Treatment of Anisometropic Amblyopia with a Dichoptic Digital Platform in Argentinian Children and Adults.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the results of dichoptic training in Argentinian children and adults with anisometropic amblyopia. METHODS: Prospective non-comparative study enrolling 41 subjects with anisometropic amblyopia (age, 6-60 years old). Two groups were differentiated according to age, children (6-16 years, 24 subjects) and adults (>17 years, 17 subjects). All patients were treated with the Bynocs® platform (Kanohi Eye Pvt. Ltd, India) following a protocol of 30 sessions of training of 30 min daily 5 times a week for 6 weeks. Changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and binocular function (BF) score with treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: In the whole sample, CDVA in the amblyopic eye improved significantly, with a mean change of 0.30 logMAR (p < .001). Likewise, a significant improvement was also found in BF score (p < .001), with a mean change of 1.14 log units. The change achieved in CDVA was significantly correlated with the baseline CDVA in the amblyopic eye (r=-0.568, p < .001). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between age groups in the change achieved in CDVA (p = .431) and BF with therapy (p = .760). CONCLUSIONS: Dichoptic training with the digital platform evaluated provides an effective improvement of visual acuity and binocular function in children and adults with anisometropic amblyopia.

Tratamiento óptico en la ambliopía refractiva / Optical Treatment in Refractive Amblyopia

La ambliopía ha sido conceptualizada de diferentes maneras a lo largo de los años. La mayoría de los autores la define como una reducción de la agudeza visual mejor corregida, que resulta del procesamiento anormal de las imágenes visuales en una etapa temprana de la vida y que no se puede atribuir a anomalías estructurales del ojo o de la vía visual. Se realizó una revisión sobre el tratamiento óptico o adaptación refractiva en la ambliopía refractiva, así como los diferentes factores que pueden interferir en el éxito de este tratamiento. Se ejecutó una búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas como PubMed, Cochrane Library, INFOMED, EBSCO, SCIELO y de ensayos clínicos y textos de la especialidad. Hasta el 2002 esta terapéutica era una de las opciones para estos pacientes y se indicaba siempre asociada al tratamiento con parche o penalizaciones. En la actualidad constituye la primera opción terapéutica en el paciente ambliope(AU)

Amblyopia has been conceptualized in different ways over the years. Most authors define it as a reduction in best-corrected visual acuity resulting from abnormal processing of visual images early in life that is not attributable to structural abnormalities of the eye or visual pathway. A review was made on the optical treatment or refractive adaptation in refractive amblyopia, as well as the different factors that may interfere in the success of this treatment. A search was carried out in electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, INFOMED, EBSCO, SCIELO and clinical trials and texts of the specialty. Until 2002 this therapy was one of the options for these patients and was always indicated in association with patch treatment or penalties. Nowadays it is the first therapeutic option for amblyopic patients(AU)

The Burden of Pediatric Visual Impairment and Ocular Diagnoses in Barbados.

Visual impairment (VI) negatively affects a child's quality of life. The prevalence of VI in the Caribbean is nearly three times higher than in the United States, but the causes remain uncertain. This study leverages Barbados' unique eye care system to survey the eye diseases and VI prevalence in Barbadian children. Medical records of all patients aged <19 years who received ophthalmic care in Barbados' two public eye care centers between January and December 2019 were reviewed, capturing the entirety of public pediatric eye care within the study period. Age at the first visit to the clinic and at the final visit in 2019, sex, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), past medical history, and clinical diagnoses were extracted and analyzed. VI was defined as a BCVA of 6/12 or worse in the better-seeing eye. There were 3278 patient records with a mean age at the first visit of 7.8 ± 3.9 years. There were 80 (2.4%) children with VI, 62.5% of which were attributed to amblyopia. A total of 94% of VI was preventable or treatable. The most common diagnoses were refractive error (87.5%), strabismus (27.5%), and allergic eye disease (20.0%). Amblyopia is the major cause of pediatric VI in Barbados and is largely avoidable.

Efectividad del tratamiento con atropina versus oclusiones en pacientes con ambliopía refractiva moderada unilateral / Effectiveness of Atropine Treatment Versus Occlusions in Patients with Unilateral Moderate Refractive Amblyopia

Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad del tratamiento de atropina versus oclusión ocular en pacientes con ambliopía refractiva moderada unilateral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de una serie de casos que acudieron a la consulta de Oftalmología Pediátrica del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer durante el período comprendido de septiembre del 2019 a septiembre de 2021. La muestra quedó conformada por 44 pacientes, los cuales se dividieron de forma aleatoria en dos grupos de estudio, 22 casos al grupo de oclusiones e igual número al grupo de atropina, que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Se analizaron las variables edad, sexo, defecto refractivo, agudeza visual mejor corregida, sensibilidad al contraste y estereopsis. Resultados: Predominó el astigmatismo hipermetrópico en ambos grupos de estudio. La media de la agudeza visual mejor corregida inicial en ambos grupos fue de 0,4 LogMAR y mejoró a 0,1 LogMAR al finalizar el tratamiento. La media de la sensibilidad al contraste inicial fue de 1,48 (±19,75) para el grupo de oclusiones y de 1,47 (±20,5) para el grupo atropina, al finalizar alcanzaron 1,59 (±10,1) y 1,57 (±10,0) por orden de mención. La estereopsis inicial fue subnormal en ambos grupos, al finalizar el tratamiento fue normal en el 77,3 por ciento grupo oclusión y el 68,2 por ciento grupo atropina. Conclusiones: La efectividad del tratamiento en pacientes con ambliopía refractiva moderada unilateral con atropina es similar a la que se alcanza con la aplicación de la oclusión ocular(AU)

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of atropine treatment versus ocular occlusion in patients with unilateral moderate refractive amblyopia. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study of a series of cases that attended the Pediatric Ophthalmology office of the Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology during the period from September 2019 to September 2021 was carried out. The sample consisted of 44 patients, who were randomly divided into two study groups, 22 cases to the occlusion group and the same number to the atropine group, who met the inclusion criteria. The variables age, gender, refractive defect, best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis were analyzed. Results: Hypermetropic astigmatism predominated in both study groups. Average initial best-corrected visual acuity in both groups was 0.4 LogMAR and improved to 0.1 LogMAR at the end of treatment. Average initial contrast sensitivity was 1.48 (±19.75) for the occlusion group and 1.47 (±20.5) for the atropine group, at completion reaching 1.59 (±10.1) and 1.57 (±10.0) in order of mention. Initial stereopsis was subnormal in both groups, at the end of treatment it was normal in 77.3 percent occlusion group and 68.2 percent atropine group. Conclusions: The effectiveness of treatment in patients with unilateral moderate refractive amblyopia with atropine is similar to that achieved with the application of ocular occlusion(AU)

Clinical correlation between automated vision screening under cycloplegia and retinoscopy in young children / Correlação clínica entre triagem visual automatizada sob cicloplegia e retinoscopia em crianças pequenas

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the clinical performance of the Spot Vision Screener and establish clinical correlations between automated screening and retinoscopy following induction of cycloplegia in preverbal children. Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, children aged 6-36 months were evaluated using the Spot Vision Screener. A complete ophthalmologic examination, including cycloplegic refraction assessment, was performed, followed by repeat spot vision screening and retinoscopy in all cases to establish correlations regarding hypermetropia, myopia, and astigmatism following induction of induction cycloplegia. Results: The study included 185 children. The sensitivity of the automated screener after cycloplegia was 100% (95%CI: 85.18-100%), and specificity was 87.04% (95%CI: 80.87-91.79%). Positive and negative predictive values were 52.27% (42.36-62.01%) and 100%, respectively. Compared to retinoscopy, the Spot Vision Screener overestimated spherical values by 0.62 D (95%CI: 0.56-0.69) in the right eye and by 0.60 (95%CI: 0.54-0.66) in the left eye and cylindrical values by -0.38 D in the right eye (95%CI: -0.42--0.33) and by -0.39 D in the left eye (95%CI: -0.43--0.34). For overall spherical and cylindrical values, the difference was 0.61 D (95%CI: 0.57-0.65) and -0.38 D (95%CI: -0.41--0.35) in the left and right eyes, respectively. Conclusion: A substantial correlation was found between retinoscopy and objective data captured by the device. This shows that technology can be used in conjunction, reaching a more accurate diagnosis and identifying amblyopia risk factors as early as possible. Photoscreening may make a difference at the population level for early screening and intervention.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho clínico do Spot Vision Screener e estabelecer correlações clínicas entre a triagem automatizada e a retinoscopia após indução de cicloplegia em crianças pré-verbais. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal prospectivo, crianças de 6 a 36 meses foram avaliadas usando o Spot Vision Screener. O exame oftalmológico completo, incluindo refração cicloplégica, foi então realizado, seguido de repetição da triagem automatizada e retinoscopia em todos os casos, a fim de estabelecer correlações quanto à hipermetropia, miopia e astigmatismo após a indução de cicloplegia. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 185 crianças. A sensibilidade do dispositivo de triagem automática após cicloplegia foi de 100% (IC 95%: 85,18-100%) e a especificidade foi de 87,04% (IC 95%: 80,87-91,79%). Os valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram de 52,27% (42,36 - 62,01%) e 100%, respectivamente. Em comparação com a retinoscopia, o Spot Vision Screener superestimou os valores esféricos em 0,62 D (IC 95%: 0,56 - 0,69) no olho direito e em 0,60 (IC 95%: 0,54 - 0,66) no olho esquerdo e os valores cilíndricos em -0,38 D (IC 95%: -0,42 a -0,33) no olho direito e por -0,39 D (IC 95%: -0,43 a -0,34) no olho esquerdo. A diferença para os valores esféricos e cilíndricos de forma geral foi de 0,61 D (IC 95%: 0,57 - 0,65) e -0,38 D (IC 95%: -0,41 a -0,35), respectivamente. Conclusão: Foi encontrada correlação substancial entre a retinoscopia e os dados objetivos captados pelo dispositivo. Isso mostra que a tecnologia pode ser usada em conjunto, contribuindo para um diagnóstico mais preciso e identificando os fatores de risco de ambliopia o mais precocemente possível. A técnica automatizada pode fazer a diferença em nível populacional para triagem e intervenção precoce.

Simultaneous posterior eyelid ptosis repair and strabismus surgery: a single-stage approach / Cirurgia reparadora simultânea de blefaroptose posterior e de estrabismo: abordagem de estágio único

ABSTRACT Purpose: Blepharoptosis with coexisting strabismus can be observed in adults, and both these conditions affect cosmetic appearance and have psychosocial effects. Both also commonly require surgery, which is typically performed using a sequential approach. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy and strabismus surgery in adult patients with ptosis and coexisting strabismus. Methods: Patients with ptosis and coexisting strabismus who underwent simultaneous Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy and horizontal strabismus surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Analysis included measurement of the angle of deviation in prism diopters, margin reflex distance, eyelid height asymmetry, and complications following surgery. Success of Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy was defined as a margin reflex distance of ≥3.5 and ≤5 mm with a difference between the two upper eyelids of <1 mm. Strabismus success was defined as alignment with ±10 prism diopters of orthotropia. Results: The patients comprised three women and five men with a mean age of 37.12 years (range, 22-62 years). The strabismus stage of the surgery was performed first in all patients. Upper eyelid symmetry outcomes were assessed as perfect (<0.5 mm) in four patients and good (≥0.5 mm, <1 mm) in four patients. Success of Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy was achieved in six of eight patients (75%), and strabismus success was achieved in all patients. No revision eyelid or strabismus surgery was required following simultaneous surgery in any of the patients. Conclusion: Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy combined with strabismus surgery may be an alternative approach for use in patients with ptosis and coexisting strabismus.

RESUMO Objetivo: Blefaroptose e estrabismo podem ser coexistentes em adultos e ambos afetam a aparência estética e o domínio psicossocial. Ambos também geralmente requerem cirurgia, realizada tradicionalmente em uma abordagem sequencial. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da execução simultânea da ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem cirurgia de tarsectomia, e da cirurgia de estrabismo em pacientes adultos com ptose e estrabismo coexistentes. Métodos: Foram retrospectivamente avaliados pacientes com ptose e estrabismo coexistentes submetidos simultaneamente à ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem tarsectomia, e à cirurgia de estrabismo horizontal. A análise incluiu a mensuração do ângulo de desvio das dioptrias de prisma, a distância do reflexo à margem, a assimetria da altura palpebral e quaisquer complicações após a cirurgia. A ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem sucesso na tarsectomia, foi considerada bem-sucedida com uma distância reflexo-margem medindo entre 3,5 e 5 mm, e uma diferença entre as duas pálpebras superiores menor que 1 mm. O sucesso da cirurgia de estrabismo foi definido como um alinhamento com ± 10 dioptrias prismáticas de ortotropia. Resultados: Os pacientes foram 3 mulheres e 5 homens, com média de idade de 37,12 anos (faixa de 22 a 62 anos). A parte de estrabismo da cirurgia foi realizada primeiro em todos os pacientes. Os resultados da simetria palpebral superior foram avaliados como perfeitos (<0,5 mm) em 4 pacientes, bons (≥0,5 mm, <1 mm) em 4 pacientes e regulares (≥1 mm) em nenhum. A ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem sucesso na tarsectomia, teve sucesso em 6 dos 8 pacientes (75%) e a intervenção para o estrabismo foi bem-sucedida em todos os pacientes. Não foi necessária cirurgia de revisão da pálpebra ou do estrabismo após a cirurgia simultânea em nenhum paciente. Conclusão: A ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem tarsectomia, pode ser combinada com a cirurgia de estrabismo em uma abordagem alternativa para pacientes com ptose e estrabismo coexistentes.

Ambliopía no estrábica: revisión sistemática en Hispanoamérica, prevalencia de casos clínicos / Non-strabismic amblyopia: literature review in Hispanic America, prevalence of clinical cases / Ambliopia não estrabísmica: revisão da literatura na América espanhola, prevalência de casos clínicos

La ambliopía es una de las alteraciones que causa mayor impacto y es frecuente en la pérdida de agudeza visual, principalmente en los niños; su prevalencia varía entre 2% y 7%. Por otro lado, es la primera causa de afectación en la visión de adultos. Objetivo. Analizar la prevalencia de la ambliopía no estrábica en distintos grupos etarios en Hispanoamérica. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios realizados dentro del período 2014 al 2021 en las bases de datos como: Redalyc, Scielo, Medilib, Dialnet y Google Académico. Se presenta el análisis de cinco estudios relevantes en Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Chile y Cuba. Conclusión. En el estudio de Cuba, se encontró ambliopía en el 1.39%; en Colombia, el 8.10%; en Ecuador, el 5.30%; en Nicaragua el 2.9%; en Chile la incidencia fue del 2.41%, 2.55% y 3.51%, respectivamente para los grupos etarios de 18-38 años, 39-59 años y 60-79 años. Así Colombia es el país en el que se halló la mayor incidencia de ambliopía (8.10%), y Cuba el menor con el 1.39%. Además, la ambliopía refractiva es la más común en los estudios y en cuanto al género, no existen diferencias. Los estudios sobre ambliopía no estrábica son escasos a nivel regional o mundial sobre este tema, por lo que el presente análisis es relevante en esta área de conocimiento. Además, la información presentada aporta a visibilizar la necesidad de promover la realización de exámenes que permitan un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados y oportunos.

Amblyopia is one of the alterations that causes the greatest impact and is frequent in the loss of visual acuity, mainly in children; its prevalence varies between 2% and 7%. On the other hand, it is the first cause of vision impairment in adults. Objective. To analyze the prevalence of non-strabismic amblyopia in different age groups in Latin America. Methodology. A systematic review of studies conducted within the period 2014 to 2021 was performed in databases such as: Redalyc, Scielo, Medilib, Dialnet and Google Scholar. The analysis of five relevant studies in Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Chile and Cuba is presented. Conclusion. In the Cuban study, amblyopia was found in 1.39%; in Colombia, 8.10%; in Ecuador, 5.30%; in Nicaragua, 2.9%; in Chile the incidence was 2.41%, 2.55% and 3.51%, respectively for the age groups 18-38 years, 39-59 years and 60-79 years. Thus, Colombia is the country with the highest incidence of amblyopia (8.10%), and Cuba the lowest with 1.39%. In addition, refractive amblyopia is the most common in the studies and as for gender, there are no differences. Studies on non-strabismic amblyopia are scarce at regional or world level on this subject, so the present analysis is relevant in this area of knowledge. In addition, the information presented contributes to make visible the need to promote examinations that allow an adequate and timely diagnosis and treatment.

A ambliopia é um dos distúrbios que causa maior impacto e é frequente na perda da acuidade visual, principalmente em crianças; sua prevalência varia entre 2% e 7%. Por outro lado, é a principal causa de deficiência visual em adultos. Objetivo. Analisar a prevalência da ambliopia não-estrabismo em diferentes faixas etárias na América Latina. Metodologia. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de estudos realizados entre 2014 e 2021 em bancos de dados como: Redalyc, Scielo, Medilib, Dialnet e Google Scholar. É apresentada a análise de cinco estudos relevantes na Colômbia, Equador, Nicarágua, Chile e Cuba. Conclusões. No estudo cubano, a ambliopia foi encontrada em 1,39%; na Colômbia, em 8,10%; no Equador, em 5,30%; na Nicarágua, em 2,9%; no Chile, a incidência foi de 2,41%, 2,55% e 3,51%, respectivamente, nas faixas etárias de 18 a 38 anos, 39 a 59 anos e 60 a 79 anos. Assim, a Colômbia é o país onde foi encontrada a maior incidência de ambliopia (8,10%), e Cuba a menor, com 1,39%. Além disso, a ambliopia refrativa é a mais comum nos estudos e não há diferenças em termos de gênero. Estudos sobre ambliopia não-estrabismo são escassos em nível regional ou global sobre esse tópico, portanto, a presente análise é relevante nessa área de conhecimento. Além disso, as informações apresentadas ajudam a tornar visível a necessidade de promover exames que permitam o diagnóstico e o tratamento adequados e oportunos.

Combined therapy of bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation and ocular occlusion improves visual function in adults with amblyopia, a randomized pilot study.

Background: Amblyopia is the interocular visual acuity difference of two lines or more with the best correction in both eyes. It is treated with ocular occlusion therapy, but its success depends on neuroplasticity, and thus is effective in children but not adults. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is suggested to increase neuroplasticity. Objective: To determine if combined intervention of bilateral tDCS and ocular occlusion improves visual function in adults with amblyopia. Methods: A double-blind randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted in 10 volunteers with amblyopia. While applying ocular occlusion and performing a reading task, participants received bilateral tDCS (n = 5) or sham stimulation (n = 5), with the anodal tDCS electrode in the contralateral visual cortex and the cathodal in the ipsilateral visual cortex in relation to the amblyopic eye. Visual function (through visual acuity, stereopsis, and contrast sensitivity tests) and visual evoked potential (with checkerboard pattern stimuli presentation) were evaluated immediately after. Results: A total of 30 min after treatment with bilateral tDCS, visual acuity improved by 0.16 (± 0.025) LogMAR in the treatment group compared with no improvement (-0.02 ± 0.02) in five controls (p = 0.0079), along with a significant increase in the amplitude of visual evoked potentials of the amblyopic eye response (p = 0.0286). No significant changes were observed in stereopsis and contrast sensitivity. No volunteer reported any harm derived from the intervention. Conclusion: Our study is the first to combine anodal and cathodal tDCS for the treatment of amblyopia, showing transient improved visual acuity in amblyopic adults.

Translation and validation of a questionnaire on the impact of strabismus on the quality of life of patients / Tradução e validação de um questionário sobre impacto na qualidade de vida em pacientes com estrabismo

ABSTRACT Objective: To translate and validate the Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: A cross-sectional study for linguistic and cross-cultural validation of the Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire in order to assess the quality of life in patients with strabismus. We have followed previous published guidelines on translation process to ensure the equivalence between the original and translated versions. The final version was applied in a pilot study to evaluate concordance and its reliability and reproducibility as a tool to be used in future studies. Results: The translation and counter translation processes of the Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire were conducted according to preestablished protocols. The analysis of the results obtained in the test-retest application of the questionnaire in a sample of 30 participants revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.67, which was deemed satisfactory for the validation process of this tool. Conclusion: The Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire was translated and validated according to preestablished protocols. The referred questionnaire has been used in studies worldwide, so this process will enable its application to better understand the impact of strabismus in patients' quality of life in the Brazilian population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Traduzir e validar o questionário Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) para o português brasileiro. Métodos: Estudo transversal para validação linguística e transcultural do questionário Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) para avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes com estrabismo. Foram seguidas as diretrizes já publicadas sobre o processo de tradução, para garantir a equivalência entre as versões original e traduzida. A versão final foi aplicada em um estudo-piloto para avaliar a concordância e sua confiabilidade e reprodutibilidade, como ferramenta a ser utilizada em estudos futuros. Resultados: Os processos de tradução e contratradução do questionário Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) foram realizados de acordo com protocolos preestabelecidos. A análise dos resultados obtidos na aplicação teste-reteste do questionário em uma amostra de 30 participantes revelou coeficiente de correlação de 0,67, que foi considerado satisfatório para o processo de validação desse instrumento. Conclusão: O questionário Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) foi traduzido e validado de acordo com protocolos preestabelecidos. O referido questionário vem sendo utilizado em estudos ao redor do mundo e, portanto, esse processo possibilitará sua aplicação para melhor compreensão do impacto do estrabismo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes da população brasileira.

Amblyopic patient adherence under patching treatment / Adesão de pacientes amblíopes sob uso de oclusores

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of text messaging in improving adherence to occlusion therapy for amblyopia. The secondary objective was to correlate the responses given in a self-reporting questionnaire with treatment outcome (improvement in visual acuity). Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. The patients' parents or legal guardians in the intervention group received text messages reminding them of the importance of patching. The control group received no text messages. At final evaluation, after a period of three to six months, the patients' parents or legal guardians answered a self-reporting questionnaire to evaluate adherence to treatment. Results: The study included 34 patients with an average age of 5.35 years, 20 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group. According to the results of the self-reporting questionnaire, 50% of the study population was considered as having low adherence to treatment, 29% as having medium adherence, and 21% as having good adherence. There was no significant difference between trial groups. The comparison between an improvement in visual acuity and the mean value obtained in the self-reporting questionnaire showed a significant association between this improvement and adherence to treatment (p=0.03). Conclusion: The present study did not find a correlation between text messaging and an improvement in adherence to occlusion therapy, as shown by previous studies for different treatments. A statistically significant association was identified between an improvement in visual acuity and a good therapeutic adherence, as measured by the self-reporting questionnaire. This finding allows us to recommend using a self-reporting questionnaire as a simple method to measure adherence to treatment and help decisions about therapeutic strategies to be adopted in the patient's continuing treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do envio de mensagens de texto na melhora da adesão ao tratamento oclusivo da ambliopia. O objetivo secundário foi correlacionar as respostas dadas no questionário autorreportado e os resultados obtidos no tratamento (melhora da acuidade visual). Métodos: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, mascarado e randomizado. Os pais ou responsáveis legais dos pacientes no grupo intervenção receberam mensagens de texto para lembrar a importância dos oclusores. O grupo controle não recebeu mensagens. Na avaliação geral após 3 a 6 meses, os responsáveis responderam a um questionário autorreportado para avaliar a aderência ao tratamento. Resultados: Foram incluídos 34 pacientes com idade média de 5,35 anos; 20 eram do grupo intervenção. A população do estudo foi considerada 50% pouco aderente ao tratamento, 29% com aderência média e 21% com boa aderência, de acordo com resultado do questionário autorreportado. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos estudados. Quando comparada a relação entre a melhora da acuidade visual com o valor médio do questionário autorreportado, foi observada associação significativa da melhora com a adesão ao tratamento (p=0,03). Conclusão: Este estudo não mostrou melhora da aderência ao tratamento oclusivo com o envio de mensagens de texto, como tinha sido observado em estudos anteriores para outros tratamentos. Foi identificada uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a melhora na acuidade visual e boa aderência terapêutica medida pelo questionário autorreportado. Isso permite recomendar o uso do questionário autorreportado como uma forma simples de mensurar aderência ao tratamento e auxiliar nas decisões sobre estratégias a serem adotadas na continuidade do seguimento do paciente.

Comparison of sweep visual evoked potential of visual acuity and Snellen visual acuity in healthy and amblyopic children / Comparação da acuidade visual por potenciais evocados visuais de varredura e pelo teste de Snellen em crianças saudáveis e ambliópicas

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the visual acuity of healthy and amblyopic children using sweep visual evoked potential and compare the results with those of Snellen visual acuity testing. Methods: A total of 160 children aged 6-17 years were included in the study. Of these, 104 (65%) were aged 7-17 years old, able to verbally communicate, and did not have any systemic or ocular pathology (Group 1). Group 2 included 56 (35%) children aged 6-17 years, able to verbally communicate, and had strabismus or anisometropic amblyopia whose best corrected visual acuity was between 0.1 and 0.8. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and sweep visual evoked potential measurement. Demographic characteristics, ocular findings, best corrected visual acuity, and sweep visual evoked potential results were recorded. Results: In Group 1, the mean and maximum visual acuity values for sweep visual evoked potential were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001, for both, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that in Group 1, the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.11 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.023 logMAR. In Group 2, the mean and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.16 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.19 logMAR. Conclusions: Sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity measurements have comparable results with Snellen visual acuity measurements. This technique is an objective and reliable method for evaluating visual acuity in children.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a acuidade visual através de po­tenciais evocados visuais de varredura em crianças saudáveis e ambliópicas, comparando-a com a acuidade visual pelo teste de Snellen. Métodos: Foram incluídas no estudo 160 crianças com idades entre 6 e 17 anos. Desse total, 104 crianças (65%) estavam entre 7 e 17 anos de idade, eram capazes de comunicação verbal e não tinham nenhuma patologia ocular ou sistêmica (Grupo 1). O grupo 2 incluiu 56 crianças verbais (35%) com idades entre 6 e 17 anos e portadoras de estrabismo ou ambliopia anisometrópica, com a melhor acuidade visual corrigida entre 0,1 e 0,8. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico detalhado e a uma medição do potencial evocado visual por varredura. Registraram-se as características demográficas, os achados oculares, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida e os resultados do potencial evocado visual por varredura. Resultados: No Grupo 1, os valores médios e máximos da acuidade visual pelo potencial evocado visual por varredura mostraram-se menores que a melhor acuidade visual corrigida medida através do teste de Snellen (p<0,001 para ambas as medições). Uma análise de Bland-Altman revelou que no grupo 1, a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e a média do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,11 logMAR, enquanto a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e o valor máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,023 logMAR. No Grupo 2, os valores médio e máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura mostraram-se menores que a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen (respectivamente, p<0,001 e p=0,009). A análise de Bland-Altman revelou que a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e a média do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,16 logMAR, enquanto a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e o valor máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,19 logMAR. Conclusões: As medidas da acuidade visual através do potencial evocado visual por varredura mostram resultados comparáveis às medidas da acuidade visual pelo teste de Snellen. Essa técnica é um método objetivo e confiável de se avaliar a acuidade visual em crianças.

Current management of upper lid ptosis: a web-based international survey of oculoplastic surgeons / Tratamento atual da ptose da pálpebra superior: estudo internacional baseado em questionário eletrônico envolvendo cirurgiões oculoplásticos

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the current practice patterns for assessing and managing upper lid ptosis among members of the Latin American and Spanish societies of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Methods: An e-mail was sent to invite members of both societies to participate in this anonymous web-based survey. The survey collected data on surgeons' demographics and four other sections: upper lid ptosis preoperative evaluation, surgical preferences, postoperative management, and complications. The frequency and proportions of the responses were then statistically analyzed. Results: The survey was responded by 354 experienced oculoplastic surgeons, 47.7% of whom generally performed more than 20 upper lid ptosis surgeries annually. Of those respondents, 244 (68.9%) routinely check for dry eye preoperatively. Less than half of the respondents (47.4%) perform the phenylephrine test for congenital or acquired ptosis. Mild upper lid ptosis was reported to be usually corrected with conjunctival mullerectomy (43.6%). Severe upper lid ptosis was reported to be usually corrected with frontalis surgery (57%), followed by anterior levator resection, mainly supramaximal resection (17.5%). In cases of severe congenital ptosis, the main reason for surgery was to alleviate the risk of amblyopia (37.3%). An anterior approach was reported to be usually (63.3%) used to manage involutional ptosis associated with dermatochalasis. Common complications comprised undercorrection after levator resection (40%) or frontalis suspension (27.5%). Conclusions: This study reports the current practice patterns among Spanish and Latin American oculoplastic surgeons in upper lid ptosis diagnosis and treatment. Surgeons can use this study data to compare disease management with their colleagues.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prática e tratamento da ptose da pálpebra superior por membros das sociedades latino-ame­ricanas e espanhola de Cirurgia Plástica Ocular. Métodos: Os membros das referidas sociedades foram convidados por e-mail para responder a um questionário eletrônico garantindo o anonimato. O questionário constou de dados demográficos do cirurgião e outras quatro seções: avaliação pré-operatória da ptose da pálpebra superior, preferências cirúrgicas, conduta pós-operatória e complicações. Estatística descritiva foi utilizada para análise da frequência e proporções percentuais. Resultados: Trezentos e cinquenta e quatro experientes cirurgiões oculoplásticos dos quais 47,7% realizam mais de 20 cirurgias de ptose da pálpebra superior por ano responderam ao questionário. Na avaliação pré-operatória, 68,9% realizam testes para olho seco, mas o teste da fenilefrina é feito por menos da metade dos entrevistados (47,4%). A ptose da pálpebra superior leve geralmente é corrigida por conjuntivo-mullerectomia (43,6%), a ptose da pálpebra superior grave por cirurgia do músculo frontal (57%) ou ressecção da aponeurose do levantador via anterior, principalmente usando a supramáxima (17,5%). O principal motivo para operar a ptose congênita grave é o risco de ambliopia (37,3%). A ptose involucional associada à dermatocálase costuma ser corrigida pela via anterior (63,3%). Hipocorreção é complicação comum após a ressecção da aponeurose do levantador (40%) ou suspensão ao frontal (27,5%). Conclusões: As práticas atuais dos cirurgiões oculoplásticos espanhóis e latino-americanos para diagnóstico e tratamento de ptose da pálpebra superior foram relatadas. Os dados apresentados podem ser usados para comparar a abordagem dos cirurgiões com a de seus pares.

Differences in the Visual Performances of Patients with Strabismus, Amblyopia, and Healthy Controls.

The aim of this paper is to use the new definition of amblyopia and to define the overall visual performance of healthy controls (HCs), patients with strabismus (PS), and patients with refractive amblyopia (PRA), based on the interaction of selected visual abilities. METHOD: A total of 398 participants were divided in three groups: HCs, PRA, and PS. Variables such as visual acuity, refractive state, degree of stereopsis, phoria state, magnitude, and type of deviation were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Binocular visual acuity at near is the unique predictor factor for stereopsis in PRA and PS, while age relates to the amount of binocular visual acuity at near, only for PS with stereopsis. Binocular visual acuity at near and phoria states relate to each other in PRA. Binocular visual acuity at near and far in PS is better than PRA, with no differences in the degree of stereopsis. Stereoblind patients were only found among PS (36%). Only (44.9%) of PS had amblyopia. Exophoria predominated among PRA (69.72%) and HCs (78.87%), while exotropia was the predominant deviation in PS (60.54%). Hyperopia was the predominate refractive error among the groups, HCs (74.65%), PRA (79.82%), and PS (59.85%), followed by astigmatism. INTERPRETATION: HCs perform better than PS and PRA. The visual performance of PS with stereopsis and PRA is similar. Binocular visual acuity at near can predict the degree of stereopsis, and stereoblind patients are exclusively related to strabismus.

El desafío de la neuropatía óptica epidémica cubana / The challenge of the Cuban epidemic optic neuropathy

A partir del trienio 1989-1991 la economía cubana comenzó a debilitarse por la caída de los precios del azúcar y el petróleo, así como por el descenso de la cotización del dólar americano y la desintegración de la Unión Soviética, que trajo aparejada la carencia de divisas convertibles, combustibles, alimentos, y además imposibilitó la solicitud de créditos a instituciones financieras internacionales. Se inició, así, el llamado «período especial¼, fundamentado en un plan para enfrentar un posible bloqueo militar en tiempos de paz, y durante el cual fueron racionalizados estrictamente los alimentos y disminuyeron las industrias esenciales y el transporte. En tales circunstancias apareció una rara enfermedad que se convirtió en epidemia, la cual fue nombrada neuropatía óptica epidémica cubana; esta afectó a más de 50 000 cubanos y se convirtió en un verdadero desafío para la comunidad médica del país. Al respecto, en el presente artículo se analizan sucesos históricos relacionados con el surgimiento de dicha oftalmopatía, se defiende la teoría de su causa tóxico-nutricional debido a la situación de Cuba en aquel momento y se destaca el liderazgo del Comandante en Jefe Fidel en la conducción de las acciones multidisciplinarias que llevaron a controlar dicha epidemia, lo que resultó un logro para el Sistema Nacional de Salud y un triunfo de la Revolución cubana.

Since the triennium 1989-1991 the Cuban economy began to weaken due to the fall of sugar and petroleum prices, as well as due to the descent in the rate of the American dollar and due to the disintegration of the Soviet Union that brought the lack of convertible foreign currencies, fuels, foods, and disabled the application of credits to international financial institutions. This way, began the so call "special period", based in a plan to face a possible military blockade in times of peace, and during which foods were strictly rationalized and the essential industries and transport diminished. In such circumstances a strange disease appeared that became epidemic, which was named Cuban epidemic optic neuropathy; it affected more than 50 000 Cubans and became a true challenge for the medical community of the country. In this respect, historical events related to the emergence of this ophtalmopathy are analyzed in this work, that defends the theory of its toxic-nutritional cause due to the situation of Cuba in that moment and the leadership of Commander in Chief Fidel is outstanding in the conduction of the multidisciplinary actions that lead to control this epidemic, what became an achievement for the Health National System and a victory of the Cuban Revolution.

Opacidades corneales en niños / Corneal Opacities in Children

Si en el período temprano de la vida ocurre alguna condición que no permita una adecuada estimulación visual se produce la ambliopía por deprivación. Las afecciones corneales que se diagnostican en los niños pueden tener un origen congénito o adquirido, este último traumático o no. El conocimiento del diagnóstico de las afecciones que ocasiona opacidad corneal en niños es determinante para poder obtener todos los elementos necesarios que ayuden a identificar un diagnóstico lo más temprano y preciso posible y proveer una adecuada guía para escoger estrategias de tratamiento, por parte del equipo multidisciplinario involucrado. El objetivo fue abordar de manera actualizada las características en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las opacidades corneales en edades pediátricas. Se realizó una búsqueda automatizada sobre el tema teniendo en cuenta las publicaciones de los últimos cinco años. Se utilizó la plataforma Infomed, específicamente la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud(AU)

If any medical condition that does not allow adequate visual stimulation manifests early in life, deprivation amblyopia follows. Corneal conditions diagnosed in children may have a congenital or acquired origin, the latter being traumatic or not. Knowledge of the diagnosis of conditions that cause corneal opacity in children is crucial to obtain all the necessary elements to help identify the earliest and most accurate diagnosis possible and to provide an adequate guide to choose treatment strategies by the multidisciplinary team involved. The objective was to address in an updated way the characteristics in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal opacities in pediatric ages. An automated search on the subject was carried out taking into account the publications of the last five years. The Infomed platform was used, specifically the Virtual Health Library(AU)

Face memory deficit in visually impaired children who live in a developing country.

PURPOSE: The development of face processing abilities is a continuous process reaching maturity in adulthood. To achieve it in plenitude, children must have an adequate visual function. The purpose of this study was to assess how the face memory ability of children with visual impairment living in a developing country compares to those with normal vision in the same setting. METHODS: This was a case-control study. Children with visual impairment of different causes and age-matched normal controls underwent a complete eye examination and the Cambridge Face Memory Test for Children (CFMT-C). Images were presented on a computer screen and the test results were expressed as a percentage of right answers (%). Children with impaired vision were assorted into binocular and monocular deficiency and the groups were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The sample comprised 40 children with visual impairment and 31 age-matched controls. The groups did not differ in age and gender distribution. Patients with binocular impairment (18 subjects) had lower mean CFMT-C scores, as compared to monocular patients (22 patients with strabismic amblyopia) and children with normal vision (57.7 ± 18.9, 76.2 ± 15.6, and 71.3 ± 12.7, respectively, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Children with binocular visual impairment had diminished face memory ability. Amblyopia due to strabismus did not affect face memory. Attempts should focus on the prevention of visual loss and early rehabilitation so that these children can develop adequate face memory ability.

Study of Geometric Illusory Visual Perception - A New Perspective in the Functional Evaluation of Children With Strabismus.

Despite the various perceptual-motor deficits documented in strabismus, there is a paucity of studies evaluating visual illusions in patients with strabismus. The aim of this study was to examine how the illusionary perception occurs in children/adolescents (10-15 years old) with strabismus with referral for surgery to correct ocular deviations. A controlled cross-sectional study was carried out in which 45 participants with strabismus and 62 healthy volunteers aged 10-15 years were evaluated. The behavioral response to three geometric illusions [Vertical-Horizontal illusion, Müller-Lyer illusion (Bretano version) and Ponzo illusion] and respective neutral stimuli (non-illusory images) regarding the estimation of image size and response time were measured using the Method of Adjustment. To analyze the influence of secondary factors: type of ocular deviation (convergent, divergent or associated with vertical deviation); amount of eye deviation; presence of amblyopia and stereopsis, a one-way ANOVA was performed. Among the tested illusions, children with strabismus showed greater susceptibility (p = 0.006) and response time (p = 0.004) to Ponzo's illusory images. Children with strabismus and preserved stereopsis, on the other hand, showed similar susceptibility and response time to control group patients to the Ponzo illusion (p < 0.005). Patients with amblyopia showed overcorrection in the estimate of non-illusory Ponzo images (p = 0.046). Children with horizontal ocular deviation (esotropia or exotropia) associated with vertical deviation (hypertropia, DVD and/or alphabetical anisotropy) showed higher susceptibility to vertical adjustment images for the Müller-Lyer illusion (Brentano version) (p = 0.017). Individuals with strabismus tended to overcorrect the length of the straight-line segment adjusted for non-illusory images when testing non-illusory images in the Müller-Lyer test (Brentano version) (p = 0.009), as well as for the neutral images in the Vertical-Horizontal test (p = 0.000). The findings indicated impairment in the perception of geometric illusions and neutral figures, especially for the Ponzo illusion test by children with strabismus. As the behavioral response to illusory images may indirectly reflect the visual and morphofunctional alterations present in these individuals, we suggest that the investigation of visual illusory perception can be used as a new research strategy in the field of investigating the visual function in strabismus.

Caracterización de la ambliopía refractiva / Characterization of Refractive Amblyopia

Objetivo: Relacionar el tipo y profundidad de la ambliopía con el tipo y magnitud del defecto refractivo. Métodos: Estudio transversal en 27 pacientes entre cinco y 18 años con ambliopía refractiva atendidos por vez primera en la consulta de Oftalmología Pediátrica y Estrabismo del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer. Resultados: La edad en que fueron examinados por primera vez fue similar en ambos tipos de ambliopía, pero ligeramente mayor en la ambliopía anisometrópica (media ocho años). Se halló una correlación significativa entre el nivel de profundidad de la ambliopía y la magnitud del defecto refractivo, en el ojo derecho (p = 0,001), no siendo así en el ojo izquierdo (p = 0 ,304). Conclusiones: En el grupo de estudio la edad en que son examinados se considera tardía y no existen diferencias en cuanto a género y color de piel. Existe un ligero predominio de la ambliopía isoametrópica sobre la anisometrópica, predominando el ojo izquierdo en la ambliopía anisometrópica. El defecto refractivo que se asocia con más frecuencia a la ambliopía refractiva es el astigmatismo en contra de la regla. A medida que aumenta la magnitud del defecto refractivo aumenta la profundidad de la ambliopía en el ojo derecho, no siendo así en el ojo izquierdo(AU)

Objective: To relate the type and depth of amblyopia with the type and magnitude of refractive error. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in 27 patients aged 5-18 years with refractive amblyopia first treated in the pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus consultation of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology. Results: The age at which the patients were first examined was similar in both types of amblyopia, but slightly higher in anisometropic amblyopia (mean of 8 years). A significant correlation was found between the depth of amblyopia and the magnitude of the refractive error in the right eye (P=0.001), not being so in the left eye (P=0.304). Conclusions: In the study group, the age at which they are examined is considered late and there are no differences in gender or skin color. There is a slight predominance of isometropic amblyopia over anisometropic amblyopia, with a predominance of the left eye in anisometropic amblyopia. The refractive error most frequently associated with refractive amblyopia is against-the-rule astigmatism. As the magnitude of the refractive error increases, the depth of amblyopia increases in the right eye, but not in the left eye(AU)