ObjectiveTo observe the effect of conbercept combined with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation on diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsA prospective randomized controlled clinical study. From June 2016 to June 2017, 68 eyes of 68 patients with DME diagnosed in Central Theater Command General Hospital were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two different treatment groups: 36 eyes (36 patients) in the conbercept combined with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse lase group (combined treatment group) and 32 eyes (32 patients) in conbercept group (drug treatment group). All patients received three initial intravitreous injection of conbercept and re-treatment was performed according to the criteria which has been disigned before. BCVA was measured by ETDRS charts. The central macular thickness (CMT), total macular volume (TMV) were measured by Topcon 3D-OCT 2000. The BCVA, CMT and TMV in the combined treatment group and the drug treatment group were 57.9±12.4 letters, 427.8±129.4 μm, 10.14±1.50 mm3 and 59.0±16.0 letters, 441.0 ±135.7 μm, 10.43±2.10 mm3, respectively. There was no significant difference (t=0.321, 0.410, 0.641; P=0.749, 0.683, 0.524). The follow-up period was more than 12 months. The changes of BCVA, CMT and TMV were compared between the two groups. Comparison of BCVA, CMT, TMV before and after treatment in and between groups using repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsThe average annual injection times was 5.8±1.9 in the combined treatment group and 8.5±2.4 in the drug treatment group. The difference was statistically significant (t=5.12, P=0.000). The BCVA in the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month were 64.9±11.1, 65.6±10.5, 67.0±10.8, 66.6±10.7 letters and 65.7±15.8, 66.9±15.7, 66.4±13.0, 67.3±16.4 letters, respectively, and there were significant differences compared with BCVA before treatment (F=34.234, 10.137; P=0.000, 0.000). The CMT were 335.2±105.9, 352.6±106.6, 336.2±120.8, 305.9±97.0 μm and 323.9±92.8, 325.5±90.2, 327.6±108.2, 312.2±106.8 μm, respectively. The TMV were 9.20±1.08, 9.26±1.20, 9.20±1.63, 9.05±1.18 mm3 and 9.19±1.21, 9.35±1.69, 9.09±1.20, 8.92±1.10 mm3, respectively. Compared with the CMT (F=12.152, 12.917; P=0.000, 0.000) and TMV (F=11.198, 11.008; P=0.000, 0.000) before treatment, the differences were statistically significant.ConclusionConbercept combined with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser and conbercept can effectively reduce CMT, TMV and improve BCVA in patients with DME, but combination therapy can reduce the injection times of conbercept.
ObjectiveTo observe the preliminary clinical application value of the handheld non-mydriatic visual electrophysiological diagnostic system RETeval in screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR).MethodsRetrospective clinical study. Fifty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 16 normal subjects who were admitted to Wuhan General Hospital of the PLA from November 2017 to May 2018 were enrolled in this study. All patients had not received any ophthalmologic treatment. All patients were examined by the default “DR assessment protocol” model of the RETeval device, and the “DR score” were measured by the system. The FFA results were used as the gold standard, and the DR was graded according to the international DR grading standard established in 2002. Patients were divided into vision threatening DR (VTDR) positive group and VTDR (−) group, DR (+) group and DR (−) group. Two independent sample t tests was used to compare the implicit time, amplitude, and pupil area ratio between eyes of different groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between “DR score” and DR severity. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) assesses the sensitivity and specificity of RETeval in detecting DR and VTDR. The threshold of sensitivity and specificity was determined by using the maximum Youden index as a standard.ResultsThe AUC of DR was 0.936, the sensitivity was 81%, the specificity was 92%; the AUC of VTDR was 0.976, the sensitivity was 96% and the specificity was 70%. Compared with DR (−) group, the implicit time of DR (+) group was delayed and the amplitude and pupil area were decreased (t=－13.43, 5.49, 6.09; P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000). Compared with VTDR (−) group, the implicit time of VTDR (+) group was delayed and the amplitude and pupil area were decreased (t=－11.05, 7.46, 5.73; P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000). The “DR score” was significantly correlated with the severity of DR (r=0.89, P＜0.05).ConclusionsThe “DR score” measured by the RETeval instrument has a high degree of specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of DR and VTDR. It is highly correlated with the severity of DR.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and subretinal injection of balance salt solution (BSS) for refractory diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsA retrospective case series study. From November 2017 to August 2018, 24 eyes of 19 patients affected with DME resistant to anti-VEGF therapy [central macualar thickness (CMT) more than 275 μm despite undergoing anti-VEGF therapy at least 3 times] in Ophtalmology Department of Central Theater Command General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent 25G pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling and subretinal injection of BSS. The BCVA was measured using the international standard visual acuity chart, and the results were converted to the logMAR visual acuity. The CMT and the macular volume (MV) were assessed with swept-source optical coherence tomography at baseline and each month postoperatively. The differences in BCVA, CMT and MV before and after surgery were analyzed.ResultsThe mean BCVA was 0.74±0.29 at baseline, which increased significantly to 0.62±0.28, 0.56±0.25, 0.47±0.26, 0.46±0.23 at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment respectively (F=4.828, P=0.001). At 6 months, BCVA improved by more than 0.3 logMAR units in 16 eyes (66.7%). The mean CMT was 554.58±102.86 μm at baseline, which reduced to 338.17±58.09 μm, 299.42±52.66 μm, 275.75±41.24 μm and 270.96±38.33 μm at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment respectively (F=84.867, P＜0.001). The mean MV was 13.01±0.88 mm3 at baseline, which decreased to 11.50±0.73 mm3, 11.00±0.74 mm3, 10.68±0.61 mm3 and 10.52±0.56 mm3 at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment respectively (F=47.364, P＜0.001). Macular edema recurred in 5 eyes (20.8%) 6 months after surgery. No severe systemic or ocular side effect was reported during the follow-up.Conclusions25G vitrectomy with ILM peeling and subretinal injection of BSS for refractory DME can improve the visual acuity, facilitate a rapid resolution of macular edema.
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential effect of hyperopia status on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes.MethodsThis self-comparative study was conducted in Department of Ophthalmology, Central Theater Command General Hospital. The 50 patients (100 eyes) were collected with unilateral macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment from January 2019 to July 2019, who successfully underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and SO tamponade. Retinal reattachment was observed after surgery in all patients. One month after PPV, the affected eye was wore soft, contact lenses for 24 hours to correct refractive error (RE), depending on its optometry value. The SFCT of the affected eyes was measured using OCT before and after lenses wear. The fellow eyes also received OCT examination at the same time. T test was used to compare SFCT between SO-filled eyes and fellow eyes.ResultsThe mean RE of the SO-filled eyes was +6.38±1.12 D. The mean SFCT of SO-filled eyes (247.12±17.63 μm) was significantly thinner than that of the fellow eyes (276.32.55±17.63 μm) (P＜0.001). The SFCT of the SO-filled eyes was significantly thinner than fellow eyes, and the difference was statistically significant (t=－3.95, P＜0.001). After lenses wear, the mean SFCT of the SO-filled eyes increased to 276.32±24.86 μm. Compared with before lenses wear, the difference was statistically significant (t=－4.30, P＜0.001). Compared with the fellow eye, the difference was not statistically significant (t=0.05, P＞0.05).ConclusionSFCT reduction in the SO-filled eyes may be due to the hyperopia status caused by SO, which can be reserved by RE correction.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of the inner-retinal irregularity index (IRII) of eyes with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) before and after surgery and its correlation with visual function.Methodsretrospective series of studies. From March 2017 to May 2018, 46 IMEM patients (46 eyes) diagnosed in the Department of Ophthalmology of Central Theater Command General Hospital were included in the study. BCVA, visual deformation degree (M), OCT inspection with swept source were all performed. The BCVA examination was carried out using the international standard visual acuity chart, which was converted into logMAR visual acuity for record. The average IRII was 1.255±0.048, the average logMAR BCVA was 0.63±0.21, the average M value was 0.68±0.38, the average of central macular thickness (CMT) was 353.57±73.92 μm, the average inner retinal layer thickness (IRT) was 181.50±40.91 μm. The complete and incomplete ellipsoid zone (EZ) were 17 and 29 eyes, respectively. All eyes underwent a 25G three-incision closed vitrectomy through the flat part of the ciliary body, and the epiretinal membrane and inner limiting membrane were removed at the same time. The changes of IRII, M value, BCVA, CMT, IRT and EZ were observed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, and the correlation were analyzed between IRII and M value and BCVA before and after surgery. Single-factor repeated measurement data analysis of variance was used for the comparison of BCVA, M value, CMT, and IRT before and after surgery. Spearman rank correlation analysis were adopted for the correlation analysis between IRII and BCVA, M value, CMT, IRT and EZ integrity before and after surgery.ResultsTwelve months after surgery, the average IRII and logMAR BCVA were 1.175±0.032 and 0.47±0.16, respectively. Compared with those before surgery, they were significantly improved, and the difference was statistically significant (F=22.273, 5.453; P＜0.001, ＜0.001). The average M value (F=20.109), CMT (F=14.273), IRN (F=13.665) were significantly lower than those before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.001, 0.001, ＜0.001). The integrity of EZ was significantly improved compared with that before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=12.715, P＜0.001). The results of correlation analysis showed that preoperative IRII was positively correlated with preoperative M value and CMT (r=0.951, 0.701; P＜0.001, ＜0.001). It was positively correlated with postoperative M value, logMAR BCVA, CMT and EZ integrity (r=0.650, 0.369, 0.720, 0.293; P＜0.001, ＜0.001, P=0.048). It was not correlated with preoperative logMAR BCVA and EZ integrity (r=0.283, 0.001; P=0.056, 0.996).ConclusionThe IRII of IMEM eyes before surgery is significantly correlated with the BCVA and M values after surgery.
Objective To observe the hole closure rate of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT)-guided facedown positioning for idiopathic macular hole (IMH) surgery. Methods A retrospective case series of 64 eyes of 64 patients affected with IMH. All the patients underwent a 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and intraocular perfluoropropane (C3F8) tamponade. In 35 eyes of 35 patients, the facedown positioning was halted after detecting an hole closure through intraocular gas in the SS-OCT images at the early period after surgery (the SS-OCT group). In 29 eyes of 29 patients, the facedown positioning was halted atter detecting an hole closure in the SS-OCT images when the macular zone was uncovered by intraocular gas (the control group). The follow-up was ranged from 6 to 11 months, with the mean follow-up time was 8.4 months. The hole closure rate at 6 months after surgery were compared between two groups by two independent sample Wilcoxon rank sum test. The duration of the facedown positioning and complications were compared between two groups. Results The period of facedown position was (1.67±1.28) and (7.65±1.42) days in the SS-OCT group and control group, respectively. The difference of the period of facedown position between the two groups was significant (Z=−6.784, P＜0.05). At 6 months after surgery, the hole closure was detected in 30 eyes (85.71%) in the SS-OCT group and in 27 eyes (93.10%) in the control group. There was no difference of hole closure rate between the two groups (χ2=0.889, P＞0.05). There was no ocular serious side effect during the follow up, such as leakage of sclera incision, retinal hemorrhage, choroidal hemorrhage and endophthalmitis. In the control group, there were two patients with mild dizziness who underwent symptomatic treatment. There was no systemic side effect during the follow-up in the SS-OCT group. Conclusion Confirming with SS-OCT imaging early closure of macular hole of IMH patients with gas tamponade can serve as an important guide to significantly shorten the period of facedown positioning, while achieved a high hole closure rate.
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser on diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods Retrospective case series study. A total of 30 patients (35 eyes) with center−involving DME were enrolled in this study. All the patients received the examinations of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus colorized photography, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). BCVA was measured by Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts. The average retinal thickness (ART), total macular volume (TMV) and the retinal thickness (RT) and macular volume (MV) of 9 ETDRS domains were measured by the Japanese Topcon 3D-OCT 2000 instrument. The mean BCVA was 62.4±10.5 letters. The mean ART was 327.3±41.2 μm. The mean TMV was 9.24±1.17 mm3. All patients were treated with 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser treatment. Subthreshold micropulse laser were performed in the micropulse mode, using a 200 μm spot diameter, a 0.2 s duration with 5% duty cycle and its treatment energy was 6−7 times of threshold energy. Three months after treatment, re-treatment was performed on patients with incomplete absorption of macular edema. The treatment was the same as before. The BCVA, ART, TMV and the RT and MV of each ETDRS domain were compared and analyzed before and after treatment. The possible complications of micropulse laser treatment were also observed and the safety was evaluated. Results The difference of BCVA were statistically significant in month 3 and month 6 (t=−5.58, −7.24; P＜0.05), but not in month 1 (t=−1.82, P＞0.05). The average CRT (t=4.11, 4.17, 5.96), CMV (t=3.92, 4.05, 5.80) significantly decreased in 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment, the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). At sixth months, the average retinal thickness (t=3.53, 5.07, 5.02, 4.87, 4.94, 3.48, 4.03, 3.17, 3.73) and retinal volume (t=3.54, 5.16, 4.99, 4.91, 5.05, 3.47, 4.08, 3.10, 3.70) of the 9 ETDRS subdomains significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). There was no visible laser spots, changes in the outer retina and complications of neovascularization and subretinal fibrosis in the fundus of all patients. Conclusion577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser can reduce the CMT, CMV and improve the BCVA of DME patients with high security.
ObjectiveTo analyze the expression of VEGF, IL-33 and NO concentration after laser photocoagulation and subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation conventional in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients.MethodsA case control study. The clinical data of 39 patients of PDR and 11 patients of idiopathic macular pucker (IMP) from Department of Ophthalmology, Central Theater General Hospital during November 2015 were collected in this study. PDR patients were assigned randomly into three groups. Fifteen PDR patients with 15 eyes were treated with conventional laser as group A. Thirteen PDR patients with 13 eyes were treated with subthreshold micropulse laser as group B. Eleven PDR patients with 11 eyes without any laser therapy were grouped as C. Eleven IMP patients were grouped as D. There was no difference of age (F=0.53, P=0.23), gender ratio (χ2=0.55, P=0.91), body mass index (F=2.62, P=0.07), duration diabetes (F=0.29, P=0.75), glycoslated hemglobin (F=1.72, P=0.19) in four groups. All PDR patients were examined with FFA. Total protein was quantified by a bicinchoninic acid assay kit. Levels of VEGF, IL-33, NO were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.ResultsThere was no difference of total protein in four groups (F=1.78, P=0.17). Group C had a higher VEGF level than group A and B (F=7.84, P=0.002). Group A had a higher IL-33 level than group C (t=4.15, P=0.02). There was no difference of IL-33 level in group B and C (t=1.34, P=0.20). Group D had a lower NO level than group A, B, C (F=38.42, P＜0.001). There was no difference of NO level in group A, B and C (F=3.29, P=0.06).ConclusionsBoth conventional laser photocoagulation and subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation can decrease vitreous VEGF level and subthreshold micropulse laser photocoagulation can induce less IL-33 level.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size before and after surgery in idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) eyes and analyze the correlation of FAZ with metamorphopsia.MethodsA retrospective case series study. From August 2016 to October 2017, 42 eyes of 38 patients affected with IMEM diagnosed in Central Theater Command General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent a 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with IMEM removal and ininternal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. The BCVA was measured using the international standard visual acuity chart, and the results were converted to the logMAR visual acuity. The severity of metamorphopsia was measured using M-charts. The FAZ areas were evaluated with OCT angiography in both the superficial and deep capillary plexus layers. The central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed with spectral-domain OCT before and after surgery. The logMAR BCVA was 0.61±0.21. The M-score was 0.66±0.38. The CMT of fovea was 337.71±57.63 μm. The FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus were 0.113±0.037 mm2 and 0.202±0.03 mm2, respectively. The differences in BCVA, M-score and FAZ area before and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery were analyzed by ANOVA. The Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between FAZ areas, visual acuity and metamorphopsia.ResultsAt 12 month after surgery, the FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus were 0.146±0.021 mm2 and 0.240±0.019 mm2, respectively. Compared with baseline, the the FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus after surgery significantly increased (F=8.484, 14.346; P＜0.001,＜0.001). The postoperative logMAR BCVA 0.47±0.19, M-score 0.12±0.22 and CMT 270.60±33.27 μm were significantly improved compared with baseline (F=5.044, 17.763, 13.545; P=0.001,＜0.001,＜0.001). The preoperative FAZ area in superficial capillary plexus correlated negatively with preoperative M-score (r=－0.816, P＜0.001); the preoperative FAZ area in deep capillary plexus correlated negatively with preoperative BCVA and M-score (r=－0.422, －0.882; P=0.005,＜0.001). The postoperative FAZ area in superficial capillary plexus correlated negatively with preoperative and postoperative M-score (r=－0.791,－0.716; P＜0.001,＜0.001). The postoperative FAZ area in deep capillary plexus correlated negatively with BCVA and preoperative and postoperative M-score (r=－0.343, －0.330, －0.732, －0.694; P=0.026, 0.033,＜0.001,＜0.001).ConclusionsPPV with ILM peeling can effectively restore the FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus, improve the visual acuity and metamorphopsia in patients with IMEM. Both superficial and deep plexus FAZ areas correlated negatively with metamorphopsia, and deep plexus FAZ area also correlated negatively with BCVA.
ObjectiveTo observe and compare the outcomes of vitrectomy (PPV) combined with complete internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and fovea-sparing ILM peeling for the high myopic foveoschisis (MF).MethodsA retrospective case study was performed. From June 2016 to June 2018, 31 eyes of 31 patients with high myopic MF diagnosed in Department of Ophthalmology of Central Theater Command General Hospital were included in the study. There were 9 males and 22 females, who were monocular. The mean age was 57.55±9.45 years. All patients underwent BCVA, diopter, spectral domain OCT and axial length measurement. Snellen visual acuity chart was used for BCVA examination, and which was converted into logMAR visual acuity. According to the surgical method, patients were divided into PPV combined with ILM complete removal group (group A) and PPV combined with retained fovea ILM group (group B), which were 16 patients (16 eyes) and 15 patients (15 eyes ), respectively. The mean logMAR BCVA was 1.03±0.33 in group A and 1.11±0.35 in group B. The mean CFT was 596.51±196.69 μm in group A and 578.33±200.18 μm. There were no statistically significant differences in age (t=0.649, P=0.527), AL (t=－0.639, P=0.533), logMAR BCVA (t=－0.368, P=0.718), CFT (t=0.228, P=0.823) and MF type (P=0.576) between the two groups. The mean follow-up time after operation was 18.65±5.15 months. At 7 d, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up, the same equipment and methods for relevant examinations. The changes of BCVA, CFT, macular hole and other complications were compared between the two groups. Comparison of BCVA and CFT between the two groups before and after operation was performed by paired t test. The count data were compared by using Fisher exact probability method.ResultsAt the last follow-up, MF was completely restored in 27 eyes (87.1%) of 31 eyes, partially restored in 4 eyes (12.9%). The mean logMAR BCVA of group A and Group B was 0.67±0.24 and 0.64±0.21, respectively. The average CFT was 126.25±36.61 μm and 134.27±25.29 μm, respectively. Compared with pre-operation, BCVA was obviously improved in both groups (t=6.630, 9.260; P=0.000, 0.000), CFT was significantly decreased in both groups (t=10.206, 8.799; P=0.000, 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in logMAR BCVA and CFT between the two groups (t=0.156, －0.924; P=0.878, 0.371). In group A, full-thickness macular hole occurred in 1 eye (6.3%), while no macular hole occurred in group B. There was no significant difference in macular hole incidence between two groups (χ2=0.969, P=0.516). No intraocular hemorrhage, endophthalmitis and other complications occurred during the follow-up period.ConclusionsPPV combined with ILM peeling or fovea-sparing ILM peeling is effective in the treatment of high myopic MF. Both may contribute to improved MF closure rate and BCVA.