Ocular surface squamous neoplasia in an immunosuppressed patient with atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

We describe a patient with severe atopic dermatitis and keratoconjunctivitis, who was prescribed both systemic and topical ciclosporin and who developed ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). To provide additional information on the incidence of the association between topical ciclosporin use and OSSN, we counted the total prescriptions for topical ciclosporin issued in our hospital between 2003 and 2006 (804 patients) and, for the same period, we reviewed the records of patients with OSSN for a history of treatment with ciclosporin or a history of atopy. No other case of OSSN in a patient with a history of topical ciclosporin use was identified, which makes it difficult to implicate topical ciclosporin as the causative factor.

A rare case of penetrating ocular injury secondary to a boa constrictor bite.

Penetrating injuries from non-venomous snakebites are, thankfully, rare. They are, however, sight-threatening and the recent trend for using non-venomous snakes as props in the entertainment industry is increasing exposure of this hazard to people with no animal handling training. We report a case of a penetrating corneal injury in a 35 year old woman following a bite from a snake she had been given to hold for a photograph opportunity.

Digital image analysis to characterize the upper lid marginal peak after levator aponeurosis repair.

Purpose: Lid contour is important for eyelid symmetry, but clinical quantification can be difficult. The marginal peak is a major determinant of upper eyelid contour, and its horizontal position, relative to the mid-pupillary line, may be used as a measure of symmetry after surgery. This study used digital image analysis to assess the peak position in patients who had undergone levator aponeurosis repair.

Worldwide geographical distribution of ophthalmology publications.

International peer-reviewed publications form the basis of evidence-based medicine and are one of the main indicators of ophthalmology research activity. This paper examines the origins of such articles in relation to geographical location, population demographics and economic research profiles. Publications from five ophthalmology journals over 5 years were analysed using the Medline/Pubmed search engine.

Effect of allergic conjunctival inflammation on the allogeneic response to donor cornea.

Purpose: Immunologic rejection is the most common cause of corneal allograft rejection. Ipsilateral ocular inflammation has been identified as a predictor of future corneal graft failure. This study investigates the effect of perioperative allergic conjunctivitis on corneal allograft survival.

Pharmacotherapy of allergic eye disease.

Allergic eye disease is a term that refers to a number of disease processes that affect about one-fifth of the world's population. Although the more advanced forms of the disease can be sight threatening, the most disabling effects are due to the clinical manifestations, and hence quality of life, with some patients having seasonal exacerbations of their symptoms, whereas others have symptoms that are present throughout the year. Recent increased understanding of the cellular and mediator mechanisms that are involved in the various disease manifestations has greatly facilitated the development of more effective treatment options.