bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep sclerectomy in patients with capsular glaucoma
Authors: Drolsum Liv 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the results of deep sclerectomy in capsular glaucoma (CG) with those in primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods:  This consecutive, prospective study comprised 24 CG patients (28 eyes) and 25 POAG patients (29 eyes) who underwent deep sclerectomy. Two different implants were used: either an absorbable collagen implant (Aqua‐Flow®) or a non‐absorbable hydrophilic acrylic implant (T‐Flux®). The number of glaucoma medications, intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications were compared postoperatively. The definition of complete success was IOP below 19 mmHg without therapy. Results:  After a mean follow‐up of 19.9 ± 10.9 months (range 6–36 months) in the CG group and 16.2 ± 10.0 months (range 6–36 months) in the POAG group, complete success was seen in 60.7% and in 37.9% of eyes, respectively (p = 0.085). After adjustments for disparities in baseline characteristics, survival analysis demonstrated that success rates were better over time in CG eyes than in POAG eyes (p = 0.038). At all time‐points, except at 24 months, the IOP was lower in the CG group than in the POAG group. This difference was statistically significant at 1 week (p = 0.050) and 3 months (p = 0.006). At 18 months, the mean decrease in number of medications was 77.3% in the CG group and 65.9% in the POAG group (not statistically significant). Levelled hyphema occurred more frequently in CG eyes (35.7%) than in POAG eyes (13.8%). Conclusion:  Capsular glaucoma patients had significantly higher success rates over time than POAG patients following deep sclerectomy with implant.
Consideration of the posterior corneal curvature for assessment of corneal power after myopic LASIK
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Torres Francia , Behrens Ashley , Suarez Enrique , Haigis Wolfgang , Seitz Berthold 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effect of a separate measurement of the anterior and posterior corneal surface to calculate the total refractive power of the cornea after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Methods:  A total of 39 eyes of 21 patients (aged 33 ± 9 years) were included in this prospective, non‐randomized, comparative study. These involved 19 myopic corrections (− 3.5 ± 1.6 dioptres) and 23 refractive corrections of myopic astigmatism (sphere: − 3.7 ± 1.6 D, cylinder: − 1.2 ± 0.4 D). All procedures were accomplished with the Keratom II®. Coherent‐Schwind excimer laser and the Moria Model One® microkeratome (150 µm head) at the Medical Education Centre, La Trinidad, Caracas, Venezuela. Subjective refractometry, Bausch & Lomb® keratometry and Orbscan® slit‐scanning corneal topography analysis were performed before and 3 months after LASIK. Corneal power was assessed directly using keratometry (K1) and Orbscan videokeratography (T1). Corneal power was calculated using the preoperative keratometric (K2, ‘gold standard’, clinical history method) or topographic power (T2, clinical history method) and spherical equivalent change. A composite value was derived from the Orbscan anterior and posterior surface power and central pachymetry (T3).Results:  Three months postoperatively, corneal power ranged in a descending order from T1 (42.33 ± 1.78 D), K1 (40.82 ± 2.20 D), K2 (40.42 ± 2.36 D), T2 (40.03 ± 2.51 D) to T3 (38.78 ± 2.23 D). On average, T1 exceeded the gold standard by 1.9 D and the gold standard exceeded T3 by 1.6 D. K2, T1, T2 and T3 correlated significantly with K1 (r = 0.975, p < 0.001; r = 0.909, p < 0.001; r = 0.963, p < 0.001; r = 0.853, p < 0.001, respectively). The differences T1−K2 (r = − 0.699, p < 0.001) and T3−K2 (r = − 0.499, p = 0.001) correlated highly inversely and K1−K2 correlated borderline inversely (r = − 0.325, p = 0.043) with the intended refractive correction.Conclusion:  After myopic LASIK, refractive corneal power is overestimated by direct keratometric and especially videokeratoscopic measurements. The higher the intended refractive correction, the greater is this error. A separate measurement of both refractive surfaces of the cornea tends to underestimate but may enhance accuracy of the total refractive corneal power if the history of the patient is unknown.
Telangiectasis as a cause of intra‐schitic haemorrhage in optic disc pit maculopathy
Authors: Quinn Shauna M. , Charles Stephen J. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To present a patient with the novel finding of vascular telangiectasis as a cause of intra‐schitic haemorrhage, occurring in optic disc pit‐associated maculopathy.Methods:  A clinical history was detailed. Clinical examination included visual acuity assessment and slit‐lamp microscopy. Fluorescein angiography was performed.Results:  A temporal optic disc pit, macular retinoschisis and a circumscribed detachment of the outer retinal layer and inner leaf holes were noted. A retinal haemorrhage extending into the schitic cavity was present, along with an associated vitreous haemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography showed telangiectatic vessels in association with the haemorrhage.Conclusion:  This is the first reported case of vascular telangiectasis as a cause of intra‐schitic haemorrhage occurring in optic disc pit‐associated maculopathy.
Features of the development of a welfare system for visually disabled people in Denmark
Authors: Ry Andersen Sigurd 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose: To describe the development of a formal system of welfare for blind and partially sighted people in Denmark.Methods: The principal laws in Denmark relating to a formal system of welfare for blind and partially sighted people are noted and commented on. No such collection of laws has been found in the literature. The history of aid to visually disabled people in Denmark is described, as are the Danish classifications of visual impairment.Development: Formalized welfare for blind and partially sighted people was started in Denmark in 1811, as a private initiative by the Kjæde Order. Later, the Danish state took over responsibility, and in 1858 the Royal Danish Institute for the Blind was established. Since then a series of laws concerning welfare for blind and partially sighted people have been issued in accordance with economic and social development in Denmark. In 1858 the Braille writing system for blind people was introduced. The Danish Association of the Blind was founded in 1911 and has profoundly influenced subsequent legislation. During the last 10 years, several visual centres have been established. Since 1968 prevention of blindness has also played a prominent role in Denmark.Conclusion: Great steps have been taken towards improving the welfare of blind and partially sighted people. However, being blind is still very difficult. Modern technologies and hectic lifestyles have created new problems for blind people. The obligations of the Danish state towards visually disabled people have, therefore, increased in recent years.
Dry eye syndrome in thyroid‐associated ophthalmo‐ pathy: lacrimal expression of TSH receptor suggests involvement of TSHR‐specific autoantibodies
Authors: Eckstein Anja K. , Finkenrath Andreas , Heiligenhaus Arnd , Renzing‐Köhler Katrin , Esser Joachim , Krüger Carsten , Quadbeck Beate , Steuhl Klaus‐Peter , Gieseler Robert K. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  We evaluated the relationship between ocular surface damage, elevated lid aperture/impaired Bell's phenomenon and reduced tear production in thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Suspecting a possible role of autoantibodies specific for TSH receptor (TSHR), we further investigated TSHR expression in the healthy lacrimal gland (LG). Methods:  A total of 48 patients with active TAO and 26 controls were examined for basal tear secretion, Rose Bengal and fluorescein staining, impression cytology (IPC), break‐up time (BUT), and blinking (lid width, lid closure, ocular surface, upward excursion). Healthy LGs were investigated immunohistochemically for expression of TSHR. Results:  Thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy patients showed significant ocular surface damage (Rose Bengal staining score: TAO: 2.0 [0–5] versus controls: 0 [0–0.4]; IPC score: TAO 3.0 [0–8] versus controls: 0 [0–1], and BUT: TAO: 3.0 seconds [0–9 seconds] versus controls: 19.5 seconds [13–35.4 seconds]), and significantly reduced tear secretion (TAO: 10 mm [3–20 mm] versus controls: 17 mm [10–27 mm]). Ocular surface damage correlated significantly with tear secretion (r = − 0.35) but not significantly with mechanical alterations (impaired upgaze [r = − 0.34] and ocular surface increase [r = 0.32]). We firstly demonstrate that lacrimal acinar cells physiologically express TSHR. Conclusions:  As ocular surface damage in TAO significantly correlates with reduced tear production, LG impairment appears to be a major cause of ocular surface drying. Intriguingly, physiological expression of TSHR by LG suggests that, in thyroid disease, autoantibodies may bind to lacrimal TSHR and, perhaps via aberrant signal transduction, contribute to LG impairment and, hence, dry eye syndrome.
Comparison of colour Doppler imaging and retinal scanning laser fluorescein angiography in healthy volunteers and normal pressure glaucoma patients
Authors: Huber K. , Plange N. , Remky A. , Arend O. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To correlate retinal circulatory measurements using scanning laser fluorescein angiography and flow velocities of retrobulbar vessels measured by means of colour Doppler imaging. Methods:  Fifteen patients with normal pressure glaucoma (NPG) and 15 healthy volunteers underwent colour Doppler imaging and fluorescein angiographic studies. Peak systolic velocities (PSVs), end‐diastolic velocities (EDVs) and resistive indices (RIs) of the ophthalmic artery (OA) and central retinal artery were obtained. In the fluorescein angiograms arteriovenous passage time (AVP) was quantified by means of digital dye dilution curve analysis. Results:  Arteriovenous passage time was significantly prolonged in NPG patients compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.0026). In the central retinal artery PSV (p = 0.023) and EDV (p < 0.0001) were significantly decreased and RI was increased (p < 0.0001) in patients with NPG. The EDV of the central retinal artery showed a significant correlation with AVP (EDV: r = − 0.53, p = 0.0023). The RI of the central retinal artery correlated significantly to AVP (RI: r = 0.63, p < 0.0001). The AVP did not correlate to EDV or PSV, nor to the RI measured in the ophthalmic artery. Conclusion:  Arteriovenous passage time, which represents blood flow in a vascular segment of artery, capillary bed and corresponding vein, was found to be correlated to the EDV and the RI of the central retinal artery. The combination of different techniques allows further interpretation of ocular circulatory responses.
Pupil size and night vision disturbances after LASIK for myopia
Authors: Helgesen Andreas , Hjortdal Jesper , Ehlers Niels 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine whether standardized, preoperative evaluation of pupil sizes can predict the risk of night vision visual disturbances after bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. Methods:  A prospective study was carried out involving 46 patients who underwent bilateral LASIK for myopia. Pupil sizes were measured before surgery using an infrared pupillometer under standardized settings. Pre‐ and postoperative refraction and best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) were registered. At the 3‐month follow‐up visit, the patients completed a questionnaire regarding night vision pre‐ and postoperatively. Results:  The mean bilateral, spherical equivalent refraction (SE) was − 8.76 D (range 6.32 to − 12.0 D) preoperatively, and − 1.69 D (range 0 to − 4.38 D) postoperatively. The mean bilateral BSCVA was not changed by the operations. We found a significant correlation between large scotopic pupil sizes and the impression of worsened night vision (p < 0.01). A significant correlation between gender (males) and subjectively reduced night vision postoperatively was also found (p < 0.05). Conclusion:  Large pupil size measured preoperatively is correlated with an increased frequency of subjectively experienced post‐LASIK visual disturbances during scotopic conditions. We recommend preoperative evaluation of pupil size in all patients prior to LASIK surgery.
Successful primary culture and autologous transplantation of corneal limbal epithelial cells from minimal biopsy for unilateral severe ocular surface disease
Authors: Nakamura Takahiro , Inatomi Tsutomu , Sotozono Chie , Koizumi Noriko , Kinoshita Shigeru 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Background:  Patients with severe unilateral ocular surface disease require reconstruction of the damaged ocular surface. We succeeded in culturing primary corneal limbal epithelial cells taken from minimal biopsy and, once grown, transplanting them on denuded amniotic membrane (AM). Methods:  Autologous corneal limbal epithelial cells from a 3 mm2 biopsy of the uninjured eye were grown for 3 weeks on a denuded AM carrier. The resultant sheet was then transplanted onto the unilateral severely chemically injured eye. Results:  Minimal biopsy showed the autologous cultivated corneal epithelial cells to have 4–5 layers of sufficient stratification and to be well differentiated. At 19 months post‐transplantation, the ocular surface epithelium was stable and there were no epithelial defects. Conclusion:  We document that it is possible to produce sufficiently stratified, well differentiated, autologous cultivated corneal limbal epithelium on AM from a minimal biopsy of the donor eye and to transplant it onto the injured eye.
Ocular refractive changes in patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen administered by oronasal mask or hood
Authors: Evanger Knut , Haugen Olav H. , Irgens Ågot , Aanderud Leif , Thorsen Einar 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of this study was to quantify ocular refractive changes after a standard hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment protocol and to characterize the time period of recovery. Patients and Methods:  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was given for 90 min daily at a pressure of 240 kPa for 21 days. Oxygen was administered to 20 patients using an oronasal mask and to 12 patients using a hood. Follow‐up examinations were carried out 2–4 days after treatment, and thereafter regularly for up to 10 weeks in both groups. Refraction was assessed automatically and by the monocular subjective refraction method. A subgroup of nine of the 20 patients to whom oxygen was administered by an oronasal mask underwent a separate eye examination, which included crystalline lens opacity measurements and LOCS III gradings. Results:  In the patients given oxygen by mask, there was a significant myopic shift in the mean spherical equivalent, which was largest 2–4 days after treatment. The shift was − 0.55 ± 0.40 D in the right eye and − 0.53 ± 0.42 D in the left eye. In the patients given oxygen by hood, the largest shift was observed after 12–16 days, and was − 1.06 ± 0.52 D in the right eye and − 1.10 ± 0.57 D in the left eye. The refractive changes returned to baseline 6 weeks and 10 weeks after HBO treatment, respectively. No significant changes in crystalline lens transparency were revealed. Conclusions:  The myopic shift after HBO therapy recovers within 10 weeks and may be more pronounced when patients are given oxygen using a hood compared with using an oronasal mask.
The influence of age, sex, race, refractive error and optic disc parameters on the sensitivity and specificity of scanning laser polarimetry
Authors: Costa Vital P. , Lauande‐Pimentel Roberto , Fonseca Roberto A. , Magacho Leopoldo 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the influence of age, sex, race, refractive error and optic disc topography on the sensitivity and specificity of scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) in the diagnosis of glaucoma. Methods:  A total of 88 normal individuals and 95 glaucoma patients were included in this study. Glaucoma was defined on the basis of both optic nerve damage and visual field defects. Scanning laser polarimetry, optic disc topography, automated perimetry and refractometry were performed in all subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of SLP were assessed applying a previously calculated cut‐off to a previously described linear discriminant function (LDF). Results:  The sensitivity and specificity of SLP in the study population were 82% and 83%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were not affected by age, sex, race, average disc diameter or disc area. The sensitivity of SLP tended to be higher in myopes (93%) than in emmetropes (80%) and hyperopes (71%) (p = 0.08). Sensitivities were higher in individuals with cup areas > 0.96 mm2 (89%), rim areas ≤ 1.36 mm2 (92%), and cup area/disc area ratios > 0.45 (89%) (p < 0.05). Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of a cup area > 0.96 mm2 and a rim area < 1.36 mm2 significantly increased the sensitivity of the LDF, whereas a cup area/disc area ratio ≤ 0.45 significantly increased the specificity of the LDF. Conclusion:  The sensitivity and specificity of SLP may be influenced by refractive error and optic disc parameters that are affected by glaucomatous damage (cup area, rim area and cup area/disc area ratio). These parameters must be considered in studies evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of optic nerve/retinal nerve fibre layer imaging technologies.
How prostaglandins have changed the medical approach to glaucoma and its costs: an observational study of 2228 patients treated with glaucoma medications
Authors: De Natale Renato , Draghi Eva , Dorigo Maria Teresa 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of the present study was to investigate how the medical treatment of glaucoma changed between 1997 and 2002, since the advent of prostaglandin derivatives, with regard to drug prescriptions and pharmaceutical costs. Methods:  A study was made of medical prescriptions for 2228 patients with glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension, in order to investigate the following: (i) the antiglaucoma drugs most commonly prescribed in 1997 and 2002, and any differences between the drugs prescribed in these 2 years; (ii) the number of drugs used per patient in 1997 and 2002, respectively, and (iii) any increase in the prescribing of antiglaucoma drugs and their relative costs from 1997 to 2002. Results:  From 1997 to 2002 there was a sharp drop in the prescribing of β‐blockers (79% in 1997 and 55% in 2002). A marked increase in the use of prostaglandin derivatives (0% in 1997 and 18% in 2002) was registered and a marked increase in the prescribing of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (5% in 1997 and 14% in 2002) was also noted. From 1997 to 2002 there was a trend towards drug addition rather than substitution, so that the number of drugs used per patient increased. The number of patients treated increased enormously (by 98%) from 1997 to 2002. The cost of medical therapy from 1997 to 2002 rose dramatically, with an increase of 148.9% per patient. Conclusion:  The availability of prostaglandin derivatives has strongly influenced the medical approach to glaucoma. This class of drugs will soon become the type most commonly prescribed for patients with glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension. The increased number of treatments also suggests that the approach of ophthalmologists towards these diseases has changed. Ocular hypertension, as well as glaucoma, is now treated more aggressively. Given the increase in the prescription of prostaglandin derivatives, the pharmaceutical cost of treatment has risen dramatically.
Effects of moderate smoking on the central visual field
Authors: Akarsu Cengiz , Yazici Bülent , Taner Pelin , Ergin Ahmet 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate whether moderate cigarette smoking has any effects on the central visual field. Methods:  This study included 30 healthy, moderate cigarette smokers (10–20 cigarettes per day for at least the past 5 years) and 22 healthy non‐smokers. After two training test sessions, all individuals underwent computerized visual field examinations (Humphrey 30–2 Full Threshold Test) with both white‐on‐white (W‐W) perimetry and blue‐on‐yellow (B‐Y) perimetry. One eye of each subject with reliable visual field test results was evaluated. The foveal threshold, mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), short‐term fluctuation (SF), corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD), glaucoma hemifield test (GHT) and number of significantly depressed points deviating at p < 5%, p < 2%, p < 1% and p < 0.5% on the pattern deviation probability map of the smokers were compared with those of the non‐smokers. Results:  When the results of W‐W perimetry were analysed, the smokers were found to have significantly lower foveal thresholds (p = 0.001) and mean retinal sensitivity (p = 0.02), and higher PSD (p = 0.002) and CPSD (p = 0.01) than the non‐smokers. Short‐term fluctuation was similar in both groups (p = 0.55). The number of significantly depressed points deviating at p < 5%, p < 2% and p < 1% on the pattern deviation probability map was similar for both groups (p > 0.05). The number of depressed points deviating at p < 0.5% on the pattern deviation probability map was higher for the smokers than for the non‐smokers (p = 0.03). The results of B‐Y perimetry showed the smokers to have a significantly lower foveal threshold than the non‐smokers (p = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in the global indices of the two groups (p > 0.05). The number of significantly depressed points deviating at p < 5%, p < 2%, p < 1% and p < 0.5% on the pattern deviation probability map was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference in GHT was determined with either perimetry for the smokers compared with the non‐smokers (p > 0.05). Conclusion:  This study suggests that moderate cigarette smoking is associated with both diffuse and localized reductions in retinal sensitivity with W‐W perimetry. Only reduction in the foveal threshold was observed with B‐Y perimetry, with no hints of diffuse and localized reductions.
The nerve fibre layer symmetry test: computerized evaluation of human retinal nerve fibre layer thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Hougaard Jesper Leth , Heijl Anders , Krogh Erik 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To present and test a new interpretative concept, the nerve fibre layer symmetry test (NST), for computerized evaluation of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in glaucoma. Methods:  The NST concept was constructed and tested in a pilot study. A total of 32 healthy and 40 age‐matched glaucomatous eyes were included and examined by OCT, computerized perimetry, RNFL/disc photography, tonometry and a general ophthalmologic examination. Results:  The observed NST sensitivity and specificity were high, at 38/40 eyes (95%) and 32/32 eyes (100%), respectively, and 40/40 eyes (100%), and 31/32 eyes (97%), respectively, when correcting the OCT RNFLT measurement for the influence of variability in image signal/quality. The NST sensitivity was 8–10% higher than the single most sensitive traditional OCT RNFLT parameter; this difference was not statistically significant in this small sample. Conclusion:  The NST showed high specificity and sensitivity for detection of RNFLT attenuation indicating early to severe glaucoma. Although promising, the NST needs to be further developed and validated in larger study samples and in patients with various stages of glaucomatous damage.