ABSTRACT.Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of near-work on development and progression of myopia among adults exposed to high educational demands. Methods: A three-year longitudinal refraction study was performed among 224 Norwegian engineering students (mean age 20.6 years, 117 females and 107 males) measuring their refraction at the beginning and the end of the period. The examinations included automated and clinical refraction in cycloplegia and a questionnaire regarding time spent on different kinds of near-work was filled in by the participants. A total of 192 students (100 females and 92 males) completed the study. Results: The mean refractive change of ª0.51∫0.49 D (nΩ192) during the three-year period was statistically significant (pΩ0.0001). A significant relationship between refractive change towards myopia and time spent on reading scientific literature (pՅ0.001) and on practical near-work (pՅ0.05), respectively, was found. Also, a significant relationship between refractive change towards myopia and time spent at lectures was revealed (pՅ0.001). No relationship was found between refractive change and time spent at working with video display terminals (VDT) or watching television, respectively. Conclusions:The results indicate that intensive near-work could initiate myopia or lead to its progression in young adults. The time spent on near-work seems to play a significant role in that process.

One in four patients reported a vision problem on follow-up after cerebral infarction. Vision problems after cerebral infarction reduce quality of life and are associated with increased disability. Thorough diagnostic evaluation and targeted rehabilitation is important.

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors in the young and middle-aged adult population in Norway.

Approximately 30% of all stroke patients suffer from post-stroke visual impairment. Hemianopia is the most common symptom, but also neglect, diplopia, reduced visual acuity, ptosis, anisocoria, and nystagmus are frequent. Partial or complete recovery of visual disorders can occur, but many patients suffer permanent disability. This disability is often less evident than impairment of motor and speech functions, but is negatively correlated with rehabilitation outcome and can lead to a significant reduction in day-to-day functioning. To be visually impaired after stroke reduces quality of life and causes social isolation because of difficulties in navigating/orientating in the surroundings. A thorough diagnosis including targeted examination and later follow-up with eye examination and perimetry is essential in order to establish the extent of the visual impairment and to select the best rehabilitation strategy. Patients seem to profit from visual rehabilitation focused on coping strategies.

This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of HR-MAS (1)H NMR spectroscopy as an analytical tool for use on intact lenses. Near-threshold UVR-B doses led to a generally significant decrease in water-soluble metabolites 1 week after exposure. The lack of dose-dependent changes in the metabolites indicates that repair processes during the first week after UVB irradiation overcome the immediate metabolic disturbances.