bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vigabatrin: longterm follow‐up of electrophysiology and visual field examinations
Authors: Hardus Peter , Verduin Willem , Berendschot Tos , Postma Gina , Stilma Jan , Van Veelen Cees 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Background:  To report the results of repeated electrophysiological and visual field examinations in patients with vigabatrin‐associated visual field loss (VGB‐VFL) and the relationship between these electrophysiological findings, the cumulative dose of vigabatrin and the extent of visual field loss. Methods:  Twenty‐two eyes of 11 patients with VGB‐VFL were studied. All patients underwent surgery for therapy‐resistant epilepsy. Repeated electro‐oculograms (EOGs) and flash electroretinograms (ERGs) were made and the cumulative dose of vigabatrin and the visual field loss were recorded after a period of 37–47 months. Results:  The visual field loss was stable in patients who had stopped vigabatrin at the time of the first examination. There was a slight increase in VFL in patients who continued vigabatrin. During the second EOG and ERG, abnormalities in scotopic and photopic a‐wave latencies and in scotopic b‐wave amplitude were found in more than 50% of patients. Only b‐wave latency became normal, while EOG, a‐wave latency, a‐wave amplitude and b‐wave amplitude stayed abnormal. The amount of VFL and the cumulative dose of vigabatrin were statistically correlated with the b‐wave amplitude, mainly photopic, found during the first and second examinations. Conclusion:  After 4 years, EOG, flash ERG and visual field loss had not improved in patients with VGB‐VFL. The statistically significant correlation found during the first examination between the amount of VFL and the cumulative dose of vigabatrin with the (mainly photopic) b‐wave amplitude remained constant.
Corneal fluorescence in relation to genetic and environmental factors: a twin study
Authors: Kessel Line , Hougaard Jesper Leth , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Sander Birgit , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Larsen Michael 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  Corneal fluorescence is believed to be caused by advanced glycation end products formed by non‐enzymatic glycation on corneal proteins. The purpose of the present twin study was to examine whether the process is related to genetic or environmental factors. Methods:  Corneal fluorescence was measured in 59 monozygotic and 54 dizygotic twin pairs. The influences of genetic and environmental factors were estimated using structural equation modelling. Results:  Interindividual variation in corneal fluorescence was attributable to environmental factors, whereas the effect of genetic factors was of little or no significance. Corneal fluorescence correlated significantly with smoking habits (r = 0.38) and the 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test response (r = 0.27), and increased with age (p < 0.0001). Conclusion:  Fluorophore accumulation in the cornea was attributable to age and environmental effects, of which smoking was the most conspicuous identifiable factor, although glucose was also of relevance. However, the greater part of interindividual variation in corneal fluorescence remains unexplained.
Ocular side‐effects in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen and toremifene: a randomized follow‐up study
Authors: Parkkari M. , Paakkala A‐M. , Salminen L. , Holli K. ,   on behalf of the Finnish Breast Cancer Group (FBCG)
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  3Tamoxifen and toremifene are non‐steroidal anti‐oestrogens widely used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer and as adjuvant therapy following surgery in early stage disease. Tamoxifene has also been approved for use in reducing the incidence of breast cancer amongst high risk women. However, certain well documented adverse effects, mainly involving the reproductive organs, have been reported amongst users of both drugs. The aim of this study was to monitor the ocular side‐effects of both of these commonly used anti‐oestrogens. Methods:  Sixty postmenopausal (age range 50–79 years) breast cancer patients were randomized into adjuvant tamoxifen or toremifene therapy groups for 3 years. Prior to commencement of medication, a thorough ocular examination was undertaken. The first follow‐up visit took place after 6 months and the remaining three at 12‐month intervals thereafter. Results:  Sixteen patients had cataract at the first visit (seven in the tamoxifen group and nine in the toremifene group). Ten patients developed cataract during the study period (five in each group), giving annual cataract rates of 6.8% and 6.2% in the tamoxifen and toremifene groups, respectively. Three patients had macular crystals at the first visit (one in the tamoxifen group and two in the toremifene group). The crystals remained stable throughout the follow‐up. Macular drusen were diagnosed in five patients at the first ophthalmological check‐up (two in the tamoxifen and three in the toremifene group). Two patients in the toremifene group developed drusen maculopathy during follow‐up visits. Yellowish spots in the macular area were found in one tamoxifen‐treated patient at the second visit. At the final visit after 3.5 years' follow‐up the spots had disappeared. No abnormal corneal findings or keratopathy were documented during the follow‐up. Conclusion:  We observed no serious ocular side‐effects among the 60 breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen or toremifene over a 3.5‐year period.
Impact of environmental pollution on the eye
Authors: Saxena Rohit , Srivastava Sushma , Trivedi Deepa , Anand Eswaraiah , Joshi Sujata , Gupta Suresh Kumar 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the effect of environmental toxins on the ocular surface in persons travelling through highly polluted areas of the metropolis of Delhi. Methods:  A total of 500 apparently healthy volunteers recruited from the metropolis of Delhi were examined to establish the frequency of ocular surface disorders. All subjects underwent a slit‐lamp examination, tear break‐up time (BUT) test, Rose Bengal test, Schirmer's test and tear lysozyme level test. Results:  Subjects in the study group had significantly higher levels of ophthalmic symptoms compared to the control group. In all, 105 (42%) and 125 (50%) subjects in the study group compared to 50 (20%) and 65 (26%) in the control group complained of redness and irritation (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in visual acuity (VA) between the two groups, with best corrected VA being 6/9 or better in 92% of the study group and 96% of the control group. The average (±standard deviation) Schirmer's test result was 13.42±6.67 mm in the study group compared to 15.95±6.14 mm in the control group. This difference was statistically significant. The BUT was also significantly lower in the study group (12.97±6.12 seconds) compared to the control group (19.23±5.70 seconds) (p < 0.001). The Rose Bengal test and tear lysozyme activity did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion:  According to our study, environmental conditions appear to have a very significant effect on the ocular surface. There were very high levels of subclinical ocular surface changes among persons travelling in highly polluted areas.
Evaluation of retinal haemodynamics and retinal function after application of dorzolamide, timolol and latanoprost in newly diagnosed open‐angle glaucoma patients
Authors: Arend Oliver , Harris Alon , Wolter Pia , Remky Andreas 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  The purpose of this prospective, randomized, cross‐over study was to investigate and compare the microcirculatory effects of timolol, dorzolamide and latanoprost in newly diagnosed primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Haemodynamics were assessed using fluorescein angiography by means of a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Visual function and visual field indices were evaluated during all drug treatment phases. Methods:  Fourteen patients with newly diagnosed POAG (age 55 ± 7 years; 10 male, four female) were recruited for the study. At baseline examination, blood pressure, heart rate, intraocular pressure (IOP), SLO angiograms, and contrast sensitivity (CS) were analysed. Patients then randomly received timolol, dorzolamide or latanoprost treatment for 4 weeks. Patients then returned and all procedures were repeated and assessed. Arteriovenous passage times (AVPs), peripapillary arterial and venous diameters were assessed from SLO angiograms, using digital image processing. Calculated ocular perfusion pressure was determined for each treatment phase. Results:  Intraocular pressure was significantly lowered by each drug compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). Arteriovenous passage times were significantly shortened after dorzolamide application compared to baseline (p = 0.009), whereas neither timolol nor latanoprost treatment resulted in significant AVP changes. Peripapillary arterial and venous diameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and ocular perfusion pressures were not significantly altered during any treatment phase. Contrast sensitivity testing at 6 cycles/degree (c.p.d.) revealed a significant rise after dorzolamide compared to timolol (p = 0.007). Conclusion:  Our results suggest that dorzolamide treatment significantly shortened AVP times in newly diagnosed open‐angle glaucoma patients, whereas timolol and latanoprost had no significant effect. Given that prolonged AVP times have been associated with disease progression in glaucoma; dorzolamide treatment may benefit optic nervehead preservation by increasing ocular perfusion.
Characterization of vigabatrin‐associated optic atrophy
Authors: Frisén Lars , Malmgren Kristina 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Aims:  To report the discovery of a previously unknown form of optic atrophy associated with use of the anti‐epileptic drug vigabatrin. Methods:  We conducted a retrospective analysis of digitally enhanced ocular fundus photographs, kinetic visual field maps and treatment parameters for 25 patients, who were selected to represent a large spectrum of visual field defects. Results:  In all, 21 patients (84%) evidenced subtle, diffuse atrophy of the retinal nerve fibre layer, in a pattern accessible to scoring. Atrophy scores correlated with visual field remains and cumulative vigabatrin doses. A pathophysiological model is proposed that involves the lengths of intraocular (unmyelinated) retinal ganglion cell axons. Conclusion:  Optic atrophy attests to the irreversible nature of vigabatrin's visual toxicity. Ocular fundus imaging should prove useful for objectively monitoring vigabatrin‐treated subjects for visual toxicity.
Trichilemmal carcinoma of the upper eyelid
Authors: Lai Tze Foon , Huilgol Shyamala C. , James Craig L. , Selva Dinesh 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Introduction:  Trichilemmal carcinoma (TLC) is a rare adnexal tumour related to the external hair sheath. We describe the first case of TLC on the upper eyelid to be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. Case Report : A 65‐year‐old man presented with a 2‐month history of a firm 4 mm left upper eyelid nodule. An incisional biopsy revealed an infiltrative, lobulated tumour composed of large, polygonal, clear cells. A diagnosis of trichilemmal carcinoma was made and the patient underwent Mohs micrographic surgery. At follow‐up 2 years later, there was no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion  The pathogenesis of TLC remains unclear, with actinic damage, longterm low dose irradiation and transformation from benign trichilemmoma having been postulated. Trichilemmal carcinomas must be differentiated from other malignant clear cell tumours of the eyelid and the correct diagnosis made promptly as TLC takes an indolent clinical course, in which metastasis is a rare event, despite the tumour's cytologically malignant appearance. We recommend Mohs micrographic surgery as a treatment modality for this tumour, due to its potential for locally aggressive growth and local recurrence.
Macular appearance by means of OCT and electrophysiology in members of two families with different mutations in RDS (the peripherin/RDS gene)
Authors: Schatz Patrik , Abrahamson Magnus , Eksandh Louise , Ponjavic Vesna , Andréasson Sten 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the phenotype using electroretinography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in members of two families with different mutations in RDS. Methods:  DNA was extracted from blood samples and used for mutation screening by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and nucleotide sequencing of RDS exons. Patients were examined with clinical evaluation, full‐field electroretinography (ERG), multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and OCT. Results:  An Arg‐46 → stop codon conversion and a Ser‐125 → Leu substitution were found, respectively, in affected members of the two families. Phenotypes included retinitis pigmentosa, central areolar choroidal dystrophy, macular dystrophy and adult vitelliform maculopathy. The vitelliform lesion was clearly delineated on OCT, but mfERG showed preserved function. Optical coherence tomography showed attenuation of retinal reflectivity in two cases. Conclusion:  By combining traditional investigations with mfERG and OCT, we were able to obtain a more refined evaluation of contributing macular and generalized retinal dysfunction, respectively, in patients with hereditary retinal disease.
Five‐year risk of progression of primary angle closure to primary angle closure glaucoma: a population‐based study
Authors: Thomas Ravi , Parikh Rajul , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Kumar Rajesh S. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Objective:  To report the 5‐year progression to primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) in a population‐based cohort of primary angle closure (PAC) subjects. Methods:  A total of 37 patients diagnosed as PAC during a population‐based study in 1995 were invited for re‐examination in 2000. Patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including ocular biometry. Progression to PACG was based on optic disc damage and field defects on automated perimetry. Results:  In all, 28 of 32 PAC subjects who could be contacted presented for examination. Eight (28.5%; 95% CI 12–45%) had progressed to PACG; two of seven with appositional and six of 21 with synechial closure. All were advised laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in 1995; one of the nine who underwent LPI progressed compared to seven of 19 who refused LPI. Four of those originally diagnosed with appositional closure developed peripheral anterior synechiae. One eye of a person previously diagnosed with appositional PAC was reclassified as a primary angle closure suspect (PACS). There was no significant difference in biometric parameters between those who progressed and those who did not. None developed acute PACG or blindness due to glaucoma. Conclusion:  In this population‐based study of primary angle closure, the 5‐year incidence of PACG was eight patients (28.5%; 95% CI 12–45%). We were unable to identify any features that predicted progression.
Prophylactic laser treatment in early age‐related maculopathy: an 8‐year follow‐up in a randomized pilot study shows a reduced incidence of exudative complications
Authors: Frennesson Christina I. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the effect of mild laser treatment on the incidence of exudative complications in patients with soft drusen maculopathy in a longterm perspective. Methods:  In a prospective study, 38 patients with early age‐related maculopathy and good visual acuity (VA) were randomized either to laser treatment using an argon green laser or to observation. At 8 years, 29 patients remained in the study, 16 in the control group and 13 in the treatment group. Results:  During follow‐up, mean VA decreased significantly in both groups, to 0.53 in the treatment group (p < 0.05) and to 0.25 in the control group (p < 0.001). At 8 years, 9/16 in the control group showed exudative complications, whereas only 2/13 in the treatment group developed such changes (p < 0.03). Conclusion:  In this randomized pilot study, mild laser treatment of soft drusen maculopathy significantly reduced the rate of exudative complications in a longterm perspective. As the study is small, the results should be viewed with caution.
The mystery of myopia
Authors: Goldschmidt Ernst 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Published data from all parts of the world show that myopia is rare before school age, gradually increases during school life and reaches its highest level of prevalence during the years of most intense study at university. It is widely held that continuous reading harms the eyes, but none of the attempts made so far to reduce accommodative fatigue by introducing pauses during reading and teaching, eye exercises, etc. have been successful in reducing the number of children who develop myopia. However, we should not exclude the possibility that the introduction into schools of better tables, better lighting, more breaks and more sport has not only benefited the general health of children, mentally as well as physically, but has also decreased the development and progression of myopia. More research in this area is needed, but relevant protocols are difficult to establish. The aetiology of myopia is multifactorial and both genes and environment play important roles. Twin studies indicate a strong genetic influence and a weak environmental impact, while extreme myopia prevalences among selected population groups (university students) point to the opposite.
Healing and prognosis of teeth with intra‐alveolar fractures involving the cervical part of the root
Authors: Cvek Miomir , Mejàre Ingegerd , Andreasen Jens Ove 
Published: September 2003

AbstractHealing and long‐term prognosis of 94 cervical root fractures were evaluated. The teeth were divided into two groups according to type of fracture: transverse fractures limited to the cervical third of the root (51 incisors) and oblique fractures involving both the cervical and middle parts of the root (43 incisors). Neither the frequency nor the type of fracture healing differed significantly between the two groups. In the material as a whole, healing of the fracture with hard tissue formation was observed in 17 teeth (18%), and healing with interposition of periodontal ligament (PDL) and, in some cases, hard tissue between the fragments in 62 teeth (66%). Fifteen teeth (16%) showed no healing and a radiolucency adjacent to the fracture. Statistical analyses revealed that incomplete root formation and a positive sensibility test at the time of injury were significantly related to both healing and hard tissue repair. The same applied to concussion or subluxation compared with dislocation of coronal fragment, as well as optimal compared with suboptimal reposition of displaced coronal fragments. The type and duration of splinting (or no splinting) appeared to be of no significance for frequency or type of healing of cervical root fractures. During the observation time (mean = 75 months), 19 (44%) of the teeth with transverse fractures and 3 (8%) of those with oblique fractures were lost after healing. In conclusion, fractures in the cervical part of the root had a healing potential and the predictive parameters identified for fractures in other parts of the root seemed to be valid for the healing of cervical root fractures. Transverse fractures appeared to have a significantly poorer long‐term prognosis compared to oblique fractures, apparently due to a marked post‐treatment mobility, which often led to new luxation caused by even minor impacts.
Use of a removable splint in the treatment of subluxated, luxated and root fractured anterior permanent teeth in children
Authors: Qin Man , Ge Lihong , Bai Reichun 
Published: September 2003

Abstract –Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of subluxated, luxated and root fractured teeth in children treated by removable splints, designed to stabilize mobile anterior teeth and eliminate occlusal trauma due to malocclusion.Material and methods: A total of 227 traumatized anterior teeth (91 subluxated, 105 luxated and 31 root fractured teeth) treated with a removable splint were observed for 3 years. The traumatized teeth were from 79 children aged between 6–12 years (mean 8 years 5 months). If a traumatized tooth was extremely mobile, a fixed splint was first made before the impression was taken for the removable splint. Two weeks after completion of the removable splint treatment, an impression was taken again to evaluate the occlusal relationship of pre‐ versus post‐treatment of removable splint.Results: The treatment period with a removable splint averaged 3 weeks in subluxated teeth, 3–5 weeks in luxated teeth, 4–6 weeks in apical third root fracture injuries, and more than 5 weeks in middle third root fracture injuries. All the subluxated teeth and 74.1% of the luxated teeth maintained their pulp vitality during the 3‐year follow‐up period. Two of 21 (9.5%) apical third root fracture teeth and three of five (60%) middle third root fracture teeth had pulp necrosis in the coronal fragments. Internal resorption was not found in any of the traumatized teeth. External replacement resorption was not found in subluxated and luxated teeth. All the root fractured teeth displayed transient external resorption around the fracture lines. The surface resorption appeared to be self‐limiting and not to threaten the retention of the tooth. Inflammatory resorption was observed in teeth with pulp necrosis, but in all cases this was reversed with endodontic treatment. Eight of 23 (39%) apical third root fractured teeth displayed replacement resorption in their apical fragments, but the resorption was not serious enough to extract the tooth. No obvious alteration in the occlusal relationship was found comparing pre‐ and post‐treatment casts. The removable splints appeared to positively affect healing after traumatic injuries, as evidenced by the low number of complications at the 3‐year follow‐up period.