Optometry Commons^™

Comparisons Between Electrophysiologic Assessments Of Visual Function And Histological Findings Of Cone Photoreceptors In Light-Damaged Albino Rats, Molly Clark

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this project was to investigate the etiology of decreased cone-driven vision in the light damage model of retinal degenerations. Experimental albino rats underwent moderate, low-intensity light damage for 10 days. Electroretinography was utilized to assess physiologic function of the rod- and cone-driven retinal function in the experimental and control (sibling) rats. Immunohistochemical staining for cone arrestin antibody identified cone photoreceptors, allowing quantification of cone density and comparison to the decline in functional vision. In this experiment the light-damaged rats showed decreased rod- and cone-driven function with partial recovery of responses 30 days later. Outer nuclear layer thickness …

The Effects Of Nicotine On The Human Adult Visual Pathway And Processing, Stefanie B. Varghese

All ETDs from UAB

Nicotine, the primary addictive component found in tobacco/cigarettes, can bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), which are found throughout the central nervous system including the retina of the eye. Previous studies have shown nAChR expression in the retina of non-human and human (Hutchins & Hollyfield, 1985; Liu et al., 2009). By use of electrophysiologic measures, i.e. electroretinograms (ERGs), early reports indicated that nicotine and/or cigarette smoking affects vision and visual processing in different species (Jurklies, Kaelin-Lang, & Niemeyer, 1996; Jünemann & Damaske, 1968). Because previous human studies have used only cigarette smokers, there are questions about what role nicotine, itself, …

Visual Performance, And It's Response To Intervention, In Subjects With Age-Related Macular Degeneration., Sarah Sabour-Pickett

Doctoral

Abstract Objectives: 1. To explore visual performance status through a range of psychophysical methods beyond corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), in subjects with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 2. To investigate the effects on these visual performance parameters in subjects with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nv-AMD) and in subjects with early AMD undergoing anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy and macular carotenoid supplementation, respectively. 3. To understand the role of a supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin (MZ; the third, and currently least explored, macular carotenoid) on the augmentation of macular pigment (MP), on visual performance and on disease progression (graded according to the …

Temporal Characteristics Of Monoptic, Dichoptic And Half-Binocular Collinear Lateral Masking Of Contrast Detection, Wesley Tod Kinerk

Dissertations

Purpose: The temporal characteristics of dichoptic contrast integration across space in primary visual cortex are relatively unknown. This study investigated the effect of varying interstimulus interval (ISI) and flank duration on contrast detection threshold (CDT) of a sinusoid target under monoptic, dichoptic and half-binocular viewing. Methods: Eleven subjects with normal vision participated for a mean of 25 hours each. In the main experiment, target and flanks were 3 cpd vertical sinusoids with 6 lambda (sigma = 1.5 lambda) center-to-center vertical separation. Flank contrast was normalized to 3X flank CDT. Flanks were presented at 4 durations (67-500ms) and ISIs were presented …

Impact Of Macular Pigment On Visual Performance, James Loughman, Peter Davison, John Nolan, Stephen Beatty

Articles

PURPOSE. To investigate changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual performance following supplementation with different macular carotenoid formulations. METHODS. Thirty-six subjects (19 male, 17 female; mean 6 SD, age 51 6 13 years) were recruited into this single-masked placebo-controlled study, and were randomly assigned to one of the following three intervention (supplementation) groups: (1) group 1 (20 mg lutein [L] and 2 mg zeaxanthin [Z]); (2) group 2 (10 mg L, 2 mg Z, and 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin [MZ]); and group 3 (placebo). Outcomes measures included visual performance and MPOD response. Data were collected at baseline, at 3 …

Clinical Applicability Of The Macular Degeneration Detection Device (Mdd-2): A Novel Photostress Recovery Measurement Device, James Loughman, Ciara Hewitt, Claire Judge, Louise Martin, Claire Moulds, Peter Davison

Articles

Background: Diseases affecting the macula, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and central serous retinopathy can result in impaired photostress recovery time (PSRT) despite normal visual acuity and fundoscopic appearance. The MDD-2 Macular Degeneration Detection Device is a novel flash photostress recovery device. In this study, we examine the repeatability of the MDD-2 in a normal population and its suitability for incorporation into routine clinical practice. Methods: One hundred (60 female) subjects (mean age 35+-8 years; range 18 to 66 years) were recruited to partake in this study. The photostress recovery time was measured using the MDD-2 on …

Growth And Expression Of Halorhodopsin For Application In A Protein-Based Artificial Retina, Megan Ryan Gillespie

Honors Scholar Theses

Halorhodopsin (HR), a light-activated chloride ion pump, demonstrates potential for use as the scaffolding in an artificial retina. Retinal implants are needed to restore vision to people afflicted with ophthalmic diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A protein-based chloride ion-patch would be utilized by the eye to create an influx of chloride ions, similar to ion concentrations in healthy retinas during the conversion of light stimuli to electrochemical signals. This protein-based retinal prosthesis will directly stimulate the bipolar cells of the retina, replacing the function of damaged photoreceptor cells. Other alternative treatments for AMD and …

Student Experience In Optometry Education In Mozambique: Initial Challenges In An International Collaborative Program, Kajal Shah

Conference Papers

Purpose:

One of the solutions to creating sustainable eye care structures is education of personnel. Mozambique currently has only 17 ophthalmologists for a population of 21 million and 34 trained Ophthalmic Technicians, the only two providers of refraction services within the local health system. There are no optometrists. The Mozambique Eyecare Project is funding the training of the country’s first optometrists at the University of Lurio in Nampula, Mozambique. Their core competencies will be evaluated with a view to creating best practise in education in a developing world environment.

Method:

This is a longitudinal evaluation of the refraction competencies …

Faculty Requirement For A Portuguese Language Optometry Program: Experience And Challenges Of The Mozambique Eye Care Project, Diane Wallace

Conference Papers

Faculty recruitment for a Portuguese-language optometry program: experiences and challenges of The Mozambique Eye Care Project

Ms Diane Wallace BOptom, MPA

University of KawZulu Natal, South Africa

Purpose

The Mozambique Eyecare Project (MEP) is a unique institutional collaboration in a programme for the development, implementation and evaluation of a regional optometry training model for Portuguese-speaking Africa. The Project was initiated in February 2009 with the first cohort of undergraduate students beginning classes at Lúrio University in Northern Mozambique. This is the first Portuguese-language optometry program in Africa, and with no professionally qualified optometrists locally, faculty had to be recruited from …

Primary School Vision Screening Involving Teachers In Nampula, Mozambique., Aoife Phelan

Conference Papers

Purpose

There is no plan for a national child eye care programme or existing human resource infrastructure to address the immediate challenge of child eye health in Mozambique. Furthermore, the prevalence and incidence of refractive error, visual impairment (VI) and child blindness (CB) in Mozambique is unknown. VI and CB have devastating personal, developmental, economic and other implications for the child, the family, the community and indeed, the nation. This study aims to design, implement and evaluate a school based paediatric vision screening service, to identify those in need of eye health services, among Mozambique’s 11,561,000 children.

Methods

Primary School …

The Impact Of Modern Soft Contact Lens Wear On Corneal Curvature And Thickness And On The Outcomes Of Refractive Laser Surgery, Aoife Lloyd Mckernan, Veronica O'Dwyer, Luisa Simo Mannion

Other

No abstract provided.

Visionary Spring 2012, College Of Optometry

Visionary

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Refraction Skills And Competencies Of Ophthalmic Technicians:Providers Of Refractive Services In Mozambique, Kajal Shah, James Loughman

Conference Papers

Purpose

Approximately 314 million people worldwide live with low vision and blindness.145 million people's low vision is due to uncorrected refractive errors¹.One of the solutions to creating sustainable eye care structures is education of personnel².

The Technological University Dublin (DIT) with ICEE (International Centre of Eyecare Education) is developing and implementing a sustainable model for optometric education and eye care service delivery in Unilurio in Mozambique.The Mozambique Eyecare Project aims to train Mozambique’s first professional optometrists who will provide a sustainable and comprehensive eye-care system as an integral part of the national health system³. …

The Impact Of Modern Soft Contact Lens Wear On Corneal Curvature And Thickness & On The Outcomes Of Refractive Laser Surgery, Aoife Lloyd Mckernan, Veronica O'Dwyer, Luisa Simo Mannion

Other

No abstract provided.

Refraction And Prescribing, Claire E. Mcdonnell

Articles

Refraction and prescribing are two different concepts and often a prescribed correction is not the same as the error found in the testing room. This article explores the reasons why the results of a refraction may not necessarily be identical to the correction the patient needs to wear.

College Of Optometry Overview 2012, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Participating In Continuing Optometric Education: A Pilot Study, Claire E. Mcdonnell, Martina Crehan

Other

Purpose: To determine whether participation in two different post graduate optometry workshops resulted in a change in practice for the participants, in their subsequent practice.

Methods: 38 optometrists, who had attended a continuing professional development (CPD) workshop on punctal plugs and lacrimal syringing, were surveyed by email and telephone, between four and thirteen months post workshop, to ascertain if they had made a change to their practice. A second group of 32 optometrists, who had attended a continuing education and training (CET) workshop on binocular vision, were surveyed by email, telephone and postal mail between six and nine months post …

New Portable Tool To Screen Vestibular And Visual Function—National Institutes Of Health Toolbox Initiative, Rose Marie Rine, Dale Roberts, Bree A. Corbin, Roberta Mckean-Cowdin, Rohit Varma, Jennifer Beaumont, Jerry Slotkin, Michael C. Schubert

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

As part of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox initiative, we developed a low-cost, easy-to-administer, and time-efficient test of vestibular and visual function. A computerized test of dynamic visual acuity (cDVA) was used to measure the difference in visual acuity between head still and moving in yaw. Participants included 318 individuals, aged 3 to 85 years (301 without and 17 with vestibular pathology). Adults used Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) optotypes; children used ETDRS, Lea, and HOTV optotypes. Bithermal calorics, rotational chair, and light box testing were used to validate the cDVA. Analysis revealed that the cDVA test …

The Effect Of A Topical Ocular Preparation On Performance Of Simulated Driving In Cases Of Symptomatic Dry Eye, Chandra Venise Mickles

All ETDs from UAB

Dry eye is a common complaint of millions of people worldwide with a significant impact on quality of life. In particular, it could have a significant impact on vision-related activities of daily living such as driving. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if 30 days of active topical dry eye treatment (Systane® Balance, Alcon Laboratories; Ft. Worth, TX) has an impact on the simulated night-time driving performance in mild or moderate dry eye compared to a topical saline (Sensitive Eyes®, Bausch & Lomb; Rochester NY). Dry eye symptoms and signs were also assessed to corroborate our findings. Forty …

Addressing Uncorrected Refractive Error Through Human Resource Development In The Context Of Mozambique, Stephen Thompson, James Loughman, Prasidh Ramson, Luigi Bilotto, Kovin Naidoo

Conference Papers

This paper presents results from a national situational analysis. An International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) tool was used to map current eye care services recorded including human resource and equipment. Data was analysed against VISION 2020 Human Resource targets.