Search Results - "International Ophthalmology"

1573-2630

aqueous humour ; HPLC ; protein ; SDS-PAGE ; uveitis

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract Aqueous humour from patients with Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis (FHC) and other types of uveitis was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Using HPLC, the number of peaks and their respective elution times were similar for the FHC, uveitis and control groups. SDS-PAGE and silver staining showed immunoglobulin G migrating as two to four distinct bands in all non-reduced samples. In the reduced state, 1–5 unidentified low MW bands (10–19 kD) were seen. Two bands at 19 and 10 kD appeared to be specific for the uveitis group, and a band at 11 kD was present in 76% of uveitis and 19% of FHC patients. None of these three bands were detected in any of the control group. As yet the identity of these low MW proteins and their possible significance in the pathogenesi of intraocular inflammation are unknown.

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1573-2630

arachidonic acid ; experimental lens-induced uveitis ; prostaglandins ; vitamin E

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract The anti-phlogistic effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the acute inflammation observed in experimental lens-induced uveitis in Brown Norway rats was studied. The effects of vitamin E were examined using histopathologic parameters as well as by measuring the levels of arachidonic acid metabolites. Histologic examination of the eyes revealed that the vitamin E-deficient animals had the most severe destruction of the retina, while those animals receiving the vitamin E-supplemented diet exhibited the best preservation of the retinal architecture. Levels of arachidonic acid metabolites, as determined by radioimmunoassay, were significantly higher in vitamin E deficient rats as compared with rats on a normal diet.

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1573-2630

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease ; monozygotic twins ; HLA

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract We encountered two cases of Harada's disease in monozygotic twins, and this is the first such report as far as could be determined. Case 1 was a 32-year-old woman who presented a typical clinical picture of Harada's disease. Seven years later, case 2 (the younger sister), also presented with the disease at 39 years of age. Case 2 had a transitional diffuse type of Harada's disease, which was possibly due to differences in her treatment. Both patients had papilledema. Since these twins both developed Harada's disease, it is suggested that hereditary factors including HLA type are very important in its development. The HLA type of both these patients was A2, A26, B51, B7, CW7, DR1, and DR4.

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1573-2630

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

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1573-2630

vitreous ; ocular parasitosis ; toxoplasmosis ; toxocariasis ; IgE ; eosinophilia ; soluble proteins electrophoresis

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract In intraocular parasitosis the immunologic reactions in the vitrectomy-fluids depend on the parasitic agent: there is a lymphocytical reaction without any IgE production in toxoplasmic chorioretinitis, whereas there is a strong hypersensitivity reaction with a local IgE production as well as the presence of eosinophils and an antigenic stimulation in fluids withtoxocara parasitosis. The electrophoretic patterns are quite similar in both cases.

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1573-2630

Angiography ; Blood cell ; Capillaries ; Fluorescence ; Retina

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract We present a new technique for retinal blood cell angiography which was used to investigate flow patterns of blood cells in the retinal capillary net of normal cats. Capillary paths were defined to be the path taken by the labelled blood cells from the terminal arteriole to the entry point into a collecting venule. We were able to define two types of capillary paths. The ‘simple’ paths were minimally coiled and had a high blood cell flux. The ‘complex’ paths were coiled, structurally complex and had a low blood cell flux in comparison to the simple paths of the same eye. A simultaneous fluorescein angiogram was performed to reveal the complete anatomy of the capillary net in which the functional paths exist. The possibility that such flow patterns exist in the human retina should be considered.

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1573-2630

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

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1573-2630

collagen shield ; vitrectomized and lensectomized rabbit eyes ; gentamicin ; drug delivery

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract Five albino New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral lensectomy and vitrectomy. All left eyes were fitted with a collagen shield that had been soaked for 5 min in 2.0 mL of gentamicin solution (40 mg/mL for IV use). Right eyes were treated with fortified gentamicin drops (13.6 mg/mL) every 30 min for 12 hrs. Aqueous and vitreous specimens were obtained at the following time intervals: 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hrs. We found the gentamicin concentrations to be higher in the aqueous of all eyes treated with fortified gentamicin drops. Only those eyes treated with fortified gentamicin drops attained a therapeutic drug level (4μg–9μg/mL) in the aqueous. Therapeutic drug levels were not attained in the vitreous of either treatment group.

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1573-2630

Ara-C ; 5-FU ; microsphere encapsulation ; PVR ; lactic and glycolic acid

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract Experiments were conducted with biodegradable microspheres containing antimetabolites to assess the release of the drugs from the microspheres into the vitreous cavity of primates. Microspheres containing a mixture of radiolabeled and cold cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were prepared using a solvent evaporation process. The copolymers of poly (lactic) and poly (glycolic) acid (85∶15) and drug was dissolved in a mixture of chloroform and acetone. The solutions were then emulsified in an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol and stirred for 24 hours to evaporate the organic solvent. A 0.1 mL aliquot of a suspension of the microspheres was then injected into one eye of eight African Green monkeys. Half received 250±10μg of Ara-C and the others 375±15μg of 5-FU. The concentration in the vitreous was then measured by removing a 0.1 mL sample of vitreous at 1, 2, 4 and 11 days after injection. Both drugs released from microspheres were still detectable in the eye 11 days after injection and the clearance kinetics were similar for both drugs. The results indicate that the microspheres appear promising as a slow drugdelivery system for future investigations in conjunction with these and other antimetabolites suitable for the treatment of PVR.

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1573-2630

contact lens ; high gas permeability ; permanent wear

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract This study was performed to investigate the effects of extended-wear of rigid aspherical high gas-permeable contact lenses on the cornea. In the study 32 subjects (62 eyes) were followed over a period of 3 to 24 months. A high gas-permeable contact lens (Dk 92), made of fluoro-silicone-acrylate copolymer, was used. Vision remained constant during the studied period. The corneal thickness decreased significantly (p〈0.05) during the first six months. Significant changes (p〈0.05) were found after three months in the corneal curvature, especially in the vertical meridian. No further topographical changes were noted in the period between three and six months of extended-wear. Complications, like acute red eye syndrome and bacterial infections, which may be encountered in soft lens extended-wear, were not noticed. At the end of the study 20 subjects (38 eyes, 61%) were still on extended-wear, 9 subjects (18 eyes, 29%) changed to daily wear and 3 subjects (six eyes, 10%) became unavailable for follow-up. Extended-wear of rigid aspherical high gas-permeable contact lenses may be considered as an acceptable alternative for soft lens extended-wear.

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1573-2630

diabetic ; fluorescein angiography ; maculopathy ; peripheral retina

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract Thirteen young diabetic patients with peripheral capillary non perfusion who presented with symptoms of mild maculopathy were reviewed retrospectively. In this group, peripheral retinal ischaemia was often overlooked and a rapidly progressive proliferative retinopathy developed. Fluorescein angiography of the peripheral retina showed capillary closure, but with preservation of arterioles and venules. In this series, half of the eyes lost vision. In seven eyes where the peripheral ischaemia was treated by pan retinal photocoagulation, the maculopathy resolved without any specific laser treatment to the macula. In young diabetics presenting with maculopathy, the peripheral retina should be examined for ischaemia, and if present, pan retinal laser photocoagulation should be performed. Focal treatment for the macular disease can be delayed until after the peripheral photocoagulation, as the maculopathy may remit.

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1573-2630

community education ; desert ; drought as a risk factor ; prevalence rate ; xerophthalmia clinics

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract Even though the primary prevention of many eye diseases can be effectively incorporated into the existing pattern of rural eye camps, efforts in this direction are restrained and insubstantial. We describe our technique and experience in the prevention of xerophthalmia by organising a distinct entity called a xerophthalmia clinic in our eye camps. The clinic consists of an Ophthalmologist or an Ophthalmic assistant who will exclusively examine children who come to the eye camp. This is perhaps, the first report on rural xerophthalmia clinics, in ophthalmic literature. Over a seven year period from 1984 to 1990 we have conducted 71 xerophthalmia clinics amongst the ninty eye camps organised. A total of 11,370 children were examined in the xerophthalmia clinic out of which 18.9% were afflicted with the disease. Therapeutic doses of Vitamin A were administered on the spot to the afflicted and prophylactic doses were administered to the rest. Intensive health education efforts are made through clinics to effectuate change in dietry habits towards consumption of locally grown DGLV (Dark Green Leafy Vegetables) like Anthenum, Chenopodium and Amaranthus. A bipronged offensive consisting of mega-dosing and health education is, for the present and the foreseeable future, the best strategy to combat xerophthalmia in this desert region. A year by year breakdown of prevalence rates in the present study shows that in years of severe drought the prevalence of xerophthalmia increases three fold over the non-drought or mild drought years, thereby demonstrating that drought is a substantial risk factor in developing countries leading to vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia.

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1573-2630

autoimmunity ; bovine ; human ; retinal S-antigen ; uveitis

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract Various studies have demonstrated anti-retinal S-antigen (S-ag) antibodies in uveitis sera in assays using bovine S-ag. Because of its molecular similarity and cross-reactivity with human S-ag, reactions with bovine S-ag have been considered a reliable indication of anti-S-ag autoimmunity. To test this assumption, the cross-reactivity of purified human and bovine S-ags was quantitated by ELISA titration of various antihuman and anti-bovine S-ag immune reagents raised in mice, rats and rabbits. Anti-human S-ag reagents appeared to be largely cross-reactive with bovine S-ag, whereas anti-bovine S-ag reagents were 6–10 times less reactive with the cross-reacting human S-ag than with bovine S-ag, thus showing a predominant role of species-specific epitopes on bovine S-ag. Furthermore, a large number of human control and uveitis sera was tested in ELISA with both human S-ag- and bovine S-ag-coated microwells. Both the numbers of positive sera and the levels of anti-S-ag antibodies in the two tests significantly correlated, but many exceptions were found, and the predictive value of reactions with bovine S-ag for the presence and levels of anti-S-ag autoantibodies was low. For individual human sera, assessment of anti-S-ag autoantibodies requires the use of human S-ag in immunoassays.

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1573-2630

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) ; ocular echography ultrasonography ; optic nerve head infiltration

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract We report a case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with ocular involvement in which bilateral swelling of the optic disk head was noticed. Massive direct infiltration of the optic nerve head by leukemic cells can give rise to a clinical picture identical to that of a true papilledema. Ocular echography allowed a better and more complete interpretation of the optic disk involvement. No echographic description of a leukemic infiltration of the optic nerve head has been reported previously.

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1573-2630

Meibomian gland secretion ; surface potential ; surface pressure

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract The biophysical behaviour of the Meibomian gland secretion was tested underin vitro conditions. Thereby, simultaneous recording of surface pressure and surface potential was performed. The Meibomian lipid layer was compared with other surface-active components like polyvinylalcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone. On the other hand, Eledoisin was tested as an example for a surface-inactive substance. An attempt was made to describe the biophysical interaction between a given artificial tear substitute and the Meibomian lipid layer. With respect to the surface potential Dipalmitoyl-phosphatidyl-choline was established as an analogue for Meibomian gland secretion. Fluorescence measurements in the presence of a cyanine dye (1 N,N′ dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine) were used as a method to localize the site of the characteristic potential change. From the fluorescence spectra under compression we conclude that the molecular change takes place at the lipid-subphase interface of the Meibomian lipid layer.

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1573-2630

blue cone monochromatism ; Berson test ; cone dystrophy ; achromatopsia

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract The Berson test for blue cone monochromatism discriminates X-linked blue cone monochromatism from achromatopsia but not from X-linked progressive cone dystrophy.

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1573-2630

cataract ; glaucoma ; astigmatism ; corneal incision

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract We retrospectively analysed the course of postoperative corneal astigmatism and corrected visual acuity after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation with either a corneal or a scierai incision in 170 eyes of 155 patients with and without glaucoma. A continuous 10/0 nylon shoelace suture was used for wound closure in two groups. In a third group, corneal wound closure was performed with a shorter shoelace suture in combination with two vicryl wing sutures at 11 and 1 o'clock. Although early postoperative mean astigmatism in eyes operated through a corneal incision was high (range 2.92–6.67 diopters at 1 month postoperatively) and significantly different when compared to eyes operated through a scierai incision (1.96 diopters), final mean astigmatism did not differ significantly between those two groups. Moreover, in 27% of eyes operated through a corneal incision, mean astigmatism at 2 months postoperatively was not significantly different from the scierai group and suture removal was not necessary. There was no statistically significant difference in corrected visual acuity over the entire study period between groups. Since safety and functional results of the corneal incision were not different from the scierai incision, we prefer a corneal incision in cataract surgery because of its surgical advantages, especially in patients with cataract and coexisting glaucoma.

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1573-2630

anterior segment ; photography ; retro-illumination

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract The use of the Oxford retro-illumination camera in documenting cataract is now well established. Repeatability has been shown to be good. This article describes its use in photographing the anterior segment of the eye.

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1573-2630

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

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1573-2630

betablockers ; glaucoma ; longterm drift ; sympathomimetics

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Medicine

Abstract Eyes treated with a topical betablocker may exhibit the phenomenon of longterm drift, leading to loss of intraocular pressure control. It has been suggested that discontinuation of the betablocker may restore sensitivity to betablocker therapy, and that this phenomenon might be enhanced by the administration of an adrenergic agonist during this holiday period. This study was set up to examine further this hypothesis. Nine patients with ocular hypertension receiving treatment with timolol were entered into the study. Timolol was discontinued then re-started after four weeks of treatment with dipivefrin. This treatment cycle was repeated after a further four weeks. IOP was measured every two weeks. Re-introduction of timolol was associated with a significant lowering of IOP at two weeks (3.2mmHg in the first cycle, p〈0.01, 3.4 mmHg in the second cycle, p〈0.01). Discontinuation of timolol and treatment with dipivefrin was not associated with a significant change in IOP.

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