Fifty-five patients with Down's syndrome were examined to evaluate the characteristics and frequency of ocular findings. Of these patients, 29 (52.7%) were hypermetropes, 7 (12.7%) were emmetropes, and 7 (12.7%) were myopes; astigmatism of more than 3.00 diopters was present in 7(12.7%) patients. Strabismus was observed in 12 (21.8%) patients. All but one of these 12 patients also had esotropia. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction was present in 12 subjects (21.8%). Blepharitis was found in 19 (34.5%) cases. Nystagmus occurred in 7 (12.7%) patients. Brushfield spots were detected in only 20 (36.3%) of the patients and were more common in light-colored irides. Lens opacities were diagnosed in 11 (20%) patients, and two underwent successful cataract surgery. On fundus examination, an increased number of retinal vessels crossing the optic nerve head was detected in 21 (38.1%) cases. One of the patients had a retinal detachment. Significant but correctable ocular problems are present in patients with Down's syndrome and may interfere with the quality of life of the patient and with binocular vision. Surgical intervention may be needed for strabismus and for cataracts.

The prevalence of CVI was found to be relatively increased due to the significant reduction in the frequency of preventable causes of SVI. Furthermore our clinical practice for visual rehabilitation in aphakia has resulted in a considerable decrease in SVI in the last decade.

No abstract

This study confirmed that oligoarticular onset, ANA positivity, and young age are risk factors for developing uveitis in patients with juvenile arthritis. Gender was not found to be a determining factor. Prompt treatment of uveitis effectively decreased the prevalence of visual impairment.

Aims-Intractable glaucoma is glaucoma resistant to medical therapy and conventional surgical procedures. In this study, a planned surgical technique is discussed for controlling the increased intraocular pressure in selected cases with intractable glaucoma. Methods-Total pars plana vitrectomy with pars plana tube implantation was performed in 17 eyes of 17 cases with intractable glaucoma. Patients with neovascular glaucoma were not included in this study. The mean age of these patients (seven men, 10 women) was 44.6 (SD 22.1) years and mean follow up period was 30.3 (15.5) months (range 4-71). Drainage implants with a disc were used in 16 cases, whereas, a tube with scleral buckle (Schocket surgery) was preferred in one case. An intraocular pressure below or equal to 20 mm Hg without any adjunctive medication or with only one type of antiglaucomatous drop was considered as an adequate operative outcome. Results-16 out of 17 eyes maintained adequate pressure control. Only three out of these 16 eyes required prophylactic antiglaucomatous medications. One patient underwent reoperation for pressure control. The most severe complications observed postoperatively were intravitreal haemorrhage (one case), choroidal detachment (one case), implant failure (one case), total retinal detachment (two cases), and corneal endothelial decompensation (five cases). Conclusion-Pars plana placement of drainage tube following pars plana vitrectomy should be considered as an alternative method for controlling increased intraocular pressures in selected patients with intractable glaucoma. (Br J Ophthalmol 1998;82:1377-1382