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Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) usually result in a pronounced reduction of visual acuity and represent one of the most frequent indications for retinal surgery. If diagnosed and treatment is initiated at an early stage, surgery has a high success rate with respect to both hole closure and improvement of visual acuity. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based staging and sizing enables an estimation of the surgical outcome. The differential diagnostic distinction from clinically similar disorders, such as lamellar macular holes, macular pseudoholes, and foveoschisis is clinically relevant as the pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment are significantly different. While vitrectomy with peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) and gas tamponade is established as the standard treatment for FTMH, some aspects of treatment are handled differently between surgeons, such as the timing of surgery, the choice of endotamponade and the type and duration of postoperative positioning. For FTMH associated with vitreomacular traction, alternative treatment options in addition to vitrectomy include intravitreal ocriplasmin injection and pneumatic vitreolysis. The current clinical guidelines of the German ophthalmological societies summarize the evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of FTMH., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Vitreomacular traction is a tractive foveolar adhesion of the posterior vitreous limiting membrane, resulting in pathological structural alterations of the vitreomacular interface. This must be differentiated from physiological vitreomacular adhesion, which exhibits a completely preserved foveolar depression. Symptoms depend on the severity of the macular changes and typically include reduced visual acuity, reading problems and metamorphopsia. High-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) imaging enables classification of the sometimes only subtle morphological changes. If pronounced vitreomacular traction is accompanied by epiretinal gliosis and alterations to the outer retina, it is referred to as a vitreomacular traction syndrome. Vitreomacular traction has a high probability of spontaneous resolution within 12 months. Therefore, treatment should only be carried out in cases of undue suffering of the patient and with symptoms during bilateral vision and a lack of spontaneous resolution. In addition to pars plana vitrectomy, alternative treatment options, such as intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin and pneumatic vitreolysis are discussed for vitreomacular traction with an associated macular hole; however, ocriplasmin is no longer available in Germany. The best anatomical results in comparative investigations were achieved by vitrectomy. Pneumatic vitreolysis is controversially discussed due to the increased risk of retinal tears. In one of the current S1 guidelines of the German ophthalmological societies evidence-based recommendations for the diagnostics and treatment of vitreomacular traction are summarized., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a frequently occurring disease affecting the macula, which can be associated with visual impairment and metamorphopsia, depending on the severity and location. A distinction is made between an idiopathic form caused by age-related changes of the vitreous body and a secondary form associated with diseases of the posterior segment. The development of fibrocellular epiretinal membranes formed by dedifferentiation of intraretinal and extraretinal cells at the level of the vitreomacular interface plays a major role in the pathogenesis. The diagnostics and indications for surgical treatment of ERM are based on the visual acuity, evidence of metamorphopsia, ophthalmoscopic findings and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula. In addition to the possibility of observation of the course where benign spontaneous courses are not uncommon, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with peeling of the ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) to prevent recurrences is the treatment of choice in symptomatic patients. The prognosis after surgical treatment is very good. In approximately two thirds of the cases, an improvement in visual acuity and/or a reduction of metamorphopsia can be achieved, with a number of predictive, primarily OCT-based factors enabling a prediction of the functional prognosis. Comprehensive patient education regarding the generally long duration of postoperative rehabilitation and the possibility of persistent symptoms or visual deterioration despite successful membrane removal is essential., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: A lamellar macular hole (LMH) is characterized by a distinct morphologic configuration and can be distinguished from related entities such as macular pseudohole (MPH) and epiretinal membrane with foveoschisis (ERM-FS) by clear morphologic features., Purpose: Based on current knowledge, the pathophysiologic function of LMH in the spectrum of vitreomacular interface diseases will be described and therapeutic concepts will be presented., Methods: Current studies are supplemented by case reports to provide a schematic overview of the natural history and therapeutic concepts at the vitreomacular interface., Results: The LMH is as a retrospective marker for pathologic posterior vitreous detachment in adult patients and may be interpreted as the pathophysiologic center of tractional maculopathies. Various vitreomacular pathologies can result in LMH: a detached vitreomacular traction, a spontaneously closed penetrating macular hole, or an epiretinal membrane with foveoschisis. Pathophysiologically, a degenerative, progressive loss of the architecture of the foveal muller cell cone may be the underlaying mechanism, resulting in the typical undermining of the hole edges and occasionally in a full thickness macular hole. The optimal timing and the appropriate surgical method are the focus of current clinical studies., Conclusion: The pathophysiology of LMH indicates a smooth transition of tractive maculopathies. These should be prospectively evaluated in order to develop evidence-based treatment strategies for LMH., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Retinal vein occlusions (RVO) are associated with retinal ischemia to a highly variable extent. An ischemic retina may lead to the development of neovascularization and further to secondary complications such as neovascular glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment. Numerous factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other cytokines are produced in the ischemic area, which cause macular edema. Before the introduction of intravitreal drug injections (IVI), retinal laser photocoagulation was the leading form of treatment. Macular laser photocoagulation was applied in the form of focal laser or grid laser in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) to treat macular edema. In patients with ischemic RVO, panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) was recommended for treatment of secondary neovascular complications. The value of laser treatment in the management of patients with RVO changed after the introduction of IVI treatment., Aim: This article presents a review of the current study results and the recommendations for performing laser photocoagulation of the central and peripheral retina in patients with RVO., Conclusion: Conventional focal or grid laser photocoagulation has been replaced by IVI treatment in the management of macular edema secondary to BRVO; however, macular laser treatment can still be considered in patients with BRVO if the macular edema persists despite the use of available IVI drugs. The use of central laser photocoagulation in these cases is based on the findings of fluorescein angiography. Disseminated panretinal laser photocoagulation is still indicated in RVO patients who have large areas of nonperfusion, have developed neovascularization and/or late complications. Targeted laser photocoagulation of the peripheral areas of nonperfusion has recently been recommended by several authors and is expected to improve not only the visual outcome of IVI treatment, but more importantly to also reduce the duration of treatment and the number of re-injections needed. Clear evidence for targeted laser treatment is not yet available and is a focus of currently ongoing prospective randomized studies., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Venous and arterial retinal vascular occlusions are age-related disorders, generally associated with classical cardiovascular risk factors, rather than an isolated ocular disease. As affected patients often also have an increased general risk for other vascular diseases, such as ischemic stroke, an interdisciplinary clarification of cardiovascular risk factors and systemic comorbidities is essential for all patients. Extended hemostaseological investigations may be recommended in those patients who do not match the typical risk profile. Patients at a young age by the time of manifestation, without conventional risk factors as well as patients with an increased risk of developing antiphospholipid syndrome may require a selective clinical investigation including testing for thrombophilic risk factors. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated an association between coagulation and lipid metabolism disorders and the development of both retinal vein and artery occlusions in specific subgroups of patients. Therapeutic approaches to treat retinal vascular occlusions or reduce the long-term risk of recurrences with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs have not gained widespread acceptance. However, intravenous thrombolysis may be a valuable treatment option for central retinal artery occlusions within a short time to treatment therapeutic window. For defined disorders of the coagulation system, the administration of antithrombotic drugs to reduce the general vascular risk can be a reasonable approach. This article provides an overview of cardiovascular risk factors, the general vascular risk and the current state of knowledge on ophthalmologically relevant disorders of coagulation and lipid metabolism in patients with venous and arterial retinal vascular occlusions., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Intravitreal injection treatment for the management of macular edema as an expression of increased capillary permeability and leakage constitute the mainstay of treatment in retinal vein occlusion. In contrast to diabetic retinopathy or neovascular age-related macular degeneration, permanent and complete functional and morphological restoration can be achieved, as retinal vein occlusions are usually associated with risk factors, but do not represent the manifestation form of an underlying systemic or degenerative chronic disorder; however, successful long-term management of retinal vein occlusion -associated macular edema usually requires intensive and also long-term continued treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors or with a less favorable side effect profile, dexamethasone. A functional treatment success can be maintained over the long term by both pro re nata (PRN) or treat and extend (T&E) regimens. In contrast, according to the currently available data, the combination of anti-VEGF administration and grid laser treatment has no additional benefit compared to monotherapy. In patients with recalcitrant macular edema, switching to another intravitreal agent may be considered during the course of treatment, although a true therapeutic benefit with respect to the development of visual acuity has not yet been proven. The current review summarizes the relevant aspects in the management of RVO-associated macular edema and provides the foundations for the application of successful treatment strategies., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Retinal vein occlusion, subdivided into central retinal and branch retinal vein occlusion, is one of the most frequent vascular diseases of the retina. Biomarkers of optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography and (ultra-widefield) fluorescein angiography are of exceptional importance in the initial diagnosis and also in the treatment of complications associated with retinal vascular occlusion, particularly macular edema., Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in PubMed with the keywords central retinal vein occlusion, branch retinal vein occlusion, biomarker, OCT, OCT angiography, ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography with prioritization of the most important aspects., Results: Relevant biomarkers in OCT include central retinal thickness (CRT), macular fluid, the integrity of the photoreceptor bands (external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone), disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), hyperreflective foci, choroidal thickness and signs of ischemia, such as a prominent middle limiting membrane (p-MLM), paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) as well as hyperreflectivity of inner retinal layers (HIRL). The importance of OCT-angiography lies particularly in the assessment of microvascular alterations, especially vessel density in the deep retinal vascular plexus, the foveal avascular zone and of areas with no capillary perfusion. Biomarkers of ultra-widefield angiography, such as peripheral ischemia (ischemic index) and neovascularízation are essential with respect to treatment decisions for retinal laser., Conclusion: A multitude of simple and complex biomarkers currently enable an effective individualized evaluation of treatment and prognosis in retinal vein occlusion. A shift from invasive to noninvasive biomarkers can be observed., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

In the presence of a symptomatic epiretinal gliosis, pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling to remove the membrane is usually indicated in clinical practice. According to common clinical experience, almost no independent regression of such an epiretinal membrane and thus healing of the pathology alone exists. Therefore, the unusual case of bilateral independent regression of idiopathic epiretinal gliosis and formation of a lamellar macular hole in a 73-year-old male patient is described. Considerations of the possible mechanism are presented based on the existing literature. These include separation of inflammatory versus noninflammatory membranes, possible separation of individual layers depending on the status of the posterior vitreous limiting membrane and also the possible action of proteolytic systems in the posterior vitreous region. Finally, the question arises, whether patients have to be informed about this fact before possible surgery., (© 2022. The Author(s).)