LASIK for Myopia with Presbyopia Using the Aspheric Micro-Monovision Technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and satisfaction of patients who underwent the aspheric micro-monovision protocol for the correction of myopia with presbyopia. METHODS: A retrospective, noncomparative study included 40 eyes of 20 consecutive patients with myopia and presbyopia who were treated with LASIK-induced micro-monovision. Monocular and binocular visual outcomes of uncorrected and best-corrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity were measured. Depth of focus, spherical aberration, stereopsis and satisfaction were evaluated before surgery and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 48.7 years. Monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.8 in 94% of dominant eyes, and monocular uncorrected near visual acuity was J3 in 94% in non-dominant eyes. Binocular uncorrected near visual acuity was J2 in 94% and J5 in 100% of dominant and non-dominant patient eyes, respectively. Binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity was 1.0 in 100% of patients, and binocular uncorrected near visual acuity was J2 in 94% of patients. Our results showed a significant improvement in depth of focus and a positive shift in spherical aberration in dominant eyes; however, there were no significant changes in the non-dominant eyes. There was no change in stereopsis or contrast sensitivity at any of the tested spatial frequencies. Satisfactory scores were achieved in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The aspheric myopic micro-monovision protocol was well-tolerated, stable, and effective for treating patients with presbyopia in myopic astigmatism.

The Effect of the Concurrent Therapy of Glucosamine and Aspirin in Uveitis

PURPOSE: To report the anti-inflammatory effect and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) response after oral glucosamine (Glucosamine Sulfate 750(R), General Nutrition Companies, Inc.) and aspirin (Aspirin protect(R), Bayer) therapy in patients with uveitis. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (43 eyes) with uveitis, not easily managed with conventional therapy, were treated with oral glucosamine 750 mg and aspirin 100 mg daily, and underwent BCVA testing and slit-lamp examination of anterior chamber inflammation. Changes in the dose of previously-used oral steroids and immunosuppressants were recorded at baseline, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and once every month thereafter. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 15.0+/-3.69 weeks and inflammation started to improve within 4.6 weeks. The change in visual acuity was not statistically significant, but grade of inflammation decreased by as much as 1.02+/-1.28, significantly (p<0.01) after treatment. In 12 patients (19 eyes, 44.2%) the dosage of systemic steroids and immunosuppressants could be Reduced. 7 patients (10 eyes, 23.3%) experienced aggravation of uveitis and the dosage of glucosamine and aspirin was increased. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent oral administration of glucosamine and aspirin could not completely inhibit the recurrence of inflammation nor control it, but consistent use of these drugs may help to reduce inflammation without serious side effects. A longer prospective control study with larger sample size is required to further evaluation of the efficacy of the medication.

Results Following Transpupillary Thermotherapy for Choroidal Neovascularization

PURPOSE: To determine whether transpupillary thermotherapy can achieve significant efficacy in maintaining vision without significant adverse effects when used to treat age-related macular degeneration associated with choroidal neovascularization. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were made for 33 eyes of 32 patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, and who had received transpupillary thermotherapy due to the development of choroidal neovascularization. Transpupillary thermotherapy was performed 1.4 times on average. RESULTS: Three months after the final therapy, 6 eyes (18%) showed improved vision, 11 eyes (34%) showed no change in vision, and 16 eyes (48%) showed worsening of vision. Of the 21 eyes of 21 patients who were available for optical coherence tomography before and after transpupillary thermotherapy, 19 eyes (90.5%) showed reduced macula thickness, and fundus photographs taken during the latest hospital visit revealed 11 eyes showing fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although it negatively influences subretinal fluid absorption, transpupillary thermotherapy is effective in stabilizing choroidal neovascularization and improving visual accuracy in a short period of time. Thus, further study is warranted.