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PubMed1991

The relationship of visual acuity, refractive error, and pupil size after radial keratotomy.

To better define the relationship between residual refractive error, uncorrected visual acuity, and pupil diameter, we compared 42 eyes that had an eight-incision radial keratotomy according to the Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy Study protocol with 42 matched control eyes. The parameters measured were best corrected visual acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, and the change in cycloplegic refraction with enlarging pupil diameter. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/16 in both the radial keratotomy and control groups, but the variability (SD) was higher in the radial keratotomy group. The average uncorrected visual acuity was 0.35 (35%) better in the radial keratotomy group, but the variability was 1.77 times higher. Change in refraction with dilation occurred in 9% of the controls and 36% of the radial keratotomy patients, indicating a significant difference (P = .002). The change in refraction with dilation in the eyes with radial keratotomy was almost equally split between a hyperopic change (17%) and a myopic change (18%), which was much different than in the control eyes, only 2% of which changed in a hyperopic direction and 7% in a myopic direction. The radial keratotomy patients with a myopic change had the best uncorrected visual acuity, indicating that positive spherical aberration yielded the best aspherical surface for uncorrected visual acuity.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Patching for corneal abrasion.

BACKGROUND: Recent audits show that corneal abrasion is a common presenting eye complaint. Eye patches are often recommended for treating corneal abrasions despite the lack of evidence for their use. This systematic review was conducted to determine the effects of the eye patch when used to treat corneal abrasions. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to test the hypothesis that patching an eye following a corneal abrasion improves healing or provides pain relief. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) on The Cochrane Library (2005, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to April 2005), EMBASE (1980 to April 2005), LILACS (13 April 2005), NRR (2005, Issue 2) and SIGLE (December 2004). There were no language or date restrictions in the searches. We also searched the reference lists of included studies, unpublished 'grey' literature and conference proceedings and contacted pharmaceutical companies for details of unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared patching the eye with no patching to treat simple corneal abrasions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted investigators for further information regarding quality of trials. The primary outcome was healing of the corneal epithelium and secondary outcomes were related to pain. MAIN RESULTS: Eleven trials, which randomised a total of 1014 participants, were included in the review. Meta-analysis of seven studies with dichotomous healing outcomes favoured no patching on the first day of healing (risk ratio (RR) 0.89, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.79 to 0.99). For days two and three there was no significant difference between the two groups. Of the nine trials that measured pain scores two favoured no patching and none favoured patching. Complication rates were low and no differences were noted in these between the two groups. No-patch groups generally received more adjuvant treatment with antibiotics and/or cycloplegics than the patch group which is an important confounding factor. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Treating simple corneal abrasions with a patch does not improve healing rates on the first day post-injury and does not reduce pain. In addition, use of patches results in a loss of binocular vision. Therefore it is recommended that patches should not be used for simple corneal abrasions. Further research should focus on large (greater than 10 mm(2)) abrasions.

Corneal Injuries↗
PubMed2002

Genetic loci for pathological myopia are not associated with juvenile myopia.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate chromosomal regions previously linked to pathological myopia for linkage to juvenile myopia in a sample of myopic children and their families. Of 125 families with a myopic child participating in the Orinda longitudinal study of myopia, 53 submitted 221 buccal swab samples for genetic analysis. Myopia in proband children was defined as -0.75 D or more myopia in both meridians on cycloplegic autorefraction (1% tropicamide). Affected status in parents and siblings was obtained by survey. DNA was extracted from buccal mucosal cells, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then analyzed with seven markers for chromosome 12 and five markers for chromosome 18 in the regions previously associated with pathological myopia. LOD scores were not significant for any marker tested. The largest positive LOD score was 0.15 for GATA30F04. Model-free methods using a SimIBD approach suggested a possible linkage at one marker, GATA6H09 (P = 0.003), but these results were not supported by transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis. The statistical power to detect LOD scores of > or =1.0, assuming homogeneity, was estimated at 93.2%. We found no confirmatory evidence of linkage between juvenile myopia and regions of chromosomes 12 and 18 previously associated with pathological myopia.

Child↗
PubMed1989

Lack of ocular changes with dimethyl sulfoxide therapy of scleroderma.

Eighty-four patients with scleroderma hand ulcers were treated 3 times daily for 3 months in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial by immersing their hands into bags of topical 70% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), topical 2% DMSO, or 0.85% normal saline. Fifty-five of the patients completed the study, 46 of whom received blinded initial (0 days) and final (12 weeks) full ophthalmologic examinations. This evaluation included past ocular history, past drug history, family ocular history, pupillary examination, cycloplegic refraction, motility study, applanation tension, indirect dilated funduscopic examination, and slit-lamp examination. No statistical difference in these ocular variables, including visual acuity, lenticular changes, and cataract development, were noted among the three groups, and in no patients were the DMSO-related lenticular changes reported in numerous animal studies found. The maximum theoretical dosage of DMSO administered was 2.6 g/kg/day, which is comparable to those used in the animal studies.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1977

Mechanism of methacholine-induced rise in intraocular pressure in the dog.

The mechanism of the methacholine-induced rise in intraocular pressure in the dog was studied to determine the basis of the relationship, if any, between lens thickness and intraocular pressure. The results rule out a vasodilator component in methacholine intraocular pressure elevation, and the tonometric recording of the elevation makes unlikely the involvement of methacholine stimulation of the rectus muscles of the eye. Thus, indirect evidence points to methacholine stimulation of ciliary muscle contraction with consequent thickening of the lens as responsible for its intraocular pressure-elevating effect and, hence, the ability of the response under investigation to specify the cycloplegic liability of a neurotropic antispasmodic agent.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The effect of continuous light on refractive error and the ocular components of the rat.

Phototoxic induced degeneration of the rat retina is a well-documented phenomenon resulting in losses of photoreceptors and their cell bodies, and an overall retinal thinning. This process may serve as a test of the hypothesis that the retinoscopic reflex originates from the inner limiting membrane of the retina. Retinal thinning should produce myopia in the absence of any other ocular component changes in a stable, mature eye if the inner limiting membrane model is correct. Phototoxic retinal degeneration was induced in 10 albino rats by exposure to 19 days of continuous light (1,800 cd m-2). Another 10 albino rats exposed to 12-hr on/12-hr off cycled light served as controls. Before and after the exposure to constant light, measures were made of refractive state by cycloplegic retinoscopy, corneal curvature and lens curvature by Purkinje image photography, and axial length of the globe by A-scan ultrasonography. Comparing pre- to post-exposure values, phototoxic degeneration resulted in a mean (+/- S.D.) myopic shift of -5.10 +/- 2.12 D (P < 0.002). The corneal curvature also steepened significantly (0.17 +/- 0.11 mm, equivalent to -6.0 D; P < 0.004), while the posterior curvature of the crystalline lens flattened by 0.21 +/- 0.22 equivalent mm (P < 0.027), and the axial length shortened by 0.11 +/- 0.11 equivalent mm (all tests Wilcoxon signed-rank; P < 0.025). Phototoxic rats underwent a mean retinal thinning of 49.6 mu compared to controls (Kruskal-Wallis test; P < 0.0008). No refractive or ocular parameters changed significantly in the controls. Phototoxic degeneration in the rat has optical consequences beyond simple retinal thinning. The size of the eye and the curvature of refractive surfaces can be altered in a mature eye well after the completion of development. The multiple changes which occur prevent phototoxic retinal thinning from serving as a test of the inner limiting membrane model for retinoscopic reflections.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Refractive evaluation in thalidomide embryopathy.

To evaluate the ocular findings associated with thalidomide embryopathy, we examined 86 of 100 Swedes who had a proven correlation between birth defects and the mother's intake of thalidomide during pregnancy. Cycloplegic refraction, keratometry, and axial length measurements were performed. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their physical malformations, giving a time frame for when in gestation the insult occurred (the sensitive phase for thalidomide is 20-36 days after conception). The results indicate a trend toward shorter and longer axial lengths, high refractive errors, and corneal astigmatism in thalidomide embryopathy compared to controls, and in addition there was a tendency for those anomalies to occur in the group with the earliest thalidomide-induced defects. It is suggested that thalidomide disturbs the growth and shape of the eye and that this effect is exerted early in its teratogenic period.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1993

Heritability of myopic refractive errors in identical and fraternal twins.

The existence of a visual feedback control of eye growth in humans is controversial, as the contributions of genetic and environmental factors are still unknown. To evaluate the heritability of refractive defects, we measured ocular refraction in 19 monozygote and 20 dizygote twin pairs (mean age 5 years). Monozygosity was ascertained by a common chorion, similarity of somatic traits, and identical dermatogliphes and was confirmed in myopes by blood marker diagnosis. Ocular refractive defects and axial length were evaluated by cycloplegic autorefractometry and biometry. By comparing identical and fraternal twins heritability of refractive defects was estimated to be 0.08-0.14; this low value indicates that the observed variability in refractive errors is nongenetic in origin. Three monozygote pairs were anisomyopic; differences between eyes in identical twins were related to the increased axial length of myopic eyes. In one eye, myopia was attributed to visual deprivation induced by a congenital cataract, while in five eyes it was correlated directly to the degree of astigmatic defects. The discordant axial length observed in monozygote twins is nongenetic. In agreement with previous findings reported in the literature, it is proposed that visual impoverishment of retinal images may play an early regulatory role in postnatal eye growth.

Blood Grouping and Crossmatching↗
PubMed1993

Accommodative response changes with age measured by pattern electroretinogram.

To evaluate whether the transient pattern electroretinogram reflects accommodation, we studied the amplitudes of the P-N component of transient pattern electroretinograms that were elicited in normal volunteers by reversing the checkerboard pattern. The stimuli were presented at a rate of three-reversals per second at a viewing distance of 20 cm. Each subject wore a lens that corrected for distance vision. The ophthalmic lenses were placed in front of the eye. A +12-diopter lens was used first, followed by lenses in decreasing 1-diopter steps, including minus lenses, until no response was recordable. The P-N amplitude was then plotted against increased accommodative stimulus. The graph showed a rapid increase to around 4 diopters, and then a slow decrease with increasing minus lens power. The gradually decreasing part of the graph became steeper under cycloplegic conditions. The amplitude of accommodative response was defined as the difference in diopters between the lens powers for eliciting an electroretinogram amplitude after cycloplegia was achieved and in the untreated pupil. The amplitude of accommodative response attenuated significantly in those subjects older than 40 years.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed2001

Diisopropylfluorophosphate alters retinal neurotransmitter levels and reduces experimentally-induced myopia.

The excessive enlargement of the eye seen in myopia is known to be regulated, in part, by retinal neurotransmitters. One excitatory retinal neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, has been implicated in the signal cascade through the effectiveness of the muscarinic antagonist, atropine, in preventing myopia development. The present study therefore examined whether an indirect cholinomimetic, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), could increase the level of experimental myopia, induced by the deprivation of pattern vision. Injections of either phosphate-buffered DFP or phosphate-buffered saline were made every 48 h into the vitreous chamber of one eye of chicks. The injected eye was then deprived of pattern vision by a translucent occluder. The fellow eye remained untreated and acted as a genetic control. At the end of the treatment period (8 days) axial ocular dimensions and cycloplegic refractive error were measured. To investigate the effects of DFP on retinal neurotransmitter levels, measurements of acetylcholine and dopamine contents were made on retinal tissue following either a single or multiple DFP injections, using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Rather than potentiating myopia and vitreous chamber elongation, a significant reduction in myopia (58%) was observed in DFP-injected deprived eyes, compared to saline controls. However, open eyes injected with DFP showed no difference in refraction or vitreous chamber depth compared to contralateral control eyes or saline controls. HPLC analysis revealed increased steady-state content of acetylcholine (+34 +/- 6 ng/mg protein, mean +/- SEM, P<0.01, equivalent to a 54% increase) and dopamine (+377 +/- 83 pg/mg protein, P<0.01, a 36% increase) in DFP-treated eyes compared to contralateral control eyes following a single DFP injection. No changes in either acetylcholine or dopamine content were found in saline-treated control animals. Injection of dopamine antagonists, in combination with DFP, indicated that the DFP-induced reduction in myopia is mediated, at least in part, through a D2 receptor mechanism. Findings argue against a direct cholinergic 'stop-go' pathway controlling ocular growth. Instead the reduction of induced myopia could be related to the action of DFP (directly or indirectly) on dopamine levels in the retina.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2003

[Examination of preschool children for refractive errors. First experience using a handheld autorefractor].

BACKGROUND: Since ametropia is a leading cause of amblyopia refractive screening of preschool children is recommended. Measurement of refraction using tabletop autorefractors can be difficult or impossible due to lack of cooperation in this age group. The intention of the present study is to evaluate the use of a new handheld autorefractor for screening in kindergartens. METHODS: A total of 216 children aged 3.5-4.5 years were examined without cycloplegia using the handheld autorefractor (SureSight, Welch Allyn) in their kindergartens. RESULTS: Using the test device the majority of the examined eyes showed mild hyperopia (on average +1.18+/-0.87 dpt spherical equivalent) and mild astigmatism (on average 0.60+/-0.46 dpt cylinder power). The reproducibility of repeated autorefractor readings was higher for cylinder power and axis than for the spherical equivalent. Autorefractor readings of 55 eyes could be compared with the results of cycloplegic retinoscopy. The results were similar between the two measurements with differences of no more than 0.5 dpt in 18.2% for the spherical equivalent, in 82.1% for cylinder power, and in 66.6% for axis (weighted axis difference). There was adequate cooperation in 99.5% of the children. CONCLUSION: The handheld autorefractor proved an accuracy of measurement comparable to that of conventional tabletop autorefractors for cylinder power and axis with limitations in accuracy for the spherical equivalent. Validity and threshold values for relevant abnormalities are to be evaluated in further studies. By the high cooperation rate the instrument proved useful for screening examinations in preschool children.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2006

[Neovascular glaucoma: aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment].

Neovascular glaucoma, as a typical secondary glaucoma, is due to ocular or (earlier) systemic diseases. The formation of a fibrovascular membrane on the anterior surface of the iris (rubeosis iridis) and extending into the chamber angle leads to irreversible obliteration of the outflow system, with a corresponding rise in intraocular pressure. The most frequent cause is retinal ischaemia resulting either from vascular occlusion or from diabetic alterations. The differential diagnosis must include acute angle-closure glaucoma and uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the actual cause or at least reducing the risk factors (e.g. by retinal laser coagulation), or consists in cyclodestructive procedures. Medicamentous therapy comprises anti-inflammatory agents (steroids, cycloplegic agents) and substances that reduce the production of aqueous humour (carbonic anhydrase antagonists, beta blockers). In the near future, antiangiogenic medication might be another effective option. For end-stage neovascular glaucoma, the implantation of drainage devices is also discussed.

Capillaries↗
PubMed2001

[Follow-up of trabeculectomy. Complications and therapeutic consequences].

BACKGROUND: Intensive follow-up after trabeculectomy is important for long-term success. In the postoperative period, complications must be detected early in order to initiate adequate therapeutic measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study 113 eyes from 113 consecutive patients were followed-up for a period of 6 months after trabeculectomy with regard to postoperative complications and therapeutic decisions (invasive and conservative). Criteria of success were defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) < 21 mmHg without antiglaucomatous treatment as well as an IOP reduction > 20% compared to the preoperatively treated IOP. RESULTS: Most of the postoperative complications occurred within the first 3 weeks: scarring of the filtering bleb (47.6%), choroidal detachment (18.6%), shallowing of the anterior chamber (8%), fibrinous reaction (5.3%), overfiltration (4.4%), reduced flow under the scleral flap (4.4%), corneal dellen (3.5%), prolapse of the iris (3.5%), external fistulation (2.7%), increase of the IOP due to steroids (1.8%), detachment of the ciliary body (1.8%) and malignant glaucoma (0.9%). In the postoperative period, 45.1% of the eyes needed further interventions such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections (28.3%), needling and 5-FU-injections (14.2%), laser suturolysis (6.2%). Repositioning of the iris, YAG-laser iridotomy, laser treatment of the filtering bleb, autologous blood injection and cyclocryoapplication were needed only in rare cases and 36.3% received other conservative treatment (i.e. modification of topical steroids, increase of cycloplegic treatment). After 6 months the success rate without antiglaucoma medication was 88.5%. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive follow-up after trabeculectomy is mandatory to avoid postoperative failure. In about half of the patients postoperative additional therapeutic measures became necessary, particularly if scarring of the filtering bleb occurred. Paying attention to these factors yields in a high success rate after filtering surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Efficiency of a video-autorefractometer used as a screening device for amblyogenic factors.

BACKGROUND: High ametropia is known as a risk factor in developing amblyopia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of a commercially available infrared videorefractometer (PowerRefractor) in examining children, and to evaluate its effectiveness in detecting amblyogenic factors of the refraction. The influence of cycloplegia was of interest. METHODS: A total of 255 eyes (-28.25 D to +7.88 D spherical equivalent) of 128 patients (1-81 years) were examined by cycloplegic retinoscopy. All of them were measured with the PowerRefractor under cycloplegia. Fifty-four of these patients (108 eyes) were additionally measured without cycloplegia. The technique of the device is based on the eccentric photorefraction method. Both eyes can be measured simultaneously from a distance of 1 m. A video-analysis of each eye is computed in three meridians. The subject can be observed in real time on a screen, and the refraction is immediately available. RESULTS: Measurement of refraction was possible at all ages. More effort was required with young children who could not cooperate well with the procedure of conventional table-top autorefractometers. The mean sensitivity in detection of any amblyogenic ametropia was 80% with and without cycloplegia. The specificity was 61% with cycloplegia and 84% without. The rate of false-negative results in the detection of anisometropia, hyperopia and astigmatism ranged from 10% to 24%. In particular, high astigmatism and hyperopia remained undiscovered. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of the photorefractor which was the subject of the evaluation in detecting amblyogenic ametropia was comparable to that of other devices described previously in the literature. The method is suitable for use in children, but anisometropia, high astigmatic and hyperopic ametropia remained undiscovered in several cases. Commercial interest: none.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Risk of strabismus and ambylopia in children with hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to determine the risk of strabismus and ambylopia in children who underwent operation for hydrocephalus and to compare our results with those in previous studies. METHODS: Full orthoptic and ophthalmological examinations, including cycloplegic refraction, were performed in all subjects. RESULTS: Ten of 25 patients (40%) were found to have manifest squint. Four of these had esotropia and six had exotropia. No paretic squint or alphabetic pattern strabismus was determined. Refraction measurements revealed amblyogenic refractive errors (significant refractive errors that cause amblyopia) in five of the 25 (20%) patients in this study. Strabismus and the risk of amblyopia were found to be significantly higher in patients who experienced shunt revision than those who had not (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Amblyopia, strabismus, and other acquired defects in the visual system related to hydrocephalus should be closely monitored and treated when indicated. Regular ophthalmic supervision will provide and help to maintain the best possible standard of vision in children with hydrocephalus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Changes in astigmatism in children with congenital nystagmus.

BACKGROUND: Astigmatism is commonly reported in children with and without nystagmus. In children less than 4 years of age the astigmatism changes from against the rule (ATR) to with the rule (WTR) astigmatism in children without nystagmus. However, little is known about children with congenital nystagmus. We compared astigmatism in children with congenital nystagmus below 4 years and above 4 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-six eyes in 178 children who satisfied the study criteria were included. The children were divided into those below 4 years of age (n of eyes = 192) and those above (n of eyes = 164). Cycloplegic refraction (with manual retinoscopy) carried out at presentation and at the last follow-up were recorded and compared. Cycloplegia was achieved using cyclopentolate eye drops. Outcome of eyes with no astigmatism at initial presentation was compared with the final refraction in both the age groups. The visual acuity at the first presentation was compared with the visual acuity at the last presentation. RESULTS: Average follow-up duration was 3.36+/-1.59 years. On presentation, 176 (49.44%) eyes did not have any astigmatism. We found that 26 (25.2%) out of the 103 children below 4 years of age who did not have any astigmatism on presentation developed WTR astigmatism after a mean follow-up of 3.5+/-1.5 years. (p= 0.042). In children >or=4 years of age only 7 (9.6%) children out of 73 developed WTR after a mean follow-up of 3.4+/-1.4 years. The visual acuity change was not found to be significant in the two groups. The majority (90.3%) improved or had same visual acuity in group A and 88.9% improved or had the same visual acuity in group B at the last follow-up (p= 0.77). DISCUSSION: Our incidence of WTR astigmatism in children with congenital nystagmus is similar to those previously reported series. Our data suggest that there is a significant chance that children under 4 years with congenital nystagmus may develop WTR astigmatism compared with children above 4 years of age. CONCLUSION: With the rule (WTR) astigmatism is common in children with nystagmus. Children under 4 years of age presenting with no astigmatism may acquire WTR astigmatism as they grow. The amount of astigmatism increases with age in children with nystagmus. Visual acuity, however, remains stable as the age advances.

Astigmatism↗
PubMed2004

Pattern VEP is a useful technique in monitoring the effectiveness of occlusion therapy in amblyopic eyes under occlusion therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and clinical significance of pattern visual evoked potential (P-VEP) parameters on visual acuity in amblyopic patients under occlusion therapy. METHODS: A total of 34 consecutive children with anisometropic amblyopia were included in this study. All patients underwent a full initial ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluation. P-VEP test was performed in all cases and binocular vision was tested and recorded with Worth's four-dot test and Bagolini striated glasses at each visit. Part-time occlusion therapy was performed by using adhesive patches. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SEM) cycloplegic refractive error was + 5.6 +/- 0.6 diopters (D) in the amblyopic eyes and + 1.8 +/- 0.2 D in the normal eye. The mean levels of best-corrected visual acuity were statistically differed between each measurement for occlusion therapy (for each, p < 0.05). The ratio of the patients with binocular vision increased after 6 months occlusion therapy and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, P100 amplitude improved at each visit and the difference was significant when compared with baseline values (for each, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: P100 amplitude of the P-VEP test parallels the improvement in subjective visual acuity in amblyopic eyes under occlusion therapy. Therefore, this test may be useful in monitoring the visual acuity in the preverbal or non-verbal patched patients.

Amblyopia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of topical 0.3% ofloxacin to fortified tobramycin-cefazolin in the therapy of bacterial keratitis.

BACKGROUND: In this study we compared topical ofloxacin with a combination of fortified tobramycin sulphate and cefazolin sodium solutions in the treatment of culture-proved bacterial keratitis. METHODS: 30 eyes of culture-proved bacterial corneal ulcers of moderate severity were included in a prospective randomized, controlled, double-masked study for comparison. The cases were randomly allocated to treatment with 0.3% ofloxacin solution (Group I) and combination of fortified antibiotics (1.5% tobramycin and 5% cefazolin solutions--Group II as control) along with supportive cycloplegic, vitamins and antiglaucoma therapy. Time for healing of ulcer and subjective symptoms were main outcome measures. Student's t-test was used to compare the results. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the two most common organisms isolated. Resolution of the ulcer was achieved in 93% and 87% in the treated and the control group, respectively. The mean duration of symptomatic relief was 7.8 +/- 1.54 days in the treated group and 8.33 +/- 1.44 days in the control group; for epithelial healing it was 15.0 +/- 3.86 days in the treated group and 15.46 +/- 3.86 days in the control group. Post resolution the best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or better was achieved in all but one eye each in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both ofloxacin 0.3% and combined fortified tobramycin 1.5% and cefazolin 5% topical drops were comparable for treating cases of bacterial corneal ulcer of moderate severity. However, considering the easy availability and cost effectiveness of ofloxacin, a monotherapy with ofloxacin may be preferred over the combined, fortified tobramycin and cefazolin therapy.

Adolescent↗