Influence of white-light-emitting diodes on primary visual cortex layer 5 pyramidal neurons (V1L5PNs) and remodeling by blue-light-blocking lenses.

Studies have explored the consequences of excessive exposure to white-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the retina. Hence, we aimed to assess the implications of such exposure on structural alterations of the visual cortex, learning and memory, and amelioration by blue-light-blocking lenses (BBLs). Eight-week-old Wistar rats (n = 24) were used for the experiment and divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group) as control, white LED light exposure (LE), BBL Crizal Prevencia-1 (CP), and DuraVision Blue-2 (DB). Animals in the exposure group were exposed to white LED directly for 28 days (12:12-h light/dark cycle), whereas animals in the BBL groups were exposed to similar light with BBLs attached to the LEDs. Post-exposure, a Morris water maze was performed for memory retention, followed by structural analysis of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the visual cortex. We observed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the functional test on day 1 and day 2 of training in the LE group. Structural analysis of Golgi-Cox-stained visual cortex layer 5 pyramidal neurons showed significant alterations in the apical and basal branching points (p < 0.001) and basal intersection points (p < 0.001) in the LE group. Post hoc analysis revealed significant changes between (p < 0.001) LE and CP and (p < 0.001) CP and DB groups. Constant and cumulative exposure to white LEDs presented with structural and functional alterations in the visual cortex, which are partly remodeled by BBLs.

Central retinal vein occlusion secondary to varicella zoster retinal vasculitis in an immunocompetent individual during the COVID-19 pandemic - A case report.

We report the occurrence of unilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in a young yoga enthusiast who presented amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Subtle signs of uveitis when systemically investigated revealed a multitude of causes, but ocular fluid polymerase chain reaction was positive for varicella zoster virus (VZV). The prompt initiation of antivirals resulted in a good visual outcome. Our case describes the rare presentation of VZV retinal vasculitis as CRVO in a young healthy individual and highlights the importance of early antiviral therapy for favorable outcomes.

The association between diabetic retinopathy and periodontal disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to study the association between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and periodontal disease (PD) in a South Indian cohort. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational, interdisciplinary hospital-based study wherein patients with diabetes mellitus visiting the ophthalmology department of a university teaching hospital in coastal Karnataka, south India, during the study period, were screened independently for retinopathy by an ophthalmologist and PD by a periodontal surgeon. All the patients were above 18 years of age and did not have juvenile or gestational diabetes. A total of 213 patients consented to participate in the study. The data were analyzed for association using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant association between the presence of DR and PD (P = 0.02). The increasing severity of DR was associated with an increase in the components of PD including plaque index (P < 0.001) and gingival index (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between DR and PD. The awareness of this association can aid in the screening of potentially sight-threatening retinopathy in diabetics presenting to the dental clinic with PD.