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Background: Ocular trauma in childhood is a major cause of unilateral acquired blindness in Africa [3]. The aim of the study was to identify the underlying mechanisms of injury in order to develop region-specific prevention strategies., Patients and Methods: The study was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology of Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, during a 3-month observation period in spring 2019. All children under the age of 17 years who presented with acute eye injury or a history of ocular trauma within 4 years prior to presentation were included. The data collection was performed using a standardized questionnaire based on the UK Paediatric Ocular Trauma Study I, which was adapted to the specific local conditions., Results: We included 49 patients. The mean age at the time of injury was 7 years. Boys were affected more often than girls (69% vs. 31%). The most frequent objects causing injury were wooden sticks (45%). The majority of the injuries happened at home (51%). Only 35% of the patients presented at an eye unit within 24 h after the injury, while 26% waited longer than 7 days. The most common clinical finding was corneal laceration (73%) and 33 patients needed immediate surgical treatment., Conclusion: Ocular trauma in children is a frequent and important ophthalmological issue in Tanzania. To prevent these injuries, more public education concerning adult supervision and eye protection is needed. Furthermore, it is important to raise awareness about the need for an immediate presentation at an eye unit, which can help to achieve a better visual outcome., Competing Interests: Einhaltung ethischer Richtlinien. Interessenkonflikt: P. Krauss, H. Philippin, K.M. Knoll, M. Eidel, M.M. Nentwich, P. Shah, F. Sii, E. Mgaya, F.G. Mndeme und C. Mwanansao geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht. Die Studie wurde mit Zustimmung der zuständigen Ethikkommission und gemäß der Deklaration von Helsinki durchgeführt., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Purpose: In recent years artificial intelligence (AI), as a new segment of computer science, has also become increasingly more important in medicine. The aim of this project was to investigate whether the current version of ChatGPT (ChatGPT 4.0) is able to answer open questions that could be asked in the context of a German board examination in ophthalmology., Methods: After excluding image-based questions, 10 questions from 15 different chapters/topics were selected from the textbook 1000 questions in ophthalmology (1000 Fragen Augenheilkunde 2nd edition, 2014). ChatGPT was instructed by means of a so-called prompt to assume the role of a board certified ophthalmologist and to concentrate on the essentials when answering. A human expert with considerable expertise in the respective topic, evaluated the answers regarding their correctness, relevance and internal coherence. Additionally, the overall performance was rated by school grades and assessed whether the answers would have been sufficient to pass the ophthalmology board examination., Results: The ChatGPT would have passed the board examination in 12 out of 15 topics. The overall performance, however, was limited with only 53.3% completely correct answers. While the correctness of the results in the different topics was highly variable (uveitis and lens/cataract 100%; optics and refraction 20%), the answers always had a high thematic fit (70%) and internal coherence (71%)., Conclusion: The fact that ChatGPT 4.0 would have passed the specialist examination in 12 out of 15 topics is remarkable considering the fact that this AI was not specifically trained for medical questions; however, there is a considerable performance variability between the topics, with some serious shortcomings that currently rule out its safe use in clinical practice., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Importance: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major morbidity of preterm infants causing visual impairment, including blindness, for which timely treatment is vital and prevention is key. Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to neonatal sepsis contributes to ROP development., Objective: To investigate the association between neonatal sepsis and ROP in 2 large-scale cohorts of preterm infants born at less than 29 weeks' gestation., Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the German Neonatal Network (GNN) and Norwegian Neonatal Network (NNN). The GNN involves 68 and the NNN includes 21 level III neonatal intensive care units. Participants were infants born at a gestation of 22 weeks and 0 days to 28 weeks and 6 days and enrolled in the GNN between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2022, and NNN between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from February through September 2023., Exposure: Single or multiple episodes of culture-proven sepsis., Main Outcomes and Measures: Any ROP and treatment-warranted ROP., Results: Among 12 794 infants in the GNN (6043 female [47.2%] and 6751 male [52.8%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 26.4 [1.5] weeks) and 1844 infants in the NNN (866 female [47.0%] and 978 male [53.0%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 25.6 [1.5] weeks), the mean (SD) birth weight was 848 (229) g and 807 (215) g, respectively. Any ROP was present in 6370 infants (49.8%) in GNN and 620 infants (33.6%) in NNN, and treatment-warranted ROP was present in 840 infants (6.6%) in GNN and 140 infants (7.6%) in NNN. In both cohorts, there were increasing rates of treatment-warranted ROP with each sepsis episode (no sepsis: 572 of 10 658 infants [5.4%] in GNN and 85 of 1492 infants (5.7%) in NNN; 1 episode: 190 of 1738 infants in GNN [10.9%] and 29 of 293 infants [9.9%] in NNN; 2 episodes: 53 of 314 infants in GNN [16.9%] and 13 of 49 infants [26.5%] in NNN; 3 episodes: 25 of 84 infants [29.8%] in GNN and 3 of 10 infants [30.0%] in NNN). After adjusting for multiple confounders in the GNN dataset, the number of sepsis episodes was associated with ROP and treatment-warranted ROP compared with 0 episodes (1 episode: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.44 [95% CI, 1.27-1.63]; P < .001 and OR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.31-1.96]; P < .001, respectively; 2 episodes: OR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.35-2.42]; P < .001 and OR, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.68-3.37]; P < .001, respectively; 3 episodes: OR, 4.39 [95% CI, 2.19-8.78]; P < .001 and OR, 3.88 [95% CI, 2.29-6.55]; P < .001, respectively). These associations were confirmed for any ROP by propensity score matching (for example, the aOR with propensity score matching was 1.76 [95% CI, 1.54-2.02]; P < .001 for 1 episode vs 0 episodes and 1.58 [95% CI, 1.12-2.22]; P = .007 for 3 episodes vs 0 or 1 episode). In the NNN dataset, surgical NEC was associated with treatment-warranted ROP (multivariable analysis: aOR, 3.37 [95% CI, 1.78-6.37]; P < .001)., Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that in the large-scale GNN cohort, recurrent culture-proven sepsis was associated with ROP and treatment-warranted ROP in infants born at less than 29 weeks.

Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Purpose: High myopic patients may develop strabismus due to globe dislocation out of the normal extraocular muscle cone. Surgical correction of this strabismus type is possible by joining the superior and lateral rectus muscles without the need for a scleral suture called the Yokoyama procedure. Data from large patient samples and the evaluation of a potential effect of an additional medial rectus recession (MRR) have been lacking so far., Methods: We pooled retrospective patient data of 14 departments of ophthalmology in Germany and Switzerland and analysed determinants of postoperative results using multivariable regression models., Results: We included 133 patients (mean age: 59.7 ± 13.4 years, surgery between 2008 and 2017) with a mean preoperative esotropia (both Yokoyama with and without MRR) of 23.8°±4.6°. The angle of preoperative esotropia increased with age. The postoperative esotropia was 8.7° ± 9.9°, and six patients were overcorrected. While preoperative esotropia was highly associated with postoperative results, we found no association of additional MRR with any of our postoperative outcome measures. The Yokoyama procedure had a higher absolute effect in patients with higher preoperative esotropia., Conclusion: Our study confirms the positive effect of the Yokoyama procedure on strabismus due to high myopia in large-scale real-world data. In some cases, MRR may be needed because of muscle contracture, although additional MRR statistically did not affect the postoperative outcome. In patients with bilateral high myopic strabismus, correction of both eyes seems beneficial. The effect size of the Yokoyama procedure appears to be mainly driven by preoperative esotropia., (© 2021 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.)

Purpose: Quantitative fundus autofluorescence (QAF) enables comparisons of autofluorescence intensities among participants. While clinical QAF reports mostly focused on the healthy and diseased adult retina, only very limited data of QAF in the maturing eye are available. Here, we report QAF in a large cohort of healthy children., Methods: In this prospective monocentric cross-sectional study, 70 healthy Caucasian children (5-18 years) were multimodal imaged, including QAF and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. QAF and retinal thicknesses were measured at predefined locations (along horizontal meridian; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] grid) and correlated using custom written Fiji plugins. Standard retinae for different age groups were generated., Results: Fifty-three participants were included. QAF was low in childhood but increased steadily (P < 0.001), also at the fovea (P < 0.001), with no gender differences (P = 0.61). The QAF distribution was similar to adults showing highest values superior-temporally. At individual points, retinal thickness remained stable, while using the ETDRS pattern, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) thickness increased significantly with aging. Standard QAF retinae of age groups also showed an increase with aging., Conclusions: QAF can be reliably performed in young children. Function-structure correlation showed a thickening of the RPE and an increasing QAF with aging, probably related to the histologic low number of RPE autofluorescent granules at a younger age but further deposition of these granules during maturation. Standard retinae help to distinguish abnormal QAF in the diseased retina of age-matched patients., Translational Relevance: Our data bridge the gap between preclinical QAF and clinical data application and structural OCT correlation in children.

Background: Incontinentia Pigmenti is a rare disease affecting multiple organs. Fifty of patients show affection of the eye with retinopathy and possible amaurosis being the worst outcome. Treatment has commonly been panretinal laser coagulation but intravitreal application of bevacizumab as VEGF-inhibitor has shown to effectively suppress retinal neovascularization., Case Presentation: A six-week-old female infant with Incontinentia Pigmenti developed a foudroyant necrotizing enterocolitis shortly after intravitreal injection of bevazicumab due to a retinopathy with impending tractional detachment of the left eye. Since the onset of abdominal symptoms occurred immediately after the intravitreal application, a link between the two events seemed likely. Sequential analyses of the VEGF serum concentrations showed a massive suppression of endogenous VEGF with only a very slow recovery over weeks. Such a severe systemic adverse event has not been reported after intravitreal treatment with bevacizumab in an infant., Conclusion: This case report shows a relevant systemic uptake of bevacizumab after intravitreal application as suppressed VEGF levels show. There seems to be a connection between suppressed VEGF levels and the onset of necrotizing enterocolitis. Therefore, treatment with bevacizumab should be carefully considered and further research is needed to assess this drug's safety profile.

Background: Globally, the majority of visually impaired persons live in low- and middle-income countries. One of the reasons is a lack of ophthalmologists in the respective countries. Migration of qualified personnel would be an additional strain on ophthalmological patient care., Objective: This analysis aimed at evaluating the attitude of African residents in ophthalmology towards working in their home country or migrating abroad and comparing these findings with existing data also with respect to possible interventions., Material and Methods: In 2016 and 2017, participants of ophthalmological training courses for residents in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) as well as residents from Moshi (Tanzania) were interviewed on possible migration with the help of a questionnaire., Results: In total 60 questionnaires were analyzed. The main reasons for staying in the home country were: "want to support/serve community", "family" as well as "high demand of specialists". Prime motives for possible migration were: "better income", "better working structure/equipment" and "better education"., Conclusion: Links between German and African eye hospitals as they are supported, for example by the working group International Ophthalmology of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the German Committee for the Prevention of Blindness (DKVB), can contribute to improve some of the main reasons of migration, such as insufficient education, working structures and equipment and thus help to prevent a brain drain.

Amblyopia is a visual deficit that occurs during childhood and results in an abnormal development of the normal cortical visual pathway. It is defined as the reduction of best corrected visual acuity of one or rarely both eyes, which is not explained by structural abnormalities of the eye alone. During the sensitive period amblyopia is completely or partially reversible. The main causes of amblyopia are strabismus and refractive errors. Congenital cataracts are less common but if present may cause pronounced amblyopia. In Germany the prevalence of Amblyopia is approximately 5%, which is relatively high in relation to other countries, even though data are not completely comparable. As amblyopia can only be successfully treated during the first years of life, early detection of amblyogenic factors is important. Screening tests help in identifying children at risk of amblyopia, while only a thorough ophthalmological examination including cycloplegic refraction reliably detects all risk factors of amblyopia. Treatment consists of removal of the amblyogenic factors and stimulation of the amblyopic eye.

In 1999 the global initiative "Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight" was established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with the goal of reducing avoidable blindness. Based on this initiative, the working group "International Ophthalmology" of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), which was established in 1994, was converted into a DOG section with the same name in 2004 and represents one of the core components of the DOG; however, even before there were a number of established partnerships of German and African eye hospitals. The first cooperation of this kind was the partnership between the Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich and the University of Nairobi, Kenya, which was founded in 1978. As a result of this cooperation, the Department of Ophthalmology in Nairobi has evolved into one of the major centers of ophthalmological training and ophthalmic care in East Africa. Since then a number of similar cooperation projects between several hospitals and numerous further projects (e. g. in Myanmar) have been implemented and some of these are presented in this manuscript.

Purpose: Coagulase-negative staphylococci have been reported to be the most frequent cause of bacterial postoperative endophthalmitis. Biofilm formation is the major virulence factor of Staphylococcus epidermidis and is often associated with methicillin resistance. This study aims at evaluating the presence of biofilm-producing and methicillin resistance genes (mecA) in S. epidermidis., Methods: S. epidermidis isolated from clinically infected sites (group 1) and from normal human conjunctiva (group 2) were studied. All the isolates were tested for their ability to produce biofilm by the conventional Christensen´s method and the presence of mecA by PCR using the 22-mer oligonucleotides as primers., Results: In total 20 isolates from group 1 and 22 from group 2 were studied. Biofilm and mecA were detected in 15 (75 %) and in 14 (70 %) in group 1 as compared to 8 (36.3 %) and 4 (18.2 %) in group 2 (p = 0.016). Simultaneously, biofilm production and presence of mecA genes were observed in 13/20 (65.0 %) in group 1, and 4/22 (18.2 %) in group 2 (p = 0.002). Multi-resistance was observed in 55 % in group 1 and 9 % in group 2 (p = 0.002); 57 % of the biofilm-producing strains was multi-resistant in contrast to none of the non-producing strains. In all multi-resistant strains, biofilm production was seen., Conclusions: Biofilm formation capacity was widely distributed, particularly among mecA (+) S. epidermidis strains, which also displayed a high diversity of antibiotic resistance profiles.

Purpose: In this prospective study, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify genes encoding virulence factors (ica, atlE and mecA) in Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) isolates from the ocular microbiota of patients undergoing cataract surgery and to investigate possible changes in the CNS profile due to antibiotic prophylaxis., Methods: Between 09/2011 and 08/2013, patients undergoing cataract surgery were recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Asuncion, Paraguay. In the eye to be operated on, patients received moxifloxacin 0.5 % eye drops four times at the day before surgery and a last drop 1 hour before surgery (T1). The other eye remained as control (T0). Conjunctival swabs were taken from both eyes 1 hour after the last drop. The presence of genes encoding biofilm formation (ica and atlE) and methicillin resistance (mecA) was detected by a multiplex PCR., Results: Of the 162 patients (162 study eyes, 162 fellow eye as control group), 87 (53.7 %) eyes were positive for CNS at T0 yielding 96 CNS isolates; 70 eyes (43.2 %) were positive at T1 yielding 77 CNS isolates. For this study, 43 CNS isolates (44.8 %) from T0 and 45 (64.3 %) from T1 were used. Of the total isolates, 81.8 % (72/88) had at least one virulence factor gene (37/43 from T0 and 35/45 from T1) (p = 0.314). Simultaneous detection of ica and atlE genes was higher in T0 (58.0 %) than T1 (46.7 %), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.28)., Conclusion: A high frequency of genes encoding virulence factors was observed in the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates. The use of moxifloxacin did not significantly modify the CNS virulence factor profiles.

Optic disc drusen are an important differential diagnosis in the diagnostic evaluation of a prominent optic nerve head. Drusen of the optic disc occur in 0.34 to 2.4 % of human individuals and manifest themselves bilaterally in three of four cases. Drusen are found six times more often within histological sections than on funduscopic examination. It is known that optic disc drusen can occur in familial clusters without any other pathological ophthalmic findings. They can also be associated with retinitis pigmentosa, or with the Joubert or Alagille syndromes. Non-invasive diagnostic tools include fundus-autofluorescence (AF), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound. Drusen of the optic nerve head are asymptomatic in most cases, though transient ischemia can lead to transient visual impairment. In particular, superficial drusen can lead to profound visual field defects in adulthood. Regular ophthalmological follow-up examinations with tonometry and perimetry are recommended for the early detection of visual field defects. Radial optic neurotomy (RON) seems to be a therapeutic option in patients with acute deterioration of the visual field., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

A number of "new" (emerging) infections that can also cause inflammatory eye changes are appearing and becoming increasingly important. In the past, diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever or West Nile virus infections were endemic in tropical regions, but are now expanding worldwide and causing significant morbidity and even mortality. "Globalization" and human migration are important factors leading to the import of these infections. Climate changes are probably even more important. Increasing temperatures provide suitable conditions for new vectors, and may lead to autochthonous transmission of infectious pathogens. Diagnosis of these diseases requires not only careful assessment of medical and travel history, but also the application of specific laboratory diagnostic tests. A broad spectrum of ocular involvement has been reported, with frequent posterior segment involvement. Emerging infections should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of retinitis, chorioretinitis, retinal vasculitis and optic neuropathy in a patient living in or traveling back from an endemic area. Since these infections are often vector (insect) borne and effective treatments are almost uniformly lacking, prevention is at least as important as prompt diagnosis and initiation of supportive care. Here, we focus on Chikungunya, Dengue fever, Ebola fever, the West Nile virus and Rickettsioses, which frequently demonstrate ocular involvement.

Medical eye care in developing countries is very different from the situation in industrialized nations. In order to prevent rising numbers of blind people worldwide due to increased life expectancy and population growth, the global initiative Vision 2020 "The Right to Sight" was established in 1999. Coordinated initiatives are important as most causes of blindness are either preventable or curable (e.g. cataract surgery); however, due to a lack of resources eye care in developing countries cannot implement all necessary preventive and therapeutic measures at present. The epidemiology of causes of blindness and the situation of ophthalmic care are discussed. Because of increased mobility of people and goods (e.g. air travel and trucking), imported eye diseases are of increasing importance. The difference between travel medicine, which deals with the medical situation of travelers and international ophthalmology (i.e. diseases in tropical countries) is discussed and illustrated on the basis of several important disease patterns.

Purpose: To demonstrate the successful surgical treatment of congenital aniridia., Methods: Development of sight-impairing cortical cataracts in a young boy with congenital aniridia led to the decision to perform phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and artificial iris implantation in each eye., Results: Thorough examination showed that aniridia and cataract were the explanation for the patient's symptoms (sensitivity to glare and visual impairment). Combined surgery was performed without complication. A follow-up visit showed an improved corrected distance visual acuity of 8/20 (OU) and correctly centered implants., Conclusions: Artificial Iris® implantation combined with cataract surgery was successful in treating this child with congenital aniridia and lens opacification.

To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with severe infectious keratitis in Asunción, Paraguay between April 2009 and September 2011. All patients with the clinical diagnosis of severe keratitis (ulcer ≥2 mm in size and/or central location) were included. Empiric treatment consisted of topical antibiotics and antimycotics; in cases of advanced keratitis, fortified antibiotics were used. After microbiological analysis, treatment was changed if indicated. In total 48 patients (62.5 % males, 25 % farmers) were included in the analysis. A central ulcer was found in 81.3 % (n = 39). The median delay between onset of symptoms and time of first presentation at our institution was 7 days (range 1-30 days). Fungal keratitis was diagnosed in 64.5 % (n = 31) of patients, of which Fusarium sp. (n = 17) was the most common. Twenty-one patients (43.8 %) reported previous trauma to the eye. The globe could be preserved in all cases. While topical therapy only was sufficient in most patients, a conjunctival flap was necessary in six patients suffering from fungal keratitis. The high rate of fungal keratitis in this series is remarkable, and microbiological analysis provided valuable information for the appropriate treatment. In this setting, one has to be highly suspicious of fungal causes of infectious keratitis.

Background: The shortage of ophthalmologists is a major obstacle in the struggle of fighting preventable blindness in sub-Saharan Africa. However, to date reasons affecting migration of ophthalmologists have not been completely understood., Objectives: Evaluation of reasons reported by ophthalmologists for staying in their current work setting/country, of potential reasons for migration as well as of effects of German-African partnerships., Material and Methods: In the years 2009-2011 and 2013 participants of continuous medical education courses in Ethiopia, Cameroon and Kenya were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire., Results: A total of 106 ophthalmologists participated in this survey. In the years 2009/2010 participants were mainly board certified ophthalmologists, while the 2011/2013 surveys were answered mainly by residents. The main reasons for staying in their current region/country were good working conditions, commitment to help/patriotism, possibility of further training, good income and familial ties. Professional development elsewhere and better income abroad were named as the main reasons for considering migration followed by better technical equipment elsewhere and insecurity in the home country., Conclusion: Good working conditions and the possibility of further training were named as the top reasons for staying in the current region/country apart from commitment to help and familial ties. Therefore, international cooperation programs aiming at improving training of ophthalmologists and establishing an ophthalmic infrastructure may have a role in promoting ophthalmic care in Africa.

In industrialized nations diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and the most common cause of blindness in the working-age population. In the next 15 years, the number of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus is expected to increase significantly. By the year 2030, about 440 million people in the age-group 20-79 years are estimated to be suffering from diabetes mellitus worldwide (prevalence 7.7%), while in 2010 there were 285 million people with diabetes mellitus (prevalence 6.4%). This accounts for an increase in patients with diabetes in industrialized nations by 20% and in developing countries by 69% until the year 2030. Due to the expected rise in diabetic patients, the need for ophthalmic care of patients (i.e., exams and treatments) will also increase and represents a challenge for eye-care providers. Development of optimized screening programs, which respect available resources of the ophthalmic infrastructure, will become even more important. Main reasons for loss of vision in patients with diabetes mellitus are diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Incidence or progression of these potentially blinding complications can be greatly reduced by adequate control of blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Additionally, regular ophthalmic exams are mandatory for detecting ocular complications and initiating treatments such as laser photocoagulation in case of clinical significant diabetic macular edema or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this way, the risk of blindness can considerably be reduced. In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, pars-plana vitrectomy is performed to treat vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. In recent years, the advent of intravitreal medication has improved therapeutic options for patients with advanced diabetic macular edema.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of 2 prophylaxis regimens before cataract surgery using topical antibiotics (1 hour before surgery versus the day before), both with povidone-iodine, with regard to reducing the preoperative conjunctival bacterial load., Setting: Tertiary ophthalmic referral center, Munich, Germany., Design: Prospective comparative case series., Methods: Eyes were treated with topical antibiotics and their conjunctival sac flush irrigated using 10 mL of povidone-iodine 1.0%. All eyes were randomized to receive either 4 applications of topical 3500 IU/mL neomycin sulfate/6000 IU/mL polymyxin-B sulfate within 1 hour preoperatively (Group 1) or on the day before surgery (Group 2). Conjunctival specimens were obtained at 4 timepoints: T0C untreated fellow eye (control), T0 surgery eye (after antibiotic prophylaxis but before povidone-iodine irrigation), T1 after povidone-iodine, and T2 at the conclusion of surgery. All specimens were inoculated onto blood and chocolate-blood agar and into thioglycollate broth., Results: One hundred thirty-three eyes of 133 consecutive patients were included (Group 1, 64 eyes; Group 2, 69 eyes). The antibiotic regimens were equally effective in reducing the aerobic and microaerophilic conjunctival flora (Group 1, P=.028; Group 2, P=.000), but had no significant effect on anaerobic bacteria (Group 1, P=.201; Group 2, P=.117). Flush irrigation of the conjunctival sac using 10.0 mL povidone-iodine 1.0% significantly decreased the conjunctival bacterial load in both groups., Conclusion: Topical neomycin/polymyxin-B was equally effective in reducing the conjunctival bacterial load whether given 1 day or 1 hour before surgery. The greatest effect was achieved by irrigating the conjunctival sac using povidone-iodine., Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned., (Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Knowledge about hereditary eye diseases has been substantially increased by means of genetic testing during the last decade. This has resulted in a new classification of a number of disease patterns, which are characterised by non-progressive restrictive disorders of the oculomotor system, formerly classified as "congenital fibrosis syndromes". Based on the results of genetic testing, these ocular motility disorders are now referred to as "congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders" (CCDDs). They are caused by an impaired innervation of extraocular muscles because of a dysgenesis of the nuclei of the affected cranial nerves in the brainstem and pons and not by primary fibrosis of the extraocular muscles. In this review, congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM), Duane syndrome, horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis, congenital ptosis and Moebius syndrome are presented and basic principles of intracellular transport mechanisms and kinesins are discussed., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: In industrialized nations a curative therapy of retinoblastoma can be achieved in a large number of patients due to timely diagnosis and therapy. In developing countries the survival rates are much lower and very little data have been published especially from Africa., Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the survival and prognostic factors of retinoblastoma patients admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital, the national referral hospital in Kenya., Material and Methods: In this study all records of patients admitted with retinoblastoma from January 2000 to December 2004 were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical presentation, intraoperative findings and histology reports were recorded and the patients or their relatives were contacted during follow-up to investigate the outcome and survival., Results: Files of 160 patients (86 males and 74 females) were retrieved for this study. Data on 3-year survival could be acquired from 105 patients and the cumulative 3-year survival rate was 26.6 %. Factors significantly influencing survival were age at presentation less than 12 months, early disease at presentation (leukocoria only), no extraocular growth and total delay of management ≤ 5 months. Proptosis and tumor recurrence were associated with a 3-year mortality of 100 %., Conclusion: The main reasons for poor outcome were late presentation and recurrent disease after initial treatment elsewhere, extraocular growth and delay between initial presentation and treatment. Awareness of the public and of healthcare workers should be increased in order to reduce the time delay until diagnosis and treatment.

Background: The peripherin-2 (PRPH2) gene encodes a photoreceptor-specific transmembrane-protein called peripherin-2 which is critical for the formation and maintenance of rod and cone outer segments. Over 90 different disease-causing mutations in PRPH2 have been identified which cause a variety of forms of macular degeneration and also retinopathia pigmentosa., Patients/material and Methods: This study is a retrospective observational study of 3 patients ascertained over a 5 month period in the ophthalmogenetic consultation of the university ophthalmic clinic. So far, the patients were followed for 8 months at least. Data examined included clinical history, pedigree analysis, ophthalmological examination, fundus photography, autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, Arden colour test, Goldmann perimetry and detailed electrophysiological assessment. Blood samples were taken for DNA extraction and mutation analysis of PRPH2 and ABCA4, BEST1, C1QTNF5, CDH3, CNGB3, ELOVL4, FSCN2, PROM1, RDH12, RP1L1, RPGR, TIMP3 was performed., Results: All patients had presented with clinically evident maculopathy and visual acuities in the range of 1/50 Metervisus to 0.8 p [dec.]. All had specific electroretinogrammes. All PRPH2 mutations were autosomal dominant. One family was heterozygous for a previously reported missense mutation in the PRPH2 gene c.514C>T, p.R172W. The other patient was heterozygous for a so far non-described PRPH2 deletion and frameshift mutation c.74&#95;77delGGTT, p.W25SfsX12 leading most likely to a truncated, dysfunctional protein. All patients showed a significant, inter-individual phenotypical variability., Conclusion: The data add to the documented phenotypical variability of PRPH2 mutations and describe the c.74&#95;77delGGTT, p.W25SfsX12 mutation within PRPH2 for the first time. FAF, OCT and electrophysiological exams are helpful tools for diagnosis and evaluation of macular disease due to PRPH2 mutations., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Purpose: To correlate the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis with changes in the preoperative prophylaxis over a 20-year period., Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany., Design: Retrospective chart review., Methods: Patients diagnosed with postoperative endophthalmitis from 1990 to 2009 after intraocular surgery performed at the same institution were included. Because of changes in the preoperative prophylaxis during the study period, 3 groups were formed for data analysis: Period 1 (1990 to 1992), no standardized prophylaxis regimen; period 2 (1993 to 1998), preoperative topical medication, povidone-iodine 10.0% periorbitally, and 1 drop of povidone-iodine 1.0% in the conjunctiva sac; and period 3 (1999 to 2009), similar to period 2 except with irrigation of the conjunctival sac with 10 mL of povidone-iodine 1.0%., Results: The overall rate of postoperative endophthalmitis was 0.113% (77/68,323) for all intraocular surgeries. It decreased significantly from 0.291% (16/5505) in period 1 to 0.170% (33/19,413) in period 2 to 0.065% (28/43,405) in period 3 (P < .001). In cataract surgery, the overall rate of postoperative endophthalmitis was 0.125% (30/24,034). It decreased in each subsequent period, from 0.338% (9/2662) in period 1 to 0.224% (15/6696) in period 2 to 0.041% (6/14,676) in period 3 (P < .001). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most commonly isolated organism (47.4%)., Conclusions: The rate of postoperative endophthalmitis decreased over a 20-year period at a single academic institution. Although multiple factors might have contributed to this decline, implementation of a preoperative prophylaxis protocol using copious povidone-iodine might have been the most important contributor., Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned., (Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In sub-Sahara Africa, the shortage of ophthalmologists is a major obstacle in the struggle of fighting preventable blindness. Migration of well-trained ophthalmologists has an additional negative effect on the low number of caregivers. However, to date, the reasons affecting migration of ophthalmologists have not been completely understood. The present study evaluates reasons reported by ophthalmologists for staying in their current work setting/country and potential reasons why they might consider migrating. In the years 2009-2011, after approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, a questionnaire evaluating reasons for and against migration of ophthalmologists was distributed to the participants of 2-week courses in Ethiopia, Cameroon and Kenya providing continuing medical education in the field of ophthalmology. A total of 84 ophthalmologists participated in this survey. The main reasons for staying in their current region/country were good working conditions, commitment to help, possibility of further training, familial ties and general feeling of satisfaction. Professional development elsewhere and better income abroad were named as the main reasons for considering migration. Almost half of the survey participants reported good infrastructure, equipment, and consumables, which is encouraging. Programs aimed at continuing medical education of ophthalmologists to enable professional development may have an appropriate role in the establishment of an ophthalmic infrastructure which can meet patients' needs.

Purpose: To report the incidence, clinical features, microbiologic culture results, management and visual outcome of patients with endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections (IVTs)., Methods: This retrospective chart review included all patients receiving IVTs between January 2005 and July 2012. Cases of suspected and confirmed endophthalmitis after IVT were identified and reviewed., Results: A total of 20,179 IVTs were perfomed during the study period. Six cases of supected endophthalmitis were identified clinically (0.03%), of which 3 were culture positive (0.015%). The risk of culture-positive post-IVT endophthalmitis was 2/8,882 (0.023%) in the 2005 to 2008 period and 1/11,297 (0.009%) in the period 2009 to 2012. Symptoms developed within the first 3 days after IVT in 4 of the 6 patients and visual acuity was reduced to hand motion in 4 of the 6 patients. Microbiologic specimens were positive on 3 of the 6 cases (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, n = 2; Staphylococcus aureus, n = 1). Mean visual acuity before patients with endophthalmitis was 20/100, whereas mean final visual acuity at last follow-up was 20/200., Conclusion: The incidence of endophthalmitis after IVT was low with no cases because of Streptococcus species in the present setting using povidone-iodine in the preoperative disinfection of the conjunctival sac. Therefore, adherence to standardized protocols including the use of povidone-iodine when performing IVTs is recommended.

Introduction: This study was performed to evaluate the outcome after autologous dermis-fat graft [DFG] orbital implants in a large sample., Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of all primary and secondary DFGs in a 16-year period was done. Aesthetic and functional results, patients' satisfaction and postoperative complications were evaluated., Results: In total 468 DFGs were performed in the study period (315 primary [I°] and 153 secondary [II°] DGFs). In the analysis, 173 DFG I° and 66 DFG II° were included as sufficient follow-up was available. Median follow-up after DFG I° was 21.5 months and 14 months after DFG II°. After DFG I°, in 76% of patients motility of the graft was possible in all directions; 81% had good fitting of the prosthesis and 83% were highly satisfied with the results. Mean width of palpebral apertures was 0.2 mm smaller and Hertel exophthalmometry revealed a mean enophthalmus of 1.6 mm on the operated side compared to the fellow-eye. After DFG II°, motility was possible in all directions in 34% of patients. Fitting of the prosthesis was good/reasonable in 49%/41% and patients were highly satisfied in 57%. On average, on the operated side palpebral apertures were 0.6 mm smaller and Hertel measurements showed an enophthalmus of 2.6 mm. Major complications were uncommon. Complete necrosis of the implant was more often observed after II° (6.1%) than after I° DFG (3.5%)., Discussion: In this large sample, DFG proved to be an effective and safe method for the reconstruction of anophthalmic sockets.

To assess quality of life in uveal melanoma patients within the first and second year after CyberKnife radiosurgery. Overall, 91 uveal melanoma patients were evaluated for quality of life through the Short-form (SF-12) Health Survey at baseline and at every follow-up visit over 2 years after CyberKnife radiosurgery. Statistical analysis was carried out using SF Health Outcomes Scoring Software and included subgroup analysis of patients developing secondary glaucoma and of patients maintaining a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the treated eye of 0.5 log(MAR) or better. Analysis of variance, Greenhouse-Geisser correction, Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test were used to determine statistical significance. Physical Functioning (PF) and Role Physical (RP) showed a significant decrease after CyberKnife radiosurgery, whereas Mental Health (MH) improved (P=0.007, P<0.0001 and P=0.023). MH and Social Functioning (SF) increased significantly (P=0.0003 and 0.026) in the no glaucoma group, MH being higher compared with glaucoma patients (P=0.02). PF and RP were significantly higher in patients with higher BCVA at the second follow-up (P=0.02). RP decreased in patients with BCVA<0.5 log(MAR) (P=0.013). Vitality (VT) increased significantly in patients whose BCVA could be preserved (P=0.031). Neither tumor localization nor size influenced the development of secondary glaucoma or change in BCVA. Although PF and RP decreased over time, MH improved continuously. Prevention of secondary glaucoma has a significant influence on both SF and MH, whereas preservation of BCVA affects VT. Emotional stability throughout follow-up contributes positively toward overall quality of life. CyberKnife radiosurgery may contribute to attenuation of emotional distress in uveal melanoma patients.

Aim: Traumatic retinopathy presenting as acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMNR) is an uncommon disease causing paracentral scotomas after indirect trauma., Methods: We report on five patients (six eyes) with AMNR with a temporary reduction of visual acuity and persistent paracentral scotomas after indirect trauma. The findings were documented using multimodal imaging and the follow-up was up to 32 months., Results: Initially, fundoscopy was unremarkable in all patients while visual acuity (Snellen equivalents) varied between 0.03 and 1.0, and a paracentral scotoma was present in all patients. During follow-up, visual acuity recovered to 1.0 in all patients while the paracentral scotomas persisted. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed a disruption of the inner/outer segment junction within the macular lesion and changes in the outer nuclear layer, which slowly recovered partly during the follow-up., Conclusions: These findings suggest that indirect trauma can cause changes in the outer retina resembling those seen in AMNR, resulting in persisting paracentral scotomas.

Hereditary dystrophies affecting the central retina represent a heterogeneous group of diseases. Mutations in different genes may be responsible for changes of the choroid (choroideremia), of the retinal pigment epithelium [RPE] (Best's disease), of the photoreceptor outer segments (Stargardt's disease) and of the bipolar and Mueller cells (x-linked retinoschisis). The correct diagnosis of hereditary retinal dystrophies is important, even though therapeutic options are limited at the moment, as every patient should get a diagnosis and be informed about the expected prognosis. Furthermore, specific gene therapy of a number of diseases such as Leber congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, Stargardt's disease, Usher Syndrome and achromatopsia is being evaluated at present. Classic examinations for patients suffering from hereditary retinal dystrophies of the central retina are funduscopy - also using red-free light - visual-field tests, electrophysiologic tests as electro-retinogram [ERG] and multifocal ERG and tests evaluating color vision. Recently, new imaging modalities have been introduced into the clinical practice. The significance of these new methods such as high-resolution spectral-domain optic coherence tomography [SD-OCT] and fundus autofluorescence will be discussed as well as "next generation sequencing" as a new method for the analysis of genetic mutations in a larger number of patients.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of povidone-iodine 1.0%, 5.0%, and 10.0% in combination with topical levofloxacin 0.3% in reducing the preoperative conjunctival bacterial load before cataract surgery., Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany., Design: Randomized clinical trial., Methods: This study enrolled patients scheduled for cataract surgery between July 2010 and January 2011. All patients received topical levofloxacin 0.3% 4 times on the preoperative day and were randomly assigned to these study groups: Group 1 (povidone-iodine 1.0%), Group 2 (povidone-iodine 5.0%), and Group 3 (povidone-iodine 10.0%). In all groups, the conjunctiva was flush irrigated with 10 mL of povidone-iodine of the respective concentration. Conjunctival specimens were obtained at 4 timepoints: baseline (no-surgery eye), before povidone-iodine irrigation, after povidone-iodine irrigation, and at the end of surgery. All specimens were inoculated onto blood and chocolate agars and into thioglycolate broth., Results: The study was completed by 271 patients. In the control smear (no-surgery eye), no significant difference in positive cultures was found. After 10 mL povidone-iodine irrigation, a considerable reduction in the conjunctival bacterial load occurred in all groups. The difference in positive cultures was statistically significant between Group 1 and Group 3 (P=.024) and between Group 2 and Group 3 (P=.029). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most commonly isolated bacteria in all groups., Conclusion: Povidone-iodine 10.0% was more effective than povidone-iodine 1.0% and 5.0% in decreasing the conjunctival bacterial load before surgery., Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A dense cataract prevents detailed fundus examination which may lead to delayed diagnosis of undiscovered intraocular pathology before cataract surgery. We report two cases where large choroidal melanomas were diagnosed after cataract surgery and/or Nd:Yag laser capsulotomy. In the first case, a dense cataract prevented proper examination of the fundus of an 84-year-old female. A brownish choroidal lesion was seen after cataract surgery and diagnosed as postoperative choroidal detachment. As this lesion persisted over months, the patient was sent to our hospital for evaluation where a diagnosis of choroidal melanoma with extrascleral growth was made and an enucleation with implantation of a dermis-fat graft was performed without complication 10 days later. In the second case, a 58-year-old female patient had Nd:Yag laser treatment 2 years after cataract surgery had been performed. During fundus examination 1 day after treatment, the ophthalmologist noticed a choroidal lesion which he suspected to be a reaction to the laser treatment and referred the patient to our hospital where a diagnosis of a mushroom-shaped choroidal melanoma with serous retinal detachment was made. These cases show that preoperative evaluation of the posterior segment prior to cataract surgery or other therapeutic interventions is essential in order to identify any pathology. In case of a dense cataract, additional imaging such as ultrasound sonography is recommended in order to exclude intraocular lesions and to visualize the optic disc in suspected glaucoma.

Background: Corticosteroids play a major role in the treatment of many diseases of the posterior ocular segment. Systemically or topically administered steroids usually do not attain therapeutic concentrations in the retina, as they must first cross the blood-retina barrier. Intravitreal application is a useful alternative means of achieving therapeutic concentrations in the posterior segment but must be repeated every few weeks, because drugs given in this way have a short half-life. Intraocular sustained-release implants have been now developed in order to prolong the effect of intravitreal drugs and to lessen the need for repeated application. Macular edema is a typical indication for intravitreal steroid treatment., Methods: Selective review of the literature., Results: Various intravitreal corticosteroid implants have been evaluated in prospective, randomized clinical trials in recent years, and some have been approved for clinical use. Implants are either longer-acting and non-resorbable (fluocinolone acetonide implants) or shorter-acting and resorbable (dexamethasone implants). Major adverse effects of intravitreal corticosteroids include the induction or worsening of cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure. The likelihood of a complication varies from implant to implant and depends on the duration of action of the particular one used., Conclusion: Intravitreal corticosteroid implants are a new option in the treatment of diseases of the posterior ocular segment. Long-term results are not yet available. The optimal treatment for these diseases will need to be the focus of further clinical research.

Purpose: The study was designed to prospectively evaluate the bacterial contamination of needles used for intravitreal injection during surgery., Material and Methods: Between December 2007 and December 2010, 549 eyes of 413 patients were treated with intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Of the patients 322 received a single injection and 91 multiple injections. Preoperatively the periorbital skin of all patients was treated with 10% povidone iodine (PVI) and the conjunctival sac was irrigated with 1% PVI. No pre-injection antibiotics were administered. Immediately after the injection the needles were rinsed 3 times in thioglycolate broth which was then cultured at 37°C for 5 days. As a negative control 73 sterile unused needles were treated in the same way., Results: Out of the 549 needle points tested 8 (1,45%) were found to be contaminated after intravitreal injections. The isolated bacteria were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (n = 7), Propionibacterium acnes (n = 1) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 1) (co-contamination in one case)., Conclusion: Contamination of needles is minimal after prophylactic povidone iodine irrigation before intravitreal injections. Therefore, this prophylaxis technique is recommended before intravitreal injections in order to prevent postoperative infections.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of 10% povidone iodine (PVI) drops given before cataract extraction in addition to routine irrigation of the conjunctival sac with 1% PVI., Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-center study at the Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, includes 263 eyes of 242 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Patients were randomized to receive 3 drops of 10% PVI into the conjunctival sac (study group) or no PVI drops (control group). All patients underwent periorbital disinfection with 10% PVI followed by irrigation of the conjunctiva with 10 mL of 1% PVI. Specimens were obtained prior to the application of PVI, after antibiotic administration (T1), after irrigation with PVI but before surgery (T2), and at the conclusion of surgery (T3)., Results: After PVI disinfection, the number of positive cultures was significantly reduced in all groups (p<0.0001) from 69%-93% at T1 to 1%-16% at T3. In outpatients, the study group showed significantly fewer positive cultures at the conclusion of surgery compared to the control group (4% vs 16%; p=0.03). Also in inpatients significant fewer positive cultures were found in the study group compared to the control group at T2 (12% vs 28%; p=0.03) and at T3 (1% vs 10%; p=0.03)., Conclusions: Three additional drops of 10% PVI prior to surgery provided additional benefit by reducing the conjunctival bacterial contamination rate even in the setting of preoperative irrigation of the conjunctiva with 1% PVI.

The serological marker melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) has been shown to be significantly higher in the serum of patients suffering from metastatic uveal melanoma than in progression-free patients. The objective of this study was to calculate a meaningful receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for MIA based on a large patient collective and to find an appropriate threshold value. MIA tumor marker levels of 503 outpatients suffering from uveal melanoma were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fifty-four patients had confirmed metastases and 449 patients showed no overt metastatic disease at the time the blood sample was taken. ROC analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Metastatic patients showed significantly higher MIA levels (median 11.69 ng/ml) than patients in the group without overt metastatic disease (median 6.97 ng/ml) (the Mann-Whitney test, P<0.001). The AUC was 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.76-0.91). The ROC resulting from our study can be applied for test comparison by means of AUC. The AUC value of 0.84 for MIA demonstrates the accurate performance of the test. On the basis of this ROC curve, we propose a MIA threshold value for uveal melanoma patients of 8.3 ng/ml (with a corresponding sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 77%, positive predictive value of 0.30 and negative predictive value of 0.97). In patients with higher MIA serum levels, further diagnostics should be initiated.

Purpose: To determine the magnitude and pattern of ocular manifestations in sickle cell disease at Korle-bu Hospital, Accra, Ghana., Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study including all patients with sickle cell disease reporting for routine follow-up at the Sickle Cell Clinic at Korle-bu Hospital, Accra, Ghana., Results: A total of 201 patients with sickle cell disease (67 male and 134 female) were enrolled, comprising 114 subjects with genotype HbSS, aged 6-58 years, mean 19.26 (SD 11.70), and 87 with genotype HbSC, aged 6-65 years, mean 31.4 (SD 16.76). Visual impairment was found in 5.6% of eyes examined. Causes were cataract, proliferative sickle retinopathy (PSR), optic atrophy, phthisis bulbi, and central retinal artery occlusion. Common anterior segment signs of sickle cell disease, which were more common in HbSC patients, were tortuous corkscrew conjunctival vessels, iris atrophy, and cataract. Eyes with iris atrophy or depigmentation were 1.8 times more at risk of PSR than eyes without. Overall, PSR was found in 12.9% of subjects examined (3.5% of HbSS, 25.3% of HbSC; 15.9% of males and 11.2% of females). The prevalence of proliferative sickle retinopathy increased with age and increased systemic severity of sickle cell disease; sex did not have an influence., Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of ocular morbidity in sickle cell disease patients at Korle-bu Hospital. Prevalence increased with age, systemic severity of sickle cell disease, and HbSC genotype.

Ocular fat embolism syndrome in the complete absence of any cardiac defects is a rare phenomenon which is not commonly encountered in ophthalmic practice. We present a case of a 16-year-old girl with fat embolism syndrome and involvement of the retina after a tibial fracture without any cardiac defect.

Metastasis has been reported in the follow-up of up to 50% of uveal melanoma patients. Established oncological diagnostic modalities in tumor follow-up so far have limited sensitivity and specificity. The diagnostic value of combined positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scans in the follow-up of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma was assessed. Eleven patients with successfully treated and one patient with suspected uveal melanoma underwent combined PET/CT scan. The indication for PET/CT scan was heterogenous and ranged from suspected metastatic choroidal melanoma in conventional imaging (n=3) to exclusion of further organ involvement before local therapy of liver metastases (n=5) and restaging after local or systemic therapy of metastases (n=4). PET/CT scan showed vital metastases from uveal melanoma in all patients (n=12). Ten patients showed vital hepatic metastases (83%), five osseous (42%), four lymphatic (33%), two pulmonary (17%), one adrenal (8%) and one had muscular metastases (8%). Six patients showed multiple organ involvement (50%). In addition, PET/CT scan correctly identified a primary intraocular tumor and ruled out pulmonary metastatic involvement with suspicious intrapulmonary findings in a CT scan and chest X-ray in two patients. It could also confirm an equivocal intrahepatic finding in an MRI scan as a vital metastasis. PET/CT scan is a very sensitive and specific tool for the detection and localization of metastatic disease in patients with uveal melanoma, assessing both anatomical morphology and cell metabolism in one single examination. With novel therapeutic approaches in evolution, PET/CT scanning can be of great importance for therapy planning and monitoring.