[Correlation between refraction and axial length in Albinos]. / Corrélation entre la réfraction et la longueur axiale du sujet Albinos.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between refraction and ocular axial length in albinos. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytical study was carried out from June to November 2021 at the Central Hospital of Yaounde (Cameroon), which included consenting albino subjects aged over 15years. All subjects underwent visual acuity testing, axial length measurements and objective refraction under cycloplegia. RESULTS: We included 51 albino subjects. The mean age was 26.06±9.47years, and the sex ratio was 0.5. Type 2 oculocutaneous albinism (OCA2) was predominant, representing 82.4% of cases. The mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.93±0.25 logMAR, and the most common ametropia was myopic astigmatism (52.9%). The mean axial length was 24.65±2.54mm with extremes of 21.54 and 30.33mm. Eyes with myopia and myopic astigmatism had significantly longer axial lengths than those with hyperopic and mixed astigmatism. A strong, significant negative correlation (r=-0.93; P˂0.001) between the spherical component of the refraction and axial length was found. CONCLUSION: The spherical component of the refraction decreases significantly with increasing axial length in albinos.

[Measurement of lacrimal secretion in patients with tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis: A case control study]. / Mesure de la sécrétion lacrymale chez les patients avec une limbo-conjonctivite endémique des tropiques : étude cas-témoins.

PURPOSE: To evaluate lacrimal secretion in patients with tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis (TELC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a case-control study at Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital and in Yaoundé Central Hospital from June 10th, 2016 to September 10th, 2019. We selected patients with TELC for the first group and patients followed for ametropia as the second. In the case group, we studied the duration of symptoms and the type of TELC. For both groups, the tear film break-up time (BUT) was considered abnormal if less than 10sec. Lacrimal secretion was measured with Schirmer 1 test. Hyposecretion was defined as a Schirmer 1 test result≤10mm. RESULTS: Forty patients and 40 controls were involved in the study, and 80 eyes were examined for each group. The mean age was 8.8±3.7 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 14.2±13.1 months. The mixed and palpebral forms were the most common, at 47% and 28%, respectively. We noted an unstable tear film in 48 eyes of cases and 8 eyes of controls (P<0.01). Lacrimal hyposecretion was founded in 41 eyes of cases compared to 8 eyes of the control group (P<0.01). A high risk of lacrimal hyposecretion was associated with TELC (OR=3.1; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis increases the risk of lacrimal hyposecretion.

[Epidemiological and clinical profile of age-related macular degeneration in Cameroon]. / Profil épidémiologique et clinique de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge en milieu camerounais.

PURPOSE: To determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of age-related macular degeneration in patients in Yaoundé. METHODOLOGY: A multicenter, analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2017 to June 2018 in four hospitals in the city of Yaoundé. Included were all consenting patients aged at least 40 years with an established diagnosis of AMD both clinically and by imaging. The data were analyzed with CSPro software version 7.0. Chi2 and Student's "t" tests in univariate mode and logistic regression in multivariate mode were used with a significance of P≤5%. RESULTS: Of the 9,989 patients who were seen during the 16-month study period, 38 met our inclusion criteria - a frequency of 0.4%. The sex ratio was 0.3, and the mean age was 68±11 years. As a function of geographic origin, AMD is more common in patients from the forest and mountain areas. The systemic comorbidities associated recorded were hypertension (47.4%) and diabetes (21.1%). After optical correction, 60 of 76 eyes (78.9%) had useful visual acuity according to WHO criteria, and the rate of blindness was 9.2%. Fundus examination revealed fewer lesions than optical coherence tomography, which demonstrated miliary drusen in 57 (75%) eyes, serous drusen in 27 (35.5%), retinal atrophy in 19 (25%) and neovascularization in 3 (3.9%). The clinical forms were dominated by age-related maculopathy, found in 45 eyes (69.2%), followed by atrophic AMD in 17 (26.2%) and finally by exudative AMD in 3 (4.6%), for a total of 65 out of 76 eyes. Age was related to the risk of MLA and atrophic AMD (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: AMD is an uncommon pathology in our setting, predominant in women over the age of 60 years.

[Measurement of pupillary diameter in diabetic and non-diabetic patients: a case-control study]. / Mesure du diamètre pupillaire chez les patients diabétiques et non diabétiques : étude cas-témoins.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of type 2 diabetes on pupil diameter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a case-control study at the Douala Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatric Hospital over a 5-month period. The cases were type 2 diabetic patients, and the controls were non-diabetic patients paired for age and gender. We studied the correlation between the duration of diabetes, fasting blood sugar and the horizontal pupil diameter. RESULTS: We included 35 patients in each group. The mean age was 56.6±10.01 years. Both groups included 17 males and 18 females. The mean duration of diabetes was 2.72±4.31 years, and the mean fasting blood sugar was 2.02±0.69g/L. The mean pupil diameter was similar in the two groups. On the right side, it was 4.75±0.73mm for controls and 4.52±0.69mm for cases (P=0.179). On the left side, it was 4.70±0.68mm and 4.42±0.73mm respectively for each group (P=0.101). The duration of diabetes was correlated to pupil diameter in the right eye (r=-0.43; P=0.01) and left eye (r=-0.45; P<0.01). No additional risk was found to be associated with diabetes for right pupil diameters (OR=0.79; P=0.33), or for left ones (OR=0.76; P=0.24). CONCLUSION: Pupil diameter is similar in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, the duration of diabetes appears to affect pupil diameter.

[Neglected childhood strabismus: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects]. / Strabisme de l'enfance négligé : aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques.

INTRODUCTION: In an environment where strabismus is poorly understood and management centers rare, we studied the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of neglected childhood strabismus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out from March 1st, 2013 to September 30, 2018. Neglected childhood strabismus was defined as strabismus occurring in the first 5 years of life, for which the patient was over 7-years-old at the time of first consultation. The variables studied were age at first consultation, gender, age of onset, type of strabismus, etiology of strabismus, angle of deviation and rate of surgery. RESULTS: We found 113 cases of neglected childhood strabismus among the 430 cases of strabismus seen during the study period. There were more females (n=64) than males. The mean age was 17.7±10.5 years. There were 73 exotropias (64.6 %). The mean angle of deviation was 41.2±12.2PD. Strabismus was early in 70.8 % of cases. Innervational strabismus accounted for 86.7 % of cases. The most frequent refractive error was hyperopic astigmatism (55.3 %). Of the 45 patients who were seen again after full-time wear of their full cycloplegic correction, 2 were orthotropic. Surgery was performed in 60.5 % of cases. The average postoperative angle of deviation was 6.6±9.4PD. CONCLUSION: Management of neglected childhood strabismus provides good results and should therefore be encouraged in order to improve the quality of life of affected patients.

[Retinal vein occlusions treated by intravitreal bevacizumab injections at the Hospital of Instruction, Application and Reference of the Armed Forces of Yaoundé]. / Occlusions veineuses rétiniennes traitées par injections intra-vitréennes de bévacizumab à l'hôpital d'instruction, d'application et de référence des armées de Yaoundé.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the anatomical and functional results of intravitreal bevacizumab injections in retinal vein occlusions at the Hospital of Instruction, Application and Reference of the Armed Forces of Yaoundé. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective and descriptive study was conducted from October 2016 to August 2017 at the Hospital of Instruction, Application and Reference of the Armed Forces of Yaoundé. All eyes with edematous or mixed retinal vein occlusion were treatment naive and received at least 3 intravitreal injections spaced at least 28 days apart of bevacizumab 25mg/ml at a dose of 0.05ml per session according to the strategy of 3 injections or "3 I". At least 3 months after the final injection, visual acuity and macular thickness, assessed by optical coherence tomography, were analyzed with the IBM-SPSS 22 software. The Student's test was used to compare means, with a significance P<5%. RESULTS: We included nineteen eyes of 18 patients with a mean age of 62.83±9.57 years. The male to female sex ratio was 0.8. Branch vein occlusion was predominant in 14 (73.68%) eyes. The edematous type was noted in 17 (89.5%) eyes. Serous retinal detachment was present in 6 (31.6%) eyes. The mean number of injections was 4.2±1.2. The mean baseline visual acuity changed from +0.9 Log MAR (40 ETDRS) to +0.6 Log MAR (55 ETDRS) at 6 months, while the mean macular thickness went from 550.16±180µm to 338.58±127µm, with statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab injections proved to be effective in the management of edematous retinal vein occlusions in our practice setting despite the lack of market authorization for this indication.

[Retinal manifestations of neuro-malaria or "malarial retinopathy" in Yaoundé]. / Atteintes rétiniennes du neuro-paludisme ou « rétinopathie paludique ¼ à Yaoundé.

AIM: Contribute to the improvement of diagnostic and prognostic approaches to treating children with neuro-malaria in Yaoundé. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A prospective and analytical study carried out in 2 hospitals of Yaoundé from October 2015 to March 2016. All patients aged 3 months to 15 years hospitalized for neuro-malaria in one of the 2 hospitals benefited from a fundus examination. The variables studied were: age, sex, Glasgow or Blantyre score, fundus examination and parasitaemia. For statistical analysis, we used the software R 3.3.0, Chi2, exact of Fisher or Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests with a significance P<5%. RESULTS: Out of the 178 children hospitalized during the study period, 44 had neuro-malaria (24.71%) and 26 (46 diseased eyes) among them presented retinal lesions at a frequency of 14.60%. The mean age was 5.54±3.49 years with a sex ratio of 1.09. The under 5-years-old were the most affected with 31 (70.45%) cases. The fundus lesions of 26 (59.09%) were retinal hemorrhages in 24 (54.54%), retinal whitening and vessel discoloration in 8 (18.18%) respectively. Papillary edema was associated in 4 (9.09%). Macular involvement was noted in 9 cases. These lesions were correlated with age, depth of coma, duration, and clinical course. The rate of parasitaemia did not affect their occurrence. CONCLUSION: Retinal lesions are frequent and serious during neuro-malaria in our environment, especially in children under five. They must therefore be an emphasis in the systematic exam to rule it out for a better prognostic evaluation and a fast and adequate multidisciplinary management.

Visual outcome of surgically managed pituitary adenomas followed-up at the Yaoundé Central Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Pituitary adenomas are benign brain tumours arising from the adenohypophysis; representing 10-15% of all intra-cranial tumours. Despite improved management, they are still related to high morbidity. Visual impairment is a common presentation and visual field defects representing 37-96%. We aimed at describing the clinical presentation of operated patients and their visual outcome. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study for 6 months at the Yaoundé Central Hospital's Neurosurgery, Endocrinology and Ophthalmology departments. We included all patients with histopathological confirmation, having pre-operative visual assessment and operated from January 2010 to June 2016. RESULTS: Twenty-five participants (50 eyes) were enrolled. Three subtypes of pituitary adenomas were identified: Non-functional pituitary adenomas (64%) > Somatotropinomas (20%) > Prolactinomas (16%). All cases were macroadenomas. The median duration of symptoms was 14 months. All participants presented with vision impairment and 80% with headaches. Craniotomy was used in 88% of cases. The temporal hemifield was the most quantitatively affected; 76% of eyes presented with visual acuity (VA) < 6/12 and 24% of eyes a visual acuity ≥6/12. Thirty percent of eyes presented with optic atrophy; cranial nerve III palsy was the most observed. The Mean deviation (MD), an automated visual field index, improved though non-significant and 16% of eyes had a normal visual field printout after surgery. Left eye mean deviation improved significantly (p = 0.04). After surgery, there was a mild improvement of VA with 62% of eyes having a VA< 6/12 and 38% a VA ≥6/12. There was no ophthalmoplaegia after surgery. Long delay before diagnosis significantly jeopardizes pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity (r = 0.5; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Quantitative vision parameters comparison are suggestive of a potential improvement of vision. This conclusion will be better ascertained on a large-scale sample size. Long delay before diagnosis is associated to poor visual outcome.

[Characteristics of post-traumatic blindness at the Yaoundé Army Training, Application and Referral Hospital]. / Caractéristiques de la cécité post-traumatique à l'hôpital d'instruction, d'application et de référence des armées de Yaoundé.

PURPOSE: To study the characteristics of blindness after ocular trauma. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective descriptive study, we considered the files of patients who had consulted the service for ocular trauma between January 2008 and December 2014. Included were patients of both sexes and all ages whose monocular or binocular vision with best optical correction was strictly below 1/20. Statistical analysis was performed with EPI Info version 3.5.4 software, and the Chi2 test was used with statistically significant values of P≤0.05. RESULTS: Over the period from 2008 to 2014, we found 100 cases of blindness (101 eyes) resulting from 591 cases of ocular trauma, for a frequency of 16.92 %. Among them, 75 men with a median age of 35.5±19.8 years. Children younger than 15 years accounted for 11 % of the series. The blindness was monocular in 99 % and binocular in 1 %, distributed as follows: 55 cases (55 %) category V, 27 (27 %) category IV and 18 (18 %) category III according to the CIM-10. In the anterior segment, cataract was responsible for category III and IV blindness, while in the posterior segment, retinal detachment was found in all categories. In all age ranges irrespective of sex, category V blindness was most frequent. CONCLUSION: Blindness following ocular trauma is frequent in our context. It can be avoided. Consequently, it is essential to put in place strategies for prevention of ocular trauma via education of the population through public awareness campaigns.

[What is the cost of treatment of diabetic retinopathy by argon laser in Yaoundé?] / Quel coût pour le traitement de la rétinopathie diabétique par laser argon à Yaoundé ?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the total cost of treatment of diabetic retinopathy by argon laser for a patient when indicated. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective cross-sectional and descriptive survey, carried out in the angiography and laser center of the Yaoundé Central Hospital from October 2014 to October 2015. All consecutive diabetic patients with retinopathy and suitable indication for argon laser treatment were included. The costs related to the initial and final fluorescein angiography, the appointment for follow-up, round-trip transportation costs from the patient's home and the cost of laser treatment were included. RESULTS: Included were 43 (13 %) patients out of 330 with diabetic retinopathy. The mean age was 55.67±8.40years. There were 25 women (58.1 %) and 18 men (41.9 %) for a M/F ratio of 0.7. Unemployed patients were represented by 28 (65.1 %) versus 15 employed (34.9 %). Twenty-seven patients (62.8 %) were self-pay for all their expenses, 14 (32.6 %) were assisted by their families, and 2 (4.6 %) were insured. On average, the total expenditure was 86002±67197 f CFA per eye, corresponding to 131±102 euros with an exchange rate of 1 euro for 656 f CFA. CONCLUSION: The cost of treatment of diabetic retinopathy by argon laser is high, mostly increased by the additional costs related to transportation in our area. The creation of satellite centers in the 10 regions of Cameroon would reduce these costs.

A familial study of Hallermann-Streiff-François syndrome.

Hallermann-Streiff-François syndrome is a rare sporadic genetic pathology characterized by a phenotype consisting of growth retardation, ocular abnormalities, and a "bird-like head". We hereby report a case of this syndrome found in three generations of the same family - father, daughter, and grand-daughter - who presented with a short stature and facial dysmorphic features, nystagmus, cataract, and bilateral microphthalmia. The discussion is based on the clinical and genetic aspects, and the challenges in management of this oculo-mandibulo-facial syndrome. The association of congenital cataract, facial dysmorphic features, and microphthalmia, should guide the diagnosis of dysmorphic syndromes such as Hallermann-Streiff-François syndrome.

[Epidemiological and clinical aspects of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis in students in Yaoundé]. / Aspects épidémiologiques et cliniques de la limbo-conjonctivite endémique des tropiques en milieu scolaire à Yaoundé.

INTRODUCTION: TELC, tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis, is a keratoconjunctivitis seen more frequently in dry intertropical settings than humid ones. We aim to determine the epidemiologic and clinical profile of this condition in a city with a humid equatorial climate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During first third of 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in schools. Included were children aged 3-15 years who received parental consent. The selection was conducted in two steps. After an initial examination of children within the schools, the diagnosis was then confirmed by a complete ophthalmologic examination carried out in the hospital. For ethical clearance, the study received all necessary authorizations. The data were analyzed using the CSPro version 4.0 software in French and the comparison test used was χ2 with a confidence limit of 95 %. RESULTS: Out of 353 students examined, 129 were referred to the Yaoundé central hospital, among which 82 (23.2 %) were confirmed with TELC. The median age of the children diagnosed with TELC was 8.24+0.6 years. Boys (57.3 %) were affected more than girls. The age range of 6-12 years (64.6 %) was the most represented. A recrudescence of the attacks was observed during the dry season (93 %) of cases. Dust (49 %) and sun exposure (43 %) were aggravating factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of TELC observed in school in this study is significant.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of pediatric ocular injuries in an eye emergency unit in Île-de-France]. / Aspects épidémiologiques cliniques et thérapeutiques des traumatismes oculaires de l'enfant dans un service d'urgences ophtalmologiques en Île-de-France.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular and orbital trauma is a leading cause of acquired monocular blindness in childhood. These injuries differ from those in adults in some aspects of the management and prognosis, notably the risk of amblyopia. The goal of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of ocular trauma in children who consulted in an eye emergency department in Île-de-France. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study. Over a period of 6 months, we included children aged 15 years old or less, who consulted during calls for ocular trauma. Each child received an ophthalmologic examination as complete as his or her condition and cooperation permitted. Mechanical injuries of the eyeball and chemical ocular burns were distributed respectively according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology and Dua's classification. The visual prognosis was defined as the best corrected visual acuity of the affected eye, measured at the conclusion of treatment. RESULTS: Among 586 children who consulted during the study period, 265 suffered from ocular trauma (45.22%). The male:female ratio was 1.6:1. The main places of occurrence of the injuries were home (64.15%) and school (18.11%). Injuries from finger nail scratch were the most frequent (12.45%). One hundred and fifty-seven patients consulted within 6 hours (59.19%). The cornea was the predominant site of the injury (44.40%). Mechanical injuries of the eyeball accounted for 75% of cases. The incidence of ocular chemical burns was 6.41%. Eyelid and orbital injuries were observed in 22.26% and 2.26% of cases respectively. Surgical treatment was required in 6.79% of cases. The incidence of hospitalization was 3.02% with a mean length of stay of 3 days. Four children developed sequelae, including 2 corneal scars and 2 cataracts. No case of blindness was recorded. DISCUSSION: The high frequency of traumatic ocular and orbital pathology in our study may be due to its sudden and accidental onset, leading parents to seek emergency care. Most injuries occurred at home and at school, which reflects the presence in these places of potential hazards, often unrealized or neglected. The low frequency of open-globe injury may be related to the ubiquitous recruitment. Indeed, in studies including only severe trauma, this rate may reach 73.4%. This clinical presentation is associated with a poor prognosis because of the risk of infection and sequelae causing decreased visual acuity and amblyopia. Few children were hospitalized. This could be explained by the predominance of mild to moderate trauma. CONCLUSION: Ocular trauma accounts for nearly half of pediatric conditions encountered in the eye emergency unit. Adequate emergency care improves the visual prognosis.

[Ocular trauma in an urban Cameroonian setting: A study of 332 cases evaluated according to the Ocular Trauma Score]. / Les traumatismes oculaires en milieu urbain camerounais : à propos de 332 cas évalués selon l'Ocular Trauma Score.

PURPOSE: To determine the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of ocular trauma after evaluation with the ocular trauma score at the Army Teaching Hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective monocentric hospital study was carried out from January 2008 to December 2010. Our sample included all patients with ocular trauma. Each traumatized eye was evaluated using the ocular trauma score after measurement of visual acuity. The most severe diagnoses observed were classified according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system. RESULTS: The frequency out of 364 eyes was 3.56%. There were 204 men (61.44%) with a male/female ratio of 1.59. The mean age was 32.95 years with predominance of 21-30 years. The most affected groups were laborers and craftsmen (28.61%), followed closely by students (23.80%), then armed forces personnel (19.58%). Fights were noted as the most common cause in 31.02% of cases. Punches predominated in 21.39% of cases. In 37.34% of cases, patients were seen within 72 hours of the trauma. Three hundred (90.36%) traumas were unilateral vs. 32 (9.64%) bilateral. The mean visual acuity at the first consultation was 0.3 logMAR. Grading after evaluation was as follows, 13 eyes were grade 1, 19 grade 2, 25 grade 3, 54 grade 4 and 253 grade 5. Fragile and exposed anatomical structures were the most commonly injured. Seventeen eyes exhibited elevated IOP (22 to 45) vs. 7 which were hypotonous. Two hundred and one (55.22%) oculo-palpebral contusions were noted, followed by 110 (30.22%) lacerations. Visual loss was reported in 16.20% and blindness in 8.79% of cases. CONCLUSION: In the emergent setting, a good, timely clinical evaluation of each case according to the ocular trauma score may lead to effective management.

Bilateral intraorbital abscesses with intracranial complications in a young Cameroonian girl: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Intraorbital abscess is a very severe infection with ophthalmologic and neurologic complications that are sometimes life-threatening. OBJECTIVE: To report the etiologic, clinical, radiologic, and prognostic features of one case of bilateral intraorbital abscesses with intracranial complications. CASE REPORT: A 15-year-old Cameroonian girl in a comatose state (11/15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale) with meningeal signs, right hemiplegia, right facial palsy, and bilateral exophthalmia was admitted for meningitis and cerebral abscess secondary to orbital cellulitis. A lumbar tap was carried out, no organisms were seen by Gram stain, and culture was negative due to previous antibiotic therapy. A computed tomography scan showed a left internal capsule infarct and a pansinus opacification. Bilateral superior orbitotomies were performed and the abscess evacuated. Microscopy and culture of surgical material were negative. The patient was discharged 4 weeks after hospital admission with a visual acuity of 0.1 in both eyes, aphasia, and right hemiplegia. Nine months later, there was complete visual recovery (visual acuity 1.0 in both eyes). Anterior and posterior segments were normal on slit-lamp examination. There was no aphasia, but right-sided hemiparesis persisted. CONCLUSION: The authors emphasize the need for prevention, early diagnosis, and adequate treatment of orbital cellulitis in order to avoid complications.

[Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis (vernal conjunctivitis) in northern Cameroon]. / La limboconjonctivite endémique des tropiques au nord Cameroun.

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study was conducted in the ophthalmology unit of the Garoua regional hospital on children examined from January 2001 to December 2007. We aimed to determine the epidemiological aspects of tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis in northern Cameroon. Included were all the files of patients aged 0-15 years seen with a positive diagnosis of tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis. The data analyzed were obtained through inspection, interview, and a comprehensive ocular exam done for every case, assessing far visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and funduscopy when possible. The variables analyzed were age, sex, signs and symptoms, residential area, associated pathologies, and the month and the year of the diagnosis. The data were analyzed with Epi-Info, version 6.04d (French) and the results compared with the Chi(2) test with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 6453 children were included: 2036 had a positive diagnosis of tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis, with a frequency of 31.55%. The mean age was 6.5 years. The 1- to 4-year-old age group had the highest number of patients, with a frequency of 33.25%. There were 1120 males (55%). Itching was the most frequent complaint encountered in 60.90% of the patients. Ocular involvement was always bilateral. Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis is an allergic conjunctivitis present throughout the year with two peaks in March and July. DISCUSSION: Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis can be considered an allergic conjunctivitis affecting boys more frequently than girls in warm and dry environments. It is frequent in children less than 5 years old and regresses with age. CONCLUSION: Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis is a tropical disease with an intertropical aspect.

[Pterygiun in a tropical region. Analysis of 344 cases in Cameroon]. / Le ptérygion en zone intertropicale. Analyse de 344 cas au CHU de Yaounde.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of pterygium in a Cameroonian population. MATERIAL, METHODS: Over a period of three years, 344 patients (132 female, 212 males) with pterygium were recruited in a prospective study in the Eye Department of the University Teaching Hospital (UTHY). RESULTS: The prevalence of pteygium among the consulted patients during this period was 1.28%. The mean age was 40 years and 92% of the patients were older than 30 years. The clinical forms were various with a predominance of quiet non progressive forms. The recurrences and the complicated forms were frequent among the patients whose occupation was linked to exposure of the ocular surface. With respect to therapeutical aspects, the excision of the lesion associated with a transplantation of the conjunctiva had greatly improved the results, with a rate of recurrence of 12%. CONCLUSION: The treatment of pterygion should be adapted to individual cases. A long-term follow-up of surgical cases is advised. We recommend that the public could be informed on this pathology through the media and suggest that this study would be initiated in the sahelian region of the country in the future.

The rate of and indications for enucleations at Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit in Harare: a comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of and indications for enucleation at Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit (SKEU) in Zimbabwe and compare the findings with those from other tertiary eye care centres in the developing world. DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective cross sectional study. SETTING: Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS: Records of patients who had undergone enucleation at Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Unit, between January 1988 to December 2000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate and indications of enucleations done at SKEU during the study period. RESULTS: Ocular tumours (64.2%) and ocular infections (26.4%) were the leading indications for enucleation and the crude incidence rate for enucleation at SKEU was 0.17% CONCLUSION: Indications for enucleation at the SKEU in Harare are similar to those experienced by other developing countries.