Federico Saenz-Frances

Comparison of rebound tonometer and goldmann handheld applanation tonometer in congenital glaucoma

PurposeTo compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained using the rebound tonometer (RBT) and the handheld Goldmann applanation tonometer (Perkins) in children with congenital glaucoma. MethodsUsing both tonometers, the IOP was prospectively determined in 68 eyes of 68 patients with congenital glaucoma aged 3 to 13 years. Corneal curvature, central corneal thickness (CCT), and axial length were also measured in each patient. The ease of the use of each tonometer was scored using a visual analog scale. ResultsIOP readings obtained using the RBT and Perkins tonometer showed good correlation (r=0.869, P<0.001) although RBT readings were consistently higher (mean difference: 3.1 ±4.0 mm Hg). According to the Bland-Altman plot, the 95% limits of agreement between the 2 methods were −4.8 to 10.9 mm Hg (slope=0.589, P<0.001). When estimating CCT, the 2 tonometers behaved similarly and correlation was observed between IOP measurements and CCT, with higher IOPs obtained as the CCT increased. In contrast, no correlation was detected between corneal curvature or axial length and the IOPs recorded using either tonometer. Ease of use scores awarded by the examiner was higher for the RBT. ConclusionsThe RBT overestimates the IOP compared with the Perkins tonometer in patients with congenital glaucoma. Differences in readings between the 2 tonometers become larger as the CCT increases.

Performance of the rebound, noncontact and Goldmann applanation tonometers in routine clinical practice

Purpose:  To compare rebound tonometry (RBT) and noncontact tonometry (NCT) using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) as reference.

Nonorganic visual loss and associated psychopathology in children.

Purpose To report the frequency of nonorganic visual loss (NOVL) and associated psychopathology in children. Methods A total of 973 children were examined in our ophthalmology practice between 2006 and 2009. Basic ophthalmologic exploration (visual acuity, stereopsis, cycloplegic refraction, ocular motility, pupil dynamics, biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy) and specific tests for NOVL diagnosis were performed (confusion with lenses test, mirrors test, Roth test, Bravais test). We also investigated the psychosocial situation and associated psychiatric problems. Results Thirty children were diagnosed with NOVL. The mean age of the children was 8.93 years (±2.61); 70% were girls. September was the commonest month of presentation (26.7%) and unilateral (3.3%) or bilateral (80%) visual loss was the most frequent symptom (83.3% in total). In 20% of cases we detected psychosocial anomaly and 40% were seeking to wear glasses. Conclusions Malingering in children is very frequent. We can make the diagnosis with simple tests. It is not necessary to perform imaging and electrophysiologic testing, thus avoiding unnecessary examinations as well as absenteeism from work for parents and health care costs.

Retinal angiomatous proliferation reactivation 6 months after high-dose intravitreal acetonide triamcinolone and photodynamic therapy.

Purpose To describe the incidence of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) reactivation after combined treatment with a high-dose intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) at 1-year follow-up. Methods All patients had undergone a full ophthalmic examination. High-dose IVTA (20 mg) was injected via pars plana. Four to 7 days later, PDT was delivered. Results Fourteen eyes of 13 patients were included. Eight lesions (57%) reopened and needed retreatment with combined therapy at 6 months follow-up. At 1-year follow up, the lesion was obliterated in nine cases (64.2%) and best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.87 logMar (range, 0.7–1) to 0.79 logMar (range, 0.5–1). Conclusions Combined therapy using high-dose IVTA and PDT is beneficial in stabilizing RAP. However, a high incidence of RAP reactivation has been observed at 6 months, even with a high-dose IVTA injection.

Agreement between Central Corneal Thickness Measured Using Pentacam, Ultrasound Pachymetry, Specular Microscopy and Optic Biometer Lenstar LS 900 and the Influence of Intraocular Pressure

Purpose: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values obtained by Lenstar (LE), Pentacam (PC), specular microscopy (SM) and ultrasound pachymetry (UP) in healthy corneas and study their influence on intraocular pressure (IOP) readings determined by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Methods: CCT was measured in 76 healthy subjects by LE, PC, SM and UP. We established Lins concordance correlation coefficient (ρ-C) between different techniques. The influence of CCT on GAT was established through univariate linear regression models, IOP being the dependent variable. Results: The highest ρ-C was found between LE and SM at 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91-0.96) and between LE and UP at 0.95 (95% CI: 0.94-0.97). IOP readings showed less variability when CCT was determined using LE (7.7%, B = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.004-0.28). Conclusions: Although CCT values obtained with UP, PC, SM and LE show good correlation, these methods are not completely interchangeable. The amount of IOP variation differs when CCT is determined using LE or SM.

Comparison of ocular hypotensive actions of fixed combinations of brimonidine/timolol and dorzolamide/timolol

Abstract Objective: To compare brimonidine/timolol fixed combination (BrTFC; Combigan with dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC; Cosopt in terms of ability to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-masked, crossover study. After 6 weeks of therapy with timolol maleate 0.5% twice daily, patients were randomized to BrTFC twice daily or DTFC twice daily for 6 weeks, before being crossed over to the other treatment arm for a further 6 weeks. At all follow-up visits, IOP was measured at 09.00 (pre-instillation) 12.00 and 16.00. The primary outcome measure was change in mean diurnal IOP from baseline at 6 weeks. The secondary outcome was percentage of patients with IOP <18 mmHg at 6 weeks. Data were analyzed from all patients who completed the study. Results: Twenty-five patients were randomized and 20 completed the study. Mean diurnal IOP (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was 20.28 ± 2.03 mmHg at timolol-treated baseline. After 6 weeks, mean diurnal IOP was 16.28 ± 2.07 mmHg following BrTFC and 17.23 ± 2.29 mmHg following DTFC (difference: 0.95 mmHg, 95% CI 0.10–1.80, p = 0.03). Mean IOP at 09.00 was 20.95 ± 2.31 mmHg at baseline. This was reduced to 15.85 ± 2.56 mmHg following BrTFC and 17.55 ± 2.67 mmHg following DTFC (difference: 1.70, 95% CI 0.80–2.60, p = 0.001). For the 12.00 and 16.00 timepoints, the mean changes from baseline in the two arms were comparable. Percentages of patients achieving a target IOP of <18 mmHg were 85% following BrTFC and 60% following DTFC (p = NS [not significant]). No treatment-related adverse events were reported with either therapy. Key limitations include the small size of the study population and the 6-week duration of treatment periods, which prevents drawing conclusions regarding long-term therapy. Conclusion: Reductions from baseline in mean diurnal IOP and morning IOP were greater with BrTFC than with DTFC.

Topical intraocular pressure therapy effects on pregnancy

Purpose To assess the course of intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field progression, and adverse effects of antiglaucoma medication used during pregnancy. Methods Thirteen eyes of eight patients with glaucoma were examined. Their clinical records were reviewed to compare IOP, number of medications, and visual field indices (VFI) before, during, and after pregnancy using a two-tailed paired t-test. Results In seven (87.5%) of the eight patients, no disease progression was observed. IOP (mmHg) remained stable (baseline 17.3 ± 3.6; first trimester 17.4 ± 5.2, P = 0.930; second trimester 18.1 ± 4.7, P = 0.519; third trimester 20.2 ± 8.7, P = 0.344; and postpartum 21.5 ± 7.6, P = 0.136). The mean number of glaucoma treatments fell from 1.7 ± 0.52 before pregnancy to 0.83 ± 0.75 (P = 0.04) in the second and third trimesters. In one patient, IOP increased during pregnancy and there was further visual field loss. In the only patient kept on fixed combination timolol–dorzolamide therapy throughout pregnancy, labor was induced because of delayed intrauterine growth. Conclusions No changes in IOP and VFI were detected in most patients despite a reduction in the number of hypotensive agents required. Delayed intrauterine growth in one patient under fixed combination timolol–dorzolamide treatment was observed whereas no other adverse effects were detected.

Use of a fibrin adhesive for conjunctival closure in trabeculectomy

Purpose:  To assess the safety and efficacy of a fibrin tissue adhesive (Tissucol Duo®) used to close the conjunctiva in trabeculectomy.

Charles Bonnet plus syndrome: apropos of a case.

Purpose Charles Bonnet syndrome plus is an exceedingly rare variant of this disorder. The variant has been described in patients with sight impairment and severe hypoacusis, and is usually characterized by complex visual and auditory—musical—hallucinations that the patients recognize as unreal. Methods Case report. Results A 75-year-old woman diagnosed with Usher syndrome presented with visual acuity of light perception in both eyes, which did not improve with the use of a pinhole occluder. She also had coptosis in right ear and severe hypoacusis in left ear, confirmed through audiometry. Audiometric tests were normal once the implant and the hearing aid were connected. The patient was referred to the Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit after recounting experiencing complex visual hallucinations, as well as auditory (musical) ones at night after disconnecting the hearing aid. She described the latter as a nightly occurrence of hearing “cabaret music.” Nevertheless, she was aware of reality and of her sensory impairments. The patient was diagnosed at the interdisciplinary Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, and began pharmacologic treatment with clear improvement. Conclusions Knowledge of Charles Bonnet syndrome and in particular of Charles Bonnet syndrome plus—due to its infrequency—on the part of ophthalmologists is fundamental to adequately diagnose and treat this rare disorder.

Myopia and retinal striae induced by topiramate

Abstract Clinical case A 23-year-old woman who was seen due to decreasing far visual acuity 24hours after starting treatment with topiramate. In the cycloplegic refraction, RE showed –4.25 and LE –4.50. Retinal striae could be seen in the macula of both eyes. The alterations ceased 48 hours after the drug treatment was interrupted. Discussion Drug induced acute myopia is an infrequent phenomenon, the aetiology of which is still not fully known.