Immune-related visual dysfunction in thyroid eye disease: a combined orbital and brain neuroimaging study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the pathological interplay between immunity and the visual processing system (VPS) in thyroid eye disease (TED). METHODS: A total of 24 active patients (AP), 26 inactive patients (IP) of TED, and 27 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) were conducted for each participant. Multiple MRI parameters of the intraorbital optic nerve (ON) were assessed. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were calculated. Correlation analyses were carried out on the above parameters and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Visual functioning scores differentiated between the AP and IP groups. The ON subarachnoid space and ON sheath diameter were significantly higher in AP than in IP. Six vision-related brain regions were identified in TED patients compared with HCs, including right calcarine (CAL.R), right cuneus (CUN.R), left postcentral gyrus (PoCG.L), right middle temporal gyrus (MTG.R), left superior frontal gyrus (SFG.L), and left caudate (CAU.L). The brain activity of MTG.R, SFG.L, and CAU.L differentiated between the AP and IP groups. The correlation analysis revealed a close association among the vision-related brain regions, MRI parameters of ON, and clinical characteristics in AP and IP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Combined orbital and brain neuroimaging revealed abnormalities of the VPS in TED, which had a close correlation with immune statuses. Vision-related brain regions in TED might be possibly altered by peripheral immunity via a direct or indirect approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The discovery of this study explained the disparity of visual dysfunction in TED patients with different immune statuses. With the uncovered neuroimaging markers, early detection and intervention of visual dysfunction could be achieved and potentially benefit TED patients. KEY POINTS: • Patients with different immune statuses of thyroid eye disease varied in the presentation of visual dysfunction. • The combined orbital and brain neuroimaging study identified six altered vision-related brain regions, which had a significant correlation with the MRI parameters of the intraorbital optic nerve and immunological characteristics. • Peripheral immunity might possibly give rise to alterations in the central nervous system part of the visual processing system via a direct or indirect approach.

Vision impairment and blindness in individuals aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and causes of vision loss and calculate the effective cataract surgery coverage (eCSC) in adults aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020. Methods: The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Vision Atlas and the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness databases were used as data source. The collected data were used to estimate the prevalence and causes of vision loss in people aged 60 years and older, and to determine the eCSC. Results: The overall prevalence of moderate to severe vision impairment (MSVI) and blindness in Latin America and the Caribbean were 14.14% and 2.94%, respectively. Tropical Latin America was the subregion with the highest prevalence of blindness (3.89%) while Southern Latin America had the lowest (0.96%). For both MSVI and blindness, cataract was the main cause of vision loss. The eCSC rates showed great variation, ranging from 4.0% in Guatemala to 75.2% in Suriname. Conclusions: The prevalence of vision loss in adults aged 60 years and older in Latin America and the Caribbean was higher than previous estimates on younger groups. Cataract was the main cause of blindness, and the eCSC indicates that the outcomes from cataract surgery should be improved. Specific actions associated with improving access, integrating eye assessment with primary care programs, expanding the use of telemedicine, and improving data quality should be taken by public health authorities aiming to address vision loss in this group.

Effectiveness and Safety of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation for Vision Restoration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive electrical stimulation (NES) for vision restoration. We systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NES with sham stimulation, for vision restoration between 2000 and 2022 in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. The main outcomes were as follows: visual acuity (VA); detection accuracy; foveal threshold; mean sensitivity as the parameter for the visual field; reading performance; contrast sensitivity (CS); electroencephalogram; quality of life (QoL), and safety. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. The certainty in the evidence was determined using the GRADE framework. Protocol registration: CRD42022329342. Thirteen RCTs involving 441 patients with vision impairment indicate that NES may improve VA in the immediate post-intervention period (mean difference [MD] = -0.02 logMAR, 95% confidence intervals [CI] -0.08 to 0.04; low certainty), and probably increases QoL and detection accuracy (MD = 0.08, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.42 and standardised MD [SMD] = 0.09, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.77, respectively; both moderate certainty). NES likely results in little or no difference in mean sensitivity (SMD = -0.03, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.48). Compared with sham stimulation, NES increases the risk of minor adverse effects (risk ratio = 1.24, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.54; moderate certainty). The effect of NES on CS, reading performance, and electroencephalogram was uncertain. Our study suggests that although NES may slightly improve VA, detection accuracy, and QoL, the clinical relevance of these findings remains uncertain. Future research should focus on improving the available evidence's precision and consistency.

Associations between Visual Acuity and Cognitive Decline in Older Adulthood: A 9-Year Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence suggests low vision may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. We examined effects of baseline visual acuity (VA) on level of, and change in, cognitive test performance over 9 years. METHOD: A population-based sample of 1,621 participants (average age 77 years) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and VA testing at baseline and reassessed at nine subsequent annual visits. Linear regression modeled the association between baseline VA and concurrent cognitive test performance. Joint modeling of a longitudinal sub-model and a survival sub-model to adjust for attrition were used to examine associations between baseline VA and repeated cognitive test performance over time. RESULTS: Better baseline VA was associated cross-sectionally with younger age, male sex, greater than high school education, and higher baseline neuropsychological test scores on both vision-dependent (B coefficient range -0.163 to -0.375, p = .006 to <.001) and vision-independent tests (-0.187 to -0.215, p = .003 to .002). In longitudinal modeling, better baseline VA was associated with slower decline in vision-dependent tests (B coefficient range -0.092 to 0.111, p = .005 to <.001) and vision-independent tests (-0.107 to 0.067, p = .007 to <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher VA is associated with higher concurrent cognitive abilities and slower rates of decline over 9 years in both vision-dependent and vision-independent tests of memory, language, and executive functioning. Findings are consistent with emerging literature supporting vision impairment in aging as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Clinicians should encourage patient utilization of vision assessment and correction with the added aim of protecting cognition.

The effects of abnormal visual experience on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Normal visual development is supported by intrinsic neurobiological mechanisms and by appropriate stimulation from the environment, both of which facilitate the maturation of visual functions. However, an offset of this balance can give rise to visual disorders. Therefore, understanding the factors that support normal vision during development and in the mature brain is important, as vision guides movement, enables social interaction, and allows children to recognize and understand their environment. In this paper, we review fundamental mechanisms that support the maturation of visual functions and discuss and draw links between the perceptual and neurobiological impairments in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. We aim to explore how this is evident in the case of ASD, and how perceptual and neurobiological deficits further degrade social ability. Furthermore, we describe the altered perceptual experience of those with schizophrenia and evaluate theories of the underlying neural deficits that alter perception.

Knowledge and experience of paramedics concerning patients with hearing and visual disability.

BACKGROUND: A 2017 nationwide disability survey conducted by the General Authority of Statistics in Saudi Arabia, a sample representing the whole population living in Saudi Arabia, reported that approximately 5% and 2% of the Saudi population suffers from visual or hearing impairments, respectively. Patients with these disabilities find it difficult to convey their medical history and chief complaints to paramedics, causing communication breakdowns that can lead to misinterpretation of patient history, leave medical problems unaddressed, and reduce patient engagement and autonomy. We aimed to assess paramedics' knowledge, attitude, and level of confidence when managing patients with visual or hearing problems. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used to report the knowledge and experience of paramedics towards patients with hearing/vision disabilities in Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was distributed to our study sample of paramedics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 01, July 2020 and 31, December 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center. RESULTS: Ninety-seven participants completed the survey. Male paramedics accounted for 77% of the study participants; 24% were Saudi Red Crescent employees, and 57% were 20-25 years old. Most participants encountered 1-5 cases of patients with hearing disability (55%) as well as patients with visual disability (48%) during their career. Taking medical history was a challenge indicated by 42% of the participants, and 30% reported difficulties in explaining procedures. Of the participants, 44% were confident in handling patients with hearing or visual impairment. There was a strong association between participants who indicated higher confidence levels and those who had obtained specific training for patients with hearing or visual impairments. CONCLUSION: Assisting patients with hearing or visual impairments is challenging, especially during an emergency. We recommend programs that provide specific training in handling hearing or visually impaired patients to close the communication gap in emergent medical situations handled by paramedics or other emergency medicine doctors and nurses.

Severe craniofacial fibrous dysplasia associated with decreased visual acuity: a case report.

Fibrous dysplasia is a developmental abnormality characterized by the replacement of normal bone tissue by fibrous connective tissue with poorly organized bone trabeculae. This disorder rarely occurs in the craniofacial region, but in such cases it causes facial asymmetries and has severe clinical implications for the patient. This case report describes the treatment of an 18-year-old man who presented with complaints of facial deformity and decreased visual acuity. Cone beam computed tomography revealed a diffuse bone lesion affecting the region of the maxillary, frontal, and nasal bones on the left side of the face. After microscopic examination, the diagnosis of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia was made. The patient underwent a bilateral temporal craniotomy to perform decompression of the orbital apices and correct the loss of visual acuity. In addition, surgical cosmetic contouring of the facial bones was performed. The patient has been followed up by a multidisciplinary team; at his most recent examination, 18 months after the last surgical intervention, his clinical condition remained stable.

Impaired motion perception is associated with functional and structural visual pathway damage in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Decreased motion perception has been suggested as a marker for visual pathway demyelination in optic neuritis (ON) and/or multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVES: To examine the influence of neuro-axonal damage on motion perception in MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). METHODS: We analysed motion perception with numbers-from-motion (NFM), visual acuity, (multifocal (mf)) VEP, optical coherence tomography in patients with MS (n = 38, confirmatory cohort n = 43), NMOSD (n = 13) and healthy controls (n = 33). RESULTS: NFM was lower compared with controls in MS (B = -12.37, p < 0.001) and NMOSD (B = -34.5, p < 0.001). NFM was lower in ON than in non-ON eyes (B = -30.95, p = 0.041) in NMOSD, but not MS. In MS and NMOSD, lower NFM was associated with worse visual acuity (B = -139.4, p < 0.001/B = -77.2, p < 0.001) and low contrast letter acuity (B = 0.99, p = 0.002/B = 1.6, p < 0.001), thinner peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (B = 1.0, p < 0.001/ B = 0.92, p = 0.016) and ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (B = 64.8, p < 0.001/B = 79.5, p = 0.006), but not with VEP P100 latencies. In the confirmatory MS cohort, lower NFM was associated with thinner retinal nerve fibre layer (B = 1.351, p < 0.001) and increased mfVEP P100 latencies (B = -1.159, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Structural neuro-axonal visual pathway damage is an important driver of motion perception impairment in MS and NMOSD.

Anti-GQ1b Antibody Syndrome with Visual Impairment: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome referred to a clinical spectrum characterized by acute onset of ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and areflexia, while visual deterioration was rarely reported in terms of ocular disorders. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome with visual impairment. METHODS: The database at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University was searched from 2014 to 2020. Patients with anti-GQ1b IgG were identified and divided into two groups according to the existence of optic neuropathy. Clinical and laboratory data of these subjects between the two groups were collected and analyzed. All patients were followed up by telephone to assess the outcome. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients with seropositive anti-GQ1b antibody were included, 75% of which got antecedent infection. Of these cases, 3 showed visual deterioration accompanied by abnormal orbital magnetic resonance imaging or visual evoked potentials, and the other 9 didn't show any evidence of vision impairment. Patients in the optic neuropathy group presented prominent visual impairments as initial symptoms and were more likely to suffer from facial weakness. There were 4 patients in normal visual acuity group complaining of blurred vision due to intraocular muscle paralysis, which was distinguished by subsequent examination. The combination of glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin was applied to treat patients with optic neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides strong evidence that anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome can exhibit visual impairment, which helps further expand the clinical spectrum of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome. More attention should be paid to the physical and supplementary ophthalmological examination to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome.

Ocular adverse effects of bladder medication: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: With the ageing population, lower urinary tract symptoms are becoming more prevalent with an estimate that by 2025, 52 million adults in the USA will be affected. After lifestyle modifications fail to resolve symptoms, second-line therapy with medications is often recommended by both the European Association of Urology and the American Urological Association. Considering the vulnerability of older patients to co-morbidities, physicians must be more aware of adverse side effects. This study aims to identify a linkage between common overactive bladder and interstitial cystitis medication and adverse ocular symptoms. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and HealthSTAR alongside a grey literature search in clinicaltrials.gov to include all articles relating to bladder medication and vision-threatening loss. Covidence review software was utilised to conduct the systematic review. RESULTS: In total, 222 articles were screened, and 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. Comprehensive coverage of 10 available medications was analysed. All medications reported adverse vision effects stratified over 15 categories. The most common adverse effect was reported to be blurred vision (n = 12 studies). Mirabegron had the most number of adverse types of ocular symptoms that covered 6 categories. Cizolirthine Citrate and Elocatitol had the least amount of ocular side effects reported. From the total of 8459 patients that were treated for either overactive bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis with oral medications, 422 reported adverse vision effects. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that ocular safety should be assessed in patients requiring systematic drug therapy in order to guide future research, focussing on long-term tolerability.

Visual illusions in Parkinson's disease: an interview survey of symptomatology.

BACKGROUND: Several types of visual illusions can occur in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the prevalence and types of specific illusions experienced by patients with PD remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the types of illusions. METHODS: A questionnaire of visual illusions was developed through a literature review in consultation with clinicians and neurologists. Based on the questionnaire, 40 consecutive patients with PD were asked a series of Yes/No questions regarding 20 types of visual illusions since the onset of PD. If participants answered 'Yes', they were then asked to detail their experience(s). RESULTS: In total, 30 patients with PD had experienced visual illusions since disease onset; among them, 25 were still experiencing them at the time of the study. The most commonly observed illusion types were dysmorphopsia, complex visual illusions, metachromatopsia, and diplopia. Other observed illusions included textural illusions, macropsia, micropsia, teleopsia, pelopsia, kinetopsia, akinetopsia, Zeitraffer/Zeitlupen phenomena, tilt illusion, upside-down illusion, and palinopsia. Additionally, aberrant perception of surface orientation (inclination) was reported, which is yet to be reported in association with any disease. Visual illusions had detrimental effects on the patients' daily lives in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic interviews regarding the incidence and details of visual illusions experienced by patients with PD could offer important information regarding their quality of life.

Neuro-Ophthalmological Findings as First Manifestation of Occipital Tuberculoma.

We present a 54-year-old male garbage collector, who came to the ophthalmology department due to one-month history of bilateral blurred vision, palinopsia, headache and visual geometrical hallucinations. The examination showed a normal anterior segment, a homonymous left upper central scotoma and tilted segmental hypoplasia of the optic nerve of the left eye. Contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass lesion in the right occipital cortex. At biopsy, tuberculosis was found. Subsequently, anti-tuberculous treatment led to a good response with resolution of the palinopsia and visual hallucinations, and improved vision.

Investigation of Visual System Involvement in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA-PRKCG, formerly SCA14) is a rare, slowly progressive disorder caused by conventional mutations in protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ). The disease usually manifests with ataxia, but previous reports suggested PRKCG variants in retinal pathology. To systematically investigate for the first time visual function and retinal morphology in patients with SCA-PRKCG. Seventeen patients with PRKCG variants and 17 healthy controls were prospectively recruited, of which 12 genetically confirmed SCA-PRKCG patients and 14 matched controls were analyzed. We enquired a structured history for visual symptoms. Vision-related quality of life was obtained with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) including the Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement (NOS). Participants underwent testing of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, and retinal morphology with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Measurements of the SCA-PRKCG group were analyzed for their association with clinical parameters (ataxia rating and disease duration). SCA-PRKCG patients rate their vision-related quality of life in NEI-VFQ significantly worse than controls. Furthermore, binocular visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were worse in SCA-PRKCG patients compared with controls. Despite this, none of the OCT measurements differed between groups. NEI-VFQ and NOS composite scores were related to ataxia severity. Additionally, we describe one patient with a genetic variant of uncertain significance in the catalytic domain of PKCγ who, unlike all confirmed SCA-PRKCG, presented with a clinically silent epitheliopathy. SCA-PRKCG patients had reduced binocular vision and vision-related quality of life. Since no structural retinal damage was found, the pathomechanism of these findings remains unclear.

Visual impairment and spectacles ownership among upper secondary school students in northwestern China.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of visual impairment and spectacles ownership among academic and vocational upper secondary school students in rural China. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 5583 students from four academic upper secondary schools (AUSSs) and two vocational upper secondary schools (VUSSs) in Mei and Qianyang counties, Baoji Prefecture, Shaanxi Province. In March and April 2016, students underwent assessment of visual acuity (VA) and completed a questionnaire regarding spectacles use and family characteristics. Students with visual impairment (presenting VA ≤6/12 in the better eye) and students needing spectacles (uncorrected VA ≤6/12 in the better eye, which could be improved to >6/12 with refraction) were identified. RESULTS: Among 5583 students (54% boys, mean age 16.4±1.0 years) in grades 10 and grade 11 attending AUSSs (n=4549) and VUSSs (n=1034), visual impairment was detected in 4026 students. Among the AUSS students, 3425 (75%) needed spectacles; 2551 (75%) had them. Among the VUSS students, 601 (58%) needed spectacles; this proportion was significantly smaller (P=0.004), as was the proportion who had spectacles (n=212, 35%, P<0.001), compared with the AUSS students. Multivariate analysis showed that ownership of spectacles among children who needed them was associated with worse uncorrected VA (P<0.001), male sex (P<0.001), and residence in an urban area (P<0.034). Spectacles ownership was also strongly associated with AUSS education (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of unmet need in visual care among upper secondary school students. Lack of spectacles ownership among children who needed them was significantly associated with VUSS education.

[Prevalence and risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy in Santander. Northern Spain]. / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a la retinopatía diabética en Santander. Norte de España.

OBJETIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Cantabria. DESIGN: ross-sectional population based study. LOCATION: Health center of Cantabria. PARTICIANTS: A random sample of 442 patients with type 2 diabetes. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Non-mydiatric retinography, classifying them according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. The analyzed risk factors were: age, gender, age at diabetes onset, duration of diabetes, glycated haemoglobin levels (A1C), treatment of diabetes, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), serum lipids concentration, body mass index, smoking status, hematocrit, pregnancy, serum vitamin D (25 OH D) levels, nephropathy and cardiovascular events. RESULTS: The prevalence of DR was 8.56% (CI: 5.81-11.32): Mild non-proliferative DR: 5.07% (CI: 2.89-7.25); Moderate non-proliferative DR: 1.38% (CI: 0.17-2.60); Severe non-proliferative DR: 0.27% (CI: 0.006-1.28); proliferative DR: 1.84% (CI: 0.46-3.22). Diabetic macular oedema: 2.30% (CI: 0.77-3.83). Mean age: 70 years, mean diagnostic age: 58.97 years, mean body mass index 29.86, 78.40% patients with hypertension, 67.30% dyslipidemia and median A1C: 6.7%. A deficit of 25 (OH) D was identified in 77% of patients. In the multivariate analysis, treatment of type 2 diabetes, body mass index, duration of diabetes and metabolic control of glycaemia were identified as independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DR, compared with former studies, has decreased to 8.56%; this decrease is associated with the improvement in the control of modifiable risk factors. The associated independent risk factors were: treatment, body mass index, duration and control of diabetes. The variables antihypertensive treatment, cardiovascular events and nephropathy showed predictive value for DR.

[Jiangsu Diabetic Eye Disease Study：epidemiological survey of blindness and moderate or severe visual impairment in people with type 2 diabetes over 50 years old in Funing County].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, causes and risk factors of moderate or severe visual impairment and blindness in people with type 2 diabetes over 50 years old in Funing County, Yancheng. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Using cluster random sampling, 84 survey sites were selected, and eye examination was performed on people with type 2 diabetes over 50 years old who were registered with the chronic disease information center of Funing County Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Yancheng, Jiangsu. The prevalence of moderate or severe visual impairment and blindness were calculated by different ages and genders. The causes of blindness and visual impairment were determined, and their influencing factors were analyzed by univariate and multivarite logistic regression. Results: A total of 2 067 people were investigated in this study, and 1 909 people were included. The response rate was 92.4%. Based on PVA, the prevalence of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment was 5.29% (95%CI: 4.29%-6.30%) and 18.54% (95%CI: 16.80%-20.29%). The prevalence of blindness was related to age, marital status, education, duration of diabetes, history of diabetic nephropathy, systolic blood pressure and nuclear opacity. The prevalence of moderate or severe visual impairment was related to age, gender, educational level, diabetes treatment, exercise, and glycated hemoglobin. The prevalence of blindness and moderate to severe visual impairment was 3.67% (95%CI: 2.82%-4.51%) and 9.80% (95%CI: 8.46%-11.13%) based on BCVA. The prevalence of blindness was related to age, marital status, education, duration of diabetes, history of diabetic nephropathy, exercise and systolic blood pressure, while the prevalence of moderate or severe visual impairment was related to age, educational level, diabetes treatment and nuclear opacity. The primary cause of blindness and visual impairment is cataract, followed by diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions: The prevalence of moderate or severe visual impairment and blindness in people with type 2 diabetes in Funing County is relatively high. Attention should be paid to the prevention of blindness in this population. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 593-599).

Neuroplasticity and Braille reading.

This article brings review of the studies and their findings about neuroplasticity of the brain and Braille reading, as well as some connections between the two. The goal of the article is to combine knowledge from different disciplines, thus enabling development of new efficient programs in rehabilitation. A lot of research has shown the possibility of brain reorganization (plasticity), indicating the creation of new neuron connections in people with vision loss which relate to Braille reading, especially in late-onset vision loss.

Psychological and Psychosocial Interventions for Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature on psychosocial and psychological interventions to prevent and treat depression and anxiety in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review of literature evaluating psychosocial and psychological interventions for depression and anxiety in patients with AMD. Primary searches of PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Global Health, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Science Direct were conducted to include all articles published up to April 21, 2018. RESULTS: Of a total of 398 citations retrieved, the authors selected 12 eligible studies published between 2002 and 2016. The authors found nine randomized controlled trials (RCT), and three non-randomized intervention (NRI) studies. RCT studies suggested that interventions using group self-management techniques and individual behavioral activation plus low vision rehabilitation can be effective to treat and prevent depression in patients with AMD, and one study suggested that a stepped-care intervention using cognitive-behavioral techniques can be effective to manage anxiety and depression over time. NRI studies highlighted a positive effect of self-help and emotion-focused interventions to reduce depression. CONCLUSION: Clinical practice with patients with AMD can rely on some tailored cognitive-behavioral therapeutic protocols to improve patients' mental health, but further clinical trials will generate the necessary evidence-based knowledge to improve those therapeutic techniques and offer additional tailored interventions for patients with AMD.

The association between visual impairment and fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

PURPOSE: The aim was to compare fatigue levels between patients with visual impairment and controls with normal sight and to examine the association between fatigue and vision loss severity. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using databases of PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane to identify observational studies with outcomes related to fatigue (e.g. vitality subscale of the Short-Form 36, Fatigue Assessment Scale). A meta-analysis was performed using standardised mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (OR) to quantitatively summarise the association between visual impairment and fatigue. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: After reviewing 4477 studies, 22 studies with a total of 40 004 participants were included, of which 18 contributed to meta-analysis. Among these, eight were assessed as moderate quality studies and 10 as high quality studies. Pooled analysis involving 2500 patients and 8395 controls showed higher fatigue severity levels (S.M.D. = -0.36, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.22, 14 studies) among visually impaired patients compared to normally sighted controls. This effect size was small and persisted in sensitivity analyses that involved study quality, fatigue assessment tools and visual acuity data. Furthermore, pooled analysis of four studies including 2615 patients and 5438 controls showed a significant association between visual impairment and fatigue (OR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.04). Secondary meta-analysis of four studies showed no significant difference in fatigue severity (S.M.D. = 0.01, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.39) between patients with moderate visual impairment and patients with severe visual impairment or blindness. CONCLUSIONS: Current moderate to high quality evidence suggest that patients with visual impairment experience more severe fatigue symptoms than persons with normal sight. However, a limited number of available studies indicates that fatigue is not associated with severity of vision loss. Future studies are required to determine which factors and underlying mechanisms may explain the association between visual impairment and fatigue. Discussing fatigue at an early stage and developing intervention options for vision-related fatigue should be considered within the field of low vision rehabilitation.

[Self-reported hearing loss and visual impairment in adults from Central Mexico]. / Autorreporte de pérdida auditiva y discapacidad visual en adultos del centro de México.

OBJECTIVE: To determinate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) and visual impairment (VI) among adult population from Tlaxcala, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A populationbased cross-sectional study comprising persons 50 years and older was conducted in 2013. Self-reported HL was measured using the Hearing Impairment Inventory for the Elderly (SHIIE) questionnaire; VI was determined using the Snellen tumbling E chart. RESULTS: 900 women and 611 men (mean age 66.1 years) were included. 481(31.8%) individuals had HL (415 alone and 66 combined with VI). Prevalence of HL alone and together with VI was associated with age (per two years, OR=1.03 and OR=1.18, respectively) and self-reported poor health status (OR=1.90 and OR=3.69, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of these disabilities calls for the implementation of public health interventions that help to reduce its impact in the population.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de discapacidad auditiva (DA) y visual (DV) en adultos del estado de Tlaxcala, México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de base poblacional realizado en 2013 que incluye sujetos ≥50 años de edad. La DA se evaluó por autorreporte con el cuestionario Hearing Impairment Inventory for the Elderly (SHIIE); la DV se midió usando la cartilla E rotatoria de Snellen. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 900 mujeres y 611 hombres (media=66.1 años). El 31.8% (481) tenía DA (415 sola y 66 con DV). La prevalencia de DA sola o con DV se asoció con edad (por cada dos años, RM=1.03 y RM=1.18, respectivamente) y con autorreporte del estado de salud deficiente (RM=1.90 y RM=3.69, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: Se requiere la implementación de intervenciones en salud pública que reduzcan el impacto de estas dos condiciones en la población.