Significant Loss Of Visual Acuity Research Articles

The Discrepancy Between Visual Acuity Decline and Foveal Involvement in Geographic Atrophy

To investigate the discrepancy between visual acuity (VA) decline and foveal involvement in geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and to explore how early retinal changes impact the progression of visual impairment. Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. This study evaluated 80 eyes from 60 patients (mean age 74.2±10 years) with progressing non-neovascular AMD using blue-light fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The study monitored the onset of foveal involvement and analyzed VA changes over an average follow-up of 60±26.4 months, encompassing 785 observations. Mixed-effects models with natural splines assessed the effects of demographic and ocular characteristics on baseline VA and its rate of decline. Survival analyses compared the timing of anatomical changes with the most rapid functional declines, indicated by the highest first derivative of VA trajectories. Discrepancies between visual and anatomical changes were explored using generalized linear mixed-effects models. VA declined consistently by an average of 0.010 LogMAR per month (SE: 0.0003, p<0.001). The onset of foveal involvement significantly exacerbated this decline, adding an average loss of 0.15 LogMAR (SE: 0.02, p<0.001). Stabilization of VA typically occurred around 41 months post-foveal involvement. Significant factors associated with worse baseline VA were older age, female gender, unifocal GA morphology, and drusen-associated forms of GA (p<0.05). The most rapid declines in VA typically occurred about 9 months (IQR 0-27 months) prior to detectable subfoveal changes. The reticular FAF pattern (27/46 [59%] vs. 2/13 [15%], p=0.02) and smaller baseline GA lesions (p=0.01) were associated with faster deterioration preceding visible foveal damage. This study demonstrates that significant VA loss in GA can precede detectable foveal involvement, suggesting a window for early interventions to slow the progression of visual impairment. Identifying specific GA characteristics and FAF patterns as predictors of rapid VA decline supports the need for personalized treatment strategies to optimize outcomes for patients with non-exudative AMD.

Clinical efficacy of dexamethasone parabulbar injection in patients with Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

BackgroundNonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION) is a common optic neuropathy that often leads to significant visual acuity loss in patients. The present study evaluated the effects of parabulbar dexamethasone injection on visual outcomes in patients with NAAION. MethodsThis retrospective case-control study included patients diagnosed with NAAION between January 2019 and December 2022. Thirty-four patients with NAAION (34 eyes) received dexamethasone parabulbar injections, while 39 patients with NAAION (39 eyes) received oral corticosteroid treatment (control group). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF) defect, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of the affected eye were compared between groups at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-treatment. ResultsMean BCVA significantly improved after 6 and 12 weeks in the injection groups compared with the control group (all P < 0.01). The visual field indices, mean deviation and pattern standard deviation significantly improved in the injection group compared with the control group after 2, 6, and 12 weeks (all P < 0.01). The RNFL showed a remarkable decrease in edema after 6 weeks (superior and nasal P values 0.005 and 0.013, respectively) in the injection group compared with the control group. Significant RNFL thinning was also observed in superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrants in the control group after 12 weeks (all P values < 0.01). Also, fewer side effects were observed in the injection group compared to the control group. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggested that dexamethasone parabulbar injection might be a safe and effective intervention for relieving visual acuity and VF in patients with NAAION.

Nystagmus in the B6(CG)Tyr(c-2J)/J Albino Mouse: A Functional and RNA-Seq Analysis.

Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) is a gaze-holding disorder characterized by conjugate, uncontrolled eye oscillations that can result in significant visual acuity loss. INS is often associated with albinism, but the mechanism is unclear. Albino mice have nystagmus; however, a pigmented mouse with a tyr mutation making it phenotypically albino, the B6(CG)-Tyr(c-2J)/J (B6 albino), had not been tested. We tested optokinetic response (OKR) in B6 albino and control mice. RNA-Seq was performed on extraocular muscles (EOM), tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, abducens (CN6), and oculomotor (CN3) neurons to uncover molecular differences that may contribute to nystagmus. OKR was measured using an ISCAN system. RNA was isolated from four tissues to identify differentially expressed genes and validated with qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Ingenuity pathway analyses identified top biological pathways. All B6 albino mice tested had nystagmus. Differential RNA expression analysis showed 383 genes differentially expressed in EOM, 70 in CN3, 20 in CN6, and 639 in the TA. Two genes were differentially expressed in all four tissues: wdfy1 and nnt. Differences were validated by qPCR and immunostaining. The tyr mutation in B6 albino mice, genotypically pigmented and phenotypically albino, is sufficient to result in spontaneous nystagmus. The two genes with decreased expression in the B6 albino tissues examined, wdfy1 and nnt, have been implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and stem cell maintenance in other systems. Their function in extraocular muscle is unknown. These studies suggest that this mouse model of nystagmus may allow molecular identification of candidate nystagmus-related genes.

Ocular ischemic syndrome – case report and literature analysis

Abstract Introduction Ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is a rare condition associated with ocular hypoperfusion caused by carotid artery occlusive disease. This article describes the case of a patient who was admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology at UCK in Katowice, Poland, due to significant loss of visual acuity and pain in the right eye. Materials and Methods Retrosopective case report. Results Patient showed up in the ophthalmological emergency department complaining of significant loss of visual acuity and pain in the right eye persisting for 2 weeks. The patient had a history of type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, status post ACS and PCI, and long-term nicotinism. Examination of the right eye revealed ocular irritation, mixed conjunctival injection, hyphema in the anterior chamber, iris neovascularization, and discrete central retinal fading. Additional examinations were performed, including an angioCT, which showed a long-standing obstruction of the right internal carotid artery, a ballooning thrombus in the lumen of the brachiocephalic trunk, and suspected critical stenosis of the left vertebral artery. A neurologist and vascular surgeon were consulted, and treatment was instituted to limit further complications from the underlying disease. The patient remains under close supervision of the vascular surgeon and neurologist. Conslusions OIS is a rare but potentially blinding condition and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of transient visual acuity reduction or vision loss.

Femtoassisted posterior lamellar keratoplasty in bullous keratopathy of stage IV–V (clinical application experience)

BACKGROUND: Bullous keratopathy is a chronic edema of the cornea, accompanied by a significant visual acuity loss and pain. The cause of bullous keratopathy is a pathological irreversible decrease in the number of endothelial cells, in which the endothelial layer cannot perform its main barrier and pumping functions.&#x0D; AIM: To evaluate the reproducibility and functional results of femto-assisted posterior lamellar keratoplasty using intraoperative OCT at the stage IVV of bullous keratopathy.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 23 eyes of 23 patients diagnosed with stage IVV of bullous keratopathy. The mean age of patients was 69 12 years, there were 14 male patients and 9 female patients. Before surgery, light perception with correct light projection was recorded in 15 cases, in 5 cases the count of fingers at the face (0.005), in 3 cases visual acuity was 0.01. The central corneal thickness varied from 981 m to 1960 m and averaged 1008 96 m. Femto LDV Z8 femtosecond laser (Ziemer, Switzerland) was used to form an endothelial graft. All surgeries were performed using the Hi-R Neo 900 operating microscope with an integrated third-generation OCT module (Haag-Streit Surgical, Germany).&#x0D; RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were noted. The presence of objective control in the form of intraoperative OCT made it possible in all cases to clearly differentiate stromal and endothelial surfaces of the posterior layered graft located in the anterior chamber of the eye. The postoperative course was standard for posterior lamellar keratoplasty, accompanied by resorption of corneal edema with restoration of its transparency. The normalization of corneal thickness was noted by 1 month after surgery, and the restoration of corneal optical properties was noted by 36 months and was accompanied by gradual increase in visual acuity. Corrected visual acuity by 1 month was 0.05 0.03, by 3, 6, 12 months 0.1 0.05, 0.15 0.05 and 0.15 0.04, respectively. By 12 months after surgery, the central corneal thickness was 596 42 m, the thickness of the ultrathin graft tended to decrease somewhat to 67 8 m, the loss of endothelial cells was 59.3%. Endothelial graft survival was achieved in 82.6% of cases.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The use of intraoperative OCT allows expanding the indications for posterior lamellar keratoplasty in bullous keratopathy, including the stage IVV of the disease.

Retinal and visual function in infants with non-accidental trauma and retinal hemorrhages.

To investigate retinal function and visual outcomes in infants with retinal hemorrhages due to non-accidental trauma (NAT). This is a retrospective review of full-field or multifocal electroretinogram (ERG) recordings, visual acuity in log minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), clinical status, and neuroimaging. Multifocal ERGs from the central 40° were compared to corresponding fundus imaging. Visual acuity was measured by Teller cards at follow-up. ERGs were compared to controls recorded under anesthesia. Sixteen children met inclusion criteria (14 recorded during the acute phase and 2 during long-term follow-up). During the acute phase, ERGs (n = 4 full field; n = 10 multifocal ERG) showed abnormal amplitude, latency, or both in at least one eye. Ten subjects had significantly reduced responses in both eyes, 3 of which had an ERG dominated by a negative waveform (absent b-wave or P1). The remaining six subjects had responses in one eye that were near normal (≥ 50% of controls). ERGs were sometimes abnormal in local areas without hemorrhage. ERGs could be preserved in local areas adjacent to traumatic retinoschisis. Two subjects with reduced visual acuity had belated ERGs: One had an abnormal macular ERG and the other had a normal macular ERG implying cortical visual impairment. At follow-up, 10 of 14 subjects had significant visual acuity loss (≥ 0.7 age-corrected logMAR); four subjects had mild vision loss (≤ 0.5 age-corrected logMAR). Visual acuity outcome was not reliably associated with the fundus appearance in the acute phase. All subjects with a negative ERG waveform had severe vision loss on follow-up. Retinal dysfunction was common during the acute phase of NAT. A near normal appearing fundus did not imply normal retinal function, and ERG abnormality did not always predict a poor visual acuity outcome. However, a negative ERG waveform was associated severe visual acuity loss. Potential artifacts of retinal hemorrhages and anesthesia could not fully account for multifocal ERG abnormalities. Retinal function can be preserved in areas adjacent to traumatic retinoschisis.

Modern View on the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Endocrine Ophthalmopathy

Endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP) is an autoimmune progressing pathology, which in most cases is associated with Graves’ disease (GD), but also occurs in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and euthyroidism without symptoms of thyroid disease. Despite the existence of the proven interconnection between thyroid pathology and EOP, the mechanisms of its pathogenesis have not been studied completely. The article covers the modern theories of etiology and pathogenesis, genetic predisposition to the development of EOP, the risk factors, features of the clinical course and major complications of this pathology. EOP may cause significant loss of visual acuity and lead to disability, so only the multidisciplinary approach, timely diagnosis and treatment may prevent the complications and preserve the quality of life of patients.

Clinical and Antibacterial Effects of Tualang Honey on Pseudomonas-induced Keratitis in Rabbit Eyes.

IntroductionPseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of microbial keratitis that can cause a significant loss of visual acuity. Antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides, are clinically effective against Pseudomonas-induced keratitis, but their effectiveness has been conspicuously reduced as resistant pathogens have become more potent. This study sought to evaluate the clinical and antibacterial effects of tualang honey as an alternative therapeutic agent against Pseudomonas-induced keratitis.MethodsWe conducted a randomized control trial in which 30 rabbits were injected intrastromally with 1,000 colony-forming units (CFU) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the right eye of each rabbit (n = 30). The rabbits were then randomized into three groups of 10 rabbits each. Group A was treated with topical gentamicin 0.3%, group B was treated with topical tualang honey 30%, and group C received both treatments. The specified treatments were administered every two hours from 24 to 48 hours post injection, and subsequently every four hours for six days. Clinical examinations were performed on days one, two, three, five, and seven, and the mean results of slit lamp examinations (SLEs) were documented. On day seven after pseudomonas induction, the rabbits were euthanized and their corneas were harvested to determine the median CFU per cornea.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in mean SLE scores (p = 0.209) or median CFU values (p = 0.820) between the three groups.ConclusionTopical gentamicin, topical tualang honey, and the combination of the two all showed similar clinical and antimicrobial effects in treating Pseudomonas-induced keratitis in rabbits. These findings should be verified in further studies with larger sample sizes and the addition of a control group.

Featured Article: Deterioration of visual function mediated by senescence-associated endoplasmic reticulum stress in inflammatory tie2-TNF mice.

Stress-associated premature senescence plays a major role in retinal diseases. In this study, we investigated the relationship between endothelial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and cellular senescence in the development of retinal dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that constant endothelial activation by transmembrane tumor necrosis factor-α (tmTNF-α) exacerbates age-induced visual deficits via senescence-mediated ER stress in this model. To address this, we employed a mouse model of chronic vascular activation using endothelial-specific TNF-α-expressing (tie2-TNF) mice at 5 and 10 months of age. Visual deficits were exhibited by tie2-TNF mice at both 5 months and 10 months of age, with the older mice showing statistically significant loss of visual acuity compared with tie2-TNF mice at age 5 months. The neural defects, as measured by electroretinogram (ERG), also followed a similar trend in an age-dependent fashion, with 10-month-old tie2-TNF mice showing the greatest decrease in "b" wave amplitude at 25 cd.s.m2 compared with age-matched wildtype (WT) mice and five-month-old tie2-TNF mice. While gene and protein expression from the whole retinal extracts demonstrated increased inflammatory (Icam1, Ccl2), stress-associated premature senescence (p16, p21, p53), and ER stress (Grp78, p-Ire1α, Chop) markers in five-month-old tie2-TNF mice compared with five-month-old WT mice, a further increase was seen in 10-month-old tie2-TNF mice. Our data demonstrate that tie2-TNF mice exhibit age-associated increases in visual deficits, and these data suggest that inflammatory endothelial activation is at least partly at play. Given the correlation of increased premature senescence and ER stress in an age-dependent fashion, with the loss of visual functions and increased endothelial activation, our data suggest a possible self-enhanced loop of unfolded protein response pathways and senescence in propagating neurovascular defects in this model. Impact statement Vision loss in most retinal diseases affects the quality of life of working age adults. Using a novel animal model that displays constant endothelial activation by tmTNF-α, our results demonstrate exacerbated age-induced visual deficits via premature senescence-mediated ER stress. We have compared mice of 5 and 10 months of age, with highly relevant human equivalencies of approximately 35- and 50-year-old patients, representing mature adult and middle-aged subjects, respectively. Our studies suggest a possible role for a self-enhanced loop of ER stress pathways and senescence in the propagation of retinal neurovascular defects, under conditions of constant endothelial activation induced by tmTNF-α signaling.

Automated Detection and Measurement of Corneal Haze and Demarcation Line in Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Images

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that may lead to significant loss of visual acuity. Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a surgical procedure that halts the progression of keratoconus. One commonly used clinical indicator of CXL success, albeit being an indirect one, is the presence and depth of stromal demarcation line. In addition, corneal haze beyond the demarcation line can be an ominous sign of loss of corneal transparency, which is a much dreaded side effect of CXL. To date, ophthalmologists evaluate the presence and depth of the demarcation line and grade corneal haze using slit lamp biomicroscopy and/or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Interpreting the output of the former is very biased at best, while analyzing the information presented by the latter is time consuming, potentially error prone, and observer dependent. In this paper, we propose the first method that employs image analysis and machine learning to automatically detect and measure corneal haze and demarcation line presence and depth in OCT images. The automated method provides the user with haze statistics as well as visual annotation, reflecting the shape and location of the haze and demarcation line in the cornea. Our experimental results demonstrate the efficacy and effectiveness of the proposed techniques vis-a-vis manual measurements in a much faster, repeatable, and reproducible manner.

Clinical characteristics of inflammatory ocular disease in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis: a retrospective cohort study.

To characterize the clinical correlates and outcome of inflammatory ocular disease (IOD) among patients with ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV). Medical records of potential cases of AAV seen at Mayo Clinic from 2003 to 2013, inclusive, were reviewed to identify confirmed cases meeting the diagnosis of AAV using the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference 2012 descriptors. Records of confirmed cases of AAV were then further reviewed for IOD, and clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes abstracted. A total of 1171 confirmed cases of AAV were identified of which 183 patients (mean age 49.0 years; 51% female; 95% Caucasian) had IOD. The most common manifestation of IOD was injection of the eye (57%) followed by eye pain (46%) and visual acuity loss (18%). Scleritis was the most common type of IOD (22%) followed by episcleritis (21%), orbital inflammation (18%), lacrimal duct stenosis (10%) and uveitis (9%). Oral glucocorticoids were used to treat IOD in the majority of patients (96%). CYC and rituximab were the most frequently used immunosuppressive agents (54 and 36%, respectively). Of those with orbital inflammation, 52% underwent therapeutic surgical intervention. Clinical remission of IOD was achieved in 91% of patients but relapses were seen in 23%. Significant visual acuity loss was observed in only six patients. IOD is a common manifestation of AAV and seen in about 16% of patients with AAV. Scleritis, episcleritis and orbital inflammation are the most common subtypes. Most patients respond well to glucocorticoids and immunosuppression, but relapse of IOD is common.

Modeling intraocular bacterial infections.

Bacterial endophthalmitis is an infection and inflammation of the posterior segment of the eye which can result in significant loss of visual acuity. Even with prompt antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and surgical intervention, vision and even the eye itself may be lost. For the past century, experimental animal models have been used to examine various aspects of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial endophthalmitis, to further the development of anti-inflammatory treatment strategies, and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacies of antibiotics. Experimental models allow independent control of many parameters of infection and facilitate systematic examination of infection outcomes. While no single animal model perfectly reproduces the human pathology of bacterial endophthalmitis, investigators have successfully used these models to understand the infectious process and the host response, and have provided new information regarding therapeutic options for the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis. This review highlights experimental animal models of endophthalmitis and correlates this information with the clinical setting. The goal is to identify knowledge gaps that may be addressed in future experimental and clinical studies focused on improvements in the therapeutic preservation of vision during and after this disease.

Systemic steroid-induced cataracts in children: long-term changes in morphology and visual acuity

To report the long-term visual prognosis and surgical rates of steroid-induced cataracts in children. The medical records of children diagnosed with steroid-induced cataracts who were followed up for more than 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Children over 3 years of age who cooperated with the initial visual acuity test (Snellen chart) were included. The following data were evaluated: best-corrected visual acuity at the time of diagnosis and at final follow-up, morphologic changes in the cataract, and surgical outcomes and associated systemic diseases that required steroid treatment. A total of 59 eyes of 30 patients with posterior subcapsular cataracts were included. The mean follow-up period after diagnosis was 7.6 ± 2.9 years (range, 5-14.5 years). Cataracts were graded on the basis of the size of lens opacity. Cataract progression was defined as widening of the lens opacity. Cataracts progressed in 20 eyes (34%) and remained unchanged in 39 eyes (66%). Three patients underwent bilateral cataract surgery because of cataract progression and significant loss of visual acuity. Of the 53 eyes of 27 children (90%) who did not undergo surgery, best-corrected visual acuity did not change significantly during the follow-up period. In this study cohort, cataract progressed in 34% of the eyes with steroid-induced cataract; however, surgery was required in only 10% of the children, and in these patients the postoperative visual outcome was favorable.

Polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lens opacification 20 years after cataract surgery: A case report in a tertiary eye hospital in Saudi Arabia

Snowflake degeneration is a slow progressive opacification of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs). This late postoperative complication can occur a decade or later after implantation. The deposits are composed of IOL materials that tend to aggregate centrally. There is a relative paucity of the literature on snowflake degeneration of IOLs. Symptoms can range from mild visual disturbance to significant loss of visual acuity. In cases of opacification after IOL implantation, the different diagnosis should include snowflake degeneration to prevent surgical intervention such as lens exchange or explantation unless clinically warranted. We report a case of late optical opacification of a PMMA IOL, the clinical diagnosis and treatment that increased best corrected vision.

A retrospective comparison of efficacy and safety of 680 consecutive lasik treatments for high myopia performed with two generations of flying-spot excimer lasers

To compare the visual refractive outcome and complication of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) carried out with a Carl Zeiss-Meditec MEL-70 Excimer laser and a MEL-80 laser for treatment of high myopia. Journal records of 680 consecutive eyes that underwent LASIK with a Schwind Supratome microkeratome and a MEL-70 Excimer laser (Group A), or a Moria M2 microkeratome and a MEL-80 Excimer laser (Group B) were reviewed. Manifest refraction, uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), corneal topography and central corneal thickness (CCT) were recorded before and 3 months after treatment. Pre- and postoperative complications, visual and refractive outcome and frequency of retreatments were registered. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -8.52 dioptres (-5.50- -18 dioptres), and the mean attempted laser correction was -8.02 dioptres (-5.50- -11 dioptres). Three months after LASIK, the average treatment error (difference between achieved and attempted correction) was 1.20 (SD=1.19) dioptres of under correction in Group A and 0.52 (SD=1.00) dioptres in Group B. Four eyes lost more than two lines of BSCVA (0.6%). In 110 eyes (16%), a re-LASIK procedure was performed to reduce remaining myopia after the primary procedure. Laser in situ keratomileusis treatment for high myopia can effectively reduce high degrees of myopia. Under correction was observed in both treatment groups but Group B has a slightly better predictability. Significant loss of BSCVA occurs infrequently after LASIK for even considerable grades of myopia (0.6% in each group).

Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment: Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis of a Long-Term Study

The aim of this article was to analyze the long-term results of patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). This prospective nonrandomized clinical trial included 262 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration who were treated with PDT in accordance with the Protocol of the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy Study. The followup lasted 48 months. There was a significant loss of visual acuity 3 months after the first PDT treatment, a slow, progressive decrease of vision until month 12, and then visual acuity remained stable from months 24 to 48. The choroidal neovascularization size increased noticeably during the first 12 months, particularly the first 3 months after PDT. The higher the classic component of choroidal neovascularization, the better it responded to PDT. The evolution of juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization was worse than that of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization after PDT because it grew quickly toward the fovea and visual acuity loss was greater. PDT is a safe, long-term treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration, but it is not definitive because this treatment cannot stop the initial growth of the choroidal neovascularization lesion.

Neuroprotective effects of brimonidine treatment in a rodent model of ischemic optic neuropathy

Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) is a common disorder caused by disruption of the arterial blood supply to the optic nerve. It can result in significant loss of visual acuity and/or visual field. An ischemic optic nerve injury was produced in rats by intravenous injection of Rose Bengal dye followed by argon green laser application to the retinal arteries overlying the optic nerve, causing a coagulopathy within the blood vessels and disruption of optic nerve and retinal perfusion. The effect of brimonidine tartrate eye drops on survival of retinal ganglion cell axons in this experimental paradigm was studied. One eye was treated and the contralateral eye served as a control. Four groups of animals were used for this study. Group 1 received 7 days of treatment with 0.15% brimonidine tartrate eye drops twice a day prior to the ischemic injury. Group 2 animals received 0.15% brimonidine tartrate eye drops twice a day for 14 days after photocoagulation injury. Animal groups 3 and 4 received eye drops of 0.9% NaCl twice a day either daily for 7 days before injury or daily for 14 days, respectively. All rats were sacrificed 5 months after the injury to ascertain long-term optic axon survival. Coagulopathy-induced optic nerve ischemia resulted in a 71% loss of optic axons. Treatment with brimonidine daily for the 7 days prior to the injury resulted in a greater survival of optic axons, with only a 56.1% loss compared to control. Brimonidine treatment every day for 14 days after the ischemic injury did not result in a significant rescue of optic axons compared to injury alone. In summary, the application of brimonidine eye drops for one week prior to an ischemic injury resulted in a statistically significant increase in survival of optic axons within the injured optic nerves. Brimonidine treatment of the eye after the ischemic injury did not result in axon rescue, and axon loss was similar to the injured optic nerves treated with saline only. These results suggest that brimonidine may have potential use for prevention of ION in at-risk patients.

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation as primary and secondary surgical treatment in primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliatve glaucoma

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLC) has been used successfully in the treatment of refractive glaucoma. However, little is known about TDLC as a primary or secondary surgical procedure in primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. In a retrospective chart review we analyzed 90 eyes (48 OD/42 OS) in 90 patients (mean age 75 years, range 60-92 years; 51 men/39 woman) with primary open-angle glaucoma (n=66) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (n=24) who consecutively underwent TDLC with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. In 24 eyes (26.7%) TDLC was the primary surgical treatment. Mean energy was 80 J (60-92 J). Success was defined as a final intraocular pressure (IOP) between 4 and 18 mmHg, a minimum IOP reduction of 20% and the absence of major complications. The overall success rate was 36.7% after 24 months. A mean of 1.3 procedures was performed per patient. No correlation between age and success rate (p=0.887) or gender and success rate (p=0.895) was seen. There was no significant reduction in antiglaucomatous medication (p=0.208), no significant loss of visual acuity (p=0.324) nor a significant relationship between loss of visual acuity and failure of treatment (p=0.201). In patients with primary open-angle glaucoma the success rate was 40.9% after 24 months; in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma it was 25.0% after 24 months. There was no significant difference between primary open-angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (p=0.684). Previous ocular surgery decreased the success probability from 45.8 to 33.3% (p=0.001). Prolonged hypotonia occurred in 1 patient. No phthisis bulbi developed. Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation is an effective and safe method not only in the treatment of refractive glaucoma, but also as a primary surgical procedure in primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. TDLC may be used more widely in glaucoma therapy, although further long-term studies have to confirm these findings.

Correlations between optical coherence tomography measurement of macular thickness and visual acuity after cataract extraction

To investigate correlations between optical coherence tomography macular thickness measurements and visual acuity after cataract surgery. Sixty-two patients underwent routine cataract surgery as part of a randomized clinical trial of oral Cox-2 inhibitor prophylaxis of cystoid macular oedema. Optical coherence tomography was used to quantify several parameters of macular thickness. Optical coherence tomography measurements were obtained before surgery, day one, week two and week six after surgery. These measurements were then correlated with logMAR best-corrected visual acuity. Optical coherence tomography macular thickness parameters increased after surgery by up to 20%. A significant correlation was identified between foveal minimum macular thickness and best-corrected visual acuity at day one and week six after surgery. Other macular parameters failed to show any significant correlation. At day one and week six, the 10 patients with greatest macular thickness had significantly lower visual acuity than the other patients. In this study routine cataract surgery caused an increase in macular thickness. Some significant positive correlations between macular thickness and best-corrected visual acuity were found, although not for all parameters or time points. There may be a threshold relationship between degree of foveal anatomic change and significant loss of visual acuity.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Giant Cell Arteritis

A 66-year-old woman started oral prednisone for temporal artery biopsy (TAB) proven GCA and developed central haziness OD > OS. Visual acuity worsened to 20/100 OD and 20/25 OS. Clinical exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). The patient was treated with focal laser therapy for CSCR and steroid taper. Patients with giant cell arteritis on high dose steroids may present with significant loss of visual acuity and field. CSCR (precipitated by steroids) should be considered in the differential diagnosis as increasing the steroid dose for presumed visual loss secondary to GCA might worsen rather than improve the visual outcome.