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As the amount of dextran in the cornea increases over a longer storage time, we conclude that the period of storage in a medium containing dextran should be limited to four days. The fact that the cornea is saturated with dextran after seven days has been shown in further studies to interfere with mitochondrial function and may also cause severe post-operative swelling of the transplant, hence leading to a longer recovery period for the patient.

Keratitis, keratoconus with inflammatory signs, and ulcerating processes showed higher interleukin levels than corneas with non-inflammatory disorders like scar formation, corneal dystrophy and keratoconus. The results could show that, depending on the clinical diagnosis, the inflammatory status of the cornea may be evaluated by the interleukin levels determined in the corneal tissue.

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ABSTRACT.Purpose: To analyse structural changes in conjunctiva, sclera and Schlemm's canal (SC) following canaloplasty with optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods: Fifteen patients undergoing canaloplasty were included in this prospective study. AS-OCT images were acquired pre-and 1, 7, 30 and 90 days postoperatively. UBM was performed 3 months postoperatively. The surgical site was evaluated for the presence of SC, transscleral filtration, a scleral lake and the visibility of intra-Schlemm-sutures. The height and width of SC were measured at the 3 and 9 o'clock limbus position. Results: After canaloplasty, SC was detectable with AS-OCT in 93% of the patients on day 1. The increase in height was higher than that in width (height: +369%, p = 0.0004, width: +152%, p = 0.002). IOP was negatively correlated to SC's width 1 week postoperatively (r = À0.63, p = 0.04) and to SC's height until 3 months (r = À0.66, p = 0.02) postoperatively. Using UBM, a reflection of the traction sutures indicated SC's position in all patients. Transscleral filtration was found in all patients using AS-OCT, demonstrating a peak 1 week postoperatively. At 3 months, a scleral lake could be visualized in 50% and 83% of patients using AS-OCT and UBM, respectively. Conclusions: AS-OCT offers a high resolution for imaging superficial conjunctival areas and SC after canaloplasty, whereas UBM is capable of detecting deeper structures such as scleral lakes or intra-canal-sutures. The results imply a correlation of the dilation of SC with the IOP-lowering effect and an early pronounced transscleral filtration following canaloplasty.

Immediate emergency rinsing is essential in eye burn victims. Appropriate rinsing solutions and treatment facilities in the form of rinsing stations where chemical burns may occur must be available at the workplace. Tap water is also effective as a rinsing solution.

Our findings suggest that perfluorohexyloctane is tolerated in the rabbit eye for 9 weeks. Since avascular rabbit retina is more susceptible to mechanical and toxic damage than vascularized primate retina, we suggest proceeding from here, and investigating tolerance and quality of tamponade of perfluorohexyl octane in man for up to 9 weeks.

Persisting anatomic changes of SC, a transscleral filtration and a scleral lake can be recorded by AS-OCT and UBM long-term after successful canaloplasty.