Highlights of Advances in Medical Retina from the Virtual World Ophthalmology Congress 2020

The World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) is one of the largest international ophthalmology conferences, taking place every two years. The event this year was the first of its kind, held as a virtual summit due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There were over 2000 talks from world experts, a virtual industry exhibition including free papers, e-posters, live symposia and presentations. Medical retina is a subspecialty in which exciting and innovative advances in research were presented. The topics covered included the use of Conbercept for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy, Faricimab in Diabetic Macular Oedema and neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD), Brolucizumab, Aflibercept and Port Delivery Systems in nAMD, amongst many others. Medical retina continues to be a rapidly advancing field within ophthalmology with new research findings having great implications for treatment burden and service delivery. This report summaries the highlights of advances within the medical retina subspecialty from free papers in WOC 2020.

Presbyopia Management with Diffractive Phakic Posterior Chamber IOL

Objective: To evaluate safety and refractive efficiency after posterior chamber diffractive implantable phakic contact lens (IPCL) surgery. Material and Methods: A prospective non-randomized case-series study was performed on 54 myopic eyes of 27 patients who had undergone diffractive IPCL surgery. Corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), intra-ocular pressure (IOP), vault, uncorrected distance (UDVA), spherical equivalent (SE) and defocus curve, were all evaluated twelve months after surgery. The presence of cataracts was evaluated by slit-lamp during a postoperative follow-up. Results: Mean age was 47 ± 2.62 years-old. Mean SE decreased, from -5.95 ± 2.56 D in a pre-operative stage, to -0.25 ± 0.25 D twelve months after surgery. Achieved UDVA was 20/20 in 24.1% of all cases, 20/25 in 74.1% of them, and 20/32 in all remaining cases. No eyes suffered lost lines of vision. The binocular defocus curve was 0.06 ± 0.05 logMAR for a -3.0 D of defocus; 0.11 ± 0.04 logMAR for a -1.5 D of defocus, and 0.08 ± 0.03 logMAR for a 0 D of defocus. Twelve months after surgery, mean ECD had decreased by 1.43 %, whereas mean CCT had increased by 0.06 %, without any significant statistical difference (p = 0.28 and p = 0.93 respectively). No difference (p: 0.86) in the vault was observed at 6 months vs.12 months, as well as between IOP measurements (p = 0.22). There were no non-intra or postoperative complications, and, specifically, no cataracts developed either. Conclusions: Diffractive IPCL was implanted safely. Corneal endothelial CD, CCT, vault, and IOP remained stable twelve months after surgery. Visual acuity for distance, intermediate and near sight were achieved without spectacles.

Pupillotonia and Adie Syndrome

The aim of the work is to approach the examination of the pupil with a focus on anisocoria, its characteristics and approach to the diagnosis of pupillotonia and Adie's syndrome and its clinical evaluation. Pupil function is important not only in neurophthalmological examination but also in general ophthalmological examination. First of all, we need to know how the reflex arc works in order to be able to exclude or confirm whether the parasympathetic or sympathetic is affected. It is also necessary to know the exact characteristics of the pupil, such as size, shape, placement, function and reaction to light and at close range. Only on this basis can we distinguish pathological features. We do not often encounter this diagnosis, but it is necessary to keep it in mind, especially in the field of neurophthalmology but also in general ophthalmology. We also present three cases of pupilotonia and Adie's syndrome, which we diagnosed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, after the patient himself came by emergency admission or was sent directly to ophthalmology clinic. In the discussion, we present various other diagnoses, where the reflex arc may not be affected, but the pathological pupil is caused by intraocular tumors, general systemic diseases and, last but not least, local therapy or alkaloids.

Highlights of Hypertensive and Normotensive Glaucoma

The paper presents the up-to-date overview of pathogenesis, functional and structural changes in normotensive glaucoma (NTG) and its differences from hypertensive glaucoma (HTG). The autors point out new facts that distinguish both diagnostic groups. In the first place are the results of OCT angiography, which verify the pathology of NTG to the anterior part of optic nerve. Our findings confirmed that vascular component (VD) is more involved in changes of visual field than in perfusion parameters, especially in arteria ophtalmica (AO). Perfusion in arteria centralis retinae (ACR) does not play a significant role in NTG changes in the visual field. VD has very little effect on changes in visual field in HTG. Similarly, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) for changes in the visual field. Howerver, VD is moderately influenced by changes in RNFL. It should be emphasized that we compared the sum of sensitivity in the central part of the visual field (0-22 degrees) with RNFL and VD. In NTG, the anterior part of the optic nerve is altered. Mainly VD contributes to visual field changes in NTG. It is also important to note that when the intraocular pressure (IOP) increased above 20 mm Hg, the macular and papillary VD was significantly reduced. Antiglaucomatous treatment with prostaglandins and beta-blockers is essential for the reduction of IOP in HTG. This reduction shoud be bellow 20 mm Hg, in eyes with thinner cornea the decrease in IOP should be more pronounced. It does not matter which antiglaucoma treatment was used. However, it should be noted that prostaglandins have a greater effect on disease progression, but the greater protective effect on the visual field have beta-blockers. Neuroprotectives should be recommended systemically in patients with HTG. When treating NTG, it is important to maintain blood flow of the posterior pole of the eye, but mainly of the anterior part of the optic nerve. Prostaglandins are not suitable in NTG patients, although their effect on IOL reduction is high. Beta-blockers (betaxolol and carteol) and brimonidine are most suitable. Corneal thickness has no effect on disease progression.

Transscleral Diode Cyclophotocoagulation in Treatment of Glaucoma

Cyclodestructive procedures are an alternative of surgical treatment of medically refractory glaucoma. Aim: To assess efficiency and safety of diode cyclophotocoagulation (CPC). Methods: Retrospective study included 81 eyes with advanced glaucoma operated with CPC for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) from January 2017 to January 2019. CPC was performed in retrobulbar anesthesia with contact diode laser FOX (A.R.C. Laser, Germany) of wavelength 810 nm, transsclerally to the ciliary body. Energy settings: intensity 2 W, exposition time 2 s, 18 applications in arc of 360°. Decrease of intraocular pressure was investigated during month 1, 6 and 12 after CPC. Safety was evaluated according to the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on Snellen optotypes and number of postoperative complications. Results: Study on 31 eyes of 24 patients, 21 (68 %) women and 10 (32 %) men, with follow-up during more than 12 months. Mean follow-up time was 19.5 ± 6.1 (from 12 to 29) months. Average age was 75.9 ± 9.2 (56 - 93) years. Indication for CPC was primary open angle glaucoma in 15 eyes (49 %), primary angle closure glaucoma in 6 eyes (19 %) and secondary glaucomas in 10 eyes (32 %). All patients were on therapy of 4 antiglaucomatic drops and 10 of them (32 %) on acetazolamide pills. IOP before CPC was 25.4 ± 11.0 (13–56) mm Hg. After 1 year IOP decreased to 16.9 ± 6.1 (8–40) mm Hg. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before CPC was 0.39 ± 0.34 (0-1), 1 year after CPC 0.36 ± 0.33 (0-1). 1 year after CPC, 11 eyes (35 %) lost 0.23 ± 0.14 rows. 6 from these (19 %) due to other acquired ocular pathologies. Hypotony occurred in 6 % and uveitis in 10 % eyes. Conclusion: CPC is a safe and effective method of lowering IOP.

Acute Elevation of Intraocular Pressure in Patient with Hyperlipidemic Myeloma

Purpose: To introduce a rare case of patient with hyperlipidemic myeloma and ocular manifestation in the form of masquerade syndrome with acute elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and hyperviscous retinopathy. Results: 55-year-old man with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemic myeloma and hyperviscous syndrome was acutely referred to our glaucoma outpatient clinic due to problems with his left eye: sudden pain, blurred vision, redness of the eye and IOP of 44 mm Hg. We excluded attack of angle closure glaucoma and found the presence of whitish material in the anterior chamber and blood obstructing the iridocorneal angle. Glaucoma therapy was initiated and lavage of the anterior chamber of the left eye with sampling of the aqueous humour for biochemical and cytological examination was performed. Identification of trace amount of cryoprotein in the samples of humour proved diagnosis of masquerade syndrome. Finding of the hyperviscous retinopathy and nonperfusion of wide peripheral areas of retina in both eyes was indicated to laser coagulation of these areas. The patient underwent in the meantime three times plasmapheresis, four cycles of biological therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation reaching complete remission of the myeloma. Local and systemic therapy led to significant clinical finding improvement on the anterior segment and fundus of both eyes. Conclusions: Masquerade syndrome can be complicated by acute elevation of IOP. Diagnostic lavage of the anterior chamber, local therapy, systemic therapy and close interdisciplinary cooperation contributed to right diagnosis, IOP normalisation, ocular and general condition improvement.

Ocular Complications of Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy – Case Report

Pregnancy is associated with increased risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), the greatest risk of worsening occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy and persists as long as one year after the childbirth. The risk factors include duration of the diabetes, insufficient metabolic control, severity of DR at the time of conception and presence of coexisting vascular disease, such as arterial hypertension, and pregnancy itself. The recommendations for retinopathy screening in pregnancy vary significantly. A dilated fundus exam should be done in the beginning of pregnancy, the next follow-up throughout pregnancy depends on the severity of ocular findings. The cooperation of multi-disciplinary team consisting of ophthalmologist, obstetrition and endocrinologist is essential to provide the best health care. The authors present a case report of a pregnant woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), who had a progression of DR and diabetic macular edema (DME) in both eyes during pregnancy. She has had DM for 24 years and has been treated with insulin. The patient was examined at the 23rd week of the second pregnancy (first pregnancy was terminated because of missed miscarriage). The diagnosis of advanced proliferative DR and advanced DME in both eyes was made so we performed panretinal laser photocoagulation of the retina of both eyes. Despite that the ocular findings got worse and we found vitreous haemorrhage in the left eye. We performed pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) of the left eye at the 28th week of pregnancy, nevertheless the DME got worse in both eyes, so we recommended to terminate the pregnancy at the 31st week because of the risk of loss of vision. The visual acuity of the left eye improved, but suddenly there was vitreous haemorrhage in the right eye after the delivery. We indicated PPV of the right eye, the outcome of the surgery was satisfying. We still take care about this patient.

Results of 15 Years of Collaboration between the Departments of Ophthalmology and Stomatology in Oncological Surgery of the Orbit: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach

Aim: To report an overview of the most frequent tumors of the orbit, suggest diagnostic approach and possible solution according to experience with own cohort of patients. Material and Methods: From patients’ files from the Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Stomatology, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, and General Faculty Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, there were selected patients, who underwent the surgery due to the suspicion of malignant development in the orbit during the period 2005 – 2019. From the surgical records we found information about 497 cases. At the Department of Stomatology, there were 282 surgeries under general anesthesia performed, and at the Department of Ophthalmology, there were 215 surgeries, mostly under local anesthesia performed. Results: The number of surgeries in men and women was equal; patients of all ages were present. The median of patients’ age operated on at the Department of Stomatology was 53 years, and at the Department of Ophthalmology 63 years. The most common primary benign tumor was the cavernous hemangioma (9 %), the most common non-tumorous expansion was the dermoid cyst (7 %); the most common malignant tumor was the lymphoma (17.5 %). The last mentioned tumor was the most common diagnosis in the whole cohort as well. Conclusion: Our cohort of patients is comparable with large cohorts published in the literature concerning age and gender distributions. Differences in frequencies of some lesions may be explained by that our cohort includes patients after the surgery only. The malignant lymphoma is the most common diagnosis indicated to surgical procedure, mostly biopsy. Comparing the two cohorts from our departments 20 years apart, the malignant lymphoma remains the most common indication for surgery, but the incidence of adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the lacrimal gland decreased. It is not the goal of this paper to evaluate all possible orbital affections. Suggested surgical approaches are just recommendations according to years of experience; however, in some situations, to choose an individual surgical approach is necessary.

Usage of Digital D Chart Test as a Modification of Amsler Grid in Ophthalmology and Optometry

Aims: Metamorphopsia is important symptom of macular disease. The most common simple detection method of metamorphopsia is Amsler grid. Usually it is used monocularly with best correction for near. Patient should evaluate grid deformation and describe position of the deformity. This method is based on qualitative principle. For quantitative evaluation we can use Software D Chart (Thomson Software Solution). This instrument enables evaluate degree and position of the metamorphopsia in central visual field. Our goal was to establish M-score values in group of young healthy subjects without correction (M-score natural), with cylindrical spectacle lens (M-score SL) and in group of patients with age related degeneration (M-score ARMD). Objects and Methods: We had 33 probands divided into 2 samples. The first sample contains 15 young probands with average age 23 years without any eye pathology. The second sample contains 18 patients with ARMD (7 with dry form and 11 with wet form). In our study we used software D Chart (Thomson Software Solution). This software was use in Acer PC with touchable screen. We note total M-score in right eye of all probands. Level for statistic evaluation was set on p = 0.05. Results: Natural M-score values for young probands was: median 0, minimum 0, maximum 2.3. With cylindrical lens we got these values: median 25.2, minimum 3.6, maximum 41.6. In second sample with probands suffer from ARMD we got these values: median 0.8, minimum 0, maximum 29.4. Wilcoxon non-parametric test was used for statistical evaluation. We proved statistically significant difference between all variables. M-score natural vs. M-score SL showed p < 0.001, M-score natural vs. M-score ARMD showed p = 0.04 and M-score SL vs. M-score ARMD showed p < 0.001. Conclusion: Our study showed statistically significant differences between variable M-score natural, M-score SL and M-score ARMD. We found that printed Amsler grid as well as its digital modification D Chart are suitable for determining metamorphopsia in central visual field. The main advantage of D Chart is quantitative evaluation of the test with M-score and digital registration of retinal changes during patient´s follow up.

VEGF: A Key Player not Only in Macular Degeneration. A Review

The issue of macular retinal degeneration is one of the key areas of ophthalmology. Recent advances in the targeted delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) suppressants have significantly impacted the patient's prognosis in the form of a significant deceleration in disease progression. Some of the drugs have gradually found their use in other indications (central retinal vein occlusion or diabetic macular edema). The following text gives a brief look at the physiology of VEGF, but not only in the eye, but throughout the human body, particularly in the context of adverse effects resulting from systemic inhibition of its effects.