Self-reported Eye Research Articles

Association between self-reported eye conditions in patients at rural federally qualified health centers and vision-targeted health-related quality of life: the AL-SIGHT study

BackgroundFederally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are safety-net primary health care clinics in the US serving medically underserved areas and populations. We administered the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire – 9 (VFQ-9), a vision-targeted, health-related quality of life questionnaire, to patients in 3 FQHCs in rural Alabama at risk for glaucoma. We examined demographic factors and self-reported eye conditions associated with VFQ-9 scores.MethodsThe VFQ-9 (score range 0–100) was administered to patients at-risk for glaucoma including African Americans or Hispanics ≥40 years, white persons ≥50 years, persons with diabetes ≥18 years, ≥18 years with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect, and/or ≥ 18 years with a family history of glaucoma. Demographic variables were collected -- age, gender, race/ethnicity, employment, marital status, health insurance, education, and driving status. Patients reported the presence of eye conditions including glaucoma and many other eye conditions. Stepwise linear regression modeled which variables accounted for the greatest variance of the VFQ-9 score.ResultsComposite VFQ-9 scores averaged 82.4. The best fitting model for VFQ-9 scores included being a driver, insurance type/status, self-reported glaucoma or glaucoma suspect, blurry vision, and double vision.ConclusionPatients at-risk for glaucoma seeking care at FQHCs in rural Alabama have moderate impairment in quality of life as assessed by the VFQ-9. Factors negatively influencing scores are self-reported glaucoma or glaucoma suspect, blurry vision, double vision, not being a driver, and having no health insurance. The VFQ-9 is a good candidate as a vision-targeted quality of life outcome for eye health interventions at rural FQHCs in those with glaucoma.

Peering into the future: Eye movements predict neural repetition effects during episodic simulation

Imagining future scenarios involves recombining different elements of past experiences into a coherent event, a process broadly supported by the brain's default network. Prior work suggests that distinct brain regions may contribute to the inclusion of different simulation features. Here we examine how activity in these brain regions relates to the vividness of future simulations. Thirty-four healthy young adults imagined future events involving familiar people and locations in a two-part study involving a repetition suppression paradigm. First, participants imagined events while their eyes were tracked during a behavioral session. Immediately after, participants imagined events during MRI scanning. The events to be imagined were manipulated such that some were identical to those imagined in the behavioral session while others involved new locations, new people, or both. In this way, we could examine how self-report ratings and eye movements predict brain activity during simulation along with specific simulation features. Vividness ratings were negatively correlated with eye movements, in contrast to an often-observed positive relationship with past recollection. Moreover, fewer eye movements predicted greater involvement of the hippocampus during simulation, an effect specific to location features. Our findings suggest that eye movements may facilitate scene construction for future thinking, lending support to frameworks that spatial information forms the foundation of episodic simulation.

Patient-Reported Dry Eye Treatment and Burden of Care.

Dry eye is a common condition that can decrease the quality of life. This survey-based study of persons with dry eye investigated self-reported treatments (initial, current), out-of-pocket expenses, time spent on self-management, sources of care, and sources of information about their condition. Online dry eye newsletters and support groups were emailed a link to an electronic survey asking members to participate. Survey respondents were not required to answer every question. In total, 639 persons with self-reported dry eye responded (86% women, 14% men [n=623]; mean ± SD age, 55 ± 14 years [n=595]). Artificial tears were the most reported intervention (76% initially, 71% currently). The median (interquartile range) out-of-pocket treatment cost annually was $500 ($200-$1,320 [n=506]). In addition, 55% (n=544) estimated 5 to 20 min daily on self-management; 22% spent an hour or more. Ophthalmologists provided most dry eye care (67%, n=520). Only 48% (n=524) reported that their primary source of dry eye information came from their eye care clinician. Artificial tears are the primary treatment for dry eye. Ophthalmologists provide most dry eye care, but half of patients report that their eye care provider is not their primary source of information. Almost one fourth of patients spend an hour or more daily on treatments.

Eye Care Service Use and Associated Health-Seeking Behaviors Among Malawian Adults: Secondary Analysis of the Malawi Fifth Integrated Household Survey 2019-2020.

The use of eye care services varies among different population groups. This study aimed to assess self-reported eye care use (ECU) and associated demographic factors among Malawian adults. This study used secondary data from the Malawi Fifth Integrated Household Survey 2019-2020, a nationally representative survey. The study included 12,288 households and 27,336 individuals 15 years and older. We entered age, sex, level of education, residency (urban/rural), and chronic disease into a logistic regression model, and used a confusion matrix to predict the model's accuracy. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. About 60.6% (95% CI 60.0%-61.2%) of those with eye problems accessed formal care 2 weeks before the survey date. A logistic regression model showed that ECU was positively associated with education compared to none (odds ratio [OR] 6.6, 95% CI 5.927-7.366; P<.001), males compared to females (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.104-1.290; P<.001), and urban residence compared to rural (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.118-1.375; P<.001). ECU was negatively associated with age (OR 7, 95% CI 6.782-8.476; P<.001) and having chronic diseases (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.547-0.708; P<.001). Social support, women empowerment, education, and mobile clinics are key strategic areas that would increase access to eye care in Malawi. Further studies can investigate ECU among the pediatric population.

Influence of autistic traits and communication role on eye contact behavior during face-to-face interaction

Eye contact is a central component in face-to-face interactions. It is important in structuring communicative exchanges and offers critical insights into others' interests and intentions. To better understand eye contact in face-to-face interactions, we applied a novel, non-intrusive deep-learning-based dual-camera system and investigated associations between eye contact and autistic traits as well as self-reported eye contact discomfort during a referential communication task, where participants and the experimenter had to guess, in turn, a word known by the other individual. Corroborating previous research, we found that participants’ eye gaze and mutual eye contact were inversely related to autistic traits. In addition, our findings revealed different behaviors depending on the role in the dyad: listening and guessing were associated with increased eye contact compared with describing words. In the listening and guessing condition, only a subgroup who reported eye contact discomfort had a lower amount of eye gaze and eye contact. When describing words, higher autistic traits were associated with reduced eye gaze and eye contact. Our data indicate that eye contact is inversely associated with autistic traits when describing words, and that eye gaze is modulated by the communicative role in a conversation.

Prevalence of Increased Screen usage during Nationwide Lockdown for Containing COVID-19 and its Ocular Implications

Purpose: We aim to assess the prevalence of increased screen usage among Indians during lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic and its associations with self-reported dry eye symptoms. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2020 during the total lockdown period for containment of COVID-19 virus. 382 healthy participants facing home confinement due to lockdown were enrolled. Symptoms of dry eye and amount of screen time were assessed by means of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was freely accessible and participants were recruited by sharing the questionnaire, prepared on Google Docs, on various social networking platforms. The survey was open for responses for 3 weeks. All valid responses were tabulated and analysed using Microsoft Excel spread sheets and licensed SPSS version 26. Result: We found that about 86% of surveyed candidates reported an increase in time spent on smartphones and other video display gadgets during the lockdown. Higher prevalence rates for symptomatic dry eye were observed in individuals who reported increased daily exposure to smartphones during the lockdown as compared to those who did not (23.03% vs 9.61%; OR 2.914, 95% CI: 2.682-2.976; p&lt;0.05). Longer daily smartphone use (&gt;4 hours) was associated with a higher mean number of ocular symptoms (4-6 symptoms in 32.08% vs 26.06%), need of voluntary abstinence from screen (p&lt;0.05) and the need of eye drops to feel better (p&lt;0.05). Internal consistency was moderate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.674), indicating some variability in reporting. Conclusion: COVID-19 containing lockdown has seen society pivot from real world interactions to the online space. Recognising the collateral effects of the lockdown on screen usage and its implications on ocular health is imperative to alert the general public about such hazards.

Risk Factors for Meibomian Gland Disease Assessed by Meibography.

To elucidate risk factors for meibomian gland disease (MGD) and understand associated changes in meibography and in relation to ocular surface disease. As part of the standard workup for ocular surface disease at a tertiary academic center, 203 patients received an ocular history and lifestyle questionnaire. The questionnaire included detailed inquiries about ocular health and lifestyle, including makeup use, cosmetic eyelid procedures, screen time, and contact lens habits. Subjects also took the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) II questionnaire. Meibomian gland (MG) dropout and structural changes were evaluated on meibography and scored by three independent graders using meiboscores. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify significant risk factors associated with MG loss. This retrospective, cross-sectional studyincluded 189 patients (378 eyes) with high-quality images for grading, and the average age was 67 years (77% female). Patients older than 45 years had significantly more dropout than younger patients (p < 0.01). Self-reported eye makeup use did not significantly impact MG loss. Patients with a history of blepharoplasty trended toward higher meiboscores, but the difference was not statistically significant. Self-reported screen time did not affect meiboscores. Contact lens use over 20 years was associated with significant MG loss (p < 0.05). SPEED II scores had no relationship to meiboscores (p = 0.75). Older age is a significant risk factor for MG loss. Any contact lens use over 20 years also impacted MG dropout. Highlighting the incongruence of symptoms to signs, SPEED II scores showed no relationship to the structural integrity of MGs.

Evaluating and eliciting design requirements for an improved user experience in live-streaming commerce interfaces

Live-streaming commerce is emerging as a novel and interactive form of media commerce, allowing consumers to partake in live shows, purchase products, and engage with hosts in real time. Despite its substantial growth potential, there is a dearth of research on user interaction with live-streaming commerce in the context of user experience (UX). To comprehend user engagement with this technology and explore avenues for UX enhancement, we devised a three-stage user study. First, we conducted a UX assessment of leading live commerce platforms, employing both a self-report questionnaire and eye tracking. This enabled us to ascertain users' perceptions of user interface (UI) and live-streaming commerce components as well as identify the most user-friendly UI design. Second, we examined frequent users' experiences via online focus group interviews (FGIs). Through these, we observed that users employ chat and reaction features to convey empathy, enjoy themselves, or obtain rewards, ultimately driving sustained engagement and interaction with live-streaming commerce. Finally, we evaluated the visual effects designed to boost interactivity and pleasurable experiences through the development of a live-streaming commerce prototype. We determined that visual effects encompassing serendipitous elements augment users’ enjoyable experiences considerably during live-streaming commerce. Our findings provide valuable insights for practitioners aiming to refine live-streaming commerce interfaces and components to enhance UX.

The relationship between visual function and physical performance in the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA).

The relationship of types of visual function to different aspects of physical function, especially strength and coordination, has been understudied, but delineation of these relationships could suggest potentially modifiable targets prior to the onset of disability. Cross-sectional analysis of visual function (self-reported eyesight and eye disease, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity) and physical function tests in 877 older adults (mean age 76.36±5.01 years, 59.2% women, and 13.3% Black race). Separate linear regression models were constructed for short physical performance battery (SPPB), expanded SPPB (eSPPB), their components (gait speed, chair stand, balance, narrow walk), stair climb, four-square step, leg extension peak power and strength, and grip strength. In adjusted models, worse acuity, worse contrast sensitivity, and self-reported poor vision were significantly associated with worse performance on the eSPPB and four-square step test. Worse contrast sensitivity, but not acuity, was significantly associated with shorter balance times, slower chair stand pace, longer stair climb time, and worse SPPB score. Associations of worse acuity and contrast sensitivity with weaker leg extension power, leg strength, and grip strength were attenuated by covariate adjustment. Self-reported macular degeneration, but not cataract or glaucoma, was associated with worse performance on SPPB, eSPPB, balance, stair climb, and four-square step tests in adjusted models. Worse contrast sensitivity and macular degeneration remained associated with worse SPPB and balance after controlling for visual acuity and self-reported eyesight. Poor contrast sensitivity was more strongly associated with worse physical performance than acuity, especially for complex tasks that dynamically challenge coordination and balance. Future studies should examine if older adults with contrast sensitivity impairment would benefit from targeted intervention to decrease their risk of disability.

Self-reported eye contact sensitivity and face processing in chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

ABSTRACT Introduction 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS) has been associated with varying levels of social impairments, and with atypical visual scanning of faces. The present study explored whether self-reported sensitivity to eye contact might be related to these phenomena. Method Individuals with confirmed 22qDS were interviewed about their experience and possible discomfort with eye contact. In cases where individuals expresesed discomfort, they were subsequently asked about coping mechanisms used to deal with this discomfort. In addition to self-reported eye contact discomfort, gaze to emotional faces was examined using eye tracking. Results In the subgroup of individuals who reported discomfort during eye contact, eye tracking results revealed a lower amount of gaze in the eyes of neutral faces, as well as the absence of the typical left visual field (LVF) bias, indicative of alterations in hemispheric lateralization. This subgroup also scored lower on a measure of everyday functioning. Conclusions Our results show that, by simply asking individuals with this social and communicative disorder about eye gaze discomfort, we may better understand the specific challenges that they experience. Moreover, information gained from such first-person reports together with eye-tracking measures further informs about the integrity of their face processing system, as well as about the nature and degree of impairment in this population.

Understanding quality of life in digital device users who are treated with systane complete preservative free

PurposeTo treat symptomatic digital device users with Systane COMPLETE Multi-Dose Preservative-Free (MDPF) 4 times per day to determine how regular use of this drop impacts a participant’s quality of life and ocular surface symptoms. Methods and MethodsThis was a masked, prospective, 2-week, 2-visit study. Adults (>18 years old) who used digital devices ≥8 h/day and who self-reported digital eye strain were recruited. The Impact of Dry Eye on Everyday Life questionnaire’s Quality of Life module (IDEEL-QoL; Daily Activities, Feelings, and Work domains) was used in this study. Participants were required to have symptomatic IDEEL-QoL Work domain scores (≤80) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores between 13 and 32 (inclusive) to be included in this study. ResultsA total of 30 participants with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 25.0 (3.0) years were recruited and completed the study (83% female). Subject drop use did not significantly differ across study days (median = 4 drops/day [IQR = 0–1]; p = 0.59). IDEEL-QoL Daily Activities, Feelings, and Work domain scores and OSDI scores were significantly improved at the 2-week visit compared to the baseline visit (all <0.001). The primary digital devices used by the participants were computers and smartphones. Participants had an overall positive response regarding the efficacy and tolerability of the study drops. ConclusionUsing Systane COMPLETE MDPF can significantly improve a symptomatic digital device user’s quality of life and dry eye symptom scores when used approximately 4 times/day.

Prolonged Face Mask Wearing Worsens Self-Reported Dry Eye Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Dental Healthcare Practitioners.

The aim of the study was to evaluate self-reported MADE during the COVID-19 pandemic in dental healthcare practitioners and identify their possible risk factors. An anonymous questionnaire was sent to doctors of dental medicine in the time period from February 2022 to August 2022. The online questionnaire included demographic characteristics and clinical characteristics: presence and deterioration of DED symptoms while wearing the face mask, personal protective face equipment, use of contact lenses, history of eye surgery, current use of medications, number of hours wearing face mask, and evaluation of subjective DED symptoms using modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). A total of 405 participants were included in the study and an overall prevalence of MADE was 29.1% (95% CI: 24.7 - 33.6). The participants who used masks more than 6 hours per day during the whole day reported a higher OSDI score (12.5 (IQR = 2.6 - 29.2)) compared to the participants who used masks less than 6 hours/day (6.25 (IQR = 0 - 22.92); Mann-Whitney U Test p = 0.066). Multivariable logistic regression revealed the following possible risk factors for self-reported MADE: age (older than 61 years) OR: 3.522 (95% CI 1.448 - 8.563); p=0.05, and wearing the face mask more than 6 h at work OR: 1.779 (95% CI 1.017 - 3.113); p=0.044. The prevalence of self-reported MADE among dental healthcare practitioners appears to be significant. The use of a face mask for a prolonged duration increases OSDI scores. MeSH Terms: face masks, dry eye, MADE, ocular discomfort, COVID-19, protective face equipment.

Differentiation of dispositions toward ridicule and being laughed at in their relationships to self-reported eye contact aversion

Abstract This investigation examines the associations of three dispositions toward ridicule and being laughed at with individuals’ self-reported aversion to making eye contact (EC) across different interpersonal scenarios. Data were obtained in a sample of 226 adults (53.5% women). Our results showed that the fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia) and the joy in laughing at others (katagelasticism) were positively associated with the presence of subjective experiences of EC aversion in both routine (RS) and socially threatening situations (STS). By contrast, the joy in being laughed at (gelotophilia) was unrelated to these mutual gaze-related behaviors. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that gelotophobia gave the best prediction of EC aversion regardless of the type of interpersonal situation (9–23% explained variance) after controlling for the influence of sociodemographics (effect sizes for STS &gt; RS). Katagelasticism did not yield incremental variance in the prediction of any of these EC-related dimensions (&lt;1%), which suggests that its prior correlations emerged due to overlapping variance with gelotophobia. Complementary further analyses revealed a significant interaction between gelotophobia (as a group factor) and the type of interpersonal situation on EC aversion. This revealed that whereas EC aversion in STS would increase as gelotophobia increases, solely gelotophobes—but not medium or lower scorers in gelotophobia—showed difficulties in maintaining EC effectively in RS. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the previous literature on EC, social behaviors, and laughter-related dispositions.

Factors Associated with Annual Vision Screening in Diabetic Adults: Analysis of the 2019 National Health Interview Survey.

To determine the association(s) between receiving an annual eye exam and various economic, social, and geographic factors assessed in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) among adults with diabetes. Data from adults 18 years of age and older relevant to self-reported non-gestational diabetes diagnosis and eye exam within the last 12 months were extracted from the 2019 NHIS dataset. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine associations between receiving an eye exam in the preceding 12 months and various economic, insurance-related, geographic, and social factors. Outcomes were reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among diabetic adults in the US, receiving an eye exam within the last 12 months was significantly associated with female sex (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.05-1.58), residence in the Midwestern United States (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.01-1.92), use of Veteran's Health Administration healthcare (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.34-3.44), having a usual place to go for healthcare (OR 3.89; 95% CI 2.16-7.01), and the use of Private, Medicare Advantage, or other insurance (OR 3.66; 95% CI 2.42-5.53), use of Medicare only excluding Medicare Advantage (OR 3.18; 95% CI 1.95-5.30), dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.21-6.79), and use of Medicaid and other public health insurance (OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.89-4.88) compared to those without insurance. An educational attainment of less than high school (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.48-0.92), and an educational attainment of high school or GED without any college (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.47-0.81) reduced the odds of having an annual eye exam. Economic, social, and geographic factors are associated with diabetic adults receiving an annual eye exam.

'Looking before and after': Can simple eye tracking patterns distinguish poetic from prosaic texts?

The study of 'serious' literature has recently developed into an emerging field called neurocognitive poetics that applies cognitive neuroscientific techniques to examine how we understand and appreciate poetry. The current research used eye-tracking techniques on a small sample of young adults to see if and how the reading of short pieces of poetry differed from the reading of matched prosaic texts. With 'proof of concept' intentions reflecting arguments first proposed by 19th Century literary figures, there was a particular focus on the differences between the reading of poetry and prose in terms number and frequency of fixations and regressive eye movements back and forth within the texts in this two-by-two experimental design (poetry vs. prose x need vs. no need for final line reappraisal). It was found that poetic pieces compared to prosaic pieces were associated with more and longer fixations and more regressive eye movements throughout the text. The need to reappraise meaning at the prompt of a final line was only significantly associated with more regressive eye movements. Comparisons examining the 4 text conditions (poetic reappraisal, poetic non-reappraisal, prosaic reappraisal, and prosaic non-reappraisal) showed that the poetic reappraisal condition was characterised by significantly more regressive eye movements as well as longer fixations compared to the prosaic non-reappraisal condition. No significant correlations were found between self-reported literary familiarity and eye tracking patterns. Despite limitations, this proof-of-concept study provides insights into reading patterns that can help to define objectively the nature of poetic material as requiring slower reading particularly characterised by more and longer fixations and eye movements backwards through the texts compared to the faster, more linear reading of prose. Future research using these, and other psychophysiological metrics can begin to unpack the putative cognitive benefits of reading literary material.

The efficacy of a novel smart watch on medicine adherence and symptom control of allergic rhinitis patients: Pilot study

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic airway disorder that is often poorly managed. There is an urgent need to enhance medication adherence in order to improve treatment outcomes in patients with AR. The efficacy of wearable smart watches in improving medication adherence is currently unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel smart watch in improving medication adherence and symptom control in patients with AR. The reliability of self-reported medication use was also investigated. MethodsThis randomized, open-label, parallel controlled, pilot study enrolled adult patients with AR caused by cypress pollen. Patients were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to an intervention group and control group. Smart watches were only distributed to patients in the intervention group. During the cypress pollen season, all patients were required to take oral antihistamines daily and use nasal corticosteroids and antihistamine eye drops as needed. Daily AR symptom scores and medication usage were recorded in both groups. The smart watch was able to identify medication-taking behaviors of patients via artificial intelligence (AI) and relay this information to physicians, who sent short message service reminders to patients who forgot to take oral antihistamines for more than 2 days. ResultsDuring the pollen season, the adherence rate to oral antihistamines in the intervention group (n = 17) was significantly higher than that in the control group (n = 38) (63.3% ± 28.5% versus 43.2% ± 30.2%, P = 0.02). The daily symptom score of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group (2.4 ± 1.1 versus 3.9 ± 1.0, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the on-demand medication score between the 2 groups (1.3 ± 0.4 versus 1.5 ± 0.5, P = 0.13). The consistency rate between self-reported nasal corticosteroid usage and the gold standard (ie, human observation of medication usage in the videos recorded by the smart watch) was 20.0% (0%, 53.7%), and the consistency rate between self-reported antihistamine eye drop usage and the gold standard was 24.3% (2.1%, 67.1%). ConclusionsThis pilot study showed that the application of smart watches in patients with AR was associated with improved medication adherence and symptom control. Furthermore, the reliability of self-reported medication usage was limited.

Eye injuries in badminton – players’ perspective toward the usage of personal protective equipment

ABSTRACT Objective We conducted a survey between April to September 2021 to understand the perspective of badminton players on the usage of personal protective equipment to avoid eye injuries. Methods The survey was conducted online. It was disseminated through various social media platforms and via e-mail. The survey was initially shared with university-level badminton players. Both recreational and professional players were included. They were further encouraged to circulate the survey questionnaire among their colleagues. Results In total, the survey received 372 responses. After removing possible duplicates and incomplete responses (n = 28), 92.5% (n = 344) of the responses were included in the final analysis. Among the 344 included responses, recreational and professional players accounted for 77.6% (n = 267) and 22.4% (n = 77), respectively. The mean age ± SD of the recreational and professional players were 24.1 ± 6.3 years (range 14–60 years) and 25.7 ± 6.0 years (range 14–61 years), respectively. A significant difference was noted for self-reported eye injuries between recreational and professional players while playing badminton (χ2 value = 5.321, p = 0.02). Among the recreational and professional players, 93.6% (n = 250) and 88.3% (n = 68) did not use protective eyewear while playing badminton. Professional players were at higher risk of eye injuries than recreational players (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1–7.8). Conclusion The majority of badminton players in both groups agreed that PPE usage would lower the risk of sustaining eye injuries; however, they are ambiguous about the usage of protective eyewear. In contrast, players with self-reported eye injuries were aware of its impacts and encouraged the usage of PPEs associated with badminton. Further studies are warranted to understand and educate badminton players about the causes and impacts of eye injuries in badminton.

Certain Dietary Nutrients Reduce the Risk of Eye Affliction/Retinopathy in Individuals with Diabetes: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2018.

As the global trend of diabetes intensifies, the burden of vision-threatening retinopathy, particularly diabetic retinopathy (DR), is increasing. There is an urgent need to seek strategies for early prevention and control of DR. This study attempted to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between dietary nutrient intake and the risk of DR to provide assistance for doctors in guiding the diet of diabetic patients. Data from eligible participants with diabetes from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003–2018 were analyzed. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between 58 dietary nutrient intakes and self-reported eye disease risk. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to further evaluate the relationship between the two groups after adjusting relevant confounding factors. A total of 4595 diabetic patients were included. People with self-reported eye affliction/retinopathy had lower dietary fiber, butanoic, octanoic, vitamin A, alpha-carotene, folate, magnesium, copper and caffeine intake compared to those without self-reported eye affliction/retinopathy. The pooled ORs (95% CIs) were 0.78 (0.62–0.98), 0.79 (0.63–0.99), 0.72 (0.58–0.91), 0.74 (0.59–0.93), 0.70 (0.55–0.88), 075 (0.60–0.95), 0.79 (0.64–0.99), 0.67 (0.54–0.84) and 0.80 (0.64–0.99). Dietary cholesterol and hexadecenoic intake were higher, with the pooled ORs (95% CIs) of 1.26 (1.01–1.58) and 1.27 (1.02–1.59), respectively. Our research found that among dietary nutrients, dietary fiber, butanoic, octanoic, vitamin A, alpha-carotene, folate, magnesium, copper and caffeine intake reduced the occurrence of DR. Cholesterol and hexadecenoic intake promoted the occurrence of DR. This suggests that certain dietary nutrients should be paid more attention in the prevention of DR.

Characteristics Associated with Barriers to Eye Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey at a Free Vision Screening Event

Introduction: Social determinants of health can limit access to regular eye care, but their role in ophthalmology is underexamined. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between patient characteristics and self-reported barriers to eye care. Methods: This anonymous, cross-sectional survey was conducted at a 2-day free eye clinic event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Adult patients presenting for vision screening were eligible to participate. Patient characteristics (demographics, health status) and self-reported barriers to eye care were collected. Predictors of barriers to eye care were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: Of 269 eligible, consecutive patients approached for survey completion, 183 comprised the volunteer sample. The 183 participants (105 female patients [59%]) had a mean (standard deviation) age of 53 (15) years and generally self-identified as Black (74, 46%) or White (67, 41%). While a third reported having no health insurance (60, 34%), the remaining two-thirds of participants had public (84, 48%) or private coverage (34, 19%). Three-quarters of respondents reported at least one barrier to receiving regular eye care (136, 76%), most commonly medical costs (89, 50%) and insurance issues (73, 41%). Not having health insurance or vision insurance was strongly associated with reporting at least one barrier to care (OR: 5.00, p = 0.002, and OR: 7.46, p < 0.001, respectively). Those with self-reported eye disease were more likely to report transportation difficulties (OR: 4.45, p = 0.013), and employed participants reported difficulty getting time off work to attend eye exams (OR: 7.73, p = 0.002). Finally, compared to Black race, White race was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting any barrier to care (OR: 2.79, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Three-quarters of vision screening attendees reported at least one barrier to regular eye care, most commonly medical costs and insurance.

Longitudinal retinal imaging study of newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Scottish population: baseline and 12 months follow-up profile of FutureMS retinal imaging cohort

ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory degenerative condition of central nervous system. The disease course and presentation of MS is highly heterogeneous. Advanced retinal imaging techniques such as optic coherence...