[Guidelines for ophthalmological screening of premature infants in Germany]. / Leitlinie zur augenärztlichen Screening-Untersuchung von Frühgeborenen--Arbeitsgruppe der Retinologischen Gesellschaft zur Erstellung der Leitlinie zur augenärztlichen Screening-Untersuchung von Frühgeborenen.

These revised guidelines replace the previous guidelines on the screening of preterm infants for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that were published in 1999. Recently published research provided the impetus for this revision. These guidelines propose the following criteria for an efficient screening programme for the early detection and treatment of ROP in Germany: Inclusion criteria for ROP screening: All preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks (if gestational age is unknown; of <1500 g birth weight) should be examined. In addition, all preterm infants with 32-36 weeks gestational age are included if postnatal oxygen was supplemented for more than 3 days. The first examination should be performed within the 5(th) week of postnatal age (day 36-42), but not prior to 31 weeks gestational age. Indications for laser photocoagulation: in Zone I: 1. any stage with "plus disease", 2. stage 3 without "plus disease." In Zone II: stage 3 with extraretinal proliferations in 5 continuous or 8 cumulative clock hours in combination with "plus-disease". In certain cases an earlier treatment may be indicated.

[Wide angle fundus documentation in retinopathy of prematurity]. / Weitwinkelfundusdokumentation bei Retinopathia praematurorum.

BACKGROUND: Fundus documentation in preterm infants has been improved by the advent of a new wide-angle fundus camera (RetCam 120). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 30 preterm infants we used the RetCam 120 for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening, before and after laser treatment of ROP and after regression of acute phase ROP for documentation of fundus findings. The RetCam 120 is a digital contact wide-angle fundus camera which is based on a 3-chip CCD video camera. RESULTS: The RetCam 120 proved to be feasable for ROP documentation in preterm infants. Fundus documentation enhanced follow-up, teaching and cooperation between ophthalmologists and neonatologists. Conventional ophthalmoscopy is still necessary when using the RetCam 120 in ROP screening. Technical improvements of the camera itself and of the hardware and software is necessary before the RetCam 120 can be used routinely in ROP screening. CONCLUSION: The wide-angle fundus documentation using the RetCam 120 allows instant visualization and real-time documentation of intraocular findings. The RetCam 120 opens up new possibilities in clinical and scientific work, in teaching and in the new frontiers of ophthalmological telemedicine.

[Transscleral and transpupillary laser coagulation in proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy]. / Transsklerale und transpupilläre Laserkoagulation bei proliferativer Sichelzellretinopathie.

BACKGROUND: Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation is a new method for treating proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy (PSR). Other treatments include transpupillary laser photocoagulation and transscleral cryocoagulation CASE REPORT: We report two patients with sickle-cell disease and PSR, one treated by transpupillary argon laser coagulation and the other by transscleral diode laser scatter photocoagulation. CONCLUSION: Transpupillary and transscleral laser photocoagulation are effective and safe in the treatment of PSR. Transscleral photocoagulation is an alternative treatment method in eyes with PSR and cloudy optical media or with poor mydriasis in which transpupillary coagulation cannot be performed.

[Acute retinpathia praematurorum. Is plasma prorenin level of prognostic value?]. / Akute Retinopathia praematurorum. Ist der Prorenin-Plasmaspiegel von prognostischem Wert?

BACKGROUND: In patients with diabetes mellitus an elevated level of plasma prorenin (PP) may be associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Although retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is also characterized by retinal vasoproliferation, no study on PP in ROP appears to have been carried out. This study investigated PP prospectively in preterm infants with high risk of ROP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 304 preterm infants (gestational age 24-36 weeks, mean +/- SD 29.8 +/- 2.6 weeks; birth weight 570-1750 g, 1180 +/- 294 g) PP was examined prospectively between 3 and 14 weeks postnatally. Renin and total renin (after cryoactivation) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Total renin minus renin is the PP level; PP was correlated with the presence of ROP, stage of ROP, gestational age, birth weight, and postnatal age. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between mean PP in 112 preterm infants with ROP (682 +/- 666 ng/l) and that in 192 preterm infants without ROP (622 +/- 454 ng/l). There was no correlation between PP and the stage of ROP, gestational age, or birth weight. Mean PP decreased with increasing postnatal age (postnatal age 3-4 weeks: 906 +/- 587 ng/l; 7-8 weeks: 585 +/- 423 ng/l; 13-14 weeks: 326 +/- 205 ng/l). CONCLUSION: This study found no significant difference in PP between preterm infants with and those without ROP. Thus PP is not a valid predictor or indicator of ROP. However, the study showed a hitherto unknown correlation between PP and postnatal age in preterm infants.

Risk factors in retinopathy of prematurity. a multivariate statistical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred forty-seven surviving very-low-birth-weight infants (birth weight

Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyebrow extending into the orbit.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neoplasm with high local recurrence and metastatic rates. PURPOSE: To highlight an unusual presentation of a Merkel cell carcinoma. CASE REPORT: We report a large Merkel cell tumor in an 85-year-old woman. It extended from the eyebrow into the upper nasal orbit posterior to the equator of the eye globe. Local resection resulted in microscopically complete removal of the tumor. During follow-up (20 months) no local recurrence was noticed but there was a metastasis in a lymphatic nodule. CONCLUSIONS: Merkel cell carcinoma often presents in the eyelids and periorbital region. However, extension from the eyebrow deep into the orbit is unusual.

[Trans-scleral diode laser coagulation for therapy of acute retinopathia praematurorum]. / Transsklerale Diodenlaserkoagulation zur Therapie der akuten Retinopathia praematurorum.

BACKGROUND: Lens opacities were noted in single cases after transpupillar laser photocoagulation in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using the laser indirect ophthalmoscope. The diode laser with its wavelength in the near infrared (810 nm) makes lens sparing transscleral retinal coagulation possible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a controlled clinical study 60 eyes of 30 very low birth weight infants (gestational age 23-31 weeks, mean 26.6 +/- 1.8 weeks; birth weight 510-1200 g, 856 +/- 170 g) with threshold ROP were treated with diode laser photocoagulation. One eye of each infant was coagulated transsclerally while the fellow eye had transpapillary coagulation using the laser indirect ophthalmoscope. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 38 months (19 +/- 11 months). RESULTS: In 29 (97%) out of 30 eyes treated transsclerally and in 30 (100%) out of 30 eyes treated transpapillary the outcome was a flat, attached retina. Three eyes had a second laser treatment and 2 eyes had additional retinal detachment surgery. One eye (3%) with zone I disease failed after transscleral laser treatment and additional retinal detachment surgery with partially detached retina (stage 4 B) No adverse side effects as a result of laser treatment were noted except for a small amount of retinal/preretinal bleeding in the ridge and a vitreous bleeding. There were no adverse side effects (e.g., bleeding, cataract formation) in the anterior segments of the eyes. CONCLUSION: Transscleral diode laser coagulation for treatment of threshold ROP proved to be as effective as transpapillary diode laser photocoagulation. Only minor side effects were noticed. Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation is an advantageous treatment method in eyes with preexisting risk of cataract formation in transpapillary laser treatment.

Trans-scleral diode laser photocoagulation in proliferative sickle cell retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of trans-scleral diode laser photocoagulation for the treatment of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. DESIGN: Interventional case report. INTERVENTION: Trans-scleral diode laser scatter photocoagulation was applied to both eyes of a 30-year-old man with hemoglobin SC disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Regression of retinal vascular proliferation and of dye leakage on fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: After coagulation, vascular proliferation receded completely. Vitreous bleeding was absorbed. There were no side effects during follow-up (22 months). CONCLUSION: Trans-scleral diode laser photocoagulation proved to be an effective and safe treatment in a case of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy with vitreous bleeding.

[Computer program for retinopathy of prematurity screening]. / Computerprogramm für das Screening auf Retinopathia praematurorum.

BACKGROUND: The goal of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening is complete detection of all preterm infants with threshold ROP. AIM: We wanted to develop software to facilitate registration of ROP findings, checking due dates of re-examination, and evaluation of screening data. By means of complete and faultless registration and evaluation of the data of preterm infants, the effectiveness and safety of the screening should increase. METHODS: We developed software that runs under Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 and is programmed in Microsoft Access Basic and Microsoft Visual Basic. The software allows all screening data to be registered and evaluated. Intuitive handling, third level of normalization in database architecture, and automatic plausibility checks guarantee the utmost integrity of data and efficacy of database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: To date, the software has been used routinely in 2000 examinations in 1000 preterm infants. Our software facilitates clinical management and evaluation of ROP screening, which therefore becomes more safe.

Laser in situ keratomileusis for moderate and high myopia and myopic astigmatism.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the predictability, stability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in myopia and myopic astigmatism. DESIGN: The study design was a prospective, unmasked, nonrandomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Participating were 25 patients with myopia (37 eyes) with astigmatism of less than 1.00 diopter (D), divided into 3 subgroups (-5.00 to -9.90 D, 8 eyes; -10.00 to -14.90 D, 10 eyes; -15.00 to -29.00 D, 19 eyes), and 37 patients with myopia (56 eyes) with corneal astigmatism of 1.00 to 4.50 D, divided into 3 subgroups (-5.00 to -9.90 D, 12 eyes; -10.00 to -14.90 D, 24 eyes; -15.00 to -29.00 D, 20 eyes). INTERVENTION: LASIK was performed using the Automatic Corneal Shaper and the Keracor 116 excimer laser. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, manifest refraction, central corneal islands, ablation decentration, and patient satisfaction were measured. RESULTS: At 12 months, predictability, regression between 1 and 12 months, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), loss of two or more lines of corrected visual acuity, and patient satisfaction of the spherical (toric) groups are reported. Subgroups -5.00 to -9.90 D: 100% (75%) +1.00 D; regression less than or equal to 1.00 D in 100% (91.7%); UCVA greater than or equal to 20/40 in 87.5% (70%); none lost two or more lines; 100% (84%) highly satisfied. Subgroups -10.00 to -14.90 D: 60% (78.3%) +/-1.00 D; regression less than or equal to 1.00 D in 100% (87%); UCVA greater than or equal to 20/40 in 77.8% (86.4%); 10% (4.3%) lost two lines; 90% (91%) highly satisfied. Subgroups -15.00 to -29.00 D: 38.9% (21.4%) +/-1.00 D; regression less than or equal to 1.00 D in 72.2% (64.3%); UCVA greater than or equal to 20/40 in 33.3% (40%); 5.6% (7.1%) lost two lines; 78% (50%) highly satisfied. Differences of predictability and change of manifest refraction between subgroups of -5.00 to -9.90 D and -15.00 to -29.00 D were statistically significant. Central islands (decentrations) were observed in 17% (5.6%) of eyes of the spherical and in 16% (4.1%) of the toric group. Overall, the corneal interface was visible in 8.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The LASIK method used in this study showed stability of manifest refraction and adequate uncorrected central visual acuity in a large percentage of patients with myopia up to -15.00 D. Corneal stability was not as uniform. Central corneal islands were observed in a sizable minority of patients despite pretreatment. For myopia greater than 15.00 D, accuracy and patient satisfaction were sufficiently poor to advise against using the authors' treatment technique in these groups. Visually significant microkeratome and laser-related problems were noted in a smaller percentage of patients. Patients with astigmatism correction were less pleased with results than were patients who received spherical corrections.

Transscleral vs transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation for the treatment of threshold retinopathy of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode laser photocoagulation for the treatment of threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS: Fifty eyes of 25 preterm infants (birth weight, 510-1200 g [864+/-178 g ¿mean+/-SD¿]; gestational age, 24-29 weeks [26.7+/-1.7 weeks]) with threshold ROP were treated with diode laser photocoagulation (wavelength, 810 nm). One eye of each infant was treated transsclerally while the fellow eye had transpupillary coagulation using the laser indirect ophthalmoscope. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 22 months (10.0+/-5.3 months). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The regression of acute ROP and the incidence of adverse treatment effects. RESULTS: In 25 (100%) of the eyes treated transpupillarly and in 24 (96%) of the eyes treated transsclerally, ROP regressed after a single or a second laser treatment and the outcome was a flat, attached retina. One eye (4%) with disease in zone I failed to improve after transscleral laser treatment and ROP progressed to stage 4B with a partially attached retina, although additional retinal detachment surgery with an encircling band was performed. No adverse side effects as a result of diode laser treatment were noted except for a small amount of retinal-preretinal bleeding in the ridge in 9 (36%) of the transsclerally and in 5 (20%) of the transpupillarly coagulated eyes. There were no adverse side effects (eg, cataract formation) in the anterior segments of the eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that transscleral diode laser coagulation is as effective in the treatment of threshold ROP as transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation. Only minor side effects were noted. Transscleral diode laser photocoagulation seems to be an advantageous treatment method if transpupillary treatment bears an increased risk of cataract formation.

[Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of myopia]. / Laser-in-situ-Keratomileusis (LASIK) zur Myopiekorrektur.

BACKGROUND: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) preserves the corneal epithelium and Bowman's layer, which theoretically minimizes corneal scarring. We, therefore, evaluated the accuracy, stability and safety of LASIK in moderate to high myopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-five eyes (50 patients) treated using the Automatic Corneal Shaper and the Keracor 116 excimer laser were followed up for 1, 6, and 12 months. Spectacle refraction, visual acuity and rate of retreatments were evaluated. RESULTS: At 12 months, results were as follows: Myopia -5 to -9.9 D (n = 20); 85% within 1 D; regression between one and 12 months < or = 1 D in 90%; uncorrected acuity 20/40 or better in 75%; no loss of two or more lines of visual acuity. Myopia -10 to -14.9 D (n = 33): 73% within 1 D; regression between 1 and 12 months < or = 1 D in 91%; uncorrected acuity 20/40 or better in 79%; 6.1% lost two lines of visual acuity. Myopia -15 to -29 D (n = 32): 31% within 1 D; regression between one and 12 months < or = 1 D in 63%; 6.3% lost two or more lines of visual acuity. Reoperations were performed in two eyes (2.4%) due to epithelial ingrowth or folds of the flap, and in four eyes (4.7%) because of undercorrections or "central islands". CONCLUSIONS: LASIK is an accurate and stable procedure for correcting myopia of -5 to -15 D. In higher myopia, however, results are not satisfactory.

Laser in situ keratomileusis to correct myopia of -6.00 to -29.00 diopters.

BACKGROUND: Photorefractive keratectomy can cause corneal scarring and visual loss in highly myopic eyes. We evaluated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) because it has the theoretical advantage of preserving both the corneal epithelium and Bowman's layer. METHODS: In a prospective study, LASIK was performed in 62 myopic eyes (42 patients) using the Automatic Corneal Shaper (Chiron Vision) and the Keracor 116 excimer laser (Chiron Technolas). We measured refraction and visual acuity, and evaluated corneal topography (TMS 1) and corneal clarity after 4 to 8 weeks and 4 to 6 months. RESULTS: Four- to 6-month follow up was completed in 51 eyes. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -14.80 diopters (D) (range, -6.00 to -29.00 D). Postoperatively, the mean deviation from the target refraction was -1.70 D (range, -9.00 to +2.50 D) at 4 to 8 weeks and -1.90 D (range, -9.50 to +2.25 D) at 4 to 6 months. At 4 to 6 months, 19 eyes (37%) were within +/- 0.50 D of the target refraction, 24 (47%) within +/- 1.00 D, 33 (65%) within +/- 2.00 D, and 40 (78%) within +/- 3.00 D. From 4 to 8 weeks to 4 to 6 months, the mean regression of myopia was -0.20 D (0.50 D or less in 24 eyes [47%], 1.00 D or less in 32 [63%], and 2.00 D or less in 42 [82%]). In six eyes (12%), the stromal interface was not visible, in 38 (74%) it was barely visible, and in seven (14%) it was clearly visible. Corneal topography revealed only small variations in clear-zone size and dioptric value, demonstrating a very stable correction 4 to 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK may be a safe and effective procedure to correct high myopia. Further research is required to develop satisfactory microkeratome technology, effective laser algorithms, and to determine long-term stability of refraction.

[Correction of myopia using laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)]. / Myopiekorrektur mittels Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).

BACKGROUND: In contrast to photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the corneal epithelium and Bowman's layer are preserved in LASIK. Thus, there should be less scarring and regression after LASIK than after PRK. PATIENTS: Between December 1993 and October 1995, we treated 113 eyes (66 patients). The Automated Corneal Shaper and the Keracor 116 excimer laser were used. We evaluated refraction, visual acuity and corneal topography. RESULTS: To date, 61 eyes reached six months follow up. Mean preoperative refraction was -14.3 D (-3.3 to -29 D; SD = 7). Mean deviation from target refraction was -1.4 D (-9.5 to +2.5 D; SD = 2.7) at six months. 34% were within +/-0.5 D of target refraction, 46% within +/-1 D, 67% within +/-2 D, and 82% within +/-3 D. Mean change of refraction ("regression") from one to six months postoperatively was +0.13 D (-7.5 to +8 D; SD = 2.1). Refractive change was < 0.5 D in 51%, < 1 D in 66%, < 2 D in 84%, and < 3 D in 89%. In 88% of eyes, the corneal interface was not or just barely visible, while it was clearly visible in 12%. No scars were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that LASIK is an effective procedure in the correction of high myopia. The incidence of scar formation and regression is considerably lower than after PRK.

[Diode laser coagulation of stage 3+ retinopathy of prematurity]. / Diodenlaserkoagulation der Retinopathia praematurorum Stadium 3+.

BACKGROUND: Laser photocoagulation in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) appears to have fewer adverse effects and to be at least as effective as cryotherapy. METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diode laser photocoagulation we examined 50 eyes affected by stage 3+ ROP in 30 very low birth weight infants (gestational age 24-29 weeks, mean +/- SD 26.5 +/- 1.4 weeks; birth weight 480-1400 g, 898 +/- 208 g) in a prospective (uncontrolled) clinical study. Photocoagulation treatment was performed using a diode laser (810 nm) with a laser indirect ophthalmoscope delivery system. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 23 months (10.5 +/- 6.4 months). RESULTS: In 46 (92%) of the 50 eyes ROP regressed after a single laser treatment and the outcome was a flat, attached retina. Two eyes (4%) had a second laser session and one other eye (2%) had additional retinal detachment surgery, resulting in the regression of ROP and a flat, attached retina. Thus, the success rate was 98% (49 out of 50 eyes). In 1 (2%) of the 50 eyes treatment failed and ROP progressed to stage 5, although additional retinal detachment surgery was performed. No adverse side effects of diode laser treatment were noted, except for a small amount of retinal/preretinal bleeding in the ridge in 8 eyes (16%) and slight postoperative anterior chamber bleeding in 1 eye (2%) with dense tunica vasculosa lentis. There were neither lenticular opacities nor cataract formation. CONCLUSION: Diode laser photo coagulation using the laser indirect ophthalmoscope for stage 3+ ROP was easy to administer. Laser treatment had only minor side effects and was at least as effective as cryotherapy.

[The True-Vista bifocal intraocular lens. Current results of the European multicenter study]. / Die True-Vista-bifokal-IOL. Aktuelle Ergebnisse der europäischen multizentrischen studie.

In a prospective multicenter study we evaluated vision with the True Vista bifocal IOL. At 12-14 months after operation. 391 patients ("best cases") were available for follow-up. Without (with) correction, 14.4% (37.9%) had a distance acuity of 20/20 or better, 28% (69.6%) had 20/25 or better, 70% (96.9%) had 20/40 or better, and 30% (3.1%) had a distance acuity of less than 20/40. Near acuity without (with) correction was 20/20 or better in 18.7% (57.5%), 20/25 or better in 42.9% (80.8%), 20/40 or better in 84% (97.5%), and less than 20/40 in 16% (2.5%). Our results demonstrate that corrected distance and near acuity with the True Vista bifocal IOL is good. However, due to surgically induced astigmatism and inaccuracies of IOL power calculation, uncorrected acuities are still disappointing. Thus, when implanting bifocal IOLs, careful patient selection, control of astigmatism and IOL power calculation seems crucial.

[Vector analysis of surgically-induced astigmatism in cataract operation with 4 tunnel incision techniques]. / Vektoranalyse des chirurgisch induzierten Astigmatismus bei Kataraktoperation mit 4 Tunnel-Schnitt-Techniken.

UNLABELLED: Evaluation of astigmatism induced by cataract surgery requires the calculation of surgically induced astigmatism using vector analysis. This method was performed for four tunnel-incision techniques and compared with the results of computer-assisted videokeratoscopy. METHODS: Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed in 59 eyes using four different incisions (4- or 5- to 6-mm scleral tunnel and 4- or 5.5-mm clear cornea). Surgically induced astigmatism was calculated by vector subtraction using the formulas of Retzlaff. In addition, corneal topography was performed and astigmatism was calculated within three concentric corneal zones (3 mm, 3-5 mm, 5-7 mm). RESULTS: Surgically induced astigmatism after a 4-mm scleral tunnel incision was 0.55 D (pre-op 0.58 D, post-op 0.72 D), the 5-6-mm incision induced 0.89 D (pre-op 0.97 D and post-op 1.02 D). The 4-mm clear cornea incision induced 2.00 D (from 0.89 D to 1.56 D), the 5.5-mm corneal incision, performed in the steepest meridian to reduce preexisting astigmatism, induced 3.57 D; pre-op 3.38 D, post-op 2.09 D. Corneal topography revealed a slight increase in astigmatism within all corneal zones (4-mm scleral tunnel: 0.26 D, 5-6-mm scleral tunnel: 0.36 D and 4-mm clear cornea incision: 0.22 D). After a 5.5-mm clear cornea incision, however, astigmatism of the central 3-mm zone was reduced by 1 D, while astigmatism of the 5-7 mm zone increased by 0.22 D. CONCLUSION: The 4- and 5- to 6-mm scleral tunnel as well as the 4-mm clear cornea incision were shown to be nearly astigmatism-neutral. The 5.5-mm clear cornea incision reduced astigmatism of the central cornea by about 35%, but induced irregular astigmatism in the periphery.