Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology - JNO Podcast Series

Recent reports show that varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigen is found in temporal artery (TA) biopsies in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Two experts (Drs Liao and Kedar) debate whether anti-viral therapy should be used routinely in patients with GCA.

In this podcast, the author of the paper entitled “More Than Meets the Eye: The Eye and Migraine—What You Need to Know” discusses how the migraine and eye pain pathways are similar and affect many of the common complaints which are seen in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology offices, such as dry eye and postoperative eye pain.

In tjis podcast Dr Paul Phillips discusses findings from his paper with Janet Rucker “Efferent Vision Therapy”. They conclude there is insufficient evidence to recommend “vision therapy” for the treatment of learning disabilities, impaired reading, dyslexia, or ADHD.

In this podcast, the authors of the paper entitled “Neuro-ophthalmology of space flight” provide an update of the history, clinical findings, and possible pathogenic etiologies of the constellation of neuro-ophthalmic findings discovered in astronauts after long-duration space flight; and to discuss the terrestrial implications of such findings.

This podcast features an interview with Caroline Tilikete, author of a recent JNO State of the Art Review on Ocular Motor Manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis. The high prevalence of ocular motor manifestations emphasizes the importance of neuro-ophthalmological examination among patients with MS. Appropriate treatment, which both the paper and podcast explore, may improve visual outcome in some of these ocular motor disorders.

In this podcast, the authors of “Cerebellar Control of Eye Movements” discuss the central role the cerebellum plays in the real-time controland long-term modulation of eye movements.

In this podcast, Dr Neil Miller,one of the authors of the editorial entitled “A Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Clinical Trial: An Industry and NORDIC Collaboration” talks about what is the leading cause of sudden optic nerve–related vision loss in individuals over 50 years old (caused by inadequate blood supply to the optic nerve head). Dr Miller discusses QRK207. QRK207 will be the first trial to use a potential neuroprotective therapy delivered early to reduce permanent injury and lessen the vision loss from acute NAION.

In this podcast, the authors of the paper entitled “Neuro-ophthalmology of outer space” talk about the history, clinical findings, and possible pathogenic etiologies of the constellation of neuro-ophthalmic findings discovered in astronauts after long-duration space flight; and to discuss the terrestrial implications of such findings. The views represented in this paper do not necessarily represent those of NASA or the US government.

In this podcast, Drs. Michael S. Lee and Michael Vaphiades engage in a point-counterpoint debate over whether erectile dysfunction (ED) medications are causally related to NAION?

Interview with Dr Mark Kupersmith regarding his Hoyt Lecture on Optical Imaging of the Optic Nerve: Beyond Demonstration of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Loss

In this podcast, Drs. Lueck, Wang and Neely discuss the implications of their research that aims to investigate the mechanism of bitemporal hemianopia by studying the biomechanics of chiasmal compression caused by a pituitary tumour growing below the optic chiasm.

In this podcast, Dr Nancy Newman expands upon themes she raised during the Twelth Annual Hoyt Lecture. Her paper entitled “Neuro-Ophthalmology in Review: Around the Brain With 50 Fellows” represents an encapsulation of her lecture.

In this podcast, Dr Deborah Friedman expands upon themes raised in the recently published paper entitled “The Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial: Design Considerations and Methods”. The IIHTT is the first randomized, double-masked placebo-controlled trial to study the effectiveness of medical treatment for patients with IIH.

In this podcast, Dr Jeffrey Bennett discusses his review article “The Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica”.

In this podcast, Drs. Karl Golnik and Andrew Lee continue their Point-Counterpoint discussion on the topic Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration vs Cerebrospinal Diversion Procedures

In this podcast, Dr Alfredo Sadun expands upon themes he raised during his 2012 Hoyt Lecture. His paper entitled “Are We There Yet? Is Neuro-Ophthalmology at the Cusp of a Paradigm Shift? Lessons From Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy” represents an encapsulation of his lecture.

In this podcast, Dr Steven A. Newman expands upon themes he raised during the Tenth Annual Hoyt Lecture. His paper entitled “Interventional Neuro-Ophthalmology: Not an Oxymoron” represents an encapsulation of his lecture.

The treatment of thyroid eye disease remains difficult and controversial. Although a few studies have addressed the use of orbital radiation therapy in thyroid eye disease, the large spectrum of clinical presentations and the fluctuating natural history of the disease make it difficult to evaluate the true effect of this treatment modality. In this Point-Counterpoint, two experts discuss the case for and against orbital radiation therapy in thyroid eye disease.

Management of the pregnant woman with a neuro-ophthalmic disorder may be challenging. Physiologic changes in pregnancy make vascular conditions more frequent, including retinal artery occlusion, spontaneous orbital hemorrhage, and pituitary apoplexy. Treatment of the neuro-ophthalmic complications of pregnancy requires an understanding of the risks of medications. Taking optimal care of the mother will usually result in the best care for her baby.

Papilledema has long been recognized as a valuable sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). But because papilledema is based on interruption of the energy-dependent process of axoplasmic flow, it appears late after a rise in ICP. Papilledema is usually present in chronically high ICP but sometimes asymmetrically in the 2 eyes and rarely in 1 eye only. Distinguishing it from other optic neuropathies that produce elevated optic discs is challenging, especially in the chronic phase, when visual function may be impaired.

The field of retinal prosthetic research, now more than 20 years old, has produced many high-quality technical options that have the potential to restore vision to patients with acquired disease of the outer retina. Having developed a wireless device implanted in the subretinal space, the Boston Retinal Implant Project has focused its efforts on developing scalable technologies to create a hermetic device that can deliver individually controlled pulses of electrical stimulation to each of hundreds of electrodes.

Neuroretinitis (NR) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by optic disc edema and subsequent formation of a macular star figure. Cases can be divided into those in which a specific infectious agent has been identified, those considered idiopathic, and those with recurrent attacks. Some reports have not distinguished among these subgroups, and it is unclear if their clinical features vary. Purvin and colleagues reviewed the literature and our own patients looking particularly at features that might better distinguish these subtypes.

Jeffrey Goldberg, author of the paper “Four Steps to Optic Nerve Regeneration” discusses the outcomes of this important new review article. The paper is published in the December 2010 issue of the Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology.