Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
Barbara A Blodi
Publications and source records attributed to Barbara A Blodi.
Doctor, what vitamins should I take for my eyes?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Antioxidants↗
Intravitreal triamcinolone for the treatment of macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide as treatment for macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 13 consecutive patients (13 eyes) with macular edema associated with CRVO who were treated with an injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg) at the University of Wisconsin and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Each intravitreal injection was delivered through the pars plana using a 27- or 30-gauge needle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in Snellen visual acuity, clinical appearance of macular edema, measurement of foveal thickening with optical coherence tomography (OCT), and frequency of complications. RESULTS: The median age of the 13 patients was 67 years (interquartile range, 57-77 years), and the median duration of symptoms before injection was 8 months (interquartile range, 4-9 months). Mean baseline visual acuity was 20/500 in the affected eye. Mean visual acuity at the 6-month follow-up examination was 20/180 in the affected eye. All 13 patients completed the 6-month examination. Eyes with nonischemic CRVO (n = 5) demonstrated a significant improvement in visual acuity, whereas eyes with ischemic CRVO (n = 8) demonstrated a nonsignificant visual acuity improvement. No patient had a decrease in visual acuity. Mean baseline foveal thickness as measured by OCT was 590 micro m (retinal thickening = 416 micro m). Mean foveal thickness as measured by OCT at the 1-month follow-up examination in 12 patients was 212 micro m (retinal thickening = 38 micro m). At the 3-month follow-up examination, mean foveal thickness as measured by OCT for 13 patients was 193 micro m (retinal thickening = 19 micro m). Between the 3- and 6-month follow-up examinations, 4 patients developed a recurrence of macular edema. Three of the 4 patients were retreated with a second injection of triamcinolone. Two of these 3 patients experienced an improvement in visual acuity following retreatment. At the 6-month follow-up examination, mean foveal thickness as measured by OCT for 13 patients was 281 micro m (retinal thickening = 107 micro m). No adverse effects such as retinal detachment or endophthalmitis occurred. One patient experienced an increase in intraocular pressure that was controlled with 2 aqueous suppressants. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone appears to be a possibly effective treatment in some patients with macular edema associated with CRVO. Patients with nonischemic CRVO may respond more favorably than patients with ischemic CRVO, and retreatment may be necessary in some patients. In this case series, severe complications were not noted.
Aged↗
The white dot syndromes.
PURPOSE: To review the distinctive and shared features of the white dot syndromes, highlighting the clinical findings, diagnostic test results, proposed etiologies, treatments, and prognosis. DESIGN: Review. METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: Common white dot syndromes are reviewed, including acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, birdshot chorioretinopathy, diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis, multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis, serpiginous choroiditis, and acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: The white dot syndromes are a group of disorders characterized by multiple whitish-yellow inflammatory lesions located at the level of the outer retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid. For clinicians and researchers alike, they present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Choroid Diseases↗
Use of the multifocal electroretinogram in the evaluation of a patient with central areolar choroidal dystrophy.
PURPOSE: To assess the multifocal electroretinogram and full-field electroretinogram findings in a patient with advanced central areolar choroidal dystrophy. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 53-year-old man with central areolar choroidal dystrophy underwent multifocal electroretinogram and full-field electroretinogram testing. RESULTS: The multifocal electroretinogram demonstrated relative preservation of foveal function compared with the severely depressed retinal function of the perifoveal macula corresponding to the location of the retinal and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy. The full-field electroretinogram was normal for both photopic and scotopic responses. CONCLUSION: Despite a normal full-field electroretinogram, the multifocal electroretinogram demonstrated significant macular dysfunction with relative preservation of foveal function in a patient with central areolar choroidal dystrophy.
Choroid Diseases↗
Optical coherence tomography findings in central retinal artery occlusion.
This article describes optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with central retinal artery occlusion by conducting a retrospective review of two cases. Central retinal artery occlusion shows a distinct pattern on OCT images. In the acute phase, OCT images demonstrate the increased reflectivity and thickness of the inner retina and a corresponding decrease of reflectivity in the outer layer of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris layer. Follow-up OCT images demonstrate a decrease in the reflectivity and thickness of the inner retinal layers and a corresponding increase of reflectivity in the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris layer compared with the baseline OCT image, suggesting a generalized atrophy of the neurosensory retina as a late finding. Therefore, the use of OCT may help facilitate prompt recognition of acute and chronic central retinal artery occlusion.
Disease Progression↗
Nutritional supplements in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
The benefit of the AREDS study and of nutritional supplements in reducing the onset or progression of end-stage AMD in those known to be at risk is a step forward in our understanding of what can be a blinding and debilitating disease. Nutritional supplements are not without risks, and their effects must be diligently and accurately monitored. However, they pose a viable complement in the venue of treating ocular disease and conditions.
Administration, Oral↗