Zainu Shams

Abstract

Objectives: To study the epidemiological characteristics and predisposing factors of infective corneal ulcer. Materials and Methods: 222 cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. A standardised proforma was used to record demographic data like, age, sex, occupation, rural/urban background and relevant history like associated ocular and systemic disorders, history of corneal injury, previous treatment and duration of symptoms. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22 software for chi square test. Result: 222 cases of infectious corneal ulcer was enrolled to the study out of which 138 (62.16%) were males and 84 (37.83%) were females. Out of the total, 132 (59.45%) were hailing from rural and 90 (40.54%) were hailing from urban background. Mean age of presentation was 52.009 years with standard deviation 12.26. 45.44% were farmers. 21.62% patients were diabetic. Ocular trauma was the most common predisposing factor, which was present in 24.32% (n=54). There was statistically significant association between trauma with vegetative matter and fungal corneal ulcer (p=0.004). Conclusion: These findings are in consensus with the epidemiological characterstics and predisposing factors in our geographic zone. Large number of fungal keratitis is associated with agriculture based economy, inadvertent use of steroid drops which implies lack of awareness.   Keywords: Cornea, Corneal ulcer, Trauma, Demography, Predisposition.

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Abstract

Purpose: To assess the posterior segment findings in cases presenting with post covid mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on patients presented with post-covid mucormycosis who were admitted in our hospital during the time period from 1/5/2021 to 1/9/2021. Our study included cases with and without orbital involvement. Anterior segment examination and fundus examination using indirect ophthalmoscopy was done. Findings were photo documented with fundus camera. Results : In a cohort of 248 patients, 183 (73.7%) were males and 65 (26.2%) were females. 210 (84.67%) were diabetics. The mean age was 50.00 +/-12.33 years. A total of 480 eyes were evaluated, out of which 151 (31.45%) had orbital involvement. Of these 151, 65 had normal fundus, 26 (17.21%) had diabetic retinopathy, 22 had CRAO, 12 had disc pallor, 10 had disc edema and 16 had miscellaneous changes. Out of 329 uninvolved eyes, 239 had normal fundus, 53 (16.10%) had diabetic retinopathy. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in eyes with orbital involvement and without orbital involvement (p=.39). Conclusion: One-third of the patients with post-covid mucormycosis had retinal findings. These are related to direct disease manifestation as well as underlying co-morbidities.   Keywords: Mucormycosis, Fundus, Post covid, Orbit

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Purpose: This work studies various factors related to health and fitness among the ophthalmologists in India. Materials and Methods: A multi-dimensional study using a comprehensive questionnaire which addressed the areas of work patterns, fitness activity patterns, food consumption patterns, the prevalence of occupation-related musculoskeletal disorders and other health hazards, the impact of COVID-19, and career satisfaction. A total of 537 Ophthalmologists from across the country participated in the survey. Results: Considerable number of respondents (21.34 %) reported that they do not get at least one off day per week. Majority of respondents (84.99%) gets at least 6 hours of sleep per day. Only 49.16% of ophthalmologists exercise regularly, out of which 51.77% exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, where the majority prefers walking, yoga or gym as their preferred fitness activity. Majority of respondents (67.59 %) find it difficult to spend time for fitness, majorly due to work pressure, lack of motivation and inflexible workplace. A significant number of Ophthalmologists (57.16 %) suffered from occupation-related neck and back pain. The major occupational hazards reported were psycho-social stress, injury from sharp and verbal abuse. A significant number of respondents (48.29 %) suffered from a salary cut due to COVID-19. 64.04% Ophthalmologists reported that they were content with their career with good confidence. Conclusions: Majority of ophthalmologists suffer from occupational health hazards. Even though there is a strong desire to spend time on fitness activities, the majority find it difficult. COVID-19 hurt Ophthalmologists due to salary cuts and contraction of the disease.   Keywords: Work Patterns, Fitness, Food Consumption Patterns, Occupation-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Impact of COVID-19, Career Satisfaction, Ophthalmologists

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