Nirupama Damarla

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate that the combination of moxifloxacin/dexamethasone eye drops is effective and safe to prevent postoperative inflammation in cataract surgery patients. Materials and Methods: 93 patients who underwent clear corneal phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL were included in a 15 day open-label, single-arm study. All the patients recruited in the study were advised to use moxifloxacin 0.5%/dexamethasone 0.1% (Vigadexa) eye drops four times a day one day before and until 15 days after surgery. Intraocular pressure (IOP), Anterior chamber (AC) reaction, visual acuity and ocular pain were assessed at baseline and on postoperative days 1, 7 and 15. Results: Out of ninety three patients 77.3% of patients had AC cells grade 3–2, while 19.3% had grade 1 AC cells on the first postoperative day. By the end of the study i.e, on 15th postoperative day 89.65% had grade 0 AC cells and 31.03% had grade 1 cells. The mean IOP preoperatively was 14.00±3.8 mm Hg. The mean IOP on first and 7th postoperative was 15.03 ± 3.8 mm Hg and 13.07±2.7 mmHg respectively. By the end of the study the mean IOP was 12.79±2.5 mm Hg. Conclusion: The combined moxifloxacin 0.5%/dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops was effective in preventing infection and controlling inflammation in cataract surgery patients. Keywords: Dexamethasone 0.1%, Moxifloxacin 0.5%, Prophylaxis, Phacoemulsification.

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Abstract

Introduction: A study on ocular diseases in children is important because early detection and treatment will reduce the burden of blindness in the society as children in the school-going age group (5-16 years) represent 25% of the population in developing countries. Most of the eye diseases start from childhood. If they are not detected early they can hamper children’s activities in school and may also cause severe ocular disability in their future. Objectives: Our school eye survey will help in early detection and treatment of ocular morbidities in rural schools of Film nagar, Hyderabad. Materials and Methods: In this study 1218 school children aged between 5 to 16 years were screened for ocular morbidities and specific treatment was given to the children with ocular diseases. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The total prevalence of ocular morbidity was 32.5%.Refractive errors accounted for 11.0% of the cases followed by Blepharitis accounting for 10.1% of cases. The other ocular morbidities were Allergic conjunctivitis 7.6%, Amblyopia 1%, Duane's Retraction syndrome 0.3%, Meibomian gland dysfunction 0.5%, Congenital cataract 0.3%, Exotropia 0.5%, intrastromal corneal foreign body 0.2%, Bitot's spots (Vitamin A deficiency) 0.2% Corneal opacity 0.5%, Double elevator palsy 0.2%, Axenfield rieger's syndrome 0.2%, Chalazion 0.2%. Conclusion: Refractive errors was the most common ocular morbidity followed by Blepharitis. Periodic school eye health programs and ocular hygiene play an important role in reducing the ocular morbidities. Keywords: Ocular morbidity, School children, Refractive errors, School eye camps, Ocular hygiene.

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Abstract

Aim: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a significant public health burden in India. Focus on Diabetes and its complications is important to prevent mortality and morbidity due to this disease. Lack of awareness is one of the main barrier for detection of DM and its complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complication of DM which causes of blindness and visual impairment. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude of diabetic patients towards eye care and DR in urban south Indian population. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was done on 537 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. All patients underwent complete ocular examination including visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus examination using slit-lamp biomicroscope by attending Ophthalmologist. They were administered questionnaire to test their knowledge and attitude. Their answers were documented. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (IBM). Results: Out of 537 patients (50.9%) patients knew that there was relationship between Diabetes and Retinopathy while (49.1%) patients were not aware of. 60.4% of patients were of the opinion that there was no need of regular screening if vision in both eyes are good and 39.6% of patients were of the opinion that they should undergo a routine ophthalmology screening every year despite of good vision in both the eyes. 69.6% of patients said that good control of DM might prevent DR. The level of knowledge of DR was found to be significantly associated with patients’ educational level (p=0.038). Patients with relatively higher educational level were more aware of DR occurring as a consequence of diabetes. Patients with longer duration of Diabetes had more knowledge on DR (p=0.001). Conclusion: In our study there was an association between educational qualification and knowledge regarding Diabetic retinopathy. (p value=0.04). This stresses on the importance of health education amongst rural and illiterate population.   Keywords: Knowledge and attitude, Awareness.

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