Primary Cataracts Research Articles

Persistent Serous Choroidal and Retinal Detachment After Ab Interno Trabeculotomy for Glaucoma.

We describe a case of serous retinal detachment (SRD) with ciliochoroidal detachment (CCD) that persisted for 2 years and 7 months after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). A 71-year-old woman with primary open-angle glaucoma and cataracts had a central corneal thickness of 489 μm/492 μm and an ocular axis length of 24.05 mm/24.30 mm. She underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in the right eye (OD), along with goniosynechialysis and microhook ab interno trabeculotomy. Postoperative intraocular pressure was 4-6 mmHg in the OD. Five months later, SRD was observed temporally and inferiorly to the macula, with increased choroidal thickness. Best-corrected visual acuity at 5 months was (1.2)/(1.2) (right eye [OD]/left eye [OS]), and intraocular pressure was 6 mmHg/13 mmHg. CCD in the OD was accompanied by choroidal vessel dilation and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. Two years and 7 months post-surgery, intraocular pressure spiked to 50-54 mmHg but settled at 12 mmHg 1 week later. CCD resolved, and choroidal folds and SRD disappeared, with decreased choroid thickness. Two years and 10 months postoperatively, there was no SRD recurrence at 10 mmHg on two antiglaucoma eye drops, and best-corrected visual acuity remained stable at (1.0)/(1.0). This case suggests that SRD may result from increased choroidal vessel permeability and retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction secondary to prolonged CCD/low IOP after MIGS. The prolonged disease course may be attributed to the balance between aqueous humor excretion and absorption, influenced by the limited size of the cyclodialysis cleft caused by MIGS.

Bilateral Hypocalemic Cataract Post Thyroidectomi : A Case Report

Introduction : Young adult cataracts are negligible, and their prevalence is rarely reported in Indonesia. We reporta rapidly developing cataract in a 25-year-old woman due to secondary hypoparathyroidism. Cataracts in this case, progress remarkably fast compared to primary cataracts.
 Case Illustration : A twenty-five-year-old female patient presented bilateral vision loss and a history of a total thyroidectomy caused by diffused toxic goiter 7 years before admission. Postoperative calcium levels were extremely depleted. The uncorrected visual acuity examination measured 1/300 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left. Slit lamp examination revealed cortical opacities in both eyes. We diagnosedit as bilateral hypocalcemia cataracts. Patient has undergone bilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The day following surgery visual acuity in the right eye was 20/30 and the left eye was 20/30 without correction. After one year of evaluation the visual acuity in RE become RE was 20/20 with a correction of -0.50 D sphere and the LE was 20/20 with a correction of -1.0 D sphere.
 Discussion : Patients with hypoparathyroidism risk developing cataracts due to chronic hypocalcemia, which inhibits the lenticular Na/K pump and induces intracellular sodium flux. This high sodium level triggers the osmosis process, followed by swelling of the lens fibers to form dystrophic calcifications. Thyroid surgery procedures suspectedly involving the parathyroid gland may cause hypocalcemia, thus leading to development of cataract.
 Conclusion : Clinicians should always consider hypoparathyroidism as the cause of bilateral cataracts in patients with a previous total thyroidectomy.

Phacogoniotomy versus phacotrabeculectomy for advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract: A randomized non-inferiority trial

PurposeTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of phacogoniotomy versus phacotrabeculectomy (PVP) among patients with advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and cataracts. DesignMulticenter, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial. MethodsA total of 124 patients (124 eyes) with advanced PACG and cataracts were enrolled, with 65 in the phacogoniotomy group and 59 in the phacotrabeculectomy group. Patients were followed up for 12 months with standardized evaluations. The primary outcome was the reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline to 12 months postoperatively, of which a non-inferiority margin of 4 mmHg was evaluated. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative surgical success rate, postoperative complications, and changes in the number of glaucoma medications. ResultsAfter 12 months, phacogoniotomy demonstrated non-inferiority to phacotrabeculectomy in terms of IOP reduction, with mean IOP reductions of − 26.1 mmHg and − 25.7 mmHg (P = 0.383), respectively, from baseline values of around 40 mmHg. Both groups experienced a significant reduction in the mean number of medications used postoperatively (P < 0.001). The cumulative success rate was comparable between the groups (P = 0.890). However, phacogoniotomy had a lower rate of postoperative complications and interventions (12.3% and 4.6%) compared to phacotrabeculectomy (23.7% and 20.3% respectively). The phacogoniotomy group reported shorter surgery time (22.1 ± 6.5 vs. 38.8 ± 11.1 min; P = 0.030) and higher quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L) improvement at 12 months (7.0 ± 11.5 vs. 3.0 ± 12.9, P = 0.010) than the phacotrabeculectomy group. ConclusionsPhacogoniotomy was non-inferior to phacotrabeculectomy in terms of IOP reduction for advanced PACG and cataracts. Additionally, phacogoniotomy provided a shorter surgical time, lower postoperative complication rate, fewer postoperative interventions, and better postoperative quality of life.

Современные подходы к хирургии катаракты на основании анализа волнового фронта

Relevance. Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. Even in the early stages of cataract development, when the maximum visual acuity often remains high, patients complain of a decrease in image quality (light scattering, diplopia), which is expressed in the difficulty of performing daily and professional activities. The cause of this condition in most cases is internal aberrations of a higher order. One of the topical issues of modern ophthalmology is the definition of indications for surgery of primary cataracts with high visual acuity. Purpose. The purpose of this literature review was to describe the current state of the problem of wavefront changes in patients with various types of initial lens opacity. Material and methods. A systematic analysis of scientific publications of domestic and foreign authors on the resources PubMed, Medline from 2000 to 2022, devoted to the currently existing methods for assessing the quality of vision of patients with initial opacification of the lens, was carried out. Results. Our literature review showed the great importance of assessing wavefront aberrations in patients with initial cataracts and high visual acuity. With the advent of modern diagnostic systems – aberrometers with the possibility of an isolated assessment of internal aberrations, doctors have the opportunity to interpret data on the effect of lens changes on the quality of vision. Conclusion. Visual acuity in patients with initial cataract is not a unique evaluation criterion for determining the timing of surgical intervention. Analysis of wavefront aberrations to a greater extent describe visual impairments and can be used as objective criteria for prescribing surgical treatment. The study of aberrations of the human eye makes it possible to give an objective and quantitative assessment of the optical functions of the eye, which expands the possibilities for diagnosis and for the formation of surgical approaches for initial lens opacities in patients with high visual acuity. Key words: higher-order wavefront aberrations, cataract

Burden and clinical profile of genetic eye diseases in children in Nigeria: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

ophthalmic genetics is rapidly evolving globally but is still nascent in much of sub-Saharan Africa, with gaps in knowledge about the burden in the region. This study evaluated the burden and manifestations of genetic eye diseases in children in Ibadan, Nigeria. this was a hospital-based cross-sectional study in which new and follow-up paediatric eye clinic patients were recruited consecutively at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Children with genetic eye diseases had comprehensive ocular and systemic examinations, and their pedigrees were charted to determine the probable modes of inheritance. The main outcome variables were the proportion of study participants with genetic eye diseases, the probable modes of inheritance, and the clinical diagnoses. Summary statistics were performed using means and standard deviations for numerical variables and proportions for categorical variables. fifty-two (12%) of 444 children had genetic eye diseases, and their mean (SD) age was 88.8 ± 50.4 months. Thirteen different phenotypic diagnoses were made following the evaluation of the 52 children, including primary congenital glaucoma (13, 25%) and familial non-syndromic cataracts (8, 15%). The probable modes of inheritance were derived from the pedigree charts, and 30 (58%) conditions were presumed to be sporadic. this study demonstrated a significant burden and a wide range of paediatric genetic eye diseases in this tertiary referral centre in Nigeria. This information provides invaluable evidence for planning ophthalmic genetic services.

Outcomes of paediatric cataract surgery with and without the use of trypan blue.

This systematic review was undertaken to answer the research question: "In children with primary cataracts, what are the outcomes (posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis + posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation) of surgery when performed with and without trypan blue staining of the posterior lens capsule?" An electronic search in six biomedical databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials that compared trypan blue with no stain during surgery in children 0-16 years with primary cataracts. Titles and abstracts of studies published between 1946 and 2021 in English language were screened. Data extraction, risk of bias assessment and synthesis of findings were done by two independent reviewers, while conflicts were discussed and resolved with a third. A total of 115 of 153 articles were screened after de-duplication. Of these, 113 were excluded while 2 randomised controlled trials involving 56 eyes of 42 participants were included in the review. The risk of bias was similar across all domains in both. Staining of the capsule led to complete posterior capsulorhexis and optimal placement of the implant in >90% of study eyes, while the control arms had 65%-80% for both outcomes. Use of trypan blue in paediatric cataract surgery probably leads to better outcomes, but more well-conducted randomised controlled trials on this important topic are needed.

Positive Association between Aqueous Humor Hydroxylinoleate Levels and Intraocular Pressure.

We previously proposed the total assessment of hydroxylinoleates (HODEs) by LC-MS/MS after saponification and reduction of the biologic samples as biomarkers to investigate pathogenesis, disease progression, and prognosis. In this study, HODE levels were estimated in aqueous humor (AH) samples from 63 eyes (41 Japanese subjects; 15 men; mean age, 77.3 ± 6.8 years) with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or cataracts. The correlations between intraocular HODE levels and background parameters, including intraocular pressure (IOP), were analyzed to assess the possible involvement of oxidative stress in glaucoma pathology. Univariate analyses showed that linoleic acid (LA) (p = 0.034) and arachidonic acid (AA) (p = 0.0041) levels were associated negatively with age; 13-(Z,E)-HODE (p = 0.018) and 13-(E,E)-HODE (p = 0.021) were associated positively with IOP; 9-(Z,E)-HODE (p = 0.039), 13-(Z,E)-HODE (p = 0.021), totally assessed-HODE (t-HODE, p = 0.023), LA (p = 0.0080), and AA (p = 0.0051) were higher in eyes with glaucoma than cataract. No gender differences were seen. A mixed-effect regression model showed that higher 13-(Z,E)-HODE (p = 0.0040) and higher t-HODE (p = 0.040) were associated with glaucoma rather than cataracts; and higher levels of 13-(Z,E)-HODE/LA (p = 0.043), 13-(E,E)-HODE/LA (p = 0.042), 13-(Z,E)-HODE (p = 0.0054), and 13-(E,E)-HODE (p = 0.027) were associated with higher IOP. Linoleate-derived oxidation products were quantified successfully in AH samples from patients with glaucoma and cataracts. A free radical oxidation mechanism can be associated with IOP elevation, while enzymatic oxidation may be involved, specifically, in the pathogenesis of POAG.

Exacerbation of Background Nuclear Cataracts in Sprague-Dawley Rats in Embryo-Fetal Development Studies With JNJ-42165279, a Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor.

Fetal examinations in embryo-fetal developmental (EFD) studies are based on macroscopic and dissecting microscopic evaluations, and histopathology is rarely performed other than to confirm macroscopic findings. Fetal lens examination is therefore generally limited to the presence, size, shape, and color of any abnormality. In a Sprague-Dawley rat EFD study with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor JNJ-42165279, an unusually high incidence of macroscopic granular foci was noted within the lens of gestation day 21 fetuses across all groups including controls, with higher incidence in the high-dose group. On histological evaluation of the lenses from fetuses with/without gross findings, primary lens fiber hypertrophy (swelling) and degeneration were observed across vehicle- and JNJ-42165279-exposed fetuses. In a follow-up study to investigate the progression or resolution of the fetal lens changes, animals exposed to suprapharmacological doses of JNJ-42165279 in utero had higher incidence of nuclear cataracts as detected via slit-lamp ophthalmic examinations on postnatal days 18 to 21 and 35 to 41. No histologic correlates for these cataracts were identified. We conclude that fetal primary lens fiber hypertrophy and nuclear cataracts at ophthalmology, are common background changes in this rat strain that are exacerbated by in utero exposure to the FAAH inhibitor JNJ-42165279.

Towards Vision 2020 -Trends of Cataract Surgery in Melaka Hospital, A Malaysian Tertiary Center: 2007-2014

Background Cataract surgery which is the only scientific method to treat cataracts has evolved from large incisions of intracapsular cataract excision to extracapsular cataract exicison and now modern day phacoemulsification. Anaesthesia too has progressed from general anaesthesia to local and topical anaesthesia. A variety of intraocular lenses are available ranging from rigid to foldable, multifocal and toric. Day care surgeries are becoming the norm these days. Objective Cataract surgery has advanced with new techniques and modalities. We studied the trends of cataract surgery and outcomes over the years. Method We performed secondary data analysis (National Eye Database) of cataract surgery patients in Hospital Melaka (2007 - 2014). Result Most patients were 60-69 years (mean 65.0 years). Primary cataract rose (p<0.05) but there was no difference in laterality and first or second eye (p>0.05). More patients presented with Hypertension and Diabetes (p<0.05). Pterygium encroaching the cornea showed a rise (p<0.05). Phacoemulsification (80.8%) showed a rise while Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) (15.4%) declined (p<0.05). More Specialists operated and fewer combined surgeries were performed (p<0.001). Type of anaesthesia did not change (p>0.05). Operative complications reduced (p<0.001). Anterior chamber, scleral fixated and foldable intraocular lenses usage reduced (p<0.05). There was no change in pre-operative visual acuity (p>0.05) but postoperative vision showed a rise in good outcomes (p<0.05). Conclusion Melaka Hospital shows a rise in phacoemulsification and a decline in Extracapsular Cataract Extraction. More patients presented with primary cataracts. More Specialists operated and there was a reduction in intraoperative and postoperative complications. Post-operative visual outcomes showed a remarkable improvement. This improvement is in keeping with the aim of improved vision for all by 2020.

Corneal Endothelial Cell Density and Morphology After Phacoemulsification in Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cataracts: 2-Year Results of a Randomized Multicenter Trial.

To evaluate corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphology 2 years after phacoemulsification in subjects from the COMPASS trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01085357) who had mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma and visually significant cataracts. The central corneal endothelium was evaluated by serial specular microscopy at 0 to 24 months. ECD, coefficient of variation, and percentage of hexagonal cells were evaluated by a central image analysis reading center and central corneal thickness (CCT) was evaluated by ultrasound pachymetry. Of 131 subjects who underwent routine phacoemulsification, analyzable endothelial images at 24 months were available for 126 subjects (96.2%). Mean ± SD central ECD at baseline was 2453 ± 359 cells/mm, decreasing by 10% ± 14% to 2195 ± 517 cells/mm at 3 months (P < 0.001) but stabilizing thereafter with mean endothelial cell loss (ECL) from baseline to 24 months of 9% ± 13% (P < 0.001). Twelve (9.5%) and 10 (7.9%) subjects experienced >30% ECL at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Neither coefficient of variation nor percentage of hexagonal cells changed significantly from baseline at any time point. Mean CCT was similar at baseline (550 ± 35 μm) and at 12 months (551 ± 37 μm) and 24 months (555 ± 35 μm). Age was significantly associated with ECL after cataract surgery (P = 0.02), but baseline intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, and CCT were not. Similar results were observed in patients who underwent CyPass micro-stent implantation accompanying phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification in eyes with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma results in early ECL, with ECD stabilizing after 3 months and no effect on other endothelial stress markers up to 2 years postoperatively.

TECHNICAL POSSIBILITIES FOR MINIMIZING THE TRAUMATIC IMPACT OF PHACOEMULSIFICATION OF AGE-RELATED CATARACT ON THE EYES WITH PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA WITH TARGET INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE

Frequency of recurrences of increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) in postoperative period of phacoemulsification (PE) using our own surgical techniques at combination of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and age-related cataracts was studied. The clinical material consisted of 83 patients (83 eyes) with developed or far-advanced stages of glaucoma, a rigid pupil, a dense nucleus, a lens subluxation of the 1st degree, which had antiglaucomatous operations. The use of our own methods of performing some stages of PE helped to reduced intraoperative trauma and frequency of recurrence of increase of IOP in period of observation to 3 years.

Success rates of 2-site phacoemulsification combined with fornix-based trabeculectomy using mitomycin C for primary angle-closure glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma in an Asian population.

To determine the long-term outcomes of 2-site phacoemulsification combined with fornix-based trabeculectomy using mitomycin C (MMC) for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in an Asian population. We reviewed the records of all patients with POAG or PACG who underwent phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy using MMC from January 2008 through December 2010 in a tertiary ophthalmology unit in Singapore. The primary outcome measure was cumulative success rates defined as complete [intraocular pressure (IOP) <21, 18, 15mmHg without medication] and qualified (IOP <21, 18, 15mmHg with at least 1 medication) success. In total, 168 eyes (110 POAG and 58 PACG) were included (43.5% female; mean age±SD, 68.3±8.2years). The respective 3-year qualified success rates were 88.4, 79.3, and 52.5% for IOP <21, 18, and 15mmHg. The corresponding complete success rates were 79.0, 70.9, and 51.1%. The mean 3-year postoperative IOP was 14.5±4.4mmHg, and the IOP reduction was significantly greater for PACG than for POAG eyes (P=0.006). After surgery, the mean number of medications was significantly reduced and visual acuity, significantly improved (both P<0.001). Occurrence of postoperative complications, higher number of topical medications, younger age, and presence of diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for surgical failure. Two-site phacoemulsification combined with fornix-based trabeculectomy using MMC is a good surgical approach for Asian eyes with concomitant mild-to-moderate primary glaucoma and cataracts.

Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine in Ocular Tissue.

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), also known as osteonectin or BM-40, is the prototypical matricellular protein. Matricellular proteins are nonstructural secreted proteins that provide an integration between cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Regulation of the ECM is important in maintaining the physiologic function of tissues. Elevated levels of SPARC have been identified in a variety of diseases involving pathologic tissue remodeling, such as hepatic fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and certain carcinomas. Within the eye, SPARC has been identified in the trabecular meshwork, lens, and retina. Studies have begun to show the role of SPARC in these tissues and its possible role, specifically in primary open-angle glaucoma, cataracts, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. SPARC may, therefore, be a therapeutic target in the treatment of certain ocular diseases. Further investigation into the mechanism of action of SPARC will be necessary in the development of SPARC-targeted therapy.

Prevalence and formation of primary cataracts and persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis in the German Pinscher population in Germany

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalences of primary noncongenital cataracts (CAT) and persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis (PHTVL) in the German Pinscher population in Germany and to analyze the mode of inheritance of CAT in this dog breed. All German Pinschers with a certified veterinary ophthalmological diagnosis and born between 1993 and 2010 were included in this study. Examinations were performed between 1997 and 2013 by certified veterinary ophthalmologists of the German panel of the European Eye Scheme for Diagnosis of Inherited Eye Diseases in Animals (DOK). Data were reviewed retrospectively for the prevalence of PHTVL, and the prevalence, location and age at diagnosis of CAT. Inheritance of CAT was analyzed using the Singles Method. A total of 779 eye examination reports of 409 dogs were available. Primary noncongenital cataracts were diagnosed in 64 (15.6%), and PHTVL in 13 (3.2%) of the examined dogs. The pedigrees included 168 ophthalmologically examined dogs with 104 CAT-unaffected and 64 CAT-affected dogs. All affected animals were offspring of a frequently used stud-dog or closely related ancestors of this stud-dog. Simple segregation analysis revealed a recessive mode of inheritance for CAT. An early onset form of CAT with various cortical, posterior polar or multiple locations was the most prevalent manifestation among close relatives in German Pinschers. The pedigree analysis indicated a hereditary component of cataract formation with a monogenic autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

Clinical Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Very Elderly Adults

To investigate the clinical outcomes of cataract surgery elderly adults. Retrospective cohort study. Two clustered hospitals. Two hundred seven individuals aged 90 and older who underwent cataract surgery for primary senile cataracts. Best-corrected preoperative and postoperative Snellen visual acuity, type of cataract, surgical techniques, preoperative systemic or ocular comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. Improvement of visual acuity was defined as a decrease in logMAR acuity of 0.1. Factors associated with visual outcome within 6 months after surgery were identified using logistic regression modeling. The duration of postoperative survival was calculated. In the 207 participants (mean age 92.0 ± 2.1), 79.7% achieved visual improvement after cataract surgery. Forty-eight percent (mean age 97.4 ± 2.8) were alive on December 31, 2012. The most common systemic comorbidities were hypertension (66.2%), diabetes mellitus (25.1%), and myocardial infarction (19.8%). Age-related macular degeneration (AMRD) (15.9%), glaucoma (10.6%), and myopic degeneration (5.3%) were the three most common ocular comorbidities. Uncomplicated cataract surgery was performed in 87.0% cases. The most common complications were vitreous loss (8.2%), posterior capsular rupture (7.2%), and zonular rupture (4.8%). Participants with AMRD (P = .001, odds ratio (OR) = 4.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.86-12.26) and vitreous loss (P = .001, OR = 12.86, 95% CI = 2.71-61.10) were less likely to achieve postoperative visual improvement. Despite a high prevalence of systemic and ocular comorbidities in very elderly adults, good clinical outcomes of cataract surgery were attainable. ARMD and vitreous loss were associated with a lower chance of postoperative visual improvement.

Epidemiology and molecular genetics of congenital cataracts.

Congenital cataract is a crystallin severe blinding disease and genetic factors in disease development are important. Crystallin growth is under a combination of genes and their products in time and space to complete the coordination role of the guidance. Congenital cataract-related genes, included crystallin protein gene (CRYAA, CRYAB, CRYBA1/A3, CRYBA4, CRYBB1, CRYBB2, CRYBB3, CRYGC, CRYGD, CRYGS), gap junction channel protein gene (GJA1, GJA3, GJA8), membrane protein gene (GJA3, GJA8, MIP, LIM2), cytoskeletal protein gene (BF-SP2), transcription factor genes (HSF4, MAF, PITX3, PAX6), ferritin light chain gene (FTL), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and so on. Currently, there are about 39 genetic loci isolated to which primary cataracts have been mapped, although the number is constantly increasing and depends to some extent on definition. We summarized the recent advances on epidemiology and genetic locations of congenital cataract in this review.

Aqueous humor vascular endothelial growth factor in dogs: association with intraocular disease and the development of pre‐iridal fibrovascular membrane

To examine the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in aqueous humor of dogs with intraocular disease and to evaluate the association of aqueous humor VEGF with pre-iridal fibrovascular membrane (PIFM) formation. Two hundred and twenty six aqueous humor samples and 101 plasma samples were collected from 178 dogs with a variety of intraocular diseases (including cataract, primary glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma, retinal detachment, lens luxation, and intraocular neoplasia), and aqueous humor was collected from 13 ophthalmically normal control dogs. Systemic disease status and administration of select medications were recorded. Aqueous and plasma VEGF was assayed via enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay validated for canine VEGF. Available histopathology samples were examined for the presence of PIFM. Where present, PIFMs were categorized as none, cellular, vascular or fibrous, and fibrovascular. Data were evaluated by mixed model anova, with application of Tukey-Kramer adjustment for multiple comparisons. There was no association between aqueous humor and plasma VEGF levels. Compared with normal controls, aqueous humor VEGF was significantly elevated for all intraocular diseases (P < 0.05) except for primary and diabetic cataracts. Systemic disease and administered medications had no significant effect on aqueous humor VEGF concentration. Compared to dogs without PIFM, aqueous humor VEGF was significantly higher in dogs with fibrovascular PIFM (P = 0.001), but not cellular (P = 0.1704) or fibrous/vascular PIFM (P = 0.0667). These findings confirm that VEGF is commonly elevated in aqueous humor of dogs with intraocular disease and likely plays a role in the causation or progression of a variety of intraocular disorders, including the development of PIFM.

Development of Feline Microsatellites and SNPs for Evaluating Primary Cataract Candidate Genes as Cause for Cataract in Angolan Lions (Panthera leo bleyenberghi)

Primary cataracts (CAT) are characterized as any form of opacities of the eye lenses and are not accompanied by other diseases. CAT may impair vision depending on their size, location, and their state of progression. In order to investigate the cause of congenital or juvenile CAT in inbred Angolan lions kept in German zoos, we analyzed the genomic sequences of 4 crystalline genes CRYAA, CRYAB, CRYBB2, and CRYBB1. In addition, 10 CAT candidate genes (GJA3, LIM2, CRYGA, CRYGB, CRYGC, CRYGD CRYGS, BFSP2, CRYBA4, and CRYBB1) were analyzed using adjacent microsatellites. We identified 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Angolan lion crystalline genes and 9 segregating microsatellites. Nonparametric and parametric linkage analyses did not reveal any linkage between one of the analyzed markers and CAT. So, we concluded that these genes can be excluded as causative for the familial primary cataract phenotype in these Angolan lions.

Characterization and prevalence of cataracts in Labrador Retrievers in The Netherlands

To assess the prevalence and distribution of types of cataract, investigate the effects of selective breeding on cataract development, and identify the relationship between posterior polar cataract and other types of cortical cataracts in Labrador Retrievers in The Netherlands. 9,017 Labrador Retrievers. Records of 18,283 ophthalmic examinations performed by veterinary ophthalmologists from 1977 through 2005 were reviewed. There were 522 dogs affected by hereditary cataracts in 1 or both eyes without progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and 166 PRA-affected dogs with cataracts. These cataracts were divided into 3 groups: posterior polar (triangular) cataract, extensive immature and mature cataract, and a miscellaneous group. Dogs with PRA were analyzed separately. From 1980 through 2000, the prevalence of hereditary cataracts was stable at 8%. The prevalence of cataracts in offspring of cataract-affected dogs was significantly increased, compared with the prevalence in offspring of nonaffected dogs. The distribution of types of cataract was significantly different between dogs with primary cataracts and PRA-affected dogs. Dogs with posterior polar (triangular) cataracts produced affected offspring with the same distribution of types of cataracts as the entire population of primary cataract-affected dogs. Cataract development in the Labrador Retriever population in The Netherlands appears to be a predominantly genetic disorder. Posterior polar (triangular) cataracts appear to be related to other types of hereditary cataract. Although there is no conclusive evidence, it seems valid to continue exclusion of all Labrador Retrievers affected by any type of primary cataract from breeding.

Scanning 17 candidate genes for association with primary cataracts in the wire-haired Dachshund

Primary cataracts are breed-related eye diseases and are common in many dog breeds. In this study, 17 genes (BFSP2, EYA1, FOXE3, FTL, GCNT2, GJA3, GJA8, HSF4, MAF, MIP, PAX6, PITX3, SIX5, SORD, SOX1, SPARC, TRNT1) were evaluated as candidates for primary non-congenital cataracts (CAT) in the Dachshund using microsatellites adjacent to the candidate genes. Linkage and association with CAT was tested in 15 affected and six unaffected wire-haired Dachshunds. Non-parametric linkage analysis and association tests did not reveal significant linkage or association for the candidate gene flanking microsatellites tested. Thus, it is unlikely that the 17 investigated candidate genes harbour a causative mutation for CAT in these Dachshunds.