Neuroretinal Biomarkers for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

Purpose: We evaluated the patient-control differences and predictive value of the retina as potential biomarkers for schizophrenia. Methods: The institutional study included both eyes of 58 schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) patients (age 37.2 ± 12.3 years) and 35 controls (age 41.1 ± 15.2 years). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, outer retinal photoreceptor complex, and total macula thicknesses were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Anterior segment parameters including central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and axial length were measured to rule out confounds on the retinal measures. Results: The peripapillary RNFL was overall significantly thinner in SSD relative to controls (F = 3.97, P = 0.049), most pronounced in the temporal (5.2 µm difference, F = 6.95, P = 0.010) and inferior quadrants (12.1 µm difference, F = 7.32, P = 0.009). There were no significant group differences in thickness for the macular RNFL, ganglion, or photoreceptor cell related measures (P > 0.05). Peripapillary RNFL, central macula, and outer photoreceptor complex thicknesses were together able to classify SSD patients with 80% sensitivity and 71% specificity; area under the curve = 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.88). Conclusions: SSD patients exhibited significant RNFL thinning relative to controls. Notably, retinal thickness measures including both peripapillary and macular data exhibited improved diagnostic accuracy for SSD as compared to these regions alone. Translational Relevance: This is the first study to evaluate the predictive value of both the inner and outer retina in SSD. OCT retinal thickness measures including peripapillary data in conjunction with macular data may provide an informative, noninvasive in vivo ocular biomarker for schizophrenia.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic allergic conjunctivitis that is most often seen in young, males. Although most types of allergic conjunctivitis do not affect vision, VKC is unusual in that damage to the cornea from the condition can result in vision loss. Although it is typically seasonal, year-round symptoms can be seen, which can lead to uncertain diagnoses being made. Although the pathophysiology of VKC is better understood in recent years, allowing more targeted therapies, management of these patients can still be very challenging, and complications can occur. As such, aggressive management of VKC is necessary, especially since vision loss in the amblyogenic age range can be permanent.

Open Globe Injuries Presenting With Normal or High Intraocular Pressure.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency, clinical characteristics, and visual outcomes of patients who present with high or normal intraocular pressure (IOP) and open globe injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University of Maryland Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center. PATIENT OR STUDY POPULATION: All cases of open globe injury presenting to The University of Maryland Medical Center from July 2005 to January 2014. OBSERVATION: Demographics, initial physical examination, computed tomography findings, IOP of the affected and unaffected eyes, and follow-up evaluations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) IOP 10 mm Hg or greater and (2) visual acuity. RESULTS: Of 132 eyes presenting with open globe injury, IOP was recorded in 38 (28%). Mean IOP for the affected and unaffected eyes was 14±10.3 mm Hg and 16.6±4.1 mm Hg, respectively. Twenty-three (59.4%) eyes had IOP greater than 10 mm Hg. Six eyes (16.2%) had IOP greater than 21 mm Hg. Using bivariate analysis, IOP greater than 10 mm Hg was associated with posterior open globe injury (P=0.01), posterior hemorrhage (P=0.04), and intraconal retrobulbar hemorrhage (P=0.05). Adjusting for age, sex, and race, IOP greater than 10 mm Hg was associated with the presence of posterior open globe injury on clinical examination (P=0.04). Higher presenting IOP was found to predict light perception or worse vision (P=0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that poor presenting vision was the best predictor of poor final vision (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High IOP does not exclude open globe injury. It is a frequent finding in patients with open globe injuries and may be associated with posterior injury and poor visual prognosis.