Avaliação dos dados pré e resultados pós operatórios de facotrabeculectomia em seguimento mínimo de cinco anos / Evaluation of preoperative data and post-operative results of phacotrabeculectomy in minimum five-year follow-up

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados da facotrabeculectomia em seguimento igual ou superior a 5 anos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, de intervenção e analítico realizado no centro cirúrgico da clínica de olhos de Juazeiro do Norte com pacientes operados no período de 2006 a 2013. Foram envolvidos na investigação 34 olhos de 29 pacientes com catarata senil e glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto submetidos à facotrabeculectomia. Foi criado um escore de risco de dano glaucomatoso variando de 0 a 5 ao avaliar pressão intraocular, escavação do disco óptico, número de drogas hipotensoras utilizadas para o tratamento do glaucoma e a idade do paciente em anos. A amostra foi de conveniência e pareada. Foi utilizado o teste de Wilcoxon pareado para a verificação de diferenças entre médias. Foi aceito p< 0,05 para a rejeição da hipótese de nulidade. O estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética da plataforma Brasil e segue a resolução 466 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde. Resultados: A média da acuidade visual foi significantemente maior após o seguimento de 5 anos (média pré-operatória 0,42 +/- 0,23 ver-sus média pós-operatória 0,62 +/- 0,29 - p=0,0031). A média dos escores de risco para dano glaucomatoso após 5 anos de seguimento foi significativamente menor quando comparado ao pré-operatório (media pré-operatória: 9,47 +/- 1,61 versus média pós-operatória 6,55 +/- 2,21) p < 0,0001, considerado extremamente significante. Conclusão: A facotrabeculectomia foi significantemente efetiva na melhora da acuidade visual e na redução do risco de dano glau-comatoso após seguimento pós-operatório igual ou superior a 5 anos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the results of phacotrabeculectomy in a follow-up of five years or more. Methods: Retrospective, interventional and analytical study that was carried out in the surgical center of clínica de olhos do juazeiro with patients operated on from 2006 to 2013. 34 eyes of 29 patients with senile cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma, who underwent phacotrabeculectomy were involved in the investigation. A risk score for glaucomatous dam-age ranging from 0 to 5 when evaluating intraocular pressure, excavation of the optic disc, number of hypotensive drugs used to treat glaucoma and the patient's age in years. The sample was of convenience and paired. The paired Wilcoxon test was used to verify differences be-tween means. P <0.05 was accepted for the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Brazil platform and follows the principles of resolu-tion 466 of the National Health Council. Results: The mean visual acuity was significantly higher after a five-year follow-up (preoperative average 0.42 +/- 0.23 versus postoperative average 0.62 +/- 0.29 - p = 0.0031). The average risk score for glaucomatous damage after five years of follow-up was significantly lower when compared to the preoperative (preoperative mean: 9.47 +/- 1.61 versus postoperative mean 6.55 +/- 2, 21) p <0.0001, considered extremely significant. Conclusion: Phacotrabeculectomy was significantly effective in improving visual acuity and reducing the risk of glaucomatous damage after a five-year postoperative follow-up.

Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en pacientes con diagnóstico de glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto durante el período 2010-2014 / Type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma during the period 2010-2014

RESUMEN Objetivo La asociación entre diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto aún no está claramente establecida. Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar la frecuencia entre ambas patologías en pacientes del Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo durante el período 2010-2014 Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de corte transversal, de proporción, en una muestra de 283 pacientes mayores de 30 años cuyo diagnóstico fue de GPAA (Glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto) confirmado mediante estudio de tonometría, gonioscopia, campimetría y ausencia de causas secundarias de aumento de PIO. Se utilizaron criterios de la ADA/OMS para establecer el diagnóstico de DM2. Resultados La frecuencia de pacientes con diabetes en pacientes con diagnóstico de GPAA, que fueron atendidos en consultorios de Emergencia, Endocrinología y Oftalmología del Hospital Regional Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, durante el período 2010-2014, fue de 26,15% (74 de 283 pacientes), con importantes diferencias entre sexo y lugar de residencia. Conclusiones: Se demostró la existencia de una alta proporción entre DM2 y GPAA mediante razón de proporción.

ABSTRACT Objective The association between diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and Primary Open- Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is not clearly established yet. This study has the objective to identify the frequency of both diseases in patients of Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital during the period 2010-2014. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional frequency was conducted on a sample of 283 patients over age 30 whose diagnosis was confirmed by examination of POAG tonometry, gonioscopy, perimetry and absence of secondary causes of increased intraocular pressure. ADA/OMS criteria were used to establish the diagnosis of DM2. Results The frequency of patients with diabetes diagnosed with POAG patients who were treated at the services of Emergency, Endocrinology and Ophthalmology of the Regional Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, during the period 2010-2014, was 26.15% (74 of 283 patients) with significant differences between sex and place of residence. Conclusions The existence of a high proportion between DM2 and POAG was demonstrated by prevalence ratio.

Triancinolona intra-vítrea e clorpromazina retrobulbar como alternativas ao manejo do olho cego doloroso / Intravietrea trianciclone and retotubulbar chlorpromazine as alternative to blind paintful eye manegement

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo desde estudo foi avaliar a efetividade da triancinolona intra-vítrea e da clorpromazina retrobulbar como alternativas no manejo da dor ocular em olhos cegos. Métodos: Este foi um estudo prospectivo intervencionista não-randomizado de pacientes com olho cego doloroso não responsivo ao tratamento tópico e sem indicação de evisceração atendidos no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital Governador Celso Ramos no ano de 2010. Após exame oftalmológico e ultrassonografia ocular modo B, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos. Pacientes do Grupo 1 possuíam glaucoma intratável e receberam injeção retrobulbar de clorpromazina 2,5ml, e pacientes do Grupo 2 possuíam olhos phthisicos com componente inflamatório e receberam injeção intra-vítrea de triancinolona 0,3ml. Foram realizadas avaliações com 1, 3 e 6 meses após o procedimento e a dor quantificada de forma subjetiva em uma escala de 0 a 10 (sem dor e com o máximo de dor, respectivamente). Resultados: Foram incluídos 38 olhos, sendo 15 no Grupo 1 e 21 no Grupo 2. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino e idade média de 54 anos. A causa mais prevalente de olho cego doloroso foi o glaucoma neovascular. Tanto a injeção de clorpromazina retrobulbar quanto a de triancinolona intra-vítrea mostraram-se eficazes no controle da dor ocular em olhos cegos no período do estudo (p<0,001). Ocorreu uma redução de 77,1% no uso de colírios (p<0,01) após a aplicação das medicações. Conclusão: Tanto a injeção de clorpromazina retrobulbar quanto a de triancinolona intra-vítrea mostraram resultados significativos no controle da dor ocular em olhos cegos, além de uma redução no uso de colírios. A clorpromazina é um medicamento de baixo custo, com melhor perfil de efeitos adversos e mostrou resultados discretamente melhores relação à triancinolona. Possíveis viéses identificados no estudo são o de tempo e seleção.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone and retrobulbar chlorpromazine as alternatives in the management of ocular pain in blind eyes. Methods: This was a non-randomized interventional prospective study of patients with painful blind eye unresponsive to topical treatment and without indication of evisceration treated at the Hospital Governador Celso Ramos Ophthalmology Service in 2010. After ocular examination and ocular B mode ultrasound, patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 patients had intractable glaucoma and received retrobulbar injection of chlorpromazine 2.5ml, and Group 2 patients had phthisics eyes with inflammatory component and received intravitreal triamcinolone injection 0.3ml. Evaluations were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure and quantified pain subjectively on a scale from 0 to 10 (no pain and maximum pain, respectively). Results: 38 eyes were included, 15 in Group 1 and 21 in Group 2. There was a predominance of males with a mean age of 54 years. The most prevalent cause of painful blind eye was the neovascular glaucoma. Any retrobulbar injection of chlorpromazine as the intravitreal triamcinolone shown to be effective in the control of ocular pain in the eye blind study period (p <0.001). There was a 77.1% reduction in eye drops (p <0.01) after application of medication. Conclusion: Both the retrobulbar injection chlorpromazine as the intravitreal triamcinolone showed significant results in the control of ocular pain in blind eyes, and a reduction in the use of eye drops. Chlorpromazine is a low cost product, with a better adverse effect profile and showed slightly better results compared to triamcinolone. Potential bias identified in the study are the time and selection.

Influence of Biometric Variables on Refractive Outcomes after Cataract Surgery in Angle-closure Glaucoma Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of biometric variables on refractive outcomes after cataract surgery in angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) patients. METHODS: In this case-control study, 42 ACG patients, 40 open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, and 35 controls without glaucoma who had undergone conventional cataract surgery were enrolled consecutively. Electronic medical records, including preoperative biometric variables (keratometric diopter, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness), the refractive change (RC), and the absolute value of refractive change (ARC) were reviewed. RESULTS: In the control and OAG patients, the anterior chamber depth was negatively correlated with the ARC (r = -0.344, p = 0.043 and r = -0.431, p = 0.006, respectively), whereas there was no correlation in the ACG patients. Lens thickness was positively correlated with the RC, but not with the ARC, in the control and OAG groups (r = 0.391, p = 0.020 and r = 0.501, p = 0.001, respectively). In contrast, lens thickness in the ACG group was not correlated with the RC but was positively correlated with the ARC (r = 0.331, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast with the anterior chamber depth, preoperatively measured lens thickness may be a useful predictor of the direction of the RC after cataract surgery in control and OAG patients. However, in ACG patients, a thicker lens was correlated with a larger RC, regardless of the direction of the shift (hyperopic or myopic).

Pseudoexfoliación y catarata / Pseudoexfoliation and cataract

El síndrome de pseudoexfoliación es un desorden sistémico de la matriz extracelular relacionado con la edad, que no solo causa glaucoma crónico de ángulo abierto y catarata, sino que también se relaciona con complicaciones intraoculares espontáneas y quirúrgicas. Las investigaciones recientes han permitido entender sus efectos en tejidos oculares al mejorar los criterios diagnósticos, aplicar nuevos tratamientos y desarrollar nuevas estrategias preventivas para disminuir las complicaciones quirúrgicas. Los nuevos conceptos de patología genética describen al síndrome de pseudoexfoliación como una microfibrilopatía que involucra al factor de crecimiento B-1, el estrés oxidativo y el daño a los mecanismos de protección celular. Se hace una valoración clínica y quirúrgica del glaucoma y la catarata en presencia de pseudoexfoliación.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is an age-related generalized fibrotic matrix disorder, which may not only cause chronic open angle glaucoma and cataract, but also a range of other serious spontaneous and surgical intraocular complications. Recent research studies have led to better understanding of effects of the pseudo exfoliation process on ocular tissues by refining diagnostic criteria, applying new therapeutic regimes, and by developing new preventive strategies to reduce surgical complications. The new pathogenetic concepts describe pseudoexfoliation syndrome as microfibrillopathy involving transforming growth factor-B1, oxidative stress, and impaired cellular protection mechanisms. A clinical and surgical evaluation of glaucoma and cataract in patients with pseudoexfoliation was presented in this article.

Progressão atípica de perda visual em paciente com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto / Atypical progression of visual loss in a patient with primary open-angle glaucoma

A dolicoectasia da artéria carótida interna (ACI) é uma condição rara que pode ser acompanhada de manifestações neuro-oftalmológicas, como perda da acuidade e alteração do campo visual decorrente da compressão do nervo óptico (NO). O objetivo é relatar um caso de paciente do sexo masculino, 67 anos, portador de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) com evolução atípica, assimetria de escavação, palidez da rima do NO à esquerda, devido à neuropatia óptica compressiva à esquerda, por segmento dolicoectásico da ACI. O diagnóstico foi baseado na história clínica, aspecto do NO e exames de neuroimagem.

Dolichoectasia of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare condition that may be associated with neuro-ophthalmic manifestations, such as loss of visual acuity and visual field resulting from compression of the optic nerve (ON). The aim is to report a 67-year-old male patient with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with atypical evolution, asymmetry of cupping and increased pallor of the rim of the left ON, due to compressive optic neuropathy by the dolichoectatic segment. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, appearance of the ON and neuroimaging.

Risk factors for blindness in patients with open-angle glaucoma followed-up for at least 15 years / Fatores de risco para cegueira em pacientes com glaucoma de ângulo aberto acompanhados por pelo menos 15 anos

PURPOSE: To determine the proportion of blindness and investigate the relationships between risk factors based on clinical characteristics and development of blindness in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated for at least 15 years. METHODS: A retrospective observational chart review was performed with 403 patients referred to a tertiary level hospital, each with a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma, treated for at least 15 years. Blindness attributable to glaucoma was defined based on visual acuity and/or visual field tests. Variables considered to be possible risk factors for blindness were evaluated using odds ratio (OR), confidence interval (95% CI), and univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients became blind [13/53 (24.5%) - unilaterally and 18/53 (34%) - bilaterally] during the follow-up period of treatment (19.5 ± 4.6 years, range 15-31 years). Multivariate statistics with regression analysis revealed that persistency on initial therapy ≤6 months was significantly associated with blindness, both unilateral (OR: 8.4; 95% CI: 1.3-56.4) and bilateral (OR: 7.2; 95% CI: 1.3-39.6). Other potential factors such as race, age, gender or number of medications were not associated with blindness. CONCLUSION: Blindness from primary open-angle glaucoma was not uncommon in this population of treated patients after the long follow-up period proposed. Persistence rates with the first therapy, as measured by a medical decision to change, were low. Persistence ≤6 months was statistically associated with the development of unilateral and bilateral blindness from glaucoma.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a frequência de cegueira e investigar a relação entre os fatores de risco, com base nas características clínicas e no desenvolvimento da cegueira, em pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) tratados por mais de 15 anos. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se a revisão dos prontuários (estudo retrospectivo, observacional) de 403 pacientes referidos a um hospital de nível terciário, todos com diagnóstico de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto feito em 1974 ou posteriormente, e tratados por no mínimo 15 anos. Cegueira atribuível ao glaucoma foi definida com base na acuidade visual e/ou exames de campo visual. Variáveis consideradas possíveis fatores de risco para cegueira (uni ou bilateral) foram avaliados usando odds ratio (OR), intervalo de confiança (IC95%) e análises uni e multivariadas. RESULTADOS: Trinta e um pacientes ficaram cegos [13/53 (24,5%) - um olho cego e 18/53 (34%) - cegueira bilateral] durante o período de seguimento (19,5 ± 4,6 anos, variando de 15 a 31 anos). Estatística multivariada com análise de regressão mostrou que persistência com a terapia inicial ≤6 meses está significantemente associada com cegueira, unilateral (OR: 8,4; 95% IC: 1,3-56,4) e bilateral (OR: 7,2; 95% IC: 1,3-39,6). Outros potenciais fatores como raça, idade, gênero ou número de medicações não estiveram associados com cegueira. CONCLUSÃO: Cegueira por glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto não foi incomum na população de pacientes tratados e seguidos por um longo período. As taxas de persistência com a terapia inicial, medidas pela decisão médica de mudar o tratamento, foram baixas. Persistência ≤6 meses foi estatisticamente associada com o desenvolvimento de cegueira uni ou bilateral por glaucoma.

Cases of Pseudophakic Pseudoexfoliation in Glaucoma Patients

We present cases of primary open angle glaucoma patients without previous history of pseudoexfoliation who developed pseudoexfoliative materials on the anterior surface of the intraocular lens after cataract surgery. Among 5 unilateral pseudophakic pseudoexfoliation cases, 3 showed a more advanced state of glaucoma in the affected eye. The other 2 cases showed progression of glaucoma in the affected eye after the development of pseudophakic pseudoexfoliation, while the unaffected eyes remained stable. In the latter 2 cases, control of intraocular pressure was difficult, and more glaucoma medication was needed in the affected eye. Pseudophakic pseudoexfoliation in glaucoma patients with no history of pseudoexfoliation syndrome or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma has not been reported. In our cases, the eyes which developed pseudophakic pseudoexfoliation showed a more advanced state of glaucoma, more difficulty controlling intraocular pressure, and faster progression of glaucoma. More observation is needed, but we cautiously postulate that pseudophakic pseudoexfoliation may have a role as a clinical risk factor in the prediction of glaucoma progression.

Optic Disc Atrophy in Patient with Posner-Schlossman Syndrome

A 32-year-old man with blurred vision in the right eye and headache presented with anterior uveitis, an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 60 mmHg, an open angle, no visual field defects, and normal optic nerve. He had a history of five previous similar attacks. In each of the previous instances, his anterior uveitis and high IOP were controlled with antiglaucoma medications and topical steroids. However, at the fifth attack, his optic disc was pale and a superior paracentral visual field defect was shown. Brain magnetic resonance image studies were normal. This case represents that a recurrent Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS)-induced optic disc atrophy likely due to ocular ischemia caused by a recurrent, high IOP. Although PSS is a self-limiting syndrome, we should manage high IOP and prevent ischemia of the optic nerve head by treating with ocular antihypertensive medications.

Double anterior chamber in a patient with glaucoma and microspherophakia.

We report the case of a 16-year-old woman with microspherophakia and secondary open angle glaucoma. The patient presented with a membrane dividing the anterior chamber into two segments without edema or Descemet's membrane detachment. Slit lamp biomicroscopy, Pentacam, and specular microscopy images were obtained. Double anterior chamber is primarily found in patients with anterior chamber anomalies when there is no history of surgery or trauma.

Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas in Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma (ACG). METHODS: This retrospective study compared the refractive outcomes of 63 eyes with primary ACG with the results of 93 eyes with normal open angles undergoing uneventful cataract surgery. Anterior segment biometry including anterior chamber depth, axial length, and anterior chamber depth to axial length ratio were compared by the IOL Master. Third generation formulas (Hoffer Q and SRK/T) and a fourth generation formula (Haigis) were used to predict IOL powers in both groups. The predictive accuracy of the formulas was analyzed by comparison of the mean error and the mean absolute error (MAE). RESULTS: In ACG patients, anterior chamber depth and the anterior chamber depth to axial length ratio were smaller than normal controls (all p < 0.05). The MAEs from the ACG group were larger than that from the control group in the Haigis formula. The mean absolute error from the Haigis formula was the largest and the mean absolute error from the Hoffer Q formula was the smallest. CONCLUSIONS: IOL power prediction may be inaccurate in ACG patients. The Haigis formula produced more inaccurate results in ACG patients, and it is more appropriate to use the Hoffer Q formula to predict IOL powers in eyes with primary ACG.

Plateau iris configuration in eyes with narrow-angle: an ultrasound biomicroscopic study / Configuração da íris em platô em olhos com seio camerular estreito: um estudo ultrabiomicroscópico

PURPOSE: To investigate, through ultrasound biomicroscopy images, the presence of plateau iris configuration in eyes with narrow-angle from patients with open-angle glaucoma and in eyes with previous acute primary angle-closure and compare the biometric features of eyes with plateau iris configuration with those of normal eyes. METHODS: Ultrasound biomicroscopic images from 196 patients with open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle and 32 patients with acute primary angle-closure were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion and specific criteria for the diagnosis of plateau iris configuration was the presence of an anterior positioning of the ciliary processes, supporting the peripheral iris so that it was parallel to the trabecular meshwork; the iris root had a steep rise from its insertion point, followed by a downward angulation from the corneoscleral wall; presence of a central flat iris plane; an absent (complete plateau iris configuration) or partially absent (incomplete plateau iris configuration) ciliary sulcus. The ultrasound biomicroscopic parameters were compared between complete and incomplete plateau iris configuration. The same parameters of both groups were compared with those of normal eyes. The following measurements were performed: anterior chamber depth; angle opening distance at 500 µm from the scleral spur; peripheral iris thickness at 500 µm from the scleral spur; iris-ciliary process distance; trabecular-ciliary process distance and angle recess area. RESULTS: Plateau iris configuration was found in 33 eyes of 20 (10.2 percent) out of 196 patients with open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle and in 4 eyes of 2 (6.3 percent) out of 32 patients with acute primary angleclosure. Seventeen (77.3 percent) patients with plateau iris configuration were female and 5 (22.7 percent) male. Twenty-three (62.2 percent) out of 37 eyes had complete plateau iris configuration, and 14 (37.8 percent) had incomplete plateau iris configuration. ...

OBJETIVO: Investigar, através de imagens de biomicroscopia ultrassônica, a presença de configuração da íris em platô em olhos com seio camerular estreito em portadores de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e em olhos com fechamento angular primário agudo. Avaliar as características biométricas nestes olhos, comparando-os a olhos normais. MÉTODOS: As imagens de biomicroscopia ultrassônica foram analisadas retrospectivamente, sendo que 196 pacientes eram portadores de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e 32 pacientes eram portadores de fechamento angular primário agudo. O critério de inclusão para configuração da íris em platô baseado em imagens de biomicroscopia ultrassônica foi definido pela presença de corpo ciliar posicionado anteriormente, íris acentuadamente angulada em seu ponto de inserção seguida de uma angulação descendente a partir da parede corneoescleral, íris central plana e sulco ciliar ausente (configuração da íris em platô completa) ou parcialmente ausente (configuração da íris em platô incompleta). Os parâmetros biométricos medidos pela biomicroscopia ultrassônica foram comparados entre os olhos com configuração da íris em platô completa e incompleta. Os mesmos parâmetros de ambos os grupos foram comparados com os de olhos normais. Foram medidos: profundidade central da câmara anterior; a distância da abertura do ângulo a 500 µm do esporão escleral; a espessura da íris a 500 µm do esporão escleral; a distância íris-processo ciliar, a distância faixa trabecular-processo ciliar e a área de recesso angular. RESULTADOS: A configuração da íris em platô foi encontrada em 33 olhos de 20 pacientes portadores de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (10,2 por cento de um total de 196) e 4 olhos de 2 pacientes portadores de fechamento angular primário agudo (6,3 por cento de um total de 32). Dezessete (77,3 por cento) eram do sexo feminino e 5 (22,7 por cento) do sexo masculino. Dos 37 olhos, 23 (62,2 por cento) apresentaram configuração ...

Causes of visual loss and their risk factors: an incidence summary from the Barbados Eye Studies / Causas de la pérdida visual y sus factores de riesgo: resumen de la incidencia a partir de los Estudios de Oftalmología de Barbados

Objectives: To summarize incidence and risk factors for each main cause of visual loss in an African-Caribbean population and discuss the implications of these data from a public health perspective. Methods: A nationally representative cohort (n = 4 709; ages 40-84 years at baseline) had ophthalmic and other examinations over 9 years. Incidence rates were estimated by the product-limit approach. Risk factors were evaluated from Cox regression models. Results: Average incidence was ~ 0.1 percent per year for blindness (< 6/120) and 0.7 percent per year for low vision (< 6/18 to 6/120), increasing steeply with age (P < 0.05) and affecting related quality of life (P < 0.05). Age-related cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) accounted for 73.2 percent of blindness and diabetic retinopathy (DR) for 8.9 percent; cataract caused two-thirds of low vision. Average incidence was 5.1 percent per year for all lens changes (gradable/ungradable opacities or aphakia) and 0.4 percent per year for cataract surgery. Incidence of definite OAG was 0.5 percent per year (0.9 percent for suspect or probable); 53 percent of the affected were unaware. Persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) had a DR incidence of 4.4 percent per year. Age-related macular degeneration was rare (0.08 percent per year). Main cataract risk factors were age and DM. OAG incidence increased with age, intraocular pressure, family history, low ocular perfusion pressures, and thinner corneas. DR risk increased with early DM onset, DM duration, oral/insulin treatment, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and hyperglycemia. Antihypertensive treatment halved DR risk. Conclusions: Incidence of visual impairment was high and significantly affected quality of life. Age-related cataract and OAG caused ~ 75 percent of blindness, indicating the need for public health action to increase appropriate cataract surgery and early OAG detection and treatment. Controlling DM and hypertension would help prevent...

Objetivo: Presentar un resumen de la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de cada causa principal de pérdida de la visión en una población afrocaribeña y examinar las implicaciones de estos datos desde una perspectiva de salud pública. Métodos: En una cohorte representativa al nivel nacional (n = 4 709; edades de 40 a 84 años al inicio) se hicieron exploraciones oftálmicas y de otros tipos durante nueve años. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia mediante el método del producto-límite. Los factores de riesgo se evaluaron mediante modelos de regresión de Cox. Resultados: La incidencia promedio fue ~ 0,1 por ciento al año para la ceguera (< 6/120) y de 0,7 por ciento al año para la visión deficiente (< 6/18 a 6/120), que aumentó de manera pronunciada con la edad (P < 0,05) y afectó a la calidad de vida relacionada (P < 0,05). Las cataratas y el glaucoma de ángulo abierto relacionados con la edad representaron 73,2 por ciento de los casos de ceguera, y 8,9 por ciento de los casos de retinopatía diabética; las cataratas causaron dos tercios de los casos de visión deficiente. La incidencia media fue de 5,1 por ciento al año en todos los cambios del cristalino (opacidades graduables o no graduables o afaquia), y de 0,4 por ciento al año en la cirugía de cataratas. La incidencia del glaucoma de ángulo abierto definitivo fue de 0,5 por ciento al año (0,9 por ciento en el caso de la sospecha o la probabilidad); 53 por ciento de los pacientes afectados no era conciente. Las personas que padecían diabetes tenían una incidencia de retinopatía diabética de 4,4 por ciento al año. La degeneración macular relacionada con la edad fue muy infrecuente (0,08 por ciento al año). Los principales factores de riesgo de las cataratas fueron la edad y la diabetes. La incidencia de glaucoma de ángulo abierto aumentó con la edad, la presión intraocular, los antecedentes familiares, las presiones bajas de perfusión ocular y el grosor más fino de la córnea. El riesgo de retinopatía...

Disc Hemorrhages in Patients with both Normal Tension Glaucoma and Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in Different Eyes

PURPOSE: To document the clinical features of disc hemorrhage in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and to evaluate the relationship between BRVO and NTG with disc hemorrhages. METHODS: From July 2001 to May 2006, sixteen patients with both NTG and BRVO in different eyes were successively collected from outpatient population of Seoul National University Hospital in this observational case series. The frequency and location of disc hemorrhages, history of associated systemic diseases, and the order of the time of diagnosis between NTG and BRVO were studied. RESULTS: All patients had unilateral BRVO, and their mean age was 63.3+/-10.6 years. Disc hemorrhages were detected in eight patients (50%) during the mean follow-up of 26.8 months (range, 3-96 months). Six patients (75%) had disc hemorrhages in the non-BRVO eyes and two patients (25%) in BRVO eyes. Five hemorrhages (62.5%) were located at inferior-temporal quadrant of the optic disc. History of systemic hypertension was identified in 12 patients (75.0%). In 11 patients (68.8%), NTG was diagnosed at the same time as BRVO. CONCLUSIONS: A higher frequency of disc hemorrhages was identified in patients with both BRVO and NTG. Therefore, some cases of NTG, especially with disc hemorrhages, may share a common vascular pathophysiology with BRVO.

Relação entre a espessura corneana e a gravidade de defeito de campo visual no glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto / Relationship between corneal thickness and severity of visual field loss in primary open-angle glaucoma

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a espessura central da córnea pode influenciar na gravidade de defeitos de campo visual no glaucoma em pacientes com pressão intra-ocular controlada ambulatorialmente. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 85 olhos de 85 pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto em tratamento e com níveis pressóricos inferiores a 19 mmHg. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com os critérios de gravidade de defeito de campo visual de Anderson. Os grupos eram compostos de 30 olhos com defeito leve de campo visual, 28 olhos com defeito moderado e 27 olhos com defeito grave. Foram avaliadas e comparadas a pressão intra-ocular e a espessura central da córnea entre os três grupos. RESULTADOS: A espessura central da córnea foi significativamente menor no grupo grave (média de 513 ± 26 µm) comparado aos grupos leve (média de 535 ± 35 µm) e moderado (média de 533 ± 30 µm) (p = 0,0182). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as pressões intra-oculares dos três grupos (p = 0,0851). O grupo grave apresentou média de idade e número de medicações estatisticamente maior quando comparado aos outros grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Os nossos resultados sugerem relação entre a espessura corneana e a gravidade do glaucoma e que a medida da espessura central da córnea deve ser levada em consideração na estimativa da pressão-alvo no tratamento do glaucoma. Os pacientes com defeito grave de campo visual apresentaram córneas mais finas que os pacientes com defeito leve ou moderado.

Recurrence of bilateral herpes simplex virus keratitis following bimatoprost use.

A 76-year-old man presented with features of bilateral herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis. It was found to be recurrence of bilateral HSV keratitis following the use of Bimatoprost eye drops for uncontrolled intraocular pressure in a case of bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma.

Localização e freqüência das alterações de campo visual no glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto na estratégia SITA (Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm) / Location and frequency of visual field defects as measured by SITA (Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm) strategy in primary open angle glaucoma

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os defeitos de campo visual nos exames realizados com o perímetro Humphrey®, estratégia SITA - Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm - segundo sua freqüência e localização em pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA). MÉTODOS: Realizamos análise retrospectiva de 6.200 prontuários. Avaliamos o exame de campo visual dos pacientes que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão e os dividimos em glaucoma leve, moderado e grave de acordo com a classificação de Hodapp. Definimos os seguintes defeitos glaucomatosos: degrau nasal, escotoma paracentral, escotoma arqueado, escotoma Seidel, defeito temporal em cunha, diminuição generalizada de sensibilidade, escotoma anular e campo tubular. Utilizamos diagrama que correlaciona os pontos do campo visual com as regiões do disco óptico e avaliamos as regiões mais acometidas de acordo com a densidade de pontos comprometidos. A análise estatística foi realizada aplicando-se o teste t de Student. RESULTADOS: Selecionamos 152 pacientes com idade média de 66,5±9,6 por cento, sendo 59,9 por cento do sexo feminino. No glaucoma leve o defeito campimétrico mais freqüente foi o degrau nasal superior, seguido respectivamente pelo escotoma paracentral e degrau nasal inferior. A diminuição generalizada de sensibilidade, apesar de rara, ocorreu em 7,8 por cento desses pacientes. A região superior foi mais acometida que a inferior. CONCLUSÃO: O degrau nasal superior e o escotoma paracentral foram os defeitos mais freqüentemente observados no glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto em fase inicial pela estratégia SITA, e o hemicampo superior foi a região mais acometida. A diminuição generalizada de sensibilidade foi defeito glaucomatoso precoce.

Pulsatile ocular blood flow among normal subjects and patients with high tension glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To estimate pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) among normal subjects and to compare various parameters in eyes of primary open angle glaucoma with high intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: POBF was estimated in 95 eyes of 95 normal subjects above the age of 40 years and in 35 eyes of 35 primary open angle glaucoma patients using the OBF system (OBF Labs Ltd., UK). Correlation of age, gender, IOP, pulse amplitude, pulse volume and pulse rate with POBF was studied. POBF values were measured in glaucomatous patients before IOP control and one month later after control of IOP to < 22 mmHg. RESULTS: The mean POBF among normal subjects was 1382.2 +/- 413 ml/min (range 636-2291 m/min). Females had a significantly higher mean POBF (1512 +/- 347 ml/min) than males (1193 +/- 312 ml/min). The mean IOP among normal subjects was 12.6 mmHg and in glaucoma patients, 29.1 mmHg. Mean POBF in glaucomatous eyes with initially elevated IOP was 718.9 +/- 322.6 ml/min, which improved after IOP control to 1129 +/- 291 ml/min. IOP had a strong (P < .01) negative correlation with POBF (r = -0.667) CONCLUSIONS: POBF among eyes of normal subjects in this study is higher than reported among Caucasian eyes. Primary open angle glaucoma eyes with high IOP have significantly reduced ocular blood flow. Therapy aimed at lowering IOP has a positive effect onocular haemodynamics.

A study of changes in the status of autonomic nervous system in primary open angle glaucoma cases.

Control of Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) is influenced by both divisions (sympathetic and para-sympathetic) of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The present study was conducted to confirm existence of any association of ANS with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), if present. Systemic autonomic function tests were assessed in fifty patients of POAG with fifty normal subjects matched for sex and age as control using several well established tests based on cardiovascular reflex responses to standardised stimuli viz. Resting heart rate (RHR), Corrected QT Interval (QTc), T-wave amplitude, Standing to Lying Ratio (SLR); Valsalva Ratio; Galvanic Skin Resistance (GSR) and Cold Pressor Test (CPR). Tests were conducted in the Department of Physiology, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Glaucoma Clinic of Guru Nanak Eye Centre from june '94-May '95. Subjects were randomly chosen from known POAG cases with IOP--25 +/- 5.08 mm Hg. The results showed decrease in both sympathetic and para-sympathetic activity of autonomic function tests in POAG suggesting associated autonomic dysfunction. Sympathetic under-activity is seen in 36 patients out of 50 (73%), POAG subjects while para-sympathetic activity is decreased in 43 of 50 (86%) of the POAG subjects when compared with normal control group. The results help concluding that POAG is associated with autonomic dysfunction with decreased activity of both sympathetic and para-sympathetic divisions of ANS.