Eye
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to report on trends in ophthalmology workload using linked statistical data; ⋯ Age-specific admission rates in ophthalmology are much higher in the very young and old than in other age groups. Patterns of work in the specialty are therefore particularly affected by variation in the age distribution of the population. The increase in cataract surgery reflected both the increase in numbers of old people in the population and an increase in age-specific operation rates for cataract. Attempts to alter attitudes and behaviour of the elderly regarding eye diseases, disability, and facilities for treatment may have had a positive impact on the use of services. The decrease in admissions for children probably reflects the impact made by child health surveillance programmes. As the child screening programme has expanded, the admission rates for strabismus have decreased.
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Fifty-four cases of peripheral nerve sheath tumours within the orbit are reviewed. Benign neurilemmomas or neurofibromas occurred in 93% of patients and had an equal incidence. There was a family history or other signs of systemic neurofibromatosis in one-quarter of those with solitary neurofibromas, but in none of the patients with neurilemmoma. ⋯ Within the orbit, most peripheral nerve sheath tumours affect the first division of the trigeminal nerve and extension of some tumours through the superior orbital fissure limits their surgical resection. Despite incomplete resection of some tumours, with up to 23 years follow-up there have been no recurrences requiring further surgery. A postoperative sensory deficit occurred in only 32% of patients with benign neurilemmomas and 72% with neurofibromas.