Long-term modified Goeckerman regimen for psoriasis using an ultraviolet B light source in the home.

An ultraviolet B (UVB) unit for the home was built for each of fifty-six people with extensive psoriasis. This light unit is constructed to deliver the most cost-effective radiation while remaining portable, height-adjustable, and free of the necessity to nail or screw the unit to the wall. Six 40-watt fluorescent sunlamps in an open configuration will deliver 150 to 170 mu watts/cm2 to one half of the body at a distance of 30.5 cm (1 minimal erythema dose [MED] = 1-2 min). Fifty-five patients completed a modified Goeckerman program starting at 1-minute exposures, with weekly increases of light by 1 minute until 6 or 8 weeks of treatment had elapsed. All patients were cleared of psoriasis (scalp not included). Fifty-one patients accomplished the clearance program totally in the home. Over 80% of them remain virtually clear as they have maintained a 6- to 8-minute tar-light program two to five times a week. Thirty-seven subjects have used this home UVB unit for over a year. Our results with the modified Goeckerman treatment of psoriasis in the home show that: (1) only six nonenclosed lamps are needed for the economical clearing and maintenance of many psoriatics, and (2) the initial clearing rate using forty-two to sixty suberythemal treatments is outstanding.

A reading aid for patients with macular blindness.

A new reading aid (called "kraspegig") for patients with macular blindness is described. It is based on the principle that, in peripheral vision, our attention is strongly drawn to moving objects. Accordingly, it sets the reading matter moving with respect to the patient's retina. Its essential part is a patterned mask into which is cut a window through which a few words of text can be seen. As the mask is slid along, the patient follows it with his eyes, so that the text lags behind. A magnifier is part of the device.