Analysis of Choroidal Thickness Measured Using RTVue and Associated Factors in Open-Angle Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare the macular choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness, peripapillary choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness among normal, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients using RTVue (Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography; Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 32 normal controls, 32 POAG and 52 NTG patients was performed. Choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were compared among normal controls, POAG and NTG subjects. Additionally, the factors influencing choroidal thickness (age, axial length, spherical equivalent, central corneal thickness, mean deviation, nocturnal dip, blood pressure variability) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 32 normal controls, 32 POAG and 52 NTG patients were enrolled in this study. Macular and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner in the NTG patients. In NTG subjects, the significant influencing factors associated with macular and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were age, axial length, nocturnal dip (diastolic blood pressure), diastolic blood pressure variability and ganglion cell complex thickness. In POAG patients, significant influencing factors associated with macular and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were age and axial length. CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal thickness was significantly thinner in NTG patients compared with normal controls and POAG patients. Factors influencing choroidal thickness in NTG patients were age, axial length, nocturnal dip (diastolic blood pressure), diastolic blood pressure variability and ganglion cell complex thickness. In POAG patients, significant factors influencing choroidal thickness were age and axial length.

Analysis of Choroidal Thickness Measured Using RTVue and Associated Factors in Open-Angle Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare the macular choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness, peripapillary choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness among normal, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients using RTVue (Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography; Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 32 normal controls, 32 POAG and 52 NTG patients was performed. Choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were compared among normal controls, POAG and NTG subjects. Additionally, the factors influencing choroidal thickness (age, axial length, spherical equivalent, central corneal thickness, mean deviation, nocturnal dip, blood pressure variability) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 32 normal controls, 32 POAG and 52 NTG patients were enrolled in this study. Macular and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner in the NTG patients. In NTG subjects, the significant influencing factors associated with macular and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were age, axial length, nocturnal dip (diastolic blood pressure), diastolic blood pressure variability and ganglion cell complex thickness. In POAG patients, significant influencing factors associated with macular and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were age and axial length. CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal thickness was significantly thinner in NTG patients compared with normal controls and POAG patients. Factors influencing choroidal thickness in NTG patients were age, axial length, nocturnal dip (diastolic blood pressure), diastolic blood pressure variability and ganglion cell complex thickness. In POAG patients, significant factors influencing choroidal thickness were age and axial length.

The Antimydriatic Effect of Brimonidine 0.15% on the Dark-adapted Pupil in Dark Brown Irides

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of the daily use of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% on the dark-adapted pupil diameter in dark brown irides. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy volunteers administered brimonidine tartrate 0.15% to their right eyes once daily for 3 weeks. Infrared digital photographs of the pupil were taken before administration and 1 hour and 4 hours after administration after dark adaptation (at <0.1 lux ambient illumination for 5 minutes). The diameters of both pupils were measured on the first day, on administration days 7 and 21, and on washout day 7. RESULTS: Four hours after the first administration, pupils showed a decrease of 0.95+/-0.74 mm, 1.03+/-0.94 mm, 0.61+/-0.85 mm on the first day, administration day 7, and administration day 21, respectively (p<0.01), compared with baseline data. The anti-mydriatic effect of brimonidine was sustained for 3 weeks, but the proportions of the eyes showing a reduction in pupil diameter by 0.5 mm or more were 84%, 76%, 68%, and 52% at 4 hours on the first day, administration days 7 and 21, and washout day 7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-mydriatic effect of the daily use of brimonidine 0.15% on dark brown irides in a scotopic condition is maintained during the instillation period but has a tendency to fade over time. This point should be considered when using this compound as a miotic agent.

A Case of Kabuki Syndrome with Ocular Manifestation

PURPOSE: Kabuki syndrome is a rare syndrome of multiple congenital anomalies and mental retardation, which is characterized by a peculiar face resembles Kabuki actor, postnatal growth retardation, and skeletal abnormalities. The ocular feature such as strabismus, amblyopia, ptosis, blue sclera and long palpebral fissure with eversion of the lateral portion of lower eyelid can be seen in this syndrome. We experienced a Kabuki syndrome patient with ocular feature. CASE SUMMARY: A 6 years old girl visited ophthalmology department for frequent blinking, abnormal movement of eyelid. She showed growth retardation, high palate arch, bifid uvula and low hairline. Best corrected visual acuity was 0.5 in the right eye and 0.4 in the left eye. She also presented with mixed astigmatism (right: +sph 1.00;-cyl 3.00 Ax 180, left: +sph 1.00;-cyl 3.50 Ax 180). In addition, Marcus-Gunn jaw winking in her left eye and a long palpebral fissure were noted. She had intermittent exotropia and a tilted optic disc in the left eye.

A Case of Toxic Amblyopia Caused by Methanol Intoxication

PURPOSE: To report a case of visual improvement in methanol poisoning treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old man presented with decreasing vision in both eyes after ingesting a car window cleanser. His initial visual acuity was the ability to count fingers in the right eye and hand motion in the left eye. The patient received intravenous methylprednisolone (1.0 gram), slowly over 1 hour. The same dose of methyl prednisolone was repeated on the second and third day. Then, oral prednisolone was given and tapered over a period of 7 weeks. On the 5th day after treatment, there was an improvement in the visual acuity of the right eye to 0.4 but no improvement of vision was observed in the left eye. On 16th day after treatment, the visual acuity was 0.7 in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. At 2 months after ingestion, the visual acuity of the right eye returned to 1.0 with no improvement in the left eye. Optic disc pallor was suspected and P100 delay was observed in the left eye with VEP showing a favorable outcome in the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: A visual improvement of 1 eye was observed in methanol poisoning treated with intravenous methylprednisolone.

The Effect on Outcome of Amblyopia Treatment in Children with Anisometropic Amblyopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors affecting treatment outcome of children with anisometropic amblyopia. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the treatment outcome of 57 children who were diagnosed as anisometropic amblyopia. The age at initial treatment, initial best corrected visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, amount and type of anisometropia, strabismus and compliance of treatment were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age and standard deviation at initial treatment was 5.3+/-1.8(3-9) years. The absolute average values of spherical and cylindrical anisometropia were 2.87+/-1.99D and 1.87+/-2.24D respectively. While compliance was significantly related to treatment outcome, the age at initial treatment, visual acuity on amblyopic eye, amount and type of anisometropia, and strabismus had no significant influence on treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment compliance was the most significant factor in the treatment of anisometropic amblyopia.