Aditya Sudhalkar

Choroidal thickness in diabetic patients of Indian ethnicity

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) change in various grades of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in comparison to age-matched healthy subjects. Methods: This prospective observational study included 227 eyes of 125 subjects with diabetes (study group: 58 females) and 197 eyes of 110 age-matched healthy subjects (control group: 66 females). Collected data included age, gender, duration of diabetes, glycemic control, comprehensive ocular examination, fundus photography, and CT measurement on spectral domain ocular coherence tomography using enhanced depth imaging. Results: Mean age in the study group was 57.0 ± 9.37 years (43–73 years). The mean age was 41.48 ± 5.43 years in the control group. Subjects with diabetes with (252.8 ± 55.6 microns) and without (261.71 ± 51.8 microns) retinopathy had significantly thinner choroids when compared to the control group (281.7 ± 47.7 microns; P = 0.032). Seventy-four of 227 eyes did not have any evidence of DR, 89 eyes had features of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 33 eyes had treatment naïve proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Thirty-one PDR eyes had received previous laser photocoagulation. Subjects with diabetes without retinopathy had a greater subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) than subjects with diabetes with retinopathy (P < 0.001). Eyes with PDR (243.9 ± 56.2 microns) had thinner SFCT than those with NPDR (238.98 ± 111.23 microns). There was no difference in the SFCT between treated (laser photocoagulation done; 251.784 ± 103.72 microns) and treatment naïve PDR (258.405 ± 89.47 microns, P = 0.23). Conclusions: Control eyes had greater SFCT compared to subjects with diabetes, with and without retinopathy. The thinning progressed with increasing severity of DR. Choroidal thinning may contribute to DR pathogenesis.

Role of macular hole angle in macular hole closure

Aim To evaluate correlation of various spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameters including macular hole angle as well as various indices with anatomical and visual outcomes after idiopathic macular hole repair surgery. Methods Retrospective study of 137 eyes of 137 patients who underwent idiopathic macular hole repair surgery between January 2008 and January 2014 was performed. Various qualitative parameters such as presence of vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane and cystic edges at the macular hole as well as quantitative parameters such as maximum diameter on the apex of the hole, minimum diameter between edges, nasal and temporal vertical height, longest base diameter and macular hole angle between the retinal edge and the retinal pigment epithelium were noted. Indices including hole form factor, Macular Hole Index (MHI), Diameter Hole Index and Tractional Hole Index (THI) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed separately for final visual acuity (VA) and type of closure as dependent variable in relation to SD-OCT parameters as independent variables. Results On multivariate regression only minimum diameter between edges (p≤0.01) and longest base diameter (p≤0.03) were correlated significantly with both, type 1 closure and final VA. Among the indices, significant correlation of MHI (p=0.009) was noted with type of closure and that of THI with final VA (p=0.017). Conclusions Our study shows no significant correlation between macular hole angle and hole closure. Minimum diameter between the edges and longest diameter of the hole are best predictors of hole closure and postoperative VA.

ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY FOR NAIVE IDIOPATHIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION: A Comparative Study.

Purpose: To determine the clinical characteristics of patients with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization and to compare outcomes between intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and ranibizumab as therapy. Methods: Retrospective analysis included demographics, the corrected distance visual acuity, details of the ocular examination, imaging, treatment, outcomes, and adverse events. Patients with minimum of 1-year follow-up were included in the study. Primary outcome measure was change in corrected distance visual acuity at the final visit compared with baseline. Secondary outcome measures were change in central macular thickness and subretinal fluid (if present) with treatment and adverse events. Results: This study included 47 eyes of 45 patients with 30 males. Intravitreal bevacizumab group included 29 eyes (27 patients; with a median age of 39.4 ± 7.3 years). Intravitreal ranibizumab group included 18 eyes (18 patients; median age: 36.8 ± 9.3 years). Median baseline corrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) improved from 0.59 ± 0.38 to 0.2 ± 0.18 (P = 0.03) in intravitreal ranibizumab group and from 0.62 ± 0.41 to 0.18 ± 0.15 logMAR (P = 0.023) in intravitreal bevacizumab group. Median central macular thickness (in micrometers) improved from 315.11 ± 75.24 to 228.24 ± 67 (P = 0.036) in intravitreal bevacizumab group and from 327.24 ± 61.56 to 208 ± 53.42 (P = 0.031) in intravitreal ranibizumab group. There was no significant difference between groups in final corrected distance visual acuity (P = 0.31) or central macular thickness (P = 0.51). No adverse events were noted. Conclusion: Both intravitreal ranibizumab and intravitreal bevacizumab seem equally effective in treating idiopathic choroidal neovascularization with a good safety profile without recurrence.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia endogenous endophthalmitis: clinical presentation, antibiotic susceptibility, and outcomes

Objective To describe clinical presentation, antibiotic susceptibility, and outcomes in patients with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia endogenous endophthalmitis. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Four eyes of four patients with S. maltophilia endogenous endophthalmitis. Methods Retrospective chart review of culture-positive S. maltophilia endogenous endophthalmitis treated at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India, between January 2007 and December 2012, was done. Collected information included demographic, clinical, and microbiology data. Results These four patients with S. maltophilia endogenous endophthalmitis cases accounted for 0.47% (4/836) of total bacterial endophthalmitis cases treated in this period. All patients were from a rural setting and younger than 40 years. Two of the four patients had a history of immune compromise or hospitalization. The visual acuity at presentation was less than 20/320 in all patients. Common presenting features were severe anterior and posterior segment inflammation and hypopyon. All patients underwent vitrectomy with injection of intravitreal antibiotics and dexamethasone. Direct microscopy of the vitreous sample was positive in all cases. All isolates were sensitive to fluoroquinolones and chloramphenicol; sensitivity to aminoglycosides and third-generation cephalosporins was highly variable. The final visual acuity was 20/80 or more in three patients. The time to presentation did not seem to influence the visual or anatomical outcome. Conclusion S. maltophilia is a rare cause of endogenous endophthalmitis and usually occurs in young and apparently healthy individuals. Clinical presentation is moderate to severe, and recovery is variable. Fourth-generation fluoroquinolones and chloramphenicol were the most sensitive antibiotics against S. maltophilia in this series of patients.

Retinal circulation and its role in macular disorders in patients without systemic disease.

AIM To determine whether retinal circulatory changes play a role in the pathogenesis of macular disorders in patients who are otherwise healthy. METHODS Patients with macular disorders that required angiographic imaging were included in this prospective case series. After a complete ocular exam, fluorescein angiography was performed using a standardized technique on the HRA-II (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) with special focus on the posterior pole. Only patients with good quality images were included in the analysis. Circulatory parameters recorded included the arm-choroid time, choroid-retinal artery, and finally the retinal artery-vein time. Zonal asymmetry (between the upper and lower zones divided by a line passing through the centre of the fovea) in transit times, if any was also noted. Appropriate statistical analysis was done. Circulation times were compared with age matched historical controls. Changes in retinal dye transit times relative to historical age matched controls, if any, were noted and compared between various disorders. RESULTS A total of 156 eyes of 156 patients (120 males) were included in the study. Mean age: 49.14±14.93y. Macular disorders studied were age related degeneration, polypoidal vasculopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and parafoveal telangiectasia. Delayed circulation time was noted in CSCR patients only. CONCLUSION CSCR patients appear to have delayed arterial filling, retinal circulatory disturbances do not seem to contribute to the pathogenesis of other macular disorders.

Pantoea agglomerans endophthalmitis: clinical features and outcomes.

Purpose: To determine the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with Pantoea agglomerans endophthalmitis as seen at a tertiary eye care center in India. Methods: Retrospective observational case series. Data collected included demographics, history, the initial and final corrected distance visual acuity, details of the ocular and systemic examination, surgeries performed, and the final anatomical outcome. The final corrected distance visual acuity and the anatomical outcome were the outcome measures. Results: Four patients had traumatic endophthalmitis; the fifth developed endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. All patients were men with a mean age of 34.24 ± 23.34 years. Three patients had corneal laceration and traumatic cataract. All patients underwent vitreous sampling with intraocular antibiotic injection with or without lensectomy and corneal wound repair. The visual acuity at presentation ranged from hand motion to perception of light. One patient ended up with phthisis in the affected eye. One patient developed postoperative retinal detachment and underwent successful surgery. The final visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to no light perception. Conclusion: P. agglomerans is a likely source of infection in traumatic and postoperative cases. Though variable, it appears sensitive to common antibiotics. The visual and anatomical prognosis seems fair in most cases. Special care needs to be taken to ensure the organism is not missed, given the rarity of the condition and the isolation techniques required.

Systemic steroids as an aid to the management of Idiopathic Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (IPCV): A descriptive analysis

Purpose To determine the role of systemic steroids in improving visual acuity, preventing recurrence and hastening pigment epithelial detachment resolution in IPCV patients. Methods Retrospective computer assisted comparative case series of consecutive patients with documented IPCV who did and did not receive systemic steroids as part of their treatment regimen between 2007 and 2012. Patients who had systemic contraindication to steroid therapy were excluded from the steroid arm. Data collected included demographics, the best corrected visual acuity, details of the ocular and systemic exam, the treatment offered, the follow-up period and the final visual and anatomic outcomes. Outcome measures included the final BCVA, the time to resolution of the associated pigment epithelial detachment (PED, if present), the recurrence rate and the associated side effects, if any. Appropriate statistical analysis was done. Statistical significance: p < 0.05. Results 14 patients (14 eyes) had received systemic steroids in the stated period; these were compared with 26 consecutive patients (26 eyes) who did not. Mean age: 59.24 vs 62.38 years (A vs B). Mean baseline BCVA: 1.86 ± 1.24 logMAR vs 2.12 ± 1.48 logMAR (A vs B). 8 females in Group A and 14 in Group B. 11 patients in group A and 19 in group B had associated systemic hypertension. Therapy consisted of laser photocoagulation, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, photodynamic therapy or a combination of these. Mean follow-up: 43.21 ± 11.32 months (Group A) vs 48.24 ± 9.75 months (Group B). BCVA at three months was significantly better (0.84 ± 0.74 logMAR vs 1.16 ± 0.89 (p = 0.039). Final BCVA: 0.86 ± 0.78 logMAR (Group A) vs 1.29 ± 0.92 (Group B, p = 0.042). 7 patients in group A and 12 in Group B had a recurrence (insignificant difference). 1 patient in Group A and 7 in Group B had unresolved disease (persistent PED) at the end of follow-up (OR: 4.60; 95% CI 1.7–11.10). Conclusion Steroids appear to improve visual acuity and accelerate the resolution of the PEDs in patients with IPCV and large PEDs, but do not seem to influence recurrence.

Scleral buckling surgery using multiple radial buckles: A valid option?

Purpose To determine whether radial buckling surgery using two or more radial buckles with or without circumferential silicone tires is still a treatment option for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the current scenario. Methods Retrospective chart review. Patients with RRD with two or more horse-shoe tears with/without proliferative vitreoretinopathy up to grade C1 who underwent buckling surgery using at least two radial buckle segments without encircling bands or drainage and with at least a 3 year follow up were included in the study. Data collected included demographics, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at baseline and final follow up, details of the examination, surgical procedure(s) and complications noted, if any. Appropriate statistical analysis was done. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Outcome measures Proportion of patients who had an attached retina at final follow up, improvement in CDVA and complications. Results 25 patients (25 eyes; 12 males and 13 females; 9 pseudophakic) were included. Median age 35.15 ± 8.32 years. Median baseline CDVA: 1.97 ± 1.12 log MAR. Median final CDVA: 0.65 ± 0.37 log MAR (significant improvement). Most common presenting complaint was decreased vision (87.5%). Number of radial buckle segments placed varied between 2 and 4 per eye. One patient required vitrectomy for persistent retinal detachment. One required buckle removal for infection 5 years after the primary procedure. One patient required strabismus surgery. Median follow up 12.25 years ± 2.14 years. None of the other patients had any complications. Conclusion Radial buckling surgery (two or more segments) is a reasonably safe and valid alternative to vitrectomy for RDs with multiple breaks in different planes.

Outcomes of Double Frequency Nd:YAG Laser Membranotomy for Premacular Haemorrhage Secondary to Valsalva Retinopathy

Purpose: To determine the outcomes of double frequency Nd:YAG laser membranotomy for premacular hemorrhage secondary to Valsalva retinopathy. Methods: Retrospective case series of 24 consecutive patients with premacular hemorrhage of duration less than two months between Jan 2008 and Dec 2012 were included. Patients with any other vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy were excluded. The main outcome measure was the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow up. Results: Among 24 patients, majority 16 (67%) were men and all had unilateral Valsalva retinopathy. All patients underwent laser membranotomy using the double frequency Nd:YAG laser on the same day of presentation. The mean age of subjects was 44.03 ± 17.33 years (14-78 years) and the mean duration of symptoms was 10.29 ± 11.7days. The mean follow-up duration was 4.72 ± 2.54 months. All patients presented with blindness or severe vision loss with a mean baseline visual acuity of 1.72 ± 0.58 logMAR (Snellen’s equivalent 20/1050; range 0.17-2.3). Significant improvement of visual recovery was noted in 91.66% of patients at 1 month (mean final BCVA 0.20 ± 0.56 logMAR (Snellen’s equivalent 20/30; range 0-2.3 logMAR). Twenty-two (91.66%) patients were successfully treated with laser alone. No complications were noted. Two patients underwent vitrectomy and achieved 20/20 visual acuity. Conclusion: Prompt treatment using the frequency doubled Nd YAG laser appears to be safe and effective in achieving significant visual recovery in patients with premacular hemorrhage due to Valsalva retinopathy.

Acute full-thickness macular hole after uneventful femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery and its spontaneous closure

At 2 weeks’ follow‐up, her left eye visual acuity was still 20/80, and she complained of metamorphopsia. Anterior segment examination revealed well‐centered MF‐IOL. Fundus examination revealed an FTMH confirmed on OCT [Fig. 2a and b]. Interestingly, we also noted focal foveal vitreomacular adhesions (VMA) which were not seen preoperatively. Since the macular hole was small (<400 μ) and we were clueless for the cause of it, we preferred to observe it with close follow‐ups.