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Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_2645_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

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DISORDERS OF THE EYES & LIDS
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1. Optic disk cupping—Optic disk cupping is identified as
an absolute increase or an asymmetry between the two eyes of the ratio of the diameter of the optic cup to the diameter of the whole optic disk (cup-disk ratio). (Cup-disk ratio greater than 0.5 or asymmetry between eyes of 0.2 or more is suggestive.) Detection of optic disk cupping and associ­ated abnormalities of the retinal nerve fiber layer is facili­tated by optical coherence tomography scans.
2. Visual field abnormalities—Visual field abnormalities initially develop in the paracentral region, followed by constriction of the peripheral visual field. Central vision remains good until late in the disease.
3. Intraocular pressure—The normal range of intraocular pressure is 10–21 mm Hg. In many individuals (about
4.5 million in the United States), elevated intraocular pres­sure is not associated with optic disk or visual field abnor­malities (ocular hypertension). Monitoring for the development of glaucoma is required in all such cases; a significant proportion of eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma have normal intraocular pressure when it is first measured, and only repeated measurements identify the abnormally high pressure. In normal-tension glaucoma, intraocular pressure is always within the normal range.
» Prevention
There are many causes of optic disk abnormalities or visual field changes that mimic glaucoma, and visual field testing may prove unreliable in some patients, particularly in the older age group. Hence, the diagnosis of glaucoma is not always straightforward and screening programs need to involve eye care professionals.
Although all persons over age 50 years may benefit from intraocular pressure measurement and optic disk examination every 3–5 years, screening for chronic open­angle glaucoma should be targeted at individuals with an affected first-degree relative, at persons who have diabetes mellitus, and at older individuals with African or Hispanic ancestry. Screening may also be warranted in patients tak­ing long-term oral or combined intranasal and inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Screening for chronic angle-closure glaucoma should be targeted at persons with Inuit or Asian ancestry.
» Treatment
A. Medications
Medical treatment is directed toward lowering intraocular pressure, even with normal-tension glaucoma. Prostaglan­din analog eye drops are commonly used as first-line ther­apy because of their efficacy, lack of systemic side effects, and convenient once-daily dose (except unoprostone) (see Table 7–2). All may produce conjunctival hyperemia, per­manent darkening of the iris and eyebrow color, increased eyelash growth, and reduction of periorbital fat (prosta­glandin-associated periorbitopathy). Latanoprostene bunod is metabolized into latanoprost and another component that releases nitric oxide, which increases trabecular out­flow. Topical beta-adrenergic blockers may be used alone or in combination with a prostaglandin analog. The use of
topical beta-adrenergic blockers may be contraindicated in patients with reactive airway disease or HF. Cardioselective betaxolol is theoretically safer in reactive airway disease but less effective at reducing intraocular pressure. Brimonidine
0.2%, a selective alpha-2-agonist, and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can be used in addition to a prosta­glandin analog or a beta-blocker or as initial therapy when prostaglandin analogs and beta-blockers are contraindi­cated. All three are associated with allergic reactions. Bri­monidine may cause uveitis. Apraclonidine, 0.5–1%, another alpha-2-agonist, can be used to defer the need for surgery in patients receiving maximal medical therapy, but long-term use is limited by adverse reactions. It is more commonly used to control acute rise in intraocular pres­sure, such as after laser therapy. The topical agent netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% (a Rho kinase inhibitor) increases aqueous fluid outflow through the trabecular meshwork. Pilocarpine 1–4% is rarely used because of adverse effects. Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as acetazolamide) may be used long-term if topical therapy is inadequate and surgical or laser therapy is inappropriate.
Various eye drop preparations combining two agents (eg, prostaglandin analogs, beta-adrenergic blocking agents, brimonidine, and topical carbonic anhydrase inhib­itors) are available to improve compliance when multiple medications are required. Formulations of one or two agents without preservative or not including benzalkonium chloride as the preservative are preferred to reduce adverse ocular effects for patients with allergies or severe dry eyes.
B. Laser Therapy and Surgery
1. Open-angle glaucoma—Laser trabeculoplasty is used as
an adjunct to topical therapy to defer surgery for open­angle glaucoma; it is also advocated as primary treatment, especially when compliance with medications is an issue. Surgical trabeculectomy is generally undertaken when intraocular pressure is inadequately controlled by medical and laser therapy, but it may also be used as primary treat­ment in advanced cases. Trabeculectomy remains the stan­dard procedure. Adjunctive treatment with subconjunctival mitomycin or fluorouracil is used perioperatively or post­operatively in worse prognosis cases. A variety of less invasive procedures that avoid a full-thickness incision into the eye, called microinvasive glaucoma surgery, are appro­priate for moderate glaucoma and are associated with fewer complications but can be more difficult to perform.
2. Angle-closure glaucoma—In chronic angle-closure glaucoma, laser peripheral iridotomy, surgical peripheral iridectomy, or cataract extraction may be helpful. In patients with asymptomatic narrow anterior chamber angles, which includes about 10% of Chinese adults, prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy can be performed to reduce the risk of acute and chronic angle-closure glaucoma. However, there are concerns about the efficacy of such treatment and the risk of cataract progression and corneal decompensation. In the United States, about 1% of people over age 35 years have narrow anterior chamber angles, but acute and chronic angle closure are sufficiently uncommon that prophylactic therapy is not generally advised.
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3. Normal-tension glaucoma—The goal of treatment for normal-tension glaucoma is reduction in intraocular pres­sure by 30% (even if it is in the normal range) to prevent progression. As with open-angle glaucoma, if intraocular pressure is not lowered with medical therapy alone, laser trabeculoplasty is used as an adjunct. Trabeculectomy is the standard surgical procedure if medical and laser ther­apy are inadequate.
» Prognosis
Untreated chronic glaucoma that begins at age 40–45 years will probably cause complete blindness by age 60–65. Early diagnosis and treatment can preserve useful vision throughout life. In primary open-angle glaucoma and if treatment is required in ocular hypertension, the aim is to reduce intraocular pressure to a level that will adequately reduce progression of visual field loss. In eyes with marked visual field or optic disk changes, intraocular pressure must be reduced to less than 16 mm Hg. In normal-tension glau­coma with progressive visual field loss, it is necessary to achieve even lower intraocular pressure such that surgery is often required.
» When to Refer
All patients with suspected chronic glaucoma should be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Gedde SJ et al. American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred
Practice Pattern Glaucoma Panel. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2021;128:71. [PMID: 34933745]
Gedde SJ et al. American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred
Practice Pattern Glaucoma Panel. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Suspect Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2021;128:151. [PMID: 34933743]
Kang JM et al. Glaucoma. Med Clin North Am. 2021;105:493.
[PMID: 33926643]
Stein JD et al. Glaucoma in adults—screening, diagnosis, and
management: a review. JAMA. 2021;325:164. [PMID: 33433580]
UVEITIS
and by which ocular anatomic locations are involved (ante­rior, intermediate, posterior, or all [panuveitis]).
In most cases the pathogenesis of uveitis is primarily immunologic, but infection may be the cause, particularly in immunodeficiency states.
1. Nongranulomatous anterior uveitis—The systemic disorders associated with acute nongranulomatous ante­rior uveitis are the HLA-B27-related conditions (ankylos­ing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn disease). The initial presentation of Behçet syndrome, a chronic recurrent disease, is usually acute anterior uveitis, with recurrent hypopyon, and poste­rior uveitis, characteristically with branch retinal vein occlusions. Both herpes simplex and herpes zoster infec­tions may cause acute nongranulomatous and granuloma­tous anterior uveitis as well as retinitis (acute retinal necrosis). Chronic nongranulomatous anterior uveitis occurs in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
2. Granulomatous anterior uveitis—Diseases producing granulomatous anterior uveitis also tend to be causes of posterior uveitis. These include sarcoidosis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (bilateral uveitis associated with alopecia, poliosis [depig­mented eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair], vitiligo, and hearing loss), and sympathetic ophthalmia that occurs after pene­trating ocular trauma. In toxoplasmosis, there may be evi­dence of previous episodes of retinochoroiditis. Syphilis characteristically produces a “salt and pepper” fundus but may present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. The principal pathogens responsible for ocular inflamma­tion in HIV infection are cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses, mycobacteria, Crypto- coccus, Toxoplasma, and Candida.
Retinal vasculitis and intermediate uveitis predomi­nantly manifest as posterior uveitis with central or periph­eral retinal abnormalities in retinal vasculitis and far peripheral retinal abnormalities (pars planitis) in interme­diate uveitis. Retinal vasculitis can be caused by a wide variety of infectious agents and noninfectious systemic conditions but also may be idiopathic. Intermediate uveitis is often idiopathic but can be due to multiple sclerosis or sarcoidosis.
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
»
Usually immunologic but possibly infectious or neoplastic.
»
Inflammation may be confined to the eye or may be systemic.
»
Acute anterior uveitis: sudden redness and blurry vision often with photophobia.
»
Posterior uveitis: gradual loss of vision, commonly with floaters, in a variably inflamed eye.
» General Considerations
Intraocular inflammation (uveitis) is clinically classified as acute or chronic, as nongranulomatous or granulomatous,
» Clinical Findings
Anterior uveitis is characterized by inflammatory cells and flare, best visualized with a slit lamp within the aqueous humor. In severe cases, there may be hypopyon (layered col­lection of white cells) and fibrin within the anterior cham­ber. Cells may also be seen on the corneal endothelium as keratic precipitates. In granulomatous uveitis, there are large “mutton-fat” keratic precipitates, and sometimes iris nod­ules. In nongranulomatous uveitis, the keratic precipitates are smaller or absent with no iris nodules. The pupil is usu­ally small, and with the development of posterior synechiae (adhesions between the iris and anterior lens capsule), it also becomes irregularly shaped and poorly reactive.
Nongranulomatous anterior uveitis tends to present acutely with unilateral pain, redness, photophobia, and visual loss. However, the ocular inflammation associated
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with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is frequently indolent, commonly asymptomatic initially, and carries a high risk of sight-threatening complications. Granulomatous anterior uveitis is also frequently chronic, recurrent, and indolent, causing blurred vision in a variably inflamed eye.
In posterior uveitis, there are cells in the vitreous and there may be inflammatory retinal or choroidal lesions. New retinal lesions are yellow with indistinct margins and there may be retinal hemorrhages. Older lesions have more defined margins and are commonly pigmented. Retinal vessel sheathing may occur adjacent to such lesions or more diffusely. In severe cases, vitreous opacity precludes visualization of retinal details.
Posterior uveitis can be unilateral or bilateral with symptoms of floaters and visual loss. Symptoms are com­monly slower in onset, though acute presentations can occur. Visual loss may be due to vitreous haze and opaci­ties, inflammatory lesions involving the macula, macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, or rarely, optic neuropathy.
» Differential Diagnosis
Retinal detachment, intraocular tumors, and CNS lym­phoma may all masquerade as uveitis.
» Treatment
Anterior uveitis usually responds to topical corticosteroids (Table 7–2). Occasionally, periocular or intraocular cortico­steroid injections or even systemic corticosteroids are required. Dilation of the pupil with a cycloplegic agent (eg, cyclopentolate, homatropine, atropine) (Table 7–2) is important to relieve discomfort and prevent permanent posterior synechiae. Posterior uveitis more commonly requires systemic, periocular, or intravitreal corticosteroid therapy. In chronic cases, systemic corticosteroid-sparing immunomodulatory therapy with agents such as azathio­prine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, methotrexate, tacroli­mus, or sirolimus is commonly required. Biologic therapies are also often used. Pupillary dilation is not usually necessary.
If an infectious cause is identified, specific antimicro­bial therapy is often needed. In general, the prognosis for anterior uveitis, particularly the nongranulomatous type, is better than for posterior uveitis.
» When to Refer
• Any patient with suspected acute uveitis should be
referred urgently to an ophthalmologist or emergently
if there is visual loss or severe pain.
• Any patient with suspected chronic uveitis should be
referred to an ophthalmologist, urgently if there is more
than mild visual loss.
» When to Admit
Patients with severe uveitis, particularly those requiring intravenous therapy, may require hospital admission.
Al-Janabi A et al. Long-term outcomes of treatment with bio-
logical agents in eyes with refractory, active, noninfectious intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, or panuveitis. Ophthal­mology. 2020;127:410. [PMID: 31607412]
Rathinam SR et al; FAST Research Group. Effect of
corticosteroid-sparing treatment with mycophenolate mofetil vs methotrexate on inflammation in patients with uveitis: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2019;322:936. [PMID: 31503307]
CATAR AC T
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
»
Gradually progressive blurred vision.
»
No pain or redness.
»
Lens opacities (may be grossly visible).
» General Considerations
Cataracts are opacities of the crystalline lens and are usu­ally bilateral. They are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Age-related cataract is by far the most common cause. Other causes include (1) congenital (from intrauter­ine infections, such as rubella and CMV, or inborn errors of metabolism, such as galactosemia); (2) traumatic; (3) secondary to systemic disease (diabetes mellitus, myotonic dystrophy, atopic dermatitis); (4) topical, systemic, or inhaled corticosteroid treatment; (5) uveitis; or (6) radia­tion exposure. Most persons over age 60 have some degree of lens opacity. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of cata­ract formation. Multivitamin/mineral supplements and high dietary antioxidants may prevent the development of age-related cataract.
» Clinical Findings
The predominant symptom is progressive blurring of vision. Glare, especially in bright light or with night driv­ing; change of focusing, particularly development of nearsightedness; and monocular double vision may occur.
Even in its early stages, a cataract can be seen through a dilated pupil with an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp. As the cataract matures, the retina will become increasingly diffi­cult to visualize, until finally the fundus reflection is absent and the pupil is white.
» Treatment
Functional visual impairment, specifically its effect on daily activities and increased risk of falls, is the prime cri­terion for surgery. The cataract is usually removed by one of the techniques in which the posterior lens capsule remains (extracapsular), thus providing support for a pros­thetic intraocular lens. Ultrasonic fragmentation (phaco­emulsification) of the lens nucleus and foldable intraocular
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lenses allow cataract surgery to be performed through a small incision without the need for sutures, thus reducing the postoperative complication rate and accelerating visual rehabilitation. The standard monofocal prosthetic intra­ocular lens can correct near or far vision. Premium intra­ocular lenses (multifocal, extended depth of focus, and accommodative) reduce the need for both distance and near vision correction. In the developing world, manual small-incision surgery, in which the lens nucleus is removed intact, is popular because less equipment is required. Additional laser treatment may be required sub­sequently (months to years after the initial cataract sur­gery) if the posterior capsule opacifies. The use of topical eye drops to dissolve or prevent cataracts has shown prom­ising results in experimental models; surgery, however, is currently the only treatment option for a visually signifi­cant cataract.
» Prognosis
Cataract surgery is cost-effective in improving survival and quality of life. In the developed world, it improves visual acuity in 95% of cases. In the other 5%, there is preexisting retinal damage or operative or postoperative complica­tions. In less developed areas, the improvement in visual acuity is not as high, in part due to uncorrected refractive error postoperatively. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction increases the risk of intraocular infection (endophthalmi­tis). A large number of drugs, such as alpha-adrenorecep­tor antagonists for benign prostatic hyperplasia or systemic hypertension and antipsychotics, increase the risk of com­plications during surgery (floppy iris syndrome) and in the early postoperative period.
The alpha-blocker tamsulosin has the greatest risk of floppy iris syndrome. There is no consensus about whether to stop alpha-blockers before surgery because the effects of the drug on the iris can persist for months to years. The surgeon must know if the patient is taking an alpha-blocker to prepare for iris issues during surgery. If the patient has not yet started an alpha-blocker and is planning to have cataract surgery shortly, it is best to wait until after surgery to begin the medication, if possible.
» When to Refer
Patients with cataracts should be referred to an ophthal­mologist when their visual impairment adversely affects their everyday activities.
RETINAL DETACHMENT
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
»
Loss of vision in one eye that is usually rapid, pos­sibly with “curtain” spreading across field of vision.
»
No pain or redness.
»
Detachment seen by ophthalmoscopy.
» General Considerations
Most cases of retinal detachment are due to development of one or more peripheral retinal tears or holes (rhegmatog­enous retinal detachment). This usually results from poste­rior vitreous detachment, related to degenerative changes in the vitreous, and often occurs in persons over 50 years of age. Nearsightedness and cataract extraction are the two most common predisposing causes. It may also be caused by penetrating or blunt ocular trauma, sometimes years earlier.
Tractional retinal detachment occurs when there is preretinal fibrosis, such as in proliferative retinopathy due to diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion, or as a complication of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Exu­dative retinal detachment results from accumulation of subretinal fluid, such as in neovascular age-related macular degeneration or secondary to choroidal tumor.
» Clinical Findings
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment usually starts in the peripheral retina, spreading rapidly to cause visual field loss. Symptoms of the predisposing posterior vitreous detachment with vitreoretinal traction include recent onset of or increase in floaters (moving spots or strands like cob­webs in the visual field) and photopsias (flashes of light). Central vision remains intact until the central macula becomes detached. On ophthalmoscopic examination, the retina may be seen elevated in the vitreous cavity with an irregular surface (Figure 7–1). In tractional retinal detach­ment, there is irregular retinal elevation adherent to scar tissue on the retinal surface, sometimes extending into the vitreous. Exudative retinal detachments are dome-shaped and the subretinal fluid shifts position with changes in posture. Ocular ultrasonography assists the detection and characterization of retinal detachment.
Christou CD et al. Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome: updated
perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:463. [PMID: 32109982]
Lian RR et al. The quest for homeopathic and nonsurgical cata-
ract treatment. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2020;31:61. [PMID: 31770163]
Miller KM et al. American Academy of Ophthalmology Pre-
ferred Practice Pattern Cataract/Anterior Segment Panel. Cataract in the Adult Eye Preferred Practice Pattern®. Oph­thalmology. 2022;129:1. [PMID: 34780842]
» Treatment
Treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments requires closing all the retinal tears and holes by forming a perma­nent adhesion with laser photocoagulation to the retina or cryotherapy to the sclera. Certain types of uncomplicated retinal detachment may be treated by pneumatic retino­pexy, in which an expansile gas is injected into the vitreous cavity and the patient’s head is positioned to facilitate apposition between the gas and the hole, which permits
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Figure 7–1. Inferior retinal detachment as seen on
direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy.
reattachment of the retina. Once the retina is reattached, the retinal defects are surrounded by laser photocoagula­tion or cryotherapy scars; these two methods are also used to seal retinal defects without associated detachment.
In complicated retinal detachments, particularly trac­tional retinal detachments, retinal reattachment can be accomplished only by vitrectomy, direct manipulation of the retina, and internal tamponade of the retina with air, expansile gas, or silicone oil. The presence of an expansile gas within the eye is a contraindication to air travel, moun­taineering at high altitude, and nitrous oxide anesthesia, all of which can cause the gas to expand with severe increases in intraocular pressure. Such gases persist in the globe for weeks after surgery (see Chapter 39). Treatment of exuda­tive retinal detachments is determined by the underlying cause.
» Prognosis
About 90% of uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachments can be cured with one operation. The visual prognosis is worse if the macula is detached or if the detachment is of long duration.
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minimize eye motion; in some patients, patching both eyes can be helpful in preventing the eyes from moving until surgery can be performed to repair the retinal detachment.
Sena DF et al. Pneumatic retinopexy versus scleral buckle for
repairing simple rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021;11:CD008350. [PMID: 34762741]
Starr MR et al. Primary retinal detachment outcomes study:
summary of reports number 1 to number 18. Curr Opin Oph­thalmol 2023;34:211. [PMID: 36866845]
VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE
Patients with vitreous hemorrhage complain of sudden visual loss, abrupt onset of floaters that may progressively increase in severity, or occasionally, “bleeding within the eye.” Visual acuity ranges from 20/20 (6/6) to light percep­tion. The eye is not inflamed, red, or painful, and clues to diagnosis are inability to see fundus details or localized blood in the vitreous, in front of the retina. Causes of vit­reous hemorrhage include retinal tear (with or without detachment), diabetic or sickle cell retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal vasculitis, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, retinal arterial macroaneurysm, blood dyscrasia, therapeutic anticoagulation, trauma, sub­arachnoid hemorrhage, and severe straining (Valsalva retinopathy).
» When to Refer
All patients with suspected vitreous hemorrhage must be referred urgently to an ophthalmologist to determine the etiology. If the vitreous hemorrhage is caused by a retinal tear or detachment, it must be repaired urgently to prevent permanent vision loss.
Fallico M et al. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth fac-
tors, panretinal photocoagulation and combined treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Acta Ophthalmol 2021;99:e795. [PMID: 33326183]
Shaikh N et al. Vitreous hemorrhage–causes, diagnosis, and man-
agement. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023;71:28. [PMID: 36588205]
» When to Refer
All cases of retinal detachment must be referred urgently to an ophthalmologist, and emergently if central vision is good because this indicates that the macula has not yet detached. During transportation, the patient’s head is posi­tioned so that the retinal tear is placed at the lowest point of the eye to minimize extension of the detached retina. If the inferior retina is detached with superior visual field loss, the patient should keep the head upright so that the tear is located at the lowest point, whereas if the temporal retina is detached (visual field loss on the side by the nose), the patient should keep the temporal side of the head (ear side) down to reduce the chances that the fluid will extend beneath the central retina, causing the macula to detach. If vision is good and the macula is attached, patients should
AGERELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
»
Older age group.
»
In one or both eyes; acute or chronic deterioration of central vision; distortion or abnormal size of images, sometimes developing acutely.
»
No pain or redness.
»
Classified as dry (“atrophic,” “geographic”) or wet (“neovascular,” “exudative”) macular degeneration.
»
Macular abnormalities seen by ophthalmoscopy.
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» General Considerations
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent visual loss in the older population. Its preva­lence progressively increases over age 50 years (to almost 30% by age 75). Its occurrence and response to treatment are likely influenced by genetically determined variations, many of which involve the complement pathway. Other associated factors are sex (slight female predominance), family history, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, CVD, farsightedness, light iris color, and cigarette smoking (the most readily modifiable risk factor).
Although both dry and wet age-related macular degen­eration are progressive and usually bilateral, they differ in manifestations, prognosis, and management.
» Clinical Findings
Drusen are the hallmark of age-related macular degenera­tion. Hard drusen appear as discrete yellow subretinal deposits. Soft drusen are paler and less distinct. Large, confluent soft drusen are risk factors for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration. Vision loss in age­related macular degeneration involves the central vision only in most patients. Peripheral fields, and hence naviga­tional vision, are maintained, except in patients with severe neovascular age-related macular degeneration or in patients with coincident optic nerve disease such as glau­coma. Although “dry” age-related macular degeneration is more common, untreated “wet” age-related macular degeneration accounts for about 90% of all cases of legal blindness due to age-related macular degeneration.
1. “Dry” age-related macular degeneration—There is gradual progressive bilateral visual loss due to geographic atrophy of the outer retina, the retinal pigment epithelium, and the choriocapillaris, which supplies blood to both the outer retina and the retinal pigment epithelium.
2. “Wet” age-related macular degeneration—Choroidal new vessels grow under either the retina or the retinal pig­ment epithelial cells, leading to accumulation of exudative fluid, hemorrhage, and fibrosis. The onset of visual loss is more rapid and more severe than in atrophic degeneration. The two eyes are frequently affected sequentially over a period of a few years.
mildly increased risk of choroidal neovascularization, and intravitreal injection is associated with risks of infection (1/2000), retinal detachment (1/10,000), vitreous hemor­rhage, and cataract. As with wet degeneration, rehabilita­tion including low-vision aids is important. In addition, patients should be advised to stop smoking cigarettes and to take vitamin supplements as described above.
2. “Wet” age-related macular degeneration—Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, faricimab, and brolucizumab, and biosimilar medications, such as ranibi­zumab-nuna and ranibizumab-eqrn, can cause regression of choroidal neovascularization with resorption of subretinal fluid and improvement or stabilization of vision. Long-term repeated intraocular injections are required and must be administered in the eye clinic several times a year, if not monthly. Treatment is well tolerated with minimal adverse effects, but there is a risk of infection, retinal detachment, vit­reous hemorrhage, and cataract. Brolucizumab has been asso­ciated with intraocular inflammation and occlusive retinal vasculitis resulting in irreversible vision loss in some patients. Some patients do not respond to anti-VEGF injections, and up to one-third of eyes lose vision despite regular treatment.
» When to Refer
Older patients with sudden visual loss, particularly para­central or central distortion or scotoma with preserved central acuity, should be referred urgently to an ophthalmologist.
Cabral de Guimaraes TA et al. Treatments for dry age-related
macular degeneration: therapeutic avenues, clinical trials and future directions. Br J Ophthalmol. 2022;106:297. [PMID: 33741584]
Koh GY et al. Viewpoints: dual-blocking antibody against
VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2 for treating vascular diseases of the eye. Trends Mol Med. 2022;28:347. [PMID: 35396185]
Tzoumas N et al. Complement inhibitors for age-related macular
degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;6:CD009300. [PMID: 37314061]
CENTRAL & BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSIONS
» Treatment
No dietary modification has been shown to prevent the devel­opment of age-related macular degeneration, but its progres­sion may be reduced by oral treatment with antioxidants (vitamins C and E), zinc, copper, and carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin, rather than vitamin A [beta-carotene]). Oral omega-3 fatty acids do not provide additional benefit.
1. Dry age-related macular degeneration—Pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol are agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of this disorder. Both agents inhibit the complement pathway, are delivered by monthly or every-other-monthly injection into the vitreous, and slow the rate of growth of geographic atrophy lesions. However, both agents are associated with
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
»
Sudden monocular loss of vision.
»
No pain or redness.
»
Widespread or sectoral retinal hemorrhages.
» General Considerations
Central and branch retinal vein occlusion are common causes of acute vision loss, with branch vein occlusions being four times more common. The major predisposing factors are the etiologic factors associated with arterioscle­rosis, but glaucoma is also a major risk factor.
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» Clinical Findings
A. Symptoms and Signs
1. Central retinal vein occlusion—Ophthalmoscopic
signs include widespread retinal hemorrhages, retinal venous dilation and tortuosity, retinal cotton-wool spots, and optic disk swelling. Rarely, central retinal vein occlu­sion presents with severe vision loss and pain when neo­vascularization of the iris develops, usually about 90 days after a central retinal vein occlusion has caused severe reti­nal nonperfusion.
2. Branch retinal vein occlusion—Sudden loss of vision may occur at the time of occlusion if the fovea is involved, or some time afterward from vitreous hemorrhage due to retinal new vessels. More gradual visual loss may occur with development of macular edema. In acute branch reti­nal vein occlusion, the retinal abnormalities (hemorrhages, microaneurysms, venous dilation and tortuosity, and cotton-wool spots) are confined to the area drained by the obstructed vein.
To assess for possible reversible risk factors, check blood pressure and ask about tobacco smoking in all patients, and ask women about estrogen therapy (including combined oral contraceptives). Patients should be asked about a history of glaucoma and should undergo a compre­hensive eye examination to check intraocular pressure. A sleep study to assess for obstructive sleep apnea may be recommended.
B. Laboratory Findings
Obtain screening laboratory studies for diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and hyperviscosity (especially in simulta­neous bilateral disease), including serum protein electro­phoresis for paraproteinemia. Particularly in younger patients, consider obtaining antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, tests for inherited thrombophilia, and plasma homocysteine levels.
B. Neovascularization
Eyes at risk for neovascular glaucoma following ischemic central retinal vein occlusion should be treated with pan­retinal laser photocoagulation prophylactically or as soon as there is evidence of neovascularization, with the latter approach necessitating frequent monitoring. Regression of retinal and iris neovascularization can be achieved with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab or other anti-VEGF agents, but panretinal laser photocoagulation is the defini­tive treatment and cannot be substituted by anti-VEGF agents. In branch retinal vein occlusion complicated by retinal neovascularization, the ischemic retina should be treated with laser photocoagulation.
» Prognosis
In central retinal vein occlusion, severity of visual loss ini­tially is a good guide to visual outcome. Initial visual acuity of 20/60 (6/18) or better indicates a good prognosis. Visual prognosis is poor for eyes with neovascular glaucoma. In branch retinal vein occlusion, visual outcome is deter­mined by the severity of glaucoma and macular damage from hemorrhage, ischemia, or edema.
» When to Refer
All patients with retinal vein occlusion should be referred urgently to an ophthalmologist.
Kapur M et al. Future of anti-VEGF: biosimilars and biobetters.
Int J Retina Vitreous. 2022;8:2. [PMID: 34983660]
Romano F et al. Update on retinal vein occlusion. Asia Pac J
Ophthalmol (Phila). 2023;12:196. [PMID: 36912792]
CENTRAL & BRANCH RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSIONS
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
» Complications
If central retinal vein occlusion is associated with wide­spread retinal ischemia, manifesting as poor visual acu­ity (20/200 [6/60] or worse), florid retinal hemorrhages, an afferent pupillary defect, and extensive areas of capil­lary closure on fluorescein angiography, there is a high risk of development of neovascular (rubeotic) glaucoma, typically within the first 3 months after the occlusion. Branch retinal vein occlusion may be complicated by peripheral retinal neovascularization or chronic macu­lar edema.
» Treatment
A. Macular Edema
Intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors, including ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or aflibercept and biosimilar medications, is beneficial in patients with macular edema due to either branch or central retinal vein occlusion.
»
Sudden monocular loss of vision.
»
No pain or redness.
»
Widespread or sectoral pale retinal swelling.
» General Considerations
Acute retinal arterial ischemia, including central and branch retinal artery occlusion, is a true ocular and medical emergency. In patients 50 years of age or older with central retinal artery occlusion, giant cell arteritis must be consid­ered (see Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Chapter 22). Otherwise, even if no retinal emboli are identified on oph­thalmoscopy, urgent investigation for carotid and cardiac sources of emboli must be undertaken in central and branch retinal artery occlusion so that timely treatment can be given to reduce the risk of stroke (see Chapters 14, 16, and 26). Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and systemic hypertension are common etiologic factors. Migraine, oral contraceptives, systemic vasculitis, congenital or acquired
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thrombophilia, and hyperhomocysteinemia are also causes, particularly in young patients. Internal carotid artery dis­section should be considered, especially when there is neck pain or a recent history of neck trauma.
» Clinical Findings
A. Symptoms and Signs
1. Central retinal artery occlusion—This occlusion pres-
ents as sudden profound monocular visual loss. Visual acuity is usually reduced to counting fingers or worse, and visual field may be restricted to an island of vision in the temporal field. Ophthalmoscopy reveals pale swelling of the retina with a cherry-red spot at the fovea (Figure 7–2). Occasionally, emboli are seen in the central retinal artery or its branches. The retinal swelling sub­sides over a period of 4–6 weeks, leaving a pale optic disk with thinning of the inner retina on optical coherence tomography scans; these findings can help diagnose unexplained vision loss if the patient is not examined during the acute occlusive event.
2. Branch retinal artery occlusion—This occlusion may also present with sudden loss of vision if the fovea is involved, but more commonly, sudden loss of a discrete area in the visual field in one eye is the presenting com­plaint. Fundus signs of retinal swelling and sometimes adjacent cotton-wool spots are limited to the area of retina supplied by the occluded artery.
The clinician should identify risk factors for cardiac sources of emboli including arrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation, and cardiac valvular disease, and check the blood pressure. Nonocular clinical features of giant cell arteritis are age 50 years or older, headache, scalp
Figure 7–2. Acute central retinal artery occlusion
with cherry-red spot (arrow) seen at the fovea centered in macular loss of retinal transparency, and preserved retinal perfusion (arrowheads) adjacent to the optic disk due to macular cilioretinal artery supply. (Reproduced,
with permission, from Riordan-Eva P, Augsburger JJ. Vaughan & Asbury’s General Ophthalmology, 19th ed. McGraw Hill, 2018.)
tenderness, jaw claudication, general malaise, weight loss, symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica, and tenderness, thickening, or absence of pulse of the superficial temporal arteries. Table 22–11 lists the clinical manifestations of vasculitis.
B. Laboratory Findings
Giant cell arteritis should be considered in cases of central retinal artery occlusion without visible emboli. ESR and CRP are usually elevated in giant cell arteritis, but one or both may be normal (see Chapter 22). Consider screening for other types of vasculitis (see Table 22–10). Screen for diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia in all patients. Par­ticularly in younger patients, consider testing for antiphos­pholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, inherited thrombophilia, and elevated plasma homocysteine.
C. Imaging
A brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging sequences should be obtained urgently to look for cerebral infarction, which is present in up to 31% of patients with branch or central retinal artery occlusion. Obtain duplex ultrasonog­raphy of the carotid arteries, ECG, echocardiography with transesophageal studies to identify carotid and cardiac sources of emboli, and CT or MR studies for internal carotid artery dissection, if necessary.
» Treatment
Retinal artery occlusions are a true emergency and require urgent referral to an emergency department, ide­ally with a stroke center, for imaging and clinical assess­ment to prevent subsequent stroke. If the patient is seen within a few hours after onset, emergency treatment, comprising laying the patient flat, ocular massage, high concentrations of inhaled oxygen, intravenous acetazol­amide, and anterior chamber paracentesis, may influence the visual outcome. Early thrombolysis, particularly by local intra-arterial injection but also intravenously, has shown good results in central retinal artery occlusion not due to giant cell arteritis. However, local intra-arterial injection of thrombolytic agents has a high incidence of adverse effects and may be difficult to accomplish quickly enough after the occlusion develops to prevent perma­nent vision loss due to inner retinal ischemia, which non­human primate studies suggest occurs within 90 minutes of occlusion.
In giant cell arteritis, there is risk of involvement of the other eye without prompt treatment. Recommended initial empiric treatment once giant cell arteritis is suspected is intravenous methylprednisolone 1 g/day for 3 days. All patients require subsequent long-term corticosteroid ther­apy; concomitant administration of long-term low-dose aspirin therapy is controversial. Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the receptor for interleukin-6, is also approved to treat giant cell arteritis. (See Polymyalgia Rheumatica & Giant Cell Arteritis, Chapter 22, for further discussion of treatment.)
Patients with embolic retinal artery occlusion with 70–99% ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis, and possibly
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those with 50–69% stenosis, should be considered for carotid endarterectomy or possibly angioplasty with stenting to be performed within 2 weeks (see Chapters 14 and 26). Retinal embolization due to cardiac disease such as atrial fibrillation or a hypercoagulable state usu­ally requires anticoagulation. Cardiac valvular disease and patent foramen ovale may require surgical treatment.
» When to Refer
• Patients with retinal artery occlusions should be referred immediately to an emergency department, ide­ally with a stroke center, to evaluate for stroke manifestations.
• Patients with central retinal artery occlusion should be referred emergently to an ophthalmologist.
• Patients with branch retinal artery occlusion should be referred urgently.
• Patients with suspected giant cell arteritis should be referred to a rheumatologist to guide management.
» When to Admit
Patients with visual loss due to giant cell arteritis may require emergency admission for high-dose corticosteroid therapy and close monitoring to ensure adequate treatment.
Flaxel CJ et al. Retinal and Ophthalmic Artery Occlusions Pre-
ferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2020;127:P259. [PMID: 31757501]
Mac Grory B et al; American Heart Association Stroke Council;
Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biol­ogy; Council on Hypertension; and Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. Management of central retinal artery occlu­sion: a scientific statement from the American Heart Associa­tion. Stroke. 2021;52:e282. [PMID: 33677974]
Webb Z. Intravenous thrombolysis for central retinal artery
occlusion: a look at the literature for the emergency medicine physician. Cureus. 2023;15:e41878. [PMID: 37457612]
TRANSIENT MONOCULAR VISUAL LOSS
lasting a few minutes and a similar curtain effect as the episode passes (amaurosis fugax; also called “fleeting blindness”). An embolus is rarely seen on ophthalmoscopy. Other causes of transient, often recurrent, visual loss due to ocular ischemia are giant cell arteritis, hypercoagulable state (such as antiphospholipid syndrome), hyperviscosity, and severe occlusive carotid disease. More transient visual loss, lasting only a few seconds to 1 minute, usually recur­rent, and affecting one or both eyes, occurs in patients with optic disk swelling, such as in those with raised intracranial pressure.
B. Diagnostic Studies
In most cases, clinical assessment and investigations are much the same as for retinal artery occlusion with empha­sis on urgent neuroimaging to assess for cerebral infarc­tion, and identification of a source of emboli, since patients with embolic transient vision loss are at increased risk for stroke, MI, and other vascular events. Optic disk swelling requires different investigations (see Optic Disk Swelling, below).
» Treatment
All patients with possible embolic transient visual loss should be treated immediately with oral aspirin (at least 81 mg daily), or another antiplatelet drug, until the cause has been determined. Affected patients with 70–99% (and pos­sibly those with 50–69%) ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis should be considered for urgent carotid endarterectomy or possibly angioplasty with stenting (see Chapters 14 and 26). In all patients, vascular risk factors (eg, hypertension) need to be controlled. Retinal embolization due to cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, or a hypercoagulable state usually requires anticoagulation. Cardiac valvular disease and patent foramen ovale may require surgical treatment.
» When to Refer
In all cases of episodic visual loss, early ophthalmologic consultation is advisable.
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
»
Sudden-onset, monocular loss of vision usually lasting a few minutes with complete recovery.
» Clinical Findings
A. Symptoms and Signs
Transient monocular visual loss (“ocular transient ischemic attack [TIA]”) is usually caused by a retinal embolus from ipsilateral carotid disease or the heart. The visual loss is characteristically described as a curtain passing vertically across the visual field with complete monocular visual loss
» When to Admit
Referral to a stroke center or hospital admission is recom­mended in embolic transient visual loss if there have been two or more episodes in the preceding week (“crescendo TIA”) or the underlying cause is cardiac or a hypercoagu­lable state.
Bhatia K et al. Contemporary antiplatelet and anticoagulant
therapies for secondary stroke prevention: a narrative review of current literature and guidelines. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2023;23:235. [PMID: 37037980]
Mbonde AA et al. Current guidelines on management of amau-
rosis fugax and transient ischemic attacks. Asia Pac J Oph­thalmol (Phila). 2022;11:168. [PMID: 35213421]
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RETINAL DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH SYSTEMIC DISEASES
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
»
By 20 years after diagnosis of diabetes, 99% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 60% of patients with type 2 diabetes will have diabetic retinopathy.
»
Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy: can be mild, moderate, or severe. Microvascular changes are limited to the retina.
»
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: new blood ves­sels grow on the surface of the retina, optic nerve, or iris.
»
Diabetic macular edema: central retinal swelling; can occur with any severity level of diabetic reti­nopathy; can reduce visual acuity if the foveal center is involved.
» General Considerations
Diabetic retinopathy is present in about one-third of patients in whom diabetes has been diagnosed, and about one-third of those have sight-threatening disease. In the United States, it affects about 4 million people; it is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide among adults aged 25–74 years; and the number of affected individuals aged 65 years or older is increasing. Worldwide, there are approximately 93 million people with diabetic retinopa­thy, including 28 million with vision-threatening disease. Retinopathy increases in prevalence and severity with increasing duration and poorer control of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, retinopathy is not detectable for the first 5 years after diagnosis. In type 2 diabetes, about 20% of patients have retinopathy at diagnosis, likely because they had diabetes for many years before diagnosis. Macular involvement is the most common cause of legal blindness in type 2 diabetes.
There are two main categories of diabetic retinopathy: nonproliferative and proliferative. Diabetic macular edema can occur at any stage in both nonproliferative and prolif­erative retinopathy and is the most common reason for ophthalmic diabetic treatment.
Nonproliferative retinopathy (previously known as “background” retinopathy) is subclassified as mild, moder­ate, or severe. It represents the earliest stage of retinal involvement by diabetes. During this stage, the retinal capillaries leak proteins, lipids, or red cells into the retina. When this process occurs in the macula and causes clini­cally significant macular edema, visual acuity is affected; this is the most common cause of visual impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Proliferative retinopathy is less common than nonpro­liferative retinopathy but causes more severe visual loss.
It involves the growth of new vessels and fibrous tissue on the surface of the retina, extending into the vitreous cham­ber. It is a consequence of severe capillary occlusion, which causes retinal ischemia and release of VEGF; this, in turn, stimulates new vessel growth with vision loss from prereti­nal hemorrhage, fibrosis, and retinal traction.
» Clinical Findings
Clinical assessment comprises visual acuity testing, stereo­scopic examination of the retina, retinal imaging with opti­cal coherence tomography, and sometimes fluorescein angiography.
Nonproliferative retinopathy manifests as microaneu­rysms, retinal hemorrhages, venous beading, retinal edema, and hard exudates. In mild nonproliferative dia­betic retinopathy, there are mild retinal abnormalities without visual loss. Reduction of vision is most commonly due to diabetic macular edema, which may be focal or dif­fuse, but it can also be due to macular ischemia. Severe nonproliferative retinopathy is defined as having any one of the following: severe intraretinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms in four quadrants, venous beading in two or more quadrants, or intraretinal microvascular abnor­malities in at least one quadrant.
Proliferative retinopathy is characterized by neovascu­larization, arising from either the optic disk or the retinal vascular arcades. Prior to proliferation of new capillaries, a preproliferative phase often occurs in which arteriolar ischemia is manifest as cotton-wool spots (small infarcted areas of retina). Vision is usually normal until macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal detachment occurs. Proliferation into the vitreous of blood vessels, with associ­ated fibrosis, may lead to vitreous hemorrhage and trac­tional retinal detachment.
Diabetic retinopathy may worsen after bariatric surgery or in patients with long-standing hyperglycemia that is rapidly brought under tight control, such as after receiving an insulin pump. It is believed that capillary endothelial cells retain “metabolic memory” of hyperglycemia and that epigenetic changes persist for several months after the hyperglycemia is corrected, sometimes causing retinopathy progression after intensive glycemic control is initiated; however, after the first 18–24 months, rates of progression are significantly lower in patients treated with intensive control compared to conventional regimens.
» Screening
Visual symptoms and visual acuity are poor guides to the presence of diabetic retinopathy. Patients with diabetes mellitus should undergo regular fundus photography, which can be performed using telemedicine that may involve computer detection software programs, or dilated slit-lamp examination of the retina. Ultrawide-field fluo­rescein angiography can identify peripheral retinal vascu­lar lesions that predict disease worsening in eyes with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus should be screened 5 years after the dia­betes is diagnosed. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus