Monday, July 31, 2006

Andrasko Corneal Staining Grid


A large, well-controlled study is now available to determine the biocompatibility of certain contact lenses with various contact lens care products. This information is helpful in that it now provides optometrists with clinical data to support the recommendation of a certain lens care product for patients. For more information see the "Andrasko Corneal Staining Grid".

Saturday, July 15, 2006

HSV vs. HZV

Sometimes differentiating Herpes Simplex Virus from Herpes Zoster virus can be difficult. This link is very helpful:
HSV vs. HZV: How To Differentiate

Contact Lens Complications


For a great summary of Corneal Infiltrative Complications Associated With Contact Lens Wear see this webpage in Review of Optometry Online.
A number of distinct sterile keratitis entities with differing clinical presentations are discussed, including CLPU, CLARE, infiltrative keratitis (IK), asymptomatic infiltrative keratitis (AIK), and asymptomatic infiltrates (AI). Careful examination techniques are necessary to make an appropriate differential and tentative diagnosis of these relatively benign conditions, as well as to distinguish them from the rarer but potentially sight-threatening infiltrative ulceration known as microbial keratitis (MK).

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Two Revisions to ANSI Ophthalmic Prescription Lenses


ANSI Z80.1 - 2005 has two revisions. Tolerance for cylinder axis and progressive addition lens power have increased.
Visit Vision Council of America's website for details.

Temporary External Eyelid Weights


The MedDev Corporation (Sunnyvale, California) has designed an external eyelid load weight (Blinkeze Lid Weights). The weights come in various sizes and different exterior surface skin tones and are fixed to the pretarsal skin surface of the upper eyelids.
These eyelid weights can be useful for temporary non-surgical treatment of facial nerve palsy with ocular complications such as lagophthalmos and loss of blink secondary to lack of nerve supply to the orbicularis oculi. These conditions can be potentially devastating when they lead to exposure keratopathy, corneal breakdown, ulcers, and even perforation.
For more information and a case study see Optometry (2006); 77: 340-342
For ordering information for this product go to the MedDev Corporation's website.