BACKGROUND: Excimer laser (VISX) photorefractive keratectomy was performed using nitrogen flowing through the ocular fixation ring. It was felt that eliminating nitrogen flow may provide faster early visual rehabilitation. METHODS: Two groups of 50 consecutive eyes underwent photorefractive keratectomy with (N2 flow) and without (no N2 flow) nitrogen flow, and were evaluated at 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: There were more under- or overcorrections exceeding 1.00 diopter (D) in the N2 flow than in the no N2 flow groups. Eighteen eyes in the N2 flow and 11 in no N2 flow groups saw 20/50 or less, without correction. Fourteen eyes in the N2 flow and nine eyes in the no N2 flow groups lost two or more lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Four eyes in the N2 flow and none in the no N2 flow groups increased more than 1.00 D of astigmatism. CONCLUSION: The elimination of nitrogen flow in photorefractive keratectomy performed with the VISX laser appears to improve visual results in the early postoperative period.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cancer resource center: a setting for patient empowerment.

Access to information can play a crucial role in enabling patients and families to cope effectively with the complexities of cancer. A cancer resource center providing medical information in a supportive environment can empower patients to become familiar with medical terminology, increase their understanding of proposed treatments, and develop the confidence to become active participants in their healthcare. The oncology nurse and medical librarian responsible for the development and implementation of a cancer resource center describe the needs assessment, facility planning, development of the collection and services, evaluation, and continued improvement of the library.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

RCM supplement. Integrating services.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Female↗