negative eyes (P = 0.49). Change in clinical management for culture-positive eyes was based on declining vision (3 eyes), worsening clinical examination results (2 eyes), and retinal detachment (1 case). Change in clinical management for culture-negative endophthalmitis eyes was based on worsening clinical examination results (2 eyes) and declining vision (1 eye). No additional interventions were initiated on the basis of positive culture results. At final follow-up, mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA was 1.09 (∼20/250) for the culture-positive eyes compared with 0.59 (∼20/80) for culture-negative eyes (adjusted difference, 0.394; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.77, P = 0.03). Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) or retinal tears occurred in 19 of 111 eyes (17%) after developing endophthalmitis, and culture-positive eyes developed a secondary RRD in 11 of 57 eyes (19%) compared with 3 of 54 (6%) culture-negative eyes (P = 0.03). Conclusions After endophthalmitis related to cataract surgery, vitreous cultures may have prognostic value for final visual outcomes but have a limited effect on clinical management.

Importance Some eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have persistent exudation despite frequent intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. Adjuvant therapies that further reduce edema may improve vision outcomes. Objective To compare the short-term effect of topical dorzolamide-timolol vs placebo in eyes with neovascular AMD that have persistent exudation following intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with enrollment from March 1, 2017, through October 30, 2018. Multicenter trial at 4 clinical sites in the United States. Sixty-three patients with neovascular AMD who had persistent exudation despite intravitreal anti-VEGF injections at 4-week, 5-week, or 6-week intervals. Interventions Patients were randomized to use dorzolamide-timolol or artificial tears for the study duration. They continued to receive the same anti-VEGF drug at the same interval as the 2 visits before enrollment for 3 additional study visits. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was change in mean central subfield thickness on optical coherence tomography from baseline to visit 3 (approximately 3 months). Secondary measures included change in mean maximum subretinal fluid height, mean maximum pigment epithelial detachment height, and mean visual acuity (VA). Results This trial included 52 patients. All 27 patients (100%) assigned to dorzolamide-timolol and 23 of 25 (92%) assigned to placebo were analyzed for the primary outcome. Mean (SD) age was 78.4 (7) years, and 34 of 50 patients (68%) were women. Mean (SD) injections were 20.5 (14) (range, 4-58) before enrollment. Mean (SD) baseline logMAR VA was 0.361 (0.26) (approximate Snellen equivalent, 20/50). Comparing the dorzolamide-timolol with placebo group from baseline to visit 3, mean (SD) change in central subfield thickness (primary outcome) was −36.6 (54) μm vs 1.7 (52.3) μm (difference, 30.8; 95% CI, 0.3-61.3;P = .04); secondary outcomes: maximum PED height was −39.1 (65) μm vs 1.1 (16) μm (difference, 39.6; 95% CI, 9.6-69.6;P = .01) and change in VA from baseline to visit 3 was −2.3 (5) vs 0.3 (1) letters (difference, 2.6 letters; 95% CI, −1.9 to 7.1 letters;P = .78). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest use of dorzolamide-timolol in patients with neovascular AMD with persistent exudation resulted in anatomic but not visual acuity improvements compared with placebo at approximately 3 months. Additional clinical trials with longer follow-up and larger sample sizes presumably would be needed to determine the role, if any, of dorzolamide-timolol in neovascular AMD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03034772

PurposeTo examine the effect of low-dose, oral isotretinoin in lowering the risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair.MethodsProspective, open label, dual-cohort study with pathology-matched historical controls. The prospective experimental arms included two cohorts, composed of 51 eyes with recurrent PVR-related RRD and 58 eyes with primary RRD associated with high-risk features for developing PVR. Eyes in the experimental arms received 20 mg of isotretinoin by mouth once daily for 12 weeks starting the day after surgical repair. The primary outcome measure was single surgery anatomical success rate at 3 months following the study surgery.ResultsThe single surgery anatomic success rate was 78.4% versus 70.0% (p=0.358) in eyes with recurrent PVR-related retinal detachment exposed to isotretinoin versus historical controls, respectively. In eyes with RRD at high risk for developing PVR, the single surgery success rate was 84.5% versus 61.1% (p=0.005) for eyes exposed to isotretinoin versus historical controls, respectively. For eyes enrolled in the experimental arms, the most common isotretinoin-related side effects were dry skin/mucus membranes in 106 patients (97.2%), abnormal sleep/dreams in 4 patients (3.7%) and fatigue in 3 patients (2.8%).ConclusionThe management and prevention of PVR is challenging and complex. At the dose and duration given in this study, oral istotretinoin may reduce the risk of PVR-associated recurrent retinal detachment in eyes with primary RRD at high risk of developing PVR.

PURPOSE To evaluate practice patterns for bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and determine the rate of unilateral and bilateral postinjection endophthalmitis after bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS The records of a large academic private practice were electronically queried for all office visits, during which bilateral intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were performed between April 1, 2012 and August 21, 2017 for patients with a diagnosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or retinal vein occlusion. Demographic information and indication for injection were recorded for each patient and office visit. Charts of patients with endophthalmitis were reviewed, and information was collected on presentation examination, culture data, and visual outcomes. RESULTS During the study period, 101 932 bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were performed over 50 966 office visits for 5890 patients. The mean (standard deviation) age of patients in this cohort was 74.2 (14.1) years and 60.6% of patients were female. The 2 most common indications for injection were neovascular age-related macular degeneration (54.3% of patients) and diabetic macular edema (35.4% of patients). Twenty-eight cases of endophthalmitis (0.027% of total injections) occurred during the study period. There were no cases of bilateral endophthalmitis, and no patients had more than 1 occurrence of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort of patients undergoing bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, there were no cases of bilateral endophthalmitis. Additionally, the overall rate of unilateral endophthalmitis was low and comparable to prior studies of unilateral injections. These results support the safety of bilateral same-day intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment.

To evaluate the safety and effects of oral eplerenone in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study at a tertiary referral academic private practice. For a diagnosis of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, patients must have had at least 3 months clinical follow-up demonstrating persistent symptoms, subfoveal fluid on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and50% reduction in fluid thickness. Patients were randomized 2:1 (treatment:placebo) to receive eplerenone (25 mg daily for 1 week, then up to 50 mg daily for 8 weeks) or placebo once daily.Fifteen patients completed the study. Ten patients (15 eyes) were randomized into the eplerenone treatment arm, while the remaining 5 patients (6 eyes) received placebo. After 9 weeks of eplerenone therapy, mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.394 (Snellen equivalent: 20/50) to 0.330 (20/43, P = 0.04). In the placebo group, the mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity slightly decreased from 0.313 (20/41) to 0.342 (20/44) during the same period (P = 0.21). With respect to anatomic changes, mean maximal subretinal fluid height in the eplerenone group improved from 139.3 μm at baseline to 51.8 μm (P = 0.02), mean subfoveal fluid height improved from 121.4 μm to 29.4 μm (P = 0.01), and mean central subfield thickness improved from 366.2 μm to 283.7 μm (P = 0.02). In comparison with the placebo group, mean maximal subretinal fluid height worsened from 135.9 μm to 172.3 μm (P = 0.32), mean subfoveal fluid height worsened from 92.1 μm to 134.0 μm (P = 0.54), and mean central subfield thickness worsened from 345.0 μm to 380.0 μm (P = 0.37). No patients in either group experienced serious adverse events to result in treatment discontinuation.These findings suggest that oral eplerenone therapy is safe and potentially effective in the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy with persistent subretinal fluid.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in younger adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcomes of CRVO patients age 40 years or younger with baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (VA) between 1.30 (20/400 Snellen equivalent) and 0.30 (20/40 Snellen equivalent) and central retinal thickness (CRT) greater than 250 μm were reviewed. VA and CRT were measured at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes of 17 young CRVO patients were included in this study. The logMAR VA improved significantly from 0.64 (20/87 Snellen equivalent) to 0.14 (20/28 Snellen equivalent) 12 months following treatments ( P < .001). The CRT decreased from 619 μm ± 238 μm at baseline to 290 μm ± 34 μm at 12 months ( P < .001). CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF injections appear to be effective for macular edema regression and vision improvement in younger adults with CRVO over 12 months of follow-up. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:e96–e104.]

Purpose:To compare infectious organisms and visual outcomes of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection (IVI) with endophthalmitis after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Methods:Retrospective, comparative, consecutive case series of patients diagnosed with presumed infectious endophthalmitis after IV

PURPOSE To compare clinical outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) placement versus scleral fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) using Gore-Tex suture. METHODS Retrospective, interventional case series of eyes undergoing combined PPV and IOL placement for retained lens material, aphakia, or dislocated IOL. Eyes with history of amblyopia, corneal opacity, retinal, or optic nerve disease were excluded. Outcome measures were change in visual acuity and occurrence of postoperative complications with minimum follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS Sixty-three eyes of 60 patients were identified. Thirty-three eyes underwent combined PPV and ACIOL placement and 30 eyes underwent combined PPV and scleral fixation of a PCIOL using Gore-Tex suture. Mean follow-up was 502 ± 165 days (median 450, range 365-1,095 days). In the ACIOL group, mean visual acuity improved from 20/914 preoperatively to 20/50 postoperatively (P < 0.001). In the scleral-fixated PCIOL group, mean visual acuity improved from 20/677 preoperatively to 20/46 postoperatively (P < 0.001). No difference in visual acuity was noted between groups at 1-year (P = 0.91) or final follow-up (P = 0.62). Regarding postoperative complications, eyes undergoing ACIOL placement had a significantly higher rate of transient corneal edema (30.3 vs. 6.7%, P = 0.02) compared with eyes undergoing scleral fixation of a PCIOL. CONCLUSION Combined PPV with ACIOL placement or scleral fixation of a PCIOL with Gore-Tex suture were well tolerated. The techniques resulted in similar visual outcomes at minimum follow-up of 1 year.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report the effect of a “no-talking” policy during intravitreal injection (IVI) on post-injection endophthalmitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, comparative, consecutive case series of patients receiving IVI between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2012. A 24-month “usual care” period was compared to a 24-month no-talking period, during which a strategy to further minimize speech during IVI was implemented. RESULTS: During the usual care period, 47,155 IVIs were performed, with nine culture-positive cases (0.019%), including seven due to oral pathogens (0.015%). During the no-talking period, 82,658 IVIs were performed, with eight culture-positive cases (0.010%), including two due to oral pathogens (0.002%). The no-talking policy was associated with a decreased endophthalmitis risk ( P = .004), including oral pathogen-associated endophthalmitis ( P = .02). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a more stringent no-talking policy during IVI may reduce the risk of post-injection endophthalmitis. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina . 2015;46:1028–1034.]

To describe visual and anatomical outcomes following bi-weekly intravitreal ranibizumab/bevacizumab injections in eyes with refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED).Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series.Eighteen patients diagnosed with neovascular AMD that were refractory to anti-VEGF therapy and received alternating biweekly ranibizumab/bevacizumab injections were included.Patients with neovascular AMD and PED that were refractory to at least 11 monthly ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections were included in this study at a large, single retina practice. Following inclusion, patients received four bi-weekly alternating ranibizumab/bevacizumab intravitreal injections. After completing a course of four bi-weekly injections, patients were treated with variable regimens of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. The primary outcomes of the study included change in visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) at eight weeks follow-up.Study eyes had previously received a mean of 22 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. At enrollment, mean VA was 20/95 and mean CFT was 455 µm. After four bi-weekly anti-VEGF injections, mean VA improved to 20/65 (p 0.001), and mean CFT decreased to 387 µm (p = 0.029). In patients with PED, there was a mean 27.9% reduction in height (p = 0.046) at eight weeks' follow-up.Four injections of bi-weekly alternating ranibizumab/bevacizumab improved visual acuity and reduced macular thickness in a number of patients with refractory neovascular AMD and PED.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate acute and long-term clinical and spectral domain optical coherence tomography features after handheld laser exposure to the retina. METHODS:: Retrospective case series of three children with retinal injury secondary to inadvertent handheld laser exposure. All individuals underwent ophthalmologic examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography at presentation and follow-up 11 months to 18 months after exposure. RESULTS:: Three male children aged 6 years to 10 years sustained bilateral macular injury after exposure to a handheld green or red laser. Two of the three handheld lasers were ordered from foreign internet retailers and were labeled as Class 3B devices. Acutely, flat yellow deep retinal lesions with pigment irregularity were apparent. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated disruption of the external limiting membrane and outer photoreceptors, a hyperreflective mound extending from the external limiting membrane to the retinal pigment epithelium, and linear opacification in Henle's layer. Over time, there was partial restoration of the external limiting membrane and persistent irregularity of the outer photoreceptor layers. Two individuals with severe vision loss acutely had some improvement of Snellen acuity at a 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION:: Handheld lasers can produce permanent retinal damage with visual sequelae if improperly used. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrates chronic disruption, primarily in the retinal pigment epithelium/photoreceptor region. Language: en

To evaluate the response to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for macular edema persisting or recurring despite multiple intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) treatments for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).Retrospective interventional case series of 21 eyes with CRVO from 21 patients who were diagnosed with persistent or recurrent macular edema secondary to CRVO and treated with 0.1mL (4mg) intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) after initial treatment with 3 or more IVB injections. Anatomic and visual responses were the study primary outcomes.Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 1.19 (20/316) immediately before IVTA injection, and improved to 1.04 (20/219) 1 month after IVTA administration (P=0.003). The mean central macular thickness on optical coherence tomography decreased from 533.4 μm immediately before IVTA to 327.9 μm after IVTA injection (P0.001). No cases of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or neovascularization were noted.Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide appears to improve vision and reduce persistent or recurrent macular edema secondary to CRVO despite multiple bevacizumab injections.

Purpose To describe the clinical characteristics of and risk factors for the development of optic neuropathy after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macula-sparing primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. Design Retrospective case-control study. Participants Seven patients who underwent PPV for macula-sparing primary RRD with subsequent development of optic neuropathy and 42 age- and gender-matched control patients undergoing PPV for macula-sparing primary RRD. Methods Retrospective chart review of medical and surgical records. Main Outcome Measures Clinical features of patients who developed optic neuropathy after PPV for macula-sparing RRD and analysis of potential risk factors (age, gender, medical history, surgical technique, intraoperative ocular perfusion pressure [OPP], and operative time). Results At last follow-up, all 7 patients with optic neuropathy had visual acuity less than 20/200, relative afferent pupillary defects, optic nerve pallor, and visual field defects. A total of 5 of 7 patients (71%) demonstrated intraoperative reduced OPP with associated systemic hypotension compared with 7 of 42 patients (17%) in the control cohort ( P = 0.01). Conclusions Optic neuropathy after PPV for macula-sparing primary RRD is a rare but potentially devastating complication. Although the cause is often unclear, reduced ocular perfusion due to intraoperative systemic hypotension may be a contributing risk factor in some eyes. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Objective To report short-term visual and anatomic outcomes of patients who were switched to aflibercept for persistent macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of 17 patients with persistent macular edema secondary to CRVO (defined as intraretinal edema and either Results The mean age was 77 years, and the mean VA at CRVO diagnosis was 20/135 with a CFT of 523.4 µm. Mean number of injections before switching to aflibercept was 12.9 (range: 3–40) and mean number of months of anti-VEGF treatment before switching to aflibercept was 18.7. Mean VA at switch to aflibercept was 20/182 ( p = 0.50) with mean CFT of 547.9 µm ( p = 0.66). Mean aflibercept injections were 4.0, and mean follow-up from switch to last follow-up was 5.2 months. Final mean VA was 20/115 ( p = 0.017), with a CFT of 315.2 µm ( p = 0.0012). Of the patients, 35.2% gained ≥3 lines. 29% of patients had complete resolution of macular edema, and the mean change in CFT was −233 µm. Conclusions Aflibercept appears to have a beneficial effect on anatomic and VA outcomes in a subset of patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO that is refractory to treatment with bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab.

Objective To describe outcomes of and risk factors for endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection. Design Single-center, consecutive, case series and retrospective case-control study. Participants Between January 1, 2009, and May 31, 2010, 16 vitreoretinal surgeons administered a total of 27 736 injections. During this period, 23 cases of presumed infectious endophthalmitis occurred. Each surgeon used his own preferred injection technique. Intervention Vitreous or aqueous tap, or both, with intravitreal antibiotic injection and subsequent topical antibiotic and steroid drops. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity, bladed lid speculum use, conjunctival displacement, hemisphere of injection, bevacizumab versus ranibizumab, and infectious organism. Results Seven of 23 cases had positive culture results; 3 grew coagulase-negative Staphylococcus . All cases had pain and vitritis on average 3.4 days (range, 1–6 days) after injection, with no difference between culture-positive and culture-negative groups. Eighteen (78%) of 23 cases had a hypopyon. Fifteen of 23 cases returned to baseline vision (±2 lines) within 3 months. Neither lid speculum use (0.10% vs. 0.066% in the no-use group; P = 0.27), conjunctival displacement (0.11% vs. 0.076% in the no-displacement group; P = 0.43), hemisphere of injection (0.11% superior vs. 0.079% inferior; P = 0.56), or bevacizumab versus ranibizumab (0.11% vs. 0.066%; P = 0.21) affected risk. Analysis of only culture-positive results yielded similar results. There was no statistically significant difference between the proportion of culture-negative cases after bevacizumab injection (83%) versus ranibizumab injection (55%; P = 0.13). Conclusions Most patients in whom presumed infectious endophthalmitis develop after anti-VEGF injection regained baseline vision after treatment. Bladed lid speculum use, conjunctival displacement, hemisphere of injection, and type of anti-VEGF agent did not affect risk. No difference in culture-negative endophthalmitis rates was detected after bevacizumab versus ranibizumab injection. Neither the presence of pain, vitritis, decreased vision, hypopyon, nor the interval between injection and development of symptoms differentiate culture-positive from culture-negative cases. Because a subgroup of patients had poor outcomes, a low threshold for vitreous tap with intravitreal antibiotic injection may be warranted. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential acuity meter in predicting visual acuity after photodynamic therapy of choroidal neovascular membranes caused by age-related macular degeneration. * PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 55 eyes in 51 patients with subfoveal predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration. Pre-photodynamic therapy Snellen visual acuity minus the visual acuity with the potential acuity meter was compared with the actual improvement in visual acuity. Significant improvement in visual acuity after photodynamic therapy was defined as a gain of more than 2 lines in Snellen visual acuity (0.2 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution units). * RESULTS: Eighteen (51.4%) of 35 eyes with a potential for improvement experienced an actual improvement in their Snellen visual acuity after photodynamic therapy (P < .001). All eyes lacking a potential for improvement failed to experience an actual improvement in visual acuity after photodynamic therapy. * CONCLUSION: The eyes that demonstrated better visual acuity with the potential acuity meter in this study seemed more likely to experience an improvement in visual acuity after photodynamic therapy. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2006;37:6-11.]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic topical antibiotics on bacterial resistance patterns in endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications.In this retrospective case-control study, billing records and an infection log were used to identify all cases of endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or aflibercept between January 1, 2009 and September 30, 2013 at a single retina practice. A 28-month period when topical antibiotic drops were prescribed for use four times a day for 4 days following intravitreal injection was compared to a 21-month period when topical antibiotics were not prescribed. Patients treated during an 8-month transition period were excluded as prescription practices were changed.During the study period, a total of 172,096 anti-VEGF injections were performed. During the period when antibiotics were prescribed, 28 cases of suspected infectious endophthalmitis occurred from a total of 57,654 injections, ten of which were culture-positive. During the period when antibiotics were not used, 24 cases of suspected endophthalmitis occurred from a total of 89,825 injections, six of which were culture-positive. During the antibiotic period, four of the ten (40 %) culture-positive cases grew bacteria resistant to the prescribed prophylactic antibiotics. In contrast, none of the six culture-positive cases grew bacteria resistant to those antibiotics during the period when antibiotics were not used (odds ratio = 9.0; 95 % confidence interval = 0.40-203.3; p = 0.17).The use of prophylactic topical antibiotics following intravitreal injection may lead to higher rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in culture-positive endophthalmitis cases.

Objective To assess visual and structural outcomes after laser photocoagulation and transscleral cryotherapy for threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after 10 years. Design Extended follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants One hundred eighteen eyes from 66 patients were randomly assigned to receive either cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation for threshold ROP. Forty-four eyes from 25 patients were examined for 10-year follow-up evaluations. Intervention Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity, slit-lamp, and fundus examination; fundus photography; and B-scans (eyes with retinal detachments) were performed. Patients' histories were taken to elicit past amblyopia therapy. Based on fundus photographs, independent observers graded the degree of retinal dragging as none, mild, moderate, or severe. Main and secondary outcome measures Best-corrected ETDRS visual acuity (BCVA). The degree of dragging was determined clinically and photographically. In addition, the presence of strabismus or amblyopia and/or any history of treatment for amblyopia were noted accordingly. Results Eyes treated with laser had a mean BCVA of 20/66 (Snellen equivalent), whereas cryotherapy-treated eyes had a mean BCVA of 20/182 (Snellen equivalent) ( P = 0.015, n=42). Compared with eyes treated with cryotherapy, eyes treated with laser photocoagulation were 5.2 times more likely to have a 20/50 or better BCVA (95% confidence interval, 1.37–19.8, n=42). Eyes treated with cryotherapy were 7.2 times (95% confidence interval, 1.54–33.6, n=33) more likely to develop retinal dragging compared with laser treatment. By linear regression analysis, ETDRS visual acuity was inversely proportionate to the degree of retinal dragging in both laser ( r = −0.637, P = 0.006) and cryotherapy ( r = −0.517, P = 0.040) treated eyes. Among the 21 patients with favorable outcomes in both eyes, 13 had strabismus (62%) and 6 had received amblyopia therapy (29%). Ptosis, loss of cilia, and cortical cataract were among probable treatment-related complications that were noted in this study. Conclusions Overall, laser-treated eyes had better structural and functional outcome compared with eyes treated with cryotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of oral eplerenone on subretinal fluid, visual acuity, and choroidal thickness in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients (14 eyes of 14 patients) monitored for a minimum of 3 months with chronic CSCR who were treated with oral eplerenone in a single multi-physician retina practice. Visual acuity, dilated funduscopic examination, and spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) were obtained at each visit. Measurement of subfoveal fluid (SFF) height and choroidal thickness were performed. Two-tailed paired t test was used to calculate statistical significance of pre- and post-treatment variables. RESULTS: At 1 month, 10 of 14 eyes had decreased SFF height on OCT and two eyes had complete resolution of SFF. Mean SFF height decreased from 13 0µm to 62 µm ( P = .05). Mean choroidal thickness decreased from 315 µm to 282 µm ( P = .07). Mean visual acuity improved from logMAR 0.41 to 0.40. At 3 months, 13 of 14 (93%) had decreased SFF on OCT, and nine eyes (64%) had complete resolution of SFF. Mean SFF height decreased to 21 µm ( P = .004). Mean choroidal thickness decreased to 253 µm ( P = .10). Mean visual acuity improved to logMAR 0.28 ( P = .02). CONCLUSION: Oral eplerenone may be effective in treating patients with chronic CSCR. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina . 2015;46:439–444.]

To describe a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) in an immunocompetent patient.A 77-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus developed retinal whitening with a vasculitis 6 weeks after receiving IVTA in the left eye. A vitreous biopsy was performed.Polymerase chain reaction was positive for CMV (419,000 copies/mL). A complete medical evaluation, including a negative test for human immunodeficiency virus, showed no systemic evidence of immunosuppression except for a highly elevated hemoglobin A1C level.CMV retinitis may be a rare complication of IVTA, possibly due to local ocular immunosuppression from the steroid medication. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus may have contributed to this development.

Purpose: The authors determine if specific features of the clinical presentation of acute postoperative endophthalmitis correlate with the microbiologic culture results. Methods: A total of 420 patients who had clinical evidence of endophthalmitis within 6 weeks after cataract surgery or secondary intraocular lens implantation were evaluated as part of a randomized clinical trial. Results of cultures performed on aqueous and vitreous specimens obtained at presentation were categorized as follows: gram-positive coagulase-negative micrococci, "other" gram-positive, gram-negative, and equivocal/no growth. Results: Eleven features of the initial clinical presentation were associated with significant differences in the microbiologic spectrum ( P Conclusions: The presenting characteristics of acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery may be helpful in predicting the most likely culture results. Such predictions do not appear sufficiently strong to guide the initial empiric choice of intravitreal antibiotics.

Purpose To report conjunctival bacterial flora antibiotic resistance patterns after serial intravitreal injections performed using a povidone-iodine preparation without the use of preinjection or postinjection topical antibiotics. Design Prospective, interventional case series. Methods Setting: Single-center clinical practice in Pennsylvania. Study Population: Thirteen eyes of 13 treatment-naive patients undergoing serial intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections for exudative age-related macular degeneration or macular edema attributable to retinal vein occlusion. Intervention: Conjunctival cultures from the treatment eye were performed prior to each injection preparation. A minimum of 3 monthly conjunctival cultures were obtained per eye over the course of the study. Ocular surface preparation consisted of topical anesthetic and povidone-iodine 5% without the use of preinjection or postinjection topical antibiotics. Main Outcome Measures: Conjunctival flora growth patterns and antibiotic resistance patterns to several common antibiotics tested over the course of the study. Results A total of 48 cultures were performed with a 77% culture positivity rate. Over the course of the serial conjunctival cultures in each patient, there was no evidence for emergence of resistant bacteria to any of the tested antibiotics (including fluoroquinolones and azithromycin) or significant alteration from baseline conjunctival flora. Of the 47 bacterial isolates, the most commonly isolated organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus both at baseline (73%) and following serial intravitreal injections (78%, P = .73). Conclusions Ocular surface preparation for intravitreal injection using povidone-iodine 5% alone in the absence of postinjection topical antibiotics does not appear to promote bacterial resistance or a discernible change in conjunctival flora.

Objective To compare the incidence of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection with and without topical postinjection antibiotic prophylaxis. Design Retrospective case-control study. Participants All patients treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or aflibercept for a variety of retinal vascular diseases at a single, large retina practice between January 1, 2009, and October 1, 2012, were included. Methods The total numbers of patients and injections were determined from a review of billing code and practice management records. Endophthalmitis cases were determined from billing records and from an infection log. All cases of endophthalmitis were confirmed with chart review. A 28-month period when topical antibiotics were prescribed after intravitreal injection was compared with a 9-month period when topical antibiotics were not prescribed. Patients treated during an 8-month transition period were excluded to allow for the conversion of antibiotic prescription practices. Main Outcome Measures Incidence of endophthalmitis, visual acuity outcomes, and microbial spectrum. Results During the study period, a total of 117 171 intravitreal injections were performed (57 654 injections during the topical antibiotic period, 24 617 during the transition period, and 34 900 during the no-antibiotic period), with a total of 44 cases of suspected endophthalmitis (0.038%; 1 in 2663 injections), 17 of which showed culture-positive results (0.015%; 1 in 6892 injections). During the 28-month topical antibiotic period, there were 28 cases of suspected endophthalmitis (0.049%; 1 in 2059 injections), 10 of which showed culture-positive results (0.017%; 1 in 5765 injections). During the 9-month no-antibiotic period, there were 11 cases of suspected endophthalmitis (0.032%; 1 in 3173 injections), 4 of which showed culture-positive results (0.011%; 1 in 8725 injections). Topical antibiotic use was associated with a trend toward increased risk of suspected endophthalmitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–3.10) and culture-positive endophthalmitis (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.47–4.83). Conclusions The incidence of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection is low. Using postinjection topical antibiotic drops does not reduce the risk of endophthalmitis developing and is associated with a trend toward higher incidence of endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE The authors determine the intraocular tolerance of a new widely used liquid perfluorocarbon, perfluoroctylbromide (perflubron). METHODS Pars plana vitrectomy was performed on 54 eyes of 54 patients with vitreoretinal disorders at three centers. Diagnoses included giant retinal tears, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and dislocated intraocular and crystalline lenses. At the conclusion of the vitrectomy, perflubron was removed. RESULTS Perflubron was efficacious for vitreoretinal manipulation. Of the 45 eyes with retinal detachment, 23 (51.1%) of the retinas were reattached after a single surgery; redetachment occurred in 22 (48.9%) after the initial procedure, and further surgery was necessary to reattach the retina. Final retinal reattachment was achieved in 40 (88.9%) eyes. Mean visual acuity improvement was six lines (P < 0.0019). Visualization of the water/perfluorocarbon interface was good. There was no evidence of adverse effects from perflubron on the retina, lens, or anterior segment. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that perflubron is safe for temporary intraoperative use intravitreally. The absence of adverse effects is consistent with the properties of perflubron that our group has studied in the eyes of animals and in other uses in human patients.

Importance There is a subset of eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that have persistent exudation despite fixed-interval intravitreous anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. Objective To evaluate the effect of topical dorzolamide hydrochloride–timolol maleate on anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes with neovascular AMD and incomplete response to anti-VEGF therapy. Design, Setting, and Participants An exploratory, prospective single-arm interventional study at a tertiary referral academic private practice. Patients with neovascular AMD and persistent macular edema despite fixed-interval intravitreous anti-VEGF therapy were enrolled. Baseline spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and clinical data, including visual acuity and intraocular pressure, were obtained at enrollment and from one visit before enrollment. The study was performed at the Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital and the offices of Mid Atlantic Retina from February 1, 2015, through September 30, 2015. Patients were followed up for at least 2 visits after enrollment. Central subfield thickness, maximum subretinal fluid height, and maximum pigment epithelial detachment height from spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were recorded at each visit. Interventions Enrolled eyes received a regimen of topical dorzolamide-timolol twice daily and continued to receive the same intravitreous anti-VEGF therapy at the same interval as received before enrollment for the duration of the study. Main Outcomes and Measures Change in central subfield thickness was the primary outcome measure. Changes in maximum subretinal fluid height, maximum pigment epithelial detachment height, and visual acuity were the secondary outcome measures. Results Ten patients (10 eyes) completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 78.2 years (age range, 65-91 years), and 6 were male. Eight eyes received intravitreous aflibercept, and 2 eyes received intravitreous ranibizumab. All study eyes had been receiving long-term anti-VEGF therapy with the same medication before study enrollment for a mean of 21.9 injections. The mean central subfield thickness decreased from 419.7 μm at enrollment to 334.1 μm at the final visit ( P = .01). The mean maximum subretinal fluid height decreased from 126.6 μm at enrollment to 49.5 μm at the final visit ( P = .02). The mean maximum pigment epithelial detachment height decreased from 277.4 μm at enrollment to 239.9 μm at the final visit ( P = .12). The mean logMAR visual acuity were 0.54 at enrollment and 0.48 at the final visit ( P = .60). Conclusions and Relevance These data suggest that topical dorzolamide-timolol may reduce central subfield thickness and subretinal fluid in eyes with persistent exudation despite consistent, fixed-interval intravitreous anti-VEGF treatment for neovascular AMD.

Objective To determine the effect of repeated intermittent use of topical antibiotics after intravitreal injections on conjunctival bacterial flora and antibiotic resistance. Design Cross-sectional case-control study. Participants and Controls A total of 80 eyes of 40 patients were enrolled (40 study eyes, 40 control eyes). Patients were enrolled with unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration who had received at least 3 prior intravitreal injections with use of postinjection topical antibiotics. Patients had received an average of 7 (range, 3–13) intravitreal injections before enrollment. Methods At the time of enrollment, the inferior fornix of the treated eye was swept with a culture swab before use of povidone iodine; the inferior fornix of the fellow eye was also cultured and served as a control. The culture and sensitivity data from the study and control eyes were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures The rate of antibiotic resistance among the conjunctival bacterial flora of the study eyes and control eyes. Results A total of 80 eyes of 40 patients were enrolled in the study; 29 patients used trimethoprim/polymyxin B drops, and 11 patients used fluoroquinolone drops after each injection. A total of 58 bacterial colonies were isolated from 50 eyes. There were no significant differences in bacterial species or culture positivity rates between study and control eyes. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus accounted for 41 of the 58 bacterial colonies (71%). There was a 63.6% resistance rate to fluoroquinolones among study eyes compared with 32.1% among control eyes ( P P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in trimethoprim resistance rates between study and control eyes: Four of 14 study eyes (28.6%) showed resistance compared with 5 of 18 control eyes (27.7%) ( P = 1.0). Conclusions Use of fluoroquinolone drops after intravitreal injection leads to increased rates of resistance among conjunctival flora. Repeated use of topical fluoroquinolones after intravitreal injections may have a detrimental effect on eye health by breeding resistance in the bacterial flora. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Purpose To examine the usefulness of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in removing retained lens fragments and to determine which cases require 20-gauge ultrasonic fragmentation. Design Retrospective comparative case series. Methods Twenty eyes in 20 consecutive patients who had 23-gauge PPV for retained lens fragments after complicated cataract surgery at Wills Eye Institute were retrospectively reviewed. Retained lens fragments were graded based on percentage of total nuclear size. Every surgical case started with 23-gauge PPV, but 1 sclerotomy was enlarged to facilitate 20-gauge ultrasonic fragmentation if all lens material could not be adequately removed. Results Twelve patients (60%) were successfully managed with 23-gauge PPV alone while 8 patients (40%) required 20-gauge ultrasonic fragmentation. The 23-gauge cases had a lower percentage of retained lens fragments (median 10%, range 0% to 75%) compared to the 20-gauge cases (median 90%, range 10% to 100%). Conclusion 23-Gauge PPV is a feasible approach in the surgical management of select cases of retained lens fragments.

Purpose: The authors evaluated factors that might influence the outcome of extracapsular cataract extraction with placement of a posterior chamber lens in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The factors included patient age and sex, severity of the retinopathy, preoperative laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and posterior capsulotomy. Methods: The records of 109 patients who had been examined by the authors before cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The final visual acuity in only 48% of the eyes was 20/40 or better, and 28% had 20/200 or worse visual acuity. Only 65% had an improvement in visual acuity of two or more Snellen lines. Eyes with preoperative macular edema had a poorer visual outcome than eyes without. Macular edema and ischemia accounted for 70% of the eyes with a final visual acuity of 20/50 or worse. The authors found that age was a strong predictor of final visual acuity and chances of improvement. In patients 63 years of age and younger, 58% had 20/40 or better and 81 % had improved visual acuity. In patients 64 years of age and older, only 38% had 20/40 or better and only 54% were improved. Supplementary panretinal photocoagulation was required in 37% of patients who had received it preoperatively. Neovascularization of the iris developed in 6% of patients. Posterior capsulotomy did not cause an increased incidence of neovascularization of the iris or in the development or progression of proliferative retinopathy or macular edema. Conclusions: The prognosis of patients with diabetic retinopathy about to undergo cataract surgery, even extracapsular cataract extraction with placement of a posterior chamber lens, is guarded.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab in patients who had inadequate response to pegaptanib or bevacizumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-center study, 19 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) previously treated with pegaptanib (n = 1), bevacizumab (n = 13), or both (n = 5) received 12 monthly ranibizumab injections (0.5 mg). Outcomes were measured from start of previous therapy (baseline) to start of ranibizumab treatment (day 0) through 12 months. RESULTS: No drug- or injection-related adverse events and no serious adverse events were reported. At 6 and 12 months, 4 and 5 patients gained 3 or more lines of VA, respectively; 3 patients lost less than 3 lines of VA at 6 months, and 6 patients lost less than 3 lines at 12 months. At 6 and 12 months, VA increased by a mean (± standard error of the mean) of 2.06 ± 1.23 and 1.17 ± 0.62 lines, respectively. Central retinal thickness decreased by a mean of 62.65 ± 22.46 and 62.16 ± 29.20 μm at months 6 and 12, respectively. When stratified by pigment epithelial detachment (PED) status, patients without PED had better visual and anatomical outcomes than patients with PED. CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab has favorable safety and efficacy profiles for patients with AMD without previous response to pegaptanib or bevacizumab.

To provide prompt visual rehabilitation and to reduce the need for repeated operations, we performed vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade in 16 consecutive eyes with retinal detachments related to cytomegalovirus retinitis and acute retinal necrosis in 13 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In all 16 eyes (100%), retinas were reattached with one operation. Preservation of ambulatory vision was achieved in six of eight eyes (75%; mean follow-up, 14.6 weeks). No patient with hand motion visual acuity or worse preoperatively recovered ambulatory vision. Visual acuity recovery was limited by optic nerve disease in five eyes (31%). Silicone oil-related side effects did not adversely affect visual outcome in any eye. Six patients (46%) have since died (mean, 4.4 months postoperatively). These data indicated that successful surgical repair of these detachments can be consistently achieved with this approach. The prognosis for ambulatory vision is strongly related to preoperative visual acuity.

To assess for the possible development of a phototoxic lesion, we exposed five Dutch belted rabbit retinas to constant illumination with an implantable "chandelier" light source at maximal intensity for 1 hour. No clinically apparent lesion developed in any of the experimentally treated eyes by 48 to 72 hours posttreatment. Light and electron microscopic examination failed to reveal any of the characteristic changes of retinal phototoxicity. A control eye treated with a 20-minute exposure to a standard endoilluminator probe at maximal intensity held 2 mm from the retinal surface demonstrated typical light and electron microscopic phototoxic abnormalities, whereas a retina similarly treated with a 5-minute exposure was normal. We have confirmed that a standard endoilluminator probe can create a phototoxic lesion in the experimental setting. Furthermore, no phototoxicity from the sustained retinal exposure to a fixed, implantable light source for a clinically relevant duration could be demonstrated.

The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-masked clinical trial to determine if retrobulbar irrigation with bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.75% (Marcaine) has an effect on postoperative pain after scleral buckling surgery. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing scleral buckling under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either bupivacaine or balanced salt solution as a retrobulbar irrigation at the end of their retinal detachment procedure. Of the 25 patients who received bupivacaine, only three (12%) required parenteral pain relief in the first 24 hours after surgery. This was statistically significant when compared with the 18 (72%) of 25 patients requiring parenteral pain relief in the placebo group ( P

PURPOSE: To describe a case of effective macular translocation accomplished without scleral imbrication or extensive retinotomy. METHODS: A case report of a 59-year-old woman with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in her left eye who underwent vitrectomy with macular detachment and fluid–air exchange. RESULTS: The macula was translocated approximately 500 μm inferiorly, allowing for photocoagulation of extrafoveal neovascularization. CONCLUSION: Limited macular translocation may be attained without scleral imbrication or significant retinotomy.

To investigate the short-term outcomes of 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in 18 cases of complicated retinal detachment requiring silicone oil tamponade.In this retrospective noncomparative review, the primary outcome measures included postoperative anatomical status, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP), cataract progression, development of keratopathy, and other complications. The average follow-up was 5 months (142 days).Thirteen (72.2%) of 18 patients had attachment postoperatively. There was no difference between preoperative visual acuity and visual acuity at the end of follow-up (P = 0.851). One patient (5.6%) who underwent concomitant penetrating keratoplasty had hypotony (IOP,6 mmHg) postoperatively and until the end of follow-up. Ocular hypertension in two patients was controlled with antiglaucoma drops. Five (55.6%) of 9 patients who were initially phakic underwent cataract extraction or had documented cataract progression. There were no cases of keratopathy or endophthalmitis. Four patients had intraocular or retinal hemorrhage. Two patients developed significant macular epiretinal membranes, and one developed a parafoveal hole.Sutureless 25-gauge PPV with silicone oil is a relatively safe and comparable alternative to 20-gauge PPV with silicone oil for repair of complicated retinal detachment.

Since July 1985, 23 patients have been entered into a phase I/II clinical trial using intraarterial 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) (400–600 mg/m 2 daily for 8.5 weeks) and focal external beam radiotherapy (59.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy daily in 6.5 weeks) in the treatment of malignant gliomas (Kernohan grades 3 and 4). The side effects in all patients have included varying degrees of anorexia, fatigue, ipsilateral forehead dermatitis, blepharitis, and conjunctivitis. Mucopurulent conjunctivitis and exposure keratitis developed in several patients and spontaneous corneal perforation developed in one. Eyes from two individuals examined at autopsy showed significant changes. Animal studies that predated clinical trials using rhesus monkeys did not predict the ophthalmologic complications seen in human subjects.