A follow-on study on vision-related quality of life assessment using the NEI-VFQ-25 in those with a history of unilateral and bilateral congenital cataracts.

Purpose: To assess vision-specific health-related quality of life (using the NEI-VFQ-25), educational attainment and visual acuity (VA) in patients with a history of congenital cataracts and appraise these in relation to Kirwan et al.'s (Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 49, 2012, 26) study.

Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study of patients with unilateral and bilateral congenital cataracts whounderwent surgery aged younger than 12 months.

Bevacizumab compared with diode laser in stage 3 posterior retinopathy of prematurity: A 5 year follow up.

We conducted a prospective randomized study to compare outcomes of intravitreal Bevacizumab versus diode laser in thirty eyes of fifteen premature babies with zone 1 or posterior zone 2 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We recorded complications, regression/reactivation of ROP, visual outcome, refractive error and systemic complications. The Bevacizumab treated eyes showed rapid regression of the ROP with resolution of plus disease and flattening of the ridge at 48 hours post injection.

An ocular motility conundrum.

Two siblings, an 11-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl presented with bilateral symmetrical ptosis and limited eye movements. Having already been reviewed on a number of occasions by a variety of specialists in multiple hospital settings a diagnosis of their ocular motility disorder had remained elusive. We describe their cases, outline the differential diagnosis and review the investigations performed which were influential in finally making a diagnosis.

Tear osmolarity in premature infants.

Purpose: To measure and report tear osmolarity in premature infants and to assess the change, if any, that occurs with increasing maturity.

Methods: In a prospective study of consecutive infants born at less than 37 weeks gestational age undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity, serial measurements of tear osmolarity were obtained at preterm, term, and 3 months post-term. Mean ± standard deviation tear osmolarity and percentage of infants with tear osmolarity value greater than 308 and greater than 316 mOsm/L were calculated at each stage of maturity.

Foldable iris-fixated intraocular lens implantation in children.

Purpose:   To describe the results of foldable iris-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children.

Methods:   Children with high bilateral or unilateral myopia who were intolerant of spectacle or contact lens correction were implanted with an iris-fixated foldable IOL and prospectively followed. We measured pre- and postoperative visual acuity, refraction, endothelial cell density (ECD) and National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25.

Artisan iris-claw lenses for the correction of aphakia in children following lensectomy for ectopia lentis.

Purpose: To describe the results of Artisan iris-claw lens implants in children with aphakia following lensectomy for ectopia lentis.

Method: We measured visual acuity, refractive error and endothelial cell counts and recorded complications in a group of children after insertion of Artisan iris-claw implants.

Results: Artisan implants were implanted in eight eyes of five children.

Vision-related quality of life assessment using the NEI-VFQ-25 in adolescents and young adults with a history of congenital cataract.

Purpose: To assess vision-specific health-related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with a history of congenital cataract using the National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25).

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent surgery aged younger than 24 months. Those 13 years or older at follow-up were selected for inclusion.

Intracameral triamcinolone acetonide after pediatric cataract surgery.

Purpose: To assess the use of preservative-free intracameral triamcinolone as an adjunct to topical steroidal agents after pediatric cataract surgery.

Setting: Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Complications and visual prognosis in children with aniridia.

Purpose: To characterize the ophthalmological findings, assess surgical outcomes, and review visual outcomes in aniridia.

Methods: A retrospective case review was performed and data were collected, including patient demographics, incidence of aniridia-associated keratopathy, glaucoma, cataract, retinal breaks or detachments, optic nerve hypoplasia, macular hypoplasia, poor vision, and nystagmus. All outcomes from surgery, including penetrating keratoplasty, trabeculectomy, Ahmed valve insertion, and cataract extraction, were recorded.

Microwave assisted decomposition of cellulose: A new thermochemical route for biomass exploitation.

A microwave assisted low temperature decomposition process has been developed for production of high quality fuels from biomass. 180 degrees C was identified as key in the process mechanism, as the amorphous region of cellulose softens allowing a microwave induced rearrangement. Proton transfer is then possible under the microwave field resulting in acid catalysed decomposition.

Glaucoma in aphakic and pseudophakic eyes following surgery for congenital cataract in the first year of life.

Purpose: To determine the incidence and risk factors for glaucoma in pseudophakic and aphakic eyes following surgery for congenital cataract within the first year of life.

Methods: We conducted a review of all cataract surgery performed at our unit over a 23-year period. Age at surgery, corneal diameter, intraocular lens implantation, presence of persistent foetal vasculature and visual axis opacification (VAO) were documented.

The preparation of high-grade bio-oils through the controlled, low temperature microwave activation of wheat straw.

The low temperature microwave activation of biomass has been investigated as a novel, energy efficient route to bio-oils. The properties of the bio-oil produced were considered in terms of fuel suitability. Water content, elemental composition and calorific value have all been found to be comparable to and in many cases better than conventional pyrolysis oils.

Postcataract surgery outcome in a series of infants and children with Down syndrome.

Aims: To report the visual and refractive outcome and complications in children with Down syndrome undergoing cataract extraction.

Methods: The case notes of 18 infants and children with lens opacities and Down syndrome who underwent cataract extraction between January 1981 and August 2006 were reviewed.

Results: Over the 25-year study period, 7% (33 eyes) of paediatric eyes undergoing cataract extraction had Down syndrome.

Fundus fluorescein angiographic characterization of diffuse choroidal hemangiomas.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) in characterizing diffuse choroidal hemangiomas in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective case review of children attending a university hospital clinic with a diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome was undertaken. The FFA findings of seven patients who had undergone angiography were reviewed.

Effect of diode laser retinal ablative therapy for threshold retinopathy of prematurity on the visual field: results of goldmann perimetry at a mean age of 11 years.

Purpose: To assess the peripheral visual field in premature children who received diode laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and in a comparison group with subthreshold ROP that had regressed spontaneously without laser treatment.

Patients And Methods: Eleven patients (18 eyes) were treated with laser, and nine patients (16 eyes) with subthreshold untreated ROP were recalled for assessment at a mean follow-up of 11 years. All children underwent Goldmann visual field testing using the II4e and V4e stimuli.

Corneal hysteresis and intraocular pressure measurement in children using the reichert ocular response analyzer.

Purpose: To examine corneal hysteresis in children with normal eyes and congenital glaucoma and assess intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with the Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer (RORA).

Design: Observational, cross-sectional study.

Methods: setting: Clinical practice.

Long-term refractive and biometric outcomes following diode laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity.

Purpose: To assess the long-term refractive and biometric outcomes of diode laser-treated eyes in threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods: Cycloplegic autorefraction and biometry (Zeiss IOLMaster) were performed, at a mean follow-up of 11 years, on 16 laser-treated eyes with threshold ROP and 9 comparison eyes with subthreshold untreated ROP.

Results: The laser-treated eyes had a mean spherical equivalent of -2.

Long term functional and structural outcomes of laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity.

Aims: To assess the long term functional and structural outcomes of premature babies who received diode laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods: 25 patients (43 eyes) treated with laser were recalled for assessment at a mean follow up of 11 years. A further seven patients (14 eyes) with subthreshold ROP, which had regressed spontaneously without laser treatment, were also examined.

Fundus fluorescein angiography in the screening for and management of retinopathy of prematurity.

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of fundus fluorescein angiography in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and to explore the possible benefits of fundus fluorescein angiography over conventional indirect ophthalmoscopy in the screening for and management of ROP.

Patients And Methods: Beginning in January 2003, 23 consecutive patients were recruited for a nonrandomized, investigational trial. Fifty-one sessions of fundus fluorescein angiography were performed as part of ROP screening.

RetCam image analysis of optic disc morphology in premature infants and its relation to ischaemic brain injury.

Aims: To assess optic disc characteristics in premature infants with and without ischaemic brain injury and to evaluate the role of optic disc morphology in dating the injury.

Methods: RetCam fundal images, cranial ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 109 premature infants were analysed. The study cohort was divided into subgroups depending on the presence or absence of periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH).

Ahmed valve drainage implant surgery in the management of paediatric aphakic glaucoma.

Background: Paediatric aphakic glaucoma presents months or years after cataract surgery in children and is a major long term complication. The results of surgical treatment are poor and many children require multiple and repeat procedures with poor visual outcomes.

Methods: 13 children (19 eyes) had Ahmed valve implantation surgery, nine of the children had previous procedures such as cycloablation or trabeculectomy.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis in a preterm infant.

Bacterial endophthalmitis is rare in the neonatal period. It occurs in susceptible individuals such as preterm infants. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacillus, has been identified as the causative organism in more than 75% of invasive neonatal eye infections.

A retrospective review of visual outcome and complications in the treatment of retinoblastoma.

The aim of this study was to look at the visual outcome and treatment complications of children diagnosed with Retinoblastoma during the years 1985-2003 inclusive. A retrospective review of all patients records was performed. Patient characteristics, treatment methods and complications were recorded.