Long-term results of extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens insertion in Nepal.

We performed a prospective study evaluating the 2-year success rate of extracapsular cataract surgery and posterior chamber IOL insertion performed in 610 eyes by an experienced surgeon in the Nepal Eye Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. All patients were followed for 2 years. All eyes underwent manual irrigation and aspiration of cortical materials with the insertion of a modified J-loop posterior chamber IOL. Almost one half of eyes had final uncorrected visual acuities of 20/50 or better. Devastating complications, including retinal detachment, corneal decompensation, and endophthalmitis, occurred in 7 (1.2%) eyes. Extracapsular cataract surgery with IOL implantation appears to be a possible alternative in underdeveloped nations where the prevalence of cataract is high and aphakic spectacles are not easily obtained by poor patients and may be lost or broken. The procedure may improve the quality of vision, and therefore the quality of life, in those patients able to obtain pseudophakic vision.

Multiple-mode acoustic transducer calculations.

Approximate equations are derived that allow calculation of the component values for a multiple-mode Mason equivalent circuit for acoustic transducers. The experimental approach required to obtain the data from which to derive the equivalent circuit is also described. The equations have been tested for accuracy, and the approach described here yields useful information for the system designer. Iterative procedures can be applied to further refine the calculated values.

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to lyse experimentally induced retinal arterial thrombi.

We evaluated the efficacy of intravenously administered recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to lyse laser-induced arterial thrombi in the stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rat model. The arterial thrombi were confirmed histologically, and assessed by color photographs and fluorescein angiography before and after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator or saline therapy. Experimental animals received tissue plasminogen activator (1 mg/kg of body weight) given intravenously over one hour, and control animals received similar volumes of normal saline. Tissue plasminogen activator was effective in lysing experimental retinal arterial thrombi.