Ocular Toxicity of Ethambutol During Both Intensive and Continuation Phases of Anti-Tubercular Therapy in Children

Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the ocular toxicity of ethambutol given in both intensive and continuation phases of treatment in children with drug-sensitive tuberculosis. Methods: A prospective study of 94 eyes from 47 patients receiving an ethambutol-containing regimen was conducted between 1 December, 2018 and 31 August, 2020. Visual acuity, visual field, visual evoked response (VER), contrast sensitivity, colour perception, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness [using optical coherence tomography (OCT)] were tested for each patient before, during, and after the treatment. Results: On follow-up, visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity, fundus, and visual fields were not affected in any of the patients. There was no statistically significant increase in the mean latency of the P(100) wave at any point in time. On OCT, no significant loss of mean RNFL thickness was detected. Conclusions: Ethambutol is safe to use up to a dose of 20 mg/kg/day throughout the entire course of anti-tubercular therapy in children with drug-sensitive tuberculosis

Analyze the effect of different intraocular pressures on macular blood flow during cataract surgery by using SS-OCTA / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM:To provide a clinical reference for the design of personalized surgical parameters for cataract, swept source optic coherence tomography angiography(SS-OCTA)was applied to comparatively study the blood flow of the macular area before operation in patients with different intraocular pressure during cataract surgery.METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled study. A total of 61 patients(77 eyes)who underwent cataract surgery in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January to April 2021 were collected and divided into group A(37 eyes)and group B(40 eyes)for the study using a random number table. Group A and group B received the height of 75 and 90cm perfusion bottles with intraoperative,corresponding to 55.5 and 66.6mmHg intraoperative mean intraocular pressure,respectively. All patients were examined with SS-OCTA in macula area before and 1,7 and 30d after surgery, except routine ophthalmologic examination, the macular retinal thickness, the perfusion area and vessel density of the radial perioptic capillary plexus(RPCP)layer, superficial vascular plexus(SVP)layer, intermediate vascular plexus(IVP)layer and deep vascular plexus(DVP)layer were observed.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure, foveal avascular zone(FAZ), macular retinal thickness, perfusion area and vascular density between the two groups at each time point before and after surgery(all <i>P</i>>0.05),but there were differences in time(all <i>P</i><0.05). In both groups, BCVA improved significantly from preoperative values at all time points after surgery, intraocular pressure and FAZ decreased compared with preoperative values(all <i>P</i><0.05), and macular retinal thickness, perfusion area in all layers, and blood flow density were increased compared with preoperative values.CONCLUSION:The macular retinal thickness, blood flow density and perfusion area of all layers increased,and the FAZ area decreased after cataract surgery, which may help to promote the recovery of visual acuity after surgery. At different intraocular pressures of 55.5 and 66.6mmHg intraoperatively, there was no significant difference in the patients'postoperative fundus blood flow changes, therefore, intraocular pressure can be flexibly selected during the operation to provide patients with personalized surgical design.

Estrategias de tratamiento para el edema macular diabético / Treatment strategies for diabetic macular edema

RESUMEN Se hace una revisión bibliográfica acerca del tratamiento que se utiliza en el edema macular clínicamente significativo. Esta es la primera causa de mala visión en los pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Entre las líneas de tratamiento tenemos los antiangiogénicos con sus variantes, los esteroides y la cirugía por medio de la vitrectomía pars plana con pelado de la membrana limitante interna. No existe hasta el momento el tratamiento ideal. La tomografía de coherencia óptica ayuda a predecir la visión final(AU)

ABSTRACT Treatment of clinically significant diabetic macular edema is the topic of our review. This condition is the first cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Treatment options include anti-VEFG drugs, steroids and surgery (vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling). There is no an ideal treatment at present. Optic coherence tomography is a useful tool to predict final vision in these patients(AU)

Optical coherence tomography findings in bipolar disorder: a preliminary receiver operating characteristic analysis on ganglion cell layer volume for diagnosis

Abstract Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been recently used to investigate neuropsychiatric disorders. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and the ganglion cell layer (GCL) volume in patients with type 1 bipolar disorder (BPD1, diagnosed according to DSM 5) to the values in healthy controls. Methods Eighty consecutive outpatients with a diagnosis of euthymic BPD1 and 80 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Following assessment with the Sociodemographic Data Form, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I), Hamilton Depression Scale and Young Mania Evaluation Scale, both groups underwent Optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results The mean RNFL thickness and mean GCL volume were significantly lower in the BPD1 group than in the controls (p < 0.05). The GCL global value had a significant and independent effect in distinguishing the BPD1 patients from the controls. A cut-off value of 101 mm3 for global GCL volume was proposed to distinguish BPD1 patients from controls with a sensitivity of 87.5%. Discussion Lower values of GCL volume and RNFLT in patients suffering from BPD1 suggest that neurodegeneration may occur during the course of BPD and that this degeneration can be characterized in particular by a thinning of the GCL volume.

Evaluation of Foveal Avascular Zone and Capillary Plexuses in Diabetic Patients by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

PURPOSE: To investigate the foveal avascular zone (AVZ), superficial and deep foveal and parafoveal vessel density (VD) changes related to diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Forty-nine type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 45 healthy control subjects were included in this study. The demographic data (age and sex), disease duration, and level of glycated hemoglobin were collected. Superficial VD (%), superficial AVZ area (mm2), deep VD (%) and deep AVZ area (mm2) were evaluated via optic coherence tomography angiography. RESULTS: Superficial AVZ was 0.438 ± 0.05 mm2 in the DM group, 0.246 ± 0.022 mm2 in the control group (p < 0.001). Deep AVZ was 0.732 ± 0.06 mm2 in the DM group, and 0.342 ± 0.022 mm2 in the control group (p < 0.001). Superficial foveal VD was 29.45 ± 0.76 mm2 in the DM group, and 34.86 ± 0.75 mm2 in the control group (p < 0.001). Deep foveal VD was 24.85 ± 1.08 mm2 in the DM group, and 33.47 ± 0.56 mm2 in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated an enlargement in the foveal AVZ along with a reduction in the vascular density of the superficial and deep capillary network in the foveal and parafoveal area using optic coherence tomography angiography in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. This technique can be used to monitor the progression of the disease and to evaluate the response to treatment.

Utilidad de la tomografía de coherencia óptica para la caracterización y clasificación del edema macular diabético / Utility of the optical coherence tomography for characterization and classification of diabetic macular edema

Introducción: El edema macular es la causa más frecuente de deterioro visual en pacientes con retinopatía diabética no proliferativa, la separación de los fotorreceptores, inducida por permeabilidad vascular anormal, reduce el poder de resolución del ojo y la capacidad visual, lo que lleva al paciente a la baja visión. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento del edema macular diabético y su clasificación según la tomografía de coherencia óptica. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, de corte transversal no controlado, en 40 diabéticos (80 ojos) con diagnóstico clínico de edema macular diabético, quienes acudieron a la consulta de Retina del Hospital Docente Dr. Salvador Allende y el Centro de Atención al Diabético entre enero 2014 y diciembre 2016. La evaluación única fue realizada mediante la biomicroscopía posterior y la tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT Stratus 3000), basada en la clasificación propuesta por Panozzo y colaboradores. Resultados: Se constataron variaciones del grosor macular por encima de las 250 micras, predominó el engrosamiento cistoide y según la clasificación aplicada y el grado de tracción epirretiniana, se incluyeron más pacientes en los grupos T1 y T2. Finalmente, se clasificó el edema en no traccional (T0 y T1, 69 por ciento) y en traccional (T2yT3, 31 por ciento). Conclusiones: La tomografía de coherencia óptica y la clasificación de Panozzo son de gran utilidad para caracterizar el tipo de edema macular traccional o no traccional y orienta sobre el adecuado tratamiento a seguir en cada paciente. El edema macular diabético no traccional sobresalió en la muestra estudiada(AU)

Introduction: Macular edema is the most frequent cause of visual loss in patients suffering from non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this condition, the detachment of photoreceptors induced by an abnormal vascular permeability reduces the resolving power of the eye and visual capacity, causing low vision in the patient. Objective: To characterize the behavior of diabetic macular edema and its classification according to the main changes in the optical coherence tomography. Material and methods: A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional and non-controlled study was carried out in 40 diabetic patients, (80 eyes), with the clinical diagnosis of diabetic macular edema in the Department of Retina of Salvador Allende University Hospital and the Diabetes Care Center from January 2014 to December 2016. A single evaluation was carried out with a subsequent biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT; model 3000), based on the classification suggested by Panozzo and collaborators. Results: Variations in retinal volume over 250 microns were found in the tomography. The cystoid thickening predominated; and according to the classification used and the degree of epiretinal traction, more patients were included in T1 and T2 groups. Finally, edema was classified as non-tractional (T0 and T1, 69 percent), and tractional (T2 and T3, 31 percent). Conclusions: Optical coherence tomography and the classification suggested by Panozzo are highly useful to characterize the type of the macular edema into tractional or non-tractional, and allows to follow the adequate treatment in each patient. Non-tractional diabetic macular edema was highly noticeable in the sample studied(AU)

Retinal displacement after closure of idiopathic macular hole

Objective:To study the foveal displacement during the closure of idiopathic macular holes (MHs).Methods:Thirty-seven idiopathic MH patients treated by pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling were studied prospectively. Locations of MH center and foveal pit were measured by optic coherence tomography. Retinal displacement was observed using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.Results:A total of 40 eyes were included in this study and MHs were closed in 37 eyes (92.5%). The confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy showed that all of the retinal capillaries in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal sides of the MHs moved toward the optic nerve head (ONH). The optic coherence tomography results showed that the mean nasal displacements of foveal pits were (102.9±61.2), (109.6±53.1), and (137.0±52.0) μm at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. And the mean vertical displacements were (55.9±49.4), (61.4±57.8) and (67.8±54.3) μm, respectively. Post-operative foveal pits were located in the nasal side of the MH centers. The extension of retina and nasal to the MH were in opposite directions: the nasal hole margin moved toward the MH, but the retina located closer to the ONH moved toward the ONH. The fellow eyes of three patients developed into idiopathic MH during the follow-up period and operations were performed for all of the three patients.Conclusion:Our results showed that center of macula does not move when an idiopathic MH develops, but it moves toward ONH during closure of hole; thus, new fovea is in nasal side of original fovea.

Retinal displacement after closure of idiopathic macular hole

Objective: To study the foveal displacement during the closure of idiopathic macular holes (MHs). Methods: Thirty-seven idiopathic MH patients treated by pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling were studied prospectively. Locations of MH center and foveal pit were measured by optic coherence tomography. Retinal displacement was observed using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Results: A total of 40 eyes were included in this study and MHs were closed in 37 eyes (92.5%). The confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy showed that all of the retinal capillaries in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal sides of the MHs moved toward the optic nerve head (ONH). The optic coherence tomography results showed that the mean nasal displacements of foveal pits were (102.9±61.2), (109.6±53.1), and (137.0±52.0) μm at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. And the mean vertical displacements were (55.9±49.4), (61.4±57.8) and (67.8±54.3) μm, respectively. Post-operative foveal pits were located in the nasal side of the MH centers. The extension of retina and nasal to the MH were in opposite directions: the nasal hole margin moved toward the MH, but the retina located closer to the ONH moved toward the ONH. The fellow eyes of three patients developed into idiopathic MH during the follow-up period and operations were performed for all of the three patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that center of macula does not move when an idiopathic MH develops, but it moves toward ONH during closure of hole; thus, new fovea is in nasal side of original fovea.

Application of ophthalmic methods in age-related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

As the increasing population aging,the incidence of age-related macular degeneration is increasing,blinding rate also increasing,so it is very important for the early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.There are many methods to check the aging macular degeneration,such as fundus angiography,optical coherence tomography (OCT),visual field and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).In recent years,many emerging ophthalmic methods have emerged and are gradually applied to clinical diagnosis,including optic coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).The function of these methods has its unique advantages,but there are also limitations.This paper will review these existing methods.

Angiografía por tomografía de coherencia óptica: una nueva herramienta diagnóstica / Optical coherence tomography angiography: a new diagnostic tool

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre angiografía por tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT-A), sus principales características y potenciales usos como herramienta diagnostica en oftalmología. Diseño del estudio: Revisión de la literatura. Método: Búsqueda de la literatura electrónica en PUBMED, Scopus y Google Scholar. Conclusión: La tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) ha revolucionado el manejo tanto de la patología retiniana como el diagnóstico del glaucoma. La angiografía por OCT (OCT-A), es una técnica de no contacto, no invasiva que utiliza múltiples algoritmos para la detección del flujo sanguíneo permitiendo la visualización en alta resolución de imágenes angiográficas volumétricas de la retina. Esta revisión, resalta las características diferenciales existentes entre los distintos métodos de angiografía disponibles en la actualidad y realiza una revisión de la literatura disponible sobre sus aplicaciones como: retinopatía diabética (RD), degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (DMRE), oclusiones vasculares retinianas (OVR) y glaucoma.

Purpose: To perform a review of the available literature on angiography by optical coherence tomography (OCT-A) its main characteristics and potential uses as a diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. Study Design: Literature Review. Method: A literature search was made in PUBMED, Scopus and Google Scholar. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has transformed the approach to diagnosis and management of retinal pathology and glaucoma. Recently this technology has also been the object of constant improvement, therefore OCT (OCT-A) angiography can now be performed, which is a noninvasive technique that uses multiple algorithms of fl ow detection allowing the visualization of volumetric images of the retina. The differential characteristics existing between the angiographic methods currently available are denoted below. A review of the available literature on the subject and its applications in ophthalmic pathologies of the retina such as: diabetic retinopathy (RD), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusions (OVR), and glaucoma.

Status and progress of diagnosis and treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV) is a common disease of the retina,the disease is more found in colored race.In China,the mainly nosogenic population is the female about 60 years old.The pathogenesis of PCV is unknown and there is no specific medicine at present.The funduscopic present is orangered lesions,bleed and exudation.Indocyanine green angiography(ICGA) could make a definite diagnosis of PCV.In recent,the main treatment of PCV includes photodynamic therapy,intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy,surgery for treatment of complications and combined therapy.We review the treatment and diagnosis of PCV,and propose the further research direction.

Application of optical coherence tomography angiography for ophthalmology / 中华实验眼科杂志

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new emerging technology that is widely used in diagnosis of ocular diseases recently.It has the capability to generate high resolution 3D angiograms of retina and choroid,dissect and visualize the flow in various layers of the retina,and provide more informations of the structure and function of the retina simultaneously.Nevertheless,OCTA is in the early stage of clinical evaluation,so studies on imaging various diseases by OCTA are still on the way.In this article,we reviewed literatures of clinical research on OCTA,and summarized its current research situation,values of optic diseases and drawbacks,which guide its clinical application.

Effects of spectral domain optic coherence tomography in monitoring glaucomatous progression of POAG / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the ability of spectral domain optic coherence tomography ( SD-OCT ) parameters to detect progressive structural damage in primary open angle glaucoma ( POAG) by contrasting with visual field. ·METHODS: Retrospectively we evaluated 48 subjects (48 eyes ) of POAG, followed up 14 to 62mo. The parameters of SD-OCT and visual field were obtained. The correlation between the change of visual field measurements and OCT measurements were analyzed. Visual field progression was defined as reproducible drop of at least 2dB of mean deviation (MD) from the baseline visit. ROC curve was made to evaluated the ability of OCT parameters in detect progression of POAG. ·RESULTS: The 25 eyes were classified in progression group and 23 eyes were in non-progression group. No significant correlation was seen between OCT parameters and visual field in non-progression group. In progression group, OCT parameters which were significantly correlated with MD reduce were rim volume ( r=-0. 5997, P=0. 0007), C/D vertical ratio (r=-0. 6309, P=0. 0003), RNFL(r= 0. 4201, P= 0. 0260), and GCC(r= 0. 7080,P<0. 01). ROC curves showed the GCC reflected the reduce of MD accurately (P=0. 013). ·CONCLUSION: Part parameters of SD-OCT can reflect the progression of POAG accurately and provided a new method to detect the damage of visual function of POAG.

Correlación de la histología retiniana con la tomografía de coherencia óptica / Correlation of the retinal histology with the optic coherence tomography

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 53 pacientes, atendidos en el Servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta diciembre del 2011, con vistas a describir la correlación entre la estructura hística retinal de los afectados y la imagen obtenida por el tomógrafo de coherencia óptica. La información obtenida se procesó mediante el programa estadístico SPSS versión 11.5. Predominaron los pacientes mayores de 70 años; la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus como antecedentes patológicos personales y no hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos sexos. Los patrones tomográficos más frecuentes encontrados fueron desprendimiento seroso neuroepitelial y edema macular quístico. La comparación y evaluación de las líneas de hiporreflectividad e hiperreflectividad del tomógrafo y las diferentes capas de la arquitectura hística retinal evidenciaron la posibilidad de correlacionar ambas y lograr una comprensión más integral de la afectación macular.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 53 patients, assisted in the Ophthalmology Service of "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January to December, 2011, aimed at describing the correlation between the retinal tissular structure of those affected and the image obtained by the optic coherence tomograph. The obtained information was processed by means of the SPSS statistical program version 11.5. The patients older than 70 years; hypertension and diabetes mellitus prevailed as personal pathological history and there were not significant differences between both sexes. The most frequent found tomographic patterns were serum neuroepitelial detachment and cystic macular edema. The comparison and evaluation of the hiporreflectivity and hiperreflectivity lines of the tomograph and the different layers of the retinal tissular architecture evidenced the possibility to correlate both of them and achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the macular damage.

Application of anterior segment optic coherence tomography in the diagnosis of corneal ulcer / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

?AIM: To discuss the application of anterior segment optic coherence tomography ( AS-OCT ) in the diagnosis of corneal ulcer.?METHODS: The cross linear scan was used in 88 patients ( 88 eyes ) with corneal lesion by AS-OCT to gather the image data, observe the pathological changed tissue by measuring all layers for patients with initial inspection, providing important visual images and data for treatments. All the patients were followed up for 2mo.?RESULTS:Clear images with structure of all layers were obtained. It can provide the intuitive image data and scan the same position and show the changes during the treatment.?CONCLUSION: AS-OCT can discover the important condition immediately. It also can monitor course of disease dynamically, provide the intuitive image data for clinical treatment.

Evaluation of choroidal thickness via enhanced depth‑imaging optical coherence tomography in patients with systemic hypertension.

Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate choroidal thickness via spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‑OCT) and to compare the data with those of 24‑h blood pressure monitoring, elastic features of the aorta, and left ventricle systolic functions, in patients with systemic hypertension. Materials and Methods: This was a case–control, cross‑sectional prospective study. A total of 116 patients with systemic hypertension, and 116 healthy controls over 45 years of age, were included. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured using a Heidelberg SD‑OCT platform operating in the enhanced depth imaging mode. Patients were also subjected to 24‑h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and standard transthoracic echocardiography (STTE). Patients were divided into dippers and nondippers using ABPM data and those with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH+ and LVH–) based on STTE data. The elastic parameters of the aorta, thus aortic strain (AoS), the beta index (BI), aortic distensibility (AoD), and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI), were calculated from STTE data. Results: No significant difference in SFCT was evident between patients and controls (P ≤ 0.611). However, a significant negative correlation was evident between age and SFCT in both groups (r = −0.66/−0.56, P ≤ 0.00). No significant SFCT difference was evident between the dipper and nondipper groups (P ≤ 0.67), or the LVH (+) and LVH (–) groups (P ≤ 0.84). No significant correlation was evident between SFCT and any of AoS, BI, AoD, or LVMI. Discussion: The choroid is affected by atrophic changes associated with aging. Even in the presence of comorbid risk factors including LVH and arterial stiffness, systemic hypertension did not affect SFCT.

Paro cardiorespiratorio secundario a hematoma coronario intramural en arteria descendente anterior / Cardiac arrest associated to intramural hematoma of the anterior descending coronary artery

Background: A 43 year old woman presented with chest pain followed by cardiac arrest recovered after defibrillation. Coronary angiography revealed a narrowed anterior descending coronary artery but no intraluminal thrombi. Optic coherence tomography showed intramural hematoma and the patient was treated medically with aspirin, clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Two weeks later the pain recurred and coronary angiography revealed similar findings. After medical treatment with heparin followed by aspirin and clopidogrel she has remained stable.

Aplicaciones del SL-OCT en el glaucoma / Applications of the SL-OCT tomography in the management of glaucoma

Se realizó una búsqueda de información actualizada relacionada con el uso y los principios de funcionamiento de la tomografía de coherencia óptica del segmento anterior. Se hizo referencia a los distintos tomógrafos que hoy existen en el mundo, enfatizando en el SL-OCT HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING, con la intención de demostrar su importancia y utilidad en el manejo del glaucoma. Se compara con la biomicroscopia ultrasónica en cuanto a las principales ventajas y desventajas de estos equipos

Updated information on the use and the principles of the optic coherence tomography of the anterior segment was searched for. Reference was made to several tomographs used worldwide, making emphasis on the SL-OCT HEIDELBERG ENGINEERING to demonstrate its significance and usefulness in managing glaucoma. This equipment was compared with the ultrasonic biomicroscopy in terms of main advantages and disadvantages

Low Limit for Effective Signal Strength in the Stratus OCT in Imperative Low Signal Strength Cases

PURPOSE: To determine the lowest limit of signal strength that is still effective for accurate analysis of optic coherence tomography (OCT) values, we investigated the reproducibility of OCT scans by signal strength (SS). METHODS: A total of 668 subjects were scanned for measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using the Stratus OCT twice on the same day. The variability of overall RNFL thickness parameters obtained at different SS was analyzed and compared by repeated-measures of ANOVA and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Values of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and variability (standard deviation) of RNFL thickness were obtained. The false positive ratio was analyzed. RESULTS: When SS was 3, the variability of RNFL thickness was significantly different (low ICC, high variability) in comparison to when SS was 4 or greater. Significant negative correlations were observed between variability in RNFL thickness and signal strength. The difference of variability of average RNFL thickness between SS 4 (4.94 microm) and SS 6 (4.41 microm) was 0.53 microm. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, the difference of variability of average RNFL thickness between SS 4 and SS 6 was quite small. High SS is important, however, when signal strength is low due to uncorrectable factors in patients in need of OCT for glaucoma and retinal disease. Our results suggest that SS 4 is the lowest acceptable limit of signal strength for obtaining reproducible scanning images.

Sight-dependent quality of life and ophthalmic findings in a group of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis / Qualidade de vida visual e achados oftálmicos em um grupo de pacientes brasileiros com esclerose múltipla

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to observe whether this parameter could be correlated to the findings of the ophthalmologic examination. METHOD: The translated and validated 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was used to assess the visual quality of life. Clinical data on MS, visual acuity, visual fields, optic coherence tomography (OCT) and disc cupping were used for assessing correlation with VFQ-25. RESULTS: The mean VFQ-25 value was 78.6±18.2 percent in 27 patients. VFQ-25 did not correlate with patients' ages, with disability (EDSS), disease duration or medication use. Visual acuity showed a relatively poor (<60 percent) correlation to VFQ-25, while no correlation could be established between visual fields, OCT and disc cupping with VFQ-25. CONCLUSION: MS patients present several alterations in their eyes and sight that cannot be assessed by isolated measures. Ophthalmological examination of these patients must include many parameters not usually used in standard ophthalmologic consultations.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida visual de pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM) e observar se este parâmetro pode ser relacionado aos achados do exame oftalmológico. MÉTODO: O questionário traduzido e validado 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) foi utilizado para avaliar a qualidade de vida visual. Dados clínicos da EM, acuidade visual, campo visual, tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) e escavação do disco foram utilizados para correlação com VFQ-25. RESULTADOS: A média do VFQ-25 foi 78,6±18,2 por cento em 27 pacientes. VFQ-25 não se correlacionou com a idade dos pacientes, com a incapacidade (EDSS), duração da doença ou medicação em uso. A acuidade visual mostrou uma correlação relativamente pobre (<60 por cento) com VFQ-25, enquanto não foi observada nenhuma correlação entre campo visual, OCT e escavação de disco com VFQ-25. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com EM apresentam diversas alterações oculares e na visão que não podem ser avaliadas por medidas isoladas. O exame oftalmológico destes pacientes deve incluir parâmetros que não são habitualmente utilizados em consultas oftalmológicas padronizadas.