Mobile touch screen device use and associations with musculoskeletal symptoms and visual health in a nationally representative sample of Singaporean adolescents

This study aimed to describe contemporary technology use, especially smartphones and tablets (mobile touch screen devices), and examine associations with musculoskeletal symptoms and visual health among adolescents in Singapore. A representative sample of 1884 adolescents (50.4% girls) from grades primary 5 to post-secondary (10-18 years old), recruited from 13 schools, completed an online questionnaire in class. Total technology use was high, with smartphone duration being highest (mean = 264 [SD = 243] min/day). Patterns of use, including multitasking and bout length, were influenced by gender, school level, type of device and activities. Musculoskeletal discomfort and visual symptoms were commonly reported. After adjusting for potential confounders, more hours/day of smartphone use was associated with increased risk of neck/shoulders, upper back, arms and wrist/hand discomfort (OR = 1.04[95%CI = 1.01-1.07] to 1.07[1.03-1.10]) and visual symptoms (OR = 1.05[1.02-1.08]), but was associated with decreased odds of myopia (OR = 0.97[0.94-0.99]). No significant associations were found for tablet use. Practitioner Summary: 1884 adolescents in Singapore completed an in-depth questionnaire regarding their use of technology. The smartphone was the device with the highest usage, and greater smartphone use was associated with increased odds of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms. High use of smartphones has physical health implications for adolescents.

Effects of antifungal stewardship using therapeutic drug monitoring in voriconazole therapy on the prevention and control of hepatotoxicity and visual symptoms: A multicentre study conducted in Japan

Background

Hepatotoxicity and visual symptoms are common adverse effects (AEs) of voriconazole therapy.

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate the effects of treatment modification based on therapeutic drug monitoring on AEs in patients undergoing voriconazole therapy.

Methods

The target voriconazole trough concentration (C_min) was 1‐5 µg/mL. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine C_min cut‐offs for AEs.

Results

A total of 401 patients were included. Among 108 patients with high initial C_min, voriconazole was discontinued in 32 and the dose was reduced in 71. Among 44 patients with low initial C_min, voriconazole was discontinued in 4 and the dose was increased in 19. Hepatotoxicity occurred in 6.0% of patients, after a median of 10 days. Visual symptoms were evident in 9.5% of patients after a median of 4 days. Initial C_min was significantly associated with visual symptoms but not hepatotoxicity, which suggested the effect of treatment modification on hepatotoxicity. However, both hepatotoxicity and visual symptoms were significantly correlated with C_min at the onset of AEs, and the C_min cut‐offs were 3.5 μg/mL for hepatotoxicity and 4.2 μg/mL for visual symptoms. Voriconazole was discontinued after the occurrence of AEs in 62.5% of patients with hepatotoxicity but only 26.3% of patients with visual symptoms. With dose adjustment, treatment was completed in 8/9 patients with hepatotoxicity and 27/28 patients with visual symptoms.

Conclusions

A significant preventive effect was demonstrated on hepatotoxicity, but not on visual symptoms because of earlier occurrence. With treatment modification after the occurrence of AEs, most patients completed therapy.

Vision In Stroke cohort: Profile overview of visual impairment

AIM

To profile the full range of visual disorders from a large prospective observation study of stroke survivors referred by stroke multidisciplinary teams to orthoptic services with suspected visual problems.

METHODS

Multicenter prospective study undertaken in 20 acute Trust hospitals. Standardized screening/referral forms and investigation forms documented data on referral signs and symptoms plus type and extent of visual impairment.

RESULTS

Of 1,345 patients referred with suspected visual impairment, 915 were recruited (59% men; mean age at stroke onset 69 years [SD 14]). Initial visual assessment was at median 22 days post stroke onset. Eight percent had normal visual assessment. Of 92% with confirmed visual impairment, 24% had reduced central visual acuity <0.3 logMAR and 13.5% <0.5 logMAR. Acquired strabismus was noted in 16% and acquired ocular motility disorders in 68%. Peripheral visual field loss was present in 52%, most commonly homonymous hemianopia. Fifteen percent had visual inattention and 4.6% had other visual perceptual disorders. Overall 84% were visually symptomatic with visual field loss the most common complaint followed by blurred vision, reading difficulty, and diplopia. Treatment options were provided to all with confirmed visual impairment. Targeted advice was most commonly provided along with refraction, prisms, and occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a wide range of visual disorders that occur following stroke and, frequently, with visual symptoms. There are equally a wide variety of treatment options available for these individuals. All stroke survivors require screening for visual impairment and warrant referral for specialist assessment and targeted treatment specific to the type of visual impairment.

Symptomatic therapy in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults. The ability to impact the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis should not only incorporate therapies that are disease modifying, but should also include a course of action for the global multidisciplinary management focused on quality of life and functional capabilities.

Fabry disease: a survey of visual and ocular symptoms

Purpose

To evaluate a visual symptoms survey on patients with a known diagnosis of Fabry disease, and to compare the scores to those from a group of healthy subjects.

Materials and methods

An ocular symptom survey instrument was used to evaluate the symptoms of general ocular problems like itching, tearing, dryness, burning sensation, sensation of foreign body, difficulty in scotopic and photopic vision, and asthenopic symptoms. The survey instrument was administered to 95 participants (75 patients with Fabry disease and 20 healthy controls; median age: 32.5 years [standard deviation: 19.1 years] and 42.6 years [standard deviation: 14.7 years], respectively). A Mann–Whitney test was performed to evaluate the difference between the Fabry group and the healthy controls for each symptom survey severity score. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of the survey instrument items, it was found that compared to the control group, the mean severity score of the Fabry disease group was significant for “dryness” of the eyes (P=0.02), “blurry/dim vision” (P=0.02), “hard to see in dark places” (P=0.01), and “halos around light” (P=0.01). The Fabry group also had a mean severity score for “soreness/tiredness” that was significantly higher than that of the control group (P=0.009).

Conclusion

The patients with Fabry disease may be suffering from ocular and visual symptoms related to manifestations of the disease. Further quantitative testing is needed to investigate the ocular and visual symptoms.

High-Order Visual Processing, Visual Symptoms, and Visual Hallucinations: A Possible Symptomatic Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Objective: To determine whether Parkinson disease (PD) patients with (VH) have different clinical characteristics and gray-matter volume than those with visual misperceptions (VM) or other visual symptoms (OvS). Background: The spectrum of visual complaints in PD is broad and complex. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 525 PD patients to identify the frequency of visual symptoms and the association with clinical and radiological features. Brain volumetric MRI data was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to differentiate cases with and without visual symptoms. Results: Among 525 PD cases, visual complaints were documented in 177 (33.7%). Among these, 83 (46.9%) had VH, 31 (17.5%) had VM, and 63 (35.6%) had OvS (diplopia, blurry vision, photophobia, dry eyes, and eye pain or soreness). When compared to OvS, patients with VH had significantly higher age, duration of disease, rate of REM sleep behavior disorder, and cognitive impairment. Visual hallucinations patients had decreased age-adjusted volumetric averages in 28/30 gray-matter regions when compared to PD without visual symptoms and 30/30 gray-matter regions when compared to VM patients. Conclusions: Visual symptoms in PD may represent a spectrum from OvS to VM to VH, with progression of the latter associated with older age, duration of disease, presence of REM sleep behavior disorder, cognitive impairment, and decreased gray-matter volume.

A field intervention examining the impact of an office ergonomics training and a highly adjustable chair on visual symptoms in a public sector organization

OBJECTIVE

Examine the effect of a multi-component office ergonomics intervention on visual symptom reductions.

METHODS

Office workers were assigned to either a group receiving a highly adjustable chair with office ergonomics training (CWT), a training-only group (TO) or a control group (C). A work environment and health questionnaire was administered 2 and 1 month(s) pre-intervention and 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Multi-level statistical models tested hypotheses.

RESULTS

The CWT intervention lowered daily visual symptoms (p < 0.01) post-intervention. The TO group did not significantly differ from the control group. The CWT group differed significantly from the TO group (p = 0.01) post-intervention.

CONCLUSION

Workers who received a highly adjustable chair and office ergonomics training had reduced visual symptoms and the effect was maintained through twelve months post-intervention. The lack of a training-only group effect supports implementing training in conjunction with the highly adjustable chair to reduce visual symptoms.

A replicated field intervention study evaluating the impact of a highly adjustable chair and office ergonomics training on visual symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Examine the effects of two office ergonomics interventions in reducing visual symptoms at a private sector worksite.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study design evaluated the effects of a highly adjustable chair with office ergonomics training intervention (CWT group) and the training only (TO group) compared with no intervention (CO group). Data collection occurred 2 and 1 month(s) pre-intervention and 2, 6 and 12 months post-intervention. During each data collection period, a work environment and health questionnaire (covariates) and daily health diary (outcomes) were completed. Multilevel statistical models tested hypotheses.

RESULTS

Both the training only intervention (p<0.001) and the chair with training intervention (p=0.01) reduced visual symptoms after 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The office ergonomics training alone and coupled with a highly adjustable chair reduced visual symptoms. In replicating results from a public sector worksite at a private sector worksite the external validity of the interventions is strengthened, thus broadening its generalizability.

Evaluation of computer workstations ergonomics and its relationship with reported musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among university employees in Jordan

OBJECTIVES

Computer workstations are considered a potential workplace hazard. This study sought to evaluate computer workstation ergonomics in a university office environment, and to determine its relationship with musculoskeletal (MS) and visual symptoms reported by employees.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 231 university employees were recruited using a stratified random sampling technique. By means of direct observation, computer workstations were evaluated using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Ergonomic Computer Workstation Evaluation Checklist. In addition, the participants reported MS and visual symptoms during the past week and 12 months by completing questionnaires.

RESULTS

Several ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstations were identified. Seating, working area, and keyboard and input devices had the most documented deficits. A significant proportion of employees reported various MS symptoms during the past 12 months. The most affected body parts were the shoulders (37%), the lower back (34%), and the neck (29%). The most prevalent visual symptom was tired eyes (68%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that MS symptoms, such as ache, pain and discomfort, were significantly associated with the total scores on the OSHA components. Deficits in monitor ergonomics and its placement, particularly the presence of glare reflected on the screen, were also associated with reported visual symptoms. Independent variables, such as gender, age, employment duration, job type, daily computer work hours, and work pattern, reliably predicted the participants' reported experience of various MS and visual symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MS and visual symptoms are associated with deficits in computer workstation ergonomics. Appropriate strategies, work practices, and preventive measures are needed to eliminate occupational hazards associated with computer workstations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):141-56.

The syndrome of progressive posterior cortical dysfunction: A multiple case study and review

Dementia presenting with prominent higher order visual symptoms may be observed in a range of neurodegenerative conditions and is often challenging to diagnose.

OBJECTIVES

To describe cases of progressive dementia presenting with prominent visual cortical symptoms.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective search of cases of progressive dementia with predominant visual symptoms, seen at our dementia unit from 1996 to 2006.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (5 men, 7 women) were identified, with ages ranging from 49 to 67 years. At the first examination, the duration of the symptoms ranged from one to ten years and the Mini-Mental State Examination scores from 7 to 27. Eleven patients presented with predominant visuospatial symptoms (partial or complete Balint syndrome) and one with visuoperceptive impairment. Other reported manifestations were: constructional apraxia in 11 patients, partial or complete Gerstmann syndrome in ten, ideomotor apraxia in nine, hemineglect or extinction in four patients, alien hand phenomenon in three, and prosopagnosia in one patient. Memory loss was reported by ten patients, but was not the main complaint in any of these cases. Insight was relatively preserved in five patients even after a long period following the onset of symptoms. Six patients developed parkinsonism during evolution. Clinical diagnoses were possible or probable AD in seven patients, cortico-basal degeneration in four, and dementia with Lewy body in one.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should consider this condition especially in presenile patients with slowly progressive higher-order visual symptoms. Although described in association with different conditions, it may also occur in Alzheimer disease.

Corneal wavefront aberrations and subjective quality of vision after small incision lenticule extraction

PURPOSE

To analyse in depth the associations between objectively measured corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and subjectively perceived visual quality after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) as quantified with the standardized and clinically validated quality of vision (QOV) questionnaire.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included patients after bilateral simultaneous SMILE for the treatment of myopia and/or myopic astigmatism with plano target refraction. Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR; Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) was used to objectively quantify corneal HOAs. The standardized and validated QOV questionnaire was employed to gauge patients' subjectively perceived visual quality regarding frequency, severity and bothering effect of visual disturbances.

RESULTS

A total of 394 eyes of 197 patients with a mean age of 32.4 ± 7.7 years and a mean postoperative follow-up of 24.3 ± 14.1 months were included. SMILE induced a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in spherical aberration (0.074 ± 0.131 µm), coma (0.142 ± 0.179 µm), trefoil (0.018 ± 0.067 µm) as well as in total HOAs (0.191 ± 0.176 µm). Surgically induced and postoperative levels of HOA showed no correlation with the three QOV scores representative of overall visual symptom frequency, severity and bothering effect (all R² values ≤ 0.016). In addition, the associations between specific visual symptoms (e.g. starburst) and singular HOA terms (e.g. haloes) were very weak (all Rho values ≤ 0.164).

CONCLUSIONS

Small incision lenticule extraction induced significant amounts of corneal HOAs that, however, showed no clear relationships to patient-reported QOV or specific long-term visual symptoms.

Ocular manifestations of internal carotid artery dissection

Internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) results from disruption of the intima of the arterial wall, and can lead to intrusion of blood into the arterial wall and form an intramural hematoma. The hematoma can compress the true lumen of the vessel, causing functional stenosis or occlusion. The classic triad signs of ICAD include pain in the ipsilateral neck, head and orbital regions; a (partial) Horner syndrome; and cerebral or retinal ischemia. However, not all ICAD patients present with this classic signs. In some cases, ocular manifestations are the initial (and sometimes the only) findings. We summarize the ocular manifestations associated with ICAD in 3 categories: visual symptoms, oculosympathetic palsy, and ocular motor nerve palsy.

Main visual symptoms associated to refractive errors and spectacle need in a Brazilian population

AIM

To determine the main visual symptoms in a Brazilian population sample, associated to refractive errors (REs) and spectacle need to suggest priorities in preventive programs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine counties of the southeast region of Brazil, using a systematic sampling of households, between March 2004 and July 2005. The population was defined as individuals aged between 1 and 96y, inhabitants of 3600 residences to be evaluated and 3012 households were included, corresponding to 8010 subjects considered for participation in the survey, of whom 7654 underwent ophthalmic examinations. The individuals were evaluated according their demographic data, eye complaints and eye examination including the RE and the need to prescribe spectacles according to age. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software package and descriptive analysis using 95% confidence intervals (P<0.05).

RESULTS

The main symptom detected was asthenopia, most frequent in the 2^nd and 3^rd decades of life, with a significant decline after the 4^th decade. Astigmatism was the RE most associated with asthenopia. Reduced near vision sight was more frequent in those ≥40y with a progressive decline thereafter. Spectacles were most frequently required in subjects of ≥40 years of age.

CONCLUSION

The main symptom related to the vision was asthenopia and was associated to astigmatism. The greatest need for spectacles prescription occurred after 40's, mainly to correct near vision. Subjects of ≥40 years old were determined to be at high risk of uncorrected REs. These observations can guide intervention programs for the Brazilian population.

Central retinal artery occlusion, an early sign of crizotinib resistance in an alk positive adenocarcinoma of lung: A rare case report

About 4% of non-small-cell lung carcinomas involve an EML4-ALK tyrosine kinase fusion gene and occur almost absolutely in carcinomas arising in non-smokers. Crizotinib, the first inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1 and c-Met receptor kinase, has been used in the treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Side effects of crizotinib mostly consist of grade 1-2 gastrointestinal events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation), grade 1-2 edema and fatigue; grade 1 visual disorders, rare cases of elevated liver enzymes and pneumonitis. We are presenting a case of adenocarcinoma of lung, who progressed on first-line chemotherapy and received crizotinib as second line therapy for 9 months. Patient has very good partial response to crizotinib and had some side effects of crizotinib like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, asthenia and anorexia, asymptomatic transaminitis in the first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy and managed symptomatically. But after 9 months, he developed sudden onset left sided vision loss. On fundoscopic examination he was found to have "cherry red spot" and fundus flourescein angiography revealed central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). After 15 days of vision loss patient developed pleural effusion, and pleural fluid cytology was positive for malignant cells. Visual symptoms are very well known in the literature as side effects of crizotinib, but CRAO is not yet been documented. As this patient is not having any prothrombotic state like diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinemia or any genetic disorders except malignancy. Hypercoagulability disorders are known to be commonly associated with a variety of cancer types including lung cancer. This appears to be a sign of early crizotinib resistance in this patient because there was no history of prior hypercoagulable state. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report in the world literature, as CRAO presenting as a sign of crizotinib resistance in an adenocarcinoma of lung patient who was on crizotinib.

Higher Cortical Dysfunction Presenting as Visual Symptoms in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Introduction: As the population ages, increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases will have profound implications for the health care system. Recognizing visual symptoms from neurodegenerative diseases can be challenging, especially in the presence of co-existing eye diseases.

Methods: A seven-question survey was completed by attendees at the “neurodegenerative diseases in neuro-ophthalmology” symposium during the 2017 North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society annual meeting using a web-based audience response system. Content included demographics, patient prevalence, and perceived barriers.

Results: Fifty-five practicing neuro-ophthalmologists (thirty-three ophthalmology-trained, twenty-two neurology-trained) participated in the survey. Twenty (36%) had <5 years of experience, and 19 (32%) had >15 years of experience. Forty-one (75%) reported seeing patients more than five half-day/week. Thirty (55%) reported that at least 1 of 10 or 1 of 20 new patients referred have a prior diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease. Twenty-one (40%) of the respondents reported attributing visual complaints to higher order effects in at least 25% of patients with a prior diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease vs. five (9%) without a prior diagnosis. For those diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease by the neuro-ophthalmologist, reasons for referral were unknown cause of visual symptom (56%), to confirm diagnosis and/or treat visual complaint due to neurodegeneration (29%), and functional disorder (5%). Perceived barriers to diagnosing visual dysfunction due to neurodegenerative disease included difficulty making a referral to neuropsychologists or behavioral neurologists (73%), lack of time for in-depth assessment (62%), lack of tools to assess visual dysfunction due to neurodegenerative disease (40%), and lack of knowledge about presenting signs and symptoms (31%).

Conclusion: Visual symptoms from neurodegenerative disease in patients with and without prior diagnoses of neurodegenerative disease are evaluated by neuro-ophthalmologists. Lack of time, resources, and knowledge are barriers to diagnosis. A larger study is warranted to guide programs to improve diagnosis of visual consequences of neurodegenerative disease.

Contrast Sensitivity and Patient Reported Outcomes After Bilateral Implantation of a Bi-Aspheric Hydrophobic Trifocal Diffractive Intraocular Lens

Purpose

To assess contrast sensitivity and patient reported outcomes after uncomplicated cataract surgery with a new bi-aspheric diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Methods

Twenty-five patients who underwent bilateral implantation with the Asqelio Trifocal TFLIO130C IOL (AST Products Inc., Billerica, MA, USA) were analyzed at 6 months post-surgery. Binocular contrast sensitivity with and without glare was measured under photopic conditions (85 cd/m²) and mesopic conditions (3 cd/m²). Patients were asked to complete the Catquest-9SF patient outcomes questionnaire and a visual symptoms questionnaire.

Results

Photopic contrast sensitivity values were either within or above normal levels without glare; when glare was induced, the mean sensitivity values dropped just below normal range. Mesopic contrast sensitivity values were above or within normal range both with and without glare, except for 12 cpd with glare, where the mean fell just below the normal range. Differences in binocular contrast sensitivity threshold values with and without glare were significant for all spatial frequencies tested under both photopic and mesopic conditions (p<0.05). The Catquest-9SF questionnaire outcomes showed that 88% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with their sight after the surgery, and in all cases, the results indicated no difficulty in performing different daily activities. The visual symptoms questionnaire indicated no relevant visual symptoms regarding frequency, intensity, or bothersomeness after implantation of the trifocal IOL.

Conclusion

This novel bi-aspheric diffractive trifocal IOL provides good contrast sensitivity outcomes under bright and dim lighting conditions. Patients were satisfied with the surgery, with no relevant visual symptoms.

AB063. NF2 expression is linked to meningioma location and visual symptoms in Indonesian patients

BACKGROUND

Meningioma is the most common type of primary central nervous system tumor. The development of meningioma is often influenced by the neurofibromin-2 (NF2) gene. Studies have demonstrated that the genetic profile of meningioma is linked to their location. However, it is currently unclear whether there is an association between NF2 expression and meningioma location in the Indonesian population.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional analysis included 153 histologically confirmed meningioma patients admitted to Dr. Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The study utilized immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to determine the NF2/Merlin expression. Meningioma locations were established using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans before surgery. The data on other variables were collected from medical records.

RESULTS

Of all the patients, 118 (77.1%) tested positive for NF2/Merlin expression. The subjects in the study comprised 126 (82.4%) World Health Organization (WHO) grade I tumors and 27 (17.6%) WHO grade II and III tumors. The research showed that 85 (55.6%) of the tumors were located in the spheno-orbital region. The study found a significant association between NF2 positive expression and meningioma location in the spheno-orbital region [odds ratio (OR) 2.51, P=0.02]. Therefore, the patients who tested positive for NF2 had higher chances of visual impairment (P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed positive NF2 expression is associated with meningioma location in spheno-orbital and patients' visual symptoms.

The presenting visual symptoms of optic chiasmal disease

Recognising optic chiasmal disease early is important in order to avoid irreversible visual loss and the potential risk of mortality for patients. Yet, there is frequently a delay in the initial diagnosis. Whilst the signs of optic chiasmal disease, particularly the perimetric findings, are well documented in the recent literature, the symptoms have been less well reported. Whilst some patients with optic chiasmal disease will be asymptomatic, many will complain of visual symptoms including symptomatic field defects, problems with central vision, difficulty with near tasks, binocular visual disturbances, colour vision disturbances, photophobia, phosphenes, glare, and rarely, oscillopsia and visual hallucinations. Others may have headache or the severe and sudden visual symptoms associated with pituitary apoplexy. The visual symptoms may be vague or non-specific, even when there are significant bitemporal visual field defects. We aim in this review to describe the presenting visual symptoms of optic chiasmal disease, and to illustrate these with selected qualitative descriptions from the literature. Our hope is that this will aid clinicians in eliciting a careful history of the sometimes subtle symptoms that may be present.

Vision Quality of Life with Time Survey: Normative Data and Repeatability

Purpose

To develop a novel Vision Quality of Life (QoL) survey that emphasizes the amount of time a visual activity can be performed before symptoms occur.

Methods

The Vision Quality of Life with Time (VisQuaL-T) survey was developed with 10 daily activities and a list of common visual symptoms. Participants were recruited from a university campus. Participants were not excluded based on binocular impairments to obtain a normative dataset. Participants were instructed to denote when they first experience symptoms within certain time ranges. If participants did not engage in one of the 10 activities, they were instructed to denote "N/A". A composite score (range 0-3) was determined by only accounting for the questions that were answered.

Results

The normative data cohort had a sample size of 376 participants and the repeatability cohort had 54 participants. The normative, test, and retest datasets had a mean composite score of 2.47±0.54, 2.69±0.42, and 2.67±0.49 and 95% confidence interval of 2.38-2.71, 2.58-2.81, 2.54-2.80, respectively. There was good reliability and high correlation between the test and retest timepoints with an ICC of 0.825 and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.839 in the repeatability cohort. The normative data cohort showed good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.803. Test and retest timepoints showed no statistical significance among the individual questions (p > 0.1).

Conclusion

A lower bound score of 2.4 can potentially be used to differentiate visually normal and symptomatic participants. Statistical analysis showed the survey is repeatable and reliable. Using time as a metric for assessing symptomology could be a useful method for identifying patients with QoL issues and for assessing effectiveness of binocular vision, accommodative, and eye movement treatments.

The Relationship between Anxiety, Visual Function, and Symptomatology in University Students

Mental health concerns have emerged at the university level, with the psychological well-being of students being increasingly affected. This cross-sectional study investigated the proportion of university students having anxiety, and its effects on their visual function and symptomatology. We included 41 students (26.1 ± 4.8 years), and their visual function was assessed through several tests to produce a general visual performance index (VPI). The visual symptomatology was studied using the Conlon Visual Discomfort Survey and the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire. The students were classified into two groups according to the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) test ("no anxiety" and "anxiety" groups). The visual function evaluation indicated significantly worse VPI in the anxiety group (p = 0.047). These students also showed significantly higher scores in the Conlon survey (p = 0.004) and two subscales of the QoV questionnaire: symptom severity (p = 0.041) and symptom bothersomeness (p = 0.013). Moreover, the multiple linear regression model showed a significant association between visual discomfort according to the Conlon questionnaire and the level of anxiety (r = 0.405; R2 = 0.164; B = 0.405; p = 0.012). It is important to study the influence of psychological factors on vision, not only for refractive error, but also for binocular and accommodative disorders.

Ergonomic intervention program for office workers: a case study about its effect in computer vision syndrome and musculoskeletal discomfort

This study aims to develop and implement an ergonomic intervention program at the workplace of knowledge workers, and to evaluate its impact on the reduction of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and musculoskeletal symptoms. 84 workers were part of the study (mean age 43.2 ± 9.7 years). The intervention included training, delivery of a packaging of artificial tears, and adjustments in workstations. It was conducted intensively along 6 weeks. Data was collected on-site, with questionnaires administered pre-intervention, 2 months after, and 4 months after. Participants exhibited behavioural changes, especially in workplace adjustments and visual rest. By the intervention's end, over 90% had correctly adjusted screens and adopted appropriate postures, while 42.7% adhered to the 20x20x20 rule. CVS severity and prevalence decreased, but not significantly across the three time points. Significant improvements were observed in upper back and neck musculoskeletal symptoms at the end of workdays. Findings suggest that an ergonomic intervention program can benefit employees by reducing visual and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Retinal dysfunctions in a patient with a clinical high risk for psychosis and severe visual disturbances: A single case report

AIM

Psychosis can be preceded by a clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) and visual anomalies are predictors of transition to psychosis. Visual retinal processing is altered in psychosis, but no study has explored the links between visual symptoms and retinal functions in CHR patients. We report here the case of NR, an antipsychotic-naive young adult with CHR and severe visual symptoms in whom we explored the retinal function.

METHODS

A flash electroretinogram (fERG) and a pattern electroretinogram (pERG) protocol were conducted and we compared NR results to a group of patients with schizophrenia and a group of healthy controls.

RESULTS

Despites an overlap between the measures of NR and the two groups, visual analyses revealed that NR showed increased b-wave implicit time (rod response) compared to the control group and NR's response was at an intermediate level between two subgroups of schizophrenia patients regarding presence or absence of visual hallucinations.

DISCUSSION

The relevance of retinal dysfunctions as a marker of vulnerability for psychosis is discussed.

Non-functional Pituitary Adenomas: Analysis of Delayed Diagnosis in Mexico

BACKGROUND

 Although tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare, they can cause significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical presentation of patients with non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPA) ranges from being completely asymptomatic to causing pituitary, hypothalamic, or visual dysfunction due to their large size. Patients usually arrive with large tumors at the time of diagnosis.  Objectives: Try to describe the characteristics of NFPA and explain the causes of delayed diagnosis.  Methods: We carried out a retrospective study including 58 patients with NFPA and analyzed the tumor volume at the time of diagnosis and its relationship with sociodemographic and health sector variables.  Results: Low socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with high tumor volume (SES 1-2 of 17.4 cm3 vs 3-6 of 11.7 cm3, p=0.018), and the time between first consultation and diagnosis was longer in the public sector than in the private sector (13.5 months vs 5.1 months). The time between the first symptom and the first consultation was shorter when they had visual impairment than when they did not (4.1 vs 18.4 months, p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

On the one hand, citizens should be made aware that a visual deficit should make them go to a medical check-up, and on the other hand, strengthen the health system so that they have the NFPA as a differential diagnosis in patients with some visual alteration. Socioeconomic inequality in our country undoubtedly puts the underprivileged at greater risk.

Age-Matched Comparative Analysis of Binocular Vision Anomalies among Children with Dyslexia in Northern Nigeria

Background: Dyslexia, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting reading skills, poses significant challenges to children's academic performance and quality of life. Despite its rising prevalence and adverse effects, understanding of its relationship with vision anomalies remains limited, particularly in low-resource settings like Nigeria. This study aims to assess the prevalence of binocular vision anomalies (BVAs) among children with and without dyslexia in Kano, Nigeria. Methods: This is a hospital-based, cross-sectional, matched-paired, controlled study conducted at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Eye Clinic in Northern Nigeria. The study included school children who visited the AKTH Eye Clinic from January 2018 to December 2022. Visual acuity tests, external eye examinations and accommodative, binocular vision and oculomotor skills tests were conducted. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and Fisher's exact tests were conducted, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Forty-four children aged 12 ± 2 years participated. Children with dyslexia reported higher rates of visual symptoms than those without dyslexia, Blurring vision, visual distortion and eye strain were the most prevalent (p < 0.05) BV symptoms. Accommodative insufficiency), was the most common visual abnormality, and was significantly higher in children with dyslexia than those without dyslexia (45.5% vs. 18.2%). However, other visual anomalies showed no significant difference between groups. There was a high prevalence of binocular vision anomalies in both groups. Binocular test findings showed dyslexic children had significantly lower distance positive fusional vergence recovery values (p = 0.005). All cases of convergence insufficiency alone were found in the non-dyslexic group. Conclusions: The study found that children with dyslexia residing in Northern Nigeria demonstrated higher rates of visual symptoms, more accommodative insufficiency and lower distance positive fusional vergence recovery values compared to their non-dyslexic counterparts.