Papers by Valerie Franklin

The osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), although described over 40 years ago, remains the kerat... more The osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), although described over 40 years ago, remains the keratoprosthesis of choice for end-stage corneal blindness not amenable to penetrating keratoplasty. It is particularly resilient to a hostile environment such as the dry keratinized eye resulting from se-vere Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, trachoma, and chemical injury. Its rigid optical cylinder gives excellent image resolution and quality. The desirable properties of the theoretical ideal keratoprosthesis is de-scribed. The indications, contraindications, and patient assessment (eye, tooth, buccal mucosa, psychology) for OOKP surgery are described. The surgical and anaesthetic techniques are described. Follow-up is life-long in order to detect and treat complications, which include oral, oculoplastic, glaucoma, vitreo-retinal complications and extrusion of the device. Resorption of the osteo-odonto-lamina is responsible for extrusion, and this is more pronounced i...
Advanced Materials Research, 2014
Poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) 75:25 % mol, P(LL-co-CL), was synthesized via bulk ring-openin... more Poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) 75:25 % mol, P(LL-co-CL), was synthesized via bulk ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) using a novel tin (II) alkoxide initiator, [Sn (Oct)]2DEG, at 130°C for 48 hrs. The effectiveness of this initiator was compared withthe well-known conventional tin (II) octoateinitiator, Sn (Oct)2. The P(LL-co-CL) copolymersobtained were characterized using a combination of analytical technique including: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The P(LL-co-CL) was melt-spun into monofilament fibres of uniform diameter and smooth surface appearance. Modification of the matrix morphology was then built into the as-spun fibresvia a series of controlled off-line annealing and hot-drawing steps.

Tear component deposition onto contact lenses is termed `spoilation' and occurs due to the in... more Tear component deposition onto contact lenses is termed `spoilation' and occurs due to the interaction of synthetic polymers with their biological fluid environment. Spoilation phenomena alter the physico-chemical properties of hydrophilic contact lenses, diminishing the optical properties of the lens; causing discomfort and complications for the wearer. Eventually these alterations render the lens unwearable. The primary aim of this interdisciplinary study was to develop analytical techniques capable of analysing the minute quantities of biological deposition involved, in particular the lipid fraction. Prior to this work such techniques were unavailable for single contact lenses. It is envisaged that these investigations will further the understanding of this biological interfacial conversion. Two main analytical techniques were developed: a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique and fluorescence spectrofluorimetry. The HPLC method allows analysis of a single c...

Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica, 2006
Purpose It’s generally accepted that there is a potential risk of cross-infection from patient to... more Purpose It’s generally accepted that there is a potential risk of cross-infection from patient to patient from contact ophthalmic devices such as the Goldmann tonometer, Gonioscope lenses, A-scan ultra sound probes, and ultrasound pachymeters. A Department of Health funded project has developed a four-layer barrier system consists of barrier layer, which is coated with an adhesive hydrogel. e adhesive layer is covered with backing paper until use to maintain the adhesiveness, and the barrier layer is covered with a protective liner until use to maintain a sterile environment. Methods Clinical trials demonstrated that not only does the prototype developed perform successfully in terms of the functional properties such as ease of use, barrier properties but also the eff ect on the intra ocular pressure measurements are acceptably accurate in comparison to the Goldman Tonometer.

Purpose: Meibomian-derived lipid secretions are well characterised but their subsequent fate in t... more Purpose: Meibomian-derived lipid secretions are well characterised but their subsequent fate in the ocular environment is less well understood. Phospholipids are thought to facilitate the interface between aqueous and lipid layers of the tear film and to be involved in ocular lubrication processes. We have extended our previous studies on phospholipid levels in the tear film to encompass the fate of polar and non-polar lipids in progressive accumulation and aging processes on both conventional and silicone-modified hydrogel lenses. This is an important aspect of the developing understanding of the role of lipids in the clinical performance of silicone hydrogels. Method: Several techniques were used to identify lipids in the tear film. Mass-spectrometric methods included Agilent 1100-based liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LCMS) and Perkin Elmer gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used for separation of lipids on the basi...
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Optometry and Vision Science, 1995
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2011
Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Purpose: Meibomian-derived lipid secretions are well characterised but their subsequent fate in t... more Purpose: Meibomian-derived lipid secretions are well characterised but their subsequent fate in the ocular environment is less well understood. Phospholipids are thought to facilitate the interface between aqueous and lipid layers of the tear film and to be involved in ocular ...
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Papers by Valerie Franklin