Biomedical subjects

W J Feuer

Publications and source records attributed to W J Feuer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

The effect of punctal occlusion on tear production, tear clearance, and ocular surface sensation in normal subjects.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of temporary punctal occlusion on tear production, tear clearance, and ocular surface sensation in normal subjects. METHODS: Noncomparative interventional case series. Punctal occlusion with silicone punctal plugs was performed on nine normal subjects without complaints of ocular irritation and no known history of ocular surface disease. The lower punctum of both eyes was occluded in five subjects. The upper and lower puncta of only one eye were occluded in four subjects. Corneal and conjunctival sensations were measured with the Cochet-Bonnet anesthesiometer. Tear fluorescein clearance was evaluated with a CytoFluor II fluorophotometer by measuring the fluorescein concentration in minimally stimulated tear samples collected from the inferior tear meniscus 15 minutes after instillation of fluorescein. Schirmer test was performed without anesthesia. The tests were performed at days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 to 17 after punctal occlusion. Relationships were analyzed with linear regressions, and a quadratic term was used to model a return to preocclusion levels. Paired t test was used to study the change in tear fluorescein concentration. RESULTS: In subjects who had the lower puncta of both eyes occluded, conjunctival sensation decreased in both eyes (right eye, P =.008; left eye, P =.003), but there was no change in corneal sensation. Their tear fluorescein clearance did not show a significant change from baseline (P =.90). However, a decrease in Schirmer test scores approached statistical significance (P =.056). In subjects with both puncta of only one eye occluded, we noted a decrease in corneal sensation (occluded eye, P =.042; nonoccluded eye, P =.036), conjunctival sensation (occluded, P =.001; nonoccluded, P =.060), and Schirmer scores (occluded, P =.022; nonoccluded, P =.011). Linear regression did not show a significant change in tear fluorescein clearance for either eye (occluded, P =.28; nonoccluded, P =.44). However, paired t test showed a significant worsening of tear clearance in the occluded eye from day 0 to day 3 (P =.001) followed by a subsequent improvement in tear clearance from day 3 to the end of the study period (P =.045). Paired t test did not reveal any significant changes in tear clearance in the nonoccluded eye. The quadratic term of the linear regression model demonstrated an increase toward preocclusion levels that approached statistical significance for corneal sensation (occluded, P =.053; nonoccluded, P =.099). It was statistically significant for conjunctival sensation (occluded, P =.001; nonoccluded, P =.045) and Schirmer scores (occluded, P =.047; nonoccluded, P =.044). CONCLUSIONS: Temporary punctal occlusion in normal subjects decreases tear production and ocular surface sensation. Our findings suggest that in addition to blocking tear drainage, punctal occlusion may affect the ocular surface/lacrimal gland interaction. These effects were more pronounced in subjects with both upper and lower puncta occluded. In normal subjects, there appears to be an autoregulatory mechanism to return tear production, tear clearance, and ocular surface sensation to preocclusion levels 14 to 17 days after punctal occlusion.

Conjunctiva↗

PubMed2001

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro corneal isolate sensitivity to ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and trovafloxacin: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal isolates to ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and trovafloxacin. METHODS: Sensitivities of P. aeruginosa corneal isolates to each antibiotic from the periods 1985 to 1987 (n = 32) and 1995 to 1999 (n = 85) were evaluated in vitro with E tests (AB Biodisk; Remel, Lenexa, Kansas). RESULTS: Overall, the percent of P. aeruginosa corneal isolates sensitive in vitro to ofloxacin (106/117, 90.6%) was significantly less than to ciprofloxacin (113/117, 96.6%, P =.016) and trovafloxacin (113/117, 96.6%, P =.016). We observed trends of decreasing sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and trovafloxacin, which were not statistically significant. Sensitivity to ofloxacin remained unchanged; however, sensitivity to ofloxacin was always less than sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and trovafloxacin. CONCLUSION: Although in vitro susceptibilities may not correlate with in vivo efficacy, our data suggest that ciprofloxacin and trovafloxacin are superior to ofloxacin in the treatment of P. aeruginosa keratitis.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

PubMed2001

Emotional distress in patients with retinal disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of, and potential risk factors for, emotional distress among patients with retinal disease. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Cases consisted of 86 consecutive patients at Wilmer Eye Institute Retinal Vascular Center. Fifty-one controls with normal visual acuity and no known ocular disease were frequency-matched to the cases by age, sex, and race. Subjects were interviewed using the Community Disability Scale, a functional status questionnaire, and the General Health Questionnaire, a questionnaire assessing emotional distress. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable (General Health Questionnaire score 4 or greater and less than 10) or definite (General Health Questionnaire score 10 or greater) emotional distress was 59.3% among ophthalmic patients and 2.0% among controls. There were significant relationships between emotional distress, as assessed by General Health Questionnaire score, and degree of 1) visual impairment, as assessed by weighted bilateral average logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR), and 2) functional impairment, as assessed by Community Disability Scale score (P =.001). Univariate analyses identified significant predictors of emotional distress: shorter duration of ocular disease (P =.019), worse visual acuity (P =.001), increased systemic comorbidities (P =.001), and increased functional impairment (P <.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrates that worse visual acuity, increased systemic comorbidities, and shorter duration of ocular disease each explain over 10% of the variability in General Health Questionnaire score (r(2) = 0.15, 0.12, and 0.11, respectively). Addition of Community Disability Scale score to the regression model eliminates the significance of visual acuity and systemic comorbidities; Community Disability Scale score explains nearly 30% of the variability in emotional distress, as assessed by General Health Questionnaire score (r(2) = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Emotional distress is prevalent among patients with retinal disease; potential risk factors for emotional distress among such patients include shorter duration of ocular disease, worse visual acuity, increased systemic comorbidities, and increased functional impairment.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Visual hallucinations in patients with retinal disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and phenomenologic nature of visual hallucinations among patients with retinal disease and to investigate whether presence of hallucinations is a significant predictor of functional status, quality of life, and/or emotional distress after adjusting for visual acuity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Eighty-six consecutive patients at the Wilmer Ophthalmologic Institute Retinal Vascular Center were interviewed using the Sickness Impact Profile, Community Disability Scale, General Health Questionnaire, Visual Phenomena Interview, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. RESULTS: The prevalence of visual hallucinations was 15.1%. Most were formed hallucinations in clear consciousness that lasted for seconds to minutes. The majority of patients had been experiencing visual hallucinations for less than 1 year (61.5%) or for 1 to 2 years (23.1%). Only two of the 13 patients with hallucinations had informed a physician of their hallucinations. Univariate analyses revealed that variables significantly associated with experiencing hallucinations were female sex, worse visual acuity, bilateral visual impairment, emotional distress, decreased functional status, and decreased quality of life. Regression analysis demonstrated that among patients with relatively good vision, those who experienced hallucinations were more emotionally distressed and had a lower quality of life than patients without hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS: Visual hallucinations among patients with retinal disease are common, underdiagnosed, and not associated with cognitive deficits, abnormal personality traits, or a family or personal history of psychiatric morbidity. Among patients with relatively good vision, hallucinations are associated with increased emotional distress and decreased quality of life.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed2001

The outcome of retinopathy of prematurity: screening for retinopathy of prematurity using an outcome predictive program.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the calculated risk of progression to threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and risk of an unfavorable structural outcome using the computer program, RM-ROP, with the observed incidence for infants born at Jackson Memorial Hospital (JMH) and to determine how many children would have been treated unnecessarily if the threshold criteria for treatment were lowered on the basis of the clinical findings and RM-ROP risk calculations. DESIGN: Noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: All 292 surviving premature infants weighing 1250 g or less at birth and born at JMH between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 1998, were included in the study. METHODS: Baseline demographic factors and data from sequential ophthalmic examinations were entered into the RM-ROP program for risk calculation. Infants reaching threshold disease received diode laser indirect photocoagulation of the avascular retina. Three-month follow-up was obtained for infants receiving laser treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The development of threshold ROP and an unfavorable structural outcome, defined as a posterior retinal fold or posterior retinal detachment occurring within 3 months of threshold disease. RESULTS: Thirty-eight eyes were diagnosed with threshold ROP, with 18 of 20 subjects having bilateral disease. Three-month posttreatment follow-up was obtained on all 20 children, with 19 having good structural outcomes. Thirty-two percent of eyes (12 of 38) reaching threshold never had a risk estimate greater than 0.10. However, only 6% of eyes (35 of 546) that did not reach threshold ever had a model predicted risk greater than 0.15. All right eyes with zone 1 prethreshold disease, 60% of those with zone 2 stage 2+ disease, and 23% with zone 2 stage 3 disease progressed to threshold ROP. CONCLUSIONS: The similarity between the risk distributions for the Miami and the Multicenter Trial of Cryotherapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity study indicates the similarity in the populations with respect to risk factors identified as important by the model. The Miami data validated the model, with eyes reaching threshold having higher risks than eyes that did not. Actual risk estimates for eyes reaching threshold can be small. Changing the threshold criteria for treatment on the basis of various clinical and computer-generated prethreshold risk levels in our population would have resulted in the unnecessary treatment of many infants who never progressed to threshold disease. In the Miami population, if the model were used to manage an individual subject, close attention would have to be paid to small differences in risk. Although the RM-ROP software program may be a useful tool for following premature infants with ROP, the clinical examination remains the "gold standard."

Disease Progression↗

PubMed2001

Outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for complications of branch retinal vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for complications of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: The medical records of all patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for complications of BRVO at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1998 were reviewed. Thirty-six eyes from 36 consecutive patients were identified. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity outcomes include preservation of preoperative visual acuity and visual acuity greater than or equal to 20/40, 20/200 and 5/200. When preoperative retinal detachment was present, the anatomic outcome assessed was complete retinal attachment. Postoperative event rates of retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, epiretinal membrane (ERM), and cataract were tabulated. All outcomes were assessed at 6 months. RESULTS: Surgical indications included nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage (17 patients), traction retinal detachment involving the macula (15), and ERM (4). Mean follow-up was 19 months. Preoperatively, best-corrected vision was greater than or equal to 20/200 in 19/36 (53%) eyes. Six months postoperatively, best-corrected vision was greater than or equal to 20/40 in 12/36 (33%) eyes, greater than or equal to 20/200 in 27/36 (75%) eyes, and greater than or equal to 5/200 in 31/36 (86%) eyes. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment (2/36; 6% eyes), ERM (3; 8%), vitreous hemorrhage (2; 6%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (1; 3%), central retinal vein occlusion (1; 3%), and central retinal artery occlusion (1; 3%). Clinical features associated with better visual outcome include better preoperative visual acuity (P: = 0.05), absence of preoperative afferent pupillary defect (P: = 0.01), and absence of preoperative macular edema (P: = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Following surgery, retinal attachment and improved visual acuity were achieved in the majority of patients. Pre-existing pathology and postoperative complications may limit final vision in eyes with BRVO.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Incidence of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy associated with cataract extraction.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after cataract extraction and to use the incidence to evaluate the causal relationship between cataract extraction and NAION. DESIGN: Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand seven hundred eighty-seven cataract extraction cases at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) in a 5-year period between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1997. METHODS: During the study period, an estimated 5787 cataract extraction cases were identified that met the following criteria: (1) the patient was 50 years of age or older, (2) surgery was performed by phacoemulsification or phacofracture techniques and not planned in combination with another procedure, and (3) follow-up was at BPEI. Charts of patients diagnosed with NAION from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998 were reviewed to detect the occurrence of NAION within 1 year of surgery. The diagnosis of NAION was based on the following: (1) an acute decrease in vision, (2) associated nerve fiber layer defect on visual field testing, (3) associated relative afferent pupillary defect, and (4) observed optic nerve edema. The exact binomial test was used to compare the incidence of NAION after cataract extraction against the expected incidence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Occurrence of NAION within 1 year after cataract extraction. RESULTS: Of the 5787 cataract extraction cases, three patients experienced NAION within 1 year of the procedure. Each case occurred after surgery on days 29, 36, and 117, giving an estimated 6-month incidence of 51.8 in 100,000 and a 6-week incidence of 34.6 in 100,000. Both were statistically higher than the previously reported overall incidence of NAION. Two of the three patients had a history of NAION in the contralateral eye. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract extraction is associated with an increased incidence of NAION, which is higher than the reported overall incidence. However, the risk of NAION after cataract extraction is low, with approximately one occurrence in every 2000 cases. A history of NAION in the fellow eye may be a risk factor.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Screening for retinopathy of prematurity employing the retcam 120: sensitivity and specificity.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the method of photographic screening using the RetCam 120 to the standard method of screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by ophthalmologic examination. METHODS: A total of 100 RetCam 120 photoscreening examinations of the retina were performed on 32 premature infants. These were stored in a separate file from which all identifying information was removed. At this same examination, a detailed ophthalmological evaluation, employing the indirect ophthalmoscope with scleral depression, was performed by an experienced examiner. Masked examiners performed an evaluation of the fundus photographs to identify presence or absence of ROP, the location and extent of the disease, and the presence or absence of plus disease. These data were then compared with the results of the ophthalmological examination to determine the specificity, sensitivity, and the positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of the method. RESULTS: Retinopathy of prematurity was detected in 68 of 100 subjects by ophthalmologic examinations and in 58 of 100 subjects' photoscreening examinations. No ROP was detected in 32 of 100 subjects. The sensitivity of the method was 56 (82.4%) of 68 and the specificity was 30 (93.8%) of 32. The PPV was 96.6%; NPV, 76.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of the method was low. The ROP that was missed was peripheral stage 1 or stage 2 disease in peripheral zone 2 or zone 3. This was largely due to the technical limitations of the speculum-camera interface preventing a better view of the periphery. The ROP cases that were missed by the photographic examination regressed spontaneously on follow-up. No disease more posterior to peripheral zone 2 was overlooked. These results detail the accuracy of the method employing the technique of photoscreening as a potential substitute for detailed ophthalmological examination. At present there are clear technical limitations to such a substitution. The study is part of an ongoing project to determine the feasibility of employing neonatal nurses trained to take digitized images of the premature infant's retina and telemeter the results to be read by an experienced ophthalmologist remote from the site.

False Negative Reactions↗

PubMed2000

Baerveldt drainage implants in eyes with a preexisting scleral buckle.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical insertion of a Baerveldt drainage implant and postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes in patients with a preexisting scleral buckle. METHODS: Medical records of all patients with a preexisting scleral buckle who underwent insertion of a Baerveldt drainage implant at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Fla, from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 1998, were reviewed. Outcome measures included visual acuity and IOP at 1 year. RESULTS: At 1 year postoperatively, 14 (88%) of 16 patients had stable or improved visual acuity. Preoperatively, mean IOP was 30.9 mm Hg and the mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 3.4; at 1 year postoperatively, mean IOP was 12.0 mm Hg and the mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 0.8 (P<.001). Nine patients (56%) achieved an IOP of greater than 5 and no greater than 21 mm Hg without medication, and an additional 7 (44%) achieved this level of IOP control with medication. No patient required further surgery for uncontrolled IOP during the follow-up interval, which ranged from 19. 1 to 45.5 months. CONCLUSION: Baerveldt drainage device insertion behind or over a preexisting encircling band is often successful in managing refractory glaucoma in patients who have undergone previous scleral buckling procedures. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:1509-1513

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Outcomes and complications associated with perfluoro-n-octane and perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene in complex retinal detachment repair.

OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) intraocular retention, anatomic and visual acuity outcomes, and complications associated with intraoperative perfluoro-n-octane (Perfluoron) versus perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene (Vitreon) in retinal detachment repair. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Records of consecutive patients who underwent retinal detachment repair with intraoperative Perfluoron (n = 78) or Vitreon (n = 84) at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between November 1, 1991, and October 31, 1994, were retrospectively reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of PFCL intraocular retention rates, retinal reattachment rates, visual acuity outcomes, and postoperative complication rates between the Perfluoron and Vitreon groups at postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1, month 3, and month 6. To assess the study's generalizability, the Perfluoron data obtained in the current study were compared with results of the Perfluoron Multicenter Clinical Study. RESULTS: Retained Perfluoron was noted less frequently (P < 0.03) than retained Vitreon at each postoperative visit assessed. At 6 months postoperatively, the cumulative rate of retained PFCL (noted at any of the study postoperative visits) was 7.8% of patients in the Perfluoron group and 38.3% in the Vitreon group (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the groups in retinal reattachment rates; at 6 months postoperatively, the retina was attached in 45 of 61 (74%) patients in the Perfluoron group and 36 of 57 (63%) patients in the Vitreon group (P = 0.2). There was a trend (P = 0.055) toward better 6-month visual acuity in the Perfluoron group compared with the Vitreon group. The incidence of corneal abnormality at any study visit was 46.7% in the Perfluoron group and 77.4% in the Vitreon group (P < 0.001). At 6 months postoperatively, the cumulative rate of elevated intraocular pressure (>25 mmHg) was 13 +/- 4% and 37 +/- 5%, respectively (P = 0.004). No significant difference was found between the groups in rates of postoperative hypotony. Results of this study are comparable with those observed in the Perfluoron Multicenter Clinical Study. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Perfluoron was retained intraocularly less frequently than Vitreon. Although no significant difference was found between groups in retinal reattachment rates, Perfluoron is associated with slightly better 6-month visual acuity and lower rates of corneal abnormality and elevated intraocular pressure compared with Vitreon.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Visual acuity outcomes with and without surgery in patients with persistent fetal vasculature.

PURPOSE: To investigate visual acuity outcomes in patients with persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) left untreated or treated with vitreoretinal surgical techniques and to investigate clinical features associated with prognosis. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: All patients with PFV examined at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from January 1, 1983 through December 31, 1998. INTERVENTION: All patients in the study had unilateral PFV. Of 42 PFV patients identified, 30 patients underwent vitreoretinal surgery. Indications for surgery included media opacity (e.g., cataract), vitreoretinal traction, and retinal detachment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Final best postoperative visual acuity, prognostic ocular clinical features, and surgical complications. RESULTS: In the surgical group of patients, median age at diagnosis was 8 weeks, and median length of follow-up was 32 months, with all patients having at least 1 year of follow-up. Two patients had clinical and echographic findings consistent with anterior PFV, 2 patients had strictly posterior PFV, and the remaining 26 patients had components of both anterior and posterior PFV. Fourteen eyes (47%) achieved a final visual acuity of 20/400 or better at last follow-up. Risk factors for a poor visual acuity outcome (<20/400) included microphthalmia (28% of patients with microphthalmia versus 67% of patients with normal axial length achieved a final vision of 20/400 or better; P = 0.061) and preoperative retinal detachment or retinal or optic nerve abnormalities, or both, such as hypoplasia, folds, or indistinct macula with hypopigmentation (25% of patients with any of these anomalies versus 61 % of patients without these findings achieved a final vision of 20/400 or better; P = 0.072). After surgery, retinal detachment developed in three eyes, chronic hypotony in two other eyes, and neovascular glaucoma in one eye. In the nonsurgical group there were 6 male and 6 female patients. Two patients with posterior PFV had minimal disease and were not considered surgical candidates, whereas 10 patients with combined anterior and posterior PFV had advanced pathologic features, and it was believed that surgery would not offer significant visual improvement; median age at diagnosis was 9.5 months, and median length of follow-up was 36 months, with all patients having at least 1 year of follow-up. At last follow-up, 3 eyes (25%) had a final visual acuity of 20/400 or better. During follow-up, retinal detachment developed in 2 eyes and chronic hypotony in an additional 2 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicates that approximately 50% of patients undergoing surgery for PFV will achieve useful vision. Visual acuity outcomes in patients with PFV are correlated with the nature and extent of ocular risk factors. Some patients may not be candidates for surgery because of either minimal changes or advanced disease that limit the potential of visual improvement.

Cataract Extraction↗

PubMed2000

Interleukin-6 levels in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with dry eye disease treated with cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease before and after treatment with cyclosporin A ophthalmic emulsion (CsA) or its vehicle. METHODS: Conjunctival cytology specimens were obtained from a subset of patients enrolled in a 6-month randomized, double-masked clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of topical CsA at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of B.I.D. treatment with 0.05% cyclosporine emulsion (n = 13), 0.1% cyclosporine emulsion (n = 8), or vehicle (n = 10). RNA was extracted and a competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the levels of mRNA encoding the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and a housekeeping gene, G3PDH. Levels of IL-6 and G3PDH were measured and compared. RESULTS: There was no change from baseline in the level of G3PDH after 3 or 6 months in any group. IL-6 normalized for G3PDH (IL-6/G3PDH ratio) was not different from baseline at 3 months but showed a significant decrease from baseline in the group treated with 0.05% CsA (p = 0.048) at 6 months. No significant between-group differences were noted and no correlation was observed between the change in IL-6/G3PDH and corneal fluorescein staining. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary, small-cohort study showed a decrease in IL-6 in the conjunctival epithelium of moderate to severe dry eye patients treated with 0.05% CsA for 6 months. The observed decrease suggests that dry eye disease involves immune-mediated inflammatory processes that may be decreased by treatment with topical ophthalmic cyclosporine.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2000

Acute effects of sildenafil (viagra) on blue-on-yellow and white-on-white Humphrey perimetry.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of sildenafil on blue-on-yellow and white-on-white Humphrey visual field (HVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy subjects, ages 20 to 38 years, were prospectively randomized to active drug (n = 5) or placebo (n = 3) groups. Blue-on-yellow and white-on-white HVF testing was performed before and 1 hour after masked dosing of sildenafil 200 mg or placebo. Changes in mean deviation (MD) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Three of three placebo and four of five sildenafil subjects had no change on HVF. One of five sildenafil subjects had a decrease in MD of 17.9 dB and 4.7 dB on blue-on-yellow and white-on-white HVF testing, respectively. This subject reported more systemic side effects than other subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil has no effect on HVF testing in most persons; however, sildenafil caused an acute abnormality of HVF testing in one subject, who experienced pronounced non-visual systemic symptoms; this effect was greater on blue-on-yellow than white-on-white HVF.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed2000

The optimum time to employ telephotoscreening to detect retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: Labor-intensive screening of infants in the neonatal intensive care units is the only way to detect retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Our purpose is to determine if RetCam 120 photos, acquired by a neonatal nurse, can be used to screen for ROP by performing 2 screening examinations, at 32 to 34 weeks (exam 1) and at 38 to 40 weeks (exam 2) post-conceptional age. METHODS: RetCam examinations are performed by a nurse on infants at exam 1 and exam 2 intervals. At the same time, an examination is performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. Masked readers evaluate the photos for ROP and determine if each eye will progress to prethreshold or threshold disease. The data are compared to the clinical course of the eyes. RESULTS: Forty-six eyes were photographed at exam 1 and 50 eyes at exam 2 from July 1, 1999, to December 15, 1999. Sensitivity and specificity of detecting ROP were 76% and 100% for exam 2 and 46% and 100% for exam 1. Sensitivity and specificity of predicting prethreshold disease were 64% and 97% for exam 2 and 33% and 100% for exam 1. Sensitivity and specificity of predicting threshold were both 100% at exam 2 and 0% (one photo in category) and 95% at exam 1. CONCLUSION: A potential reason for low sensitivity is technical limitations of the Retcam, such as the difficulty in capturing peripheral retina in small eyes and the need for a better lid speculum.

Disease Progression↗

PubMed1999

Elevated intraocular pressure and hypotony following silicone oil retinal tamponade for complex retinal detachment: incidence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for persistently elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and hypotony in patients who have undergone pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil injection for the management of complex retinal detachment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 532 patients who underwent silicone oil injection for the management of complex retinal detachments between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1996, at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Fla, were reviewed. Elevated IOP was defined as elevated IOP requiring an operation at any time postoperatively or a persistently elevated IOP of greater than 25 mm Hg at or after the 6-month visit. Hypotony was defined as a persistent IOP of 5 mm Hg or less at or after the 6-month visit. Patients with transient perioperative IOP fluctuations were not counted. RESULTS: Survival analysis for patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis (n = 383) revealed that 12.9% had an elevated IOP and 14.1% had hypotony by 6 months, 21% had an elevated IOP and 20.3% had hypotony by 1 year, and 29.5% had an elevated IOP and 27.3% had hypotony by 2 years. Among patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis (n = 149), none had a persistently elevated IOP, 10% had hypotony by 6 months, and 5.9% had persistently elevated IOP and 10% developed chronic hypotony by 1 year. A history of glaucoma before silicone oil retinal tamponade (P = .03), diabetes mellitus (P = .02), and a high IOP on the first postoperative day (P = .006) were risk factors for elevated postoperative IOP in patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis. Risk factors for postoperative hypotony in patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis included preoperative hypotony (P<.001) and aphakia (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: An elevated or low IOP often develops postoperatively in patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis who undergo silicone oil injection for the management of complex retinal detachment. Risk factors for an elevated postoperative IOP include a history of glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, and a high IOP on the first postoperative day. Risk factors for hypotony include preoperative hypotony and aphakia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

External beam radiotherapy in retinoblastoma: tumor control and comparison of 2 techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate eye conservation, local control, and complication rates among children with retinoblastoma treated with 2 different external beam radiotherapy (EBR) techniques. METHODS: Fifty-eight eyes in 42 patients received EBR as the primary treatment modality for retinoblastoma (median follow-up, 37 months). The EBR technique was relative lens-sparing (RLS) in 26 eyes and modified lateral beam (MLB) in 32 eyes. Both groups were comparable in Reese-Ellsworth retinoblastoma classification. If necessary, patients received focal salvage therapy. RESULTS: At 24 months, eye conservation rates were 88.5% and 89.1% among eyes treated with RLS and MLB, respectively (P = .40); tumor control rates without salvage therapy were 84.6% and 53.3% (P = .02), respectively. Among eyes with Reese-Ellsworth stage IV and V disease, eye conservation rates were 88%+/-8% and 83%+/-9% at 36 months in the RLS and MLB groups, respectively, and local tumor control rates were 81%+/-10% and 51%+/-12%. Percentages of eyes without cataract at 36 months were 83.1% and 63.0%, respectively (P = .40). Among patients observed for at least 18 months, midfacial hypoplasia developed in 38.5% and 29.4%, respectively (P = .70). CONCLUSIONS: The EBR technique was associated with high eye conservation and local control rates. Salvage therapy was performed significantly less frequently in the RLS group compared with the MLB group, and complication rates in both groups were similar.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1999

Treatment of recurrent cytomegalovirus retinitis with the ganciclovir implant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate preoperative characteristics and outcome of the treatment of recurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis with the ganciclovir implant. METHODS: Records of 54 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and active, previously treated CMV retinitis who received a ganciclovir implant in one (n = 31) or both (n = 23) eyes were reviewed. Entry criteria included prior insertion and removal of an indwelling catheter or failure to respond to tolerated doses of ganciclovir and foscarnet. Preoperative factors that might correlate with outcome were analyzed, including demographic factors, duration of human immunodeficiency virus disease and CMV retinitis, indications for surgery, prior anti-CMV treatment, and extent of retinitis. RESULTS: Forty-six patients completed 1 month of follow-up and were analyzed for outcome. Thirty-one (67.4%) had inactive retinitis at 1 month vs 15 (32.6%) with active retinitis, and they received a mean of 23.5 +/- 22.9 weeks of preoperative ganciclovir vs 58.0 +/- 52.0 weeks in patients with active retinitis (P = .003). Involvement of more than 25% of retinal area by CMV retinitis was also correlated with activity at 1 month (P < .001). Patients who received implants because of lack of venous access had a median time to progression of 8.0 +/- 3.0 months vs 2.0 +/- 1.2 months for patients who had inadequate response or intolerance to intravenous medication (P = .073). Patients with 6 months or less vs more than 6 months of preoperative ganciclovir treatment had progression at a median time of 8.0 +/- 1.7 months vs 2.0 +/- 0.3 months, respectively (P = .016). CONCLUSION: Longer duration of preoperative ganciclovir or larger area of CMV retinitis correlates with lower success of ganciclovir implant therapy for recurrent retinitis.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1999

Effect of potent antiretroviral therapy on recurrent cytomegalovirus retinitis treated with the ganciclovir implant.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis treated with ganciclovir implants. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of 15 patients with recurrent CMV retinitis treated with the ganciclovir implant and highly active antiretroviral therapy (cases) and 38 patients with recurrent retinitis treated with ganciclovir implants before availability of improved antiretroviral therapy (controls). Progression was defined as occurrence of new lesions in the treated eye or advancement of the retinitis border by more than 750 microm. RESULTS: Cases and controls were statistically similar in age, ethnicity, and duration of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Controls had received intravenous ganciclovir for 9.5 +/- 9.5 months vs 3.5 +/- 4.6 months in cases (P = .003). The mean (+/- SE) time to progression of retinitis after implantation of the device was 26.7 +/- 2.4 months (95% confidence interval, 22.1 to 31.3) in the cases receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy vs 6.2 +/- 0.9 months (95% confidence interval, 4.5 to 7.9) in the controls (P = .001). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for preoperative variables, confirmed a significantly prolonged time to progression in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (P = .0003). The odds ratio for progression in the cases vs controls was 0.034 (95% confidence interval, 0.003 to 0.350). Cases had higher CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts (P = .004) and longer survival (P < .001) than controls. CONCLUSION: Highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with improved outcomes in patients with AIDS and recurrent CMV retinitis treated with the ganciclovir implant.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗