Self-tonometry could be established as an important diagnostic tool in the early diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma provided that a self-tonometer is precise, safe and easy to use. Furthermore, it has to comply with the legal standards for tonometer calibration. A new software-controlled detection system for the self-tonometer permits the evaluation of external factors during the measurement which influence the precision of the tonometric readings. The updated version of the self-tonometer (ST) was compared to the Draeger hand-held applanation tonometer (HAT) in a clinical study with 82 patients (151 eyes). The results show a regression line characterized by a slope of 0.99, an y interception of 1.41, a correlation coefficient of 0.96 and a standard deviation for the ST readings of +/- 1.78 mmHg. Self-tonometry improves the IOP monitoring as well as patient compliance and therefore is a potential diagnostic tool in the management of glaucoma.

Programmed cell death as a regulating pathomechanism was observed in all tissue parts of CNV with variable extension. In patients with AMD, a correlation existed between the length of time that CNV existed before surgery and the incidence of apoptotic cells. Apoptosis was found more frequently in recent CNV than in long-standing lesions. The various activity found in CNV suggests that the success of treatment may depend on the moment of intervention. To characterize the role of apoptosis further inducing and inhibiting factors have to be analyzed.

Both substances are suitable means of improving the rate of success of cyclodialysis ab interno, as they remain where they are instilled long enough to prevent wound scarring in the cyclodialysis cleft.

The differential diagnosis of a cartilaginous tumor most likely a choristoma growing in an unusual localisation should be considered in adults suffering from recurrent pterygia without known physical risk factors, and a curative excision be performed. Further treatment options depend on the appearance of the tumor.

The intensive cooperation of ophthalmologists and rheumatologists enables the successful treatment of apparently hopeless situations in necrotic sclerokeratitis in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. The rate of complications under an immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide was found at average 2.8 years follow-up to be low. The indication for the combined therapy depends on the ophthalmological findings; rheumatologists and ophthalmologists should decide on the appropriate dosage for the systemic cyclophosphamide therapy. Topical glucocorticosteroid therapy alone is contra-indicated.