Seminars in Ophthalmology 

About: Seminars in Ophthalmology is an academic journal published by Informa. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Glaucoma. It has an ISSN identifier of 0882-0538. Over the lifetime, 1931 publications have been published receiving 31470 citations. The journal is also known as: Semin Ophthalmol.

Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract: The evaluation of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) is based on the identification of differences in the relative reflectivity of different tissue layers and morphological changes in tissue structures. So the examination is able to localize and grossly demarcate inflammation in the vitreous cavity (by its dynamic analysis) or beneath retinal layers as well as detail retinal changes on the chronic phases of retinal disease like fibrosis, atrophy, or retinal edema.

The Pathogenesis of Edema in Diabetic Maculopathy

Abstract: Diabetic maculopathy is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular fluid in Henle's layer and the inner nuclear layer of the retina. The localization of the edema is likely to be due, in part, to the relative barrier properties of the inner and outer plexiform layers. The origin of the extracellular fluid is from the intravascular compartment. Although changes to retinal blood flow may partly explain the extravasation of fluid, the most important mechanism is breakdown of the blood retinal barriers. Both the inner blood retinal barrier formed by the retinal capillary endothelial cell tight junctions and the outer barrier formed by the retinal pigment epithelial cell tight junctions can be affected. The mechanism of breakdown of the blood retinal barriers is likely to be changes to the tight junction proteins including occludin and ZO-1. The biochemical messenger inducing these changes may be vascular endothelial growth factor. The origin of this or other cofactors may be the retinal glial cells. The underlying biochemical stimulus to the production of vascular endothelial growth factor is chronic hyperglycaemia, but it is uncertain by what pathway this is effected.

Molecular Mechanisms of Vascular Permeability in Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract: Diabetes leads to a wide array of complications in humans, including kidney failure, vascular disease, peripheral nerve degeneration, and vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy causes blindness in more working-age people in the United States than any other disease and contributes greatly to blindness in the young and old as well. The increasing rate of diabetes occurring in our society can only bring about a further decrease in the visual health of this country unless new modalities are discovered to prevent and cure diabetic retinopathy. Breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier and the resultant vascular permeability remains one of the first observable alterations in diabetic retinopathy and strongly correlates with vision loss. In this article, we examine the molecular components that form this blood-retinal barrier and explore how changes in the production of growth factors in the neural parenchyma cause an increase in vascular permeability and contribute to retinal degeneration.

Ocular Manifestations and Treatment of Syphilis

Abstract: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted, chronic, systemic infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. If left untreated, the disease progresses through four stages, with the potential to cause significant morbidity to any major organ of the body. Frequent syphilitic ocular manifestations, which can occur at any stage of the disease, include interstitial keratitis, anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis, chorioretinitis, retinitis, retinal vasculitis and cranial nerve and optic neuropathies. Diagnosis is centered around a high level of clinical suspicion and includes treponemal specific and non-treponemal serologic tests. All patients with newly diagnosed syphilis should be tested for co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus, as the risk factors are similar for both diseases. Additionally, all patients with ocular syphilis should be tested for neurosyphilis. The preferred treatment for all stages of syphilis remains parenteral penicillin G. With proper diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment, the majority of cases of syphilis can result in a cure.

LASIK vs LASEK vs PRK: advantages and indications.

Abstract: The advent of the excimer laser as an instrument for use in reshaping the corneal stroma was a great step forward in refractive surgery. Laser energy can be delivered on the stromal surface in the photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedure or deeper on the corneal stroma by the means of a lamellar surgery in which a flap is created with the microkeratome in the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedure. LASIK is currently the dominant procedure in refractive surgery. The main advantage of LASIK over PRK is related to maintaining the central corneal epithelium. This increases comfort during the early post-operative period, allows for rapid visual recovery, and reduces the wound healing response. Reduced wound healing correlates with less regression for high corrections and a lower rate of complications such as significant stromal opacity (haze). PRK, however, remains as an excellent option for mild to moderate corrections, particularly for cases associated with thin corneas, recurrent erosions, or a predisposition for trauma (Martial arts, military, etc.). Recently, a modification of PRK, laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), was introduced. In the LASEK procedure, an epithelial flap is created and replaced after the ablation. The benefits, if any, of the creation of an epithelial flap compared to traditional PRK are not fully appreciated. Advocates of LASEK suggest that there is less discomfort in the early postoperative period, faster visual recovery, and less haze compared to standard PRK for correction of similar levels of refractive error. Additional long-term clinical studies, along with laboratory research, will be crucial to validate these potential advantages of LASEK procedure.