Relationship between the Retinal Thickness Analyzer and the GDx VCC Scanning Laser Polarimeter, Stratus OCT Optical Coherence Tomograph, and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the retinal thickness analyzer (RTA) parameters, and those of the GDx VCC scanning laser polarimeter (GDx VCC), Stratus OCT optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT), and Heidelberg retinal tomograph II confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT II). METHODS: Twenty-nine primary open-angle glaucoma patients were retrospectively included in this study. Measurements were obtained using the RTA, GDx VCC, Stratus OCT, and HRT II. We calculated the correlation coefficients between the parameters of RTA and those of the other studies. RESULTS: Among the optic disc parameters of RTA, the cup volume was best correlated with Stratus OCT (R=0.780, p<0.001) and HRT II (R=0.896, p<0.001). Among the posterior pole retinal thickness parameters, the posterior pole abnormally thin area (PPAT) of the RTA and the inferior average of the GDx VCC were best correlated (R=-0.596, p=0.001). The PPAT of the RTA and the inferior maximum of the Stratus OCT were best correlated (R=-0.489, p=0.006). The perifoveal minimum thickness (PFMT) of the RTA and the cup shape measurement of the HRT II were best correlated (R=-0.565, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Many RTA optic disc parameters were significantly correlated with those of the Stratus OCT and HRT II. The RTA posterior pole retinal thickness parameters were significantly correlated with those of the GDx VCC, Stratus OCT and HRT II. The RTA optic disc and posterior pole retinal thickness parameters may be valuable in the diagnosis of glaucomaope

The Effect of Swimming Goggles on Intraocular Pressure and Blood Flow within the Optic Nerve Head

Purpose: Goggles are frequently worn in the sport of swimming and are designed to form a seal around the periorbital tissue orbit. The resultant pressure on the eye may have the potential to affect intraocular pressure and blood flow of the optic nerve head. This study evaluates the influence of wearing swimming goggles on intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood flow of the ocular nerve head (ONH) in normal subjects. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy participants took part in this study. The IOP of each participant was measured using a Goldmann tonometer. Measurements were taken immediately before putting on swimming goggles, at 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after putting on swimming goggles, and then immediately after taking off the goggles. Blood flow of the ONH was measured using the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter. Results: The average IOP before, during and after wearing the swimming goggles were 11.88 ± 2.82 mmHg, 14.20 ± 2.81 mmHg and 11.78 ± 2.89 mmHg, respectively. The IOP increased immediately after putting on the goggles (p &lt; 0.05) and then returned to normal values immediately after removal (p&gt; 0.05). Blood flow of the ONH was 336.60 ± 89.07 Arbitrary Units (AU) before and 319.18 ± 96.02 AU after the goggles were worn (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: A small but significant IOP elevation was observed immediately after the swimming goggles were put on. This elevated IOP was maintained while the goggles were kept on, and then returned to normal levels as soon as they were taken off. Blood flow of the ONH did not change significantly throughout the experiment. These facts should be considered for safety concerns, especially in advanced glaucoma patients

Anterior Chamber Measurements by Pentacam and AS-OCT in Eyes With Normal Open Angles

PURPOSE: To assess the reproducibility and agreement of anterior chamber measurements between the Pentacam (PTC) and the Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AOCT) in normal healthy eyes with open angle. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional comparative case series. A total of 162 eyes of 81 healthy volunteers with normal open angle were included in this study. Anterior chamber angle (ACA) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured with PTC and AOCT. Intra-observer variability and inter-methods agreement of both instruments for ACA and ACD were evaluated. RESULTS: Values of temporal and nasal ACA measured by two instruments were similar, and the results of ACD were also not significantly different between modalities (p > 0.01). ACA and ACD measurements by PTC and AOCT showed good intra-observer and inter-method agreements (all > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: PTC and AOCT are presumed to be very useful for the anterior chamber angle examination. They may provide good images and quantitative data about the angle structures including ACA and ACDope

Lack of Association between Y-Chromosomal Haplogroups and Prostate Cancer in the Korean Population

The Y chromosome has recently been suggested to have an association with prostate cancer risk in human populations. Since this chromosome is haploid and lacks recombination over most of its length, haplotypes constructed from binary markers throughout the chromosome can be used for association studies. To assess the possible Y-chromosomal contribution to prostate cancer risk, we have therefore analyzed 14 Y-chromosomal binary markers in 106 prostate cancer cases and 110 controls from the Korean population. In contrast to previous findings in the Japanese population, no statistically significant difference in the distribution of Y-chromosomal haplogroup frequencies was observed between the case and control groups of Koreans. Thus, our data imply that the previously reported associations between Y-chromosomal lineages and a predisposition to, or protection against, prostate cancer might be explained by statistical fluctuations, or by genetic effects that are seen only in some environments

Long-term clinical outcomes of Ahmed valve implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma

<div><p>Purpose</p><p>To evaluate the long-term efficacy of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and complications of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in patients with refractory glaucoma.</p><p>Design</p><p>Retrospective study.</p><p>Subjects</p><p>The study involved 302 refractory glaucoma patients who underwent AGV implantation and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months between March 1995 and December 2013.</p><p>Methods</p><p>An operation was defined as successful when (1) the postoperative IOP remained between 5 and 21 mmHg and was reduced 30% compared to the baseline IOP with or without medication, (2) there was no loss of light perception or vision-threatening severe complications, and (3) no additional filtering or aqueous drainage surgery was required. Clinical records were reviewed.</p><p>Main outcome measures</p><p>IOP, anti-glaucoma medications, and complications</p><p>Results</p><p>The mean follow-up period was 62.25 months (range, 6 to 190 months). The cumulative probability of success was 89% at 6 months, 81% at 1 year, 66% at 3 years, 44% at 10 years, and 26% at 15 years. IOP was reduced from a mean of 32.2 ± 10.5 mmHg to 18.6 ± 9.1 mmHg at 1 month, 15.2 ± 7.0 mmHg at 6 months, and 14.2 ± 3.5 mmHg at 15 years. Surgical failures were significantly increased when preoperative IOP was high, and when severe complications occurred after AGV implantation (P < 0.05).</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>AGV implantation was successful for IOP control in patients with refractive glaucoma in the long term. However, the success rate of surgery decreased over time. Preoperative high IOP and severe complications related to the operation were significant risk factors for failure.</p></div

Kaplan-Meier cumulative probability curve of success in patients with primary and secondary surgery.

<p>The success rates after surgery were not significantly different between primary AGV implantation and secondary AGV implantation. <i>P*</i> value was calculated using log rank analysis.</p

Mean number of medications before surgery and during follow-up.

<p>The mean number of postoperative glaucoma medications ranged from 0.6 to 1.7 during the entire postoperative period. Error bars indicate 1 standard deviation.</p

Mean intraocular pressure(IOP) before surgery and during follow-up.

<p>The intervening mean postoperative IOPs were significantly reduced compared to baseline during entire postoperative periods. Error bars indicate 1 standard deviation.</p

Risk factors for surgical failure in patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent Ahmed valve implantation, and results from Cox proportional hazard regression models.

<p>Risk factors for surgical failure in patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent Ahmed valve implantation, and results from Cox proportional hazard regression models.</p