Slab-off prism for symptomatic, vertical heterophoria in the reading position.

Purpose: To describe uncommon techniques that induce compensatory strabismus utilizing slab-off spectacle prism to treat symptomatic incomitant vertical strabismus in adults with diplopia in the reading position only.

Methods: The medical records of consecutive patients having a chief complaint of diplopia in the reading position that was treated with slab-off prism correction were reviewed retrospectively. Success of the slab-off spectacle prism correction was determined at the follow-up visit or by phone call for any patients who did not return for a follow-up examination.

Comparison of simultaneous prism and cover test (SPCT) and prism and alternate cover test (PACT) measurements with final power of Press-On prism power dispensed.

Purpose: To investigate the association of strabismic angle obtained by simultaneous prism and cover test (SPCT) and prism alternate cover test (PACT) with the final power of Press-On prism used in adults with symptomatic strabismus.

Methods: The medical records of consecutive patients seen by a single orthoptist at an urban, tertiary care hospital over a 36-month period were reviewed retrospectively. All subjects had been prescribed Press-On prism for diplopia after evaluation with SPCT and PACT measurements at distance fixation.

Non-Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic, Oblique Strabismus: A Simplified Approach.

Determining the correct power and orientation of prism to be prescribed for patients with symptomatic, oblique-angle strabismus can be challenging and confusing, prone more to clinician gestalt than science or methodology. The author shares a simplified, approach not previously described in the scientific literature that utilizes commercially available equipment and freely available on-line prism calculators for choosing the correct Press-On™ prism power, positioning the prism correctly on the spectacle lens, and ultimately determining the correct prism prescription to be incorporated into the patient's spectacles.

Clinical Characteristics of Acquired Diplopia in Adults.

Purpose: To describe the common causes of symptomatic strabismus and treatment required to resolve diplopia in adult patients seen by one orthoptist.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients 18 years or older seen by one orthoptist over a 3-year period with a chief complaint of double vision.

Results: Two hundred twenty-four consecutive adult patients were examined by the author.

Measuring the "fifth vital sign" in cataract surgery patients--is it necessary?

As an ophthalmic nurse, you may wonder why it is so important to assess and manage the pain, or "fifth vital sign" of cataract surgery patients. How much pain could a patient experience as a result of a relatively short procedure? In January 2004, while reviewing the pain levels of 135 outpatient surgery patients undergoing cataract surgery, 21% of the patients reported pain. Twelve percent (12%) experienced mild pain and 9% experienced moderate to severe pain.