Efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents on corneal neovascularization: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Corneal neovascularization(CoNV)is the second major cause of blindness.Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)inhibitors,e.g.,bevacizumab,have been used to prevent CoNV.AIM We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials to examine the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF in CoNV.METHODS A literature search was conducted using three electronic databases.Mean difference(MD),standard mean difference(SMD),and relative risk(RR)are used to estimate the effect size.RESULTS Nine randomized controlled and three non-randomized trials were obtained.The pooled results demonstrated a significant reduction of CoNV area/Length(SMD=-1.17,95%CI:-1.58 to-0.75),best corrected visual acuity(MD=-0.54,95%CI:-0.91 to-0.17),and graft rejection(RR=0.44,95%CI:0.24 to 0.8)and failure(RR=0.39,95%CI:0.19 to 0.78)rates in the anti-VEGF group than the placebo group.A non-significant reduction of the epithelial defect was also observed in the bevacizumab group compared with the placebo(RR=0.56,95%CI:0.30 to 1.06).Compared with a placebo,the unsynthesizable trials also support that bevacizumab improves visual acuity,CoNV,graft rejection,and failure rates.Trials reporting other comparisons revealed the superiority of combined remedy with bevacizumab compared to other treatments in reducing CoNV.CONCLUSION Anti-VEGF agents,mainly bevacizumab,are an effective and safe treatment for CoNV of all causes and prevent corneal graft rejection and failure in corneal transplantation.

Progress in the Treatment of DME

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common ocular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and an important cause of vision loss. The pathogenesis of DME is complex and can occur at any time of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Effective methods of treating DME are essential to prevent irreversible damage to visual function. To date, laser photocoagulation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, and corticosteroids have demonstrated their therapeutic efficacy in large randomized controlled trials and real-life observational studies. Clinicians need to consider various factors, such as efficacy, safety, accessibility, and cost, in the selection of various options. This review summarizes the current therapeutic approaches for DME to provide new references for the treatment of DM.

Dexamethasone implant for refractory macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy,timing of retreatment and safety of dexamethasone(DEX)implant on macular edema(ME)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DME)and retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME)patients who were refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 37 eyes received at least one DEX implant treatment for DME or RVO-ME between January 1,2019,and January 1,2023.These refractory DME and RVO-ME cases received at least 5 anti-VEGF injections and failure to gain more than 5 letters or a significant reduction in central retinal thickness(CRT).The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and CRT were measured at baseline,and at 1,3,4 and 6mo post-DEX implant injection.Adverse events such as elevated intraocular pressure(IOP)and cataract were recorded.RESULTS:For RVO cases(n=22),there was a significant increase in BCVA from 0.27±0.19 to 0.35±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX injection(P<0.05)and CRT decreased from 472.1±90.6 to 240.5±39.0μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).DME cases(n=15)experienced an improvement in BCVA from 0.26±0.15 to 0.43±0.20 at 6mo post-DEX implant injection(P=0.0098),with CRT reducing from 445.7±55.7 to 271.7±34.1μm at 6mo(P<0.0001).Elevated IOP occurred in 45.9% of patients but was well-controlled with topical medications.No cases of cataract or other adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION:DEX implants effectively improve BCVA and reduce CRT in refractory DME and RVO-ME.Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

Multimodal imaging diagnosis and analysis of prognostic factors in patients with adult-onset Coats disease

AIM:To describe the multimodal imaging features,treatment,and outcomes of patients diagnosed with adultonset Coats disease.METHODS:This retrospective study included patients first diagnosed with Coats disease at≥18 years of age between September 2017 and September 2021.Some patients received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapy(conbercept,0.5 mg)as the initial treatment,which was combined with laser photocoagulation as needed.All the patients underwent best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and intraocular pressure examinations,fundus color photography,spontaneous fluorescence tests,fundus fluorescein angiography,optical coherence tomography(OCT),OCT angiography,and other examinations.BCVA alterations and multimodal image findings in the affected eyes following treatment were compared and the prognostic factors were analyzed.RESULTS:The study included 15 patients who were aged 24-72(57.33±12.61)y at presentation.Systemic hypertension was the most common associated systemic condition,occurring in 13(86.7%)patients.Baseline BCVA ranged from 2.0 to 5.0(4.0±1.1),which showed improvement following treatment(4.2±1.0).Multimodal imaging revealed retinal telangiectasis in 13 patients(86.7%),patchy hemorrhage in 5 patients(33.3%),and stage 2B disease(Shield’s staging criteria)in 11 patients(73.3%).OCT revealed that the baseline central macular thickness(CMT)ranged from 129 to 964μm(473.0±230.1μm),with 13 patients(86.7%)exhibiting a baseline CMT exceeding 250μm.Furthermore,8 patients(53.3%)presented with an epiretinal membrane at baseline or during follow-up.Hyper-reflective scars were observed on OCT in five patients(33.3%)with poor visual prognosis.Vision deteriorated in one patient who did not receive treatment.Final vision was stable in three patients who received laser treatment,whereas improvement was observed in one of two patients who received anti-VEGF therapy alone.In addition,8 of 9 patients(88.9%)who received laser treatment and conbercept exhibited stable or improved BCVA.CONCLUSION:Multimodal imaging can help diagnose adult-onset Coats disease.Anti-VEGF treatment combined with laser therapy can be an option for improving or maintaining BCVA and resolving macular edema.The final visual outcome depends on macular involvement and the disease stage.

Extended survival with metastatic pancreatic cancer under fruquintinib treatment after failed chemotherapy:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant disease.After decades of treatment progress,the current five-year survival rate for patients is still less than 10%.For later-line treatment,the treatment options are even more limited.Anti-angiogenic drugs can improve progression-free survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Preclinical data show that fruquintinib might improve the prognosis of advanced pancreatic cancer by targeting angiogenesis and lymphopoiesis,improving the abnormal vascular structure,and modulating the tumour immune microenvironment.CASE SUMMARY We present two cases of third-line fruquintinib monotherapy that brought an extraprolonged progress-free survival(PFS)of 10 months.Patient 1 took adjuvant gemcitabine-based and first-line nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy and then used local radiotherapy combined with programmed cell death 1 receptor(PD-1).Each line lasted approximately 7 months.Moreover,the patient took third-line fruquintinib,which was followed by stable disease for 10 months,during which no additional adverse effect was observed.The patient later refused to take fruquintinib due to difficulty urinating and lower abdominal pain after the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection.The patient died in February 2023.Patient 2 also took two prior lines of chemotherapy and then local radiotherapy combined with S-1.After confirmed disease progression,the patient experienced a continuous partial response after using fruquintinib monotherapy in the third line.After the patient had COVID-19 in December 2022,fruquintinib was discontinued.The patient died in January 2023 due to disease progression.CONCLUSION Both cases achieved a PFS benefit from later-line single-agent fruquintinib therapy.With its better safety profile,fruquintinib may be worth exploring and studying in more depth as a later-line treatment for pancreatic cancer patients.

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.

Intravitreal therapy for the management of diabetic retinopathy:A concise review

Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and may result in irreversible visual loss.Laser treatment has been the gold standard treatment for diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy for many years.Of late,intravitreal therapy has emerged as a cornerstone in the management of DR.Among the diverse pharmacotherapeutic options,anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have demonstrated remarkable efficacy by attenuating neovascularization and reducing macular edema,thus preserving visual acuity in DR patients.

Efficacy of internal limiting membrane peeling for diabetic macular edema after preoperative anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection

AIM:To explore the efficacy of minimally invasive vitrectomy(MIV)with or without internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling on the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME)in proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)combining with preoperative anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)injection.METHODS:Totally 132 eyes(132 patients)diagnosed PDR with DME were included between June 2015 and June 2018 in Tianjin Eye Hospital.The single MIV treatment group included 68 eyes and the MIV combined with ILM peeling group included 64 eyes.Anti-VEGF drugs were injected intravitreally 1wk before the operation and the period of follow-up was 1 to 3y.Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central retinal thickness(CRT),total macular volume(TMV),macular edema(ME)severity,intraocular pressure(IOP),and complications were recorded.Prognostic factors of visual acuity following ILM peeling were analyzed.RESULTS:The BCVA was higher than preoperative values at 1,3,6,and 12mo after surgery in both groups(all P<0.05).At 6 and 12mo,the BCVA of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the MIV only group(0.52±0.23 v/s 0.64±0.29 IogMAR,P=0.011 in 6mo;0.41±0.25\/s 0.52±0.25 IogMAR,P=0.008 in 12mo).Mean CRT values postoperative were significantly lower than preoperative values in both groups from the 1^(st) month(lmo 397.65±106.18 vs 451.94±118.88 μm in MIV only group;388.88±108.68 v/s 464.36±111.53 μm in combined group;both P<0.05)and decreased gradually.The differences between the two groups were statistically significant at 3,6,and 12mo(P=0.004,0.003,0.00 respectively).The TMV was decreased from the 3^(rd) month in the single treatment group(3mo 11.14±1.66 vs 12.20±2.09 mm^(3),P<0.05).At 12mo,the proportion of eyes with edema that had CRT more than 350μm was significantly lower than before surgery(13.24%vs 77.94%in MIV only group;1.56%vs 81.25%in combined group;both P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the recurrence incidence of macular epiretinal membrane,ME,transient IOP increase,vitreous rebleeding,or traction retinal detachment between the two groups.BCVA after ILM excision was positively correlated with the CRT and ME degree before and after surgery(r=0.430,0.485,respectively;P<0.05).CONCLUSION:MIV combined with ILM peeling accelerates the absorption of ME,improves vision,reduces the postoperative CRT and TMV,and reduces the recurrence rate of postoperative ME.

Macular hole closure following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection in an eye with myopic choroidal neovascularization

Dear Editor,I am Cheolmin Yun,from the Department of Ophthalmology,Korea University College of Medicine.I write to present a case report of a female patient with a myopic patient suffering from atrophic choroidal neovascularization（CNV）and a full thickness macular hole（FTMH）,who was treated with an intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） injection without vitrectomy.

Real-world outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for retinal vascular vein occlusion in Tibet,China

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF) agents for patients with retinal vein occlusion(RVO) related-macular edema(ME) in Tibetan.METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single-center study. The demographic and clinical data of 90 RVO Tibetan patients(93 eyes) treated with either ranibizumab or conbercept in Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital from Jan 2018 to December 2019 were collected.RESULTS: The mean patient age was 56.8±10.6y, 45(50%) of them were female. The mean living altitude was 3867.8±567.9 m. At the last visit, the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) significantly increased(52.2±21.8 letters) in comparison with the baseline(38.2±24.1 letters, P<0.001);while the central retinal thickness(CRT) significantly reduced(245.5±147.6 μm) in comparison with the baseline(504.1±165.2 μm, P<0.001). The 43.0% of the eyes gained≥15 letters, 60.2% of the eyes gained ≥10 letters, and 78.5% of the eyes gained ≥5 letters. No vision loss was noted in 92.5% of the eyes, 4 eyes lost more than 10 letters during follow-up period. The mean number of injections was 2.4±1.8. No severe ocular or systemic adverse events related to either the drug or injection were noted.CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF therapy is effective and safe in Tibetan patients for the treatment of RVO related ME.

Inflammation in diabetic retinopathy: possible roles in pathogenesis and potential implications for therapy

Diabetic retinopathy, characterized as a microangiopathy and neurodegenerative disease, is the leading cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients. Many clinical features observed in diabetic retinopathy, such as capillary occlusion, acellular capillaries and retinal non-perfusion, aggregate retinal ischemia and represent relatively late events in diabetic retinopathy. In fact, retinal microvascular injury is an early event in diabetic retinopathy involving multiple biochemical alterations, and is manifested by changes to the retinal neurovascular unit and its cellular components. Currently, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy is the firstline treatment for diabetic macular edema, and benefits the patient by decreasing the edema and improving visual acuity. However, a significant proportion of patients respond poorly to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments, indicating that factors other than vascular endothelial growth factor are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema. Accumulating evidence confirms that low-grade inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and development of diabetic retinopathy as multiple inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α, are increased in the vitreous and retina of diabetic retinopathy patients. These inflammatory factors, together with growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, contribute to blood-retinal barrier breakdown, vascular damage and neuroinflammation, as well as pathological angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy, complicated by diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In addition, retinal cell types including microglia, Müller glia, astrocytes, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and others are activated, to secrete inflammatory mediators, aggravating cell apoptosis and subsequent vascular leakage. New therapies, targeting these inflammatory molecules or related signaling pathways, have the potential to inhibit retinal inflammation and prevent diabetic retinopathy progression. Here, we review the relevant literature to date, summarize the inflammatory mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, and propose inflammation-based treatments for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

Chinese Guideline on the Management of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (2022)

Background In China's Mainland,patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nAMD)have approximately an 40%prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV).This disease leads to recurrent retinal pigment epithelium detachment(PED),extensive subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages,and severe vision loss.China has introduced various treatment modalities in the past years and gained comprehensive experience in treating PCV.Methods A total of 14 retinal specialists nationwide with expertise in PCV were empaneled to prioritize six questions and address their corresponding outcomes,regarding opinions on inactive PCV,choices of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)monotherapy,photodynamic therapy(PDT)monotherapy or combined therapy,patients with persistent subretinal fluid(SRF)or intraretinal fluid(IRF)after loading dose anti-VEGF,and patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage.An evidence synthesis team conducted systematic reviews,which informed the recommendations that address these questions.This guideline used the GRADE(Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation)approach to assess the certainty of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations.Results The panel proposed the following six conditional recommendations regarding treatment choices.(1)For patients with inactive PCV,we suggest observation over treatment.(2)For treatment-na?ve PCV patients,we suggest either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combined anti-VEGF and PDT rather than PDT monotherapy.(3)For patients with PCV who plan to initiate combined anti-VEGF and PDT treatment,we suggest later/rescue PDT over initiate PDT.(4)For PCV patients who plan to initiate anti-VEGF monotherapy,we suggest the treat and extend(TE)regimen rather than the pro re nata(PRN)regimen following three monthly loading doses.(5)For patients with persistent SRF or IRF on optical coherence tomography(OCT)after three monthly anti-VEGF treatments,we suggest proceeding with anti-VEGF treatment rather than observation.(6)For PCV patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage(equal to or more than four optic disc areas)involving the central macula,we suggest surgery(vitrectomy in combination with tissue-plasminogen activator(tPA)intraocular injection and gas tamponade)rather than anti-VEGF monotherapy.Conclusions Six evidence-based recommendations support optimal care for PCV patients'management.

Comparison of efficacy of conbercept,aflibercept,and ranibizumab ophthalmic injection in the treatment of macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion:a Meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate and compare the anatomical and functional outcomes and negative effects of the three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs in the treatment of macular edema(ME)due to retinal vein occlusion(RVO)based on the evidence pooled from current clinical trials and observational studies.METHODS:A systematic literature search was conducted on nine online databases from inception until April 30,2022.The main endpoints were best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central macular thickness(CMT),and adverse events(AEs).Cumulative Meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the outcomes of the drugs.The retrieved data were analyzed using Stata software(version 12.0).RESULTS:A total of 20 studies comprising 1674 eyes met the inclusion criteria to the Meta-analysis.It was observed that conbercept and aflibercept had better visual acuity effects compared with ranibizumab at 1mo[weight mean difference(WMD)=-0.03,P=0.001;WMD=-0.05,P=0.019],but the effects were not different from that of ranibizumab at 6mo.Moreover,there was not statistically significant dif ference in the propor tion of patients gaining≥15 letters at 12-24mo between aflibercept and ranibizumab[odds ratio(OR)=1.16,P=0.427].Conbercept had higher mean CMT change effects at 1mo(WMD=-14.43,P=0.014)and 6mo(WMD=-35.63,P≤0.001)compared with ranibizumab.Meanwhile,the mean CMT change effects at 1mo(WMD=-10.14,P=0.170),6mo(WMD=-26.98,P=0.140)and 12-24mo(WMD=-12.34,P=0.071)were comparable among the groups.Similarly,AEs were not significantly different among the treatments(OR=0.75,P=0.305;OR=1.04,P=0.89).The stability of effect size of mean BCVA and CMT improved with the increase in sample size.Aflibercept and conbercept required fewer injections compared with ranibizumab.CONCLUSION:This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy and AEs of intravitreal administration of conbercept,ranibizumab,and aflibercept in the treatment of RVOME.Intravitreal aflibercept or conbercept results in better mean change in vision and CMT reduction compared with ranibizumab.Conbercept can be considered to be a promising and innovative drug with good anti-VEGF effects.

Volumetric fluid analysis of fixed monthly anti-VEGF treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

·AIM:To evaluate visual outcomes and changes in fluid after administering monthly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)injections to treat neovascular agerelated macular degeneration(n AMD)with subretinal fluid(SRF)and pigment epithelial detachment(PED).·METHODS:This prospective study included eyes with n AMD previously treated with as-needed anti-VEGF injections.The patients were treated with six monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.Quantitative volumetric segmentation analyses of the SRF and PED were performed.The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),and SRF and PED volumes.·RESULTS:Twenty eyes of 20 patients were included in this study.At the 6-month follow-up,BCVA and PED volume did not change significantly(P=0.110 and 0.999,respectively)but the mean SRF volume decreased from 0.53±0.82 mm3 at baseline to 0.08±0.23 mm3(P=0.002).The absorption rate of the SRF volume was negatively correlated with the duration of previous antiVEGF treatment(P=0.029).Seven of the 20 eyes(35%)showed a fluid-free macula and significant improvement in BCVA(P=0.036)by month 6.·CONCLUSION:Quantifying the SRF can precisely determine the patient’s responsiveness to anti-VEGF treatment of n AMD.

Long-term outcomes of anti-VEGF treatment with 5+PRN regimen for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion

AIM:To assess the long-term outcomes of treating macular edema(ME)associated with central retinal vein occlusion(CRVO)with a regimen of“5+pro re nata(PRN)”.METHODS:This retrospective study included 27 eyes of 27 patients with ME associated with non-ischemic CRVO(non-iCRVO group,n=15)and ischemic CRVO(iCRVO group,n=12).The eyes were treated with five consecutive intravitreal injections of conbercept or ranibizumab,followed by reinjections as needed or PRN.Retinal laser photocoagulation or intravitreal dexamethasone implants(DEX)were implemented in both groups when necessary.The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA,logMAR)and central retinal thickness(CRT)were recorded at baseline,at 1,2,3,4,5,6,and 12mo,and at the final visit.The efficacy rates of BCVA and CRT before and after treatment were calculated.The number of injections at each visit and the incidence of adverse events were also recorded.RESULTS:The patients,aged 59.4±15.1y,were followed up for 24.7±8.8mo(range:15-42mo).After treatment,BCVA improved significantly from 1.04±0.56 logMAR at baseline to 0.59±0.36 logMAR(P=0.038)at the final visit in all patients.Both the non-iCRVO and the iCRVO groups achieved improved BCVA compared to the baseline at all visit points,but there was no statistical significance(P=0.197 and 0.33,respectively).The mean CRT was statistically reduced compared to baseline at all visit points in all the eyes and in both groups(all P<0.001).The apparent effective rate was 22.22% for BCVA and 37.04% for CRT after the first injection,48.15%for BCVA and 62.96% for CRT after 5 consecutive injections,and 74.08% for BCVA and 100% for CRT at the end of follow up.The average number of injections in all patients was 9.0±2.4 at 12mo and 14.9±8.1 finally with no statistical significance between both groups(P>0.05).Laser treatment was applied to all eyes in the iCRVO group,while only 5 patients in the noniCRVO group.Six patients in the non-iCRVO group and 3 patients in the iCRVO group had a drug switch.DEX was applied to 4 eyes in the non-iCRVO group and 5 eyes in the iCRVO group.CONCLUSION:The 5+PRN anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)regimen is found to be safe and effective for both iCRVO and non-iCRVO,especially in the iCRVO group.The best regimen for such patients needs to be further investigated.Adjuvant laser therapy and DEX are necessary in some cases.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ultrasonic cycloplasty vs valve implantation and anti-VEGF for the treatment of fundus disease-related neovascular glaucoma

·AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasonic cycloplasty(UCP) vs Ahmed glaucoma drainage valve implantation(ADV) in addition to intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) for treatment of fundus disease-related neovascular glaucoma(NVG).·METHODS: A total of 43 patients(45 eyes) with NVG secondary to fundus diseases underwent anti-VEGF combined with UCP or ADV from August 2020 to March 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Of them, 14 patients(15 eyes) were treated with both UCP and anti-VEGF as the UCP group and 29 patients(30 eyes) treated with both ADV and anti-VEGF as the ADV group. The success of the treatment was defined as intraocular pressure(IOP) between 11-20 mm Hg with or without using IOP-lowering drugs. IOP measurement, IOP lowering drugs at baseline and follow-ups period and complications were recorded.·RESULTS: The average age was 63.03±9.95 and 52.27±12.89y in ADV and UCP groups, respectively(P=1.947). The fundus pathology included proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 42 eyes and retinal vein occlusion in 3 eyes. All eyes in both groups achieved successful treatment at 3mo. While the success rate was 90.0%(27/30) in the ADV group and 86.7%(13/15) in the UCP group at the last follow-up of 6mo(P>0.05). IOP was significantly lower with reduction of drug use than the baseline in both groups(both P<0.05). And the ADV group needed fewer anti-glaucoma drops than the UCP group from 1d to 3mo. The comfort scores of patients in the ADV group were significantly lower than those in the UCP group in the first week after the operation(P<0.05).·CONCLUSION: UCP is an alternative to the ADV with the same efficacy but non-invasive for the treatment of NVG.

Subconjunctival conbercept for the treatment of corneal neovascularization

·AIM:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of subconjunctival injection of conbercept in the treatment of corneal neovascularization(CNV).·METHODS:The data on 10 consecutively recruited patients with CNV who received a subconjunctival conbercept(1 mg)once,and measured the area,length,and diameter of neovascularization before and after(1d,1,2wk,and 1mo)treatment as well as the occurrence of systemic and ocular complications after treatment were analyzed.·RESULTS:There was a statistically significant reduction in the area of CNV one day after treatment(mean±SD:38.46±11.36 mm^(2)),compared with before treatment(42.46±12.80 mm^(2),P<0.01).There was also a statistically significant reduction in the length(3.86±1.80 mm vs 4.64±1.77 mm,P<0.01)and diameter(0.044±0.022 vs 0.060±0.026,P<0.05)of CNV,one week after treatment comparing to before treatment.The reduction in all three parameters was maximized at two weeks after treatment(area:29.49±8.83 mm^(2),P<0.001;length:3.50±1.88 mm,P<0.001;and diameter:0.038±0.017 mm,P<0.01).No severe systemic or ocular complication was observed during the study.·CONCLUSION:During the observation period of onemonth,subconjunctival injection of conbercept is an effective and safe method for the reduction of CNV.It may be effective as a preoperative drug for neovascular corneal transplantation.

Retinal laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF for hemorrhagic retinal arterial microaneurysm

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of retinal laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)for hemorrhagic retinal arterial macroaneurysm(RAM).METHODS:This was a retrospective clinical study.Patients with hemorrhagic RAM were divided into 4 groups defined by different treatments:a retinal laser photocoagulation therapy monotherapy group,an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection monotherapy group,a laser and anti-VEGF combination therapy group,and an observation group.Visual acuity(VA),central macular thickness(CMT),and retinal hemorrhage area(RHA)were collected.RESULTS:Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients were enrolled.VA improved and had a significant difference between baseline and final in each treatment group(logMAR;laser group:1.90±0.53 vs 1.05±0.63,P<0.001;anti-VEGF group:1.75±0.63 vs 1.12±0.54,P=0.009;combination group:1.76±0.38 vs 1.01±0.52,P<0.001);however,VA decreased and had no significant difference in observation group(1.63±0.51 vs 1.76±0.61,P=0.660).CMT decreased and had a significant difference between baseline and final in each group(laser group:815.16±310.83 vs 252.05±83.90μm,P<0.001;anti-VEGF group:725.00±290.79 vs 203.56±69.89μm,P=0.001;combination group:595.50±186.51 vs 253.13±55.06μm,P=0.001;observation group:758.88±195.65 vs 267.00±120.90μm,P=0.001).RHA were 28.99±28.15,25.94±11.58,19.64±8.97,and 27.45±13.76 mm^(2) in laser group,anti-VEGF group,combination group and observation group,respectively.RHA was statistically correlated with final VA(P=0.032)in the observation group.CONCLUSION:Both laser and anti-VEGF treatments are effective for hemorrhagic RAM.Combination therapy reduces the number of injections of anti-VEGF.RHA is a visual prognosis predictor in the natural history of hemorrhagic RAM.

Pregnancy and diabetic retinopathy-considerations for evaluation and treatment:a review

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy(DR)continues to increase in pregnant females;these individuals are also at a higher risk of disease progression.The lack of evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of current treatment options in pregnancy makes disease management particularly challenging.All pregnant women with diabetes should have a prenatal DR screening,as well as receive counseling regarding the progression and management of DR during pregnancy.Optimal blood glucose and blood pressure control should be encouraged.For patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)in the absence of visually significant diabetic macular edema(DME),panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)remains a safe and effective treatment option.Visually significant DME can be treated with focal laser if areas of focal leakage are identified in the macula on fluorescein angiogram,intravitreal steroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)agents,The theoretical risk of anti-VEGF agents to the fetus should be considered and the patients should be extensively counselled regarding the risks and benefits of initiating anti-VEGF therapy before initiating treatment.When the decision is made to treat with anti-VEGF agents,Ranibizumab should be the agent of choice.In conclusion,ophthalmologists should make treatment decisions in pregnant patients with DR on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration disease severity,risk of permanent threat to vision,gestational age,and patient preferences.

Safety and efficacy of intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor for severe posterior retinopathy of prematurity with flat fibrovascular proliferation

BACKGROUND Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(IVA)injection is known to cause contraction of fibrovascular proliferation(FVP),when present in severe retinopathy of prematurity(ROP).AIM To assess the structural outcomes of IVA injection in the treatment of severe posterior ROP with significant FVP.METHODS It was a retrospective study in which 36 eyes of 18 preterm babies who developed>4 clock hours of FVP in zone I or posterior zone II,were treated with either intravitreal 0.625 mg bevacizumab or intravitreal 0.2 mg of ranibizumab.Favorable structural outcome included resolution of plus disease and FVP without the development of tractional retinal detachment.Secondary outcome measure included either full retinal maturation at follow-up or development of recurrent disease requiring additional treatment.Adverse outcomes included progression to retinal detachment.RESULTS The mean gestational age of the 18 preterm babies was 30 wk(range 27-36),and mean birth weight was 1319 g(range 650-1980 g).Mean post-menstrual age(PMA)at the time of primary treatment was 35.5 wk(range 31-41 wk).All eyes showed regression of plus disease and FVP.5 eyes of 3 babies showed reactivation of disease and were treated with repeat IVA(n=2 eyes)or peripheral laser photocoagulation(n=3 eyes)respectively.16 out of 36(44%)reached retinal vascular maturation at final follow up at 5 years.CONCLUSION There was good resolution of severe posterior ROP with FVP with IVA,with retinal maturity of 44%at 5 year follow-up and a reactivation rate of 13.8%.When the IVA injection is given prior to 37 wk PMA,while disease is in phase 2,it is less likely to cause contracture of pre-existing FVP.