Clin Exp Optom [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
The effect of amblyopia therapy on ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials.
Sharifi M, Jafarzadeh S, Ghorbani MM … +3 more , Hassanzadeh S, Kiarudi MY, Rostami M
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40935660 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The development of vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) is dependent on the visual input from both eyes. The ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) test provides an objective assessment of cont...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The development of vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) is dependent on the visual input from both eyes. The ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) test provides an objective assessment of contralateral utricular function and associated VOR pathways. BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of amblyopia therapy on oVEMP responses in children with unilateral amblyopia. METHODS: Thirty patients with unilateral amblyopia (14 males and 16 females) with a mean age of 9.17 ± 2.02 years (range: 5-15 years) were examined. All participants received optimal optical correction and daily occlusion therapy (2 to 4 hours/day) for 6 months. Unilateral and bilateral stimulation of the oVEMP test was performed at baseline and 6 months after amblyopia therapy. A subgroup analysis, compared the effect of amblyopia therapy on oVEMP responses among participants with anisometropic, strabismic, and mixed amblyopia. RESULTS: Following six months of therapy, best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly in amblyopic eyes ( < 0.001). Significant reductions in N1 and P1 latencies were observed in the amblyopic, non-amblyopic, and bilateral stimulation conditions at six months (all, < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found in N1-P1 complex amplitude across conditions (all, > 0.05). A linear mixed-effects model showed that neither amblyopia type nor age significantly predicted changes in oVEMP responses following treatment (all, > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Over the 6-month follow-up, oVEMP latencies improved in both amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes.These findings suggest a potential association between amblyopia treatment and enhanced vestibular-ocular timing. However, future controlled studies are necessary to confirm these observations and determine their clinical significance.
Alterations in peripapillary neurovascular structures in patients with intermittent claudication.
Arslan GD, Kılıc HE, Alkan AA … +1 more , Guven D
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 May · PMID 40934527 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripapillary retina nerve fibre layer (RNFL) alterations in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are hypothesised to share a pathway with the general pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Depe...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripapillary retina nerve fibre layer (RNFL) alterations in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are hypothesised to share a pathway with the general pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Depending on the severity of ischaemia in their extremities, these patients may be asymptomatic or have intermittent claudication. BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate structural and vascular alterations in the peripapillary region of asymptomatic patients with PAD and those with intermittent claudication. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted involving 68 patients with PAD who visited the cardiovascular surgery outpatient clinic and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. One eye per participant was examined. Peripapillary RNFL thickness, radial peripapillary capillary density, and ankle-brachial index were assessed. Participants were categorised based on the Rutherford classification, with higher categories indicating more severe ischaemia: asymptomatic (Rutherford 0) in one group and mild to severe claudication (Rutherford 1-3) in another. RESULTS: Average radial peripapillary capillary density was significantly reduced in patients with PAD and intermittent claudication compared to controls ( < 0.001), whereas no significant difference was found between asymptomatic patients and controls. Patients with PAD exhibited significantly lower peripapillary RNFL thickness in the inferonasal, nasal inferior, and nasal superior quadrants than the controls ( < 0.05), although average RNFL thickness was not associated with the Rutherford classification. Ankle-brachial index showed a weak positive association with average radial peripapillary capillary density in patients with PAD ( = 0.325, = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Decreased peripapillary vessel density was associated with a lower ankle-brachial index. Patients with PAD and intermittent claudication showed lower peripapillary vessel density than controls. These findings suggest that peripapillary microvascular impairments, likely linked to atherosclerosis, are more pronounced in patients with ischaemic limbs.
Clinical values of systemic inflammatory indices in diabetic retinopathy.
Rezvani Z, Khani F, Afarid M … +2 more , Asadian F, Takhshid MA
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40934525 · Publisher ↗
Diabetic retinopathy contributes to a substantial proportion of vision loss, which can be mitigated through timely and accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-t...
Diabetic retinopathy contributes to a substantial proportion of vision loss, which can be mitigated through timely and accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) represent innovative markers of inflammation that are both accessible and straightforward for assessing inflammatory responses. This investigation reviews the extant literature concerning the variations of these inflammatory markers in diabetic retinopathy and their potential prognostic and diagnostic significance in complications related to diabetic retinopathy. Investigations relevant to the alteration in systemic inflammatory indices in diabetic retinopathy published before 24 August 2025 were searched in Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The findings indicated a robust correlation between elevated systemic inflammatory indices and the incidence, severity, and complications associated with diabetic retinopathy. Nonetheless, there exists a degree of controversy and a lack of conclusive data regarding the clinical relevance of these inflammatory markers in relation to diabetic retinopathy and its associated complications. Additional research is essential to explore the potential utilisation of these indices in the prognosis and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
Assessment of corneal topographical and endothelial cell parameters in hypothyroidism before and after thyroid replacement therapy.
Kocer AM, Onder CE, Ozdemır M … +5 more , Kuskonmaz SM, Aydugan MT, Firat SN, Kosekahya P, Sekeroglu MA
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40934523 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that can influence various physiological processes throughout the human body. BACKGROUND: Despite its clinical significance, there is a notable gap in dir...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that can influence various physiological processes throughout the human body. BACKGROUND: Despite its clinical significance, there is a notable gap in directly comparing corneal characteristics between hypothyroid and euthyroid individuals within the same study cohort. This study aimed to explore the impact of hypothyroid and euthyroid states in the same participants on corneal topometry, tomography, densitometry, and aberrometry parameters. METHODS: Thirty eyes from 30 newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients with clinically clear corneas were enrolled in this study. Corneal parameter analyses using Scheimpflug corneal topography (Pentacam®HR, Wetzlar, Germany) and specular microscopy (EM-4000; Tomey Corp. Nagoya, Japan) were performed at the time of hypothyroidism diagnosis and after thyroid replacement therapy. RESULTS: The flat and mean keratometric readings of the anterior surface of the cornea were significantly higher in the euthyroid state than in the hypothyroid state ( < 0.001 and = 0.002). After euthyroidism was provided, mean central corneal thickness and thinnest pachymetry values significantly decreased by 4.5 µm and 5.2 µm, respectively ( = 0.003 and = 0.001). Significantly lower corneal densitometry values were detected in the euthyroid state ( < 0.05). Although there was no difference in pupil diameter, spherical aberration measurements were significantly higher at the time of diagnosis than during the euthyroidism period ( = 0.001). Average and maximal progression index significantly increased in the euthyroidism phase compared to the hypothyroidism phase, while maximum Ambrόsio relational thickness decreased ( < 0.05). The endothelial characteristics were statistically similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that patients with hypothyroidism may experience subtle corneal changes. The evaluation of a hypothyroid patient with corneal imaging devices may underestimate the risk of keratoconus and overestimate optic aberrations.
Prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in rural Nepalese children under five years of age.
Thapa HB, Dev MK, Bajracharya K … +6 more , Chaudhuri S, Pandey N, Khadka S, Judson K, Bassett K, Paudel P
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40930962 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Good vision is critical for childhood development and education. Pre-school vision screening is important for early detection and treatment of visual problems, and prevention of life-long vision loss....
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Good vision is critical for childhood development and education. Pre-school vision screening is important for early detection and treatment of visual problems, and prevention of life-long vision loss. BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vision impairment (VI) and refractive error (RE) in rural Nepalese children under five years of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, using multistage random sampling, was conducted in the targeted children between 6 and 59 months old, identified by household visits from rural communities of Nepal. Eye examinations [visual acuity (VA), binocular vision, cycloplegic refractions, and anterior and posterior segments] were performed at community health centres. Refractive errors were recorded as a spherical equivalent (SE) and their prevalence was categorised as myopia (SE ≤ -1.00D) and hyperopia (SE ≥ +2.00D) and emmetropia with astigmatism (SE of astigmatism cases ≥ 1.50DC), and their associations with age, gender and ethnicity were explored. RESULTS: Of 2226 participating children, VA of 93.4% was reliably tested and among these, 5.9% had VI (presenting VA less than 6/18 in the better eye). Uncorrected RE accounted for 88% of VI. The overall prevalence of RE was also 5.9% (95% CI: 5.0-7.0), which included the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and emmetropia with astigmatism of 2.4% (1.8-3.1), 2.7% (2.0-3.3) and 0.8% (0.4-1.2), respectively. The prevalence of overall astigmatism (total cases with ≥ 1.50DC) was 1.6% (1.1-2.1). Infants had significantly higher hyperopia compared to pre-schoolers [OR (95% CI: 4.9 (2.6-9.2)], while toddlers had higher likelihood of developing myopia [1.2 (0.9-1.5)]; however, gender and ethnicity had no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of VI was high and uncorrected RE was the main cause of VI in rural Nepalese children under five years of age. Early vision screening should be conducted in pre-school children to correct significant RE and avoid the risk of developing refractive VI and amblyopia.
A survey-based observational study on the prevalence and severity of dry eye symptoms in eye care professionals.
Mohan S, Handa A, Jayadev C … +5 more , Venkatesh R, Ratra V, Sathishkumar S, Ratra A, Ratra D
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40930958 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dry eye disease (DED) is associated with use of video screen based gadgets and long hours spent looking through microscopes. Use of 3D goggles to view 3D screens leads to eye strain and worsening of d...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dry eye disease (DED) is associated with use of video screen based gadgets and long hours spent looking through microscopes. Use of 3D goggles to view 3D screens leads to eye strain and worsening of dry eye symptoms. It is important to identify and treat the symptoms in professions carrying a high risk of DED. BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and severity of dry eye symptoms in eye care professionals. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire survey was circulated via social media to eye care professionals. The survey was open for 2 weeks. The Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire was used to evaluate dry eye symptoms with a total score of 28. There was no dry eye if score was <5. Score of 5 or more indicated symptomatic dry eye and ≥8 was severe dry eye. The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on DED was also evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 214 responses, 167 (78%) were from ophthalmologists and 47 (22%) from optometrists. The majority did not have refractive surgery, contact lens usage, or systemic disorders. Symptomatic DED was seen in 150/214 respondents (70%) and 119/214 (55.6%) had severe DED. Ophthalmologists ( = 0.016) and video display screen usage for >4 hours ( = 0.025) had a significant independent association with DED. Age >40 years ( = 0.168), female gender ( = 0.077), face mask usage ( = 0.15), and increased surgical time ( = 0.13) did not have any significant independent association. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on dry eye prevalence ( = 0.0003) and severity ( < 0.0002). The dry eye symptoms interfered with work in 47.7% of ophthalmologists and 57.4% of optometrists. CONCLUSIONS: Dry eye symptoms are highly prevalent in eye care professionals. Increased usage of video display screens can aggravate DED. The dry eye symptoms can potentially interfere with their work.
Prevalence of refractive errors in Vietnamese school children: a meta-analysis.
Nguyen HT, Ghorbani-Mojarrad N, Cufflin M … +1 more , Mallen E
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40889407 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings provide greater information on the level of refractive errors in Vietnam, which could assist clinicians and relevant stakeholders to identify high-risk groups and prioritise interventions...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings provide greater information on the level of refractive errors in Vietnam, which could assist clinicians and relevant stakeholders to identify high-risk groups and prioritise interventions and preventative measures, contributing to more efficient eye care and cost-effective strategies. BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vietnam, a developing country in Southeast Asia, has shown an increase in myopia progression in recent years. However, the prevalence of refractive errors across the country is unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of different refractions in children across Vietnam, and to explore differences between rural and urban areas, and male and female children. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to capture all studies up to April 2024, using online databases including Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. This was carried out independently by two researchers, following the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024524780). The quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool checklist. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled refractive error prevalence, with robustness evaluated using 95% confidence intervals and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: 15 school-based studies were identified (children = 32,211), of which 6 qualified for meta-analysis inclusion ( = 15,825). The pooled refractive error, myopia, and hyperopia prevalences were calculated respectively as 37.60% [95%CI: 27.78-47.43], 28.83% [95%CI: 19.24-38.42], and 0.41% [95%CI: 0.24-0.59] with high heterogeneities of 99%, p<0.01. Refractive error prevalence was greater in urban locations, and female children. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis of refractive error prevalence in Vietnamese school children indicates a significant presence of refractive error, especially myopia. However, the large interval ranges suggest that further research using a standardised protocol is required to achieve more accurate estimates.
The effect of diabetes mellitus to retinal vascularity in patients without diabetic retinopathy.
Furundaoturan O, Değirmenci C, Afrashi F … +3 more , Akkin C, Menteş J, Nalçacı S
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40889381 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding early microvascular alterations in the retinal and choroidal structures of patients with diabetes mellitus is essential for the timely identification of high-risk individuals and the pre...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding early microvascular alterations in the retinal and choroidal structures of patients with diabetes mellitus is essential for the timely identification of high-risk individuals and the prevention of vision-threatening complications. BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on retinal and choroidal vascular structures using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in pre-retinopathic patients. It also explores the relationship between OCTA parameters and HbA1c levels, a marker of long-term glycaemic control. METHODS: Ninety-five right eyes of pre-retinopathic diabetic patients and 90 right eyes of healthy controls were included. OCTA was used to assess foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vascular densities, and retinal flow areas. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was measured with enhanced depth imaging (EDI). FAZ shape irregularities, such as border disruptions and loss of circularity, were subjectively analysed. HbA1c levels were recorded, and participants were grouped based on the 8% threshold recommended by the American Diabetes Association. RESULTS: Vascular densities in both superficial and deep layers were significantly lower in diabetic patients ( < 0.05). The FAZ area was larger in diabetic patients (0.285 ± 0.147 mm vs. 0.259 ± 0.105 mm, = 0.029), with irregularities observed in 37% compared to 10% of controls ( = 0.000013). Patients with HbA1c > 8% had significantly larger FAZ areas ( < 0.05). Flow areas and SCT were reduced in diabetic patients ( < 0.05), though no relationship was found between HbA1c and vascular density. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that higher HbA1c levels were positively correlated with FAZ area ( < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OCTA demonstrates its utility in detecting early microvascular changes in pre-retinopathic diabetic patients. FAZ enlargement and shape abnormalities, particularly in those with poor glycaemic control, highlight its potential role in identifying high-risk patients. These findings support the integration of OCTA into diabetic screening protocols to optimise patient management and prevent progression to retinopathy.
Most read articles in .
Efron N
Clin Exp Optom · 2025 Nov · PMID 40876912 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Modelling systematic evaluation of technology enhanced learning in optometric education in Australia and New Zealand.
Jaworski A, Douglass AG, Cochrane A … +2 more , Nguyen BN, Cham KM
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Jul · PMID 40876903 · Publisher ↗
Technology enhanced learning (TEL) refers to any digital technology that improves the educational experience of learners. Optometry schools have adopted a range of TEL as part of their contemporary curricula. Comprehensi...
Technology enhanced learning (TEL) refers to any digital technology that improves the educational experience of learners. Optometry schools have adopted a range of TEL as part of their contemporary curricula. Comprehensive frameworks exist to enable TEL interventions to be evaluated across studies and institutions, but have not consistently been applied in optometry education. Thus, this review systematically collated and evaluated the range of published TEL in optometric teaching across Australia and New Zealand against two established frameworks: the Cook and Ellaway TEL-specific evaluation framework and the more general Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation. Of the 17 papers included, each paper met at least four of the seven evaluation activities of the Cook and Ellaway TEL evaluation framework, including reporting a needs analysis and describing the implementation of the TEL approach. Nearly all studies evaluated the participant experience, and none met all seven criteria. Areas lacking consistency of reporting were consideration of learning outcomes, sustainability and/or cost, and usability. Of the four Kirkpatrick training evaluation levels, most studies demonstrated evidence for levels 1 (reaction), 2 (learning) and/or 3 (behaviour) but none addressed level 4 (results). Future TEL publications in optometric education could consider how well their approach aligns with evaluation frameworks, such as the Cook and Ellaway and Kirkpatrick frameworks as modelled here, for wider application and adoption. Educators could consider greater stakeholder engagement for inclusive practice, other than the immediate perceptions of participants, for a more comprehensive evaluation. This will ensure that TEL innovations are sustainable and transferable across optometry education programmes.
Workforce retention and attrition trends among optometrists in Australia: key factors and reasons.
Divakar R, Bentley SA, Wong T … +4 more , Tan J, Barclay L, Pham L, Saar E
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Mar · PMID 40876902 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding workforce retention and attrition trends is needed to inform interventions that mitigate attrition and for planning. BACKGROUND: Retention and attrition are underexplored in optometry. T...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding workforce retention and attrition trends is needed to inform interventions that mitigate attrition and for planning. BACKGROUND: Retention and attrition are underexplored in optometry. The aim of this study was to identify factors and reasons underpinning decisions made by optometrists to remain in or leave the profession. METHODS: An online survey of optometrists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as of 31 December 2023 and those who had not renewed in the preceding five years was conducted. In addition, a retrospective analysis of AHPRA registration data from 30 June 2014 to 30 June 2023 was undertaken. RESULTS: Out of 7,718 invited, 1,741 optometrists completed the survey (23% response rate). 79% indicated they intended to continue in the profession, 13% indicated they either intended to leave or were uncertain and the remainder were retired. Optometrists with non-practising registration had higher odds of intending to leave or feeling uncertain (OR = 17.65, 95% CI = [9.51, 32.78]), as did those aged over 60 years (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = [1.85, 5.28]). Reasons for intending to leave were: retirement; the work no longer being mentally stimulating, fulfilling or meaningful; unsatisfactory remuneration; and lack of career advancement opportunities. Registration data showed a 22.8% increase in the number of optometrists per 100,000 population, from 19.7 to 24.2. Replacement rate peaked in 2020, before a large decline in 2022 attributable to an increase in the over 60 years and the 35-60 years age groups leaving the profession. CONCLUSION: Although there has been considerable growth in the number of optometrists per population over the past decade, the replacement rate has declined recently due to an increase in optometrists leaving the profession. Strategies to mitigate attrition may include attractive remuneration, flexible work arrangements and a varied workload that offers professional stimulation. Attrition and the reasons for it require ongoing monitoring.
The Bradford Visual Function Box can predict visual acuity in children who are hard to test.
Shah A, Pilling RF, Woodhouse JM
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40866115 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Children with special educational needs can find it difficult to engage with traditional visual acuity testing methods; nonetheless, estimates of visual function are key to understanding how a child u...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Children with special educational needs can find it difficult to engage with traditional visual acuity testing methods; nonetheless, estimates of visual function are key to understanding how a child uses their vision for learning. Appreciating how functional vision testing relates to clinical scores is essential. BACKGROUND: The Bradford Visual Function Box (BVFB) has been shown to be useful in estimating visual function in children who cannot participate in standard acuity tests. How outcomes of the BVFB relate to clinical acuity scores has yet to be determined. METHODS: Retrospective clinical data of 79 children attending special schools were analysed, with particular attention to repeated visits over 7 years. At each visit, vision was awarded one of four classifications: normal, low vision, sight-impaired, and severely sight-impaired. RESULTS: Overall, 31 children were assessed with the BVFB on at least one occasion, of whom 16 went on to participate in a conventional test on a later occasion. Nine children achieved the same classification with a conventional test as with the BVFB, four were under-estimated by BVFB and three were over-estimated. CONCLUSION: The BVFB is a useful tool to predict future visual potential of a child who has yet to develop skills to engage with formal acuity testing. Formal visual acuity testing should be pursued as the child develops as over time, as most children were able to engage with more complex testing regimes.
A comparative study of anterior segment variables between glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous Ghanaians.
Nelson-Ayifah D, Mashige KP, Munsamy AJ
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40866114 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa. Identifying population-specific risk factors for the disease will enable eye health clinicians to more precisely i...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa. Identifying population-specific risk factors for the disease will enable eye health clinicians to more precisely identify persons at risk for the disease. BACKGROUND: Ghana has a high prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma. This study compared anterior segment ocular variables associated with primary open-angle glaucoma between a glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous Ghanaian population which may provide more insight into the aetiology of the disease. METHODS: Central corneal thickness, corneal diameter, corneal volume, anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, and anterior chamber volume measurements were extracted from Pentacam results of 356 persons with primary open-angle glaucoma (mean age: 62.84 ± 14.59) and 311 controls (mean age: 60.80 ± 9.09). Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry. Analysis of variance was used to compare means the measured ocular variables among the primary open-angle glaucoma and control groups. Cohen's d effect sizes and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the primary open-angle glaucoma effect sizes and associations between primary open-angle glaucoma and the measured variables. RESULTS: Thinner central corneal measurements were moderately associated with severe primary open-angle glaucoma (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.40-0.87). Lower corneal volume measurements were associated with moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40-0.99) and highly associated with severe primary open-angle glaucoma (aOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.32-0.70). Elevated intraocular pressure was highly associated with all stages of primary open-angle glaucoma (aOR > 4.02), with the strength of this association increasing with severity of primary open-angle glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for different stages of severity of primary open-angle glaucoma are revealed. Thinner central corneas, lower corneal volumes, and elevated intraocular pressure measurements are risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma in Ghanaians.
Keratopathy associated with type 1 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome.
Kesimal B, Kocamış Sİ
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 May · PMID 40854250 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Impact of iris pigmented naevus on pupil tracking during femtosecond LASIK surgery.
Wei CH, Fu WY, Cao J … +3 more , Wang L, Zhang PF, Gao Y
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 May · PMID 40785261 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Ranking of top 50 optometry academics in African universities by research impact.
Kyei S, Owusu P, Sa-Ambo JM … +7 more , Owusu G, Asiamah R, Benyem RY, Amoako PT, Owusu RO, Ankamah S, Boadi-Kusi SB
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Mar · PMID 40785049 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Optometry as a profession constitutes a distinct body of knowledge informed and sustained by evidence-based approaches derived from painstaking peer-reviewed scientific research publications. BACKGROU...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Optometry as a profession constitutes a distinct body of knowledge informed and sustained by evidence-based approaches derived from painstaking peer-reviewed scientific research publications. BACKGROUND: The contribution of African Optometric academics affiliated with African universities to the body of knowledge of the profession is yet to be assessed. This study sought to profile the research impact of African optometrists as a contribution to knowledge in the field of Optometry. METHODS: A structured bibliometric search was conducted on the Scopus database using a list of all Optometry training institutions in Africa and comprehensive optometry-related search terms.The resulting publications were systematically screened in two stages: (a) identification of articles directly related to optometry and (b) identification of the authors of those optometry-related publications who are optometrists affiliated with optometry schools in Africa. The authors were then ranked based on h-index, research productivity, citation metrics, and publication rate. The final data was extracted on 31 March 2025. RESULTS: The Top 50 African Optometric academics ranked by research impact have h-indices ranging from 5 to 52 and have published between 8 and 166 papers. Eleven (22%) are women. Kovin Shunmugam Naidoo is the most impactful researcher on the African continent, with the highest h-index of 52 and a citation count of 64,357. The most prolific author is William Frith Harris (166 papers). Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu and Mutali Musa have the fastest publishing rate (11.3 papers per year). The active publication years ranged from 2 to 29 years, with a median of 10 years. CONCLUSION: African optometric academics have made moderate contributions to optometry literature, and their shorter active publication years depict a great potential for further contributions over time. The 50 most impactful optometrists in Africa are identified for collaboration and partnership.
Accuracy and repeatability of autorefraction in young adults: a comparison of cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic methods.
Doyle M, O'Dwyer V, Moore M … +1 more , Harrington S
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40785048 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cycloplegic refraction remains crucial in young adults, where accommodative activity can obscure accurate refractive status. Autorefractor repeatability is essential for precise optical correction and...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cycloplegic refraction remains crucial in young adults, where accommodative activity can obscure accurate refractive status. Autorefractor repeatability is essential for precise optical correction and refractive error categorisation in clinical and research settings. BACKGROUND: Cycloplegic autorefraction is recommended for individuals up to 20 years to prevent hyperopia underestimation and myopia overestimation. This study evaluated differences between non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction following cyclopentolate hydrochloride (cycloplegic agent) administration in young adults. This study also explored whether this difference varied by refractive status (hyperopia (≥1.00D), emmetropia ( >-0.50, <1.00D), myopia (≤-0.50D)) or pre-instillation of proxymetacaine hydrochloride and whether cycloplegia improved autorefractor repeatability. METHODS: Participants were 182 young adults (17-30 years) (mean (standard deviation): 21.66 (2.86) years). The right eye received 0.5% proxymetacaine hydrochloride and one (blue/green irides) or two drops (brown/hazel irides) of 1.0% cyclopentolate hydrochloride. The left eye received cyclopentolate hydrochloride only. Autorefraction was performed before and after cycloplegia. Analysis included paired t-testing, Deming regression, Bland-Altman analysis and equivalence testing. RESULTS: Cycloplegic autorefraction was significantly more hyperopic than non-cycloplegic autorefraction (mean difference: 0.68(0.71) D in right eyes, 0.53(0.53) D in left eyes; < 0.001) with 48.4% of participants exhibiting clinically significant differences of ≥ 0.50D. Agreement between non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic measurements was poor (limits of agreement: -0.71 D to +2.07 D, right eye). Hyperopes showed the greatest shift (1.39(0.91) D), compared to emmetropes (0.66(0.47) D) and myopes (0.31 (0.34) D). Cycloplegia improved repeatability, narrowing limits of agreement (-0.16 D to +0.15 D vs -0.24 D to +0.21 D). Proxymetacaine hydrochloride pre-instillation enhanced cycloplegic effect (+0.15 (0.07) D), particularly in hyperopic participants. CONCLUSIONS: A clinically significant difference was observed between non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic autorefraction in young adult participants, particularly among hyperopes. Cycloplegic measurements showed better repeatability, supporting their use for accurate refraction. Further research is needed on potential enhancing effects of proxymetacaine hydrochloride, particularly in diverse populations.
Impact of myopia management university-based learning on self-reported clinical practice.
Kearney S, Day M
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Jul · PMID 40785045 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Myopia management interventions are available across the UK but uptake by eye care practitioners (ECPs) is variable. Research is yet to explore the effectiveness of postgraduate training on clinical p...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Myopia management interventions are available across the UK but uptake by eye care practitioners (ECPs) is variable. Research is yet to explore the effectiveness of postgraduate training on clinical practice as perceived by ECPs. BACKGROUND: This research explores the impact of university-based learning on clinical practice and barriers to practising myopia management in a cohort of ECPs. METHODS: A survey in REDCap (https://www.project-redcap.org/) was completed by ECPs who had undertaken the Myopia Management Module at Glasgow Caledonian University (Module detail | Glasgow Caledonian University | Scotland, UK) between 2022-2023 ( = 48) and 2023-2024 ( = 43). Questions followed a Likert (1-5) scale or binary (yes/no) with free text options. RESULTS: The response rate was 36% (33/91). The primary barrier to practising myopia management before university-based learning was insufficient knowledge (79%) and confidence (67%) despite the majority having undertaken prior training (73%). Following university-based learning, there was a decrease in those not dispensing intervention (30% vs 9%, = 0.00) and an increase in those measuring axial length (21% vs 52%, = 0.002). Other aspects of clinical practice which significantly changed were evaluated; these included the frequency that advice was given to pre-myopes ( = 0.00) and progressing myopes ( = 0.00), the frequency that the risk of progression ( = 0.00), and that the success of the intervention ( = 0.02). There was a change to eyecare for a total of 528 paediatric eye appointments/year per ECP educated. Workplace satisfaction increased (54%) and risk of complaints decreased (87%). After university-based learning, the most common barrier to practising myopia management was the lack of a biometer (48%) due to affordability. CONCLUSIONS: University-based learning can significantly change clinical practice, increase the dispensing of interventions, increase workplace satisfaction, and decrease perceived risk of patient complaints as perceived by ECPs. After completion, the most common barrier was the lack of a biometer. Employers should consider investing in university-based learning to improve ECP engagement with myopia management.
Retinal vascular density changes detected by optical coherence tomography angiography following Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.
Ayla S, Seyyar SA, Güngör K
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40759429 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is a standard treatment for posterior capsule opacification. While effective, it may induce subclinical changes in retinal structure or perfusion. Optical coherence tomography...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is a standard treatment for posterior capsule opacification. While effective, it may induce subclinical changes in retinal structure or perfusion. Optical coherence tomography angiography enables non-invasive visualisation of retinal microvasculature and is a valuable tool for monitoring potential vascular effects of intraocular laser procedures. BACKGROUND: Posterior capsule opacification is the most common delayed complication following cataract surgery. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is the standard treatment, but its effects on retinal microcirculation remain under-investigated. Optical coherence tomography angiography offers high-resolution vascular imaging but differentiating true vascular alterations from improved visualisation after media clearing presents a diagnostic challenge. METHODS: This prospective study included 30 pseudophakic patients undergoing Nd:YAG capsulotomy for visually significant posterior capsule opacification. optical coherence tomography angiography imaging was performed at baseline, 1 hour, 1 week, and 1 month after treatment. The untreated pseudophakic fellow eyes of 25 patients served as internal controls. Vessel density measurements were obtained from the superficial capillary plexus (SCP-VD), deep capillary plexus (DCP-VD), and radial peripapillary capillaries. Intra-group changes were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA, and inter-eye comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests. RESULTS: SCP-VD showed significant increases in nasal and inferior parafoveal and perifoveal sectors at 1 week and 1 month ( < 0.05). DCP-VD also increased postoperatively, particularly in the foveal and superior perifoveal areas. Deep foveal vascular density at 1 month was significantly higher than in fellow eyes ( = 0.013). Peripapillary capillaries vascular density increased significantly over time ( = 0.035), though inter-eye differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography angiography detects localised vascular changes following Nd:YAG capsulotomy. Incorporating fellow-eye controls strengthens interpretive accuracy by minimising the confounding effects of image quality improvement, supporting the clinical use of optical coherence tomography angiography in postoperative retinal assessment of pseudophakic patients.
Impaired fusional vergence facility in young adults with dry eye syndrome.
Alaei F, Khabazkhoob M, Farzaneh A … +1 more , Nabovati P
Clin Exp Optom · 2026 Apr · PMID 40759414 · Publisher ↗
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Symptoms associated with dry eye and those related to vergence and accommodative disorders exhibit considerable overlap, suggesting a possible dysfunction in vergence/accommodative performance in indi...
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Symptoms associated with dry eye and those related to vergence and accommodative disorders exhibit considerable overlap, suggesting a possible dysfunction in vergence/accommodative performance in individuals with dry eye. BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the accommodative and binocular vision performance in young adults with dry eye syndrome compared to a control group. METHODS: Forty individuals with dry eye syndrome and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Each participant underwent a comprehensive ocular examination including visual acuity measurement, refraction, slit-lamp examination, tear film evaluation, and assessments of accommodative and binocular vision performance. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 22.70 ± 2.40 years in the dry eye group and 22.51 ± 2.21 years in the control group ( = 0.720). Twelve (30%) and thirteen (32.5%) participants in the dry eye and control groups were male, respectively ( = 0.550). No statistically significant differences were found in best-corrected visual acuity, sphere, cylinder, or spherical equivalent refraction between the dry eye and control groups (all p-values > 0.05). The median vergence facility in the dry eye group was significantly lower than that of the control group (9 vs. 15 cycles per minute < 0.001). The analysis indicated no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding other measures, such as distance and near phoria, near point of convergence break and recovery, distance and near positive and negative fusional vergence amplitudes, stereoacuity, and accommodative parameters. Furthermore, a statistically significant negative correlation was identified between the vergence facility and the ocular surface disease index ( = -0.285, = 0.011), while a significant positive correlation ( = 0.288, = 0.010) was noted between the vergence facility and the tear break-up time. CONCLUSION: Dry eye negatively affects vergence facility in young adults. This vergence dysfunction contributes to the symptoms reported by dry eye patients and shows a significant positive correlation with tear film instability.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe