Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy: a fresh look at an aging disease.

The increasing number or corneal and intraocular surgeries performed together with longer life expectancy, elevates the risk for developing symptomatic Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED). This article reviews the current understanding of FED, and, in addition, a case of early FED is presented clinically and histopathologically. Two FED corneas from one patient were examined histopathologically using an established histological protocol for light and electron microscopy.

Ultraviolet radiation revisited.

Purpose And Methods: It is likely that we currently receive a greater lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) than earlier generations due to increased UVR reaching the earth's surface, our longer life expectancy, and increased activities in UV intense environments. This elevated UVR exposure is likely to lead to a higher incidence of acute and chronic ocular and skin radiation trauma. We reviewed the evidence in the current literature supporting these assertions as well as reports of preventive strategies for blocking UVR.

Effect of corticosteroids on rabbits corneal keratocytes after photorefractive keratectomy.

Background: To determine the corticosteroid effect on the activity and repopulation of keratocytes after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods: A 193-nm excimer laser (VISX Twenty/Twenty) created a central ablation depth of 22 microns (diameter:5 nm) on 22 corneas of 16 albino rabbits. Two ablated eyes were examined 6 hours following PRK.