Refractive errors and binocular dysfunctions in a population of university students.

PURPOSE: This clinical study was performed to determine the presence of refractive errors and binocular dysfunctions in a population of university students. METHODS: Refraction and binocular function were evaluated in a young patient population (230 students and 234 nonstudent subjects, aged 18-27 years). Distance visual acuity (DVA) and near visual acuity (NVA), refraction, cover test (CT), ocular motility, near-point of convergence, horizontal phoria measurement by Maddox wing, negative and positive vergence amplitude in prism diopters, fusion amplitude in synoptophore, as well as stereoacuity (Titmus test) were tested. RESULTS: Emmetropia was the most frequent refractive status in our student and nonstudent groups (78.7%). Myopia was the most frequent refractive disorder in the whole population (13.1%). Myopia and hypermetropia were significantly more frequent in the students than in nonstudents (chi-square emp 47.55). Exophoria is significantly more frequent in myopic subjects. Vergence amplitude (t test 0.000) and fusion amplitude (t test 0.005) show significantly lower values in student population. Results of Titmus test in the student group is significantly worse than in the nonstudent group (t test 0.000). Maddox wing resulted in significantly higher degree of heterophoria in the student population (t test 0.000). Myopic subjects, in the student group (t test 0.002) as well as in the nonstudent group (t test 0.001), show significantly better results in Titmus test. CONCLUSIONS: High near visual demand could be the most important factor for higher incidence of myopia, worse convergence and fusion amplitude, higher degree of exophoria, and worse results in Titmus test in the student population.

Choroidal sclerosis in localized scleroderma (morphea en plaque).

Plaque morphea is a superficial type of morphea (localized scleroderma) which is characterized by various fibrotic areas of the dermis without systemic features. We present a 63-year-old man with morphea en plaque. The skin on his forearms and feet was taut, thickened and hidebound with scattered telangiectatic changes. Autoantibody profile was obtained and only ANA were positive (1:80). The patient had a decreased vision in the only functional, left eye. Our case is specific because the patient negated any kind of health problem, meaning the morphea and visual deterioration were of outstanding importance for him. Choroidal sclerosis and fundus appearance was extremely impressive and, to our knowledge, this is the first report of such unique case of ocular involvement in the literature.

Selection of suture material for scleral lacerations.

With a view to selecting the most suitable suture material for scleral wound management we made histological and tensiometric scar examinations after 7, 21 and 45 days on rabbits' eyes. Suture materials were also observed under the scanning electron microscope at the same intervals. Three suture materials (virgin silk 8.0, polyglycolic acid 7.0 and Nylon 8.0) were tested. Polyglycolic acid proved the most suitable suture material for this purpose.

[Implantation of artificial lenses in primary and secondary management of severe eye injuries in warfare]. / Implantacija vestackih sociva pri primarnoj i sekundarnoj obradi teskih ratnih povreda oka.

The authors report their experience concerning intraocular implantation of artificial lenses during primary management of the eye war injuries as well as during secondary management, after shorter or longer period of consolidation, on 16 eyes of the same number of patients. Primary intraocular implantation was performed on 5 eyes simultaneously with primary management of the injured eye, while secondary implantation was performed on 11 eyes later, after more or less time of consolidation of the primary wound treatment. In regard to anatomical and functional consequences of severe trauma of the eye and the surgery itself, the functional state of the eyes operated on was satisfactory. The most frequent chronic complications were deformities of the pupil and, to a lesser degree, secondary cataract.