Aims: To assess the long term refractive and visual outcome of patients who have laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery.Methods: This was a retrospective study of visual and refractive outcome of patients who had LASIK surgery performed in 1998 and 1999. All levels of myopia were included in the study. 49 patients attended for follow up. The main outcome measures were safety, predictability, efficacy, and stability. Postoperative complications and aberrations were also recorded. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was 24.85. Results: At 2 months postoperatively 67% of eyes were within plus or minus 0.5D of attempted correction with 81% within plus or minus 1.0D. At 5 years postoperatively 60% of eyes were within plus or minus 0.5D of attempted correction with 83% within plus or minus 1.0D. 88% of eyes had a vision of 6/12 or better at 2 months compared to 89% of eyes at 5 years. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was unchanged or improved in 51%. No eye lost more than one line of BSCVA. Overall, there was regression towards myopia with a mean change in refraction of 20.5D over the 5 years. As expected, severely myopic patients regressed more with a mean change of 21.06D. However, there was a high level of patient satisfaction with the surgery. Conclusion: LASIK surgery offers predictable results in terms of refractive and visual outcome with mild regression in refraction over time.

Although laser treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment in diabetic macular oedema, the literature is beginning to support combination therapy. Using one or two intravitreal injections to reduce central macular thickness followed by focal or grid laser to give a sustained response may offer an alternative to treatment in DMO.

This report highlights the expanding role of the biological agents in ophthalmology. Although not the answer in treatment, they offer a valuable alternative to steroids in cases of refractory inflammation.

Aim To describe buckle-related complications following surgical repair of retinal dialysis. Methods A retrospective study of 28 consecutive cryobuckle procedures for retinal detachments secondary to retinal dialysis is reported, with particular attention directed towards postoperative complications relating to the buckle. Stata 8 statistical software and Fisher's exact test were used to analyse the data. Results Of the 28 cases, anatomic success was achieved with a single procedure in 26 cases (92.9%). Postoperative complications were seen in 20 cases (71.4%), with complications attributable to the buckle noted in 19 (67.9%). Buckle-related complications included exposure (7; 25%), strabismus (5; 17.9%), and infection (3; 10.7%). Surgical removal of the buckle was indicated in 13 cases (46.4%), typically within the first 6 postoperative months. Of these, the retina remained flat following removal of buckle in 12 cases (92.3%), whereas the retina redetached in one case (7.7%). Conclusion Cryotherapy with explant is an effective primary procedure for the surgical repair of retinal detachment secondary to retinal dialysis. However, there is a high rate of postoperative complications relating to the buckle following this surgical approach, although the buckle can be safely removed without compromising the anatomic success of the primary surgery in the vast majority of cases.

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