Amsler Grid Testing Research Articles

Role of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fundus Photography, and Amsler Grid in Detection of Macular Disorders Associated with High Myopia

Abstract Background High myopia refers to ametropia characterized by elongation of optic axis and retinal and choroidal degeneration in the fundus, and high myopic patients present with various degrees of structural and functional retinal changes and thinning of the retinal thickness. Active screening for high myopic patients with imaging techniques by OCT, Fundus photography and amsler grid and providing patients with corresponding treatment on this basis may effectively reduce the risk of irreversible visual function damage. Objective To point to the importance of combining OCT, fundus photography with amsler grid testing in patients with high myopia. Methods This study was conducted on 40 eyes from EI-Demerdash Hospital outpatient clinic and ophthalmology department investigations unit in the period from June 2021 till May 2022; the patients were 24 females (60.0%) and 16 males (40.0%) with age ranged from 16 to 50 years. Results Our investigations gave us an idea about the macular diseases associated with high myopia and the importance of combining use of OCT, fundus imaging and amsler grid with patients with high myopia. These findings consist of chorioretinal atrophy, foveoschisis, choroidal neovascularization, dehiscence of retinal layers known as retinoschisis (foveoschisis or extre foveoschisis), macular holes (lamellar and full thickness), posterior retinal detachment. We can early detect theses changes in macula of highly myopic patients by Amsler grid testing as daily self monitoring and this can be useful in directing the patient to more sophisticated investigation tool like OCT and fundus photography and therefore give the patient the optimal chance to save the vision. Conclusion OCT combined with fundus photography and amsler grid testing are helpful tools that allow detailed evaluation of the macula in eyes with pathological myopia and easily anticipate, diagnose and follow up diseases associated with high myopia.

Visual functions and multimodal imaging of patients with idiopathic focal choroidal excavation

This study aimed to evaluate visual function and perform multimodal imaging on patients with focal choroidal excavation without any chorioretinal disease (idiopathic focal choroidal excavation [iFCE]). Seventeen eyes of 15 patients with iFCE (8 men, 7 women; mean ± standard deviation age, 56.0 ± 10.8 years) were assessed for visual function including visual acuity, metamorphopsia, aniseikonia, and retinal sensitivity. Multimodal imaging included optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and OCT angiography. This study found that the maximum width and depth of the excavation were 597 ± 330 (238–1809) µm and 123 ± 45 (66–231) µm, respectively, and that FAF showed normal or hypoautofluorescence corresponding to iFCE. The fundus examination findings were stable during the follow-up period (96 ± 48 months). None of the eyes showed any abnormalities in central retinal sensitivity or aniseikonia. Metamorphopsia was detected using Amsler grid testing and M-CHARTS in two eyes. Therefore, this study is the first to quantitatively and qualitatively study metamorphopsia of patients with iFCE. Our results showed that most patients with iFCE did not have visual impairments, despite the presence of morphological changes in the outer retina and choroid.

METAVISION: a novel system for quantifying metamorphopsia in patients with myopic traction maculopathy

PurposeTo develop a novel system for quantifying metamorphopsia in patients with myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) and to explore the metamorphopsia pattern of MTM.DesignObservational, cross-sectional study.MethodsWe designed a new system.ResultsOf the...

Chronic Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Case Study

Introduction Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by persistent subretinal fluid that disrupts the outer layers of the retina and may lead to complications such as: outer retinal atrophy, increased risk of choroidal neovascularization (CNVM) and the potential for permanent vision loss. This report describes the clinical features of chronic CSCR. Case Presentation A 73-year-old male with a history of systemic steroid and inhaler use presented for a routine eye exam without visual complaints. Examination findings included normal visual acuity in both eyes and multiple areas of retinal hyper and hypopigmentation along the arcades with no macular involvement in the right eye; the left eye was unremarkable. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography showed localized areas of outer retinal disruption and thinning near the optic nerve head and along the corresponding retinal areas of irregular pigmentation in the right eye; the left eye was unremarkable. Discussion In chronic CSCR, structural changes in the retina can lead to retinal dysfunction and permanent vision loss. Treatment options for chronic CSCR include photodynamic therapy, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, or systemic steroid receptor blockers. Visual prognosis varies depending on the severity of the disease, age of onset, risk of CNVM and the degree of outer retinal degeneration. Conclusion Patients with chronic CSCR are at risk for permanent vision loss. The structural changes in the outer retina also increase the risk for CNVM. Hence, it is important that patients with chronic CSR receive regular eye examinations and are educated on the role of regular Amsler grid testing.

Using the Amsler Grid Test for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening.

To evaluate the use of the Amsler grid test (AGT) in screening for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most common causes of blindness, in primary healthcare settings. The AGT was applied to 700 eyes of 355 people aged 50 and over who applied to a family health center in Ankara and had no eye complaints. The test was considered positive if the lines on the AGT card were seen as broken or curved, there was a difference in shape or size between the squares, or a color change or blurring was described in any area. An ophthalmologist was consulted if the AGT was positive in one or both eyes. Patients considered suitable by ophthalmologists were evaluated with optical coherence tomography. AGT results were compared with ophthalmologist examination and tomography findings in terms of AMD detection. The AGT was positive in 97 (13.9%) and negative in 603 (86.1%) out of 700 eyes included in the study. A total of 184 eyes, 79 with a positive AGT and 105 eyes with a negative test, were evaluated by an ophthalmologist. As a result of examinations and tests performed by ophthalmologists, AMD was detected in a total of 67 eyes: 42 of 79 eyes with positive AGT and 25 of 105 eyes with negative AGT but referred to an ophthalmologist for different reasons. In our study, the AGT had 62.7% sensitivity and 68.4% specificity. The AGT is an inexpensive and easily applicable test. Although moderate sensitivity and specificity were found in our study; further studies are needed to evaluate the suitability of its use for AMD screening in primary care with limited facilities.

Macular Alterations in Patients with Chronic Diseases in Queretaro

Background: Visual health problems and chronic-degenerative diseases have a significant impact on the Mexican population. Macular alterations are the third worldwide cause of moderate to severe visual disability. The timely detection of macular alterations and the control of chronic-degenerative diseases allow stopping or prolonging their progress, giving better visual health and quality of life. Objective: To determine the association between the main chronic degenerative diseases and macular alterations. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional observational study was carried out in patients over 60 years of age assigned to UMF 16. The selection of participants was carried out in a non-probabilistic manner. The Amsler grid test was applied as a screening to detect macular alterations, and clinical, metabolic and sociodemographic variables were also measured. For the statistical analysis we used descriptive statistics with measures of central tendency and dispersion; in the inferential analysis, Chi-Square Test, odds ratio and ANOVA were used. Results: A total of 112 patients were analyzed. The frequency of macular alterations in the right eye was 25%; and the same for the left eye. The total frequency of macular alterations was 36%. When analyzing the four groups we found the following results for qualitative variables: sex, p 0.58; education, p 0.27; CKD stage, p 0.22; smoking, p 0.22; dyslipidemia, p 0.64; obesity, p 0.72; and macular alterations, p 0.11. In the quantitative variables we find: age, p 0.1; creatinine, p 0.4; GFR, p 0.055; glucose, p 0.001; systolic pressure, p 0.04; and diastolic pressure, p 0.6.

Amsler Grid Versus 10-2 Test in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of global irreversible blindness. The goal of management in glaucoma lies in its early detection and treatment to prevent further optic neuropathy. Available equipment for early glaucoma detection is not cost-effective or readily available in resource-scarce settings such as Nigeria. Thus, there is a need for a simple cost-effective tool to detect glaucomatous central visual field (CVF) defects in all the stages of glaucoma within the community in resource scarce-settings. The aim of this article is to determine the validity of the Amsler grid in detecting central glaucomatous visual field defects in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). This was a cross-sectional study of follow-up glaucoma patients at a secondary eye care hospital in Nigeria. All patients had detailed ophthalmic examination in addition to 24-2 and 10-2 CVF tests and Amsler grid test. POAG was classified using the Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson criteria into mild, moderate, and severe on 24-2 CVF. The diagnostic validity of the Amsler grid was calculated using the 10-2 CVF as a reference standard. Regression analyses were performed between the Amsler grid scotoma area and 10-2 CVF parameters [mean deviation (MD), scotoma extent (SE), and scotoma mean depth (SMD)]. A total of 150 eyes of 150 patients were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the Amsler grid compared with the 10-2 CVF was 49.5%, 95.9%, 96.2%, and 47.9%, respectively, with an area under curve of 0.7. Sensitivity increased with increasing severity (P < 0.001) from 20.0%, 31.0%, and 76.6% in mild, moderate, and severe POAG, respectively. The Amsler grid scotoma area had the strongest relationship with the 10-2 MD, followed by 10-2 SE and 10-2 SMD with a quadratic R2 of 0.579, 0.370, and 0.307, respectively. The Amsler grid has a low sensitivity in mild-to-moderate POAG. However, it may serve as an adjunctive tool in resource-scarce settings for detection of severe POAG in the community by primary eye care providers.

Retinal displacement following successful pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Background The appearance of hyperfluorescent lines next to the retinal blood vessels after successful retinal detachment (RD) surgery was explained by the occurrence of retinal displacement. This can attribute to the metamorphopsia experienced by some patients after their surgeries. Patients and methods A prospective interventional study was performed that included 30 eyes of 30 patients with primary rhegmatogenous RD, who had undergone successful RD surgery via pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade. The entire patients had preoperative and postoperative fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography. They were followed up for 3 months after surgery with testing of the best-corrected visual acuity and Amsler grid testing. Results The mean age of the included group was 53.7±9.2 years, and 17 (56.7%) patients were males. The most frequent tear site was upper temporal (43.3%), followed by multiple peripheral (23.33%), upper nasal (13.3%), lower temporal (13.3%), and the least was lower nasal (6.7%). Retinal displacement was detected by hyperfluorescent lines adjacent to the retinal blood vessels in the fundus autofluorescence imaging in 16 eyes (53.3% with 95% confidence interval: 36.7–70.0%). Patients with retinal displacement were significantly younger than patients without (P=0.019). The presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy was significantly related to the occurrence of displacement (P=0.028). Metamorphopsia was significantly more frequent among patients with displacement (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion Retinal displacement had a high possibility to occur after successful repair of primary rhegmatogenous RD. Young patients and patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy are at a higher risk for displacement.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Amsler Grid Test for Detecting Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Patients with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are encouraged to use the Amsler grid test for self-assessment to facilitate early diagnosis. The test is widely recommended, suggesting a belief that it signals worsening AMD, warranting its use in home monitoring. To systematically review studies of the diagnostic test accuracy of the Amsler grid in the diagnosis of neovascular AMD and to perform diagnostic test accuracy meta-analyses. A systematic literature search was conducted in 12 databases for relevant titles from database inception until May 7, 2022. Studies included those with groups defined as having (1) neovascular AMD and (2) either healthy eyes or eyes with nonneovascular AMD. The index test was the Amsler grid. The reference standard was ophthalmic examination. After removal of obviously irrelevant reports, 2 authors (J.B. and M.S.) independently screened the remaining references in full text for potential eligibility. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.). Two authors (J.B. and I.P.) independently extracted all data and evaluated quality and applicability of eligible studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.). Sensitivity and specificity of the Amsler grid for detecting neovascular AMD with comparators being either healthy control participants or patients with nonneovascular AMD. Of 523 records screened, 10 studies were included with a total of 1890 eyes (mean participant age ranging from 62 to 83 years). Sensitivity and specificity to diagnose neovascular AMD were 67% (95% CI, 51%-79%) and 99% (95% CI, 85%-100%), respectively, when comparators were healthy control participants and 71% (95% CI, 60%-80%) and 63% (95% CI, 49%-51%), respectively, when control participants were patients with nonneovascular AMD. Overall, potential sources of bias were low across studies. Although the Amsler grid is easy and inexpensive to use for detection of metamorphopsia, its sensitivity may be at levels typically not recommended for monitoring. Coupling this lower sensitivity with only moderate specificity to identify neovascular AMD in a population at risk, these findings suggest that such patients typically should be encouraged to undergo ophthalmic examination regularly, regardless of any results of Amsler grid self-assessment.

Efficacy and Safety of Laser Photocoagulation in Persistent Idiopathic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) encompasses the macular area, secondary to the accumulation of subretinal fluid and increased permeability from the choriocapillaris resulting in focal or diffuse dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium. Diagnosis of CSCR is done by several procedures like clinical examination, Amsler grid testing, fluorescein angiography, ocular coherence tomography. There are several treatment options including photodynamic therapy, laser photocoagulation, etc., for CSCR. Aim: To study the efficacy and safety of laser photocoagulation in persistent idiopathic CSCR. Materials and Methods: The present prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from August 2019 to January 2021. A total of 30 patients (30 eyes) with idiopathic CSCR, persistent for duration of three months or more with worsening of visual symptoms, active leakage on Fundus Fluoresceine Angiography (FFA) were subjected to 532 nm subthreshold green laser photocoagulation treatment after routine investigations. Statistical analysis was done on International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. Results: In the present study, there was male preponderance (86.7%) for the CSCR cases. The mean±Standard Deviation (SD) age of in the study was 37.7±0.07 years. All the eyes studied had unilateral involvement with 53.35% right eye involvement and 46.7% left eye involvement. The duration of current episode of CSCR in months showed a mean+SD of 5.86±1.40. The distribution of visual acuity in affected eye (before laser treatment) depicts the mean prelaser Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) of 30 patients at baseline was (0.68±0.20) in LogMAR. About 67% patients experienced central scotoma and 33% patients had metamorphopsia on Amsler chart. Distribution of active leakage site on FFA showed that 43% cases had active leakage in superonasal quadrant, 30% had active leakage in superotemporal, 17% had active leak in inferonasal quadrant and 10% had active leak in inferotemporal quadrant. CSCR associated with or without Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) atrophy showed that 63.3% patients had RPE atrophy suggesting long-standing course of disease with NSD and subretinal fluid collection affecting RPE. Prelaser mean CMT on OCT of affected eye was 445.83±54.79 µm which was reduced to mean CMT of 303.57±48.49 µm at four weeks follow up, which further reduced to mean CMT of 224.9±20 µm at end of 12 weeks was statistically significant with p-value&lt;0.001. The statistical analysis for the macular thickness at four weeks and 12 weeks showed significant probability with paired t-test with p-value&lt;0.001. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that early treatment with laser photocoagulation is efficient in the restoration of vision within a period of 12 weeks.

Subthreshold Micropulse Laser for Long-Lasting Submacular Fluid after Rhegmatogeous Retinal Detachment Surgery.

PurposeTo assess the safety and efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) photo-stimulation in the management of persistent subfoveal fluid (PSF) after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).MethodsIn this pilot study, 11 eyes of 11 patients (8 men, 3 women) with long-lasting (12–18 months) PSF after surgery for RRD were evaluated before and after photostimulation with subthreshold micropulse yellow laser. Ophthalmic examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Amsler grid test, ophthalmoscopy, autofluorescence (AF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with measurement of central point foveal thickness (CPFT). Primary outcome was subfoveal fluid resolution and secondary outcome was BCVA improvement.ResultsThe mean CPFT and BCVA were, respectively, 436.8 28.8 μm and 0.25 0.1 µm decimal equivalent (DE) before photostimulation and 278 54.4 μm and 0.57 0.2 µm DE after photostimulation, a statistically significant difference (P 0.001). Nine (81.8%) eyes showed improved BCVA, disappearance of macular detachment on ophthalmoscopy, reduced retinal pigment epithelium distress on AF, and restored macular profile with no neuroretinal alterations on OCT scans.ConclusionAlthough PSF after RRD surgery is often a self-limiting disease, our results suggest that SML photostimulation may be effective and safe in patients with clinically significant long-lasting PSF. Larger case–control studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Remote patient monitoring of central retinal function with MACUSTAT®: A multi-modal macular function scan.

IntroductionThere is significant unmet need for patient-centric remote monitoring of visual function for chronic retinal diseases, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Macustat® central retinal function scan is a novel cloud-based digital health application for remote monitoring. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the Macustat® compared to traditional in-office retinal evaluations.Materials and methodsPatients with underlying macular pathology underwent office-based retinal and visual acuity examinations and OCT macula imaging followed by remote tele-monitoring assessment with the Macustat. Central visual function was assessed with the multi-modal Macustat test using dynamic virtual Amsler grid testing, hyperacuity perimetry and visual acuity testing. The results were compared to the findings of the in-office comprehensive retina exam and OCT evaluation.ResultsThe foveal acuity potential registered with the Macustat test showed high correlation with the office Snellen acuity potential 96% of eyes registered Macustat acuity within 0.2 LogMAR of office acuity measurement. In Wet AMD eyes with CNV pathology documented on OCT, the Macustat foveal function scan showed a corresponding abnormality in 89% of any CNV eyes and 100% of all visually significant CNV. In normal eyes without any visually significant edema or CNV, more than 92% showed corresponding normal retinal function scan.ConclusionThe Macustat demonstrates high concordance with clinical findings using traditional diagnostic devices. Home monitoring with the Macustat® may offer complementary clinical utility as a telehealth tool for the assessment of visual acuity and macular function in patients at high risk for macular disease.

A Smart Mobile Application to Monitor Visual Function in Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The CLEAR Study

The purpose of this study was to determine if a mobile application, the Checkup Vision Assessment System, could reliably monitor visual acuity (VA) and metamorphopsia remotely versus standard VA reference tests in the clinic. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, an even greater need for remote monitoring exists. Mobile tools enhance the ability to monitor patients virtually by enabling remote monitoring of VA and Amsler grid findings. Prospective, multicenter reliability analysis. Participants: Patients (N=108) with near corrected VA better than 20/200 and a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or healthy patients without retinal disease (best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] of 20/32 or better). participants were tested using the Checkup, reference VA, and Amsler tests, with the order of testing (Checkup or reference) randomized. Patients monitored their vision using Checkup at least twice a week at home between office visits. Main outcome measurements were near corrected VA and Amsler grid test results. Agreement was strong between Checkup and reference tests for VA (r=0.86) and Amsler grid (sensitivity: 93%; specificity: 92%). Home versus clinic testing showed excellent agreement (r=0.96). Patients reported successful home use. There were no serious adverse events or discontinuations. Patients rated the usability of Checkup to be excellent. There was good agreement between Checkup and in-clinic test results for VA and Amsler grid. The low variance of Checkup testing, agreement between in-clinic and home results, and excellent usability support Checkup as a reliable method for monitoring retinal pathology in clinic and home settings.

The relation between Helicobactor pylori gastrointestinal tract infection and central serous chorioretinopathy among patients in Al-Diwaniya province

PURPOSE:Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) is a serous detachment of the central retina. This condition usually affects young males. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Helicobactor pylori is the most prevalent stomach and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infection worldwide, and a possible correlation between these two conditions was examined in this study.METHODS:Sixty-two patients with CSR (fifty-five males and seven females) were included in this study. All patients were examined by a senior ophthalmologist and fluorescein angiography was performed for each patient to confirm CSR, which has specific ophthalmic findings. It was found to be the first attack of CSR in 49 patients with the help of history and optical coherence tomography and an Amsler grid test, while in 13 patients it was shown to be recurrent disease. Diagnosis of H. pylori was done using the urea breath test at the GIT center in Diwaniya Teaching Hospital, Iraq. The control group contained 162 patients attending the GIT Department at Diwaniya Teaching Hospital with 79 patients with a positive H. pylori test and normal comprehensive eye examinations. Patients with any other ophthalmic diseases were excluded from the study.RESULTS:The rate of infection was significantly higher in patients than in control group (47/75.8% vs. 79/48.8%; P < 0.001). The odds ratio was 3.29 with 95% confidence interval of 1.71–6.36; therefore, patients with CSR are 3.29 times more susceptible to H. pylori infections than control subjects.CONCLUSION:A statistically significant relationship between the presence of H. pylori infections with CSR development among young patients was shown. More multi-center studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

The importance of different preoperative factors in the prognosis of functional results of uncomplicated surgery for idiopathic epimacular membranes

Purpose : to estimate the cumulative effect of different preoperative predictors on the functional results of the removal of idiopathic epimacular membranes (EMMs) 12 months after the surgery. Material and methods . 62 patients (63 eyes) with idiopathic EMMs aged 49 to 85 were operated according to the standard procedure and followed up for 12 months. The monitoring included, in addition to standard methods, Amsler grid test and optical coherence tomography of the macula. Results . Throughout the postoperative period, significant improvement in visual acuity, reduction of metamorphopsias, and restoration of both inner and outer fovea layers as well as macular thickness were observed. Twelve months after surgery, visual acuity strongly correlated with baseline visual acuity (R = 0.571, p &lt; 0.05), the span of the defects of the external limiting membrane (ELM) (R = -0.359, p &lt; 0.05), and interdigitation zone (IZ) defects (R = -0.394, p &lt; 0.05). At the end of the follow-up period, metamorphopsia value correlated the most strongly with the duration of the disease (R = 0.380, p &lt; 0.05), baseline visual acuity (R = -0.398, p &lt; 0.05), initial metamorphopsias intensity (R = 0.271, p &lt; 0.05), central retinal thickness (R=0.318, p&lt;0.05) and the ectopic inner macular layers (R = 0.358, p &lt; 0.05). A trend was observed toward the correlation between the final visual acuity and presurgical metamorphopsias severity (R = 0.248, p = 0.113), thickness of EMM (R = -0.246; p = 0.111), central retinal thickness (R = -0.203, p = 0.198) and the presence of a cystoid macular edema (CME) (p = 0.181). A correlation was also observed between metamorphopsias severity noted 1 year after surgery and the length of ELM (R = 0.222, p = 0.159) and IZ (R = 0.211, p = 0.201) defects before surgery. Regression with a 0,597-determination coefficient showed that the baseline visual acuity and central retinal thickness had the biggest impact on the visual acuity measured 1 year after surgery (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions . The surgery for idiopathic EMMs leads to a significant improvement in the quality of visual functions and anatomical characteristics of the macula. Restoration of outer macular layers may indicate the ability of photoreceptors to repair. The most significant preoperative predictors which determine the quality of visual functions after EMMs removal are thickness of the membrane, central retinal thickness, deformation degree of the inner foveal layers, state of photoreceptors, CME, visual acuity and metamorphopsias severity. At the same time, the baseline visual acuity and central retinal thickness had the biggest impact on the visual acuity achieved by surgery. Early surgery is reasonable, while the evaluation of both anatomical and functional results is advisable not earlier than 12 months after surgery.

Amsler grid test for detection of advanced glaucoma in Ethiopia.

ObjectiveThis study was done to determine the validity of amsler grid test black on white (BOW), as well as white on black (WOB) for identifying central visual field (VF) defects in patients with advanced glaucoma.DesignProspective study.ParticipantsWe prospectively included 100 consecutive eyes of 88 adult patients with advanced glaucoma and 100 eyes of 100 normal individuals. We used a lottery method to choose the side of the eye for the control groups.MethodsAll participants had reliable Humphrey 10–2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) standard VF. Both the BOW and WOB amsler grid tests were done for each group. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the amsler grid scotoma area were calculated with the 10–2 VF as the reference standard.ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age and the 10–2 VF mean deviation (MD) of advanced glaucoma eyes were 59.8 ± 11.8 (range 34–84) years and -19.94 ± 9.8(range -34.98–-0.52) respectively. Among 108 eyes with normal 10–2 VF test, 103 had a normal BOW amsler grid test and 5 had an abnormal BOW test. Among 92 eyes with an abnormal 10–2 VF test, 74 had an abnormal and 18 had normal BOW amsler grid test. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the BOW amsler grid test were 80.4%, 95.4%, 93% and 85.1% respectively whereas that of the WOB amsler grid test were 71.7%, 95.4%, 93% and 72.8% respectively.ConclusionThe sensitivity and specificity of both BOW and WOB amsler grid tests were high in detecting VF defects in advanced glaucoma.

Idiopathic Macular Hole Preferred Practice Pattern®

Idiopathic Macular Hole Preferred Practice Pattern®

Short-term outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane and phacoemulsification surgery with multifocal intraocular lens implantation.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes of combined phacovitrectomy with multifocal intraocular lens (mfIOL) implantation.MethodsRetrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series of six eyes that received a combined phacoemulsification surgery with apodized, diffractive mfIOL implantation for cataract and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane (ERM). Outcome measures included distance and near visual acuities (DVA and NVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and disruption of external limiting membrane (ELM) or inner-segment outer-segment (IS/OS) junction.ResultsMean logMAR glare DVA improved from 0.40 (Snellen 20/50) preoperatively to a mean uncorrected DVA of 0.038 (Snellen 20/22) (P=0.004) at 6 months after surgery. All eyes achieved NVA of J2 or better by 12 months postoperatively. Median CMT improved by 10 µm and mean IOP increased by 1 mmHg at 12 months postoperatively. Percentage of patients with ELM or IS/OS disruptions decreased from 66.7% to 33.3%. Two eyes demonstrated residual metamorphopsia on Amsler grid testing postoperatively. Postoperatively, four eyes required laser capsulotomy and one required LASEK for refractive correction.ConclusionCombined phacovitrectomy, membrane peeling, and mfIOL implantation improved VA in patients with idiopathic ERM. Multifocality was achieved, but final visual outcome was delayed due to posterior capsular opacification and macular healing.

Central perpendicular line in macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in five eyes.

The aim of this study is to report a rare spectral-domain optical coherence tomography finding in the macula. This is a descriptive consecutive case series. Patients diagnosed with hyperreflective central perpendicular line in the macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were included. Best-corrected visual acuity assessment, standard Amsler grid test, biomicroscopic examination and macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed. We examined three men and one woman, aged 56 to 91 years (average age: 75.25 years). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed a hyperreflective central perpendicular line in five eyes accompanied by vitreofoveal adhesion in all of them. In two eyes, we observed a lifting of the ellipsoid zone, and in one eye the external limiting membrane was also pulled. In one eye, a subtle lifting of the interdigitation zone was revealed. In another eye, we also found a triangular foveolar detachment of the interdigitation zone. Snellen's best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 0.2 to -0.1 logMAR (average of 0.006 logMAR). Amsler grid test was unremarkable in four eyes and metamorphopsia was detected in one eye. One eye developed a full-thickness macular hole several weeks after the phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The presence of a central perpendicular line can be revealed by the macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. We hypothesize that this finding could be considered as a sign of vitreomacular traction. In our patients, best-corrected visual acuity was only mildly reduced, and Amsler grid test was affected in only one eye.

Scleral gas permeable contact lenses as a possible way of visual rehabilitation of patients with age-related macular degeneration

Low visual acuity, loss of the central visual field, metamorphopsia, distortion of lines and decreased contrast sensitivity cause reduced quality of vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Currently existing methods of visual rehabilitation for patients with AMD, such as telescopic intraocular and scleral lenses, are functionally and cosmetically unacceptable. The use of intraocular telescopic lenses is limited by the high risk of postoperative complications, low functional parameters, as well as by difficult ophthalmoscopy and lasting adaptation of patients. Telescopic scleral lenses have а low resolution, contain impermeable to oxygen parts and require wearing special switching glasses. However, scleral lenses have potential in developing an optimal method for vision correction in patients with AMD due to the presence of following advantages: wide optical zone, gas permeability, correction of refractive astigmatism in presbyopic patients and alleviation of dry eye symptoms. In conclusion, further clinical researches are required to develop a method for improving the quality of vision in patients with AMD by using scleral lenses with an objective test for evaluating the effectiveness of correction – the 3D computer-automated threshold Amsler grid test (3D-CTAG).