Biomedical subjects

E J Gair

Publications and source records attributed to E J Gair.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Criteria for improving visual acuity in ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusion using argon laser.

PURPOSE: To re-assess the value of argon laser treatment for macular oedema in ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusion (I-BRVO). METHODS: Case series consisting of three patients with macular oedema following I-BRVO. Three patients were studied including two patients where ischaemia extended to include the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), with additional retinal neovascularisation in one of these. Heavy, overlapping areas of treatment were applied to the ischaemic retina up to 500 microns from the fovea. RESULTS: All cases in the series benefited from significantly improved visual acuity. In one case laser was given several years after the initial retinal vasculopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser treatment may improve visual acuity in I-BRVO even with severe ischaemia extending into the FAZ. Treatment intensity must be sufficient to destroy ischaemic retina. Visual benefit may last for several years, and treatment can be undertaken several years after I-BRVO. The benefit to visual acuity of argon laser treatment in I-BRVO needs to be re-assessed in a prospective study.

Female↗

PubMed2004

The Amsler chart is of doubtful value in retinal screening for early laser therapy of subretinal membranes. The West London Survey.

PURPOSE: Validating the current protocol of Amsler chart grid surveillance for the early detection of subretinal neovascular membrane(SRN) in age-related macular degeneration(AMD), and investigating its value in facilitating early laser therapy. METHODS: A retrospective pilot study. SETTING: Central London eye hospital with dedicated 24-h ophthalmic casualty serving West and West-central London. PARTICIPANTS: 100 consecutive AMD patients who attended casualty with vision loss fulfilling the following criteria: patients had received and been instructed in the use of Amsler charts according to the unit's dispensation protocol,fluorescein angiography which confirmed new SRN. Patients presented over 20 months. Outcome measures were detection of SRN by the Amsler chart, and laser treatment of SRN. RESULTS: The Amsler chart surveillance protocol had detected SRN in 29 of the 100 patients. The surveillance protocol detected less than 30% of the specific patients who subsequently underwent laser treatment. A statistically significant difference was seen on comparing the ages of patients in whom the screening protocol was successful versus those in whom it was unsuccessful (student's t-test,P<3.2 x 103). Younger patients were more likely to be detected using the Amsler chart. A one-tailed Z2 test approached, but did not achieve, statistical significance (Z2 = 1.057,P <0.3) suggesting that patients who have already lost vision to SRN in one eye might not be more likely to be detected using the surveillance protocol than patients in whom SRN was affecting their first eye. In all, 38% of surveillance responders went on to receive laser therapy, compared with 37% of surveillance nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS: The current Amsler chart surveillance protocol is suboptimal for detecting SRN in AMD, and a proportion of cases suitable for early laser therapy may be missing rapid detection. The results are especially important since recent advances in laser therapy for SRN require early detection for optimal effectiveness.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1999

What is the role of botulinum toxin in the treatment of dysthyroid strabismus?

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin A has been used in the treatment of dysthyroid strabismus primarily as a temporary measure during the active phase of the disease. We report on our experience with 65 patients. METHOD: We review the records of 65 patients with dysthyroid strabismus who were treated with botulinum toxin A at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1984 and 1996. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a short duration of relatively mild dysthyroid strabismus have a chance of long-term benefit with botulinum toxin A. There is little use for botulinum toxin A in cases of severe dysthyroid disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Normal visual development after unilateral complete ptosis at birth.

We report on a 5-year-old boy who was born with a unilateral complete ptosis secondary to a lid hematoma sustained at birth, which resolved spontaneously over the course of 6 weeks. Visual acuity and binocularity have developed normally. This case adds evidence to the proposal of a latent period before the onset of a sensitive period in visual development.

Birth Injuries↗