[Mitomycin C in refractive corneal surface surgery with the excimer laser: first experience and review of the literature]. / Mitomycin C bei oberflächlichen Hornhautablationen mit dem Excimer-Laser: Eigene Erfahrungen und Literaturübersicht.

Haze formation with loss of corneal transparency and surface irregularities and myopic regression are the major complications after corneal refractive surface surgery. The use of mitomycin C (MMC) with its antibiotic and antineoplastic properties is intended to inhibit wound healing mechanisms leading to subepithelial fibrosis. We report the use of MMC to achieve visual rehabilitation in the re-treatment of 3 eyes of 2 patients following refractive corneal surgery. According to the literature, the local use of MMC 0.02 % for 2 minutes is safe and enables one to treat and prevent stromal haze and myopic regression and allows a reduction of the postoperative topical pharmacotherapy. Results are still limited due to small case numbers and short follow-up periods.

[Is a cataract avoidable? Current status with special emphasis on the pathophysiology of oxidative lens damage, nutritional factors, and the ARED study]. / Ist die Katarakt vermeidbar? Eine aktuelle Bestandsaufnahme unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Pathophysiologie oxidativer Linsenschäden, nutritiver Einflussfaktoren und der ARED-Studie.

The benefit of long-term nutrient intake to reduce the risk of age-related ocular disease such as cataract or macular degeneration is subject to controversy. Conclusions about the benefits and risks of antioxidant supplements can be expected after reviewing the current literature concerning oxidative-induced lens damage and nutritional effects. Identification of influenceable risk factors for senile cataracts could achieve immense economical relevance. In contrast to former longitudinal epidemiological studies, the AREDS report failed to verify protective properties of highly concentrated vitamin supplements on cataract formation. Although there are enough epidemiological indications for reducing the risk of cataracts by the intake of antioxidants, a general recommendation for the use of supplements is untimely or even wrong until stringent evidence of efficacy is provided. The usefulness of cataract prevention is discussed.