Optometry Commons^™

Intrinsically-Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells And Their Functional Roles, Kevin Q. Chang

All ETDs from UAB

This project was conducted in Old World monkeys and focused on characterization of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) as they pertain to the pupillary light reflex, as well as on the neuroanatomical and electrophysiological characterization of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus as it pertains to circadian rhythms. A custom antibody was developed against the human melanopsin gene. We validated the antibody using western blot and immunohistochemistry. The functional role of ipRGCs in driving pupillary responses was investigated through immunotoxin-induced ablation in Rhesus macaques with the antibody conjugated to saporin. As hypothesized, the pupillary light reflex and …

Individual Differences And Transfer Of Visual Anticipation In Expert Female Field Hockey Goalkeepers, Khaya Morris-Binelli, Sean Muller, Fleur E.C.A. Van Rens, Allen G. Harbaugh, Simon M. Rosalie

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Significance: Visual anticipation is vital for performance in several domains such as driving, military, and high-speed interceptive sports, as it enables performers to handle severe time constraints. There has been little investigation into individual differences of anticipation skill transfer within a domain, which can guide training of anticipation to improve performance.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate individual differences in the transfer of anticipation within a domain, specifically anticipation of the field hockey penalty corner drag-flick across different opponents.

Methods: Eight female Australian international and national field hockey goalkeepers participated. Goalkeepers completed female and male opponent penalty …

The Effect Of Training On Eye Movement While Learning To Use A Non-Foveal Retinal Locus, Jason Eugene Vice

All ETDs from UAB

Vision is our most far-reaching sense. It allows us to quickly detect information about the environment and enhances our ability to interact with the world around us. Accordingly, many neural areas are devoted to obtaining, processing, and interpreting visual information. When vision is impaired through normal aging or disease processes, the functional implications for a person can be quite significant. This is particularly true when a person is deprived of high acuity, central vision. Many people with bilateral central visual impairments learn to compensate for vision loss by adopting a viewing strategy that involves the use of the peripheral retina. …

The Use Of Vesgen For Analysis Of Retinal Vasculature In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Mariana Desiree Dupont

All ETDs from UAB

Pulmonary artery hypertension is a chronic and progressive disease leading to right heart failure and, ultimately, death if untreated. The goal of the studies in this dissertation was to determine if fluorescein angiography (FA), and color fundus angiography (CF) imaging could be used to garner critical information about retinal changes in individuals with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). VESsel GENerational Analysis (VESGEN) is a noninvasive computer program that assigns branching generation to large and small vessels. VESGEN was utilized to investigate vascular alterations in FA, and CF imaging investigating disease progression in PAH. This dissertation demonstrated that PAH patients had aberrant …

Diagnostic Electrophysiology Of The Eye, Brooke Nicole Conner-Tsang

All ETDs from UAB

Aging and age-related changes in the brain are known to parallel functional and anatomical changes in the eye, especially in certain degenerative diseases. This study explores the potential of combining ERG, specifically the Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG), which has a black and white checkerboard pattern, and OCT tests to monitor retinal ganglion cell health. We compared ERG and OCT findings from ten normal females, ages ranging from 18 to 30 years old to ascertain if ganglion cell layer volume is a reliable indicator of ganglion cell function as measured by ERG. Our results from these healthy subjects will serve as prelude …

To Investigate The Foveal Avascular Zone In A Young Healthy Population Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, Susan O'Shea

Masters

Introduction/Aims Inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can alter the size and shape of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Macular pigment (MP), a powerful antioxidant, located at the macula can protect the eye from oxidative stress damage. This study aims to investigate possible factors affecting the FAZ, such as vessel perfusion and overweight/obesity, in association with MP status in a young, healthy population. Normative values for FAZ size/shape and vascularity will also be proposed.

Methods One hundred and fifty-four subjects aged 18-35 years old were recruited. Superficial FAZ area, diameter, ganglion cell layer, central macular …

Investigation Of The Suitability Of A Commercial Radiation Sensor For Pretherapy Dosimetry Of Radioiodine Treatment Patients, Janet O'Callaghan, Dervil Cody, Jennie Cody

Articles

Radioiodine (I-131) therapy is routinely used to treat conditions of the thyroid. Dosimetry planning in advance of I-131 therapy has been shown to improve patient treatment outcomes. However, this pretherapy dosimetry step requires multiple outpatient appointments and is not feasible for patients living at greater distances. Here, the feasibility of a commercially available smartphone-operated radiation sensor (Smart Geiger Pro, Technonia) for at-home patient pretherapy dosimetry has been investigated. The influence of both treatment-specific parameters (radioisotope activity, gamma photon energy, patient size) and external factors (sensor placement and motion) on the ability of the radiation sensor to accurately quantify radiation dose …

Characterisation Of Holographic Recording In Environmentally Stable Photopolymerisable Glass, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, Pamela Stoeva, Alicja Kaworek, Mohamed Oubaha, Brian Rogers, Suzanne Martin, Dervil Cody, Izabela Naydenova

Articles

Photopolymerisable glasses are holographic recording materials which provide good recording capability, improved dimensional stability, and negligible shrinkage. Recently, a novel photopolymerisable hybrid sol-gel (PHSG) for holographic recording of volume gratings has been reported. The PHSG has significantly improved gelation time and high water resistance, both of which make it an attractive material for mass production of holographic optical elements (HOEs) with no sensitivity to ambient humidity. In order to achieve full control over the performance of the material and further improve its properties, a study of grating formation under holographic patterning is essential. This paper reports characterisation of the grating …

Regional Variations And Temporal Trends Of Childhood Myopia Prevalence In Africa: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Emmnuel Kobia Acquah, Daniel Ian Flitcroft, Prince Kwaku Akowuah, Gareth Lingham, James Loughman

Articles

Purpose: To provide contemporary and future estimates of childhood myopia prevalence in Africa.

Methods: A systematic online literature search was conducted for articles on childhood (≤18 years) myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] ≤ −0.50D; high myopia: SE ≤ −6.00D) in Africa. Population-or school-based cross-sectional studies published from 1 Jan 2000 to 30 May 2021 were included. Meta-analysis using Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation was performed to estimate the prevalence of childhood myopia and high myopia. Myopia prevalence from subgroup analyses for age groups and settings were used as baseline for generating a prediction model using linear regression.

Results: Forty-two studies from 19 …

To Investigate The Effects Of Low Plus Prescription Lenses On Quality Of Life And Visual Performance In Children., Patricia Maher

Masters

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low plus prescription lenses on Quality of life and visual performance data. As part of the study opinions of optometrists regarding paediatric eye care was also explored. Methods: Each one of the 92 participants, aged between 8 and 12 years, attended for three visits, baseline, at 1 month and 3 months. A quality of life questionnaire was completed at each visit. Optometric probes including dynamic retinoscopy, relative accommodation, fusional reserves and stereopsis as well as reading speed were examined. A survey was sent out electronically to optometrists followed …

The Effect Of Transverse Ocular Magnification Adjustment On Macular Thickness Profile In Different Refractive Errors In Community-Based Adults, Hamed Niyazmand, Gareth Lingham, Paul G. Sanfilippo, Magdalena Blaszkowska, Maria Franchina, Seyhan Yazar, David Alonso-Caneiro, David Mackey, Samantha Sze-Yee Lee

Articles

Purpose Changes in retinal thickness are common in various ocular diseases. Transverse magnification due to differing ocular biometrics, in particular axial length, affects measurement of retinal thickness in different regions. This study evaluated the effect of axial length and refractive error on measured macular thickness in two community-based cohorts of healthy young adults.

Methods A total of 2160 eyes of 1247 community-based participants (18–30 years; 23.4% myopes, mean axial length = 23.6mm) were included in this analysis. Macular thickness measurements were obtained using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (which assumes an axial length of 24.385mm). Using a custom program, retinal …

Normative Data On The Foveal Avascular Zone In A Young Healthy Irish Population Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, Susan M. O'Shea, Veronica O'Dwyer, Grainne Scanlon

Articles

Purpose: To establish normative data on the size, shape and vascular profile of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in a young, healthy, Irish population, using the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT. Certain diseases may alter FAZ appearance. Normative databases provide normal baseline values for comparison, thus improving diagnostic ability.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-four subjects aged 18–35 years old were recruited. Superficial FAZ area, diameter, circularity, ganglion cell layer, central macular thickness (CMT), vascular perfusion and density were measured using the Cirrus 5000. Axial length was measured with the IOL Master and blood pressure was measured using the Omron sphygmomanometer. …

A Magnetic Nanoparticle-Doped Photopolymer For Holographic Recording, Muhammad Irfan, Suzanne Martin, Muhammad Ahmed Obeidi, Scott Miller, Frank Kuster, Dermot Brabazon, Izabela Naydenova

Articles

Functionalised holograms are important for applications utilising smart diffractive optical elements for light redirection, shaping and in the development of sensors/indicators. This paper reports on holographic recording in novel magnetic nanocomposites and the observed temperature change in dry layers and liquid samples exposed to alternating magnetic field (AMF). The nanocomposite consists of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA)-based polymer doped with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and local heating is achieved through magnetic induction. Here, volume transmission holographic gratings (VTHGs) are recorded with up to 24% diffraction efficiency (DE) in the dry layers of magnetic nanocomposites. The dry layers and liquid samples are then exposed to …

Will Treating Progressive Myopia Overwhelm The Eye Care Workforce? A Workforce Modelling Study, Gareth Lingham, James Loughman, Stella Kuzmenko, Matilda Biba, Daniel Ian Flitcroft

Articles

Purpose

Treatments for myopia progression are now available, but implementing these into clinical practice will place a burden on the eye care workforce. This study estimated the full-time equivalent (FTE) workforce required to implement myopia control treatments in the UK and Ireland.

Methods

To estimate the number of 6- to 21-year-olds with myopia, two models utilising separate data sources were developed. The examination-based model used: (1) the number of primary care eye examinations conducted annually and (2) the proportion of these that are for myopic young people. The prevalence-based model used epidemiological data on the age-specific prevalence of myopia. The …

Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Inflammatory Response Induced By Retinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury And Protects The Retina Through The Dor-Bdnf/Trkb Pathway, Runjie Guo, Yongjie Zhang, Yue Geng, Ping Chen, Tiantian Fu, Ren Zhang, Jingling Jin, Nange Jin, Hong Xu, Xuesong Tian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objectives: Retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is the common pathological basis of many ophthalmic diseases in the later stages, and inflammation is the primary damage mechanism of RIRI. Our study aimed to assess whether electroacupuncture (EA) has a protective effect against RIRI and to elucidate its related mechanisms.

Methods: A high-intraocular pressure (HIOP) model was used to simulate RIRI in Wistar rats. EA was applied to the EA1 group [Jingming (BL1) + Shuigou (GV26)] and the EA2 group [Jingming (BL1) + Hegu (LI4)] respectively for 30 min starting immediately after the onset of reperfusion and repeated (30 min/time) at 12 h …

Environmental Impacts Of Contact Lens Waste, Abigail Wilhelmi

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Contact lenses have been used for decades to correct vision, and over 150 million people use contact lenses today. The materials used to make contact lenses have evolved drastically, but ultimately resulted in a specific plastic, silicone-derived hydrogel, which provides maximal comfort and clear vision, while also maintaining the eye health of the user. Contact lenses have enhanced the lives of many people, but a topic that is often left out of contact lens discussions is that of plastic waste. Single-use plastic and increased plastic pollution have recently been areas of concern and expanded research. Contact lenses are often forgotten …

Importance Of Optometric Practices, Nikhita Jacob

Honors Projects

This research examines what effect education has on people’s decision-making. More specifically, whether better education leads to better decisions and health outcomes, and why that is important for optometry. Every decision someone makes depends on some type of information, whether it is heard, read about, watched, or experienced. The more information someone has, the more confident someone can be in the decisions they make. Access to information and to education, whether it is through school, libraries, or news channels, is not always equal. It is important that people are informed about subjects as important as their health, by those who …

Basic And Applied Studies Of Human Visual Function: Implications For Visually Demanding Occupations, Julie Lovell

Theses & Dissertations

Color vision is a complex process providing important information about objects within our environment. Color vision deficiency either congenital or acquired can impact real world performance. Current working environments either require normal color vision or utilize color as a tool to highlight critical information. The use of color in the workplace provides several advantages. Hence, color vision screening is required for entry into professions and occupational certifications. Acquired color vision deficiency may also impact job performance requiring clinical screening. The present dissertation focused on the considerations outlined by the Commission on Behavior and Social Sciences when choosing a clinical test …

Understanding Blue Light Retinal Damages And The Methods Of Prevention, Amelia Lee

Senior Honors Theses

Light emitting diode (LED) lights that comprise television screens, phone displays, laptops, and tablets have been studied by scientists in order to understand the implications of blue light radiation and the effects that it has on the human body—especially the retina of the eye. The retina is comprised of highly metabolic cells, and when those cells are placed under oxidative stress, death occurs causing ocular disease. Additionally, excess blue light exposure causes shifts in biological rhythms that govern patterns of alertness and sleep. Recently scientists began studying the methods of blue light prevention. Some studies show that blue light radiation …

Thank You Reviewers, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Thank you to all the reviewers!