The effects of age-related macular degeneration on quality of life in a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the quality of life (QoL) in a Brazilian population using The National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). METHODS: This observational study included 462 participants from the Departments of Ophthalmology of the University of Campinas and Conderg-Divinolândia. The NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire and Rasch analysis were used to assess the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). Patients with macular neovascularization were interviewed at enrollment and after three loading doses of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three patients were excluded because they had another ophthalmic disease, for a total of 349 patients included in the study (177 in the AMD group, 172 in the control group; 56.4% were women; mean ± standard deviation age, 70.6 ± 9.5 years). Most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores were significantly lower in the AMD group compared with the control group. The Rasch-calibrated NEI-VFQ-25 median score in the visual-functioning component was 56.41 for the AMD group and 61.53 for the control group, a difference of ± 4.00 (P = 0.0001). Separate analyses of the sociodemographic and ocular characteristics showed that the NEI-VFQ-25 scores were affected mostly by family income, educational level, descent, diet (vegetables/fruits), physical activity, and visual acuity (VA). The longitudinal component assessed a different group of 48 patients with exudative disease treated with anti-VEGF drugs. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution change in VA in treated eyes was a 0.16 decrease (P = 0.01). The mean change in the optical coherence tomography macular thickness was a 36.74-µm decrease (P = 0.012) from baseline to 4 months. The mean NEI-VFQ-25 scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up at 4 months in almost all subscales. CONCLUSIONS: In a Brazilian community, patients with AMD had a worse VRQoL than controls. The AMD severity and bilaterality were associated with decreased NEI-VFQ-25 scores. Higher family income, educational level, descent, and lifestyle significantly improved several subscales of the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire. Treated patients with exudative AMD had improvements in the VA, macular thickness, and most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores.

Long-term use of topical tacrolimus ointment: a safe and effective option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis / Uso prolongado de tacrolimus tópico: opção eficaz e segura no tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite vernal

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the compliance, efficacy, and safety of the long-term use of topical tacrolimus for the clinical management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Methods: The medical records of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis undergoing long-term treatment with 0.03% topical tacrolimus were retrospectively reviewed. The duration of tacrolimus use and the causes for drug discontinuation were used to assess treatment compliance. To assess drug efficacy, the need for and the number of times that topical corticosteroids were used to control symptoms were registered. Side effects related to tacrolimus use were monitored to determine drug safety. Results: The study cohort consisted of 21 patients who met the eligibility criteria. The mean duration of tacrolimus use was 41.3 ± 18.5 months. Fourteen patients (66.7%) continuously used tacrolimus, and three (14.3%) discontinued treatment following complete remission. Four patients (19%) did not use tacrolimus as prescribed or interrupted tacrolimus use on their own: two (9.5%) because of discomfort upon application and two (9.5%) because of the lack of improvement. Ten patients (47.6%) maintained disease control without the use of corticosteroids, whereas 11 (52.4%) required an average of 2.70 ± 1.35 corticosteroid cycles to control symptoms. The only reported side effect was discomfort upon application. Conclusions: Despite the small sample size and study design limitations, these results support the long-term use of topical tacrolimus as an effective and safe option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with good compliance of patients to the treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a aderência, a eficácia e segurança do uso prolongado de tacrolimus tópico no controle clínico da ceratoconjuntivite vernal. Métodos: Um estudo retrospectivo foi desenvolvido através da análise de prontuários de pacientes com ceratoconjuntivite vernal em tratamento prolongado com tacrolimus tópico 0,03%. A duração do tempo de uso do ta­crolimus e as causas de descontinuação da medicação foram usadas para avaliar a adesão ao tratamento. Para avaliar a eficácia da droga, a necessidade e o número de vezes em que corticoides tópicos foram utilizados para controlar os sintomas foram registrados. Os efeitos colaterais relacionados ao uso do tacrolimus foram monitorados para determinar a segurança da droga. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes preencheram os critérios de eleição e foram incluídos no estudo. A duração média do uso de tacrolimus foi de 41,3 ± 18,5 meses. Quatorze pacientes (66,7%) usaram continuamente o tacrolimus e 3 (14,3%) descontinuaram o tratamento após a remissão completa. Quatro pacientes (19%) não usaram o tacrolimus conforme prescrito ou interromperam o uso da droga isoladamente: 2 (9,5%) por desconforto na aplicação e 2 (9,5%) pela falta de melhora. Dez pacientes (47,6%) mantiveram a doença sob controle sem o uso de corticoides, enquanto 11 (52,4%) necessitaram em média 2,70 ± 1,35 ciclos corticoides para controle dos sintomas. O único efeito adverso relatado foi desconforto na aplicação. Conclusões: Apesar do pequeno tamanho da amostra e das limitações do desenho do estudo, esses resultados suportam o uso prolongado do tacrolimus tópico como opção eficaz e segura para o tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite vernal, com boa adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento.

Long-term use of topical tacrolimus ointment: a safe and effective option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the compliance, efficacy, and safety of the long-term use of topical tacrolimus for the clinical management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. METHODS: The medical records of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis undergoing long-term treatment with 0.03% topical tacrolimus were retrospectively reviewed. The duration of tacrolimus use and the causes for drug discontinuation were used to assess treatment compliance. To assess drug efficacy, the need for and the number of times that topical corticosteroids were used to control symptoms were registered. Side effects related to tacrolimus use were monitored to determine drug safety. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 21 patients who met the eligibility criteria. The mean duration of tacrolimus use was 41.3 ± 18.5 months. Fourteen patients (66.7%) continuously used tacrolimus, and three (14.3%) discontinued treatment following complete remission. Four patients (19%) did not use tacrolimus as prescribed or interrupted tacrolimus use on their own: two (9.5%) because of discomfort upon application and two (9.5%) because of the lack of improvement. Ten patients (47.6%) maintained disease control without the use of corticosteroids, whereas 11 (52.4%) required an average of 2.70 ± 1.35 corticosteroid cycles to control symptoms. The only reported side effect was discomfort upon application. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size and study design limitations, these results support the long-term use of topical tacrolimus as an effective and safe option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with good compliance of patients to the treatment.

Influência da aplicação intraoperatória de mitomicina C tópica episcleral na proliferação e diferenciação de células epiteliais córneo-conjuntivais de coelhos / Influence of intraoperative episcleral application of topic mitomycin C on proliferation and differentiation of rabbit corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da mitomicina C a 0,02% (MMC), aplicada em dose única por 3 minutos, na proliferação e diferenciação das células epiteliais da córnea de coelhos. Métodos: A MMC tópica foi aplicada na episclera da área límbica temporal, mediante tecido epitelial corneano intacto (um olho) e após desepitelização epitelial parcial da córnea (outro olho). Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, MMC ou solução fisiológica 0,9% (SF) foi aplicada e a solução escolhida para cada animal foi determinada por sorteio. Os animais foram divididos em grupo A (20 olhos), grupo B (16 olhos) e grupo C (14 olhos). Foram sacrificados respectivamente em 4º, 15º e 45º dia de pós-operatório. Para estimular a proliferação celular, os animais do grupo C foram submetidos à desepitelização central da córnea 3 dias antes do dia do sacrifício. Marcadores de diferenciação celular (AE1, AE3 e AE5) e de proliferação (5Bromo-2-Deoxiuridina, BrdU) foram utilizados. Nas lâminas coradas com BrdU, as áreas nasal, temporal e central foram delimitadas. O número de células coradas pela BrdU foram contadas nos 3 diferentes campos e a média aritmética de cada área foi analisada estatisticamente. Resultados: Houve diferença estatística entre MMC e SF nas áreas central e temporal da córnea previamente desepitelizada em todos os grupos. Não houve diferença estatística durante a análise de diferenciação celular. Conclusão: A MMC na dose de 0,02%, aplicada por 3 minutos sobre a episclera, interfere na proliferação celular da área exposta à droga e previamente desepitelizada. Não interfere na diferenciação celular e sua ação possui efeito prolongado. .

Objective: To evaluate the influence of a three-minute application of 0.02% mitomycin C (MMC) on proliferation and differentiation of rabbit corneal epithelial cells. Methods: Topical MMC or 0.9% saline solution was applied to the episclera of the temporal limbal area of both eyes, maintaining intact epithelial tissue in one eye, and after partial corneal deepithelialization in the contralateral eye. The animals were arranged in groups A (20 eyes), B (16 eyes) and C (14 eyes) and sacrificed respectively on the 4th, 15th and 45th postoperative days. In order to stimulate cell proliferation, group C was submitted to central corneal deepithelialization three days before sacrifice. Cell differentiation markers (AE1, AE3 and AE5) were used for differentiation analysis and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) for detection of corneal epithelial cells proliferation. Results: There was no statistical difference in differentiation cells when drugs or surgical techniques were analyzed. Cell proliferation when using MMC or SF was statis-tically significant at central and temporal areas when applied after partial corneal deepithelialization in all groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that the three-minute episcleral application of 0.02% MMC does not affect epithelial cell differentiation; however, when MMC application occurs after corneal deepithelialization, it may affect cell proliferation. .

Topical tacrolimus 0.03% as sole therapy in vernal keratoconjunctivitis: a randomized double-masked study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of the isolated use of tacrolimus compared with the combined use of tacrolimus and olopatadine for the treatment of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: Twenty-one patients with severe VKC were randomized into two groups: one treated with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment combined with 1% olopatadine ophthalmic solution and the other with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment combined with placebo eye drops. The clinical signs and symptoms were graded from 0 to 3, and the efficacy of treatment was determined by the difference between the score at the beginning of treatment and after 30 days. The clinical impression of improvement as perceived by the evaluator and the self-assessment provided by the patient were scored at day 30 of treatment and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The scores for symptoms decreased between the assessments in both groups (-1.7±3.9 in the experimental group; -0.6±1.6 in the control group), with no significant difference between groups (P=0.205). The scores for clinical signs decreased between the assessments in the experimental group (-1.1±2.7) and increased in the control group (0.3±0.9) but with no significant differences (P=0.205). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the self-assessment (P=0.659) and the clinical impression of the evaluator (P=0.387). CONCLUSIONS: The isolated use of tacrolimus and the combined use of tacrolimus and olopatadine seems to have the same efficacy, although controlled studies with larger samples are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Why are there defaulters in eye health projects?

PURPOSE: To identify barriers to attendance for eye examination of schoolchildren. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Students in grades 1-4 in elementary school in Guarulhos (Brazil) were screened and referred for ophthalmic examination in 2006. Facilities offered in this project were: examination arranged during weekends, free transportation, spectacle donation and two different opportunities for exam. A questionnaire was applied, by interview, to a sample consisted of students' parents attended in a community project who missed the first call and attended the recall, to identify the reasons for non-attendance. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 767 parents or guardians, corresponding to an equal number of schoolchildren. Personal characteristics of the students: 49.2 percent male and 50.8 percent female, 60.2 percent of them had never received previous ophthalmologic evaluation. Reported reasons for no-show to the project: parents had not received appropriate orientation (35.6 percent), loss of working day (20.6 percent), illness (12.4 percent), had another appointment (10.0 percent). The need for eyeglasses was higher in the recall. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of parents did not take their children for ophthalmological exams, even when a second opportunity was offered in projects with transportation facilities, free exams performed during weekends and spectacle donation. The main causes of absenteeism were lack of awareness and work. For 87.1 percent of the absenteeism cases, the difficulties could be overcome via improved structuring of the first call. A recall increases attendance coverage of target population by only 15.2 percent (59.3 to 74.5 percent). Notably, the eye exam campaign was the first exam for most of the absent students.

Senior resident phacoemulsification learning curve (corrected from cure).

PURPOSE: To analyse the outcomes of surgeries performed by senior residents during the learning curve related to intraoperative complications and staff interventions. METHODS: Prospective study of phacoemulsification surgeries performed by senior residents (3rd year) in the first three months of experience with this technique at the HC FMUSP. Intraoperative complications and requirement of staff interventions were measured. RESULTS: 261 surgeries were included. 30 cases of intraoperative complications were noted (11.54%). Major complications, that could affect surgical final results, as posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss, had an incidence rate of 8.05% and 6.13%, respectively. Surgery was converted to cataract extracapsular extraction in 3 cases and 2 cases required pars plana posterior vitrectomy. Staff intervention was required in 11 cases (4.22%), most of them on the first 40 surgeries. CONCLUSION: With proper training and supervision, senior residents can achieve an acceptable complication rate. Adequate supervision is crucial to guarantee, good surgical outcomes, specially on the first 40 cases, that presents greater complications rates.

Senior resident phacoemulsification learning cure / Curva de aprendizado do residente de terceiro ano em facoemulsificação

PURPOSE: To analyse the outcomes of surgeries performed by senior residents during the learning curve related to intraoperative complications and staff interventions. METHODS: Prospective study of phacoemulsification surgeries performed by senior residents (3rd year) in the first three months of experience with this technique at the HC FMUSP. Intraoperative complications and requirement of staff interventions were measured. RESULTS: 261 surgeries were included. 30 cases of intraoperative complications were noted (11.54 percent). Major complications, that could affect surgical final results, as posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss, had an incidence rate of 8.05 percent and 6.13 percent, respectively. Surgery was converted to cataract extracapsular extraction in 3 cases and 2 cases required pars plana posterior vitrectomy. Staff intervention was required in 11 cases (4.22 percent), most of them on the first 40 surgeries. CONCLUSION: With proper training and supervision, senior residents can achieve an acceptable complication rate. Adequate supervision is crucial to guarantee, good surgical outcomes, specially on the first 40 cases, that presents greater complications rates.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a curva de aprendizado dos residentes do 3º ano, com experiência prévia em microcirurgia e cirurgia intraocular, em facectomia por facoemulsificação relacionada às complicações peroperatórias e ao número de intervenções diretas do orientador. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada análise prospectiva de cirurgias de facectomia por facoemulsificação realizadas durante os três primeiros meses de treinamento do residente do 3º ano do HC FMUSP nesta técnica. Foram registradas as complicações ocorridas durante o ato operatório e a necessidade do orientador intervir diretamente na cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídas 261 cirurgias. Destas, tiveram algum tipo de complicação peroperatória 30 cirurgias (11,54 por cento). Complicações mais graves, com potencial para prejudicar o resultado final da cirurgia, em especial rotura de cápsula posterior e perda vítrea, tiveram um índice de 8,05 por cento e 6,13 por cento, respectivamente. Houve necessidade de conversão para facectomia extracapsular em 3 cirurgias e de vitrectomia posterior em 2 casos. O orientador interveio diretamente na cirurgia em 11 ocasiões (4,22 por cento), concentradas em sua grande maioria nas 40 primeiras cirurgias. CONCLUSÃO: Com treinamento e supervisão adequados, taxas de complicações aceitáveis podem ser obtidas por residentes sênior no aprendizado da facoemulsificação. Adequada assistência é imprescindível para garantir o resultado das cirurgias especialmente na fase em que os residentes têm maiores taxas de complicação, correspondente às 40 primeiras cirurgias.

Comparative study of the blinking time between young adult and adult video display terminal users in indoor environment.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the average blinking time in conversation and in Video Display Terminal use of young adults and adults in the presbyopic age group. METHODS: A transversal analytical study in a readily accessible sample consisting of Volkswagen do Brasil - Curitiba, Paraná employees was performed. The cohort group consisted of 108 subjects divided into two age groups: Group 1, the young adult group (age range 20-39): 77 employees, mean age of 30.09 +/- 5.09; Group 2, the presbyopic adult group, (age range 40-53): 31 employees, mean age of 44.17 +/- 3. Subjects under 18 years of age, with a history of ocular disorders, contact lens wearers and computer non-users were excluded. The subjects had their faces filmed for 10 minutes in conversation and VDT reading. Student's t-test was used and the statistical significance level was 95%. RESULTS: The average time between blinks in Group 1 for conversation and VDT reading was 5.16 +/- 1.83 and 10.42 +/- 7.78 seconds, respectively; in Group 2. 4,9 +/- 1.49 and 10.46 +/- 5.54 seconds. In both age groups, the time between blinks in VDT reading situations was higher (p<0.0001). There was no statistically meaningful difference for conversation and VDT reading situations when the two studied age groups were compared (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the blinking time between young adults and the presbyopic group in VDT use situations when compared with reading situations. The difference in the blinking frequency between young adults and the presbyopic group in VDT use and reading situations was not statistically significant.

Percepções de escolares com deficiência visual em relação ao seu processo de escolarização / The perception of visually impaired students in relation to the schooling process / Percepciones de escolares deficientes visuales en relación a su proceso de escolarización

A promoção da inclusão escolar de pessoas com deficiência visual demanda que os profissionais conheçam as percepções que estes alunos têm a respeito de suas limitações e possibilidades. Neste estudo, foram identificadas características e percepções de escolares com deficiência visual em relação ao seu processo de reabilitação. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal com escolares de 12 anos e mais, inseridos no sistema público de um município do Estado de São Paulo. Aplicou-se questionário mediante entrevista. Obteve-se população de 26 alunos, sendo 46,2 por cento com visão subnormal e 53,8 por cento com cegueira, com média de idade de 17,1 anos. A repetência escolar foi declarada por 73,1 por cento. Entre as dificuldades escolares decorrentes da cegueira, sobressaiu-se a leitura de livros didáticos e, entre as decorrentes da visão subnormal, a visualização da lousa. O nível de escolaridade mostrou-se baixo em relação à média de idade. Evidenciaram-se percepções coerentes em relação à problemática da inclusão escolar.(AU)

The inclusion of people with visual impairment in the school system demand professionals to know these students' perceptions regarding their limitations and possibilities. Characteristics and perceptions of students with visual impairment related to their process of rehabilitation were identified in this study. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out with 12-year students included in the public school system of a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A questionnaire was applied through interviews. A population of 26 students, 46.2 percent with low vision and 53.8 percent with blindness, with an average age of 17.1 years was obtained. School failure was reported by 73.1 percent. Reading didactic books stood out among difficulties faced due to blindness and visualization of the blackboard stood out among difficulties due to low vision. Education level was considered low in relation to the average age. Coherent perceptions related to the school inclusion problem were evidenced.(AU)

La promoción de la inclusión escolar de personas con discapacidad visual demanda que los profesionales conozcan las percepciones que estos alumnos tienen sobre sus limitaciones y posibilidades. En este estudio fueron identificadas características y percepciones de escolares con deficiencia visual, con relación a su proceso de rehabilitación. Fue realizado un estudio descriptivo transversal con escolares a partir de 12 años de edad, pertenecientes al sistema público de enseñanza en un municipio del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Se aplicó un cuestionario mediante entrevista. Se obtuvo un universo de 26 alumnos, siendo 46,2 por ciento con visión subnormal y 53,8 por ciento con ceguera, con media de edad de 17,1 años. La repetición de grados escolares fue declarada por 73,1 por ciento. Entre las dificultades escolares causadas por la ceguera, sobresalió la lectura de libros didácticos y entre las consecuencias de la visión subnormal, la visualización de la pizarra. El nivel de escolaridad se mostró bajo en relación a la media de edad. Las percepciones encontradas fueron coherentes con la problemática de la inclusión escolar.(AU)

Percepções de escolares com deficiência visual em relação ao seu processo de escolarização / The perception of visually impaired students in relation to the schooling process / Percepciones de escolares deficientes visuales en relación a su proceso de escolarización

A promoção da inclusão escolar de pessoas com deficiência visual demanda que os profissionais conheçam as percepções que estes alunos têm a respeito de suas limitações e possibilidades. Neste estudo, foram identificadas características e percepções de escolares com deficiência visual em relação ao seu processo de reabilitação. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal com escolares de 12 anos e mais, inseridos no sistema público de um município do Estado de São Paulo. Aplicou-se questionário mediante entrevista. Obteve-se população de 26 alunos, sendo 46,2 por cento com visão subnormal e 53,8 por cento com cegueira, com média de idade de 17,1 anos. A repetência escolar foi declarada por 73,1 por cento. Entre as dificuldades escolares decorrentes da cegueira, sobressaiu-se a leitura de livros didáticos e, entre as decorrentes da visão subnormal, a visualização da lousa. O nível de escolaridade mostrou-se baixo em relação à média de idade. Evidenciaram-se percepções coerentes em relação à problemática da inclusão escolar.

The inclusion of people with visual impairment in the school system demand professionals to know these students' perceptions regarding their limitations and possibilities. Characteristics and perceptions of students with visual impairment related to their process of rehabilitation were identified in this study. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out with 12-year students included in the public school system of a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A questionnaire was applied through interviews. A population of 26 students, 46.2 percent with low vision and 53.8 percent with blindness, with an average age of 17.1 years was obtained. School failure was reported by 73.1 percent. Reading didactic books stood out among difficulties faced due to blindness and visualization of the blackboard stood out among difficulties due to low vision. Education level was considered low in relation to the average age. Coherent perceptions related to the school inclusion problem were evidenced.

La promoción de la inclusión escolar de personas con discapacidad visual demanda que los profesionales conozcan las percepciones que estos alumnos tienen sobre sus limitaciones y posibilidades. En este estudio fueron identificadas características y percepciones de escolares con deficiencia visual, con relación a su proceso de rehabilitación. Fue realizado un estudio descriptivo transversal con escolares a partir de 12 años de edad, pertenecientes al sistema público de enseñanza en un municipio del Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Se aplicó un cuestionario mediante entrevista. Se obtuvo un universo de 26 alumnos, siendo 46,2 por ciento con visión subnormal y 53,8 por ciento con ceguera, con media de edad de 17,1 años. La repetición de grados escolares fue declarada por 73,1 por ciento. Entre las dificultades escolares causadas por la ceguera, sobresalió la lectura de libros didácticos y entre las consecuencias de la visión subnormal, la visualización de la pizarra. El nivel de escolaridad se mostró bajo en relación a la media de edad. Las percepciones encontradas fueron coherentes con la problemática de la inclusión escolar.

Inclusão social do deficiente visual: experiência e resultados de Assis / Social inclusion for visually impaired: experience and results from Assis

OBJETIVOS: Traçar o perfil do usuário da Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual na cidade de Assis - SP, avaliar a porcentagem de deficientes visuais empregados e comparar o emprego com idade, gênero, tipo de deficiência e doença causadora da deficiência, entre dois períodos: de 1984 a 1996 e de 1997 a 2009. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários médicos e da ficha escolar dos portadores de deficiência visual que frequentaram a Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual, no período de 1984 a 2009 na cidade de Assis - SP, divididos em dois períodos de 1984 a 1996 (G1) e de 1997 a 2009 (G2). Analisaram-se dados demográficos, a doença que provocou a baixa visão, o tipo de deficiência visual (cegueira ou baixa visão), escolaridade, recursos ópticos, frequência à Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual e taxa de emprego. Foi feita associação da taxa de emprego com: idade, gênero, raça/cor, tipo de deficiência e doença nos dois diferentes períodos. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 149 deficientes visuais sendo: 61,07 por cento homens, 38,9 por cento mulheres, 82,5 por cento brancos e 17,4 por cento não brancos e a mediana da idade foi de 18 anos. Dos 149 deficientes visuais, 63,75 por cento eram portadores de baixa visão e 36,24 por cento portadores de cegueira. As principais doenças que levaram à deficiência visual dos 149 pacientes foram em ordem decrescente: retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose (17,40 por cento), atrofia óptica congênita (12,10 por cento), alta hipermetropia (8,72 por cento), retinose pigmentar e alta miopia (6,71 por cento cada uma) e glaucoma congênito e catarata congênita (6,04 por cento cada uma). A frequência à Sala de Recursos para Deficiente Visual foi boa em mais de 50 por cento dos pacientes. Estavam trabalhando regularmente 44,7 por cento e 12,3 por cento dos maiores de 14 anos respectivamente nos períodos de 1984 - 1996 e de 1997 - 2009. Não houve diferença entre os dois períodos quanto às características...

PURPOSES: To establish the visually impaired resource class users profile in the city of Assis - SP, to estimate the visually impaired employment percentage and to compare employment rate with age, gender, deficiency type and causing disease between two periods:1984 - 1996 and 1997 - 2009. METHODS: Retrospective review of both medical and school records from visually impaired individuals attending visually impaired resource class in Assis - SP between 1984 and 2009. This time period was divided into two intervals: 1984 - 1996 (G1) and 1997 - 2009 (G2). Collected data included demographic features and diseases, type of visual impairment (blindness or low vision), education, optic aids, attendance to visually impaired resource class and employment rate. Employment rate was associated with age, gender, type of visual impaiment and causing disease between both study time intervals. RESULTS: A total of 149 visually impaired individuals were identified - 61.07 percent male, 38.9 percent female, 82.5 percent white, and 17.4 percent non-white. Mean age was 18 years. Of the 149 visually impaired, 63.75 percent had low vision and 36.24 percent were blind. In decreasing order, the more frequent conditions leading to visual impairment were toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis (17.40 percent), congenital optic atrophy (9.39 percent), high hyperopia (8.72 percent), pigmentary retinosis and high myopia (with 6.71 percent each) and congenital glaucoma and congenital cataract (with 6.04 percent each). Attendance to visually impaired resource class was good by over 50 percent of the patients. Of the individuals >14 years-old, 44.7 percent and 12.3 percent were regularly employed during 1984 - 1996 and 1997 - 2009 periods, respectively. Employment rate only correlated with age (individuals with higher mean age were most frequently employed) and there was not correlation with demographic characteristics, deficiency type and causing diseases...

Comparative study of the blinking time between young adult and adult video display terminal users in indoor environment / Estudo comparativo do tempo de piscadas entre adultos jovens e adultos usuários de monitor de microcomputador em ambiente climatizado

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the average blinking time in conversation and in Video Display Terminal use of young adults and adults in the presbyopic age group. METHODS: A transversal analytical study in a readily accessible sample consisting of Volkswagen do Brasil - Curitiba, Paraná employees was performed. The cohort group consisted of 108 subjects divided into two age groups: Group 1, the young adult group (age range 20-39): 77 employees, mean age of 30.09 ± 5.09; Group 2, the presbyopic adult group, (age range 40-53): 31 employees, mean age of 44.17 ± 3. Subjects under 18 years of age, with a history of ocular disorders, contact lens wearers and computer non-users were excluded. The subjects had their faces filmed for 10 minutes in conversation and VDT reading. Student's t-test was used and the statistical significance level was 95 percent. RESULTS: The average time between blinks in Group 1 for conversation and VDT reading was 5.16 ± 1.83 and 10.42 ± 7.78 seconds, respectively; in Group 2. 4,9 ± 1.49 and 10.46 ± 5.54 seconds. In both age groups, the time between blinks in VDT reading situations was higher (p<0.0001). There was no statistically meaningful difference for conversation and VDT reading situations when the two studied age groups were compared (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the blinking time between young adults and the presbyopic group in VDT use situations when compared with reading situations. The difference in the blinking frequency between young adults and the presbyopic group in VDT use and reading situations was not statistically significant.

OBJETIVOS: Investigar o intervalo entre as piscadas em adultos jovens e em présbitas, durante conversação e leitura no monitor do computador. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal, analítico, em amostra prontamente acessível, composta por funcionários da Volkswagen do Brasil, em Curitiba (Paraná-Brasil). A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos de acordo com a idade: grupo 1 (20-39 anos); grupo 2 (40-53 anos). Foram excluídos menores de 18 anos, portadores de doenças oculares, usuários de lentes de contato e não usuários de computador. Os participantes tiveram suas faces filmadas por 10 minutos durante atividades de conversação e leitura no monitor do computador. Utilizou-se teste t de Student,com nível de significância de 95 por cento. RESULTADOS: A amostra compôs-se de 108 indivíduos, sendo o grupo 1 com 77 indivíduos, com idade média 30,09 ± 5,09 anos e grupo 2 com 31 indivíduos, com idade média 44,17 ± 3 anos. O tempo médio entre as piscadas, no grupo 1, em conversação foi de 5,16 ± 1,83 e leitura no monitor de 10,42 ± 7,78 segundos; no grupo 2, em conversação foi de 4,9 ± 1,49 e leitura no monitor de 10,46 ± 5,54 segundos. Encontrou-se distância maior entre as piscadas, durante a leitura no monitor (p<0,0001) nos dois grupos etários. Conferindo os resultados encontrados nos dois grupos, nas situações de conversação e leitura no monitor, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Houve um aumento no intervalo entre as piscadas, em adultos jovens e em présbitas, durante a leitura em monitor quando comparada com situação de conversação. Não se evidenciou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os participantes dos dois grupos, nas situações de conversação e leitura no monitor.

Cataract remains an important cause of blindness in Campinas, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of blindness in the elderly population of Campinas, Brazil, and to describe the coverage and quality of cataract surgery services in the area. METHODS: A brief assessment of cataract surgery services (using the "RACSS" (Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services Method) was conducted using random cluster sampling, with a sample composed of 60 clusters of 40 people aged 50 years or older. Visual acuity (VA) was measured and the lens status observed by direct visual ophthalmoscopy. From the selected sample of 2,400 subjects, 92.67% were examined. RESULTS: Blindness (VA < 3/60 with available correction) was found in 1.98 % (2.03 % among male subjects, and 1.94 % among female subjects). The prevalence of blindness varied with age, from 0.2%, in the group from 50 to 54 years, to 7.2% in those above 80. Cataract was the main cause of blindness (40.2%) followed by suspected posterior segment disorders (18.2%), diabetic retinopathy (15.9%), and glaucoma (11.4%). The cataract surgical coverage was of 93% (VA < 3/60) and 82.18% when the criterion was VA 6/60 in the best eye. The main reasons the subjects did not receive surgical treatment were: fear of undergoing surgery, 11.1%; lack of awareness about the condition, 16.7%; waiting for maturity, 16.7%; and contraindication to surgery, 44.4%. CONCLUSION: Cataract is the major cause of blindness in Campinas. Education on eye diseases, their prevention and treatment must become part of the city's public healthcare policies.

[Social inclusion for visually impaired: experience and results from Assis]. / Inclusão social do deficiente visual - experiência e resultados de Assis.

PURPOSES: To establish the visually impaired resource class users profile in the city of Assis - SP, to estimate the visually impaired employment percentage and to compare employment rate with age, gender, deficiency type and causing disease between two periods:1984 - 1996 and 1997 - 2009. METHODS: Retrospective review of both medical and school records from visually impaired individuals attending visually impaired resource class in Assis - SP between 1984 and 2009. This time period was divided into two intervals: 1984 - 1996 (G1) and 1997 - 2009 (G2). Collected data included demographic features and diseases, type of visual impairment (blindness or low vision), education, optic aids, attendance to visually impaired resource class and employment rate. Employment rate was associated with age, gender, type of visual impairment and causing disease between both study time intervals. RESULTS: A total of 149 visually impaired individuals were identified - 61.07% male, 38.9% female, 82.5% white, and 17.4% non-white. Mean age was 18 years. Of the 149 visually impaired, 63.75% had low vision and 36.24% were blind. In decreasing order, the more frequent conditions leading to visual impairment were toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis (17.40%), congenital optic atrophy (9.39%), high hyperopia (8.72%), pigmentary retinosis and high myopia (with 6.71% each) and congenital glaucoma and congenital cataract (with 6.04% each). Attendance to visually impaired resource class was good by over 50% of the patients. Of the individuals >14 years-old, 44.7% and 12.3% were regularly employed during 1984 - 1996 and 1997 - 2009 periods, respectively. Employment rate only correlated with age (individuals with higher mean age were most frequently employed) and there was not correlation with demographic characteristics, deficiency type and causing diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The main characteristics of the individuals attending the visually impaired resource class are: male, white, with low vision and ocular toxoplasmosis. Nearly half of the individuals older than 14 years-old (44.7%) were regularly employed up to 1996, suggesting that the joint effort of ophthalmologists and teachers helps the social inclusion of these patients. Employment rate dropped over 1997 - 2009 period, and the rate of retirees increased.

Qualidade de vida em pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa / Quality of life in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

OBJETIVO: Verificar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes portadores de RDP. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 61 pacientes do Setor de Retina, do Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP, cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, portadores de RDP, maiores de 18 anos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um inventário de qualidade de vida "WHOQOL Bref 1998". Foram classificados dois grupos: Grupo I, com Acuidade Visual (AV) melhor que 20/200 e Grupo II, com AV pior ou igual a 20/200. RESULTADOS: Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos quanto às pontuações nos domínios: físico (p = 0,255) e psicológico (p = 0,287). Quanto aos domínios social (p = 0,019) e meio ambiente (p = 0,009), houve significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: Os domínios que apresentaram maior significância para o grupo com pior AV (Grupo II) foram o social e o meio ambiente, o que pode demonstrar falta de apoio da sociedade aos pacientes portadores de RDP.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the Quality of life for the Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) patients. These subjects have a higher risk for severe visual loss, due to the vascular retina complications. METHODS: We evaluated the Quality of Life of 61 PDR patients, over 18 years old, who have been followed up in the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Clinical Hospital of Medicine School of São Paulo, Brazil. All patients data were obtained using a questionnaire of health quality of life "WHOQOL Bref - Portuguese version - 1998", and the statistical analysis was done using SPSS program. The 61 patients were classified in two groups: Group I, with 28 patients (46 percent), with better visual acuity (VA) of 20/200 and Group II, with 33 patients (54 percent), with worse or equal VA of 20/200. RESULTS: No statistical significant difference (SSD) was observed between the groups, regarding to physical domain (p= 0,255) and psychological domain (p=0,287). SSD was observed between the groups, regarding to social domain (p=0.019) and environment domain (p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Patients with poor VA can be equivalent with those with better vision in physical and psychological domains (no SSD). The SSD regarding to social and environment domains demonstrate the lack of social support for people living with severe visual loss.

[Evaluation of patients using an innovative low-vision aid]. / Avaliação de pacientes utilizando equipamento inovador de auxílio à visão subnormal.

PURPOSE: To perform a preliminary evaluation at the "Clínica Oftalmológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP)" of an innovative equipment for low-vision developed at USP containing a reading stand and a magnifier that maintains in a stable position the reading line and focus. METHODS: 9 low-vision patients were evaluated using the above mentioned reading stand and a magnifier developed at USP comparing it with a hand magnifier of similar power taking into account the following evaluation parameters: etiology of low-vision, best corrected visual acuity for distance, patient's opinion comparing both low-vision aid resources, authors' opinion observing the patient using both low-vision aids. RESULTS: The numerical preference for the low-vision aids was: 5 patients for the reading stand and a magnifier that maintains at a stable position the reading line and focus; 2 patients for the hand magnifier; 1 patient indifferent regarding any of the resources; 1 patient inadequate for the evaluation of the low-vision aids. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study shows the preference of the majority of the patients for the reading stand and a magnifier that maintains at a stable position the reading line and focus showing that this innovative product makes reading easier; the evaluator doctor translates the patient's opinion as an expert and contributes to the improvement of the product so that it can be evaluated again in the future.