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Michel Farah

    Michel Farah

    Purpose: To investigate the binding affinity, stability, and sterility of aflibercept and ziv-aflibercept to vascular endothelial growth factor (Holash et al. in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 99(17):11393–11398, 2002. https ://doi.org/10.1073/... more
    Purpose: To investigate the binding affinity, stability, and sterility of aflibercept and ziv-aflibercept to vascular endothelial growth factor (Holash et al. in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 99(17):11393–11398, 2002. https ://doi.org/10.1073/ pnas.17239 8299) after compounding and storage for up to 28 days at 4 °C and − 8 °C. Methods: Tuberculin-type 1-mL syringes were prepared containing aflibercept (40 mg/mL) and ziv-aflibercept (25 mg/mL). Samples were stored at 4 °C and − 8 °C for 0, 14, and 28 days and evaluated for the binding affinity of anti-VEGF to VEGF and stability using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The evaluation of sample sterility was performed. Results: Laboratory trials with aflibercept and ziv-aflibercept showed preservation of the drug-binding capability to recombinant VEGF when stored in plastic syringes for up to 28 days at 4 °C and − 8 °C. No significant decrease in mass or concentration were observed. Microbiologic evaluations did not detect contamination in the syringes. Conclusions: The current study corroborates that compounded anti-VEGF drugs aflibercept and ziv-aflibercept do not loose stability or binding affinity and do not become contaminated if prepared under sterile conditions and stored at 4 °C or − 8 °C for 14 or 28 days.
    Research Interests:
    Purpose: To evaluate the 52-week safety and efficacy of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: All patients received three monthly intravitreal injections of 0.05 mL of... more
    Purpose: To evaluate the 52-week safety and efficacy of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: All patients received three monthly intravitreal injections of 0.05 mL of ziv-aflibercept (1.25 mg) followed by a pro re nata regimen. The best-corrected visual acuity and spectral domain optical coherence tomography were obtained at baseline and monthly. Full-field and multifocal electroretinograms were obtained at baseline and 4, 13, 26, and 52 weeks. For some full-field electroretinography parameters, we calculated the differences between baseline and 52 weeks and then compared those differences between treated and untreated fellow eyes. Results: Fifteen patients were included and 14 completed the 52-week follow-up. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.95 ± 0.41 (20/200) at baseline to 0.75 ± 0.51 (20/125) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution at 52 weeks (P = 0.0066). The baseline central retinal thickness decreased from 478.21 ± 153.48 mm to 304.43 ± 98.59 mm (P = 0.0004) at 52 weeks. Full-field electroretinography parameters used to assess retinal toxicity after intravitreal injections (rod response and oscillatory potentials) remained unchanged during follow-up. The average multifocal electroretinography macular response in 5° showed increased N 1-P 1 amplitude and decreased P 1 implicit time (P , 0.05). One patient presented with intraocular inflammation after the seventh intravitreal procedure. Conclusion: The results suggested that intravitreal ziv-aflibercept might be safe and effective for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration. More patients and a longer follow-up are needed to confirm the long-term outcomes of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept. RETINA 0:1–8, 2017
    Research Interests:
    Purpose: To report a unique case series of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy (ASPPC) correlating en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) with standard imaging modalities. Methods: In this retrospective case series,... more
    Purpose: To report a unique case series of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy (ASPPC) correlating en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) with standard imaging modalities.
    Methods: In this retrospective case series, multimodal imaging was performed in three ASPPC patients at the time of disease presentation.
    Results: Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with the diagnosis of ASPPC. In all the study patients, multiple hyperreflective dot-like lesions distributed in the macular area and observed with en-face OCT at the level of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) corresponded to the nodular RPE elevations on cross-sectional OCT and to the hyperautofluorescent spots on fundus autofluorescence. In addition, the cross-sectional OCT scans showed disorganization of the outer retinal bands and punctate choroidal hyperreflectivity.
    Conclusion: By combining en-face OCT with multimodal imaging analysis, we propose that a primary inflamma- tion at the level of the choroid may be the pathogenic mechanism for the occurrence of outer retinal band abnormalities.
    Research Interests:
    Purpose: To evaluate the 6-month safety and efficacy of ziv-aflibercept intravitreal injections for treating exudative age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Fifteen patients with unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration... more
    Purpose: To evaluate the 6-month safety and efficacy of ziv-aflibercept intravitreal injections for treating exudative age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Fifteen patients with unilateral exudative age-related macular degeneration were enrolled. The best-corrected visual acuity was measured and spectral domain optical coherence tomography was performed at baseline and monthly. Full-field electroretinog-raphy and multifocal electroretinography were obtained at baseline and 4, 13, and 26 weeks after the first injection. All patients received three monthly intravitreal injections of ziv-aflibercept (1.25 mg) followed by as-needed treatment. Results: Between baseline and 26 weeks, the mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity improved (P = 0.00408) from 0.93 ± 0.4 (20/200) to 0.82 ± 0.5 (20/160) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively; the central retinal thickness decreased significantly (P = 0.0007) from 490.3 ± 155.1 microns to 327.9 ± 101.5 microns; the mean total macular volume decreased significantly (P , 0.0001) from 9.51 ± 1.36 mm 3 to 8.08 ± 1.34 mm 3 , and the a-wave implicit time increased, with no differences in the other full-field electroretinography parameters. The average multifocal electroretinography macular responses within the first central 15° showed significantly (P , 0.05) increased P 1 amplitudes at 26 weeks. No systemic or ocular complications developed. Conclusion: Intravitreal ziv-aflibercept significantly improved the best-corrected visual acuity, multifocal electroretinography amplitudes, central retinal thickness, and total macular volume from baseline to 26 weeks. No retinal toxicity on full-field electroretinog-raphy or adverse events occurred during the follow-up period. RETINA 0:1–9, 2016
    Research Interests:
    In the last few years, monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of retinal neovascular diseases. More recently, a different class of drugs, fusion proteins, has provided an alternative treatment strategy with... more
    In the last few years, monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of retinal neovascular diseases. More recently, a different class of drugs, fusion proteins, has provided an alternative treatment strategy with pharmacological differences. In addition to commercially available aflibercept, two other drugs, ziv-aflibercept and conbercept, have been studied in antiangiogenic treatment of ocular diseases. In this scenario, a critical review of the currently available data regarding fusion proteins in ophthalmic diseases may be a timely and important contribution. Afliber-cept, previously known as VEGF Trap Eye, is a fusion protein of VEGF receptors 1 and 2 and a treatment for several retinal diseases related to angiogenesis. It has firmly joined ranibizumab and bevacizumab as an important therapeutic option in the management of neovascular AMD-, DME-and RVO-associated macular edema. Ziv-aflibercept, a systemic chemotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, has recently drawn attention because of its potential for intravitreal administration, since it was not associated with ERG-related signs of toxicity in an experimental study and in human case reports. Conbercept is a soluble receptor decoy that blocks all isoforms of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and PlGF, which has a high binding affinity for VEGF and a long half-life in vitre-ous. It has been studied in a phase three clinical trial and has shown efficacy and safety. This review discusses three fusion proteins that have been studied in ophthalmology, aflibercept, ziv-aflibercept and conbercept, with emphasis on their clinical application for the treatment of retinal diseases.
    Research Interests:
    Purpose: To report the fundus manifestations and spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic (SD-OCT) features of dengue fever presenting as Purtscher-like retinopathy. Methods: Retrospective review of two cases of dengue fever.... more
    Purpose: To report the fundus manifestations and spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic (SD-OCT) features of dengue fever presenting as Purtscher-like retinopathy. Methods: Retrospective review of two cases of dengue fever. Results: Color fundus photograph revealed the presence of cotton-wool spots in a Purtscher-like configuration in the posterior pole of all study eyes. SD-OCT demonstrated increased reflectivity signal in the inner retinal layers, and after a variable follow-up period, there was complete disappearance of cotton-wool spots and persistence of the hyperreflectivity signal. Conclusion: We report two unique cases of dengue fever associated with retinal lesions in a configuration of Purtscher-like retinopathy.
    Research Interests:
    Background: Retrospective review of one acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) case with serological evidence of syphilis who had ocular signs and symptoms not attributable to other diseases. Enface and spectral-domain... more
    Background: Retrospective review of one acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) case with serological evidence of syphilis who had ocular signs and symptoms not attributable to other diseases. Enface and spectral-domain optical coherence tomographySD-OCT were analyzed at the time of presentation and at 1-month visit following initiation of treatment. The study patient underwent standard treatment for neurosyphilis. Results: Ophthalmic examination and imaging studies were consistent with the diagnosis of ASPPC. The patient age was 33 year-old and the baseline visual acuity was 20/400 and 20/80 in the right and left eyes, respectively. At presentation, SD-OCT scans showed disruption and loss of the ellipsoid zone (EZ), small nodular elevations on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and punctate hyperreflectivity in the choroid. Enface OCT at the level of RPE and EZ demonstrated multiple hyperreflective dot-like lesions simmetrically distributed within the macular area. These dot-like lesions corresponded to the small nodular elevations on RPE and to disruption/loss of EZ observed with SD-OCT. One month after neurosyphilis therapy, the visual acuity improved and the outer retinal changes partially reversed in both eyes. Conclusions: We report the outer retinal findings and its correlation using both en-face and SD-OCT in a patient with ASPPC. En-face OCT imaging provides a more precise outer retinal layers analyses allowing a better understanding of the ASPPC pathophysiology.
    Research Interests:
    Diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of preventable blindness in the economically active population in western countries. Diabetic retinopathy screening is effective in preventing blindness and can be performed through various... more
    Diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of preventable blindness in the economically active population in western countries. Diabetic retinopathy screening is effective in preventing blindness and can be performed through various diagnostic methods. Our objective is to compare binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) to telemedicine protocols of digital retinography for diabetic retinopathy screening in a large and heterogenous type 1 diabetes population in a developing country. Data from 1266 Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus patients from a Brazilian multicenter study were analyzed. Patients underwent BIO and digital retinography, non-mydriatic and mydriatic. Images were sent to a reading center in a telemedicine protocol. Agreement between the different methods was calculated with kappa statistic for diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy classification. Clinical outcome was either observation or referral to specialist. Agreement between BIO and mydriatic retinography was substantial (kappa 0...
    To evaluate the visual and angiographic effects as well as optical coherence tomography findings after a new technique of ingrowth site treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia with the use... more
    To evaluate the visual and angiographic effects as well as optical coherence tomography findings after a new technique of ingrowth site treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia with the use of indocyanine green (ICG)-mediated photothrombosis. Interventional, noncomparative case series. In the setting of a tertiary referral center, patients with pathologic myopia in whom fluorescein and conventional ICG angiography demonstrated distinct CNV vessels supplying the subfoveal neovascular complex were submitted to focal ingrowth site treatment using a new therapeutic modality termed ICG-mediated photothrombosis. Prospective evaluation including visual acuity assessment, fluorescein and ICG angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation was performed at weeks 1, 12, 24, and 48 after treatment. Six consecutive patients (six eyes) had treatment using a single session of ICG-mediated photothrombosis at the CNV ingrowth site. Obliteration of the entire neovascular complex was achieved immediately after treatment in all patients. At last follow-up, visual acuity improvement of 1 or more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines was observed in five of six patients, and fluorescein angiography showed an absence (four eyes) or minimal leakage (two eyes) from CNV. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated selective obliteration of the neovascular complex. Accordingly, reduction of retinal edema was observed in the OCT evaluation in all patients. There was no significant complication related to the procedure. The use of lower irradiances of 810- nm continuous light application and intravenous ICG infusion for neovascular ingrowth site photothrombosis induced selective CNV hypoperfusion, as demonstrated by fluorescein and ICG angiography in patients with pathologic myopia. These findings were either consistent with the visual acuity improvement observed in five of six patients or with the partial restoration of the retinal architecture seen in OCT evaluation 12 months after treatment.
    Purpose: To evaluate the agreement between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) regarding the detection of cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery. Methods: Retrospective comparative... more
    Purpose: To evaluate the agreement between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) regarding the detection of cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery. Methods: Retrospective comparative observational series of 25 eyes with suspected CME. Patients with low visual acuity and alterations in fundus biomicros- copy after cataract surgery underwent OCT scanning followed by FFA on the same
    To report a series of patients with Stage II macular hole (MH) treated by gas-assisted posterior vitreous detachment (GAPVD). Interventional case series. Six patients (six eyes) with Stage II MH were submitted to a 0.4 ml perfluoropropane... more
    To report a series of patients with Stage II macular hole (MH) treated by gas-assisted posterior vitreous detachment (GAPVD). Interventional case series. Six patients (six eyes) with Stage II MH were submitted to a 0.4 ml perfluoropropane (C(3)F(8)) intravitreal injection. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at baseline and one, three, and six months after the procedure. Preoperative OCT revealed Stage II MH in all cases. In five cases, improvement in visual acuity and closure of the macular hole on OCT was observed at one, three, and six months after GAPVD. In one case, although vitreofoveal traction was released, MH closure was not achieved; a full-thickness retinal defect persisted and final visual acuity was 20/100. GAPVD may be a viable alternative treatment for Stage II MH.
    Postoperative CME remains a well-recognized complication following cataract surgery. It is the most common cause of decreased vision in patients following cataract surgery with or without the implantation of an intraocular lens (3) . CME... more
    Postoperative CME remains a well-recognized complication following cataract surgery. It is the most common cause of decreased vision in patients following cataract surgery with or without the implantation of an intraocular lens (3) . CME more often is associated with ...
    To investigate the effect of indocyanine green-mediated photothrombosis on choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks. Six eyes of 5 patients with an average age of 70 years were diagnosed to have subfoveal choroidal... more
    To investigate the effect of indocyanine green-mediated photothrombosis on choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks. Six eyes of 5 patients with an average age of 70 years were diagnosed to have subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks. Therapy was indicated if choroidal neovascularization was considered to be active, according to evidence of fluorescein leakage on angiograms, as well as presence of intra- or subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography. Patients received photothrombosis at baseline with retreatment as necessary at 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up. Fluorescein leakage was assessed at 3, 6 and 9 months, along with foveal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography. Indocyanine green angiography was performed initially and whenever retreatment was considered. Retreatment was performed whenever there was evidence of increased leakage on fluorescein angiograms at follow-up visits. The mean follow-up was 13.3 months. All eyes had at least 12 months follow-up. Two eyes underwent retreatment. Three eyes had visual acuity improvement and three eyes had stabilization. All patients showed less fluorescein leakage on final angiograms and reduced foveal thickness upon optical coherence tomography measurement. Photothrombosis is a feasible procedure for choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks. Lesion analysis showed anatomical improvement in most cases in this series. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term results of this treatment.
    To investigate the retinal safety of intravitreal (IVT) ziv-aflibercept in rabbits. Eighteen rabbits were given an IVT injection of ziv-aflibercept (25 mg/mL) or aflibercept (40 mg/mL) and examined by funduscopy, electroretinography... more
    To investigate the retinal safety of intravitreal (IVT) ziv-aflibercept in rabbits. Eighteen rabbits were given an IVT injection of ziv-aflibercept (25 mg/mL) or aflibercept (40 mg/mL) and examined by funduscopy, electroretinography (ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum, aqueous, and vitreous were obtained afterward for osmolarity analysis. The effect of ziv-aflibercept on human retinal cultured cells (ARPE-19) was assessed by the MTT cell viability assay. All eyes showed normal funduscopy, OCT, and ERG findings at baseline and 24 hours or 7 days after the procedure. Median baseline serum, vitreous, and aqueous osmolarity remained unchanged. Histology and TEM showed no major anatomic signs of toxicity. No cytotoxic effect was observed in ARPE-19 cells exposed to ziv-aflibercept. IVT injection ziv-aflibercept at a concentration of 25 mg/mL proved to be safe for the rabbit retina.
    To present the development and initial experience of a novel colored perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) in vitreoretinal surgery. This was an experimental laboratory study and prospective human interventional study. F6H8 (Fluoron GmbH) was... more
    To present the development and initial experience of a novel colored perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) in vitreoretinal surgery. This was an experimental laboratory study and prospective human interventional study. F6H8 (Fluoron GmbH) was colored by adding 0.3 g/L blue anthraquinone dye. Subsequently, 20% colored F6H8 was prepared by mixing with perfluorooctane or perfluorodecalin (Fluoron GmbH). The novel product is not yet FDA approved for human application. In the laboratory, the colored PFCL was covered with 1) uncolored PFCL, 2) BSS, and 3) silicone oil. Cell toxicity was evaluated in L929 mouse fibroblasts using a growth inhibition assay. Porcine ex vivo eyes were evaluated after vitrectomy followed by intravitreal and subretinal colored PFCL infusion. A pilot, prospective, noncomparative interventional study was conducted in patients with retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The density of the colored PFLC mixture was 1.664 g/cm for perfluorooctane and 1...
    The primary objective was to investigate the retinal biocompatibility of acid violet (AV) as a vital dye for chromovitrectomy. The secondary objective was to evaluate the capacity of AV to stain the anterior capsule of the lens. An amount... more
    The primary objective was to investigate the retinal biocompatibility of acid violet (AV) as a vital dye for chromovitrectomy. The secondary objective was to evaluate the capacity of AV to stain the anterior capsule of the lens. An amount of 0.05 ml of 0.25 g/l and 0.5 g/l AV was injected intravitreally in the OD, while balanced salt solution (BSS) was applied in the OS for control. Clinical examination and histology with light microscopy (LM) were performed after 7 days. Retinal cell layers were evaluated for morphologic alterations and number of cells. The electroretinographic (ERG) changes were assessed at baseline and 7 days. In another part of the study, 0.1 ml of 0.25 g/l AV was injected into the anterior chamber of ex-vivo porcine eyes, and its capacity to stain the anterior capsule was determined. Cadaveric eyes were used to test the capacity of AV to stain the internal limitant membrane (ILM) during vitrectomy. The gross histopathologic appearance of the retina, choroids, sclera, and optic nerve was within normal limits, without any signs of severe retinal necrosis or cystic degeneration. AV caused no substantial retinal alterations in retinal layers by LM at either the lower or higher dose when compared with the control eye. The injection of AV did not induce considerable ERG alterations. The violet dye stained the anterior capsule after anterior chamber injection and the ILM, allowing a safer capsulorrhexis and vitrectomy. Acid violet may be safe for the retina at concentrations of 0.25 and 0.50 g/l after intravitreous injection, and may be used as a vital dye for staining the anterior capsule and the ILM.
    The optical coherence tomography (OCT) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) findings of a 58-year-old male with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis are reported herein. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/150 in the... more
    The optical coherence tomography (OCT) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) findings of a 58-year-old male with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis are reported herein. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/150 in the right eye (OD) and 20/30 in the left eye (OS) at presentation. On funduscopy, there was a central subretinal placoid yellowish lesion in OD. VDRL and serum FTA-ABS were positive. OCT showed increased reflectance and thickening of the subfoveal RPE choriocapillaris complex corresponding to the lesion in OD. ICGA revealed a hypofluorescent spot corresponding to the lesion in OD and confluent small dots extending to periphery, without any correspondence in fundus examination. The same dots were also seen in OS, even though no lesions could be observed clinically. Intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g daily was given for 10 days. One month after the first visit, visual acuity improved to 20/30 and marked improvement of the lesion was seen. OCT was normal in both eyes at the final visit.
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    To investigate the efficacy of tunneled scleral incision compared with standard straight scleral incision to prevent vitreal reflux after intravitreal (IVT) injection. Prospective comparative controlled nonrandomized clinical study.... more
    To investigate the efficacy of tunneled scleral incision compared with standard straight scleral incision to prevent vitreal reflux after intravitreal (IVT) injection. Prospective comparative controlled nonrandomized clinical study. Eighty-eight eyes undergoing IVT-injection were allocated into four groups to compare the vitreal reflux after injection of 0.1 ml of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and Avastin using a tunneled vs straight injection technique. The amount of intraoperative drug reflux was estimated by measuring the width of the subconjunctival bleb. The mean measured reflux of volume was statistically less with the tunneled scleral incision (1.13 mm standard deviation [SD] +/- 1.16 for TA; 1.13 mm SD +/- 1.39 for Avastin) than in eyes undergoing the straight scleral injection (3.00 mm SD +/- 1.77 for TA; 3.18 mm SD +/- 1.68 for Avastin) for both Avastin and TA IVT-injections groups (P < .001). The tunneled scleral incision promotes statistically significant less vitreal reflux for IVT drug injection.
    To investigate the efficacy of tunneled scleral incision compared with standard straight scleral incision to prevent vitreal reflux after intravitreal (IVT) injection. Prospective comparative controlled nonrandomized clinical study.... more
    To investigate the efficacy of tunneled scleral incision compared with standard straight scleral incision to prevent vitreal reflux after intravitreal (IVT) injection. Prospective comparative controlled nonrandomized clinical study. Eighty-eight eyes undergoing IVT-injection were allocated into four groups to compare the vitreal reflux after injection of 0.1 ml of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and Avastin using a tunneled vs straight injection technique. The amount of intraoperative drug reflux was estimated by measuring the width of the subconjunctival bleb. The mean measured reflux of volume was statistically less with the tunneled scleral incision (1.13 mm standard deviation [SD] +/- 1.16 for TA; 1.13 mm SD +/- 1.39 for Avastin) than in eyes undergoing the straight scleral injection (3.00 mm SD +/- 1.77 for TA; 3.18 mm SD +/- 1.68 for Avastin) for both Avastin and TA IVT-injections groups (P < .001). The tunneled scleral incision promotes statistically significant less vitreal reflux for IVT drug injection.
    Surgical management of macular holes consists of pars plana vitrectomy, removal of the posterior hyaloid facia, and peeling of the epiretinal membranes (ERM). Additionally, removal of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) may enable an... more
    Surgical management of macular holes consists of pars plana vitrectomy, removal of the posterior hyaloid facia, and peeling of the epiretinal membranes (ERM). Additionally, removal of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) may enable an increase in the anatomic and functional success rates. However, recognition of fine ILM is difficult thus increasing the time that the macula is exposed to intraoperative light. Staining the ILM with indocyanine green (ICG) dye during vitrectomy facilitates recognition of the ILM and assures that all adjacent ERM are removed. Therefore, ICG-assisted ILM peeling has gained worldwide popularity among vitreoretinal surgeons. However, there are some concerns about the intravitreal ICG application. Reports in the literature described a variety of application techniques using different concentrations. The postoperative outcomes were controversial reporting heterogeneous anatomical and functional outcomes after ICG application, as well as descriptions of adverse effects related to the dye. We discuss the indications, techniques, surgical results, and complications after intravitreal ICG injection for the treatment of macular holes.
    To determine the effectiveness of intravitreous gas injection in the management and clearing of experimental vitreous hemorrhage. A total of ten New Zealand white rabbits received an injection of 0.4 ml of autologous blood into the... more
    To determine the effectiveness of intravitreous gas injection in the management and clearing of experimental vitreous hemorrhage. A total of ten New Zealand white rabbits received an injection of 0.4 ml of autologous blood into the vitreous of the right eye. After 24 hours of the vitreous hemorrhage simulation, six eyes were randomly assigned for treatment with na intravitreous injection of 0.2 ml of 100% perfluoropropane gas (C3F8) (group A), while four eyes received a control injection of an equivalent volume of balanced salt solution (group B). The persistence of vitreous opacification, which was graded at pre-established time points during 32 days of follow-up, was evaluated on the basis of visibility of retinal details in each of the four quadrants. In the gas-treated group (A), a partial view of the retina in the four quadrants was possible at 15 days, while at 32 days, the vitreous cavity was completely free of blood in all eyes, allowing unobstructed observation of the fundus. No retinal details could be observed in the control group after 32 days of follow-up. Gas injection proved effective in the treatment of experimental vitreous hemorrhage. It was significantly better than the injection of balanced salt solution, according to criteria of extension, intensity, and clearing time. Its technical facility, lack of complications, and low cost encourage additional research into gas injection to add knowledge to this initial study and to clarify its potential usefulness to treat persistent vitreous hemorrhage as well as to elucidate some unique pathophysiology features of blood catabolism in the vitreous.
    To determine the effectiveness of intravitreous gas injection in the management and clearing of experimental vitreous hemorrhage. A total of ten New Zealand white rabbits received an injection of 0.4 ml of autologous blood into the... more
    To determine the effectiveness of intravitreous gas injection in the management and clearing of experimental vitreous hemorrhage. A total of ten New Zealand white rabbits received an injection of 0.4 ml of autologous blood into the vitreous of the right eye. After 24 hours of the vitreous hemorrhage simulation, six eyes were randomly assigned for treatment with na intravitreous injection of 0.2 ml of 100% perfluoropropane gas (C3F8) (group A), while four eyes received a control injection of an equivalent volume of balanced salt solution (group B). The persistence of vitreous opacification, which was graded at pre-established time points during 32 days of follow-up, was evaluated on the basis of visibility of retinal details in each of the four quadrants. In the gas-treated group (A), a partial view of the retina in the four quadrants was possible at 15 days, while at 32 days, the vitreous cavity was completely free of blood in all eyes, allowing unobstructed observation of the fundu...
    The aim of this study was to determine the effects of subretinal injection of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine (IfCG), and balanced salt solution (BSS) in rabbits. Ten (10) animals were subjected to a subretinal injection of 0.05%... more
    The aim of this study was to determine the effects of subretinal injection of indocyanine green (ICG), infracyanine (IfCG), and balanced salt solution (BSS) in rabbits. Ten (10) animals were subjected to a subretinal injection of 0.05% ICG (279 mOsm), 0.5% IfCG (276 mOsm), and BSS (300 mOsm) used as a control. Animals were examined at 6, 12, and 24 h and 14 days following the surgical procedure by indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography (FA), and light and transmission electron microscopy. The subretinal injection of ICG caused damage to all retinal layers and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) during the entire follow-up. Subretinal injection of IfCG resulted in abnormalities of the photoreceptor outer segments (POSs) during the entire follow-up; however, abnormalities of the photoreceptor inner segments (PISs) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) were observed only 24 h and 14 days after surgery; no RPE damage was observed. FA showed that window defects were more prominent in the subretinal ICG bleb position than the IfCG-related area. BSS caused only abnormalities of the POS layer and no RPE alterations. Subretinal injection of 0.05% ICG results in more significant retinal damage than 0.5% IfCG. In this model, iodine-free IfCG demonstrates a safer profile than a tenfold lower concentration of ICG, which contains iodine in its composition.
    The aim of this paper is to describe various diode laser modifications and their use in treating choroidal neovascularisation in age-related macular degeneration. Diode lasers are used to treat selected choroidal neovascular membranes.... more
    The aim of this paper is to describe various diode laser modifications and their use in treating choroidal neovascularisation in age-related macular degeneration. Diode lasers are used to treat selected choroidal neovascular membranes. Alterations in microprocessor connectivity, and parameters such as maximum spot size, light delivery time and coupled Joule meter, were made so that ophthalmic surgeons could specify treatment possibilities. A trimodal (photocoagulation, transpupillary thermotherapy and photodynamic therapy) application laser device coupled to a single light source has been developed. The new diode laser modifications were technically successful. Microprocessor connectivity was obtained, larger spot sizes were achieved, light delivery time could be extended and energy parameters were available at the display.