Saccadic movements during an exploratory visual search task in patients with glaucomatous visual field loss.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the saccadic movements of patients with visual field loss due to primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: Thirteen patients with good visual acuity (0.2 logMAR or better) (seven patients with primary open-angle glaucoma 65 ± 13 years) and six controls (51 ± 6 years) yielded a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including Humphrey Visual Field tests (SITA-Standard 24-2), and performed a monocular, exploratory digital visual search task that quantifies the duration for finding the number "4" on a random array of digits distributed on the screen. After individual adjustments of the angle and distance positioning, the screen was spatially matched with the 24-2 visual field, and divided into five areas for analysis. During the task, saccades were simultaneously recorded in the same eye with a video-based eye tracker. RESULTS: The patients with primary open-angle glaucoma showed a significantly higher number of saccades/screen (median ± interquartile range, 59.00 ± 29.00 vs. 32.50 ± 19.75 saccades (p=0.027) and visual search time per screen (38.50 ± 60.14 vs. 23.75 ± 8.90 seconds (p=0.035) than the controls did. Although the univariate analysis indicated a significant correlation with visual field mean deviation (coefficient=26.19 (p=0.02), only the visual search time/screen was significantly associated with the number of saccades/screen in the multivariate regression model (coefficient=0.55 (p<0.001). Overall, no significant correlation was observed between the sectorial number of saccades and the sensitivity of the five visual field areas. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with primary open-angle glaucoma show impaired search performance and showed a higher number of saccades needed to find stimuli when performing the exploratory visual task.

Saccadic movements during an exploratory visual search task in patients with glaucomatous visual field loss

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the saccadic movements of patients with visual field loss due to primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods: Thirteen patients with good visual acuity (0.2 logMAR or better) (seven patients with primary open-angle glaucoma 65 ± 13 years) and six controls (51 ± 6 years) yielded a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including Humphrey Visual Field tests (SITA-Standard 24-2), and performed a monocular, exploratory digital visual search task that quantifies the duration for finding the number "4" on a random array of digits distributed on the screen. After individual adjustments of the angle and distance positioning, the screen was spatially matched with the 24-2 visual field, and divided into five areas for analysis. During the task, saccades were simultaneously recorded in the same eye with a video-based eye tracker. Results: The patients with primary open-angle glaucoma showed a significantly higher number of saccades/screen (median ± interquartile range, 59.00 ± 29.00 vs. 32.50 ± 19.75 saccades (p=0.027) and visual search time per screen (38.50 ± 60.14 vs. 23.75 ± 8.90 seconds (p=0.035) than the controls did. Although the univariate analysis indicated a significant correlation with visual field mean deviation (coefficient=26.19 (p=0.02), only the visual search time/screen was significantly associated with the number of saccades/screen in the multivariate regression model (coefficient=0.55 (p<0.001). Overall, no significant correlation was observed between the sectorial number of saccades and the sensitivity of the five visual field areas. Conclusions: The patients with primary open-angle glaucoma show impaired search performance and showed a higher number of saccades needed to find stimuli when performing the exploratory visual task.

Comparison of the short-term results of nasal and temporal 180° selective laser trabeculoplasties for open-angle glaucoma / Trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser nasal versus temporal de 180 graus no glaucoma de ângulo aberto: resultados a curto prazo

ABSTRACT Purpose: The nasal sector of the anterior chamber angle may present a higher density of collector channels, which may influence the results of angle surgeries. Considering the anatomical differences in the anterior chamber angle, we compared the results of the nasal and temporal 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty approaches for open-angle glaucoma. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with open-angle glaucoma (primary, pseudoexfoliation, and pigmentary) who underwent at least one 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty session between December 2016 and October 2018. The nasal (N1) or temporal (T1) sectors were chosen at the physician's discretion. Patients who did not experience decreased intraocular pressure between 3 and 6 months again underwent 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty in the opposite angle sector (T2 and N2). The main outcome measured was decrease in intraocular pressure at 6-month follow-up, after the last selective laser trabeculoplasty. A multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with decreased intraocular pressure after treatment. Results: The procedure was performed initially in 45 eyes (N1, 25; T1, 20 eyes) and repeated in the opposite anterior chamber angle sector in 19 eyes (N2, 11; T2, 8 eyes). Analysis of variance revealed that only the N1 approach presented a significant difference in the decrease in intraocular pressure as compared with the T1, N2, and T2 approaches (p=0.0014). The baseline intraocular pressure (p=0.021) and anterior chamber angle sector (N1; p=0.044) correlated with decreased intraocular pressure. Conclusion: Compared with the temporal approach, 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty performed initially in the nasal sector was associated with a more significant decrease in intraocular pressure. Considering the sectorial differences in the anterior chamber angle, further prospective trials are warranted to confirm our findings and provide more-efficient selective laser trabeculoplasty protocols.

RESUMO Objetivo: O setor nasal do ângulo da câmara anterior pode apresentar maior densidade de canais coletores, o que pode influenciar no resultado de cirurgias angulares. Considerando as diferenças anatômicas no ângulo da câmara anterior, comparamos os resultados das abordagens de trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser nasal e temporal de 180 graus no glaucoma de ângulo aberto. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes com glaucoma de ângulo aberto (primária, pseudoexfoliação e pigmentar), que realizaram pelo menos uma sessão de trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser de 180 graus entre dezembro/2016 e outubro/2018. O setor nasal (N1) ou temporal (T1) foi escolhido a critério do médico. Os pacientes que não apresentaram diminuição da pressão intraocular (PIO) entre 3 e 6 meses foram retratados com trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser de 180 graus no setor de ângulo oposto (T2 e N2). O principal resultado medido foi a diminuição da pressão intraocular no 6º mês de acompanhamento após a última trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser. Uma análise de regressão multivariável avaliou os fatores associados à redução da pressão intraocular após o tratamento. Resultados: O procedimento foi realizado inicialmente em 45 olhos (N1=25, T1=20 olhos), e repetido no setor ângulo da câmara anterior oposto em 19 olhos (N2 = 11, T2 = 8 olhos). Os testes ANOVA mostraram que apenas a abordagem N1 apresentou diferença significativa na diminuição da pressão intraocular em relação a T1, N2 e T2 (p=0,0014). A pressão intraocular basal (p=0,021) e o setor ângulo da câmara anterior (N1; p=0,044) se correlacionaram com a diminuição da pressão intraocular. Conclusão: A trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser de 180 graus realizado inicialmente no setor nasal foi associado a uma diminuição mais significativa da pressão intraocular em comparação com a abordagem temporal. Considerando as diferenças setoriais no ângulo da câmara anterior, mais estudos prospectivos são necessários para confirmar nossos achados e fornecer protocolos para trabeculoplastia seletiva a laser mais eficientes.

Comparison of the short-term results of nasal and temporal 180° selective laser trabeculoplasties for open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The nasal sector of the anterior chamber angle may present a higher density of collector channels, which may influence the results of angle surgeries. Considering the anatomical differences in the anterior chamber angle, we compared the results of the nasal and temporal 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty approaches for open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with open-angle glaucoma (primary, pseudoexfoliation, and pigmentary) who underwent at least one 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty session between December 2016 and October 2018. The nasal (N1) or temporal (T1) sectors were chosen at the physician's discretion. Patients who did not experience decreased intraocular pressure between 3 and 6 months again underwent 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty in the opposite angle sector (T2 and N2). The main outcome measured was decrease in intraocular pressure at 6-month follow-up, after the last selective laser trabeculoplasty. A multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with decreased intraocular pressure after treatment. RESULTS: The procedure was performed initially in 45 eyes (N1, 25; T1, 20 eyes) and repeated in the opposite anterior chamber angle sector in 19 eyes (N2, 11; T2, 8 eyes). Analysis of variance revealed that only the N1 approach presented a significant difference in the decrease in intraocular pressure as compared with the T1, N2, and T2 approaches (p=0.0014). The baseline intraocular pressure (p=0.021) and anterior chamber angle sector (N1; p=0.044) correlated with decreased intraocular pressure. CONCLUSION: Compared with the temporal approach, 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty performed initially in the nasal sector was associated with a more significant decrease in intraocular pressure. Considering the sectorial differences in the anterior chamber angle, further prospective trials are warranted to confirm our findings and provide more-efficient selective laser trabeculoplasty protocols.

Identifying and understanding optical coherence tomography artifacts that may be confused with glaucoma / Identificando e compreendendo os artefatos de tomografia de coerência óptica que podem ser confundidos com o glaucoma

ABSTRACT Optical coherence tomography is often used for detection of glaucoma as well as to monitor progression. This paper reviews the most common types of artifacts on the optical coherence tomography report that may be confused with glaucomatous damage. We mainly focus on anatomy-related artifacts in which the retinal layer segmentation and thickness measurements are correct. In such cases, the probability maps (also known as deviation maps) show abnormal (red and yellow) regions, which may mislead the clinician to assume disease is present. This is due to the anatomic variability of the individual, and the normative database must be taken into account.

RESUMO A tomografia de coerência óptica é frequentemente usada para detectar glaucoma, bem como para monitorar a progressão. Este artigo analisa os tipos mais comuns de artefatos no relatório de tomografia de coerência óptica que podem ser confundidos com danos glaucomatosos. Nós nos concentramos principalmente nos artefatos relacionados à anatomia em que a segmentação da camada da retina e as medidas de espessura estão corretas. Nesses casos, os mapas de probabilidade (também conhecidos como mapas de desvio) mostram regiões anormais (vermelho e amarelo), o que pode induzir o clínico em erro ao supor que a doença está presente. Isto se deve à variabilidade anatômica do indivíduo, e o banco de dados normativo deve ser levado em conta.

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Vascular Risk Factors: A Review of Population Based Studies from 1990 to 2019.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and as the proportion of those over age 40 increases, so will the prevalence of glaucoma. The pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is unclear and multiple ocular risk factors have been proposed, including intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, ocular blood flow, myopia, central corneal thickness, and optic disc hemorrhages. The purpose of this review was to analyze the association between systemic vascular risk factors (including hypertension, diabetes, age, and migraine) and POAG, based on major epidemiological studies. Reports presenting the association between POAG and systemic vascular risk factors included a total of over 50,000 patients. Several epidemiological studies confirmed the importance of vascular risk factors, particularly hypertension and blood pressure dipping, in the pathogenesis and progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. We found that diabetes mellitus is associated with elevated intraocular pressure, but has no clear association with POAG. No significant correlation between migraine and POAG was found, however, the definition of migraine varied between studies.