Background/ObjectiveParkinson's disease (PD) and the atypical parkinsonian syndromes multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) are movement disorders associated with degeneration of the central nervous system. Degeneration of the retina has not been systematically compared in these diseases.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with manual segmentation to measure the peripapillar nerve fiber layer, the macular thickness, and the thickness of all retinal layers in foveal scans of 40 patients with PD, 19 with MSA, 10 with CBS, 15 with PSP, and 35 age- and sex-matched controls.ResultsThe mean paramacular thickness and volume were reduced in PSP while the mean RNFL did not differ significantly between groups. In PSP patients, the complex of retinal ganglion cell- and inner plexiform layer and the outer nuclear layer was reduced. In PD, the inner nuclear layer was thicker than in controls, MSA and PSP. Using the ratio between the outer nuclear layer and the outer plexiform layer with a cut-off at 3.1 and the additional constraint that the inner nuclear layer be under 46 µm, we were able to differentiate PSP from PD in our patient sample with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 70%.ConclusionDifferent parkinsonian syndromes are associated with distinct changes in retinal morphology. These findings may serve to facilitate the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes and give insight into the degenerative processes of patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes.

We conclude from our data that the XEN45 Gel Stent has an IOP-lowering potential and few side-effects. Pseudophakic eyes seem to have a better primary prognosis compared to combined surgery or surgery in phakic eyes.

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Our findings indicate a primary retinal pathology involving the inner nuclear layer in primary progressive MS. Results in eyes without history of optic neuritis suggest possible subclinical episodes of optic neuritis or retrograde trans-synaptic degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and their axons.

. Purpose:  To test whether patients aged ≥80 years can safely and successfully apply eyedrops from a single‐use eyedrop container without support, and to compare the results with those of younger patients using single‐use containers and older patients using standard eyedrop bottles. Methods:  Patients aged ≥80 years who had no physical or mental conditions hindering self‐application of eyedrops and actually did so because of glaucoma or dry eyes were included consecutively in the study group (n = 44) in order to perform self‐application of eyedrops from single‐use eyedrop containers. Patients were observed meticulously by two investigators, who documented practical problems during the procedure in a checklist. In control group A (n = 22), glaucoma or sicca patients aged between 50 and 65 years applied drops from single‐use eyedrop containers; in control group B (n = 28), glaucoma or sicca patients aged ≥80 years used a traditional eyedrop bottle. Results:  Successful application of the drops into the conjunctival sac was achieved by 57% in the study group (95% and 89% in control groups A and B, respectively). Scratching of the eyedrop container along the conjunctiva or cornea was observed in 68% of the study group (41% and 61% in control groups A and B, respectively). Frequency of problems during opening and self‐application of single‐use eyedrop containers in the study group showed an inverse correlation to visual acuity in the better eye and previous experience with this kind of eyedrop container. Conclusion:  Older patients have massive problems in self‐administering eyedrops from single‐use containers. Factors influencing the success of self‐application may include the patient’s previous experience with this kind of eyedrop container and the patient’s visual acuity.

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