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Biomedical subjects

J W Eichenbaum

Publications and source records attributed to J W Eichenbaum.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Acute red eye. Differentiating viral conjunctivitis from other, less common causes.

Adenoviral conjuctivitis is one of the most common causes of acute red eye. Other diagnostic considerations include herpes virus conjunctivitis, chlamydial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and various other less common infections. Careful history taking can help in identifying a viral cause. The presentation may range from a minor conjunctivitis resulting from an upper respiratory tract infection to a serious, debilitating epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Local care and interventions to minimize transmission are the cornerstones of management. Infection is usually self-limiting. Warm soaks and artificial tear lubricants may relieve itching and burning. Patients should be instructed to avoid touching their eyes, wash hands often, use disposable towels, and avoid group activities for as long as an ocular discharge is present. Use of topical corticosteroids or antibacterial preparations can lead to complications, and injudicious use of topical corticosteroids may mask serious conditions that require other interventions.

Acute Disease

Iridoschisis: high frequency ultrasound imaging. Evidence for a genetic defect?

AIMS: To elucidate changes in the anatomy of the anterior chamber associated with iridoschisis, a rare form of iris atrophy, and their potential contribution to angle closure glaucoma. METHODS: Both eyes of a 71-year-old woman with bilateral iridoschisis and fibrous dysplasia and her asymptomatic 50-year-old daughter were scanned with a very high frequency (50 MHz) ultrasound system. RESULTS: The symptomatic patient exhibited diffuse changes in the iris stoma with an intact posterior iris pigmented layer in both eyes. These changes were clinically compatible with the lack of iris transillumination defects. Additionally, iris bowing with a resultant narrowing of the angle occurred. The asymptomatic daughter showed discrete, but less severe iris stromal changes. CONCLUSION: This is the first detailed study of high frequency ultrasonic imaging of the iris in iridoschisis. The observed structural changes suggest angle narrowing by forward bowing of the anterior iris stroma may be a mechanism of IOP elevation in this condition. The ultrasonic detection of iris changes in the asymptomatic daughter of the symptomatic patient and the association of iridoschisis with fibrous dysplasia suggest a possible genetic component in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Aged

Extended-wear aphakic soft contact lenses and corneal ulcers.

A review of 100 aphakic extended-wear soft contact lenses is presented for the period July 1980 to August 1981. Four previously successfully fitted patients with either American Optical Company's Sofcon or Cooper Laboratories' Permalens for extended wear developed corneal ulcers either directly under the lenses or shortly after removal. Three of the female patients were well controlled diabetics without retinopathy, one of whom sustained severe visual loss and neovascular glaucoma after a pseudomonas ulcer. Another patient, who had developed a Seratia marcescens ulcer 3 months later, developed metastatic carcinoma of the bowel. Special attention to diabetic aphakic patients being fitted with extended-wear soft contact lenses is suggested.

Aged

Computers and eyestrain.

Computer video display terminals have revolutionized the home and office work habits of millions of people. Although no verifiable organic ocular diseases have been shown to derive from computer monitors, symptoms related to eyestrain are very common. Some 10% to 15% of patients presenting for routine eye exams complain of computer-related headache and eyestrain. Comprehensive ocular examination including distance, intermediate and near refraction, as well as uncovering evidence of ergonomic and lighting inadequacy, often is clinically quite helpful. A careful eye exam with particular attention to middle and near range refraction, oculomotor balance, the workstation, lighting, and seating comfort will assist measurably in alleviating eyestrain.

Asthenopia

Vitamins for cataracts and macular degeneration.

1. In some instances, the lay and scientific community already have concluded that antioxidants confer protection against cataracts and macular degeneration, and have been using them toward that end for some years. 2. Because vitamins are not considered drugs, their prescription and dosage are not subject to the regulation of the Food and Drug Administration. While some studies support their use, others do not. 3. Until sound randomized, controlled clinical trials have been completed in the use of antioxidant supplements and the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, the exact therapeutic role and dosage of antioxidants will remain less than clear. As is the case with any drug, short- and long-term side effects, as well as potential toxicity, have to be carefully weighed against the protective benefits in each individual case.

Animals