Features and changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in high myopic ocular hypertension: a 1-year prospective follow-up.

PURPOSE: To observe the features and changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in highly myopic ocular hypertension (HM-OHT) patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observation study. METHODS: Individuals who met the inclusion criteria were recruited into three groups: the healthy high myopia (HM), non-highly myopic ocular hypertension (OHT) and HM-OHT group. The spherical equivalent refraction, axial length, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and pRNFL thickness were collected and compared between groups. The OHT and HM-OHT group were followed up for 12 months. The changes in pRNFL thickness across the follow-up times were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 92 subjects. The mean pRNFL thicknesses were 102.5 ± 11.1 µm in the HM (31 people), 101.9 ± 11.7 µm in the OHT (34 people) and 102.2 ± 12.0 µm in the HM-OHT group (27 people). There was no statistical difference in the mean pRNFL thickness among the three groups. The HM-HOT group and HM group had thicker temporal sectoral (p < 0.05) pRNFL thickness and thinner superior sectoral (p = 0.015) pRNFL thickness than the OHT group. During the 12-month follow-up, the mean pRNFL thickness of the HM OHT group decreased, with an annual reduction of -0.93 ± 0.14 µm. There was a significant difference across the three visits (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in the OHT group (p = 0.591). CONCLUSIONS: After ocular magnification correction, the HM-OHT group did not have thinner pRNFL thickness than the other two groups. However, the thickness decreased significantly over time.

Effect of corneal refractive surgery on accommodative and binocular dysfunctions among civilian pilots in Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: To analyze whether corneal refractive surgery (CRS) is associated with the distribution of different accommodative dysfunctions (ADs) and binocular dysfunctions (BDs) in civilian pilots. A further aim was to analyze the percentages and visual symptoms associated with ADs and/or BDs in this population. METHODS: One hundred and eight civilian pilots who underwent CRS from January 2001 to July 2012 (age: 30.33 ± 4.60 years) were enrolled, the mean preoperative SE was - 1.51 ± 1.15 D (range: - 1.00- - 5.00 D). Ninety-nine emmetropic civilian pilots (age: 29.64 ± 3.77 years) who were age- and sex-matched to the CRS group were also enrolled. Refractive status, accommodative and binocular tests of each subject were performed. Visually related symptoms were quantified using the 19-item College of Optometrists in Vision Development Quality of Life (COVD-QOL) questionnaire. The 19 items were summed to obtain visual symptom scores that might indicate visual dysfunctions. The chi-square test was used to analyze differences in percentages of ADs and/or BDs between the CRS and emmetropic groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare visual symptom scores between pilots with ADs and/or BDs and pilots with normal binocular vision. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the CRS and emmetropic groups in the overall prevalence of ADs and BDs (15.7% and 15.2% in the CRS and emmetropic groups, respectively; P = 0.185). ADs were present in 4.63% and 3.03% of the CRS and emmetropic group, respectively. BDs were observed in 11.1% and 12.1% of the CRS and emmetropic group, respectively, yielding no significant differences between the groups in the prevalence of ADs or BDs (AD: P = 0.094; BD: P = 0.105). Pilots with ADs and/or BDs had significantly more visual symptoms than pilots with normal binocular vision (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CRS for civilian pilots with low-moderate myopia might not impact binocular functions. ADs and/or BDs commonly occur in both emmetropia pilots and pilots who undergo CRS, and pilots with ADs and/or BDs are associated with increased symptoms. This study confirms the importance of a full assessment of binocular visual functions in detecting and remedying these dysfunctions in this specific population.

[Design of a mini-infrared moxibustion instrument based on carbon fiber].

A mini-infrared moxibustion instrument was developed on the base of carbon fiber heating film. This new type moxibustion instrument integrated the moxibusiton technique of TCM with modern technology. It is composed of a power module, an infrared generator module, a temperature sensor, a display screen and a main control panel. The carbon fiber is adopted as the material for infrared generator, which produces infrared rays in the range of the life light wave (from 8 to 15 µm), characterized as precise control of temperature, small gradient and wide range of temperature adjustment. The users can adjust the temperature and time of moxibustion by themselves. The instrument is small in size, light in weight, easy to carry and charge as well as comfortable and safe in application. It can be fixed directly at the required region without the posture restriction and be used whenever needed. Using PowerLab multichannel physiological recorder, the temperature carve is detected at different setting temperatures. The results show that the temperature is increased rapidly and stable.