[Pedunculated conjunctival tumor. Pedunculated conjunctival metastases of a clear cell kidney carcinoma].
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Aged↗
Biomedical subjects
H Höh
Publications and source records attributed to H Höh.
[The role of pachymetry in routine glaucoma diagnosis].
The influence of corneal thickness on the precision of Goldman applanation tonometry is highly disputed. Goldmann and Schmidt assumed that the physiological variation of corneal thickness does not influence the measurement. But they indicated that an "abnormal" deviation of corneal thickness can lead to a false measurement. In the last 30 years many investigations have reliably demonstrated that thick corneas produce elevated applanation values and thin corneas lower values. The correction value is 1 mm Hg per 25 microm change in corneal thickness. The accuracy of intraocular pressure measurement is important for the detection and monitoring of glaucoma. Therefore it is necessary to recalculate applanation values based on corneal thickness in every patient, especially after refractive surgery. It is also necessary to keep in mind that with applanation tonometry we measure a force. From the force readings we deduce the value of the intraocular pressure. This conclusion is only correct if the theory of Goldmann applanation tonometry is right. But between force measurement and intraocular pressure there is the individual cornea with special properties like thickness, rigidity and astigmatism which can influence the correctness of the measurement. So we can understand why knowledge of corneal thickness can improve the deduction from force measurement of intraocular pressure. It is also reasonable that other individual corneal properties we do not measure or do not know so far can influence the deduction. This means that the corneal thickness is not the only variable. Pachymetry allows us to estimate the intraocular pressure with higher precision. Therefore it should be clinically used.
Artifacts↗
[Regression of lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF) on topical treatment with Liposic Eye Gel--a pilot study].
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this observation study was to determine whether regression of lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF) can be induced by repeated and intensive treatment with a gel-forming tear substitute. METHODS: In cooperation with the referring ophthalmologists, patients suffering from advanced dry eye condition were recruited. LIPCOF grades from 1 to 3 were included. Tear film break-up time (BUT) had to be less than 10 sec and the Schirmer-I test less than 10 mm. All patients recruited had been using watery tear substitutes. Examinations including visual acuity, slit lamp, fluorescein test, Schirmer-I test, BUT, LIPCOF were performed at baseline and after 2 weeks and 2 months. All examinations were done by the same physician at the Dietrich-Bonhoeffer Eye Hospital of Neubrandenburg. Exclusion criteria were severe eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, history of intraocular or conjunctival surgery and disorders of the eye lids. Pretreatment with gels was not allowed. In the study, patients were treated with Liposic Eye Gel at least three times a day for a period of two months. RESULTS: LIPCOFs regressed in 10 eyes of 5 patients (1 x male, 4 x female) from a mean grade of 2.58 at baseline to 2.29 after 2 months under Liposic treatment. This improvement is statistically significant (n = 10, p = 0.04). Schirmer-I test results had improved in the same time period from a mean of 6.4 mm at baseline to a mean of 8.1 mm after 2 months (n. s., n = 10, p = 0.73). BUT improved from a mean of 12.5 sec at baseline to a mean of 17.5 sec at the 2-month follow-up (n. s., n = 10, p = 0,085). In one patient the cornea was fluorescein-positive at baseline and stayed so throughout the follow-up. Liposic Gel was used by the patients between 3 to 8 times per day. Tolerance was excellent. DISCUSSION: The study results show that the morphological signs of the dry-eye condition like LIPCOFs can be reversed by intensive treatment with Liposic Gel. The improvements in BUT and Schirmer-I test results confirm the adherence of the patients to the treatment schedule. CONCLUSION: This pilot study provides the statistical data necessary for designing a major treatment study to prove not only the reversibility of LIPCOF, but also the dependence of the possible improvement on the grade of LIPCOF stage on the age of the patient and on other criteria.
Administration, Topical↗
[Glaucoma diagnostics and corneal thickness].
In recent years the role of pachymetry in the correction of applanation tonometry values was controversially disputed. At the present time it is undoubtedly proven that central corneal thickness affects the accuracy of applanation tonometry. The dimension of this influence is 1 mmHg of pressure per 25 microm of change in corneal thickness. It is important to remember that Goldmann and Schmidt calibrated the applanation tonometer according to the central corneal thickness of their population by using the optical method. Therefore, it is first necessary to determine the corneal thickness for each examiner and his methods. The linear correction formula should be used only in the range of corneal thickness in which the formula was determined. The correction according to Orssengo and Pye and further developments in tonometry may offer alternatives for better estimation of intraocular pressure.
Cornea↗
Autoantibodies to prothrombin and phosphatidylserine/prothrombin-complexes: do they contribute to the serodiagnosis of primary and secondary anti-phospholipid syndrome?
The diagnostic and clinical relevance of Ab to pure and phosphatidylserine-complexed prothrombin for primary and secondary APS was investigated in a total of 357 patients with (n = 169) and without (n = 188) connective tissue diseases. The overall frequency of anti-prothrombin Ab in sAPS, pAPS and patients without APS-related symptoms were found to be 50.0, 37.5 and 22.0%, respectively. From a total of 72 anti-prothrombin-positive samples, 12.5% were specific for pure prothrombin, 31.9% for phosphatidylserine/prothrombin-complexes and 55.6% recognized both antigenic forms. The simultaneous occurrence of other anti-phospholipid Ab was observed in 84% of all sera. Both types of anti-prothrombin Ab are significantly associated with lupus anticoagulant activity, but only Ab to pure prothrombin display such a relationship to clinical manifestations of APS. Based on these results, it cannot be recommended at present to include anti-prothrombin assays in the routine procedure for the serodiagnosis of APS. However, patients negative for lupus anticoagulant and typical APS-related anti-phospholipid Ab should be tested for anti-prothrombin reactivity, favoring, mainly due to its higher specificity, the ELISA containing pure prothrombin as antigen.
Adult↗
Reactivity profiles of autoantibodies to different phospholipids and the phospholipid-binding protein beta2-glycoprotein I in patients with clinical symptoms related to thromboembolic and/or vasculopathic events with or without connective tissue diseases.
To study the antigenic and epitope specificities of anti-phospholipid Ab in detail, we investigated 177 patients without (62 with APS-related systemic clinical symptoms, 115 with microangiopathies) and 164 patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD). Ab associated with primary APS (pAPS) seem to show a restricted specificity (phospholipid/beta2-GPI-complexes), whereas those in secondary APS (sAPS) react additionaly with pure beta2-GPI. Simultaneously, beta2-GPI-independent Ab were also frequently present in both conditions (50% of all Ab-positive sera). In CTD patients, the reactivity profile "pure beta2-GPI + phospholipid/beta2-GPI-complexes" is significantly associated with clinically manifest sAPS. Comparing cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine as antigenic target, the overall concordance (crossreactivity?) between both assays was lower than expected (52%), being highest in pAPS (87%) and sAPS (65%). Based on these results, a two-step procedure for reliable serological diagnosis of APS could be recommended: Ab-screening using a mix of phospholipids complexed with beta2-GPI (sensitivity > 90% for Ab concentrations above 20 U/ml) followed by an assay allowing the simultaneous detection of all relevant antigenic and epitope specificities.
Adult↗
[Subacute, unilateral vision loss. Schwannoma of the orbital apex].
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Adult↗
[Present state of erbium laser phacoemulsification. Comparison with ultrasound phacoemulsification concerning energy and phaco-time at one clinic].
BACKGROUND: Comparison of phaco time and phaco energy between ultrasound (USP) and erbium laser (ELP) phacoemulsification at the Eye Clinic Neubrandenburg. METHOD: One surgeon performed all operations (n = 503) employing only USP (Harmony, D.O.R.C., Groningen, Netherlands). Phaco time was measured and converted to energy. Another surgeon performed all operations (n = 503) using only ELP. The energy transfer and phaco time were read from the Phacolase (Asclepion-Meditec, Jena, Germany). Nucleus hardness distribution was comparable for both surgeons. RESULTS: Phaco times in USP/ELP were as follows: nucleus hardness 0: 0.7 s/7.5 s, nucleus hardness 1: 9.6 s/57.6 s, nucleus hardness 2: 23.7 s/106.9 s, nucleus hardness 3: 39.3 s/215.1 s, and nucleus hardness 4: 68.9 s/232.0 s. Energy in USP/ELP was as follows: nucleus hardness 0: 7.2 J/0.9 J, nucleus hardness 1: 96.7 J/23.5 J, nucleus hardness 2: 237.3 J/53.1 J, nucleus hardness 3: 392.5 J/149.1 J, and nucleus hardness 4: 688.6 J/176.6 J. CONCLUSION: ELP takes longer than USP, but the energy transferred to the eyes for emulsification was lower with the laser in comparison to ultrasound.
Adolescent↗
[Phacoemulsification and vitrectomy with the erbium:YAG laser and phacoemulsification with the neodymium:YAG laser].
There are an increasing number of possible applications for the use of Erbium:YAG and Neodymium:YAG lasers in ophthalmology. Laser-phacoemulsification as well as Erbium-laser vitrectomy is of major interest. We report on the underlying technology and more than 1-year-experience using the PHACOLASE (Asclepion-Meditec, Jena, Germany, 10-100 Hz frequency, 5-50 mJ single pulse energy) for phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy and the Lyla-Dodick laser photolysis (A.R.C. Laser, Eckental-Forth, Germany, 1-20 Hz, up to 8 mJ single pulse energy). The Erbium:YAG-laser as well as the Neodymium:YAG-laser enabled us to extract lenses with up to medium hard nuclei. Moreover, the Erbium laser enabled fast vitrectomy with little mechanical traction. In many of our initial surgical operations we had to change to mechanical vitrectomy due to initial technical problems. No new complications occurred intra- or postoperatively. The handpiece worked well in removing vitreous bodies, but was not feasible for cutting membranes. Modified handpieces for this purpose are under development.
Equipment Design↗
[Intracorneal ring segments for correction of myopia. Results of microsurgery technique].
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Since May 1998, small incision instruments for the implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) are available enabling incisions only 1.2 mm in width instead of 1.8 mm to be made. After a follow-up period of 22 months in the conventional group and 8 months in the small incision group, the results of both groups were compared. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since April 1997, 73 intrastromal corneal ring segments have been implanted, the first 43 ICRS implantations in 29 patients were performed using the conventional technique, the next 30 ICRS implantations in 22 patients were performed with the small incision technique. The average preoperative myopia was -3.5 D. RESULTS: After 6 months, 66.7% of the patients of both groups achieved the refraction target +/- 0.5 D. Even on the first postoperative day, the final refraction is achieved and shows stability for 1 year without regression. After 6 months, 80% of the conventionally operated patients and 77.8% of the patients operated on with the small incision technique showed an uncorrected visual acuity of 1.0 or better. With the small incision technique the preparation of the corneal dissection channel in 2/3 corneal stromal depth is significantly easier and can be carried out more safely. Perforations towards the inner or outer surface of the cornea can be practically excluded. Due to the smaller superficial wound in contrast to the conventional technique, a corneal suture is not necessary. Stromal depth of implantation was more than 50% and in both groups no decentration of 1.0 mm or more occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The small incision technique increases the intraoperative safety in the dissection of the stromal lamellae in the correct level. Both techniques are comparable with regards to visual acuity and refraction. The smaller corneal wound does not need a corneal suture. Because of these advantages we have completely switched our technique to the small incisions.
Adult↗
[Erbium:YAG laser vitrectomy. Initial clinical results].
BACKGROUND: Much interest has been expressed in recent years in the use of erbium:YAG lasers in ophthalmology, particularly for vitrectomy and phacoemulsification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed 54 operations (49 primary, 5 secondary) for pars plana vitrectomy on 53 eyes of 53 patients using the Phacolase erbium:YAG laser at a frequency of 10-100 Hz single-pulse energy of 5-50 mJ. RESULTS: The operation was successful in 51 cases,while in three we had to resort to mechanical vitrectomy due to initial technical problems. CONCLUSION: Erbium:YAG laser vitrectomy was generally fast and caused little mechanical stress to the retina. Complications were only those known from mechanical vitrectomy.The handpiece showed good properties for removing vitreous but not for cutting membranes, although new handpieces specifically for the cutting of membranes are under development.
Adult↗
Pilot study on erbium laser phacoemulsification.
PURPOSE: To investigate the suitability of erbium laser phacoemulsification for cataract surgery using a prospective pilot study. DESIGN: Prospective, single-center, nonrandomized clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Slit-lamp microscopy, keratometry, best-corrected visual acuity, refraction, pachymetric corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and intraocular pressure were assessed before surgery and on the first, fourth, fourteenth, and the sixtieth day after surgery in 40 eyes of 34 patients with senile cataract (17 males with a mean age of 67.3 years; 17 females with a mean age of 73.2 years). All operations were performed by one surgeon (HH) using the MCL-29 erbium laser (Aesculap-Meditec, Jena, Germany). The nuclear sclerosis grade ranged from 0 to 4. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were defined as the ability to emulsify the lens nucleus under clinical conditions and the occurrence of side effects. Secondary outcome measures included the change in visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density. RESULTS: Complete emulsification of the lens nucleus using the erbium laser was achieved in 36 of 40 eyes (90%; nuclear sclerosis grade, 0-3). Partial emulsification of the nucleus was possible in two cases with grade 3 nuclear sclerosis, in one case of grade 2 nuclear sclerosis, and in one case of cataract with grade 4 nuclear sclerosis. Mean phacoemulsification time was 3 minutes, and the total applied energy equaled 38.5 J. The postoperative changes in visual acuity, spherical and astigmatic refraction, and intraocular pressure were found to be the same as with ultrasonic phacoemulsification. The decrease in the density of endothelial cells (by 0.96%) was not statistically significant. Posterior capsule ruptures occurred in three eyes early in the series. There were no further vision-threatening complications. CONCLUSIONS: Erbium laser phacoemulsification is effective for lenses with mild to moderate nuclear sclerosis. For higher grades of nuclear sclerosis, further improvements in technical and surgery-related parameters are required.
Aged↗
[Clinical use of mydriasis with 10% phenylephrine and its antagonism by 0.5% dapiprazole].
BACKGROUND: Dapiprazole hydrochloride is an alpha-1-adrenergic inhibitor that anticipates the mydriatic effect of phenylephrine in dilator muscle receptors in a competitive way. The aim of this study was to determine for which indications for mydriasis pupil dilation by phenylephrine alone is sufficient and if the reversal by dapiprazole is convenient and the practical. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In 286 eyes of 147 outpatients, the pupil was dilated for fluorescein angiography-FLA (100 eyes of 50 patients), examination of the fundus-Fd (99 eyes of 52 patients), central argon laser coagulation-cALC) (64 eyes of 32 patients), peripheral argon laser coagulation-pALC (16 eyes of 9 patients) and Nd:YAG capsulotomy (7 eyes of 4 patients) with phenylephrine 10% eyes drops, followed by reversal by dapiprazole 0.5%. The width and mobility of the pupil were tested at intervals of 10 min. When mydriasis by phenylephrine was insufficient, tropicamide was applied additionally. RESULTS: In 98% of FLA with scanning laser ophthalmoscope, 75% of cALC, 76% of Fd, 62% FLA with fundus camera and 38% of pALC, mydriasis could be reached that was sufficient for the indication. Diabetics showed significantly more sluggish pupil mobility (t1/2: P < 0.05 mydriasis, P < 0.005 reversal). The mean duration after using dapiprazole until reaching the starting value (+/- 1 mm) of the pupil was 44.3 +/- 26.3 min. In 86% of the examined eyes, the pupil reached its starting value within 1 h. The subjective degree of satisfaction with the application of dapiprazole was "satisfied" to "very satisfied" (5.4 +/- 1.4 points on a scale from 1 to 7 points). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In fundus examination, fluorescein angiography by a laser scanner, diagnostic retinal examination and central laser coagulation, the combination phenylephrine/dapiprazole was most suitable. In our opinion, the combination is less suitable for peripheral argon laser coagulation and fluorescein angiography using a fundus camera.
Adolescent↗
[Therapeutic and prophylactic application of TPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) into the anterior chamber of the eye].
BACKGROUND: In therapy-resistant fibrin reactions within the anterior chamber, especially following combined cataract and glaucoma surgery, injection of TPA is indicated. We report our results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 1994 to August 1998 we applied TPA 185 times into anterior chambers. A total of 123 injections were for therapeutic reasons (if local therapy with eyedrops showed no fibrinolytic effect), 32 for prophylactic reasons at the end of operations with intensive manipulation of the iris and following postoperative fibrin risk, and 30 applications for nonfunctional filtering blebs following glaucoma surgery. We applied 10 microg/0.1 ml. RESULTS: On the first day after therapeutic application of TPA, the fibrin was completely dissolved in 61 % of the eyes, and in 36.6 % of the eyes partial fibrinolysis occurred (total 97.6 %). Only 2.4 % of the eyes showed no fibrinolysis. Seventy-five percent of the eyes showed no fibrin reaction within the anterior chamber after prophylactic application of TPA. In all eyes (100 %) we would have expected fibrin reactions. Application of TPA for a filtering blebs disorder after glaucoma surgery resulted in restoration of the filtering bleb function in two-thirds of the eyes. COMPLICATIONS: After 185 applications of TPA into the anterior chamber we saw ten occurrences anterior chamber bleeding (5.4 %). In six eyes (3.2 %) we saw transcient clouding of the corneal endothelium and/or corneal stroma. These complications were reversible, except for irreversible endothelial decompensation in one eye with Fuchs' corneal dystrophy. CONCLUSION: TPA is effective for treating fibrin formation within the anterior chamber and maintaining the function of the filtering bleb. To confirm and quantify the efficiency of prophylactic use, a controlled prospective study is recommended.
Adolescent↗
[Correction of myopia with the intracorneal ring].
PROBLEM: The Implantation of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) offers the possibility of reversible, refractive surgery for correction of lower myopia up to -5.0 D. We report our first results 1 year after implantation of ICR segments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1997 to August 1998 we implanted ICRS in 48 eyes of 31 patients (12 male, 19 female) to correct myopia. The preoperative refraction (spherical equivalent) was between -1.0 and -5.0 D (astigmatism < 1.0 D). The average age was 34.0 years (range 19-48 years). ICRS implantation was performed in peribulbar anaesthesia. All operations were done by the same surgeon. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 10 months (ranges 1-12 months). After 6 months the deviation from the target refraction of all eyes was < 1.5 D; 26 of 27 eyes (96.3%) showed a deviation of < or = 1.0 D. Six months after surgery, 18 of 27 eyes (66.6%) showed an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, 23 of 26 eyes (88.4%) showed 20/25 or better, and 25 of 26 eyes (96.2) 20/40 and better. Only 1 of 16 eyes showed an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/50. In all eyes, the best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better. In 2 eyes an ICRS exchange and implantation of a thicker ring was necessary because the target refraction could not be achieved with the first implanted ring. In 2 eyes an ICRS reposition was done to optimize the location of the ring within the cornea. In 4 eyes we explanted the ring due to double vision (1 x) and distorted vision (3 x) caused by induced astigmatism. After explantation the preoperative refraction (+/- 0.15 D) was reached within 1 to 1.5 months. There was no regression after 6 months (n = 27) or after 1 year (n = 7). CONCLUSION: Our 1-year results of ICRS implantation show that myopia correction with the advantage of reversibility and lower complication rate is possible by this refractive surgical method. Ring exchange and explantation are possible. Earlier postoperative complaints like photophobia, unstable visual acuity or discomfort usually disappear rapidly. The decision of 95.0% of the patients to have ICRS implantation also into the second eye shows the high degree of satisfaction.
Adult↗
[Continuous intraocular pressure measurement over several days with the Codman Microsensor--a case report].
BACKGROUND: In eyes with irregular corneal surface (e.g. following bullous keratopathy, irregular astigmatism, edema or scars and following perforating keratoplasty), applanation tonometry often cannot be performed or results do not correlate with the clinical findings. In these cases, intraocular measurement of intraocular pressure is necessary. By puncturing of the anterior chamber, single measurements can be done for a short time period. Data of the course of intraocular pressure for a long period of time can not be assessed by this method. We report on two patients whom we implanted a continuously measuring probe into the anterior chamber for up to 96 hours instead of puncturing the anterior chamber. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A neurosurgical micro sensor (CODMAN, Norderstedt) was placed into the anterior chamber via a 1.2 mm wide and 4 mm long scleral tunnel. The data were transmitted to the ICP Express Display Monitor (CODMAN, Norderstedt) and displayed. From there, the data were transmitted to the multifunctional monitor DINAMAP Plus 8720 (CRITIKON, Norderstedt). After analog-digital transformation, the data were recorded on a personal computer with Pentium processor for analysis (patient #1: one measurement per minute, patient #2: one measurement per 10 seconds). In the first patient, implantation of the probe was indicated by enormous deviation of applanation tonometric measurements (12 to 20 mmHg) from the measurement results with the finger tips (25 to 30 mmHg). Clinical findings correlated to the higher intraocular pressure. Due to a decompensation of the corneal transplant, a re-keratoplasty was necessary. Within this operation, the micor sensor for continuous measurement of the intraocular pressure was implanted. The probe was explanted the next day. In the second patient, an primary chronical open-angle glaucoma in both eyes was known. In 1997, corneal transplantation has been performed in both eyes due to corneal dystrophy. Postoperatively, intraocular pressure stayed high. Applanation tonometry gave measurements of 16 to 20 mmHg although the measurement results with the finger tips exceeded 30 mmHg. To find out the real intraocular pressure and to have a basis for a rational therapy, we implanted the intraocular measurement probe for five days to determine the intraocular pressure at night and day. After measuring the baseline values, the efficiency of several antiglaucomatous drugs was tested to find out the drugs with the highest effect to prescribe it to the patient after the removal of measuring probe. RESULTS: The intraocular measurement with the CODMAN micro sensor could confirm in both patients that the measurements by applanation tonometry were wrongly too low. The measurement results with finger tips were confirmed by the intraocular measuring. The data had essential implications for the patients. Meanwhile, in both patients pressure lowering surgery was performed. The probe did not cause intraocular problems (1 day respectively 5 days). An irritation of the anterior chamber did not appear. In the first patient, the measuring probe moved from its position with following external filtration. So the probe was explanted only the next day. A movement of the probe tip can be avoided be appropriate subconjunctival suture fixation. CONCLUSION: Continuous measuring and recording of the intraocular pressure may be indicated, if applanation tonometry gives unreliable or even wrong results. Via a long scleral tunnel, a water-proof implantation into the anterior chamber is possible. Because a postoperative irritation could not be seen, we think that the probe only causes a minor falsification of the intraocular pressure. The described pressure measuring system allows measuring intraocular pressure continuously and assessing the individual effect of different antiglaucomatous drugs. Before using the probe as routine procedure, some improvements are necessary, e.g. smaller tip of the probe. The transmission wire to the
Anterior Chamber↗
[Anisomyopia and myelinated nerve fibers--a syndrome].
BACKGROUND: The combination of anisomyopia and myelinated nerve fibres of the higher myopic eye is often correlated with a deep and therapy-refractive amblyopia. As the cause for the entity anisomyopia/myelinated nerve fibres a disorder of development on the level of the lamina cribrosa during embryo genesis has been suggested in the literature. There are only very few reports on a successful therapy of the amblyopia that goes along with anisomyopia/myelinated nerve fibres. PATIENTS: We report on six patients, aged 6 to 28 years, who presented with anisomyopia, myelinated nerve fibres and deep amblyopia in the higher myopic eye. The four younger patients were enrolled into a therapeutic trial with contact lens correction and occlusion. RESULTS: The six patients presented with varying degrees of anisomyopia between -3.5 D and -18.5 D. In addition, in two patients we found a microstrabism and in three patients an exotropia. In spite of consistent occlusion and full optical correction in the four patients who underwent therapy visual acuity did not improve to more than 0.4 (1x microstrabism, 2x exotropia, 1x no squint--best visual recovery in the patient with microstrabism). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of unilateral high myopia and myelinated nerve fibres represents a special entity which usually is correlated with a deep amblyopia. The amblyopia is nearly refractive to therapy even under consequent therapy with contact lenses and prolonged occlusion. Nevertheless one should try to treat the amblyopia to achieve at least a small improvement. The goal is to diagnose this constellation already in the first two years of life. As our cases show occlusion therapy at this age can lead at least to a limited improvement of visual acuity.
Adolescent↗
[Erbium laser phacoemulsification--a clinical pilot study].
INTRODUCTION: From August 1997 to March 1998, we performed a prospective pilot study to examine erbium laser phacoemulsification in cataract surgery under clinical conditions and to determine the side effects of this method. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 34 patients (40 eyes) with senile cataract were recruited. Slit lamp findings, keratometry, best corrected visual acuity, refraction, pachymetry, endothelial cell count and intraocular pressure were determined preoperatively and on 1st, 4th, 14th and 60th postop day according to a standardised protocol (single pulse energy between 10 and 20 mJ, frequency of application 60 Hz, average phaco time 3 min, total energy 38.5 mJ). The operations were done with the erbium laser system MCL 29, Aesculap-Meditec Co., Jena, Germany. RESULTS: A total emulsification of the nucleus was possible in 36 of 40 eyes (90%) (nucleus hardness between 0 and 3). A partial emulsification of the nucleus in nucleus hardness 3 was possible in 2 eyes, in nucleus hardness 4 in 1 eye and in nucleus hardness 2 in 1 eye (4 eyes--10%). Visual acuity increased from 0.3 preop to 0.8 two months postop (median). Intraocular pressure decreased from 16 mm Hg preoperatively to 13 mm Hg two months postoperatively (median). The increase of corneal thickness was not statistically significant compared to baseline. The decrease of endothelial cell count was 0.96%. Postoperative complications which are not known in ultrasonic phacoemulsification did not appear in erbium laser phacoemulsification. CONCLUSION: Erbium laser phacoemulsification is a surgical method that makes the emulsification of softer nuclei under clinical conditions possible with a low rate of complications also in the beginning of the learning curve. For higher nucleus hardnesses, technical and surgical parameters have to be optimised. Advantages of erbium laser phacoemulsification compared to ultrasonic phacoemulsification are less energy transmission into the eye, no heating of anterior chamber, impossibility of corneal burns and easier access in eyes that are deep into the orbit. Especially advantageous is the high protection of endothelium by erbium laser phacoemulsification. A prospective controlled comparative study to ultrasonic emulsification is desirable.
Aged↗