[Determination of the individual normal range of intraocular pressure in differential diagnosis between pseudonormal tension glaucoma and ischemic optic neuropathies].

The study investigated the relation between the actual intraocular pressure (IOP) and its individual normal range in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) outcome. A total of 39 patients (61 eyes) were examined. Group 1 included 19 patients (35 eyes) with newly diagnosed NTG, group 2--20 patients (26 eyes) with the ION outcome. Besides conventional tests, the ophthalmic assessment in all patients included determination of the individual normal range of IOP and evaluation of biomechanical properties of the cornea. It is showed that determination of the individual normal range of IOP may play a key role in confusing cases of differential diagnosis between NTG and ION. The average actual IOP in patients with NTG generally exceeds the individual normal range by 40% (more than 5 mmHg), whereas in patients with the ION outcome--by only 11.7% (less than 5 mmHg - buffer range). No statistically significant difference in IOP measurements by different tonometry methods was found in either NTG or ION patients with corneal compensated IOP less than 21 mmHg.

[Intraocular pressure and ocular blood flow features intravitreal infection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents].

OBJECTIVE: to investigate intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular blood flow (OBF) changes as well as the individual normal range of IOP in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with or without concomitant glaucoma after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Group 1 included 34 patients (34 eyes) with AMD and no glaucoma, group 2-34 patients (34 eyes) with both AMD and glaucoma. In all patients the IOP and OBF were measured (with Ocular Blood Flow Analyzer) and the individual normal range of lOP calculated before the treatment, on the third day after the injection and at the 1-month follow-up visit. Statistical analysis was performed by STATISTICA 10. RESULTS: In group 1 there were no significant changes in ocular blood flow at different times after ranibizumab injection. In group 2 a considerable decrease in OBF was detected 1 month after the injection (p<0.001). In group 1 the intraocular pressure was at the same level before and after the treatment. In group 2 the IOP significantly decreased on the third day after the anti-VEGF injection (p=0.03) but was back to the initial level in 1 month. The individual normal range of lOP, when calculated on the third day after the injection, appeared to be much lower than before due to a moderate decrease in both IOP and OBF. At the 1-month follow-up the individual normal range of IOP was back to initial values in non-glaucoma patients but remained low in the glaucoma group due to reduced OBF. CONCLUSION: The established decrease in the individual normal range of IOP in the late period after an anti-VEGF injection should be taken into account when managing patients with both AMD and glaucoma.

[Capabilities of modern methods of electrophysiological analysis in diseases of visual analyzer].

The article observes the results obtained by different electrophysiological methods in a variety of diseases: cataracts (192 eyes with different lens density measured objectively), antiphospholipid syndrome (50 patients with primary and secondary forms of the disease), different non-glaucomatous optic neuropathies (188 eyes), visual analyzer impairment of unknown etiology (85 eyes). Threshold of electrical sensitivity, lability of visual analyzer, and retinocortical conduction time can be measured regardless of cataract maturity and lens opacification intensity. The appearance of Ganzfeld electroretinogram, high-frequency rhythmical electroretinogram, macular electroretinogram, and flash visual evoked potentials alters with cataract development, thus complicating their interpretation. Different electrophysiological methods can be successfully combined to facilitate recognition of antiphospholipid syndrome, its differential diagnostics and monitoring. Evaluation of visual evoked potentials is crucial for an immediate and accurate diagnosis in patients with optic neuropathies. In complicated cases multifocal electroretinography and registration of multifocal visual evoked potentials can help differentiate retinal pathology with involvement of more proximal visual structures and, for the purpose of precise diagnosis, develop the most rational algorithm of further examination.

[Differentiation of concomitant glaucomatous optic neuropathy in optic disc drusen].

Characteristics of ocular blood flow (OBF) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in eyes with optic disc drusen have been investigated. The study enrolled 21 patient (35 eyes) with optic disc drusen, of which 7 (8 eyes) were diagnosed with POAG. Besides the standard tests, the ophthalmological assessment included evaluation of OBF (flowmetry) and an individual normal range of intraocular pressure (IOP). The results showed that optic disc drusen are not associated with OBF changes. Concomitant POAG might be suspected in a patient with optic disc drusen whose OBF is significantly decreased and IOP is above the individual normal range. Differentiation of morphofunctional changes in chronic optic neuropathy, which might be due to either glaucomatous optic neuropathy or optic disc drusen, is complicated when actual IOP lies within the average normal range. Ocular blood flow evaluation by means of flowmetry with calculation of an individual normal range of IOP has been demonstrated as a highly effective predictor of concomitant POAG in patients with optic disc drusen.

[Peculiarities of ocular blood flow in ischemic optic neuropathy and normal tension glaucoma].

Characteristics of ocular hemodynamics in ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) outcome and normal tension glaucoma (NTG), the conditions that are difficult to be differentially diagnosed, have been investigated. The study enrolled 32 patients (40 eyes) with ION outcome, 26 patients (46 eyes) with NTG, and 20 patients (32 eyes) with no ocular pathology. Besides the standard ophthalmological examination, color Doppler imaging of ocular vessels, evaluation of ocular blood flow volume and individual normal range of intraocular pressure (flowmetry) were performed in all cases. The results showed that an excess of the actual intraocular pressure (IOP) over the individual normal range was much higher in patients with NTG than in patients with ION (39% and 14.5% correspondingly). It was also found that NTG is associated with a more significant decrease of ocular blood flow volume (30.1% in average) in comparison to ION outcome (11%). In both conditions a decrease in velocity parameters of the blood flow in main ocular vessels was registered, however, ocular hemodynamics changes appeared to be more severe in patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy. A statistically reliable correlation between volumetric and velocity parameters of ocular blood flow has been discovered.

[Hemodynamic changes in myopia of different degrees].

A total of 78 patients (143 eyes) with low, medium and high degree myopia were assessed. Apart from standard ophthalmological tests, flowmetry and duplex ultrasound of ocular vessels were performed in all cases to evaluate volumetric and velocity parameters of ocular blood flow in relation to the length of anterior-posterior axis and the degree of myopia. It is found that both parameters of regional blood flow progressively decrease as the anterior-posterior axis increases.

[Influence of genetic mutations on clinical presentation of subretinal neovascularization. Report 2: The impact of HTRA and VEGF genes polymorphism].

A detailed analysis of influence of HTRA (serine peptidase) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) genes mutations is presented. The presence of one gene copy with allele of A- polymorphism rs1120638 of HTRA1 gen, T- polymorphism rs10490924 and de11443in54 of ARMS2 gene increases the risk of CNV in patients with AMD. The feature of clinical presentation in patients with CNV associated with (-625) A mutation of promoter region of HTRA1 gene in two chromosomes was fulminant course of the disease from exudative to scarring processes with fibrous tissue formation not just with sub-, but also intra- and preretinal localization. Genetic screening showed that combination of studied mutations (402H, (-625) A and (-251) A in both gene copies of CFH, HTRA and IL-8) results in the most severe and rapidly progressing form of the disease. Two new mutations were revealed in promoter region of VEGF gene: G > A replacement in position of (-72) nucleotide from transcription start and G > A replacement in 5'-nontranslated region of the 1st gene exon in position of (+31) nucleotide from transcription start.

[Influence of genetic mutations on clinical presentation of subretinal neovascularization. Report 1: The impact of CFH and IL-8 genes polymorphism].

Genetic analysis was performed in patients with subretinal neovascularization (CNV). The results showed significant association of CFH (compliment factor H) gene polymorphism with increase (rs1061170, rs514943 and rs380390) or decrease (rs529825, rs7524776, rs1831281, rs2274700, rs1576340, rs12144939, rs7540032) of CNV development risk. The incidence of IL-8 gene mutation was significantly (p = 0.008) higher in patients after chorioretinitis. Apparently -125 > A polymorphism in patients with chorioretinitis increases risk of CNV development, thus promoting raise of proangiogenic factors concentration in eyes with inflammatory background. The clinical presentation in patients with AMD and myopic disease associated with (-125) A mutation of promoter region of IL-8 gene was similar to that of patients with chorioretinitis. The features are the following: focal pattern, no drusen and RPE detachment, predominantly classic form of CNV (without occult pattern), formation of well-organized newly developed vessels.

[Comparative analysis of several morphometric parameters received using optic coherent tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in initial glaucoma diagnosis].

Retinal morphometric parameters received using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optic coherent tomography (OCT) are compared. OCT was performed using Stratus OCT 3000 ("Carl Zeiss Meditec"), and for confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy we used Heidelberg retinal tomography HRT 3.0 ("Heidelberg Engineering"). A total of 81 patients (158 eyes) were enrolled into the study: 34 patients (64 eyes) with suspected glaucoma (diagnosis of early open angle glaucoma was proven after ophthalmologic examination) and 47 healthy adults aged from 38 till 72 years old. OCT was found to reveal significant decrease of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in peripapillary zone in patients with suspected glaucoma as compared with healthy subjects, whereas no significant difference in morphometry of neuroretinal rim and PNFL was found using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT).

[Up to date methods of optic nerve evaluation in patients with optic neuropathy of various etiology].

132 patients (188 eyes) with proven optic neuropathy of non-glaucomatous origin were examined using static perimetry, visual evoked potential (flash and pattern types), optic coherent tomography of papilla and thickness of peripapillary nerve fiber layer. Sensitivity/ specificity of methods for identification of optic nerve diseases in acute stage were 92/75%, 92/84%, 90/92% respectively. Combination of these three methods let us identify optic neuropathy in 100% of cases, including latent forms.

[Optic disc drusen. Communication 3. The possibilities of optic coherence tomography].

Twenty-six patients (45 eyes) (median age 55 years) with optic disc drusen (ODD) (a study group) and 24 healthy volunteers (47 eyes) (median age 53 years) (a control group) were examined. Nerve fiber layer thinning determined by optic coherence tomography (OCT) was found in 65% of the ODD. In 20% of the patients with ODD, nerve fiber layer thinning, as evidenced by OCT, was observed with the normal field of vision, which suggests the higher sensitivity of a morphometric study of the retinal nerve fiber layer. According to OCT data, 11% of the patients with pathological changes in the field of vision had increased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in some quadrants or from the mean value. These changes may be associated with the large-sized optic disc in these patients.

[Results of combination surgical treatment for open-angle glaucoma and cataract].

The results of 257 combined, pathogenically oriented operations were analyzed in 181 patients with cataract concurrent with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). A system of pathogenically oriented combined surgical interventions was shown to be highly effective in patients with cataract concurrent with OAG. The proposed procedure for intraoperative determination of the retention of intraocular fluid allows a pathogenically oriented antiglaucomatous component of combined surgery to be chosen in patients with cataract and OAG. Increased visual acuity and stable stabilization of the glaucomatous process were achieved in all cases during a follow-up of less than 3 years.

[Current morphofunctional studies of the optic nerve and retina in difficult diagnostic cases].

Thirty-four patients (53 eyes) with suspected optic nerve and retinal diseases were examined. For differential diagnosis, the authors used current studies of the ocular neurosensory apparatus, such as retinal tomography, computer static perimetry, and electrophysiologial techniques, including multifocal electroretinography. The complex use of structural and functional studies of the retina and optic nerve established the valid diagnosis in all difficult clinical cases.

[Diagnostic value of macular morphometry in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma].

In this article the results of practical use of central retinal zone (CRZ) tomography in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) measured with RTA (Retinal thickness Analyzer, Talia Technology Ltd., Israel) are presented. 460 patients (790 eyes) aged 45-85 years old were included into the study. Significant decrease of CRZ minimal thickness and perifoveal region thickness (p < 0.05 and p = 0.01 respectively) was revealed in patients with POAG compared with control group. Morphometric data showed correlation with decrease of light sensitivity and visual field defects detected with static perimetry. This fact confirms information value of central retinal morphometric changes for glaucoma diagnosis.

[A new screening method for determining tolerant intraocular pressure].

The authors proposed a new screening for determining individual tolerant intraocular pressure (TIOP). The investigation covered 107 individuals (167 eyes). All the examinees were divided into three groups. Groups 1 and 3 comprised healthy volunteers without the signs of vascular changes and glaucoma; Group 2 included patients with new-onset glaucoma with uncompensated intraocular pressure (IOP). There was a regression relationship of ocular blood flow (OBF) to the length of the anteroposterior ocular axis (APOA), which showed a high correlation between OBF and APOA. To determine TIOP, the authors proposed the calculation formula: TIOP = P x K/K(n), where P is the tonometric IOP (mm Hg); K is the flowmetric value of OBF (microl/sec); K(n) is the individual normal OBF value (microl/sec) determined by the nomogram developed by the authors, by taking into account the value of APOA (mm). It is suggested that the eye has a certain buffer range of excessive tolerant pressure within which increased ophthalmotonus results in abnormal sequels. The patients with TIOP that is lower than the existing IOP in the absence of glaucoma symptoms should be classified as a risk-group.

[Current methods for monitoring primary open-angle glaucoma].

This paper presents an analytical survey of the Russian and foreign literature dealing with the current idea on the pathology of a glaucomatous process and methods for the early diagnosis of glaucoma. It gives data on the impact of intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and ocular biomechanical properties on the pathogenesis of primary open-angle and normotensive glaucoma. The results of electrophysiological, psychophysiological, ultrasound, and morphometric studies were assessed in the diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma.

[Multifocal electroretinography at different stages of primary open-angle glaucoma].

The paper considers the possibilities of using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) to examine patients with primary glaucoma. Forty-seven patients underwent mfERG that established that as the disease progressed, there were reductions in the mfERG wave amplitude, when the first flash response, and in biopotential density, when the quadrant analysis was made. Biopotential changes in glaucoma can be analyzed in relation to the first flash response and a pattern response. Monitoring of changes in primary glaucoma may use mfERG.

[Ratio of multifocal electroretinographic to retinal tomographic parameters in patients with suspected glaucoma].

Based on the analysis of the data of a multifocal electroretinography FOK response and the retinal thickness in 38 patients with suspected glaucoma, the paper shows the inhibition of the external retinal biopotential and the lower retinal thickness in the posterior ocular pole. There is a correlation of these changes with light sensitivity alterations, as evidenced by quadrant analysis. It is stressed that monitoring of patients with suspected glaucoma must comprise a morphofunctional assessment using the current techniques.

[Multifocal electroretinography in ophtalmological symptoms in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome].

The paper describes the first experience in using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In the latter, thrombogenesis is mosaic in most cases so the techniques providing a spatial imaging of the pathological process is of interest in the examination of patients with this disease. These techniques include mfERG. The quadrant mfERG analysis that reveals pathological changes in relation to the vascular involvement area is of the greatest informative value in patients with APS-associated retinal vascular occlusions.

[Evaluation of the efficiency of hydromonitoring phacofragmentation versus ultrasound phacoemulsification on the morphometric parameters of the central retinal region].

Morphometric studies using a laser retinal thickness showed great differences in the impact of hydromonitoring phacofragmentation and ultrasound phacoemulsification on the thickness of the central retinal region. Unlike ultrasound phacoemulsification, hydromonitoring phacofragmentation caused no transient increase in the thickness of the central retinal area. The performed studies revealed no correlation between the equivalent time of ultrasound and ultrasound phacoemulsification and the changes in the thickness of the central retinal region and fovea.