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Biomedical subjects

William J Feuer

Publications and source records attributed to William J Feuer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A comparison of risk factors for postoperative and spontaneous nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: : Whether postoperative non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is caused by surgery is unsettled. To provide further evidence on this issue, it is useful to compare the characteristics of patients who develop NAION following intraocular surgery to those who develop NAION spontaneously. METHODS: : In a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with NAION between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1999, 12 cases of NAION in 11 subjects were identified as occurring within 30 days of cataract extraction or intraocular lens exchange (postoperative NAION group). Using Fisher exact test, the prevalence of NAION risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, small cup-to-disc ratios) was compared with that of a similarly aged control group of 37 subjects diagnosed with spontaneous NAION (spontaneous NAION group). RESULTS: : Patients with postoperative NAION had a lower prevalence of hypertension than did those with spontaneous NAION (27% versus 68%, P = 0.034) and a lower prevalence of cup-to-disc ratios of less than or equal to 0.2 (55% vs. 94%, P = 0.006). The prevalence of elevated cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and tobacco use was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: : The prevalence of hypertension and low cup-to-disc ratios is significantly lower in subjects with NAION following lens-related intraocular surgery than in those with spontaneous NAION, indicating that risk factors for NAION in these settings may be different.

Aged↗

Ocular complications of pediatric uveitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the cumulative proportion and the visual significance of ocular complications of pediatric uveitis. DESIGN: Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with onset of endogenous or infectious uveitis before or at age 16 years. METHODS: Retrospective review of existing records at a university-based uveitis clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Type and prevalence of complications related to uveitis, time to development of complications, and vision loss after initial diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 148 patients, 71 males and 77 females, with a mean age of 10.4+/-4.9 years (median, 10.3 years) for an estimated prevalence of pediatric uveitis of 13.8%. Noninfectious uveitis was present in 112 patients (75.7%); 105 (71%) patients had bilateral disease. Anterior uveitis accounted for 30.4%, intermediate uveitis for 27.7%, posterior uveitis for 23.7%, and panuveitis for 18.2% of patients. Patients were followed for a mean of 71.7 months (range, 0 months-44 years) after diagnosis. Approximately 34% of all patients had 1 or more complications at the time of first diagnosis of uveitis by an ophthalmologist, increasing to 61.6% by 3 months, 69.4% by 6 months, 75.2% by 1 year, and 86.3% by 3 years after diagnosis. There were a total of 617 complications of all types. Anterior and intermediate uveitis had a higher risk of band keratopathy (P = 0.005). Posterior and intermediate uveitis had a lower risk of cataract (P = 0.009) or posterior synechiae (P<0.001). Intermediate uveitis had a higher risk of cystoid macular edema compared with anterior or posterior uveitis (P = 0.002). The cumulative percentages (standard error) of patients with first loss to 20/200 or worse after diagnosis in the affected eyes of unilateral cases or in either eye of the bilateral cases were: 31.3% (3.9) at 1 month; 40.5% (4.1) at 6 months; 56.0% (4.3) at 24 months; and 69.6% (4.5) at 60 months. Fifty-four patients (48.2%) received systemic antiinflammatory or immunomodulatory therapy. Sixty-eight patients (45.9%) had ocular surgery, and 38 of these had ocular surgery in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood uveitis is significant for numerous complications, many of which are vision threatening. Complications increase with duration of disease.

Adolescent↗

The impact of echography on evaluation and management of posterior segment disorders.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact on patient management of posterior segment echographic evaluation at an academic institution. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. METHODS: Records were reviewed of all patients evaluated for the first time with ocular echography for posterior segment evaluation at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between September 2000 and August 2001. Patients with prior posterior segment echography, intraocular tumors, or suspected optic nerve or orbital disease were excluded. An "impactful" echographic evaluation was defined as an evaluation that confirmed the diagnosis and management plan. A "pivotal" evaluation was defined as an evaluation that either (1) made or subclassified the diagnosis or (2) established or changed the management plan or both. Main outcome measures include proportions of impactful and pivotal echographic evaluations and factors associated with pivotal evaluations. RESULTS: The study included 154 eyes of 143 patients. The requesting physician was a retina fellowship-trained faculty member in 55 cases (36%), a nonretina faculty member in 22 (14%), a fellow in 9 (6%), and a resident in 68 (44%). Reasons for obtaining echography included evaluation for retinal tear or detachment in 83 eyes (54%), evaluation for posterior segment disease (for example, before cataract extraction) in 40 (26%), evaluation for endophthalmitis in 10 (7%), evaluation for intraocular foreign body in 8 (5%), characterization of choroidal detachment in 4 (2%), and other in 9 (6%). Echography confirmed the suspected diagnosis and pre-echography management plan in 128 eyes (83%). Echography made or subclassified the diagnosis in 20 eyes (13%) and established or changed the management plan in 12 eyes (8%). Accounting for definitional overlaps, echography was pivotal in 22 eyes (14%). Significant predictors of a pivotal evaluation or an evaluation that affected the management plan include a retina faculty member as the requesting physician (P =.003), lack of a management plan before echography (P <.001), and certain reasons for obtaining echography (for example, to rule out retinal tear or detachment and to rule out intraocular foreign body; P =.032). The final clinical or pathologic diagnosis confirmed the echographic diagnosis in 148 eyes (96%). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior segment echography may be a very useful diagnostic tool. Its value may be optimized in certain subsets of patients. Considerations such as these may contribute to more cost-effective allocation of resources.

Adolescent↗

Pharmacokinetics of systemic versus focal Carboplatin chemotherapy in the rabbit eye: possible implication in the treatment of retinoblastoma.

PURPOSE: To characterize the pharmacology and toxicity of intravenous versus focal carboplatin delivery in the rabbit eye. METHODS: Pharmacological distribution of carboplatin was examined in New Zealand White Rabbits after a single intravenous infusion of carboplatin (18.7 mg/kg of body weight), a single subconjunctival carboplatin injection (5.0 mg/400 microL), or a single application of carboplatin delivered by Coulomb-controlled iontophoresis (CCI; 14 mg/mL carboplatin, 5.0 mA/cm(2), 20 minutes). After each treatment, animals were euthanatized, and the eyes analyzed at 1, 2, 6, or 24 hours by atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine carboplatin concentration in ocular structures. Potential toxicity of focally delivered carboplatin was assessed by histology after six cycles of 5.0 mg carboplatin delivered by subconjunctival injection or six transscleral carboplatin CCI applications at 72-hour intervals (14.0 mg/mL, 20 minutes at 2.5 mA). RESULTS: Determination of concentrations through atomic absorption spectroscopy in the retina, choroid, vitreous humor, and optic nerve after subconjunctival injection or iontophoretic carboplatin delivery revealed significantly higher levels than those achieved with intravenous administration. Carboplatin concentrations in the blood plasma were found to be significantly higher after intravenous delivery than after focal delivery by subconjunctival injection or CCI. No evidence of ocular toxicity was detected after focally delivered Carboplatin. CONCLUSIONS: Focal administration of carboplatin using subconjunctival or noninvasive CCI safely and effectively transmits this chemotherapeutic drug into the target tissues of the retina, choroid, vitreous, and optic nerve. These results suggest that focal carboplatin delivery may effectively increase intraorbital carboplatin concentrations while decreasing systemic exposure to this cytotoxic drug.

Animals↗

Use of glaucoma drainage devices in the management of glaucoma associated with aniridia.

PURPOSE: To describe intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity outcomes after glaucoma drainage device placement in eyes with glaucoma associated with aniridia. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive, interventional case series. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who underwent glaucoma drainage device placement for the management of glaucoma associated with aniridia at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1999, were reviewed. RESULTS: The study included eight eyes of five patients with a median age at the time of glaucoma drainage device placement of 92 months (range, 10- 495 months) and a median follow-up of 19 months (range, 11- 33 months). Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 35 mm Hg using a mean of one antiglaucoma medication. Postoperatively, the mean IOP was reduced to 14.9 mm Hg and no patient was using antiglaucoma medication. Final visual acuity was improved compared with preoperatively in five of eight eyes (63%) and remained unchanged in two eyes (25%). Loss of light perception occurred in one eye owing to retinal detachment. Success rates using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were 100% at 6 months and 88% at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma drainage device placement for glaucoma associated with aniridia achieves IOP control and vision preservation in most patients.

Adolescent↗

Long-term anatomic and visual acuity outcomes after initial anatomic success with macular hole surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the anatomic and visual outcomes in patients with initial anatomic success after macular hole surgery and with at least 5 years of follow-up. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. METHODS: Medical records of all patients who underwent surgery for idiopathic full-thickness macular holes by two surgeons (W.E.S., H.W.F.) at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1996, were reviewed. All patients who had initial anatomic success with macular hole surgery and who had 5 years or more of follow-up postoperatively were included in the study. Main outcome measures included the rate of macular hole reopening and visual acuity outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-four eyes of 66 patients with a median age of 68.0 years (range, 45.0-86.8 years) were identified. The median duration of macular hole was 6.0 months (range, 1.1-93.8 months), and the median duration of follow-up after macular hole surgery was 91.0 months (range, 60.0 to 114.8 months). The hole reopened in 9 eyes (12%) during the follow-up interval; 6 of these eyes underwent reoperation, and the hole closed in 4 of 6 (67%). Preoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/50 to 20/400 (mean, 20/129; median, 20/100). In the 62 eyes that underwent cataract extraction (CE) after macular hole surgery, CE was performed at a median of 13.9 months after macular hole surgery. Patients achieved their best postoperative visual acuity at a median of 28.5 months after macular hole surgery. Best postoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/400 (mean, 20/36; median, 20/30). Visual acuity at last follow-up ranged from 20/25 to counting fingers (mean, 20/56; median, 20/40). At last follow-up, 43 eyes (58%) had a visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and 57 (77%) had an improvement in visual acuity of 3 or more Snellen lines compared with their preoperative acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Macular hole closure and visual acuity improvement after initially successful macular hole surgery persist at follow-up of 5 years and longer in the majority of patients; delayed visual acuity improvement is not attributable to cataract surgery alone.

Aged↗

Surgical technique for control of postkeratoplasty myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia.

PURPOSE: We previously demonstrated that selective suture removal reduces keratoplasty astigmatism; however, a myopic shift was induced with the increasing number of interrupted sutures removed. This study is an attempt to determine the effects of a modified surgical technique on postkeratoplasty myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia. DESIGN: A cohort study compared with historical controls. METHOD: Optical penetrating keratoplasties were performed on 92 eyes of 84 patients. The study group consisted of 92 consecutive penetrating keratoplasties performed using 12 interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures and a tight 12-bite continuous suture and an average K reading of 46.00 diopters for eyes undergoing combined and intraocular lens exchange procedures. All patients had refraction, keratometry, and videokeratoscopy postoperatively starting at 6 weeks and at the completion of selective suture removal. RESULTS: Before suture removal, the average spherical equivalent was -0.160 +/- 3.59 diopters; it was -1.58 +/- 3.66 diopters at the completion of suture removal at 1 year and -1.44 +/- 3.72 at the last follow-up visit, averaging 20.7 months. Final refractive, keratometric, and videokeratoscopy astigmatism was 2.81 +/- 1.82, 4.19 +/- 2.94, and 3.58 +/- 2.03 diopters, respectively. Anisometropia, using the spherical equivalent of the operated and fellow eyes, was 2.49 +/- 2.25 diopters at completion of the study. A best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50 or better was achieved in 59% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Low myopic spherical equivalent and anisometropia were achieved using a K reading of 46 diopters for calculation of intraocular lens power. The use of tighter continuous sutures and selective removal of fewer interrupted sutures only served to increase final astigmatism, with no significant effect on the final spherical equivalent.

Adult↗

The effect of optic disk edema on spontaneous venous pulsations.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of optic disk edema on spontaneous venous pulsations (SVP) in patients without elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).Prospective, cross-sectional comparison in an institutional setting. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with unilateral optic disk edema due to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION, n = 11) or optic neuritis (n = 9) were evaluated. The proportion of subjects with SVP in both eyes, the involved eye only, the uninvolved eye only, or neither eye was determined. Comparisons were made using the Exact McNemar Test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the proportion of uninvolved and involved eyes with SVP (60% [12/20] vs 5% [1/20], P <.005). Spontaneous venous pulsations were present in the uninvolved eye of 12 patients and the nonedematous portion of the optic disk in 1 patient with segmental edema from AION. CONCLUSIONS: Optic disk edema may cause SVP cessation without ICP elevation.

Adult↗

Outcomes of surgery for retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy using perfluoro-n-octane: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To report visual acuity and anatomical outcomes, as well as complications, of management of complex retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy using pars plana vitrectomy and intraoperative perfluoro-n-octane (PFO), and to investigate clinical features associated with anatomical and visual acuity outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional multicenter study. METHODS: The study included 555 patients (555 eyes) 15 months of age or older who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for complex retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy with intraoperative PFO at 24 study sites between April 1994 and February 1996. Main outcome measures included visual acuity and rates of retinal reattachment, reoperation, retained PFO, corneal edema, elevated intraocular pressure ([IOP] > 25 mm Hg), hypotony (IOP < 5 mm Hg), and cataract. All outcome measures were assessed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and at the last examination. RESULTS: The study included 555 eyes of 555 patients followed up at a median of 5.6 months. Visual acuity of 20/200 or better was recorded in 51 (10%) patients preoperatively and 85 (24%) at 6 months postoperatively. Among the 465 eyes with both preoperative and final visual acuities available, postoperative visual acuity improved in 274 (60%) eyes, remained stable in 106 (23%), and worsened in 85 (18%) eyes. Six-month follow-up data were obtained for 356 (65%) eyes; the retina was attached in 279 (78%) eyes and retained PFO was noted in 20 (6%). Throughout follow-up, 238 of 555 (43%) eyes underwent reoperation for recurrent retinal detachment. At 6 months, corneal edema, elevated IOP, and hypotony were noted in 26 of 356 (7%), 6 of 356 (2%), and 48 of 356 (15%) eyes, respectively. Of the 114 phakic eyes without significant cataract preoperatively, 105 (92%) developed a significant cataract or underwent cataract surgery during study follow-up. Operative factors significantly (P <.05) associated with recurrent retinal detachment include female gender, creation of a relaxing retinotomy, and the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6)) gas tamponade, air tamponade, or no tamponade (compared with perfluoropropane [C(3)F(8)] or silicone oil tamponade). Factors significantly associated with final vision of 20/200 or better include first operation anatomic success, prior scleral buckling procedure, no diabetes mellitus, no prior vitrectomy, no silicone oil retinal tamponade, and no relaxing retinotomy. Cases that require relaxing retinotomy generally represent more severe cases of complex retinal detachment and, therefore, relaxing retinotomy is likely associated with a poorer visual outcome owing to the nature of the cases selected for this procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In the management of complex retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, pars plana vitrectomy and use of intraoperative PFO was associated with retinal reattachment and preserved visual acuity in most eyes.

Adolescent↗

Laser flare photometry and complications of chronic uveitis in children.

PURPOSE: To investigate possible relationships between laser flare photometry values, complications of uveitis, and outcomes in children with chronic uveitis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHOD: We evaluated patients with active, noninfectious anterior, intermediate, or panuveitis who were 16 years of age or younger and who had laser flare photometry at one of two academic institutions. Complications enumerated at baseline and during follow-up were compared with laser flare photometry values and to anterior chamber cell counts. RESULTS: At least one laser flare photometry value ("flare"), defined as baseline measurement, was available for 59 patients (41 girls, 18 boys; mean age, 10.3 +/- 3.5 years); 38 of these patients had at least one additional measurement during follow-up (median 11 months). Complications of uveitis were present in 35 patients (59%) at baseline. There was a positive association between increased laser flare photometry values and complications at baseline (any complication [P =.007], posterior synechiae [P =.003]). The development of complications during follow-up was associated with the presence of complications at baseline (P =.018). A subgroup of patients with low flare at baseline had no complications during follow-up regardless of treatment given. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive relationship between laser flare photometry values and the prevalence of complications of uveitis in children. Laser flare photometry provides a novel way to monitor children with uveitis. Future study will be needed to determine whether values have prognostic importance and whether a treatment strategy that minimizes flare results in fewer uveitic complications.

Aqueous Humor↗

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and surgery of the anterior segment: temporal relationship analysis.

PURPOSE: This study analyzes the temporal relationship between intraocular lens surgery and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Eighteen cases of NAION in 17 subjects occurring within 1 year after lens-related surgery were identified with a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with NAION. The temporal relationship between NAION onset and surgery was evaluated by using an exact chi-square test of goodness of fit to compare the observed with a uniform distribution, which would be expected if intraocular surgery were not causal. RESULTS: All 18 cases occurred within 6 months of surgery (mean interval, 35 days; range, 1-130 days), which is significantly different from a uniform distribution (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that intraocular lens surgery is associated with the occurrence of NAION.

Aged↗

Clinical features and outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy in patients with retained lens fragments.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical features, visual acuity outcomes, and adverse events in patients with retained lens fragments managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. METHODS: Medical records of all patients who underwent PPV for retained lens fragments at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute during the 12-year interval between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2001, were reviewed. RESULTS: The study included 343 eyes of 343 patients, with a median age of 76 years and a median follow-up after PPV of 8 months. The median interval between cataract surgery and PPV was 12 days. Visual acuity was >or=20/40 in 29 (9%) patients preoperatively and 190 (56%) at last follow-up (P < 0.001). Visual acuity was or=30 mmHg was present in 87 (25%) eyes preoperatively and 7 (2%) at last follow-up (P < 0.001); the number of patients on antiglaucoma medications at these two time points was 135 (40%) and 96 (29%), respectively (P = 0.001). Among the 148 (44%) patients with final vision <20/40, the primary cause of visual impairment was cystoid macular edema (CME) in 41 (29%), preexisting ocular disease in 34 (24%), corneal edema in 22 (15%), history of retinal detachment (RD) in 19 (13%), epiretinal membrane in 6 (4%), and other causes in 21 (15%). Significant predictors of better final visual acuity include better presenting visual acuity (P < 0.001), presence of an intraocular lens (i.e., no aphakia) before PPV (P = 0.026), no suprachoroidal hemorrhage (P = 0.010), no serous choroidal detachment (P = 0.037), no RD (P = 0.005), no CME (P = 0.038), and no additional surgery after the PPV (P < 0.001). Timing of PPV (i.e., 1 to 4 to 12 weeks between cataract surgery and PPV) was not significantly associated with final visual acuity or IOP outcome; there was also no significant difference in acuity or IOP outcome between patients who underwent PPV on the same day as cataract surgery compared with all other patients. CONCLUSIONS: The most important predictor of final visual acuity after PPV for retained lens fragments is a less complicated clinical course (e.g., no suprachoroidal hemorrhage, no RD, no CME, and no additional surgery after PPV). The most common cause of decreased final vision was CME.

Adult↗

Open globe injuries with positive intraocular cultures: factors influencing final visual acuity outcomes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical features influencing final visual acuity outcomes of eyes with positive intraocular cultures after open globe injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-seven patients. METHODS: The medical records were reviewed of all patients with positive intraocular cultures after open globe injuries treated at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2001. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Final visual acuity. Clinical features investigated included the following: (1). presence or absence of clinical endophthalmitis; (2). virulence of the cultured organism (coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium acnes were classified as nonvirulent organisms, whereas all other organisms were classified as virulent organisms); (3). presence of intraocular foreign body (IOFB); (4). presence of retinal detachment; (5). interval between ocular injury and surgical repair; (6). severity of vision loss at presentation; (7). zone of injury; (8). wound length; and (9). presence of vitreous hemorrhage. RESULTS: The study included 37 eyes of 37 patients with a mean age of 30 years (range, 18 months-85 years) and a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 1-71 months). Study eyes were stratified into two groups: group 1 eyes (n = 16) were those in which clinical endophthalmitis did not develop, whereas group 2 eyes (n = 21) were those in which clinically diagnosed endophthalmitis developed at some point during their clinical course. Presenting visual acuity was similar in the two groups (mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] acuity, 1.91 and 2.22 [Snellen equivalents, 2/162 and 2/331] respectively; P = 0.33). Final acuities in the two groups were different, but not to a statistically significant level (mean logMAR acuity, 1.14 and 2.05 [Snellen equivalents, 20/276 and 2/224], respectively; P = 0.069). In group 1, final visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to no light perception (median acuity, 20/186); 12 eyes (75.0%) achieved a final visual acuity of 20/400 or better. In group 2, final visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to no light perception (median acuity, 7/200); of 20 eyes with known final visual acuity, 10 (50.0%) retained 20/400 or better vision. In group 1, three eyes (19%) eyes had virulent organisms, and 13 eyes (81%) had nonvirulent organisms. In group 2, 12 eyes (57%) had virulent organisms, and nine eyes (43%) had nonvirulent organisms. A final acuity of 20/60 or better was achieved in 14 eyes (41%), and a final acuity of 20/400 or better was achieved in 22 eyes (59%). Better presenting visual acuity (P = 0.038), culture of a nonvirulent organism (P = 0.011), lack of a retinal detachment (P = 0.002), absence of clinical endophthalmitis (P = 0.069), and shorter wound length (P = 0.024) were associated with better visual acuity outcome. In four of six eyes (67%) with both an IOFB and clinical endophthalmitis (group 2), the final visual acuity was no light perception (IOFB was not itself significantly associated with final visual acuity; P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Among eyes with positive intraocular cultures after open globe injury, the visual prognosis is guarded. Clinical features associated with better visual acuity outcomes include better presenting visual acuity, culture of a nonvirulent organism, lack of a retinal detachment, absence of clinical endophthalmitis, and shorter wound length.

Adolescent↗

Retinopathy in patients with diabetic ophthalmoplegia.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical characteristics, prevalence, and severity of retinopathy in diabetics with cranial nerve (CN) 3, 4, and/or 6 palsies, and to determine the relationship between type and duration of diabetes mellitus (DM), presence of retinopathy, and occurrence of CN palsy. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Chart reviews of 2229 patients with CN 3, 4, and/or 6 palsies were performed at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) from January 1991 through December 1997 and at the Dean A. McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) from January 1994 through July 2001. A total of 306 patients qualified for the study group. The Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR) was used as a control. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were extracted to determine characteristics of patients with diabetic ophthalmoplegia. The subsets of data regarding type of DM and level of diabetic retinopathy in the study population were compared with the WESDR control data for statistical analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic ophthalmoplegia. RESULTS: Of 2229 patients at both institutions with ocular motor CN palsy, 306 (13.7%) were associated with DM. The frequency of CN involvement was 6 (50.0%), 3 (43.3%), and 4 (6.7%). There was a total of 12 patients (3.9%) with consecutive palsies and 8 patients (2.6%) with simultaneous palsies (5 unilateral and 3 bilateral). At both institutions, the prevalence of retinopathy controlling for duration of DM was lower in both insulin-dependent DM (IDDM) and non-IDDM (NIDDM) type II diabetics as compared with controls (BPEI, P = 0.009 and P = 0.005; DMEI, P = 0.004 and P = 0.29). When data from both locations were combined, the difference was even more significant (IDDM, P = 0.001 and NIDDM, P = 0.006). There were no significant differences between the two institutions in gender, type or duration of DM, age at presentation, or frequency of CN involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic ophthalmoplegia most commonly involves CN 3 and 6, with relative sparing of CN 4. Multiple cranial nerves are affected simultaneously in 2.6% of cases, and consecutive palsies occurred in 3.9% of cases. Type II diabetics with ocular motor CN palsy have significantly less diabetic retinopathy than do controls. This may imply a different pathophysiologic mechanism for these two microvascular complications of DM.

Abducens Nerve Diseases↗

Outcome and influencing factors of external levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis advancement for blepharoptosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, in patients with acquired good-function blepharoptosis, levator advancement success and surgical failure risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective, case-cohort study was university based. An estimated 828 patients underwent levator advancement for acquired good-function blepharoptosis between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1999. Seventy-two patients underwent reoperation during the first postoperative year. Of 125 randomly selected patients not undergoing reoperation, 106 met the desired outcome criteria: postoperative margin reflex distance (MRD) >/=2.0 mm and </=4.5 mm in operated eyes and </=1.0 mm asymmetry between eyelids. Mean MRD, levator function, and Hering dependence (ipsilateral eyelid elevation exacerbating contralateral blepharoptosis) prevalence were determined for reoperated and desired-outcome groups and compared by using 2-sample t test and the Fisher exact test, respectively. Multivariate analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Reoperative rates were 8.7% overall, 5.2% of unilateral, and 13% of bilateral cases. Fourteen percent of patients had results outside the desired range but declined reoperation. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in preoperative characteristics between desired and undercorrected groups: MRD, 1.0 versus 0.32 mm (p=0.001); levator function, 15.4 versus 14.7 mm (p=0.013); and Hering dependence, 50% versus 79% (p=0.005). With multivariate analysis, bilateral blepharoptosis was statistically significant (p=0.014), whereas levator function and Herring dependence were not. No differences were seen between desired and overcorrected groups. CONCLUSIONS: After levator advancement for acquired good-function blepharoptosis, 77% of patients had ideal results and 8.7% underwent reoperation. Patients with bilateral or severe blepharoptosis have increased risk of undercorrection.

Adult↗

Comparison of glaucomatous visual field defects using standard full threshold and Swedish interactive threshold algorithms.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the severity, size, and depth of glaucomatous visual field defects using standard full threshold (FT), Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) standard (SS), and SITA fast (SF) algorithms of the Humphrey perimeter. METHODS: A prospective observational case series of 77 patients with glaucoma performed FT, SS, and SF 30-2 white-on-white testing programs on the same day on 2 occasions for 1 month. The severity of defects was compared using the mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study, and Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish severity scores. The sizes of defects were compared using the total number of abnormal points on the pattern deviation plot that fit standard criteria for glaucomatous visual field defects. The depths of the defects were compared using the sum of the threshold values for points identified in the pattern deviation plot as fitting criteria for glaucomatous defects. RESULTS: The mean deviations were slightly better using the SS (-9.6 +/- 7.1 dB) or the SF (-9.1 +/- 6.7 dB) algorithm compared with the FT algorithm (-10.3 +/- 7.1 dB) (P<.005). There were no significant differences in pattern standard deviations between SS (8.6 +/- 4.0, P =.08) and SF (8.1 +/- 3.6, P =.19) compared with FT (8.3 +/- 3.3), although the pattern standard deviation was higher in SS fields compared with SF fields (P<.001). Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study scores were slightly better when the SS (7.5 +/- 5.6) or SF (7.2 +/- 5.4) algorithm was used compared with the FT algorithm (8.6 +/- 5.4) (P<.001). The sizes of glaucomatous defects were slightly larger using the SS (20.9 +/- 10.7) algorithm compared with the FT algorithm (19.2 +/- 10.9) (P =.004) but not the SF algorithm (20.0 +/- 10.6) (P =.11). The depth of defects measured by the SS (220.4 +/- 108.0 dB) and SF (219.8 +/- 101.3 dB) algorithms was significantly shallower compared with that measured by the FT algorithm (152.3 +/- 79.1 dB) (P<.001). There were no significant differences in Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish severity scores among algorithms (P =.12). CONCLUSIONS: Glaucomatous defects are measured significantly shallower using the new SITA algorithms but are approximately the same size and severity compared with FT measurements. Care should be taken when using threshold values to compare glaucomatous defects in a patient when converting from FT to SITA algorithms.

Adult↗

The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: reproducibility of cup/disk ratio measurements over time at an optic disc reading center.

PURPOSE: To determine the reproducibility over time of visual estimates of the horizontal cup/disk ratio by trained technicians from optic disk stereophotographs. METHODS: Baseline optic disk stereophotographs are graded at entry and regraded annually in a masked fashion. The 1,636 participants in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) undergo stereoscopic optic disk photography at study entry and annually thereafter. Stereophotographs are graded independently by two technicians at the Optic Disc Reading Center. If the readers' estimates of horizontal cup/disk ratio differ by more than 0.2 disk diameters (DD), they attempt to reach a consensus; if they cannot, the horizontal cup/disk ratio is adjudicated by a glaucoma specialist. RESULTS: The percent of regradings differing by 0.2 DD or more from the estimate of horizontal cup/disk ratio made at entry was 4%, 6%, and 7%, respectively at years 1, 2, and 3. The percent differing by more than 0.2 DD was 1% or less at all years. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.93, 0.92, and 0.92, respectively. Estimates of horizontal cup/disk ratio from sequential full-frame photographs and simultaneous split-frame photographs appeared comparable and equally reproducible. Gradings by technicians were comparable to gradings by glaucoma specialists. CONCLUSIONS: High reproducibility between repeated gradings of baseline horizontal cup/disk ratio was achieved by trained technicians adhering to a rigorous protocol. Horizontal cup/disk ratio measurements in OHTS are sufficiently reproducible to provide information about the relationship of cup/disk ratio to the prognosis of individuals with ocular hypertension.

Certification↗

Impact of visual function on computer task accuracy and reaction time in a cohort of patients with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of visual function parameters on computer task performance in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Eighteen patients with visual impairment due to age-related macular degeneration underwent evaluation of visual acuity using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol, contrast sensitivity using a Pelli-Robson chart, binocular simultaneous visual field using the Esterman program on an automated perimeter, and color vision using Farnsworth D-15. Each subject then completed 125 computer icon identification tasks. Relationships between computer task performance (accuracy and speed) and visual function parameters (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field, and color vision) were analyzed. RESULTS: Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in the better eye, weighted average contrast sensitivity, and color vision defects are significantly associated with computer task accuracy. Visual acuity in the better eye, weighted average visual acuity, and color vision defects are significantly associated with performance speed. Visual function parameters and clinical features significantly associated with computer task accuracy in a multiple regression model include weighted average contrast sensitivity (P = 0.001), protan color vision defect (P = 0.002), cataract severity in the better-seeing eye (P = 0.036), and geographic atrophy outside the central macula (P = 0.046). Visual function parameters and clinical features significantly associated with computer task speed in a multiple regression model include color vision defects (deutan, P < 0.001; protan, P < 0.001) and gender (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among this cohort of patients with AMD, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color vision defects are significant predictors of computer task performance. Visual function parameters of the better eye played a more significant role than parameters of the worse eye, and contrast sensitivity is the most significant predictor of computer task accuracy.

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