Comparison of glaucomatous from non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy using Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim width optical coherence tomography measurements

Purpose

To compare glaucomatous from non-glaucomatous optic atrophy using optical coherence tomography (OCT) based on the measurement values of Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), which is a difficult task otherwise due to their varied course of disease progression, treatment protocols, and systemic association to visual impairment.

Methods

This study was conducted in 40 eyes, comprising 20 eyes with non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy (NGON) and 20 eyes with glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination followed by an OCT optic disc scan to calculate the measurement of BMO-MRW.

Results

The 5-fold cross-validated area under the curve for GON versus NGON from logistic regression models was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86-1.00) using BMO-MRW values from all sectors. The results revealed that the measurements were significantly lesser in GON than in NGON patients.

Conclusion

Hence, OCT-based BMO-MRW values could be used as an additional test to compare glaucomatous with non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy patients, especially in cases of high clinical suspicion.

What do retina fellows-in-training think about the vitreoretinal surgical simulator: A multicenter survey

Purpose

To profile vitreoretinal (VR) fellows-in-training from India exposed to the Eyesi surgical simulator, to identify potential barriers to voluntary use, and enumerate the most preferred tools and tasks before incorporating them into a formal skill-transfer curriculum.

Methods

A questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was designed and circulated through an online portal (surveymonkey.com) to four different institutes of India having a VR surgical fellowship program and using a functional Eyesi (Haag-Streit) simulator. All fellows and trainees who were exposed to the simulator were eligible to participate, irrespective of time spent on the simulator and exposure to training steps on real patients. The responses collected were private and anonymous.

Results

Of the 37 respondents, most (n = 25, 68%) considered surgical simulators to be the best training tool before operating on the human eye. A majority (n = 35, 94.5%) of participants spent <3 h per week on the simulator, which, most (n = 30, 81%) felt was not enough time. The main reasons for this underutilization were work-hour limitations (54.8%), lack of a structured training program (19.3%), or a dedicated supervisor (16.1%). Again, the majority (n = 33, 89%) of participants responded that VR surgical skills acquired during simulator training were transferrable to the operating room, which was reflected by their response (n = 31, 83.7%) that simulator-based training should be made mandatory before operating room exposure.

Conclusion

This study gives an insight into the overall practice patterns and preferences in simulation training of surgical VR fellows-in-training across India. It indicates that the simulator is extremely helpful to fellows and if adopted, VR surgical simulators with organized, directed, and supervised sessions will considerably improve the surgical training experience.

Real world outcomes of sutureless and glueless sclerally fixated intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of sutureless intrascleral fixation of a 3-piece intraocular lens in the ciliary sulcus, in a large cohort of patients with aphakia of various aetiology METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative, single centre interventional study of 250 aphakic eyes of various causes, which underwent sutureless and glueless intrascleral fixation of 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL). All patients were required to have at least 3 months of follow up post procedure to be included in the study. Anatomical and functional outcomes obtained were statistically analysed for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 250 eyes of 246 patients were included in the study population. The average age was 56.5 years ± 16.4 (range 6-86 years). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 0.74 ± 0.6 logMAR (approx. Snellen equivalent 20/110) to 0.48 ± 0.36 logMAR (approx. Snellen equivalent 20/60), (p < 0.001) following surgery. Early postoperative complication (<2 weeks) included hypotony (n = 10, 4%), ocular hypertension (n = 38,15.2%) and vitreous haemorrhage (n = 50, 20%). Late complications included retinal detachment (n = 14, 5.6%%), cystoid macular oedema (n = 24, 9.6%), scleral erosion (n = 1, 0.4%), haptic extrusion to subconjunctival space (n = 3, 1.2%) and IOL subluxation or dislocation (n = 5, 2%) CONCLUSION: This cost-effective and easier technique of sutureless scleral fixated 3-piece IOL implantation provided good visual acuity outcomes in a large cohort of patients and was well tolerated.

All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) Task Force guidelines to prevent intraocular infections and cluster outbreaks after cataract surgery

Infectious endophthalmitis is a serious and vision-threatening complication of commonly performed intraocular surgeries such as cataract surgery. The occurrence of endophthalmitis can result in severe damage to the uveal and other ocular tissues even among patients undergoing an uncomplicated surgical procedure. If the infections result from common factors such as surgical supplies, operative or operation theater-related risks, there can be a cluster outbreak of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) or infectious endophthalmitis, leading to several patients having an undesirable outcome. Since prevention of intraocular infections is of paramount importance to ophthalmic surgeons, the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) has taken the lead in the formation of a National Task Force to help ophthalmic surgeons apply certain universal precautions in their clinical practice. The Task Force has prepared a handy checklist and evidence-based guidelines to minimize the risk of infectious endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

Assessment of retinal manifestations of Parkinson's disease using spectral domain optical coherence tomography: A study in Indian eyes

Purpose:

To assess the retinal manifestations of Parkinson’s disease using optical coherence tomography.

Methods:

A prospective case-control study comparing 30 eyes from 15 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 22 eyes from 11 healthy age-matched controls. Total macular subfield thickness and the thickness of the ganglion cell layer, nerve fiber layer, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer were measured with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Results:

The mean age of PD patients was 68.4 years ± 10.64 (range: 46–82) and in the control group was 66.36 ± 5.22 (range: 64–68). The average disease duration in patients with PD was 6.7 ± 2.8 years (range: 2–10 years). The mean best-corrected visual acuity in PD was 20/26 and 20/20 in controls, with P = 0.0059, which was significant. Significant difference was also found in the contrast sensitivity between both groups. Structural differences in the central macular thickness (P = 0.0001), subfield thicknesses in the superior (P = 0.003), inferior (P = 0.001), nasal (P = 0.004), and temporal subfields (P = 0.017) was seen. Severe thinning of the ganglion cell layer was seen in PD patients (P = 0.000) as well as of the nerve fiber layer (P = 0.004). Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber thickness measured showed significant thinning in superotemporal (P = 0.000), superonasal (P = 0.04), inferonasal (P = 0.000), inferotemporal (P = 0.000), nasal (P = 0.000), and temporal quadrants (P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

Visual dysfunction was observed in patients with PD along with structural alterations on OCT, which included macular volumes, ganglion cell layer, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer.

An extended phenotype of RP1L1 maculopathy - case report

BACKGROUND

To report the ophthalmological findings of a new phenotypical variant of RP1L1 maculopathy in an Indian patient with a homozygous variant in the RP1L1 gene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 39-year-old male presented with complaints of disturbance in the central field of vision in both eyes (BE) for a duration of 6 months. He underwent ophthalmic examinations and diagnostic imaging. A complete retinal degeneration panel consisting of 228 genes was evaluated for pathologic variations using next-generation sequencing (NGS), which showed a variant in the RP1L1 gene.

RESULTS

On fundus examination, he was found to have ill-defined foveal mottling in BE. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed sub-foveal hyper-reflective deposits and outer retinal layer disruption. A provisional diagnosis of the atypical variant of adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD) was made on the basis of clinical, OCT, Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and electrophysiological features. Genetic assessment of the proband revealed the presence of a homozygous base pair deletion in exon 4 of RP1L1 gene (chr8:g.10468194_10468195del), which results in frameshift and premature truncation of the protein 24 amino acids downstream to codon 1138 (p.Lys1138SerfsTer24). This variant was confirmed in the proband's parents by Sanger sequencing. The diagnosis was revised to RP1L1 maculopathy, as the RP1L1 gene variant is most commonly associated with this entity.

CONCLUSION

This report presents the multimodal imaging of a previously unreported phenotype of RP1L1 maculopathy associated with a genetic variant of RP1L1 gene, thereby expanding the spectrum associated with RP1L1 maculopathy.

Pediatric choroidal neovascularization: Etiology and treatment outcomes with anti-vascular endothelial growth factors

PURPOSE

To describe the etiology and treatment outcomes of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a pediatric population with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF).

METHODS

Retrospective single center interventional case series. A total of 26 eyes of 23 consecutive pediatric patients with CNV of various etiologies were treated with intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents.

RESULTS

There were 15 males (65.2%) and eight females (34.8%), diagnosed with CNV during the study period. The mean age at presentation with CNV was 11.7 ± 3.3 years, (range 4-16 years) and the mean follow was 28.1 ± 18 months, (range 8-72 months). Inflammatory CNV was the most common etiology. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and mean central macular thickness (CMT) at presentation, were logMAR 0.8 ± 0.3 and 367.6 ± 134.8 µm respectively. At the final visit, CNV in all eyes remained regressed with significant improvement in mean BCVA to logMAR 0.4 ± 0.4 (p < 0.0001) and mean CMT to 242.5 ± 82.4 µm (p < 0.0001). A mean of two intravitreal injections per eye was required for CNV regression.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for pediatric CNV is an effective treatment in majority of affected eyes.

Posterior choroidal fluid loculation in central serous chorioretinopathy presenting as a choroidal elevation: A rare Pachychoroid phenotype

PURPOSE

To describe an unusual variant of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) presenting as a choroidal elevation with subretinal fluid and its response to accepted treatment modalities of CSC.

DESIGN

A retrospective case series.

SUBJECTS

Six eyes of three patients, two males and one female, with a mean age of 55.3 years, were included in the study. All of them had Pachychoroid features, solitary choroidal elevation and subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT); none of the patients had a previous episode of CSC.

METHODS

Patients were studied with biomicroscopy, ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. Systemic evaluation to rule out inflammatory and infective pathologies, and an oncologist referral also was done. Patients were managed in the line of central serous chorioretinopathy, using conservative treatment, focal laser and oral eplerenone.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Resolution of subretinal fluid and choroidal elevation.

RESULTS

Complete resolution of choroidal elevation and subretinal fluid was noted in all the three patients. There was no recurrence till the end of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Pachychoroid disease may present as solitary choroidal elevation with subretinal fluid due to exaggerated posterior choroidal fluid loculation and has a favourable outcome. However, it should be considered after exclusion of other differential diagnoses.

Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy: One-Year Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Foveal Sparing Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap

Purpose

To evaluate the anatomical and visual outcomes in optic disc pit maculopathy following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap

Methods

Retrospective interventional case series of 10 patients diagnosed with serous macular detachment secondary to optic disc pit who underwent PPV with inverted ILM flap and were followed up for a year.

Results

A p-value of less than 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. The mean age of patients was 27.2 ± 10.6 years, preoperatively the mean best-corrected visual acuity of the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution was 0.91 ± 0.42 (approximate Snellen equivalent 20/162), which improved to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of 0.58 ± 0.29 (approximate Snellen equivalent 20/76) at end of one year, (p=0.008). The mean central macular thickness was 804.9 ± 294.1 m which improved to 273.4 ± 102.54 m, (p=0.002). After surgery, at end of one year, 60% of patients (6/10) had 15- or more-than-15-letter improvement of vision on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity testing, 20% (2/10) gained a 10-letter improvement and 20% (2/10) retained the same vision.

Conclusion

PPV with inverted ILM flap can be considered as a good approach for the management of serous macular detachment secondary to optic disc pit and produce good anatomical and visual results at one year with stabilization of the disease.

Acute changes in ganglion cell layer thickness in ischemic optic neuropathy compared to optic neuritis using optical coherence tomography

AIM

To elucidate the changes of different ganglion cell layer (GCL) thinning patterns between the optic neuritis (ON) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

METHODS

A prospective, observational study was conducted to evaluate the timing of GCL changes between acute ON and NAION using optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

Thinning on optical coherence tomography in the NAION group occurs as early as 11d after symptomatic onset of vision loss and follows an altitudinal pattern. The mean superior-inferior GCL thickness difference in the NAION cohort was clinically significant at 5.7 µm in the NAION cohort compared to controls of 0.8 µm (P=0.032), but not significant in the ON group compared to controls with both groups measuring 1.1 µm. Global thinning was significant for the ON group compared to controls at 7.2 µm (P=0.011) but not the NAION group compared to controls at 1.35 µm.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that future treatments for NAION should be given early, and possibly before 11d in order to prevent GCL and irreversible vision loss.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) amongst different geographic populations-GEODEX-IOP study

PURPOSE

To analyse the intraocular pressure rise after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) amongst different geographic populations.

METHODS

The medical charts of 294 dexamethasone implants between February 2011 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. South Asian (India), White (Europe, US and Israel) Latino (Argentina and Brazil) patient data was included in the study. Ocular hypertension (OHT) was defined as intraocular pressure of >25 mmHg or an increase of at least 10 mmHg from baseline. The main indications for treatment were diabetic macular edema (ME) (65.6%), retinal vein occlusion (26.5%), uveitis (7.8%).

RESULTS

Amongst 294 intravitreal implants, ocular hypertension (>25 mmHg) was recorded in 0, 8 and 9.5% in White, Latino, and South Asian groups, respectively. However, IOP > 20 mmHg was recorded in 14%, 28% and 27% in White, Latino, and South Asian groups, respectively. Incidence of very high IOP (>35 mmHg) was lower in all geographical groups. It was 3% in Latino followed by 2% in South Asian group.

CONCLUSION

Latino and South Asian groups have higher IOP rise compared to White population. Most patients with elevated IOP fluctuate between 20-25 mmHg.

A rare case of focal choroidal excavation associated choroidal neovascularization in angioid streaks

The purpose is to report a case of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) in a patient with angioid streaks (ASs) associated with secondary choroidal neovascularization (CNV). A 26-year-old man was referred for the treatment of CNV. On further evaluation, he was found to have ASs and optical coherence tomography revealed the presence of the choroidal neovascular complex associated with FCE. The patient was treated with a single dose of intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 μg/0.05 ml). There was resolution of the lesion, and on further follow-up over 6 months, there were no recurrences. CNV in patients with ASs may also be associated with FCE. These patients have a good response to intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

Central serous chorioretinopathy: Current update on management

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), the fourth most common nonsurgical retinopathy with a usual self-limiting course, is known to present with persistent or recurrent form with distressing visual loss. Evolution of newer mutimodal imaging techniques have revolutionized the understanding about the pathophysiology of CSC, and hence the diagnosis and management. Multifactorial etiopathology of CSC promotes the use of multiple treatment modalities. With advances in investigative options, treatment options including conventional focal laser, micropulse laser, photodynamic therapy, and transpupillary thermotherapy are also advancing and refining. Medical management for CSC is also under evaluation with a wide spectrum of new drugs in vogue. However, standard of treatment is yet to be established through randomized clinical trials. This review article discusses the current approach to multimodal treatment options for CSC including conventional as well as newer therapeutic modalities.

Pigmented ciliary body medulloepithelioma in a newborn infant

Ciliary body medulloepithelioma is a nonpigmented tumor which presents during the first decade of life. It is rarely seen in newborn infants. We report a pigmented medulloepithelioma in a newborn infant, which showed a rapid growth. Ciliary body medulloepithelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a newborn infant presenting with leukocoria.

Purtscher-like retinopathy: A rare complication of peribulbar anesthesia

Purtscher and Purtscher-like retinopathy is a distinctive retinal syndrome characterized by ischemic retinal whitening in a peripapillary pattern. We report a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy in a healthy 64-year-old man after a routine peribulbar anesthetic injection for cataract surgery. Although peribulbar anesthesia is considered to be a safer alternative to retrobulbar anesthesia, it has been associated with unusual but grave complications including central retinal artery occlusion.

In vivo sectional imaging of the retinal periphery using conventional optical coherence tomography systems

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has transformed macular disease practices. This report describes the use of conventional OCT systems for peripheral retinal imaging. Thirty-six eyes with peripheral retinal pathology underwent imaging with conventional OCT systems. In vivo sectional imaging of lattice degeneration, snail-track degeneration, and paving-stone degeneration was performed. Differences were noted between phenotypes of lattice degeneration. Several findings previously unreported in histopathology studies were encountered. Certain anatomic features were seen that could conceivably explain clinical and intraoperative behavior of peripheral lesions. Peripheral OCT imaging helped elucidate clinically ambiguous situations such as retinal breaks, subclinical retinal detachment, retinoschisis, choroidal nevus, and metastasis. Limitations of such scanning included end-gaze nystagmus and far peripheral lesions. This first of its kind study demonstrates the feasibility of peripheral retinal OCT imaging and expands the spectrum of indications for which OCT scanning may be clinically useful.

Intracameral injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) to treat anterior chamber neovascular membrane in a painful blind eye

Intracameral injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) helped in the successful regression of an anterior chamber neovascular membrane in a painful blind eye. The effect was persistent even after six months of follow-up. This is the first report on intracameral administration of bevacizumab with six months of follow-up.

"Worm in the eye": the rationale for treatment of DUSN in south India

AIM

To discuss the rationale for different techniques of treatment for DUSN (diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis) and their effectiveness in two patients from south India.

METHODS

Two rare cases of live worms in DUSN from India are reported, where filarial Brugia malayi is endemic. Both cases presented with progressive unilateral loss of vision with no history of animal contact. They were 40 year old, apparently healthy men. In case 1, the worm (1500-2000 microm) was easy to identify with wriggling movements among crisscrossing diffuse subretinal tracks. The worm was destroyed by a single shot of laser to its advancing end, which was followed by oral steroid to control the inflammation caused by the dead worm. In case 2, the worm was small and difficult to identify. Initially diffuse neuroretinitis was diagnosed and treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and oral corticosteroid. A week later, a small live worm (400-600 microm) was found and subsequently destroyed by laser photocoagulation followed by a combination of anthelminthics.

RESULTS

The patients' vision had improved to 6/60-6/36 from counting fingers after a few weeks.

CONCLUSION

The role of a combination of laser treatment, systemic steroid, and anthelminthics is discussed.

Fulminate retinopathy of prematurity - clinical characteristics and laser outcome

PURPOSE

To analyse the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of zone 1 Fulminate type of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and compare it to Conventional ROP.

METHODS

Preterm infants from two neonatal intensive care units (NICU) born between July 2002 and November 2003 were screened for ROP. Cases with Conventional ROP were classified according to the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP) while that of Fulminate ROP according to Shapiro's classification. Threshold disease was kept the cut off for treatment for Conventional ROP and stage 3A for Fulminate ROP.

RESULTS

Of the 54 cases that had treatable ROP, 36 (66.67%) had Fulminate type. The mean gestational age and birth weight was higher in Fulminate ROP compared to Conventional disease (31.75 weeks and 1554 gms vs 31 weeks 1387 gms) whereas the mean postnatal age at laser was lower (4.62 weeks vs 6.3 weeks). The average number of laser spots given was 3036.6 for Fulminate disease.

CONCLUSION

Fulminate ROP had an atypical morphology which was difficult to classify according to ICROP classification and we would like to lay stress upon the importance of screening of premature infants from the age of 4 weeks and to start treatment immediately once Fulminate ROP has been diagnosed.

Screening for retinopathy of prematurity-a comparison between binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and RetCam 120

AIM

To compare the photographic screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using RetCam 120 with binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO), which is the current gold standard.

SETTING AND DESIGN

Prospective, comparative study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 87 RetCam examinations were performed on 27 premature babies. They were stored in a separate file after deleting the identifying information. At the same visit using the BIO with scleral depression, an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon evaluated the fundus in detail. A masked examiner then evaluated the RetCam photographs for presence or absence of ROP, the stage and zone of the disease and the presence or absence of plus disease. These data were then compared with the BIO findings to determine the sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive values of the method.

RESULTS

ROP was detected in 63 of 87 examinations by BIO and in 56 of 87 RetCam examinations. Nine RetCam examinations were false-negative and two were false-positive. Sensitivity of RetCam was 85.71% (54/63) and specificity was 91.66% (22/24). The positive and negative predictive values were 96.43% and 70.97% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Nine cases having ROP were missed by the RetCam. All these cases were either in zone 3 or the outer part of zone 2, which later regressed. These were missed mostly because of the restricted mobility of the camera head caused by its size and the barrier caused by the lid speculum arms. No case of threshold ROP was missed. RetCam may replace BIO for screening of ROP.

Fulminate type of retinopathy of prematurity

Routine ophthalmoscopic screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) from the age of 2 weeks is necessary to detect and treat fulminate ROP.