Factors Predicting Response to Selective Retina Therapy in Patients with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

This retrospective study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of selective retina therapy (SRT) with real-time feedback-controlled dosimetry (RFD) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to evaluate factors predictive of treatment response. We included 137 eyes of 135 patients with chronic CSC. SRT was performed to cover each of the leakage areas on fundus fluorescein angiography. Changes in mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and subretinal fluid (SRF) height were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Complete SRF resolution was observed in 52.6% (72/137 eyes) and 90.5% (124/137 eyes) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Mean BCVA (logMAR) significantly improved from 0.41 ± 0.31 at baseline to 0.33 ± 0.31 at month 6 (p < 0.001). Mean CMT significantly decreased from 347.67 ± 97.38 μm at baseline to 173.42 ± 30.95 μm at month 6 (p < 0.001). Mean SRF height significantly decreased from 187.85 ± 97.56 µm at baseline to 8.60 ± 31.29 µm after 6 months (p < 0.001). Baseline SRF height was a significant predictive factor for retreatment requirement (p = 0.008). In conclusion, SRT showed favorable anatomical outcomes in patients with chronic CSC. A higher baseline SRF height was a risk factor for retreatment.

EFFECTS OF UNILATERAL INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB ON THE CONTRALATERAL EYE HAVING DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

Objective: To investigate the effect of unilateral intravitreal Bevacizumab on contralateral eye in bilateral diabetic macular edema. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Retina Department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Sep to Dec 2020. Methodology: Thirty-two patients were enrolled with consecutive sampling. All the patients had clinically diagnosed diabetic macular edema having >275µm macular thickness on OCT. They were injected with 1.25mg/0.05mL of Bevacizumab in one eye. Baseline macular thickness was compared with 4 weeks follow up macular thickness, using Optical Coherence Tomography. Results: The central macular thickness in the untreated eye at baseline was 396.97 ± 29.79 µm and 388.34 ± 30.06 µm at 4 weeks (p-value=0.001). The difference in central macular thickness in treated and untreated eyes were 28.44 ± 4.11 µm and 19.81 ± 5.31 µm respectively (p-value = 0.001). There were statistically significant differences between these measurements. Conclusion: Injecting Bevacizumab in one eye for diabetic macular edema has statistically significant effect on the contralateral non-injected eye macular thickness.

CENTRAL MACULAR THICKNESS AFTER CATARACT SURGERY IN NON-DIABETICS AND DIABETICS WITHOUT RETINOPATHY

Objective: To determine the mean change in central macular thickness after cataract surgery and to compare the mean change in central macular thickness after cataract surgery in non-diabetics and diabetics without diabetic retinopathy Study design: Case control Study settings and duration: A case control study was carried out at Ophthalmology department, POF hospital, Wah Cantt. Study duration was 6 months (April 2019-September 2019) Material and methods: A sample size of 60 patients was calculated by using Open Epi Software. We used non probability consecutive sampling. Patients were divided into two groups; Cases (Diabetic) and controls (non-Diabetic). All patients underwent phacoemulsification and observed after 4 weeks for macular thickness measurement using optical coherence tomography before and after surgery. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Post stratification t test was applied. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total 60 patients were included. Mean age of patients was 65.31 ±7. 63SD.There were 35 (58.3%) males and 25 (41.7%) female patients in the study. We found a significant increase in central macular thickness in cases and controls [(223.100±15.86SD vs 227.2667±17.9SD, p=0.000) and (221.200±12.16SD vs 226.289±16.7861SD, p =0.001)] before and after phacoemulsification in cases and controls respectively. However, no significant difference was found between the groups (p=0.486). Conclusion: Central macular thickness was increased after uncomplicated phacoemulsification in both diabetics and non-diabetics without retinopathy for up to a follow-up period of 4 weeks but the thickness did not differ between the two groups.

Two-year Changes in Postoperative Central Macular Thickness and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Epiretinal Membrane Patients

Purpose: To evaluate changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) after phacovitrectomy over a 2-year period in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) patients.Methods: The records of 52 idiopathic ERM patients (52 eyes) who underwent phacovitrectomy, without recurrence of the condition over a 2-year follow-up period, were reviewed retrospectively. Changes in CMT and SFCT, as measured by optical coherence tomography, were analyzed and compared with those of a normal control group over a 2-year period.Results: The mean preoperative CMT and SFCT were 425.67 ± 84.67 and 257.56 ± 90.13 μm, respectively. Postoperative CMT was reduced significantly to 372.17 ± 45.26 μm at 1 year and 363.15 ± 47.35 μm at 2 years (p < 0.001). SFCT at 1 and 2 years postoperatively was significantly reduced to 238.85 ± 84.85 and 230.31 ± 87.95 μm, respectively (p < 0.001). In the control group, there was no significant change in CMT; however, the SFCT decreased by 11.09 ± 22.36 μm during the 2-year follow-up (p = 0.007). In contrast, in the patient group, CMT and SFCT decreased by 62.52 ± 71.45 and 27.25 ± 41.97 μm, respectively, showing a significant difference from the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.043, respectively). Both before surgery and at 1 year postoperatively, the thinner the CMT, the better the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (p = 0.010 and p = 0.018, respectively). A better postoperative BCVA at 2 years was associated with a thinner CMT and better BCVA before surgery (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Following a phacovitrectomy procedure, ERM patients showed significant reductions in both the CMT and SFCT at the 2-year follow-up.

Efıcacy of Mıcropulse Laser In The Treatment of Dıabetıc Macular Edema

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the visual acuity, macular volume, central macular thickness, change in number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections with micropulse laser applications after loading dose of antiVEGF to DME patients.Study Design: Retrospective study Methods: This study was carried out on 97 patients (45 ranibizumab and 52 micropuls grid laser + ranibizumab) with diabetic macular edema patients who were followed in the Retina Unit. At the control visit after three loading ranibizumab injections administered once a month, micropuls grid laser was applied to one group and ranibizumab injection was continued PRN to both groups for an average of 9.27 ± 2.42 months and central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender, smoking and systemic diseases, initial central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity measurements (p> 0.05). Central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity values measured at the last follow-up of the patients were not significantly different between the groups (p> 0.05). The mean post-treatment injection requirement was 4.19 ± 1.01 for the ranibizumab with micropuls laser group and 5.53 ± 1.14 for the ranibizumab group. In the group treated with micropuls laser, statistically less number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections were needed (p <0.001). Conclusion: Micropulse laser treatment after initial loading doses reduces the need for antiVEGF injections. Studies with the participation of more patients may help in the selection of treatment methods by comparing micropulse laser combined with different injection protocols.

Intravitreal Fasudil Monotherapy for Treatment of Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema: a Prospective, Interventional Case-series

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of three monthly intravitreal injections of a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Fasudil, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) on refractory diabetic macular edema (DME).Study design: Prospective – clinical Methods: This interventional case series included 10 eyes of 10 patients with DME unresponsive to at least six previous intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections. Eligible eyes underwent intravitreal injection of 0.025 mg/0.05 ml Fasudil. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated as functional and anatomical response indicators, respectively. Results: Mean age was 60.1±5.1 (range, 53-68) years. Five cases responded to treatment; two with both anatomical and functional response (reduction of CMT from 521 to 395 and from 390 to 301microns and improvement of BCVA from 0.3 to 0.1 LogMAR and 0.6 to 0.4 LogMAR, respectively) and three with only functional improvement (0.7 to 0.4; 0.7 to 0.4; and 0.3 to 0.1 LogMAR). Of note, cases with no significant CMT change had morphologic improvement of retinal microstructure to some extent. No adverse event was observed during the study period.Conclusion: Monotherapy with intravitreal injection of ROCK inhibitors seems to have moderate visual benefits in eyes with DME refractory to IVB. Such effects may be functionally significant without obvious anatomical improvement.

EFFECT OF INTRAVITREAL TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE IN REFRACTORY DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

Objective: To investigate the effects of intravitreal triamcinolone for refractory diabetic maculopathy after 03 unsuccessful intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Retina department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jun 2016 to Jul 2017. Methodology: Total 35 eyes of 35 patients who were diagnosed with diabetic maculopathy and having history of minimum three intravitreal Bevacizumab injections were included. Detailed eye examinations included visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examination and intraocular pressure measurement was performed in all patients. Central macular thickness was also measured. Then intravitreal triamcinolone was administered to eyes by principal researcher (Ophthalmologist). After one month, follow up examination of patient’s eyes was done to assess the effects of injection. Results: Majority of the participants were males 19 (55%) in this research. There was statistically significant difference between means of intra ocular pressure (mean difference= 4.30 ± 5.41), Visual acuity (mean difference=2.8 ± 2.4) and central macular thickness (mean difference = 236.4 ± 13) pre and post injection was found (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference of central macular thickness and visual acuity, pre and post intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection was found.

Evaluation of optical coherence tomography findings in adolescents with genetic generalized epilepsy

Objective To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, central macular thickness (CMT), and subfoveal choroid thickness (CT) by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in adolescents with newly diagnosed epilepsy and patients who had been using Na valproate (VPA) for at least 1 year. Methods We examined 60 patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) aged 8–17 years. Thirty patients with newly diagnosed GGE who were evaluated before the beginning of the therapy and another 30 patients who were chosen from among adolescents with epilepsy using VPA for at least 1 year were included in the study. Results Nasal quadrant RNFL thickness and CMT measurements were significantly lower in the monotherapy group compared with the newly diagnosed group ( p = 0.044 and p = 0.032, respectively). CT measurements were not significantly different between the groups ( p = 0.413). There was a negative correlation in regression analysis between the duration of drug use and RNFL thickness in all quadrants. Conclusion According to our study, we observed thinning of the nasal RNFL and macular thickness in adolescents with epilepsy who were using Na valproate for at least 1 year and that as the duration of use increased, the thinning occurred in all RNFL quadrants. Further studies with larger series are needed to better understand the effects of both epilepsy and VPA on the eye.

CENTRAL MACULAR THICKNESS AFTER COMBINED THERAPY OF BEVACIZUMAB INTRAVITREAL INJECTION AND TOPICAL DICLOFENAC COMPARED WITH BEVACIZUMAB INTRAVITREAL INJECTION ALONE IN DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA

Introduction: To evaluate whether the combination of diclofenac eye drops and bevacizumab intravitreal injection would provide additional benefits over bevacizumab alone in the treatment of naïve diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: A total of 43 patients were enrolled consecutively and randomized into two groups to receive combination treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab and topical diclofenac (group 1) or bevacizumab alone (group 2). Group 1 patients received single bevacizumab intravitreal injection and got self-administered diclofenac eye drop four times daily for one month. Group 2 patients received single bevacizumab intravitreal injection alone. Outcome data were obtained from patient visits at baseline and at 1 month after bevacizumab intravitreal injection. All patients underwent measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), a complete eye examination, and measurement of central macular thickness (CMT). Result: The mean reduction in CMT in the combination group was 130.42±32.57 µm (p<0.01), while in the bevacizumab alone group the reduction was 141.38±45.27 µm (p<0.01), there is no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.866). The mean improvement of BCVA was 0.32±0.10 log Mar in the combination group and 0.26±0.12 in group 2, there is no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.691). There was no adverse ocular event in the two groups. Conclusion: In patients with naïve DME, adding diclofenac eye drop as adjuvant of bevacizumab intravitreal injection are less likely to have a meaningful effect on reducing the central macular thickness. Keywords: Diabetic macular edema, NSAID, diclofenac, anti-VEGF, bevacizumab, central macular thickness

INTRAOPERATIVE BREAKAGE OF A REUSED 25 GAUGE ILM PEELING FÓRCEPS

A 59 years male presented with painless diminution of vision in right eye for 4 months. His vision was 20/100 in right eye and 20/30 in left eye. Fundus examination revealed epiretinal membrane in right eye with central macular thickness of 747 μm for which he underwent 25 guage pars plana vitrectomy. Intraoperatively after internal limiting membrane peeling, during removal of the pieces of the membrane from the forceps with the endoilluminator pipe, accidentally one blade from the tip of ILM peeling forceps broke. In this report, we describe first case of inadvertent intraoperative fracture of 25- gauge Grieshaber DSP End-Grasping ILM forceps in a case of ERM who underwent vitrectomy and removal of ERM with successful removal of fractured tip of ILM forceps.