Ocular manifestations can occur in up to 50% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and posterior segment involvement is the most common presentation. The posterior segment manifestations of AIDS can be divided into four categories: retinal vasculopathy, opportunistic infections, unusual malignancies and neuro-ophthalmologic abnormalities. Retinal microvasculopathy and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis are the most common manifestations, even in the era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Highly active anti-retroviral therapy has been shown to cause regression of CMV retinitis, reduce the incidence of CMV-related retinal detachments, and prolong patient survival. Immune recovery uveitis is a new cause of vision loss in patients on HAART. Diagnosis and treatment are guided by the particular conditions and immune status of the patient.
The present study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of pro re nata (PRN) intravitreal brolucizumab therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) without a loading dose in the real-world setting. The PROBE study (Pro Re Nata Brolucizumab for Exudative AMD) is a retrospective, observational, multicentric study that included 27 treatment-naïve patients (27 eyes) with neovascular AMD who received PRN brolucizumab therapy with the treatment interval being at least 8 weeks, should the need for a second consecutive injection arise. The primary outcome measure was changed to best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time. Secondary outcome measures included the determination of change in central subfield thickness (CST) and complications. The mean follow-up was 11.2 ± 1.2 months. The mean baseline and final BCVA were 57.4 ± 4.5 letters and 65.3 ± 3.12 letters, respectively (p = 0.014). The mean gain in letters at the end of follow-up was 7.8 ± 3.5 letters. There was a significant decrease in CST at the end of the follow-up period (p = 0.013). Patients received a mean of 2.2 ± 0.9 injections (in addition to the first mandatory injection) during the follow-up period. There were no adverse events noted. In conclusion, initial PRN brolucizumab for exudative AMD without a loading dose demonstrated significant visual improvement and no adverse events.
The primary goals of treatment in patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU) are to control ocular inflammation and prevent sight-threatening complications such as macular edema and glaucoma. Systemic corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in NIU of the posterior segment (NIU-PS); however, long-term use is associated with treatment-limiting adverse effects. The need for agents with improved safety and tolerability coupled with recent insights into the pathogenesis of NIU-PS have led to the development of novel targeted interventions that potentially reduce or eliminate systemic corticosteroid exposure. Targeted interventions include intraocular drug delivery systems that provide high local concentrations at the site of inflammation with low systemic exposure and therapeutic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies that target specific pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. The expanding range of therapeutic options enhances the ability to tailor therapy according to individual patient circumstances and optimize outcomes in patients with NIU-PS.
A 25-year-old aesthetician was operating Q-switch pulse (SPECTRA) cosmetic laser machine of 1,064 nm wavelength, for the purpose of skin bleaching. The probe suddenly slipped over the plastic sheet that had been placed to avoid COVID-19 exposure after which she complained of sudden loss of vision. She was diagnosed as having vitreous hemorrhage in her right eye and was treated conservatively for one month. She then complained of central scotoma and was diagnosed to have developed a full-thickness macular hole, for which she was advised vitrectomy surgery. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize the importance of taking precautions during the COVID-19 era and while doing that making sure how to handle the machines so as not to inflict any accidental injury to the operating physician. Macular Holes following skin bleaching with Nd:YAG laser occurring in operating aesthetician is rare as compared to that occurring in the patients.