Purpose: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, etiologies, and treatment outcomes of pediatric macular holes (MHs). Methods: The medical records of pediatric patients under 18 years of age diagnosed with MHs at Severance Hospital between January 2005 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding etiology, MH diameter, treatment methods, and both visual and anatomical outcomes were analyzed. Results: Among 15 patients (16 eyes), traumatic MHs were identified in 7 cases (46.7%), while non-traumatic causes included Stargardt disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, and vitreomacular traction. No statistically significant differences were observed between the traumatic and non-traumatic groups in terms of age, MH diameter, or initial and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). However, there was a significant difference in sex distribution, with all traumatic cases occurring in males, whereas only 3 of the 9 non-traumatic eyes were male (p = 0.01). Surgical intervention was performed in 13 eyes, achieving anatomical closure in 62.5% (10 eyes). The three eyes without closure (37.5%) were all non-traumatic cases. BCVA (logMAR) significantly improved from a median of 1.00 preoperatively to 0.70 postoperatively (p = 0.013). Among the three eyes that did not undergo surgery, one demonstrated spontaneous closure, and another achieved closure following medical treatment. Conclusions Pediatric MHs may arise from various ocular conditions beyond trauma. Surgical intervention was effective, particularly for traumatic MHs, while non-traumatic cases demonstrated a lower closure rate. In some instances, spontaneous or medically induced closure occurred without surgical management. Further multicenter studies with larger cohorts are warranted to establish definitive management guidelines for pediatric MHs.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics, onset timing, and anatomical and functional outcomes of MEK inhibitor–associated retinopathy (MEKAR) in Korean patients receiving systemic MEK inhibitor therapy. Methods: This retrospective study included 16 patients diagnosed with MEKAR between January 2011 and August 2025. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were evaluated at baseline, at MEKAR onset, and at final follow-up. Results: Mean age was 57.8 ± 10.6 years, with a male predominance (68.8%). Colorectal cancer was the most common primary malignancy (56.3%), followed by lung cancer and malignant melanoma (18.7% each). MEKAR developed after a median of 3.3 weeks (IQR, 1.9–4.4 weeks) following therapy initiation, and the median time to initial improvement was 2.4 weeks (IQR, 1.3–8.1 weeks). At onset, 62.6% of patients reported ocular symptoms, while 37.4% were asymptomatic. OCT showed reversible retinal changes, most commonly ellipsoid zone thickening (68.8%) and focal subretinal fluid (43.8%), all of which resolved completely. CMT increased transiently at onset compared with baseline (p = 0.002) and normalized at final follow-up (p < 0.001), with no baseline–final difference (p = 0.489). CT remained stable (p = 0.159). BCVA was preserved, with a median of 0.00 logMAR at baseline, onset and final follow-up. Patients undergoing dose modification or interruption showed faster improvement than those continuing therapy (median, 9 vs. 81 days; p = 0.004). One patient showed multiple recurrent episodes, all of which resolved without visual deterioration. Conclusions MEKAR developed early after treatment initiation and followed a transient, fully reversible course with preserved visual function. Although dose modification accelerated anatomical recovery, long-term outcomes remained favorable even with continued therapy, supporting close monitoring and individualized management rather than routine interruption, particularly in mild or asymptomatic cases.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical and visual effects of biosimilars in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with wet AMD treated with originator or biosimilar ranibizumab (CKD-701) or aflibercept (SB15) between June 2024 and February 2025 at Severance Eye Hospital. Clinical outcomes were assessed over six months using best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements. Results: Among 272 patients, 91 received ranibizumab (54.9% originator, 45.1% biosimilar) and 181 received aflibercept (66.9% originator, 33.1% biosimilar). In the ranibizumab group, BCVA and CMT improvements were comparable between originator and biosimilar formulations, with no significant differences in injection number. In the aflibercept group, the biosimilar cohort received significantly fewer injections (3.63 [originator] vs. 3.11 [biosimilar], p = 0.006) and showed slightly inferior visual and anatomical outcomes, likely influenced by a smaller proportion of treatment-naïve patients and limited insurance coverage. No serious adverse events were observed in any group. Conclusions Biosimilars demonstrated acceptable efficacy and safety over six months. Broader use could improve accessibility, though further long-term data are needed.

Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics and course of paclitaxel (PTX)-related cystoid macular edema (CME) Methods: Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for seven patients diagnosed with PTX-related CME at a single center in Seoul, South Korea, between January 2011 and April 2025. Collected data included demographics, chemotherapy regimen details, and ophthalmologic findings such as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and, when available, fundus fluorescein angiography. Management strategies and treatment outcomes, including changes in BCVA and central macular thickness (CMT), were analyzed. Results: Seven patients were diagnosed with PTX-related CME, all with bilateral involvement. The mean interval from initiation of PTXbased chemotherapy to CME diagnosis was 42.7 weeks (median, 34.9 weeks; range, 24.1–78.7 weeks). Median BCVA improved from 0.40 LogMAR (IQR, 0.22–0.47) at baseline to 0.10 LogMAR (IQR, 0.00–0.24) at the final visit (p = 0.008), and the median CMT decreased from 617.0 μm (IQR, 345.25–696.50 μm) at baseline to 255.0 μm (IQR, 235.75–300.25 μm) at the final visit (p = 0.001). Among six patients who discontinued PTX, initial CME improvement was observed at a mean of 4.5 weeks (median, 4.1 weeks; range, 1.1–11.1 weeks) following cessation, and complete resolution was confirmed in five patients, at a mean of 12.8 weeks (median, 11.1 weeks; range, 9.0–17.1 weeks).One patient who was unable to discontinue PTX achieved delayed CME resolution and visual recovery 28 weeks after dose reduction and interval extension. Conclusions Favorable anatomical and visual outcomes of PTX-related CME were achieved following drug cessation. In cases where discontinuation was not feasible, gradual improvement in CME occurred after dose reduction and interval extension. Awareness of this potential ocular adverse event is important for both ophthalmologists and oncologists managing patients on PTX-based chemotherapy.

Purpose: Little is known about the major risk factors for submacular hemorrhage (SMH). This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with SMH in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy receiving three consecutive loading doses of intravitreal aflibercept or ranibizumab injections. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 48 patients diagnosed with nAMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy who completed three loading doses under a treat-and-extend regimen. Patients were divided into the SMH group and the non-SMH group (age- and sex-matched without SMH), with 24 patients in each group. Intravitreal injections, agents, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features were compared. Results: In the SMH group, SMH occurred approximately 3.29 years after post-nAMD diagnosis. The non-SMH group received more intravitreal injections of aflibercept and brolucizumab during the follow-up period after the initial loading phase. The SMH group exhibited a higher prevalence of serous/hemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) at the last visit before SMH occurrence compared to the non-SMH group. Patients with a PED increase in the past two visits showed a higher tendency in the SMH group. No other OCT features significantly correlated with SMH development. Conclusions The presence of serous/hemorrhagic PEDs may indicate a higher risk of SMH, and eyes with these features should be closely monitored to prevent sudden and devastating visual loss caused by SMH.