Color Contrast Sensitivity Research Articles

Patterns of refractive errors and visual function in school-going children in South Africa

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the most significant contributor of VI in children and is usually detected through vision screenings or scheduled eye and vision examinations conducted among school children.Aim: To describe patterns of refractive errors (RE), visual function and amblyopia in school-going children.Setting: Mankweng, Polokwane, South Africa.Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted on 837 clinical record cards of children attending selected schools and who were screened between 2019 and 2021 at the University of Limpopo Optometry clinic. Purposive sampling was used to sample the clinical record cards.Results: About 134 children (16%) reported blurred vision, 197 (23.5%) failed distance visual acuity screening, while 173 (20.7%) had RE. Myopia among 168 (9.6%) children was the most common RE, followed by astigmatism and hyperopia at 60 (4.70%) and 28 (4.4%), respectively. Furthermore, 14 (1.7%) children had anisometropia. Amblyopia, colour vision deficiency and contrast sensitivity were also detected at prevalence rates of 4.4%, 9.8% and 8.2%, respectively.Conclusion: Vision screenings and regular comprehensive eye examinations are commonly conducted to detect and manage REs to prevent or delay the onset of amblyopia and strabismus. Children had a high prevalence of RE and amblyopia, which is similar to global estimates.Contribution: To describe the pattern of REs, amblyopia and visual function, which is critical to understand the prevalence of amblyopia and associated conditions. Knowing the patterns of these conditions may provide an impetus for the implementation of strategies such as vision screenings and vision examinations in schools.

Accuracy of a commonly used mobile ophthalmology application's vision assessment tools in measuring five vision assessment parameters.

The use of mobile ophthalmology applications (MOA) is increasing, but many of these tools have not been validated. This study was performed to assess the accuracy of a popular MOA, Eye Handbook, in measuring five commonly-tested vision assessment parameters (distance visual acuity (DVA), near visual acuity (NVA), colour vision testing (CVT), contrast sensitivity (CS), and pupillary distance (PD)) was compared with traditional vision assessment methods (TVAM) [i.e. Snellen chart, Rosenbaum near card, Ishihara, Pelli Robson test, etc.] performed in the eye clinic setting. Prospective crossover clinical trial of 129 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Participants averaged significantly better DVA (p = 0.0008), NVA (p < 0.0001), and CVT (p = 0.0105) in the MOA than the TVAM, but all three MOA assessments were predictive of the TVAM values. CS was significantly better with the MOA (p < 0.0001). Linear regression and Spearman correlation tests were applied to assess the effect of CS on NVA, which showed no clear relationship between the difference in NVA and the difference in CS. PD using the two methods was in agreement with no significant difference (p = 0.2889). The studied MOA offers an effective means of measuring four common vision parameters: DVA, NVA, CVT, and PD. The MOA can potentially be used by eye care providers, health care providers, and patients, both as a screening tool with correction factor and to monitor ocular pathologies. Atypical MOA measurements should prompt testing in the clinic with formal TVAMs.

Effect of Amblyopia on Color Vision and Contrast Sensitivity: A Systematic Review

Effect of Amblyopia on Color Vision and Contrast Sensitivity: A Systematic Review

Investigation of Color Vision and Contrast Sensitivity Defects in Textile Industry Workers

Background: Industrial exposure to chemicals is a significant health concern, particularly within the textile industry where workers are in regular contact with potentially harmful substances. The retina, with its photoreceptor cells responsible for color vision and contrast sensitivity, is especially susceptible to damage from such exposure. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of chemical exposure on the color vision and contrast sensitivity of workers in the Five Star Textile Industry, drawing comparisons with previous research to better understand the occupational risks and requisite protective measures. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 100 workers with an age range of 20-50 years, examining 200 eyes. The research took place from January to June 2023, employing the Pelli-Robson chart and D-15 test for evaluating contrast sensitivity and color vision, respectively. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-Square test and SPSS version 25. Results: The study found a Pearson Chi-Square value of 31.4 for color vision in the right eye and 25.7 in the left, with a significance of 0.000 for both. Contrast sensitivity tests revealed a Pearson Chi-Square value of 44.2 for both eyes, with significance remaining at 0.000, indicating a strong correlation between chemical exposure and visual impairment. Conclusion: The findings suggest a significant relationship between prolonged chemical exposure and visual function decline among textile workers, underlining the necessity for enhanced occupational health protocols and regular vision screening.

Knocking out the LRRK2 gene increases sensitivity to wavelength information in rats

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a gene related to familial Parkinson’s disease (PD). It has been associated with nonmotor symptoms such as disturbances in the visual system affecting colour discrimination and contrast sensitivity. This study examined how deficiency of LRRK2 impacts visual processing in adult rats. Additionally, we investigated whether these changes can be modelled in wild-type rats by administering the LRRK2 inhibitor PFE360. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) were recorded in the visual cortex and superior colliculus of female LRRK2-knockout and wild-type rats to study how the innate absence of LRRK2 changes visual processing. Exposing the animals to stimulation at five different wavelengths revealed an interaction between genotype and the response to stimulation at different wavelengths. Differences in VEP amplitudes and latencies were robust and barely impacted by the presence of the LRRK2 inhibitor PFE360, suggesting a developmental effect. Taken together, these results indicate that alterations in visual processing were related to developmental deficiency of LRRK2 and not acute deficiency of LRRK2, indicating a role of LRRK2 in the functional development of the visual system and synaptic transmission.

Phenotypic characteristics of Danish patients with achromatopsia.

To describe the phenotype of Danish patients with genetically verified achromatopsia (ACHM) with special focus on signs of progression on structural or functional parameters, and possible genotype-phenotype correlations. Forty-eight patients were identified, with disease-causing variants in five different genes: CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C and PDE6H. Longitudinal evaluation was possible for 11 patients and 27 patients participated in a renewed in-depth phenotyping consisting of visual acuity assessment, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence, colour vision evaluation, contrast sensitivity, mesopic microperimetry and full-field electroretinography. Foveal morphology was evaluated based on OCT images for all 48 patients using a grading system based on the integrity of the hyperreflective photoreceptor band, the inner segment ellipsoid zone (ISe). Signs of progression were evaluated based on longitudinal data and correlation with age. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between OCT grade and age (Spearman ρ = 0.62, p < 0.0001) and we observed changes in the foveal morphology in 2 of 11 patients with ≥5 years of follow-up. We did not find any convincing correlation between age and functional parameters (visual acuity, retinal sensitivity and contrast sensitivity) nor did we find correlation between structural and functional parameters, or any clear genotype-phenotype correlation. Some patients with ACHM demonstrate signs of progressive foveal changes in OCT characteristics with increasing age. This is relevant in terms of possible new treatments. However, functional characteristics, such as visual acuity, remained stable despite changing foveal structure. Thus, seen from a patient perspective, ACHM can still be considered a non-progressive condition.

Correlation between color vision, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and photostress recovery in the visually impaired: a cross-sectional study

Background: To investigate the correlation of colour vision, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and photostress recovery time test scores in visually impaired patients. Materials and methods: A total of 133 subjects were enroled and 133 eyes were examined. The pathological group consisted of 76 (57.1%) males with an average age of 68.0 (SD=13.2) and 57 (42.9%) females, with an average age of 68.1 (SD=15.2), Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate the differences in K-colour tests, HRR, visual acuity, Contrast Sensitivity test and photostress recovery time test between two different groups of severity. Results: Correlations were found among colour vision tests, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and photostress recovery time scores in eyes with age-related macular degeneration, with diabetic retinopathy, with optic nerve diseases, and various other retinal diseases (P&lt;0.05). In patients with moderate-visual impairments. Conclusions: The colour vision test scores correlate with the scores of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and photostess recovery time test. It may be a useful clinical surrogate for functional vision.

Prevalence of ocular morbidity among industrial workers of Eastern Nepal

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ocular morbidity among industrial workers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in four industries of Koshi Province. The demographic information gathered encompassed details such as age and gender. Employment-related factors included the nature of work, years of experience, and the type of industry. Economic considerations, such as monthly pay scale and job responsibilities, were also explored. Educational background and awareness of ocular hazards in the workplace, along with knowledge about safety devices, constituted crucial components of the survey. Comprehensive ocular examinations, along with assessments for color vision, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis, were carried out on-site in collaboration with the outreach team of Biratnagar Eye Hospital. A structured schedule was administered through face-to-face interviews and documented. Results: In the present study, A total of 359 industrial workers were screened; among them, 321 (89%) were male, and 38 (11%) were Female, with a mean age of 43.72 ± 10.18. The majority of them were from 40 to 49 years of age group 135 (37.6%). The overall prevalence of ocular morbidity among the workers was 289, (80.50%). The highest rate of ocular morbidity was seen in sugar industry 98, (89.9%) followed by the jute industry 85, (80.18%), the soap industry 59, (74.68%), and the dairy industry 47, (72.30%). Presbyopia 166, (46.23%) emerged as the most common ocular morbidity among all workers. A history of ocular injuries was found in 115, (32%) of workers, and only 19% of workers used ocular safety devices. The main reason for not using ocular safety devices was due to unavailability (65%). Conclusion: The research highlights a significant prevalence of ocular morbidity among industrial workers, with presbyopia emerging as the most common ocular disorder.

An Evaluation of the Repeatability of Visual Function Following Surgical Repair of Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

To evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of visual function assessments for patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). This prospective study included patients with unilateral macula-off RRD of <10-day duration successfully treated with a single, uncomplicated surgery at least 1 year following repair. Visual function assessments were performed at time of enrollment and 1 month later. Testing included Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA), low-contrast visual acuity (VA) 2.5% and 5%, contrast sensitivity assessment with Mars and Gabor patches, reading speed (acuity, speed, and critical print size), color vision testing (protan, deutan, and tritan), and microperimetry. Spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed. Paired t-statistics were used to compare values between visits and between the study and fellow eyes. Fourteen patients (9 male, 5 female) with a mean age of 69 years at time of surgery were evaluated. Correlation coefficients across the two visits were highest for ETDRS BCVA (0.97), tritan color vision testing (0.96), and low-contrast VA 5% (0.96), while the average t-statistic was largest for low-luminance deficit (4.2), ETDRS BCVA (4.1), and reading speed critical print size (3.7). ETDRS BCVA did not correlate with SD-OCT findings. ETDRS BCVA can be considered a highly reliable and reproducible outcome measure. LLVA, protan color discrimination, contrast sensitivity, and reading speed may be useful secondary outcome measures. This study provides guidance on the selection of visual function outcome measures for clinical trials of patients with macula-off RRD.

Elamipretide Topical Ophthalmic Solution for the Treatment of Subjects with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: A Randomized Trial

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the safety, tolerability, and potential efficacy of topical elamipretide in patients affected with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). DesignThis Phase 2, prospective, randomized, vehicle controlled, single-center clinical trial involved administration of elamipretide (MTP-131) topical ophthalmic solution to LHON patients over a 52-week double-masked treatment period (DMTP), followed by an open extension label (OLE) for up to 108 additional weeks of treatment. SubjectsTwelve patients affected with LHON were included in this study. Patients between ages 18 and 50 with decreased vision, for at least one year and no more than ten years, and a genetically confirmed diagnosis of m.11778G>A LHON were eligible for this trial. MethodsFor the first 52 weeks of the study, patients were randomized to one of two arms, elamipretide in both eyes or elamipretide in one eye and vehicle in the other eye, followed by an OLE where both eyes were treated with elamipretide. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was the assessment of adverse events from the administration of topical elamipretide 1% and the primary efficacy endpoint was change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcome measures included changes in color vision, visual field mean deviation, and electrophysiological outcomes. ResultsElamipretide was well tolerated with the majority of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) being mild to moderate and resolving spontaneously. The change from baseline in BCVA in elamipretide-treated eyes was not significantly different from the vehicle eyes at any time point. Six of 12 subjects met the criteria for clinically relevant benefit (CRB). In the post-hoc analysis, change from baseline in mean deviation in the central visual field was significantly greater in elamipretide treated eyes versus the vehicle eyes. Compared to baseline, both treatment groups showed improvement in color discrimination and contrast sensitivity in the OLE. ConclusionsElamipretide treatment was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. Although this study did not meet its primary BCVA efficacy endpoint, improvements across assessments on visual function during the OLE, and the post-hoc findings of the HVF central region, were encouraging and require further exploration.

Visual Functions among amplyopic patients

Apart from decreased visual acuity, amblyopia may be associated with alteration in color vision, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis. The study was conducted to assess visual functions among amblyopic patients. Cross sectional observational study was done with appropriate examination. Best corrected visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis were done among 31 amblyopic patients of age 5-18 years, visiting Department of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu Medical College from October 2021 to March 2022. Among thirty-one patients, male is to female ratio was 1.81:1. Mean age of participants was 9.45±3.49 years. Among patients with stimulus deprivation amblyopia, visual acuity was &lt;6/60, color vision and contrast sensitivity were decreased in 100% and moderate stereopsis (80-200 seconds of arc) was present. Among patients with strabismic amblyopia, visual acuity was decreased (6/12-6/18), color vision and contrast sensitivity were normal in 100% and good stereopsis (&lt;60 seconds of arc) was seen. Among those with refractive amblyopia, visual acuity was 6/6-6/9 in 34.5%, 6/12-6/18 in 44.8% and 6/24-6/60 in 20.7%. Color vision was decreased in 27.3% in ametropic, 9.1% in meridional and normal in anisometropic type. Contrast sensitivity was decreased in 27.3% each in ametropic and anisometropic, and in 63.6% in meridional amblyopia. Good and poor (&gt;200 seconds of arc) stereopsis was found in 24.1% each and moderate in 51.7% of refractive amblyopia. Contrast sensitivity was seen to be decreased with decrease in vision (40.0%, 42.8%, 50.0% and 100.0% in visual acuity 6/6-6/9, 6/12-6/18, 6/24-6/60 and&lt;6/60 respectively). To conclude, visual functions are affected in different types of amblyopia.

Screen Time at 6 Years Old and Visual Function in Early Adolescence.

Excessive screen time has been linked to adverse health outcomes in children, including vision-related problems such as myopia. However, very few studies have evaluated the effect of moderate screen exposure on the development of visual functions. This study aimed to examine the association between screen time during middle childhood and color discrimination, contrast sensitivity, and short-range visual acuity in 12-year-old children (n = 305) from the mother-child PELAGIE cohort (France) for the whole sample and for boys and girls separately. Visual functions were assessed using the Freiburg Acuity and Contrast Test and an adapted version of the Cambridge Color Test. Screen exposure was documented using a parent self-report questionnaire. Regression models showed that screen exposure at 6 years of age was significantly associated with higher contrast sensitivity across the entire sample at 12 years of age. However, when controlling for covariates, this association remained statistically significant in girls only. Sex-stratified analyses also showed that moderate screen exposure was linked to improved tritan-axis color vision in boys only. These findings suggest that moderate screen exposure in middle childhood is not harmful to visual function development and as such, provide new insights into the impact of digital technology on children's visual health and development.

Clinical Etiology of Optic Neuropathy patients visiting BPKLCOS, Institute of Medicine, Nepal

Background &amp; Objective: The clinical etiology of Optic neuropathy is vast and may be associated with life threatening conditions which might demand initiation of treatment. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate clinical etiology among patients visiting ophthalmology OPD of Institute of medicine, Nepal.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted at B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Nepal. All cases of optic neuropathy who presented to outpatient department (OPD), indoor patients from 7th July 2017-6th July 2018 were included in the study. A detailed clinical history was obtained which was followed by ophthalmic examination and relevant investigation. In addition, assessment of visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity, visual field were done. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 24.&#x0D; Results: A total of 86 eyes of 66 patients with optic neuropathy meeting all the inclusion criteria during the study period were enrolled with 20 patients having bilateral eye involvement and 46 having unilateral eye involvement accounting for a total of 86 eyes with optic neuropathy. The mean age of the affected population was 39.12±13.57 years with male to female ratio of 1:1.1. The most common etiology for optic neuropathy was optic neuritis (n=40 patients, 60.6%). Diminution of vision was the most common presenting complaints. Best corrected visual acuity was 6/24 –6/60 in 39.5% cases (n=34). Majority of the eyes had presence of RAPD (n=53 eyes, 61.7%) The most common color vision defect was nonspecific defect (n=41eyes, 47.7%).There was reduced contrast in 55.8% of the affected eyes in cases of optic neuropathy. Majority of affected eyes had blurred disc margin (n=39 eyes, 45.3%) followed by hyperemic disc and pale disc. Majority of the patients could not perform visual field due to low vision but those who could perform had enlarged blind spot.&#x0D; Conclusion: The most frequent etiological factor for optic neuropathy was optic neuritis. In cases of optic neuropathy, the main complaint of the majority of patients was a dimunition in vision. The majority of cases of optic neuropathy involved abnormalities in both colour vision and contrast sensitivity. The most typical visual field pattern in eyes with optic neuropathy was an enlarged blind spot. Optic neuritis is the most common cause of optic neuropathy, followed by traumatic optic neuropathy, and toxic metabolic optic neuropathy.

Profile of optic atrophy presented in the neuro-ophthalmology department of the tertiary eye care center

Background: Optic atrophy is a clinical presentation in which the optic disc appears pale due to irreversible damage of retinal ganglion cells and axons in the anterior visual pathway. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the profile of optic atrophy cases in the neuro-ophthalmology department of a tertiary eye hospital and to identify the common causes and associated visual impairments. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2021 to December 2021, using convenience sampling method for data collection. Demographic data, medical history, and examinations were conducted on all included patients. Optic atrophy secondary to glaucomatous optic nerve damage was excluded. This study included both children and adults with both congenital and acquired patients with optic atrophy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded and anterior segment examinations were conducted using a torchlight to assess pupillary reaction and slit lamp to assess other anterior segment details. The posterior segment was evaluated on a dilated pupil with a handheld magnifying 90D lens and a slit lamp. Color vision and contrast sensitivity and visual field assessments were performed whenever possible. Results: Out of 127 patients enrolled, 55.1% were male and 44.9% were female. The median age was 40, with a minimum age of 4 years to a maximum of 85 years old. Twenty-one percent were below 20 years old and they were associated with congenital causes, hydrocephalus and sequelae to bilateral papillitis. The most common age group was 40–50 years, comprising 21.3%. The total of eyes presented with optic atrophy was 214. Unilateral involvement of the eye was 31.5%, the patients with the right eye in 18.9% and the left eye in 12.6%. Both eye optic atrophies were found in 68.5%. The most common cause of optic atrophy was non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in 22.8% of cases, the second common cause was papilledema in 16.5%, and then, traumatic optic neuropathy comprised 15.7% of patients. BCVA in the right eye was &lt;6/60 in 58.3% of cases and in the left eye 56.7%. Conclusion: Optic atrophy did not show sex predisposition. The most common age group affected was 40–50 years, and patients above 40 years comprised nearly half of the patients. Bilateral optic atrophy was common. The most common cause of optic atrophy was NAION, followed by papilledema, traumatic optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis. Optic atrophy is one of the leading causes to irreversible blindness.

The Effect of different Tints on Colour Vision and Contrast Sensitivity

The Effect of different Tints on Colour Vision and Contrast Sensitivity

A Comparison Between Three Computer-Based Cone Specific Color Vision Tests.

INTRODUCTION: Computerized color contrast sensitivity (CS) tests that aim to determine presence, type, and severity of color vision deficiency have been developed and are available, but data on agreement between tests is lacking. The purpose of the present study was to determine data agreement between three computerized color vision tests.METHODS: A total of 50 subjects, 25 color vision normal (CVN) and 25 color vision deficient (CVD), were tested with the Konan CCT-HD®, NCI, and a modified version of the Innova CCT. Sensitivity and specificity were compared across systems as well as differences in log CS values and how these relate to standards used to classify occupational performance.RESULTS: Each test showed 100% sensitivity for detection of hereditary red-green CVDs as well as type (protan vs. deutan). Each test showed 100% specificity for confirming normal red-green color vision in CVNs. Innova CCT and NCI showed 100% specificity in CVNs and CVDs for S cone CS. Konan CCT-HD® showed 96% specificity in CVNs and 92% in CVDs for S cone CS.DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that each test reliably identifies hereditary CVD and confirms normal color vision. However, the three tests differ slightly in log CS values used to determine pass/fail scores of red-green color vision using a 100-point scale, and all show that protans consistently score lower than deutans on cone CS. Hence, depending on the criterion used in occupational settings, a single score may not prove equitable for individuals who have a protan deficiency.Lovell J, Rabin J. A comparison between three computer-based cone specific color vision tests. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2023; 94(2):54-58.

Towards intelligent illumination systems: from the basics of light science to its application

The development and design of lighting systems is closely linked to the physiology of the human visual system. Whereas with the first generation of light sources, the visual appearance of objects in an illuminated environment was only possible by adjusting the level of illuminance. In contrast, with modern semiconductor light-emitting diode (LED) systems, the emitted spectrum can be flexibly varied. This new degree of freedom has led to an interdisciplinary field of research, aiming to explore the effect of light on humans in terms of physiological, psychological and cognitive parameters and to model their mechanisms or make them quantifiable via mathematical metrics. Today’s quality assessment of light spectra is composed of metrics that combine colour perception, contrast sensitivity, visual sensation, non-visual responses and cognitive preference. A lighting system that takes these aspects into account is commonly referred to as an integrative lighting solution or Human Centric Lighting. This article describes the current knowledge about the human eye’s visual and non-visual processing system, the development of colour rendering metrics, and the light-induced effect on nocturnal melatonin suppression. Then, the basic concept of an intelligent and individually adaptable lighting system will be discussed.Practical Relevance: This article deals with the basics of light science and covers the fundamental aspects of intelligent lighting systems, which with the help of multi-channel LED luminaires, could address the visual properties of light and the human circadian system separately via metameric spectra.

Visual Field Improvement After Pituitary Tumor Resection

Background: Optic neuropathy due to chiasmal compressive lesion can affect the visual acuity, color vision, and visual field in both eyes. The most common visual field defect of chiasmal compression is a bitemporal hemianopia. Restoration of visual function is possible following surgical decompression. Purpose: To report a case of visual field improvement after pituitary tumor resection. Case Presentation: A 53 years old woman came with a chief complaint of blurred vision on her left eye since 3 months. Patient visual acuity was 0.25F1 on the right eye and counting fingers at 1 meter on the left eye. Ophthalmologic examination revealed optic disc pallor on both eyes. HVF 30-2 results showed bitemporal hemianopia. Head MRI with contrast showed an pituitary macroadema, size 2.3 x 2.2 x 2.7 cm and pushing the optic chiasm superiorly. Patient diagnosed with bilateral papil atrophy and bitemporal hemianopia caused by pituitary macroadenoma. She underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection by a neurosurgeon. Visual function showed an improvement after 6 months follow up. Colour vision and contrast sensitivity were increased in left eye. HVF 30-2 showed visual field improvement in both eyes, especially in right eye. Conclusion: Pituitary adenoma can lead to visual impairment. Preoperative factors such as retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, severity of the preoperative deficit, duration of visual symptoms, tumor size, extent of resection, and patient age may also serve as predictors of postoperative visual outcomes.

Spontaneous closure of a chronic full-thickness idiopathic macular hole after Irvine-Gass syndrome resolution

BackgroundFull-thickness idiopathic macular hole (IMH) usually causes serious visual deformities and visual acuity loss. Pseudophakic cystic macular edema, also known as Irvine-Gass syndrome, is another entity that causes visual disturbances, and occurs mainly after cataract extraction. We present a case report of a patient that was diagnosed with a full-thickness macular hole that spontaneously closed after the resolution of an Irvine-Gass syndrome, which occurred after an uneventful cataract extraction.Case presentationA 75 years-old female presented with the complaints of decreased visual acuity and color contrast sensitivity on both eyes (OU) and central visual field deformations on her left eye (LE). She was diagnosed with a full-thickness IMH on her LE, and cataract on OU. After an uneventful cataract extraction via phacoemulsification, she developed an Irvine-Gass syndrome at her LE, which was treated topically. The IMH closed spontaneously after the resolution of the Irvine-Gass syndrome, and the patient is being followed with no further complaints.ConclusionThe exact mechanism for spontaneous closure of full-thickness idiopathic macular holes is still not completely understood. In this case, we hypothesize that the coalesced intraretinal cysts caused by the Irvine-Gass syndrome formed a bridge-like structure connecting the inner walls of the macular hole, thus connecting the remnants of the Muller cells which enabled the full recovery of the normal foveal structure.

Comparison of colour contrast sensitivity in eyes at high risk of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration with and without subsequent choroidal neovascular membrane development

BackgroundNeovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of blind registrations in the elderly. Unfortunately, it is difficult to detect the early stage of the disease, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Subjects with very early disease are likely to have abnormal macular function, even in the pre‐symptomatic stage. In this study, colour vision was evaluated to establish if subjects at high risk of developing nAMD can be identified, thus allowing earlier diagnosis and possible treatment.MethodsColour contrast sensitivity (CCS) was evaluated over time in the fellow unaffected eye of subjects with unilateral nAMD. Participants were divided into Group 1 (182 participants) or Group 2 (15 participants) according to whether nAMD did not or did develop in the study period respectively and the two groups were compared.ResultsCCS was increased (i.e. worse colour vision) compared with the age-matched reference range in a high proportion of fellow eyes in both Groups 1 and 2. Global mean CCS values did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference between mean Group 1 CCS values and the last CCS value prior to nAMD diagnosis from Group 2 subjects.ConclusionThis study shows that in patients with unilateral nAMD, colour vision is frequently abnormal in the fellow unaffected eye. Abnormal CCS does not predict the development of nAMD within the 12 month period of the study and therefore it is not a viable screening tool for this pathology.