Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy: Efficacy and Outcomes Performed by Optometrists.

Significance: An increasing number of optometrists are performing Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy procedures; however, there is limited published information on the outcomes of these procedures.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of capsulotomy procedures performed by optometrists.

Methods: Subjects diagnosed with posterior capsule opacification causing reduced vision and subjective visual complaints were recruited for this study.

Effects of a single saturation dive on lung function and exercise performance.

We studied the effects of an experimental saturation dive to 360 and 450 m in a simulation chamber on spirometric lung function, diffusing capacity, pulmonary compliance, and exercise performance in eight professional divers (age 22-40 years). To assess intraindividual variability, all parameters were measured on 2 days before and on 2 consecutive days immediately after the dive. For the group as a whole there was a significant increase in vital capacity and alveolar volume, and a decrease in Krogh factor and specific compliance (P < 0.

Platelet count in deep saturation diving.

Platelet counts were measured in 10 divers during the course of 4 experimental deep dives (450 and 600 m) and different anticoagulants were tested. The use of sodium citrate as an anticoagulant was associated with artifactual thrombocytopenia, whereas ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid proved to be satisfactory. During one of the dives (450 m) the use of fluorocarbon to remove excess dissolved inert gas before decompression of the samples was systematically tested.

Urinary vasopressin and aldosterone and plasma volume during a saturation dive to 450 m.

Urinary vasopressin (VP), aldosterone (ALDO), osmotic substances, sodium excretion, and plasma volume were assessed in 4 healthy male divers during 2 predive control days, 2 compression days, 6 days at 46 atm abs, and 26 days of decompression with stops at 37 and 27 atm abs. At pressure the ambient gas was trimix (0.5 atm abs O2:5% N2:remainder He).