Month: December 2012

Organizing The Eye’s Neurons

Johns Hopkins researchers A. R. Tomas and M. R. Deans have identified a protein needed for neuron organization in the developing retina. The team says that the study helps reveal how the healthy retina – the part of the eye that detects light – is bui…

Higher Visual Function

This fascinating review provides a neurobiological perspective on visual agnosias — disorders that impair the perception and recognition of color, words, objects, and faces. Practical Neurology

Investigation of the Human Anterior Segment in Normal Chinese Subjects Using a Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer

Purpose:
To investigate anterior segment parameters in normal Chinese subjects and study factors influencing these parameters, such as age, gender, and laterality.

Design:
A prospective observational case series.

Participants:
A total of 291 normal subjects (582 eyes) were included.

Methods:
The anterior segment data were determined with a dual Scheimpflug analyzer.

Main Outcome Measures:
The corneal thinnest-point thickness (CTPT), corneal thinnest-point distribution (CTPD), central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal thickness (CT) in the central 10 mm diameter, pupil diameter (PD), pupil center distribution (PCD), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and anterior chamber (Read more...)

Effect of Lateral Decubitus Position on Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma Patients with Asymmetric Visual Field Loss

Purpose:
To investigate the effect of the lateral decubitus position (LDP) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients with asymmetric visual field loss.

Design:
Prospective, cross-sectional study.

Participants:
Ninety-eight eyes of 49 consecutive bilateral glaucoma patients with asymmetric visual field loss, divided into better eye and worse eye groups for calculation of mean deviation.

Methods:
Intraocular pressure was measured using a Goldmann applanation tonometer and rebound tonometer (Icare PRO; Icare Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland) in each of the following positions: sitting, supine, right LDP, and left LDP. Visual field was (Read more...)

Predictors of Matching in an Ophthalmology Residency Program

Purpose:
To examine the characteristics of US medical students applying for ophthalmology residency and to determine the predictors of matching.

Design:
A retrospective case series.

Participants:
A total of 3435 medical students from the United States who applied to an ophthalmology residency program from 2003 to 2008 were included.

Methods:
Matched and unmatched applicants were compared and stratified by predictor variables, including United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, medical school reputation, and medical school geographic region. Differences in proportions were analyzed using (Read more...)