Prevention of endophthalmitis.

Purpose: To report the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis in a series of patients who had cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and to apply guidelines toward the prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis.

Setting: The Buzard Eye Institute for Corneal, Refractive and Cataract Surgery, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Methods: In this prospective institutional study, 5,131 cataract surgery cases with IOL implantation were performed from 1998 to 2002 by 1 surgeon at a single institute.

Excimer laser assisted in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia.

Purpose: To evaluate hyperopic surgical correction with 6.0 mm optical zone hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) after various refractive procedures.

Setting: Buzard Eye Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Assessment of corneal wound healing by interactive topography.

Introduction: Constitutive properties of the cornea and wounds within the cornea have been measured previously by destructive methods in which a strip of cornea was removed, placed on an instrument, and stretched until broken. To assess corneal wound healing and the interaction of medication, incision patterns and other clinical issues, we present a simple, noninvasive test of corneal wound healing utilizing a videokeratoscope and Honan balloon.

Methods: A pre-test corneal topography was performed.

Treatment of irregular astigmatism with a broad beam excimer laser.

Background: Four basic types of irregular astigmatism are described: central elevation, central flat area, eccentric elevation, and eccentric flat area.

Methods: The importance of the Munnerlyn formula is shown for the treatment of irregular astigmatism. A new diagnostic entity is described, the steep/flat ratio, modeled on the inferior/superior ratio described previously in keratoconus.

Corneal transplant for keratoconus: results in early and late disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the results and complications rates associated with corneal transplantation for keratoconus and assess the prospects of using penetrating keratoplasty at a much earlier stage.

Setting: Buzard Eye Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Methods: In this prospective clinical study, 104 eyes of 76 patients had corneal transplantation for keratoconus identified by corneal topography, keratometry, pachymetry, and/or retinoscopy.

Automated keratomileusis in situ: clinical study of 142 eyes.

Purpose: To compare a modified automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) technique that uses two blades with the original technique, which uses one blade.

Setting: Buzard Eye Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Methods: This study comprised 142 eyes of 85 patients who had ALK: 107 using the original one-blade technique (Group 1) and 35 eyes using the modified two-blade technique (Group 2).

Transient central corneal steepening after radial keratotomy.

Three case studies are presented illustrating topographic transient central steep island following radial keratotomy. Three stages are apparent: first, a central corneal steepening; next, an overcorrection with exaggerated central flattening; and, finally, the final refractive correction. The steepening is probably caused by temporary midperipheral swelling of the cornea.