Tanvi Poy Raiturcar

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular trauma accounts for 8-14% of all the injuries in the pediatric age group, which if managed with timely intervention helps avert permanent visual disability. There are many such studies done in other Indian states which have studied the profile of ocular injuries in that area; however such a study was lacking in Goa. Hence this study was conducted to study the clinical profile and visual outcome of pediatric ocular trauma at a tertiary care hospital in Goa. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-series hospital based study was conducted at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, after Institutional Ethics Committee approval. The medical case records of patients in the pediatric age group, who were admitted in the hospital with ocular injuries during the period between January 2015-December 2017 were reviewed and analyzed. All the relevant data was entered in pre-tested structured proforma. Results: there were 52 cases of ocular trauma among children during the 3 year period. 55.76% were in the age group between 5-10 years, 63.46% were males. 65.38% were from the rural areas. 61.53% had sustained injuries at home. 40.38% had presented to the tertiary care hospital beyond 24hours since the injury. The most commonly encountered injuries were open globe injuries 30 (57.69%), followed by closed globe injuries 19 (36.53%) and chemical injuries 3 (5.76%). 73.07% had a presenting Snellen’s visual acuity worse than 6/60, while at discharge 53.84% had a visual acuity between 6/18-6/60, 42.30% better than 6/18 and 3.84% had visual acuity worse than 6/60. Conclusion: Good parental supervision and immediate medical care in case of ocular injuries is of utmost importance to reduce childhood blindness due to ocular trauma. Keywords: Goa, Ocular trauma, Pediatric.

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Abstract

Ocular tuberculosis is a very rare clinical presentation. The limited specimen size available for investigation makes it difficult to reach an accurate diagnosis. Here is a case of uveitis which did not show any improvement with topical steroids and progressively worsened to develop scleral abscesses. The only positive history was contact with a patient of pulmonary tuberculosis and the only positive investigation was a strongly positive Mantoux test. Based on these the patient was started on anti-tuberculosis therapy and showed a dramatic improvement. This is only the second such case reported in the literature. Keywords: Ocular tuberculosis, Scleral abscesses, Uveitis.

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Abstract

Context: Strabismus is one of the most common ocular morbidities affecting children, with a prevalence of 3 to 5% among children. Early diagnosis and treatment is very essential for successful treatment, which is only possible if the parents notice the signs and symptoms of strabismus early and seek timely treatment from qualified Ophthalmologists. Aims: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude & practices among parents towards children suffering from strabismus in Goa. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: 75 parents of children with strabismus and aged between 6 months to 14 years were administered a pretested proforma containing 12 questions, which included questions to assess their knowledge about strabismus and their attitudes and practices towards the condition, as well as their educational qualifications. Statistical Analysis Used: Percentages and proportions. Results: 90.66% had noticed the deviation of the eyes on their own. 81.33% were bothered by their child’s strabismus. 74.66% reported that other people notice their child’s strabismus. 76% felt uncomfortable when asked about their child’s strabismus. 53.33% were aware that strabismus may come in the way of their child’s scholastic performance and 44% feared fewer opportunities at school. 44% felt that their child has difficulty in socialising. 65.33% were aware about its effects on their child’s vision. 48% attributed psychological effects in their child due to strabismus. 56% were aware that strabismus is treatable. Conclusion: Hence health education is very important to increase the awareness and change myths about strabismus; thus making early diagnosis and successful treatment possible. Keywords: Goa, KAP, Parents, Strabismus.

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