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Gao H, Kirkendall CD, Kinney MJ, Preston AM, Reddix MD. Color Vision Testing, Standards, and Visual Performance of the U.S. Military. Mil Med 2023; 188:49-57. [PMID: 35352814 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Color vision deficiency (CVD) is a disqualifying condition for military special duty occupations. Color vision testing and standards vary slightly among the U.S. military branches. Paper-based pseudoisochromatic plates (PIPs) remain a screening tool. Computer-based color vision tests (CVTs), i.e., the Cone Contrast Test (CCT), the Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test, and the Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test (WCCVT), are now replacing the Farnsworth Lantern Test (FALANT) and its variants to serve as a primary or secondary test in the U.S. Armed Forces. To maintain consistency in recruitment, performance, and safety, the study objectives were to examine military color vision testing, passing criteria, and color discrimination performance. METHODS Study participants were 191 (17% female) students, faculty, and staff of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. All subjects performed six CVTs, and 141 participants completed two additional military relevant color discrimination tasks. Friedman non-parametric test and Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc test with Bonferroni adjusted P values were used to compare CVTs and standards. Analysis of variance and Bonferroni adjusted post hoc test were used to describe effects on color discrimination performance. RESULTS The Heidelberg Multicolor-Moreland and Rayleigh (HMC-MR) anomaloscope diagnosed 58 CVD (30.4%). There were no statistically significant differences in identifying red-green CVD by the HMC-MR, CCT, CAD, WCCVT, and PIP tests (P = .18), or classifying deutan, protan, and normal color vision (CVN) by the HMC-MR and the CVT (P = .25). Classification of tritan CVD was significantly different depending on which CVT was used (P < .001). Second, overall passing rates were 79.1% on the CAD (≤6 standard normal unit (SNU)), 78.5% on the combined PIP/FALANT, 78.0% on the CCT (≥55%), and 75.4% on the WCCVT (mild) military standards. The CVTs and the PIP/FALANT standards were not significantly different in number of personnel selected, but CAD and CCT passed significantly more individuals than WCCVT (P = .011 and P = .004, respectively). The previous U.S. Air Force standard (CCT score ≥75%) passed significantly fewer individuals relative the U.S. Navy pre-2017 PIP/FALANT or the current CVT standards (P ≤ .001). Furthermore, for those who failed the PIP (<12/14), the FALANT (9/9 or ≥16/18) agreed with the CVTs on passing the same CVN (n = 5); however, it also passed moderate-to-severe CVD who did not pass WCCVT (n = 6), CCT (n = 3), and CAD (n = 1). Lastly, moderate/severe CVD were significantly slower and less accurate than the "mild" CVD or CVN in the two color discrimination tasks (P < .001). In comparison to CVN in the in-cockpit display color discrimination task, mild CVD (CCT ≥55% and <75%) were significantly slower by 1,424 ± 290 milliseconds in reaction time (P < .001) while maintaining accuracy. CONCLUSIONS CVTs are superior to paper-based PIP in diagnosing, classifying, and grading CVD. Relative to the PIP/FALANT standard in personnel selection, the current U.S. military CVT passing criteria offer comparable passing rates but are more accurate in selecting mild CVD. Nevertheless, military commanders should also consider specific operational requirements in selecting mild CVD for duty as reduced job performance may occur in a complex color critical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Gao
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7955, USA
| | - Cristina D Kirkendall
- Selection and Assignment Research Unit, U.S. Army Research Institute, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA
| | - Micah J Kinney
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1156, USA
| | - Adam M Preston
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7955, USA
| | - Michael D Reddix
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7955, USA
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2
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Bjeloš M, Bušić M, Ćurić A, Bosnar D, Šarić B, Marković L, Kuzmanović Elabjer B, Rak B. Pathogenicity reclassification of the RPE65 c.1580A>G (p.His527Arg) - a case report. Ophthalmic Genet 2022; 44:276-280. [PMID: 35904185 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2106496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is of utmost importance to define the molecular diagnosis of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) due to existing targeted therapeutic option: voretigene neparvovec.We provide clinical evidence for pathogenicity reclassification of variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) RPE65 c.1580A>G (p.His527Arg). MATERIALS AND METHODS A case report of a 10-year-old boy with progressive vision loss. The patient manifested disease highly suggestive of RPE65 retinal dystrophy: nyctalopia, fairly good central vision, severely depressed full-field electroretinography responses and complete loss of peripheral fundus aut ofluorescence. RESULTS Invitae Inherited Retinal Disorders Panel identified likely pathogenic mutation RPE65 c.499G>T (p.Asp167Tyr) and RPE65 c.1580A>G (p.His527Arg), variant of uncertain significance. Segregation analysis confirmed that these variants are in trans. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the variant RPE65 c.1580A>G (p.His527Arg) has contributed to the pathologic phenotype, demonstrating its significance clearly in the case presented, and should be reclassified according to the criteria of evidence as pathogenic. Therefore, patients with this specific variant in homozygous or compound heterozygous form would likely benefit from genetic treatment based on recombinant adeno-associated virus vector, providing a working RPE65 gene to act in place of a mutated RPE65 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Bjeloš
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mladen Bušić
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ana Ćurić
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Damir Bosnar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Borna Šarić
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Leon Marković
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Biljana Kuzmanović Elabjer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Benedict Rak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Reference Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia
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The Effect of Cataract on Color Vision Measurement with the Low-Vision Cambridge Colour Test. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100153. [PMID: 36249699 PMCID: PMC9560658 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To quantify the effect of cataract on color vision as measured by the low-vision Cambridge Colour Test (lvCCT; Cambridge Research Systems) and to understand whether different types and severities of cataract have different effects on color vision. Design Cohort study. Participants Patients aged 18 to 95 undergoing routine cataract surgery at the Oxford Eye Hospital. Methods The lvCCT was performed to measure color sensitivity in both eyes both before and after surgery. The crystalline lens was examined and graded according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III to determine the type and severity of cataract. Measures of repeatability were performed for the data to explore test–retest bias using Bland–Altman analysis. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to assess the effect of cataract on color vision by comparing control and surgical test measurements. Three multiple linear regressions were performed to relate cataract grading or severity to color vision measurements. Main Outcome Measures Color discrimination along each of the protan, deutan, and tritan confusion lines. Results The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a statistically significant difference in both the protan (P = 0.024) and tritan (P = 0.020) axes on comparison of control and surgical test measurements. As severity of cataract increased, color vision sensitivity was affected more greatly, and nuclear sclerotic cataract showed the most profound effect on color vision sensitivity in the lvCCT; however, the linear regression models showed that these observations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Cataract surgery has a statistically significant effect on color vision in both the protan and tritan axes. The effects of specific subtypes of cataract and different severities could not be elucidated because of the high prevalence of patients with mixed cataract. The lvCCT color sensitivity measurements are used regularly as outcome measures in clinical gene therapy trials involving vitreoretinal surgery, and vitrectomy accelerates cataract formation. Therefore, it is important to quantify the effect of cataract on color vision measurements so that it may be taken into account when used as an outcome measure in clinical trials. We were unable to derive a precise correction factor for cataract on color vision measurements.
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Fars J, Fernandes TP, Huchzermeyer C, Kremers J, Paramei GV. Chromatic discrimination measures in mature observers depend on the response window. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9072. [PMID: 35641546 PMCID: PMC9156755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Our past anecdotal evidence prompted that a longer response window (RW) in the Trivector test (Cambridge Colour Test) improved mature observers’ estimates of chromatic discrimination. Here, we systematically explored whether RW variation affects chromatic discrimination thresholds measured by the length of Protan, Deutan and Tritan vectors. We employed the Trivector test with three RWs: 3 s, 5 s, and 8 s. Data of 30 healthy normal trichromats were stratified as age groups: ‘young’ (20–29 years), ‘middle-aged’ (31–48 years), and ‘mature’ (57–64 years). We found that for the ‘young’ and ‘middle-aged’, the thresholds were comparable at all tested RWs. However, the RW effect was apparent for the ‘mature’ observers: their Protan and Tritan thresholds decreased at 8-s RW compared to 3-s RW; moreover, their Tritan threshold decreased at 5-s RW compared to 3-s RW. Elevated discrimination thresholds at shorter RWs imply that for accurate performance, older observers require longer stimulus exposure and are indicative of ageing effects manifested by an increase in critical processing duration. Acknowledging low numbers in our ‘middle-aged’ and ‘mature’ samples, we consider our study as pilot. Nonetheless, our findings encourage us to advocate a RW extension in the Trivector protocol for testing mature observers, to ensure veridical measures of their chromatic discrimination by disentangling these from other ageing effects—slowing down of both motor responses and visual processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fars
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Cidade Universitaria S/N, Joao Pessoa, 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Cord Huchzermeyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Kremers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Galina V Paramei
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, L16 9JD, UK.
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Daich Varela M, Georgiou M, Hashem SA, Weleber RG, Michaelides M. Functional evaluation in inherited retinal disease. Br J Ophthalmol 2021; 106:1479-1487. [PMID: 34824084 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-319994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Functional assessments are a fundamental part of the clinical evaluation of patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Their importance and impact have become increasingly notable, given the significant breadth and number of clinical trials and studies investigating multiple avenues of intervention across a wide range of IRDs, including gene, pharmacological and cellular therapies. Moreover, the fact that many clinical trials are reporting improvements in vision, rather than the previously anticipated structural stability/slowing of degeneration, makes functional evaluation of primary relevance. In this review, we will describe a range of methods employed to characterise retinal function and functional vision, beginning with tests variably included in the clinic, such as visual acuity, electrophysiological assessment and colour discrimination, and then discussing assessments often reserved for clinical trials/research studies such as photoaversion testing, full-field static perimetry and microperimetry, and vision-guided mobility testing; addressing perimetry in greatest detail, given it is commonly a primary outcome metric. We will focus on how these tests can help diagnose and monitor particular genotypes, also noting their limitations/challenges and exploring analytical methodologies for better exploiting functional measurements, as well as how they facilitate patient inclusion and stratification in clinical trials and serve as outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Shaima A Hashem
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK .,Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road Campus, London, UK
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Lopez-Rodriguez R, Lantero E, Blanco-Kelly F, Avila-Fernandez A, Martin Merida I, Del Pozo-Valero M, Perea-Romero I, Zurita O, Jiménez-Rolando B, Swafiri ST, Riveiro-Alvarez R, Trujillo-Tiebas MJ, Carreño Salas E, García-Sandoval B, Corton M, Ayuso C. RPE65-related retinal dystrophy: Mutational and phenotypic spectrum in 45 affected patients. Exp Eye Res 2021; 212:108761. [PMID: 34492281 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biallelic pathogenic RPE65 variants are related to a spectrum of clinically overlapping inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD). Most affected individuals progress to severe disease, with 50% of patients becoming legally blind by 20 years of age. Deeper knowledge of the mutational spectrum and the phenotype-genotype correlation in RPE65-related IRD is needed. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-five affected subjects from 27 unrelated families with a clinical diagnosis of RPE65-related IRD were included. Clinical evaluation consisted of self-reported ophthalmological history and objective ophthalmological examination. Patients' genotype was classified according to variant class (truncating or missense) or to variant location at different protein domains. The main phenotypic outcome measure was age at onset (AAO) of symptomatic disease and a Kaplan-Meier analysis of disease symptom event-free survival was performed. RESULTS Twenty-nine different RPE65 variants were identified in our cohort, 7 of them novel. Patients carrying two missense alleles showed a later disease onset than those with 1 or 2 truncating variants (log-rank test p <0.05). While 60% of patients carrying a missense/missense genotype presented symptoms before or during the first year of life, almost all patients with at least 1 truncating allele (91%) had an AAO ≤1 year (p <0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest an association between the type of RPE65 variant carried and AAO. These findings provide useful data on RPE65-associated IRD phenotypes and may help improve clinical and therapeutic management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Lopez-Rodriguez
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Lantero
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fiona Blanco-Kelly
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Avila-Fernandez
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Martin Merida
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Del Pozo-Valero
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Perea-Romero
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Zurita
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Jiménez-Rolando
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Saoud Tahsin Swafiri
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Riveiro-Alvarez
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Trujillo-Tiebas
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Carreño Salas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca García-Sandoval
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Corton
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- Department of Genetics & Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.
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Maguire AM, Bennett J, Aleman EM, Leroy BP, Aleman TS. Clinical Perspective: Treating RPE65-Associated Retinal Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:442-463. [PMID: 33278565 PMCID: PMC7854308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, there was no approved treatment for a retinal degenerative disease. Subretinal injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivering the normal copy of the human RPE65 cDNA led to reversal of blindness first in animal models and then in humans. This led to the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved gene therapy product for a genetic disease, voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna). Luxturna was then approved by the European Medicines Association and is now available in the US through Spark Therapeutics and worldwide through Novartis. Not only has treatment with Luxturna changed the lives of people previously destined to live a life of blindness, but it has fueled interest in developing additional gene therapy reagents targeting numerous other genetic forms of inherited retinal disease. This review describes many of the considerations for administration of Luxturna and describes how lessons from experience with Luxturna could lead to additional gene-based treatments of blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert M Maguire
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena M Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bart P Leroy
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tomas S Aleman
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics (CAROT), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Kumaran N, Ali RR, Tyler NA, Bainbridge JWB, Michaelides M, Rubin GS. Validation of a Vision-Guided Mobility Assessment for RPE65-Associated Retinal Dystrophy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:5. [PMID: 32953245 PMCID: PMC7476654 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.10.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To validate a vision-guided mobility assessment for individuals affected by RPE65-associated retinal dystrophy (RPE65-RD). Methods In this comparative cross-sectional study, 29 subjects, comprising 19 subjects with RPE65-RD and 10 normally-sighted subjects undertook three assessments of mobility: following a straight line, navigating a simple maze, and stepping over a sidewalk "kerb." Performance was quantified as the time taken to complete each assessment, number of errors made, walking speed, and percent preferred walking speed, for each assessment. Subjects also undertook assessments of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, full-field static perimetry, and age-appropriate quality of life questionnaires. To identify the most relevant metric to quantify vision-guided mobility, we investigated repeatability, as well as convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. We also measured the effect of illumination on mobility. Results Walking speed through the maze assessment best discriminated between RPE65-RD and normally-sighted subjects, with both convergent and discriminant validity. Walking speed also approached statistical significance when assessed for criterion validity (P = 0.052). Subjects with RPE65-RD had quantifiably poorer mobility at lower illumination levels. A relatively small mean difference (-0.09 m/s) was identified in comparison to a relatively large repeatability coefficient (1.10 m/s). Conclusions We describe a novel, quantifiable, repeatable, and valid assessment of mobility designed specifically for subjects with RPE65-RD. The assessment is sensitive to the visual impairment of individuals with RPE65-RD in low illumination, identifies the known phenotypic heterogeneity and will furthermore provide an important outcome measure for RPE65-RD. Translational Relevance This assessment of vision-guided mobility, validated in a dedicated cohort of subjects with RPE65-RD, is a relevant and quantifiable outcome measure for RPE65-RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neruban Kumaran
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nick A Tyler
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gary S Rubin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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9
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Sallum JMF, Motta FL, Arno G, Porto FBO, Resende RG, Belfort R. Clinical and molecular findings in a cohort of 152 Brazilian severe early onset inherited retinal dystrophy patients. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:728-752. [PMID: 32865313 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and early-onset retinal dystrophy (EORD) are severe inherited retinal dystrophy that can cause deep blindness childhood. They represent 5% of all retinal dystrophies in the world population and about 10% in Brazil. Clinical findings and molecular basis of syndromic and nonsyndromic LCA/EORD in a Brazilian sample (152 patients/137 families) were studied. In this population, 15 genes were found to be related to the phenotype, 38 new variants were detected and four new complex alleles were discovered. Among 123 variants found, the most common were CEP290: c.2991+1655A>G, CRB1: p.Cys948Tyr, and RPGRIP1: exon10-18 deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Maria Ferraz Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto de Genética Ocular, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Louise Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto de Genética Ocular, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gavin Arno
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Fernanda Belga Ottoni Porto
- INRET Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Centro Oftalmológico de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Kumaran N, Georgiou M, Bainbridge JWB, Bertelsen M, Larsen M, Blanco-Kelly F, Ayuso C, Tran HV, Munier FL, Kalitzeos A, Michaelides M. Retinal Structure in RPE65-Associated Retinal Dystrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:47. [PMID: 32347917 PMCID: PMC7401957 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.4.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose RPE65-associated retinal dystrophy (RPE65-RD) is an early onset, progressive, severe retinal dystrophy. We sought to characterize the natural history of retinal degeneration in affected individuals. Methods We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal quantitative and qualitative assessments of retinal architecture in RPE65-RD using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Twenty-six subjects (mean age, 14.8 years, range, 5-24 years) with RPE65-RD underwent SD-OCT and FAF imaging, of whom 14 subjects were followed up over time. Foveal thickness (FT), outer nuclear layer thickness (ONLT), ellipsoid zone width (EZW), and ellipsoid zone area (EZA) were calculated where possible. These were correlated with age, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central 30° retinal sensitivity (V30). Intra-observer agreement, test-retest repeatability, and interocular symmetry were also investigated. Results We identified structural interocular symmetry, the presence of autofluorescence in 46% (12/26) of subjects, and the presence of foveal hypoplasia (associated with significantly worse BCVA) in 50% of subjects. EZW and EZA were measurable in 67% (35/52) and 37% (19/52) of eyes, respectively, with both demonstrating good agreement on repeated measurement. The annual rate of progression using EZW was -300.63 µm/year, and -1.17 mm2/year in EZA. EZW was found to have a statistically significant correlation with BCVA and V30. Conclusions We identified the presence of autofluorescence in half of our subjects, with foveal hypoplasia also noted in half of our cohort. EZW, and to a lesser extent EZA, were robust measures of retinal degeneration and represent valuable metrics to determine the impact of intervention. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02714816.).
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11
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Georgiou M, Singh N, Kane T, Robson AG, Kalitzeos A, Hirji N, Webster AR, Dubra A, Carroll J, Michaelides M. Photoreceptor Structure in GNAT2-Associated Achromatopsia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:40. [PMID: 32203983 PMCID: PMC7401776 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to report GNAT2-associated achromatopsia (GNAT2-ACHM) natural history, characterize photoreceptor mosaic, and determine a therapeutic window for potential intervention. Methods Patients with GNAT2-ACHM were recruited from a single tertiary referral eye center (Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK). We performed longitudinal clinical evaluation and ophthalmic examination, and multimodal retinal imaging, including adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy, quantitative analysis of the cone mosaic, and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, including cone densities evaluation in selected regions of interest and comparison with reported healthy controls. Results All nine subjects (3 women) presented with nystagmus, decreased visual acuity (VA), light sensitivity, and highly variable color vision loss. One patient had normal color vision and better VA. Mean VA was 1.01 (±0.10) logarithms of the minimal angle of resolution (LogMAR) at baseline, and 1.04 (±0.10) LogMAR after a mean follow-up (range) of 7.6 years (1.7−12.8 years). Optical coherence tomography showed preservation of the foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ; n = 8; 88.9%), and EZ disruption (n = 1; 11.1%). Mean ONL thickness (range, ± SD) was 84.72 µm (28.57−113.33, ± 25.46 µm) and 86.47 µm (28.57−113.33, ± 24.65 µm) for right and left eyes, respectively. Mean cone densities (±SD) at 190 µm, 350 µm, and 500 µm from the foveal center, were 48.4 (±24.6), 37.8 (±14.7), and 30.7 (±9.9), ×103 cones/mm2, respectively. Mean cone densities were lower than these of unaffected individuals, but with an overlap. Conclusions The cone mosaic in GNAT2-ACHM is relatively well preserved, potentially allowing for a wide therapeutic window for cone-directed interventions.
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Fernandes TMP, Silverstein SM, Butler PD, Kéri S, Santos LG, Nogueira RL, Santos NA. Color vision impairments in schizophrenia and the role of antipsychotic medication type. Schizophr Res 2019; 204:162-170. [PMID: 30201549 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients (SCZ) demonstrate deficits in many domains of mental functioning, including visual perception. An issue that has been relatively unexplored, in terms of explaining variation in visual function in SCZ, however, is medication use. The present study explored potential medication effects on color vision in SCZ, a process that is strongly linked to dopaminergic function in the retina. SCZ patients who had clear-cut either typical (n = 29) or atypical (n = 29) monotherapy, without any other concurrent medication, and a group of age- and gender-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Color vision was assessed by the Cambridge Colour Test, using the Trivector and Ellipse subtests. The results demonstrated impaired color perception in patients with schizophrenia, especially in those receiving typical antipsychotics, but these deficits were subtle and not generalized to all parameters. Our findings are consistent with the known neurophysiology of the retina and visual pathways, and with the effects of dopamine blocking medications, but the results should be carefully interpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Szabolcs Kéri
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
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Tsin A, Betts-Obregon B, Grigsby J. Visual cycle proteins: Structure, function, and roles in human retinal disease. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:13016-13021. [PMID: 30002120 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.aw118.003228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we seek to summarize the current understanding of the biochemical and molecular events mediated by visual cycle molecules in the eye. The structures and functions of selected visual cycle proteins and their roles in human retinal diseases are also highlighted. Genetic mutations and malfunctions of these proteins provide etiological evidence that many ocular diseases arise from anomalies of retinoid (vitamin A) metabolism and related visual processes. Genetic retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital amaurosis, and Stargardt's disease are linked to structural changes in visual cycle proteins. Moreover, recent reports suggest that visual cycle proteins may also play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Basic science has laid the groundwork for finding a cure for many of these blindness-causing afflictions, but much work remains. Some translational research projects have advanced to the clinical trial stage, while many others are still in progress, and more are at the ideas stage and remain yet to be tested. Some examples of these studies are discussed. Recent and future progress in our understanding of the visual cycle will inform intervention strategies to preserve human vision and prevent blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tsin
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Edinburg, Texas 78541,
| | - Brandi Betts-Obregon
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Edinburg, Texas 78541
| | - Jeffery Grigsby
- Vision Health Specialties, Midland, Texas 79707.,the College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, and.,the Department of Laboratory Science and Primary Care, School of Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Midland, Texas 79705
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