Home OCT Imaging for Newly Diagnosed Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of daily Home OCT imaging among patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants with ≥ 1 eye with previously untreated nAMD and visual acuity 20/20 to 20/320.

METHODS

Participants meeting the ocular eligibility criteria were considered for enrollment; those who provided consent received a Notal Vision Home OCT device. Participants were instructed to scan both eyes daily. Retina specialists managed treatment according to their standard practice, without access to the Home OCT data. The presence of fluid detected by a reading center (RC) from in-office OCT scans was compared with fluid volumes measured by the Notal OCT Analyzer (NOA) on Home OCT images.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Proportion of participants meeting ocular eligibility criteria who participated in daily scanning, frequency and duration of scanning, proportion of scans eligible for fluid quantification, participant experience with the device, agreement between the RC and NOA fluid determinations, and characteristics of fluid dynamics.

RESULTS

Among 40 participants meeting ocular eligibility criteria, 14 (35%) initiated self-scanning. Planned travel (n = 7, 17.5%) and patient-reported inadequate cell reception for the upload of images (n = 5, 12.5%) were the most frequent reasons for not participating. Considering scans of the study eye only, the mean (standard deviation) was 6.3 (0.6) for weekly scanning frequency and 47 (17) seconds for scan duration per eye. Among 2304 scans, 86.5% were eligible for fluid quantification. All participants agreed that scanning became easier over time, and only 1 did not want to continue daily scanning. For 35 scan pairs judged as having fluid by in-office OCT, the NOA detected fluid on 31 scans (89%). For 14 scan pairs judged as having no fluid on in-office OCT, the NOA did not detect fluid on 10 scans (71%). Daily fluid patterns after treatment initiation varied considerably between patients.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with nAMD who initiated home scanning, frequency and quality of scanning and accuracy of fluid detection were sufficient to assess the monitoring of fluid at home. Accommodations for travel and Wi-Fi connectivity could improve uptake of the Home OCT device.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Use of Adjunctive Corticosteroid With Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents in the Treatment of Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Associated With Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of combination treatment of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections and corticosteroids in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS). Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted in a cohort from Illinois and Missouri. Patients were identified over an 8-year period, and data were evaluated over a 1-year study window commencing with treatment initiation. Group 1 included patients treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF, and group 2 included those who received intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF and adjuvant corticosteroids. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements and increases in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter score were compared between each group. Results: Using the method of last visit carried forward, the visual acuity (VA) in group 2 was 6.42 ETDRS letters better than the VA in group 1 at the final assessment. Patients in group 2 had a mean ETDRS letter gain of 21.50 (P = .06) from the initial baseline vision. The average amount of decrease in OCT central subfield thickness compared with baseline was lower in group 1 (80.9 ± 129.8 µm) vs group 2 (102.8 ± 90.40 µm) at the 1-year follow-up visit (P = .25). Conclusions: Approved treatment of CNV secondary to POHS is limited. Adjuvant corticosteroid treatment in patients with CNV secondary to POHS may provide better long-term vision and OCT outcomes than anti-VEGF alone and may offer an additional therapy option for these patients.

Vitrectomy vs. Combined Vitrectomy and Scleral Buckle for Repair of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment with Vitreous Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To compare pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to PPV with scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with associated vitreous hemorrhage (VH).

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational study.

SUBJECTS

Patients with RRD and associated VH who underwent PPV or PPV/SB from January 1, 2010 through August 31, 2020 were analyzed.

METHODS, INTERVENTION, OR TESTING

We performed a single-institution, retrospective, observational study of 224 eyes with RRD and VH at the time of detachment. We excluded eyes with less than 6 months of follow up, prior history of retinal detachment repair with vitrectomy or scleral buckle, VH that resolved before surgical intervention, tractional or combined tractional and rhegmatogenous detachment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Single surgery anatomic success (SSAS) at 6 months, defined as no recurrent retinal detachment requiring surgical intervention.

RESULTS

PPV and PPV/SB were performed on 138 eyes (62%) and 85 eyes (38%), respectively. The mean age was 61.9 years in PPV patients and 60.2 years in PPV/SB patients. Single-surgery anatomic success was achieved in 107 of 138 (77.5%) eyes that underwent PPV and in 78 of 85 (91.7%) eyes that underwent PPV/SB. The difference in SSAS between types of treatment was significant (p = 0.006). Mean visual acuity improvement in the PPV/SB group was 0.54 logMAR units greater than the PPV group (p = 0.126). The incidence of postoperative PVR in the PPV/SB group (11.7%) was lower than in the PPV group (19.5%) (p = 0.128). The rate of repeat PPV for non-RD reasons was similar for both groups (p = 0.437). Final reattachment status was achieved in 137 of 138 and 84 of 85 eyes in the PPV and PPV/SB groups, respectively. Final visual acuity improvement was significantly better in eyes with PPV/SB compared to PPV alone (logMAR 2.12 vs 1.26; p=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

In RRD with VH patients, SSAS was superior in patients treated with PPV/SB compared with PPV alone. Although not significantly different, the PPV/SB group had better visual outcomes and a lower postoperative PVR rate.

Brolucizumab-associated intraocular inflammation in eyes without retinal vasculitis

Purpose

To analyze a series of eyes with brolucizumab-associated intraocular inflammation (IOI) without retinal vasculitis reported to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS).

Methods

The ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee analyzed clinical characteristics from submitted reports of IOI after brolucizumab. Eyes with retinal vasculitis or that received intraocular antibiotics were excluded.

Results

Forty-nine eyes of 45 patients were collected. Mean visual acuity (VA) at baseline was 20/49 (range 20/20 - 5/200). Patients presented with IOI a mean of 24 (range 3-63) days after most recent brolucizumab injection; 61% presented for an unscheduled visit while 39% presented at routine follow-up. Mean VA at IOI presentation was 20/67 (range 20/20 - 3/200). Most common symptoms were floaters (78%) and blurry vision (76%). Pain (20%) and redness (16%) were less common; 3 (6%) eyes were asymptomatic. IOI was anterior only in 18%, posterior only in 31%, and both anterior and posterior in 51% of eyes. Treatment included topical steroids alone in 67% eyes, while 10% eyes received no treatment. Mean VA at last follow-up was 20/56 (range 20/20 - 1/200). Three (6%) eyes lost 3 or more lines and 1 (2%) eye lost 6 or more lines.

Conclusions

Brolucizumab-associated IOI without retinal vasculitis typically presented with a delayed onset of a few weeks. Often, visual acuity decline was relatively mild. Most symptoms resolved and nearly all had a return to baseline VA, but a small percentage of patients had a significant decrease in VA at last follow-up.

OCT Assistance in Identifying Retinal Breaks in Symptomatic Posterior Vitreous Detachments

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a separation of the posterior hyaloid from the retina that manifests as photopsias and floaters. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has demonstrated posterior vitreous opacities (PVOs) that may correlate with Shaffer's sign, which may correlate with retinal breaks.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with symptomatic PVDs were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution by a single provider. Masked qualitative review of SD-OCTs by a single reviewer determined presence of PVOs.

RESULTS

Among 78 patients, PVOs were found in 32 of the patients (41%), and 19 (59%) had retinal breaks. In those without PVOs, six (13%) had a break. Sensitivity and specificity were 76.0% and 75.5%, respectively. Removing patients with vitreous hemorrhages, sensitivity, and specificity of PVOs was 82.4% and 86.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In symptomatic PVDs, PVOs on OCT correlated with the presence of a retinal break, especially in the absence of a vitreous hemorrhage. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:628-632.].

Long-Term Outcomes in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 With Subretinal Neovascularization

Purpose:

This work reports long-term outcomes in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) with subretinal neovascularization (SRNV).

Methods:

A retrospective, single-center review of medical records was performed on all patients with a diagnosis of MacTel presenting between May 2004 and October 2019. Medical and ocular history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and final visit, optical coherence tomography data, and treatment history of SRNV secondary to MacTel were recorded.

Results:

A total of 471 eyes were diagnosed with MacTel. SRNV was present in 44 eyes (9.3%), of which 38 eyes met inclusion criteria for SRNV. Average follow-up duration in the SRNV group was 78.4 months. All SRNV patients underwent antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. There was no significant change from mean baseline (0.59 ± 0.45) to final (0.70 ± 0.49) BCVA in the SRNV group as a whole ( P = .13). Subgroup analysis revealed 17 of 38 eyes had SRNV at diagnosis and received immediate anti-VEGF treatment. In this subgroup mean pretreatment BCVA was 0.89 ± 0.43 and the mean final BCVA was 0.87 ± 0.61 ( P = .84). The remainder (21 of 38 eyes) developed SRNV during follow-up. In this subgroup, final BCVA after initiation of treatment was 0.56 ± 0.32, an improvement in BCVA from SRNV onset ( P = .04) and a decrease from pre-SRNV onset baseline BCVA ( P = .008).

Conclusions:

Visual acuity is maintained, not improved, in long-term follow-up of MacTel with SRNV treated with anti-VEGF. Patients presenting with SRNV have a worse prognosis than those who develop SRNV during follow-up.

Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis Following Intravitreal Brolucizumab

Purpose

To analyze a case series of retinal vasculitis reported to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) following Food and Drug Administration approval of brolucizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods

The ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics Committee analyzed clinical and imaging characteristics from submitted reports of retinal vasculitis after brolucizumab.

Results

Retinal vasculitis was reported in 26 eyes of 25 patients (22 [88%] female) after treatment with brolucizumab. Imaging studies were available for 24 of 26 eyes. Most cases (92%) were associated with intraocular inflammation, which presented at a mean of 25 days (range, 3-63 days) after the most recent brolucizumab injection. Mean visual acuity (VA) was 20/52 (range, 20/25-4/200) before the adverse event, 20/151 (range, 20/25-hand motion) at presentation of the adverse event, and 20/243 (range, 20/30-light perception) at last follow-up. Twelve eyes (46%) had a greater than 3-line decrease in VA at final follow-up, and 12 eyes (46%) had a final VA of 20/200 or worse. Analysis of retinal imaging identified vasculopathy that involved retinal arteries (91%), retinal veins (79%), and choroidal vessels (48%). Occlusive disease was apparent on imaging in 83% of eyes. Treatment approaches were varied.

Conclusions

Retinal vasculitis has been identified in a series of eyes following brolucizumab. Although a few eyes in this series were asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, some eyes had significant vision loss. A careful examination for signs of active inflammation prior to brolucizumab injection is recommended. Once vasculopathy is suspected, angiographic imaging may help define the spectrum of involvement. Optimal treatment strategies remain unknown.

Ectopia lentis in Loeys-Dietz syndrome type 4

Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a heritable disorder of the connective tissue leading to multisystem involvement including craniofacial features, skeletal abnormalities, cutaneous findings and early-onset and aggressive disease of the aorta and its branches. There are multiple types of Loeys-Dietz syndrome related to pathogenic variants in TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD3, TGFB2, and TGFB3. Individuals with Loeys-Dietz syndrome may be misdiagnosed as having Marfan syndrome due to shared phenotypic features and aortic root dilation. However, ectopia lentis has been an important discriminating feature, being unique to Marfan syndrome and not reported to be associated with Loeys-Dietz syndrome. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with Loeys-Dietz syndrome type 4 due to a pathogenic variant in TGFB2 who was diagnosed with ectopia lentis at age 44. The patient underwent whole exome sequencing and no other pathogenic variants were found to explain the ectopia lentis. Our findings indicate that ectopia lentis may be an uncommon finding in Loeys-Dietz syndrome type 4 and emphasize the importance of genetic testing in familial thoracic aortic aneurysm disease.

Analysis of Emergent Nonhospital-Based Retina Consultation Requests in an Academic Nonhospital-Associated Retina Practice

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of after-hour encounters concerning patients referred by eye physicians to on-call retina services for emergent evaluation not seen in or referred by an emergency department.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients seeking treatment at 3 private practice institutions over a 2-year period between 2017 and 2018.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted comprising all patients who sought treatment emergently and after clinic hours from 3 academic nonhospital-associated retina-only private practice institutions over a 2-year period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient presenting symptoms, diagnosis given at time of after-hours appointment, duration of symptoms, source of after-hours consultation (patient or provider), procedure performed at appointment, and appointments that led to surgery.

RESULTS

Nine hundred eighty-seven charts were reviewed. Provider referrals accounted for 49.13% (n = 485) and patient-derived referrals accounted for 50% (n = 493) of appointments. New patients accounted for 27.6% (n = 146) of patient-derived and 85.2% (n = 413) of provider-derived referrals. The most common presenting symptoms were flashes and floaters (42.5%; n = 420), decrease in visual acuity (32.1%; n = 317), generalized eye pain (7.4%; n = 73), visual field disturbance (4.3%; n = 42), and postoperative ocular pain (3.4%; n = 34). An in-office procedure was performed at the time of examination in 18% of encounters (n = 178), with most of these being laser retinopexy. Surgery was performed within 24 hours in 18% (n = 180), within 48 hours in 20.6% (n = 203), within 72 hours in 21.7% (n = 214), and within 96 hours in 22.6% (n = 223) of the appointment. When combined with procedures, 36.2% (n = 358) of encounters led to urgent intervention within 24 hours. If a provider called about an existing patient, 37.5% of these appointments (n = 27) led to surgery versus 12.8% (n = 49) if an existing patient self-referred. If a provider called about a new patient, 31.7% of these appointments (n = 131) led to surgery versus 10% (n = 14) if a new patient self-referred.

CONCLUSIONS

At these 3 private practice retinal specialty clinics, 41% of after-hours appointment requests resulted in an intervention within 96 hours, and 36% of these patients underwent an intervention within 24 hours.

Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes Study: Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment Outcomes: Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes Study Report Number 3

PURPOSE

This study evaluates outcomes of comparable pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or PPV with scleral buckle (PPV-SB).

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, interventional cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Data were gathered from patients from multiple retina practices in the United States with RRD in 2015.

METHODS

A large detailed database was generated. Pseudophakic patients with RRD managed with PPV or PPV-SB were analyzed for anatomic and visual outcomes. Eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, giant retinal tears, previous invasive glaucoma surgery, and ≤90 days of follow-up were excluded from outcomes analysis. Single surgery anatomic success (SSAS) was defined as retinal attachment without ongoing tamponade and with no other RRD surgery within 90 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Single surgery anatomic success and final Snellen visual acuity (VA).

RESULTS

A total of 1158 of 2620 eyes (44%) with primary RRD were pseudophakic. A total of 1018 eyes had greater than 90 days of follow-up. Eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, previous glaucoma surgery, and giant retinal tears were excluded, leaving 893 pseudophakic eyes eligible for outcome analysis. A total of 461 (52%) were right eyes. A total of 606 patients (67%) were male, with a mean age of 65±11 years. Pars plana vitrectomy and PPV-SB as the first procedure were performed on 684 eyes (77%) and 209 eyes (23%), respectively. The mean follow-up was 388±161 days, and overall SSAS was achieved in 770 eyes (86%). Single surgery anatomic success was 84% (577/684) for PPV and 92% (193/209) for PPV-SB. The difference in SSAS between types of treatment was significant (P = 0.009). In eyes with macula-on RRD, SSAS was 88% in eyes treated with PPV and 100% in eyes treated with PPV-SB (P = 0.0088). In eyes with macula-off RRD, SSAS was 81% in eyes treated with PPV and 89% in eyes treated with PPV-SB (P = 0.029). Single surgery anatomic success was greater for PPV-SB than PPV for inferior (96% vs. 82%) and superior (90% vs. 82%) detachments. Mean final VA was similar for PPV (20/47) and PPV-SB (20/46; P = 0.805).

CONCLUSIONS

In pseudophakic RRDs, SSAS was better in patients treated with PPV-SB compared with PPV alone, whereas visual outcomes were similar for both groups.

Persistent Macular Thickening Following Intravitreous Aflibercept, Bevacizumab, or Ranibizumab for Central-Involved Diabetic Macular Edema With Vision Impairment: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Prevalence of persistent central-involved diabetic macular edema (DME) through 24 weeks of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and its longer-term outcomes may be relevant to treatment.

Objective

To assess outcomes of DME persisting at least 24 weeks after randomization to treatment with 2.0-mg aflibercept, 1.25-mg bevacizumab, or 0.3-mg ranibizumab.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Post hoc analyses of a clinical trial, the DRCR.net Protocol T among 546 of 660 participants (82.7%) meeting inclusion criteria for this investigation.

Interventions

Six monthly intravitreous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (unless success after 3 to 5 injections); subsequent injections or focal/grid laser as needed per protocol to achieve stability.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Persistent DME through 24 weeks, probability of chronic persistent DME through 2 years, and at least 10-letter (≥ 2-line) gain or loss of visual acuity.

Results

The mean age of participants was 60 years, 363 (66.5%) were white, and 251 (46.0%) were women. Persistent DME through 24 weeks was more frequent with bevacizumab (118 of 180 [65.6%]) than aflibercept (60 of 190 [31.6%]) or ranibizumab (73 of 176 [41.5%]) (aflibercept vs bevacizumab, P < .001; ranibizumab vs bevacizumab, P < .001; and aflibercept vs ranibizumab, P = .05). Among eyes with persistent DME through 24 weeks (n = 251), rates of chronic persistent DME through 2 years were 44.2% with aflibercept, 68.2% with bevacizumab (aflibercept vs bevacizumab, P = .03), and 54.5% with ranibizumab (aflibercept vs ranibizumab, P = .41; bevacizumab vs ranibizumab, P = .16). Among eyes with persistent DME through 24 weeks, proportions with vs without chronic persistent DME through 2 years gaining at least 10 letters from baseline were 62% of 29 eyes vs 63% of 30 eyes (P = .88) with aflibercept, 51% of 70 vs 55% of 31 (P = .96) with bevacizumab, and 45% of 38 vs 66% of 29 (P = .10) with ranibizumab. Only 3 eyes with chronic persistent DME lost at least 10 letters.

Conclusions and Relevance

Persistent DME was more likely with bevacizumab than with aflibercept or ranibizumab. Among eyes with persistent DME, eyes assigned to bevacizumab were more likely to have chronic persistent DME than eyes assigned to aflibercept. These results suggest meaningful gains in vision with little risk of vision loss, regardless of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent given or persistence of DME through 2 years. Caution is warranted when considering switching therapies for persistent DME following 3 or more injections; improvements could be owing to continued treatment rather than switching therapies.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01627249.

Early Response to Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Two-Year Outcomes Among Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema in Protocol T

PURPOSE

Assess associations of 2-year visual acuity (VA) outcomes with VA and optical coherence tomography central subfield thickness (CST) after 12 weeks of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for diabetic macular edema in DRCR.net Protocol T.

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Setting: Multicenter (89 U.S. sites).

PATIENT POPULATION

Eyes with VA and CST data from baseline and 12-week visits (616 of 660 eyes randomized [93.3%]).

INTERVENTION

Six monthly injections of 2.0 mg aflibercept, 1.25 mg bevacizumab, or 0.3 mg ranibizumab; subsequent injections and focal/grid laser as needed for stability.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in VA from baseline and VA letter score at 2 years.

RESULTS

Twelve-week VA response was associated with 2-year change in VA and 2-year VA letter score for each drug (P < .001) but with substantial individual variability (multivariable R² = 0.38, 0.29, and 0.26 for 2-year change with aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab, respectively). Among eyes with less than 5-letter gain at 12 weeks, the percentages of eyes gaining 10 or more letters from baseline at 2 years were 42% (20 of 48), 31% (21 of 68), and 47% (28 of 59), and median 2-year VA was 20/32, 20/32, and 20/25, in the aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab groups, respectively. Twelve-week CST response was not strongly associated with 2-year outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A suboptimal response at 12 weeks did not preclude meaningful vision improvement (ie, ≥ 10-letter gain) in many eyes at 2 years. Eyes with less than 5-letter gain at 12 weeks often had good VA at 2 years without switching therapies.

Anti-VEGF treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion: patterns of use and effectiveness in clinical practice (ECHO study report 2)

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and injection frequency of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists in the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in clinical practice.

Patients and methods

A multicenter retrospective study of the medical records of 165 patients (95 branch RVO, 70 central RVO) treated with at least three anti-VEGF injections in the study eye was conducted. Available data collected for at least 6 months after the first injection included Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) by time-domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT) or spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), anti-VEGF injections, other treatments/procedures for RVO, and adverse events.

Results

At baseline prior to anti-VEGF treatment, mean BCVA was 20/80 Snellen equivalent and mean CRT was 499 μm. Mean number of anti-VEGF injections received was 7.1 during the first year, 5.4 during the second year, and 5.9 during the third year; 51.3% (842/1,641) of injections were ranibizumab, 44.1% (724/1,641) were bevacizumab, and 4.6% (75/1,641) were aflibercept. One in five patients received concomitant focal laser treatment. The percentage of patients achieving both BCVA of 20/40 or better and CRT ≤250 μm on TD-OCT or ≤300 μm on SD-OCT at the same visit (primary endpoint) was 26.1% (30/115) after the first anti-VEGF injection and ranged from 20.0% (7/35) to 36.7% (11/30) after the first 16 injections. After each anti-VEGF injection from the 1st to the 16th, <60% of patients achieved 20/40 or better BCVA and ≤70% of patients achieved CRT ≤250 μm on TD-OCT or ≤300 μm on SD-OCT. The most common treatment-related adverse event was blurry or cloudy vision.

Conclusion

In this real-world study, a mean of five to seven anti-VEGF injections was administered yearly, and the response to anti-VEGF therapy was suboptimal in many patients. Anti-VEGF therapy was well tolerated.

Anti-VEGF treatment of diabetic macular edema in clinical practice: effectiveness and patterns of use (ECHO Study Report 1)

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and injection frequency of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors as used in clinical practice for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Methods

Multicenter (10 sites), retrospective chart review in patients (n=156) who received ≥3 anti-VEGF injections. Data collected for ≥6 months after the first injection included Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) by time-domain or spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT or SD-OCT).

Results

Mean number of anti-VEGF injections (627 bevacizumab, 594 ranibizumab, 1 aflibercept) was 5.8 (year 1), 5.0 (year 2), and 3.4 (year 3). Percentage of patients with BCVA of 20/40 or better and CRT ≤250 μm on TD-OCT or ≤300 μm on SD-OCT at the same visit (primary endpoint) ranged from 16.4% to 38.9% after the first 10 injections; 51.9%–62.3% achieved ≥20/40 BCVA and 26.2%–48.0% met CRT criteria. Therapy was well tolerated with 19 treatment-related adverse events (all ocular) reported.

Conclusion

Anti-VEGF injections were administered less frequently and were less effective than those in the ranibizumab registration trials. After each of the first 9 injections, <25% of patients achieved both BCVA of 20/40 or better and a dry macula. A substantial proportion of patients are suboptimal responders to anti-VEGF therapy; these patients may be candidates for other therapies, including intravitreal corticosteroid and laser therapy.

Treatment of CNV secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis with intravitreal aflibercept 2.0 mg injection

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept injection in the treatment of CNV secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS).

PURPOSE

To assess safety of intravitreal aflibercept for the treatment of CNV secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.

METHODS

Masked, open-label, prospective study. Five subjects will receive 2.0 mg aflibercept injection every 8 weeks with 3 initial monthly doses over a 12 month period.

RESULTS

No adverse systemic or ocular were reported. At month six, the mean visual acuity improved by 7.8 ETDRS letters, mean central subfoveal thickness decreased by 38.8 microns and mean OCT volume decreased by 0.076 mm3 . At month twelve, the mean visual acuity improved by 12.4 ETDRS letters, mean central subfoveal thickness decreased by 34.6 microns and mean OCT volume decreased by 0.576 mm3.

CONCLUSION

The use of intravitreal 2.0 mg aflibercept injection for the treatment of CNV secondary to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome yielded no systemic or ocular adverse events and produced improvement in visual acuity and reduction of OCT thickness and volume.

Dissociations of the Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant: The Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment (MUST) Trial and Follow-up Study

PURPOSE

To describe fluocinolone acetonide implant dissociations in the Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment (MUST) Trial.

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial with extended follow-up.

METHODS

Review of data collected on the first implant in the eye(s) of participants. Dissociation was defined as the drug pellet no longer being affixed to the strut and categorized as spontaneous or surgically related.

RESULTS

A total of 250 eyes (146 patients) had at least 1 implant placed. Median follow-up time after implant placement was 6 years (range 0.5-9.2 years). Thirty-four dissociations were reported in 30 participants. There were 22 spontaneous events in 22 participants; 6-year cumulative risk of a spontaneous dissociation was 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4%-9.1%). The earliest event occurred 4.8 years after placement. Nine of 22 eyes with data had a decline in visual acuity ≥5 letters temporally related to the dissociation. Thirty-nine implant removal surgeries were performed, 33 with replacement. Twelve dissociations were noted during implant removal surgeries in 10 participants (26%, 95% CI 15%-48%); 5 of these eyes had a decline in visual acuity ≥5 letters after surgery. The time from implant placement to removal surgery was longer for the surgeries at which dissociated implants were identified than for those without one (5.7 vs 3.7 years, P < .001). Overall, visual acuity declined 15 or more letters from pre-implant values in 22% of affected eyes; declines were frequently associated with complications of uveitis or its treatment.

CONCLUSION

There is an increasing risk of dissociation of Retisert implants during follow-up; the risk is greater with removal/exchange surgeries, but the risk of both spontaneous and surgically related events increases with longevity of the implants. In 22% of affected eyes visual acuity declined by 15 letters. In the context of eyes with moderate to severe uveitis for years, this rate is not unexpected.

Characteristics and outcomes of sequential rhegmatogenous retinal detachments

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

While copious data exist regarding the incidence, treatment, and prognosis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), fewer data exist regarding bilateral RRD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of patients with sequential bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachments over a 5-year period from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014, that were repaired at a single institution. Data were reviewed for 80 eyes of 40 patients, which is the largest series of sequential RRD reported.

RESULTS

In patients with sequential RRD, the subsequently affected eyes were more likely to present with better initial visual acuity, shorter duration of symptoms, less macula-off status, and less concurrent proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The subsequent eye had better final visual acuity and was less likely to re-detach. Subsequent eyes tended to progress to RRD despite prophylactic retinopexy.

CONCLUSION

The constellation of baseline characteristics in which subsequent eyes presented with better initial visual acuity, shorter duration of symptoms, less macula-detached status, and less concurrent proliferative vitreoretinopathy when compared to the initial eye correspond with the findings that subsequent eyes had more successful anatomical and better visual outcomes.

Sustained visual acuity loss in the comparison of age-related macular degeneration treatments trials

IMPORTANCE

Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) results in improved vision overall, loss of substantial vision can occur. Understanding the processes that lead to loss of vision may lead to preventive strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence, characteristics, causes, and baseline predictors of sustained visual acuity loss after 2 years of treatment with ranibizumab or bevacizumab for neovascular AMD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A cohort study within a randomized clinical trial of participants in the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT).

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned to treatment with ranibizumab or bevacizumab and to 2 years of monthly or as needed injections or monthly injections for 1 year and as needed injections the following year.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Sustained visual acuity loss, defined as loss of 15 or more letters from baseline at weeks 88 and 104.

RESULTS

Among 1030 participants, 61 eyes (5.9%) developed sustained visual acuity loss in 2 years. Within this group, visual acuity decreased gradually over time, with a mean decrease of 2, 19, and 33 letters from baseline at 4 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively. At 2 years, eyes with sustained visual acuity loss had more scarring (60.0% vs 41.4%, P = .007), more geographic atrophy (GA) (31.6% vs 20.7%, P = .004), larger lesions (16 vs 8 mm2, P < .001), and higher proportions of intraretinal fluid (82.5% vs 51.0%, P < .001), subretinal hyperreflective material (84.5% vs 44.2%, P < .001), retinal thinning (43.3% vs 23.0%, P < .001), and thickening (20.0% vs 12.1%, P < .001). Likely causes of sustained visual acuity loss included foveal scarring (44.3%), pigmentary abnormalities (27.9%), and foveal GA (11.5%). Baseline factors independently associated with a higher incidence of sustained visual acuity loss were the presence of nonfoveal GA (odds ratio [OR],  2.86; 95% CI, 1.35-6.08; P = .006), larger area of choroidal neovascularization (OR for a >4-disc area vs ≤1-disc area, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.70-9.03; P = .007), and bevacizumab treatment (OR,  1.83; 95% CI, 1.07-3.14; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Sustained visual acuity loss was relatively rare in CATT. The development of foveal scar, pigmentary abnormalities, or GA contributed to most of the sustained visual acuity loss. Risk was 3% higher among eyes treated with bevacizumab. Treatment that targeted the prevention of scarring or GA may improve vision outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00593450.

Pars plana vitrectomy versus combined pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckle for primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

OBJECTIVE

To compare pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with PPV and scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent PPV or PPV/SB for RRD repair at a single institution.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients in two different treatment groups and analysis of the anatomic and functional results.

RESULTS

Single-surgery anatomic success was achieved in 31 of 37 (83.8%) phakic eyes that underwent PPV and in 66 of 68 (97.1%) phakic eyes that underwent PPV/SB (p = 0.0216). Among pseudophakic eyes, 42 of 48 (87.5%) in the PPV group and 62 of 66 (93.9%) in the PPV/SB group achieved single-surgery reattachment (p = 0.3175). Visual acuity improvement was marginally greater in the PPV group among phakic (p = 0.4898) and pseudophakic (p = 0.2465) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

PPV/SB may be associated with a decreased risk for retinal redetachment when compared to PPV for repair of phakic RRD. In pseudophakic eyes, the anatomic success rate between the two techniques appears to be similar.

Recurrent retinal detachment: does initial treatment matter?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the treatment course of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) that re-detach after initial retinal detachment surgery.

METHODS

Patients were divided into three groups based on initial surgical treatment: scleral buckle procedure (SBP) (63 eyes), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (88 eyes) and combined SBP/PPV (135 eyes). Charts were reviewed for a mean follow-up of 12 months.

RESULTS

Average number of secondary procedures to achieve anatomical success was lowest in the SBP group (1.1), compared with the PPV group (1.47) and the SBP/PPV group (1.5) (p<0.05). Patients that re-detached after initial PPV/SBP, PPV or SBP required silicone oil injection in 83%, 60% and 22% of the cases and had final best-corrected visual acuity better than or equal to 20/50 in 21%, 33% and 45% of the cases, respectively. Phakic patients that re-detached after initial treatment with PPV/SBP, PPV and SBP required pars plana lensectomy (PPL) in 42%, 25% and 12.5% of the cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with primary RRD that re-detach after initial treatment with SBP require fewer number of secondary operations and silicone oil injections, show a trend for better visual outcomes and are less likely to develop dense cataract or to require PPL compared to patients that re-detach after initial PPV or PPV/SBP.

Histologic and immunohistochemical features of an epiretinal membrane overlying a combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium

PURPOSE

To present the histologic and immunohistochemical findings of an epiretinal membrane overlying a combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium.

METHODS

An interventional case report.

RESULTS

A 17-year-old healthy girl with a history of congenital cataract presented with a combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium with prominent epiretinal membrane portion. Pars plana vitrectomy and membranectomy were performed, and the excised epiretinal membrane was submitted for routine histology and immunohistochemistry. Hematoxylin and eosin stain showed a monolayer of cells with an underlying basement membrane. Some of the nuclei were more epithelioid, consistent with retinal pigment epithelium (but without pigment in the cytoplasm), and other nuclei were more spindle-shaped, consistent with fibroglial elements. The initial immunostains suggested an admixture of retinal pigment epithelium and retinal elements.

CONCLUSION

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to use immunohistochemistry to elucidate the composition of these membranes. Future studies investigating the immunohistochemical profile of combined hamartomas are necessary.

Surgical outcome of scleral buckling compared with scleral buckling with vitrectomy for treatment of macula-off retinal detachment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical outcome of scleral buckling (group 1) versus scleral buckling with pars plana vitrectomy (group 2) for the repair of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients were identified in group 1 and 63 patients in group 2. Presenting visual acuity was 4/200 in group 1 and 3/200 in group 2. Median duration of detachment prior to surgery was 5 days in group 1 and 6 days in group 2. There was no statistical difference in best-corrected (P = .59) or most recent (P = .75) visual acuity between groups. Median best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 and median most recent visual acuity was 20/40 in both groups. Significantly more additional procedures were performed in group 1 than in group 2 (21.7% vs 7.9%, respectively; P = .024). The final reattachment rate was 96.4% in group 1 and 98.4% in group 2. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy developed in 15.7% of patients in group 1 and 4.8% in group 2 (P= .037).

CONCLUSION

Visual outcome of scleral buckling is similar to scleral buckling with pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients without proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Patients undergoing scleral buckling only are at an increased risk of developing proliferative vitreoretinopathy and requiring additional procedures.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization in ocular histoplasmosis

PURPOSE

To define the role of intravitreal bevacizumab in individuals with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) resulting from Ocular Histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS).

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of a surgical therapy.

METHODS

We reviewed the course of 28 eyes of 28 patients who underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for treatment of CNV secondary to OHS. Outcome was measured by pretreatment and posttreatment visual acuity (VA).

RESULTS

The average pretreatment logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA was 0.65 (Snellen equivalent of 20/88). Mean follow-up was 22.43 weeks with an average of 1.8 intravitreal injections. Average final logMAR VA was 0.43 (Snellen equivalent of 20/54). Twenty eyes (71%) experienced an increase in central VA, whereas four eyes (14%) were unchanged and four eyes (14%) experienced a decrease in vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal bevacizumab may improve or stabilize VA in a significant majority of patients with neovascular complications of OHS (24 eyes [85.7%] in our study population).

The macular automated photostress test

PURPOSE

To introduce a standardized macular photostress test using an automated perimeter as a method to quantify macular disease severity and as a tool to distinguish optic neuropathy from macular pathology.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional pilot study.

METHODS

Twenty-five bilaterally pseudophakic subjects aged range, 65 to 84: 15 patients with varying severity of non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), five patients with no ocular disease, and five patients with moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Previously reported normative values served as controls for this study. Patients underwent foveal threshold testing using the Humphrey Visual Field Perimeter Model 750 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc, Dublin, California, USA). Baseline measurements were compared to threshold sensitivity after photostress at one minute and then two-minute intervals until sensitivity returned to baseline. Main outcome measures were baseline foveal threshold sensitivity, foveal threshold depression, and recovery following photostress.

RESULTS

Automated macular photostress testing in macular disease (AMD) causes a decrease (P < .001) in baseline foveal sensitivity and a delay (P < .001) in recovery time to baseline sensitivity. Optic nerve pathology (POAG) does not affect (P = .343) the foveal response curve.

CONCLUSIONS

The macular automated photostress (MAP) test is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and readily accessible adjunct for evaluating patients with macular disease. This standardized protocol is useful in objectively defining disease severity, may be used to follow response to treatment, and could aid in distinguishing optic neuropathy from macular pathology.

COMBINED PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY WITH VERTEPORFIN AND INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

PURPOSE

To examine the 7-month results for patients treated with combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin and intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

This is a retrospective series of 24 eyes with juxtafoveal or subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD. Patients were treated with PDT with verteporfin and 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab. All patients were naive to treatment and had either treatment within a 14-day interval. Main outcome measures were visual acuity stabilization (defined as no change or a gain in visual acuity) and retreatment rate.

RESULTS

At the 7-month follow-up, 20 (83%) of 24 patients had stabilization of visual acuity. Sixteen eyes (67%) had improvement in visual acuity. Mean improvement in visual acuity (n = 24) was 2.04 Snellen lines. Fifteen eyes (63%) required only a single combined treatment for CNV resolution. There were no complications, including endophthalmitis, uveitis, and ocular hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that combined treatment of PDT with verteporfin and intravitreal bevacizumab may be useful in treating neovascular AMD by reducing retreatment rates and improving visual acuity. Further investigation with large, controlled trials is warranted to outline the appropriate treatment paradigm for combination therapy.

Retinal pigment epithelial tear following intravitreal pegaptanib sodium

PURPOSE

To report two cases of a retinal pigment epithelial tear after intravitreal injection of pegaptanib sodium. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this finding after intraocular antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

DESIGN

Observational case reports.

METHODS

Two patients presented with occult choroidal neovascularization and associated serous pigment epithelial detachment that was a result of age-related macular degeneration. Both patients were treated with an intravitreal injection of pegaptanib sodium.

RESULTS

One patient developed a retinal pigment epithelium tear one week after the intravitreal injection. The second patient developed a retinal pigment epithelium tear eight weeks after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these cases may represent natural history, there should be a high index of suspicion for retinal pigment epithelium tears in patients who report significant visual deterioration after intravitreal injection of pegaptanib sodium. Further studies are needed to determine whether angiographic subtypes of choroidal neovascular membranes are more susceptible to developing retinal pigment epithelium tears after treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor agents.

Vitreous and Aqueous Penetration of Orally Administered Moxifloxacin in Humans

OBJECTIVE

To investigate intraocular penetration of moxifloxacin hydrochloride after oral administration.

METHODS

Prospective study of 15 patients scheduled for vitrectomy between September and November 2004 at the Barnes Retina Institute, St Louis, MO. Aqueous, vitreous, and serum samples were analyzed from 15 patients after oral administration of 2 tablets containing 400 mg of moxifloxacin. Assays were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The mean +/- SD moxifloxacin concentrations in plasma (n = 15), vitreous (n = 13), and aqueous (n = 13) samples were 3.56 +/- 1.31 microg/mL, 1.34 +/- 0.66 microg/mL, and 1.58 +/- 0.80 microg/mL, respectively. Mean +/- SD sampling times after oral administration of the second moxifloxacin tablet for plasma, vitreous, and aqueous were 2.94 +/- 0.81 hours, 3.77 +/- 0.92 hours, and 3.71 +/- 0.89 hours, respectively. The percentages of plasma moxifloxacin concentration in the vitreous and aqueous were 37.6% and 44.3%, respectively. Minimal inhibitory concentrations against 90% levels were exceeded against a wide spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens in the vitreous and aqueous.

CONCLUSIONS

Moxifloxacin has a spectrum of coverage that encompasses the most common organisms in endophthalmitis. The pharmacokinetic findings of this investigation reveal that orally administered moxifloxacin achieves therapeutic levels in the noninflamed eye. Because of their broad spectrum of coverage, low minimal inhibitory concentration against 90% levels, good tolerability, and excellent oral bioavailability, fourth-generation fluoroquinolones may represent a major advance for managing posterior segment infections.

Short-term intraocular pressure trends following intravitreal pegaptanib (Macugen) injection

PURPOSE

To report the changes and trends in intraocular pressures (IOP) following intravitreal injection of Pegaptanib (Macugen) for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Review of 79 patients who underwent 122 consecutive Pegaptanib injections. Analysis of the short-term effect of Pegaptanib injections on IOP was performed.

RESULTS

Baseline mean IOP was 15.73 +/- 3.41 mm Hg (mean +/- standard deviation) with a range of 9 to 27 mm Hg. Postinjection mean IOP was 24.47 +/- 6.29 mm Hg with a range of 8 to 36 mm Hg. Mean IOP change from baseline to roughly 30 minutes after Pegaptanib injection was 8.74 +/- 7.23 mm Hg. At the 5- to 7-day follow-up visit, IOP had normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

Pegaptanib injection in this limited series seems to be safe from an IOP standpoint in the short-term. IOP monitoring postinjection may not be necessary.

A Preliminary Benefit-Risk Assessment of Verteporfin in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The prevalence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is expected to increase significantly during the next 20 years. New treatment alternatives to laser photocoagulation are on the horizon - the first of these, photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin, was approved by the US FDA in 2000. In this article we present a preliminary risk-benefit assessment of verteporfin in AMD, focusing on the landmark randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. The TAP (Treatment of Age-related macular degeneration with Photodynamic therapy) trial established the efficacy of PDT for classic subfoveal neovascularisation in AMD at 2 years follow-up. The VIP (Verteporfin in Photodynamic therapy) study concentrated on subfoveal occult-only lesions not included in the TAP study. After 2 years, treated eyes were less likely to experience visual loss. Exploratory analyses of TAP and VIP suggest that lesion size is a more significant predictor of the treatment benefit than either lesion composition or visual activity. The VIM (Visudyne in Minimally classic) trial altered the standard PDT light fluence rate in the treatment of subfoveal minimally classic lesions. This trial again demonstrated a beneficial effect for those receiving treatment with PDT. The VIO (Visudyne in Occult) trial, evaluating PDT in occult-only lesions as a confirmatory study of the VIP trial, did not achieve its primary end-point at 2 years. Further analyses are pending.PDT with verteporfin has an excellent safety profile that has been established with >1 million treatment applications. Cost-effectiveness data are limited but suggest that PDT may be a cost-effective treatment modality. Other FDA-approved treatments (pegaptanib, ranibizumab and bevacizumab) for neovascular AMD are discussed, as well as investigational substances such as anecortave acetate.

TRIAMCINOLONE-ASSISTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING

PURPOSE

To review our experience with triamcinolone-assisted pars plana vitrectomy for internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for various retinal diseases.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients underwent surgery in which intraoperative triamcinolone acetonide (TA) was used. Indications for surgery included epiretinal membrane (3 patients), branch retinal vein occlusion associated with macular edema (2), traction retinal detachment (3), diabetic macular edema (4), vitreous hemorrhage with diabetic macular edema (4), macular hole (4), and cystoid macular edema (1).

RESULTS

TA was useful in the removal of the ILM in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications or toxicity. The mean follow-up was 22 weeks (range, 9-30 weeks). Eleven patients improved by >or=2 Snellen lines, 1 lost >or=2 Snellen lines, and 9 were within 2 Snellen lines of preoperative vision at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraoperative use of TA improves visualization of ILMs associated with a variety of conditions. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. TA-assisted removal of the ILM appears to be safe and cost effective. TA-assisted ILM peeling should be considered as an alternative to the use of intraoperative dyes.

Surgical removal of peripapillary choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To describe the results of surgical treatment of peripapillary choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration as an option to both laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with peripapillary choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration who were not eligible for or refused laser photocoagulation. Patients without the diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration and those who had extension of their neovascularization subfoveally were excluded from the review.

RESULTS

Eleven patients total were identified who met the specified inclusion criteria. The male to female ratio was 4:7, with an age range of 63 to 94 years (mean = 78 years). The mean area of involved retina temporal to the optic disc was 5 clock hours, with the distance of the temporal edge of the lesion from the fovea ranging from 100 to 2,000 microm. The mean duration of follow-up was 23 months, with 27% (3 of 11) experiencing recurrent choroidal neovascularization. The preoperative and postoperative visual acuity ranges were both 20/25 to counting fingers. Sixty-four percent (7 of 11) of patients had stable or improved visual acuity postoperatively, with a mean visual acuity change of 1 line visual improvement.

CONCLUSION

In cases where photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation are not indicated, the surgical treatment of peripapillary choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration may prove beneficial.