A Study for Measurement of the Anterior Chamber Depth and Angle Using Image Analysis Technique in Cataractous Eyes

We measured the anterior chamber depth and chamber angle to understand the biological structure of anterior segment and find a possible relation between cataract and angle closure glaucoma on 235 eyes over 40 years old divided into two groups: 111 cataract eyes and 124 normal control eyes using the Scheimpflug Camera(EAS-1000, Nidek, Japan) and image analysis technique. The values of the anterior chamber depth and angle of the eye of the young person were greater than those of older person, and the values in the male were deeper(p<0.01) and larger(p<0.05) than those in female in both groups. In cata ract eyes, the mean anterior chamber depth was 2.77mm and mean anterior chamber angle was 30.36 degrees. The mean anterior chamber depth and angle of normal control eye were 2.67mm and 29.10 degrees. The anterior chamber depth and angle in cataract group was deeper(p<0.05) and larger(p<0.05) than in normal control group.

Corneal Complications in Contact Lens Wearer

With the widespread introduction of contact lenses as a convenient alternative to spectacles, corneal complications in contact lens wearers has also increased. We undertook this study to assess the risk of contact lens use, and other major causes of corneal complications. We have experienced 95 contact lens wearer(133 eyes) with corneal complications at the Chung Ang University Hospital from Jan. 1991 to May 1994. Among the corneal complications, abrasion and erosion occupied the most part of them(57.9%). Other complications were punctate keratitis(36.8%) and ulceration(5.3%). The causes of corneal lesion were extended wearing, foreign body or scratching of lens, poor fitting, sleeping with contact lens wear, and unknown. In order to decrease the corneal complications in contact lens wearers, phthalmologists should warn their patients using or considering contact lenses of this potential problems and stress the necessity of meticulous hygiene and prompt evaluation of an uncomfortable eye.

The Effect of Palpebral Spring in Lagophthalmos caused by Nerve Palsy

Facial palsy produces asymmetry of the face and lagophthalmos, incomplete eyelid closure. Exposure keratitis and eyeball pain can be induced by prolonged lagophthalmos, and the vision can be treatened at last. Therefore, the correc tion of lagophthalmos is important to preserve the proper visual function. Tarsorrhaphy has been the classic method of providing corneal protection in lagophthalmos caused by facial nerve palsy, but it produces a cosmetic problem and limits vision, so it should be reserved only to comatous patients. Since Morel-Fatio and Lalardrie implanted a palpebral spring in 1964 first time, several modifications have been reported to maximize the effect of spring in lagophthalmos. The authors experienced the dynamic eyelid animation with papebral spring, custom-made by authors with orthodontic wire in four patients who sufferd from exposed keratitis and eyeball pain due to lagophthalmos, which were intractable to medical therapy. Eyeball pain and keratitis were completely subsided in all patients with good lid closure. One patient was removed the palpebral spring due to recovery of facial nerve function at postoperative 6 months, other three patinets are well with implanted pa.lpebral spring.