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PURPOSE To compare the visual/anatomical outcomes and feasibility of epiretinal membrane surgery between patients with multifocal or monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 46 patients who underwent epiretinal membrane surgery under multifocal or monofocal IOL pseudophakia. The operation time, mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity, and central macular thickness, and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS Macular surgery was performed in 22 and 24 eyes with multifocal and monofocal IOLs, respectively. The total operation time and the total membrane peeling time were similar in both groups (P = 0.125, P = 0.462, respectively). The mean time to create a membrane edge or flap with retinal microforceps was longer for multifocal than for monofocal IOLs (P = 0.013). The mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness were similar in both groups (P = 0.682, P = 0.741, respectively). Complications were similar between groups. CONCLUSION With multifocal IOLs, vision outside the central surgical field was blurred, requiring more time to create the membrane flap. Retinal surgeons should anticipate the difficulty in precise focusing when creating a membrane flap in macular surgery in patients with multifocal IOLs and should pay more attention to the macular surgery.

Mit den in den letzten Jahren immer weiterentwickelten Operationsmethoden ist die Makulachirurgie ein zunehmend atraumatischer Eingriff fur das Auge geworden. Bei Patienten mit zusatzlicher Linsentrubung bietet sich ein einzeitiges Verfahren mit kombinierter Kataraktoperation an. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die funktionellen Ergebnisse und Komplikationen nach elektiver Makulachirurgie mit und ohne gleichzeitige Phakoemulsifikation und Kunstlinsenimplantation zu erfassen. In die Studie wurden retrospektiv alle Patienten eingeschlossen, die im Zeitraum von 2010 bis 2016 mittels Pars-plana-Vitrektomie (ppV; 25 Gauge) an der Makula aufgrund einer epiretinalen Gliose, eines Makulaforamens oder einer vitreoretinalen Traktion operiert wurden und eine Nachbeobachtungszeit von mindestens 3 Monaten aufwiesen. Die Operationen wurden von einem Operateur durchgefuhrt. Anschliesend erfolgte eine Analyse der funktionellen Ergebnisse, moglicher Risikofaktoren sowie aufgetretener Komplikationen. Eingeschlossen wurden insgesamt 781 Augen, von denen 517 (66 %) kombiniert mit Phakoemulsifikation, Kunstlinsenimplantation und 25-Gauge-ppV, Membranektomie, ILM-Peeling und SF6-Gas oder Luft operiert wurden. Die mittlere Nachbeobachtungszeit lag bei 17 Monaten. Der mittlere logMar-Visus praoperativ betrug 0,59, postoperativ 0,4; 200 Patienten waren bereits pseudophak. Bei 64 phaken Augen erfolgte keine kombinierte Operation, 40 (62,5 %) davon benotigten aufgrund einer Cataracta complicata innerhalb von 13,6 Monaten eine Phakoemulsifikation mit Kunstlinsenimplantation, 18 sogar innerhalb von 6 Monaten. Bei den Komplikationen zeigten sich vergleichbare Ergebnisse zwischen der alleinigen ppV und der kombinierten Operation insbesondere hinsichtlich IOL-Dislokation oder Iriscapture. Insgesamt ist die elektive Makulachirurgie sowohl ohne, v. a. aber auch mit kombinierter Phakoemulsifikation und Kunstlinsenimplantation ein komplikationsarmes Operationsverfahren, sodass im Hinblick auf das Operationsmanagement und die postoperative Rehabilitation eine kombinierte Operation insbesondere in Zeiten einer Pandemie gegenuber einem zweizeitigem Vorgehen bevorzugt werden sollte.

Purpose: To compare surgery’s effect with nitinol flex loop (NFL) or forceps on retinal layers and functional outcomes in the primary epiretinal membrane (ERM).Methods: The operations were classifi...

Introduction: To analyze foveal displacement after macular surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). Methods: Twenty-eight patients who underwent macular surgery for symptomatic iERM in on...

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) has recently been introduced for the visualization of retinal structures within the operating microscope.The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of the retina and morphological features during surgery for retinal detachment with macular involvement.A retrospective analysis of 41 consecutive eyes with macula-off retinal detachment, which were treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using iOCT. A qualitative analysis of morphological features of the retina at defined moments during surgery was carried out.The visualization of macular detachment with iOCT was successful in 63% of cases and in the other cases the height of retinal detachment surpassed the maximum depth of the scan by iOCT. With perfluorodecalin 53.7% of eyes showed subretinal fluid and 22% of eyes showed a wave-like configuration of the outer retinal layers. In 61% of the eyes persisting subretinal fluid could be detected under the final tamponade. The amount of subretinal fluid could not be detected intraoperatively with the naked eye. In one case a macular hole could be newly identified intraoperatively and in three cases macular detachment could not be found at the start of surgery, although a detachment had been expected.The use of iOCT rarely leads to changes or extension of the intervention; however, it provides real-time information on intraretinal and subretinal fluid, which is sometimes in contrast to the clinical assessment. The relevance of persistent subretinal fluid and folds of the outer retinal layers after surgery remains unclear. It can be speculated whether this could serve as a prognostic factor for the postoperative outcome.HINTERGRUND: Seit wenigen Jahren ermöglicht die intraoperative optische Kohärenztomographie (iOCT) die Darstellung retinaler Strukturen im Operationsmikroskop. ZIEL: Das Ziel dieser Studie ist die Analyse des Verhaltens der Netzhaut und die morphologische Befundung während Operationen bei Ablatio retinae mit Makulabeteiligung.Retrospektive Analyse von 41 konsekutiven Augen mit Makula-off-Ablatio, welche mittels Pars-plana-Vitrektomie (ppV) unter Verwendung von iOCT behandelt wurden, durch qualitative Beurteilung der Netzhautmorphologie zu definierten Zeitpunkten im OP-Ablauf.In 63 % der Fälle gelang die iOCT-Darstellung der abgehobenen Makula, in den anderen Fällen überstieg die Netzhautabhebung die maximale Scantiefe der iOCT. Unter Perfluorodecalin zeigten 53,7 % der Augen noch subretinale Flüssigkeit, und 22 % der Augen zeigten eine Falte der äußeren Netzhautschichten. In 61 % der Augen konnte persistierende subretinale Flüssigkeit unter der endgültigen Tamponade festgestellt werden. Die subretinale Flüssigkeit konnte intraoperativ in dieser Menge mit bloßem Auge nicht festgestellt werden. In einem Fall konnte intraoperativ ein Makulaformen neu erkannt werden, in 3 Fällen zeigte sich zum Operationszeitpunkt eine wieder anliegende Makula.Die Informationen der iOCT führen eher selten zu einer Änderung oder Erweiterung des Eingriffs. Sie liefert jedoch in Echtzeit neue Informationen über intra- und subretinale Flüssigkeitsverteilung, die nicht immer der klinischen Einschätzung entsprechen. Die Bedeutung von persistierender subretinaler Flüssigkeit und die Falten der äußeren Netzhautschichten am Ende der Operation sind noch unklar. Sie könnten möglicherweise als prognostischer Faktor für das postoperative Outcome dienen.

Purpose To summarize current surgical techniques for treating primary macular holes (MHs). Methods We reviewed publications detailing surgical approaches to primary MHs, briefly described their protocols, and outlined their results. Results Currently, the technique for primary MH repair is pars plana vitrectomy, removing the posterior cortical vitreous, stripping the epiretinal membranes, and ending with intraocular gas tamponade. The evident benefit of peeling off the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was clearly shown for MHs at stages 2 to 4 by achieving an anatomical closure rate of >90%, even in large MH up to 650 µm. Newer MH surgical techniques include modification of ILM flap techniques, placing an autologous scaffolding of tissue within the hole, and cell therapy has shown to increase the closure rate of large and chronic macular holes, resulting in modest functional improvement in complicated MHs. Conclusion Since the turn of the century, the success rate of modern macular surgery has increased, even for large and chronic MHs. There seems to be no limit to novel concepts in MH surgery, which range from anatomical closure to those proposing natural restoration of visual function via stem cell therapy.

PURPOSE To evaluate the incidence and clinical course of recurrent epiretinal membrane (ERM) after ERM surgery and to identify predisposing optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings for the recurrence. METHODS Postoperative ERM recurrence, defined as reappearance of the membrane after its removal or regrowth of the remnant membrane, was investigated in 301 eyes with idiopathic ERM followed up for more than 6 months after macular surgery by fundus photographs and spectral-domain OCT. The incidences of recurrent ERM and its associated clinical characteristics were assessed. Preceding OCT findings in the area subsequently showing recurrent ERM were evaluated at early postoperative periods. RESULTS Among the 301 eyes that underwent ERM peeling, 119 (39.5%) and 86 (28.6%) showed ERM recurrence on OCT images and biomicroscopic examination/fundus photographs, respectively, during the follow-up period (average: 18.1 months). Neighboring remnant membrane and hyperreflective dots on the retinal surface at 1 week after the surgery and postoperative inner retinal wrinkling persisting for ≥1 month were predisposing OCT findings for ERM recurrence, with an odds ratio of 6.48 (95% confidence interval, 3.51-12.0), 3.48 (95% confidence interval, 1.81-6.70), and 6.11 (95% confidence interval, 3.30-11.3), respectively (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Incidence of ERM recurrence varies depending on the definition used for the recurrence. Optical coherence tomography examination may be useful for the prediction and sensitive detection of recurrent ERM.

Background To report a clinical case of a patient affected with choroideremia (CHM) who underwent macular surgery for a macular hole (MH) with Lamellar Hole-associated Epiretinal Proliferation (LHEP). Case presentation We have described a 48-year-old male patient affected with CHM who developed MH with LHEP over a 7-year follow-up. The patient was referred to the Regional Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations of the Eye Clinic in Florence (Italy) in April 2012. The patient underwent vitrectomy and Inner Limiting Membrane (ILM) and LHEP peeling with fluid-air exchange. Ultra-structural examination of the excised epiretinal proliferation, carried out using electron microscopy, showed dense amorphous material, mainly composed of abundant clusters of fibrous collagens resembling compact fibrous long spacing collagen (FLSC), embedded in native vitreous collagen (NVC) and type IV collagen. No cells were detected in any of the specimens collected. At the 3rd-week postoperative follow-up the macular hole was closed. Conclusion Macular hole with LHEP can be detected in CHM patients; in our patient the macular hole showed tractional and degenerative features, with good anatomical results after macular surgery.

Durch die vollstandige Integration der SD-OCT (Spectral-Domain-optische Koharenztomographie) in das Operationsmikroskop bietet die intraoperative optische Koharenztomographie (iOCT) die Moglichkeit einer gezielten hochauflosenden Bildgebung in Echtzeit. Der Operateur erhalt neben dem En-Face-Bild eine Live-Darstellung aller Netzhautschichten, des Glaskorpers sowie der Instrument-Gewebe-Interaktion, die fur intraoperative Entscheidungen genutzt werden kann. Im Vergleich zur herkommlichen Operationsmikroskopie ermoglicht die iOCT eine weitaus hohere Prazision vitreoretinalchirurgischer Masnahmen und ist essenzielle Voraussetzung zur Umsetzung Echtzeit-kontrollierter Operationstechniken im Mikrometerbereich.

To investigate whether visual acuity improvement achieved after surgical treatment for macular hole (MH) can be predicted by preoperative multifocal ERG (mfERG) central/peripheral amplitude ratio. Thirty patients with unilateral MH were included. Evaluations with comprehensive ophthalmological examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were performed at baseline and 1, 3, 8, 24 and 48 weeks after surgery, while mfERG (Diagnosys LLC; 61 hexagons—30°) and spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (sOCT—Heidelberg Engineering) were performed at baseline and 2 months after surgery. mfERG results are shown by means of the ratio between the amplitudes’ average from rings 1 and 2 (central) and rings 4 and 5 (peripheral): the P1 ratio. mfERG data from 20 normally sighted age-matched subjects was used for comparison. A macular hole index (MH index) was defined as the quotient between hole height and base measured on OCT. Twenty-six patients finished the 48-week follow-up. Mean ± SE (logMAR) preoperative BCVA was 0.93 ± 0.22 and improved in 0.25 ± 0.07 at 48 weeks. mfERG P1 ratio was reduced at baseline and increased significantly after surgery. A significant correlation was observed between preoperative P1 ratio and BCVA gain at week 8 (r = −0.42; P = 0.033). There was no significant correlation between preoperative MH index and postoperative BCVA (P > 0.05). Retinal function assessed using the ratio between central and peripheral mfERG responses might be used as predictor of visual acuity outcome after macular surgery for MH.

Lamellar macular holes are a vitreoretinal condition characterized by abnormalities in foveal contour with splitting of the neuroepithelium and often an intact photoreceptor layer. Recent developments in high-resolution imaging have increased our ability to study the details of the vitreoretinal interface and to distinguish between different forms of lamellar holes. A new classification is needed to help clinicians in the management of lamellar macular holes. Some clinicians prefer to observe these clinical entities, especially when visual acuity is maintained or alterations of the photoreceptor layer are present. Nevertheless, lamellar holes may sometimes progress, and visual acuity can deteriorate. On the other hand, surgical treatment may lead to positive anatomical and functional outcomes, but not without risks. This review provides a critical overview of the available data on lamellar macular holes, focusing on diagnosis and managing options.

Introduction: A single-center, prospective randomized comparison of postoperative recovery between 23-gauge and 27-gauge surgical approaches in vitrectomy was performed. Methods: A single-center, prospective randomized comparison of postoperative recovery between 23-gauge and 27-gauge surgical approaches to evaluate efficiencies and postoperative outcomes of the two surgical gauges. Eighty patients who were scheduled to undergo pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for floaters or macular surgery were treated with either 27-gauge or 23-gauge techniques and assessed for efficiency of the procedures as well as a variety of postop indicators of pain and inflammation. Results: 27-Gauge vitrectomy took 90 s more time compared to 23-gauge surgery. Wound closure was significantly easier in 27-gauge than 23-gauge. Less postoperative eye reddishness was seen in 27-gauge compared to 23-gauge. A trend towards less inflammation was seen in 27-gauge. Conclusion: Overall, the trial showed that 27-gauge has the better postoperative outcome compared to 23-gauge PPV. Combining vitrectomy with phaco-surgery did not influence the study outcome parameters.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two novel heavy dyes for macular surgery: DoubledyneTM and TwinTM. One eye from each of 144 patients undergoing surgery for macular hole or macular pucker was included in the study. The eyes were randomly divided into two groups according to the dye used during surgery. Best correct visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal morphology assessed by ocular coherence tomography (OCT) were evaluated before and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Only one surgeon performed each operation and provided a score ranging from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) for quality of staining and comfort in surgery. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS to compare parameters before and after surgery and between the two groups. No statistical differences were recorded in quality of staining (p = 0.11), in surgery comfort (p = 0.17) and total time of surgery (p = 0.44) between the two groups. BCVA statistically improved and central macular thickness (CMT) statistically decreased after surgery in both groups (p

Background The purpose of the current study is to report the anatomical and functional results of off-label human amniotic membrane graft as primary intervention to repair large to giant macular holes and in reoperations when wide internal limiting membrane peeling was unsuccessful. Methods Retrospective chart review was carried out in five different centers to identify all cases that had undergone off-label human amniotic membrane graft for the treatment of large or failed macular holes (MH). Data collected included age, gender, other concomitant diagnosis, symptoms duration, lens status, number of previous surgeries, macular hole measurements (minimum and base linear diameters), mean post-operative follow-up (months), and pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Main outcome measures were anatomical MH closure rates and final BCVA (in logMAR). Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used because the data was not normally distributed, a P values Results Nineteen eyes of 19 patients were identified and included in the study. Mean age was 66.21 ± 14.96 years and predominantly females (84%). All eyes had successfully closed MH with a single intervention with no recurrences during a mean of 9 ± 3.87 months follow-up. The median BCVA in logMAR preoperative was 1.30 ± 0.44 (0.80–2.0), approximately 20/400 on Snellen chart and the median BCVA in logMAR postoperative was 1.0 ± 0.72 (0.4–3.0) approximately 20/200 (p Conclusion The use of human amniotic membrane graft seems to be a viable and effective alternative for the treatment of large and persistent macular holes. However, further larger prospective controlled studies are necessary to confirm our preliminary results of this new surgical technique.

Purpose: This work compares best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) outcome measures following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel for epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 114 eyes of 114 patients with visually significant ERM undergoing PPV with membrane peel (PPV/MP) at a single institution. CRT measurements were collected from Heidelberg and Zeiss spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging units. Results compared preoperative and postoperative CRT and BCVA among patients with at least 60 days of follow-up. Results: A total of 114 eyes with ERM met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-one eyes (71%) underwent PPV/MP with ILM peel and 33 eyes (29%) underwent PPV/MP without ILM peel. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative CRT between the 2 study groups ( P = .95). The mean follow-up time of eyes undergoing PPV/MP without ILM peel and with ILM peel was 391 days and 319 days, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the mean reduction of CRT between the 2 groups ( P = .470). Both groups had improvement of BCVA following surgery and there was no statistical difference in final logMAR visual acuity when comparing the 2 groups ( P = .738). Conclusions: There was an overall improvement of CRT and BCVA among patients undergoing PPV/MP for ERM with or without ILM peel. There was no statistically significant difference in the final BCVA or CRT between the 2 groups.

Saud Aljohani,1,2 Abdulaziz Alshehri,1,3 Abdulaziz Al Taisan,1,4 Rakan Algorinees,1,5 Valmore A Semidey1 1King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2King Fahad University Hospital, Alkhobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 3Altaif University, Al-Taif, Saudi Arabia; 4King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia; 5University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Valmore A SemideyVitreoretinal Division, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Al- Oruba Street, PO Box 7191, Riyadh, 11462, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaTel +966 11 482 1234 Ext. 2655Fax +966 11 4821234 Ext. 3773Email asemidey@hotmail.comPurpose: The aim of this study was to report the intraoperative and postoperative complications of vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM) and macular hole (MH) performed by retinal fellows under direct faculty supervision compared with experienced faculty members.Patients and Methods: A total of 271 eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for MH and ERM from January 2014 to December 2019 at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital were analyzed. PPV for ERM and MH was performed by vitreoretinal fellows and consultants.Results: The outcome measures assessed were the intraoperative complications rates, such as posterior lens touch, retinal breaks (RBs), retinal detachments, and vitreous hemorrhage. Moreover, the postoperative complications and optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes were assessed upon a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The rate of iatrogenic RB was more common in the ERM than in the MH surgery (15.5% vs 11.2%). Fellows and consultants had a rate of 20.5% of RB during the ERM surgery and 14.6% during MH surgery, respectively. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.12 for MH and p = 0.236 for ERM). Postoperative OCT analysis revealed an MH closure rate of 72.2%, and complete removal of the ERM was achieved in 88.6% in cases performed by fellows, while consultants achieved 61.8% closure rate of MH, and 83.3% of the patients achieved complete removal of ERM.Conclusion: Macular surgery is overall a safe procedure and the complication rates between fellows and consultants are comparable. With proper supervision, vitreoretinal fellows can achieve equally high anatomical outcomes with few complications.Keywords: epiretinal membrane, fellows, macular hole, pars plana vitrectomy, retinal break

Purpose: To evaluate anatomical and functional changes in patients with vitreomacular interface disease after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, using microperimetry along with usual clinical and multimodal retinal imaging. Methods: Patients with vitreomacular interface disease requiring vitrectomy underwent multimodal retinal evaluation, including visual acuity assessment, fundus color photograph, Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography, Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography, and microperimetry. They were examined at baseline (M0), 6 months (M6) and 18 months (M18) after surgery. Retinal sensitivity was subdivided into three concentric polygons: Large, Medium, Small. Results: Eleven eyes of 11 patients were analyzed, including 10 epiretinal membranes (ERMs). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in all patients from 0.51 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.067 ( p = 0.0074). Retinal sensitivity improved between M0 and M6 in all polygons and continued to improve between M6 and M18 for polygons Medium (M) and Small (S) with no statistical significance. At M18, BCVA and retinal sensitivity were similar in the operated eye compared with the fellow eye for all patients. Dissociated optic nerve fiber layer appearance was observed in 8 patients at M18. It was not correlated with either retinal sensitivity or BCVA or microscotomas. No recurrence of ERM or macular hole occurred during follow-up. Conclusion: After surgery, the retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry gradually improved until the 18th month and was not different from the values of the fellow eye. These results seemed to confirm that ILM peeling can be an effective and safe technique to treat patients with vitreomacular interface disease.

Purpose: To evaluate a 3-D visualization helmet (3DVH) during 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for macular holes (MH) and macular puckers (MP). Methods: A total of 184 eyes of 184 patients undergoing PPV for MH or MP were randomly selected for surgery with 3DVH or standard Galilean microscope (GM). Only one highly trained surgeon performed each PPV. A surgical comfort score, ranging from 1 to 10 was recorded after each operation. Statistical analysis was run with SPSS to compare parameters before and after surgery and between the two groups. Results: No statistical differences were found between the two groups for mean best correct visual acuity improvement after surgery (p&nbsp

International audience; Purpose To compare the risk of haemorrhagic complications in elective macular surgery between patients with no antithrombotic (AT) treatment (defined as patients with no history of AT therapy or who discontinued AT therapy) and patients who continued AT treatment during the surgery. Methods E-case report forms were prospectively recorded in a database before vitreoretinal surgery and 1 month after. Data on patient characteristics, surgical techniques, haemorrhagic complications and antithrombotic status were collected. Patients with retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy and previous retinal haemorrhage were excluded. Results A total of 748 procedures (single procedure in one eye per patient) were performed between January and May 2019. Among them, 202 patients (27.0%) were treated with antithrombotic therapy at the time of surgery: 19.5% with antiplatelet agents (n = 146), 6.3% with anticoagulants (n = 47) including 3.2% (n = 24) patients treated with novel oral anticoagulants, 0.8% (n = 6) with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, and 0.4% (n = 3) with heparin. Overall, 92 patients (12.3%) developed one or more haemorrhagic complications, of which 63 (11.5%) and 29 (14.4%) were in the non-AT and AT group, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed no difference between AT treatment groups regarding ocular bleeding complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.7-2.2], p = 0.54). Conclusion No cases of uncontrolled or severe perioperative haemorrhage in patients continuing antithrombotic agents were reported in this selected population. For the majority of the patients taking antiplatelets or anticoagulants, these agents could be safely continued during macular surgery.

Here we present a case series of full thickness macular holes (FTMHs) that closed with topical medical therapy. We see this technique as a promising alternative to surgery, especially in small FTMHs with cystoid hydration.

Aim. To compare the effects of previously implanted monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) on macular surgery. Methods. Seventy eyes of 70 patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and symptomatic vitromacular traction syndrome that previously had IOL implantation for cataract surgery were included in this prospective randomized clinical trial. Cases were divided into two groups. Group 1 and Group 2 were composed of eyes with monofocal and multifocal IOLs, respectively. The effects of refraction error and IOL decentration at the time of macular surgery performed for ERM and ILM peeling, according to the lens type, were investigated. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed to peel ERM and ILM in all cases. Complete ophthalmological examination, fundus fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography imaging were made to all cases, preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. The mean BCVA in Group 1 and Group 2 improved from 0.69 ± 0.15 and 0.38 ± 0.14 logMAR to 0.40 ± 0.14 and 0.10 ± 0.04 logMAR, respectively, at the 6th month. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean spherical refraction error (P>0.05) and IOL decentration level (P>0.05). The mean time required for macular surgery in Group 2 was statistically significantly longer than that for Group 1 (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between IOL decentration and macular surgery time in Group 1 (P>0.05), but there it was found in Group 2 (P<0.05). In Group 2, there was a positive correlation between IOL decentration and macular surgery time. Conclusion. In cases with multifocal IOL implants, especially with lens decentration, the time of macular surgery for ERM and ILM peeling during PPV is longer than that of eyes with monofocal IOL due to fluctuations in the clarity of the surgeon’s view.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine which optical parameter profiles (OPPs) can be utilized to improve the visualization of epiretinal membranes (ERMs) and the internal limiting membrane (ILM) using a three-dimensional heads-up microscope during 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen independent graders were asked to complete a questionnaire comparing each of the OPPs against the unaltered control image for each given surgical case. RESULTS: Analysis of the graders' responses indicated that higher values of hue are correlated with better visualization of ERM/ILM before and after dye application. There was overall agreement that OPPs could be used to enhance the visualization of the ERM and ILM during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of OPPs to improve the visualization of specific structures is still new and heavily dependent on surgeon preference. The authors' study shows that some OPPs may enhance the visualization of the ERM and ILM during macular surgery. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:584–587.]

Purpose: To evaluate the visual prognostic factors in patients with pseudophakic epiretinal membrane (ERM) after vitrectomy using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: A retrospective review of patients with pseudophakic ERM having undergone vitrectomy was conducted. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and SD-OCT were conducted before and 1, 3, and 6 months after vitrectomy. Known visual prognostic factors, such as inner-retina irregularity index, central foveal thickness (CFT), central inner retinal layer thickness (CIRLT), cone outer segment tip defect length, and photoreceptor outer segment length, were reviewed and their correlation with BCVA was analyzed. Results: Forty-three patients (mean age: 64.88 ± 10.46 years) with pseudophakic ERM were included. BCVA significantly improved after vitrectomy (logMAR 0.30 ± 0.24 vs. 0.11 ± 0.14, p < 0.001). The preoperative high inner-retina irregularity index significantly correlated with poor postoperative BCVA in patients with pseudophakic ERM (correlation coefficient 0.583, p < 0.001). Postoperative improvements of inner retinal SD-OCT findings, such as innerretina irregularity index, CFT, and CIRLT, were significantly associated with the amount of BCVA improvement after ERM surgery (correlation coefficients were as follows: inner-retina irregularity index – 0.711, p < 0.001; CFT – 0.462, p = 0.002; CIRLT – 0.596, p < 0.001). However, preoperative outer retinal SD-OCT findings were not associated with postoperative visual prognosis. Conclusion: From this study, we determined the visual prognostic factors of ERM surgery without confounding factors, such as visual acuity improvement following combined cataract surgery, and inner retinal SD-OCT findings more significantly associated with the visual prognosis of ERM surgery compared to outer retinal SD-OCT findings.

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) can cause distortion and disorganization of all inner retinal layers. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the extent of disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) and to investigate its predictive value for visual outcome in cases of idiopathic ERM that were treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and ERM peeling.Multicenter international retrospective case series.In 90 eyes from 90 patients with idiopathic ERM treated by PPV and membrane peeling with 12-month follow-up, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans previous to surgery were evaluated for presence and severity of DRIL, central foveal subfield thickness (CST), maximal retinal thickness (MRT), presence of intraretinal cystoid changes and subretinal fluid, and integrity of the inner/outer segment layer and of the interdigitation zone. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CST, and MRT were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Correlations between baseline OCT measures (DRIL) and functional and visual outcome were analyzed. Main outcome measures are presence and severity of DRIL at baseline; anatomic and functional outcomes after 3, 6, and 12 months; and the correlation between DRIL and baseline characteristics and outcome measures.Patients without and with mild DRIL had a significantly better baseline BCVA compared with patients with severe DRIL (0.61 ± 0.13, 0.56 ± 0.23, 0.73 ± 0.20 [logMAR], respectively). BCVA, CST, and MRT at baseline were statistically significantly correlated with DRIL severity (P = .003, P.001, and P.001, respectively). DRIL status before surgery showed a statistically significant interaction with change in BCVA, CST, and MRT over 12 months (P.001 for all). Patients without and with mild DRIL gained a mean of 3 lines of vision after 12 months, in contrast to 1 line in patients with severe DRIL.DRIL grading correlates with functional and anatomic measures in patients with idiopathic ERM and could serve as a biomarker to predict outcome after surgery. Patients with severe DRIL have limited benefits from surgery. This should be considered in the decision process whether to perform ERM peeling in this patient group.

Purpose To evaluate the images produced in an initial surgical series of intraoperative near–real-time volumetric swept-source (SS) OCT imaging. Design Prospective translational study. Participants Forty-one consecutive adult patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery between July 22, 2014, and July 1, 2015, at the Duke University Eye Center who agreed to participate. Methods A novel microscope-integrated SS-OCT prototype captured volumetric renderings of imaging of macular surgery in near-real-time and showed them to the surgeon via a heads-up display through the microscope oculars. Then the images were analyzed formally after surgery. Main Outcome Measures Image quality, successful capture of surgical instruments, maneuvers and associated retinal deformation volumetrically over time, and qualitative image analysis. Results Volumetric SS-OCT images were graded as acceptable in 92% of patients. Volumetric imaging of scraping and peeling procedures was achieved in 75% and 78% of patients in whom it was performed, respectively. Imaging provided the surgeon with near–real-time volumetric visualization of the position of the instrument relative to the retinal surface, flap initiation, flap removal, and retinal deformation during instrumentation via a heads-up display. Conclusions This volumetric, microscope-integrated SS-OCT prototype seems to provide high-detail, near–real-time volumetric imaging of delicate maneuvers during macular surgery.

Die hochauflosende optische Koharenztomographie (Spectral-Domain-OCT, SD-OCT) gilt als Goldstandard bezuglich Diagnose, Management und Verlaufskontrolle von Patienten mit vitreoretinalen Erkrankungen. Bei Patienten mit Glaskorperblutungen ist die praoperative Diagnostik zur Evaluation des intraokularen und retinalen Status limitiert, sodass die finale Therapieentscheidung lediglich wahrend der explorativen Vitrektomie getroffen werden kann. Wir berichten uber unsere Erfahrungen beim Einsatz der intraoperativen SD-OCT (iSD-OCT) wahrend explorativer Vitrektomie bei Patienten mit Glaskorperblutung. In Rahmen dieser Fallserie wurden 9 Patienten (11 Augen) mit Glaskorperblutungen untersucht. Praoperativ wurde der intraokulare Status mittels Sonographie erhoben. Im Anschluss erfolgte eine explorative 23G-Vitrektomie unter Visualisierung mit dem im Op.-Mikroskop (OPMI Lumera 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Deutschland) vollstandig integrierten iSD-OCT-Gerat (Rescan 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Deutschland). Die iSD-OCT ermoglichte bei allen Patienten zusatzlich zum intraoperativen En-Face-Mikroskopbild eine intraoperative Evaluation praretinaler, intraretinaler und subretinaler Strukturen in Echtzeit. Das operative Vorgehen – insbesondere die Notwendigkeit eines Peelings epiretinaler Membranen (ERM) bzw. der Membrana limitans interna (ILM), einer intravitrealen Medikamenteneingabe und die Wahl der geeigneten Tamponade – wurde anhand der iSD-OCT-Befunde festgelegt bzw. optimiert. Die iSD-OCT ist als zusatzliches diagnostisches Mittel bei Patienten mit Glaskorperblutungen sehr hilfreich. Es ermoglicht zusatzlich zum En-Face-Mikroskopbild eine intraoperative Echtzeitdiagnostik und erleichtert die Entscheidung der operativen Strategie.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die hochauflösende optische Kohärenztomografie (OCT) ermöglicht eine kontrastreiche Bildgebung von Mikrostrukturen, die mit konventioneller Bildgebung nicht so detailliert darstellbar waren. Wir berichten über unsere Erfahrungen beim Einsatz der intraoperativen OCT (iOCT) in der vitreoretinalen Chirurgie. Methoden 110 Patienten mit vitreoretinalen Erkrankungen (Makulaforamen, epiretinale Membranen, vitreomakulärem Traktionssyndrom, Ablatio und Glaskörperblutung) wurden unter Visualisierung mit dem im Mikroskop integrierten iOCT-Gerät operiert. Ergebnisse Das iOCT liefert durch die Integration von Mikroskop und SD-OCT eine sofortige Visualisierung der „Region of Interest“ (ROI). Der Operateur erhält neben dem Mikroskopbild die intraoperative Darstellung aller Netzhautschichten, des Glaskörpers sowie der Instrument-Gewebe-Interaktion in Echtzeit und kann diese intraoperativ sofort verfügbare Information für die chirurgische Strategie nutzen. Schlussfolgerung Bisher ist das iOCT nur als Standmikroskop erhältlich, es besitzt keine Messfunktion, keine Tracking-Funktion, und die Metallinstrumente verdecken den Scan. Künftig könnten transparente Instrumente, Tracking-Funktionen, ein Autofokus sowie eine noch bessere Auflösung eine optimierte, lückenlose, hochauflösende intraoperative OCT-Diagnostik in Echtzeit erlauben.

In clinical settings, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of anterior and fundus abnormalities and decision making in the management of ophthalmic diseases. OCT imaging provides live analysis of cross-sectional ocular tissues of the anterior and posterior segments. A conventional OCT is commonly used for preoperative and postoperative macular assessments for the surgical treatment of macular diseases, such as a macular hole or an epiretinal membrane (ERM); it is not used intraoperatively because of its large size and difficulty maintaining sterility in surgical fields. Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) resolves these concerns. To date, three types of iOCT have been developed: portable iOCT, which includes a handheld and microscope-mounted OCT [1–3], fiber-optic OCT probe [4, 5], and microscope-integrated iOCT (MIOCT). The fiber-optic OCT probe is limited to development stage in the field of ophthalmology [5]. This chapter introduces the current clinical usage of the MIOCT for the treatment of macular diseases in clinical cases.

This chapter aims to outline the nuanced consideration and surgical techniques for the treatment of macular pathology in pediatric patients. Specific pathologies including traumatic macular holes, combined hamartomas of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium, choroidal neovascularization, posterior hyaloid contracture syndrome, and macular epiretinal membranes are discussed.

The need for sustained ocular drug delivery systems grows with the increasing number of people with visual impairments. Drug delivery to the posterior segment poses unique challenges that a variety of systems have been developed to overcome. Currently, small-molecule drugs and protein therapeutics are mainly administered as topical solutions and intravitreal injections, respectively. Small-molecule drugs have a short half-life and diffuse easily throughout the eye, making it challenging to deliver a localized, and maintained, therapeutic dose. The main challenge of delivery protein therapeutics is maintaining a sustained therapeutic level of protein during manufacture and release since most protein therapeutics depend on their complex structural integrity to be effective. Due to these limitations, repeated doses of small-molecule drugs and protein therapeutics are given to maintain a therapeutic range. Thus, developing new drug delivery systems (DDSs) that have a controlled, extended, and localized release of drug and maintain drug stability would reduce the frequency of administration. This chapter discusses new DDSs for small-molecule and macromolecular biological drugs, particularly protein therapeutics, in the form of ocular implants, ocular inserts, microneedles, cell-based systems, injectable nano/microparticles, injectable hydrogels, and composite systems. Many of these advances in drug delivery will help to play a role in improving anatomic and visual outcomes for various forms of macular surgery.

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently been introduced in the operating theatre. The aim of this review is to present the actual role of microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (MI-OCT) in ophthalmology. Method: A total of 314 studies were identified, following a literature search adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After full-text evaluation, 81 studies discussing MI-OCT applications in ophthalmology were included. Results: At present, three microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography systems are commercially available. MI-OCT can help anterior and posterior segment surgeons in the decision-making process, providing direct visualization of anatomic planes before and after surgical manoeuvres, assisting in complex cases, and detecting or confirming intraoperative complications. Applications range from corneal transplant to macular surgery, including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, paediatric examination, proliferative diabetic retinopathy surgery, and retinal detachment surgery. Conclusion: The use of MI-OCT in ophthalmic surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent and has been applied in almost all procedures. However, there are still limitations to be overcome and the technology involved remains difficult to access and use.

There is a vast evidence base supporting clinical practice in ophthalmology. For most of the common diseases we can rely on randomised trials to aid us in many important treatment decisions. But where are the weaknesses in our treatments? Do our treatment decisions actually translate into improved outcomes for our patients and for the health system? Is the care we deliver as effective as that of our colleagues? How can we make ourselves better as clinicians? These real-world questions are vitally important, but relatively little attention (and even fewer resources) has historically been directed towards answering them. Registries help to fill this gap.

Hintergrund: In zahlreichen Studien konnte ein präoperativ großes Makulaforamen (MF) (>400µm) als negativer prognostischer Faktor in Bezug auf postoperativen Visus und Verschlussrate identifiziert werden. Zum Vergleich des postoperativen Verlaufs bei kleinem, bzw. mittelgroßem,[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 32. Jahrestagung der Retinologischen Gesellschaft

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Evaluate depth of field (DOF) and lateral resolution (LR) on digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery (DAVS) with different camera aperture values and TV viewing distances to determine maximal optical performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five retinal surgeons objectively evaluated DOF and LR at low (10×), medium (15×), and high (20×) magnification on a conventional microscope (CM) and DAVS. DAVS was evaluated at different camera apertures (30%, 50%, and 75%) and TV viewing distances (1.2 meters [m], 1.5 m, and 2.0 m). A comparison between CM and optimized DAVS values was carried out. RESULTS: On DAVS, DOF significantly increased as camera aperture size was reduced (75% to 50%, P = .022; 75% to 30%, P ≤ .001; and 50% to 30%, P = .001) and as microscope magnification was reduced (high to medium, P = .009; high to low, P ≤ .001; and medium to low, P = .002). LR significantly increased as microscope magnification was increased (low to medium, P = .010; low to high, P ≤ .001; and medium to high, P = .015) and as TV display distance decreased (2.0 m to 1.5 m, P = .019; 2.0 m to 1.2 m, P = .009; and 1.5 m to1.2 m, P = .185). When comparing optimized DAVS against CM, DOF was significantly larger on DAVS ( P = .019). LR on DAVS outperformed the CM, but statistical significant was not reached ( P = .185). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' study is the first to evaluate different aperture, magnification, and TV distance settings, and when optimized, DAVS can significantly outperform a CM with respect to DOF and LR. Optimized visual performance for DAVS is obtained with a 30% camera aperture and a TV viewing distance no further than 1.5 m. Maximal microscope magnification to exploit LR during macular surgery and low-to-medium magnification to increase DOF for overall vitrectomy surgery is recommended. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:S15–S21.]

Introduction: This review on epimacular membranes (ERM) and vitreomacular traction focuses on issues concerning the surgical technique which are currently under discussion and histomorphological correlations with relevance to our current surgical approach. New developments in the field of retinal imaging and functional testing and their impact on the indication for surgery are presented and their relevance as prognostic factors is highlighted.Areas covered: The review focuses on the current available literature and includes clinical as well as experimental trials. A literature search was performed using pubmed as a search tool.Expert commentary: Vitrectomy for epimacular membranes has become a very effective, standardized and safe treatment. The refinement of surgical instruments and machines has greatly improved the patient´s postoperative comfort. From the patients perspective, the resolution of metamorphopsia and the improvement of contrast sensitivity as well as stabilisation of fixation and t...

Objective: We combined heads-up 3-dimensional (3D) 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (27GMIVS) with a very low-intensity illumination system. Methods: This study was based on a retrospective, interventional case series of 6 eyes of 6 patients with macular disease. All patients underwent heads-up 3D 27GMIVS and the power of the intraocular illuminator was set to its minimum level, 1% (approximately 0.1 lm), throughout the surgery. Results: We found that the procedure was easy when the heads-up 3D system was used, but not through the eyepiece of a microscope. All surgeries were successfully finished without any complications. Postoperative visual acuity was restored or maintained in all eyes during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Heads-up, 3D system-assisted 27GMIVS with minimal illumination enabled excellent intraoperative visualization of retinal tissues, caused minimal phototoxicity to the macular retinal cells, and might therefore represent the next step in the development of an ideal, minimally invasive method of treating macular disease.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has become a standard diagnostic tool in the surgical management of vitreomacular interface disorders. The high-resolution cross-sectional information obtained from SD-OCT is a perfect complement to vitreoretinal surgery. It provides detailed intraoperative anatomical views that are not possible with a microscope.To investigate the value of intraoperative real-time OCT with respect to improvement of surgical techniques in the management of vitreomacular disorders.A review of the current literature was conducted and an analysis of own systematically evaluated data was included to provide a comprehensive overview of potential applications for the clinical use of intraoperative real-time OCT in macular surgery.Intraoperative real-time OCT can provide detailed visualization of epiretinal membranes and help to identify whether complete membrane removal has been achieved following surgery. In addition, it can provide qualitative and quantitative information that has previously not been available and assist in surgical decision-making. Intraoperative real-time OCT allows membrane peeling to be performed in selected cases without using retinal dyes, whereas it is not ideal for accurately guiding the surgeon while performing maneuvers.Intraoperative real-time OCT provides high-resolution visualization of the effects of surgical maneuvers on the microarchitecture of the retina and surrounding tissues and will fill a gap in the understanding of the pathophysiology and prognostic factors of vitreomacular disorders; however, with currently available systems, accurate intraoperative real-time guidance of surgical maneuvers is hindered by several limiting factors.

We demonstrate the gradual resolution of foveal herniation with optical coherence tomography (OCT) images after epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal. A young male presented with diminished vision in the left eye (OS). Examination of OS revealed an ERM and thickening of the foveal region. OCT delineated the ERM clearly. It also showed a central defect in the ERM through which the inner retinal layers had prolapsed into the vitreous cavity leading to foveal herniation. The patient underwent vitrectomy and surgical removal of the ERM. After removing the source of macular traction, over a period of 4 months, gradual reduction in height of the elevated central foveal tissue was observed. At 6 months, the foveal bulge had reduced remarkably and remained stable. The resolution of foveal herniation after ERM removal is a slow process. The OCT images convey that it may take few months for the foveal bulge to decrease in height. When the outer retinal layers are normal, visual recovery, though delayed, is appreciable.

Letter to the Editor

Purpose: Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are a disorder leading to progressive vision loss and metamorphopsia. The gold standard in therapy is vitrectomy with membrane peeling. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT), which allows tomographic visualization of the membrane during peeling, enables peeling without staining. Methods: This prospective study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with idiopathic ERMs scheduled for surgery. Pars plana vitrectomy with iOCT was performed in all cases, whereas staining of ERMs was only performed if needed. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling was performed in case of wrinkled retinal surface after peeling of ERMs. Results: In 63% (n = 19) eyes the ERM could be peeled successfully without use of staining. Nevertheless, in 89% (n = 17) of patients having had ERM peeling without dye, staining of the ILM was performed afterwards for peeling the ILM. Best corrected visual acuity improved in 80% (n = 24) and remained unchanged in 7% (n = 2) 3 months after surgery. There were no significant differences in postoperative results between patients with and without staining for ERM peeling. Conclusions: Use of iOCT helps to complete ERM peeling in a majority of cases without use of a chromovitrectomy dye, but as iOCT fails to visualize the ILM, chromovitrectomy still facilitates macular surgery in a majority of cases.

To evaluate microscope-integrated intrasurgical spectral domain optical coherence tomography during macular surgery in a prospective monocenter study.Before pars plana vitrectomy and before, during, and after membrane peeling, 512 × 128 macular cube scans were performed using a Carl Zeiss Meditec Cirrus high-definition OCT system adapted to the optical pathway of a Zeiss OPMI VISU 200 surgical microscope and compared with retinal staining.The study included 51 patients with epiretinal membranes, with 8 of those having additional lamellar macular holes, 11 patients with vitreomacular traction, and 8 patients with full-thickness macular holes. Intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography allowed performing membrane peeling without using retinal dyes in 40% of cases (28 of 70 patients). No residual membranes were found in 94.3% of patients (66 of 70 patients) in intrasurgical spectral domain optical coherence tomography and subsequent (re)staining. In patients with vitreomacular traction, intrasurgical spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans facilitated decisions on the need for an intraocular tamponade after membrane peeling.Intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography was comparable with retinal dyes in confirming success after membrane peeling. However, the visualization of flat membranes was better after staining.

Aim. To evaluate the structural and functional outcomes in patients who underwent macular hole (MH) surgery in the long-term follow-up. Materials and Methods. Forty-four eyes of 40 patients (28 females and 12 males) were examined. The examination included visual acuity, optical coherence tomography, and colour vision testing. The same evaluation was performed in 30 fellow eyes. Results. MH closure was obtained in 42 eyes (95.45%). There was no reopening of the initially closed MHs. In long-term postoperative examination, we observed IS/OS junction defects in 28 (63.6%) eyes and ELM defects in 19 (43.2%) eyes. We found that the IS/OS junction defects correlated with the diameter of the MH (p=0.016), whereas ELM defects correlated with both the diameter of the MH (p=0.001) and duration time of the MH (p=0.008). The presence of ELM defects in OCT was the cause of inferior BCVA in long-term observation time (p=0.004). The mean BCVA before the MH surgery was 0.15. It improved significantly both in early (p<0.001) and long-term postoperative observation (p<0.005). Generally, the functional outcomes were better in eyes with short-time duration of the MH, when a smaller diameter (μm) of the hole was measured and a V-shaped closure of the MH and the restoration of the ELM line on OCT were present. Pseudoprotanomaly was noted in 13 (35.1%) eyes. In the fellow eye group, mean BCVA was 0.95 (range, 0.6–1.0). In 3 eyes, we detected vitreomacular traction, and in 4 eyes, initial cataract. These conditions, as well as probably early stage of diabetes mellitus, influenced functional outcomes of studied eyes. Conclusions. The anatomic and functional outcomes after macular surgery are satisfactory and improve with time. After a successful closing of the MH, the restoration of the retina progresses at a slower pace than improvement in visual acuity.

PURPOSE To analyze the relationship between swelling of the arcuate nerve fiber layer (SANFL) and long-term decrease of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness after internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membrane, and to investigate if SANFL is related to a mechanical surgical damage. METHODS Prospective, interventional consecutive case series of 46 eyes that underwent combined epiretinal membrane/internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membrane. Infrared, blue autofluorescence, color fundus imaging and measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in six peripapillary sectors by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The presence of SANFL was checked postoperatively on infrared and blue autofluorescence fundus imaging, and the extent of each SANFL was measured on infrared fundus images. RESULTS Areas of SANFL were identified in 39 eyes (84.8%) at 2-week follow-up. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness significantly decreased in the temporal sectors at 1, 6, and 12 months (P < 0.0001). The linear extent of SANFL was significantly correlated with the percentage of reduction in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the temporal (R = 0.45; P < 0.0001) and infero-temporal (R = 0.23; P = 0.0008) sectors at 12 months of follow-up. Correspondence between sites of surgical grasping and the points of origin of SANFL was demonstrated on blue autofluorescence fundus images superimposed on intraoperative surgical frames. CONCLUSION Early postoperative SANFL is correlated with late focal retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in the temporal sectors. Intraoperative surgical grasping seems to be a leading factor for the onset of SANFL.

Purpose: To report the use of intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for detecting anatomical changes during macular surgery. Methods: In a consecutive case series, 32 eyes of 32 patients undergoing concurrent pars plana vitrectomy and intraoperative SD-OCT for macular hole (MH), epiretinal membrane (ERM) and vitreomacular traction (VMT) were enrolled. Intraoperative changes in retinal thickness and dimensions of the macular hole were measured in patients with ERM and VMT following surgical manipulation using a hand-held SD-OCT device (iVue, Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA). Results: SD-OCT images of sixteen eyes with macular hole were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. All MH dimensions remained stable during consecutive stages of surgery except for MH apex diameter, which showed a significant decrease after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (P=0.025). Quantitative analysis of ten patients with ERM showed a significant decrease in retinal thickness after membrane removal (P=0.018) which did not remain significant until the end of the procedure (P=0.8). In three cases, subretinal fluid was formed after ILM peeling. Quantitative analysis of five patients with VMT showed a decrease in retinal thickness during consecutive steps of the surgery, although these changes were not significant. In two cases, subretinal fluid was formed after ILM peeling. Conclusion: Intraoperative SD-OCT is a useful imaging technique which provides vitreoretinal surgeons with rapid awareness of changes in macular anatomy during surgery and may therefore result in better anatomical and visual outcomes.

Purpose Knowledge on the utility of prophylactic 360° laser retinopexy before pars plana vitrectomy in the absence of peripheral retinal pathology is limited. This study compares the occurrence of rhegmatogenous events in the setting of small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with and without prophylactic preoperative laser. Methods Our multicenter, retrospective case-control analysis reviewed patients who underwent epiretinal membrane removal or macular hole repair through 23- or 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy: 205 controls who did not receive prophylactic laser and 176 cases who received preoperative prophylactic laser retinopexy anterior to the equator. Main outcome measures were the rate and characteristics of postoperative retinal tears and detachments. Patients with previous pars plana vitrectomy or significant retinal disease were excluded. Results Of those patients with prophylactic laser and those without, there was no significant difference in the number of retinal breaks (1.7% vs. 0.49%, respectively; P = 0.339) or retinal detachments (0% vs. 0.49%, respectively; P = 1.00). Of the lasered group, there was one sclerotomy-related retinal break and two non-sclerotomy-related retinal breaks. Of the nonlasered group, there was one non-sclerotomy-related retinal break and one sclerotomy-related retinal detachment. Conclusion Preoperative prophylactic peripheral laser retinopexy does not seem to offer an added benefit in the prevention of intraoperative and postoperative rhegmatogenous events.