Comparison of dry-eye disease severity after laser in situ keratomileusis and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) on dry-eye disease markers including tear osmolarity, Schirmer testing, and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI).

Setting: Laser Suite, Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Design: Prospective controlled cross-sectional observation study.

Prospective contralateral eye study to compare conventional and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To compare outcomes of customized/wavefront guided with conventional ablation in myopic patients with or without astigmatism undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis.

Methods: A prospective, comparative, contralateral eye study was performed. Sixty-eight eyes of 34 myopic patients with similar refractive error in both eyes were included.

Risk factors, microbiological findings, and clinical outcomes in cases of microbial keratitis admitted to a tertiary referral center in ireland.

Aim: To identify the risk factors for, and to report the microbiological findings and clinical outcomes of, severe microbial keratitis (MK).

Methods: This was a retrospective study of all cases of presumed MK admitted to a tertiary referral center over a 2-year period (September 2001 to August 2003). Data recorded included demographic data, details relating to possible risk factors, results of microbiological studies, clinical findings at presentation, and clinical and visual outcomes.

Sibshops: an evaluation of an interagency model.

The study evaluates the effectiveness of a sibling support programme (Sibshops) involving three disability agencies in Cork, Ireland. Qualitative and quantitative data were obtained using semi-structured interviews and the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale with siblings, together with parent feedback. Results from the Piers-Harris showed that there was no significant increase in sibling self-esteem following attendance at the Sibshops.