Use of the potential acuity meter in suspected functional visual loss.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R M Feldman.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
We attempted to evaluate whether the low degrees of astigmatism achieved early in the postkeratoplasty period with the combined interrupted/running suturing technique were maintained for long periods of time. For 13 to 70 months (mean, 30.2 months), we monitored a group of patients (25 eyes) who had previously undergone the combined interrupted/running suturing technique (12 interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures and one running 11-0 nylon suture). Nine running sutures broke spontaneously, causing a significant increase of the keratometric astigmatism of the entire population from 1.7 +/- 1.6 to 3.4 +/- 2.6 diopters (mean +/- standard deviation). The mean vector-corrected change in astigmatism after suture breakage was 4.9 +/- 2.6 diopters. Surgical procedures to reduce astigmatism were required in many of the eyes in which the 11-0 running nylon suture broke. Our results suggested that 11-0 nylon is not an ideal material for the running suture because its high rate of spontaneous disruption leads to undesired, statistically significant increases in postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Further, our results indicated that the selective suture technique can maintain low degrees of astigmatism only if the sutures remain intact. Studies of the effect of keratoplasty suturing techniques on astigmatism should probably include a follow-up that is sufficiently long to indicate its long-term value to the patient.
We report the preliminary results of the first 20 consecutive cases in which the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was applied directly beneath the conjunctival flap during trabeculectomy in high-risk patients. Seventeen were considered early successes, with 3-month postoperative intraocular pressures less than 21 mmHg, representing at least a 20% decrease from preoperative values. Successful blebs were pale, with conjunctival microcysts and without significant vascularization over the trabeculectomy site, similar to the appearance of blebs in eyes administered postoperative subconjunctival injections of 5-FU. There were no cases of corneal epithelial defects, and no eyes had lost more than one line of preoperative vision at the time of last follow up. Although the longer term efficacy of this method is unknown, these results suggest that it may represent a safe and effective alternative for administering 5-FU.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The role of repeat argon laser trabeculoplasty (RALT) in the management of open-angle glaucoma is controversial. To determine the long-term efficacy of RALT, the authors reviewed case records of 44 patients (50 eyes) who received RALT for uncontrolled glaucoma at the Wills Eye Hospital before 1986. Success was defined as a 3 mmHg or greater decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) to less than 22 mmHg, and no further surgical intervention. By life table analysis, RALT was successful in 35% of eyes at 6 months, in 21% at 12 months, in 11% at 24 months, and in 5% at 48 months. Thirty-three percent of eyes in which primary ALT was successful for 1 year were successful 12 months after RALT. Complications included IOP spikes in 12%. In conclusion, RALT was generally not effective for long-term control of open-angle glaucoma, but may be useful as a temporizing measure. However, this use of RALT must be weighed against the risks of complications and the additional progression of disease before more definitive surgical intervention.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Tenon's capsule cysts (TCCs) are a complication of glaucoma filtering surgery. They are frequently associated with substantial elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP) beginning 2 to 8 weeks postoperatively. To determine the incidence and possible risk factors for the development of TCCs, case records of all patients who received trabeculectomy over a 4-year period at the Wills Eye Hospital were reviewed. The incidence of TCCs was 28% in those who underwent trabeculectomy. Characteristics of patients after trabeculectomy in whom TCCs developed were compared with patients after trabeculectomy in whom TCCs did not develop. Both univariate and multivariate techniques were used to assess the association of characteristics associated with the development of TCCs. Factors associated with increased risk (P less than 0.05) were: history of prior TCCs, argon laser trabeculoplasty, male gender, and the use of preoperative sympathomimetics. The use of a compression shell was associated with decreased risk (P less than 0.05).
Most glaucoma surgical procedures are less successful in aphakic or pseudophakic eyes. The authors reviewed 91 consecutive initial glaucoma procedures in aphakic patients from 1979 to 1986 to determine successful outcomes and complications. Success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of at least 30% below the preoperative value and less than 21 mmHg, less than 2 lines of Snellen acuity loss, and no further surgical intervention. At 9 months, success rates were: trabeculectomy, 4 of 15 patients; cyclodialysis, 3 of 20 patients; neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) cyclophotocoagulation, 1 of 8 patients; cyclocryotherapy, 9 of 22 patients; anterior chamber tube shunt (Schocket procedure), 3 of 6 patients; and argon laser trabeculoplasty, 2 of 20 patients. Severe complications included phthisis bulbi in 11% of cyclocryotherapy and severe visual loss in 20% with cyclodialysis and 14% with cyclocryotherapy. Results confirm the difficulty of surgical therapy in these patients.
We analyzed 34 sets of optic disk photographs from 19 patients with glaucoma who had been followed up for ten years to evaluate changes in the position of the vasculature of the optic disks over time. Each photograph was analyzed by an image analyzer's edge-defining program for optic disk analysis and by three experienced clinicians. Image analysis of the blood vessels in 16 optic disks showed positional centrifugal shifts. The clinicians consistently noted changes in the appearance of seven optic disks. The difference between the results obtained using the image analyzer and those obtained by clinical observation was significant (P less than .05).
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
This study has been done to determine if there is any beneficial effect from the use of nonfatiguing strengthening exercises in the presence of post-polio syndrome. Following accurate identification by EMG of muscles that could be called "post-polio muscles," the use of physiotherapy by offering nonfatiguing strengthening exercises provided either a maintenance or a beneficial effect to these muscles. Only one muscle demonstrated reduced strength during the treatment protocol for reasons unassociated with the project. All other muscles, 31 in 6 patients, demonstrated either maintenance of pretreatment strength (17 muscles), or improvement (14 muscles). We feel that the combination of accurate identification of these muscles, followed by strict adherence to a supervised program of nonfatiguing exercise for a period of at least 3 months, provides help for these patients who have developed recurrent weakness 20 years after normal function following poliomyelitis.
Some individuals who had poliomyelitis 20 to 30 years ago are now reporting a recurrence of symptoms of weakness in the same muscle groups that were weakened during the initial onset of the disease. Electrophysiological findings on EMG and repetitive stimulation studies identify changes peculiar to this disease. Non-fatiguing progressive resistive exercises have been used to strengthen muscle groups demonstrating this secondary weakness after the muscles have been identified by electrophysiological studies. Favorable results are reported after non-fatiguing exercises which, combined with Occupational Therapy and appropriate orthotic management, have resulted in improvement in function of ambulation and activities of daily living. The causes of muscle atrophy and pain seen in these individuals are also discussed.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.