Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0314719 (dry eye)
 2,625 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The introduction of the hydrophilic contact lens has been a significant advance in ophthalmology for the correction of ametropia, as well as for the therapy of corneal disease. The number of potential contact lens candidates has been greatly expanded by the introduction of both spin-cast and lathe-cut lenses composed of a variety of individual hydrophilic polymers. Myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, aphakia and moderate astigmatism can be corrected with a reasonable degree of success with the present lenses. Even in keratoconus hydrophilic lenses offer a nonsurgical alternative, especially when combined with spectacle overcorrection. The introduction of hydrophilic bandages in the treatment of corneal disease has been an important addition to the therapeutic armamentarium of the ophthalmologist. When properly applied, these lenses can provide subjective relief of pain while serving to protect the damaged cornea from the traumatic action of the lids and desiccating effects of the atmosphere. The hydrophilic material is permeable to many topically instilled medications and tends to prolong the contact time of the drugs with the corneal surface. Proper fitting of the bandage lenses can eliminate superficial corneal irregularities and, thus, improve the visual acuity while treatment progresses. Medical indications for the use of this therapy include bullous keratopathy, dry eye syndromes, chemical burns, exposure keratitis, and neurotropic keratitis. A number of recurrent erosions and ulcerations have also responded to this form of therapy. Surgical indications include lacerations, postoperative lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty, and keratectomies. One of the most promising applications concerns their use in the postoperative management of alkaline burns. Best results have been obtained by constant wear of the bandage lens, with topical administration of steroids, antibiotics, and saline solution (hypotonic or hypertonic) as indicated. The possible deleterious effects of standard ocular medication containing preservatives has been overstated. Patients receiving medications without preservatives must be placed on prophylactic antibiotics to avoid secondary infection. In many cases, the therapeutic efficacy is closely related to the diameter and curvature of the bandage lens as well as the inherent physical properties of the polymers. With meticulous fitting and close observation complications have been minimal. In many instances the results have been dramatic, but even if unsuccessful the method provides a safe and relatively simple nonsurgical alternative in the treatment of severe corneal disease. Just as with older modalities, the ultimate success or failure depends upon the intrinsic nature of the disease process as well as reasonable therapeutic application based on a knowledge of the mechanics involved.
 ...
PMID:New aspects of contact lenses in ophthalmology. 95 43

Multifocal intraocular lenses are increasingly used in the management of pseudophakic presbyopia. After multifocal intraocular lens implantation, most patients do not need spectacles or contact lenses and are pleased with the result. Complications, however, may affect the patient's quality of life and level of satisfaction. Common problems with multifocal lenses are blurred vision and photic phenomena associated with residual ametropia, posterior capsule opacification, large pupil size, wavefront anomalies, dry eye, and lens decentration. The main reasons for these are failure to neuroadapt, lens dislocation, residual refractive error, and lens opacification. To avoid patient dissatisfaction after multifocal intraocular lens implantation, it is important to consider preoperatively the patient's lifestyle; perform an exhaustive examination including biometry, topography, and pupil reactivity; and explain the visual expectations and possible postoperative complications.
 ...
PMID:Multifocal intraocular lenses: An overview. 2836 83

Refractive surgery has evolved beyond laser refractive techniques over the past decade. Laser refractive surgery procedures (such as laser in-situ keratomileusis), surface ablation techniques (such as laser epithelial keratomileusis), and photorefractive keratectomy have now been established as fairly safe procedures that produce excellent visual outcomes for patients with low-to-moderate amounts of ametropia. Additionally, a broader selection of options are now available to treat a wider range of refractive errors. Small incision lenticule extraction uses a femtosecond laser to shape a refractive lenticule, which is removed through a small wound. The potential advantages of this procedure include greater tectonic strength and less dry eye. In the future, intracorneal implants could be used to treat hyperopia or presbyopia. Phakic intraocular implants and refractive lens exchange might be useful options in carefully selected patients for correcting high degrees of ametropia. Thus, physicians are now able to provide patients with the appropriate refractive corrective option based on the individual's risk-benefit profile.
 ...
PMID:Refractive surgery. 3110 54