Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of microperimetry (MP), blue-on-yellow perimetry (B/YP), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph, HRT, III) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in discriminating eyes with early glaucoma from healthy subjects. Material and Methods: Prospective examination of 22 eyes of subjects with early primary open-angle glaucoma and 24 eyes of healthy control subjects. After a complete ophthalmological examination, B/YP, MP, OCT and HRT III were determined. Morphological and functional parameters were analysed. Results: Mean sensitivity threshold values obtained with B/YP and MP did not show significant differences between glaucoma patients and the control group (p = 0.321 and p = 0.281). Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness was significantly decreased in patients with glaucoma with both HRT III and OCT (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001). Conclusions: While B/YP and MP had no ability to discriminate between subjects with early glaucoma and healthy subjects, RNFL thickness measured with HRT III and OCT showed a significant difference. In early primary open-angle glaucoma, morphological changes like RNFL thickness seem to occur prior to functional defects in the visual field.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common chronic microvascular complication associated with diabetes mellitus. The development of diabetic retinopathy is a consequence of metabolic dysregulation. Hyperglycemia is a critical factor which is involved in basement membrane thickening, loss of pericytes and endothelial cells, and retinal capillary nonperfusion. We review the molecular basis of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy and elaborate the role of growth factors and cytokines in the development of diabetic vascular alterations, their specific influence on the cellular interaction between retinal endothelial cells and pericytes, and the role of intravascular blood components.
The pathology of the posterior pole in high myopic eyes is characterised by scleral thinning and staphyloma associated with structural changes of the retina. Epiretinal membranes and epiretinal traction together with partial separation of the ILM result in myopic foveoschisis and posterior tractional detachment with myopic macular holes. Foveal detachment and retinoschisis in highly myopic eyes may resolve after vitrectomy with ILM peeling: however, there is a considerable risk for the development of macular hole formation. Skleral buckling surgery is currently regaining interest and allows one to reduce the tractional forces in selected cases. While reading visual acuity is usually not regained after macular hole development, prophylactic measures should be considered for the fellow eye. Vitreous surgery might have a rationale as prophylactic treatment for highly myopic eyes at high risk of macular hole development; however, this needs to be weighed against possible surgical complications.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative retinopathy are common causes for blindness in middle-aged patients. The gold standard for treatment has been laser coagulation. Limitations of this therapy are refractive DME, ischaemic diabetic maculopathy and complications after laser application. The need for a non-destructive and effective strategy has led to investigations regarding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors for reduction of vessel leakage and oedema formation. VEGF antibody fragments have been approved for age-associated macular degeneration (AMD) in different countries and have proved to be safe and effective. Trials for different anti-VEGF compounds are nearing completion or are completed. Published data show a superiority of anti-VEGF therapy compared to laser coagulation. In the present article, data regarding dose, injection scheme and practicable application form are reviewed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.