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Biomedical subjects

M Blumenthal

Publications and source records attributed to M Blumenthal.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Recurrent hyphema associated with IOL loop displacement treated with argon laser photocoagulation.

Recurrent late hyphema following cataract surgery and implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) is a rare complication, since there is usually no contact between the IOL and the anterior iris. If treatment with miotics or mydriatics fails, surgical removal of the IOL is often necessary. We report a patient with recurrent hyphema in his only myopic eye who had undergone two retinal detachment operations. A loop of the PC-IOL dislocated anteriorly through a peripheral iridectomy and caused localized pressure and recurrent bleeding. Conservative treatment with argon laser photocoagulation obviated more complex surgery in a high-risk patient.

Cataract Extraction↗

Efficacy and safety of nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

To assess the efficacy and safety of twice-daily administration of nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution, we performed a multicenter study involving 140 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Subjects had a history of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and positive results of a skin test to ragweed. The trial coincided with the peak ragweed pollen season at five treatment centers. Patients treated with nedocromil sodium had improvements in symptoms with statistically significant reductions recorded for eye itching (P less than or equal to .04), conjunctival injection (P less than or equal to .001), and overall disease severity (P less than or equal to .001) as compared to the placebo-treated group. Adverse events were minor and transient. We concluded that nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution administered twice daily is effective in relieving major symptoms associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Adolescent↗

HLA-DR2, [HLA-B7, SC31, DR2], and [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3] haplotypes distinguish subjects with asthma from those with rhinitis only in ragweed pollen allergy.

MHC haplotypes were determined for 52 patients with ragweed pollen allergy, with and without asthma, and 27 non-atopic controls. Total IgE levels were unimodally distributed in all study groups and were higher in atopic patients in general compared with non-atopics. There was no difference in total IgE levels in patients with rhinitis only compared with those with rhinitis and asthma. IgE anti-Amb a V was detected (after subtraction of values representing the means + 2 SD of the non-atopics) in 9 of 20 asthmatics but only 3 of 32 patients with only rhinitis and was thus associated with asthma. Mean anti-Amb a V was much higher in the antibody-positive asthmatics (1710 U/ml) than in the positive patients with rhinitis only (469 U/ml). The extended MHC haplotype [HLA-B7, SC31, DR2] and its possible DR-containing fragment (SC31, DR2), were found almost exclusively among the patients with IgE anti-Amb a V and were significantly elevated in patients with asthma. DR2 in general, but not DR2 without SC31, was significantly increased in frequency in patients with anti-Amb a V. In contrast, the extended haplotype [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3] and DR3 in general were increased among patients with rhinitis only and patients without IgE anti-Amb a V compared with general controls. Thus, [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3] and DR3 appear to be "protective" for the production of this antibody and the occurrence of asthma. The findings are consistent with an MHC-linked gene or genes on [HLA-B7, SC31, DR2] (but not necessarily DR2, Dw2, or DQw6 in general) controlling the IgE immune response to Amb a V and associated with asthma in ragweed pollen-sensitive subjects. In patients with rhinitis alone and generally undetectable levels of IgE anti-Amb a V, the increase in [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3] and DR3 may mark a response to an as yet unidentified Ag associated with ragweed allergy and rhinitis only.

Asthma↗

Cataract extraction in eyes filled with silicone oil.

A surgical technique for cataract extraction in eyes filled with silicone oil was developed that has two major objectives: removal of the entire cataractous lens and complete preservation of the silicone oil volume. A regular extracapsular cataract extraction or phacoemulsification is performed, and the incision is closed with the final sutures. All steps are performed under continuous positive pressure achieved with an anterior chamber maintainer connected to a bottle of balanced saline solution. An inferior basal iridectomy is created with a vitrectomy probe, and the posterior capsule is then slowly pulled out through the limbal incision with intraocular forceps, again under positive pressure, in an eye that is actually a closed system, without any loss of silicone. This step results in transformation of the extracapsular cataract extraction condition into an intracapsular cataract extraction condition. The described technique was successfully performed in nine eyes. In the younger patients, the whole procedure was completed through two very small limbal openings.

Adult↗

Exfoliation syndrome after cataract extraction.

The authors describe three cases in which exfoliative material was noted on the posterior surface of intraocular lenses, years after extracapsular cataract extraction and lens implantation in eyes where no exfoliative material was seen before the operation. All three cases had an open posterior capsule before the exfoliative material was first seen. This phenomenon has not been previously presented in the literature.

Aged↗

Self-inflicted ocular mutilation in the pediatric age group.

Three mentally retarded children with severe self-inflicted ocular injuries are presented. All three suffered from severe ocular injuries including retinal detachment resulting in progressive visual loss and even blindness. Self-inflicted injuries to the eyes, including self enucleation, is an extremely uncommon form of behavior, rarely encountered by pediatricians. The risk of ocular morbidity is high if the diagnosis is overlooked. Technical advances in ophthalmology permit much improvement in some formerly hopeless cases of ocular self-mutilation, but there is still no accurate method to repair destroyed retinal or nervous tissue. Early identification of patients at risk of ocular self-mutilation is essential in order to prevent or minimize such severe ocular injuries.

Child↗

Small-incision manual extracapsular cataract extraction using selective hydrodissection.

Hydrodissection is a technique in which balanced salt solution is injected through a cannula into various layers of a cataractous lens to separate the lens lamella in a nonspecific location. Selective hydrodissection allows separation of the lens lamella at different desired anatomical layers. The technique allows the smallest possible nucleus, ie, the hard-core nucleus, to be hydroexpressed as a separate entity, requiring, correspondingly, a relatively small capsulorhexis and limbal incision. Then, in a second maneuver, the epinucleus, which engulfs the hardcore nucleus to form the adult nucleus, also can be aspirated or hydroexpressed as a whole. Selective hydrodissection permits scleral incision and stitchless surgery in planned extracapsular cataract extraction and also may serve as an intermediate step for surgeons who wish to convert to or learn phacoemulsification techniques.

Cataract Extraction↗

Secondary cataract in infants after extracapsular cataract extraction and anterior vitrectomy.

Two infants developed secondary cataract after undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, posterior capsulectomy, and anterior vitrectomy. A similar complication developed in a third child, who had undergone ECCE and posterior capsulotomy. The secondary cataracts developed in these patients from 3 to 12 weeks after the primary operation. In infants, unlike adults, posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy after ECCE do not seem always to prevent secondary cataracts. In infants, the complication may be related to IOL implantation.

Anterior Eye Segment↗

The effect of continuous strenuous exercise on intraocular pressure.

The effect of a continuous 110-km march with a 20-kg backpack load on intraocular pressure (IOP), plasma osmolarity, blood lactate, pH, and other related laboratory parameters was studied in 22 healthy young volunteers. Intraocular pressure decreased significantly at all marching intervals and returned to baseline level 3 hr after the completion of marching. The maximal average reduction during marching was 4.1 mmHg, 26.5% below the baseline level. The IOP decreased again 48 hr after the march and returned to baseline level 48 hr later. There were two peaks of increased plasma osmolarity (one during the march and the other 48 hr after the march). There was no correlation between IOP changes and levels of pH, blood lactate, serum proteins, and electrolytes or hematologic parameters. These findings suggest that IOP reduction is related inversely to plasma osmolarity during and after strenuous exercise.

Adult↗

Direct intraoperative continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure.

We present a system of intraoperative continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP) consisting of a sterilizable pressure sensor attached to a digital monitor and an analogic recording instrument. Used in conjunction with an anterior-chamber maintainer, IOP may be accurately maintained at a specific and desired level.

Cataract Extraction↗

Nd:YAG laser trabeculopuncture in angle-recession glaucoma.

Nd:YAG laser trabeculopuncture (YLT) was performed in 12 eyes of 12 patients with angle-recession glaucoma. Confluent, 1-clock-hour trabeculotomy was attempted in all eyes. The calculated average laser energy was 181 +/- 86 mJ. Where possible, the midtrabecular meshwork was treated, preferably at the superior half. After a mean follow up of 12.0 +/- 5.6 months, intraocular pressure (IOP) was controlled (less than or equal to 19 mm Hg) in five eyes (41.7%). YLT was associated with blood reflux during or after treatment in all successfully treated eyes. In eyes that failed, blood reflux could be detected in only two of seven eyes (28.6%). YLT failed to control IOP in all five eyes that had angle-recession for 360 degrees. Following YLT, IOP rose in two eyes (16.6%), minimal hyphema occurred in one eye, and temporary flare and cells developed in the anterior chamber in all eyes. Six eyes (50%) required glaucoma surgery (four had trabeculectomy and two had Molteno implant surgery). We recommend YLT only for selected cases of uncontrolled angle-recession glaucoma in which at least part of the trabecular meshwork by gonioscopy appears to maintain its anatomical structure, permitting penetration into Schlemm's canal.

Adolescent↗

Postoperative complications after Molteno implant surgery.

We performed Molteno implant surgery in one eye each of 41 patients with uncontrolled glaucoma. Intraocular pressure was controlled (intraocular pressure less than or equal to 18 mm Hg) in 32 eyes (78%). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 40 +/- 13.2 mm Hg, whereas the mean postoperative intraocular pressure was 16 +/- 6.6 mm Hg. Patients were followed up for an average of 16 months after the operation. Visual acuity was unchanged in 23 eyes (56%), improved in nine eyes (22%), and poorer in nine eyes (22%). The major complications included shallow anterior chamber and hypotony in six eyes (14.6%), vitreous hemorrhage in two eyes (4.9%), retinal detachment in one eye (2.4%), and malignant glaucoma in two eyes (4.9%). Less grave complications included hyphema in four eyes (9.8%), peripheral choroidal effusion in 15 eyes (36.6%), obstruction of the tube in six eyes (14.6%), recession of the tube into the angle in two eyes (4.9%), erosion of the tube in one eye (2.4%), and Tenon's cyst formation in three eyes (7.3%).

Adolescent↗

Trabeculectomy with anterior vitrectomy in aphakic and pseudophakic glaucoma.

In 15 eyes with uncontrolled aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma, trabeculectomy with anterior vitrectomy was performed. Mean pre-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 38.2 +/- 6.7 mmHg and mean post operative IOP was 19.3 +/- 5.2 mmHg after follow-up of 11.2 2 months. The anterior chamber maintainer technique during vitrectomy has been employed. Success rate (IOP less than 21 mmHg with or without glaucoma medication) was 80%. Visual acuity remained unchanged in 4 eyes, improved in 5 eyes and worsened in 6 eyes. Postoperative complications included: two eyes with cystoid macular edema, two eyes with choroidal effusion and prolonged hypotony, one eye with self-absorbing vitreous hemorrhage and one eye with some opacification of the corneal graft. In aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma where vitreous is filling the anterior chamber--a combined trabeculectomy with anterior vitrectomy is indicated for removal of vitreous from the sclerostomy site with better aqueous flow through the sclerostomy and adequate control of IOP.

Adult↗

Lens anatomical principles and their technical implications in cataract surgery. Part I: The lens capsule.

Optimal fixation and position of an intraocular lens (IOL) is achieved when it is located in the capsular bag. A peripheral tear from the central opening to the lens periphery is associated with a high incidence of dislocation of at least one loop from within the capsular bag and lens decentration. A central round continuous capsulectomy (capsulorhexis), within the zonule-free area, provides long-term and balanced IOL fixation. To perform a well-controlled capsulectomy, a deep and stable anterior chamber should be maintained throughout the surgery. This is achieved by using a continuous anterior chamber maintainer that regulates the pressure in the anterior chamber. This paper reviews the clinical anatomical guidelines of the lens capsule and the anterior chamber and presents the authors' preferred technique for optimal anterior capsulectomy.

Anterior Chamber↗

Lens anatomical principles and their technical implications in cataract surgery. Part II: The lens nucleus.

Preservation of the intact ("true") capsular bag, with no tears to the periphery, is essential to assure permanent in-the-bag fixation of the intraocular lens. Removal of a large nucleus using the open-system planned extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) technique is often associated with tearing of the capsulectomy or serious complications such as zonular rupture, vitreous loss, unintended intracapsular cataract extraction, or posterior lens prolapse. A closed-system planned ECCE technique which allows a safe removal of the lens while maintaining the integrity of the capsular bag is presented. Hydrodissection of the lens nucleus to an epinucleus and a central hard nucleus allows hydroextraction of the small hard core while pushing the posterior capsule backward. The positive pressure in the anterior chamber, provided by the anterior chamber maintainer, keeps the position of the lens steady in its natural location, and minimizes the stress on the zonular apparatus during nucleus delivery. The remaining epinucleus can be either hydroexpressed or aspirated. Fracturing the central core, when possible, enables removal of the lens material through a small limbal incision. Viscoelastic material can be combined with a low-flow, anterior chamber maintainer in a closed-system and provides a useful surgical tool.

Cataract Extraction↗