Overview of laser refractive surgery.

Since approval of the use of the excimer laser in 1995 to reshape the cornea, significant developments in the correction of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism have been achieved. Combined with other advanced ophthalmological instruments (e.g.

Medical treatment for combined Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Purpose: Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis are rare ocular infections. We report cases of combined Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis and the clinical course of medical treatment.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients treated for culture-proven Acanthamoeba keratitis at a referral centre, during 2001-2006.

Multiphoton fluorescence and second harmonic generation microscopy for imaging infectious keratitis.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the application of multiphoton fluorescence and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy for the ex-vivo visualization of human corneal morphological alterations due to infectious processes. The structural alterations of both cellular and collagenous components can be respectively demonstrated using fluorescence and SHG imaging. In addition, pathogens with fluorescence may be identified within turbid specimens.

Multiphoton fluorescence and second harmonic generation imaging of the structural alterations in keratoconus ex vivo.

Purpose: To demonstrate the application of multiphoton fluorescence (MF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy for ex vivo characterization of the structural alterations of human corneas due to keratoconus.

Methods: Buttons of keratoconic corneas derived from penetrating keratoplasty were sent for structural analysis with a custom-built multiphoton microscope. Fluorescence detected within the cytoplasm and the SHG signal obtained from collagen were used to demonstrate the morphologic changes in the corneal specimens.

Amniotic membrane transplantation for persistent corneal ulcers and perforations in acute fungal keratitis.

Purpose: To report the therapeutic effect and complications of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in acute fungal keratitis.

Methods: Diagnosis of fungal keratitis was confirmed by cultures in 23 eyes of 23 patients. The indications to perform AMT were to promote reepithelialization in non-healing ulcers or to prevent corneal perforation.

Annual database of intraocular lens power in a Taiwanese population.

Background: To derive a unique database of intraocular lens (IOL) power for Taiwanese, an ethnic group with a strikingly high prevalence of myopia.

Methods: A retrospective series of 3068 cases visiting Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou for cataract removal and posterior chamber IOL implantation between July 1999 and June 2000 was reviewed. The distribution of IOL powers and a possible age-correspondence was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and multiple regression.

Acanthamoeba keratitis presenting as dendritic keratitis in a soft contact lens wearer.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare cause of corneal infection in Taiwan, which can result in devastating visual outcomes. A 37-year-old woman, who wore soft contact lenses, suffered from severe pain in her left eye. Biomicroscopy revealed dendritic keratitis, radial keratoneuritis, and fine keratic precipitates on her cornea.