bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus fumigatus scleritis
Authors: Rodriguez‐Ares M. T. , Silva M. V. De Rojas , Pereiro M. , Sampayo B. Fente , Chamas G. Gallegos , S‐Salorio M.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We report a case of scleritis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The infection was successfully treated with antifungal drugs, cryotherapy and dura mater grafting. A 67‐year‐old man developed a scleral ulcer 2 months after suffering a trauma in his right eye caused by the branch of a tree. Diagnosis was made after biopsy of a scleral nodule. Scrapings showed hyphal fragments and cultures were positive for Aspergillus fumigatus. Although therapy with oral fluconazol and topical amphotericin B was begun, the scleritis continued to worsen, so cryotherapy and dura mater grafting were performed. The patient showed no signs of infection for 8 months after discontinuation of antifungal drugs.
An instrument for recording the ocular pulse wave
Authors: Krakau C. E. T. , Lindberg S. , Havelius U.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT An instrument for recording the ocular pressure pulse is described. Examples of recordings showing individual differences in the shape of the pulse curve are demonstrated. The properties of the instrument as to the frequency response in the range 0.5–10 Hz are established with the aim of correcting the recordings for instrumental errors.
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen colocalization with corneal epithelial stem cells and involvement in physiological cell turnover
Authors: Gan Lisha , van Setten Gysbert , Seregard Stefan , Fagerholm Per
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Corneal integrity is dependent on a constant turnover of epithelial cells. According to the current hypothesis essential contributors to this process, the so‐called stem‐cells, are localized in the limbal area of the cornea. However, histological identification of stem cells of the cornea is thus far not possible. In the present study we have used specific antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The nuclear protein is expressed in cells during replication. Prior to establishment of staining indices the optimal fixation procedure was found to be of major importance for the results and standardized for fixation in 4% formaldehyde. This procedure also gave the best preservation of the morphology. In the corneas of ten New Zealand rabbits the staining index for PCNA was found to be on average 23% (SD ± 13%) for the basal layer of the limbal epithelium. In the mid‐peripheral and central corneal epithelium only occasional staining of PCNA was detected with a 2% staining index (SD ± 2%). The agglomeration of PCNA‐positive cells in the basal layer of the limbal epithelium together with their colocalization with the known location of stem cells strongly suggests that PCNA could serve as a reliable indicator for the proximity of proliferating corneal epithelial stem cells in histological sections, which would be of significant clinical importance.
Vasomotor nerves of vessels in the human optic nerve
Authors: Komai Kiyoshi , Miyazaki Shigeo , Onoe Shingo , Shimo‐Oku Masashi , Hishida Shigeru
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Aminergic and cholinergic vasomotor nerves in vessels of the human optic nerve were studied morphologically. Aminergic nerve fibers were observed by the glyoxylic acid method. Cholinergic nerve fibers were observed by light microscopy after acetylcholinesterase staining by the Karnovsky‐Roots method and Tago's modified method. In the retrobulbar optic nerve behind the bulbus, aninergic and cholinergic vasomotor nerves were observed to be dense in the central retinal artery and vein and posterior ciliary arteries. A large number of vasomotor nerves were also demonstrated in vessels in the septum of the optic nerve, but they were sparse in pial vessels. Further centrally, a few vasomotor nerves were found in pial vessels of the intracanalicular and intracranial optic nerve, but few were observed in the septum of the optic nerve. At the optic chiasm they were densely distributed in pial vessels.
Quenching of UV‐induced fluorescence by ascorbic acid in the aqueous humour
Authors: Ringvold Amund
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Spectrophotometry and spectrofluorimetry of bovine aqueous humour have been performed. The question of whether mechanisms for fluorescence quenching exist in the eye media was evaluated. It turned out that the marked fluorescence of tryptophane and protein was considerably quenched by the ascorbic acid, an observation not shown before. Thus, the aqueous humour minimizes UV‐radiation to the lens in diurnal animals through three different mechanisms: 1) Absorption. 2) Fluorescence‐quenching. 3) Fluorescence‐mediated ray transformation of energy‐rich short wavelengths to less potent longer wavelengths. The impact of each of them is significantly influenced by the ascorbate concentration in the aqueous humour. The phenomenon of fluorescence‐mediated ray transformation is, of course, per se independent of ascorbate, but the transformational input is significantly reduced due to ascorbate.
A spider hits the eye
Authors: Cruysberg J. R. M. , Pinckers A. , Castelijns H. E. J. M. , Verbeek A. M. , Deutman A. F.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT To determine the necessary medical care and permanent ocular damage of a particular type of preventable ocular trauma, an observational study of 22 patients referred to the University Hospital Nijmegen (1983–1993) with eye injuries caused by the accidental release of tightened elastic straps of the so‐called ‘spider’ design was performed. Although the traumatized eyes of the 22 patients could be saved from blindness by extensive medical and surgical treatment in the majority of cases, 13 patients (59%) had residual permanent visual impairment (visual acuity ≤ 6/10, or aphakia) at the end of the follow‐up period. Three of them had lost the perception of light in the involved eye; one painful blind eye had to be removed. It is concluded that elastic straps with free‐end metal hooks should not be used to secure luggage because of the potential risk of irreversible damage to the eye.
Diagnostic value of 33 Hz steady‐state visual evoked potentials in low‐vision children
Authors: Shpak Alexander A.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Pattern‐reversal visual evoked potentials elicited by patterns of 60′ and 20′ checks and 33 Hz steady‐state flash visual evoked potentials were recorded in low‐vision children (visual acuity less than 20/120) with optic atrophy (18 eyes), amblyopia (18 eyes), macular degeneration (7 eyes) and controls (24 eyes). Steady‐state visual evoked potentials were non‐recordable in 17 out of 18 eyes of optic atrophy patients and normal in other children. Abnormalities of pattern‐reversal visual evoked potentials were similar in all groups of patients. 33 Hz steady‐state flash visual evoked potentials are recommended for differential diangosis of optic atrophy with other causes of low vision in children.
Retinal vasodilation and hyperglycaemia in diabetic children and adolescents
Authors: Falck Aura , Laatikainen Leila
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Retinal vessel diameters of 45 diabetic children and adolescents with diabetes were measured on black‐and‐white fundus photographs (negatives) using digital image analyses technique and microdensitometry as well as with direct micrometry. The changes in vessel diameters in two sets of photographs taken at an interval of 2.4 ± 0.3 years were compared with glycated haemoglobin level, retinopathy status and various other parameters. During the follow‐up period both arterial and venous diameters increased significantly (p = 0.0436 and p = 0.0001, respectively), but the changes in individual vessels and between patients differed markedly. The superior temporal vein dilated more than the inferior temporal vein. The average increase in venous calibre was related to the glycated haemoglobin level on the date of the second examination (p = 0.0492). Signs of early retinopathy developed more often in the eyes with venous dilation (6 of 18 eyes) than in those without (3 of 24 eyes), but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The results indicate that retinal vasodilation is associated with chronically elevated blood glucose level in diabetic children, and may precede development of other signs of retinopathy.
Soft lens movement: effects of humidity and hypertonic saline on lens settling
Authors: Golding Timothy R. , Harris Michael G. , Smith Rosalind C. , Brennan Noel A.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Hydrogel contact lenses require a settling period before lens fit stabilizes, but the process underlying the initial reduction in lens mobility is poorly understood. Explanations for this phenomenon include base curve steeping with dehydration, expulsion of postlens tear fluid, and osmotic flow of hypotonic tears into the cornea. We conducted two randomized, single‐masked interocular comparisons for ten subjects wearing HEMA lenses for 1 h. We investigated potential mechanisms of dehydration‐dependent lens tightening, by limiting dehydration in one eye using a high humidity environment (experiment 1), and of a hypotonic lacrimation‐dependent decrease in lens movement, by presoaking lenses in isotonic (0.9%) or hypertonic (1.5%) saline (experiment 2). Lens mobility profiles were not significantly affected by modification of environment; lenses in both normal and high humidity environments displayed a significant reduction in lens movement during the first 15 min of wear (ANOVA, p = 0.0001), and no change in lens mobility thereafter. Lens mobility profiles were identical for lenses presoaked in isotonic and hypertonic saline, with initial lens movement being significantly greater than for subsequent measurements (ANOVA, p < 0.05). These studies find no evidence to support dehydration‐dependent steepening of base curve, or osmotic‐dependent binding from hypotonic lacrimation as mechanisms for the initial postinsertion decrease in lens movement.
Healing velocity of corneal epithelium evaluated by computer
Authors: Rask Rune , Jensen Peter Koch , Ehlers Niels
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT To objectively determine the area of corneal abrasion, a video camera was connected to a slit‐lamp. The videosignal was digitized and analyzed by a computer program. The maximal horizontal and vertical diameters were measured as well as the total abraded area. The algorithms of calculating healing velocity of corneal epithelium are discussed, and this system was tested on patients treated for myopia with a 193 nm ArF excimer laser. It was shown that topical steroid application did not impair corneal epithelial healing velocity.
Microphthalmos, facial capillary hemangioma and Dandy‐Walker malformation
Authors: Fernández Gema Rebolleda , Muñoz Francisco J. , Padron Carmen , Muñoz María
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We present a 6‐month‐old girl with the unusual combination of microphthalmos, facial capillary hemangioma and Dandy‐Walker malformation. This is the fourth case with such an association reported in the literature. On the basis of the experience with our patient and with those previously reported, we stress the importance of performing brain‐imaging studies on all infants with large facial hemangiomas, or if unusual ophthalmic findings are present.
Prevalence of open‐angle glaucoma in central Sweden
Authors: Ekström Curt
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT A population‐based survey of 760 people 65–74 years of age was conducted in the municipality of Tierp, central Sweden. The methods used to identify glaucoma suspects were applanation tonometry, automatic perimetry (Competer 350), and binocular assessment of the optic disc. For a diagnosis of definite open‐angle glaucoma, a visual field defect was required. Open‐angle glaucoma was found at a prevalence of 5.70% (95% confidence interval: 4.12‐7.27), which is higher than those figures reported for comparable surveys carried out on white populations. The occurrence of capsular glaucoma may in part explain this finding. Twenty of the 45 open‐angle glaucomas were diagnosed before the survey. In this category, capsular glaucoma accounted for 60%, whereas 84% of cases detected during the survey were chronic simple glaucomas. Eight cases (18%) were classified as normal tension glaucoma, all of whom were diagnosed during the survey. Chronic simple glaucoma was significantly more prevalent in males than in females.
Screening techniques for angle‐closure glaucoma in rural Taiwan
Authors: Congdon Nathan G. , Quigley Harry A. , Hung Por T. , Wang T. H. , Ho T.C.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT 562 residents of Jin Shan aged 40 years and above underwent examinations to compare the sensitivity and specificity of oblique flashlight, peripheral slit beam and ultrasonographic evaluation of the anterior chamber depth to gonioscopy in detecting cases of PACG. Among 5441 eligible individuals aged 40 and above, 562 (10.3%) underwent screening for PACG, of whom 17 (3.02%) were defined as cases, and 10 (1.78%) as suspects. Home visits indicated that respondents for screening were similar to the population as a whole. Only 35% of PACG cases reported symptoms consistent with acute angle closure, and only 18% were previously diagnosed. When compared to gonioscopy, only ultrasonographic measurement of AC depth provided an adequate mix of sensitivity and specificity. Ultrasonography in combination with tonometry provided a sensitivity of 88% with a specificity of 92%. Sensitivity and specificity for ultrasonography in combination with refractive status were 84% and 83% respectively. Shallower AC depth (p = 0.0001), shorter axial globe length (p = 0.001), greater than 2D of hyperopia (p < 0.001), high grades of nuclear sclerotic cataract (p < 0.0001) and an increased cup‐to‐disc ratio (p = 0.002) were significantly correlated with a diagnosis of PACG.
Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope microperimetry compared with Octopus perimetry in normal subjects
Authors: Nis Andersen Mads Varis
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Simultaneously performed ophthalmoscopy and perimetry by microperimetry using the Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope eliminates some of the classical problems involved in transformation techniques in perimetry such as: optical distortions, unsteady fixation and alignment. Almost all reports published on microperimetry have addressed chorioretinal diseases, with only a few patients in each study. No reports have studied the normal values of this method. To evaluate the reliability of microperimetry, 30 healthy subjects ‐ 10 subjects from each of the age group: 40–49 years (male/female ratio: 4/6), 50–59 years (m/f ratio: 5/5) and 60–69 years (m/f ratio: 5/5) ‐ were repeatedly examined with microperimetry and automatic perimetry performed by the Octopus macular program M1. The results of the present study of microperimetry show that the standard deviation of the interindividual variance component was 1.36, that the standard deviation of the intraindividual variance component was 0.94 and that a test result obtained by microperimetry in any of the two locations studied can be related to a test result obtained by Octopus M1 in the same location.
Trabeculectomy in the second eye
Authors: Sanders R. , Sturrock S. , Young J. D. H.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Trabeculectomy has a reported success rate of between 67–94%. Many studies have been performed on operative variables which may influence surgical outcome. Youth, pigmented race and anterior segment inflammation have been shown to be associated with trabeculectomy failure. Little is known of the surgical outcome of trabeculectomy in one eye in relation to its partner, when surgery is standardized and the above known adverse conditions to trabeculectomy success are absent. We therefore carried out a prospective study on 62 patients who underwent bilateral trabeculectomies. There was a significant failure rate amongst pairs of eyes (postoperative intraocular pressure ≥ 21 mmHg), with the majority of failures occurring within 6 months of surgery. Failure appeared to be associated with a longer period from diagnosis of glaucoma to surgery, and the use of a wider variety and number of topical medications. All other trabeculectomy complications occurred more commonly in any single eye, than in any pairs of eyes.
The importance of early diagnosis of treatable diabetic retinopathy for the four‐year visual outcome in older‐onset diabetes mellitus
Authors: Agardh E. , Hansson‐Lundblad C. , Cavallin‐Sjöberg U. , Agardh C.‐D.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The four‐year visual outcome was retrospectively studied in patients with older‐onset diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in need of laser treatment. Visual acuity in 53 patients examined by ophthalmologists who referred the patients for an evaluation of retinopathy before laser treatment, was compared to that of 47 patients examined by ophthalmologists who also performed the photocoagulation. The number of eyes that became blind (visual acuity ≤ 6/60) during the four‐year period was higher (23/90 vs 9/91; p < 0.01) among referred patients, whereas the number of retinal examinations per patient during the three‐year period prior to laser treatment did not differ between the two groups. Among referred patients, 13% had not been ophthalmologically examined before the treatment‐requiring retinopathy was found. Corresponding figure for those examined at the laser centre was 23%. Severe macular oedema in regularly examined patients was more common among referred patients (9/30 vs 1/32; p < 0.01). The results indicate that screening for diabetic retinopathy in older‐onset diabetes was not performed satisfactorily. In addition, laser treatment was delayed in older‐onset diabetic patients controlled by ophthalmologists who referred patients for photocoagulation, resulting in an increased incidence of legally blind eyes. The study also stresses the importance of carrying out knowledge of when and how to diagnose early sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy to ophthalmologists referring patients for laser treatment.
Spatial tuning loss of pattern reversal visual evoked response in optic nerve disease
Authors: Katsumi Osamu , Wajima Ryohei , Mehta Mehul C. , Itabashi Ryuzo , Arai Mikki , Paranhos Flavio R. L. , Hirose Tatsuo
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We compared the pattern reversal visual evoked response (PVER) amplitude‐check size functions from 25 eyes (25 normal subjects; visual acuities ≥ 20/20) with those from 32 eyes (22 patients; visual acuities 20/15 to 20/50; mean, 20/25.5) with mild optic nerve disease to determine if spatial tuning loss of the PVER occurs in the presence of optic nerve dysfunction. The steady‐state PVER was recorded with five check sizes (range, 160 to 10 minutes of arc). To analyze the PVER amplitude‐check size function, we calculated the difference between the maximum and minimum PVER amplitudes and then calculated the area of spatial tuning (the area under the function). Values were significantly smaller in patients than in normal subjects (1.81 ± 1.27 μV versus 5.73 ± 3.27 μV; F = 41.24, p = 0.0001; 3.87 ± 2.70 area units versus 12.57 ± 7.60 area units; F = 38.62, p = 0.0001). There was no shift in the distribution of peak check sizes. Results suggest that a spatial tuning loss occurs in optic nerve disease. The shape of the function, including the area of spatial tuning, appears to be a sensitive indicator of early or mild optic nerve dysfunction.
Investigation of microbial keratitis: an audit from 1988–1992
Authors: Simcock P. R. , Butcher J. M. , Armstrong M. , Lloyd I. C. , Tullo A. B.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT An audit was performed of the investigation of 263 cases of microbial keratitis servere enough to be admitted to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital over the 5‐year period, 1988–1992. A pathogen isolation rate of 37% was noted during the first year which increased to 79% (p<0.05) by the final year of audit. In late 1991 a new method of inoculating enrichment broths was introduced, which also contributed by increasing the yield from corneal scrapes. The audit process resulted in the development of and adherence to our investigation protocol, improved communication between Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and the microbiology laboratory, the implementation of a new investigatory method, and a significantly improved microbial isolation rate.
The results of penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus
Authors: Koralewska‐Makár Anna , Florén Ingrid , Stenevi Ulf
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT At the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital in Lund, Sweden, keratoconus is the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty. We studied 77 keratoplasties performed on keratoconic eyes between 1989–1991. Postoperative corrected visual acuity was better than or equal to 0.5 in 65 eyes (84.4%), and 30 eyes (39%) had visual acuity of 1.0. The mean postoperative astigmatism was 3.75 D with a range of 0–12.5 D. Eight patients underwent relaxing incision with satisfactory results in 6 patients. Graft rejection was observed in 6 eyes (7.8%). The most serious complication seen in our group of patients was a retrocorneal fibrous membrane that developed in one patient.
Retrobulbar neuritis in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Authors: Cacciatori Matteo , Ling Chai S. , Dhillon Baljean
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT This report describes the ophthalmic clinical findings of a 33‐year‐old homosexual man with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and herpes zoster ophthalmicus who developed a clinical picture resembling retrobulbar neuritis.
Corneal phaeohyphomycosis due to Exserohilum rostratum
Authors: Kanungo Reba , Srinivasan Renuka
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We report a rare case of corneal phaeohyphomycosis due to Exserohilum rostratum following organic trauma. A known cause of cutaneous and subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, this fungus has been very rarely associated with infections of the eye. Being a plant pathogen, along with other saprophytic dematiaceous fungi the possible role in keratomycosis is discussed.
A new drug delivery system utilizing piggyback contact lenses
Authors: Sano Kenji , Tokoro Takashi , Imai Yohji
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We designed and evaluated a new drug delivery system (DDS) in which a drug plate containing levofloxacin was placed between a hydrophilic soft contact lens (SCL) and a non‐hydrophilic SCL. The drug plate (diameter 8.0 mm, thickness 0.2 mm) was prepared by coating and freeze‐drying a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) disc containing 20, 30 or 40 wt% levofloxacin with a block styrene‐(ethylene/butene)‐styrene (SEBS) polymer solution. The release rate of the levofloxacin in vitro reduced with an increase in the concentration of SEBS polymer in solution used for coating. The release rate was well controlled and in zero‐order kinetics was observed. The drug release from the drug plate consisting of a PVA disc loaded with 30 wt% levofloxacin and coated with 7.5 wt% SEBS polymer solution was 3.07 ± 0.39 mg during 8 h. This drug plate was placed on an albino rabbit's eye wearing a hydrophilic soft contact lens (SCL), and then covered with a non‐hydrophilic SCL. The drug concentrations in the anterior chamber were 156.0 ± 133.6 μg/ml and 193.2 ± 136.1 μg/ml after 4 and 8 h, respectively. The values obtained with frequent instillation of 0.5% levofloxacin every 30 min were 9.9 ± 4.3 μg/ml and 12.5 ± 10.0 μg/ml after 4 and 8 h, respectively. Therefore a significantly higher drug level was achieved with DDS compared to frequent instillation.
Herpetic stromal disease: Response to acyclovir/steroid therapy
Authors: O'Brien William J. , Segundo Adeline P. , Guy Julie , Dorn Eric M. , Taylor Jerry L.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The efficacy of combined acyclovir and steroid therapy in the treatment of herpetic stromal disease was evaluated by clinical evaluation of disease, the rebound of disease following termination of therapy, and the recovery of virus and viral DNA from corneas in a rabbit model. Therapy with acyclovir alone produced a significant reduction in corneal thickness in 10% of eyes. Addition of steroid to acyclovir therapy decreased the severity of stromal disease as measured by corneal thickness and increased the frequency of response to treatment to 63% of eyes. All eyes receiving acyclovir alone experienced rebound of disease following termination of therapy. Combined therapy increased the severity of rebound of corneal disease. Virus was recovered from cell cultures established after recovery from rebound in 50% of untreated and treated eyes. Viral DNA was detected by PCR in five of the nine corneal cultures which did not produce infectious virus.
Retinal nerve fiber layer abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hedges Thomas R. , Galves Rosalba Perez , Speigelman Donna , Barbas Nancy R. , Peli Eli , Yardley Christine J.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) photographs from 26 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 23 normal, age‐matched, control subjects were reviewed for quality and abnormalities by two observers. A higher proportion of Alzheimer's patients showed RNFL abnormalities when compared to control subjects. There was some disagreement between the two observers regarding quality and frequency of abnormalities, reflecting suboptimal quality of the photographs obtained in patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Although these findings add to the clinical and histopathological evidence that ganglion cell degeneration occurs in Alzheimer's disease, the difficulty in obtaining and evaluating retinal nerve fiber layer photographs, especially in advanced cases, may limit the clinical usefulness of retinal nerve fiber layer analysis in such patients.
Pre‐term delivery and subsequent ocular development
Authors: Fledelius Hans C.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT An ophthalmic follow‐up comprised 88 children aged 7–10 years who had regular screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after their pre‐term delivery 1982‐84. Mean values of birth weight and gestational age in the 88 were 1467 g and 31 weeks. Out of 28 with early evidence of ROP four had progressed to bilateral blindness; the remaining 24 had at least a corrected visual acuity of 0.4 at disposal. The corrected median binocular acuity for all 88 was 0.95; however, the cumulated frequency curve was significantly below a previously stated norm in full‐terms. The same conclusion was valid for single eye vision. Within the material, the visual score of the 28 with early ROP was significantly lower than in the remaining 60 subjects. Ophthalmoscopy often showed tortuosity of vessels, but no specific central retinal or optic nerve lesion to explain the slight general depression of visual acuity, and opacities of media contributed in only two subjects. It is concluded, that very preterm delivery generally influences the potential for developing full visual acuity, also in individuals without evidence of early ROP. Evidence of CNS‐damage negatively influenced visual acuity score.
Test and symptoms in keratoconjunctivitis sicca and their correlation
Authors: Bjerrum Kirsten B.
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Results of dry eye tests and ocular symptoms were compared and correlated in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (1°SS), in patients with connective tissue disease differing from 1°SS, and in normal controls. Patients with 1°SS had many and pronounced ocular complaints, however, non‐diagnostic for the disease. Break‐up time and Schirmer‐1 test results below 10 mm/5 min both had high sensitivity but low specificity, whereas the reverse was true for Rose‐Bengal score and Schirmer‐1 test below 5 mm/5 min. Presence of snake‐like chromatin in conjunctival imprints and the lactotest on tear fluid did not qualify as alternative tests since they had very low specificity and were less sensitive than the Schirmer‐1 test and break‐up time. Cornea sensitivity was not found to be an appropriate test at all. In 21% of eyes the presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca changed from one consultation to the next in patients with 1°SS. Examination for keratoconjunctivitis sicca should therefore be repeated in test negative cases where symptoms indicate 1°SS.
Diabetic eye complications in a medium sized municipality in southwest Norway
Authors: Hapnes Rune , Bergrem Harald
Published: May 2009

Abstract.To find the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic eye complications, all inhabitants of the municipality of Eigersund were contacted. Those with known diabetes were encouraged to participate in our study. Among 12 447 people we found 223 diabetics (1.8%). Two hundred and ten of them (94.2%) participated in the study. Ophthalmological history was taken and careful ophthalmological examination carried out by one ophthalmologist. Twenty‐nine patients (13.8%) had diabetic retinopathy − 24 (11.4%) nonproliferative and 5 (2.4%) proliferative retinopathy. Retinopathy was found in 11 (34.4%) of 32 type I diabetics and in 18 (10.1%) of 178 type II diabetics. Forty‐three patients (20.5%) had significant cataract, and 15 patients (7.3%) had one or both eyes operated for cataract. Forty‐two patients (20.0%) had their therapy adjusted as a result of our investigation. The prevalence of retinopathy was lower than expected, especially among the type II diabetics. The ophthalmological care of diabetics can, however, still be much improved.
Measurement of astigmatism arising from the internal ocular surfaces
Authors: Dunne Mark C. M. , Elawad Mohamed E. A. , Barnes Derek A.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT A method is described for measuring internal ocular surface (posterior cornea, anterior and posterior crystalline lens) astigmatism. This involves the use of videokeratography, A‐scan ultrasonography, and autorefractometry along with multi‐meridional phakometric measurements of Purkinje images I (anterior corneal surface) II (posterior corneal surface) and IV (posterior lens surface). Data was collected from both eyes of 66 subjects. Right and left eyes exhibited similar mean levels of astigmatism from the posterior corneal surface (R + 0.21 DC axis 82°; L + 0.22 DC axis 80°), anterior lens surface (R + 0.52 DC axis 8°; L + 0.49 DC axis 165°) and posterior lens surface (R + 1.48 DC axis 99°; L + 1.16 DC axis 90°). It was generally found that astigmatism arising from the anterior corneal and lens surfaces in conjunction with intraocular distance effectivity are almost completely compensated for by the posterior corneal and lens surfaces. Repeatability was assessed on 20 subjects. Although the methods is prone to accumulated experimental errors, these are random in nature so that the difference between repeat group averaged data never exceeded ± 0.27 DC cylindrical component and ± 6° cylinder axis.
Blepharophimosis‐ptosis‐epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES)
Authors: Strømme Petter , Sandboe Frode
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The blepharophimosis‐ptosis‐epicanthus inversus syndrome is characterized by shortening of the horizontal orbital fissure (blepharophimosis), congenital ptosis and epicanthus inversus. The condition may occur either as an autosomal dominant trait (blepharophimosis‐ptosis‐epicanthus inversus syndrome types 1 and 2), or sporadically. Blepharophimosis‐ptosis‐epicanthus inversus syndrome type 1 is associated with female infertility. Mental subnormality may occur, especially in the sporadic cases. Chromosome analysis from a few patients suggests that the genetic defect causing the syndrome is localized to chromosome 3q22.
Vitrectomy in diabetic patients with a blind fellow eye
Authors: Bodanowitz Stefan , Hesse Lutz , Weinand Frank , Kroll Peter
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Results of pars plana vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy were analysed in 32 consecutive patients with a blind fellow eye due to diabetic eye disease. The mean follow‐up period was 22.3 months. Only 16% of all eyes examined had received full scatter photocoagulation prior to referral for vitrectomy. Out of 9 eyes with vitreous haemorrhage, 8 improved to a visual acuity of 0.2 postoperatively. Amid 23 eyes which were vitrectomized for advanced traction retinal detachment, only 4 eyes improved to a postoperative visual acuity of 0.02. In this group 12 eyes deteriorated after vitrectomy, 3 eyes progressing to no light perception. The postoperative visual outcome after vitrectomy for traction retinal detachment in this group of diabetics with a blind fellow eye (mean postoperative visual acuity 0.03 ± 0.05) was significantly worse (p < 0.000) compared to a group of 196 patients with a seeing fellow eye who were vitrectomized for traction retinal detachment at our clinic (mean postoperative visual acuity 0.09 ± 0.11). Therefore we conclude that traction retinal detachment in this subgroup of patients is a particularly severe presentation of diabetic retinopathy with a guarded functional prognosis after vitrectomy. Our results demonstrate the importance of timely full scatter photocoagulation and early vitrectomy in eyes with progressive fibrovascular proliferation not responding to panretinal photocoagulation. We conclude that especially diabetic patients with a blind fellow eye must be followed closely and assigned to vitrectomy at an earlier stage of their disease in order to improve functional prognosis.
Simple iris coloboma in a Greek family
Authors: Konstas Anastasios G. P. , Bufidis Theodoros , Kardasopoulos Athanasios
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We report the presence of simple iris coloboma in 4 out of 5 female members comprising four generations of a Greek family. A varied degree of simple iris coloboma (i.e. not associated with a choroidal coloboma) was present in one eye of the maternal grandmother, mother, daughter and one out of 2 granddaughters of this family. The iris colobomata were associated with congenital lens opacities in 2 out of 4 of the females, macular degenerative changes in 2 cases and ocular hypertension in one case. The pathogenesis, heredity and associations of simple iris colobomata is discussed.
Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy
Authors: Lee Andrew G. , Prager Thomas C.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Retinal photoreceptor dysfunction is an uncommon and often unrecognized cause of acute visual loss. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) has been reported to cause acute cone and rod dysfunction. Patients with AZOOR may present with normal visual acuity, normal fluorescein angiography, and a normal fundus examination despite severe loss of visual field. A healthy young white female presented with acute, unilateral loss of visual field and an afferent pupillary defect, but normal visual acuity, color vision, fundus examination, and fluorescein angiogram. A pattern visual evoked potential was normal, but an electroretinogram showed a unilateral peripheral photoreceptor dysfunction consistent with the diagnosis of AZOOR. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the diagnosis of AZOOR and should consider an ERG in the evaluation of any patient with unexplained visual field loss even in the presence of normal visual acuity, color vision, fluorescein angiography, or retinal examination.
Posterior uveal melanoma
Authors: Seregard Stefan
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Posterior uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumour and in Sweden some 70–80 new cases present each year. While uveal melanoma is more prevalent in the setting of ocular melanocytosis and neurofibromatosis, there is little conclusive data on the aetiology. Most patients experience a progressive visual field defect and present with a grey or greyish‐brown mass of the posterior choroid. Diagnostic procedures include fluorescein angiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. In some cases, intraocular biopsy may be required to make a correct diagnosis. Posterior uveal melanomas can usuallly be managed by any of a number of eye‐preserving options like plaque radiotherapy and charged particle irradiation, but eyes containing large tumours are often enucleated. Nearly half of patients with posterior uveal melanoma, and in particular those with large tumours, ultimately succumb to metastatic disease. While most patients with tumour dissemination are treated with systemic chemotherapy possibly combined with interferon, metastatic spread confined to the liver may potentially be managed by intraarterial perfusion chemotherapy or liver resection. However, outcome of patients with systemic disease remains extremely poor with a median survival following detectable tumour dissemination of only two to five months. There are still insufficient data on the impact of various treatments on survival, but a large prospective trial addressing this issue is in progress. The present review summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge and current management of posterior uveal melanoma from a Swedish perspective.
Conjunctival naevi in Denmark 1960–1980
Authors: Gerner N. , Nørregaard J. C. , Jensen O. A. , Prause J. U.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The clinicopathological characteristics of 343 naevi of the conjunctiva were studied. A significant increase in the number of naevi excised per annum was observed. This may have been caused by an increased exposure to actinic rays. Approximately even distribution in the three main locations: caruncle, limbal area and eyeball, was found. Intrastromal naevi were excised at a higher median age than compound naevi, and the lowest observed median age at excision was for junction naevi, which is in accordance with the known histopathological nature of naevi. Recurrence occurred in nine patients (2.7%), and one transformed to a malignant melanoma. Eight of the recurring naevi were located in the limbal area. Eight of the nine patients were women, suggesting hormonal factors as a possible cause. Recommendations for the handling of conjunctival naevi are given, based on the present findings and on previous reports.
Contrast sensitivity in different types of early lens opacities
Authors: Rouhiainen Päivi , Rouhiainen Harri , Salonen Jukka T.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of various types of early lens opacities with contrast sensitivity at different spatial frequencies. The Lens Opacities Classification System II and Lensmeter 701 were used in the grading of the lens status. The contrast sensitivity was tested with the Vistech VCTS 6500 distance test with optimal correction of refractive errors. Data from 995 eyes were available for the present study. Contrast sensitivity decreased by increasing lens opacification graded with the Lens Opacities Classification System II and also by increasing Lensmeter 701 reading. When the statistical model was adjusted for age and best corrected visual acuity, nuclear opacities and nuclear colour were not associated with decreased contrast sensitivity, however, there was a weak, but statistically significant correlation between contrast sensitivity reduction and cortical opacities at high spatial frequencies, and between contrast sensitivity and posterior subcapsular opacities at low and medium spatial frequencies.
Clinical status, ocular surface changes and tear ferning in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kalayci Defne , Kiper Nural , Ozcelik Ugur , Gocmen Ayhan , Hasiripi Hikmet
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Twenty‐three cystic fibrosis patients and 20 controls were examined for ocular surface changes and tear fluid ferning characteristics. The patients were also evaluated systemically and given numerical scores according to Schwachman's scoring system. Frequency of blepharitis, fluorescein staining, and the Schirmer's test values did not differ between patients and controls. Patients with cystic fibrosis had a higher frequency of altered ferning pattern that corresponded to the disease severity as measured by the Schwachman score (r = − 0.48, p < 0.05). Although altered ferning pattern was frequent, the rate of type I ferning was also high (30%) in patients with cystic fibrosis. We conclude that the ferning test should not be used as an aid in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis but it may be used as an indicator of clinical status during follow‐up.
The ability of bacteria to use Na‐hyaluronate as a nutrient
Authors: Costagliola Ciro , Del Prete Antonio , Winkler Neil R. , Carpineto Paolo , Ciancaglini Marco , Piccolomini Raffaele , Mastropasqua Leonardo
Published: May 2009

Abstract. The objective of this study was to test bacteria ability to use Na‐hyaluronate as a nutrient in vitro. Thirteen bacteria strains were tested in three different media: specific culture medium, agar‐Healon medium and agar‐Healon GV medium. The bacterial growth criteria were determined by counting the number of new colonies appearing at each observation time (0, 24, 48 and 72 h). The results were expressed as the percentage of growth in agar‐Na‐hyaluronate compared to each corresponding specific culture medium. After 24 h in the medium containing agar‐Healon, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes and S. viridans grew using hyaluronic acid as a nutrient. The percentage of growth of these species remained constant over the follow‐up period. The other bacteria strains tested were unable to use Healon as a nutrient. After 24 h of incubation in the medium containing agar‐Healon GV, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes and S. viridans exhibited about 20% growth. Subsequently, this percentage slowly increased to about 50%. The other bacteria strains tested were unable to employ Healon GV as a nutrient. With the exception of Staphylococci and Streptococci, the other species do not synthesize the necessary enzymes to break glucosidic bonds, therefore neither concentration of hyaluronic acid can be utilized as a source of carbohydrate for their survival in culture media.
Strabismus in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Erkkilä Heikki , Lindberg Laura , Kallio Anna‐Kaarina
Published: May 2009

Abstract. In 48 children with cerebral palsy the characteristics of the squint and amblyopia were analyzed, also with respect to the features of cerebral palsy and to birth weight. Strabismus of congenital esotropia type was found to be common, as was also exotropia of early onset. Spontaneous alternation or an accommodative component of the squint was present only in a few cases. There was no evidence of an accumulation of any strabismus type in the different subgroups of cerebral palsy, whereas amblyopia or an obvious risk for amblyopia was found in the great majority of the cases. Some kind of amblyopia treatment was given to 34. Most of them showed improvement of the visual capacity which encourages treatment of amblyopia, even in children with cerebral palsy.
Recurrence of climatic droplet keratopathy
Authors: Al‐Rajhi Ali A. , Cameron James A.
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Climatic droplet keratopathy (CDK) is characterized by a band‐shaped pattern of subepithelial opacities and golden‐yellow spherules. Recurrence of this disease in corneal grafts has not been reported. We report two cases that developed recurrence of this disease in corneal grafts done for CDK, 3 1/2 years following lamellar penetrating keratoplasty and 6 years following penetrating keratoplasty. This illustrates the possibility of this degenerative disease to recur in a few years if aetiological factors are persistently present.
Micropunctate fluorescein staining of the human corneal surface: microerosions or cystic spaces?
Authors: Tabery Helena M.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Purpose: To study in vivo the phenomenon of micropunctate fluorescein staining of the human corneal surface.

Methods: Patients were examined in the slit‐lamp and photographed by the means of photomicrography. The staining pattern of fluorescein was compared with that of superimposed rose bengal staining.

Results: The staining patterns showed a great correspondence.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that micropunctate fluorescein staining probably reveals disruptions of intercellular junctions permitting penetration and accumulation of stained fluid beneath diseased cells in situ.
Tear lactoferrin concentration during postoperative ocular inflammation in cataract surgery
Authors: Kumar Raj , Parmar I. P. S. , Chhillar Neelam , Lal Harbans
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Tear lactoferrin concentration was measured by ELISA technique and followed in 30 patients undergoing cataract surgery. On the first day following surgery, there was a significant decrease in tear lactoferrin concentration followed by a gradual return to the initial values during the postoperative observation period of 7 days. There was an inverse linear relationship between tear lactoferrin concentration and the tear secretion rate measured by a modified Schirmer I test (1 min) suggesting a constant lactoferrin secretion by the tear glands. Since lactoferrin has known antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects, the results may contribute to further understanding of the microbial vulnerability or resistance of the eye following surgical procedures.
Determination of the influence of effectivity upon residual astigmatism
Authors: Dunne Mark C. M. , Elawad Mohamed E. A. , Barnes Derek A.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Purpose: A computing scheme is described which allows determination of the astigmatic contribution of ocular surface effectivity towards residual astigmatism.

Methods: This involves paraxial raytracing through astigmatic surfaces at random axes and applies the principle of astigmatic decomposition. Calculations are shown for averaged data from 66 normal right eyes. Frequency distribution graphs demonstrate individual variations.

Results: The averaged ratio of corneal thickness:anterior chambenlens thickness cylinder power contributions due to effectivity (1:5:17) did not match the ratio of their respective intraocular distances (1:7:7); a disproportionate amount of astigmatism arose from lens thickness effectivity. Although previous research has revealed that results for individual eyes are prone to accummulative experimental errors, frequency distribution graphs indicate that effectivity predominantly yelds direct astigmatism (axis 180°±22.5°).

Conclusions: This computing scheme offers a means of examining the functional ocular morphology of astigmatic eyes.
Long‐term follow‐up of proton irradiated malignant melanoma by glucose‐fructose enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Thuomas Karl‐Äke , Naeser Peter
Published: May 2009

Abstract. MR imaging is frequently used to diagnose uveal melanomas due to the characteristic short T2 relaxation time. T2 may be significantly prolonged within 2 h after ingestion of glucose and fructose due to changed water distribution in the melanoma. This method is used to follow melanomas for up to 6 years after proton beam irradiation. In the tumours, T2 was shortened in parallel in all the lesions during the first 9 months. After this, T2 increased only in tumours which showed recurrence. T2 determination and histopathological examination revealed no signs of recurrence in eyes which were enucleated due to neovasular glaucoma. It is concluded that MR imaging performed with carbohydrate loading, registers metabolic changes induced in the tumour, giving this method great validity in the follow‐up of choroidal malignant melanoma after irradiation. Eighteen patients treated with proton beam for uveal melanoma at the cyclotron in Uppsala, Sweden, were followed.
Corrosion casts of the suprachoroidal space and uveoscleral drainage routes in the pig eye
Authors: Krohn Jørgen , Bertelsen Torstein
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Eyes from pigs were studied by corrosion casting technique. Batson's mixture No. 17 (methyl methacrylate) was injected through a sclerotomy into the suprachoroidal space. Following polymerisation of the injected mixture the surrounding tissue was dissolved with 10% natrium hydroxide. Macroscopic and scanning electron microscopic findings in casts of the suprachoroidal space are presented. The outer (scleral) surface of the casts was rough, with a fish‐scale‐like appearance caused by fine lamellas between the sclera and choroid, running from the inner layers of the sclera traversing the space anteriorly to the choroid. Frequently, irregular, Y‐shaped branches deriving from the outer surface of the casts were observed. They corresponded to the perivascular space of the vortex veins and represent a possible uveoscleral drainage route for aqueous humour.