Comparison of quality of life between myopic patients with spectacles and contact lenses, and patients who have undergone refractive surgery

Purpose: The present study aims at investigating and comparing the vision-related quality of life of myopic persons who wear spectacles or contact lenses with those who have undergone refractive surgery. It also compares the vision-related quality of life of these two groups with that of emmetropes. Method: In this study, the questionnaire of evaluation instrument of refractive error in quality of life (NEI/RQL-42) was used to compare the quality of life between 154 myopic patients with spectacles and contact lenses, and 32 patients who have undergone refractive surgery. The two groups were also compared with 54 emmetropes. The questionnaire included 13 different subgroups (score 0-100) related to vision. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The overall score of quality of life in emmetropes (95.11 ± 4.23) was more than that in persons who had undergone refractive surgery (86.98 ± 4.73), and it was the least in the group wearing spectacles or contact lenses (78.30 ± 9.21), (P < 0/001). Furthermore, except for a glare variable, the studied groups indicated a statistically significant difference in all the thirteen subgroups of vision-related quality of life. Conclusion: Quality of life for people with myopia who had the refractive surgery was better than people with myopia who wore spectacles or contact lenses. Although quality of life in people with myopia who had the refractive surgery was less than emmetropia, it seems that refractive surgery improves quality of life of myopic patients. © 2015

Comparison of contrast sensitivity in β-thalassemia patients treated by deferoxamine or deferasirox Comparación de la sensibilidad de contraste en los pacientes con β-Talasemia tratados con Deferoxamina o Deferasirox

Purpose: To compare contrast sensitivity (CS) in multi-transfused β-thalassemia patients who received deferoxamine with those who received Osveral. Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 60 β-thalassemia patients (30 used deferoxamine and 30 used deferasirox) were regarded as case group and 30 age and sex matched healthy subjects were selected as control group. All subjects had a set of examinations including refraction, visual acuity, Biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and CS. Contrast threshold was assessed with the use of Freiberg visual acuity and contrast test under the mesopic light condition for three frequencies; 1, 5, 15 cpd. All data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 17. Results: In visual acuity tests, thalassemic patients did not have any problem. Contrast threshold was higher in thalassemic patients who infuse deferoxamine (1.87 ± 0.63, 1.46 ± 0.81, and 2.96 ± 1.68 in 1, 5, and 15 cpd, respectively) than that of those who intake deferasirox (1.74 ± 0.80 (P = 0.743), 0.99 ± 0.74 (P = 0.047), and 2.42 ± 1.36 (P = 0.321) for 1, 5, and 15 cpd, respectively), and also than healthy patients (1.33 ± 0.58 (P = 0.009), 0.95 ± 0.68 (P = 0.022), and 2.24 ± 1.23 (P = 0.135) for 1, 5, and 15 cpd, respectively). Comparing those who used deferasirox with healthy subjects, contrast threshold was higher in deferasirox group at all special frequencies (P > 0.05). No significant relationship was observed between CS values and duration of transfusion, serum ferritin concentration and dose of chelation therapy (P > 0.05). Conclusions: CS tests can detect visual disturbance in thalassemic patients before the impairment of visual acuity. It is suggested that CS tests be included in their regular eye examination. © 2018 Spanish General Council of Optometr

Comparison of contrast sensitivity in β-thalassemia patients treated by deferoxamine or deferasirox

Purpose: To compare contrast sensitivity (CS) in multi-transfused β-thalassemia patients who received deferoxamine with those who received Osveral. Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 60 β-thalassemia patients (30 used deferoxamine and 30 used deferasirox) were regarded as case group and 30 age and sex matched healthy subjects were selected as control group. All subjects had a set of examinations including refraction, visual acuity, Biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and CS. Contrast threshold was assessed with the use of Freiberg visual acuity and contrast test under the mesopic light condition for three frequencies; 1, 5, 15. cpd. All data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 17. Results: In visual acuity tests, thalassemic patients did not have any problem. Contrast threshold was higher in thalassemic patients who infuse deferoxamine (1.87. ±. 0.63, 1.46. ±. 0.81, and 2.96. ±. 1.68 in 1, 5, and 15. cpd, respectively) than that of those who intake deferasirox (1.74. ±. 0.80 (P = 0.743), 0.99. ±. 0.74 (P = 0.047), and 2.42. ±. 1.36 (P = 0.321) for 1, 5, and 15. cpd, respectively), and also than healthy patients (1.33. ±. 0.58 (P = 0.009), 0.95. ±. 0.68 (P = 0.022), and 2.24. ±. 1.23 (P = 0.135) for 1, 5, and 15. cpd, respectively). Comparing those who used deferasirox with healthy subjects, contrast threshold was higher in deferasirox group at all special frequencies (P >. 0.05). No significant relationship was observed between CS values and duration of transfusion, serum ferritin concentration and dose of chelation therapy (P >. 0.05). Conclusions: CS tests can detect visual disturbance in thalassemic patients before the impairment of visual acuity. It is suggested that CS tests be included in their regular eye examination. © 2018 Spanish General Council of Optometry

Comparison of contrast sensitivity in β-thalassemia patients treated by deferoxamine or deferasirox

Purpose: To compare contrast sensitivity (CS) in multi-transfused β-thalassemia patients who received deferoxamine with those who received Osveral. Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 60 β-thalassemia patients (30 used deferoxamine and 30 used deferasirox) were regarded as case group and 30 age and sex matched healthy subjects were selected as control group. All subjects had a set of examinations including refraction, visual acuity, Biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and CS. Contrast threshold was assessed with the use of Freiberg visual acuity and contrast test under the mesopic light condition for three frequencies; 1, 5, 15. cpd. All data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 17. Results: In visual acuity tests, thalassemic patients did not have any problem. Contrast threshold was higher in thalassemic patients who infuse deferoxamine (1.87. ±. 0.63, 1.46. ±. 0.81, and 2.96. ±. 1.68 in 1, 5, and 15. cpd, respectively) than that of those who intake deferasirox (1.74. ±. 0.80 (P = 0.743), 0.99. ±. 0.74 (P = 0.047), and 2.42. ±. 1.36 (P = 0.321) for 1, 5, and 15. cpd, respectively), and also than healthy patients (1.33. ±. 0.58 (P = 0.009), 0.95. ±. 0.68 (P = 0.022), and 2.24. ±. 1.23 (P = 0.135) for 1, 5, and 15. cpd, respectively). Comparing those who used deferasirox with healthy subjects, contrast threshold was higher in deferasirox group at all special frequencies (P >. 0.05). No significant relationship was observed between CS values and duration of transfusion, serum ferritin concentration and dose of chelation therapy (P >. 0.05). Conclusions: CS tests can detect visual disturbance in thalassemic patients before the impairment of visual acuity. It is suggested that CS tests be included in their regular eye examination. © 2018 Spanish General Council of Optometry

Duration of topical steroid application after photorefractive keratectomy with mitomycin C

Contradictory results of postoperative steroid application in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) led to a meta-analysis of the existing data to achieve a definite conclusion on the optimum dosage and duration of corticosteroid therapy after PRK. The overall pooled unstandardized mean difference (PUMD) of the corneal haze score was -0.20 (95 CI, -0.29 to -0.12). In subgroup analysis, the PUMD of the corneal haze score was statistically significant in 2 subgroups, -0.57 (-0.85 to -0.30) for 3 to 6 months postoperatively and -0.13 (-0.23 to -0.04) for � 3 months postoperatively. Analysis of the PUMD of postoperative spherical equivalent in participants with low to moderate myopia (�-6.00 D) and high myopia (<-6.00 D) showed positive effects of steroids on prevention of myopia regression. In conclusion, long-term topical steroid application after PRK seems unnecessary in low and moderate myopia. New randomized clinical trials using current technologies are recommended for postoperative treatments. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.. All rights reserved

Comparison of contrast sensitivity among welder with three methods of GMAW, SMAW and resistance welding

Introduction: The present study was carried out to compare contrast sensitivity among three groups of professional welders including (1) those who use gas metal Arc welding (GMAW) (2) those who use shield metal Arc welding (SMAW) and the group that uses resistance welding. . Material and Method: In this research, all the welders who use GMAW, SMAW and resistance welding working in an industry who were all male, performed contrast sensitivity test, using Freiburg. The contrast sensitivity test was done at three spatial frequency of 1cpd, 5cpd and 15 cpd under a constant condition. The three selected groups were similar regarding age and work experience. The result of the three groups at each spatial frequency were recorded and compared with other groups. . Results: ANOVA test showed that decrease contrast sensitivity in spatial frequency of GMAW group at the spatial frequency 15cpd, significantly decrease comparing to SMAW group (p=0.028) and resistance welding group (p=0.041). The mean (SD) of contrast sensitivity at frequency of 1cpd, 5cpd and 15cpd was respectively 140.69±51.8, 172.7±43.75 and 39.8±25.92 for the GMAW group and 157.8±42.2, 183.21±32.01 and 60.57±54.30 for the SMAW group and 149.10±50.68, 180.60±35.42 and 57.38±39.22 for resistance welding. . Conclusion: Although all welders use goggle or other personal protective equipment, loss of contrast sensitivity of GMAW workers can be attributed to the cumulative effects of the radiation

The Evaluation of Yellow vs. Blue Color Contrast Sensitivity pre and Post LASIK

Introduction: contrast sensitivity is one of the most important psychophysical tests that may be used for the evaluation of refractive state of eye and retinal image quality. Yellow vs. blue color contrast sensitivity may be more suitable in this regard. Materials and Methods: thirty myopic eyes were considered in this study. Yellow vs. blue color contrast sensitivity was evaluated under the same environment and conditions in these individuals pre and post LASIK. Results: The comparison of yellow vs. blue color contrast sensitivity with glasses pr e and post LASIK shows a significant improvement (

Analysis of pattern electroretinogram signals of early primary open-angle glaucoma in discrete wavelet transform coefficients domain

Purpose: To evaluate discrete wavelet transform coefficients and identify descriptors of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) waveforms in order to determine PERG characteristics for optimizing the diagnosis of early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: Pattern electroretinogram was performed in 30 normal eyes and 30 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma according to the ISCEV protocol. The check size was 0.8° and 16°, and the color was black/white in both groups. The results were analyzed in time domain (TD) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) using the MATLAB software. The mean value, standard deviation, and relative energy of level 6 and 7 detail coefficients (d6, d7) and level 7 approximation coefficients (a7) of Daubechies 4 (db4), Daubechies 8 (db8), Symlet 5 (sym5), Symlet 7 (sym7), and Coiflet 5 (coif5) wavelets were calculated. In all the mentioned wavelets, DWT descriptors were extracted. Signals were reconstructed by inverse DWT. All data obtained by TD and DWT analyses were compared between the two groups. Results: In both check sizes, a significant attenuation of N95 amplitude was seen in the patient group. The relative energy of a7 of db8 increased significantly in the POAG group in the 0.8° check size. In larger check stimuli, the relative energy of d7 of coif5 decreased significantly and the standard deviation of d7 of sym7 increased markedly in glaucomatous patients (P < 0.05). In small stimuli, N95 descriptor (7N) of db8 had the highest value and showed a significant increase as compared to the POAG group. In the 16° check size, there was no significant difference. A strong correlation was seen between reconstructed signals and originals (r = 0.99). Conclusion: The DWT can quantify PERG responses more accurately. In agreement with TD and wavelet coefficients domain results, 7N of db8 decomposition can be used as a good indicator for early detection of POAG. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V

Pattern electroretinography in glaucoma suspects and early primary open angle glaucoma

Purpose: To explore retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction in glaucoma suspects and patients with early primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) using pattern electroretinography (PERG). Methods: Twenty glaucoma suspects (glaucomatous optic disc appearance), 15 early POAG (based on abnormal discs and abnormal visual fields) and 16 normal controls were enrolled. Transient PERG was recorded in response to 0.8° and 16° black and white checkerboard stimuli. Amplitude and peak time (latency) of the P50 and N95 components of the PERG response, and the ratio of N95 amplitude in response to 0.8° and 16° checks were measured. Results: N95 peak time (latency) was significantly increased in both early manifest POAG and glaucoma suspects as compared to normal controls (P <0.001). In early POAG, N95 amplitude in response to small (0.8°) checks and the small/large check ratio were reduced in comparison to normal eyes (P<0.05). However, in glaucoma suspects no significant N95 amplitude reduction was observed. No significant difference was observed among the study groups in terms of P50 amplitude or peak time. Conclusion: The N95 PERG response demonstrated uncoupled peak time and amplitude alterations in glaucoma. N95 peak time was significantly increased both in glaucoma suspects and early POAG; N95 amplitude reduction was present only in early POAG. PERG may detect RGC dysfunction (increased latency) before cell death (decreased amplitude) occurs

Ocular abnormalities in beta thalassemia patients: prevalence, impact, and management strategies

Background: Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is a hereditary disease caused by defective globin synthesis and can be classified into three categories of minor (β-TMi), intermedia (β-TI), and major (β-TM) thalassemia. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of β-thalassemia and its treatment methods on different parts of the eye and how early-diagnostic methods of ocular complications in this disorder would prevent further ocular complications in these patients by immediate treatment and diet change. Methods: We developed a search strategy using a combination of the words Beta thalassemia, Ocular abnormalities, Iron overload, chelation therapy to identify all articles from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to December 2018. To find more articles and to ensure that databases were thoroughly searched, the reference lists of selected articles were also reviewed. Results: Complications such as retinopathy, crystalline lens opacification, color vision deficiency, nyctalopia, depressed visual field, reduced visual acuity, reduced contrast sensitivity, amplitude reduction in a-wave and b-wave in Electroretinography (ERG), and decrease in the Arden ratio in Electrooculography (EOG) have all been reported in β-thalassemia patients undergoing chelation therapy. Conclusion: Ocular problems due to β-thalassemia may be a result of anemia, iron overload in the body tissue, side effects of iron chelators, and the complications of orbital bone marrow expansion. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V