Preethi B

Abstract

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, allergic inflammation of the tarsal and ? or bulbar conjunctiva, that has a varied demographic profile. This study was conducted to know prevalence and presentation of VKC at tertiary eye care centre in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of VKC patients attending the cornea clinic in a tertiary eye care centre in Karnataka, south India from September 2018 to August 2020. Detailed history, ocular examination and corneal topography with pentacam of all the patients with VKC was done. Treatment protocol was followed as per disease severity. Results: Out of 1684 patients, 1028 (61.05%) cases were male and 656 (38.95%) were female. Mean age of presentation was 7.1±4.2 years. Chronic perennial disease was seen in 960 cases (57%). According to disease severity index most cases n= 863 (51.25%) presented with moderate VKC. Personal or family history of associated allergy or atopy was documented in 286 (17%) patients. Keratoconus was the most common complication associated with VKC n=243 (14.42%). The major sight threatening complication causing blinding disease was shield ulcer n=21(1.24%). Conclusion: In our study, chronic perennial form of VKC was more common in tropical savanna kind of climate in south India. Keratoconus was a significant association with VKC that can be detected early by screening with pentacam. However, association of VKC with allergy or atopy was less significant in this study.   Keywords: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Atopy, Tropical climate, Keratoconus.

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Abstract

Purpose: To study the prevalence, types and demographic profile of traditional eye medicine (TEM) use among corneal ulcer patients presenting to a tertiary eye care centre in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted on 432 new corneal ulcer patients at a tertiary eye care centre in South India from September 2018 to July 2019. Data collected included demographic profile such as name, age, sex, occupation, income, rural/urban residence, type of TEM use. Results: Of the 432 new corneal ulcer cases, 32 used TEM. Most TEM users belonged to the age group 40- 60 years (n= 20; 62.5%). There was no difference in sex distribution. Majority of TEM users in our study resided in rural areas (n= 30; 93.75%), were involved in agriculture as occupation (n=28, 87.5%) and belonged to the lower socioeconomic status n=31(96.88%) as per Kuppuswamy classification. Profile of TEM used ranged from plant extract (n= 14; 43.75%), tongue cleaning (n= 5; 15.63%), oil (n= 7; 21.87%), breast milk (n= 4; 12.5%) and ash (n= 2; 6.25%). Conclusion: Use of traditional medicine is a prevalent practice in the study population. These findings offer a better understanding of health seeking behaviour of the study population which will lead to better planning, implementation and targeting of preventive and promotive eye services and awareness programmes.   Keywords: Traditional eye medicine, Corneal ulcer, Preventive health care.

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Abstract

Purpose: To compare safety and efficacy of intravitreal therapy between anti vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) Ranibizumab and biosimilar Razumab in diabetic macular oedema (DME), wet age related macular degeneration (AMD) with choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Prospective comparative study involved 60 eyes of 56 adults, randomized into 2 groups from September 2016 to November 2017. Group 1 (n=30) received Ranibizumab (0.5mg in 0.05ml) and group 2(n=30) Razumab (0.5mg in 0.05ml). Initial loading dose of one injection given to all subjects and a pro re nata schedule followed thereafter. Patients received maximum of 3 injections and were followed up to 12 weeks. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were considered for the primary outcome and adverse drug reactions (ADR) was considered in the secondary outcome. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 12-week mean BCVA in group 1 was 0.39 (+-0.24); and in group 2 was 0.53 (+-0.37), which had improved significantly from baseline (group 1 p= 0.007, group 2 p Conclusion: In this study both Ranibizumab and Razumab were safe and efficacious. Keywords: Biosimilar, Ranibizumab, Choroidal neovascular membrane, Diabetic macular oedema, Retinal vein occlusion.

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