Nailfold capillary morphology in exfoliation syndrome.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate nailfold microvascular morphology in exfoliation syndrome with or without glaucoma (XFS/XFG) compared with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and control subjects using nailfold capillary videomicroscopy.Patients and methodsWe used a JH-1004 capillaroscope to perform nailfold capillary videomicroscopy on the fourth and fifth digit of the non-dominant hand. We enrolled 56 XFS/XFG patients, 87 POAG patients, and 75 control subjects. Masked observers graded the videos for hemorrhages, avascular zones ≥200 microns (µm), and degree of microvascular tortuosity on a four-point subjective scale. Multivariable odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and P-for trends for assessing the relation between morphological changes and POAG or XFS/XFG were obtained from logistic regression analyses. We also assessed this relation with XFS/XFG compared with POAG in multivariable models.ResultsAfter adjusting for multiple covariates, nailfold hemorrhages, avascular zones ≥200 µm, and higher degree of vascular tortuosity were more common in XFS/XFG vs controls (P-for trend ≤0.0001) and in POAG vs controls (P-for trend ≤0.01). For each 100 capillaries, the number of hemorrhages was similar (P-for trend=0.91) between XFS/XFG and POAG patients; however, there were more avascular zones per 100 capillaries with borderline significance (P-for trend=0.04) in the XFS/XFG group. XFS/XFG patients had more tortuosity than POAG patients; specifically, having a tortuosity score ≥1.5 was associated with a 4.4-fold increased odds of XFS/XFG (95% confidence interval: 1.5-13.3) relative to a tortuosity score <1.0 (P-for trend=0.005).ConclusionA high degree of nailfold capillary tortuosity is a distinct non-ocular feature associated with XFS/XFG compared with either POAG or controls.

A New Provocative Test for Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of the water-drinking test (WDT) with the 30° inverted body position test on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal patients, suspected glaucoma patients and glaucoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on clinical evaluation of the optic disk, IOP, and standard achromatic perimetry (SAP) of 71 eyes, 18 were "normal" (normal SAP and optic disk evaluation, and IOP < 21 mm Hg), 30 were "glaucoma suspect" (GS; normal SAP, cup/disk (C/D) ratio > 0.5 or asymmetry > 0.2 and/or ocular hypertension), and 31 had "early glaucoma" (MD < -6 dB, glaucomatous optic neuropathy). Standard achromatic perimetry was performed with the Octopus 3.1.1 Dynamic 24-2 program. Patients fasted before the WDT, and four measurements were performed at basal, 15', 30, and 45' after drinking 1 liter of water (WDT) in 5 minutes. In the 30° inverted position, IOP measurement with Perkins applanation tonometer was taken after 5 minutes lying down. RESULTS: There was a statistical difference in all groups between the basal IOP and peak IOP during the WDT (p < 0.001) and in the inverted position IOP (p < 0.001). Controls (p = 0.50), suspects (p = 0.41) and glaucoma patients (p = 1.0) did not exhibit a difference between WDT-IOP and inverted position IOP. CONCLUSION: The 30° inverted position test was as efficient as WDT in detecting peak IOP. This new provocative test is easier, faster and more comfortable for both patients and doctors. How to cite this article: Kanadani FN, Moreira TCA, Campos LF, Vianello MP, Corradi J, Dorairaj SK, Freitas ALA, Ritch R. A New Provocative Test for Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2016;10(1): 1-3.

Artificial vision.

A number treatment options are emerging for patients with retinal degenerative disease, including gene therapy, trophic factor therapy, visual cycle inhibitors (e.g., for patients with Stargardt disease and allied conditions), and cell transplantation. A radically different approach, which will augment but not replace these options, is termed neural prosthetics ("artificial vision"). Although rewiring of inner retinal circuits and inner retinal neuronal degeneration occur in association with photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), it is possible to create visually useful percepts by stimulating retinal ganglion cells electrically. This fact has lead to the development of techniques to induce photosensitivity in cells that are not light sensitive normally as well as to the development of the bionic retina. Advances in artificial vision continue at a robust pace. These advances are based on the use of molecular engineering and nanotechnology to render cells light-sensitive, to target ion channels to the appropriate cell type (e.g., bipolar cell) and/or cell region (e.g., dendritic tree vs. soma), and on sophisticated image processing algorithms that take advantage of our knowledge of signal processing in the retina. Combined with advances in gene therapy, pathway-based therapy, and cell-based therapy, "artificial vision" technologies create a powerful armamentarium with which ophthalmologists will be able to treat blindness in patients who have a variety of degenerative retinal diseases.

Baseline mean deviation and rates of visual field change in treated glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationships between baseline visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD) and subsequent progression in treated glaucoma. METHODS: Records of patients seen in a glaucoma practice between 1999 and 2009 were reviewed. Patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, baseline VF damage, and ≥8 SITA-standard 24-2 VF were included. Patients were divided into tertiles based upon baseline MD. Automated pointwise linear regression determined global and localized rates (decibels (dB) per year) of change. Progression was defined when two or more adjacent test locations in the same hemifield showed a sensitivity decline at a rate of >1.0 dB per year, P<0.01. RESULTS: For mild, moderate, and severe groups, progression was noted in 29.5, 31.2, and 26.0% of eyes (P=0.50) and global rates of VF change of progressing eyes were -1.3±1.2, -1.01±0.7, and -0.9±0.5 dB/year (P=0.09, analysis of variance). Within these groups, intraocular pressure (IOP) in stable vs progressing eyes were 15.5±3.3 vs 17.0±3.1 (P<0.01), 15.4±3.3 vs 15.9±2.5 (P=0.28), and 14.0±2.8 vs 14.8±2.3 mm Hg (P=0.07). More glaucoma filtering surgeries were performed in eyes with worse MD. There was no significant difference between groups regarding their risk of progression in both univariate (P=0.50) and multivariate (P=0.26) analyses adjusting for differences in follow-up IOP. CONCLUSIONS: After correcting for differences in IOP in treated glaucoma patients, we did not find a relationship between the rate of VF change (dB per year) and the severity of the baseline VF MD. This finding may have been due to more aggressive IOP lowering in eyes with more severe disease. Eyes with lower IOP progressed less frequently across the spectrum of VF loss.

Factors associated with topographic changes of the optic nerve head induced by acute intraocular pressure reduction in glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate factors associated with changes in optic nerve head (ONH) topography after acute intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Untreated POAG patients (IOP >21 mm Hg) were prospectively enrolled. Systemic and ocular information were collected, including central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal hysteresis (CH). All patients underwent confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and tonometry (Goldmann) before and 1 h after pharmacological IOP reduction. The mean of three measurements was considered for analysis. Changes in each ONH topographic parameter were assessed (one eye was randomly selected), and those that changed significantly were correlated with patient's systemic and ocular characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included (mean age, 66.7 ± 11.8 years). After a mean IOP reduction of 47.3 ± 11.9%, significant changes were observed in cup area and volume, and in rim area and volume (P < 0.01), but not in mean cup depth (P = 0.80). Multiple regression analysis (controlling for baseline IOP and magnitude of IOP reduction) showed that CH (r(2) = 0.17, P < 0.01) and diabetes diagnosis (r(2) ≥ 0.21, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with the magnitude of changes in ONH parameters, whereas the cup-to-disc ratio was positively correlated (r(2) = 0.30, P < 0.01). Age, race, disc area, and CCT were not significant (P ≥ 0.12). Including all significant factors in a multivariable model, only the presence of diabetes remained significantly associated with all ONH parameters evaluated (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Different systemic and ocular factors, such as diabetes, CH, and the relative size of the cup, seem to be associated with the magnitude of changes in ONH topography after acute IOP reduction in POAG patients. These associations partially explain the ONH changes observed in these patients and suggest that other factors are possibly implicated in an individual susceptibility to IOP.

Comparisons of anterior segment biometry between Chinese and Caucasians using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To compare anterior segment parameters between eyes of Chinese and Caucasians using anterior segment optical coherence tomography and to evaluate the association between these parameters and anterior chamber angle width between the two ethnic groups. METHODS: 60 Chinese and 60 Caucasians, 30 with open angles and 30 with narrow angles (defined as Shaffer grade < or =2 in > or =3 quadrants during dark room gonioscopy) in each group, were consecutively enrolled. One eye of each subject was randomly selected for imaging in a completely darkened room. Measurements, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), scleral spur-to-scleral spur distance (anterior chamber width (ACW)), anterior chamber angle width, iris convexity and iris thickness, were compared between the groups. The associations between angle opening distance and biometric measurements were evaluated with univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: There were no differences in age, axial length, anterior chamber angle measurements, pupil diameter and iris convexity between Chinese and Caucasians in both open-angle and narrow-angle groups. However, the ACD and ACW were smaller and the iris was thicker in Chinese. In the multivariate analysis, the ACD was the most influential biometric parameter for angle opening distance in both Chinese and Caucasians. After adjusting the effects of axial length, age and sex, ACD and ACW were significantly smaller in Chinese. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese eyes had smaller ACD, smaller ACW and greater iris thickness than Caucasians. ACD was the most influential parameter in determining the angle width in both ethnic groups.

A comparison between microperimetry and standard achromatic perimetry of the central visual field in eyes with glaucomatous paracentral visual-field defects.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim was to correlate retinal sensitivity as determined by scanning laser ophthalmoscope microperimetry (SLO-MP) in glaucomatous eyes with paracentral visual field (VF) defects detected by standard automated perimetry (SAP). METHODS: Twenty eyes with glaucomatous optic neuropathy and an SAP VF defect involving the central 16 test points (at least one point with p<1% in the 24-2 VF) were enrolled. Eyes with diseases other than glaucoma were excluded. All patients underwent SLO-MP and SAP of the central 10 degrees . Results from each eye were divided into four quadrants for analysis. Normal and abnormal quadrants by SAP were compared with the corresponding normal and abnormal quadrants by SLO-MP. Regression analysis was used to correlate the mean threshold values (dB) of SLO-MP and SAP in each quadrant. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed when there was a disagreement between functional tests. RESULTS: The mean age and VF mean deviation were 60.8 (13.4) years and -7.3 (6.1) dB, respectively. There was a significant correlation between SLO-MP and SAP results in all quadrants (r(2)> or =0.68, p<0.001). All abnormal SAP quadrants had a corresponding abnormal SLO-MP quadrant. However, 21% of the normal SAP quadrants had an abnormal corresponding microperimetry result; a corresponding significant reduction in total macular thickness measured by OCT was present in 75% of these quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: Macular sensitivity evaluated by SLO-MP correlates significantly with SAP paracentral VF defects. SLO-MP detected retinal sensitivity reduction in areas of OCT structural damage with normal SAP and suggests that subtle paracentral functional deficits may be present in many more eyes with established glaucoma than generally assumed.

Retinal vascular occlusions occur more frequently in the more affected eye in exfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between retinal vascular occlusions (RVOs) and exfoliation syndrome (XFS) in a cohort of patients with the two conditions. METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients with XFS with or without glaucoma and any type of RVO between 1983 and 2007. Patients with prior incisional surgery or a history of uveitis were excluded. Data collected included demographics, systemic comorbidities, type of RVO, and intraocular pressure (IOP) before the RVO. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy regarding the presence of exfoliation material on the lens capsule and pupillary margin before the vascular event was used to evaluate the laterality and degree of XFS. RESULTS: We identified 36 patients (mean age 78.4+/-8.3 years, 19 women). Most patients were of European descent (34/36) and 20 (56%) had no prior glaucoma diagnosis. The most common retinal vascular events were central retinal vein occlusion (18/36) and BRVO (10/36). Mean IOP between eyes with (19.5+/-6.5 mm Hg) and without (17.9+/-4.8 mm Hg) RVO was similar (P=0.12). RVOs occurred more commonly in the eye with more pronounced XFS in 92% (33/36) of the cases. A similar agreement was found when considering patients with and without glaucoma separately (94% (15/16) vs90% (18/20); P=0.83). In addition, no difference in the agreement percentage was observed when comparing patients with unilateral XFS (87% (13/15)) with all study patients (P=0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal vascular occlusion in patients with XFS occurs most often in the affected or more severely affected eye. As vascular occlusions happened in patients with and without glaucoma in similar proportions, the presence of XFS seems to play an important role in these findings.

Posterior chamber volume does not change significantly during dilation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine whether the volume of the posterior chamber changes during pupillary dilation. METHODS: Eyes with anatomically narrow angles underwent ultrasound biomicroscopy of the posterior chamber and pupillary margin under dark- and light-room conditions to assess changes in posterior chamber anatomy and volume. All examinations were stored as real-time video. A frame-by-frame analysis was performed using a macro written for the ImageJ image-processing software. RESULTS: Thirteen eyes were assessed. The mean patient age was 63.0 (SD 10.0) years, and the mean refractive error was 1.1 (1.9) dioptres. The horizontal mean pupillary diameter was 2.3 (0.6) mm and 3.5 (0.5) mm under light- and dark-room conditions, respectively (p<10(-7), paired t test). The mean posterior chamber volumes were unchanged under light and dark conditions (3.76 (1.09) vs 3.63 (0.78) mm(3), p = 0.22, paired t test). Volumes were greater under light conditions in eight eyes and under dark conditions in five eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of the posterior chamber does not change significantly during dilation.

Retinal nerve fibre thickness measured with optical coherence tomography accurately detects confirmed glaucomatous damage.

AIM: To assess the accuracy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting damage to a hemifield, patients with hemifield defects confirmed on both static automated perimetry (SAP) and multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP) were studied. METHODS: Eyes of 40 patients with concomitant SAP and mfVEP glaucomatous loss and 25 controls underwent OCT retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), mfVEP and 24-2 SAP tests. For the mfVEP and 24-2 SAP, a hemifield was defined as abnormal based upon cluster criteria. On OCT, a hemifield was considered abnormal if one of the five clock hour sectors (3 and 9 o'clock excluded) was at <1% (red) or two were at <5% (yellow). RESULTS: Seventy seven (43%) of the hemifields were abnormal on both mfVEP and SAP tests. The OCT was abnormal for 73 (95%) of these. Only 1 (1%) of the 100 hemifields of the controls was abnormal on OCT. Sensitivity/specificity (one eye per person) was 95/98%. CONCLUSIONS: The OCT RNFL test accurately detects abnormal hemifields confirmed on both subjective and objective functional tests. Identifying abnormal hemifields with a criterion of 1 red (1%) or 2 yellow (5%) clock hours may prove useful in clinical practice.

Urrets-Zavalia syndrome as a complication of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To report on 8 patients who developed prolonged mydriasis after argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: A review of the charts of 8 patients with persistent occludable angles after laser iridotomy who developed mydriasis after undergoing ALPI. RESULTS: 12 eyes of 8 patients (mean age 50.2, standard deviation 6.9, range 40-61 years) developed persistent dilatation. 7 of 8 patients had plateau iris syndrome. Only one patient had a decrease in visual acuity. Intraocular pressure increased only in 1 eye and remained stable or decreased in the others. Of the 8 patients, 7 had blurred vision, 2 had photophobia, 4 had glare and 1 had discomfort. The pupillary response to pilocarpine instillation was minimal or absent. Mydriasis eventually resolved in all eyes without treatment. CONCLUSION: ALPI can be complicated by mydriasis unresponsive to pilocarpine. Mydriasis and accompanying symptoms resolved spontaneously within 1 year in most patients.

Axial length and optic disc size in normal eyes.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between optic disc area and axial length in normal eyes of white and black people. METHODS: Consecutive eligible normal subjects were enrolled. Ocular biometry was obtained using A-scan ultrasonography, and reliable images of the optic disc were obtained using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The relationship between optic disc area and axial length was assessed using univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: 281 eyes of 281 subjects were enrolled. Black subjects (n = 157) had significantly larger discs (mean (SD) disc area, 2.12 (0.5) mm(2)) than white subjects (n = 124; 1.97 (0.6) mm(2); t test, p = 0.02). Optic disc area increased with axial length (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = 0.13, p<0.035) for the entire study population. Multivariate regression models including race, disc area and axial length showed that a significant but weak linear relationship exists between axial length and disc area (partial correlation coefficient 0.14; p<0.024), and with race and disc area (partial correlation coefficient 0.19; p<0.017) when adjusted for the effects of other terms in the model. CONCLUSION: Increased disc area is associated with longer axial length measurements and African ancestry. This may have implications for pathophysiology and risk assessment of glaucoma.