Personality Traits Associated with Treatment Choice with an Explicit Statistical Prediction After an Explanation in a Negative Context: A Study in Patients with Glaucoma.

Purpose: Over 50% of patients with early-stage glaucoma discontinue topical therapy within the first 6 months of treatment initiation. This risk of discontinuation could be reduced by how the ophthalmologist explains the treatment plan. Ophthalmologists can explain the treatment plan to patients in either positive or negative contexts. Although explanations in a negative context can be selected depending on the medical situation, identification of patients who will choose the treatment with explicit statistical prediction after an explanation in a negative context is important; personality traits are related to these emotional decisions. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the personality traits associated with choice of treatment with explicit statistical prediction after an explanation in a negative context. Patients and Methods: A total of 147 patients with glaucoma were recruited for this study. The questionnaire booklets used contained positively framed or negatively framed versions of an "Asian disease problem" to enable examination of the influence of the way in which a problem is framed (framing effect) on the participants' decision-making. The Japanese version of the Ten-Item Personality Inventory was used to estimate the personality traits of the participants. Results: Low conscientiousness was identified as the only variable that was strongly predictive of the choice of treatment with explicit statistical prediction (ß = -0.44, z = 2.19, p = 0.03). In addition, while the association was not statistically significant, low neuroticism was found to be weakly predictive of the choice of uncertain treatment (ß = -0.37, z = 1.73, p = 0.08). Conclusion: In conclusion, we showed that low levels of conscientiousness predict the choice of treatment with explicit statistical prediction (ie, topical treatment) for glaucoma after an explanation in a negative context.

Association between personality traits and experience of adverse periocular reactions to topical prostaglandin analogues.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetically unappealing adverse periocular reactions to prostaglandin (PG) eye-drops are a major challenge in glaucoma treatment. This study analysed the personality traits of patients with glaucoma based on a five-factor model and examined the associations between these factors and adverse periocular reactions. METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven patients with glaucoma were surveyed anonymously regarding their personality traits and how often adverse periocular reactions were experienced. RESULTS: The analysis included 117 valid responses (71 men and 46 women, age: 61.9±11.5 years). Patients who experienced hypertrichosis of the eyelashes scored significantly higher on extraversion (p<0.05), with no significant differences in the other four personality traits. Patients who experienced eyelid hyperpigmentation and deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus showed no significant differences in any of the personality traits. Younger patients scored significantly higher on hypertrichosis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The experience of adverse reactions differed according to patient age and personality traits. Therefore, eye-drops should be chosen based on these factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000035155.

Vision Improvement after Osimertinib Treatment in Paraneoplastic Optic Neuropathy Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Treatments for paraneoplastic optic neuropathy (PON), a tumor-related autoimmune disease, include immunosuppression, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin therapies, as well as treatment of the underlying disease. Herein, we describe the clinical course of an older adult patient with PON whose loss of vision improved after switching between epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatments for cancer. A 76-year-old woman, who had been treated with gefitinib for lung adenocarcinoma for two years, presented with acute bilateral visual disturbances. Her decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.3 in the right eye (RE) and 0.7 in the left eye (LE). Slit-lamp examination and funduscopy showed no abnormal findings. Two weeks later, her BCVA decreased to 0.2 in the RE and 0.01 in the LE. Goldman's perimetry showed a defect in the lower nasal RE and extensive visual-field loss in the LE. Single-flash electroretinograms showed normal amplitudes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed left optic neuritis and showed neither metastatic cancer nor multiple sclerosis. Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials showed decreased P100 amplitudes in both eyes (BE). Based on a diagnosis of PON from clinical findings, methylprednisolone pulse treatment was administered. However, her BCVA became no light perception in BE two months after the first visit. Because the tumor tissue was found to be positive for the EGFR T790M resistance mutation by bronchoscopy, the EGFR-TKI treatment was changed to osimertinib, decreasing the size of the lung cancer lesions. Her BCVA improved to hand motion in BE. Her final BCVA was 0.01 in the RE, counting fingers 10 cm in the LE. She died at the age of 79 years. To our knowledge, no reports have shown improvement in BCVA in patients with PON after changing EGFR-TKI treatments. This report indicates that some patients may develop severe visual dysfunction without early treatment for the primary tumor.

Transient electroretinographic abnormalities that mimic those of KCNV2 retinopathy: a case report.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report was to describe the case of a 68-year-old male patient with stage IV colon cancer who exhibited electroretinographic abnormalities that are similar to those of KCNV2 retinopathy. METHODS: The patient presenting with photophobia, reduced visual acuity, and poor general conditions, the onset of which occurred ten days before presentation, was examined using fundoscopy, full-field electroretinography, blood tests, and abdominal computed tomography. RESULTS: The patient's decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.4 in each eye. Fundoscopy showed bull's eye-like maculopathy in both eyes. Electroretinographic findings were similar to the characteristic findings of KCNV2 retinopathy: Rod electroretinogram showed delayed and preserved b-wave amplitudes; bright-flash electroretinogram showed double troughs of a-waves; b/a ratios shown by bright-flash electroretinogram were higher than those shown by standard-flash electroretinogram; and both cone and 30-Hz flicker electroretinograms showed extinguished responses. His serum potassium level increased to 6.2 mmol/L (normal range 3.6-4.8 mmol/L) owing to hydronephrosis resulting from disseminated carcinoma. After performing an emergency surgery to treat this condition, the serum potassium level immediately decreased to a normal range. Eleven days after presentation, rod and standard/bright-flash electroretinography showed improvement in the implicit time of the rod b-waves and the a-waves. Unexpectedly, the responses recorded by cone and 30-Hz flicker electroretinography became normal. The symptoms and maculopathy disappeared, and his BCVA improved to 1.2. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal electroretinographic findings might be associated with the transient increase in serum potassium level.

Vitamin A deficiency after prolonged intake of an unbalanced diet in a Japanese hemodialysis patient.

BACKGROUND: In industrialized countries, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is extremely rare, except association with bariatric surgeries and hepatobiliary disorders. It is unusual that VAD develops during hemodialysis due to reduced glomerular filtration of vitamin A-binding protein. We reported the case of a 58-year-old Japanese male hemodialysis patient diagnosed with VAD. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient undergoing hemodialysis for more than 15 years presented with progressive photophobia and night blindness and was ophthalmologically examined. He denied a history of cancer or hepatobiliary disease and reported that he loved eating prepackaged noodle bowls and foods, with prolonged low intake of fruits/vegetables. He had good visual acuity. Fundus images showed numerous white dots in the midperipheral retinae, but no degenerative changes. In baseline full-field electroretinography (ERG), b-wave responses were extremely reduced in rod ERG, a-wave amplitudes in standard-flash/strong-flash ERG were reduced to 20-25% of our controls, a- and b-wave amplitudes in cone ERG were reduced to 40-50% of the controls. Whole-exome sequencing identified no pathogenic variant for any inherited retinal disorder. He was diagnosed with VAD because of reduced serum vitamin A levels and treated with retinol palmitate. Two months after treatment commencement, the serum vitamin A level was within the normal range. Full-field ERG showed that the scotopic ERG responses markedly improved compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of VAD associated with undernutrition in the Japanese hemodialysis population.

Novel use of Finesse Flex loop for macular hole retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To report a new surgical technique with a Finesse Flex loop during internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for a case of macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD). OBSERVATIONS: A 55-year-old woman with a history of macular hemorrhage due to high myopia underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery for MHRD. After core vitrectomy, ILM peeling was performed for macular hole (MH) closure with a novel use of a Finesse Flex loop. While holding down the detached retina with the Finesse Flex loop with one hand, ILM peeling was conducted from the temporal to nasal side with the other hand using ILM forceps. Inverted ILM flap technique was combined, and fluid-gas exchange with 12% octafluoropropane tamponade was performed. The MH was closed, and the retina was attached with no postoperative complication. The logMAR best-corrected visual acuity improved post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: The Finesse Flex loop can be used to control the retina when performing ILM peeling on a detached retina in MHRD patients.

Complications of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery combined with vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) combined with 25- or 27-gauge vitrectomy. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent FLACS combined with 25- or 27-gauge vitrectomy at the Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, between August 2016 and April 2018 and were followed up for ≥ 3 months postoperatively. In all cases, anterior capsulotomies and fragmentations of crystalline lenses were performed using a femtosecond laser. After FLACS, 25- or 27-gauge vitrectomy was performed. All intraoperative and postoperative complications due to FLACS and vitrectomy were examined. RESULTS: A total of 34 eyes from 34 patients were included. In 33 cases, complete coverage of the intraocular lens (IOL) by the anterior capsular edge was achieved. One case had posterior capsule rupture due to mis-suction during emulsification and aspiration of a fragment of the nuclear lens after capsulotomy. The IOL was fixed at the sulcus. Postoperative complications included endophthalmitis and macular edema in one eye, epiretinal membranes in two eyes, and postoperative capsular opacification in two eyes. The femtosecond laser caused no postoperative complications. There were no cases of intraoperative or postoperative iris capture or IOL subluxation. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, FLACS provided good IOL fixation in the capsule without affecting the intra- or extraocular pressure and good vision during or after the operation. FLACS combined with 25- or 27-gauge vitrectomy should be performed considering the advantages and disadvantages of femtosecond laser usage. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Clinical Trials Register; number: UMIN000021814.

Effects of photodynamic therapy plus intravitreal aflibercept with subtenon triamcinolone injections for aflibercept-resistant polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of triple therapy of photodynamic therapy combined with injections of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) and subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) resistant to IVA. METHODS: A retrospective chart review at a single institution was conducted to identify patients with PCV resistant to treatment with IVA who were switched to treatment with triple therapy. In total, 13 eyes from 13 patients were included in the study. Demographic data, visual acuities, central retinal thickness (CRT) and height of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) on optical coherence tomography (OCT), complications, and number of injections were reviewed. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 68 years (range 53-83). The number of prior injections with IVA ranged from 5 to 10. At 12 months follow-up after triple therapy, there was a significant improvement in visual acuity (P = 0.0039), a significant decrease in CRT (P = 0.003), and a significant reduction of the height of PED (P = 0.015). Only one patient had retinal pigment epithelium tear. CONCLUSIONS: Triple therapy improved visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with PCV with recurrent or resistant retinal fluid and PED after multiple injections with IVA.

Idiopathic horseshoe-like macular tear: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although a few cases with idiopathic horseshoe-like macular tear have been reported, the mechanism remains unknown and a standard treatment has yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome for a patient with idiopathic horseshoe-like macular tear who underwent vitreous surgery. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old man with no previous injury or ophthalmic disease presented with abnormal vision in his left eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 0.8 in the right and 0.3 in the left, and the relative afferent pupillary defect was negative. Ophthalmoscopy revealed a horseshoe-like tear on the temporal side of the macula in the left eye. The tear size was 0.75 disc diameters (DD). Optical coherence tomography showed that the focal retinal detachment reached the fovea. A few days after the first visit, there was no longer adhesion of the flap of the tear to the retina and the tear size had increased to 1.5 DD. The patient underwent vitreous surgery similar to large macular hole surgery, with the tear closure repaired using the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique with 20% SF6 gas tamponade. Although the tear decreased to 0.5 DD after the surgery, complete closure of the tear was not achieved. CONCLUSION: While cases with horseshoe-like macular tear following trauma and branch retinal vein occlusion have been reported, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported idiopathic case. In the present case, there was expansion of the tear until the patient actually underwent surgery. If vertical vitreous traction indeed plays a role in horseshoe-like macular tears, this will need to be taken into consideration at the time of the vitreous surgery in these types of cases.

Choroidal neovascularization after blunt ocular trauma in angioid streaks.

BACKGROUND: Patients with angioid streaks are prone to develop a subretinal hemorrhage after ocular injury, due to fragility of Bruch's membrane. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report a patient with angioid streaks in whom subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developed after blunt ocular trauma. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man was accidentally struck in the left eye with a crowbar handle while engaged in the demolition of wooden building materials in May 2011 and was initially evaluated at our hospital. Corrected visual acuity was 0.3 in the right and 1.2 in the left eye, and relative afferent pupillary defect was negative. Funduscopy revealed choroidal atrophy around the optic papillae and angioid streaks radiating from around the optic discs in both eyes. In the right eye, there was macular atrophy. In the left eye, there was a subretinal hemorrhage around the macular region. Fluorescein angiography of the left eye showed a blockage due to subretinal hemorrhage and increasing hyperfluorescent spots superior to the fovea, suggestive of extrafoveal CNV. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed macular thinning in the right eye and no obvious abnormalities near the subfoveal region in the left eye. Two months later, the patient noticed decreased visual acuity in the left eye and was reevaluated. Visual acuity had decreased to 0.7, and well-defined CNV, one disc diameter in size, was presenting slightly superior to the macula, including the subfoveal region. Two weeks later, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody (bevacizumab) was injected intravitreally; the CNV then regressed, and visual acuity improved to 1.2. CONCLUSION: Marked improvement in visual acuity with early treatment has not been reported in angioid streaks with subfoveal CNV after ocular injury. Intravitreal injection of an anti-VEGF antibody should be considered early after the diagnosis of CNV.