bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of juvenile X‐linked retinoschisis
Authors: Eriksson Urban , Larsson Eva , Holmström Gerd 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of X‐linked retinoschisis.Methods:  We report three boys aged between 8 and 17 years, diagnosed with X‐linked retinoschisis. During investigations they were examined with OCT (Zeiss Humphrey OCT 1, upgraded version). Single scans of the central posterior pole and the region around the vascular arcades were obtained. Two of the boys underwent full‐field ERG according to ISCEV standards. Genetic analysis was performed in all three boys, with sequencing of the XLRS gene.Results:  The OCT results revealed a pattern with a cleavage of the retina in two distinct planes, one deep (outer retina) and one superficial. This was very obvious in one patient and a similar but not as pronounced pattern was seen in the other two cases. The two layers were superficially connected with thin‐walled, vertical palisades, separated by low reflective, cystoid spaces, confluent and most prominent in the foveal region.Conclusion:  Full‐field ERG and/or DNA analysis are well known methods used for diagnosis of X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis. In this paper, we suggest that OCT can also be a helpful diagnostic tool.
Efficacy of early systemic betamethasone or cyclosporin A after corneal alkali injury via inflammatory cytokine reduction
Authors: Den Seika , Sotozono Chie , Kinoshita Shigeru , Ikeda Tsunehiko 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effects of early systemic administration of betamethasone or cyclosporin A (CsA) on inflammatory cytokine expression and corneal damage after alkali injury.Methods:  Sixty‐five Wistar rat corneas injured with 1N NaOH were divided into three groups: untreated, betamethasone‐treated and CsA‐treated. Both agents were administered systemically and daily during the first 7 days after injury. Interleukin (IL)‐1α, ‐6 and ‐8 concentrations in the injured corneas were measured with ELISA at 2, 4 and 7 days after injury. Corneal damage was evaluated by scoring clinical findings.Results:  In untreated injured corneas, IL‐1α, ‐6 and ‐8 were markedly elevated during the 7‐day period following injury. Both betamethasone and CsA significantly suppressed IL‐1α and IL‐8 at day 4. Only betamethasone significantly suppressed IL‐6 at days 4 and 7. Both agents significantly reduced corneal opacity at day 4.Conclusion:  Early systemic administration of betamethasone or CsA after alkali injury may be of benefit by suppressing inflammatory cytokine expression in the cornea.
Biglycan gene expression in UVR‐exposed rabbit corneas
Authors: Podskochy Alexander , Koulikovska Marina , Fagerholm Per , Van Der Ploeg Ingeborg 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose: It is known that stromal proteoglycans play an important role in the hydration and transparency of the mammalian cornea. Proteoglycans have been described as a pathological deposit in climatic proteoglycan stromal keratopathy, which is associated with chronic ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. The expression of dermatan sulfate proteoglycan biglycan in the cornea was thus studied after exposure of rabbit eyes to UVR.Methods: New Zealand albino rabbit corneas were exposed to UVR at 310 nm at the dose producing biomicroscopically significant keratitis (0.47 J/cm2). Animals were killed 3, 7 and 28 days after exposure (five rabbits in each group). Five rabbits were used as controls and did not receive any UVR treatment. Expression of biglycan mRNA in the corneas was investigated by competitive reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results: There was no expression of biglycan mRNA in the control group. In the UVR‐exposed groups, biglycan mRNA had still not been expressed 3 days after exposure. The expression of biglycan mRNA was observed in all UVR‐treated corneas 7 days after exposure (p < 0.05). By 28 days after UVR exposure the expression of biglycan mRNA had decreased (not statistically significant).Conclusions: There is no detectable biglycan gene expression in the normal rabbit cornea. Ultraviolet radiation exposure leads to a distinct expression of biglycan mRNA in the rabbit cornea that decreases 4 weeks after exposure, indicating the involvement of biglycan in the corneal repair process. Biglycan appears to be a novel marker of corneal wound healing.
Evaluation of visual impairment in Usher syndrome 1b and Usher syndrome 2a
Authors: Pennings Ronald J. E. , Huygen Patrick L. M. , Orten Dana J. , Wagenaar Mariette , Van Aarem Annelies , Kremer Hannie , Kimberling William J. , Cremers Cor W. R. J. , Deutman August F. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate visual impairment in Usher syndrome 1b (USH1b) and Usher syndrome 2a (USH2a).Methods:  We carried out a retrospective study of 19 USH1b patients and 40 USH2a patients. Cross‐sectional regression analyses of the functional acuity score (FAS), functional field score (FFS) and functional vision score (FVS) related to age were performed. Statistical tests relating to regression lines and Student's t‐test were used to compare between (sub)groups of patients. Parts of the available individual longitudinal data were used to obtain individual estimates of progressive deterioration and compare these to those obtained with cross‐sectional analysis. Results were compared between subgroups of USH2a patients pertaining to combinations of different types of mutations.Results:  Cross‐sectional analyses revealed significant deterioration of the FAS (0.7% per year), FFS (1.0% per year) and FVS (1.5% per year) with advancing age in both patient groups, without a significant difference between the USH1b and USH2a patients. Individual estimates of the deterioration rates were substantially and significantly higher than the cross‐sectional estimates in some USH2a cases, including values of about 5% per year (or even higher) for the FAS (age 35−50 years), 3−4% per year for the FFS and 4−5% per year for the FVS (age > 20 years). There was no difference in functional vision score behaviour detected between subgroups of patients pertaining to different biallelic combinations of specific types of mutations.Conclusions:  The FAS, FFS and FVS deteriorated significantly by 0.7−1.5% per year according to cross‐sectional linear regression analysis in both USH1b and USH2a patients. Higher deterioration rates (3−5% per year) in any of these scores were attained, according to longitudinal data collected from individual USH2a patients. Score behaviour was similar across the patient groups and across different biallelic combinations of various types of mutations. However, more elaborate studies, preferably covering longitudinal data, are needed to obtain conclusive evidence.
Assessment of chamber angle pigmentation during longterm latanoprost treatment for open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Nakamura Yuko , Nakamura Yoshimi , Morine‐Shinjo Sayo , Sakai Hiroshi , Sawaguchi Shoichi 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  This study aimed to determine whether the longterm use of latanoprost is associated with an increase in trabecular pigmentation, especially in subjects in whom iris pigmentation has increased.Methods:  We enrolled 50 subjects for whom treatment was to start for ocular hypertension, primary open‐angle glaucoma or normal tension glaucoma. All subjects received latanoprost 0.005% daily. Trabecular pigmentation was documented using gonioscopic photography of the inferior quadrant at baseline, every 3 months for the first year and every 6 months for the second and third years. Three glaucoma specialists evaluated the series of gonioscopic photographs for each eye of each subject in a masked fashion. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was also recorded at each visit.Results:  A total of 41 subjects (79 eyes) completed 3 years of follow‐up, and none showed any increase in the grade of trabecular pigmentation, including 10 subjects (20 eyes) in whom the iridial pigment increased.Conclusion:  Although latanoprost increased iridial pigmentation in some subjects, we found no evidence of an increase in trabecular pigmentation over the 3 years of follow‐up.
Acupuncture treatment in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca: a pilot study
Authors: Grönlund Marita Andersson , Stenevi Ulf , Lundeberg Thomas 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Aim:  To evaluate the effects of acupuncture in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Material and Methods:  Twenty‐five patients (20 women, five men) with KCS were randomly assigned to an acupuncture treatment group or a control group. The effects of acupuncture were evaluated by a questionnaire on symptoms, visual analogue scale recordings, registration of drop frequency, and dry eye tests. Ten acupuncture sessions were given. Follow‐up was carried out after 2–3 weeks and again after a mean period of 8 months. Results:  Patients receiving acupuncture felt better at the first follow‐up compared with the control group (p = 0.036). However, no statistical significance could be found concerning any change, or difference, in the total number of subjective symptoms, dosage frequency or, as indicated by the dry eye tests, tear quality, tear secretion and ocular surface disease. Conclusion:  The results indicate that acupuncture has subjective beneficial effects in patients with KCS and could therefore be tried as a complement to ordinary treatment.
Self‐tonometry with the Ocuton S: evaluation of accuracy in glaucoma patients
Authors: Sacu Stefan , Vass Clemens , Schemper Michael , Rainer Georg 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Background:  To compare two methods of measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and to evaluate whether repeated measurements taken with the Ocuton S applanation self‐tonometer can improve reliability. Methods:  Ocuton S and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), and corneal thickness measurements taken with the Orbscan topography system, were successfully performed in 64 of 68 glaucoma patients. Results:  The median IOPs were 15.5 mmHg using GAT, and 16 mmHg using the first self‐taken Ocuton S measurement (n = 64). The differences between the median of the GAT measurements and the first Ocuton S measurement, and the medians of the three and six separate Ocuton S measurements were within 3 mmHg in 52%, 59% and 67% of cases, respectively. The mean corneal thickness of all evaluated eyes was 545.3 µm. There was no effect of corneal thickness on the accuracy of either of the two devices (p > 0.05). Conclusion:  Repeated measurements can improve the reliability of the Ocuton S. However, even with repeated measurements only every second patient succeeds in obtaining reliable measurements.
Rosacea lymphoedema of the eyelid
Authors: Lai Tze Foon , Leibovitch Igal , James Craig , Huilgol Shyamala C. , Selva Dinesh 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To present a patient with rosacea lymphoedema of one upper eyelid resulting in unilateral complete ptosis. Methods:  A 51‐year‐old white man presented with a 12‐month history of progressive painless swelling of the left upper eyelid. An incisional biopsy of the upper eyelid was performed. Results:  The biopsy showed dermal oedema with lymphangiectasia and telangiectasia, accompanied by a mild to moderate mixed chronic inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, histiocytes, plasma cells and rare eosinophils. Stains for fungi and mycobacteria were negative. The lack of lichenoid reaction, dermal mucin or lip swelling indicated a lymphoedematous manifestation of rosacea. The patient was treated with minocycline and prednisolone with no effect. Conclusion:  Rosacea lymphoedema involving the eyelid, as in our case, is a rare complication and can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the ophthalmologist.
Screening for diabetic retinopathy using a digital non‐mydriatic camera compared with standard 35‐mm stereo colour transparencies
Authors: Hansen Anja B. , Sander Birgit , Larsen Michael , Kleener Jørgen , Borch‐Johnsen Knut , Klein Ronald , Lund‐Andersen Henrik 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the use of a digital non‐mydriatic camera for determining the ETDRS clinical level of diabetic retinopathy, and to evaluate its use in a screening setting to appropriately determine the need for referral to an ophthalmologist (ETDRS level ≥ 35). Methods:  A total of 83 patients with diabetes were photographed with and without pharmacological pupil dilation at an ophthalmology department using a digital non‐mydriatic camera, obtaining two sets of five non‐stereoscopic, 45 degree field images of each eye. ETDRS seven standard field, 35‐mm stereoscopic colour fundus photographs were also obtained. A subgroup of 59 patients was photographed at an optician's shop using the digital non‐mydriatic camera without pupil dilation. Results:  There was substantial agreement between the clinical level of diabetic retinopathy assessed from the 35‐mm photographs and the digital images: the ophthalmology department (κ = 0.76) with pupil dilation and (κ = 0.66) without pupil dilation, respectively, and at the optician's (κ = 0.60 without pupil dilation). With respect to the need for referral to an ophthalmologist, there was almost perfect agreement in the ophthalmology department (κ = 0.88) with pupil dilation and (κ = 0.84) without pupil dilation, respectively, and those taken at the optician's (κ = 0.87 without pupil dilation). Conclusion:  A digital non‐mydriatic camera may be used in a screening situation to appropriately determine the need for referral to an ophthalmologist (ETDRS level ≥ 35).
Neuro‐ophthalmological findings in sarcoidosis
Authors: Heuser Kjell , Kerty Emilia 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  This review emphasizes the importance of neuro‐ophthalmological signs and symptoms in sarcoidosis. The presence of ophthalmological and neuro‐ophthalmological findings may lead to diagnosis of the disease and the initiation of adequate treatment. Material and Methods:  Patients who had been diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis during the period 1990 − 2001 were identified from the departmental diagnostic index. The history, clinical, laboratory and imaging data of patients were analysed. Results:  Fifteen patients were identified, four men and 11 women, with a mean age of 44.1 years (range 26–65 years). In six of the 15 (40%), neurological deficits were the initial symptoms. Nine (60%) had known sarcoidosis at the time of presentation. Ten patients (66%) had ophthalmological/neuro‐ophthalmological symptoms and signs. Conclusion:  Neuro‐ophthalmological symptoms may develop early in neurosarcoidosis. If neuro‐ophthalmological symptoms arise in patients with established biopsy‐proven sarcoidosis, the diagnosis is usually easy to make. However, a number of patients with neurosarcoidosis may present with neuro‐ophthalmic symptoms before systemic involvement becomes obvious. In this situation the diagnosis is challenging, and the major goal is to establish the presence of systemic sarcoidosis.
Diabetic retinopathy screening using digital non‐mydriatic fundus photography and automated image analysis
Authors: Hansen Anja B. , Hartvig Niels V. , Jensen Maja S. , Borch‐Johnsen Knut , Lund‐Andersen Henrik , Larsen Michael 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the use of automated image analysis for the detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in fundus photographs captured with and without pharmacological pupil dilation using a digital non‐mydriatic camera. Methods:  A total of 83 patients (165 eyes) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, representing the full spectrum of DR, were photographed with and without pharmacological pupil dilation using a digital non‐mydriatic camera. Two sets of five overlapping, non‐stereoscopic, 45‐degree field images of each eye were obtained. All images were graded in a masked fashion by two readers according to ETDRS standards and disagreements were settled by an independent adjudicator. Automated detection of red lesions as well as image quality control was made: detection of a single red lesion or insufficient image quality was categorized as possible DR. Results:  At patient level, the automated red lesion detection and image quality control combined demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.9% and specificity of 85.7% in detecting DR when used on images captured without pupil dilation, and a sensitivity of 97.0% and specificity of 75.0% when used on images captured with pupil dilation. For moderate non‐proliferative or more severe DR the sensitivity was 100% for images captured both with and without pupil dilation. Conclusion:  Our results demonstrate that the described automated image analysis system, which detects the presence or absence of DR, can be used as a first‐step screening tool in DR screening with considerable effectiveness.
Screening for diabetic retinopathy in Denmark: the current status
Authors: Hansen Anja Bech , Andersen Mads Varis Nis 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the current status of screening for diabetic retinopathy in Denmark, focussing on organization, methods of screening and regional differences. Methods:  A questionnaire was sent out in 2002 to 14 departments of ophthalmology and one ophthalmology practice, covering all 15 counties in Denmark. Results:  Six counties reported having systematic screening, defined as organized screening, including a database; three reported having plans for systematic screening; two reported having undetermined plans for systematic screening and four reported having no plans for systematic screening. In counties with systematic screening, both the organization and the method of screening varied. Conclusion:  Approximately 43% of Danish patients with diabetes currently live in a county without systematic screening for diabetic retinopathy. Should all counties contemplating systematic screening implement their plans, this proportion will be reduced to approximately 17%.
Full‐field ERG, multifocal ERG and multifocal VEP in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and residual central visual fields
Authors: Gränse Lotta , Ponjavic Vesna , Andréasson Sten 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate (with three different electrophysiological methods) the residual retinal function in a selected group of patients with retinitis pigmentosa and remaining small central visual fields. Methods:  Fourteen patients from several different genetic subgroups, who had been followed with visual acuity and visual field testing for periods up to 32 years, were examined. Ophthalmological examination included full‐field electroretinography (ERG), multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP). Results:  The ERGs were severely reduced in all patients. The mfERGs demonstrated the residual central retinal function in five of the patients. The mfVEPs showed measurable amplitudes centrally in most of the patients. The follow‐up examinations demonstrated the slowly progressive course of the disease with preservation or only slight further loss of visual fields over a period of 7–32 years. Conclusion:  Patients with retinitis pigmentosa may not always follow the typical natural course with progressive loss of visual fields, which may in some patients remain unaffected over several decades. Multifocal ERG and mfVEP may be clinically useful for evaluating remaining visual function in these patients.
Encouraging results of photodynamic therapy with Visudyne in a clinical patient material of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Frennesson Christina I. , Nilsson Sven Erik G. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Swedish patient material with smaller lesions than those investigated in the TAP (Treatment of Age‐related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy) and VIP (Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy) Studies. Methods:  Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was performed according to the results and recommendations of the TAP and VIP Studies. The patients were followed up for 12 months and retreatment was performed every 12 weeks when leakage from CNV was present. Of the 100 eyes in the first 100 patients with a follow‐up period of 12 months, 59% had a predominantly classic lesion, 36% had an occult‐only lesion and 5% had a minimally classic lesion. The greatest linear dimension (GLD) was ≤3 MPS (Macular Photocoagulation Study) disc diameters (DD) in 73%, 39% and 20% of lesions, respectively, for the three groups. The actual lesion area was ≤3 MPS disc areas (DA) in 85%, 50% and 40% of lesions, respectively. There was a positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the duration of symptoms and GLD, as well as between the duration of symptoms and the lesion area (p < 0.02). Results:  At 12 months, visual acuity had remained stable or increased by ≥3 lines (ETDRS) in 61% of patients with predominantly classic lesions, in 61% of patients with occult‐only lesions and in 60% of patients with minimally classic lesions. Leakage had stopped after 2.9 ± 0.9 treatments in 77% of the total group of patients. Conclusion:  The visual outcome was comparable to those of the TAP and VIP Studies (p > 0.3). Regarding the effect on leakage, however, our results are far better than those of the TAP and VIP Studies. The proportion of patients in which leakage had stopped was almost three times that of the TAP (27%) and VIP (26%) Studies. It seems likely that this difference was caused by the fact that the lesions in our study were much smaller, on average, than those in the TAP and VIP Studies.
Epithelial ingrowth after LASIK treatment with scraping and phototherapeutic keratectomy
Authors: Fagerholm Per , Molander Nils , Podskochy Alexander , Sundelin Staffan 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effect of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in combination with manual scraping when removing epithelial ingrowth under a LASIK flap. Material and Methods:  Three patients, who had undergone several surgeries following LASIK in order to remove epithelial ingrowth that was threatening vision, were treated with a flap lift, manual abrasion and PTK. The PTK was performed on both the stromal and the flap side with the aim of eliminating the threat and improving vision. Two patients underwent primary surgery to remove epithelial ingrowth with manual abrasion and PTK. The influence on vision, topography and cell recurrences was evaluated. Results:  Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improved in four cases and remained good in the fifth case. The refraction did not change significantly. Topography disclosed changes in the irregular astigmatism, explaining the improved BSCVA. Central epithelial ingrowth did not recur, whereas peripheral ingrowth did. The peripheral ingrowth did not progress, except in case 1, where a cyst formed that required surgery. Conclusions:  It is our belief that adding PTK to manual scraping improves the prognosis for eyes with epithelial ingrowth. It is mainly the central ingrowth that is positively affected. Improved adhesion between the stroma and the flap is one possible explanation.