Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of double-dose aflibercept in patients with refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: We reviewed the medical records of nAMD patients treated with a double dose of aflibercept (4 mg/0.1 mL) due to an inadequate response to standard 8-weekly intravitreal injections of 2 mg/0.05 mL aflibercept. The assessment at week 8 after treatment included changes in subretinal/intraretinal fluid (SRF/IRF) and best-corrected visual acuity, with patients showing absence or reduction in SRF/IRF classified as the response group. Baseline factors influencing clinical outcomes were analyzed, including central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), size of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), CNV subtype, and maximum height of SRF and IRF. Results: The study included 95 eyes of 95 subjects, with 61 eyes (64.2%) categorized as the response group following double-dose treatment. Responders exhibited thicker CCT (290.4 μm vs. 194.0 μm, p < 0.001), thinner CMT (251.2 μm vs 311.1 μm, p = 0.018), smaller CNV area (2.718 mm2 vs. 3.964 mm2, p = 0.034), and a higher prevalence of type 1 CNV (85.2% vs. 58.8%, p = 0.011) compared to the non-response group. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified thicker CCT (p < 0.001, r = 1.016), thinner CMT (p = 0.014, r = 0.988), smaller CNV area (p = 0.015, r = 0.662), and type 1 CNV (p = 0.001, r = 0.061) as factors associated with better anatomical outcomes. Conclusions Double-dose aflibercept was effective in 64% of patients with refractory nAMD, suggesting it may be considered for those with small CNV areas, thinner CMT, and thicker CCT.

Purpose: To assess the impact of toxoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers on the diagnosis of active ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients tested for toxoplasma IgG at our uveitis clinic. Active ocular toxoplasmosis was clinically diagnosed based on wide-angle fundus photography and disease progression. Patients with IgG titers ≥ 30 IU/mL were classified as seropositive-high titer, those with IgG titers of 1.6-30 IU/mL as seropositive-low titer, and the remaining patients as seronegative. We compared the proportion of active ocular toxoplasmosis among these groups. Additionally, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of each titer and attempted to determine an ideal reference titer for toxoplasma IgG in diagnosing active ocular toxoplasmosis. Results: Out of 824 patients, 86 (10.4%), 88 (10.7%), and 650 (78.9%) were categorized as seropositive-high titer, seropositivelow titer, and seronegative, respectively. Among these patients, 34 in the seropositive-high titer group and 2 in the seropositive- low titer group were clinically diagnosed with active ocular toxoplasmosis. The false-positive rate was significantly different between the groups, being 60.5% in the seropositive-high titer group and 97.7% in the seropositive-low titer group (p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that 37.70 IU/mL could be an ideal reference titer for diagnosing ocular toxoplasmosis. Conclusions The false-positive rate was notably lower (60.5%) in patients with IgG titers ≥ 30 IU/mL compared to those with titers of 1.6-30 IU/mL (97.7%). Therefore, not only the presence of IgG but also the level of titer appears to be important in diagnosing ocular toxoplasmosis.

Purpose: To report a case of spontaneous closure of a chronic recurrent full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) in a previously vitrectomized eye.Case summary: A 58-year-old female who underwent vitrectomy for the treatment of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) on the right eye 2 years ago complaint of decreased vision on the same eye. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.2. The fundus photograph and optical coherence tomography revealed a FTMH with perifoveal cystoid macular edema (CME). While surgical treatment for the macular hole (MH) was scheduled, the spontaneous closure of MH was observed with resolution of CME. BCVA improved to 0.5. During the long-term follow-up periods, FTMH with CME recurred 2 times or more. In all events, the hole was spontaneously closed in 1 month, accompanied with resolution of CME. Conclusions A FTMH with CME developed 3 times for 11 years following RRD repair, which was spontaneously closed with CME resolution in a month. In case of chronic recurrent FTMH in vitrectomized eye, it would be better to determine surgical treatment after closely monitoring changes in hole and CME.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes and intraocular inflammation (IOI) following intravitreal brolucizumab injection for the treatment of refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of nAMD patients who received intravitreal brolucizumab injection that was switched from other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents due to limited responses. The changes in subretinal/intraretinal fluid (SRF/IRF) and development of IOI were evaluated using slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography. Results: The study included 76 eyes of 75 patients (56 males, 19 females). SRF and IRF disappeared in 55.3% (42/76 eyes) after the first injection and in 52.3% (23/44 eyes) of the remaining eyes after the third injection. The mean treatment interval increased from 5.6 to 9.6 weeks (p < 0.001). Visual acuity did not change. Eleven eyes (14.5%) developed IOI: an anterior chamber reaction in two eyes, vitritis in nine eyes, retinal vasculitis in one eye, and no retinal vascular occlusion. All IOI was treated with steroid eye solution or oral medication and recovered within 3.8 weeks. Three eyes also underwent subtenon steroid injection. Early recovery from IOI was observed in the subtenon steroid injection group (1.67 ± 0.58 vs. 4.63 ± 2.97 weeks, p = 0.048). Visual acuity (logMAR) decreased from 0.51 to 0.67 when IOI developed (p = 0.018), but increased to 0.52 after recovery from IOI. Conclusions Approximately half of the eyes with refractory nAMD showed complete resolution of SRF/IRF when receiving brolucizumab. IOI had a high incidence, but recovery was successful, with careful monitoring and intensive steroid treatment.

Background and Objectives: Ultimaster™, a third-generation sirolimus-eluting stent using biodegradable polymer, has been introduced to overcome long term adverse vascular events, such as restenosis or stent thrombosis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the 12-month clinical outcomes of Ultimaster™ stents in Korean patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: This study is a multicenter, prospective, observational registry across 12 hospitals. To reflect real-world clinical evidence, non-selective subtypes of patients and lesions were included in this study. The study end point was target lesion failure (TLF) (the composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction [MI], and target lesion revascularization [TLR]) at 12-month clinical follow up. Results: A total of 576 patients were enrolled between November 2016 and May 2021. Most of the patients were male (76.5%), with a mean age of 66.0±11.2 years. Among the included patients, 40.1% had diabetes mellitus (DM) and 67.9% had acute coronary syndrome (ACS).At 12 months, the incidence of TLF was 4.1%. The incidence of cardiac death was 1.5%, MI was 1.0%, TLR was 2.7%, and stent thrombosis was 0.6%. In subgroup analysis based on the presence of ACS, DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or bifurcation, there were no major differences in the incidence of the primary endpoint. Conclusions The present registry shows that Ultimaster™ stent is safe and effective for routine real-world clinical practice in non-selective Korean patients, having a low rate of adverse events at least up to 12 months.

Purpose: To investigate the predictive accuracy of refraction and any change in intraocular pressure (IOP) after transscleral fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) in trabeculectomized eyes with glaucoma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of glaucoma patients who underwent trabeculectomy, followed by transscleral fixation of dislocated IOLs combined with vitrectomy. The refraction predicted by the SRK/T formula and the postoperative refraction were converted into spherical equivalents. Predictive refraction accuracies were analyzed when the differences between the two values were within ± 0.5 diopters (D) and ± 1.0 D. The IOP was measured before and after surgery. Results: Eleven eyes of 11 men (mean age, 67.27 ± 10.55 years) were included. The mean axial length was 23.64 ± 1.26 mm; the mean predicted and postoperative refractions were -0.02 ± 0.46 D and -0.80 ± 0.98 D, respectively (p = 0.029). The refractive outcome was more myopic (by -0.78 ± 1.11 D) than predicted. The predictive accuracies were 36.4% and 72.7% when the differences were ± 0.5 and ± 1.0 D, respectively. The IOP did not change during follow-up (13.18 ± 4.56, 12.82 ± 5.88, and 12.73 ± 4.58 mmHg at baseline, 1 week, and 3 months, respectively). Conclusions In trabeculectomized eyes, transscleral IOL fixation did not affect the IOP, but the refractive outcome was more myopic than predicted. This difference should be considered when choosing IOL target power.

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of a perfluoro-n-octane (PFO)-assisted superior inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap without the peeling-off technique for the treatment of a large macular hole (MH). Methods: This retrospective interventional case series examined 13 eyes with a MH ≥ 400 μm. All eyes underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. An ILM flap stained with 0.025% brilliant blue G was made in the superior area of the hole. The ILM in the temporal, nasal, and inferior areas around the hole was not peeled off. The hole was gently covered using the inverted ILM flap, which was stabilized using a small amount of PFO. Fluidair exchange was performed slowly. The small amount of residual PFO was removed by evaporation. The patients were instructed to maintain a facedown position for 1 day postoperatively. Anatomical closure of the hole and visual acuity were assessed postoperatively. Results: The average hole size was 605.08 ± 102.41 μm. Nine eyes had an idiopathic MH, two exhibited age-related macular degeneration, and one each had high myopia and a traumatic MH. All eyes achieved type I closure. The foveal contour improved gradually during follow-up: 92.3% of eyes had a U-shaped fovea, and 61.5% exhibited complete recovery of the ellipsoid zone. The visual acuity improved from 0.91 to 0.55 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (p = 0.003). Conclusions The PFO-assisted superior inverted ILM flap without peeling-off was effective for stabilizing the flap over the hole and consequently achieving good anatomical and visual outcomes in large MHs.

Purpose: To investigate the incidence and clinical course of acute endophthalmitis after idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) surgery employing microincision vitrectomy (MIVS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of eyes with acute endophthalmitis developing after iERM surgery via 23- or 25-gauge MIVS from 2011 to 2021. The incidence, culture-positive rate (and responsible bacteria), final visual acuity (VA), and factors affecting poor visual outcomes were assessed. Results: Acute endophthalmitis developed in 20 of the 12,921 eyes (0.15%) after MIVS. Of these, 14 of 3,180 eyes treated via iERM (0.44%, one per 227 procedures) developed endophthalmitis; the incidence ratio (iERM versus non-iERM) was 7.1 (p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6-22.7). At least one sclerotomy remained unsutured in all eyes after iERM surgery. Thirteen eyes (92.9%) were given intravitreal antibiotic injections after emergency vitrectomy, and one eye was treated with intravitreal antibiotic injection alone. Staphylococcus epidermidis was cultured from four eyes (28.6%); three strains were methicillin-resistant. All final VAs were not better than the initial VAs; the average VA decreased from 20/42 to 20/259 (p < 0.001). Six eyes (42.9%) attained legal blindness status (final VA < 20/200); Macular invasion was a unique risk factor for such blindness (p = 0.020, odds ratio = 35.0, 95% CI = 1.7-703.0). Conclusions Acute endophthalmitis developing after iERM surgery with MIVS was more common than such endophthalmitis after other retinal surgery. Approximately 40% of the former patients became legally blind, and the risk was higher in eyes with macular involvement of endophthalmitis.

Purpose: To investigate the changes in intraocular cytokines after ranibizumab treatment in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods: This multicenter, prospective study enrolled patients with PCV treated with three monthly ranibizumab followed by a pro re nata regimen for 24 weeks. Best corrected visual acuity, slit lamp examination, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography were performed every 4 weeks. Aqueous humor was collected to measure intraocular cytokines at baseline, week 8, and the time of recurrence or week 20. The association of changes in intraocular cytokines with visual acuity, central macular thickness, central choroidal thickness, area of abnormal vessels, and polyp closure was assessed. Results: This study included 25 eyes. The mean patient age was 70.3 ± 6.1 years. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration decreased at week 8, but only interferon (IFN)-γ, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-2 decreased at the time of recurrence. The recurrence interval was positively associated with the baseline epithelial-neutrophil activating peptide (ENA)-78, interleukin (IL)-17, leptin, and transforming growth factor-β1, and baseline central macular thickness was positively correlated with the baseline fibroblast growth factor-4 and IL-10. Thick central choroidal thickness was associated with a low basic fibroblast growth factor and high IFN-γ at baseline. The MCP-3 and Tie-2 levels decreased in two eyes with polyp closure. Conclusions Ranibizumab significantly reduced intraocular VEGF concentrations and consequently improved PCV. However, the cytokines IFN-γ, TIMP-2, and MCP-2, rather than VEGF, were associated with PCV recurrence. Further studies of intraocular cytokines involved in neovascularization in PCV are needed.

Purpose: We report bilateral, diffuse, uveal melanocytic proliferation caused by a stomach adenocarcinoma.Case summary: A 78-year-old male complained of visual impairment 3 months in duration. He had diabetes and had undergone cataract surgery on both eyes 4 years prior. His best-corrected visual acuity was counting fingers in the right eye and 20/160 in the left eye. Both intraocular pressures were normal. The anterior segments yielded no specific findings. The maculae exhibited multiple, round, patchy, pigmented or depigmented lesions with exudative retinal detachment. Fluorescein angiography revealed multiple hyperfluorescent lesions. Optical coherence tomography revealed that the hyper-reflective exudates lay between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. We diagnosed bilateral, diffuse, uveal melanocytic proliferation and performed a systemic evaluation. Computed tomography revealed several mass lesions in the lung, stomach, and lymph nodes; these appeared to be malignant. An esophagogastroduodenoscopic biopsy confirmed that the lesions were adenocarcinomas. Conclusions A bilateral, diffuse, uveal melanocytic proliferation induced by a primary malignant tumor exhibited multiple, pigmented subretinal exudates associated with exudative macular retinal detachment. In patients with such findings, it is necessary to evaluate the malignant tumor status of remote organs.