bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal transmissibility of diode versus argon lasers and their photothermal effects on the cornea and iris
Authors: Chew Paul TK , Wong Jun Shyan , Chee Caroline KL 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: Diode laser (810 nm) may possess theoretical advantages over the argon blue‐green laser (488 nm) for iridotomy/iridoplasty in an eye with oedematous cornea, such as the acute angle‐closure glaucoma (AACG) patient, because of better diode laser tissue penetration in opaque media. We assessed the transmissibility of diode and argon lasers through corneas of varying clarity and evaluated the histopathological features of cornea and iris burns produced by these lasers. Methods: The transmission of diode and argon lasers through human donor corneal buttons of three grades of clarity – clear, intermediate, and hazy – were compared. Corneal buttons of these varying levels of clarity were also treated with argon and diode lasers, with the beams deliberately focused onto the mid‐stroma to assess their photothermal effects. Exposed pigmented irides from whole human eyes were treated directly with argon and diode lasers. The lasers were delivered via slit‐lamp systems and the energy settings used were 1000 mW for argon and 980 mW for diode; spot sizes for both lasers were 100 μm, with exposure durations of 0.1 s. Light microscopy studies of these tissues were performed. Results: Transmissibility of diode laser in clear, intermediate, and hazy corneas were 89, 87 and 85% respectively and was significantly superior to argon laser (78, 73 and 70% respectively; P < 0.001, paired Student’s t‐test). Diode laser did not produce morphological changes in all three grades of corneas whereas argon‐laser‐treated hazy corneas showed photothermal damage. Both lasers produced deep iris burns, with the diode laser tending to produce deeper burns. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that diode laser may be the ideal laser for iridotomy/iridoplasty in the AACG patient with hazy cornea.
The New Zealand cataract and refractive surgery survey 1997/1998
Authors: Elder Mark , Tarr Ken , Md David Leaming 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Background: This study documents the current practice for cataract and refractive surgery in New Zealand. Method: A postal questionnaire was distributed in late 1997 to all consultant members of the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand that were resident in the country at that time. Most questions were identical to the 1997 survey of the American Society of Cataract and Refraction Surgeons (ASCRS) to enable a comparision. Results: There were 98 returns from 101 surveys distributed. Of the returns, 72 performed cataract surgery, 23 performed PRK and 11 performed LASIK. ASCRS members did more refractive surgery than did New Zealanders: 28 versus 1% of 1–5 RK per month, 7 versus 1% of 1–2 clear lens extractions per month and 85 versus 51% had access to an excimer laser. For cataract surgery, ASCRS members used more topical anaesthesia (30 vs 5.5%), used no sutures more often (73 vs 51%), used more preoperative antibiotics (76 vs 26%) and used fewer injections of antibiotic/steroids (38 vs 61%). Otherwise the two groups were broadly similar.
Intravenous pulse methylprednisolone in the treatment of uveitis associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wakefield Denis , Jennings Angela , McCluskey Peter J 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: To demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in the treatment of uveitis in association with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Uveitis is an unusual manifestation of MS that may be severe, chronic and require systemic immunosuppression therapy. High‐dose IVMP has previously been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory eye disease and MS. Eight episodes of uveitis in five patients with MS were treated over a 10‐year period in an open, uncontrolled trial. Two patients had chronic anterior uveitis, one patient had bilateral panuveitis and two patients had intermediate uveitis. Results: All patients responded to IVMP with evidence of a decrease in intraocular inflammatory activity and improved visual acuity (VA) within 2 weeks of commencing treatment. There were no severe ocular or systemic steroid side effects. Conclusions: Intravenous methylprednisolone is an effective, well‐tolerated form of therapy for uveitis in patients with MS.
Change in central corneal thickness following laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia
Authors: Feltham Mark H , Stapleton Fiona 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTCentral corneal thickness alterations may cause residual refractive errors following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). This study reports associations between central corneal thickness alterations and residual refractive error following uncomplicated LASIK. Ninety‐one myopic patients with a mean refractive correction of –3.91 ± 3.2 DS / –0.66 ± 0.3 DC were evaluated. Central corneal thickness was measured prior to, during and following surgery and 2 months later using ultrasound pachometry. Results indicate increased tissue removal (94 ± 33 μm; mean ± SD) compared to the nominal Nidek value (52 ± 24 μm, P < 0.001). Twenty‐four hours later the tissue removal was 46 ± 27 μm. There was no association between altered central corneal thickness and ablation depth (r = 0.058, P = 0.454). Central corneal thickness change was inversely proportional to residual refractive error (r = –0.364, P < 0.01). Increased tissue removal may occur due to rapid stromal dehydration. Central corneal thickness changes between 24 h, and 2 months after surgery were constant over a range of ablation depths, which may partly explain the stability of LASIK procedures over a range of corrections.
A novel immunoassay for the evaluation of rod outer segment digestion in cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Dan , Lai May C , Constable Ian J , Rakoczy Piroska E 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTIn this work a novel enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay quantifying residual rod outer segments in the medium of rod outer segment‐challenged retinal pigment epithelial cells is described. A retinal pigment epithelial cell line (D407) that produces low level of cathepsin D, and a primary human retinal pigment epithelial cell culture (HRPE51) that has normal cathepsin D levels, were challenged with bovine rod outer segments. At 3 days post‐challenge, the amount of undigested or residual bovine rod outer segments left in the culture medium was quantified by an enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay. An antibody raised against bovine rod outer segments, which had been purified and labelled with nitroiodophenyl haptens, was used in the assay. The sensitivity of the immunoassay was less than 10 2 bovine rod outer segments per mL and the signal followed a linear curve, saturating around 10
6 bovine rod outer segments per mL. HRPE51 cells had no residual bovine rod outer segments present in the medium following a challenge with 10
4 bovine rod outer segments per mL. In the medium of D407 cells, residual bovine rod outer segment levels were higher at all bovine rod outer segment concentrations when compared to the residual bovine rod outer segment levels in HRPE51 cells, suggesting that D407 cells have a lower digestive capacity. These results demonstrated that the immunoassay for detecting bovine rod outer segments is a sensitive and reliable technique that can be used to quantify the amount of residual bovine rod outer segments, following bovine rod outer segment challenge of retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Neuroretinal rim measurement error using PC‐based stereo software
Authors: Eikelboom Robert H , Barry Chris J , Jitskaia Ludmila , Voon Angel Sp , Yogesan Kanagasingam 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe neuroretinal rims of a set of glaucoma patients were measured using digitized stereo photographs, to determine the reproducibility of computerized stereo measurements of the neuroretinal rim. Each rim was measured five times at 18 locations, with measurement error (ME) defined as the mean of standard deviations of each set of measurements. The following ME were determined: (i) inter‐sessional variability (n = 27 right and 24 left eyes, at t1 and t2); (ii) inter‐assessor variability (n = 9, 2 assessors); and (iii) variability after colour adjustment algorithms were applied (n = 15). The results were as follows: (i) inter‐sessional variability was 3.41 ± 1.08 for t1 and 3.22 ± 0.84 for t2;; (ii) there was a significant difference between the two assessors, although the ME was still low; and (iii) there was no significant differences between the ME of unadjusted and adjusted images. With a measurement error of up to 11% of rim width, these results show that low‐ cost rim measurements can be made using PC‐based software.
Detection of vision impairment in people admitted to aged care assessment centres
Authors: Nottle H R , McCarty C A , Hassell J B , Keeffe J E 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTVision is not routinely tested when the health of older people is assessed, and the aim of this study was to detect older people with vision impairment for referral to appropriate eye care services. People admitted for assessment and or rehabilitation in three aged care assessment centres had distance and near visual acuity assessed with a simplified vision test. A pinhole test was used when necessary. Referral criteria were distance visual acuity of less than 6 / 12; near vision of less than N8, and people with diabetes who had not attended a dilated fundus examination in the last 2 years. Visual acuity results were obtained in 93% of patients (685 / 735). Those unable to perform the vision test were very ill or had severe cognitive impairment. Forty‐three per cent of patients (266 / 646) had impaired vision and, of these, 70.6% (188 / 266) were referred to eye care specialists. Forty‐five per cent were referred to ophthalmologists, 36% to optometrists and 20% to low vision services. This significant proportion of patients with poor vision suggests that vision screening is warranted.
Current Australian practice in the prevention and management of corneal allograft rejection
Authors: Barker Nigel H , Henderson Timothy RM , Ross Carolyn A , Coster Douglas J , Williams Keryn A 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine current practices in the prevention and management of corneal allograft rejection in Australia. Methods: A questionnaire was circulated to attendees at the 1998 Eye Bank Meeting in Adelaide. Twenty‐four responses were received and analysed. Results: All respondents used topical corticosteroids for routine prophylaxis and to treat established rejection episodes. Prednisolone acetate was the most frequently prescribed topical corticosteroid. Systemic non‐steroidal immunosuppression was prescribed almost exclusively for high‐risk grafts. Seventy‐five per cent of surgeons used systemic antiviral agents for the treatment of graft rejection in patients with Herpes simplex keratitis. Conclusion: There was a wide variation amongst surgeons in the choice of therapy for routine prophylactic immunosuppression as well as for the treatment of established corneal allograft rejection.
Traumatic intramuscular orbital haemorrhage
Authors: Gock Germaine , Francis Ian C , Mulligan Susan 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTRetrobulbar haemorrhage is an uncommon but well‐ documented complication of retrobulbar anaesthetic blocks in ocular surgery. Peribulbar anaesthesia has been advocated to be equally effective but safer. The incidence of retrobulbar haemorrhage with peribulbar blocks is very low. We report a case in which a peribulbar anaesthetic for cataract surgery resulted in sight‐threatening retrobulbar haemorrhage within the medial rectus muscle and required an anterior orbitotomy and direct decompression of the muscle. The surgery was successful. This case illustrates a potentially serious complication of peribulbar anaesthesia, with the successful outcome achieved by rapid definitive diagnosis and intervention.
Isolated amyloidosis of anterior uvea and trabecular meshwork
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M , Hidayat Ahmed A , Gorevic Peter D 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAmyloid deposition in the iris is rare, scanty and associated with systemic disease. We present a case of isolated localized heavy amyloid infiltration of the iris and describe a new hillock‐pattern feature visualized using scanning electron microscopy.
Ockham’s glaucoma
Authors: Whiting Mark An , Walland Mark J 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe combination of characteristic optic nerve head cupping, arcuate visual field loss and ocular hypertension would usually be thought sufficient to diagnose glaucoma. Only in the absence of elevated intraocular pressure, when normal tension glaucoma may be suspected, would intracranial imaging normally be performed to exclude occult pathology. A case is presented which illustrates the continuing need for vigilance, and an open mind, years after an apparently straightforward diagnosis has been made.
Intraocular pressure before and after cataract surgery in participants of the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project
Authors: Dimitrov Peter N , Mukesh Bickol N , Taylor Hugh R , McCarty Catherine A 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) in a cluster‐stratified random sample of the population of Victoria, Australia. A total of 3271 participants aged 40 years or older were examined at baseline for the Visual Impairment Project. The baseline study (1992–1994) was followed by a 5‐year incidence study. The IOP data were compared between participants who had cataract surgery between the two stages of the study and participants with and without cataract at follow up. The IOP was also compared before and after cataract extraction in glaucoma participants. An eligible 89 non‐glaucoma and 24 glaucoma participants had cataract surgery between the two time points. The analyses showed that IOP increases with age in non‐operated eyes in both glaucoma and non‐glaucoma groups. However, IOP decreased significantly after cataract surgery in eyes with glaucoma but did not change significantly in non‐glaucoma participants.
Neuro‐ophthalmological sequelae of horse‐related accidents
Authors: Fleming P Richard I , Crompton John L , Simpson Donald A 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to highlight the neuro‐ophthalmological dangers associated with horse riding, and working around horses, and the importance of wearing adequate headgear to protect the rider from neuro‐ ophthalmic injuries. It raises the questions of whether the current laws regarding helmet use are satisfactory, and whether helmets currently used are of an adequate standard. Methods: The records over a 20‐year period of one neuro‐ophthalmologist in Adelaide were reviewed producing 22 patients with neuro‐ophthalmological sequelae of head injuries as a result of horse‐related accidents. Results: There were 22 patients (16 female, six male), one of whom was involved in three separate accidents. Of these, seven were professional riders and 15 amateur. In 20 of the 24 accidents, patients were either thrown or fell from the horse. Helmets were worn in 15 of the accidents. All the patients had closed head injuries of varying severity. The most common neuro‐ophthalmological complication found was a fourth‐nerve palsy in 11 patients. Five patients had a significant loss of vision and two of these were severe enough to warrant a blind pension. Conclusions: Horse riding and working around horses constitute an occupation or recreation with inherent dangers. Previous studies have shown that wearing of protective headgear reduces the risk and severity of head injuries, and helmet use should be vigorously promoted. The current laws and practices regarding helmet use are not uniform and seem to be inadequate. The current standard for equestrian safety helmets (AS/NZS 3838:1998) embodies improvements on earlier helmet standards and certainly increases the rider’s chances of surviving a severe impact. Nevertheless, serious brain injuries have occurred in wearers of approved helmets, and further research is desirable to ensure the optimum degree of protection compatible with rider acceptance.
Relationship between age and intraocular pressure: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
Authors: Rochtchina Elena , Mitchell Paul , Wang Jie Jin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the influence of age on intraocular pressure (IOP) in a general population. The Blue Mountains Eye Study assessed 3654 residents aged 49+ years during 1992−1994. Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry. Subjects with glaucoma, those currently on glaucoma medications and those with a history of cataract surgery were excluded. The IOP was reliably measured in 3260 subjects. Mean IOP was 16.0 mmHg with no significant difference found between men and women (P < 0.89).
In univariate analyses, age was positively associated with IOP (P < 0.05).
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was strongly positively associated
with IOP (P < 0.001). After adjusting
for SBP, there was a trend for IOP to decrease with increasing age
(P < 0.051). After further adjusting
for other potential confounders (diabetes, glaucoma family history
and myopia), age was no longer significantly associated with intraocular
pressure (P < 0.29). In summary, no evidence was found of an independent age affect on IOP.
High heritability of myopia does not preclude rapid changes in prevalence
Authors: Rose Kathryn A , Morgan Ian G , Smith Wayne , Mitchell Paul 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe aetiology of myopia is complex, but the major form of myopia results from an interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences. Although there are clear patterns of family inheritance and high heritability values in studies from all over the world, environmental factors are increasingly important in determining myopic outcomes in East Asia, and perhaps elsewhere. This is not paradoxical, as high heritability does not preclude strong environmental influences. The lower heritability values obtained from parent−offspring correlations in populations of East Asian origin where there are marked differences in the environmental exposures (education and urbanization) of parents and children, and where there has been a major shift in the population distribution of myopia, are consistent with this view. Despite the impact of environmental pressures in East Asia, there is evidence that parental myopia influences the position of their offspring within that new population distribution.
Phacoemulsification in filtered chronic angle closure glaucoma eyes
Authors: Khokhar Sudarshan , Sindhu Narottama , Pangtey Mayank S 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Purpose: To report the results of phacoemulsification in eyes with chronic angle closure glaucoma having a functional filtering bleb. Methods: A prospective and non‐comparative study was undertaken in 60 consecutive eyes of 44 patients having a functional filtering bleb for chronic angle closure glaucoma and undergoing cataract surgery. Only those cases who had intraocular pressure ≤ 21 mmHg over the preceding 6 months without any medical therapy following trabeculectomy were included in the study. All patients underwent phaco­emulsification through a superior clear corneal, three‐stepped, 1.5 mm long tunnelled incision and in‐the‐bag intraocular lens implantation. Surgical difficulties, complications, postoperative intraocular pressure and best‐corrected visual acuity were studied and analysed over a follow up of 6 months. Results: Complications seen during the surgery were iris trauma in 11 eyes (18.33%), thermal corneal burn in four (6.6%), corneal oedema in seven (11.66%), vitreous loss in one (1.6%), breach in rhexis in two (3.3%), fibrinoid reaction in one (1.6%) and early increase in intraocular pressure in one (1.6%). Postoperatively, visual acuity improved in all cases. None of the patients had poor vision that could be attributed to the surgical procedures. Difference in intra‐ocular pressure (preoperative 15.37 ± 2.59 mmHg) at all occasions during follow up was found to be statistically insignificant (P > 0.05 using paired t‐test). The central anterior chamber depth was statistically significant (P = 0.002) when preoperative (1.90 ± 1.27 mm) was compared to postoperative at 6 months (2.11 ± 1.27 mm). Conclusion: Phacoemulsification in eyes with a functional filtering bleb for chronic angle closure glaucoma is challenging. However, with slight modifications in technique, it can be accomplished without compromising the functioning of the bleb.
Microstructural analysis of Salzmann's nodular degeneration by in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Ku Judy YF , Grupcheva Christina N , McGhee Charles NJ 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 44‐year‐old man with symptoms of ocular irritation and corneal changes characteristic of Salzmann's nodular degeneration in the left eye was examined using in vivo confocal microscopy. In vivo confocal microscopy highlighted an irregularly shaped basal epithelium with foci of prominent nuclei, and disrupted anterior stromal architecture with increased reflectivity of extracellular matrix within the nodules. These observations were consistent with prior histopathological descriptions of Salzmann's nodular degeneration. In vivo confocal microscopy enhances the clinicopathological assessment of degenerative corneal diseases, such as Salzmann's nodular degeneration, without the need for biopsy.
Orbital dirofilariasis
Authors: Stringfellow Gavin J , Francis Ian C , Coroneo Minas T , Walker John 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDirofilariasis is a parasitic disease of domestic and wild animals that occasionally may present as zoonotic infection in humans. The microfilariae are accidentally transmitted to humans by Culex and Aedes mosquitoes. Ophthalmic infections with Dirofilaria are well documented all over the world, including America, Europe and Australia. The infection may be periorbital, subconjunctival or intraocular. In this report a case is described of orbital dirofilariasis that presented as ptosis and lid swelling. Australian ophthalmologists should consider dirofilariasis as part of the differential diagnosis of orbital swelling and inflammation.
Indocyanine green angiographic interpretation of reticular dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium complicated by choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Zeldovich Alina , Beaumont Paul , Chang Andrew , Kang Kwon 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 37‐year‐old woman presented with flashes in her left eye and bilateral visual distortion. Fundal examination revealed a reticular ‘fishnet’ pattern of retinal pigmentation in both eyes consistent with reticular dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. In the left eye there was a small haemorrhage and a shallow serous macular detachment. Fluorescein angio­graphy demonstrated subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. Indocyanine green angiography (ICG) revealed more extensive involvement than fluorescein angiography, with small areas of intense hyperfluorescence amongst reticular areas of hypofluorescence. These changes, as interpreted in light of the known histopathological localization of ICG, are consistent with varying stages of dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium in this disease.