bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of refractive errors and binocular vision anomalies in children with learning disability
Authors: Yekta A.A. , Khabazkhoob M. , Hashemi H. , Shadalouee Z. , Ostadimoghaddam H. , Rezvan F. , Azimi A. , Heravian J. , Yekta R. , Davari Ashteyani R. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPurposeTo determine the frequency of refractive errors and binocular vision anomalies in children with learning disability.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 406 children with learning disability were selected by systematic sampling from the clinic of psychiatry, Emam Hosein hospital, Tehran, Iran. The mean age of the children was 8.56 ± 2.40 years (range: 5.00–14.00 years). After excluding the subjects with history of eye surgery and including criterias, examinations were carried out by experienced optometrist. Ophthalmic tests included: cycloplegic autorefraction, visual acuity, cover test, amplitude of accommodation, near point of convergence and stereopsis. Myopia and hyperopia were defined as spherical equivalent less than −0.50 Diopter (D) and more than +1.00 D. respectively. Astigmatism was defined as cylinder power worse than 0.75 D.ResultsThe frequency of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 14.50%, 6.90% and 18.50% in children with learning diability respectively. Esophoria and exophoria were found in 1.00% and 6.40% of the children respectively. The optimal visual acuity was found in 98.50 % of the subjects.The frequency of exotropia, esotropia and cyclotropia were found in 1.50%, 1.00% and 0.20 % respectively. Suppression was found in 2.20% of the children. The means amplitude of accommodation and near point of accommodation were 15.53 diopter and 10.12 cm in these subjects, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that the frequency of refractive errors and binocular vision anomalies in children with learning disabilities are similar to normal children and are not the main causes of learning disability.
Comparison of long‐term surgical outcomes of 2‐muscle surgery in intermittent exotropia: Bilateral vs Unilateral
Authors: CHO S.Y. , Lee S.Y. , Bang S.P. , Lee Y.C. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo compare long‐term surgical outcomes after bilateral lateral rectus recession (BLR) and unilateral lateral rectus recession‐medial rectus resection (RR) for the treatment of intermittent exotropia.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent BLR or RR for treatment of intermittent exotropia between 1999 and 2010 and had ≥ 5 years’ follow‐up were recruited. Surgical outcomes were grouped according to postoperative angle of deviation as overcorrection (esophoria/tropia>5△), success (esophoria/tropia ≤5△ to exophoria/tropia≤10△), or undercorrection/recurrence (exophoria/tropia>10△), and were compared between the BLR group and the RR group at postoperative 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, and at the final examination.ResultsOf 99 patients, 37 underwent BLR and 62 underwent RR. The mean follow‐up period was 99.6 months in the BLR group and 96.2 months in the RR group. At 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years and at the final examination the surgical outcomes in each group were not different (p > 0.05). The surgical success rate was 44.6% in the BLR group and 45.0% in the RR group (p = 0.27). The re‐operation rate was 29.7% in the BLR group and 40.3% in the RR group (p = 0.67).ConclusionsSurgical outcomes by 5 years after surgery for intermittent exotropia were comparable between the BLR and RR groups. The surgical success rate and the re‐operation rate were not different between the BLR and RR groups.
Blepharitis, chalazion, stye ‐ or rather not?
Authors: Loeffler K. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryChronic blepharitis and asociated inflammatory alterations of the eyelids are frequent and usually innocuous. However, inflammation can mimic a variety of malignant lesions. By presenting several clinical cases and the corresponding histology, criteria shall be compiled to allow for a more reliable and possibly earlier clinical diagnostic classification.
Comparative Study of Tacrolimus and Bevacizumab on Corneal Neovascularization in Rabbits
Authors: Kim S.E. , Park J.H. , Chung S.K. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo compare the anti‐angiogenic effects of tacrolimus and bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization in rabbits.MethodsNeovascularization was induced in 32 eyes of 16 rabbits by placing suture in the corneal stroma. Seven days after suture placement, all rabbits were divided into four groups and were treated subconjunctivally with bevacizumab 0.05 mL (5 mg/0.05 mL; AVA_sub), Tacrolimus 0.05 mL (0.25 mg/0.05 mL; TAC_sub), balanced salt solution (0.05mL was subconjunctivally injected in one eye of each rabbit and applied by eye drops in the other eye, control group), and Tacrolimus eye drops (5 mg/5 mL applied four times daily; TAC_drop). Digital photographs were obtained and the surface area of corneal neovascularization was measured 7 days after subconjunctival injections. Corneal specimens were analyzed histopathologically and were used to measure the concentration of VEGF, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, and MCP‐1 mRNA by RT‐PCR.ResultsIn digital photographs, the neovascularized area was decreased in all treatment groups (AVA_sub 0.58, TAC_sub 0.60, TAC_drop 0.68) compared with the control group (BSS 0.81). The histological examination showed markedly regressed new vessels in treatment groups, and the immunohistochemical staining revealed weakly stained with anti‐VEGF and anti‐F4/80 antibodies in the treatment groups. In semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR, the concentration of VEGF (AVA _sub 0.24, TAC_drop 0.18), TNF‐α (AVA_sub 0.19, TAC_sub 0.24, TAC_drop 0.15), and IL‐1ß (AVA_sub 0.19, TAC_sub 0.33, TAC_drop 0.18) mRNA were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the control group (VEGF 0.47, TNF‐α 0.44, IL‐1β 0.87) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsTopical and subconjunctival tacrolimus application may be useful in reducing corneal neovascularization and have comparable effects to subconjunctival bevacizumab injection.
Understanding and perceptions of inherited eye diseases and attitudes to genetic testing and gene therapy in a primary eye care setting
Authors: Ganne P. , Votruba M. , Garrioch R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo explore the level of understanding and perceptions of inherited eye diseases and attitudes to genetic testing and gene therapy in a primary eye care setting.MethodsThis study was undertaken as a part of an EVER foundation fellowship at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, UK in 2014. Participant groups were surveyed by questionnaire. The groups were: undergraduate students of optometry, primary eye care professionals and the members of general public attending the optometry practice to have a routine eye test or a routine annual follow‐up. Four focus groups were conducted to design the questionnaire. A preliminary study aimed to understand perceptions and to explore the level of knowledge about genetics, inherited eye diseases and gene therapy. A second questionnaire was designed to explore attitudes to genetic testing and gene therapy.ResultsThe majority of participants (82%) perceived genetics as an important science. However, the level of understanding of genetics and inherited eye diseases was relatively low among all groups of participants. Undergraduate students and primary eye care professionals were better informed about inherited eye diseases than the general public (p = 0.001). The majority (80%) across all three groups had a positive attitude to genetic testing and gene therapy. There was a lack of knowledge about the genetic services available among all groups of participants.ConclusionsThis study shows a broadly supportive attitude to genomic medicine among the public albeit a poor level of knowledge of genetics and genetic eye diseases. Improving public awareness and education in inherited eye diseases can improve the utility of genetic testing and therapy.
Reduced retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients with and without history of optic neuritis
Authors: Birkeldh U. , Wahlberg‐Ramsay M. , Hietala A. , Brautaset R. , Nilsson M. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeCompare the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with and without previous episodes of optic neuritis (ON), to disease‐free controls, using optical coherence tomography (OCT).MethodsThe RNFL was measured with a spectral domain OCT (Canon HS‐100) in 433 MS patients and in 70 controls. The MS eyes were sorted into three groups: MS non ON eyes (MSON−), MS ON eyes (MSON+) and the fellow eye of MS ON (MSON_fellow). One eye of each patient in the MSON‐group and in the control group was selected randomly for analysis.ResultsSeventy control eyes, 327 MSON‐ eyes, 106 MSON+ eyes and 106 MSON_fellow eyes were analysed in a linear regression adjusting for age. The average RNFL thickness was found to be statistically thinner in the MSON− group (88.2 ± 13.0 µm) compared to the controls (98.1 ± 9.0 µm; p < 0.00).The average RNFL was thinner in the MSON+ group (77.3 ± 15.2 µm) compared to MSON− eyes and the controls (p < 0.00). A paired t‐test showed a significant decrease in RNFL thickness in the MSON+ eyes compared to MSON_fellow.ConclusionsMultiple sclerosis causes RNFL loss. A mean reduction of ~10 µm was found in MS patients without history of ON and a mean reduction of 20 µm was found in MS patients with history of ON compared to healthy controls. This study showed that OCT is a useful tool that provides evidence of neural degeneration in MS patients, with or without the presence of ON.
Clinical evaluation of Nidek autorefractometer AR‐360A
Authors: Stoor K. , Karvonen E. , Liinamaa J. , Saarela V. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeA clinical evaluation of the Nidek AR‐360A autorefractometer was performed to examine its accuracy in measuring refraction and visual acuity, in a pilot study for a clinical screening trial (the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Eye Study).MethodsMeasurements of the refractive error were obtained from 160 eyes of 80 subjects (mean age 48.9), first objectively with the AR‐360A and then subjectively by an optometrist. Agreement with the subjective refraction was calculated for sphere, cylinder, mean spherical equivalent (MSE), cylindrical vectors J45 and J0, and presbyopic correction (add). Visual acuity was measured using an ETDRS chart and the autorefractometer. The central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured with pachymetry.ResultsThe refractive error measured with the AR‐360A was lower than the subjective refraction performed by the optometrist for sphere (−0.13D ± 0.31D p < 0.0005), and higher for cylinder (0.11D ± 0.18D p < 0.0005). The bias between the measurements of MSE, J45 and J0 was very low; −0.08D ± 0.31D p = 0.002, 0.00D ± 0.43D p = 0.89, and 0.19D ± 0.36D p = 0.51, respectively. The amount of add measured by the autorefractometer was slightly higher at 0.16D ± 0.23D p < 0.0005. There was no statistically significant correlation with either visual acuity (p = 0.650) or CCT (p = 0.054) and the difference between the subjective and objective refraction. In 99.4% of the measurements of visual acuity using the ETDRS chart and the autorefractometer, values were within one Snellen line of each other.ConclusionsThe Nidek AR‐360A autorefractometer is a reliable tool for determining the refraction and visual acuity in a clinical screening trial.
Abnormal lymphatic‐like differentiation and endothelial progenitor cell activation in hemi retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Loukovaara S. , Gucciardo E. , Repo P. , Lohi J. , Salven P. , Lehti K. 
Published: September 2015

PurposePathological vascular differentiation in retinal vein occlusion‐related neovessel formation remains poorly characterized. The role of the intraocular lymphatic‐like differentiation or endothelial progenitor cell activity has not been studied in this disease.MethodsAn eye with hemi retinal vein occlusion (RVO) underwent vitrectomy, neovessel membrane located at the optic nerve head was removed and subjected to immunohistochemistry. Characterization of the neovascular tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, α‐smooth muscle actin and pan‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31). Expression of lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers was studied by lymphatic vessel hyaluronan endothelial receptor‐(LYVE)‐1, podoplanin (PDPN), and prospero homeobox protein (Prox)‐1. Potential vascular stem/progenitor cells were identified by active cellular proliferation (Ki67) and expression of the stem cell marker CD117.ResultsSpecimen contained blood vessels lined by ECs and surrounded by pericytes. Immunoreactivity for LYVE‐1 and Prox‐1 was detected, with Prox‐1 being more widely expressed in the vessels. PDPN expression was found in the extravascular structures representing potentially monocyte‐ or bone‐marrow derived cells. Expression of stem cell marker CD117 in actively proliferating Ki67‐expressing ECs suggested for vascular endothelial stem cell activity.ConclusionsIntraocular lymphatic‐like differentiation coupled with endothelial stem/progenitor cell activation may be involved in the pathology of neovessel formation in ischemia‐induced human hemi‐RVO.
Correlation between peripapillary retinal thickness and serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with POEMS syndrome
Authors: Yokouchi H. , Baba T. , Oshitari T. , Yamamoto S. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo determine whether there is a significant correlation between the peripapillary retinal thickness (pRT) and the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome.MethodsThis was a cross sectional, observational case series. We studied 34 eyes of 17 treatment‐naïve patients with POEMS syndrome whose intracranial pressure (ICP) was within the normal range. The spectral‐domain optical coherence tomographic (SD‐OCT) examinations consisted of circle scans around the optic disc (3.45 mm in diameter). The pRT was automatically measured in the SD‐OCT images, and the average pRT was used for the statistical analysis. The serum level of VEGF was measured by Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and the correlation between the pRT and the serum level of VEGF was determined.ResultsThe mean serum level of VEGF in all POEMS patients was 6085 ± 3332 pg/ml with a range of 1380 to 12000 pg/ml. The correlation between the pRT and the serum level of VEGF was significant (right eye, r = 0.85, P < 0.0001; left eye, r = 0.65, P = 0.004, Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficient), and there was a strong positive correlation between the pRT of the right eyes and left eyes (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001, Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficient).ConclusionsThe significant correlation between the pRT and the serum level of VEGF suggests that the higher serum level of VEGF might be associated with the development of the optic disc edema in patients with POEMS syndrome.
Intravitreal Cysticercosis
Authors: Halfeld Furtado De Mendonca R. , De Oliveira Maia O. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo describe a very interesting vitrectomy in a case of intravitreal cysticercosis.SettingCysticercosis is the most common ocular helminthic infection in man.MethodsA 14 year old Brazilian girl complained of blurred vision in her right eye over the past 6 months. During this period she had several episodes of hyperaemia. Visual acuity in the right eye was hand motion and in the left eye 20/20. The intraocular pressure was normal. Fundus examination of the left eye was normal. Fundus examination of the right eye showed a floating cyst in the vitreous cavity.ResultsThe patient underwent 23‐gauge vitrectomy without any complications. Perfluorocarbon liquid was used to facilitate the removal of the cyst in the vitreous cavity. Laser photocoagulation was carried out around the retinal break, followed by silicone oil implantation. Light and electron microscopic studies suggested Cysticercus cellulosae as the infecting agent.ConclusionsThe complete and active aspiration of the Cysticercus Cellulosae in the vitreous cavity was very interesting and efficient. We believe that the success of the surgery was due to the fact that the cyst was removed intact by pars plana vitrectomy.
Optic disc drusen with subretinal hemorrhage
Authors: Halfeld Furtado De Mendonca R. , De Oliveira Maia O. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo report a rare and interesting case of optic disc drusen with subretinal hemorrhage.SettingThe hemorrhagic complications of the optic disk drusen are rare and interesting.MethodsA 25 year old white man complained of an acute blurred vision in his left eye over the past 6 days. Visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and in the left eye 20/200. He had photoreactive and anisocoric pupils (left > right). Fundus examination in both eyes showed an elevated optic nerve head with blurred and irregular disc margins. In the left eye was present a subretinal hemorrhage.ResultsThe neurological examination and brain computed tomography were normal. Fluorescein angiography (FA) of the left eye showed hypofluorescence (blocked) due to subretinal hemorrhage. No fundus autofluorescence was detected. Indocyanine green angiography was performed to exclude a neovascular choroidal membrane. Goldmann visual field exam showed in the right eye enlargement of the blind spot and paracentral scotoma and in the left eye a small constriction of the isopters and central scotoma. Ocular ultrasound demonstrates an echogenic focus within the optic nerve head. No treatment was performed. Spontaneous resolution of the subretinal hemorrhage was observed. At 3‐months follow‐up the visual acuity of the right eye was 20/20 and left eye 20/25.ConclusionsOptic disc drusen may be associated with subretinal hemorrhage as a result of direct mechanical compression and rupture of subretinal vessels at the optic disc. Optic disc drusen often mimic papilledema and must be distinguished from true papilledema. The subretinal hemorrhage can resolve spontaneously.
Dietary interventions for age‐related macular degeneration: a review of the evidence
Authors: Lawrenson J. , Evans J. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo summarise the findings of three recently published Cochrane systematic reviews, conducted by the authors that investigated whether taking nutritional supplements can prevent or slow the progression of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsThe systematic reviews were performed using standard Cochrane methodology. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where increased dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids or antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplements were compared to placebo or no intervention with the aim of preventing the development of AMD, or slowing its progression.ResultsThere is no good evidence from RCTs that the general population should be taking antioxidant vitamin supplements to reduce their risk of developing AMD later on in life. By contrast, there is moderate quality evidence that people at high risk of developing advanced AMD may experience a delay in progression by taking specific antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements. This finding is drawn from trials conducted in the USA in a relatively well‐nourished population. Although observational studies have shown that the consumption of dietary omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD, two recently published RCTs failed to show any benefit of omega 3 supplements on AMD progression.ConclusionsThere is no high quality experimental evidence that nutritional supplementation is beneficial for the primary prevention of AMD. However, people at high risk of developing advanced AMD may benefit from taking antioxidant vitamins. There is currently no evidence to support increasing levels of omega 3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet for the explicit purpose of preventing or slowing the progression of AMD.
Neuroprotection as a therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy: a basic approach
Authors: Dal Monte M. , Amato R. , Biagioni M. , Cammalleri M. , Casini G. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo test the hypothesis that protecting retinal neurons from apoptosis elicited by diabetic stress may prevent the increase of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retina.MethodsEx vivo mouse retinal explants were exposed to stressors similar to those characterizing diabetic retinopathy (DR), i.e. high glucose (HG), oxidative stress (OS) or advanced glycation end‐products (AGE). Retinal cell death was antagonized with octreotide (OCT), a somatostatin analog, and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), two well‐documented neuroprotectants. Data were obtained with real time RT‐PCR, Western blot, ELISA and immunohistochemistry.ResultsControl explants remained viable up to 10 days. Increased apoptosis was observed after HG, OS or AGE, and it was paralleled by increases in VEGF expression and release. Both OCT and PACAP reduced retinal apoptosis. At the same time, they also reduced VEGF expression and release. To get indications about the biological significance of VEGF release by stressed retinal cells, a VEGF trap (VT) was administered to HG, OS or AGE treated retinal explants. The effect of the VT was to further increase cell death induced by treatments.ConclusionsProtecting retinal neurons from diabetic stress also reduces VEGF expression and release, while inhibiting VEGF leads to exacerbation of apoptosis. This suggests that the retina in early DR releases VEGF as a pro‐survival factor. Neuroprotective agents may decrease the need of VEGF production by the retina, therefore limiting the risk, in the long term, of pathologic angiogenesis.
The use of matrix therapy in the Treatment of corneal perforation
Authors: Lazreg S. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeCorneal perforation may be the most severe complication of ocular surface and corneal inflammation, the purpose of this study is to treat these small perforations.MethodsPatients with corneal perforation in Sjögren's syndrome disease, we're treated by Cacicol at the dose regiment of one drop every other day for 3 weeks associated to an hydrophilic contact lens, the follow up visits were performed every day the first week, than every week the first month.Results5 cases of corneal perforation were treated, 4 females, mean age 73+/‐ 23 years, the size of the perforation was less than 1 mm in all cases, and the time between the perforation and the onset of the treatment was less than 24 hours, all the patients were treated for severe dry eye in Sjögren's disease since many years, the perforation were no painful in all cases, The beginning of corneal healing was observed between D 3 and D7, and the total cicatrization of the perforation was observed at d 15 for all patients.ConclusionsMatrix therapy can be helpful in small size corneal perforation associated to contact lens bandage in the absence of amniotic membrane.