Survey of ophthalmology
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Survey of ophthalmology · May 2007
ReviewIs significant relevant? Validity and patient benefit of randomized controlled clinical trials on age-related macular degeneration.
A large variety of new treatment options for different forms of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) are becoming available. Not all new therapies may meet the expectations of patients and ophthalmologists. Despite the given statistical significant priority of treatment investigations, the endpoints may not be relevant to the patient's requirements. ⋯ The randomized controlled trial is regarded as the "gold standard" in terms of evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. The external validity of randomized controlled trials may be compromised, if, for example, patients assigned to the study group are unrepresentative of the reference population. This review aims to analyze problems with external validity in the randomized controlled trials on ARMD and surveys the endpoints of clinical studies with respect to the patient benefit.
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Survey of ophthalmology · Jan 2007
ReviewQuality of life and health economic assessments of age-related macular degeneration.
In this article, we review measures of patient-reported outcomes that can show whether a treatment for age-related macular degeneration also provides patient-perceived benefits. In addition, we look at health economic measurements currently being used to develop cost-effectiveness models for age-related macular degeneration.
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Survey of ophthalmology · Nov 2005
ReviewUsing the Journal Club to teach and assess competence in practice-based learning and improvement: a literature review and recommendation for implementation.
The traditional journal club has historically been used to teach residents about critically reading and reviewing the literature in order to improve patient care. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies mandate requires that ophthalmology residency programs both teach and assess practice-based learning and improvement. A systematically conducted review of the literature regarding the use of the journal club in resident medical education was performed to define specific recommendations for implementation of a journal club tool. ⋯ These include the following: 1) the use of a structured review checklist, 2) explicit written learning objectives, and 3) a formalized meeting structure and process. The journal club might prove to be an excellent tool for the assessment of competencies like practice-based learning which may be difficult to assess by other means. Future study is necessary to determine if journal club can improve educational outcomes and promote lifelong competence in practice-based learning.
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Survey of ophthalmology · Jan 2005
Review Case ReportsSystemic and intraocular manifestations of West Nile virus infection.
Since the introduction of West Nile virus in the Western Hemisphere in 1999, the incidence of human infection has increased dramatically. As this virus spreads westward across the United States, ophthalmologists should be aware of this presently uncommon but important condition. ⋯ Intraocular involvement with West Nile virus infection was first described in February 2003, and a variety of ophthalmic manifestations have since been recognized. A complete survey of the systemic and intraocular manifestations of West Nile virus infection relevant to the ophthalmologist is presented.
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Survey of ophthalmology · Jan 2005
ReviewPerioperative posterior ischemic optic neuropathy: review of the literature.
Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is an uncommon cause of perioperative visual loss. Perioperative PION has been most frequently reported after spinal surgery and radical neck dissection. The visual loss typically presents immediately after recovery from anesthesia, although it may be delayed by several days. ⋯ The cause is unknown, although patient-specific susceptibility to perioperative hemodynamic derangements is likely. No treatment has proven to be effective. The prognosis for visual recovery is generally poor.