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Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional effects of peripheral refractive errors on mobility performance through a stair negotiation task.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional effects of peripheral refractive errors on mobility performance through a stair negotiation task.
METHODS
Twenty-one young, normal sighted subjects navigated through an obstacle with steps, wearing spectacles that altered only their peripheral refraction. Lenses were used to induce positive defocus (+2 diopters [D] and +4 D), negative defocus (-2 D and -4 D), or astigmatism (+1.75 D and -3.75 D, axis 45 degrees) in the periphery. Feet trajectories were analyzed, and several gait assessment parameters were obtained. Statistical tests were conducted to determine significant performance differences between the lenses. Peripheral refraction in each subject was measured using a scanning Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor to assess the impact of intrinsic peripheral refraction on the experiment.
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences in performance appeared when peripheral errors were superimposed. Crossing time with respect to plano lenses increased by 6.2%, 7.6%, 19.2%, and 29.6% for the -2 D, +2 D, -4 D, and +4 D lenses, respectively (P < 0.05 in the last 3 cases). Subjects exhibited slower walking speeds, increased step count, and adopted precautionary measures. High-power positive defocus lenses had the biggest impact on performance, and differences were observed in distance to steps between induced positive and negative defocus.
CONCLUSIONS
In this laboratory-based study without an adaptation period, peripheral refractive errors affected stair negotiation, causing cautious behavior in subjects. Performance differences among types of peripheral defocus may result from magnification effects and intrinsic peripheral refraction. These results highlight the importance of understanding the effects of induced peripheral errors by myopia control and intraocular lenses.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Refraction, Ocular; Refractive Errors; Young Adult; Eyeglasses; Visual Acuity; Gait; Walking
PubMed: 38940761
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.42 -
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience Jun 2024Our perception of objects depends on non-oculomotor depth cues, such as pictorial distance cues and binocular disparity, and oculomotor depth cues, such as vergence and...
Our perception of objects depends on non-oculomotor depth cues, such as pictorial distance cues and binocular disparity, and oculomotor depth cues, such as vergence and accommodation. Although vergence eye movements are always involved in perceiving real distance, previous studies have mainly focused on the effect of oculomotor state via "proprioception" on distance and size perception. It remains unclear whether the oculomotor command of vergence eye movement would also influence visual processing. To address this question, we placed a light at 28.5 cm and a screen for stimulus presentation at 57 cm from the participants. In the NoDivergence condition, participants were asked to maintain fixation on the light regardless of stimulus presentation throughout the trial. In the WithDivergence condition, participants were instructed to initially maintain fixation on the near light and then turn their two eyes outward to look at the stimulus on the far screen. The stimulus was presented for 100 msec, entirely within the preparation stage of the divergence eye movement. We found that participants perceived the stimulus as larger but were less sensitive to stimulus sizes in the WithDivergence condition than in the NoDivergence condition. The earliest visual evoked component C1 (peak latency 80 msec), which varied with stimulus size in the NoDivergence condition, showed similar amplitudes for larger and smaller stimuli in the WithDivergence condition. These results show that vergence eye movement planning affects the earliest visual processing and size perception, and demonstrate an example of the effect of motor command on sensory processing.
PubMed: 38940732
DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_02207 -
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology :... Jun 2024Accurate verticality perception is essential for daily life activities, such as correctly estimating object orientation in space. This study established normative data...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Accurate verticality perception is essential for daily life activities, such as correctly estimating object orientation in space. This study established normative data for the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and subjective haptic vertical (SHV) using the portable and self-constructable modified Bucket test and Rotating-Column test. Additionally, the contribution of age, sex, and starting position of the line/ column on SVV and SHV accuracy were evaluated.
METHOD
This study, part of the PRECISE project (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05978596), was conducted following the STROBE guidelines. Healthy adults without visual/neurological/vestibular disorders were recruited. Subjective visual vertical and SHV accuracy were described in terms of constant errors (i.e., mean deviation from 0° [true vertical] respecting its direction), unsigned errors (i.e., mean deviation from 0° irrespective of direction), and variability (i.e., intra-individual standard deviation).
RESULTS
Sixty participants were evaluated (mean age: 41.14 [SD = 16.74] years). Subjective visual vertical constant errors between -2.82° and 2.90°, unsigned errors up to 2.15°, and variability up to 1.61° are considered normal. Subjective haptic vertical constant errors ranged from -6.94° to 8.18°, unsigned errors up to 6.66° and variability up to 4.25°. Higher ages led to higher SVV unsigned errors and variability. SHV variability was higher in females compared to males. Certain starting positions led to higher SVV and SHV constants and SVV unsigned errors.
DISCUSSION
Normative data are provided for affordable, self-constructable, and portable SVV and SHV tools. These norms are consistent with more sophisticated equipment and can be used to distinguish between normal and abnormal values.
PubMed: 38940374
DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae049 -
Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology Jun 2024To report ocular manifestations in patients with Fabry disease (FD) from a tertiary eye care center in Türkiye.
OBJECTIVES
To report ocular manifestations in patients with Fabry disease (FD) from a tertiary eye care center in Türkiye.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This prospective, cross-sectional study included 30 eyes of 15 patients with FD. The diagnosis of FD was made based on a combination of clinical findings, genetic analysis, and biochemical evaluation. All participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination with special focus on the typical ocular features of FD (cornea verticillata, conjunctival aneurysms, cataract, retinal vessel tortuosity).
RESULTS
The mean age was 45±17 years (range: 22-75 years), with a female/male ratio of 2:3. All patients had tortuous conjunctival vessels and 12 patients (80%) had conjunctival aneurysms. Cornea verticillata was present in 10 patients (66.6%), lens opacification in 4 patients (26.6%), and retinal vascular tortuosity in 8 patients (53.3%). All patients had at least two different ocular findings; most (3 heterozygotes/7 hemizygotes) had a combination of corneal verticillata and conjunctival vessel abnormality. The conjunctiva, cornea, and retina were affected together in 5 hemizygous patients (33.3%). One hemizygous patient had all FDrelated ocular manifestations in both eyes.
CONCLUSION
To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the ocular manifestations of FD in the Turkish population. Although cornea verticillata is considered a hallmark of FD, it was absent in approximately one-third of patients. Moreover, cataract, another well-known feature of FD, was present in only 26.6% of the patients. Conjunctival vascular abnormality alone seems to be quite rare in FD, although it often accompanies other ocular manifestations. Therefore, recognition of other mild findings and special consideration of their associations may increase the diagnostic value of ocular findings in FD.
Topics: Humans; Fabry Disease; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Tertiary Care Centers; Aged; Young Adult; Turkey; Conjunctiva; Eye Diseases; Visual Acuity; Cornea; Conjunctival Diseases
PubMed: 38940325
DOI: 10.4274/tjo.galenos.2024.09482 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience May 2024In this study, we used electroencephalogram (EEG) to investigate the activity pattern of the cerebral cortex related to visual pursuit and saccade strategies to predict...
BACKGROUND
In this study, we used electroencephalogram (EEG) to investigate the activity pattern of the cerebral cortex related to visual pursuit and saccade strategies to predict the arrival position of a visual target. In addition, we clarified the differences in the EEG of those who could predict the arrival position well using the saccade strategy compared to those who were not proficient.
METHODS
Sixteen participants performed two tasks: the "Pursuit Strategy Task (PST)" and the "Saccade Strategy Task (SST)" while undergoing EEG. For the PST, the participants were instructed to follow the target with their eyes throughout its trajectory and indicate when it reached the final point. For the SST, the participants were instructed to shift their gaze to the end point of arrival once they had predicted it.
RESULTS
Low beta EEG activity at the Oz, Cz, and CP2 electrodes was significantly higher during the SST than during the PST. In addition, low beta EEG activity at P7 electrode was significantly higher in the group showing a small position error (PE) than in the group showing a large PE at response.
CONCLUSIONS
EEG activity at the Oz, Cz, and CP2 electrodes during the SST may reflect visuospatial attention to the moving target, the tracking of moving targets, and the focus on the final destination position. In addition, EEG activity at P7 electrode may more accurately detect the speed and direction of the moving target by the small PE group at response.
Topics: Humans; Saccades; Male; Female; Young Adult; Electroencephalography; Adult; Cerebral Cortex; Attention; Pursuit, Smooth; Visual Perception; Psychomotor Performance; Space Perception
PubMed: 38940093
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2306108 -
Small Methods Jun 2024Bionic visual systems require multimodal integration of eye-like photodetectors and brain-like image memory. However, the integration of photodetectors (PDs) and...
Bionic visual systems require multimodal integration of eye-like photodetectors and brain-like image memory. However, the integration of photodetectors (PDs) and artificial optoelectronic synapses devices (OESDs) by one device remains a giant challenge due to their photoresponse discrepancy. Herein, a dual-functional integration of PDs and OESDs based on VO/WO heterojunctions is presented. The device can be able to realize a dual-mode conversion between PDs and OESDs through tuning the bias voltage. Under zero bias voltage, the device exhibiting excellent photodetecting behaviors based on the photovoltaic effect, showing a high self-powered photoresponsivity of 18.5 mA W and high detectivity of 7.5 × 10 Jones with fast photoresponse. When the external bias voltages are applied, it can be acted as an OESD and exhibit versatile electrical and photonic synaptic characteristics based on the trapping and detrapping effects, including synaptic plasticity and learning-experience behaviors. More importantly, benefiting from the excellent photosensing ability and transporting properties, the device shows ultralow-power consumption of 39.0 pJ and a 4 × 4 OESDs array is developed to realize the visual perception and memory. This work not only supplies a novel route to realize complex functional integration just in one device, but also offers effective strategies for developing neuromorphic visual system.
PubMed: 38940078
DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400779 -
Eating Disorders Jun 2024Cognitive flexibility (CF) has been proposed as a potential trait marker in anorexia nervosa (AN), although findings have been inconsistent. To address this...
Cognitive flexibility (CF) has been proposed as a potential trait marker in anorexia nervosa (AN), although findings have been inconsistent. To address this inconsistency, we applied a model that distinguishes between three subtypes of CF: task switching, switching sets, and stimulus-response mapping, which we then assessed using a paradigm-based task battery. The aim of the study was to investigate how AN is associated with these three CF subtypes. Thirty-three women with AN and 37 age- and education-matched controls performed a battery of computerized cognitive tasks to assess the three CF subtypes. Compared to the control group, individuals with AN exhibited poorer performance on the task switching and switching sets subtypes, as measured by response time switch cost, but not on the stimulus-response mapping subtype. No differences were found between the groups in response accuracy. Furthermore, switching sets as compared to the task switching and stimulus-response mapping subtypes was found to better explain the differences between the groups. These findings indicate a domain-specific impairment in CF among patients with AN, reflecting deficits observed in subtypes related to the disorder's characteristics, particularly that associated with visual perception. Therefore, CF impairment in AN should not be viewed dichotomously, but rather as a relative impairment that varies depending on the specific CF subtype.
PubMed: 38937994
DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2353427 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Exploring a novel approach to mental health technology, this study illuminates the intricate interplay between exteroception (the perception of the external world), and...
Exploring a novel approach to mental health technology, this study illuminates the intricate interplay between exteroception (the perception of the external world), and interoception (the perception of the internal world). Drawing on principles of sensory substitution, we investigated how interoceptive signals, particularly respiration, could be conveyed through exteroceptive modalities, namely vision and hearing. To this end, we developed a unique, immersive multisensory environment that translates respiratory signals in real-time into dynamic visual and auditory stimuli. The system was evaluated by employing a battery of various psychological assessments, with the findings indicating a significant increase in participants' interoceptive sensibility and an enhancement of the state of flow, signifying immersive and positive engagement with the experience. Furthermore, a correlation between these two variables emerged, revealing a bidirectional enhancement between the state of flow and interoceptive sensibility. Our research is the first to present a sensory substitution approach for substituting between interoceptive and exteroceptive senses, and specifically as a transformative method for mental health interventions, paving the way for future research.
Topics: Humans; Interoception; Female; Male; Adult; Young Adult; Acoustic Stimulation; Respiration; Photic Stimulation
PubMed: 38937475
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63231-4 -
International Ophthalmology Jun 2024Equol is metabolized by intestinal bacteria from soy isoflavones and is chemically similar to estrogen. Dietary habits, such as consumption of soy products, influence...
PURPOSE
Equol is metabolized by intestinal bacteria from soy isoflavones and is chemically similar to estrogen. Dietary habits, such as consumption of soy products, influence equol production. A relationship between glaucoma and estrogen has been identified; here, we investigated the relationship between equol production status and glaucoma in Japan.
METHODS
We recruited 68 normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients (male to female ratio 26:42, average age 63.0 ± 7.6 years) and 31 controls (male to female ratio 13:18, average age 66.0 ± 6.3 years) from our hospital. All women included were postmenopausal. Urinary equol concentration was quantified with the ELISA method. MD was calculated based on the Humphrey visual field. The association between MD and equol was analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the equol-producing (> 1 μM) and non-producing (< 1 μM) subjects. We also investigated the association between equol and glaucoma with a logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
There was a significant association between equol and MD (r = 0.36, P < 0.01) in the NTG patients. Glaucoma, represented by MD, was significantly milder in the equol-producing subjects than the non-equol producing subjects (P = 0.03). A multivariate analysis revealed the independent contributions of equol, cpRNFLT, and IOP to MD (P = 0.03, P = 0.04, and P < 0.01, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that equol, acting through estrogen receptor-mediated neuroprotective effects, might be involved in suppressing the progression of NTG. This result also adds to evidence that glaucoma may be influenced by lifestyle.
Topics: Humans; Low Tension Glaucoma; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Male; Equol; Intraocular Pressure; Visual Fields; Japan; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
PubMed: 38937293
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03225-3 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2024To investigate the treatment outcomes and determinants of prognosis in patients experiencing visual acuity (VA) deterioration due to inflammatory isolated sphenoid sinus...
BACKGROUND/AIM
To investigate the treatment outcomes and determinants of prognosis in patients experiencing visual acuity (VA) deterioration due to inflammatory isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) who underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Thirteen patients with 14 lesions treated with EES between March 2010 and April 2022 were included. Evaluation included improvements in VA using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) scale, resolution rates of associated symptoms, and identification of factors predicting VA recovery. A literature review was conducted to assess the outcomes for ISSD-related VA impairments.
RESULTS
The most common etiology is mycetoma (n=5), followed by an equal representation of mucocele and sphenoiditis (n=4). The mean interval from symptom onset to intervention was 4.7 months, with an average follow-up duration of 14.4 months. Seven eyes exhibited preoperative VA of 2.1 LogMAR or worse, with diplopia/ptosis (n=8) and headache (n=5) being the predominant co-occurring symptoms. After surgery, all ancillary symptoms improved, with an overall VA recovery rate of 87.5% (improvement more than 0.2 logMAR units). Mucocele exhibited the best improvements, whereas sphenoiditis showed the least progress (p=0.021). Poor baseline VA (p=0.026) and combined diplopia/ptosis (p=0.029) were identified as negative prognostic factors for VA recovery.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest a favorable prognosis for VA recovery following EES in patients with inflammatory ISSDs, with response variations based on disease entity. However, further research is needed to personalize therapeutic strategies for enhanced outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Visual Acuity; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Sphenoid Sinus; Sphenoid Sinusitis; Endoscopy; Prognosis; Young Adult; Inflammation; Vision Disorders
PubMed: 38936949
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13651