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Background and Aim: Despite the abundant literature, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling remains a controversial topic, especially in diabetic eyes. We compared the safety and effectiveness of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT)-assisted selective epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling with dye-assisted ERM and ILM peeling, for the treatment of tractional diabetic macular edema (tDME). Material and Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we evaluated consecutive patients with tDME who underwent iOCT-assisted selective ERM peeling (Group A) or "dual blue" dye-assisted ERM and ILM peeling (Group B). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were compared over a 12-month follow-up. A linear mixed model analysis was performed. Results: At baseline, the two groups were comparable in terms of their demographic and clinical outcomes. No significant difference between BCVA and CMT was observed among the groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in outcomes at the last follow-up (p < 0.001), although only iOCT-assisted ERM peeling ensured significant visual gain and macular thinning (p < 0.001) one month after surgery. A significant effect of time on both outcomes (p < 0.001) and of time–treatment interaction on visual change (p = 0.02) were observed. In eight patients, macular edema recurred (Group A: two patients; Group B: six patients) and was managed with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. In Group A, one patient developed a recurrence of ERM without the need for reoperation. Conclusions: iOCT-assisted ERM removal may be as effective as dye-assisted ERM and ILM peeling to treat tDME. Additionally, it ensures a quicker recovery of visual function and macular thickness. The observed ERM recurrence within the 1-year follow-up was mild and did not necessitate additional surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We aimed to identify prognostic risk factors for visual deterioration in eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) through long-term follow-up. In this retrospective observational case series, we examined consecutive eyes with ERM and OAG over a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Visual outcomes and prognostic factors were analyzed in patients’ eyes undergoing ERM peeling with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (peeling group) and only observation (observation group). Eyes followed for less than 2 years after PPV were excluded. Among 100 eyes from 84 patients, 31 and 69 eyes were classified into peeling and observation groups, respectively. Over the follow-up period, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the observation group worsened from 0.03 ± 0.19 to 0.14 ± 0.33 (P = 0.0003), whereas that in the peeling group remained stable. Multivariate analysis revealed microcystic macular edema (MME) (odds ratio: 4.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52 to 16.2; P = 0.008) and thin central foveal thickness (CFT) (odds ratio: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.00; P = 0.033) as risk factors for visual acuity decay. The presence of MME and thin CFT were risk factors for long-term visual deterioration in eyes with ERM and concomitant OAG. Vitrectomy with ERM peeling for eyes with OAG may be considered to preserve BCVA.

Abel Ramirez-Estudillo,1,2 Sergio Rojas-Juarez,2 Ximena Ramirez-Galicia,1 Angel Garcia-Vasquez,2 Silvia Medina-Medina,2 Rosario Gulias-Cañizo1,3 1Centro Oftalmológico Mira, Mexico City, Mexico; 2Retina Department, Fundación Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Luz, Mexico City, Mexico; 3Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anahuac, Estado de Mexico, MexicoCorrespondence: Abel Ramirez-Estudillo, Rosario Gulias-Cañizo, Centro Oftalmológico Mira, Taxco 35, Col. Roma Sur, C.P. 06760, Mexico City, Mexico, Email ramirezestudillo@gmail.com; rosariogulias@gmail.comIntroduction: Maculopathy secondary to pathologic myopia (PM) is increasingly causing visual impairment and blindness worldwide. PM is associated with tractional maculopathy that ranges from macular foveoschisis to macular hole. These disorders are treated with different options that offer variable results, reflecting the need for new techniques that address myopic maculopathy with consistent outcomes.Methods: Since human amniotic membrane (HAM) has been reported to be safe for intraocular use and to promote retinal healing, it was incorporated as an adjuvant in pars plana vitrectomy in patients with different tractional disorders related to myopia. This work presents a prospective, consecutive case series of seven patients with high myopia who underwent a 25-gauge vitrectomy with ILM peeling and HAM transplantation.Results and Discussion: Our six-month results show that this novel technique delivers functional success related to tissue permanence without recurrence of traction that translates into visual acuity gain and maintenance that are superior to other techniques.Keywords: retinal surgery, macular surgery, lyophilized amniotic membrane, amniotic membrane patch, LAMPatch, myopic traction maculopathy, macular hole, retinal detachment

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether vital blue dyes could enhance the contrast of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) during macular surgery. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing elective pars plana vitrectomy for vitreomacular interface disorders were enrolled. Intraoperative OCT was performed with the Artevo 800 microscope (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) before and after injection of 0.2 mL of Trypan Blue and Brilliant Blue G Ophthalmic Solution. The OCT contrast ratio was measured with ImageJ, while the overall scan quality was subjectively classified using a 4-point scale. Results: Ten eyes of 10 patients were enrolled in the study. The OCT contrast ratio was 9.39 ± 5.35 without blue dye and significantly improved to 14.31 ± 10.50 after blue dye injection (p = 0.027). The percentage of patients with a grade 4 scan quality also significantly improved (from 40% without blue dye to 90% with blue dye injection; p = 0.012). Conclusion: The use of blue dyes during intraoperative OCT is an effective strategy for improving contrast and scan quality without affecting the surgical time and workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of subretinal injection of cord blood platelet-rich plasma (CB-PRP) and its possible effect in eyes affected by geographic atrophy (GA) associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (d-AMD). Design: Interventional, open-label study started in January 2021 with follow-up at 12 months (the Si.Cord Study). This study was a single-center, nonrandomized, sequential-assigned clinical trial conducted in Rome, Italy, at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04636853). Participants: Thirteen patients (26 eyes) with bilateral d-AMD-related GA were enrolled. One eye from each patient (with more advanced GA) underwent CB-PRP treatment, and the fellow eye was considered the control. All patients participated in follow-up at 12 months. Intervention: All 13 eyes received 23-gauge (G) vitrectomy and subretinal injection of CB-PRP using a 41-gauge needle. Main Outcomes and Measures: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with ETDRS letters, central macular thickness using OCT, and atrophic area measured on en face OCT images were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: The BCVA in the treated group was 34.46 ± 20.8 ETDRS at baseline, 40.84 ± 20.52 at 1 month, 40.07 ± 20.34 at 3 months, 39.38 ± 19.84 at 6 months, and 35.84 ± 18.38 at 12 months. In the untreated group, the BCVA was 53 ± 21.1 ETDRS letters at baseline, 51.54 ± 20.99 at 1 month, 46.62 ± 19.47 at 3 months, 46.85 ± 18.58 at 6 months, and 43.92 ± 17.97 at 12 months (2-way analysis of variance: interaction of treatment by eye or time, P = 0.084). Central macular thickness did not show a significant intereye difference at 12 months (P = 0.97). The atrophic geographic areas tended to increase in both treated and fellow eyes at 12 months (P < 0.0001). No inflammatory reaction, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, uveitis, or other complications due to the subretinal injection of CB-PRP were observed during the follow-up. Conclusions: Subretinal injection of CB-PRP could be safely used for d-AMD in its GA form. Despite its safety, a larger cohort of patients, and probably a new way of administration, will be needed to understand whether the CB-PRP could have a role in the GA treatment. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Background: To investigate functional and anatomical outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for lamellar macular hole (LMH) with a long-term follow-up. Methods: An interventional study on 14 patients (16 eyes) with LMH was conducted. The inclusion criteria included a minimum 36-month follow-up after PPV. The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography parameters were examined. Results: Preoperatively, the mean BCVA was 0.46 ± 0.22 LogMAR. Epiretinal proliferation (ERP) was visible in 81.25% of eyes. Outer retinal disruption was present in 31.25% of LMH cases. The average central foveal thickness (CFT) measured 183.68 ± 61.73 microns. The mean BCVA improved at each follow-up time point: it was 0.24 ± 0.16 LogMAR at 1 month, 0.18 ± 0.15 LogMAR at 6 months, and 0.09 ± 0.11 LogMAR at the last follow-up. There was a statistically significant improvement between BCVA at 1 month and BCVA at 6 months and between BCVA at 6 months and BCVA at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). BCVA improved in all eyes, with 87.5% achieving at least 0.3 LogMAR improvement. The mean CFT at the 1-month follow-up was 211.45 ± 43.55 microns, increased to 248.81 ± 48.51 microns at 6 months, and further increased to 278.37 ± 45.50 microns at the last follow-up. Foveal contour restoration was achieved in all eyes, and those with preoperative ellipsoid zone alterations demonstrated a complete repair of the external retinal layers. No intra or postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusions: In our series, PPV had a high success rate and was associated with a substantial functional improvement in LMH treatment, and this result was maintained and kept increasing until the last follow-up. Long-term follow-up is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of the healing process and to assess the benefits of the surgical intervention.

We are presenting a new method for the treatment of large macular holes (MHs) with the use of an inverted flap consisting of both internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal proliferation (EP). A prospective interventional case series was conducted from September 2021 to January 2023. MH patients with coexistent EP visualized preoperatively in macula optical coherence tomography and with a MHs minimum linear diameter larger than 400 microns underwent standard pars plana vitrectomy with the creation of an inverted petaloid flap (consisting of both ILM and EP) and gas tamponade. Sixteen eyes were included in our case series. MHs closure was successful in all the eyes with a single procedure. The preoperative minimum linear diameter was 707.63 (±164.02 μm), and the preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 1.11 ± 0.52. The postoperative BCVA was 0.51 ± 0.20 (p = 0.01) at 6 weeks postoperatively, and the final BCVA was 0.45 ± 0.20 (p = 0.008). EP can be safely combined with ILM for the creation of an inverted, petaloid flap to cover and facilitate the closure of large MHs.

As a major innovation in macular surgery over the past 30 years,internal limiting membrane peeling has now become standard operation after all-round improvements. However, how to achieve optimal response and avoid poor prognosis by peeling the internal limiting membrane, which is the basement membrane of the Müller cells representing the structural interface between retina and vitreous, still needs to be explored. Prof. Peter Wiedemann, the co-editor-in-chief of our journal, in view of his long-term outstanding contributions to retinal surgery and the important progress his team has made in foveal regeneration, wrote this review with a special invitation. He gladly completed this article in 2wk, which is comprehensive, outlined, insightful, concise and shining with wisdom. It summarizes the history, rationale, techniques, indications, size and adverse outcomes of internal limiting membrane peeling and the surgery for refractory macular hole. It not only affirms current cognition, but raises existing problems, which are worthy reading and reflecting, so it was translated for readers' convenience.

Copyright of Die Ophthalmologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To describe the feasibility of intraoperative digital visualization and its contribution to the enhancement of macular pigmentation visualization in a prospective series of macular surgery interventions. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center, single-surgeon study was performed on a series of 21 consecutive cases of vitrectomy for various types of macular surgery using a 3D visualization system. Two optimized filters were applied to enhance the visualization of the macular pigment (MP). For filter 1, cyan, yellow, and magenta color saturations were increased. Filter 2 differed from filter 1 only in having a lower level of magenta saturation for the green-magenta color channel. Results: Optimized digital filters enhanced the visualization of the MP and the pigmented epiretinal tissue associated with the lamellar and macular holes. In vitreomacular traction surgery, the filters facilitated the assessment of MP integrity at the end of surgery. Filter 1 enhanced MP visualization most strongly, with the MP appearing green and slightly fluorescent. Filter 2 enhanced MP visualization less effectively but gave a clearer image of the retinal surface, facilitating safe macular peeling. Conclusion: Optimized digital filters could be used to enhance MP and pigmented epiretinal tissue visualization during macular surgery. These filters open new horizons for future research and should be evaluated in larger series and correlated with intraoperative OCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to provide intraoperative data demonstrating a significant difference in the membrane peeling dynamics performed under a perfluorocarbon (PFCL) bubble, compared to normal balanced saline solution (BSS). Methods: This is a prospective, interventional, single-center study on a series of 36 consecutive eyes of 36 patients affected by primary epiretinal membrane (ERM). Eighteen eyes underwent standard ERM peeling, while 18 eyes received a PFCL-assisted procedure. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) B-Scans were collected to evaluate the displacement angle (DA) between the underlying retinal plane and the flap of epiretinal tissue, along with the number of times the surgeon had to grab the flap during the intervention. Follow-up visits were carried out at postoperative week 1 and months 1, 3 and 6. Results: The mean DA was 164.8° ± 4.0 in the PFCL-assisted group and 119.7° ± 8.7 in the standard group, with a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, we found a significant difference in the amount of ERM grabs between the two groups (7.2 ± 2.5 in the PFCL-assisted group vs. 10.3 ± 3.1 in the standard group, p = 0.005). The mean BCVA and metamorphopsia significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.05), with no significant intergroup difference at all follow-up visits. Similarly, CST significantly decreased in both groups, and final CST was similar between the two groups (p = 0.719). Overall, three eyes in the standard group developed postoperative dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL, 16.6%), compared to none of the PFCL-assisted group. Conclusion: We reported a statistically significant difference in the intraoperative peeling dynamics of the PFCL-assisted group, accounting for a decreased tendency in the tearing of the ERM flap and possibly reduced damage to the fiber layer, with equal effectiveness in improving visual function and foveal thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of peroperative intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) addition on anatomical and functional outcomes in the secondary epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling surgery in eyes with a diagnosis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Materials and Methods: Patients who had previously received laser photocoagulation and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments for PDR had extensive macular thickening/loss of foveal depression with ERM and underwent ERM peeling surgery were included. Surgeries were classified according to the use of IVB. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were compared. Results: While IVB was applied to 9 eyes of 9 patients with a mean age of 65.8 years at the end of the surgery, IVB was not applied to 13 eyes of 13 patients with a mean age of 66.2 years. The mean BCVA was 0.78 and 0.72 logMAR preoperatively, 0.40 and 0.47 at postoperative 1st month, and 0.38 and 0.43 logMAR at postoperative 3rd month in IVB and control groups respectively. Mean BCVA change favored the IVB group, but the difference was not significant. The mean CMT was 417.53 and 397.6 µm preoperatively, 341.23 and 361.63 at postoperative 1st-month, and 312.34 and 341.37 µm at postoperative 3rd-month in IVB and control groups respectively. The change of CMT was found to be significantly higher in the IVB group in both the 1st-month (P=0.009) and 3rd-month (P=0.019). Discussion: Increased VEGF load due to PDR and traction due to ERM may be responsible for cases of macular thickening accompanied by ERM. It has been observed that the addition of IVB at the end of the surgery may have a positive effect on anatomical and functional results by targeting both possible etiopathogeneses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a case of iatrogenic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developing one month after subretinal gene therapy surgery. Observations: A 16-year-old male with biallelic RPE65 mutation associated retinal dystrophy was treated with subretinal voretigene neparvovec in the left eye. During initiation of a balanced salt solution pre-bleb, a faint and transient subretinal hemorrhage was observed at the retinotomy site. One month post-operatively, multi-modal imaging detected a CNV and a break in Bruch's membrane at the retinotomy site. The asymptomatic CNV was observed without treatment and resolved spontaneously. Conclusions & importance: As subretinal gene therapy surgery becomes more common, clinicians should monitor for possible trauma induced CNV associated with retinotomy formation and subretinal injection.

Abstract Background The purpose of the current study is to report the anatomical and functional results of off-label human amniotic membrane graft as primary intervention to repair large to giant macular holes and in reoperations when wide internal limiting membrane peeling was unsuccessful. Methods Retrospective chart review was carried out in five different centers to identify all cases that had undergone off-label human amniotic membrane graft for the treatment of large or failed macular holes (MH). Data collected included age, gender, other concomitant diagnosis, symptoms duration, lens status, number of previous surgeries, macular hole measurements (minimum and base linear diameters), mean post-operative follow-up (months), and pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Main outcome measures were anatomical MH closure rates and final BCVA (in logMAR). Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used because the data was not normally distributed, a P values

Purpose: To study the functional and morphological results of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique for the treatment of idiopathic macular holes (MHs) sized ≤ 250 µm, > 250 and ≤ 400 µm, and > 400 µm. Methods: Retrospective, nonrandomized interventional study of 65 eyes with primary idiopathic MHs who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with the inverted ILM flap technique. Closure rate, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and integrity of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) were analyzed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results: Total closure rate was 96.9% with 100% in the ≤ 250 µm group, 100% in the > 250 and ≤ 400 µm group, and 91.7% in the > 400 µm group. Mean BCVA significantly improved after treatment: from 0.7 to 0.3 LogMAR in the ≤ 250 µm group (n = 15, p < 0.001), from 0.9 to 0.4 LogMAR in the > 250 and ≤ 400 µm group (n = 26, p < 0.001), and from 1.0 to 0.5 LogMAR in the > 400 µm group (n = 24, p < 0.001). A total of 16 patients had follow-up over 14 months: BCVA increased from 0.9 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.4 after 1 month (p < 0.00001) and to 0.3 LogMAR after 14 months (p = 0.03). A recovered ELM could be observed in 56.3% after 1 month and in 87.5% after 14 months. A recovered EZ could be observed in 18.8% after 1 month and in 68.8% after 14 months. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high closure rate with corresponding restitution of outer retinal layers. In addition to its importance for the treatment of MHs > 400 µm, the inverted ILM flap technique also appears to be effective and safe for the treatment of MHs < 400 µm. Trial registration: WHO: DRKS00021241 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeThis study evaluated the color contrast ratio (CCR) of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) using different color settings of digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery (DAVS) with different indocyanine green (ICG) concentrations.sMethodsThis is a prospective comparative observational study. Consecutive patients that underwent 25G vitrectomy and ILM peeling using a standard operating microscope (SOM) (25 eyes), DAVS Ver. 1.1 (12 eyes), or DAVS Ver. 1.3 (13 eyes) were enrolled. The SOM and DAVS Ver. 1.1 groups used 0.075% ICG, and the DAVS Ver. 1.3 group used 0.025% ICG. In DAVS Ver. 1.1, macular CCR was compared between four different presets in the red, green, and blue channels: Default (Red (R) 100%, Green (G) 100%, and Blue (B) 100%); Preset 1 (R 20%, G 100%, B 100%); Preset 2 (R 80%, G 80%, B 100%), and Preset 3 (R 85%, G 100%, B 90%). In DAVS Ver. 1.3, macular CCR was evaluated using two different customized settings that modified the hue and saturation: Customized Setting 1 (R 86, G 100, B 100%, Hue +2°, Saturation 90%, Gamma 1.2) and Customized Setting 2 (R 90, G 100, B 100%, Hue +20°, Saturation 100%, Gamma 0.9). All patients underwent ophthalmologic examinations including BCVA at baseline and at 12 months.ResultsIn DAVS Ver. 1.1, macular CCR was highest in Preset 3 (P < 0.01). The CCR of Customized Setting 2 of DAVS Ver. 1.3 using 0.025% ICG did not differ from that of Preset 3 in DAVS Ver. 1.1 using 0.075% ICG. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in BCVA between the Customized Setting 2 of DAVS Ver. 1.3 with 0.025% ICG and the Preset 3 of DAVS Ver. 1.1 with 0.075% ICG groups at baseline and at 12 months (P > 0.05, respectively).ConclusionCustomized DAVS settings enabled surgeons to use a 3-fold lower ICG concentration in ILM peeling.

Purpose: To compare surgery's effect with nitinol flex loop (NFL) or forceps on retinal layers and functional outcomes in the primary epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: The operations were classified according to the use of the NFL or forceps. Automatic segmentation of the individual inner retinal layers was performed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography software, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before surgery and at the last follow-up visit postoperatively were compared. Results: Forty-two eyes of 42 patients were included with a mean age of 66.9 ± 5.7 years. 45.2% of the surgeries were NFL assisted, 54.8% were forceps assisted. The mean follow-up duration was 9.8 ± 1.3 months. The mean BCVA was 0.79 ± 0.42 vs 0.77 ± 0.39 logMAR in the preoperative period and 0.42 ± 0.27 vs. 0.40 ± 0.21 logMAR at last follow-up in the NFL vs forceps group respectively (p=.403). The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)(32.5% vs. 50.1%, p=.009), ganglion cell layer (18.1% vs. 41.4%, p=.021), inner plexiform layer (13.5% vs. 32.7%, p=.031) and inner nuclear layer (15.5% vs. 30.3%, p=.011) thickness decreased significantly more in the forceps group. The mean surgical time was not significantly different (45.2 ± 5.1 vs. 51.1 ± 6.1 minutes) in the NFL vs. forceps groups, respectively (p=.331). Conclusion: Following primary ERM surgery, the inner retinal layers become thinner; RNFL impacted the most, which was found higher in forceps assisted surgeries. This result shows that the NFL can be used safely in macular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sunny B Patel,1 Michael E Snyder,1,2 Christopher D Riemann,1,2 Robert E Foster,1,2 Robert A Sisk1,2 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; 2Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes of combined phacovitrectomy with multifocal intraocular lens (mfIOL) implantation.Methods: Retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series of six eyes that received a combined phacoemulsification surgery with apodized, diffractive mfIOL implantation for cataract and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane (ERM). Outcome measures included distance and near visual acuities (DVA and NVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and disruption of external limiting membrane (ELM) or inner-segment outer-segment (IS/OS) junction.Results: Mean logMAR glare DVA improved from 0.40 (Snellen 20/50) preoperatively to a mean uncorrected DVA of 0.038 (Snellen 20/22) (P=0.004) at 6 months after surgery. All eyes achieved NVA of J2 or better by 12 months postoperatively. Median CMT improved by 10 µm and mean IOP increased by 1 mmHg at 12 months postoperatively. Percentage of patients with ELM or IS/OS disruptions decreased from 66.7% to 33.3%. Two eyes demonstrated residual metamorphopsia on Amsler grid testing postoperatively. Postoperatively, four eyes required laser capsulotomy and one required LASEK for refractive correction.Conclusion: Combined phacovitrectomy, membrane peeling, and mfIOL implantation improved VA in patients with idiopathic ERM. Multifocality was achieved, but final visual outcome was delayed due to posterior capsular opacification and macular healing. Keywords: cataract, combined, epiretinal membrane, multifocal intraocular lens, phacoemulsification, phacovitrectomy

Purpose: To report the safety, anatomical and functional outcomes of autologous neurosensory retinal transplant in patients with a refractory large unclosed macular hole. Patients and methods: This is a prospective case series of four patients with large chronic macular hole that underwent vitrectomy and free-flap neurosensory retinal transplantation surgery with silicone oil tamponade. The hole was closed with an autologous retinal transplant of an approximate diameter of 1.5–1.8 mm, harvested outside the vascular arcades. Anatomical and functional outcomes were assessed using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA-Snellen), optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, microperimetry (MP), and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG). Results: There were 2 male and 2 female patients with median age of 73 (60–81) years. The median follow-up period was 17 (13–23) months. The median preoperative size of the macular hole was 1872.5 (868–2591) μm at the widest basal diameter and 828 (556–1099) μm at the minimum diameter. Surgery resulted in the anatomical closure of the macular hole in all cases. The OCT showed structural integration of the transplant and reappearance of the inner segment ellipsoid to different extents. The BCVA improved from preoperative 0.1 (6/60; + 1.0 logMAR), 0.1 (6/60; + 1.0 logMAR), 0.05 (6/120; + 1.3 logMAR), and 0.005 (6/1200; + 2.3 logMAR) to 0.2 (6/30; + 0.7 logMAR) postoperatively in cases 1, 2, and 4, and to 0.1 (6/60; + 1.0 logMAR) in case 3. MP showed retinal function in the region corresponding to the area of the transplant (circle of 1.8 mm in diameter) in all patients after the surgery (median sensitivity in that region was 4.0 dB, range 1.8–12.4 dB). Improvement was noted in the patient that had MP performed before the surgery (mean sensitivity improved from 0 to 1.8 dB). Detectable function was mostly located in the peripheral regions of the transplant. Multifocal ERG showed abnormal function of the central ring and normal function of the second ring in 3 of 4 cases. The OCT angiography showed normal perfusion, without signs of neovascularization. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Autologous retinal transplantation surgery is a successful technique for closing of large refractory macular holes. The procedure is safe and provides good anatomical results. Visual acuity, microperimetry, and mfERG suggest some gradual functional integration of outer regions of the transplants, but no central functional restitution has been detected as yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of the current study is to report the anatomical and functional results of off-label human amniotic membrane graft as primary intervention to repair large to giant macular holes and in reoperations when wide internal limiting membrane peeling was unsuccessful. Methods: Retrospective chart review was carried out in five different centers to identify all cases that had undergone off-label human amniotic membrane graft for the treatment of large or failed macular holes (MH). Data collected included age, gender, other concomitant diagnosis, symptoms duration, lens status, number of previous surgeries, macular hole measurements (minimum and base linear diameters), mean post-operative follow-up (months), and pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Main outcome measures were anatomical MH closure rates and final BCVA (in logMAR). Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used because the data was not normally distributed, a P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Nineteen eyes of 19 patients were identified and included in the study. Mean age was 66.21 ± 14.96 years and predominantly females (84%). All eyes had successfully closed MH with a single intervention with no recurrences during a mean of 9 ± 3.87 months follow-up. The median BCVA in logMAR preoperative was 1.30 ± 0.44 (0.80–2.0), approximately 20/400 on Snellen chart and the median BCVA in logMAR postoperative was 1.0 ± 0.72 (0.4–3.0) approximately 20/200 (p < 0.0001) with median of three lines of visual improvement. Conclusion: The use of human amniotic membrane graft seems to be a viable and effective alternative for the treatment of large and persistent macular holes. However, further larger prospective controlled studies are necessary to confirm our preliminary results of this new surgical technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate a 3‐D visualization helmet (3DVH) during 23‐gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macular holes (MH) and macular puckers (MP). Methods: A total of 184 eyes of 184 patients undergoing PPV for MH or MP were randomly selected for surgery with 3DVH or standard Galilean microscope (GM). Only one highly trained surgeon performed each PPV. A surgical comfort score, ranging from 1 to 10 was recorded after each operation. Statistical analysis was run with SPSS to compare parameters before and after surgery and between the two groups. Results: No statistical differences were found between the two groups for mean best correct visual acuity improvement after surgery (p < 0.001). Mean surgery comfort evaluation was 7.63 ± 0.48 in 3DVH eyes and 8.21 ± 0.62 in GM ones (p = 0.09); mean overall surgical time was 35.12 ± 3.8 min in 3DVH eyes and 32.7 ± 2.27 min in GM ones (p < 0.001); mean peeling time was 14.24 ± 3.42 min in 3DVH eyes and 13.61 ± 4.63 min in GM ones (p = 0.11). Conclusions: According to the data observed in this study, the 3DVH provides adequate safety and efficacy in retinal and macular visualization during PPV for MH and MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background : The aim of this study was to compare en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) imaging at different wavelengths to identify the internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling area after primary surgery with vitrectomy and ILM peeling for macular hole (MH). Methods: In total, 50 eyes of 50 consecutive patients who underwent primary surgery with vitrectomy and ILM peeling for MH were studied. The true ILM rhexis based on intraoperative color fundus photography was compared to the presumed ILM rhexis identified by a blinded examiner using en-face OCT imaging and cSLO images at various wavelengths. To calculate the fraction of overlap (FoO), the common intersecting area and the total of both areas were measured. Results: The FoO for the measured areas was 0.93 ± 0.03 for en-face OCT, 0.76 ± 0.06 for blue reflectance (BR; 488 nm), 0.71 ± 0.09 for green reflectance (GR; 514 nm), 0.56 ± 0.07 for infrared reflectance (IR; 815 nm) and 0.73 ± 0.06 for multispectral (MS). The FoO in the en-face OCT group was significantly higher than in all other groups, whereas the FoO in the IR group was significantly lower compared to all other groups. No significant differences were observed in FoO among the MS, BR, and GR groups. In en-face OCT, there was no significant change in the ILM peeled area measured intraoperatively and postoperatively (8.37 ± 3.01 vs. 8.24 ± 2.81 mm 2 ; p = 0.8145). Nasal-inferior foveal displacement was observed in 38 eyes (76%). Conclusions: En-face OCT imaging demonstrates reliable postoperative visualization of the ILM peeled area. Although the size of the ILM peeling remains stable after one month, our findings indicate a notable inferior-nasal shift of the overall ILM peeling area towards the optic disc.

Purpose: To compare the risk of haemorrhagic complications in elective macular surgery between patients with no antithrombotic (AT) treatment (defined as patients with no history of AT therapy or who discontinued AT therapy) and patients who continued AT treatment during the surgery. Methods: E‐case report forms were prospectively recorded in a database before vitreoretinal surgery and 1 month after. Data on patient characteristics, surgical techniques, haemorrhagic complications and antithrombotic status were collected. Patients with retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy and previous retinal haemorrhage were excluded. Results: A total of 748 procedures (single procedure in one eye per patient) were performed between January and May 2019. Among them, 202 patients (27.0%) were treated with antithrombotic therapy at the time of surgery: 19.5% with antiplatelet agents (n = 146), 6.3% with anticoagulants (n = 47) including 3.2% (n = 24) patients treated with novel oral anticoagulants, 0.8% (n = 6) with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, and 0.4% (n = 3) with heparin. Overall, 92 patients (12.3%) developed one or more haemorrhagic complications, of which 63 (11.5%) and 29 (14.4%) were in the non‐AT and AT group, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed no difference between AT treatment groups regarding ocular bleeding complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.7–2.2], p = 0.54). Conclusion: No cases of uncontrolled or severe perioperative haemorrhage in patients continuing antithrombotic agents were reported in this selected population. For the majority of the patients taking antiplatelets or anticoagulants, these agents could be safely continued during macular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To analyze foveal displacement after macular surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). Methods: Twenty-eight patients who underwent macular surgery for symptomatic iERM in one eye by one physician were included in this retrospective study. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) volume scans were acquired with a Spectralis OCT device (Heidelberg Spectralis). Using the follow-up view mode, the displacement of the fovea was classified and measured according to its postoperative location in the horizontal and/or vertical plane. Results: One day after surgery, 86% of eyes (24/28) showed foveal displacement. Vertical displacement occurred in a superior direction in 50% eyes, and in an inferior direction in 36% of the eyes. The postoperative mean foveal displacement on the vertical plane was 99 ± 82 μm (range, 0–300). Horizontal displacement occurred in a nasal direction in 21%, and temporally in 21%. The postoperative mean foveal displacement on the horizontal plane was 35 ± 45 μm (range, 0–123). One year after the macular surgery 69% of the eyes showed still a foveal dislocation. Discussion: Most of the eyes with iERM showed a foveal dislocation after the macular surgery. Our findings emphasize the necessity to carefully study of the OCT images in such eyes after the surgery as the manually determined postoperative foveal position may be in a different vertical or horizontal plane than the machine-generated pre- and postoperative overlay for the foveal position. Our findings may thus be helpful for surgeons to avoid misinterpretation when evaluating OCT images pre- and postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Ophthalmologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lamellar macular holes are a vitreoretinal condition characterized by abnormalities in foveal contour with splitting of the neuroepithelium and often an intact photoreceptor layer. Recent developments in high-resolution imaging have increased our ability to study the details of the vitreoretinal interface and to distinguish between different forms of lamellar holes. A new classification is needed to help clinicians in the management of lamellar macular holes. Some clinicians prefer to observe these clinical entities, especially when visual acuity is maintained or alterations of the photoreceptor layer are present. Nevertheless, lamellar holes may sometimes progress, and visual acuity can deteriorate. On the other hand, surgical treatment may lead to positive anatomical and functional outcomes, but not without risks. This review provides a critical overview of the available data on lamellar macular holes, focusing on diagnosis and managing options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Ophthalmologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We demonstrate the gradual resolution of foveal herniation with optical coherence tomography (OCT) images after epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal. A young male presented with diminished vision in the left eye (OS). Examination of OS revealed an ERM and thickening of the foveal region. OCT delineated the ERM clearly. It also showed a central defect in the ERM through which the inner retinal layers had prolapsed into the vitreous cavity leading to foveal herniation. The patient underwent vitrectomy and surgical removal of the ERM. After removing the source of macular traction, over a period of 4 months, gradual reduction in height of the elevated central foveal tissue was observed. At 6 months, the foveal bulge had reduced remarkably and remained stable. The resolution of foveal herniation after ERM removal is a slow process. The OCT images convey that it may take few months for the foveal bulge to decrease in height. When the outer retinal layers are normal, visual recovery, though delayed, is appreciable.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of and to compare vitrectomy performed with 25-gauge or 27-gauge instrumentation for macular surgery by assessing the surgical duration, wound closure, and complication rate using a systematic approach to wound closure. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, 125 25-gauge and 125 27-gauge consecutive small-gauge vitrectomy surgeries for epiretinal membrane, macular hole, vitreomacular adhesion, or a combination were analyzed during and immediately after surgery. Wound closure was performed using a systematic protocol. Results: Baseline characteristics were not statistically different between the 2 groups. The surgical duration was similar with 25-gauge vitrectomy and 27-gauge vitrectomy ( P  = .07). Although spontaneous wound closure was common in both groups, it was more common in the 27-gauge group ( P  = .22). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were uncommon in both groups. Conclusions: Findings show that 27-gauge vitrectomy is a safe, effective alternative to the more commonly used 25-gauge vitrectomy for macular surgery. Less manipulation was required to achieve wound closure with 27-gauge vitrectomy using a standardized wound-closure protocol. Smaller 27-gauge vitrectomy did not increase surgical time or complications over 25-gauge vitrectomy for macular surgery., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: research support from Alexion, Clearside, Gemeni Therapeutics, Genentech, Gyroscope Therapeutics, Iveric Bio, Kodiak Scientific, Novartis, NovoNordisk, Regeneron, and RegenxBio; consultant to Alcon, Apellis, Genentech, Iveric Bio, and Regeneron; speaker’s bureau participation for Apellis, Genentech, and Iveric Bio., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Purpose: Epiretinal membranes (ERM) are macular disorders leading to loss of vision and metamorphopsia. Vitrectomy with membrane peeling displays the gold standard of care. Aim of this study was to assess risk factors for postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes in a study population randomized for balanced salt solution and air‐tamponade at the end of surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized study, including 69 eyes with idiopathic ERM. Standard 23‐gauge three‐port pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling, using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT), was performed. Randomization for BSS and air‐tamponade was performed prior to surgery. Results: Best‐corrected visual acuity improved from 32.9 letters to 45.1 letters 3 months after surgery. Presence of preoperative intraretinal cystoid changes was found to be the only risk factor for presence of postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes 3 months after surgery (p = 0.01; odds ratio: 8.0). Other possible risk factors such as combined phacoemulsification with 23G‐ppv and membrane peeling (p = 0.16; odds ratio: 2.4), intraoperative subfoveal hyporeflective zones (p = 0.23; odds ratio: 2.6), age over 70 years (p = 0.29; odds ratio: 0.5) and air‐tamponade (p = 0.59; odds ratio: 1.5) were not found to be significant. Conclusion: There is strong evidence that preoperative intraretinal cystoid changes lead to smaller benefit from surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the use of intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for detecting anatomical changes during macular surgery. Methods: In a consecutive case series, 32 eyes of 32 patients undergoing concurrent pars plana vitrectomy and intraoperative SD-OCT for macular hole (MH), epiretinal membrane (ERM) and vitreomacular traction (VMT) were enrolled. Intraoperative changes in retinal thickness and dimensions of the macular hole were measured in patients with ERM and VMT following surgical manipulation using a hand-held SD-OCT device (iVue, Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA). Results: SD-OCT images of sixteen eyes with macular hole were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. All MH dimensions remained stable during consecutive stages of surgery except for MH apex diameter, which showed a significant decrease after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (P=0.025). Quantitative analysis of ten patients with ERM showed a significant decrease in retinal thickness after membrane removal (P=0.018) which did not remain significant until the end of the procedure (P=0.8). In three cases, subretinal fluid was formed after ILM peeling. Quantitative analysis of five patients with VMT showed a decrease in retinal thickness during consecutive steps of the surgery, although these changes were not significant. In two cases, subretinal fluid was formed after ILM peeling. Conclusion: Intraoperative SD-OCT is a useful imaging technique which provides vitreoretinal surgeons with rapid awareness of changes in macular anatomy during surgery and may therefore result in better anatomical and visual outcomes.

Purpose: To analyze functional and morphological findings after surgery for idiopathic epiretinal macular membrane (IEMM).Materials and Methods: Twenty eyes of 20 patients affected by IEMM underwent 23-Gauge surgery. Morphological and functional examinations were assessed at baseline and at 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery. SD-OCT evaluated foveal morphology and thickness, photoreceptor inner/outer segment junction, and external limiting membrane. Functional assessment evaluated visual acuity, retinal sensitivity, and fixation patterns. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student's t test and Pearson correlation test.Results: Mean central retinal thickness (CRT), visual acuity (VA), and retinal sensitivity (RS) at baseline were respectively 494.90 ± 38.73 µm, 0.55 ± 0.08 LogMAR, and 11.13±1.02; after surgery, at day 180, we observed a significant decrease in mean CRT to 326.90±32.68 µm, an increase in mean VA to 0.33 ± 0.05 LogMAR (p < 0.05), and in mean RS to 13.25 ± 0.73 dB (p < 0.05). A stable fixation increased from 40% of patients at baseline to 75% of patients at day 180 (p < 0.05).Discussion: IEMM surgery results in continuous improvement in visual function, not only at month one but also beyond month six, due to the progressive reduction of residual intraretinal edema and recomposition of retinal layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a novel tissue submission procedure without additional equipment or storage facilities for assessing the histological and immunohistochemical features of retinal tissues. In total, 150 specimens were collected from patients who underwent vitrectomy or macular surgery from January to December 2020. Ninety-eight specimens were submitted using the new procedure, and 58 specimens were submitted as flat-mount slides to compare specimen adequacy. The tissues submitted using the new procedure were subjected to paraffin-embedding and sectioning for hematoxylin & eosin staining. Additional immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess the cellular composition in retinal tissues with diverse etiologies. The new submission procedure had an adequacy ratio of 75.51%, which was comparable to that of the flat-mount method (p = 0.1397). The new method could produce high-quality images of histological features of tissues and facilitated immunohistochemical analysis to demonstrate cell origins. More glial cells (p = 0.000) and myofibroblasts (p = 0.012) were detected in the epiretinal membranes (ERMs) than in the internal limiting membranes (ILMs). Subgroup analysis revealed that secondary ERMs contained more macrophage-like cells (p = 0.001) and retinal pigment epithelial cells (p = 0.000) than did idiopathic ERMs. Our novel tissue submission procedure can be applied to routine clinical practice. Our study provides additional histological and immunohistochemical evidence of cellular components in retinal tissues based on a large number of human tissue samples. Moreover, tissues submitted using the new method can be permanently preserved, enabling future investigation for potential prognostic or therapeutic targets. • We report a feasible method for assessing human retinal tissues without requiring additional facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:This review on epimacular membranes (ERM) and vitreomacular traction focuses on issues concerning the surgical technique which are currently under discussion and histomorphological correlations with relevance to our current surgical approach. New developments in the field of retinal imaging and functional testing and their impact on the indication for surgery are presented and their relevance as prognostic factors is highlighted. Areas covered:The review focuses on the current available literature and includes clinical as well as experimental trials. A literature search was performed using pubmed as a search tool. Expert commentary:Vitrectomy for epimacular membranes has become a very effective, standardized and safe treatment. The refinement of surgical instruments and machines has greatly improved the patient´s postoperative comfort. From the patients perspective, the resolution of metamorphopsia and the improvement of contrast sensitivity as well as stabilisation of fixation and the improvement of reading visual acuity are the primary goals of treatment. Staining substances facilitate complex surgical maneuvers such as epiretinal membrane and ILM peeling. High resolution imaging and functional tests such as microperimetry contribute new insights in the pathology of tractive maculopathies and help to establish prognostic factors regarding the indication for surgery and the postoperative follow up as well. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]