Best-corrected Visual Acuity (best-corrected + visual_acuity)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Clinical features and follow-up results of pulsating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treated with photodynamic therapy

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2010
Suk Ho Byeon
Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 660,668 Abstract. Purpose:, To report on the clinical course of pulsating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods:, A total of 63 eyes of 58 consecutive patients diagnosed with PCV, treated with PDT and followed up for at least 6 months were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography and high-speed indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRA) were performed. Results:, Of the 63 PCV eyes, 14 eyes (22.2%) of 14 patients were classified as having pulsating PCV. The mean age of pulsating PCV patients was 60.6 ± 7.0 years (48,69 years), which was younger than non-pulsating PCV patients (65.7 years, p = 0.035). The mean follow-up period was 23.9 ± 10.7 months, and PDT was administered 1.6 ± 0.9 times to pulsating PCV patients. The mean logMAR BCVAs were 0.85 ± 0.47 at presentation and 0.71 ± 0.52 at final examination. Extensive haemorrhagic events were more common in pulsating than in non-pulsating PCV patients (57.1% versus 26.5%, p = 0.032). However, the risk of haemorrhage within 3 months of PDT was similar for both pulsating PCV and the remaining patients (14.3% versus 20%, p = 0.723). Conclusion:, Pulsating PCV showed distinctive features including a relatively younger patient age at presentation, and a haemorrhagic tendency (especially extensive). However, the use of PDT did not directly increase the risk of haemorrhage in pulsating PCV patients. [source]


Therapeutic effect of subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab in the treatment of corneal neovascularization

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2009
In-Cheon You
Abstract. Purpose:, To investigate the efficacy of subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab in the treatment of patients with corneal neovascularization. Methods:, Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients with corneal neovascularization were treated with subconjunctival injection [1.25 mg/0.05 ml (seven eyes), 2.5 mg/0.1 ml (15 eyes) and 5.0 mg/0.2 ml (seven eyes)] of bevacizumab. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and area of corneal neovascularization were measured before injection and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after treatment. Results:, At 1 week, the mean neovascularized corneal area decreased significantly to 85.5 ± 18.0% (p = 0.01) in the eyes treated with 2.5 mg bevacizumab and to 73.1 ± 23.4% (p = 0.02) in the eyes treated with 5.0 mg bevacizumab. At 3 months, the mean neovascularized corneal area was 93.6 ± 10.6% (p = 0.10 compared to baseline; p < 0.01 compared to 1 week) in the eyes treated with 2.5 mg bevacizumab and 83.3 ± 25.8% (p = 0.03 compared to baseline; p = 0.02 compared to 1 week) in the eyes treated with 5.0 mg bevacizumab. However, there were no significant changes in the areas of the eyes injected with 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Conclusion:, Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab can partially reduce corneal neovascularization in the short term, and the efficacy of this treatment correlates with the injection dose. [source]


Increase in cataract surgery prevalence from 1992,1994 to 1997,2000: analysis of two population cross-sections

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
Ava Grace Tan BSc(Hons)
Abstract Background:,Monitoring temporal changes in the demand for and provision of cataract surgery will be useful to health planners to meet resource needs and to estimate likely costs. The aim of this report was to compare the prevalence of cataract surgery in two population cross-sections of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES), over an interval of around 6 years. Methods:,Cross-section I (n = 3654; mean age 66.2 years) consisted of BMES I participants (1992,1994). Cross-section II (n = 3509; mean age 66.7 years) consisted of BMES II (5-year) participants (n = 2335) plus persons who had moved into the area and age category since BMES I (n = 1174), so were newly eligible (1997,2000). Cataract surgery history was collected during interview and confirmed at examination. Results:,Over this 6-year period, there was a 32% increase in cataract surgery prevalence from 6.0% to 7.9%, or from 6.0% to 7.7% after age standardization. The increase in eye-specific prevalence was 43% (from 4.4% to 6.3%). It was more marked among persons aged 80+ years and for bilateral (from 12.3% to 19.9%) than unilateral surgery (from 10.7% to 11.8%). Best-corrected visual acuity (mean letters read correctly) after surgery (43 and 44 letters, respectively) was similar between cross-sections I and II. Conclusions:,The findings from a representative older population confirm that prevalent cataract surgery has increased substantially over the average 6-year period, from 1992,1994 to 1997,2000. [source]


The prospects for super-acuity: limits to visual performance after correction of monochromatic ocular aberration

OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 6 2003
W. N. Charman
Abstract It has recently been suggested that correction of the monochromatic aberration of the eye could lead to substantial improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity function. After consideration of the best-corrected visual acuity of normal eyes, the optical and neural limits to visual performance are reviewed. It is concluded that, even if current problems with the accuracy of the suggested techniques of aberration correction, through corneal excimer laser ablation or customised contact lenses, can be overcome, changes in monochromatic ocular aberration over time, the continuing presence of chromatic aberration, errors of focus associated with lags and leads in accommodation, and other factors, are likely to result in only minor improvements in the high-contrast acuity performance of most normal eyes being produced by attempted aberration control. Significant gains in contrast sensitivity might, however, be achievable, particularly under mesopic and scotopic conditions when the pupil is large, provided that correct focus can be maintained. In the immediate future, reduction of the high levels of aberration that are currently found in eyes that have undergone refractive surgery and in some abnormal eyes should bring useful benefits. [source]


Effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration using a treatment regimen based on optical coherence tomography: 6- and 12-month results

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 5 2010
Christina Leydolt
Abstract. Purpose:, To study the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy on visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) within a follow-up period of 6 and 12 months. Methods:, A retrospective analysis of 102 eyes of 102 consecutive patients with neovascular AMD evaluated repeated intravitreal bevacizumab (1 or 2.5 mg) injections. Retreatment was performed following an optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based regimen. Ophthalmic examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), dilated fundus examination and OCT imaging. Data were analysed at baseline, 6 months (24 weeks) and 12 months (48 weeks) after treatment initiation. Results:, BCVA remained stable at 6 months (mean: 0.00 ± 0.41 logMAR; p = 0.95) and 12 months (mean: +0.02 ± 0.43 logMAR; loss of , 1 letter; p = 0.70) after the first treatment. OCT retinal thickness decreased by a mean of ,37.8 ± 101.6 ,m (p < 0.05) compared to baseline at month 6 and ,38.6 ± 93.3 ,m (p < 0.05) at month 12. A mean of 2.6 ± 1.2 injections were needed to obtain absence of fluid by OCT, and the time to recurrence was 23 ± 11 weeks thereafter. There was no difference in BCVA and OCT outcomes between treatment-naive eyes and eyes that had undergone prior treatment. Conclusion:, The 6- and 12-month follow-up of repeated intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in eyes with neovascular AMD demonstrated stabilization of vision and no safety concerns. An OCT-based retreatment strategy appears appropriate in the management of patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. [source]


Functional and morphological changes in the eyes of Behçet's patients with uveitis

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
Masaru Takeuchi
Abstract. Purpose:, Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, recurrent, multisystem disorder, and serious ocular involvement may lead to blindness. In some BD patients, latent tissue damage caused by recurrent ocular inflammation is not reflected by visual acuity or ophthalmoscopic findings. In this study, we evaluated the morphological and functional changes of ocular features related to duration of uveitis from onset in BD patients, and analysed their association with visual acuity. Methods:, Thirty-eight eyes of 20 patients with ocular BD were enrolled. Eyes with marked complications such as cataract, glaucoma, cystoid macular oedema, macular degeneration and optic atrophy were excluded from the study. During clinical remission of ocular inflammation, perimetric sensitivity and retinal thickness were measured by Micro Perimeter 1 (MP-1) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively. The relationship between MP-1 and OCT findings, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and duration from initial onset of uveitis were analysed statistically. Results:, logMAR correlated with perimetric sensitivity measured with MP-1 at the fovea, inner macula and outer macula, but not with retinal thickness based on OCT. The duration of uveitis correlated significantly with logMAR and with OCT-based retinal thickness at the fovea, inner macular and outer macula, but not with MP-1-derived retinal perimetric sensitivity. No correlation was found between OCT-based retinal thickness and the corresponding MP-1-derived retinal sensitivity at the fovea, inner macula or outer macula. Conclusion:, These results demonstrate that visual acuity, retinal perimetric sensitivity and retinal thickness decrease with an increase in the duration of uveitis in BD patients, but that retinal perimetric sensitivity is relatively preserved among these factors. [source]


Tight orbit syndrome: a previously unrecognized cause of open-angle glaucoma

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010
Graham A. Lee
ABSTRACT. Purpose:, To describe a new syndrome of tight orbit and intractable glaucoma with a poor visual prognosis. Methods:, A retrospective observational case series of six patients seen at two centres between 2001 and 2007 assessing intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity and visual field. Results:, Three men and three women, ranging in age at diagnosis from 14 to 53 years, demonstrated similar orbital features and progressive visual field loss despite intensive management with medication and laser and operative surgery. Highest IOPs ranged from 30 to 50 mmHg. Trabeculectomy and/or glaucoma drainage devices were attempted in five patients but all failed. One patient underwent orbital decompression with achievement of IOP control. Final IOP at last follow-up was variable; only two patients achieved IOP in the normal range, with the rest ranging from 25 to 40 mmHg. All patients had advanced visual field loss. Conclusion:, Tight orbit syndrome presents a serious clinical challenge. Despite maximum medical therapy and surgical intervention IOP is difficult to control, resulting in progressive visual field loss. [source]


Ocular haemodynamic changes after single treatment with photodynamic therapy assessed with non-invasive techniques

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2009
Noemi Maar
Abstract. Purpose:, To investigate in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) the changes in ocular perfusion caused by single treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) by different non-invasive methods; to evaluate correlations between relative changes of ocular haemodynamic parameters after PDT among each other and compared to morphological parameters; and to assess this in relation to early changes of visual acuity. Methods:, Study population: 17 consecutive patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) caused by ARMD scheduled for PDT without previous PDT treatment (four patients with predominantly classic CNV and 13 patients with occult CNV). Observation procedures: best-corrected visual acuity (before PDT, 6 and 8 weeks after PDT), fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, haemodynamic measurements with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), laser interferometry and ocular blood flow (OBF) tonometry (baseline and 1, 2, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment). Main outcome measures: choroidal blood flow (CHBF), fundus pulsation amplitude (FPA), pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF), visual acuity. Changes smaller than 20% were considered clinically irrelevant. Results:, Ocular haemodynamic parameters did not change significantly in the follow-up period. Changes of haemodynamic parameters showed no correlation to treatment spot, morphological changes or visual acuity. Changes of visual acuity were comparable to results of earlier studies. Conclusion:, Single treatment with PDT did not modify ocular blood flow parameters above 20% as assessed with different non-invasive methods. [source]


Daytime levels of melatonin in patients with age-related macular degeneration

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009
Katharina E. Schmid-Kubista
Abstract. Purpose:, Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) (MT) is a hormone that acts as an antioxidant. It is produced by the pineal gland and within the retina; its release is blocked by light entering the eye. We examined whether MT daytime levels differ between pseudophakic patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and pseudophakic subjects without any ocular pathology of the same age. Methods:, A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was performed. Pseudophakic patients of the same age group were included. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examinations and blood sampling between 08:00 and 10:00 hr. MT daytime value in the serum was the main outcome measure. Results:, Sixty-nine pseudophakic patients were included. Fifty patients with exudative and non-exudative ARMD were in the study group while 19 patients were controls. Patients with ARMD had significantly higher daytime levels of MT (P = 0.003). There were significant differences in MT daytime levels between the exudative and non-exudative forms (P = 0.009). MT values also correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity (r = ,0.285, P = 0.019). Conclusion:, These data indicate that pseudophakic patients with ARMD produce more MT during the day compared to pseudophakic subjects without ARMD. This may be caused by the reduced visual acuity in patients with ARMD, whereby less light reaches the photoreceptors, allowing MT secretion to continue during the day. Because MT also acts as an antioxidant and daytime levels are higher in patients with ARMD, these results might be interpreted as a rescue factor. [source]