Papers presented at the Conference 'Advances in the assessment of visual function and structure', The Applied Vision Association, The City University, London 7–8 July 1988

Neonatal cataract: aetiology, pathogenesis and management

We review the epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical management of neonatal cataract. Visual development and the effects of visual deprivation in the infant with congenital cataract are discussed and related to the timing of surgery. Surgical techniques and the important operative and post-operative complications are discussed. We review post-operative management and compare the different techniques available for aphakic correction, and describe the VEP changes found in patients with monocular cataract.

Childhood albinism. Visual electrophysiological features

Flash ERGs and VEPs, and VEPs to pattern onset and pattern reversal stimulation were recorded in young albino children and compared to age-matched, normally pigmented, controls. In albinos, the ERG had a significantly larger a-wave, and significantly shorter latencies for both the a-wave and b-wave. VEPs to flash, pattern onset and pattern reversal stimulation all showed an occipital crossed asymmetry when comparing responses from each eye. However, the findings for flash stimulation were more consistent and reliable than those to either form of pattern stimulation.