Biomedical subjects

J Ruckhofer

Publications and source records attributed to J Ruckhofer.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

[Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS, Kera Vision Ring). One year outcome of the first 25 interventions].

BACKGROUND: The advantages of the Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) as compared to the frequently used methods for the correction of low to moderate myopia (RK, PRK, LASIK) are the intact optical zone and nearly complete reversibility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two ICR-Segments, made of PMMA (with an arc length of 150 degrees each) are placed in the deep stromal layers via a small radial incision. At the Landesaugenklinik Salzburg 25 continuous surgeries were performed as part of the European "MECCA-trial". RESULTS: Refractive results, intra- and postoperative complications with a follow-up of 12 months are presented. There was no visual loss after one year. In 40% (10/25) the best corrected visual acuity remained unchanged. In 56% (14/25) one line was gained, once two lines were gained. The spherical equivalent was slightly in the range of undercorrection--as wanted. The refractive astigmatism increased (0.5 dpt). The keratoscopy image showed positive aspheric appearance. CONCLUSION: The ICRS (Kera Vision Ring) seems to offer a precise and stable method to correct low myopia. The procedure is reversible to a large extent, potentially adjustable within certain limits and carries a minimal risk only. Although long-term follow-up is not available yet, initial results of the technique seem very promising.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Anterior chamber contamination during cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To measure anterior chamber bacterial and fungal contamination at the beginning and end of cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in a large series of patients and to determine the influence of preoperative treatment and operative technique on contamination. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, County Hospital of Salzburg, Austria. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 700 consecutive patients having planned cataract extraction (511 phacoemulsification, 189 extracapsular cataract extraction [ECCE]). Thirty-four patients required an anterior vitrectomy; 8 myopic patients did not receive an IOL. A preoperative smear and two intraoperative (at the beginning and end of surgery) anterior chamber aspirates were obtained from each patient. Postoperative smears were obtained at discharge. Three preoperative treatments were evaluated: no lacrimal system irrigation, no topical antibiotic (n = 282); lacrimal system irrigation with balanced saline solution, no topical antibiotic (n = 243); lacrimal system irrigation, antibiotic (neomycin) eyedrops (n = 175). All patients received topical indomethacin twice a day preoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative conjunctival smears showed bacterial growth in 76.6% of eyes, with coagulase-negative staphylococci (75%) the most common bacteria. Anterior chamber aspirates were culture positive in 14.1% at the beginning and in 13.7% at the end of surgery, with coagulase-negative staphylococci and corynebacteria the most common. Contamination rates of conjunctival smears taken at discharge were significantly lower (35%) than those taken preoperatively. There was no statistically significantly higher risk of anterior chamber contamination in eyes having ECCE than in those having phacoemulsification. Preoperative treatment did not statistically significantly influence intraoperative aqueous humor contamination rates. There were no cases of acute postoperative endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Bacteria entered the anterior chamber during cataract extraction and remained there at the end of surgery in a significant percentage of patients. Surgical technique, preoperative antibiotics, and preoperative lacrimal system irrigation had no statistically significant effect on contamination.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[The intrastromal corneal ring (KeraVision Ring, ICR, ICRS). A modern method for correcting minor myopia].

For the correction of low myopia several competing surgical methods have been developed over the last two decades: radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are used clinically on a very large scale. Both techniques are basically irreversible. RK does structurally weaken the cornea and PRK has to be applied directly at the optical center. Both disadvantages can to a large extent be avoided by the recently introduced Intrastromal Corneal Ring (ICR) that is now implanted worldwide following a long experimental and clinical development phase. The device is manufactured from PMMA and is effective by volume addition in the corneal periphery, shortening of the central arc length and thereby flattening the central optical zone. The latest development uses two ICR-Segments (with an arc length of 150 degrees each) that are placed in the deep stromal layers via a small radial incision. The surgical details, refractive results and intra- and postoperative complications of both, several international studies (with up to 5 years of follow-up), and our own experiences (25 eyes, follow-up 9 months) are presented. The ICRS (KeraVision Ring) seems to offer a precise and stable method to correct low myopia. The procedure is reversible to a large extent, potentially adjustable within certain limits and carries a minimal risk only. A short comparison with RK and PRK is attempted. Although long-term follow-up is not available yet, initial results of the technique seem very promising.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro susceptibilities to topical antibiotics of bacteria isolated from the surface of clinically symptomatic eyes.

BACKGROUND: The permanent change of resistance patterns of bacteria causing ocular infections makes repeat susceptibility testings against the most recent clinical isolates mandatory. The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro susceptibility of ocular bacterial isolates of clinically symptomatic eyes admitted to the outpatient clinic of the eye department of a large central hospital to commonly used topical antibiotics. METHODS: Ocular isolates (n = 454) were tested for their susceptibility to ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, meomycin, bacitracin, erythromycin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. RESULTS: All three tested fluoroquinolones were found to be very effective against gram-negative organisms but demonstrated some weakness against certain strains of gram-positive germs, in particular coagulase-negative staphylococci and Streptococcus viridans. These germs, however, were very susceptible to bacitracin and chloramphenicol. The relative overall in vitro efficacy was (in decreasing order): chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, bacitracin, tetracycline, neomycin, erythromycin, tobramycin and gentamicin. CONCLUSION: Chloramphenicol had the highest overall in vitro efficacy, but has potential lethal side effects. The fluoroquinolones were highly effective, especially being superior to the aminoglycosides tested, but no single antibiotic provided 100% coverage against all of the bacterial isolates that were tested.

Aminoglycosides↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ocular involvement in anti-epiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid.

PURPOSE: To report an anti-epiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid (AECP) patient with severe ocular involvement and to provide a practical approach to distinguishing AECP patients from those with other subepidermal blistering diseases. METHODS: Techniques included direct and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blot and immunoprecipitation studies, as well as interdisciplinary examinations of mucous membranes and skin. RESULTS: This study describes a patient with clinical features of cicatricial pemphigoid, circulating anti-basement membrane zone IgG antibodies, and subepidermal blisters. Histopathology and immunofluorescence analysis suggested the diagnosis of a cicatricial pemphigoid-like type of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. However, Western blot and immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the patient's serum contained autoantibodies against laminin 5 alpha3 subunit, leading to the diagnosis of an AECP. CONCLUSION: Since patients with AECP have an increased relative risk for malignant tumors, it is important to distinguish this entity within the spectrum of cicatricial pemphigoid patients by additional studies such as Western blot or immunoprecipitation.

Autoantibodies↗