Deficits in contrast sensitivity (CS) have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the extent of these deficits in prodromal AD stages, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or even earlier, has not been investigated. In this study, CS was assessed using frequency doubling technology (FDT) in older adults with AD (n=10), amnestic MCI (n=28), cognitive complaints without performance deficits (CC, n=20), and healthy controls (HC, n=29). The association between CS and cognition was also evaluated. Finally, the accuracy of CS measures for classifying MCI versus HC was evaluated. CS deficits were found in AD and MCI, while CC showed intermediate performance between MCI and HC. Upper right visual field CS showed the most significant difference among groups. CS was also associated with cognitive performance. Finally, CS measures accurately classified MCI versus HC. The CS deficits in AD and MCI, and intermediate performance in CC, indicate that these measures are sensitive to early AD-associated changes. Therefore, FDT-based measures of CS may have promise as a novel AD biomarker.

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most prevalent optic nerve disorder among patients over 50 years of age, characterized by sudden onset, painless visual loss, with an accompanying relative afferent pupillary defect and optic disc edema. Although the pathophysiology of NAION has not been fully elucidated, several risk factors have been considered, including advanced age, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and certain optic disc morphologies. An association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and NAION has also been recognized. One prospective cohort study indicated that the relative risk of OSA among patients with NAION was 4.9; a later retrospective cohort study demonstrated that patients with OSA not treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) had a 16% increased hazard of developing NAION compared to patients without OSA.The following review will discuss the most recent understanding of the relationship between OSA and NAION, with implications for further research and prevention strategies.

Modern neuroimaging provides excellent characterization of anterior visual pathway gliomas, often obviating the need for biopsy of the tumor. Management remains controversial, but if there is progression, chemotherapy is preferred for young patients. Stereotactically guided conformal radiotherapy and proton beam radiotherapy allow smaller, more precise doses of radiation to be administered and can be considered in older children with progressive disease. A mouse model of NF-1 with optic pathway gliomas has the potential to provide important insights into the development of gliomas as well as serving as a model for their effective treatment.

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There was no clear evidence of near acuity improvement despite statistically significant pilocarpine-induced anterior lens displacement. Further randomized controlled studies with standardized methods evaluating adverse effects (eg, PCO) are needed to clarify the tradeoffs.