Robert E. Foster

Indocyanine green-assisted peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether indocyanine green (ICG) stains and facilitates peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane (ILM). To investigate the different staining properties of the posterior cortical hyaloid, retinal ILM, and the retina after ILM removal. DESIGN Autopsy eye study. MATERIALS Eleven human cadaveric eyes. METHODS Open sky vitrectomy including removal of the posterior cortical vitreous was performed. A 0.5% ICG solution was then injected into the posterior vitreous cavity over the macula. The dye was allowed to settle on the macula for 5 minutes and was then removed by mechanical aspiration. Peeling of the ILM was initiated with a bent needle and completed with intraocular forceps. Specimens were submitted for light and electron microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Staining properties and ease of peeling of retinal ILM were evaluated. Retinal ILM removal was confirmed by histopathologic and electron microscopic examination. RESULTS ICG contact with the retinal surface resulted in bright green staining of the ILM. This stain greatly facilitated ILM peeling by improving direct visualization of the membrane. The underlying retina did not stain, thus providing a clear distinction between the stained ILM and the unstained retina. Continuous circular peeling of the ILM was easily completed with this technique. Light microscopic and ultrastructural studies confirmed removal of the ILM. CONCLUSIONS ICG solution distinctly stains the nearly invisible retinal ILM in human cadaveric eyes. ICG staining greatly facilitates ILM peeling by providing a stark contrast between the stained ILM and the unstained retina.

Indocyanine green–assisted peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane1

OBJECTIVE To determine whether indocyanine green (ICG) stains and facilitates peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane (ILM). To investigate the different staining properties of the posterior cortical hyaloid, retinal ILM, and the retina after ILM removal. DESIGN Autopsy eye study. MATERIALS Eleven human cadaveric eyes. METHODS Open sky vitrectomy including removal of the posterior cortical vitreous was performed. A 0.5% ICG solution was then injected into the posterior vitreous cavity over the macula. The dye was allowed to settle on the macula for 5 minutes and was then removed by mechanical aspiration. Peeling of the ILM was initiated with a bent needle and completed with intraocular forceps. Specimens were submitted for light and electron microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Staining properties and ease of peeling of retinal ILM were evaluated. Retinal ILM removal was confirmed by histopathologic and electron microscopic examination. RESULTS ICG contact with the retinal surface resulted in bright green staining of the ILM. This stain greatly facilitated ILM peeling by improving direct visualization of the membrane. The underlying retina did not stain, thus providing a clear distinction between the stained ILM and the unstained retina. Continuous circular peeling of the ILM was easily completed with this technique. Light microscopic and ultrastructural studies confirmed removal of the ILM. CONCLUSIONS ICG solution distinctly stains the nearly invisible retinal ILM in human cadaveric eyes. ICG staining greatly facilitates ILM peeling by providing a stark contrast between the stained ILM and the unstained retina.

Development of a multiple-drug delivery implant for intraocular management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy

A prototype multiple-drug delivery implant has been developed for the intraocular management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Because of the recurrent nature of the disease, PVR causes blindness in approximately 7% of patients who have undergone retinal re-attachment surgery. The poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) 50/50 (PLGA) implant consists of three cylindrical segments, each of which contains one of the following drugs: 5-fluorouridine (5FUrd, an antimetabolite), triamcinolone (Triam, a corticosteroid), and human recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA, a thrombolytic agent). The device can be inserted through a 20-gauge syringe needle into the vitreous body of the eye. The implant also possesses a PLGA coating over the t-PA-containing terminal segment, which creates a lag-time to deliver t-PA when most needed and to decrease the risk of postoperative bleeding. Two methods of cylinder fabrication were investigated: heat and solvent extrusion. The release behavior of several drugs was examined as a function of the processing variables including: extrusion method, drug loading, polymer molecular weight, and drug particle size. The presence of either the organic solvent (acetone) during processing or a highly water-soluble drug (5FUrd) in the formulation increased the polymer porosity, which in turn, increased the drug release-rate. Drug loading effects were consistent with percolation concepts, and a low-molecular-weight PLGA (e.g., Mw=42000 for inherent viscosity=0.58 dl/g) was desirable to produce controlled release close to one month. Based on pharmacological and pharmacokinetic data of these compounds and our clinical experience with this disease, several design criteria for a combined implant were devised. Optimal cylindrical segments from the formulation studies were selected and combined in series to form a contiguous implant. After successful combination and coating procedures were developed, prototype implants were prepared. From the 3-drug prototype, 5FUrd and Triam were released approximately 1 microgram/day for over 4 weeks and 10-190 microgram/day over 2 weeks, respectively. The solvent-extrusion procedure did not significantly alter the stability of the encapsulated t-PA (>94+/-5% serine protease activity after preparation). After a lag-time of approximately 2 days, t-PA was released active at a rate of approximately 0.2-0.5 microgram/day in approximately 2 weeks. The release characteristics from the combined implant largely met our initial design criteria. Hence, controlled-release implants of this kind may have potential use for intraocular treatment of PVR.

Extracapsular Cataract Extraction and Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation in Uveitis Patients

PURPOSE Intraocular lens implantation in uveitis patients has been a controversial issue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the visual and surgical outcomes of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation in a diverse group of uveitis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS The results of 39 cases of ECCE and PC IOL implantation in 30 patients with uveitis were retrospectively analyzed. Five patients (six eyes) had pars plana vitrectomies combined with ECCE and PC IOL implantation. Patient age ranged from 26 to 71 years (average, 53.0 years). Specific uveitic syndromes were determined for 22 patients (73.3%). The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 6 to 43 months (average, 20.3 months). RESULTS Visual acuity improved postoperatively in 38 eyes (97.4%), and this improvement ranged from 1 to 11 Snellen lines (average, 7.5 Snellen lines). Visual acuity improved postoperatively to 20/40 or better in 32 eyes (82%). Seven eyes had visual acuity worse than 20/40, which was attributed to posterior segment abnormalities after ECCE and PC IOL implantation. Uveitis recurred in 20 eyes (51.3%), and postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME) was observed in 18 eyes (46.2%). In all cases, the recurrent uveitis and CME improved or resolved with corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSION These results suggest selected uveitis patients can have improved vision without unacceptable risk for 1 to 3 years after ECCE and PC IOL implantation.

Long-term follow-up of extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in patients with uveitis.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the long-term outcome of patients with uveitis who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation. DESIGN Retrospective review. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-eight patients (36 eyes). INTERVENTION Extracapsular cataract extraction and PCIOL implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Level of best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, change in visual acuity, length of follow-up, long-term findings, and complications. RESULTS In long-term follow-up (mean, 81.4 months), 94% of eyes had visual acuity improvement compared with preoperative levels. Average change in visual acuity for all eyes was an improvement of 6.4 Snellen lines; 75% of eyes were 20/40 or better. The prevalences of cystoid macular edema (CME), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were 56%, 56%, and 58%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients with uveitis who are treated with ECCE with PCIOL implantation can have successful visual results in long-term follow-up despite the prevalence of PCO or macular abnormalities such as CME and ERM.

Outcomes Of Transconjunctival Sutureless 25-gauge Vitrectomy With Silicone Oil Infusion

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes and complications of surgical management with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil (SO) tamponade in complex vitreoretinal diseases. Methods: Retrospective review of a consecutive, interventional case series at a single center. Results: Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients were included in the study. The indications for vitrectomy included tractional retinal detachment (11 eyes), macular hole (6 eyes), proliferative vitreoretinopathy or recurrent retinal detachment (9 eyes), neovascular glaucoma (3 eyes), giant retinal tear (3 eyes), and pathologic myopia with epiretinal membrane or macular hole (3 eyes). All patients underwent 25-gauge PPV with either 1,000-centistoke (n = 31) or 5,000-centistoke (n = 4) SO tamponade infused through a 24-gauge angiocatheter. No intraoperative complications were noted. The median preoperative visual acuity was counting fingers (range, 20/50 to light perception). The median postoperative visual acuity after a median follow-up of 6 months (range, 1–19 months) was 20/200 (range, 20/30 to light perception). A small subconjunctival SO bleb was identified in two patients. Recurrent retinal detachment occurred in three patients. No significant complications relating to the use of SO in the setting of 25-gauge PPV occurred. Conclusions: Advances in 25-gauge PPV instrumentation have enabled expanding indications for 25-gauge PPV. 25-Gauge PPV with SO tamponade is safe and efficient and can be considered in the surgical management of complex vitreoretinal disease.

PRIMARY REPAIR OF RETINAL DETACHMENT WITH 25-GAUGE PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY

Purpose: To evaluate 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Study Design and Participants: This retrospective, consecutive case series included 42 eyes of 41 patients who underwent primary repair of RRD utilizing transconjunctival 25-gauge PPV without scleral buckling at the Cincinnati Eye Institute from July 2004 through January 2007. Methods: The medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the corresponding demographic data, preoperative ophthalmic diagnoses, surgical management, and postoperative course and treatment were recorded. Main outcome measures included single surgery anatomical success, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, and complications. Results: Most patients had pseudophakic RRD (36 [85.7%] of 42 eyes). The crystalline lens was present in the remaining 6 eyes (14.3%). Of 42 eyes, 28 (66.7%) had macula-on RRD, while 14 (33.3%) had macula-off RRD. Four surgeons contributed to this study, and 25-gauge PPV instrumentation, a wide-angle viewing system, endolaser photocoagulation, and gas tamponade were used in each case. The single surgery anatomical success rate was 92.9% (39 of 42 eyes). For eyes with macula-on RRD, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/50 (0.43 logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution]) preoperatively and 20/30 (0.23 logMAR) postoperatively (P = 0.24). For eyes with macula-off RRD, best-corrected visual acuity was 5/200 (1.56 logMAR) preoperatively and 20/30 (0.23 logMAR) postoperatively (P = 0.001). Three eyes required additional surgery for final reattachment. Final reattachment was achieved in 100% of patients (mean follow-up, 8 months). Conclusions: Twenty-five–gauge PPV with laser retinopexy and gas tamponade is effective for primary repair of RRD. The single operation anatomical success rate is comparable with rates reported for primary vitrectomy with 20-gauge instrumentation, scleral buckling, and combined vitrectomy/scleral buckling.

Echographic features of medulloepithelioma

PURPOSE To evaluate the echographic features of medulloepithelioma that may assist in establishing the diagnosis. METHODS Retrospective review identified four eyes with medulloepithelioma studied with echography. Clinical records, echographic findings, histopathologic tumor features, and the clinical course were reviewed. RESULTS The initial preoperative diagnosis of medulloepithelioma was uncertain, based on clinical findings alone in three cases but was accurate when echographic findings were combined with clinical findings in all four cases. Cysts posterior to the iris were detected on clinical examination in only two cases, but were revealed on echography in all four cases. Additional echographic findings included irregular high internal reflectivity (n = 4), irregular tumor surface (n = 3), molding around intraocular structures (n = 3), and internal vascularity (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of medulloepithelioma is not always apparent on clinical examination alone. Echographic findings of a highly reflective, irregularly structured tumor with associated cystic changes involving the ciliary body region may help establish a presumed diagnosis of medulloepithelioma.

Recurrent retinal detachment more than 1 year after reattachment.

PURPOSE Little information exists regarding recurrent retinal detachment after 1 or more years of complete retinal reattachment. To better understand this uncommon problem, we evaluated late recurrent retinal detachments in relation to the contemporary classification of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). DESIGN Retrospective consecutive noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS Nine patients (10 eyes) with late recurrent retinal detachment after 1 or more years of complete reattachment. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and operative records of one surgeon over a 9-year period to identify late recurrent retinal detachments that occurred 1 or more years after complete retinal reattachment. The study group was derived from a total of 453 consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair not associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, or penetrating ocular trauma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Late recurrent retinal detachments after 1 or more years of complete retinal reattachment. RESULTS The study group consisted of 10 eyes (2.2% of total) in nine patients. Redetachment occurred from 12 to 126 months (average, 46.8 months) after the initial detachment surgery. Late recurrent retinal detachments were associated with new retinal breaks (five eyes), reopening of old breaks (three eyes), or both (two eyes). In all, 13 open breaks were identified, nine of which were on or anterior to the scleral buckle. Eight eyes had grade C PVR, including four eyes with anterior PVR, three eyes with posterior PVR, and one eye with both anterior and posterior PVR. The retina was reattached after additional vitreoretinal surgery in eight eyes of seven patients; two patients (two eyes) declined reoperation. Visual acuity improved in seven of eight eyes after repair of the late recurrent retinal detachment. Postoperative follow-up after late recurrent detachment repair ranged from 69 to 140 months (average, 101.7 months, or 8.5 years). CONCLUSIONS Vitreous base traction seems to be an important factor in late recurrent retinal detachments occurring 1 or more years after complete retinal reattachment, and the associated PVR was probably a secondary phenomenon and not a causative factor in most cases. Reoperation for such late recurrent retinal detachments can successfully reattach the retina and improve visual acuity in most cases.

Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy After Acute Group A Streptococcal Infection

PURPOSE We studied a case of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in a 40-year-old man who had had an acute febrile illness. METHODS The medical record was reviewed for clinical manifestations, course of disease, and laboratory findings, including results of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. RESULTS The patient had the typical clinical course of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy with spontaneous resolution of posterior pole lesions and improvement in visual acuity from 20/60 to 20/20. The laboratory evaluation was remarkable for a rise in the anti-DNAse B antibody titer between initial and convalescent-phase serum samples, providing evidence of recent group A streptococcal infection. CONCLUSION Although acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy is often attributed to a postviral condition, this syndrome may also develop after an acute group A streptococcal infection.