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Biomedical subjects

Robert Ritch

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Ritch.

78 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Angle closure in younger patients.

PURPOSE: Angle-closure glaucoma is rare in children and young adults. Only scattered cases associated with specific clinical entities have been reported. We evaluated the findings in patients in our database aged 40 or younger with angle closure. METHODS: Our database was searched for patients with angle closure who were 40 years old or younger. Data recorded included age at initial consultation; age at the time of diagnosis; gender; results of slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (from 1993 onward); clinical diagnosis; and therapy. Patients with previous incisional surgery were excluded, as were patients with anterior chamber proliferative mechanisms leading to angle closure. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (49 females, 18 males) met entry criteria. Mean age (+/- SD) at the time of consultation was 34.4 +/- 9.4 years (range, 3-68 years). Diagnoses included plateau iris syndrome (35 patients), iridociliary cysts (8 patients), retinopathy of prematurity (7 patients), uveitis (5 patients), isolated nanophthalmos (3 patients), relative pupillary block (2 patients), Weill-Marchesani syndrome (3 patients), and 1 patient each with Marfan syndrome, miotic-induced angle closure, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, and idiopathic lens subluxation. CONCLUSION: The etiology of angle closure in young persons is different from that in the older population and is typically associated with structural or developmental ocular anomalies rather than relative pupillary block. Following laser iridotomy, these eyes should be monitored for recurrent angle closure and the need for additional laser or incisional surgical intervention.

Adolescent↗

Hyphema occurring during selective laser trabeculoplasty.

The first case of hyphema occurring during selective laser trabeculoplasty in an eye without neovascularization is described. A 77-year-old man with uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma received selective laser trabeculoplasty in both eyes for high intraocular pressure with maximally tolerated medical treatment. Hyphema occurred during selective laser trabeculoplasty in the left eye. This resolved spontaneously without sequelae. Successful intraocular pressure control was achieved. Hyphema and bleeding can happen during selective laser trabeculoplasty. Although this was transient and uneventful in one patient, careful monitoring of intraocular pressure and anterior chamber reaction is advised.

Aged↗

A new silicone eyecup for ultrasound biomicroscopy.

This study compared a new disposable silicone eyecup for high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy to the standard hard plastic eyecup. The results showed the silicone eyecup attenuated leakage of the medium in which the probe was immersed, decreased scanning time, decreased distortion of the iris and angle during scanning, enhanced image quality, and improved patient comfort. These findings indicate the silicone eyecup is a good alternative to the hard plastic eyecup and also is easier to use.

Anterior Eye Segment↗

Acute conformational changes in the optic nerve head with rapid intraocular pressure elevation: implications for LASIK surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of acute intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation on optic disc morphology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ophthalmodynamometry was used to increase the IOP of normal, healthy eyes. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy of the optic nerve head using the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II (Heidelberg GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) and IOP measurements were obtained before, during, and after IOP elevation. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes of 16 normal volunteers (mean age, 32.8 +/- 11.9 years) were enrolled. Rim area, rim volume, cup area, cup volume, cup-to-disc ratio, mean cup depth, maximum cup depth, mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and RNFL cross-sectional area showed significant changes during IOP elevation (all P < .05, paired t test). All measured parameters returned to their original values after pressure resolution (all P > .2) except mean RNFL thickness (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Transient elevation of IOP results in measurable alterations in optic nerve head topography.

Adult↗

A conjunctival retractor for glaucoma filtering surgery.

A new conjunctival retractor provides the desired exposure of the scleral bed during filtering surgery. It elevates the conjunctiva without causing crush injury and allows excellent exposure of the scleral bed with a smaller incision than is required when non-toothed forceps or Weck cell sponges are used. The surgeon or assistant holding the retractor can move it in various directions to provide a good view of any particular site for which exposure is needed.

Conjunctiva↗

Current concepts in the pathogenesis and management of exfoliation syndrome and exfoliative glaucoma.

Exfoliative glaucoma is a common, sight-threatening disease that develops as a consequence of exfoliation syndrome. There are important differences in the clinical appearance, course, and prognosis of exfoliative glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma. At the clinical, biochemical, and cellular levels, exfoliative glaucoma is a distinct entity, with an intriguing mechanism of development and numerous systemic manifestations that require further elucidation. The subtlety of clinical signs results in the diagnosis of exfoliative glaucoma often being overlooked and resulting in less-than-ideal management. We provide an overview of recent studies investigating the medical, laser, and surgical therapy of exfoliative glaucoma, with a focus on innovative approaches that may slow the progression of, or even prevent, the development of exfoliation syndrome and exfoliative glaucoma.

Antihypertensive Agents↗