Several cases of sudden, irreversible blindness have been reported in the world literature following injections of various drug combinations in the head and neck. The common feature these drugs have is their capacity to either produce direct neurotoxic effects or embolic phenomena. Two new cases which resulted from injection of the combination of a depo or long-acting corticosteroid (methylprednisolone acetate, 40 mg) and a local anesthetic and epinephrine or penicillin were added to the growing world literature. The ocular and systemic pathologic findings are described and important questions are raised as to the pathophysiology. The need for an animal model experiment to answer as many of these questions as possible is emphasized.

The sudden occurrence of unilateral and bilateral blindness, as reported in the literature from the personal experiences of numerous qualified investigators, occurring in humans and producing such catastrophic effects seems to mandate experimental effort to try and answer three basic questions: (1) Can an animal model be found which will demonstrate similar retinopathy for study? (2) If such a model is found, what mechanisms are involved in the production of the retinal pathologic changes? (3) What are the characteristics of the drug or drug combinations necessary to produce these pathologic changes?

The postoperative formation of attic retraction pockets following tympanoplasty, with or without mastoidectomy, has often been a significant cause of recurrent disease accompanied by decreased hearing levels. Nasal septal cartilage is recommended as a successful homograft material for attic support. The basis and indications for its use are discussed. Preparation and storage of the homograft materials and surgical technique are described. Long‐term results are reported, including a special group in which the status of the homograft material was assessed during revision surgery. Minimal complications have been encountered. Conclusions support the overall advantages of this technique utilizing homograft septal cartilage as an effective means of posterosuperior canal wall support, an aid in preventing retraction pocket formation.