Proposal for the management of myopic traction maculopathy based on the new MTM staging system

METAVISION: a novel system for quantifying metamorphopsia in patients with myopic traction maculopathy

PURPOSE

To develop a novel system for quantifying metamorphopsia in patients with myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) and to explore the metamorphopsia pattern of MTM.

DESIGN

Observational, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We designed a new system.

RESULTS

Of the 445 eyes tested, 188 (42.25%) were deemed by patients to have metamorphopsia impacting their daily lives while 257 (57.75%) were considered to have no metamorphopsia symptoms. The Amsler grid, M-CHARTS and METAVISION tests displayed sensitivities for metamorphopsia of 95.74%, 89.89% and 100%, respectively. The specificities of the Amsler grid, M-CHARTS and METAVISION tests are 100%. The metamorphopsia questionnaire and METAVISION scores were highly consistent (average intraclass correlation coefficient=0.951, p<0.001) and strongly correlated (R=0.879, p<0.001). The METAVISION score was highly correlated with the stages of MTM (R=0.837, p<0.001), whereas there was a moderate correlation between the M-CHARTS M-score and the stages of MTM (R=0.679, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantification of metamorphopsia is important and useful for MTM management. The METAVISION is a clinically applicable and comprehensive approach for quantifying metamorphopsia, which can be used in clinical settings.

PERSISTENT SUBRETINAL FLUID AFTER VITRECTOMY FOR MACULAR HOLE-ASSOCIATED RETINAL DETACHMENT

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence, associated factors, and outcome of persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) after vitrectomy for macular hole-associated retinal detachment (MHRD).

METHODS

A total of 158 eyes from 156 patients with MHRD who achieved macular hole closure after primary vitrectomy were included in the analysis; persistent SRF was defined as the presence of SRF for more than 1 month after first surgery. Preoperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed for their relationship with SRF development.

RESULTS

Persistent SRF was observed in 19 eyes (12.0% of 158) postoperatively. Seven eyes (36.8% of 19) with persistent SRF eventually displayed complete absorption during follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that eyes with persistent SRF were statistically associated with internal limiting membrane inverted flap, duration of symptoms, tamponade (perfluoropropane/silicone oil: 14/5 vs. 35/104, P < 0.001), and MHRD subtype (Type 1/Type 2/Type 3: 15/4/0 vs. 60/40/39, P = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, only internal limiting membrane inverted flap (odds ratio, 15.778, 95% confidence interval, 3.170-78.523; P = 0.001) was positively associated with persistent SRF. There were no significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity improvement ( P = 0.425) between the SRF involved foveal and without involved foveal groups and no significant differences between the SRF complete absorption and incomplete absorption groups.

CONCLUSION

Absorption of persistent SRF may be more difficult in MHRD eyes than in ordinary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment eyes. The internal limiting membrane inverted flap in MHRD was associated with a greater likelihood of persistent SRF. The location and incomplete absorption of persistent SRF did not seem to be associated with the final visual outcome.

A TITANIUM MACULAR BUCKLE IMPLANT DESIGNED FOR AN EASY PLACEMENT IN MYOPIC MACULAR HOLES

PURPOSE

A new easy-to-place titanium macular buckle implant and the surgical technique for placing it in myopic macular holes are presented. A 60-year-old patient with pathologic myopia presented with macular holes in both eyes. The hole in the right eye was recurrent and long-standing since the initial diagnosis, which was over 5 years ago. He refused surgery for the better seeing left eye. The vision of the right eye was 20/200. The patient only wanted macular hole repair in the right eye if a macular buckle could be incorporated in the surgery.

METHODS

Because there was no commercially available macular buckle in the United States, a custom-made titanium buckle was designed and manufactured for this patient. In addition to the standard pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peel, and gas tamponade, the titanium macular buckle was placed externally to provide indentation over the macula.

RESULTS

The titanium macular buckle provided approximately 1 mm of indentation, shortening the axial length from 28.88 mm to 27.94 mm. The macular hole was closed postoperatively. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200 at 1 month with no complications from the titanium macular buckle implant or the surgical technique. There was no improvement in the final visual acuity, which was attributed to foveal atrophy because of the long-standing nature of the macular hole.

CONCLUSION

This titanium macular buckle implant designed for an easy placement could be an invaluable addition for surgical success in myopic macular pathologies, including myopic macular holes.

Epiretinal implant of human amniotic membrane to treat highly myopic macular hole retinal detachments: A novel surgical technique

PURPOSE

To describe a new surgical technique involving the use of a human amniotic membrane (hAM) epiretinal patch to treat a primary macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) in a highly myopic patient.

METHODS

A 60 years old highly myopic man was referred to our clinic with a diagnosis of MHRD in his right eye. The patient was pseudophakic, with a visual acuity of counting fingers at the baseline evaluation. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed, a small retinotomy was created at the inner margin of the staphyloma, and membrane blue dual was used to obtain an adequate peeling of the inner limiting membrane. Then, a 1.5 mm diameter circular hAM patch was obtained and positioned over the macular hole with the chorion layer settled over the retina. After a complete fluid-air exchange, 20% sulfur hexafluoride gas was used as endotamponade, and the patient was asked to remain face down for three days.

RESULTS

Four weeks after surgery, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan showed the hAM patch, visualized as a distinct hyperreflective layer well integrated with the retina. Nine months after surgery, the macular hole was closed, the retina reattached, the hAM patch was adherent to the retina, and the patient presented a best-corrected visual acuity improved to 0.7 logMar. No postoperative adverse events were registered during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Epiretinal hAM implant could represent a novel surgical technique, feasible and easier compared to other current techniques used to treat MHRD in highly myopic patients.

ANTERIOR SEGMENT OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN DETERMINATION OF ENTRY SITE FOR VITRECTOMY IN HIGHLY MYOPIC EYES

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of anterior segment optical coherent tomography (AS OCT) in estimating the length of the pars plana and optimizing the sclerotomy entry site in vitrectomy for highly myopic eyes, facilitating membrane peeling.

METHODS

Twenty-three eyes with myopic traction maculopathy were studied. The pars plana was examined using two methods: preoperative AS OCT and intraoperative measurement. The distance from the limbus to the ora serrata in two groups was measured to compare differences in length. The actual length of the entry site from the limbus and forceps used were noted in all eyes studied.

RESULTS

The mean axial length was 29.2 ± 2.3 mm for all 23 eyes. The average length between the limbus and ora serrata measured with AS OCT and intraoperative examination was 6,710 µ m (SD ± 459) and 6,671 µ m (SD ± 402), respectively, in the superotemporal region ( P > 0.05), and 6,340 µ m (SD ± 321) and 6,204 µ m (SD ± 402), respectively, in the superonasal region ( P >0.05). The mean length of the entry site from the limbus was 6.2 mm, and 28-mm forceps were used in 17 of 23 eyes (77%).

CONCLUSION

The length of the pars plana varies depending on the axial length of the eye. Preoperative AS OCT enables accurate measurement of the pars plana in eyes with high myopia. AS OCT examination can help determine the optimal site for sclerotomy, allowing easier access to the macular region for membrane peeling in highly myopic eyes.

The development and evolution of lamellar macular hole in highly myopic eyes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To study the development, evolution, outcomes, and prognostic factors of lamellar macular hole (LMH) in highly myopic (HM) patients.

METHODS

Fifty eyes from 47 HM patients with LMHs were retrospectively enrolled. Relevant pre- and post-LMH optical coherence tomography findings and visual acuity were collected. Structural progression was defined as an increase in the height of retinoschisis, and the development of foveal detachment, full-thickness macular hole, or retinal detachment.

RESULTS

Four traction-related developmental processes were identified. Type 1 LMHs (8, 16%) developed from foveal avulsion caused by vitreomacular traction. Type 2 (32, 64%) and type 3 LMHs (5, 10%) formed from ruptured parafoveal and central foveal cysts, respectively. Progressive foveal thinning caused by epiretinal membranes (ERMs) without cystic changes led to type 4 LMHs (5, 10%). Retinoschisis developed before (9 eyes), after (10 eyes), or simultaneously with (6 eyes) the LMH formation. Structural progression was noted in 50%, 53%, 0%, 100% of patients with type 1-4 LMHs, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model showed that greater residual foveal thickness (P = 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08 ~ 0.56), and the absence of retinoschisis were protective against structural progression. Multivariable linear regression showed that poor baseline visual acuity (P < 0.001, β = 0.74, 95% CI 0.41 ~ 1.07) and type 4 LMH predicted worse visual outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Four traction-related LMH developmental processes were observed in HM eyes and exhibited different evolution and outcomes. LMHs with foveal thinning induced by ERMs had the worst outcomes.

Surgical Outcomes of Myopic Foveoschisis According to the ATN Classification System

INTRODUCTION

This study compared the surgical outcomes in eyes with myopic foveoschisis (MF) according to the recently developed ATN classification system.

METHODS

This was an observational case series of 64 consecutive eyes that underwent vitrectomy for MF. Eyes were classified into severe myopic maculopathy (MM) (n = 43) and non-severe MM (n = 21) groups according to the ATN classification system. The primary outcome measures constituted best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical changes.

RESULTS

In total, BCVA improved from 0.97 to 0.53 (P < 0.001) after surgery. The ATN score was significantly lower in the eyes with vision improvement than those without vision improvement (P < 0.001). In the subgroup, BCVA improved from 0.79 to 0.28 in the non-severe MM group (P < 0.001), and improved from 1.05 to 0.65 in the severe MM group (P = 0.001) after surgery. The non-severe MM group achieved better postoperative BCVA (P = 0.001) and were more likely to gain vision improvement (P < 0.001) after surgery compared with the severe MM group. Anatomical success was achieved in 62 of the 64 eyes (96.88%). Two eyes with anatomical failure developed full-thickness macular holes postoperatively; both were in the severe MM group.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with MF, different severity of MM based on ATN classification could lead to a significantly different prognosis after surgery. For patients with high ATN scores, the operative decision should be made cautiously for the worse anatomical and visual prognosis. ATN system is instructive in making operative proposals for MF.

Are we facing an increasing surgical demand for high myopic traction maculopathies? A 12-year study from Hong Kong

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the longitudinal change in the number of surgically operated myopic traction maculopathies (MTM) cases at a tertiary eye centre.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all consecutive cases of surgically operated MTM over 12 years (2009-2020) was conducted in a myopia prevalent region. We compared outcomes among three groups: (1) myopic macular hole (MH), (2) myopic macular hole with retinal detachment (MHRD), and (3) myopic foveoschisis with retinal detachment (MFRD).

RESULTS

Fifty-one cases were included in the study (8 cases of MH, 33 cases of MHRD and 10 cases of MFRD). The overall mean age was 63.8 +/- 8.7 with a female preponderance (2:1). The mean age of the MH group (58.6) was significantly younger than the MHRD group (64.2) and MFRD group (66.6) (p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis using ATN classification did not show its correlation with both visual improvement and anatomical success. When comparing the first 6-year period (2009-2014) with the second 6-year period (2015-2020), there was a significant increase in the number of cases (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We observe an increase in the number of surgically operated MTM. This follows the trend of the global rise in the prevalence of myopia and baby boomers entering retirement.

Posterior scleral reinforcement for the treatment of myopic traction maculopathy

Background

This study aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of posterior scleral reinforcement(PSR) for the treatment of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM).

Methods

This was a prospective study of 32 eyes from 20 patients with MTM treated with PSR using genipin-cross-linked donor sclera. The length of the scleral strip used for the surgery was designed to be 1.5-times the axial length of the eye, whereas its width was 0.4-times the axial length of the eye. The optical coherence tomography images, spherical equivalent of refractive error, axial length, best corrected visual acuity, electroretinogram findings, and intraocular pressure of the patients were assessed postoperatively.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 17.80 ± 8.74 months. The differences between the spherical equivalent of refractive error, best corrected visual acuity, axial length, and electroretinogram findings recorded preoperatively and those measured postoperatively were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The final reduction in axial length was 1.64 ± 0.85 mm. At the end of the follow-up, optical coherence tomography showed essential foveal reattachment in 30 eyes (93.75%), partial reattachment in two eyes (6.25%), and closure of macular holes in seven eyes (77.78%). No retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, or other serious complications occurred following the surgery.

Conclusions

Posterior scleral reinforcement with genipin-cross-linked sclera showed safe and effective outcomes for the treatment of MTM during a follow-up period of at least one year.

Trial registration

11\12\2018, ChiCTR1800020012.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02497-6.

[Pupil reconstruction with an artificial iris]

BACKGROUND

Patients with iris defects suffer from severe visual impairment, especially increased glare sensitivity, and cosmetic disturbances. This can constitute a great psychological strain for patients. In the recent past the treatment consisted of iris print contact lenses, sunglasses and simple iris prostheses. The indications for surgical treatment are colobomas of the iris, aniridia, traumatic iris defects and persistent mydriasis. The aim of this review article is to investigate the surgical approaches, complications, functional and aesthetic outcome after implantation of an individual artificial iris prosthesis made from silicone.

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of the literature on the topic of surgical iris reconstruction with an artificial iris in combination with the own experience in more than 120 patients treated by the author in the last 10 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The custom-made flexible silicone iris prosthesis ArtificialIris (HumanOptics, Erlangen, Germany) assessed in this review is an innovative and versatile option for surgical treatment of iris defects. Patients were examined before and after iris reconstruction with respect to feasibility, complications and outcome.

RESULTS

Change of best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, pupillary opening, glare, contrast sensitivity, endothelial cell count, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber angle and patient satisfaction were assessed. Furthermore, complications and color match to the residual and fellow iris were assessed.

CONCLUSION

The implantation of an artificial iris is an effective option for the treatment of extensive traumatic iris defects and leads to an individual aesthetically appealing and good functional outcome as well as high patient satisfaction; however, this is an intervention that should not be underestimated because of a flat learning curve and various complications that can occur.

Intra- and interobserver concordance of a new classification system for myopic maculopathy

BACKGROUND

Myopic maculopathy (MM) is one of the major causes of visual impairment and irreversible blindness in eyes with pathologic myopia (PM). However, the classification of each type of lesion associated with MM has not been determined. Recently, a new MM classification system, known as the ATN grading and classification system, was proposed; it is based on the fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and includes three variable components: atrophy (A), traction (T), and neovascularization (N). This study aimed to perform an independent evaluation of interobserver and intraobserver agreement for the recently developed ATN grading system for MM.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Fundus photographs and OCT images of 125 patients (226 eyes) with various MMs were evaluated and classified using the ATN grading of the new MM classification system by four blinded and independent evaluators (2 attending ophthalmologists and 2 ophthalmic residents). All cases were randomly re-evaluated by the same observers after an interval of 6 weeks. The kappa coefficient (κ) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the interobserver and intraobserver agreement.

RESULTS

The interobserver agreement was substantial when considering the maculopathy type (A, T, and N). The weighted Fleiss κ values for each MM type (A, T, and N) were 0.651 (95% CI: 0.602-0.700), 0.734 (95% CI: 0.689-0.779), and 0.702 (95% CI: 0.649-0.755), respectively. The interobserver agreement when considering the subtypes was good or excellent, except for stages A1, A2, and N1, in which the weighted κ value was less than 0.6, with moderate agreement. The intraobserver agreement of types and subtypes was excellent, with κ > 0.8. No significant differences were observed between the attending ophthalmologists and residents for interobserver reliability or intraobserver reproducibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The ATN classification allows an adequate agreement among ophthalmologists with different qualifications and by the same observer on separate occasions. Future prospective studies should further evaluate whether this classification can be better implemented in clinical decision-making and disease progression assessments.