Biomedical subjects

Erdem Ergun

Publications and source records attributed to Erdem Ergun.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Magnification-corrected photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: To present a method for performing photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a constant predictable light fluence based on actual laser spot magnification. METHODS: A calibrated Gullstrand-type model eye with a scale of half circles in the centre of the artificial fundus was used for this study. The axial length of the model eye was set to different values ranging from 20 to 31 mm, and the actual laser spot magnification of four indirect condensing laser lenses were determined using a PDT laser unit. RESULTS: Equations for determining the actual laser spot magnification were calculated for each laser lens. The total change in laser spot magnification from hyperopia (axial length 20 mm) to myopia (axial length 31 mm) was -20% to +24.8% for Mainster Standard lens (Ocular Instruments Inc, Bellevue, Washington, USA), -15.7% to +27.7% for Mainster Wide Field lens (Ocular Instruments Inc), -16.3% to +33.1% for Volk Transequator lens (Volk Optical Inc, Mentor, Ohio, USA), and -19.2% to +24.4% for Volk PDT Laser lens (Volk Optical Inc). CONCLUSIONS: Axial length of the eye has a considerable effect on PDT laser spot magnification when an indirect laser lens is used. By calculating the actual laser spot magnification in conjunction with knowledge of the true greatest linear dimension of the neovascular lesion, the clinician may be able to deliver a constant predictable amount of light fluence to the fundus independent of the axial length of the PDT treating eye.

Choroidal Neovascularization↗

PubMed2006

Treatment frequency and visual outcome in subfoveal choroidal neovascularization related to pathologic myopia treated with photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of treatment frequency on visual acuity of patients with PDT treatment for subfoveal predominantly classic CNV related to pathological myopia. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with subfoveal predominantly classic CNV caused by pathologic myopia and treated with PDT were included. All patients received a full ophthalmic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography, before first treatment and every 3 months thereafter. Photodynamic therapy was performed according to standard protocol. Main outcome measurements were visual acuity and treatment frequency. RESULTS: The number of treatments received was 3.35+/-1.83 (average: 1-7). In 12 eyes (32.43%); the BCVA was stable or increased during the entire follow-up period. In eight eyes (21.62%), the BCVA decreased and did not return to the baseline values. A transient loss of visual acuity (over 3-9 months) with subsequent improvement in visual function was found in 68% (17 eyes). A gain of three or more lines compared with lowest BCVA was found in 56% (14 eyes). The number of treatments did not correlate with baseline BCVA, greatest linear dimension of CNV at baseline or with the change of BCVA from baseline. In cases with transient worsening of BCVA, the recovery of visual acuity correlated significantly with the number of treatments (r=-0.522, P<0.05; Spearman rank correlation) received. CONCLUSION: Visual acuity recovery correlates with the number of PDT re-treatments; in many cases, an improvement in visual function after temporary decrease of BCVA can be observed after re-treatment according to current treatment guidelines. The number of PDT treatments has no negative effect on the visual outcome in subfoveal CNVs caused by pathological myopia.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

The effect of axial length on photodynamic therapy.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of the axial length of the eye on photodynamic therapy (PDT) light fluence. DESIGN: Laboratory investigation. METHODS: A calibrated Gullstrand-type model eye was used for this study. The axial length of the model eye was set to different values ranging from 20 to 31 mm, and the light fluence rate for treating a spot of 4 mm was recorded and compared with a fluence rate of 600 mW/cm2 with four indirect condensing laser lenses. RESULTS: The axial length of the eye is inversely related to light fluence. From myopia to hyperopia, the total deviation from 600 mW/cm2 was -37.7% to +53.8% (Mainster Standard; Ocular Instruments Inc, Bellevue, Washington, USA), and -48.3% to +20.5% (Mainster Wide Field; Ocular Instruments Inc), -52.3% to +16.7% (Volk Transequator; Volk Optical Inc, Mentor, Ohio, USA), and -52.3% to +15.3% (Volk PDT Laser; Volk Optical Inc). CONCLUSIONS: Axial length of the eye has a considerable effect on PDT light fluence rate in this model. These findings may be important for optimizing PDT, particularly in eyes with high refractive errors.

Body Weights and Measures↗

PubMed2006

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 56 patients with neovascular AMD were treated with PDT with verteporfin followed by an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. The main outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), retreatment frequency with PDT (and triamcinolone), and frequency of side effects. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 15.9 months (range 12 to 30 months, median 15 months). Twenty-three (38.3%) of 60 eyes had a stable result at 12 months' follow-up (that is, loss/gain <three lines) and 34 (56.7%) of 60 had a loss of 3 lines or more. Three patients (5%) had an improvement of 3 lines or more. Lesion type, patient age, and lesion size had no influence on the outcome, but baseline VA had a statistically significant effect (P = .006). The median number of PDT-intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide treatments was one. One-third (20 of 60) of all eyes had an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) that required therapy. There were no cases of endophthalmitis, but 13 patients (21.6%) developed severe cataract that required surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PDT and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide requires careful consideration as a treatment option for neovascular AMD. In our case series, this treatment combination did not prevent a considerable decrease in VA. The main benefit of this combination treatment was a low number of verteporfin treatments. Baseline VA was the main predictor of the final outcome.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Digital area measurement of fundus landmarks.

PURPOSE: To present and validate an image analysis technique for the calculation of the true projection area of fundus landmarks from a digital fundus image. The authors present the description, technical details and results of the study. METHODS: Experimental study using a calibrated Gullstrand-type model eye with a scale of half circles in the centre of the artificial fundus. The axial length of the model eye was set to different values ranging from 21 mm to 29 mm, and the area of a half circle was calculated from digital fundus images with a magnification-calibrated image analysis program (UTHSCSA Image Tool). The calibration was based on Littmann's formula for correcting the magnification of fundus images. RESULTS: The maximum deviation of the calculated area size from the true fundus object area was -3.7% under myopic and +3.4% under hyperopic conditions. The 95% confidence interval for repeated area measurements was from +1.83 to -1.46%. CONCLUSIONS: The magnification-calibrated image analysis technique based on Littmann's formula is a non-invasive, accurate and reproducible tool for true area measurement of fundus landmarks.

Calibration↗

PubMed2005

The effect of digital measurement software on photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of refraction-corrected digital measurement software on photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment spot size. METHODS: Experimental study using a calibrated Gullstrand-type model eye. The axial length of the model eye was set to different values, ranging from 20 to 31 mm, and the PDT treatment spot sizes obtained from refraction-corrected digital measurement software and manual measurement with a fixed-magnification factor, as well as four different indirect contact laser lenses, were calculated and compared for a treatment spot with a diameter of 4 mm. RESULTS: The maximum deviation from the treating laser spot was +39.6% under myopic and +17.4% under hyperopic conditions when the refraction-corrected digital measurement software was used. The maximum deviation was +14.2% under myopic and +13.3% under hyperopic conditions when the manual measurement with the fixed-magnification factor was used. CONCLUSIONS: The use of refraction-corrected digital measurement software produces a larger deviation from treating laser spot than the use of manual measurement with a fixed-magnification factor. Therefore, refraction-corrected digital measurement software might not be suitable for calculating the recommended PDT treatment spot size in eyes with high refractive errors.

Choroidal Neovascularization↗

PubMed2005

Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography in macular dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To visualize and investigate intraretinal changes in macular dystrophies with ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR OCT). DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. METHODS: setting: Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Christian Doppler Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. patients: Thirteen patients (23 eyes) with adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD) and 14 patients (27 eyes) with Stargardt's disease (SD) or fundus flavimaculatus (FF). OBSERVATIONS: Imaging using a compact, new generation UHR OCT system, achieving considerably improved visualization of intraretinal layers, especially the photoreceptor layer. main outcome measures: UHR OCT tomograms visualizing intraretinal differences in morphology of AOFVD and SD/FF as location and extension of deposits and loss of photoreceptors. Central foveal thickness defined as distance between internal limiting membrane and photoreceptors/retinal pigment epithelium interface. RESULTS: Patients with AOFVD had a mostly intact photoreceptor layer, a central foveal thickness of 142 +/- 23 microm as well as subretinal deposits. Patients with SD generally had a diffuse degenerative change with a visible reduction in thickness of all intraretinal layers, resulting in a corresponding reduction of central foveal thickness (94 +/- 38 microm) and central loss of photoreceptors (PRs). Comparative central foveal thickness of patients with AOFVD and SD/FF was significantly different (P < .001). Patients with FF had pigment epithelial deposits and paracentral focal photoreceptor loss. CONCLUSIONS: UHR OCT is a clinically feasible tool for examining intraretinal changes, in particular photoreceptor atrophy in macular dystrophies and, therefore, has the potential to be an adequate imaging system for monitoring the course of disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with macular oedema due to central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment of macular oedema due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: In a prospective case series, 13 patients with macular oedema due to non-ischaemic CRVO received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Examination included assessment of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance and reading, measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), fluorescein angiography and high resolution imaging by optical coherence tomography, preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative mean BCVA was 0.9 +/- 0.4 for distance vision and 1.0 +/- 0.3 for reading acuity, respectively. A significant improvement in distance VA (0.5 +/- 0.3, p < 0.001) and reading acuity (0.7 +/- 0.3, p = 0.03) was observed until 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Mean macular thickness was significantly reduced until 9 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide led to a significant improvement in mean VA in patients with macular oedema due to CRVO. However, the significant effect was not permanent and persisted for a maximum of 6 months.

Fluorescein Angiography↗

PubMed2005

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment of macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: In a prospective case series, nine patients with macular oedema due to BRVO received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance and reading, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, fluorescein angiography and high resolution imaging by optical coherence tomography, preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative mean BCVAs were 1.3 +/- 0.8 for distance vision, and 1.1 +/- 0.3 for reading acuity, respectively. A significant improvement in reading acuity was observed until 1 month (0.7 +/- 0.4, p = 0.02). No significant reduction in mean macular thickness was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide led to a significant improvement in mean VA in patients with macular oedema due to BRVO. However, the significant effect was not permanent and persisted for only 1 month.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Assessment of central visual function in Stargardt's disease/fundus flavimaculatus with ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess photoreceptor morphology in patients with Stargardt's disease and fundus flavimaculatus using ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) and correlate it with visual acuity (VA). METHODS: This was a prospective observational case series. Fourteen patients with Stargardt's disease (nine women, five men; average age, 39 years; range, 27-53) were examined. A clinically viable UHR-OCT system employing a new, compact titanium sapphire laser was used, enabling a 3-microm axial resolution in the retina. All patients received a full ophthalmic examination, including fluorescein angiography. Outcome was judged by central transverse photoreceptor loss, central foveal thickness, VA, central atrophy according to fluorescein angiography, and fundus autofluorescence. RESULTS: UHR-OCT was capable of visualizing and quantifying regions of central transverse photoreceptor (PR) loss. All Stargardt patients with central atrophy had a complete loss of the central photoreceptor layer in the foveal region (mean transverse photoreceptor loss, 4390 +/- 2270 microm; range, 530-9240 microm). Patients without clinically evident central atrophy had an intact photoreceptor layer centrally, but had small, focal parafoveal defects. A correlation was detected between VA and transverse PR loss (Spearman rho=-0.60, P=0.03), which was confirmed on logistic regression analysis (R2=0.49, P=0.0001). Central foveal thickness was reduced in patients with Stargardt's disease (85 +/- 40 microm; range, 58-280 microm). The correlation was statistically significant with VA (Spearman rho=0.43, P=0.04), but not with transverse PR loss (Spearman rho=-0.23, P >>0.05). Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association of central foveal thickness with VA (R2=0.51, P=0.0001), but not with transverse PR loss (P >>0.05). The extent of atrophy seen in fluorescein angiography correlated with VA and transverse PR loss (Spearman rho=-0.51, P=0.007; Spearman rho=0.77, P=0.0001). Similar correlations were found with the maximum transverse diameter of fundus autofluorescence (Spearman rho=-0.72, P=0.008; Spearman rho=0.77, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrahigh-resolution OCT demonstrates excellent visualization of intraretinal morphology and enables quantification of the photoreceptor layer. Thus, for the first time, an in vivo visualization and quantification of transverse, central photoreceptor loss and correlation with visual function is possible. Lower VA corresponds to a greater transverse photoreceptor loss, which also correlates with the extent of changes seen in fluorescein angiography and in fundus autofluorescence. Furthermore, reduced retinal thickness (i.e., atrophy of retinal layers) does not correlate with the transverse extent of PR loss. Thus, it seems that although there may be progressive atrophy of intraretinal layers, an intact photoreceptor layer leads to better VA. UHR-OCT may present a viable alternative to the assessment of central visual function, due to the easy, objective, and noninvasive data acquisition. Therefore, UHR-OCT could be of future use in judging patients' prognoses in Stargardt's disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Incidence of patients presenting with exudative maculopathy and neovascular retinal disease in an urban population.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of exudative macular and neovascular retinal disease presenting within a defined urban population. STUDY DESIGN: prospective, observational, consecutive case series. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients referred to ten ophthalmic centers within a defined 10-week period with a newly diagnosed exudative macular and/or neovascular retinal disease were examined fundoscopically, angiographically and quantified according to age and underlying disease. RESULTS: A total of 527 eyes of 426 patients were referred. The most frequent disease was neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD, 199/527, 37.8%, 184 patients), followed by diabetic maculopathy and/or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (199/527, 37.8%, 128 patients) and venous occlusive disease (67/527, 12.7%, 67 patients). The majority of neovascular AMD consisted of occult without classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV, 115/ 199, 57.8%); predominantly classic CNV was seen more often than minimally classic CNV (43/199, 21.6% vs. 27/ 199, 13.6%). The overwhelming majority of the diabetic cases had diabetic macular edema (179/199, 89.9%); only 10.1% had vasoproliferative disease. All other causes of CNV, macular edema/exudation, and retinal neovascularization were observed in < 5% of all patients. CONCLUSION: The main causes of exudative maculopathy are CNV due to neovascular AMD and diabetic macular edema. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of retinal neovascularization. The number of patients with neovascular AMD presents a future challenge for ophthalmologists.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). DESIGN: Prospective interventional, noncomparative case series. METHODS: After the diagnosis of a subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to CSC, 26 eyes of 24 patients were treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. Patients were then followed up every 2 to 3 months, with further treatments performed as deemed necessary through fluorescein angiography. The mean observation was 22.2 months (range, 6-36 months; median, 24 months). RESULTS: There was marked visual improvement, with patients gaining a mean of 1.6 lines after 1 year and a mean of 2.2 lines after 2 years. There was a statistically significant change in visual acuity from baseline to 12 and 24 months (mean difference, -0.16, P =.03; and mean difference, -0.22, P =.02; respectively; t test for both). There was no correlation between patients' age or greatest linear dimension of the lesions and the final outcome (P>.10 for all). No patient experienced any adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin resulted in a beneficial outcome in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to CSC, without serious adverse effects in this case series.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Effect of laser photocoagulation on the retinal vessel diameter in branch and macular vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the response of retinal vessel diameters to photocoagulation treatment and their role for the success of laser treatment in patients with retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: The study included 14 patients with branch vein occlusion or macular vein occlusion. The ophthalmologic examination included best-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography. Retinal vessel diameters were quantified before and after laser photocoagulation using a retinal vessel analyzer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Retinal vessel diameters. RESULTS: In cases manifesting macular vein occlusions, no significant change of the vessel diameter in any vessel was observed during the follow-up period. In the group with branch vein occlusion, all vessels tended to constrict after the laser photocoagulation. The effect of laser treatment on retinal vessel diameters was significant for superotemporal (P =.045, analysis of variance [ANOVA]) and inferotemporal branch veins (P =.03, ANOVA). Vasoconstriction was more pronounced in the occluded branch veins (P =.009, ANOVA) compared with the nonaffected veins (P =.12; ANOVA). The change of visual acuity after 3 months was correlated with the change of vessel diameter 3 months after laser treatment for occluded venular branches (r = 0.78, P =.02, linear regression). There was no correlation between the number of laser burns and the change of vessel diameters in the affected veins in this period (r = 0.12, P =.75, linear regression). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that retinal photocoagulation in patients with branch vein occlusion has a vasoconstrictive effect on occluded veins. The correlation between the change in visual acuity and the change in vessel diameter indicates that branch vein constriction after photocoagulation may be an early indicator of the success of laser treatment.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Prognostic factors influencing visual outcome of photodynamic therapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in pathologic myopia.

PURPOSE: To examine the influence of age, lesion size, degree of myopia, and baseline visual acuity on the visual outcome of patients with pathologic myopia and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) who received photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative consecutive case series. METHODS: Forty-three eyes of 41 patients were treated in a two-year time span; 36 eyes of 36 patients who had received PDT for CNV due to pathologic myopia were examined for the above-mentioned factors 24 months after first treatment. All patients had been treated according to the Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy (VIP) study criteria. Patients were examined in two- to three-month intervals with Snellen visual acuity, biomicroscopy, and fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: Baseline visual acuity and age were both prognostic factors for visual outcome (P =.0097, P =.0055). Lesion size (greatest linear dimension) at baseline, refractive error, or the number of treatments had no influence on the outcome. CONCLUSION: Age and baseline visual acuity have an effect on visual outcome in patients receiving PDT due to CNV secondary to pathologic myopia. Younger patients and patients with higher baseline visual acuity had a better treatment outcome.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Incidence of laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin at a tertiary retinal center.

PURPOSE: To examine the influence of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin on the indication and frequency of conventional thermal krypton laser photocoagulation in choroidal neovascularization. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed comparing laser indication and frequency 1 year before and 2 years after PDT started to be used routinely following the guidelines of the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy Study Group and the Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy Study Group. RESULTS: Similar frequencies of laser treatment were seen in the year before and during the first year after PDT was commenced (301 [7.1% of all patients] to 281 [6.9%]). In the year thereafter, however, there was a marked decrease in laser treatments (174 [3.9%]). Interestingly, there was a steady increase in the relative frequency of laser treatments of extrafoveal and parapapillary lesions in the years after PDT was commenced (29.2%, year 1; 30.6%, year 2; and 39.6%, year 3). CONCLUSION: PDT has led to a decrease in conventional laser photocoagulation at one large tertiary retinal center in Austria. Moreover, it is our belief that patients are now referred at earlier stages of the disease, which has resulted in a shift in thermal laser indications.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Photodynamic therapy and vitelliform lesions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin on patients with vitelliform lesions caused by cuticular drusen or adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD). DESIGN: Observational case series. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight eyes of seven patients from two centers were examined prospectively. Each patient received PDT with verteporfin applied to the vitelliform lesions. RESULTS: Photodynamic therapy did not significantly affect the median visual acuity outcome (20/50 before PDT and 20/66 after PDT) in all seven treated patients. Of note, however, were four eyes of four patients who experienced a severe decrease in visual acuity after PDT with verteporfin. The temporary relationship of the vision loss to the treatment suggests that this may represent an adverse effect from therapy. The fluorescein angiographic appearance was virtually unchanged in all treated patients, whereas indocyanine green angiography showed typical PDT-associated reduction of choroidal perfusion in the treatment area. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy does not have a positive influence on the visual outcome in patients with vitelliform lesions and may have a negative impact on vision in some treated patients. It is important for physicians using PDT to exercise caution in distinguishing between choroidal neovascular membranes and vitelliform lesions because the outcome in this latter group may be worse with application of PDT than with the natural course.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Scotoma size and reading speed in patients with subfoveal occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between reading speed and scotoma size in patients with subfoveal occult with no classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) participating at 2 of 28 centers in the Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy trial. DESIGN: Prospective, observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients with occult with no classic CNV in AMD. METHODS: Patients' reading speed was examined using a German-language reading test (Radner Lesetest). Scotoma size was measured using the microperimetry program 2.01 of the Rodenstock Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reading acuity, reading speed, size of absolute (AS) and relative scotoma (RS). RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the size of AS and reading speed (r = -0.48, P = 0.023), as well as AS and reading acuity (r = 0.52, P = 0.013). No correlation was seen between RS and reading speed or reading capacity. CONCLUSION: The size of absolute scotoma correlated significantly with reading capacity and reading speed and may influence these measures.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Evaluation of pulsatile choroidal blood flow in branch retinal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to compare pulsatile choroidal blood flow in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with the values in normal controls. METHODS: The study included male and female patients with manifest BRVO (n=16) and a healthy sex- and age-matched control group (n=36). Fundus pulsation amplitude (FPA) was measured in the fovea by laser interferometry to assess pulsatile choroidal blood flow. RESULTS: The FPA in eyes with BRVO (4.4 microm) was significantly higher than in the fellow eye (3.8 microm; P<0.0005). There was also a significant difference between the affected eye of the patients and the healthy control group (3.3 microm; P<0.0009). CONCLUSION: The increase in FPA indicates increased choroidal blood flow resulting from some local mechanisms compensating for the decrease in retinal blood flow.

Aged↗