Time-of-Year Variation in Intraocular Pressure.

PRÉCIS: In this study conducted in Chicago, IL, intraocular pressure (IOP) level was found to have a subtle, but measurable, annual pattern. Reasonable evidence is presented for a time-of-year variation in IOP. Adequate numbers of subjects must be studied to detect this small variation. PURPOSE: The aim was to investigate the relationship between IOP and time of year. METHODS: During a separate investigation, patients from 2011 to 2018 (dataset A, N=3041) in an urban, academic facility in Chicago, IL received an examination that included Goldmann applanation tonometry. Regression analyses assessed the relationship between time of year and IOP. Two additional datasets, 1 collected in a similar manner during 1999 and 2002 (dataset B, N=3261) and another consisting of all first visits during 2012 and 2017 (dataset C, N=69,858), were used to confirm and further investigate trends. RESULTS: For dataset A, peak mean IOP occurred in December/January (15.7±3.7/15.7±3.8 mm Hg) and lowest in September (14.5±3.1 mm Hg). The analysis suggested conventional quarterly analysis (January to March, etc.) can conceal time-of-year relationships because of inadequate statistical power and timing of IOP variation. Multiple linear regression analysis, with a November-to-October reordering, detected an annual, downward IOP trend (P<0.0001). Analysis of dataset B confirmed this trend (P<0.001). Fourier analysis on datasets A and B combined supported a 12-month IOP cycle for right/left eyes (P=0.01/P=0.005) and dataset C provided stronger evidence for an annual periodicity (P<0.0001). Harmonics analysis of dataset C showed a repeating pattern where IOP trended downward around April, and then back upward around October. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis strongly supports a demonstrable annual, cyclical IOP pattern with a trough to peak variation of ≈1 mm Hg, which has a seasonal relationship.

Assessing the Impact of En Face Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Imaging on Clinical Decision Making for Glaucoma Suspects.

SIGNIFICANCE: Assessing and managing glaucoma are a complicated process in which experience plays a key role in decision making. Although advanced glaucoma is more easily diagnosed, patients with early glaucoma or who present with suspicious findings are more complicated. A need to aid clinicians in the decision-making process exists. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of en face ocular coherence tomography images to clinical decision making when added to standard presentations of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and automated perimetry. METHODS: Thirty participants from two centers presenting either as a glaucoma suspect or for an initial glaucoma evaluation were enrolled. Six masked investigators were given standard presentations of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and perimetry. They were asked if glaucomatous damage was present as well as a recommended plan of management on 5-point Likert scales. They were then given en face images of the retinal nerve fiber layer in three different presentations coupled with the standard presentation, and the questions were repeated. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was generated. RESULTS: The masked investigators had moderate agreement from the standard presentation for assessment (ICC = 0.67 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.54 to 0.80] and ICC = 0.69 [95% CI, 0.52 to 0.80], respectively), as well as with the addition of the en face images (ICC = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.81). The en face images tended to change decisions in both assessment and plan toward likely to have glaucoma and likely to start treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of en face images to a standard presentation has an impact on clinical decision making. Although en face images seem to influence the decision toward likely to have glaucoma and likely to treat, it is unclear if this leads to a more accurate decision. Further investigations seem warranted to assess sensitivity and specificity of this approach.

Long Anterior Lens Zonules and Intraocular Pressure.

Purpose: To investigate the relation between intraocular pressure (IOP) and the idiopathic long anterior zonule (LAZ) trait. Methods: Patients presenting for primary eye care were examined for LAZ, identified as radially oriented zonular fibers with central extension >1.0 mm beyond the normal anterior lens insertion zone (estimated via slit lamp beam length). Ocular, systemic health, and lifestyle data were collected via comprehensive exam and questionnaire. Multivariate regression was used to assess the relationship between IOP (Goldmann) and LAZ. Results: There were 2169 non-LAZ and 129 LAZ subjects (mean age: 49.8 ± 15.0 vs. 62.6 ± 10.2 years; 63.6% vs. 76.0% female; 83.2% vs. 91.5% African American). Right eyes with >trace LAZ (n = 59 of 110) had higher unadjusted mean IOP than control eyes (16.4 ± 3.3 vs. 15.0 ± 3.3 mm Hg, P = 0.005), and with control for numerous factors, LAZ eyes had an average IOP of approximately 1.3 ± 0.4 mm Hg higher (P = 0.003) than non-LAZ eyes. Final model covariates included sex (P = 0.001); spherical-equivalent refractive error (D; P < 0.0001); body mass index (kg/m2; P < 0.001); presence of diabetes (P < 0.001); having >high school education (P < 0.001); systolic blood pressure (mm Hg; P < 0.0001); being an ever smoker (P = 0.006); and having history of any site cancer (P = 0.01). Conclusions: The LAZ trait, with potential prevalence near 2%, was associated with a higher IOP. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that the trait is a marker for underlying mechanisms that elevate glaucoma risk.

Anterior Chamber Depth, Lens Thickness, and Related Measures in African American Females With Long Anterior Zonules: A Matched Study With Control for Refractive Error.

PURPOSE: To investigate anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), vitreous body length (VBL), and axial length (AL) in African American females with long anterior zonules (LAZ) while controlling for refractive error. METHODS: The eyes of 50 African American females with LAZ were compared with 50 controls matched with age, race, sex, and refractive error. Central ACD, LT, VBL, and AL measurements were obtained in a masked manner using a-scan ultrasonography. RESULTS: LAZ cases had a mean age±SD of 67.1±7.6 years (range, 52 to 85 y) and a mean refractive error of +1.85±1.41 D (-1.75 to +4.75 D). Parameters were similar for controls. Mean ACD for cases was 2.45±0.34 mm and 2.57±0.38 mm for controls. Mean LT for cases was 4.94±0.43 mm and 4.83±0.45 mm for controls. Mean VBL for cases was 15.00±0.72 mm and 15.17±0.76 mm for controls. Mean AL for cases was 22.39±0.82 mm and 22.57±0.76 mm for controls. Using multiple logistic regression to control for any residual differences in age and refractive error, no significant differences were present between LAZ eyes and control eyes relative to the a-scan variables (P>0.1). CONCLUSIONS: When refractive error was controlled for, this group of African American females with LAZ did not exhibit clinically significant differences in ACD, LT, VBL, and AL as compared with controls.

Progressive, asymptomatic papilledema as the presenting sign of a Chiari I malformation.

BACKGROUND: Chiari I malformation (CM1) is the caudal herniation of the cerebellar tonsils into the foramen magnum. It can cause several neurological signs and symptoms, or be asymptomatic. Papilledema is a potential, but unusual, manifestation of CM1. While CM1 is often asymptomatic, papilledema is less likely to be. We present the first reported case of a progressive, asymptomatic papilledema as the sole presenting sign of a CM1; CASE REPORT: A 39 year old woman presented without neurological symptoms and was found to have optic disc edema. Humphrey visual fields were normal and B-scan showed no drusen. On a subsequent visit, optical coherence tomography showed advanced disc edema. Neuroimaging revealed a CM1. The patient was referred for neurological consultation for the management of the papilledema secondary to CM1; CONCLUSIONS: This case represents the importance of a thorough ocular examination, as the patient's asymptomatic neurologic condition would not have been diagnosed without the discovery of the papilledema.

Occlusive retinal vasculitis in a patient with West Nile virus.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) was first identified in the United States in 1999. In addition to a spectrum of systemic manifestations, several ocular conditions secondary to the virus have been reported, including chorioretinitis, uveitis and optic neuritis. Age and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been reported to be associated risk factors for the more severe forms of the systemic disease. Only seven cases of occlusive retinal vasculitis have been reported in patients with WNV infection. CASE HISTORY: A 60-year-old Asian male presented with complaints of decreased vision in his left eye. He had been hospitalised approximately seven weeks earlier with meningo-encephalitis secondary to presumed WNV infection, at which time he was also diagnosed with DM. The visual loss coincided with the manifestation of systemic WNV infection. Old peripheral chorioretinal lesions without active inflammation in both eyes were consistent with WNV infection. In addition, retinal haemorrhage and cotton wool spots were noted in the posterior pole of both eyes with severe macular ischaemia in the left eye. CONCLUSION: Occlusive retinal vasculitis is an uncommon ocular manifestation of WNV, which should be suspected in patients with meningitis or encephalitis who reside in endemic areas with ocular findings of the disease.

Blood pressure control in an African American sample with diabetes mellitus in an urban eye clinic.

BACKGROUND: The adequate control of blood pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is important to limit the ocular and systemic complications of the disease. Hypertension in African Americans is among the highest in the world. This cross-sectional study reports the level of blood pressure control in a small sample of African American patients with DM at an urban eye care facility using the criteria defined by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VII). METHODS: Five attending faculty members of the Illinois College of Optometry identified 234 African American patients with a diagnosis of DM over a period of 16 months. Blood pressure readings were recorded once at the time of their visit and were classified as controlled or uncontrolled based on the JNC VII cutoff of blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg. RESULTS: Among the 234 African American patients in this study, 174 (74.4%) reported having DM and hypertension, and 60 (25.6%) reported having DM without hypertension. Of the patients with DM and a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, 13.2% were controlled. Of the patients with diabetes without a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, 26.7% were found to be adequately controlled. For the pooled data of 234 patients with diabetes, 16.7% met the JNC VII guidelines. CONCLUSION: The inadequate control of blood pressure in the African American population with DM is associated with increased disability and death from cardiovascular and renal disease. The results of this small cross-sectional study are consistent with those of other studies that show poor control of blood pressure in African American patients who have DM. Preventable blindness secondary to accelerated diabetic retinopathy from uncontrolled hypertension is a concern to all eye care practitioners.

A cross-sectional study of Krukenberg spindles and pigmented lens striae in a predominately black population: two highly associated clinical signs of anterior segment pigment dispersal.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of Krukenberg spindles (KS) and pigmented lens striae (PLS), clinical signs related to iris pigment dispersal and possibly glaucoma. METHODS: During a 31-month period, 5 practitioners in an urban, primary eye care setting examined consecutive patients for KS and PLS. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate relationships among KS, PLS, and other variables. RESULTS: Krukenberg spindles were present in 65 patients (52 females), comprised of 57 of 2647 (2.2%) blacks, 5 of 303 (1.7%) whites, 2 of 121 (1.7%) Hispanics, and 1 of 55 (1.8%) Asians. PLS were present in 64 subjects (56 females), comprised of 59 (2.2%) blacks, 3 (1.0%) whites, and 2 (3.6%) Asians. KS and PLS were coexistent in 27 subjects. Mean age +/- SD (range) of the KS and PLS subjects was 63.1 +/- 15.0 years (24-88 years) and 67.0 +/- 10.4 years (33-88 years), respectively. Mean refractive error +/- SD (range) of KS and PLS right eyes was +0.55 +/- 2.32D (-6.50 to +5.50D) and +1.34 +/- 2.18D (-6.50 to +7.25D), respectively. Controlling for other variables, PLS were highly predictive (OR = 30.2, P < 0.0001) of KS, and KS were highly predictive (OR = 29.5, P < 0.0001) of PLS. Ignoring presence or absence of PLS, increasing age (in decades) (OR = 1.60, P < 0.0001) was strongly associated with KS. Ignoring presence or absence of KS, age (OR = 1.74, P < 0.0001), female gender (OR = 2.96, P = 0.009), and increasing hyperopic refractive error (OR = 1.30, P < 0.0001) were strongly associated with PLS. CONCLUSIONS: Krukenberg spindles and PLS were strongly associated in our patient population, and the likelihood of both increased with increasing age. Female gender and increasing hyperopic refractive error were highly significant predictors of PLS.

Cystic maculopathy with normal capillary permeability secondary to docetaxel.

BACKGROUND: Cystic maculopathy without leakage on fluorescein angiography has been described in cases of toxicity to niacin. We present a similar case of cystic maculopathy due to docetaxel (Taxotere) in the treatment of breast cancer. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old Asian female presented with complaints of decreased vision soon after the initiation of treatment for breast cancer with docetaxel. A cystic maculopathy with a normal fluorescein angiogram was found on examination. Significant improvement in visual acuity along with resolution of the cystic maculopathy was found after changing to an alternate antineoplastic agent. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel may be associated with cystic maculopathy that does not display angiographic evidence of abnormal capillary permeability.

Prevalence of pigmented lens striae in a black population: a potential indicator of age-related pigment dispersal in the anterior segment.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of pigmented striae of the anterior lens capsule, with or without associated glaucoma, in a black primary eye care population. METHODS: Over a 16-month period, five practitioners searched for pigmented lens striae (PLS) among consecutive patients who underwent pupillary dilation during routine eye care provided within the primary care service of an urban eye clinic in Chicago, Illinois. RESULTS: Meeting the inclusion criteria were 1608 blacks (mean age +/- SD, 40.9 +/- 23.7 years; range, 5 to 100; 1056 females, 552 males). Among the group, 29 (1.8%) subjects had PLS (mean age, 66.5 +/- 11.3 years; range, 33 to 88; 25 females, 4 males). PLS were bilateral 89% of the time. Sixteen of the 29 (55%) blacks had central corneal endothelial pigment dusting (14 bilateral), frequently creating a well-formed Krukenberg's spindle. Trabecular pigmentation varied among the PLS subjects from mild to heavy. Using multiple logistic regression, age (in years) (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.07; p = 0.0003), female gender (odds ratio, 4.46; 95% confidence interval; 1.03 to 19.19; p = 0.045), and hyperopic refractive error (in diopters) (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval; 1.09 to 1.67; p = 0.006) were significant predictors of PLS. CONCLUSIONS: PLS were present in about 1.8% (2.4% females, 0.7% males) of our black population, and they were frequently associated with other signs of intraocular pigment dispersion. Age, female gender, and refractive error were significant predictors for PLS. This is new information that is helpful for understanding a clinical sign that may be an indicator of age-related pigment dispersal within the anterior segment.

Visual changes secondary to initiation of amiodarone: a case report and review involving ocular management in cardiac polypharmacy.

BACKGROUND: Amiodarone is a benzofuran derivative used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. The most-common ocular symptom is colored rings around lights. Common ocular findings include comeal micro-deposits and lens opacities. An amiodarone optic neuropathy has been described. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to treat cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. It is known to cause dyschromatopsia, visual disturbances, and visual-field defects. Digoxin serum levels and toxicity risks increase with the addition of amiodarone. CASE REPORT: Soon after initiation of amiodarone HCl (200 mg/day), a 76-year-old man came to us with symptoms of visual "shining," glare, color vision anomalies, and gradually decreased vision. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/50 O.D. and 20/60 O.S. Ishihara color plates showed a marked, acquired color vision defect O.D., O.S. Biomicroscopy revealed amiodarone corneal deposits. The optic nerve appeared healthy, with no visible swelling in each eye. Amiodarone was discontinued after discussion with the cardiologist. On followup, the patient reported disappearance of symptoms. Visual acuity had improved to 20/30(+2) O.D. and 20/30 O.S. Ishihara color plates showed normal color vision. CONCLUSIONS: As the elderly population and the incidence of heart disease increase in the United States, more people will probably be using heart drug therapy. Our case presents some of the challenges involved with managing ocular toxicity of these cardiac drugs. While both amiodarone and digoxin can cause permanent visual changes, the ocular effects are often reversible. Therefore, ocular examination at baseline and every 6 months is indicated for patients receiving a regimen of amiodarone and/or digoxin therapy.