Calculating the error in refractive error.

Aims And Purpose: To demonstrate a quick way of calculating the optical difference between two refractions using vector analysis, and to express this as a score for examination purposes.

Methods: An existing formula is applied, converted to a defocus equivalent, and then converted to a score. The formula is set out in an Excel spreadsheet.

Technique of amniotic membrane transplant dressing in the management of acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Purpose: To report the technique of amniotic membrane transplantation dressing during the acute phase of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Methods: Interventional case report. We report the clinical presentation, surgical technique and clinical outcome of a patient with acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome and progressive tarsal conjunctival epithelial loss.

Refractory glaucoma--tube or diode?

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the relative effectiveness of tube surgery and cyclodiode laser in terms of achieving intraocular pressure control.

Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken to compare patients undergoing double plate Molteno tube implantation with patients undergoing diode cyclophotocoagulation. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was documented at 7 days prior to surgery and postoperatively at various time points.

Complicated removal of corneal foreign bodies 18 months after laser in situ keratomileusis.

We present a 39-year-old young engineer who developed flap complications after removal of corneal foreign bodies 18 months after successful laser in situ keratomileusis. The right eye had a flap scar and debris in the interface, and the left eye had a central rust ring and debris in the interface. Attempted removal of the flap in the left eye lifted off a large area around the rust ring, and the ring was left in place.

Human preocular mucins reflect changes in surface physiology.

Background/aims: Mucin function is associated with both peptide core and glycosylation characteristics. The authors assessed whether structural alterations occurring during mucin residence in the tear film reflect changes in ocular surface physiology.

Methods: Ocular surface mucus was collected from normal volunteers as N-acetyl cysteine (NAcCys) washes or directly from the speculum after cataract surgery.

Mitomycin C eliminates the short-term intraocular pressure rise found following Molteno tube implantation.

Purpose: Molteno implants remain popular for treating recalcitrant glaucomas. This study aimed to assess the effect of mitomycin C (MMC) use with Molteno tube implantation upon intraocular pressure (IOP) control and complication rates. In particular, the study aimed to assess any change that MMC might have upon the postoperative hypertensive phase.

Membrane-associated mucins in normal human conjunctiva.

Purpose: To examine the presence of specific membrane-associated mucins in normal human conjunctiva.

Methods: Glycoconjugates were extracted from membranes with two detergents: octylglucoside and Triton X114. Mucins were separated by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation.

Secreted human conjunctival mucus contains MUC5AC glycoforms.

This study addresses the extent of variation in secreted end-product mucins in human conjunctival mucus. The aim was to determine whether the variety of mucin species found was encompassed by the mucin genes which have been cloned to date. Extraction into guanidine hydrochloride and separation of mucin constituents, by a combination of cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation, size separation on Sepharose CL-2B, MonoQ ion exchange chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis, demonstrates a complex mixture of mucins.

Polydispersity of normal human conjunctival mucins.

Purpose: To isolate all constituent mucins from human conjunctival mucus.

Methods: Mucins were extracted from human conjunctiva in guanidine hydrochloride and protease inhibitors. The mucins were isolated by density gradient centrifugation, gel filtration, and ion exchange chromatography.

The mechanical properties of the human lens capsule following capsulorhexis or radiofrequency diathermy capsulotomy.

Objective: To quantify the biomechanical properties of the capsulotomy edge following continuous-tear circular capsulorhexis (CTCC) or radiofrequency (RF) diathermy capsulotomy.

Methods: A test apparatus was constructed that allowed controlled stretching of capsulotomy edges following CTCC or RF diathermy capsulotomy. The lens contents were removed by phacoemulsification to permit the implantation of probes that exerted a test force on the capsulotomy edge and were moved in diametrically opposite directions using computer-controlled stepping motors.

Conjunctiva : organ and cell culture.

The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane of the eye. It is a delicate transparent epithelium with its own stroma overlying the tough white sclera, which forms the ball of the eye. Only at the circular limbus, where the sclera meets the transparent cornea, and at the eyelids, is the conjunctiva firmly attached, thus permitting free movement of the eye The loose conjunctiva between these points of attachment folds into a blind sac deepest under the upper and lower lids.

Visual disturbance of the uncovered eye in patients wearing an eye patch.

We questioned 104 consecutive eye casualty patients about any visual disturbance experienced while wearing an eye patch as part of their treatment. Many (31%) reported momentary loss of vision in the uncovered eye. Some experienced this while driving.