Short wavelength automated perimetry and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer in early diabetes

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To investigate the significance of short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) in detecting retinal functional impairment in early diabetic patients without retinopathy and with mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). <br /><br /> <strong>METHODS:</strong> This is a prospective, cross-sectional study of 37 eyes of early diabetics which were divided into 2 groups: no DR with 18 subjects and mild NPDR with 19. All subjects underwent HBA1C, SWAP, peripapillary RNFL thickness measurement and fundus photo. Visual field indices: MD and PSD as well as average RNFL thickness were compared among the 2 groups. Correlation of MD with RNFL thickness and HBA1C were also analyzed. <br /><br /> <strong>RESULTS:</strong> There was no statistically significant difference in the MD (-4.46 ± 3.03 vs -2.94 ± 2.21; p=0.09), PSD (3.08 ± 1.28 vs 2.69 ± 0.47; p=0.23) and average peripapillary RNFL thickness (98.47 ± 6.89 vs 98.72 ± 11.01; p=0.93) among early diabetics with mild NPDR and no signs of DR. There is no correlation between MD and RNFL thickness in the no DR group (R2=0.017) and the mild DR group (R2=0.000). There was a weak correlation between MD and HBA1C in the no DR group (R2=0.137), while no correlation was seen in the mild NPDR group (R2=0.000). <br /><br /> <strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> SWAP does not appear to be a sensitive measure of worsening retinopathy in older individuals with early diabetes. The usefulness of SWAP and peripapillary RNFL thickness in the early stages of retinopathy are inconclusive.</p>

The effect of laser in situ keratomileusis on low contrast vision.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on low contrast visual acuity. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 15 LASIK patients with myopia and astigmatism were evaluated preoperatively, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. High contrast visual acuity (HCVA), low contrast visual acuity (LCVA), and contrast threshold were determined. RESULTS: Mean spherical correction (SE) was -3.24 +/- 1.90 D; 16 eyes had a mean SE between -1.00 and -3.00 D, and 14 eyes were between -3.25 and -6.50 D. There was no significant change in HCVA observed at 1 and 3 months in any eye. There was a decrease in LCVA in eyes with a correction >3 D SE at 1 month (P=.04), which returned to normal at 3 months (P=.13). There was an increase in the contrast threshold at 1 month (P=.016). When eyes were divided into groups, those with >3D SE correction had an increase in contrast threshold at 1 month (P=.002); no change was seen in eyes with <3D SE correction (P=.15). At 3 months, contrast threshold was similar to baseline values in all eyes (P=.226). CONCLUSION: LASIK transiently decreased low contrast visual function in patients with greater than 3.00 D of myopic correction.

Late traumatic displacement of laser in situ keratomileusis flaps.

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence, management, and outcome of late-onset traumatic dehiscence and dislocation of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps. METHODS: Two interventional case reports of patients with late-onset LASIK corneal flap dislocation after ocular trauma occurring at 7 and 26 months after surgery, respectively. RESULTS: The flaps were lifted, stretched, and repositioned after irrigation and scraping of the stromal bed and the underside of the flap. A bandage contact lens was placed, and topical antibiotic and corticosteroids were given postoperatively. The dislocated corneal flaps were successfully repositioned in both cases. The patient whose dislocated flap was repositioned 4 hours after the trauma recovered his uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 1 week after the procedure and had a well-positioned flap with a clear interface. The patient who was managed 48 hours after the injury required repeat flap repositioning at 10 and 24 days after the initial procedure for treatment of persistent folds and striae in the visual axis. His uncorrected visual acuity 2 weeks after the third flap repositioning was 20/40 + 2. Diffuse lamellar keratitis developed in both patients that resolved with the use of topical corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis corneal flaps are vulnerable to traumatic dehiscence and dislocation, which can occur more than 2 years after the procedure.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty: a new treatment option for open angle glaucoma.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe and effective treatment modality for lowering the intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma. The preservation of the trabecular meshwork architecture and the demonstrated efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure makes the SLT a reasonable and safe alternative to argon laser trabeculoplasty. In addition, SLT is a potentially repeatable procedure because of the lack of coagulation damage to the trabecular meshwork and the demonstrated efficacy in patients with previously failed argon laser trabeculoplasty treatment. Furthermore, SLT can be considered as a primary treatment option in patients who cannot tolerate or are noncompliant with their glaucoma medications, while not interfering with the success of future surgery. Due to its nondestructive properties and low complication rate, SLT has the potential to evolve as an ideal first-line treatment in open angle glaucoma.