Shifts from specialised to generalised pollination systems in Miconieae (Melastomataceae) and their relation with anther morphology and seed number.

Most species in Melastomataceae have poricidal anthers related to specialised bee buzz-pollination, while some have anthers with large openings associated to non-bee pollination systems. We tracked the evolution of anther morphology and seed number on the Miconieae phylogenetic tree to understand the evolutionary shifts in such pollination systems. Anther morphometric data and seed number were recorded for 54 taxa.

Scanning laser ophthalmoscope fundus perimetry before and after laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diabetic macular edema.

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate functional and funduscopic changes after laser treatment in patients with diabetic retinopathy and clinically significant macular edema by scanning laser ophthalmoscope fundus perimetry.

Methods: Thirty eyes of 30 patients with clinically significant macular edema as a result of diabetic retinopathy were prospectively examined before and at least 3 months after focal laser treatment with automatic fundus threshold perimetry using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Thresholds of light sensitivity were compared with age-corrected normal values and correlated with corrected visual acuity and subjective appraisal of visual function.

Macular function testing in a German pedigree with North Carolina macular dystrophy.

Background: Our purpose was to investigate central visual function in North Carolina macular dystrophy (MCDR1). A German family with genetically proven MCDR1 was followed for more than 20 years.

Methods: In addition to routine clinical examinations, static and kinetic fundus perimetry was performed with the scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Normal values for fundus perimetry with the scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Purpose: To evaluate the normal light sensitivity values for fundus perimetry and their short time fluctuation (reliability) in normal volunteers of different ages. After the development of full-threshold static fundus perimetry, age-corrected sensitivity values for normal subjects are required to interpret results and to compare them with conventional computerized perimetry.

Method: Full-threshold fundus perimetry of the central field (33 x 21 degrees) by means of the scanning laser ophthalmoscope was performed on 152 eyes of 99 healthy persons aged 16 to 77 years with normal vision and no eye disease.

Scanning laser fundus perimetry before laser photocoagulation of well defined choroidal neovascularisation.

Aim: To assess the centre of fixation before laser photocoagulation of well defined juxtafoveal or extrafoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to age related macular degeneration (AMD), and to better predict visual function after treatment using scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) fundus perimetry.

Methods: 19 consecutive eyes with juxtafoveal or extrafoveal CNV were examined by fundus perimetry before and after laser treatment with documentation of the fixation point using the SLO. The stability of fixation was defined as standard deviation around the mean fixation point.