Advanced Perceptual Learning Techniques Induce Neuroplasticity to Enable Improved Visual Functions
Abstract
Until recent years, there was low awareness that the brain’s ability to adapt to changes in sensory input through the modification of neural pathways and processing functions, i.e., neuroplasticity, remains after late adolescent development. Over the past few decades, an extensive body of evidence has established that neuroplasticity not only endures in the adult neuronal processing system, but can also be augmented using advanced perceptual learning training, resulting in improved vision and image processing speed. It is well-established that during the early period of life, termed as critical...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 21, 2016 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Invited Commentary: When the Doctor Becomes the Father of the Patient
Abstract
Perhaps the most difficult of times for a physician is when we or our loved ones are the patient. The system in which we have so much experience can become a black hole of confusion, miscommunication, incompetence, and misinformation. The following is a description of my own path as I transitioned from a skilled physician to a worried parent to a traumatized parent. Fortunately, this story appears to be resolving well, making it easier to share with my colleagues. I hope this affords you a better understanding of our patients and their families' journeys in the morass of diagnostic dilemmas and t...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - November 26, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Newer Understanding of Eye Issues in Craniofacial Malformations
Abstract
Pediatric patients with craniofacial abnormalities face unique challenges requiring early intervention and longitudinal care for their ocular and systemic problems. Non-syndromic and syndromic craniosynostoses involve asymmetric development of the cranial vault and facial bones, which frequently leads to ophthalmic manifestations, including strabismus, refractive error, and visual field losses. In recent years, ophthalmologists, craniofacial surgeons, and pediatricians involved in caring for craniosynostosis patients have found that timely surgery and monitoring, using refined devices such as spe...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 19, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Ophthalmic Assessment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) manifest as abnormal social and language development along with repetitive behaviors. Reported prevalence is 1 in 68 children. Ophthalmic disorders have been reported in as many as 50 % of children with ASD, making a comprehensive ophthalmic examination necessary for all such children upon diagnosis. Photoscreeners are a useful tool to initially assess children with ASD. Eye examination techniques include observation, social story, visual schedule, and behavioral strategies to maximize chances of identifying ocular problems. Examination under anesthesia should be ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 13, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Albinism: Update on Ocular Features
Abstract
Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and ocular albinism (OA) are disorders of abnormal melanogenesis. The ocular features of these hypopigmentation disorders and how they affect the visual function and ocular structure are becoming more defined. A hallmark of OCA and OA is the variability in phenotypic expression. Recent advances in genetic analysis and theories on the interaction of genes that alter expression in albinism have helped our understanding of this variable expression. Molecular genetics has also advanced the understanding of the interactions at the biochemical and cellular level that alter...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 3, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells: Applications for the Study and Treatment of Optic Neuropathies
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are highly specialized neuronal cells located in the innermost layer of the retina and serve to relay visual information to the brain, with their axons collectively forming the optic nerve. Loss or damage to the RGCs results in visual impairment and ultimately blindness. Several diseases affect the RGCs exclusively, the most common being glaucoma. Even though the mechanisms of glaucoma are not fully understood, some common treatments can delay cell death. Pharmacological intervention or laser therapy is thought to reduce the intraocular pressure and therefore reduce ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - August 7, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
An Update on Neonatal and Pediatric Conjunctivitis
Abstract
Conjunctivitis is among the most common ophthalmic conditions found in neonatal and pediatric patients. It has a wide range of clinical presentations and outcomes, ranging from self-limiting hyperemia to blindness and life-threatening systemic illness. This review explores the epidemiology, etiology, and diagnosis of conjunctivitis in the neonatal and pediatric population. In addition, it explores recent trends in transmission across different populations and evidence-based approaches that clinicians may use in treating neonatal and pediatric conjunctivitis. (Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports)
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - July 25, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Infectious Scleritis
Abstract
Scleritis is a rare but painful, indolent, locally destructive, and devastating disease of the sclera. While immune-mediated scleritis with or without systemic association forms a vast majority of the cases seen in the clinics, approximately 5–18 % of all cases of scleritis can be due to infectious process. The challenges in the diagnosis and management of infectious scleritis are multiple. The diagnosis is often delayed due to the close similarity of clinical presentation between non-infectious and infectious etiology, and also because the clinical signs of infection may be obvious only in th...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - July 20, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Restoring Vision: Where are We with Stem Cells?
Abstract
Photoreceptor degeneration leads to permanent visual loss due to the lack of regenerative mechanisms in the mammalian retina. This can occur due to defects in the photoreceptors as seen in certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa or secondary to retinal pigment epithelium defects as seen in certain forms of Leber congenital amaurosis and age-related macular degeneration. In this short review, we will cover some recent work on promoting retinal repair either by using endogenous cells in the retina or through cell replacement therapy. (Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports)
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - July 16, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Engineering of Human Corneal Endothelial Grafts
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) play a pivotal role in maintaining corneal transparency. Unlike in other species, HCEC are notorious for their limited proliferative capacity in vivo after diseases, injury, aging, and surgery. Persistent HCEC dysfunction leads to sight-threatening bullous keratopathy with either an insufficient cell density or retrocorneal membrane due to endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Presently, the only solution to restore vision in eyes inflicted with bullous keratopathy or retrocorneal membrane relies upon transplantation of a cadaver human donor cornea conta...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - June 27, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Infectious Uveitis
Abstract
Infectious uveitis is one of the most common and visually devastating causes of uveitis in the US and worldwide. This review provides a summary of the identification, treatment, and complications associated with certain forms of viral, bacterial, fungal, helminthic, and parasitic uveitis. In particular, this article reviews the literature on identification and treatment of acute retinal necrosis due to herpes simplex virus and varicella virus as well as cytomegalovirus retinitis. While no agreed-upon treatment has been identified, the characteristics of Ebola virus panuveitis is also reviewed. I...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - June 12, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Current Concepts in the Management of Unique Post-keratoplasty Infections
Abstract
As corneal transplantation has evolved, the spectrum of post-surgical infection has changed and often presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Lamellar techniques hold the potential of improved outcomes and decreased post-operative complications; however, they create a lamellar interface, which is a potential space for sequestration of infectious organisms. In addition, while keratoprosthesis offers vision to patients who are poor candidates for traditional keratoplasty, infectious complications can be severe and sight threatening. Although anti-microbials remain the mainstay of treatment...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - June 12, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Post-keratorefractive Surgery Infections: Management Strategies
Abstract
Infectious keratitis after keratorefractive surgery, although extremely rare, has the potential to be sight-threatening. Key to the management of post-operative bacterial and fungal keratitis is early diagnosis, identification of the causative organism with scrapings, irrigation with clinically appropriate antimicrobials, and subsequent topical antimicrobial drop administration. In non-responsive cases, confocal microscopy or polymerase chain reaction may aid in the identification of the causative organism to guide antimicrobial management. (Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports)
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - June 3, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Objective Metrics of Ocular Surface Disease in Contact Lens Wearers: Meibography
Abstract
Dry eye symptoms are very prevalent in contact lens wearers and are most commonly attributed to evaporative dry eye (EDE) due to alterations in the quality of the pre-lens tear film lipids. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the most common cause of EDE, may result in contact lens-associated dry eye and ultimately to intolerance to contact lens wear. Thus, a thorough assessment of meibomian glands and the eyelid margin prior to and during contact lens wear may ensure continuous contact lens tolerance and the maintenance of a healthy ocular surface. Since meibomian glands are not overtly visible ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - April 24, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
What Causes Eye Pain?
Abstract
Eye pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience including sensory-discriminative, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components and supported by distinct, interconnected peripheral and central nervous system elements. Normal or physiological pain results of the stimulation by noxious stimuli of sensory axons of trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the eye. These are functionally heterogeneous. Mechano-nociceptors are only excited by noxious mechanical forces. Polymodal nociceptors also respond to heat, exogenous irritants, and endogenous inflammatory mediators, whereas cold t...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - April 21, 2015 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
