Macular Inner Retinal Layer Thinning in Diabetic Patients without Retinopathy Measured by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

The aim of this study was to use Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) to measure the thickness of the Macular Inner Retinal Layer (MIRL) and compare the results between diabetic patients with no signs of retinopathy and healthy subjects. Overall, 47 type 2 diabetic patients without clinical signs of retinopathy were prospectively analyzed along with 36 healthy subjects. This study excluded patients with other systemic or ocular diseases. All patients had their MIRL thickness measured by RTVue-100 SD-OCT (7x7 mm macular grid). The MIRL thickness is provided by the ganglion cell complex scan (comprised of the retinal nerve fiber, ganglion cell, and inner plexiform layers). Only one eye was randomly selected if both were eligible for analysis. Mean age was similar between the two groups (diabetic patients: 57.3 ± 10.6 and control subjects: 60.2 ± 12.2 years) (P = 0.19). No significant differences regarding optic disc area and cup-to-disc ratio was observed in the comparison of the two groups (P ≥ 0.38 for both comparisons). In patients with diabetes, the average MIRL was significantly thinner when compared to controls (91.6 versus 96.2 micrometer (µm); P = 0.02). Regional analysis revealed superior and inferior MIRL to be significantly thinner in patients with diabetes than the controls (P ≤ 0.04). The juxtafoveal area was compromised (thinned) in 70% of diabetic eyes, classified as abnormal (P < 1%; compared to the device's normative database). In conclusion, patients with type 2 diabetes without clinical evidence of retinopathy had lower MIRL average values when compared to the control group. This can be explained by the ischemia and retinal tissue injury caused by diabetes even in early stages of diabetic retinopathy, which can affect MIRL thickness. Possible implications of these findings on diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy requires further investigation.

Macular pigment in retinal health and disease.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoid pigments of the xanthophyll subclass, are present in high concentrations in the retina, especially in the macula. They work as a filter protecting the macula from blue light and also as a resident antioxidant and free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative stress-induced damage. Many observational and interventional studies have suggested that lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of various eye diseases, especially late forms of AMD. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that they could protect various ocular cells against oxidative damage. Recent research has shown that in addition to traditional mechanisms, lutein and zeaxanthin can influence the viability and function of cells through various signal pathways or transcription factors: for instance, they can affect immune responses and inflammation, and have anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor properties. This review covers the basic aspects and results of recent studies regarding the effects of lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids, such as meso-zeaxanthin, on the eye in different clinical and experimental models and the management of various ocular diseases using these molecules.

Association of age and macular pigment optical density using dual-wavelength autofluorescence imaging.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence suggest that macular pigment may play a protective role against age-related macular degeneration, but the influence of age on macular pigment density levels remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between age and the normal distribution of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) values surrounding the fovea. METHODS: Consecutive healthy subjects with no evidence of ocular disease were enrolled in this study. After inclusion, MPOD values were measured at specific eccentricities (0.5, 1, and 2 degrees) from the foveal center using a dual-wavelength autofluorescence method employing a modified confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Whenever both eyes were eligible, one was randomly selected for analysis. The correlation between age and MPOD values was investigated using regression analysis. RESULTS: Thirty subjects (30 eyes) were included (mean age 48.6 ± 16.4 [range 23-77] years). Significant differences were found between MPOD values measured at 0.5, 1, and 2 degrees from the center of the fovea (0.49 ± 0.12 density units, 0.37 ± 0.11 density units, and 0.13 ± 0.05 density units, respectively, P < 0.05). Significant correlations between age and MPOD values at 0.5 and 1 degree were found (P ≤ 0.02). Values measured at 2 degrees did not correlate significantly with age (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: In healthy subjects, MPOD values were highest near the foveal center. These values appeared to increase during adulthood (peak at 45-50 years), followed by a gradual reduction after 60 years of age.

Combined Baerveldt glaucoma implant and scleral buckling surgery for patients with retinal detachment and coexisting glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To report on the usefulness of combined Baerveldt glaucoma implantation (BGI) and scleral buckling surgery for patients with glaucoma requiring a scleral buckle for retinal detachment repair. METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative, and interventional case series of 30 eyes (30 patients) that underwent simultaneous scleral buckle and BGI surgery, using a staged (group 1, n=21 patients) or nonstaged (group 2, n=9 patients) approach to BGI implantation. Successful intraocular pressure (IOP) control was defined as 6 mm Hg≤IOP≤18 mm Hg. RESULTS: Although not statistically significant, mean best corrected visual acuity (LogMAR) improved from 2.0 before surgery to 1.7 after surgery (P=0.13) with a mean follow-up of 27.7 months. Of the 21 patients in group 1, only 13 (62%) required second-stage tube insertion at a mean of 7.0±8.0 months (range, 1 to 24 mo) postoperatively. For these eyes combined with group 2 eyes, mean IOP was reduced from 31.1±10.8 to 12.7±6.0 mm Hg (P<0.0001), and the mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced from 2.9±1.4 to 1.2±1.3 (P<0.001). Life table rates of successful IOP control were 90% and 80% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Combined scleral buckle and BGI is an effective technique for managing coexisting glaucoma and retinal detachment and provides the clinician with a useful surgical option while minimizing surgical risk.

[Idiopathic retinal, vasculitis, aneurysms and neuroretinitis (IRVAN): case report]. / Retinite idiopática, vasculite, aneurismas e neurorretinite (IRVAN): relato de caso.

A case of a 14 year-old boy that was admitted complaining of bilateral ocular visual blurring for 2 years is reported. The ophthalmological examination disclosed bilateral mild optic disc hyperemia and swelling, retinal exudation, few retinal hemorrhages, multiple aneurysms, as well as vasculitis. Fluorescein angiography showed extensive peripheral retinal ischemia, dilatations and hyperfluorescence of the vessels walls, and leakage of the optic disc in the late phases in both eyes. This rare case represents an entity characterized by peripheral retinal vascular occlusion, retinal vasculitis, multiple posterior retinal aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN). Systemic evaluation and laboratory work-up did not suggest any systemic abnormality. Panretinal laser photocoagulation was performed in both eyes, and the patient was treated with oral prednisone with maintenance of the visual acuity after 1 year of follow-up. Laser treatment should be considered when angiographic evidence of widespread retinal no perfusion is present, and before the development of signs of retinal neovascularization.

Retinite idiopática, vasculite, aneurismas e neurorretinite (IRVAN): relato de caso / Idiopathic retinal, vasculitis, aneurysms and neuroretinitis (IRVAN): case report

Relatamos caso de um paciente de 14 anos, sexo masculino, que foi admitido com queixa de embaçamento visual bilateral há dois anos. Ao exame oftalmológico observou-se leve hiperemia e edema de disco óptico bilateral, exsudação retiniana, poucas hemorragias retinianas, múltiplos aneurismas, assim como sinais de vasculite. A angiofluoresceinografia demonstrou isquemia periférica extensa, dilatações e hiperfluorescência das paredes dos vasos, e vazamento tardio do disco óptico nas fases finais do exame em ambos os olhos. Este caso representa uma rara entidade caracterizada por oclusão retiniana vascular periférica, vasculite retiniana, múltiplos aneurismas retinianos e neurorretinite (IRVAN). Avaliação sistêmica e laboratorial não revelaram nenhuma anormalidade. O paciente foi submetido à panfotocoagulação de retina com laser de argônio em ambos os olhos, e iniciado tratamento com prednisona via oral, com manutenção da acuidade visual de 20/25 depois de um ano de acompanhamento. O tratamento com laser deve ser considerado quando houver qualquer evidência angiográfica de má perfusão retiniana, e antes do desenvolvimento de qualquer sinal de neovascularização de retina.

A case of a 14 year-old boy that was admitted complaining of bilateral ocular visual blurring for 2 years is reported. The ophthalmological examination disclosed bilateral mild optic disc hyperemia and swelling, retinal exudation, few retinal hemorrhages, multiple aneurysms, as well as vasculitis. Fluorescein angiography showed extensive peripheral retinal ischemia, dilatations and hyperfluorescence of the vessels walls, and leakage of the optic disc in the late phases in both eyes. This rare case represents an entity characterized by peripheral retinal vascular occlusion, retinal vasculitis, multiple posterior retinal aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN). Systemic evaluation and laboratory work-up did not suggest any systemic abnormality. Panretinal laser photocoagulation was performed in both eyes, and the patient was treated with oral prednisone with maintenance of the visual acuity after 1 year of follow-up. Laser treatment should be considered when angiographic evidence of widespread retinal no perfusion is present, and before the development of signs of retinal neovascularization.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography for early glaucoma assessment: analysis of macular ganglion cell complex versus peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the glaucoma discrimination ability of macular inner retinal layer (MIRL) thickness with that of conventional peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with early glaucoma. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 67 patients with early glaucoma (visual field mean deviation index ≥-6 dB), and 56 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled. METHODS: All patients underwent MIRL thickness measurement (ganglion cell complex [GCC] scan) and pRNFL thickness measurement (3.45 mm scan) by SD-OCT. Whenever both eyes were eligible, one was randomly selected. Receiver operating characteristic curves and sensitivities at fixed specificities were generated for different parameters. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of each parameter were compared. RESULTS: The average mean deviation for the glaucomatous eyes was -2.5 ± 1.6 dB. The AUCs for average (0.815); superior (0.807); and inferior (0.788) MIRL thicknesses were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.18). The AUCs for average (0.735); superior (0.728); and inferior (0.697) pRNFL thicknesses were also similar (p ≥ 0.15). Average MIRL thickness had a significantly larger AUC compared to average pRNFL thickness analysis (0.815 vs 0.735; p = 0.03). Sensitivities at 80% specificity for average MIRL and pRNFL thicknesses were 66.7% (cutoff, 89.9 µm) and 62.9% (cutoff, 111.8 µm), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The GCC scan showed a similar or even a slightly better ability to discriminate between healthy and early glaucomatous eyes compared to the pRNFL scan. Different from previous analyses considering total macular thickness, the GCC macular scan seems to be a useful tool for identification of early structural damage in patients with glaucoma.

Avaliação estrutural do polo posterior em pacientes com doença de Behçet / Structural evaluation of posterior pole in patients with Behçet's disease

OBJETIVO: Avaliar achados demográficos, de exame ocular, alterações vasculares e estruturais por meio de angiografias com fluoresceína e indocianina verde e de tomografia de coerência óptica em retina e coroide em pacientes com doença de Behçet com controle clínico. MÉTODO: Revisão de prontuários de 16 pacientes com doença de Behçet em fase inativa da doença. Foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico, angiografias com fluoresceína e indocianina e tomografia de coerência óptica e divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o tempo de doença. RESULTADOS: Avaliou-se 13 pacientes do sexo feminino e 3 do sexo masculino. Os principais achados de exame ocular foram estreitamento vascular, catarata, atrofia do disco óptico e membrana epirretiniana macular. Sessenta e dois e meio por cento dos pacientes estavam com acuidade visual igual ou melhor que 0,1. Os principais achados na angiografia com fluoresceína foram vazamento capilar e impregnação da parede vascular, na angiografia com indocianina verde foram lesões hipofluorescentes bem definidas e na tomografia de coerência óptica foram membrana epirretiniana e atrofia retiniana. Analisando a acuidade visual, não se encontrou diferença estatística entre os parâmetros de sexo, tempo de doença, presença de edema retiniano na tomografia de coerência óptica ou na angiografia com fluoresceína. O aumento da espessura macular não se correlacionou positivamente com a idade, tempo de doença ou com a acuidade visual. O encontro de afinamento vascular na angiografia com fluoresceína correlacionou-se com maior duração da doença (p=0,033). Os demais achados dos exames não se correlacionaram com o tempo de doença. CONCLUSÃO: Os exames de angiografias com fluoresceína e indocianina verde e tomografia de coerência óptica fornecem dados importantes do acometimento do polo posterior na doença de Behçet. Apesar do aparente controle clínico, esses exames podem evidenciar atividade inflamatória persistente, a qual ocasiona progressão da perda visual e significante número de pacientes com cegueira legal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate demographic findings, ocular manifestations, vascular and morphological changes by fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography of retina and choroid in cases of ocular Behçet's disease. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to obtain data from 16 patients with Behçet's disease who were in inactive phase. All patients underwent ophthalmic examination, simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography. They were also divided into two groups according to disease duration. RESULTS: Thirteen females and three males were evaluated. The main findings of ocular exams were narrowing of vessels, cataract, atrophy of the optic disc and macular epiretinal membrane. 62.5 percent had visual acuity equal to or better than 0.1. The main findings of fluorescein angiography were capillary leak and impregnation of the vascular wall. The most important findings of indocyanine green angiography were hypofluorescent well defined lesions. The main findings of optical coherence tomography were macular epiretinal membrane and retinal atrophy. Analyzing the visual acuity, no statistical correlation was found between gender, disease duration or presence of retinal edema in fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography. The increase in macular thickness was not correlated positively with patient age, disease duration or with the visual acuity. Vascular narrowing seen on fluorescein angiography was correlated with longer duration of illness (p=0.033). The remaining test findings were not correlated with disease duration. CONCLUSION: Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography are valuable tools to assess the posterior pole in Behçet's disease. Despite the apparent clinical control, these tests may show persistent inflammatory activity, which causes progression of visual loss and a significant number of patients with legal blindness.

Influence of optic disc size on the diagnostic performance of macular ganglion cell complex and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer analyses in glaucoma.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of optic disc size on the diagnostic accuracy of macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and conventional peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) analyses provided by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in glaucoma. METHODS: Eighty-two glaucoma patients and 30 healthy subjects were included. All patients underwent GCC (7 × 7 mm macular grid, consisting of RNFL, ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers) and pRNFL thickness measurement (3.45 mm circular scan) by SD-OCT. One eye was randomly selected for analysis. Initially, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for different GCC and pRNFL parameters. The effect of disc area on the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters was evaluated using a logistic ROC regression model. Subsequently, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm(2) disc sizes were arbitrarily chosen (based on data distribution) and the predicted areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) and sensitivities were compared at fixed specificities for each. RESULTS: Average mean deviation index for glaucomatous eyes was -5.3 ± 5.2 dB. Similar AUCs were found for the best pRNFL (average thickness = 0.872) and GCC parameters (average thickness = 0.824; P = 0.19). The coefficient representing disc area in the ROC regression model was not statistically significant for average pRNFL thickness (-0.176) or average GCC thickness (0.088; P ≥ 0.56). AUCs for fixed disc areas (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm(2)) were 0.904, 0.891, and 0.875 for average pRNFL thickness and 0.834, 0.842, and 0.851 for average GCC thickness, respectively. The highest sensitivities - at 80% specificity for average pRNFL (84.5%) and GCC thicknesses (74.5%) - were found with disc sizes fixed at 1.5 mm(2) and 2.5 mm(2). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic accuracy was similar between pRNFL and GCC thickness parameters. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for a better diagnostic accuracy of pRNFL thickness measurement in cases of smaller discs. For GCC analysis, an inverse effect was observed.

Correlation between spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings and visual outcomes in central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings and visual outcomes following resolution of macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: Patients with recent onset CRVO who had undergone SD-OCT and fluorescein angiography (FA) exams on the day of initial presentation were included. All patients had resolution of macular edema in SD-OCT images at the end of follow-up, and they were separated into two groups according to final visual acuity: group 1 (≤20/200) and group 2 (>20/200). SD-OCT scans and FA studies were analyzed in a masked fashion. Macular perfusion status by FA was categorized according to presence or absence of macular ischemia. RESULTS: A total of 22 eyes from 22 patients [mean age 53.0 ± 15.0 (standard deviation)] were included. Mean follow up period was 14.6 ± 8.1 (standard deviation) months. Group 1 (10 eyes) had significantly higher rates of residual intraretinal fluid, loss of foveal inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction line and loss of inner retinal layers in late stage SD-OCT images (P = 0.027) when compared with group 2 (12 eyes). Loss of foveal IS/OS junction line (odds ratio [OR] = 13.826; P = 0.098) and loss of inner retinal layers (OR = 38.908; P = 0.013) in late stage SD-OCT images were correlated with poorer final visual outcomes. Macular ischemia by FA correlated with thinner central subfield thickness (r = -0.54, P = 0.021) and loss of inner retinal layers (r = 0.47, P = 0.031) in early stage SD-OCT images; and presence of residual intraretinal fluid (r = 0.61, P = 0.003) and loss of inner retinal layers (r = 0.71, P < 0.001) in late stage SD-OCT images. CONCLUSION: Loss of foveal IS/OS junction line and inner retinal layers on SD-OCT significantly correlated with poorer visual outcomes in CRVO patients.

Qualitative spectral OCT/SLO analysis of drusen change in dry age-related macular degeneration patients treated with Copaxone.

PURPOSE: High-resolution spectral domain OCT/SLO (SD-OCT) has become an increasingly useful tool for differentiating drusen morphologic parameters such as shape, internal reflectivity, homogeneity, and presence of overlying hyperreflective foci. Our purpose was to evaluate which types of drusen may respond to Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients by shrinking or disappearing. METHODS: A prospective and interventional clinical trial of patients with dry AMD who received subcutaneous treatment with Copaxone or sham injections was conducted. SD-OCT images were used for analysis of drusen ultrastructure. Morphologic characteristics for specific drusen within the macular region were assessed with serial studies. Pre- and posttreatment statuses of drusen were compared. Main outcome measure was a change of drusen morphologic parameters in Copaxone-treated and sham-treated dry AMD patients between baseline and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Three hundred eleven drusen from 26 eyes of 14 dry AMD patients were evaluated. One hundred seventy-two drusen from 14 eyes (7 patients) of Copaxone-treated and 139 drusen from 12 eyes sham-treated (7 patients) were included. Overall, between baseline and 12-week visit, the percentage of drusen that disappeared/shrank in the Copaxone-treated group was 19.2% versus 6.5% in the sham-treated group (P = 0.13). The percentage of convex drusen that shrank or disappeared after 12 weeks of treatment was significantly higher in the Copaxone-treated group (27.8%) in comparison with the sham-treated group (6.8%) (P = 0.008). The difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant for drusen with low and medium internal reflectivity (P = 0.019 and P = 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Convex shape and low/medium internal reflectivity were found to be favorable parameters in prediction of drusen reduction in the Copaxone-treated patients. This study represents a preliminary attempt to identify SD-OCT features of drusen that may predict susceptibility to Copaxone treatment and therefore help clinicians decide which patients to treat.

[Structural evaluation of posterior pole in patients with Behçet's disease]. / Avaliação estrutural do polo posterior em pacientes com doença de Behçet.

PURPOSE: To evaluate demographic findings, ocular manifestations, vascular and morphological changes by fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography of retina and choroid in cases of ocular Behçet's disease. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to obtain data from 16 patients with Behçet's disease who were in inactive phase. All patients underwent ophthalmic examination, simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography. They were also divided into two groups according to disease duration. RESULTS: Thirteen females and three males were evaluated. The main findings of ocular exams were narrowing of vessels, cataract, atrophy of the optic disc and macular epiretinal membrane. 62.5% had visual acuity equal to or better than 0.1. The main findings of fluorescein angiography were capillary leak and impregnation of the vascular wall. The most important findings of indocyanine green angiography were hypofluorescent well defined lesions. The main findings of optical coherence tomography were macular epiretinal membrane and retinal atrophy. Analyzing the visual acuity, no statistical correlation was found between gender, disease duration or presence of retinal edema in fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography. The increase in macular thickness was not correlated positively with patient age, disease duration or with the visual acuity. Vascular narrowing seen on fluorescein angiography was correlated with longer duration of illness (p=0.033). The remaining test findings were not correlated with disease duration. CONCLUSION: Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography are valuable tools to assess the posterior pole in Behçet's disease. Despite the apparent clinical control, these tests may show persistent inflammatory activity, which causes progression of visual loss and a significant number of patients with legal blindness.

Factors affecting the variability of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III measurements in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with the test-retest variability of optic nerve head (ONH) topography measurements with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) in newly diagnosed glaucomatous patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma were prospectively enrolled. Patients presenting with any ocular disease other than glaucoma were excluded. All patients underwent CSLO using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT-III) in one randomly selected eye (three consecutive scans; performed by the same examiner). For each Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameter, repeatability was assessed using within subject standard deviation (Sw) and coefficient of variation (CVw), repeatability coefficient (RC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Scatter plots and regression lines were constructed to identify which factors influenced test-retest measurement variability. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were included (mean age, 65.4 ± 13.8 years). Most patients were female (65%) and white (50%). Among all Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameters evaluated, rim area and mean cup depth had the best measurement repeatability. Vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR, as determined by optic disc stereophotograph examination) was significantly associated (R²=0.21, p<0.01) with test-retest measurement variability. Eyes with larger CDR showed less variable measurements. Other factors, including age, disc area, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were not significant (p>0.14). CONCLUSION: Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III showed good test-retest repeatability for all ONH topographic measurements, mainly for rim area and mean cup depth. Test-retest repeatability seemed to improve with increasing CDR. These findings suggest that HRT-III topographic measurements should be cautiously interpreted when evaluating longitudinally glaucoma patients with early structural damage (small CDR).

Factors affecting the variability of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III measurements in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients / Fatores associados com a variabilidade das medidas do Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III em pacientes com glaucoma recém-diagnosticados

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with the test-retest variability of optic nerve head (ONH) topography measurements with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) in newly diagnosed glaucomatous patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma were prospectively enrolled. Patients presenting with any ocular disease other than glaucoma were excluded. All patients underwent CSLO using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT-III) in one randomly selected eye (three consecutive scans; performed by the same examiner). For each Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameter, repeatability was assessed using within subject standard deviation (Sw) and coefficient of variation (CVw), repeatability coefficient (RC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Scatter plots and regression lines were constructed to identify which factors influenced test-retest measurement variability. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were included (mean age, 65.4 ± 13.8 years). Most patients were female (65 percent) and white (50 percent). Among all Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameters evaluated, rim area and mean cup depth had the best measurement repeatability. Vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR, as determined by optic disc stereophotograph examination) was significantly associated (R²=0.21, p<0.01) with test-retest measurement variability. Eyes with larger CDR showed less variable measurements. Other factors, including age, disc area, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were not significant (p>0.14). CONCLUSION: Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III showed good test-retest repeatability for all ONH topographic measurements, mainly for rim area and mean cup depth. Test-retest repeatability seemed to improve with increasing CDR. These findings suggest that HRT-III topographic measurements should be cautiously interpreted when evaluating longitudinally glaucoma patients with early structural damage (small CDR).

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores associados à variabilidade (teste-reteste) das medidas topográficas da cabeça do nervo óptico (CNO) utilizando a oftalmoscopia confocal de varredura a laser (CSLO) em pacientes com glaucoma recém-diagnosticados. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo, pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto recém-diagnosticados foram prospectivamente incluídos. Aqueles que apresentassem outras doenças oculares (exceto glaucoma) foram excluídos. Todos os pacientes incluídos no estudo foram submetidos à CSLO usando o aparelho Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT-III) em um olho aleatoriamente selecionado (três exames consecutivos realizados pelo mesmo examinador). Para cada parâmetro do Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III, a repetibilidade foi avaliada através dos seguintes indicadores: desvio padrão (DP) e coeficiente de variação (CV) individual, coeficiente de repetibilidade (CR) e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI). Diagramas de dispersão e linhas de regressão foram construídos para identificar quais fatores poderiam influenciar a variabilidade das medidas. RESULTADOS: Trinta e dois pacientes foram incluídos no estudo (idade média, 65,4 ± 13,8 anos). A maior parte era composta por mulheres (65 por cento) e pacientes brancos (50 por cento). Dentre os parâmetros de Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III avaliados, a área da rima e a profundidade média da escavação apresentaram os melhores valores de repetibilidade. A relação escavação/disco (E/D) vertical (baseada na análise de estereofotografia do disco óptico), foi significativamente associada (R²=0.21, p<0.01) com a variabilidade teste-reteste. Pacientes com relação E/D maiores apresentaram medidas menos variáveis. Outros fatores como idade, área do disco, espessura corneana central e pressão intraocular não foram significativas (p>0,14). CONCLUSÃO: O Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III mostrou boa repetibilidade (teste-reteste) para todos os parâmetros topográficos da CNO avaliados, principalmente em relação à área da rima e à profundidade média da escavação. A repetibilidade teste-reteste apresentou melhores resultados com o aumento da relação E/D. Esses achados sugerem que as medidas topográficas do Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III devem ser interpretadas com cautela quando avaliarmos longitudinalmente pacientes glaucomatosos com dano estrutural inicial (relação E/D menor).

Macular pigment optical density measured by dual-wavelength autofluorescence imaging in diabetic and nondiabetic patients: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic patients by using dual-wavelength autofluorescence imaging and to investigate the correlation of MPOD with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and serum lipid levels. METHODS: Forty-three patients were divided into groups 1 (controls, n = 14), 2 (diabetic without retinopathy, n = 17), and 3 (diabetic with mild nonproliferative retinopathy, n = 12). MPOD was measured with a modified confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and compared among groups (analysis of variance). The correlation of HbA1C and serum lipid (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) levels with MPOD was determined for each group (linear regression analysis). RESULTS: Mean ± SD ages in groups 1 (56.2 ± 11.7 years), 2 (58.6 ± 11.5 years), and 3 (62.8 ± 9.8 years) were similar (P = 0.324). Mean MPOD averaged in a 2°-diameter circle around the fovea was significantly different between the three groups: 1, (0.29 ± 0.07 density units [DU]), 2 (0.22 ± 0.09 DU), and 3 (0.14 ± 0.05 DU) (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in mean MPOD levels at 0.5° between groups 1 (0.51 ± 0.12 DU) and 2 (0.24 ± 0.11 DU; P < 0.001), but not between groups 2 and 3 (0.33 ± 0.15 DU; P > 0.05). A significant inverse correlation was observed between HbA1C levels and mean MPOD, averaged at 2° around the fovea in all patients (r = -0.63, P < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between MPOD and serum lipid levels or age. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetic patients, with or without retinopathy, had reduced MPOD when compared with that in nondiabetic patients. In addition, a significant inverse correlation between MPOD and HbA1C levels was observed.

Hypotensive effect of juxtascleral administration of anecortave acetate in different types of glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of anecortave acetate, delivered by anterior juxtascleral depot injection, in eyes with various forms of glaucoma. METHODS: A prospective, interventional case series was carried out. Twenty-eight uncontrolled glaucoma patients received a single injection of anecortave acetate (24 to 30 mg) in 1 selected eye under topical anesthesia. Postinjection assessments were scheduled at week 1 and months 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age of patients was 58.2 ± 18.6 years. Twelve patients had open-angle glaucoma and 16 had angle-closure glaucoma. Uveitic/steroid-induced glaucoma was the most frequent diagnosis (11 patients, 39.2%). Mean baseline IOP was 30.7 ± 9.3 mm Hg. Mean IOP at week 1 and months 1, 2, and 3 were 21.3 ± 6.1, 19.8 ± 6.3, 20.9 ± 7.3, and 21.7 ± 6.8 mm Hg, respectively. Significant mean IOP reductions were observed at week 1 and months 1, 2, and 3 (29.3%, 33.8%, 30.1%, and 27.2%, respectively; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: A single administration of anecortave acetate by anterior juxtascleral depot injection seems to result in a significant IOP reduction (compared with baseline) for at least 3 months in eyes with different types of glaucoma. No injection-related or drug-related serious adverse events were observed. Additional studies are required to better determine the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of this alternative treatment.

Intravitreal triamcinolone and bevacizumab therapy for combined papillophlebitis and central retinal artery occlusion.

PURPOSE: To report a case of an idiopathic, unilateral combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion in a young, healthy patient successfully treated with combined intravitreal triamcinolone and bevacizumab injection. METHODS: Interventional case report. A 38-year-old man presented with a 2-hour history of acute painless loss of vision in his right eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed count fingers visual acuity, an afferent pupillary defect, a discreet cherry red spot, optic disk edema, and scattered intraretinal hemorrhages in the right fundus. Fluorescein angiography confirmed the central retinal artery occlusion diagnosis. RESULTS: A standard treatment for central retinal artery occlusion and a combined intravitreal triamcinolone and bevacizumab injection were performed. An exhaustive laboratory workup failed to reveal any evidence of systemic vascular, inflammatory, or hypercoagulable disorders. Transesophageal echocardiography, carotid Doppler, and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits and brain were all unremarkable. In the month after initiation of the treatment, the patient's visual acuity gradually improved to 20/30 and remained stable during a 12-month follow up. CONCLUSION: Although the visual prognosis of a combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion is generally poor, our patient experienced an excellent visual recovery more than 1 month after prompt standard of care and a combined intravitreal triamcinolone and bevacizumab injection. Further investigation is necessary to support the efficacy and safety of this approach.

Comparison between macular pigment optical density measurements using two-wavelength autofluorescence and heterochromatic flicker photometry techniques.

PURPOSE: The association of macular pigment (MP) with age-related macular degeneration has been extensively studied in recent years, and interest in a rapid, objective, and accurate technique to measure MP optical density (MPOD) has increased. The purpose of this study was to compare the MPOD values at specific loci around the fovea using the heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) and the two-wavelength autofluorescence (AF) methods in a young, healthy population. METHODS: Ten patients (20 eyes) were enrolled. Subjects with any ocular or systemic disease were excluded. All patients underwent HFP and AF examination. The AF examination was performed using a modified scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Values for both devices were measured at four eccentricities around the fovea (0.25 degrees , 0.5 degrees, 1.0 degrees, and 1.75 degrees). Each eye was tested three times with each METHOD: Statistical analysis was based on paired t-test and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: At all retinal eccentricities, the HFP values were consistently lower than the HRA values (P < 0.001). There was, however, a significant correlation at almost all locations. The strongest correlation between two methods was found at 1.75 degrees from the center of the fovea (r = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The modified-HRA AF method for MPOD generated results that were highly correlated with the standard HPF method but consistently higher at all eccentricities. These findings suggest that HRA can be reliably used in patients unable to perform HPF, which is important for wider clinical application of MP testing.

Corneal viscoelasticity differences between diabetic and nondiabetic glaucomatous patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate corneal viscoelasticity in primary open-angle glaucoma patients with and without diabetes mellitus, and to correlate corneal hysteresis (CH) with central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 44 primary open-angle glaucoma patients [19 with diabetes (34 eyes) and 25 without diabetes (40 eyes)] underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. Data collected by masked investigators included CH and CCT using the Ocular Response Analyzer. The mean of 3 measurements was considered for each test. We analyzed the difference between the mean CH in both groups using a general linear model. Partial correlation coefficient between CH and CCT was also calculated. RESULTS: Mean+/-SD age in diabetic and nondiabetic groups was 67.1+/-8.7 and 65.9+/-15.1, respectively (P=0.77). There was no significant difference regarding mean CCT between diabetic (531.7+/-31.3 mum) and nondiabetic (546.6+/-37.3 mum) groups (P=0.21). Patients with diabetes presented significantly higher CH values than patients without diabetes (9.1+/-1.9 mm Hg vs. 7.8+/-1.7 mm Hg, P=0.04). There was a significant and positive correlation between CH and CCT for all patients (r=0.407, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary open-angle glaucoma patients with diabetes have significantly higher CH values than those without diabetes. CH and CCT results were positively correlated. These findings merit further investigation to assess the role of different CH values on glaucoma evaluation and susceptibility.

Multiple wedge-shaped retinal nerve fiber layer defects in a patient with optic nerve glioma in the contralateral eye: case report.

This case report describes a young non-glaucomatous patient with neurofibromatosis and previous history of optic nerve glioma, which developed multiple wedge-shaped retinal nerve fiber layer defects close to a chorioretinal scar in the fellow eye. After discussing the different possible etiologies to the wedge-shaped defects, the disruption of the nerve fiber layer due to the chorioretinal lesion was considered the most plausible cause. However, further follow-up with visual field assessment, optic nerve head documentation and neuroimaging is mandatory in this case and may provide additional information to better understand it.