Phacoemulsification, vitrectomy and the implantation of an intraocular lens in diabetic patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate results of combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and pars plana vitrectomy in patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy. We retrospectively evaluated postoperative outcomes and complications in 102 eyes of 102 patients who underwent a combined procedure. All patients had a visually significant cataract. Forty two patients had vitreous hemorrhage and mild proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Sixty patients had a mild tractional retinal detachment. The median follow up was 14 months (range 6-36 months). 80% of patients had an increase of visual acuity of at least 2 Snellen lines. The most frequent early postoperative complication was elevated intraocular pressure, followed by mild fibrinous reaction. The most frequent late postoperative complication was the presence of posterior synechia, followed by glaucoma. Eleven patients required a repeated pars plana vitrectomy. Combined phacoemulsification, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and pars plana vitrectomy can be successfully performed in selected diabetic patients with favorable postoperative outcome.     

玻璃体视网膜手术治疗先天性视网膜劈裂及其并发症的临床疗效

目的:评价玻璃体视网膜手术治疗先天性视网膜劈裂及其并发症的临床疗效。方法:选择2009年1月-2012年1月于我院进行玻璃体视网膜手术的先天性视网膜劈裂患者30例(42只眼),患者均接受了闭合式睫状体经扁平部三切口入路保留晶状体的玻璃体切割手术,并分析其术前及术后情况。结果:先天性视网膜劈裂患者中发生孔源性视网膜脱离19眼,牵拉性视网膜脱离8眼,玻璃体积血10眼,同时伴有视网膜脱离和玻璃体积血有5眼;在末次随访时视力提高者有36只眼,占85.71%,无提高者有6只眼,占14.29%;术前平均视力为(0.15±0.09),末次随访时平均视力提高至(0.31±0.16),两者平均视力差异具有统计学意义(t=5.649,P0.001);42只眼视网膜解剖结构复位良好,视网膜平伏;OCT检查结果显示,末次随访时黄斑劈裂平均面积(0.22±0.18)mm2,与术前黄斑劈裂平均面积(1.07±0.52)mm2比较,差异有统计学意义(t=10.011,P0.001),黄斑微囊样改变有改善;随访期间5只眼出现并发症,占11.90%,其中2眼术后发生PVR且伴牵拉性视网膜脱离,2只眼发生白内障,1只眼出现玻璃体积血,术后视网膜解剖均复位良好。结论:玻璃体视网膜手术可以帮助患者进行视网膜解剖复位及提高其先天性视网膜劈裂患者视功能,具有良好的临床疗效。     

康柏西普预防严重后巩膜裂伤玻璃体切除术后增生性玻璃体视网膜病变的临床疗效

摘要 目的：探讨玻璃体腔注射康柏西普对于严重后巩膜裂伤患者玻璃体切除术后增生性玻璃体视网膜病变发生的预防效果。方法：选取从2018年9月至2020年9月我院收治的40例（40眼）严重后巩膜裂伤患者进行研究,随机分为对照组20眼（行常规巩膜裂伤缝合术及经睫状体平坦部玻璃体切除术）和观察组20眼（行巩膜裂伤缝合术及经睫状体平坦部玻璃体切除术的同时联合玻璃体腔注射康柏西普治疗）。比较两组患者术前及术后的视力、眼压,以及术后增生性玻璃体视网膜病变的发生率、视网膜再脱离的发生率。结果：对照组及观察组术后的最佳矫正视力较术前均提高、术后眼压均正常,观察组术后的增生性玻璃体视网膜病变发生率（15.0 %）明显低于对照组（45.0 %, P<0.05）,观察组术后视网膜脱离复发率（5.0 %）低于对照组（30.0 %, P>0.05）。结论：严重后巩膜裂伤患者玻璃体切除术联合玻璃体注射康柏西普治疗能够有效降低增生性玻璃体视网膜病变的发生率和术后视网膜脱离的复发率,还可以改善患者的视力预后。     

Outbreak of Fungal Endophthalmitis Due to Fusarium oxysporum Following Cataract Surgery

Outbreak of exogenous Fusarium endophthalmitis after cataract surgery was evaluated. Twenty patients developed postoperative endophthalmitis. In 19 eyes, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed, in 14 cases (74 %) with primary intraocular lens explantation. In one case, the PPV was not performed because of poor general condition of the patient. Symptoms of endophthalmitis (damaged vision, iritis, tyndallization in anterior chamber, hypopyon) occurred at intervals of 16–79 days (mean 31.3 days). Fungal etiology was documented in 12 eyes (60 %). Fusarium oxysporum was evidenced by culture and/or microscopy and confirmed by PCR and sequencing analysis. Eighteen (90 %) patients were treated with oral voriconazole (400 mg/day) for a period of 4–6 weeks. The final visual acuity was 6/15 in 1 case (5 %), 6/60 and worse in 17 eyes (85 %), and in 2 cases (10 %), enucleation had to be performed. Viscoelastic filling material was suggested the most likely source of infection. Endophthalmitis caused by Fusarium spp. are a potentially big threat for patients with serious impact on vision. Successful management of the infection is highly dependent on early diagnosis including species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing, and on aggressive and long-term treatment.     

贝伐单抗辅助的23G玻璃体切割术治疗严重增生性糖尿病视网膜病变的疗效观察

目的：2011年,我国糖尿病患者人数高达9240万。糖尿病视网膜病变（diabeticretinopathy,DR）作为糖尿病患者的常见并发症,在糖尿病人群中的患病率为37％,是导致成人获得性盲的最主要原因之一。严重增生性糖尿病视网膜病变以牵拉性视网膜脱离、玻璃体出血为特征,具有致盲率大,手术难度高等特点。针对与此,本文主要探讨术前注射贝伐单抗对23G玻璃体切割手术治疗严重增生性糖尿病视网膜病变患者效果的影响。方法：回顾性病例对照研究。共收集严重增生性糖尿病视网膜病变患者70例,药物辅助手术组（A组）21例,术前3—7天行玻璃体腔注射贝伐单抗（1．25mg／O．05mL）;单纯手术组（B组）49例,行23G玻璃体切割术。分析两组术前及术后视力、手术时间、医源性裂孔、电凝、术后出血的不同。结果：在术后3月,两组视力提高有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。A组平均手术时间为74分钟,而B组平均手术时间为85分钟（P〉0．05）。医源性裂孔在A组中有1例,而B组中有16例（P〈0．05）,在A组中有3例使用电凝,B组中有25例使用电凝（P〈0．05）。A组有1例出现术中及术后出血,B组为20例（P〈O．05）。结论：在这个回顾性研究中,我们发现对于严重增生性糖尿病视网膜病变的病人,术前玻璃体腔注射1．25mg／O．05ml贝伐单抗可以显著减少医源性裂孔的发生,减少术中电凝使用及术中术后出血的发生。     

"Brilliant Blue G" and "Membrane Blue Dual" assisted vitrectomy for macular hole

The aim of this study is to evaluate vital dyes "Brilliant Blue G" (BBG) and "Membrane Blue Dual" (MBD) for intraoperative staining of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) during vitrectomy for macular hole (MH). Retrospective, comparative case series on 18 eyes with macular holes who underwent "23 and 25 gauge" pars plana vitrectomy. Main outcome measurements were staining intensity and characteristics, visual acuity, visual field, OCT measurements and complications over a period of 6 months. With the help of BBG and MBD successfully was removed complete ILM in 14 eyes. Postoperative visual acuity was improved in 12 patients, unchanged in 2 patients and worse in 4 patients. Central retinal thickness showed significant postoperative reduction with closure of macular hole. OCT values range were from -10 to -250 microm. No visual field defects and no adverse effects were found. BBG and MBD successfully identificate internal limiting membrane during vitrectomy for MH. Good anatomical and functional results are achieved with the use of both vital dyes.     

Postoperative outcomes after implantation of intraocular lenses in eyes with cataract and uveitis

Despite advances in surgical technique and implant materials, cataract surgery in patients with uveitis is still a challenging procedure. We retrospectively evaluated postoperative outcomes of cataract surgery in 35 eyes of 29 patients with uveitis. Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed in all eyes. Postoperative evaluations were performed at day 2, and then at 7 days, 1, 3, and 6 months respectively. There were 16 males, and 13 females, aged 31 to 68 years. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 35 months. At final follow-up 33 eyes (94%) had an improvement in visual acuity compared with preoperative levels (p < 0,05). Giant cells were observed in the intraocular lens optic in 7 eyes (20%). Posterior capsule opacification occurred in 10 eyes (29%). Clinical cystoid macular edema was observed in 4 eyes, and 2 eyes required trabeculectomy with mitomycin C due to secondary glaucoma. Cataract surgery in patients with uveitis leads to successful visual results after correct surgical timing, and adequate anti-inflammatory therapy. There were no significant differences in the degree of inflammation after implantation of various types of intraocular lenses.     

Blue light filtering intraocular lenses in phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Blue light can damage retina and cause age related macular degeneration. After cataract surgery and lens removal retina stays unprotected. Blue light filtering intraocular lenses (IOL) increase protection of the retina. In our prospective study we investigated clinical results after bilateral implantation of Acrysof Natural IOL to 30 patients (N = 60 eyes). In a control group (N = 60 eyes, 30 patients), standard acrysof IOL was implanted bilaterally. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and Nd YAG laser capsulotomy rate were measured and compared with control group. Subjective patient's satisfaction and subjective colour perception were also investigated. There was no significant difference in UCVA, BCVA and Nd YAG laser capsulotomy rate between the two groups. High patient's satisfaction was noticed (96.7% of patients would implant Acrysof Natural IOL again). Acrysof Natural IOL enables good visual acuity VA, low rate of Nd YAG laser capsulotomy and high patient's satisfaction without colour perception disturbances.     

玻璃体切割联合硅油注入治疗增殖型糖尿病视网膜病变的术后护理

目的：玻璃体切割联合硅油注入治疗增殖型糖尿病视网膜病变的术后护理的临床效应。方法：对88例增殖型糖尿病视网膜病变患者采用玻璃体切割联合硅油注入术后的护理,针对糖尿病病人的特点及硅油注入的特殊要求提出术后严密观察眼部情况,控制血糖、保持特殊体位、预防眼压升高等并发症。结果：手术后患者视力均有不同程度提高,对玻璃体切割联合硅油注入术使许多糖尿病病人加强术后护理,有助于恢复患者的有用视力、提高手术效果的临床效应,提高生存质量。结论：针对糖尿病病人的特点,在围手术期做好周密的护理,对于提高手术疗效是十分重要的。     

Ab-externo AAV-mediated gene delivery to the suprachoroidal space using a 250 micron flexible microcatheter

Background

The current method of delivering gene replacement to the posterior segment of the eye involves a three-port pars plana vitrectomy followed by injection of the agent through a 37-gauge cannula, which is potentially wrought with retinal complications. In this paper we investigate the safety and efficacy of delivering adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to the suprachoroidal space using an ab externo approach that utilizes an illuminated microcatheter.

Methods

6 New Zealand White rabbits and 2 Dutch Belted rabbits were used to evaluate the ab externo delivery method. sc-AAV5-smCBA-hGFP vector was delivered into the suprachoroidal space using an illuminated iTrackTM 250A microcatheter. Six weeks after surgery, the rabbits were sacrificed and their eyes evaluated for AAV transfection using immunofluorescent antibody staining of GFP.

Results

Immunostaining of sectioned and whole-mounted eyes demonstrated robust transfection in all treated eyes, with no fluorescence in untreated control eyes. Transfection occurred diffusely and involved both the choroid and the retina. No apparent adverse effects caused by either the viral vector or the procedure itself could be seen either clinically or histologically.

Conclusions

The ab externo method of delivery using a microcatheter was successful in safely and effectively delivering a gene therapy agent to the suprachoroidal space. This method presents a less invasive alternative to the current method of virally vectored gene delivery.     

超声乳化手术治疗慢性闭角型青光眼合并白内障的临床疗效分析

目的:探讨超声乳化手术治疗慢性闭角型青光眼合并白内障的临床效果。方法:慢性闭角型青光眼合并白内障64例(64眼)根据治疗方法的不同分为治疗组与对照组各32例,对照组采用传统小梁切除手术,治疗组采用超声乳化手术。结果:(1)两组术前视力对比无明显差异,治疗后视力情况都明显改善,同时组间对比有明显差异(P0.05)。(2)两组术前眼压比较无显著性差异,术后两组组间与组内对比都有明显差异(P0.05)。(3)两组术前前房深度比较无显著性差异,治疗后都有明显上升(P0.05),同时组间对比差异明显(P0.05)。(4)两组患者术中与术后都无严重并发症发生。结论:对于慢性闭角型青光眼合并白内障患者行超声乳化手术具备加深前房、控制眼压、提高视力的作用,同时安全性好,可作为标准治疗选择。     

超声乳化联合小梁切除术治疗闭角型青光眼合并白内障的临床研究

目的:探讨超声乳化白内障吸除术(Phaco)、人工晶状体植入术(IOL)联合小梁切除术(TBL)治疗原发性闭角型青光眼(PACG)伴厚晶状体白内障的临床疗效和安全性。方法:将82例(98眼)原发性闭角型青光眼伴厚晶状体白内障患者随机分为A组(41例52眼)和B组(41例46眼),A组行Phaco+IOL+TBL治疗,B组单纯行TBL治疗,比较两组的手术前后眼压、最佳矫正视力、中央前房深度(ACD)、小梁虹膜角(TIA)、房角开放距离500(AOD500)及小梁睫状体距离(TCPD)的变化、视力提高率及并发症的发生情况。结果:两组术后眼压均较术前显著降低,且A组的降低幅度显著高于B组(P0.05);两组术后最佳矫正视力均显著提高,且A组显著高于B组(P0.05);A组术后视力提高率为86.54%,显著高于B组的32.61%(P0.05);两组术后ACD、TIA、AOD500及TCPD均显著提高,且A组显著高于B组(P0.05);A组手术并发症发生率为5.77%,显著低于B组的17.39%(P0.05)。结论:超声乳化白内障摘除术、人工晶状体植入术联合小梁切除术治疗PACG伴厚晶状体白内障的疗效较单用小梁切除术更好,且安全性更高。     

Changes of Vision-Related Quality of Life in Retinal Detachment Patients after Cataract Surgery

Rhegmatenous retinal detachment (RRD) is one of the most serious complications after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation surgery. It has been reported that vision-related quality of life (VRQoL), as well as visual acuity rapidly decreased when RRD developed. However, little is known of the VRQoL in those RRD patients after anatomical retinal re-attachment, especially whether or not the VRQoL is higher than that before cataract surgery. In this prospective case series study, we use the Chinese-version low vision quality of life questionnaire (CLVQOL) to assess the changes of VRQoL in age-related cataract patients who suffered from RRD after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (phaco-IOL) implantation. All participants were asked to complete questionnaires in face- to-face interviews one day before and two weeks after cataract surgery, as well as one day before and three months after RRD surgery. A total of 10,127 consecutive age-related cataract patients were followed up to one year after phaco-IOL implantation; among these patients, 17 were diagnosed as RRD. The total CLVQOL scores and subscale scores except “Mobility” decreased significantly when RRD developed. After retinal surgery, only the score of “General vision and lighting” in the CLVQOL questionnaires improved when compared to the scores two weeks after cataract surgery, although the best corrected visual acuity of all patients significantly raised up. However, the mean CLVQOL scores and subscale scores were still considerably higher than the level prior to cataract surgery. Our study suggests that cataract patients at high risk of postoperative RRD should not deny the opportunity to undergo phaco-IOL implantation, even though potential VRQoL impairment induced by RRD exists.     

Glaucoma triple procedure: a one-site vs. a two-site approach

The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate the success rate of combined glaucoma and small cataract surgery by means of a one-site versus two-site approach. Fifty-eight eyes of fifty-five patients undergoing combined surgery were operated: thirty-one eyes underwent two-site approach and twenty-seven eyes underwent one-site approach. Short term and long term mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative inflammation and complication rates between two groups. There is no significant difference in the postoperative results in those two different approaches to perform combined operations of cataract and glaucoma.     

Cataract Surgery Visual Outcomes and Associated Risk Factors in Secondary Level Eye Care Centers of L V Prasad Eye Institute,India

Purpose

To evaluate cataract surgery visual outcomes and associated risk factors in rural secondary level eye care centers of L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), India.

Methods

The Eye Health pyramid of LVPEI has a network of rural secondary care centres (SCs) and attached vision centres (VCs) that provide high quality comprehensive eye care with permanent infrastructure to the most disadvantaged sections of society. The most common procedure performed at SCs is cataract surgery. We audited the outcome of a random sample of 2,049 cataract surgeries done from October 2009-March 2010 at eight rural SCs. All patients received a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, both before and after surgery. The World Health Organization recommended cataract surgical record was used for data entry. Visual outcomes were measured at discharge, 1–3 weeks and 4–11 weeks follow up visits. Poor outcome was defined as best corrected visual acuity <6/18.

Results

Mean age was 61.8 years (SD: 8.9 years) and 1,133 (55.3%) surgeries were performed on female patients. Pre-existing ocular co-morbidity was present in 165 patients (8.1%). The most common procedure was small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (91.8%). Intraoperative complications were seen in 29 eyes (1.4%). At the 4–11 weeks follow-up visit, based on presenting visual acuity (PVA), 61.8% had a good outcome and based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 91.7% had a good outcome. Based on PVA and BCVA, those with less than 6/60 were only 2.9% and 1.6% respectively. Using multivariable analysis, poor visual outcomes were significantly higher in patients aged ≥70 (OR 4.63; 95% CI 1.61, 13.30), in females (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.04, 2.41), those with preoperative comorbidities (odds ratio 4.68; 95% CI 2.90, 7.57), with intraoperative complications (OR 8.01; 95% CI 2.91, 22.04), eyes that underwent no IOL or anterior chamber-IOL (OR 12.63; 95% CI 2.65, 60.25) and those undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction (OR 9.39; 95% CI 1.18, 74.78).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that quality cataract surgeries can be achieved at rural SCs. The concept of the LVPEI SCs can be applied to other developing countries, allowing rural patients to attain better vision through cataract surgery. Despite improvements in quality of cataract surgery, gender discrimination in terms of outcome continues to be an issue and needs further investigation.     

Prevalence and Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Adult Rural Chinese Populations of the Bai Nationality in Dali: The Yunnan Minority Eye Study

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and visual acuity (VA) outcomes of cataract surgery in adults of the Bai Nationality populations in rural China.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey (from randomly selected block groups) of Chinese Bai Nationality aged ≥50 years in southwestern China. Presenting visual acuity (PVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded and a detailed eye examination was carried out. For all aphakic and pseudophakic subjects identified, information on the date, setting, type, and complications of cataract surgery were recorded. In eyes with VA <20/63, the principal cause of visual impairment was identified.

Results

Of 2133 (77.8% of 2742) subjects, 99 people (129 eyes) had undergone cataract surgery. The prevalence of cataract surgery was 4.6%. Surgical coverage among those with PVA <20/200 in both eyes because of cataract was 52.8%. Unoperated cataract was associated with older age. The main barrier to cataract surgery was lack of awareness and knowledge, cost, and fear. Among the 129 cataract-operated eyes, 22.5% had PVA of ≥20/32, 25.6% had PVA of 20/40 to 20/63, 23.3% had PVA <20/63 to 20/200, and 28.7% had PVA<20/200. With BCVA, the percentages were 42.6%, 23.3%, 10.9%, and 23.3%, respectively. Aphakia (odds ratio [OR], 8.49; P<0.001) and no education (OR, 10.18; P = 0.001) or less education (OR, 6.49; P = 0.014) were significantly associated with postoperative visual impairment defined by PVA, while aphakia (OR, 8.49; P<0.001) and female gender (OR, 4.19; P = 0.004) were significantly associated with postoperative visual impairment by BCVA. The main causes of postoperative visual impairment were refractive error, retinal disorders and glaucoma.

Conclusions

Half of those with bilateral visual impairment or blindness because of cataract remain in need of cataract surgery in Bai population. Surgical uptake and visual outcomes should be further improved in the future.     

透明角膜切口白内障术后角膜曲率的临床观察*

目的:观察年龄相关性白内障行透明角膜切口超声乳化吸除及人工晶体植入术后角膜曲率的变化及相对稳定的时间。方法:收集2016年6月-8月在哈尔滨医科大学附属第一医院伍连德纪念医院进行的3.0 mm透明角膜切口白内障超声乳化吸除及人工晶体植入术的患者200例216眼,其中男88例、女128例,平均年龄71.2岁,进行相应的术前检查,并检查术前、术后第一天、一周、一个月、和三个月时的角膜曲率、视力、眼压并行相应的统计学分析。结果:术后不同时间点视力0.5的恢复情况:第一天为147眼(68.05%)、一周为175眼(81.02%)、一个月为193眼(89.35%)、三个月为197眼(91.20%);术前角膜曲率为43.94±1.35、术后第一天、术后一周的角膜曲率分别为44.98±1.06、44.45±1.18,与术前相比有显著性差异(p0.05),术后一个月、三个月的角膜曲率分别为44.13±1.27、44.02±1.24,与术前相比无显著性差异(p0.05);术源性散光于术后一天达到最大,随后逐渐减小,术后一个月、三个月与术后一天比较有显著性差异(p0.05),术后三个月与一个月比较无显著性差异(p0.05),术源性散光术后逐渐下降,并于一个月时趋于稳定。结论:3.0 mm透明角膜切口白内障超声乳化吸除及人工晶体植入术患者在术后一个月的角膜曲率基本稳定,恢复至术前状态,屈光状态趋于稳定,术源性角膜散光较小,术后视力恢复至较好状态。     

老年白内障患者超声乳化联合人工晶状体植入术1210例临床研究

目的：观察老年白内障患者超声乳化联合人工晶体植入术后的治疗效果,探讨白内障超声乳化人工晶状体植入术术中术后并发症及相应处理措施。方法：对1210例1325眼老年白内障超声乳化人工晶状体植入术患者的临床病例资料进行回顾性分析,统计术后疗效并分析术中术后并发症的原因。结果：1325眼术后视力均有不同程度的提高,发生术中晶状体碎核入玻璃体腔1眼,术后并发症主要为一过性高眼压、角膜水肿、晶状体后囊破裂及视网膜脱落,发生率分别为1．36％、7．47％、0．03％和0．02％。结论：超声乳化联合人工晶体植入术对老年白内障患者治疗效果满意。对于术中及术后发生的各种并发症应分析原因并积极的预防。     

Long-term evaluation of corneal sub-basal nerve recovery after photorefractive keratectomy and influence of pars plana vitrectomy

The corneal sub-basal nerve (SBN) plexus is destroyed during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and its recovery is still a matter of debate. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was used to evaluate SBN plexus in 23 patients at a distance of 10–25 years (mean 15.6 years) from myopic PRK. Because 8 out of the 23 PRK patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, IVCM was also performed on those patients 6 months after PPV. Thirteen patients matched for age and myopia served as controls (non-PRK). SBN plexus was markedly reduced after PRK compared with non-PRK eyes and showed a slow, continuous but incomplete recovery up to the end of our follow-up (range 10–25 years). PRK and non-PRK eyes showed a marked reduction in SBN density 6 months after PPV, thus demonstrating a detrimental effect exerted by PPV on SBN plexus.     

Changes in Inner and Outer Retinal Layer Thicknesses after Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Macular Hole: Implications for Visual Prognosis

Purpose

To investigate sequential post-operative thickness changes in inner and outer retinal layers in eyes with an idiopathic macular hole (MH).

Methods

Retrospective case series. Twenty-four eyes of 23 patients who had received pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the closure of MH were included in the study. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography C-scan was used to automatically measure the mean thickness of the inner and outer retinal layers pre-operatively and up to 6 months following surgery. The photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length was measured manually and was used to assess its relationship with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results

Compared with the pre-operative thickness, the inner layers significantly thinned during follow-up (P = 0.02), particularly in the parafoveal (P = 0.01), but not perifoveal, area. The post-operative inner layer thinning ranged from the ganglion cell layer to the inner plexiform layer (P = 0.002), whereas the nerve fiber layer was unaltered. Outer layer thickness was significantly greater post-operatively (P = 0.002), and especially the PROS lengthened not only in the fovea but also in the parafovea (P < 0.001). Six months after surgery, BCVA was significantly correlated exclusively with the elongated foveal PROS (R = 0.42, P = 0.03), but not with any of the other thickness parameters examined.

Conclusions

Following PPV for MH, retinal inner layers other than the nerve fiber layer thinned, suggestive of subclinical thickening in the inner layers where no cyst was evident pre-operatively. In contrast, retinal outer layer thickness significantly increased, potentially as a result of PROS elongation linking tightly with favorable visual prognosis in MH eyes.