Improvement In Visual Function Research Articles

Temporal synchronization elicits enhancement of binocular vision functions

Integration of information over the CNS is an important neural process that affects our ability to perceive and react to the environment. The visual system is required to continuously integrate information arriving from two different sources (the eyes) to create a coherent percept with high spatiotemporal precision. Although this neural integration of information is assumed to be critical for visual performance, it can be impaired under some pathological or developmental conditions. Here we took advantage of a unique developmental condition, amblyopia ("lazy eye"), which is characterized by an impaired temporal synchronization between the two eyes, to meticulously study the effect of synchronization on the integration of binocular visual information. We measured the eyes' asynchrony and compensated for it (with millisecond temporal resolution) by providing time-shifted stimuli to the eyes. We found that the re-synchronization of the ocular input elicited a significant improvement in visual functions, and binocular functions, such as binocular summation and stereopsis, were regained. This phenomenon was also evident in neurophysiological measures. Our results can shed light on other neural processing aspects and might also have translational relevance for the field of training, rehabilitation, and perceptual learning.

Visual Impairment as a Learning Disability in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Review

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive brain disorders causing movement, posture, and motor function impairments. Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) affects visual pathways, affecting clarity of vision, visual fields, and occulomotor incoordination. Symptoms vary in nature and severity due to the complexity of the visual cortex. Physiotherapy (PT) is essential for treating CP, promoting physical, mental, and social well-being. Physical therapists also teach parents, how to care for their children at home, including feeding, bathing, dressing, and other activities. CVI is often linked to CP and can lead to various visual problems, including reduced visual guidance of movement. To effectively manage this condition, a multidisciplinary approach is required, as children with CVI often have neurological deficits in addition to their visual problems. Visual function assessment involves measuring thresholds or limits for each eye, while functional vision assessment is conducted in the child’s environment with both eyes open. Levels of vision can be classified into light perception, intermittent fixation, reliable focus, constant attention to small objects, and reliable visual acuity. Children with Visual Difficulties (CVI) exhibit distinct visual behaviours and require proper training. Sensory room training improves gross and fine motor abilities, and early intervention reduces issues associated with these diseases. Physical therapy interventions are very important for this population’s health and wellness, which can be focused on acquiring and improving independence in motor abilities, visual function, coordination, balance and general health improvement. Children with CVI are at danger of developing neurological dysfunction. An early intervention and adequate training for young CP children with CVI can improve motor abilities and reduce issues associated with these diseases. The following review will help to understand briefly about visual impairments in patients with CP, mainly focusing on new therapeutic interventions following visual impairments that are effective and easily administered.

Эндоскопическая лазерная циклодеструкция в комбинированной хирургии глаукомы и катаракты

Background. Combined surgical treatment in patients with refractory glaucoma and cataract allows achieving stable compensation of intraocular pressure and a significant improvement in visual functions. Purpose. To study some aspects of efficacy and safety of combined endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) with cataract phacoemulsification. Methods. 78 patients with uncompensated open-angle glaucoma at various stages were enrolled. They were treated with ECP and phacoemulsification. Among them there were 40 (51.28 %) men and 38 (48.72 %) women. The follow-up period was from 6 to 48 months. Mean age of the patients was 73.46 years. Results. At the end of the follow-up period, there was a significant decrease in mean IOP to 18.2±1.5 mm Hg, in comparison with the initial level of 24.1± 3.2 mm Hg (p<0.0001). At the same time, complete success was achieved in 46.6 % (34 eyes); qualified success (reduction of IOP to 21 mmHg and below) was achieved in 51.3 % (40 eyes). The number of topical glaucoma drugs has also significantly decreased from 2.5±1.0 to 1.9±1.0 (p = 0.001). Conclusion. ECP can be considered as a safe and effective antiglaucoma component of combined glaucoma and cataract surgery. Key words: glaucoma; transscleral laser cyclodestruction; endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation; microinvasive glaucoma surgery.

Двухпортовая витрэктомия в лечении пациентов с макулярными разрывами

Purpose. Analysis of the first clinical and functional results of treatment of patients with macular holes using the two-port vitrectomy. Material and methods. An analysis of treatment of 15 patients with a diagnosis of macular hole, operated by the method of two-port vitrectomy, was carried out. According to the Gass classification, 7 patients were diagnosed with stage 3 macular hole, and 8 patients with stage 4. All patients underwent microinvasive vitrectomy according to the developed technique. At the beginning of the operation, two ports were installed – one for the infusion cannula with a built-in illuminator (chandelier), the second for the vitreotome. Next, the epiretinal membrane (ERM) (if any) and the internal limiting membrane (ILM) were removed, and plateletrich plasma (PRP) was used at the end of the operation. Intra- and postoperative complications were not registered. Results. The maximum period of observation of patients after treatment was 3 months. In all cases, an anatomical result was achieved – complete closure of the macular hole according to optical coherence tomography (OCT). Mean BCVA results 3 months after treatment were 0.32±0.08. In all cases, improvement in visual functions was achieved (p=0.035). Conclusion. The method of two-port vitrectomy in the treatment of macular holes allows to achieve a good anatomical result, improve visual functions, while minimizing surgical trauma. Key words: macular hole, platelet-rich plasma, two-port vitrectomy.

Pupil size effect on binocular summation for visual acuity and light disturbance.

Smaller pupil size under binocular conditions could justify partially the improvement of visual performance when compared to monocular conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the binocular summation for increasing levels of spherical and cylindrical defocus when the pupil size factor is ruled out as a confounding factor. Fifteen young subjects were recruited in this crossover study. Light disturbance index (LDI) was evaluated with the light disturbance analyzer and low (LCDVA) and high (HCDVA) contrast visual acuity with the ETDRS test. Two positive spherical and cylindrical defocus levels (+ 1.5 and + 3.0 D) were used to induce a controlled degradation of the retinal image for two pupil sizes (3 and 5mm). Our results showed poorer visual performance in monocular than the binocular condition. An increasing deterioration was observed with the level of spherical defocus. Positive binocular summation for visual acuity was found in all the parameters studied and was stronger under larger pupil size and for higher levels of spherical defocus. It was observed a positive binocular summation for the LDI under all the conditions studied. Strong and significant correlations were found between LDI and LCDVA and between LDI and HCDVA for all the conditions. Higher correlations were obtained between disturbance index and visual acuity for spherical defocus compared to cylindrical. Binocular summation was observed under different conditions of spherical and cylindrical optical degradation of the image quality when the pupil size was fully controlled. This suggests that a neural factor is involved.

LATE CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN A PATIENT TREATED FOR RETINOBLASTOMA. A CASE REPORT.

Case report of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) detection in patient who was treated for bilateral retinoblastoma in early childhood. Patient at 1.5 years of age treated for endophytic retinoblastoma stage 4 (according to the Reese-Ellsworth classification) bilaterally, with a positive mutation in the Rb1 gene. After undergoing bilateral retinal laser treatment and 6 cycles of systemic chemotherapy, the tumor remained inactive without other complications. At the age of 14, the boy developed visual impairment in his left eye with metamorphosis. Based on a local finding and other auxiliary examinations, he was diagnosed with CNV in the macular area at the interface of the tumor scar and the healthy retina of the left eye. After three applications of anti-VEGF (antibodies blocking vascular endothelial growth factor) substance intravitreally (bevacizumab 1.2 mg), there was a reduction in CNV and also an improvement in visual function.

Adaptive optics visual simulators: a review of recent optical designs and applications [Invited

In their pioneering work demonstrating measurement and full correction of the eye's optical aberrations, Liang, Williams and Miller, [JOSA A14, 2884 (1997)10.1364/JOSAA.14.002884] showed improvement in visual performance using adaptive optics (AO). Since then, AO visual simulators have been developed to explore the spatial limits to human vision and as platforms to test non-invasively optical corrections for presbyopia, myopia, or corneal irregularities. These applications have allowed new psychophysics bypassing the optics of the eye, ranging from studying the impact of the interactions of monochromatic and chromatic aberrations on vision to neural adaptation. Other applications address new paradigms of lens designs and corrections of ocular errors. The current paper describes a series of AO visual simulators developed in laboratories around the world, key applications, and current trends and challenges. As the field moves into its second quarter century, new available technologies and a solid reception by the clinical community promise a vigorous and expanding use of AO simulation in years to come.

Multi-layer internal limiting membrane plug technique for management of large full-thickness macular holes

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy of the multi-layer internal limiting membrane plug (MIP) technique in promoting the closure of large full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) and improvement of visual function.MethodsA prospective interventional non-comparative consecutive case series including patients with surgically naïve large FTMH whether primary or secondary. All macular holes were > 400 µm. All patients had 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), MIP technique, and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) 20% gas tamponade. The main outcome measures were the closure of the hole, improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and detection of complications that might develop due to surgery.ResultsThe study included 15 eyes of 15 patients. The mean age was 44 years (range 10–68; SD 21.5). Primary FTMH constituted 53% of cases. The mean pre-operative minimum linear diameter (MLD) was 702 µm (range 401–1068 µm; SD 154). The mean duration of the macular hole was 6 months (range 1–24; SD 6). The mean pre-operative BCVA was 0.06 decimal units (range 0.01–0.1; SD 0.03). Post-operatively, the macular hole was closed in all patients. U- and V- type closure developed in 93% and 7% of patients, respectively. None of the patients developed W-type closure. Post-operatively, the mean post-operative BCVA was 0.2 decimal units (range 0.05–0.5; SD 0.1). The mean improvement was 5 lines of vision. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 4 months (range 1–10; SD 2.5). None of the patients developed complications attributed to the surgical technique described.ConclusionMIP technique is effective in promoting macular hole closure and improvement of visual function in large FTMH.

Subclassification of Knosp Grade 4 Pituitary Adenoma: Bringing Insights Into the Significance of Tumor Growth Pathways.

Understanding the growth pathway of Knosp grade 4 pituitary adenoma (KG4PA) has a direct impact on surgical planning and safety for tumor eviction. To analyze the different characteristics between KG4PAs with a focus on the tumor growth pathway and its relationship to the cavernous segment of internal carotid artery. Clinical data from 129 patients with KG4PAs who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery were retrospectively reviewed. A subclassification scheme was proposed based on the tumor growth pathway and its relevant features. The clinical connotation of the subclassification on surgical outcomes was also analyzed. The KG4PAs were classified into 3 types based on the tumor growth pathway and its relevant features: groups A, B, and AB. The gross total resection rate in group A (51.2%) was much lower than that in group B (87.5%) and AB (87%) with a significant difference between the 3 groups ( P = .0004). The overall rate of visual function improvement, preoperative cranial nerve (CN) palsy improvement, and postoperative hormonal remission was 85.1%, 83.3%, and 85.7%, respectively. The rate of transient CN palsy, permanent CN palsy, permanent diabetes insipidus, panhypopituitarism, CSF leakage, and internal carotid artery injury was 7.8%, 3.9%, 4.7%, 2.3%, 1.5%, and 0.7%, respectively. The subclassification strengthens our understanding of KG4PAs on tumor growth corridors and topographic relations of tumor and cavernous segment of internal carotid artery. Furthermore, the distinction into groups 4A, 4B, and 4AB is of benefits for selecting approaches, predicting risk and avoiding complications, and generating more tailored individualized surgical strategies for KG4PAs with better outcomes.

MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDITIS WITH ADAPTIVE OPTICS OPHTHALMOSCOPY.

To describe longitudinal, anatomical, and functional alterations caused by inflammatory and neovascular lesions of idiopathic multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy using adaptive optics imaging and microperimetry. Longitudinal case study using multiple imaging modalities, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography angiography, flood illumination adaptive optics, and microperimetry. A 21-year-old myopic Asian man presented with blurred vision in the right eye. Clinical examination was notable for an isolated hypopigmented, perifoveal lesion in each eye. Multimodal imaging showed inflammatory lesions in the outer retina, retina pigment epithelium, and inner choroid lesions of both eyes. The right eye additionally exhibited active Type-2 macular neovascularization with loss of cone mosaic regularity that was associated with reduced sensitivity on microperimetry. The clinical picture was consistent with multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy. The patient was treated with oral steroids and three injections of intravitreal bevacizumab in the right eye. After therapy, imaging showed reestablishment of the cone mosaic on flood illumination adaptive optics and improvement in sensitivity on microperimetry. Adaptive optics imaging and microperimetry may detect biomarkers that help to characterize the nature and activity of multifocal choroiditis lesions and to help monitor response to therapy. With timely intervention, structural abnormalities in the outer retina and choroid can be treated, and anatomical improvements precede improvements in visual function.

Selective Endothelialectomy in Peters Anomaly: A Novel Surgical Technique and Its Clinical Outcomes in Children.

This study describes the surgical outcomes of selective endothelialectomy in Peters anomaly (SEPA), a relatively new technique to manage Peters anomaly (PA). This study included 34 eyes of 28 children who had a visually significant posterior corneal defect due to PA and underwent SEPA between 2012 and 2019. A selective endothelialectomy from the posterior corneal defect was performed while preserving Descemet membrane. The primary outcome measure was the resolution of corneal opacification. The secondary outcome measures were functional vision, complications, and risk factors for failure. At a mean postoperative follow-up of 0.96 ± 0.20 years, 29 eyes (85.3%) maintained a successful outcome. Mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities were 2.55 ± 0.13 and 1.78 ± 0.13 ( P < 0.0001), respectively. Ambulatory functional visual improvement was seen in 97%, and 23% attained vision ranging between 20/190 and 20/50. Corneal opacification failed to clear in 5 eyes (15%). Risk factors associated with surgical failure were female sex ( P = 0.006), disease severity ( P < 0.0001), glaucoma ( P = 0.001), and additional interventions after SEPA ( P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, only disease severity (ie, a type 2 PA) was a significant risk factor for the failure of SEPA. There were no sight-threatening complications. SEPA is a safe and effective technique in select cases of posterior corneal defect due to PA. SEPA could be a potential surgical alternative to pediatric keratoplasty or optical iridectomy in children with central corneal opacification smaller than 7 mm due to PA.

Exposure of the retina to subthreshold micro- and nanosecond laser at early stages of age-related macular degeneration

At the moment, there are no effective methods of treatment for age-related macular degeneration at its early stages. The perspective of treatment for age-related macular degeneration may be a method using subthreshold laser radiation.&#x0D; In the present review of literature, analysis is represented of using both subthreshold micro- and nanosecond laser radiation on the retina in intermediate AMD stage. Subthreshold diode micro-pulse laser exposure of the retina in AMD has proven to be a safe procedure that allows for the regression of macular drusen.&#x0D; While some authors noted an improvement in visual functions and a decrease in the probability of developing choroidal neovascularization with such treatment, multicenter trials have not yet confirmed the effectiveness of micro-pulse therapy as a method to prevent the neovascular AMD development.&#x0D; Subthreshold nanosecond laser impact on the retina is safe for the structures of the eye fundus, theoretically more selective stimulates the natural biological and regenerative potential in the pigment epithelium and neuroepithelium due to remodeling of extracellular matrix, restores the thickness of the Bruchs membrane and metabolism between external retinal layers and choriocapillaris.&#x0D; Encouraging results have been achieved from the use of nanopulse therapy as a method of preventing the development of advanced stage AMD in the absence of reticular pseudodrusen, however, it seems premature to recommend this technology for widespread clinical use - further research is needed.&#x0D; The prospects of invading in wide clinical practice of subthreshold nanosecond laser impact on the intermediate stage of AMD on the basis of the obtained clinical research results are encouraging (regression of drusen, preventing of AMD progression in absence of reticular pseudodrusen), but there is currently no evidence base. It is required to conduct further researches.

Night vision restored in days after decades of congenital blindness

SummarySignaling of vision to the brain starts with the retinal phototransduction cascade which converts visible light from the environment into chemical changes. Vision impairment results when mutations inactivate proteins of the phototransduction cascade. A severe monogenically inherited blindness, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), is caused by mutations in the GUCY2D gene, leading to a molecular defect in the production of cyclic GMP, the second messenger of phototransduction. We studied two patients with GUCY2D-LCA who were undergoing gene augmentation therapy. Both patients had large deficits in rod photoreceptor-based night vision before intervention. Within days of therapy, rod vision in both patients changed dramatically; improvements in visual function and functional vision in these hyper-responding patients reached more than 3 log10 units (1000-fold), nearing healthy rod vision. Quick activation of the complex molecular pathways from retinal photoreceptor to visual cortex and behavior is thus possible in patients even after being disabled and dormant for decades.

CGMP Analogues with Opposing Actions on CNG Channels Selectively Modulate Rod or Cone Photoreceptor Function.

The vertebrate retina harbors rod and cone photoreceptors. Human vision critically depends on cone photoreceptor function. In the phototransduction cascade, cGMP activates distinct rod and cone isoforms of the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel. Excessive cGMP levels initiate a pathophysiological rollercoaster, which starts with CNG channel over-activation, typically in rod photoreceptors. This triggers cell death of rods first, and then cones, and is the root cause of many blinding retinal diseases, including Retinitis pigmentosa. While targeting of CNG channels has been proposed for therapeutic purposes, thus far, it has not been possible to inhibit rod CNG channels without compromising cone function. Here, we present a novel strategy, based on cGMP analogues with opposing actions on CNG channels, which enables the selective modulation of either rod or cone photoreceptor activity. The combined treatment with the weak rod-selective CNG-channel inhibitor (Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS) and the cone-selective CNG-channel activator (8-pCPT-cGMP) essentially normalized rod CNG-channel function while preserving cone functionality at physiological and pathological cGMP levels. Hence, combinations of cGMP analogues with desired properties may elegantly address the isoform-specificity problem in future pharmacological therapies. Moreover, this strategy may allow for improvements in visual performance in certain light environments.

Эндоскопическая лазерная циклодеструкция (элцд) в комбинированной хирургии катаракты и глаукомы

Combined surgical treatment in patients with refractory glaucoma and cataract allows achieving stable compensation of intraocular pressure and having a significant improvement in visual functions. Purpose. To study of some aspects of efficacy and safety of combined endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) with cataract phacoemulsification. Methods. 78 patients with uncompensated open-angle glaucoma at various stages. They were treated with ECP and cataract extraction. Among them were 40 (51.28 %) men and 38 (48.72 %) women. The follow-up period is from 6 to 48 months. The mean age of the patients was 73.46 years. Results. At the end of the follow-up period, there was a significant decrease in the mean IOP to 18.2 ± 1.5 mmHg, in comparison with the initial level of 24.1 ± 3.2 mmHg (p &lt; 0.0001). At the same time, full success was achieved in 46.6 % (34 eyes). Partial success (reduction of IOP to 21 mmHg and below) was achieved in 51.3 % (40 eyes). The number of topical glaucoma drugs used also significantly decreased from 2.5 ± 1.0 to 1.9 ± 1.0 (p = 0.001). Moderately pronounced postoperative iridocyclitis found in 25.64 % of cases. Conclusion. ECP can be considered as a more significant component of the MIGS conception. Keywords: glaucoma, transscleral laser cyclodestruction, endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, microinvasive glaucoma surgery.

Extradural Clinoidectomy in Clinoidal Meningiomas: Analysis of the Surgical Technique and Evaluation of the Clinical Outcome.

The surgical treatment of clinoidal meningiomas is currently still discussed in the literature. Different surgical approaches have been proposed and evaluated, in multiple studies, in order to improve the surgical outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the advantages of extradural clinoidectomy in the context of tumor removal radicality for visual function improvement. A retrospective analysis was performed on 74 patients—of which 26 patients with clinoidal meningiomas were in group III, according to Al Mefty classification—who underwent surgery at the Policlinico Umberto I Hospital between 2000 and 2019. Further, extradural clinoidectomy was performed on 15 patients (Group A), and 11 patients underwent the pterional approach only (Group B). Additionally, visual impairment was present in all 26 patients before surgery. Next, visual function assessment was performed on all patients, both in presurgery and postsurgery. Radiological follow up was performed at 3 and 6 months, and then every 12 months. Gross Total Resection (GTR) was achieved in 13/15 (86.7%) patients who underwent clinoidectomy, and in 4/11 (36.4%) patients who did not undergo clinoidectomy. Visual function improvement was achieved in 12/15 (80%) patients who underwent clinoidectomy and in 4 of 11 (36.4%) who did not undergo clinoidectomy. According to our study, extradural clinoidectomy is the most suitable method for facilitating the gross total resection of clinoidal meningiomas. Our experience and data suggest that a higher rate of total resection and, subsequently, the best visual outcomes are achieved. Extradural drilling via the anterior clinoid process reveals a wider surgical corridor for meticulous tumor resection.

Impact of an intervention for avoidable vision loss on visual function in the elderly-The Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in Elderly Study (HOMES).

To report the impact of interventions for avoidable vision impairment (VI) on the visual function of elderly residents in 'homes for the aged' in India. Participants aged ≥60 years were recruited. A comprehensive eye examination was conducted by trained examiners and interventions were provided. Trained social investigators administered the Indian Vision Function questionnaire (INDVFQ) to assess visual function before and after the intervention (spectacles, cataract surgery or laser capsulotomy). Lower scores on IVFQ imply better visual function. VI was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better eye. VI due to cataract, uncorrected refractive errors, and posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery were considered avoidable VI. The mean age of the participants (n = 613) was 73.8 years (standard deviation: 8.1 years) and 378 (62.2%) were women. 64/103 (62.1%) participants who had avoidable VI at baseline were evaluated after the intervention. Significant gains were observed in all four domains of visual function. There was a 14.9% improvement in mobility scores (33.8 versus 28.8; p = 0.03), a 19.9% improvement in the activity limitations score (36.8 versus 29.5; p < 0.01), a 10.9% improvement in the psychosocial impact score (41.1 versus 36.6; p < 0.01) and a 13.6% improvement in the visual symptoms score (49.2 versus 42.5 p < 0.01). Overall, the mean IVFQ score improved by 16.4% (47.6 versus 39.8; p < 0.01). Elderly individuals in residential care with avoidable VI had a significant improvement in visual function after relatively low-cost interventionssuch as spectacles and cataract surgery. Strategies are needed to provide these interventionsfor theelderly in 'homes for the aged'in India.

Visual recovery after unilateral optic nerve sheath fenestration for pseudotumor cerebri syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the effect of optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) on the rate of visual function improvement in patients with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS). Methods Retrospective chart review of patients with PTCS who underwent ONSF between 1998 and 2017. Visual function was evaluated by evaluating visual field (VF), mean deviation (MD), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, papilledema grade, and visual acuity (VA) prior to and after ONSF. Results Seventeen female patients aged 17 to 36 years underwent unilateral ONSF. Follow-up averaged 40.1 months. VF MD improved steadily in both eyes up to 12 months. Average RNFL thickness improved in the operated eye from 347 ± 166 mm to 92 ± 27 mm (p < .001) and the non-operated eyes from 306 ± 165 mm to 109 ± 46 mm (p < .001). The grade of papilledema improved in the operated eye from 3.3 ± 1.3 to 0.3 ± 0.7 and the non-operated eye from 3.0 ± 1.6 to 0.18 ± 0.4. There was an exponential rate of improvement in papilledema and RNFL thickness, with the greatest improvement occurring within the first 30 days. Average visual acuity remained intact in both eyes before and after surgery. Conclusions ONSF in appropriately selected patients leads to rapid improvement in papilledema and a steady recovery in VF.

Laser surgery in the management of patients with retinal vein occlusion

This literature review investigates issues associated with the use of laser surgery for preventing visual impairment in patients with retinal vein occlusion. To this end, we analyze publications on the place of laser surgery in the treatment of patients with occlusion of the central retinal vein or its branches, describing the existing spectrum of laser interventions and indications to their implementation in a particular clinical situation. The mechanism triggering retinal vein occlusion was shown to be most frequently thrombosis at the arteriovenous crossing and in area of the lamina cribrosa. The pathophysiology of retinal vein occlusion might lead to a decreased visual acuity as a result of various syndromes. Due to the diversity of developed techniques, laser treatment is widely used for correcting visual acuity in retinal vein occlusion. An effective approach consists in a combination of laser surgery and intravitreal injection of angiogenesis inhibitors or dexamethasone implants. Management of patients with retinal vein occlusion should also involve examination by general practitioners using laboratory and instrumental methods with the aim of etiological verification and systemic therapy. Such characteristics of laser treatment, as high effectiveness and low costs, as well as the possibility of providing outpatient services, determine the popularity of this technology among ophthalmologists and its future prospects. The latter include the maintenance and improvement of visual functions in patients with retinal vein occlusion.

Application of biologically active substances from marine hydrobionts in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of products obtained from marine aquatic organisms in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods. In total, 90 patients diagnosed with AMD of various stages were examined. The control group (30 people) received a vitamin-mineral complex containing carotenoids – lutein and zeaxanthin (Retinorm). The 2nd group of patients (30 people) received the Scallop Extract product. The 3rd group of patients (30 people) received the Ascidia Oil Extract in combination with the basic therapy. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including optical coherence tomography of the macula and perimetry. The examination was carried out prior to and two weeks after treatment completion.Results. The experimental group of patients receiving Scallop Extract showed a significant increase in visual acuity indicators after treatment completion. For comparison, the experimental groups of patients receiving Ascidia Oil Extract demonstrated improved photosensitivity indicators and reduced visual field defects.Conclusions. Addition of marine hydrobiont-based products to the basic AMD therapy is pathogenetically justified due to its positive effects on the maintenance and improvement of visual functions, as well as the light sensitivity of the retina.