Subthreshold microsecond laser for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a randomized pilot study

Mahima Jhingan,1 Abhilash Goud,1 Hari Kumar Peguda,1 Mitali Khodani,1 Jeffrey K Luttrull,2 Jay Chhablani1 1L V Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, India; 2Ventura County Retina Vitreous Medical Group, CA, USA Aim: To compare the outcomes of subthreshold microsecond (STM) and continuous-wave laser (CWL) panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).Methods: In this randomized, prospective, pilot study, 20 eyes of 10 subjects with symmetric severe non-proliferative (NPDR) or low-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were included. Each eye of the subject was randomized into either CWL or STM PRP group. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at months 3, 6, and 9 with color fundus photographs and visual field tests at each visit; however, electroretinography (ERG) was conducted at baseline and at month 9. The primary outcome measure was the difference in disease progression between the groups. Secondary outcome measures included change in visual acuity, contrast visual acuity, retinal sensitivity on visual field test, and change in ERG parameters.Results: During the 9-month follow-up, one eye of the STM group progressed to vitreous hemorrhage at the month 6 follow-up and required rescue conventional laser. The CWL group showed a drop in low-contrast visual acuity, visual field index, and scotopic b/a ratio in comparison to the STM group, although the difference was statistically insignificant (p>0.05).Conclusion: This prospective pilot study proposes microsecond PRP is non-inferior to CWL PRP and could be an alternative to CWL PRP to avoid associated complications in cases of severe NPDR and early PDR. Keywords: panretinal photocoagulation, diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, micropulse laser, microsecond laser&nbsp

DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA IN NAIVE COMPARED WITH REFRACTORY EYES The International Retina Group Real-Life 24-Month Multicenter Study. The IRGREL-DEX Study

Purpose: To investigate efficacy and safety of repeated dexamethasone (DEX) implants over 24 months, in diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes that were treatment naive compared with eyes refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, in a real-life environment. Methods: This multicenter international retrospective study assessed best-corrected visual acuity and central subfield thickness (CST) of naive and refractory eyes to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections treated with dexamethasone implants. Safety data (intraocular pressure rise and cataract surgery) were recorded. Results: A total of 130 eyes from 125 patients were included. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity and CST were similar for naive (n = 71) and refractory eyes (n = 59). Both groups improved significantly in vision after 24 months (P < 0.001). However, naive eyes gained statistically significantly more vision than refractory eyes (+11.3 ± 10.0 vs. 7.3 ± 2.7 letters, P = 0.01) and were more likely to gain ≥10 letters (OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.19-9.24, P = 0.02). At 6, 12, and 24 months, CST was significantly decreased compared with baseline in both naive and refractory eyes; however, CST was higher in refractory eyes than in naive eyes (CST 279 ± 61 vs. 313 ± 125 μm, P = 0.10). Conclusion: Over a follow-up of 24 months, vision improved in diabetic macular edema eyes after treatment with dexamethasone implants, both in eyes that were treatment naive and eyes refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment; however, improvement was greater in naive eyes

Chancre of the eyelid as manifestation of primary syphilis, and precocious chorioretinitis and uveitis in an HIV-infected patient: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ocular syphilis is often difficult to diagnose because of the wide variation in clinical features.</p> <p>HIV co-infection may further complicate the picture.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Herein the authors report an unusual primary syphilitic ocular lesion in a 45-year-old Italian HIV-infected bisexual man who presented with a unilateral eyelid lesion. Associated precocious signs and symptoms in the posterior segment of both eyes, bilateral chorioretinitis and uveitis, are described. Intravenous penicillin and steroid treatment produced a rapid improvement in clinical status and complete resolution.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Careful questioning about sexual behavior is crucial for unmasking unusual features of ocular syphilis in HIV-infected subjects.</p