With the Heidelberg software, automated static threshold perimetry using the SLO is possible within reasonably short examination times. The mean time interval between two test point presentations is about one tenth of that necessary using the original Rodenstock software. There is a systematic difference between SLO and Octopus fields of about 4 dB which was not very much influenced by the stimulus locations.
Aims: We assessed homocysteine (Hcy) levels in tear fluid and plasma of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We determined the association between Hcy levels, dry eye syndrome and B vitamin status. Methods: This prospective case-control study included 36 patients with POAG and 36 controls. Hcy concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Patients with POAG had significantly higher mean Hcy levels both in tear fluid (205 ± 84 nmol/l; p < 0.001, t test) and in plasma (13.43 ± 3.53 µmol/l; p = 0.001, t test) than control subjects (130 ± 53 nmol/l and 10.50 ± 3.33 µmol/l, respectively). Hcy in tear fluid was significantly correlated with plasma Hcy in POAG patients (r = 0.459; p = 0.005, Pearson’s correlation), but not in controls (r = 0.068; p = 0.695). POAG patients with dry eye disease had significantly higher Hcy levels both in tear fluid and plasma than POAG patients without dry eye disease. There was no association between Hcy levels and B vitamin status in subjects with POAG. Conclusions: The study suggests increased Hcy levels in tear fluid and plasma of patients with POAG. Elevated Hcy levels might be a risk factor for POAG and dry eye syndrome in subjects with glaucoma.
Amniotic membrane transplantation has been recently gained wide-spread attention as a new method for reconstruction of the ocular surface. However long term prognosis of the surgical intervention as well as action mechanism are poorly defined. Therefore, we review the current literature concerning the application of amniotic membrane in ophthalmology and the outcome of the surgery. Amniotic membrane is used as graft or patch to promote epithelial healing of persistent epithelial defects, corneal ulcers and following penetrating keratoplasty. It is also used to seal corneal perforations and to treat bullous keratopathy. Amniotic membrane patches facilitate epithelial healing and reduce the number of complications after chemical burns. For partial limbal deficiency, amniotic membrane alone can be sufficient, while total limbal deficiency requires combination with stem-cell transplantation. Furthermore amniotic membrane grafts restore conjunctival surfaces following removal of lesions such as pterygium, tumor, scar, symblepharon, and conjunctivochalasis. The prognosis of amniotic membrane transplantation depends on the underlying disease and the quality of the ocular surface and is inversely related to the degree of inflammation. Recent investigations of the action mechanisms describe intrinsic antiinflammatory properties of the amniotic membrane.
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