The Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES) 1: prevalence and causes of visual impairment among tribal children in an urban school in Eastern India.

PubMed

Warkad, Vivekanand U; Panda, Lapam; Behera, Pradeep; Das, Taraprasad; Mohanta, Bikash C; Khanna, Rohit

2018-04-01

To estimate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and other ocular comorbidities among tribal children in an urban school population in eastern India. In this cross-sectional study, vision screening tests were administered to tribal school children. Demographic data, including name, age, sex, home district, height, and weight of each child, and examination data, including unaided and pinhole visual acuity, external eye examination with a flashlight, slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and undilated fundus photography, were collected. Children with visual acuity of less than 20/20, abnormal anterior or posterior segment findings, and IOP of >21 mm Hg were referred for further evaluation. Of 10,038 children (5,840 males [58.2%]) screened, 335 (median age, 9 years; range, 6-17 years) were referred. Refractive error was the most common cause of visual impairment (59.52%; 95% CI, 51.97-66.65) followed by amblyopia (17.2%; 95% CI, 12.3-23.6) and posterior segment anomaly (14.88%; 95% CI, 10.2-21.0). The prevalence of best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 was 0.13%. The prevalence of blindness was 0.03%. Visual impairment among tribal children in this residential school is an uncommon but important disability. Copyright © 2018 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differences in children and adolescents' ability of reporting two CVS-related visual problems.

PubMed

Hu, Liang; Yan, Zheng; Ye, Tiantian; Lu, Fan; Xu, Peng; Chen, Hao

2013-01-01

The present study examined whether children and adolescents can correctly report dry eyes and blurred distance vision, two visual problems associated with computer vision syndrome. Participants are 913 children and adolescents aged 6-17. They were asked to report their visual problems, including dry eyes and blurred distance vision, and received an eye examination, including tear film break-up time (TFBUT) and visual acuity (VA). Inconsistency was found between participants' reports of dry eyes and TFBUT results among all 913 participants as well as for all of four subgroups. In contrast, consistency was found between participants' reports of blurred distance vision and VA results among 873 participants who had never worn glasses as well as for the four subgroups. It was concluded that children and adolescents are unable to report dry eyes correctly; however, they are able to report blurred distance vision correctly. Three practical implications of the findings were discussed. Little is known about children's ability to report their visual problems, an issue critical to diagnosis and treatment of children's computer vision syndrome. This study compared children's self-reports and clinic examination results and found children can correctly report blurred distance vision but not dry eyes.

The Influence of Manifest Strabismus and Stereoscopic Vision on Non-Verbal Abilities of Visually Impaired Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gligorovic, Milica; Vucinic, Vesna; Eskirovic, Branka; Jablan, Branka

2011-01-01

This research was conducted in order to examine the influence of manifest strabismus and stereoscopic vision on non-verbal abilities of visually impaired children aged between 7 and 15. The sample included 55 visually impaired children from the 1st to the 6th grade of elementary schools for visually impaired children in Belgrade. RANDOT stereotest…

Supporting Multimedia Learning with Visual Signalling and Animated Pedagogical Agent: Moderating Effects of Prior Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, A. M.; Ozogul, G.; Reisslein, M.

2015-01-01

An experiment examined the effects of visual signalling to relevant information in multiple external representations and the visual presence of an animated pedagogical agent (APA). Students learned electric circuit analysis using a computer-based learning environment that included Cartesian graphs, equations and electric circuit diagrams. The…

The Social Experiences of High School Students with Visual Impairments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jessup, Glenda; Bundy, Anita C.; Broom, Alex; Hancock, Nicola

2017-01-01

Introduction: This study explores the social experiences in high school of students with visual impairments. Methods: Experience sampling methodology was used to examine (a) how socially included students with visual impairments feel, (b) the internal qualities of their activities, and (c) the factors that influence a sense of inclusion. Twelve…

Some Issues Concerning Access to Information by Blind and Partially Sighted Pupils.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Christopher F.

This paper examines problems faced by visually-impaired secondary pupils in gaining access to information in print. The ever-increasing volume of information available inundates the sighted and is largely inaccessible in print format to the visually impaired. Important issues of availability for the visually impaired include whether information is…

Development of a computerized visual search test.

PubMed

Reid, Denise; Babani, Harsha; Jon, Eugenia

2009-09-01

Visual attention and visual search are the features of visual perception, essential for attending and scanning one's environment while engaging in daily occupations. This study describes the development of a novel web-based test of visual search. The development information including the format of the test will be described. The test was designed to provide an alternative to existing cancellation tests. Data from two pilot studies will be reported that examined some aspects of the test's validity. To date, our assessment of the test shows that it discriminates between healthy and head-injured persons. More research and development work is required to examine task performance changes in relation to task complexity. It is suggested that the conceptual design for the test is worthy of further investigation.

Visual disability rates in a ten-year cohort of patients with anterior visual pathway meningiomas.

PubMed

Bor-Shavit, Elite; Hammel, Naama; Nahum, Yoav; Rappaport, Zvi Harry; Stiebel-Kalish, Hadas

2015-01-01

To examine the visual outcome of anterior visual pathway meningioma (AVPM) patients followed for at least one year. Data were collected on demographics, clinical course and management. Visual disability was classified at the first and last examination as follows: I--no visual disability; II--mild visual defect in one eye; III--mild visual defect in both eyes; IV--loss of driver's license; V--legally blind. Eight-one AVPM patients had their tumor originate in the clinoid process in 23 (28%), sphenoid-wing area in 18 (22%), cavernous sinus in 15 (19%), tuberculum sellae in 8 (10%), and mixed in 17 (21%). On last examination, 46 patients (57%) had good visual acuity in one or both eyes (Class I or II) and 17 (21%) were mildly affected in both eyes. The rate of Class IV disability was 16%, and Class V disability was 6%. Attention needs to be addressed to the considerable proportion of patients with AVPM (22% in this study) who may lose their driver's license or become legally blind. Occupational therapists should play an important role in the multidisciplinary management of those patients to help them adapt to their new physical and social situation. Anterior visual pathway meningiomas (AVPMs) are commonly not life-threatening but they can lead to profound visual disability, especially when the tumor originates in the tuberculum sellae and cavernous sinus. Particular attention should be paid to visual acuity and visual field deficits, as these can profoundly affect the patient's quality of life including ability to drive and activities of daily living. The interdisciplinary management of patients with AVPM should include the neurosurgeon, neuro-ophthalmologist and occupational therapist. Also, early intervention by the occupational therapist can help patients adapt to their current physical and social situation and return to everyday tasks more rapidly.

28 CFR 36.309 - Examinations and courses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... include taped examinations, interpreters or other effective methods of making orally delivered materials... qualified readers for individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities, transcribers for... and services required by this section may include taped texts, interpreters or other effective methods...

28 CFR 36.309 - Examinations and courses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... include taped examinations, interpreters or other effective methods of making orally delivered materials... qualified readers for individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities, transcribers for... and services required by this section may include taped texts, interpreters or other effective methods...

28 CFR 36.309 - Examinations and courses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... include taped examinations, interpreters or other effective methods of making orally delivered materials... qualified readers for individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities, transcribers for... and services required by this section may include taped texts, interpreters or other effective methods...

How scientists develop competence in visual communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostergren, Marilyn

Visuals (maps, charts, diagrams and illustrations) are an important tool for communication in most scientific disciplines, which means that scientists benefit from having strong visual communication skills. This dissertation examines the nature of competence in visual communication and the means by which scientists acquire this competence. This examination takes the form of an extensive multi-disciplinary integrative literature review and a series of interviews with graduate-level science students. The results are presented as a conceptual framework that lays out the components of competence in visual communication, including the communicative goals of science visuals, the characteristics of effective visuals, the skills and knowledge needed to create effective visuals and the learning experiences that promote the acquisition of these forms of skill and knowledge. This conceptual framework can be used to inform pedagogy and thus help graduate students achieve a higher level of competency in this area; it can also be used to identify aspects of acquiring competence in visual communication that need further study.

Attitudes towards and perceptions of visual loss and its causes among Hong Kong Chinese adults.

PubMed

Lau, Joseph Tak Fai; Lee, Vincent; Fan, Dorothy; Lau, Mason; Michon, John

2004-06-01

As part of a study of visual function among Hong Kong Chinese adults, their attitudes and perceptions related to visual loss were examined. These included fear of visual loss, negative functional impacts of visual loss, the relationship between ageing and visual loss and help-seeking behaviours related to visual loss. Demographic factors associated with these variables were also studied. The study population were people aged 40 and above randomly selected from the Shatin district of Hong Kong. The participants underwent eye examinations that included visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy. The primary cause of visual disability was recorded. The participants were also asked about their attitudes and perceptions regarding visual loss using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of bilateral visual disability was 2.2% among adults aged 40 or above and 6.4% among adults aged 60 or above. Nearly 36% of the participants selected blindness as the most feared disabling medical condition, which was substantially higher than conditions such as dementia, loss of limbs, deafness or aphasia. Inability to take care of oneself (21.0%), inconvenience related to mobility (20.2%) and inability to work (14.8%) were the three most commonly mentioned 'worst impact' effects of visual loss. Fully 68% of the participants believed that loss of vision is related to ageing. A majority of participants would seek help and advice from family members in case of visual loss. Visual function is perceived to be very important by Hong Kong Chinese adults. The fear of visual loss is widespread and particularly affects self-care and functional abilities. Visual loss is commonly seen as related to ageing. Attitudes and perceptions in this population may be modified by educational and outreach efforts in order to take advantage of preventive measures.

Isolated cortical visual loss with subtle brain MRI abnormalities in a case of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

PubMed

Margolin, Edward; Gujar, Sachin K; Trobe, Jonathan D

2007-12-01

A 16-year-old boy who was briefly asystolic and hypotensive after a motor vehicle accident complained of abnormal vision after recovering consciousness. Visual acuity was normal, but visual fields were severely constricted without clear hemianopic features. The ophthalmic examination was otherwise normal. Brain MRI performed 11 days after the accident showed no pertinent abnormalities. At 6 months after the event, brain MRI demonstrated brain volume loss in the primary visual cortex and no other abnormalities. One year later, visual fields remained severely constricted; neurologic examination, including formal neuropsychometric testing, was normal. This case emphasizes the fact that hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) may cause enduring damage limited to primary visual cortex and that the MRI abnormalities may be subtle. These phenomena should be recognized in the management of patients with HIE.

A Cross-sectional Study of Prevalence and Etiology of Childhood Visual Impairment in Auckland, New Zealand.

PubMed

Chong, Chee Foong; McGhee, Charles N J; Dai, Shuan

2014-01-01

Childhood visual impairment has significant individual and socioeconomic costs with global differences in etiology and prevalence. This study aimed to determine prevalence, etiology, and avoidable causes of childhood visual impairment in New Zealand. Retrospective data analysis from a national referral center, the Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand, Auckland. The World Health Organization Program for Prevention of Blindness eye examination records for visually impaired children, 16 years or younger, registered with the Auckland Visual Resource Centre, were included. Data analyzed included demographics, etiology, visual acuity, visual fields, educational setting, and rehabilitation plan. Charts of 340 children were examined, of which 267 children (144 blind, 123 low vision) were included in the analysis, whereas the remaining 73 charts of children with no visual impairment were excluded. The calculated prevalence of blindness and low vision was 0.05% and 0.04%, respectively, in the Auckland region. Principal causes of blindness affecting 91 children (63.9%) were cerebral visual impairment in 61 children (42.4%), optic nerve atrophy in 18 children (12.5%), and retinal dystrophy in 13 children (9.0%). The main potentially avoidable causes of blindness in 27 children (19%) were neonatal trauma, asphyxia in 9 children (33%), and nonaccidental injury 6 children (22%). This first report of prevalence for childhood blindness and low vision in New Zealand is similar to data from Established Market Economy countries. The leading causes of blindness are also comparable to other high-income countries; however, proportions of avoidable causes differ significantly.

The Influence of Visual Arts Education on Children with ASD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Çevirgen, Ayse; Aktas, Burcu; Kot, Mehtap

2018-01-01

The aim of this research is to examine the effects of visual arts on a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research included a 13-years-old male student with ASD, the student's parents, and the visual arts teacher. The research was designed according to the case study from qualitative research models. Semi-structured interviewing and…

The Impact of Baseline Trend Control on Visual Analysis of Single-Case Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercer, Sterett H.; Sterling, Heather E.

2012-01-01

The impact of baseline trend control on visual analyses of AB intervention graphs was examined with simulated data at various values of baseline trend, autocorrelation, and effect size. Participants included 202 undergraduate students with minimal training in visual analysis and 10 graduate students and faculty with more training and experience in…

Efficiency of bowel preparation for capsule endoscopy examination: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Niv, Yaron

2008-03-07

Good preparation before endoscopic procedures is essential for successful visualization. The small bowel is difficult to evaluate because of its length and complex configuration. A meta-analysis was conducted of studies comparing small bowel visualization by capsule endoscopy with and without preparation. Medical data bases were searched for all studies investigating the preparation for capsule endoscopy of the small bowel up to July 31, 2007. Studies that scored bowel cleanness and measured gastric and small bowel transit time and rate of cecum visualization were included. The primary endpoint was the quality of bowel visualization. The secondary endpoints were transit times and proportion of examinations that demonstrated the cecum, with and without preparation. Meta-analysis was performed with StatDirect Statistical software, version 2.6.1 (http://statsdirect.com). Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Bowel visualization was scored as "good" in 78% of the examinations performed with preparation and 49% performed without (P<0.0001). There were no significant differences in transit times or in the proportion of examinations that demonstrated the cecum with and without preparation. Capsule endoscopy preparation improves the quality of small bowel visualization, but has no effect on transit times, or demonstration of the cecum.

Efficiency of bowel preparation for capsule endoscopy examination: A meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Niv, Yaron

2008-01-01

Good preparation before endoscopic procedures is essential for successful visualization. The small bowel is difficult to evaluate because of its length and complex configuration. A meta-analysis was conducted of studies comparing small bowel visualization by capsule endoscopy with and without preparation. Medical data bases were searched for all studies investigating the preparation for capsule endoscopy of the small bowel up to July 31, 2007. Studies that scored bowel cleanness and measured gastric and small bowel transit time and rate of cecum visualization were included. The primary endpoint was the quality of bowel visualization. The secondary endpoints were transit times and proportion of examinations that demonstrated the cecum, with and without preparation. Meta-analysis was performed with StatDirect Statistical software, version 2.6.1 (http://statsdirect.com). Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Bowel visualization was scored as “good” in 78% of the examinations performed with preparation and 49% performed without (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in transit times or in the proportion of examinations that demonstrated the cecum with and without preparation. Capsule endoscopy preparation improves the quality of small bowel visualization, but has no effect on transit times, or demonstration of the cecum. PMID:18322940

Visualizing planetary data by using 3D engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elgner, S.; Adeli, S.; Gwinner, K.; Preusker, F.; Kersten, E.; Matz, K.-D.; Roatsch, T.; Jaumann, R.; Oberst, J.

2017-09-01

We examined 3D gaming engines for their usefulness in visualizing large planetary image data sets. These tools allow us to include recent developments in the field of computer graphics in our scientific visualization systems and present data products interactively and in higher quality than before. We started to set up the first applications which will take use of virtual reality (VR) equipment.

Examination of the Relation between an Assessment of Skills and Performance on Auditory-Visual Conditional Discriminations for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kodak, Tiffany; Clements, Andrea; Paden, Amber R.; LeBlanc, Brittany; Mintz, Joslyn; Toussaint, Karen A.

2015-01-01

The current investigation evaluated repertoires that may be related to performance on auditory-to-visual conditional discrimination training with 9 students who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The skills included in the assessment were matching, imitation, scanning, an auditory discrimination, and a visual discrimination. The…

[Importance of family examination in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis].

PubMed

Kłosowska-Zawadka, A; Bernardczyk-Meller, J; Gotz-Wieckowska, A; Krawczyński, M

2005-12-01

Congenital (juvenile) retinoschisis belongs to the group of hereditary vitreoretinopathies. This disorder is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern and its onset usually occurs in 5- to 10-year-old boys. Presenting clinical signs include decreased visual acuity due to maculopathy. The authors present a case of a 17-year-old boy with decreased visual acuity, hypermetropia, and bilateral retinoschisis with maculopathy upon fundus examination. In view of a 50% risk of the disorder occurring in the brothers of the affected male, they underwent full ophthalmological and electrophysiological examinations (until then asymptomatic). In one of them decreased visual acuity, mixed astigmatism, and maculopathy were present, without any changes of the peripheral retina. In the youngest brother decreased visual acuity, hypermetropia, and maculopathy were diagnosed. Genetic counseling and ophthalmological examination of family members at risk facilitated early recognition of the pathological changes in the siblings. Genetic counseling with pedigree analysis and genetic analysis, if possible, should be offered to all affected patients and family members.

Let There Be Languages!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gunnarsson, Petur

1992-01-01

Examines the resilience of small languages in the face of larger ones. Highlights include the concept of one dominant language, such as Esperanto; the threat of television to small visual-language societies; the power of visual media; man's relationship to language; and the resilience of language. (LRW)

Ethambutol/Linezolid Toxic Optic Neuropathy.

PubMed

Libershteyn, Yevgeniya

2016-02-01

To report a rare toxic optic neuropathy after long-term use of two medications: ethambutol and linezolid. A 65-year-old man presented to the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center in December 2014 for evaluation of progressive vision decrease in both eyes. The patient presented with best-corrected visual acuities of 20/400 in the right eye and counting fingers at 5 feet in the left eye. Color vision was significantly reduced in both eyes. Visual fields revealed a cecocentral defect in both eyes. His fundus and optic nerve examination was unremarkable. Because vision continued to decline after discontinuation of ethambutol, linezolid was also discontinued, after which vision, color vision, and visual fields improved. Because of these findings, the final diagnosis was toxic optic neuropathy. Final visual outcome was 20/30 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Drug-associated toxic optic neuropathy is a rare but vision-threatening condition. Diagnosis is made based on an extensive case history and careful clinical examination. The examination findings include varying decrease in vision, normal pupils and extraocular muscles, and unremarkable fundoscopy, with the possibility of swollen optic discs in the acute stage of the optic neuropathy. Other important findings descriptive of toxic optic neuropathy include decreased color vision and cecocentral visual field defects. This case illustrates the importance of knowledge of all medications and/or substances a patient consumes that may cause a toxic reaction and discontinuing them immediately if the visual functions are worsening or not improving.

MACULAR COLOBOMA IN A CHILD WITH USHER SYNDROME.

PubMed

Ishaq, Mazhar; Mukhtar, Ahsan; Khan, Saim

2015-01-01

Macular coloboma is a rare entity and its concomitance with Usher syndrome is described here. A 14 years male child was studied in detail along with other family members. He underwent two complete ophthalmologic examinations (4-years follow-up), including visual assessment, orthoptic evaluation, colour vision test, visual fields, corneal topography, Optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and electroretinography. Detailed ophthalmic examination was also conducted on other asymptomatic members of the same family. Patient had sensorineural deafness, poor visual acuity, and progressive visual field impairment in both eyes, bilaterally presenting macular coloboma and atypical retinitis pigmentosa pattern. The other investigated relatives did not show any specific and/or significant ocular disorder. This concurrence represents no genetic pattern and is observed in sporadic cases.

The Impact of Inherent Instructional Design in Online Courseware.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Douglas M.; Lee, Jung

2001-01-01

Examines how the use of server-based courseware development solutions affects the instructional design process when creating online distance education. Highlights include pedagogical, visual interface (e.g., visual metaphor and navigation layout), interaction, and instructional design implications of online courseware. (Contains 54 references.)…

Prosodic Phonological Representations Early in Visual Word Recognition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ashby, Jane; Martin, Andrea E.

2008-01-01

Two experiments examined the nature of the phonological representations used during visual word recognition. We tested whether a minimality constraint (R. Frost, 1998) limits the complexity of early representations to a simple string of phonemes. Alternatively, readers might activate elaborated representations that include prosodic syllable…

Looking at Employment through a Lifespan Telescope: Age, Health, and Employment Status of People with Serious Visual Impairment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirchner, Corinne; Schmeidler, Emilie; Todorov, Alexander

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that examined employment issues for people with serious visual impairments. The study reviewed data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey that included 128,001 people (ages 18-69) with and without visual impairments. Chapter 1 highlights age (seen as lifestage) and health status as…

The Relationship between Walk Distance and Muscle Strength, Muscle Pain in Visually Disabled People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akyol, Betül

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between six-minute walk test and muscle pain, muscle strength in visually disabled people. The study includes 50 visually disabled people, aged between 17, 21 ± 5,3. Participants were classified into three categories according to their degree of vision (B1, B2, B3). All participants were…

49 CFR 452.3 - Elements of periodic examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.3 Elements... minimum requirements: (1) Each examination must include a detailed visual inspection for defects such as... must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. (2) Each examination must...

49 CFR 452.3 - Elements of periodic examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.3 Elements... minimum requirements: (1) Each examination must include a detailed visual inspection for defects such as... must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. (2) Each examination must...

49 CFR 452.3 - Elements of periodic examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.3 Elements... minimum requirements: (1) Each examination must include a detailed visual inspection for defects such as... must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. (2) Each examination must...

49 CFR 452.3 - Elements of periodic examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.3 Elements... minimum requirements: (1) Each examination must include a detailed visual inspection for defects such as... must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. (2) Each examination must...

49 CFR 452.3 - Elements of periodic examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.3 Elements... minimum requirements: (1) Each examination must include a detailed visual inspection for defects such as... must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. (2) Each examination must...

The prevalence of visual impairment in school children of upper-middle socioeconomic status in Kathmandu.

PubMed

Sapkota, Yuddha D; Adhikari, Bishwa Nath; Pokharel, Gopal P; Poudyal, Bimal K; Ellwein, Leon B

2008-01-01

Assess visual impairment in school children of upper-middle socioeconomic status in Kathmandu for comparison with rural Jhapa District. Random selection of classes from secondary private schools in Kathmandu was used to identify the study sample. Children in 130 classes at 43 schools were enumerated using school records and examined between January-May 2006. Examinations included visual acuity testing, ocular motility evaluation, cycloplegic refraction, and examination of the external eye, anterior segment, media, and fundus. The principal cause was determined for eyes with uncorrected visual acuity < or = 20/40. A total of 4,501 children in grades 5-9 were enumerated; 4282 (95.1%) were examined. The prevalence of uncorrected, presenting, and best-corrected visual impairment (< or = 20/40) in the better eye was 18.6%, 9.1%, and 0.86%, respectively. Refractive error was a cause in 93.3% of children with uncorrected visual impairment, amblyopia 1.8%, retinal disorders 1.3%, other causes 0.3%, and unexplained causes 4.4%. Among children correctable in at least one eye, 46.3% presented without the necessary spectacles. Visual impairment with myopia (-0.50 diopters) ranged from 10.9% in 10 year-olds to 27.3% in 15 year-olds, compared to 0.5%-3.0% in rural Jhapa District. Myopic visual impairment was associated with grade level, female gender, parental education, parental spectacle usage, and Mongol ethnicity. Visual impairment with myopia among upper-middle socioeconomic school children in Kathmandu is higher than that in rural Nepal, and a public health problem because nearly half are without corrective spectacles. Effective strategies are needed to eliminate this easily treatable cause of visual impairment.

Picture This: Media Representations of Visual Art and Artists.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayward, Philip, Ed.

Media, particularly in the form of broadcast television, has revolutionized an individual's relationship to culture and cultural practices. This anthology examines the complex set of relationships between art forms, popular cultural practices (including watching television), technology, and audiences. Focus is upon visual arts and artists, and…

Egocentric Direction and Position Perceptions are Dissociable Based on Only Static Lane Edge Information

PubMed Central

Nakashima, Ryoichi; Iwai, Ritsuko; Ueda, Sayako; Kumada, Takatsune

2015-01-01

When observers perceive several objects in a space, at the same time, they should effectively perceive their own position as a viewpoint. However, little is known about observers’ percepts of their own spatial location based on the visual scene information viewed from them. Previous studies indicate that two distinct visual spatial processes exist in the locomotion situation: the egocentric position perception and egocentric direction perception. Those studies examined such perceptions in information rich visual environments where much dynamic and static visual information was available. This study examined these two perceptions in information of impoverished environments, including only static lane edge information (i.e., limited information). We investigated the visual factors associated with static lane edge information that may affect these perceptions. Especially, we examined the effects of the two factors on egocentric direction and position perceptions. One is the “uprightness factor” that “far” visual information is seen at upper location than “near” visual information. The other is the “central vision factor” that observers usually look at “far” visual information using central vision (i.e., foveal vision) whereas ‘near’ visual information using peripheral vision. Experiment 1 examined the effect of the “uprightness factor” using normal and inverted road images. Experiment 2 examined the effect of the “central vision factor” using normal and transposed road images where the upper half of the normal image was presented under the lower half. Experiment 3 aimed to replicate the results of Experiments 1 and 2. Results showed that egocentric direction perception is interfered with image inversion or image transposition, whereas egocentric position perception is robust against these image transformations. That is, both “uprightness” and “central vision” factors are important for egocentric direction perception, but not for egocentric position perception. Therefore, the two visual spatial perceptions about observers’ own viewpoints are fundamentally dissociable. PMID:26648895

49 CFR 452.9 - Elements of a continuous examination program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.9... following minimum requirements: (1) A thorough examination that must include a detailed visual inspection... disclosed by the examination must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. A...

49 CFR 452.9 - Elements of a continuous examination program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.9... following minimum requirements: (1) A thorough examination that must include a detailed visual inspection... disclosed by the examination must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. A...

49 CFR 452.9 - Elements of a continuous examination program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.9... following minimum requirements: (1) A thorough examination that must include a detailed visual inspection... disclosed by the examination must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. A...

49 CFR 452.9 - Elements of a continuous examination program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.9... following minimum requirements: (1) A thorough examination that must include a detailed visual inspection... disclosed by the examination must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. A...

49 CFR 452.9 - Elements of a continuous examination program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SAFETY APPROVAL OF CARGO CONTAINERS EXAMINATION OF CONTAINERS § 452.9... following minimum requirements: (1) A thorough examination that must include a detailed visual inspection... disclosed by the examination must be corrected by the owner before the container is continued in service. A...

An automated miniaturized Haploscope for testing binocular visual function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, T. A.; Williams, R. E.; Kuether, C. L.; Wyman-Cornsweet, D.

1976-01-01

A computer-controlled binocular vision testing device has been developed as one part of a system designed for NASA to test the vision of astronauts during spaceflight. The device, called the Mark III Haploscope, utilizes semi-automated psychophysical test procedures to measure visual acuity, stereopsis, phorias, fixation disparity and accommodation/convergence relationships. All tests are self-administered, yield quantitative data and may be used repeatedly without subject memorization. Future applications of this programmable, compact device include its use as a clinical instrument to perform routine eye examinations or vision screening, and as a research tool to examine the effects of environment or work-cycle upon visual function.

A systematic review of visual processing and associated treatments in body dysmorphic disorder.

PubMed

Beilharz, F; Castle, D J; Grace, S; Rossell, S L

2017-07-01

Recent advances in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have explored abnormal visual processing, yet it is unclear how this relates to treatment. The aim of this study was to summarize our current understanding of visual processing in BDD and review associated treatments. The literature was collected through PsycInfo and PubMed. Visual processing articles were included if written in English after 1970, had a specific BDD group compared to healthy controls and were not case studies. Due to the lack of research regarding treatments associated with visual processing, case studies were included. A number of visual processing abnormalities are present in BDD, including face recognition, emotion identification, aesthetics, object recognition and gestalt processing. Differences to healthy controls include a dominance of detailed local processing over global processing and associated changes in brain activation in visual regions. Perceptual mirror retraining and some forms of self-exposure have demonstrated improved treatment outcomes, but have not been examined in isolation from broader treatments. Despite these abnormalities in perception, particularly concerning face and emotion recognition, few BDD treatments attempt to specifically remediate this. The development of a novel visual training programme which addresses these widespread abnormalities may provide an effective treatment modality. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Examining the Effect of Age on Visual-Vestibular Self-Motion Perception Using a Driving Paradigm.

PubMed

Ramkhalawansingh, Robert; Keshavarz, Behrang; Haycock, Bruce; Shahab, Saba; Campos, Jennifer L

2017-05-01

Previous psychophysical research has examined how younger adults and non-human primates integrate visual and vestibular cues to perceive self-motion. However, there is much to be learned about how multisensory self-motion perception changes with age, and how these changes affect performance on everyday tasks involving self-motion. Evidence suggests that older adults display heightened multisensory integration compared with younger adults; however, few previous studies have examined this for visual-vestibular integration. To explore age differences in the way that visual and vestibular cues contribute to self-motion perception, we had younger and older participants complete a basic driving task containing visual and vestibular cues. We compared their performance against a previously established control group that experienced visual cues alone. Performance measures included speed, speed variability, and lateral position. Vestibular inputs resulted in more precise speed control among older adults, but not younger adults, when traversing curves. Older adults demonstrated more variability in lateral position when vestibular inputs were available versus when they were absent. These observations align with previous evidence of age-related differences in multisensory integration and demonstrate that they may extend to visual-vestibular integration. These findings may have implications for vehicle and simulator design when considering older users.

International Metadata Initiatives: Lessons in Bibliographic Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caplan, Priscilla

This paper looks at a subset of metadata schemes, including the Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) header, the Encoded Archival Description (EAD), the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set (DCMES), and the Visual Resources Association (VRA) Core Categories for visual resources. It examines why they developed as they did, major point of difference from…

Visualizing Protein Interactions and Dynamics: Evolving a Visual Language for Molecular Animation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkinson, Jodie; McGill, Gael

2012-01-01

Undergraduate biology education provides students with a number of learning challenges. Subject areas that are particularly difficult to understand include protein conformational change and stability, diffusion and random molecular motion, and molecular crowding. In this study, we examined the relative effectiveness of three-dimensional…

Internet Use and Cybersecurity Concerns of Individuals with Visual Impairments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Inan, Fethi A.; Namin, Akbar S.; Pogrund, Rona L.; Jones, Keith S.

2016-01-01

Twenty individuals with visual impairments were surveyed in order to (a) understand their Internet use and (b) examine relations between metrics related to Internet use and cybersecurity-related knowledge, skills, confidence, and attitudes. Participants used the Internet for various purposes, including information search, communication, chatting,…

Visual Impairment in White, Chinese, Black, and Hispanic Participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Cohort.

PubMed

Fisher, Diana E; Shrager, Sandi; Shea, Steven J; Burke, Gregory L; Klein, Ronald; Wong, Tien Y; Klein, Barbara E; Cotch, Mary Frances

2015-01-01

To describe the prevalence of visual impairment and examine its association with demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort. Visual acuity data were obtained from 6134 participants, aged 46-87 years at time of examination between 2002 and 2004 (mean age 64 years, 47.6% male), from six communities in the United States. Visual impairment was defined as presenting visual acuity 20/50 or worse in the better-seeing eye. Risk factors were included in multivariable logistic regression models to determine their impact on visual impairment for men and women in each racial/ethnic group. Among all participants, 6.6% (n = 421) had visual impairment, including 5.6% of men (n = 178) and 7.5% of women (n = 243). Prevalence of impairment ranged from 4.2% (n = 52) and 6.0% (n = 77) in white men and women, respectively, to 7.6% (n = 37) and 11.6% (n = 44) in Chinese men and women, respectively. Older age was significantly associated with visual impairment in both men and women, particularly in those with lower socioeconomic status, but the effects of increasing age were more pronounced in men. Two-thirds of participants already wore distance correction, and not unexpectedly, a lower prevalence of visual impairment was seen in this group; however, 2.4% of men and 3.5% of women with current distance correction had correctable visual impairment, most notably among seniors. Even in the U.S. where prevalence of refractive correction is high, both visual impairment and uncorrected refractive error represent current public health challenges.

Visual Impairment in White, Chinese, Black and Hispanic Participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Cohort

PubMed Central

Fisher, Diana E.; Shrager, Sandi; Shea, Steven J.; Burke, Gregory L.; Klein, Ronald; Wong, Tien Y.; Klein, Barbara E; Cotch, Mary Frances

2016-01-01

Purpose To describe the prevalence of visual impairment and examine its association with demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort. Methods Visual acuity data was obtained from 6134 participants, aged 46 to 87 years old at time of examination between 2002 and 2004 (mean age 64 years, 47.6% male), from six communities in the United States (U.S.). Visual impairment was defined as a presenting visual acuity of 20/50 or worse in the better-seeing eye. Risk factors were included in multivariable logistic regression models to determine their impact on visual impairment for men and women in each racial/ethnic group. Results Among all participants, 6.6% (N=421) had visual impairment, including 5.6% (N=178) of men and 7.5% (N=243) of women. Prevalence of impairment ranged from 4.2% (N=52) and 6.0% (N=77) in White men and women, respectively, to 7.6% (N=37) and 11.6% (N=44) in Chinese men and women, respectively. Older age was significantly associated with visual impairment in both men and women, particularly in those with lower socioeconomic status, but the effects of increasing age were more pronounced in men. Two-thirds of participants already wore distance correction and not unexpectedly, lower prevalence of visual impairment was seen in this group; however, 2.4% of men and 3.5% of women with current distance correction had correctable visual impairment, most notably among seniors. Conclusion Even in the United States where prevalence of refractive correction is high, both visual impairment and uncorrected refractive error represent current public health challenges. PMID:26395659

Asymmetrical brain activity induced by voluntary spatial attention depends on the visual hemifield: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study.

PubMed

Harasawa, Masamitsu; Shioiri, Satoshi

2011-04-01

The effect of the visual hemifield to which spatial attention was oriented on the activities of the posterior parietal and occipital visual cortices was examined using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in order to investigate the neural substrates of voluntary visuospatial attention. Our brain imaging data support the theory put forth in a previous psychophysical study, namely, the attentional resources for the left and right visual hemifields are distinct. Increasing the attentional load asymmetrically increased the brain activity. Increase in attentional load produced a greater increase in brain activity in the case of the left visual hemifield than in the case of the right visual hemifield. This asymmetry was observed in all the examined brain areas, including the right and left occipital and parietal cortices. These results suggest the existence of asymmetrical inhibitory interactions between the hemispheres and the presence of an extensive inhibitory network. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Practical Concussion Physical Examination Toolbox.

PubMed

Matuszak, Jason M; McVige, Jennifer; McPherson, Jacob; Willer, Barry; Leddy, John

With heightened awareness of concussion, there is a need to assess and manage the concussed patient in a consistent manner. Unfortunately, concussion physical examination has not been standardized or supported by evidence. Important questions remain about the physical examination. Review of ClinicalKey, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and PubMed prior to July 2015 was performed using search terms, including concussion, mTBI, physical examination, mental status, cranial nerves, reflexes, cervical, vestibular, and oculomotor. The references of the pertinent articles were reviewed for other relevant sources. Clinical review. Level 3. The pertinent physical examination elements for concussion include evaluation of cranial nerves, manual muscle testing, and deep tendon reflexes; inspecting the head and neck for trauma or tenderness and cervical range of motion; Spurling maneuver; a static or dynamic balance assessment; screening ocular examination; and a mental status examination that includes orientation, immediate and delayed recall, concentration, mood, affect, insight, and judgment. Other examination elements to consider, based on signs, symptoms, or clinical suspicion, include testing of upper motor neurons, cervical strength and proprioception, coordination, pupillary reactivity, and visual acuity; examination of the jaw, temporomandibular joint, and thoracic spine; fundoscopic evaluation; orthostatic vital signs; assessment of dynamic visual acuity; and screening for depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and preinjury psychiatric difficulties. Various elements of the physical examination, such as screening ocular examination, cervical musculoskeletal examination, static and/or dynamic balance assessment, and mental status examination, appear to have utility for evaluating concussion; however, data on validity are lacking.

Visual acuity and visual skills in Malaysian children with learning disabilities

PubMed Central

Muzaliha, Mohd-Nor; Nurhamiza, Buang; Hussein, Adil; Norabibas, Abdul-Rani; Mohd-Hisham-Basrun, Jaafar; Sarimah, Abdullah; Leo, Seo-Wei; Shatriah, Ismail

2012-01-01

Background: There is limited data in the literature concerning the visual status and skills in children with learning disabilities, particularly within the Asian population. This study is aimed to determine visual acuity and visual skills in children with learning disabilities in primary schools within the suburban Kota Bharu district in Malaysia. Methods: We examined 1010 children with learning disabilities aged between 8–12 years from 40 primary schools in the Kota Bharu district, Malaysia from January 2009 to March 2010. These children were identified based on their performance in a screening test known as the Early Intervention Class for Reading and Writing Screening Test conducted by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. Complete ocular examinations and visual skills assessment included near point of convergence, amplitude of accommodation, accommodative facility, convergence break and recovery, divergence break and recovery, and developmental eye movement tests for all subjects. Results: A total of 4.8% of students had visual acuity worse than 6/12 (20/40), 14.0% had convergence insufficiency, 28.3% displayed poor accommodative amplitude, and 26.0% showed signs of accommodative infacility. A total of 12.1% of the students had poor convergence break, 45.7% displayed poor convergence recovery, 37.4% showed poor divergence break, and 66.3% were noted to have poor divergence recovery. The mean horizontal developmental eye movement was significantly prolonged. Conclusion: Although their visual acuity was satisfactory, nearly 30% of the children displayed accommodation problems including convergence insufficiency, poor accommodation, and accommodative infacility. Convergence and divergence recovery are the most affected visual skills in children with learning disabilities in Malaysia. PMID:23055674

Disentangling fine motor skills' relations to academic achievement: the relative contributions of visual-spatial integration and visual-motor coordination.

PubMed

Carlson, Abby G; Rowe, Ellen; Curby, Timothy W

2013-01-01

Recent research has established a connection between children's fine motor skills and their academic performance. Previous research has focused on fine motor skills measured prior to elementary school, while the present sample included children ages 5-18 years old, making it possible to examine whether this link remains relevant throughout childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, the majority of research linking fine motor skills and academic achievement has not determined which specific components of fine motor skill are driving this relation. The few studies that have looked at associations of separate fine motor tasks with achievement suggest that copying tasks that tap visual-spatial integration skills are most closely related to achievement. The present study examined two separate elements of fine motor skills--visual-motor coordination and visual-spatial integration--and their associations with various measures of academic achievement. Visual-motor coordination was measured using tracing tasks, while visual-spatial integration was measured using copy-a-figure tasks. After controlling for gender, socioeconomic status, IQ, and visual-motor coordination, and visual-spatial integration explained significant variance in children's math and written expression achievement. Knowing that visual-spatial integration skills are associated with these two achievement domains suggests potential avenues for targeted math and writing interventions for children of all ages.

University Teachers' Perception of Inclusion of Visually Impaired in Ghanaian Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mamah, Vincent; Deku, Prosper; Darling, Sharon M.; Avoke, Selete K.

2011-01-01

This study was undertaken to examine the university teachers' perception of including students with Visual Impairment (VI) in the public universities of Ghana. The sample consisted of 110 teachers from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the University of Education, Winneba, (UEW), and the University of Ghana (UG). Data were collected through…

Using Real-Time Visual Feedback to Improve Posture at Computer Workstations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sigurdsson, Sigurdur O.; Austin, John

2008-01-01

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a multicomponent intervention that included discrimination training, real-time visual feedback, and self-monitoring on postural behavior at a computer workstation in a simulated office environment. Using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across 8 participants, the study assessed…

Visual Literacy and the Digital Native: An Examination of the Millennial Learner

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brumberger, Eva

2011-01-01

The so-called millennial learners who currently populate college classrooms are purportedly digital natives whose repeated exposure to a host of new technologies has allegedly resulted in enhanced skills in several areas, including those related to technology and visual communication. By extension, the argument has been made that digital natives…

Ophthalmological assessment of cannabis-induced persisting perception disorder: is there a direct retinal effect?

PubMed

Zobor, Ditta; Strasser, Torsten; Zobor, Gergely; Schober, Franziska; Messias, Andre; Strauss, Olaf; Batra, Anil; Zrenner, Eberhart

2015-04-01

Cannabis is a psychotomimetic agent that induces impairment of sensory perception. We present detailed clinical and electrophysiological data of patients with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) after marijuana consumption. A HPPD patient and four heavy cannabis smokers with no visual disturbances (controls) underwent complete ophthalmological examination including psychophysical tests (visual acuity, color vision, visual field, and dark adaptation) and detailed electrophysiological examinations, including extended Ganzfeld ERG, multifocal ERG, and electrooculography (EOG). Furthermore, electrically evoked phosphene thresholds (EPTs) were measured to further evaluate retinal function. Ophthalmological and most electrophysiological examinations were within normal limits for the HPPD patient and for all control subjects. Interestingly, EOG results of the HPPD patient showed a slightly reduced fast oscillation ratio, diminished standing potentials of the slow oscillations, and a light peak within normal range resulting in higher Arden ratios. The EPTs of the patient were reduced, in particular for pulses with long durations (50 ms) causing visual sensations even at lowest possible currents of the neurostimulator. The control subjects did not reveal such alterations. Our findings suggest a direct effect of cannabinoids on the retina and retinal pigment epithelium function, which may be involved in disturbances of the visual function experienced after drug consumption. The observations presented here may contribute to the elucidation of the detailed mechanism. Furthermore, EOG and EPT measurements may be useful tools to demonstrate long-term retinal alterations in cannabis-induced HPPD in patients.

The Nigerian national blindness and visual impairment survey: Rationale, objectives and detailed methodology

PubMed Central

Dineen, Brendan; Gilbert, Clare E; Rabiu, Mansur; Kyari, Fatima; Mahdi, Abdull M; Abubakar, Tafida; Ezelum, Christian C; Gabriel, Entekume; Elhassan , Elizabeth; Abiose, Adenike; Faal, Hannah; Jiya, Jonathan Y; Ozemela, Chinenyem P; Lee, Pak Sang; Gudlavalleti, Murthy VS

2008-01-01

Background Despite having the largest population in Africa, Nigeria has no accurate population based data to plan and evaluate eye care services. A national survey was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and determine the major causes of blindness and low vision. This paper presents the detailed methodology used during the survey. Methods A nationally representative sample of persons aged 40 years and above was selected. Children aged 10–15 years and individuals aged <10 or 16–39 years with visual impairment were also included if they lived in households with an eligible adult. All participants had their height, weight, and blood pressure measured followed by assessment of presenting visual acuity, refractokeratomery, A-scan ultrasonography, visual fields and best corrected visual acuity. Anterior and posterior segments of each eye were examined with a torch and direct ophthalmoscope. Participants with visual acuity of < = 6/12 in one or both eyes underwent detailed examination including applanation tonometry, dilated slit lamp biomicroscopy, lens grading and fundus photography. All those who had undergone cataract surgery were refracted and best corrected vision recorded. Causes of visual impairment by eye and for the individual were determined using a clinical algorithm recommended by the World Health Organization. In addition, 1 in 7 adults also underwent a complete work up as described for those with vision < = 6/12 for constructing a normative data base for Nigerians. Discussion The field work for the study was completed in 30 months over the period 2005–2007 and covered 305 clusters across the entire country. Concurrently persons 40+ years were examined to form a normative data base. Analysis of the data is currently underway. Conclusion The methodology used was robust and adequate to provide estimates on the prevalence and causes of blindness in Nigeria. The survey would also provide information on barriers to accessing services, quality of life of visually impaired individuals and also provide normative data for Nigerian eyes. PMID:18808712

Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment and Blindness among Cocoa Farmers in Ghana.

PubMed

Boadi-Kusi, Samuel Bert; Hansraj, Rekha; Mashige, Khathutshelo Percy; Osafo-Kwaako, Alfred; Ilechie, Alex Azuka; Abokyi, Samuel

2017-02-01

To determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness among cocoa farmers in Ghana in order to formulate early intervention strategies. A cross-sectional study using multistage random sampling from four cocoa growing districts in Ghana was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014. A total of 512 cocoa farmers aged 40 years and older were interviewed and examined. The brief interview questionnaire was administered to elicit information on the demographics and socioeconomic details of participants. The examination included assessment of visual acuity (VA), retinoscopy, subjective refraction, direct ophthalmoscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and intraocular pressure (IOP). For quality assurance, a random sample of cocoa farmers were selected and re-examined independently. Moderate to severe visual impairment (VA <6/18 to 3/60 in the better-seeing eye) was present in 89 participants (17.4%) and 27 (5.3%) were blind (presenting VA <3/60 in the better eye) defined using presenting VA. The main causes of visual impairment were cataract (45, 38.8%), uncorrected refractive error (42, 36.2%), posterior segment disorders (15, 12.9%), and corneal opacity (11, 9.5%). The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness among cocoa farmers in Ghana is relatively high. The major causes of visual impairment and blindness are largely preventable or treatable, indicating the need for early eye care service interventions.

Screening of Visually Impaired Children for Health Problems.

PubMed

Açıl, Dilay; Ayaz, Sultan

2015-12-01

Disability is a significant problem and is accepted globally as a health priority in childhood. Like nonvisually impaired children, visually impaired children also need to use health services during childhood. The purpose of this study was to determine the health problems of visually impaired children. A descriptive design was used. The subjects were 74 children with visual impairment attending primary school (aged 5-14 years), who agreed to participate and whose parents gave permission. Data were collected via physical examination including questionnaires and a physical assessment form. The health screening included physical measurements for height, weight, blood pressure, dental health, hearing, and scoliosis. The mean age of children was 10.43 ± 2.9 years. When the health screening results of children were examined, it was found that 25.7% of the children were overweight or obese, 35.1% of them had dental problems, 27.0% had hearing problems, and 39.2% had scoliosis risk. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were normal in 91.8% and 93.2% of the children, respectively. These findings showed the important role of school health nurses in performing health screenings directed at visually impaired children who constitute a special group for school health services. Health screening for height, weight, dental health, hearing, and scoliosis is suggested for visually impaired children. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A Practical Concussion Physical Examination Toolbox

PubMed Central

Matuszak, Jason M.; McVige, Jennifer; McPherson, Jacob; Willer, Barry; Leddy, John

2016-01-01

Context: With heightened awareness of concussion, there is a need to assess and manage the concussed patient in a consistent manner. Unfortunately, concussion physical examination has not been standardized or supported by evidence. Important questions remain about the physical examination. Evidence Acquisition: Review of ClinicalKey, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and PubMed prior to July 2015 was performed using search terms, including concussion, mTBI, physical examination, mental status, cranial nerves, reflexes, cervical, vestibular, and oculomotor. The references of the pertinent articles were reviewed for other relevant sources. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Results: The pertinent physical examination elements for concussion include evaluation of cranial nerves, manual muscle testing, and deep tendon reflexes; inspecting the head and neck for trauma or tenderness and cervical range of motion; Spurling maneuver; a static or dynamic balance assessment; screening ocular examination; and a mental status examination that includes orientation, immediate and delayed recall, concentration, mood, affect, insight, and judgment. Other examination elements to consider, based on signs, symptoms, or clinical suspicion, include testing of upper motor neurons, cervical strength and proprioception, coordination, pupillary reactivity, and visual acuity; examination of the jaw, temporomandibular joint, and thoracic spine; fundoscopic evaluation; orthostatic vital signs; assessment of dynamic visual acuity; and screening for depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and preinjury psychiatric difficulties. Conclusion: Various elements of the physical examination, such as screening ocular examination, cervical musculoskeletal examination, static and/or dynamic balance assessment, and mental status examination, appear to have utility for evaluating concussion; however, data on validity are lacking. PMID:27022058

Tests for malingering in ophthalmology

PubMed Central

Incesu, Ali Ihsan

2013-01-01

Simulation can be defined as malingering, or sometimes functional visual loss (FVL). It manifests as either simulating an ophthalmic disease (positive simulation), or denial of ophthalmic disease (negative simulation). Conscious behavior and compensation or indemnity claims are prominent features of simulation. Since some authors suggest that this is a manifestation of underlying psychopathology, even conversion is included in this context. In today's world, every ophthalmologist can face with simulation of ophthalmic disease or disorder. In case of simulation suspect, the physician's responsibility is to prove the simulation considering the disease/disorder first, and simulation as an exclusion. In simulation examinations, the physician should be firm and smart to select appropriate test(s) to convince not only the subject, but also the judge in case of indemnity or compensation trials. Almost all ophthalmic sensory and motor functions including visual acuity, visual field, color vision and night vision can be the subject of simulation. Examiner must be skillful in selecting the most appropriate test. Apart from those in the literature, we included all kinds of simulation in ophthalmology. In addition, simulation examination techniques, such as, use of optical coherence tomography, frequency doubling perimetry (FDP), and modified polarization tests were also included. In this review, we made a thorough literature search, and added our experiences to give the readers up-to-date information on malingering or simulation in ophthalmology. PMID:24195054

Phenotypes in defined genotypes including siblings with Usher syndrome.

PubMed

Malm, Eva; Ponjavic, Vesna; Möller, Claes; Kimberling, William J; Andréasson, Sten

2011-06-01

To characterize visual function in defined genotypes including siblings with Usher syndrome. Thirteen patients with phenotypically different subtypes of Usher syndrome, including 3 families with affected siblings, were selected. Genetic analysis and ophthalmological examinations including visual fields, full-field electroretinography (ERG), multifocal electroretinography (mf ERG), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were assessed. The patients' degree of visual handicap was evaluated by a questionnaire (ADL). Twelve of thirteen patients were genotyped as Usher 1B, 1D, 1F, 2A, 2C or 3A. In 12 of 13 patients examined with ERG the 30 Hz flickering light response revealed remaining cone function. In 3 of the patients with Usher type 1 mf ERG demonstrated a specific pattern, with a sharp distinction between the area with reduced function and the central area with remaining macular function and normal peak time. OCT demonstrated loss of foveal depression with distortion of the foveal architecture in the macula in all patients. The foveal thickness ranged from 159 to 384 µm and was not correlated to retinal function. Three siblings shared the same mutation for Usher 2C but in contrast to previous reports regarding this genotype, 1 of them diverged in phenotype with substantially normal visual fields, almost normal OCT and mf ERG findings, and only moderately reduced rod and cone function according to ERG. Evaluation of visual function comprising both the severity of the rod cone degeneration and the function in the macular region confirm phenotypical heterogeneity within siblings and between different genotypes of Usher syndrome.

Effects of malicious ocular laser exposure in commercial airline pilots.

PubMed

Palakkamanil, Mathew M; Fielden, Michael P

2015-12-01

Intentional malicious laser strikes on commercial pilots are committed by individuals who target a laser into airplane cockpits during takeoff and landing. Because laser exposure to pilots is a relatively new but growing occurrence, our study investigates the ocular effect of this laser exposure in pilots. Retrospective chart review by a single ophthalmologist. All commercial airline pilots (58 male, 3 female) who experienced a laser strike while flying between April 2012 and November 2014 who presented to our clinic were included. A retrospective chart review was performed in a retinal specialist's practice. Ocular assessment was performed within 3 days of laser exposure. A complete ophthalmic evaluation was conducted, including Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity, colour vision, visual fields, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp examination, dilated fundus examination, colour fundus photographs, and ocular coherence tomography. Sixty-four laser strike incidents involving commercial pilots were included. All pilots in the study experienced some degree of immediate ocular irritation or light sensitivity. No definite cases of ocular damage were attributed to laser strikes. No pilot had any functional ocular deficits. Our study revealed that laser strikes on aircraft did not result in permanent visual functional or structural deficits. However, laser strikes cause immediate visual effects, including glare, flash blindness, and ocular irritation that can interfere with a pilot's visual function. Given the widespread accessibility of high-power lasers and the rapid increase in incidents, laser strikes threaten to jeopardize aviation safety unless effective preventative measures are put in place. Copyright © 2015 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Visual motion perception predicts driving hazard perception ability.

PubMed

Lacherez, Philippe; Au, Sandra; Wood, Joanne M

2014-02-01

To examine the basis of previous findings of an association between indices of driving safety and visual motion sensitivity and to examine whether this association could be explained by low-level changes in visual function. A total of 36 visually normal participants (aged 19-80 years) completed a battery of standard vision tests including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and automated visual fields and two tests of motion perception including sensitivity for movement of a drifting Gabor stimulus and sensitivity for displacement in a random dot kinematogram (Dmin ). Participants also completed a hazard perception test (HPT), which measured participants' response times to hazards embedded in video recordings of real-world driving, which has been shown to be linked to crash risk. Dmin for the random dot stimulus ranged from -0.88 to -0.12 log minutes of arc, and the minimum drift rate for the Gabor stimulus ranged from 0.01 to 0.35 cycles per second. Both measures of motion sensitivity significantly predicted response times on the HPT. In addition, while the relationship involving the HPT and motion sensitivity for the random dot kinematogram was partially explained by the other visual function measures, the relationship with sensitivity for detection of the drifting Gabor stimulus remained significant even after controlling for these variables. These findings suggest that motion perception plays an important role in the visual perception of driving-relevant hazards independent of other areas of visual function and should be further explored as a predictive test of driving safety. Future research should explore the causes of reduced motion perception to develop better interventions to improve road safety. © 2012 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica © 2012 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.

Incidental retinal phototoxicity associated with ingestion of photosensitizing drugs.

PubMed

Mauget-Faÿsse, M; Quaranta, M; Francoz, N; BenEzra, D; Mauget-Fa, M

2001-07-01

to report on the possible correlation between incident retinal phototoxicity and the use of photosensitizing drugs. four patients were examined because of scotomas and visual loss after an incidental exposure to a strong light source. One patient (two eyes) was exposed to standard camera flash; one patient (one eye) had a brief exposure to welding light; one patient (two eyes) underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsifications with intraocular lens implantation. The fourth patient had a severe retinal phototoxicity following a secondary intraocular lens implantation. All four patients underwent a thorough assessment including history of systemic drug use. These patients had ophthalmologic evaluation including: best corrected visual acuity (ETDRS charts), fundus examination, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies and were followed for 1 year. on presentation, the mean visual acuity was 7.5/20 (range: 20/400-20/20). Fundus examination disclosed yellow-gray sub-retinal lesions in all affected eyes. Early phase fluorescein angiography showed one or multiple hypofluorescent spots surrounded by a halo of hyperfluorescent window defect. In the late phase, some of these spots leaked the fluorescein dye. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated hypofluorescent spots throughout with ill-defined borders of hyperfluorescence observed during the late stages. The common finding in these four patients was the fact that they were all taking one or more photosensitizing drugs (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, allopurinol, and benzodiazepines). Three of the patients had a full visual recovery a few months after the phototoxicity. The fourth patient remained with a visual acuity of 20/60 12 months after the light exposure. Despite the visual recovery, non-homogeneous retinal pigment epithelial disturbances persisted in all affected eyes. phototoxicity following incidental light exposure may occur in patients taking drugs of photosensitizing potential. Therefore, the thorough history of systemic drug ingestion should be obtained if patients have exposure to strong light sources.

Perception and performance in flight simulators: The contribution of vestibular, visual, and auditory information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The pilot's perception and performance in flight simulators is examined. The areas investigated include: vestibular stimulation, flight management and man cockpit information interfacing, and visual perception in flight simulation. The effects of higher levels of rotary acceleration on response time to constant acceleration, tracking performance, and thresholds for angular acceleration are examined. Areas of flight management examined are cockpit display of traffic information, work load, synthetic speech call outs during the landing phase of flight, perceptual factors in the use of a microwave landing system, automatic speech recognition, automation of aircraft operation, and total simulation of flight training.

Using a Multimodal Approach to Facilitate Articulation, Phonemic Awareness, and Literacy in Young Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pieretti, Robert A.; Kaul, Sandra D.; Zarchy, Razi M.; O'Hanlon, Laureen M.

2015-01-01

The primary focus of this research study was to examine the benefit of a using a multimodal approach to speech sound correction with preschool children. The approach uses the auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic modalities and includes a unique, interactive visual focus that attempts to provide a visual representation of a phonemic category. The…

Investigating Deaf Students' Use of Visual Multimedia Resources in Reading Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikolaraizi, Magda; Vekiri, Ioanna; Easterbrooks, Susan R.

2013-01-01

A mixed research design was used to examine how deaf students used the visual resources of a multimedia software package that was designed to support reading comprehension. The viewing behavior of 8 deaf students, ages 8-12 years, was recorded during their interaction with multimedia software that included narrative texts enriched with Greek Sign…

Caught Napping: Images of Surveillance, Discipline and Punishment on the Body of the Schoolchild

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Margolis, Eric; Fram, Sheila

2007-01-01

The authors' research is concerned with the use of visual imagery as data to examine schools and schooling. In attempting to develop knowledge further by incorporating the visual in educational research, they draw on a hybrid mix of disciplines including sociology, ethnography, history and the humanities. Many scholars and historians writing about…

Visual Arts as a Lever for Social Justice Education: Labor Studies in the High School Art Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sosin, Adrienne Andi; Bekkala, Elsa; Pepper-Sanello, Miriam

2010-01-01

This collaborative action research study of pedagogy examines an introductory high school visual arts curriculum that includes artworks pertinent to labor studies, and their impact on students' understanding of the power of art for social commentary. Urban students with multicultural backgrounds study social realism as an historical artistic…

Motor Skill Performance of Children and Adolescents with Visual Impairments: A Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houwen, Suzanne; Visscher, Chris; Lemmink, Koen A. P. M.; Hartman, Esther

2009-01-01

This article reviews studies on variables that are related to the motor skill performance of children and adolescents with visual impairments (VI). Three major groups of variables are considered (child, environmental, and task). Thirty-nine studies are included in this review, 26 of which examined the effects of child, environmental, and/or task…

Examination of the Evidence Base for Using Visual Activity Schedules with Students with Intellectual Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spriggs, Amy D.; Mims, Pamela J.; van Dijk, Wilhelmina; Knight, Victoria F.

2017-01-01

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to establish the evidence base for using visual activity schedules (VAS) with individuals with intellectual disability. Literature published after 2005 was evaluated for quality using the criteria developed by Horner et al.; a total of 14 studies were included as acceptable. Findings suggest…

Changes in Quality of Life in Visually Impaired Patients after Low-Vision Rehabilitation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Renieri, Giulia; Pitz, Susanne; Pfeiffer, Norbert; Beutel, Manfred E.; Zwerenz, Rudiger

2013-01-01

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of low-vision aids on quality of life. Interviews included a modified version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (Modified German NEI VFQ-25), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination Blind, and Indicators of the Rehabilitation…

A visualization system for CT based pulmonary fissure analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Jiantao; Zheng, Bin; Park, Sang Cheol

2009-02-01

In this study we describe a visualization system of pulmonary fissures depicted on CT images. The purpose is to provide clinicians with an intuitive perception of a patient's lung anatomy through an interactive examination of fissures, enhancing their understanding and accurate diagnosis of lung diseases. This system consists of four key components: (1) region-of-interest segmentation; (2) three-dimensional surface modeling; (3) fissure type classification; and (4) an interactive user interface, by which the extracted fissures are displayed flexibly in different space domains including image space, geometric space, and mixed space using simple toggling "on" and "off" operations. In this system, the different visualization modes allow users not only to examine the fissures themselves but also to analyze the relationship between fissures and their surrounding structures. In addition, the users can adjust thresholds interactively to visualize the fissure surface under different scanning and processing conditions. Such a visualization tool is expected to facilitate investigation of structures near the fissures and provide an efficient "visual aid" for other applications such as treatment planning and assessment of therapeutic efficacy as well as education of medical professionals.

[Case of pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia with bilateral visual loss onset].

PubMed

Hara, Yusuke; Kamura, Yumi; Oikawa, Aki; Shichino, Hiroyuki; Mugishima, Hideo; Goto, Hiroshi

2010-05-01

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) during childhood is rare, and only been a few cases showed visual disturbances as an initial symptom. We report a pediatric CML case diagnosed by bilateral visual loss. An 11-year-old boy complained of visual loss in both eyes. His best corrected visual acuity was 0.5 in the right eye and 0.2 in the left. Fundus examination showed disc swelling, dilated and tortuous retinal veins and multiple elevated retinal lesions with hemorrhages of various size from one-forth to four disc diameters in both eyes. He was diagnosed as having CML by leucocytosis and systematic work-up including Philadelphia chromosome-positive, BCR-ABL kinase domain in peripheral blood and bone marrow. The ocular findings improved after treatment with hydroxyurea, leukocytaphresis and imatinib. His best corrected visual acuity improved to 0.7 in both eyes. Recent leukemia therapy including imatinib is effective not only for ocular lesions but also to induce hematological remission in childhood CML.

AstroBlend: An astrophysical visualization package for Blender

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naiman, J. P.

2016-04-01

The rapid growth in scale and complexity of both computational and observational astrophysics over the past decade necessitates efficient and intuitive methods for examining and visualizing large datasets. Here, I present AstroBlend, an open-source Python library for use within the three dimensional modeling software, Blender. While Blender has been a popular open-source software among animators and visual effects artists, in recent years it has also become a tool for visualizing astrophysical datasets. AstroBlend combines the three dimensional capabilities of Blender with the analysis tools of the widely used astrophysical toolset, yt, to afford both computational and observational astrophysicists the ability to simultaneously analyze their data and create informative and appealing visualizations. The introduction of this package includes a description of features, work flow, and various example visualizations. A website - www.astroblend.com - has been developed which includes tutorials, and a gallery of example images and movies, along with links to downloadable data, three dimensional artistic models, and various other resources.

Occupational Health and the Visual Arts: An Introduction.

PubMed

Hinkamp, David; McCann, Michael; Babin, Angela R

2017-09-01

Occupational hazards in the visual arts often involve hazardous materials, though hazardous equipment and hazardous work conditions can also be found. Occupational health professionals are familiar with most of these hazards and are particularly qualified to contribute clinical and preventive expertise to these issues. Articles illustrating visual arts health issues were sought and reviewed. Literature sources included medical databases, unindexed art-health publications, and popular press articles. Few medical articles examine health issues in the visuals arts directly, but exposures to pigments, solvents, and other hazards found in the visual arts are well described. The hierarchy of controls is an appropriate model for controlling hazards and promoting safer visual art workplaces. The health and safety of those working in the visual arts can benefit from the occupational health approach. Sources of further information are available.

Electron microscopic examination of the anterior lens capsule in a case of Alport's syndrome.

PubMed

Citirik, Mehmet; Batman, Cosar; Men, Gamze; Tuncel, Murvet; Zilelioglu, Orhan

2007-09-01

To report a case of Alport's syndrome and to present electronmicroscopic examination findings of the anterior lens capsule of this patient. A 21-year-old man was referred for low visual acuity and retinal pigment epithelial changes in the left eye. The patient and his relatives underwent detailed ophthalmological examination, including electrophysiological testing. The patient also underwent electronmicroscopic examination of the anterior lens capsule. His visual acuity was 6/18 OD and 6/15 OS. Anterior lenticonus and subcapsular opacities were observed in the left eye. Cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed for his poor visual performance. During the capsulorhexis, the remarkably thin and fragile anterior capsule was noted and removed. Ultrastructural analysis of the anterior lens capsule showed a thinner central zone compared with the periphery. The course of Alport's syndrome can be ameliorated by early diagnosis. Therefore, the ophthalmological examination of a patient with anterior lenticonus must be combined with a detailed medical evaluation. Ultrastructural analysis of the lens capsule can support the diagnosis of Alport's syndrome.

A workflow for the 3D visualization of meteorological data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helbig, Carolin; Rink, Karsten

2014-05-01

In the future, climate change will strongly influence our environment and living conditions. To predict possible changes, climate models that include basic and process conditions have been developed and big data sets are produced as a result of simulations. The combination of various variables of climate models with spatial data from different sources helps to identify correlations and to study key processes. For our case study we use results of the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model of two regions at different scales that include various landscapes in Northern Central Europe and Baden-Württemberg. We visualize these simulation results in combination with observation data and geographic data, such as river networks, to evaluate processes and analyze if the model represents the atmospheric system sufficiently. For this purpose, a continuous workflow that leads from the integration of heterogeneous raw data to visualization using open source software (e.g. OpenGeoSys Data Explorer, ParaView) is developed. These visualizations can be displayed on a desktop computer or in an interactive virtual reality environment. We established a concept that includes recommended 3D representations and a color scheme for the variables of the data based on existing guidelines and established traditions in the specific domain. To examine changes over time in observation and simulation data, we added the temporal dimension to the visualization. In a first step of the analysis, the visualizations are used to get an overview of the data and detect areas of interest such as regions of convection or wind turbulences. Then, subsets of data sets are extracted and the included variables can be examined in detail. An evaluation by experts from the domains of visualization and atmospheric sciences establish if they are self-explanatory and clearly arranged. These easy-to-understand visualizations of complex data sets are the basis for scientific communication. In addition, they have become an essential medium for the evaluation and verification of models. Particularly in interdisciplinary research projects, they support the scientists in discussions and help to set a general level of knowledge.

Is current eye-care-policy focus almost exclusively on cataract adequate to deal with blindness in India?

PubMed

Dandona, L; Dandona, R; Naduvilath, T J; McCarty, C A; Nanda, A; Srinivas, M; Mandal, P; Rao, G N

1998-05-02

India's National Programme for Control of Blindness focuses almost exclusively on cataract, based on a national survey done in the 1980s which reported that cataract caused 80% of the blindness in India. No current population-based data on the causes of blindness in India are available. We assessed the rate and causes of blindness in an urban population in southern India. We selected 2954 participants by stratified, random, cluster, systematic sampling from Hyderabad city. Eligible participants were interviewed and given a detailed ocular assessment, including visual acuity, refraction, slitlamp biomicroscopy, applanation intraocular pressure, gonioscopy, dilatation, grading of cataract, stereoscopic fundus assessment, and automated-threshold visual fields. 2522 participants, including 1399 aged 30 years or more, were assessed. 49 participants (all aged > or =30 years) were blind (presenting distance visual acuity <6/60 or central visual field <200 in the better eye). The rate of blindness among those aged 30 years or more, adjusted for age and sex, was 3.08% ([95% CI 1.95-4.21]). Causes included cataract (29.7%), retinal disease (17.1%), corneal disease (15.4%), refractive error (12.5%), glaucoma (12.1%), and optic atrophy (11.0%). 15.7% of the blindness caused by visual-field constriction would have been missed without visual-field examination. Also without visual-field and detailed dilated-fundus assessments, blindness attributed to cataract would have been overestimated by up to 75.8%. If the use of cataract surgery in this urban population was half that found in this study, which simulates the situation in rural India, cataract would have caused 51.8% (39.4-64.2) of blindness, significantly less than the 80% accepted by current policy. Much of the blindness in this Indian population was due to non-cataract causes. The previous national survey did not include detailed dilated-fundus assessment and visual-field examination which could have led to overestimation of cataract as a cause of blindness in India. Policy-makers in India should encourage well-designed population-based epidemiological studies from which to develop a comprehensive long-term policy on blindness in addition to dealing with cataract.

[The Influence of risk factors on visual performance in of phototoxic maculopathy in occupational welders].

PubMed

Li, Qingtao; Zhang, Xinfang

2014-10-01

To investigate the Influence of risk factors that cause the phototoxic maculopathy by welding arc in occupational welders. We examined randomly a group of 86 male occupational welders 172 eyes from some local metal manufacturing enterprise from August 2010 to December 2013. The ophthalmologic examination which the participants underwent thorough including the best visual acuity, fundus examination by the supplementary lens, fundus photography, and the high definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. All participants of this study underwent thorough the medicine examined by a specialist of occupational who prior to the OCT. All the subjects were divided into groups according to age, protection degrees , length of service, operating time . The incidences of phototoxic maculopathy were compared within groups. The subjects was divided randomly into the lutein group and the placebo group. The examination including the best visual acuity, serum lutein concentrations, macular pigmentoptical density (MPOD), Contrast and glare Sensitivity. (1) The total incidence of phototoxic maculopathy is 32.0%. (2) The incidences of phototoxic maculopathy in the strict protection group, the randomed protective group and the nonprofessional protection group were respectively 21.4%, 36.7%, 53.6%. The incidence in the strict protection group was lower than the other two groups, the incidence was the highest in the nonprofessional protection group, and the difference was statistically significant. (3) The longer length of service, and operating time , the more incidence of phototoxic maculopathy develop. (4) The lutein group prior to the placebo group at the best visual acuity, serum lutein concentrations, macular pigmentoptical density (MPOD), Contrast and glare Sensitivity. The risk factors of phototoxic maculopathy in male occupational welders are the length of service, operating time, protection degrees and the lutein assistantly. The incidence of phototoxic maculopathy occurs regardless of age.

Visual impairment attributable to uncorrected refractive error and other causes in the Ghanaian youth: The University of Cape Coast Survey.

PubMed

Abokyi, Samuel; Ilechie, Alex; Nsiah, Peter; Darko-Takyi, Charles; Abu, Emmanuel Kwasi; Osei-Akoto, Yaw Jnr; Youfegan-Baanam, Mathurin

2016-01-01

To determine the prevalence of visual impairment attributable to refractive error and other causes in a youthful Ghanaian population. A prospective survey of all consecutive visits by first-year tertiary students to the Optometry clinic between August, 2013 and April, 2014. Of the 4378 first-year students aged 16-39 years enumerated, 3437 (78.5%) underwent the eye examination. The examination protocol included presenting visual acuity (PVA), ocular motility, and slit-lamp examination of the external eye, anterior segment and media, and non-dilated fundus examination. Pinhole acuity and fundus examination were performed when the PVA≤6/12 in one or both eyes to determine the principal cause of the vision loss. The mean age of participants was 21.86 years (95% CI: 21.72-21.99). The prevalence of bilateral visual impairment (BVI; PVA in the better eye ≤6/12) and unilateral visual impairment UVI; PVA in the worse eye ≤6/12) were 3.08% (95% CI: 2.56-3.72) and 0.79% (95% CI: 0.54-1.14), respectively. Among 106 participants with BVI, refractive error (96.2%) and corneal opacity (3.8%) were the causes. Of the 27 participants with UVI, refractive error (44.4%), maculopathy (18.5%) and retinal disease (14.8%) were the major causes. There was unequal distribution of BVI in the different age groups, with those above 20 years having a lesser burden. Eye screening and provision of affordable spectacle correction to the youth could be timely to eliminate visual impairment. Copyright © 2014 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Visual impairment attributable to uncorrected refractive error and other causes in the Ghanaian youth: The University of Cape Coast Survey

PubMed Central

Abokyi, Samuel; Ilechie, Alex; Nsiah, Peter; Darko-Takyi, Charles; Abu, Emmanuel Kwasi; Osei-Akoto, Yaw Jnr; Youfegan-Baanam, Mathurin

2015-01-01

Purpose To determine the prevalence of visual impairment attributable to refractive error and other causes in a youthful Ghanaian population. Methods A prospective survey of all consecutive visits by first-year tertiary students to the Optometry clinic between August, 2013 and April, 2014. Of the 4378 first-year students aged 16–39 years enumerated, 3437 (78.5%) underwent the eye examination. The examination protocol included presenting visual acuity (PVA), ocular motility, and slit-lamp examination of the external eye, anterior segment and media, and non-dilated fundus examination. Pinhole acuity and fundus examination were performed when the PVA ≤ 6/12 in one or both eyes to determine the principal cause of the vision loss. Results The mean age of participants was 21.86 years (95% CI: 21.72–21.99). The prevalence of bilateral visual impairment (BVI; PVA in the better eye ≤6/12) and unilateral visual impairment UVI; PVA in the worse eye ≤6/12) were 3.08% (95% CI: 2.56–3.72) and 0.79% (95% CI: 0.54–1.14), respectively. Among 106 participants with BVI, refractive error (96.2%) and corneal opacity (3.8%) were the causes. Of the 27 participants with UVI, refractive error (44.4%), maculopathy (18.5%) and retinal disease (14.8%) were the major causes. There was unequal distribution of BVI in the different age groups, with those above 20 years having a lesser burden. Conclusion Eye screening and provision of affordable spectacle correction to the youth could be timely to eliminate visual impairment. PMID:26025809

Prevalence and Causes of Visual Loss Among the Indigenous Peoples of the World: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Foreman, Joshua; Keel, Stuart; van Wijngaarden, Peter; Bourne, Rupert A; Wormald, Richard; Crowston, Jonathan; Taylor, Hugh R; Dirani, Mohamed

2018-05-01

Studies have documented a higher disease burden in indigenous compared with nonindigenous populations, but no global data on the epidemiology of visual loss in indigenous peoples are available. A systematic review of literature on visual loss in the world's indigenous populations could identify major gaps and inform interventions to reduce their burden of visual loss. To conduct a systematic review on the prevalence and causes of visual loss among the world's indigenous populations. A search of databases and alternative sources identified literature on the prevalence and causes of visual loss (visual impairment and blindness) and eye diseases in indigenous populations. Studies from January 1, 1990, through August 1, 2017, that included clinical eye examinations of indigenous participants and, where possible, compared findings with those of nonindigenous populations were included. Methodologic quality of studies was evaluated to reveal gaps in the literature. Limited data were available worldwide. A total of 85 articles described 64 unique studies from 24 countries that examined 79 598 unique indigenous participants. Nineteen studies reported comparator data on 42 085 nonindigenous individuals. The prevalence of visual loss was reported in 13 countries, with visual impairment ranging from 0.6% in indigenous Australian children to 48.5% in native Tibetans 50 years or older. Uncorrected refractive error was the main cause of visual impairment (21.0%-65.1%) in 5 of 6 studies that measured presenting visual acuity. Cataract was the main cause of visual impairment in all 6 studies measuring best-corrected acuity (25.4%-72.2%). Cataract was the leading cause of blindness in 13 studies (32.0%-79.2%), followed by uncorrected refractive error in 2 studies (33.0% and 35.8%). Most countries with indigenous peoples do not have data on the burden of visual loss in these populations. Although existing studies vary in methodologic quality and reliability, they suggest that most visual loss in indigenous populations is avoidable. Improvements in quality and frequency of research into the eye health of indigenous communities appear to be required, and coordinated eye care programs should be implemented to specifically target the indigenous peoples of the world.

Demographic, Maltreatment, and Neurobiological Correlates of PTSD Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

PubMed Central

Hooper, Stephen R.; Woolley, Donald P.; Shenk, Chad E.

2010-01-01

Objective To examine the relationships of demographic, maltreatment, neurostructural and neuropsychological measures with total posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Methods Participants included 216 children with maltreatment histories (N = 49), maltreatment and PTSD (N = 49), or no maltreatment (N = 118). Participants received diagnostic interviews, brain imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations. Results We examined a hierarchical regression model comprised of independent variables including demographics, trauma and maltreatment-related variables, and hippocampal volumes and neuropsychological measures to model PTSD symptoms. Important independent contributors to this model were SES, and General Maltreatment and Sexual Abuse Factors. Although hippocampal volumes were not significant, Visual Memory was a significant contributor to this model. Conclusions Similar to adult PTSD, pediatric PTSD symptoms are associated with lower Visual Memory performance. It is an important correlate of PTSD beyond established predictors of PTSD symptoms. These results support models of developmental traumatology and suggest that treatments which enhance visual memory may decrease symptoms of PTSD. PMID:20008084

Functional vision loss: a diagnosis of exclusion.

PubMed

Villegas, Rex B; Ilsen, Pauline F

2007-10-01

Most cases of visual acuity or visual field loss can be attributed to ocular pathology or ocular manifestations of systemic pathology. They can also occasionally be attributed to nonpathologic processes or malingering. Functional vision loss is any decrease in vision the origin of which cannot be attributed to a pathologic or structural abnormality. Two cases of functional vision loss are described. In the first, a 58-year-old man presented for a baseline eye examination for enrollment in a vision rehabilitation program. He reported bilateral blindness since a motor vehicle accident with head trauma 4 years prior. Entering visual acuity was "no light perception" in each eye. Ocular health examination was normal and the patient made frequent eye contact with the examiners. He was referred for neuroimaging and electrophysiologic testing. The second case was a 49-year-old man who presented with a long history of intermittent monocular diplopia. His medical history was significant for psycho-medical evaluations and a diagnosis of factitious disorder. Entering uncorrected visual acuities were 20/20 in each eye, but visual field testing found constriction. No abnormalities were found that could account for the monocular diplopia or visual field deficit. A diagnosis of functional vision loss secondary to factitious disorder was made. Functional vision loss is a diagnosis of exclusion. In the event of reduced vision in the context of a normal ocular health examination, all other pathology must be ruled out before making the diagnosis of functional vision loss. Evaluation must include auxiliary ophthalmologic testing, neuroimaging of the visual pathway, review of the medical history and lifestyle, and psychiatric evaluation. Comanagement with a psychiatrist is essential for patients with functional vision loss.

Electropysiologic evaluation of the visual pathway in patients with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Mena, Diego; Almarcegui, Carmen; Dolz, Isabel; Herrero, Raquel; Bambo, Maria P; Fernandez, Javier; Pablo, Luis E; Garcia-Martin, Elena

2013-08-01

To evaluate the ability of visual evoked potentials and pattern electroretinograms (PERG) to detect subclinical axonal damage in patients during the early diagnostic stage of multiple sclerosis (MS). The authors also compared the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT), PERG, and visual evoked potentials to detect axonal loss in MS patients and correlated the functional and structural properties of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Two hundred twenty-eight eyes of 114 subjects (57 MS patients and 57 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) were included. The visual pathway was evaluated based on functional and structural assessments. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination that included assessment of visual acuity, ocular motility, intraocular pressure, visual field, papillary morphology, OCT, visual evoked potentials, and PERG. Visual evoked potentials (P100 latency and amplitude), PERG (N95 amplitude and N95/P50 ratio), and OCT parameters differed significantly between MS patients and healthy subjects. Moderate significant correlations were found between visual evoked potentials or PERG parameters and OCT measurements. Axonal damage in ganglion cells of the visual pathway can be detected based on structural measures provided by OCT in MS patients and by the N95 component and N95/P50 index of PERG, thus providing good correlation between function and structure.

Mothers' Attention-Getting Utterances during Shared Book Reading: Links to Low-Income Preschoolers' Verbal Engagement, Visual Attention, and Early Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Son, Seung-Hee Claire; Tineo, Maria F.

2016-01-01

This study examined associations among low-income mothers' use of attention-getting utterances during shared book reading, preschoolers' verbal engagement and visual attention to reading, and their early literacy skills (N = 51). Mother-child shared book reading sessions were videotaped and coded for each utterance, including attention talk,…

Disentangling Fine Motor Skills' Relations to Academic Achievement: The Relative Contributions of Visual-Spatial Integration and Visual-Motor Coordination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlson, Abby G.; Rowe, Ellen; Curby, Timothy W.

2013-01-01

Recent research has established a connection between children's fine motor skills and their academic performance. Previous research has focused on fine motor skills measured prior to elementary school, while the present sample included children ages 5-18 years old, making it possible to examine whether this link remains relevant throughout…

[Frequency and causes of blindness and visual impairment in schools for the blind in Yaoundé (Cameroon)].

PubMed

Noche, Christelle Domngang; Bella, Assumpta Lucienne

2010-01-01

To determine the causes of blindness and visual impairment in students attending schools for the blind in Yaounde (Cameroon) and to estimate their frequencies. This study examined all 56 students at three schools for the blind in Yaoundé from September 15 through October 15, 2006. We collected data about their age, sex, medical and surgical history. Visual acuity was measured to determine their vision status according to the World Health Organization categories for blindness and visual impairment. All subjects underwent an ocular examination. Epi Info 3.5.1. was used for the statistical analysis of age, sex, visual acuity, causes of blindness and visual impairment, and etiologies. Fifty six people were examined: 37 men (66.1%) and 19 women (33.9%). Their mean age was 21.57 ± 10.53 years (min-max: 5-49), and 48.2% were in the 10-19 years age group (n = 27). In all, 87.5% were blind, 7.14% severely visually impaired, and 1.78% moderately visually impaired. The main causes of blindness and visual impairment in our sample were corneal disease (32.14%), optic nerve lesions (26.78%), cataract and its surgical complications (19.64%), retinal disorders (10.71%), glaucoma (8.92%, and malformations of the eyeball (1.78%). Their etiologies included congenital cataracts (19.64%), meningitis/fever (8.92%), glaucoma (7.14%), measles (5.35%), ocular trauma (5.35%), albinism (3.57%), Lyell syndrome (1.8%), and alcohol ingestion (1.8%). Etiology was unknown in 46.42%. Fifty per cent of these causes of blindness and visual impairment were treatable and/or preventable. Corneal lesions were the main cause of blindness and visual impairment in our sample. Fifty per cent of the causes found were treatable and/or preventable. Thus, substantial efforts are required to ensure access to better quality specialist ocular care. Furthermore, local authorities should create more centers specialised in the rehabilitation of the visual handicapped.

Visual motion transforms visual space representations similarly throughout the human visual hierarchy.

PubMed

Harvey, Ben M; Dumoulin, Serge O

2016-02-15

Several studies demonstrate that visual stimulus motion affects neural receptive fields and fMRI response amplitudes. Here we unite results of these two approaches and extend them by examining the effects of visual motion on neural position preferences throughout the hierarchy of human visual field maps. We measured population receptive field (pRF) properties using high-field fMRI (7T), characterizing position preferences simultaneously over large regions of the visual cortex. We measured pRFs properties using sine wave gratings in stationary apertures, moving at various speeds in either the direction of pRF measurement or the orthogonal direction. We find direction- and speed-dependent changes in pRF preferred position and size in all visual field maps examined, including V1, V3A, and the MT+ map TO1. These effects on pRF properties increase up the hierarchy of visual field maps. However, both within and between visual field maps the extent of pRF changes was approximately proportional to pRF size. This suggests that visual motion transforms the representation of visual space similarly throughout the visual hierarchy. Visual motion can also produce an illusory displacement of perceived stimulus position. We demonstrate perceptual displacements using the same stimulus configuration. In contrast to effects on pRF properties, perceptual displacements show only weak effects of motion speed, with far larger speed-independent effects. We describe a model where low-level mechanisms could underlie the observed effects on neural position preferences. We conclude that visual motion induces similar transformations of visuo-spatial representations throughout the visual hierarchy, which may arise through low-level mechanisms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Eyelid drooping

MedlinePlus

... around or behind the eye Diabetes Horner syndrome Myasthenia gravis Stroke Swelling in the eyelid, such as with ... performed include: Slit-lamp examination Tension test for myasthenia gravis Visual field testing

Chromatic and achromatic visual fields in relation to choroidal thickness in patients with high myopia: A pilot study.

PubMed

García-Domene, M C; Luque, M J; Díez-Ajenjo, M A; Desco-Esteban, M C; Artigas, J M

2018-02-01

To analyse the relationship between the choroidal thickness and the visual perception of patients with high myopia but without retinal damage. All patients underwent ophthalmic evaluation including a slit lamp examination and dilated ophthalmoscopy, subjective refraction, best corrected visual acuity, axial length, optical coherence tomography, contrast sensitivity function and sensitivity of the visual pathways. We included eleven eyes of subjects with high myopia. There are statistical correlations between choroidal thickness and almost all the contrast sensitivity values. The sensitivity of magnocellular and koniocellular pathways is the most affected, and the homogeneity of the sensibility of the magnocellular pathway depends on the choroidal thickness; when the thickness decreases, the sensitivity impairment extends from the center to the periphery of the visual field. Patients with high myopia without any fundus changes have visual impairments. We have found that choroidal thickness correlates with perceptual parameters such as contrast sensitivity or mean defect and pattern standard deviation of the visual fields of some visual pathways. Our study shows that the magnocellular and koniocellular pathways are the most affected, so that these patients have impairment in motion perception and blue-yellow contrast perception. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Visual Masking in Schizophrenia: Overview and Theoretical Implications

PubMed Central

Green, Michael F.; Lee, Junghee; Wynn, Jonathan K.; Mathis, Kristopher I.

2011-01-01

Visual masking provides several key advantages for exploring the earliest stages of visual processing in schizophrenia: it allows for control over timing at the millisecond level, there are several well-supported theories of the underlying neurobiology of visual masking, and it is amenable to examination by electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this paper, we provide an overview of the visual masking impairment schizophrenia, including the relevant theoretical mechanisms for masking impairment. We will discuss its relationship to clinical symptoms, antipsychotic medications, diagnostic specificity, and presence in at-risk populations. As part of this overview, we will cover the neural correlates of visual masking based on recent findings from EEG and fMRI. Finally, we will suggest a possible mechanism that could explain the patterns of masking findings and other visual processing findings in schizophrenia. PMID:21606322

Subnormal visual acuity (SVAS) and albinism in Mexican 12-13-year-old children.

PubMed

Sjöström, A; Kraemer, M; Ohlsson, J; Garay-Cerro, G; Abrahamsson, M; Villarreal, G

2004-01-01

In a previous study the vision of 1046 12-13-year-olds in Sweden was examined. Of those 67 had some kind of visual disturbances and in 20 no obvious cause was found. In this group, defined as children with subnormal visual acuity syndromes (SVAS), albinism was shown to be a major cause to the visual dysfunction giving a prevalence of about 1%. This is about 100 times higher than previous figures. Albinism can therefore be the cause in many cases of unexplained low visual acuity, at least in Sweden. Subnormal visual acuity is usually found in 2-4% in a pediatric population and is often called 'amblyopia'. The Swedish study showed that in many cases 'amblyopia' should be replaced by 'SVAS' and further investigation. The present Mexican study was designed identically to the Swedish study. The objective was to describe the distribution of visual acuity and the prevalence of ocular disorders, including incidence of subnormal visual acuity (SVAS) and the occurrence of albinism in a Mexican population of 12-13-year-olds. Altogether 1035 children, 12-13 years of age, were examined. A total number of 344 children were referred to the university pediatric eye clinic for further examination. 272 of these had simple refractive errors, 59 were diagnosed with an ophthalmological disorder and 13 children could not be pathologically classified. These were referred to a second ophthalmological examination, including VEP (Visual Evoked Potential) recordings. VEP reveals an asymmetric (right vs. left) cortical response after monocular stimulation in albinism. No child showed iris translucency or any other typical albinoic sign. VEP was recorded from 11 children. Three children showed an asymmetric VEP and were classified as albinos. The VEP response was normal in 8 of the children. The results indicate that albinism is common in Mexico, although not as common as in a similar Swedish population. A prevalence of albinism of approximately 0.3% was found in the Mexican population, compared to approximately 1% in the Swedish study group. The number of albinos was much higher in both study groups than to be expected from previous estimates. The difference between the Swedish and the Mexican figures may be explained by the general difference in pigmentation between Sweden and Mexico and thus probably by the subsequent lower number of commonly occurring albino foci in the Mexican heritage. It is emphasised that in investigations of children with SVAS, also in countries with a generally high pigmentation level, electro-physiological examinations are important, to be able to reveal albinism, but also to exclude or verify other conditions in the SVAS group, for example neurometabolic conditions.

38 CFR 4.75 - General considerations for evaluating visual impairment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... refraction), visual field, and muscle function. (b) Examination for visual impairment. The examination must.... Examinations of visual fields or muscle function will be conducted only when there is a medical indication of disease or injury that may be associated with visual field defect or impaired muscle function. Unless...

38 CFR 4.75 - General considerations for evaluating visual impairment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... refraction), visual field, and muscle function. (b) Examination for visual impairment. The examination must.... Examinations of visual fields or muscle function will be conducted only when there is a medical indication of disease or injury that may be associated with visual field defect or impaired muscle function. Unless...

38 CFR 4.75 - General considerations for evaluating visual impairment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... refraction), visual field, and muscle function. (b) Examination for visual impairment. The examination must.... Examinations of visual fields or muscle function will be conducted only when there is a medical indication of disease or injury that may be associated with visual field defect or impaired muscle function. Unless...

Single unit approaches to human vision and memory.

PubMed

Kreiman, Gabriel

2007-08-01

Research on the visual system focuses on using electrophysiology, pharmacology and other invasive tools in animal models. Non-invasive tools such as scalp electroencephalography and imaging allow examining humans but show a much lower spatial and/or temporal resolution. Under special clinical conditions, it is possible to monitor single-unit activity in humans when invasive procedures are required due to particular pathological conditions including epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. We review our knowledge about the visual system and visual memories in the human brain at the single neuron level. The properties of the human brain seem to be broadly compatible with the knowledge derived from animal models. The possibility of examining high-resolution brain activity in conscious human subjects allows investigators to ask novel questions that are challenging to address in animal models.

Screening for oral cancer.

PubMed

Jitender, Solanki; Sarika, Gupta; Varada, Hiremath R; Omprakash, Yadav; Mohsin, Khan

2016-11-01

Oral cancer is considered as a serious health problem resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Early detection and prevention play a key role in controlling the burden of oral cancer worldwide. The five-year survival rate of oral cancer still remains low and delayed diagnosis is considered as one of the major reasons. This increases the demand for oral screening. Currently, screening of oral cancer is largely based on visual examination. Various evidence strongly suggest the validity of visual inspection in reducing mortality in patients at risk for oral cancer. Simple visual examination is accompanied with adjunctive techniques for subjective interpretation of dysplastic changes. These include toluidine blue staining, brush biopsy, chemiluminescence and tissue autofluorescence. This review highlights the efficacy of various diagnostic methods in screening of oral cancer. © 2016 Old City Publishing, Inc.

Near Infrared Imaging as a Diagnostic Tool for Detecting Enamel Demineralization: An in vivo Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, Seth Adam

Background and Objectives: For decades there has been an effort to develop alternative optical methods of imaging dental decay utilizing non-ionizing radiation methods. The purpose of this in-vivo study was to demonstrate whether NIR can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate dental caries and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of this method with that of conventional methods, including bitewing x-rays and visual inspection. Materials and Methods: 31 test subjects (n=31) from the UCSF orthodontic clinic undergoing orthodontic treatment with planned premolar extractions were recruited. Calibrated examiners performed caries detection examinations using conventional methods: bitewing radiographs and visual inspection. These findings were compared with the results from NIR examinations: transillumination and reflectance. To confirm the results found in the two different detection methods, a gold standard was used. After teeth were extracted, polarized light microscopy and transverse microradiography were performed. Results: A total of 87 premolars were used in the study. NIR identified the occlusal lesions with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 77%, whereas, the visual examination had a sensitivity of only 40% and a specifity of 39%. For interproximal lesions halfway to DEJ, specificity remained constant, but sensitivity improved to 100% for NIR and 75% for x-rays. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study demonstrate that NIR is just as effective at detecting enamel interproximal lesions as standard dental x-rays. NIR was more effective at detecting occlusal lesions than visual examination alone. NIR shows promise as an alternative diagnostic tool to the conventional methods of x-rays and visual examination and provides a non-ionizing radiation technique.

Direct ophthalmoscopy on YouTube: analysis of instructional YouTube videos' content and approach to visualization.

PubMed

Borgersen, Nanna Jo; Henriksen, Mikael Johannes Vuokko; Konge, Lars; Sørensen, Torben Lykke; Thomsen, Ann Sofia Skou; Subhi, Yousif

2016-01-01

Direct ophthalmoscopy is well-suited for video-based instruction, particularly if the videos enable the student to see what the examiner sees when performing direct ophthalmoscopy. We evaluated the pedagogical effectiveness of instructional YouTube videos on direct ophthalmoscopy by evaluating their content and approach to visualization. In order to synthesize main themes and points for direct ophthalmoscopy, we formed a broad panel consisting of a medical student, junior and senior physicians, and took into consideration book chapters targeting medical students and physicians in general. We then systematically searched YouTube. Two authors reviewed eligible videos to assess eligibility and extract data on video statistics, content, and approach to visualization. Correlations between video statistics and contents were investigated using two-tailed Spearman's correlation. We screened 7,640 videos, of which 27 were found eligible for this study. Overall, a median of 12 out of 18 points (interquartile range: 8-14 key points) were covered; no videos covered all of the 18 points assessed. We found the most difficulties in the approach to visualization of how to approach the patient and how to examine the fundus. Time spent on fundus examination correlated with the number of views per week (Spearman's ρ=0.53; P=0.029). Videos may help overcome the pedagogical issues in teaching direct ophthalmoscopy; however, the few available videos on YouTube fail to address this particular issue adequately. There is a need for high-quality videos that include relevant points, provide realistic visualization of the examiner's view, and give particular emphasis on fundus examination.

Causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children attending schools for the visually handicapped in the Czech Republic.

PubMed

Kocur, I; Kuchynka, P; Rodný, S; Baráková, D; Schwartz, E C

2001-10-01

To describe the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in schools for the visually handicapped in the Czech Republic in 1998. Pupils attending all 10 primary schools for the visually handicapped were examined. A modified WHO/PBL eye examination record for children with blindness and low vision was used. 229 children (146 males and 83 females) aged 6-15 years were included in the study: 47 children had severe visual impairment (20.5%) (visual acuity in their better eye less than 6/60), and 159 were blind (69.5%) (visual acuity in their better eye less than 3/60). Anatomically, the most affected parts of the eye were the retina (124, 54.2%), optic nerve (35, 15.3%), whole globe (25, 10.9%), lens (20, 8.7%), and uvea (12, 5.2%). Aetiologically (timing of insult leading to visual loss), the major cause of visual impairment was retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (96, 41.9 %), followed by abnormalities of unknown timing of insult (97, 42.4%), and hereditary disease (21, 9.2%). In 90 children (40%), additional disabilities were present: mental disability (36, 16%), physical handicap (16, 7%), and/or a combination of both (19, 8%). It was estimated that 127 children (56%) suffer from visual impairment caused by potentially preventable and/or treatable conditions (for example, ROP, cataract, glaucoma). Establishing a study group for comprehensive evaluation of causes of visual handicap in children in the Czech Republic, as well as for detailed analysis of present practice of screening for ROP was recommended.

Unhealthy behaviours and risk of visual impairment: The CONSTANCES population-based cohort.

PubMed

Merle, Bénédicte M J; Moreau, Gwendoline; Ozguler, Anna; Srour, Bernard; Cougnard-Grégoire, Audrey; Goldberg, Marcel; Zins, Marie; Delcourt, Cécile

2018-04-26

Unhealthy behaviours are linked to a higher risk of eye diseases, but their combined effect on visual function is unknown. We aimed to examine the individual and combined associations of diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption with visual impairment among French adults. 38 903 participants aged 18-73 years from the CONSTANCES nationwide cohort (2012-2016) with visual acuity measured and who completed, lifestyle, medical and food frequency questionnaires were included. Visual impairment was defined as a presenting visual acuity <20/40 in the better eye. After full multivariate adjustment, the odds for visual impairment increased with decreasing diet quality (p for trend = 0.04), decreasing physical activity (p for trend = 0.02) and increasing smoking pack-years (p for trend = 0.03), whereas no statistically significant association with alcohol consumption was found. Combination of several unhealthy behaviours was associated with increasing odds for visual impairment (p for trend = 0.0002), with a fully-adjusted odds ratio of 1.81 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.79) for participants reporting 2 unhealthy behaviours and 2.92 (95% CI 1.60 to 5.32) for those reporting 3 unhealthy behaviours. An unhealthy lifestyle including low/intermediate diet quality, low physical activity and heavy smoking was associated with visual impairment in this large population-based study.

Diagnosis accuracy of two vision screeners for visual health surveillance of workers who use video display terminals

PubMed Central

Molina-Torres, María-José; Crespo, María-del-Mar Seguí; Francés, Ana Tauste; Lacarra, Blanca Lumbreras; Ronda-Pérez, Elena

2016-01-01

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of two vision screeners by a visual examination performed by an optometrist (gold standard) and to evaluate the concordance between both screeners and between each screener and the gold standard. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included computer workers who attended a routine yearly health examination. The study included administrative office workers (n=91) aged 50.2±7.9 years (mean±standard deviation), 69.2% of whom were women and 68.1% of whom used video display terminals (VDT) for >4 h/day. The routine visual examination included monocular and binocular distance visual acuity (VA), distance and near lateral phoria (LP), stereo acuity (SA), and color vision. Tests were repeated with Optec 6500 (by Stereo Optical) and Visiotest (by Essilor) screeners. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and false positive and negative rates were calculated. Kappa coefficient (κ) was used to measure the concordance of the screeners and the gold standard. Results: The sensitivity and specificity for monocular VA were over 80% for both vision screeners; PPV was below 25%. Sensitivity and specificity were lower for SA (55%-70%), PPV was 50%, and NPV was 75% for both screeners. For distance LP, sensitivity and PPV were <10% in both cases. The screeners differed in their values for near LP: Optec 6500 had higher sensitivity (43.5%), PPV (37.0%), and NPV (79.7%); whereas the Visiotest had higher specificity (83.8%). For color vision, Visiotest showed low sensitivity, low PPV, and high specificity. Visiotest obtained false positive rates that were lower or similar to Optec 6500, and both screeners obtained false negative rates below 50%. Both screeners showed poor concordance (κ<0.40). Conclusions: A high value for NPV would qualify both screeners as acceptable alternatives for visual health surveillance when used as a screening tool; patients with positive test results should be referred to a specialist. PMID:27488039

Usage of stereoscopic visualization in the learning contents of rotational motion.

PubMed

Matsuura, Shu

2013-01-01

Rotational motion plays an essential role in physics even at an introductory level. In addition, the stereoscopic display of three-dimensional graphics includes is advantageous for the presentation of rotational motions, particularly for depth recognition. However, the immersive visualization of rotational motion has been known to lead to dizziness and even nausea for some viewers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the onset of nausea and visual fatigue when learning rotational motion through the use of a stereoscopic display. The findings show that an instruction method with intermittent exposure of the stereoscopic display and a simplification of its visual components reduced the onset of nausea and visual fatigue for the viewers, which maintained the overall effect of instantaneous spatial recognition.

Effects of Normal Aging on Visuo-Motor Plasticity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roller, Carrie A.; Cohen, Helen S.; Kimball, Kay T.; Bloomberg, Jacob J.

2001-01-01

Normal aging is associated with declines in neurologic function. Uncompensated visual and vestibular problems may have dire consequences including dangerous falls. Visuomotor plasticity is a form of behavioral neural plasticity which is important in the process of adapting to visual or vestibular alteration, including those changes due to pathology, pharmacotherapy, surgery or even entry into a microgravity or underwater environment. In order to determine the effects of aging on visuomotor plasticity, we chose the simple and easily measured paradigm of visual-motor re-arrangement created by using visual displacement prisms while throwing small balls at a target. Subjects threw balls before, during and after wearing a set of prisms which displace the visual scene by twenty degrees to the right. Data obtained during adaptation were modeled using multilevel analyses for 73 subjects aged 20 to 80 years. We found no statistically significant difference in measures of visuomotor plasticity with advancing age. Further studies are underway examining variable practice training as a potential mechanism for enhancing this form of behavioral neural plasticity.

Effects of normal aging on visuo-motor plasticity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roller, Carrie A.; Cohen, Helen S.; Kimball, Kay T.; Bloomberg, Jacob J.

2002-01-01

Normal aging is associated with declines in neurologic function. Uncompensated visual and vestibular problems may have dire consequences including dangerous falls. Visuo-motor plasticity is a form of behavioral neural plasticity, which is important in the process of adapting to visual or vestibular alteration, including those changes due to pathology, pharmacotherapy, surgery or even entry into microgravity or an underwater environment. To determine the effects of aging on visuo-motor plasticity, we chose the simple and easily measured paradigm of visual-motor rearrangement created by using visual displacement prisms while throwing small balls at a target. Subjects threw balls before, during and after wearing a set of prisms which displace the visual scene by twenty degrees to the right. Data obtained during adaptation were modeled using multilevel modeling techniques for 73 subjects, aged 20 to 80 years. We found no statistically significant difference in measures of visuo-motor plasticity with advancing age. Further studies are underway examining variable practice training as a potential mechanism for enhancing this form of behavioral neural plasticity.

Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography in Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience

PubMed Central

Avery, Robert A.; Rajjoub, Raneem D.; Trimboli-Heidler, Carmelina; Waldman, Amy T.

2015-01-01

For nearly two centuries, the ophthalmoscope has permitted examination of the retina and optic nerve—the only axons directly visualized by the physician. The retinal ganglion cells project their axons, which travel along the innermost retina to form the optic nerve, marking the beginning of the anterior visual pathway. Both the structure and function of the visual pathway are essential components of the neurologic examination as it can be involved in numerous acquired, congenital and genetic central nervous system conditions. The development of optical coherence tomography now permits the pediatric neuroscientist to visualize and quantify the optic nerve and retinal layers with unprecedented resolution. As optical coherence tomography becomes more accessible and integrated into research and clinical care, the pediatric neuroscientist may have the opportunity to utilize and/or interpret results from this device. This review describes the basic technical features of optical coherence tomography and highlights its potential clinical and research applications in pediatric clinical neuroscience including optic nerve swelling, optic neuritis, tumors of the visual pathway, vigabatrin toxicity, nystagmus, and neurodegenerative conditions. PMID:25803824

Applications of optical coherence tomography in pediatric clinical neuroscience.

PubMed

Avery, Robert A; Rajjoub, Raneem D; Trimboli-Heidler, Carmelina; Waldman, Amy T

2015-04-01

For nearly two centuries, the ophthalmoscope has permitted examination of the retina and optic nerve-the only axons directly visualized by the physician. The retinal ganglion cells project their axons, which travel along the innermost retina to form the optic nerve, marking the beginning of the anterior visual pathway. Both the structure and function of the visual pathway are essential components of the neurologic examination as it can be involved in numerous acquired, congenital and genetic central nervous system conditions. The development of optical coherence tomography now permits the pediatric neuroscientist to visualize and quantify the optic nerve and retinal layers with unprecedented resolution. As optical coherence tomography becomes more accessible and integrated into research and clinical care, the pediatric neuroscientist may have the opportunity to utilize and/or interpret results from this device. This review describes the basic technical features of optical coherence tomography and highlights its potential clinical and research applications in pediatric clinical neuroscience including optic nerve swelling, optic neuritis, tumors of the visual pathway, vigabatrin toxicity, nystagmus, and neurodegenerative conditions. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[Cataract surgery and its impact on balance and autonomy in elderly].

PubMed

Raynal, M; Aupy, B; Jahidi, A; Ettien, D; Le Page, P; Briche, T; Kossowski, M; Pailllaud, E

2009-01-01

Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment among elderly. Cataract surgery improves visual afferencies and can have an impact on balance. The present study assessed the impact of cataract surgery upon balance and autonomy in elderly. We realized clinical examinations and objective tests the day before surgery and 2-months later. The initial cohort consisted of 66 patients that had to undergo a cataract surgery. Their mean age was 79 +/- 0.5. For logistic reasons, only 33 patients have been completely evaluated before and after surgery. Each patient underwent a history and examination that have assessed autonomy, walking, visual and then cochleo-vestibular functions including bone vibratory test and dynamic computerized posturography (Equitest). After 2 months, cataract surgery had no incidence on balance. The fear of falling has stayed the same whereas the number of falls has been noticeably reduced by surgery. The overall score of Equitest has shown an increase in visual dependence after surgery. Although cataract surgery has no incidence on autonomy, it may improve the quality of life among older people by leisure activities recovery. An early physical rehabilitation facilitated by visual improvement after surgery can also prevent visual dependence and autonomy loss. We recommend vestibular rehabilitation in elderly with major visual dependence.

What Do Patients With Glaucoma See? Visual Symptoms Reported by Patients With Glaucoma

PubMed Central

Hu, Cindy X.; Zangalli, Camila; Hsieh, Michael; Gupta, Lalita; Williams, Alice L.; Richman, Jesse

2014-01-01

Abstract: Background: Vision loss from glaucoma has traditionally been described as loss of “peripheral vision.” In this prospective study, we aimed to improve our clinical understanding of the visual symptoms caused by glaucoma by asking patients specific detailed questions about how they see. Methods: Patients who were clinically diagnosed with various types and stages of glaucoma were included. All had a comprehensive ocular examination, including Octopus visual field testing. Patients were excluded if they had other ocular conditions that affected their vision, including cornea, lens or retina pathologies. Patients responded to an oral questionnaire about their visual symptoms. We investigated the visual symptoms described by patients with glaucoma and correlated the severity of visual field loss with visual symptoms reported. Results: Ninety-nine patients completed the questionnaire. Most patients (76%) were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma. The most common symptoms reported by all patients, including patients with early or moderate glaucoma, were needing more light and blurry vision. Patients with a greater amount of field loss (Octopus mean defect >+9.4 dB) were more likely to report difficulty seeing objects to one or both sides, as if looking through dirty glasses and trouble differentiating boundaries and colors. Conclusions: Vision loss in patients with glaucoma is not as simple as the traditional view of loss of peripheral vision. Needing more light and blurry vision were the most common symptoms reported by patients with glaucoma. PMID:24992392

Research on integration of visual and motion cues for flight simulation and ride quality investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, L. R.; Oman, C. M.; Curry, R. E.

1977-01-01

Vestibular perception and integration of several sensory inputs in simulation were studied. The relationship between tilt sensation induced by moving fields and those produced by actual body tilt is discussed. Linearvection studies were included and the application of the vestibular model for perception of orientation based on motion cues is presented. Other areas of examination includes visual cues in approach to landing, and a comparison of linear and nonlinear wash out filters using a model of the human vestibular system is given.

Endosonographic examination of thyroid gland among patients with nonthyroid cancers.

PubMed

Alkhatib, Amer A; Mahayni, Abdulah A; Chawki, Ghaleb R; Yoder, Leon; Elkhatib, Fateh A; Al-Haddad, Mohammad

2016-01-01

There is limited endosonographic literature regarding thyroid gland pathology, which is frequently visualized during upper endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Our objective was to assess the prevalence of benign and malignant thyroid lesions encountered during routine upper EUS within a cancer center setting. The data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. All upper EUS procedures performed between October 2012 and July 2014 were reviewed at a large referral cancer center. Data collected included patient demographics, preexisting thyroid conditions, thyroid gland dimensions, the presence or absence of thyroid lesions, and EUS morphology of lesions if present, and interventions performed to characterize thyroid lesions and pathology results when applicable. Two hundred and forty-five EUS procedures were reviewed. Of these, 100 cases reported a detailed endosonographic examination of the thyroid gland. Most of the thyroid glands were endosonographically visualized when the tip of the scope was at 18 cm from the incisors. Twelve cases showed thyroid lesions, out of which three previously undiagnosed thyroid cancers were visualized during EUS (two primary papillary thyroid cancers and one anaplastic thyroid cancer). Transesophageal EUS-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid lesions was feasible when the lesion was in the inferior portion of the thyroid gland, and the tip of the scope was at 18 cm or more from the incisors. Routine EUS examination may detect unexpected thyroid lesions including malignant ones. We encourage endosonographers to screen the visualized portions of the thyroid gland during routine withdrawal of the echoendoscope.

Clinical results from low-level laser therapy in patients with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koev, K.; Avramov, L.; Borissova, E.

2018-03-01

The objective of this study is to examine long-term effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (CRDs). A He-Ne Laser with continuous emission at 633 nm (01 mW/cm2) was used on five patients with autosomal dominant pedigree of Romani origin with non-syndromic CRDs. The laser radiation was applied transpupillary to the macula six times for three minutes every other day. The experiment was conducted for a period of three years. The clinical evaluation included best corrected visual acuity determination, funduscopy, Humphrey perimetry, Farnsworth Hue-28 color testing, fluorescein angiography, and full-field electroretinogram (ERG). All affected individuals presented reduced visual acuity (0.01 – 0.4) and photophobia. The funduscopic examination and fluorescein angiography revealed advanced changes including bone spicule-like pigment deposits in the midperiphery and the macular area, along with retinal atrophy, narrowing of the vessels, and waxy optic discs. The visual fields demonstrated central scotoma. The electrophysiologic examination of the patients detected an abnormal cone-rod ERG (20 – 30 μV) with photopic amplitudes more markedly reduced than the scotopic. Flicker responses were missing and Farnsworth Hue-28 test found protanopia. There was a statistically significant increase in the visual acuity (p<0.001, end of study versus baseline) for CRDs patients for the period of three years after the treatment with LLLT. Following the LLLT, the central absolute scotoma in CRDs was reduced, as was the prevalence of metamorphopsia in CRDs. This study shows that LLLT may prove be a novel long-lasting therapeutic option for both forms of CRDs. It is a highly effective treatment resulting in a long-term improvement of the visual acuity.

Ophthalmic Manifestations and Causes of Vision Impairment in Ebola Virus Disease Survivors in Monrovia, Liberia.

PubMed

Shantha, Jessica G; Crozier, Ian; Hayek, Brent R; Bruce, Beau B; Gargu, Catherine; Brown, Jerry; Fankhauser, John; Yeh, Steven

2017-02-01

To describe the ocular findings, visual impairment, and association of structural complications of uveitis with visual impairment in a cohort of survivors of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Monrovia, Liberia. Retrospective, uncontrolled, cross-sectional study. Survivors of EVD who were evaluated in an ophthalmology clinic at Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. A cohort of EVD survivors who underwent baseline ophthalmic evaluation at ELWA Hospital were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, length of Ebola treatment unit (ETU) stay, visual acuity (VA), and ophthalmic examination findings. For patients with uveitis, disease activity (active vs. inactive) and grade of inflammation were recorded according to Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature criteria. The level of VA impairment was categorized according to World Health Organization classification for VA impairment as follows: normal/mild, VA 20/70 or better; moderate, VA 20/70-20/200; severe, VA 20/200-20/400; blindness, VA <20/400. Visual acuity, length of ETU stay, and structural complications were compared between EVD survivors with and without uveitis. Structural complications associated with moderate VA impairment or poorer were analyzed. Frequency of ocular complications including uveitis and optic neuropathy in EVD survivors, level of VA impairment in EVD survivors with uveitis, and structural complications associated with VA impairment in EVD survivors. A total of 96 survivors of EVD were examined. A total of 21 patients developed an EVD-associated uveitis, and 3 patients developed an EVD-associated optic neuropathy. Visual acuity was blind (VA >20/400) in 38.5% of eyes with uveitis. Anatomic subtypes of uveitis included anterior, posterior, and panuveitis in 2, 13, and 6 patients, respectively. Examination findings associated with at least moderate visual impairment by World Health Organization criteria (VA <20/70) included keratic precipitates (P < 0.002), posterior synechiae (P < 0.002), vitritis (P < 0.005), and chorioretinal scars (P < 0.02). Survivors of EVD are at risk for uveitis, which may lead to secondary structural complications, visual impairment, and blindness. Eye care resources should be mobilized for EVD survivors in West Africa because of the frequency of this spectrum of disease complication and its potential for severe VA impairment and blindness. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transillumination of iris and subnormal visual acuity--ocular albinism?

PubMed Central

Sjödell, L.; Sjöström, A.; Abrahamsson, M.

1996-01-01

BACKGROUND: A common clinical sign in children with subnormal visual acuity or slow visual development was iris transillumination. This was used as the inclusion criterion in a study of children shown to have a subnormal visual acuity in a general health examination at age 4 years. METHODS: Refraction values, stereopsis, fundus photography, macular and nerve head appearance, and visual evoked response (VER) recordings were studied in 18 children. The clinical results were compared with 64 controls referred to the eye clinic because of subnormal vision from the general health examination or from school health care. RESULTS: Eight children had VERs showing asymmetry typical for albinism. Another four had only small asymmetries on the VER, indicating a lower degree of decussation abnormality. No simple correlation of visual acuity, degree of iris transillumination, stereopsis, or macular pathology and VER asymmetries were found. However, marked iris transillumination in all four quadrants, absence of a foveal reflex, and low visual acuity were weakly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: In a rather homogeneous group of children with iris transillumination and subnormal visual acuity eight of 18 had typical albino VERs. The findings of small atypical VER asymmetries in four children and no asymmetry in six children suggest that albinism may be considered as a description of a heterogeneous group of conditions including maximal decussation rate (100%) in the chiasma to a condition with almost normal (> or = 50%) decussation rate. Images PMID:8795373

Visual assessment of brain magnetic resonance imaging detects injury to cognitive regulatory sites in patients with heart failure.

PubMed

Pan, Alan; Kumar, Rajesh; Macey, Paul M; Fonarow, Gregg C; Harper, Ronald M; Woo, Mary A

2013-02-01

Heart failure (HF) patients exhibit depression and executive function impairments that contribute to HF mortality. Using specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis procedures, brain changes appear in areas regulating these functions (mammillary bodies, hippocampi, and frontal cortex). However, specialized MRI procedures are not part of standard clinical assessment for HF (which is usually a visual evaluation), and it is unclear whether visual MRI examination can detect changes in these structures. Using brain MRI, we visually examined the mammillary bodies and frontal cortex for global and hippocampi for global and regional tissue changes in 17 HF and 50 control subjects. Significantly global changes emerged in the right mammillary body (HF 1.18 ± 1.13 vs control 0.52 ± 0.74; P = .024), right hippocampus (HF 1.53 ± 0.94 vs control 0.80 ± 0.86; P = .005), and left frontal cortex (HF 1.76 ± 1.03 vs control 1.24 ± 0.77; P = .034). Comparison of the visual method with specialized MRI techniques corroborates right hippocampal and left frontal cortical, but not mammillary body, tissue changes. Visual examination of brain MRI can detect damage in HF in areas regulating depression and executive function, including the right hippocampus and left frontal cortex. Visual MRI assessment in HF may facilitate evaluation of injury to these structures and the assessment of the impact of potential treatments for this damage. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Visual outcome in Japanese patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis.

PubMed

Yamazoe, K; Yamamoto, Y; Shimazaki-Den, S; Shimazaki, J

2012-04-01

To identify prognostic factors affecting visual outcome in Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) treated with topical chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). A total of 35 eyes in 34 patients with AK were treated with 0.02% topical CHG. Patients were divided into two groups according to the final visual outcome: Group 1, final visual acuity (VA) of 20/25 or greater (22 eyes); Group 2, less than 20/25 (13 eyes). We compared these groups and evaluated the effectiveness of topical CHG compared with outcomes in previous reports. Ring infiltrate was observed more often in Group 2 (4.5% vs 61.5%, OR 33.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.4-333.9, P<0.01). The duration between onset and diagnosis of AK was significantly longer (24.9 days vs 48.4 days, OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06, P = 0.04) and VA at initial examination (log MAR) significantly lower (0.47 vs 1.59, OR 25.5, 95% CI 3.4-186.7, P<0.01) in Group 2 (visual outcome <20/25). Multivariate analysis revealed that only VA at initial examination was independently associated with worse visual outcome (adjusted OR 24.5, 95% CI 1.9-312.6, P=0.01). Seventeen (85.0%) of the 20 eyes diagnosed within 1 month and 24 (82.8%) of 29 eyes diagnosed within 2 months achieved a VA of 20/40 or greater. VA at initial examination was the most predictive factors for final visual outcome in AK. Topical CHG was comparably effective to other treatments, including polyhexamethyl biguanide and propamidine isethionate.

Scene perception and the visual control of travel direction in navigating wood ants

PubMed Central

Collett, Thomas S.; Lent, David D.; Graham, Paul

2014-01-01

This review reflects a few of Mike Land's many and varied contributions to visual science. In it, we show for wood ants, as Mike has done for a variety of animals, including readers of this piece, what can be learnt from a detailed analysis of an animal's visually guided eye, head or body movements. In the case of wood ants, close examination of their body movements, as they follow visually guided routes, is starting to reveal how they perceive and respond to their visual world and negotiate a path within it. We describe first some of the mechanisms that underlie the visual control of their paths, emphasizing that vision is not the ant's only sense. In the second part, we discuss how remembered local shape-dependent and global shape-independent features of a visual scene may interact in guiding the ant's path. PMID:24395962

[A clinical study and analysis of congenital lenticular dislocation (35 cases)].

PubMed

Guo, X; Mao, W; Chen, Y; Ma, Q; Zeng, L; Luo, T

1991-12-01

Thirty-five cases of congenital lenticular dislocation seen in our Center since 1985 have been studied and analyzed clinically. By the survey of pedigrees and examination of these patients, including ocular, systemic, skeletal X-ray, psychocardiogram, and urinary sodium-nitroprusside test, 21 cases were diagnosed as Marfan's syndrome, 6 cases as simple ectopia lentis, 3 cases as Weill-Marchesani's syndrome, 4 cases as aniridia and 1 case as homecys tinuria. We found that the most significant ocular manifestation of congenital lenticular dislocation was reduction in visual acuity. The severity of visual disturbance varied with the types of dislocation and the visual deficiency was closely related to the intermediate-grade (II) dislocation of the lens. Examination of ERG showed normal function in most of the patients. From this, we believe that the major cause of visual reduction in congenital lenticular dislocation is lenticular myopia and astigmatism. There fore, early diagnosis and effective correction of vision should be emphasized to prevent the occurrence of amblyopia.

9 CFR 318.301 - Containers and closures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 318.301 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... examinations for rigid containers (cans)—(1) Visual examinations. A closure technician shall visually examine... container shall be examined for product leakage or obvious defects. A visual examination shall be performed...

Functional neural substrates of posterior cortical atrophy patients.

PubMed

Shames, H; Raz, N; Levin, Netta

2015-07-01

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome in which the most pronounced pathologic involvement is in the occipito-parietal visual regions. Herein, we aimed to better define the cortical reflection of this unique syndrome using a thorough battery of behavioral and functional MRI (fMRI) tests. Eight PCA patients underwent extensive testing to map their visual deficits. Assessments included visual functions associated with lower and higher components of the cortical hierarchy, as well as dorsal- and ventral-related cortical functions. fMRI was performed on five patients to examine the neuronal substrate of their visual functions. The PCA patient cohort exhibited stereopsis, saccadic eye movements and higher dorsal stream-related functional impairments, including simultant perception, image orientation, figure-from-ground segregation, closure and spatial orientation. In accordance with the behavioral findings, fMRI revealed intact activation in the ventral visual regions of face and object perception while more dorsal aspects of perception, including motion and gestalt perception, revealed impaired patterns of activity. In most of the patients, there was a lack of activity in the word form area, which is known to be linked to reading disorders. Finally, there was evidence of reduced cortical representation of the peripheral visual field, corresponding to the behaviorally assessed peripheral visual deficit. The findings are discussed in the context of networks extending from parietal regions, which mediate navigationally related processing, visually guided actions, eye movement control and working memory, suggesting that damage to these networks might explain the wide range of deficits in PCA patients.

Engaging Direct Care Providers in Improving Infection Prevention and Control Practices Using Participatory Visual Methods.

PubMed

Backman, Chantal; Bruce, Natalie; Marck, Patricia; Vanderloo, Saskia

2016-01-01

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the feasibility of using provider-led participatory visual methods to scrutinize 4 hospital units' infection prevention and control practices. Methods included provider-led photo walkabouts, photo elicitation sessions, and postimprovement photo walkabouts. Nurses readily engaged in using the methods to examine and improve their units' practices and reorganize their work environment.

Review of the Visiting Teachers Service for Children with Hearing and Visual Impairment in Supporting Inclusive Educational Practice in Ireland: Examining Stakeholder Feedback through an Ecological Systems Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLinden, Mike; McCracken, Wendy

2016-01-01

In line with recent developments in inclusive practice in Ireland, children with sensory needs are increasingly educated in mainstream rather than specialist provision. Educational supports are provided by a range of practitioners and include input from the visiting teachers service for children with hearing and visual impairment. This paper…

Seeing your way to health: the visual pedagogy of Bess Mensendieck's physical culture system.

PubMed

Veder, Robin

2011-01-01

This essay examines the images and looking practices central to Bess M. Mensendieck's (c.1866-1959) 'functional exercise' system, as documented in physical culture treatises published in Germany and the United States between 1906 and 1937. Believing that muscular realignment could not occur without seeing how the body worked, Mensendieck taught adult non-athletes to see skeletal alignment and muscular movement in their own and others' bodies. Three levels of looking practices are examined: didactic sequences; penetrating inspection and appreciation of physiological structures; and ideokinetic visual metaphors for guiding movement. With these techniques, Mensendieck's work bridged the body cultures of German Nacktkultur (nudism), American labour efficiency and the emerging physical education profession. This case study demonstrates how sport historians could expand their analyses to include practices of looking as well as questions of visual representation.

Clinical evaluation of near-infrared light transillumination in approximal dentin caries detection.

PubMed

Ozkan, Gokhan; Guzel, Kadriye Gorkem Ulu

2017-08-01

The objective of this clinical study was to compare conventional caries detection techniques, pen-type laser fluorescence device, and near-infrared light transillumination method in approximal dentin caries lesions. The study included 157 patients, aged 12-18, without any cavity in the posterior teeth. Two calibrated examiners carried out the assessments of selected approximal caries sites independently. After the assessments, the unopened sites were excluded and a total of 161 approximal sites were included in the study. When both the examiners arrived at a consensus regarding the presence of dentin caries, the detected lesions were opened with a conical diamond burr, the cavity extent was examined and validated (gold standard). Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, accuracy, and area under the ROC curve (Az) values among the caries detection methods were calculated. Bitewing radiography and near-infrared (NIR) light transillumination methods showed the highest sensitivity (0.83-0.82) and accuracy (0.82-0.80) among the methods. Visual inspection showed the lowest sensitivity (0.54). Laser fluorescence device and visual inspection showed nearly equal performance. Near-infrared light transillumination can be used as an alternative method to approximal dentin caries detection. Visual inspection and laser fluorescence device alone should not be used for approximal dentin caries.

Age, gesture span, and dissociations among component subsystems of working memory.

PubMed

Dolman, R; Roy, E A; Dimeck, P T; Hall, C R

2000-01-01

Working memory was examined in old and young adults using a series of span tasks, including the forward versions of the visual-spatial and digit span tasks from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, and comparable hand gesture and visual design span tasks. The observation that the young participants performed significantly better on all the tasks except digit span suggested that aging has an impact on some component subsystems of working memory but not others. Analyses of intercorrelations in span performance supports the dissociation among three component subsystems, one for auditory verbal information (the articulatory loop), one for visual-spatial information (visual-spatial scratch-pad), and one for hand/body postural configuration.

Association of disease-specific causes of visual impairment and 10-year mortality amongst Indigenous Australians: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study.

PubMed

Estevez, José; Kaidonis, Georgia; Henderson, Tim; Craig, Jamie E; Landers, John

2018-01-01

Visual impairment significantly impairs the length and quality of life, but little is known of its impact in Indigenous Australians. To investigate the association of disease-specific causes of visual impairment with all-cause mortality. A retrospective cohort analysis. A total of 1347 Indigenous Australians aged over 40 years. Participants visiting remote medical clinics underwent clinical examinations including visual acuity, subjective refraction and slit-lamp examination of the anterior and posterior segments. The major ocular cause of visual impairment was determined. Patients were assessed periodically in these remote clinics for the succeeding 10 years after recruitment. Mortality rates were obtained from relevant departments. All-cause 10-year mortality and its association with disease-specific causes of visual impairment. The all-cause mortality rate for the entire cohort was 29.3% at the 10-year completion of follow-up. Of those with visual impairment, the overall mortality rate was 44.9%. The mortality rates differed for those with visual impairment due to cataract (59.8%), diabetic retinopathy (48.4%), trachoma (46.6%), 'other' (36.2%) and refractive error (33.4%) (P < 0.0001). Only those with visual impairment from diabetic retinopathy were any more likely to die during the 10 years of follow-up when compared with those without visual impairment (HR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00-2.87; P = 0.049). Visual impairment was associated with all-cause mortality in a cohort of Indigenous Australians. However, diabetic retinopathy was the only ocular disease that significantly increased the risk of mortality. Visual impairment secondary to diabetic retinopathy may be an important predictor of mortality. © 2017 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children attending schools for the visually handicapped in the Czech Republic

PubMed Central

Kocur, I; Kuchynka, P; Rodny, S; Barakova, D; Schwartz, E

2001-01-01

AIMS—To describe the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in schools for the visually handicapped in the Czech Republic in 1998.
METHODS—Pupils attending all 10 primary schools for the visually handicapped were examined. A modified WHO/PBL eye examination record for children with blindness and low vision was used.
RESULTS—229 children (146 males and 83 females) aged 6-15 years were included in the study: 47 children had severe visual impairment (20.5%) (visual acuity in their better eye less than 6/60), and 159 were blind (69.5%) (visual acuity in their better eye less than 3/60). Anatomically, the most affected parts of the eye were the retina (124, 54.2%), optic nerve (35, 15.3%), whole globe (25, 10.9%), lens (20, 8.7%), and uvea (12, 5.2%). Aetiologically (timing of insult leading to visual loss), the major cause of visual impairment was retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (96, 41.9 %), followed by abnormalities of unknown timing of insult (97, 42.4%), and hereditary disease (21, 9.2%). In 90 children (40%), additional disabilities were present: mental disability (36, 16%), physical handicap (16, 7%), and/or a combination of both (19, 8%). It was estimated that 127 children (56%) suffer from visual impairment caused by potentially preventable and/or treatable conditions (for example, ROP, cataract, glaucoma).
CONCLUSIONS—Establishing a study group for comprehensive evaluation of causes of visual handicap in children in the Czech Republic, as well as for detailed analysis of present practice of screening for ROP was recommended.

 PMID:11567954

Humane Education for Students with Visual Impairments: Learning about Working Dogs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruce, Susan M.; Feinstein, Jennie Dapice; Kennedy, Meghan C.; Liu, Ming

2015-01-01

Introduction: This study examined the effect of an animal-assisted humane education course on the knowledge of students about caring for dogs physically and psychologically and making informed decisions about dog ownership, including working dogs. Method: This collaborative action-research study employed case study design to examine the effect of…

9 CFR 11.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... art undefined in the following paragraphs shall have the meaning attributed to them by trade usage or... with the Act and regulations. Such inspection may include, but is not limited to, visual examination of...

9 CFR 11.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... art undefined in the following paragraphs shall have the meaning attributed to them by trade usage or... with the Act and regulations. Such inspection may include, but is not limited to, visual examination of...

9 CFR 11.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... art undefined in the following paragraphs shall have the meaning attributed to them by trade usage or... with the Act and regulations. Such inspection may include, but is not limited to, visual examination of...

9 CFR 11.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... art undefined in the following paragraphs shall have the meaning attributed to them by trade usage or... with the Act and regulations. Such inspection may include, but is not limited to, visual examination of...

Visualization of stratospheric ozone depletion and the polar vortex

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Treinish, Lloyd A.

1995-01-01

Direct analysis of spacecraft observations of stratospheric ozone yields information about the morphology of annual austral depletion. Visual correlation of ozone with other atmospheric data illustrates the diurnal dynamics of the polar vortex and contributions from the upper troposphere, including the formation and breakup of the depletion region each spring. These data require care in their presentation to minimize the introduction of visualization artifacts that are erroneously interpreted as data features. Non geographically registered data of differing mesh structures can be visually correlated via cartographic warping of base geometries without interpolation. Because this approach is independent of the realization technique, it provides a framework for experimenting with many visualization strategies. This methodology preserves the fidelity of the original data sets in a coordinate system suitable for three-dimensional, dynamic examination of atmospheric phenomena.

Classroom Interpreting and Visual Information Processing in Mainstream Education for Deaf Students: Live or Memorex®?

PubMed Central

Marschark, Marc; Pelz, Jeff B.; Convertino, Carol; Sapere, Patricia; Arndt, Mary Ellen; Seewagen, Rosemarie

2006-01-01

This study examined visual information processing and learning in classrooms including both deaf and hearing students. Of particular interest were the effects on deaf students’ learning of live (three-dimensional) versus video-recorded (two-dimensional) sign language interpreting and the visual attention strategies of more and less experienced deaf signers exposed to simultaneous, multiple sources of visual information. Results from three experiments consistently indicated no differences in learning between three-dimensional and two-dimensional presentations among hearing or deaf students. Analyses of students’ allocation of visual attention and the influence of various demographic and experimental variables suggested considerable flexibility in deaf students’ receptive communication skills. Nevertheless, the findings also revealed a robust advantage in learning in favor of hearing students. PMID:16628250

49 CFR Appendix C to Part 180 - Eddy Current Examination With Visual Inspection for DOT 3AL Cylinders Manufactured of Aluminum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Eddy Current Examination With Visual Inspection... PACKAGINGS Pt. 180, App. C Appendix C to Part 180—Eddy Current Examination With Visual Inspection for DOT 3AL... procedure applicable to the test equipment it uses to perform eddy current examinations. 2. Visual...

Usability and Visual Communication for Southern California Tsunami Evacuation Information: The importance of information design in disaster risk management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaenichen, C.; Schandler, S.; Wells, M.; Danielsen, T.

2015-12-01

Evacuation behavior, including participation and response, is rarely an individual and isolated process and the outcomes are usually systemic. Ineffective evacuation information can easily attribute to delayed evacuation response. Delays increase demands on already extended emergency personal, increase the likelihood of traffic congestion, and can cause harm to self and property. From an information design perspective, addressing issues in cognitive recall and emergency psychology, this case study examines evacuation messaging including written, audio, and visual presentation of information, and describes the application of design principles and role of visual communication for Southern California tsunami evacuation outreach. The niche of this project is the inclusion of cognitive processing as the driving influence when making formal design decisions and measurable data from a 4-year cognitive recall study to support the solution. Image included shows a tsunami evacaution map before and after the redesign.

Migraine with aura: visual disturbances and interrelationship with the pain phase. Vågå study of headache epidemiology.

PubMed

Sjaastad, Ottar; Bakketeig, Leiv S; Petersen, Hans C

2006-06-01

In the Vågå study of headache epidemiology, 1838 or 88.6% of the available 18-65-year-old inhabitants of the commune were included. Everyone was questioned and examined personally by the principal investigator (OS). There were 178 cases of various types of visual disturbances during the migraine attack, which corresponds to 9.7% of the study group. The prevalence among females was 11.9% and among males 7.4%; female/male ratio was 1.70, as against 1.05 in the total Vågå study population. By far the most frequently occurring visual disturbance pattern was (A) 1. Visual disturbances --> 2. pain-free interlude --> 3. pain phase (in 78% of the cases). Other frequent patterns were: (B). Visual disturbances, but no pain phase (24%); and: (C) 1. Pain phase --> 2. visual disturbances (23%). Evidently, in the solitary case, there might be more than one visual disturbance pattern. The most frequently occurring solitary visual disturbances were: scintillating scotoma (62%) and obscuration (33%); but also more rare ones were identified, like anopsia, autokinesis (movement of stationary objects), tunnel vision and micropsia. Among the non-visual aura disturbances, paraesthesias and speech disturbances were the most frequent ones. The prevalence of migraine with aura seemed to be considerably higher than in similar studies. This also includes studies that have been carried out with a face-to-face interview technique.

Visual search for object categories is predicted by the representational architecture of high-level visual cortex

PubMed Central

Alvarez, George A.; Nakayama, Ken; Konkle, Talia

2016-01-01

Visual search is a ubiquitous visual behavior, and efficient search is essential for survival. Different cognitive models have explained the speed and accuracy of search based either on the dynamics of attention or on similarity of item representations. Here, we examined the extent to which performance on a visual search task can be predicted from the stable representational architecture of the visual system, independent of attentional dynamics. Participants performed a visual search task with 28 conditions reflecting different pairs of categories (e.g., searching for a face among cars, body among hammers, etc.). The time it took participants to find the target item varied as a function of category combination. In a separate group of participants, we measured the neural responses to these object categories when items were presented in isolation. Using representational similarity analysis, we then examined whether the similarity of neural responses across different subdivisions of the visual system had the requisite structure needed to predict visual search performance. Overall, we found strong brain/behavior correlations across most of the higher-level visual system, including both the ventral and dorsal pathways when considering both macroscale sectors as well as smaller mesoscale regions. These results suggest that visual search for real-world object categories is well predicted by the stable, task-independent architecture of the visual system. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we ask which neural regions have neural response patterns that correlate with behavioral performance in a visual processing task. We found that the representational structure across all of high-level visual cortex has the requisite structure to predict behavior. Furthermore, when directly comparing different neural regions, we found that they all had highly similar category-level representational structures. These results point to a ubiquitous and uniform representational structure in high-level visual cortex underlying visual object processing. PMID:27832600

Eye Disorders in Old People

PubMed Central

M., Khalaj; A., Barikani; H., Ghasemi

2013-01-01

Background: Visual impairment is one of a major public health problem among elderly people. Object: Aim of this study was determining the prevalence of visual impairment in median and old peoples in Qazvin (Iran). Method: In this cross sectional study, with a simple random sampling, 446 patients older than 5o years who were referred to outpatient ophthalmology clinics at Avecina hospital of Qazvin (a province of Iran) in 2010 were enrolled. Participants first complete a questionnaire with 25 questions toward demographic and past medical history and then were examined by ophthalmologist. These examinations includes direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp examination, measurement of uncorrected visual acuity and visual acuity with current glasses, lensometery of the previous glasses, refraction with and without the use of cycloplegic and determining the best corrected visual acuity. All slit lamp examinations were performed by the same ophthalmologist. Data were analyzed with SPSS16 with use of Chi – Square test with Pvalue <0.05. Results: In this study 446 patients were examined that 54.7% were male. Mean age of study population was 62+-9.3 years old. 96.4% of participants had refractory disorder. Prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 33.6%, 45.9% and 16.8% respectively. Of patients 17.4% had diabetes. Of participants 28.9% had temporal headache, 37% red eye, 41.2% flashing, 27.3% and 28% had dryness and discharge of eye respectively. 31.1% of participants had eyelide problem, 4.7% Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) and 3.8% had family history of CVD. Of total 4.5% had glaucoma, 3.3% macular degeneration and 21.7% had hypertension. 0.6% of population had macular degeneration, 0.4% of population had glaucoma Of 892 eyes (446 individuals), 36.2% had visual acuity less than 7/10, 1.7% light perception (LP) and 0.22% no light perception (NLP) and 2.7% finger count. Conclusion: Refractory errors, cataract and amblyopia were most important eye disorders in older people in Qazvin. PMID:23283039

77 FR 12240 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-29

... experiments will consist of direct visual observations of fluorescently tagged DNA and DNA-bound protein... including animal tissues, bacteria, insects and parasites, involving the examination of their morphological...

Sudden headache, third nerve palsy and visual deficit: thinking outside the subarachnoid haemorrhage box.

PubMed

Ní Chróinín, Danielle; Lambert, John

2013-11-01

A 75-year-old lady presented with sudden severe headache and vomiting. Examination was normal, and CT and lumbar puncture not convincing for subarachnoid haemorrhage. Shortly thereafter, she developed painless diplopia. Examination confirmed right third cranial nerve palsy plus homonymous left inferior quadrantanopia. Urgent cerebral MRI with angiography was requested to assess for a possible posterior communicating artery aneurysm, but revealed an unsuspected pituitary mass. Pituitary adenoma with pituitary apoplexy was diagnosed. Pituitary apopolexy is a syndrome comprising sudden headache, meningism, visual and/or oculomotor deficits, with an intrasellar mass. It is commonly due to haemorrhage or infarction within a pituitary adenoma. Treatment includes prompt steroid administration, and potentially surgical decompression. While subarachnoid haemorrhage is an important, well-recognised cause of sudden severe headache, other aetiologies, including pituitary apoplexy, should be considered and sought.

Visual geography

USGS Publications Warehouse

,; ,; ,

1991-01-01

Maps are, among other things, a way of making geography visual. They are world views, ways of thinking, and ways of communicating. They depict our world and guide us through it. Visual Geography probes the essence of maps and mapmaking. It follows the story of cartography through the millennia, across the globe, and beyond the solar system. It includes some of the world's most beautiful and enduring maps, some of its most historic - a map in Columbus' hand, the map that was carried to the Moon, the first map to show America - and it examines the urge to map, to measure our world, and to record it graphically.

Gender differences in episodic memory and visual working memory including the effects of age.

PubMed

Pauls, Franz; Petermann, Franz; Lepach, Anja Christina

2013-01-01

Analysing the relationship between gender and memory, and examining the effects of age on the overall memory-related functioning, are the ongoing goals of psychological research. The present study examined gender and age group differences in episodic memory with respect to the type of task. In addition, these subgroup differences were also analysed in visual working memory. A sample of 366 women and 330 men, aged between 16 and 69 years of age, participated in the current study. Results indicate that women outperformed men on auditory memory tasks, whereas male adolescents and older male adults showed higher level performances on visual episodic and visual working memory measures. However, the size of gender-linked effects varied somewhat across age groups. Furthermore, results partly support a declining performance on episodic memory and visual working memory measures with increasing age. Although age-related losses in episodic memory could not be explained by a decreasing verbal and visuospatial ability with age, women's advantage in auditory episodic memory could be explained by their advantage in verbal ability. Men's higher level visual episodic memory performance was found to result from their advantage in visuospatial ability. Finally, possible methodological, biological, and cognitive explanations for the current findings are discussed.

Colored floaters as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity.

PubMed

Shi, Lynn; Sun, Linus D; Odel, Jeffrey G

2018-06-01

Since its report in one patient more than 70 years ago, digitalis-induced colored muscae volitantes have not surfaced again in the literature. We report here a case of digoxin induced colored floaters. An 89-year-old man on 0.25 mg digoxin daily developed visual hallucinations and colored floaters. He had floaters in the past but now they were in various colors including yellow, green, blue and red, though predominantly in yellow. These "weirdly" shaped little particles wiggled around as if in a viscous solution and casted shadows in his vision. He also saw geometric shapes, spirals, and cross hatch patterns of various colors that moved and undulated, especially on wallpaper. Ophthalmic examination revealed reduced visual acuity, poor color vision especially in his left eye, along with central depression on Amsler grid and Humphrey visual field in his left eye. Discontinuation of digoxin resulted in complete resolution of his visual symptoms. On subsequent ophthalmic examination, the patient's visual acuity, field testing and color vision improved and he had normal Amsler grid test results. Colored floaters may occur in patients taking cardiac glycosides but this association has not been explored. Unlike optical illusions and visual hallucinations, floaters are entoptic phenomena casting a physical shadow upon the retina and their coloring likely arise from retinal dysfunction. Colored floaters may be a more common visual phenomenon than realized.

The relationship between level of autistic traits and local bias in the context of the McGurk effect

PubMed Central

Ujiie, Yuta; Asai, Tomohisa; Wakabayashi, Akio

2015-01-01

The McGurk effect is a well-known illustration that demonstrates the influence of visual information on hearing in the context of speech perception. Some studies have reported that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display abnormal processing of audio-visual speech integration, while other studies showed contradictory results. Based on the dimensional model of ASD, we administered two analog studies to examine the link between level of autistic traits, as assessed by the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and the McGurk effect among a sample of university students. In the first experiment, we found that autistic traits correlated negatively with fused (McGurk) responses. Then, we manipulated presentation types of visual stimuli to examine whether the local bias toward visual speech cues modulated individual differences in the McGurk effect. The presentation included four types of visual images, comprising no image, mouth only, mouth and eyes, and full face. The results revealed that global facial information facilitates the influence of visual speech cues on McGurk stimuli. Moreover, individual differences between groups with low and high levels of autistic traits appeared when the full-face visual speech cue with an incongruent voice condition was presented. These results suggest that individual differences in the McGurk effect might be due to a weak ability to process global facial information in individuals with high levels of autistic traits. PMID:26175705

40-in. OMS Kevlar(Registered Trademark) COPV S/N 007 Stress Rupture Test NDE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saulsberry, Regor; Greene, Nate; Forth, Scott; Leifeste, Mark; Gallus, Tim; Yoder, Tommy; Keddy, Chris; Mandaras, Eric; Wincheski, Buzz; Williams, Philip;

Visual Form Perception Can Be a Cognitive Correlate of Lower Level Math Categories for Teenagers.

PubMed

Cui, Jiaxin; Zhang, Yiyun; Cheng, Dazhi; Li, Dawei; Zhou, Xinlin

2017-01-01

Numerous studies have assessed the cognitive correlates of performance in mathematics, but little research has been conducted to systematically examine the relations between visual perception as the starting point of visuospatial processing and typical mathematical performance. In the current study, we recruited 223 seventh graders to perform a visual form perception task (figure matching), numerosity comparison, digit comparison, exact computation, approximate computation, and curriculum-based mathematical achievement tests. Results showed that, after controlling for gender, age, and five general cognitive processes (choice reaction time, visual tracing, mental rotation, spatial working memory, and non-verbal matrices reasoning), visual form perception had unique contributions to numerosity comparison, digit comparison, and exact computation, but had no significant relation with approximate computation or curriculum-based mathematical achievement. These results suggest that visual form perception is an important independent cognitive correlate of lower level math categories, including the approximate number system, digit comparison, and exact computation.

Evolution and ecology of retinal photoreception in early vertebrates.

PubMed

Collin, Shaun P

2010-01-01

Visual ecology or the relationship between the visual system of an animal and its environment has proven to be a crucial research field for establishing general concepts of adaptation, specialization and evolution. The visual neuroscientist is indeed confronted with a plethora of different visual characteristics, each seemingly optimised for each species' ecological niche, but often without a clear understanding of the evolutionary constraints at play. However, before we are able to fully understand the influence(s) of ecology and phylogeny on visual system design in vertebrates, it is first necessary to understand the basic bauplan of key representatives of each taxa. This review examines photoreception in hagfishes, lampreys, cartilaginous fishes and lungfishes with an eye to their ecology using a range of neurobiological methods including anatomy, microspectrophotometry and molecular genetics. These early vertebrates represent critical stages in evolution and surprisingly possess a level of visual complexity that is almost unrivalled in other vertebrates. 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The Prevalence and Causes of Visaual Impairment and Blindness in a Rural Population in the North of Iran

PubMed Central

HASHEMI, Hassan; REZVAN, Farhad; YEKTA, AbbasAli; OSTADIMOGHADDAM, Hadi; SOROUSH, Sara; DADBIN, Nooshin; KHABAZKHOOB, Mehdi

2015-01-01

Background: Visual impairment is a very important public health problem. In Iran, reports of visual impairment and blindness have been published from the urban population while the prevalence of visual impairment in the rural population has not been reported. The purpose of this study to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment, in a rural population in district of based on age and sex Methods: In a cross-sectional population-based study, using random cluster sampling, 13 of the 83 villages of Khaf County in the north east of Iran were selected. Eye examinations were performed in a Mobile Eye Clinic (Nooravaran Salamat, 2011) and included optometric examinations such as measuring uncorrected and corrected visual acuity along with non-cycloplegic refraction. Results: The prevalence of visual impairment, low vision, and blindness was 6.3% (95% CI 5.3–7.3), 3.4% (95% CI 2.6–4.1), and 3.0% (95% CI 2.3–3.6), respectively. The prevalence of visual impairment ranged from 1.8% in the participant younger than 20 years of age to 28% in the subjects aged 60 and over (P<0.001). After matching for age, the prevalence of visual impairment and low vision was significantly higher in women. The most prevalent causes of visual impairment were uncorrected refractory error (54.5%) and cataract (17.6%). Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment was significantly higher in the rural population of this study when compared to previous reports from Iran. It seems that provision of therapeutic facilities like cataract surgery and availability of eyeglasses in villages can considerably reduce the prevalence of visual impairment. PMID:26258099

The Prevalence and Causes of Visaual Impairment and Blindness in a Rural Population in the North of Iran.

PubMed

Hashemi, Hassan; Rezvan, Farhad; Yekta, AbbasAli; Ostadimoghaddam, Hadi; Soroush, Sara; Dadbin, Nooshin; Khabazkhoob, Mehdi

2015-06-01

Visual impairment is a very important public health problem. In Iran, reports of visual impairment and blindness have been published from the urban population while the prevalence of visual impairment in the rural population has not been reported. The purpose of this study to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment, in a rural population in district of based on age and sex. In a cross-sectional population-based study, using random cluster sampling, 13 of the 83 villages of Khaf County in the north east of Iran were selected. Eye examinations were performed in a Mobile Eye Clinic (Nooravaran Salamat, 2011) and included optometric examinations such as measuring uncorrected and corrected visual acuity along with non-cycloplegic refraction. The prevalence of visual impairment, low vision, and blindness was 6.3% (95% CI 5.3-7.3), 3.4% (95% CI 2.6-4.1), and 3.0% (95% CI 2.3-3.6), respectively. The prevalence of visual impairment ranged from 1.8% in the participant younger than 20 years of age to 28% in the subjects aged 60 and over (P<0.001). After matching for age, the prevalence of visual impairment and low vision was significantly higher in women. The most prevalent causes of visual impairment were uncorrected refractory error (54.5%) and cataract (17.6%). The prevalence of visual impairment was significantly higher in the rural population of this study when compared to previous reports from Iran. It seems that provision of therapeutic facilities like cataract surgery and availability of eyeglasses in villages can considerably reduce the prevalence of visual impairment.

The multiple sclerosis visual pathway cohort: understanding neurodegeneration in MS.

PubMed

Martínez-Lapiscina, Elena H; Fraga-Pumar, Elena; Gabilondo, Iñigo; Martínez-Heras, Eloy; Torres-Torres, Ruben; Ortiz-Pérez, Santiago; Llufriu, Sara; Tercero, Ana; Andorra, Magi; Roca, Marc Figueras; Lampert, Erika; Zubizarreta, Irati; Saiz, Albert; Sanchez-Dalmau, Bernardo; Villoslada, Pablo

2014-12-15

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the Central Nervous System with two major underlying etiopathogenic processes: inflammation and neurodegeneration. The latter determines the prognosis of this disease. MS is the main cause of non-traumatic disability in middle-aged populations. The MS-VisualPath Cohort was set up to study the neurodegenerative component of MS using advanced imaging techniques by focusing on analysis of the visual pathway in a middle-aged MS population in Barcelona, Spain. We started the recruitment of patients in the early phase of MS in 2010 and it remains permanently open. All patients undergo a complete neurological and ophthalmological examination including measurements of physical and disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale; Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and neuropsychological tests), disease activity (relapses) and visual function testing (visual acuity, color vision and visual field). The MS-VisualPath protocol also assesses the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), general quality of life (SF-36) and visual quality of life (25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire with the 10-Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement). In addition, the imaging protocol includes both retinal (Optical Coherence Tomography and Wide-Field Fundus Imaging) and brain imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Finally, multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials are used to perform neurophysiological assessment of the visual pathway. The analysis of the visual pathway with advance imaging and electrophysilogical tools in parallel with clinical information will provide significant and new knowledge regarding neurodegeneration in MS and provide new clinical and imaging biomarkers to help monitor disease progression in these patients.

49 CFR Appendix C to Part 180 - Eddy Current Examination With Visual Inspection for DOT 3AL Cylinders Manufactured of Aluminum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... examinations. Visual examinations of the neck and shoulder area of the cylinder must be conducted in accordance... with visual examination reveals any crack in the neck or shoulder of 2 thread lengths or more. 6...

49 CFR Appendix C to Part 180 - Eddy Current Examination With Visual Inspection for DOT 3AL Cylinders Manufactured of Aluminum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... examinations. Visual examinations of the neck and shoulder area of the cylinder must be conducted in accordance... with visual examination reveals any crack in the neck or shoulder of 2 thread lengths or more. 6...

49 CFR Appendix C to Part 180 - Eddy Current Examination With Visual Inspection for DOT 3AL Cylinders Manufactured of Aluminum...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... examinations. Visual examinations of the neck and shoulder area of the cylinder must be conducted in accordance... with visual examination reveals any crack in the neck or shoulder of 2 thread lengths or more. 6...

Ultra-Widefield Fluorescein Angiography in Intermediate Uveitis.

PubMed

Laovirojjanakul, Wipada; Acharya, Nisha; Gonzales, John A

2017-10-17

To examine associations between pattern of vascular leakage on ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) and visual acuity, cystoid macular edema (CME), and inflammatory activity in intermediate uveitis. Single center cross-sectional, retrospective review of medical records, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and angiographic images of intermediate uveitis patients who underwent UWFFA over a 12-month period. Forty-one eyes from 24 patients were included. Twelve eyes (29%) exhibited peripheral leakage, 26 eyes (64%) had diffuse leakage and three eyes (7%) had no leakage. Diffuse leakage was associated with 0.2 logMAR worse visual acuity than peripheral leakage (p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of having CME when diffuse leakage was compared to peripheral leakage. UWFFA identifies retinal vascular pathology in intermediate uveitis not present on clinical examination. Diffuse retinal vascular leakage was associated with worse visual acuity when compared to peripheral and no leakage patterns.

Impact of a visual programming experience on the attitude toward programming of introductory undergraduate students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godbole, Saurabh

Traditionally, textual tools have been utilized to teach basic programming languages and paradigms. Research has shown that students tend to be visual learners. Using flowcharts, students can quickly understand the logic of their programs and visualize the flow of commands in the algorithm. Moreover, applying programming to physical systems through the use of a microcontroller to facilitate this type of learning can spark an interest in students to advance their programming knowledge to create novel applications. This study examined if freshmen college students' attitudes towards programming changed after completing a graphical programming lesson. Various attributes about students' attitudes were examined including confidence, interest, stereotypes, and their belief in the usefulness of acquiring programming skills. The study found that there were no statistically significant differences in attitudes either immediately following the session or after a period of four weeks.

The Temporal Dynamics of Visual Search: Evidence for Parallel Processing in Feature and Conjunction Searches

PubMed Central

McElree, Brian; Carrasco, Marisa

2012-01-01

Feature and conjunction searches have been argued to delineate parallel and serial operations in visual processing. The authors evaluated this claim by examining the temporal dynamics of the detection of features and conjunctions. The 1st experiment used a reaction time (RT) task to replicate standard mean RT patterns and to examine the shapes of the RT distributions. The 2nd experiment used the response-signal speed–accuracy trade-off (SAT) procedure to measure discrimination (asymptotic detection accuracy) and detection speed (processing dynamics). Set size affected discrimination in both feature and conjunction searches but affected detection speed only in the latter. Fits of models to the SAT data that included a serial component overpredicted the magnitude of the observed dynamics differences. The authors concluded that both features and conjunctions are detected in parallel. Implications for the role of attention in visual processing are discussed. PMID:10641310

Similarities in human visual and declared measures of preference for opposite-sex faces.

PubMed

Griffey, Jack A F; Little, Anthony C

2014-01-01

Facial appearance in humans is associated with attraction and mate choice. Numerous studies have identified that adults display directional preferences for certain facial traits including symmetry, averageness, and sexually dimorphic traits. Typically, studies measuring human preference for these traits examine declared (e.g., choice or ratings of attractiveness) or visual preferences (e.g., looking time) of participants. However, the extent to which visual and declared preferences correspond remains relatively untested. In order to evaluate the relationship between these measures we examined visual and declared preferences displayed by men and women for opposite-sex faces manipulated across three dimensions (symmetry, averageness, and masculinity) and compared preferences from each method. Results indicated that participants displayed significant visual and declared preferences for symmetrical, average, and appropriately sexually dimorphic faces. We also found that declared and visual preferences correlated weakly but significantly. These data indicate that visual and declared preferences for manipulated facial stimuli produce similar directional preferences across participants and are also correlated with one another within participants. Both methods therefore may be considered appropriate to measure human preferences. However, while both methods appear likely to generate similar patterns of preference at the sample level, the weak nature of the correlation between visual and declared preferences in our data suggests some caution in assuming visual preferences are the same as declared preferences at the individual level. Because there are positive and negative factors in both methods for measuring preference, we suggest that a combined approach is most useful in outlining population level preferences for traits.

Visual short-term memory always requires general attention.

PubMed

Morey, Candice C; Bieler, Malte

2013-02-01

The role of attention in visual memory remains controversial; while some evidence has suggested that memory for binding between features demands no more attention than does memory for the same features, other evidence has indicated cognitive costs or mnemonic benefits for explicitly attending to bindings. We attempted to reconcile these findings by examining how memory for binding, for features, and for features during binding is affected by a concurrent attention-demanding task. We demonstrated that performing a concurrent task impairs memory for as few as two visual objects, regardless of whether each object includes one or more features. We argue that this pattern of results reflects an essential role for domain-general attention in visual memory, regardless of the simplicity of the to-be-remembered stimuli. We then discuss the implications of these findings for theories of visual working memory.

Visual Functions of the Thalamus

PubMed Central

Usrey, W. Martin; Alitto, Henry J.

2017-01-01

The thalamus is the heavily interconnected partner of the neocortex. All areas of the neocortex receive afferent input from and send efferent projections to specific thalamic nuclei. Through these connections, the thalamus serves to provide the cortex with sensory input, and to facilitate interareal cortical communication and motor and cognitive functions. In the visual system, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the dorsal thalamus is the gateway through which visual information reaches the cerebral cortex. Visual processing in the LGN includes spatial and temporal influences on visual signals that serve to adjust response gain, transform the temporal structure of retinal activity patterns, and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the retinal signal while preserving its basic content. This review examines recent advances in our understanding of LGN function and circuit organization and places these findings in a historical context. PMID:28217740

The neuropsychology of visual artistic production.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Anjan

2004-01-01

What happens to visual artists with neuropsychological deficits? This review will examine artistic production in individuals with a variety of syndromes including achromatopsia, neglect, visual agnosia, aphasia, epilepsy, migraine, dementia and autism. From this review it appears that artists are not spared visual-motor deficits despite their special graphic abilities. Rather their talents allow them to express visual deficits with particular eloquence. By contrast, the effects of aphasia on art are variable. In addition to deficits, neuropsychological syndromes may be associated with positive phenomena. Such phenomena induced by epilepsy or migraines can serve to inspire artists. This review also makes clear that artists with neuropsychological deficits do not necessarily produce art of lesser quality. Rather, their art may change in content or in style, sometimes in surprising and aesthetically pleasing ways. The neuropsychology of visual art also touches on a few central questions about the nature of artistic expression itself. For example, what forms can artistic representations take? How are visual features used descriptively and expressively? What roles do knowing and seeing play in depiction?

Temporal properties of material categorization and material rating: visual vs non-visual material features.

PubMed

Nagai, Takehiro; Matsushima, Toshiki; Koida, Kowa; Tani, Yusuke; Kitazaki, Michiteru; Nakauchi, Shigeki

2015-10-01

Humans can visually recognize material categories of objects, such as glass, stone, and plastic, easily. However, little is known about the kinds of surface quality features that contribute to such material class recognition. In this paper, we examine the relationship between perceptual surface features and material category discrimination performance for pictures of materials, focusing on temporal aspects, including reaction time and effects of stimulus duration. The stimuli were pictures of objects with an identical shape but made of different materials that could be categorized into seven classes (glass, plastic, metal, stone, wood, leather, and fabric). In a pre-experiment, observers rated the pictures on nine surface features, including visual (e.g., glossiness and transparency) and non-visual features (e.g., heaviness and warmness), on a 7-point scale. In the main experiments, observers judged whether two simultaneously presented pictures were classified as the same or different material category. Reaction times and effects of stimulus duration were measured. The results showed that visual feature ratings were correlated with material discrimination performance for short reaction times or short stimulus durations, while non-visual feature ratings were correlated only with performance for long reaction times or long stimulus durations. These results suggest that the mechanisms underlying visual and non-visual feature processing may differ in terms of processing time, although the cause is unclear. Visual surface features may mainly contribute to material recognition in daily life, while non-visual features may contribute only weakly, if at all. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Correlation of intraocular pressure variation after visual field examination with 24-hour intraocular pressure variations in primary open-angle glaucoma].

PubMed

Noro, Takahiko; Nakamoto, Kenji; Sato, Makoto; Yasuda, Noriko; Ito, Yoshinori; Ogawa, Shumpei; Nakano, Tadashi; Tsuneoka, Hiroshi

2014-10-01

We retrospectively examined intraocular pressure variations after visual field examination in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), together with its influencing factors and its association with 24-hour intraocular pressure variations. Subjects were 94 eyes (52 POAG patients) subjected to measurements of 24-hour intraocular pressure and of changes in intraocular pressure after visual field examination using a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer. Subjects were classified into three groups according to the magnitude of variation (large, intermediate and small), and 24-hour intraocular pressure variations were compared among the three groups. Factors influencing intraocular pressure variations after visual field examination and those associated with the large variation group were investigated. Average intraocular pressure variation after visual field examination was -0.28 ± 1.90 (range - 6.0(-) + 5.0) mmHg. No significant influencing factors were identified. The intraocular pressure at 3 a.m. was significantly higher in the large variation group than other two groups (p < 0.001). Central corneal thickness was correlated with the large variation group (odds ratio = 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.07 ; p = 0.02). No particular tendencies in intraocular pressure variations were found after visual field examination. Increases in intraocular pressure during the night might be associated with large intraocular pressure variations after visual field examination.

Visual Network Asymmetry and Default Mode Network Function in ADHD: An fMRI Study

PubMed Central

Hale, T. Sigi; Kane, Andrea M.; Kaminsky, Olivia; Tung, Kelly L.; Wiley, Joshua F.; McGough, James J.; Loo, Sandra K.; Kaplan, Jonas T.

2014-01-01

Background: A growing body of research has identified abnormal visual information processing in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In particular, slow processing speed and increased reliance on visuo-perceptual strategies have become evident. Objective: The current study used recently developed fMRI methods to replicate and further examine abnormal rightward biased visual information processing in ADHD and to further characterize the nature of this effect; we tested its association with several large-scale distributed network systems. Method: We examined fMRI BOLD response during letter and location judgment tasks, and directly assessed visual network asymmetry and its association with large-scale networks using both a voxelwise and an averaged signal approach. Results: Initial within-group analyses revealed a pattern of left-lateralized visual cortical activity in controls but right-lateralized visual cortical activity in ADHD children. Direct analyses of visual network asymmetry confirmed atypical rightward bias in ADHD children compared to controls. This ADHD characteristic was atypically associated with reduced activation across several extra-visual networks, including the default mode network (DMN). We also found atypical associations between DMN activation and ADHD subjects’ inattentive symptoms and task performance. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated rightward VNA in ADHD during a simple letter discrimination task. This result adds an important novel consideration to the growing literature identifying abnormal visual processing in ADHD. We postulate that this characteristic reflects greater perceptual engagement of task-extraneous content, and that it may be a basic feature of less efficient top-down task-directed control over visual processing. We additionally argue that abnormal DMN function may contribute to this characteristic. PMID:25076915

Direct labeling and visualization of blood vessels with lipophilic carbocyanine dye DiI

PubMed Central

Li, Yiwen; Song, Ying; Zhao, Lian; Gaidosh, Gabriel; Laties, Alan M; Wen, Rong

2009-01-01

We describe a protocol to rapidly and reliably visualize blood vessels in experimental animals. Blood vessels are directly labeled by cardiac perfusion using a specially formulated aqueous solution containing 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI), a lipophilic carbocyanine dye, which incorporates into endothelial cell membranes upon contact. By lateral diffusion, DiI also stains membrane structures, including angiogenic sprouts and pseudopodial processes that are not in direct contact. Tissues can be immediately examined by conventional and confocal fluorescence microscopy. High-quality serial optical sections using confocal microscopy are obtainable from thick tissue sections, especially at low magnification, for three-dimensional reconstruction. It takes less than 1 h to stain the vasculature in a whole animal. Compared with alternative techniques to visualize blood vessels, including space-occupying materials such as India ink or fluorescent dye-conjugated dextran, the corrosion casting technique, endothelial cell-specific markers and lectins, the present method simplifies the visualization of blood vessels and data analysis. PMID:18846097

On the use of continuous flash suppression for the study of visual processing outside of awareness

PubMed Central

Yang, Eunice; Brascamp, Jan; Kang, Min-Suk; Blake, Randolph

2014-01-01

The interocular suppression technique termed continuous flash suppression (CFS) has become an immensely popular tool for investigating visual processing outside of awareness. The emerging picture from studies using CFS is that extensive processing of a visual stimulus, including its semantic and affective content, occurs despite suppression from awareness of that stimulus by CFS. However, the current implementation of CFS in many studies examining processing outside of awareness has several drawbacks that may be improved upon for future studies using CFS. In this paper, we address some of those shortcomings, particularly ones that affect the assessment of unawareness during CFS, and ones to do with the use of “visible” conditions that are often included as a comparison to a CFS condition. We also discuss potential biases in stimulus processing as a result of spatial attention and feature-selective suppression. We suggest practical guidelines that minimize the effects of those limitations in using CFS to study visual processing outside of awareness. PMID:25071685

Working memory capacity and the scope and control of attention.

PubMed

Shipstead, Zach; Harrison, Tyler L; Engle, Randall W

2015-08-01

Complex span and visual arrays are two common measures of working memory capacity that are respectively treated as measures of attention control and storage capacity. A recent analysis of these tasks concluded that (1) complex span performance has a relatively stronger relationship to fluid intelligence and (2) this is due to the requirement that people engage control processes while performing this task. The present study examines the validity of these conclusions by examining two large data sets that include a more diverse set of visual arrays tasks and several measures of attention control. We conclude that complex span and visual arrays account for similar amounts of variance in fluid intelligence. The disparity relative to the earlier analysis is attributed to the present study involving a more complete measure of the latent ability underlying the performance of visual arrays. Moreover, we find that both types of working memory task have strong relationships to attention control. This indicates that the ability to engage attention in a controlled manner is a critical aspect of working memory capacity, regardless of the type of task that is used to measure this construct.

Healthy children show gender differences in correlations between nonverbal cognitive ability and brain activation during visual perception.

PubMed

Asano, Kohei; Taki, Yasuyuki; Hashizume, Hiroshi; Sassa, Yuko; Thyreau, Benjamin; Asano, Michiko; Takeuchi, Hikaru; Kawashima, Ryuta

2014-08-08

Humans perceive textual and nontextual information in visual perception, and both depend on language. In childhood education, students exhibit diverse perceptual abilities, such that some students process textual information better and some process nontextual information better. These predispositions involve many factors, including cognitive ability and learning preference. However, the relationship between verbal and nonverbal cognitive abilities and brain activation during visual perception has not yet been examined in children. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between nonverbal and verbal cognitive abilities and brain activation during nontextual visual perception in large numbers of children. A significant positive correlation was found between nonverbal cognitive abilities and brain activation in the right temporoparietal junction, which is thought to be related to attention reorienting. This significant positive correlation existed only in boys. These findings suggested that male brain activation differed from female brain activation, and that this depended on individual cognitive processes, even if there was no gender difference in behavioral performance. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Development of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy in the Initially Unaffected Fellow Eye in Patients Treated with Systemic Corticosteroids].

PubMed

Pahor, Artur; Pahor, Dusica

2017-11-01

Background The objective of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the results of systemic corticosteroid therapy in patient with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic neuropathy of the optical nerve (NAION) for an observation period of one year and to measure the NAION incidence in the initially healthy contralateral eye of these patients. Patients and Methods All patients diagnosed with acute NAION who were admitted to our ward during 2014 and who fulfilled all inclusion criteria for systemic corticosteroid therapy were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were corrected visual acuity of 0.3 or less and duration of illness of less than 2 weeks. All patients were examined by a rheumatologist and given a complete ophthalmological examination, including fluorescein angiography and examination of the visual field. Only 3 of the 23 patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria for corticoid treatment and were then treated. 10 patients served as controls. The treatment plan started with an initial dose of 80 mg prednisolone during the first two weeks. The dose was then tapered over 3 to 4 months. Results The mean best corrected visual acuity on admission was 0.12 and 0.35 after one year. The mean duration of treatment was 3.3 months. Treatment was discontinued after 5 to 6 months or 8 to 9 months after the initial examination. All patients then developed NAION on the contralateral eye. The mean visual acuity on the contralateral eye was 0.73. After 4 month follow-up, the visual acuity in two patients had decreased to 1.0 and in one patient was reduced from 0.8 to 0.4. No steroid treatment was initiated for the contralateral eye. No NAION was found in the contralateral eye in the control group. Conclusion Corticosteroid treatment improved vision in all patients with NAION in comparison with the untreated contralateral eye. In a single patient, visual acuity decreased in the contralateral eye. Our study confirmed that corticosteroid treatment may be a predisposing factor for the development of NAION am in the contralateral eye. Additional studies with more patients are needed to confirm our results. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Proficiency of individuals with autism spectrum disorder at disembedding figures: A systematic review.

PubMed

Horlin, Chiara; Black, Melissa; Falkmer, Marita; Falkmer, Torbjorn

2016-01-01

This systematic review examines the proficiency and visual search strategies of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) while disembedding figures and whether they differ from typical controls and other comparative samples. Five databases, including Proquest, Psychinfo, Medline, CINAHL and Science Direct were used to identify published studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty articles were included in the review, the majority of which matched participants by mental age. Outcomes discussed were time taken to identify targets, the number correctly identified, and fixation frequency and duration. Individuals with ASD perform at the same speed or faster than controls and other clinical samples. However, there appear to be no differences between individuals with ASD and controls for number of correctly identified targets. Only one study examined visual search strategies and suggests that individuals with ASD exhibit shorter first and final fixations to targets compared with controls.

A Closer Look at Visual Manuals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Meij, Hans

1996-01-01

Examines the visual manual genre, discussing main forms and functions of step-by-step and guided tour manuals in detail. Examines whether a visual manual helps computer users realize tasks faster and more accurately than a non-visual manual. Finds no effects on accuracy, but speedier task execution by 35% for visual manuals. Concludes there is no…

Refractive error and visual impairment in private school children in Ghana.

PubMed

Kumah, Ben D; Ebri, Anne; Abdul-Kabir, Mohammed; Ahmed, Abdul-Sadik; Koomson, Nana Ya; Aikins, Samual; Aikins, Amos; Amedo, Angela; Lartey, Seth; Naidoo, Kovin

2013-12-01

To assess the prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment in private school children in Ghana. A random selection of geographically defined classes in clusters was used to identify a sample of school children aged 12 to 15 years in the Ashanti Region. Children in 60 clusters were enumerated and examined in classrooms. The examination included visual acuity, retinoscopy, autorefraction under cycloplegia, and examination of anterior segment, media, and fundus. For quality assurance, a random sample of children with reduced and normal vision were selected and re-examined independently. A total of 2454 children attending 53 private schools were enumerated, and of these, 2435 (99.2%) were examined. Prevalence of uncorrected, presenting, and best visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in the better eye was 3.7, 3.5, and 0.4%, respectively. Refractive error was the cause of reduced vision in 71.7% of 152 eyes, amblyopia in 9.9%, retinal disorders in 5.9%, and corneal opacity in 4.6%. Exterior and anterior segment abnormalities occurred in 43 (1.8%) children. Myopia (at least -0.50 D) in one or both eyes was present in 3.2% of children when measured with retinoscopy and in 3.4% measured with autorefraction. Myopia was not significantly associated with gender (P = 0.82). Hyperopia (+2.00 D or more) in at least one eye was present in 0.3% of children with retinoscopy and autorefraction. The prevalence of reduced vision in Ghanaian private school children due to uncorrected refractive error was low. However, the prevalence of amblyopia, retinal disorders, and corneal opacities indicate the need for early interventions.

Beyond the Renderer: Software Architecture for Parallel Graphics and Visualization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crockett, Thomas W.

1996-01-01

As numerous implementations have demonstrated, software-based parallel rendering is an effective way to obtain the needed computational power for a variety of challenging applications in computer graphics and scientific visualization. To fully realize their potential, however, parallel renderers need to be integrated into a complete environment for generating, manipulating, and delivering visual data. We examine the structure and components of such an environment, including the programming and user interfaces, rendering engines, and image delivery systems. We consider some of the constraints imposed by real-world applications and discuss the problems and issues involved in bringing parallel rendering out of the lab and into production.

Vision Tests For Medical Surveillance Or To Insure Job Fitness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolbarsht, M. L.; Landers, M. B.

1986-05-01

The rationale for designing screening type eye examinations to document visual capabilities for specific jobs or changes in visual function following exposure to specific ocular hazards is discussed. Possible applications to clinical situations are also discussed. Specific tests meeting requirements of definite end point quantification, ease of administration, and reproducibility are given for contrast (glare) sensitivity, distortions in macular imaging (Amsler grid), and color vision. The selection is aetailed for tne individual test combinations of various populations such as automobile uriver license applicants, visual display operators, and persons exposed to lasers, including military as well as non-military installers and repairers of optical fibers for communications.

Possible role for fundus autofluorescence as a predictive factor for visual acuity recovery after epiretinal membrane surgery.

PubMed

Brito, Pedro N; Gomes, Nuno L; Vieira, Marco P; Faria, Pedro A; Fernandes, Augusto V; Rocha-Sousa, Amândio; Falcão-Reis, Fernando

2014-02-01

To study the potential association between fundus autofluorescence, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and visual acuity in patients undergoing surgery because of epiretinal membranes. Prospective, interventional case series including 26 patients submitted to vitrectomy because of symptomatic epiretinal membranes. Preoperative evaluation consisted of a complete ophthalmologic examination, autofluorescence, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Studied variables included foveal autofluorescence (fov.AF), photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction line integrity, external limiting membrane integrity, central foveal thickness, and foveal morphology. All examinations were repeated at the first, third, and sixth postoperative months. The main outcome measures were logarithm of minimal angle resolution visual acuity, fov.AF integrity, and IS/OS integrity. All cases showing a continuous IS/OS line had an intact fov.AF, whereas patients with IS/OS disruption could have either an increased area of foveal hypoautofluorescence or an intact fov.AF, with the latter being associated with IS/OS integrity recovery in follow-up spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging. The only preoperative variables presenting a significant correlation with final visual acuity were baseline visual acuity (P = 0.047) and fov.AF grade (P = 0.023). Recovery of IS/OS line integrity after surgery, in patients with preoperative IS/OS disruption and normal fov.AF, can be explained by the presence of a functional retinal pigment epithelium-photoreceptor complex, supporting normal photoreceptor activity. Autofluorescence imaging provides a functional component to the study of epiretinal membranes, complementing the structural information obtained with optical coherence tomography.

Burden, etiology and predictors of visual impairment among children attending Mulago National Referral Hospital eye clinic, Uganda.

PubMed

Kinengyere, Patience; Kizito, Samuel; Kiggundu, John Baptist; Ampaire, Anne; Wabulembo, Geoffrey

2017-09-01

Childhood visual impairment (CVI) has not been given due attention. Knowledge of CVI is important in planning preventive measures. The aim of this study was determine the prevalence, etiology and the factors associated with childhood visual impairment among the children attending the eye clinic in Mulago National Referral Hospital. This was a cross sectional hospital based study among 318 children attending the Mulago Hospital eye clinic between January 2015 to March 2015. Ocular and general history was taken and patient examination done. The data generated was entered by Epidata and analyzed by STATA 12. The prevalence of CVI was 42.14%, 134 patients with 49 patients (15.41%) having moderate visual impairment, 45 patients (14.15%) having severe visual impairment and 40 patients (12.58%) presenting with blindness. Significant predictors included; increasing age, delayed developmental milestones and having abnormal corneal, refractive and fundus findings. There is a high burden of visual impairment among children in Uganda. It is vital to screen all the children presenting to hospital for visual impairment. Majority of the causes of the visual impairment are preventable.

Vernier But Not Grating Acuity Contributes to an Early Stage of Visual Word Processing.

PubMed

Tan, Yufei; Tong, Xiuhong; Chen, Wei; Weng, Xuchu; He, Sheng; Zhao, Jing

2018-03-28

The process of reading words depends heavily on efficient visual skills, including analyzing and decomposing basic visual features. Surprisingly, previous reading-related studies have almost exclusively focused on gross aspects of visual skills, while only very few have investigated the role of finer skills. The present study filled this gap and examined the relations of two finer visual skills measured by grating acuity (the ability to resolve periodic luminance variations across space) and Vernier acuity (the ability to detect/discriminate relative locations of features) to Chinese character-processing as measured by character form-matching and lexical decision tasks in skilled adult readers. The results showed that Vernier acuity was significantly correlated with performance in character form-matching but not visual symbol form-matching, while no correlation was found between grating acuity and character processing. Interestingly, we found no correlation of the two visual skills with lexical decision performance. These findings provide for the first time empirical evidence that the finer visual skills, particularly as reflected in Vernier acuity, may directly contribute to an early stage of hierarchical word processing.

Direct ophthalmoscopy on YouTube: analysis of instructional YouTube videos’ content and approach to visualization

PubMed Central

Borgersen, Nanna Jo; Henriksen, Mikael Johannes Vuokko; Konge, Lars; Sørensen, Torben Lykke; Thomsen, Ann Sofia Skou; Subhi, Yousif

2016-01-01

Background Direct ophthalmoscopy is well-suited for video-based instruction, particularly if the videos enable the student to see what the examiner sees when performing direct ophthalmoscopy. We evaluated the pedagogical effectiveness of instructional YouTube videos on direct ophthalmoscopy by evaluating their content and approach to visualization. Methods In order to synthesize main themes and points for direct ophthalmoscopy, we formed a broad panel consisting of a medical student, junior and senior physicians, and took into consideration book chapters targeting medical students and physicians in general. We then systematically searched YouTube. Two authors reviewed eligible videos to assess eligibility and extract data on video statistics, content, and approach to visualization. Correlations between video statistics and contents were investigated using two-tailed Spearman’s correlation. Results We screened 7,640 videos, of which 27 were found eligible for this study. Overall, a median of 12 out of 18 points (interquartile range: 8–14 key points) were covered; no videos covered all of the 18 points assessed. We found the most difficulties in the approach to visualization of how to approach the patient and how to examine the fundus. Time spent on fundus examination correlated with the number of views per week (Spearman’s ρ=0.53; P=0.029). Conclusion Videos may help overcome the pedagogical issues in teaching direct ophthalmoscopy; however, the few available videos on YouTube fail to address this particular issue adequately. There is a need for high-quality videos that include relevant points, provide realistic visualization of the examiner’s view, and give particular emphasis on fundus examination. PMID:27574393

Man with a Swollen Eye: Nonspecific Orbital Inflammation in an Adult in the Emergency Department.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao Chi; Statler, Brittney; Suner, Selim; Lloyd, Maureen; Curley, David; Migliori, Michael E

2018-07-01

Nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI) is a rare idiopathic ocular pathology characterized by unilateral, painful orbital swelling without identifiable infectious or systemic disorders, which can be complicated by optic nerve compromise. A 50-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with recurring, progressive painless left eye swelling, decreased visual acuity, and binocular diplopia in the absence of trauma, infection, or known malignancy. His physical examination was notable for left-sided decreased visual acuity, an afferent pupillary defect, severe left eye proptosis and chemosis, and restricted extraocular movements; his dilatated funduscopic examination was notable for ipsilateral retinal folds within the macula, concerning for a disruption between the sclera and the retina. Ocular examination of the right eye was unremarkable. Laboratory data were unrevealing. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed marked thickening of the left extraocular muscles associated with proptosis, dense inflammatory infiltration of the orbital fat, and characteristics consistent with perineuritis. The patient was diagnosed with NSOI with optic neuritis and admitted for systemic steroid therapy; he was discharged on hospital day 2 after receiving high-dose intravenous (i.v.) methylprednisolone with significant improvement. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: NSOI is a rare and idiopathic ocular emergency, with clinical mimicry resembling a broad spectrum of systemic diseases such as malignancy, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, and infection. Initial work-up for new-onset ocular proptosis should include comprehensive laboratory testing and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Timely evaluation by an ophthalmologist is crucial to assess for optic nerve involvement. Signs of optic nerve compromise include decreased visual acuity, afferent pupillary defect, or decreased color saturation. Patients with optic nerve compromise require admission for aggressive anti-inflammatory therapy with i.v. steroids in an attempt to reduce risk of long-term visual sequelae. Our case demonstrates a severe presentation of this disorder and exhibits remarkable visual recovery after 48 h of systemic i.v. steroid treatment. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Vision, Training Hours, and Road Testing Results in Bioptic Drivers

PubMed Central

Dougherty, Bradley E.; Flom, Roanne E.; Bullimore, Mark A.; Raasch, Thomas W.

2015-01-01

Purpose Bioptic telescopic spectacles (BTS) can be used by people with central visual acuity that does not meet the state standards to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among visual and demographic factors, training hours, and the results of road testing for bioptic drivers. Methods A retrospective study of patients who received an initial daylight bioptic examination at the Ohio State University and subsequently received a bioptic license was conducted. Data were collected on vision including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field. Hours of driver training and results of Highway Patrol road testing were extracted from records. Relationships among vision, training hours, and road testing were analyzed. Results Ninety-seven patients who completed a vision examination between 2004 and 2008 and received daylight licensure with BTS were included. Results of the first Highway Patrol road test were available for 74 patients. The median interquartile range (IQR) hours of training prior to road testing was 21±17 hours, (range of 9 to 75 hours). Candidates without previous licensure were younger (p< 0.001) and had more documented training (p< 0.001). Lack of previous licensure and more training were significantly associated with having failed a portion of the Highway Patrol test and points deducted on the road test. Conclusions New bioptic drivers without previous non-bioptic driving experience required more training and performed more poorly on road testing for licensure than those who had previous non-bioptic licensure. No visual factor was predictive of road testing results after adjustment for previous experience. The hours of training received remained predictive of road testing outcome even with adjustment for previous experience. These results suggest that previous experience and trainer assessments should be investigated as potential predictors of road safety in bioptic drivers in future studies. PMID:25946098

Computer-Assisted Eye Examination: Background and Prospects.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

ipa crossed cylinders. 26, astigmatic charts, kerato- city if numbers. 7. facility. 8-14. efflcac. and meter. corneal astigmatism . lenticular ...Physiological optics, 20; Assessment of visual acuity, 21; Beginnings of subjective refraction, 23; Astigmatism , 24; The subjective optometer, 27; The...to correct astigmatism . Frequently included in the sub- jective examination are tests to determine eye motility and balance (heterophoria and duction

Ocular fundus manifestation of two patients following long-term chloroquine therapy: a case report

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

This report describes the typical manifestations of chloroquine retinopathy with some advanced new technology. A series of examinations were performed on the patients, including the fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, GDxVCC Nerve Fiber Analyzer, full-field electroretinography, multifocal electroretinography and visual field examinations, to provide a better understanding of chloroquine retinopathy. PMID:20346186

Intracranial meningioma causing partial amaurosis in a cat.

PubMed

Goulle, Frédéric; Meige, Frédéric; Durieux, Franck; Malet, Christophe; Toulza, Olivier; Isard, Pierre-François; Peiffer, Robert L; Dulaurent, Thomas

2011-09-01

To describe a case of intracranial meningioma causing visual impairment in a cat, successfully treated by surgery. An adult neutered male domestic cat was referred with a 10-month history of progressive visual impairment and altered behavior. Investigations included physical, ophthalmologic and neurological examinations as well as hematology, serum biochemistry and CT scan of the head. The menace response was absent in the left eye and decreased in the right eye. Electroretinograms were normal on both eyes, as was ophthalmic examination, ruling out an ocular cause and allowing a presumptive diagnosis of partial amaurosis due to a post-retinal lesion. CT scan demonstrated a large sessile extra axial mass along the right parietal bone and thickening of the adjacent bone. Cerebrospinal fluid was not collected because high intracranial pressure represented a risk for brain herniation. A right rostrotentorial craniectomy was performed to remove the tumor. Ten days after surgery, vision was improved, neurological examination was normal and normal behavior was restored. Ten months after surgery, ophthalmological examination showed no visual deficit and CT scan did not reveal any sign of recurrence. Advanced imaging techniques allow veterinarians to detect early cerebral diseases and to provide specific treatment when it is possible. In cases of feline amaurosis due to intracranial meningioma, the vital prognosis is good while the visual prognosis is more uncertain, but recovery of normal vision and normal behavior is possible as demonstrated in the present case. © 2011 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

BDNF Variants May Modulate Long-Term Visual Memory Performance in a Healthy Cohort

PubMed Central

Avgan, Nesli; Sutherland, Heidi G.; Spriggens, Lauren K.; Yu, Chieh; Ibrahim, Omar; Bellis, Claire; Haupt, Larisa M.; Shum, David H. K.; Griffiths, Lyn R.

2017-01-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in numerous cognitive functions including learning and memory. BDNF plays an important role in synaptic plasticity in humans and rats with BDNF shown to be essential for the formation of long-term memories. We previously identified a significant association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) and long-term visual memory (p-value = 0.003) in a small cohort (n = 181) comprised of healthy individuals who had been phenotyped for various aspects of memory function. In this study, we have extended the cohort to 597 individuals and examined multiple genetic variants across both the BDNF and BDNF-AS genes for association with visual memory performance as assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale—Fourth Edition subtests Visual Reproduction I and II (VR I and II). VR I assesses immediate visual memory, whereas VR II assesses long-term visual memory. Genetic association analyses were performed for 34 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped on Illumina OmniExpress BeadChip arrays with the immediate and long-term visual memory phenotypes. While none of the BDNF and BDNF-AS variants were shown to be significant for immediate visual memory, we found 10 variants (including the Val66Met polymorphism (p-value = 0.006)) that were nominally associated, and three variants (two variants in BDNF and one variant in the BDNF-AS locus) that were significantly associated with long-term visual memory. Our data therefore suggests a potential role for BDNF, and its anti-sense transcript BDNF-AS, in long-term visual memory performance. PMID:28304362

BDNF Variants May Modulate Long-Term Visual Memory Performance in a Healthy Cohort.

PubMed

Avgan, Nesli; Sutherland, Heidi G; Spriggens, Lauren K; Yu, Chieh; Ibrahim, Omar; Bellis, Claire; Haupt, Larisa M; Shum, David H K; Griffiths, Lyn R

2017-03-17

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in numerous cognitive functions including learning and memory. BDNF plays an important role in synaptic plasticity in humans and rats with BDNF shown to be essential for the formation of long-term memories. We previously identified a significant association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) and long-term visual memory ( p -value = 0.003) in a small cohort ( n = 181) comprised of healthy individuals who had been phenotyped for various aspects of memory function. In this study, we have extended the cohort to 597 individuals and examined multiple genetic variants across both the BDNF and BDNF-AS genes for association with visual memory performance as assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition subtests Visual Reproduction I and II (VR I and II). VR I assesses immediate visual memory, whereas VR II assesses long-term visual memory. Genetic association analyses were performed for 34 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped on Illumina OmniExpress BeadChip arrays with the immediate and long-term visual memory phenotypes. While none of the BDNF and BDNF-AS variants were shown to be significant for immediate visual memory, we found 10 variants (including the Val66Met polymorphism ( p -value = 0.006)) that were nominally associated, and three variants (two variants in BDNF and one variant in the BDNF-AS locus) that were significantly associated with long-term visual memory. Our data therefore suggests a potential role for BDNF , and its anti-sense transcript BDNF-AS , in long-term visual memory performance.

Neural pathways for visual speech perception

PubMed Central

Bernstein, Lynne E.; Liebenthal, Einat

2014-01-01

This paper examines the questions, what levels of speech can be perceived visually, and how is visual speech represented by the brain? Review of the literature leads to the conclusions that every level of psycholinguistic speech structure (i.e., phonetic features, phonemes, syllables, words, and prosody) can be perceived visually, although individuals differ in their abilities to do so; and that there are visual modality-specific representations of speech qua speech in higher-level vision brain areas. That is, the visual system represents the modal patterns of visual speech. The suggestion that the auditory speech pathway receives and represents visual speech is examined in light of neuroimaging evidence on the auditory speech pathways. We outline the generally agreed-upon organization of the visual ventral and dorsal pathways and examine several types of visual processing that might be related to speech through those pathways, specifically, face and body, orthography, and sign language processing. In this context, we examine the visual speech processing literature, which reveals widespread diverse patterns of activity in posterior temporal cortices in response to visual speech stimuli. We outline a model of the visual and auditory speech pathways and make several suggestions: (1) The visual perception of speech relies on visual pathway representations of speech qua speech. (2) A proposed site of these representations, the temporal visual speech area (TVSA) has been demonstrated in posterior temporal cortex, ventral and posterior to multisensory posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS). (3) Given that visual speech has dynamic and configural features, its representations in feedforward visual pathways are expected to integrate these features, possibly in TVSA. PMID:25520611

Visuoperceptual impairment in dementia with Lewy bodies.

PubMed

Mori, E; Shimomura, T; Fujimori, M; Hirono, N; Imamura, T; Hashimoto, M; Tanimukai, S; Kazui, H; Hanihara, T

2000-04-01

In dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), vision-related cognitive and behavioral symptoms are common, and involvement of the occipital visual cortices has been demonstrated in functional neuroimaging studies. To delineate visuoperceptual disturbance in patients with DLB in comparison with that in patients with Alzheimer disease and to explore the relationship between visuoperceptual disturbance and the vision-related cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Case-control study. Research-oriented hospital. Twenty-four patients with probable DLB (based on criteria of the Consortium on DLB International Workshop) and 48 patients with probable Alzheimer disease (based on criteria of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) who were matched to those with DLB 2:1 by age, sex, education, and Mini-Mental State Examination score. Four test items to examine visuoperceptual functions, including the object size discrimination, form discrimination, overlapping figure identification, and visual counting tasks. Compared with patients with probable Alzheimer disease, patients with probable DLB scored significantly lower on all the visuoperceptive tasks (P<.04 to P<.001). In the DLB group, patients with visual hallucinations (n = 18) scored significantly lower on the overlapping figure identification (P = .01) than those without them (n = 6), and patients with television misidentifications (n = 5) scored significantly lower on the size discrimination (P<.001), form discrimination (P = .01), and visual counting (P = .007) than those without them (n = 19). Visual perception is defective in probable DLB. The defective visual perception plays a role in development of visual hallucinations, delusional misidentifications, visual agnosias, and visuoconstructive disability charcteristic of DLB.

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional ultrasound for assessing levonorgestrel intrauterine device location: A pilot study.

PubMed

Andrade, Carla Maria Araujo; Araujo Júnior, Edward; Torloni, Maria Regina; Moron, Antonio Fernandes; Guazzelli, Cristina Aparecida Falbo

2016-02-01

To compare the rates of success of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) sonographic (US) examinations in locating and adequately visualizing levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (IUDs) and to explore factors associated with the unsuccessful viewing on 2D US. Transvaginal 2D and 3D US examinations were performed on all patients 1 month after insertion of levonorgestrel IUDs. The devices were considered adequately visualized on 2D US if both the vertical (shadow, upper and lower extremities) and the horizontal (two echogenic lines) shafts were identified. 3D volumes were also captured to assess the location of levonorgestrel IUDs on 3D US. Thirty women were included. The rates of adequate device visualization were 40% on 2D US (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.6; 57.7) and 100% on 3D US (95% CI, 88.6; 100.0). The device was not adequately visualized in all six women who had a retroflexed uterus, but it was adequately visualized in 12 of the 24 women (50%) who had a nonretroflexed uterus (95% CI, -68.6; -6.8). We found that 3D US is better than 2D US for locating and adequately visualizing levonorgestrel IUDs. Other well-designed studies with adequate power should be conducted to confirm this finding. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Real-Time Electronic Dashboard Technology and Its Use to Improve Pediatric Radiology Workflow.

PubMed

Shailam, Randheer; Botwin, Ariel; Stout, Markus; Gee, Michael S

The purpose of our study was to create a real-time electronic dashboard in the pediatric radiology reading room providing a visual display of updated information regarding scheduled and in-progress radiology examinations that could help radiologists to improve clinical workflow and efficiency. To accomplish this, a script was set up to automatically send real-time HL7 messages from the radiology information system (Epic Systems, Verona, WI) to an Iguana Interface engine, with relevant data regarding examinations stored in an SQL Server database for visual display on the dashboard. Implementation of an electronic dashboard in the reading room of a pediatric radiology academic practice has led to several improvements in clinical workflow, including decreasing the time interval for radiologist protocol entry for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examinations as well as fewer telephone calls related to unprotocoled examinations. Other advantages include enhanced ability of radiologists to anticipate and attend to examinations requiring radiologist monitoring or scanning, as well as to work with technologists and operations managers to optimize scheduling in radiology resources. We foresee increased utilization of electronic dashboard technology in the future as a method to improve radiology workflow and quality of patient care. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Componential Analysis of Visual Attention in Children With ADHD.

PubMed

McAvinue, Laura P; Vangkilde, Signe; Johnson, Katherine A; Habekost, Thomas; Kyllingsbæk, Søren; Bundesen, Claus; Robertson, Ian H

2015-10-01

Inattentive behaviour is a defining characteristic of ADHD. Researchers have wondered about the nature of the attentional deficit underlying these symptoms. The primary purpose of the current study was to examine this attentional deficit using a novel paradigm based upon the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA). The TVA paradigm enabled a componential analysis of visual attention through the use of a mathematical model to estimate parameters relating to attentional selectivity and capacity. Children's ability to sustain attention was also assessed using the Sustained Attention to Response Task. The sample included a comparison between 25 children with ADHD and 25 control children aged 9-13. Children with ADHD had significantly impaired sustained attention and visual processing speed but intact attentional selectivity, perceptual threshold and visual short-term memory capacity. The results of this study lend support to the notion of differential impairment of attentional functions in children with ADHD. © 2012 SAGE Publications.

The impact of visual impairment on self-reported visual functioning in Latinos: The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study.

PubMed

Globe, Denise R; Wu, Joanne; Azen, Stanley P; Varma, Rohit

2004-06-01

To assess the association between presenting binocular visual acuity (VA) and self-reported visual function as measured by the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). A population-based, prevalence study of eye disease in Latinos 40 years and older residing in La Puente, California (Los Angeles Latino Eye Study [LALES]). Six thousand three hundred fifty-seven Latinos 40 years and older from 6 census tracts in La Puente. All participants completed a standardized interview, including the NEI-VFQ-25 to measure visual functioning, and a detailed eye examination. Two definitions of visual impairment were used: (1) presenting binocular distance VA of 20/40 or worse and (2) presenting binocular distance VA worse than 20/40. Analysis of variance was used to determine any systematic differences in mean NEI-VFQ-25 scores by visual impairment. Regression analyses were completed (1) to determine the association of age, gender, number of systemic comorbidities, depression, and VA with self-reported visual function and (2) to estimate a visual impairment-related difference for each subscale based on differences in VA. The NEI-VFQ-25 scores in persons with visual impairment. Of the 5287 LALES participants with complete NEI-VFQ-25 data, 6.3% (including 20/40) and 4.2% (excluding 20/40) were visually impaired. In the visually impaired participants, the NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores ranged from 46.2 (General Health) to 93.8 (Color Vision). In the regression model, only VA, depression, and number of comorbidities were significantly associated with all subscale scores (R(2) ranged from 0.09 for Ocular Pain to 0.33 for the composite score). For 9 of 11 subscales, a 5-point change was equivalent to a 1- or 2-line difference in VA. Relationships were similar regardless of the definition of visual impairment. In this population-based study of Latinos, the NEI-VFQ-25 was sensitive to differences in VA. A 5-point difference on the NEI-VFQ-25 seems to be a minimal criterion for a visual impairment-related difference. Self-reported visual function is essentially unchanged if the definition of visual impairment includes or excludes a VA of 20/40.

Aircrew laser eye protection: visual consequences and mission performance.

PubMed

Thomas, S R

1994-05-01

Battlefield laser proliferation poses a mounting risk to aircrew and ground personnel. Laser eye protection (LEP) based on current mature, mass-producible technologies absorbs visible light and can impact visual performance and color identification. These visual consequences account for many of the mission incompatibilities associated with LEP. Laboratory experiments and field investigations that examined the effects of LEP on visual performance and mission compatibility are reviewed. Laboratory experiments assessed the ability of subjects to correctly read and identify the color of head-down display symbology and tactical pilotage charts (TPC's) with three prototype LEP visors. Field investigations included Weapons Systems Trainer (WST), ground, and flight tests of the LEP visors. Recommendations for modifying aviation lighting systems to improve LEP compatibility are proposed. Issues concerning flight safety when using LEP during air operation are discussed.

Ophthalmologic abnormalities among students with cognitive impairment in eastern Taiwan: The special group with undetected visual impairment.

PubMed

Tsao, Wei-Shan; Hsieh, Hsi-Pao; Chuang, Yi-Ting; Sheu, Min-Muh

2017-05-01

Students with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of suffering from visual impairment due to refractive errors and ocular disease, which can adversely influence learning and daily activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ocular and visual status among students at the special education school in Hualien. All students at the National Hualien Special Education School were evaluated. Full eye examinations were conducted by a skilled ophthalmologist. The students' medical records and disability types were reviewed. A total of 241 students, aged 7-18 years, were examined. Visual acuity could be assessed in 138 students. A total of 169/477 (35.4%) eyes were found to suffer from refractive errors, including 20 eyes with high myopia (≤-6.0 D) and 16 eyes with moderate hypermetropia (+3.0 D to +5.0 D). A total of 84/241 (34.8%) students needed spectacles to correct their vision, thus improving their daily activities and learning process, but only 15/241 (6.2%) students were wearing suitable corrective spectacles. A total of 55/241 students (22.8%) had ocular disorders, which influenced their visual function. The multiple disability group had a statistically significant higher prevalence of ocular disorders (32.9%) than the simple intellectual disability group (19.6%). Students with cognitive impairment in eastern Taiwan have a high risk of visual impairment due to refractive errors and ocular disorders. Importantly, many students have unrecognized correctable refractive errors. Regular ophthalmic examination should be administered to address this issue and prevent further disability in this already handicapped group. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Use of Corrective Lenses among Adolescents: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PubMed Central

Kemper, Alex R.; Gurney, James G.; Eibschitz-Tsimhoni, Maya; DelMonte, Monte A.

2007-01-01

Purpose To evaluate demographic variations in the use of corrective lenses among adolescent children. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of 3,916 children 12-18 years who participated in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) vision examination component, which included: questions regarding use of corrective lenses; distance visual acuity, with corrective lenses if available; and non-cycloplegic autorefraction. Results reflect population-level estimates. Results Overall, 32.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29.5%-35.0%) reported wearing corrective lenses. Girls and those with any private insurance had greater adjusted odds of reporting wearing corrective lenses. In contrast, children aged 15 through 18 years versus those 12 through 14 years, and white children compared to Black or Hispanic children had greater adjusted odds of actually having them available at the time of NHANES participation. Although 12.6% (95% CI: 8.8%-16.3%) of those who did not have their previously prescribed corrective lenses available had 20/25 or better distance visual acuity in both eyes without correction, 26.9% (95% CI:21.6%-32.1%) with their corrective lenses had distance visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in at least one eye when using their corrective lenses. Limitations Near visual acuity was not measured and children with corrective lenses available only had their corrected distance visual acuity measured. No data regarding the accuracy of the NHANES assessment of distance visual acuity are available. Autorefraction was performed without cycloplegia. Conclusions Many adolescent children report wearing corrective lenses. Variations across demographic characteristics appear to be due to a combination of undertreatment, overtreatment, and compliance with previously recommended corrective lenses. PMID:18062494

Acute optic neuritis

PubMed Central

Galetta, Steven L.; Villoslada, Pablo; Levin, Netta; Shindler, Kenneth; Ishikawa, Hiroshi; Parr, Edward; Cadavid, Diego

2015-01-01

Idiopathic demyelinating optic neuritis (ON) most commonly presents as acute unilateral vision loss and eye pain and is frequently associated with multiple sclerosis. Although emphasis is often placed on the good recovery of high-contrast visual acuity, persistent deficits are frequently observed in other aspects of vision, including contrast sensitivity, visual field testing, color vision, motion perception, and vision-related quality of life. Persistent and profound structural and functional changes are often revealed by imaging and electrophysiologic techniques, including optical coherence tomography, visual-evoked potentials, and nonconventional MRI. These abnormalities can impair patients' abilities to perform daily activities (e.g., driving, working) so they have important implications for patients' quality of life. In this article, we review the sequelae from ON, including clinical, structural, and functional changes and their interrelationships. The unmet needs in each of these areas are considered and the progress made toward meeting those needs is examined. Finally, we provide an overview of past and present investigational approaches for disease modification in ON. PMID:26236761

Bohm's Quantum Potential and the Visualization of Molecular Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levit, Creon; Chancellor, Marisa K. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

David Bohm's ontological interpretation of quantum theory can shed light on otherwise counter-intuitive quantum mechanical phenomena including chemical bonding. In the field of quantum chemistry, Richard Bader has shown that the topology of the Laplacian of the electronic charge density characterizes many features of molecular structure and reactivity. Visual and computational examination suggests that the Laplacian of Bader and the quantum potential of Bohm are morphologically equivalent. It appears that Bohmian mechanics and the quantum potential can make chemistry as clear as they makes physics.

Correlation between Macular Thickness and Visual Field in Early Open Angle Glaucoma: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Fallahi Motlagh, Behzad; Sadeghi, Ali

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to correlate macular thickness and visual field parameters in early glaucoma. A total of 104 eyes affected with early glaucoma were examined in a cross-sectional, prospective study. Visual field testing using both standard automated perimetry (SAP) and shortwave automated perimetry (SWAP) was performed. Global visual field parameters, including mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD), were recorded and correlated with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)-measured macular thickness and asymmetry. Average macular thickness correlated significantly with all measures of visual field including MD-SWAP (r = 0.42), MD-SAP (r = 0.41), PSD-SWAP (r = -0.23), and PSD-SAP (r = -0.21), with P-values <0.001 for all correlations. The mean MD scores (using both SWAP and SAP) were significantly higher in the eyes with thin than in those with intermediate average macular thickness. Intraeye (superior macula thickness - inferior macula thickness) asymmetries correlated significantly with both PSD-SWAP (r = 0.63, P < 0.001) and PSD-SAP (r = 0.26, P = 0.01) scores. This study revealed a significant correlation between macular thickness and visual field parameters in early glaucoma. The results of this study should make macular thickness measurements even more meaningful to glaucoma specialists.

The Impact of Visual Impairment on Perceived School Climate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schade, Benjamin; Larwin, Karen H.

2015-01-01

The current investigation examines whether visual impairment has an impact on a student's perception of the school climate. Using a large national sample of high school students, perceptions were examined for students with vision impairment relative to students with no visual impairments. Three factors were examined: self-reported level of…

Neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation, quality of life, and functional disability in patients with MS.

PubMed

Garcia-Martin, Elena; Rodriguez-Mena, Diego; Herrero, Raquel; Almarcegui, Carmen; Dolz, Isabel; Martin, Jesus; Ara, Jose R; Larrosa, Jose M; Polo, Vicente; Fernández, Javier; Pablo, Luis E

2013-07-02

To evaluate correlations between longitudinal changes in neuro-ophthalmologic measures and quality of life (QOL) and disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), using optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual evoked potentials (VEP), and visual field examination. Fifty-four patients with relapsing-remitting MS were enrolled in this study and underwent Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaire (54 items) (MSQOL-54) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) evaluation, as well as complete neuro-ophthalmologic examination including visual field testing and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements using Cirrus and Spectralis OCT and VEP. All patients were re-evaluated at 12, 24, and 36 months. Logistical regression was performed to analyze which measures, if any, could predict QOL. Overall, RNFL thickness results at the baseline evaluation were significantly different from those at 3 years (p ≤ 0.05), but there were no differences in functional measures (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, visual field, and VEP). A reduced MSQOL-54 score was associated with an increase in EDSS score and a decrease in both functional and structural parameters. Patients with longer MS duration presented with a lower MSQOL-54 score (reduction in QOL). Patients with progressive axonal loss as seen in RNFL results had a lower QOL and more functional disability.

Influence of uncorrected refractive error and unmet refractive error on visual impairment in a Brazilian population.

PubMed

Ferraz, Fabio H; Corrente, José E; Opromolla, Paula; Schellini, Silvana A

2014-06-25

The World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of blindness and visual impairment are widely based on best-corrected visual acuity excluding uncorrected refractive errors (URE) as a visual impairment cause. Recently, URE was included as a cause of visual impairment, thus emphasizing the burden of visual impairment due to refractive error (RE) worldwide is substantially higher. The purpose of the present study is to determine the reversal of visual impairment and blindness in the population correcting RE and possible associations between RE and individual characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine counties of the western region of state of São Paulo, using systematic and random sampling of households between March 2004 and July 2005. Individuals aged more than 1 year old were included and were evaluated for demographic data, eye complaints, history, and eye exam, including no corrected visual acuity (NCVA), best corrected vision acuity (BCVA), automatic and manual refractive examination. The definition adopted for URE was applied to individuals with NCVA > 0.15 logMAR and BCVA ≤ 0.15 logMAR after refractive correction and unmet refractive error (UREN), individuals who had visual impairment or blindness (NCVA > 0.5 logMAR) and BCVA ≤ 0.5 logMAR after optical correction. A total of 70.2% of subjects had normal NCVA. URE was detected in 13.8%. Prevalence of 4.6% of optically reversible low vision and 1.8% of blindness reversible by optical correction were found. UREN was detected in 6.5% of individuals, more frequently observed in women over the age of 50 and in higher RE carriers. Visual impairment related to eye diseases is not reversible with spectacles. Using multivariate analysis, associations between URE and UREN with regard to sex, age and RE was observed. RE is an important cause of reversible blindness and low vision in the Brazilian population.

Influence of uncorrected refractive error and unmet refractive error on visual impairment in a Brazilian population

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of blindness and visual impairment are widely based on best-corrected visual acuity excluding uncorrected refractive errors (URE) as a visual impairment cause. Recently, URE was included as a cause of visual impairment, thus emphasizing the burden of visual impairment due to refractive error (RE) worldwide is substantially higher. The purpose of the present study is to determine the reversal of visual impairment and blindness in the population correcting RE and possible associations between RE and individual characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine counties of the western region of state of São Paulo, using systematic and random sampling of households between March 2004 and July 2005. Individuals aged more than 1 year old were included and were evaluated for demographic data, eye complaints, history, and eye exam, including no corrected visual acuity (NCVA), best corrected vision acuity (BCVA), automatic and manual refractive examination. The definition adopted for URE was applied to individuals with NCVA > 0.15 logMAR and BCVA ≤ 0.15 logMAR after refractive correction and unmet refractive error (UREN), individuals who had visual impairment or blindness (NCVA > 0.5 logMAR) and BCVA ≤ 0.5 logMAR after optical correction. Results A total of 70.2% of subjects had normal NCVA. URE was detected in 13.8%. Prevalence of 4.6% of optically reversible low vision and 1.8% of blindness reversible by optical correction were found. UREN was detected in 6.5% of individuals, more frequently observed in women over the age of 50 and in higher RE carriers. Visual impairment related to eye diseases is not reversible with spectacles. Using multivariate analysis, associations between URE and UREN with regard to sex, age and RE was observed. Conclusion RE is an important cause of reversible blindness and low vision in the Brazilian population. PMID:24965318

Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Visual and Visual-Perceptual Impairments to Improve Occupational Performance in Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Berger, Sue; Kaldenberg, Jennifer; Selmane, Romeissa; Carlo, Stephanie

2016-01-01

Visual and visual-perceptual impairments occur frequently with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and influence occupational performance. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve occupational performance for adults with visual and visual-perceptual impairments as a result of TBI. Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, OTseeker, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched, and 66 full text articles were reviewed. Sixteen articles were included in the review. Strong evidence supports the use of scanning, limited evidence supports the use of adaptive strategies, and mixed evidence supports the use of cognitive interventions to improve occupational performance for adults with TBI. Evidence related to vision therapy varies on the basis of the specific intervention implemented. Although the strength of the research varied, implications are discussed for practice, education, and research. Copyright © 2016 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Visual Form Perception Can Be a Cognitive Correlate of Lower Level Math Categories for Teenagers

PubMed Central

Cui, Jiaxin; Zhang, Yiyun; Cheng, Dazhi; Li, Dawei; Zhou, Xinlin

2017-01-01

Numerous studies have assessed the cognitive correlates of performance in mathematics, but little research has been conducted to systematically examine the relations between visual perception as the starting point of visuospatial processing and typical mathematical performance. In the current study, we recruited 223 seventh graders to perform a visual form perception task (figure matching), numerosity comparison, digit comparison, exact computation, approximate computation, and curriculum-based mathematical achievement tests. Results showed that, after controlling for gender, age, and five general cognitive processes (choice reaction time, visual tracing, mental rotation, spatial working memory, and non-verbal matrices reasoning), visual form perception had unique contributions to numerosity comparison, digit comparison, and exact computation, but had no significant relation with approximate computation or curriculum-based mathematical achievement. These results suggest that visual form perception is an important independent cognitive correlate of lower level math categories, including the approximate number system, digit comparison, and exact computation. PMID:28824513

Vision and agility training in community dwelling older adults: incorporating visual training into programs for fall prevention.

PubMed

Reed-Jones, Rebecca J; Dorgo, Sandor; Hitchings, Maija K; Bader, Julia O

2012-04-01

This study aimed to examine the effect of visual training on obstacle course performance of independent community dwelling older adults. Agility is the ability to rapidly alter ongoing motor patterns, an important aspect of mobility which is required in obstacle avoidance. However, visual information is also a critical factor in successful obstacle avoidance. We compared obstacle course performance of a group that trained in visually driven body movements and agility drills, to a group that trained only in agility drills. We also included a control group that followed the American College of Sports Medicine exercise recommendations for older adults. Significant gains in fitness, mobility and power were observed across all training groups. Obstacle course performance results revealed that visual training had the greatest improvement on obstacle course performance (22%) following a 12 week training program. These results suggest that visual training may be an important consideration for fall prevention programs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visual risk factors for falls in older people.

PubMed

Lord, Stephen R

2006-09-01

Poor vision reduces postural stability and significantly increases the risk of falls and fractures in older people. Most studies have found that poor visual acuity increases the risk of falls. However, studies that have included multiple visual measures have found that reduced contrast sensitivity and depth perception are the most important visual risk factors for falls. Multifocal glasses may add to this risk because their near-vision lenses impair distance contrast sensitivity and depth perception in the lower visual field. This reduces the ability of an older person to detect environmental hazards. There is now evidence that maximising vision through cataract surgery is an effective strategy for preventing falls. Further randomised controlled trials are required to determine whether individual strategies (such as restriction of use of multifocal glasses) or multi-strategy visual improvement interventions can significantly reduce falls in older people. Public health initiatives are required to raise awareness in older people and their carers of the importance of regular eye examinations and use of appropriate prescription glasses.

Standards on medical fitness examinations for Navy divers.

PubMed

Weiss, Michael

2003-01-01

The German Navy employs approximately 480 divers in their primary and secondary role. Before entering diving training, every diver has to pass an intensive physical examination programme at the German Naval Medical Institute (NMI) in Kiel-Kronshagen. Annual follow-ups ensure the currency of the medical findings. Criteria of medical fitness for diving reflect industrial medical standards for hyperbaric workers as well as the general medical guidelines for NATO divers. A diving examination consists of the individual medical history, a physical examination including the neurological status and the assessment of the cardiovascular fitness by ECG and bicycle ergometry. The respiratory system is screened by regular chest x-rays and spirometry or body plethysmography. Blood and urine samples are taken to look for abnormal haematological and metabolic conditions as well as disorders of the genito-urinary system. In order to determine visual fitness, diver's visual acuity, colour vision and stereopsis as well as eye fundi are examined by an eye specialist. Also the ENT examination involves a speciality consultant and consists of audiometry, inspection of the external ear and tympanic membrane and functional tests. To ensure a high standard of dental fitness, screening by a dental officer is part of the annual check-up. Every routine diving medical examination at the NMI includes a pressure test in the hyperbaric chamber. Divers who use nitrox or oxygen-rebreather devices have to pass successfully an oxygen tolerance test under hyperbaric conditions. The annual routine diving medical examination contributes to minimize the risk of accidents in military diving operations.

Developmental Increase in Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing in a Phonological Task: An Effective Connectivity, fMRI Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bitan, Tali; Cheon, Jimmy; Lu, Dong; Burman, Douglas D.; Booth, James R.

2009-01-01

We examined age-related changes in the interactions among brain regions in children performing rhyming judgments on visually presented words. The difficulty of the task was manipulated by including a conflict between task-relevant (phonological) information and task-irrelevant (orthographic) information. The conflicting conditions included pairs…

Developmental outcome, including setback, in young children with severe visual impairment.

PubMed

Dale, Naomi; Sonksen, Patricia

2002-09-01

This study retrospectively investigated the developmental perspective of 69 children (40 males, 29 females) with 'potentially simple' congenital disorders of the peripheral visual system: development was examined in the context of degree of visual impairment. Developmental and visual assessments were carried out at 10 to 16 months (Time 1) and 27 to 54 months of age (Time 2). Participants were grouped according to (1) visual status: profound visual impairment (PVI), severe visual impairment (SVI); (2) developmental status on the Reynell-Zinkin scales. A majority of the sample showed normal development on all subscales (62% Time 1, 57% Time 2). Those with PVI were more developmentally vulnerable than SVI with a greater incidence of (1) uneven developmental profile at Time 1 (48% PVI, 16% SVI); (2) global learning difficulties at Time 2 (37% PVI, 0% SVI); (3) delay on individual subscales at Time 2 (p<0.02 PVI versus SVI); (4) deceleration (verbal comprehension 74% PVI, 24% SVI, sensorimotor understanding 70% PVI, 27% SVI); and (5) severe developmental setback (33% PVI, 7% SVI). Risk factors of visual level, age, and sex for poor developmental outcome in infants with visual impairment were established.

Visual acuity and refractive errors in a suburban Danish population: Inter99 Eye Study.

PubMed

Kessel, Line; Hougaard, Jesper Leth; Mortensen, Claus; Jørgensen, Torben; Lund-Andersen, Henrik; Larsen, Michael

2004-02-01

The present study was performed as part of an epidemiological study, the Inter99 Eye Study. The aim of the study was to describe refractive errors and visual acuity (VA) in a suburban Danish population. The Inter99 Eye Study comprised 970 subjects aged 30-60 years and included a random control group as well as groups at high risk for ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. The present study presents VAs and refractive data from the control group (n = 502). All subjects completed a detailed questionnaire and underwent a standardized general physical and ophthalmic examination including determination of best corrected VA and subjective refractioning. Visual acuity

Newsmagazine Visuals and the 1988 Presidential Election.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moriarty, Sandra; Popovich, Mark

A study examined newsmagazines' visual coverage of the 1988 election to determine if patterns of difference in the visual presentation of candidates existed. A content analysis examined all the visuals (photographs and illustrations) of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates printed in three national weekly newsmagazines--"U.S.…

Measuring the Influence of Galilean Loupe System on Near Visual Acuity of Dentists under Simulated Clinical Conditions

PubMed Central

Urlic, Iris; Verzak, Željko; Vranic, Dubravka Negovetic

2016-01-01

Aim The purpose of this study was to compare near visual acuity of dentists without optical aids (VSC) with near visual acuity of those using the Galilean telescope system (VGA2) with magnification of x 2.5, and the distance of 350 mm in simulated clinical conditions. Methods The study included 46 dentists (visual acuity 1.0 without correction). A visual acuity testing was carried out using a miniaturized Snellen visual acuity chart which was placed in the cavity of molar teeth mounted in a phantom head in simulated clinical conditions. Near visual acuity for the vicinity was examined: 1) without correction at a distance of 300-400 mm (VSC); 2) with Galilean loupes with magnification of x2.5, focal length of 350mm. Results The distributions of near visual acuity recorded using VSC and VGA2, 5 systems were compared by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The results obtained by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test pointed to a statistically significant difference in the distribution of recorded visual acuity between the VSC and VGA2 optical systems (W = - 403.5; p <0.001). Conclusion If using the VGA2, 5 systems, higher values of the near visual acuity were recorded and subsequently compared to near visual acuity without magnifying aids (VSC). PMID:27847397

Measuring the Influence of Galilean Loupe System on Near Visual Acuity of Dentists under Simulated Clinical Conditions.

PubMed

Urlic, Iris; Verzak, Željko; Vranic, Dubravka Negovetic

2016-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare near visual acuity of dentists without optical aids (VSC) with near visual acuity of those using the Galilean telescope system (VGA2) with magnification of x 2.5, and the distance of 350 mm in simulated clinical conditions. The study included 46 dentists (visual acuity 1.0 without correction). A visual acuity testing was carried out using a miniaturized Snellen visual acuity chart which was placed in the cavity of molar teeth mounted in a phantom head in simulated clinical conditions. Near visual acuity for the vicinity was examined: 1) without correction at a distance of 300-400 mm (VSC); 2) with Galilean loupes with magnification of x2.5, focal length of 350mm. The distributions of near visual acuity recorded using VSC and VGA2, 5 systems were compared by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The results obtained by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test pointed to a statistically significant difference in the distribution of recorded visual acuity between the VSC and VGA2 optical systems (W = - 403.5; p <0.001). If using the VGA2, 5 systems, higher values of the near visual acuity were recorded and subsequently compared to near visual acuity without magnifying aids (VSC).

Computer-Based Tools for Inquiry in Undergraduate Classrooms: Results from the VGEE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandya, R. E.; Bramer, D. J.; Elliott, D.; Hay, K. E.; Mallaiahgari, L.; Marlino, M. R.; Middleton, D.; Ramamurhty, M. K.; Scheitlin, T.; Weingroff, M.; Wilhelmson, R.; Yoder, J.

2002-05-01

The Visual Geophysical Exploration Environment (VGEE) is a suite of computer-based tools designed to help learners connect observable, large-scale geophysical phenomena to underlying physical principles. Technologically, this connection is mediated by java-based interactive tools: a multi-dimensional visualization environment, authentic scientific data-sets, concept models that illustrate fundamental physical principles, and an interactive web-based work management system for archiving and evaluating learners' progress. Our preliminary investigations showed, however, that the tools alone are not sufficient to empower undergraduate learners; learners have trouble in organizing inquiry and using the visualization tools effectively. To address these issues, the VGEE includes an inquiry strategy and scaffolding activities that are similar to strategies used successfully in K-12 classrooms. The strategy is organized around the steps: identify, relate, explain, and integrate. In the first step, students construct visualizations from data to try to identify salient features of a particular phenomenon. They compare their previous conceptions of a phenomenon to the data examine their current knowledge and motivate investigation. Next, students use the multivariable functionality of the visualization environment to relate the different features they identified. Explain moves the learner temporarily outside the visualization to the concept models, where they explore fundamental physical principles. Finally, in integrate, learners use these fundamental principles within the visualization environment by literally placing the concept model within the visualization environment as a probe and watching it respond to larger-scale patterns. This capability, unique to the VGEE, addresses the disconnect that novice learners often experience between fundamental physics and observable phenomena. It also allows learners the opportunity to reflect on and refine their knowledge as well as anchor it within a context for long-term retention. We are implementing the VGEE in one of two otherwise identical entry-level atmospheric courses. In addition to comparing student learning and attitudes in the two courses, we are analyzing student participation with the VGEE to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the VGEE. In particular, we seek to identify the scaffolding students need to construct physically meaningful multi-dimensional visualizations, and evaluate the effectiveness of the visualization-embedded concept-models in addressing inert knowledge. We will also examine the utility of the inquiry strategy in developing content knowledge, process-of-science knowledge, and discipline-specific investigatory skills. Our presentation will include video examples of student use to illustrate our findings.

Visual field defects of the contralateral eye of non-arteritic ischemic anterior optic neuropathy: are they related to sleep apnea?

PubMed

Aptel, Florent; Aryal-Charles, Nischal; Tamisier, Renaud; Pépin, Jean-Louis; Lesoin, Antoine; Chiquet, Christophe

2017-06-01

To evaluate whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is responsible for the visual field defects found in the fellow eyes of patients with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Prospective cross-sectional study. The visual fields of the fellow eyes of NAION subjects with OSA were compared to the visual fields of control OSA patients matched for OSA severity. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmological and general examination including Humphrey 24.2 SITA-Standard visual field and polysomnography. Visual field defects were classified according the Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Decompression Trial (IONDT) classification. From a cohort of 78 consecutive subjects with NAION, 34 unaffected fellow eyes were compared to 34 control eyes of subjects matched for OSA severity (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 35.5 ± 11.6 vs 35.4 ± 9.4 events per hour, respectively, p = 0.63). After adjustment for age and body mass index, all visual field parameters were significantly different between the NAION fellow eyes and those of the control OSA groups, including mean deviation (-4.5 ± 3.7 vs -1.3 ± 1.8 dB, respectively, p < 0.05), visual field index (91.6 ± 10 vs 97.4 ± 3.5%, respectively, p = 0.002), pattern standard deviation (3.7 ± 2.3 vs 2.5 ± 2 dB, respectively, p = 0.015), and number of subjects with at least one defect on the IONDT classification (20 vs 10, respectively, p < 0.05). OSA alone does not explain the visual field defects frequently found in the fellow eyes of NAION patients.

Visual impairment evaluation in 119 children with congenital Zika syndrome.

PubMed

Ventura, Liana O; Ventura, Camila V; Dias, Natália de C; Vilar, Isabelle G; Gois, Adriana L; Arantes, Tiago E; Fernandes, Luciene C; Chiang, Michael F; Miller, Marilyn T; Lawrence, Linda

2018-06-01

To assess visual impairment in a large sample of infants with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and to compare with a control group using the same assessment protocol. The study group was composed of infants with confirmed diagnosis of CZS. Controls were healthy infants matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. All infants underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation including visual acuity, visual function assessment, and visual developmental milestones. The CZS group included 119 infants; the control group, 85 infants. At examination, the mean age of the CZS group was 8.5 ± 1.2 months (range, 6-13 months); of the controls, 8.4 ± 1.8 months (range, 5-12 months; P = 0.598). Binocular Teller Acuity Card (TAC) testing was abnormal in 107 CZS infants and in 4 controls (89.9% versus 5% [P < 0.001]). In the study group, abnormal monocular TAC results were more frequent in eyes with funduscopic alterations (P = 0.008); however, 104 of 123 structurally normal eyes (84.6%) also presented abnormal TAC results. Binocular contrast sensitivity was reduced in 87 of 107 CZS infants and in 8 of 80 controls (81.3% versus 10% [P < 0.001]). The visual development milestones were less achieved by infants with CZS compared to controls (P < 0.001). Infants with CZS present with severe visual impairment. A protocol for assessment of the ocular findings, visual acuity, and visual developmental milestones tested against age-matched controls is suggested. Copyright © 2018 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Tromsø Eye Study: study design, methodology and results on visual acuity and refractive errors.

PubMed

Bertelsen, Geir; Erke, Maja G; von Hanno, Therese; Mathiesen, Ellisiv B; Peto, Tunde; Sjølie, Anne K; Njølstad, Inger

2013-11-01

To describe the study design and methodology of the Tromsø Eye Study (TES), and to describe visual acuity and refractive error in the study population. The Tromsø Eye Study is a sub-study of the Tromsø Study, a population-based multipurpose longitudinal study in the municipality of Tromsø, Norway. The Tromsø Eye Study was a part of the sixth survey of the Tromsø Study, conducted from October 2007 through December 2008. The eye examination included information on self-reported eye diseases, assessment of visual acuity and refractive errors, retinal photography and optical coherence tomography. Retinal images were graded for diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, and with computer-assisted measurements of arteriolar and venular diameters. In addition, TES researchers have access to the large comprehensive Tromsø Study database including physical examination results, carotid artery ultrasound, electrocardiogram, bone densitometry, cognitive tests, questionnaires, DNA, blood and urine samples and more from the present and the five previous surveys. Visual acuity was assessed in 6459 subjects and refraction in 6566 subjects aged 38-87 years. Snellen visual acuity <20/60 was found in 1.2% (95% CI 0.95-1.5) of the participants and there was no gender difference. Visual impairment increased with age, and in the age group 80-87 years, the overall visual acuity <20/60 was 7.3% (95% CI 3.3-11.2). Spherical equivalent showed an increasing trend with age and there was no clinically relevant difference between men and women. Retinal photography was performed in 6540 subjects. Prevalence of visual impairment was low but increased with age. There was a trend towards hyperopia with age and no clinically relevant difference in refraction between the sexes. TES aims to provide epidemiological research on several eye and eye-related diseases. Owing to a comprehensive data collection, it has the opportunity to explore issues related to environmental factors, cognition and their interaction with diseases in this community. © 2012 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica © 2012 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.

Visual impairment and spectacle coverage rate in Baoshan district, China: population-based study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of visual impairment associated with refractive error and the unmet need for spectacles in a special suburban senior population in Baoshan District of Shanghai, one of several rural areas undergoing a transition from rural to urban area, where data of visual impairment are limited. Methods The study was a population based survey of 4545 Chinese aged (age: >60 years or older ) at Baoshan, Shanghai, in 2009. One copy of questionnaire was completed for each subject. Examinations included a standardized refraction and measurement of presenting and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as well as tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus photography. Results The prevalence of mild (6/12 to 6/18), moderate (6/18 to 6/60) and severe visual impairment was 12.59%, 8.38% and 0.44%, respectively, and 5.26%, 3.06% and 0.09% with refractive correction. Visual impairment was associated with age, gender, education and career, but not insurance . The prevalence of correctable visual impairment was 5.81% (using 6/18 cutoff) and 13.18% (using 6/12 cutoff). Senior people and women were significantly at a higher risk of correctable visual impairment, while the well-educated on the contrary. The prevalence of undercorrected refractive error (improves by 2 or more lines with refraction) was 24.84%, and the proportion with undercorrected refractive error for mild, moderate , severe and no visual impairment was 61.54%, 67.98%, 60.00% and 14.10%, respectively. The spectacle coverage rate was 44.12%. Greater unmet need for spectacles was observed among elderly people, females, non-peasant, and subjects with less education and astigmatism only. Conclusions High prevalence of visual impairment, visual impairment alleviated by refractive correction, and low spectacle coverage existed among the senior population in Baoshan District of Shanghai. Education for the public of the importance of regular examination and appropriate and accessible refraction service might be helpful to solve the problem. PMID:23566106

The Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised, Second Edition (MIQ-RS) Is a Reliable and Valid Tool for Evaluating Motor Imagery in Stroke Populations

PubMed Central

Butler, Andrew J.; Cazeaux, Jennifer; Fidler, Anna; Jansen, Jessica; Lefkove, Nehama; Gregg, Melanie; Hall, Craig; Easley, Kirk A.; Shenvi, Neeta; Wolf, Steven L.

2012-01-01

Mental imagery can improve motor performance in stroke populations when combined with physical therapy. Valid and reliable instruments to evaluate the imagery ability of stroke survivors are needed to maximize the benefits of mental imagery therapy. The purposes of this study were to: examine and compare the test-retest intra-rate reliability of the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised, Second Edition (MIQ-RS) in stroke survivors and able-bodied controls, examine internal consistency of the visual and kinesthetic items of the MIQ-RS, determine if the MIQ-RS includes both the visual and kinesthetic dimensions of mental imagery, correlate impairment and motor imagery scores, and investigate the criterion validity of the MIQ-RS in stroke survivors by comparing the results to the KVIQ-10. Test-retest analysis indicated good levels of reliability (ICC range: .83–.99) and internal consistency (Cronbach α: .95–.98) of the visual and kinesthetic subscales in both groups. The two-factor structure of the MIQ-RS was supported by factor analysis, with the visual and kinesthetic components accounting for 88.6% and 83.4% of the total variance in the able-bodied and stroke groups, respectively. The MIQ-RS is a valid and reliable instrument in the stroke population examined and able-bodied populations and therefore useful as an outcome measure for motor imagery ability. PMID:22474504

Spectators & spectacles: nurses, midwives and visuality.

PubMed

Barnard, Alan G; Sinclair, Marlene

2006-09-01

In this paper we reflect on how linear perspective vision influences the practice of nurses and midwives and to advance understanding of clinical practice in technologically intensive environments through examination of drawings by nurses and midwives and through critical analysis. There is increasing emphasis on vision in Western culture, and both nurses and midwives spend a great deal of time observing their clinical environment(s). Healthcare practitioners work increasingly in image-based realities and nurses rely on visual skills. Vision and visual representation are central to our practice and are important to examine because we look often at technology to assess people and care. The world in which we practise is one of meaning(s). Technological development is transformative in nature and produces changes that alter the way(s) we give care. Amongst all this change, it is unclear how we practise in environments characterized by increasing technology and it is unknown how nursing and midwifery practice alter as a result. Simple drawings included in this paper highlight an important and shared experience of clinical practice(s). They emphasize the importance and scope of the visual sense and expose practitioner behaviour that has enormous implications for current and future professional development and person-focussed care provision. Experiences described in this paper require further examination and highlight substantial changes to nurse-patient relationships, health care and the way we practise.

Is nevtral NEUTRAL? Visual similarity effects in the early phases of written-word recognition.

PubMed

Marcet, Ana; Perea, Manuel

2017-08-01

For simplicity, contemporary models of written-word recognition and reading have unspecified feature/letter levels-they predict that the visually similar substituted-letter nonword PEQPLE is as effective at activating the word PEOPLE as the visually dissimilar substituted-letter nonword PEYPLE. Previous empirical evidence on the effects of visual similarly across letters during written-word recognition is scarce and nonconclusive. To examine whether visual similarity across letters plays a role early in word processing, we conducted two masked priming lexical decision experiments (stimulus-onset asynchrony = 50 ms). The substituted-letter primes were visually very similar to the target letters (u/v in Experiment 1 and i/j in Experiment 2; e.g., nevtral-NEUTRAL). For comparison purposes, we included an identity prime condition (neutral-NEUTRAL) and a dissimilar-letter prime condition (neztral-NEUTRAL). Results showed that the similar-letter prime condition produced faster word identification times than the dissimilar-letter prime condition. We discuss how models of written-word recognition should be amended to capture visual similarity effects across letters.

Vision after 53 years of blindness.

PubMed

Sikl, Radovan; Simecček, Michal; Porubanová-Norquist, Michaela; Bezdíček, Ondřej; Kremláček, Jan; Stodůlka, Pavel; Fine, Ione; Ostrovsky, Yuri

2013-01-01

Several studies have shown that visual recovery after blindness that occurs early in life is never complete. The current study investigated whether an extremely long period of blindness might also cause a permanent impairment of visual performance, even in a case of adult-onset blindness. We examined KP, a 71-year-old man who underwent a successful sight-restoring operation after 53 years of blindness. A set of psychophysical tests designed to assess KP's face perception, object recognition, and visual space perception abilities were conducted six months and eight months after the surgery. The results demonstrate that regardless of a lengthy period of normal vision and rich pre-accident perceptual experience, KP did not fully integrate this experience, and his visual performance remained greatly compromised. This was particularly evident when the tasks targeted finer levels of perceptual processing. In addition to the decreased robustness of his memory representations, which was hypothesized as the main factor determining visual impairment, other factors that may have affected KP's performance were considered, including compromised visual functions, problems with perceptual organization, deficits in the simultaneous processing of visual information, and reduced cognitive abilities.

Radiation retinopathy: case report and review.

PubMed

Gupta, Abha; Dhawahir-Scala, Felipe; Smith, Amy; Young, Lorna; Charles, Steve

2007-04-05

Ocular damage from radiation treatment is a well established phenomenon. Many factors are now known to influence the incidence of radiation retinopathy, including total dosage and daily fraction size. Patients who are diabetic, hypertensive or received previous chemotherapy are more susceptible to radiation retinopathy. A 55 year old male was referred from the oncology department with epiphora. His medical history included Type 2 Insulin treated Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension. One year prior to presentation he had undergone a total rhinectomy with a 4 week course of post-operative radiotherapy for an aggressive sqaumous cell carcinoma of the nose. On examination the visual acuity was noted to be 6/36 left eye and 6/9 right eye. Posterior segment examination revealed marked retinal ischaemia present in the posterior pole and macular region of both eyes. The appearance was not thought to be typical of diabetic changes, radiation retinopathy being the more likely diagnosis especially in view of his history. Over the next four months the vision in both eyes rapidly deteriorated to 3/60 left eye and 1/60 right eye. Bilateral pan retinal photocoagulation was thought to be appropriate treatment at this point. This case highlights the importance for ophthalmologists and oncologists to be aware of the close relationship between diabetes and radiation treatment and the profound rapid impact this combination of factors may have on visual function. Radiation is being used with increasing frequency for ocular and orbital disease, because of this more cases of radiation retinopathy may become prevalent. Factors which may potentiate radiation retinopathy should be well known including, increased radiation dosage, increased fraction size, concomitant systemic vascular disease and use of chemotherapy. Counselling should be offered in all cases at risk of visual loss. As no effective treatment currently exists to restore visual function, monitoring of visual acuity in all cases and early referral to the ophthalmologist as appropriate is warranted.

Prevalence and causes of visual impairment and rate of wearing spectacles in schools for children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

He, Jiangnan; Lu, Lina; Zou, Haidong; He, Xiangui; Li, Qiangqiang; Wang, Weijie; Zhu, Jianfeng

2014-12-22

To assess the prevalence of visual impairment and rate of wearing spectacles in schools for children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China. Children from grade 1 to 5 in schools for children of migrant workers were randomly chosen for ocular examinations. All children were screened for uncorrected visual acuity and presenting visual acuity. After screening, the children whose uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or less received ocular motility evaluation, cycloplegic refraction/non-cycloplegic refraction, and external eye, anterior segment, media, and fundus examinations. A total of 9673 children were enumerated and 9512 (98.34%) participated in this study. The prevalence of uncorrected, presenting, and best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in the better eye were 13.33%, 11.26%, and 0.63%, respectively. The rate of wearing spectacles of the children with visual impairment in one or both eyes was 15.50%. Of these, 26.05% were wearing spectacles with inaccurate prescriptions. Refractive error was a major cause of visual impairment, accounting for 89.48% of all the visual impairment causes. Other causes of visual impairment included amblyopia accounting for 10.12%; congenital cataract, 0.1%; congenital nystagmus, 0.1%; ocular prosthesis, 0.1%; macular degeneration, 0.05%; and opaque cornea, 0.05%. This is the first study of the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in schools for children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China. The visual impairment rate in schools for children of migrant workers in suburbs of Shanghai in the best eye before vision correction was lower than those of urban children in mainstream schools in Guangzhou in 2012, and higher than students in rural of Beijing in 1998 and in suburb of Chongqing in 2007. The refractive error was the principal cause of the visual impairment of the children of migrant workers. The rate of wearing spectacles was low and the percentage of inaccurate prescriptions, among those who wore spectacles, was high. Uncorrected refractive error was a significant cause of visual impairment in migrant children.

Anatomical Analysis of the Retinal Specializations to a Crypto-Benthic, Micro-Predatory Lifestyle in the Mediterranean Triplefin Blenny Tripterygion delaisi

PubMed Central

Fritsch, Roland; Collin, Shaun P.; Michiels, Nico K.

2017-01-01

The environment and lifestyle of a species are known to exert selective pressure on the visual system, often demonstrating a tight link between visual morphology and ecology. Many studies have predicted the visual requirements of a species by examining the anatomical features of the eye. However, among the vast number of studies on visual specializations in aquatic animals, only a few have focused on small benthic fishes that occupy a heterogeneous and spatially complex visual environment. This study investigates the general retinal anatomy including the topography of both the photoreceptor and ganglion cell populations and estimates the spatial resolving power (SRP) of the eye of the Mediterranean triplefin Tripterygion delaisi. Retinal wholemounts were prepared to systematically and quantitatively analyze photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) densities using design-based stereology. To further examine the retinal structure, we also used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological examination of retinal cross sections. Observations of the triplefin’s eyes revealed them to be highly mobile, allowing them to view the surroundings without body movements. A rostral aphakic gap and the elliptical shape of the eye extend its visual field rostrally and allow for a rostro-caudal accommodatory axis, enabling this species to focus on prey at close range. Single and twin cones dominate the retina and are consistently arranged in one of two regular patterns, which may enhance motion detection and color vision. The retina features a prominent, dorso-temporal, convexiclivate fovea with an average density of 104,400 double and 30,800 single cones per mm2, and 81,000 RGCs per mm2. Based on photoreceptor spacing, SRP was calculated to be between 6.7 and 9.0 cycles per degree. Location and resolving power of the fovea would benefit the detection and identification of small prey in the lower frontal region of the visual field. PMID:29311852

Anatomical Analysis of the Retinal Specializations to a Crypto-Benthic, Micro-Predatory Lifestyle in the Mediterranean Triplefin Blenny Tripterygion delaisi.

PubMed

Fritsch, Roland; Collin, Shaun P; Michiels, Nico K

2017-01-01

The environment and lifestyle of a species are known to exert selective pressure on the visual system, often demonstrating a tight link between visual morphology and ecology. Many studies have predicted the visual requirements of a species by examining the anatomical features of the eye. However, among the vast number of studies on visual specializations in aquatic animals, only a few have focused on small benthic fishes that occupy a heterogeneous and spatially complex visual environment. This study investigates the general retinal anatomy including the topography of both the photoreceptor and ganglion cell populations and estimates the spatial resolving power (SRP) of the eye of the Mediterranean triplefin Tripterygion delaisi . Retinal wholemounts were prepared to systematically and quantitatively analyze photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) densities using design-based stereology. To further examine the retinal structure, we also used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological examination of retinal cross sections. Observations of the triplefin's eyes revealed them to be highly mobile, allowing them to view the surroundings without body movements. A rostral aphakic gap and the elliptical shape of the eye extend its visual field rostrally and allow for a rostro-caudal accommodatory axis, enabling this species to focus on prey at close range. Single and twin cones dominate the retina and are consistently arranged in one of two regular patterns, which may enhance motion detection and color vision. The retina features a prominent, dorso-temporal, convexiclivate fovea with an average density of 104,400 double and 30,800 single cones per mm 2 , and 81,000 RGCs per mm 2 . Based on photoreceptor spacing, SRP was calculated to be between 6.7 and 9.0 cycles per degree. Location and resolving power of the fovea would benefit the detection and identification of small prey in the lower frontal region of the visual field.

Visual symptoms associated with refractive errors among Thangka artists of Kathmandu valley.

PubMed

Dhungel, Deepa; Shrestha, Gauri Shankar

2017-12-21

Prolong near work, especially among people with uncorrected refractive error is considered a potential source of visual symptoms. The present study aims to determine the visual symptoms and the association of those with refractive errors among Thangka artists. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 242 (46.1%) participants of 525 thangka artists examined, with age ranged between 16 years to 39 years which comprised of 112 participants with significant refractive errors and 130 absolutely emmetropic participants, were enrolled from six Thangka painting schools. The visual symptoms were assessed using a structured questionnaire consisting of nine items and scoring from 0 to 6 consecutive scales. The eye examination included detailed anterior and posterior segment examination, objective and subjective refraction, and assessment of heterophoria, vergence and accommodation. Symptoms were presented in percentage and median. Variation in distribution of participants and symptoms was analysed using the Kruskal Wallis test for mean, and the correlation with the Pearson correlation coefficient. A significance level of 0.05 was applied for 95% confidence interval. The majority of participants (65.1%) among refractive error group (REG) were above the age of 30 years, with a male predominance (61.6%), compared to the participants in the normal cohort group (NCG), where majority of them (72.3%) were below 30 years of age (72.3%) and female (51.5%). Overall, the visual symptoms are high among Thangka artists. However, blurred vision (p = 0.003) and dry eye (p = 0.004) are higher among the REG than the NCG. Females have slightly higher symptoms than males. Most of the symptoms, such as sore/aching eye (p = 0.003), feeling dry (p = 0.005) and blurred vision (p = 0.02) are significantly associated with astigmatism. Thangka artists present with significant proportion of refractive error and visual symptoms, especially among females. The most commonly reported symptoms are blurred vision, dry eye and watering of the eye. The visual symptoms are more correlated with astigmatism.

First trimester fetal echocardiography: which planes and defects can be displayed during the daily routine in a prenatal medicine unit?

PubMed

Krapp, M; Ludwig, A; Axt-Fliedner, R; Kreiselmaier, P

2011-08-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate which cardiac planes and malformations can be visualized by first trimester fetal echocardiography during the daily routine in a prenatal medicine unit. From October 2007 to June 2009, all fetuses with a crown rump length between 45 and 84 mm were included in the study. The fetal echocardiographies were carried out by one examiner. The entire examination including fetal echocardiography was completed within a time interval of 30 minutes. When possible, the abdominal plane, 4-chamber view (CV), pulmonary veins, left ventricular outflow tract, 3-vessel view (3-VV) and the aortic arch were visualized by color Doppler and/or power Doppler sonography. 690 fetuses were enrolled in the retrospective study. The abdominal plane, 4-CV, pulmonary veins, left ventricular outflow tract, 3-VV and the aortic arch were visualized in 99 %, 96 %, 23 %, 97 %, 98 % and 72 % of cases, respectively. During the study interval, 17 cardiac malformations were diagnosed. Outcome data were obtained in 92 % of the normal fetuses. 5 cardiac anomalies were diagnosed beyond the first trimester. The standard planes of fetal echocardiography can be displayed in the first trimester in the clinical routine. Pulmonary veins can be visualized in almost a quarter of the cases. First trimester congenital heart diseases are strongly associated with chromosomal abnormalities during the first trimester. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Flexible Coding of Visual Working Memory Representations during Distraction.

PubMed

Lorenc, Elizabeth S; Sreenivasan, Kartik K; Nee, Derek E; Vandenbroucke, Annelinde R E; D'Esposito, Mark

2018-06-06

Visual working memory (VWM) recruits a broad network of brain regions, including prefrontal, parietal, and visual cortices. Recent evidence supports a "sensory recruitment" model of VWM, whereby precise visual details are maintained in the same stimulus-selective regions responsible for perception. A key question in evaluating the sensory recruitment model is how VWM representations persist through distracting visual input, given that the early visual areas that putatively represent VWM content are susceptible to interference from visual stimulation.To address this question, we used a functional magnetic resonance imaging inverted encoding model approach to quantitatively assess the effect of distractors on VWM representations in early visual cortex and the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), another region previously implicated in the storage of VWM information. This approach allowed us to reconstruct VWM representations for orientation, both before and after visual interference, and to examine whether oriented distractors systematically biased these representations. In our human participants (both male and female), we found that orientation information was maintained simultaneously in early visual areas and IPS in anticipation of possible distraction, and these representations persisted in the absence of distraction. Importantly, early visual representations were susceptible to interference; VWM orientations reconstructed from visual cortex were significantly biased toward distractors, corresponding to a small attractive bias in behavior. In contrast, IPS representations did not show such a bias. These results provide quantitative insight into the effect of interference on VWM representations, and they suggest a dynamic tradeoff between visual and parietal regions that allows flexible adaptation to task demands in service of VWM. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite considerable evidence that stimulus-selective visual regions maintain precise visual information in working memory, it remains unclear how these representations persist through subsequent input. Here, we used quantitative model-based fMRI analyses to reconstruct the contents of working memory and examine the effects of distracting input. Although representations in the early visual areas were systematically biased by distractors, those in the intraparietal sulcus appeared distractor-resistant. In contrast, early visual representations were most reliable in the absence of distraction. These results demonstrate the dynamic, adaptive nature of visual working memory processes, and provide quantitative insight into the ways in which representations can be affected by interference. Further, they suggest that current models of working memory should be revised to incorporate this flexibility. Copyright © 2018 the authors 0270-6474/18/385267-10$15.00/0.

Prevalence of refraction errors and color blindness in heavy vehicle drivers.

PubMed

Erdoğan, Haydar; Ozdemir, Levent; Arslan, Seher; Cetin, Ilhan; Ozeç, Ayşe Vural; Cetinkaya, Selma; Sümer, Haldun

2011-01-01

To investigate the frequency of eye disorders in heavy vehicle drivers. A cross-sectional type study was conducted between November 2004 and September 2006 in 200 driver and 200 non-driver persons. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, including visual acuity, and dilated examination of the posterior segment. We used the auto refractometer for determining refractive errors. According to eye examination results, the prevalence of the refractive error was 21.5% and 31.3% in study and control groups respectively (P<0.05). The most common type of refraction error in the study group was myopic astigmatism (8.3%) while in the control group simple myopia (12.8%). Prevalence of dyschromatopsia in the rivers, control group and total group was 2.2%, 2.8% and 2.6% respectively. A considerably high number of drivers are in lack of optimal visual acuity. Refraction errors in drivers may impair the traffic security.

Prevalence of refraction errors and color blindness in heavy vehicle drivers

PubMed Central

Erdoğan, Haydar; Özdemir, Levent; Arslan, Seher; Çetin, Ilhan; Özeç, Ayşe Vural; Çetinkaya, Selma; Sümer, Haldun

2011-01-01

AIM To investigate the frequency of eye disorders in heavy vehicle drivers. METHODS A cross-sectional type study was conducted between November 2004 and September 2006 in 200 driver and 200 non-driver persons. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, including visual acuity, and dilated examination of the posterior segment. We used the auto refractometer for determining refractive errors. RESULTS According to eye examination results, the prevalence of the refractive error was 21.5% and 31.3% in study and control groups respectively (P<0.05). The most common type of refraction error in the study group was myopic astigmatism (8.3%) while in the control group simple myopia (12.8%). Prevalence of dyschromatopsia in the rivers, control group and total group was 2.2%, 2.8% and 2.6% respectively. CONCLUSION A considerably high number of drivers are in lack of optimal visual acuity. Refraction errors in drivers may impair the traffic security. PMID:22553671

Prevention of Blindness: Chronic Glaucoma

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Kenneth T.

1970-01-01

An evaluation of present screening procedures for chronic open-angle glaucoma includes suggestions for improvement: greater distribution of screening and education, conversion from monophasic to multiphasic screen, and examination of visual fields, optic nerve, and medical history in addition to the tonometry currently done. (KW)

Communication of uncertainty regarding individualized cancer risk estimates: effects and influential factors.

PubMed

Han, Paul K J; Klein, William M P; Lehman, Tom; Killam, Bill; Massett, Holly; Freedman, Andrew N

2011-01-01

To examine the effects of communicating uncertainty regarding individualized colorectal cancer risk estimates and to identify factors that influence these effects. Two Web-based experiments were conducted, in which adults aged 40 years and older were provided with hypothetical individualized colorectal cancer risk estimates differing in the extent and representation of expressed uncertainty. The uncertainty consisted of imprecision (otherwise known as "ambiguity") of the risk estimates and was communicated using different representations of confidence intervals. Experiment 1 (n = 240) tested the effects of ambiguity (confidence interval v. point estimate) and representational format (textual v. visual) on cancer risk perceptions and worry. Potential effect modifiers, including personality type (optimism), numeracy, and the information's perceived credibility, were examined, along with the influence of communicating uncertainty on responses to comparative risk information. Experiment 2 (n = 135) tested enhanced representations of ambiguity that incorporated supplemental textual and visual depictions. Communicating uncertainty led to heightened cancer-related worry in participants, exemplifying the phenomenon of "ambiguity aversion." This effect was moderated by representational format and dispositional optimism; textual (v. visual) format and low (v. high) optimism were associated with greater ambiguity aversion. However, when enhanced representations were used to communicate uncertainty, textual and visual formats showed similar effects. Both the communication of uncertainty and use of the visual format diminished the influence of comparative risk information on risk perceptions. The communication of uncertainty regarding cancer risk estimates has complex effects, which include heightening cancer-related worry-consistent with ambiguity aversion-and diminishing the influence of comparative risk information on risk perceptions. These responses are influenced by representational format and personality type, and the influence of format appears to be modifiable and content dependent.

Visual perceptual training reconfigures post-task resting-state functional connectivity with a feature-representation region.

PubMed

Sarabi, Mitra Taghizadeh; Aoki, Ryuta; Tsumura, Kaho; Keerativittayayut, Ruedeerat; Jimura, Koji; Nakahara, Kiyoshi

2018-01-01

The neural mechanisms underlying visual perceptual learning (VPL) have typically been studied by examining changes in task-related brain activation after training. However, the relationship between post-task "offline" processes and VPL remains unclear. The present study examined this question by obtaining resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans of human brains before and after a task-fMRI session involving visual perceptual training. During the task-fMRI session, participants performed a motion coherence discrimination task in which they judged the direction of moving dots with a coherence level that varied between trials (20, 40, and 80%). We found that stimulus-induced activation increased with motion coherence in the middle temporal cortex (MT+), a feature-specific region representing visual motion. On the other hand, stimulus-induced activation decreased with motion coherence in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and bilateral insula, regions involved in decision making under perceptual ambiguity. Moreover, by comparing pre-task and post-task rest periods, we revealed that resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) with the MT+ was significantly increased after training in widespread cortical regions including the bilateral sensorimotor and temporal cortices. In contrast, rs-FC with the MT+ was significantly decreased in subcortical regions including the thalamus and putamen. Importantly, the training-induced change in rs-FC was observed only with the MT+, but not with the dACC or insula. Thus, our findings suggest that perceptual training induces plastic changes in offline functional connectivity specifically in brain regions representing the trained visual feature, emphasising the distinct roles of feature-representation regions and decision-related regions in VPL.

A population-based study of visual impairment among pre-school children in Beijing: the Beijing study of visual impairment in children.

PubMed

Lu, Qing; Zheng, Yuanyuan; Sun, Baochen; Cui, Tongtong; Congdon, Nathan; Hu, Ailian; Chen, Jianhua; Shi, Jiliang

2009-06-01

To evaluate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among Chinese children aged 3 to 6 years in Beijing. Population-based prevalence survey. Presenting and pinhole visual acuity were tested using picture optotypes or, in children with pinhole vision < 6/18, a Snellen tumbling E chart. Comprehensive eye examinations and cycloplegic refraction were carried out for children with pinhole vision < 6/18 in the better-seeing eye. All examinations were completed on 17,699 children aged 3 to 6 years (95.3% of sample). Subjects with bilateral correctable low vision (presenting vision < 6/18 correctable to >or= 6/18) numbered 57 (0.322%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.237% to 0.403%), while 14 (0.079%; 95% CI, 0.038% to 0.120%) had bilateral uncorrectable low vision (best-corrected vision of < 6/18 and >or= 3/60), and 5 subjects (0.028%; 95% CI, 0.004% to 0.054%) were bilaterally blind (best-corrected acuity < 3/60). The etiology of 76 cases of visual impairment included: refractive error in 57 children (75%), hereditary factors (microphthalmos, congenital cataract, congenital motor nystagmus, albinism, and optic nerve disease) in 13 children (17.1 %), amblyopia in 3 children (3.95%), and cortical blindness in 1 child (1.3%). The cause of visual impairment could not be established in 2 (2.63%) children. The prevalence of visual impairment did not differ by gender, but correctable low vision was significantly (P < .0001) more common among urban as compared with rural children. The leading causes of visual impairment among Chinese preschool-aged children are refractive error and hereditary eye diseases. A higher prevalence of refractive error is already present among urban as compared with rural children in this preschool population.

The Effects of Compensatory Scanning Training on Mobility in Patients with Homonymous Visual Field Defects: Further Support, Predictive Variables and Follow-Up

PubMed Central

Melis-Dankers, Bart J. M.; Brouwer, Wiebo H.; Tucha, Oliver; Heutink, Joost

2016-01-01

Introduction People with homonymous visual field defects (HVFD) often report difficulty detecting obstacles in the periphery on their blind side in time when moving around. Recently, a randomized controlled trial showed that the InSight-Hemianopia Compensatory Scanning Training (IH-CST) specifically improved detection of peripheral stimuli and avoiding obstacles when moving around, especially in dual task situations. Method The within-group training effects of the previously reported IH-CST are examined in an extended patient group. Performance of patients with HVFD on a pre-assessment, post-assessment and follow-up assessment and performance of a healthy control group are compared. Furthermore, it is examined whether training effects can be predicted by demographic characteristics, variables related to the visual disorder, and neuropsychological test results. Results Performance on both subjective and objective measures of mobility-related scanning was improved after training, while no evidence was found for improvement in visual functions (including visual fields), reading, visual search and dot counting. Self-reported improvement did not correlate with improvement in objective mobility performance. According to the participants, the positive effects were still present six to ten months after training. No demographic characteristics, variables related to the visual disorder, and neuropsychological test results were found to predict the size of training effect, although some inconclusive evidence was found for more improvement in patients with left-sided HVFD than in patients with right-sided HFVD. Conclusion Further support was found for a positive effect of IH-CST on detection of visual stimuli during mobility-related activities specifically. Based on the reports given by patients, these effects appear to be long-term effects. However, no conclusions can be drawn on the objective long-term training effects. PMID:27935973

Visualizing Macular Structures During Membrane Peeling Surgery With an Intraoperative Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Device.

PubMed

Leisser, Christoph; Hackl, Christoph; Hirnschall, Nino; Luft, Nikolaus; Döller, Birgit; Draschl, Petra; Rigal, Karl; Findl, Oliver

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to examine the quality of intraoperative visualization of the posterior hyaloid, epiretinal membrane (ERM), inner limiting membrane (ILM), and hyporeflective subfoveal zone with a commercially available, microscope-integrated spectral-domain OCT setup (mi-SD-OCT) (Rescan 700; Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Germany). Twenty patients prospectively scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling due to an idiopathic ERM were included. Standard 23-gauge, three-port pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling and staining of the ERM with a trypan blue-based chromovitrectomy dye was performed in all cases. Intraoperative SD-OCT was performed before and after peeling and visualization of the posterior hyaloid, ERM, ILM, and presence of subfoveal hyporeflective zones were examined. OCT follow-ups were performed 2 days and 3 months after surgery. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of the city of Vienna. Successful intraoperative visualization of ERM by mi-SD-OCT was possible in all cases. The posterior hyaloid and ILM could not be seen in the mi-SD-OCT scans, whereas an intraoperative subfoveal hyporeflective zone presented in 35% of cases. In 12.5% an independent subfoveal hyporeflective zone presented postoperatively. Visual acuity improved in 93.8% of patients after surgery. mi-SD-OCT appears to be a valuable tool for intraoperative visualization of the ERM and offers immediate visualization of retinal anatomy during peeling. Therefore, it adds to the understanding of intraoperative traumatic changes due to the peeling procedure. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

Embedded Data Representations.

PubMed

Willett, Wesley; Jansen, Yvonne; Dragicevic, Pierre

2017-01-01

We introduce embedded data representations, the use of visual and physical representations of data that are deeply integrated with the physical spaces, objects, and entities to which the data refers. Technologies like lightweight wireless displays, mixed reality hardware, and autonomous vehicles are making it increasingly easier to display data in-context. While researchers and artists have already begun to create embedded data representations, the benefits, trade-offs, and even the language necessary to describe and compare these approaches remain unexplored. In this paper, we formalize the notion of physical data referents - the real-world entities and spaces to which data corresponds - and examine the relationship between referents and the visual and physical representations of their data. We differentiate situated representations, which display data in proximity to data referents, and embedded representations, which display data so that it spatially coincides with data referents. Drawing on examples from visualization, ubiquitous computing, and art, we explore the role of spatial indirection, scale, and interaction for embedded representations. We also examine the tradeoffs between non-situated, situated, and embedded data displays, including both visualizations and physicalizations. Based on our observations, we identify a variety of design challenges for embedded data representation, and suggest opportunities for future research and applications.

Case of adult-onset neuronal intranuclear hyaline inclusion disease with negative electroretinogram.

PubMed

Yamada, Wataru; Takekoshi, Akira; Ishida, Kyoko; Mochizuki, Kiyofumi; Sone, Jun; Sobue, Gen; Hayashi, Yuichi; Inuzuka, Takashi; Miyake, Yozo

2017-06-01

To report the findings in a 72-year-old man with neuronal intranuclear hyaline inclusion disease (NIHID) with the negative-type electroretinogram (ERG) and without night blindness. Standard ophthalmological examinations including the medical history, measurements of the best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressures, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and perimetry were performed. In addition, neurological and electrophysiological examinations were performed. NIHID was confirmed by skin biopsy. The ophthalmologic examinations revealed sluggish pupillary reflexes without visual disturbances and retinal abnormalities. The amplitudes of the dark-adapted 0.01 ERG was absent, and light-adapted 3 ERG and light-adapted 30 Hz flicker ERG were reduced in amplitude and delayed in implicit time. The rod system was more severely affected than the cone system, indicating that NIHID is classified as one of rod-cone dysfunction syndrome. The dark-adapted 3 ERG consisted of a markedly reduced b-wave with larger a-wave (negative ERG), but the amplitude of a-wave was smaller than normal. Since the ophthalmoscopical findings and the subjective visual functions may be essentially normal, the characteristic ERG abnormalities can be an important findings in adult-onset NIHID without night blindness.

The occurrence of visual and cognitive impairment, and eye diseases in the super-elderly in Japan: a cross-sectional single-center study.

PubMed

Fukuoka, Hideki; Nagaya, Masahiro; Toba, Kenji

2015-10-29

The current state of eye diseases and treatments in the elderly as well as the relationships between dementia and systemic diseases remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the prevalence of eye diseases, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, and falls (which are an important health issue and are considered one of the Geriatric Giants) in super-elderly people in Japan. The subjects were 31 elderly people (62 eyes; mean age: 84.6 ± 8.8 years; age range 61-98 years) who were admitted to a geriatric health services facility. Eye treatment status, systemic diseases, dementia, and recent falls were investigated. Eye examinations including vision and intraocular pressure measurement, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy were conducted. Mean best corrected visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.51 ± 0.56, and mean intraocular pressure was 13.7 ± 3.5 mmHg. Approximately half of the subjects exhibited excavation of the optic nerve head including cataracts and glaucoma. Ten subjects had visual impairment (i.e., visual acuity of the eye with the better vision <20/40). The mean Hasegawa dementia scale scores between the visually impaired and non-visually impaired groups were 10.2 ± 6 and 16 ± 8 points, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 70% of subjects with visual impairment experienced a fall in the past year compared to 48% of those without visual impairment, although the difference was not significant. Regarding systemic diseases, there were 6, 5, and 15 cases of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, respectively. There was no significant difference between these systemic diseases and visual function after adjusted for age and gender. The percentages of patients with age-related eye diseases and poor visual acuity in a geriatric health services facility were extremely high. Compared to those without visual impairment, those with visual impairment had lower dementia scores and a higher rate of falls.

Oral-Fluid Thiol-Detection Test Identifies Underlying Active Periodontal Disease Not Detected by the Visual Awake Examination.

PubMed

Queck, Katherine E; Chapman, Angela; Herzog, Leslie J; Shell-Martin, Tamara; Burgess-Cassler, Anthony; McClure, George David

Periodontal disease in dogs is highly prevalent but can only be accurately diagnosed by performing an anesthetized oral examination with periodontal probing and dental radiography. In this study, 114 dogs had a visual awake examination of the oral cavity and were administered an oral-fluid thiol-detection test prior to undergoing a a full-mouth anesthetized oral examination and digital dental radiographs. The results show the visual awake examination underestimated the presence and severity of active periodontal disease. The thiol-detection test was superior to the visual awake examination at detecting the presence and severity of active periodontal disease and was an indicator of progression toward alveolar bone loss. The thiol-detection test detected active periodontal disease at early stages of development, before any visual cues were present, indicating the need for intervention to prevent periodontal bone loss. Early detection is important because without intervention, dogs with gingivitis (active periodontal disease) progress to irreversible periodontal bone loss (stage 2+). As suggested in the current AAHA guidelines, a thiol-detection test administered in conjunction with the visual awake examination during routine wellness examinations facilitates veterinarian-client communication and mitigates under-diagnosis of periodontal disease and underutilization of dental services. The thiol-detection test can be used to monitor the periodontal health status of the conscious patient during follow-up examinations based on disease severity.

Longitudinal Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study: rationale, study design and research methodology.

PubMed

Khanna, Rohit C; Murthy, Gudlavalleti Vs; Marmamula, Srinivas; Mettla, Asha Latha; Giridhar, Pyda; Banerjee, Seema; Shekhar, Konegari; Chakrabarti, Subhabrata; Gilbert, Clare; Rao, Gullapalli N

2016-03-01

The rationale, objectives, study design and procedures for the longitudinal Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study are described. A longitudinal cohort study was carried out. Participants include surviving cohort from the rural component of Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study. During 1996-2000, Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Survey was conducted in three rural (n = 7771) and one urban (n = 2522) areas (now called Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 1). In 2009-2010, a feasibility exercise (Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 2) for a longitudinal study (Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3) was undertaken in the rural clusters only, as urban clusters no longer existed. In Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3, a detailed interview will be carried out to collect data on sociodemographic factors, ocular and systemic history, risk factors, visual function, knowledge of eye diseases and barriers to accessing services. All participants will also undergo a comprehensive eye examination including photography of lens, optic disc and retina, Optic Coherence Tomography of the posterior segment, anthropometry, blood pressure and frailty measures. Measures include estimates of the incidence of visual impairment and age-related eye disease (lens opacities, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration) and the progression of eye disease (lens opacities and myopia) and associated risk factors. Of the 7771 respondents examined in rural areas in Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 1, 5447 (70.1%) participants were traced in Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 2. These participants will be re-examined. Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3 will provide data on the incidence and progression of visual impairment and major eye diseases and their associated risk factors in India. The study will provide further evidence to aid planning eye care services. © 2015 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Causes of childhood blindness in a school for the visually impaired in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Fan, D S P; Lai, T Y Y; Cheung, E Y Y; Lam, D S C

2005-04-01

To identify the causes of blindness in children attending a school for the blind in Hong Kong. Cross-sectional observational study. School for blind children in Hong Kong. Eighty-two blind students at the Ebenezer School and Home for the Visually Impaired were examined between December 1998 and August 1999. Demographic data were obtained from students and a questionnaire assessment made of their medical and ocular history. Visual acuity was assessed and visual loss classified according to the World Health Organization classification of visual impairment. Complete ophthalmic assessments were performed in all students including slit-lamp examination and dilated binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. The mean age of the students was 12.2 years. Ten (12.2%) had a family history of eye disease. Major past medical illnesses were reported in 50% with prematurity and diseases of the central nervous system found in 26.8% and 11.0% of students, respectively. The most common anatomical site for visual impairment was the retina (47.6%), followed by diseases of the optic nerve (14.6%), and diseases of the anterior segment and the lens (14.6%). The pattern of childhood blindness in Hong Kong is similar to that seen in other developed countries. Preventable causes of childhood blindness, such as prematurity and birth asphyxia, were responsible for a large proportion of cases. Early diagnosis and treatment of such conditions may reduce the incidence of childhood blindness in Hong Kong.

Sudden visual loss after cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation.

PubMed

De Vitis, Luigi A; Marchese, Alessandro; Giuffrè, Chiara; Carnevali, Adriano; Querques, Lea; Tomasso, Livia; Baldin, Giovanni; Maestranzi, Gisella; Lattanzio, Rosangela; Querques, Giuseppe; Bandello, Francesco

2017-03-10

To report a case of sudden decrease in visual acuity possibly due to a cardiogenic embolism in a patient who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation. A 62-year-old man with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction and a left bundle branch block was referred to our department because of a sudden decrease in visual acuity. Nine days earlier, he had undergone cardiac transapical implantation of a CRT device, which was followed, 2 days later, by an inflammatory reaction. The patient underwent several general and ophthalmologic examinations, including multimodal imaging. At presentation, right eye (RE) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was counting fingers and RE pupil was hyporeactive. Fundus examination revealed white-centered hemorrhagic dots suggestive of Roth spots. Fluorescein angiography showed delay in vascular perfusion during early stage, late hyperfluorescence of the macula and optic disk, and peripheral perivascular leakage. The first visual field test showed complete loss of vision RE and a normal left eye. Due to suspected giant cell arteritis, temporal artery biopsy was performed. Thirty minutes after the procedure, an ischemic stroke with right hemisyndrome and aphasia occurred. The RE BCVA worsened to hands motion. Four months later, RE BCVA did not improve, despite improvement in fluorescein angiography inflammatory sign. We report a possible cardiogenic embolism secondary to undiagnosed infective endocarditis causing monocular visual loss after CRT device implantation. It remains unclear how the embolus caused severe functional damage without altering the retinal anatomical structure.

OSTEOCHONDROSIS IN THE DISTAL FEMURS OF AN ADULT RETICULATED GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS RETICULATA): MACROSCOPIC, RADIOLOGIC, AND HISTOLOGIC FINDINGS.

PubMed

Basu, Christopher; Stoll, Alexander L; Dixon, Jonathon; Molenaar, Fieke Marije; Flach, Edmund; Smith, Ken C

2016-03-01

An adult male reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) was presented for postmortem examination. During radiologic examination of the hindlimbs, osseous cyst-like lesions were detected in both medial femoral condyles. These lesions were subsequently examined macroscopically and histologically. The gross appearance suggested a diagnosis of bilateral osteochondrosis that was confirmed with histopathologic examination. This finding has not previously been reported in giraffes. Macroscopic visualization of the major limb joints, including the femorotibial joints, is therefore encouraged in future postmortem examinations of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), and further assessment of clinical significance is required.

Visual White Matter Integrity in Schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Butler, Pamela D.; Hoptman, Matthew J.; Nierenberg, Jay; Foxe, John J.; Javitt, Daniel C.; Lim, Kelvin O.

2007-01-01

Objective Patients with schizophrenia have visual-processing deficits. This study examines visual white matter integrity as a potential mechanism for these deficits. Method Diffusion tensor imaging was used to examine white matter integrity at four levels of the visual system in 17 patients with schizophrenia and 21 comparison subjects. The levels examined were the optic radiations, the striate cortex, the inferior parietal lobule, and the fusiform gyrus. Results Schizophrenia patients showed a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy in the optic radiations but not in any other region. Conclusions This finding indicates that white matter integrity is more impaired at initial input, rather than at higher levels of the visual system, and supports the hypothesis that visual-processing deficits occur at the early stages of processing. PMID:17074957

7 CFR 47.14 - Prehearing conferences.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... determines that conducting the conference by audio-visual telecommunication: (i) Is necessary to prevent.... If the examiner determines that a conference conducted by audio-visual telecommunication would... correspondence, the conference shall be conducted by audio-visual telecommunication unless the examiner...

Examining sensory ability, feature matching and assessment-based adaptation for a brain-computer interface using the steady-state visually evoked potential.

PubMed

Brumberg, Jonathan S; Nguyen, Anh; Pitt, Kevin M; Lorenz, Sean D

2018-01-31

We investigated how overt visual attention and oculomotor control influence successful use of a visual feedback brain-computer interface (BCI) for accessing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in a heterogeneous population of individuals with profound neuromotor impairments. BCIs are often tested within a single patient population limiting generalization of results. This study focuses on examining individual sensory abilities with an eye toward possible interface adaptations to improve device performance. Five individuals with a range of neuromotor disorders participated in four-choice BCI control task involving the steady state visually evoked potential. The BCI graphical interface was designed to simulate a commercial AAC device to examine whether an integrated device could be used successfully by individuals with neuromotor impairment. All participants were able to interact with the BCI and highest performance was found for participants able to employ an overt visual attention strategy. For participants with visual deficits to due to impaired oculomotor control, effective performance increased after accounting for mismatches between the graphical layout and participant visual capabilities. As BCIs are translated from research environments to clinical applications, the assessment of BCI-related skills will help facilitate proper device selection and provide individuals who use BCI the greatest likelihood of immediate and long term communicative success. Overall, our results indicate that adaptations can be an effective strategy to reduce barriers and increase access to BCI technology. These efforts should be directed by comprehensive assessments for matching individuals to the most appropriate device to support their complex communication needs. Implications for Rehabilitation Brain computer interfaces using the steady state visually evoked potential can be integrated with an augmentative and alternative communication device to provide access to language and literacy for individuals with neuromotor impairment. Comprehensive assessments are needed to fully understand the sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities of individuals who may use brain-computer interfaces for proper feature matching as selection of the most appropriate device including optimization device layouts and control paradigms. Oculomotor impairments negatively impact brain-computer interfaces that use the steady state visually evoked potential, but modifications to place interface stimuli and communication items in the intact visual field can improve successful outcomes.

[The vision of welders in France].

PubMed

Boissin, J P; Peyresblanques, J; Rollin, J P; Marini, F; Beaufils, D

2002-10-01

A study was conducted to measure the impact of welding on the vision of welders. This study was conducted in France by the occupational medicine staff of large companies on 1.131 people, namely 850 welders and 281 control subjects. This investigation included two examinations at the beginning and the end of a year. The investigative procedure examined the different welding processes, the percentage of working time spent on welding activity, the length of exposure in years, as well as the medical variables: the optical correction type and history of ocular traumatology. The Visiotest or the Ergovision were used for the visual examination, equipment in common use by occupational medicine departments. The welders were comparatively young (59.53% of them were less than 45 years old). Moreover, for 69.75% of the welders, more than 75% of their activity was devoted to welding. All currently used welding processes were represented, including the modern PLASMA-TIG welding process. No excessive blood alcohol levels were observed in all subjects, but welders did smoke slightly more than the control subjects (40% vs 33%). Self-medication was rather less frequent among the welders, except as regards the use of eye drops, where the proportions were clearly inverted. Optical correction for hyperopia was similar between the two groups; however, as regards myopia, the welders were corrected less often. Lastly, contact lens use was exceptional among the welders. Nearsightedness varied logically with age, but also, inexplicably, with the welding processes. Vision recovery time after exposure to glare was much longer among the welders, except for the PLASMA-TIG processes. No difference was observed in the other parameters of the study. No change in the visual functions studied was noted between the two examinations. The examination techniques used showed no impairment of the studied visual functions, probably because companies use protective and preventive eye care methods. Moreover this study is the first to examine the type of welding used by workers and particularly the modern PLASMA-TIG process. The vision recovery time after exposure to glare seems better for the PLASMA-TIG process may be the result of the lower luminous intensity of this process. This study was conducted for preventive purposes to contribute to better monitoring of safety and comfort for welding workers and has shown no alteration of the visual function among welders in general.

Toxic optic neuropathy following ingestion of homeopathic medication Arnica-30.

PubMed

Venkatramani, Devendra V; Goel, Shubhra; Ratra, Vineet; Gandhi, Rashmin Anilkumar

2013-03-01

We report a case of acute, bilateral and severe vision loss after inadvertent consumption of a large quantity of the homoeopathic medication Arnica-30. Severe vomiting which required hospitalization preceded visual symptoms. In the acute stage, pupillary responses to light were absent and fundus examination was normal. Vision loss followed a fluctuating course, with profound loss noted after 6 weeks along with bilateral optic disc pallor. Neuro-ophthalmic examination and detailed investigations were performed, including magnetic resonance imaging, electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP). Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) showed gross thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer. While a differential diagnosis of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy was kept in mind, these findings supported a diagnosis of bilateral toxic optic neuropathy. Arnica-30 is popularly used to accelerate wound healing, including after oculoplastic surgery. While homeopathic medicines are generally considered safe due to the very low concentrations involved, Arnica-30 may be neurotoxic if consumed internally in large quantities.

Glossiness and perishable food quality: visual freshness judgment of fish eyes based on luminance distribution.

PubMed

Murakoshi, Takuma; Masuda, Tomohiro; Utsumi, Ken; Tsubota, Kazuo; Wada, Yuji

2013-01-01

Previous studies have reported the effects of statistics of luminance distribution on visual freshness perception using pictures which included the degradation process of food samples. However, these studies did not examine the effect of individual differences between the same kinds of food. Here we elucidate whether luminance distribution would continue to have a significant effect on visual freshness perception even if visual stimuli included individual differences in addition to the degradation process of foods. We took pictures of the degradation of three fishes over 3.29 hours in a controlled environment, then cropped square patches of their eyes from the original images as visual stimuli. Eleven participants performed paired comparison tests judging the visual freshness of the fish eyes at three points of degradation. Perceived freshness scores (PFS) were calculated using the Bradley-Terry Model for each image. The ANOVA revealed that the PFS for each fish decreased as the degradation time increased; however, the differences in the PFS between individual fish was larger for the shorter degradation time, and smaller for the longer degradation time. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted in order to determine the relative importance of the statistics of luminance distribution of the stimulus images in predicting PFS. The results show that standard deviation and skewness in luminance distribution have a significant influence on PFS. These results show that even if foodstuffs contain individual differences, visual freshness perception and changes in luminance distribution correlate with degradation time.

A study of onchocerciasis with severe skin and eye lesions in a hyperendemic zone in the forest of southwestern Cameroon: clinical, parasitologic, and entomologic findings.

PubMed

Somo, R M; Enyong, P A; Fobi, G; Dinga, J S; Lafleur, C; Agnamey, P; Ngosso, A; Ngolle, E M

1993-01-01

Prior to the initiation of an onchocerciasis control program based on the mass administration of ivermectin in the rain forest of southwestern Cameroon, a preliminary baseline study of the area was conducted. The results of this study showed that onchocerciasis was hyperendemic in the area. Skin symptoms and signs were observed including pruritus (67.4% of the population examined), onchocerca nodules (51.6%), skin depigmentation (18.5%), and hanging groins (5.7%). Except for pruritus, the prevalence of these symptoms increased with age. Of the eyes examined, 44.9% had microfilariae in the anterior chamber, 33.5% had choroidoretinitis, 28.0% had punctate keratitis, 8.3% had papillary abnormalities, and 3.6% had sclerosing keratitis. Vision in 10.5% of the eyes examined was classified as blind or very poor (visual acuity = 0-0.10), in 15.7% as poor (visual acuity = 0.11-0.39), and in 73.8% as good (visual acuity = 0.4-1.00). Unlike previous reports that have linked serious ocular damage mainly to savanna onchocerciasis, the present study showed that forest onchocerciasis also caused significant ocular pathology, including blindness. Parasitologically, positive skin snips were recorded for 92.7% of the persons examined, with both sexes being equally infected. The parasite load, expressed as the geometric mean number of microfilariae per skin snip, was 53.6, and was much higher in males than in females. The flv vector, Simulium squamosum, had a high infection rate of 7.5% infective females in Bakumba and 6.8% infective females in Ngbandi, the two fly-catching points. The transmission potential was 266 infective larvae per person per month in Bakumba and 189 in Ngbandi.

TrajGraph: A Graph-Based Visual Analytics Approach to Studying Urban Network Centralities Using Taxi Trajectory Data.

PubMed

Huang, Xiaoke; Zhao, Ye; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Chong; Ma, Chao; Ye, Xinyue

2016-01-01

We propose TrajGraph, a new visual analytics method, for studying urban mobility patterns by integrating graph modeling and visual analysis with taxi trajectory data. A special graph is created to store and manifest real traffic information recorded by taxi trajectories over city streets. It conveys urban transportation dynamics which can be discovered by applying graph analysis algorithms. To support interactive, multiscale visual analytics, a graph partitioning algorithm is applied to create region-level graphs which have smaller size than the original street-level graph. Graph centralities, including Pagerank and betweenness, are computed to characterize the time-varying importance of different urban regions. The centralities are visualized by three coordinated views including a node-link graph view, a map view and a temporal information view. Users can interactively examine the importance of streets to discover and assess city traffic patterns. We have implemented a fully working prototype of this approach and evaluated it using massive taxi trajectories of Shenzhen, China. TrajGraph's capability in revealing the importance of city streets was evaluated by comparing the calculated centralities with the subjective evaluations from a group of drivers in Shenzhen. Feedback from a domain expert was collected. The effectiveness of the visual interface was evaluated through a formal user study. We also present several examples and a case study to demonstrate the usefulness of TrajGraph in urban transportation analysis.

Connectivity Reveals Sources of Predictive Coding Signals in Early Visual Cortex During Processing of Visual Optic Flow.

PubMed

Schindler, Andreas; Bartels, Andreas

2017-05-01

Superimposed on the visual feed-forward pathway, feedback connections convey higher level information to cortical areas lower in the hierarchy. A prominent framework for these connections is the theory of predictive coding where high-level areas send stimulus interpretations to lower level areas that compare them with sensory input. Along these lines, a growing body of neuroimaging studies shows that predictable stimuli lead to reduced blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) responses compared with matched nonpredictable counterparts, especially in early visual cortex (EVC) including areas V1-V3. The sources of these modulatory feedback signals are largely unknown. Here, we re-examined the robust finding of relative BOLD suppression in EVC evident during processing of coherent compared with random motion. Using functional connectivity analysis, we show an optic flow-dependent increase of functional connectivity between BOLD suppressed EVC and a network of visual motion areas including MST, V3A, V6, the cingulate sulcus visual area (CSv), and precuneus (Pc). Connectivity decreased between EVC and 2 areas known to encode heading direction: entorhinal cortex (EC) and retrosplenial cortex (RSC). Our results provide first evidence that BOLD suppression in EVC for predictable stimuli is indeed mediated by specific high-level areas, in accord with the theory of predictive coding. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The effect of ice skating on psychological well-being and sleep quality of children with visual or hearing impairment.

PubMed

Dursun, Onur Burak; Erhan, Süleyman Erim; Ibiş, Esra Özhan; Esin, Ibrahim Selcuk; Keleş, Sadullah; Şirinkan, Ahmet; Yörük, Özgür; Acar, Ethem; Beyhun, Nazim Ercument

2015-01-01

Physical exercise and sports have a key role in preventing physical and psychiatric problems in children. However, children with a disability often experience difficulty participating in physical activity due to a lack of suitable opportunities. Participation in an accessible sport is particularly important for these children, but studies examining which sports are beneficial for which disability groups are rare. In this study, we assessed the effects of ice skating on the psychological well-being, self-concept, and sleep quality of children with hearing or visual impairment. Forty students (20 visually impaired and 20 hearing impaired) aged 8-16 were included in a regular ice skating programme for three months. We examined the sleep quality, self-concept, and behavioural and emotional states of the children before and after participating in the programme. There was a significant improvement in self-concept, behavioural and emotional problems, and sleep quality (p < 0.05 for each) of the children with hearing impairment. Although the sleep quality (p = 0.019) and emotional problem scores (p = 0.000) of the visually impaired children improved; self-concept, peer relations and hyperactivity scores of these children worsened (p < 0.05 for each). Ice skating is one of the popular sport alternatives that gives children the opportunity to exercise and have fun together. The results of this study revealed that regular ice skating programmes may have positive effects on the psychological well-being of children with hearing impairment. Despite some positive effects, caution must be use when including visually impaired children in ice skating programmes. Generalization of the study's outcomes is limited as the study group were residential students enrolled in special education institutions for children who are blind or deaf. Ice skating is a community-based sport and a popular leisure activity that can also have benefits for people with disabilities. Ice skating and children with hearing impairment: Self-concept, behavioural and emotional problems, and sleep quality of the children with hearing impairment significantly improved after ice skating. Ice skating programmes may be considered as a rehabilitation alternative for children with hearing impairment. Ice skating and children with visual impairment: Caution must be use when including children with visual impairment in ice skating programmes because of possible negative psychological outcomes. Balance exercises before starting the practices on ice should be considered for preventing some possible negative outcomes in children with visual impairment.

The Associations between Visual Attention and Facial Expression Identification in Patients with Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Lin, I-Mei; Fan, Sheng-Yu; Huang, Tiao-Lai; Wu, Wan-Ting; Li, Shi-Ming

2013-12-01

Visual search is an important attention process that precedes the information processing. Visual search also mediates the relationship between cognition function (attention) and social cognition (such as facial expression identification). However, the association between visual attention and social cognition in patients with schizophrenia remains unknown. The purposes of this study were to examine the differences in visual search performance and facial expression identification between patients with schizophrenia and normal controls, and to explore the relationship between visual search performance and facial expression identification in patients with schizophrenia. Fourteen patients with schizophrenia (mean age=46.36±6.74) and 15 normal controls (mean age=40.87±9.33) participated this study. The visual search task, including feature search and conjunction search, and Japanese and Caucasian Facial Expression of Emotion were administered. Patients with schizophrenia had worse visual search performance both in feature search and conjunction search than normal controls, as well as had worse facial expression identification, especially in surprised and sadness. In addition, there were negative associations between visual search performance and facial expression identification in patients with schizophrenia, especially in surprised and sadness. However, this phenomenon was not showed in normal controls. Patients with schizophrenia who had visual search deficits had the impairment on facial expression identification. Increasing ability of visual search and facial expression identification may improve their social function and interpersonal relationship.

Evaluation of Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy With Multifocal Electroretinography

PubMed Central

So, Scott C.; Hedges, Thomas R.; Schuman, Joel S.; Quireza, Maria Luz Amaro

2007-01-01

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To describe the changes revealed by multifocal electroretinography (ERG) in patients taking hydroxychloroquine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six patients being treated for various inflammatory conditions with hydroxychloroquine for periods ranging from 8 months to 7 years were consecutively evaluated. Each examination included measurement of Snellen visual acuities, Amsler grid assessment, and automated visual field testing. In some cases, funduscopic examinations were complimented by photography and fluorescein angiography. Multifocal ERG was performed for all patients. RESULTS Three patients (six eyes) were found to have distinctive abnormalities on multifocal ERG consisting of pericentral depression of ERG signals. The abnormalities on multifocal ERG corresponded with the patients’ subjective descriptions and the visual field depiction of their pericentral scotomas. All affected patients had been taking hydroxychloroquine for at least 7 years. One patient with generalized depression on multifocal ERG had possible hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. Two patients (three eyes) had relatively normal results on multifocal ERG. CONCLUSION Multifocal ERG objectively demonstrates depression of signals in the perifoveal region in visually symptomatic patients with long-term hydroxychloroquine use. Even patients with normal visual acuity and no fundus abnormalities can have abnormal results. Although we have not yet identified patients with abnormalities on multifocal ERG before the onset of symptoms, multifocal ERG may be useful in monitoring patients at risk and may provide an earlier opportunity to identify maculopathy. PMID:12757106

Survey of Low Vision among Students Attending Schools for the Blind in Nigeria: A Descriptive and Interventional Study

PubMed Central

Mosuro, Adedamola L.; Ajaiyeoba, Ayotunde I.; Bekibele, Charles O.; Eniola, Michael S.; Adedokun, Babatunde A.

2012-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of low vision among students attending all the schools for the blind in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study set out to determine the proportion of students with low vision/severe visual impairment after best correction, to determine the causes of the low vision, to document the associated pathologies, to determine the types of treatment and visual aid devices required, and to provide the visual aids needed to the students in the schools. Materials and Methods: All schools students for the blind in Oyo State were evaluated between August 2007 and January 2008. All the students underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination that included measurement of visual acuity, retinoscopy and subjective refraction, tests for visual aids where indicated, and a structured questionnaire was administered. Results: A total of 86 students were included in the study and the mean age was 19.4 ± 8.19 years. Twenty six (30%) were under 16 years of age. The most common cause of blindness was bilateral measles keratopathy/vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in 25 students (29.1%). The most common site affected was the cornea in 25 students (29.1%), the lens in 23 (26.7%), and the retina/optic nerve in 16 (18.6%). Preventable blindness was mainly from measles keratopathy/VAD (29.1%). Eleven students benefited from refraction and correction with visual aids; two having severe visual impairment (SVI), and nine having visual impairment (VI) after correction. Conclusion: The prevalence of low vision in the schools for the blind in Oyo State is 2.3%, while the prevalence of visual impairment is 10.5%. These results suggest that preventable and treatable ocular conditions are the source of significant childhood blindness in Oyo State. PMID:23248540

Survey of low vision among students attending schools for the blind in Nigeria: a descriptive and interventional study.

PubMed

Mosuro, Adedamola L; Ajaiyeoba, Ayotunde I; Bekibele, Charles O; Eniola, Michael S; Adedokun, Babatunde A

2012-10-01

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of low vision among students attending all the schools for the blind in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study set out to determine the proportion of students with low vision/severe visual impairment after best correction, to determine the causes of the low vision, to document the associated pathologies, to determine the types of treatment and visual aid devices required, and to provide the visual aids needed to the students in the schools. All schools students for the blind in Oyo State were evaluated between August 2007 and January 2008. All the students underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination that included measurement of visual acuity, retinoscopy and subjective refraction, tests for visual aids where indicated, and a structured questionnaire was administered. A total of 86 students were included in the study and the mean age was 19.4 ± 8.19 years. Twenty six (30%) were under 16 years of age. The most common cause of blindness was bilateral measles keratopathy/vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in 25 students (29.1%). The most common site affected was the cornea in 25 students (29.1%), the lens in 23 (26.7%), and the retina/optic nerve in 16 (18.6%). Preventable blindness was mainly from measles keratopathy/VAD (29.1%). Eleven students benefited from refraction and correction with visual aids; two having severe visual impairment (SVI), and nine having visual impairment (VI) after correction. The prevalence of low vision in the schools for the blind in Oyo State is 2.3%, while the prevalence of visual impairment is 10.5%. These results suggest that preventable and treatable ocular conditions are the source of significant childhood blindness in Oyo State.

The Effects of 'Face' on Listening Comprehension: Evidence from Advanced Jordanian Speakers of English.

PubMed

Hamdan, Jihad M; Al-Hawamdeh, Rose Fowler

2018-04-10

This empirical study examines the extent to which 'face', i.e. (audio visual dialogues), affects the listening comprehension of advanced Jordanian EFL learners in a TOFEL-like test, as opposed to its absence (i.e. a purely audio test) which is the current norm in many English language proficiency tests, including but not limited to TOFEL iBT, TOEIC and academic IELTS. Through an online experiment, 60 Jordanian postgraduate linguistics and English literature students (advanced EFL learners) at the University of Jordan sit for two listening tests (simulating English proficiency tests); namely, one which is purely audio [i.e. without any face (including any visuals such as motion, as well as still pictures)], and one which is audiovisual/video. The results clearly show that the inclusion of visuals enhances subjects' performance in listening tests. It is concluded that since the aim of English proficiency tests such as TOEFL iBT is to qualify or disqualify subjects to work and study in western English-speaking countries, the exclusion of visuals is unfounded. In actuality, most natural interaction includes visibility of the interlocutors involved, and hence test takers who sit purely audio proficiency tests in English or any other language are placed at a disadvantage.

Visual Acuity Using Head-fixed Displays During Passive Self and Surround Motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, Scott J.; Black, F. Owen; Stallings, Valerie; Peters, Brian

2007-01-01

The ability to read head-fixed displays on various motion platforms requires the suppression of vestibulo-ocular reflexes. This study examined dynamic visual acuity while viewing a head-fixed display during different self and surround rotation conditions. Twelve healthy subjects were asked to report the orientation of Landolt C optotypes presented on a micro-display fixed to a rotating chair at 50 cm distance. Acuity thresholds were determined by the lowest size at which the subjects correctly identified 3 of 5 optotype orientations at peak velocity. Visual acuity was compared across four different conditions, each tested at 0.05 and 0.4 Hz (peak amplitude of 57 deg/s). The four conditions included: subject rotated in semi-darkness (i.e., limited to background illumination of the display), subject stationary while visual scene rotated, subject rotated around a stationary visual background, and both subject and visual scene rotated together. Visual acuity performance was greatest when the subject rotated around a stationary visual background; i.e., when both vestibular and visual inputs provided concordant information about the motion. Visual acuity performance was most reduced when the subject and visual scene rotated together; i.e., when the visual scene provided discordant information about the motion. Ranges of 4-5 logMAR step sizes across the conditions indicated the acuity task was sufficient to discriminate visual performance levels. The background visual scene can influence the ability to read head-fixed displays during passive motion disturbances. Dynamic visual acuity using head-fixed displays can provide an operationally relevant screening tool for visual performance during exposure to novel acceleration environments.

Visual Outcomes in Japanese Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome Caused by USH2A Mutations.

PubMed

Nagase, Yasunori; Kurata, Kentaro; Hosono, Katsuhiro; Suto, Kimiko; Hikoya, Akiko; Nakanishi, Hiroshi; Mizuta, Kunihiro; Mineta, Hiroyuki; Minoshima, Shinsei; Hotta, Yoshihiro

2017-07-05

EYS and USH2A are the most common causative genes for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Japan. We determined the clinical outcomes for USH2A-related non-syndromic RP or Usher syndrome type II (USH2). Two non-syndromic RP and 11 USH2 patients with previously identified USH2A mutations were included. Their complete history and medical records were collected using standard procedures. Visual fields and acuity were compared with those of patients with EYS mutations. Clinical analyses were based on ophthalmic and otolaryngologic examinations. In all patients, the fundus displayed changes typical of RP. Most patients showed relatively well-preserved visual acuity in their thirties or forties, with rapid deterioration in their fifties. Concentric constriction started in the twenties or thirties, and no effective residual visual field was observed after the fifties. The visual outcome for non-syndromic RP or USH2 patients with USH2A mutations is consistent with that for RP patients with EYS mutations.

Testing the distinctiveness of visual imagery and motor imagery in a reach paradigm.

PubMed

Gabbard, Carl; Ammar, Diala; Cordova, Alberto

2009-01-01

We examined the distinctiveness of motor imagery (MI) and visual imagery (VI) in the context of perceived reachability. The aim was to explore the notion that the two visual modes have distinctive processing properties tied to the two-visual-system hypothesis. The experiment included an interference tactic whereby participants completed two tasks at the same time: a visual or motor-interference task combined with a MI or VI-reaching task. We expected increased error would occur when the imaged task and the interference task were matched (e.g., MI with the motor task), suggesting an association based on the assumption that the two tasks were in competition for space on the same processing pathway. Alternatively, if there were no differences, dissociation could be inferred. Significant increases in the number of errors were found when the modalities for the imaged (both MI and VI) task and the interference task were matched. Therefore, it appears that MI and VI in the context of perceived reachability recruit different processing mechanisms.

A Dual-Route Perspective on Brain Activation in Response to Visual Words: Evidence for a Length by Lexicality Interaction in the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA)

PubMed Central

Schurz, Matthias; Sturm, Denise; Richlan, Fabio; Kronbichler, Martin; Ladurner, Gunther; Wimmer, Heinz

2010-01-01

Based on our previous work, we expected the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) in the left ventral visual pathway to be engaged by both whole-word recognition and by serial sublexical coding of letter strings. To examine this double function, a phonological lexical decision task (i.e., “Does xxx sound like an existing word?”) presented short and long letter strings of words, pseudohomophones, and pseudowords (e.g., Taxi, Taksi and Tazi). Main findings were that the length effect for words was limited to occipital regions and absent in the VWFA. In contrast, a marked length effect for pseudowords was found throughout the ventral visual pathway including the VWFA, as well as in regions presumably engaged by visual attention and silent-articulatory processes. The length by lexicality interaction on brain activation corresponds to well-established behavioral findings of a length by lexicality interaction on naming latencies and speaks for the engagement of the VWFA by both lexical and sublexical processes. PMID:19896538

A dual-route perspective on brain activation in response to visual words: evidence for a length by lexicality interaction in the visual word form area (VWFA).

PubMed

Schurz, Matthias; Sturm, Denise; Richlan, Fabio; Kronbichler, Martin; Ladurner, Gunther; Wimmer, Heinz

2010-02-01

Based on our previous work, we expected the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) in the left ventral visual pathway to be engaged by both whole-word recognition and by serial sublexical coding of letter strings. To examine this double function, a phonological lexical decision task (i.e., "Does xxx sound like an existing word?") presented short and long letter strings of words, pseudohomophones, and pseudowords (e.g., Taxi, Taksi and Tazi). Main findings were that the length effect for words was limited to occipital regions and absent in the VWFA. In contrast, a marked length effect for pseudowords was found throughout the ventral visual pathway including the VWFA, as well as in regions presumably engaged by visual attention and silent-articulatory processes. The length by lexicality interaction on brain activation corresponds to well-established behavioral findings of a length by lexicality interaction on naming latencies and speaks for the engagement of the VWFA by both lexical and sublexical processes. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tone series and the nature of working memory capacity development.

PubMed

Clark, Katherine M; Hardman, Kyle O; Schachtman, Todd R; Saults, J Scott; Glass, Bret A; Cowan, Nelson

2018-04-01

Recent advances in understanding visual working memory, the limited information held in mind for use in ongoing processing, are extended here to examine auditory working memory development. Research with arrays of visual objects has shown how to distinguish the capacity, in terms of the number of objects retained, from the precision of the object representations. We adapt the technique to sequences of nonmusical tones, in an investigation including children (6-13 years, N = 84) and adults (26-50 years, N = 31). For each series of 1 to 4 tones, the participant responded by using an 80-choice scale to try to reproduce the tone at a queried serial position. Despite the much longer-lasting usefulness of sensory memory for tones compared with visual objects, the observed tone capacity was similar to previous findings for visual capacity. The results also constrain theories of childhood working memory development, indicating increases with age in both the capacity and the precision of the tone representations, similar to the visual studies, rather than age differences in time-based memory decay. The findings, including patterns of correlations between capacity, precision, and some auxiliary tasks and questionnaires, establish capacity and precision as dissociable processes and place important constraints on various hypotheses of working memory development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Optic Disc Drusen in Children

PubMed Central

Chang, Melinda Y.; Pineles, Stacy L.

2016-01-01

Optic disc drusen occur in 0.4% of children and consist of acellular intracellular and extracellular deposits that often become calcified over time. They are typically buried early in life and generally become superficial, and therefore visible, later in childhood, at the average age of 12 years. Their main clinical significance lies in the ability of optic disc drusen, particularly when buried, to simulate true optic disc edema. Misdiagnosing drusen as true disc edema may lead to an invasive and unnecessary workup for elevated intracranial pressure. Ancillary testing, including ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography, may aid in the correct diagnosis of optic disc drusen. Complications of optic disc drusen in children include visual field defects, hemorrhages, choroidal neovascular membrane, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and retinal vascular occlusions. Treatment options for these complications include ocular hypotensive agents for visual field defects and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents for choroidal neovascular membranes. In most cases, however, children with optic disc drusen can be managed by observation with serial examinations and visual field testing, once true optic disc edema has been excluded. PMID:27033945

Re-Examining Format Distortion and Orthographic Neighbourhood Size Effects in the Left, Central and Right Visual Fields

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mano, Quintino R.; Patrick, Cory J.; Andresen, Elizabeth N.; Capizzi, Kyle; Biagioli, Raschel; Osmon, David C.

2010-01-01

Research has shown orthographic neighbourhood size effects (ONS) in the left visual field (LVF) but not in the right visual field (RVF). An earlier study examined the combined effects of ONS and font distortion in the LVF and RVF, but did not find an interaction. The current lexical decision experiment re-examined the interaction between ONS and…

The Gifted and Talented Handicapped. 1985 Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maker, C. June; Grossi, John

The digest examines aspects of serving gifted and talented handicapped students in the schools. This population includes persons of outstanding ability or potential who are capable of high performance despite handicaps such as visual, hearing or orthopedic impairments; emotional disturbances; or learning disabilities. Examples of prominent gifted…

Shaping tRNA

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Priano, Christine

2013-01-01

This model-building activity provides a quick, visual, hands-on tool that allows students to examine more carefully the cloverleaf structure of a typical tRNA molecule. When used as a supplement to lessons that involve gene expression, this exercise reinforces several concepts in molecular genetics, including nucleotide base-pairing rules, the…

[Papillary oedema revealing Arnold Chiari malformation type 1: about a case].

PubMed

Imane, Mouhoub; Asmae, Maadane; Toufik, Ramdani; Rachid, Sekhsoukh

2016-01-01

Arnold Chiari malformation type 1 is defined as a herniation of the cerebellar tonsils into the foramen magnum of more than 5 mm. Symptoms are most commonly dominated by occipital headache, torticollis and sometimes swallowing disorders. Ophthalmologically abnormal convergences, oculomotor palsy and diplopia are the main clinical signs. We report the case of a 9 year old child, who presented with visual loss evolving since 6 months. Ophthalmologic examination showed visual acuity of 4/10 in both eyes, retained ocular motility and rotational nystagmus. The examination of the anterior segment of the eye showed megalocornea with no evidence of goniodysgenesis, iridodonesis associated with atrophy of the dilator muscle and microcoria with lazy photomotor reflex. Normal intraocular pressure was 14 mmHg. Ocular fundus examination, despite difficulties in performing it, objectified bilateral papilledema (stage II). General physical examination showed torticollis, scoliosis and a tetra-pyramidal syndrome. MRI showed Chiari malformation type I associated with hydrocephalus and syringomyelia. Neurosurgical intervention based on internal CSF drainage with occipitocervical osteo-dural decompression was proposed. The evolution was favorable with regression of clinical signs. Ophthalmologically, there was a regression of papilledema but visual acuity remained stationary. The occurrence of papilledema associated with Chiari malformation type 1 is rare, it has been only reported in 2% of symptomatic patients. Its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. The originality of our study consists in the association of cerebellar malformations with ocular malformations including megalocornea and microcoria which make ophthalmologic examination more difficult to perform.

[Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Shuangcheng City of Heilongjiang Province: the China Nine-Province Survey].

PubMed

Zhang, Liqiong; Cui, Hao; Zhao, Jialiang; Ellwein, Leon B; Li, Zhijian; Li, Mingsheng; Yu, Nannan; Wang, Yu; Gao, Xuecheng

2014-03-01

To investigate the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Shuangcheng City of Heilongjiang Province, China. It was a population-based cross-section study. Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5 841 individuals aged 50 years or above in 28 basic sample units in Shuangcheng City from September to December 2006. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. Five thousands four hundreds and eighty-one individuals were enumerated and 5 047 persons were examined, the response rate was 92.08%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 1.72% (87/5 047) and 4.69% (237/5 047) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 1.90% (96/5 047) and 7.23% (365/5 047) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2)=674.44, P < 0.01), female (χ(2)=39.61, P < 0.01) and illiterate (trend χ(2)=142.82, P < 0.01) persons. Cataract (52.70%) was still the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. The percentage of the retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, high myopic retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy was 11.31% among the eyes with blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment. Un-corrected refractive error(13.38%) also was the main cause of visual impairment. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment in Shuangcheng City is relatively higher in China Nine Province Survey. Cataract, retinal diseases and un-corrected refractive error are the main causes of the blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment.

7 CFR 47.15 - Oral hearing before the examiner.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... whether the hearing will be conducted by telephone, audio-visual telecommunication, or personal attendance... audio-visual telecommunication. Any motion that the hearing be conducted by telephone or personal... conducted other than by audio-visual telecommunication. (ii) Within 10 days after the examiner issues a...

7 CFR 47.15 - Oral hearing before the examiner.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... whether the hearing will be conducted by telephone, audio-visual telecommunication, or personal attendance... audio-visual telecommunication. Any motion that the hearing be conducted by telephone or personal... conducted other than by audio-visual telecommunication. (ii) Within 10 days after the examiner issues a...

Diagnostic Utility of Ocular Symptoms and Vision for Cytomegalovirus Retinitis.

PubMed

Liu, Yingna; Chen, Alexander S; Kamphaengkham, Siripim; Leenasirimakul, Prattana; Jirawison, Choeng; Ausayakhun, Somsanguan; Margolis, Todd P; Keenan, Jeremy D

2016-01-01

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis remains a leading cause of blindness in countries with a high burden of AIDS. Although dilated fundus examinations are recommended for those with CD4 counts below 100 cells/μL, in practice only those with poor vision and/or symptoms are routinely referred for screening. Therefore, the predictive value of this common practice should be assessed. This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Patients with known HIV and a CD4 count of less than 100 cells/μL attending an HIV clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand completed a standardized questionnaire about visual symptoms and underwent visual acuity testing and dilated fundus examination. Participants without CMV retinitis were invited for repeated examinations every 3 months until their CD4 count exceeded 100 cells/μL. Patient-level statistical analyses were conducted to calculate diagnostic test characteristics, with bootstrapping to account for correlated data. Of 103 study participants, 16 had CMV retinitis diagnosed at some point during the study. Participants with CMV retinitis were more likely to complain of visual symptoms compared to those without CMV retinitis (p = 0.01), including scotoma (p = 0.0002), itchy or watery eyes (p < 0.0001), and eye pain (p = 0.003); they were also more likely to have visual acuity worse than Counting Fingers (p = 0.0003). However, the absence of eye symptoms and the absence of poor vision did not strongly affect the probability that a patient did not have disease (negative likelihood ratio 0.56 and 0.76, respectively). Ocular symptoms and poor visual acuity were poor diagnostic indicators for the presence of CMV retinitis. Systematic screening of HIV patients with CD4 counts below 100 cells/μl should be carried out to detect disease at an early stage, when blindness can still be prevented.

Functional and morphological assessment of ocular structures and follow-up of patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Hasanov, Samir; Demirkilinc Biler, Elif; Acarer, Ahmet; Akkın, Cezmi; Colakoglu, Zafer; Uretmen, Onder

2018-05-09

To evaluate and follow-up of functional and morphological changes of the optic nerve and ocular structures prospectively in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease. Nineteen patients with a diagnosis of early-stage Parkinson's disease and 19 age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. All participants were examined minimum three times at the intervals of at least 6 month following initial examination. Pattern visually evoked potentials (VEP), contrast sensitivity assessments at photopic conditions, color vision tests with Ishihara cards and full-field visual field tests were performed in addition to measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of four quadrants (top, bottom, nasal, temporal), central and mean macular thickness and macular volumes. Best corrected visual acuity was observed significantly lower in study group within all three examinations. Contrast sensitivity values of the patient group were significantly lower in all spatial frequencies. P100 wave latency of VEP was significantly longer, and amplitude was lower in patient group; however, significant deterioration was not observed during the follow-up. Although average peripapillary RNFL thickness was not significant between groups, RNFL thickness in the upper quadrant was thinner in the patient group. While there was no difference in terms of mean macular thickness and total macular volume values between the groups initially, a significant decrease occurred in the patient group during the follow-up. During the initial and follow-up process, a significant deterioration in visual field was observed in the patient group. Structural and functional disorders shown as electro-physiologically and morphologically exist in different parts of visual pathways in early-stage Parkinson's disease.

Effect of organizational strategy on visual memory in patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Kim, Myung-Sun; Namgoong, Yoon; Youn, Tak

2008-08-01

The aim of the present study was to examine how copy organization mediated immediate recall among patients with schizophrenia using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). The Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS) was applied for qualitative and quantitative analyses of ROCF performances. Subjects included 20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. During the copy condition, the schizophrenia group and the control group differed in fragmentation; during the immediate recall condition, the two groups differed in configural presence and planning; and during the delayed recall condition, they differed in several qualitative measurements, including configural presence, cluster presence/placement, detail presence/placement, fragmentation, planning, and neatness. The two groups also differed in several quantitative measurements, including immediate presence and accuracy, immediate retention, delayed retention, and organization. Although organizational strategies used during the copy condition mediated the difference between the two groups during the immediate recall condition, group also had a significant direct effect on immediate recall. Schizophrenia patients are deficient in visual memory, and a piecemeal approach to the figure and organizational deficit seem to be related to the visual memory deficit. But schizophrenia patients also appeared to have some memory problems, including retention and/or retrieval deficits.

A young woman with visual hallucinations, delusions of persecution and a history of performing arson with possible three-generation Fahr disease.

PubMed

Shirahama, M; Akiyoshi, J; Ishitobi, Y; Tanaka, Y; Tsuru, J; Matsushita, H; Hanada, H; Kodama, K

2010-01-01

Fahr disease (FD) is a rare neurological and psychiatric disorder. The disease is classified by intracranial calcification of the basal ganglia with the globus pallidus region being particularly affected. We examined a young woman with visual hallucinations, delusions of persecution and a history of performing arson with possible third-generation FD. Case report of third-generation FD. A 23-year-old woman was arrested for two arsons: i) The patient exhibited progressive psychotic symptoms, including visual hallucinations, delusion of injury, irritability, lability of mood, mental retardation and visual disorders and ii) Computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated bilateral calcifications of the basal ganglia (globus pallidus) in the patient, her mother and her grandmother. We found a family with a three-generation history of FD who exhibited calcification in the brain and mental retardation. Compared to her mother, the patient described here displayed anticipation of disease onset.

Remembering Complex Objects in Visual Working Memory: Do Capacity Limits Restrict Objects or Features?

PubMed Central

Hardman, Kyle; Cowan, Nelson

2014-01-01

Visual working memory stores stimuli from our environment as representations that can be accessed by high-level control processes. This study addresses a longstanding debate in the literature about whether storage limits in visual working memory include a limit to the complexity of discrete items. We examined the issue with a number of change-detection experiments that used complex stimuli which possessed multiple features per stimulus item. We manipulated the number of relevant features of the stimulus objects in order to vary feature load. In all of our experiments, we found that increased feature load led to a reduction in change-detection accuracy. However, we found that feature load alone could not account for the results, but that a consideration of the number of relevant objects was also required. This study supports capacity limits for both feature and object storage in visual working memory. PMID:25089739

Associations of physical activity with driving-related cognitive abilities in older drivers: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Marmeleira, José; Ferreira, Inês; Melo, Filipe; Godinho, Mário

2012-10-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between hysical activity and driving-related cognitive abilities of older drivers. Thirty-eight female and male drivers ages 61 to 81 years (M = 70.2, SD = 5.0) responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and were assessed on a battery of neuropsychological tests, which included measures of visual attention, executive functioning, mental status, visuospatial ability, and memory. A higher amount of reported physical activity was significantly correlated with better scores on tests of visual processing speed and divided visual attention. Higher amounts of physical activity was significantly associated with a better composite score for visual attention, but its correlation with the composite score for executive functioning was not significant. These findings support the hypothesis that pzhysical activity is associated with preservation of specific driving-related cognitive abilities of older adults.

Evaluation of a multi-component approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) using guided visualizations, cranial electrotherapy stimulation, and vibroacoustic sound.

PubMed

Rogers, Donna R B; Ei, Sue; Rogers, Kim R; Cross, Chad L

2007-05-01

This pilot study examines the use of guided visualizations that incorporate both cognitive and behavioral techniques with vibroacoustic therapy and cranial electrotherapy stimulation to form a multi-component therapeutic approach. This multi-component approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was used to treat patients presenting with a range of symptoms including anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. Clients completed a pre- and post-session symptom severity scale and CBT skills practice survey. The program consisted of 16 guided visualizations incorporating CBT techniques that were accompanied by vibroacoustic therapy and cranial electrotherapy stimulation. Significant reduction in symptom severity was observed in pre- and post-session scores for anxiety symptoms, relationship difficulties, and depressive symptoms. The majority of the clients (88%) reported use of CBT techniques learned in the guided visualizations at least once per week outside of the sessions.

Effects of visual feedback with a mirror on balance ability in patients with stroke.

PubMed

In, Tae-Sung; Cha, Yu-Ri; Jung, Jin-Hwa; Jung, Kyoung-Sim

2016-01-01

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of a visual feedback obtained from a mirror on balance ability during quiet standing in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Fifteen patients with stroke (9 males, 6 females) enrolled in the study. [Methods] Experimental trials (duration, 20s) included three visual conditions (eyes closed, eyes open, and mirror feedback) and two support surface conditions (stable, and unstable). Center of pressure (COP) displacements in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions were recorded using a force platform. [Results] No effect of condition was observed along all directions on the stable surface. An effect of condition was observed on the unstable surface, with a smaller mediolateral COP distance in the mirror feedback as compared to the other two conditions. Similar results were observed for the COP speed. [Conclusion] Visual feedback from a mirror is beneficial for improving balance ability during quiet standing on an unstable surface in patients with stroke.

Effects of refractive errors on visual evoked magnetic fields.

PubMed

Suzuki, Masaya; Nagae, Mizuki; Nagata, Yuko; Kumagai, Naoya; Inui, Koji; Kakigi, Ryusuke

2015-11-09

The latency and amplitude of visual evoked cortical responses are known to be affected by refractive states, suggesting that they may be used as an objective index of refractive errors. In order to establish an easy and reliable method for this purpose, we herein examined the effects of refractive errors on visual evoked magnetic fields (VEFs). Binocular VEFs following the presentation of a simple grating of 0.16 cd/m(2) in the lower visual field were recorded in 12 healthy volunteers and compared among four refractive states: 0D, +1D, +2D, and +4D, by using plus lenses. The low-luminance visual stimulus evoked a main MEG response at approximately 120 ms (M100) that reversed its polarity between the upper and lower visual field stimulations and originated from the occipital midline area. When refractive errors were induced by plus lenses, the latency of M100 increased, while its amplitude decreased with an increase in power of the lens. Differences from the control condition (+0D) were significant for all three lenses examined. The results of dipole analyses showed that evoked fields for the control (+0D) condition were explainable by one dipole in the primary visual cortex (V1), while other sources, presumably in V3 or V6, slightly contributed to shape M100 for the +2D or +4D condition. The present results showed that the latency and amplitude of M100 are both useful indicators for assessing refractive states. The contribution of neural sources other than V1 to M100 was modest under the 0D and +1D conditions. By considering the nature of the activity of M100 including its high sensitivity to a spatial frequency and lower visual field dominance, a simple low-luminance grating stimulus at an optimal spatial frequency in the lower visual field appears appropriate for obtaining data on high S/N ratios and reducing the load on subjects.

[Clinical feature of chronic compressive optic neuropathy without optic atrophy].

PubMed

Jiang, Libin; Shi, Jitong; Liu, Wendong; Kang, Jun; Wang, Ningli

2014-12-01

To investigate the clinical feature of the chronic compressive optic neuropathy without optic atrophy. Retrospective cases series study. The clinical data of 25 patients (37 eyes) with chronic compressive optic neuropathy without optic atrophy, treated in Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, from October, 2005 to March, 2014, were collected. Those patients had been showing visual symptoms for 6 months or longer, but missed diagnosed or misdiagnosed as other eye diseases due to their normal or slightly changed fundi. The collected data including visual acuities, visual fields, neuroimaging and/or pathologic diagnosis were analyzed. Among the 25 patients, there were 5 males and 20 females, and their ages range from 9 to 74 years [average (47.5 ± 13.4) years]. All patients suffered progressive impaired vision in single eye or both eyes, without exophthalmos or abnormal eye movements. Except one patient had a headache, other patients did not show systemic symptoms. The corrected visual acuities were between HM to 1.0, and their appearances of optic discs and colors of fundi were normal. After neuroimaging and/or pathological examination, it was proven that 14 patients suffered tuberculum sellae meningiomas, 5 patients with hypophysoma, 3 patient with optic nerve sheath meningioma in orbital apex, 1 patient with cavernous hemangioma, 1 patient with vascular malformation in orbital apex and 1 patient with optic nerve glioma. Among the 19 patients whose suffered occupied lesions of saddle area, 14 patients underwent visual field examinations, and only 4 patients showed classic visual field defects caused by optic chiasmal lesions. Occult progressive visual loss was the most important clinical feature of the disease.

Clinical Phenotypes and Prognostic Full-Field Electroretinographic Findings in Stargardt Disease

PubMed Central

ZAHID, SARWAR; JAYASUNDERA, THIRAN; RHOADES, WILLIAM; BRANHAM, KARI; KHAN, NAHEED; NIZIOL, LESLIE M.; MUSCH, DAVID C.; HECKENLIVELY, JOHN R.

2013-01-01

PURPOSE To investigate the relationships between clinical and full-field electroretinographic (ERG) findings and progressive loss of visual function in Stargardt disease. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of data from 198 patients with Stargardt disease. Measures of visual function over time, including visual acuity, quantified Goldmann visual fields, and full-field ERG data were recorded. Data were analyzed using SAS statistical software. Subgroup analyses were performed on 148 patients with ERG phenotypic data, 46 patients with longitudinal visual field data, and 92 patients with identified ABCA4 mutations (46 with 1 mutation, and 47 with 2 or more mutations). RESULTS Of 46 patients with longitudinal visual field data, 8 patients with faster central scotoma progression rates had significantly worse scotopic B-wave amplitudes at their initial assessment than 20 patients with stable scotomata (P = .014) and were more likely to have atrophy beyond the arcades (P = .047). Overall, 47.3% of patients exhibited abnormal ERG results, with rod–cone dysfunction in 14.2% of patients, cone–rod dysfunction in 17.6% of patients, and isolated cone dysfunction in 15.5% of patients. Abnormal values in certain ERG parameters were associated significantly with (maximum-stimulation A- and B-wave amplitudes) or tended toward (photopic and scotopic B-wave amplitudes) a higher mean rate of central scotoma progression compared with those patients with normal ERG values. Scotoma size and ERG parameters differed significantly between those with a single mutation versus those with multiple mutations. CONCLUSIONS Full-field ERG examination provides clinically relevant information regarding the severity of Stargardt disease, likelihood of central scotoma expansion, and visual acuity deterioration. Patients also may exhibit an isolated cone dystrophy on ERG examination. PMID:23219216

The Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Assessing Patients With Pituitary Tumors Compressing the Anterior Visual Pathway.

PubMed

Ryu, Won Hyung A; Starreveld, Yves; Burton, Jodie M; Liu, Junjie; Costello, Fiona

2017-09-01

Pituitary tumors are one of the most common types of intracranial neoplasms, and can cause progressive visual loss. An ongoing challenge in the management of patients with pituitary tumors is the cost, availability, and reliability of current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to capture clinically significant incremental tumor growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the various MRI-based structural analyses and to explore the relationship between measures of structure and function in the afferent visual pathway of patients with pituitary tumors. We performed a critical review of literature on MRI-based structural analyses of pituitary adenomas using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. In addition, preoperative structural characteristics of the optic apparatus, optic nerve compression, and optic chiasm elevation identified as important in the literature review, were examined in 18 of our patients from October 2010 to January 2014. In our review of literature, a total of 443 citations were obtained from our search strategy and review of bibliographies. Eight of these studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were retrieved for critical review. Of the 8 included studies, only 2 studies examined the relationship between MRI-based structural measurements and postoperative visual recovery. In our small case-series, MRI analysis of chiasm elevation, severity of optic nerve compression, chiasm position, height of chiasm, tumor height, and tumor volume failed to differentiate patients with postoperative visual dysfunction vs those with visual recovery (P > 0.05). Although MRI-based structural analysis is an important and useful tool for managing patients with pituitary tumors, there are limited objective measures shown to be predictive of postoperative visual recovery.

Representation of the visual field in the striate cortex: comparison of MR findings with visual field deficits in organic mercury poisoning (Minamata disease).

PubMed

Korogi, Y; Takahashi, M; Hirai, T; Ikushima, I; Kitajima, M; Sugahara, T; Shigematsu, Y; Okajima, T; Mukuno, K

1997-01-01

To compare MR imaging findings of the striate cortex with visual field deficits in patients with Minamata disease and to reestimate the classical Holmes retinotopic map by using the data obtained from comparing visual field abnormalities with degree of visual cortex atrophy. MR imaging was performed in eight patients with Minamata disease who had been given a full neuroophthalmic examination, including Goldmann dynamic perimetry. The atrophic portions of the calcarine area were measured in the sagittal plane next to the midsagittal image and represented as a percentage of atrophy of the total length of the calcarine fissure. MR findings were compared with results of a visual field test. The visual field test revealed moderate to severe concentric constriction of the visual fields, with central vision ranging from 7 degrees to 42 degrees (mean, 19 degrees). The ventral portion of the calcarine sulcus was significantly dilated on MR images in all patients. A logarithmic correlation was found between the visual field defect and the extent of dilatation of the calcarine fissure. The central 10 degrees and 30 degrees of vision seemed to fill about 20% and 50% of the total surface area of the calcarine cortex, respectively. Visual field deficits in patients with Minamata disease correlated well with MR findings of the striate cortex. Our data were consistent with the classical Holmes retinotopic map.

Semantics of the visual environment encoded in parahippocampal cortex

PubMed Central

Bonner, Michael F.; Price, Amy Rose; Peelle, Jonathan E.; Grossman, Murray

2016-01-01

Semantic representations capture the statistics of experience and store this information in memory. A fundamental component of this memory system is knowledge of the visual environment, including knowledge of objects and their associations. Visual semantic information underlies a range of behaviors, from perceptual categorization to cognitive processes such as language and reasoning. Here we examine the neuroanatomic system that encodes visual semantics. Across three experiments, we found converging evidence indicating that knowledge of verbally mediated visual concepts relies on information encoded in a region of the ventral-medial temporal lobe centered on parahippocampal cortex. In an fMRI study, this region was strongly engaged by the processing of concepts relying on visual knowledge but not by concepts relying on other sensory modalities. In a study of patients with the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (semantic dementia), atrophy that encompassed this region was associated with a specific impairment in verbally mediated visual semantic knowledge. Finally, in a structural study of healthy adults from the fMRI experiment, gray matter density in this region related to individual variability in the processing of visual concepts. The anatomic location of these findings aligns with recent work linking the ventral-medial temporal lobe with high-level visual representation, contextual associations, and reasoning through imagination. Together this work suggests a critical role for parahippocampal cortex in linking the visual environment with knowledge systems in the human brain. PMID:26679216

Semantics of the Visual Environment Encoded in Parahippocampal Cortex.

PubMed

Bonner, Michael F; Price, Amy Rose; Peelle, Jonathan E; Grossman, Murray

2016-03-01

Semantic representations capture the statistics of experience and store this information in memory. A fundamental component of this memory system is knowledge of the visual environment, including knowledge of objects and their associations. Visual semantic information underlies a range of behaviors, from perceptual categorization to cognitive processes such as language and reasoning. Here we examine the neuroanatomic system that encodes visual semantics. Across three experiments, we found converging evidence indicating that knowledge of verbally mediated visual concepts relies on information encoded in a region of the ventral-medial temporal lobe centered on parahippocampal cortex. In an fMRI study, this region was strongly engaged by the processing of concepts relying on visual knowledge but not by concepts relying on other sensory modalities. In a study of patients with the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (semantic dementia), atrophy that encompassed this region was associated with a specific impairment in verbally mediated visual semantic knowledge. Finally, in a structural study of healthy adults from the fMRI experiment, gray matter density in this region related to individual variability in the processing of visual concepts. The anatomic location of these findings aligns with recent work linking the ventral-medial temporal lobe with high-level visual representation, contextual associations, and reasoning through imagination. Together, this work suggests a critical role for parahippocampal cortex in linking the visual environment with knowledge systems in the human brain.

Visual and proprioceptive interaction in patients with bilateral vestibular loss☆

PubMed Central

Cutfield, Nicholas J.; Scott, Gregory; Waldman, Adam D.; Sharp, David J.; Bronstein, Adolfo M.

2014-01-01

Following bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) patients gradually adapt to the loss of vestibular input and rely more on other sensory inputs. Here we examine changes in the way proprioceptive and visual inputs interact. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate visual responses in the context of varying levels of proprioceptive input in 12 BVL subjects and 15 normal controls. A novel metal-free vibrator was developed to allow vibrotactile neck proprioceptive input to be delivered in the MRI system. A high level (100 Hz) and low level (30 Hz) control stimulus was applied over the left splenius capitis; only the high frequency stimulus generates a significant proprioceptive stimulus. The neck stimulus was applied in combination with static and moving (optokinetic) visual stimuli, in a factorial fMRI experimental design. We found that high level neck proprioceptive input had more cortical effect on brain activity in the BVL patients. This included a reduction in visual motion responses during high levels of proprioceptive input and differential activation in the midline cerebellum. In early visual cortical areas, the effect of high proprioceptive input was present for both visual conditions but in lateral visual areas, including V5/MT, the effect was only seen in the context of visual motion stimulation. The finding of a cortical visuo-proprioceptive interaction in BVL patients is consistent with behavioural data indicating that, in BVL patients, neck afferents partly replace vestibular input during the CNS-mediated compensatory process. An fMRI cervico-visual interaction may thus substitute the known visuo-vestibular interaction reported in normal subject fMRI studies. The results provide evidence for a cortical mechanism of adaptation to vestibular failure, in the form of an enhanced proprioceptive influence on visual processing. The results may provide the basis for a cortical mechanism involved in proprioceptive substitution of vestibular function in BVL patients. PMID:25061564

Visual and proprioceptive interaction in patients with bilateral vestibular loss.

PubMed

Cutfield, Nicholas J; Scott, Gregory; Waldman, Adam D; Sharp, David J; Bronstein, Adolfo M

2014-01-01

Following bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) patients gradually adapt to the loss of vestibular input and rely more on other sensory inputs. Here we examine changes in the way proprioceptive and visual inputs interact. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate visual responses in the context of varying levels of proprioceptive input in 12 BVL subjects and 15 normal controls. A novel metal-free vibrator was developed to allow vibrotactile neck proprioceptive input to be delivered in the MRI system. A high level (100 Hz) and low level (30 Hz) control stimulus was applied over the left splenius capitis; only the high frequency stimulus generates a significant proprioceptive stimulus. The neck stimulus was applied in combination with static and moving (optokinetic) visual stimuli, in a factorial fMRI experimental design. We found that high level neck proprioceptive input had more cortical effect on brain activity in the BVL patients. This included a reduction in visual motion responses during high levels of proprioceptive input and differential activation in the midline cerebellum. In early visual cortical areas, the effect of high proprioceptive input was present for both visual conditions but in lateral visual areas, including V5/MT, the effect was only seen in the context of visual motion stimulation. The finding of a cortical visuo-proprioceptive interaction in BVL patients is consistent with behavioural data indicating that, in BVL patients, neck afferents partly replace vestibular input during the CNS-mediated compensatory process. An fMRI cervico-visual interaction may thus substitute the known visuo-vestibular interaction reported in normal subject fMRI studies. The results provide evidence for a cortical mechanism of adaptation to vestibular failure, in the form of an enhanced proprioceptive influence on visual processing. The results may provide the basis for a cortical mechanism involved in proprioceptive substitution of vestibular function in BVL patients.

Visual body size norms and the under‐detection of overweight and obesity

PubMed Central

Robinson, E.

2017-01-01

Summary Objectives The weight status of men with overweight and obesity tends to be visually underestimated, but visual recognition of female overweight and obesity has not been formally examined. The aims of the present studies were to test whether people can accurately recognize both male and female overweight and obesity and to examine a visual norm‐based explanation for why weight status is underestimated. Methods The present studies examine whether both male and female overweight and obesity are visually underestimated (Study 1), whether body size norms predict when underestimation of weight status occurs (Study 2) and whether visual exposure to heavier body weights adjusts visual body size norms and results in underestimation of weight status (Study 3). Results The weight status of men and women with overweight and obesity was consistently visually underestimated (Study 1). Body size norms predicted underestimation of weight status (Study 2) and in part explained why visual exposure to heavier body weights caused underestimation of overweight (Study 3). Conclusions The under‐detection of overweight and obesity may have been in part caused by exposure to larger body sizes resulting in an upwards shift in the range of body sizes that are perceived as being visually ‘normal’. PMID:29479462

Prevalence of visual impairment and outcomes of cataract surgery in Chaonan, South China

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiujuan; Li, Emmy Y.; Leung, Christopher Kai-Shun; Musch, David C.; Tang, Xin; Zheng, Chongren; He, Mingguang; Chang, David F.

2017-01-01

Purpose To estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment (VI), and report the outcomes of cataract surgery in Chaonan Region, Guangdong Province, southern China Design Cross-sectional population-based survey Participants A total of 3484 participants including 1397 men (40.1%) and 2087 women (59.9%) aged ≥50 years were examined (94.2% response rate). Method A two-stage cluster sampling procedure was used to select 3700 participants aged ≥50 years from 74 clusters of Chaonan Region. Participants were examined according to the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) method. Blindness and visual impairment (VI) were defined by the World Health Organization criteria. Participants with visual acuity (VA) < 6/18 in either eye were examined by ophthalmologists. The primary causes of blindness and VI were reported with reference to the participant’s better eye. Main outcome measures Prevalence and main causes of blindness, severe visual impairment (SVI), VI and the outcomes of cataract surgery Results The standardized prevalence rates of blindness, SVI, and VI were 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–2.9%), 1.0% (95% CI, 0.7–1.4%), and 6.4% (95% CI, 5.6%– 7.1%), respectively. The principal cause of blindness and SVI was cataract, accounting for 67.1% and 67.6% respectively, and the principal cause of VI was refractive error (46.9%). One hundred and fifty five out of 3484 (4.4%) people (211 eyes) had cataract surgery. Of the 211 eyes that had cataract surgery, 96.7% were pseudophakic. 67.2% of the 211 operated eyes had a presenting visual acuity (PVA) of 6/18 or better. Conclusions The prevalence of blindness, SVI, and VI was high among rural residents in Chaonan. Cataract remained the leading cause of avoidable blindness. Outcomes of cataract surgery performed in rural private clinics were suboptimal. Quality-control initiatives such as hands-on training program should be introduced to improve cataract surgery outcomes. PMID:28797099

Some Viable Techniques for Assessing and Counselling Cognitive Processing Weakness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haruna, Abubakar Sadiq

2016-01-01

Cognitive Processing weakness (CPW) is a psychological problem that impedes students' ability to learn effectively in a normal school setting. Such weakness may include; auditory, visual, conceptual, sequential, speed and attention processing. This paper therefore examines the basic assessment or diagnostic approaches such as Diagnosis by…

Screen Layout Design: Research into the Overall Appearance of the Screen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grabinger, R. Scott

1989-01-01

Examines the current state of research into the visual effects of screen designs used in computer-assisted instruction and suggests areas for future efforts. Topics discussed include technical elements and comprehensibility elements in layout design; single element and multiple element research methodologies; dependent variables; and learning…

On Transitions between Representations: The Role of Contextual Reasoning in Calculus Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zazkis, Dov

2016-01-01

This article argues for a shift in how researchers discuss and examine students' uses and understandings of multiple representations within a calculus context. An extension of Zazkis, Dubinsky, and Dautermann's (1996) visualization/analysis framework to include contextual reasoning is proposed. Several examples that detail transitions between…

49 CFR 180.217 - Requalification requirements for MEGCs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Requalification requirements for MEGCs. (a) Periodic inspections. Each MEGC must be given an initial visual...) The 5-year periodic inspection must include an external examination of the structure, the pressure... specified in Table 1 in § 180.207. (b) Exceptional inspection and test. If a MEGC shows evidence of damaged...

49 CFR 180.217 - Requalification requirements for MEGCs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Requalification requirements for MEGCs. (a) Periodic inspections. Each MEGC must be given an initial visual...) The 5-year periodic inspection must include an external examination of the structure, the pressure... specified in Table 1 in § 180.207. (b) Exceptional inspection and test. If a MEGC shows evidence of damaged...

49 CFR 180.217 - Requalification requirements for MEGCs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Requalification requirements for MEGCs. (a) Periodic inspections. Each MEGC must be given an initial visual...) The 5-year periodic inspection must include an external examination of the structure, the pressure... specified in Table 1 in § 180.207. (b) Exceptional inspection and test. If a MEGC shows evidence of damaged...

49 CFR 180.217 - Requalification requirements for MEGCs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Requalification requirements for MEGCs. (a) Periodic inspections. Each MEGC must be given an initial visual...) The 5-year periodic inspection must include an external examination of the structure, the pressure... specified in Table 1 in § 180.207. (b) Exceptional inspection and test. If a MEGC shows evidence of damaged...

49 CFR 180.217 - Requalification requirements for MEGCs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Requalification requirements for MEGCs. (a) Periodic inspections. Each MEGC must be given an initial visual...) The 5-year periodic inspection must include an external examination of the structure, the pressure... specified in Table 1 in § 180.207. (b) Exceptional inspection and test. If a MEGC shows evidence of damaged...

Temporal Order Processing in Adult Dyslexics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maxwell, David L.; And Others

This study investigated the premise that disordered temporal order perception in retarded readers can be seen in the serial processing of both nonverbal auditory and visual information, and examined whether such information processing deficits relate to level of reading ability. The adult subjects included 20 in the dyslexic group, 12 in the…

Bee visitation rates to cultivated sunflowers increase with the amount and accessibility of nectar sugars

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pollinators make foraging decisions based on numerous floral traits, including nectar and pollen rewards, and associated visual and olfactory cues. For insect-pollinated crops, identifying and breeding for attractive floral traits may increase yields. In this study, we examined floral trait variatio...

Detection of fecal contamination on beef meat surfaces using handheld fluorescence imaging device (HFID)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Current meat inspection in slaughter plants, for food safety and quality attributes including potential fecal contamination, is conducted through by visual examination human inspectors. A handheld fluorescence-based imaging device (HFID) was developed to be an assistive tool for human inspectors by ...

A Study of the Integration of Military Personnel into the Fort Gordon Occupational Health Program.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

manpower data should be readily available to determine resource requirements. The other limiting factors which could bear on the problem include both...physical examinations and appropriate eyeglasses are provided based on both visual and safety requirements. Hazard inven- tories in areas jointly worked by

Student Preferences for Online Lecture Formats: Does Prior Experience Matter?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drouin, Michelle; Hile, Rachel E.; Vartanian, Lesa R.; Webb, Janae

2013-01-01

We examined undergraduate students' quality ratings of and preferences for different types of online lecture formats. Students preferred richer online lecture formats that included both audio and visual components; however, there were no significant differences between students' ratings of PowerPoint lectures with "audio" of the…

An Analysis of Organizational Approaches to Online Course Structures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Cheng-Yuan; Dickerson, Jeremy; Winslow, Joe

2012-01-01

The structure of an online course, including the navigational interface, visual design of materials and information, as well as the communication tools to facilitate learning, can affect students, instructors, programs and educational organizations in various ways. This paper examines online course structural issues derived from previous research…

Body Awareness and Movement for Students with Multiple Disabilities Including Visual Impairments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DePountis, Vicki; Cady, Deborah; Hallak, Tracy

2013-01-01

This conference presentation examines concept development for congenitally blind students. It presents current research on best-practice for teaching this population. Examples of strategies to reinforce understanding of body concepts, spatial awareness, and positional language, while promoting mirroring, self regulation, and purposeful movement to…

Modeling the Round Earth through Diagrams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Padalkar, Shamin; Ramadas, Jayashree

2008-01-01

Earlier studies have found that students, including adults, have problems understanding the scientifically accepted model of the Sun-Earth-Moon system and explaining day-to-day astronomical phenomena based on it. We have been examining such problems in the context of recent research on visual-spatial reasoning. Working with middle school students…

Pathways in Interactive Media Practices among Youths

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van den Beemt, Antoine; Akkerman, Sanne; Simons, P. Robert-Jan

2010-01-01

This qualitative study examines how 11 Dutch students aged 14-15 develop an interest in specific types of interactive media practices and how they perceive these practices in relation to others. The methods included semi-structured interviewing, autodriving visual elicitation and photo elicitation using moodboards. Our results show the importance…

Decolonizing Education: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Post-Secondary Humanities Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harper, Kimberly C.

2012-01-01

This dissertation examines nine post-secondary humanities textbooks published between 2001 and 2011 using an approach that includes both qualitative and quantitative methodology to analyze the written and visual content of humanities textbooks. This dissertation engages in current debates that address bias in humanities textbooks and contributes…

Refractive errors in the adult pakistani population: the national blindness and visual impairment survey.

PubMed

Shah, Shaheen P; Jadoon, Mohammad Z; Dineen, Brendan; Bourne, Rupert R A; Johnson, Gordon J; Gilbert, Clare E; Khan, Mohammad D

2008-01-01

To determine the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and spectacle wear and to explore the need for spectacle correction in adults (30 years or older) in Pakistan. Multi-stage, cluster random sampling national survey. Each subject had their medical history taken, visual acuity measured, and underwent autorefraction, biometry and fundus examination. Those that presented with visual acuity of less than 6/12 in either eye underwent more detailed examination, including corrected distance visual acuity measurement (autorefraction results placed in a trial lens frame). Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of worse than -0.5D, hypermetropia as greater than +0.5D, and astigmatism as greater than 0.75D. Spectacle need (i.e., those that improved from unaided VA with spectacle correction) was determined along with the spectacle coverage, defined as the proportion of need that was met (by the participant's own spectacles). The crude prevalence of myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism was 36.5%, 27.1%, and 37%, respectively. The prevalence of spectacle wear in phakic participants was 4.0%, significantly lower than for those who were pseudo/aphakic (41.7%). Just over a quarter (25.8%) of spectacle wearers presenting with visual impairment (< 6/12) were able to improve their vision when retested with their autorefraction prescription. The overall spectacle coverage (6/12 cutoff) was 15.1%. This survey provides the first reliable national estimates. RE services are not covering the majority of the population in need and the provision of spectacle correction, as a highly cost effective treatment for visual impairment, needs addressing within the country's national eye care program.

Cost effectiveness analysis of a visual screening program for primary school children in Thailand.

PubMed

Tengtrisorn, Supaporn; Sangsupawanitch, Pasuree; Chansawang, Wannee

2009-08-01

To analyze the cost-effectiveness of a visual screening program for primary school children in southern Thailand. The visual acuity of 1900 primary school children from 11 schools in southern Thailand was assessed using the Snellen chart, Hirschberg test, an eye examination by penlight, and observation of the red reflex by direct ophthalmoscope, between April 2006 and March 2007. Children with visual acuity of < 20/40 or an abnormal observation in either eye were referred for further eye examination and refraction measurement, at which time they were categorized, according to the severity of the eye condition(s). A cost analysis was then performed for various severity-of-condition groupings. One hundred sixty eight children (8.8%) were found with referable problems, of which 122 parents signed a consent formforfurther testing. The mean age was 8.7 years (range 6-12 years). One hundred seven of the 122 subjects (87.7%) were considered to have a refractive error with or without one or more other eye conditions. The mean direct cost for visual screening by the assistant researcher, not including project management and traveling expenses, was 14.9 Baht per student (approximately 0.5 USD, 0.3 Euro). For nationwide implementation, the per head expenditure for children with treatable problems would be 1018.4 Baht if children with mild, moderate and severe abnormal eye conditions were targeted, and increased to 2270.1 Baht if only children with moderate and severe conditions were targeted The results of the present study indicate that this visual screening program is efficient and useful for preliminary school children in Thailand.

Using RSVP for analyzing state and previous activities for the Mars Exploration Rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, Brian K.; Hartman, Frank; Maxwell, Scott; Wright, John; Yen, Jeng

2004-01-01

Current developments in immersive environments for mission planning include several tools which make up a system for performing and rehearsing missions. This system, known as the Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP), includes tools for planning long range sorties for highly autonomous rovers, tools for planning operations with robotic arms, and advanced tools for visualizing telemetry from remote spacecraft and landers. One of the keys to successful planning of rover activities is knowing what the rover has accomplished to date and understanding the current rover state. RSVP builds on the lessons learned and the heritage of the Mars Pathfinder mission This paper will discuss the tools and methodologies present in the RSVP suite for examining rover state, reviewing previous activities, visually comparing telemetered results to rehearsed results, and reviewing science and engineering imagery. In addition we will present how this tool suite was used on the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) project to explore the surface of Mars.

Clues from hands/Part 2. Personal details about patients revealed by hand examination.

PubMed

Schilli, Karen Danielle; Stricklin, Sherea Monica; Payne, Katie Sue; Rader, Ryan Kent; Stoecker, William V

2014-01-01

This is the second part of a two-part article on personal details revealed by hand examination. Examining hands to determine daily activities was the focus of Part 1 in the July/August 2014 Missouri Medicine. Personal traits and preferences, including pets, nutrition and psychology are presented here. These articles serve as a guide for visual clues on the hands to discern a patient's daily activities and personal preference, thereby providing social information that may help establish rapport between patient and physician and may have medical significance.

Achondroplasia and Macular Coloboma.

PubMed

Ahoor, M H; Amizadeh, Y; Sorkhabi, R

2015-01-01

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant congenital disorder of enchondral ossification. It is clinically characterized by low stature, craniofacial deformity, and vertebral malformation. Associated ophthalmic features include telecanthus, exotropia, angle anomalies, and cone-rod dystrophy. A 24-year-old male presented with decreased vision bilaterally and typical achondroplasia. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/70 in both eyes. Anterior segment examination was normal. Fundus examination revealed a well-demarcated circular paramacular lesion in both eyes. As macular coloboma and achondroplasia are developmental disorders, the funduscopic examination is required in patients with achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia and Macular Coloboma

PubMed Central

Ahoor, M. H.; Amizadeh, Y.; Sorkhabi, R.

2015-01-01

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant congenital disorder of enchondral ossification. It is clinically characterized by low stature, craniofacial deformity, and vertebral malformation. Associated ophthalmic features include telecanthus, exotropia, angle anomalies, and cone-rod dystrophy. A 24-year-old male presented with decreased vision bilaterally and typical achondroplasia. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/70 in both eyes. Anterior segment examination was normal. Fundus examination revealed a well-demarcated circular paramacular lesion in both eyes. As macular coloboma and achondroplasia are developmental disorders, the funduscopic examination is required in patients with achondroplasia. PMID:26692730

Visualizing topography: Effects of presentation strategy, gender, and spatial ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAuliffe, Carla

2003-10-01

This study investigated the effect of different presentation strategies (2-D static visuals, 3-D animated visuals, and 3-D interactive, animated visuals) and gender on achievement, time-spent-on visual treatment, and attitude during a computer-based science lesson about reading and interpreting topographic maps. The study also examined the relationship of spatial ability and prior knowledge to gender, achievement, and time-spent-on visual treatment. Students enrolled in high school chemistry-physics were pretested and given two spatial ability tests. They were blocked by gender and randomly assigned to one of three levels of presentation strategy or the control group. After controlling for the effects of spatial ability and prior knowledge with analysis of covariance, three significant differences were found between the versions: (a) the 2-D static treatment group scored significantly higher on the posttest than the control group; (b) the 3-D animated treatment group scored significantly higher on the posttest than the control group; and (c) the 2-D static treatment group scored significantly higher on the posttest than the 3-D interactive animated treatment group. Furthermore, the 3-D interactive animated treatment group spent significantly more time on the visual screens than the 2-D static treatment group. Analyses of student attitudes revealed that most students felt the landform visuals in the computer-based program helped them learn, but not in a way they would describe as fun. Significant differences in attitude were found by treatment and by gender. In contrast to findings from other studies, no gender differences were found on either of the two spatial tests given in this study. Cognitive load, cognitive involvement, and solution strategy are offered as three key factors that may help explain the results of this study. Implications for instructional design include suggestions about the use of 2-D static, 3-D animated and 3-D interactive animations as well as a recommendation about the inclusion of pretests in similar instructional programs. Areas for future research include investigating the effects of combinations of presentation strategies, continuing to examine the role of spatial ability in science achievement, and gaining cognitive insights about what it is that students do when learning to read and interpret topographic maps.

[Outcome of cataract surgery in patients with pigmentary retinal degeneration].

PubMed

Grześk, Magdalena; Kałuzny, Józef; Malukiewicz-Wiśniewska, Grazyna

2007-01-01

To evaluate the results of cataract surgery in patients with RP because retinitis pigmentosa is one of the disease entities that belongs to tapeto-retinal degenerations. The occurrence of RP appearance is 1:4000 to 1:3000. Twenty patients with RP (7 women and 13 men, 33 eyes), who underwent cataract surgery were examined retrospectively. Average age in our group was 46.6 years. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slip lamp examination, fundus examination, cataract morphology, visual field were taken before surgery and on discharge, on the basis of medical documentation. Control examination was taken, on average, eighty one months after cataract surgery. Nine eyes were operated by phacoemulsification, 24 eyes by means of extracapsular cataract extraction. In the same way control group of 18 patients who underwent cataract surgery without RP (33 eyes) was examined. In RP group in 63.6% patients on discharge from the hospital and in 60.6% patients during the control examination, improvement of visual acuity was revealed. Deterioration was noted in 18.2% of patients on discharge from hospital and in 24.2% of patients during the control examination. In the control group improvement of visual acuity was revealed in 90.9% of patients on discharge and in 97% patients during the control examination, whereas deterioration of visual acuity occurred in 6.1% patients on discharge and in 3% patients during the check examination. In patients with retinitis pigmentosa cataract occurs earlier then in the control group. Cataract surgery for relatively minor opacities is beneficial in patients with RP, and causes improvement of visual acuity in most of eyes undergoing surgery.

The role of colour in signalling and male choice in the agamid lizard Ctenophorus ornatus.

PubMed Central

LeBas, N R; Marshall, N J

2000-01-01

Bright coloration and complex visual displays are frequent and well described in many lizard families. Reflectance spectrometry which extends into the ultraviolet (UV) allows measurement of such coloration independent of our visual system. We examined the role of colour in signalling and mate choice in the agamid lizard Ctenophorus ornatus. We found that throat reflectance strongly contrasted against the granite background of the lizards' habitat. The throat may act as a signal via the head-bobbing and push-up displays of C. ornatus. Dorsal coloration provided camouflage against the granite background, particularly in females. C. ornatus was sexually dichromatic for all traits examined including throat UV reflectance which is beyond human visual perception. Female throats were highly variable in spectral reflectance and males preferred females with higher throat chroma between 370 and 400 nm. However, female throat UV chroma is strongly correlated to both throat brightness and chest UV chroma and males may choose females on a combination of these colour variables. There was no evidence that female throat or chest coloration was an indicator of female quality. However, female brightness significantly predicted a female's laying date and, thus, may signal receptivity. One function of visual display in this species appears to be intersexual signalling, resulting in male choice of females. PMID:10737400

Visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials in infants with severe vitamin B12 deficiency.

PubMed

Demir, Nihat; Koç, Ahmet; Abuhandan, Mahmut; Calik, Mustafa; Işcan, Akin

2015-01-01

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the development of mental, motor, cognitive, and social functions via its role in DNA synthesis and nerve myelination. Its deficiency in infants might cause neuromotor retardation as well as megaloblastic anemia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of infantile vitamin B12 deficiency on evoked brain potentials and determine whether improvement could be obtained with vitamin B12 replacement at appropriate dosages. Thirty patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and 30 age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Hematological parameters, visual evoked potentials, and brainstem auditory evoked potentials tests were performed prior to treatment, 1 week after treatment, and 3 months after treatment. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were found to be prolonged in 16 (53.3%) and 15 (50%) patients, respectively. Statistically significant improvements in VEP and BAEP examinations were determined 3 months after treatment. Three months after treatment, VEP and BAEP examinations returned to normal in 81.3% and 53.3% of subjects with prolonged VEPs and BAEPs, respectively. These results demonstrate that vitamin B12 deficiency in infants causes significant impairment in the auditory and visual functioning tests of the brain, such as VEP and BAEP.

Prospective study of plasma homocysteine level and risk of age-related macular degeneration in women.

PubMed

Christen, William G; Cook, Nancy R; Ridker, Paul M; Buring, Julie E

2015-04-01

Prospective data to examine the association of homocysteine with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are limited. We examined the prospective relation of plasma homocysteine level and AMD in a large cohort of apparently healthy women. We evaluated the relationship between baseline levels of plasma homocysteine and incident AMD among 27,479 female health professionals aged 40 years or older. Main outcome measures were total AMD, defined as self-report documented by medical record evidence of an initial diagnosis after randomization, and visually significant AMD, defined as confirmed incident AMD with visual acuity 20/30 or worse attributable to this condition. During an average 10 years of follow-up, a total of 452 cases of AMD, including 182 cases of visually significant AMD, were documented. Women in the highest versus lowest quartile of plasma homocysteine had modestly, but statistically non-significant, increased risks of total AMD (hazard ratio, HR, 1.24, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.95-1.63; p for trend 0.07) and visually significant AMD (HR 1.41, 95% CI 0.92-2.17; p for trend 0.052) in age- and treatment-adjusted analyses. These prospective data from a large cohort of apparently healthy women do not support a strong role for homocysteine in AMD occurrence.

Visual Persuasion: A Comparison of Visuals in Academic Texts and the Popular Press.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Thomas

1998-01-01

Visual elements in articles in "Science" and "Newsweek" magazines are analyzed and compared using linguistic concepts of interpersonal, ideational, and textual meta-functions. Relationships between text and visual, between gloss and visual, and among the visuals themselves are examined. Visuals in academic text are mainly…

46 CFR 163.003-27 - Production tests and examination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Production tests and examination. 163.003-27 Section 163... examination. (a) General. Each ladder produced under Coast Guard approval must be tested in accordance with... for effective monitoring throughout the production schedule. (e) Visual examination. The visual...

From sense of place to visualization of place: examining people-place relationships for insight on developing geovisualizations.

PubMed

Newell, Robert; Canessa, Rosaline

2018-02-01

Effective resource planning incorporates people-place relationships, allowing these efforts to be inclusive of the different local beliefs, interests, activities and needs. 'Geovisualizations' can serve as potentially powerful tools for facilitating 'place-conscious' resource planning, as they can be developed with high degrees of realism and accuracy, allowing people to recognize and relate to them as 'real places'. However, little research has been done on this potential, and the place-based applications of these visual tools are poorly understood. This study takes steps toward addressing this gap by exploring the relationship between sense of place and 'visualization of place'. Residents of the Capital Regional District of BC, Canada, were surveyed about their relationship with local coastal places, concerns for the coast, and how they mentally visualize these places. Factor analysis identified four sense of place dimensions - nature protection values, community and economic well-being values, place identity and place dependence, and four coastal concerns dimensions - ecological, private opportunities, public space and boating impacts. Visualization data were coded and treated as dependent variables in a series of logistic regressions that used sense of place and coastal concerns dimensions as predictors. Results indicated that different aspects of sense of place and (to a lesser degree) concerns for places influence the types of elements people include in their mental visualization of place. In addition, sense of place influenced the position and perspective people assume in these visualizations. These findings suggest that key visual elements and perspectives speak to different place relationships, which has implications for developing and using geovisualizations in terms of what elements should be included in tools and (if appropriate) depicted as affected by potential management or development scenarios.

Visual Memory in Methamphetamine Dependent Individuals: Deficient Strategic Control of Encoding and Retrieval

PubMed Central

Morgan, Erin E.; Woods, Steven Paul; Poquette, Amelia J.; Vigil, Ofilio; Heaton, Robert K.; Grant, Igor

2012-01-01

Objective Chronic use of methamphetamine (MA) has moderate effects on neurocognitive functions associated with frontal systems, including the executive aspects of verbal episodic memory. Extending this literature, the current study examined the effects of MA on visual episodic memory with the hypothesis that a profile of deficient strategic encoding and retrieval processes would be revealed for visuospatial information (i.e., simple geometric designs), including possible differential effects on source versus item recall. Method The sample comprised 114 MA-dependent (MA+) and 110 demographically-matched MA-nondependent comparison participants (MA−) who completed the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test – Revised (BVMT-R), which was scored for standard learning and memory indices, as well as novel item (i.e., figure) and source (i.e., location) memory indices. Results Results revealed a profile of impaired immediate and delayed free recall (p < .05) in the context of preserved learning slope, retention, and recognition discriminability in the MA+ group. The MA+ group also performed more poorly than MA− participants on Item visual memory (p < .05) but not Source visual memory (p > .05), and no group by task-type interaction was observed (p > .05). Item visual memory demonstrated significant associations with executive dysfunction, deficits in working memory, and shorter length of abstinence from MA use (p < 0.05). Conclusions These visual memory findings are commensurate with studies reporting deficient strategic verbal encoding and retrieval in MA users that are posited to reflect the vulnerability of frontostriatal circuits to the neurotoxic effects of MA. Potential clinical implications of these visual memory deficits are discussed. PMID:22311530

Fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography in relation to visual function in Usher syndrome type 1 and 2.

PubMed

Fakin, Ana; Jarc-Vidmar, Martina; Glavač, Damjan; Bonnet, Crystel; Petit, Christine; Hawlina, Marko

2012-12-15

Purpose of this study was to characterize retinal disease in Usher syndrome using fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography. Study included 54 patients (26 male, 28 female) aged 7-70 years. There were 18 (33%) USH1 and 36 (67%) USH2 patients. 49/52 (94%) patients were found to carry at least one mutation in Usher genes. Ophthalmological examination included assessment of Snellen visual acuity, color vision with Ishihara tables, Goldmann visual fields (targets II/1-4 and V/4), microperimetry, fundus autofluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography. Average age at disease onset (nyctalopia) was significantly lower in USH1 than USH2 patients (average 9 vs. 17 years, respectively; p<0.01); however no significant differences were found regarding type of autofluorescence patterns, frequency of foveal lesions and CME, rate of disease progression and age at legal blindness. All representative eyes had abnormal fundus autofluorescence of either hyperautofluorescent ring (55%), hyperautofluorescent foveal patch (35%) or foveal atrophy (10%). Disease duration of more than 30 years was associated with a high incidence of abnormal central fundus autofluorescence (patch or atrophy) and visual acuity loss. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Familiarity increases the number of remembered Pokémon in visual short-term memory.

PubMed

Xie, Weizhen; Zhang, Weiwei

2017-05-01

Long-term memory (LTM) can influence many aspects of short-term memory (STM), including increased STM span. However, it is unclear whether LTM enhances the quantitative or qualitative aspect of STM. That is, do we retain a larger number of representations or more precise representations in STM for familiar stimuli than unfamiliar stimuli? This study took advantage of participants' prior rich multimedia experience with Pokémon, without investing on laboratory training to examine how prior LTM influenced visual STM. In a Pokémon visual STM change detection task, participants remembered more first-generation Pokémon characters that they were more familiar with than recent-generation Pokémon characters that they were less familiar with. No significant difference in memory quality was found when quantitative and qualitative effects of LTM were isolated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Critically, these effects were absent in participants who were unfamiliar with first-generation Pokémon. Furthermore, several alternative interpretations were ruled out, including general video-gaming experience, subjective Pokémon preference, and verbal encoding. Together, these results demonstrated a strong link between prior stimulus familiarity in LTM and visual STM storage capacity.

Examining postconcussion symptoms of dizziness and imbalance on neurocognitive performance in collegiate football players.

PubMed

Honaker, Julie A; Lester, Houston F; Patterson, Jessie N; Jones, Sherri M

2014-07-01

This study examined the effects of symptom reports of dizziness and imbalance on cognitive function in concussed collegiate football players. Retrospective, descriptive. University athletic medicine facility. Twenty-seven collegiate football players were included in the final analysis: 16 with symptoms of dizziness/imbalance resulting from concussion and 11 without dizziness/imbalance resulting from concussion. Participants completed the Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) at baseline, at 1 to 2 days postconcussion and 5 to 7 days postconcussion. The ImPACT neurocognitive assessment consists of 6 modules, yielding 4 composite scores: verbal memory, visual memory, visual-motor processing speed, and reaction time. In addition, it includes a postconcussion symptom scale total score. Results revealed that participants with reports of dizziness and imbalance had significantly lower scores on the ImPACT composite scores; however, these individuals also had an overall higher symptom inventory. When accounting for the additional postconcussion symptoms, time was the only significant effect. Dizziness and imbalance are common symptoms postconcussion; however, these symptoms did not predict performance on acute ImPACT scores. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms causing postconcussion symptoms, including symptoms of dizziness and imbalance, and influence on outcomes postconcussion.

Childhood blindness and visual loss: an assessment at two institutions including a "new" cause.

PubMed Central

Mets, M B

1999-01-01

PURPOSE: This study was initiated to investigate the causes of childhood blindness and visual impairment in the United States. We also sought a particular etiology--congenital lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)--which has been considered exceedingly rare, in a fixed target population of children, the severely mentally retarded. METHODS: We undertook a library-based study of the world literature to shed light on the causes of childhood blindness internationally and to put our data in context. We prospectively examined all consented children (159) at 2 institutions in the United States to determine their ocular status and the etiology of any visual loss present. One of the institutions is a school for the visually impaired (hereafter referred to as Location V), in which most of the students have normal mentation. The other is a home for severely mentally retarded, nonambulatory children (hereafter referred to as Location M). This institution was selected specifically to provide a sample of visual loss associated with severe retardation because the handful of cases of LCMV in the literature have been associated with severe central nervous system insults. Histories were obtained from records on site, and all children received a complete cyclopleged ophthalmic examination at their institution performed by the author. Patients at Location M with chorioretinal scars consistent with intrauterine infection (a possible sign of LCMV) had separate consents for blood drawing. Sera was obtained and sent for standard TORCHS titers, toxoplasmosis titers (Jack S. Remington, MD, Palo Alto, Calif), and ELISA testing for LCMV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga). RESULTS: The diagnoses at Location V were varied and included retinopathy of prematurity (19.4%), optic atrophy (19.4%), retinitis pigmentosa (14.5%), optic nerve hypoplasia (12.9%), cataracts (8.1%), foveal hypoplasia (8.1%), persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (4.8%), and microphthalmos (3.2%). The most common diagnosis at Location M was bilateral optic atrophy, which was found in 65% of the patients examined who had visual loss. Of these, the insults were most often congenital (42.6%), with birth trauma, prematurity, and genetics each responsible for about 15% of the optic atrophy. The second most common diagnosis was cortical visual impairment (24%), followed by chorioretinal scars (5%), which are strongly suggestive of intrauterine infection. Of 95 patients examined at Location M, 4 had chorioretinal scars. Two of these had dramatically elevated titers for LCMV, as did one of their mothers. One of the other 2 children died before serum could be drawn, and the fourth had negative titers for both TORCHS and LCMV. CONCLUSIONS: At both locations studied, visual loss was most often due to congenital insults, whether genetic or simply prenatal. The visual loss at Location V was twice as likely as that at Location M to be caused by a genetic disorder. The genetic disorders at Location V were more often isolated eye diseases, while those among the severely retarded at Location M were more generalized genetic disorders. Our study identified optic atrophy as a common diagnosis among the severely mentally retarded with vision loss, a finding that is supported by previous studies in other countries. In our population of severely retarded children, the target etiology of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was responsible for half the visual loss secondary to chorioretinitis from intrauterine infection. This is more common than would be predicted by the few cases previously described in the literature, and strongly suggests that LCMV may be a more common cause of visual loss than previously appreciated. We believe that serology for LCMV should be part of the workup for congenital chorioretinitis, especially if the TORCHS titers are negative, and that perhaps the mnemonic should be revised to "TORCHS + L." Childhood blindness and visual impairment are tragic and co Images FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 PMID:10703143

Living Liquid: Design and Evaluation of an Exploratory Visualization Tool for Museum Visitors.

PubMed

Ma, J; Liao, I; Ma, Kwan-Liu; Frazier, J

2012-12-01

Interactive visualizations can allow science museum visitors to explore new worlds by seeing and interacting with scientific data. However, designing interactive visualizations for informal learning environments, such as museums, presents several challenges. First, visualizations must engage visitors on a personal level. Second, visitors often lack the background to interpret visualizations of scientific data. Third, visitors have very limited time at individual exhibits in museums. This paper examines these design considerations through the iterative development and evaluation of an interactive exhibit as a visualization tool that gives museumgoers access to scientific data generated and used by researchers. The exhibit prototype, Living Liquid, encourages visitors to ask and answer their own questions while exploring the time-varying global distribution of simulated marine microbes using a touchscreen interface. Iterative development proceeded through three rounds of formative evaluations using think-aloud protocols and interviews, each round informing a key visualization design decision: (1) what to visualize to initiate inquiry, (2) how to link data at the microscopic scale to global patterns, and (3) how to include additional data that allows visitors to pursue their own questions. Data from visitor evaluations suggests that, when designing visualizations for public audiences, one should (1) avoid distracting visitors from data that they should explore, (2) incorporate background information into the visualization, (3) favor understandability over scientific accuracy, and (4) layer data accessibility to structure inquiry. Lessons learned from this case study add to our growing understanding of how to use visualizations to actively engage learners with scientific data.

Vision loss among diabetics in a group model Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

PubMed

Fong, Donald S; Sharza, Mohktar; Chen, Wansu; Paschal, John F; Ariyasu, Reginald G; Lee, Paul P

2002-02-01

To report the management of diabetic retinopathy in one group model health maintenance organization and assess the quality of care. Cross-sectional study. A chart review of 1200 randomly identified patients with diabetes mellitus, continuously enrolled for 3 years in Kaiser Permanente (KP) Southern California, the largest provider of managed care in Southern California, was performed. A total of 1047 patients were included in the analyses. Patient characteristics as well as information from the last eye examination were abstracted. Charts from patients with visual acuity less than 20/200 in their better eye (legal blindness) were selected for extensive chart review to determine the cause of visual loss and the antecedent process of care. T tests or the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare continuous variables. The chi(2) test or the Fisher exact test was used to compare categorical variables. All analyses were performed on the Statistical Analyses System (SAS Institute, North Carolina). Our study population of 1047 diabetic patients was 51.7% male, had a mean age of 60.4 years, a mean duration of diabetes of 9.6 years, and a mean hemoglobin A1c of 8.3%. During the study period, 77.5% of patients received a screening eye examination with examination by an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, or review of a retinal photograph. Of those with a visual acuity assessment (n = 687, 65.6% of 1047), 1.5% had visual acuity of 20/200 or worse (legally blind) in the better eye, while 8.2% had this level of visual acuity in the worse eye. Of eyes with new onset clinically significant macular edema and visual acuity < 20/40, 40% had documentation of focal laser performed within 1 month of diagnosis. Of eyes with vitreous hemorrhage and visual acuity < 20/40, 50% had documentation of vitrectomy. Among eyes that had vitrectomy, over 80% had this procedure within 1 year of diagnosis of vitreous hemorrhage. The current report is the largest study of diabetic retinopathy outcomes among patients enrolled in a prepaid health plan. Further research is necessary to investigate the impact of managed care on health outcomes.

Distraction Effects of Smoking Cues in Antismoking Messages: Examining Resource Allocation to Message Processing as a Function of Smoking Cues and Argument Strength

PubMed Central

Lee, Sungkyoung; Cappella, Joseph N.

2014-01-01

Findings from previous studies on smoking cues and argument strength in antismoking messages have shown that the presence of smoking cues undermines the persuasiveness of antismoking public service announcements (PSAs) with weak arguments. This study conceptualized smoking cues (i.e., scenes showing smoking-related objects and behaviors) as stimuli motivationally relevant to the former smoker population and examined how smoking cues influence former smokers’ processing of antismoking PSAs. Specifically, by defining smoking cues and the strength of antismoking arguments in terms of resource allocation, this study examined former smokers’ recognition accuracy, memory strength, and memory judgment of visual (i.e., scenes excluding smoking cues) and audio information from antismoking PSAs. In line with previous findings, the results of the study showed that the presence of smoking cues undermined former smokers’ encoding of antismoking arguments, which includes the visual and audio information that compose the main content of antismoking messages. PMID:25477766

Visual field examination method using virtual reality glasses compared with the Humphrey perimeter.

PubMed

Tsapakis, Stylianos; Papaconstantinou, Dimitrios; Diagourtas, Andreas; Droutsas, Konstantinos; Andreanos, Konstantinos; Moschos, Marilita M; Brouzas, Dimitrios

2017-01-01

To present a visual field examination method using virtual reality glasses and evaluate the reliability of the method by comparing the results with those of the Humphrey perimeter. Virtual reality glasses, a smartphone with a 6 inch display, and software that implements a fast-threshold 3 dB step staircase algorithm for the central 24° of visual field (52 points) were used to test 20 eyes of 10 patients, who were tested in a random and consecutive order as they appeared in our glaucoma department. The results were compared with those obtained from the same patients using the Humphrey perimeter. High correlation coefficient ( r =0.808, P <0.0001) was found between the virtual reality visual field test and the Humphrey perimeter visual field. Visual field examination results using virtual reality glasses have a high correlation with the Humphrey perimeter allowing the method to be suitable for probable clinical use.

Classic Peripheral Signs of Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis

PubMed Central

Chong, Yooyoung; Han, Sung Joon; Rhee, Youn Ju; Kang, Shin Kwang; Yu, Jae Hyeon; Na, Myung Hoon

2016-01-01

A 50-year-old female patient with visual disturbances was referred for further evaluation of a heart murmur. Fundoscopy revealed a Roth spot in both eyes. A physical examination showed peripheral signs of infective endocarditis, including Osler nodes, Janeway lesions, and splinter hemorrhages. Our preoperative diagnosis was subacute bacterial endocarditis with severe aortic regurgitation. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement and was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks postoperatively. The patient made a remarkable recovery and was discharged without complications. We report this case of subacute endocarditis with all 4 classic peripheral signs in a patient who presented with visual disturbance. PMID:27734006

A rare type of Usher's syndrome.

PubMed

Antunica, Antonela Gverović; Kastelan, Snjezana; Bućan, Kajo; Ivanković, Mira; Radman, Maja; Karaman, Ksenija

2013-12-01

A case is presented of a very rare type of Usher's syndrome detected in a 30-year-old woman in her 28th week of pregnancy. She reported left eye visual impairment with a one-month history. She underwent standard ophthalmologic examination with additional procedures scheduled after childbirth, including fluorescein angiography, visual field (Goldman and Octopus) and electroretinography. Fundus examination revealed pallor of the optic disk, diffuse retinal blood vessel narrowing, no retinal pigmentation, left macular edema, vitreous liquefaction, and posterior vitreous detachment. Goldman perimetry showed narrowing of all isopters to 10 degrees, and Octopus perimetry showed peripheral decrease of retinal sensitivity. Electroretinography confirmed the diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa sine pigmento. Upon collecting case history records, hearing disorders originating from childhood were discovered. To our knowledge, this type of retinitis in Usher's syndrome has been reported only once in the available literature.

The influence of selective attention to auditory and visual speech on the integration of audiovisual speech information.

PubMed

Buchan, Julie N; Munhall, Kevin G

2011-01-01

Conflicting visual speech information can influence the perception of acoustic speech, causing an illusory percept of a sound not present in the actual acoustic speech (the McGurk effect). We examined whether participants can voluntarily selectively attend to either the auditory or visual modality by instructing participants to pay attention to the information in one modality and to ignore competing information from the other modality. We also examined how performance under these instructions was affected by weakening the influence of the visual information by manipulating the temporal offset between the audio and video channels (experiment 1), and the spatial frequency information present in the video (experiment 2). Gaze behaviour was also monitored to examine whether attentional instructions influenced the gathering of visual information. While task instructions did have an influence on the observed integration of auditory and visual speech information, participants were unable to completely ignore conflicting information, particularly information from the visual stream. Manipulating temporal offset had a more pronounced interaction with task instructions than manipulating the amount of visual information. Participants' gaze behaviour suggests that the attended modality influences the gathering of visual information in audiovisual speech perception.

Visual functions in amblyopia as determinants of response to treatment.

PubMed

Singh, Vinita; Agrawal, Siddharth

2013-01-01

To describe the visual functions in amblyopia as determinants of response to treatment. Sixty-nine patients with unilateral and bilateral amblyopia (114 amblyopic eyes) 3 to 15 years old (mean age: 8.80 ± 2.9 years), 40 males (58%) and 29 females (42%), were included in this study. All patients were treated by conventional occlusion 6 hours per day for mild to moderate amblyopia (visual acuity 0.70 or better) and full-time for 4 weeks followed by 6 hours per day for severe amblyopia (visual acuity 0.8 or worse). During occlusion, near activities requiring hand-eye coordination were advised. The follow-up examination was done at 3 and 6 months. Improvement in visual acuity was evaluated on the logMAR chart and correlated with the visual functions. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon rank sum test (Mann-Whitney U test) and Kruskal-Wallis analysis. There was a statistically significant association of poor contrast sensitivity with the grade of amblyopia (P < .001). The grade of amblyopia (P < .01), accommodation (P < .01), stereopsis (P = .01), and mesopic visual acuity (P < .03) were found to have a correlation with response to amblyopia therapy. The grade of amblyopia (initial visual acuity) and accommodation are strong determinants of response to amblyopia therapy, whereas stereopsis and mesopic visual acuity have some value as determinants. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Visual Impairment Screening at the Geriatric Frailty Clinic for Assessment of Frailty and Prevention of Disability at the Gérontopôle.

PubMed

Soler, V; Sourdet, S; Balardy, L; Abellan van Kan, G; Brechemier, D; Rougé-Bugat, M E; Tavassoli, N; Cassagne, M; Malecaze, F; Nourhashémi, F; Vellas, B

2016-01-01

To evaluate visual performance and factors associated with abnormal vision in patients screened for frailty at the Geriatric Frailty Clinic (GFC) for Assessment of Frailty and Prevention of Disability at Toulouse University Hospital. Retrospective, observational cross-sectional, single-centre study. Institutional practice. Patients were screened for frailty during a single-day hospital stay between October 2011 and October 2014 (n = 1648). Collected medical records included sociodemographic data (including living environment and educational level), anthropometric data, and clinical data. The general evaluation included the patient's functional status using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale and the Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognition testing, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for physical performance. We also examined Body Mass Index (BMI), the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening (HHIE-S) tool. The ophthalmologic evaluation included assessing visual acuity using the Snellen decimal chart for distant vision, and the Parinaud chart for near vision. Patients were divided into groups based on normal distant/near vision (NDV and NNV groups) and abnormal distant/near vision (ADV and ANV groups). Abnormal distant or near vision was defined as visual acuity inferior to 20/40 or superior to a Parinaud score of 2, in at least one eye. Associations with frailty-associated factors were evaluated in both groups. The mean age of the population was 82.6 ± 6.2 years. The gender distribution was 1,061 females (64.4%) and 587 males (35.6%). According to the Fried criteria, 619 patients (41.1%) were pre-frail and 771 (51.1%) were frail. Distant and near vision data were available for 1425 and 1426 patients, respectively. Distant vision was abnormal for 437 patients (30.7%). Near vision was abnormal for 199 patients (14%). Multiple regression analysis showed that abnormal distant vision as well as abnormal near vision were independently associated with greater age (P < 0.01), lower educational level (P < 0.05), lower performance on the MMSE (P < 0.001), and lower autonomy (P < 0.02), after controlling for age, gender, educational level, Fried criteria, and MMSE score. The high prevalence of visual disorders observed in the study population and their association with lower autonomy and cognitive impairment emphasises the need for systematic screening of visual impairments in the elderly. Frailty was not found to be independently associated with abnormal vision.

Examining Practice in Secondary Visual Arts Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitchell, Donna Mathewson

2015-01-01

Teaching in secondary visual arts classrooms is complex and challenging work. While it is implicated in much research, the complexity of the lived experience of secondary visual arts teaching has rarely been the subject of sustained and synthesized research. In this paper, the potential of practice as a concept to examine and represent secondary…

Visual Working Memory Capacity for Objects from Different Categories: A Face-Specific Maintenance Effect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wong, Jason H.; Peterson, Matthew S.; Thompson, James C.

2008-01-01

The capacity of visual working memory was examined when complex objects from different categories were remembered. Previous studies have not examined how visual similarity affects object memory, though it has long been known that similar-sounding phonological information interferes with rehearsal in auditory working memory. Here, experiments…

Characterization of Metals Melting Discs: Skylab Experiment M551

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monroe, R. E.

1973-01-01

Information developed to characterize flight and ground based samples from the metals melting experiment is detailed in this report. Included are the characteristics determined by nondestructive examination, visual observation, metallographic examination and posttest measurements. Comparisons of the flight and ground based discs showed that an electron beam heat source can be used successfully in zero gravity for cutting, welding, or melting. Few differences were observed that could be attributed to the absence of gravity in these operations.

Perceptual and Physiological Responses to Jackson Pollock's Fractals

PubMed Central

Taylor, Richard P.; Spehar, Branka; Van Donkelaar, Paul; Hagerhall, Caroline M.

2011-01-01

Fractals have been very successful in quantifying the visual complexity exhibited by many natural patterns, and have captured the imagination of scientists and artists alike. Our research has shown that the poured patterns of the American abstract painter Jackson Pollock are also fractal. This discovery raises an intriguing possibility – are the visual characteristics of fractals responsible for the long-term appeal of Pollock's work? To address this question, we have conducted 10 years of scientific investigation of human response to fractals and here we present, for the first time, a review of this research that examines the inter-relationship between the various results. The investigations include eye tracking, visual preference, skin conductance, and EEG measurement techniques. We discuss the artistic implications of the positive perceptual and physiological responses to fractal patterns. PMID:21734876

Visual attention mitigates information loss in small- and large-scale neural codes

PubMed Central

Sprague, Thomas C; Saproo, Sameer; Serences, John T

2015-01-01

Summary The visual system transforms complex inputs into robust and parsimonious neural codes that efficiently guide behavior. Because neural communication is stochastic, the amount of encoded visual information necessarily decreases with each synapse. This constraint requires processing sensory signals in a manner that protects information about relevant stimuli from degradation. Such selective processing – or selective attention – is implemented via several mechanisms, including neural gain and changes in tuning properties. However, examining each of these effects in isolation obscures their joint impact on the fidelity of stimulus feature representations by large-scale population codes. Instead, large-scale activity patterns can be used to reconstruct representations of relevant and irrelevant stimuli, providing a holistic understanding about how neuron-level modulations collectively impact stimulus encoding. PMID:25769502

Infants’ Early Visual Attention and Social Engagement as Developmental Precursors to Joint Attention

PubMed Central

Salley, Brenda; Sheinkopf, Stephen J.; Neal-Beevers, A. Rebecca; Tenenbaum, Elena J.; Miller-Loncar, Cynthia L.; Tronick, Ed; Lagasse, Linda L.; Shankaran, Seetha; Bada, Henrietta; Bauer, Charles; Whitaker, Toni; Hammond, Jane; Lester, Barry M.

2016-01-01

This study examined infants’ early visual attention (at 1 month of age) and social engagement (4 months) as predictors of their later joint attention (12 and 18 months). The sample (n=325), drawn from the Maternal Lifestyle Study, a longitudinal multicenter project conducted at four centers of the NICHD Neonatal Research Network, included high-risk (cocaine exposed) and matched non-cocaine exposed infants. Hierarchical regressions revealed that infants’ attention orienting at 1 month significantly predicted more frequent initiating joint attention at 12 (but not 18) months of age. Social engagement at 4 months predicted initiating joint attention at 18 months. Results provide the first empirical evidence for the role of visual attention and social engagement behaviors as developmental precursors for later joint attention outcome. PMID:27786527

Association and comparison between visual inspection and bitewing radiography for the detection of recurrent dental caries under restorations.

PubMed

Lino, José R; Ramos-Jorge, Joana; Coelho, Valéria Silveira; Ramos-Jorge, Maria L; Moysés, Marcos R; Ribeiro, José C R

2015-08-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate, in posterior teeth, the association between the characteristics of the margins of a restoration visually inspected and the presence, under restorations, of recurrent or residual dental caries detected by radiographic examination. Furthermore, the agreement between visual inspection and radiographs to detect dental caries was assessed. Eighty-five permanent molars and premolars with resin restorations on the interproximal and/or occlusal faces, from 18 patients, were submitted for visual inspection and radiographic examination. The visual inspection involved the criteria of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Bitewing radiographs were used for the radiographic examination. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between the characteristics of the margins of a restoration assessed by visual inspection (absence of dental caries, or early, established, inactive and active lesions) and the presence of recurrent caries detected by radiographs. Kappa coefficients were calculated for determining agreement between the two methods. The Kappa coefficient for agreement between visual inspection and radiographic examination was 0.19. Established lesions [odds ratio (OR) = 9.89; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.94-33.25; P < 0.05] and lesion activity (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 0.91-7.27; P < 0.05) detected by visual inspection, were associated with recurrent or residual dental caries detected by radiographs. Restorations with established and active lesions at the margins had a greater chance of exhibiting recurrent or residual lesions in the radiographic examination. The present findings demonstrate that restorations with established and active lesions at the margins when visually inspected often require removal and retreatment. © 2015 FDI World Dental Federation.

Clinical characteristics of children with severe visual impairment but favorable retinal structural outcomes from the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) study.

PubMed

Siatkowski, R Michael; Good, William V; Summers, C Gail; Quinn, Graham E; Tung, Betty

2013-04-01

To describe visual function and associated characteristics at the 6-year examination in children enrolled in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Study who had unfavorable visual outcomes despite favorable structural outcomes in one or both eyes. The clinical examination records of children completing the 6-year follow-up examination were retrospectively reviewed. Eligible subjects were those with visual acuity of ≤20/200 in each eye (where recordable) and a normal fundus or straightening of the temporal retinal vessels with or without macular ectopia in at least one eye. Data regarding visual function, retinal structure, presence of nystagmus, optic atrophy, optic disk cupping, seizures/shunts, and Functional Independence Measure for Children (ie, WeeFIM: pediatric functional independence measure) developmental test scores were reviewed. Of 342 participants who completed the 6-year examination, 39 (11%) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 29 (74%) had normal retinal structure, 18 (46%) had optic atrophy, and 3 (8%) had increased cupping of the optic disk in at least one eye. Latent and/or manifest nystagmus occurred in 30 children (77%). The presence of nystagmus was not related to the presence of optic atrophy. Of the 39 children, 28 (72%) had a below-normal WeeFIM score. In 25 participants (7%) completing the 6-year examination, cortical visual impairment was considered the primary cause of visual loss. The remainder likely had components of both anterior and posterior visual pathway disease. Clinical synthesis of ocular anatomy and visual and neurologic function is required to determine the etiology of poor vision in these children. Copyright © 2013 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Health Literacy Demand of Printed Lifestyle Patient Information Materials Aimed at People With Chronic Kidney Disease: Are Materials Easy to Understand and Act On and Do They Use Meaningful Visual Aids?

PubMed

Morony, Suzanne; McCaffery, Kirsten J; Kirkendall, Suzanne; Jansen, Jesse; Webster, Angela C

2017-02-01

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need usable information on how to live well and slow disease progression. This information is complex, difficult to communicate, and changes during the course of the disease. We examined lifestyle-related printed CKD patient education materials focusing on actionability and visual aids. From a previous systematic review assessing readability of CKD patient information, we identified materials targeting nutrition, exercise, and self-management. We applied the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) to evaluate how easy materials were to understand (understandability) and act on (actionability). We created the 5C image checklist and systematically examined all visual aids for clarity, contribution, contradiction, and caption. Of the 26 materials included, one fifth (n = 5, 19%) were rated "not suitable" on SAM and fewer than half (n = 11, 42%) were rated "superior." PEMAT mean subdomain scores were suboptimal for actionability (52) and visuals (37). Overall, more than half of all 223 graphics (n = 127, 57%) contributed no meaning to the text. Images in three documents (12%) directly contradicted messaging in the text. CKD lifestyle information materials require focused improvements in both actionability of advice given and use of visual aids to support people with CKD to self-manage their condition. The fifth C is culture and is best evaluated by user-testing.

PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF VISUAL ACUITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN STANDARD EARLY TREATMENT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY STUDY CHART AND A HANDHELD EQUIVALENT IN EYES WITH RETINAL PATHOLOGY.

PubMed

Rahimy, Ehsan; Reddy, Sahitya; DeCroos, Francis Char; Khan, M Ali; Boyer, David S; Gupta, Omesh P; Regillo, Carl D; Haller, Julia A

2015-08-01

To evaluate the visual acuity agreement between a standard back-illuminated Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart and a handheld internally illuminated ETDRS chart. Two-center prospective study. Seventy patients (134 eyes) with retinal pathology were enrolled between October 2012 and August 2013. Visual acuity was measured using both the ETDRS chart and the handheld device by masked independent examiners after best protocol refraction. Examination was performed in the same room under identical illumination and testing conditions. The mean number of letters seen was 63.0 (standard deviation: 19.8 letters) and 61.2 letters (standard deviation: 19.1 letters) for the ETDRS chart and handheld device, respectively. Mean difference per eye between the ETDRS and handheld device was 1.8 letters. A correlation coefficient (r) of 0.95 demonstrated a positive linear correlation between ETDRS chart and handheld device measured acuities. Intraclass correlation coefficient was performed to assess the reproducibility of the measurements made by different observers measuring the same quantity and was calculated to be 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.96). Agreement was independent of retinal disease. The strong correlation between measured visual acuity using the ETDRS and handheld equivalent suggests that they may be used interchangeably, with accurate measurements. Potential benefits of this device include convenience and portability, as well as the ability to assess ETDRS visual acuity without a dedicated testing lane.

Organization of area hV5/MT+ in subjects with homonymous visual field defects.

PubMed

Papanikolaou, Amalia; Keliris, Georgios A; Papageorgiou, T Dorina; Schiefer, Ulrich; Logothetis, Nikos K; Smirnakis, Stelios M

2018-04-06

Damage to the primary visual cortex (V1) leads to a visual field loss (scotoma) in the retinotopically corresponding part of the visual field. Nonetheless, a small amount of residual visual sensitivity persists within the blind field. This residual capacity has been linked to activity observed in the middle temporal area complex (V5/MT+). However, it remains unknown whether the organization of hV5/MT+ changes following early visual cortical lesions. We studied the organization of area hV5/MT+ of five patients with dense homonymous defects in a quadrant of the visual field as a result of partial V1+ or optic radiation lesions. To do so, we developed a new method, which models the boundaries of population receptive fields directly from the BOLD signal of each voxel in the visual cortex. We found responses in hV5/MT+ arising inside the scotoma for all patients and identified two possible sources of activation: 1) responses might originate from partially lesioned parts of area V1 corresponding to the scotoma, and 2) responses can also originate independent of area V1 input suggesting the existence of functional V1-bypassing pathways. Apparently, visually driven activity observed in hV5/MT+ is not sufficient to mediate conscious vision. More surprisingly, visually driven activity in corresponding regions of V1 and early extrastriate areas including hV5/MT+ did not guarantee visual perception in the group of patients with post-geniculate lesions that we examined. This suggests that the fine coordination of visual activity patterns across visual areas may be an important determinant of whether visual perception persists following visual cortical lesions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of blindness and diabetic retinopathy in northern Jordan.

PubMed

Rabiu, Mansur M; Al Bdour, Muawyah D; Abu Ameerh, Mohammed A; Jadoon, Muhammed Z

2015-01-01

To estimate the prevalence of blindness, visual impairment, diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy in north Jordan (Irbid) using the rapid assessment of avoidable blindness and diabetic retinopathy methodology. A multistage cluster random sampling technique was used to select participants for this survey. A total of 108 clusters were selected using probability proportional to size method while subjects within the clusters were selected using compact segment method. Survey teams moved from house to house in selected segments examining residents 50 years and older until 35 participants were recruited. All eligible people underwent a standardized examination protocol, which included ophthalmic examination and random blood sugar test using digital glucometers (Accu-Chek) in their homes. Diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients was assessed through dilated fundus examination. A total of 3638 out of the 3780 eligible participants were examined. Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness, severe visual impairment, and visual impairment with available correction were 1.33% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-1.73), 1.82% (95% CI 1.35-2.25), and 9.49% (95% CI 8.26-10.74), respectively, all higher in women. Untreated cataract and diabetic retinopathy were the major causes of blindness, accounting for 46.7% and 33.2% of total blindness cases, respectively. Glaucoma was the third major cause, accounting for 8.9% of cases. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 28.6% (95% CI 26.9-30.3) among the study population and higher in women. The prevalence of any retinopathy among diabetic patients was 48.4%. Cataract and diabetic retinopathy are the 2 major causes of blindness and visual impairment in northern Jordan. For both conditions, women are primarily affected, suggesting possible limitations to access to services. A diabetic retinopathy screening program needs to proactively create sex-sensitive awareness and provide easily accessible screening services with prompt treatment.

Hemisphere division and its effect on selective attention: a generality examination of Lavie's load theory.

PubMed

Nishimura, Ritsuko; Yoshizaki, Kazuhito; Kato, Kimiko; Hatta, Takeshi

2009-01-01

The present study examined the role of visual presentation mode (unilateral vs. bilateral visual fields) on attentional modulation. We examined whether or not the presentation mode affects the compatibility effect, using a paradigm involving two task-relevant letter arrays. Sixteen participants identified a target letter among task-relevant letters while ignoring either a compatible or incompatible distracter letter that was presented to both hemispheres. Two letters arrays were presented to visual fields, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Results indicated that the compatibility effect was greater in bilateral than in unilateral visual field conditions. Findings support the assumption that the two hemispheres have separate attentional resources.

Reproducibility of visual acuity assessment in normal and low visual acuity.

PubMed

Becker, Ralph; Teichler, Gunnar; Gräf, Michael

2007-01-01

To assess the reproducibility of measurements of visual acuity in both the upper and lower range of visual acuity. The retroilluminated ETDRS 1 and ETDRS 2 charts (Precision Vision) were used for measurement of visual acuity. Both charts use the same letters. The sequence of the charts followed a pseudorandomized protocol. The examination distance was 4.0 m. When the visual acuity was below 0.16 or 0.03, then the examination distance was reduced to 1 m or 0.4 m, respectively, using an appropriate near correction. Visual acuity measurements obtained during the same session with both charts were compared. A total of 100 patients (age 8-90 years; median 60.5) with various eye disorders, including 39 with amblyopia due to strabismus, were tested in addition to 13 healthy volunteers (age 18-33 years; median 24). At least 3 out of 5 optotypes per line had to be correctly identified to pass this line. Wrong answers were monitored. The interpolated logMAR score was calculated. In the patients, the eye with the lower visual acuity was assessed, and for the healthy subjects the right eye. Differences between ETDRS 1 and ETDRS 2-acuity were compared. The mean logMAR values for ETDRS 1 and ETDRS 2 were -0.17 and -0.14 in the healthy eyes and 0.55 and 0.57 in the entire group. The absolute difference between ETDRS 1 and ETDRS 2 was (mean +/- standard deviation) 0.051 +/- 0.04 for the healthy eyes and 0.063 +/- 0.05 in the entire group. In the acuity range below 0.1 (logMAR > 1.0), the absolute difference (mean +/- standard deviation) between ETDRS 1 and ETDRS 2 of 0.072 +/- 0.04 did not significantly exceed the mean absolute difference in healthy eyes (p = 0.17). Regression analysis (|ETDRS 1 - ETDRS 2| vs. ETDRS 1) showed a slight increase of the difference between the two values with lower visual acuity (p = 0.0505; r = 0.18). Assuming correct measurement, the reproducibilty of visual acuity measurements in the lower acuity range is not significantly worse than in normals.

Human Factor and Usability Testing of a Binocular Optical Coherence Tomography System

PubMed Central

Chopra, Reena; Mulholland, Pádraig J.; Dubis, Adam M.; Anderson, Roger S.; Keane, Pearse A.

2017-01-01

Purpose To perform usability testing of a binocular optical coherence tomography (OCT) prototype to predict its function in a clinical setting, and to identify any potential user errors, especially in an elderly and visually impaired population. Methods Forty-five participants with chronic eye disease (mean age 62.7 years) and 15 healthy controls (mean age 53 years) underwent automated eye examination using the prototype. Examination included ‘whole-eye' OCT, ocular motility, visual acuity measurement, perimetry, and pupillometry. Interviews were conducted to assess the subjective appeal and ease of use for this cohort of first-time users. Results All participants completed the full suite of tests. Eighty-one percent of the chronic eye disease group, and 79% of healthy controls, found the prototype easier to use than common technologies, such as smartphones. Overall, 86% described the device to be appealing for use in a clinical setting. There was no statistically significant difference in the total time taken to complete the examination between participants with chronic eye disease (median 702 seconds) and healthy volunteers (median 637 seconds) (P = 0.81). Conclusion On their first use, elderly and visually impaired users completed the automated examination without assistance. Binocular OCT has the potential to perform a comprehensive eye examination in an automated manner, and thus improve the efficiency and quality of eye care. Translational Relevance A usable binocular OCT system has been developed that can be administered in an automated manner. We have identified areas that would benefit from further development to guide the translation of this technology into clinical practice. PMID:28824827

Refractive errors and cataract as causes of visual impairment in Brazil.

PubMed

Eduardo Leite Arieta, Carlos; Nicolini Delgado, Alzira Maria; José, Newton Kara; Temporini, Edméia Rita; Alves, Milton Ruiz; de Carvalho Moreira Filho, Djalma

2003-02-01

To identify the main causes of visual impairment (VA

Improved retinal and visual function following panmacular subthreshold diode micropulse laser for retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed

Luttrull, Jeffrey K

2018-06-01

To examine the effect of subthreshold diode micropulse laser (SDM) on pattern electroretinography (PERG) and visual function in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The records of all patients (pts) undergoing SDM in a vitreoretinal subspecialty practice were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included the presence of RP evaluated before and after SDM by PERG. As a secondary outcome measure, the results of automated omnifield resolution perimetry (ORP) were also reviewed. All eyes undergoing SDM for RP were eligible study, including 26 eyes of 15 pts; seven male and eight female, aged 16-69 (avg. 47) years. Retinal function by PERG improved by all indices, with significant improvements in the 24° field signal latency measures; the MagD(µV)/ Mag(µV) ratio (P < 0.0001) and the MagD(µV) amplitude (P = 0.0003). ORP significantly improved by all indices (p = 0.02-0.002). Average best-corrected chart visual acuities improved from 0.6 to 0.4 logMAR units (p = 0.02). There were no adverse treatment effects. SDM significantly improved chart visual acuity, mesopic logMAR visual acuity perimetry, and retinal function by PERG in RP without adverse treatment effects. Treatment responses indicate a significant capacity for rescue of dysfunctional retina. These results suggest that early and periodic treatment with SDM might slow disease progression and reduce long-term vision loss.

Semantic extraction and processing of medical records for patient-oriented visual index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Weilin; Dong, Wenjie; Chen, Xiangjiao; Zhang, Jianguo

2012-02-01

To have comprehensive and completed understanding healthcare status of a patient, doctors need to search patient medical records from different healthcare information systems, such as PACS, RIS, HIS, USIS, as a reference of diagnosis and treatment decisions for the patient. However, it is time-consuming and tedious to do these procedures. In order to solve this kind of problems, we developed a patient-oriented visual index system (VIS) to use the visual technology to show health status and to retrieve the patients' examination information stored in each system with a 3D human model. In this presentation, we present a new approach about how to extract the semantic and characteristic information from the medical record systems such as RIS/USIS to create the 3D Visual Index. This approach includes following steps: (1) Building a medical characteristic semantic knowledge base; (2) Developing natural language processing (NLP) engine to perform semantic analysis and logical judgment on text-based medical records; (3) Applying the knowledge base and NLP engine on medical records to extract medical characteristics (e.g., the positive focus information), and then mapping extracted information to related organ/parts of 3D human model to create the visual index. We performed the testing procedures on 559 samples of radiological reports which include 853 focuses, and achieved 828 focuses' information. The successful rate of focus extraction is about 97.1%.

Neural correlates of olfactory and visual memory performance in 3D-simulated mazes after intranasal insulin application.

PubMed

Brünner, Yvonne F; Rodriguez-Raecke, Rea; Mutic, Smiljana; Benedict, Christian; Freiherr, Jessica

2016-10-01

This fMRI study intended to establish 3D-simulated mazes with olfactory and visual cues and examine the effect of intranasally applied insulin on memory performance in healthy subjects. The effect of insulin on hippocampus-dependent brain activation was explored using a double-blind and placebo-controlled design. Following intranasal administration of either insulin (40IU) or placebo, 16 male subjects participated in two experimental MRI sessions with olfactory and visual mazes. Each maze included two separate runs. The first was an encoding maze during which subjects learned eight olfactory or eight visual cues at different target locations. The second was a recall maze during which subjects were asked to remember the target cues at spatial locations. For eleven included subjects in the fMRI analysis we were able to validate brain activation for odor perception and visuospatial tasks. However, we did not observe an enhancement of declarative memory performance in our behavioral data or hippocampal activity in response to insulin application in the fMRI analysis. It is therefore possible that intranasal insulin application is sensitive to the methodological variations e.g. timing of task execution and dose of application. Findings from this study suggest that our method of 3D-simulated mazes is feasible for studying neural correlates of olfactory and visual memory performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Is selective mutism associated with deficits in memory span and visual memory?: An exploratory case-control study.

PubMed

Kristensen, Hanne; Oerbeck, Beate

2006-01-01

Our main aim in this study was to explore the association between selective mutism (SM) and aspects of nonverbal cognition such as visual memory span and visual memory. Auditory-verbal memory span was also examined. The etiology of SM is unclear, and it probably represents a heterogeneous condition. SM is associated with language impairment, but nonspecific neurodevelopmental factors, including motor problems, are also reported in SM without language impairment. Furthermore, SM is described in Asperger's syndrome. Studies on nonverbal cognition in SM thus merit further investigation. Neuropsychological tests were administered to a clinical sample of 32 children and adolescents with SM (ages 6-17 years, 14 boys and 18 girls) and 62 nonreferred controls matched for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. We used independent t-tests to compare groups with regard to auditory-verbal memory span, visual memory span, and visual memory (Benton Visual Retention Test), and employed linear regression analysis to study the impact of SM on visual memory, controlling for IQ and measures of language and motor function. The SM group differed from controls on auditory-verbal memory span but not on visual memory span. Controlled for IQ, language, and motor function, the SM group did not differ from controls on visual memory. Motor function was the strongest predictor of visual memory performance. SM does not appear to be associated with deficits in visual memory span or visual memory. The reduced auditory-verbal memory span supports the association between SM and language impairment. More comprehensive neuropsychological studies are needed.

An Overview of Ophthalmologic Survey Methodology in the 2008-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

PubMed

Yoon, Kyung Chul; Choi, Won; Lee, Hyo Seok; Kim, Sang-Duck; Kim, Seung-Hyun; Kim, Chan Yun; Park, Ki Ho; Park, Young Jeung; Baek, Seung-Hee; Song, Su Jeong; Shin, Jae Pil; Yang, Suk-Woo; Yu, Seung-Young; Lee, Jong Soo; Lim, Key Hwan; Oh, Kyung Won; Kang, Se Woong

2015-12-01

The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a national program designed to assess the health and nutritional status of the noninstitutionalized population of South Korea. The KNHANES was initiated in 1998 and has been conducted annually since 2007. Starting in the latter half of 2008, ophthalmologic examinations were included in the survey in order to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of common eye diseases such as visual impairment, refractive errors, strabismus, blepharoptosis, cataract, pterygium, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and color vision deficiency. The measurements included in the ophthalmic questionnaire and examination methods were modified in the KNHANES IV, V, and VI. In this article, we provide detailed information about the methodology of the ophthalmic examinations in KNHANES in order to aid in further investigations related to major eye diseases in South Korea.

Differentiating for Struggling Readers and Writers: Improving Motivation and Metacognition through Multisensory Methods & Explicit Strategy Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walet, Jennifer

2011-01-01

This paper examines the issue of struggling readers and writers, and offers suggestions to help teachers increase struggling students' motivation and metacognition. Suggestions include multisensory methods that make use of the visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning pathways, as well as explicit strategy instruction to improve students' ability…

The Use of Peer Networks to Increase Communicative Acts of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamps, Debra; Mason, Rose; Thiemann-Bourque, Kathy; Feldmiller, Sarah; Turcotte, Amy; Miller, Todd

2014-01-01

Peer networks including social groups using typical peers, scripted instruction, visual text cues, and reinforcement were examined with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A multiple baseline design across four participants was used to measure students' use of communication acts with peers during free play following instruction. Peer…

Adolescents' School Lunch Practices as an Educational Resource

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Janhonen, Kristiina Henrietta; Mäkelä, Johanna; Palojoki, Päivi

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine Finnish ninth grade pupils' (15-16 years) perspectives on hot school lunches and consider the potential of these perspectives as a resource for food and health education. Design/methodology/approach: Data include observations, essays, and visually elicitated focus group discussions from a larger…

42 CFR 410.16 - Initial preventive physical examination: Conditions for and limitations on coverage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... risk factors for disease, as those terms are defined in this section. (2) Review of the beneficiary's potential (risk factors) for depression, including current or past experiences with depression or other mood... visual acuity screen, and other factors as deemed appropriate, based on the beneficiary's medical and...

Further Development of Measures of Early Math Performance for Preschoolers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanDerHeyden, Amanda M.; Broussard, Carmen; Cooley, Amanda

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the progress monitoring and screening accuracy for a set of curriculum-based measures (CBM) of early mathematics skills. Measures included counting objects, selecting numbers, naming numbers, counting, and visual discrimination. Measures were designed to be administered with preschoolers in a short period…

78 FR 10251 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-13

..., please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that... since 2003. The visual acuity in his right eye is no light perception, and in his left eye, 20/20... right eye is light perception, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2012, his...

Auditory Attraction: Activation of Visual Cortex by Music and Sound in Williams Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton-Wells, Tricia A.; Cannistraci, Christopher J.; Anderson, Adam W.; Kim, Chai-Youn; Eapen, Mariam; Gore, John C.; Blake, Randolph; Dykens, Elisabeth M.

2010-01-01

Williams syndrome is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder with a distinctive phenotype, including cognitive-linguistic features, nonsocial anxiety, and a strong attraction to music. We performed functional MRI studies examining brain responses to musical and other types of auditory stimuli in young adults with Williams syndrome and typically…

Conditions that Influence Drivers' Yielding Behavior for Uncontrolled Crossings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bourquin, Eugene; Emerson, Robert Wall; Sauerburger, Dona

2011-01-01

Pedestrians with visual impairments need to cross streets where traffic signals and traffic signage are not present. This study examined the influences of several interventions, including a pedestrian's use of a mobility cane, on the behavior of drivers when they were expected to yield to a pedestrian crossing at an uncontrolled crossing.…

21 CFR 801.40 - Form of a unique device identifier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...) Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology. (b) The UDI must include a device identifier... evident upon visual examination of the label or device package, the label or device package must disclose... label and device packages is deemed to meet all requirements of subpart B of this part. The UPC will...

Detecting Distortion: Bridging Visual and Quantitative Reasoning on Similarity Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, Dana C.; Lo, Jane-Jane

2014-01-01

This study is focused on identifying and describing the reasoning patterns of middle grade students when examining potentially similar figures. Described here is a framework that includes 11 strategies that students used during clinical interview to differentiate similar and non-similar figures. Two factors were found to influence the strategies…

Nonvisualization of the ovaries on pelvic ultrasound: does MRI add anything?

PubMed

Lisanti, Christopher J; Wood, Jonathan R; Schwope, Ryan B

2014-02-01

The purpose of our study is to assess the utility of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the event that either one or both ovaries are not visualized by pelvic ultrasound. This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was approved by our local institutional review board and informed consent waived. 1926 pelvic MRI examinations between March 2007 and December 2011 were reviewed and included if a combined transabdominal and endovaginal pelvic ultrasound had been performed in the preceding 6 months with at least one ovary nonvisualized. Ovaries not visualized on pelvic ultrasound were assumed to be normal and compared with the pelvic MRI findings. MRI findings were categorized as concordant or discordant. Discordant findings were divided into malignant, non-malignant physiologic or non-malignant non-physiologic. The modified Wald, the "rule of thirds", and the binomial distribution probability tests were performed. 255 pelvic ultrasounds met inclusion criteria with 364 ovaries not visualized. 0 malignancies were detected on MRI. 6.9% (25/364) of nonvisualized ovaries had non-malignant discordant findings on MRI: 5.2% (19/364) physiologic, 1.6% (6/364) non-physiologic. Physiologic findings included: 16 functional cysts and 3 hemorrhagic cysts. Non-physiologic findings included: 3 cysts in post-menopausal women, 1 hydrosalpinx, and 2 broad ligament fibroids. The theoretical risk of detecting an ovarian carcinoma on pelvic MRI when an ovary is not visualized on ultrasound ranges from 0 to 1.3%. If an ovary is not visualized on pelvic ultrasound, it can be assumed to be without carcinoma and MRI rarely adds additional information.

Face features and face configurations both contribute to visual crowding.

PubMed

Sun, Hsin-Mei; Balas, Benjamin

2015-02-01

Crowding refers to the inability to recognize an object in peripheral vision when other objects are presented nearby (Whitney & Levi Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15, 160-168, 2011). A popular explanation of crowding is that features of the target and flankers are combined inappropriately when they are located within an integration field, thus impairing target recognition (Pelli, Palomares, & Majaj Journal of Vision, 4(12), 12:1136-1169, 2004). However, it remains unclear which features of the target and flankers are combined inappropriately to cause crowding (Levi Vision Research, 48, 635-654, 2008). For example, in a complex stimulus (e.g., a face), to what extent does crowding result from the integration of features at a part-based level or at the level of global processing of the configural appearance? In this study, we used a face categorization task and different types of flankers to examine how much the magnitude of visual crowding depends on the similarity of face parts or of global configurations. We created flankers with face-like features (e.g., the eyes, nose, and mouth) in typical and scrambled configurations to examine the impacts of part appearance and global configuration on the visual crowding of faces. Additionally, we used "electrical socket" flankers that mimicked first-order face configuration but had only schematic features, to examine the extent to which global face geometry impacted crowding. Our results indicated that both face parts and configurations contribute to visual crowding, suggesting that face similarity as realized under crowded conditions includes both aspects of facial appearance.

[Eclipse retinopathy : A case series after the partial solar eclipse on 20 March 2015].

PubMed

Bachmeier, I; Helbig, H; Greslechner, R

2017-01-01

Solar retinopathy refers to damage to the central macula caused by exposure to intense solar radiation, most frequently observed after a solar eclipse. Description of the morphological changes in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and the clinical course in patients with acute solar retinopathy. The study included a retrospective analysis of 12 eyes from 7 patients with solar retinopathy after the partial solar eclipse on 20 March 2015. Best corrected visual acuity, fundus changes and SD-OCT findings were analyzed. Out of the 7 patients 5 underwent treatment with 1 mg prednisolone per kg body weight. The average age of the patients was 30.1±13.1 years. Best corrected visual acuity was 0.65 at initial presentation. In the acute stage all affected eyes showed a small yellowish lesion in the centre of the fovea in the fundoscopic examination. In SD-OCT the continuity of all layers in the foveola appeared disrupted. In the follow-up examination these changes were partially resolved. After 2 months SD-OCT revealed a small defect of the ellipsoid zone. In one patient the defect could not be shown due to slightly excentric imaging sections. Best corrected visual acuity increased to 0.97. The SD-OCT is an appropriate tool to determine the exact localization of the site of damage and for follow-up examination in solar retinopathy. In the acute phase it shows a disruption of the continuity of all layers in the foveola. Despite good recovery of visual acuity a small central defect of the ellipsoid zone remains in the long term.

Comparison of contrast sensitivity in β-thalassemia patients treated by deferoxamine or deferasirox.

PubMed

Ghazanfari, Azam; Jafarzadehpour, Ebrahim; Heydarian, Samira; Nowroozpoor Dailami, Kiumars; Karami, Hosein

2018-03-10

To compare contrast sensitivity (CS) in multi-transfused β-thalassemia patients who received deferoxamine with those who received Osveral. In this cross sectional study a total of 60 β-thalassemia patients (30 used deferoxamine and 30 used deferasirox) were regarded as case group and 30 age and sex matched healthy subjects were selected as control group. All subjects had a set of examinations including refraction, visual acuity, Biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and CS. Contrast threshold was assessed with the use of Freiberg visual acuity and contrast test under the mesopic light condition for three frequencies; 1, 5, 15cpd. All data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 17. In visual acuity tests, thalassemic patients did not have any problem. Contrast threshold was higher in thalassemic patients who infuse deferoxamine (1.87±0.63, 1.46±0.81, and 2.96±1.68 in 1, 5, and 15cpd, respectively) than that of those who intake deferasirox (1.74±0.80 (P=0.743), 0.99±0.74 (P=0.047), and 2.42±1.36 (P=0.321) for 1, 5, and 15cpd, respectively), and also than healthy patients (1.33±0.58 (P=0.009), 0.95±0.68 (P=0.022), and 2.24±1.23 (P=0.135) for 1, 5, and 15cpd, respectively). Comparing those who used deferasirox with healthy subjects, contrast threshold was higher in deferasirox group at all special frequencies (P>0.05). No significant relationship was observed between CS values and duration of transfusion, serum ferritin concentration and dose of chelation therapy (P>0.05). CS tests can detect visual disturbance in thalassemic patients before the impairment of visual acuity. It is suggested that CS tests be included in their regular eye examination. Copyright © 2018 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Better Visual Outcome by Intraocular Lens Ejection in Geriatric Patients with Ruptured Ocular Injuries

PubMed Central

Sugita, Tadasu; Tsunekawa, Taichi; Matsuura, Toshiyuki; Takayama, Kei; Yamamoto, Kentaro; Kachi, Shu; Ito, Yasuki; Ueno, Shinji; Nonobe, Norie; Kataoka, Keiko; Suzumura, Ayana; Iwase, Takeshi; Terasaki, Hiroko

2017-01-01

Ocular trauma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Because of the popularity of cataract surgeries, aged individuals with ocular trauma commonly have a surgical wound in their eyes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visual outcome of cases that were coincident with intraocular lens (IOL) ejection in the eyes with ruptured open-globe ocular injuries. Consecutive patients with open-globe ocular injuries were first reviewed. Patients’ characteristics, corrected distance visual acuities (CDVAs) over 3 years after the trauma, causes of injuries, traumatic wound patterns, and coexistence of retinal detachment were examined. The relationships between poor CDVA and the other factors, including the complications of crystalline lens and IOL ejection, were examined. A total of 105 eyes/patients [43 eyes with rupture, 33 with penetrating, 28 with intraocular foreign body (IOFB), and 1 with perforating injuries] were included. Rupture injuries were common in aged patients and were mostly caused by falls, whereas penetrating and IOFB injuries were common in young male patients. CDVAs of the eyes with rupture injuries were significantly worse than those of the eyes with penetrating or IOFB injuries. CDVA from more than 50% of the ruptured eyes resulted in no light perception or light perception to 20/500. CDVA of the ruptured eyes complicated by crystalline lens ejection was significantly worse than that of those complicated by IOL ejection. The wounds of the ruptured eyes complicated by IOL ejection were mainly located at the superior corneoscleral limbus, whereas those of the eyes complicated by crystalline lens ejection were located at the posterior sclera. There were significant correlations between poor CDVA and retinal detachment and crystalline lens ejection. These results proposed a new trend in the ocular injuries that commonly occur in aged patients; history of cataract surgery might affect the final visual outcome after open-globe ocular injuries. PMID:28107485

The relationship of global form and motion detection to reading fluency.

PubMed

Englund, Julia A; Palomares, Melanie

2012-08-15

Visual motion processing in typical and atypical readers has suggested aspects of reading and motion processing share a common cortical network rooted in dorsal visual areas. Few studies have examined the relationship between reading performance and visual form processing, which is mediated by ventral cortical areas. We investigated whether reading fluency correlates with coherent motion detection thresholds in typically developing children using random dot kinematograms. As a comparison, we also evaluated the correlation between reading fluency and static form detection thresholds. Results show that both dorsal and ventral visual functions correlated with components of reading fluency, but that they have different developmental characteristics. Motion coherence thresholds correlated with reading rate and accuracy, which both improved with chronological age. Interestingly, when controlling for non-verbal abilities and age, reading accuracy significantly correlated with thresholds for coherent form detection but not coherent motion detection in typically developing children. Dorsal visual functions that mediate motion coherence seem to be related maturation of broad cognitive functions including non-verbal abilities and reading fluency. However, ventral visual functions that mediate form coherence seem to be specifically related to accurate reading in typically developing children. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is More Better? - Night Vision Enhancement System's Pedestrian Warning Modes and Older Drivers.

PubMed

Brown, Timothy; He, Yefei; Roe, Cheryl; Schnell, Thomas

2010-01-01

Pedestrian fatalities as a result of vehicle collisions are much more likely to happen at night than during day time. Poor visibility due to darkness is believed to be one of the causes for the higher vehicle collision rate at night. Existing studies have shown that night vision enhancement systems (NVES) may improve recognition distance, but may increase drivers' workload. The use of automatic warnings (AW) may help minimize workload, improve performance, and increase safety. In this study, we used a driving simulator to examine performance differences of a NVES with six different configurations of warning cues, including: visual, auditory, tactile, auditory and visual, tactile and visual, and no warning. Older drivers between the ages of 65 and 74 participated in the study. An analysis based on the distance to pedestrian threat at the onset of braking response revealed that tactile and auditory warnings performed the best, while visual warnings performed the worst. When tactile or auditory warnings were presented in combination with visual warning, their effectiveness decreased. This result demonstrated that, contrary to general sense regarding warning systems, multi-modal warnings involving visual cues degraded the effectiveness of NVES for older drivers.

Is More Better? — Night Vision Enhancement System’s Pedestrian Warning Modes and Older Drivers

PubMed Central

Brown, Timothy; He, Yefei; Roe, Cheryl; Schnell, Thomas

2010-01-01

Pedestrian fatalities as a result of vehicle collisions are much more likely to happen at night than during day time. Poor visibility due to darkness is believed to be one of the causes for the higher vehicle collision rate at night. Existing studies have shown that night vision enhancement systems (NVES) may improve recognition distance, but may increase drivers’ workload. The use of automatic warnings (AW) may help minimize workload, improve performance, and increase safety. In this study, we used a driving simulator to examine performance differences of a NVES with six different configurations of warning cues, including: visual, auditory, tactile, auditory and visual, tactile and visual, and no warning. Older drivers between the ages of 65 and 74 participated in the study. An analysis based on the distance to pedestrian threat at the onset of braking response revealed that tactile and auditory warnings performed the best, while visual warnings performed the worst. When tactile or auditory warnings were presented in combination with visual warning, their effectiveness decreased. This result demonstrated that, contrary to general sense regarding warning systems, multi-modal warnings involving visual cues degraded the effectiveness of NVES for older drivers. PMID:21050616

Racial attitudes and visual cues in political judgments: support for Obama during the 2008 presidential election.

PubMed

West, Tessa V; Pearson, Adam R; Dovidio, John F; Johnson, Blair T; Phills, Curtis E

2014-10-01

The present longitudinal study examined the complex role of race-including racial attitudes and visual representations of race-in White Americans' responses to Obama during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Consistent with prior research, participants who perceived Obama as darker skinned were less likely to vote for him and generally evaluated Obama less positively. It is important to note, however, that these effects were stronger among Whites with more egalitarian expressed racial attitudes. Moreover, this pattern occurred over and above effects of political orientation and remained stable over a 2-month period, including pre- and postelection. Implications of these findings for understanding the complex and persistent influence of race in politics are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

Deterioration of dyslexia after non-dominant temporal lobectomy for drug-resistant epilepsy.

PubMed

Haeren, Roel H L; Hendriks, Marc P H; Vlooswijk, Marielle; Verdyck, Lex; van Kranen-Mastenbroek, Vivianne H J M; Wagner, Louis; van Benthum, Sophie; Schijns, Olaf E M G

2016-03-01

We present a patient with drug-resistant right-sided temporal lobe epilepsy, caused by a ganglioglioma of the parahippocampal gyrus. Preoperatively, the patient was also known to have dyslexia. A right-sided anterior temporal lobectomy, including complete lesionectomy, was performed. Several months after the otherwise uncomplicated procedure, the patient complained about visual memory disturbances, accompanied by increased reading and spelling problems. Postoperative neuropsychological examination revealed deterioration of the visual memory functions, compared to the preoperative assessment, and consequently provided a possible explanation for worsening of the pre-existing dyslexia. In this case report, we hypothesize on the cause of this unusual deterioration and present recommendations to be included in the preoperative epilepsy surgery evaluation for patients with verbal or reading disorders such as dyslexia.

Spatial Coding of Individuals with Visual Impairments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papadopoulos, Konstantinos; Koustriava, Eleni; Kartasidou, Lefkothea

2012-01-01

The aim of this study is to examine the ability of children and adolescents with visual impairments to code and represent near space. Moreover, it examines the impact of the strategies they use and individual differences in their performance. A total of 30 individuals with visual impairments up to the age of 18 were given eight different object…

Visual and Spatial Working Memory Are Not that Dissociated after All: A Time-Based Resource-Sharing Account

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vergauwe, Evie; Barrouillet, Pierre; Camos, Valerie

2009-01-01

Examinations of interference between visual and spatial materials in working memory have suggested domain- and process-based fractionations of visuo-spatial working memory. The present study examined the role of central time-based resource sharing in visuo-spatial working memory and assessed its role in obtained interference patterns. Visual and…

Corticosteroid therapy in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PubMed

Vidović, Tomislav; Cerovski, Branimir; Perić, Sanja; Kordić, Rajko; Mrazovac, Danijela

2015-03-01

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is one of the most common conditions affecting the optic nerve in the elderly. It may lead to severe visual loss. Typical symptoms are painless impairment of visual function accompanied by relative afferent pupillary defect, edema of the optic disc and visual field defects. Aim is to present 38 patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy who were treated with corticosteroid therapy. This prospective study involved 38 patients, 20 men and 18 women aged 60-75 years who were treated with corticosteroid therapy. The study included patients with visual acuity in the affected eye from 0.1 to 0.8 according to Snellen. Every patient underwent clinical examination, the Octopus 900 perimetry in G program, laboratory testing, while the compressive optic neuropathy was rule out with MSCT of the brain and orbits. The most common forms of visual field defect are altitudinal defect and diffuse depression. Corticosteroid therapy led to recovery in 65% of patient, in 30% of patients did not change, while the deterioration occurred in 5% of patients.

New insights into the role of motion and form vision in neurodevelopmental disorders.

PubMed

Johnston, Richard; Pitchford, Nicola J; Roach, Neil W; Ledgeway, Timothy

2017-12-01

A selective deficit in processing the global (overall) motion, but not form, of spatially extensive objects in the visual scene is frequently associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders, including preterm birth. Existing theories that proposed to explain the origin of this visual impairment are, however, challenged by recent research. In this review, we explore alternative hypotheses for why deficits in the processing of global motion, relative to global form, might arise. We describe recent evidence that has utilised novel tasks of global motion and global form to elucidate the underlying nature of the visual deficit reported in different neurodevelopmental disorders. We also examine the role of IQ and how the sex of an individual can influence performance on these tasks, as these are factors that are associated with performance on global motion tasks, but have not been systematically controlled for in previous studies exploring visual processing in clinical populations. Finally, we suggest that a new theoretical framework is needed for visual processing in neurodevelopmental disorders and present recommendations for future research. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

A nationwide population-based survey on visual acuity, near vision, and self-reported visual function in the adult population in Finland.

PubMed

Laitinen, Arja; Koskinen, Seppo; Härkänen, Tommi; Reunanen, Antti; Laatikainen, Leila; Aromaa, Arpo

2005-12-01

To estimate the prevalence rates of habitual visual acuity (VA) levels and visual impairment in Finland and to assess their correlation with self-reported visual function. Cross-sectional population-based study. Subjects were selected randomly from the Finnish population aged 30 years or older. Of 7979 eligible people, 7393 (93%) were interviewed, 6771 (85%) were examined, and 6663 (84%) had distance VA assessed. Participants underwent a home interview and a comprehensive examination including measuring binocular VA for distance and for near with the participants' current spectacles, if any. The level of VA for distance and for near with current spectacle correction. The self-reported capability to read newsprint and television text and the ability to move about without being restricted by reduced vision. The prevalence of good to moderate VA for distance (VA> or =0.5 [> or =20/40]) measured with current spectacles was 95.9%, and 87.4% had a VA level of 0.8 (20/25) or better. The prevalence of habitual visual impairment (VA< or =0.25 [< or =20/80]) was 1.6%, and 0.5% were blind (VA<0.1 [<20/200]). The prevalence of visual impairment increased significantly with age (P<0.001), especially in the age group of 65 to 74 years and upward. There was no gender difference in VA for distance, but decreased near vision (VA< or =0.25 [< or =20/80]) was significantly more common in men than in women (P<0.01). By applying the imputated numbers of visually impaired and blind participants to the Finnish population (approximately 3 million aged 30 years or older), there were approximately 65000 (2.1%) visually impaired and 17000 (0.6%) blind adult persons in the country in 2000. The correlation between self-reported visual ability and measured visual function was moderate but statistically significant (r = 0.27-0.40; P<0.0001). The proportion of people with reading difficulties or who were unable to read newsprint has decreased 7% during the last 2 decades. Functional visual impairment increased with age especially in the age group of 65 to 74 years and upward and was as prevalent in women as in men. The prevalence of people with reading difficulties has decreased considerably since 1980.

Fitts' Law in the Control of Isometric Grip Force With Naturalistic Targets.

PubMed

Thumser, Zachary C; Slifkin, Andrew B; Beckler, Dylan T; Marasco, Paul D

2018-01-01

Fitts' law models the relationship between amplitude, precision, and speed of rapid movements. It is widely used to quantify performance in pointing tasks, study human-computer interaction, and generally to understand perceptual-motor information processes, including research to model performance in isometric force production tasks. Applying Fitts' law to an isometric grip force task would allow for quantifying grasp performance in rehabilitative medicine and may aid research on prosthetic control and design. We examined whether Fitts' law would hold when participants attempted to accurately produce their intended force output while grasping a manipulandum when presented with images of various everyday objects (we termed this the implicit task). Although our main interest was the implicit task, to benchmark it and establish validity, we examined performance against a more standard visual feedback condition via a digital force-feedback meter on a video monitor (explicit task). Next, we progressed from visual force feedback with force meter targets to the same targets without visual force feedback (operating largely on feedforward control with tactile feedback). This provided an opportunity to see if Fitts' law would hold without vision, and allowed us to progress toward the more naturalistic implicit task (which does not include visual feedback). Finally, we changed the nature of the targets from requiring explicit force values presented as arrows on a force-feedback meter (explicit targets) to the more naturalistic and intuitive target forces implied by images of objects (implicit targets). With visual force feedback the relation between task difficulty and the time to produce the target grip force was predicted by Fitts' law (average r 2 = 0.82). Without vision, average grip force scaled accurately although force variability was insensitive to the target presented. In contrast, images of everyday objects generated more reliable grip forces without the visualized force meter. In sum, population means were well-described by Fitts' law for explicit targets with vision ( r 2 = 0.96) and implicit targets ( r 2 = 0.89), but not as well-described for explicit targets without vision ( r 2 = 0.54). Implicit targets should provide a realistic see-object-squeeze-object test using Fitts' law to quantify the relative speed-accuracy relationship of any given grasper.

Sensory Impairments and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults.

PubMed

Schubert, Carla R; Cruickshanks, Karen J; Fischer, Mary E; Chen, Yanjun; Klein, Barbara E K; Klein, Ronald; Pinto, A Alex

2017-08-01

Hearing, visual, and olfactory impairments have been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults but less is known about associations with cognitive function in middle-aged adults. Sensory and cognitive functions were measured on participants in the baseline examination (2005-2008) of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study. Cognitive function was measured with the Trail Making tests A (TMTA) and B (TMTB) and the Grooved Peg Board test. Pure-tone audiometry, Pelli-Robson letter charts, and the San Diego Odor Identification test were used to measure hearing, contrast sensitivity, and olfaction, respectively. There were 2,836 participants aged 21-84 years with measures of hearing, visual, olfactory, and cognitive function at the baseline examination. Nineteen percent of the cohort had one sensory impairment and 3% had multiple sensory impairments. In multivariable adjusted linear regression models that included all three sensory impairments, hearing impairment, visual impairment, and olfactory impairment were each independently associated with poorer performance on the TMTA, TMTB, and Grooved Peg Board (p < .05 for all sensory impairments in all models). Participants with a sensory impairment took on average from 2 to 10 seconds longer than participants without the corresponding sensory impairment to complete these tests. Results were similar in models that included adjustment for hearing aid use. Hearing, visual and olfactory impairment were associated with poorer performance on cognitive function tests independent of the other sensory impairments and factors associated with cognition. Sensory impairments in midlife are associated with subtle deficits in cognitive function which may be indicative of early brain aging. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Intrastromal femtosecond laser surgical compensation of presbyopia with six intrastromal ring cuts: 3-year results.

PubMed

Khoramnia, Ramin; Fitting, Anna; Rabsilber, Tanja M; Thomas, Bettina C; Auffarth, Gerd U; Holzer, Mike P

2015-02-01

To assess over a 36-month period functional results of the modified INTRACOR femtosecond laser-based intrastromal procedure to treat presbyopia. 20 eyes of 20 presbyopic patients with mild hyperopia were included. The INTRACOR procedure with a modified pattern (six concentric intrastromal ring cuts) was performed using the FEMTEC femtosecond laser (Bausch+Lomb/Technolas Perfect Vision, Munich, Germany). Patients were also randomly divided into three subgroups to compare the effect of three different small inner ring diameters (1.8/2.0/2.2 mm (Groups A/B/C)). Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, and included near and distance visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examinations and corneal topography. Median uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) increased from 0.7/0.7/0.7 logMAR (Groups A/B/C) to -0.1/0.1/0.1 logMAR 36 months after surgery. Uncorrected distance visual acuity changed slightly from 0.1/0.2/0.1 logMAR to 0.2/0.3/0.1 logMAR. Losses of two lines of binocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were noted in 0/25/0% of eyes. Median spherical equivalent changed from 0.75/0.75/0.75 dioptres to -0.19/0.13/-0.19 dioptres. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was 80%. INTRACOR with a modified pattern improved UNVA in all patients over a 36-month follow-up period. The possibility of reduced CDVA underlines the need for careful patient selection. NCT00928122. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

[Binocular status of dyslexics--are there differences to a healthy comparison group?].

PubMed

Riebeling, P; Brunner, E; Grossjohann, R; Clemens, S

2009-10-01

Despite numerous studies dealing with the question of a possible relation of visual problems and dyslexia, which is negated by most ophthalmologists, some opticians still favour the treatment of dyslexia by correction of the "Winkelfehlsichtigkeit" following MCH. Our aim was by also including the Pola test to check the usefulness of this treatment. In a 2-year prospective study we examined the 4th grade elementary school students in our city who had dyslexia as an assured diagnosis (n = 21). The results were compared to those of an age-matched group without pathological findings regarding their reading and spelling ability (n = 21). Examinations included visual acuity, eye position by cover test, Maddox cylinder and Pola test for near distance, binocular vision (Bagolini and Worth test, Lang test I and II, Titmus test, amplitude of fusion), amplitude of accommodation, refraction in cycloplegia and organic status. A significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the amplitude of divergence in near (p = 0.009) and far distance (p = 0.019) which were both smaller for the dyslexia group, as well as the binocular near visual acuity (p = 0.04). Using the SAS procedure STEPDISC we discriminated the normal and dyslexia group by amplitude of divergence, near visual acuity and alternating near prism cover test with a sensitivity of 81 % and a specifity of 75 %. The results of the Pola test did not show any significant difference between the groups. No differences were found between the groups regarding the eye position. Therefore a treatment of dyslexia using prisms does not appear reasonable. However because of the group sizes the significance of the results is limited. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.New York.

Severity of Visual Field Loss and Health Related Quality of Life

PubMed Central

McKean-Cowdin, Roberta; Varma, Rohit; Wu, Joanne; Hays, Ron D.; Azen, Stanley P.

2009-01-01

Purpose To examine the association between severity of visual field loss (VFL) and self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a population-based sample. Design Population-based cross-sectional study. Methods Participants in the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including visual field testing using the Humphrey Automated Field Analyzer II (SITA Standard 24-2). Mean Deviation (MD) scores were used to determine severity of VFL both as a continuous variable and stratified by severity: no VFL (MD≥ − 2 decibels [dB]), mild VFL (6dB

Visual Performance of a Quadrifocal (Trifocal) Intraocular Lens Following Removal of the Crystalline Lens.

PubMed

Kohnen, Thomas; Herzog, Michael; Hemkeppler, Eva; Schönbrunn, Sabrina; De Lorenzo, Nina; Petermann, Kerstin; Böhm, Myriam

2017-12-01

To evaluate visual performance after implantation of a quadrifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Twenty-seven patients (54 eyes) received bilateral implantation of the PanOptix IOL (AcrySof IQ PanOptixTM; Alcon Research, Fort Worth, Texas, USA) pre-enrollment. Exclusion criteria were previous ocular surgeries, corneal astigmatism of >1.5 diopter (D), ocular pathologies, or corneal abnormalities. Intervention or Observational Procedure(s): Postoperative examination at 3 months including manifest refraction; uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and distance-corrected visual acuity (DCVA) in 4 m, 80 cm, 60 cm, and 40 cm slit-lamp examination; defocus testing; contrast sensitivity (CS) under photopic and mesopic conditions; and a questionnaire on subjective quality of vision, optical phenomena, and spectacle independence was performed. At 3 months postoperatively, UCVA and DCVA in 4 m, 80 cm, 60 cm, and 40 cm (logMAR), defocus curves, CS, and quality-of-vision questionnaire results. Mean spherical equivalent was -0.04 ± 0.321 D 3 months postoperatively. Binocular UCVA at distance, intermediate (80 cm, 60 cm), and near was 0.00 ± 0.094 logMAR, 0.09 ± 0.107 logMAR, 0.00 ± 0.111 logMAR, and 0.01 ± 0.087 logMAR, respectively. Binocular defocus curve showed peaks with best visual acuity (VA) at 0.00 D (-0.07 logMAR) and -2.00 D (-0.02 logMAR). Visual performance of the PanOptix IOL showed good VA at all distances; particularly good intermediate VA (logMAR > 0.1), with best VA at 60 cm; and high patient satisfaction and spectacle independence 3 months postoperatively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The microglial fractalkine receptor is not required for activity-dependent plasticity in the mouse visual system.

PubMed

Lowery, Rebecca L; Tremblay, Marie-Eve; Hopkins, Brittany E; Majewska, Ania K

2017-11-01

Microglia have recently been implicated as key regulators of activity-dependent plasticity, where they contribute to the removal of inappropriate or excess synapses. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate this microglial function are still not well understood. Although multiple studies have implicated fractalkine signaling as a mediator of microglia-neuron communications during synaptic plasticity, it is unclear whether this is a universal signaling mechanism or whether its role is limited to specific brain regions and stages of the lifespan. Here, we examined whether fractalkine signaling mediates microglial contributions to activity-dependent plasticity in the developing and adolescent visual system. Using genetic ablation of fractalkine's cognate receptor, CX 3 CR1, and both ex vivo characterization and in vivo imaging in mice, we examined whether fractalkine signaling is required for microglial dynamics and modulation of synapses, as well as activity-dependent plasticity in the visual system. We did not find a role for fractalkine signaling in mediating microglial properties during visual plasticity. Ablation of CX 3 CR1 had no effect on microglial density, distribution, morphology, or motility, in either adolescent or young adult mice across brain regions that include the visual cortex. Ablation of CX 3 CR1 also had no effect on baseline synaptic turnover or contact dynamics between microglia and neurons. Finally, we found that fractalkine signaling is not required for either early or late forms of activity-dependent visual system plasticity. These findings suggest that fractalkine is not a universal regulator of synaptic plasticity, but rather has heterogeneous roles in specific brain regions and life stages. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Influence of schooling and age on cognitive performance in healthy older adults

PubMed Central

Bento-Torres, N.V.O.; Bento-Torres, J.; Tomás, A.M.; Costa, V.O.; Corrêa, P.G.R.; Costa, C.N.M.; Jardim, N.Y.V.; Picanço-Diniz, C.W.

2017-01-01

Few studies have examined the influence of a low level of schooling on age-related cognitive decline in countries with wide social and economic inequalities by using the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB). The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of schooling on age-related cognitive decline using unbiased cognitive tests. CANTAB allows cognitive assessment across cultures and education levels with reduced interference of the examiner during data acquisition. Using two-way ANOVA, we assessed the influences of age and education on test scores of old adults (61–84 years of age). CANTAB tests included: Visual Sustained Attention, Reaction Time, Spatial Working Memory, Learning and Episodic Memory. All subjects had a minimum visual acuity of 20/30 (Snellen Test), no previous or current history of traumatic brain/head trauma, stroke, language impairment, chronic alcoholism, neurological diseases, memory problems or depressive symptoms, and normal scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Subjects were grouped according to education level (1 to 7 and ≥8 years of schooling) and age (60–69 and ≥70 years). Low schooling level was associated with significantly lower performance on visual sustained attention, learning and episodic memory, reaction time, and spatial working memory. Although reaction time was influenced by age, no significant results on post hoc analysis were detected. Our findings showed a significantly worse cognitive performance in volunteers with lower levels of schooling and suggested that formal education in early life must be included in the preventive public health agenda. In addition, we suggest that CANTAB may be useful to detect subtle cognitive changes in healthy aging. PMID:28355353

Retinal Thickness and Visual Acuity in Diabetic Macular Edema: An Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Study.

PubMed

Islam, Farrah

2016-07-01

To determine the relationship between foveal (retinal) thickness and visual acuity in diabetic macular edema through optical coherence tomography (OCT) mapping software. Cross-sectional descriptive study. The Retina Clinic of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, from August 2011 to August 2012. Eighty eyes of 68 patients with clinical diagnosis of diabetic macular edema, based on complete ophthalmic examination, were enrolled. The best-corrected visual acuity was recorded on logMar scale. OCTimaging was performed through dilated pupil by experienced operator. Foveal thickness was determined. OCTparameters of macular thickness were analysed with baseline variables including age, duration since diagnosed with diabetes, and visual acuity. The mean visual acuity was 0.81 (0.2 - 1.8) logMar units. The average foveal thickness was 395.09 ±142.26 (183 - 825 µm). There was moderate correlation between foveal thickness and visual acuity (rs= 0.574, p < 0.001), absent in those who had visual acuity worse than 1 logMar. There was a weak positive association between foveal thickness and the duration of diabetes (rs=0.249, p < 0.05). There was, however, no correlation between foveal thickness and age (rs= 0.012, p=0.919). There is a moderate correlation between visual acuity and degree of foveal thickening in diabetic macular edema, hence two cannot be used interchangeably in clinical practice.

Visual information processing of faces in body dysmorphic disorder.

PubMed

Feusner, Jamie D; Townsend, Jennifer; Bystritsky, Alexander; Bookheimer, Susan

2007-12-01

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a severe psychiatric condition in which individuals are preoccupied with perceived appearance defects. Clinical observation suggests that patients with BDD focus on details of their appearance at the expense of configural elements. This study examines abnormalities in visual information processing in BDD that may underlie clinical symptoms. To determine whether patients with BDD have abnormal patterns of brain activation when visually processing others' faces with high, low, or normal spatial frequency information. Case-control study. University hospital. Twelve right-handed, medication-free subjects with BDD and 13 control subjects matched by age, sex, and educational achievement. Intervention Functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing matching tasks of face stimuli. Stimuli were neutral-expression photographs of others' faces that were unaltered, altered to include only high spatial frequency visual information, or altered to include only low spatial frequency visual information. Blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging signal changes in the BDD and control groups during tasks with each stimulus type. Subjects with BDD showed greater left hemisphere activity relative to controls, particularly in lateral prefrontal cortex and lateral temporal lobe regions for all face tasks (and dorsal anterior cingulate activity for the low spatial frequency task). Controls recruited left-sided prefrontal and dorsal anterior cingulate activity only for the high spatial frequency task. Subjects with BDD demonstrate fundamental differences from controls in visually processing others' faces. The predominance of left-sided activity for low spatial frequency and normal faces suggests detail encoding and analysis rather than holistic processing, a pattern evident in controls only for high spatial frequency faces. These abnormalities may be associated with apparent perceptual distortions in patients with BDD. The fact that these findings occurred while subjects viewed others' faces suggests differences in visual processing beyond distortions of their own appearance.

Cannabis cue-induced brain activation correlates with drug craving in limbic and visual salience regions: Preliminary results

PubMed Central

Charboneau, Evonne J.; Dietrich, Mary S.; Park, Sohee; Cao, Aize; Watkins, Tristan J; Blackford, Jennifer U; Benningfield, Margaret M.; Martin, Peter R.; Buchowski, Maciej S.; Cowan, Ronald L.

2013-01-01

Craving is a major motivator underlying drug use and relapse but the neural correlates of cannabis craving are not well understood. This study sought to determine whether visual cannabis cues increase cannabis craving and whether cue-induced craving is associated with regional brain activation in cannabis-dependent individuals. Cannabis craving was assessed in 16 cannabis-dependent adult volunteers while they viewed cannabis cues during a functional MRI (fMRI) scan. The Marijuana Craving Questionnaire was administered immediately before and after each of three cannabis cue-exposure fMRI runs. FMRI blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity was determined in regions activated by cannabis cues to examine the relationship of regional brain activation to cannabis craving. Craving scores increased significantly following exposure to visual cannabis cues. Visual cues activated multiple brain regions, including inferior orbital frontal cortex, posterior cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, amygdala, superior temporal pole, and occipital cortex. Craving scores at baseline and at the end of all three runs were significantly correlated with brain activation during the first fMRI run only, in the limbic system (including amygdala and hippocampus) and paralimbic system (superior temporal pole), and visual regions (occipital cortex). Cannabis cues increased craving in cannabis-dependent individuals and this increase was associated with activation in the limbic, paralimbic, and visual systems during the first fMRI run, but not subsequent fMRI runs. These results suggest that these regions may mediate visually cued aspects of drug craving. This study provides preliminary evidence for the neural basis of cue-induced cannabis craving and suggests possible neural targets for interventions targeted at treating cannabis dependence. PMID:24035535

Comparison of 3 mm versus 4 mm rigid endoscope in diagnostic nasal endoscopy.

PubMed

Neel, Gregory S; Kau, Ryan L; Bansberg, Stephen F; Lal, Devyani

2017-03-01

Compare nasal endoscopy with 3 mm versus conventional 4 mm rigid 30° endoscopes for visualization, patient comfort, and examiner ease. Ten adults with no previous sinus surgery underwent bilateral nasal endoscopy with both 4 mm and 3 mm endoscopes (resulting in 20 paired nasal endoscopies). Visualization, patient discomfort and examiner's difficulty were assessed with every endoscopy. Sino-nasal structures were checked on a list if visualized satisfactorily. Patients rated discomfort on a standardized numerical pain scale (0-10). Examiners rated difficulty of examination on a scale of 1-5 (1 = easiest). Visualization with 3 mm endoscope was superior for the sphenoid ostium ( P  = 0.002), superior turbinate ( P  = 0.007), spheno-ethmoid recess ( P  = 0.006), uncinate process ( P  = 0.002), cribriform area ( P  = 0.007), and Valve of Hasner ( P  = 0.002). Patient discomfort was not significantly different for 3 mm vs. 4 mm endoscopes but correlated with the examiners' assessment of difficulty ( r  = 0.73). The examiner rated endoscopy with 4 mm endoscopes more difficult ( P  = 0.027). The 3 mm endoscope was superior in visualizing the sphenoid ostium, superior turbinate, spheno-ethmoid recess, uncinate process, cribriform plate, and valve of Hasner. It therefore may be useful in assessment of spheno-ethmoid recess, nasolacrimal duct, and cribriform area pathologies. Overall, patients tolerated nasal endoscopy well. Though patient discomfort was not significantly different between the endoscopes, most discomfort with 3 mm endoscopes was noted while examining structures difficult to visualize with the 4 mm endoscope. Patients' discomfort correlated with the examiner's assessment of difficulty.

Correlation of visual performance with quality of life and intraocular aberrometric profile in patients implanted with rotationally asymmetric multifocal IOLs.

PubMed

Ramón, María L; Piñero, David P; Pérez-Cambrodí, Rafael J

2012-02-01

To examine the visual performance of a rotationally asymmetric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) by correlating the defocus curve of the IOL-implanted eye with the intraocular aberrometric profile and impact on the quality of life. A prospective, consecutive, case series study including 26 eyes from 13 patients aged between 50 and 83 years (mean: 65.54±7.59 years) was conducted. All patients underwent bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of a rotationally asymmetric multifocal IOL (Lentis Mplus LS-312 MF30, Oculentis GmbH). Distance and near visual acuity outcomes, intraocular aberrations, defocus curve, and quality of life (assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25) were evaluated postoperatively (mean follow-up: 6.42±2.24 months). A significant improvement in distance visual acuity was found postoperatively (P<.01). Mean postoperative logMAR distance-corrected near visual acuity was 0.19±0.12 (∼20/30). Corrected distance visual acuity and near visual acuity of 20/20 or better were achieved by 30.8% and 7.7% of eyes, respectively. Of all eyes, 96.2% had a postoperative addition between 0 and 1.00 diopter (D). The defocus curve showed two peaks of maximum visual acuity (0 and 3.00 D of defocus), with an acceptable range of intermediate vision. LogMAR visual acuity corresponding to near defocus was directly correlated with some higher order intraocular aberrations (r⩾0.44, P⩽.04). Some difficulties evaluated with the quality of life test correlated directly with near and intermediate visual acuity (r⩾0.50, P⩽.01). The Lentis Mplus multifocal IOL provides good distance, intermediate, and near visual outcomes; however, the induced intraocular aberrometric profile may limit the potential visual benefit. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Combined visual and semi-quantitative assessment of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT for the diagnosis of dopaminergic neurodegenerative diseases.

PubMed

Ueda, Jun; Yoshimura, Hajime; Shimizu, Keiji; Hino, Megumu; Kohara, Nobuo

2017-07-01

Visual and semi-quantitative assessments of 123 I-FP-CIT single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are useful for the diagnosis of dopaminergic neurodegenerative diseases (dNDD), including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, and corticobasal degeneration. However, the diagnostic value of combined visual and semi-quantitative assessment in dNDD remains unclear. Among 239 consecutive patients with a newly diagnosed possible parkinsonian syndrome who underwent 123 I-FP-CIT SPECT in our medical center, 114 patients with a disease duration less than 7 years were diagnosed as dNDD with the established criteria or as non-dNDD according to clinical judgment. We retrospectively examined their clinical characteristics and visual and semi-quantitative assessments of 123 I-FP-CIT SPECT. The striatal binding ratio (SBR) was used as a semi-quantitative measure of 123 I-FP-CIT SPECT. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of visual assessment alone, semi-quantitative assessment alone, and combined visual and semi-quantitative assessment for the diagnosis of dNDD. SBR was correlated with visual assessment. Some dNDD patients with a normal visual assessment had an abnormal SBR, and vice versa. There was no statistically significant difference between sensitivity of the diagnosis with visual assessment alone and semi-quantitative assessment alone (91.2 vs. 86.8%, respectively, p = 0.29). Combined visual and semi-quantitative assessment demonstrated superior sensitivity (96.7%) to visual assessment (p = 0.03) or semi-quantitative assessment (p = 0.003) alone with equal specificity. Visual and semi-quantitative assessments of 123 I-FP-CIT SPECT are helpful for the diagnosis of dNDD, and combined visual and semi-quantitative assessment shows superior sensitivity with equal specificity.

Prenatal and childhood exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and child cognition.

PubMed

Harris, Maria H; Oken, Emily; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L; Calafat, Antonia M; Ye, Xiaoyun; Bellinger, David C; Webster, Thomas F; White, Roberta F; Sagiv, Sharon K

2018-06-01

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are suspected developmental toxicants, but epidemiological evidence on neurodevelopmental effects of PFAS exposure is inconsistent. We examined associations of prenatal and childhood PFAS exposure with performance on assessments of cognition in children. We included mother-child pairs from Project Viva, a longitudinal Boston-area birth cohort enrolled during 1999-2002. We quantified concentrations of eight PFASs, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), in plasma collected from women during pregnancy (median 9.7 weeks gestation) and from children at a visit in mid-childhood (median age 7.7 years). In early childhood (median age 3.2 years) we administered standardized assessments of visual motor skills and vocabulary comprehension, and in mid-childhood we assessed visual motor skills, visual memory, and verbal and non-verbal intelligence. Using multivariable regression, we estimated associations of prenatal and childhood PFAS plasma concentrations with children's cognitive assessment scores, adjusted for relevant covariates including breastfeeding, maternal intelligence, parental education, and household income. Samples sizes ranged from 631 to 971, depending on analysis. Prenatal PFAS concentrations were associated with both better and worse cognitive performance; children with top quartile prenatal concentrations of some PFASs had better visual motor abilities in early childhood and non-verbal IQ and visual memory in mid-childhood, while children with upper quartile prenatal PFOA and PFOS had lower mid-childhood visual-motor scores. In cross-sectional analyses of mid-childhood PFAS concentrations and cognitive assessments, visual-motor scores on the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities (WRAVMA) (standardized mean = 100, standard deviation = 15) were lower among children with higher PFHxS (fourth quartile (Q4) vs. Q1: -5.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): -9.1, -0.8). Upper quartiles of childhood PFOA and PFOS were also associated with somewhat lower childhood WRAVMA scores, but childhood PFASs were not associated with verbal or non-verbal IQ or visual memory. We present evidence suggesting associations of prenatal and childhood PFAS exposure with lower childhood visual motor abilities. Other results were inconsistent, with higher prenatal PFASs associated in some cases with better cognitive outcomes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Nature and Process of Development in Averaged Visually Evoked Potentials: Discussion on Pattern Structure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Izawa, Shuji; Mizutani, Tohru

This paper examines the development of visually evoked EEG patterns in retarded and normal subjects. The paper focuses on the averaged visually evoked potentials (AVEP) in the central and occipital regions of the brain in eyes closed and eyes open conditions. Wave pattern, amplitude, and latency are examined. The first section of the paper reviews…

Causes of blindness and visual impairment among students in integrated schools for the blind in Nepal.

PubMed

Shrestha, Jyoti Baba; Gnyawali, Subodh; Upadhyay, Madan Prasad

2012-12-01

To identify the causes of blindness and visual impairment among students in integrated schools for the blind in Nepal. A total of 778 students from all 67 integrated schools for the blind in Nepal were examined using the World Health Organization/Prevention of Blindness Eye Examination Record for Children with Blindness and Low Vision during the study period of 3 years. Among 831 students enrolled in the schools, 778 (93.6%) participated in the study. Mean age of students examined was 13.7 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.4:1. Among the students examined, 85.9% were blind, 10% had severe visual impairment and 4.1% were visually impaired. The cornea (22.8%) was the most common anatomical site of visual impairment, its most frequent cause being vitamin A deficiency, followed by the retina (18.4%) and lens (17.6%). Hereditary and childhood factors were responsible for visual loss in 27.9% and 22.0% of students, respectively. Etiology could not be determined in 46% of cases. Overall, 40.9% of students had avoidable causes of visual loss. Vision could be improved to a level better than 6/60 in 3.6% of students refracted. More than one third of students were visually impaired for potentially avoidable reasons, indicating lack of eye health awareness and eye care services in the community. The cause of visual impairment remained unknown in a large number of students, which indicates the need for introduction of modern diagnostic tools.

A review of visual cues associated with food on food acceptance and consumption.

PubMed

Wadhera, Devina; Capaldi-Phillips, Elizabeth D

2014-01-01

Several sensory cues affect food intake including appearance, taste, odor, texture, temperature, and flavor. Although taste is an important factor regulating food intake, in most cases, the first sensory contact with food is through the eyes. Few studies have examined the effects of the appearance of a food portion on food acceptance and consumption. The purpose of this review is to identify the various visual factors associated with food such as proximity, visibility, color, variety, portion size, height, shape, number, volume, and the surface area and their effects on food acceptance and consumption. We suggest some ways that visual cues can be used to increase fruit and vegetable intake in children and decrease excessive food intake in adults. In addition, we discuss the need for future studies that can further establish the relationship between several unexplored visual dimensions of food (specifically shape, number, size, and surface area) and food intake. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remembering complex objects in visual working memory: do capacity limits restrict objects or features?

PubMed

Hardman, Kyle O; Cowan, Nelson

2015-03-01

Visual working memory stores stimuli from our environment as representations that can be accessed by high-level control processes. This study addresses a longstanding debate in the literature about whether storage limits in visual working memory include a limit to the complexity of discrete items. We examined the issue with a number of change-detection experiments that used complex stimuli that possessed multiple features per stimulus item. We manipulated the number of relevant features of the stimulus objects in order to vary feature load. In all of our experiments, we found that increased feature load led to a reduction in change-detection accuracy. However, we found that feature load alone could not account for the results but that a consideration of the number of relevant objects was also required. This study supports capacity limits for both feature and object storage in visual working memory. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved.

Visual impairment in urban school children of low-income families in Kolkata, India.

PubMed

Ghosh, Sambuddha; Mukhopadhyay, Udayaditya; Maji, Dipankar; Bhaduri, Gautam

2012-01-01

To evaluate pattern of visual impairment in school children from low-income families in Kolkata, India, an institutional cross-sectional study was conducted among 2570 children of 10 primary schools. Ocular examination including refraction was done and pattern of visual impairment and refractive error was studied. The age range was 6-14 years. Refractive error was seen in 14.7%. Only 4 children were already wearing correction. Myopia and hypermetropia was present in 307 (11.9%) and 65 (2.5%) children, respectively. Visual acuity of less than 6/12 in better eye was present in 109 (4.2%) and 5 (0.2%) children pre- and post-correction, respectively. Eighteen children had amblyopia. Although prevalence of refractive error in this group is less compared to school children of all income categories reported from other cities of India, it is more compared to school children of all income categories from the same city. Refractive error mostly remains uncorrected in this group.

A studyforrest extension, retinotopic mapping and localization of higher visual areas

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Ayan; Kaule, Falko R.; Guntupalli, J. Swaroop; Hoffmann, Michael B.; Häusler, Christian; Stadler, Jörg; Hanke, Michael

2016-01-01

The studyforrest (http://studyforrest.org) dataset is likely the largest neuroimaging dataset on natural language and story processing publicly available today. In this article, along with a companion publication, we present an update of this dataset that extends its scope to vision and multi-sensory research. 15 participants of the original cohort volunteered for a series of additional studies: a clinical examination of visual function, a standard retinotopic mapping procedure, and a localization of higher visual areas—such as the fusiform face area. The combination of this update, the previous data releases for the dataset, and the companion publication, which includes neuroimaging and eye tracking data from natural stimulation with a motion picture, form an extremely versatile and comprehensive resource for brain imaging research—with almost six hours of functional neuroimaging data across five different stimulation paradigms for each participant. Furthermore, we describe employed paradigms and present results that document the quality of the data for the purpose of characterising major properties of participants’ visual processing stream. PMID:27779618

Asymmetric temporal integration of layer 4 and layer 2/3 inputs in visual cortex.

PubMed

Hang, Giao B; Dan, Yang

2011-01-01

Neocortical neurons in vivo receive concurrent synaptic inputs from multiple sources, including feedforward, horizontal, and feedback pathways. Layer 2/3 of the visual cortex receives feedforward input from layer 4 and horizontal input from layer 2/3. Firing of the pyramidal neurons, which carries the output to higher cortical areas, depends critically on the interaction of these pathways. Here we examined synaptic integration of inputs from layer 4 and layer 2/3 in rat visual cortical slices. We found that the integration is sublinear and temporally asymmetric, with larger responses if layer 2/3 input preceded layer 4 input. The sublinearity depended on inhibition, and the asymmetry was largely attributable to the difference between the two inhibitory inputs. Interestingly, the asymmetric integration was specific to pyramidal neurons, and it strongly affected their spiking output. Thus via cortical inhibition, the temporal order of activation of layer 2/3 and layer 4 pathways can exert powerful control of cortical output during visual processing.

Sealant retention is better assessed through colour photographs than through the replica and the visual examination methods.

PubMed

Hu, Xuan; Fan, Mingwan; Rong, Wensheng; Lo, Edward C M; Bronkhorst, Ewald; Frencken, Jo E

2014-08-01

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the colour photograph method has a higher level of validity for assessing sealant retention than the visual clinical examination and replica methods. Sealed molars were assessed by two evaluators. The scores for the three methods were compared against consensus scores derived through assessing retention from scanning electron microscopy images (reference standard). The presence/absence (survival) of retained sealants on occlusal surfaces was determined according to the traditional and modified categorizations of retention. Sensitivity, specificity, and Youden-index scores were calculated. Sealant retention assessment scores for visual clinical examinations and for colour photographs were compared with those of the reference standard on 95 surfaces, and sealant retention assessment scores for replicas were compared with those of the reference standard on 33 surfaces. The highest mean Youden-index score for the presence/absence of sealant material was observed for the colour photograph method, followed by that for the replica method; the visual clinical examination method scored lowest. The mean Youden-index score for the survival of retained sealants was highest for the colour photograph method for both the traditional (0.882) and the modified (0.768) categories of sealant retention, whilst the visual clinical examination method had the lowest Youden-index score for these categories (0.745 and 0.063, respectively). The colour photograph method had a higher validity than the replica and the visual examination methods for assessing sealant retention. © 2014 Eur J Oral Sci.

Auditory presentation and synchronization in Adobe Flash and HTML5/JavaScript Web experiments.

PubMed

Reimers, Stian; Stewart, Neil

2016-09-01

Substantial recent research has examined the accuracy of presentation durations and response time measurements for visually presented stimuli in Web-based experiments, with a general conclusion that accuracy is acceptable for most kinds of experiments. However, many areas of behavioral research use auditory stimuli instead of, or in addition to, visual stimuli. Much less is known about auditory accuracy using standard Web-based testing procedures. We used a millisecond-accurate Black Box Toolkit to measure the actual durations of auditory stimuli and the synchronization of auditory and visual presentation onsets. We examined the distribution of timings for 100 presentations of auditory and visual stimuli across two computers with difference specs, three commonly used browsers, and code written in either Adobe Flash or JavaScript. We also examined different coding options for attempting to synchronize the auditory and visual onsets. Overall, we found that auditory durations were very consistent, but that the lags between visual and auditory onsets varied substantially across browsers and computer systems.

Optimal visualization of the fetal four-chamber and outflow tract views with transabdominal ultrasound in the morbidly obese: Are we there yet?

PubMed

Adekola, Henry; Soto, Eleazar; Dai, Jing; Lam-Rachlin, Jennifer; Gill, Navleen; Leon-Peters, Jocelyn; Puder, Karoline; Abramowicz, Jacques S

2015-01-01

To compare optimal visualization of the four-chamber and outflow-tract views of the fetal heart on sonographic examination between morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m(2) ) and nonobese (BMI < 25 kg/m(2) ) pregnant women. In this retrospective cohort study, we included records and images from 509 pregnant women who had first undergone sonographic examination between 18 and 36 weeks' fetal gestational age. Compared with the nonobese women, morbidly obese women had lower optimal visualization of the four-chamber and outflow-tract heart views: four-chamber view, morbidly obese, 83/186 (44.6%), versus nonobese, 283/323 (87.6%), and outflow-tract view, morbidly obese, 80/186 (43%) versus nonobese, 258/290 (89%); p < 0.0001 for each comparison. Similar outcomes were observed when the results from each subcategory of morbidly obese women (ie, BMI 40-49.9, 50-59.9, and ≥60 kg/m(2) ) were compared with that from nonobese women; p < 0.0001 for each comparison. These outcomes remained the same regardless of whether this comparison was made among those who had their examination before or at 19 weeks' or more gestational age. Among the morbidly obese women, there was no difference in optimal visualization of the four-chamber or outflow-tract views regardless of whether the examination was performed at <23 weeks' or at ≥23 weeks' gestational age: four-chamber view <23 weeks, 44.8% (78/174), versus four-chamber view ≥23 weeks, 41.7% (5/12); p = 0.8, and outflow-tract view <23 weeks, 43.1% (75/174), versus outflow-tract view ≥23 weeks, 41.7% (5/12); p = 0.9. After controlling for maternal age and race, the odds of visualizing the four-chamber and outflow-tract views in the morbidly obese were reduced compared with those in their nonobese counterparts: odds ratio (OR) for four-chamber, 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08-0.21, and OR for outflow-tract, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.17. Optimal visualization of the fetal four-chamber and outflow-tract views was achieved in less than 50% of morbidly obese women, compared with almost 90% in nonobese women. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Vitreoretinal Complications and Outcomes in 92 Eyes Undergoing Surgery for Modified Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis: A 10-Year Review.

PubMed

Rishi, Pukhraj; Rishi, Ekta; Agarwal, Vishvesh; Nair, Sridevi; Iyer, Geetha; Srinivasan, Bhaskar; Agarwal, Shweta

2018-06-01

To analyze vitreoretinal (VR) complications and treatment outcomes in eyes undergoing modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) surgery. Retrospective case series. All patients who underwent modified OOKP (mOOKP) surgery at a tertiary eye-care center from March 2003 to February 2013 were included. Medical records were reviewed for relevant medical history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, ultrasound scan, oral examination findings, and VR complications. The BCVA at the last visit. Optimal anatomic outcome was attached retina with a normal intraocular pressure at the last visit. A total of 92 eyes of 90 patients were included. Indications for OOKP included Stevens-Johnson syndrome (n = 53), chemical injury (n = 36), and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (n = 3). A total of 41 eyes of 39 patients developed VR complications, including vitritis (n = 21), retinal detachment (RD) (n = 12; primary RD = 5), retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) (n = 10; primary RPM = 2), endophthalmitis (n = 8), vitreous hemorrhage (VH) (n = 5; primary VH = 1), serous choroidal detachment (n = 5), hemorrhagic choroidal detachment (n = 2), and leak-related hypotony (n = 1). Mean interval from mOOKP surgery to occurrence of VR complication(s) was 43.8 months (median, 41.9 months; range, 0.2-95.5 months). After treatment of VR complication, visual improvement was seen in 17 eyes (42%) (mean improvement = 1.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; median, 0.8 logMAR; range, 0.1-2.5 logMAR), visual decline in 7 eyes (14%) (mean decline in BCVA = 0.6 logMAR; median, 0.4 logMAR; range, 0.3-1.8 logMAR), and no change in BCVA in 17 eyes (42%). However, BCVA ≥6/60 was retained in 19 eyes and ≥6/18 was retained in 9 eyes after final VR treatment. Vitreoretinal complications constitute a significant cause of visual morbidity in eyes undergoing mOOKP surgery and pose a challenging situation to manage. However, appropriate and timely intervention can achieve encouraging results. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[The features of opisthorchiasis papillitis diagnosis].

PubMed

Onishchenko, S V; Darvin, V V; Klimova, N V; Krasnov, E A

2018-01-01

To develop an optimal diagnostic algorithm in order to the most reliable decrease of inflammatory changes severity in large duodenal papilla in patients with chronic opisthorchiasis. Medical reports of 384 patients with opisthorchiasis-induced cholangitis have been analyzed. Diagnostic methods were abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound of terminal common bile duct, CT scans, MRI of abdominal organs including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy of the papilla, ERCP and PTHC. Comprehensive general and individual analysis of each of them has determined their advantages and disadvantages. Examination should by comprehensive to evaluate visual appearance of large duodenal papilla, lumen dimensions, state of its walls with histological research. Imaging tests are favorable to determine the diagnosis of papillitis due to possible assessment of lumen dimensions and state of the walls. While making a choice the priority should be given to endoscopic ultrasound examination. It allows visual inspection, assessment of the lumen, the walls of papilla and provides biopsy of deep structures.

Visual Communication: Its Process and Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Metallinos, Nikos

The process and effects of visual communication are examined in this paper. The first section, "Visual Literacy," discusses the need for a visual literacy involving an understanding of the instruments, materials, and techniques of visual communication media; it then presents and discusses a model illustrating factors involved in the…

Pituitary apoplexy in a teenager--case report.

PubMed

Chao, Chen-Cheng; Lin, Chun-Ju

2014-06-01

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical emergency which results from hemorrhage or infarction in the pituitary gland. We present a 14-year-old girl with pituitary apoplexy and review the literature. Our patient experienced blurred vision, nausea, and headache. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200 and 20/20. Confrontation test visual field testing revealed bitemporal hemianopsia. Brain imaging demonstrated a suprasellar mass. The microscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach only found 5-10 mL brownish fluid-like material. Pathology confirmed no malignancy. Pituitary apoplexy was diagnosed. Her nausea and headache gradually improved. Six months after operation, her best-corrected visual acuity had improved to 20/30 and 20/20. Although pituitary apoplexy is rare in pediatric patients, prompt evaluation including detailed ophthalmic examination, biochemical evaluation, endocrine workup, and image study are very important. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Visual attention mitigates information loss in small- and large-scale neural codes.

PubMed

Sprague, Thomas C; Saproo, Sameer; Serences, John T

2015-04-01

The visual system transforms complex inputs into robust and parsimonious neural codes that efficiently guide behavior. Because neural communication is stochastic, the amount of encoded visual information necessarily decreases with each synapse. This constraint requires that sensory signals are processed in a manner that protects information about relevant stimuli from degradation. Such selective processing--or selective attention--is implemented via several mechanisms, including neural gain and changes in tuning properties. However, examining each of these effects in isolation obscures their joint impact on the fidelity of stimulus feature representations by large-scale population codes. Instead, large-scale activity patterns can be used to reconstruct representations of relevant and irrelevant stimuli, thereby providing a holistic understanding about how neuron-level modulations collectively impact stimulus encoding. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Migraine with Aura or Sports-Related Concussion: Case Report, Pathophysiology, and Multidisciplinary Approach to Management.

PubMed

Ellis, Michael J; Cordingley, Dean; Girardin, Richard; Ritchie, Lesley; Johnston, Janine

The evaluation and management of athletes presenting with clinical features of migraine headache with aura in the setting of sports-related head trauma is challenging. We present a case report of a 15-yr-old boy with a history of migraine with visual aura that developed acute visual disturbance and headache after a head injury during an ice hockey game. The patient underwent comprehensive assessment at a multidisciplinary concussion program, including neuro-ophthalmological examination, neurocognitive testing, and graded aerobic treadmill testing. Clinical history and multidisciplinary assessment was consistent with the diagnosis of coexisting sports-related concussion and migraine with brainstem aura. The authors discuss the pearls and pitfalls of managing patients who develop migraine headache with visual aura after sports-related head injury and the value of a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to this unique patient population.

How dolphins see the world: a comparison with chimpanzees and humans.

PubMed

Tomonaga, Masaki; Uwano, Yuka; Saito, Toyoshi

2014-01-16

Bottlenose dolphins use auditory (or echoic) information to recognise their environments, and many studies have described their echolocation perception abilities. However, relatively few systematic studies have examined their visual perception. We tested dolphins on a visual-matching task using two-dimensional geometric forms including various features. Based on error patterns, we used multidimensional scaling to analyse perceptual similarities among stimuli. In addition to dolphins, we conducted comparable tests with terrestrial species: chimpanzees were tested on a computer-controlled matching task and humans were tested on a rating task. The overall perceptual similarities among stimuli in dolphins were similar to those in the two species of primates. These results clearly indicate that the visual world is perceived similarly by the three species of mammals, even though each has adapted to a different environment and has differing degrees of dependence on vision.

Ink from longfin inshore squid, Doryteuthis pealeii, as a chemical and visual defense against two predatory fishes, summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, and sea catfish, Ariopsis felis.

PubMed

Derby, Charles D; Tottempudi, Mihika; Love-Chezem, Tiffany; Wolfe, Lanna S

2013-12-01

Chemical and visual defenses are used by many organisms to avoid being approached or eaten by predators. An example is inking molluscs-including gastropods such as sea hares and cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish, and octopus-which release a colored ink upon approach or attack. Previous work showed that ink can protect molluscs through a combination of chemical, visual, and other effects. In this study, we examined the effects of ink from longfin inshore squid, Doryteuthis pealeii, on the behavior of two species of predatory fishes, summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, and sea catfish, Ariopsis felis. Using a cloud assay, we found that ink from longfin inshore squid affected the approach phase of predation by summer flounder, primarily through its visual effects. Using a food assay, we found that the ink affected the consummatory and ingestive phase of predation of both sea catfish and summer flounder, through the ink's chemical properties. Fractionation of ink showed that most of its deterrent chemical activity is associated with melanin granules, suggesting that either compounds adhering to these granules or melanin itself are the most biologically active. This work provides the basis for a comparative approach to identify deterrent molecules from inking cephalopods and to examine neural mechanisms whereby these chemicals affect behavior of fish, using the sea catfish as a chemosensory model.

Using the Visual World Paradigm to Study Retrieval Interference in Spoken Language Comprehension

PubMed Central

Sekerina, Irina A.; Campanelli, Luca; Van Dyke, Julie A.

2016-01-01

The cue-based retrieval theory (Lewis et al., 2006) predicts that interference from similar distractors should create difficulty for argument integration, however this hypothesis has only been examined in the written modality. The current study uses the Visual World Paradigm (VWP) to assess its feasibility to study retrieval interference arising from distractors present in a visual display during spoken language comprehension. The study aims to extend findings from Van Dyke and McElree (2006), which utilized a dual-task paradigm with written sentences in which they manipulated the relationship between extra-sentential distractors and the semantic retrieval cues from a verb, to the spoken modality. Results indicate that retrieval interference effects do occur in the spoken modality, manifesting immediately upon encountering the verbal retrieval cue for inaccurate trials when the distractors are present in the visual field. We also observed indicators of repair processes in trials containing semantic distractors, which were ultimately answered correctly. We conclude that the VWP is a useful tool for investigating retrieval interference effects, including both the online effects of distractors and their after-effects, when repair is initiated. This work paves the way for further studies of retrieval interference in the spoken modality, which is especially significant for examining the phenomenon in pre-reading children, non-reading adults (e.g., people with aphasia), and spoken language bilinguals. PMID:27378974

Diagnosing cerebral visual impairment in children with good visual acuity.

PubMed

van Genderen, Maria; Dekker, Marjoke; Pilon, Florine; Bals, Irmgard

2012-06-01

To identify elements that could facilitate the diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in children with good visual acuity in the general ophthalmic clinic. We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics of 30 children with good visual acuity and CVI and compared them with those of 23 children who were referred with a suspicion of CVI, but proved to have a different diagnosis. Clinical characteristics included medical history, MRI findings, visual acuity, crowding ratio (CR), visual field assessment, and the results of ophthalmologic and orthoptic examination. We also evaluated the additional value of a short CVI questionnaire. Eighty-three percent of the children with an abnormal medical history (mainly prematurity and perinatal hypoxia) had CVI, in contrast with none of the children with a normal medical history. Cerebral palsy, visual field defects, and partial optic atrophy only occurred in the CVI group. 41% of the children with CVI had a CR ≥2.0, which may be related to dorsal stream dysfunction. All children with CVI, but also 91% of the children without CVI gave ≥3 affirmative answers on the CVI questionnaire. An abnormal pre- or perinatal medical history is the most important risk factor for CVI in children, and therefore in deciding which children should be referred for further multidisciplinary assessment. Additional symptoms of cerebral damage, i.e., cerebral palsy, visual field defects, partial optic atrophy, and a CR ≥2 may support the diagnosis. CVI questionnaires should not be used for screening purposes as they yield too many false positives.

Visualization of the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics Publications over the Last 25 Years

PubMed Central

Tam-Tham, H.; Minty, E. P.

2016-01-01

Summary Background The last 25 years have been a period of innovation in the area of medical informatics. The International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) has published, every year for the last quarter century, the Yearbook of Medical Informatics, collating selected papers from various journals in an attempt to provide a summary of the academic medical informatics literature. The objective of this paper is to visualize the evolution of the medical informatics field over the last 25 years according to the frequency of word occurrences in the papers published in the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics. Methods A literature review was conducted examining the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics between 1992 and 2015. These references were collated into a reference manager application to examine the literature using keyword searches, word clouds, and topic clustering. The data was considered in its entirety, as well as segregated into 3 time periods to examine the evolution of main trends over time. Several methods were used, including word clouds, cluster maps, and custom developed web-based information dashboards. Results The literature search resulted in a total of 1210 references published in the Yearbook, of which 213 references were excluded, resulting in 997 references for visualization. Overall, we found that publications were more technical and methods-oriented between 1992 and 1999; more clinically and patient-oriented between 2000 and 2009; and noted the emergence of “big data”, decision support, and global health in the past decade between 2010 and 2015. Dashboards were additionally created to show individual reference data, as well as, aggregated information. Conclusion Medical informatics is a vast and expanding area with new methods and technologies being researched, implemented, and evaluated. Determining visualization approaches that enhance our understanding of literature is an active area of research, and like medical informatics, is constantly evolving as new software and algorithms are developed. This paper examined several approaches for visualizing the medical informatics literature to show historical trends, associations, and aggregated summarized information to illustrate the state and changes in the IMIA Yearbook publications over the last quarter century. PMID:27362591

Visualization of the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics Publications over the Last 25 Years.

PubMed

Yergens, D W; Tam-Tham, H; Minty, E P

2016-06-30

The last 25 years have been a period of innovation in the area of medical informatics. The International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) has published, every year for the last quarter century, the Yearbook of Medical Informatics, collating selected papers from various journals in an attempt to provide a summary of the academic medical informatics literature. The objective of this paper is to visualize the evolution of the medical informatics field over the last 25 years according to the frequency of word occurrences in the papers published in the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics. A literature review was conducted examining the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics between 1992 and 2015. These references were collated into a reference manager application to examine the literature using keyword searches, word clouds, and topic clustering. The data was considered in its entirety, as well as segregated into 3 time periods to examine the evolution of main trends over time. Several methods were used, including word clouds, cluster maps, and custom developed web-based information dashboards. The literature search resulted in a total of 1210 references published in the Yearbook, of which 213 references were excluded, resulting in 997 references for visualization. Overall, we found that publications were more technical and methods-oriented between 1992 and 1999; more clinically and patient-oriented between 2000 and 2009; and noted the emergence of "big data", decision support, and global health in the past decade between 2010 and 2015. Dashboards were additionally created to show individual reference data, as well as, aggregated information. Medical informatics is a vast and expanding area with new methods and technologies being researched, implemented, and evaluated. Determining visualization approaches that enhance our understanding of literature is an active area of research, and like medical informatics, is constantly evolving as new software and algorithms are developed. This paper examined several approaches for visualizing the medical informatics literature to show historical trends, associations, and aggregated summarized information to illustrate the state and changes in the IMIA Yearbook publications over the last quarter century.

Lower pitch is larger, yet falling pitches shrink.

PubMed

Eitan, Zohar; Schupak, Asi; Gotler, Alex; Marks, Lawrence E

2014-01-01

Experiments using diverse paradigms, including speeded discrimination, indicate that pitch and visually-perceived size interact perceptually, and that higher pitch is congruent with smaller size. While nearly all of these studies used static stimuli, here we examine the interaction of dynamic pitch and dynamic size, using Garner's speeded discrimination paradigm. Experiment 1 examined the interaction of continuous rise/fall in pitch and increase/decrease in object size. Experiment 2 examined the interaction of static pitch and size (steady high/low pitches and large/small visual objects), using an identical procedure. Results indicate that static and dynamic auditory and visual stimuli interact in opposite ways. While for static stimuli (Experiment 2), higher pitch is congruent with smaller size (as suggested by earlier work), for dynamic stimuli (Experiment 1), ascending pitch is congruent with growing size, and descending pitch with shrinking size. In addition, while static stimuli (Experiment 2) exhibit both congruence and Garner effects, dynamic stimuli (Experiment 1) present congruence effects without Garner interference, a pattern that is not consistent with prevalent interpretations of Garner's paradigm. Our interpretation of these results focuses on effects of within-trial changes on processing in dynamic tasks and on the association of changes in apparent size with implied changes in distance. Results suggest that static and dynamic stimuli can differ substantially in their cross-modal mappings, and may rely on different processing mechanisms.

Flashes and floaters - a practical approach to assessment and management.

PubMed

Kahawita, Shyalle; Simon, Sumu; Gilhotra, Jolly

2014-04-01

Flashes and floaters are common ophthalmic issues for which patients may initially present to their general practitioner. It may be a sign of benign, 
age-related changes of the vitreous or more serious retinal detachment. This article provides a guide to the assessment and management of a patient presenting with flashes and floaters. Although most patients presenting with flashes and floaters have benign 
age-related changes, they must be referred to an ophthalmologist to rule out sight-threatening conditions. Key examination features include the nature of the flashes and floaters, whether one or both eyes are affected and changes in visual acuity or visual field.

Reliability and validity of generalizable skills instruments for students who are deaf, blind, or visually impaired.

PubMed

Loeding, B L; Greenan, J P

1998-12-01

The study examined the validity and reliability of four assessments, with three instruments per domain. Domains included generalizable mathematics, communication, interpersonal relations, and reasoning skills. Participants were deaf, legally blind, or visually impaired students enrolled in vocational classes at residential secondary schools. The researchers estimated the internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity correlations of three subinstruments: student self-ratings, teacher ratings, and performance assessments. The data suggest that these instruments are highly internally consistent measures of generalizable vocational skills. Four performance assessments have high-to-moderate test-retest reliability estimates, and were generally considered to possess acceptable validity and reliability.

LAPR: An experimental aircraft pushbroom scanner

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wharton, S. W.; Irons, J. I.; Heugel, F.

1980-01-01

A three band Linear Array Pushbroom Radiometer (LAPR) was built and flown on an experimental basis by NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The functional characteristics of the instrument and the methods used to preprocess the data, including radiometric correction, are described. The radiometric sensitivity of the instrument was tested and compared to that of the Thematic Mapper and the Multispectral Scanner. The radiometric correction procedure was evaluated quantitatively, using laboratory testing, and qualitatively, via visual examination of the LAPR test flight imagery. Although effective radiometric correction could not yet be demonstrated via laboratory testing, radiometric distortion did not preclude the visual interpretation or parallel piped classification of the test imagery.

Perception and Attention for Visualization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haroz, Steve

2013-01-01

This work examines how a better understanding of visual perception and attention can impact visualization design. In a collection of studies, I explore how different levels of the visual system can measurably affect a variety of visualization metrics. The results show that expert preference, user performance, and even computational performance are…

Altered prefrontal function with aging: insights into age-associated performance decline.

PubMed

Solbakk, Anne-Kristin; Fuhrmann Alpert, Galit; Furst, Ansgar J; Hale, Laura A; Oga, Tatsuhide; Chetty, Sundari; Pickard, Natasha; Knight, Robert T

2008-09-26

We examined the effects of aging on visuo-spatial attention. Participants performed a bi-field visual selective attention task consisting of infrequent target and task-irrelevant novel stimuli randomly embedded among repeated standards in either attended or unattended visual fields. Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses to the different classes of stimuli were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. The older group had slower reaction times to targets, and committed more false alarms but had comparable detection accuracy to young controls. Attended target and novel stimuli activated comparable widely distributed attention networks, including anterior and posterior association cortex, in both groups. The older group had reduced spatial extent of activation in several regions, including prefrontal, basal ganglia, and visual processing areas. In particular, the anterior cingulate and superior frontal gyrus showed more restricted activation in older compared with young adults across all attentional conditions and stimulus categories. The spatial extent of activations correlated with task performance in both age groups, but the regional pattern of association between hemodynamic responses and behavior differed between the groups. Whereas the young subjects relied on posterior regions, the older subjects engaged frontal areas. The results indicate that aging alters the functioning of neural networks subserving visual attention, and that these changes are related to cognitive performance.

Subjective Visual Performance and Objective Optical Quality With Intraocular Lens Glistening and Surface Light Scattering.

PubMed

Luo, Furong; Bao, Xuan; Qin, Yingyan; Hou, Min; Wu, Mingxing

2018-06-01

To evaluate the long-term effect of glistenings and surface light scattering of intraocular lenses (IOLs) on visual and optical performance after cataract surgery. Pseudophakic eyes that underwent standard phacoemulsification and two types of hydrophobic acrylic spherical IOL implantation without complications for at least 5 years were included in this retrospective study. Participants were divided into the glistenings, surface light scattering, and control groups according to the current condition of the IOLs. Then participants received a follow-up examination including uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), contrast sensitivity, straylight, and intraocular higher order aberrations, as well as point spread function (PSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF). A total of 140 eyes were included in the study. UDVA, CDVA, and glare sensitivity were not significantly different among the three groups (P > .05). However, compared with the control group, the IOLs of the glistenings and surface light scattering groups were associated with significantly lower contrast sensitivity under no glare conditions. Furthermore, eye with glistenings exhibited the highest straylight value (P < .05), whereas no difference was found between the surface light scattering and control groups. In contrast to the control group, the spherical aberration increased and the mean values of PSF and MTF decreased in the glistenings and surface light scattering groups. Both glistenings and surface light scattering tend to impair subjective visual performance, such as contrast sensitivity, and potentially affect objective optical quality, including straylight, spherical aberration, PSF, and MTF. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(6):372-378.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.

Individual Differences in the Development of Early Writing Skills: Testing the Unique Contribution of Visuo-Spatial Working Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bourke, Lorna; Davies, Simon J.; Sumner, Emma; Green, Carolyn

2014-01-01

Visually mediated processes including, exposure to print (e.g. reading) as well as orthographic transcription and coding skills, have been found to contribute to individual differences in literacy development. The current study examined the role of visuospatial working memory (WM) in underpinning this relationship and emergent writing. One hundred…

Effect of Maternal Rubella on Hearing and Vision: A Twenty Year Post-Epidemic Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Donald D.; Whitehead, Robert L.

1989-01-01

Two groups of deaf college students, including 104 deaf from congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and 138 deaf from other reasons, received complete audiometric assessments and ophthalmological examinations. Degree of hearing loss did not differ between groups. However, 7 visual problems were found to be more prevalent with the CRS population.…

Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Health-Related Behaviors among Male and Female First Year College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowery, Sarah E.; Kurpius, Sharon E. Robinson; Befort, Christie; Blanks, Elva Hull; Sollenberger, Sonja; Nicpon, Megan Foley; Huser, Laura

2005-01-01

This study examined the relationships among self-esteem, body image, and health-related behaviors of 267 female and 156 male first-year college students. Data were collected in 23 classrooms. Instruments included a demographic sheet, the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale, the Weight and Appearance Visual Analogue Scales, the Contour Drawing…

Supporting Concrete Visual Thinking in Multiplicative Reasoning: Difficulties and Opportunities. Technical Report 88-16.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaput, James J.

The Educational Technology Center has attempted to develop a series of computer based learning environments to support the learning and application of multiplicative reasoning. The work and software described in this paper, including the teaching experiment that generated the error phenomena examined, is part of a larger ongoing research project.…

Reaching, Crawling, Walking...Let's Get Moving: Orientation and Mobility for Preschool Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simmons, Susan S.; Maida, Sharon O'Mara

This booklet examines what Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is and how it can influence the independence of a child with visual impairment or blindness. The booklet is divided into four sections--Reaching, Crawling, Walking, and Cane Use. In each section, terminology used by O&M specialists is explained, including "senses,""environment,""travel,"…

Central Cross-Talk in Task Switching : Evidence from Manipulating Input-Output Modality Compatibility

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephan, Denise Nadine; Koch, Iring

2010-01-01

Two experiments examined the role of compatibility of input and output (I-O) modality mappings in task switching. We define I-O modality compatibility in terms of similarity of stimulus modality and modality of response-related sensory consequences. Experiment 1 included switching between 2 compatible tasks (auditory-vocal vs. visual-manual) and…

Linking the Nature of Secondary School Students Who Are Highly Artistic with Curriculum Needs and Instructional Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Visconti, Victoria

2012-01-01

This exploratory qualitative investigation examined the nature of 7 secondary school students who are highly artistic to link visual arts programs that best accommodate their learning needs. Instrumentation for data collection included 1 questionnaire, 3 in-depth semistructured one-on-one interviews, artwork documents, observations, and field…

Understanding the Cultural Meaning of Selected African Ndop Statues: The Use of Art History Constructivist Inquiry Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chanda, Jacqueline; Basinger, Ashlee M.

2000-01-01

Describes a case study in which third-grade children (n=19) examined a series of images of Ndop statues and visual information from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo using art history constructivist inquiry methods. Presents the results in detail. Includes references. (CMK)

Visualization index for image-enabled medical records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Wenjie; Zheng, Weilin; Sun, Jianyong; Zhang, Jianguo

2011-03-01

With the widely use of healthcare information technology in hospitals, the patients' medical records are more and more complex. To transform the text- or image-based medical information into easily understandable and acceptable form for human, we designed and developed an innovation indexing method which can be used to assign an anatomical 3D structure object to every patient visually to store indexes of the patients' basic information, historical examined image information and RIS report information. When a doctor wants to review patient historical records, he or she can first load the anatomical structure object and the view the 3D index of this object using a digital human model tool kit. This prototype system helps doctors to easily and visually obtain the complete historical healthcare status of patients, including large amounts of medical data, and quickly locate detailed information, including both reports and images, from medical information systems. In this way, doctors can save time that may be better used to understand information, obtain a more comprehensive understanding of their patients' situations, and provide better healthcare services to patients.

The role of visualization in learning from computer-based images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piburn, Michael D.; Reynolds, Stephen J.; McAuliffe, Carla; Leedy, Debra E.; Birk, James P.; Johnson, Julia K.

2005-05-01

Among the sciences, the practice of geology is especially visual. To assess the role of spatial ability in learning geology, we designed an experiment using: (1) web-based versions of spatial visualization tests, (2) a geospatial test, and (3) multimedia instructional modules built around QuickTime Virtual Reality movies. Students in control and experimental sections were administered measures of spatial orientation and visualization, as well as a content-based geospatial examination. All subjects improved significantly in their scores on spatial visualization and the geospatial examination. There was no change in their scores on spatial orientation. A three-way analysis of variance, with the geospatial examination as the dependent variable, revealed significant main effects favoring the experimental group and a significant interaction between treatment and gender. These results demonstrate that spatial ability can be improved through instruction, that learning of geological content will improve as a result, and that differences in performance between the genders can be eliminated.

Prevalence of Visual Impairment and Refractive Errors in Children of South Sinai, Egypt.

PubMed

Yamamah, Gamal Abdel Naser; Talaat Abdel Alim, Ahmed Ahmed; Mostafa, Yehia Salah El Din; Ahmed, Rania Ahmed Abdel Salam; Mohammed, Asmaa Mahmoud; Mahmoud, Asmaa Mohammed

2015-01-01

To assess the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in children of South Sinai, and to evaluate outcomes of rehabilitation programs. Population-based, cross-sectional analysis of 2070 healthy school children screened for visual impairment from 2009 through 2010 in cities of South Sinai and their surrounding Bedouin settlements. Visual acuity (VA) was tested using Snellen charts followed by cycloplegic autorefractometry for cases with presenting VA ≤ 6/9. Appropriate eyeglasses were prescribed and VA re-evaluated. This study included 1047 boys and 1023 girls, mean age 10.7 ± 3.1 years. Visual impairment (uncorrected VA ≤ 6/9) was detected in 29.4% of children, while 2.0% had moderate-severe visual impairment (uncorrected VA ≤ 6/24). There were statistically significant differences in prevalence of visual impairment between the studied cities (p < 0.05), with the highest prevalence in Abu Redis. Prevalence of visual impairment was significantly higher among girls (p < 0.05) and those with positive consanguinity (p < 0.05). Bedouin children showed significantly lower prevalences of visual impairment. Only age was a reliable predictor of visual impairment (odds ratio 0.94, p < 0.0001). Ophthalmic examination revealed other disorders, e.g. dry eye (4.74%), squint (2.37%), exophthalmos (1.58%) and ptosis (0.79%). VA significantly improved in children who received spectacles (p < 0.001). A total of 29.4% of South Sinai children had some form of visual impairment, 90.32% of which comprised refractive errors (mainly astigmatism) which were significantly corrected with eyeglasses. VA screening and correction of refractive errors are of the utmost importance for ensuring better visual outcomes and improved school performance.

When Do Visual and Verbal Memories Conflict?: The Importance of Working-Memory Load and Retrieval

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morey, Candice C.; Cowan, Nelson

2005-01-01

Examinations of interference between verbal and visual materials in working memory have produced mixed results. If there is a central form of storage (e.g., the focus of attention; N. Cowan, 2001), then cross-domain interference should be obtained. The authors examined this question with a visual-array comparison task (S. J. Luck & E. K. Vogel,…

Peer passenger influences on male adolescent drivers’ visual scanning behavior during simulated driving

PubMed Central

Pradhan, Anuj K.; Li, Kaigang; Bingham, C. Raymond; Simons-Morton, Bruce; Ouimet, Marie Claude; Shope, Jean T.

2014-01-01

Purpose There is a higher likelihood of crashes and fatalities when an adolescent drives with peer passengers, especially for male drivers and male passengers. Simulated driving of male adolescent drivers with male peer passengers was studied to examine passenger influences on distraction and inattention. Methods Male adolescents drove in a high-fidelity driving simulator with a male confederate who posed either as a risk-accepting or risk-averse passenger. Drivers’ eye-movements were recorded. The visual scanning behavior of the drivers was compared when driving alone versus when driving with a passenger, and when driving with a risk-accepting versus a risk-averse passenger. Results The visual scanning of a driver significantly narrowed horizontally and vertically when driving with a peer passenger. There were no significant differences in the times the drivers’ eyes were off the forward roadway when driving with a passenger versus when driving alone. Some significant correlations were found between personality characteristics and the outcome measures. Conclusions The presence of a male peer passenger was associated with a reduction in the visual scanning range of male adolescent drivers. This reduction could be a result of potential cognitive load imposed on the driver due to the presence of a passenger and the real or perceived normative influences or expectations from the passenger. Implications and contribution The presence of male peer passengers was associated with deficient visual scanning in male adolescent drivers. Such reduced scanning behavior is evident in drivers with high cognitive load. Further investigation of passenger influences on adolescent drivers should include examination of distraction and inattention aspects of passenger influence. PMID:24759440

Spectacle compliance amongst rural secondary school children in Pune district, India

PubMed Central

Gogate, Parikshit; Mukhopadhyaya, Debapriya; Mahadik, Ashok; Naduvilath, Thomas J; Sane, Shrivallabh; Shinde, Amit; Holden, Brien

2013-01-01

Background: Refractive errors (RE) are the most common cause of avoidable visual impairment in children. But benefits of visual aids, which are means for correcting RE, depend on the compliance of visual aids by end users. Aim: To study the compliance of spectacle wear among rural school children in Pune district as part of the sarva siksha abhiyan (education for all scheme) after 6 - 12 months of providing free spectacles. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional follow-up study of rural secondary school children in western India. Materials and Methods: The students were examined by a team of optometrists who collected the demographic details, observed if the child was wearing the spectacles, and performed an ocular examination. The students were asked to give reasons for non-wear in a closed-ended questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression used for data analysis. Results: Of the 2312 students who were dispensed spectacles in 2009, 1018 were re-examined in 2010. 523 students (51.4%) were female, the mean age was 12.1 years 300 (29.5%) were wearing their spectacles, 492 (68.5%) students claimed to have them at home while 211 (29.4%) reported not having them at all. Compliance of spectacle wear was positively associated to the magnitude of refractive error (P < 0.001), father's education (P = 0.016), female sex (P = 0.029) and negatively associated to the visual acuity of the better eye (P < 0.001) and area of residence (P < 0.0001). Of those that were examined and found to be myopic (N = 499), 220 (44%) wore their spectacles to examination. Factors associated with compliance to spectacle usage in the myopic population included increasing refractive error (P < 0.001), worsening visual acuity (P < 0.001), and higher academic performance (P < 0.001). The causes for not wearing spectacles were ‘lost spectacles’ 67(9.3%), ‘broken spectacles’ 125 (17.4%), ‘forgot spectacles at home’ 117 (16.3%), ‘uses spectacles sometimes’ 109 (15.2%), ‘teased about spectacles’ 142 (19.8%) and ‘do not like the spectacles’ 86 (12%). Conclusion: Spectacle compliance was poor amongst school children in rural Pune; many having significant vision loss as a result. PMID:23275214

Diagnostic Utility of Ocular Symptoms and Vision for Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

PubMed Central

Chen, Alexander S.; Kamphaengkham, Siripim; Leenasirimakul, Prattana; Jirawison, Choeng; Ausayakhun, Somsanguan; Margolis, Todd P.; Keenan, Jeremy D.

2016-01-01

Purpose Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis remains a leading cause of blindness in countries with a high burden of AIDS. Although dilated fundus examinations are recommended for those with CD4 counts below 100 cells/μL, in practice only those with poor vision and/or symptoms are routinely referred for screening. Therefore, the predictive value of this common practice should be assessed. Methods This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Patients with known HIV and a CD4 count of less than 100 cells/μL attending an HIV clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand completed a standardized questionnaire about visual symptoms and underwent visual acuity testing and dilated fundus examination. Participants without CMV retinitis were invited for repeated examinations every 3 months until their CD4 count exceeded 100 cells/μL. Patient-level statistical analyses were conducted to calculate diagnostic test characteristics, with bootstrapping to account for correlated data. Results Of 103 study participants, 16 had CMV retinitis diagnosed at some point during the study. Participants with CMV retinitis were more likely to complain of visual symptoms compared to those without CMV retinitis (p = 0.01), including scotoma (p = 0.0002), itchy or watery eyes (p < 0.0001), and eye pain (p = 0.003); they were also more likely to have visual acuity worse than Counting Fingers (p = 0.0003). However, the absence of eye symptoms and the absence of poor vision did not strongly affect the probability that a patient did not have disease (negative likelihood ratio 0.56 and 0.76, respectively). Conclusions Ocular symptoms and poor visual acuity were poor diagnostic indicators for the presence of CMV retinitis. Systematic screening of HIV patients with CD4 counts below 100 cells/μl should be carried out to detect disease at an early stage, when blindness can still be prevented. PMID:27788232

Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in Bhutan.

PubMed

Lepcha, Nor Tshering; Chettri, Chandra Kumar; Getshen, Kunzang; Rai, Bhim Bahadur; Ramaswamy, Shamanna Bindiganavale; Saibaba, Saravanan; Nirmalan, Praveen Kumar; Demarchis, Emilia Hansson; Tabin, Geoffrey; Morley, Michael; Morley, Katharine

2013-08-01

To conduct a rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Bhutan to obtain estimates of blindness, visual impairment, and cataract surgical coverage, outcomes and barriers among persons ≥50 years old. A total of 82 clusters of 50 people ≥50 years were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling. Eligible participants were selected from households using compact segment sampling, and underwent ophthalmic examination for visual acuity, followed by penlight and direct ophthalmoscopy. Participants with cataract were interviewed regarding surgical outcomes and barriers to surgery. Overall, 4046 of 4100 persons enumerated (98.7%) underwent ophthalmic examination. Adjusting for age and sex, the prevalence of bilaterally blind persons with available correction was 1.5% (95% confidence interval 1.09-1.89). Most blindness (67.1%) and severe visual impairment (74.1%) resulted from cataract, but 22.1% resulted from posterior segment pathology. Cataract surgical coverage for bilaterally blind persons was 72.7%. Almost 90% of patients reported moderate or good satisfaction, despite poor surgical outcomes in 23.6%. The prevalence of blindness in people aged ≥50 years in Bhutan was relatively low when compared with neighboring countries and World Health Organization sub-region estimates. Areas for improvement include community outreach, surgical outcomes, and posterior segment diseases.

Economic Evaluation of Low-Vision Rehabilitation for Veterans With Macular Diseases in the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

PubMed

Stroupe, Kevin T; Stelmack, Joan A; Tang, X Charlene; Wei, Yongliang; Sayers, Scott; Reda, Domenic J; Kwon, Ellen; Massof, Robert W

2018-05-01

Examining costs and consequences of different low-vision (LV) programs provides important information about resources needed to expand treatment options efficiently. To examine the costs and consequences of LV rehabilitation or basic LV services. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Low Vision Intervention Trial (LOVIT) II was conducted from September 27, 2010, to July 31, 2014, at 9 VA facilities and included 323 veterans with macular diseases and a best-corrected distance visual acuity of 20/50 to 20/200. Veterans were randomized to receive basic LV services that provided LV devices without therapy, or LV rehabilitation that added a therapist to LV services who provided instruction and homework on using LV devices, eccentric viewing, and environmental modification. We compared costs and consequences between these groups. Low-vision devices without therapy and LV devices with therapy. Costs of providing basic LV services or LV rehabilitation were assessed. We measured consequences as changes in functional visual ability from baseline to follow-up 4 months after randomization using the VA Low Vision Visual Functioning Questionnaire. Visual ability was measured in dimensionless log odds units (logits). Of 323 randomized patients, the mean (SD) age was 80 (10.5) years, 314 (97.2%) were men, and 292 (90.4%) were white. One hundred sixty (49.5%) received basic LV services and 163 (50.1%) received LV rehabilitation. The mean (SD) total direct health care costs per patient were similar between patients who were randomized to receive basic LV services ($1662 [$671]) or LV rehabilitation ($1788 [$864]) (basic LV services, $126 lower; 95% CI, $299 lower to $35 higher; P = .15). However, basic LV services required less time and had lower transportation costs. Patients receiving LV rehabilitation had greater improvements in overall visual ability, reading ability, visual information processing, and visual motor skill scores.

Visualizations and Mental Models - The Educational Implications of GEOWALL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapp, D.; Kendeou, P.

2003-12-01

Work in the earth sciences has outlined many of the faulty beliefs that students possess concerning particular geological systems and processes. Evidence from educational and cognitive psychology has demonstrated that students often have difficulty overcoming their na‹ve beliefs about science. Prior knowledge is often remarkably resistant to change, particularly when students' existing mental models for geological principles may be faulty or inaccurate. Figuring out how to help students revise their mental models to include appropriate information is a major challenge. Up until this point, research has tended to focus on whether 2-dimensional computer visualizations are useful tools for helping students develop scientifically correct models. Research suggests that when students are given the opportunity to use dynamic computer-based visualizations, they are more likely to recall the learned information, and are more likely to transfer that knowledge to novel settings. Unfortunately, 2-dimensional visualization systems are often inadequate representations of the material that educators would like students to learn. For example, a 2-dimensional image of the Earth's surface does not adequately convey particular features that are critical for visualizing the geological environment. This may limit the models that students can construct following these visualizations. GEOWALL is a stereo projection system that has attempted to address this issue. It can display multidimensional static geologic images and dynamic geologic animations in a 3-dimensional format. Our current research examines whether multidimensional visualization systems such as GEOWALL may facilitate learning by helping students to develop more complex mental models. This talk will address some of the cognitive issues that influence the construction of mental models, and the difficulty of updating existing mental models. We will also discuss our current work that seeks to examine whether GEOWALL is an effective tool for helping students to learn geological information (and potentially restructure their na‹ve conceptions of geologic principles).

Preventable visual impairment in children 
with nonprofound intellectual disability.

PubMed

Aslan, Lokman; Aslankurt, Murat; Aksoy, Adnan; Altun, Hatice

2013-01-01

To assess the preventable visual impairment in children with nonprofound intellectual disability (ID). 
 A total of 215 children with IDs (90 Down syndrome [DS], 125 nonprofound ID) and 116 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. All participants underwent ophthalmologic examinations including cycloplegic refraction measurements, ocular movement evaluation, screening for strabismus (Hirschberg, Krimsky, or prism cover test), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, funduscopy, and intraocular pressure measurements. All data were recorded for statistical analysis.
 Ocular findings in decreasing prevalence were as follows: refractive errors 55 (61.1%), strabismus 30 (33.2%), cataract 7 (7.8%), and nystagmus 7 (7.8%) in children with DS; refractive errors 57 (45.6%), strabismus 19 (15.2%), cataract 7 (6.4%), nystagmus 5 (4%), and glaucoma 1 (0.8%) in children with other ID; and refractive errors 13 (11.2%) and strabismus 4 (3.5%) in controls. Cataracts, glaucoma, and nystagmus were not observed in the control group. The most common ophthalmic findings in children with DS compared with other ID and controls were with hyperopia (p<0.03 and 
p<0.001, respectively) and esotropia (p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively).
 The pediatric population with ID has a high prevalence of preventable visual impairments, refractive errors, strabismus, and cataracts. The prevalence of strabismus and refractive errors was more frequent in children with DS. The importance of further health screenings including ophthalmic examinations should be utilized to implement appropriate care management and improve quality of life.

Prevalence of Visual Impairment among 4- to 6-years-old Children in Khon Kaen City Municipality, Thailand.

PubMed

Wongwai, Phanthipha; Anupongongarch, Pacharapan; Suwannaraj, Sirinya; Asawaphureekorn, Somkiat

2016-08-01

To evaluate the prevalence of visual impairment of children aged four to six years in Khon Kaen City Municipality, Thailand. The visual acuity test was performed on 1,286 children in kindergarten schools located in Khon Kaen Municipality. The first test of visual acuity was done by trained teachers and the second test by the pediatric ophthalmologist. The prevalence of visual impairment of both tests was recorded including sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and predictive value of the test by teachers. The causes of visual impairment were also recorded. There were 39 children with visual impairment from the test by the teacher and 12 children from the test by the ophthalmologist. Myopia is the single cause of visual impairment. Mean spherical equivalence is 1.375 diopters (SD = 0.53). Median spherical equivalence is 1.375 diopters (minimum = 0.5, maximum =4). The detection of visual impairment by trained teachers had a sensitivity of 1.00 (95% CI 0.76-1.00), specificity of 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99), likelihood ratio for a positive test 44.58 (95% CI 30.32-65.54), likelihood ratio for a negative test 0.04 (95% CI 0.003-0.60), positive predictive value of 0.31 (95% CI 0.19-0.47), and negative predictive value of 1.00 (95% CI 0.99-1.00). The prevalence of visual impairment among children aged four to six year old is 0.9%. Trained teachers can be examiners for screening purpose.

Association of visual sensory function and higher order visual processing skills with incident driving cessation

PubMed Central

Huisingh, Carrie; McGwin, Gerald; Owsley, Cynthia

2017-01-01

Background Many studies on vision and driving cessation have relied on measures of sensory function, which are insensitive to the higher order cognitive aspects of visual processing. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between traditional measures of visual sensory function and higher order visual processing skills with incident driving cessation in a population-based sample of older drivers. Methods Two thousand licensed drivers aged ≥70 were enrolled and followed-up for three years. Tests for central vision and visual processing were administered at baseline and included visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, sensitivity in the driving visual field, visual processing speed (Useful Field of View (UFOV) Subtest 2 and Trails B), and spatial ability measured by the Visual Closure Subtest of the Motor-free Visual Perception Test. Participants self-reported the month and year of driving cessation and provided a reason for cessation. Cox proportional hazards models were used to generate crude and adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals between visual functioning characteristics and risk of driving cessation over a three-year period. Results During the study period, 164 participants stopped driving which corresponds to a cumulative incidence of 8.5%. Impaired contrast sensitivity, visual fields, visual processing speed (UFOVand Trails B), and spatial ability were significant risk factors for subsequent driving cessation after adjusting for age, gender, marital status, number of medical conditions, and miles driven. Visual acuity impairment was not associated with driving cessation. Medical problems (63%), specifically musculoskeletal and neurological problems, as well as vision problems (17%) were cited most frequently as the reason for driving cessation. Conclusion Assessment of cognitive and visual functioning can provide useful information about subsequent risk of driving cessation among older drivers. In addition, a variety of factors, not just vision, influenced the decision to stop driving and may be amenable to intervention. PMID:27353969

Discrepancy between structural and functional visual recovery in patients after trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection.

PubMed

Qiao, Nidan; Ye, Zhao; Shou, Xuefei; Wang, Yongfei; Li, Shiqi; Wang, Min; Zhao, Yao

2016-12-01

The relationship between functional and structural measurements is of fundamental importance in monitoring treatment and progression in patients with pituitary adenoma. In the present study, we examined the association between longitudinal changes in standard automated perimetry (SAP), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) amplitude after transsphenoidal surgery. Thirty patients with pituitary adenoma were recruited from Huashan Hospital between September 2010 and January 2014. The examination included pupil examination, anterior and posterior segment examination, SAP, RNFL and mfVEP. At three months and nine months after transsphenoid surgery, follow-up measurements were conducted in twenty-three patients, and at 18 months after surgery, the same examinations were performed in seven patients. The average age of patients was 42.6±12.1years, with 23 males and 7 females. The mean score of SAP improved significantly: 1.75 before surgery; 0.62 at three months after surgery (p=0.00) and 0.50 at nine months after surgery (p=0.00). No significant improvement in RNFL thickness was observed at three months or nine months after surgery. The mean score of mfVEP also improved significantly: 0.85 before surgery; 0.53 at three months (p=0.00) and 0.38 at nine months after surgery (P=0.00). No statistical difference was observed in the outcome of patients at nine months of follow-up and 18 months of follow-up. Visual field and mfVEP recovery with unchanged RNFL thickness was observed in patients after transsphenoid pituitary adenoma resection. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Visual adaptation dominates bimodal visual-motor action adaptation

PubMed Central

de la Rosa, Stephan; Ferstl, Ylva; Bülthoff, Heinrich H.

2016-01-01

A long standing debate revolves around the question whether visual action recognition primarily relies on visual or motor action information. Previous studies mainly examined the contribution of either visual or motor information to action recognition. Yet, the interaction of visual and motor action information is particularly important for understanding action recognition in social interactions, where humans often observe and execute actions at the same time. Here, we behaviourally examined the interaction of visual and motor action recognition processes when participants simultaneously observe and execute actions. We took advantage of behavioural action adaptation effects to investigate behavioural correlates of neural action recognition mechanisms. In line with previous results, we find that prolonged visual exposure (visual adaptation) and prolonged execution of the same action with closed eyes (non-visual motor adaptation) influence action recognition. However, when participants simultaneously adapted visually and motorically – akin to simultaneous execution and observation of actions in social interactions - adaptation effects were only modulated by visual but not motor adaptation. Action recognition, therefore, relies primarily on vision-based action recognition mechanisms in situations that require simultaneous action observation and execution, such as social interactions. The results suggest caution when associating social behaviour in social interactions with motor based information. PMID:27029781

Visual Outcomes, Quality of Vision, and Quality of Life of Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation after Myopic Laser In Situ Keratomileusis: A Prospective, Observational Case Series

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Purpose. To report visual performance and quality of life after implantation of a bifocal diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) in postmyopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients. Methods. Prospective, observational case series. Patients with prior myopic LASIK who had implantation of Tecnis ZMA00/ZMB00 MIOL (Abbott Medical Optics) at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital were included. Postoperative examinations included monocular and binocular distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (VA), and contrast sensitivity; visual symptoms (0–5); satisfaction (1–5); spectacle independence rate; and quality of life. Results. Twenty-three patients (27 eyes) were included. No intraoperative complications developed. Mean monocular uncorrected VA at distance, intermediate, and near were 0.13 ± 0.15 (standard deviation), 0.22 ± 0.15, and 0.16 ± 0.15, respectively. Corresponding mean values for binocular uncorrected VA were 0.00 ± 0.10, 0.08 ± 0.13, and 0.13 ± 0.10, respectively. No eyes lost >1 line of corrected distance VA. Contrast sensitivity at different spatial frequencies between operated and unoperated eyes did not differ significantly (all P > 0.05). Mean score for halos, night glare, starbursts, and satisfaction were 1.46 ± 1.62, 1.85 ± 1.69, 0.78 ± 1.31, and 3.50 ± 1.02, respectively. Eighteen patients (78%) reported complete spectacle independence. Mean composite score of the quality-of-life questionnaire was 90.31 ± 8.50 out of 100. Conclusions. Implantation of the MIOL after myopic LASIK was safe and achieved good visual performance. PMID:28133543

Visual Outcomes, Quality of Vision, and Quality of Life of Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation after Myopic Laser In Situ Keratomileusis: A Prospective, Observational Case Series.

PubMed

Chang, John S M; Ng, Jack C M; Chan, Vincent K C; Law, Antony K P

2017-01-01

Purpose . To report visual performance and quality of life after implantation of a bifocal diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) in postmyopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients. Methods . Prospective, observational case series. Patients with prior myopic LASIK who had implantation of Tecnis ZMA00/ZMB00 MIOL (Abbott Medical Optics) at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital were included. Postoperative examinations included monocular and binocular distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (VA), and contrast sensitivity; visual symptoms (0-5); satisfaction (1-5); spectacle independence rate; and quality of life. Results . Twenty-three patients (27 eyes) were included. No intraoperative complications developed. Mean monocular uncorrected VA at distance, intermediate, and near were 0.13 ± 0.15 (standard deviation), 0.22 ± 0.15, and 0.16 ± 0.15, respectively. Corresponding mean values for binocular uncorrected VA were 0.00 ± 0.10, 0.08 ± 0.13, and 0.13 ± 0.10, respectively. No eyes lost >1 line of corrected distance VA. Contrast sensitivity at different spatial frequencies between operated and unoperated eyes did not differ significantly (all P > 0.05). Mean score for halos, night glare, starbursts, and satisfaction were 1.46 ± 1.62, 1.85 ± 1.69, 0.78 ± 1.31, and 3.50 ± 1.02, respectively. Eighteen patients (78%) reported complete spectacle independence. Mean composite score of the quality-of-life questionnaire was 90.31 ± 8.50 out of 100. Conclusions . Implantation of the MIOL after myopic LASIK was safe and achieved good visual performance.

The Vivid Present: Visualization Abilities Are Associated with Steep Discounting of Future Rewards

PubMed Central

Parthasarathi, Trishala; McConnell, Mairead H.; Luery, Jeffrey; Kable, Joseph W.

2017-01-01

Humans and other animals discount the value of future rewards, a phenomenon known as delay discounting. Individuals vary widely in the extent to which they discount future rewards, and these tendencies have been associated with important life outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated that imagining the future reduces subsequent discounting behavior, but no research to date has examined whether a similar principle applies at the trait level, and whether training visualization changes discounting. The current study examined if individual differences in visualization abilities are linked to individual differences in discounting and whether practicing visualization can change discounting behaviors in a lasting way. Participants (n = 48) completed the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) and delay discounting task and then underwent a 4-week intervention consisting of visualization training (intervention) or relaxation training (control). Contrary to our hypotheses, participants who reported greater visualization abilities (lower scores) on the VVIQ were higher discounters. To further examine this relationship, an additional 106 participants completed the VVIQ and delay discounting task. In the total sample (n = 154), there was a significant negative correlation between VVIQ scores and discount rates, showing that individuals who are better visualizers are also higher discounters. Consistent with this relationship but again to our surprise, visualization training tended, albeit weakly, to increase discount rates, and those whose VVIQ decreased the most were those whose discount rates increased the most. These results suggest a novel association between visualization abilities and delay discounting. PMID:28321198

The Vivid Present: Visualization Abilities Are Associated with Steep Discounting of Future Rewards.

PubMed

Parthasarathi, Trishala; McConnell, Mairead H; Luery, Jeffrey; Kable, Joseph W

2017-01-01

Humans and other animals discount the value of future rewards, a phenomenon known as delay discounting. Individuals vary widely in the extent to which they discount future rewards, and these tendencies have been associated with important life outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated that imagining the future reduces subsequent discounting behavior, but no research to date has examined whether a similar principle applies at the trait level, and whether training visualization changes discounting. The current study examined if individual differences in visualization abilities are linked to individual differences in discounting and whether practicing visualization can change discounting behaviors in a lasting way. Participants ( n = 48) completed the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) and delay discounting task and then underwent a 4-week intervention consisting of visualization training (intervention) or relaxation training (control). Contrary to our hypotheses, participants who reported greater visualization abilities (lower scores) on the VVIQ were higher discounters. To further examine this relationship, an additional 106 participants completed the VVIQ and delay discounting task. In the total sample ( n = 154), there was a significant negative correlation between VVIQ scores and discount rates, showing that individuals who are better visualizers are also higher discounters. Consistent with this relationship but again to our surprise, visualization training tended, albeit weakly, to increase discount rates, and those whose VVIQ decreased the most were those whose discount rates increased the most. These results suggest a novel association between visualization abilities and delay discounting.

Improving Access to Eye Care among Persons at High-Risk of Glaucoma in Philadelphia — Design and Methodology: The Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project

PubMed Central

Myers, Jonathan S.; Henderer, Jeffrey; Crews, John E.; Saaddine, Jinan B.; Molineaux, Jeanne; Johnson, Deiana; Sembhi, Harjeet; Stratford, Shayla; Suleiman, Ayman; Pizzi, Laura; Spaeth, George L.; Katz, L. Jay

2016-01-01

Purpose The Wills Eye Glaucoma Research Center initiated a 2-year demonstration project to develop and implement a community-based intervention to improve detection and management of glaucoma in Philadelphia. Methods The glaucoma detection examination consisted of: ocular, medical, and family history; visual acuity testing; corneal pachymetry; biomicroscopy of the anterior segment; intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement; gonioscopy; funduscopy; automated visual field testing; and fundus-color photography. Treatment included laser surgery and/or IOP-lowering medication. A cost analysis was conducted to understand resource requirements. Outcome measures included; prevalence of glaucoma-related pathology and other eye diseases among high-risk populations; the impact of educational workshops on level of knowledge about glaucoma (assessed by pre- and post-test evaluation); and patient satisfaction of the glaucoma detection examinations in the community (assessed by satisfaction survey). Treatment outcome measures were change in IOP at 4–6 weeks and 4–6 months following selective laser trabeculoplasty treatment, deepening of the anterior chamber angle following laser-peripheral iridotomy treatment, and rate of adherence to recommended follow-up examinations. Cost outcomes included total program costs, cost per case of glaucoma detected, and cost per case of ocular disease detected. Results This project enrolled 1649 participants (African Americans aged 50+ years, adults 60+ years and individuals with a family history of glaucoma). A total of 1074 individuals attended a glaucoma educational workshop and 1508 scheduled glaucoma detection examination appointments in the community setting. Conclusions The Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project aimed to improve access and use of eye care and to provide a model for a targeted community-based glaucoma program. PMID:26950056

Improving Access to Eye Care among Persons at High-Risk of Glaucoma in Philadelphia--Design and Methodology: The Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project.

PubMed

Hark, Lisa; Waisbourd, Michael; Myers, Jonathan S; Henderer, Jeffrey; Crews, John E; Saaddine, Jinan B; Molineaux, Jeanne; Johnson, Deiana; Sembhi, Harjeet; Stratford, Shayla; Suleiman, Ayman; Pizzi, Laura; Spaeth, George L; Katz, L Jay

2016-01-01

The Wills Eye Glaucoma Research Center initiated a 2-year demonstration project to develop and implement a community-based intervention to improve detection and management of glaucoma in Philadelphia. The glaucoma detection examination consisted of: ocular, medical, and family history; visual acuity testing; corneal pachymetry; biomicroscopy of the anterior segment; intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement; gonioscopy; funduscopy; automated visual field testing; and fundus-color photography. Treatment included laser surgery and/or IOP-lowering medication. A cost analysis was conducted to understand resource requirements. Outcome measures included; prevalence of glaucoma-related pathology and other eye diseases among high-risk populations; the impact of educational workshops on level of knowledge about glaucoma (assessed by pre- and post-test evaluation); and patient satisfaction of the glaucoma detection examinations in the community (assessed by satisfaction survey). Treatment outcome measures were change in IOP at 4-6 weeks and 4-6 months following selective laser trabeculoplasty treatment, deepening of the anterior chamber angle following laser-peripheral iridotomy treatment, and rate of adherence to recommended follow-up examinations. Cost outcomes included total program costs, cost per case of glaucoma detected, and cost per case of ocular disease detected. This project enrolled 1649 participants (African Americans aged 50+ years, adults 60+ years and individuals with a family history of glaucoma). A total of 1074 individuals attended a glaucoma educational workshop and 1508 scheduled glaucoma detection examination appointments in the community setting. The Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project aimed to improve access and use of eye care and to provide a model for a targeted community-based glaucoma program.

Cataract in children attending schools for the blind and resource centers in eastern Africa.

PubMed

Msukwa, Gerald; Njuguna, Margaret; Tumwesigye, Cillasy; Shilio, Bernadeth; Courtright, Paul; Lewallen, Susan

2009-05-01

The aim of this study was to describe results of a representative sample of children who have undergone cataract surgery in schools for the blind in 4 African countries. Cross-sectional study. Children enrolled at schools for the blind in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. We used a population-proportional-to-size methodology to select a representative sample of schools for the blind and annexes and included all the children attending the selected schools. Trained teams using standardized examination methods and a modified World Health Organization form examined the children. The form was modified specifically to collect information on outcomes of cataract surgery. Operative status and postoperative visual acuity. Of 1062 children examined, 196 (18%) had undergone cataract surgery or had cataract as the major cause of visual impairment; 140 (71%) had bilateral surgery, 24 (12%) had unilateral surgery, and 32 (16%) had not had surgery. Of operated eyes, 118 (41%) had visual acuity > or =20/200. Intraocular lenses were implanted in 65% of the operated eyes. Eyes with intraocular lens were more likely to have better vision than those without (P for trend = 0.04). Amblyopia was the most common cause of poor visual acuity in children who had undergone cataract surgery. The number of children in the schools who receive cataract surgery has increased greatly since 1995. The high rate of amblyopia highlights the critical need for programs to find children earlier and to ensure adequate follow-up after surgery. Without such programs, the value of training pediatric surgeons will not be fully realized. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

A New Era in Diagnostic Ultrasound, Superb Microvascular Imaging: Preliminary Results in Pediatric Hepato-Gastrointestinal Disorders.

PubMed

Ohno, Yasuharu; Fujimoto, Tamotsu; Shibata, Yukari

2017-02-01

Introduction  Superb microvascular imaging is a new ultrasound image processing technique that uses advanced clutter suppression to extract flow signals from vessels and which helps us visualize very small vascular structures that were not previously visible without the use of a contrast agent. We herein analyzed the usefulness of superb microvascular imaging in the diagnosis of hepato-gastrointestinal disorders in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods  Fifty-six pediatric patients who underwent a total of 81 superb microvascular imaging examinations with an Aplio 300 ultrasound system (Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) were enrolled in this study. The subjects underwent conventional ultrasound examinations, including Doppler imaging followed by superb microvascular imaging. The superb microvascular imaging findings and standard imaging were compared. All of the examinations were performed without sedation. Results  The average age of the patients (male, n  = 38; female, n  = 18) was 4 years. The clinical diagnoses included hepatobiliary disorders ( n  = 29), acute appendicitis ( n  = 10), and other intestinal disorders ( n  = 17). The target organs for superb microvascular imaging were the liver, appendix, rectum, intestine, gallbladder, and lymph node. In most of the patients, superb microvascular imaging achieved the excellent visualization of microvascular structures, revealing abnormal vasculature in 21 out of 46 (45.7%) examinations of the liver, 9/9 (100%) examinations of the appendix, 0/11 (0%) examinations of the rectum, 9/11 (81.8%) examinations of the intestine, 0/1 (0%) examinations of the gallbladder, and 3/3 (100%) examinations of the lymph nodes. Superb microvascular imaging was superior to Doppler imaging for depicting the microvascular structures. Conclusions  Superb microvascular imaging is especially useful for depicting the microvascular flow and can aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning for pediatric patients with hepato-gastrointestinal disorders. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A nonrandomized, open-label study to evaluate the effect of nasal stimulation on tear production in subjects with dry eye disease.

PubMed

Friedman, Neil J; Butron, Karla; Robledo, Nora; Loudin, James; Baba, Stephanie N; Chayet, Arturo

2016-01-01

Dry eye disease (DED), a chronic disorder affecting the tear film and lacrimal functional unit, is a widely prevalent condition associated with significant burden and unmet treatment needs. Since specific neural circuits play an important role in maintaining ocular surface health, microelectrical stimulation of these pathways could present a promising new approach to treating DED. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of nasal electrical stimulation in patients with DED. This prospective, open-label, single-arm, nonrandomized pilot study included 40 patients with mild to severe DED. After undergoing two screening visits, enrolled subjects were provided with a nasal stimulation device and instructed to use it at home four times daily (or more often as needed). Follow-up assessments were conducted up to day 180. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference between unstimulated and stimulated tear production quantified by Schirmer scores. Additional efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in corneal and conjunctival staining, symptoms evaluated on a Visual Analog Scale, and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores. Safety parameters included adverse event (AE) rates, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and endoscopic nasal examinations. Mean stimulated Schirmer scores were significantly higher than the unstimulated scores at all visits, and corneal and conjunctival staining and symptom scores from baseline to day 180 were significantly reduced. No serious device-related AEs and nine nonserious AEs (three device-related) were reported. Intraocular pressure remained stable and most subjects showed little or no change in visual acuity at days 30 and 180. No significant findings from other clinical examinations were noted. Neurostimulation of the nasolacrimal pathway is a safe and effective means of increasing tear production and reducing symptoms of dry eye in patients with DED.

fMRI during natural sleep as a method to study brain function during early childhood.

PubMed

Redcay, Elizabeth; Kennedy, Daniel P; Courchesne, Eric

2007-12-01

Many techniques to study early functional brain development lack the whole-brain spatial resolution that is available with fMRI. We utilized a relatively novel method in which fMRI data were collected from children during natural sleep. Stimulus-evoked responses to auditory and visual stimuli as well as stimulus-independent functional networks were examined in typically developing 2-4-year-old children. Reliable fMRI data were collected from 13 children during presentation of auditory stimuli (tones, vocal sounds, and nonvocal sounds) in a block design. Twelve children were presented with visual flashing lights at 2.5 Hz. When analyses combined all three types of auditory stimulus conditions as compared to rest, activation included bilateral superior temporal gyri/sulci (STG/S) and right cerebellum. Direct comparisons between conditions revealed significantly greater responses to nonvocal sounds and tones than to vocal sounds in a number of brain regions including superior temporal gyrus/sulcus, medial frontal cortex and right lateral cerebellum. The response to visual stimuli was localized to occipital cortex. Furthermore, stimulus-independent functional connectivity MRI analyses (fcMRI) revealed functional connectivity between STG and other temporal regions (including contralateral STG) and medial and lateral prefrontal regions. Functional connectivity with an occipital seed was localized to occipital and parietal cortex. In sum, 2-4 year olds showed a differential fMRI response both between stimulus modalities and between stimuli in the auditory modality. Furthermore, superior temporal regions showed functional connectivity with numerous higher-order regions during sleep. We conclude that the use of sleep fMRI may be a valuable tool for examining functional brain organization in young children.

Spatial Frequency Requirements and Gaze Strategy in Visual-Only and Audiovisual Speech Perception

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Amanda H.; Alsius, Agnès; Parè, Martin; Munhall, Kevin G.

2016-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this article is to examine the effects of visual image degradation on performance and gaze behavior in audiovisual and visual-only speech perception tasks. Method: We presented vowel-consonant-vowel utterances visually filtered at a range of frequencies in visual-only, audiovisual congruent, and audiovisual incongruent…

Epiretinal membrane: a treatable cause of visual disability in myotonic dystrophy type 1.

PubMed

Kersten, Hannah M; Roxburgh, Richard H; Child, Nicholas; Polkinghorne, Philip J; Frampton, Chris; Danesh-Meyer, Helen V

2014-01-01

A wide range of ocular abnormalities have been documented to occur in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The objectives of this study were to investigate the macular and optic nerve morphology using optical coherence tomography in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1. A total of 30 myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients and 28 controls were recruited for participation. All participants underwent a thorough ophthalmologic examination, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the macula and retinal nerve fibre layer. Images were reviewed by a retinal specialist ophthalmologist, masked to the diagnosis of the participants. Average macular thickness was significantly greater in the myotonic dystrophy group compared to controls [327.3 μm vs. 308.5 μm (p < 0.001)]. Macular thickness was significantly greater (p < 0.005) in five of the nine macular regions. The increase in macular thickness was due to the increased prevalence of epiretinal membranes in the myotonic dystrophy patient group (p = 0.0002): 48.2 % of myotonic dystrophy patient eyes had evidence of epiretinal membrane, compared with 12.5 % of control eyes. Examination revealed that 56.7 % of myotonic dystrophy patients had an epiretinal membrane in at least one eye. Visual acuity was reduced due to the presence of epiretinal membrane in six patient eyes and none of the control eyes. The presence of an epiretinal membrane was significantly correlated with increasing age in the patient group. We report an increased prevalence of epiretinal membrane in the myotonic dystrophy type 1 group. This may be a previously under-recognised form of visual impairment in this group. Epiretinal membranes can be treated surgically. We suggest that, in addition to a comprehensive clinical examination, optical coherence tomography examination is implemented as part of an ophthalmological assessment for the myotonic dystrophy type 1 patient with reduced visual acuity.

Causes of Childhood Vision Impairment in the School for the Blind in Eritrea.

PubMed

Gyawali, Rajendra; Moodley, Vanessa R

2017-12-01

Our study provides the much-needed evidence on causes of childhood blindness in Eritrea. This will assist authorities to plan appropriate strategies and implement preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services to address these causes of vision loss in children in this resource-limited country. This study aims to identify the causes of severe vision impairment and blindness in children attending the only school for the blind in Eritrea. All children enrolled in the school were examined, and the World Health Organization form for the examination of visually impaired children was used to record the data. Examination included visual acuity, refraction, anterior segment, and fundus assessment. Causes of vision loss for children with severe vision impairment (visual acuity <6/60 to 3/60) and blindness (visual acuity <3/60) are reported. Causes were classified by the anatomical site affected and by underlying etiology based on the timing of the insult and causal factor. A total of 92 children were examined, and 71 (77.2%) of them had severe vision impairment and blindness. The major causes of vision loss were corneal scars (16.9%), cataract (12.7%), phthisis bulbi (11.3%), congenital eye deformities (11.3%), optic atrophy (9.3%), and presumed chorioretinal Toxoplasma scars (7.0%). Hereditary factors were the major known etiological category (15.5%) followed by the sequel of eye injuries (12.7%). Blindness due to vitamin A deficiency was not found, whereas infectious causes such as measles and ophthalmia neonatorum were relatively absent (one case each). Potentially avoidable causes of vision impairment were accounted for in 47.9% of children. This study provides the first direct evidence on childhood vision impairment in Eritrea. Despite the limitations, it is clearly shown that nearly half of the vision loss is due to avoidable causes. Thus, preventive public health strategies, specialist pediatric eye care, and rehabilitative services are recommended to address childhood vision impairment in Eritrea.

Bilateral Macular Roth Spots as a Manifestation of Subacute Endocarditis.

PubMed

Ceglowska, Karolina; Nowomiejska, Katarzyna; Kiszka, Agnieszka; Koss, Michael J; Maciejewski, Ryszard; Rejdak, Robert

2015-01-01

A 42-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of impaired vision in the right eye (OD). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (LogMAR) was 1.1 for the right eye and 0.0 for the left eye (OS). Fundus examination revealed white-centered hemorrhages resembling Roth spots in both macular regions. The spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed intraretinal pseudocysts and hyperreflective deposits in the areas corresponding to the Roth spots. Conducted blood tests revealed elevated D-dimer concentration, increased total number of neutrophils, high C-reactive protein concentration, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Procalcitonin concentration, platelet count, and body temperature were within normal ranges. A blood culture was ordered and yielded Streptococcus mitis and intravenous antibiotics were started immediately. The patient started complaining of chest and left calf pain. The systemic examination revealed infective endocarditis accompanied by bicuspid aortic valve and paravalvular abscess formation. The patient underwent cardiac surgery with mechanical aortic valve implantation. After recovery, the patient's visual acuities improved fully. Control ophthalmic examination, including SD-OCT, showed no abnormalities.

Bilateral Macular Roth Spots as a Manifestation of Subacute Endocarditis

PubMed Central

Ceglowska, Karolina; Nowomiejska, Katarzyna; Kiszka, Agnieszka; Koss, Michael J.; Maciejewski, Ryszard; Rejdak, Robert

2015-01-01

A 42-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of impaired vision in the right eye (OD). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (LogMAR) was 1.1 for the right eye and 0.0 for the left eye (OS). Fundus examination revealed white-centered hemorrhages resembling Roth spots in both macular regions. The spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed intraretinal pseudocysts and hyperreflective deposits in the areas corresponding to the Roth spots. Conducted blood tests revealed elevated D-dimer concentration, increased total number of neutrophils, high C-reactive protein concentration, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Procalcitonin concentration, platelet count, and body temperature were within normal ranges. A blood culture was ordered and yielded Streptococcus mitis and intravenous antibiotics were started immediately. The patient started complaining of chest and left calf pain. The systemic examination revealed infective endocarditis accompanied by bicuspid aortic valve and paravalvular abscess formation. The patient underwent cardiac surgery with mechanical aortic valve implantation. After recovery, the patient's visual acuities improved fully. Control ophthalmic examination, including SD-OCT, showed no abnormalities. PMID:26839725

Predicting beauty: fractal dimension and visual complexity in art.

PubMed

Forsythe, A; Nadal, M; Sheehy, N; Cela-Conde, C J; Sawey, M

2011-02-01

Visual complexity has been known to be a significant predictor of preference for artistic works for some time. The first study reported here examines the extent to which perceived visual complexity in art can be successfully predicted using automated measures of complexity. Contrary to previous findings the most successful predictor of visual complexity was Gif compression. The second study examined the extent to which fractal dimension could account for judgments of perceived beauty. The fractal dimension measure accounts for more of the variance in judgments of perceived beauty in visual art than measures of visual complexity alone, particularly for abstract and natural images. Results also suggest that when colour is removed from an artistic image observers are unable to make meaningful judgments as to its beauty. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

Using the Biodatamation(TM) strategy to learn introductory college biology: Value-added effects on selected students' conceptual understanding and conceptual integration of the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reuter, Jewel Jurovich

The purpose of this exploratory research was to study how students learn photosynthesis and cellular respiration and to determine the value added to the student's learning by each of the three technology-scaffolded learning strategy components (animated concept presentations and WebQuest-style activities, data collection, and student-constructed animations) of the BioDatamation(TM) (BDM) Program. BDM learning strategies utilized the Theory of Interacting Visual Fields(TM) (TIVF) (Reuter & Wandersee, 2002a, 2002b; 2003a, 2003b) which holds that meaningful knowledge is hierarchically constructed using the past, present, and future visual fields, with visual metacognitive components that are derived from the principles of Visual Behavior (Jones, 1995), Human Constructivist Theory (Mintzes & Wandersee, 1998a), and Visual Information Design Theory (Tufte, 1990, 1997, 2001). Student alternative conceptions of photosynthesis and cellular respiration were determined by the item analysis of 263,267 Biology Advanced Placement Examinations and were used to develop the BDM instructional strategy and interview questions. The subjects were 24 undergraduate students of high and low biology prior knowledge enrolled in an introductory-level General Biology course at a major research university in the Deep South. Fifteen participants received BDM instruction which included original and innovative learning materials and laboratories in 6 phases; 8 of the 15 participants were the subject of in depth, extended individual analysis. The other 9 participants received traditional, non-BDM instruction. Interviews which included participants' creation of concept maps and visual field diagrams were conducted after each phase. Various content analyses, including Chi's Verbal Analysis and quantitizing/qualitizing were used for data analysis. The total value added to integrative knowledge during BDM instruction with the three visual fields was an average increase of 56% for cellular respiration and 62% increase for photosynthesis knowledge, improved long-term memory of concepts, and enhanced biological literacy to the multidimensional level, as determined by the BSCS literacy model. WebQuest-style activities and data collection provided for animated prior knowledge in the past visual field, and detailed content knowledge construction in the present visual field. During student construction of animated presentations, layering required participants to think by rearranging words and images for improved hierarchical organization of knowledge with real-life applications.

Long-term visual outcomes and patient satisfaction following bilateral implantation of trifocal intraocular lenses

PubMed Central

Ganesh, Sri; Brar, Sheetal; Pawar, Archana

2017-01-01

Purpose To study the long-term visual and refractive outcomes and evaluate patient satisfaction after bilateral implantation of trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore. Design Prospective, nonrandomized study. Methods Eligible patients undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification with trifocal IOL implantation were included. Follow-up examinations were conducted at day 1, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Postoperatively, 1 month onward evaluation of uncorrected and distance-corrected far and near visual acuity; reading acuity and reading speeds (using Salzburg Reading Desk) at 70, 80, and 90 cm; contrast sensitivity; defocus curves; and patient satisfaction was carried out. Results Fifty eyes from 25 patients with a mean age of 58±13.44 years were included. All eyes showed significant improvement in spherical equivalent, uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity, and corrected near visual acuity at 1 month compared to preoperative values (P<0.05), with no significant change in these parameters thereafter until the last follow-up (P>0.05). At 12 months, mean uncorrected reading acuities and reading speeds at 70, 80, and 90 cm were in the range of 0.09–0.04 logMAR units and 153.6–169.0 words per minute, respectively, with significantly better results at 80 cm. Five eyes underwent YAG laser capsulotomy for early posterior capsule opacification (PCO) at a mean follow-up of 7.2±2.9 months. Contrast sensitivity scores at 12 months were comparable to 1 month (P>0.05 for all spatial frequencies). All patients reported good tolerance and 100% independence from spectacles for all activities. Conclusion Trifocal IOLs provided excellent unaided vision at all distances. Reading performance was good through the complete intermediate distance range. PCO occurrence and subsequent YAG capsulotomy did not affect the long-term visual outcomes. PMID:28860693

Examining Chemistry Students Visual-Perceptual Skills Using the VSCS tool and Interview Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christian, Caroline

The Visual-Spatial Chemistry Specific (VSCS) assessment tool was developed to test students' visual-perceptual skills, which are required to form a mental image of an object. The VSCS was designed around the theoretical framework of Rochford and Archer that provides eight distinct and well-defined visual-perceptual skills with identified problems students might have with each skill set. Factor analysis was used to analyze the results during the validation process of the VSCS. Results showed that the eight factors could not be separated from each other, but instead two factors emerged as significant to the data. These two factors have been defined and described as a general visual-perceptual skill (factor 1) and a skill that adds on a second level of complexity by involving multiple viewpoints such as changing frames of reference. The questions included in the factor analysis were bolstered by the addition of an item response theory (IRT) analysis. Interviews were also conducted with twenty novice students to test face validity of the tool, and to document student approaches at solving visualization problems of this type. Students used five main physical resources or processes to solve the questions, but the resource that was the most successful was handling or building a physical representation of an object.

Visualization Co-Processing of a CFD Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaziri, Arsi

1999-01-01

OVERFLOW, a widely used CFD simulation code, is combined with a visualization system, pV3, to experiment with an environment for simulation/visualization co-processing on a SGI Origin 2000 computer(O2K) system. The shared memory version of the solver is used with the O2K 'pfa' preprocessor invoked to automatically discover parallelism in the source code. No other explicit parallelism is enabled. In order to study the scaling and performance of the visualization co-processing system, sample runs are made with different processor groups in the range of 1 to 254 processors. The data exchange between the visualization system and the simulation system is rapid enough for user interactivity when the problem size is small. This shared memory version of OVERFLOW, with minimal parallelization, does not scale well to an increasing number of available processors. The visualization task takes about 18 to 30% of the total processing time and does not appear to be a major contributor to the poor scaling. Improper load balancing and inter-processor communication overhead are contributors to this poor performance. Work is in progress which is aimed at obtaining improved parallel performance of the solver and removing the limitations of serial data transfer to pV3 by examining various parallelization/communication strategies, including the use of the explicit message passing.

Artful terms: A study on aesthetic word usage for visual art versus film and music.

PubMed

Augustin, M Dorothee; Carbon, Claus-Christian; Wagemans, Johan

2012-01-01

Despite the importance of the arts in human life, psychologists still know relatively little about what characterises their experience for the recipient. The current research approaches this problem by studying people's word usage in aesthetics, with a focus on three important art forms: visual art, film, and music. The starting point was a list of 77 words known to be useful to describe aesthetic impressions of visual art (Augustin et al 2012, Acta Psychologica139 187-201). Focusing on ratings of likelihood of use, we examined to what extent word usage in aesthetic descriptions of visual art can be generalised to film and music. The results support the claim of an interplay of generality and specificity in aesthetic word usage. Terms with equal likelihood of use for all art forms included beautiful, wonderful, and terms denoting originality. Importantly, emotion-related words received higher ratings for film and music than for visual art. To our knowledge this is direct evidence that aesthetic experiences of visual art may be less affectively loaded than, for example, experiences of music. The results render important information about aesthetic word usage in the realm of the arts and may serve as a starting point to develop tailored measurement instruments for different art forms.

Artful terms: A study on aesthetic word usage for visual art versus film and music

PubMed Central

Augustin, M Dorothee; Carbon, Claus-Christian; Wagemans, Johan

2012-01-01

Despite the importance of the arts in human life, psychologists still know relatively little about what characterises their experience for the recipient. The current research approaches this problem by studying people's word usage in aesthetics, with a focus on three important art forms: visual art, film, and music. The starting point was a list of 77 words known to be useful to describe aesthetic impressions of visual art (Augustin et al 2012, Acta Psychologica 139 187–201). Focusing on ratings of likelihood of use, we examined to what extent word usage in aesthetic descriptions of visual art can be generalised to film and music. The results support the claim of an interplay of generality and specificity in aesthetic word usage. Terms with equal likelihood of use for all art forms included beautiful, wonderful, and terms denoting originality. Importantly, emotion-related words received higher ratings for film and music than for visual art. To our knowledge this is direct evidence that aesthetic experiences of visual art may be less affectively loaded than, for example, experiences of music. The results render important information about aesthetic word usage in the realm of the arts and may serve as a starting point to develop tailored measurement instruments for different art forms. PMID:23145287

Is Reading Impairment Associated with Enhanced Holistic Processing in Comparative Visual Search?

PubMed

Wang, Jiahui; Schneps, Matthew H; Antonenko, Pavlo D; Chen, Chen; Pomplun, Marc

2016-11-01

This study explores a proposition that individuals with dyslexia develop enhanced peripheral vision to process visual-spatial information holistically. Participants included 18 individuals diagnosed with dyslexia and 18 who were not. The experiment used a comparative visual search design consisting of two blocks of 72 trials. Each trial presented two halves of the display each comprising three kinds of shapes in three colours to be compared side-by-side. Participants performed a conjunctive search to ascertain whether the two halves were identical. In the first block, participants were provided no instruction regarding the visual-spatial processing strategy they were to employ. In the second block, participants were instructed to use a holistic processing strategy-to defocus their attention and perform the comparison by examining the whole screen at once. The results did not support the hypothesis associating dyslexia with talents for holistic visual processing. Using holistic processing strategy, both groups scored lower in accuracy and reacted faster, compared to the first block. Impaired readers consistently reacted more slowly and did not exhibit enhanced accuracy. Given the extant evidence of strengths for holistic visual processing in impaired readers, these findings are important because they suggest such strengths may be task dependent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Eye movements and attention: The role of pre-saccadic shifts of attention in perception, memory and the control of saccades

PubMed Central

Gersch, Timothy M.; Schnitzer, Brian S.; Dosher, Barbara A.; Kowler, Eileen

2012-01-01

Saccadic eye movements and perceptual attention work in a coordinated fashion to allow selection of the objects, features or regions with the greatest momentary need for limited visual processing resources. This study investigates perceptual characteristics of pre-saccadic shifts of attention during a sequence of saccades using the visual manipulations employed to study mechanisms of attention during maintained fixation. The first part of this paper reviews studies of the connections between saccades and attention, and their significance for both saccadic control and perception. The second part presents three experiments that examine the effects of pre-saccadic shifts of attention on vision during sequences of saccades. Perceptual enhancements at the saccadic goal location relative to non-goal locations were found across a range of stimulus contrasts, with either perceptual discrimination or detection tasks, with either single or multiple perceptual targets, and regardless of the presence of external noise. The results show that the preparation of saccades can evoke a variety of attentional effects, including attentionally-mediated changes in the strength of perceptual representations, selection of targets for encoding in visual memory, exclusion of external noise, or changes in the levels of internal visual noise. The visual changes evoked by saccadic planning make it possible for the visual system to effectively use saccadic eye movements to explore the visual environment. PMID:22809798