West Indian punctate keratopathy.

We found corneal lesions of West Indian punctate keratopathy in 128 of 2,048 patients examined in a general eye clinic in Grenada, West Indies. Of these, 125 were Black, two were Indians (Hindu), and one a White female. The lesions occurred in asymptomatic persons with no history of trauma or recurrent erosions. Males were affected more than females, and older adults more than children. The condition was usually unilateral but occasionally bilateral, with one to four lesions in the intrapalpebral fissure in a paracentral location. The lesions were round, discrete, white to yellowish-gray dots 0.2-0.6 mm in size located at the level of the epithelial basement membrane and Bowman's layer. No vascularization nor other anterior membrane disorders were observed. Corneal biopsies of 11 patients were studied by histopathologic and immunoperoxidase techniques. Histopathology revealed areas of lipid positive material in Bowman's layer and adjacent corneal stroma. The epithelium showed basal cell edema, degeneration, and irregular thickening of the basement membrane. Immunoperoxidase studies did not contribute any new information about these lesions.

West Indian punctate keratopathy

We found corneal lesions of West Indian punctate keratopathy in 128 of 2,048 patients examined in a general eye clinic in Grenada, West Indies. Of these 125 were Black, two were Indians (Hindu), and one a White female. The lesions occured in asymptomatic persons with no history of trauma or recurrent erosions. Males were affected more than females, and older adults more than children. The condition was usually unilateral but occasionally bilateral, with one to four lesions in the intrapalpebral fissure in a paracentral location. The lesions were round, discrete, white to yellowish-gray dots 0.2-0.6 mm in size located at the level of the epithelial basement membrane and Bowman's layer. No vascularization nor other anterior membrane disorders were observed. Corneal biopsies of 11 patients were studied by histopathologic and immunoperoxidase techniques. Histopathology revealed areas of lipid positive material in Bowman's layer and adjacent corneal stroma. The epithelium showed basal cell edema, degeneration, and irregular thickening of the basement membrane. Immunoperoxidase studies did not contribute any new information about these lesions (AU)

Blindness in South Carolina.

In less than 40 years the number of people aged 55 and older will constitute almost a third of the United States population. With the median age in South Carolina increasing, the incidence of visual impairment and blindness will rise. Most of the leading causes of blindness in South Carolina are age related. Most of these causes can be prevented or treated resulting in the preservation of functional vision. By increasing public awareness of blindness prevention opportunities, a significant reduction in blindness in South Carolina can be attained. By eliciting the help of all health professions in South Carolina the incidence of visual impairment/blindness can be reduced.

Epithelial deposition of gold in the cornea in patients receiving systemic therapy.

Epithelial gold deposits were demonstrated biomicroscopically in 13 of 15 patients receiving gold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Only one of six further patients who had received gold therapy in the past showed such deposits. Deposits appeared with a cumulative dose of sodium thiomalate exceeding 100 mg. The earliest appearance was after seven months of therapy and deposits were visible in one subject as long as nine months after therapy had stopped. The density of deposit does not appear to increase over the whole of the dose range, possibly as a result of the effect of epithelial turnover. No symptoms attributable to the deposit were encountered in any patient.

Streptococcus suis type II (group R) as a cause of endophthalmitis.

A case is reported of a patient with bilateral endophthalmitis, meningitis, sensorineural deafness, labyrinthitis, and septicaemia due to Streptococcus suis type II (group R). The organism is known to produce epidemic meningitis, septicaemia, and purulent arthritis in piglets, but human infection is rare, and no other case reports of ocular infection are known. The organism was sensitive to penicillin at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.03 mg/1.

Corneal toxicity from vinblastine solution.

The case is reported of a male physician who accidentally sprayed some vinblastine solution into his eyes. The resulting lesions are described.