Lens clarity after lens-sparing vitrectomy in a pediatric population

Viscodelamination of Localized Retrolental Plaques During Lens-Sparing Vitrectomy in Eyes With Pediatric Tractional Vitreoretinopathy

PURPOSE

To report viscodelamination of localized retrolental plaques during lens-sparing vitrectomy in eyes with pediatric tractional vitreoretinopathy.

METHODS

Viscodelamination of retrolental plaques was performed during 23-gauge lens-sparing vitrectomy in 11 eyes from 11 children with a median age (range) of 12 (4-58) months. There were five eyes with Stage 4 familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, one eye with Stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity, and five eyes with anterior-posterior persistent fetal vasculature syndrome. Retrolental plaques were separated from the posterior lens capsule by the tension of viscoelastic injection in the Berger's space.

RESULTS

In 10 of 11 eyes, retrolental plaques were removed from posterior surface of lens without capsular tearing. During the 12-month to 18-month follow-up period, lens clarity along the visual axis was retained in 5 eyes with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, one eye with retinopathy of prematurity, and 2 of 5 eyes with persistent fetal vasculature. Atraumatic viscodelamination was associated with retrolental plaques that did not incorporate into the posterior lens capsule. Retinal dragging was reversed in all 11 eyes.

CONCLUSION

Viscodelamination may be effective for the dissection of retrolental plaques related to pediatric vitreoretinopathy in selected cases.

Incidence and Factors of Postoperative Lens Opacity after Lens-Sparing Vitrectomy for Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence and factors associated with lens opacity after lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Among the 141 eyes of 94 patients who underwent LSV for ROP between 2006 and 2019, 108 eyes of 71 patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after LSV were investigated.

METHODS

Data were collected from patients' charts, including gender, gestational age at birth, birth weight, stage of ROP, postmenstrual age (PMA) at LSV, surgical procedure, preoperative injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, subsequent retinal surgeries, and lensectomy during follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Lens status at last visit, incidence and timing of lensectomy, and risk factors for lens opacity requiring lensectomy.

RESULTS

Stages of ROP at LSV were 4A, 4B, and 5 in 92 eyes, 13 eyes, and 3 eyes, respectively. The median PMA at LSV was 40.6 weeks. Thirty-two eyes received anti-VEGF therapy before LSV. Lens opacity was found in 17 eyes (15.7%), of which 10 eyes (9.3%) underwent lensectomy. The period between LSV and lensectomy ranged from 21 days to 131.9 months (median, 21.1 months). Eleven other eyes (10.2%) underwent lensectomy as part of a reoperation for worsening of ROP. A total of 80 eyes (74.1%) preserved clear lenses at the latest follow-up examination after surgery (median, 6.8 years; range, 1-14 years). The Kaplan-Meier estimate showed that the proportion of patients with phakia at 5 and 10 years was 92.4% and 89.0%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that eyes with the use of tamponade at LSV (P = 0.005; odds ratio [OR], 25.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.187-157.5) and young PMA at LSV (P = 0.033; OR, 1.047; 95% CI, 1.012-1.099) were associated significantly with lens opacity requiring lensectomy. However, anti-VEGF therapy was not associated with lens opacity requiring lensectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 10% of eyes required lensectomy because of lens opacity after LSV for ROP. The development of lens opacity requiring lensectomy seems to be associated with the use of tamponade and young PMA at LSV.

Role of LASERS in stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

To study the anatomical success rate of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASERS) as first line of management in stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Observational, prospective case series of 14 eyes of 7 babies (males: 3, females: 4) with stage 4A ROP who underwent LASERS for stage 4A between January 2018 and July 2019. Gestation age (GA), birth weight (BW), and post-menstrual age (PMA) at which laser was done were noted in all cases. A number of clock hours of detachment at the time of presentation were noted in all babies. All babies were followed up up to 6 months after laser for any recurrence. Success was defined as complete regression of disease without the need of any other modality of treatment like anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or pars plana vitrectomy. A total of 92.85% (13/14) showed complete regression of disease. One eye progressed to stage 4B ROP warranting lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV). LASERS is an effective method of management without any need of anti-VEGF or surgical intervention even in babies with stage 4A ROP.

Surgical outcomes of microincision vitrectomy surgery in eyes with retinal detachment secondary to retinopathy of prematurity in Indian population

Purpose:

To analyze and report outcomes of microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) for Stage 4 and 5 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:

Medical records of 202 eyes of 129 premature children undergoing MIVS for Stage 4/Stage 5 ROP between January 2012 and April 2015 were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of eyes with anatomical success (defined as attached retina at the posterior pole at last follow-up). Complications associated with MIVS were noted and analysis of risk factors associated with poor anatomical outcome was also done using logistic regression.

Results:

Mean age of presentation of babies with Stage 4 ROP (2.9 ± 1.75 months) was lower than those with stage 5 disease (5.62 ± 2.55 months) (P < 0.005). One hundred seventeen eyes (56% or 58%) had Stage 5, 38 (19%) had Stage 4a, and 47 (23%) Stage 4b. Ninety-four eyes (47%) had received prior treatment (laser and/or anti-vascular endothelial growth factors [VEGF]). Lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) was performed in 58 (29%) eyes while lensectomy with vitrectomy (LV) was performed in 144 (71%) eyes. At a mean follow-up of 32.5 weeks, 102 (50.5%) eyes achieved anatomical success, including 74% eyes in Stage 4a and 4b and 33% in Stage 5. Complications included intraoperative break formation (19%), postoperative vitreous hemorrhage (28%), raised intraocular pressure (12.7%), and cataract progression (2.4%). Factors significantly associated with favorable anatomical outcome were Stage 4 disease (vs. Stage 5) (odds ratio [OR] 5.8; confidence interval [CI] =2.6–13.8, P < 0.005), prior treatment (laser ± anti-VEGF) (OR 2.5; CI 1.4–4.7, P < 0.005) surgery with 25G MIVS (vs. 23G) (OR: 1.7; CI = 0.98–3.00, P = 0.05) and LSV (vs. LV) (OR 7; CI = 3.4–14.6, P < 0.005). Retinal break was significantly associated with poor anatomical outcome (OR 0.21; CI = 0.09–0.5, P < 0.005).

Conclusion:

MIVS along with wide angle viewing systems allow surgeons to effectively manage ROP surgeries while at the same time reducing complication rate in these eyes which have complex pathoanatomy and otherwise grim prognosis.

Plasmin Enzyme-Assisted Vitrectomy in Pediatric Patients with Vitreoretinal Diseases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using plasmin-assisted vitrectomy in pediatric patients with vitreoretinal diseases.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited children aged 16 years or younger who presented with vitreoretinopathies and underwent plasmin-assisted vitrectomy between 2012 and 2013. The main outcome measure was the induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) using a suction power of 200 mm Hg or less during surgery.

RESULTS

Eleven eyes of 11 patients (mean age: 3.7 years; average follow-up duration: 14.1 months) were included. Of these 11 patients, there were 3 (27%) cases of stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity, 2 (18%) cases of persistent fetal vasculature, 2 (18%) cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 2 (18%) cases of idiopathic epiretinal membrane, 1 (9%) case of traumatic macular pucker, and 1 (9%) case of traumatic vitreous hemorrhage (9%). PVD was achieved in all cases (100%) during surgery using low suction after plasmin treatment (mean: 150 ± 39 mm Hg; range: 100-200). Overall, anatomical success was achieved in 8 eyes (73%). Visual acuity improved in all 5 (100%) patients for whom vision could be measured at 6 months after the operation. Cataracts were found in 4 eyes (36%), and a rise in transient intraocular pressure was observed in 1 eye (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasmin-assisted vitrectomy offers an effective and less traumatic intervention for a variety of pediatric vitreoretinal diseases.

Long-term outcomes on lens clarity after lens-sparing vitrectomy for retinopathy of prematurity

OBJECTIVE

To describe the long-term effect of lens-sparing vitrectomy surgery for advanced retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on lens clarity.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series at a single tertiary referral pediatric vitreoretinal practice.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred ninety-six eyes from 351 patients were included.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with diagnosis of ROP stage 4A, 4B, and 5 who underwent lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) between 1992 and 2013. Data were collected from patient charts, including gender, date of birth, gestational age at birth, birthweight, stage of ROP at presentation, initial treatment (laser or cryotherapy), date of LSV, date of lensectomy (if performed), lens status at time of lensectomy, date of last visit, lens status at last visit, subsequent retinal surgeries, and retinal attachment status at last visit. Patients were excluded if any surgery had been performed at an outside institution before referral, or if a scleral buckle had been placed. Eyes with a concurrent anatomic abnormality, such as coloboma or microcornea, or a known family history of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), were also excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Retinal reattachment after LSV, lensectomy after LSV, lens opacity at the time of lensectomy, and lens clarity at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety-six eyes from 351 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. The reattachment rate after a single LSV surgery was 82.1% for stage 4A, 69.5% for stage 4B, and 42.6% for stage 5. Subsequent retinal surgeries were required in 19.8% of eyes, with 88.7% of them including a lensectomy. Among eyes requiring lensectomy, 75% occurred within the first year after LSV surgery. Lens opacities were present in 26.6% of eyes at the time of lensectomy. Of all eyes in this series, 5.9% required lensectomy because of lens opacity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that lens clarity is observed in most eyes after LSV surgery for advanced ROP for the patient's childhood. Within the first decade of life, if necessary, lensectomy after LSV occurred mostly within 1 year following LSV.

Retinopathy of prematurity

This article briefly reviews the history of ROP followed by a discussion of the pathogenesis of this complex disorder. We describe the International Classification System for ROP and identify risk factors and screening recommendations. Finally, we discuss some of the measures that have been used in an attempt to both prevent and treat ROP.

Three-year anatomic and visual outcomes after vitrectomy for stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

To assess anatomic and visual outcome following vitrectomy for stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after 3 years follow-up.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 56 eyes (46 infants) with stage 4B ROP-related retinal detachment. Eyes underwent either lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) or combined lensectomy and vitrectomy (LV). Visual outcome after a minimum follow-up of 36 months was ascertained by using either Teller or Snellen acuities, or sweep visual evoked potential.

RESULTS

LSV was performed in 42.9% and LV in 57.1% of eyes. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 73.2% overall (LV 71.8% versus LSV 75%) (P = 0.96). Ambulatory vision (VA better than 20/1900) and near reading vision (better than 20/800) were attained in 97.4% and 42.8% of eyes respectively. Attached retina, LSV, and pretreatment with retinal ablation were associated with a higher incidence of near reading or better vision compared to detached (P < 0.001), undergoing LV (P < 0.001), and non pretreated eyes (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

After 3 years, more than 40% of eyes operated for ROP stage 4B in this series had a visual acuity compatible for near reading or better. Eyes undergoing LSV and with prior peripheral retinal ablation had better visual outcomes.

Treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity is a potentially blinding disorder of premature infants. Retinal ablation of the avascular retina originally described using cryotherapy but now most commonly undertaken with laser photocoagulation, reduces the unfavourable structural outcomes and improves the functional visual acuity outcome. The CRYO-ROP study showed the long-term benefit of treatment of threshold disease compared with no treatment, however even with cryoablation 44.4% of treated eyes had a visual acuity of 6/60 or worse at 10 year follow-up. The ETROP study of earlier treatment for high-risk pre-threshold disease, rather than treatment at threshold, has shown that pre-threshold treatment of type 1 disease produces a significantly improved outcome. Despite treatment some infants develop retinal detachment for which various surgical treatments have been described, although not always with a good functional outcome. Future treatment modalities may include the use of anti-VEGF therapies.

Lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 and stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose

To describe the results of lens-sparing vitrectomy for the correction of retinal detachment associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its associated complications.

Methods

Seventeen patients who underwent a lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 and stage 5 ROP with plus disease at Seoul National University Children's Hospital between 1999 and 2003 were enrolled in this study. The patients who had bilateral retinal detachment of ROP underwent a lens-sparing vitrectomy in one eye and a scleral buckling surgery or lensectomy-vitrectomy in the other eye. The patients who had a retinal detachment in one eye and a regressed ROP in the other eye underwent unilateral lens-sparing vitrectomies. A review of their preoperative clinical findings (including the status of retinal detachment and plus disease), post-operative results, and any complications encountered was performed.

Results

In 17 patients, the postoperative success rate of lens-sparing vitrectomy was 58.8%. However, lens-sparing vitrectomy as a treatment for stage 5 ROP (25.0%) produced more negative post-operative results than it did when used to treat either those for stage 4a (75,0%) or 4b (66.7%) ROP. Among the 10 eyes in which the retina was attached, form vision was shown in six eyes, light could be followed by three eyes, and no light perception was present in one eye. Intra- and post-operative complications included retinal break formation, cataracts, vitreous hemorrhages, and glaucoma in patients with stages 4b and stage 5 ROP.

Conclusions

Lens-sparing vitrectomy resulted in encouraging surgical outcomes in the correction of retinal detachment of ROP, especially in stage 4 patients. Therefore, a lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4 ROP patient may be beneficial, although it is still associated with some intra- and post-operative complications.

Anatomic Success Rate after 3-Port Lens-Sparing Vitrectomy in Stage 4A or 4B Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE

To assess the anatomic success rate after 3-port lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) in stage 4A and 4B tractional retinal detachments (TRDs) due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

DESIGN

A chart review and data evaluation of 108 eyes of 102 consecutive patients presenting with stage 4A (32 eyes) or 4B (76 eyes) TRDs that underwent primary LSV from February 1998 to January 2004 were performed.

INTERVENTION

Three-port LSV was performed on all eyes by the same surgeon (ERH).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Retinal reattachment status was reviewed at final follow-up visit, which ranged from 6 to 48 months (mean, 32 months) after LSV.

RESULTS

Ninety-two of 108 (85.2%) eyes were reattached after a single LSV and 102 of 108 (94.4%) eyes ultimately achieved at least partial posterior pole reattachment at the final follow-up visit. All 4A eyes achieved complete reattachment and 70 of 76 (92.1%) 4B eyes achieved partial or complete reattachment. Reversal or complete arrest of dragging of the macula was noted in all eyes that maintained partial or complete reattachment (94.4%). Six (5.6%) 4B eyes remained detached despite additional vitreoretinal procedures; 4 (66.7%) of these had intraoperative retinal tears.

CONCLUSIONS

Eighty-five percent of eyes with 4A and 4B TRDs secondary to ROP were completely reattached with a single 3-port LSV procedure and nearly 95% were ultimately at least partially reattached at the posterior pole by the final follow-up visit. The development of retinal tears intraoperatively portended a poor prognosis for reattachment.

Visual outcomes after lens-sparing vitrectomy for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE

To assess the visual outcomes of patients with stage 4A retinal detachments (RDs) from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

DESIGN

Retrospective review of a consecutive case series of children referred to the pediatric retina service of Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, Michigan.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-five eyes of 39 children.

METHODS

The stage of RD for each patient was determined during an examination under anesthesia. All patients underwent a lens-sparing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with membrane peeling. Postoperative anatomic status was determined by ophthalmoscopy either during an office examination or during an examination under anesthesia. Visual outcomes were ascertained by consulting pediatric ophthalmologists using either Teller or Allen acuities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anatomic and visual outcomes.

RESULTS

Formalized visual acuity (VA) measurement was performed in 23 eyes of 20 children, and was not performed in 22 eyes of 19 children. All 23 eyes that were formally tested had successful retinal reattachment. The macula appeared to be normal and without distortion in 19 of 23 eyes (83%) during the follow-up period. Average logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA was 20/58. Three eyes had acuities of 20/200, and 4 had acuities of 20/100. All other eyes were 20/80 or better. Average age at time of VA was 3.51 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ROP and stage 4A RDs can be treated successfully with respect to anatomic and visual outcome utilizing lens-sparing PPV.

COMPARISON OF RETINAL OUTCOMES AFTER SCLERAL BUCKLE OR LENS-SPARING VITRECTOMY FOR STAGE 4 RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY

PURPOSE

To compare anatomic outcomes after lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) or scleral buckle (SB) for stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

METHODS

Nonrandomized, retrospective study of infants consecutively treated for stage 4 ROP by LSV or SB. Outcomes were retinal attachment at 1 month of initial surgery and at the end of follow-up (6 months) and number of procedures to achieve retinal attachment. Exact chi2 methods determined significance, and student's t-test compared mean postmenstrual age and birthweight between the groups.

RESULTS

After one procedure, LSV (72%) was associated with retinal attachment more often than was SB (31%). At the end of follow-up, after one or more procedures, there was no difference in retinal reattachment rate between LSV or SB as the first procedure. There were no differences between the surgical groups by mean postmenstrual age and birthweight or severity of ROP determined by zone, clock hours of ridge elevation, or quadrants of plus disease.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the hypothesis that vitrectomy by LSV stops progressive stage 4 ROP. As an initial procedure, LSV was associated with retinal attachment more often than SB. Future prospective studies can determine the effects of LSV and SB on visual development in progressive stage 4 ROP.

RETINAL FEATURES PREDICTIVE OF PROGRESSIVE STAGE 4 RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY

PURPOSE

To determine the retinal features predictive of progressive stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after laser treatment for threshold ROP.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 72 eyes of 37 infants after laser treatment for threshold ROP between 1993 and 2002. Retinal features were abstracted from examinations made within 1 week of development of stage 4A ROP or 2 weeks after laser treatment in eyes with regressed threshold disease. Predictive features of progressive stage 4 ROP were determined using a generalized estimating equation model to account for within-subject variability.

RESULTS

The generalized estimating equation showed that vitreous state, ridge elevation of six or more clock hours, and two or more quadrants of plus disease predicted progressive retinal detachment, whereas two or more quadrants of neovascularization did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Progressive stage 4 ROP requiring surgical intervention was predicted by the absence of clear vitreous, ridge elevation of six or more clock hours, and two or more quadrants of plus disease, but not by neovascularization. These results may be useful in the management of eyes after laser treatment for threshold ROP.

Lens-sparing vitreous surgery for infantile amblyogenic vitreous hemorrhage

PURPOSE

To report on a series of infants with amblyogenic vitreous and/or subinternal limiting membrane hemorrhage managed by lens-sparing vitrectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series studying retinal attachment status and visual acuity.

RESULTS

Eleven eyes sustained vitreous hemorrhage as a consequence of shaken baby syndrome, 1 due to hyaloidal canal hemorrhage extending into the vitreous, 1 due to Terson syndrome, 1 due to birth trauma, and 2 due to a presumed coagulation disorder. Age of the patients at the time of surgery ranged from 2 to 23 months (age adjusted for prematurity). Follow-up ranged from 7 to 81 months (mean, 28 months). Ten eyes had visual improvement. Two infants with shaken baby syndrome had bilateral nonrecordable flash visual evoked potential before surgery; one eye of one infant had a better than expected visual outcome after surgery. One eye sustained a retinal tear without detachment. One eye in an infant with severe shaken baby syndrome and traumatic retinopathy developed a total rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Infantile amblyogenic vitreous hemorrhage may be effectively managed by lens-sparing vitreous surgery. Visual outcome of shaken baby syndrome may be limited as a consequence of structural damage to the retina, optic nerve, or posterior visual pathways.

Lens-sparing vitrectomy in predominantly posterior persistent fetal vasculature syndrome in eyes with nonaxial lens opacification

PURPOSE

To determine indications and document anatomic and functional outcomes for lens-sparing vitreous surgery in eyes with predominantly posterior persistent fetal vasculature syndrome and nonaxial lens opacification.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective interventional clinical series.

METHODS

The authors performed lens-sparing vitreous surgery on nine eyes of infants with predominantly posterior persistent fetal vasculature syndrome and nonaxial lens opacification without removing the crystalline lens. Indications for surgery included primarily posterior complications of persistent fetal vasculature syndrome (localized tractional retinal detachment), a centrally clear lenticular axis, and frequently strabismus.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, seven of nine eyes showed no evidence of increasing lens opacification with a median follow-up period of 16.8 months (range, 5-29 months). The first eye operated on developed a rapidly progressive cataract and prompted modification of the surgical technique. One additional eye also required cataract extraction for progressive lenticular opacification 23 months after surgery. No eyes developed postoperative retinal detachment, and all eyes maintained vision at the final follow-up. Of the seven eyes with strabismus, five improved after vitreous surgery alone, and two required additional strabismus surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This series shows that, in selected cases of persistent fetal vasculature syndrome that are predominantly posterior in nature with nonaxial lens opacification, lens-sparing vitrectomy can be of benefit.

Surgical management of epiretinal membrane in young patients

PURPOSE

To report the outcome of epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery in young patients.

DESIGN

Interventional case series study.

METHOD

A retrospective review of 20 young patients who had undergone vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane removal. All patients had a preoperative examination, including fundus biomicroscopy, red free photographs, and fluorescein angiography.

RESULTS

Nine patients were males and 11 females (age: 7-26 years; mean: 16.3 years). Follow up ranged from 4-96 months (mean: 21.2 months). The 20 patients comprised 13 cases of idiopathic ERM, six cases in which ERM was associated with ocular inflammation and one case of combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In 13 cases, the ERM was especially white, thick, and opaque, with localized constriction and severe retinal distortion. Final best-corrected visual acuity (VA) was significantly better than preoperatively (20/50 vs. 20/112), (P = 0.0002). Mean improvement in VA was 4.25 lines and 17 patients gained two or more lines. This improvement was better in secondary than idiopathic ERM (6 lines vs. 3.3). During follow up, five cases of recurrence were observed (25%). In another case, postoperative persistent ocular hypertension required filtering surgery.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of ERM in young patients are quite different in many cases from those in adults in terms of thickness and adherence. Removal of ERM in young patients is feasible and safe although the membrane may focally adhere strongly to retinal vessels. VA usually improves significantly after surgery, but recurrences are more frequent than in adults.

Clinical course and surgical treatment of macular epiretinal membranes in young subjects

OBJECTIVE

To examine the surgical and nonsurgical visual outcomes of young subjects with idiopathic macular epiretinal membranes (ERMs).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational and noncomparative interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Nineteen consecutive subjects (20 eyes) aged 40 years or less with an idiopathic macular ERM.

METHODS

Group 1: 10 consecutive eyes were initially seen with visual acuity of 20/50 or better; 7 eyes were observed, and 3 eyes with progressive visual loss to <20/50 underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling. Group 2: 10 consecutive eyes with presenting visual acuity of 20/60 or worse underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity, cataract formation, ERM recurrence, operative complications.

RESULTS

Group 1: With no surgery, visual acuity remained stable or improved in 5 of 10 eyes (50%), with a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. Three of 10 eyes (30%) had visual loss < or =20/60 develop and underwent vitrectomy. Postoperative visual acuity improved an average of 6 lines with a mean follow-up of 17.6 months. Group 2: After vitrectomy, visual acuity improved 2 or more lines in 7 of 10 eyes (70%), with a mean improvement of 4.4 lines and mean follow-up of 29.2 months. Groups 1 and 2: Three of 13 eyes (23%) that underwent vitrectomy had recurrent ERM formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Young subjects with idiopathic macular ERMs and a presenting visual acuity of 20/50 or better had a favorable visual outcome with observation. Subjects with an initial vision of 20/60 or worse, or those who had a visual decrease to < or =20/60 had significantly improved visual acuity after vitrectomy. ERM recurrence is relatively high after surgery.

Telemedical evaluation and management of retinopathy of prematurity using a fiberoptic digital fundus camera

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be evaluated and managed telemedically.

DESIGN

Multicenter noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten patients (19 eyes) with ROP were evaluated and treated per standard of care and imaged with the RetCam 120 digital fundus camera (Massie Research Laboratories, Inc., Dublin, CA).

INTERVENTION

Images were transmitted to a remote site for evaluation and management recommendations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Telemedical evaluations and management recommendations were compared with traditional on-site standard of care evaluations and treatments.

RESULTS

The identification of Plus disease at the remote site was accurately identified in 95% of eyes. Prethreshold, threshold, and stage 4 or 5 ROP were correctly detected in 17 of 19 (89%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate ROP can be evaluated and treatment recommendations made at remote sites with telemedicine strategies.