Tetsuo Ogino

Time Course of Changes in Metamorphopsia, Visual Acuity, and OCT Parameters after Successful Epiretinal Membrane Surgery

PURPOSE To follow the changes in the metamorphopsia, visual acuity, and OCT parameters after epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal. METHODS The study included 49 eyes of 49 patients with an ERM who underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling. The changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), metamorphopsia, and central foveal thickness (CFT) were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. M-CHARTS were used to quantify metamorphopsia. RESULTS The mean BCVA, metamorphopsia scores for horizontal lines (MH) and vertical lines (MV), and CFT improved significantly at 12 months after surgery (P < 0.001). The baseline BCVA, MH score, and MV score were significantly correlated with the corresponding BCVA, MH score, and MV score at 12 months after surgery (P < 0.01). The MH and MV scores at 12 months was significantly correlated with the BCVA at 12 months (P < 0.01), and the baseline MV score was significantly correlated with the BCVA at 12 months (P < 0.05). The MH score but not the MV score was significantly correlated with the CFT at baseline and 12 months (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The preoperative BCVA, MH score, and MV score were prognostic factors for the corresponding postoperative BCVA, MH score, and MV score. These results suggest that surgery for ERM should be considered before severe reduction in the BCVA or the degree of metamorphopsia. In addition, the preoperative MV score was a prognostic factor for postoperative BCVA. The MH score but not the MV score was correlated with the CFT preoperatively and postoperatively.

Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japanese Patients: Results After One Year

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin 1 year after treatment in Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.MethodsBetween May 2004 and March 2005, PDT was performed on 102 eyes of 98 patients (60 men and 38 women) with AMD and subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. Patients were followed for at least 12 months after PDT.ResultsThe mean visual acuities in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units were 0.978 at baseline, 0.919 at 3 months, 0.895 at 6 months, 0.892 at 9 months, and 0.874 at 12 months. After PDT, the logMAR visual acuity improved by >0.3 logMAR units or more in 28 eyes (27%) and deteriorated by >0.3 logMAR units or more in 13 eyes (13%). Stable or improved vision was achieved in 93% of patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).ConclusionsThe visual outcome in our patients was similar to that of an earlier major Japanese study, and similar to or better than outcomes in Western studies. Differences between Caucasians and Japanese might influence the characteristics of PCV. It is possible that PDT is more effective for AMD patients with PCV than for other AMD patients. Further observations and longer follow-up are necessary. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2007;51:210–215

Effects of Superior Colliculus Inhibition on Three-Dimensional Visual Motion Processing in the Lateral Suprasylvian Visual Area of the Cat

PURPOSE To determine whether visual inputs from the tectothalamocortical pathway influence three-dimensional motion processing within the lateral suprasylvian (LS) area of the cat. METHODS Tungsten microelectrodes were used for recording visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) from the LS area of 4 cats. Random dot stereograms were used as visual stimuli. Three-dimensional, motion-triggered VEPs were recorded from the LS area. Each motion sequence consisted of an abrupt onset of motion disparity with a 2 degrees amplitude followed by an abrupt offset and a stationary phase of 900 ms. The velocity of the motion disparity was varied in eight steps from 10 degrees to 400 degrees per second. The onset of motion disparity was used as the trigger for recording the VEPs. Single or multiple injections (two to three) of muscimol were made mainly into the rostral superior colliculus (SC). The amplitudes of the VEPs before and after the muscimol injection were compared. RESULTS A large negative wave ( N1) with an implicit time of 92.7 +/- 13.5 ms (mean +/- SD, n = 98) was recorded consistently. The amplitude of N1 was significantly larger on stereovision of motion disparity than on either binocular vision of two-dimensional lateral motion or monocular vision, indicating that N1 contains neurons sensitive to motion disparity. The amplitude of N1 was not altered by muscimol injection into the SC at velocities < or =50 degrees/s. On the other hand, the amplitude of N1 was reduced to 66-71% of that observed before muscimol injection at velocities > or =75 degrees/s. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the LS area processes three-dimensional motion inputs via two parallel pathways, the geniculostriate pathway and the tectothalamocortical pathway, at velocities of motion disparity > or =75 degrees/s, while the three-dimensional motion inputs project to the LS area only via the geniculostriate pathway at velocities of motion disparity < or = 50 degrees/s.