Survey of ophthalmology
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Every year in the USA, 100-150 people die and 1000-1500 others are injured by lightning strikes. Ophthalmic and neurologic injuries from lightning strike are common. ⋯ Prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist is imperative for maximizing outcomes. Incidence and mechanisms of lightning strike injury are summarized, with special emphasis on the treatment of ocular injuries.
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Survey of ophthalmology · Jul 2001
ReviewClostridium botulinum and the ophthalmologist: a review of botulism, including biological warfare ramifications of botulinum toxin.
The anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum causes disease by elaborating an extremely potent neurotoxin that inhibits release of acetylcholine at presynaptic nerve endings, thereby resulting in a descending flaccid paralysis and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Possible ophthalmological effects of this neurotoxin are many and typically constitute the earliest manifestations of botulism. ⋯ Ophthalmological findings of botulism are tabulated and their frequencies are provided. Finally, the bioterrorism/biologic warfare ramifications of botulinum toxin are briefly discussed.