Researchers Connect Dementia and Vision Impairment

HOT TOPIC

Study Supports Efficacy of 24-2C SITA Faster

A recent multicenter, retrospective diagnostic testing study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology highlights the efficacy of the 24-2C SITA Faster test for detecting mild glaucoma central visual field (VF) defects. Conducted by researchers in Japan, this study included 93 eyes (83 patients) with mild-stage glaucoma and central VF defects, along with 69 eyes (63 patients) with mild-stage glaucoma without central VF defects. The study compared the 24-2 SITA Standard, 10-2 SITA Standard, and the novel 24-2C SITA Faster tests.

The 24-2C SITA Faster test, which integrates 10 additional points from the 10-2 test in the 24-2 grid, was found to be highly effective and efficient, reducing testing duration by 46% and 52% compared with the 24-2 and 10-2 tests, respectively. The study’s results indicated that the 24-2C SITA Faster test accurately detected defects in mild-stage glaucoma, with 96.1% of patients showing central or beyond 10 VF defects.

The analysis used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves generated through logistic regression analysis to compare the accuracy of different test points. The 24-2C showed significantly higher areas under the ROC curve for both total deviation and pattern deviation plots in the upper central and lower central VF, indicating its superior performance in detecting central VF defects. The study concluded that the 24-2C SITA Faster test is a valuable tool in clinical settings due to its high accuracy and reduced testing time, making it particularly useful for detecting mild-stage glaucoma with central VF defects.

My Two Cents

Well, I now officially have an answer if I’m ever asked why I choose a particular VF test for my mild glaucoma patients with central defects. This will be an excellent impromptu quiz question for our student externs!

OUTSIDE THE LANE

Link Found Between Vision Impairment and Dementia

A cross-sectional study in JAMA Ophthalmology highlights the significant link between vision impairment and dementia. The study suggests up to one in five cases of dementia may be attributable to vision impairment, with contrast sensitivity impairment showing the most vital relationship. This finding underscores the importance of regular eye examinations and early intervention in preventing or delaying the onset of dementia. The study also emphasizes the need for health care providers to consider vision health a critical component of overall cognitive health. By addressing vision impairments early, it may be possible to reduce the risk of developing dementia and improve the quality of life for older adults. This research adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the interconnectedness of sensory and cognitive health and the importance of a holistic approach to health care.

My Two Cents

This makes sense! As most readers of this newsletter are fellow eyeball lovers like me, we all understand the importance of good vision. This particular study would be great to share on social media, via email blast, etc, to illustrate to your patient base just how vital the eyes are not only to our quality of life, but also to the functioning of our minds!

CAN YOU RELATE

This past week has been a busy one for me. On top of my regular hectic work schedule, I also hosted two webinars, which took quite a bit of time, and we had our first big hurricane of the year down here in southern Louisiana.

As I write this, we’re a few hours from Hurricane Francine making landfall, and the winds and rain have picked up. My 6-month-old Goldendoodle puppy, usually the bravest of the brave when confronted with bugs, frogs, and Amazon delivery drivers, is huddling under my desk, waiting for the storm to pass.

Whenever we appear to be headed toward a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, it’s an absolute necessity to take stock of your emergency preparedness. Do you have enough bottled water, cans of food, dog food/treats, toys for the kids, generators, gas cans, etc? Although most of you reading this might not have much hurricane experience (you can count yourself lucky), right now is an excellent time to do an emergency preparedness check for your practice/professional life. Is your malpractice insurance up to date? Do you have a plan if a tornado were to swoop in and damage the office? What about flood insurance? Make sure your game plans are all up to date!

Many of you are getting ready to head to Las Vegas for Vision Expo West. I plan to hang around the exhibit hall and attend some events. If you see me, please, please, please stop me and say hi! Feel free to share your feedback on the newsletter and let me know what you think would make it better!