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The retina, an important tissue of the eye, is essential in visual transmission and sustaining adequate eyesight. However, oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions can harm retinal structure and function. Recent studies have demonstrated that exposure to light can induce oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in retinal cells, thereby facilitating the progression of retinal damage–related diseases and asthenopia. Plant bioactive compounds such as anthocyanin, curcumin, resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin, epigallocatechin gallate, and quercetin are effective in alleviating retinal damage and asthenopia. Their strong oxidation resistance and unique chemical structure can prevent the retina from producing reactive oxygen species and regulating eye muscle relaxation, thus alleviating retinal damage and asthenopia. Additionally, the combination of these active ingredients produces a stronger antioxidant effect. Consequently, understanding the mechanism of retinal damage caused by light and the regulation mechanism of bioactive compounds can better protect the retina and reduce asthenopia. Light causes retinal damage and asthenopia through oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and autophagy. Anthocyanin, curcumin, resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin, epigallocatechin gallate, and quercetin can exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and prevent retinal light damage. In addition, this bioavailability and preventive effect can be improved by embedding bioactive compounds and synergistic effect of bioactive compounds. Abbreviation: ROS, reactive oxygen species. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To review home- and office-based vergence and accommodative therapies for treatment of convergence insufficiency (CI) in children and young adults up to 35 years of age. Literature searches were conducted through October 2020 in the PubMed database for English-language studies. The combined searches yielded 359 abstracts, of which 37 were reviewed in full text. Twelve of these were considered appropriate for inclusion in this assessment and assigned a level of evidence rating by the panel methodologist. Of the 12 studies included in this assessment, 8 were graded as level I evidence, 2 were graded as level II evidence, and 2 were graded as level III evidence. Two of the level I studies included older teenagers and young adults; the remainder of the studies exclusively evaluated children. Two randomized controlled trials found that office-based vergence and accommodative therapies were effective in improving motor outcomes in children with symptomatic CI. However, the studies reported conflicting results on the efficacy of office-based therapy for treating symptoms of CI. Data were inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of home-based therapies (including pencil push-ups and home computer therapy) compared with home placebo. In young adults, office-based vergence and accommodative therapies were not superior to placebo in relieving symptoms of CI. Level I evidence suggests that office-based vergence and accommodative therapies improve motor outcomes in children with symptomatic CI, although data are inconsistent regarding symptomatic relief. Evidence is insufficient to determine whether home-based therapies are effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous reports indicate that "eye fatigue" occurs in roughly 60 % of the adult population using digital devices and may negatively impact quality of life. However, the construct of eye fatigue remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to quantify the relationship among symptoms most frequently associated with eye fatigue in those using digital devices.Methods: Six hundred and two soft contact lens (SCL) wearers and 127 non-contact lens (non-CL) wearers who reported using digital devices at least 4 hours per day completed a questionnaire assessing the frequency and severity of ten symptoms commonly associated with digital device-related eye fatigue. Subjective ratings were made separately for each symptom using unipolar, five-point Likert scales.Results: From the initial pool of respondents, 89 % of the SCL wearers reported experiencing eye fatigue more than once per month, while over 60 % reported more than once per week. Notably, eye fatigue frequency did not differ between the soft contact and non-contact lens groups. Although eye strain/pain, dryness, and tired eyes were the most frequently endorsed symptoms by both groups, only dryness and eye irritation were significant factors that discriminated the SCL from the non-CL wearers on the basis of frequency and severity. Principal component analysis indicated that eye strain/pain, soreness, tired eyes, and headaches may comprise a "primary sensations" factor, whereas burning, eye irritation, tearing and dryness comprise a "secondary or surface sensations" factor, and blurred/double vision and words move/float comprise a "visual sensations" factor. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of frequency and severity ratings for SCL wearers yielded excellent fits (RMSEA = 0.046 and 0.050, respectively) with construct reliabilities ranging from 0.729 to 0.824.Conclusion: Frequent and severe eye fatigue is highly prevalent among both soft contact lens and non-contact lens wearers. Those utilizing SCL do not experience symptoms at higher frequency or severity. Key descriptors of digital eye fatigue have been identified and may then be used to help identify and evaluate specific causative, palliative, or ameliorating factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in dental operative microscopes (DOMs) enable examination of root canal morphology or detection of root fractures otherwise not visible to the naked eye. However, dental therapy involving prolonged use of DOMs requires precision within a limited visual field, resulting in eye strain among users. This study examined the effects of halogen and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources on asthenopia and visual function following use of DOMs. The study used halogen and LED light sources in DOMs. The first experiment was conducted on 6 participants with corrected visual acuity without any organic eye disease. General visual function test (calculation ability test, hand grip strength test, and ophthalmic examination) and subjective symptom questionnaire were used to evaluate the degree of fatigue before and after DOM use. The second experiment was conducted on 9 participants with spherical equivalents within ±4 diopters (D) and astigmatism of 1 D or less. Accommodative function tests (precise test for asthenopia) and a subjective symptom questionnaire (asthenopia) were used before and after use of DOM. No significant changes were noted in the degree of fatigue and ophthalmological parameters before and after the procedure with either light source or in between light sources. The tear firm breakup time was shortened after therapy, and a tendency toward dry eyes was observed while using the LED light source. The halogen and LED light sources used for DOM therapy had similar effects on asthenopia of the operators, with no significant changes in visual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycolysis, through anaerobic respiration, can supply energy for human sperm motility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could participate in the glycolytic pathway through regulating target genes. To investigate the potential role of glycolysis-related miRNAs in asthenozoospermia, TaqMan Low Density Array (TLDA) was used to screen potentially functional miRNAs, and seven glycolysis-related miRNAs were isolated to be related to asthenozoospermia. After qRT-PCR validation, only one seminal plasma miRNA, let-7b-5p, was found significantly decreased in severe asthenozoospermia cases compared with healthy controls. To further understand whether let-7b-5p is involved in asthenozoospermia by regulating the glycolytic pathway, we carried out gain-and-loss function study of let-7b-5p in GC-2 cells and detected the glycolytic activities. Our results showed that knocking down let-7b-5p could inhibit glycolytic activities. Besides, we also found overexpressed Aurkb (a target gene of let-7b-5p) could recapitulate the effects of knocking down let-7b-5p. Our findings indicated that low expression of let-7b-5p could repress glycolysis in asthenozoospermia by targeting AURKB . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some people often appear asthenopia symptoms of eye fatigue, double vision, nausea, and dizziness while viewing 3D movies. By testing the changes of accommodation function and ocular movements during watching 3D and 2D movies, the factors in visual discomfort are confirmed in this study. 20 subjects with normal visual acuity and binocular vision function view 3D and 2D movies with the same content for 30 min, and the amplitude of accommodation, binocular vergence ability, stereo-acuity, and tear break-up time of the subjects before and after viewing the films are measured. Furthermore, an open-field auto-refractor is utilized for synchronously testing the change of accommodative response while viewing 3D and 2D films, and Skalar IRIS tracking system is applied to record ocular movements through infrared positioning. In comparison with viewing 2D movies, the accommodative response and ocular movements reveal obvious changes while viewing 3D movies. The accommodation ability and binocular vergence ability obviously drop after viewing 3D movies; moreover, the stability of stereo-acuity and tear film also gets worse. The changes of such physiological factors might be the major cause of asthenopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Optometry is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The lamina cribrosa is the primary site of optic nerve injury during glaucoma, and its deformations induced by elevated intraocular pressure are associated directly with the optic nerve injury and visual field defect. However, the deformations in a living body have been poorly understood yet so far. It is because that integral observation and precise measurement of the deformations in vivo are now almost impossible in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. In the present study, a new mechanical model of the lamina cribrosa is presented by using Reissner’s thin plate theory. This model accurately displays the stress and deformation states in the lamina cribrosa under elevated intraocular pressure, in which the shear deformation is not presented by the previous models, however, is demonstrated to play a key role in the optic nerve injury. Further, the deformations of the structures, involving the optic nerve channels and the laminar sheets in the lamina cribrosa, are first investigated in detail. For example, the dislocation of the laminar sheets reaches 18.6 μm under the intraocular pressure of 40 mmHg, which is large enough to damage the optic nerve axons. The results here confirm some previously proposed clinical speculations on the deformations of the pore shape in the lamina cribrosa under elevated intraocular pressure during glaucoma. Finally, some essentially clinical questions existed during glaucoma, such as the pathological mechanism of the open-angle glaucoma with normal intraocular pressure, are discussed. The present study is beneficial to deeply understanding the optic nerve injury during glaucoma. Statement of Significance The lamina cribrosa is the primary site of the optic nerve injury induced by elevated intraocular pressure during glaucoma. Under high intraocular pressure, the optic nerve channel near to the periphery of the lamina cribrosa (Channel A) is deformed to become into a tortuous elliptical horn from a straight cylinder, while the optic nerve channel near to the center of the lamina cribrosa (Channel B) is deformed to become into a straight horn from a straight cylinder. These deformations cause both the axoplasm flow obstacle in the axon fibers and the blocked blood flow in the capillaries which pass through the channels, and trigger the visual field defect during glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-focused operating microscope addresses several needs that are all secondary to the surgeon's need to see clearly at all times. These needs include: the assistant; the sharpness of the video and monitor; as well as field of view, asthenopia, and focusing issues related to zoom, accommodation, and presbyopia. We provide a practical approach to achieve optimal focus that we call the sloping paper calibration method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To design and validate a questionnaire to measure visual symptoms related to exposure to computers in the workplace. Study Design and Setting: Our computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) was based on a literature review and validated through discussion with experts and performance of a pretest, pilot test, and retest. Content validity was evaluated by occupational health, optometry, and ophthalmology experts. Rasch analysis was used in the psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire. Criterion validity was determined by calculating the sensitivity and specificity, receiver operator characteristic curve, and cutoff point. Test--retest repeatability was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and concordance by Cohen's kappa (k). Results: The CVS-Q was developed with wide consensus among experts and was well accepted by the target group. It assesses the frequency and intensity of 16 symptoms using a single rating scale (symptom severity) that fits the Rasch rating scale model well. The questionnaire has sensitivity and specificity over 70% and achieved good test--retest repeatability both for the scores obtained [ICC = 0.802; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.673, 0.884] and CVS classification (k = 0.612; 95% CI: 0.384, 0.839). Conclusion: The CVS-Q has acceptable psychometric properties, making it a valid and reliable tool to control the visual health of computer workers, and can potentially be used in clinical trials and outcome research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The rate and degree of vergence adaption following prolonged fixation in convergence insufficiency (CI) is reduced. [•] This reduction leads to an excessive output of a cross link termed convergence accommodation. [•] Clinical symptoms and signs of CI can be predicted from current models of the vergence adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of multifocal soft contact lenses to reduce asthenopic symptoms in myopes with accommodative lag.Methods: Twenty-four myopic participants, aged 18-35 years, with mean spherical equivalent (MSE) of ≤ -0.75D, were recruited in a randomised, double-blind crossover study. All participants were existing contact lens wearer with near orthophoria or esophoria, presenting with subjective asthenopic symptoms at baseline [Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) score ≥ 21] and a lag of accommodation ≥ +0.75 D. All participants were initially fitted with single vision contact lenses for a one month period. Participants were then randomly assigned 1:1 to wear low add or high add multifocal soft contact lenses for a further month. After this period, the groups were reversed. Data were collected at baseline and following one month's wear of each lens. Change in CISS score was evaluated as the primary outcome measure, while secondary outcome measures were changes in accommodative lag and heterophoria status.Results: Baseline CISS score was (mean ± SD) 25.04 ± 4.58. Post-intervention scores were as follows: single vision: 24.46 ± 4.59, low add: 12.17 ± 6.89, high add: 13.71 ± 7.23. Both low add and high add multifocal soft contact lens wear was associated with an improvement in CISS score compared to baseline CISS and single vision (all p < 0.01). No significant difference was found between the CISS score for the baseline CISS and single vision (p = 1.00). No significant difference was found in lag of accommodation between lens conditions (all p > 0.05), however, there was an exophoric shift in near heterophoria between single vision and both multifocal contact lenses (low add: (mean difference 1.33 Δ, p = 0.02; high add: mean difference 1.23 Δ, p = 0.02) but not between habitual spectacle or any other modality (all p > 0.05).Conclusions: The use of multifocal soft contact lenses for a one-month period was associated with reduced severity of asthenopic symptoms in pre-presbyopic myopes with accommodative lag. Whilst improvement of symptoms does not appear to be mediated by a significant reduction in accommodative lag, changes in heterophoria may play a role in reducing asthenopic symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Weakened lithospheric zones such as the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt and Tan-Lu fault zone played important roles in the destruction of the North China Craton (NCC) during the late Mesozoic. Early Cretaceous mafic intrusions in western Shandong, contemporary with extensive magmatism during the destruction of the NCC, delineate two spatially distinct mantle domains (EM1- and EM2-like) beneath the craton’s interior and weakened lithospheric zones, respectively. The Jinan and Zouping gabbros from the craton interior (∼128Ma) show fractionated LREE and nearly flat HREE patterns ([La/Yb]N =2.94–8.95; [Dy/Yb]N =1.23–1.69) with notable negative Ta, Nb and Ti anomalies. They have strong negative ε Nd(t) (−15.7 to −7.1), low initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7039–0.7060) and negative zircon ε Hf(t) of −20.0 to −6.2. These “crustal fingerprints” cannot be explained by crustal contamination, but were likely derived from a hybrid mantle source. Crustal delamination or detachment during the Early Paleoproterozoic might be responsible for the involvement of Early Precambrian crustal materials in the Mesozoic mantle source beneath the southeastern NCC. In comparison, the Early Cretaceous mafic igneous rocks from regions (e.g., Yinan, Mengyin and Fangcheng) adjacent to the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt and Tan-Lu fault zone have higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7059–0.7119), suggesting modification of the lithospheric mantle by melts/fluids derived from the Yangtze crust. The Mesozoic crustal delamination may have triggered the destruction of the lithospheric root beneath the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt, whereas the lithospheric thinning beneath the interior of the southeastern NCC is attributed to the thermo-mechanical erosion by lateral convective asthenosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Journal of Optometry is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The abnormal contraction of ciliary muscles due to the performance of a near visual task for several hours causes various vision problems such as asthenopia and visual loss. However, these problems can be resolved by activating the muscles by alternately repeating negative and positive accommodation. In this study, we have verified the effect of accommodation training that uses the strategy of presenting a stereoscopic movie to myopic youth and measuring the uncorrected distant visual acuity, spherical diopter (SPH), a flicker test and subjective index of asthenopia obtained using a visual analog scale (VAS). Stereoscopic movies are prepared by using the POWER 3D method (Olympus Visual Communications Co., Ltd.), which reduces the inconsistency between the experienced and the actual senses. Thirty-two myopic students aged 20±1years (16 males and 16 females) were chosen as the subjects. One group performed the accommodation training for 6min, and the other group underwent a near visual task during the same period as the control group. We concluded that the accommodation training using a stereoscopic movie had temporarily improved visual acuity. This training seemed to lead to a decrease in asthenopia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a home-based computer orthoptic program to treat symptomatic convergence insufficiency. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with symptomatic convergence insufficiency treated with a home-based computer orthoptic program was performed. Symptomatic convergence insufficiency was defined as: near point of convergence (NPC) >6 cm, decreased positive fusional vergence, exophoria at near at least 4Δ greater than at far, and documented complaints of asthenopia, diplopia, or headaches with reading or near work. The Computer Orthoptics CVS program was used for this study. Before beginning the computer orthoptic program, patients with an NPC >50 cm were given 4 base-in prisms and push-up exercises (NPC exercises with an accommodative target) for 2 weeks. Results: A total of 42 patients were included. Mean treatment duration was 12.6 weeks; mean follow-up, 8.5 months. Of the 42 patients, 35 were treated with the home-based computer orthoptic program and push-up exercises; the remaining 7 only used the computer orthoptic program. Because of a remote NPC, 5 patients were given base-in Fresnel prism before starting treatment. Baseline mean NPC was 24.2 cm; posttreatment mean NPC improved to 5.6 cm: 39 patients (92.8%) achieved an NPC of ≤6 cm (p < 0.001). Positive fusional vergence improved in 39 patients (92.8%). Fourteen patients reduced their near exophoria by ≥5Δ. A total of 27 patients (64.2%) reported resolution of symptoms after treatment. Conclusions: In our study, home-based computer orthoptic exercises reduced symptoms and improved NPC and fusional amplitudes. The computer orthoptic program is an effective option for treating symptomatic convergence insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glaucoma (GL) is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of visual field due to retinal cell death and optic nerve (ON) degeneration, usually in response to abnormal elevated intraocular pressure (EIOP). It has previously demonstrated that cells of the ON express nerve growth factor (NGF) and NGF-receptors. Relatively little is known, however, about their role on the ON of the glaucomatous eye. The aim of the study was to elucidate this aspect. Using a rat model of GL we investigated the response of NGF and NGF-receptors in the ON of subjects with experimentally induced EIOP. Our results show that EIOP significantly impairs the presence of NGF and NGF-receptor proteins and TrkA gene expression in the ON of glaucomatous eye. These findings suggest that NGF and NGF-receptor might be important signals for the ON response in the EIOP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To evaluate change from baseline to 12 months follow-up in study and nonstudy (fellow) eye visual fields from the Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Decompression Trial (IONDT). Design: Randomized controlled trial and observational study. Participants: The IONDT enrolled patients ≥50 years with acute nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Randomized patients (n = 258) had visual acuity ≤20/64; nonrandomized patients (n = 160) had visual acuity >20/64 or refused randomization. Interventions: Optic nerve decompression surgery (n = 127) or careful follow-up (n = 131). Main Outcome Measures: We measured visual fields at baseline and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Using a computerized system, we classified visual field defects by pattern, location, and severity. We examined changes over time by treatment group, age, baseline comorbidities, and change in visual acuity. In fellow (nonstudy) eyes, we assessed change by whether NAION was present at baseline and also incidence of NAION by whether a visual field defect was present at baseline. Results: We analyzed 245 study eye visual field pairs (179 and 66, randomized and nonrandomized, respectively) for change from baseline to 12 months. We observed significant changes in defect distribution within the central field (P = 0.02) for randomized eyes. Superior and inferior altitudinal defects were less severe at follow-up in both randomized and nonrandomized eyes. We observed an association between change in central field severity and change in visual acuity from baseline (P<0.001 at 6 months; P = 0.01 at 12 months; Kendall''s tau-b), but no association between visual field change and treatment group, age, or baseline comorbidities. Superior and inferior visual field defects present at baseline in nonstudy eyes improved at follow-up. Fellow (nonstudy) eyes with normal fields did not have an increased risk of developing NAION compared with eyes with ≥1 defects. Conclusions: Visual fields of NAION patients enrolled in the IONDT were relatively stable from baseline to follow-up. A visual field defect in the nonstudy eye at baseline was not associated with development of NAION during follow-up compared with eyes with normal fields. Financial Disclosure(s): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A field-sequential colour projection system can display colour images using a single panel. Such a system, however, produces characteristic trichromatic separation, or “colour breakup”. Colour breakup is the perceived splitting of the white portions of an image into its red, green, and blue components when the image is projected with the colour sequential method and the viewer’s eyes are moving rapidly. Viewing images containing colour breakup may cause visual fatigue and other symptoms of asthenopia. In this study, the authors examine the various subjective symptoms of asthenopia that can be caused by colour breakup. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the tolerability and efficacy of once-daily travoprost 0.004% versus latanoprost 0.005% for 6 weeks followed by 6 weeks of once-daily travoprost 0.004% in decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OH). Methods: This multicenter, randomized, doublemasked, active-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted at 32 centers across Latin America. Patients aged ≥18 years with OAG or OH were randomly assigned to receive topical travoprost 0.004% or latanoprost 0.005% 1 drop QD (9 PM) for 6 weeks (masked phase). At 6 weeks, all patients were assigned to receive open-label travoprost 0.004% 1 drop QD (9 PM) for 6 additional weeks (open-label phase). Study visits were scheduled at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. At each study visit, IOP was measured at 5 PM (±1 hour; ~20 hours after study drug administration). IOP changes from baseline were combined (pooled) from the 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-week data to provide a comparison between the 2 treatment groups. Ocular adverse events (AEs) were monitored using slit-lamp examination. Results: A total of 302 patients were enrolled (travoprost group, 155 patients; latanoprost group, 147 patients). The mean (SD) age of the travoprost group was 61.9 (10.6) years; 60.6% were female; and 47.1% were white. The mean (SD) age of the latanoprost group was 60.5 (12.4) years; 62.6% were female; and 49.0% were white. Mean IOP values were not significantly different between the travoprost and latanoprost groups at baseline (24.7 vs 24.2 mm Hg) or 6 weeks; however, the between-group difference in reductions from baseline in pooled IOP during the masked phase of the study was statistically significant (-8.3 vs -7.5 mm Hg; P = 0.009). At weeks 6 and 12, mean lOP levels were 16.1 and 16.2 mm Hg, respectively, in the travoprost group and 16.4 and 16.1 mm Hg in the group that was switched from latanoprost to travoprost (all, P = NS). The most common ocular AEs that occurred with masked travoprost, latanoprost, and open-label travoprost were hyperemia (26.9%, 12.2%, and 5.3%, respectively), discomfort (3.2%, 3.4%, and 1.1%), and pruritus (4.5%, 2.0%, and 2.1%). Conclusions: In this population of patients with OAG or OH, 6-week treatment with travoprost 0.004% was associated with a significantly greater decrease from baseline in pooled IOP compared with latanoprost 0.005% 20 hours after administration. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups. Travoprost and latanoprost were well tolerated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To assess the reliability of self-reported symptoms of asthenopia associated with VDT use (as characterized by general visual symptoms, headache and specific ocular symptoms) for both continuing soft contact lens (SCL) wearers and former SCL wearers who had undergone successful laser-in-situ-keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. Methods: Forty generally healthy adults, aged between 24 and 44 years, were asked to complete a 13 page questionnaire that included requests for information on general visual symptoms, headache and specific ocular symptoms such as dry eye associated with VDT use. The adults were either long term successful soft contact lens wearers (n =20) or a similar group who had then undergone successful LASIK refractive surgery for myopia 2 years prior to the questionnaire being provided. Results: Most subjects (70%) reported experiencing some visual symptoms sometimes, 62.5% reported headaches sometimes, and 82.5 % reported specific ocular symptoms sometimes. There were no obvious differences between the two groups either in the reported frequency or severity (by visual analogue scale, VAS) of visual symptoms, headache or specific ocular symptoms. However, while the reporting of headache showed no obvious association with the number of specific ocular symptoms reported, the latter showed a clear correlation with the reporting of the severity of visual symptoms (p <0.001). Discussion: The results indicate that when an individual reports visual symptoms, they may actually be providing recall of specific ocular symptoms. Therefore, contrary to an often common practice, visual symptoms should be assessed separately to specific ocular symptoms such that the appropriate management can be selected. The results also indicate that previous contact lens wearers who have undergone successful LASIK are still likely to experience some visual and specific ocular symptoms when undertaking computer based work on a regular basis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Asthenopia, or visual fatigue, is a frequent complaint from observers of stereoscopic three-dimensional displays. It has been proposed that asthenopia is a consequence of anomalous oculomotor responses generated by conflict between accommodative and convergence stimuli. The hypothesis was examined by measuring accommodation and convergence continuously with a Shin-Nippon SRW5000 infrared autorefractor and a limbus tracking device. Subjects viewed a high contrast Maltese Cross target at three levels of Gaussian filter target blur under conditions of relatively low- and high-conflict between accommodation and convergence stimuli, the latter inducing the sensation of stereopsis. Under the low-conflict conditions accommodation was stable, but convergence-driven accommodation was dominant when the target was extremely blurred. Under the high-conflict conditions the role of convergence-driven accommodation increased systematically with the degree of target blur. It is proposed that defocus-driven accommodation becomes weak when the target comprises low spatial frequency components. Large accommodative overshoots to step stimuli that are not blurred or only mildly blurred were consistently observed and are attributed to the initial accommodative response being convergence-driven. Whereas the possibility that high-conflict conditions are a cause of asthenopia has been previously reported, this is the first evidence that they specifically affect accommodative responses while viewing stereoscopic displays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As computers become part of our everyday life, more and more people are experiencing a variety of ocular symptoms related to computer use. These include eyestrain, tired eyes, irritation, redness, blurred vision, and double vision, collectively referred to as computer vision syndrome. This article describes both the characteristics and treatment modalities that are available at this time. Computer vision syndrome symptoms may be the cause of ocular (ocular-surface abnormalities or accommodative spasms) and/or extraocular (ergonomic) etiologies. However, the major contributor to computer vision syndrome symptoms by far appears to be dry eye. The visual effects of various display characteristics such as lighting, glare, display quality, refresh rates, and radiation are also discussed. Treatment requires a multidirectional approach combining ocular therapy with adjustment of the workstation. Proper lighting, anti-glare filters, ergonomic positioning of computer monitor and regular work breaks may help improve visual comfort. Lubricating eye drops and special computer glasses help relieve ocular surface–related symptoms. More work needs to be done to specifically define the processes that cause computer vision syndrome and to develop and improve effective treatments that successfully address these causes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectiveTo clarify a potential therapeutic role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia.: DesignOpen, uncontrolled pilot study.: Patient(s)Infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia.: Intervention(s)CoQ10 was administered orally; semen samples were collected at baseline and after 6 months of therapy.: Main outcome measure(s)Semen kinetic parameters, including computer-assisted sperm data and CoQ10 and phosphatidylcholine levels.: Result(s)CoQ10 levels increased significantly in seminal plasma and in sperm cells after treatment. Phosphatidylcholine levels also increased. A significant increase was also found in sperm cell motility as confirmed by computer-assisted analysis. A positive dependence (using the Cramer''s index of association) was evident among the relative variations, baseline and after treatment, of seminal plasma or intracellular CoQ10 content and computer-determined kinetic parameters.: Conclusion(s)The exogenous administration of CoQ10 may play a positive role in the treatment of asthenozoospermia. This is probably the result of its role in mitochondrial bioenergetics and its antioxidant properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Terminal deletion of chromosome 4q is a genetic abnormality associated predominantly with cardiac abnormalities, abnormal facial features, and developmental delay. A specific clinical clue to this infrequently diagnosed disorder is hypoplasia of the terminal phalanx of the fifth finger with an abnormal nail, occasionally extending onto the volar surface. Ocular manifestations of the disorder are uncommon, but anterior segment dysgenesis and glaucoma have been described with proximal deletions of chromosome 4 with phenotypes resembling Rieger’s anomaly. We present a case of 4q deletion syndrome, presenting with asymptomatic bilateral disk swelling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 3-week-old infant developed buphthalmos and glaucoma after a 1-week course of topical steroid drops. The glaucoma resolved after cessation of the medication. This report underscores the sensitivity of infants and very young children to steroid-related intraocular pressure rises. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To report long-term success of surgical correction of exposed glaucoma drainage device (GDD) tubes with a commercially available tube extender. Design: Observational case series. Methods: Chart review of surgical correction for GDD tube exposure by rerouting the tube using the New World Medical Tube Extender (NWMTE; New World Medical, Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA). Results: Surgical revision of GDD tube exposure with the NWMTE controlled intraocular pressure without repeat exposure up to three years after surgery. Conclusions: A tube extender can provide long-term correction of an exposed GDD tube by bypassing weakened tissue, thus avoiding or delaying a second implant surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]