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BackgroundThis study evaluates the morpho-functional alterations associated with acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMNR). DesignProspective observational case series study carried out at the University Vita-Salute, Scientific Institute San Raffaele. ParticipantsFive out of six eyes (three patients) showed the typical features of AMNR. MethodsThe patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, electroretinogram and electroculogram (ERG/EOG), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), infrared reflectance, short wavelength and near-infrared-fundus autofluorescence (SW-FAF/NIR-FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and microperimetry. Main Outcome MeasureMicroperimetric alterations in the two SD-OCT subtypes of AMNR. ResultsThe BCVA was 20/20 in all patients. ERG and EOG were normal; mfERG revealed a generally reduced response with a more reduced signal in the areas corresponding to the macular lesions. SD-OCT demonstrated two different patterns of retinal alterations. In case 1, SD-OCT revealed a hyperreflective, plaque-like band at the junction of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL), extending into the INL (type 1 lesion). In cases 2 and 3, SD-OCT disclosed a hyperreflectivity of the OPL associated with outer nuclear layer thinning and disruption of the outer segment/retinal pigment epithelium junction (type 2 lesion). Microperimetry revealed a wide scotoma involving the entire macular area in all eyes, including the unaffected eye of case 1. The reduction in retinal sensitivity was greatest in type 1. ConclusionsSD-OCT confirms that AMNR may occur in different patterns. Microperimetry demonstrated that functional alterations are also discernible in apparently uninvolved areas. Both examinations are extremely valuable in characterizing the changes associated with AMNR.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab on extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Eighteen eyes affected by extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration were prospectively enrolled in this study. After an initial intravitreal ranibizumab, all patients were reevaluated monthly over 12 months of follow-up. Further retreatments were performed on a pro re nata basis, depending on detection of any type of fluid on optical coherence tomography and/or the presence of leakage on fluorescein angiography. Primary outcome measures were mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity and the proportion of eyes gaining at least 15 letters (3 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] lines) at the end of the follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were central macular thickness variations and changes in choroidal neovascularization size. Results: Mean best-corrected visual acuity presented a significant improvement during the follow-up period, being 0.3 +/- 0.2 logMAR at baseline and 0.2 +/- 0.2 logMAR at the 12-month examination (P < 0.001). An improvement of at least 3 EDTRS lines was achieved by 6 eyes (33.3%), whereas 6 patients (33.3%) gained 1 to 2 lines. The mean central macular thickness at baseline was 314 +/- 87 mu m, changing to 268 +/- 65 mu m at the 12-month examination (P = 0.003). The mean lesion size was 1.4 +/- 1.4 mm(2) and remained stable throughout the follow-up, being 1.8 +/- 2.9 mm(2) at 12 months (P = 0.64). Conclusion: Intravitreal ranibizumab administered after a pro re nata regimen with monthly evaluation is a beneficial approach for the management of extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration over 12 months of follow-up. Further studies are warranted to confirm our preliminary results.

To identify the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns in Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD). Patients affected by VMD in vitelliform, pseudohypopyon, and vitelliruptive stages underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), short-wavelength FAF (SW-FAF), near-infrared FAF (NIR-FAF) and microperimetry. Main outcome measures: the identification of the correlation between SW-FAF and NIR-FAF patterns of the foveal region with BCVA, and central retinal sensitivity in eyes affected by VMD. The secondary outcomes included the definition of the frequency of foveal patterns on SW-FAF and NIR-FAF. Thirty-seven of 64 (58 %), 8 of 64 (12.5 %) and 19 of 64 (29.5 %) eyes showed vitelliform, pseudohypopyon, and vitelliruptive stages respectively. Three main FAF patterns were identified on both techniques: hyper-autofluorescent pattern, hypo-autofluorescent pattern, and patchy pattern. BCVA was significantly different in eyes with hypo-autofluorescent and patchy patterns with respect to eyes showing a hyper-autofluorescent pattern. Similar differences were registered in the FS according to SW-FAF classification. However, the FS differed in each subgroup in the NIR-FAF analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed on the patchy pattern, combining FAF and fundus abnormalities. Considering both FAF techniques, the BCVA differed between the vitelliform and pseudohypopyon stages, and between the vitelliform and vitelliruptive stages. In the NIR-FAF classification, there was a significant statistical difference in the FS between each subgroup; in the SW-FAF, there was a significant difference between the vitelliform and pseudohypopyon stages and the vitelliform and vitelliruptive stages. Three main FAF patterns can be identified in VMD. The patchy pattern is the most frequent, accounting for 70 % of eyes on SW-FAF and 80 % of eyes on NIR-FAF. A tighter correlation links the classification of NIR-FAF patterns and FS. Longitudinal investigations are warranted to evaluate the course of FAF patterns and their role in disease monitoring.

Purpose:To evaluate the effects of dexamethasone implant for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion in patients younger than 50 years.Methods:Patients with no previous treatment, macular edema with central foveal thickness >250 m and best-corrected visual acuity between 1.30 LogMAR and 0.30 LogMAR were prospectively recruited for a 12-month follow-up study. After baseline dexamethasone implant, re-treatment was performed starting from the fourth month if a best-corrected visual acuity deterioration with central foveal thickness >250 m occurred after an initial improvement. The primary outcome was the change in the best-corrected visual acuity. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of eyes gaining at least 3 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines, the change in the central foveal thickness, and the number of treatments.Results:Mean best-corrected visual acuity changed significantly from 0.60 0.38 LogMAR at baseline to 0.43 +/- 0.48 at the 12-month examination (P = 0.03). Eight of 16 eyes (50%) gained 3 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines. Mean central foveal thickness improved significantly from 705 +/- 202 m at baseline to 408 +/- 196 m at 12-month visit (P < 0.001). The patients received a mean of 1.8 +/- 0.9 implants with 8/16 eyes and 3/16 receiving 1 and 2 implants, respectively.Conclusion:This present investigation indicates that dexamethasone implant can provide a 3-line improvement in half of the patients younger than 50 years and affected by macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: To describe the clinical outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) associated with Stargardt disease. METHODS: Prospective, interventional, case series. All patients underwent intravitreal ranibizumab injections following a pro re nata regimen with monthly examination, over a 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: Three eyes were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity changed from 0.47±0.06 (mean±SD) at baseline to 0.90±0.17 LogMAR at the end of the 24-month follow-up. Overall, a mean number of 11 ranibizumab injections were administered in 24 months. Significant atrophic growth was detected in all cases, with the mean atrophy area increasing from 2.34±2.60 mm(2) (mean±SD) at baseline to 4.23±3.31 mm(2) at the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ranibizumab treatment can stop the CNV progression, but cannot ensure a significant visual improvement. Macular atrophy tends to significantly enlarge under ranibizumab treatment over the follow-up. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a highly prevalent cause of vision loss and has a remarkable impact on public health, and on the quality of life of diabetic patients. Even though laser photocoagulation has been the standard of care for decades, a substantial group of patients are unresponsive and fail to improve after laser treatment. Recently, new pharmacological approaches based on the use of intravitreal drugs, such as corticosteroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, have revolutionized the treatment of DME. The use of intravitreal drugs is supported by the improvement in visual acuity reported by several clinical trials and can limit the potentially destructive effects of the laser treatment. Encouraging results also emerged from studies evaluating the use of a combination therapy, or the association of intravitreal drugs and laser treatment. This review aims at providing a brief synopsis of the main investigations regarding the current pharmacological approach to DME. (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel

Purpose: To assess the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections in the treatment of extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with pathologic myopia. Methods: Patients diagnosed with pathologic myopia complicated by extrafoveal CNV were considered in this prospective, open-label interventional study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including Early Treatment Early of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity measurement, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. The protocol treatment included a first injection, followed by repeated injections over a 24-month follow-up period on the basis of optical coherence tomography and angiographic features, monitored monthly. Primary outcomes were the mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity and the proportion of eyes gaining at least 15 letters at the 24-month examination. Secondary outcomes included central macular thickness, size of the CNV, and extension to the fovea. Results: Fifteen patients were included in the study. Mean best-corrected visual acuity changed from 0.47 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/60 Snellen equivalent) at baseline to 0.22 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/30 Snellen equivalent) at the 24-month examination. An improvement of at least 3 ETDRS lines was achieved by 7 eyes (46.6%) at the 24-month examination. Mean central macular thickness changed from 313 mu m to 254 mu m at the 24-month examination (P = 0.008). Mean CNV size decreased from 348 mu m(2) to 251 mu m(2) at 24 months (P = 0.029). Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection is a beneficial treatment for extrafoveal CNV associated with pathologic myopia. RETINA 33:593-597, 2013

The vitreous is involved in multiple diseases when an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs. An incomplete PVD can lead to several pathological conditions. Such visually threatening conditions are traditionally of exclusive surgical interest. In contrast, pharmacological vitreolysis is the effort to reduce or eliminate the pathogenetic role of the vitreous solely by means of drug delivery. Here we aim to review and summarize the evidence available to date about this challenging new approach. (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel

Purpose: To compare intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization associated with pathologic myopia. Methods: Fifty-five patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized either to IVB or to IVR. After the first injection, re-treatments were performed on a pro re nata basis in monthly examinations over an 18-month follow-up. Primary outcome measures were the change in mean best-corrected visual acuity and the proportion of eyes improving in best-corrected visual acuity by > 1 and > 3 lines at the 18-month examination. Results: Forty-eight eyes received the treatment and were subsequently included in the analysis. At the 18-month examination, a significant improvement of 1.7 lines and 1.8 lines compared with baseline were noticed in the IVR and IVB subgroups, respectively. The difference in the final mean best-corrected visual acuity between the groups was not significant. A 3-line gain or higher was noted in 30% of eyes in the IVR subgroup and 44% of eyes in the IVB subgroup. Although both groups attained a significant improvement in central macular thickness, the IVR subgroup achieved a faster central macular thickness reduction. A significantly lower number of injections were administered in the IVR subgroup (2.5) compared with the IVB subgroup (4.7; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Intravitreal ranibizumab and IVB are effective in the treatment of subfoveal myopic choroidal neovascularization. Intravitreal ranibizumab achieved greater efficacy than IVB in terms of the mean number of injections administered. RETINA 32:1539-1546, 2012

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most important cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy has a remarkable impact on public health and on the quality of life of diabetic patients and thus requires special consideration. The first line of treatment remains the management of systemic risk factors but is often insufficient in controlling DME and currently, laser retinal photocoagulation is considered the standard of care. However, laser treatment reduces the risk of moderate visual loss by approximately 50% without guaranteeing remarkable effects on visual improvement. For these reasons, new strategies in the treatment of DME have been studied, in particular the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. VEGF is a pluripotent growth factor that acts as a vasopermeability factor and an endothelial cell mitogen. For this reason, it represents an interesting candidate as a therapeutic target for the treatment of DME. The aim of this article is to review the evidence behind the use of anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of DME. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel

Purpose TO report a case of retinopathy secondary to malignant hypertension showing a macular star, which responded favorably to a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB). Methods A 46-year-old man with malignant hypertension showing incomplete macular star in his right eye with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/32 underwent IVB. Results Subsequent examinations revealed a progressive resolution of the macular star with functional recovery over the follow-up. In particular, at the 9-month examination BCVA was 20/20, fundus biomicroscopy disclosed resolution of the macular star, and the retinal sensitivity improved remarkably. Conclusions Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab can be a useful approach to treat the exudative manifestations of malignant hypertension.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a retinal disorder that primarily affects young (20-to 50-year-old) white men, although it is seen occasionally in older patients and females. CSC is characterized by avascular focal leakage through the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), resulting in serous detachment of the neurosensory retina. The course is usually self-limiting and in most cases resolves spontaneously within a 3-month period, with visual acuity usually recovering to 20/30 or better. However, chronic CSC may develop as a consequence of recurrences or persistent neurosensory detachment, and can result in progressive RPE atrophy and permanent visual loss. A primary involvement of the RPE and choroidal vascularization play a significant role in the pathogenesis of CSC and the current treatment options attempt to restore the functions of the RPE and the normal choroidal vasculature. The aim of the current review is to provide an overview of the current therapeutical approaches to CSC, including observation, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin, intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy and the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. (c) 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel

Purpose: To describe the morphologic alterations on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in active myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) receiving intravitreal bevacizumab and to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy, taking fluorescein angiography as a reference examination. Methods: Thirty patients (30 eyes) were prospectively enrolled. Each eye was imaged with fluorescein angiography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography at the baseline and at 1-, 2-, and 3-month examinations. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography parameters consisting of intraretinal/subretinal fluid and absence of external limiting membrane (ELM) visibility were considered signs of CNV activity and collated with the presence/absence of leakage on fluorescein angiography. Main outcome measures were frequencies of the retinal alterations associated with myopic CNV at the diagnosis and during monitoring of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Results: At the diagnosis, spectral domain optical coherence tomography identified subretinal fluid in 14 eyes (46%), intraretinal fluid associated with subretinal fluid in 12 eyes (40%), and absence of ELM visibility in 30 of the 30 eyes (100%). During the follow-up, fluorescein leakage was noted in 32 visits (18, 8, and 6 eyes at the 1-, 2- and 3-month examinations, respectively). Taking into consideration spectral domain optical coherence tomography features of active myopic CNVs on fluorescein angiography, subretinal fluid was identified in 24 examinations (75%), intraretinal cysts with subretinal fluid were noted in 5 visits (15.6%), and the absence of ELM visibility was visible in 32 examinations (100%). The alterations of the ELM corresponded to the location of the fluorescein leakage. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the absence of ELM visibility is a more reliable parameter for evaluating CNV activity than intraretinal/subretinal fluid collection and may constitute a useful option in diagnosing and monitoring the myopic CNV during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Purpose: To evaluate the rate of adherence to prescribed nutritional supplementation in patients affected by age-related macular degeneration, in an Italian tertiary referral tertiary center. Methods: Patients with age-related macular degeneration, age-related eye disease study Categories 3 and 4, were recruited and underwent an 11-item questionnaire. Results: The study included a total of 193 patients meeting the age-related eye disease study nutritional supplementation criteria (174 patients with age-related eye disease study Category 4 and 19 with Category 3). Seventy-seven (40%) were taking oral supplementation, 70 of whom (90%) 1 tablet/day. Oral supplementation was recommended by the personal ophthalmologist in 85 patients (44%), including all those currently receiving it. Eight patients of 85 (9.4%) rejected supplementation despite it being recommended, mostly because they were already taking other medicines. Ninety-four patients (48%) claimed they had not received any information from their ophthalmologist. Conclusion: Our data reveal that Italian patients with age-related eye disease study Categories 3 and 4 have a low adherence to nutritional supplementation. In 65% of cases, patients were not adequately informed by their ophthalmologist of the potential benefits of oral supplementation for age-related macular degeneration; indeed, 108 patients (56%) were not even aware such nutritional treatments are available. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the importance of giving advice to persons with age-related macular degeneration regarding the benefits of oral supplements.

PURPOSE To assess the changes in choroidal thickness in different stages of Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD). METHODS Thirty-four patients affected by VMD were prospectively enrolled and underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity measurement, biomicroscopic examination, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The Gass classification was used in defining the stages of VMD. Twenty healthy subjects served as the control group. Main outcome measures were the identification of choroidal changes in different stages of VMD and detection of a correlation between choroidal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS No significant difference was found in the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) between eyes displaying Stage 1 and the control group (P = 0.181). Stages 2 and 3 showed an increased SFCT (320.4 and 319.1 μm, respectively) compared with that of control patients (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Stage 4 had a significantly inferior SFCT compared with Stages 2 and 3 (P = 0.007 and P = 0.025, respectively) but no significant difference was found between Stage 4 and control patients (P = 0.733). The Stage 5 group displayed a significant decrease in SFCT compared with that of the control group (181.3 μm and 238.4 μm, respectively, P = 0.002). Analyzing the association between SFCT and best-corrected visual acuity in patients affected by clinical VMD (Stages 2-5), the authors found that the best-corrected visual acuity decreased as the choroid thinned (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Choroidal thickness varies according to the stage of VMD, being higher in the vitelliform stage and thinner in the atrophic/cicatricial stage. Long-term studies are warranted to provide a more precise evaluation of the morphofunctional alterations in the different stages of VMD.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections in the treatment of nonsubfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with angioid streaks (AS) in a 3-year follow-up study. DESIGN: Noncomparative, interventional, prospective case series. METHODS: Eighteen patients (18 eyes) with juxtafoveal/extrafoveal CNV secondary to AS were recruited. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement on ETDRS chart, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA). The protocol treatment included a first injection, followed by repeated injections on the basis of detection of new hemorrhage, any type of fluid on OCT, and/or presence of FA leakage. Primary outcome measures were final mean changes in BCVA and proportion of eyes with 10 ETDRS letters improvement. Secondary outcomes were mean changes of central macular thickness (CMT) and foveal involvement. RESULTS: After a mean BCVA stabilization over the first year, a statistically significant BCVA worsening was registered at the 24-month (72.8 +/- 10.0 ETDRS letters, P = .03) and 36-month examinations (65.8 +/- 15.0 ETDRS letters, P = .02) in comparison with the 1-year visual outcomes (80.1 +/- 5.4 ETDRS letters); lastly, a substantial stabilization in the BCVA was observed at 36 months in comparison with the baseline value (77.9 +/- 10.0 ETDRS letters, P = .22). Two eyes (25%) with juxtafoveal CNV and no eye with extrafoveal CNV experienced a 10-letter improvement at the 3-year examination. Mean CMT at baseline was 220 15 mu m and 235 +/- 66 pm at 36 months (P = 1.00). During the first and second years of follow-up, 5 juxtafoveal CNVs and 3 extrafoveal CNVs showed foveal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab can be effective in the management of nonsubfoveal CNV secondary to AS, although monthly monitoring is required to control CNV recurrence or progression. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of dexamethasone implant for the treatment of macular edema secondary to ischemic retinal vein occlusions (IRVO). Methods Consecutive patients affected by macular edema related to IRVO were prospectively recruited. After a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography, each patient received a first implant. Further re-treatments were performed on the basis of macular edema detection from the fourth month on. The primary outcome measure was the change in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter score at the 12-month examination. Secondary outcome measures included changes in central foveal thickness and number of implants over the follow-up. Results Fifteen patients with central IRVO and 14 patients with branch IRVO were recruited. The median ETDRS letter score at baseline was 10 (Snellen Equivalent 20/640) in the central IRVO subgroup, improving to 37 (Snellen Equivalent 20/200²⁺) at the 12-month examination. The median ETDRS letter score in the branch retinal vein occlusion subgroup changed from 48 (Snellen equivalent 20/125³⁺) at baseline to 62 (Snellen equivalent 20/63²⁺) at the 12-month examination. The baseline median central foveal thickness was 749 μm in central IRVO, and 459 μm in branch IRVO, improving to 363 μm and 323 μm, respectively, at the 12-month examination. Mean number of implants was 2.8 in the central IRVO and 2 in the branch IRVO. Conclusion Dexamethasone implant can reduce macular edema in eyes affected by IRVO, leading to a slight improvement in visual acuity.

Background: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis, Bulach, Switzerland) has been proposed for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia. We retrospectively evaluated the effects of verteporfin therapy of subfoveal recurrences of extrafoveal myopic CNV previously treated with thermal laser photocoagulation. Methods: Twelve eyes, previously treated with thermal laser photocoagulation for extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization, received photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for subfoveal recurrence of choroidal new vessels. Thirteen eyes that did not receive photodynamic therapy served as control group. Vision and fluorescein angiography outcomes were analyzed on all study visits (every 3 months) through month 12. Visual acuity was measured in Snellen lines. Results: On average, at the month 12 examination the verteporfin-treated group had gained 2 lines and the untreated group had lost 1 line of vision. Eleven eyes of the verteporfin-treated group compared with nine eyes of the untreated group lost fewer than 3 lines of vision, including four eyes versus none improving at least 1 line of vision. Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin might increase the chance of stabilizing or improving vision in patients with subfoveal recurrences of extrafoveal myopic CNV previously treated with thermal laser photocoagulation. A prospective, randomized study on larger series of patients is mandatory.

Background: Drusen are amorphous yellowish deposits beneath the sensory retina. People with drusen, particularly large drusen, are at higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The most common complication in AMD is choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), the growth of new blood vessels in the centre of the macula. The risk of CNV is higher among people who are already affected by CNV in one eye. It has been observed clinically that laser photocoagulation of drusen leads to their disappearance and may prevent the occurrence of advanced disease (CNV or geographic atrophy) associated with visual loss. Objectives: To examine the effectiveness and adverse effects of laser photocoagulation of drusen in AMD. Search methods: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2015, Issue 7), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to August 2015), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2015), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (January 1982 to August 2015), the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 3 August 2015. Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of laser treatment of drusen in AMD in which laser treatment had been compared with no intervention or sham treatment. Two types of trials were included. Some trials studied one eye of each participant (unilateral studies); other studies recruited participants with bilateral drusen and randomised one eye to photocoagulation or control and the fellow eye to the other group. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data. We pooled data from unilateral and bilateral studies using a random-effects model. For the bilateral studies, we estimated the within-person correlation coefficient from one study and assumed it was valid for the others. Main results: The update of this review found two additional studies, totaling 11 studies that randomised 2159 participants (3580 eyes) and followed them up to two years, of which six studies (1454 participants) included people with one eye randomised to treatment and one to control. Studies were conducted in Australia, Europe and North America. Overall, the risk of bias in the included studies was low, particularly for the larger studies and for the primary outcome development of CNV. Photocoagulation did not reduce the development of CNV at two years' follow-up (odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 1.46, 11 studies, 2159 participants (3580 eyes), high quality evidence). This estimate means that, given an overall occurrence of CNV of 8.3% in the control group, we estimated an absolute risk reduction by no more than 1.4% in the laser group, according to the lower CI limit. Only two studies investigated the effect on the development of geographic atrophy and could not show a difference, but estimates were imprecise (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.38 to 4.51, two studies, 148 participants (148 eyes), low quality evidence). Among secondary outcomes, photocoagulation led to drusen reduction (OR 9.16, 95% CI 6.28 to 13.4, three studies, 570 participants (944 eyes), high quality evidence) but was not shown to limit loss of 3 or more lines of visual acuity (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.22, nine studies, 2002 participants (2386 eyes), moderate quality evidence). In a subgroup analysis, no difference could be shown for conventional visible (eight studies) versus subthreshold invisible (four studies) photocoagulation for the primary outcomes (P value = 0.29). The effect in the subthreshold group did not suggest a relevant benefit (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.98). No study used micropulse subthreshold photocoagulation. No other adverse effects (apart from development of CNV, geographic atrophy or visual loss) were reported. Authors' conclusions: The trials included in this review confirm the clinical observation that laser photocoagulation of drusen leads to their disappearance. However, treatment does not result in a reduction in the risk of developing CNV, and was not shown to limit the occurrence of geographic atrophy or visual acuity loss. Ongoing studies are being conducted to assess whether the use of extremely short laser pulses (i.e. nanosecond laser treatment) cannot only lead to drusen regression but also prevent neovascular AMD.

PURPOSE: To describe a possible causal association between the position of perforating scleral vessels and the position of lacquer cracks in eyes with pathologic myopia. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Medical records and multimodal imaging results, including confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, were reviewed from patients with lacquer cracks secondary to pathologic myopia who presented between 2010 and 2014 to 2 institutions. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of perforating scleral vessels at the site of the lacquer crack, the position of the lacquer crack within the macula, and the relationships between perforating scleral vessels and retinal-choroidal structures. RESULTS: A total of 35 eyes of 30 patients with lacquer cracks were included. The average number of lacquer cracks was 1.2 +/- 0.5/eye and in 37 out of 45 lacquer cracks (82%) retrobulbar vessels were found to perforate the sclera at the site of the lacquer crack. Lacquer cracks were more prevalent in the central macula (51%) than in the nasal (19%), temporal (14%), inferior (11%), and superior macula (5%) (P=.001). Transverse en face images through the area of lacquer cracks were available for 8 cases and clearly depicted the perforating vessel's course through the sclera and its termination in the choroid, directly beneath the lacquer cracks. CONCLUSIONS: Perforating scleral vessels are often present beneath the site at which lacquer cracks form in pathologic myopia. We hypothesize that scleral expansion at the location of these perforating vessels may play a role in the formation of lacquer cracks. (C) 2015 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. PURPOSE: To describe a possible causal association between the position of perforating scleral vessels and the position of lacquer cracks in eyes with pathologic myopia. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Medical records and multimodal imaging results, including confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, were reviewed from patients with lacquer cracks secondary to pathologic myopia who presented between 2010 and 2014 to 2 institutions. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of perforating scleral vessels at the site of the lacquer crack, the position of the lacquer crack within the macula, and the relationships between perforating scleral vessels and retinal-choroidal structures. RESULTS: A total of 35 eyes of 30 patients with lacquer cracks were included. The average number of lacquer cracks was 1.2 +/- 0.5/eye and in 37 out of 45 lacquer cracks (82%) retrobulbar vessels were found to perforate the sclera at the site of the lacquer crack. Lacquer cracks were more prevalent in the central macula (51%) than in the nasal (19%), temporal (14%), inferior (11%), and superior macula (5%) (P=.001). Transverse en face images through the area of lacquer cracks were available for 8 cases and clearly depicted the perforating vessel's course through the sclera and its termination in the choroid, directly beneath the lacquer cracks. CONCLUSIONS: Perforating scleral vessels are often present beneath the site at which lacquer cracks form in pathologic myopia. We hypothesize that scleral expansion at the location of these perforating vessels may play a role in the formation of lacquer cracks. (C) 2015 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Purpose:To compare retinal sensitivity obtained with MP1 and MAIA microperimeters in patients affected by retinal dystrophies (RD) and in healthy subjects.Methods:Thirty-six patients affected by RD and 25 healthy subjects were considered for the study. All patients and controls underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including fundus-related perimetry, performed by means of two microperimeters, the MP1 (Nidek Technologies) and the MAIA (CenterVue). Main outcome of the study was the comparison of retinal sensitivity. Such comparison was performed converting the MP1 decibel (dB) values to their MAIA equivalent dB values.Results:Mean retinal sensitivity in patients affected by RD was 5.68 6.08 dB (mean +/- SD) on MP1 (9.66 +/- 10.06 dB converted to their equivalent MAIA values) and 14.66 +/- 9.37 dB on MAIA (P < 0.0001). Mean retinal sensitivity in healthy subjects was 18.46 +/- 3.10 dB on MP1 (22.44 +/- 7.08 dB on their converted equivalent MAIA values) and 28.52 +/- 1.12 dB on MAIA (P < 0.0001). Thirty eyes affected by RD (41%) showed retinal areas characterized by sensitivity under 1 dB on MP1, whereas the MAIA examination of the same areas revealed a mean retinal sensitivity of 4.7 dB. Moreover, 28 of these eyes disclosed also areas of absolute scotoma on MP1, but examining the same areas on MAIA, just 13 of these eyes (46%) disclosed an absolute scotoma. In addition, in a subgroup of 6 eyes affected by RD (8%) showing a retinal sensitivity of 20 dB on MP1, the corresponding value on MAIA varied from 26.3 dB to 30.0 dB, with a mean value of 27.8 +/- 1.3 dB.Conclusion:The MAIA microperimeter provides a more accurate characterization of functional impairment in RD with respect to the MP1 system, especially in cases with low and high retinal sensitivity. MAIA microperimeter could reveal particularly useful in precisely identifying and monitoring subtle changes in retinal sensitivity, especially in view of the availability of therapies aiming at a functional rescue in patients with RD.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents the most common cause of vision loss in patients affected by diabetes mellitus. Although the pathophysiology of DME is not wholly understood, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as a key contributor to the development of DME. In addition, latest information suggests that acute and chronic inflammatory changes occur, contributing to the DME pathogenesis. The current therapeutic approach for DME is mainly based on the administration of anti-VEGF molecules. In particular, VEGF-inhibitors that have been studied for diabetic retinopathy include pegaptanib, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept. The present review analyzes the main characteristics of each molecule, describing the most important results of clinical trails.

The authors describe an uncommon association between pseudoxanthoma elasticum with typical fundus lesions and positive testing for mutation in the ABCC6 gene and the concomitant presence of a large subfoveal vitelliform lesion. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2015;46:287–288.]

To describe the morphological macular changes detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and to analyze their correlation with the visual function. Twenty-two patients (44 eyes) patients affected by RP were recruited. The following structures were evaluated on SD-OCT: outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), external limiting membrane (ELM), photoreceptor inner/outer segment (IS/OS) junction, photoreceptor outer segment/retinal pigmented epithelium (OS/RPE) junction, inner limiting membrane thickening (ILMT), ganglion cell complex (GCC), and cystoid macular edema (CME). The relation between each SD-OCT finding and BCVA was evaluated at uni- and multivariate analysis. Mean age and mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 51 ± 17.5 years and 0.4 ± 0.5 LogMAR, respectively. Univariate linear regression model revealed a correlation between BCVA and the absence of ELM, IS/OS, ONL, and OS/RPE layers (R 2 values were, respectively, 0.51, 0.57, 0.48, and 0.68, with p values all

Purpose To report the near-infrared fundus autofluorescence (NIR-FAF) pattern in 2 cases of multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome (MEWDS). Methods Three consecutive patients with MEWDS underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including color photograph, blue-light fundus autofluorescence, NIR-FAF, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Main outcome measure was the identification of NIR-FAF pattern. Results Fluorescein angiography showed patchy hyperfluorescence of the whitish dots. Indocyanine green angiography showed hypofluorescent spots throughout the examination. Blue-light fundus autofluorescence disclosed a speckled pattern without extension to the foveal area, whereas NIR-AF showed several hypoautofluorescent lesions involving also the fovea, which corresponded to the whitish dots visible on biomicroscopy and to the hypofluorescent lesions detectable on ICGA. Conclusions Near-infrared fundus autofluorescence is characterized by hypoautofluorescent spots corresponding to the inflammatory lesions typical of MEWDS and can be considered as a valuable noninvasive technique to diagnose and monitor patients with MEWDS.

To compare the effects of subthreshold grid laser treatment (SGLT) and intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVBI) for the treatment of macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) recurring after conventional grid laser photocoagulation. Thirty-five eyes were considered in this prospective, randomised, interventional study and treated with micropulse diode laser (SGLT subgroup) or IVBI (IVBI subgroup). SGLT was administered once, whereas IVBI (1.25 mg) was given at baseline and then on a pro re nata regimen according to ME presence on optical coherence tomography (OCT), performed at monthly examinations over a 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome measures were the mean BCVA changes over the follow-up and the decrease in mean central foveal thickness (CFT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of eyes that gained at least 15 letters (approximately three lines) at the 12-month examination. Eighteen and 17 patients were assigned to SGLT and IVBI subgroups, respectively. At baseline, the subgroups were similar with regard to mean ME duration, BCVA, and CFT. At month 12, mean CFT significantly improved from 484 μm to 271 μm in the IVBI subgroup, whereas it was unchanged in the SGLT subgroup. Mean BCVA changed from 0.92 ± 0.3 (LogMAR) to 0.99 ± 0.2 in the SGLT subgroup; in the IVBI subgroup, mean BCVA showed a statistically significant improvement from 0.94 ± 0.3 to 0.72 ± 0.2. Ten patients in the IVBI subgroup (58 %) and no patient in the SGLT subgroup gained at least three lines. At the 1-year follow-up, IVBI provided a significant functional and anatomical improvement, whereas SGLT failed to demonstrate any beneficial effects. IVBI might be a useful approach in the treatment of recurrent ME secondary to BRVO already treated with conventional grid laser photocoagulation. UMIN registry, number UMIN000005014, URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm

PURPOSE: To describe fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns of myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with intravitreal ranibizumab and their correlation with visual acuity. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: Twenty-seven eyes (27 patients) affected by myopic CNV were enrolled from January 2011 to January 2013. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) determination and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). The patients underwent ranibizumab injections following a pro re nata treatment regimen. The main outcome measure was the identification of the FAF patterns of myopic CNV over a 12-month follow-up. The secondary outcome was the correlation of the FAF patterns with the BCVA. RESULTS: At baseline 17 eyes (63%) showed a hyper-autofluorescent pattern and 10 eyes (37%) a patchy pattern. BCVA changed from 0.48 +/- 0.23 (logMAR) to 0.30 +/- 0.32 at the 12-month examination (P = .027) in the hyper-FAF subgroup. In the subgroup showing the patchy pattern, the BCVA declined slightly from 0.51 +/- 0.27 to 0.56 +/- 0.37 (P = .53). The 14 eyes preserving the hyper-FAF pattern during the follow-up had a final BCVA of 0.20 +/- 0.17, whereas the 9 eyes maintaining the patchy pattern showed a final BCVA of 0.60 +/- 0.37 (P = .002). The atrophic area of the retinal pigment epithelium assessed on the basis of FAF increased from 1.27 +/- 2.80 mm(2) to 1.83 +/- 3.74 mm(2) at the 12-month examination (P = .016). The mean atrophic area increased by 0.37 mm(2) in the hyper-FAF subgroup and by 0.90 mm(2) in the patchy FAF subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Two main patterns were identified on FAF in myopic CNV and were related to the prognostic evolution, the hyperautofluorescent CNV being associated with a greater visual gain and fewer atrophic changes over a 12-month follow-up. ((C) 2015 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To describe a case of persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM) associated with juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVBI). Design: Interventional case report. Methods: A 60-year-old patient referred for sudden vision loss was diagnosed with PPM complicated by a disciform scar in the right eye and juxtafoveal CNV in the left eye, undergoing 2 IVBIs. Results: Best-corrected visual acuity passed from 20/32 to 20/20 after 2 IVBIs, with complete resolution of intraretinal and subretinal fluid and disappearance of fluorescein leakage. Conclusions: IVBI is a promising treatment option for juxtafoveal CNV secondary to PPM.

PURPOSE: To provide a systematic classification of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns in patients affected by Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional prospective study. METHODS: Patients affected by Best vitelliform macular dystrophy at different stages of the disease were prospectively enrolled from January 2012 to July 2013. Eighty eyes of 40 patients were included in the study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including genetic characterization, short-wavelength FAF, and near-infrared FAF. Main outcome measures were the recognition of the FAF patterns in the different stages and the identification of a relationship between FAF patterns and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Six FAF patterns for both short-wavelength and near-infrared FAF were identified, including normal, hyper-autofluorescent, hypo-autofluorescent, patchy, multifocal, and spoke-like patterns. Applying Gass's classification for defining consecutive stages of Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (namely vitelliform, pseudohypopyon, vitelliruptive, atrophic, and cicatricial) identified no pattern as stage-specific. Patchy patterns had the highest prevalence. A statistically significant difference (Kruskat-Wallis ANOVA) was. found among hyperautofluorescent, patchy, and hypo-autofluorescent patterns, both in short-wavelength (P =. 001) and near-infrared FAF (P = .001). Hyper-autofluorescent and hypo-autofluorescent patterns were associated with better and worse BCVA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Six main patterns on both short-wavelength and near-infrared FAF were identified in Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. No FAF pattern can be considered stage-specific. Although a difference in the BCVA among the FAF patterns was registered, only a longitudinal study designed to evaluate the clinical and FAF modifications over the follow-up will help clarify the prognostic implications of each FAF pattern. (C) 2014 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injections in the treatment of nonsubfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with angioid streaks. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, interventional, prospective case series. METHODS: Fifteen patients (15 eyes) affected by juxtafoveal or extrafoveal CNV secondary to angioid streaks were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA). The protocol treatment included a first injection, followed by repeated injections over a 12-month follow-up period on the basis of the detection of new hemorrhage on biomicroscopic examination, any type of fluid on OCT, or presence of leakage on FA. Primary outcome measures: Mean changes in BCVA and proportion of eyes gaining at least 10. letters (2 ETDRS lines) at the end of the follow-up. Secondary outcomes: Mean changes of central macular thickness (CMT) and extension to the fovea. RESULTS: Mean BCVA did not change throughout the follow-up period, being 0.2 +/- 0.2 logMAR at baseline and 0.2 +/- 0.3 logMAR at the 12-month examination. A functional improvement of at least 2 ETDRS lines was achieved by 5 eyes (33%), with 3 eyes (20%) gaining 3 lines. Mean CMT at baseline was 215 +/- 13 mu m and 225 +/- 85 mu m at the 12-month examination. Two eyes (13.3%) showed CNV extension to the fovea. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection can be a beneficial approach for the management of nonsubfoveal CNV secondary to angioid streaks over a 1-year follow-up. (C) 2014 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.