Journal of the American Optometric Association

BACKGROUND: The automated perimeter is becoming the instrument of choice in the analysis of the visual field. There are a number of different perimeters in use and it can be difficult to compare results from different instruments. The purpose of this study was to compare visual field threshold measurements determined by the Humphrey Field Analyzer and the Dicon TKS 4000. METHODS: This study provided a statistical comparison of field test results from the Dicon TKS 4000 Automated Perimeter (program number 9) and the Humphrey Field Analyzer (30-2 threshold using FastPac)...

BACKGROUND: Automated threshold perimetry is an important test used to diagnose and monitor open angle glaucoma. Unfortunately, the test can be tedious and demands that a patient concentrate for up to fifteen minutes or more per eye to achieve useful results. Many individuals are not capable of fixating for extended periods, and the reliability of the automated threshold test consequently suffers. This paper explores alternative methods to perform automated threshold perimetry so that the time required for testing is reduced while the clinical impact of performing abbreviated tests is minimized...

BACKGROUND: Analysis of visual disturbances in the central 10 degrees provides valuable data for the low vision clinician. Amsler grid testing in the visually impaired can be poorly visible and it can be difficult to transcribe results. Automated perimeters will accurately map retinal defects, but the equipment is expensive and this technique is time consuming. An Amsler grid was modified using principles of luminance and contrast to improve its accuracy, and its efficacy was compared to an automated perimeter...

BACKGROUND: This study was designed and conducted to examine the degree of inter- and intra-reader agreement when four readers evaluate visual fields in patients known to have glaucoma and patients known to not have glaucoma. METHODS: Fifty-three patients known to have glaucoma and 60 patients known not to have glaucoma were selected randomly from a population at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. Four visual fields were performed on each patient, non-dilated, with the proper correction in place...

BACKGROUND: The effects of miotic drugs on visual field sensitivity have been well documented, but few studies have reported the effects of active pupillary dilation on visual field sensitivity. Since visual field testing is sometimes performed when a patient is undergoing pupillary dilation for fundus examination, the effects of active pupillary dilation is of concern to today's optometrist. METHODS: The effects of active pupillary dilation on automated static threshold perimetry were studied in 23 normal subjects using the Humphrey Field Analyzer and the 30-2, StatPac, and FastPac programs...

BACKGROUND: Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained with five commercially available portable tonometers (Keeler Pulsair 2000, Tomey Pro-Ton, Tono-Pen XL, Perkins, and Shiotz) were compared to IOPs measured with a Goldmann tonometer in order to predict whether instrument accuracy justified substitution of a portable instrument for the Goldmann in all or specific circumstances. METHODS: A total of 31 patients (59 eyes) were assessed. The order of techniques was random except that in each case Goldmann tonometry was performed first and Shiotz tonometry was performed last...

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No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND: Svyatoslav Fyodorov is a brilliant, innovative Russian ophthalmic surgeon. METHODS: who has sought to restore eyesight to as many people as possible. His unconventional methods have surprised, shocked, and antagonized his medical colleagues and have challenged the accepted therapies of the day. He has nevertheless persevered and has ultimately won acceptance and respect. RESULTS: In an effort to uncover the workings of the eye, he investigated the surgical effort to substitute an artificial intraocular lens for a cataractous one, which challenged the accepted techniques of the time...

BACKGROUND: It has long been recognized that more people are emmetropic than would be expected from a random combination of the refractive and axial components of the eye. However, it has been difficult to determine whether this is the result of an active emmetropization mechanism. METHODS: This paper reviews some of the studies in animals that have been conducted during the past 20 years. Four basic paradigms have been used to determine whether the visual environment helps guide eyes to emmetropia: 1) observing the normal pattern of ocular development, 2) shifting the location of the focal plane with minus- (and plus-) power lenses, 3) removing focused images by visual form deprivation and, 4) restoring form vision after a period of visual deprivation...

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of the photic sneeze response (PSR) as well as other characteristics have been studied in selected populations. However, the PSR has not been investigated in a general eye care patient population. This study was performed in an attempt to characterize the epidemiologic, descriptive, and demographic aspects of the photic sneeze response among patients attending for primary eye care. METHODS: A questionnaire on demographics, risk factors, and triggering stimuli was distributed to 500 consecutive patients presenting for a general eye examination at an academic health center optometry clinic...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Harold Lloyd was a cinema comedian who set records for popularity at the box office while establishing a unique screen persona. His character's distinquishing feature was a pair of spectacles made of tortise shell. Lloyd's screen character was so popular that, during the 1920s, the wear of spectacles became acceptable and faddish and contributed significantly to the popularization of eyewear.

BACKGROUND: A 43 year old male who performed a severe and sustained Valsalva maneuver developed a vitreous hemorrhage that was suspected as originating from an optic nerve vessel. Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy is not a common ocular finding and a breakthrough into the vitreous is even more uncommon. The vitreous hemorrhage cleared with recovery of previous acuity levels and a residua of small areas of fibrosis in the inferior vitreous. A discussion of the physiology of the Valsalva maneuver and of possible ocular and nonocular complications is presented...

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Optometry has played a significant role in the USAF vision research program since the early 1960s. The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) sponsors active duty optometry officers for Ph.D. and masters programs in Physiological Optics at civilian universities. After training, they are assigned to research laboratories at Brooks AFB, TX, or Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Senior research optometrists manage vision and medical research programs and have served on the staff of the United States Air Force (USAF) Surgeon General...

BACKGROUND: More than 50 herpesviruses have been discovered and, of these, humans are the only natural hosts for seven. Human herpesvirus infections are widespread and are a common cause of ocular pathology involving the anterior and/or posterior segment of the eye. Eye infection can occur during the primary infection or may be due to reactivation of the virus from a latent state and may be relatively mild or may be severe and threaten the health of the globe. CONCLUSIONS: Given the prevalence and importance of herpesvirus infection, this paper reviews the biological aspects as well as the systemic and ocular manifestations of these infections...

BACKGROUND: Posterior keratoconus is characterized by an internal protrusion of the posterior corneal surface and associated localized or diffuse stromal thinning. Two cases of circumscribed (localized) posterior keratoconus are presented that are representative of the spectrum of the anomaly. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and histological appearance of posterior keratoconus and its differential diagnosis from other corneal ectasias and developmental anomalies are reviewed to enable the eye care practitioner to better diagnose and manage this rare anterior segment disorder...

BACKGROUND: "Infiltrates" of white blood cells aggregating in the superficial cornea are common with corneal inflammation. The etiologies of such inflammation vary widely and include an association with contact lens wear. METHODS: This paper reviews the literature regarding corneal infiltrative keratitis with contact lens wear. Basic mechanisms in the development of corneal infiltrates as well as etiologies are presented. Associations and causes, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, course, and treatment for corneal infiltrates in contact lens wearers are reviewed...