While age-related macular degeneration (AMD) poses an important personal and public health burden, comparing epidemiological studies on AMD is hampered by differing approaches to classify AMD. In our AugUR study survey, recruiting residents from in/around Regensburg, Germany, aged 70+, we analyzed the AMD status derived from color fundus images applying two different classification systems. Based on 1,040 participants with gradable fundus images for at least one eye, we show that including individuals with only one gradable eye (n = 155) underestimates AMD prevalence and we provide a correction procedure. Bias-corrected and standardized to the Bavarian population, late AMD prevalence is 7.3% (95% confidence interval = [5.4; 9.4]). We find substantially different prevalence estimates for “early/intermediate AMD” depending on the classification system: 45.3% (95%-CI = [41.8; 48.7]) applying the Clinical Classification (early/intermediate AMD) or 17.1% (95%-CI = [14.6; 19.7]) applying the Three Continent AMD Consortium Severity Scale (mild/moderate/severe early AMD). We thus provide a first effort to grade AMD in a complete study with different classification systems, a first approach for bias-correction from individuals with only one gradable eye, and the first AMD prevalence estimates from a German elderly population. Our results underscore substantial differences for early/intermediate AMD prevalence estimates between classification systems and an urgent need for harmonization.

Pediatric CNV is a rare but sight-threatening retinal disease. So far, no standard treatment has been validated. Since the establishment of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, laser coagulation and photodynamic therapy have lost their significance as therapy for CNV.

Purpose To investigate the learning curve of vitreoretinal (VR) surgeons beginning training in retinal detachment (RD) surgery. Methods The files of all consecutive patients undergoing VR surgery for uncomplicated RD between Jan 2005 und Mar 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Successful outcome was defined as no retinal redetachment within 3 months after surgery. Results Ten surgeons started their VR career during this period. Together, these 10 surgeons performed 3786 RD operations (mean 379; median 251; range 71–1053). Primary success rate after one operation was 90% (3420 of 3786). When starting to operate retinal detachments, VR surgeons had a primary success rate of about 80%. Redetachment rates steadily decreased and stabilized at just under 10% after about 200 operations. Beginners needed more than twice the time for the procedure compared to experienced surgeons. The individual learning curves varied widely. In our series, female surgeons seem to have a faster learning curve. Conclusion RD surgery performed by VR surgeons in training had acceptable results. With increasing experience, success rates continuously improve reaching stable levels after approximately 200 operations. The training of VR surgeons requires considerable resources.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical features and outcome of paediatric retinal detachment (RD). Methods: Ninety-five eyes of 87 children under 18 years of age with RD were assessed. The risk factors, morphology of RD, therapeutic approach and functional results were evaluated. Results: Sixty-seven boys and 20 girls with a mean age of 10.4 years (standard deviation 5.5) presented with RD. The following risk factors were identified: myopia (23%), congenital or developmental ocular abnormalities (37%), history of ocular trauma (40%) and previous ocular surgery (27%). Seventy-seven (81%) eyes underwent surgery. The primary reattachment rate was 44%. In 18%, reattachment was achieved after several surgeries. The overall recurrence rate after surgical reattachment was 39%. Conclusions: Paediatric RD is a sight-threatening condition. Often, aggravating factors, such as delayed diagnosis, hereditary ocular abnormalities or strong vitreous adherence, are present. Hopefully, modern surgical techniques may contribute to a better outcome of RD in the future.

ObjectiveTo estimate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) incidence/progression across a wide age range.Methods and analysisAMD at baseline and follow-up (colour fundus imaging, Three Continent AMD Consortium Severity Scale, 3CACSS, clinical classification, CC) was assessed for 1513 individuals aged 35–95 years at baseline from three jointly designed population-based cohorts in Germany: Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg (KORA-Fit, KORA-FF4) and Altersbezogene Untersuchungen zur Gesundheit der Universität Regensburg (AugUR) with 18-year, 14-year or 3-year follow-up, respectively. Baseline assessment included lifestyle, metabolic and genetic markers. We derived cumulative estimates, rates and risk factor association for: (1) incident early AMD, (2) incident late AMD among no AMD at baseline (definition 1), (3) incident late AMD among no/early AMD at baseline (definition 2), (4) progression from early to late AMD.ResultsIncidence/progression increased by age, except progression in 70+-year old. We observed 35–55-year-old with 3CACSS-based early AMD who progressed to late AMD. Predominant risk factor for incident late AMD definition 2 was early AMD followed by genetics and smoking. When separating incident late AMD definition 1 from progression (instead of combined as incident late AMD definition 2), estimates help judge an individual’s risk based on age and (3CACSS) early AMD status: for example, for a 65-year old, 3-year late AMD risk with no or early AMD is 0.5% or 7%, 3-year early AMD risk is 3%; for an 85-year old, these numbers are 0.5%, 21%, 12%, respectively. For CC-based ‘early/intermediate’ AMD, incidence was higher, but progression was lower.ConclusionWe provide a practical guide for AMD risk for ophthalmology practice and healthcare management and document a late AMD risk for individuals aged <55 years.

BackgroundSo far only single cases with short follow-up have been reported on the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF for traumatic choroidal neovascularizations (CNV). This paper reports a large case series of patients with CNV secondary to choroidal rupture after ocular trauma receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections.MethodsFifty-four patients with unilateral choroidal rupture after ocular trauma diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Eleven patients with CNV secondary to choroidal rupture were identified. Five eyes with traumatic secondary CNV were treated with anti-VEGF and were systematically analysed. The other 4 patients with inactive CNV underwent watchful observation.ResultsFour men and one woman with a mean age of 29 years (SD 12.4; range 19–45) had intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for traumatic CNV. Another 4 patients with a mean age of 37 years (SD 6.6; range 31–46) presented with inactive CNV and did not receive specific treatment. In all 9 cases the mean interval between the ocular trauma and the diagnosis of CNV was 5.7 months (SD 4.75; range 2–12). In the treatment group per eye 4.2 injections (SD 3.2; range 1–8) were given on average. Four eyes were treated with bevacizumab and one eye with ranibizumab. Regression of CNV was noted in all eyes. In 4 eyes visual acuity (VA) improved, one eye kept stable visual acuity.ConclusionsHere, we present the up to now largest case series of traumatic CNV membranes treated with anti-VEGF injections with a mean follow-up period of 5 years. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy seems to be safe and effective for secondary CNV after choroidal rupture. Compared to exudative age-related macular degeneration fewer injections are needed to control the disease.Trial registrationRetrospective registration with local ethics committee on 21 March 2019. Trial registration number is 19-1368-104.

Purpose To analyze the correlation between lens status, age, and sex in the epidemiology and success rates of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. Methods The files of all consecutive patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery for uncomplicated RRD between Jan 2005 und Dec 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Successful outcome was defined as no retinal redetachment occurring within 3 months after surgery. Results 5502 eyes with uncomplicated primary RRD were included. Mean age of the patients was 61.1 years (± 13.6 SD). In the age group over 40 years, a male predominance was found. The percentage of pseudophakic RRD increased from 25 to 40% during the 15 years observation period. In the age group 50 to 69 years, patients with pseudophakic detachments were male in 786 out of 1079 cases (72.9%). In the same age group, 1285 of 2110 (60.9%) patients with phakic RRD were male. Overall, primary success rate after one procedure was 91.2% (5018 of 5502). In the phakic eyes, the primary success rate was higher in those eyes that underwent combined phacovitrectomy (93.0%), compared to those without simultaneous cataract surgery (88.7%; p = 0.002). Conclusion The ratio of male and female patients with RRD varies between age groups. The proportion of pseudophakic RRD has increased within 15 years. The male predominance in RRD is stronger in pseudophakic than in phakic eyes. In phakic eyes with RRD, a combined phacovitrectomy yielded better anatomical results.

Purpose: The primary endpoint results from the comparing alternative ranibizumab dosages for safety and efficacy in retinopathy of prematurity (CARE-ROP) core study identified ranibizumab as an effective treatment to control acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This study reports the 1-and 2-year follow-up data focusing on long-term functional outcomes and safety. Methods:The CARE-ROP trial compared 0.12 mg versus 0.20 mg ranibizumab in 20 infants with ROP in a multicentric, prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study design. Sixteen patients entered the follow-up period. An ophthalmologic assessment at one year postbaseline was acquired from all 16 patients and a neurodevelopmental assessment at two years postbaseline was acquired from 15 patients.Results: Fifteen of 16 infants were able to fixate and follow moving objects at one year postbaseline treatment. One child progressed to stage 5 ROP bilaterally between the end of the core study and the 1-year follow-up (first seen at PMA 75 weeks). Mean spherical equivalents were À1.9 diopters (D) and À0.75 D in the 0.12 mg and the 0.20 mg treatment arms. Strabismus was present in seven and nystagmus in five out of 16 infants. Mental development scores were within normal limits in six out of ten patients with available data. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two treatment arms. Conclusion:Neurodevelopmental and functional ocular outcomes 1 and 2 years after treatment with ranibizumab are reassuring regarding long-term safety. Late reactivation of ROP, however, represents a challenge during the follow-up phase and it is of utmost importance that regular follow-ups are maintained.