Vision

This study investigated the functional visual impact of simulated astigmatic blur using cylindrical powers of 0.50 D, 1.00 D, and 2.00 D, applied in against-the-rule (ATR), with-the-rule (WTR), and oblique (OBL) axes, in adults aged 18 to 35 years with no known ocular disease. Forty-five young adults were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15). Binocular best-corrected visual acuity (distance and near) was recorded in logMAR using the ETDRS acuity chart at 5 m and 40 cm, supported by acuity optotypes displayed in a Bailey–Lovie chart format. Depth-fusion and disparity discrimination were measured using polarized stereopsis thresholds with the Randot^® Stereo Test from Stereo Optical Company, Inc. Reading performance was quantified as a continuous binocular rate metric (words per minute) using the validated Portuguese digital reading curve provided by the MNREAD iPad App by Precision Vision at 40 cm. The results were preserved verbatim as follows: Distance and near BCVA were significantly affected by ATR astigmatisms (−0.50 + 1.00 90°, −1.00 + 2.00 90°), WTR astigmatisms (−0.25 + 0.50 180°, −0.50 + 1.00 180°, −1.00 + 2.00 180°), and OBL astigmatisms (OD: −0.25 + 0.50 45°, OS: −0.25 + 0.50 135°; OD: −0.50 + 1.00 45°, OS: −0.50 + 1.00 135°; OD: −1.00 + 2.00 45°, OS: −1.00 + 2.00 135°). Stereopsis was significantly influenced by high-power OBL astigmatism (−1.00 + 2.00). Reading rate was also negatively impacted by OBL astigmatisms ≥1.00 D. Simulated astigmatism of different powers and axes reduced high-contrast distance and near BCVA, stereopsis, and reading speed in adults aged 18–35 years. Higher-power astigmatism, particularly along oblique axes, caused the most significant functional impairment.

Background: To evaluate the short-term effects of a dietary supplement containing curcumin, bromelain, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, sodium hyaluronate, type II collagen, and vitamin C on symptomatic vitreous floaters (SVFs) following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Methods: Forty eyes with SVFs on the first postoperative day were randomized into a control group (standard topical therapy, n = 20) and a treatment group (oral supplement plus standard therapy, n = 20). Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and subjective scores from a non-standardized questionnaire on floater perception (QS1), interference with daily activities (QS2), and foreign body sensation (QS3). Objective evaluation was performed using two novel ultrasound-based methods: mean number of vitreous peaks (MVP) from A-scans and mean grey intensity (MGI) from B-scan images processed with ImageJ. Results: At 2 months, the treatment group showed greater improvement in CS (Δ = 0.26 LogCS, CI, 0.14–0.38; p < 0.01), QS1 (Δ = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.60–1.60; p < 0.01), QS2 (Δ = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.40–1.40; p < 0.01), QS3 (Δ = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.44–1.36; p < 0.01), MVP (Δ = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.60–1.60; p < 0.01), and MGI (Δ = 12.89 units; 95% CI, 7.84–17.93; p < 0.01). BCVA was comparable between groups (p = 0.478). Conclusions: Short-term dietary supplementation with vitreous-specific nutrients is well tolerated and associated with improvements in reducing SVFs and foreign body sensations after Nd:YAG capsulotomy and may represent a promising non-invasive therapeutic option.

Background: Trabeculectomy remains gold-standard surgical approach for intraocular pressure (IOP) control in glaucoma, yet its impact on optic nerve head (ONH) morphology and retinal microvasculature has not been fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate structural and vascular changes of the ONH and macula after trabeculectomy using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Methods: In this retrospective study, data from 22 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent uncomplicated trabeculectomy were reviewed. The fellow eye served as control. Structural parameters, including Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO), maximum cup depth (MCD), and cup area, were measured with SD-OCT. Vessel density (VD) of the optic disc, peripapillary retina, and macular superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses were analyzed with OCTA. Preoperative and two-month postoperative data were compared using paired statistical tests. Results: Mean IOP decreased from 23.1 ± 3.9 mmHg to 13.2 ± 3.2 mmHg (p < 0.001). Significant postoperative reductions were observed in BMO (−5 ± 6%, p = 0.004), MCD (−31 ± 8%, p < 0.001), and cup area (−44 ± 18%, p < 0.001). RNFL thickness and ONH vascular parameters remained stable. In contrast, DCP vessel density increased in the foveal (p = 0.002) and parafoveal (p = 0.023) regions, while SCP density showed no significant change. Conclusions: Trabeculectomy was associated with measurable reversal of optic disc cupping, indicating partial structural recovery of the ONH following IOP reduction. The selective improvement in deep retinal vessel density suggests a layer-specific microvascular response. These findings provide further insight into the interplay between mechanical and vascular mechanisms in glaucoma and may inform postoperative monitoring strategies.