M Nardi

Intraocular pressure changes in secondary positions of gaze in normal subjects and in restrictive ocular motility disorders

One hundred normal Caucasian eyes and 29 eyes with restrictive disorders of ocular motility were studied in order to delineate intraocular pressure changes in secondary positions of gaze. Applanation tonometry was performed in the primary position and at an angle of 22°. In patients with restrictive syndromes the changes of intraocular pressure in the secondary positions of gaze were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than in normal subjects.The range of variation in normal subjects was 0, +3 mmHg for supraduction and −3, +1 mmHg for abduction. Patients with restrictive syndromes showed changes between +1 and +15 mmHg for supraduction and between +3 and +10 mmHg for abduction. Results obtained in the two groups showed the existence of false negatives. This test is thus a practical and useful diagnostic tool, but its results must be evaluated cautiously.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-like material in human retina

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-like material was found in human retina obtained at autopsy from eyes used for corneal grafts. The TRH-like material was extracted with methanol and was found to be indistinguishable from synthetic TRH in its immunoreactivity and bioreactivity and in its proteolytic degradation by fresh human serum. The TRH concentration in human retina was similar to that reported in human cerebral cortex. These data are in keeping with the notion that the retina is an extension of the central nervous system. The physiological function of human retinal TRH in unknown: probably it acts as a neurotransmitter.

Disposable film cover for the tip of Goldmann's tonometer

The application of a thin, transparent, polyvinyl-chloride film on the double prism of Goldmanns tonometer is proposed, so as to prevent bacterial and viral infection during tonometry. This film, mounted in such a way as to facilitate its application, is supplied in disposable sterile packaging. The use of the film does not alter the calibration of the instrument and does not substantially modify readings thereby obtained.

Divergence pseudoparalysis: a case report.

Divergence paralysis is a clinical syndrome that is characterized by esotropia and diplopia at distance fixation and fusion at near fixation. This syndrome is thought to result from a lesion in the brain stem, probably in the midbrain or in the pontine region. This paper reports a case in which ocular motility disturbances, simulating divergence paralysis, were caused by a bilateral and symmetrical restrictive syndrome involving the medial rectus muscles.