Alpha-tocopherol deserves attention beyond its antioxidant properties for protecting retina from glaucomatous damage.

Abstract. A new surgical technique for cases of refractory glaucoma is described. The technique has been performed on 42 severely glaucomatous eyes. The technique consists of a partial excision of the ciliary body combined with a trabeculectomy to maintain an effective filtration by several passages. All excised material was verified as ciliary body by an ophthalmic pathologist. The follow-up period was 2 to 5 years. Intraocular pressure decreased after the operation and remained less than 20 mm Hg in 39 eyes. The visual acuity increased in 8 of 42 eyes and remained the same in 32 eyes. Complications were similar to those seen after trabeculectomy. This method is efficient for severely glaucomatous eyes that are difficult to manage with trabeculectomy alone. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2004;35:507-511.]

Because unusual pathogens may cause a conjunctivitis outbreak, physicians should not insist on empirical treatment. Taking conjunctival culture and antibiotic switching according to antibiogram may be helpful.

No abstract

Alone or in combination, the use of α-tocopherol and 5-FU is safer than other agents. By suppressing the cytotoxic effects of other antifibrotic agents, α-tocopherol is a promising drug for improving the effects of antifibrotics in many aspects of medicine. In addition, it has the potential to play a role beyond its antioxidant and antifibrotic activity in ocular surgery.