Correlation between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Visual Field in Normal Tension Glaucoma Patients

PURPOSE: To determine the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and visual field defect for early detection of normal tension glaucoma (NTG). METHODS: Sixty eyes newly diagnosed with NTG and 50 normal eyes were analyzed by optical coherence tomography and a short wave length automated perimetry test. The relationship between RNFL, divided into 12 areas, and visual field, divided into 21 areas, were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty eyes that revealed visual field defect by SWAP showed thinning of the RNFL. OCT sectors 6-o'clock, 7-o'clock, and 8-o'clock (inferior and inferotemporal) and SWAP visual field zones 13, 14, 15 and 16 (superior paracentral, arcuate areas, and the nasal step) were the most frequently damaged. The strongest associations were between the inferior and inferior temporal RNFL sectors 6, 7, and 8-o'clock and the superior nasal/arcuate visual field zones 13, 14, and 15 (R2 range=15.9-34.6%, all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of these two methods may be helpful for the early detection of NTG.

Changes in Corneal Sensitivity after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in corneal sensitivity following cataract surgery with a limbal incision. METHODS: The sensitivity threshold was measured in 53 eyes following procedures using a superior limbal incision (42 eyes) or a temporal limbal incision (11 eyes). RESULTS: The corneal sensitivity was significantly lower at the superior and temporal limbal incision sites after surgery than at the other sites (p<0.05). That sensitivity recovered 90% of its preoperative level 30 days post-operative. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal sensitivity decreased following cataract surgery using limbal incision. There were no significant differences in either the rate of decrease or recovery of corneal sensitivity according to the incision sites.

A Case of Thick Anterior Capsule of Hypermature Cataract in Down Syndrome

PURPOSE: We report a case of severe thickening of the anterior capsule in a case of hypermature cataract with Down syndrome. METHODS: A 30-year-old woman with Down syndrome underwent intracapsular phacoemulsification followed by in-the-bag implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) under general anesthesia. Pathologic examination was performed. The anterior capsule was then incised at the 12 o'clock position by intraocular scissors because continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was too difficult given the thickened anterior capsule. Intracapsular phacoemulsification was followed by in-the-bag implantation of IOL and the incised anterior capsule was trimmed. RESULTS Pathologic findings of the extracted anterior capsule documented a thickening of the anterior capsule 20-fold over that of a normal anterior capsule as well as depositions of fibroblasts and collagen materials. Six months after the operation, the patient's visual acuity was 0.3 and no complication was found.

A Case of Thick Anterior Capsule of Hypermature Cataract in Down Syndrome

PURPOSE: We report a case of severe thickening of the anterior capsule in a case of hypermature cataract with Down syndrome. METHODS: A 30-year-old woman with Down syndrome underwent intracapsular phacoemulsification followed by in-the-bag implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) under general anesthesia. Pathologic examination was performed. The anterior capsule was then incised at the 12 o'clock position by intraocular scissors because continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was too difficult given the thickened anterior capsule. Intracapsular phacoemulsification was followed by in-the-bag implantation of IOL and the incised anterior capsule was trimmed. RESULTS Pathologic findings of the extracted anterior capsule documented a thickening of the anterior capsule 20-fold over that of a normal anterior capsule as well as depositions of fibroblasts and collagen materials. Six months after the operation, the patient's visual acuity was 0.3 and no complication was found.

Microbiologic Study of Imported Donor Corneas and Preserved Solutions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of contamination of imported donor corneas and their preserved solutions, and to characterize the spectrum of contaminating microorganisms. METHODS: Thirty-seven imported donor corneas and their preserved solutions imported between December 2003 and June 2005 were included in this study. RESULTS: Five imported donor corneas (13.5%) had positive bacterial cultures, and none had positive fungal or mycobacterial cultures. On the other hand, the preserved solutions did not have positive bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial cultures. One of the 5 imported donor corneas with positive bacterial culture had a mixed bacterial culture. There were 3 isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 1 isolate of Streptococcus viridans, 1 isolate of Enterobacter cloacae, and 1 isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of contamination of imported donor corneas is low; however, there is a risk of postkeratoplasty infection by contaminated donor corneas. Thus, careful management should be practiced during and after corneal transplant operations.