Clinical management of aniseikonia An overview
12/12/03
Clinical management of aniseikonia has long been neglected by a large part of the optometric community. One of the main reasons is the lack of simple and accurate instrumentation for diagnosing and measuring aniseikonia. With the knowledge that the number of aniseikonia patients is significant, and that aniseikonia rules of thumb often do not predict the actual situation well, new products have recently emerged on the market to manage aniseikonia clinically.
Gerard C. de With PHD and Arnulf Remole BFA, OD, MS, PhD
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Non-optical assistive devices in low vision Help at hand for patients
12/12/03
While magnifiers and telescopes undoubtedly provide benefit for many people with visual impairment, other non-optical devices exist which can be used in conjunction with and, in some cases, instead of conventional optical devices.
Frank Eperjesi PhD, BSc, MCOptom, DipOrth, FAAO
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Lens and edging technology New developments for the modern practice
12/12/03
To round off her series on lens and edging developments, Krysten Williams reviews some of the new products launched during the last quarter of 2003, and new launches due in early 2004. The obvious trends are towards the introduction of versatile varifocal designs in thinner, lighter lens materials, and edging options offering greater automation and functionality.
Krysten Williams
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Contact dermatitis Diagnosis and management of ocular and adnexal manifestations
28/11/03
The eyelid, conjunctiva and tear film act as a protective barrier to foreign and toxic substances1,2.The eyelids and conjunctivae are often frequently affected in cases of contact dermatitis because they are constantly being exposed to airborne irritants and allergens. Eyelid rubbing and touching are other contributors.
Andrew S. Gurwood OD, FAAO and Caroline A. Beesley BSc
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Childhood visual problems and education Final part - Educational and visual performance links
28/11/03
The final part of this local practice and school-based study to investigate the link between visual function and achievement in SATs, looks into the relationship between educational performance and visual performance.
Geoff Shayler BSc, FCOptom, FCSO
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Ocular side effects of systemic drugs Final part: Anti-inflammatories, antihistamines and miscellaneous drugs
28/11/03
Parts 1 to 7 of this series considered all the major drug groups, system by system, starting with the cardiovascular system. This final article in the series discusses the anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines and other assorted drug classes which either do not fall into significant categories, or are too limited to be described in their own right.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons) Optom, MCOptom
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Systemic diseases of old age Ophthalmic manifestations Part 2
28/11/03
The second part of this article, describing the most common systemic disorders associated with ophthalmic manifestations in the older population, covers giant cell arteritis, carotid artery disease and ocular ischaemic syndrome, strokes and paraneoplastic syndromes. Course code: c4397j
Panagiotis Karadimas MD
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Charles Bonnet syndrome Visual hallucinations in the elderley
14/11/03
Charles Bonnet syndrome describes a malady in which individuals with severe vision problems begin to see things that they know are not there and are not real.
Andrew S. Gurwood OD, FAAO, Dip and Helen Abdal BS
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Keratoconus and its treatment An overview
14/11/03
Keratoconus can be defined as a progressive, non-inflammatory conical deformity of the cornea. It is characterised by corneal thinning and protrusion resulting in corneal distortion and decreased vision. Although most cases tend to be sporadic, studies indicate that the likelihood of a blood relative having keratoconus is as high as 10%. The incidence of the disease is relatively low and it occurs in all ethnic groups but with a slight male predominance.
Deepak Gupta OD, FAAO
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Cataract surgery Counselling considerations and complications
14/11/03
Arrangements for the direct referral of cataract patients by optometrists are increasingly common. Whilst only the surgeon can take final consent, earlier counselling of patients can prevent many unnecessary referrals to secondary care. This article considers points which should be kept in mind when discussing cataract surgery with patients.
Anthony P. Moriarty FRCS, FRCOphth, and Trevor J. Warburton BSc, FCOptom
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Eye protection and ocular hazards Standards and requirements
14/11/03
There are many industrial tasks, occupations and leisure activities where ocular hazards occur. When the hazard cannot be controlled at source, eye protectors should be provided in order to prevent ocular injuries. Unfortunately, accidents will always happen, but the number of eye injuries can be reduced by patients wearing eye protectors for tasks and hobbies where there are clearly potential risks. Course code: c4387c
Rachel North PhD, BSc, FCOptom
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Childhood visual problems and education Part 2 - Educational performance and accommodative flexibility
14/11/03
In part 2 of his study into childhood visual problems and education, carried out in association with the staff and children of Year 2 at Elmrise School in Bournemouth, Geoff Shayler investigates the link between educational performance and accommodative flexibility.
Geoff Shayler BSc, FCOptom, FCSO
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Childhood visual problems and education Part 1 - Near point accommodation and educational performance
31/10/03
The study described in this three-part article was set up in partnership with Julie Barsby, Head Teacher of Elmrise School in Bournemouth, to investigate the link between visual function and children?s achievement in their standard assessment tasks (SATs).
Geoff Shayler BSc, FCOptom, FCSO
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Physically abused children A guide for optometrists
31/10/03
Child abuse may have various faces, from physical harm to sexual exploitation, emotional abuse and/or neglect of basic needs such as food, education and medical care. These children usually end up in the emergency paediatric units. Nevertheless, optometrists and ophthalmologists could also be confronted with eye problems resulting from non-accidental injuries (NAIs), and proper intervention might save the life of the affected child.
Doina Gherghel MD, FRCOphth
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Acute optic neuritis A local management and treatment pathway
31/10/03
There has long been a controversy about the optimal treatment of acute optic neuritis (AON). The Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT) was set up in the late 1980s to try to clarify the role of systemic steroids, and the findings of the 10-year follow-up of this study were recently published.
R. Chhabra FRCS, P. Roche FRCS (Ed) and C.J. Heaven FRCOphth, FRCS (Ed), FCOptom
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Systemic diseases of old age Ophthalmic manifestations Part 1
31/10/03
Systemic diseases may affect the eye at any age. However, the manifestations of systemic diseases in the ageing eye represent, in general, a more significant problem. Firstly, certain systemic diseases are much more common in old age and secondly, even disorders which manifest from an early age can deteriorate in the ageing eye as a result of accumulative damage over the years. Course code: c4397k
Panagiotis Karadimas
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Optometric Grading Scales For use in everyday practice
17/10/03
Grading schemes for the assessment of contact lens-related complications have been available for several years. The best-known are those of Efron1 and the CCLRU2. Described as ?a useful adjunct to practitioners in gauging and monitoring the progression of ocular complications in contact lens wear?, they have been advocated for routine use.
Richard M. Pearson MPhil, FBOA; HD, FCOptom, DCLP, DOrth
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A diabetes shared care scheme Patient/GP satisfaction survey results
17/10/03
North Staffordshire LOC Vice Chairman, Stephen L. Saum, presents the results of a patient/GP satisfaction survey for a local diabetes shared care scheme running in the area.
Stephen L. Saum MSc, FCOptom
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Diabetic retinopathy Ocular complications and management
17/10/03
Diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of blindness in the working age group in the UK. Its overall prevalence varies in different populations but it remains the major blinding ocular complication of diabetes.
Chris Steele BSc (Hons), DipCLP, DipOC, FCOptom and David Steel MBBS, FRCOphth
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Medical management of diabetes An overview
17/10/03
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important international public health problem, with an estimated 120 million sufferers worldwide. It can be defined as ?a group of metabolic diseases characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both?. Ultimately, this disease alters the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to cause widespread damage throughout the body.
Deepak Gupta OD, FAAO
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Prescribing tints Measuring colour preference in the practice
03/10/03
The biggest barrier to prescribing tints has been the lack of a simple test to demonstrate their value to patients and clinically justify their use. Evidence about the importance of coloured light is compelling and a proper application of this research can have a profound effect on the well-being of many patients and overall practice profitability.
Geraint Griffiths BSc Mech. Eng., MSCOptom, MOptom
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Near vision testing comes of age New computer-based near charts
03/10/03
In optometric practice, the main purpose of near vision testing is to ensure that patients? near vision is adequate to meet the demands placed upon them at work and in their everyday lives. The best way to achieve this is to simulate the near vision task in the consulting room. The most common near vision task is reading and so some form of printed reading chart is found in most consulting rooms.
Professor David Thomson PhD, BSc, FCOptom
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Complications of LASIK Part 2 - Epithelial ingrowth
03/10/03
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Jag S. Chawla, continues his series on the complications of LASIK which optometrists might encounter in practice - looking at epithelial ingrowth.
Jag S. Chawla MD, FRCS, FRCOphth
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Sturge-Weber syndrome An overview
03/10/03
This article reviews the history, pathophysiology and symptoms of Sturge-Weber syndrome, focusing particularly on the ophthalmic consequences of the disorder.
Emma Hilton BSc, PhD and Sarah Hosking MCOptom, PhD, FAAO
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Age-related macular degeneration Optometric and medical management
03/10/03
An understanding of the classification and clinical features of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is vital to the management of this potentially blinding condition. Much of this information was covered in the previous article in this CPD series (OT 05/09/03). The optometric and medical management of AMD will now be discussed. Course code: c4397i
Manzar Saeed FRCS and Nicholas Lee FRCS, FRCOphth
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Understanding disease Medicine and surgery for the optometrist Final part: Miscellaneous diseases
19/09/03
The final article in this series on systemic diseases with ocular relevance looks at some of the less common types, which are more difficult to classify.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons) Optom, MCOptom
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Over-refraction with multifocal soft lenses Modern day challenges
19/09/03
One of the most challenging areas in modern contact lens practice is prescribing bifocal and multifocal contact lenses. Despite a choice of materials, designs and modalities, many practitioners are reluctant to embrace these new options. This article offers a key explanation for this along with a solution.
Jayne Schofield FBDO (Hons) CL, Margaret Richmond FBDO CL and Vicki Evans BOptom
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Occupational optometry Lighting and its effects
19/09/03
Occupational optometry could be described as that sub-division of optometry which directly, or indirectly, relates to the workplace - a statement that presupposes that the focus of attention is primarily industrial. Course code: c4387b
Dr Alan Smith BA, PhD
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Correcting the CL vs. spectacles imbalance Inspire your staff and patients
19/09/03
Do you have a genuine belief that building your business with contact lenses will generate more profit and lead to a larger base of valued customers? If the answer to this question is yes, then read on to find out how to make this a reality.
David J. Sawyer FBDO
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Age-related macular degeneration Classification and clinical features
05/09/03
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), commonly known to patients as ?wear and tear? of the retina, remains the most common cause of visual loss in the elderly. The prevalence of AMD is 7% in those over 45 years, rising to 30% in those over 75 years. Course code: c4397h
Manzar Saeed FRCS and Nicholas Lee FRCS, FRCOphth
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Exerc-eyes Effects of excercise on ocular health
15/08/03
Emma Hilton examines the scientific evidence which weighs the pros and cons of regular exercise on ocular health, focusing, in particular, on intraocular pressure and ocular blood flow in specific eye diseases, and the adverse ocular effects of some extreme sports.
Emma Hilton, BSc, PhD
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Sports eyewear and eyecare A survey of UK and US practitioners
15/08/03
In our health conscious society, sports participation is seen as a popular and effective means of enhanced fitness. In the UK alone, some 60 million people participate in sport and leisure1, many in more than one activity and often well into middle age and beyond. Indeed, sport is now established as the second largest industry worldwide and many sportspeople spend considerable amounts of money on activities such as skiing, cycling, golf and leisure clubs.
Donald F.C. Loran MSc, FCOptom AMCT, DCLP
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Eye dominance in sport A comparative study
15/08/03
Perhaps the most important contribution sports vision could make, is to demonstrate a direct relationship between vision and sporting performance. Scientific proof, if it exists, could have a profound effect on thinking in optometry, the sporting institutions and amongst coaches and sports participants (50% of the population1). It may also have implications in other areas of occupational optometry.
Geraint Griffiths BSc Mech. Eng., MScOptom, MCOptom
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Improving sporting performance An introduction to sports vision
15/08/03
Henri Obstfeld gives an introduction to sports vision, covering history, education, current practice and standards. Course code: c4387a
Henri Obstfeld MPhil, FCOptom, FBOA, DCLP
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The ageing eye Changes in the posterior segment with age
25/07/03
The focus of this article is the changes found in the vitreous and retina as a person ages. Most practitioners immediately think of age-related macular degeneration, which is covered in another chapter in this series. However, we forget that the vitreous changes as we age, and these ageing changes are crucial in the evolution of posterior vitreous detachment, and the subsequent relationship with retinal detachment. Course code: c4397g
Chris Hammond MD, MRCP, FRCOphth
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Cataract assessment and direct referral Stockport optometrists take the initiative
25/07/03
Stockport Primary Care Trust, in conjunction with Stockport NHS Trust and Stockport Local Optometric Committee, has developed an optometrist-led cataract assessment and direct referral scheme. Building on good practice and a history of co-management, the scheme provides an effective and efficient referral route. All patients are assessed and counselled in primary care, which has significantly reduced the number of patients referred that do not require surgery.
Jack Sharp BA (Hons), MA (Econ), MIHM, Anthony Moriarty FRCS, FRCOphth, Trevor W
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Optometric management of Children Useful tips and hints
11/07/03
Hospital optometrist, Lynne Speedwell, looks at some of the issues involved in testing children?s sight and managing their visual problems.
Lynne Speedwell BSc, MSc (Health Psy), FCOptom, DCLP, FAAO
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Ocular side effects of drugs Part 7b: Drugs for the central nervous system
11/07/03
In Part 7a (OT, 18/04/03), the major and minor tranquillisers (used to treat psychoses and neuroses, respectively) were discussed. This article looks at the medication used in the treatment of relatively common or important neurological conditions. The prescription of these agents is well within the realm of the GP, although severe or atypical cases should be managed by specialist neurology units.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc(Hons) Optom, MCOptom
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Visual field defect - A case for cerebral aneurysm
11/07/03
This case demonstrates the importance of visual field examination in all patients presenting with unexplained visual loss and a non-specific headache.
De Gaulle I. Chigbu OD, FAAO, FCOptom, DipTP, DipOC
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Optical coherence tomography Managing diabetic retinopathy
11/07/03
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging technique which could have a significant influence on how future diabetic services are delivered in ophthalmology. Optometrists may well play an important role in operating this highly specialised equipment in the future.
Chris Steele BSc (Hons), FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOC
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Funding digital fundus cameras for retinopathy screening in England
27/06/03
The government is providing ?27m for the purchase of digital fundus cameras in England over the next three years. How this will be allocated and spent is a hot topic and currently the most frequently asked question of the AOP?s primary care team by both LOCs and primary care trusts (PCTs). Trevor Warburton, Chairman of the AOP Professional Services Committee, explains.
Trevor J. Warburton BSc, FCOptom
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Thyroid orbitopathy A review
27/06/03
Thyroid orbitopathy (thyroid eye disease, thyroid ophthalmopathy) is a self-limited, organ specific, autoimmune disorder with the potential to cause severe functional and psychosocial effects. This article reviews the clinical features with particular emphasis on current management.
Shirley Fung MBBS, Raman Malhotra MBChB, FRCOphth and Dinesh Selva MBBS (Hons),
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Age related cataract Epidemiology, pathogenesis and management
27/06/03
Age-related cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and it is estimated that globally more than 20 million people are bilaterally blind from this condition. The continued increase in life expectancy, along with the growth of the world?s population, will ensure that cataract continues to be a major public health problem in years to come. Course code: c4397f
Dr J. G. Lawrenson BSc (Hons), MCOptom, PhD
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Understanding disease Medicine and surgery for the optomtrist Part 8: Infectious diseases
13/06/03
Infectious diseases are extremely common and pose a major risk to public health. Various biological agents are responsible for the vast majority of human diseases, which either have a known aetiology or are curable. Pest control, sanitary hygiene, vaccination and the discovery of antimicrobial agents have improved matters. Nevertheless, in spite of the virtual elimination of some infectious diseases and considerable reduction in the morbidity and mortality of several others, infection is far from being a thing of the past.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons), MCOptom
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Presbyopia correction comes of age with conductive keratoplasty
13/06/03
The treatment of presbyopia was a major focus of the 2003 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) conference, held in San Francisco this April. Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) has emerged as a leading corneal approach in the correction of this condition.
David Allamby FRCS, FRCOphth and Chris heaven FRCS, FRCOphth, FCOptom
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Complications of LASIK Part 1 - Epithelial defects
13/06/03
In a new series for OT, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Jag S. Chawla, looks at the complications of LASIK which optometrists might encounter in practice - starting with epithelial defects.
Jag S. Chawla MD, FRCS, FRCOphth
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Has LASEK superseded LASIK?
13/06/03
LASIK has not only become the most popular refractive procedure performed worldwide but has now become the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the USA. Although this has been driven by the common belief that LASIK provides rapid recovery and consistent results, the procedure is not risk free. The rise in numbers of treatment performed has also meant a rise in the number of complications specific to LASIK.
Sunil Shah FRCSE, FRCOphth and Vinod Kumar FRCSE
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The ageing population Support services for the elderly
30/05/03
Elderly people can access a variety of services to help them stay as independent as possible if they develop disabling conditions. They are entitled to many of these services through statutory agencies such as health and social care providers, while others are provided by the voluntary and the commercial sectors. Course code: c4397l
Marek Karas BSc (Hons) MCOptom
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Precision tinted lenses in migraine Recent research at the Institute of Optometry
16/05/03
The Intuitive Colorimeter, Precision Tinted lenses (PTLs), Intuitive Overlays and the Wilkins Rate of Reading test are well known for their use by optometrists and other professionals in the treatment of some people with reading difficulties. This work has been summarised in two recent books. Some new research suggests that these treatments are also helpful for certain people with migraine. This article summarises this research and discusses the clinical implications for optometrists and dispensing opticians.
Ragini Patel BSc, MCOptom, Bruce J.W. Evans BSc, PhD, FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOrth,
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Extended roles of the hospital optometrist National survey findings
16/05/03
In 1999, an article published in OT highlighted the changing role of the hospital optometrist. At that time, co-managed care was still relatively uncommon. In the past three years, however, there have been some important changes in the roles undertaken by optometrists working within certain hospitals. These changes may well significantly influence the future development of the hospital optometry as a whole.
Chris Steele BSc (Hons), FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOC
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Corneal refractive therapy (CRT) An alternative method of vision correction
16/05/03
Whether your patients admit it or not, almost every single one of them has entertained the thought of not having to wear spectacles or contact lenses. Thousands of patients around the world have taken that step and have had refractive surgery - but a multitude of patients have not. There are various reasons why so many potential refractive surgery candidates have not made that commitment - cost, refractive stability, or fear of surgery - take your pick. There is and has been an alternative for almost 40 years - corneal refractive therapy (CRT), otherwise known as orthokeratology.
Marc Brian Taub OD
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The ageing eye Contact lenses for the over-40s
02/05/03
The three main options in contact lenses for the over-40s are simple reading spectacles worn when needed, monovision for those who can tolerate it, or the bifocal and multifocal route. This is generally true for both hard gas permeable and soft lenses, regardless of whether the patient is an existing contact lens wearer or new to contact lenses. However, the options available and their advantages and disadvantages, are not the only matters requiring attention. Course code: c4397e
Judith Morris BSc, MSc, FCOptom, FAAO, FIACLE
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Ocular side effects of drugs - Part 7a: Drugs for the central nervous system
18/04/03
The central nervous system (CNS) executes the short-term processes of homeostasis, and helps to perform the motor and sensory functions of the body.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons) Optom, MCOptom
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Therapeutics update Extending capacity in the Hospital Eye Service
18/04/03
Practitioners recognise that there is scope for improvement in the process of care within the Hospital Eye Service (HES). Capacity is being extended with a number of initiatives involving optometrists, orthoptists and nurses taking enhanced roles in the management of eye conditions.
Rod McNeil
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Drugs used in optometric practice
18/04/03
This article describes the drugs and preparations used most commonly in optometric practice, and those which optometrists are currently eligible to supply and administer. Course code: c4555
Lucy C. Titcomb BSc, MPharmS, MCPP
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Benign essential blepharospasm Diagnosis and management
04/04/03
Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a focal dystonia characterised by bilateral involuntary closure of the eyelids without spasm of other facial muscles. It is a frequently misdiagnosed yet treatable condition which may cause serious disability. This article describes the clinical features, differential diagnosis and management of BEB with particular emphasis on the use of botulinum toxin and myectomy.
Michael Batterham, Andrew Kaines MBBS, Raman Malhotra MBChB, FRCOphth and Dinesh
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The ageing eye Changes in the anterior segment with age
04/04/03
This article discusses the anatomical and physiological changes in the anterior segment which occur with age. The areas covered will include the globe, lids, tears, conjunctiva, cornea, sclera and anterior chamber angle. Course code: c4397d
Roger J. Buckley MA, FRCS, FRCOphth, HonFCOptom
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The eye and the mind Psychiatric encounters in optometric practice
21/03/03
In their day-to-day professional lives, optometrists and ophthalmologists come into contact with various kinds of ophthalmic disorders. However, many of our patients may also experience psychological or psychiatric problems as a result of their eye diseases, and so practitioners should be prepared to recognise these and follow the appropriate course of action. This article introduces this often overlooked aspect of optometric practice.
Doina Gherghel MD, FRCOphth
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Ocular side efffects of drugs Part 6: Endocrine drugs
21/03/03
Having considered the cardiovascular system in Parts 1 to 4 of this series and antimicrobial agents in Part 5, it is now time to look at other functional systems of the body. Homeostatic function is implemented principally by the nervous system in the short term, and by the endocrine system over longer time periods, although the kidneys and the lungs also play a part in this vital physiological process. This article on the endocrine system will be followed by a further two articles on the nervous system.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons) Optom, MCOptom
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Understanding disease Medicine and surgery for the optometrist Part 7: Neoplastic disease
07/03/03
The existence of various types of growths in the body has been observed for centuries. In older times, due to lack of knowledge and a dearth of surgical and other forms of therapy for malignant disease, tumours in certain patients were left to grow to extreme proportions; for instance, in the Gordon Museum at Guy?s Hospital there is an artist?s representation of an old man with a lump on his belly as large as a beer barrel, whose weight appears to make the man lean forward inordinately.
Mukesh Patel BSc (Hons) Pharmacol, BSc (Hons) Optom, MCOptom
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The ageing population Changes in visual function with age
07/03/03
The complex study of human senescence has made dramatic advances during the last two or three decades, and the eye and vision have not been neglected. The subject has been reviewed on several occasions, and this article is an update on some of the research topics which have recently received attention. Course code: c4397c
Robert A. Weale BSc, MSc, MPhil, PhD, DSc
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High resolution digital cameras Failure rates in retinal screening
21/02/03
All cameras give rise to a certain number of ?technical failures?, i.e. the result is poor for whatever reason. Events such as a blink are easily spotted with a digital system, with near instant viewing of images, allowing for such pictures to be re-taken.
Trevor J. Warburton BSc, FCOptom
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Is smoking a risk factor for AMD?
21/02/03
There are approximately one billion smokers in the world today accounting for 33% of the population over 15 years of age. The prevalence of smoking varies widely around the world, e.g. in Europe, 50% of males are smokers, but this percentage rises to 60-70% in Western Pacific countries. In the UK, the number of smokers has decreased significantly since the 1940s.
Richard A. Armstrong BSc, DPhil
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The role of macular pigment in the defence against AMD
21/02/03
The population is ageing rapidly and the next decade will see the so called ?baby boomers? reaching their 60s, so the impact on optometric practice is likely to become even more marked.
ohn Nolan BSc, Orla O'Donovan PhD and Stephen Beatty MD
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Age-related macular degeneration an overview
21/02/03
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a slow, progressive and painless eye condition. It is the leading cause of blindness in Western societies, with up to a third of the population over the age of 70 affected to some degree. It accounts for almost 50% of those registered as blind or partially sighted in the UK. This article provides an overview of the clinical features, pathophysiology and management including an update on recent treatment developments of AMD. Course code: c4346
ohn P. Mathews FRCS Ed, Divya Mathews FRCS Ed and Simon P. Kelly FRCOphth
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Nutrition and the eye An overview
21/02/03
One of the goals of optometrists is to protect the eyesight of patients so that they have good vision throughout their lifetime. We do this through education about sun exposure, sports injuries, safety glasses, care and handling of contact lenses and now, lifestyle decisions including the role of diet and smoking.
Barbara Caffrey OD, MS, FAAO
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Research round-up Evidence and experiments in wet AMD
21/02/03
Choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) is a degenerative condition which develops secondary to several types of eye disorder including AMD, pathologic myopia and ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS). Until recently, the only approved treatment for exudative AMD was laser photocoagulation. This treatment is associated with recurrent disease and results in permanent destruction of the treated area, making it a viable option only for AMD lesions positioned away from the patient?s central macula.
Rod McNeil
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The Human Genome Project - Its relevance to ocular disease
07/02/03
Approximately a third of all known human diseases caused by defective genes involve the eye. In addition, of the cases of blindness caused by disease, 75% occur in individuals under 15 years of age and approximately 50% of these are hereditary.
Richard A. Armstrong BSc, DPhil and Stephen N. Smith BSc, PhD
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Acute vision loss in the elderly A case report
07/02/03
Ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION) is the most common cause of monocular disc swelling and acute vision loss in the elderly. The infarction occurs at the optic disc, or the anterior portion of the optic nerve and, therefore, the condition has more properly been labelled anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION).
Kirk L. Smick OD, FAAO
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Examining the elderly population Strategies for the optometrist
07/02/03
The population is ageing rapidly and the next decade will see the so called ?baby boomers? reaching their 60s, so the impact on optometric practice is likely to become even more marked. Course code: c4397b
Lynne Weddell BSc (Hons), FCOptom
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Waverfront-guided contact lens design Principles, techniques and limitations
24/01/03
The concept of wavefront-guided contact lens design is presented from three vantage points - ray optics, wavefront aberrations, and optical path-length errors. The most intuitive of these three is the last; an optically perfect contact lens makes all of the paths from a distant object to the retina equal in optical length, regardless of where the path penetrates the plane of the pupil. The prescription for such a lens is an aberration map which specifies how optical path differences vary across the pupil. Practical barriers to the successful correction of ocular aberrations with contact lenses include residual sphero-cylindrical errors, chromatic aberration, alignment instability, and variability of measured aberration maps.
Larry N. Thibos OD
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An introduction to wavefront aberrometry and its use in clinical practice
24/01/03
Wavefront aberrometry is an innovative technique for measuring the complete refractive status of an optical system and has recently been introduced into the clinical field. In ophthalmic practice, it is routine to measure the spherical and cylindrical components of refractive errors and correct these with spectacles, contact lenses, intraocular lenses or refractive surgery. However, these ?ideal? sphero-cylindrical corrections only account for the lower order aberrations of the eye - they do not eliminate the higher order optical aberrations.
Nisha Sachdev MBChB, Gerry Cairns BSc (Hons), MCOptom and Charles NJ McGhee PhD,
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Frequent abnormal ocular conditions in the average primary care practice - part 2
24/01/03
This article, in two parts, reviews those abnormal ocular conditions, which are more likely to be seen in the average primary care practice. Part 1 (OT, 10/01/03) covered the red eye and diseases causing sudden visual loss. Part 2 looks at the principal causes of chronic loss of vision.
Doina Gherghel MD, FRCOphth
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Laser treatment for branch retinal vein occlusion
10/01/03
Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is second only to diabetes as a cause of retinal vascular disease. It is a major cause of decreased visual acuity and threshold sensitivity in middle aged to elderly individuals.
James Lombardo, OD, FAAO
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Dementia with Lewy bodies 'new' type of dementia with visual symptoms
10/01/03
A previous article in OT described the symptoms, diagnosis and changes in the brain in patients with Alzheimer?s disease - the most common type of dementia to affect elderly people.
Richard A. Armstrong BSc, DPhil
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Frequent abnormal ocular conditions in everyday practice - part 1
10/01/03
Optometrists are daily confronted with a variety of ocular and systemic conditions and permanently face the challenge of making a proper diagnosis and referral. The patient could be a child, a young or an elderly person, male or female, each requiring a different clinical approach. This article (in two parts) reviews those abnormal ocular conditions, which are more likely to be seen in an average primary care practice.
Doina Gherghel MD
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The ageing population Definitions and underlying processes
10/01/03
The ageing eye CPD series will encompass all aspects of the eye which undergo anatomical or physiological changes with age and explain age-related changes in visual function. This first article in the series provides an explanation of the difficulties encountered when attempting to define ageing, and a discussion of the underlying processes involved. Course code: c4397a
Robert A. Weale BSc, MSc, MPhil, PhD, DSc
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