[Demodex folliculorum: diagnosis and therapy today]. / Demodex folliculorum: Diagnostik und Therapie im klinischen Alltag.

Demodex folliculorum is an ectoparasite found in eye lashes. A Demodex-associated blepharoconjunctivitis is common. Demodex are diagnosed via microscopy in a drop of oil after epilation of a few eye lashes. You can often watch the mites in movement under the microscope. Treatment includes lid hygiene and metronidazole gel 1-2 %. The treatment often improves the symptoms of the patient. Demodex folliculorum is often found in patients with persistent blepharoconjunctivitis. Every ophthalmologist should have a microscope to find the mites. Then you will be able to treat the patients in an early stage.

[Objective determination of optical density of xanthophyll after supplementation of lutein]. / Objektive Bestimmung der optischen Dichte von Xanthophyll nach Supplementation von Lutein.

BACKGROUND: It is thought that a high optical density of xanthophyll has a protective effect against the development of aggregated macular degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an increase of the optical density of xanthophyll in the macula after a supplementation of lutein can be proven by objective methods. Most methods applied for the determination of the macular pigment require the co-operation of the proband and the ability for foveal fixation. METHOD: Imaging spectrometry and the evaluation of laser scanner images taken at 488 nm will be presented. In contrast to psychophysical methods, both methods are independent of the patients ability for foveal fixation. RESULTS: Even by evaluation of laser scanner images taken as in fluorescence angiography but without inserting the blocking filter, the 2-dimensional distribution of xanthophyll can be determined. In 10 probands taking 6 mg lutein daily over 40 days, an increase of the optical density could be determined at least in some probands. The optical density reached a plateau 30 days after starting the supplementation of lutein. CONCLUSION: The assumed protective effect of xanthophyll against age-related macular degeneration can be influenced by supplementation of lutein under objective control.

[Continuous blood pressure monitoring in cataract operations under local anesthesia]. / Kontinuierliches Blutdruckmonitoring bei Katarakt-Operationen in Lokalanästhesie.

Clinical data of 69 patients due to undergo ECCE with PCIOL implantation were evaluated in a standardized fashion. The preliminary results show that the blood pressure measured preoperatively and intraoperatively necessitated antihypertensive therapy. The averaged systolic blood pressure in the ward was 147.2 +/- 20.4 mm Hg; before retrobulbar anesthesia 159.9 +/- 30.4 mm Hg; after retrobulbar anesthesia 172.6 +/- 24.2 mm Hg; and at the start of surgery 154.2 +/- 18.4 mm Hg. Maximum intraoperative blood pressure was 156.2 +/- 20.7 mm Hg; at the end of surgery it was 144.3 +/- 19.5 mm Hg. In 12 patients (17%), systolic blood pressure higher than 200 mm Hg was measured after retrobulbar anesthesia. Antihypertensive therapy (nifedipine, nitroglycerin) was initiated in 44 patients (64%). These data support the recommendation that blood pressure should be monitored continuously both before and during the operation in order to minimize the rate of surgical and general complications.