Structural alterations of the erythrocyte membrane proteins in diabetic retinopathy.

Background: Several rheological disorders of the erythrocytes, such as increased aggregation and decreased deformability, have been observed in diabetes mellitus and have been implicated in the development of diabetic microangiopathy. Structural alterations of the erythrocyte membrane proteins caused by the diabetic process may be at the origin of those observations. In the present study, we searched for erythrocyte membrane protein alterations in diabetic retinopathy.

Ulcerative keratitis in contact lens wearers.

Purpose: To determine the clinical microbiological characteristics of corneal ulcers in contact lens wearers.

Methods: A retrospective study of 23 patients admitted to our department with contact lens-related corneal ulcers during a 43-month period. Detailed demographic data, the type of contact lens, duration of lens wear, and wearing schedule were derived from a self-administered questionnaire.

Severe ocular injuries in Greek children.

Objective: To determine the epidemiological characteristics of severe eye injuries in childhood, in a mixed urban and rural Greek setting.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 95 cases (103 eyes) of eye injuries in children younger than 17 years of age admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Patras, Greece, during a five-year period. The data were analyzed with respect to age, sex, type, cause and mode of injury, method of management, duration of hospitalization and final visual deficit.