[Possibilities for use of Scheimpflug technology in cataract surgery]. / Einsatzmöglichkeiten der Scheimpflug-Technologie in der Kataraktchirurgie.

BACKGROUND: Since its first use in geography 100 years ago Scheimpflug photography has undergone much refinement making it a standard technique in anterior segment diagnostics and even surgical therapy. This review presents the perioperative applications of Scheimpflug photography in cataract and refractive lens surgery. OBJECTIVES: Possible perioperative applications of Scheimpflug photography in cataract surgery and refractive lens surgery. METHODS: Selective review of the literature and personal experiences. RESULTS: In recent years there have been numerous new applications for Scheimpflug photography, with its main use in preoperative diagnostics and surgical planning. There are also useful applications for intraoperative visualization and postoperative counseling. CONCLUSION: Multifunctional devices which enable a variety of further examinations besides Scheimpflug technology alone make the use of this technology possible and reasonable even in hospitals and practices without a focus on refractive surgery.

[Lagophthalmos and ectropion of the upper eyelids in congenital ichthyosis]. / Lagophthalmus mit Oberlidektropium bei kongenitaler Ichthyosis.

This report concerns the case of a 10-year-old female patient with congenital ichthyosis who developed bilateral ectropion of the upper eyelids resulting in massive ocular surface alterations due to lagophthalmos. A complex surgical approach with partial excision, tarsal strip refixation and a free skin graft led to normalization of the eyelid positioning and healing of the ocular surface.

[Managing complications in intraoperative floppy iris syndrome]. / Komplikationsmanagement beim "intraoperative floppy iris syndrome"

The intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) describes an ophthalmologically relevant phenomenon which is observed after systemic intake of alpha blockers for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. This leads to an increase in intraoperative complications in cataract surgery characterized by a flaccid iris which billows in response to currents with a tendency to prolapse towards the area of surgery. This results in damage to the iris by the instruments used or posterior capsule rupture with loss of lens material. We describe the preoperative and intraoperative measures and techniques to deal with this challenging situation in order to minimize development of IFIS and reduce the complication rate.

[Treatment of trichiasis and distichiasis with a biopsy punch -- an effective and practical method for eyelash follicle excision]. / Behandlung der Trichiasis und Distichiasis mit Biopsiestanzen - eine effektive und praxisnahe Methode zur Wimpernbalgexzision.

Localised distichiasis and trichiasis with resulting keratopathy leads to considerable impairment for the patient. We present a new technique which enables the surgeon to excise the lash with its follicle to prevent regrowth in a single movement. The procedure does not need any preparation, leaving the lid with minimal concomitant trauma which prevents recurrence of trichiasis. The excision is done with a dermatological biopsy punch (Kai Europe GmbH, Solingen, Germany). The punch is placed on the appropriate place perpendicular to the lid margin where the punch is driven 3-4 mm parallel to the lash. Histopathological diagnosis should be obtained not only to prove the principle of this technique: the entire biopsy material should be handed over to the pathologist as distichiasis and trichiasis can be the first sign of lid tumours. The presented technique of hair follicle excision with a biopsy punch is extremely effective. Success can be proven by the results of histological work-up of the biopsy material.

[CME-certified online education in Germany - status in ophthalmology 2011]. / CME-zertifizierte Online-Fortbildungen in Deutschland - Stand der Augenheilkunde 2011.

BACKGROUND: The use of the internet is becoming more and more important in every aspect of daily life, also in professional education. Online education and face-to-face learning have proven to be equally efficient. The aim of this study is to evaluate the amount of online education in the German-speaking internet 2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The terms "ophthalmology", "online-education", "continuing medical education" and "CME" (partly in German language) were searched by an internet-search engine. The first 100 pages were visited. Pages were evaluated in respect of quality and quantity, authorship and possible influence of sponsors. RESULTS: Only 9 of the first 100 hits had an actual offer for ophthalmology. Nearly all of these were websites of ophthalmological scientific journals. The content represented the same educational format (pictures and text) as in the print issue. CONCLUSION: CME-certified online education can be found in Germany as offspring of print issues only. The content is identical with educational texts in the print issues. An enlargement of the offer, which uses the possibilities of modern internet technology is highly probable. This estimation is supported by the growing use of the internet and developments on English-speaking websites for online-education.

[Complication cascade after hyperopic LASIK]. / Komplikationskaskade nach hyperoper LASIK.

This report concerns the case of a 28-year-old female patient who was treated with topical steroids for 2 years following complicated hyperopic LASIK surgery with a re-treatment including a re-lift of the flap. A steroid-induced rise in the intraocular pressure (IOP) was subsequently observed on the treated eye, together with a glaucomatous subtotal destruction of the optic nerve, resulting in a residual vision of 1/15. An erroneously low IOP measurement, which was probably the reason for the delay in detecting steroid-induced glaucoma, has been reported in several cases concerning LASIK patients. The reason for the unusually severe course in the case in question can only be presumed, namely a possible accumulation of fluid at the interface or altered biomechanics following hyperopic LASIK surgery. The need for a thorough postoperative examination following refractive surgery must be emphasized. This case shows a cascade of complications following hyperopic LASIK surgery resulting in the functional blindness of one eye.