Gait parameters, functional mobility and fall risk in individuals with early to moderate primary open angle glaucoma: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the influence of early to moderate primary open angle glaucoma on gait, functional mobility and fall risk. METHODS: Thirty-three participants in the early and moderate stages of primary open angle glaucoma and 34 asymptomatic controls participated in the study. Spatiotemporal gait data were obtained with the GAITRite system and included: velocity, cadence, step length, base of support, swing, stance and double support times. Functional measures included the Timed Up and Go test, the Five-Repetition Sit-To-Stand test and the Dynamic Gait Index. Fall risk was measured using the Physiological Profile Assessment. RESULTS: The variables contrast sensitivity, proprioception and the Timed Up and Go and Dynamic Gait Index tests were significantly different between groups. In addition, the glaucoma group presented significantly higher risk of falling compared to the control group. Individuals in the early and moderate stages of primary open glaucoma presented mobility and sensory deficits that increase the risk of falling. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that adding the Timed Up and Go and Dynamic Gait Index tests to routine physical therapy assessment of individuals with early glaucoma could be useful. Rehabilitation programs should focus on maintaining and/or improving mobility and balance, and prevention of falls in this population.

Espessura corneana central e densidade das células endoteliais corneanas centrais após trabeculectomia com e sem mitomicina C / Central corneal thickness and central corneal endothelial cells density after trabeculectomy with and without mitomycin C

OBJETIVO: Comparar a espessura corneana central (ECC), a densidade (DCEC) e a área média (ACM) das células endoteliais corneanas centrais após trabeculectomia (TREC) com e sem mitomicina C (MMC). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo. Foram avaliados 29 olhos divididos em dois grupos: TREC com e sem MMC. Realizaram-se os seguintes exames pré-operatoriamente e três e seis meses após a TREC: paquimetria ultra-sônica e microscopia especular de não-contato. RESULTADOS: As variações da ECC, DCEC e ACM dos olhos submetidos a TREC com MMC foram, respectivamente: - 11,9±25,7 µm, -169,5±145,3 células/mm² e 42,5±33,4 µm² (três meses); - 7,5±28,1 µm, - 220,6±200,2 células/mm² e 31,5±65,3 µm² (seis meses). As variações da ECC, DCEC e ACM dos olhos submetidos a TREC sem MMC foram, respectivamente: - 13,9±16,7 µm, 200,8±155,4 células/mm² e 34,6±52,4 µm² (três meses); - 10,2±15,6 µm, - 277,6±195,7 células/mm² e 34,3±41,0 µm² (seis meses). CONCLUSÃO: TREC realizada com MMC, quando comparada a TREC sem MMC, não acarretou maior redução da DCEC central.Também não houve variação na ECC e na ACM nos dois grupos, após seis meses de seguimento.

PURPOSE: To assess comparatively the central corneal thickness (CCT), the central corneal endothelial cells density (CECD) and mean area (CECAA), of patients who underwent trabeculectomy (Trab) with or without mytomicyn C (MMC). METHODS: Prospective study. Twenty-nine eyes were divided in two groups: Trab with or without MMC. Ultrasonic pachymetry and non-contact specular microscopy were performed pre-operatively and three and six months after Trab. The mean value of the CECD and the low value of the CCT were used. RESULTS: In the group of Trab with MMC, the variations of the CCT, CECD and CECAA values were, respectively: - 11.9±25.7 µm, - 169.5±145.3 cells/mm² and 42.5±33.4 µm² (three months); - 7.5±28.1 µm, - 220.6±200.2 cells/mm² and 31.5±65.3 µm² (six months). In the group of Trab without MMC, the variations of the CCT, CECD and CECAA values were, respectively: - 13.9±16.7 µm, - 200.8±155.4 cells/mm² and 34.6±52.4 µm² (three months); - 10.2±15.6 µm, - 277.6±195.7 cells/mm² and 34.3±41.0 µm² (six months). CONCLUSION: After six months of follow-up, there was no difference in the variations of CCT, CECD and CECAA when Trab with MMC was compared with Trab without MMC.