Straylight in Normal and Cataractous Eyes of Koreans

PURPOSE: To compare intraocular straylight in normal and cataractous eyes as the morphology and to compare straylight as the result of subjective symptoms in early cataract cases using the C-quant straylight meter, the only tool to measure light scattering in media. METHODS: Straylight values were measured in 217 normal eyes and 138 cataractous eyes. Cataractous eyes were classified into posterior subcapsular opacity, anterior subcapsular opacity and nucleosclerosis. Straylight values of each group were measured. The 56 early cataractous eyes were categorized into two groups, depending on the presence of subjective symptoms, and each straylight value was measured. The preoperative and postoperative straylight values of early cataracts were also compared. RESULTS: The mean straylight values of normal and cataractous eyes were 1.34 and 2.46, respectively. The value of posterior subcapsular opacity (2.81) was significantly higher than that of anterior subcapsular opacity (2.33) and nucleosclerosis (1.99). The straylight values of early cataracts were significantly higher in the group with subjective symptoms (2.02) than in the group without subjective symptoms (1.56). The postoperative straylight value decreased to 1.42. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior subcapsular cataract showed significantly high intraocular straylight, indicating that light scattering occurred to a greater extent in this group. Light scattering occurred more in early cataractous eyes with subjective symptoms than in eyes without symptoms, and light scattering was reduced after surgery. The C-quant straylight meter, which measures the light scattering in media, can be a useful tool to determine the time of cataract surgery and to evaluate the quality of vision.

The Understanding of Aerospace Medicine and History of Korean Aerospace Medicine / 대한평형의학회지

No abstract available.

Effect of Glutathione With Sea Tangle Extract on Prevention of Selenite-Induced Cataract Formation in Rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate antioxidative and preventive effects of sea tangle extract on selenite-induced cataract formation. METHODS: Eighty SD rat pups were randomized into 8 groups. Group 1 received no injection of reagent (normal); Group 2 to 8 received injection of selenite (15 micromol/Kg, s.c.) was injected. In group 2 (control) and group 3, normal saline (i.p.) and ascorbic acid (i.p.) was injected on days 3~31. In groups 4~8, sea tangle extract (i.p.) was injected at a concentration of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg, respectively. Development of cataract was assessed and photographed weekly under slit lamp. Rat lenses were analyzed for antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde. Furthermore, an amino acid analysis of sea tangle extract was performed. RESULTS: Significant differences (p<0.05) were seen in cataract development in group 7. Dense nuclear cataracts developed in 8 of 10 of the control group (group 2); Group 4~8 developed nuclear cataract with proportion of 6/10, 3/10, 2/10, 1/10, and 6/10 rats. In sea tangle injected group, levels of GPx were higher than in the ascorbic acid and control groups. In particular, group 7, injected with 100 mg/kg of sea tangle extract, showed significantly high level of enzyme. Results of the amino acid analysis showed sea tangle includes glutamate-glycine-cysteine, major constituents of glutathione (GSH). CONCLUSIONS: The glutamate-glycine-cysteine in sea tangle is supposed to increase the level of lens GSH and this may contribute to lowering cataract development. This study strongly supports the activity of sea tangle as an endogenous antioxidant and anticataract agent.

The Inhibitory Effect of TGF-beta Inhibitor on the Corneal Opacity After Corneal Laceration

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of TGF-beta inhibitor on the wound healing process after corneal laceration, and its inhibitory effect on corneal scar formation. METHODS: Forty Lewis rats were randomly divided into one control and three experimental groups (groups I, II, and III). After partial-thickness vertical linear corneal incision, a diluted solution with 10, 25, and 50 microgram of TGF-beta inhibitor was instilled into each eye of groups I, II, and III respectively. Corneal haze was measured by using slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination. Using histopathologic examination, we compared the number of stromal keratocytes and the arrangement of regenerated collagen fibers. We also performed immunohistochemistry to confirm the differential expression of fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin in each group. RESULTS: Group III showed less corneal haze and more regular arrangement of regenerated collagen fibers than the other groups. The number of stromal keratocytes and immunoreactivity to fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin decreased as the dose of TGF-beta inhibitor increased. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta inhibitor effectively reduced corneal haze during corneal healing processes after corneal laceration.

Inhibitory Effects of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin on Transdifferentiation of Lens Epithelial Cells into Fibroblast

PURPOSE: This study investigated the inhibitory effects of Paclitaxel by altering tubulin assembly and cisplatin exposure by binding DNA of the lens epithelial cells (LECs) during epithelial cell cultures in the capsular bag model. METHODS: In the capsular bag model, the LECs were cultured with exposure to Paclitaxel (1, 10, 100 nM) and Cisplatin (1, 10, 100 micro M) for 3 min. The effect of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin was analyzed by observing the cell number of fibroblasts per field, Western blots for type IV collagen, TUNEL assay and the Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporated proliferating cells. RESULTS: An increase in concentration of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin resulted in a decrease in the number of fibroblasts and spindle-shaped cells. The number of proliferating cells showing PCNA positivity and BrdU incorporation in the nuclei was decreased in a dose dependent manner by treatments of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin. Expression of type IV collagen also decreased after treatment with these two agents. Results of the TUNEL assay showed no change in the apoptosis of cells with regard to an increase in concentration of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed inhibitory effects of Paclitaxel and Cisplatin on the proliferation and transdifferentiation of LECs into fibroblasts using the capsular bag model.

Screening of the Previous Photorefractive Surgery Using the Minimum Distance Between the Anterior Best Fit Sphere and the Center of the Anterior Corneal Surface

PURPOSE: To develop a screening test based on the difference (Diff) between the anterior corneal surface and the anterior best fit sphere in the central region of the Orbscan IIz topography as a way of detecting previous myopic photorefractive surgery. METHODS: From 1623 patients who had no refractive surgery and no corneal disease, 3132 topographies were defined as normal. From 120 patients who had Orbscan IIz topography after myopic photorefractive surgery, 238 topographies were defined as eyes that had undergone refractive surgery. The first objective was to determine the difference (Diff) between the anterior corneal surface and the anterior best fit sphere in the central region. The second objective was to classify the anterior elevation map of Orbscan IIz topography. RESULTS: The Diff value of the center of the anterior cornea surface averaged 0.008+/-0.003 mm in normal eyes, and all values were over 0 mm. However, in eyes that had previous refractive surgery, the average was 0.014+/-0.009 mm, and all values in this group were less than 0. The specificity and sensitivity was 100 % in both groups. The spherical equivalent of the degree of myopic correction and the Diff value of the center of the anterior cornea surface showed a linear relationship. Consequently, we could derive a formula to determine the degree of myopic correction with a known Diff value of the center of the anterior corneal surface. CONCLUSIONS: The screening test, based on the Diff value of Orbscan IIz topography, is quite useful in determining whether an eye has undergone previous myopic photorefractive surgery.

Anterior Elevation Maps as the Screening Test for the Ablation Power of Previous Myopic Refractive Surgery

PURPOSE: We classified the Orbscan anterior elevation maps in normal eyes (under myopic, emmetropic and hyperopic conditions) and in those after myopic refractive surgery. We did this classification to demonstrate how Orbscan anterior elevation maps are useful in screening for the existence and extent of previous myopic refractive surgery. Such a classification can help clinicians interpret preoperative and postoperative topographies. METHODS: We measured for visual acuity and refractive power in 4800 eyes. After a slit-lamp examination, a corneal topography exam was performed with an Orbscan corneal topography system. The eyes were divided into two groups, with Group I representing those who had not had refractive surgery (4438 eyes). Group II included those who had undergone previous refractive surgery to correct myopia (362 eyes). RESULTS: In Group I, the central island type (43.0%) was the most common, followed by the temporal ridge (25.8%), the with-the-rule regular ridge (16.7%), the against-the-rule regular ridge (6.6%), the nasal ridge (4.0%), and the saddle type (2.1%). In Group II, the depressed lake type (69.9%) was most common, followed by the de-centered ablation type (21.3%). The trend line of the postoperative central anterior surface elevation (E) and the ablation power of refractive surgery were calculated. Ablation power of refractive surgery=0.0047 E+0.0083 CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that it is possible to use Orbscan anterior elevation maps to screen for the extent of previous refractory surgery used in the correction of myopia. This study may also be useful in understanding the shapes of Orbscan anterior elevation maps before and after myopic refractive surgery as well as in determining the degree of ablated myopic refractive power and decentration.

Inhibitory Effect of Radiation on the Transdifferentiation of Lens Epithelial Cells into Fibroblasts

PURPOSE: We estimated the effectiveness of radiation on transdifferentiation of the lens epithelial cells into fibroblast. METHODS: The morphologic changes and number of fibroblasts were determined using a phase contrast microscope. The proliferation of lens epithelial cells was analyzed by PCNA and BrdU assay in the control group and in the experimental groups exposed to 500, 1000 or 2000 rad of X-ray on the 7th day of culture. Expression of type IV collagen was estimated by Western blot and apoptosis was investigated using TUNEL assay. RESULTS: The number of fibroblast transdifferentiated from lens epithelial cell was 300+/-1.58 in control group, and 240+/-1.58, 231.75+/-4.1E, and 213.50+/-0.22 in the group exposed to 500 (experimental group I), 1000 (experimental group II), and 2000 rad (experimental group III), respectively, on the 7th day of culture (radiation was decreased in a dose-dependent manner). The index of PCNA and count of BrdU labeling cells were 56+/-1.58% and 27.6+/-4.6 in control group; 26+/-1.56% and 18.4+/-8.5 in experimental group I; 24+/-1.60% and 17.2+/-4.2 in experimental group II; 16+/-1.58% and 8.6+/-2.4 in experimental group III, respectively. These results indicated that proliferation of lens epithelial cells was inhibited by radiation in a dose-dependant manner. The Western blot showed that the expression of collagen decreased in experimental groups I and II and markedly decreased in experimental group III, compared with control group. TUNEL showed no differences between the control and experimental groups I and II but showed increased apoptosis in experimental group III. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation may inhibit the transdifferentiation of lens epithelial cells into fibroblasts. It would be practicable that radiation suppresses proliferation of lens epithelial cells in posterior capsular opacity.

Inhibitory Effects of Imatinib Mesylate on Transdifferentiation of Lens Epithelial Cells into Fibroblast

PURPOSE: To investigate whether Imatinib mesylate (IM) could inhibit the transdifferentiation of the lens epithelial cells (LECs) into fibroblasts using the capsular bag model. METHODS: In the capsular bag model, LECs were cultured by exposure to IM at various concentrations for 3 min. The effect of IM was analysed by observing the covering area, numbers of alpha-SMA positive cell, and BrdU incorporated proliferating cells. The same analysis was performed in the culture of LECs with TGF-beta. RESULTS: The covering area was significantly decreased by the treatment of 30 micro M IM, and the positive cells for alpha-SMA and BrdU were also decreased by IM treatment in a dose dependent manner. In addition, increasing TGF-beta concentration accelerated transdifferentiation, but suppressed the acceleration of the transdifferentiation induced by TGF-beta. CONCLUSIONS: In the capsular bag model, IM effectively inhibited not only the transdifferentiation of LECs into fibroblasts but also the TGF-beta induced acceleration of the transdifferentiation.

Inhibitory Effect of Gefitinib on the Proliferation of Lens Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Gefitinib used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer on the proliferation of the lens epithelial cells and the activities of growth factors. METHODS: The cell samples were divided into a control group cultured in DMEM and three experimental groups. Group I was exposed to Gefitinib for 3 minutes; group II was exposed to growth factors; and for group III growth factors were added to each concentration of Gefitinib. MMT assays, BrdU staining and morphologically observations with a phase-contrast microscope were used to verify the degrees of cell proliferation. Western blot analysis was conducted to confirm the effects of Gefitinib on extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and on type I collagen production. RESULTS: Lens epithelial cell proliferation in experimental group I was reduced to 76% and 56% for 1.00 micro M and 10.00 micro M of Gefitinib, respectively. Experimental group II showed a 140% increase in cell proliferation with EGF treatment. Experimental group III exhibited decreased lens epithelial cell proliferation with both EGF (86% and 66%), and TGF-beta2 (78% and 59%). BrdU staining demonstrated a significant decrease in cell proliferation in groups I and III exposed to more than 1.0 micro M Gefitinib, while group II showed an increase compared to the control group. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed inhibiting effects on ERK phosphorylation and type I collagen production. CONCLUSIONS: In the culture of human lens epithelial cells, Gefitinib inhibited cell proliferation when used at a concentration above 1.00 (M for 3 minutes. Furthermore, the effects of EGF and TGF-beta2 were also inhibited.

Effect of Collagen Gel with Growth Factor and Wrapping Materials on Fibrovascularization of Porous Orbital Implant

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of bFGF complexed collagen gel, which allows constant release of bFGF along with biodegradation of the collagen gel. The specific study purpose was to determine whether it can accelerate the fibrovascular ingrowth into wrapped HA-coated porous alumina and to verify the safety of new wrapping materials. Synthetic polyester-urethane (Neuropatch(R)) and lyophilized bovine pericardium (Lyoplant(R)) were compared to donor sclera for the fibrovascular ingrowth into HA-coated porous alumina. METHODS: The experimental and control groups, each consisting of 9 rabbits were wrapped with each wrapping materials (3 rabbits per wrapping material). The experimental group underwent pretreatment of bFGF-collagen gel while the control group did not. The fibrovascular ingrowth was compared at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation. Western blot analysis was conducted at 4 weeks using antibodies against CD141 and laminin. The rate of fibrovascular ingrowth was fastest in orbital implant wrapped with Lyoplant(R). RESULTS: Histopathologic examinations at 2 weeks showed no differences in distance and percentage area of fibrovascular ingrowth. Histopathologic examinations at 4 weeks showed that pretreatment of bFGF-collagen gel increased the fibrovascular ingrowth in the experimental group. Western blot analysis on experimental group also showed that the expressions of CD141 and laminin were increased by bFGF-collagen gel, thereby indicating that the fibrovascular proliferations were accelerated by bFGF released from the complex. CONCLUSIONS: bFGF-collagen gel increased the rate and degree of fibrovascular growth into hydroxyapatite-coated porous alumina by releasing bFGF as the collagen gel biodegraded. Both Lyoplant(R) and Neuropatch(R) were evaluated as safe for substitution of the donor sclera.

Argon Laser Treatment of Trichiasis

Recurrent trichiasis is a persistent annoyance and, too often, resists conventional treatment. We tried the application of argon laser in the treatment of trichiasis. The technique involves the destruction of the follicles of the abnormal cilia. This method proved safe, convenient, precise, and effective in 6 cases out of 6. The technique is most suitable when a few fine cilia are involved, but repeated treatment may be required for more and thicker eyelashes.

Comparison of the inhibitional effects of MK 507 and Timolol on the aqueous humor production by returning time to baseline intrliocular pressure

There has been need of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eyedrops which has no systemic side effects, but it has problem in transcorneal coefficiency. Recently developed MK 507 has modified the lipid permeability. We researched on the efficiencies of MK 507 and Timolol by measuring the returning time to baseline intraocular pressure using Honan balloon. Forty-five healthy volunteers were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was administered placebo. Group 2 was administered 0.25% timolol, and group 3 was administered 2% MK 507. The IOP was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer at 2 hours before Honan balloon pressure (30mmHg, 30 minutes) and every 5 minutes after the pressure was released until IOP returned to baseline IOP. The returing time to baseline IOP was 19.17 +/- 2.31 minutes in group 1, 37.17 +/- 5.03 minutes in group 2, 31.67 +/- 2.40 minutes in group 3 (P- value: 0.0001) (AVOVA). The result of this study suggests that measuring the returing time to baseline IOP using Honan balloon may be useful in determining the effects of MK 507 and Timolol, adrenergic beta-blocker.

Additive effect of Dapiprazole and Pilocarpine for the Reversal of Mydriasis and Cycloplegia

We assessed the combined effects of dapiprazole, an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, with pilocarpine. direct-acting parasympathomimetics, on reversing mydriasis and cycloplegia in 40 eyes (20 subjects) who received 1% tropicamide or 2.5% phenylephrine for pupillary dilation and cycloplegic refraction. These results were compared to 40 eyes (20 subjects) that received dapiprazole alone. The study was divided into four groups, each of which consisted of 20 eyes that received either 1% tropicamide or 0.5% phenylephrine followed by instillation of 0.5% dapiprazole alone or in combination with 2% pilocarpine. A significant difference in the reduction of pupil size and the increase in accommodative amplitude has been observed between the groups that received dapiprazole alone and those received both dapiprazole and pilocarpine(p<0.001). These results suggest that dapiprazole and pilocarpine eyedrops have additive effects on reversing both mydriasis and cycloplegia after instillation of 1% tropicamide or 2.5% phenylephrine for pupillary dilation and cycloplegic refraction.

Treatment of Macular Hole Retinal Detachment with Intravitreal Gas

Exchanging liquid vitreous with an air bubble was used to treat the eye with retinal detachment caused by a myopic macular hole. This retina was successfully reattached after keeping the patient in a prone position for 24 hours. No cryotherapy, diathermy, or photocoagulation was used to creat a choroidal adhesion. This procedure may be the treatment of choice in patients with retinal detachment due to macular holes but withour other breaks or visible vitreous adhesion.

The Effect of Bath and Sauna on IOP, BP, PR, and Body Temperature

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Bath and Sauna on IOP, BP, PR, and BT. This study was performed in 120 eyes of 60 volunteers. The IOP, BP, PR, and BT were taken before and after Bath and Sauna. The results of this study are briefly summarized as follows; A. Changes and significance of IOP. 1. The mean of IOP was 13.43 +/- 2.4mmHg before Bath and 16.98 +/- 2.7mmHg just after Bath. This change was statistically significant(P0.05). 3. The mean of IOP was 12.64 +/- 2.1mmHg before Dry Sauna and 15.45 +/- 2.8mmHg just after Dry Sauna. This change was statistically significant(P<0.01). B. Changes and significance of BP. 1. Changes of systolic pressure between Before and After Bath, Wet Sauna, and Dry Sauna were statistically significant(P<0.01). 2. Changes of diastolic pressure between Before and After Bath, Wet Sauna, and Dry Sauna were statistically significant(P<0.01). C. Changes and significance of PR and BT Changes of PR(0.01

Bilateral Staphylococcus Epidermidis Endophthalmitis After Cataract Extraction

Postoperative endopthalmitis is one of the most serious complication of intraocular surgery. It has rarely been treated sucessfully. The high incidence of therapeutic failure in bacterial endophthalmitis results in many blind eyes and enucleations. Many species of bacteria may produce endophthalmitis. Staphylococcus aureus has long been generally accepted as the most common causative organism of bacteral endophthalmitis, but Staphylococcus epidermidis hed been known as non-pathogenic organism until Valenton et al (1973) reported two cases of Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis following lens extraction. In 42 year old Korean woman, bilateral endopthalmitis following bilateral cataract surgery were caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis which was identified by smear and culture of the anterior chamber aspirates.

The Effects of Honan Intraocular Pressure Reducer on Nonglaucomatous and Glaucomatous Patients

In the diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma, it is very important to evaluate the outflow facility and intraocular pressure. Although tonography affords one of the most convenient methods for the estimating the outflow facility, there have been many efforts to overcome its inhernt inaccuracy. Honan introcular pressure reducer(HIPR) is widely used prior to cataract surgery because it is believed to be clinically safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure, vitreous volume and the risk of vitreous loss. For the evaluation of the effects of HIPR in relation to outflow facility, the intraocular pressures were measured with applanation tonometer in 30 nonglaucomatous and 30 glaucomatous patients before and immediately after the application of HIPR at a pressure 30mmHg for 30 minutes, and then repeatedly at 5-minute intervals for 30 minutes thereafter. The results were as follows; 1. Mean initial IOPs were 15.6 +/- 2.71mmHg in nonglaucomatous patients and 20.7 +/- 2.71mmHg in glaucomatous patients. 2. Mean IOPs immediately after commpression were 4.3 +/- 1.38mmHg in nonglauco matous patients and 10.3 +/- 0.95mmHg in glaucomatous patients. 3. Mean IOP reductions were 11.20 +/- 1.89mmHg in nonglaucomatous patients and 10.45 +/- 1.69mmHg in glaucomatous patients. 4. Mean IOP reduction rates were 72.8% in nonglaucomatous patients and 50.3% in glaucomatous patients. 5. Mean IOP recovery times were 24.5 minutes in nonglaucomatous patients and more than 30 minutes in glaucomatous patients. 6. Rates of IOP recovery after 25 minutes elapsed were 76.6% in nonglaucomatous patients and 10% in glaucomatous patients. On the basis of the results HIPR may be considered to be beneficial in clinical diagnosis of open angle glaucoma.

Transmission Electron Microscopic Findings of the Normal and Mature Cataractous Lenses

PURPOSE: Phacoemulsification is now a well-established technique for the surgical treatment of soft cataractous lens, hard lenses being considered less suitable. We have been examined noraml and mature cataractous lenses by transmission electron microscopy. METHODS: A soft cataractous lens and a normal lens were extracted from cadavers. In addition, four hard cataractous and a soft cataractous lenses were extracted from five patients who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction. RESULTS: In transmission electron microscopic investigation of normal lens and soft and hard cataractous lenses, the normal lenses showed classical ball-and-socket inter- digitations and relatively regular arrangement of fiber cell. In soft mature cataracts, disruptions of fiber cell morphology including numerous ball-and-socket interdigitations, abrupt continuities in fiber cell membranes and high amplitude of undulating membranes were present. In the hard cataractous lenses, the fiber cell morphology was severely damaged. The interfibrous spaces were more compact and irregular than soft mature cataracts. CONCLUSIONS: The large amount of irregular undulating membranes and flattening of fiber cells increases the condenssness of hard cataracts, and makes phacoemulsification less suitable.

A Statistical Observation of the Ocular Injuries

The 1,783 patients with eye injuries, including the 234 in-patients, who visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Adventist Hospital from Jan. 1, 1987 to Dec. 31, 1988 were clinically analyzed. The results were as follows: 1. The incidence of ocular injuries was 4.7% of all eye patients, and 25.5% of all patients admitted to this ophthalmologic department. 2. The incidence was more common in male(76,8%)and in the age of 3rd to 4th decades(47.0%). 3. The ocular injuries were more common in the spring(27.3%), and in March. 4. The most common cause of ocular injuries was sand or dust or iron piece(29.8%), followed by fist or finger(12.2%) and traffic accident(12.5%), but the injuries by iron products(20.1%) were the most common in the admitted patients. 5. The most common ocular injury was conjunctival foreign body(23.7%), followed by subconjunctival hemorrhage (20.6%) and (9.5%). In the cases of in-patients, hyphema(24.2%) was the most coommon, followed by corneal lacera tion(12.2%) and eyelid laceration(11.2%). 6. Surgical procedure included corneal suture(18.3%), primary closure of eyelid and face(22.2%). 7. Visual acuity was improved in most cases by treatment, but the corrected vision after treatment was less than 0.1 in 20.5%, which was mainly due to the perforating eye injuries. 8. The most common complication of ocular injuries after treatment was corneal opacity(34.1%), followed by vitreous opacity(9.4%).