Salus University is a private university in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, specializing in degree programs for the health care professions.
Purpose:This multicenter study aimed to compare symptoms in pediatric and adolescent patients with and without concussion using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS). We further examined symptom profiles of concussed patients with and without vergence and/or accommodation deficits. Methods:Children aged 8 to <18 years, diagnosed with concussion 4 weeks to 12 months prior and visually normal controls underwent comprehensive testing of vergence and accommodation. Participants completed the 15-item CISS, with somatic (CISS-S), performance (CISS-P), and vision (CISS-V) subscores. Mann-Whitney U tests compared total CISS scores and normalized subscores between concussed and control groups, and concussed participants with and without vergence and/or accommodative deficits. Results:Among 66 eligible participants (34 concussed, median age 15.0 [interquartile range, IQR: 12.2-16.0]; 32 controls, median age 13.0 [11.0-14.0]), concussed individuals had substantially higher total CISS scores (median 26.0 [19.25-36.75] vs. 4.0 [1.0-7.0]; p < 0.0001) and higher CISS-S, CISS-P and CISS-V subscores than controls (all p < 0.001). Within the concussion group, 76.5% (26 of 34) demonstrated vergence and/or accommodative deficits, showing significantly higher total CISS scores (31.50 [22.25-38.75] vs. 19.50 [15.75-21.25]; p = 0.022), higher normalized CISS-V subscores (1.33 [0.75-2.25] vs. 0.50 [0.00-0.67]; p = 0.005) and CISS-P subscores [2.50 [2.05-3.20] vs. 1.50 [1.15-2.10]; p = 0.047] compared to those without such deficits. No significant difference in CISS-S (2.14 [1.61-2.82] vs. 1.43 [0.82-1.75], p = 0.084) was observed between concussed groups. Conclusion:Vergence and accommodation deficits were associated with higher CISS vision and performance related subscores. Elevated symptom reporting in the somatic and performance subscores in concussed may indicate strain in the vergence and accommodative system, as evidenced by the increased subjective discomfort and difficulty during tasks like reading and near work. Concurrent assessment of vergence and accommodation alongside CISS symptom subscores may identify patients for vision rehabilitation, aimed at improving vergence and accommodation function and reducing somatic and performance-related symptoms.
Date Presented 04/03/2025 The purpose of the study was to determine whether a relationship exists between copying skills and saccadic eye movements among children. Findings revealed a correlation between legibility of copying skills and accuracy of saccadic eye movements. Primary Author and Speaker: Dawn Marie Solomon Contributing Authors: Greta Bunin, Fern Silverman
Introduction Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy is a rare retinal disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by retinal pigment epithelium degeneration, choriocapillaris and choroidal atrophy, and spiculated pigmentation along the retinal veins. Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy is typically bilateral and often diagnosed incidentally in asymptomatic patients. Case Report A 20-year-old Hispanic individual presented with complaints of mild blur. Ocular history was notable for spectacle wear and an unknown retinal finding. Her systemic health history was unremarkable and family history was void of retinal disease. Best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in each eye. Dilated fundus evaluation revealed spiculated pigmentary changes along the retinal veins with variable chorioretinal atrophy extending from the disc up to the equatorial retina in both eyes. A multimodal imaging and diagnostic protocol was implemented to document, diagnose, and monitor disease progression. Conclusion This case highlights a comprehensive diagnostic approach for pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy, emphasizing the role of multimodal imaging. Fundus photography, automated visual field testing, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography–angiography, and electroretinography were used to characterize the condition. Additionally, laboratory and genetic testing were conducted to aid in differential diagnosis. This report underscores the importance of advanced imaging techniques in distinguishing, diagnosing, and managing rare retinal disorders.
