Newer visual function tests in the evaluation of glaucoma

Posterior Pole Asymmetry Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool in Glaucoma Suspects: An Electrophysiological Approach

Purpose

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with posterior pole asymmetry analysis (PPAA) provides a mapping of posterior pole retinal thickness with asymmetry analysis between hemispheres of each eye. We investigated whether these structural abnormalities were correlated with functional retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, quantified by steady state pattern electroretinogram (ssPERG), in glaucoma suspects (GS).

Methods

Twenty GS (34 eyes) were enrolled in a prospective study at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. All subjects underwent ophthalmological examination, including Humphrey visual field, Spectralis Glaucoma Module Premium Edition (GMPE) SD-OCT PPAA, and ssPERG testing. The ability of ssPERG parameters (Magnitude [Mag, µv], MagnitudeD [MagD, µv], and MagD/Mag ratio) to predict PPAA thickness (total, superior, and inferior thickness, [µm]) was tested via adjusted multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

Mag explained 8% of variance in total PPAA change (F(1,29)=6.33, B=6.86, 95% CI: 1.29-12.44, p=0.018), 8% in superior PPAA change (F(1,29)=5.57, B=6.92, 95% CI: 0.92-12.92, p=0.025), and 7.1% in inferior PPAA change (F(1,29)=5.83, B=6.80, 95% CI: 1.04-12.56, p=0.022). Similarly, MagD explained 9.7% of variance in total PPAA change (F(1,29)=8.09, B=6.47, 95% CI: 1.82-11.13, p=0.008), 10% in superior PPAA change (F(1,29)=7.33, B=6.63, 95% CI: 1.62-11.63, p=0.011), and 8.5% in inferior PPAA change (F(1,29)=7.25, B=6.36, 95% CI: 1.53-11.18, p=0.012). MagD/Mag ratio and PPAA were not significantly associated.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a positive relationship between RGC dysfunction and retinal thickness changes between the superior and inferior hemispheres. The detection of asymmetrical structural loss, combined with functional RGC assessment using ssPERG, may be an informative tool for early glaucoma diagnosis.

Pattern Electroretinogram Parameters Are Associated with Optic Nerve Morphology in Preperimetric Glaucoma after Adjusting for Disc Area

Purpose

We examined the relationships between pattern electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography derived optic nerve head measurements, after controlling for disc area.

Methods

Thirty-two eyes from 20 subjects with preperimetric glaucoma underwent pattern electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography. Pattern electroretinogram parameters (Magnitude, MagnitudeD, and MagnitudeD/Magnitude ratio) and optic nerve head measurements (rim area, average cup to disc ratio, vertical cup to disc ratio, cup volume, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness sectors, and Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width thickness sectors) were analyzed after controlling for disc area.

Results

Magnitude and MagnitudeD were significantly associated with rim area (r ≥ 0.503, p ≤ 0.004). All pattern electroretinogram parameters significantly correlated with Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width sectors—temporal superior and nasal inferior (r = 0.400, p=0.039)—and retinal nerve fiber layer sectors—superior, nasal superior, and inferior (r ≥ 0.428, p ≤ 0.026). Magnitude and MagnitudeD explained an additional 26.8% and 25.2% of variance in rim area (B = 0.174 (95% CI: 0.065, 0.283), p=0.003, and B = 0.160 (95% CI: 0.056, 0.265), p=0.004), respectively. MagnitudeD and MagnitudeD/Magnitude ratio explained an additional 13.4% and 12.8% of the variance in Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width global (B = 38.921 [95% CI: 3.872, 73.970], p=0.031, and B = 129.024 (95% CI: 9.589, 248.460), p=0.035), respectively. All Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width sectors and retinal nerve fiber layer sectors (nasal superior, nasal inferior, and inferior) were significantly correlated with rim area (r ≥ 0.389, p ≤ 0.045).

Conclusion

PERG abnormalities can predict rim area loss in preperimetric glaucoma after controlling for disc area. We recommend controlling for disc area to increase diagnostic accuracy in early glaucoma.

[Functional loading test with caffeine as a detection method for hydrodynamic disturbances in patients with cataract and pseudoexfoliation syndrome]

Different functional loading tests, with caffeine for example, can help reveal certain disturbances in ocular hydrodynamics and it would be interesting to investigate their diagnostic potential in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), which is a known trigger of glaucoma. Aim - to determine the value of caffeine loading test in the diagnosis of hydrodynamic disturbances in eyes with cataract and pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 98 patients (98 eyes) with cataract and PEX were examined. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were taken using the Maklakov applanation tonometer every 15 min during the first hour after a 0.2 ml subcutaneous injection of 10% caffeine/sodium benzoate solution.

RESULTS

Three types of intraocular pressure response to caffeine administration have been described in patients with cataract and PEX. The severity of hydrodynamic disturbances thus revealed has been also shown to correlate with PEX stage, IOP level, and the presence or absence of cardiovascular pathology, which allows to regard the latter sings as markers of hydrodynamic problems in the eye.

Changes in visual function after intraocular pressure reduction using antiglaucoma medications

PURPOSE

To evaluate the change in visual function after starting glaucoma treatment and correlate this to a decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized clinical trial was carried out involving 54 glaucoma patients (54 eyes). After inclusion, patients randomly received timolol maleate 0.5%, brimonidine tartrate 0.2%, or travoprost 0.004% in one randomly selected eye. Patients underwent Goldmann applanation tonometry, visual acuity test, standard automated perimetry (SAP), visual quality perception test (visual analogue scale), and contrast sensitivity (CS) test, in a random order before and after the 4-week glaucoma treatment.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant changes in IOP (mean change [standard deviation], 7.8 [3.6] mmHg, P<0.001), SAP mean deviation index (0.84 [2.45] dB, P=0.02), visual quality perception (0.56 [1.93], P=0.045), and CS at frequencies of 12 cycles/degree (0.10 [0.37], P=0.03) and 18 cycles/degree (0.18 [0.42], P=0.02) after the 4-week treatment when compared with baseline. No statistically significant differences were found between the treatment groups in visual function changes after treatment (P>0.40). No significant correlations between IOP reduction and changes in visual function were found (P>0.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Visual quality perception, visual field mean deviation index, and CS at higher frequencies improve after starting glaucoma therapy. However, no correlation was found between IOP reduction and changes in visual function, and no differences were found in visual function when the three medications studied were compared.

Defining the nature of motion perception deficits in glaucoma using simple and complex motion stimuli

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to determine the nature of motion perception deficits in primary open-angle glaucoma by measuring the sensitivity of simple (luminance-defined) and complex (texture-defined) motion, the latter requiring supplementary neural processing to be resolved. These findings will help address the possible extent of the cortical damage in glaucoma that has been recently demonstrated by anatomic and physiological studies. They also serve the purpose of establishing which motion paradigms would be most appropriate for assessing glaucoma-related functional loss.

METHODS

Direction-identification thresholds for first-order and second-order motion were measured for 26 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (for both phakic and pseudophakic) and 18 nonglaucomatous observers.

RESULTS

The glaucomatous observers showed significantly increased motion thresholds for both first- and second-order motion conditions when compared with nonglaucomatous observers. However, the relative increase in threshold for first-order motion did not differ significantly from that of second-order motion.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings imply that there is no measurable higher-level cortical function damage caused by the glaucomatous process because no greater loss in second-order motion was observed. Based on the results, we suggest that motion paradigms used to assess functional loss in primary open-angle glaucoma should consist of simple, first-order type stimuli to minimize potential confounds such as those introduced by both the normal and pathologic aging process on complex motion processing (i.e., perimetry using complex motion stimuli).

Spectral characteristics of light sources for S-cone stimulation

PURPOSE

Electrophysiological investigations of the short-wavelength sensitive pathway of the human eye require the use of a suitable light source as a S-cone stimulator. Different light sources with their spectral distribution properties were investigated and compared with the ideal S-cone stimulator.

METHODS

First, the theoretical background of the calculation of relative cone energy absorption from the spectral distribution function of the light source is summarized. From the results of the calculation, the photometric properties of the ideal S-cone stimulator will be derived. The calculation procedure was applied to virtual light sources (computer generated spectral distribution functions with different medium wavelengths and spectrum widths) and to real light sources (blue and green light emitting diodes, blue phosphor of CRT-monitor, multimedia projector, LCD monitor and notebook display). The calculated relative cone absorbencies are compared to the conditions of an ideal S-cone stimulator.

RESULTS

Monochromatic light sources with wavelengths of less than 456 nm are close to the conditions of an ideal S-cone stimulator. Spectrum widths up to 21 nm do not affect the S-cone activation significantly (S-cone activation change < 0.2%). Blue light emitting diodes with peak wavelength at 448 nm and spectrum bandwidth of 25 nm are very useful for S-cone stimulation (S-cone activation approximately 95%). A suitable display for S-cone stimulation is the Trinitron computer monitor (S-cone activation approximately 87%). The multimedia projector has a S-cone activation up to 91%, but their spectral distribution properties depends on the selected intensity. LCD monitor and notebook displays have a lower S-cone activation (< or = 74%).

CONCLUSION

Carefully selecting the blue light source for S-cone stimulation can reduce the unwanted L-and M-cone activation down to 4% for M-cones and 1.5% for L-cones.

Comparative optic nerve physiology: implications for glaucoma, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration

The axoplasm of optic nerve axons moves bidirectionally at various speeds along an intra-axonal pressure gradient from the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somata toward its synapse, and from the synapse towards the RGC somata. The axoplasmic flow of optic nerve axons is precarious even at normal intraocular pressures (IOP) as it moves from the intraocular optic nerve through the scleral lamina cribrosa to the intraorbital optic nerve. The scleral lamina cribrosa is not simply a porous region of the sclera but a specialized extracellular matrix of the central nervous system whose movement during fluctuations in IOP can affect optic nerve axoplasmic flow. The abundant optic nerve blood supply maintains adequate optic nerve head perfusion through a process of vascular autoregulation. Glaucoma is associated with reduced optic nerve axoplasmic flow and compromised optic nerve circulation such that RGC death due to glutamate excitotoxicity and neurotrophin deprivation result.

Diagnostic capabilities of frequency-doubling technology, scanning laser polarimetry, and nerve fiber layer photographs to distinguish glaucomatous damage

PURPOSE

To investigate the ability of three diagnostic tests: frequency-doubling technology (FDT), scanning laser polarimetry (GDx), and nerve fiber layer (NFL) photographs to distinguish normal from glaucomatous eyes.

METHODS

Data were obtained in a cross-sectional, hospital clinic-based study, including one eye from each of 253 persons older than 40 years (68 normal, 94 glaucoma suspects and 91 glaucoma patients). We performed a comprehensive ocular examination, as well as static automated perimetry (Humphrey 24-2), screening FDT, GDx, optic nerve stereoscopic photographs and high-contrast NFL photographs.

RESULTS

The following were significantly different for glaucomatous patients compared with suspects and normals: mean values of mean deviation (MD, Humphrey 24-2) and corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD), 11 GDx indices, mean FDT testing time and missed points, and NFL graded defects (ANOVA, Mantel-Haenszel test; p = 0.0001). Using Humphrey 24-2 test results and clinical assessment as the defining features of glaucoma, we found that the optimal mix of sensitivity and specificity values were 84% and 100% for FDT (presence of any defect); 62% and 96% for GDx (The Number, cut-off value of 27); and, 95% and 82% for NFL photographs (presence of any abnormality). FDT testing took the least time to be administered.

CONCLUSIONS

The FDT had the best diagnostic performance. Neural network analysis of GDx data outperformed other elements of its software.

Perspectives in the medical treatment of glaucoma

Many advances in medical therapy for chronic glaucoma have taken place in the past few years that have altered previous concepts of stepwise medical therapy for glaucoma. beta-adrenergic blockers are still the most common medicine prescribed as monotherapy. However, latanoprost and brimonidine are often given as monotherapy as well as early adjunctive therapy. In addition, newer treatments that are used as early adjunctive therapy are dorzolamide, brinzolamide, apraclonidine, and the combination products, consisting of dorzolamide/timolol maleate and pilocarpine/timolol maleate. Older adjunctive treatments are now often prescribed as late adjunctive therapy including pilocarpine, epinephrine compounds, and acetazolamide. The extent of maximum tolerated medical therapy and the decision to perform either laser or conventional filtration surgery depend on the physician's judgment and on the patient's needs and preferences. In the future, newer medical therapies that may protect the health of the optic nerve directly could be developed including blood flow-based, neuroprotective, and genetically based agents.

Pattern electroretinogram and optic nerve topography in ocular hypertension

It is known that changes in pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and optic disk morphology may both precede the onset of visual field damage in glaucomatous disease. However, the relationship between PERG and optic disk morphometry in ocular hypertension (OHT) has not yet been evaluated in detail. This study of PERG amplitude in a group of OHT patients indicates its significant correlation with various optic disk morphometric parameters, in particular, those of optic disk sectors considered at risk for early glaucomatous damage. Analysis of individual data points to the possibility that, while functional abnormalities may often precede optic disk morphologic changes, in a much lower number of cases it seems to be the other way around.

Glaucoma: diagnosis and management

Glaucoma is the third most prevalent cause of global blindness, accounting for over 5 million blind. It is common in Western Countries; the estimated prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma rises from a total prevalence of 1.1% to approximately 3% of our population as it ages. Ethnicity affects both the risk of developing glaucoma and the outcome. It is an expensive disease both to detect and to treat. Recent scientific advances include elucidation of the genetic mechanism behind the disease and the study of haemodynamic and biochemical co-factors in the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, particularly in relation to the pathogenesis of normal tension glaucoma. Several new types of topical medication have recently been developed for use in glaucoma; both the impact of these therapies and their cost effectiveness remain to be evaluated. There are widely differing regimes which effectively treat glaucoma; some ophthalmologists prefer early surgical intervention whilst others reserve surgery for relatively advanced disease. All methods of current treatment rely on the reduction of intra-ocular pressure; as yet there is no medication which has been definitively proven to be either neuroprotective or to influence favourably optic nerve perfusion. Despite this, most sufferers of glaucoma are able to lead lives of quality. Increased community awareness of glaucoma, and earlier detection of the condition, will doubtless result in decreased morbidity due to glaucoma.