Talc retinopathy How history can aid diagnosis
13/12/02
Talc retinopathy occurs in intravenous (IV) drug users after prolonged drug abuse. Usually a patient will not admit to using IV drugs due to the stigma associated with it or because they are currently ?clean?. In many instances, it is not until ophthalmoscopy that findings allow a true history to be obtained.
Charlene M. Maloney OD
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Diabetes and hypertension
13/12/02
Retinopathy secondary to diabetes and hypertension is commonly encountered in clinical practice. The detection and appropriate management of these changes may prevent sight-threatening complications and preserve vision.
Dhanes Thomas MRCOphth, FRCSEd
» Download article

Functional blepharoplasty - Diagnosis and surgical management
29/11/02
Dermatochalasis is redundant or loose skin of the lower or, more commonly, the upper eyelids and is considered a normal ageing process. It is bilateral, but often asymmetric and may be cosmetic or cause functional visual impairment. Weakened connective tissue, gravity, decreased skin elasticity, and systemic conditions can all play a part in this excess.
Ara Sudtelgte OD and Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
» Download article

Ocular side effects of systemic drugs Part 5 - Antimicrobial agents
29/11/02
This series of articles on ocular side effects of drugs considers all the major classes of drugs sequentially, system by system. The first four articles concentrated on cardiovascular drugs. This article covers infections by various microbes, their treatment and the ocular complications of these treatments.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons) Optom, MCOptom
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Rheumatoid arthritis
29/11/02
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the diarthroidal (synovial) joints. The disease is characterised by pain, stiffness and swelling of these joints. RA has a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from mild joint symptoms to severe inflammation with joint destruction and extra-articular symptoms. It is also associated with an increased mortality rate.
Cecilia Ling MB, BS, Fabio M. Meier MD and Carlos E. Pavesio MD, FRCOphth
» Download article

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses Part 3 - Fitting in everyday practice
15/11/02
In the final part of this series on silicone hydrogel contact lenses, independent practitioners, Brian Tompkins and Karen East, present a personal view of how continuous wear lenses have changed their patients? lives, and they offer a practical guide to getting started with fitting.
Brian Tompkins BSc (Hons), FCOptom and Karen East BSc (Hons), MCOptom
» Download article

Contact lens overwear syndrome (immobile lens syndrome)
01/11/02
Patients who over-extend contact lens wearing time or improperly use contact lenses in a closed eye environment (during sleep), run the risk of developing contact lens overwear syndrome (contact lens-induced acute red eye, CLARE, or tight lens syndrome)
Andrew S. Gurwood OD, FAAO
» Download article

Patient options in vision correction
01/11/02
There is an increasing choice of vision correction available to the ametropic patient. Whereas spectacles used to be the only option, the widespread introduction of contact lenses in the mid 1900s was seen as a more cosmetically acceptable means of correction. At that time it was predicted that spectacles would soon become redundant.
Keith Edwards BSc, FCOptom, DipCLP, FAAO
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Differential diagnosis and management of uveitis
01/11/02
Uveitis can be either chronic or acute and represents an inflammation of the uveal tissues - namely the iris and ciliary body. Inflammation may be associated with systemic disease or as a result of trauma. Secondary uveitis may be caused by inflammation in adjacent tissues.
Howe Sen Kok MB, BCH, BAO(NUI), FRCS, FRCOphth and Susan Lightman FRCP, FRCOphth
» Download article

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses Part 2 Therapeutic applications
18/10/02
After three years on the UK market, silicone hydrogels are enjoying increased interest from contact lens practitioners and in 2002 have gained a rapidly growing share of fits.
Keith Edwards BSc, FCOptom, DipCLP, FAAO and Nick Atkins FBDO (Hons) CL
» Download article

Ocular side effects of systemic drugs Part 4 - Anti-hypertensive drugs
04/10/02
In the first three articles in this new series, the ocular effects of cardiac drugs was discussed. The heart is part of the cardiovascular system, and hypertension is essentially a vascular disease. Therefore, this article logically follows on from the previous three; in fact, a number of drugs used for cardiac conditions are also employed as anti-hypertensive agents, e.g. vasodilators which are indicated in angina pectoris and cardiac failure, as well as in hypertension. In the case of these latter, repetition has been largely avoided.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons) Optom
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Tear film abnormalities
04/10/02
Patients manifesting abnormalities associated with their lacrimal system are frequently encountered in optometric practice. Indeed, optometrists may be the first eyecare practitioners to whom these patients present. Thus, optometrists have a pivotal role to play in the initial management of such patients.
Greg Heath BSc (Hons), MCOptom, DipClinOptom
» Download article

Eyelid misdirection and its management
20/09/02
Misdirected eyelashes may result from various causes, but it is important to identify the exact mechanism or anatomical deviation for the misdirection to adequately address treatment. The goal of treatment is to remove or redirect the offending eyelashes.
Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
» Download article

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses Part 1 Evolution and current status
20/09/02
Patients continue to seek an alternative to spectacles for the correction of their refractive error. While daily wear contact lenses are the choice for many patients, they do not offer the ultimate convenience afforded by extended wear (EW) lenses.
Lyndon Jones PhD, FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOrth, FAAO (Dip.CL) FIACLE and Kathy Dumbl
» Download article

Clinical case history Q&A Case number 43
06/09/02
An 85-year old patient underwent bilateral cataract surgery in the early 1980s. Fifteen years later, one of his eyes is shown in Figure 1. This eye has a best corrected visual acuity of 6/6 with no on-going problems.
Chris Heaven
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Lid abnormalities
06/09/02
The eyelids may be affected by a plethora of benign and malignant lesions with the former predominating. Since the optometrist may be the first eyecare practitioner to encounter such lesions, it is imperative that he or she is able to identify the salient features differentiating those which are benign and those which are not, in order that each case may be managed expeditiously.
Greg Heath BSc(Hons), MCOptom, DipClinOptom
» Download article

Understanding disease Medicine and surgery for the optometrist Part 6: Endocrine disease
16/08/02
The harmonious and interdependent functioning of the various systems in the body requires the maintenance of a very accurate environment within the body, and a means of communication between sometimes distant organs and tissues. These homeostatic functions are achieved extremely efficiently and (in health) successfully by two major bodily systems. In temporal terms, the nervous system effects this obligation in the short term, while the endocrine system is concerned with the longer term execution of this essential task.
Mukesh Patel BSc(Hon) Pharmacol, BSc(Hon) Optom
» Download article

The psychology of visual perception Part 2 - A computational theory
26/07/02
Part 1 of this series looked at visual perception on a neurophysiological level. It showed how the visual pathway consisted of specialised cells and areas devoted to conducting the initial retinal image to the visual processing centres of the brain, to allow perception to occur. However, a proper understanding of what these cells are actually doing requires further investigation of visual perception on a different, computational level.
Paul Spratt BSc, MCOptom
» Download article

Dacryocystography - A diagnostic tool for the tear system
26/07/02
In his latest article, US practitioner, Dr Leonid Skorin, explains how dacryocystography can be used to diagnose disorders of the lacrimal excretory system.
Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Medical management of glaucoma
26/07/02
The sine qua non of glaucoma management is to arrest optic nerve damage and, as such, prevent further losses to the patient?s visual field. It is noteworthy that the American Academy of Ophthalmology?s definition of open angle glaucoma - as a progressive neuropathy characterised by loss of ganglion cells - makes no reference to intraocular pressure (IOP). Notwithstanding, it is axiomatic that the successful management of glaucomatous patients, whether medical or surgical, lies in the ability of the practitioner to lower the patient?s IOP.
Greg Heath BSc (Hons), MCOptom, DipClinOptom
» Download article

Limbal stem cell deficiencies and ocular surface reconstruction
12/07/02
A smooth corneal surface of epithelial cells supporting an intact tear film is essential for good vision. In some diseased or injured eyes, however, not enough epithelial cells are generated to replace those lost due to natural turnover. Results can be devastating, and functional vision is often lost altogether. Reconstructing the ocular surface in situations such as these is one of the most serious challenges facing the eyecare profession today. This article describes a pioneering new strategy, which now makes this feasible.
Andrew J. Quantock PhD, Noriko Koizumi MD, PhD and Shigeru Kinoshita MD, PhD
» Download article

Ocular side effects of systemic drugs Cardiac drugs Part 3
28/06/02
In the previous two articles, anti-anginal drugs and antiarrhythmic agents were considered. This article discusses two other groups of cardiac drugs - namely those used to treat cardiac failure and the b-adrenoceptor antagonists.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hon) Pharmacol, BSc (Hon) Optom
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Glaucoma - when to operate?
28/06/02
This series of studies illustrates the current role of surgical therapy for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and the situations in which early surgery might be contemplated.
Keith Barton MD, FRCP, FRCS, FRCOphth
» Download article

Hordeolum and chalazion treatment The full gamut
28/06/02
Hordeola and chalazia are some of the most common inflammatory eyelid disorders encountered in optometric practice. Many patients try to treat these lesions conservatively using home remedies or over-the-counter medication. Often, such treatment is efficacious and the lesion resolves as intended. In those individuals where the condition persists, the optometrist may be consulted for more definitive care.
Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
» Download article

The psychology of visual perception Part 1 - So how do we see?
14/06/02
One of the most perplexing phenomena in the study of human vision is the ability of observers to perceive the three-dimensional layout of the environment from patterns of light which project onto the retina. Indeed, if it were not for our own everyday experiences, we might conclude that it is impossible for us to discern so much from our environment, since the properties of optical stimulation appear to have so little in common with the properties of real objects.
Paul Spratt BSc, MCOptom
» Download article

Eye speed, motility and athletic potential
14/06/02
The eyes are a window on the soul, but the extraocular muscles animate them and their exquisite motor nerve control reflects every thought and emotion It is easy to understand why evolution invested so much cortical space in vision and its control - seeing things was the easiest way to avoid being eaten. The speed and precision of the extraocular muscles is unsurpassed anywhere else in the body.
Geraint Griffiths MSc, MCOptom
» Download article

The eye in diabetes mellitus Changes other than retinopathy
14/06/02
When we think of diabetes and its potential effects on the eye and vision, we tend to concentrate on retinopathy and the possibility of macular involvement causing a permanent vision loss and proliferative disease leading to blindness. Diabetes can, however, affect most ocular structures and this article will describe some of these changes.
Peter G. Swann BSc (Hons), MAppSc, FCOptom, FAAO and Katrina L. Schmid BAppSc (O
» Download article

Ocular allergy - clinical forms and management
14/06/02
The eye is one of the most sensitive organs and is permanently exposed to different environmental agents. Since the conjunctiva is an immunologically active tissue, it is not surprising that it is a common site for an allergic response.
Diona Gherghel MD
» Download article

Systemic lupus erythematosus
31/05/02
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. It is characterised by a hyperactive immune system and excessive autoantibody production.
Andrew S. Gurwood OD, FAAO, Marc B. Taub OD and Melissa Killon OD
» Download article

Periorbital animal bites
31/05/02
In the United States, approximately four million people are bitten by dogs annually, and about 800,000 of them (44% of whom are younger than 14 years) present for medical treatment. This accounts for more than 900 Americans visiting an emergency department on any given day after being bitten by a dog. The majority of such injuries only cause minor trauma, therefore most published studies are significantly biased toward cases which are self-selected because of wound severity, fear of infection, actual infection, or potential legal considerations.
Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
» Download article

Data analysis methods in optometry Part 3 - The analysis of frequencies and proportions
31/05/02
Previous articles in this series describing the application of statistical methods to clinical problems in optometry have been applied to measurement data, e.g. axial lengths of the eye or intraocular pressures. Measurement data are expressed in units; they are continuous variables and, in many cases, fulfil the requirements of the normal distribution. In some studies, however, the data are not measurements but comprise counts or frequencies of particular events. In such cases, an investigator may be interested in whether one specific event happens more frequently than another or whether an event occurs with a frequency predicted by a scientific model.
Richard A. Armstrong BSc, DPhil and Frank Eperjesi BSc, PhD, MCOptom, FAAO
» Download article

Ocular manifestations of HIV and TB
31/05/02
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a blood borne and sexually transmitted infection. Around the world, HIV has infected an estimated 36 million people and caused the death of approximately 20 million. It thus represents a massive threat to global public health. It is now recognised that as many as 3 in 4 patients will have an HIV related ocular problem at some point during their infection.
Mark Wilkins MD, FRCOphth and Professor Susan Lightman PhD, FRCP, FRCOphth, FRCP
» Download article

Ocular side effects of systemic drugs Cardiac drugs part 2
17/05/02
In Part 1 (OT 22/03/02), a general overview of ocular side effects and their detection were described together with the effects of anti-anginal agents. This article looks at arrhythmias and their treatment, beginning with a brief outline of the mechanisms which produce cardiac arrhythmias followed by diagnosis, treatment and ocular effects.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hon) Pharmacol, BSc (Hon) Optom
» Download article

What the prescribing optometrist should know about diabetes
03/05/02
Diabetes mellitus is a major healthcare problem in developed countries. In fact, the 16 million Americans with diagnosed diabetes account for one sixth of the total healthcare dollars spent in the USA. In 1992, the most recent extensive survey for this type of information showed that the direct medical costs were $45.2 billion with a further $46.6 billion for lost productivity.
Lesley L. Walls OD, MD
» Download article

Posner Schlossman syndrome Case study
03/05/02
Posner Schlossman syndrome is characterised by predictable episodes of recurrent, mild iritis, which produce large increases in intraocular pressure. Exacerbations and remissions result in variable glaucomatous damage to the optic nerve.
Alaina M. Geurds OD and Andrew S. Gurwood OD, FAAO
» Download article

Treating eyelid lesions with chemical cauterisation
03/05/02
Chemical cauterisation is a simple, inexpensive and effective way to treat eyelid lesions such as verrucae, keratoses and xanthoma palpebrarum (xanthelasma).
Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
» Download article

Ocular therapeutic case studies Differential diagnosis and management of microbial keratitis
03/05/02
Microbial keratitis results from bacterial or fungal infection of the cornea, usually associated with soft CL wear. The cases are illustrative examples of four different cases of microbial keratitis.
Stephanie Watson BSc(Med), MBBS(Hons), FRANZCO
» Download article

Disability glare and its clinical significance
19/04/02
Everybody suffers from disability glare, which increases more rapidly with age even in healthy eyes, but becomes much worse with the onset of cataracts.
George Smith BSc, PhD
» Download article

Understanding disease Medicine and surgery for the optometrist Part 5: The immune system and auto-immune disease
19/04/02
Various symptoms, signs and syndromes may be related to an ocular or systemic condition resulting from over or under-activity of part of the immune system, or from its derangement due to pathology. The quite frequently encountered symptoms of red eyes, photophobia and epiphora presenting to optometrists may be associated with an immune response to a foreign substance or organism called an antigen. This response involves a cellular or an antibody reaction designed to inactivate or destroy the antigen. In addition, systemic diseases of immune or auto-immune aetiology may present with ocular symptoms or signs. The basic layout and modes of function of the immune system were outlined in Part 2 of this series (OT, 23/02/01). This article considers the normal immune system in greater detail, and describes diseases of immune origin, both systemic and ocular.
Mukesh Patel BSc(Hon) Optomm
» Download article

Digital imaging technology A review of the National Screening Committe position
19/04/02
The recommendations of the National Screening Committee (NSC) on the technology issues of digital imaging have been overtaken by technical developments. This article makes suggestions for a revised position on resolution and compression issues. The issue of the light sensitivity of various types of camera is addressed and advice is given on viewing terminals.
Trevor Warburton BSc, FCOptom
» Download article

Neurofibromatosis (NF-1) von Ricklinhausen's disease
05/04/02
Neurofibromatosis (NF-1) describes a variety of related syndromes characterised by neuroectodermal tumours arising within multiple organs. The unique features of the disease may include familial history, skin blemishes (cafe-au-lait spots), neurofibromas, optic nerve glioma and iris lesions (Lisch nodules). While the treatment is dependant on the findings, ocular management is infrequently required.
Ricky A. Alaniz OD and Andrew S. Gurwood OD, FAAO
» Download article

Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
05/04/02
The confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope is increasingly being used in optometric practice in the evaluation of suspicious optic nerve heads. This article reviews the principle of confocal optics, and discusses the use of the commercially available Heidelberg Retina Tomograph.
Aachal Kotecha BSc(Hons), MCOptom
» Download article

Ocular therapeutics case studies Differential diagnosis and management of conjunctivitis
05/04/02
Conjunctivitis, meaning inflammation of the conjunctival mucous membrane lining the globe and inner eyelid surfaces, has a wide variety of causes. These can be classified as primary (pathology arising in the conjunctiva) or secondary (conjunctival inflammation secondary to a primary pathology in the surrounding tissue of the lids, cornea and orbital adnexae). The following cases are illustrative examples of four different causes of conjunctivitis.
Melanie Hingorani MD, FCROphth
» Download article

Fundus changes in myopia - An overview
22/03/02
Myopia is the most common of the refractive errors. Due to this, and the fact that many patients have a relatively low degree of myopia, with no deleterious ocular changes, there is perhaps a tendency to regard myopia as a simple refractive condition without considering the serious visual problems which can arise. This article describes the changes which can occur in the ocular fundus due to axial myopia. A treatment to slow or arrest the axial elongation of the eye and, thus, these complications is required. Band-aid approaches such as spectacles or refractive surgery, which do not prevent the elongation of the eye, will have no beneficial effect in terms of preventing such consequences.
Peter G. Swann BSc (Hons), MAppSc, FCOptom, FAAO and Katrina L. Schmid BAppSc (O
» Download article

Ocular side effects of systemic drugs Part 1 - Cardiac drugs
22/03/02
Diseases are abnormal states of structure or function of the body and serious ones may lead to considerable morbidity and mortality.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Optom, DOpt, BSc (Hons) Pharmacol
» Download article

Practical colour vision lantern tests
22/03/02
In the early 1980s, Professor Robert Fletcher, Emeritus Professor at City University, began work on a replacement for the Holmes-Wright lantern tests. Here he describes the background to the lantern tests and his new version - the Fletcher CAM lantern.
Rober Fletcher MSc (Tech), FBOA, FSMC (Hons), DCLP, DOrth, FCOptom, FAAO, AMCT
» Download article

Are all RGP lenses basically the same?
08/03/02
In a second report based on his lectures at last November?s RGP roadshow, organised by Optometric Educators, Donald Cameron looks at the different options practitioners should consider when choosing the right RGP for their patient.
Donald Cameron BSc, FCOptom, DCLP
» Download article

Development of refractive error in typically developing children and in children with Down's Syndromes
08/03/02
This article highlights the differences in the development of refractive error between typically developing children and children with Down?s syndrome. Guidelines are given for monitoring vision and prescribing spectacles for children with Down?s syndrome.
Ruth Stewart BSc, MCOptom
» Download article

The science of behavioural optometry
08/03/02
Last year, the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists celebrated its 10th anniversary. Its founder, Keith Holland, reviews some of the research behind the behavioural model of vision.
Keith Holland BSc, FCOptom, FCOVD, FAAO, DCLP
» Download article

Myasthenia gravis overview
08/03/02
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease, which destroys key components of the neuromuscular system responsible for governing muscular activity1-6. Of all the disorders of the neuromuscular junction, myasthenia gravis is the most common. It is a disorder caused by an antibody-mediated autoimmune attack on the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. The calling card of myasthenia gravis is fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens with exertion and improves with rest. Ocular manifestations, such as ptosis and diplopia, are frequently present at the onset and eventually in most patients.
Andrew S. Gurwood OD, FAAO
» Download article

Microbiology for optometrists
08/03/02
Optometrists need to understand the bacteria, viruses and amoebae which can infect the lids, conjunctiva and the cornea and how they may be influenced by wear of contact lenses. This article will consider these organisms by the tissue that they infect and the methods used to treat the
David Seal MD, FRCOphth, FRCPath, MIBiol, DipBact
» Download article

RGP lenses - an image problem?
22/02/02
There is a widely-held misconception among patients that RGP lenses are painful to wear, fall out often and take weeks to learn to tolerate. Much of this is related to PMMA lenses and so the subtleties of the oxygen transmission of modern materials are lost on most patients when faced with the apparently simple option of soft lenses.
Donald Cameron BSc, FCOptom, DCLP
» Download article

Computerised corneal topography applications in RGP contact lens fitting
22/02/02
Contact lens fitting is one of the most natural applications of computerised corneal topography (CCT). This technology is now found in almost all corneal and refractive surgery practices, and it is rapidly becoming accepted as the gold standard used to measure the cornea in many contact lens practices.
Loretta B. Szcotka OD, MS, FAAO
» Download article

Extension of prescribing rights for ocular therapeutics to UK optometrists - Part 1 Embracing current guidelines and applying them in practice
22/02/02
The scope of practice of UK optometrists is currently under review. We have seen a range of documents in which optometrists (ophthalmic opticians) have either been mentioned or specifically identified as individuals who could contribute to a new type of eyecare provision to the public.
Michael J. Doughty PhD
» Download article

Understanding disease Medicine and surgery for the optometrist
08/02/02
A wide variety of diseases of the nervous system occur, some more frequently than others, and some of them have ocular features or complications. Generalised neurological diseases affect various parts of the body, and the predominant abnormalities of these respective parts may involve either motor or sensory function. Furthermore, maladies of motor function may be primarily of voluntary performance, or of autonomic function. Similarly, afflictions of the sensory nervous system may involve one or more sensory modalities, such as pain, heat, touch or pressure sensation, or the special senses.
Mukesh Patel BSc(Hons) Optom, DOpt, BSc(Hons) Pharmacol
» Download article

Basic immunology
08/02/02
The immune system is the body?s natural defence in combating organisms. Immunology has developed rapidly over the past decade owing to the refinements made in the molecular tests employed in this area of research. Therefore, the keen reader is encouraged to peruse the ophthalmic and immunological literature in order to keep abreast of the latest developments in this field.
Gregory Heath BSc (Hons), MCOptom, Dip. Clin. Optom
» Download article

Doctors with Daltonsim and their implications for counselling
08/02/02
Daltonism is the most common human inherited defect. Although there is a wealth of well-researched knowledge about the condition, most people know little about it. Those who are born with it have a double disadvantage - they sometimes fail to see what other people see quite plainly, and they can be unaware of the occasions when this occurs. This leads to the common attitude that they have little need for advice which, in turn, presents a challenge to those who advise them.
J. Anthony B. Spalding MB, BS, DCH, MRCP
» Download article

Clinical examination of the glaucomatous patient
25/01/02
Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness in the developed world. Detection of the disease requires a triad of tests and an interpretation of risk factors for the individual patient. This article is based on a talk presented at Optometry 01, and aims to give an overview of what is required when evaluating the glaucomatous patient.
Aachal Kotecha Bsc(Hons), MCOptom
» Download article

Acoustic neuroma and its ocular implications A personal view
25/01/02
Following a family holiday in Devon in the early 1990s, I began to notice a distinct change in my hearing that at first I attributed to getting water stuck in my ear. During the following years, I collected what was, in retrospect, an alarming number of symptoms, all of which, amazingly, I managed to rationalise away.
Ron Douglas
» Download article

An introduction to clinical risk management
25/01/02
Accidents hardly ever happen without warning. The combination or sequence of failures and mistakes that cause an accident may indeed be unique, but the individual failures and mistakes rarely are.
Chris Steele BSc(Hons), FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOC
» Download article

Retinal vein occlusion - Diagnosis and management
11/01/02
A great deal is known about the aetiology, pathogenesis and management of retinal vascular disease as it applies to venous occlusion. Retinal vein obstruction correlates to the anatomical occlusion site.
Leonid Skorin Jr, OD, DO, FAAO, FAOCO
» Download article

Understanding disease Medicine and surgery for the optometrist
11/01/02
The anatomy, physiology and pathology of the central and peripheral nervous systems were outlined in Parts 1 and 2 of this series in OT last year. The central nervous system (CNS) is in essence the central processing unit (CPU) of the body, the initiation, control and modulation of the actions of the rest of the body as well as the detection, processing and interpretation of sensory stimuli, all being masterminded and amalgamated in this location. In the hierarchy of the nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and its smaller subsidiaries at or near the end organs, are functionally less complex and progressively less vital to survival than the CNS.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Optom, DOpt, BSc (Hons) Pharmacol
» Download article

Revision of pharmacology
11/01/02
A large variety of drugs, both topical and systemic, are used in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease. Although the intended target for the action of these drugs is the ocular tissue, many will affect other systems in the body. Understanding how drugs used in ophthalmic practice exert their effects will explain the side-effects of these agents and the contraindication to their use in certain groups of people.
Lucy C. Titcomb BSc, MRPharmS, MCPP
» Download article

Computer retinoscopy
11/01/02
Working in front of a computer screen is very much like reading. It confines visual space and requires constant focusing effort.
Vigo H. Nielson MSc, OD
» Download article