Physical health monitoring of patients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

Schizophrenia is associated with several chronic physical illnesses and a shorter life expectancy, compared with life expectancy in the general population. One approach to improving the health of patients with schizophrenia is to improve the monitoring of physical health that occurs in psychiatric settings. The authors discuss a consensus panel's recommendations for improving the physical health monitoring of patients with schizophrenia who are treated in outpatient settings.

METHOD

A consensus meeting including psychiatric and other medical experts assembled on October 17-18, 2002, to evaluate the existing literature and to develop recommendations for physical health monitoring of patients with schizophrenia. Conference participants reviewed the literature in the following areas: 1) weight gain and obesity; 2) diabetes; 3) hyperlipidemia; 4) prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG; 5) prolactin elevation and related sexual side effects; 6) extrapyramidal side effects, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia; 7) cataracts; and 8) myocarditis. Experts for each topic area formulated monitoring recommendations that were discussed by all of the participants until a consensus was reached.

RESULTS

Consensus recommendations included regular monitoring of body mass index, plasma glucose level, lipid profiles, and signs of prolactin elevation or sexual dysfunction. Information from monitoring should guide the selection of antipsychotic agents. Specific recommendations were made for cardiac monitoring of patients who receive medications associated with QT interval prolongation, including thioridazine, mesoridazine, and ziprasidone, and for monitoring for signs of myocarditis in patients treated with clozapine. Patients who receive both first- and second-generation antipsychotic medications should be examined for extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. Patients with schizophrenia should receive regular visual examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The conference participants recommended that mental health care providers perform physical health monitoring that typically occurs in primary care settings for their patients who do not receive physical health monitoring in those settings. This change in usual practice is recommended on the basis of the conference participants' belief that this additional monitoring will result in the earlier detection of common, serious risk factors that could, without detection and intervention, contribute to impaired health of patients with schizophrenia.

Development of the 'Activities of Daily Vision Scale'. A measure of visual functional status

To develop a method for the evaluation of visual function in subjects with cataracts, the authors identified 20 visual activities and categorized them into five subscales (distance vision, near vision, glare disability, night driving, and daytime driving) that comprised the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS). Each subscale in the ADVS was scored between 100 (no visual difficulty) and 0 (inability to perform the activity because of visual difficulty). In 334 subjects scheduled for cataract extraction (mean age 75 +/- 9 years, 67% women), ADVS scores (mean +/- standard deviation) for each subscale ranged from 44 +/- 31 for night driving to 72 +/- 24 for near vision activities. When administered by telephone, inter-rater reliability coefficients (r) were 0.82 to 0.97 (P < 0.001) for each of the subscales, and test-retest reliability was 0.87 for the scale overall. Cronbach's coefficient alpha was very high for both the in-person (alpha = 0.94) and telephone (alpha = 0.91) formats. Criterion validity, the correlation between visual loss and ADVS score, was -0.37 (P < 0.001) when the ADVS was administered in person and -0.39 (P < 0.001) when it was administered by telephone. Content validity as assessed with factor analysis showed that 88% of the variance of the principal components weighted on one factor. The authors conclude that substantial visual disability is not captured by routine visual testing and that the ADVS is a reliable and valid measure of patient's perception of visual functional impairment.

Prevalence and associations of epiretinal membranes. The Blue Mountains Eye Study, Australia

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence and associations of epiretinal membranes in a defined older Australian population and to assess their influence on visual acuity.

METHODS

Three thousand six hundred fifty-four persons 49 years of age or older, representing 88% of permanent residents from an area west of Sydney, underwent a detailed eye examination, including stereo retinal photography. Epiretinal membranes were diagnosed clinically and from photographic grading.

RESULTS

Signs of epiretinal membranes were found in 243 participants (7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.1, 7.6), bilateral in 31%. The prevalence was 1.9% in persons younger than 60 years of age, 7.2% in persons 60 to 69 years of age, 11.6% in persons 70 to 79 years of age, and 9.3% in persons 80 years of age and older, with slightly higher rates in women. Two stages were identified: an early form without retinal folds, termed "cellophane macular reflex" present in 4.8%, and a later stage with retinal folds, termed "preretinal macular fibrosis" (PMF), found in 2.2% of the population. Preretinal macular fibrosis, but not cellophane macular reflex, had a small, significant effect on visual acuity. Preretinal macular fibrosis was significantly associated with diabetes, after age-gender adjustment, in subjects without signs of diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4, 7.2). Preretinal macular fibrosis also was associated with increased fasting plasma glucose (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1, 1.3). Epiretinal membranes were found in 16.8% of persons who had undergone cataract surgery in one or both eyes (including PMF in 3.7%), in 16.1% of retinal vein occlusion cases (PMF in 12.5%), both significantly higher rates than in subjects without these conditions (P < 0.0001), and in 11% of persons with diabetic retinopathy (PMF in 3.6%), not significantly higher (P = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has documented the frequency and mild effect on vision of epiretinal membranes in an older population. Diabetes was associated significantly with idiopathic cases, whereas well-known associations with past cataract surgery and retinal disease were confirmed.

Age-related cataract

Cataract, opacification of the lens, is one of the commonest causes of loss of useful vision, with an estimated 16 million people worldwide affected. Several risk factors have been identified in addition to increasing age--genetic composition, exposure to ultraviolet light, and diabetes. However, no method to halt the formation of a cataractous lens has been shown to be effective. Nevertheless, advances in surgical removal of cataracts, including small-incision surgery, use of viscoelastics, and the development of intraocular lenses, have made treatment very effective and visual recovery rapid in most cases. Despite these advances, cataract continues to be a leading public-health issue that will grow in importance as the population increases and life expectancy is extended worldwide.

Myotonic dystrophy type 2: molecular, diagnostic and clinical spectrum

BACKGROUND

Myotonic dystrophy types 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2/proximal myotonic myopathy PROMM) are dominantly inherited disorders with unusual multisystemic clinical features. The authors have characterized the clinical and molecular features of DM2/PROMM, which is caused by a CCTG repeat expansion in intron 1 of the zinc finger protein 9 (ZNF9) gene.

METHODS

Three-hundred and seventy-nine individuals from 133 DM2/PROMM families were evaluated genetically, and in 234 individuals clinical and molecular features were compared.

RESULTS

Among affected individuals 90% had electrical myotonia, 82% weakness, 61% cataracts, 23% diabetes, and 19% cardiac involvement. Because of the repeat tract's unprecedented size (mean approximately 5,000 CCTGs) and somatic instability, expansions were detectable by Southern analysis in only 80% of known carriers. The authors developed a repeat assay that increased the molecular detection rate to 99%. Only 30% of the positive samples had single sizeable expansions by Southern analysis, and 70% showed multiple bands or smears. Among the 101 individuals with single expansions, repeat size did not correlate with age at disease onset. Affected offspring had markedly shorter expansions than their affected parents, with a mean size difference of -17 kb (-4,250 CCTGs).

CONCLUSIONS

DM2 is present in a large number of families of northern European ancestry. Clinically, DM2 resembles adult-onset DM1, with myotonia, muscular dystrophy, cataracts, diabetes, testicular failure, hypogammaglobulinemia, and cardiac conduction defects. An important distinction is the lack of a congenital form of DM2. The clinical and molecular parallels between DM1 and DM2 indicate that the multisystemic features common to both diseases are caused by CUG or CCUG expansions expressed at the RNA level.

Risk for radiation-induced cataract for staff in interventional cardiology: is there reason for concern?

OBJECTIVES

To examine the prevalence of radiation-associated lens opacities among interventional cardiologists and nurses and correlate with occupational radiation exposure.

BACKGROUND

Interventional cardiology personnel are exposed to relatively high levels of X-rays and based on recent findings of radiation-associated lens opacities in other cohorts, they may be at risk for cataract without use of ocular radiation protection.

METHODS

Eyes of interventional cardiologists, nurses, and age- and sex-matched unexposed controls were screened by dilated slit lamp examination and posterior lens changes graded using a modified Merriam-Focht technique. Individual cumulative lens X-ray exposure was calculated from responses to a questionnaire and personal interview.

RESULTS

The prevalence of radiation-associated posterior lens opacities was 52% (29/56, 95% CI: 35-73) for interventional cardiologists, 45% (5/11, 95% CI: 15-100) for nurses, and 9% (2/22, 95% CI: 1-33) for controls. Relative risks of lens opacity was 5.7 (95% CI: 1.5-22) for interventional cardiologists and 5.0 (95% CI: 1.2-21) for nurses. Estimated cumulative ocular doses ranged from 0.01 to 43 Gy with mean and median values of 3.4 and 1.0 Gy, respectively. A strong dose-response relationship was found between occupational exposure and the prevalence of radiation-associated posterior lens changes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate a dose dependent increased risk of posterior lens opacities for interventional cardiologists and nurses when radiation protection tools are not used. While study of a larger cohort is needed to confirm these findings, the results suggest ocular radio-protection should be utilized.

New grading system for the evaluation of chronic ocular manifestations in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome

PURPOSE

To evaluate and grade the extent and severity of chronic ocular manifestations in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

DESIGN

Prospective multicenter case series.

PARTICIPANTS

We enrolled 73 patients (138 eyes) with SJS seen between April 2003 and March 2005 at 3 tertiary referral centers.

METHODS

Patients with a confirmed history of SJS and chronic ocular complications that persisted for at least 1 year from the onset of SJS were included. Their detailed medical history and ophthalmic examination results were recorded on an itemized data collection form. Complications were categorized as corneal, conjunctival, and eyelid complications, and 13 components were evaluated and graded on a scale from 0 to 3 according to their severity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

These were broadly classified as corneal (superficial punctate keratopathy, epithelial defect, loss of the palisades of Vogt, conjunctivalization, neovascularization, opacification, keratinization), conjunctival (hyperemia, symblepharon formation), and eyelid (trichiasis, mucocutaneous junction involvement, meibomian gland involvement, punctal damage) complications.

RESULTS

The most severely affected complication components were loss of the palisades of Vogt (114 eyes; 82.6%) and meibomian gland involvement (102 eyes; 73.9%). Visual acuity in 74 of the 138 eyes (53.6%) was worse than 20/200. The severity of corneal, conjunctival, and eyelid complications was significantly correlated with visual loss. All 13 complications were correlated significantly with logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity; the correlation coefficient (R) ranged from 0.359 to 0.810 (P<0.0001); for corneal epithelial defects, R was 0.169 (P = 0.0473). Eyes with a higher total score for the 3 complication categories had poorer vision (R = 0.806; P<0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that corneal neovascularization, opacification, keratinization, and cataracts significantly affected logMAR visual acuity (P<0.0001, P<0.0001, P = 0.0142, P = 0.0375, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe a new method for grading the extent and severity of ocular involvement in patients with SJS and demonstrate that the severity of ocular involvement is correlated significantly with the final visual outcome. This new grading system provides a more objective method for evaluating SJS patients and may be adapted for use in other cicatricial ocular surface diseases.

Implantable contact lens for moderate to high myopia: relationship of vaulting to cataract formation

PURPOSE

To study cataract formation in eyes with an implantable contact lens (ICL) used for moderate to high myopia.

SETTING

University Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.

METHODS

An ICL (model V3 or V4, Staar Surgical AG) was implanted in 75 eyes. Three months after surgery and again at the last follow-up examination, the transparency of the crystalline lens was assessed on transilluminated photographs and the vaulting of the ICL over the crystalline lens was evaluated. Central vaulting was measured precisely on digitized photographs taken with a 75 SL Zeiss slitlamp camera, while peripheral vaulting was estimated on photographs obtained with a Scheimpflug camera. The minimum follow-up was 12 months; the mean was 21.8 months.

RESULTS

At the last follow-up, 20 of the 75 eyes (27%) had an ICL-induced anterior subcapsular cataract (ASCC). The number of cataracts increased with the duration of the follow-up. Cataracts developed more commonly in older patients than in younger patients. All 20 cataracts occurred when the central vaulting was equal to or less than 0.09 mm. In 26 eyes with the same range of vaulting (among which 11 had no vaulting), the lenses were clear at the last visit. The 20 patients with cataract and the 26 patients with clear lenses matched in age and duration of follow-up but not in myopia. No touch between the ICL and the crystalline lens was encountered when the central vaulting was equal to or greater than 0.15 mm. Vaulting showed a slight decrease over time. No statistically significant difference in vaulting was found between models V3 and V4.

CONCLUSION

Central and/or peripheral contact between the ICL and the crystalline lens may be responsible for the high incidence of ASCC formation in this study. Central vaulting greater than 0.09 mm appears to protect the crystalline lens from cataract formation. However, we recommend aiming for higher central vaulting (0.15 mm) to avoid contact between the ICL and the crystalline lens. This should be attainable by implanting longer ICLs.

Corticosteroid-induced cataracts

The association linking corticosteroid therapy with the development of posterior subcapsular cataracts has been well documented. These drugs are widely used therapeutically, principally to capitalize on their ability to inhibit inflammatory responses. The literature on corticosteroid-induced posterior subcapsular cataracts is reviewed here. Data from the previously published series and individual lens susceptibility to corticoids do not allow the establishment of a direct factor relating cataract formation to corticosteroid dose and the duration of therapy; however, significant progress has been made in elucidating the mechanism by which corticoids bring about the development of these opacities. Exploration into the development of these lesions has shed light on the similarities these opacities share with other cataracts, especially with regard to location and pathogenesis.

The age-related eye disease study (AREDS) system for classifying cataracts from photographs: AREDS report no. 4

PURPOSE

To describe the system for grading cataracts from photographs in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).

METHODS

The system for grading cataracts in AREDS uses photographs taken in a standardized fashion with specially modified cameras at 11 clinical centers. The photographs are evaluated by graders for quality and cataract severity at a central reading center. The area of lens involvement is used to assess the severity of cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities. Optical density of nuclear opacity is graded against a series of seven standard photographs. Contemporaneous variability in grading is evaluated periodically by having a second examiner regrade a subset of the photographs. Temporal variability is assessed by annually regrading a subset of photographs.

RESULTS

Photographs of 925 eyes, most with no or early lens opacities, were regraded to assess intergrader reliability. For cortical opacities, there was an absolute difference of 10% or greater of area involved in 1.9% of the replicate gradings. For posterior subcapsular opacities an absolute difference of 5% of area involved was noted in 2.8% of the regraded photographs. For nuclear opacities, absolute differences of 1.5 or more steps were observed in 0.6% of eyes. There was little evidence of temporal drift in grading any of the three types of opacity during four annual regrades.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated a high degree of reliability in grading the severity of lens opacities in a large study cohort with mostly early lens changes, the type of cohort most likely to be entered in clinical trials involving cataract prevention. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study System for Classifying Cataracts From Photographs could be useful in studies where there is a need to standardize data collection over time and across different data collection sites. Limitations of the system include the cost of implementation and, currently, the limited amount of data on grading reproducibility for more advanced lens opacities.

Age-related cataract

Cataract, opacification of the lens, is one of the commonest causes of loss of useful vision, with an estimated 16 million people worldwide affected. Several risk factors have been identified in addition to increasing age--genetic composition, exposure to ultraviolet light, and diabetes. However, no method to halt the formation of a cataractous lens has been shown to be effective. Nevertheless, advances in surgical removal of cataracts, including small-incision surgery, use of viscoelastics, and the development of intraocular lenses, have made treatment very effective and visual recovery rapid in most cases. Despite these advances, cataract continues to be a leading public-health issue that will grow in importance as the population increases and life expectancy is extended worldwide.

Systemic uveitis syndromes in childhood: an analysis of 340 cases

Three hundred forty patients with anterior uveitis associated with a specific systemic disease are described. All patients developed uveitis or the systemic disease, or both, prior to the age of 16 years, By far the most frequent systemic disorder was a sero-negative arthritis. Others included sarcoidosis, Behçet's disease, the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, and arteritis. Children with pauciarticular juvenile chronic arthritis, especially when associated with antinuclear antibodies, are at particular risk of developing chronic uveitis and they should be screened at frequent intervals, even if asymptomatic. Treatment of secondary cataracts in children using vitreous cutters usually gives good results. The most devastating complication of chronic uveitis is secondary glaucoma.

Interventional cardiologists and risk of radiation-induced cataract: results of a French multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

Interventional cardiologists (ICs) are exposed to X-rays and may be at risk to develop cataract earlier than common senile cataract. Excess risk of posterior subcapsular cataract, known as radiation-induced, was previously observed in samples of ICs from Malaysia, and Latin America. The O'CLOC study (Occupational Cataracts and Lens Opacities in interventional Cardiology) was performed to quantify the risk at the scale of France.

METHODS

This cross-sectional multicenter study included an exposed group of ICs from different French centers and an unexposed control group of non-medical workers. Individual information was collected about cataract risk factors and past and present workload in catheterization laboratory. All participants had a clinical eye examination to classify the lens opacities (nuclear, cortical, or posterior subcapsular) with the international standard classification LOCS III.

RESULTS

The study included 106 ICs (mean age = 51 ± 7 years) and 99 unexposed control subjects (mean age = 50 ± 7 years). The groups did not differ significantly in the prevalence of either nuclear or cortical lens opacities (61% vs. 69% and 23% vs. 29%, respectively). However, posterior subcapsular lens opacities, were significantly more frequent among ICs (17% vs. 5%, p=0.006), for an OR=3.9 [1.3-11.4]. The risk increased with duration of activity but no clear relationship with workload was observed. However, the risk appeared lower for regular users of protective lead glasses (OR=2.2 [0.4-12.8]).

CONCLUSIONS

ICs, in France as elsewhere, are at high risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts. Use of protective equipment against X-rays, in particular lead glasses, is strongly recommended to limit this risk.

Nuclear sclerosis after vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membranes

We performed a retrospective analysis of lens changes occurring after vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membranes causing macular pucker on 75 consecutive phakic eyes. Thirty-five eyes (47%) had appearance or progression of nuclear sclerosis. There were no changes in anterior subcapsular cataracts and three eyes (4%) had minimal changes in posterior subcapsular cataracts. Based on univariate analysis, presence of preoperative nuclear sclerosis, length of follow-up period, and surgeon were found to be associated with the occurrence or progression of nuclear sclerosis. Differences between surgeons were largely accounted for by the difference in proportions with preoperative nuclear sclerosis, and differing lengths of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier life table analysis performed on 53 eyes with examination of fellow eyes and longer follow-up showed significantly more nuclear sclerosis in the operated on eye when compared to the fellow eye (log-rank test, P less than .0001).

A simplified cataract grading system

A simplified method for grading the presence and severity of different cataract types is needed for field use in assessment of the magnitude of the cataract problem. A cataract grading system was developed by a panel of experts with the objective of making available a simple system for use with a slit lamp to allow for the reliable grading of the most common forms of cataract by relatively inexperienced observers. Three levels, reflecting progressive severity, for grading of nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract were included in the classification; three standard photos were used for grading nuclear cataract. Field evaluation from four different sites indicated very good to fair interobserver agreement with the use of this system following minimal training of residents in ophthalmology at each site. Further testing of this system is warranted. The WHO simplified cataract grading system should allow for the obtaining of comparable data across countries based on field assessment of the most common forms of cataract.

Ocular findings in Down's syndrome

PURPOSE

To identify the most common ocular findings in a pediatric group of patients with Down's syndrome.

METHODS

A total of 152 children with Down's syndrome between two months and 18 years of age prospectively underwent ocular examination, including visual acuity assessment, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ocular motility, cycloplegic retinoscopy, and ophthalmoscopy.

RESULTS

Ocular findings in decreasing prevalence were the following: upward slanting of the palpebral fissure with the outer canthus 2 mm or higher than the inner canthus (82%), epicanthal folds (61%), astigmatism (60%), iris abnormalities (52%), strabismus (38%), lacrimal system obstruction (30%), blepharitis (30%), retinal abnormalities (28%), hyperopia (26%), amblyopia (26%), nystagmus (18%), cataract (13%), and myopia (13%). Visual acuity was assessed, and the Teller acuity cards were the most useful method of examination. The patients younger than five years old had a higher prevalence of hyperopia than did those in other age groups; patients between five and 12 years old had a higher prevalence of astigmatism; and patients older than 12 years of age had more iris abnormalities, strabismus, and cataract. Myopia and myopic astigmatism were more common in the patients with cardiac malformations.

CONCLUSION

The early diagnosis of the ocular abnormalities in patients with Down's syndrome, by using Teller acuity cards in assessing visual acuity facilitates the treatment of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia and may minimize handicaps.

The Oxford Clinical Cataract Classification and Grading System

A composite slit-lamp based system for the clinical classification and grading of cataract is described. Cataract features are classified morphologically, and individual features are graded by comparison with standard diagrams mounted adjacent to the slit-lamp. Attention has been paid to relevant aspects of measurement theory, with equal interval steps between the grades. The image degrading effect of the cataract is assessed using a 'resolution target projection ophthalmoscope'. The method may be used in conjunction with photographic and image analysing techniques.

Ultraviolet light exposure and lens opacities: the Beaver Dam Eye Study

OBJECTIVES

Exposure to sunlight may be a risk factor for the development of cataract. The relationships between exposure to sunlight and to the ultraviolet-B (UVB) component of light and the prevalence of lens opacities were examined in the Beaver Dam Eye Study.

METHODS

Persons 43 to 84 years of age residing in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, were examined using standardized photographic assessments of lens opacities. A questionnaire about medical history and exposure to light was administered.

RESULTS

After adjusting for other risk factors, men who had higher levels of average annual ambient UVB light were 1.36 times more likely to have more severe cortical opacities than men with lower levels. However, UVB exposure was not found to be associated with nuclear sclerosis or posterior subcapsular opacities in men. Moreover, no associations with UVB exposure were found for women, who were less likely to be exposed to UVB.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to UVB light may be associated with the severity of cortical opacities in men. However, the lack of an association in women, the group more likely to have cortical opacities, suggests that other factors may be more important in the pathogenesis of lens opacities.

Photographic image analysis system of posterior capsule opacification

PURPOSE

To describe a morphological scoring system of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) that is not based on visual acuity testing.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.

METHODS

Following dilation of the pupil, standardized photographs of the pseudophakic anterior segments were obtained using a photo slitlamp. Posterior capsule opacification was scored by evaluating retroillumination photographs. The individual PCO score was calculated by multiplying the density of the opacification (graded from 0 to 4) by the fraction of capsule area involved behind the intraocular lens (IOL) optic. To evaluate the reliability of the morphological scoring system, six observers examined photographs of five eyes each (Experiment A, interindividual reliability). The same observer scored the PCO in three eyes on five different days (Experiment B, intraindividual reliability).

RESULTS

Morphological PCO scores were very reliable. With PCO scoring from 0 to 4, the interindividual reliability showed standard deviations between 0.08 and 0.25. The intraindividual reliability showed standard deviations between 0.06 and 0.19 of the mean individual PCO scores. Standard deviation was 0.12 when different photographs of the same eye were scored.

CONCLUSION

The morphological scoring system evaluates the entire area behind the IOL optic and thus includes a larger area of the posterior capsule than does visual acuity testing. The method revealed high reliability and insignificant investigator-dependent variations. When using a standardized photographic setup, systematic errors by the photographic technique were not relevant. This method may be an important tool to accurately test for differences in PCO formation with various IOL styles and surgical methods.

Cataract prevalence and prevention in Europe: a literature review

This literature review is aimed at the evaluation of the potential for cataract prevention in Europe. It was performed using PubMed with Mesh and free-text terms. Studies included were (i) performed on a population of Caucasian origin at an age range of 40-95 years, (ii) cataract was clinically verified, (iii) drug record of prescriptions, their indication, a record of every diagnosis, dosage and quantity of prescribed medicine were available, (iv) sample size >300 and (v) published between 1990 and 2009. The results of 29 articles were reviewed. Former [3.75 (2.26-6.21)] or current smoking [2.34 (1.07-5.15)], diabetes of duration >10 years [2.72 (1.72-4.28)], asthma or chronic bronchitis [2.04 (1.04-3.81)], and cardiovascular disease [1.96 (1.22-3.14)] increased the risk of cataract. Cataract was more common in patients taking chlorpromazine during ≥90 days with a dosage ≥300 mg [8.8 (3.1-25.1)] and corticosteroids >5 years [3.25 (1.39-7.58)] in a daily dose >1600 mg [1.69 (1.17-2.43)]. Intake of a multivitamin/mineral formulation [2.00 (1.35-2.98)] or corticosteroids [2.12 (1.93-2.33)] also increased the risk of cataract. Corticosteroids applied orally [3.25 (1.39-7.58)], parenteral [1.56 (1.34-1.82)] or inhalational [1.58 (1.46-1.71)] lead to cataract more frequently than those applied topically: nasal [1.33 (1.21-1.45)], ear [1.31 (1.19-1.45)] or skin [1.43 (1.36-1.50)]. Outpatient cataract surgery was negatively associated with total cataract surgery costs, and chlorpromazine, corticosteroids and multivitamin/mineral formation increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataract dependent on dose, treatment application and duration. This review presented a comprehensive overview of specific and general cataract risk factors and an update on most recent experimental studies and randomized control trials directed at cataract prevention.

Clinical features and prognosis in Fuchs' uveitis syndrome

Fuchs' uveitis syndrome has a characteristic clinical appearance but is frequently overlooked when heterochromia is subtle or absent. In this series of 54 patients, additional features of this syndrome are described, including absent or reversed heterochromia, occasional peripheral anterior synechia, spontaneous hyphema, rubeosis, venous sheathing, and corneal edema. Cataracts and glaucoma were more frequent and associated with a poorer prognosis than previously reported. Topical applications of corticosteroids are occasionally useful, but the patients later become refractory.

Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness in India

BACKGROUND

Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness provides valid estimates in a short period of time to assess the magnitude and causes of avoidable blindness. The study determined magnitude and causes of avoidable blindness in India in 2007 among the 50+ population.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Sixteen randomly selected districts where blindness surveys were undertaken 7 to 10 years earlier were identified for a follow up survey. Stratified cluster sampling was used and 25 clusters (20 rural and 5 urban) were randomly picked in each district.. After a random start, 100 individuals aged 50+ were enumerated and examined sequentially in each cluster. All those with presenting vision <6/18 were dilated and examined by an ophthalmologist. 42722 individuals aged > = 50 years were enumerated, and 94.7% examined. Based on presenting vision,, 4.4% (95% Confidence Interval[CI]: 4.1,4.8) were severely visually impaired (vision<6/60 to 3/60 in the better eye) and 3.6% (95% CI: 3.3,3.9) were blind (vision<3/60 in the better eye). Prevalence of low vision (<6/18 to 6/60 in the better eye) was 16.8% (95% CI: 16.0,17.5). Prevalence of blindness and severe visual impairment (<6/60 in the better eye) was higher among rural residents (8.2%; 95% CI: 7.9,8.6) compared to urban (7.1%; 95% CI: 5.0, 9.2), among females (9.2%; 95% CI: 8.6,9.8) compared to males (6.5%; 95% CI: 6.0,7.1) and people above 70 years (20.6%; 95% CI: 19.1,22.0) compared to people aged 50-54 years (1.3%; 95% CI: 1.1,1.6). Of all blindness, 88.2% was avoidable. of which 81.9% was due to cataract and 7.1% to uncorrected refractive errors/uncorrected aphakia.

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract and refractive errors are major causes of blindness and low vision and control strategies should prioritize them. Most blindness and low vision burden is avoidable.

Posterior subcapsular and nuclear cataract after vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To examine the morphological changes in the postvitrectomy lens and to monitor the development of these changes over time.

SETTING

Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 33 consecutive phakic patients having pars plana vitrectomy were recruited. Cataract development was quantified by clinical grading and digital Scheimpflug image analysis. Slitlamp biomicroscopy and photography were used to document the morphological appearance. The main outcome measures were the incidence, morphology, and development of posterior subcapsular and nuclear cataract.

RESULTS

A characteristic, transient posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) was present in 89% (17 of 19) of tamponade patients within 24 hours of surgery. Of the patients who had vitrectomy without tamponade, 9% (1 of 11) developed similar changes. Nuclear opacity developed in 61% (11 of 18) of tamponade patients and in 50% (3 of 6) of nontamponade patients. A longer term retrospective review of the same patients' case notes revealed nuclear cataract in 67% (12 of 18) of tamponade cases and 30% (3 of 10) of nontamponade cases. Eighteen percent (2 of 11) of nontamponade cases and 67% (14 of 21) of tamponade cases had cataract surgery after a 10.7 month and a 12.4 month follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitrectomy and tamponade produced a characteristic transient PSC in the immediate postoperative period. Disruption of fluid balance in the region of the posterior lens was suggested by the morphological appearance. The acute changes resolved but were followed by accelerated nuclear opacification.

Sporadic and Familial Congenital Cataracts: Mutational Spectrum and New Diagnoses Using Next-Generation Sequencing

Congenital cataracts are a significant cause of lifelong visual loss. They may be isolated or associated with microcornea, microphthalmia, anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) and glaucoma, and there can be syndromic associations. Genetic diagnosis is challenging due to marked genetic heterogeneity. In this study, next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 32 cataract-associated genes was undertaken in 46 apparently nonsyndromic congenital cataract probands, around half sporadic and half familial cases. We identified pathogenic variants in 70% of cases, and over 68% of these were novel. In almost two-thirds (20/33) of these cases, this resulted in new information about the diagnosis and/or inheritance pattern. This included identification of: new syndromic diagnoses due to NHS or BCOR mutations; complex ocular phenotypes due to PAX6 mutations; de novo autosomal-dominant or X-linked mutations in sporadic cases; and mutations in two separate cataract genes in one family. Variants were found in the crystallin and gap junction genes, including the first report of severe microphthalmia and sclerocornea associated with a novel GJA8 mutation. Mutations were also found in rarely reported genes including MAF, VIM, MIP, and BFSP1. Targeted NGS in presumed nonsyndromic congenital cataract patients provided significant diagnostic information in both familial and sporadic cases.