Subconjunctival trypsin injection for anterior chamber fibrin exudates in eyes with globe rupture following vitrectomy

AIM:To compare the safety and clinical outcomes of subconjunctival trypsin and dexamethasone(DEX)injections in the treatment of anterior chamber fibrin exudates in eyes with globe rupture following primary wound repair and vitrectomy.METHODS:A retrospective analysis included 42 males and 10 females(mean age 46.0±6.0y,range 34 to 58y)who underwent primary wound sutures and vitrectomy for globe rupture.Patients with pupil-covered fibrinous exudate or/and membrane in the anterior chamber were treated.On the first postoperative day,subconjunctival injections of either 5000 units(0.4 mL)of trypsin solution(n=25)or 0.5 mL(1 mg)DEX(n=27)were administered to accelerate exudate absorption.Efficacy was assessed by observing break time and partial absorption of the fibrin exudate membrane.Safety and comfort were evaluated by monitoring intraocular pressure(IOP),allergy,pain,and foreign body sensation.RESULTS:Both groups achieved 1/3 absorption of the anterior chamber fibrin exudate membrane,but the trypsin group exhibited shorter break time and partial absorption time compared to the DEX group(P<0.05).Trypsin treatment was also less irritating to patients.No adverse reactions were reported,and IOP remained stable.Visual acuity improved in both groups without statistical difference.CONCLUSION:Compared to DEX,trypsin demonstrates a shorter absorption time for the fibrin exudate membrane with a more comfortable process in treating pupil-covered fibrinous exudate or/and membrane after vitrectomy for globe rupture.

Effectiveness and safety of early lens extraction during par plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetes retinopathy with mild cataract:a randomized clinical trial

●AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of early lens extraction during pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)for proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)compared to those of PPV with subsequent cataract surgery.●METHODS:This multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in three Chinese hospitals on patients with PDR,aged>45y,with mild cataracts.The participants were randomly assigned to the combined(PPV combined with simultaneously cataract surgery,i.e.,phacovitrectomy)or subsequent(PPV with subsequent cataract surgery 6mo later)group and followed up for 12mo.The primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)from baseline to 6mo,and the secondary outcomes included complication rates and medical expenses.●RESULTS:In total,129 patients with PDR were recruited and equally randomized(66 and 63 in the combined and subsequent groups respectively).The change in BCVA in the combined group[mean,36.90 letters;95%confidence interval(CI),30.35–43.45]was significantly better(adjusted difference,16.43;95%CI,8.77–24.08;P<0.001)than in the subsequent group(mean,22.40 letters;95%CI,15.55–29.24)6mo after the PPV,with no significant difference between the two groups at 12mo.The overall surgical risk of two sequential surgeries was significantly higher than that of the combined surgery for neovascular glaucoma(17.65%vs 3.77%,P=0.005).No significant differences were found in the photocoagulation spots,surgical time,and economic expenses between two groups.In the subsequent group,the duration of work incapacity(22.54±9.11d)was significantly longer(P<0.001)than that of the combined group(12.44±6.48d).●CONCLUSION:PDR patients aged over 45y with mild cataract can also benefit from early lens extraction during PPV with gratifying effectiveness,safety and convenience,compared to sequential surgeries.

Endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy for severe ocular penetrating trauma with corneal opacity

AIM:To assess the utility and efficiency of endoscopyassisted vitrectomy(EAV)for the treatment of corneal opacity in severe ocular trauma.METHODS:Patients who underwent fundus examination using a preoperative slit lamp and intraoperative endoscopy,followed by EAV and additional surgery were retrospectively recruited.Silicone oil removal and penetrating keratoplasty were used in selected eyes at postoperative follow-ups.Outcome measurements included the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),intraocular pressure(IOP),findings of endoscopic fundus examination,and postoperative complications.RESULTS:Twenty-one eyes with severe ocular trauma and corneal opacity were followed up for 24-36mo.Retinal detachment(RD)and vitreous haemorrhage(VH)were identified in 16 eyes(76.2%),RD only in four eyes(19.0%),and VH combined with intraocular foreign body in one eye(4.8%).All eyes underwent at least three surgeries.Stage-Ⅰ surgeries involved wound closure(100%),lens extraction(76.2%),and anterior vitrectomy(14.3%).Stage-Ⅱ surgeries involved scleral buckling(28.6%),membrane peeling(47.6%),retinal laser photocoagulation(100%)and silicone oil tamponade(100%)using EAV.Stage-Ⅲ surgeries were conducted using endoscopy including silicone oil removal(52.4%),retinal laser photocoagulation(52.4%)and penetrating keratoplasty(28.6%).Nearly all eyes showed improvements in BCVA and IOP.Although there were no severe complications,glaucoma was noted in one eye,chronic hypotony in another eye,and band keratopathy in three eyes.CONCLUSION:EAV is an effective adjunct for restoring ocular anatomical structures and visual function in the case of corneal opacity after severe ocular trauma.

Differential distribution of fibrovascular proliferative membranes in 25-gauge vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To analyze the distribution of fibrovascular proliferative membranes(FVPMs)in proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)patients that treated with pars plana vitrectomy(PPV),and to evaluate the outcomes separately.METHODS:This was a retrospective and cross-sectional study.Consecutive 25-gauge(25-G)PPV cases operated for PDR from May 2018 to April 2020.According to the FVPMs images outlined after operations,subjects were assigned into three groups:arcade type group,juxtapapillary type group,and central type group.All patients were followed up for over one year.General characteristics,operation-related variables,postoperative parameters and complications were recorded.RESULTS:Among 103 eyes recruited,the FVPMs distribution of nasotemporal and inferiosuperioral was significantly different(both P<0.01),with 95(92.23%)FVPMs located in the nasal quadrants,and 74(71.84%)in the inferior.The eyes with a central FVPM required the longest operation time,with silicon oil used in most patients,generally combined with tractional retinal detachment(RD)and rhegmatogenous RD,the worst postoperative bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA)and the highest rates of recurrent RD(all P<0.05).FVPM type,age of onset diabetes mellitus,preoperative BCVA,and combined with tractional RD and rhegmatogenous RD were significantly associated with BCVA improvement(all P<0.05).Compared with the central type group,the arcade type group had higher rates of BCVA improvement.CONCLUSION:FVPMs are more commonly found in the nasal and inferior mid-peripheral retina in addition to the area of arcade vessels.Performing 25-G PPV for treating PDR eyes with central FVPM have relatively worse prognosis.

Effects of vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling in patients with diabetic macular edema

BACKGROUND Diabetic macular edema(DME),a chronic microvascular complication of diabetes,is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness.Pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)can restore the normal macular structure and reduce macular edema,whereas internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling is used to treat tractional macular diseases.Despite the advantages,there is limited research on the combined effects of PPV with ILM peeling.AIM To observe the effects of PPV combined with ILM peeling on postoperative central macular thickness(CMT),best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),cystoid macular edema(CME)volume,and complications in patients with DME.METHODS Eighty-one patients(92 eyes)diagnosed with DME at the Beijing Shanqu Liangxiang Hospital between January and December 2022 were randomly divided to undergo PPV alone(control group:41 patients,47 eyes)or PPV+ILM peeling(stripping group:40 patients,45 eyes);a single surgeon performed all surgeries.The two groups were compared preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.RESULTS Preoperatively,both groups had comparable values of CMT,BCVA,and CME volume(P>0.05).After surgery(both 1 and 3 months),both groups showed significant reductions in CMT,BCVA,and CME volume compared to preoperative levels,with the stripping group showing more significant reductions compared to the control group(P<0.05).Further repeated-measures ANOVA analysis for within-group differences revealed significant effects of group and time,and interaction effects for CMT,BCVA,and CME volume(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications between the groups(retinal detachment:control=2,stripping=1;endophthalmitis:Control=4,stripping=1;no cases of secondary glaucoma or macular holes;χ^(2)=0.296,P=0.587).CONCLUSION PPV with ILM peeling can significantly improve the visual acuity of patients with DME,reduce CMT,and improve CME with fewer complications.

Investigation and analysis of negative emotion in patients with diabetic retinopathy after vitrectomy

BACKGROUND As the incidence of diabetes continues to increase,the number of patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR)also increases each year.After undergoing vitrectomy for DR,patients often experience negative emotional problems that negatively affect their recovery.AIM To investigate negative feelings in patients with DR after vitrectomy and to explore related influencing factors.METHODS A total of 146 individuals with DR who were accepted for treatment at The Third People’s Hospital of Changzhou from May 2021 to April 2023 were recruited to participate in this study.All patients underwent vitrectomy.The self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and self-rating depression scale(SDS)were used to assess the degree of anxiety and depression 2-3 days after the operation.The participants were divided into a healthy control group and a negative emotion group.The patients’general demographic characteristics and blood glucose levels were collected.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing negative feelings post-operation.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the association between SAS scores,SDS scores,and blood glucose levels.RESULTS The control group included 85 participants.The negative emotion group comprised 40 participants with anxiety,13 with depression,and eight with both.Logistic regression showed that being female(OR=3.090,95%CI:1.217-7.847),a family per capita monthly income of<5000 yuan(OR=0.337,95%CI:0.165-0.668),and a longer duration of diabetes(OR=2.068,95%CI:1.817-3.744)were risk factors for negative emotions in patients with DR after vitrectomy(P<0.05).The concentrations of fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial glucose(2hPG),and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)in the negative emotion group exceeded those in the control group(P<0.05).SAS scores were positively associated with FPG(r=0.422),2hPG(r=0.334),and HbA1c(r=0.362;P<0.05).SDS scores were positively correlated with FPG(r=0.218)and 2hPG(r=0.218;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Sex,income level,and duration of diabetes were factors that influenced negative emotions post-vitrectomy.Negative emotions were positively correlated with blood glucose levels,which can be used to develop intervention strategies.

Pharmacological adjuvants for diabetic vitrectomy surgery

Diabetic vitrectomy is a highly intricate surgical procedure performed during the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy(DR).It is used to treat conditions such as tractional or combined retinal detachment,vitreous hemorrhage,and subhyaloid hemorrhage,which are all severe manifestations of proliferative DR.The results of the surgery are uncertain and variable.Vitreoretinal surgery has made significant progress since the early stages of vitrectomy.In the past ten years,advancements in intravitreal pharmacotherapy have emerged,offering new possibilities to improve the surgical results for our patients.Within the realm of medical terminology,an"adjunct"refers to a pharmaceutical or substance employed to aid or expedite the primary therapeutic intervention for a particular ailment.Their introduction has broadened the range of therapeutic choices that are accessible prior to,during,and following surgical procedures.This review article will specifically analyze the pharmacological adjuncts used in diabetic vitrectomy surgery,with a focus on their role in facilitating or aiding specific steps of the procedure.The implementation of this system of categorization offers benefits to the surgeon by allowing them to foresee potential difficulties that may occur during the surgical procedure and to choose the appropriate pharmacological agent to effectively tackle these challenges,thus enhancing surgical success rates.

Axial length,vitreoretinal pathology,and anterior chamber depth can predict postoperative refractive outcomes in phacovitrectomy/silicone oil removal

AIM:To evaluate the postoperative refractive prediction error(PE)and determine the factors that af fect the refractive outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)or silicone oil removal(SOR)with cataract surgery.METHODS:The study is a retrospective,case-series study.Totally 301 eyes of 301 patients undergoing combined PPV/SOR with cataract surgery were enrolled.Eligible individuals were separated into four groups according to their preoperative diagnoses:silicone oil-filled eyes after PPV(group 1),epiretinal membrane(group 2),macular hole(group 3),and primary retinal detachment(RD;group 4).The variables af fecting postoperative refractive outcomes were analyzed,including age,gender,preoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),axial length(AL),keratometry average,anterior chamber depth(ACD),intraocular tamponade,and vitreoretinal pathology.The outcome measurements include the mean refractive PE and the proportions of eyes with a PE within±0.50 diopter(D)and±1.00 D.RESULTS:For all patients,the mean PE was-0.04±1.17 D,and 50.17%of patients(eyes)had a PE within±0.50 D.There was a significant difference in refractive outcomes among the four groups(P=0.028),with RD(group 4)showing the least favorable refractive outcome.In multivariate regression analysis,only AL,vitreoretinal pathology,and ACD were strongly associated with PE(all P<0.01).Univariate analysis revealed that longer eyes(AL>26 mm)and a deeper ACD were correlated with hyperopic PE,and shorter eyes(AL<26 mm)and a shallower ACD were correlated with myopic PE.CONCLUSION:RD patients have the least favorable refractive outcome.AL,vitreoretinal pathology,and ACD are strongly associated with PE in the combined surgery.These three factors affect refractive outcomes and thus can be used to predict a better postoperative refractive outcome in clinical practice.

Chronic hypotony management using endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy after severe ocular trauma or vitrectomy

·AIM: To report outcomes of endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy(EAV) in patients with chronic hypotony following severe ocular trauma or vitrectomy.·METHODS: This was a retrospective, noncomparative case series. Ciliary bodies were evaluated using ultrasound biomicroscopy pre-operatively and direct visualisation intraoperatively. All selected individuals(seven patients/seven eyes) underwent EAV. Removal of ciliary membrane and traction, gas/silicone oil tamponade(GT/SOT), and scleral buckling(SB) were performed in selected eyes. Outcome measurements mainly included intraocular pressure(IOP) and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA).·RESULTS: Seven eyes from 7 male aphakic patients with a mean age of 45(range, 20-68)y were included in this study;the average follow-up time was 12(9-15)mo. GT was performed in 2 eyes;membrane peeling(MP) and SOT in 2 eyes;and MP, SOT, and SB in 3 eyes. The mean preand post-operative IOP were 4.5(range, 4.0±0.11 to 4.8±0.2) mm Hg and 9.9(range, 5.6±0.17 to 12.1±0.2) mm Hg at 52wk(12mo), respectively. BCVA improved in six eyes;one eye still showed light perception, and no bulbi phthisis was observed.·CONCLUSION: Endoscopy offers improved judgment and recognition and has an improved prognosis for chronic hypotony. Therefore, endoscopy can be an effective and promising operative technique for chronic traumatic hypotony management.

Analysis of postoperative ocular surface changes and intervention effect after pars plana vitrectomy in meibomian gland dysfunction dry eye patients

AIM:To observe ocular surface changes after phacovitrectomy in patients with mild to moderate meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)-type dry eye and track clinical treatment response using a Keratograph 5M and a Lipi View interferometer.METHODS:Forty cases were randomized into control group A and treatment group B;the latter received meibomian gland treatment 3d before phacovitrectomy and sodium hyaluronate before and after surgery.The average non-invasive tear film break-up time(NITBUTav),first noninvasive tear film break-up time(NITBUTf),non-invasive measured tear meniscus height(NTMH),meibomian gland loss(MGL),lipid layer thickness(LLT)and partial blink rate(PBR)were measured preoperatively and 1wk,1 and 3mo postoperatively.RESULTS:The NITBUTav values of group A at 1wk(4.38±0.47),1mo(6.76±0.70),and 3mo(7.25±0.68)were significantly lower than those of group B(7.45±0.78,10.46±0.97,and 11.31±0.89;P=0.002,0.004,and 0.001,respectively).The NTMH values of group B at 1wk(0.20±0.01)and 1mo(0.22±0.01)were markedly higher than those of group A(0.15±0.01 and 0.15±0.01;P=0.008 and P<0.001,respectively);however,there was no difference at 3mo.The LLT of group B at 3mo[91.5(76.25-100.00)]significantly exceeded that of group A[65.00(54.50-91.25),P=0.017].No obvious intergroup difference was found in MGL or PBR(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Mild to moderate MGD dry eye worsens in the short term after phacovitrectomy.Preoperative cleaning,hot compresses,and meibomian gland massage as well as preoperative and postoperative sodium hyaluronate promote the rapid recovery of tear film stability.

A sutureless technique for securing leaking sclerotomies with viscoelastic substances in 23-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery

AIM:To introduce and evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new technique,the use of viscoelastic substances(VS)to close leaking sclerotomy in 23G microincision vitrectomy,and to observe its effect on the visual acuity and intraocular pressure(IOP)of patients.METHODS:Patients who underwent 23G vitrectomy in Ningbo Eye Hospital before the use of VS technique(June 2019 to September 2020)and after the use of VS technique(October 2020 to December 2021)were selected as the subjects of this study.The above cases underwent operation by the same surgeon and were retrospectively analyzed.VS technique was used as the alternative to suturing,in which a small amount of VS was injected at the leaking sclerotomy and then gently massaged to confirm leaking sclerotomy closure.RESULTS:A total of 174 eyes were covered in the study,including 84 eyes in the control group(before the use of VS technique)and 90 eyes in the VS technique group.The number of eyes that needed to be sutured decreased considerably from 42.9%in the control group to 3.3%in the VS technique group,and the proportion of subconjunctival hemorrhage at 1-2d after surgery decreased remarkably from 35.7%in the control group to 2.2%in the VS technique group.No substantial differences in the incidence of mean IOP and low IOP were found between 1-2 and 3-20d after surgery in the VS technique group.No major complications associated with VS technique were identified during the study.CONCLUSION:In 23G microincision vitrectomy,VS technique is a safe,simple,and effective method to close leaking sclerotomy.

A novel approach for 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy to evaluate vitreous substitutes in rabbits

AIM:To improve the standard three-port vitrectomy for establishing and evaluating an endotamponade model in rabbits.METHODS:Three ports were prepared near the third eyelid of rabbits,and the infusion port was placed at the inferior nasal quadrant with the inserted cannula linking with a self-designed handheld rigid infusion catheter.All right eyes of rabbits underwent a modified 25-gauge vitrectomy and were subsequently filled with balanced salt solution,silicone oil,and eight-arm polyethylene glycols(8-arm PEGs)hydrogel separately for comparison.Ophthalmic examinations were performed regularly to record the changes after the surgery.RESULTS:Successful vitrectomy was achieved among 44 chinchilla rabbits.The mean operation time was 4.51±1.25min.Four eyes(9.1%)presented limited lens touch and two eyes(4.5%)showed retinal touch during surgery.Incision leakage was found in three eyes(6.8%)after surgery.There was no endophthalmitis,hemorrhage,or retinal detachment during the observation period and ophthalmic examinations after the implantation of vitreous substitutes.CONCLUSION:The modified technique of the standard vitrectomy applied in the endotamponade model in rabbits shows excellent safety and practicality.

Surgical Approaches in Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Vitrectomy vs. Vitrectomy Combined with Scleral Buckling, Lens-Sparing vs. Phako Procedures

Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the functional and anatomical results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone versus PPV combined with scleral buckling (SB), and lens-sparing versus phaco-procedures for treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve comparative studies. The main objective was to assess the BCVA, while reattachment rates and ocular adverse events were considered secondary measures. Rev Manager software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The literature search identified 10 articles comprising 1518 eyes, with 682 eyes in the PPV group, 193 eyes in the lens-sparing versus phaco-procedure group, and 643 eyes in the combined PPV and SB surgery group. Quality assessment revealed a low risk of bias in most domains. The meta-analysis results revealed a significant difference in postoperative BCVA between the PPV and PPV combined with SB groups (WMD = −0.17, 95% CI [0.27, 0.07], p = 0.001). The primary reattachment rates were 82.80% for PPV alone and 87.52% for PPV combined with SB (p = 0.34). The final reattachment rates did not differ significantly between PPV and PPV combined with SB (99% vs. 99.8%;RR = 1.00, 95% CI [1.01, 0.99], p = 0.96). PPV alone demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of macular edema compared to PPV combined with scleral buckling (9.9% vs. 23%;p = 0.006). The incidences of macular hole development (p = 0.46), recurrent retinal detachment (p = 0.27), proliferative vitreoretinopathy development (p = 0.48), epiretinal membrane proliferation (p = 0.77), and limited choroidal hemorrhage (p = 0.69) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PPV alone may be a more effective treatment option in terms of visual acuity (VA) improvement, lower risk of macular edema and cataract development. However, there was no significant difference in VA improvement or complication rates between the lens-sparing and phaco-procedure groups. .

Clinical outcomes of 25-gauge vitrectomy surgery for vitreoretinal diseases: comparison of vitrectomy alone and phaco-vitrectomy

AIMTo compare the clinical outcomes of combined 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and phacoemulsification/posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) implantation with vitrectomy alone surgery in patients with various vitreoretinal diseases.METHODSA total of 306 eyes (145 with PPV alone and 161 with phaco-vitrectomy) were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. The surgical approach was 25-gauge PPV combined with phacoemulsification and PC-IOL implantation at the same time in eyes in phaco-vitrectomy group and only PPV in eyes in vitrectomy alone surgery group. The main outcome measures were postoperative clinical outcomes included anterior chamber inflammation, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).RESULTSThe most common postoperative complication was anterior chamber reaction which has higher incidence in phaco-vitrectomy group (P<0.001). The mean postoperative 1st day IOP of vitrectomy alone group was significantly lower than that of phaco-vitrectomy group (16.3±5.8 mm Hg vs 17.8±8.1 mm Hg, respectively, P=0.02). Hypotony (IOP≤8 mm Hg) was not different between groups in the postoperative 1st day (P>0.05). The mean preoperative visual acuity was not different between groups (1.6±0.9 logMAR vs 1.8±0.9 logMAR, respectively, P>0.05). However, the mean visual acuity was decreased in vitrectomy alone group at the final visit compared to phaco-vitrectomy group (1.2±0.8 logMAR, 0.9±0.7 logMAR, respectively P<0.05).CONCLUSIONTwenty-five gauge PPV combined with phacoemulsification surgery is a safe and efficient procedure, which can be preferred in phacic patients with a variety of vitreoretinal diseases compared to vitrectomy alone. Despite improved outcomes, this approach is not free of limitations as anterior chamber complications especially with combined surgery.

25-gauge transconjunctival diagnostic vitrectomy in suspected cases of intraocular lymphoma: a case series and review of the literature

AIM:To report the cytology results of 25-gauge transconjunctival(25G-TSV)diagnostic vitrectomy in cases suspicious for intraocular lymphoma(IOL),and compare the results to those reported in the literature.METHODS:Clinical and cytopathological records of 18vitreous biopsy specimens obtained via 25G-TSV diagnostic vitrectomy in 12 patients suspicious for IOL were reviewed retrospectively.A review of the literature in regards to the diagnostic yields of vitreous specimens obtained via 25-gauge and 20-gauge diagnostic vitrectomy in suspected cases of IOL was performed.RESULTS:Eighteen eyes from 12 patients with clinical suspicion of IOL underwent diagnostic 25G-TSV.The cytopathological investigations demonstrated IOL in 15eyes(83.3%).Vitreous analysis was non-diagnostic in 3eyes(16.7%).CONCLUSION:Twenty-five-gauge diagnostic vitrectomy yields adequate sample for cytological evaluation of the vitreous in cases suspicious for IOL.The diagnostic results of the 25G-TSV in the current study are superior to those reported for 20-gauge vitrectomy but equivalent to those reported for 25G-TSV in the published literature.

Endoscope-assisted vitrectomy

Ocular endoscopes enable ophthalmologists to observe any part of the retina without any limitations, including those caused by corneal opacities, the rim of the intraocular lens, cortical remnants, capsular opacities, a small pupil, and vitreous opacities. Moreover, ocular endoscopes enable the management of peripheral lesions without scleral indentation and are compatible with microincision vitrectomy surgery. The enlarged view under the endoscope, as obtained by drawing towards the lesion, appears to be another advantage. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with undetectable retinal breaks, trauma, endophthalmitis, scleral wounds with incarceration of the vitreous, and microcornea are indications for endoscopic vitrectomy. The combination of endoscopy and a wide-angle viewing system could compensate for the deficiencies of each technique and achieve more effective and safer surgical maneuvers. Endoscopy skills appear to be a great advantage for vitreoretinal surgeons;however, because endoscopies require a learning curve, becoming familiar with the handling of the endoscope through stepby-step learning is necessary.

Vitrectomy, lensectomy and silicone oil tamponade in the management of retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment

AIM: To report the results of combined vitrectomy, lensectomy and silicone oil (SO) tamponade in treating primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) associated with choroidal detachment (CD). · METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive and case series study of 21 subjects with concurrent RRD associated with CD was conducted. All subjects underwent a standard three -port 20G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with lensectomy and silicone oil tamponade. Mean follow -up time was 8 months (rang from 4 to 19 months). The primary and final anatomic success rate, visual acuity and final intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded and analyzed. ·RESULTS: Of 21 subjects, 8 were women and 13 were men. Age at presentation ranged from 22 to 75 years (mean 57.4 years). The presenting vision ranged from light perception to 0.15. The initial IOP ranged from 3mmHg to 12mmHg (mean 6.2mmHg). All eyes were phakic except one pseudophakic. No intraocular lens was implanted during the primary surgical intervention. Fifteen of 21 (71.4%) eyes had retina reattached after one operation. Six eyes had recurrent inferior retinal detachment due to proliferation. Five of them were successfully reattached after one or more additional operations. Mean IOP at final follow -up was 15.2mmHg (range from 8mmHg to 20mmHg). One case declined for further operation. The final reattachment rate was 95.2%. Visual acuity improved in 19 (90.5%) eyes, was unchanged in 1 (4.8%) eye and decreased in 1 (4.8%) eye.·CONCLUSION: Combination of vitrectomy, lensectomy and silicone tamponade is an effective method in treating RRD associated with CD, reducing the incidence of postoperative hypotony.

Combined treatment of phacoemulsification and single-port limited pars plana vitrectomy in acute angle-closure glaucoma

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment of phacoemulsification(PE) and micro-incisional single-port transconjunctival limited pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) in acute angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS: A retrospective study included 26 patients who underwent PE diagnosed with AACG. Among them, 16 patients(16 eyes) underwent PE alone, 10 patients(10 eyes) underwent combined limited vitrectomy and PE. Then we compared intraocular pressure(IOP), anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial cell count before and after surgery, and effective PE time during cataract surgery.RESULTS: Effective PE time was shorter in the combined surgery group than in the single surgery group(P=0.040). There was no statistically significant difference in IOP and best-corrected visual acuity between the two groups postoperatively. At 6 mo postoperatively, there was no difference in the anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness between two groups, but corneal endothelial cell count was higher in the combined surgery group than in the single surgery group(P=0.046). No complication such as vitreoretinal disease, endophthalmitis, bullous keratopathy was noted.CONCLUSION: Combined micro-incisional single-port transconjunctival limited PPV and PE are more effective and safer than PE alone because of less operation time and fewer complications for management of AACG.

Posterior scleral reinforcement combined with vitrectomy for myopic foveoschisis

AIM： To investigate the effects of posterior scleral reinforcement （PSR） combined with vitrectomy for myopic foveoschisis. ~ METHODS： Thirty-nine highly myopic eyes of 39 patients with myopic foveoschisis underwent PSR combined with vitrectomy. Best corrected visual acuity （BCVA）, refraction error, and the foveal thickness by optical coherence tomography （OCT） were recorded before and after the surgery, and complications were noted. RESULTS： The follow-up period was 12mo, and the main focus was on the results of the 12-month follow-up visit. The mean preoperative BCVA was 0.96±0.43 IogMAR. At the final follow-up visit, the mean BCVA was 0.46± 0.28 IogMAR, which significantly improved compared with the preoperative one （P =0.003）. The BCVA improved in 33 eyes （84.62%）, and unchanged in 6 eyes （15.38%）. At the end of follow-up, the mean refractive error was -15.13 ±2.55 D, and the improvement was significantly compared with the preoperative one （-17.53±4.51 D） （P= 0.002）. Twelve months after surgery, OCT showed complete resolution of the myopic foveoschisis and a reattachment of the fovea in 37 eyes （94.87%） and partial resolution in the remained two eyes （5.13%）. The foveal thickness was obviously reduced at 12-month follow-up visit （196.45±36.35um） compared with the preoperative one （389,32±75.56um） （P=0.002）. There were no serious complications during the 12mo follow-up period. CONCLUSION： PSR combined with vitrectomy is a safe and effective procedure for myopic foveoschisis with both visual and anatomic improvement.

Enzymatic vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema

The aim of this paper is to determine the role of enzymatic vitrectomy performed by intravitreal injection of autologous plasmin enzyme(APE)in the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema(DME).Diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or DME and evident posterior hyaloid adherence to the retinal surface were included.All cases were treated with an initial intravitreal injection of APE and reevaluated one month later,measuring changes in best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),macular thickness and the status of the posterior hyaloid.A second APE injection was performed in cases with no evident posterior vitreous detachment(PVD)after the initial treatment.Sixty-three eyes were included in the present review.A complete PVD appeared in 38%of cases(24 eyes)after one injection of plasmin and the total increased to 51%(32 eyes)after the second injection,separated at least by one month.The central macular thickness improved in all cases(100%)and BCVA in89%.Finally,in 50%of eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy,a high reduction of new vessels regression was observed.Enzymatic vitrectomy could be considered a good therapeutic alternative in diabetic retinopathy and macular edema.