SummaryIntra-ocular pressure was measured before and throughout airway establishment with either the laryngeal mask airway or tracheal tube. Similar measurements were made on removal of either airway and the amount of coughing noted in thejrst minute after removal. There was a significantly smaller increase in intra-ocular pressure ( p < 0.001) using the laryngeal mask airway, both on placement and removal, than with the tracheal tube. Postoperative coughing was significantly reduced using the laryngeal mask airway ( p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater rise in heart rate using the tracheal tube ( p < 0.01) probably related to an increased cardiovascular response. The laryngeal mask airway is recommended as an alternative to tracheal intubation in routine and emergency intra-ocular surgery.

This study showed the barrier effect of the edge design of the C-flex IOL and the efficacy of the enhanced edge in preventing LEC migration at the optic-haptic junction. The enhanced edge was as effective as a sharp square edge in restricting the LEC migration.

Approximately 10% of registrations for blindness in the UK are attributed to glaucoma and 2% of people older than 40 years have chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG), a preva-Robert Harper Robert Harper is an Optometrist Consultant at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Visiting Senior Lecturer within the Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences and Faculty of Life Sciences (Optometry) at the University of Manchester. R Harper Editorial

These mid-term results show that 10-0 Vicryl compares favourably with other suture materials the results of which have been reported, and obviates the need for routine use of antimetabolites or for post-operative manipulations at the slit-lamp.

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the intraocular pressure control, visual results, and astigmatic results of 3.5-mm and 5.2-mm incisions following phacotrabeculectomy with 12 months of follow-up. * PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty eyes underwent clear cornea punch trabeculectomy under a 5.0 × 2.5-mm scleral flap, closed with two 10-0 polyglactin sutures. The first 25 eyes underwent wound extension to 5.2 mm for insertion of a single-piece polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) lens. The next 25 eyes underwent wound extension to 3.5 mm for insertion of a folded silicone lens. * RESULTS: The mean intraocular pressure decrease from the preoperative level was 7.6 mm Hg in the 3.5-mm incision group and 7.8 mm Hg in the 5.2-mm incision group. One patient required continued medication. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 86% of the patients, with no significant difference between the groups. The mean "with the wound" induced astigmatism showed no statistical difference between the two groups. * CONCLUSIONS: The use of 10-0 polyglactin appears to aid filtration, yet minimizes hypotony or the need for antimetabolites. For surgeons who wish to reduce costs without compromising results during phacotrabeculectomy, there is merit in considering a 5.2-mm incision; moreover, the more rigid single-piece PMMA lens appears to be associated with fewer complications in the immediate postoperative period. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1998;29:227-233.]