Decrease in vitamin C concentration in human lenses during cataract progression.

Cataract formation is believed to result from an oxidative insult which decreases the antioxidant defense of the lens, particularly the vitamin C concentration. Upon oxidation, vitamin C contributes with glucose to protein glycation. It also favours tryptophan oxidation, resulting in fluorescent peptide cross-links and protein insolubilisation.

Molecular genetics of open-angle glaucoma, moving from gene localization to predictive testing.

It has long been suspected that genetic factors play a role in open-angle glaucoma. Only recently, however, has the molecular basis of such factors begun to be established, with the primary localization of the GLC1A locus for juvenile-onset and early-onset autosomal dominant open-angle glaucoma on chromosome 1q. These findings are clinically significant in that they allow familial screening of individuals at risk for glaucoma before the onset of irreversible visual impairment.

[Positive diagnosis of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy using molecular genetics].

Introduction: Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a bilateral optic atrophy, more common in males than in females. No specific clinical feature or biologic test exists to evidence LHON. We report here the case of a man affected with a nonfamilial bilateral optic atrophy, whose diagnostic remained uncertain for 17 years.

MR imaging and CT of surgical materials currently used in ophthalmology: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Purpose: To assess methods of imaging postoperative changes in the eyeball by performing in vitro and in vivo studies of the main solid and fluid materials used in the treatment of cataract and retinal detachment.

Materials And Methods: The samples were analyzed in vitro with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed at 0.5 T.

[Optic correction of myopia].

Correction of myopia by optics is still the most widely used method of visual rehabilitation. It raises visual acuity to levels that permit a normal life in a world where vision is particularly important. This success of glasses and lenses is most perfect for mild or moderate myopia.

[Local treatment by epidermal growth factor after epikeratoplasty. A double-blind clinical trial].

Epidermal growth factor is a protein which stimulates epithelial cell growth. We conducted a randomized double blind study between patients treated with PHZ102 (Inpharzam SA, Cadempino, Switzerland) containing EGF, and placebo eyedrops as topical treatment following epikeratoplasty, to evaluate the effect of EGF on corneal reepithelialization. The patients of the EGF group recovered earlier (1 to 4 days) than the patients in the placebo group (3 to 15 days).

[Epithelial and stromal healing after radial keratotomy. Scanning electron microscopy analysis].

A study of corneal healing after radial keratotomy was conducted under scanning electron microscopy in 28 papio-papio baboons. The appearance of the incisions after follow-ups ranging from one hour to three and a half years postoperatively permits to emit some hypotheses regarding the precise mechanisms of action of radial keratotomy, as well as those governing any functional or anatomical complications susceptible to occur after the operation.