Tear lactoferrin concentration during postoperative ocular inflammation in cataract surgery.

Tear lactoferrin concentration was measured by ELISA technique and followed in 30 patients undergoing cataract surgery. On the first day following surgery, there was a significant decrease in tear lactoferrin concentration followed by a gradual return to the initial values during the postoperative observation period of 7 days. There was an inverse linear relationship between tear lactoferrin concentration and the tear secretion rate measured by a modified Schirmer I test (1 min) suggesting a constant lactoferrin secretion by the tear glands. Since lactoferrin has known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, the results may contribute to further understanding of the microbial vulnerability or resistance of the eye following surgical procedures.

Tear film flow and stability in normal Indian subjects.

Tear film flow and stability studies were carried out in healthy population by Schirmer's test-1 and tear film break-up-time (BUT) measurements, respectively. The mean BUT observed was 13.87 +/- 4.79 seconds; however, in 22 percent of cases the values of BUT were even less than the lowest values laid down by various workers, from the Western countries. Maximum dry spots were located in the temporal quadrant.

Preserved vision in a case of morning glory syndrome: some pertinent questions.

Morning glory syndrome, an unusual developmental anomaly of the optic nerve head, presenting with funnelled enlargement of the disc with a white dot in the centre and a peripheral vascular pattern along the disc margin, with features of typical entry and exit of retinal vessels on the optic nerve head and exceptionally good vision in the involved eye with old traumatic retinal detachment in the other, in a young Indian girl is described here for its rarity and indifferent clinical presentation. Various factors in its pathogenesis are postulated.

Effect of methyl cellulose on tear film break-up-time in health and disease.

Methyl cellulose instillation enhanced the values of BUT in healthy individuals, as well as in patients with trachoma stage III and chronic conjunctivitis, while no effect was observed in patients with squamous blepharitis.

Study of tear film flow and stability in chronic dacryocystitis.

Tear film flow and stability studies were carried out in patients suffering from chronic dacryocystitis by performing Schirmer test-I and tear film break-up-time (BUT) measurements. The results of Schirmer's test corroborated the theory that a reduced out flow of tears causes a compensatory reduced tear secretion. The results of break-up-time confirm the fact that BUT is independent of outflow of tears in patients with epiphora.

Tear film flow and stability in acute and chronic conjunctivitis.

Tear film flow and stability studies were carried out in patients suffering from acute and chronic conjunctivitis by performing Schirmer test-I and break-up-time (BUT) measurements. In this clinical study, patients with chronic conjunctival inflammation demonstrated a premature break-up of tear film despite normal amounts of aqueous tears. In acute catarrhal conjunctivitis the values of BUT were within normal limits, whereas the values of Schirmer test-I were significantly higher (t-test, P less than 0.001) and are considered to be due to reflex hypersecretion of tears.

Tear film flow and stability in herpes simplex keratitis and chronic blepharitis.

Tear film flow and stability studies were carried out in patients suffering from herpes simplex keratitis and chronic blepharitis by performing Schirmer test I and tear film break-up-time (BUT) measurements. In herpes simplex keratitis the values of BUT were within normal limits. Values of Schirmer test I were significantly higher (t-test, P less than 0.001) in these patients and are considered to be due to reflex hypersecretion of tears. Schirmer test I was found to be unaffected, whereas the values of BUT seen were significantly lower (t-test, P less than 0.001) in patients suffering from chronic blepharitis. These lower values of BUT can perhaps be attributed to the altered resurfacing of precorneal tear film as a result of changes in the lid margins.

Study of tear film flow and break up time (BUT) in trachoma.

Tear film flow and stability studies were carried out in patients suffering from cicatrizing trachoma by Schirmer test I and tear film break-up-time (BUT) measurements, respectively. Both Schirmer test I and BUT values were decreased significantly (t-test, P less than 0.001) depicting aqueous as well as mucin deficiency and hence, an unstable tear film in this condition.

Protein and electrolyte alterations in human senile cataract.

Water content, wet and dry weights of the crystalline lens, and protein, free amino acid and electrolyte levels in serum, aqueous humour and lens were determined in patients with nuclear senile cataract and at the different stages of the maturation of cortical cataract. In immature senile cortical cataract wet weight and sodium contents of the lens were significantly higher while potassium levels were low when compared with the nuclear cataract. With the maturation of cortical cataract water content, wet weight and sodium concentrations of the crystalline lens significantly increased while protein, free amino acid and potassium levels decreased. The possible role of these changes in various types of cataracts is discussed.