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Background: Digital devices significantly contribute to vision-related problems. In addition, prolonged postural imbalance, owing to excessive use of digital devices, can lead to the tightening of head and neck muscles, resulting in neck pain, a common musculoskeletal discomfort that significantly affects individuals with poor vision. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and interrelationships of screen time, visual disorders, and neck pain among students at Majmaah University. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia, enrolling students aged 18 to 25 years. Exclusion criteria included neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. Demographic data and information on visual and neck pain symptoms were collected. The Neck Disability Index questionnaire was used to assess neck pain, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: Among 263 participants, 53.6% were female. Nearsightedness (38.0%) and dry/itchy eyes (49.0%) were the most common visual disorders and symptoms, respectively. Visual disorders were prevalent in 62.0% of students, while neck pain was reported by 79.5%. Females and those studying for more than 5 h using electronic screens daily reported higher neck disability index scores. A significant association was found between >5 h of study duration [screen time] and neck disability (OR 3.703, 95% CI 1.500–9.144, p = 0.005). Conclusion: The study highlights a relationship between visual problems and neck pain among university students, emphasizing the need for addressing vision-related issues to reduce neck discomfort. High screen time could substantially increase the odds of developing neck disability. However, authors warrant cautious interpretation in the light of following limitations: cross-sectional study, small sample size, lack of statistical power, and self-reported data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are benign brain tumors accounting for 5 - 11% of intracranial tumors in children. These tumors often recur and can cause severe morbidity. Postoperative radiotherapy efficiently controls and prevents progression and recurrence. Despite advancements in neurosurgery, endocrinological, visual, and neuropsychological complications are common and significantly lower the quality of life of patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective study, including all patients younger than sixteen diagnosed with CP between July 1989 and August 2022 and followed up in Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles. Results: Nineteen children with CP were included, with median age of 7 years at first symptoms and 7.5 at diagnosis. Common symptoms at diagnosis were increased intracranial pressure (63%), visual impairment (47%), growth failure (26%), polyuria/polydipsia (16%), and weight gain (10.5%). As clinical signs at diagnosis, growth failure was observed in 11/18 patients, starting with a median lag of 1 year and 4 months before diagnosis. On ophthalmological examination, 27% of patients had papillary edema and 79% had visual impairment. When visual disturbances were found, the average preoperative volume was higher (p=0.039). Only 6/19 patients had gross total surgical resection. After the first neurosurgery, 83% experienced tumor recurrence or progression at a median time of 22 months. Eleven patients (73%) underwent postsurgical radiotherapy. At diagnosis, growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was the most frequent endocrine deficit (8/17) and one year post surgery, AVP deficiency was the most frequent deficit (14/17). Obesity was present in 13% of patients at diagnosis, and in 40% six months after surgery. There was no significant change in body mass index over time (p=0.273) after the first six months post-surgery. Conclusion: CP is a challenging brain tumor that requires multimodal therapy and lifelong multidisciplinary follow-up including hormonal substitution therapy. Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt surgical management. The management of long-term sequelae and morbidity are crucial parts of the clinical path of the patients. The results of this study highlight the fundamental importance of carrying out a complete assessment (ophthalmological, endocrinological, neurocognitive) at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up so that patients can benefit from the best possible care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionCraniopharyngiomas (CPs) are benign brain tumors accounting for 5 - 11% of intracranial tumors in children. These tumors often recur and can cause severe morbidity. Postoperative radiotherapy efficiently controls and prevents progression and recurrence. Despite advancements in neurosurgery, endocrinological, visual, and neuropsychological complications are common and significantly lower the quality of life of patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study, including all patients younger than sixteen diagnosed with CP between July 1989 and August 2022 and followed up in Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles.ResultsNineteen children with CP were included, with median age of 7 years at first symptoms and 7.5 at diagnosis. Common symptoms at diagnosis were increased intracranial pressure (63%), visual impairment (47%), growth failure (26%), polyuria/polydipsia (16%), and weight gain (10.5%). As clinical signs at diagnosis, growth failure was observed in 11/18 patients, starting with a median lag of 1 year and 4 months before diagnosis. On ophthalmological examination, 27% of patients had papillary edema and 79% had visual impairment. When visual disturbances were found, the average preoperative volume was higher (p=0.039). Only 6/19 patients had gross total surgical resection. After the first neurosurgery, 83% experienced tumor recurrence or progression at a median time of 22 months. Eleven patients (73%) underwent postsurgical radiotherapy. At diagnosis, growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was the most frequent endocrine deficit (8/17) and one year post surgery, AVP deficiency was the most frequent deficit (14/17). Obesity was present in 13% of patients at diagnosis, and in 40% six months after surgery. There was no significant change in body mass index over time (p=0.273) after the first six months post-surgery.ConclusionCP is a challenging brain tumor that requires multimodal therapy and lifelong multidisciplinary follow-up including hormonal substitution therapy. Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt surgical management. The management of long-term sequelae and morbidity are crucial parts of the clinical path of the patients. The results of this study highlight the fundamental importance of carrying out a complete assessment (ophthalmological, endocrinological, neurocognitive) at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up so that patients can benefit from the best possible care.

Background. The article is devoted to the topical problem of socio-psychological adaptation of adults with disabilities. One of the person’s socio-psychological adaptation parameters is the success of self-determination in a social environment, which can be reflected in such indicators as acceptance of oneself and others, responsibility, internality. Limited health opportunities (disabilities) are considered as conditions that determine the specifics of personality development, difficulties in the formation of personal identity. Self-attitude can act as one of the factors significant for the person’s socio-psychological adaptation since it determines the style of his/her interaction with society and behavioral options. Objective. The study had its purpose to determine the characteristics of self-attitude and individual typological qualities of adults with various types of dysontogenesis, to explore the connection of these features with adaptation parameters. Methods. To study implemented the Methodology for diagnosing socio-psychological adaptation by K. Rogers and R. Diamond, adapted by A.K. Osnitsky; Individual Typological Questionnaire by L.N. Sobchik; Self-Attitude Test Questionnaire by V.V. Stolin, S.R. Pantileev. Sample. 75 people participated in the study: 24 people with mobility disabilities, 19 people with severe speech disorders, 20 people with visual impairments, 12 people with hearing impairments. The mean age of respondents was 34 years. Results. Self-attitude of adults with disabilities is characterized by low self-confidence, lack of expectation of a positive attitude towards oneself in society, and lack of self-understanding. Research results demonstrated, that adaptation parameters such as self-acceptance, non-acceptance of self, acceptance of others, and external control were outside the average normative values. The severity of different individual typological properties among respondents of different groups indicates the presence of accentuated traits in them. The data analysis revealed simultaneously quite high average indicators of leadership qualities, activity and introversion, self-doubt, and anxiety in the groups with mobility disabilities and visual impairments. Conclusion. Self-attitude of adults with various types of dysontogenesis is characterized by insufficient self-confidence, lack of expectation of a positive attitude towards oneself in society, lack of self-understanding. Their adaptation is characterized by compensatory overestimated self-acceptance and internal control. The presence of accentuated traits in a large part of respondents can be considered as a risk factor for adaptation.

Predicting the post-storage quality of cherry fruits is crucial for determining their suitability for long-distance shipping or domestic distribution. This study aimed to forecast key quality attributes of Staccato sweet cherries after storage, simulating shipping conditions, by analyzing spring soil, leaf, fruitlet, and at-harvest data from thirty orchards in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, over two years. A support vector machine (SVM) was used to predict post-storage variables, with pre-harvest and at-harvest data selected by a genetic algorithm. The SVM accurately predicted soluble solids (R2 = 0.88), firmness (R2 = 0.83), and acidity (R2 = 0.79) after four weeks of storage, as well as visual disorders like slip skin and stem browning. Spring soil properties (Ca, Mg), leaf (N, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, B), and fruitlet data (N, Ca, Mg, B) were key predictors. Leaf Ca was vital for firmness and total soluble solids (TSS) prediction, while N in leaves and fruitlets influenced firmness, acidity, and disorders. Leaf Zn helped predict weight and acidity/TSS ratio, and Mg impacted fruit color. Pre-harvest leaf nutrition measured 3–4 weeks before harvest, proved most effective in predicting post-storage quality.

Background: Organized hematoma in the sphenoid sinus is rare, but serious complications, such as visual deficits, can occur. Three such case reports have been published previously in the literature; however, none have achieved complete recovery of the vision. Case presentation: A 69-year-old male patient was referred to the ear, nose, and throat department with an expansile soft tissue mass filling the right sphenoid sinus and blurry vision in his right eye. Complete mass removal was achieved by a wide opening of the sphenoid sinus via an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, followed by cauterization of the feeding artery and coverage by a nasoseptal flap. The patient's vision was restored after the operation, and he declared no visual symptoms until the latest follow-up (one year after the surgery). Conclusions: Complete excision with an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach can restore visual deterioration caused by a sphenoid sinus organized hematoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to assess the organizational effectiveness of ophthalmic observation of premature infants in pediatric follow-up in St. Petersburg. Material and methods. We analyzed the reports submitted by city interdistrict ophthalmological facilities for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the observation department for premature infants for the period from July 1, 2018 to July 1, 2021 available at the children's multidisciplinary hospital. Results. In St. Petersburg, 6 interdistrict ophthalmological facilities perform regular monitoring of ROP children and a daytime in-patient clinic offers interdisciplinary treatment and early rehabilitation of infants with perinatal pathology accompanying severe prematurity. The data on the frequency of ROP and other visual disorders in children born prematurely are presented. Conclusions. Interdistrict observation facilities are a modern form of regular ophthalmic follow-up of premature infants of risk groups or ROP infants who live in conditions of a large city. A promising observation model of children with combined perinatal pathology and severe prematurity is the setting of a department (daytime in-patient facility) in the children's multidisciplinary hospital. This allows assessing the general health of this critical group of population" and ensure a timely start of combined interdisciplinary treatment and medical rehabilitation.

Background: Organized hematoma in the sphenoid sinus is rare, but serious complications, such as visual deficits, can occur. Three such case reports have been published previously in the literature; however, none have achieved complete recovery of the vision. Case presentation: A 69-year-old male patient was referred to the ear, nose, and throat department with an expansile soft tissue mass filling the right sphenoid sinus and blurry vision in his right eye. Complete mass removal was achieved by a wide opening of the sphenoid sinus via an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, followed by cauterization of the feeding artery and coverage by a nasoseptal flap. The patient’s vision was restored after the operation, and he declared no visual symptoms until the latest follow-up (one year after the surgery). Conclusions: Complete excision with an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach can restore visual deterioration caused by a sphenoid sinus organized hematoma.

Background Blepharoplasty has both aesthetic and functional benefits in patients with pseudoptosis; however, previous studies could not demonstrate its beneficial effects quantitatively and objectively. The authors objectively analyzed the visual field before and after surgery and investigated whether measurements of the visual field can be applied as a suitable predictor of surgical outcomes. Methods In total, 18 eyelids in nine patients with pseudoptosis who had undergone simple skin excision blepharoplasty were evaluated prospectively from February to May 2016. The visual fields were analyzed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively using the Goldmann kinetic perimetry test. The visual field test area was assessed using Adobe Photoshop. Results Blepharoplasty had an average 4.99-fold beneficial effect on the superior visual field. In particular, more improvement was seen in the superior temporal quadrant than in the nasal quadrant. No correlation was found between the preoperative margin-to-reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and the surgical outcome (P=0.119). However, there was a strong correlation between the preoperative superior visual field and the surgical outcome (P=0.001). Conclusions Using the Goldmann kinetic perimetry test, we objectively and quantitatively proved the beneficial effect of blepharoplasty on patients with pseudoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the preoperative visual field is a better preoperative surgical outcome predictive factor than the preoperative MRD1.

Purpose The aim of this study was to review the available scientific literature on the possible relationship between the visual system and motor development in children. Methods: This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement recommendations. The review protocol is available in PROSPERO (CRD42021245341). Four different databases, namely Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science, were assessed from April 2005 to February 2021. To determine the quality of the articles, we used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Quality Appraisal Scale, and a protocol was followed to define the levels of evidence on the basis of the Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The search strategy included terms describing motor development in children and adolescents with visual disorders. Results: Among the identified studies, 23 were included in the study. All selected articles examined the relationship between the visual system and development in children. The quality of most of the studies was moderate–high, and they were between evidence levels 2 and 4. Conclusions: Our systematic review revealed that all included studies established a relationship between the visual system and development in children. However, the methods for measuring the visual system and motor skills lacked uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Approximately 250,000 visually impaired people were registered in Korea in 2021, and eye diseases are often accompanied by various systemic diseases. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology, causative disease, and rehabilitation treatment for visually impaired and low-vision patients. Current Concepts: Visual impairment ranges from blindness in one eye to total blindness. Low vision refers to the visual acuity of 0.3 to 0.05 in the better eye, and the visual field is narrowed to less than 10 degrees. The common causes of visual impairment eye disorders include macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic maculopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and congenital diseases. Among them, macular degeneration has been increasing significantly in recent years. If the disability is not changed, it is difficult to improve vision through treatment. The aim of treatment should be to retain the remaining visual function through the low vision aids for the visually impaired person. Discussion and Conclusion: Although various visual aids are being distributed, medical insurance coverage does not align with the need for improvement. Like other disabilities, multidisciplinary approaches to the visually impaired people are necessary. In addition, awareness of low vision should be improved so that there are no visually impaired and low vision people who are placed in a blind spot and suffer inconvenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elderly patients may present with visual function impairment after surgery, which may increase the incidence of postoperative delirium and falls and decrease their quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess visual function in elderly patients after long-duration nonocular surgery to determine the incidence and risk factors for visual function impairment after surgery. Methods: This prospective and observational study included patients aged between 60 and 80 years who had been scheduled for elective nonocular surgery expected to last longer than 120 minutes under general anesthesia. Ocular examinations were performed before surgery, on postoperative day 3 and on postoperative day 21 and consisted of a LogMAR-Snellen chart test, a Jager chart test, biomicroscopy, optical tonometry, ocular motility assessment and fundoscopy. Baseline characteristics of all patients as well as intraoperative and postoperative data were collected. Results: A total of 107 patients were included in the final analysis. Visual function impairment was diagnosed in 21 patients (19.6%) at POD 3. Of those, 7 patients (6.5%) still presented with visual changes at POD 21. On POD 3, compared with that at baseline, visual acuity assessed by the Snellen chart test had decreased in these patients. Significant differences regarding refraction tests and intraocular pressure measures were also found. Multivariable analysis identified diabetes mellitus, duration of surgery, hypotension during anesthesia induction, lower peripheral oxygen saturation at the end of the procedure and body mass index as independent risk factors for postoperative visual impairment. Conclusion: In elderly patients undergoing long-duration nonocular procedures under general anesthesia, the incidence of visual function impairment was considerably high. Most patients recovered to baseline visual function, but clinically significant visual changes may still be present 3 weeks after surgery. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and the duration of surgical and anesthetic techniques appear to increase the risk of visual impairment after surgery.

Introduction: Intravitreal Bevacizumab injection has now become a routine procedure for retina specialists throughout the world. Easy availability of this monoclonal antibody molecule even in Nepal has brought a revolution in the management of various retinal diseases. This study aims to find out the prevalence of the use of intravitreal Bevacizumab for retinal diseases at the tertiary eye hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the retina department at a tertiary care hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 after obtaining ethical clearance from Nepal Health Research Council (Ref: 125/2020P). The sample size was calculated and the study enrolled all patients who received intravitreal Bevacizumab for retinal diseases using convenience sampling technique. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 21. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated, along with frequency and percentage for binary data. Results: Out of 959 total surgical retinal interventions done 296 (30.86%) at 95% Confidence Interval (27.93-33.78) patients received intravitreal Bevacizumab. Out of total intravitreal Bevacizumab injections, 143 (36.7%) injections were given to retinal vein occlusions patients, 127 (32.6%) injections were given to diabetic retinopathy patients and 66 (17%) injections was given to age-related macular degeneration patients. Males 176 (59.5%) outnumbered the females 120 (40.5%) in receiving intravitreal Bevacizumab. Mean baseline Logarithm of the Minimal Angle of Resolution visual acuity, 1.1, improved to, 0.75, after 3 months of intravitreal Bevacizumab. Conclusions: Intravitreal Bevacizumab was one of the commonest retinal interventions used. Retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration were the commonest retinal diseases needing intravitreal Bevacizumab.

Background: Visual defects have dramatic effects on health, self-esteem, and educational function of students, and delayed diagnosis will cause complications, like academic failure and psychologic disorders. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ocular disorders in Iranian students in a systematic review. Methods: We searched databases, including PubMed, SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, and Iranmedex using the following keywords in Persian and English: disorders, vision, amblyopia, refractive errors, astigmatism, student, and Iran with all the possible combinations, important, chief, and sensitive words. Search resulted in 28 articles, conducted during a period from 1996 to 2014 in Iran and their data was analyzed using meta-analysis and random effects model. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using I2 index, and data was finally analyzed with R Software and STATA (Version 11.2). Results: Total number of subjects in the study was 1,117,274, aged 2 to 18 years. The prevalence of disorders related to amblyopia, refractive error, and strabismus was 8%, 7% and 1%, respectively. The greatest amount of refractive error was related to astigmatism (19%) followed by myopia (17%). Conclusion: According to the study results, the prevalence of visual disorders among Iranian students indicated the critical necessity of screening programs for prevention of visual disorders in this age group

Puumala hantavirus (PUUV), carried and spread by the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), causes a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) called nephropathia epidemica (NE). Acute high fever, acute kidney injury (AKI), thrombocytopenia, and hematuria are typical features of this syndrome. In addition, headache, blurred vision, insomnia, vertigo, and nausea are commonly associated with the disease. This review explores the mechanisms and presentations of ocular and central nervous system involvement in acute NE.

Background: Although the abnormal venous drainage into the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is a well-known entity responsible for ocular symptoms, it remains unclear to what degree it affects the visual function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of the visual disorders in patients with intracranial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with venous drainage into the SOV. Methods: This retrospective study involved eight patients diagnosed with intracranial AVFs with abnormal venous drainage into the SOV between January 2014 and December 2016. Results: The most common location of AVF was the cavernous sinus (CS) in five patients, followed by the intraorbit in two patients and superior sagittal sinus (SSS) in one patient. Visual disorders were detected in three patients (two intraorbit and one CS). The visual field contraction was observed in a patient with intraorbital AVF, and the reduction of visual acuity was confirmed in another patient with intraorbital AVF and a patient with CS dural AVF. All patients underwent an interventional treatment consisting of endovascular embolisation, stereotactic radiosurgery or both, which was selected based on their angioarchitecture. Although angiographic cure of AVF was confirmed in all patients, visual function did not fully recover in two patients with intraorbital AVF. Conclusions: In cases of intraorbital AVF, visual disorders are more frequent and can result in poorer outcomes compared with other dural AVFs with drainage into the SOV. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserve the visual function of patients with intraorbital AVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marilita M Moschos, Eirini Nitoda 1st Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece Aim: The aim of this review was to summarize the ocular action of the most common phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and the subsequent visual disorders.Method: This is a literature review of several important articles focusing on the pathophysiology of visual disorders induced by PDE inhibitors.Results: PDE inhibitors have been associated with ocular side effects, including changes in color vision and light perception, blurred vision, transient alterations in electroretinogram (ERG), conjunctival hyperemia, ocular pain, and photophobia. Sildenafil and tadalafil may induce reversible increase in intraocular pressure and be involved in the development of nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Reversible idiopathic serous macular detachment, central serous chorioretinopathy, and ERG disturbances have been related to the significant impact of sildenafil and tadalafil on retinal perfusion.Discussion: So far, PDE inhibitors do not seem to cause permanent toxic effects on chorioretinal tissue and photoreceptors. However, physicians should write down any visual symptom observed during PDE treatment and refer the patients to ophthalmologists. Keywords: erectile dysfunction, pathophysiological mechanisms, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, PDE5, visual disorders

Background: Participation is defined as involvement in life situations leading to skill development, experimentation, and socialization. Children with visual impairment seem to be at risk because of their limitations when it comes to taking part in daily activities. This study aimed to compare the participation in life habits of children with blindness with their normal peers. Methods: This study is quantitative, cross-sectional, and comparative, and used convenience sampling for a pilot study. Eleven children with blindness and nine normal children were evaluated with a life-habit questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS-21 software with the Mann-Whitney statistical test. Results: There are meaningful differences between these two groups in overall participation, nutrition, communication, participation at home, mobility, responsibility, interpersonal relationships, education, and recreation. No statistical differences in health, personal care, social life, and work were obtained. Conclusion: Blind children had lower participation in most areas of life habits compared to their normal peers. The differences can be attributed to differences in the necessary education and training, differences in the social contexts of both groups, and also hearing loss in some children, and improper items for activity according to the age of these children.

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of children and adolescents with low vision on the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), in different age groups. The PBS was administered to 41 subjects, aged 5 to 14 years, with low vision and no other associated disorders. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation between age and the score achieved on the scale. There was a correlation of 0.52 between the score obtained on the PBS and the age. The variation of score was greater in children between 5 to 7 years and minimal in older age groups. The maximum score was obtained by all the subjects on six items of the scale. The PBS score had significant correlation with age up to a point, reaching ceiling effect on various items. It showed to be an easy application screening tool in children and adolescents with low vision, being more suitable for children 5-7 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Multisensory processes permit combinations of several inputs, coming from different sensory systems, allowing for a coherent representation of biological events and facilitating adaptation to environment. For these reasons, their application in neurological and neuropsychological rehabilitation has been enhanced in the last decades. Recent studies on animals and human models have indicated that, on one hand multisensory integration matures gradually during post-natal life and development is closely linked to environment and experience and, on the other hand, that modality-specific information seems to do not benefit by redundancy across multiple sense modalities and is more readily perceived in unimodal than in multimodal stimulation. In this review, multisensory process development is analyzed, highlighting clinical effects in animal and human models of its manipulation for rehabilitation of sensory disorders. In addition, new methods of early intervention based on multisensory-based rehabilitation approach and their applications on different infant populations at risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities are discussed.

Background/Aim. Loneliness is becoming more frequent, especially in young people. Some authors believe that visual impairments increase the risk of loneliness. Empirical data on its manifestation in persons with visual impairments are contradictory. The aim of this research was to determine the degree of loneliness in students with visual impairments and their peers from general population. Methods. A comparative research was conducted on a sample consisting of 36 visually impaired students and 101 students without visual impairments (control group). Students with visual impairments were divided into 3 subgroups with regard to the degree of visual impairments (students with low vision, legally blind and totally blind students). University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (which assesses the general loneliness) and Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale (which assesses social loneliness, family loneliness and romantic loneliness) were used in our investigation. Results. The results showed that the general loneliness was significantly lower in the group of students with visual impairments than in the control group (t = 2.121; p = 0.036). There were no significant differences in the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale between the group with visual impairments and the control group. No significant differences were determined in the level of loneliness among students with a different degree of visual impairments. There are significant differences in the manifestation level of social loneliness, family loneliness and romantic loneliness (Wilk's lambda = 0.604; p ≤ 0.000) in the group of students with visual impairments. Romantic loneliness was manifested the most, followed by social loneliness, while family loneliness was the least manifested. Conclusion. With regard to the results of our research, visual impairment alone is not a crucial factor of loneliness in students with visual impairments. Further studies on protective factors of loneliness can contribute to its prevention in young people with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual defects have dramatic effects on health, self-esteem, and educational function of students, and delayed diagnosis will cause complications, like academic failure and psychologic disorders. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ocular disorders in Iranian students in a systematic review. Methods: We searched databases, including PubMed, SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, and Iranmedex using the following keywords in Persian and English: disorders, vision, amblyopia, refractive errors, astigmatism, student, and Iran with all the possible combinations, important, chief, and sensitive words. Search resulted in 28 articles, conducted during a period from 1996 to 2014 in Iran and their data was analyzed using meta-analysis and random effects model. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using I2 index, and data was finally analyzed with R Software and STATA (Version 11.2). Results: Total number of subjects in the study was 1,117,274, aged 2 to 18 years. The prevalence of disorders related to amblyopia, refractive error, and strabismus was 8%, 7% and 1%, respectively. The greatest amount of refractive error was related to astigmatism (19%) followed by myopia (17%). Conclusion: According to the study results, the prevalence of visual disorders among Iranian students indicated the critical necessity of screening programs for prevention of visual disorders in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multisensory processes permit combinations of several inputs, coming from different sensory systems, allowing for a coherent representation of biological events and facilitating adaptation to environment. For these reasons, their application in neurological and neuropsychological rehabilitation has been enhanced in the last decades. Recent studies on animals and human models have indicated that, on one hand multisensory integration matures gradually during post-natal life and development is closely linked to environment and experience and, on the other hand, that modality-specific information seems to do not benefit by redundancy across multiple sense modalities and is more readily perceived in unimodal than in multimodal stimulation. In this review, multisensory process development is analyzed, highlighting clinical effects in animal and human models of its manipulation for rehabilitation of sensory disorders. In addition, new methods of early intervention based on multisensory-based rehabilitation approach and their applications on different infant populations at risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the main causes of visual impairment and blindness in children enrolled at Instituto Benjamin Constant blind school (IBC) in 2013, to aid in planning for the prevention and management of avoidable causes of blindness. Methods: Study design: cross-sectional observational study. Data was collected from medical records of students attending IBC in 2013. Causes of blindness were classified according to WHO/PBL examination record. Data were analyzed for those children aged less than 16 years using Stata 9 program. Results: Among 355 students attending IBC in 2013, 253 (73%) were included in this study. Of these children, 190 (75%) were blind and 63 (25%) visually impaired. The major anatomical site of visual loss was retina (42%), followed by lesions of the globe (22%), optic nerve lesions (13.8%), central nervous system (8.8%) and cataract/pseudophakia/aphakia (8.8%). The etiology was unknown in 41.9% and neonatal factors accounted for 30,9% of cases. Forty-eight percent of cases were potentially avoidable. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was the main cause of blindness and with microphthalmia, optic nerve atrophy, cataract and glaucoma accounted for more than 50% of cases. Conclusion: Provision and improvement of ROP, cataract and glaucoma screening and treatment and programs could prevent avoidable visual impairment and blindness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the postural control and plant pressure in people with visual change, using as reference the strabismus. Participated in the study 34 volunteers divided into two groups: Group with Visual Amendment (GAV) with 17 individuals with strabismus and a Control Group (CG) consisted of 17 subjects with normal vision. All participants were subjected to pressure ratings planting and balance by examining the baropodometry. There was no significant difference in the distribution of pressure in the plantar region between the two groups. In the assessment of the balance, the average speed of oscillation and the side-to-side scrolling, with open eyes, showed statistical differences between groups, and the anteroposterior displacement, with eyes closed. It was concluded that there was no statistically significant difference in plantar pressure distribution when comparing the two groups. There are significant changes in the balance in individuals with visual change in the L/L displacement and average speed of oscillation, when with open eyes, however there is a positive correlation with respect to the displacement A/P in the eyes closed condition, compared to subjects with normal vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylphenidate- and amphetamine-based psychostimulants are the most common medications used to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. Ocular side effects including dry eyes, mydriasis, accommodation disturbance, and blurry vision are listed in the product monograph but interestingly, are rarely reported in the paediatric literature. Our patient, a 9-year-old boy, presented a significant decrease in visual acuity secondary to accommodation disorder after being treated with methylphenidate hydrochloride controlled release (Biphentin) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). The unusual acute adverse effect, altered accommodation leading to a decline in visual acuity, emphasizes the importance of considering any change in vision following the introduction of psychostimulant medication as a potential adverse effect. This case highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance especially in paediatrics where data are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the relationship between identity status and career maturity among adolescents with visual disorders, as compared to normal adolescents. Methods: The study had two populations: all normal high school students in Tehran city (including boys and girls) and all visually-disabled high school students in Tehran (including boys and girls). The sample consisted of 275 students, of whom 65 were students with visual disabilities and 210 were normal students. For the students with visual disabilities the sample included all the population and normal students were selected using a multi-stage sampling. To collect data, participants completed Dellas Identity Status Inventory (DISI-O) and Career Development Inventory -Australian- Short Form (CDI-A-SF). Data were analyzed using kolmogrov-Smirnov test, one way analysis of variance, T-test for independent groups and covariance. Results: Results indicated career maturity differed significantly by different identity status of the participants (P

Objective: To determine the prevalence of low vision in a fraction of the students in public schools at Caratinga, Minas Gerais. Moreover, show the relevance of preventive measuresto evaluate Visual Acuity (VA) in children up to 7 years old. Methods: A transversal study was made in students, between 4 and 7 years old, enrolled in first and second year of elementary school of Geraldo Marques Cevidanes Municipal School, in the city of Caratinga, Minas Gerais.VA was evaluated using Snellen optometric chart and considered normal when higher than 0,7. Students who had difficulty in being evaluated or had presented VA less than 0,7 were referred to an ophthalmologist. Results: One hundred-eighteen children were evaluated. Five percent (5%) of the sample had low VA, being 16,6% only in the left eye, 33,3% in the right eye and 50% bilateral. 66,6% of students with visual impairment required the prescription glasses. Conclusion: This study meets national research regarding the prevalence of low VA, however, doesn't match with others studies. It is suggested that projects to prevent eye health in children are important not only medically, but also socially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although developmental dyslexia (DD) is frequently associate to a phonological deficit, the underlying neurobiological cause remain undetermined. One prominent hypothesis suggests a specific deficit in magnocellular-dorsal (M-D) pathway. Here we investigated the visual M-D and parvocellular-ventral (P-V) pathway in dyslexic and in chronological age and IQ-matched normally reading children by measuring dynamic (frequency doubling illusion) and static stimuli sensibility, respectively. A specific deficit in M-D task was found. Importantly, the M-D deficit was selectively shown in poor phonological decoders. M-D deficit appears to be frequent because 75% of poor pseudo-word readers were at least 1 SD below the mean of the controls. Finally, a replication study by using a new group of poor phonological decoders and reading level controls suggests a possible role of M-D deficit in DD. These results showed that a M-D deficit might impair the sub-lexical mechanisms that are critical for reading development. The possible link between these findings and the oscillatory temporal sampling framework is discussed.

Objective: The impact of visual disorders and color vision deficiency on the occupational life has been previously investigated by several studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of visual disorders among Turkish pathologists and their perceptions on visual disorders. Material and Method: A survey composed of 14 questions about ocular diseases and perceptions to these diseases has been introduced to the volunteering pathologists or pathology residents, participating in the 23rd Congress of Pathology. Results: Ninety-three pathologists or pathology residents participated in the survey. Of the participants, 25 (26.9%) were residents, 30 (32.3%) were pathology specialists, and 36 (38.7%) were academicians. The mean duration for working as a pathologist was 15 years. The vast majority (%93.5) of the participants had at least one type of refractive error; the two most common disorders were myopia (77.0%) and astigmatism (64.4%). Sixty-four of the participants (68.8%) claimed an increase in their refractive error after working in the pathology department. Eyeglasses (56/87, 64.4%), contact lenses (14/87, 16.1%), or both (9/87, 10.3%) were used in order to correct the refractive error; however, only 31 of the participants (33.3%) preferred using eyeglasses during microscopy. While 65 participants (69.9%) never had conjunctivitis, 26 participants (28.0%) had at least one conjunctivitis attack. None of the participants claimed to be color blind. Conclusion: Conjunctivitis and refractive errors are quite prevalent among pathologists. Refractive errors were also found to increase during the pathology practice. Most of the pathologists do not consider visual disorders (mostly refractive errors) as a negative factor during their career decision making, except a color vision defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]