Regional Disparities in Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Cataract Surgical Coverage and Ocular Findings in Adults 50 Years and Older in Brazil: A Comparative Analysis between Two Population-Based Cross-Sectional Surveys Performed Within a 10-Year Interval.

PURPOSE: To investigate disparities in the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness, cataract surgical coverage, and ocular findings in older adults from two Brazilian geo-socio-demographic areas, São Paulo and Parintins cities. METHODS: Data from two population-based studies including participants 50 years and older from the cities of São Paulo (São Paulo Eye Study - SPES, 2004) and Parintins (Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey - BARES, 2014) were aggregated. RESULTS: A total of 5318 participants (3677 from SPES;1641 from BARES) were included. The prevalence of severe visual impairment (SVI) and blindness were, respectively, 0.74% (0.46-1.02) and 0.77% (0.48-1.05) in SPES and 1.72% (1.09-2.35) and 3.44% (2.55-4.33) in BARES. SVI and blindness were associated with BARES study [OR = 2.27 (1.30-3.95); p = .004 - SVI] [OR:4.07 (2.51-6.60); p < .001- blindness]; and older age [OR = 10.93 (4.20-28.45); p < .001 - SPES; OR = 17.96 (8.75-36.83); p < .001 - BARES] while higher education level was a protective factor [OR = 0.21 (0.05-0.95) - SPES; p = .042; OR = 0.21 (0.05-0.91); p = .037 - BARES]. Cataract was the main cause of bilateral severe visual impairment (25.93% in SPES and 64.29% in BARES) and bilateral blindness (21.43% in SPES and 35.71% in BARES). Cataract surgical coverage was significantly lower in BARES (36.32%) compared to SPES (57.75%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SVI and blindness was three times higher in older adults from the Brazilian Amazon compared to those living in São Paulo city, despite a 10-year interval between the two studies. These disparities should be mitigated by initiatives to promote access to eye care services targeting underprivileged and remote Brazilian areas.

Impact of pterygium on central corneal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography in older adults.

PURPOSE: To measure the central corneal thickness (CCT) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in older adults with and without pterygium from the Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey (BARES). METHODS: BARES is a population-based epidemiological cross-sectional study conducted in Parintins city. Participants were residents ≥45 years of age identified through a door-to-door interview. Eligible participants were invited for a comprehensive eye exam. Pterygium occurrence and severity were assessed by ophthalmologists through slit-lamp examination considering its location (nasal or/and temporal) and severity (lesion with extension <3 mm, ≥3 mm not reaching the pupillary margin or ≥3 mm reaching the pupillary margin). CCTs were obtained and measurements from the more severely affected eye were included. Images were analyzed offline by masked observers. RESULTS: A total of 671 subjects, 533 (79.4%) with pterygium in at least one eye and 138 (20.6%) without pterygium in either eye, were examined. The mean CCT evaluated by multiple linear regression and adjusted for demographic variables and pterygium severity was 521 ± 34 µm (median = 521; range = 304-665). Decreased CCT was significantly associated with age and pterygium severity. Individuals aged 65-74 years had CCT 7 µm thinner than those aged 45-54 years (p = 0.044), individuals aged 75 years and older had CCT 15 µm thinner than those aged 45-54 years (p = 0.001), and eyes with severe pterygium had CCT 33 µm thinner than eyes without pterygium (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CCT analysis in this population-based sample shows that a thinner cornea is associated with pterygium severity and older age.

Impact of keratoprosthesis implantation on retinal and visual pathway function assessed by electrophysiological testing.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis (BI-Kpro) implantation on retinal and visual pathway function, respectively, assessed by full-field electroretinography (ERG) and visually evoked potentials (VEPs). METHODS: This is a prospective interventional longitudinal study, and patients with BI-Kpro implantation were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. ERG, flash, and pattern-reversal VEPs (15' and 60' checks) along with visual acuity (VA) were performed. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients (24 to 88 years of age) were included. Mean baseline VA (logMAR) improved from 2.30 to 1.04 at 3 months and to 1.00 at 12 months. Flash VEPs were normal in 6 (46%) patients and in 10 (77%) patients at the 12-month follow-up. PVEP was non-detectable in all patients preoperatively for both check sizes. For 15' check size, 6 (46%) patients showed responses after 3 and 12 months except for 1 patient with normal responses at 12 months with the remaining non-detectable. For 60' checks, 11 (85%) patients had responses 3 months after surgery with only 9 (70%) showing responses at 12 months. Abnormal full-field ERGs were found in all patients preoperatively. Amplitude improvement was found in 10 (77%) patients from baseline to 3 months and in 8 (62%) patients from the 3- to the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this small cohort of patients with BI-Kpro implantation, a remarkable improvement on visual function quantitatively assessed by electrophysiological testing was found in the majority of cases. Visual electrophysiological testing can contribute to objectively assess functional outcomes in this population.

The effects of amblyopia on children's reading performance after patching treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of amblyopia on children's reading performance after the successful patching treatment with 20/20 visual acuity (VA) in the treated eye. METHODS: The treated amblyopes group included 10 children with strabismic amblyopia diagnosed on the first visit presenting VA equal or better than 0.0 logMAR (20/20 Snellen) in the better vision eye and VA worse than 0.2 logMAR (20/32 Snellen) in the worse eye that underwent patching treatment of amblyopia reaching a final VA equal to 0.0 logMAR in the treated eye. The control group comprised 10 children matched by age, gender and school-grade with no visual disorders. Reading performance was evaluated according to reading acuity (RA), critical print size (CPS), reading speed (RS) at 0.7 logMAR, and maximum reading speed (MRS) using the MNREAD chart. RESULTS: Binocular reading performance was compared between groups and no statistically significant differences were found on RA, CPS, RS, or MRS (p > 0.05). When analyzing monocular reading performances of treated amblyopes, a worse RA (p = 0.04) and CPS (p = 0.04) were observed on the previously amblyopic eye when compared to the fellow eye. When comparing the fellow eye from treated amblyopes and a randomly selected eye from controls, no statistically significant differences on RA, CPS, RS, or MRS were found (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that even patients who reached 20/20 VA in the treated eye after patching treatment for amblyopia may present persistent impaired reading performance. These findings reinforce the importance of reading performance testing as a tool when evaluating the visual function development in amblyopic patients.

Usability of smartphone apps as reading aids for low vision patients.

PURPOSE: Reading is one of the main complaints of low vision patients referred for visual rehabilitation, since it is fundamental for full participation in modern society. The purpose of this study was to analyse the usability of free smartphone apps with magnification tools as digital aids for reading visual rehabilitation in low vision patients. METHODS: Low vision adult patients were included regarding the following criteria: best-corrected visual acuity in the better-seeing eye from 0.6 to 1.3logMAR, previous habit of smartphone use, without former aid adaptation. Android system was used for the selection of three applications (apps) to be tested as digital reading aids. Visual acuity (VA) for near, reading acuity (RA) and reading speed (RS) using each app were measured. The participants were also asked about apps usability concerning accessibility, focus adjustment and text tracking. RESULTS: Seventeen participants (10 females - 58.8%) with ages ranging from 26 to 73 years (mean = 45.2 ± 13.1 years) were included. Mean binocular VA, RA and RS without the apps were respectively 1.00 ± 0.22 logMAR, 1.01 ± 0.28 logMAR and 41.7 ± 28.6 words/minute. Statistically better visual and RA results through the apps were found with a mean ≥9-line gain for both, and no significant difference for RS was found. All apps achieved good usability scores (means > 7). CONCLUSIONS: All tested apps provided improvement in VA and reading performance, with proven usability. Free smartphone apps for magnification should be considered in reading rehabilitation programmes for low vision patients.Implications for rehabilitationReading is essential for performing productive daily activities and for full participation in modern society, being a clinical indicator of visual function and quality of life.Difficulty in reading is one of the main complaints of low vision patients referred for visual rehabilitation.Smartphone apps for magnification and readability optimization of printed texts may provide improvement in visual acuity and reading performance of low vision patients.Digital technologies should be considered in the low vision reading rehabilitation programme since they provide additional advantages such as accessibility, cost, portability and social acceptance.Usability is the user's experience when interacting with a software application and associated with pleasantness, usefulness, ease of use, safety and efficiency. Low vision patient's feedback on the usability of assistive technologies is important for a successful visual rehabilitation which meets his/her needs and expectations.

Psychosocial indicators of primary congenital glaucoma and filtering surgeries impacts on children and family's quality of life.

PURPOSE: To identify psychosocial indicators and evaluate the filtering surgeries impacts on quality of life (QOL) of children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and their family. METHODS: Parents of children with bilateral PCG who underwent filtering surgery were included. Data were collected through: (a) psychological inquiry to determine psychosocial indicators; (b) Children's Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ). The associations between the CVFQ scores and visual acuity, intraocular pressure, optic disk cupping, horizontal corneal diameter, axial length, number of surgeries, and hypotensive eye drops were investigated. The statistical significance level was considered as p ⩽ 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the nine mothers interviewed and their children (six boys and three girls) was 29 ± 5 years and 35 ± 18 months, respectively. The psychosocial indicators determined were: emotional impact of the diagnosis, disease knowledge, mother and family's feelings on facing the surgical treatment, surgical result comprehension, treatment adherence, child's emotional and behavioral reactions, social support, and future expectations. In CVFQ analysis, QOL score was strongly associated with visual acuity (r = -0.79; p = 0.01). Besides the treatment score was correlated to intraocular pressure (r = -0.68; p < 0.05), optic disk cupping (r = -0.85; p = 0.03), and corneal diameter (r = -0.69; p = 0.02). Correlations were not found for number of surgeries and eye drops. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the PCG surgical treatment impact on QOL and determined psychosocial indicators which may favor the suitable actions in psychological treatment and follow-up of the children and families.

Cognitive, motor, and visual development in healthy children in the first 42 months of life / Desenvolvimento cognitivo, motor e visual em crianças saudáveis nos primeiros 42 meses de vida

ABSTRACT Purpose: The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) is a tool for measuring the developmental status of children, including cognitive and motor functioning, in the first three years of life. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between grating visual acuity and visual functionality in healthy children using the Bayley-III. Methods: Binocular grating visual acuity was measured using Teller Acuity Cards followed by the Bayley-III in healthy children aged 1-42 months. Visual acuity (logMAR) and Bayley-III scores for both cognitive and motor (gross and fine) skills were compared. Results: Forty children (20 boys) aged 1.2-42.1 months were tested. Their mean visual acuity was 0.39 ± 0.27 logMAR, which was within the normal age limits for all children. There was a strong and significant negative correlation between visual acuity and age (r=-0.83, p<0.001). The mean cognitive raw data score was 49.92 ± 18.93 points, with a strong and significant positive correlation between cognitive score and age (r=0.81, p<0.001). The mean gross motor score was 41.72 ± 16.23 points, with a strong and significant positive correlation between gross motor score and age (r=0.75, p<0.001). The mean fine motor score was 39.75 ± 14.63 points, with a strong and significant positive correlation between fine motor score and age (r=0.77, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that older age and better visual acuity were significantly associated with higher Bayley-III scores. Conclusions: This study found a high correlation between grating visual acuity measured using Teller Acuity Cards and cognitive and motor scores measured using the Bayley-III in healthy children, demonstrating that the Bayley-III might be a useful tool for assessing the repercussions of visual impairment on the cognitive and motor development of young children.

RESUMO Objetivo: A Escala Bayley de Desenvolvimento Infantil (Bayley-III) é uma ferramenta que avalia o desenvolvimento de crianças nos 3 primeiros anos de vida, incluindo os domínios cognitivo e motor. Este estudo tem como objetivo correlacionar a acuidade visual de grades e a funcionalidade visual em crianças saudáveis usando a Bayley-III. Métodos: A acuidade visual binocular de grades foi medida usando o teste dos Cartões de Acuidade de Teller seguido pela Bayley-III em crianças saudáveis com idade entre 1-42 meses. Os escores da acuidade visual (logMAR) e da Bayley-III para habilidades cognitivas e motoras (grossa e fina) foram comparados. Resultados: Um grupo de 40 crianças (20 meninos) com idades entre 1,2-42,1 meses foi testado e a média da acuidade visual foi de 0,39 ± 0,27 logMAR, sendo que todas estavam dentro dos limites normais para a idade. Houve uma forte correlação negativa e significante entre acuidade visual e idade (r=-0,83; p<0,001). A média do escore cognitivo foi de 49,92 ± 18,93 pontos, com forte correlação positiva e significante entre o escore cognitivo e a idade (r=0,81; p<0,001). A média do escore motor grosso foi de 41,72 ± 16,23 pontos, com forte correlação positiva e significante entre o escore motor grosso e a idade (r=0,75; p<0,001). A média do escore motor fino foi de 39,75 ± 14,63 pontos, com uma forte correlação positiva e significante entre o escore motor fino e a idade (r=0,77; p<0,001). A regressão linear múltipla mostrou que maior idade e melhor acuidade visual foram significantemente associadas à escores cognitivo e motor mais altos. Conclusões: Neste estudo foi encontrada alta correlação entre a acuidade visual de grades medida pelos cartões de acuidade de Teller e os escores cogninitivo e motor medidos pela Bayley-III em crianças saudáveis. A Bayley-III pode ser uma ferramenta útil para avaliar a repercussão da deficiência visual no desenvolvimento cognitivo e motor de crianças.

Cognitive, motor, and visual development in healthy children in the first 42 months of life.

PURPOSE: The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) is a tool for measuring the developmental status of children, including cognitive and motor functioning, in the first three years of life. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between grating visual acuity and visual functionality in healthy children using the Bayley-III. METHODS: Binocular grating visual acuity was measured using Teller Acuity Cards followed by the Bayley-III in healthy children aged 1-42 months. Visual acuity (logMAR) and Bayley-III scores for both cognitive and motor (gross and fine) skills were compared. RESULTS: Forty children (20 boys) aged 1.2-42.1 months were tested. Their mean visual acuity was 0.39 ± 0.27 logMAR, which was within the normal age limits for all children. There was a strong and significant negative correlation between visual acuity and age (r=-0.83, p<0.001). The mean cognitive raw data score was 49.92 ± 18.93 points, with a strong and significant positive correlation between cognitive score and age (r=0.81, p<0.001). The mean gross motor score was 41.72 ± 16.23 points, with a strong and significant positive correlation between gross motor score and age (r=0.75, p<0.001). The mean fine motor score was 39.75 ± 14.63 points, with a strong and significant positive correlation between fine motor score and age (r=0.77, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that older age and better visual acuity were significantly associated with higher Bayley-III scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a high correlation between grating visual acuity measured using Teller Acuity Cards and cognitive and motor scores measured using the Bayley-III in healthy children, demonstrating that the Bayley-III might be a useful tool for assessing the repercussions of visual impairment on the cognitive and motor development of young children.

Photopic negative response using a handheld mini-ganzfeld stimulator in healthy adults: normative values, intra- and inter-session variability.

PURPOSE: To determine normative values, intra- and inter-session variability for a range of parameters derived from the photopic negative response (PhNR) using a handheld mini-Ganzfeld stimulator in healthy normal adults. METHODS: Light-adapted flash full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded from healthy individuals with no visual complaints, visual acuity equal to or better than 0.0 logMAR (20/20 Snellen), and negative family history for visual diseases. ERGs were recorded from both eyes using a DTL® type fiber electrode after dilation of the pupils with instillation of 1 drop of tropicamide eye drops (1%). The full-field PhNR stimulus conditions were produced by a LED-based ColorBurst™ (Diagnosys LLC, Lowell, MA, USA) handheld stimulator. Red flashes of 1, 5 and 7 cd.s/m2 on a blue background of 10 cd/m2 were presented. A-wave, b-wave and PhNR amplitude (determined by both baseline to trough-BT and peak to trough-PT) and peak times were analyzed. Normal limits were determined as 5% percentile for amplitudes and 95% percentile for latencies. Intra- and inter-session variability were assessed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient of variability (COV). RESULTS: Normative limits for PhNR amplitude (µV) using 1, 5 and 7 cd.s./m2 stimuli were, respectively: 20.81; 18.06 and 19.60 for BT and 69.11; 77.98; 76.51 for PT. Peak times (ms) normative limits for 1, 5 and 7 cd.s/m2 intensities were, respectively, 65.98; 78.20 and 77.96. Overall, intra-session variability assessed by coefficients of variation ranged from 1.35 to 10.28%. Inter-session variability disclosed significant intraclass correlation values for all PhNR parameters only for 1 cd.s/m2 stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: The normative values provided by this study are clinically helpful in the diagnosis of inner retinal disorders, especially those affecting retinal ganglion cells such as glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. Further studies, including a larger sample with variable age range would extend the validity of the current results.

Eye clinic attendance at the olympic and paralympic games Rio 2016 and its correlation to the WHO indicators on eye health.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate athletes' frequency of attendance at the eye clinic during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 and to correlate it to WHO core indicators on progress in ophthalmology care in a country. METHODS: Frequencies of athletes' attendance at the eye clinic were calculated for each country. Countries were classified according to the World Bank income levels in high, upper-middle, low-middle or low-income country. Data on ophthalmology care for each country were derived from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness atlas. Data were analysed in view of WHO indicators for each country: visual impairment prevalence considering presenting visual acuity <6/18 to ≥3/60 in the better vision eye; number of ophthalmologists per million people and the cataract surgical rate per year, per million population. RESULTS: The athletes' overall frequency of attendance in the eye clinic was 6.47%. Frequencies of attendance for high, upper-middle, low-middle or low-income country were 1.97%, 9.66%, 16.54% and 22.43%, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the athletes' attendance frequency of a country and its visual impairment prevalence (r=0.2290, p=0.0017). A negative correlation was observed between the athletes' attendance frequency of a country and its eye health workforce (r=-0.2152, p=0.0026). CONCLUSION: Countries with highest athletes' frequencies of attendance were those that face barriers to eye care provision. These results reinforce the importance of the eye clinic service during the Olympic and Paralympic Games proving access to specialised care to athletes and members of delegation.

Population-Based Cataract Surgery Complications and Their Impact on Visual Status in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

PURPOSE: To investigate cataract surgery prevalence, complications, visual outcomes, and coverage in a population of older adults from the Brazilian Amazon region. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: Individuals ≥45 years of age from urban and rural areas of Parintins City, Brazil, were identified by cluster random sampling. Participants underwent ophthalmic examination, including uncorrected visual acuity, acuity with presenting correction (APC), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from each eye. In those with previous cataract surgery, surgical technique and complications including its contribution to vision impairment were noted. The association of surgical complications and surgical coverage with sociodemographic variables was assessed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 2,384 persons were determined to be eligible, and 2,041 (85.6%) were examined. Overall, prevalence of cataract surgery was 8.6%, with 11.3% urban and 5.0% rural. Surgical complications were associated with males, older age, and urban residency and were found in 60.4%, with posterior capsule opacification in 29.6% and posterior capsule rupture in 16.3%. Among the 270 eyes having cataract surgery, APC ≥20/32 was found in 44.4%, APC 20/40 to 20/63 in 20.8%, APC <20/63 to 20/200 in 14.4%, APC <20/200 to 20/400 in 2.6%, and APC <20/400 in 17.8%. Low surgical coverage was found with 57.9% of those with visual impairment due to cataract not being treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Although a reasonable prevalence of cataract surgery was found, a high complication rate, poor visual outcomes, and low cataract surgery coverage indicated that actions to improve quality and appropriate postsurgical management should be planned and implemented by public health authorities.

Presbyopia and Ocular Conditions Causing Near Vision Impairment in Older Adults From the Brazilian Amazon Region.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and causes of near vision impairment (NVI) in a population of older adults from the Brazilian Amazon Region. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting subjects 45 years of age and older from urban and rural areas of Parintins city, Brazil. Participants underwent ophthalmic examination, including uncorrected (UCNVA), presenting (PNVA), and best-corrected near visual acuity (BCNVA) from each eye; biomicroscopy; funduscopy; and subjective refraction, including testing with additional lenses for near vision optical correction. A principal cause for NVI was assigned by the ophthalmologist and presbyopia was defined as UCNVA ≤ 20/40 changing to > 20/40 with BCNVA. Free-of-charge glasses were provided for those in need. RESULTS: A total of 2384 subjects were enumerated and 2025 had reliable NVA measurements from both eyes. The prevalence of NVI in the better-seeing eye was 96.5% with UCNVA, decreasing to 81.1% with PNVA and to 20.5% with BCNVA. Presbyopia was the principal cause of NVI in 71.8%, followed by cataract (16.5%) and pterygium (2.5%), and was associated with younger age and high schooling. Glasses for near vision were prescribed and provided to 1414 (69.8%) participants. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of NVI was detected even in those wearing glasses for near. Prescription and provision of low-cost reading glasses should be considered by Brazilian health authorities to address this easily and promptly correctable form of vision impairment.