Schulze,M. -M, Srinivasan,S., Hickson-Curran,S. B., Berntsen,D. A., Howarth,G. F., Toubouti,Y., Morgan,P., Nichols,J. J., Jones,L. W. Lid wiper epitheliopathy in soft contact lens wearers Optometry and Vision Science 2016;93(8):943-954 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. To evaluate lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) in soft contact lens (SCL) wearers on initial presentation and after using various SCL and solution combinations. Methods. LWE was assessed in 253 habitual SCL wearers who attended a screening visit at one of three study sites. LWE was assessed using lissamine green and sodium fluorescein dyes (Korb scale); a final LWE grade was calculated as the averaged LWE grade of the two dyes. Eligible habitual wearers continued into the four study periods, during which they wore one of three SCL types (etafilcon A, galyfilcon A, or senofilcon A) while using each of four care solutions for 10 to 14 days in randomized order. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed models, testing for differences in LWE for subject characteristics and between three multipurpose (MPS) test solutions (BioTrue, OPTI-FREE PureMoist, RevitaLens OcuTec) compared to a hydrogen peroxide (Clear Care) control solution. Results. LWE was present in 85% of habitual SCL wearers. LWE was not different for age (p = 0.28), sex (p = 0.99), race (p = 0.34), and comfort (p = 0.38) and not correlated with refractive error (r = 0.07). LWE was lower in habitual senofilcon A wearers (least-squares (LS) mean ± SE = 0.82 ± 0.19) compared to wearers of lotrafilcon B (1.34 ± 0.20; p < 0.02), comfilcon A (1.41 ± 0.21; p < 0.01), and other (1.18 ± 0.16; p < 0.03). Two hundred three participants completed all four study solutions with their assigned lens type; LWE was not different between the MPSs compared to the peroxide control solution across lens materials, except for less LWE for BioTrue (0.88 ± 0.17) versus Clear Care for participants wearing galyfilcon A (1.11 ± 0.18; p < 0.01). Conclusions. On initial presentation, LWE was present in 85% of habitual wearers and found to be independent of age, sex, race, comfort, and refractive error but dependent on habitual SCL type. There were no clinically meaningful differences in LWE between the MPSs and hydrogen peroxide solution for the three lens types studied. © Copyright 2016 American Academy of Optometry.

Schulze,M. M., Hutchings,N., Simpson,T. L. The use of fractal analysis and photometry to estimate the accuracy of bulbar redness grading scales Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2008;49(4):1398-1406 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. To use physical attributes of redness to determine the accuracy of four bulbar redness grading scales, and to cross- calibrate the scales based on these physical measures. Methods. Two image-processing metrics, fractal dimension (D) and percentage of pixel coverage (% PC), as well as photometric chromaticity were selected as physical measures, to describe and compare grades of bulbar redness among the McMonnies/Chapman-Davies scale, the Efron Scale, the Institute for Eye Research scale, and a validated scale developed at the Centre for Contact Lens Research. Two sets of images were prepared by using image processing: The first included multiple segments covering the largest possible region of interest (ROI) within the bulbar conjunctiva in the original images; the second contained modified scale images that were matched in size and resolution across scales, and a single, equally-sized ROI. To measure photometric chromaticity, the original scale images were displayed on a computer monitor, and multiple conjunctival segments were analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficients between each set of image metrics and the reference image grades were calculated to determine the accuracy of the scales. Results. Correlations were high between reference image grades and all sets of objective metrics (all Pearson's r ≥ 0.88, P ≤ 0.05); each physical attribute pointed to a different scale as being most accurate. Independent of the physical attribute used, there were wide discrepancies between scale grades, with almost no overlap when cross-calibrating and comparing the scales. Conclusions. Despite the generally strong linear associations between the physical characteristics of reference images in each scale, the scales themselves are not inherently accurate and are too different to allow for cross-calibration. Copyright © Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Schulze,M. M., Hutchings,N., Simpson,T. L. The perceived bulbar redness of clinical grading scales Optometry and Vision Science 2009;86(11):E1250-E1258 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. To use a psychophysical scaling method to estimate the perceived redness of reference images of the McMonnies and Chapman-Davies (six reference levels), Institute for Eye Research (four), Efron (five), and Validated Bulbar Redness (five) bulbar redness grading scales. Methods. Regions of interest were cropped out of the grading scale reference images; three separate image sets (color, grayscale, and binarized) were created for each scale, combining to a total of 20 images per image set. Ten naïve observers were asked to arrange printed copies of the 20 images per image set across a distance of 1.5 m on a flat surface, so that separation reflected their perception of bulbar redness; only start and end point of this range were indicated. The position of each image was averaged across observers to represent the perceived redness for this image, within the 0 to 100 range. Subjective data were compared with physical attributes (chromaticity and spatial metrics) of redness. Results. For each image set, perceived redness of the reference images within each scale was ordered as expected, but not all consecutive within-scale levels were rated as having different redness. Perceived redness of the reference images varied between scales, with different ranges of severity being covered by the images. Perception of redness severity depended on the image set (repeated-measures analysis of variance; all p ≤ 0.0002). The perceived redness was strongly associated with the physical attributes of the reference images. Conclusions. Subjective estimates of redness are based on a combination of chromaticity and vessel-based components. Psychophysical scaling of perceived redness lends itself to being used to cross-calibrate these four clinical scales. © 2009 American Academy of Optometry.

Schulze,M. M., Hutchings,N., Simpson,T. L. The conversion of bulbar redness grades using psychophysical scaling Optometry and Vision Science 2010;87(3):159-167

Schulze,M. M., Hutchings,N., Simpson,T. L. Grading bulbar redness using cross-calibrated clinical grading scales Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2011;52(8):5812-5817 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. To determine the between-scale agreement of grading estimates obtained with cross-calibrated McMonnies/Chapman- Davies (MC-D), Institute for Eye Research (IER), Efron, and Validated Bulbar Redness (VBR) grading scales. Methods. Modified reference images of each grading scale were positioned on a desk according to their perceived redness (within a 0 to 100 range) as determined in a previous psychophysical scaling experiment. Ten observers were asked to represent perceived bulbar redness of 16 sample images by placing them, one at a time, relative to the reference images of each scale. Only 0 and 100 were marked on the scale, but not the numerical position of the reference images. Perceived redness was taken as the measured position of the placed image from 0 and was averaged across observers. Results. Overall, perceived redness depended on the sample image and the reference scale used (repeated measures ANOVA; P = 0.0008); six sample images had a perceived redness that was significantly different between at least two of the scales. Between-scale correlation coefficients of concordance ranged from 0.93 (IER vs. Efron) to 0.98 (VBR vs. Efron). Between-scale coefficients of repeatability ranged from five units (IER vs. VBR) to eight units (IER vs. Efron) of the 0 to 100 range. Conclusions. The use of cross-calibrated reference grades for bulbar redness grading scales allows comparison of grading estimates obtained with different scales. Perceived redness is dependent on the dynamic range of the reference images of the scale, with redness estimates generally being found to be higher for scales with a shorter dynamic range. © 2011 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

Schulze,M. M., Jones,D. A., Simpson,T. L. The development of validated bulbar redness grading scales Optometry and Vision Science 2007;84(10):976-983 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To develop a perceptually and physically based bulbar redness grading scale. METHODS: Digital conjunctival hyperemia photographs were taken using a photo-slit lamp at controlled exposures. Nine participants arranged 25 images on a tabletop over a range of 1.5 m, using separation to represent changes in redness. The position of each image was recorded and normalized for a 0 to 100 scale, and compared to chromaticity of each image obtained using a spectrophotometer. The performance of two versions of the scale (5 and 10 images) and a continuous grading scale was evaluated based on repeatability data collected from nineteen observers who used each scale twice to grade 30 randomly presented images of bulbar redness. RESULTS: Psychophysical scaling was highly correlated between single observers (Pearson's r >or= 0.92, p < 0.05). The averaged subjective grades significantly correlated with chromaticity (r = 0.95 and r = 0.99, p < 0.001 for CIE u* and log u*, respectively). Across all observers, test and retest ratings were highly correlated with either scale (r >or= 0.98), and showed high levels of repeatability expressed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC >or= 0.98), correlation coefficients of concordance (CCC >or= 0.96), and coefficients of repeatability (COR <or= 5.64). Despite single unit increment options, the majority of grade values assigned using the discrete scales were distributed in multiples of 5. CONCLUSIONS: Combining psychophysical and physical attributes is a promising method for the development of novel anterior segment scales; the newly developed scales performed well in a clinical setting.

Schulze,M., Fadel,D., Luensmann,D., Ng,A. Y., Guthrie,S., Woods,J., Jones,L. Evaluating the Performance of verofilcon A Daily Disposable Contact Lenses in a Group of Heavy Digital Device Users Clinical Ophthalmology 2023;173165-3175 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of verofilcon A daily disposable contact lenses (CL) in CL wearers who identified themselves as heavy digital device users.
Patients and Methods: This prospective, non-masked, open-label study enrolled CL wearers who reported ≥ 6 hours digital device use per day. Participants were dispensed with the verofilcon A study lenses for 14± 2 days, to be worn for at least 5 days a week and 10 hours per day, while continuing their normal routine of digital device use. Participants rated the lens performance at the Day 14 visit using a 0– 100 (with 100 being best) scale. Ratings were completed at lens insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use, just before CL removal and for overall experience. Participants also completed a 4-point (strongly agree/disagree, slightly agree/disagree) Likert scale-based questionnaire.
Results: Thirty-two participants were eligible and completed the study (27 females; age 25.8 ± 6.0 years, ranging from 19 to 40). Overall lens performance ratings at the Day 14 visit (mean ± standard deviation) for comfort, dryness, and clarity of vision were 91 ± 11, 88 ± 11, and 92 ± 9, respectively. Subjective ratings were stable throughout the day with no significant differences after insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use and before CL removal (all p> 0.05). The majority of participants agreed that the study lenses performed well, provided good all-day comfort (28/32; p< 0.01) and good all-day vision (29/32; p< 0.01). Participants also agreed that after ≥ 6 hours of digital device use they were satisfied with CL comfort (27/32; p< 0.01), vision (29/32; p< 0.01) and that the lenses provided good performance (26/32; p< 0.01).
Conclusion: Verofilcon A lenses were found to perform well, with high ratings for comfort, dryness and vision that remained high throughout the day, during extensive digital device use.

Schulze,M., Ng,A. Y., Yang,M., Panjwani,F., Srinivasan,S., Jones,L., Senchyna,M. Bulbar redness and dry eye disease: comparison of a validated subjective grading scale and an objective automated method Optometry & Vision Science 2021;98(2):113-120 [ Show Abstract ]

SIGNIFICANCE
In this study, assessments of conjunctival redness were performed to evaluate whether patients with or without dry eye disease (DED) could be discriminated based on this measure. Our findings suggest that subjectively grading redness by quadrant, as opposed to automated en face measurements, may be more suitable for this purpose.

PURPOSE
This study aimed to quantify bulbar redness using the validated bulbar redness (VBR) grading scale and an automated objective method (Oculus Keratograph 5M; K5M) in participants with DED and non-DED controls.

METHODS
Participants with DED (Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≥20 and Oxford scale corneal staining ≥2) and controls (Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≤10 and corneal staining ≤1) attended two study visits. In part 1A of visit 1, baseline bulbar redness was graded with the VBR scale in each conjunctival quadrant of both eyes, followed by automated measurements of temporal and nasal redness with the K5M. This was immediately followed by part 1B, during which a topical vasoconstrictor was instilled into both eyes. Redness assessments were repeated 5 and 30 minutes after instillation with both instruments. Participants returned 14 days later for visit 2, where the same assessments as for visit 1A were repeated.

RESULTS
Seventy-four participants (50 DED and 24 controls) completed the study. There were statistically significant differences in redness between the DED and control groups when assessed with the VBR scale (14/16 comparisons; all, P < .05), whereas no significant differences in K5M-derived redness between the DED and non-DED groups were found at any location or time point. Both subjective and objective instruments detected statistically significant reductions in redness 5 and 30 minutes after instillation of the vasoconstrictor (all, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS
Although both subjective and objective instruments were sensitive to detecting changes in redness induced by vasoconstriction, statistically significant differences in redness between DED and control groups were only found using the VBR scale.

Shokrollahi,P., Garg,P., Wulff,D., Hui,Al., Phan,C-M., Jones,L. Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing Optimization: Analysis of Print Conditions and Print Quality for Complex Geometries and Ocular Applications International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2025;668(January):Article 124999 [ Show Abstract ]

Abstract: 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, continues to reshape manufacturing paradigms in healthcare by providing customized on-demand object fabrication. However, stereolithography-based 3D printers encounter a conflict between optimizing printing parameters, requiring more time, and print efficiency, requiring less time. Moreover, commonly used metrics to assess shape fidelity of 3D printed hydrogel materials like ‘circularity’ and ‘printability’ are limited by the soft nature of hydrogels, that can cause irregularities in their boundary. To unlock the full potential of 3D printing of biomaterials, it is also necessary to understand correlation between printing parameters and ink properties. In this work, a method based on curing depth, overcuring (cumulative cure), and print thickness was developed, which enables a time-efficient and reliable determination of printing conditions for complex geometries using gelatin methacrylate hydrogel biomaterial ink. We also examined the impact of printing direction on the print quality in terms of object/print thickness and aspect ratio. Moreover, the effects of dye concentration, exposure time, and layer thickness on print quality were evaluated, with discussions focused on the correlation between print dimension to layer thickness. Further evaluation was achieved by successfully printing bioinspired corneal stroma-like scaffold and delicate structures like a contact lens and a model eyeball, substantially expanding the scope of this method in producing high-quality prints with intricate details. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of ‘Feret ratio,’ another measure of object shape, in assessing the shape fidelity of different prints. Overall, the results highlight the practical potential of this method in enhancing the speed and reliability of the 3D printing processes involving complex geometries using a low-cost 3D printers.

Shows,A., Redfern,R. L., Sickenberger,W., Fogt,J. S., Schulze,M., Lievens,C., Szcottka-Flynn,L., Schwarz,S., Tichenor,A. A., Marx,S., Lemp-Hull,J. M. Lipid Analysis on Block Copolymer–containing Packaging Solution and Lens Care Regimens: A Randomized Clinical Trial Optometry & Vision Science 2020;97(8):565-572 [ Show Abstract ]

SIGNIFICANCE: Lotrafilcon B lenses packaged in and cared for with block copolymer–containing (polyoxyethylenepolyoxybutylene; EOBO) lens care solutions resulted in lower cholesterol extraction than each of the habitual silicone hydrogel lens/multipurpose solution (MPS) regimens tested.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the extracted cholesterol of lotrafilcon B lenses packaged in and cared for with EOBO-containing lens care solutions with the extracted cholesterol of habitual silicone hydrogel lenses cared for with MPS not containing EOBO.

METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, observer-masked parallel study, habitual wearers of senofilcon C, senofilcon A, comfilcon A, and samfilcon A contact lenses using a non-EOBO MPS were randomized 1:1 to lotrafilcon B lenses packaged in and cared for with EOBO-containing solutions or to their habitual lenses and MPS. Subjects randomized to lotrafilcon B were further randomized to one of two EOBO-containing lens care solutions, OPTI-FREE PUREMOIST or CLEAR CARE PLUS with HydraGlyde (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). A subset of right eye lenses was collected after wear, and total cholesterol was extracted and measured using a fluorometric enzymatic assay.

RESULTS: Of 143 lenses analyzed, 95 were from subjects randomized to their habitual lenses/MPS and 48 to lotrafilcon B + EOBO lenses plus CLEAR CARE PLUS with HydraGlyde or OPTI-FREE PUREMOIST. The mean amounts of cholesterol extracted from lotrafilcon B + EOBO lenses cared for with CLEAR CARE PLUS with HydraGlyde (0.28 ± 0.18 μ g/lens) and OPTI-FREE PUREMOIST (0.28 ± 0.48 μ g/lens) were significantly lower than those extracted from senofilcon C (4.18 ± 3.25 μ g/lens), senofilcon A (2.19 ± 2.69 μ g/lens), comfilcon A (2.17 ± 1.47 μ g/lens), and samfilcon A (2.07 ± 1.48 μ g/lens) lenses used with MPS (P < .0001 each).

CONCLUSIONS: Cholesterol sorption was significantly lower in wearers of lotrafilcon B lenses cared for with polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene–containing lens care solutions than in users of habitual silicone hydrogel lenses cared for with non–polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene MPS.

Silverstein,S., Yeu,E., Tauber,J., Guillon,M., Jones,L., Galarreta,D., Srinivasan,S., Manoj,V. Symptom Relief Following a Single Dose of Propylene Glycol-Hydroxypropyl Guar Nanoemulsion in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: A Phase IV, Multicenter Trial Clinical Ophthalmology 2020;14(October):3167-3177 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To evaluate symptom relief in patients with dry eye disease (DED) following a single drop of propylene glycol-hydroxypropyl guar (PG-HPG) nanoemulsion (Systane® Complete) lubricant eye drops.

Methods: This was a Phase IV, multicenter, open-label, interventional study in adult patients with DED of aqueous-deficient, evaporative, and mixed subtypes. Patients instilled one drop of PG-HPG in each eye at Day 1. Endpoints included change from baseline in dry eye symptom and soothing sensation scores on Day 1 at 0, 4, and 8 hours post-dose. Symptom scores were assessed on a 0– 10 scale (0=no symptoms; 10=worst imaginable symptom). Tolerability of the drop was assessed based on assessment score on Day 1 following instillation for overall cohort and by DED subtype.

Results: A total of 134 patients received treatment (mean age: 56.6 years; female: 75.4%). Median changes from baseline at Day 1 in dry eye symptom scores were − 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]:-3.0,-1.0), − 2.0 (95% CI:-3.0,-2.0), and − 2.0 (95% CI:-2.0,-1.0) at 0, 4, and 8 hours respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a median change from baseline in dry eye symptom score of − 2 (95% CI:-3.0,-1.0) for aqueous-deficient and evaporative subtypes and − 1 (95% CI:-3.0,-1.0) for mixed subtype at 8 hours. Median soothing sensation scores were 3 at 0 and 4 hours and 3.5 at 8 hours, with a range of 0– 10. Median (range) tolerability assessment scores were 0 (0– 8) for burning sensation, stinging sensation, blurring, and 0 (0– 10) for foreign body sensation. Tolerability assessment scores by DED subtype confirmed that the majority of patients reported scores in the range of 0– 5 for all components and in all subgroups analyzed.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that PG-HPG nanoemulsion provided instant/immediate and sustained symptom relief for 8 hours post-single application and was well tolerated in patients with DED, demonstrated by their responses on each of the assessment scales.

Keywords: aqueous-deficient dry eye, dry eye disease, evaporative dry eye, propylene glycol-hydroxypropyl guar nanoemulsion ocular lubricant, mixed dry eye

Simpson,T. Monocular acuity in the presence and absence of fusion Optometry and Vision Science 1992;69(5):405-410 [ Show Abstract ]

Because little is known about monocular acuity during binocular fusion, acuity of the right eye was measured in binocularly normal subjects, with the fellow eye open or fully occluded. The target was flashed for 65 ms or presented sinusoidally for 1 s. Subjects had both eyes optimally focused, or the right eye defocused by +3.00 D. Monocular acuities were equivalent during fusion or occlusion when both eyes were optimally focused. Acuity of the defocused eye was reduced when the fellow eye was open compared to when it was occluded. Suppression of the blur, therefore, produced a measurable reduction in recognition thresholds. As monocular acuity was not measurably affected by the fellow eye when each eye was in focus, the finding that monocular vision is improved with the fellow eye occluded should be ascribed to something other than suppression or more sensitive spatial measures of the suppression should be obtained.

Simpson,T. L. Effect of asymmetry on calculations of convergence in prism diopters Optometry and Vision Science 1993;70(3):201-204 [ Show Abstract ]

Calculations of convergence in units of prism diopters are based on an assumption that convergence is symmetrical, that is, the visual axes intersect on the median plane. The effect of departure from symmetrical convergence is shown to produce systematic errors in calculations of convergence distance, if the convergence angle is constrained to be constant. On the other hand, if the convergence distance is constrained to be constant, departure from symmetry results in a systematic reduction in the convergence angle. Because these errors are disregarded in the specification of convergence in prism diopters, care should be taken in using these units for larger amounts of asymmetrical convergence.

Simpson,T. L. A comparison of six methods to estimate thresholds from psychometric functions Behavior Research Methods Instruments & Computers 1995;27(4):459-469 [ Show Abstract ]

There are many ways in which to estimate thresholds from psychometric functions. However, almost nothing is known about the relationships between these estimates. In the present experiment, Monte Carlo techniques were used to compare psychometric thresholds obtained using six methods. Three psychometric functions were simulated using Naka-Rushton and Weibull functions and a probit/logit function combination. Thresholds were estimated using probit, logit, and normit analyses and least-squares regressions of untransformed or z-score and logit-transformed probabilities versus stimulus strength. Histograms were derived from 100 thresholds using each of the six methods for various sampling strategies of each psychometric function. Thresholds from probit, logit, and normit analyses were remarkably similar. Thresholds from z-score- and logit-transformed regressions were more variable, and linear regression produced biased threshold estimates under some circumstances. Considering the similarity of thresholds, the speed of computation, and the ease of implementation, logit and normit analyses provide effective alternatives to the current ''gold standard''-probit analysis-for the estimation of psychometric thresholds.

Simpson,T. L. Vision thresholds from psychometric analyses: Alternatives to probit analysis Optometry and Vision Science 1995;72(6):371-377 [ Show Abstract ]

Vision scientists and clinicians regularly obtain measures of vision and determine a person's vision threshold by choosing one of numerous methods of analysis. Analytical methods differ in their presumptions about the measures, in their complexity and in the ease of obtaining the threshold estimate. In light of these differences among so-called methods of psychometric analysis, the question is, "Do various analytical methods provide essentially equivalent vision threshold estimates or are there consequential differences that require consideration?" Measures of visual acuity, motion processing, and texture processing were obtained from 20 subjects. Each set of measures was analyzed by five psychometric methods: Logit Analysis, Normit Analysis, and linear regression of z-score transformed, logit transformed and untransformed probabilities vs. stimulus strength. The resulting thresholds were compared to the threshold obtained from Probit Analysis, which was used as a reference or "gold standard." Thresholds from the procedures were remarkably similar to those from Probit Analysis. In addition, examination of the speed of the procedures revealed that Probit Analysis was up to 10 times slower than some of the others. Considering the similarity of thresholds, the speed of computation, and the ease of implementation, Logit and Normit Analyses especially provide effective alternatives to the current gold standard, Probit Analysis, for the estimation of psychometric thresholds. In addition, z-score, logit, and linear regressions also produced unbiased threshold estimates under many circumstances, but the latter method should be applied with some caution.

Simpson,T. L., Regan,D. Test-retest variability and correlations between tests of texture processing, motion processing, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity Optometry and Vision Science 1995;72(1):11-16 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To compare the test-retest variability (reliability) and the relations among clinical tests of texture and motion processing, visual acuity for high- and low-contrast letters, and the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test. METHODS: In 20 normally sighted subjects, monocular visual acuity for letters of 96% and 11% contrast, Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity, and motion-defined and texture-defined letter recognition thresholds were measured on each of two different days. RESULTS: Test-retest correlation coefficients were 0.75, 0.91, 0.61, 0.90, and 0.84 and bivariate test-retest regression slopes were 1.0, 1.1, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 for high- and low-contrast acuity, contrast sensitivity, and motion and texture processing, respectively. The inter-test correlations with both test and retest significant were as follows: visual acuity for high-contrast letters vs. visual acuity for low-contrast letters; and recognition threshold for texture-defined letters vs. acuity for letters of both high and low contrast. CONCLUSION: Test-retest variability for the tests of motion and texture processing were at least as low as for established clinical tests of high and low contrast acuity and contrast sensitivity. We conclude that these new tests offer a reliable means of obtaining clinical information which complements that provided by conventional tests with luminance-defined letters.

Simpson,T. L., Situ,P., Jones,L. W., Fonn,D. Dry eye symptoms assessed by four questionnaires Optometry and Vision Science 2008;85(8):E692-E699 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE.: To establish the relationships between commonly used questionnaires including Dry Eye Questionnaire, McMonnies Questionnaire, and Ocular Surface Disease Index, and to test the construct and face validity of the simple Subjective Evaluation of Symptom of Dryness. METHODS.: Ninety-seven non-contact lens wearing subjects were enrolled in the study and classified into either a "dry" and "non-dry" group using a single score from an initially applied subjective evaluation of symptom of dryness. The four questionnaires were then completed in a random order. The unidimensionality and accuracy of the responses was assessed using Rasch and receiver (or relative) operating characteristics curve analysis and the characteristics of and association between symptoms were compared using non-parametric statistics. RESULTS.: The responses from the Dry Eye Questionnaire, McMonnies Questionnaire, and Ocular Surface Disease Index met the Rasch analysis criterion of unidimensionality. Each test separated the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups well [all receiver (or relative) operating characteristics area-under-the-curve statistics at least 0.88] and there were significant associations between the results from each questionnaire (all Spearman ρ at least 0.64). CONCLUSIONS.: The results illustrate that different questionnaire-based instruments examining symptoms in controls and symptomatic subjects derive unidimensional data that are similar inasmuch as the overall scores are highly correlated. The data also point to the utility of a quick, three-question screening tool in dry eye research. © 2008 American Academy of Optometry.

Simpson,T., Fonn,D. Optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment Ocular Surface 2008;6(3):117-127 [ Show Abstract ]

Perhaps no diagnostic technology has emerged as rapidly in ophthalmology as optical coherence tomography (OCT). A single clinical device for this noninvasive imaging technique was first released in 1996, and now at least ten clinical devices are available. Although the first clinical anterior segment OCT was marketed only 2 years ago, a substantial amount of work has been done using modified retinal imagers or prototype laboratory-based imagers. In this review, we discuss OCT imaging primarily of the cornea. We also highlight previous and current publications on nonclinical and clinical uses of the device to illustrate how anterior segment OCT can be used to understand corneal structure and function in health and disease. © 2008 Ethis Communications, Inc.

Sin,S., Simpson,T. L. The repeatability of corneal and corneal epithelial thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography Optometry and Vision Science 2006;83(6):360-365 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE.: The purpose of this study is to examine within and between session repeatability of clinical optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for anterior segment morphometry. METHODS.: Images of the corneal apex of each eye in 18 subjects were obtained using a Humphrey Zeiss OCT imager. Subjects viewed a target positioned to ensure that scans were orthogonal to the ocular surface and each image, consisting of 100 adjacent sagittal scans, analyzed using custom software. Repeatability data were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), correlation coefficient of concordance (CCC, perfect test-retest agreement ICC or CCC = 1.0), and coefficients of repeatability (COR, 95% confidence interval of test-retest differences). To account for each eye, the multivariate repeatability statistic Iota was estimated. RESULTS.: Mean central corneal and epithelial thickness of 32 eyes (OD and OS combined) is 536 ± 26 μm (standard deviation [SD]) and 52 ± 3 μm (SD) with 5th and 95th percentile thicknesses of 507 and 591 μm for central cornea and 48 and 57 μm for central epithelial. Worst case within session repeatability was defined as repeatability between images with greatest differences in mean thickness within a session. Corneal thickness worst case ICC was 0.95 and COR was ± 9.98 μm. Epithelium worst case ICC was 0.36, CCC was 0.12, and COR was ± 11.11 μm. First image between session corneal thickness had an ICC = 0.98 and a COR = 10.83 μm, whereas epithelium ICC = 0.38, CCC = 0.37, and COR was ± 12.84 μm. When we compared the average of the first three tests with the first three retest images, corneal ICC was 0.98 and COR was ± 10.64 μm and epithelium ICC = 0.73, CCC = 0.72, and COR was ± 6.53 μm. Iota (multivariate repeatability, using eye as a factor) for the cornea was at least 0.96 (worst case) and increased to at least 0.98 when within-session image data were averaged. Iota for epithelium measures ranged from 0.29 when first images were compared with 0.57 when within-session image data were averaged. CONCLUSIONS.: There is very good repeatability of corneal thickness measurement using OCT; even the worst case measurements are similar between sessions. On the other hand, this is not the case for epithelium measurements, and if multiple images within a session are acquired, the worst case results demonstrate how important it is to optimize each OCT scan and also average multiple scans to maximize intersession repeatability. Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Optometry.

Situ,P., Du Toit,R., Fonn,D., Simpson,T. Successful monovision contact lens wearers refitted with bifocal contact lenses Eye and Contact Lens 2003;29(3):181-184 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. Should successful monovision contact lens wearers be refitted with bifocal lenses? Methods. Fifty current monovision lens wearers were fitted with ACUVUE Bifocal contact lenses (Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Jacksonville, FL). Visual function and subjective vision ratings were assessed with habitual monovision lenses at the first visit and then were repeated at the end of 6 months while wearing bifocal lenses. Lens preference was determined at the end of the 6-month study, and the subjects were called 1 year later to repeat the lens preference questionnaire. Results. Forty (80%) subjects completed the 6-month study; nine discontinued for visual reasons. At the end of 6 months of wear, 68% preferred bifocal lenses and 25% preferred monovision. Of the subjects who were contacted a year later, 53% were still wearing bifocal lenses. High-contrast visual acuity and letter contrast sensitivity at distance was the same for monovision and bifocal lenses, but low-contrast acuity was better with monovision. Intermediate low- and high-contrast acuity and 3-meter and near stereoscopic acuity were better with bifocal lenses. Near high- and low-contrast acuity were better with monovision. All subjective ratings, except near vision in poor lighting, were significantly greater with bifocal lenses. Conclusions. It is possible to refit successful monovision lens wearers with simultaneous vision bifocal lenses, and these lenses should be considered as an alternative method for the correction of presbyopia. In addition, subjective responses to bifocal lenses may not be reflective of visual function measurements. © 2003 Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc.

Situ,P., Elliott,D. B. The detection of change in stereoacuity Chinese Journal of Optometry and Ophthalmology 2000;2(4):216-218 [ Show Abstract ]

Objective: To compare the repeatability of the Frisby, Randot and Howard-Dolman stereotests, and to determine the 95% confidence limits for the change of each test. Methods: Stereoacuity using the three clinical stereoacuity tests was measured in 26 healthy adult subjects with normal binocular vision. The subjects were retested approximately one week later. Results: The coefficients of repeatability for the three tests were ±2.7" (Frisby) ±8.0" (Randot) and ±9.3" (Howard-Dolman) and test-retest correlation coefficients were 0.91 (Frisby), 0.56 (Randot), and 0.60 (Howard-Dolman). Conclusion: The Frisby test showed the best repeatability and smallest range of normal values. For young adults, the 95% confidence limits for change were calculated to be ±2.7". If a young adult's stereoacuity measured with the Frisby test changes by more than this amount, then this should be considered a significant clinical change.

Situ,P., Simpson,T. L. Interaction of corneal nociceptive stimulation and lacrimal secretion Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2010;51(11):5640-5645

Situ,P., Simpson,T. L., Fonn,D. Eccentric variation of corneal sensitivity to pneumatic stimulation at different temperatures and with CO2 Experimental eye research 2007;85(3):400-405 [ Show Abstract ]

The purpose was to measure corneal sensitivity at multiple corneal positions using pneumatic stimuli, at room temperature and at ocular surface temperature (with and without CO2 added), in 15 healthy participants. Sensitivity of central, mid-peripheral, and peripheral cornea was measured using a computer-controlled modified Belmonte esthesiometer to deliver pneumatic cool (air at 20 °C), mechanical (air at 50 °C), and chemical stimuli (air at 50 °C with CO2 added). The ascending method of limits and method of constant stimuli were adopted to determine the threshold to these stimuli at each location. Sensitivity across the cornea using pneumatic stimuli at different temperatures and chemical stimuli varied only slightly. These patterns of variation are different to what has been previously reported using Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Situ,P., Simpson,T. L., Fonn,D., Jones,L. W. Conjunctival and corneal pneumatic sensitivity is associated with signs and symptoms of ocular dryness Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2008;49(7):2971-2976 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships of dry eye symptoms and corneal and conjunctival sensitivity to pneumatic stimulation, tear film stability, and clinical ocular surface characteristics in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: Ninety-seven subjects were enrolled and grouped by a questionnaire-based single score for symptoms of ocular dryness (none to trace, non-dry group; mild to severe, symptomatic group); 43 were symptomatic and 54 were non-dry. Corneal (K) and conjunctival (C) sensitivities were measured with a computer-controlled Belmonte pneumatic (room temperature) stimulus. Symptoms were assessed according to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Ocular surface staining with fluorescein (FL) and lissamine green (LG), noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), and the phenol red thread test (PRT) were assessed. RESULTS: The symptomatic group showed lower K and C thresholds (P < 0.01), greater corneal FL and conjunctival LG staining, and shorter NIBUT than did the non-dry eye group (all others P < 0.05). The OSDI scores were higher in the symptomatic group (P < 0.001). K and C thresholds and NIBUT were inversely correlated with the OSDI and corneal and conjunctival staining (all P < 0.05). The K and C threshold and NIBUT (all P < 0.01) correlated positively. Step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that ocular surface sensitivity and NIBUT were significant predictors of the OSDI. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular irritation assessed with the OSDI is associated with ocular surface hyperesthesia to cooling, corneal epitheliopathy, and tear film instability. Although cause and effect are unclear, the analysis showed that altered corneal and conjunctival sensory processing and tear film attributes are essential aspects of what characterizes dry eye.

Situ,P., Simpson,T. L., Jones,L. W., Fonn,D. Conjunctival and corneal hyperesthesia in subjects with dryness symptoms Optometry and Vision Science 2008;85(9):867-872 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE.: To compare conjunctival and corneal sensitivity in noncontact lens wearing subjects with and without symptoms of ocular dryness, stratified by age and gender. METHODS.: Ninety-seven subjects were enrolled, 54 of whom were asymptomatic and 43 of whom were symptomatic of ocular dryness. A single score for the symptom of dryness was used to classify nondry eye (scores of none to trace) and dry eye symptomatic (scores of mild to severe) groups. The subjects were further stratified into "younger" (19 to 49 years) and "older" age groups (50 to 80 years). Conjunctival and corneal sensitivity of the right eye was measured at the central cornea and temporal conjunctiva, using a computer-controlled pneumatic esthesiometer with stimulus temperature set at 20°C. The ascending method of limits was used to determine the thresholds. RESULTS.: Conjunctival and corneal thresholds were significantly lower in the dry eye symptomatic than in the nondry eye group (both p 0.05). Conjunctival threshold in the nondry eye women was lower than the men (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS.: Conjunctival and corneal sensitivity to pneumatic cool stimulation is increased in subjects with symptoms of ocular dryness. This hyperesthesia seems to be more significant in the conjunctiva. © 2008 American Academy of Optometry.