Las enfermedades neurodegenerativas cursan con la degeneración y muerte de las neuronas las cuales son incapaces de suplir su propia muerte. Debido a esta característica enfermedades como el Alzheimer, el Parkinson o el Glaucoma no tienen cura en la actualidad. La retina es una proyección del sistema nervioso central (SNC) encapsulada en el globo ocular y aislada del resto del SNC, lo que la hace fácilmente accesible a la manipulación experimental. En este trabajo estudiamos las alteraciones funcionales de la retina con el electrorretinograma de campo completo (ERG), técnica basada en el registro de la respuesta eléctrica retiniana tras la presentación de un estímulo de luz homogéneo. Así hemos estudiado los efectos de la sección del nervio, del aumento de presión intraocular y de la fototoxicidad, dichas lesiones afectan selectivamente a determinadas poblaciones neuronales retinianas e imitan enfermedades neurodegenerativas como el Glaucoma o la Degeneración Macular Asociada a la Edad. / Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by degeneration and death of neurons which are unable to recover after a given insult, thus impairing functional recuperation. Because of this, there is no cure for diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson or Glaucoma. The retina is a projection of the central nervous system (CNS) located in the eye and therefore, isolated from the rest of the CNS. This makes the retina a very good model for experimental manipulation. In this work we have studied the functional changes in the retina by full field electroretinograme (ERG). This technique records the electric response of the retina after presentation of homogeneous light stimuli. We have studied the effects that optic nerve sections, increase of the intraocular pressure and phototoxicity have on ERG recordings. These lesions impair selectively certain retinal neuronal populations and imitate neurodegenerative diseases as Glaucoma or Age-related Macular Degeneration.

<p>Dijabetesna retinopatija je među vodećim uzročnicima stečenog slepila, kako u razvijenim zemljama, tako i zemljama u razvoju. Dijabetesna retinopatija je jedna od<br />najče&scaron;ćih komplikacija Dijabetes Mellitus-a. U sklopu dijabetesne retinopatije jedan od najranijih razloga koji dovodi do pada vidne o&scaron;trine je dijabetični makularni edem (DME). Pad vidne o&scaron;trine kod pacijenata sa dijabetesom naru&scaron;ava njihov kvalitet života i umanjuje radnu sposobnost. Dosada&scaron;nji oblik lečenja laserfotokoaguacijom makule, nije dao zadovoljavajuće rezultate. U novije vreme sve vi&scaron;e je zastupljeno farmakolo&scaron;ko lečenje edema koje podrazumeva intrvitrealnu aplikaciju lekova iz grupe inhibitora vaskularnog endotelnog faktora rasta (VEGF inhibitori), koji dovodi do stabilizacije zidova krvnih sudova.&nbsp;<br />Cilj ove studije je da se ispita efikasnost lečenja DME uz pomoć intravitrealno aplikovanih lekova iz grupe inhibitora vaskularnog endotelnog faktora rasta u odnosu na konvencionalno do sada priznato lečenje laserfotokogulacijom makule.&nbsp;<br />Efikasnost lečenja je procenjivana na dva načina: anatomski, na osnovu smanjenja centralne makularne debljine izražene u &mu;m, merene metodom optičke koherentne tomografije, i funkcionalno, na osnovu pobolj&scaron;anja vidne o&scaron;trine koja je izražavana u log MAR jedinicama. U ovoj prospektivnoj, randomiziranoj kliničkoj studiji sa minimumom praćenja od 6 meseci, u eksperimentalnoj grupi tretiran je 51 pacijent,<br />odnosno 84 oka aplikacijom bevacizumaba (anti VEGF agens) u dozi od 1,25 mg, sa ili bez dodatnog laser tretmana.&nbsp;<br />Uz prosečno 2,46 inekcije postignuta je prosečna redukcija centralne makularne debljine od 139,15 &mu;m.&nbsp; Dobijene vrednosti su nakon svake aplikovane doze su značajno bolje u odnosu na početnu. Edemi sa većom centralnom makularnom debljinom su zahtevali tretman sa većim brojem inekcija. Kod većih edema je postignuta i veća redukcija centralne makularne debljine. U odnosu na vidnu o&scaron;trinu u eksperimentalnoj grupi postignuto je pobolj&scaron;anje od 0,135 log MAR jedinica. Efekat lasera kao samostalne terapije u kontrolnoj grupi (50 pacijenata, 92 oka) nije bio<br />značajan ni u pogledu smanjenja centralne makularne debljine kao ni na osnovu pobolj&scaron;nja vidne o&scaron;trine. Tretman bevacizumabom samostalno ili u kombinaciji sa laserom je efikasniji u tretmanu DME u odnosu na konvencionalni tretman laserfotokoaguacijom koji potvrđeno dovodi do stabilizacije stanja. Značaj ove studije je potvrda efikasnosti i bezbednosti jednog novog oblika lečenja koji samostalno ili u kombinaciji sa laser tretmanom predstavlja novi protokol lečenja dijabetičnog makularnog edema.</p> / <p>Diabetic retinopathy is among the leading causes of acquired blindness in developed countries, as well as in developing countries. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most frequent Diabetes Mellitus complications. Within diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the earliest causes of the loss of visual acuity. Impaired vision causes decline in life quality in diabetic patients and it decreases their<br />working ability. Up to this date, laser photocoagulation treatment has not given<br />satisfactory results. Recently, new promising treatment forms have emerged, including the intravitreal application of vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF inhibitors), which lead to stabilization of the vessel wall. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of DME treatment consisting of intravitreal&nbsp; VEGF inhibitor application alone or as a part of combined treatment (intravitreal VEGF inhibitor plus laser photocoagulation) compared with conventional laser treatment alone. The effect of treatment was evaluated according to morphological parameters by measuring central macular thickness (CMT) in &mu;m with optical coherence tomography, and according to functional parameter by visual acuity in log MAR scale. In this prospective randomized clinical trial, with minimum follow up of 6 months, in experimental group 51 patient, or 84 eyes were treated with bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor) in 1.25 mg dosage, alone or in combination with laser. The mean reduction in was 139.15 &mu;m, which was achieved with 2.46 doses on average. The difference between the final and initial CMT values after each dos age was tatistically significant.<br />Edemas with high central macular thickness required high number of intraviteal<br />aplicatons and the reduction was higher. In our study, mean visual acuity improved significantly in 0.135 log MAR. In control group (50 patient, 92 eyes) treated with laserphotocolagulation alone, the effect on visual acuity and central acular thickness was not statistically significant. The treatment with bevacizumab alone or in combined<br />treatment is more effective in treating DME than conventional macular laser treatment alone, from both - anatomical and functional perspective. The importance of this study is confirmation of the efficacy and safety of a new form of treatment and the introduction of a new protocol for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.</p>

<p>Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se utvrdi da li postoji razlika u debljini makule kod pacijenata sa glaukomom otvorenog ugla (POAG) u odnosu na zdravu populaciju i u zavisnosti od stepena progresije bolesti, kao i da se utvrdi da li postoji povezanost između promene debljine makule i stepena o&scaron;tećenja vidnog polja i debljine peripapilarnog sloja nervnih vlakana u zavisnosti od stepena progresije bolesti. Materijal i metode: U ovu kliničku prospektivnu studiju je uključeno 186 pacijenata. Na osnovu kliničkog nalaza formirane su tri grupe. Prva grupa (kontrolna &ndash; grupa zdravih): 68 pacijenata bez očnih oboljenja, sa najboljom korigovanom vidnom o&scaron;trinom &ge; 0.9, intraokularnim pritiskom (IOP) &le; 21 mmHg, normalnim odnosom ekskavacije i povr&scaron;ine glave vidnog živca i normalnim nalazom vidnog polja. Druga grupa (rani glaukom): 78 pacijenata sa klinički dijagnostikovanim primarnim glaukomom otvorenog ugla (sa karakterističnim o&scaron;tećenjem glave vidnog živca i sloja nervnih vlakana retine i kod kojih je srednja vrednost devijacije standardne automatske perimetrije MD &gt; -6 dB, prema Hodap klasifikaciji), bez drugih očnih ili sistemskih oboljenja, koja bi imala uticaj na nastanak glaukoma i sa najboljom korigovanom vidnom o&scaron;trinom &ge; 0.5. Treća grupa (glaukom srednjeg stepena): 40 pacijenata sa klinički dijagnostikovanim primarnim glaukomom otvorenog ugla (sa karakterističnim o&scaron;tećenjem glave vidnog živca i sloja nervnih vlakana retine i kod kojih je srednja vrednost devijacije standardne automatske perimetrije -6 dB &gt; MD &gt; -12 dB, prema Hodap klasifikaciji), bez drugih očnih ili sistemskih oboljenja, koja bi imala uticaj na nastanak glaukoma i sa najboljom korigovanom vidnom o&scaron;trinom &ge; 0.5. Svim pacijentima je bio urađen kompletan oftalmolo&scaron;ki pregled, kompjuterizovano vidno polje (Humphrey Field Analyzer, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany, SITA Standard, test C 24-2) i optička koherentna tomografija sloja nervnih vlakana peripapilarno i u predelu makule (SOCT Copernicus HR, Optopol Tech. SA, Zawiercie, Poland). Rezultati: Perifovea i parafovea, pokazuju statistički značajno smanjenje debljine i zapremine sloja nervnih vlakana u odnosu na stepen progresije glaukoma otvorenog ugla, pri čemu je ono nagla&scaron;enije u perifovei (p&lt;0,05). U svim segmentima makule (TPeriF, IPeriF, SPeriF, NPeriF, TParaF, SParaF, IParaF i NParaF) dolazi do smanjenja debljine i zapremine sloja nervnih vlakana sa progresijom bolesti (p&lt;0,05). Segmenti makule TPeriF, IPeriF, a potom i SPeriF, prema navedenom redosledu, predstavljaju segmente sa najvećim potencijalom za predikciju ranih glaukomskih o&scaron;tećenja s obzirom na uočeno najveće smanjenje debljine i zapremine nervnih vlakana (p&lt;0,05). Segmenti makule SParaF i NParaF predstavljaju segmente sa najvećim potencijalom za predikciju napredovanja glaukomskih o&scaron;tećenja srednjeg stepena s obzirom na uočeno najveće smanjenje debljine i zapremine nervnih vlakana (p&lt;0,05). Debljina RNFL glave vidnog živca se statistički značajno smanjuje sa progresijom bolesti u svim posmatranim segmentima (p&lt;0,05). Međusobni odnos između grupe zdravih i grupe pacijenata sa ranim glaukomom ukazuje da je statistički značajno smanjenje debljine RNFL prisutno u svim segmentima osim u segmentima P3 i P4 (p&gt;0,05). Merenja debljine RNFL u segmentu P6 imaju najbolji potencijal za predikciju ranog glaukoma s obzirom na najizraženije smanjenje debljine nervnih vlakana upravo u ovom segmentu (p&lt;0,05). Merenja debljine RNFL u segmentu P1 ima najbolji potencijal za predikciju dalje progresije bolesti. Debljina sloja nervnih vlakana makule srazmerna je smanjenju debljine RNFL na glavi vidnog živca, pri čemu je ona uočljivija na nivou segmenata koji su okarakterisani kao dobri prediktori za nastanak, odnosno progresiju bolesti (P6 sa IPeriF i TPeriF, odnosno P1 sa SPeriF), &scaron;to dodatno nagla&scaron;ava njihovu važnost u dijagnostici glaukoma otvorenog ugla. Debljina makule kod pacijenata sa glaukomom otvorenog ugla je opisana umerenom do dobrom povezano&scaron;ću sa stepenom o&scaron;tećenja vidnog polja, pri čemu je ona najjača kod TPeriF, IPeriF i SPeriF segmenata i srazmerna je stepenu o&scaron;tećenja vidnog polja. Koeficijenti korelacije između vrednosti srednje devijacije vidnog polja i debljine RNFL, odnosno&nbsp; sloja nervnih vlakana makule, pokazuju snažniju povezanost u odnosu na parametre dobijenog smanjenja debljine nervnih vlakana u makuli, &scaron;to otvara mogućnost za dalja istraživanja. Segmenti glave vidnog živca i makule, koji su pokazali najbolju diskriminaciju u smislu predikcije nastanka POAGa, kao i oni koji sugeri&scaron;u na njegovu progresiju, sme&scaron;teni su na lokacijama koje su međusobno povezane opisanim prirodnim tokom nervnih vlakana.&nbsp; Zaključak: Optička koherentna tomografija makule je važna pomoćna metoda u dijagnostici glaukoma kojom je moguće izdvojiti pacijente sa ranim glaukomom u odnosu na zdravu populaciju, odnosno utvrditi progresiju glaukoma otvorenog ugla.</p> / <p>All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, SAP (Humphrey Field Analyzer, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany, SITA Standard, test C 24-2) and optical coherent tomography scans of RNFL and macula (SOCT Copernicus HR, Optopol Tech. SA, Zawiercie, Poland). Results: Perifoveal and parafoveal nerve fiber layer have shown significant reduction of thickness and volume compared to stage of POAG progression, where perifovea showed higher significance (p&lt;0,05). All macular segments (TPeriF, IPeriF, SPeriF, NPeriF, TParaF, SParaF, IParaF i NParaF) showed reduction in thickness and volume compared to disease progression (p&lt;0,05). Macular segments TPeriF, IPeriF, as well as SPeriF, represent segments with highest potential to predict early glaucomatous damage according to the most significant reduction of nerve fiber layer thickness and volume (p&lt;0,05). Macular segments SParaF and NParaF represent segments with highest potential to predict progression of POAG according to the most significant reduction of nerve fiber layer thickness and volume (p&lt;0,05). Optic nerve head (ONH) RNFL thickness showed reduction compared to POAG progression in all segments (p&lt;0,05). All ONH segments except P3 and P4 showed significant reduction of RNFL comparing control group to early glaucoma group patients (p&gt;0,05). ONH segment P6 was found to be the highly specific for early glaucoma prediction according to the most significant reduction of RNFL thickness (p&lt;0,05), while segment P1 was found to have highest potential for POAG progression. Macular nerve fiber layer thickness reduction follows ONH RNFL thickness reduction and there is mutual relation between both macular and ONH segments (P6 to IPeriF and TPeriF, P1 to SPeriF) with highest specificity for early defects and POAG progression. It was shown that macular thickness changes have moderate to good correlation with visual filed changes and it was highest in TPeriF, IPeriF and SPeriF segments. This correlation was found to be higher in macula then in ONH RNFL thickness changes, compared to visual field changes. Both macular and ONH RNFL segments, which were found to have highest specificity to POAG prediction and progression, are located in areas which mutually connect following natural course of nerve fiber layer between them. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography of macula represents important ancillary method in POAG diagnosis and follow up, allowing to differentiate between early glaucoma patients and healthy individuals, as well as to determine progression of glaucomatous disease.</p>

<p>Cilj ovog istraživanja je da se ispita uticaj centralne debljine makularne regije (CMT) i prisustva subretinalne tečnosti na vidnu o&scaron;trinu (VA) kod pacijenata obolelih od dijabetesnog makularnog edema, kao i uticaj očuvanosti kontinuiteta spoja spolja&scaron;njeg i unutra&scaron;njeg segmenta fotoreceptora (IS/OS &ndash; kompleks) i spolja&scaron;nje granične membrane (ELM) kao prognostičkih faktora u pobolj&scaron;anju vidne o&scaron;trine nakon primenjene terapije kod pacijenata obolelih od dijabetesnog makularnog edema (DME). Materijal i metode: u ovu retrospektivno prospektivnu kliničku studiju nasumično je uključeno 100 pacijenata koji su podeljeni u dve grupe. Grupu A &ndash; prospektivni deo studije je činilo 50 pacijenata (50 očiju) kod kojih je dijagnostikovan dijabetesni makularni edem i kod kojih je inidikovana primena terapije, laserftotkogaulacije i/ili anti-VEGF terapije (bevacizumab). Grupu B &ndash; retrospektivnu grupu je činilo 50 pacijenata (58 očiju) koji su prethodno lečeni od dijabetesnog makularnog edema primenom laserfotokoagulacije i/ili anti-VEGF terapije (bevacizumab). Nakon kompletnog oftalmolo&scaron;kog pregleda koji se sastojao od određivanja vidne o&scaron;trine (optotipima po Snellenu), biomikroskopije, merenja intraokularnog pritiska i pregleda očnog dna &ndash; fundusa primenom panfundoskopa izvr&scaron;ena je optička koherentna tomografija u svih pacijenata (primenom aparata Stratus&reg; OCT, Carl Zeiss, Meditec i Copercnicus&reg; Optopol). Analiza OCT snimka, je obuhvatila određivanje centralne debljine makule (CMT), prisustva subretinalne tečnosti kao i procenu stanja očuvanosti kontinuiteta spoja spolja&scaron;enjeg i unutra&scaron;njeg segmenta fotoreceptora (IS/OS kompleks) i očuvanost kontinuiteta spolja&scaron;nje granične membrane (ELM). CMT je izračunat primenom softvera OCT aparata i izražen kao srednja vrednost za svih 9 ETDRS polja. Prisutvno subretinalne tečnosti je klasifikovano kao pozitivno ukoliko je identifikovano makar u jednom preseku OCT tomograma .Očuvanost kontinuiteta IS/OS kompleksa i ELM je analizirana u svakom pojedinačnom snimku i podeljena u 3 kategorije. Prva &ndash; ukoliko je očuvano u svim presecima, druga &ndash; ukoliko je očuvano samo u pojedinim presecima i treća &ndash; ukoliko se IS/OS kompleks i ELM nisu mogli identifikovati na nalazu OCT tomograma. Rezultati ukazuju da prisustvo subretinalne tečnosti pre primenjene terapije nema statistički značajnog uticaja na pobolj&scaron;anje vidne o&scaron;trine nakon primenjene terapije u pacijenata grupe A (pA=0,915), a statistička značajnost nije potvrđena ni kod pacijenata koji su prethodno tretirani od DME &ndash; grupa B (pB=0,772). Srednja vrednosti CMT i VA u pacijaneta grupe A iznosila je 474&mu;m&plusmn;140,67&mu;m odnosno 0.25&plusmn;0.20. Nakon primenjene terapije srednja vrednost vidnih o&scaron;trina iznosila je 0.41&plusmn;0.25, dok su vrednosti srednje vrednosti CMT iznosile 343.68&mu;m&plusmn;99.03&mu;m. Potvrđeno je statistički značajno pobolj&scaron;anje vidne o&scaron;trine nakon primenjene terapije (pVA=0,0001) i statistički značajno smanjenje centralne debljine makule (pCMT=0,0001). Korelacija VA sa vrednostima CMT pre primenjene terapije pokazuje statističku značajnost sa negativnom korelacijom (r=-0,391; p=0,005) dok se nakon primenjene terapije ne uočava statistički značajna korelacija (r=-0,047; p=0,746). Analizom vrednosti CMT pre primenjene terapije sa vrednostima VA nakon terapije se uočava statistički značajna negativna korelacija, odnosno veće vrednosti CMT pre primenjene terapije ograničavaju pobolj&scaron;anje vidne o&scaron;trine nakon primenjene terapije (r=-0,393; p=0,005). Evaluacija OCT tomograma, pre primenjene terapije, u pacijenata grupe A utvrđen je u potpunosti očuvan kontinuitet IS/OS kompleksa i ELM u svim presecima u 23 odnosno 27 očiju, u pojedinim presecima u 18 odnosno 16 očiju, i nije mogao biti identifikovan u 9 odnosno 7 očiju. U pacijenata grupe A nakon primenjene terapije uočava se statistički značajno pobolj&scaron;anje vrednosti VA u zavisnosti od očuvanosti kontinuiteta IS/OS kompleksa (F=5,550, p=0,007) i ELM (F=5,428, p=0,008). Univarijantna odnosno multivarjiantna analiza podataka za granične vrednosti vidnih o&scaron;trina od 0,1 i koraka pobolj&scaron;anja od 0,1 ukazuje na statističku značajnost prediktora IS/OS kompleksa (p=0,012 i p=0,032) i ELM (p=0,003 i p=0,018) u pobolj&scaron;anju vrednosti vidnih o&scaron;trina nakon primenjene terapije. Pacijenti sa očuvanim kontinuitetom IS/OS kompelsa u svim presecima imaju 9,5 puta (OR=9,500 ) veću &scaron;ansu za pobolj&scaron;anje VA nakon primenjene terapije u odnosu na pacijente gde kontinuitet IS/OS kompleksa nije uočljiv. Pacijenti sa očuvanim kontinuitetom IS/OS kompleksa u pojedinim presecima imaju 7 puta veću &scaron;ansu (OR=7,000) za pobolj&scaron;anje vidne o&scaron;trine nakon terapije u poređenju sa onima kod kojih IS/OS nije uočljiv. Pacijenti sa očuvanim kontinuitetom ELM u svim presecima imaju 34,5 puta (OR=34,500 ) veću &scaron;ansu za pobolj&scaron;anje vidne o&scaron;trine u odnosu na pacijente gde ELM nije uočljiv. Pacijenti sa očuvanim kontinuitetom ELM u pojedinim presecima imaju 18 puta veću &scaron;ansu (OR=18,000) za pobolj&scaron;anje VA nakon terapije u odnosu na one kod kojih ELM nije uočljiv. Pored statistički značajnog uticaja očuvanosti kontinuiteta IS/OS kompleksa i ELM na pobolj&scaron;anje vrednosti vidnih o&scaron;trina nakon primenjene terapije, uočava se i pozitvna korelacija između vidnih o&scaron;trina pre i nakon terapije (r=0,869; p=0,0001). U pacijenata grupe B srednja vrednost CMT odnosno VA iznosila je 253,72&mu;m&plusmn;75,27&mu;m odnosno 0,68&plusmn;0,29. Postoji statistički značajna razlika u vrednostima VA u odnosu na očuvanost kontinuiteta IS/OS kompleksa (F=107,913, p=0,0001) i ELM (F=25,619, p=0,0001). Poređenjem vrednosti parametara za obe posmatrane grupe uočava se statistički značajna razlika u vrednostima CMT koje su bile manje u grupi B (t=5,355, p=0,0001) i srednjim vrednostima VA ( t=5,137, p=0,0001) koje su bile veće u grupi B. Analizom očuvanosti kontinuiteta IS/OS kompleksa (&chi;2=0,119, p=0,730) i ELM (&chi;2=2,957, p=0,085) ne uočava se statistički značajna razlika. Zaključak: Odnos vidnih o&scaron;trina sa centralnom debljinom makule prikazuje različite vrednosti vidnih o&scaron;trina za iste vrednosti centralne debljine makule. Značajan uticaj na vidnu o&scaron;trinu pacijenata obolelih od DME ima očuvanost integriteta spolja&scaron;nje granične membrane (ELM) i spoja unutra&scaron;njeg i spolja&scaron;njeg segmenta fotoreceptora (IS/OS kompleks) evaluiranih na osnovu OCT snimka &ndash; tomograma. Očuvanost integriteta ELM i IS/OS kompleksa u svim presecima na OCT tomogramu pre primenjene terapije u pacijenta sa DME se mogu smatrati pozitivnim prognostičkim faktorom u pobolj&scaron;anju vidne o&scaron;trine nakon primenjene terapije. U pacijenata kod kojih je kontinuitet ELM i IS/OS kompleksa očuvan u svim pravcima vrednost CMT pre primenjene terapije nema uticaj na pobolj&scaron;anje vidne funkcije nakon terapije. Integritet IS/OS kompleksa i ELM ima pozitivnu korelaciju sa vidnom o&scaron;trinom bez obzira na vrstu primenjene terapije, anti-VEGF odnosno laserfotokoagulacije. Prisustvo subretinalne tečnosti ne utiče na vidnu o&scaron;trinu pacijenata obolelih od DME. Vrednosti VA pre terapije utiču na pobolj&scaron;anje vidne o&scaron;trine nakon terapije.</p> / <p>The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the central macular thickness (CMT) and the presence of sub retinal fluid on visual acuity (VA) in patients with diabetic macular edema, as well as the impact of preservation and continuity of the photoreceptor inner/outer segment junction (IS / OS - complex ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) as a prognostic factor in improving visual acuity after the applied therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Materials and Methods: this retrospective - prospective randomized clinical study included 100 patients who were divided into two groups. Group A - a prospective part of the study, consisted of 50 patients (50 eyes), with the diagnosis of diabetic macular edema in which laser photocoagulation and / or anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab) was indicated. Group B - retrospective group, consisted of 50 patients (58 eyes), who were previously treated for diabetic macular edema either with laser photocoagulation and / or anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab). After complete ophthalmologic examination, which consisted of the determination of visual acuity (measured with Snellen charts), biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement and inspection of the fundus, optical coherence tomography was performed in all patients (using the Stratus&reg; OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec and Copercnicus&reg; Optopol). Analysis of OCT image, included the determination of the central macular thickness (CMT), presence of sub retinal fluid, as well as an assessment of the preservation of the continuity of the photoreceptor inner/outer segment junction (IS/OS - complex) and external limiting membrane (ELM). CMT is calculated using software of the OCT apparatus and expressed as the mean value for all 9 ETDRS fields. Presence of sub retinal fluid is classified as positive if it is identified in at least one cross-section of OCT tomogram. Preserved continuity of IS / OS complex and ELM is analyzed in each individual OCT cross-section image and divided into 3 categories. First - if it is preserved in all cross sections images, the second - if it is preserved only in certain sections and the third - if the IS / OS complex and ELM were not able to identify in OCT tomograms. The results indicate that the presence of sub retinal fluid before the applied therapy has no statistically significant effect on improving visual acuity after the applied therapy in patients of group A (pA = 0.915), and statistical significance was not also confirmed in any of the patients who were previously treated by DME - Group B (pB = 0.772). Mean CMT and VA values of patients in group A was 474&mu;m &plusmn; 140,67&mu;m and 0.25 &plusmn; 0.20. After receiving therapy mean visual acuity was 0.41 &plusmn; 0.25, while the value of the mean CMT was 343.68&mu;m&plusmn; 99.03&mu;m. Significant improvement in visual acuity was achieved after the treatment in group A (pVA = 0.0001) together with statistically significant reduction in central macular thickness (pCMT = 0.0001). Correlation of VA with the values of CMT before applied therapy shows statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.391; p = 0.005), while after the applied therapy statistical significance was not observed (r = -0.047; p = 0.746). Analyzing the values of CMT before the applied therapy with the values of VA after the treatment statistically significant negative correlation was observed, higher values of CMT before the applied therapy restrict visual acuity improvement after the applied therapy (r = -0.393; p = 0.005). Analyzing OCT tomograms in the patients in group A, before the applied therapy, fully preserved continuity of IS/OS complex and ELM in all the sections was found in 23 and 27 of the eyes, in certain sections in 18 and 16 of the eyes, and could not be identified in 9 and 7 eyes. Statistically significant improvement in VA, after the applied therapy, in patients in group A is observed, depending on the preservation of continuity of IS/OS complex (F = 5.550, p = 0.007) and ELM (F = 5.428, p = 0.008). Univariate and multivariate analysis with cut off VA value of 0.1 and step improvements of 0.1 points to statistically significant predictor of IS/OS complex (p = 0.012 and p = 0.032) and ELM (p = 0.003 and p = 0.018) in improving the VA after the applied therapy. Patients with preserved continuity of IS/OS complex in all sections are 9.5 times (OR = 9.500) more likely to improve the VA after receiving therapy compared to patients where continuity of IS/OS complex is not noticeable. Patients with preserved continuity of IS/OS complex in the some sections are 7 times more likely (OR = 7.000) for the improvement of visual acuity after treatment compared to those in which the IS/OS is not detectable. Patients with preserved continuity of ELM in all sections are 34.5 times (OR = 34,500) a greater chance to improve visual acuity compared to patients where ELM is not apparent. Patients with preserved continuity of ELM in the some sections are 18 times more likely (OR = 18,000) to improve the VA after treatment compared to those in which the ELM is not apparent. In addition to statistically significant impact of preservation of continuity of IS/OS complex and ELM for VA improvement after the treatment, statistically significant positive correlation between visual acuity before and after treatment (r = 0.869; p = 0.0001) was observed. In Group B patients, the mean CMT and VA value was 253,72&mu;m&plusmn;75,268&mu;m and 0.68 &plusmn; 0.29. There is a statistically significant difference in the VA values compared to the preservation of continuity of IS/OS complex (F = 107.913, p = 0.0001) and ELM (F = 25.619, p = 0.0001). Comparing the values of parameters for both groups, statistically significant difference in CMT values and mean VA was observed. CMT values were lower (t = 5.355, p = 0.0001) while VA values were higher (t = 5.137, p = 0.0001), in group B. The analysis of preservation of continuity of IS/OS complex (&chi;2 = 0.119, p = 0.730) and ELM (&chi;2 = 2.957, p = 0.085) did not show a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The relationship of visual acuity with central macular thickness shows the different levels of visual acuity for the same value of the central macular thickness. A significant impact on VA in patients with DME has maintained integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and the photoreceptors inner/outer segments junction (IS/OS complex) evaluated on the basis of OCT - tomograms. Preservation of the integrity of the ELM and IS/OS complex in all sections of the OCT tomogram before applied therapy in patients with DME can be considered a positive prognostic factor in improving visual acuity after receiving therapy. In patients with preserved continuity of ELM and IS/OS complex in all sections before applied therapy the CMT value has no effect on the improvement of visual function after treatment. Regardless of the type of applied therapy, anti-VEGF and/or laser photocoagulation preserved integrity of IS/OS complex and ELM has a positive correlation with visual acuity. The presence of sub retinal fluid does not affect the visual acuity in patients with DME. The values of VA before treatment influence the improvement of visual acuity after treatment.</p>

The retina is a highly metabolically active tissue with large demands on the supply of nutrients. Disorders affecting the retina often include some vasculopathy with an impact on retinal circulation. Studies of retinal haemodynamics could thus help to detect, differentiate and diagnose diseases, to monitor changes in disease as well as progression and efficiency of the therapy. The present studies were an attempt to validate and determine the clinical usefulness of a newly developed technique for studying the retinal circulation in human eyes. We used different techniques to evaluate different parameters of retinal circulation. We examined how leukocyte velocity determined with Blue Field Simulation and transit times, mean transite time (MTT) and arterio-venous passage (AVP), and vessel diameter, determined from fluorescein angiograms, together reflects the retinal circulation. MTT was determined with a method based on an Impulse-Response technique, MTTIR. In a study on monkeys we compared our method, together with two conventional methods, with an absolute measurement of retinal blood flow (RBF) determined with labelled microspheres. There was a weak, but not statistically significant, correlation between retinal blood flow and MTTIR (r2 = -0.60, p = 0.06), but no useful correlation between retinal blood flow and either of the other two measures of transit times. In a study on healthy eyes we determined the effect of a physiological provocation, changes in arterial blood gases, on retinal circulation. Breathing pure oxygen or increased level of carbon dioxide in inspired air had no effect on MTT, but oxygen reduced leukocyte velocity and vessel diameter and carbon dioxide increased leukocyte velocity significantly. We concluded that unchanged transit time trough the retinal tissue was not due to a lack of effect of the gas provocation but a result due to concomitant changes in volume and flow. In a study on eyes of patients with diabetic retinopathy we investigated the relation between the extent of retinal circulation changes and the severity of the diabetes retinopathy (DRP). Transit times were relatively unaffected until proliferative DRP (PDRP) developed. In eyes with PDRP both MTTIR and AVP were increased. After panretinal photocoagulation treatment MTTIR returned to normal levels and vessel diameters tended to decrease while leukocyte velocity and AVP remained unchanged. We concluded that the increase in MTTIR in eyes with PDRP is at least partly explained by vessel dilation, causing an increased volume of the retinal vascular bed.

No description available.

Vision impairment and blindness are in industrialized countries primarily caused by the degeneration of the retina, the light sensing tissue inside the eye. The degeneration, occurring in diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or retinitis pigmentosa (RP), can be caused by environmental factors as well as genetic defects and thus shows diverse pathologies. In all conditions, the light detecting photoreceptors (rods and/or cones) are dying caused by either direct photoreceptor damage or as a secondary effect following degeneration of supporting cells. Although promising treatment approaches are currently under investigation, up to date it is not possible to cure these diseases. Amongst these therapeutic strategies, pre-clinical studies evaluating the replacement of degenerated cells by transplantation of new photoreceptors demonstrated promising results. First studies conducted the specific enrichment and transplantation of primary photoreceptors derived from postnatal mice and their sufficient integration and differentiation into mature photoreceptors in wild-type as well as degenerated mouse retinae. Recent experiments additionally proved the recovery of some dim-light vision after transplantation in mice lacking night sight. The in vitro differentiation of whole eye cups containing photoreceptors, out of human or mouse ES or iPS cells, peaked in the transplantation of ES-derived photoreceptors into wild-type as well as degenerated mice and the integration and maturation of these cells. These observations are encouraging, but prior to a save implementation of this strategy into a clinical routine, several further hurdles need to be challenged. Collection of photoreceptors out of whole retinal tissues prior to transplantation was shown to be an important step to reach high integration rates. Additionally, transplantation of photoreceptors derived from stem cells comprises the risk of tumor formation after transplantation and thus also requires depletion of inadvertent cells. Therefore, we established the enrichment of photoreceptors using the cell surface marker dependent method magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). For identification of suitable target-specific surface markers, we characterized young transplantable mouse photoreceptors using microarray analysis and screened their transcriptome. Amongst others, ecto-5´nucleotidase (Nt5e, termed CD73) was identified being a rod photoreceptor specific cell surface protein. Thus, we enriched young photoreceptors with CD73-dependent MACS with sufficient purity and transplanted these cells into the subretinal space of wild-type mice. In contrast to unsorted retinal cells, enriched photoreceptors integrated in significantly higher number into the host retina, proving that MACS is a suitable alternative for specific photoreceptor enrichment. Testing other proteins, identified as photoreceptor specific, for MACS suitability and the translation of this approach to photoreceptors, derived from mouse as well as human iPS or ES cells, should be the focus of consecutive investigations. The integration of grafted cells into the retina is a complex process dependent on a variety of influencing factors. Transplantation experiments in aging wild-type mice and a rod-depleted mouse model, containing a retina composed of cone and cone-like photoreceptors, indicated that the activation of Müller glia cells facilitates integration of transplanted photoreceptors. Besides that, reduced outer limiting membrane (OLM) integrity, increased subretinal graft distribution or reduced retinal cell density are further suggested as potential cell engraftment enhancers. These factors might open up important possibilities of host retina manipulation to increase cell integration rates. Although retinal transplantation experiments were in addition to mice also performed using pigs or rats as hosts, the transplantation of enriched single photoreceptors, following the protocols successfully established in mice, has not been performed in other species. Nevertheless, transferring this technique is important and would allow better predictions for future application in human patients. Therefore, we transferred our protocol, using CD73 based MACS, to the rat and successfully enriched rat photoreceptors with sufficient purity. We subsequently transplanted these cells into the subretinal space of rats as well as mice and observed limited integration capacity of grafted cells. Only few transplanted rat photoreceptors were localized in the rat retina, lacking proper photoreceptor morphology. Especially regarding a perspective clinical application in humans, these data are remarkable. They imply the question, whether low integration in rat represents a general problem and might thus also be relevant for treatment in humans, or whether the rat retina forms just an exception. Thus, further detailed analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the integration process of transplanted photoreceptors represent an essential prerequisite for the development of a safe and efficient therapy, aiming to treat retinal degenerative diseases characterized by photoreceptor loss. / Degenerationserkrankungen der Netzhaut (Retina) sind in Industrieländern die Hauptursache für verminderte Sehfähigkeit und Blindheit. Sowohl Umweltfaktoren als auch vererbte Mutationen können Defekte wie altersbedingte Makuladegeneration (AMD) oder Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) auslösen und führen zu einem sehr variablen Krankheitsbild. Eine Gemeinsamkeit aller Formen ist das Absterben der lichtdetektierenden Fotorezeptoren (Stäbchen und/oder Zapfen). Dieses kann entweder durch direkte Schädigung, oder als Sekundäreffekt nach Degeneration der unterstützenden Zellen erfolgen. Obwohl im Moment vielversprechende Behandlungsansätze untersucht werden, ist es zurzeit nicht möglich, retinale Degenerationserkrankungen dieser Art zu heilen. Ein erfolgversprechender Ansatz könnte jedoch der Ersatz der degenerierten Zellen durch transplantierte Fotorezeptoren sein. Erste Studien demonstrierten die spezifische Anreicherung von primären Fotorezeptoren aus der Netzhaut neugeborener Mäuse und deren subretinale Transplantation in Wildtyp-Mäuse und Mausmodelle mit retinaler Degeneration. Die transplantierten Zellen integrierten in die Empfängernetzhaut und entwickelten sich in ausgereifte Fotorezeptoren und konnten unter anderem bei nachtblinden Mäusen die Sehfähigkeit bei Dunkelheit verbessern. Die Differenzierung von humanen oder murinen ES- und iPS-Zellen in vitro in vollständige Retinae und die Transplantation daraus gewonnener Fotorezeptoren in Mäuse, bilden vorläufig den Höhepunkt dieser Entwicklung. Obwohl die Fortschritte der jüngsten Vergangenheit beeindruckend sind, sollten vor der sicheren und effektiven Anwendung einer retinalen Zellersatztherapie als therapeutische Maßnahme beim Menschen noch einige wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen beantwortet werden. Studien zeigen, dass Zellpopulationen, die direkt aus der Spendernetzhaut entnommen und transplantiert wurden, auf Grund ihrer Heterogenität in geringeren Zahlen in die Empfängerretina einwandern als angereicherte Fotorezeptoren. Zusätzlich besteht bei unsortierten Zellen, die aus Stammzellpopulationen gewonnen wurden, das Risiko einer Tumorbildung. Daher haben wir die magnetisch-aktivierte Zellsortierung (MACS) zur Anreicherung junger Fotorezeptoren etabliert. Die dabei benötigten, für Fotorezeptoren spezifischen, Oberflächenproteine wurden mit Hilfe von Microarray-Analysen des Transkriptoms junger Stäbchen von Mäusen identifiziert. Dabei wurde unter anderem die 5\'-Nukleotidase (Nt5e, CD73) entdeckt, die uns die erfolgreiche Anreicherung junger Mausfotorezeptoren mit Hilfe von CD73-vermitteltem MACS erlaubte. Die Transplantation dieser angereicherten Zellpopulation in die Netzhaut von Empfängertieren resultierte in einer signifikant erhöhten Integrationsrate im Vergleich zu nicht-angereicherten retinalen Zellen. Die Überprüfung der Nutzbarkeit weiterer identifizierter Oberflächenproteine zur Zellanreicherung bzw. die Übertragung der etablierten Protokolle zur Zellsortierung und Transplantation auf Fotorezeptoren aus ES- und iPS-Zellkulturen, sollten im Fokus nachfolgender Experimente stehen. Die Integration transplantierter Zellen in die Empfängernetzhaut ist ein komplexer Prozess und von unterschiedlichen Einflussfaktoren abhängig. Durch Transplantationsexperimente in alternden Wildtyp-Mäusen und einem Mausmodell, dessen Fotorezeptorschicht keine Stäbchen und stattdessen nur Zapfen und zapfenähnlichen Fotorezeptoren aufweist, konnte gezeigt werden, dass vor allem die Aktivierung von Müllerzellen die Integrationsrate der Fotorezeptoren erhöht. Neben dieser sogenannten Gliose werden weitere Faktoren, wie die reduzierte Stabilität der äußeren Grenzmembran, die flächenmäßig größere Verteilung der transplantierten Zellen im subretinalen Raum oder die reduzierte Dichte der Zellen in der äußeren Körnerschicht, als potentielle integrationsfördernde Komponenten in Betracht gezogen. Diese bilden interessante Schwerpunkte für weitere Forschungen, um eine ausreichende Zellintegration durch Manipulation der Empfängernetzhaut, auch in der klinischen Anwendung, zu erreichen. Obwohl Transplantationsexperimente zusätzlich zur Maus auch in anderen Empfängerspezies, wie Ratten und Schweinen, durchgeführt wurden, liegen bis jetzt keine Studien vor, die die in der Maus erfolgreich etablierten Protokolle der Zellanreicherung und Transplantation von Fotorezeptor-Suspensionen in diesen Spezies reproduzierte. Der Transfer dieser Technik und eine Generalisierung der Anwendbarkeit eines Fotorezeptorersatzes durch Transplantation in verschiedenen Säugetierarten geben jedoch wichtige Hinweise für eine mögliche Translation dieser Technologie für klinische Anwendungen. Deshalb haben wir unser bereits an der Maus getestetes Protokoll auf die Ratte übertragen und erfolgreich Fotorezeptoren der Ratte mit Hilfe von CD73-vermitteltem MACS angereichert. Nach deren Transplantation in die Netzhaut von Ratten und Mäusen zeigten die Rattenfotorezeptoren aber eine stark verminderte Integrationsfähigkeit und das Fehlen einer reifen Fotorezeptormorphologie. Speziell in Hinsicht auf eine zukünftige klinische Anwendung sind diese Ergebnisse relevant, da sie die Frage aufwerfen, ob die mangelnde Integration in der Ratte ein generelles Problem darstellt und daher auch beim Menschen zu erwarten ist, oder ob sie nur eine Ausnahme im Rattenmodell bildet. Aus diesem Grund bildet die weitere Erforschung der zellulären und molekularen Mechanismen der Integration transplantierter Fotorezeptoren eine wichtige Grundlage für die Entwicklung einer sicheren und effizienten Therapie mit dem Ziel, degenerative Netzhauterkrankungen zu heilen.

Age-related maculopathy (ARM) is a central retinal disease with unclear pathogenesis. It is the major cause of permanent vision loss in adults over 50 years and is increasing in prevalence and incidence, faster than the aging population would suggest. Early in the disease process (early ARM) there is little or no vision loss and there are only slight retinal changes with abnormal deposits within Bruch's membrane. As the disease progresses (late ARM or age-related macular degeneration, AMD) vision loss may be quite severe due to atrophy (dry AMD) or the development of chorioretinal neovascularisation (CNV, wet AMD). It is hard to predict from conventional eye examinations and clinical vision tests which cases will progress to the severe, dry or wet forms of the disease. Moreover, most of the conventional clinical tests are based upon subjective vision measures. Objective tests which detect ARM earlier would be a useful aid to diagnosis and to monitoring progression. The multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) is a relatively new clinical tool which enables the recording of electrical potentials from multiple, small areas of the central retina and thus assesses function from specific retinal locations. It is therefore useful in detecting focal retinal diseases such as hereditary or acquired maculopathies or in monitoring retinal laser or surgical treatment effects. There is cone and rod impairment in ARM and histopathological and psychophysical evidence for a preferential vulnerability of rods compared to cones. This research project investigated if an objective tool such as the mfERG could detect early ARM,its progression and the treatment effects of multiple photodynamic therapies (PDT) on retinal function in late ARM, prior to a battery of subjective vision measures. For comparison purposes a subjective assessment of central retinal function was performed using high and low contrast distance visual acuities (VA), near VA, low luminance VA (SKILL cards), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson, P-R), saturated and desaturated Panel D-15 (sat Panel D-15, desat Panel D-15) and central visual fields (Humphrey 10-2, mean sensitivity, MS and mean defects, MD). As an objective assessment of central retinal function the cone- and rod-mediated multifocal electroretinograms were recorded. Subjective and objective tests of retinal function were compared in early ARM and an age-matched control group (chapter 3). Seventeen eyes of seventeen subjects with early ARM and twenty control subjects with normal vision were measured. For the cone-mediated mfERG responses conventional averaging methods were used and results were correlated with subjective vision tests. The conventional cone-mediated mfERG failed to distinguish between the early ARM and control subjects whereas subjective vision measures such as HC- and LC-VA, desat Panel D-15, MS, P-R were significantly reduced in the ARM group. However, there were significant correlations between the cone-mediated mfERG and the desat Panel D-15 results in the ARM group. This suggests that the mfERG measures similar retinal processes that detect colour vision deficiency under desaturated conditions. There was no significant correlation between cone-mediated mfERG measures and funduscopic changes. The conclusion from this study was that the subjective vision tests detected early ARM better than the objective cone-mediated mfERG. Thus the aim of detecting early ARM objectively was not met by the cone-mediated mfERG suggesting the need to develop other objective tests such as a rod-mediated mfERG. Whether the preferential rod vulnerability others have reported in early ARM could be detected by the rod-mediated mfERG was determined in the next study (chapter 4). A protocol for recording rod-mediated mfERG responses was developed by determining the optimal testing luminance to reduce the effect of stray light and elicit maximal rod-mediated responses. Sixteen of the seventeen ARM subjects and seventeen control subjects from the previous study were tested. For analysis, a customized computer template fitting method was developed in MATLAB (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA). This method has been shown to be useful for low signal-to-noise ratio responses that characterize the rod-mediated mfERG. Significantly delayed rod-mediated mfERG responses were found whereas cone-mediated mfERG responses were within the normal range. This suggested that the effect of ARM on the rod system could be detected objectively with the rod-mediated mfERG before changes in the cone-mediated mfERG. Which of the tests best detected progression of vision loss was investigated in chapter 5. Visual function of 26 (13 ARM and 13 control subjects) of the original 37 subjects (17 ARM and 20 control subjects) had cone- and rod-mediated mfERG and the subjective vision measures repeated after one year. The main purpose was to determine which of the tests best detected progression of vision loss. The mfERG results were analysed by using both averaged and local responses and by using the computer template fitting procedure. On average no significant worsening of either objective or subjective function measures was evident after one year. These results reinforce the slow progression of the disease. With a longer follow-up period progression of ARM may translate into measurable changes in the mfERG and the other visual function tests. The effect of multiple photodynamic therapies (PDT) on cone- and rod-mediated function was assessed with the mfERG in the last study (chapter 6). The cumulative treatment effects of PDT in five subjects with late ARM were determined. Having demonstrated that the rod-mediated mfERG was applicable in early ARM, this study also aimed to investigate how useful it was in late ARM where there is substantially greater rod loss. Cone- and rod-mediated mfERGs, visual acuities, contrast sensitivities and central visual fields were investigated a week before treatment began and then one month after each PDT treatment. The subjects received three treatments each over an average period of five and a half months. In some subjects there were significant transient reductions in cone- and rod-mediated amplitudes possibly reflecting alterations in choroidal hypoperfusion dynamics one month after treatment. Further, b-wave component of the mfERG became increasingly misshapen after each PDT treatment suggesting an ischemic insult mainly targeting post-receptoral sites. However, objective and subjective function was stabilized after multiple PDT treatments in most of the subjects. This pilot study of five cases showed that there was no additional damage to cone- and rod-mediated outer retinal function after three PDT treatments. One of the novel findings of this research was that the rod-mediated function measured with the mfERG was impaired in early ARM. This finding supports histopathological and psychophysical evidence of rod vulnerability in early ARM. The results of these studies also suggest that early ARM affects different aspects of visual function which is reflected by different outcomes from objective and subjective vision tests. A model (chapter 7) based upon the results was developed proposing a hypoxic insult with a preferential alteration of post-receptoral sites in early ARM. The cone-mediated mfERG documented the retinal damage and possible treatment effects on outer retinal function of the multiple PDTs which did not further deteriorate. Thus, this technique might assist in the development of optimal treatment modalities for ARM, especially in retreatment regimes. Greater variability was found for the rod-mediated mfERG and its clinical use in PDT treatment regimes still needs to be investigated. In conclusion, this research has provided a better understanding of the disease process and treatment effects in ARM and might contribute to improvements in diagnosis and treatment of ARM.

Submitted by Automa??o e Estat?stica (sst@bczm.ufrn.br) on 2016-02-03T20:17:16Z No. of bitstreams: 1 JoseEdvanDeSouzaJunior_TESE.pdf: 4464573 bytes, checksum: 5324301dc91ae3b1ebc14996e9c4b9df (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Arlan Eloi Leite Silva (eloihistoriador@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-02-03T23:28:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 JoseEdvanDeSouzaJunior_TESE.pdf: 4464573 bytes, checksum: 5324301dc91ae3b1ebc14996e9c4b9df (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-02-03T23:28:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JoseEdvanDeSouzaJunior_TESE.pdf: 4464573 bytes, checksum: 5324301dc91ae3b1ebc14996e9c4b9df (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-12-12 / Objetivos: Estimar a preval?ncia de altera??es do filme lacrimal e da doen?a do olho seco (DOS), comparar as mudan?as na press?o intraocular (PIO) e comparar as espessuras macular e da camada de fibras nervosas da retina (CFNR), entre mulheres com s?ndrome dos ov?rios polic?sticos (SOP) e mulheres saud?veis, estratificando-as em condi??es cl?nicas, metab?licas e inflamat?rias. Metodologia: O estudo incluiu 45 mulheres com SOP e 47 mulheres saud?veis ovulat?rias submetidas a avalia??es cl?nico-ginecol?gicas e oftalmol?gicas, incluindo proped?uticas para a avalia??o do filme lacrimal e medida da PIO, e medi??o da espessura macular, da CFNR e par?metros do disco ?ptico usando tomografia de coer?ncia ?ptica. Resultados: Tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal (TRFL; p=0.001) e impregna??o por fluoresce?na (p=0.006) apresentaram diferen?as estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos estudados. A preval?ncia de DOS foi de 44,4% nas portadoras de SOP. Houve redu??o estatisticamente significativa do TRFL na presen?a de SOP (p=0.001). Al?m disso, houve efeito estatisticamente significativo de intoler?ncia ? glicose e s?ndrome metab?lica/inflama??o na impregna??o por fluoresceina (p=0.004; p=0.015, respectivamente). A PIO encontrou-se estatisticamente mais elevada no grupo SOP que no grupo controle (p=0.011). Houve um aumento na m?dia do IPC (?ndice press?o-c?rnea) com a associa??o entre SOP e da s?ndrome metab?lica (p = 0.005); A m?dia da espessura da CNFR superior ao redor do nervo ?ptico foi estatisticamente mais espessa nas volunt?rias com SOP que nas volunt?rias saud?veis (p=0.036); Ap?s estratifica??o pela presen?a de resist?ncia insul?nica, as m?dias dos subcampos das espessuras maculares ?macular interno temporal, macular interno inferior, macular interno nasal e macular externo nasal, foram mais espessas no grupo SOP que no grupo controle (p<0.05); Houve associa??o significativa entre obesidade e resist?ncia insul?nica (p=0.037), e intoler?ncia ? glicose (p=0.001), com aumento m?dio do componente principal 1 (CP1), e, na presen?a de s?ndrome metab?lica (p<0.0001), com aumento m?dio do componente principal 2 (CP2), respectivamente, em rela??o ? espessura macular total. Na presen?a de obesidade e inflama??o, houve redu??o no escore m?dio da CP2 (p=0.034), em rela??o ? espessura da CFNR na m?cula. xviii Conclus?es: H? uma associa??o da SOP, suas altera??es metab?licas e inflamat?rias com altera??es do filme lacrimal e com mudan?as na PIO. A diminui??o na espessura da CFNR macular e aumento da espessura total macular est?o possivelmente associadas ?s altera??es metab?licas, e, o aumento na espessura da CFNR ao redor do nervo ?ptico est?o provavelmente associadas ?s altera??es hormonais, inerentes ? SOP.

La longévité est un enjeu majeur des prochaines décennies. La conséquence de cette longévité est l’émergence des maladies chroniques. Il est aujourd’hui admis que le vieillissement individuel est fortement influencé par des variables biologiques, psychologiques, environnementales et sociales. La prévention commence à la naissance pour se poursuivre tout au long de la vie. C’est pourquoi, une consultation de prévention à des moments clés du parcours de vie notamment au moment de la retraite est largement conseillée. Notre travail de doctorat a consisté, grâce à la mise en place de plusieurs recherches-actions dans les Centres d’examens de santé de l’Assurance maladie, à documenter par la preuve scientifique, démarche qui rejoint celle de l’Evidence-Based Medecine, la construction d’un examen périodique de santé dédié aux séniors. Les recherches-actions ont concerné trois problématiques de santé publique des personnes âgées que sont la chute, les troubles cognitifs et la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge. Chaque recherche-action a apporté sa contribution à la construction de cet examen de santé senior : une meilleure connaissance des caractéristiques des chuteurs avec élaboration d’un score prédictif de chute et de stratégies de prise en charge de ce risque, des outils simples de repérage des troubles cognitifs légers, un dépistage de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge via la télémédecine. D’autres thématiques de santé seront à explorer mais les Centres d’examens de santé se positionnent d’ores et déjà, comme des acteurs déterminants de la prise en charge des populations vieillissantes / The increase of life expectancy is a major issue to face in the decades to come. A consequence of this increasing life expectancy is the emergence of chronic diseases. It is now acknowledged that individual ageing is strongly influence by biological, psychological, environmental and social variables. Prevention begins at birth and continues throughout life. It is for this reason, that a prevention consultation at certain key moments in life, such as at retirement, is strongly advised. Our doctorate work consisted of documenting the setup of periodic health examinations dedicated to seniors. This was supported by scientific proof provided by carrying out many action researches in the Health Examination centres of French Health Insurance, an approach similar to ‘Evidence Based Medicine’. The action researches were directed towards three main public health issues amongst the elderly which include falling, memory cognitive impairment and macular degeneration related to age. Each action research contributed to the establishment of this health examination for seniors. Indeed, now there is a better recognition of characteristics amongst seniors who have suffered falls thanks to the development of a tool which gives a predictive score a falling, and in turn action strategies. In addition, there is a tool to spot and identify mild cognitive impairment and screening for macular degeneration related to age through the use of telemedicine. Other health topics will need to be explored but French Health Examination Centres already position themselves as responsible decisive actors for the ageing population