One century ago, Ramon y Cajal recognized the great value of the retina as a genuine neural center. The retina is a part of the brain itself, evaginating from the lateral wall of the neural tube during embryonic development. As an extension of the central nervous system, the retina, “the miniature brain”, with its multiple neuronal types is considered as a promising experimental model to better understand the function of the brain.

Purpose: To compare the results of narrow encircling band surgery with standard encircling scleral buckling for RETINAL detachments (RDs) with intrabasal or unseen breaks.Methods: In a retrospective study, eyes with intrabasal or unseen breaks underwent narrow band implantation (group N) or standard encircling buckling plus wide tire placement (group W) and were followed for at least one year.Results: A total of 112 eyes including 39 eyes in group N and 73 eyes in group W were studied. Preoperatively visual acuity of eyes in group N was significantly better (1.55±0.9 vs.1.93±0.9 logMAR, P=0.043). The two study groups (N and W) were comparable in terms of the extent of RD (2.8±0.96 vs.2.8±0.93 quadrants), interval to surgery (88.3±176.4 vs.71.9±135.4 days) and percentage of visible breaks (56.4% vs.63%), respectively (all P values>0.05). More atrophic holes were present in group W and more dialyses were reported in group N. The single operation success rate at 12 months was 69.2% in group N and 74% in group W (P=0.1). The single operation success rate for eyes with unseen breaks was also comparable (66.7% vs. 85.7%, P=0.157). Final corrected visual acuity was also similar (0.63±0.44 vs. 0.85±0.69 log MAR). The only factor influencing success rate was the type of RETINAL breaks (P=0.04). Type of scleral buckling did not affect the single operation success rate (P=0.460).Conclusion: Narrow encircling band surgery is a possible option with acceptable single operation success rate for RDs with intrabasal or unseen breaks.

Purpose: To study the seasonal variability in the occurrence of acute RETINAL necrosis (ARN) in a series of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive patients. Methods: Consecutive patients clinically diagnosed with ARN and a positive PCR result of aqueous humor during a seven-year period were studied retrospectively. Patients’ demographics, causative viral agent(s), and the date of disease onset were extracted from medical records. Results: Twenty eyes of 20 patients were enrolled; the mean age at presentation was 39. 6 ± 14. 4 (range, 6– 62) years. Nine patients were female. The most common causative agent was varicella-zoster virus in 16 patients (80%), followed by herpes simplex virus in two patients (10%). The disease onset was in winter in 10 patients (50%), and the highest incidence was in February (five patients, 25%). The cumulative occurrence of ARN was significantly higher in the first half of the year (winter and spring) compared to the second half of the year (summer and fall) (P = 0. 030). In general, seasons with a high incidence of ARN were preceded by cold seasons. Conclusion: In our series, we observed seasonal variability in the incidence of ARN, with the highest incidence during winter and spring. However, further epidemiologic studies in different geographical areas are required to elucidate the true seasonal nature of ARN.

RETINAL toxicity after intraocular antibiotics has been repeatedly reported. Amicacin was reported to have a lower risk. Here we report a case of Amicacin RETINAL toxicity who had received intraocular Amicacin injection after penetrating trauma as prophylaxis for endophthalmitis.

Optogenetics is the use of genetic methods combined with optical technology to achieve gain or loss of function within neuronal circuits. The field of optogenetics has been rapidly expanding in efforts to restore visual function to blinding diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Most work in the field includes a group of light-sensitive RETINALdehyde‑binding proteins known as opsins. Opsins couple photon absorption to molecular signaling chains that control cellular ion currents. Targeting of opsin genes to surviving RETINAL cells is fundamental to the success of optogenetic therapy. Viral delivery, primarily adeno‑associated virus, using intravitreal injection for inner RETINAL cells and subRETINAL injection for outer RETINAL cells, has proven successful in many models. Challenges in bioengineering remain for optogenetics including relative insensitivity of opsins to physiologic light levels of stimulation and difficulty with viral delivery in primate models. However, targeting optogenetic therapy may present an even greater challenge. Neural and glial remodeling seen in advanced stages of RP result in reorganization of remaining neural retina, and optogenetic therapy may not yield functional results. Remodeling also poses a challenge to the selection of cellular targets, with bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells all playing distinct physiologic roles, and affected by remodeling differently. Although optogenetics has drawn closer to clinical utility, advances in opsin engineering, therapeutic targeting and ultimately in molecular inhibition of remodeling will play critical roles in the continued clinical advancement of optogenetic therapy.