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Visual Field Loss (visual + field_loss)

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Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Visual Field Loss and Risk of Fractures in Older Women

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 10 2009
Anne L. Coleman MD
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations between visual field loss and nonspine fractures. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand seven hundred seventy-three community-dwelling white and African-American women aged 65 and older with no previous history of hip fracture at the time of recruitment. MEASUREMENTS: Radiographically confirmed hip and nonspine, nonhip fractures identified from September 1997 to April 2008. Visual field loss was measured using a Humphrey Field Analyzer suprathreshold screening test of the peripheral and central vision of each eye and was classified into an ordinal rating of no, mild, moderate, or severe binocular visual field (BVF) loss. RESULTS: For hip and nonspine, nonhip fractures and in unadjusted and covariate-adjusted analyses, the highest incidence of fractures was seen in women with the most-severe BVF loss. In covariate-adjusted analysis, women with mild, moderate, and severe BVF loss had a 49% (hazard ratio (HR)=1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.18,1.88), 25% (HR=1.25, 95% CI=0.87,1.80), and 66% (HR=1.66, 95% CI=1.19,2.32) greater risk, respectively, for hip fractures than women without BVF loss. Similarly, women with mild visual field loss had a 12% (HR=0.88, 95% CI=0.75,1.04) lower risk for nonspine, nonhip fractures, whereas women with moderate and severe visual field loss had a 18% (HR=1.18, 95% CI=0.92,1.52) and 59% (HR=1.59, 95% CI=1.24,2.03) greater risk of nonspine, nonhip fractures than women without BVF loss. CONCLUSION: BVF loss is independently associated with hip and nonspine, nonhip fractures in older female volunteers. [source]

In utero exposure to vigabatrin: No indication of visual field loss

EPILEPSIA, Issue 2 2009
Charlotte Lawthom
Summary The purpose of the study was to determine whether in utero exposure to vigabatrin caused visual field loss. Three mothers with four children who had been exposed to vigabatrin in utero and who were subsequently formula fed were identified. All seven individuals underwent perimetry and imaging of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). All individuals yielded reliable outcomes to perimetry and RNFL images of acceptable quality. Two of the three mothers exhibited vigabatrin-attributed visual field loss and an abnormally attenuated RNFL. The third exhibited an upper left quadrantanopia, consistent with previous temporal lobe surgery, and a normal RNFL. All four children yielded normal visual fields and RNFL thicknesses. The presence of the normal findings for the children is reassuring and, if representative, suggests a lack of vigabatrin visual toxicity and therefore obviates the need for ophthalmological examination of those exposed to vigabatrin prenatally. [source]

Visual Field Loss and Risk of Fractures in Older Women

1251: Diagnosis of adult ophthalmic tumours: role of clinical history, symptoms and signs

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
T KIVELÄ
Purpose To summarise signs and symptoms useful in diagnosing adult ophthalmic tumours. Methods Personal experience of the author as a member of the European Ophthalmic Oncology Group. Results According to studies from the United Kingdom, Finland and United States, 28-42% of adult patients with intraocular tumours may experience delays because the lesion is either misdiagnosed (e.g. as macular degeneration, naevus, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment) or missed at the initial visit. Of these patients, 72-87% have symptoms attributable to the tumour such as blurred vision, photopsia, floaters, metamorphopsia, and visual field loss. These symptoms can also be caused by many benign conditions (e.g. vitreous detachment) but should not be interpreted as innocent without thorough clinical examination. Signs specific for iris and ciliary body tumours include a tumour mass, sentinel vessels, acquired astigmatism, and cataracts. Choroidal tumours may induce serous retinal detachments, subretinal and vitreous bleedings and, sometimes, lipid exudation. Finally, orange subretinal pigment suggests the diagnosis of a uveal melanoma whereas many drusen point to a long-standing naevus. Conclusion Signs and symptoms of ophthalmic tumours are mostly nonspecific, necessitating an appropriately high level of suspicion and a systematic approach to clinical examination to avoid delayed or missed diagnoses. Earlier diagnosis could be achieved especially if dilated fundus examinations were performed without exception and if all suspicious naevi were referred for a second opinion. [source]

Incidence of redetachment 6 months after scleral buckling surgery

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
Fleur Goezinne
Abstract. Purpose:, The preoperative and intraoperative clinical variables associated with redetachment and/or a poor visual outcome following scleral buckling (SB) surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) have mainly been studied after a short follow-up. This study aimed to analyse long-term effects by following patients for at least 6 months. Methods:, In a retrospective survey we evaluated the data of 436 eyes that underwent SB surgery. Postoperative data were collected at 3-month intervals. Results:, After a mean follow-up period of 51 months, anatomic reattachment was achieved in 76% after one SB procedure, with a final reattachment rate of 97% after additional vitreoretinal procedures. In total, 104 eyes developed redetachment during follow-up. After more than 6 and 12 months of follow-up, 32 eyes (7%) and 20 eyes (5%), respectively, developed redetachment. Multivariate regression analysis showed that recurrent redetachment and more than 7 days of visual field loss were significant predictors for a poor postoperative visual outcome at 12 months. A cumulative size of the tear of more than three disc diameters was a significant predictor of recurrent RRD. Conclusion:, Conventional SB surgery is a reliable procedure in a selected group of eyes with primary RRD. However, in eyes with a retinal tear with a cumulative size of more than three disc diameters, a primary vitrectomy should be considered. Taking into account that 7% of eyes developed redetachment after 6 months, a longer follow-up period seems necessary to evaluate the anatomical and visual outcomes after SB surgery. [source]

Quantifying the effect of intraocular pressure reduction on the occurrence of glaucoma

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010
Andrea Peeters
Abstract. Purpose:, To estimate the effect of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) on: (i) the incidence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in patients with ocular hypertension (OH), and (ii) the progression of glaucoma. Methods:, A meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials was conducted. A literature search was performed to identify trials with: a randomized comparison of IOP-lowering intervention versus placebo or no treatment; visual field loss or optic disc changes as outcome; and follow-up >6 months. A pooled relative risk (RR) was calculated by a random effects model. Risk reduction of glaucoma conversion per mmHg of IOP reduction was quantified in a meta-regression model. Results:, We identified nine OH and one POAG trials. A meta-analysis of OH trials gives a pooled RR of 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45,0.83]. A meta-regression shows a decrease of the RR of glaucoma conversion by 14% with each mmHg extra IOP reduction (P = 0.045). No meta-analysis of POAG trials was performed because only one study has been identified. Conclusion:, There is sufficient evidence that OH therapy reduces the risk of conversion to glaucoma. This risk reduction increases with greater IOP reduction. [source]

Reaction time during semi-automated kinetic perimetry (SKP) in patients with advanced visual field loss

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010
Katarzyna Nowomiejska
Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to evaluate reaction time (RT) in patients with advanced visual field (VF) loss using semi-automated kinetic perimetry (SKP). Methods:, Seventy-eight patients with advanced VF loss caused by glaucoma (31) or retinitis pigmentosa (19), homonymous VF loss caused by post-chiasmal lesions (18) and unilateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION) (10) were examined with SKP (Octopus 101 perimeter). One eye in each patient was enrolled. Additionally, VFs in the 10 healthy fellow eyes of the patients with AION were compared with those in the 10 affected eyes. Reaction time was assessed during the SKP session by presenting kinetic stimuli (III4e) with constant angular velocities of 3 °/second moving linearly along so-called ,RT vectors' at four different locations inside the III4e isoptre. Each stimulus presentation was repeated four times in randomized order. Results:, The geometric mean RT was 794 ms (95% reference interval [RI] 391,1615 ms) in patients with glaucoma, 702 ms (95% RI 306,1608 ms) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and 675 ms (95% RI 312,1460 ms) in patients with hemianopia. Increases in RT for every 1 ° of eccentricity were 1%, 0.9% and 0.4%, respectively. The geometric mean RT in the 10 patients with unilateral optic neuropathy was 644 ms in affected eyes and 435 ms in unaffected eyes, reflecting an increase of 51% (95% confidence interval 42,62%). Conclusions:, We found substantial inter-subject variability in RT in patients with advanced VF loss. It is possible to correct the position of the isoptres by assessing individual RT. There were no relevant differences in RT between the disease groups. Reaction time increases with eccentricity. In monocular disease (AION), RT is prolonged, compared with in healthy fellow eyes. However, in clinical routine the RT-related displacement of isoptres is negligible in the vast majority of cases. [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]

Temporal visual field defects are associated with monocular inattention in chiasmal pathology

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 7 2009
Hans C. FledeliusArticle first published online: 24 OCT 200
Abstract. Purpose:, Chiasmal lesions have been shown to give rise occasionally to uni-ocular temporal inattention, which cannot be compensated for by volitional eye movement. This article describes the assessments of 46 such patients with chiasmal pathology. It aims to determine the clinical spectrum of this disorder, including interference with reading. Methods:, Retrospective consecutive observational clinical case study over a 7-year period comprising 46 patients with chiasmal field loss of varying degrees. Observation of reading behaviour during monocular visual acuity testing ascertained from consecutive patients who appeared unable to read optotypes on the temporal side of the chart. Visual fields were evaluated by kinetic (Goldmann) and static (Octopus) techniques. Five patients who clearly manifested this condition are presented in more detail. The results of visual field testing were related to absence or presence of uni-ocular visual inattentive behaviour for distance visual acuity testing and/or reading printed text. Results:, Despite normal eye movements, the 46 patients making up the clinical series perceived only optotypes in the nasal part of the chart, in one eye or in both, when tested for each eye in turn. The temporal optotypes were ignored, and this behaviour persisted despite instruction to search for any additional letters temporal to those, which had been seen. This phenomenon of unilateral visual inattention held for both eyes in 18 and was unilateral in the remaining 28 patients. Partial or full reversibility after treatment was recorded in 21 of the 39 for whom reliable follow-up data were available. Reading a text was affected in 24 individuals, and permanently so in six. Conclusion:, A neglect-like spatial unawareness and a lack of cognitive compensation for varying degrees of temporal visual field loss were present in all the patients observed. Not only is visual field loss a feature of chiasmal pathology, but the higher visual function of affording attention within the temporal visual field by means of using conscious thought to invoke appropriate compensatory eye movement was also absent. This suggests the possibility of ,trans-synaptic dysfunction' caused by loss of visual input to higher visual centres. When inattention to the temporal side is manifest on monocular visual testing it should raise the suspicion of chiasmal pathology. [source]

Toxic effect of vigabatrin on retinal nerve fiber layer

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009
A MIDELFART
Purpose To investigate whether peripheral and central visual field defects detected among epilepsy patients treated with vigabatrin are associated with reduced peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness as measured with optic coherence tomography (OCT). Methods Nine epilepsy patients with vigabatrin-attributed visual field loss (group 1) and seven patients(age and sex matched) with epilepsy treated with other drugs(control group 2) were regularly examined with automated perimetry up to 60 degrees from fixation point (Humphrey Field Analyser). Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was quantified by optic coherence tomography (OCT) using Fast RNFLT protocol, Stratus OCT (3.0). Five of the patients in group 1 had peripheral visual field defects, (group 1a), four had a central field defect(group 1b). All patients in control group 2 had normal visual field. Results Patients with vigabatrin-attributed visual field loss had attenuated total RNFLT compared to controls (right eye : mean total RNFLT: group 1: 75.6 µm (SD 12.7); group 2: 103.5 µm (SD 9.7), mean difference 27.9 µm (CI 15.9-39.9;P < 0.001). The nasal and inferior sectors RNFLT were more attenuated in patients with vigabatrin-attributed visual field loss compared to controls, while no difference was detected in the temporal RNFLT. Both individuals with peripheral and central visual field losses had attenuated mean total RNFLT compared to controls (P = 0.006 and P= 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Vigabatrin-attributed visual field defects are associated with reduced RNFLT. Combination of perimetry and OCT can efficiently detect vigabatrin induced retinal nerve fiber damage. [source]

Endothelial dysfunction in glaucoma

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009
Hemma Resch
Abstract. Glaucoma is a group of ocular diseases characterized by optic neuropathy associated with loss of the retinal nerve fibre layer and re-modelling of the optic nerve head, and a subsequent particular pattern of visual field loss. Increased intraocular pressure is the most important risk factor for the disease, but the pathogenesis of glaucoma is not monofactorial. Among other factors, ischaemia and vascular dysregulation have been implicated in the mechanisms underlying glaucoma. The vascular endothelium plays an important role in the regulation of ocular blood flow and pathological alterations of vascular endothelial cells may induce ischaemia and dysregulation. The present review summarizes our current evidence of endothelial dysfunction in glaucoma. This is of interest because endothelial dysfunction is a good prognostic factor for progression in several diseases. Although such data are lacking for glaucoma, endothelial dysfunction may provide an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in open-angle glaucoma and other vascular disorders of the eye. [source]

Determining rates of visual field progression in glaucoma

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2008
B CHAUHAN
Purpose To provide practical guidelines on detecting rates of visual field progression in glaucoma Methods Using a mixture of real patient data, computer simulation and statistical analysis, the frequency of visual field examinations for detecting various rates of visual field change were determined. Results Our results show that the ability to detect rates of visual field change depends critically on the magnitude of the change we wish to detect and the variability of visual fields. They also show that performing only one visual field per year will lead to failure to detect very significant visual field loss. The statistical power to detect clinically meaningful rates increases with 2 or 3 examinations per year Conclusion This study provides guidance to general ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists on detecting rates of visual field progression in glaucoma. Commercial interest [source]

Longterm visual prognosis in Usher syndrome types 1 and 2

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 4 2006
André M. Sadeghi
Abstract. Purpose:, To estimate the age at diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa and to determine visual acuity deterioration, visual field impairment and the frequency of cataracts in Usher syndrome types 1 and 2. Methods:, We carried out a retrospective study of 328 affected subjects with Usher syndrome types 1 and 2. Study subjects were divided into seven different age groups by decade. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, general linear model anova and survival analysis. Results:, Retinitis pigmentosa was diagnosed significantly earlier in subjects with Usher syndrome type 1 than in those with type 2. Visual acuity was significantly more impaired in affected subjects with Usher syndrome type 1 than in those with type 2 from 50 years of age onwards. Survival analysis revealed a significant difference in visual field loss (, 10 degrees) between the two groups, with type 2 subjects tending to be more impaired, while comparison indicated no significant differences between the groups in any of the other visual field categories. Cataract was found to be generally more common in Usher syndrome type 1 than type 2. Conclusions:, Progressive loss of visual acuity and visual field begins to be substantial between the second and third decades of life in both Usher types. The rate of degeneration varies between individuals in both groups. The data are useful for the counselling of affected subjects with Usher syndrome types 1 and 2. [source]

Vigabatrin: longterm follow-up of electrophysiology and visual field examinations

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 5 2003
Peter Hardus
Abstract. Background:,To report the results of repeated electrophysiological and visual field examinations in patients with vigabatrin-associated visual field loss (VGB-VFL) and the relationship between these electrophysiological findings, the cumulative dose of vigabatrin and the extent of visual field loss. Methods:,Twenty-two eyes of 11 patients with VGB-VFL were studied. All patients underwent surgery for therapy-resistant epilepsy. Repeated electro-oculograms (EOGs) and flash electroretinograms (ERGs) were made and the cumulative dose of vigabatrin and the visual field loss were recorded after a period of 37,47 months. Results:,The visual field loss was stable in patients who had stopped vigabatrin at the time of the first examination. There was a slight increase in VFL in patients who continued vigabatrin. During the second EOG and ERG, abnormalities in scotopic and photopic a-wave latencies and in scotopic b-wave amplitude were found in more than 50% of patients. Only b-wave latency became normal, while EOG, a-wave latency, a-wave amplitude and b-wave amplitude stayed abnormal. The amount of VFL and the cumulative dose of vigabatrin were statistically correlated with the b-wave amplitude, mainly photopic, found during the first and second examinations. Conclusion:,After 4 years, EOG, flash ERG and visual field loss had not improved in patients with VGB-VFL. The statistically significant correlation found during the first examination between the amount of VFL and the cumulative dose of vigabatrin with the (mainly photopic) b-wave amplitude remained constant. [source]

Short wavelength automated perimetry

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2001
John M. Wild
ABSTRACT. Short Wavelength Automated Perimetry (SWAP) utilizes a blue stimulus to preferentially stimulate the blue cones and a high luminance yellow background to adapt the green and red cones and to saturate, simultaneously, the activity of the rods. This review describes the theoretical aspects of SWAP, highlights current limitations associated with the technique and discusses potential clinical applications. Compared to white-on-white (W-W) perimetry, SWAP is limited clinically by: greater variability associated with the estimation of threshold, ocular media absorption, increased examination duration and an additional learning effect. Comparative studies of SWAP and W-W perimetry have generally been undertaken on small cohorts of patients. The conclusions are frequently unconvincing due to limitations for SWAP in the delineation of abnormality and of progressive field loss. SWAP is almost certainly able to identify glaucomatous visual field loss in advance of that by W-W perimetry although the incidence of progressive field loss is similar between the two techniques. Increasing evidence suggests that functional abnormality with SWAP is preceded by structural abnormality of the optic nerve head and/or the retinal nerve fibre layer. SWAP appears to be beneficial in the detection of diabetic macular oedema and possibly in some neuro-ophthalmic disorders. [source]

Patterns of glaucomatous visual field defects in an older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
Anne J Lee BSc(Med) MB BS
Abstract This report aims to describe the frequency of different patterns of visual field loss in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 persons (aged 49+) during 1992,1994. Humphrey supra-threshold visual fields were performed in 88.9%. Those classified as glaucoma suspects had 30,2 full-threshold fields (9.2%). Of OAG cases (n = 108) with field tests in both eyes (n = 97), unilateral defects were present in 49 (50.5%) and bilateral in 48 (49.5%). Advanced field loss was found in 16 (15.4%) subjects and in 22 (10.9%) eyes, with bilateral loss present in 6 (6.2%) cases. Of all eyes of OAG cases (n = 201), 49 (24.4%) had no defects, 52 (25.9%) upper, 61 (30.3%) lower, and 17 (8.5%) had combined upper and lower loss. Of the upper and lower cases (n = 113), the types of defects included nasal step (36), arcuate (26), nasal plus arcuate (26), and hemispherical defects (25). Of subjects with fields in at least one eye (n = 104), there was a similar proportion in the worse eye of upper defects (28.8%), lower (31.7%), and combined upper and lower (24.0%). Undiagnosed OAG was more frequent in unilateral (65.3%) than bilateral (34.7%) cases (P = 0.003). This study reports the pattern of typical glaucomatous field loss in an older Australian population. [source]

Relationship between intraocular pressure and systemic health parameters in a Korean population

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 4 2002
Jong Soo Lee MD
Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and age and obesity, adjusted for systemic health parameters such as sex and mean blood pressure, in a Korean population. Methods: A total of 13 212 healthy participants underwent automated multiphasic tests, including tonometry, automated perimetry, fundus photography, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Six age groups were used, divided by decades ranging from 20,29 years to 70+ years. The association between IOP and systemic health parameters was examined using cross-sectional analysis. Results: The median age of participants was 47.6 years (range 20,84 years), and 6684 (50.6%) of participants were men. The mean IOP of participants was 15.5 mmHg. The mean IOP, blood pressure and BMI values were significantly higher in men than in women (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence of ocular hypertension, defined as IOP >21 mmHg without signs of glaucomatous visual field loss or optic disc damage, was 6.1% in men and 2.5% in women. Intraocular pressure was associated with mean blood pressure, sex, age and BMI by multiple regression analysis (P < 0.05). The relationship between IOP and age adjusted for sex, mean blood pressure and BMI had a significantly negative tendency for both sexes (P < 0.05). Body mass index had a significantly positive relation with IOP after controlling for age, sex and mean blood pressure in men (P < 0.05), but not in women. Conclusions: In this Korean population, after multiple adjustment, IOP was found to decrease with age and to increase with BMI in men. [source]

Visual field assessment and the Austroads driving standard

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
Isabel M McLean MB BS
Abstract Purpose:,To compare the conventional (Humphrey 24-2) automated visual field testing with the Goldmann standard visual field test for driving, and to predict how many patients with glaucoma may not meet the Australian driving standard with respect to visual fields. Methods: Four patients (retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma or vigabatrin treatment) with marked visual field defects as determined by uniocular static computerized perimetry (conventional testing) were re-evaluated with binocular kinetic Goldmann IV4e target field test (Australian driving standard). A series of 48 consecutive patients seen by the Glaucoma Inheritance Study in Tasmania were assessed with both static computerized perimetry and the Goldmann IV4e target test. Results:,The four patients with severe visual field defects (on computerized perimetry) were found to meet the driving standard on the binocular Goldmann IV4e target test. On computerized perimetry, 15 of 48 patients from the Glaucoma Inheritance Study in Tasmania were found to have visual field defects of sufficient severity that they may not meet the driving standard. However, only five of these patients failed the driving standard for visual fields, two of whom were still driving. Conclusions:,Patients with severe field defects on conventional uniocular automated perimetry may still meet the Goldmann standard visual field test for driving. Approximately 30% of glaucoma patients would have visual field loss shown on Humphrey 24-2 test of a severity that requires further testing to determine if they meet the driving standard. Ten per cent of glaucoma patients tested did not meet the driving standard for visual fields. [source]

A comparison of short wavelength automated perimetry with frequency doubling perimetry for the early detection of visual field loss in ocular hypertension

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
John Landers MBBS
ABSTRACT Background: Achromatic automated perimetry (AAP) is limited in its ability to detect very early visual field loss in ocular hypertensive patients. Tests targeting axons that are selectively damaged, or have low redundancy, may detect visual field losses before they are seen on AAP. It has been claimed that short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) and frequency doubling perimetry (FDP) are two tests that provide early detection. Methods: Patients (n = 62) were selected on the basis that they had raised intraocular pressure but normal visual fields detected by AAP. A SWAP and an FDP was performed on each of the patients and the results compared. Fields were scored as either normal or abnormal based on criteria used in previous studies. Results: On comparing FDP with SWAP as the ,gold standard', a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 96.2% was found, showing a high concordance between the two tests. Conclusion: These results suggest that as SWAP may be predictive of AAP visual field loss, FDP may be similarly predictive. [source]

The management of normal tension glaucoma

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY, Issue 3 2000
Julian Sack MB BS FRACO
Objective: To outline the difficulties in making management decisions associated with normal tension glaucoma. To suggest treatment strategies according to the clinical presentation of the disease. Method: Literature review and findings based on clinical experience. Conclusions: The treatment of normal tension glaucoma involves many difficult decisions including whether to intervene and, if so, when and how to treat. Providing the patient with information is essential to gain co-operation and confidence. At present, the treatment objectives are to prevent further visual field loss by reduction of intraocular pressure by 30 per cent or more. This may be achieved by using medical or surgical regimens. Recently, there has been emphasis on the use of neuroprotective drugs that may act independently of the effect of intraocular pressure lowering. The balance between protecting vision and iatrogenic damage is not always easy. [source]

Toxic effect of vigabatrin on retinal nerve fiber layer

A comparison of short wavelength automated perimetry with frequency doubling perimetry for the early detection of visual field loss in ocular hypertension