Posterior subhyaloid precipitates in cytomegalovirus retinitis

This study aims to report a novel finding of posterior subhyaloid precipitates (PSPs) in two patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. A small case series was conducted. Clinical findings, treatment, and follow-up of two patients with CMV and PSPs are presented. Inflammatory precipitates may collect in the posterior subhyaloid space in acute CMV retinitis and resolve with treatment

Pharmacotherapy of retinal disease with visual cycle modulators

Introduction: Pharmacotherapy with visual cycle modulators (VCMs) is under investigation for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), Stargardt macular dystrophy (SMD) and nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), all blinding diseases that lack effective treatment options. Areas covered: The authors review investigational VCMs, including oral retinoids, 9-cis-retinyl-acetate (zuretinol) and 9-cis-β-carotene, which restore 11-cis-retinal levels in RP and LCA caused by LRAT and RPE65 gene mutations, and may improve visual acuity and visual fields. Therapies for SMD aiming to decrease accumulation of toxic Vitamin A dimers and lipofuscin in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) include C20-D3-vitamin A (ALK-001), isotretinoin, VM200, emixustat, and A1120. Mouse models of SMD show promising data for these treatments, though proof of efficacy in humans is currently lacking. Fenretinide and emixustat are investigational VCMs for dry AMD, though neither has been shown to reduce geographic atrophy or improve vision in human trials. A1120 prevents retinol transport into the RPE and may spare the side effects typically seen in VCMs (nyctalopia and chromatopsia) per mouse studies. Expert opinion: Oral VCMs may be feasible treatment options for degenerative retinal diseases based on pre-clinical and some early clinical studies. Further trials are warranted to assess their efficacy and safety in humans

Stargardt macular dystrophy and evolving therapies

Introduction: Stargardt macular dystrophy (STGD1) is a hereditary retinal degeneration that lacks effective treatment options. Gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and pharmacotherapy with visual cycle modulators (VCMs) and complement inhibitors are discussed as potential treatments. Areas covered: Investigational therapies for STGD1 aim to reduce toxic bisretinoids and lipofuscin in the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). These agents include C20-D3-vitamin A (ALK-001), isotretinoin, VM200, emixustat, and A1120. Avacincaptad pegol is a C5 complement inhibitor that may reduce inflammation-related RPE damage. Animal models of STGD1 show promising data for these treatments, though proof of efficacy in humans is lacking. Fenretinide and emixustat are VCMs for dry AMD and STGD1 that failed to halt geographic atrophy progression or improve vision in trials for AMD. A1120 prevents retinol transport into RPE and may spare side effects typically seen with VCMs (nyctalopia and chromatopsia). Stem cell transplantation suggests potential biologic plausibility in a phase I/II trial. Gene therapy aims to augment the mutated ABCA4 gene, though results of a phase I/II trial are pending. Expert opinion: Stem cell transplantation, ABCA4 gene therapy, VCMs, and complement inhibitors offer biologically plausible treatment mechanisms for treatment of STGD1. Further trials are warranted to assess efficacy and safety in humans

Worldwide Argus II implantation: recommendations to optimize patient outcomes

Abstract Background A position paper based on the collective experiences of Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System investigators to review strategies to optimize outcomes in patients with retinitis pigmentosa undergoing retinal prosthesis implantation. Methods Retinal surgeons, device programmers, and rehabilitation specialists from Europe, Canada, Middle East, and the United States were convened to the first international Argus II Investigator Meeting held in Ann Arbor, MI in March 2015. The recommendations from the collective experiences were collected. Factors associated with successful outcomes were determined. Results Factors leading to successful outcomes begin with appropriate patient selection, expectation counseling, and preoperative retinal assessment. Challenges to surgical implantation include presence of staphyloma and inadequate Tenon’s capsule or conjunctiva. Modified surgical technique may reduce risks of complications such as hypotony and conjunctival erosion. Rehabilitation efforts and correlation with validated outcome measures following implantation are critical. Conclusions Bringing together Argus II investigators allowed the identification of strategies to optimize patient outcomes. Establishing an on-line collaborative network will foster coordinated research efforts to advance outcome assessment and rehabilitation strategies.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134581/1/12886_2016_Article_225.pd

Clinical Comparison of Two Anesthetic Preparations for Intravitreal Injection

The primary goal of this investigation is to determine the relative comfort of an intravitreal injection (same day and the next day) after a preparation utilizing three cotton swabs soaked in 4% lidocaine versus a preparation using 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel. Based on the available data, the researchers contend that a preparation based on viscous 3.5% ophthalmic lidocaine gel, which coats the surface and remains in contact with the eye longer, may provide greater anesthesia and result in greater patient comfort than the topical 4% lidocaine, which is part of the standard preparation routinely utilized in the ophthalmology department currently. Secondary outcome measure is the intraocular pressure rise after the injection, and the authors will generate prospective data to study whether softening the eye with cotton swabs prior to the injection lowers post-injection pressure spike. Patient comfort during and after eye injections will be compared after two numbing (anesthetic) protocols, an eye preparation utilizing three cotton swabs soaked in 4% lidocaine drops versus a preparation using 3.5% lidocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel

Surgical Observations from the First 120 Cases of Subretinal Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Degenerations

To report surgical observations formulated during the first 120 cases of subretinal gene therapy in patients with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). A two-surgeon team compiled surgical observations and formulated surgical pearls based on the consecutive cases of subretinal viral vector injection in patients enrolled in clinical trials focusing on choroideremia, achromatopsia, and RPGR-associated retinitis pigmentosa, as well as patients with RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis receiving FDA-approved voretigene neparvovec-rzyl therapy. 120 subretinal surgeries were performed by a two-surgeon team. Key anatomical features pertinent to surgical management were noted and are described in this manuscript. Surgical decision making for successful subretinal administration of viral vectors and management of potential surgical challenges were formulated. Lessons learned during subretinal gene therapy cases may be helpful to other surgeons entering clinical trials or performing post-approval gene therapy administration. Surgical pearls outlined in this manuscript may also be helpful for other targeted subretinal therapies such as cellular transplantation or retinal prosthesis implantation

Surgery for full-thickness macular hole in patients with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2

The authors report surgical outcomes of full-thickness macular hole repair in two patients with idiopathic macular telangiectasia in a non-comparative case series. Both patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy with indocyanine green-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling and injection of 16% C(3)F(8) gas. Patients were imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after surgery. The first patient demonstrated macular hole closure on examination and OCT with visual improvement from 20/50 preoperatively to 20/30 after macular hole surgery and subsequent cataract surgery. The second patient's hole closed per OCT immediately after surgery but reopened 4 months later, and visual acuity remained 20/70. Macular hole surgery may be an effective treatment in patients with idiopathic macular telangiectasia and full-thickness macular holes and should be further investigated