Glaucomatous optic disc changes despite normal baseline intraocular pressure in a child

Purpose: We describe a case of normal tension glaucoma in the setting of sickle cell disease in a 9-year-old patient with a five-year follow up. Observations: A 9-year-old male patient with a history of sickle cell disease presented initially at the age of 4 years for evaluation of a brief episode of nonspecific eye pain that had spontaneously resolved prior to the clinic visit. Over the course of several years, the patient was noted to have progressive optic disc cupping bilaterally, retinal nerve fiber layer thinning bilaterally, and has developed a corresponding inferior arcuate defect on automated visual field testing in the right eye, all without elevated intraocular pressures (IOP). After neuro-ophthalmic pathologies were ruled out, the patient was diagnosed with glaucoma associated with sickle cell disease and normal baseline IOP, and brimonidine therapy was initiated. Conclusions and Importance: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of normal-tension glaucoma in a pediatric patient. Normal-tension glaucoma may be a consideration in the evaluation of pediatric glaucoma suspects, but remains a diagnosis of exclusion

Retinal Interventional Management of Blind Painful and Non-painful Eyes at Risk for Neovascular Glaucoma: Four Cases and Literature Review

Purpose: To review standard management of blind painful and non-painful eyes at risk for neovascular glaucoma, and report the management strategies of four cases. Method: Series of cases and literature review. Patients: The first two cases described are blind, painful eyes secondary to neovascular glaucoma, treated with intracameral bevacizumab injections. The third case, a blind, painful eye with uncontrolled glaucoma in a patient unsatisfied with her eye appearance due to white retained lens material at pupillary margin and a large prominent bleb, was treated with a combination of bleb revision, vitrectomy, lensectomy and endocyclophotocoagulation. The fourth case, a blind, non-painful eye with secondary radiation retinopathy at risk for neovascular glaucoma was treated with laser photocoagulation to prevent neovascular glaucoma and pain. Results: The first two cases of blind, painful eyes with neovascular glaucoma had reduction in neovascularization and pain after intracameral bevacizumab injections and/or laser therapy. The third case had resolution of pain and transient decrease in intraocular pressure after a combined surgery. The blind, non-painful eye in case 4 with a history of radiation retinopathy had stable intraocular pressure and no progression to neovascular glaucoma or pain. None of the four cases progressed to enucleation or evisceration. Discussion/Conclusion: Retinal interventional management should be considered in blind painful and non-painful eyes to help control symptoms, treat or prevent progression to neovascular glaucoma and prevention of enucleation or evisceration

Paradoxical thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer after reversal of cupping: A case report of primary infantile glaucoma

The circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was assessed by spectral domain optical coherent tomography (SD-OCT) before and after surgical reduction of intraocular pressure in an eye with primary infantile glaucoma. In this case, a postoperative reduction of cupping and a subsequent increase in neuroretinal rim area is associated with a paradoxical thinning of the RNFL. This is the first-known characterization of cupping reversal using SD-OCT

Measurement of intraocular Pressure with a Flat Anterior Chamber

When a flat chamber develops in an eye after filtration surgery, management depends on whether the cause is excessive filtration or aqueous misdirection (ciliary block or malignant glaucoma). This diagnosis is often based on the intraocular pressure; low pressure in excessive filtration, high pressure in aqueous misdirection. To determine the accuracy of tonometry when the lens is in contact with the cornea, flat anterior chambers were created in 5 eyes obtained from an eye bank. The pressure in the vitreous cavity was raised and lowered with an infusion line and monitored with a pressure transducer. The intraocular pressure was estimated with a Goldmann applanation tonometer, a Pneumatonometer, and a Tono-pen. The readings poorly represented the actual pressure in the vitreous cavity. The error was 0 to 51 mmHg (mean, 12.8 mmHg) with the Goldmann tonometer, 0 to 33 mmHg (mean, 9.0 mmHg) with the Pneumatonometer, and 1 to 28 mmHg (mean, 13.5 mmHg) with the Tono-pen. Therefore, in the face of a flat anterior chamber, pressure measurements made on the cornea cannot be relied on to distinguish excessive filtration from aqueous misdirection

To Brand or Be Branded

This chapter covers the building of a personal brand as a female physician. First, the reader is counselled on managing the beginnings of a personal brand by confronting unwanted stereotypes and imposter syndrome. Moving further outward, the reader is offered direction as to building a reputation within the probable confines of gender-biased expectations. Finally, choosing an appropriate and supportive mentor who will guide the networking and career-building process brings the reader back to the beginning of the cycle that will continue to grow her given brand and medical career

Paradoxical thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer after reversal of cupping: A case report of primary infantile glaucoma

The circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was assessed by spectral domain optical coherent tomography (SD-OCT) before and after surgical reduction of intraocular pressure in an eye with primary infantile glaucoma. In this case, a postoperative reduction of cupping and a subsequent increase in neuroretinal rim area is associated with a paradoxical thinning of the RNFL. This is the first-known characterization of cupping reversal using SD-OCT

Pigment dispersion syndrome and response to laser peripheral iridotomies in a child with Marfan syndrome

Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and pigmentary glaucoma have rarely been reported in Marfan syndrome and have never been reported in a child with Marfan syndrome. We report the clinical and ultrasound biomicroscopic findings of PDS in a 14-year-old girl with Marfan syndrome and its favorable response to bilateral laser peripheral iridotomy

Leadership in Ophthalmology Professional Organizations: A Descriptive Analysis and Trends, 2002-2022

To describe characteristics and trends in appointed leaders of ophthalmology professional organizations between 2002 and 2022. Trend study. This study used a Web-based search and data collection. Data were collected on 232 individuals appointed to leadership positions of ophthalmology professional organizations. Main outcome measures were demographic and publication data. Of the 232 ophthalmology leaders appointed between 2002 and 2022, 22.8% were female. Most leaders had subspecialty training (92.9%), practiced in the South (32.6%, P = .001), and practiced at academic institutions (64.8%). Leaders were appointed 32.7 ± 7.3 years after graduation from medical school. Significant variation existed in the number of publications (98.3 ± 104.0) and research productivity scores (29.2 ± 19.5) at the time of appointment. The number of female leaders doubled in 2012-2021 as compared to 2002-2011 (2002-2011: 14.5% female vs 2012-2021: 29.6% female; P = .01). Female leaders were generally appointed earlier in their careers as compared to male leaders (P = .005, male vs female in 2002-2011; P = .02 male vs female in 2012-2021). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of publications or research productivity scores among female vs male leaders. Leaders of ophthalmology professional organizations are largely fellowship-trained subspecialists practicing at academic institutions. Although the number of female leaders of ophthalmology professional organizations has grown over time, most leaders are male. Female leaders tend to be earlier in their careers than male leaders; however, there is no statistically significant difference in research productivity scores among female vs male leaders