Normal Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in the Peripapillary Region of Koreans Measured by Scanning Laser Polarimeter

PURPOSE: To measure normal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in the peripapillary region of Koreans using a scanning laser polarimeter, the nerve fiber analyzer (GDx VCC). METHODS: Two hundred ninety-nine eyes of 299 healthy subjects (156 men, 143 women) were recruited for this study. No subject had diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or any other neurologic disorders. All subjects were normal at ophthalmologic examination, which was assessed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy using a 90-diopter lens, Goldmann applanation tonometry, and Humphrey visual field analysis. Using the GDx VCC, we analyzed the mean value of each parameter in GDx VCC (average at global, superior, inferior, superior maximum and inferior maximum) and evaluated the difference between men and women and each decade of age. RESULTS: Mean RNFLT parameters in GDx VCC were global 56.42 +/- 6.84 micrometer, superior 70.51 +/- 8.70 micrometer, inferior 67.55 +/- 9.04 micrometer, superior maximum 83.52 +/- 12.38 micrometer, and inferior maximum 82.64 +/- 12.70 micrometer. The parameters which showed a difference between men and women were superior average and superior and inferior maximum average RNFLT. The superior RNFLT was thicker than the inferior ones. RNFLT was not statistically different in each decade of age. CONCLUSIONS: We can make good use of the normal parameters of GDx VCC in Koreans for early diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma.

Comparison of Conventional Versus Wavefront-guided LASIK

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of conventional LASIK versus wavefront-guided LASIK using the Zyoptix system. METHODS: This prospective study included 54 eyes of 27 patients in the Konyang University Hospital between January and December 2004. The treated eyes were Divided into two groups: group 1 (conventional LASIK) and group 2 (wavefront-guided LASIK). Corneal topography with Orbscan IIz, wavefront analysis with the Zywave aberrometer, UCVA, BCVA, slit lamp examination and corneal keratometry were performed preoperatively. All outcome measures assessed at 1 Day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no Difference in the refractive outcome between the two groups. High order aberration was increased in both groups, but more increased in the conventional LASIK group. Wavefront LASIK was more effective in patients with high preoperative high order aberration, high spherical equivalent and large optical zone Diameter. The mesoptic contrast sensitivity test showed a larger Decrease in the conventional LASIK group than in the wavefront-guided LASIK group, but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The wavefront-guided LASIK group showed a smaller increase in high order aberration and a smaller reduction of mesoptic contrast sensitivity compared with the conventional LASIK group in patients with high preoperative high order aberration, high spherical equivalent and large optical zone Diameter.

Arteriovenous Adventitial Sheathotomy for the Treatment of Macular Edema Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To report the arteriovenous (AV) adventitial sheathotomy for the treatment of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Seven eyes of seven patients with best corrected visual acuity of less than 20/200 secondary to BRVO received pars plana vitrectomy and AV adventitial sheathotomy, and were followed postoperatively for 1, 2, and 4 months. RESULTS: Intraoperative decompression of the AV crossing was achieved in all 7 patients. All patients showed clinical improvement as determined by fundus examination, optical coherent tomography, and fluorescein angiography. Postoperative visual acuity was better in 6 of the 7 patients (86%) with an average of two lines of vision being gained. CONCLUSIONS: AV adventitial sheathotomy may be beneficial for selected patients with poor vision secondary to BRVO.