A single-blind randomised trial comparing adrenaline 1.0% with dipivalyl epinephrine (propine) 0.1% in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

The results of this single-blind randomised trial comparing adrenaline 1% with dipivalyl epinephrine (Propine) 0.1% confirm that both have a significant effect in lowering the intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, but it is generally insufficient to warrant their use as the first line medical treatment of these two conditions. There was no significant difference between the intraocular lowering effect of the two preparations, and 60% of patients receiving Propine and 66% of those receiving adrenaline noted side effects.

Variability of the hill of vision and its significance in automated perimetry.

It has been assumed that the retinal threshold sensitivity profile is a standard which decreases predictably with age. On this basis the significance of relative scotomata is decided on certain types of perimeter. The hill of vision was measured in 128 healthy eyes on the Dicon 2000 autoperimeter. We found a large variation between individuals, with no relationship to age. The relevance of the findings to automated perimetry are discussed.

On the management of retained airgun pellets: a survey of 11 orbital cases.

Relevant factors determining the management of inaccessible retained lead airgun pellets are discussed in relation to 11 orbital cases. Although the injuries were of between one month's and 26 years' standing, serum lead levels were normal at under 350 micrograms/l in all instances. This is attributable to the modern alloy composition of the ammunition in question. It is concluded that surgical intervention may be indicated only where there is a mechanical disturbance of ocular motility allied with good visual function.

Syndrome of ischaemic ocular inflammation: six cases and a review.

Patients with carotid occlusive disease may develop a variety of symptoms and signs secondary to chronic ocular ischaemia. We report six cases affecting nine eyes and review the findings of teichopsia, anterior segment ischaemia, venous stasis retinopathy, and ocular neovascularisation. The assessment and surgical management of carotid obstruction are discussed. Some comments on the relevance of coexisting diabetes are made.

Origin of disc new vessels assessed by videofluorography.

Ten patients with disc neovascularisation of various aetiologies were studied to ascertain the origin of their new vessels. Fluorescein angiography was carried out with an image intensified video camera. A retinal artery derivation was demonstrated for the first time and was seen in three cases. Six further patients showed a retinal venous supply, and finally there was one from a choroidal source.

Visual changes mediated by beer in retrobulbar neuritis--an investigative case report.

A patient with established retrobulbar neuritis and Uhthoff's phenomenon who claimed that his visual acuity improved after drinking beer was assessed by detailed quantitative psychophysical tests. Studies of electrophysiological responses and biochemical levels of blood serum before and after drinking on several occasions were also made. The results of tests of contrast sensitivity, spectral sensitivity, flicker sensitivity, and visually evoked potential confirmed his observation. Some mechanisms for this phenomenon are considered.

Occlusion of the central retinal artery and ocular neovascularisation: an indirect association?

Ocular neovascularisation is recognised as an uncommon complication of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) but has been associated most frequently in those patients suffering from carotid artery occlusive disease. We report the finding of neovascularisation after CRAO in a group of 8 patients, who have presented over the previous 6 years. Four showed no evidence of atherosclerotic carotid disease and only 2 were diabetic. Although the group numbers are necessarily small, it is suggested that these cases support the assertion that ocular neovascularisation may occur following CRAO in the absence of any underlying and predisposing ischaemic or inflammatory condition.

Definition of normal macular thresholds on the Dicon AP2000 autoperimeter.

This paper presents the results of a study into the normal macular threshold measured by automated perimetry. The effect of age upon this parameter is demonstrated in a normal clinic population. A comparison is made with other age dependent tests of visual function and the clinical importance of the findings is discussed.

Solar retinopathy in the Manchester area.

A report of 11 cases of solar retinopathy is given. Particular emphasis is laid on the mechanism of light hazard with protective measures available, symptoms including scotomata with visual prognosis, and the clinico-pathological correlation of the findings. These are divided into mild, with early retinal oedema, and moderate, with later development of pseudo-lamellar holes associated with the presence of a fibrillar 'tuft' described here for the first time.