Early visual intervention, visual function analysis, and grating visual acuity outcomes in children with congenital Zika syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess grating visual acuity and functional vision in children with congenital Zika syndrome. METHODS: Initial and final grating visual acuity was measured using Teller acuity cards. Cerebral vision impairment standardized tests were used to assess functional vision. Patients were referred to the early visual intervention program for visually disabled children. Neuroimaging was performed. RESULTS: In this study, 10 children were included with an age range of 1-37 months. Eight patients presented with macular atrophic scars. Neuroimaging revealed microcephaly and cerebral abnormalities in all patients. Low vision and cerebral vision impairment characteristics were observed in all children. The final grating visual acuity in this group varied from 3.00 to 0.81 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: The grating visual acuity test revealed low vision in all children with congenital Zika syndrome. Functional vision evaluation revealed cerebral vision impairment characteristics in all patients, who were referred to the early visual intervention program. Visual acuity improved in six children.

Validation of a computerized version of the MNREAD chart for children.

PURPOSE: We aimed the develop and validate a computerized version of the MNREAD for the assessment of reading speed for children. METHODS: A computerized version of the MNREAD was built in Psykinematix software using the same parameters as the physical chart. We measured the reading velocity of 104 children (n = 44 of the 3rd grade; n = 60 of the 5th grade). Bland-Altaman analysis was used to quantify agreement between two chart measurements. RESULTS: Comparison between the 3rd and 5th-grade children for physical and computerized MNREAD versions showed statistical differences in Maximum Reading Speed (F = 2669.6; p < 0.001), Critical Print Size (F = 17.49; p < 0.001), and Reading Acuity (F = 14.19; p = 0.002) with huge effect size (η2 = 0.930). No differences were found between the versions within grades. Bland-Altman analysis showed 95% of the data points within ± 2 s of the mean difference, suggesting a similarity between versions of the MNREAD parameters. CONCLUSION: Our reading speed values for children in the 5th grade were higher than previous studies, suggesting a better quality of the assessment in the computerized version. Tolerance Limits were calculated as normality references for clinical purposes.

Vertex distance variability of the Vision-S™ 700 refractors in normal population / Variabilidade da distância vértice do refrator Vision-S™ 700 em uma população normal

ABSTRACT Objective: To study vertex-optical distance variation and estimate its impact on manifest refraction. Methods: Prospective study in a private clinic using the Vision-S™ 700 with five forehead positions. Forehead on the third position showed the closest vertex-optical distance of 12mm. Results: Analysis of 52 eyes from 26 patients revealed mean differences in vertex-optical distance of 12.25mm (right eye) and 11.75mm (left eye). A 2mm change in vertex-optical distance resulted in a 0.05D change for a 5D spherical equivalent and 0.20D for a 10D equivalent. Conclusion: Vertex-optical distance varies among patients and is influenced by forehead adjustment. These variations impact refraction accuracy and treatment evaluation. Adjusting the forehead to the third position on the Vision-S™ 700 is recommended.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar a variação da distância vértice-óptico, de acordo com o ajuste da testa, e estimar seu impacto na refração manifesta. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo realizado em clínica privada. A refração foi realizada utilizando cinco posições preestabelecidas com o Vision-Sa 700. A testa disposta na terceira posição apresentou distância vértice do refrator mais próxima de 12mm. Resultados: Foram analisados 52 olhos de 26 pacientes. A diferença média da distância vértice do refrator no olho direito foi de 12,25mm (variação de 11,50mm) e, no olho esquerdo, 11,75mm (variação de 12,00mm). O impacto foi de 2mm na distância vértice do refrator, fomentando em uma mudança de 0,05D para um equivalente esférico de 5D e 0,20D para um equivalente de 10D. Conclusão: A distância vértice do refrator varia entre pacientes, estando relacionada ao ajuste da testa. As variações afetam a precisão da refração, impactando no ajuste dos óculos, das lentes de contato e na avaliação pós-operatória de cirurgia refrativa. Sugerimos ajustar a posição da testa para terceira posição no Vision-S™ 700, se a distância vértice do refrator não for medida em todos os pacientes.

The Pentacam® AXL Wave provides a reliable wavefront-based objective refraction when compared to manifest subjective refraction: A prospective study.

Purpose: Accurate refraction is arguably the most important parameter for a successful laser vision correction surgery and is based on a combination of manifest and cycloplegic refraction. Wavefront-based objective refraction may be useful in the evaluation of patients. So far, the reliability of objective refraction as measured using the Pentacam® AXL Wave has not been published in the literature. Methods: This was a prospective study including a total of 168 eyes belonging to 84 young non-presbyopic patients evaluated for refractive surgery. Pentacam® AXL Wave full sequence was taken for all patients. Then, a clinician who was unaware of the objective refraction results performed a full physical examination, including manifest refraction starting from an autorefractometer value. All refraction values were transferred to astigmatic power vectors as per the Thibos method. Reliability of the different vectors and a unifying blur value were compared using Spearman correlation, Bland-Altman plot, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age was 28.8 ± 5.4 years, with a female preponderance (60.7%). The correlation between both eyes was high. The difference in M vector between subjective and objective refraction was 0.16 D, while the difference was 0.04 and 0.01 D for the J0 and J45 vectors, respectively. Paired samples Student t was non-significant for all comparisons. Spearman rho correlations were high (0.666-0.924, all P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficients were also high (0.890-0.966). Bland-Altman plots did not demonstrate any systematic errors. Conclusion: Wavefront-based refractive refraction obtained using the Pentacam® AXL Wave is highly agreeable and correlated with measurements obtained by manifest subjective refraction.

Chromatic discrimination in fixed saturation levels from trichromats and subjects with congenital color vision deficiency.

Color vision tests use estimative of threshold color discrimination or number of correct responses to evaluate performance in chromatic discrimination tasks. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. In the present investigation, we compared the number of errors during color discrimination task in normal trichromats and participants with color vision deficiency (CVD) using pseudoisochromatic stimuli at fixed saturation levels. We recruited 28 normal trichromats and eight participants with CVD. Cambridge Color Test was used to categorize their color vision phenotype, and those with a phenotype suggestive of color vision deficiency had their L- and M-opsin genes genotyped. Pseudoisochromatic stimuli were shown with target chromaticity in 20 vectors radiating from the background chromaticity and saturation of 0.06, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, and 0.005 u'v' units. Each stimulus condition appeared in four trials. The number of errors for each stimulus condition was considered an indicator of the participant's performance. At high chromatic saturation, there were fewer errors from both phenotypes. The errors of the normal trichromats had no systematic variation for high saturated stimuli, but below 0.02 u'v' units, there was a discrete prevalence of tritan errors. For participants with CVD, the errors happened mainly in red-green chromatic vectors. A three-way ANOVA showed that all factors (color vision phenotype, stimulus saturation, and chromatic vector) had statistically significant effects on the number of errors and that stimulus saturation was the most important main effect. ROC analysis indicated that the performance of the fixed saturation levels to identify CVD was better between 0.02 and 0.06 u'v' units reaching 100%, while saturation of 0.01 and 0.005 u'v' units decreased the accuracy of the screening of the test. We concluded that the color discrimination task using high saturated stimuli separated normal trichromats and participants with red-green color vision deficiencies with high performance, which can be considered a promising method for new color vision tests based in frequency of errors.

Socioeconomic Status and Vision Care Services in Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the association of material deprivation and the utilization of vision care services for young children. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a population-based, repeated measures cohort study using linked health and administrative datasets. All children born in Ontario in 2010 eligible for provincial health insurance were followed from birth until their seventh birthday. The main exposure was neighborhood-level material deprivation quintile, a proxy for socioeconomic status. The primary outcome was receipt of a comprehensive eye examination (not to include a vision screening) by age 7 years from an eye care professional, or family physician. RESULTS: Of 128 091 children included, female children represented 48.7% of the cohort, 74.4% lived in major urban areas, and 16.2% lived in families receiving income assistance. Only 65% (n = 82 833) had at least 1 comprehensive eye examination, with the lowest uptake (56.9%; n = 31 911) in the most deprived and the highest uptake (70.5%; n =19 860) in the least deprived quintiles. After adjusting for clinical and demographic variables, children living in the least materially deprived quintile had a higher odds of receiving a comprehensive eye examination (aOR 1.43; 95% CI 1.36, 1.51) compared with children in the most materially deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS: Uptake of comprehensive eye examinations is poor, especially for children living in the most materially deprived neighborhoods. Strategies to improve uptake and reduce inequities are warranted.

Estimation of ocular axial length with optometric parameters is not accurate.

Myopia is a worldwide major public concern, aside from the visual disturbance needing optical correction, myopia may be associated with open angle glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy. The higher the myopia the higher the risk for retinal associated comorbidities, and the axial length is the more important measure to estimate risk of visual impairment. Recently a formula to predict axial length using spherical equivalent and keratometry was proposed, with the intention of categorizing the risk of visual impairment with Tideman et al. classification. PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of an axial length prediction formula in a Colombian population 8-17 years old. METHODS: Children from MIOPUR study with optical biometer axial length measure (AL), manifest refraction and keratometry were included in the analysis. Predicted axial length (PAL) was calculated with the prediction formula. A Bland-Altman assessment was conducted, and the concordance correlation coefficient was measured. Proposed classification of AL to establish risk of visual loss was used with measured AL and with PAL. The percentage of eyes misclassified was then established. RESULTS: A total of 2129 eyes were included in the analysis. Mean difference of axial length (actual AL minus PAL) was -0.516 mm (-1.559 mm - 0.528 mm). Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of 0.656 (IC95 0.636-0.675) was found between the real AL and PAL. PAL differed from measured AL by 1 mm or more in 16.58 %, and by 2 mm or more, in 0.61 % of the eyes. In myopic eyes, PAL was in average 0.426 mm longer than the AL actually measured with CCC of 0.714 (IC95 0.666-0.761). PAL differed from measured AL by 1 mm or more in 21.92 %, and by 2 mm or more, in 0.45 % of the myopic eyes. The study revealed that 15.03 % of all eyes, and 29.81 % of myopic eyes, were misclassified when PAL was used. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed axial length prediction formula was not accurate, and it did not adequately classify risk of visual impairment in myopic eyes in a group of Colombian children. We consider that it is not possible to predict the axial length based only on optometric data, such as the corneal radius of curvature and the spherical equivalent. This is very possibly related to the variability of crystalline lens power within a population.

Do automotive window films affect drivers' safety by decreasing vision sensitivity? A Cross-sectional study / Películas automotivas e perda de acuidade visual? Estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure visual acuity in high contrast and low contrast sensitivities in different grades of visible light transmission films in three different positions (front, lateral and rear windows). Methods: Forty-four healthy volunteers between 30-75 y-o, with BCVA better than 0,5, were tested in the 5 following vehicles with different grades of visible light transmission films. Vehicle 1: 75% in the front and 70% in the lateral and rear windows; Vehicle 2: 70% in the front and lateral windows and 28% in the rear; Vehicle 3: 70% in the front, 28% in the lateral and 15% rear; Vehicle 4: 35% in all 3 windows; Vehicle 5: 50% in the front, 20% in the lateral and 15% in the rear. Descriptive statistics were used and the average of the 3 measurements of VA was considered. Wilcoxon Test was applied to compare the average visual acuity in each vehicle and position. P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to the Brazilian Traffic Regulations for driving in categories C/D/E, when low contrast was tested in the front window, all visible light transmissions were borderline, in the lateral window they were all outside the limit, while in the rear window for both low and high contrast, all visible light transmissions tested were outside the limit and also borderline for driving in categories A/B, with the exception of the vehicle with visible light transmission of 35%. Conclusion: Visual acuity is affected, especially in the rear window, by the use of automotive films. The study is an alert that window films is a possible cause of accidents and may contribute to the revision of traffic regulations worldwide.

RESUMO Objetivo: Medir a acuidade visual em alto e baixo contraste nas diversas graduações de transparência de filmes em três janelas de veículos: frontal, lateral e traseira. Métodos: Foram avaliados 44 voluntários saudáveis entre 30 e 75 anos, com acuidade visual melhor corrigida acima de 0,5, em cinco veículos, sendo: veículo 1, com 75% de transparência frontal e 70% na lateral e traseira; veículo 2, com 70% na frontal e na lateral e 28% na traseira; veículo 3, com 70% na frontal, 28% na lateral e 15% na traseira; veículo 4, com 35% nas três janelas; e veículo 5, com 50% na frontal, 20% na lateral e 15% na traseira. Foi realizada estatística descritiva utilizando a média de três medidas consecutivas, com teste de Wilcoxon para comparar a média de acuidade visual em cada janela, e foi considerado estatisticamente significativo quando valor de p<0,05. Resultados: Todas as transparências testadas nos vidros reduziram a acuidade visual em situação de baixo contraste para níveis limítrofes na janela frontal e níveis ilegais na lateral para conduzir veículos nas categorias C/D/E. Na janela traseira, tanto em alto quanto em baixo contraste, todas as transparências mostraram redução da acuidade visual para níveis ilegais para categorias C/D/E e limítrofes para as categorias A/B, exceto na transparência de 35%. Conclusão: A acuidade visual é reduzida pelo uso dos filmes automotivos, especialmente na janela traseira. Condutores de veículos com filmes devem ser alertados pelo risco aumentado de acidentes. Esse dado científico propõe revisões nas regulações de tráfego mundiais.

Brazilian guidelines on the frequency of ophthalmic assessment and recommended examinations in healthy children younger than 5 years.

PURPOSE: To provide guidance on the frequency and components of eye examinations for healthy children aged 0 to 5 years. METHODS: These guidelines were developed based on the medical literature and clinical experience of an expert committee. PubMed/Medline searches were performed, with selected publications not restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, or observational studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profile was applied when suitable, and for issues without scientific evidence, recommendations were based on expert consensus. Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and Canadian Ophthalmological Society were also reviewed. The final guideline document was approved by the Brazilian Pediatric Ophthalmology Society and by the Brazilian Pediatric Society. RESULTS: Newborns must undergo the red reflex test and inspection of the eyes and adnexa by a pediatrician within 72 hours of life. The red reflex test should be repeated by the pediatrician during childcare consultations at least three times per year during the first 3 years of life. If feasible, a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination may be performed between 6 and 12 months of age. Until 36 months of age, the pediatrician should assess the infant's visual development milestones, age-appropriate assessment of visual function, ocular fixation, and eye alignment. At least one comprehensive ophthalmologic examination should be performed at 3 to 5 years of age. The examination should minimally include inspection of the eyes and adnexa, age-appropriate visual function assessment, evaluations of ocular motility and alignment (cover tests), cycloplegic refraction, and dilated fundus. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines concerning the frequency of ophthalmic assessment are important tools for directing physicians regarding best practices that avoid treatable vision problems that affect children's development, school, and social performance and cause unnecessary permanent vision loss.

A Proposal for Classification of Retinal Degeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7.

The aim of this study is to propose a classification system for the spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 retinal degeneration (SCA7-RD). Twenty patients with molecularly confirmed SCA7 underwent slit lamp examination, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (Spectralis®). Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) were applied, and age, sex, age at symptom onset, and number of CAG expansions were recorded. After analyzing the ophthalmological findings in each participant, a panel of retinal disease experts created a qualitative classification system for SCA7-RD comprising four stages. We assessed the correlations of retinal degeneration severity with SARA and ICARS scores, number of CAG repeats in ATXN7 allele, and age at symptom onset. We graded retinal degeneration as stage 1 in nine participants, as stage 2 in five, and as stage 3 in six. No differences in age and visual symptoms duration were found between groups. SARA and ICARS scores correlated with the severity of SCA7-RD on the classification system (p = 0.024 and p = 0.014, respectively). After adjusting for disease duration, retinal disease stage association with SARA and ICARS scores remained significant (ANCOVA, p < 0.05). The classification system for SCA7-RD was able to characterize different disease stages representing the landmarks in the cone-rod dystrophy natural history. Neurodegeneration appears to occur in parallel in the cerebellum and in the visual pathway. We conclude that retinal degeneration in SCA7 is a potential biomarker of the neurological phenotype severity.

Ação social para detecção e resolução de baixa de acuidade visual em adolescentes / Social action to detect and solve low visual acuity in adolescents

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a prevalência e as principais causas de baixa acuidade visual encontradas em estudantes; resolver as alterações refracionais por meio de correção óptica e estabelecer uma relação entre visão e desempenho escolar. Métodos Estudo transversal, quantitativo, de ação social realizada em uma escola pública de ensino fundamental e médio de Araçatuba (SP). A avaliação especializada foi indicada aos estudantes que, em triagem visual, apresentaram acuidade visual ≤0,7 em um ou em ambos os olhos, com ou sem correção óptica prévia. Foram entregues óculos a todos que necessitavam, para melhorar visão. Foi realizada análise pela ficha de atendimento e pela nota escolar dos alunos, pelos programas Excel e BioEstat. Resultados Dos 503 alunos triados, 75 (15%) apresentaram baixa de acuidade visual. Compareceram à consulta agendada 66 (88%), e 50 (80,65%) receberam óculos prontos. A média de idade foi de 152 anos, e houve predominância do sexo feminino (64,5%). As alterações refracionais foram a principal causa da baixa visual (90,3%), e miopia, associada ou não a astigmatismo, foi a mais prevalente (63%). Dentre os casos, 13 (21%) tinham anisometropia. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,5479) entre as médias anuais dos alunos com baixa de acuidade visual e aqueles com visão normal. Conclusão Projetos sociais de triagem visual são facilmente executáveis, têm baixo custo e alta resolutividade, uma vez que os transtornos refracionais são a principal causa e facilmente corrigidos com óculos. A baixa de acuidade visual detectada nos alunos não interferiu no desempenho escolar.

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the prevalence and the main causes of low visual acuity among students, to correct refractive errors with eyewear, and to establish a relation between vision and school performance. Methods This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study of a social action carried out in a public elementary and high school in the city of Araçatuba (SP). Specialized evaluation was indicated to students who presented visual acuity ≤0.7 in one or both eyes, with or without prior optical correction, upon triage. Glasses were delivered to everyone who needed better vision. The analysis was performed based on screening record and student's school grade, using Excel and BioEstat software. Results Out of 503 students screened, 75 (15%) presented low visual acuity. Sixty-six (88%) attended the scheduled visit and 50 (80.65%) received ready-made glasses. The mean age was 15±2 years, and there was a predominance of females (64.5%). Refractive errors were the main cause of visual impairment (90.3%) and myopia, associated or not to astigmatism, was the most prevalent condition (63%). Thirteen (21%) students had anisometropia. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.5479) in annual average grade of students with low visual acuity and those with normal vision. Conclusion Social projects for visual triage are carried out without effort, have a low cost and high problem-solving capacity, since refractive errors are the most frequent diagnoses and easily corrected with glasses. The low visual acuity detected in students did not interfere in their school performance.

Diferenças de mensuração de acuidade visual e velocidade de leitura para perto entre pacientes com retinopatia diabética. Repercussão entre conceitos de deficiência visual parcial e cegueira legal / Differences in measurement of visual acuity and reading speed for near vision among patients with diabetic retinopathy. Repercussion in concepts of partial vision loss and legal blindness

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a acurácia entre a acuidade visual com melhor correção óptica em pacientes com retinopatia diabética e acuidade visual com correção óptica menor ou igual a 20/200 em ambos os olhos mensurada pela tabela de Snellen e pela tabela ETDRS, além da avaliação do tempo de leitura com tabela de leitura de Jaeger. Métodos: Estudo observacional e transversal. ormação de Grupos de Pesquisa: o Grupo I foi formado por pacientes com acuidade visual de 20/200 e o Grupo II, por pacientes com acuidade visual maior de 20/200. Os pacientes de ambos os grupos foram subdivididos em aqueles com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa e os com retinopatia diabética proliferativa. As variáveis pesquisadas foram sexo, idade, tabela ETDRS nos subgrupos (igual a 20/200, igual a 20/400 e maior de 20/200 e 20/400) e tempo de leitura da tabela de Jaeger para perto. O índice de significância estatística deste estudo foi de 5%. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 62 pacientes diabéticos, sendo 33 com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa e 29 com retinopatia diabética proliferativa. Dentre os pacientes com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa, 19 tinham acuidade visual com melhor correção óptica de 20/200 (30,6% da amostra), e 13 pacientes eram portadores de retinopatia diabética proliferativa com acuidade visual com melhor correção óptica de 20/200 (20,9% da amostra). A correlação entre a tabela Snellen e a tabela ETDRS revelou que 16 pacientes (25,8% da amostra) com cegueira legal apresentaram acuidade visual entre 20/180 e 20/120 segundo a tabela ETDRS. Para os pacientes portadores de retinopatia diabética não proliferativa com acuidade visual de 20/200 pela tabela ETDRS, houve tempo médio de leitura para perto da tabela de Jaeger de 23,6±1,4 segundos. Na análise estatística da acuidade visual mensurada com a Tabela de Snellen em comparação com a Tabela de Leitura para perto (Jaeger), mensurando tempo de leitura, ahouve significância estatística (p=0,04). Conclusão: Pacientes diabéticos com cegueira legal segundo a tabela de Snellen apresentam sua real capacidade visual residual subavaliada. É importante levar em consideração o tempo de leitura e o uso da tabela ETDRS para melhor acurácia.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the accuracy of best-corrected visual acuity in patients with diabetic retinopathy to corrected visual acuity ≤ 20/200 in both eyes, measured by Snellen and ETDRS charts, in addition to evaluation of reading time by Jaeger chart. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study. Study Groups: Group I, patients with visual acuity 20/200, and Group II, patients with visual acuity >20/200. Patients were subdivided into those with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The study variables were sex, age, ETDRS chart in the subgroups (equal to 20/200; equal to 20/400 and greater than 20/200 and 20/400), and reading time by Jaeger chart on the near vision. The statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: A total of 62 diabetic patients participated in the study; in that, 33 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 29 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Among patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 19 had best-corrected visual acuity 20/200 (30.6% of sample), and 13 patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy with best-corrected visual acuity 20/200 (20.9% of sample). The correlation between the Snellen and ETDRS charts revealed 16 patients (25.8% of sample) with legal blindness presented visual acuity between 20/180 and 20/120, as per the ETDRS chart. For patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with visual acuity 20/200 measured by the ETDRS chart, the mean reading time to near vision was 23.6±1.4 seconds, as measured by Jaeger chart. In the statistical analysis, the comparison of visual acuity measured by Snellen chart, with the reading chart to near vision (Jaeger) measuring reading time, was statistically significant (p=0.04). Conclusion: Diabetic patients with legal blindness as per Snellen chart showed their real underestimated residual visual capacity. It is important to consider reading time and use of the ETDRS chart for better accuracy.

Physical performance is associated with visual acuity in university students: results of a school-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between physical performance and visual acuity in university students in China. METHODS: tests of standing long jump, 50-meter dash and pull-ups sit-ups were conducted. The visual acuity was measured using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) chart. Pearson correlation was used to test the correlation of physical performance with visual acuity in university students. RESULTS: The number of pull-ups was negatively associated with visual acuity in the left eye for male students, while a negative correlation was found between the time of the 50-meter dash and visual acuity in the right eye for female students. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified that physical exercise might help improve visual acuity. University students should practice strength exercises to improve physical performance.

The ophthalmic health and refractive state of working dogs in South Brazil.

Background: Working dogs, such as police dogs and guide dogs, have important roles in the contemporary society by performing specific and demanding jobs. Ocular health and the maintenance of good visual acuity are imperative to strong work performance and thus human safety. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess ophthalmic abnormalities and refractive errors in police and guide dogs in Brazil. Methods: A total of 71 dogs (141 eyes) were evaluated. Ten were guide dogs and 61 were police dogs. The work performance was assessed by a questionnaire to each dog's handler/owner. All the dogs underwent a complete ocular examination, and abnormalities were classified by condition, if they were active or inactive and if they were located within the visual axis. In addition, 62 dogs were evaluated by streak retinoscopy for refractive errors. Results: Ophthalmic abnormalities were detected in 38 (54%) dogs, of which 23 were considered inherited, 25 were considered active, and 10 were located within the visual axis. Incipient cataracts were the most prevalent abnormality. No guide dog had an abnormality within the visual axis. The most common refractive error was myopia with the median and interquartile range of -0.75 ± 0.75 diopters; among these, police dogs had -1.0 ± 0.5 diopters, whereas guide dogs +0.38 ± 0.75 diopters. Police dogs tended to be slightly myopic and guide dogs were emmetropic. Conclusion: Despite finding a considerable number of ophthalmic abnormalities and refractive error, work performance was good with no signs of visual impairment in any dog. Regular ophthalmic examinations are advised for working dogs, and an exclusion of severely affected dogs from breeding programs is recommended.

Physical performance is associated with visual acuity in university students: results of a school-based study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between physical performance and visual acuity in university students in China. METHODS tests of standing long jump, 50-meter dash and pull-ups sit-ups were conducted. The visual acuity was measured using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) chart. Pearson correlation was used to test the correlation of physical performance with visual acuity in university students. RESULTS The number of pull-ups was negatively associated with visual acuity in the left eye for male students, while a negative correlation was found between the time of the 50-meter dash and visual acuity in the right eye for female students. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified that physical exercise might help improve visual acuity. University students should practice strength exercises to improve physical performance.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste estudo é explorar a relação entre desempenho físico e acuidade visual em alunos universitários da China. MÉTODOS testes de salto em distância em pé, corrida de 50 metros, flexões e abdominais foram realizados. A acuidade visual foi medida através de um logaritmo do quadro de ângulo mínimo de resolução (logMAR). A correlação de Pearson foi utilizada para testar a correlação entre o desempenho físico e a acuidade visual em alunos universitários. RESULTADOS O número de flexões apresentou uma associação negativa com a acuidade visual do olho esquerdo em estudantes do sexo masculino e uma correlação negativa foi encontrada entre o tempo da corrida de 50 metros e a acuidade visual do olho direito em estudantes do sexo feminino. CONCLUSÃO O nosso estudo identificou que o exercício físico pode ajudar a aumentar a acuidade visual. Os estudantes universitários devem praticar musculação para melhorar o desempenho físico.

Evaluation of contrast sensitivity in patients with advanced glaucoma: comparison of two tests.

AIMS: To evaluate contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with advanced glaucomatous visual field damage, and to compare two clinical CS tests. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional test-retest study. Twenty-eight patients with open-angle glaucoma, visual acuity (VA) better than 20/40 and visual field mean deviation (MD) worse than -15 dB were enrolled. Patients underwent VA, visual field and CS testing with the Pelli-Robson (PR) chart and the Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT). Retest measurements were obtained within 1 week to 1 month. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age and MD were 61.5 (55.5 to 69.2) years and -27.7 (-29.7 to -22.7) dB, respectively. Median (IQR) VA was 0.08 logarithm minimum angle of resolution (0.02 to 0.16), corresponding to 20/25 (20/20 to 20/30). Median (IQR) CS was 1.35 (1.11 to 1.51) log units with the PR chart and 1.39 (1.24 to 1.64) log units with FrACT. VA explained less than 40% of the variance in CS (adjusted R2=0.36). CS estimates of both tests were closely related (rho=0.88, p=0.001), but CS was 0.09 log units higher with FrACT compared with the PR chart, and the 95% repeatability intervals (Bland-Altman) were 46% tighter with the PR chart. CONCLUSIONS: Despite near-normal VA, almost all patients showed moderate to profound deficits in CS. CS measurement provides additional information on central visual function in patients with advanced glaucoma.