Embryogenetics: gene control of the embryogenesis of the eye.

In recent years there have been significant advances in our knowledge and understanding of the genetic control of embryonic development. The aim of this paper is to review the current state of knowledge regarding genetic control of embryogenesis, the first stage of ocular development. Products of numerous genes participate in signaling, induction and control during the formation of the neural plate, groove and tube, key events leading to the development of the future eye.

Transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of cataract in a fetus.

Transvaginal ultrasonography is a relatively new technique for visualizing the orbits in a fetus of 4 to 5 cm. At fifteen weeks of gestation it is possible to recognize the lenses and the hyaloid arteries in the eyes, to diagnose structural malformations such as anophthalmos, microphthalmos, buphthalmos and moderate to severe cataract. In most cases cataracts were associated with intracranial defects.

Necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration in choroidal melanomas.

Patient survival, tumor lymphocytic infiltration and tumor necrosis were studied and evaluated in 43 enucleated eyes with the same histological diagnosis of spindle 'B' malignant melanoma of the choroid. A significant difference (P less than 0.05) was found between the survival rate of melanoma patients with no evidence of lymphocytic infiltration and/or necrosis in the tumor, compared to those with any evidence of of lymphocytic infiltration and/or tumor necrosis.

Timolol maleate: side effects on healthy nonglaucomatous volunteers.

As the number of military pilots over the age of 40 increases, open-angle glaucoma becomes an important aeromedical problem. Epinephrine ophthalmic solution is the only antiglaucomatotic agent in use among flying personnel. Timolol maleate, a new antiglaucomatotic agent, is a nonselective beta-blocker.