Dementia is associated with open-angle glaucoma: a population-based study

Purpose

Previous epidemiologic studies that focused on the association between open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and dementia showed inconsistent results. In the present study, we explored the association between OAG and dementia in an ethnic Chinese (ie, Taiwanese) population using a population-based data set.

Methods

We retrieved data on study subjects for this case-control study from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. We identified 7770 patients who had a diagnosis of dementia as cases, and 7770 subjects matched in terms of sex and age, which were randomly extracted as controls. A conditional logistic regression conditioned on age group, sex, and index year was used to assess the association of dementia with previously diagnosed OAG among the sampled patients.

Results

Of 15 540 patients, 1.70% had prior OAG, including 2.02% of the dementia group and 1.38% of the controls. After adjusting for patient socioeconomic characteristics and comorbid medical disorders, dementia patients were more likely to have had prior OAG than controls (odds ratio (OR): 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–1.85; P<0.01). In addition, female dementia patients were more likely to have had prior OAG than controls (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.35–2.77; P<0.001), whereas no statistical difference in prior OAG between male dementia patients and controls was found.

Conclusions

Female dementia patients were associated with a higher proportion of prior OAG than were the controls.     

Acute post-operative rhinosinusitis following endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose

To investigate the incidence and risk factors for acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR).

Methods

Retrospective single-surgeon interventional case series, including 196 consecutive patients undergoing 203 endonasal DCR, with clinical and radiological evidence of nasolacrimal duct or common canalicular obstruction. Pre-operative lacrimal and sinonasal clinical assessment and imaging, intraoperative endoscopic video recording, and post-operative clinical and endoscopic findings were analysed for cases of ARS occurring within the first 4 weeks following DCR among patients with and without a past history of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Surgical complications and outcomes at 12 months and management of ARS are reported.

Results

Three patients (1.5%) developed ARS within the first 5 post-operative days, none of which had experienced peri-operative complications and all had a past history of CRS. The rate of CRS in this cohort of 196 patients was 10.2% (n=20), of which 15% (n=3) developed ARS, although none had symptoms of CRS at the time of surgery; one had undergone previous sinus surgery. Presenting symptoms of ARS included facial pain, tenderness over the affected sinus, and nasal discharge; all patients responded to oral antibiotic therapy.

Discussion

The rate of ARS following EnDCR was 1.5%. In those with a prior history of CRS, it was 15% (P=0.009). ARS developed within the first post-operative week among patients with a past history of CRS, who were asymptomatic at the time of surgery, and responded to oral antibiotics. CRS may be a risk factor for the development of post-operative ARS.     

Comparison of visual field progression between temporally tilted disc and nontilted disc,in patients with normal tension glaucoma

Purpose

To investigate the long-term visual field (VF) progression of temporally tilted disc and nontilted disc in normal tension glaucoma (NTG).

Methods

Retrospective, observational case series. Forty-seven patients with temporally tilted disc (47 eyes), 44 patients with nontilted disc in NTG (44 eyes) patients, who were examined by at least 5 VF tests, and were followed-up over a 5-year period, at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Samsung Medical Center, from May 1998 to 2013. VF progression was defined by modified Anderson–Hodapp criteria, and Glaucoma Progression Analysis (GPA). Multivariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors for VF progression in the temporally tilted disc.

Results

According to the Anderson–Hodapp criteria, progression rates of the temporally tilted disc and nontilted disc at 60 months were 19% and 72%, respectively (P<0.0001). According to GPA, they were 25% and 53%, respectively (P<0.0001). Twenty of 47 patients in the temporally tilted disc did not show progression. Among them, the more tilted disc showed the more VF defects. The hazard ratio of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect type was 3.08 (95% CI, 1.17–8.14; P=0.02). The simultaneous superior and inferior RNFL defect type was the most common in progressors in the temporally tilted disc (P=0.04).

Conclusion

Through long-term follow-up, the cumulative survival rate of temporally tilted disc was higher than that of nontilted disc. Caution is required in the treatment of the temporally tilted disc. New treatment policy for the temporally tilted disc may follow.     

Prevalence of glaucoma in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea: ocular morbidity and outcomes in a 3 year follow-up study

Purpose

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and progression of glaucoma in patients receiving treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We also investigated whether there is an association between severity of OSA and the incidence of glaucoma.

Methods

A total of 39 patients aged >30 years who had been diagnosed with moderate and severe OSA in the sleep clinic at Hamad General Hospital were assessed for the presence of glaucoma. The severity of OSA was graded as mild, moderate, or severe based on American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria using the apnea hypopnea index. Before enrollment, all patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including serial visual field tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT) with fundus photographs, and pachymetry. Enrolled patients were followed up in the ophthalmology outpatient clinic and sleep clinic for a period of 3 years.

Results

Examinations found that 8 (20.5% 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.9–37%) of the 39 patients with OSA had glaucoma. Six (75% 95% CI 36–96%) of these patients had normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and two (25% 95% CI 4.5–64.4%) patients had high-tension glaucoma. Among the 27 patients with severe OSA, 7 (25.9% 95% CI 8–34%) had glaucoma, and among 12 patients with moderate OSA, 1 (8.3% 95% CI 0.1–15%) had glaucoma. During the course of follow-up, two patients who previously did not have glaucoma were reclassified as NTG and two patients with glaucoma deteriorated. A higher prevalence of glaucoma in the severe OSA group compared with the moderate OSA group was found, albeit a statistically significant difference could not be attained (P=0.4).

Conclusions

Our study showed that severe OSA is an important risk factor for developing glaucoma. Adequate treatment of OSA, along with optimal ophthalmic care, resulted in better control of glaucoma.     

Polypropylene vs silicone Ahmed valve with adjunctive mitomycin C in paediatric age group: a prospective controlled study

Purpose

To compare the results of silicone and polypropylene Ahmed glaucoma valves (AGV) implanted during the first 10 years of life.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on 50 eyes of 33 patients with paediatric glaucoma. Eyes were matched to either polypropylene or silicone AGV. In eyes with bilateral glaucoma, one eye was implanted with polypropylene and the other eye was implanted with silicone AGV.

Results

Fifty eyes of 33 children were reviewed. Twenty five eyes received a polypropylene valve, and 25 eyes received a silicone valve. Eyes implanted with silicone valves achieved a significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP) compared with the polypropylene group at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. The average survival time was significantly longer (P=0.001 by the log-rank test) for the silicone group than for the polypropylene group and the cumulative probability of survival by the log-rank test at the end of the second year was 80% (SE: 8.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 64–96%) in the silicone group and 56% (SE: 9.8, 95% CI: 40–90%) in the polypropylene group. The difference in the number of postoperative interventions and complications between both groups was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

Silicone AGVs can achieve better IOP control, and longer survival with less antiglaucoma drops compared with polypropylene valves in children younger than 10 years.     

Detection of asymmetric glaucomatous damage using automated pupillography,the swinging flashlight method and the magnified-assisted swinging flashlight method

Purpose

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of various methods of detecting a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) in patients with glaucoma-related diagnoses.

Patients and methods

Patients underwent RAPD evaluation using the swinging flashlight method (SFM), the magnifier-assisted SFM, and pupillography using the Konan RAPDx. Main outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of three methods of RAPD evaluation in detecting visual field mean deviation (MD), cup to disc ratio (CDR), disc damage likelihood scale (DDLS), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) asymmetry.

Results

Eighty-one consecutive patients from the Wills Eye Hospital glaucoma service were enrolled, 60 with glaucoma and 21 with ocular hypertension or glaucoma suspect. Thirty-one percent of subjects had MD asymmetry>5 dB, 19.7% had CDR asymmetry≥0.20, 26.7% had DDLS asymmetry≥2, and 38.2% had RNFL asymmetry>10 microns. Sensitivity values for pupillography were 93.3% (95% CI, 68.1–99.8) for detecting MD asymmetry, 80.0% (95% CI, 51.9–95.7) for CDR asymmetry, 100.0% (95% CI, 73.5–100.0) for DDLS asymmetry, and 69.2% (95% CI, 38.6–90.9) for RNFL asymmetry. Specificity values were 41.2% (95% CI, 24.7–59.3) for detecting MD asymmetry, 32.8% (95% CI, 21.3–46.0) for CDR asymmetry, 33.3% (95% CI, 18.0–51.8) for DDLS asymmetry, and 42.9% (95% CI, 21.8–66.0) for RNFL asymmetry. Pupillography amplitude score was correlated with MD asymmetry (r²=0.41, P<0.001) and area under the curve was 0.84.

Conclusion

Automated pupillography had higher sensitivity and lower specificity in detecting MD, CDR, DDLS, and RNFL asymmetry. Within the bounds of the cohort tested, this method had limited case-finding ability.     

Visual outcomes and ocular morbidity of patients with uveitis referred to a tertiary center during first year of follow-up

Purpose

To describe the visual outcomes and morbidity of newly referred uveitis patients.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 133 newly referred uveitis patients with active uveitis who required care in a tertiary center for at least 1 year. Main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at referral and 1 year after referral, duration of visual impairment, systemic medications used, as well as all complications and surgeries during the first year of follow-up. Generalized estimating equation models was used to assess prognosticators for poor BCVA.

Results

The mean age at onset of uveitis was 43 years. The proportion of patients with at least one eye with BCVA ≤0.3 decreased from 35% at referral to 26% (P=0.45) at 1-year follow-up. The mean duration of visual impairment in the first year after referral was 4 months per affected eye. At 1-year follow-up, bilateral visual impairment was observed in 4% but at least one ocular complication developed in 66% and 30% of patients required at least one intraocular surgery. Systemic immunosuppressive treatment was required in 35% of patients and the mean number of visits to ophthalmologist was 11 per year, while 8% of patients required hospital admission. Prognosticators for poor visual outcome included surgery undergone before referral (odds ratio (OR), 3; 95% CI, 1–11; P=0.047), visual impairment at referral (OR, 21; 95% CI, 8–54; P<0.001), and glaucoma before referral (OR, 7; 95% CI, 2–28; P=0.007).

Conclusions

Patients with severe uveitis had a favorable BCVA 1 year after referral with only 4% of patients having bilateral visual impairment. This, in contrast to the prolonged duration of visual impairment during the first year of follow-up and the demanding care.     

Diabetic retinopathy screening: can the viewing monitor influence the reading and grading outcomes

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of different viewing monitors for image reading and grading of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Design

Single-centre, experimental case series—evaluation of reading devices for DR screening.

Method

A total of 100 sets of three-field (optic disc, macula, and temporal views) colour retinal still images (50 normal and 50 with DR) captured by FF 450 plus (Carl Zeiss) were interpreted on 27-inch iMac, 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 9.7-inch iPad. All images were interpreted by a retinal specialist and a medical officer. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of 15-inch MacBook Pro and 9.7-inch iPad in detection of DR signs and grades with reference to the reading outcomes obtained using a 27-inch iMac reading monitor.

Results

In detection of any grade of DR, the 15-inch MacBook Pro had sensitivity and specificity of 96% (95% confidence interval (CI): 85.1–99.3) and 96% (95% CI: 85.1–99.3), respectively, for retinal specialist and 91.5% (95% CI: 78.7–97.2) and 94.3% (95% CI: 83.3–98.5), respectively, for medical officer, whereas for 9.7-inch iPad, they were 91.8% (95% CI: 79.5–97.4) and 94.1% (95% CI: 82.8–98.5), respectively, for retinal specialist and 91.3% (95% CI: 78.3–97.1) and 92.6% (95% CI: 81.3–97.6), respectively, for medical officer.

Conclusion

The 15-inch MacBook Pro and 9.7-inch iPad had excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting DR and hence, both screen sizes can be utilized to effectively interpret colour retinal still images for DR remotely in a routine, mobile or tele-ophthalmology setting. Future studies could explore the use of more economical devices with smaller viewing resolutions to reduce cost implementation of DR screening services.     

The prevalence and analysis of risk factors for age-related macular degeneration: 18-year follow-up data from the Speedwell eye study, United Kingdom

Aims/Purpose

To determine the prevalence of age-related maculopathy (ARM) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in men aged 65–83 years living in the Speedwell region of Bristol, United Kingdom and identify modifiable risk factors.

Methods

A total of 2348 men recruited to the Speedwell prospective cohort study in 1979 were followed up in 1997 with an eye questionnaire and had retinal photographs that were assessed using the International Classification System for ARM.

Results

In all, 934 men (66.8% response rate) attended with a mean of 17.9 years (15.3–20.6 years) follow-up. Early ARM (grades 2–3) was found in 9.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4%, 11.4%) and late age-related maculopathy (grade 4, AMD) in 0.5% (95% CI 0.2%, 1.2%). The risk of ARM (grades 2–4) was increased with raised C-reactive protein and consumption of lard and solid fats, whereas triglyceride levels were associated with a lower risk. The latter were confirmed in multivariable analyses and in addition, haemodynamic measures also predicted risk (eg mean arterial pressure odds ratio (OR) per z-score 1.37, 95% CI 1.04, 1.79).

Conclusions

In a representative cohort of men aged 65–83 from Bristol, United Kingdom, many had macular changes that put them at higher risk of developing AMD. Various modifiable exposures were associated with an increased risk ARM/AMD. Opportunities for screening and undertaking secondary prevention interventions need to be explored to prevent progression of the disease and blindness.     

Evaluation of the effectiveness of ophthalmic assistants as screeners for glaucoma in North India

Aim

To assess whether ophthalmic assistants are effective in screening people for glaucoma in India.

Methodology

The study subjects were examined by both trained ophthalmic assistants and an ophthalmologist in both hospital and community settings. Specific tests for the diagnosis of glaucoma suspects included visual field examination using frequency doubling technology perimetry, intraocular pressure measurement (Tonopen), A-scan central anterior chamber depth measurement and dilated optic disc examination. The findings recorded by the ophthalmic assistants were masked to the ophthalmologist to avoid measurement bias.

Results

In the hospital setting, there was a substantial level of agreement between the ophthalmic assistants and the ophthalmologist in the diagnosis of glaucoma suspects (89.29%, k=0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.54–0.86). The diagnostic accuracy of the ophthalmic assistants in detecting glaucoma suspects was high for sensitivity (95.2%, 95% CI=91.4–97.7%) but lower for specificity at 71.4% (95% CI=60.0–78.7%).In the community setting, there was a moderate level of agreement between the ophthalmic assistants and the ophthalmologist in the diagnosis of glaucoma suspects (78.23%, k=0.50, 95% CI=0.37–0.64). The diagnostic accuracy of the ophthalmic assistants in detecting glaucoma suspects was moderate for sensitivity (82.9, 95% CI=69.7–91.5%) but lower for specificity at 76.8% (95% CI=72.7–79.5%).

Conclusion

Ophthalmic assistants can be used for opportunistic case detection of glaucoma suspects in the community. Structured training of the ophthalmic assistants together with enhanced clinical experience would improve their performance in detecting glaucoma suspects in the community.     

5 Years review of periocular basal cell carcinoma and proposed follow-up protocol

Aim

(1) To investigate the recurrence of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) reported as completely excised on histology. (2) To identify risks associated with recurrence. (3) To recommend a rational follow-up protocol.

Methods

This is a cohort study by case note review of consecutive patients undergoing excision of periocular BCC between 2000 and 2006 at University Hospitals of Leicester. All lesions were excised with 3 mm clinical margin and the defect reconstructed only after the excision margin was declared clear.

Results

A total of 413 episodes of surgical excision were recorded for 270 patients over the 7-year period of 2000–2006. All of them have 5 years follow-up. Mean age 73.7 (±12.5). In all, 67% were nodular BCC and 45.4% located in the lower eyelid. The main outcome measure was the recurrence rate. None of the patients with primary nodular BCC suffered recurrence. The recurrence rate for primary morphoeaform BCC following complete excision is 3.8%. In total, 8.1% of patients had several lesions simultaneously whereas 7.8% patients had BCC in multiple locations subsequently (metachronous). Three patients who had previously recurrent BCC (rBCC) treated elsewhere or not using this method had orbital/lacrimal drainage system involvement requiring exenteration.

Conclusion

We recommend that patients with a single, completely excised primary solid or nodular BCC can be discharged after one 6-monthly review, although they should be instructed to monitor for the development of further lesions. The incidence of recurrence for primary morphoeaform BCC is 3.8% and for rBCC is 3.6% over 5 years and these patients should stay under review for this period.     

Long-term outcomes and risk factors for failure with the EX-press glaucoma drainage device

Purpose

To report on the long-term outcomes and risk factors for failure with the EX-PRESS shunt implanted under a scleral flap.

Settings

Eye Department, University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy and the Oxford Eye Center, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods

The medical records of glaucoma patients who underwent consecutive EX-PRESS implantations under a scleral flap between 2000 and 2009 were reviewed. The operations were performed by two experienced surgeons using an identical surgical technique. The potential risk factors for failure that were analysed included age, sex, race, glaucoma type, previous antiglaucoma medications, previous glaucoma surgeries, diabetes, and smoking. Complete success was defined as postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) 5 mm Hg>IOP<18 mm Hg without antiglaucoma medications. Qualified success was defined as 5 mm Hg>IOP<18 mm Hg with or without antiglaucoma medications.

Results

Two hundred and forty-eight eyes of 211 consecutive patients were included. The mean IOP was reduced from 27.63±8.26 mm Hg preoperatively (n=248) to 13.95±2.70 mm Hg at 5 years (n=95). The mean follow-up was 3.46±1.76 years. Complete and qualified success rates decreased gradually from 83% and 85% at 1 year to 57% and 63% at 5 years follow-up, respectively. The risk factors for failure were diabetes, non-Caucasian race, and previous glaucoma surgery. Complete success rates of diabetic patients and non-Caucasian patients decreased from 63% and 75% at 1 year to 42% and 40% at 5 years follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions

EX-PRESS success rates decrease over time but compare favourably with trabeculectomy literature data. The main identifiable risk factors for failure are diabetes, non-Caucasian race, and previous glaucoma surgery.     

The Portsmouth-based glaucoma refinement scheme: a role for virtual clinics in the future?

Background

Glaucoma referrals continue to impart a significant burden on Hospital Eye Services (HES), with a large proportion of these false positives.

Aims

To evaluate the Portsmouth glaucoma scheme, utilising virtual clinics, digital technology, and community optometrists to streamline glaucoma referrals.

Method

The stages of the patient trail were mapped and, at each step of the process, 100 consecutive patient decisions were identified. The diagnostic outcomes of 50 consecutive patients referred from the refinement scheme to the HES were identified.

Results

A total of 76% of ‘glaucoma'' referrals were suitable for the refinement scheme. Overall, 94% of disc images were gradeable in the virtual clinic. In all, 11% of patients ‘attending'' the virtual clinic were accepted into HES, with 89% being discharged for community follow-up. Of referrals accepted into HES, the positive predictive value (glaucoma/ocular hypertension/suspect) was 0.78 vs 0.37 in the predating ‘unrefined'' scheme (95% CI 0.65–0.87). The scheme has released 1400 clinic slots/year for HES, and has produced a £244 200/year cost saving for Portsmouth Hospitals'' Trust.

Conclusion

The refinement scheme is streamlining referrals and increasing the positive predictive rate in the diagnosis of glaucoma, glaucoma suspect or ocular hypertension. This consultant-led practice-based commissioning scheme, if adopted widely, is likely to incur a significant cost saving while maintaining high quality of care within the NHS.     

Risk factors for contact lens-related microbial keratitis in Singapore

Purpose:

To investigate independent risk factors for contact lens-related microbial keratitis in Singapore and estimate their impact on disease load.

Methods:

Cases were contact lens wearers presenting to Singapore National Eye Centre with microbial keratitis between 2008 and 2010. Community contact lens wearers were recruited as controls. All wearers completed a previously validated questionnaire describing contact lens wear history, hygiene and compliance habits, and demographics. Risk factors significant in univariate analysis (P<0.2) were evaluated in a multivariate model.

Results:

In all, 58 cases of microbial keratitis and 152 contemporaneous controls were identified. When controlling for other variables, Chinese had a 7 × lower risk compared with other races (95% CI: 2.3–21.3, P=0.001). Those aged between 25 and 44 years were at 3 × increased risk compared with younger wearers (95% CI: 1.1–9.6, P=0.04). Occasional overnight contact lens wear (less often than one night per week) was associated with a 4 × higher risk (95% CI: 1.2–15.4, P=0.03) compared with daily use. Not washing hands before handling was associated with a 13 × increased risk (95% CI: 1.9–84.8, P=0.008). Use of multipurpose solution A carried a 16 × higher risk compared with hydrogen peroxide (95% CI: 1.5–174.0, P=0.02). The combined PAR% for modifiable risk factors (occasional overnight wear, not washing of hands, and MPS A) was 82%.

Conclusions:

Consistent with previous findings, independent risk factors for contact lens-related microbial keratitis include poor hand hygiene, occasional overnight wear, and type of lens care solution. Prolonged overnight or extended contact lens use was infrequent in this population.     

Eye drop instillation technique in patients with glaucoma

Aims

To evaluate the technique of eye drop instillation in patients with glaucoma and assess factors associated with a good technique.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study of 85 participants using self-administered topical medication for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Patients were asked to demonstrate how they normally instil eye drops using a 5-ml bottle of sterile artificial tear solution. The procedure was recorded and assessed by two masked graders. Whether the patient had been previously shown how to instil drops, the number of eye medications used, and self-perceived difficulty of using drops were also recorded. Univariable logistic regression was performed to relate each variable to drop technique and variables with P<0.2 were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

54.1% (46/85) of patients had a poor drop technique, 11.8% (10/85) missed the eye, 15.3% (13/85) touched the tip of the bottle to the bulbar conjunctiva or cornea, and 27.1% (23/85) touched the eyelid or lashes with the bottle tip. 81.2% (69/85) could not recall being shown how to instil eye drops. In the multivariable model, previous instruction regarding drop instillation technique was significantly associated with good technique (adjusted OR=8.17, 95% CI 2.02–33.05, P=0.003) and increasing age was associated with poor technique (adjusted OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.91–0.99, P=0.017).

Conclusions

Education relating to eye drop instillation technique is significantly associated with a patient''s ability to instil drops correctly. The assessment of a patient''s ability to instil eye drops correctly should be a routine part of the glaucoma examination.     

Interferon-gamma release assay as a diagnostic test for tuberculosis-associated uveitis

Background

To study the use of interferon-gamma release assay (IFN-γ) (IGRAs) as a diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB)-associated uveitis (TAU).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Participants

Consecutive new patients (n=162) with clinical ocular signs suggestive of TAU, seen >1 year period at a single tertiary center.

Methods

All subjects underwent investigations to rule out underlying disease, including T-SPOT.TB and tuberculin skin test (TST). Twenty-one subjects with underlying disease and three with interdeterminate T-SPOT.TB results were excluded. Those with T-SPOT.TB- or TST-positive results were referred to infectious diseases physician for evaluation. Anti-TB therapy (ATT) was prescribed if required. Patients'' treatment response and recurrence were monitored for six months after completion of ATT, if given; or 1 year if no ATT was given.

Main outcome measure

Diagnosis of TAU.

Results

Mean age of study cohort (n=138) was 46.8±15.3 years. Majority were Chinese (n=80, 58.0%) and female (n=75, 54.3%). TST was more sensitive than T-SPOT.TB (72.0% vs36.0%); but T-SPOT.TB was more specific (75.0% vs51.1%) for diagnosing TAU. Patients with either a T-SPOT.TB (1.44; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.86–2.42) or TST (1.47; 95% CI, 1.12–1.94)-positive result are more likely to have TAU. The accuracy of diagnosing TAU increases when both tests are used in combination (area under the receiver operator curve=0.665; 95% CI, 0.533–0.795). Patients with both tests positive are 2.16 (95% CI, 1.23–3.80) times more likely to have TAU. Negative T-SPOT.TB or TST results do not exclude TAU (negative likelihood ratios <1.0).

Conclusions

We recommend using a combination of clinical signs, IGRA, and TST to diagnose TAU.     

Lens retrodots and vacuoles and their associations with the prevalence and incidence of age-related cataract

Aim

To assess the prevalence of retrodots and vacuoles and their associations with the prevalence and long-term incidence of age-related cataract in an older Australian cohort.

Methods

Of 3654 baseline participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study aged 49+ years (1992–1994), 2335 and 1952 were re-examined after 5 and 10 years, respectively. Lens photographs were graded for cataract, retrodots, and vacuoles. Eye-specific data were used to assess the associations between retrodots or vacuoles at baseline and the prevalence and 10-year incidence of nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract and cataract surgery.

Results

At baseline, retrodots were present in 142 persons (4%) and vacuoles in 1333 persons (40%). Prevalence of both lens features increased with increasing age (Pfor trend <0.0001). After adjusting for age and gender, vacuoles were associated with prevalent PSC cataract at baseline (odds ratio (OR), 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–2.05). After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, education, and use of inhaled/oral steroids, baseline retrodots were associated with an increased incidence of cataract surgery (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.71–4.91), while 3+ vacuoles at baseline were associated with an increased risk of PSC cataract (OR 3.56, 95% CI 2.13–5.95) and cataract surgery (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.22–2.77).

Discussion

Lens retrodots and vacuoles were found to be positively associated with 10-year incidence of cataract surgery, and vacuoles associated with PSC cataract, a finding suggestive of shared risk factors or pathogenesis between these two lens features and the development of PSC cataract.     

Evaluation of baseline structural factors for predicting glaucomatous visual-field progression using optical coherence tomography,scanning laser polarimetry and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

Purpose

The objective of this study is to assess whether baseline optic nerve head (ONH) topography and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) are predictive of glaucomatous visual-field progression in glaucoma suspect (GS) and glaucomatous eyes, and to calculate the level of risk associated with each of these parameters.

Methods

Participants with ≥28 months of follow-up were recruited from the longitudinal Advanced Imaging for Glaucoma Study. All eyes underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO), time-domain optical coherence tomography (TDOCT), and scanning laser polarimetry using enhanced corneal compensation (SLPECC) every 6 months. Visual-field progression was assessed using pointwise linear-regression analysis of SAP sensitivity values (progressor) and defined as significant sensitivity loss of >1 dB/year at ≥2 adjacent test locations in the same hemifield at P<0.01. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HR) were calculated to determine the predictive ability of baseline ONH and RNFL parameters for SAP progression using univariate and multivariate models.

Results

Seventy-three eyes of 73 patients (43 GS and 30 glaucoma, mean age 63.2±9.5 years) were enrolled (mean follow-up 51.5±11.3 months). Four of 43 GS (9.3%) and 6 of 30 (20%) glaucomatous eyes demonstrated progression. Mean time to progression was 50.8±11.4 months. Using multivariate models, abnormal CSLO temporal-inferior Moorfields classification (HR=3.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–6.80, P=0.04), SLPECC inferior RNFLT (per −1 μm, HR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.02–2.2, P=0.02), and TDOCT inferior RNFLT (per −1 μm, HR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.04–1.2, P=0.001) had significant HRs for SAP progression.

Conclusion

Abnormal baseline ONH topography and reduced inferior RNFL are predictive of SAP progression in GS and glaucomatous eyes.     

The comparison of manual vs automated disc margin delineation using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Aims

To examine the impact of manual vs automated disc margin delineation on optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) parameters using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT).

Methods

A prospective cohort study consisting of normal, glaucoma suspect (GS) and glaucoma patients who underwent ONH and RNFL measurements using SDOCT technology (RTVue; Optovue Inc.). The retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch''s membrane (RPE/BM) complex end points were automatically determined first, and were manually redefined subsequently. Analysis of variance, coefficient of variation (COV), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland–Altman plots were used for the analyses.

Results

Ninety-nine eyes of 50 subjects (age 68±10 years) consisting of 36 glaucoma, 56 GS, and 7 normal eyes were included. The RNFL thickness measurements were similar (P>0.05) between the two methods of demarcation, except for the inferior-nasal sector (P=0.04). For the ONH measurements, the cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio and rim area showed significant differences between the two methods (P<0.001). COV/CCC values for the ONH parameters were as follows: cup area 17.6%/0.88; cup volume 7.4%/0.91; average C/D ratio 18.1%/0.78; rim area 25.3%/0.69; and rim volume 42.6%/0.71, respectively. CCC/COV values for the RNFL parameters were as follows: average 2.1%/0.98; inferior-temporal quadrant 8.1%/0.79; inferior-nasal quadrant INQ quadrant 12.6%/0.67; SNQ quadrant 7.8%/0.83; and STQ quadrant 7.8%/0.88, respectively.

Conclusion

An overall high agreement and moderate–substantial concordance was observed between the demarcation methods. Automated disc margin delineation of SDOCT can be used reliably in clinical practice.     

The incidence of unexplained visual loss following removal of silicone oil

Purpose

To assess the incidence and clinical features of unexpected visual loss after removal of silicone oil (ROSO).

Patients and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional observational study of 421 consecutive eyes, which underwent silicone oil removal at one institution over a 2-year period.

Results

Fourteen (3.3%) patients, (12 male, mean age of 53.1 years) suffered unexplained visual loss. In these eyes, the mean duration of silicone oil fill was 141 days (range 76–218). The mean loss of visual acuity was 3.7 (range 2–6) Snellen lines (SL) at 1 month, 3.5 (2–6) SL at 3 months and 2.91 (0–6) SL at 6 months. The change from preoperative visual acuity was statistically significant at all visits (P=0.02). Subgroup analysis of 20 fovea-sparing giant retinal tear (GRT) detachments, observed 10 (50%) cases of visual loss after ROSO. Electrodiagnostic testing suggested predominantly macular dysfunction, with optic nerve involvement in one case. Five of the 14 cases had variable recovery of vision.

Conclusion

There is a 3.3% overall incidence of visual loss following ROSO with a high rate (50%) observed in maculae on GRT detachments. Although recovery of visual acuity is seen in a minority of cases, visual loss after ROSO remains a serious and unexplained concern for vitreoretinal surgeons.