It has been known for many years that ethanol has an impairing effect on binocular vision and the co-ordination of the ocular motor balance. Various parameters were compared before and after imbibition of a moderate dosage of ethanol. The results show an increase in esophoria (or decrease in exophoria) at 6 m, with a reduction in the negative fusional ability. They also show an increase in exophoria (or decrease in esophoria) at near, with a decrease in both the AC/A ratio and near point of convergence. There was no significant effect on the amplitude of accommodation. This study raises the possibility of an ophthalmic practitioner attempting to correct a transient, ethanol-induced ocular motor imbalance.

The relationship between distance accommodation ability and the near point of accommodation (NPA) was investigated following the instillation of a cycloplegic. A high correlation between the two parameters was found (p less than 0.001). It is suggested that the effect of a cycloplegic may be more directly assessed using distance accommodation measurement and, in the case of young children, with more ease. A limit of 0.75 D of distance accommodation ability is suggested as a threshold for satisfactory cycloplegia.

The results of a prospective study of low birthweight infants (less than 1500 g) identifies those at risk of retinopathy of prematurity (R.O.P.) as being less than or equal to 1250 g birthweight or less than or equal to 30 weeks post-conceptional age (P.C.A.). In these infants the incidence of R.O.P. was 60% (14% grades 3 or 4). In the remainder the overall incidence of R.O.P. was 24%, exclusively grades 1 or 2. Onset of R.O.P. consistently presented at a mean age of 35 weeks P.C.A. (SD 2.25). Routine retinal examination of all infants less than or equal to 1250 g birthweight or less than or equal to 30 weeks gestation is recommended between 33 and 37 weeks P.C.A.

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