A simple database computer program for ophthalmic use.

We have written a program in BASIC language which stores, recalls, and manipulates a limited amount of clinical information that we use in teaching and clinical practice. The program runs on an IBM personal computer with Microsoft DOS and BASIC. An illustrative search routine uses simple data simulation of the results of argon laser trabeculoplasty therapy for open-angle glaucoma.

Intraocular pressure after intracapsular cataract extraction.

We studied the incidence of postoperative intraocular pressure elevations in 42 patients following intracapsular cataract extraction with alpha-chymotrypsin (1:5,000) and noted 17% to develop pressures greater than 30 mm Hg and 38% greater than 24 mm Hg within a 48-hour time interval. Additionally, we studied the effect of a single immediate postoperative instillation of timolol maleate 0.5%; this was associated with a slight reduction of intraocular pressure at the three- and six-hour time intervals, but did not eliminate the pressure spikes.

Goniotomy vs external trabeculotomy for developmental glaucoma.

We compared external trabeculotomy and goniotomy in similar groups of patients with developmental glaucoma. External trabeculotomy was statistically more successful as a first operation (19 of 23 eyes, 83%) than goniotomy (eight of 24 eyes, 33%) (P = .003). With multiple operations both procedures controlled intraocular pressure in most patients but more operations were required after goniotomy (31 procedures in 12 eyes) than after external trabeculotomy (13 procedures in eight eyes) than after occurred within one year of surgery (six of eight failures with external trabeculotomy and 20 of 23 failures with goniotomy).

Preoperative use of the Honan intraocular pressure reducer.

After administering a retrobulbar injection of anesthesia, we applied the Honan intraocular pressure reducer at a pressure of 30 mm Hg for five minutes to 48 nonglaucomatous eyes and eight glaucomatous eyes undergoing cataract extraction. This technique resulted in mean intraocular pressure reductions of 6.52 mm Hg in the nonglaucomatous eyes (P less than .001) and 10.13 mm Hg (P = .013) in the glaucomatous eyes. These results were comparable to those achieved by using the same device for 40 or more minutes.

Combined cataract extraction and trabeculotomy; further experiences.

A procedure combining external trabeculotomy with intracapsular cataract extraction was performed in 40 eyes of 28 patients. 77.5% were controlled without medication and there was no final reduction in visual acuity due to complication from the combined operations. The procedure is advocated for patients with glucoma who must undergo cataract extraction.

Nylon sutures for wound closure in cataract operation.

In this series of patients the use of nylon sutures in wound closure produced wounds which were watertight, secure but astigmatic. The complications which occurred from premature suture absorption were averted and suture removal was not necessary. Less postoperative astigmatism was produced with postplaced running sutures than with interrupted ones and suture knot erosion was avoided by turning suture knots into suture tracks.

Pigmentary glaucoma: an ultrastructural study.

Trabeculectomy blocks from both eyes of a patient with pigmentary glaucoma were examined by light microscopy, SEM, and TEM. Evidence of a development angle anomaly was not found. The pigment granules packed within the trabecular meshwork were probably responsible for the glaucoma in this disease. Evidence suggested that melanin granules may contain a large amount of protein, unsaturated lipid, or both.

Ocular penetration of cefazolin in humans and rabbits after subconjunctival injection.

We determined the clinical potential of cefazolin by assaying aqueous samples for levels of aqueous penetration of cefazolin in humans and rabbits after subconjunctival injection. Cefazolin is a broad spectrum antiotic that appears to penetrate aqueous humor in bactericidal concentrations after subconjunctival injection and may serve as a useful alternative in patients sensitive to other antibiotics.

External trabeculotomy for developmental glaucoma.

We have used external trabeculotomy in the treatment of developmental glaucoma for the past ten years. There were 57 operations involving 47 eyes in 29 individuals. The procedure was more successful in congenital than in adolescent glaucoma, and although late failure does occur with the latter, it appears to be uncommon with the former.

Anterior vitrectomy for complications of cataract extraction.

Our results of anterior vitrectomy in 12 patients with vitreo-corneal touch following cataract extraction, and in three patients with ghost-cell glaucoma due to vitreous hemorrhage were reported. The Machemer vitreous infusion suction cutter was used for pars plana and trans-corneal approaches. Anterior vitrectomy was effective in treating both disorders.

[Filtering blebs after cataract extraction (author's transl)]. / Zur korrektur von "Filterkissen" nach Katarakt-extraktionen.

Filtering blebs following cataract extraction with a limbus based flap may occur approximately 2 to 3% of the time. Difficulty with wearing of contact lens may ensue, the likelihood of infection with postoperative endophthalmitis is remote. A technique for repair by excision of the bleb with a sliding conjunctival flap is described. The results in five patients are reported.