Temporal trends and projection of blindness and vision loss prevalence in older adults in BRICS countries.

BACKGROUND: Blindness and vision loss (BVL) is a major global health issue affecting older adults, but its burden in transition countries has received limited attention. Therefore, we aimed to assess the trends in the burden of BVL among older adults between 1990 and 2019 across Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), and predict the burden by 2040. METHODS: Data on BVL and its related causes were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. We investigated the temporal trends by calculating the average annual percentage change using joinpoint regression analysis. Subsequently, we performed Bayesian age-period-cohort modeling to estimate the burden of BVL and its related causes by 2040. RESULTS: Most BRICS countries experienced a significant decline (p < 0.05) in age-standardized prevalence rates, and the decreasing trends tend to continue. However, by 2040, the number of BVL cases is expected to increase by approximately 50% across BRICS, with an estimated approximately 192, 170, 25, 17, and 7 million cases in China, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa, respectively. The related ranks of BVL causes are also estimated to change in the future, particularly in India. CONCLUSIONS: The different burdens and trends of BVL across BRICS reflected the different stages of population health transition. Effective eye disease prevention requires appropriate public health interventions. Developing effective health policies and services for older adults is urgently needed in BRICS countries.

National sex- and age-specific burden of blindness and vision impairment by cause in Mexico in 2019: a secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background: Reliable national estimations for blindness and vision impairment are fundamental to assessing their burden and developing public health policies. However, no comprehensive analysis is available for Mexico. Therefore, in this observational study we describe the national burden of blindness and vision loss by cause and severity during 2019. Methods: Using public data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019, we present national prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) counts and crude and age-standardized rates (per 100,000 people) of total, severity- and cause-specific blindness and vision impairment with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) by sex and age group. Findings: In Mexico, the burden of blindness and vision impairment was estimated at 11.01 million (95% UI, 9.25-13.11) prevalent cases and 384.96 thousand (259.57-544.24) YLDs during 2019. Uncorrected presbyopia caused the highest burden (6.06 million cases, 4.36-8.08), whereas severe vision loss and blindness affected 619.40 thousand (539.40-717.73) and 513.84 thousand (450.59-570.98) people, respectively. Near vision loss and refraction disorders caused 78.7% of the cases, whereas neonatal disorders and age-related macular degeneration were among the least frequent. Refraction disorders were the main cause of moderate and severe vision loss (61.44 and 35.43%), and cataracts were the second most frequent cause of blindness (26.73%). Females suffered an overall higher burden of blindness and vision impairment (54.99% and 52.85% of the total cases and YLDs), and people >50 years of age suffered the highest burden, with people between 70 and 74 years being the most affected. Interpretation: Vision loss represents a public health problem in Mexico, with women and older people being the most affected. Although the causes of vision loss contribute differentially to the severity of visual impairment, most of the impairment is avoidable. Consequently, a concerted effort at different levels is needed to alleviate this burden. Funding: This study received no funding.

Mitochondrial phylogeography and molecular evolution of the rhodopsin visual pigment in troglobitic populations of Astyanax mexicanus (De Filippi, 1853).

Cave-adapted animals provide a unique opportunity to study the evolutionary mechanisms underlying phenotypic, metabolic, behavioral, and genetic evolution in response to cave environments. The Mexican tetra ( Astyanax mexicanus) is considered a unique model system as it shows both surface and cave-dwelling morphs. To date, at least 33 different cave populations have been identified, with phylogenetic studies suggesting an origin from at least two independent surface lineages, thereby providing a unique opportunity to study parallel evolution. In the present study, we carried out the most exhaustive phylogeographic study of A. mexicanus to date, including cave and surface localities, using two mitochondrial markers (cytochrome b (cyt b) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI)) and nuclear rhodopsin visual pigment ( rho). Additionally, we inferred the molecular evolution of rho within the two contrasting environments (cave and surface) and across three geographic regions (Sierra de El Abra, Sierra de Guatemala, and Micos). In total, 267 individuals were sequenced for the two mitochondrial fragments and 268 individuals were sequenced for the rho visual pigment from 22 cave and 46 surface populations. Phylogeographic results based on the mitochondrial data supported the two-lineage hypothesis, except for the Pachón and Chica caves, whose introgression has been largely documented. The Sierra de El Abra region depicted the largest genetic diversity, followed by the Sierra de Guatemala region. Regarding the phylogeographic patterns of rho, we recovered exclusive haplogroups for the Sierra de El Abra (Haplogroup I) and Sierra de Guatemala regions (Haplogroup IV). Moreover, a 544 bp deletion in the rho gene was observed in the Escondido cave population from Sierra de Guatemala, reducing the protein from seven to three intramembrane domains. This change may produce a loss-of-function (LOF) but requires further investigation. Regarding nonsynonymous ( dN) and synonymous ( dS) substitution rates (omega values ω), our results revealed the prevailing influence of purifying selection upon the rho pigment for both cave and surface populations (ω<1), but relaxation at the El Abra region. Notably, in contrast to the other two regions, we observed an increase in the number of dN mutations for Sierra de El Abra. However, given that a LOF was exclusively identified in the Sierra de Guatemala region, we cannot dismiss the possibility of a pleiotropic effect on the Rho protein.

Early Lifetime Substance Use and Development of Visual Impairment: Analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data.

Purpose: To investigate the association between early lifetime substance use on the development of severe visual acuity impairment or blindness on a national level. Methods: National Survey of Drug Use and Health data was used to identify cases of substance use before 21* years of age, within the past year, and cases of self-reported blindness or visual impairment. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression with time-dependency was performed to evaluate odds of visual impairment influenced by 16 substances separated into three classes: prescription, non-prescription, and illicit drugs. Adjusted variables of interest included gender, marital status, race, level of education, total family income, poverty level, population density, and history of chronic disease. Results: 55,824 total responses were analyzed with 2577 (4.6%) cases of self-reported blindness or significant visual impairment. All early-use substance categories, including prescription, non-prescription, and illegal substances, were significantly associated with self-reported VI (OR 2.068, CI 1.451-2.949, p<0.001; OR 1.352, CI 1.227-1.489, p<0.001); OR 1.211, CI 1.086-1.352, p<0.001), respectively). Non-prescription substances displayed parallel significances amongst all constituents (alcohol, cigarettes, inhalants, and marijuana) (OR=1.227, CI 1.12-1.344, p<0.001; OR 1.363, CI 1.243-1.495, p<0.001; OR 1.418, CI 1.134-1.774; OR 1.388, CI 1.27-1.518, p<0.001, respectively). Univariable and multivariable analysis revealed several significant demographical and clinical adjustors. Conclusion: Early lifetime use of all three classes of substances is associated with enhanced odds of subsequent visual impairment or blindness. Several readily available and commonly used substances have a greater risk. These findings may help clinicians and public health agencies in mitigation ventures including education, prevention, and rehabilitation efforts.

Caracterización clínica-epidemiológica de las uveítis y su relación con la pérdida visual / Clinical-epidemiologic Characterization of Uveitis and its Relation to Visual Loss

Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente las uveítis y su relación con la pérdida visual. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo y longitudinal de serie de casos en 137 pacientes, atendidos en la consulta de úvea del Hospital General Provincial "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes", desde febrero de 2015 hasta febrero del 2018. Se estudiaron las variables: sexo, edad, la clasificación anatómica de las uveítis, clasificación de las uveítis según lateralidad de las crisis, etiología, complicaciones oculares y pérdida visual. Se confeccionaron tablas y gráficos que expresaron los resultados en números absolutos y porcientos, además se emplearon la prueba de la ji al cuadrado de asociación y coeficiente phi de correlación. Resultados: Predominó la edad de 41 a 60 años (37,2 por ciento) y el sexo femenino (60,6 por ciento). Resultaron más frecuentes las uveítis anteriores unilaterales de causa infecciosa. La complicación más frecuente fue la catarata (25,8 por ciento). La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron pérdida visual, con predominio de la leve (36,5 por ciento). Existió asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la clasificación anatómica las de uveítis y la gravedad de la pérdida visual. Conclusiones: Los pacientes más afectados fueron las mujeres entre la cuarta y sexta década de vida. Predominaron los pacientes con uveítis anteriores unilaterales. Las infecciones fueron la causa más común, así como la catarata resultó la complicación más frecuente. La gravedad de la pérdida visual guardó relación directa con la clasificación anatómica de la uveítis(AU)

Objective: To clinically and epidemiologically characterize uveitis and its relation to vision loss. Methods: A prospective and longitudinal observational study of case series was performed in 137 patients, seen in the uvea consultation of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital, from February 2015 to February 2018. The following variables were studied: gender, age, anatomical classification of uveitis, classification of uveitis according to laterality of the crisis, etiology, ocular complications and vision loss. Tables and graphs were prepared to express the results in absolute numbers and percentages, and the chi-squared test of association and the phi correlation coefficient were used. Results: Predominance was between 41 and 60 years of age (37.2 percent) and female sex (60.6 percent). Unilateral anterior uveitis of infectious cause was more frequent. The most frequent complication was cataract (25.8 percent). Most patients presented vision loss, with predominance of mild vision loss (36.5 percent). There was a statistically significant association between the anatomical classification of uveitis and the severity of vision loss. Conclusions: The most affected patients were females between the fourth and sixth decade of life. Patients with unilateral anterior uveitis predominated. Infections were the most common cause, and cataract was the most frequent complication. The severity of vision loss was directly related to the anatomical classification of uveitis(AU)

Knowledge and awareness of glaucoma in Mexican patients with and without glaucoma diagnosis in an Ophthalmology Referral Center.

AIM: To assess and compare knowledge and awareness of glaucoma in subjects with and without glaucoma diagnosis attending an Ophthalmology Referral Center. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Asociación Para Evitar la Ceguera in Mexico City, using a questionnaire formulated by a group of experts following the Delphi panel rules, and pre-tested in a pilot study. The questionnaire was applied and compared between: glaucoma patients, relatives of glaucoma patients and patients without glaucoma. Socio-demographic data was collected to assess correlation with the level of knowledge using Logistic regression models, estimating the odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals, and P<0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-four subjects were enrolled; with a median age of 61y. One hundred and thirty-four (34%) were patients with glaucoma, 152 (38.6%) patients without glaucoma, and 108 (27.4%) relatives of patients with glaucoma. Two hundred and ninety-one (73.9%) participants were aware of the term "glaucoma". Regarding knowledge 46.7% had moderate knowledge, 37.8% had poor knowledge, and 15.5% good knowledge. Overall, relatives of glaucoma patients had the highest scores, and patients without glaucoma got the lowest scores. A positive correlation was found between better knowledge and frequent ophthalmological examinations OR 2.24 (P=0.02), higher education level OR 4.17 (P=0.00) and having a family member with glaucoma OR 3.28 (P=0.00). CONCLUSION: Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma in subjects attending an Ophthalmology Referral Center is predominantly moderate or poor. This has important implications regarding attitudes that can result in lack of follow up in ophthalmological care.

Pérdida no orgánica de la visión de colores / Nonorganic loss of color vision

La pérdida no orgánica de la visión o pérdida funcional, es un trastorno en el cual se presenta cierta sintomatología visual, sin que haya causa alguna que pueda justificarlo. Se presenta un caso de una paciente adolescente femenina de 16 años de edad, color de piel blanca, con antecedentes oculares de ptosis palpebral derecha congénita y malos hábitos alimentarios. Su motivo de consulta fue pérdida de la visión de colores no constatada inicialmente; luego, debido a su insistencia, comenzamos a notar una disminución progresiva e incongruente de la visión cromática, con parámetros funcionales visuales normales, defectos en campos visuales computarizados no reproducibles y exámenes de electrofisiología visual normales, con recuperación total de este defecto sin tomarse ninguna conducta terapéutica específica. La pérdida no orgánica de la visión se refiere a cualquier defecto visual en la que no se demuestra alteración de las estructuras que se encuentran entre la córnea y la corteza cerebral occipital. Los trastornos de la vía aferente constituyen la manifestación más frecuente. Puede existir disminución, unilateral o bilateral, de la visión, afectación del campo visual o ambos. La visión de colores es usualmente anormal, pero rara vez, es el motivo de consulta. El origen psicógeno es corriente en niños y es más frecuente en mujeres que en hombres. El déficit adquirido de la visión de colores ocurre a consecuencia de una patología ocular, lesión intracraneal o uso excesivo de algún medicamento y, por lo general, se acompaña de pérdida variable de la agudeza visual(AU)

Non-organic loss of vision or functional loss is a disorder in which certain visual symptomatology is present, without any cause that could justify it. We present a case of a 16-year-old female adolescent patient, white skin color, with ocular history of congenital right palpebral ptosis and bad eating habits. Her reason for consultation was loss of color vision not initially detected; then, due to her insistence, we began to notice a progressive and incongruent decrease in color vision, with normal visual functional parameters, defects in non-reproducible computerized visual fields and normal visual electrophysiology tests, with total recovery of this defect without any specific therapeutic behavior. Non-organic vision loss refers to any visual defect in which no alteration of the structures between the cornea and the occipital cerebral cortex is demonstrated. Disorders of the afferent pathway constitute the most frequent manifestation. There may be unilateral or bilateral decreased vision, visual field impairment, or both. Color vision is usually abnormal, but rarely, it is the reason for consultation. Psychogenic origin is common in children and is more frequent in women than in men. Acquired color vision deficits occur as a consequence of an ocular pathology, intracranial injury or excessive use of medication and are usually accompanied by variable loss of visual acuity(AU)

Corrigendum: Optic neuropathy and congenital glaucoma associated with probable Zika virus infection in Venezuelan patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1099/jmmcr.0.005145.].

Optic neuropathy and congenital glaucoma associated with probable Zika virus infection in Venezuelan patients.

Introduction: Although the current Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic is a major public health concern, most reports have focused on congenital ZIKV syndrome, its most devastating manifestation. Severe ocular complications associated with ZIKV infections and possible pathogenetic factors are rarely described. Here, we describe three Venezuelan patients who developed severe ocular manifestations following ZIKV infections. We also analyse their serological response to ZIKV and dengue virus (DENV). Case presentation: One adult with bilateral optic neuritis, a child of 4 years of age with retrobulbar neuritis [corrected]. and a newborn with bilateral congenital glaucoma had a recent history of an acute exanthematous infection consistent with ZIKV infection. The results of ELISA tests indicated that all patients were seropositive for ZIKV and four DENV serotypes. Conclusion: Patients with ZIKV infection can develop severe ocular complications. Anti-DENV antibodies from previous infections could play a role in the pathogenesis of these complications. Well-designed epidemiological studies are urgently needed to measure the risk of ZIKV ocular complications and confirm whether they are associated with the presence of anti-flaviviral antibodies.

Orbital Compartment Syndrome After Frontotemporal Craniotomy: Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a rare condition characterized by increased intraorbital pressure and hypoperfusion of critical neural structures. It is usually associated with external ophthalmoplegia. We report a case of postoperative OCS following a frontotemporal craniotomy and review pertinent literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old female patient presented with a 3-year history of refractory epilepsy and diagnosis of right frontobasal cortical dysplasia. She underwent an elective frontotemporal craniotomy to allow resection of dysplastic cortex. The intraoperative period was uneventful. Postoperatively, following removal of operating fields, we noticed proptosis and right periorbital swelling. A diagnosis of orbital compartment syndrome was made. At the pediatric intensive care unit, the patient underwent an emergency right lateral canthotomy with wide inferior and superior cantholysis. Nowadays she is in the fourth month of postoperative follow-up. There is still slight and almost indistinguishable exophthalmos, but her extrinsic eye movement ranges and reaction to light are normal. DISCUSSION: OCS is a rare ophthalmologic emergency characterized by an acute rise in orbital pressure and may result in complete irreversible blindness if not rapidly treated. The frontotemporal or "pterional" craniotomy exposure requires a myocutaneous flap to be retracted anteriorly and inferiorly near the orbit. There may be orbital compression due to this flap leading to potential harmful complications. Attention to factors such as direct ocular pressure from skin flaps, congestion from head positioning, and adequate intraoperative eye protection may reduce the risk or allow faster management.

Association between visual impairment and depression in the elderly: a systematic review / Associação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT A systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly. We searched electronic databases (LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to August 2014 and researched the described references. The search strategy used the following terms: (visual impairment or blindness) and (elderly) and (depression). Of the 641 electronics, 42 works were selected in full and another 20 were identified as being possibly relevant. Ten studies were included. The studies ranged in sample size from 31 to 21,995 participants. Depression was associated with visual impairment in all studies; however, without standardization of diagnostic tests, we could not conduct a meta-analysis or establish a relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly.

RESUMO A revisão sistemática foi realizada para investigar a correlaçõa entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos. Foram pesquisados nas bases eletrônicas (LILACS, SCIELO, MEDLINE e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) do início até agosto de 2014 e pesquisas de referências descritas. A estratégia de busca utilizou os termos: (deficiência visual ou cegueira) e (idosos) e (depressão). Dos 641 eletrônicos, 42 trabalhos na íntegra foram selecionados e mais 20 trabalhos foram identificados como possivelmente relevantes da lista destes. Do total de estudos, 10 foram incluidos. Os estudos variaram entre 31 e 21.995 participantes. A depressão foi relacionada com deficiência visual em todos os estudos, mas sem padronização de testes diagnósticos não foi possível realizar a metanálise, nem estabelecer relação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos.

Pérdida transitoria de la visión / Transient vision loss

La pérdida transitoria de la visión monocular (PTVM), es un síntoma alarmante relacionado frecuentemente con alteraciones vasculares retinales y puede tener consecuencias importantes desde el punto de vista ocular y vital. Es por ello, que se requiere de un manejo precoz y adecuado. El presente artículo tiene por objeto revisar las principales causas, su presentación, diagnóstico y manejo, como enfermedades oclusivas vasculares y alteraciones el nervio óptico entre otras

Transient monocular vision loss (TMVL) is an alarming symptom often in relation with retinal vascular anomalies that may have severe consequences for vision and life, so it should be evaluated urgently and a prompt approach is needed. This article will review the main causes, its presentation, diagnosis and management such as vascular occlusive diseases and optic nerve abnormalities among others