Design and Validation of an Expanded Disability Status Scale Model in Multiple Sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to develop and validate an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) model through clinical, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures. METHODS: Sixty-four multiple sclerosis (MS) patients underwent peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and segmented macular layers evaluation through OCT (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering). Brain parenchymal fraction was quantified through Freesurfer, while cervical spinal cord (SC) volume was assessed manually guided by Spinal Cord Toolbox software analysis. EDSS, neuroradiological, and OCT assessment were carried out within 3 months. OCT parameters were calculated as the average of both nonoptic neuritis (ON) eyes, and in case the patient had previous ON, the value of the fellow non-ON eye was taken. Brain lesion volume, sex, age, disease duration, and history of disease-modifying treatment (1st or 2nd line disease-modifying treatments) were tested as covariables of the EDSS score. RESULTS: EDSS values correlated with patient's age (r = 0.543, p = 0.001), SC volume (r = -0.301, p = 0.034), and ganglion cell layer (GCL, r = -0.354, p = 0.012). Using these correlations, an ordinal regression model to express probability of diverse EDSS scores were designed, the highest of which was the most probable (Nagelkerke R2 = 43.3%). Using EDSS cutoff point of 4.0 in a dichotomous model, compared to a cutoff of 2.0, permits the inclusion of GCL as a disability predictor, in addition to age and SC. CONCLUSIONS: MS disability measured through EDSS is an age-dependent magnitude that is partly conditioned by SC and GCL. Further studies assessing paraclinical disability predictors are needed.

Fitting Scleral Lenses Less Than 15 mm in Diameter: A Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comprehensive review of the current and historical scientific literature on fitting small scleral lenses (diameter <15 mm) and clarifying their advantages and disadvantages, in addition to their clinical applications. METHODS: The literature search was performed through PubMed from MEDLINE. RESULTS: Eleven studies of case series (258 eyes) were found. Indications were similar to those of larger scleral lenses, 74% for corneal irregularities (mainly keratoconus), whereas 26% for ocular surface diseases. In the studies on cases of irregular corneas, visual acuity improved significantly regarding the values before and after fitting the lenses (mean, 0.4-0.03 logMar, respectively). Moreover, no significant adverse effects on the ocular surface were reported, and most studies reported over 10 hr (or thereabouts) of daily wear without removing the lenses. A better corneal physiology and visual quality, easier fitting procedure and lens handling, and prolonged hours of wear are proposed as significant advantages over larger scleral lenses. CONCLUSION: Small scleral lenses may be a safe and healthy alternative option to treat corneal irregularities and ocular surface diseases. These lenses can be fitted when it is necessary to improve visual quality and corneal physiology, when discomfort with other contact lenses is experienced, or when patients have difficulty handling larger diameters of scleral lenses. However, fitting these lenses is not suggested in severe cases or when it is not a reasonable clinical option.

Impact of Corneoscleral Contact Lens Usage on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters in Keratoconic Eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the changes in corneal biomechanical parameters of keratoconic eyes with and without intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implants after 1 year of corneoscleral contact lens (CScL) wear. METHODS: Seventy-four eyes of 74 patients were divided into three groups: healthy subjects (29 eyes, control group), and 2 groups of subjects with keratoconic eyes (one group of 20 eyes with ICRS implants and one of 25 eyes without them), which were fitted with CScL. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were evaluated before fitting CScL and after 1 year of CScL wear. In addition, endothelial cell count (ECC) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were also recorded. RESULTS: Corneal biomechanical parameters were lower in keratoconic corneas than in healthy corneas. Keratoconic eyes with ICRS implants had lower values than eyes without them for CH (mean±SD, 8.09±1.29 vs. 8.63±1.5 mm Hg, respectively, P=0.120), CRF (6.99±1.38 vs. 8.37±1.52 mm Hg, respectively, P=0.03), and also for CCT and ECC. Data for IOPcc were similar in all groups. After 1-year wearing CScL, no statistically significant differences in corneal biomechanical parameters were registered in any of the groups (all P>0.05), although slight differences (0.13-0.27 mm Hg) were found. CONCLUSION: The viscoelasticity properties of the cornea did not change significantly when wearing corneoscleral contact lenses for 1 year, and therefore, these lenses seem to be safe and healthy and are a reasonable alternative option for keratoconus management.

Corneal Biomechanical Parameters With Corneoscleral Contact Lenses in Post-Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate corneal biomechanical parameters wearing corneoscleral contact lenses (CScL) in patients with irregular corneas after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Data from patients fitted with CScL because of corneal surface irregularities after complicated LASIK surgery were selected by two eye clinics. Previously and after 1 year of CScL fitting, corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), and central corneal thickness were evaluated. In addition, visual acuity, subjective comfort, and wearing time CScL were reported. RESULTS: The study comprised 27 eyes. Statistically significant differences were found in visual acuity between the best spectacle-corrected vision and after CScL fitting [mean±SD, 0.16±0.03 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and 0.01±0.06 logMAR, respectively; P<0.001]. In addition, the patients reported high subjective comfort ratings (22 eyes were comfortable or very comfortable) and prolonged usage times (mean±SD, 12.67±1.98 hr of continuous wear a day). Statistically significant differences were found in the CRF between before CScL fitting and after 1 year of CScL wear (mean±SD, 7.57±0.87 and 7.68±0.84 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.015). Central corneal thickness, CH, and IOPcc showed slight differences after 1 year of CScL wear (1.78 µm, 0.04 and 0.21 mm Hg, respectively). CONCLUSION: Corneal biomechanical parameters increased slightly, although significantly for CRF, apparently without adverse clinical effects in post-LASIK eyes with irregular corneas after wearing CScL for 1 year.

Optical Coherence Tomography Characterization of Macular Changes Secondary to Arteriovenous Fistula.

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are abnormal shunts between the arterial and venous vascular systems. These usually produce ocular pain, increased intraocular pressure (IOP), and diplopia. Less frequently, they may cause retinal changes with visual impairment. Our purpose is to illustrate different retinal manifestations of AVF. We report the multimodal imaging study of three cases with retinal changes due to AVF, showing neurosensory retinal detachment, macular oedema, and macular ischemia. In conclusion, AVF may appear with different ophthalmic alterations. While usually increased IOP and diplopia are our main concerns, retinal study is mandatory, since a myriad of morphologic abnormalities might be present.

Corneal biomechanics, retinal nerve fiber layer, and optic disc in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible associations between corneal biomechanical parameters, optic disc morphology, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in healthy white Spanish children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 myopic children and 99 emmetropic children as a control group, ranging in age from 6 to 17 years. The Ocular Response Analyzer was used to measure corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor. The optic disc morphology and RNFL thickness were assessed using posterior segment optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD-OCT). The axial length was measured using an IOLMaster, whereas the central corneal thickness was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (Visante OCT). RESULTS: The mean (±SD) age and spherical equivalent were 12.11 (±2.76) years and -3.32 (±2.32) diopters for the myopic group and 11.88 (±2.97) years and +0.34 (±0.41) diopters for the emmetropic group. In a multivariable mixed-model analysis in myopic children, the average RNFL thickness and rim area correlated positively with CH (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively), whereas the average cup-to-disc area ratio correlated negatively with CH (p = 0.01). We did not observe correlation between RNFL thickness and axial length (p = 0.05). Corneal resistance factor was only positively correlated with the rim area (p = 0.001). The central corneal thickness did not correlate with the optic nerve parameters or with RNFL thickness. These associations were not found in the emmetropic group (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The corneal biomechanics characterized with the Ocular Response Analyzer system are correlated with the optic disc profile and RNFL thickness in myopic children. Low CH values may indicate a reduction in the viscous dampening properties of the cornea and the sclera, especially in myopic children.

Relationship among corneal biomechanics, refractive error, and axial length.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between different ocular and corneal biomechanical parameters in emmetropic and ametropic healthy white children. METHODS: This study included 293 eyes of 293 healthy Spanish children (135 boys and 158 girls), ranging in age from 6 to 17 years. Subjects were divided according to the refractive error: control (emmetropia, 99 children), myopia (100 children), and hyperopia (94 children) groups. In all cases, corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were evaluated with the Ocular Response Analyzer system. Axial length (AL) and mean corneal power were also measured by partial coherence interferometry (IOLMaster), and central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber depth were measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (Visante). RESULTS: Mean (±SD) CH and CRF were 12.12 (±1.71) and 12.30 (±1.89) mm Hg, respectively. Mean (±SD) CCT was 542.68 (±37.20) µm and mean (±SD) spherical equivalent was +0.14 (±3.41) diopters. A positive correlation was found between CH and CRF (p < 0.001), and both correlated as well with CCT (p < 0.0001). Corneal resistance factor was found to decrease with increasing age (p = 0.01). Lower levels of CH were associated with longer AL and more myopia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Higher values of CH were associated with increasing hyperopia. Significant differences in CH were found between emmetropic and myopic groups (p < 0.001) and between myopic and hyperopic groups (p = 0.011). There were also significant differences in CRF between emmetropic and myopic groups (p = 0.02). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that lower CH and CRF significantly associated with thinner CCT, longer AL, and flatter corneal curvature. CONCLUSIONS: The Ocular Response Analyzer corneal biomechanical properties seem to be compromised in myopia from an early age, especially in high myopia.

Influence of Intravitreal Therapy on Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the variation in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and its relationship with the variation in central macular thickness (CME) in response to intravitreal therapy with an antiangiogenic (anti-VEGF) drug or corticosteroid in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 70 eyes of 35 patients: 26 eyes received 4-5 intravitreal injections of aflibercept, 26 eyes were treated with a single intravitreal implant injection of dexamethasone, and 18 eyes without DME did not receive intravitreal therapy. SPECTRALIS® optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) was used to measure the SFCT and CME before and at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean reductions in CME were 18.8 +/- 14.7% (aflibercept) and 29.7 +/- 16.9% (dexamethasone). The mean reductions in SFCT were 13.8 +/- 13.1% (aflibercept) and 19.5 +/- 9.6% (dexamethasone). The lowering effects of both parameters were significantly greater in the group treated with the dexamethasone implant (p = 0.022 and p = 0.046 for CMT and SFCT, respectively). Both therapies significantly decreased both CME and SFCT, independent of factors such as age, sex, previous intravitreal therapy, antidiabetic treatment, and the time of diabetes progression. There were no changes in the mean values of CME and SFCT in the untreated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: SFCT significantly decreased in response to intravitreal therapy with anti-VEGF or corticosteroids, irrespective of age, sex, previous intravitreal therapy, antidiabetic treatment, and the time of diabetes progression. There was a correlation between the changes in CME and SFCT after intravitreal therapy with aflibercept or dexamethasone implantation. SFCT was not a good predictor of the CME response but could be used to monitor the response to treatment. Local intravitreal therapy only affected the treated eye.

Peripapillary capillary network in dominant optic atrophy linked to OPA1 gene.

Peripapillary capillary network using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) was analysed in two siblings suffering from dominant optic atrophy linked to OPA-1 gene mutation. Peripapillary capillary network has been scarcely described in this type of optic atrophy.

Toxicity to intravitreal melphalan in a patient with retinoblastoma.

Objective: Description of melphalan's toxicity in retinoblastoma treatment. Methods: Clinical case report. Results: We presented a case of unilateral retinoblastoma with vitreous seeding at diagnosis, in which the use of intravitreal melphalan produced many adverse reactions. Conclusions: Vitreous seedings have been one of the most important challenges in retinoblastoma treatment. Intravitreal melphalan has achieved the regression of vitreous seedings in a large percentage of cases. It is a safe treatment; however, it can produce toxicity, even with the standard dose of 20-30 µg, which has been poorly documented. Exhaustive follow-up of patients is recommended for an early diagnosis of possible adverse effects. Abbreviations: OS = left eye, RI = magnetic resonance imaging, OCT = optical coherence tomography.

Antireconverin antibodies in ocular chronic graft versus host disease: A new cause of nonparaneoplasic autoimmune retinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: A case of a 48-year-old male with a nonparaneoplasic autoinmune retinopathy (nPAIR) due to chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) after an allogenic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is described. CASE REPORT: The patient developed a bilateral rapidly progressive loss of visual acuity with bilateral optic disc edema and bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) in the funduscopy, a ring scotoma in the visual field (VF) and photoreceptors dysfunction in the electroretinogram (ERG) 210 days after the ASCT. After ruling out other causes, the suspicion of autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) led to the study of antirecoverin antibodies which resulted positive. The exclusion of neoplasia discarded diagnosis of paraneoplasic autoinmune retinopathy (PAIR) and the temporal relationship with BMT led to the diagnosis of nonparaneoplasic autoinmune retinopathy (nPAIR) due to chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). Oral corticosteroids led to resolution of the CME. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of AIR requires a high index of suspicion based on the typical findings on visual field, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ERG, which force requesting antirecoverin antibodies. However, diagnosis is often delayed because of the need to exclude other causes. Knowing typical symptoms and signs in for a quick action is important because an earlier diagnosis and treatment will improve visual prognosis since the loss of vision already established is irrecoverable. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature of nPAIR with CME and optic disc edema due to GVHS after ASCT.

Posterior scleral perforation due to endogenous endophthalmitis in a pregnant with selective IgA deficiency.

We present the case of a 35-year-old female patient, pregnant in her third trimester, with no ophthalmologic history of interest and a medical history of IgA deficiency syndrome with bronchiectasis as the only symptomatology, who came to another center with clinical symptoms of ocular discomfort. She was initially diagnosed with anterior uveitis and treated with topical and periocular corticosteroids. Edema and palpebral erythema appeared a few days later and she was diagnosed with idiopathic orbital inflammation and was treated with intravenous (I.V.) corticosteroids, which led to the appearance of a purulent palpebral and subconjunctival collection with a diagnosis of orbital cellulitis. At this time, she came to our center, where ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed intraocular and scleral destructuring with scleral perforation. The subconjunctival abscess was drained, being positive for pseudomonas aeruginosa, and sputum culture was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, so she was diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis due to transient Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in the context of IgA deficiency syndrome and treated with antibiotherapy. Despite the improvement of the infectious clinic, the persistence of positive cultures for pseudomonas aeruginosa and the evolution to phthisis bulbi at 2 months led to definitive treatment with evisceration. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of endogenous endophthalmitis associated with IgA deficiency and the first reported case of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis caused by pseudomonas aeruginosa during pregnancy.

Does hyaluronidase injected in periocular area change skin ultrastructure?: Standardized in vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers as a strategy for rejuvenation has experienced a significant growth in recent years, accompanied by a parallel increase in its complications, the treatment of which, such as hyaluronidase, we must be aware of. PATIENTS/METHODS: 14 patients (28 eyes) had indication for upper blepharoplasty surgery in the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe. After surgery, periocular skin of one eye of each patient was infiltrated with 300 U of hyaluronidase (14 cases) while the skin of the fellow eye was preserved untreated (14 controls). All samples were studied by the Pathology department, and finally, 6 variables (skin structure alteration, degeneration of elastic fibers, deposits, collagen fibers destructuring, inflammation, and other findings) were analyzed. RESULTS: No differences in skin structure, elastic fibers, and collagen dermal fibers were found between hyaluronidase-treated skin and controls. A significant association between ex vivo application of hyaluronidase in periocular skin and the presence of amorphous extracellular deposits within the dermis was found. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronidase applied ex vivo to periocular skin led to presence of deposits within the extracellular matrix compared to control eyelid skin but elastin and collagen dermis structure remained unaltered.

Dyschromatopsia in multiple sclerosis reflects diffuse chronic neurodegeneration beyond anatomical landmarks.

To formulate and validate a dyschromatopsia linear regression model in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). 64 MS patients (50 to formulate the model and 14 for its validation) underwent neurological (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS), color vision (Farnsworth D15 test), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and retinal evaluation with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Neuroradiological examination permitted to obtain brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) and cervical spinal cord volume (SC). Ophthalmic parameters were calculated as the average of both non-optic neuritis (ON) eyes, and in case the patient had previous ON, the value of the fellow non-ON eye was taken. The influence of sex, age, disease duration, and history of disease-modifying treatment (first- or second-line DMT) was tested as covariables that could influence color perception. Color confusion index (log CCI) correlated with pRNFL (r = - 0.322, p = 0.009), ganglion cell layer (GCL, r = - 0.321, p = 0.01), BPF (r = - 0.287, p = 0.021), SC volume (r = - 0.33, p = 0.008), patients' age (r = 0.417, p = 0.001), disease duration (r = 0.371, p = 0.003), and EDSS (r = 0.44, p = 0.001). The following CCI equation was obtained: log (CCI) = 0.316-0.224 BPF - 0.187 SC volume (mm3) + 0.226 age (years) + 0.012 disease duration (years) - 0.372 GCL (µm). CCI correlates with MS clinical and paraclinical established biomarkers suggesting chronic diffuse neurodegeneration in MS operates at brain, SC, and retina linking all three compartments. Color vision outcome can be calculated through the aforementioned variables for clinical and research purposes.

Corneoscleral contact lenses for visual rehabilitation after keratoplasty surgery.

PURPOSE: To report the use of corneoscleral lenses (CSL) in keratoconus patients who were unsatisfied with their visual outcomes after keratoplasty surgery. METHODS: Eleven consecutive cases with unsatisfactory vision with spectacles, due to irregular astigmatism, preferred to try CSL before SL due to handling or economic issues. An eye examination included refraction and visual acuity assessment, anterior eye biomicroscopy, ocular fundus examination, corneal topographic analysis, endothelial-cell count (ECC) and evaluation of corneal biomechanical parameters (corneal resistance factor, CRF; corneal hysteresis, CH; corneal-compensated intraocular pressure, IOPcc). The fitting process was performed using a diagnostic fitting set. Subjective visual quality and comfort, and CSL usage time were also recorded. Patients were monitored for 1 year. RESULTS: Two patients presented intolerance to CSL. Therefore, nine patients (6 males and 3 females; the mean±SD age, 44.56 ± 17.33 years, range 27-82) were fitted with CSL. The log MAR visual acuity of these eyes improved significantly with CSL in relation to the best spectacle-corrected vision (0.02 ± 0.06 vs 0.22 ± 0.15, respectively; p = 0.007). Patients reported prolonged usage times (an average of 9.78 ± 1.99 h; range, 8-14). No significant adverse ocular effects or clinically relevant changes in ocular parameters (ECC, CH, IOPcc, central corneal thickness and keratometry; all p > 0.05), visual quality, comfort rating or usage time were found during the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Corneoscleral lenses could be fitted in non-severe cases after keratoplasty surgery with optimal visual results as they can be a safe and healthy alternative option.

Multimodal Evaluation of Visual Function in Geographic Atrophy versus Normal Eyes.

PURPOSE: To comprehensively evaluate visual function in eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) as compared to normal eyes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three eyes from 63 patients ≥50 years old were recruited for this observational study; 31 were identified as normal macular health eyes and 32 with GA. Visual function was tested with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low luminance visual acuity (LLVA), low luminance deficit (LLD), reading speed, macular integrity microperimetry, fixation stability, and contrast sensitivity function (CSF). Anatomic function was evaluated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). Quality of life and vision were assessed with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). RESULTS: Visual function and quality of life are reduced in patients with GA. Moderate and strong correlations in the GA group were found between maximum reading speed (r = 0.787) (p˂0.01), CS spatial frequency 3 cpd (r = 0.441) (p˂0.05), CS spatial frequency 6 cpd (r = 0.524) (p˂0.01), fixation P1 (r = 0.379) (p˂0.05), macular sensitivity (r = 0.484) (p˂0.05) and atrophic area (r = -0.689) (p˂0.01), and the VFQ-25 composite score. CONCLUSION: The decreased visual function is reflected in a poor quality of life in patients with GA. Reading speed, contrast sensitivity, fixation, and macular sensitivity are strongly associated with vision-related quality of life. The results suggest the importance of the reading letter size in patients with GA. Microperimetry and reading speed are useful tools to better assess visual impairment in patients with GA.

IgG4-related dacryocystitis and aortitis: A new association.

A 73-year-old woman with a history of muscular weakness and dyspnoea of unknown etiology was referred to our Ophthalmology Department for dacryocystitis. Lacrimal sac biopsy revealed IgG4 plasma cell infiltration and systemic diagnosis was done based on this, allowing an appropriate treatment to be established. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of IgG4-related dacryocystitis associated to aortitis.

Magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography correlations in multiple sclerosis beyond anatomical landmarks.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate multiple sclerosis (MS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross-sectional correlations with central nervous system (CNS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner (INL) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) of 54 relapsing remitting (RRMS) and 38 progressive (PMS, 9 primary and 29 secondary) patients were measured. With less than 3 months brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), spinal cord (SC), total gray matter (GM) and white matter volumes were calculated. Demographical and clinical data was compared according to the history of optic neuritis (HON). Relationships between OCT and MRI data were assessed using multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for age, gender and disease duration, taking into account HON and disease subtype. RESULTS: Cerebellum (p = 0.008), pRNFL (p = 0.001), GCL (p = 0.001) and IPL (p = 0.001) were thinner, while INL was thicker (p = 0.02) if HON. SC correlated better with nasal pRNFL sectors in eyes with HON (all eyes: average pRNFL p = 0.035 η2 = 0.213; N-pRNFL p = 0.04 η2 = 0.36, NI-pRNFL p = 0.0001 η2 = 0.484. RRMS eyes: N-pRNFL p = 0.034 η2 = 0.348; NI-pRNFL p = 0.013 η2 = 0.441), while it correlates with PMB (p = 0.032 η2 = 0.144), GCL (p = 0.03 η2 = 0.147) and IPL (p = 0.028 η2 = 0.151) in eyes without HON regardless of the disease subtype. INL presented no microcystic macular oedema and was inversely associated with BPF (p = 0.029 η2 = 0.363) and cerebellum (p = 0.015 η2 = 0.428) in PMS eyes without HON. CONCLUSIONS: OCT data correlates with different CNS compartments, even with no anatomical or functional linkage, serving as useful neurodegeneration and inflammation surrogate marker.

Visual quality with corneo-scleral contact lenses after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation for keratoconus management.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual quality results when fitting a corneo-scleral contact lens (CScL) after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation for keratoconus management. METHODS: Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with keratoconus underwent ICRS implantation and had CScL fitted as their visual quality was unsatisfactory with their spectacles or contact lenses. Patients received a complete eye examination, refraction and visual acuity assessment, anterior eye biomicroscopy, ocular fundus examination, corneal topographic analysis, endothelial-cell count, and visual quality assessment using contrast sensitivity and aberrometry tests. A diagnostic trial set was used in the fitting process, and patients were assessed according to a standardised methodology, including subjective visual quality and comfort, and contact lens usage time. The follow-up period was one year. RESULTS: After fitting CScL, log-MAR visual acuity values improved significantly in relation to the best spectacle-corrected vision (0.22 ± 0.17 vs 0.00 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). Total high-order aberrations decreased 33% (2.62 ± 1.31 vs 1.75 ± 1.81 µm; p < 0.009) and the spatial frequencies of contrast sensitivity all improved (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, 70.37% of patients reported high ratings of subjective visual quality (favourable and very favourable) and prolonged usage times (11.78 ± 3.93 h). After wearing CScL for one year, no adverse ocular effects or clinically relevant changes in corneal parameters, visual quality, comfort ratings or usage time were found. CONCLUSION: This CScL appears to be an alternative reasonable option for keratoconic eyes with ICRS placement, providing an improvement in subjective visual quality.

Anterior Segment Biometry and Their Correlation with Corneal Biomechanics in Caucasian Children.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the corneal biomechanical parameters and the anterior segment parameters in Caucasian children. METHODS: This study included 293 eyes from 293 healthy children aged between 6 and 17 years. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were evaluated with the Ocular Response Analyzer, axial length (AL) with IOLMaster and the anterior segment with Pentacam. Anterior segment parameters obtained were the following: central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and mean anterior and posterior keratometry. Two multiple linear regression models were constructed to assess the association between CH and CRF with anterior segment parameters. A value of p < 0.05 was taken as the criterion for statistical significance in all analyses. RESULTS: The mean CH and CRF were 12.12 ± 1.71 and 12.30 ± 1.89 mmHg, respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed that CH and CRF were associated negatively with AL in both models, and positively with CCT and CV in the first and second model, respectively. Meanwhile ACD, ACV or mean keratometry did not correlated with CH and CRF. Moreover, when CCT was in the model, it explained more variability for both CH (22.1%) and CRF (30.9%) than when CV was included (16.2% for CH and 16.5% for CRF). CONCLUSIONS: CH and CRF were correlated positively with CCT and CV, and negatively with AL in healthy Caucasian children. Moreover, corneal parameters were the most contributory variables to CH and CRF changes.