Functional and Morphological Characteristics of the Retina of Patients with Drusen-like Deposits and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treated with Hydroxychloroquine: A Retrospective Study

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of drusen-like deposits (DLD) on retinal layer integrity and retinal function by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We identified 66 eyes of 33 SLE patients treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) that were categorized into two groups according to whether DLDs were present (34 eyes, Group One) or absent (32 eyes, Group Two). The groups were matched for age, sex, HCQ treatment duration, daily, and cumulative dosage. OCT (retinal layer thicknesses, central retinal thickness, CRT) and mfERG concentric ring analysis were analyzed and compared. Results: CRT was significantly thicker in Group One compared to Group Two (273.21 ± 3.96 vs. 254.5 ± 7.62) (p = 0.023). Group One also demonstrated an overall thicker retinal pigment epithelium compared to Group Two; however, the other outer retinal layers, outer nuclear layer, and photoreceptor layer were found to be significantly thinner in Group One compared to Group Two. We found no differences in mfERG parameters between the two groups. Conclusions: DLDs in SLE patients lead to abnormal central retinal layer thickness, which has no measurable impact on cone-mediated retinal function assessed by mfERG

Do oblate eyeballs exist? A rare case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in an elliptical globe

A patient, being a moderate myope with an axial length of 24.71 mm, presented to us with a fresh rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and marked peripheral chorioretinal degeneration. Difficulty in maneuvering with the standard 23 gauge vitrectomy cutter, inability to identify the break due to poor peripheral contrast, inadequate laser uptake, and an unusual large silicon oil fill (7.3 ml) were a few findings raising suspicion. Postoperative ocular ultrasonography showed an oblate eyeball with a relatively longer oblique axis (26.1 mm) as compared to the axial length confirming our suspicion. Oblateness should be suspected when the chorioretinal degenerations are more marked in the periphery as compared to the posterior pole. Intraoperative difficulties should be kept in mind while operating such cases

Comparison of clinical outcomes between “heads-up” 3D viewing system and conventional microscope in macular hole surgeries: A pilot study

Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes of patients undergoing macular hole surgery with heads-up three-dimensional (3D) viewing system and conventional microscope. Methods: In all, 50 eyes of 50 patients with stage 3 or 4 macular hole were randomized and macular hole surgery [inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique] was performed in 25 eyes using 3D viewing system and 25 eyes using conventional microscope. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Patients were followed up for a period of 3 months. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity, macular hole index, intraoperative parameters such as total surgical time, total ILM peel time, number of flap initiations, duration of Brilliant Blue G dye exposure, illumination intensity, postoperative logMAR visual acuity, and macular hole closure rates were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age was 67.92 ± 7.95 and 67.96 ± 4.78 years in both groups, respectively (P = 0.98). Gender (P = 0.38) and right versus left eye (P = 0.39) were also comparable. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.86, 0.92), macular hole index (P = 0.96), total surgical time (P = 0.56), total ILM peel time (P = 0.49), number of flap initiations (P = 0.11), and macular hole closure rates (P = 0.61) were not statistically significant when compared between the two groups. Illumination intensity of microscope (100% vs 45%) and endoillumination (40% vs 13%) were significantly less in the 3D viewing system. Conclusion: The clinical outcomes of macular hole surgery using 3D viewing system are not inferior to that of conventional microscopes, and it has the added advantages of better ergonomics, reduced phototoxicity, peripheral visualization, magnification, and less asthenopia, and it serves as a good educational tool

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: a comprehensive clinical update

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy as a disease is yet to be comprehended completely. The clinical features consisting of huge serosanguineous retinal pigment epithelial and neurosensory layer detachments, although unique may closely mimick neovascular age-related macular degeneration and other counterparts. The investigative modalities starting from indocyanine angiography to optical coherence tomography angiography provide diagnostic challenges. The management strategies based on the available therapies are plenty and not vivid. A detailed review with clarifying images has been compiled with an aim to help the readers in getting a better understanding of the disease