Eye And Brain[JOURNAL]
Sun
183 papers
Retinal Microvasculature in Schizophrenia.
Silverstein SM, Lai A, Green KM … +3 more , Crosta C, Fradkin SI, Ramchandran RS
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34335068 · Full text
PURPOSE: Schizophrenia is associated with alterations in neural structure and function of the retina that are similar to changes seen in the retina and brain in multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Preliminary evidence...
PURPOSE: Schizophrenia is associated with alterations in neural structure and function of the retina that are similar to changes seen in the retina and brain in multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests that retinal microvasculature may also be compromised in schizophrenia. The goal of this study was to determine, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), whether 1) schizophrenia is associated with alterations in retinal microvasculature density; and 2) microvasculature reductions are associated with retinal neural layer thinning and performance on a measure of verbal IQ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 37 psychiatrically healthy control subjects completed OCT and OCTA exams, and the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading. RESULTS: Schizophrenia patients were characterized by retinal microvasculature density reductions, and enlarged foveal avascular zones, in both eyes. These microvascular abnormalities were generally associated with thinning of retinal neural (macular and peripapillary nerve fiber layer) tissue (but the data were stronger for the left than the right eye) and lower scores on a proxy measure of verbal IQ. First- and later-episode patients did not differ significantly on OCTA findings. CONCLUSION: The retinal microvasculature impairments seen in schizophrenia appear to be a biomarker of overall brain health, as is the case for multiple neurological conditions. Additional research is needed, however, to clarify contributions of social disadvantage and medical comorbidities to the findings.
Neuro-Ophthalmological Manifestations in Children with Down Syndrome: Current Perspectives.
Postolache L, Monier A, Lhoir S
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34321946 · Full text
Down syndrome, caused by an extra copy of all or part of chromosome 21, is the most prevalent intellectual disability of genetic origin. Among numerous comorbidities which are part of the phenotype of individuals with Do...
Down syndrome, caused by an extra copy of all or part of chromosome 21, is the most prevalent intellectual disability of genetic origin. Among numerous comorbidities which are part of the phenotype of individuals with Down syndrome, ocular problems appear to be highly prevalent. Neuro-ophthalmological manifestations, such as ocular alignment and motility disturbances, amblyopia, hypoaccommodation or optic nerve abnormalities, and other organic ocular anomalies frequently reported in Down syndrome, may lead to an overall decrease in visual acuity. Although numerous studies have reported ocular anomalies related to Down syndrome, it remains challenging to determine the impact of each anomaly upon the decreased visual acuity, as most such individuals have more than one ocular problem. Even in children with Down syndrome and no apparent ocular defect, visual acuity has been found to be reduced compared with typically developing children. Pediatric ophthalmological examination is a critical component of a multidisciplinary approach to prevent and treat ocular complications and improve the visual outcome in children with Down syndrome. This narrative review aims to provide a better understanding of the neuro-ophthalmological manifestations and discuss the current ophthalmological management in children with Down syndrome.
Effects of tACS-Like Electrical Stimulation on On-Center Retinal Ganglion Cells: Part I.
Amthor FR, Strang CE
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34285622 · Full text
PURPOSE: Electrical stimulation of the human central nervous system via surface electrodes has been used for both learning enhancement and the amelioration of neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders. However, data are...
PURPOSE: Electrical stimulation of the human central nervous system via surface electrodes has been used for both learning enhancement and the amelioration of neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders. However, data are sparse on how such electrical stimulation affects neural circuits at the cellular level. This study assessed the effects of tACS-like currents at 10 Hz on On-center retinal ganglion cell responsiveness, using the rabbit retina eyecup preparation as a model for central nervous system effects. METHODS: We made extracellular recordings of light-evoked spike responses in different classes of On-center retinal ganglion cells before, during and after brief applications of 1 microampere alternating currents using single electrodes and microelectrode arrays. RESULTS: tACS-like currents (tACS) of 1 microampere produced effects on On-center ganglion cell response profiles immediately after initiation or cessation of tACS, without driving phase-locked firing in the absence of light stimuli. tACS affected the initial transient responses to light stimulation for all cells, sustained response components (if any) more strongly for sustained cells, and the center-surround balance more strongly for transient cells. CONCLUSION: tACS sculpted light-evoked responses that lasted for one or more hours after cessation of current without, itself, directly inducing significant firing changes. Functionally, tACS effects could result in effects on contrast thresholds for both broad classes of cells, but because tACs differentially affects the center-surround balance of transient On-center cells, there may be greater effects on the spatial resolution and gain. The isolated retina appears to be a useful model to understand tACS actions at the neuronal level.
Cerebral Modifications in Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration: Analysis of Current Evidence in Literature and Their Implications on Therapeutic Perspectives.
Nuzzi R, Vitale A
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34168513 · Full text
Glaucoma and macular degeneration are leading causes of irreversible blindness, significantly compromising the quality of life and having a high economic and social impact. Promising therapeutic approaches aimed at regen...
Glaucoma and macular degeneration are leading causes of irreversible blindness, significantly compromising the quality of life and having a high economic and social impact. Promising therapeutic approaches aimed at regenerating or bypassing the damaged anatomical-functional components are currently under development: these approaches have generated great expectations, but to be effective require a visual network that, despite the pathology, maintains its integrity up to the higher brain areas. In the light of this, the existing findings concerning how the central nervous system modifies its connections following the pathological damage caused by glaucoma and macular degeneration acquire great interest. This review aims to examine the scientific literature concerning the morphological and functional changes affecting the central nervous system in these pathological conditions, summarizing the evidence in an analytical way, discussing their possible causes and highlighting the potential repercussions on the current therapeutic perspectives.
Are Generalized Reduced Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics and Optic Nerve Sheath Compartmentation Sequential Steps in the Pathogenesis of Normal-Tension Glaucoma? [Response to Letter].
Killer HE, Pircher A
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34079415 · Full text
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Prevalence of Retinal Vein Occlusions and Estimated Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure: The Kailuan Eye Study.
Wang Q, Yang J, Jonas JB … +8 more , Shi X, Wu S, Chen S, Yan Y, Zhou W, Dong L, Wei W, Wang YX
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34045911 · Full text
PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) and associated factors in a Chinese population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional community-based Kailuan Eye Study included individuals wh...
PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) and associated factors in a Chinese population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional community-based Kailuan Eye Study included individuals who participated in the Kailuan Study. RVOs were diagnosed on the fundus photographs. Estimated cerebrospinal fluid pressure (eCSFP) was calculated as "eCSFP=0.44*Body Mass Index+0.16*Diastolic Blood Pressure-0.18*Age". RESULTS: The study included 12,499 participants with a mean age of 52.9±13.1 years. The overall prevalence of RVO was 120/12,499 or 0.96%, with branch RVOs observed in 116/12,499 individuals and central RVOs in 4/12,499 individuals. RVOs started at the optic disc in 19 participants (15.8% of all RVOs), and in 101 (84.2%) individuals arterio-venous crossings outside the optic disc. In multivariable analysis, a higher RVO prevalence was associated with older age (<0.001), higher eCSFP (<0.001), and higher fasting serum glucose concentration (<0.001). Differentiating between RVOs at arterio-venous crossings and RVOs at the optic disc revealed that the prevalence of both RVO types was associated with higher eCSFP (<0.001 and =0.004, respectively) after adjusting for age and fasting serum glucose concentration. CONCLUSION: In this adult Chinese population recruited on a community basis, the prevalence of any RVO (mean: 0.96) was associated with older age, higher eCSFP and higher fasting serum glucose concentration. Higher eCSFP may play an etiologic role in RVOs.
Retinal Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Underlying Mechanisms.
Soldatov VO, Kukharsky MS, Belykh AE … +2 more , Sobolev AM, Deykin AV
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34012311 · Full text
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in a gradual loss of motor neuron function. Although ophthalmic complaints are not presently considered a classic symptom of ALS, retinal...
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in a gradual loss of motor neuron function. Although ophthalmic complaints are not presently considered a classic symptom of ALS, retinal changes such as thinning, axonal degeneration and inclusion bodies have been found in many patients. Retinal abnormalities observed in postmortem human tissues and animal models are similar to spinal cord changes in ALS. These findings are not dramatically unexpected because retina shares an ontogenetic relationship with the brain, and many genes are associated both with neurodegeneration and retinal diseases. Experimental studies have demonstrated that ALS affects many "vulnerable points" of the retina. Aggregate deposition, impaired nuclear protein import, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, vascular regression, and mitochondrial dysfunction are factors suspected as being the main cause of motor neuron damage in ALS. Herein, we show that all of these pathways can affect retinal cells in the same way as motor neurons. Furthermore, we suppose that understanding the patterns of neuro-ophthalmic interaction in ALS can help in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Are Generalized Reduced Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics and Optic Nerve Sheath Compartmentation Sequential Steps in the Pathogenesis of Normal-Tension Glaucoma? [Letter].
Wostyn P
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 34007232 · Full text
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Portable Diagnostic System for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening Using Visual Evoked Potentials.
Versek C, Banijamali SMA, Bex P … +3 more , Lashkari K, Kamarthi S, Sridhar S
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33953628 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Delayed Dark-Adapted vision Recovery (DAR) is a biomarker for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), however its measurement is burdensome for patients and examiners. METHODS: In this study, we developed a p...
BACKGROUND: Delayed Dark-Adapted vision Recovery (DAR) is a biomarker for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), however its measurement is burdensome for patients and examiners. METHODS: In this study, we developed a portable, wireless and user-friendly system that employs a headset with a smartphone to deliver controlled photo-bleach and monocular pattern reversal stimuli, while using custom electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes and electronics in order to measure Dark-Adapted Visual Evoked Potentials (DAVEP) objectively and separately at the peripheral and central visual field. This is achieved in one comfortable 20-minute session, without requiring subject reporting. DAVEP responses post photo-bleach for up to 15 minutes were measured concurrently from both eyes in 12 AMD-patients, 1 degenerative myopia patient, and 8 controls who had no diagnosed macular vision loss. RESULTS: Robust positive polarity DAVEP responses were observed at 200-500 ms from stimulus onset to scotopic stimuli that have been seldom reported and analyzed previously. The amplitude recovery of the DAVEP response was significantly delayed in AMD patients as compared to controls. We developed DAVEP1 scores, a simple metric for DAR, which classified 90% of subject eyes correctly, indicating the presence of AMD in at least one eye of all pre-confirmed subjects with this diagnosis. CONCLUSION: We developed a user-friendly, portable VEP system and DAVEP1 metric, which show a high potential to identify DAR-deficits in AMD-patients. This novel technology could aid in early diagnosis of AMD.
Monocular and Binocular Visual Function Deficits in Amblyopic Patients with and without Fusion Maldevelopment Nystagmus.
Murray J, Garg K, Ghasia F
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33953627 · Full text
PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to examine the association between amblyopia type and the presence of nystagmus on binocular and monocular functions of the fellow (FE) and amblyopic eye (AE). METHODS: We recruited 19 co...
PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to examine the association between amblyopia type and the presence of nystagmus on binocular and monocular functions of the fellow (FE) and amblyopic eye (AE). METHODS: We recruited 19 controls and 44 amblyopes (anisometropes=13, strabismic=10, mixed=21). We measured visual, grating, and vernier acuities and high/low spatial frequency (SF) contrast sensitivities in each eye using a staircase method. Stereoacuity was measured with the Titmus fly test. We recorded fixation eye movements (FEM) using high-resolution video-oculography. Subjects were classified as having either no nystagmus (n=18), fusion maldevelopment nystagmus syndrome (FMNS) (n=12), or nystagmus without any structural anomalies that does not meet the criteria for FMNS or infantile nystagmus (n=14). RESULTS: Analysis of visual function by clinical amblyopia type showed that patients with strabismus/mixed amblyopia (F (2,54)=9.5, p<0.001) were more likely to have poor stereopsis while controlling for AE grating acuity deficit. The FE of patients with anisometropia had greater contrast sensitivity deficits at low (F (2,43)=4.4, p=0.018) and high SF (F (2,42)=10.1, p<0.001). Analysis of visual function by FEM characteristics (low SF: (F (3,43)=4.3, p=0.010) and high SF: (F (3,42)=7.1, p=0.001) showed that the FE of patients with FMNS had worse low and high SF contrast sensitivities, whereas those without FMNS had greater contrast sensitivity deficits only at high SF compared to controls. Patients with FMNS (F (3,54) = 12.9, p<0.001) were more likely to have poor stereopsis while controlling for AE grating acuity deficit compared to patients without FMNS. All amblyopic patients had worse high SF contrast sensitivity of the AE irrespective of type or FEM characteristics (Type = F (2,43)=8.8, p=0.001; FEM characteristics= F (3,43)=5.1, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The presence of FMNS in patients with strabismic/mixed amblyopia is associated with poor/absent stereopsis. FE deficits vary across amblyopia type. Like FEM abnormalities, visual function deficits are seen in the FE of patients with and without nystagmus.
Artifactual Visual Field Defects Identified on Technically "Reliable" Visual Field Studies in a Neuro-Ophthalmology Practice.
Galarza P, Parnasa E, Guttmann N … +1 more , Kruger JM
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33889041 · Full text
PURPOSE: To assess the reliability of automated visual field studies with neurological abnormalities and normal reliability indices that were inconsistent with the remainder of the neuro-ophthalmic assessment. METHODS: R...
PURPOSE: To assess the reliability of automated visual field studies with neurological abnormalities and normal reliability indices that were inconsistent with the remainder of the neuro-ophthalmic assessment. METHODS: Retrospective observational study from the clinical practice of a neuro-ophthalmologist at a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: From 2230 patient charts, ten cases were identified that met the inclusion criteria. In eight of the cases repeat visual field testing had no reproducible abnormality. Four of these cases were concerning for a bitemporal or homonymous hemianopia. None of the patients, including the two cases with a reproducible defect, developed any convincing manifestations of an organic disease related to the visual field defect. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that even marked neurological abnormalities on reliable automated visual field tests can be false. When the remainder of the neuro-ophthalmic evaluation is inconsistent with the test result, we recommend that clinicians attempt to immediately repeat the visual field study.
Lipocalin-type Prostaglandin D Synthase Concentration Gradients in the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Normal-tension Glaucoma Patients with Optic Nerve Sheath Compartmentation.
Pircher A, Neutzner A, Montali M … +5 more , Huber A, Scholl HPN, Berberat J, Remonda L, Killer HE
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33883963 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To report on the lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the perioptic and lumbar subarachnoid space (SAS) in patients with radiologically proven opt...
OBJECTIVE: To report on the lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the perioptic and lumbar subarachnoid space (SAS) in patients with radiologically proven optic nerve (ON) sheath compartmentation presenting as normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Retrospective biochemical analysis of CSF in thirteen patients with ON sheath compartmentation presenting as NTG (four females, mean age 70±8 years). CSF was sampled from the SAS of the ON during ON sheath fenestration for ON sheath compartmentation and from the lumbar SAS at the time of lumbar puncture. Nephelometry was used for the quantification of L-PGDS and albumin concentration. Albumin was measured in order to assess the amount of contamination with serum in the CSF samples taken from the ON SAS. Main outcome measures were L-PGDS concentrations in the CSF of the perioptic and lumbar SAS. RESULTS: Mean L-PGDS concentration was 24±8 mg/L in the lumbar SAS compared to 33±27 mg/L without correction of serum contamination and 45±39 mg/L after correction of serum contamination in the perioptic SAS. The difference between the lumbar and the perioptic SAS was statistically significant (=0.0047 without correction of serum contamination, =0.0002 with correction of serum contamination; Mann-Witney -test). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a concentration gradient of L-PGDS levels within the CSF with a statistically significant higher concentration in the compartmentalized perioptic SAS compared to that in the lumbar SAS. Biochemical changes in the perioptic SAS might be involved in the pathophysiology in NTG patients with ON sheath compartmentation.
Electrophysiological Study of Visual Pathways in Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome Patients.
Moramarco A, Alisi L, Lambiase A … +5 more , Giustini S, Lucchino L, Miraglia E, Roberti V, Nebbioso M
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33824611 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS) also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a complex rare genetic disorder characterized by a wide range of clinical and radiological manifestations. Ophthalmo...
INTRODUCTION: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS) also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a complex rare genetic disorder characterized by a wide range of clinical and radiological manifestations. Ophthalmological alterations have always been reported, but no study on the eventual pattern visual evoked potentials (pVEPs) abnormalities has yet been published. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functionality of the optic pathways in a group of NBCCS patients through pattern reversal VEPs, after a thorough exclusion of subjects with preexisting ocular and optic pathways pathologies. METHODS: Nineteen NBCCS patients (31 eyes) and 20 healthy controls (40 eyes) have been recruited for this study. All subjects underwent an evaluation of the functionality of the optic pathways through pVEPs with small (120'), medium (60'), and large (15') check size stimulation. RESULTS: NBCCS patients showed a statistically significant alteration in the transmission of the macular pathway function when compared to controls. PVEPs analysis confirmed a reduced amplitude and an increased latency of the P100 component, suggesting an involvement of the visual pathway even in the absence of ocular clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION: Visual pathways may have been affected both by a subclinical myelination deficit, determined directly by the genetic alteration, as well as by neurological abnormalities typical of this syndrome. Further studies are warranted.
Evaluation of Retinal Layer Thickness Parameters as Biomarkers in a Real-World Multiple Sclerosis Cohort.
Schurz N, Sariaslani L, Altmann P … +7 more , Leutmezer F, Mitsch C, Pemp B, Rommer P, Zrzavy T, Berger T, Bsteh G
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33737853 · Full text
PURPOSE: Retinal layer thickness parameters measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) are emerging biomarkers of neuroaxonal degeneration and inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to evaluate the value o...
PURPOSE: Retinal layer thickness parameters measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) are emerging biomarkers of neuroaxonal degeneration and inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to evaluate the value of retinal layer thickness for prediction of disability worsening and relapse in a real-world MS cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this longitudinal observational study, we included MS patients with spectral-domain OCT scans available and ≥1 year of clinical follow-up. The value of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular ganglion-cell-and-inner-plexiform-layer (GCIPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) thickness for prediction of disability worsening and relapse during the observation period was tested by multivariate models. RESULTS: We analyzed 60 MS patients during a mean observation period of 2.9 years (SD 1.8). Lower baseline thickness of GCIPL (cut-off <77µm; HR 4.1, p=0.001) and pRNFL (cut-off ≤88µm; HR 3.1, p=0.019) were associated with an increased risk of disability worsening. Longitudinally, mean thinning rates were -0.8µm/year (SD 1.6) for GCIPL, -0.6µm/year (SD 3.5) for pRNFL. GCIPL thinning ≥1.0µm/year and pRNFL >1.5µm/year is associated with higher likelihood of disability worsening (HR 5.7, p=0.009 and HR 6.8, p=0.003, respectively). INL thickened in patients with relapse by a mean 0.9µm while thinning by 0.3µm in patients without relapse (p=0.04). In multivariate analyses, INL thickening was associated with an increased probability of relapse (OR 17.8, p=0.023). CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional and longitudinal measurement of GCIPL and pRNFL thinning is reliable as a biomarker of disability worsening in a real-world setting. Change of INL thickness is a promising marker of relapse, i.e. inflammatory activity.
Exploring the Link Between Dry Eye and Migraine: From Eye to Brain.
Baksh BS, Garcia JC, Galor A
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33692643 · Full text
Dry eye and migraine are common diseases with large societal and economic burdens that have recently been associated in the literature. This review outlines the link between dry eye and migraine, which may have implicati...
Dry eye and migraine are common diseases with large societal and economic burdens that have recently been associated in the literature. This review outlines the link between dry eye and migraine, which may have implications for reducing their respective burdens. We highlight possible shared pathophysiology, including peripheral and central sensitization, as the potential link between dry eye and migraine. Finally, therapies targeting similar pathophysiological mechanisms between dry eye and migraine are discussed.
Neuro-Ophthalmological Manifestations of Craniosynostosis: Current Perspectives.
Duan M, Skoch J, Pan BS … +1 more , Shah V
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33542671 · Full text
Craniosynostosis, a premature fusion of cranial sutures that can be isolated or syndromic, is a congenital defect with a broad, multisystem clinical spectrum. The visual pathway is prone to derangements in patients with...
Craniosynostosis, a premature fusion of cranial sutures that can be isolated or syndromic, is a congenital defect with a broad, multisystem clinical spectrum. The visual pathway is prone to derangements in patients with craniosynostosis, particularly in syndromic cases, and there is a risk for permanent vision loss when ocular disease complications are not identified and properly treated early in life. Extensive advancements have been made in our understanding of the etiologies underlying vision loss in craniosynostosis over the last 20 years. Children with craniosynostosis are susceptible to interruptions in visual input arising from strabismus, refractive errors, and corneal damage; any of these aberrations can result in understimulation of the visual cortex during childhood neurodevelopment and permanent amblyopia. Elevated intracranial pressure resulting from abnormal cranial shape or volume can lead to papilledema and, ultimately, optic atrophy and vision loss. A pediatric ophthalmologist is a crucial component of the multidisciplinary care team that should be involved in the care of craniosynostosis patients and consistent ophthalmologic follow-up can help minimize the risk to vision posed by such entities as papilledema and amblyopia. This article aims to review the current understanding of neuro-ophthalmological manifestations in craniosynostosis and explore diagnostic and management considerations for the ophthalmologist taking care of these patients.
Glaucoma as Neurodegeneration in the Brain.
Chan JW, Chan NCY, Sadun AA
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33500674 · Full text
Glaucoma, a group of diseases characterized by progressive optic nerve degeneration that results in irreversible blindness, can be considered a neurodegenerative disorder of both the eye and the brain. Increasing evidenc...
Glaucoma, a group of diseases characterized by progressive optic nerve degeneration that results in irreversible blindness, can be considered a neurodegenerative disorder of both the eye and the brain. Increasing evidence from human and animal studies have shown that glaucoma shares some common neurodegenerative pathways with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and frontotemporal dementia. This hypothesis is based on the focal adhesion pathway hypothesis and the spreading hypothesis of tau. Not only has the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene been shown to be associated with AD, but also with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). This review will highlight the relevant literature in the past 20 years from PubMed that show the pathogenic overlap between POAG and AD. Neurodegenerative pathways that contribute to transsynaptic neurodegeneration in AD and other tauopathies might also be similar to those in glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: What Can It Tell Us?
Song A, Johnson N, Ayala A … +1 more , Thompson AC
Eye Brain · 2021 · PMID 33447120 · Full text
PURPOSE: Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia worldwide, its clinical diagnosis remains a challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT with angiography (OCTA) are non-invasive ophthal...
PURPOSE: Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia worldwide, its clinical diagnosis remains a challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT with angiography (OCTA) are non-invasive ophthalmic imaging tools with the potential to detect retinal structural and microvascular changes in patients with AD, which may serve as biomarkers for the disease. In this systematic review, we evaluate whether certain OCT and OCTA parameters are significantly associated with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: PubMed database was searched using a combination of MeSH terms to identify studies for review. Studies were organized by participant diagnostic groups, type of imaging modality, and OCT/OCTA parameters of interest. Participant demographic data was also collected and baseline descriptive statistics were calculated for the included studies. RESULTS: Seventy-one studies were included for review, representing a total of 6757 patients (2350 AD, 793 MCI, 2902 healthy controls (HC), and 841 others with a range of other neurodegenerative diagnoses). The mean baseline ages were 72.78±3.69, 71.52±2.88, 70.55±3.85 years for AD, MCI and HC groups, respectively. The majority of studies noted significant structural and functional decline in AD patients when compared to HC. Although analysis of MCI groups yielded more mixed results, a similar pattern of decline was often noted amongst patients with MCI relative to HC. OCT and OCTA measurements were also shown to correlate with established measures of AD such as neuropsychological testing or neuroimaging. CONCLUSION: OCT and OCTA show great potential as non-invasive technologies for the diagnosis of AD. However, further research is needed to determine whether there are AD-specific patterns of structural or microvascular change in the retina and optic nerve that distinguish AD from other neurodegenerative diseases. Development of sensitive and specific OCT/OCTA parameters will be necessary before they can be used to detect AD in clinical settings.
Neuro-ophthalmic Complications of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review.
Yu CW, Yau M, Mezey N … +2 more , Joarder I, Micieli JA
Eye Brain · 2020 · PMID 33173368 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are novel cancer therapies that may be associated with immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) and come to the attention of neuro-ophthalmologists. This systematic review aims...
OBJECTIVE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are novel cancer therapies that may be associated with immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) and come to the attention of neuro-ophthalmologists. This systematic review aims to synthesize the reported ICI-associated IRAEs relevant to neuro-ophthalmologists to help in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature indexed by MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases was searched from inception to May 2020. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Primary studies on ICIs and neuro-ophthalmic complications were included. Outcomes included number of cases and incidence of neuro-ophthalmic IRAEs. RESULTS: Neuro-ophthalmic complications of ICIs occurred in 0.46% of patients undergoing ICI and may affect the afferent and efferent visual systems. Afferent complications include optic neuritis (12.8%), neuroretinitis (0.9%), and giant cell arteritis (3.7%). Efferent complications include myasthenia gravis (MG) (45.0%), thyroid-like eye disease (11.9%), orbital myositis (13.8%), general myositis with ptosis (7.3%), internuclear ophthalmoplegia (0.9%), opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome (0.9%), and oculomotor nerve palsy (0.9%). Pembrolizumab was the most common causative agent for neuro-ophthalmic complications (32.1%). Mortality was highest for MG (19.8%). Most patients (79.8%) experienced improvement or complete resolution of neuro-ophthalmic symptoms due to cessation of ICI and immunosuppression with systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: While incidence of neuro-ophthalmic IRAEs is low, clinicians involved in the care of cancer patients must be aware of their presentation to facilitate prompt recognition and management. Collaboration between oncology and neuro-ophthalmology teams is required to effectively manage patients and reduce morbidity and mortality.
A Review of Neuro-Ophthalmological Manifestations of Human Coronavirus Infection.
Luís ME, Hipólito-Fernandes D, Mota C … +5 more , Maleita D, Xavier C, Maio T, Cunha JP, Tavares Ferreira J
Eye Brain · 2020 · PMID 33154692 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Human coronavirus (HCoVs) are a group of viruses with recognized neurotropic and neuroinvasive capabilities. The reports on the neurological and ocular findings are increasing day after day and several cent...
INTRODUCTION: Human coronavirus (HCoVs) are a group of viruses with recognized neurotropic and neuroinvasive capabilities. The reports on the neurological and ocular findings are increasing day after day and several central and peripheral neurological manifestations are already described. However, none specifically describes the neuro-ophthalmological manifestation of HCoVs. This is the first article specifically reviewing neuro-ophthalmological manifestations of HCoVs infection. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords: coronaviridae, coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, MERS, ocular, ophthalmology, ophthalmological, neuro-ophthalmology, neurological, manifestations. A manual search through the reference lists of relevant articles was also performed. There were no restrictions concerning language or study type and publications not yet printed but available online were considered. RESULTS: Coronavirus eye involvement is not frequent and includes mostly a typical viral follicular conjunctivitis. Recently, retinal anatomical alterations were described using optic coherence tomography. Neuro-ophthalmological symptoms and signs can appear isolated or associated with neurological syndromes. The manifestations include headache, ocular pain, visual impairment, diplopia, and cranial nerve palsies secondary to Miller Fisher syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or encephalitis, and nystagmus. CONCLUSION: Neurological and neuro-ophthalmological syndromes, symptoms, and signs should not be neglected and a complete ophthalmological examination of these patients should be performed to fully describe ocular manifestations related to HCoVs. We believe that major ocular and neuro-ophthalmological manifestations reports lack due to safety issues concerning detailed ophthalmological examination; on the other hand, in a large number of cases, the presence of life-threatening coronavirus disease hinders ocular examination and ophthalmologist's visit to the intensive care unit.
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