[Observation of the cornea with confocal microscopy after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy]. / Obserwacja rogówek w mikroskopii konfokalnej po zabiegach kapsulotomii laserem Nd:YAG.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy on the cornea structure assessed by scanning slit confocal microscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 eyes in 14 patients after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy performed 6-34 months after extracapsular cataract extraction with PCIOL implantation were observed. Structure of cornea layers was evaluated before the procedure, then 3 hours and 7 days after the laser exposition using confocal microscope. RESULTS: Initial evaluation showed degenerative changes in subepithelial plexus; 3 hours after the procedure excessive exfoliation of superficial epithelial cells was observed. No significant changes were registered 7 days after the procedure. CONCLUSION: No significant changes were found in the confocal microscopy images of cornea after Nd:YAG capsulotomy.

Intrafamilial variability of the ocular phenotype in a Polish family with a missense mutation (A63D) in the Norrie disease gene.

PURPOSE: To describe the phenotypic variability in a Polish Norrie disease (ND) family associated with the missense mutation A63D. METHODS: A patient with spared vision from a Polish ND family underwent detailed ophthalmological examinations including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ultrasound (USG), angiography, Goldmann kinetic visual field, and electroretinography (ERG). Mutation screening was carried out using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique and subsequent DNA sequencing of the coding part of the ND gene. RESULTS: A mutation was detected (exon 3, A63D) in a large Polish family with 12 affected males, all but one presenting with classical ND symptoms. In one male, partially preserved vision was observed up to 40 years of age (distance acuity of the right eye 1/50 and left eye 2/50). Slit-lamp examination revealed remnants of a persistent primary vitreous and hyaloid artery. Upon angiography, the retina was vascularized within the posterior pole but not in the periphery. The ERG revealed pathological changes characteristic for chorioretinal degenerations. CONCLUSION: Within one family, individuals with identical sequence alterations in the ND gene can show remarkable phenotypic variability of the ocular symptoms. These findings indicate the involvement of additional factors (epigenetic or genetic) in ocular pathogenesis of ND.

[Diagnostic value of ultrasonography and ophthalmodynamometry in the diagnosis of stenosis and occlusion of the internal carotid artery]. / Wartosc diagnostyczna ultrasonografii i oftalmodynamometrii w rozpoznawaniu zwezen i niedroznosci tetnicy szyjnej wewnetrznej.

The results of ultrasonographic and ophthalmodynamometric investigations were evaluated in 40 patients with stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery. An agreement was demonstrated between the results of ultrasonographic and angiographic investigations in 85% of cases, and between ophthalmodynamometric and angiographic findings in 65% of cases. In 20% of cases ophthalmodynamometrically silent occlusion of the internal carotid artery was demonstrated. These results show that supplementation of ophthalmodynamometric investigations with ultrasonography increases the proportion of correct diagnoses.

[Visual evoked potentials and their relation to fundus oculi changes in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)]. / Wzrokowe potencjaly wywolane i ich zaleznosc od zmian na dnie oczu u chorych na podostre stwardniajace zapalenie mózgu (SSPE).

The results of 634 determinations of visual evoked potentials in 110 cases of SSPE are presented. The determinations were repeated many times in successive stages of the disease and were compared with findings obtained during eye fundus examinations. A statistically significant correlation was found between these potentials and changes in the fundus involving the optic disc and macula, and increasing abnormalities of the potentials in successive stages of the disease with their complete disappearance in the last stages. Visual evoked potential determination is regarded by the authors as a valuable diagnostic factor in early stages of the disease and as an additional source providing information about the degree of visual system damage with progression of the pathological process.

[The significance of vision disorders in the early diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis]. / Die Bedeutung von Sehstörungen für die Frühdiagnose der subakuten sklerosierenden Panenzephalitis.

Visually evoked potentials were studied in a group of ten patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. In all cases the results indicated an impairment of the optical system in relationship to the individual phase of the disease. This examination technique is a valuable aid in the early diagnosis and observation of the course of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

[Visual evoked potentials in cases of damage to visual pathways at different levels]. / Wzrokowe potencjaly wywolane w przypadkach uszkodzenia dróg wzrokowych na róznych poziomach.

Visual potentials induced with a checker pattern were studied in a group of patients with damage to the visual pathways at different levels, and were compared with similar potentials in 10 adult subjects without diseases. A statistically significant prolongation of latency of the main deflections (N1, P max and N2) was observed in the group of 14 patients with optic nerve damage, while in 10 patients with lesions above the chiasma different, often normal responses were obtained. High-grade deformity of visual potentials was observed in 2 cases of visual agnosia. The study of visual evoked potentials may be in the opinion of the authors, useful in cases of damage to the optic nerve, retina and cortical visual centres.

[Connection between severe perivenous retinitis with retinovitreal hemorrhage and disseminated sclerosis]. / Powiazanie ciezkiej postaci okolozylnego zapalenia siatkówki i krwotoku do szklistki i siatrówki ze stwardnieniem rozsianym

In a 49-year-old man with temporal pallor of the left optic nerve papilla and increasing spastic paraparesis and with slight lymphocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid perivenous retinitis was diagnosed. The peripheral retinal veins were covered with characteristic white sheaths, focal formation of new blood vessels, retinal microscopic haemorrhages and residues after vitreal haemorrhage were found. The authors discuss the possibility of a connection between disseminated sclerosis and perivenous retinitis and their possible common aetiology.