Eye Diseases Commons^™

Ocular Blood Flow And Retinal Vascular Reactivity In Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review Of Retinal Images, Tori Sayers, Alexa Nichols, Amin Ibrahim, Igor Zwir, Andrew Tsin, Lorena Flores-Hernandez, Gladys E. Maestre, Jesus D. Melgarejo

Research Colloquium

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States¹. Research efforts aim to identify pathological changes that may help support earlier detection of AD and lead to more accessible tools for monitoring disease progression². The retina is being explored as a potential non-invasive marker of AD, reflecting the shared embryology and microvasculature features between the retina and the brain. Although research has focused on structural changes in retinal vessel diameters and density, few studies have evaluated functional markers of retinal …

Systemic Vascular Dysregulation And Retinal Microvascular Alterations In Glaucoma, Amin Ibrahim, Tori Sayers, Alexa Nichols, Igor Zwir, Andrew Tsin, Lorena Flores-Hernandez, Gladys E. Maestre, Jesus D. Melgarejo

Research Colloquium

Background: Glaucoma is a multifactorial, progressive optic neuropathy, for which both mechanical and vascular mechanisms of pathogenesis have been proposed. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) enables noninvasive visualization of the choroidal and retinal vasculature and may be used to quantify vascular changes associated with glaucoma. Systemic risk factors, including variations in blood pressure (BP), whether low or elevated, have been associated with the vascular pathogenesis of glaucoma. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the relationship between systemic vascular dysregulation and OCTA-derived retinal vascular markers in glaucomatous eyes.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search …

Rare Jugular Bulb Tumor Presenting As Bilateral Papilledema, Yoona Choe, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Optic disc edema, which may arise from a range of inflammatory, ischemic, compressive, infiltrative, or hereditary causes, can also indicate elevated intracranial pressure in the form of papilledema. Given its potential association with life-threatening conditions such as mass lesions or venous sinus thrombosis, timely identification and thorough evaluation are critical. In this case, a 61-year-old female presented with a complaint of a new-onset floater in her left eye. Despite minimal symptoms and an unremarkable systemic review, dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with hyperemia and hemorrhages, prompting urgent neuroimaging. MRI and MRV identified venous thrombi in the right …

Targeting Cyp51 In The Treatment Of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Ashkan Hassani, Vineet Sadarangani, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Acanthamoeba castellanii causes a rare but serious ocular infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Risk factors for infection include contact with contaminated water and poor hygiene of contact lenses. The first-line treatment is comprised of a months-long schedule of antibiotics. However, in cases where pharmacological interventions fail to address the infection, surgery may be necessary, with the continued risk of potential vision loss. Consequently, new treatments are needed, whether new pharmacological agents or new combination therapies with current agents. As an aerobic parasite, Acanthamoeba synthesizes ergosterol as a cell membrane insert, and ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors (EBIs), common in antifungal pharmaceuticals, could potentially …

Evaluation Of Novel Therapeutic Agents For The Treatment Of Chronic Dry Eyes, Lilian Huynh, Evonie Villarete, Surajit Dey

Annual Research Symposium

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular condition, where disrupted tear film stability and ocular surface inflammation affected between 5% to 34% of the worldwide population in 2015 and posed a challenge to conventional ophthalmic treatments. Recent advances have led to potential novel therapeutics aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Dentofacial Effects Of Radiotherapy On Pediatric Population With Retinoblastoma, Kristi Truong

Annual Research Symposium

This literature review investigates the dentofacial consequences of radiotherapy in young patients with retinoblastoma by referencing current research. In addition, the management and rehabilitation of the dentofacial abnormalities, highlighting orthodontic, surgical, and prosthetic approaches, is examined. By understanding the changes of dentofacial development due to retinoblastoma treatment, effective management techniques can be implemented to resolve significant issues, relating to dental and skeletal relationship and facial appearance.

Insulin In Combination With N-Acetylcysteine Protects Hypoxia-Induced Toxicity In 661w Cells, Lili M. Guerra, Laura Valdez, Benxu Cheng, Andrew Tsin

Research Colloquium

Background: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. Photoreceptors are the most numerous and metabolically demanding cells in the retina thus oxygen is essential for retinal function. It has been reported that photoreceptors found in rat retina are specifically vulnerable to hypoxia. Hypoxia-induced metabolic stress leads to photoreceptor atrophy and retinopathy. Furthermore, photoreceptor cell death is known to occur mainly through apoptosis. However, the protection of hypoxia-induced-cytotoxicity in cone photoreceptor cells has not been investigated extensively. The aim of this study was to determine whether co-treatment of insulin and the N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) (a free …

The Effectiveness And Outcomes Of Oculomotor And Visual Field Deficit Rehabilitation Secondary To Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident: A Literature Review, Maanas Chiplunkar

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Visual field loss and oculomotor dysfunctions are two common vision deficits caused by cerebrovascular accidents. Oftentimes these deficits can result in a loss of independence for patients and depression. Neurovisual rehabilitation is a frequently overlooked aspect of stroke rehabilitation, so investigating the current rehab approaches and the factors that play a role in the effectiveness of these methods is crucial so that clinicians can provide more direct and focused treatment for their patients. This literature review research process used PubMed, NCBI, and EbscoHost as primary databases. Preliminary results showed that restitutive and compensatory rehabilitation approaches are effective for treating visual …

Case Report: Ocular Capsaicin Toxicity With Chemosis From Jalapeño Peppers, Duwayne Campbell, James Espinosa, Eric Maddock, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A 42 year old female presented to an Emergency Department (ED) with the abrupt onset of left eye pain, tearing and eye redness of a one hour duration. Her symptoms were due to ocular toxicity from contact exposure to capsicum, through preparation of Jalapeño peppers.

Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Practices With Qi Methodology In Family Medicine Offices, Rea Isaac, Anne Jones

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is crucial in preventing vision loss and blindness in vulnerable diabetics. With around 7.7 million patients having DR, and the target population being 20 -75 years old, the potential for improving their quality of life is substantial (WHO, 2022). Despite the importance of timely and routine eye exams, 45% of diabetic patients do not complete an exam despite physicians recommendations (Lu, 2014). This project aims to standardize eye exams, improve process flow, and improve patient understanding of the urgency of timely and comprehensive eye exams for DR. Multiple PDSA cycles and QI …

Herpesviriae Infection Of The Corneal Endothelium, Behnam Rabiee, Chandani Patel, Mansab Jafri, Hamad Hussain, Michael Gaspari, Muhamad Festok, Imtiaz Chaudhry, Iftikhar Chaudhry, Asim Farooq

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

- The corneal endothelium plays a vital role in maintaining corneal clarity by regulating the amount of fluid in the corneal stroma.

- Corneal endotheliitis is defined as inflammation of the corneal endothelial layer that leads to corneal edema and haziness, and subsequent loss of vision.

- Most common causes include cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV).

- Because corneal endothelial cells cannot regenerate following injury, early diagnosis is essential in proper management and preventing loss of corneal endothelial cells.

In this review we aim to gather the most recent knowledge on viral corneal …

Vitamin C Contributes To Epigenetic Regulation Of Genes Related To Diabetic Retinopathy In Retinal Endothelial Cells, Elizabeth L. Turner, Jonathon Reynolds, Walker Kay, Marianne Becnel, Matthew Conway, Alexander Kim, John A. Kriak, Kyle B. Bills, David W. Sant

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

High Energy Blue Light Induces Oxidative Stress And Retinal Cell Apoptosis, Jessica Malinsky

Capstone Showcase

Blue light (BL) is a high energy, short wavelength spanning 400 to 500 nm. Found in technological and environmental forms, BL has been shown to induce photochemical damage of the retina by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Excess ROS leads to oxidative stress, which disrupts retinal mitochondrial structure and function. As mitochondria amply occupy photoreceptors, they also contribute to oxidative stress due to their selectively significant absorption of BL at 400 to 500 nm. ROS generation that induces oxidative stress subsequently promotes retinal mitochondrial apoptosis. BL filtering and preventative mechanisms have been suggested to improve or repair BL-induced retinal damage, …

Charles Bonnet Syndrome: A Case Report, Christian Scouarnec, Martin M. Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) involves nonthreatening hallucinations in patients who have no neurological and no psychological abnormalities but with significant visual impairment secondary to ocular disease, such as macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. When a patient loses vision, their visual system doesn’t process new images. Without data coming through the eyes, the brain fills the void and makes up images or recalls stored images for you to see and this is what causes the hallucinations in CBS.

Many physicians are unaware of CBS and its prevalence, and with proper detection, physicians can help treat their patients with a frequently …

Outcomes Of Infants With Severe Rop At Risk Of Treatment With Avastin Compared To Laser Surgery, Stephen Doxey

Research Days

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a well-known complication occurring in the most premature infants leading to visual impairment and in the most severe cases associated with retinal detachment and childhood blindness. Factors contributing the development of ROP include chronic hypoxia and disordered vascular genesis primarily through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. Infants at risk of developing ROP are screened with serial eye exam and treated with either laser surgery or intraocular injects of bevacizumab (Avastin) to prevent progression of ROP and preserve vision. Bevacizumab, an inhibitor of VEGF signaling, may have positive effects on preventing ROP …

Terson-Like Syndrome Associated With Familial Retinal Arteriolar Tortuosity (Frat) And A Spontaneous Spinal Hemorrhage, Peter Maduka, David R. Lally

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Familial retinal arteriolar tortuosity (fRAT) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by tortuosity of the second and third order retinal arterioles in the macular and peripapillary areas. The genetics of fRAT are incompletely understood but have been associated with a missense mutation in the COL4A1 gene in some cases. fRAT is not typically associated with visual loss and prognosis is good. However, the tortuous arterioles can bleed, causing intraretinal, preretinal, and/or subretinal hemorrhages.

Objective: To describe a case of Terson-like syndrome associated with familial retinal arteriolar tortuosity (fRAT) in the setting of spontaneous spinal hemorrhage.

Results: A …

Retinal Vasculitis: A Case Study, Peter Maduka, Sarah G. Bonaffini, Naman Shah, Deepika Malik

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: To describe a case of idiopathic retinal vasculitis.

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Case: A healthy 25-year-old female presented with a one-week history of a large floater in her right eye. Patient’s subjective complaint of floaters, including the scotoma on VF and the FA findings were most consistent with retinal vasculitis displaying predominant venous involvement. However, findings for acute macular neuroretinopathy and multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) were present as well. Autoimmune and infectious disease panels were negative. Neuro consult and brain MRI showed nonspecific, non contributory findings. Several weeks later, following Medrol dose pack, patient reported …

Parameter Estimation For Tear Film Thinning, Rayanne Luke

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

For Your Eyes Only, Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Case Study, Alexander Fishman, Jared Ward, Richard Pescatore

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus is a reactivation of a latent Varicella Zoster Virus that specifically involves the eye. The reactivation often occurs during immunocompromised states which allows latent virus in the dorsal root ganglia of sensory nerves to begin viral replication an d s pread via peripheral axons. Diagnosis is based on two characteristic findings; herpetic lesions on the eyelids, forehead, or elsewhere within the V1 dermatome, and ocular findings. Symptoms can vary but are often quite painful. Some patients experience a prodrome of tingling sensation prior to the appearance of a zoster dermatitis . HZO can also present initially as …

An Active Efficient Coding Model Of The Development Of Amblyopia, Samuel Eckmann, Lukas Klimmasch, Bertram Shi, Jochen Triesch

MODVIS Workshop

No abstract provided.

Differential Diagnosis Of Pan-Uveitis: Behçet’S Disease, Peter Blosser, Remil Simon, Courtney Ridner

Appalachian Student Research Forum

This report describes the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with blurry vision, increased intraocular pressure, and conjunctival injection after posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Initially post-operative endophalmitis and foreign body inflammation were considered as differential diagnoses, but after further examination pan-uveitis was diagnosed. Uveitis is an ocular finding that may indicate several diseases, one of which is Behçet’s Disease. During the interview, the patient mentioned a history of apthous ulcers and genital ulcers which then lead to the clinical diagnosis of Behçet’s Disease. This report emphasizes that Behçet’s Disease is rare in Caucasians. Therefore, is frequently misdiagnosed in …

Interaction Of The Tear Film With The Ocular Surface, Richard J. Braun, Amy Janett, Nicholas Gewecke, Spencer Walker

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Latanoprost And Timolol In Hydrogel Soft Drug-Dispensing Contact Lenses: A Comparative Analysis, Neha Potdar

Virginias Collegiate Honors Council Conference

Glaucoma patients only can instill glaucoma eye drops. This results in 1-7% absorption of the medication. Surveys show that patients forget to take their medication and have difficulty inserting their eye drops. Researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary have developed latanoprost drug-dispensing hydrogel soft contact lenses that dispense the drug to help facilitate the process. However, some glaucoma patients do not respond to latanoprost because they have uveitic glaucoma or do not want to experience latanoprost’s ocular side effects. Patients need an alternative which can be inserted into these contact lenses. Another commonly used glaucoma drug is timolol …