Denis Stark

Visual Electro-Diagnostic Clinic, Brisbane, Australia · Ophthalmology

Purpose: To report the clinical case of a 65-year-old male who developed retinal dysfunction following cobalt-chromium toxicity. Methods: A review of the clinical, haematological, radiological and electrophysiological investigations into a single patient was performed in order to form a case report. Results: A 65-year-old male presented to his...

Marfan syndrome is a multisystem disorder of connective tissue that is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, and results from mutation of the FBN1 gene on human chromosome 15. There are a number of conditions of the connective tissue with a similar phenotype that can be confused with Marfan syndrome. Modifications of the diagnostic criteria h...

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multisystem disorder of connective tissue that is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, and results from mutations in the FBN1 gene on chromosome 15. Diagnosis is challenging as it requires definition of diverse clinical features and input from a variety of specialists. Genetic testing of FBN1 is time consuming, exp...

This paper presents a series of six patients with ocular injuries resulting from magpie attacks. Five cases involved children. In two cases the penetration was overlooked initially. In one case the keratitis was caused by Bacillus cereus. Full ophthalmic examination, including indirect ophthalmoscopy and microbiological studies, must be undertaken...

Three hundred and sixty-nine postal questionnaires related to the content and teaching of the undergraduate medical course were sent to Queensland city and provincial ophthalmologists, general practitioners, physicians and surgeons. The return rate was 53%. The views of the four groups were similar in most respects. The majority of respondents thou...

This paper reviews the current status of our computer model for the management of strabismus and its future direction. Vector analysis was first used in the 1950s for the assessment of strabismus. Robinson's model' was the first computer simulation of ocular motility. Using physiological principles and anatomical approximations, Robinson's model so...

Until now computer models of strabismus have consisted of lengthy calculations based on oculomotor physiology. Such models have been able to demonstrate the pattern of strabismus that would arise from any given muscle abnormality and/or operation. However, it has been difficult to use such models to guide strabismus surgery because the surgeon requ...

Despite the widespread acceptance of vision screening programmes as a means of detecting ocular disorders in children, there has been little formal assessment of their validity and reliability. One such screening programme is conducted in Queensland State Primary Schools by the Division of School Health Services of the State Department of Health. A...

Computer models of strabismus have been available for about ten years. Such models are computer programs which perform a set of calculations based on an interpretation of the oculomotor system as a system of two spheres each with six adjustable springs. The effects of pathology and surgery can be simulated by altering the parameters of the springs....

Eye abnormalities are a significant feature of trisomy 8 mosaicism syndrome. This paper gives the first account of the specific histopathology of a corneal opacity which is characteristic of this syndrome. The importance of early recognition is stressed because of potential therapeutic visual improvement. The necessity of including mosaic trisomy 8...

The importance of early vision screening in children is well known, but also are the difficulties of choosing a satisfactory programme and its implementation. This paper describes the reasons for the programme being implemented and discusses the method by examination and the co-operation required to carry it out. More than 10,000 children were scre...

Over a four year period three hundred and thirty-nine (339) "at risk" premature neonates were examined, and sixty-five (65) cases of acute R.L.F. (19%) were detected. The overall observed incidence of acute R.L.F. in these surviving babies under 1000 gms birthweight was 47%, in those whose birthweight was 1001-1500 gms the incidence was 22%. The in...

Many techniques of electrophysiological examination of the visual system are available. These are limited by cost and narrow range of tests available and lack of programmability. The authors have developed a programmable micro-computerised automated system for visual and auditory electrical response measurement. This system controls the stimulus, c...

The findings in the pattern reversal V.E.C.P.'s have been examined in thirteen (13) patients, with proven or suspected pituitary tumours. Three (3) of these cases have been examined in detail, to highlight the unique capabilities of the pattern reversal V.E.C.P. in the assessment of conduction abnormalities of optic nerve and chiasma, due to compre...

A survey was conducted on 100 children ranging in age from 3 to 16 years attending the State School tor Spastic Children in Brisbane, in order to determine the incidence of eye problems in the population and the type of results of the treatment they received. A preliminary report indicated that 62 per cent of the population had eye problems from ei...

The incidence of retrolental fibroplasia (RLF, retinopathy of prematurity) is increasing, as more premature infants of lower birth weight are surviving. Currently, about 17% of premature neonates at risk will develop this condition, although in 85% of these cases it will undergo spontaneous resolution. This paper reviews our current knowledge and m...

The visually evoked potential is defined and described. The development of this test as a valuable clinical aid is traced. Its assistance in the diagnosis of Lesions of the Optic Nerve and Visual Pathways is shown, together with its use and assessment of visual acuity and visual fields both in infancy and adults. Future developments of this test ar...