Spectral domain optical coherence tomography and B-scan ultrasonography in the evaluation of retinal tears in acute, incomplete posterior vitreous detachment

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extension and traction effects of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) complicated with retinal tears using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and B-scan ultrasonography. METHODS: Complete ophthalmological examination, B-scan ultrasonography and spectral domain OCT were performed in patients with acute PVD and retinal tears. Vitreous detachment was classified as complete or incomplete, based on extent of posterior pole or peripheral vitreous detachment. Retinal tear location and persistent traction on the retinal flap was evaluated with B-scan ultrasonography and OCT. Categorical data were evaluated with Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was considered as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-six eyes of 25 patients were assessed. Four eyes (15 %) presented complete PVD with detachment at the posterior pole and periphery. 22 eyes (85 %) presented incomplete PVD with detachment in the periphery. Twenty eyes presented retinal tears in the superior quadrants with respect to only 6 in the inferior quadrants (p = 0.006). There was a higher incidence of retinal tears in the pre with respect to post-equatorial areas (19 vs 7 eyes, p = 0.019). B-scan ultrasonography and OCT revealed persistent traction on the retinal tear flap in 19 and 15 eyes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In acute PVD, retinal tears are prevalently associated with peripheral vitreous detachment. The impact of complete or incomplete PVD can be of clinical value when evaluating patients with retinal tears

An update on oculodermal melanocytosis and rare associated conditions

Oculodermal melanocytosis (ODM) is a rare disease, which is characterized by hyperpigmentation of facial skin and several parts of the eye, such as the sclera, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, ciliary body, and choroid. The condition usually affects the Asian female population. The most typical presenting ocular sign is iris heterocromia. Iris hyperpigmentation may be associated with iris mammillations, which are dome-shaped protuberations of the iris surface. They are linked to a higher risk of malignant transformation when present in patients with ODM. Glaucoma is a complication of ODM and is caused by angle abnormalities or mechanical occlusion by melanocytes in an open irido-corneal angle. Choroidal and ciliary body melanoma have a higher incidence in this condition characterized by melanocytosis. Patients presenting ODM should undergo routine ophthalmological examination in order to carefully monitor for glaucoma and melanoma