ABSTRACT
Pterygium and pseudopterygium have long been known to induce astigmatism and may do so without entering the visual axis. We present a case report of a 34-year-old man with a traumatic pseudopterygium which produced a "dynamic" astigmatism, varying in different fields of gaze. Due to the pseudopterygium's attachment to the lateral canthus, it produced a tethering effect with markedly decreased vision and wrinkling of Descemet's membrane when the eye was directed away from the anchoring point. This model may apply to other ocular diseases where perilimbal attachments and adnexal adhesions to the corneal surface may occur; such connections should be looked for in cases with unexplained low levels of visual acuity.
Subject(s)
Astigmatism/etiology , Pterygium/complications , Adult , Astigmatism/physiopathology , Descemet Membrane/pathology , Humans , Male , Pterygium/pathology , Pterygium/surgery , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
We determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus markers among 123 Haitian mothers and children in a southwest Florida farming community. Fifty-five per cent of mothers had one or more markers including two who were HBsAg positive. Only seven (10 per cent) children had markers; none were HBsAg positive. Pregnant Haitian women should be screened for HBsAg and infants born to those who are positive should receive immunoprophylaxis. Medical, dental, and laboratory workers caring for Haitian patients should also receive hepatitis B vaccine.