Efficient reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus type 1 infection by excimer laser keratectomy in the experimental rabbit ocular model.

Purpose: To investigate the role of excimer laser keratectomy as a trigger for the reactivation of latent HSV type 1 (HSV-1) in the New Zealand rabbit ocular model. There are conflicting reports in the current literature about reactivation of HSV-1 after excimer laser photoablation.

Methods: New Zealand rabbits were inoculated topically with HSV-1 McKrae or W strain in each eye, and culture-positive dendritic keratitis was documented on day 7.

A new method for assessment of changes in retinal blood flow.

This study validates the use of residence time distribution (RTD) functions in human subjects to assess changes in retinal flow by using the widely recognized model of flow changes due to oxygen breathing. Changes in retinal blood flow may provide important information for clinical decision-making in several populations, including those with diabetic retinopathy, sickle cell disease and retinitis pigmentosa. Normal volunteer subjects were studied before and after oxygen breathing.

Effect of neodymium: YAG laser on sodium hyaluronate in vitro as a model for postcapsulotomy intraocular pressure change.

Purpose: To define one possible etiology for the rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) after neodymium: YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy and provide information for the continued investigation of this process.

Setting: Laser Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Methods: Samples of 1% sodium hyaluronate or balanced salt solution (BSS) (control) were placed in a closed system and exposed to varying amounts of Nd:YAG energy delivered by a Coherent YAG laser.

The resistance to carbon dioxide laser ignition of a new endotracheal tube: Xomed Laser-Shield II.

Study Objective: To assess the resistance of a new endotracheal tube to penetration and ignition by a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser at a clinically relevant power setting.

Design: An unblinded, in vitro trial simulating clinical conditions.

Setting: The operating room at a university medical center.

Temporal changes in posterior capsulotomy dimensions following neodymium:YAG laser discission.

We prospectively evaluated 20 eyes of 19 consecutive patients to determine the nature of temporal changes in posterior capsulotomy size, shape, and contour six weeks following neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsular disruption. Mean capsulotomy area increased by 32% (range 0 to 134%, P less than .05, Student t-test), although mean capsulotomy perimeter did not change appreciably.

Corneal topography using rasterstereography.

Rasterstereography is a new method of determining the topography of the cornea. Unlike Placido disc types of systems it does not depend on the reflectivity of the corneal surface, and it can provide information about the entire corneal, limbal and interpalpebral conjunctival surfaces. Since a smooth reflective surface is not required, images can be obtained with epithelial irregularity or defects, sutures, or stromal ulceration.

Corneal topography using computer analyzed rasterstereographic images.

This paper describes a new method for determining corneal surface detail utilizing a modified Zeiss photo slit lamp. This system projects a grid onto the cornea through a cobalt blue filter. The tear film is stained with fluorescein, causing the projected grid pattern to be visible on the corneal surface.

Use of directly acquired digital fundus and fluorescein angiographic images in the diagnosis of retinal disease.

Direct on-line acquisition of digital fundus and fluorescein images is a useful alternative to conventional fundus photography. Immediately after acquisition, digital images may be electronically reassembled, manipulated, and displayed, avoiding the delays inherent in film development. Digital fundus images, conventional photographs, and fluorescein angiograms were obtained at the same sitting in 50 consecutive patients with retinal disease.

Polytetrafluoroethylene in experimental retinal detachment surgery.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material was evaluated as an adjunctive material for retinal detachment surgery. A 4 mm sponge was wrapped in a 4 mm diameter tube of PTFE and sutured episclerally. Additionally, PTFE was rolled and sutured into an episcleral pocket as an implant material.

The phaco elevator.

A simple instrument, called the Phaco Elevator, is recommended for elevation of the nucleus into the anterior chamber, particularly when the nucleus is soft.

A long-term implantable aqueous delivery system for the external rabbit eye.

An implantable system is described which continuously delivered an aqueous solution to the external surface of six rabbit eyes for 6 weeks. A polytetrafluoroethylene tube was implanted in the superior conjunctival fornix 4 weeks prior to the implantation of the Infusaid pump. The pump provides a fluid source which is easily refilled and requires no batteries or external power source.

Orbital fine needle aspiration biopsy with B-scan guidance.

In three patients we used B-scan ultrasonography to guide the placement of an aspirating needle, which allowed rapid and accurate cytologic diagnosis of retrobulbar orbital neoplasms. This technique spares the patient the greater costs, inconvenience, and morbidity of more invasive procedures.

Why use the operating microscope in orbital surgery?

We think the use of the operating microscope in deep orbital surgery is essential for a safer and more accurate removal of the tumors that occupy this difficult surgical location.

A simple device to improve blinking.

A blink beeper was devised to remind patients with incomplete or infrequent blinking to blink completely and at normal intervals; the beeper worked by transmitting an audible tone every ten seconds through an earphone. In three postkeratoplasty patients, this simplistic approach not only resulted in a complete blink at regular intervals, but seemed to condition this response to continue when the blink beeper was taken away; this resulted in healing of large chronic epithelial defects. The blink beeper has also proved valuable in patients with either punctate epithelial erosions or those who wore hard contact lenses unsuccessfully because of infrequent or incomplete blinking.

Armrest support for the slit-lamp delivery argon laser system.

We designed a new armrest for use at the argon laser. The arm support can be used on either the right- or left-hand side of slit-lamp tables of varying thicknesses. The continuous screw adjustment allows for easy height adjustment of the arm support.

A System for Preventing Athletic Neck Injuries.

The risk of neck injury in football is high, and the consequences can be tragic. The authors present a simple, inexpensive method for preventing these injuries.