Impact of autophagy on age-related ocular diseases
Authorship
J.S.A.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
J.S.A.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
Defense date
09.16.2025 15:00
09.16.2025 15:00
Summary
Autophagy is a specialized cellular process that allows cells to degrade and recycle damaged components, such as misfolded proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria. Proper functioning is essential to maintain cellular homeostasis, especially in tissues with high metabolic demand such as the retina.
Autophagy is a specialized cellular process that allows cells to degrade and recycle damaged components, such as misfolded proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria. Proper functioning is essential to maintain cellular homeostasis, especially in tissues with high metabolic demand such as the retina.
Direction
CANDAL SUAREZ, EVA MARIA (Tutorships)
CANDAL SUAREZ, EVA MARIA (Tutorships)
Court
LAMAS FERNANDEZ, JESUS (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ SANCHEZ, MARIA COVADONGA (Secretary)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Member)
LAMAS FERNANDEZ, JESUS (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ SANCHEZ, MARIA COVADONGA (Secretary)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Member)
Study of Dynamic Visual Acuity as a function of speed and direction of movement.
Authorship
S.D.N.D.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
S.D.N.D.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
Defense date
09.16.2025 15:00
09.16.2025 15:00
Summary
Objective: Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) is the visual system's ability to distinguish details of an object when it or the observer are in motion. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare DVA based on speed and direction of travel. Methods: Thirty subjects aged 18-35 years were recruited, and a series of preliminary inclusion tests were performed (medical history, visual acuity, ocular dominance, cover test, saccadic and pursuit movements, and Amsler grid). DVA was subsequently measured with the OptoTab SERIES device (SmarThings4Vision) at four speeds (4 degrees/s, 8 degrees/s, 12 degrees/s, and 15 degrees/s), two movement directions (reading direction and opposite reading direction), and three viewing conditions (right eye, left eye, and binocular vision). Differences and correlations in DVA were analyzed according to movement speed and direction in the different viewing conditions. Results: Of the initially recruited participants, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Regarding stimulus speed, significant negative correlations were observed between speed and DVA in all viewing conditions, as well as in both measured directions (Spearman's Rho, all r greater or equal than -0.901; all p less than 0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were found in DVA values between the different speeds within each movement direction, both overall (Friedman test, all p less than 0.001) and by speed pair (Wilcoxon test, all p less than 0.001). Regarding movement direction, no significant differences were observed in DVA values between the two directions used, for any speed or viewing condition (Wilcoxon test, all p greater or equal than 0.056). Conclusion: DVA is influenced by the speed of the stimulus, but not by the direction of travel.
Objective: Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) is the visual system's ability to distinguish details of an object when it or the observer are in motion. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare DVA based on speed and direction of travel. Methods: Thirty subjects aged 18-35 years were recruited, and a series of preliminary inclusion tests were performed (medical history, visual acuity, ocular dominance, cover test, saccadic and pursuit movements, and Amsler grid). DVA was subsequently measured with the OptoTab SERIES device (SmarThings4Vision) at four speeds (4 degrees/s, 8 degrees/s, 12 degrees/s, and 15 degrees/s), two movement directions (reading direction and opposite reading direction), and three viewing conditions (right eye, left eye, and binocular vision). Differences and correlations in DVA were analyzed according to movement speed and direction in the different viewing conditions. Results: Of the initially recruited participants, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Regarding stimulus speed, significant negative correlations were observed between speed and DVA in all viewing conditions, as well as in both measured directions (Spearman's Rho, all r greater or equal than -0.901; all p less than 0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were found in DVA values between the different speeds within each movement direction, both overall (Friedman test, all p less than 0.001) and by speed pair (Wilcoxon test, all p less than 0.001). Regarding movement direction, no significant differences were observed in DVA values between the two directions used, for any speed or viewing condition (Wilcoxon test, all p greater or equal than 0.056). Conclusion: DVA is influenced by the speed of the stimulus, but not by the direction of travel.
Direction
PENA VERDEAL, HUGO (Tutorships)
Nores Palmás, Noelia (Co-tutorships)
PENA VERDEAL, HUGO (Tutorships)
Nores Palmás, Noelia (Co-tutorships)
Court
LAMAS FERNANDEZ, JESUS (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ SANCHEZ, MARIA COVADONGA (Secretary)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Member)
LAMAS FERNANDEZ, JESUS (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ SANCHEZ, MARIA COVADONGA (Secretary)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Member)
Study of the tear film using electronic devices
Authorship
A.S.A.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
A.S.A.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
Defense date
07.04.2025 09:00
07.04.2025 09:00
Summary
Objective The main objective of this study was to analyze the impact of electronic device use on ocular health, assessing the repeatability of tear parameters such as tear meniscus height, noninvasive tear break-up time, and corneal staining, and investigating how common digital activities, such as watching videos and reading on screen, affect the tear film. Methods An experimental study was conducted with a between-session and within-session design. Twenty-four participants aged 18 to 25 years participated, completing two sessions separated by one week. In each session, participants underwent tear film measurements before and after performing a visual activity (video viewing or reading on a screen) for 20 minutes. Tests included measurement of tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear break-up time (NIKBUT), and the presence of corneal staining using the Keratograph 5M device. Data were analyzed using statistical tests to assess repeatability and the effect of the visual tasks on the parameters studied. Results The results showed limited repeatability in the TMH and NIKBUT parameters, with considerable dispersion in the differences between sessions. The proposed visual activities had no significant effect on most tear film parameters, with a single exception in the TMH after reading, where an increase in its volume was observed, possibly due to a reflex effect. Corneal staining remained unchanged throughout the experiment and was therefore not subject to comparative analysis. Conclusion The study shows that, in the short term, the use of electronic devices does not cause statistically significant changes in the main tear film parameters, although international literature continues to point to prolonged use of screens as a significant risk factor. Methodological limitations, such as the small sample size and lack of control for environmental variables, highlight the need for stronger experimental designs and continued research to better define risk thresholds and identify effective eye protection strategies.
Objective The main objective of this study was to analyze the impact of electronic device use on ocular health, assessing the repeatability of tear parameters such as tear meniscus height, noninvasive tear break-up time, and corneal staining, and investigating how common digital activities, such as watching videos and reading on screen, affect the tear film. Methods An experimental study was conducted with a between-session and within-session design. Twenty-four participants aged 18 to 25 years participated, completing two sessions separated by one week. In each session, participants underwent tear film measurements before and after performing a visual activity (video viewing or reading on a screen) for 20 minutes. Tests included measurement of tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear break-up time (NIKBUT), and the presence of corneal staining using the Keratograph 5M device. Data were analyzed using statistical tests to assess repeatability and the effect of the visual tasks on the parameters studied. Results The results showed limited repeatability in the TMH and NIKBUT parameters, with considerable dispersion in the differences between sessions. The proposed visual activities had no significant effect on most tear film parameters, with a single exception in the TMH after reading, where an increase in its volume was observed, possibly due to a reflex effect. Corneal staining remained unchanged throughout the experiment and was therefore not subject to comparative analysis. Conclusion The study shows that, in the short term, the use of electronic devices does not cause statistically significant changes in the main tear film parameters, although international literature continues to point to prolonged use of screens as a significant risk factor. Methodological limitations, such as the small sample size and lack of control for environmental variables, highlight the need for stronger experimental designs and continued research to better define risk thresholds and identify effective eye protection strategies.
Direction
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Tutorships)
Sabucedo Villamarín, Belén (Co-tutorships)
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Tutorships)
Sabucedo Villamarín, Belén (Co-tutorships)
Court
FANDIÑO FERNANDEZ, JOSÉ MARIA (Chairman)
GARCIA DOMINGUEZ, GONZALO (Secretary)
VARELA LEMA, MARIA LEONOR (Member)
FANDIÑO FERNANDEZ, JOSÉ MARIA (Chairman)
GARCIA DOMINGUEZ, GONZALO (Secretary)
VARELA LEMA, MARIA LEONOR (Member)
Comparative study of techniques to measure heterophoria.
Authorship
A.V.F.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
A.V.F.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
Defense date
07.04.2025 09:00
07.04.2025 09:00
Summary
This study focuses on the evaluation of three different methods to measure heterophoria: the Cover Test, the Modified Thorington Test and the Von Graefe test. Heterophoria is a latent ocular deviation that can affect binocular vision and the quality of life of individuals, so it is crucial to have accurate and reliable techniques for its measurement. The main objective of this work is to compare the effectiveness and repeatability of these three techniques in a sample of healthy subjects. For this purpose, a study was carried out with the participation of 24 volunteers, 6 of whom were men and 18 women, aged between 17 and 30 years. Measurements of near vision heterophoria were recorded using each of the aforementioned techniques. The study methodology included multiple measurements in sessions separated by a week, which allowed us to evaluate the consistency of the results obtained. The results of the statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between the three heterophoria measurement techniques. However, it was observed that the Cover Test and the Modified Thorington Test showed a better concordance in their results, which suggests that these techniques could be more reliable for the assessment of heterophoria in comparison with the Von Graefe test. Based on these findings, the study concludes that, although the three techniques are valid for measuring heterophoria, it is advisable to carry out additional research with samples of the same age.
This study focuses on the evaluation of three different methods to measure heterophoria: the Cover Test, the Modified Thorington Test and the Von Graefe test. Heterophoria is a latent ocular deviation that can affect binocular vision and the quality of life of individuals, so it is crucial to have accurate and reliable techniques for its measurement. The main objective of this work is to compare the effectiveness and repeatability of these three techniques in a sample of healthy subjects. For this purpose, a study was carried out with the participation of 24 volunteers, 6 of whom were men and 18 women, aged between 17 and 30 years. Measurements of near vision heterophoria were recorded using each of the aforementioned techniques. The study methodology included multiple measurements in sessions separated by a week, which allowed us to evaluate the consistency of the results obtained. The results of the statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between the three heterophoria measurement techniques. However, it was observed that the Cover Test and the Modified Thorington Test showed a better concordance in their results, which suggests that these techniques could be more reliable for the assessment of heterophoria in comparison with the Von Graefe test. Based on these findings, the study concludes that, although the three techniques are valid for measuring heterophoria, it is advisable to carry out additional research with samples of the same age.
Direction
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Tutorships)
Nores Palmás, Noelia (Co-tutorships)
GARCIA RESUA, CARLOS (Tutorships)
Nores Palmás, Noelia (Co-tutorships)
Court
FANDIÑO FERNANDEZ, JOSÉ MARIA (Chairman)
GARCIA DOMINGUEZ, GONZALO (Secretary)
VARELA LEMA, MARIA LEONOR (Member)
FANDIÑO FERNANDEZ, JOSÉ MARIA (Chairman)
GARCIA DOMINGUEZ, GONZALO (Secretary)
VARELA LEMA, MARIA LEONOR (Member)
Master´s disertation
Authorship
Z.Y.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
Z.Y.
Master´s Degree in Optometry
Defense date
09.16.2025 15:00
09.16.2025 15:00
Summary
Abstract The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of various ocular lubricants, such as artificial tears, lipid-based eye drops, and other solutions, in reducing subjective symptoms like dryness and irritation in contact lens users. Ten clinical studies were included, with crossover, parallel, or quasi-experimental designs. The evaluated interventions comprised eye drops like 3 percent diquafosol, Systane Balance, combinations of CMC and hyaluronic acid, 2 percent preservative-free povidone, liposomal sprays, and warm compress therapy. Symptom assessment was carried out using validated questionnaires such as CLDEQ-8, OSDI, SANDE, and visual analog scales (VAS). The results showed that some eye drops led to significant symptom improvement. Diquafosol reduced dryness and blurred vision in comparison with artificial tears. A dual formulation of CMC and hyaluronic acid relieved dryness and irritation more effectively than CMC alone. In contrast, lipid sprays provided only modest benefits in tear film stability and comfort. The use of 2 percent povidone significantly improved symptoms related to screen-induced fatigue in contact lens wearers. Warm compresses consistently reduced dry eye severity in several clinical trials. In conclusion, the evaluated ocular lubricants showed benefits in reducing symptoms in contact lens users, particularly dual-polymer formulations and purinergic agonists like diquafosol. However, the evidence is based on small and heterogeneous studies with moderate to low methodological quality. Clinically, these findings support the use of customized artificial tears (e.g., dual-polymer drops for moderate dryness), but highlight the need for larger, high-quality comparative trials to validate the effectiveness of each lubricant type.
Abstract The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of various ocular lubricants, such as artificial tears, lipid-based eye drops, and other solutions, in reducing subjective symptoms like dryness and irritation in contact lens users. Ten clinical studies were included, with crossover, parallel, or quasi-experimental designs. The evaluated interventions comprised eye drops like 3 percent diquafosol, Systane Balance, combinations of CMC and hyaluronic acid, 2 percent preservative-free povidone, liposomal sprays, and warm compress therapy. Symptom assessment was carried out using validated questionnaires such as CLDEQ-8, OSDI, SANDE, and visual analog scales (VAS). The results showed that some eye drops led to significant symptom improvement. Diquafosol reduced dryness and blurred vision in comparison with artificial tears. A dual formulation of CMC and hyaluronic acid relieved dryness and irritation more effectively than CMC alone. In contrast, lipid sprays provided only modest benefits in tear film stability and comfort. The use of 2 percent povidone significantly improved symptoms related to screen-induced fatigue in contact lens wearers. Warm compresses consistently reduced dry eye severity in several clinical trials. In conclusion, the evaluated ocular lubricants showed benefits in reducing symptoms in contact lens users, particularly dual-polymer formulations and purinergic agonists like diquafosol. However, the evidence is based on small and heterogeneous studies with moderate to low methodological quality. Clinically, these findings support the use of customized artificial tears (e.g., dual-polymer drops for moderate dryness), but highlight the need for larger, high-quality comparative trials to validate the effectiveness of each lubricant type.
Direction
Giráldez Fernández, María Jesús (Tutorships)
SANCHEZ SELLERO, CESAR ANDRES (Co-tutorships)
Giráldez Fernández, María Jesús (Tutorships)
SANCHEZ SELLERO, CESAR ANDRES (Co-tutorships)
Court
LAMAS FERNANDEZ, JESUS (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ SANCHEZ, MARIA COVADONGA (Secretary)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Member)
LAMAS FERNANDEZ, JESUS (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ SANCHEZ, MARIA COVADONGA (Secretary)
LEMA GESTO, MARIA ISABEL (Member)