Cataract progression after primary pars plana vitrectomy for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Scleral buckling is typically implemented to repair rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD) in young patients. Therefore, there is limited data on post-pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) cataract formation in this cohort. We report the rates and risk factors of cataract progression after PPV for RRD repair in young eyes. METHODS: Retrospective single-center cohort study. Medical records of patients between the ages of 15 to 45 undergoing PPV for uncomplicated RRD between 2014 and 2020 were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight eyes from 26 patients met inclusion criteria. Cataracts developed in 20/28 (71%) eyes after PPV. After PPV, nuclear sclerotic cataract (NSC) rates were higher in patients above 35 (65%) compared to below 35 years (18%) (p = 0.024). Cataracts developed more frequently after macula-off RRDs (88%) compared to macula-on RRDs (50%) (p = 0.044) with NSC more common in macula-off detachments (p = 0.020). At postoperative month 2, all eyes with C3F8 gas developed cataracts compared to 59% of eyes with no gas (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract formation was common and frequent after PPV. After PPV, young eyes and macula-on detachments developed cataracts less frequently than older eyes and macula-off detachments. If appropriate, a shorter acting gas tamponade should be considered in young eyes to minimize cataract formation.

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to Posner-Schlossman syndrome in a twenty-six-year-old female.

Purpose: To describe a case of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) secondary to Posner-Schlossman syndrome in a twenty-six-year-old female. Observations: A 26-year-old female presented with painful visual loss of the left eye, elevated intraocular pressure of 38 mmHg, and trace to 1+ anterior chamber cell. Diffuse optic disc edema in the left eye and a small cup-to-disc ratio of the right optic disc were evident. Magnetic resonance imaging was unremarkable. Conclusions and Importance: The patient was diagnosed with NAION secondary to Posner-Schlossman syndrome, an uncommon ocular entity that can significantly affect vision. Posner-Schlossman syndrome can cause a decrease in ocular perfusion pressure involving the optic nerve and can lead to ischemia, swelling, and infarction. NAION should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients with sudden development of optic disc swelling and increased intraocular pressure with normal magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy: A Pilot Safety Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo corneal changes after Rose Bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) treatment in New Zealand White rabbits. METHODS: Sixteen rabbits were divided into 5 groups. All groups underwent deepithelialization of an 8 mm diameter area in the central cornea. Group 1: balanced salt solution drops only, group 2: 0.2% RB only, group 3: green light exposure (525 nm, 5.4 J/cm2) only, group 4: 0.1% RB-PDAT, and group 5: 0.1% RB-PDAT. All rabbits were followed clinically. Group 5 rabbits were followed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and clinically. On day 35 after initial treatment, 1 rabbit from group 5 was re-exposed to green light (5.4 J/cm2) to evaluate reactivation of the remaining RB dye, and terminal deoxynucleotyl transferase-mediated UTP-biotin-nick-end labeling assay was performed on corneal cryosections. RESULTS: Complete reepithelization was observed, and corneas remained clear after treatment in all groups. In group 5, AS-OCT revealed a cross-linking demarcation line. AS-OCT showed RB fluorescence and collagen cross-linking in all treated eyes of group 5 animals after 5 weeks of treatment. Photobleached RB retention in the corneal stroma was corroborated by fluorescence confocal microscopy on frozen sections. There was no evidence of a sustained cytotoxic effect through terminal deoxynucleotyl transferase-mediated UTP-biotin-nick-end labeling at 5 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: RB-PDAT with 0.1% RB is a safe procedure. There was no difference clinically and on histopathology compared with control groups. In eyes where RB dye is retained in the corneal stroma after 1 month of treatment, oxidative stress is not evidenced at long term.

Lens and Peripheral Retinal Relationships During Vitrectomy: Comparison of 23-, 25-, and 27-Gauge Vitrectomy and Curved Endolaser Probes.

Purpose: This work aims to compare spatial relationships between the crystalline lens and vitrectomy instruments of different gauges. Methods: Eight phakic eyes recovered from deceased donors were used after fixation. Valved trocars (27-gauge, 25-gauge, and 23-gauge) were sequentially placed in the superotemporal quadrant 4 mm posterior to the limbus in each eye. Intraocular relationships of vitrectomy and curved endolaser probes were measured for each gauge. Results: There were no significant differences in maneuverability between instruments of different gauges. The mean distance from instrument to lens at the geometric center of the globe was 5.5 mm. Vitrectomy probes of all gauges could access the peripheral retina on both sides of the sclerotomy in the 3 to 4 o'clock position adjacent to the sclerotomy without touching the lens. The instruments could be advanced without lens touch to contact the retina within at least 2 mm of the ora serrata 180° away from the insertion site. Conclusions: Vitrectomy and curved endolaser probes achieved similar maneuverability relative to the lens regardless of gauge. This study confirms that small-gauge vitrectomy instruments have a considerable range of safe access to the peripheral retina in phakic eyes from a single sclerotomy.

Shortened Pattern Electroretinogram Latency and Impaired Autoregulatory Dynamics to Steady-State Stimuli in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is a sensitive measure of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function that includes within-test progressive changes-adaptation-reflecting RGC autoregulatory dynamics. Comprehensive PERG assessment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) (with or without optic neuritis [ON]) may provide unique information about RGC dysfunction and its progression, as well as a comparison between functional loss and structural loss as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The goal of this project was to measure steady-state PERG components and their associations with intraretinal layer thicknesses in MS. METHODS: One hundred forty eyes of 70 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 126 eyes of 63 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (HC) were investigated using a new-generation PERG method and ultrahigh-resolution OCT. Of MS eyes, there were 30 eyes with ON (MSON), 22 non-ON fellow eyes (MSFE), and 88 non-ON MS eyes (MSNON). PERG amplitude, phase (latency), and adaptation of amplitude and phase were measured and correlated with OCT-determined thicknesses of intraretinal layers. RESULTS: The average PERG amplitude in MSON eyes was significantly lower than MSFE (P = 0.007), MSNON (P = 0.002), and HC (P < 0.001). The PERG amplitude in MSFE eyes was also significantly lower than HC (P = 0.039). The PERG latency in MSON eyes was significantly shorter than in MSFE (P = 0.001), MSNON (P = 0.002), and HC (P < 0.001). The PERG latency in MSFE (P = 0.007) and MSNON (P = 0.002) was significantly shorter than in HC. However, no significant differences were found between MSFE and MSNON (P > 0.05). PERG adaptation of amplitude in MSON was significantly lower than that in MSNON (P = 0.039) and HC (P = 0.037). Both the amplitude and latency in the MS eyes were significantly correlated with the thicknesses of the macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL). CONCLUSIONS: Shortened PERG latency and impaired autoregulatory dynamics occurred in MS, suggesting preferential dysfunction of small, slower RGC axons and decreased ability of RGC to autoregulate their gain in response to PERG stimulus. The established relations of PERG measurements with intraretinal thickness measurements suggested that PERG losses were primarily associated with GCIPL and mRNFL thinning.

Non-invasive Assessment of Central Retinal Artery Pressure: Age and Posture-dependent Changes.

Purpose: Assessment of Ocular Perfusion Pressure (OPP) requires estimation of the Mean Central Retinal Artery Pressure (MCRAP) [OPP = MCRAP-IOP]. In a seated position, MCRAP is currently estimated as 2/3 of the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) to account for the hydrostatic reduction of MAP at eye level. We tested a surrogate method for direct MCRAP assessment by measuring MAP with Arm-Up and cuff at eye level (AUMAP) at different postures and ages. Methods: MAP and AUMAP were assessed in a mixed population of 136 subjects (mean age 44 ± 17.39 years) including healthy participants (N = 30) and patients with optic neuropathies (Glaucoma suspects, N = 14; Open-Angle Glaucoma, N = 26, LHON, N = 19; MS, N = 47) not expected to alter systemic blood pressure. None of the subjects had history of carotid stenosis or pharmacological treatment to regulate blood pressure. AUMAP was also tested in two subgroups in supine (N = 42) and -10° Head Down body Tilt position (HDT, N = 46). Results: In the seated position, both 2/3MAP and AUMAP increased with increasing age, however with steeper (2x) slope for AUMAP (P < .0001). With decreasing angle of body tilt, AUMAP increased while MAP decreased. The mean AUMAP/MAP ratio (posture coefficient) was, seated, 0.73 (SE 0.003); supine, 0.90 (SE 0.005); HDT, 0.97 (SE 0.005). In the seated position only, the AUMAP/MAP ratio significantly increased with age (P < .0001). Mean posture coefficients obtained with AUMAP were in the range of those based on either direct ophthalmodynamometric measurements or hydrostatic estimations. Conclusions: Surrogate measurement of MCRAP in individual subjects is feasible using the simple AUMAP approach that provides a straightforward estimation of OPP (OPP = AUMAP - IOP) at different body postures. The standard method OPP = 2/3*MAP-IOP in the seated posture underestimates OPP at older ages. Clinical estimation of OPP would benefit from the use of AUMAP, in particular for head-down postures.

Clinicopathologic Correlations of Retrocorneal Membranes Associated With Endothelial Corneal Graft Failure.

PURPOSE: To provide clinicopathologic correlations for retrocorneal membranes associated with Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) failure. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The specimens and medical records of the patients diagnosed with clinically significant retrocorneal membranes associated with DSAEK failure at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute or the University of Miami Veterans Hospital between October 2015 and March 2020 were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, and surgeries performed. Histopathologic analysis was performed on hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff sections. Immunohistochemical studies were performed for smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), pancytokeratin, and CK7. Immunofluorescence was performed for vimentin, N-cadherin, ROCK1, RhoA, ZEB1, and Snail. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients (3 male and 4 female) were identified to have a clinically significant retrocorneal membranes at the time of graft failure. The average age at the time of first DSAEK was 70 years (range: 55-85 years). All patients were pseudophakic and had a glaucoma drainage device in place; 1 had a history of failed DSAEK. Ranging from 0 to 47 months after surgery, a variably thick retrocorneal fibrous membrane was observed, eventually leading to graft failure. Four patients underwent subsequent penetrating keratoplasty and 3 underwent repeat DSAEK. On histopathologic evaluation, a pigmented fibrocellular tissue was identified along the posterior margin of the corneas and DSAEK buttons in all cases. Further characterization with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated membranes to be negative for pancytokeratin and positive for α-SMA, vimentin, CK7, N-cadherin, ZEB1, Snail, ROCK1, and RhoA. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrocellular retrocorneal membrane proliferation may be associated with DSAEK failure in patients with previous glaucoma drainage device surgery. Our results demonstrate myofibroblastic differentiation and a lack of epithelial differentiation. Positivity for markers of an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition indicates possible endothelial origin and could be the hallmark for future targeted pharmacotherapy.

Separation and thickness measurements of superficial and deep slabs of the retinal nerve fiber layer in healthy and glaucomatous eyes.

Purpose: Describe a new method to analyze retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness maps. Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects: RNFL thickness maps of healthy and glaucomatous eyes. Methods: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) RNFL raster scans from 98 healthy and 50 glaucomatous eyes were analyzed. The RNFL thickness maps were separated into superficial (SNFL) and deep (DNFL) slabs through a partial thickness plane set at the modal thickness (mode). Association between mode and OCT signal strength (SS), age, axial length, and visual field mean deviation (VFMD) was tested (Pearson coefficient, r). Thicknesses of inferior and superior SNFL regions (i-,s-SNFL), and inferior, superior, nasal, and temporal DNFL regions (i-,s-,n-,t-DNFL) were calculated. The regions thicknesses were compared between healthy and glaucomatous eyes (t-test) and between glaucomatous eyes with early, moderate, and severe disease (ANOVA and linear regressions of thickness on VFMD). Diagnostic accuracy and correlation with VFMD of RNFL regions thicknesses were calculated as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Pearson r, respectively. P<0.05 was considered significant. Main outcome: Thickness of regions in SNFL and DNFL slabs. Results: The mode was not associated with SS, age, axial length, or VFMD, it circumscribed the thicker RNFL around the optic disc of healthy and glaucomatous eyes, and it was used to separate the SNFL and DNFL slabs of RNFL thickness maps. The thickness of the SNFL slab was less in glaucomatous eyes than in healthy eyes (P<0.001). S-SNFL and i-SNFL thicknesses (respectively) were 86.0±8.2µm and 87.3±9.6µm in healthy eyes vs. 66.1±9.1µm and 63.4±8.2µm in glaucomatous eyes (P<0.001 for both). The thickness of the DNFL slab was similar between groups (P=0.19). T-DNFL thickness was 37.0±5.3µm in healthy eyes vs. 33.9±5.0µm in glaucomatous eyes (P<0.001); thicknesses of all other DNFL regions were similar. The SNFL regions only thinned with progressively worse glaucoma severity, had excellent AUCs (AUC≥0.95, P<0.001), and correlated strongly with VFMD (r≥0.60, P<0.001). Conclusions: Glaucomatous RNFL thinning is predominantly detected within a slab with thickness greater than the mode. SNFL thickness has great AUC and correlation with VFMD in glaucomatous eyes. The usefulness for diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma needs further study.

Long-term PERG monitoring of untreated and treated glaucoma suspects.

PURPOSE: To investigate long-term structural and functional progression of untreated and treated glaucoma suspects (UGS and TGS). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of serial steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG), mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and standard automated perimetry mean deviation (SAP-MD) in UGS (N = 20) and TGS (N = 18). Outcome measures were the rates of change (linear regression slopes) of PERG amplitude, PERG phase, mean RNFLT, and SAP-MD over 9.8 ± 1.3 years (15.6 ± 4.2 visits). RESULTS: The number of patients with significant (P < 0.05) progression slopes for PERG amplitude, PERG phase, RNFLT, and SAP-MD was, respectively, UGS: 5, 0, 4, 2; TGS: 8, 2, 6, 5. In UGS, outcome measures were not correlated with each other. In TGS, both PERG amplitude and RNFLT were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with SAP-MD (R ≥ 0.58), while PERG amplitude and RNFLT were not correlated with each other (R = 0.43, P = 0.064). The rate of change of SAP-MD was predicted (P < 0.05) by a linear combination of RNFLT slope and PERG amplitude slope. CONCLUSIONS: Results substantiate and extend previous results showing that steady-state PERG amplitude progressively decreased over time in a proportion of glaucoma suspects, with relatively steeper slope in TGS compared to UGS. RNFLT progression also had a steeper slope in TGS compared to UGS; however, progressions of PERG amplitude and RNFLT were not significantly correlated. Both PERG progression and RNFLT progression independently contribute to prediction of visual field progression.

Decoding PERG: A neuro-ophthalmic retinal ganglion cell function review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Currently, the clinical evaluation of neuro-ophthalmologic diseases are mainly focused on identifying stages where structural or functional damage occur. Recognition of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) functional patterns as well as monitoring RGC dysfunction can be performed using steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG). The analysis of the amplitude and latency shift aid on providing information on early damage or monitoring of the RGC, allowing for prompt clinical intervention and management modification, potentially changing the natural history of the disease. The purpose of this article is to review the latest findings in PERG, in early manifest glaucoma, non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis with unilateral recovered optic neuritis and its fellow eyes. RECENT FINDINGS: The steady-state PERG responses provide new and early specific information in neuro-ophthalmic diseases affecting the inner retina. SUMMARY: Steady state PERG presents specific amplitude and latency outcomes based on the neuro-ophthalmic disease affecting the inner retina, allowing early recognition of changes at the level of RGC and the degree of RGC dysfunction. In addition, PERG alterations may be induced in healthy subjects as well as susceptible eyes using different stress tests such as head down tilting or water drinking tests.

Salzmann nodular degeneration: prevalence, impact, and management strategies.

PURPOSE: This review will summarize the clinical and histological presentation of Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND), its prevalence and risk factors, potential underlying mechanisms, diagnostic tools, management options, and impact on cataract surgery and co-morbid ocular surface diseases. METHOD: PubMed review of 44 articles published between 1976 and 2018. RESULTS: SND is a corneal disease characterized by whitish gray or bluish nodules on the peripheral or central cornea. The clinical presentation of SND is variable and the nodules can be asymptomatic or cause foreign body sensation and/or blurred vision. Histologically, SND appears as subepithelial nodules with thin overlying epithelium, disrupted or absent Bowman's layer, and activated fibroblasts within the nodule. SND pathogenesis is not fully understood but is thought to involve poor epithelial protection and disruption of the epithelial-stromal interface, allowing for penetration of epithelially derived growth factors into the stroma and subsequent activation of stromal fibroblasts, eventually leading to sub-epithelial deposition of disorganized extracellular membrane components. SND most commonly occurs in Caucasian females in a bimodal distribution, occurring in the fifth or eighth and ninth decades of life. Risk factors for SND include ocular surface diseases and surgery. Surgical intervention is recommended in individuals with symptomatic nodules - primarily superficial keratectomy performed with or without intraoperative mitomycin C, photokeratectomy, and/or amniotic membrane transplantation. These procedures have been successful in removing the lesion and reducing corneal irregularity, but have variable recurrence rates (0-31%). CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of SND is complex and multifactorial. Advances in diagnostic and treatment modalities have allowed for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of SND.

Long-term outcomes of riboflavin photodynamic antimicrobial therapy as a treatment for infectious keratitis.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term outcomes of three patients with infectious keratitis treated with riboflavin photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PDAT). OBSERVATIONS: Case series reporting three patients with infectious keratitis unresponsive to standard medical treatment who underwent riboflavin photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PDAT) as an adjunct therapy. One male and two female patients were treated, the median age of presentation was 58 years (range, 29-79 years). The organisms isolated and treated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium chenolae, and Curvularia spp. Different risk factors to develop corneal infection ulcers were identified, including corneal abrasion in a contact lens user, history of penetrating keratoplasty with chronic use of topical corticosteroids, and organic trauma. The median follow-up was 47 months (range 37-54 months), and there were no complications secondary to riboflavin PDAT treatment. Two cases underwent optical penetrating keratoplasty after infection was resolved and ocular surface was quiet for at least 3 years. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Riboflavin PDAT can be used as an adjunct treatment in infectious keratitis to strengthen the corneal collagen fibers, delay keratolysis, and allow more time for antimicrobials to work and this way prevent a corneal perforation.

Clinicopathologic Correlation of the Optic Pit Glial Plug in Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy.

This is a report of a 31-year-old woman with unilateral vision loss due to serous retinal detachment and schisis-like changes associated with an optic disc pit. The patient was initially observed but worsened clinically and underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, laser photocoagulation, and removal of an optic pit plug. Histopathological analysis of the specimen disclosed that the plug consisted of fibrovascular neural tissue. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:e287-e291.].

Retinal ganglion cell function in recovered optic neuritis: Faster is not better.

OBJECTIVE: To assess residual retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function in patients with recovered optic neuritis (ON) and multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Age-matched controls (C, n = 32) and MS patients (n = 17) with history of ON in one eye but normal visual acuity and color vision were tested with steady-state Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG). Light Emitting Diodes (LED)-generated bar gratings, robust signal averaging and Fourier analysis were used to assess response amplitude and latency. RESULTS: PERG amplitude was similar for C, ON and fellow eyes (FE) (P = 0.4), but PERG latency was shortened in ON by 3.2 ms (P = 0.002) and in FE by 2.0 ms (P = 0.02) and was correlated (P < 0.01) with both Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) and Ganglion Cell Inner Plexiform Layer (GCIPL) thicknesses. PERG latency shortening could be simulated in control subjects (n = 8) by dioptrically blurring the edges of gratings (high spatial frequencies), which reduced activity of parvocellular RGCs with smaller/slower axons. The blurred PERG latency was shorter than baseline by 2.9 ms (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PERG latency is shortened in both eyes of MS patients with recovered unilateral ON, suggesting relative dysfunction of RGCs with slower axons and sparing of RGCs with faster axons. SIGNIFICANCE: Assessment of PERG latency in MS and ON may help identifying and monitoring RGC dysfunction. PERG latency shortening in FE suggests primary retinopathy in MS.

Histologic Analysis of Trabecular Meshwork Obtained From Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there are identifiable, reproducible findings in the trabecular meshwork (TM) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who underwent Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy. DESIGN: Noncomparative retrospective case series. METHODS: Tertiary academic referral center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Thirteen patients (14 eyes) with POAG (100%) were treated with KDB goniotomy from May to December 2017. Isolated TM tissue was collected from 9 patients (10 eyes) and submitted for histologic analysis. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and elastin Van Gieson stains were completed, in addition to immunohistochemistry for collagen IV. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 74.2 ± 6.7 years. Trabecular beams were identified in all 10 specimens, although distorted in 4 samples, of which 3 had a history of laser trabeculoplasty. Collagen IV staining was present in 10 of 10 samples, coating the trabecular beams. Elastin was present in 8 of 10 samples along the trabecular beams. Intraocular pressure and number of glaucoma medications decreased significantly in all cases postoperatively (P < .0001, P = .035, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that tissue obtained during KDB goniotomy has a high yield of containing TM compared to reported yield of TM in specimens collected from traditional ab externo trabeculectomy (71% vs 20%, respectively). These goniotomy specimens possess sufficient anatomic preservation to be studied histologically. Trabecular meshwork obtained with this procedure may provide a novel modality to study TM dysfunction in open-angle glaucomas.

Blue Nevi of the Ocular Surface: Clinical Characteristics, Pathologic Features, and Clinical Course.

PURPOSE: Blue nevus is a melanocytic tumor that is commonly found in the skin. Extracutaneous presentations, including the ocular surface, are rare. As such, the purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features and clinical course of congenital melanocytic tumor (blue nevus) of the conjunctiva. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients with 23 blue nevi of the ocular surface that were excised surgically between 2000 and 2016. METHODS: Chart review of patients identified from a database search of the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory records. Pathologic diagnoses were confirmed by 2 pathologists (S.R.D. and G.E.). All specimens were bleached and, tissue permitting, stained using SOX10 (MilliporeSigma, Darmstadt, Germany) and CD68 (Leica Biosystems, Nussloch, Germany). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical characteristics, pathologic features, and clinical course. RESULTS: Mean age of the population was 55±15 years; 71.4% (n = 15) were white and 57.1% (n = 12) were men. One patient had 3 lesions, for a total of 23 lesions examined. Clinically, 13 lesions were on the bulbar conjunctiva, 3 were on the tarsal conjunctiva, 3 were in the fornix, 2 were caruncular, 1 was episcleral, and 1 was at the limbus. Before excision, 8 patients were thought to have primary acquired melanosis, 4 with concern for primary conjunctival melanoma, and 1 thought to have metastatic disease from a plantar melanoma. Five lesions were thought to be benign, and in 8 patients, the lesions were identified incidentally after other ocular surgeries, with no diagnosis of the lesions before excision. Pathologic features were consistent with simple blue nevi in 21 lesions and cellular blue nevus in 2 lesions. No malignant transformations were noted in any patient over the mean 20.2-month follow-up period (range, 2 weeks-103 months). CONCLUSIONS: Blue nevus is a rare deeply pigmented congenital melanocytic lesion with a benign clinical course that can appear clinically similar to primary acquired melanosis or melanoma.

Neurovascular Changes Associated With the Water Drinking Test.

PURPOSE: The water drinking test (WDT) is currently used to temporarily elevate intraocular pressure (IOP) and predict peak IOP in glaucoma. This study investigates neurovascular changes associated with WDT in normal subjects. METHODS: The effect of WDT (1 L in 5 min) on IOP, mean brachial blood pressure, heart rate, and pattern electroretinogram was assessed within the next hour in 16 healthy subjects (mean age: 33.5±7.9 y). As a control, testing was repeated in the same subjects without WDT 1 week later. RESULTS: Compared with control, WDT resulted in significant peak changes of the following parameters compared with baseline: IOP: +1.7±1.8 mm Hg after 30', mean brachial blood pressure: +3.9±6.3 mm Hg after 15'; heart rate: -9.2±9.8 bpm after 15', pattern electroretinogram latency: +2.1±0.9 ms after 15'. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to IOP elevation, WDT was associated with significant changes of hemodynamic parameters and retinal ganglion cell function in young healthy subjects. As these represent risk factors for glaucoma, their assessment upon WDT might increase its predictive power for glaucoma development.

Next Generation PERG Method: Expanding the Response Dynamic Range and Capturing Response Adaptation.

PURPOSE: To compare a new method for steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERGx) with a validated method (PERGLA) in normal controls and in patients with optic neuropathy. METHODS: PERGx and PERGLA were recorded in a mixed population (n = 33, 66 eyes) of younger controls (C1; n = 10, age 38 ± 8.3 years), older controls (C2; n = 11, 57.9 ± 8.09 years), patients with early manifest glaucoma (G; n = 7, 65.7 ±11.6 years), and patients with nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (N; n = 5, mean age 59.4 ± 8.6 years). The PERGx stimulus was a black-white horizontal grating generated on a 14 × 14 cm LED display (1.6 cycles/deg, 15.63 reversals/s, 98% contrast, 800 cd/m2 mean luminance, 25° field). PERGx signal and noise were averaged over 1024 epochs (∼2 minutes) and Fourier analyzed to retrieve amplitude and phase. Partial averages (16 successive samples of 64 epochs each) were also analyzed to quantify progressive changes over recording time (adaptation). RESULTS: PERGLA and PERGx amplitudes and latencies were correlated (Amplitude R2 = 0.59, Latency R2 = 0.39, both P < 0.0001) and were similarly altered in disease. Compared to PERGLA, however, PERGx had shorter (16 ms) latency, higher (1.39×) amplitude, lower (0.37×) noise, and higher (4.2×) signal-to-noise ratio. PERGx displayed marked amplitude adaptation in C1 and C2 groups and no significant adaptation in G and N groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PERGx high signal-to-noise ratio may allow meaningful recording in advanced stages of optic nerve disorders. In addition, it quantifies response adaptation, which may be selectively altered in glaucoma and optic neuropathy. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: A new PERG method with increased dynamic range allows recording of retinal ganglion cell function in advanced stages of optic nerve disorders. It also quantifies the response decline during the test, an autoregulatory adaptation to metabolic challenge that decreases with age and presence of disease.

Head-down Posture in Glaucoma Suspects Induces Changes in IOP, Systemic Pressure, and PERG That Predict Future Loss of Optic Nerve Tissue.

PURPOSE: To obtain pilot data on posture-induced changes of intraocular pressure (IOP), systemic pressure, and pattern electroretinogram (PERG) predictive of future optic nerve tissue loss glaucoma suspects (GSs). METHODS: Mean peripapillary retinal fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was measured with optical coherence tomography 2 times/year in 28 GS aged 58±8.9 years over 5.0±0.73 years. All patients had a baseline PERG, IOP, and brachial blood pressure measurements in the seated and -10 degrees head-down-body-tilt (HDT) position. Outcome measures were seated/HDT PERG amplitude and phase, IOP, mean arterial blood pressure, and estimated ocular perfusion pressure. An additional group of 11 similarly aged controls aged 56.9±13 years was tested for comparison. RESULTS: Although all GS had initial RNFLT in the normal range, 9/28 of them developed significant (P<0.05) loss of mean RNFLT [thinners (T)] over the follow-up period as opposed to 19/28 who did not [nonthinners (NT)]. Significant (P<0.05) differences between similarly aged controls, NT, and T were found in PERG amplitude, PERG phase, mean arterial blood pressure, IOP, and ocular perfusion pressure. A nominal logistic regression using baseline PERG and hemodynamic variables was able to distinguish T from NT with an area under receiving operator characteristic of 0.89 (SE, 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline PERG, IOP, and systemic blood pressure, together with their changes upon HDT, may have predictive value for future loss of optic nerve tissue in GS. This study supports the rationale for a full-scale clinical trial to identify patients at high risk of development of glaucoma.

Cardio-Metabolic Health Venezuelan Study (EVESCAM): Design and Implementation / Estudio Venezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica (EVESCAM): Diseño e Implementación

The EVESCAM (EstudioVenezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica) is the first national, population survey in Venezuela, designed to examine the prevalence of diabetes and cardio-metabolic risk factors and its relationship with lifestyle. It is a cross-sectional, cluster sampling study, which recruited 4454 participants aged ≥ 20 years. The data were collected in community health-care centers by trained health professionals and medical students. The data collected from each subject included, after informed consent, structured questionnaires (clinical, demographic, physical activity, nutritional and psychological), anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumference), body fat by bioelectrical impedance, hand grip, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and biochemical measurements (standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides). The data will be used to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome; and to examine their relationships with lifestyle factors. The risk of coronary heart disease and impaired glucose regulation will be estimated using the Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score and the Latin America adaptation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (LA-FINDRISC), respectively. These results will guide national cardiovascular and diabetes prevention strategies, and will be available for government agencies to help in the implementation of public health policies.

El EVESCAM (Estudio Venezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica) es el primer estudio poblacional de muestreo nacional en Venezuela diseñado para examinar la prevalencia de diabetes y factores de riesgo cardio-metabólico, y su relación con el estilo de vida. Se trata de un estudio transversal de muestreo por conglomerados, reclutando 4454 participantes de 20 años o más. Los datos fueron recogidos en centros de salud de la comunidad por profesionales de salud y estudiantes de medicina entrenados. Después del consentimiento infor mado, los datos recolectados en cada sujeto incluyeron: cuestionarios estructurados (clínico, demográfico, actividad física, nutricional y psicológico), medidas antropométricas (peso, talla y circunferencia de cintura), grasa corporal por impedancia bioeléctrica, fuerza de aprehensión de la mano, presión arterial, electrocardiograma y medidas bioquímicas (prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral estándar con 75 g de glucosa, colesterol total, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL y triglicéridos). Los datos se utilizarán para estimar la prevalencia de sobrepeso, obesidad, prediabetes, diabetes, hipertensión arterial, dislipidemias, sarcopenia y síndrome metabólico; y para examinar sus relaciones con factores de estilo de vida. El riesgo de cardiopatía coronaria y de alteración de la regulación de la glucosa se calculará utilizando la puntuación de riesgo de la enfermedad coronaria de Framingham y la adaptación para Latinoamérica de la puntuación finlandesa del riesgo de diabetes (LA-FINDRISC), respectivamente. Estos resultados guiarán las estrategias nacionales de prevención cardiovascular y diabetes, y estarán disponibles para que las agencias gubernamentales ayuden en la implementación de las políticas de salud pública.