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Purpose: Determine whether intravitreal injection of bevacizumab exerts long-term effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) when reaching the age of 8 years., Methods: In total, 277 children were enrolled. Patients were stratified into full-term, preterm without ROP, ROP without treatment, or ROP with treatment groups, based on gestational age and ROP status. Children under the gestational age of 37 weeks were considered premature. Patients' cognitive outcomes were evaluated using a full-scale intelligence quotient (full score and percentile) generated by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition every 1 year to 2 years., Results: At the mean age of 7.8 years, ROP without and with treatment groups demonstrated lower full-scale intelligence quotient scores and percentiles, compared with full-term and premature groups (both P < 0.05). Full-scale intelligence quotient scores and percentiles did not significantly differ between patients who received different treatments for ROP (full score P = 0.19; percentile P = 0.37). After adjusting for gestational age, logMAR best-corrected visual acuity was negatively associated with full-scale intelligence quotient scores ( P = 0.0008) and percentiles ( P = 0.0002)., Conclusion: At the mean age of 8 years, patients with ROP undergoing injection of bevacizumab did not exhibit worse cognitive outcomes than those who underwent laser photocoagulation or both treatments. Gestational age and best-corrected visual acuity correlated with cognitive development in children.

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal changes over time in school-age children with a history of prematurity., Methods: A study of 416 eyes of 208 eligible participants, including 88, 190, 36, 56, and 46 eyes in the full-term control, preterm, spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity, intravitreal bevacizumab (injection of bevacizumab)-treated retinopathy of prematurity, and laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity groups, respectively, were enrolled in this study. The choroidal thickness was measured 4 times at 6-month intervals using optical coherence tomography., Results: Of all the groups, the laser-treated children had the thinnest choroid compared with full-term children (-52.3 µ m, P = 0.04). Preterm children exhibited greater attenuation in choroidal thickness over time than did full-term children (-6.3 ± 26.9 and -1.1 ± 12.8 µ m/year, P = 0.03), whereas no difference was observed between injection of bevacizumab and laser treatments (-4.6 ± 18.9 and -2.0 ± 15.7 µ m/year, P = 0.46). In all groups, the changes in axial length were negatively associated with the changes in choroidal thickness (all P < 0.05)., Conclusion: A greater attenuation in choroid thickness over time was observed in preterm children than in full-term children, but this attenuation did not differ between injection of bevacizumab and laser treatments. Axial elongation was associated with choroidal thinning in school-age children.

Purpose: To report the clinical settings, management, and factors associated with outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with concurrent choroidal detachment., Methods: Retrospective, consecutive, multicenter case series from January 2014 to January 2021 were included. Cases were from a tertiary eye care center in India and Taiwan., Results: Overall 303 eyes were included. Mean age was 43.72 ± 20.64 years (median 46). Best-corrected presenting visual acuity was 1.79 ± 0.92 logMAR (median 2.10) (Snellen 20/1,233). Forty-four patients (17.91%) received preoperative steroids. Final visual acuity was 1.33 ± 0.94 logMAR (median 1.10) (Snellen 20/427). Favorable anatomic outcome was seen in 200/303 (66%), whereas favorable functional outcome was seen in 128/303 (42.20%). Factors predicting favorable anatomic outcome were absence of phakic lens status (odds ratio [OR] 2.76), absence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy worse than Grade A (OR 7.69), use of preoperative steroids (OR 4.50), and use of an encircling band (3.85). Factors predicting favorable functional outcome were better presenting visual acuity (OR 3.03), absence of phakic lens status (OR 4.93), absence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy worse than Grade A (OR 10.41), and use of preoperative steroids (OR 7.24)., Conclusion: Administration of preoperative steroids, use of an encircling band during surgery, and pseudophakic status of the eye were found to have better outcomes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with concurrent choroidal detachment.

Purpose: To report the outcomes of the Peeling and Internal Limiting Membrane Reposition (PAIR) technique in myopic foveoschisis., Methods: A retrospective case series of eyes with myopic foveoschisis that underwent vitrectomy and PAIR. Visual acuity, fundus photographs, and optical coherence tomography measurements were obtained and analyzed. Data are presented as medians (ranges)., Results: A total of seven eyes underwent PAIR and were followed up for 339 days (188-436 days). No intraoperative complications were noted. One eye exhibited postoperative macular hole formation, but the hole was healed through fluid-gas exchange. At the last follow-up, the visual acuity had improved from 20/66 (20/332-20/40) to 20/40 (20/100-20/25), and the central foveal thickness had decreased from 576 µ m to 269 µ m. A repositioned internal limiting membrane (ILM) was observed in six of the eyes, and inner retinal dimples were noted in only two eyes. However, retinal wrinkles under the repositioned or perifoveal ILM were noted in five eyes., Conclusion: The PAIR technique relieved traction, restored the ILM, and achieved functional and morphological improvement in eyes with myopic foveoschisis. Limited occurrence of inner retinal dimples and retinal thinning was noted, but retinal wrinkles occurred, likely due to ILM contracture.

Purpose: To compare between oral and intravenous (IV) ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography in pediatric patients with a history of prematurity of retinopathy or prematurity., Methods: Pediatric patients (<18 year old; n = 107 patients) who underwent ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography for retinopathy of prematurity were categorized into oral and IV fluorescein angiography (FA) groups. Quality of FA images was graded on the order of retinal vessels visible. Reported outcomes were proportions of graded FA images, peak fluorescein intensity, and the time to first dye appearance and to reach peak fluorescence., Results: Image quality analysis revealed that 91.5% of IV FA images had excellent image quality compared with only 55.6% of oral FA images (P < 0.01). There were still 83.3% of oral-contrast images with good or excellent image quality. The average time required for first dye appearance and peak fluorescence were significantly shorter in the IV FA group than in the oral FA group (P < 0.01). Peak intensity was greater in the IV group (141.41 ± 29.09) than in the oral group (111.25 ± 45.68; P < 0.01). Adverse reaction rates were similar between the two groups (P = 0.22)., Conclusion: Ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography provides excellent-quality imaging of the retina in the pediatric population. Overall, oral FA is still an effective and useful alternative to IV FA in children with prematurity history.

Purpose: To analyze the clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and risk factors associated with visual outcomes in patients with abusive head trauma (AHT)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed surgical outcomes of patients with AHT who underwent vitrectomy from 2001 to 2019. The patients' demographics, comprehensive preoperative and postoperative ocular findings, surgical treatments, visual outcomes, and postoperative complications in the medical records were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors associated with visual outcomes., Results: Fourteen children (18 eyes) diagnosed with AHT who underwent vitrectomy were evaluated. The most common surgical indication was vitreous hemorrhage (n = 6, 33%). Retinal attachment at the final visit was noted in 17 eyes (94%). Thirteen eyes (72%) had a best-corrected visual acuity less than 20/200 after vitrectomy. In the multivariable analysis, optic nerve atrophy (n = 9, 50%) was significantly associated with a poor visual prognosis (final best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/200) after vitrectomy in children with AHT (95% confidence interval, 1.041-517.963, P = 0.0471)., Conclusion: The general visual prognosis was poor for patients with AHT needing vitrectomy, although a high rate of retinal attachment was observed. Optic nerve atrophy is a prognostic factor for poor visual outcomes in patients with AHT who received ophthalmic surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity 1 year after the intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA)., Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity patients who had been treated with IVA as first-line therapy from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year after injection. The primary outcomes were retinopathy of prematurity regression, progression, reactivation, and the occurrence of associated complications after the use of IVA. The secondary outcomes were visual acuity and refractive error at 1 year after IVA., Results: Seventeen eyes of nine patients were enrolled in our study. A single IVA injection resulted in resolution in 15 eyes (88.2%), whereas 2 eyes (11.8%) needed retreatment. The mean Snellen visual acuity and refractive error were 6/13 ± 0.34 and -1.94 ± 2.97 D, respectively. No major ocular complications or systemic adverse effects were noted during the follow-up period, except one patient (11%) passed away at the age of 14 months due to a pulmonary infection., Conclusion: Aflibercept is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity; it is a potential treatment option as it achieves good anatomical, visual, and refractive outcomes.

Purpose: To determine the rates and risk factors of recurrent retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated by laser photocoagulation, intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy, or intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) monotherapy., Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, consecutive infants with Type 1 ROP who received laser, IVB, or IVR treatments were followed for at least 75 weeks of postmenstrual age. Data analysis was performed between March 2010 and February 2017 in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan., Results: A total of 176 infants (340 eyes) were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 197.3 ± 110 weeks. All of the baseline demographic and ROP characteristics among the laser, IVB, and IVR groups were similar. The overall recurrence rate after treatment was 44 of 340 eyes (12.9%). The IVB group had a recurrence rate of 10.0%, followed by the laser group (18.0%) and the IVR group (20.8%); however, these rates were not significantly different (P = 0.0528). Compared with the laser group, the IVB and IVR groups exhibited recurrence at later ages (43.4 ± 3.5 weeks for the IVB group, 42.3 ± 2.0 weeks for the IVR group, and 39.5 ± 2.8 weeks for the laser group; P = 0.0058). The mean interval of recurrence from initial treatment in the laser group was 3.6 ± 1.4 weeks compared with 8.8 ± 3.9 weeks and 8.3 ± 1.6 weeks in the IVB and IVR groups, respectively (P = 0.0001). Overall, the independent risk factors of recurrence included an early postmenstrual age at initial treatment (P = 0.0160), Zone I (P = 0.0007), low Apgar score (P = 0.0297), and multiple births (P = 0.0285). There was no significant difference in progression to retinal detachment among the three groups (laser: 3/61, 4.9%; IVB: 2/231, 0.9%;and IVR: 1/48, 2.1%; P = 0.2701)., Conclusion: Laser, IVR, and IVB are effective for Type 1 ROP. Retinopathy of prematurity recurrence requiring re-treatment was encountered as late as 50 weeks of postmenstrual age after IVB or IVR but earlier after laser. Longer follow-up for infants treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor is needed, especially in patients with significant risk factors such as an early postmenstrual age at initial treatment, Zone I ROP, low Apgar score, and multiple births.

Purpose: To understand the epidemiology of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment in Taiwan from 2002 to 2011., Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 11,180 premature patients with a length of stay >28 days who survived during hospitalization. The incidence of the first ROP treatment was analyzed., Results: Among ROP patients (n = 4,096), 6.5% (n = 265) received treatment. The most frequently performed treatment was laser administration (n = 199), followed by intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection (n = 38), scleral buckle or pars plana vitrectomy (n = 14), and cryotherapy (n = 14). The incidence of ROP requiring treatment increased during the study period, as did the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. Shifts in the treatment modality from cryotherapy and scleral buckle/pars plana vitrectomy to laser treatment after 2003 and from laser treatment to intravitreal anti-VEGF injection after 2010 were observed., Conclusion: In Taiwan, the incidence of the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF injection for treating ROP increased between 2002 and 2011. Laser treatment was less frequently used than intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in 2011.

Objective: This study aims to examine retinal vascular findings for affected eyes and contralateral eyes as well in typical cases of unilateral persistent fetal vasculature., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients evaluated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, for unilateral persistent fetal vasculature between January 2008 and July 2017. All patients underwent fluorescein angiography (FA) examination under general anesthesia. FA was performed using RetCam 3 (Clarity Medical Systems, Inc, Pleasanton, CA)., Results: Ten patients (eight male and two female) were identified as having adequate clinical data for the final analysis. The mean age at diagnosis was 13.7 ± 17.2 months (range 1-58). The mean axial length was shorter in the affected eyes as compared to the fellow eyes (17.27 ± 2.8 vs. 20.2 ± 1.7 mm; P = 0.024). In the affected eyes, nine cases (90.0%) showed a concomitant retrolental stalk, avascular peripheral retina, regional capillary dropout, and absence of foveal avascular zone. Hyperfluorescent stalk was seen in seven cases (70.0%). Four eyes (40.0%) showed leaking vessels. Terminal supernumerary branching was seen in two cases (20.0%). Popcorn hyperfluorescence was noted in one case (10.0%). In the fellow eyes, peripheral avascular zone was noted in nine eyes (90.0%), of which six (60.0%) had peripheral zones greater than two-disk diameters. Seven eyes (70.0%) presented with regional capillary dropout and abnormal choroidal filling. Three eyes (30.0%) had abnormal vessel straightening. Aberrant circumferential vessels and leaking spots were seen in two eyes (20.0%). Regional dilation of disk vessels, peripheral vessel dilation, and terminal bulbing were noted in one eye (10.0%). The mean best-corrected visual acuity of the fellow eyes was 20/39 (0.29 in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution)., Conclusion: Retinal vascular abnormalities in the affected eyes and fundoscopically normal fellow eyes of unilateral persistent fetal vasculature patients were found in 100% and 90.0% of patients, respectively. Fellow eyes had some subtle abnormalities that were only revealed through FA. These unilateral persistent fetal vasculature cases were still bilaterally affected.

Purpose: To evaluate the association between deep-superficial flow ratio (DSFR) and the treatment response of macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion., Methods: Thirty eyes from 30 patients with branch retinal vein occlusion who had received optical coherence tomography angiography examination were included. Seventeen normal fellow eyes acted as the control group. Patients were classified into the "good response group" and the "refractory group" by absence or presence of macular edema after 6 months of treatment. The DSFRs were calculated by dividing deep capillary plexus vessel density by superficial capillary plexus vessel density on optical coherence tomography angiography., Results: The DSFR was 1.00 (SD ± 0.05) over parafoveal area in the control group. Among branch retinal vein occlusion eyes, parafoveal DSFR remained stable in the good response group (P = 0.822) and significantly decreased in the refractory group (P = 0.002). The DSFRs in the most severe nonperfusion area were significantly lower in the refractory group than in the good response group (0.85 ± 0.13 vs. 1.01 ± 0.15, P = 0.004). The DSFR in the most severe nonperfusion area was associates with treatment response in multivariate logistic regression (P = 0.015)., Conclusion: Deep-superficial flow ratio can represent the relative damage of deep capillary plexus to superficial capillary plexus. Decreased DSFR was found in branch retinal vein occlusion eyes with refractory macular edema.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical features and surgical outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in pediatric patients and to identify the independent effect of each etiology on the outcome., Methods: A review of patients younger than 18 years who underwent vitreoretinal surgery was conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, between 2008 and 2013. Patients were classified according to etiology. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between outcomes and each etiologic factor., Results: A total of 86 cases (mean age: 12.9 ± 4.8 years; 76.7% male) were included. The mean follow-up was 46.3 ± 23.9 months. In 90.7% of patients, at least one etiology could be identified, including myopia (55.8%), congenital or developmental disease (39.5%), trauma (27.9%), and previous intraocular surgery (17.4%). Among the risk factors examined in this study, congenital or developmental disease had the worst functional outcomes (P = 0.006). Myopia was a good prognostic factor for a better retinal reattachment rate (P = 0.030). Myopic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment had the lowest probability of surgical failure (8.08%), and idiopathic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment had the lowest likelihood of postoperative visual decline (4.65%)., Conclusion: Myopia and congenital or developmental disease are the leading etiologies of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Different etiologies are associated with distinctive outcomes, and congenital and developmental diseases are independent prognostic factors of a poor response.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical features in carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and choroideremia (CHM) using multimodal imaging and to assess their diagnostic value in these three mosaic retinopathies., Methods: We prospectively examined 14 carriers of 3 X-linked recessive disorders (X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and CHM). Details of abnormalities of retinal morphology were evaluated using fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography., Results: In six X-linked retinitis pigmentosa carriers, fundus appearance varied from unremarkable to the presence of tapetal-like reflex and pigmentary changes. On FAF imaging, all carriers exhibited a bright radial reflex against a dark background. By spectral domain optical coherence tomography, loss of the ellipsoid zone in the macula was observed in 3 carriers (50%). Regarding the retinal laminar architecture, 4 carriers (66.7%) showed thinning of the outer nuclear layer and a dentate appearance of the outer plexiform layer. All five X-linked ocular albinism carriers showed a characteristic mud-splatter patterned fundus, dark radial streaks against a bright background on FAF imaging, and a normal-appearing retinal structure by spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Two of the 3 CHM carriers (66.7%) showed a diffuse moth-eaten appearance of the fundus, and all 3 showed irregular hyper-FAF and hypo-FAF spots throughout the affected area. In the CHM carriers, the structural changes observed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging were variable., Conclusion: Our findings in an Asian cohort suggest that FAF imaging is a practical diagnostic test for differentiating X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and CHM carriers. Wide-field FAF is an easy and helpful adjunct to testing for the correct diagnosis and identification of lyonization in carriers of these three mosaic retinopathies.

Purpose: To evaluate the differences in anatomical and visual function changes after macular hole (MH) surgery using the International Vitreomacular Traction Study classification., Methods: Patients who underwent vitrectomy and blood-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling because of MHs were enrolled in the present study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the sizes of their MHs (small: ≤250 μm, medium: >250 μm and ≤400 μm, and large: >400 μm). The effect of vitreomacular traction on the outcome was also analyzed. All the patients were followed for at least 12 months. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity and the outer retina at the foveal area were monitored using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography., Results: A total of 146 eyes of 146 patients were enrolled. The patients with small MHs showed significantly better mean final visual acuity (mean: 20/58) than patients with large MHs (20/178, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between patients with small- and medium-sized MHs (20/69). Longitudinal analysis showed that the presence of vitreomacular traction was related to a better restoration of the outer retinal structure and visual acuity., Conclusion: Patients with smaller MHs and vitreomacular adhesion had superior final visual acuity and better restoration of the outer retinal structure after MH surgery.

Purpose: To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of angiographic subtypes of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV)., Methods: It is a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Patients with newly diagnosed exudative macular degeneration are classified into PCV, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinal angiomatous proliferation. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is further classified into two subtypes depending on the presence (Type 1: polypoidal choroidal neovascularization) or absence (Type 2: typical PCV) of feeder vessels on indocyanine green angiography., Results: We enrolled 169 patients: 76 (45%) with PCV, 75 (44.4%) with AMD, and 14 (8.3%) with retinal angiomatous proliferation. Of the patients with PCV, 20 (26%) were classified as Type 1 PCV and 56 (74%) were classified as Type 2 PCV. The Type 1 PCV had a similar mean age compared to the AMD group (73.1 ± 9.6 vs. 75.6 ± 8.8 years, P = 0.281) and the Type 2 PCV (68.8 ± 9.6 years) was younger than the AMD group (P < 0.001). Type 1 PCV presented with worse visual acuity compared with the AMD. Both PCV subtypes had a higher incidence of hemorrhagic complications (85% and 75% respectively)., Conclusion: Type 2 PCV is more common than Type 1 PCV in Taiwan. Our results support the hypothesis that polypoidal choroidal neovascularization and typical PCV may be distinct entities.

Purpose: To investigate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the systemic circulation after intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) or ranibizumab (IVR) in patients with Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)., Methods: Patients who had Type 1 ROP and received IVB or IVR were enrolled. Serum samples were collected before and up to 12 weeks after IVB or IVR treatment. The main outcome measurements were serum levels of VEGF up to 12 weeks after anti-VEGF treatment., Results: In total, 10 patients with Type 1 ROP were enrolled in this study. All the eyes had complete resolution of abnormal neovascularization of ROP after IVB or IVR. In the direct comparison of IVB with IVR, serum VEGF was found to be suppressed more in patients with Type 1 ROP who received IVB treatment, compared with those who received IVR treatment (P = 0.01, P = 0.03, and P = 0.03, respectively, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after intravitreal injection)., Conclusion: Serum VEGF levels in patients with Type 1 ROP were suppressed for 2 months after treatment with IVB, and VEGF levels were less affected after IVR treatment. Further studies are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of VEGF changes in ROP patients.

Purpose: To investigate the 2-year outcomes of the natural history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Taiwan., Methods: A prospective study was conducted at two tertiary medical centers. Premature infants were screened and examined for ROP. The postmenstrual ages of developing each stage of ROP and the associated risk factors were recorded., Results: A total of 698 infants were included. The incidences of ROP and treatment-requiring ROP in all patients with ROP were 29.7% and 37.2%. When only including patients with birth weight of 1,250 g or less, the incidences were 62.2% and 39.1%, respectively. In patients with ROP with birth weight over 1,250 g, 25% of them developed treatment-requiring ROP. The median postmenstrual ages for the development of Stage 1, Stage 2, and Type 1 ROP were 33.0, 34.0, and 34.7 weeks, respectively. Gestational age at birth and birth weight were the most important factors associated with treatment-requiring ROP (hazard ratios of 0.3 and 0.6)., Conclusion: Our hospital-based study reveals an earlier postmenstrual age of developing ROP in this Asian population than in the Early Treatment for ROP study. Infants with birth weight over 1,250 g could still develop treatment-requiring ROP. Suboptimal oxygen control, different genetic dispositions among different races, inconsistencies in ROP diagnosis, and earlier screening might account for such a phenomenon.

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of macular hole (MH) repair by vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling in highly myopic eyes., Methods: In this retrospective interventional case series, 30 highly myopic eyes with MH in 29 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling to repair MH were studied. The mean follow-up time was 36.4 months. The anatomical outcomes of the MH were evaluated by optical coherence tomography. The best-corrected visual acuities before and after surgery were compared as the functional outcome., Results: Women accounted for 69% of MH in highly myopic eyes. The mean age was 49 years. The mean refraction error and mean axial length were -9.80 (± 2.93) diopter and 28.13 (± 2.41) mm, respectively. Myopic foveoschisis was observed in 3 eyes (10%). The MHs were closed by a single surgery in 26 eyes (87%), and the final closure rate was 97% (29/30 eyes). Macular hole surgery significantly improved best-corrected visual acuity from 1.20 ± 0.70 to 0.77 ± 0.51 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (P = 0.003). However, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment developed in 3 eyes (10%) during the follow-up., Conclusion: Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling is effective to repair MH in highly myopic eyes in terms of anatomical and functional outcomes, although visual acuity may continue to improve slowly until 3 years after successful MH-closing surgery. In addition, a small proportion of MH cases were associated with myopic foveoschisis. Delayed hole closure and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment may occur in these highly myopic eyes after surgery.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the best-corrected visual acuity and occurrence of neovascular glaucoma with vitrectomy (VT) and panretinal photocoagulation or without VT in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) associated with vitreous hemorrhage (VH)., Methods: The charts from patients diagnosed as having CRVO with VH at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan) were reviewed. They were grouped based on whether they also underwent VT. The main outcome measurements were the best-corrected visual acuity and incidence of neovascular glaucoma., Results: There were 83 eyes that had CRVO with VH from 83 patients (VT group, 56 eyes; non-VT group, 27 eyes). There was no significant difference between the VT and non-VT groups in terms of age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, lens status, and follow-up period. The non-VT group had a better best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.018) and less VH (P = 0.025) than the VT group at baseline; however, the VT group had a better best-corrected visual acuity at the end of the follow-up than the non-VT group (P < 0.001). Most importantly, there was a higher neovascular glaucoma development (37%) in the non-VT group compared with that (14.3%) in the VT group (P = 0.025)., Conclusion: The visual outcomes of CRVO with VH are unfavorable whether VT was performed. However, VT and panretinal photocoagulation improved visual acuity and reduced the incidence of neovascular glaucoma in CRVO with VH.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using diluted autologous blood clumps to assist in vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for macular hole (MH) repair., Methods: Twenty-six patients with MHs who underwent ILM peeling were enrolled. The blood clump solution was prepared by mixing autologous whole blood with 5% glucose water. This solution was introduced to identify the posterior vitreous and was then used to coat the surface of the ILM in the macular area. The blood clump-coated ILM was removed with forceps in a circular fashion. The MH closure rate, the pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity change, and retinal changes were evaluated., Results: The blood clump-assisted procedure effectively labeled the posterior vitreous and coated the ILM, enhancing the visibility of ILM and, thus, facilitating MH repair. The MHs were closed by a single surgery in 24 eyes (92%), and the other 2 holes were closed after a second gas-fluid exchange. The pre- and postoperative mean best-corrected visual acuities were 0.96 ± 0.3 and 0.38 ± 0.3 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity ± SD, P < 0.001), respectively. No toxic fundus changes were observed during the follow-up period., Conclusion: This novel blood clump-assisted procedure effectively labeled the posterior vitreous and coated the ILM, enhancing the visibility of ILM and thereby facilitating MH repair.

Purpose: To report the anatomical and functional outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab in both young and old Chinese patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization., Methods: Consecutive series of 56 eyes (52 patients) with myopic choroidal neovascularization treated exclusively with intravitreal bevacizumab were reviewed retrospectively. Data from clinical examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography were collected., Results: Vision significantly improved after intravitreal bevacizumab in this patient series (P < 0.0001), with an average of 2.2 injections. Higher myopia was positively correlated to a worse outcome (r = -0.3, P = 0.036). Stratifying by age, the correlation between spherical equivalent and final outcome showed statistical significance (r = -0.44, P = 0.027) only in younger patients. In younger patients, both spherical equivalent (P = 0.036) and initial visual acuity (P = 0.004) were predictive factors for visual outcome after adjusting for age, spherical equivalent, and number of injections, whereas in older patients, only initial visual acuity (P < 0.0001) was predictive of visual outcome after similar adjustments., Conclusion: Younger patients do not have a better outcome when compared with older patients. Initial visual acuity, regardless of age, plays a more significant role. Both initial visual acuity and spherical equivalent are predictive factors for final visual acuity in young Chinese patients.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical settings, treatment given, and visual outcomes for eyes with Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis in Taiwan., Methods: This is a retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Medical records were reviewed in 72 eyes of 71 patients with culture-proven P. aeruginosa endophthalmitis between January 1997 and December 2007., Results: The clinical settings included keratitis/scleritis (44.4%), cataract surgery (15.3%), penetrating keratoplasty (13.9%), endogenous source (12.5%), trauma (6.9%), penetrating keratoplasty with cataract surgery (2.8%), trabeculectomy with cataract surgery (1.4%), trabeculectomy (1.4%), and secondary implant (1.4%). Initial visual acuity ranged from counting fingers to no light perception. Final visual acuity was better than 5/200 in 6 of 72 eyes (8.3%), 4/200 to hand motions in 4 eyes (5.6%), and light perception to no light perception in 62 eyes (86.1%). In vitro testing, the susceptibility patterns of organisms isolated were as follows: ceftazidime (100%), cefepime (100%), aztreonam (100%), imipenem (99%), amikacin (94%), and gentamicin (86%). Five of 16 eyes (31.3%) that underwent primary or secondary pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics achieved a final visual acuity of 5/200 or better compared with 1 of 45 eyes (2.2%) treated with 1 or multiple vitreous tap(s) and intravitreal antibiotics (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.004)., Conclusion: Despite early diagnosis and treatment with intravitreal antibiotics, visual acuity outcomes were generally poor.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for central retinal vein occlusion and associated morbidity and mortality in a Chinese population., Methods: The participants included patients with central retinal vein occlusion 40 years old and younger. Predisposing factors, mortality, and systemic complications were examined in this group., Results: Unilateral (n = 19) and bilateral (n = 3) central retinal vein occlusions were identified in a total of 22 patients (25 eyes), with a mean follow-up time of 37 months. Hypercholesterolemia (65%), hypertriglyceridemia (64%), and hyperhomocysteinemia (42%) were all identified as risk factors. Three patients (14%) developed stroke and 1 (5%) developed transient ischemic attacks during follow-up. Renal failure and pulmonary hypertension resulted in the death of two patients. The mean initial and final visual acuities (+ or - standard deviation) were 20/400 (+ or - 20/250) and 20/500 (+ or - 20/320), respectively, and treatments did not result in vision improvement (P = 0.57). The poor visual prognosis was likely due to macular edema in 7 eyes (28%), optic atrophy in 4 eyes (16%), and secondary glaucoma in 3 eyes (12%)., Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality are high in young Chinese patients with central retinal vein occlusion who may have associated serious complications including stroke, blindness, and death. Central retinal vein occlusion may serve as an initial clinical presentation of serious systemic diseases.

Purpose: To determine the risk factors, especially maternal risk factors, associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature babies., Methods: A matched case-control study involving premature patients was undertaken retrospectively. The case group consisted of premature babies with the subsequent development of ROP. The control group consisted of gestational age-matched and sex-matched premature babies that did not develop ROP during the follow-up period. Risk factors involving patient demographics and maternal characteristics were compared between the case and control groups., Results: A total of 144 patients were included in this study (72 patients in the case group and 72 patients in the control group). Among the 66 possible risk factors compared, only birth weight and maternal age were found to be significant risk factors. Birth weight was significantly lower in the case group (1,248.7 +/- 257.8 g vs. 1,335.5 +/- 297.2 g, P = 0.01), and maternal age was significantly older in the case group compared with that in the control group (31.2 +/- 5.1 years vs. 28.2 +/- 5.3 years, P < 0.001). The odds ratio of having babies with ROP was 2.9 when the maternal age was >30 years., Conclusion: Older maternal age is a newly identified risk factor for the development of ROP in premature babies.

Purpose: To prevent triamcinolone acetonide (TA) deposition in the macular hole by use of whole blood during TA-assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling., Methods: The prospective, interventional case series study included 18 consecutive idiopathic macular holes (18 patients) that underwent TA-assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for macular hole treatment. After core vitrectomy, autologous whole blood was applied to cover the macular hole. Pre-prepared TA solution was gently injected onto the macular area. Residual TA particles were removed after ILM peeling. Closure rate of macular hole, preoperative and postoperative median visual acuity, and retinal changes were evaluated., Results: Autologous whole blood prevented the deposition of TA particles in the macular hole. The ILM could be recognized after TA-assisted visualization for removal. Average follow-up time was 8.6 months. The hole was closed with one surgery in 17 eyes (94%); visual acuity improved in 15 eyes (83%). Preoperative median best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100 (range = 20/400-20/50). Postoperative median best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 (range = counting fingers-20/20)., Conclusions: Whole blood can prevent TA particle deposition in the macular hole. Potential toxicity of TA on retinal pigment epithelium and retina also may be reduced.

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcome of retinal detachment resulting from a posterior staphyloma-associated macular hole in highly myopic eyes., Methods: Fifty-seven consecutive highly myopic eyes with retinal detachment resulting from a posterior staphyloma-associated macular hole diagnosed between January 1993 and June 2003 were retrospectively studied. Anatomical reattachment of the retina and best-corrected visual acuity were measured., Results: Six different operative methods were used to treat this condition with diverse retinal reattachment rates: long-acting gas tamponade only (12.5%); pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with long-acting gas tamponade (42.8%); PPV with epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling and long-acting gas tamponade (50.0%); encircling scleral buckling combined with PPV and long-acting gas tamponade (57.1%); encircling scleral buckling combined with PPV, ERM peeling, and long-acting gas tamponade (40.0%); and encircling scleral buckling combined with PPV and silicone oil tamponade (75.0%). Overall, successful retinal reattachment was achieved in 25 (43.9%) of 57 eyes after the first surgery. However, the ultimate success rate of retinal reattachment was 77.2% (44 of 57 eyes) after subsequent surgery. The mean preoperative visual acuity +/- SEM (in logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution units) was 2.08 +/- 0.55, and the mean postoperative visual acuity +/- SEM was significantly increased to 1.87 +/- 0.54 at the last follow-up (P = 0.038). The major cause of recurrent retinal detachment in the long-acting gas tamponade group was nonclosure of the macular hole. For vitrectomized eyes, the major cause was reopening of the macular hole, even with ERM formation and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. There was no obvious correlation between the extent of the detachment or lens status and the reattachment rate., Conclusions: The major causes of recurrent retinal detachment in the long-acting gas tamponade and vitrectomized groups were nonclosure of the macular hole and reopening of the macular hole, respectively. Furthermore, a lesser extent of retinal detachment was not associated with a higher anatomical success rate. More aggressive treatment such as silicone oil tamponade may need to be performed to overcome reduced natural adhesion due to posterior staphyloma with marked chorioretinal atrophy. Failure to initiate aggressive treatment can result in an unsatisfactory outcome and repeated surgery.