VOLUME 69 - ISSUE 4

The patient with anophthalmia may present feelings of inferiority and rejection. Knowing his/her needs and expectations contribute to a better technical intervention. PURPOSE: To elaborate a questionnaire of the psychosocial profile of the patient with anophthalmia with indication of ocular prosthesis. METHODS: An exploratory research was used to elaborate the questionnaire, by means of a guided interview followed by writing down what was said by the interviewees, who were adult patients of the Bucco-Maxillo-Facial Prosthesis Center of FOSJC - UNESP. The guided interview was made up of 14 items directly related to the future outline of the profile. Each item of the interview resulted in questions of the questionnaire, which was pretested twice before reaching its final version. RESULTS: The patients reported, in the exploratory research, unpleasant feelings with the loss of the eye; relationship shyness; expectations regarding surgery and prosthesis use; a wish to receive explanations and to hold their opinion about the treatment. The questionnaire of the psychosocial profile of the patient with anophthalmia with indication of ocular prosthesis is, therefore, made of 43 questions divided into 5 blocks in order to aid the comprehension of the inquired aspects and to facilitate both the computation of data and discussion, and also to improve the selection of questions according to the objective of the researcher or professional. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the questionnaire was viable, can be used in full or by selecting blocks and provide a panorama of the patient's history related to the problem he/she faces, from the loss of the ocular globe to the confection of the prosthesis.

Keywords: Artificial eye, artificial; Anophthalmos; Psychosocial impact; Quality of life; Questionnaires

PURPOSE: To present the prevalence of iridociliary cysts in eyes of patients submitted to UBM examination. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the UBM images of 1157 patients in the period from September 1995 to June 2004. The inclusion criterion was the UBM examination had been made on the four quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal) of the eyes. The cysts were assessed and classified in relation to their number in each quadrant; localization and morphology. Using the UBM Pro 2000 software we took the measurements of the largest diameter, wall thickness and area of the cysts besides the angle recession area (ARA). RESULTS: The prevalence of the cysts was 4.9%. No statistical difference was found between the prevalence of cysts regarding gender or between the right and left eyes. They were more prevalent in the inferior (39.8%) and temporal (29.1%) quadrants. The cysts with the largest diameter and area were located in the temporal and superior quadrants. No difference was found in relation to cysts' wall thickness in all quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: No statistical difference was found between the prevalence of cysts as concerns gender or between the right and left eyes. However, the cysts were more prevalent in the inferior and temporal quadrants. The locations of the largest cysts are preferentially the temporal and superior quadrants. The angle recession area was smaller in the temporal and superior quadrants. The cysts' wall thickness is practically the same in all quadrants. The diagnosis of iridociliary cysts was an occasional finding in 64.3% of the patients.

Keywords: Prevalence; Cysts; Iris neoplasms; Microscopy; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To correlate the ibopamine provocative test with the diurnal tension curve (highest intraocular pressure-IOP and range) in glaucoma. METHODS: This is a prospective case series including glaucoma patients from the Federal University of Goiás, Glaucoma Service. Two 2% ibopamine eyedrops were instilled into one or both eyes of each patient, 5 minutes apart. Intraocular pressure was checked before and 30 and 45 minutes after the second ibopamine instillation. Thereafter, the diurnal tension curve of each patient was assessed with five independent measurements (at every 2:30 hours), from 8:00 o'clock AM to 6:00 o'clock PM. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the linear relation between the intraocular pressure after the ibopamine instillation with the highest intraocular pressure value and the intraocular pressure range in the diurnal curve. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes from 22 patients were included. There was a significant correlation between the intraocular pressure 30 and 45 minutes after ibopamine instillation and the highest intraocular pressure assessed in the diurnal curve (r=0.356, p=0.04 and r=0.429, p=0.01, respectively). However, no correlation between IOP after the use of ibopamine and the diurnal intraocular pressure range at 30 (r=0.046, p=0.8) and 45 minutes (r=0.109, p=0.5) was observed. CONCLUSION: The ibopamine provocative test shows a significant correlation with the highest intraocular pressure in the diurnal tension curve in glaucoma patients. However, no correlation was observed with the intraocular pressure range.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Ophthalmic solutions; Intraocular pressure; Dopamine agonists; Circadian rhythm; Comparative study

PURPOSE: To verify the perception of Brazilian ophthalmologists regarding the role played by Genetics in their routine medical activity and their conduct when dealing with patients, with hereditary diseases who need genetic counseling. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by means of invitations to participate in an interview on this subject. The questionnaires were sent to 200 ophthalmologists who work in the area of Campinas, SP, Brazil. RESULTS: Among the 73 professionals who answered the questionnaire (36%), there was a high rate of positive answers (49-88%) concerning their knowledge of genetics and a low rate (10-33%) of use of this knowledge in their clinical practice. The frequency of genetic ophthalmopathies in clinical practice was relevant in the opinion of 68% of the interviewees; 92% indicated a relevant relationship between genetically determined ocular disorders and the prevention of blindness through detection, early treatment and genetic counseling. More extensive genetic knowledge was considered indispensable to 84% of the professionals, but 16% answered that it was irrelevant. CONCLUSIONS: Although these ophthalmologists have basic notions of genetics (88,0%) and are aware of its importance in the prevention of blindness, a great majority of Brazilian ophthalmologists have not acquired adequate knowledge of genetics and, in practice, rarely use its therapeutic and preventive potential.

Keywords: Genetic counseling; Knowledge, attitudes and practice; Eye diseases, hereditary; Blindness

INTRODUCTION: The formulas for calculation of intraocular lenses have evolved since the first theoretical formulas by Fyodorov. Among the second generation formulas, the SRK-I formula has a simple calculation, taking into account a calculation that only involved anteroposterior length, IOL constant and average keratometry. With the evolution of those formulas, complexicity increased making the reconfiguration of parameters in special situations impracticable. In this way the production and development of software for such a purpose, can help surgeons to recalculate those values if needed. PURPOSE: To idealize, develop and test a Brazilian software for calculation of IOL dioptric power for handheld computers. METHODS: For the development and programming of software for calculation of IOL, we used PocketC program (OrbWorks Concentrated Software, USA). We compared the results collected from a gold-standard device (Ultrascan/Alcon Labs) with the simulation of 100 fictitious patients, using the same IOL parameters. The results were grouped for ULTRASCAN data and SOFTWARE data. Using SRK/T formula the range of those parameters included a keratometry varying between 35 and 55D, axial length between 20 and 28 mm, IOL constants of 118.7, 118.3 and 115.8. RESULTS: Using Wilcoxon test, it was shown that the groups do not differ (p=0.314). We had a variation in the Ultrascan sample between 11.82 and 27.97. In the tested program sample the variation was practically similar (11.83-27.98). The average of the Ultrascan group was 20.93. The software group had a similar average. The standard deviation of the samples was also similar (4.53). CONCLUSION: The precision of IOL software for handheld devices was similar to that of the standard devices using the SRK/T formula. The software worked properly, was steady without bugs in tested models of operational system.

Keywords: Cataract; Intraocular lenses; Biometry; Software

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the endothelial damage after planned extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and phacoemulsification of very hard cataracts. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, 41 patients with age-related and very hard cataract were divided into two groups: in group 1 (21 patients) an extracapsular cataract extraction was performed and in group 2 (20 patients), phacoemulsification. In both groups, intraocular lenses were implanted in the capsular bag. Preoperatively and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, a complete ophthalmological examination, endothelial specular microscopy, and ultrasonic pachymetry were done. Endothelial cell loss, pleomorphism, polymegathism and corneal thickness were studied. RESULTS: Both groups presented an endothelial cell loss in the postoperative time, as compared with the preoperative values, but there were no significant differences among the postoperative values (1, 3 and 6 months). Six months after surgery, mean cell loss was 28.50% in group 1 and 34.77% in group 2. There were no differences among the indexes of pachymetry, polymegathism and pleomorphism between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial response was not statistically different between the two studied groups.

Keywords: Endothelium, corneal; Microscopy; Cataract extraction; Phacoemulsification; Ultrasonic therapy

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of two surgical techniques of penetrating keratoplasty with different surgical time, regarding the crystalline and the intraocular lens. METHODS: This retrospective study included 37 patients' eyes divided into 2 groups: extracapsular cataract extraction, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and penetrating keratoplasty (Group 1, G1) and transscleral fixation of posterior chamber lens and penetrating keratoplasty (Group 2, G2). The following parameters were recorded: visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refractive astigmatism, complication and keratometric astigmatism. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved in the two groups (G1 p<0.001 and G2 p=0.008). In G2 a significant change for the worse of intraocular pressure outcome was observed when compared with the other group (p=0.014). Regarding refractive and keratometric astigmatism no significant differences between the groups were found. The follow-up was 11 months. CONCLUSION: The most important negative prognostic factor affecting visual acuity was the postkeratoplasty corneal curvature which can not be predicted accurately and the most important negative factor affecting intraocular pressure was the loss of integrity of the anterior and posterior segments.

Keywords: Keratoplasty, penetrating; Cataract extraction; Lens implantation, intraocular; Corneal transplantation; Postoperative complications; Comparative study

PURPOSE: To identify conceptions, social and cultural factors regarding the use of optical aids by visually impaired students and to present information to health and educational professionals. METHODS: Qualitative research using spontaneous theater (interactive theater modality based on improvisation) as research instrument. To analyze data, an adapted form of the collective subject discourse technique - procedures for organization of verbal data - was applied. Scenes, gestures, expressions, silences and behaviors were added to the original proposal. The study population included all visually impaired students from elementary public schools, aged 10 to 14 years who attended a resource room in a São Paulo state city. The students were examined at a university low vision service. RESULTS: Little knowledge about the impairment and difficult adaptation to use of optical aids were identified. The students' behavior showed denial of own problems, discomfort on public use of aids and lack of participation in own health decisions. CONCLUSION: Analysis through spontaneous theater session allows the professional to gather information which is not possible to acquire in the health assistance atmosphere. Needs, difficulties and barriers the users found before the prescribed treatment were identified.

Keywords: Vision, low; Audiovisual aids; Cultural factors; Psychodrama; Students; Teen health

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide in patients with intraocular inflammation. METHODS: Case series enrolling 24 patients (26 eyes) submitted to posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide for intraocular inflammation treatment. Maleate timolol at 0.5% was prescribed for all patients for 30 days. RESULTS: Improvement of visual acuity was observed in 81% of the patients after a single injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Increase in the intraocular pression was not observed in the treated eyes. CONCLUSION: Posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide proved to be a safe and effective way of treating intraocular inflammations.

Keywords: Adrenal cortex hormones; Inflammation; Triamcinolone; Intraocular pressure; Visual acuity

PURPOSE: To describe the CT findings of orbital cellulitis due to sinusitis. METHODS: The records and CT scans of 45 consecutive patients with orbital cellulitis due to sinusitis treated at the Hospital of the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto were analyzed by a radiologist and two orbital surgeons. RESULTS: Three major types of CT changes were observed: diffuse fat infiltration, subperiosteal abscess and orbital abscess. Diffuse fat infiltration (characterized by an increased density of the extra- or intraconal fat) was seen in 11 patients (24.44%). A subperiosteal abscess was diagnosed in 28 patients (62.23%). A surgically proved orbital abscess was detected in 6 patients (13.33%). CONCLUSIONS: In all cases of orbital cellulitis due to sinusitis intraorbital changes can be detected by CT scans either as a diffuse infiltration of the orbital fat or as a detachment of the periorbita (subperiosteal abscess) or a true orbital abscess. Category I of Chandler orbital cellulitis classification (inflammatory edema) must be understood as a stage of a process that is already happening within the orbit and, as the term "preseptal cellulitis" means a palpebral infection, this designation should not be used to stage orbital cellulitis.

Keywords: Cellulitis; Sinusitis; Orbit; Abscess; Computed tomography, x-ray computed

PURPOSE: Because the influence of papillomavirus (HPV) in pterygium pathogenesis is controversial, the aim of this study was to identify whether it is present in the pterygia lesions in our region. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with unilateral primary pterygia were submitted to excision of pterygia and a sample of normal conjunctiva. Tissues were submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) evaluation for papillomavirus DNA detection. RESULTS: We were unable to detect any HPV DNA in all studied specimens. CONCLUSION: According to our results papillomarivus is not important for pterygium formation.

Keywords: Papillomavirus; Pterygium; Polymerase chain reaction, HPV DNA probes

To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of horizontal strabismus in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: A group of 24 patients, age 6 - 156 months, with cerebral palsy and horizontal strabismus (17 esotropias ranging from 25 to 45 PD and 7 exotropias ranging from 20 to 45 PD) were treated with botulinum toxin (34 medial rectus and 14 lateral rectus muscles). The children underwent full ophthalmic examination. The injection treatment was performed after sedation using Mendonça's forceps. The follow-up was done after 7 days, 15 days and monthly. Deviation less or equal of 10 PD after 6 months of follow-up was considered successful. However, if patients did not achieve this result a second application could be performed. RESULTS: In the group of esotropia (n=17) 47.1% had successful results with only one application after two years of follow-up. All of these patients had previous deviation less than or equal to 35 PD. In the exotropia group a single injection was not sufficient to achieve successful result. The side effects included: subconjutival hemorrhage in 4 (16.7%) patients, transient vertical deviation in 4 (16.7%) and transient ptosis in 22 (91.7%). CONCLUSION: The use of botulinum toxin was a good alternative in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy and esotropia.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin type A; Strabismus; Cerebral palsy; Oculomotor muscles; Esotropia; Blepharoptosis

PURPOSE: To compare the abilitiy of scanning laser polarimetry (GDx), optical coherence tomography (OCT) 1 and Stratus- optical coherence tomography to discriminate between healthy eyes and eyes with band atrophy of the optic nerve and temporal hemianopsia. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes with band atrophy of the optic nerve and 23 eyes from healthy subjects were included in this observational prospective case-control study. All eyes underwent retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness analysis using GDx, optical coherence tomography-1 and Stratus-optical coherence tomography. Mean values obtained with each equipment were compared between band atrophy and normal eyes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and sensitivities at fixed specificities (80% e 95%) were calculated for each parameter calculated with each equipment and compared. RESULTS: When compared with healthy subjects, the parameters corresponding to the global average as well as each of the four quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in eyes with band atrophy were significantly smaller (p<0.05), than in normal eyes, with the exception of GDx's temporal thickness parameter. Comparison of the areas under ROC curves (AUCs) of the parameters from the three equipments revealed significantly greater values for the Stratus-OCT when compared to the OCT-1 in the global average and in the temporal quadrant thickness measurement. Stratus-OCT was significantly more sensitive than GDx in the global average as well as in the temporal, nasal and inferior quadrant. OCT-1 was superior to GDx only in the temporal quadrant. All three equipments revealed a similar ability to identify retinal nerve fiber layer reduction in the superior quadrant. CONCLUSIONS: The Stratus OCT showed the best ability to discriminate between eyes with band atrophy of the optic nerve and healthy eyes although all three equipments were able do identify most of the abnormal eyes. OCT-1 was inferior to Stratus-OCT and superior do GDx in the temporal quadrant. Although GDx was able identify some abnormality in most studied eyes, the equipment showed poor sensitivity in the detection of axonal loss in the nasal and temporal aspect of the optic disc and should be used with caution in neuro-ophthalmic diseases that cause retinal nerve fiber layer loss in those areas of the optic disc.

Keywords: Tomography, optical coherence; Optic nerve; Retina; Perimetry; Lasers; Nerve fibers; Optic atrophy; Microscopy, confocal; Optic chiasm; Axons; Diagnostic techniques, ophthalmological; Sensitivity and specificity; Comparative study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal map in angiographic pseudophakic macular edema (ACME). METHODS: This is a prospective analysis of a group of 36 pseudophakic eyes at the fifth postoperative week, submitted to optical coherence tomography 2 macular map and fluorescein angiography on the same day and, a control group of twenty-two 20/20 vision eyes with a minimum 6-month postoperative period, submitted to optical coherence tomography 2 macular map only. Exclusion criteria were diabetes, any macular pathology and unreadable optical coherence tomography or angiogram. The angiograms were divided into three groups according to the edema intensity: Group I: level 0 (absence of angiographic pseudophakic macular edema); group II: levels 1 and 2 (incomplete and complete perifoveal angiographic pseudophakic macular edema respectively) and group III: levels 3 and 4 (up to one disc diameter and greater than one disc diameter angiographic pseudophakic macular edema area respectively). The nine zones of the optical coherence tomography macular map were compared between the control and the three subgroups of the study group and, between group I and groups II and III. RESULTS: Among the 36 eyes, 23 (64%) were classified as group I, 10 (28%) as group II and three (8%) as group III. The mean thickness of the fovea zone was 185±15 µm for the control group, 189±24 µm for group I, 213±33 µm for group II and 455±38 µm for group III. Significant differences: between group III and the control or group I for all zones (p<0.01) and, between group II and control or group I for the fovea and temporal inner zones (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The optical coherence tomography retinal map is useful in angiographic pseudophakic macular edema diagnosis.

Keywords: Cataract; Macular edema, cystoid; Fluorescein angiography; Tomography, optical coherence; Retina

PURPOSE: To assess the health-related quality of life in blepharoptosis patients and the impact after surgical management on their quality of life. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with congenital or acquired blepharoptosis completed a questionnaire which was adapted from the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ), before and after surgical management. RESULTS: Mean preoperative score was 74 and mean postoperative score was 81 and there was a statistically significant difference between mean pre- and postoperative scores of 7 (p=0.004). There was a statistically significant difference only for the mental health subdomain (p=0.001) in the evaluation of the questions (alpha=0.002) and subdomains (alpha=0.004). CONCLUSION: The quality of life in blepharoptosis patients was significantly better after surgical management in the assessment using the VFQ. The outcomes emphasize the need for of using questionnaires designed specifically for this disease.

Keywords: Quality of life; Blepharoptosis; Questionnaire

PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of patients choroidal melanoma diagnosed and treated at the Ophthalmology Unit of the Regional Hospital of São José - Santa Catarina, and to show the results. METHODS: Analysis of 24 medical records of patients with a diagnosis of malignant choroidal melanoma from, March 1st 1997 to July 21st 2003, regarding: age, gender, race, symptoms and duration, diagnostic methods, performed treatment, size and type of tumor. RESULTS: There was no difference regarding gender, and the average age of patients was about 57.2 ± 16.56 years. The tumor predominated in white people (83.33%) and low visual acuity was the most frequent symptom (83.33%). The average time from the beginning of symptomalogy up to the initial treatment was 152.12±114.00 days. Indirect ophtalmoscopy and ultrasound were performed in all the patients in order to diagnose the tumor. All patients underwent enucleation, because they showed large tumors (greatest basal diameter higher than 16 mm at to USG). The most frequent type was that of fusiform cells (58.5%) and the average size of the tumors was 11.8±4.5 mm basal diameter. Two patients presented systemic metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: All patients were diagnosed when the tumor was already advanced, making the visual and systemic prognostic worse and reducing the therapeutic options, and therefore were enucleated.

Keywords: Melanoma; Choroidal neoplasms; Eye enucleation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fitting and use of a soft contact lens in keratoconic patients. METHODS: Retrospective study on 80 eyes of 66 patients, fitted with a special soft contact lens for keratoconus, at the Contact Lens Section of UNIFESP and private clinics. Keratoconus was classified according to degrees of disease severity by keratometric pattern. Age, gender, diagnosis, keratometry, visual acuity, spherical equivalent (SE), base curve and clinical indication were recorded. RESULTS: Of 66 patients (80 eyes) with keratoconus the mean age was 29 years, 51.5% were men and 48.5% women. According to the groups: 15.0% were incipient, 53.7% moderate, 26.3% advanced and 5.0% were severe. The majority of the eyes of patients using contact lenses (91.25%) achieved visual acuity better than 20/40. To 88 eyes 58% were tihed with lens with spherical power (mean -5.45 diopters) and 41% with spherocylinder power (from -0.5 to -5.00 cylindrical diopters). The most frequent base curve was 7.6 in 61% of the eyes. The main reasons for this special lens fitting were due to reduced tolerance and poor fitting pattern achieved with other lenses. CONCLUSION: The special soft contact lens is useful in fitting difficult keratoconic patients by offering comfort and improving visual rehabilitation that may allow more patients to postpone the need for corneal transplant.

Keywords: Contact lenses, hydrophilic; Visual acuity; Vision disorders; Corneal diseases; Keratoconus; Accommodation, ocular

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cut quality of Masyk® microkeratome in obtaining a corneal flap from human eyes of Eye Banks. METHODS: Prospective study with 20 human eyes from Eye Banks. All flaps were programmed to obtain 160 µm thickness and 9.5 mm diameter. The thicknesses were calculated with P55 pachymeter (Paradigm, USA), and diameter with compass. RESULTS: No complications were observed during the use of the microkeratome. The central corneal thickness average was 160.34±5.10 µm and range from 149 to 181 µm. The vertical diameter average was 9.64±0.16 mm and range from 9.30 to 9.85 mm. CONCLUSION: Masyk® microkeratome showed to be effective for obtention of corneal flap with appropriate thickness and diameter from human corneas of Eye Banks.

Keywords: Keratomileusis, laser in situ; Keratectomy, photorefractive, excimer laser; Cornea; Microsurgery

PURPOSE: To study the antioxidant status of human tears, stimulated by onion fumes and the possible influence of the life habits thereon were measured. METHODS: Subjects were ten healthy young adults, who answered a questionnaire about smoking, alcohol ingestion, fruit, vegetable, cereal, and vitamin intake and/or intake of other drugs, and physical exercise habits. Chemoluminescensce of luminol was used to analyze the total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP), inhibition of piragollol was used to measure superoxide dismutase (SOD) and absorbance of H2O2 at 240 nm was used to identify catalase. RESULTS: Mean ± SD value for total reactive antioxidant potential was 33.8±11.5 µM and for superoxide dismutase 10.8±1.9 U/mL. Catalase was not identified. Regular exercise was associated with increased total reactive antioxidant potential values (p=0.021), with a difference of 18.6 µM between individuals who exercise at least once a week and sedentary individuals. Male gender and total reactive antioxidant potential values were statistically associated (p=0.013), with a difference of 16.3 µM between genders. There was an association between smoking and increased superoxide dismutase values (p=0.041), with a difference of 3.3 U/mL between smokers of more than five cigarettes/day and non-smokers. Also, vitamin C intake and superoxide dismutase values were associated (p=0.018); the difference for vitamin C takers was 3.3 U/mL. CONCLUSION: Reflex tearing antioxidants were measurable in healthy young adults, and different variables apparently influenced their values.

Keywords: Free radicals; Eye; Tears; Oxidative stress; Superoxide dismutase; Antioxidants; Ascorbic acid

PURPOSE: To analyze the functional outcome of visually handicapped children. METHODS: Twenty-seven children were evaluated using the standard functional PEDI test. Seventeen who attended school at "Escola Municipal Alto do Maracanã", Recife - Pernambuco, Brazil, had normal visual acuity and the other ten had visual handicap, and were cared for at Stimulation Visual Department - "Fundação Altino Ventura", in the same city. RESULTS: The children who had visual handicap showed significantly worse performance in self-care and mobility than normal children. CONCLUSION: Visual handicap may have limited the performance regarding self-care, mobility, understanding, communication, home works, in the studied group.

Keywords: Visually impaired persons; Visual acuity; Child; Self-care; Child welfare

PURPOSE: To verify the possible alterations in visual evoked potential of leprosy patients. METHODS: Visual evoked potential examinations were performed in 13 Hansen disease patients, 5 of them with the multibacillary form and 8 with the paucibacillary. This was done at the moment of the diagnosis. The control group enrolled 15 health individuals, without Hansen disease. RESULTS: The measurement result varied from 102.0 to 120.5 ms, with a mean of 110.1±5.7 ms. In the multibacillary form, the values varied from 109.0 to 120.0 ms, mean 111.1±5.4. In the paucibacillary, the values varied from 102.0 to 120.5 ms, with a mean of 109.5±6.1 ms. The latency values were significantly greater in Hansen disease patients (p<0.0001), even if multibacillary and paucibacillary forms were compared separately. However, there was no significant difference when the pauci- and multibacillary groups were compared. CONCLUSION: The latency values were significantly greater in leprosy patients. A recommendation can be made for these patients, which is to be submitted to early visual evoked potential as a rule in order to investigate ocular complications, as well as to prevent damages.

Keywords: Leprosy; Evoked potentials, visual; Eletrophysiology

PURPOSE: To study the variation and progression of the pachymetric values from the thinnest point towards the limbus in normal and keratoconic corneas; to establish reference curves for this parameter. METHODS: One hundred eyes with normal corneas and twenty-five eyes with mild keratoconus (stages I and II - Krumeich) were analyzed using the Orbscan. Concentric circles were drawn on the thinnest point of the cornea with increasing radii from 1 to 7 mm. The average results of each circle were calculated and inserted in an Excel table in order to arrange a progression chart for each case starting on the thinnest point. The SPSS software was also used for statistical analysis. Student's t test was then used to compare the found values. RESULTS: The average values on the thinnest point in normal patients was 511.6 µm (standard deviation 30.6). The average values of the thinnest point in patients with keratoconus was 424.4 µm (standard deviation 56.57). Statistically significant different values were reported (p<0.01) for all circles, and for 6 and 7 mm radii p=0.01. CONCLUSION: There is a greater pachymetric variability in patients with keratoconus. Keratoconic corneas also have a faster progression of pachymetric values than healthy eyes. Pachymetric progression complements traditional single point evaluation of corneal thickness and must be considered for the screening at refractive candidates. This parameter may represent an indirect index of the biomechanics of corneal tissue but this hypothesis still needs further studies.

Keywords: Cornea, Corneal diseases, Keratoconus, Keratomileusis, laser in situ; Corneal topography; Reference values

The authors report the utilization of the surgical technique proposed by Scott, in 1994, of recess and resection of the same extraocular muscle in the treatment of incomitant horizontal strabismus. A 22-year-old female presented with incomitant strabismus, with an esotropia of 9delta for distant and 30delta for near. She was submitted to a recess and resection of the right medial rectus. She presented satisfactory results in the long-term, showing that this technique could be part of the therapeutic arsenal for correction of incomitant strabismus.

Keywords: Exotropia; Eye movements; Oculomotor muscles; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures; Case reports [publication type]

The term fundus flavimaculatus (Stargardt disease) describes a group of inherited macular dystrophies characterized by multiple yellow to yellow-white flecks at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium. The authors describe findings in the patient with Stargardt's disease using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and suggest the examination to be valid as subsidiary method in the study of the characteristics of the retina in Stargardt's disease patients, but studies involving a series of patients should be able to show the most frequent findings in these cases.

Keywords: Macular degeneration; Tomography, optical coherence; Retinal pigments; Fundus oculi; Case reports [publication type]

We report on a 9-year-old female patient who had bilateral severe visual loss and was treated with oral corticosteroids. Visual improvement occurred in one eye. Nine years later she presented relapse of visual loss in her only seeing eye. Pulse corticosteroid therapy resulted in dramatic visual improvement followed, however, by progressive and complete visual loss as soon as the corticosteroid was tapered. Repeat treatment did not result in visual improvement. Clinical and laboratory investigation failed to find a systemic disease but the patient had positive antinuclear (1/640), anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies. Autoimmune optic neuropathy is a rare condition that may mimic an idiopathic optic neuritis and is characterized by acute visual loss, without systemic disease but with laboratory evidence of an autoimmune disorder, usually a positive ANA. A skin biopsy usually shows evidence of vasculitis. This condition should be treated aggressively, with corticosteroids and immunosuppressant, since the visual involvement is usually worse than that of idiopathic/desmyelinating optic neuritis.

Keywords: Optic nerve diseases; Autoimmunity; Optic neuritis; Collagen diseases

Intractable diplopia has been described in many situations but poor results are the rule with standard treatment modalities. The authors report a case of a woman with long-standing strabismus and diplopia who failed to improve following surgery, prism, and occlusive spectacles or contact lenses. Then, she was submitted to phacoemulsification and opaque intraocular lens implantation, which successfully neutralized diplopia.

Keywords: Diplopia; Strabismus; Lens implantation, intraocular; Lenses, intraocular; Phacoemulsification, Case reports [publication type]

Interferon and ribavirin are medications widely used in the treatment of some systemic diseases, mainly hepatitis C. Ribavirin when associated with interferon increases the rate of success of this treatment. There are about 170 million patients with chronic hepatitis C in the world, many in use of these medications. The classic associated retinopathy is described as cotton wool exudates and hemorrhages. Since the first reports, several different ocular disturbances were described in association with interferon. The present case shows a patient whose right eye presented with central retinal vein occlusion and whose left eye presented the typical findings of hemorrhages; prompt resolution after the medications were discontinued.

Keywords: Hepatitis C; Ribavirin; Interferon; Retinopathy; Retinal vein occlusion; Case reports [publication type]

Recently, many discussions occurred concerning non-penetrating filtering surgery. Viscocanalostomy and deep sclerectomy with external trabeculectomy are the most practiced techniques. Their goal is to reduce intraocular pressure by enhancing the natural aqueous outflow, while reducing its resistance. Both techniques involve the removal of a deep scleral flap, the external wall of Schlemm's canal and corneal stroma behind the anterior trabecular meshwork and Descemet membrane, thus creating a scleral lake, where the aqueous humor remains until it is absorbed in many different ways. In viscocanalostomy, a high-molecular viscoelastic substance is injected into the ostia of Schlemm's canal in order to enlarge it and its collectors channels. In deep sclerectomy with external trabeculectomy, the inner wall of Schlemm's canal is removed with adjacent trabecular layers. Studies, both retrospective and prospective, demonstrated similar tensional results when compared to classical trabeculectomy, with fewer complications and better visual recovery after non-penetrating procedure. The aim of this study is to expose the non-penetrating surgery techniques, mechanism of action and results based on the analysis of published literature.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Filtering surgery; Intraocular pressure; Postoperative care; Visual acuity; Aqueous humor; Sclerostomy

PURPOSE: To identify perceptions regarding teaching models applied to contact lenses. METHODS: A transversal study in a readily accessible sample consisting of ophthalmologists (n=39) was performed by applying a questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 39 ophthalmologists, 51.3% males and 48.7% females. Regarding frequency prior to courses on contact lenses, 28.2% reported only one course; 25.6% two courses; 5.1% three courses; 2.6% five courses and 2.6% more than 10 courses. 23.1% never attended contact lens courses and 12.8% did not answer the questionnaire. On comparison of previous knowledge with that acquired by the offered course, 59.0% declared that they increased their knowledge a lot; 33.3% reported median increase; 2.6% little increase and 5.1% did not answer. As concerns training in contact lenses, 66.7% answered that they never had any training; 30.7% answered affirmatively and 2.6% did not answer. Among those who had training, 75% declared it was good; 16.7%, very good and 8.3%, regular. CONCLUSION: The offered teaching model for contact lenses was considered very valuable, increasing a great deal of knowledge in most subjects.

Keywords: Contact lenses; Training; health knowledge, attitudes, practice; Health education; Ophthalmology