bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bilateral choroidal ischaemia and serous retinal detachment in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Sathish Srinivasan , Arnold Jennifer J 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTSerious retinal detachment secondary to choroidal ischaemia is an unusual but well‐documented cause of visual loss in pre‐eclampsia. Very few cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a 26‐year‐old multigravida with pre‐eclampsia who developed bilateral choroidal ischaemia with serious retinal detachments. There was spontaneous resolution of the serous detachment and the choroidal changes in the post‐partum period, with residual pigment epithelial changes. Serous retinal detachments in pre‐eclampsia are secondary to choroidal ischaemia and disturbances in the choroidal vascular supply.
Warfarin therapy and cataract surgery
Authors: Morris Ainsley , Elder Mark J 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: Cataract extraction in the warfarinized patient poses special considerations. Warfarin will increase the haemorrhagic risk but, more importantly, cessation or reduction in anticoagulation may well lead to serious thromboembolic phenomena. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact that warfarinization has on cataract extraction. Methods: One thousand consecutive cataract extractions performed at Christchurch Hospital between 1996 and 1998 were reviewed. Twenty‐eight patients (29 eyes) were on warfarin. Reasons for anticoagulation, modification to treatment regimen and postoperative outcome measures were available for 23 eyes or 79% of the study population. Results: The preoperative international normalized ratio (INR) ranged from 1.00 to 2.40 ± 0.37 with a mean of 1.52. No thromboembolic phenomena occurred and four minor perioperative haemorrhages were noted, none of which affected the final visual outcome. Conclusions: If warfarin is required to counteract serious thromboembolic tendencies, then it should not be ceased perioperatively. The small numbers of perioperative haemorrhages that did occur were not visually significant.
Acute haemorrhagic keratoconjunctivitis following laser in situ keratomileusis
Authors: Sharma Namrata , Dada Tanuj , Dada Vijay K , Vajpayee Rasik B 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWe report two cases of acute haemorrhagic keratoconjunctivitis which occurred following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) during an ongoing epidemic. Both cases underwent preoperative investigation and surgery on the same day. The possible sources of contamination include the paramedical staff, the contact instruments used for performing preoperative investigation, surgeon, nurse, surgical instruments and eye drops. However, the flap was intact with no haze or regression and at 1 year follow up, the visual acuity was maintained at 6/6 in both the patients. We recommend greater caution while performing contact investigations and strict surgical asepsis during LASIK surgery, routinely as well as during epidemics of conjunctivitis.
Management of diabetic retinopathy by general practitioners in Victoria
Authors: McCarty Catherine A , Taylor Kathryn I , Keeffe Jill E 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the self‐reported management of diabetic retinopathy by general practitioners to the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy. Methods: In 1994, a stratified (by urban/rural practice location) sample of 500 general practitioners in Victoria was surveyed in regard to their management of diabetic retinopathy. Following the release of the NHMRC Guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy in 1997, these same general practitioners were sent a two‐page questionnaire related to their management of diabetic retinopathy. Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 228 general practitioners (59% of original participants). Only 37% (79/216) of the general practitioners reported that they had received a copy of the guidelines. Of the general practitioners who had received the guidelines, 18% (14/79) said that they had not read them at all, while 65% (51/79) had read them partially and 18% (14/79) had read them in their entirety. At follow up, less than half (98/214) of general practitioners reported examining 50% or more of their patients for diabetic retinopathy, compared with 104/214 at baseline. General practitioners who had read the guidelines were more likely to report that not being sure what to do when changes were detected was a minor barrier or was not a barrier to them performing dilated ophthalmoscopy (93%vs 83%, χ2(1) = 3.67, P = 0.055). Nearly all of the general practitioners reported that they refer their patients with diabetes to an ophthalmologist or optometrist at least every 2 years as recommended. Seventy‐six per cent (170/224) of the general practitioners felt that 70% or more of their patients complied with their instructions to visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Conclusion: The NHMRC guidelines for diabetic retinopathy appear to have had a positive effect on some of the attitudes of general practitioners who have read them, but more effort is needed to disseminate the guidelines to all general practitioners and to increase their uptake.
Comparison of subretinal fluid levels of two 0.3% ciprofloxacin‐containing eye drops
Authors: Çekiç Osman , Batman Coşar , Yaşar Ümit , Totan Yüksel , Başci Nursabah E , Bozkurt Atilla , Zilelioglu Orhan , Kayaalp S Oguz 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: Two ophthalmic solutions of 0.3% ciprofloxacin eye drops are available in Turkey: Ciloxan and Siprogut. A previous study by the same authors was the first to report vitreous penetration of ciprofloxacin‐containing eye drops. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of drug found in the subretinal fluid by the two products following local administration. Methods: Forty‐three patients undergoing conventional retinal detachment surgery received either Ciloxan (22 patients) or Siprogut (21 patients). Beginning 6 h before surgery, two drops of solution were instilled onto the operative eye every 30 min for the first 3 h and then hourly for the next 3 h. Subretinal fluid samples were collected 30 min after administration of the last dose and were assayed for ciprofloxacin levels using a method involving high‐ performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection. Results: The minimum and maximum subretinal fluid concentrations measured were 0.11 μg/mL and 0.65 μg/mL, respectively, with Ciloxan, and 0.08 μg/mL and 0.62 μg/mL, respectively, with Siprogut. There was no statistical difference between the subretinal fluid ciprofloxacin levels of the two products. The subretinal fluid drug levels attained by both products were below the minimum inhibitory concentrations of common ocular pathogens. Conclusions: Ciloxan and Siprogut can penetrate subretinal fluid. The ocular bioavailability of ciprofloxacin after local administration is equivalent for both pharmaceutical products.
Effects of a non‐steroidal (ketorolac tromethamine) and a steroidal (dexamethasone) anti‐inflammatory drug on refractive state and ocular growth
Authors: Luu Chi D , Foo Hayley , Crewther Sheila G , Crewther David P 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTTopical steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (SAID) and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are known to affect fluid balance. The effects of twice daily topical applications of Maxidex (dexamethasone, a SAID), Acular (ketorolac, a NSAID), and saline were examined biometrically on the development of refractive errors and eye growth in chicks raised from days 3–12 wearing either a monocular +10 D, 0 D, or –10 D lens. Biometric analysis showed that neither SAID nor NSAID nor saline affected refractive error compensation but that the anti‐inflammatory drugs affected eye growth. In chicks reared with a +10 D lens, dexamethasone induced a decrease in axial length (AL), vitreous chamber (VC) and anterior chamber (AC) depth, while ketorolac only induced a decrease in AC. In –10 D lens chicks dexamethasone again induced a decrease in AL and VC, but did not affect AC depth, whereas ketorolac only induced an increase in AC depth. Taken together, these results suggest that anti‐inflammatory drugs can induce changes in ocular size without affecting refractive state and, as such, have implications for the management of progressive myopia.
Lacryglobin in human tears, a potential marker for cancer
Authors: Evans Victoria , Vockler Cassandra , Friedlander Michael , Walsh Bradley , Willcox Mark DP 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTLacryglobin has been identified in human tears. This protein has high sequence homology to the mammaglobins, proteins upregulated in breast cancer and in breast cancer metastasis. In order to investigate the utility of tear screening for cancer, tear samples were collected from patients with different types of cancer and compared to controls. Tear samples were taken from five controls and eight breast, six lung, five colon, one prostate and three ovary cancer patients. Tears were analysed using 2‐D gel electrophoresis (n = 25) and 1‐D electrophoresis (n = 3). Lacryglobin was present in the following percentage of patients: breast cancer (88%), lung (83%), colon (100%), ovary (33%), prostate (100%) and controls (60%). Two control patients with lacryglobin had a family history of breast and prostate cancer. Lacryglobin was detected in some but not all tear samples and further studies are warranted to investigate its potential as a marker for cancer.
X‐ray turns a blind eye to ferrous metal
Authors: Vote Brendan JT , Simpson Allan J 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe case is reported of a 31‐year‐old man with a retained metallic intraocular foreign body (IOFB) in the left eye who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for investigation of a subsequent unrelated brachial plexus injury. Despite the patient providing good history of IOFB, the decision to proceed with MRI was based on screening orbit X‐ray which was reported as normal. A review of published reports regarding screening recommendations for MRI for patients with IOFB is provided. A minimum recommendation is for prescreening questionnaire; belief of the patient history is critical. If there is any doubt after history and examination by an ophthalmologist, then computed tomography imaging of the orbits is recommended. Whether screening by plain X‐ray imaging is worthwhile is debatable as the sensitivity and specificity of this modality is poor.
Fulminant orbital cellulitis with complete loss of vision
Authors: Connell Ben , Kamal Zahid , McNab Alan A 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTBacterial orbital cellulitis is a condition that rarely presents with complete loss of vision. A case is reported of a 69‐year‐old man who presented with fulminant onset of proptosis, significant ophthalmoplegia and no perception of light. Computed tomography showed no evidence of paranasal sinus disease. Despite treatment with intravenous flucloxacillin, ceftriaxone and metronidazole, and later, penicillin after Streptococcus pyogenes was grown from tissue culture, there was no improvement in vision; however, ocular motility returned to normal.
Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in uveitic glaucoma
Authors: Spencer Narelle A , Hall Anthony JH , Stawell Richard J 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the survival of Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy in those patients with angle closure glaucoma and iris bombé associated with uveitis. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 11 patients of the Ocular Immunology Clinic of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital who presented with uveitis, iris bombé due to extensive posterior synechiae and angle closure glaucoma. The date of iridotomy and where poss‐ible the degree of inflammation were noted, as was the date of failure of the iridotomy. A control group was constructed consisting of 65 patients who presented with acute angle closure glaucoma without a history of uveitis, who underwent Nd:YAG peripheral iridotomy. The survival of the peripheral iridotomies in the two groups was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Median survival was compared using log–rank test. Results: In the study group of 11 patients, 28 iridotomies were performed on 15 eyes; of these 28 iridotomies, 17 failed. Using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis the median time to failure was 85 days. In the control group of 65 patients, 66 iridotomies were performed on 66 eyes. None of the iridotomies in the control group failed. There was a significant difference in the survival of the Nd:YAG iridotomies (P = 0.00015) between groups. Conclusion: There is a high early failure rate of Nd:YAG iridotomies in patients with angle closure glaucoma and iris bombé associated with uveitis.
Gene transfer to ovine corneal endothelium
Authors: Klebe Sonja , Sykes Pamela J , Coster Douglas J , Bloom David C , Williams Keryn A 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: Modification of a donor cornea by gene therapy has potential to modulate irreversible rejection, the major cause of corneal graft failure. The sheep is a useful model for the human in this respect, as ovine endothelial cells are amitotic. The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of various non‐viral and viral agents to transfer a reporter gene to ovine corneal endothelium. Methods: The non‐viral agents Transfectin‐10, Transfectin‐20, Transfectin‐50, SuperFect, Effectene and CLONfectin were used to deliver the reporter gene, Escherichia coli lacZ, to ovine corneal endothelium in vitro. A Herpes simplex virus‐1 and an adenoviral vector each encoding E. coli lacZ were similarly tested. Infected corneas were organ‐cultured for up to 7 days in vitro to allow transfection efficiency, duration of gene expression and toxicity attributable to each vector to be compared. Results: Scattered single or clusters of endothelial cells expressing the reporter gene were observed after transfection with CLONfectin, Transfectin‐10, Transfectin‐20 and Transfectin‐50. SuperFect and Effectene were virtually in‐effective. At best, the absolute number of infected cells per endothelial monolayer after 3 or 7 days of organ culture was estimated as < 0.01%. The Herpes simplex virus‐1 vector also failed to transduce ovine corneal endothelium efficiently. In contrast, transfection rates of up to 70% of endothelial cells were observed with the adenoviral vector. Conclusion: Non‐viral vectors and Herpes simplex virus‐1 are unlikely to be suitable for gene therapy of corneal endothelium, because the efficiency of transfection is low compared with the rates achieved with adenoviral vectors.
Orbital teratoma: late presentation with normal vision
Authors: Mee Jared J , McKelvie Penny A , McNab Alan A 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOrbital teratoma is a rare, rapidly growing tumour that usually presents with congenital proptosis. Visual outcome is usually poor. A case is described of orbital teratoma presenting in an 18‐month‐old child as an inferior orbital mass with normal vision and intermittent hypertropia. Computed tomography demonstrated a cystic mass containing a tooth adjacent to the inferior orbital fissure. Histology revealed tissues derived from all three germ cell layers. The tumour was removed with preservation of vision and resolution of the strabismus. Late presentation of an orbital tera­toma with a good visual outcome is exceptional.
Reading speed test for potential central vision measurement
Authors: Pesudovs Konrad , Patel Bhavesh , Bradbury John A , Elliott David B 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis study examines the validity and reliability of a reading speed test as a measure of potential central vision. Reading speed was calculated in words per minute (wpm) from the time taken to read 30 words of 1.20 logMAR size text. Scores were obtained from subjects with cataract (n = 48), macular disease
(n = 35), peripheral vision loss
(n = 14) and normal eyes (n = 10). Subjects with macular disease (27.0 ± 13.2 wpm) read much slower than subjects with cataract (91.9 ± 13.6 wpm). Little difference was found between subjects with cataract, peripheral vision loss (91.5 ± 14.7 wpm) and normal eyes (103.8 ± 15.5 wpm). Repeat testing gave values within ± 16% of reading speed. These results suggest that a reading speed test using large text could be useful as a potential central vision test in cataract patients.
Posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery in remote Australian Aboriginal patients
Authors: Hewitt Alex , Verma Nitin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of visually significant posterior capsular opacification formation after cataract surgery for Australian Aborigines living in rural or remote areas in the ‘Top End’ of the Northern Territory, Australia, and then to assess these patients’ outcomes after capsulotomy. Methods: Aboriginal patients living in remote areas of the Top End of the Northern Territory who underwent cataract surgery between 1994 and 1999 were identified from records at the three major hospitals in the region. The presence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) was determined by clinical examination. The primary endpoint for this study was the presence of axial opacification of the posterior capsule and the need for subsequent Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy to improve sight. Linear regression analysis of the time from surgery to follow up and the number of eyes requiring Nd:YAG capsulotomy was performed. Operated eyes were grouped according to the interval between surgery and follow up (Group 1: follow up within 1 year of surgery, n= 25; Group 2: follow up 1−3 years after surgery, n= 42; Group 3: follow up 3−5 years after surgery, n= 51). Results: One hundred and eighteen operated eyes were examined. Eyes in Group 3 were found to have the highest incidence of visually significant PCO (27.5%). There were more eyes requiring capsulotomy after 3 years than after 1 year following surgery. Linear regression analysis revealed an odds ratio of 1.4 (P = 0.07). All nine eyes in the 1−3 year group that had developed visually significant PCO had undergone extra‐capsular cataract extraction. Conclusions: For the remote Aboriginal patient who has undergone cataract surgery, there is a relatively minor chance of developing PCO within the first postoperative year regardless of the type of surgery undertaken. This study illustrates that the longer the time after surgery the greater the chance of developing visually significant PCO. For the remote Aboriginal patient there is a high chance (approximately 28%) of developing visually significant PCO within 5 years after cataract surgery. These figures are lower than those reported from other parts of Australia.
Effect of diode laser contact transscleral pars plana photocoagulation on intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Authors: Ho Ching Lin , Wong Edmund YM , Chew Paul TK 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of diode laser contact transscleral pars plana photocoagulation (CTPPP) for intraocular pressure (IOP) control in glaucoma and its clinical application. Method: A prospective, non‐randomized hospital‐based pilot study was conducted. Fourteen patients with poor visual acuity (VA worse than 6/60) and medically uncontrolled, refractory glaucoma were recruited, and CTPPP was performed after informed consent. Results: Mean preoperative IOP was 41.0 mmHg (SD 12.6, range 27−70, n = 14). At 1 week postoperatively, IOP was reduced in 12 of 14 (86%) patients to a mean of 28.6 mmHg (SD 15.8, range 3−55, n = 14). This represented a mean decrease of 12.4 mmHg. Mean IOP was 34.0 mmHg (SD 17.4, range 5−71, n = 14) and 31.6 mmHg (SD 13.4, range 5−22, n = 12) at 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. The IOP reduction was significant at 1 week (P = 0.001, paired t‐test) and at 12 weeks (P = 0.04, paired t‐test). The two patients with preoperative pain reported abolition of pain after the procedure. Seven of 13 patients on preoperative antiglaucoma eye drops did not require eye drops postoperatively. Conclusions: Diode laser CTPPP was found to significantly reduce IOP in the majority of patients at 1 week postoperatively, with less but still significant effect at 12 weeks. Its potential application as a procedure for short‐term IOP reduction in medically uncontrolled glaucoma requiring filtering surgery needs to be further investigated.
Mycosis fungoides causing severe lower eyelid ulceration
Authors: Game Justin A , Davies Rodger 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMycosis fungoides is a form of cutaneous malignant T‐cell lymphoma initially confined to the skin. A range of ophthalmic manifestations has been described; these usually appear in advanced disease. Lid involvement is most common and ranges from ectropion, usually cicatricial, to diffuse thickening and placoid tumours. A case of a 72‐year‐old man presenting with progressive, full thickness, lower eyelid ulceration is presented. The patient had a long history of placoid skin lesions, previously diagnosed as discoid lupus. Repeat biopsies of these lesions including the eyelid eventually revealed mycosis fungoides. The ulceration progressed to destroy most of the lower lid before the correct diagnosis was made. This type of eyelid involvement has not previously been reported in mycosis fungoides. This case also highlights the diagnostic difficulties encountered in the early phases of mycosis fungoides. If suspected, multiple biopsies are essential to establish the diagnosis.
Partial and significant reversal of progressive visual and neurological deficits in multiple sclerosis: a possible therapeutic effect
Authors: Milder Dan G 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA 24‐year‐old woman developed over 18 months fluctuating and progressively increasing visual and cerebellar deficits, due to multiple sclerosis. The minimum visual acuities were 3/19 on the right and the perception of finger movement at 1 m on the left. She became able to walk only with a wide base and with support. Her condition deteriorated despite the use of methylprednisolone, prednisone and interferon beta‐1b, so these were ceased. Azathioprine, 25 mg daily increasing to 100 mg daily, reducing following abnormal liver function tests to 50 mg daily, and glatiramer acetate 20 mg daily were commenced. The visual acuities two months later were 3/7.5 on the right and 3/6 on the left and after 4 months 3/4.5 on the right and 3/3 on the left. She was able after 2 months to walk unaided on a narrow base and after 4 months to jog half a kilometre without difficulty. Progressive multiple sclerosis has been held to be irreversible. The response in the present case therefore raises the possibility of a drug effect. It indicates the need for trials of combined immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies in progressive multiple sclerosis.
Dislocation of the lens: a complication after cyclocryotherapy
Authors: Sony Parul , Sharma Namrata , Pangtey Mayank S 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAn unusual complication is reported of a case of complete dislocation of the lens after cyclocryotherapy in a patient with neovascular glaucoma. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no case of lens dislocation following cyclocryotherapy has previously been reported.
Value of telomerase activity in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites
Authors: Zhihua Deng , Hongpei Cai , Shi Li , Jianwei Shen 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate telomerase activity as a marker for the differentiation of benign and malignant ascites. METHODS: Exfoliated cells were harvested from various kinds of ascitic fluid and telomerase activity was determined by TRAP‐PCR‐ELISA (tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase–polymerase chain reaction–enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS: Telomerase activity could not be detected in the ascites of hepatic cirrhosis or peritoneal tuberculosis but was detected in 29 of 34 (85.2%) cancerous ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase activity may be present in cancerous ascites and could be used as a marker for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites.