Evaluation of the Relationship Between Age-related Macular Degeneration and Refractive Error, Socio-demographic Features, and Biochemical Variables in a Turkish Population

Small hard drusen and associated factors in early seniority

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the ocular and systemic risk profile of the fundus phenotype ≥ 20 small hard (macular) drusen (< 63 μm in diameter).

METHODS

This single-center, cross-sectional study of 176 same-sex twin pairs aged 30 to 80 (median 60) years was a component of a framework study of the transition from not having age-related macular degeneration to having early AMD. Drusen categories assessed using fundus photography and optical coherence tomography included small hard drusen (diameter < 63 μm), intermediate soft drusen (63-125 μm), and large soft drusen (> 125 μm), of which the soft drusen are compatible with a diagnosis of AMD.

RESULTS

Having ≥ 20 small hard drusen within or outside the macula was associated with increasing age, lower body mass index, shorter axial length, hyperopia, female sex, increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high alcohol consumption, and with the presence of soft drusen.

CONCLUSIONS

Having ≥ 20 small hard drusen was associated with some AMD-related risk factors, but not with smoking, increasing body mass index, and higher blood pressure. Having ≥ 20 small hard drusen was also associated with soft drusen, in agreement with previous studies. These findings suggest that small hard drusen are not an early manifestation of AMD but the product of a distinct process of tissue alteration that promotes the development of AMD or some subtype thereof.

Evaluation of Visual and Patient-Reported Outcomes, Spectacle Dependence after Bilateral Implantation with a Non-Diffractive Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lens Compared to Other Intraocular Lenses

Purpose: To evaluate postoperative outcomes, spectacle dependance and the occurrence of the photic phenomena in patients after cataract surgery following the implantation of a non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens was compared to monofocal and multifocal lenses. Methods: We enrolled patients with bilateral cataracts who wanted to reduce their dependence on glasses in the study. They were followed for 6 months. The study group in which the EDOF lens was implanted consisted of 70 eyes in 35 patients. The control groups consisted of: 52 eyes in 26 patients in whom a multifocal was implanted and 52 eyes in 26 patients with implanted monofocal lens. After a total of 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months post-surgery the following were evaluated: uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at 4 m, 80 cm, 40 cm, manifest refraction expressed as mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), contrast sensitivity, intraocular pressure. A questionnaire on independence from ocular correction, the occurrence of photic phenomena, and patient satisfaction was also completed. Results: Monocular and binocular visual acuity and MRSE 6 months after the procedure were compared between three groups. All of the main analyses, except for comparisons of uncorrected distance visual acuity (both monocular and binocular) level, were significant. Contrast sensitivity was lower among patients with multifocal lens than among patients with EDOF lens. Halo and glare after 6 months were seen more often among patients with multifocal lens than among patients with the other lens (65% of eyes with multifocal lens vs. 6% of eyes with EDOF lens and 0% of eyes with monofocal lens). Glasses were needed by 35% of patients with EDOF lens, and by 96% of patients with monofocal lens and in none of the patients with multifocal lens. Conclusions: Most patients qualify for the implantation of a non-diffractive EDOF lens. Post-operative visual acuity improves at any distance. The best monocular visual acuity for intermediate distances is provided by an EDOF lens, and for near distance by a multifocal lens. The EDOF lens definitely increases independence from spectacle correction compared to monofocal lenses; however, the greatest degree of independence from spectacles is provided by multifocal lenses. The incidence of photic phenomena is slightly higher than that of a monofocal lens, and much lower for a multifocal lens.

The potential of marine resources for retinal diseases: a systematic review of the molecular mechanisms

We rely on vision more than on any other sense to obtain information about our environment. Hence, the loss or even impairment of vision profoundly affects our quality of life. Diet or food components have already demonstrated beneficial effects on the development of retinal diseases. Recently, there has been a growing interest in resources from marine animals and plants for the prevention of retinal diseases through nutrition. Especially fish intake and omega-3 fatty acids have already led to promising results, including associations with a reduced incidence of retinal diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are insufficiently explained. The aim of this review was to summarize the known mechanistic effects of marine resources on the pathophysiological processes in retinal diseases. We performed a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines and identified 107 studies investigating marine resources in the context of retinal diseases. Of these, 46 studies described the underlying mechanisms including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic/vasoprotective, cytoprotective, metabolic, and retinal function effects, which we critically summarize. We further discuss perspectives on the use of marine resources for human nutrition to prevent retinal diseases with a particular focus on regulatory aspects, health claims, safety, and bioavailability.