Uncorrected visual acuity after intacs and after lasik in myopia between -1.0D and -4.5D

To compare the uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA] outcome of patients having laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK] versus intracorneal ring segments [Intacs] at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Forty eyes of 20 patients were compared; 20 eyes of 10 patients with Intacs and 20 eyes of 10 patients having LASIK. Patients' visual acuity was measured at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months, UCVA was reported and compared. The eyes excluded were that did not have complete follow-up or were treated for monovision. Intacs that were removed or exchanged were eliminated as well as any LASIK eye that had a complication that could affect tile visual acuity. At the 20/40 and 20/20 or better UCVA level, both Intacs and LASIK eyes had similar outcome. However by the 6[th] month more than half of Intacs patients [65%] achieved 20/16 or better vision as compared to only 5% of LA SIK patients. Both Intacs and LASIK are effective and safe for myopic patients between -1.0D and -4.5D. In this study Intacs showed superior UCVA outcome at the 20/16 or better level, compared to LASIK patients. Intacs have superiority in their ability to give better than 20/20 outcomes

Lasik enhancement-efficacy and safety

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratoinileusis [LASIK] enhancement and to present the outcomes. Retrospective non-comparative consecutive case series was done on 20 eyes of 16 patients underwent LASIK surgery for refractive error using the excimer laser [Nidek EC-5000, Japan]. Only re-treatments for residual refractive error were included. Of the total cohort studied 1000 eyes done over a 2 years period, 20 eyes [2%] were subjected to LASIK enhancement. The average length of time between initial treatment and enhancement was 8.6 months; 90% of retreatments took place within the first year, only 2 eyes [10%] between 1-2 years All of the retreatments were accomplished using a manual flap lift approach; none of the eyes required repeated microkeratome cut. Before retreatment, average BCVA was 0.7 [20/30] and after retreatment was 0.705 [20/30] [p > 0.05] statistically non-significant. The MRSE pre-enhancement for myopic cases was -2.25 D and decreased significantly after enhancement to -0.4 D, while for the hyperopic MRSE was +1.75 D pre-enhancement and decreased significantly to +0.25 D after enhancement. Higher initial oorrections and residual astigmatism were associated with a significantly higher rate of retreatments. LASIK enhancements surgery can be performed safely and effectively by lifting the flap

Noxious stimulation of muscular afferents induced respiratory responses in humans

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of activated nociceptive somatic afferents on the respiratory pattern in humans. Activation of nociceptive afferents were induced by ischemic pain in ten healthy volunteers. The progressively increasing intensity of the ischemic pain caused augmentation in the respiratory activity, displayed by an increase in ventilation [Ve], respiratory frequency [f], tidal volume [Vt], mean inspiratory flow [Vt/Ti], peak [delta IEMG] and rate of rise [delta IEMG/Ti] of integrated electromyographic activity of diaphragm [IEMGdi]. In the light of these data, it is suggested that, respiratory responses to ischemic pain are mediated by activation of both fine myelinated [group III] and unmyelinated [group IV] muscular afferents. The input conveyed by these afferents may constitute an effective stimulus to respiration in humans