Psychophysical assessment of koniocellular pathway in patients with schizophrenia versus healthy controls.

This study was designed to perform psychophysical assessment of koniocellular pathway in patients with schizophrenia versus healthy controls. A total of 26 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 15 healthy controls were included. Snellen Visual Acuity Chart scores and Short Wavelength Automated Perimetry (SWAP) visual field testing including global visual field indices [mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), test time (min)], reliability parameters [false negative responses (%), false positive responses (%) and fixed losses (%)] and average threshold sensitivity [central (parafovea), peripheral area, and four quadrants] were recorded in both groups. Significantly lower MD scores, higher PSD scores and lower average threshold sensitivity at each location across the visual field were noted in schizophrenia relative to control group. In conclusion, our findings revealed a deficit in koniocellular pathway with impaired SWAP global indices and lower threshold sensitivity at each location across the visual field among chronic schizophrenic patients as compared with control subjects. Our findings emphasize potential application of SWAP outside its original intended purpose as a glaucoma test, to provide deeper understanding of the specific contribution of lateral geniculate nucleus to the visual and cognitive disturbances of schizophrenia.

Ophthalmic artery blood flow parameters in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate orbital flow parameters of ophthalmic artery (OA) in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) by ultrasonography. METHODS: This case-control study included 38 patients with XFG and 32 healthy control subjects. Color Doppler imaging was performed to evaluate orbital flow parameters of OA. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to define the best cutoff value. RESULTS: In the XFG group, decreased peak systolic velocity (p = 0.114), end diastolic velocity (p = 0.002), and increased resistivity index (RI) (p<0.001) at OA compared to healthy controls were observed. A cutoff value 0.72 for OA RI was found to have a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 94%. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the findings of increased vascular resistance in OA XFG. High sensitivity and specificity obtained for OA RI may be useful in evaluation of future therapeutic vascular agents.

Recovery of orbital fat pad prolapsus and deepening of the lid sulcus from topical bimatoprost therapy: 2 case reports and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To report 2 cases of resolution of orbital fat pad prolapsus and deepening of the lid sulcus caused by topical bimatoprost therapy, and to review the literature. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational chart review. RESULTS: A 54-year-old man with normotensive glaucoma presented with recovery of left lower lid orbital fat pad prolapsus, deepening of the lid sulcus, and iris color and eyelash changes 8 months after initiation of bimatoprost therapy in his left eye (OS). After stopping bimatoprost, his eyelashes and the lower lid orbital fat pad partially regained their natural appearance at 2 months and 4 months, respectively. However, there was no improvement of the left upper eyelid deepening and the iris hyperpigmentation, even after 30 months. A 75-year-old man with unilateral pseudoexfoliative glaucoma had been treated with bimatoprost OS. Three months after initiation of the therapy, his examination showed recovery of the inferior and superomedial orbital fat pad prolapsus, a deep and prominent upper lid sulcus with eyelash changes, and iris hyperpigmentation OS. Five months after discontinuation of bimatoprost, the eyelashes and superomedial orbital fat pad improved. Twenty-four months later, the inferior orbital fat pad partially got its natural appearance back, but the upper lid sulcus was slightly more deep and prominent than the fellow right eye. There was no alteration in iris hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSION: Clinicians and patients should be aware of these possible effects of topical bimatoprost therapy. These adverse effects may not be completely reversible after discontinuation of the medication.