VOLUME 66 - ISSUE 6

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the severity or stage of diabetic retinopathy and associated risk factors in a southern Brazilian population. METHODS: Transversal study of diabetic patients without previous ophthalmologic treatment, seen at a University eye clinic. These patients underwent fundus photography, complete blood work-up, systemic blood pressure measurement, urine analysis, and were questioned about risk factors previously determined by the authors. The presence or absence of risk factors was compared to the severity of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were selected, 28 male, 53 female, 55 Caucasians, 26 African descendants, 28 had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 53 had non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Factors related to more severe diabetic retinopathy include: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (a<0.01), nephropathy (a<0.05), proteinuria (a<0.05), duration of the disease (p<0.001), elevated fasting plasma glucose (p=0.11), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA (1c)) (p=0.001), total serum cholesterol (p=0.019), lower hematocrit (p=0.004) and hemoglobin (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of diabetic retinopathy appears to be associated with risk factors such as duration of disease, type of diabetes, poor metabolic control, hemoglobin levels, total cholesterol and proteinuria. Factors apparently not related to severity of diabetic retinopathy include gender, age, systemic hypertension and hypomagnesemia.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Diabetes mellitus; Risk factors; Brazil; Adult; Male; Female

PURPOSE: To evaluate microkeratome complications related to laser in situ keratomileusis - LASIK - in a residency program. METHODS: A total of 1,611 eyes were retrospectively evaluated after being submitted to laser in situ keratomileusis - LASIK surgery from January 1998 to June 2000 in the Refractive Surgery Clinic. RESULTS: There were 26 (1.61%) complications on performing the flap with the microkeratome and, described as 9 (34.61%) incomplete flap, 9 (34.61%) thin, 2 (7.69%) free cap, 5 (19.23%) irregular, 1 (3.84%) buttonhole. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of microkeratome complications in a residency program was low and the training of residents and trainees in refractive surgery has shown to be a viable practice.

Keywords: Keratomileusis laser in situ; Laser surgery; Cornea; Internship and residency; Intraoperative complications

PURPOSE: To compare the results of scanning laser polarimetry of the retinal nerve fiber layer obtained by using the GDx Scanning Laser System® in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and nonglaucomatous Brazilian subjects over 40 years, also analyzing the differences between the data obtained from right and left eyes. METHODS: Forty-six POAG patients and 44 normal subjects were enrolled in this study. Retardation data were assessed by the GDx Scanning Laser System®. The medians of the parameters printed in the result were compared in these two groups, separately in the right and left eyes, using Mann-Whitney's test. Also the frequencies of outside normal parameters and quadrants of deviation from normal graph were compared in these two groups, using chi-square or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: All parameters obtained by GDx differed in a statistically significant way between the two groups, except symmetry for left eyes. The frequency of inferior quadrant with p<5% regarding deviation from normal graph was higher in the glaucomatous group. The most frequent outside normal limits parameters in the glaucomatous group were: maximal modulation, ellipse modulation, superior average and inferior average. All parameters except symmetry and superior/nasal differed between right and left eyes in the nonglaucomatous group. CONCLUSION: The parameters obtained by GDx are different in normal and glaucomatous subjects of that population. There are some parameters that deviate from normal values with a greater frequency in glaucomatous patients. An evident difference between the data of right and left eyes of normal subjects in this group was also observed.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Nerve fibers; Retina; Ophthalmological diagnostic technics; Perimetry

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of eye lesions in patients with active and non active leprosy who are being accompanied in a reference center. METHODS: The transverse study consisted of ocular examinations and the study of demographic and clinical-epidemiological data, in the reference center in the city of Rio Branco, AC (Brazil). The study was conducted between October of 2001 and April of 2002. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-four patients were examined, the average age was 41.9 years, 70.1% were males and 29.9% females; 73.6% were from the urban area, 76.8% were of the multibacillary form and 23.2% were of the paucibacillary form. Abnormalities of the ocular annexes were observed in 49.6% of the patients (n=126) and of the ocular globe in 39.4% (n=100), the most frequent being hypoesthesia of the cornea, cataract, madarosis, hiperchromic patches, hypolacrimation, and punctate keratitis. The eye lesions (74.4%) had unequal frequencies (r<0.0001), being predominant among those older than 40 years (48.4%, against 26.0% in those under 40 years of age), multibacillary form (76.8% against 23.2% in the paucibacillary form), and in those with a leprosy history of more than 5 years (76.8% against 23.2% leprosy history of less than 5 years). Ocular globe alterations were more frequent in patients who had concluded specific treatments (r<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of ocular morbidity in these leprosy patients, in almost three quarters (74.4%) of those examined in the outpatient clinics, appeared similar to that described in literature and was more frequent in the multibacillary form of the disease and in patients over 40 years of age.

Keywords: Leprosy; Eye infections, bacterial; Leprosy; Blindness; Brazil; Cross-sectional studies

PURPOSE: To check if there is functional damage to magnocellular cells using the frequency doubling technology (FDT), after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis-LASIK intraocular pressure increase and to analyze the benefit of this test in patients undergoing refractive surgery, regarding involved costs. METHODS: Prospective study in 19 ametropic patients undergoing refractive laser assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery, at the "Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba". Two frequency doubling technology examinations were performed in both eyes of patients before LASIK and one examination was done after the surgery. The assessment of the difference between the measurements of MD (Delta MD) was considered the dependent variable to formulate an evaluation of multiple regression. The costs of the frequency doubling technology and LASIK were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no difference between the MD (mean deviation) and PSD (pattern standard deviation) before and after the procedure (p= 0.4454 and p= 0.9716, respectively). The continuous variables did not significantly influence Delta MD (r²= 4.1%; F= 0.15; p= 0.96). We considered 1500 LASIK surgeries during one year at the "Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba", and the average cost of this surgery is R$ 373.27. The frequency doubling technology costs R$ 13.15 for each patient. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between MD and PSD (pattern standard deviation) before and after the surgery. The frequency doubling technology has high sensitivity and specificity and low cost, so it could be used in patients undergoing refractive surgery (high cost) to avoid the laser assisted in situ keratomileusis in glaucoma patients.

Keywords: Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis; Cost -benefit analysis; Refractive errors; Retinal ganglion cells; Perimetry

PURPOSE: To evaluate the agreement between optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) regarding the detection of cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery. METHODS: Retrospective comparative observational series of 25 eyes with suspected CME. Patients with low visual acuity and alterations in fundus biomicroscopy after cataract surgery underwent OCT scanning followed by FFA on the same visit. The diagnosis of CME was established considering fluorescein leakage on FFA and retinal thickness and/or cystoid spaces and/or subretinal fluid on OCT. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients were enrolled. Twenty-two eyes had similar results on both OCT and FFA, of which 15 eyes had CME and 7 eyes had no CME. Two eyes had CME detected only by FFA and one eye only by OCT. The agreement between the two examinations was good (Kappa = 0.7331; p=0.0001) with no tendency to have neither more positive nor negative findings (p=1.0). CONCLUSION: According to these preliminary data, OCT seems to be as effective as FFA to detect CME with a good agreement between the two techniques.

Keywords: Macular edema, cystoid; Cataract extraction; Fluorescein angiography; Tomography; Comparative study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the refractive results and safety of PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) based on the preoperative corneal topography. METHODS: 44 operated eyes, using the photorefractive keratectomy process, and which presented preoperative topographical abnormalities. The control group consisted of 44 eyes with preoperative normal corneal topography. Eighty-eight eyes were submitted to the photorefractive keratectomy process using the Summit Apex plus Excimer Laser. Corneal topographies were accessed by the EyeSys Analysis system; the topographic abnormalities which were considered are the following: apex displacement above 1.5D (AD), asphericity above 0.25D/mm (AS), obliquity above 15 degrees (OB), inferior-superior asymmetry equal to or more than 1.5D (IS), curvature above 47D (CU) and two combined features (CB). Main measured outcome: loss of one or more lines were safety defined for the prognosis. RESULTS: All patients were followed up during 6 months. A significant loss of BCVA occurred in PRK-AD (p<0.001) and PRK-CO (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that patients, who wish to be submitted to the refractive surgery must undergo preoperative corneal topography analysis and if any topographic abnormality is found in these patients, this can indicate the loss of lines of corrected vision after surgery.

Keywords: Myopia; Laser surgery; Keratectomy; photorefractive; Excimer laser; Cornea topography; Refractive errors; Low vision

PURPOSE: To evaluate external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) performed in children. METHODS: Retrospective study of 16 children under 10 years old, with lacrimal obstruction and treated with the external DCR procedure, between 1986 and 2001. The patient's features, complaints, examinations, utilized surgical technique and its results were evaluated. RESULTS: The sample showed no differences regarding sex and age. 87.5% of the patients were submitted to external DCR without intubation. 62.5% had resolution of their epiphora with only one surgery and 81.0%, with one reoperation. CONCLUSION: External DCR, performed, in childhood, has a similar behavior to that observed in adults.

Keywords: Dacryocistorhinostomy; Lacrimal apparatus; Retrospective studies; Child

PURPOSE: To evaluate characteristics of glaucoma patients at our university hospital facility. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that shows comprehensive clinical factors presented by patients on their first appointment at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP Glaucoma Department, from January 2000 through January 2001. The data originated from a social, demographic and comprehensive analysis of our prerecorded files. RESULTS: The group consisted of elderly people, mostly Caucasian, female, married and retired, or with a domestic lifestyle, about 89% from the state of São Paulo. It was observed that 928 (56.44%) of the studied eyes presented visual acuity lower than 1.0 logMAR and that 689 (41.9%) of the studied eyes displayed visual acuity above or equal to 1.0 logMAR. The advanced optic-disk cup, above or equal to 0.8, was found in 42.03% of the studied eyes. A significant number of patients displayed advanced pathological conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that 41.9% of the cases presented blindness in one eye from the very onset, and that 42.03% of the eyes presented advanced cup above or equal to 0.8, suggesting advanced glaucoma.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Blindness; Blindness

PURPOSE: To report the results of conservation of the ocular globe after treatment with carboplatin and laser; with or without the use of other forms of local treatment or radiotherapy, if necessary. METHODS: All eyes, initially untreated, were evaluated using indirect ophthalmology under inhalation anesthesia in an outpatient clinic treatment setting. They were categorized according to the Reese-Ellsworth system; thereafter, the patients were evaluated clinically by a pediatric oncologist. The patients received the first cycle of chemotherapy consisting of intravenous carboplatin 200 mg/m², vincristine 1.5 mg/m² and etoposide 150 mg/m², for three days. This was followed by other cycles with intervals of between 21 and 28 days. From 7 to 15 days after the end of the chemotherapy cycle, another indirect ophthalmoscopy under inhalation anesthesia was performed, with documentation of the findings and laser hyperthermia application, using a Diode laser, 810 nm, continuous pulse with a large spot size. The procedure (chemotherapy and laser) was repeated until complete cicatrization of all lesions was observed, or until the need for another treatment modality such as radiotherapy or enucleation became apparent. Follow-up examinations every two months during the first year and three months thereafter were done for review and for treatment of recurrent or new lesions. Pediatric oncology follow-up was also done throughout the entire initial assessment and follow-up period. RESULTS: We treated a total of 62 patients with retinoblastoma, of whom 32 were male and 30 female. Fifteen were unilateral and 47 were bilateral with a total of 107 eyes. The mean age was 16.9 months (2.6 - 71.4). In 5 patients we administered 4 cycles of chemotherapy; but in most cases we found it necessary to use between 4 - 8 chemotherapy cycles. In 34 eyes we could not avoid the use of radiotherapy. The mean follow-up time was 26.8 months (5 - 60). In the bilateral cases, we were able to conserve the globe as follows (Reese & Ellsworth): I 10/11 (90.9%); II 8/9 (88.8%); III 10/10 (100.0%); IV 3/8 (37.5%); V 14/54 (25.9%). Considering all those bilateral cases we reached conservation of 48.9% of the treated eyes. In the unilateral group, we were able to conserve the globe as follows: I 0/0 (0%); II 2/2 (100%); III 1/3 (33.3%); IV 1/3 (33.3%); V 0/0 (0%). Considering the total we conserved 26.6% of the unilateral cases. There was no case of nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity among our patients.

Keywords: Retinoblastoma; Retinal neoplasms; Carboplatin; Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Eye enucleation; Prospective studies; Child; Male; Female

PURPOSE: To evaluate the understanding of the patient submitted to corneal transplant regarding the type of surgery, used treatment, rejection signs and final outcome satisfaction, at Cornea and External Disease Sector of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). METHODS: 42 patients submitted to corneal transplant were interviewed using a questionnaire that includes multiple variables regarding knowledge on the general procedure, postoperative treatment, rejection signs and satisfaction with the final outcome. We also collected data about the diagnosis and the transplant. The data were tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: 67% of 42 interviewed patients did not know what a corneal transplant is, 67% did not know about rejection signs, 30% did not know the purpose of postoperative medicines and 71% were satisfied with the final outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Most of transplanted patients do not know the meaning of corneal transplant, rejections signs and the correct use of medicines but are satisfied with the final outcome.

Keywords: Corneal transplantation; Ophthalmic solutions; Treatment outcome; Questionnaires; Patient satisfaction; Graft rejection

PURPOSE: To analyze the findings observed using the Humphrey Field Analyzer in patients with subtle visual field defects caused by chiasmal compression and study the best strategy for their detection. METHODS: Twelve patients with chiasmal compression were prospectively studied by manual and automated perimetry. Seventeen eyes with subtle defects on Goldmann perimetry were studied with the Humphrey Field Analizer, 24-2 threshold test. Analyzed items included: the gray scale drawing, the mean deviation, the number of missing points in the temporal as well as on the nasal hemi-field observed both on the total as well as on the pattern deviation. A mean deviation index was calculated using 12 points in the superior temporal quadrant and 12 points in the superior nasal quadrant. Findings from the nasal field were compared with those of the temporal field using Student's t test. RESULTS: Analysis of the gray scale pattern failed to identify the field defect in six eyes. Calculated superior temporal and nasal temporal mean deviation were respectivelly -9.65 ± 6.48 e -3.98 ± 2.30. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the two values. The mean number of missing points in the temporal hemifield observed on the total deviation was 11.64 ± 7.35 and in the nasal 8.11 ± 5.07. There was no significant difference between these data. On pattern deviation, the mean number of missing points in the temporal hemi-field was 5.82 ± 5.42 and in the nasal 2.41 ± 2.64. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: A simple analysis of the gray scale of visual fields fails to identify early defect from chiasmal compression in a significant number of patients. The observation of missing points on total deviation also seems to be insufficient to identify such field defects. The comparison between the mean deviation calculated in the nasal and temporal quadrants and the observation of a higher number of missing points in the temporal field compared to the nasal field on pattern deviation seem to be useful to detect such field defects.

Keywords: Perimetry; Diagnostic techniques ophthalmological; Pituitary neoplasms

PURPOSE: To analyze price variations of drugs used to control glaucoma, during the last 30 years, at 10-year intervals. METHODS: Drugs to treat glaucoma, as well as their presentations and laboratories were selected from the 1972, 1982, 1992 and 2002 editions of the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Specialties. The price of medicines in the Brazilian market were analyzed, in the different decades, using the pharmaceutical guide "Brasíndice". For analysis of the data, the prices were converted to American dollars and the relationship between the medicine and the minimum wage was analyzed. As unit of the product, the values per milliliter, oral tablet or gram, depending on the presentation, were considered. RESULTS: The number of laboratories and antiglaucoma medications varied in the last thirty years. Drugs such as acetazolamide and pilocarpine still continue to be used. Parasympathomimetic drugs have predominantly been used in the first years of the study, and the beta-blockers in the last years. The average cost of available medications in the market has increased in the last decade. CONCLUSION: The price of antiglaucoma drugs varied considerably in the studied period as well as the type of drug used in the treatment.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Glaucoma; Drug costs; Drug industry; Ophthalmic solutions; Antihypertensive agents

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, with antiprostaglandin effect, have been used in the preoperative period of cataract surgery for maintenance of mydriasis during the surgery. Unfortunately, the ideal antiprostaglandin has yet to be introduced. This study is a transversal cut, randomized, placebo-group and double-masked clinical trial comparing the efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine, flurbiprofen sodium and diclofenac sodium with a placebo (hypromellose) in maintaining mydriasis during surgery. METHODS: One hundred sixteen patients, undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation, were randomly assigned to four groups, which had the same routine for dilation and use of antiprostaglandins. Group I received ketorolac tromethamine; group II, flurbiprofen; group III, diclofenac and group IV, control group, hypromellose. The pupillary data were obtained through an objective questionnaire answered by each surgeon after surgery. RESULTS: Group I was statistically different from placebo regarding maintenance of dilation during surgey. The difference was statistically significant between GI and the other regarding sufficient mydriasis for the beginning of surgery and intraoperative miosis. Flurbiprofen and diclofenac were not statistically different and also when they were compared to the placebo as regards the commented above parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Ketorolac tromethamine was more effective than other antiprostaglandins and placebo considering the tested parameters. Flurbiprofen and diclofenac were better than placebo considering percentual values, with no statistical difference. An increase in the number of our sample as well as other multicentric studies will help to establish a definitive role for antiprostaglandins in maintaining mydriasis during surgery.

Keywords: Ophthalmic solutions; Cataract extraction; Pupil; Antiinflammatory agents, nonsteroidal; Efficacy; Comparative study; Adult

PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy, predictability and safety of posterior chamber phakic intra-ocular lens implantation in patients with hyperopia. METHODS: The authors analyzed retrospectively 16 patients (31 eyes) submitted to the implantation of a posterior chamber phakic lens for the correction of hyperopia. RESULTS: The mean preoperative spherical equivalent manifest refraction was +5.39D (ranging from +1.25 to +10.50D) and cycloplegia refraction was +6.44D (ranging from +3.25 to +10.75D). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent at the last visit was -0.44D (ranging from -2.75 to +1.25D). On comparing the preoperative and postoperative corrected visual acuity the results showed that three eyes (9.7%) lost one line of visual acuity, 19 eyes (61.3%) kept the same preoperative corrected visual acuity. Six eyes (19.3%) gained one line of visual acuity and three eyes (9.7%) gained two lines. Regarding complications, in 13 eyes (41.9%) a mild amount of pigment deposition on the phakic IOL anterior surface was observed and three patients (18.7%) had complaints of glare. CONCLUSION: Posterior phakic lens is an effective, predictable and safe method for the correction of mild to severe hyperopia. Visual acuity improvement was significant and a longer follow-up will help to better address long-term stability of the results and the incidence of complications.

Keywords: Lens implantation, intraocular; Aphakia; Hyperopia; Refraction, ocular

PURPOSE: To describe the commonest visual disorders in a group of poor children attending the Ophthalmology Clinic at the "Instituto Materno-Infantil de Pernambuco (IMIP)". METHODS: Descritive study. A randomly selected sample (n=388) of children under the age of 15, from low-income families, seen at IMIP between February and October 2001. Eye disorders were classifical according to the ICD-10 by ophthalmologists in the clinic. RESULTS: Visual problems related to eye muscular disorders (binocular movement, accommodation, refraction) were detected in most cases (63.9%) and hyperopia and strabismus were the commonest. Disorders of the conjunctiva and eyelid were found in 20% of the cases, followed by choroid and retina (5.1%) and the lens (3.9%). Problems of the sclera, vitreous, congenital glaucoma, blindness and other diseases were less frequent. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of refractive errors and strabismus justifies visual screen test in childhood.

Keywords: Refractive errors; Visual acuity; Ocular health; Blindness prevention; Amblyopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the previous instillation of anesthetic eye drops, as well as to verify intraocular pressure (IOP) performance with adaptation to noncontact tonometry (NCT). METHODS: A randomized double-masked study in which 24 eyes of 24 normal volunteers were studied, divided into group I (NCT with anesthetic instillation) and group II (NCT with placebo instillation). Subjects in both groups were submitted to Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) after NCT. IOP was measured on three different visits, with an interval of 1 to 3 days. RESULTS: IOP measured with GAT was the only statistically significant predictor variable (p<0.05) for NCT. There was no difference in IOP variation between the groups (p=0.884) or between the visits (p=0.144). A better correlation was found between GAT and NCT in group II (placebo) when compared to group I (anesthetic) on all visits, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.4853). CONCLUSIONS: Previous instillation of anesthetic eye drops and normal adaptation of normal individuals to NCT did not demonstrate a significant influence on IOP measures.

Keywords: Noncontact tonometry; Goldmann tonometry; Intraocular pressure; Anesthetic; Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To establish the prevalence of refractive errors, strabismus, amblyopia and anisometropia, among children in a population, using two methods of screening (at school and at the National Polio Vaccination Day). METHODS: We examined 2,640 children, between 0 and 6 years of age. The children, residents of the city São Caetano do Sul, were divided into two groups (A and B). Group A: 476 children, with an age range of a few months to 6 years, had their eyes examined by 10 ophthalmologists and 11 ophthalmology technicians, during the National Polio Vaccination Day (June 20,1998). Group B: 2,164 children attending municipal schools (EMEIs and EMIs), between 4 and 6 years of age, who had their eyes examined by two ophthalmologists during the year of 1998. RESULTS: In group A, the prevalence of strabismus was 3.36% and that of anisometropia was 1.26%. The most common type of refractive error was hypermetropia £ 2D and 14.11% required optical prescription. In group B, the prevalence of strabismus was 1.43%. In the group who failed in the screening, the prevalence of amblyopia was 1.39% and that of anisometropia was 2.8%. The most common type of refractive error found was hypermetropic astigmatism and 56.48% required optical prescription. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the ocular findings in children in São Caetano do Sul, although being a city with a privileged socioeconomic profile, is similar to that reported in the literature. Ophthalmic examination on National Polio Vaccination Day showed to be an efficient screening tool.

Keywords: Mass screening; Amblyopia; Refractive errors; Strabismus; Socioeconomic factors; Consumer participation; Infant; Child, preschool; Child

PURPOSE: In this study, we performed Fourier analysis of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements obtained with scanning laser polarimetry and evaluated the ability of this method to detect localized nerve fiber layer defects in glaucomatous patients. METHODS: The study included 40 eyes of 40 glaucomatous patients with localized RNFL defects identified by slit-lamp biomicroscopy or RNFL photography and 43 eyes of 43 normal patients. The patients were submitted to RNFL thickness measurements using the GDx® - Nerve Fiber Analyzer. Fourier analysis was applied to the polarimetry data. Fourier coefficients and GDx parameters were compared between the two groups. A linear discriminant function was developed to identify and combine the most useful Fourier coefficients to separate the two groups. ROC curves were obtained for each measurement and sensitivity values (at fixed specificities) were calculated. RESULTS: The combination of Fourier coefficients resulted in a sensitivity of 80% for a specificity set at higher than 90%. For the same specificity, the GDx parameters had sensitivities ranging from 15% to 48%. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the combination of Fourier coefficients was 0.90, significantly higher than the AUC for the parameter The Number (0.76). CONCLUSION: Fourier analysis of RNFL polarimetry data had a better diagnostic performance than standard GDx parameters to identify localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects in glaucomatous patients.

Keywords: Fourier analysis; Glaucoma; Nerve fibers; Retina; Diagnostic techniques, ophthalmological

PURPOSE: To evaluate albumin as fixative material of conjunctival scrapings for exfoliative cytology. METHODS: Conjunctival exfoliative cytology was performed through a prospective study in forty-six eyes of twenty-three patients with clinical diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. Three scrapings were performed: (1) in the pretreatment period, (2) after use of corticosteroids (treatment A) and (3) after use of mast cell stabilizer (treatment B); in two types of smears, with and without albumin, which were then submitted to staining by the Giemsa method. RESULTS: Of the twenty-three patients, five (21.7%) were female and eighteen (78.3%) male, with an age average of 10.8 years. Eighteen (78.3%) presented vernal conjunctivitis and five (21.7%) atopic keratoconjunctivitis. By the statistical analysis of the conjunctival cytology, the smears treated with albumin presented a larger number of intact epithelial cells in relation to the nontreated, only in the pretreatment and in the B treatment groups. The number of neutrophils was significantly greater in the B treatment group than in the smears not treated with albumin in relation to the treated ones. Regarding the number of eosinophils there was no difference between the smears treated with albumin in relation to the nontreated, while in the B treatment group there was a statistical difference between the right and left eye regarding smears without albumin. CONCLUSION: There were no statistical differences between smears treated with albumin and those not treated for most researched cells; in addition, albumin adheres mucus hindering the observation of smears, and thus is not indicated for conjunctival exfoliative cytology.

Keywords: Conjunctiva; Conjunctivitis, allergic; Albumins; Cytological techniques

PURPOSE: To determine the cost of clinical antiglaucoma treatment with drugs with uveo-scleral action, considering number of eye drops, average drop size as well as maximum duration of treatment per bottle. METHODS: An experimental study was performed using eight bottles of each of four antiglaucoma drugs: latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost and unoprostone isopropyl. The number and average eyedrop size per bottle of drug were measured and the duration and costs of the antiglaucoma treatment calculated. RESULTS: The average number of eye drops varied widely regarding the four studied drugs: latanoprost, with an average of 110.87 (±5.35) drops per 2.5 ml, had the highest count followed by travoprost with 102.62 (±4.27) eye drops; bimatoprost with 91.50 (±3.77) eye drops per 2.5 ml, had the lowest count. The average eye drop volume for the four drugs was 25.13 µl. Concerning duration of treatment, latanoprost and travoprost lasted the longest, with 55.43 and 51.31 days, respectively, while bimatoprost and unoprostone isopropyl had the shortest, that is, 45.45 and 45.75 days. It was found that unoprostone isopropyl had the lowest daily cost at R$ 0,81. The annual cost of treatment would thus be: latanoprost R$ 335,80 to 463,23; travoprost R$ 306,60 to 427,05; bimatoprost R$ 372,30 to 496,40; and unoprostone isopropyl R$ 211,70 to 295,65. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there are important differences regarding the daily cost among drugs with uveo-scleral action.

Keywords: Drug cost; Glaucoma; Treatment; Eyedrops

PURPOSE: To observe eye drop instillation technique in chronic glaucoma patients. METHODS: This is a prospective study enrolling 193 glaucomatous patients. Each received a sample of lubricant eye drop bottle (Dunason®, Alcon Laboratories, São Paulo, Brazil) and was instructed to use it once. RESULTS: All patients used a mean amount of 1.64 ± 1.26 drops. In 54.5% of the patients, the eyedropper touched the eye and adnexa. In 3.1% the drops were not placed in the eye, without the patient being aware of this. In 87.0% of them, neither the lacrimal point occlusion nor the closure of the eyes for two minutes after instillation were observed, and 61.6% repeatedly blinked right after instilling the drop. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients did not use the eye drops properly. That may result in some undesirable consequences, such as, a partial wastage of the bottle's content, a possible increase in systemic toxicity, the risk of contamination of the bottletip, and, mainly, a decrease in the full hypotensive effect of the drugs. Therefore, the patients have to be carefully taught the correct way to use eye drops.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Instillation, drug; Prescription drugs

PURPOSE: To check the profile of the ophthalmology clinic administrator in Great São Paulo. METHODS: Several questionnaires were sent to clinics at random. Sex, age, schooling, graduate and postgraduate courses, partnership in the clinic, working hours, career plan, payment system and the amount of appointments per month in the clinic. RESULTS: 55% of them were men, and 60% of them were 30 to 59 years old. For 60% of them, this was their first experience in the area. 56% were in charge of clinics with more than 1,000 appointments per month. Among those with college degrees (70%), 56% had a degree in Business Administration. Half of the researched people had post-graduate courses, and the most frequent were Hospital Administration (40%) and MBA (30%). Only 10% were partners in the clinic. 75% work more than 40 hours per week. At present 60% are not attending specific courses and 56% think that it is the clinic's responsibility to incentive their careers. Benefits: 75% have private health insurance and/or are registered workers. Earning: salary with participation in the clinic's income (48%) and a fixed salary (42%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found the profession of administrator of clinics being structured, with the participation of male and female professionals, graduated in Business Administration, some with post-graduate courses on a related subject, working over 40 hours per week, thinking that the clinic should invest in their professional growth. Further research is required for a better understanding of this professional.

Keywords: Practice management, medical; Office management; Organizational case studies; Physician executives; Practice management; Professional practice; Optimization

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a severe ocular infection which even with recent progress in diagnosis and treatment still causes long morbidity and loss of visual acuity. We describe a case of bilateral Acanthamoeba keratitis in a user of contact lenses, which is the first case discussed in Brazilian literature.

Keywords: Keratitis; Acanthamoeba keratitis; Protozoan infections; Contact lenses; Corneal diseases; Case report

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with Graves' orbitopathy who presented with loss of vision of the left eye for 9 months and amaurosis of the right eye for 20 days. METHODS: Bilateral inferomedial transnconjunctival orbital decompression was performed. RESULTS: After orbital decompression, vision slowly improved and ten months after the surgery the vision was normal in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital decompression can reestablish optic nerve function at least 20 days after amaurosis.

Keywords: Optic nerve diseases; Decompression, surgical; Graves' disease; Visual acuity; Blindness; Adult; Female; Case report

The graft of hard palate mucosa is a satisfactory substitute for posterior eyelid lamella (tarsus and conjunctiva) in eyelid reconstruction. The advantages of hard palate over other graft materials are: its mucosal surface, minimal contraction during healing, and easiness of harvesting. We present two palatal donor site complications and we discuss the probable pathophysiology of these complications.

Keywords: Hard palate graft; Posterior eyelid lamella defect

The authors report two cases of presumed ocular tuberculosis with choroidal involvement. In the first case, we describe a 43-year-old male, HIV positive, with pulmonary and cerebral tuberculosis, who presented a single choroidal nodule in the left eye's macula. In the second case, a 12-year-old female with pulmonary tuberculosis presented multifocal choroiditis and anterior involvement of the left eye. Both patients underwent the treatment for tuberculosis and the lesions completely resolved. The ocular lesions of tuberculosis are polymorphic and we must be aware of this disease.

Keywords: Ocular tuberculosis; Uveitis; Choroiditis; HIV; Antitubercular agents; Case report

The treatment of vitreoretinal disorders has been problematic because it is difficult to gain access to the posterior segment of the eye. Topical instillation of eye drops has little therapeutic effect on posterior structures which cannot be maintained without frequent administration. Intraocular injections could be an alternative, but the fast flowing blood supply in this region, associated with the rapid clearance rates, causes the drug concentration to fall rapidly below therapeutic levels. In order to obtain therapeutic levels over longer time periods, polymeric sustained-drug release systems, implanted into the vitreous, are being studied for the treatment of vitreoretinal disorders. These systems are prepared using different kinds of polymers that can be biodegradable or nonbiodegradable. The polymers derived from lactic and glycolic acids have been the most promising for drug delivery systems because of their biocompatibility and biodegradation. According to previous studies, the polymers can be manufactured in the form of rods, discs or membranes, using the following methods: molding, extrusion or preparation of films. In this review, we present the technology and some preliminary studies of biodegradable implants in relation to intraocular drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Drug implants; Absorbable implants; Drug delivery system; Delayed-action preparations; Technology, pharmaceutical

Retinal venous occlusions are the second most common retinal vascular diseases, behind diabetic retinopathy. The retinal vein branch occlusion is defined as a retinal vein focal occlusion at the level of an arteriovenous crossing, where the artery lies anterior to vein. The clinical trial with laser photocoagulation for this disease, as well as new proposed surgical therapeutic techniques will be reviewed.

Keywords: Retinal vein occlusion; Retinal vein; Light coagulation; Vitrectomy