Biomedical subjects

Elena Rochtchina

Publications and source records attributed to Elena Rochtchina.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Cardiovascular risk factors and retinal microvascular signs in an adult Japanese population: the Funagata Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of retinal vascular signs and their association with cardiovascular risk factors in a Japanese population. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Adult persons aged 35 years or older from Funagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan (n = 1481). METHODS: The Funagata Study is a Japanese population-based study of persons aged 35 years or older, and included 1961 nondiabetic participants (53.3% of 3676 eligible subjects). A nonmydriatic retinal photograph was taken of 1 eye to assess retinal microvascular signs. Retinal arteriolar wall signs (focal arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, enhanced arteriolar wall reflex) and retinopathy were assessed in 1481 participants without diabetes (40.3% of eligible persons) using a standardized protocol. Using a computer-assisted method, retinal vessel diameters were measured in 921 participants with gradable retinal image (25.1% of eligible persons). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of retinal microvascular signs and their association with cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Moderate or severe focal arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, enhanced arteriolar wall reflex, and retinopathy were found in 8.3%, 15.2%, 18.7%, and 9.0%, respectively, of the study population. Mean (+/-standard error) values for retinal arteriolar diameter were 178.6+/-21.0 mum, and mean values (+/-standard error) for venular diameter were 214.9+/-20.6 mum. Older persons were more likely to have retinal arteriolar wall signs, retinopathy, and narrower retinal vessel diameters. After adjusting for multiple factors, each 10-mmHg increase in mean arterial blood pressure was associated with a 20% to 40% increased likelihood of retinal arteriolar signs and a 2.8-mum reduction in arteriolar diameter. Retinopathy was associated with higher body mass index and both impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS: In nondiabetic Japanese adults, retinal arteriolar wall signs were associated with older age and increased blood pressure, whereas retinopathy was associated with older age, higher body mass index, impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired fasting glucose. These findings are comparable with data from white populations.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in a population of 6-year-old children: findings by optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To study the distribution of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness by ocular and demographic variables in a population-based study of young children. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand seven hundred sixty-five of 2238 (78.9%) eligible 6-year-old children participated in the Sydney Childhood Eye Study between 2003 and 2004. Mean age was 6.7 years (50.9% boys). METHODS: Detailed examination included cycloplegic autorefraction and measurement of axial length. Retinal nerve fiber layer scans using an optical coherence tomographer were performed with a circular scan pattern of 3.4-mm diameter. Multivariate analyses were performed to examine the distribution of RNFL parameters with gender, ethnicity, axial length, and refraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peripapillary RNFL thickness and RNFL(estimated integral) (RNFL(EI)), which measures the total cross-sectional area of ganglion cell axons converging onto the optic nerve head. RESULTS: Peripapillary RNFL thickness and RNFL(EI) were normally distributed. The mean+/-standard deviation RNFL average thickness was 103.7+/-11.4 microm and RNFL(EI) was 1.05+/-0.12 mm2. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was least for the temporal quadrant (75.7+/-14.7 microm), followed by the nasal (81.7+/-19.6 microm), inferior (127.8+/-20.5 microm), and superior (129.5+/-20.6 microm) quadrants. Multivariate adjusted RNFL average thickness was marginally greater in boys than in girls (104.7 microm vs. 103.2 microm; P = 0.007) and in East Asian than in white children (107.7 microm vs. 102.7 microm; P<0.0001). The RNFL was thinner with greater axial length (P(trend)<0.0001) and less positive spherical equivalent refractions (P(trend) = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness and RNFL(EI) followed a normal distribution. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness varied marginally with gender, but differences were more marked between white and East Asian children. Retinal nerve fiber layer thinning was associated with increasing axial length and less positive refractions.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed2006

Retinal vessel diameters and obesity: a population-based study in older persons.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is linked with large vessel atherosclerosis and diabetes. Its association with microvascular changes is less clear. We investigated the associations among retinal vessel diameters, vessel wall signs, and BMI in an older population. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Retinal photographs were taken on 3654 persons aged 49+ years at baseline of the Blue Mountains Eye Study in Australia. Arteriolar and venular diameters were measured from digitized retinal photographs of the right eyes. BMI was calculated as weight (kilograms)/height (meters2). Incident obesity was defined in persons with BMI < or = 30 at baseline but > 30 after 5 years. A significant weight gain was defined as an increase in BMI of 2+ SDs (4 or more units) over the 5-year period. RESULTS: At baseline, mean BMI was 26.1 (+/-4.6) in this population. At 5-year examinations, 177 (10.0% of 1773 at risk) developed incident obesity, and 136 (6.4% of 2143 at risk) had significant weight gain. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, triglyceride levels, and mean arterial blood pressure, persons with wider retinal venular diameters had a higher risk of incident obesity (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 3.1, comparing the highest with lowest venular diameter quintiles) and significant weight gain (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 3.2). These associations were attenuated with further adjustment for baseline BMI. Arteriolar diameter was unrelated with baseline or change in BMI. DISCUSSION: Wider retinal venular diameter is associated with risk of obesity, independent of hypertension, diabetes, lipids, and cigarette smoking. These data may support a role for impaired microvascular function in the course of weight gain.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Assessment of vision-related quality of life in an older population subsample: The Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To assess visual functioning and vision-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in an older, community-dwelling-based population subsample, using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). METHODS: Three-quarters (76%, n = 892) of Extension Blue Mountains Eye Study participants (aged > or = 50 years, mean 60.8 years) completed the self-administered NEI-VFQ-25, an instrument consisting of 12 dimensions and one summary composite score, and comprehensive eye examinations, including monocular distance visual acuity. Visual impairment was defined as visual acuity < 6/12. Unilateral and bilateral visual impairment was defined by the worse eye and better eye, respectively. Correctable visual impairment was defined as that which improved, and non-correctable visual impairment as that which persisted after subjective refraction. Mild visual impairment was defined as visual acuity < 6/12 but > or = 6/24, moderate as < 6/24 but > or = 6/60, and severe as < 6/60. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, or vision status between NEI-VFQ-25 responders and non-responders. Men had significantly better scores in three subscales than women but there were no significant differences in their overall composite scores (men 88.5+/- 0.5; women 88.1+/- 0.4). Persons aged 60-69 years had the best NEI-VFQ-25 profiles (mean composite score +/- standard error, 90.2 +/- 0.5; 50-59 years, 88.5 +/- 0.4; > or =70 years, 86.2 +/- 0.8). Presenting bilateral visual impairment (77.1 +/- 1.4) was associated with significantly poorer functioning than unilateral (87.5 +/- 0.8) or no visual impairment (89.4 +/- 0.3). Increasing levels of impairment were associated with poorer levels of visual functioning. The impact of impairment was principally from non-correctable (49.2 +/- 2.6) rather than refractive impairments (85.3 +/- 1.4), although the latter accounted for over three-quarters (77.5%) of presenting bilateral impairment. Non-correctable unilateral impairment (85.3 +/- 1.1) was associated with poorer functioning than no impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this community-dwelling older population show that the NEI-VFQ-25 differentiates well between various levels of visual impairment with regard to the magnitude of their impact on vision-specific quality of life. Greater impacts were noted among persons with bilateral compared to unilateral impairment, with increasing impacts at greater severities of visual impairment. Visual impairment from refractive errors is more frequent than from underlying pathologic disorders, but the impact of correctable visual impairment was considerably milder than the impact of non-correctable visual impairment.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Eye care service utilization in older people seeking aged care.

BACKGROUND: To assess the need for, and the use of eye care services in older people seeking aged care. METHODS: In total, 188 people (69.1% of those eligible) aged 65+ years who were assessed for aged care provision at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, were recruited in 2003 and re-examined a year later. At baseline, presenting visual acuity (VA) was randomly assessed in half the participants. People with under-corrected refractive error (pinhole VA improved at least 10 letters in those with presenting VA <6/6), bilateral visual impairment (better eye VA <6/12), or self-reported visual problems, were recommended to have further assessment by eye care professionals. At follow up, information on utilization of eye care services in the past 12 months was collected and VA was assessed in all returned participants. RESULTS: Of the 188 baseline participants, 121 (70% of survivors) were revisited a year later. Overall, 90/121 participants (74%) had seen an eye care professional in the previous year. Of the 66 participants who were recommended to see an eye care professional, 42 (64%) were revisited and 37/42 (88%) complied with the recommendation. At revisit, bilateral visual impairment was found in 49/120 (41%). The proportion with bilateral visual impairment was lower in participants whose vision was assessed at baseline (35%) than in those whose vision was not assessed (47%, P = 0.17), and also lower among people who had visited an eye care professional during the previous 12 months (39%) than those who had not (45%, P = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study indicates a relatively high need for, and high utilization of eye care services in the subgroup of older people seeking aged care services.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence of low serum folate and vitamin B12 in an older Australian population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of low serum folate and vitamin B12, in association with elevated serum homocysteine, in a representative sample of older Australians. METHODS: During 1997-2000, 3,508 persons aged 50+ years were examined in a population-based cohort study conducted in two postcodes, west of Sydney, Australia. Of these, 2,901 participants (82.7%) provided fasting blood for estimates of serum folate, vitamin B12 and total homocysteine. RESULTS: Low serum B12 (< 185 pmol/L) was found in 22.9% of participants and low serum folate (< 6.8 nmol/L) in 2.3% of participants. Among those people with very low serum vitamin B12 (< 125 pmol/L) and low serum folate, 51% had elevated homocysteine. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum levels of vitamin B12 and elevated serum homocysteine are relatively frequent in older Australians. IMPLICATIONS: Appropriate public health action should be considered to reduce the prevalence of low serum vitamin B12 and elevated homocysteine in older Australians.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Distribution of macular thickness by optical coherence tomography: findings from a population-based study of 6-year-old children.

PURPOSE: To study the distribution of macular thickness by ocular and demographic variables in a population-based study of young children. METHODS: The Sydney Childhood Eye Study examined 1765 6-year-old children from 34 randomly selected Sydney schools during 2003 and 2004 (78.9% response). A comprehensive eye examination included cycloplegic autorefraction and optical biometry. Fast macular thickness scans were performed over a 6-mm diameter central retinal region with optical coherence tomography. Multivariate analyses were performed. Macular thickness is presented on a modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) macular grid, with outer radii for the central, inner, and outer macular regions being 0.5, 1.5, and 3 mm, respectively. RESULTS: In the study, 1543 children (88.7% of participants; 51.1% boys) had high-quality scan data (mean age, 6.7 years). The mean (SD) minimum foveal thickness was 161.1 (19.4) microm. The thickness of the central, inner, and outer macula was normally distributed, with means (SD) of 193.6 (17.9), 264.3 (15.2), and 236.9 (13.6) microm, respectively. Total macular volume was also normally distributed, with a mean (SD) of 6.9 (0.4) mm(3). The temporal quadrant was thinner than other quadrants for both inner and outer macular regions. The foveal minimum, central, and inner macula was generally significantly thicker in boys than in girls, and in white than in East Asian children. Outer macular thickness showed no significant gender-ethnic differences. Sectoral macular thickness variations were preserved in both gender and ethnic groups. The inner and outer macula, but not the central macula, showed significant thinning with increasing axial length. These corresponding areas were significantly thicker with more hyperopic spherical equivalent refractions. CONCLUSIONS: Macular thickness and volume were normally distributed in this young childhood population. Significant gender and ethnic differences were demonstrated. Axial length and refraction were important ocular biometric determinants of macular thickness.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

PubMed2006

Distribution of optic disc parameters measured by OCT: findings from a population-based study of 6-year-old Australian children.

PURPOSE: To study the distribution of optic disc, cup, and neural rim size by ocular and demographic variables in a population-based sample of 6-year-old children. METHODS: The Sydney Childhood Eye Study examined 1765 of 2238 eligible 6-year-old children (78.9%) from 34 randomly selected Sydney schools during 2003 to 2004. Comprehensive standardized eye examination included cycloplegic autorefraction, optical biometry and "fast optic disc" scans performed using optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Scans of adequate quality were available for 1309 children (75% of participants), with 70% aged 6 years; 50.9% were boys. Mean (+/- SD) horizontal and vertical disc diameter and disc area was 1.53 +/- 0.21 mm, 1.79 +/- 0.28 mm, and 2.20 +/- 0.39 mm(2), respectively. Corresponding cup dimensions were 0.70 +/- 0.28 mm, 0.73 +/- 0.27 mm, and 0.48 +/- 0.32 mm(2). A definable optic cup was absent in 7.4%, 87% of whom were European white. Cup-to-disc diameter ratios were 0.46 +/- 0.16 horizontally and 0.42 +/- 0.15 vertically, whereas cup-to-disc area ratio was 0.22 +/- 0.13. Mean +/- SD neural rim area was 1.76 +/- 0.44 mm(2) and increased with disc size (Pearson correlation = 0.68, P < 0.0001). Horizontal and vertical average nerve widths were 0.36 +/- 0.05 and 0.28 +/- 0.05 mm, respectively. In analyses adjusting for potential confounders, disc area increased significantly with axial length (P(trend) < 0.0001) and refraction (P(trend) = 0.02). Rim area increased only with axial length (P(trend) = 0.01). There were no gender differences, except for average nerve width, marginally greater in boys. Most disc and cup dimensions were significantly larger in East-Asian than European white and Middle Eastern children. CONCLUSIONS: Disc, cup, and neural rim parameters were generally normally distributed in this young population. Axial length appeared to be a stronger determinant of disc and rim size than refraction. Some ethnic but not gender differences were demonstrated for most parameters.

Australia↗

PubMed2006

Utility and validity of the self-administered SF-36: findings from an older population.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to assess the utility and validity of the self-administered SF-36 and the effect of visual or cognitive impairment on these measures in an older population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Attempt rates, completion rates and internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) were compared within the second cross-sectional, population-based Blue Mountains Eye Study (n = 3509, mean age 66.7 years, 57% women). RESULTS: The SF-36 was attempted by 3162 (90.1%) participants, of which 2470 (78.1%) completed all items and 2873 (90.9%) completed sufficient items for calculation of all dimensions. In a multivariate model adjusting for age, sex, and presenting visual and cognitive impairments, women (P = 0.011) and participants with visual or cognitive impairments (P < 0.0001) were less likely to attempt the questionnaire. Completion rates were significantly lower with increasing age (P < 0.0001), in men (P < or = 0.0005) and in those with cognitive impairment (P < 0.0001). A high level of internal consistency (Cronbach alpha > 0.85 for all dimensions) and construct validity was demonstrated, the latter distinguishing between those with and without medical conditions, disabilities or recent hospital admissions (P < 0.01). As the prevalence of visual or cognitive impairment was relatively low in this population, we found no apparent effect of these impairments on the validity of SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: Attempt and completion rates, but not internal consistency and construct validity, of the SF-36 were influenced by age, gender, and presenting visual and cognitive impairments. The overall high attempt and completion rates, internal consistency and construct validity suggest that the self-administered SF-36 is a suitable healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) measure in similar older community-living populations.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Low hemoglobin, chronic kidney disease, and risk for coronary heart disease-related death: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

A recent report found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) increased the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) events in people with anemia but not in those without anemia. This study aimed to verify these findings in the Blue Mountains Eye Study cohort, a prospective Australian population-based study of 3654 residents aged 49 to 97 yr. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and confirmed CHD-related deaths over 9 yr with the Australian National Death Index. "Low hemoglobin" was defined as levels in the lowest quintile of the cohort. Body surface area-adjusted GFR was estimated using a variety of methods (Cockcroft-Gault, abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, and Bjornsson equations). People with CKD (GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 as estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation) and low hemoglobin (mean 13.2 g/dl; range 7.6 to 14.6 g/dl) had an increased risk for CHD-related death (multivariable-adjusted hazard risk ratio 1.49; 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 2.06) compared with people with CKD but in higher hemoglobin quintiles. This effect was not evident in people without CKD. The interaction between GFR and hemoglobin was significant (P = 0.05) when GFR was estimated using either the Cockcroft-Gault or Bjornsson equations or when serum creatinine instead of GFR was used in the analyses but not when GFR was estimated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. In conclusion, this study found that low hemoglobin, even within the normal range, together with CKD increased the risk for CHD-related death.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Vision loss in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and causes of vision loss in Australia and to project these data into the future. DESIGN: Synthesis of data from two cross-sectional population-based cohort studies--the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project and the Blue Mountains Eye Study--and extrapolation to the entire Australian population. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 8376 community and 533 nursing home residents recruited between 1992 and 1996 in urban and rural Victoria and New South Wales. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age-standardised prevalence of low vision (visual acuity < 6/12) and blindness (visual acuity < 6/60) (both measured in the best eye, with spectacles if usually worn for distance vision), and their causes for the Australian population for 2000 to 2024, projected from Australian Bureau of Statistics population data. RESULTS: In 2004, 480,300 Australians were estimated to have low vision, including 50,600 with blindness. The most common causes of low vision were undercorrected refractive error (62%), cataract (14%) and age-related macular degeneration (10%). The latter was responsible for almost half of all cases of blindness. The numbers of people with low vision and blindness are projected to almost double by 2024. CONCLUSIONS: Vision loss in Australia is a much bigger problem than is usually recognised; 76% of low vision is caused by uncorrected refractive error or cataract, both readily treatable. However, the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration poses a major challenge.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Pterygium/pinguecula and the five-year incidence of age-related maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between baseline pterygium and pinguecula and the five-year incidence of age-related maculopathy (ARM). DESIGN: Population-based longitudinal study. METHODS: The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 residents aged 49+ years during 1992 to 1994 and then re-examined 2335 (75.1% of survivors) after five years. Retinal photographs were graded using the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System. Slit-lamp examination recorded pterygium and pinguecula. Eye-specific data were analyzed using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, gender, and smoking, eyes with pterygium or previous pterygium surgery had a higher risk of incident late ARM, odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 10.3, early ARM (OR 1.8, CI 1.1 to 2.9) and soft drusen (OR 2.0, CI 1.9 to 3.4), than eyes without pterygium. We found no association between pinguecula and incident ARM. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that pterygium was associated with a two- to threefold increased risk of incident late and early ARM.

Conjunctival Diseases↗

PubMed2005

The Q368STOP myocilin mutation in a population-based cohort: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of the Q368STOP myocilin mutation in a population-based cohort: the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES). DESIGN: Population-based study. METHODS: DNA was extracted from 2,142 individuals collected through the BMES, including 31 individuals with glaucoma. All individuals were screened for the presence of the Q368STOP mutation of myocilin. Genotyping of the microsatellite markers My5, My3, D1S2815, and D1S1619 was also undertaken. RESULTS: None of the 31 open-angle glaucoma-positive individuals presented with the Q368STOP mutation. However, two individuals (aged 56 and 72) with no clinical signs of OAG, were identified with this mutation. Allele sharing at the four microsatellite markers defining the Q368STOP disease haplotype for OAG was found in these two individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The Q368STOP myocilin mutation occurs at a low prevalence (0.09%) in a general, older population.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Pterygium, pinguecula, and 5-year incidence of cataract.

PURPOSE: To assess longitudinal associations between pterygium, pinguecula, and 5-year incident cataract. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. METHODS: The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3,654 residents aged > or =49 years during 1992 to 1994 and reexamined 2,335 (75.1% of survivors) 5 years later. Slit-lamp examination recorded pterygium and pinguecula. Cataract was assessed using masked grading of lens photographs. Incidence was assessed in participants without cataract at baseline. Eye-specific data were analyzed using generalized estimating equation models, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, diabetes, and corticosteroid use. RESULTS: Pinguecula was associated with a borderline-significant, increased risk of developing cortical cataract (adjusted odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.7). We found no significant association between baseline pterygium and the incidence of cortical, nuclear, or posterior subcapsular cataract. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal data from the same study population provide weak support for cross-sectional associations between pinguecula and cortical cataract previously reported from our study.

Cataract↗

PubMed2005

Intraocular pressure over the clinical range of blood pressure: blue mountains eye study findings.

PURPOSE: To quantify the relation of blood pressure (BP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) across the clinical range of BP in an older phakic population not using glaucoma medications. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study METHODS: Seated BP and applanation IOP were measured, and their relation was assessed in regression models. RESULTS: Mean IOP of the two eyes increased linearly from 14.3 mm Hg for systolic BP <110 mm Hg to 17.7 mm Hg for systolic BP > or =200 mm Hg, a 3.4-mm Hg excursion over this range. Mean IOP also increased from 15.2 mm Hg for diastolic BP <70 to 18.4 mm Hg for diastolic BP > or =120, a similar variance. There were no changes after age and multivariate adjustments for IOP or after excluding undiagnosed glaucoma cases. CONCLUSION: A 3-mm linear IOP increase over the clinical spectrum of BP levels was evident; this variance is greater than with most other systemic and ocular parameters.

Blood Pressure↗

PubMed2005

Numerical confusion errors in ishihara testing: findings from a population-based study.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence of numerical confusion errors in Ishihara testing in a representative sample of Australian children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based study. METHODS: The Sydney Myopia Study examined a representative stratified random cluster sample of 1,741 children (aged 6 years) attending 34 schools in Sydney, Australia (response rate, 78.9%), including color vision tests in 1,735 children. Those with any color vision defects (n = 33; 1.9%; 97% boys) were excluded. Responses for each Ishihara plate were recorded. RESULTS: Numerical confusion errors were made by 75.8% of children with normal color vision; there was no gender difference. Plates 3 and 7 were particularly prone to numerical confusion errors; 48.4% and 40.8%, respectively, of children misread these plates. CONCLUSION: Numerical confusion errors in the Ishihara test were relatively common in children with normal color vision. The frequency of such errors could indicate an inherent deficiency in this commonly used test.

Child↗

PubMed2005

Impact of birth parameters on eye size in a population-based study of 6-year-old Australian children.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of birth parameters, including birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference on ocular dimensions in 6-year-old children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A stratified random cluster sample of 6-year-old Sydney school-students (n = 1765) were participants in this study. Children had ocular dimensions measured with non-contact methods (Zeiss IOLMaster, Zeiss, Meditec-AG, Jena, Germany). Information on birth weight, height, and head circumference was derived from a questionnaire. RESULTS: After adjusting for cluster, age, and gender, children with birth weight <2500 g had mean axial length 22.46 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.20-22.72) and mean corneal radius 7.70 mm (CI 7.61-7.79). This compared with axial length 22.80 mm (CI 22.70-22.90) and mean corneal radius 7.85 mm (CI 7.81-7.89) for children with birth weight > or =4000 g. Axial length and corneal radius were also related to birth length and head circumference. Refraction, however, was unrelated to birth size. CONCLUSION: Birth parameters have a lasting effect on eye size but not on spherical equivalent refraction.

Biometry↗

PubMed2005

Retinal vessel diameter and open-angle glaucoma: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and retinal vessel diameter among baseline participants in the Blue Mountains Eye Study. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 3654 persons older than 49 years, representing 82.4% of permanent residents living in an area west of Sydney. METHODS: Participants had a detailed eye examination, including automated perimetry and stereo optic disc photography. A computer-assisted program measured retinal vessel diameters from digitized photographs of right eyes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Open-angle glaucoma was diagnosed from matching visual field defects and optic disc cupping, without reference to intraocular pressure (IOP) level. Ocular hypertension was defined as IOP of >21 mmHg in either eye, without matching glaucomatous optic disc and field changes. Average retinal vessel diameters, measured from right eyes, were summarized as arteriolar and venular equivalents. The lowest quintile of the arteriolar equivalent or arteriole-to-venule ratio was used to define generalized retinal arteriolar narrowing. RESULTS: The study included 3314 participants, after excluding those with incomplete data or nonglaucomatous optic nerve disease. Of persons included, 59 (1.8%) had evidence of glaucomatous damage affecting the right eye, 3065 (92.5%) had no damage to either eye, and 163 (4.9%) had ocular hypertension. Right eyes with glaucomatous damage had significantly narrower retinal arteriolar diameters (183+/-2.6 microm) than eyes without glaucoma (194+/-0.4 microm, P = 0.0001) or eyes with ocular hypertension (195+/-1.6 microm, P = 0.0002), after adjusting for age, mean arterial blood pressure, and other confounding variables, including refraction. Right eyes with glaucomatous damage were at least 2 times more likely to have generalized retinal arteriolar narrowing than eyes without glaucoma (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.8). CONCLUSIONS: These population-based data suggest that generalized retinal arteriolar narrowing, an indicator of localized vascular change, is significantly associated with optic nerve damage caused by OAG. It is not clear whether such a retinal arteriolar change reflects an ischemic process leading to optic nerve damage or results from loss of retinal neurons secondary to glaucoma.

Aged↗