Selective LT was followed by an immediate increase in the aqueous humour LPO concentration and decreases of SOD and GST in the rabbit, probably due to photovaporization and photodisruption caused by the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser. The increased aqueous LPO levels suggest that free oxygen radicals are formed in the pigmented trabecular meshwork during LT, and may be responsible for the inflammatory complications of this procedure.

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the spectrum of conditions encompassed by the term ‘trachomatous cicatrization of eyelid tissue’, to discuss the mechanisms of scar tissue formation and to describe sequelae in this potentially blinding condition. Specimens of eyelid tissues were taken from 27 upper eyelids of 21 patients with entropion who underwent surgical procedures and 2 post-mortem upper eyelids with severe trachomatous entropion. Upper palpebral conjunctival swabs and biopsy specimens were taken from 5 patients with active trachoma and they were examined by fluorescence microscopy and routine histopathological methods. Conjunctival impression cytology samples were collected in all patients. In specimens taken from patients with active trachoma the inflammatory infiltrate was organized as lymphoid follicles in the underlying stroma and impression cytology showed cytoplasmic elementary bodies. In specimens taken from patients with scarring trachoma light microscopy studies showed subepithelial fibrous membrane formation, squamous metaplasia and loss of goblet cells, pseudogland formation in conjunctiva, degeneration of orbicularis oculi muscle fibres, subepithelial vascular dilatation, localized perivascular amyloidosis and subepithelial lymphocytic infiltration. Accessory lachrymal glands and the ducts of glands were compromised by subepithelial infiltration and scarring. The contraction of the subepithelial fibrous tissue formed by collagen fibres and anterior surface drying are the main factors contributing to the chronic cicatrization and entropion formation.

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate the tear flow, tear film stability and condition of mucus in patients with pinguecula.

Purpose: To investigate the direct toxic effects of bupivacaine HCl 0.5% and lidocaine HCl 2%, two commonly used injectable local anesthetic agents, on the corneal endothelium when applied intracamerally. Methods: Two groups were formed, each consisting of 12 pigmented rabbits, and 0.2 ml of the anesthetic agent were injected intracamerally into the right eyes. The central corneal thicknesses and corneal clarities were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, 12 h and 1, 3, 7 days postoperatively. While the central corneal thicknesses were evaluated by ultrasonic pachymetry, the corneal opacification scored between 0 and 3 was assessed by biomicroscopic examination and photographs. Results: Both bupivacaine and lidocaine caused corneal thickening in the 3- to 12-hour measurements. In addition, there was significant corneal opacification in both groups in the 3-hour and 3-day measurements. The corneal thickening and corneal opacification determined during 3- and 6-hour measurements in the eyes which received intracameral bupivacaine were significantly higher than those determined in the lidocaine-injected group. In both groups, the corneal thickness and corneal clarity scores returned to the preoperative values on the 1st and 7th days, respectively. Conclusions: When applied into the anterior chamber at the concentrations supplied commercially, both bupivacaine and lidocaine cause statistically significant corneal thickening and clinically significant corneal opacification. It should be noted that the injection of these agents into the anterior chamber during the operation at the concentrations supplied commercially may be a potential risk factor for endothelial injury.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of temporary canalicular occlusion with silicone plugs on trachomatous dry eye patients who were on maximal tolerable medical therapy. Results Six months after plug placement, 18 eyes (82%) of 22 patients had subjective improvement and all these patients successfully wore plugs for at least 6 months.