Uma Kulkarni

Abstract

An optometrist plays a central role in the busy, routine practice of an ophthalmologist, often the point of first contact. More and more higher educational institutions are offering a plethora of technology-based paramedical training courses. Optometry is one such field that has, in parallel, benefitted by the growth of technology. Despite so many other options being available, optometry continues to enjoy popularity. We undertook this study to assess what ticks inside the minds of young adolescents, and makes them choose optometry, to define their career track. Using Google forms and census sampling, we were able to get responses from 40 BSc Optometry students, across all years of the course. We found females outnumber males, hugely. Among the several factors that influence the decision-making in favor of optometry, the top ones included positive course credentials, huge market opportunities, altruism, pleasant work-life balance, and being perceived as a doctor. Keywords: Careerchoice, Factors, Optometry.

Open full article page

Abstract

Aim: To study the effect of air-conditioning of ophthalmic investigation rooms on dry eye test results in healthy young adults. Methods: 100 healthy individuals in the age group of 20-30 years underwent dry eye evaluation in a non- AC room and same tests were repeated by the same investigator after exposing the participants to AC room for one hour with a pre-set temperature of 200C and humidity 60%. Results: Assessment of symptoms suggestive of dry eye syndrome was done using the validated 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire and dry eye symptoms were found to be present in one-third of the participants. The mean values with standard deviation along with the p value were calculated for blink rate, TBUT, Schirmer’s test at the end of 1 minute and at the end of 5 minutes were calculated for both non AC room and AC room groups. Statistical analysis was done using the Wilcoxon test. The average blink rate in the AC room was found to be higher in the AC rooms (12.7 2.86 per min) than in the non- AC rooms (10.12 1.81 per min) with a statistically significant difference (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and p= 0.000). The average TBUT values in the AC rooms (18.84 6.53s) were significantly longer than in the non-AC rooms (13.63 4.29) and the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.000). The average Schirmer’s test value at the end of 1 minute was found to be higher in non AC rooms (11.49 3.48) when compared to AC rooms (9.90 3.02) and the difference was statistically significant. The average Schirmer’s test value at 5 minutes was also found to be higher in non-AC room (28.92 4.81) when compared to the AC room (21.92 4.41) and the difference was statistically significant (p value of 0.000). Conclusion: We found significant impact on the tear evaporative parameters in young healthy individuals with the air conditioning of the room. Keywords: Dry eye tests, Air conditioning.

Open full article page

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking tobacco is a risk factor for ocular disorders including dry eyes. This study correlates dry eye tests among smokers and non-smokers, type of smoking and smoking load. Materials and Methods: Dry eye tests were conducted on 80 smokers and 80 age matched non-smokers after ethical approval and written informed consent. Results: Smoker and non-smoker groups were comparable (Mean age: 48.98 and 49.03 years). All were males. Majority of smokers belonged to the lower socioeconomic status and had outdoor professions. Abnormal ities in dry eye scores (DEQ-5), corneal sensitivity, Schirmer’s 1 and 2, Tear film break up time (TBUT) and corneal staining were significantly more among smokers (p eye score (9.75; 3.42), Schirmer’s 1 (18.95 ; 21.51mm), Schirmer’s 2 (19.16; 21.38 mm) and TBUT (8.47 ; 12.26) were significantly more affected in smokers (p corneal sensation, Schirmer’s 1 and 2, and TBUT were significantly more in higher pack years (>40,000 ) than in lower (20,000 to 40,000) (p load. Abnormalities in tear meniscus height, corneal sensation, Schirmer’s 2 and TBUT were significantly more among cigarette smokers ( for abnormal test results with higher smoking load (Pack-years>40,000; R2 = 0.529). Severe corneal staining showed goblet cell loss and squamous metaplasia, however this sample size was too small for statistical inference. Conclusion: Dry eye test abnormalities correlate significantly with smoking, higher smoking load and type of smoking. Keywords: Smoking, Cigarette, Bidi, Packyears, Dry eye tests, Schirmer’s test, Tearfilm break up time (TBUT).

Open full article page