LITERATURE ABSTRACTS 7 accidents. Whether increasing the binocular field of vision in patients with esotropia will increase the patient's ability to function in real life situa- tions, such as driving, has yet to be proven but seems likely Epidemic Optic Neuropathy in Cuba. Sadun AA, Martone JE, Muci-Mendoza R, Reyes L, DuBois L, Silva JC, Roman G, Caballero B. Arch Ophthalmol 1994;112:691-9 (May). [Reprint requests to Dr. A. A, Sadun, Doheny Eye Institute, 1450 San Pablo St., Los Angeles, CA 90033.) Dr. Sadun and associates describe their findings and conclusions regarding an outbreak of bilateral optic neuropathy in Cuba during 1992 and 1993. Although the exact etiology for the visual loss in these patients was not proven, most responded with visual improvement to vitamin B complex and folic acid therapy. Supplying these vitamins to the Cuban population in general has apparently halted new cases, but at great expense. Other sim- ilar outbreaks of bilateral optic neuropathy are re- viewed in this nice article, which is destined to be the authoritative description of this recent interest- ing epidemic. Graves Ophthalmopathy. Results of Transantral Orbital Decompression Performed Primarily for Cosmetic Indications. Fatourechi V, Garrity JA, Bartley GB, Bergstralh EJ, DeSanto LW, Gorman CA, Ophthalmology 1994;101:938-42 (May). [Reprint requests to Dr. V. Fatourechi, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. 8.W., Rochester, MN 55905.) The records of 34 patients treated at the Mayo Clinic who underwent transantral orbital decom- pression for cosmetic improvement were re- viewed. Although most were ultimately satisfied with the result, 31 of 34 had further surgeries on the eye muscles and/or eyelids. The authors note this procedure usually does improve proptosis and lower lid retraction but may worsen or cause dip- lopia and upper lid retraction, requiring further surgeries to achieve optimal results. Hertel Exophthalmometry Without Orbital Rim Contact. Kratky V, Hurwitz JJ. Ophthalmology 1994; 101:931-7 (May). [Reprint requests to Dr. V. Kratky, Department of Ophthalmology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6.] The authors have developed a simple fixation adaptor for the Hertel exophthalmometer so that accurate measurements can be obtained in patients with absence of one or both orbital rims, The de- vice creates two fixation points on the forehead and on the bridge of the nose, and measurements taken with it are in good agreement with those taken with orbital fixation. The history of the ex- ophthalmometer is also reviewed brieily. Orbital Emphysema. Staging and Acute Manage- ment. Hunts JH, Patrinely JR, Holds JB, Anderson RL. Ophthalmology 1994;101:960-6 (May). [Reprint requests to Dr. J. R. Patrinely, Baylor College of Medicine, Cullen Eye Institute, 6501 Fannin, NC- 200, Houston, TX 77030. Fight cases of orbital emphysema are described in detail and the literature reviewed. Although previous treatments have been largely surgical (canthotomy, cantholysis, orbitotomy), the au- thors achieved good results with simple needle as- piration of the air pocket(s) when required by se- verity of symptoms or signs. The entity is dis- cussed and their needling technique described in detail. An elegant reference. Orbital Polymyositis and Giant Cell Myocarditis. Leib ML, Odel JG, Cooney MJ. Ophthalmology 1994; 101:950-4 (May). [Reprint requests to Dr. M. L. Leib, Orbit and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, The Edward 8. Harkness Eye Institute, 635 West 165th St, New York, NY 10032] A 22-year-old woman was described with pre- sumed orbital polymyositis, which responded to corticosteroid therapy; however, I month later she developed cardiogenic shock from giant cell myo- carditis. She ultimately did well after cardiac trans- plant. This rare but twice previously reported as- sociation between orbital polymyositis and cardiac giant cell myositis is discussed. Optic Nerve Enlargement and Chronic Visual Loss. Beck AD, Newman NJ, Grossniklaus HE, Galetta SL, Kramer TR. Surv Ophthalmol 1994;38: J Neur-Ophtianl, Vol 15, No. 1, 1995