The ocular signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a relatively newly defined clinical entity that affects multiple systems including the ocular system. These effects have not been well documented. METHODS: 25 consecutive CFS patients were evaluated and the ocular signs and symptoms were described. RESULTS: Significant ocular symptoms were present in all 25 patients. The most common clinical findings were abnormalities of the preocular tear film and ocular surface (19 patients) and reduced accommodation for age (18 patients). CONCLUSIONS: CFS affects the ocular system in many ways. Eye care practitioners should pay particular attention to accommodative needs, ocular surface disease and tear film dysfunction when examining these patients. Further research into the pathophysiology of these ocular findings may lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of CFS.

Optometric practice patterns: British Columbia.

A government task force on vision care delivery in British Columbia studied the practice patterns of optometrists in that province. Their aim is to develop a coordinated system of vision care. A questionnaire was mailed to all optometrists in the province. The 84% response rate, with representative regional distribution, gave information on professional time spent in various activities, the use of assistants, indications of attitude toward and participation in community activities, and satellite practices. The information is compared with other studies and inferences are made in relation to workload and the efficient allocation of time. Special note is made of political and other factors that must be rationalized in order to provide a coordinates system of vision care which utilizes the expertise of optometrists in an optimal manner.