Survey of ophthalmology
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A 52-year-old man presented with blurred vision and a red, painful eye. There was a marked anterior uveitis associated with a solid white lesion on the iris. The differential diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic workup are discussed. The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung with metastasis to the iris was made.
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Survey of ophthalmology · Jan 1985
Biography Historical ArticleCocaine's use in ophthalmology: our 100-year heritage.
One hundred years ago the fledgling ophthalmologist Carl Koller demonstrated that the alkaloid cocaine was a local anesthetic suitable for rendering the eye temporarily insensible to pain. It was an event of historical significance, as his discovery opened the door not only to a new era in ophthalmic surgery, but to surgery in general. In this paper we review the ancient uses of the coca leaf, the historical events leading up to and following Koller's discovery, and the present day uses of cocaine in ophthalmology and medicine.
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James Joyce , considered by many to be the greatest novelist of the 20th century, was plagued by severe eye problems for most of his adult life. The presence of iritis, glaucoma and cataracts was complicated by the complexity of his systemic medical conditions, his noncompliance with professional advice, and the state of the art of ophthalmology during his lifetime.
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Malignant hyperthermia is a potentially fatal complication of general anesthesia that may occur with greater frequency in some patients with ptosis or strabismus. The history of our knowledge of this recently described condition is outlined. ⋯ A protocol for the treatment of the acute malignant hyperthermia crisis and guidelines for the management of susceptible patients are suggested. The medicolegal implications of the occurrence of such a crisis are discussed.
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Ectopia lentis was first described more than 200 years ago, but its value as a significant diagnostic clue to the presence of other ocular and systemic disorders has only recently been appreciated. Ectopia lentis may cause a marked reduction in visual acuity, which varies with the type and degree of dislocation and the presence of other ocular abnormalities. ⋯ The differential diagnosis is reviewed in detail both clinically and histologically. The complications of ectopia lentis and the appropriate management of affected patients are discussed.