TNF-α Genetic Predisposition and Higher Expression of Inflammatory Pathway Components in Keratoconus.

Purpose: To date keratoconus (KC) pathogenesis is undefined; however, the involvement of inflammatory pathways in disease development is becoming apparent. In the present study, we investigated the role of a promoter region polymorphism rs1800629 (-308G>A) in the inflammatory pathway component TNF-α and its effects on the expression of TNF-α and downstream molecules tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and 2 (TNFR1 and TNFR2), v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in KC development.

Methods: TNF-α promoter polymorphism rs1800629 (-308G>A), was genotyped in 257 sporadic KC patients and 253 healthy controls.

Role of ACE and PAI-1 Polymorphisms in the Development and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy.

In the present study we determined the association of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphisms with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its sub-clinical classes in Pakistani type 2 diabetic patients. A total of 353 diabetic subjects including 160 DR and 193 diabetic non retinopathy (DNR) as well as 198 healthy controls were genotyped by allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ACE Insertion/Deletion (ID) polymorphism, rs4646994 in intron 16 and PAI-1 4G/5G (deletion/insertion) polymorphism, rs1799768 in promoter region of the gene. To statistically assess the genotype-phenotype association, multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to the genotype data of DR, DNR and control individuals as well as the subtypes of DR.

Partial Oculocutaneous Albinism: Two Siblings with Features of both Hermansky Pudlak and Waardenburg's Syndrome.

Albinism is an inherited abnormality of melanin synthesis with incidence of one per 20,000 births. Its clinical manifestations are related to the reduction or absence of pigmentation in the visual system and/or the skin and teguments. The clinical spectrum of Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA) has four types ranging from OCA 1 - 4, of which OCA 1, A-1 is the most severe form.

Amniotic membrane transplantation in primary pterygium compared with bare sclera technique.

Objective: To compare the excision of primary pterygium by bare sclera technique and excision combined with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT).

Study Design: An experimental study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Eye Department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, presently known as Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, from May 2007 to July 2008.

Spontaneous resolution of direct carotid cavernous fistula.

Proptosis due to carotid cavernous fistula is rare sequelae of head injury. We report a case of post-traumatic, direct high flow carotid cavernous fistula that resolved spontaneously 06 weeks after carotid angiography. It however, resulted in loss of vision due to delay in early treatment.

Intralenticular foreign body with a clear lens.

Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) are not uncommon in patients of penetrating ocular trauma but intralenticular foreign bodies are rarely seen. Penetrating ocular injuries are observed more commonly in young men. Intralenticular foreign bodies cause visually significant cataract in almost all cases.

Frequency of ocular manifestations of chronic graft versus host disease.

Background: With the advancement of techniques for haematopoietic cell transplantation, the number of transplant survivors is increasing rapidly and so are the chances of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD). The ocular manifestations of this disease have not been explored in our local population. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of ocular complications in cases of cGVHD following successful bone marrow transplantation.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum (lice infestation of palpabrae) is a rarely reported disorder and may present as blepharoconjuctivitis. It is usually seen in lower socioeconomic groups and spreads through either sexual contacts or directly through linen or clothing. We report a family with phthiriasis palpebrarum in which the primary source of infestation was the paternal uncle of two children.

HLA typing in patients of Eales disease.

Objective: To determine any predisposition of haplotypes with Eales disease.

Design: A case control study.

Place And Duration Of Study: This study was started in February 2002 and data collected till April 2003 at Eye Department of Military Hospital, Rawalpindi.

Comparison of latanoprost and dorzolamide in the treatment of patients with open angle glaucoma.

Background: This study was conducted to compare the effects on intraocular pressure and side effects of monotherapy with either latanoprost or dorzolamide in patients with open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Methods: Sixty patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were recruited to a 3-month study. Previous glaucoma medications were washed out and the patients were randomised to receive either latanoprost 0.

Usefulness of pars plana vitrectomy in managing asymptomatic eyes of Eales' disease.

Background: Eales disease is an idiopathic obliterative vasculopathy that commonly affects the peripheral retina of healthy young males characterized by recurrent vitreous haemorrhage. We did this study to evaluate the usefulness of Pars Plana vitrectomy in asymptomatic eyes of patients presenting with Eales' Disease.

Methods: Fifty-five patients with Eales' Disease demonstrable on the basis of three mirror fundus exam and Florescein Fundus Angiography with vitreous hemorrhage underwent either Pan retinal photocoagulation or vitrectomy in a span of 3 years.

Radial keratotomy: effects of corneal thickness on final outcome.

Background: Corneal thickness may contribute in the final outcome of radial keratotomy operation for the correction of myopia. We present our study on ninety-nine consecutive eyes with a mean follow-up of one year.

Methods: Ninety-nine eyes with preoperative/uncorrected Myopia between 2.

Usefulness of laser photocoagulation in managing asymptomatic eyes of Eales disease.

Background: Eales disease is an idiopathic obliterative vasculopathy that commonly affects the peripheral retina of healthy young males characterized by recurrent vitreous haemorrhage. We did this study to evaluate the usefulness of prophylactic scatter photocoagulation in asymptomatic eyes of patients presenting with vitreous haemorrhage due to Eales Disease.

Methods: Ninety nine patients with Eales' Disease demonstrable on the basis of 3 mirror fundus exam and Florescein Fundus Angiography with vitreous haemorrhage underwent either Pan retinal photocoagulation or vitrectomy in a span of 3 years.