title: Applications of the polymerase chain reaction in clinical ophthalmology.
abstract: Molecular biology has become a valuable component in many areas of medicine, including ophthalmology. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most widely used tool. It has proven to be a powerful technique in diagnosis and quantification of microorganisms and antibiotic resistance screening. For a growing number of ophthalmic conditions PCR testing can be conducted. It is therefore important that clinicians be knowledgeable about the indications, strengths, and limitations of the technique. The purpose of this review is to explore the current role of PCR in the diagnosis and management of eye disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. sonia.y@gmail.com
authors.forename: Sonia N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity