Search Results (32)

The rapid development of ophthalmic surgery in recent years has made big steps forward, making interventions such as penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty or trabeculectomy widely practiced. However, the use of non-absorbable sutures in these procedures poses significant challenges. Indeed, unequal tension between the various stitches can lead to deformations of the cornea or lens and consequently to problems such as post-operative astigmatism or anisometropia. To overcome these problems, sutures with improved closure via a highly stretchable behaviour together with an excellent elastic return are a credible solution. Accordingly, to widen the plethora of superelastic polymeric materials, in the present study a novel solution deriving from two furan-based polyesters, poly(pentamethylene furanoate), PPeF, and poly(hexamethylene furanoate), PHF, was successfully obtained. Of note, these homopolymers are also entirely derived from sustainable sources. The two homopolymers were physically and chemically mixed to obtain copolymers with different block lengths, which were characterised from molecular, thermal, mechanical, and surface wettability points of view, showing interesting properties which were easily modulated as a function of block length. Lastly, all the materials showed good stability over time and cell viability and, for some of them, a great mechanical recovery upon deformation was also observed. Full article

This study evaluates the ability of the QuickSee Free (QSF) portable autorefractor (PlenOptika) to detect and measure refractive error compared to subjective clinical refractometry (SCR) in a Brazilian adult population in a low-resource setting in Amazonas. A total of 100 participants aged 18–65 years underwent visual acuity screening and autorefraction with and without cycloplegia using the QSF, alongside a complete ophthalmic examination including SCR. Refractive error measurements included spherical component (SC), cylindrical component (CC), cylindrical axis (CA), spherical equivalent (SE), and vector powers (MV90 and MV135). Accuracy was assessed for hyperopia ≥ +2.00 D, myopia ≤ −0.75 D, astigmatism ≥ 1.00 DC, and anisometropia ≥ 1.00 D using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The area under the curve for detecting significant refractive errors ranged from 0.538 to 0.930. The mean difference between QSF without cycloplegia and SCR was −1.08 ± 1.17 D for SC and −1.15 ± 1.15 D for SE (p < 0.0001), and with cycloplegia, it was −0.81 ± 1.07 D and −0.83 ± 1.02 D, respectively. The QSF exhibited a moderate negative bias for both SC and SE with and without cycloplegia, underestimating these values, but it showed good predictability for detecting refractive errors in a low-resource setting. Full article

Background/Objectives: To compare binocular vision status after spectacle correction using Measuring and Correction Methods of H.-J. Haase (MCH) and Optometric Extension Program (OEP) methods in patients with severe anisometropia and impaired fusion, including those with a history of monocular cataract surgery. Methods: This retrospective, observational comparative study analyzed the medical records of 34 patients with severe anisometropia (≥3.00 D) who were fitted with spectacles at Yi-Ming Optometry Clinic between January 2019 and May 2023. Patients were aged 32 to 82 years and had no ocular or systemic comorbidities affecting visual function. Binocular vision data previously recorded using the MCH and OEP methods were extracted and analyzed. All data are expressed as mean ± standard error, and p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean anisometropia and heterophoria measurements were 5.51 ± 0.45 and 2.26 ± 0.32 D (∆), respectively. The mean MCH and OEP oculus uterque visual acuity measurements were −0.020 ± 0.010 and 0.040 ± 0.010 log-MAR (p < 0.001), respectively. In the right eye, the horizontal prisms for MCH and OEP were 0.780 ± 0.128 and 0.020 ± 0.020 (∆) (p < 0.001), whereas those of the left eye were 0.790 ± 0.119 and 0.040 ± 0.025 ∆ (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean MCH and OEP stereo vision measurements were 97.560 ± 7.888 and 167.120 ± 17.295 arcsec (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The findings indicate that MCH prism resulted in superior stereo vision and binocular visual acuity compared to OEP in severe anisometropia patients. Full article

Amblyopia, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is commonly assessed through amblyopic eye visual acuity (VA) deficits, but recent studies also highlight abnormalities in the fellow eye. This study quantified binocular and fellow/dominant eye VA in individuals with amblyopia and strabismus without amblyopia and examined factors influencing these measures, including fixation eye movement (FEM) abnormalities. Identifying which subsets of patients—such as those with nystagmus, concurrent strabismus, or greater fixation instability—exhibit more pronounced deficits in binocular visual acuity and binocular summation can enhance clinical decision-making by enabling tailored interventions and aiding patient counseling. Sixty-eight amblyopic, seventeen strabismic without amblyopia, and twenty-four control subjects were assessed using an adaptive psychophysical staircase procedure and high-resolution video-oculography to evaluate FEMs and fixation instability (FI). Binocular and fellow eye VA were significantly lower in amblyopia, regardless of type or nystagmus presence, whereas binocular and dominant eye VA in strabismus without amblyopia did not differ from the controls. Despite reduced binocular acuity, amblyopic and strabismic subjects exhibited binocular summation, with binocular VA exceeding fellow/dominant eye VA. Reduced binocular VA correlated with greater fellow eye VA deficits, diminished binocular summation, and increased FI in the amblyopic eye. Fellow eye VA deficits were linked to greater amblyopic eye VA deficits, an increased degree of anisometropia, higher FI, and stronger nystagmus correlation. These findings suggest amblyopia affects both visual sensory and motor systems, impacting binocular function and fixation stability, with potential consequences for everyday visuomotor tasks like reading. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between visual system parameters (visual acuity and refractive error) and postural balance under controlled conditions in elite football players. Visual acuity (monocular and binocular) and refractive errors were assessed in 34 male athletes using retinoscopy and subjective refraction. Postural stability was assessed with the Cyber-Sabots™ platform, recording the center of pressure (CoP) metrics, including sway amplitude, velocity, and distribution area. Visual and postural parameter correlations were assessed using Pearson’s test (p < 0.05). Athletes demonstrated good binocular visual acuity (−0.03 ± 0.09 logMAR) and were predominantly emmetropic. Visual acuity and postural parameters showed significant negative correlations, whereby visual acuity was associated with reduced CoP displacement (r = −0.352) and sway area (r = −0.367), indicating enhanced stability. Hyperopia and oblique astigmatism were moderately correlated with increased sway (r = 0.343) and antero-posterior sway amplitude in the sagittal plane (r = 0.324). Anisometropia showed moderately negative correlations with antero-posterior control (r = −0.421), suggesting a disruptive effect on postural stability. The postural analysis showed adaptations characteristic of football players, including anterior body inclination, increased forefoot loading, and medio-lateral sway. Romberg’s quotients highlighted significant visual input reliance for maintaining postural balance. Visual acuity, refractive errors, and interocular refractive asymmetries significantly influence postural stability in elite football players. These results support incorporating visual function assessment into training and injury prevention in elite sports. Full article

Background. Modern laser vision correction for presbyopia treatment involves non-linear aspheric corneal ablation with the controlled induction of spherical aberration modulation to extend the depth of focus or corneal multifocality induction methods with or without micro-monovision in the non-dominant eye to provide continuous clear vision across distances. Anisometropia and the new higher-order aberrations pattern may be potential risk factors for postoperative stereopsis and contrast sensitivity (CS) deterioration. Purpose. The objective of this systematic review was to assess articles published until 2023 in which CS and/or stereopsis were reported following LASIK presbyopia treatment. Methods. We searched the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. The inclusion criteria specified original papers evaluating the outcomes of laser presbyopia correction as well as the pre- and postoperative assessment of stereopsis and/or CS. The Quality Assessment Tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. Results. We identified 13 studies, including 856 presbyopes (1712 eyes), with preoperative refractive errors from −11.13 D to +5.75 D, with the follow-up range between 3 and 30 months. Either contrast sensitivity improvement or no change following Presbyond^® Laser Blended Vision and PresbyMAX^® Hybrid was found in the reviewed articles. Some authors reported a significant CS reduction after symmetrical PresbyLASIK, wavefront-guided LASIK and aspheric monovision LASIK. Several studies assessing the effect of Presbyond^® LBV on stereopsis showed conflicting results, with the near stereopsis being reduced, unchanged or increased. A significant decrease in stereopsis was reported after aspheric monovision LASIK. Conclusions. The Presbyond^® Laser Blended Vision is a safe procedure in terms of the preservation of contrast sensitivity for presbyopia treatment. More studies are needed to elucidate the impact of aspheric corneal ablation methods or other methods inducing corneal multifocality with or without micro-monovision on stereopsis and contrast sensitivity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and severity of refractive errors that occur following the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with anti-vascular growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents and laser photocoagulation. Methods: A review of the literature using three databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline) was performed using appropriate search terms, and the results of the relevant studies were compiled and extracted for descriptive analysis. Results: Sixty articles were identified. The cohorts in the studies were treated with either anti-VEGF monotherapy, laser photocoagulation, or a combination, with a high prevalence of myopia, ranging from 0 to 47.7%. Refractive errors of myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and anisometropia were considered in infants who received ocular interventions for ROP. Conclusions: In comparison to laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF monotherapy appears to yield lower levels of myopia and anisometropia; however, the incidence of hypermetropia and astigmatism is variable among cohort groups treated with different anti-VEGF agents. Full article

Background: Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder of vision, commonly caused by strabismus or anisometropia during early childhood. While studies demonstrated that perceptual learning improves visual acuity and stereopsis in adults with amblyopia, accompanying changes in visual cortical function remain unclear. Methods: We measured functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) responses before and after perceptual learning in seven adults with amblyopia. Our learning tasks involved dichoptic high-attention-demand tasks that avoided V1 function-related tasks and required high-level cortical functions (e.g., intraparietal sulcus) to train the amblyopic eye. Results: Perceptual learning induced low-level visual cortical function changes, which were strongly associated with the etiology of amblyopia and visual function improvements. Anisometropic amblyopes showed functional improvements across all regions of interest (ROIs: V1, V2, V3, V3A, and hV4), along with improvements in visual acuity and stereoacuity. In contrast, strabismic amblyopes showed robust improvements in visual cortical functions only in individuals who experienced significant gains in visual acuity and stereoacuity. Notably, improvements in V1 functions were significantly correlated with the magnitude of visual acuity and stereoacuity improvements when combining both anisometropic and strabismic amblyopes. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that learning occurs in both high-level and low-level cortical processes. Our study suggests that early intervention to correct eye alignment (e.g., strabismus surgery) is critical for restoring both visual and cortical functions in strabismic amblyopia. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a visual rehabilitation method for anisometropic amblyopia that uses visual evoked potential (VEP) parameters and sound biofeedback to increase objectiveness. Design: an observational, case-controlled trial. Setting: Ophthalmology Clinic, Emergency County Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Participants: Sixteen subjects with amblyopic anisometropia, aged 15–57, and sixteen controls, aged 24–33, were included. Interventions: Subjects were divided into two groups. The control group, composed of normal-vision subjects, and the amblyopic group received 10 training sessions. The rehabilitation program lasted 10 min, took place twice a week, and ran over five consecutive weeks. During each session, the subjects were asked to fixate on a target on the computer screen and were instructed to keep the fixation and maintain the sound of the biofeedback at high frequency. Main Measures: The study assessed the main visual parameters at baseline, after 10 sessions, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Performance was evaluated by measuring visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading velocity (words/minute). Results: In the experimental group, mean BCVA improved with two rows, which means an improvement in the LogMARLogMAR scale with an average of nine letters. These values tended to be maintained over time. Both groups showed better reading velocities after training, but this parameter has undergone large variability during follow-ups. Contrast sensitivity was also improved and stable. Conclusions: Visual rehabilitation with the Retimax Vision Trainer can improve visual performance in patients with amblyopia after the critical period, an improvement that is maintained in most cases for at least one year after treatment. Full article

Objectives: This study was aimed at analyzing the efficacy on the improvement of the visual function of a dichoptic online cloud-based platform for the treatment of amblyopia in anisometropic children. Methods: A quasi-experimental (pretest–post-test) study was conducted in 23 subjects with ages from 5 to 15 years old with anisometropic amblyopia combined with additional presence (2 subjects) or not (21 subjects) of microtropia. A total of 30 home-based training sessions of 30 min per session with Bynocs^® platform were prescribed for 6 weeks. Results: Amblyopic eye logMAR visual acuity (VA) significantly improved from 0.28 ± 0.24 to 0.13 ± 0.20 after the 6-week treatment (p < 0.001). At baseline, 60.9% of participants had VA in amblyopic eye of 0.20 logMAR or worse, whereas this percentage decreased to 21.7% after treatment. Binocular function (BF) significantly improved from 2.82 ± 1.11 to 2.32 ± 0.94 (p < 0.001). Mean compliance was 92%, 87% and 93% at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, home-based dichoptic training with the digital platform evaluated is an effective method to improve amblyopic VA and stereoacuity in children with anisometropic amblyopia combined or not with microtropia. Full article

(1) Background: This study aims to analyze the bioelectrical activity of the masticatory and cervical muscles in a subject with anisometropia. (2) Methods: A female patient aged 23 years with a best-corrected visual acuity of 1.0 in the right eye and 0.1 in the left eye, a refractive error of −2.25 Dsph in the right eye and +4.25 Dsph in the left eye, and astigmatism of −1.75 Dcyl axis 24° was examined. A comprehensive ophthalmological examination and the study of the bioelectrical activity of the muscles were carried out. During the ophthalmological examination, best-corrected visual acuity was determined, refractive error (spherical equivalent) was assessed, and additionally, retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, axial length, and intraocular pressure were measured. (3) Results: It was demonstrated that higher tension in the resting mandibular position and pain-free maximum unassisted opening were observed on the right side (myopia). Conversely, higher tension during maximum voluntary clenching in the intercuspal position and maximum voluntary clenching on dental cotton rolls in the intercuspal position was observed on the left side (hyperopia and astigmatism). (4) Conclusions: In the case study, muscle asymmetry was demonstrated, which is likely associated with anisometropia. This phenomenon requires further investigation. Full article

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of one-year treatment with 0.03% atropine eye drops for slowing myopia progression among children aged 6–12 years. Methods: Healthy Caucasian children aged 6–12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) from −1.0 D to −5.0 D and astigmatism and anisometropia ≤1.5 D were included. Changes in mean axial length (AL) and objective SE as well as changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) were assessed in the 0.03% atropine eye drops group and the control group from baseline through the 1-year follow-up. The proportion of participants showing myopia progression of <0.5 D from baseline in each group and any potential side effects in 0.03% atropine group were evaluated. Results: The study involved 31 patients in the 0.03% atropine eye drops group and 41 in the control group. Administration of 0.03% atropine for 1 year resulted in a mean change in SE of −0.34 (0.44) D/year, significantly lower than the −0.60 (0.50) D/year observed in the control group (p = 0.024). The change in AL was 0.19 (0.17) mm in the 0.03% atropine group, compared to 0.31 (0.20) mm in the control group (p = 0.015). There were no significant differences in changes of IOP, CCT and LT between the groups (all p ≥ 0.05). The 0.03% atropine group had a significantly greater increase in ACD compared to the control group (p = 0.015). In total, 64.5% of patients in the 0.03% atropine group showed progression <0.5 D/year, in contrast to 39.0% in the control group (p = 0.032). Adverse events were reported in 13 (35.0%) out of 37 patients in the treatment group, leading to discontinuation of the eye drops in six (16.0%) cases. None of the adverse events were severe. Conclusions: Despite a higher incidence of adverse events, 0.03% atropine eye drops effectively slowed the progression of myopia over 1-year. Full article

Background/Objectives: Presbyopia, a common age-related refractive error, affects over a billion people globally and significantly impacts daily life. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 288 eyes of 144 patients undergoing LBV PRESBYOND^® treatment for myopic presbyopia with astigmatism, aiming to evaluate precision, efficacy, safety, and stability over six months. Results: Key findings include high efficacy, with 99% of distance-eyes achieving uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/25 or better, and 85% of near-eyes achieving UDVA of 20/32 or better. The results show excellent refractive outcomes, with 99% of long-sighted eyes and 97% of near-sighted eyes having a postoperative spherical equivalent within ±1.00 D. Safety was demonstrated by no loss of two or more Snellen lines after treatment, with 94% of patients maintaining corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) before and after surgery. Conclusions: Overall, LBV PRESBYOND^® proved effective, safe, and well tolerated for myopic presbyopia correction, offering satisfactory visual outcomes and potential spectacle independence for various distances. This study underscores the importance of individualized treatment based on patient age, highlighting the positive impact of binocular summation on visual function. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting LBV PRESBYOND^® as a viable option for addressing presbyopic myopia, offering insights into its efficacy and safety profile. Further research could explore postoperative stereopsis and long-term outcomes to enhance understanding and refine treatment protocols. Full article

Background: Different designs of ophthalmic lenses have been studied to control the progression of myopia in children. This study aims to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a new design of ophthalmic lens with asymmetric myopic peripheral defocus (MPDL) on myopia progression in children compared to a control group wearing a single-vision lens (SVL). Methods: Children aged 5 to 12 with myopia up to −0.50 D, astigmatism and anisometropia under 1.50 D, and corrected visual acuity over 20/20 were randomized to either the study group (MPDL) or control group (SVL). The myopia progression was evaluated by measuring axial length (AL) growth (IOL Master; Zeiss) over a period of one year. Results: Ninety-two subjects were recruited. Forty-six children were randomly assigned to the control group, and 46 to the study group. In total, 83 children completed the clinical trial, with a mean age of 10.81 [9.53–11.92] years, among which 59.04% were female. After one year of treatment, there was less AL elongation in the study group compared to the control group (0.14 ± 0.14 mm vs. 0.23 ± 0.15 mm, p = 0.014). Conclusions: The MPDL significantly reduced the absolute growth of AL by 39% (p = 0.014) and relative growth of AL by 37.3% (p = 0.012) after 12 months in comparison to the control group in a Spanish population. Full article

Backgroud: To analyze the factors associated with surgical outcomes after bilateral rectus recession (BLR) in children with intermittent exotropia (IXT). Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 125 patients who had all received preoperative patch treatment with a ≥1 year follow-up. The surgical outcomes were grouped as success (esodeviation ≤5 PD to exodeviation ≤10 PD) or failure (esodeviation >5 PD or exodeviation >10 PD) according to the angle of deviation at 1 year postoperatively. The patients’ magnitude of exodeviation, near and distant stereoacuity, and 3-mo patch responses were assessed. The factors associated with the surgical outcomes were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of the 125 patients, 102 (81.6%) and 23 (18.4%) were assigned to the success and failure groups, respectively. According to the univariate analysis, the absence of anisometropia, a smaller preoperative near exodeviation, a better near stereopsis, a smaller magnitude of deviation on day 1 postoperatively, and response to patching were significantly associated with surgical success for IXT after 1 year. In the multivariate analysis, distant esotropic deviation on day 1 postoperatively and response to patching were the factors affecting successful surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Esotropic distant deviation on day 1 postoperatively is a prognostic factor for favorable surgical outcomes. Preoperative patching could be a factor influencing surgical success in children with IXT. Full article