Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy may support early diagnosis of glaucoma.

Purpose: To compare image characteristics of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) between glaucoma patients and healthy controls using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). Methods: This was a cross-sectional pilot study with two groups: a glaucoma group with patients with moderate or severe glaucoma as per the Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson classification system and a control group with healthy individuals. The optic nerve damage in moderate glaucoma was predominantly located in only one hemisphere; the other hemisphere was un- or minimally affected on optical coherence tomography and automated perimetry and is referred to as early glaucoma. The structure of RNFL bundles and gain (%) in RNFL images with mean pixel values between 15 and 35 were analyzed. Imaging was performed one degree away from the optic disc margin at two and four cardinal clock positions in the glaucoma and control groups, respectively. The field of view was 1.3° at 2.3 µ resolution. We studied one eye per participant. Results: There were 11 glaucoma patients and 7 healthy controls. Imaging was successful at 88% of the locations in controls and early glaucoma; the reflectivity differed significantly (0.51 and 0.56, respectively, P < 0.001) but not the structure of RNFL bundles (Cohen's Kappa 0.11) between them. In patients with moderate and severe glaucoma, imaging was successful only at 46% of the locations; RNFL bundles were not discernible, and RNFL reflectivity did not differ from those with early glaucoma (P < 0.11). Conclusion: The recorded gain (%) of RNFL images obtained using AOSLO could be an objective indicator of early glaucoma.

Awareness on Eye Donation in the North-eastern State of Tripura, India - The Tripura Eye Survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the awareness on eye donation and willingness to pledge eyes for donation among the population aged ≥40 years in the northeastern state of Tripura, India. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 2,500 participants. The investigators conducted a detailed interview on awareness of eye donation and willingness to pledge eyes for donation. 'Awareness' was defined as having heard about eye donation. Those who reported awareness of eye donation were asked a question on willingness to pledge their eyes. RESULTS: A total of 2,440/2,500 (97.6%) participants responded to the questionnaire. Among these, 1,216 (49.8%) participants were men, and 859 (35.2%) had no education. The mean age of the participants was 54.7 years (standard deviation:12.1 years). Overall, 61.4% (95% CI:59.5-63.4; n = 1,499) reported awareness of eye donation; of those only 3.8% (95% CI:2.9-4.9; n = 57) were willing to pledge their eyes for donation. On multivariable analyses, the odds of awareness were higher among those who had school education (OR:2.12; 95% CI: 1.73-2.56) or higher education (OR:11.79; 95% CI:7.35-18.93). Deformity associated with eye donation (n = 327;76.9%) followed by religious reasons (n = 63; 14.8%) and a belief that those who donate eye are 'born blind in the next birth' (n = 23; 5.4%) were the main reasons for lack of willingness to pledge their eyes for donation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the awareness regarding eye donation was satisfactory, there was lack of willingness to pledge eyes for donation. There is a need for focussed information, education, and communication campaigns to encourage eye donation in Tripura.