Preservation of retinal sensitivity in central visual field after panretinal photocoagulation in diabetics

Changes in retinal sensitivity within central 30 degrees following panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for more severe diabetic retinopathy were investigated. Twenty-five eyes with visual acuity of 0.4 or better and minimal maculopathy were studied prospectively. All underwent PRP in two sittings, and Humphrey field analyzer 30-2 threshold test was done before and 1 week, 1 and 3 months after the treatment. The mean retinal sensitivity threshold was obtained from each hemifield between 15 and 30 degrees and from the central 15 degree area, and the changes in the values were analyzed. Mean sensitivity threshold in the upper visual field at pre-PRP, post-PRP 1 week, 1, 3 months were 15.62, 13.81, 14.31, 14.85, respectively. Values in the lower field were 18.71, 17.25, 17.10, 18.17. Difference between pre-PRP and post-PRP was statistically significant at 1 week but no longer thereafter. Retinal sensitivity within the central 15 degrees remained stable. The data show that retinal sensitivity decreases significantly 1 week after PRP but recovers upto 95% of pre-PRP level over the following 3 months.

A Case of Hemimasticatory spasm

Hemimasticatory spasm is a rare disorder that often accompanies facial hemiatrophy and is characterized by spasm in one or more of the jaw-closing muslces supplied by the fifth cranial nerve. We report a clinical and electrophysiological observation of a patient of hemimasticatory spasm, who presented involuntary spasm on masseter muscle and hemiatrophy of the face on the right side for 7 years.

Suture Tension Adjustment of Single Running Suture in Penetrating Keratoplasty

We performed suture tension adjustment (STA) in 8 patients who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty with 10-0 nylon running suture closure. 3 to 8 weeks after the surgery, STA was done by loosening the suture tension at the steep meridian and tightening at the flat meridian, guided by automatic keratometery, keratoscopic finding and manifest refraction. Pre-STA astigmatism of 6.27 +/- 1.84 diopter(D) was changed to 1.94 +/- 1.40D immediately after the adjustment. Post-STA astigmatism regressed mostly within two weeks of adjustment, remaining stable thereafter: In one case, suture breakage occurred during adjustment, and resuturing was done using a new 10-0 nylon tied to the broken ends without serious sequela.

Staining Characteristics of Granular Deposits of Granular Dystrophy in Six Cases

Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in six eyes of granular corneal dystrophy. Vision was improved from worse than 0.05 to better than 0.4. Mean follow-up period is 14 months (12-18 months). Corneal deposits were stained for H and E. Masson trichrome, Wilder's reticulin and Luxol fast blue but not for PAS, Congo red and Oil red a stain. Electron micorscopic examination showed that polymorphic, electron dense rod-shaped bodies were present in the Bowman's layer and between stromal lamellae and in the interceliular space of corneal epithelium. And, for the first time we found a area looked like a transformation from normal stroma to the granular deposit.

Plasmacytoma presented as a lid mass: A case report

A solitary lid mass was identified as a primary solitary plasmacytoma. A 71 year old male presented with a left upper lid mass. The mass was found to be firmly intermingled with the underlying tarsal plate. A total excision was successfully performed and the lid margin was reconstructed with a good cosmetic result. There were no positive findings in the systemic work-up. The light microscopic findings suggest that the mass is of tarsal plate origin. It is the first case of plasmacytoma of tarsal plate origin presented as a lid mass.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome: case report and review of clinical features

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is characterized by the presence of gray-white flakes on the pupillary borders and anterior lens capsule, increased trabecular meshwork pigmentation, and association with glaucoma. We describe 3 patients with this syndrome seen at Asan Meidcal Center Department of Ophthalmology in 1989, and we focus on their clinical features and management. We believe that patients with this syndrome are not as rare in Korea as has been thought, judging by scant report of cases in the past.

Non-contact tonometry: an ideal method for mass screening

We evaluated one of the new non-contact tonometers, the Pulsair non-contact tonometer, to assess its accuracy and reliability. Measurements on 101 eyes were used to assess its accuracy against Goldmann tonometry measurements, and another 24 eyes were used to assess its reliability (reproducibility). The results showed the instrument to be highly accurate and reliable in measurement.