Eye
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To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a sub-anaesthetic dose of propofol for reducing patient recall of peribulbar block in eye surgery. ⋯ A single sub-anaesthetic dose of propofol prior to administering peribulbar block is effective in reducing recall of the injection and safe without major systemic side effects.
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To assess the prevalence of visual impairment and the underlying causes in a population of people with diabetes. ⋯ The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in our population of people with diabetes was low. Non-diabetic eye disease accounted for the majority of this visual impairment. This provides essential baseline data against which future progress can be assessed. Screening and treatment can greatly reduce the incidence of visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy, but its impact on overall visual impairment rates in the population of people with diabetes will be more modest.
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To assess whether the issuing of local guidelines for glaucoma detection including a protocol for the referral of suspects can improve the quality and accuracy of referrals from optometrists. ⋯ Local dissemination of glaucoma screening guidelines with a protocol for referral did not appear to improve the diagnostic accuracy of optometrists in our area. Optometrists who follow the guidelines refer fewer normal individuals on IOP grounds, but false positive visual fields and optic disc interpretation difficulties remain a factor in such referrals. Additional strategies will be necessary to improve the quality and accuracy of referrals for suspect glaucoma by optometrists.
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To report the possible effects of heroin withdrawal on binocular vision. ⋯ Heroin withdrawal should be considered as a cause of acute concomitant esotropia. However, an accurate history of other medication is needed to ensure that this is not the cause of decompensation.