Revistas
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
2077-0383
Año:
2022
Vol.:
11
N°:
15
Págs.:
4264
Myopia is the most common refractive error worldwide. This cannot be explained by genetic factors alone, therefore, environmental factors may play an important role. Hence, the main objective of this study was to analyse whether outdoor exposure could exert a protective effect against the development of myopia in a cohort of young adults and to investigate ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF), as a biomarker of time spent outdoors. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out using two cohorts. A total of 208 participants were recruited, 156 medical students and 52 environmental science students. The data showed that 66.66% of the medical students were myopic, while 50% of the environmental science students were myopic (p = 0.021). Environmental science students spent significantly more hours per week doing outdoor activities than medical students (p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference with respect to near work activities between them. In both cohorts, the degree of myopia was inversely associated with CUVAF, and a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between spherical equivalent and CUVAF (Pearson's r = 0.248). In conclusion, outdoor activities could reduce the onset and progression of myopia not only in children, but also in young adults. In addition, CUVAF represents an objective, non-invasive biomarker of outdoor exposure that is inversely associated with myopia.
Revista:
NUTRIENTS
ISSN:
2072-6643
Año:
2021
Vol.:
13
N°:
4
Págs.:
1253
The purpose of this study is evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal products containing the original Age-Related Eye Disease group (AREDS) formulation at doses approved in Europe (EU, control group; n = 59) with a product that adds DHA, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol to the formula (intervention group; n = 50). This was a multicenter, randomized, observer-blinded trial conducted in patients aged 50 years or older diagnosed with unilateral exudative Age related Macular Degeneration AMD. At month 12, the intervention did not have a significant differential effect on visual acuity compared with the control group, with an estimated treatment difference in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) of -1.63 (95% CI -0.83 to 4.09; p = 0.192). The intervention exhibited a significant and, in most cases, relevant effect in terms of a reduction in some inflammatory cytokines and a greater improvement in the fatty acid profile and serum lutein and zeaxantin concentration. In patients with unilateral wet AMD, the addition of lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, hydroxytyrosol and DHA to the AREDS EU recommended doses in the short-term did not have a differential effect on visual acuity compared to a standard AREDS EU formula but, in addition to improving the fatty acid profile and increasing carotenoid serum levels, may provide a beneficial effect in improving the proinflammatory and proangiogenic profile of patients with AMD.
Revista:
NUTRIENTS
ISSN:
2072-6643
Año:
2021
Vol.:
13
N°:
5
Págs.:
1423
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease of the retina featured by dysfunction of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) and loss of photoreceptor cells under oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions. Vitamin D and antioxidants have beneficial effects against retinal degenerative diseases, such as AMD. We investigated the impact of associating vitamin D (ND) with a nutritional antioxidant complex (Nutrof Total(R); N) on oxidative stress and inflammation-like induced conditions by H2O2 and LPS, respectively, in human retinal epithelial (ARPE-19) and human retinal endothelial (HREC) cells. Application of either N or ND treatments to H2O2-induced media in ARPE-19 cells counteracted late apoptosis, attenuated oxidative DNA damage, and increased cell proliferation. Significant reduction in the expression levels of MCP1, IL-8, and IL6 cytokines was observed following application of either N or ND treatments under LPS-induced conditions in ARPE-19 cells and in MCP-1 and IL12p70 cytokine levels in HREC cells. ND and not N revealed significant downregulation of IFN gamma in ARPE-19 cells, and of IL-6 and IL-18 in HREC cells. In conclusion, adding vitamin D to Nutrof Total(R) protects in a synergistic way against oxidative and inflammatory stress-induced conditions in retinal epithelial and endothelial cells.
Revista:
ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
ISSN:
1755-375X
Año:
2021
Vol.:
99
N°:
8
Págs.:
861 - 870
Purpose To assess the effect of fluid status at baseline (BL) and at the end of the loading phase (LP) of three different ranibizumab regimens: treat-and-extend (T&E), fixed bimonthly (FBM) injections and pro re nata (PRN), in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Design Post hoc analysis of the In-Eye study (phase IV clinical trial). Methods Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to the three study arms and were treated accordingly. The presence and type of fluid, intraretinal fluid (IRF) or subretinal fluid (SRF) and the anatomical and visual outcomes were analysed. Main outcome measures Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the mean change from baseline BCVA (BL BCVA), and the proportion of eyes gaining more than 15 letters or losing more than five letters were analysed. Morphological characteristics including the subtype of choroidal neovascular membrane and the development of atrophy and fibrosis were also evaluated. Results Patients with SRF at LP had better visual outcomes than patients with IRF. The persistence of SRF did not affect the mean change from BL BCVA among the three treatment regimens. However, in patients with IRF mean change from BL BCVA was significantly lower in the FBM group. The presence of IRF at BL and at the end of the loading phase was associated with the development of fibrosis at the end of the study; this result was contrary to that observed for patients with SRF. Conclusions While SRF is compatible with good visual and anatomical outcomes, IRF leads to worse results in patients with nAMD; our results suggest that patients with IRF have better outcomes when individualized treatment regimens are used (PRN or T&E) in contrast with a FBM regimen.
Revista:
ANTIOXIDANTS
ISSN:
2076-3921
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2020
Vol.:
15
N°:
7
Págs.:
e0236071
High myopia and the subsequent degenerative changes of the retina, choroid, and sclera, known as myopic maculopathy (MM), are a serious visual problem in many Asian countries, and are beginning to be so in the south of Europe, especially in the Mediterranean. It is therefore necessary to carry out genetic and environmental studies to determine the possible causes of this disease. This study aims to verify if the genetic factors that have been most related to Asian populations are also associated in two Spanish cohorts. Eight SNPs from six genes (PAX6,SCO2,CCDC102B,BLID,chromosome 15q14, andCOL8A1) along with demographic, ophthalmic and environmental factors were analysed in two cohorts from a total of 365 highly myopic subjects and 177 control subjects. The genetic analysis showed thatCOL8A1SNP rs13095226 was associated with the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and also seems to play an important role in the increase of axial length. The SNP rs634990 ofchromosome 15q14also showed a significant association with MM, although this was lost after the Bonferroni correction. Additional demographic and environmental factors, namely age, sex, smoking status, and pregnancy history, were also found to be associated with MM and CNV in this population.
Revista:
ANTIOXIDANTS
ISSN:
2076-3921
Año:
2020
Vol.:
9
N°:
838
Revista:
MOLECULAR THERAPY. METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
ISSN:
2329-0501
Año:
2019
Vol.:
15
Págs.:
403 - 417
Autores:
Cobos, E. (Autor de correspondencia); Recalde, Sergio; Anter, J.; et al.
Revista:
ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
ISSN:
1755-375X
Año:
2018
Vol.:
96
N°:
2
Págs.:
e201 - e212
PurposeWe sought to determine if specific genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition response to ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MethodsA total of 403 Caucasian patients diagnosed with exudative AMD were included. After a three-injection loading phase, a pro re nata regimen was followed. Nine SNPs from six different genes (CFH, CFB, ARMS2, SERPINF1, VEGFR1, VEGF) were genotyped. Non-genetic risk factors (gender, smoking habit and hypertension) were also assessed. Patients were classified as good or poor responders (GR or PR) according to functional (visual acuity), anatomical (foveal thickness measured by OCT) and fluid criteria (fluid/no fluid measured by OCT). ResultsHypertension was the environmental factor with the strongest poor response association with ranibizumab in the anatomical measure after the loading phase (p=0.0004; OR 3.7; 95% CI, 2.4-5.8) and after 12months of treatment (p=10(-5); OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.4). The genetic variants rs12614 (CFB), rs699947 (VEGFA) and rs7993418 (VEGFR1) predisposed patients to a good response, while rs12603486 and rs1136287 (SERPINF1) were associated with a poor response. The protective genotype of rs800292 variant (CFH) was also associated with a poor anatomical response (p 0.0048). ConclusionAll these data suggest that genetics play an important role in treatment response in AMD patients.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
1664-3224
Año:
2018
Vol.:
9
Págs.:
1862
Purpose: To explore the relationship between plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, the main ARMS2 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and gender in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).
Methods: Our study included 131 patients with wetAMD [age-related eye disease study (AREDS) category 4] and 153 control participants (AREDS category 1) from two Spanish retinal units. CRP levels were determined on blood samples by high-sensitivity ELISA assay. According to their CRP level, subjects were categorized into three well-established CRP categories: low (< 1.00 mg/L, L-CRP), moderate (1-2.99 mg/L, M-CRP), and high (> 3.00 mg/L, H-CRP). Genomic DNA was extracted from oral swabs using QIAcube (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and the A69S; rs10490924 of ARMS2 gene was genotyped by allelic discrimination with validated TaqMan assays (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age was used to analyze the genomic frequencies and to calculate odds ratio (OR) using SNPStats software.
Results: Considering CRP risk categories, H-CRP group showed a significant [OR 4.0 (1.9-8.3)] association with wetAMD compared to L-CRP group. The risk genotypes of A69S (TT) SNPs showed an association with wetAMD risk [OR 14.0 (4.8-40.8)]. Interestingly, the gender stratification of the CRP categories showed a significant increase in CRP levels in wetAMD women compared with control women [OR 6.9 (2.2-22.3)] and with wetAMD men [OR 4.6 (1.3-16.9)]. In addition, the subgroup analysis of CRP within A69S genotype and gender showed a link in women between the A69S and CRP levels in the AMD group compared to controls [OR 4.2 (1.4-12.6)].
Conclusion: Our study shows, for the first time, that a different genetic association related with gender could contribute to AMD risk. As a consequence, the risk of female gender in the different CRP levels and A69S SNP frequencies could be taken into consideration to the established risk relationship of high levels of CRP and its association with risk A69S genotype.
Revista:
MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS
ISSN:
2162-2531
Año:
2017
Vol.:
15
N°:
9
Págs.:
1-11
Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a potent antiangiogenic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective molecule that is the endogenous inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retina. An ex vivo gene therapy approach based on transgenic overexpression of PEDF in the eye is assumed to rebalance the angiogenic-antiangiogenic milieu of the retina, resulting in growth regression of choroidal blood vessels, the hallmark of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Here, we show that rat pigment epithelial cells can be efficiently transfected with the PEDF-expressing non-viral hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon system delivered in a form free of antibiotic resistance marker miniplasmids. The engineered retinal and iris pigment epithelium cells secrete high (141 ± 13 and 222 ± 14 ng) PEDF levels in 72 hr in vitro. In vivo studies showed cell survival and insert expression during at least 4 months. Transplantation of the engineered cells to the subretinal space of a rat model of choroidal neovascularization reduces almost 50% of the development of new vessels.
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2017
Vol.:
12
N°:
1
Págs.:
e0169865
Purpose Inhibiting VEGF is the gold standard treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also effective in preventing retinal oedema and neovascularisation (NV) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinal vein occlusions (RVO). Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) is a coreceptor for VEGF and many other growth factors, and therefore a possible alternative drug target in intra ocular neovascular disease. Here we assessed choroidal and retinal NV in an inducible, endothelial specific knock out model for Nrp1. Methods Crossing Nrp1 floxed mice with Pdgfb-CreERT2 mice produced tamoxifen-inducible, endothelial specific Nrp1 knock out mice (Nrp1(Delta EC)) and Cre-negative, control littermates. Crerecombinase activity was confirmed in the Ai3(RCL-EYFP) reporter strain. Animals were subjected to laser-induced CNV (532 nm) and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed immediately after laser and at day 7. Fluorescein angiography (FA) evaluated leakage and postmortem lectin staining in flat mounted RPE/choroid complexes was also used to measure CNV. Furthermore, retinal neovascularisation in the oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) model was assessed by immunohistochemistry in retinal flatmounts. Results In vivo FA, OCT and post-mortem lectin staining showed a statistically significant reduction in leakage (p<0.05), CNV volume (p<0.05) and CNV area (p<0.05) in the Nrp1(Delta EC) mice compared to their Cre-negative littermates. Also the OIR model showed reduced retinal NV in the mutant animals compared to wild types (p<0.001). Conclusion We have demonstrated reduced choroidal and retinal NV in animals that lack endothelial Nrp1, confirming a role of Nrp1 in those processes. Therefore, Nrp1 may be a promising drug target for neovascular diseases in the eye.
Revista:
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
ISSN:
0006-2952
Año:
2016
Vol.:
103
Págs.:
129 - 139
We assessed the effect of single and repeated doses of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept on cell viability, proliferation, permeability, and apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells. MTT and BrdU assays were used to determine viability and proliferation after single or repeated doses of anti-VEGF drugs under normal and oxidative stress conditions. Caspase-3 expression after single and repeated doses of the 3 drugs was assessed using immunofluorescence. Transepithelial-electrical-resistance (TER) was measured to study the effect of anti-VEGFs on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) permeability under normal and oxidative stress conditions. Flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular accumulation of the drugs. Finally, a wound healing assay was performed to investigate the effect of the drugs on RPE cell migration. Single and multiple doses of anti-VEGF drugs had no effect on cell viability and proliferation. The oxidative effect of H2O2 decreased cell viability and proliferation; however, no difference was observed between anti-VEGF treatments. Immunofluorescence performed after single and repeated doses of the drugs revealed some caspase-3 expression. Interestingly, anti-VEGFs restored the increased permeability induced by H2O2. The 3 drugs accumulated inside the cells and were detectable 5 days after treatment. Finally, none of the drugs affected migration. In conclusion, no measureable toxic effect was observed after single or repeated doses of VEGF antagonists under normal and oxidative stress. Intracellular accumulation of the drugs does not seem to be toxic or affect cell functions. Our study suggests that anti-VEGFs could have a preventive effect on the maintenance of the RPE barrier under oxidative stress.
Revista:
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
ISSN:
1942-0900
Año:
2014
Vol.:
2014
N°:
637137
Photochemical damage occurs after an exposure to high energy radiation within the visible spectrum of light, causing morphological changes in the retina and the formation of superoxide anion. In this study we created a model of phototoxicity in rabbits. Animals were exposed to a light source for 120 minutes and were sacrificed immediately or one week after exposure. Outer nuclear layer and neurosensory retina thickness measurements and photoreceptor counting were performed. Caspase-1 and caspase-3 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Dihydroethidium was used to evaluate in situ generation of superoxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were measured in retinal homogenates as indicators of lipid peroxidation. The total antioxidant capacity and oxidative ratio were also determined. Retinas from rabbits exposed to light showed higher levels of lipid peroxidation than the unexposed animals and a decrease in outer nuclear layer and neurosensory retina thickness. Our study demonstrates that light damage produces an increase in retinal oxidative stress immediately after light exposure that decreases one week after exposure. However, some morphological alterations appear days after light exposure including apoptotic phenomena. This model may be useful in the future to study the protective effect of antioxidant substances or new intraocular lenses with yellow filters.
Revista:
MOLECULAR VISION
ISSN:
1090-0535
Año:
2013
Vol.:
19
Págs.:
153-165
Purpose: Macrolide antibiotics are known to have various anti-inflammatory effects in addition to their antimicrobial activity, but the mechanisms are still unclear. The effect of azithromycin on inflammatory molecules in the lipopolysaccharide-induced rat conjunctivitis model was investigated. Methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into two groups receiving topical ocular azithromycin (15 mg/g) or vehicle. In total, six doses (25 mu l) were administered as one dose twice a day for three days before subconjunctival lipopolysaccharide injection (3 mg/ml). Before the rats were euthanized, mucus secretion, conjunctival and palpebral edema and redness were evaluated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene expression for interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-a, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9. Interleukin-6 was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nuclear factor-kappa B with western blot, and MMP-2 activity with gelatin zymogram. Four eyes per group were processed for histology and subsequent periodic acid-Schiff staining and CD68 for immunofluorescence. The Student t test or the Wilcoxon test for independent samples was applied (SPSS v.15.0). Results: Azithromycin-treated animals showed a significant reduction in all clinical signs (p<0.05) compared to controls. Interleukin-6 (p<0.05), nuclear factor-kappa B protein expression (p<0.01), and MMP-2 activity (p<0.05) in conjunctival homogenates were significantly reduced compared with the control animals. MMP-2 gene expression showed a tendency to decrease in the azithromycin group (p=0.063). Mucus secretion by goblet cells and the macrophage count in conjunctival tissue were also decreased in the azithromycin group (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that azithromycin administration ameliorates induced inflammation effects in a rat model of acute conjunctivitis.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
ISSN:
1672-5123
Año:
2013
Vol.:
6
N°:
6
Págs.:
801-804
Two controlled, prospective, randomized, single-blind studies were performed. In the first study, a total of 80 eyes from 40 outpatient-clinic patients were analyzed. PT drops were applied to the right eye, and a MY device was inserted in the left eye for 30min. Time until maximal pupil dilation for each eye was then assessed. In the second study, 80 eyes from 80 patients undergoing cataract surgery were analyzed. Pupil dilation was achieved using either PT drops three-times for one hour prior to surgery (40 patients), or a MY device was inserted one hour prior to surgery (40 patients).
In the first study, MY achieved superior mydriasis compared to PT eye drops at 90min (9.04±1.33mm vs 8.78±1.37mm, P=0.012). However MY took longer than PT drops to achieve maximal dilation, and mydriasis was inferior in eyes with MY compared to PT drops at 30min (7.21±1.73mm vs 8.22±1.43mm, P<0.001), the two groups only becoming similar by 60min (8.85±1.44mm vs 8.71±1.27mm, P=0.236). In the second study, both MY and PT achieved similar levels of mydriasis at the beginning of surgery (8.75±0.76mm with MY vs 8.77±0.63mm with PT), and also at the end of surgery (7.96±1.06mm with MY vs 8.32±0.72mm with PT), with no significant difference between groups (P=0.08). MY was well tolerated and cardiovascular effects were not influenced by dilation method.
Revista:
NUTRIENTS
ISSN:
2072-6643
Año:
2013
Vol.:
5
N°:
2
Págs.:
543-551
We studied the macular pigment ocular density (MPOD) in patients with early age macular degeneration (AMD) before and 1 year after nutritional supplementation with lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Forty-four patients with AMD were randomly divided into two groups that received placebo (n = 21) or a nutritional supplement (n = 23, 12 mg of lutein and 280 mg of DHA daily). Heterochromatic flicker photometry was used to determine the MPOD. At baseline, the MPOD in AMD patients with placebo was 0.286 +/- 0.017 meanwhile in AMD patients with supplementation it was 0.291 +/- 0.016. One year later, the mean MPOD had increased by 0.059 in the placebo group and by 0.162 in patients receiving lutein and DHA. This difference between groups was significant (p < 0.05). Lutein and DHA supplementation is effective in increasing the MPOD and may aid in prevention of age related macular degeneration.
Revista:
DIABETOLOGIA
ISSN:
0012-186X
Año:
2013
Vol.:
56
N°:
12
Págs.:
2743-2752
MMP-10 is involved in the development of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes and emerges as a potential therapeutic target for slowing down the evolution of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
ISSN:
0168-3659
Año:
2012
Vol.:
158
N°:
3
Págs.:
443 - 450
The field of cell microencapsulation is advancing rapidly. Particle size plays a critical role in terms of biocompatibility and limits decisively its applicability. Producing reduced size microcapsules involves broadening the possibilities to employ this technology in the treatment of many disorders. Nervous system diseases (NSD) represent a clear example of that. This work describes the feasibility of reducing the size of alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules up to 100 ¿m in a highly monodisperse way using the novel Flow Focusing technique. C(2)C(12) myoblasts genetically engineered to express the triple reporter gene thymidine kinase-green fluorescent protein-luciferase (TGL) and secrete vascular endothelial growth factor soluble receptor 2 (VEGFR2, also known as KDR) were encapsulated for further characterization. Resulting new particles were assayed in vitro to explore whether their functionality might be affected due to the physicochemical changes arising from such dramatic size reduction. Not only were negative effects at this level not noticed in terms of cell viability, cell proliferation and KDR secretion, but once again the suitability of APA microcapsules was also reinforced against other microcapsule designs. Furthermore, the fully viable and functional biosystems were successfully administered in the intravitreous space of rats, where the activity of encapsulated cells was monitoring over 3 weeks.
Revista:
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY AND VISUAL SCIENCE
ISSN:
0146-0404
Año:
2012
Vol.:
53
N°:
3
Págs.:
1087-94
This study showed for the first time that a particular CFHR1 allotype, CFHR1*A, is strongly associated with AMD (odds ratio, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-2.73; P<0.0001) and illustrate a peculiar genotype-phenotype correlation between the CFHR1 alleles and different diseases that may have important implications for understanding the pathophysiology of AMD. It also shows that CFHR1*A is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the CFH 402His allele, which provides additional candidate variants within the major risk haplotype at 1q31, promoting its association with AMD. Further, using the Spanish population as a model, the results showed that analysis of the CFHR1 genotypes provide sufficient information to delineate the individual risk of developing AMD
Revista:
Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología
ISSN:
0365-6691
Año:
2011
Vol.:
86
N°:
4
Págs.:
101 - 102
Revista:
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
ISSN:
1120-6721
Año:
2010
Vol.:
20
N°:
2
Págs.:
442 - 450
Purpose. To estimate the prevalence and causes of bilateral blindness and visual impairment in an urban institutionalized population aged 65 years and older.
Methods. A total of 392 nursing home residents completed a standardized eye examination, including measurement of visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, lens opacity grading, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and photography of the macular area. The major causes of vision loss identified for all participants were blindness and visual impairment.
Results. The average subject age was 82 years (65¿97); women outnumbered men 263 to 129. The prevalence of bilateral blindness (VA ¿1.0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) was 14.9% (43/288); the prevalence of visual impairment (VA ¿0.5 and 1.0 logMAR) was 31.9% (92/288). Blindness and visual impairment increased significantly with age (p<0.05), odds ratio (OR) 1.047 and 1.088, respectively. Cataract was the most common cause of bilateral blindness and visual impairment (27.9% and 44.6%, respectively) followed by pathologic myopia (23.3%) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (20.9%) for blindness, and by AMD (27.2%) and pathologic myopia (12%) for visual impairment. Fifty percent of subjects with visual loss had the potential for improved vision with medical or surgical intervention.
Conclusions. Although the prevalences were high, these data are important since it is difficult for epidemiologic studies to include aged, institutionalized individuals, although their numbers are increasing. Recognition of the predominant causes of visual loss dependent on age is fundamental for early diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases. Many cases of low vision can be treated with appropriate ophthalmologic care.