Study of cystoid macular edema by optical coherent tomography following uneventful cataract surgery.

The objective of this paper is to study the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) following uneventful small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification. This was a descriptive, prospective study where 200 patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomly divided into two groups over a period of 1 year. Patients undergoing uneventful small incision cataract surgery were included in group I and patient undergoing uneventful phacoemulsification were included in group II, with 100 patients in each group. Preoperative assessment included best corrected visual acuity, detailed anterior segment and posterior segment evaluation, and intraocular pressure measurement. Macular thickness was measured using RTVue 100 three dimensional Fourier domain OCT, using Enhanced Macular Map 5 (EMM5) protocol. In group II, all the phaco parameters were also noted. Postoperative examination was done at day 1, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months for BCVA and macular thickness. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were analyzed statistically using ANOVA test, paired samples t test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for different variables like phaco time, phaco energy, and BCVA. Statistically significant increase in macular thickness was detected postoperatively at 1 week (p ≥ 0.05 for group I and p = 0.1 for group II) and 1 month (p = 0.001 for group I and p ≤ 0.05 for group II), in all patients. It returned to near normal values by 3 months post operatively. This increase was mostly sub clinical. Overall incidence of clinical CME was 1.5%. Following SICS incidence of clinical CME was 2% and after phacoemulsification was 1%. BCVA was not affected in patients with subclinical CME but decreased vision was seen in patients with clinical CME. The incidence of subclinical and clinical CME was comparable in SICS and phacoemulsification, and subclinical CME did not have an impact on BCVA.

Ocular morbidity among school-going children in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Schoolchildren in India are susceptible to various types of ocular morbidities. Early detection through regular surveys helps in prompt treatment and prevention of blindness. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ocular morbidity among schoolchildren aged 6-16 years and to determine their socio-demographic risk factors. This cross-sectional study includes government and private schools in Chandigarh. The study was conducted during August 2010 to December 2010. The World Health Organization 30-cluster sampling technique was used to cover an optimum sample size of 9,067 students in 30 schools from 169 schools in Chandigarh with proportional allocation in different classes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 15.0. Qualitative data was analysed using the Chi squared test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors. Prevalence rates of refractive error, colour-blindness, squint, and vitamin A deficiency were found to be 29.3, 1.2, 0.8 and 0.05 %, respectively, with an overall prevalence of ocular morbidity of 30.4 %. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was significantly higher among female students and among those studying in private schools. The prevalence rate increased significantly with age. A high prevalence of treatable or preventable ocular morbidity was observed among school-going children, and refractive error was the most common problem.

Rare insights: Atypical MRI features of juvenile SLE.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently show symptoms of central nervous system involvement, termed neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is one of the neurological pathologies seen in CNS lupus. Patients with NPSLE typically present with nonspecific symptoms such as headache and cognitive impairment. Due to a lack of specific neuroradiological findings, diagnosis and management of such patients remain a big challenge. We report a 5-year-old girl who presented with fever and headache as the only neurological symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed focal grey and white matter lesions, suggestive of inflammatory or demyelinating ethology. Even though MR imaging findings may not be diagnostic of CNS lupus vasculitis, the study is routinely performed as a part of initial evaluation in patients with juvenile SLE showing neurological signs and symptoms.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PRCIS: Average and superior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was lower in the more severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) group and inversely associated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). OSA may have an impact on RNFLT. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the RNFLT using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with different severities of OSA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study, 90 (90 eyes) newly diagnosed OSA patients aged 18 years or above were enrolled. Based on the AHI, there were 38.8%, 30%, and 31.1% cases of mild (AHI≥5 to <15), moderate (AHI≥15 to <30), and severe (AHI≥30) OSA, respectively. All the participants underwent a comprehensive ocular examination. OCT was done using CIRRUS HD-OCT 500 to measure the RNFLT. RESULTS: The average RNFLT among the 3 OSA groups was significantly different ( P =0.002) and inversely associated with AHI ( P =0.02, rs =-0.16). Severe OSA had thinner average RNFLT than those with mild and moderate OSA ( P =0.01 and 0.003, respectively). Among the 4 quadrants observed, only the superior quadrant RNFLT among the 3 OSA groups was significantly different ( P <0.00001) and inversely associated with AHI ( P =0.01, rs =-0.17). Severe OSA had thinner superior quadrant RNFLT than those with moderate OSA ( P <0.01). The differences in the intraocular pressure among the 3 OSA groups were statistically significant ( P <0.0008). Patients with moderate and severe OSA had higher intraocular pressure than patients with mild OSA ( P =0.002 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Attention should be paid to the patients with OSA as it may have an impact on RNFLT. OSA patients should be screened for glaucoma as early detection of glaucoma can reduce vision loss in these patients.

Review of Outcomes after Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is the mainstay in treatment for advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; however, locoregional recurrences are frequent. Salvage surgery could be proposed in selected patients to improve local control, disease-free, and overall survival. Factors for improved disease-free and overall survival in patients treated with salvage surgery include age, tumor location, the initial T stage, HPV status, resection margins, and the time elapsing from the initial treatment. Clinical trials with adjuvant therapies have shown promise after salvage surgery in terms of tolerance and response, but clinical guidelines for using these adjuvant treatments are currently lacking. The aim of this review is to present current knowledge concerning the incidence and management of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and current data concerning survival and morbidity after salvage surgery.

Correlation of meiboscale symptom score and sign score for primary meibomian gland dysfunction in Indian eyes - A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation of Meiboscale with symptom score (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) sign score. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional hospital-based study of 53 patients of primary MGD who filled the OSDI questionnaire form and underwent complete ocular examination. The MGD sign score was calculated in both eyes using the sum of six grading systems proposed by Arita et al. in 2016. The participants underwent imaging of the upper and lower eyelids of both eyes (212 eyelids) by specular microscope. The area of meibomian gland loss (MGL) was visually assessed and scored using the Meiboscale photographic card. Correlation between these three values - OSDI score, sign score, and MGL score based on Meiboscale - was calculated using Spearman's correlation analysis and Jonckheere-Terpstra (J-T) test. Correlation coefficient rs > 0.5 was considered clinically significant. Results: Associations between MGL score and OSDI score, as well as between OSDI and sign score were statistically significant, but not clinically significant (rs = 0.3684, P < 0.001 and rs = 0.41179, P < 0.001, respectively). The association between MGL score and MGD sign score was statistically as well as clinically significant (rs = 0.8392, P < 0.001). J-T test revealed large effect size (P < 0.001, r-effect = 0.93). Conclusion: The Meiboscale card had not been tested for utility in the Indian outpatient setting yet. Meiboscale can be used for reliable assessment and grading of MGD, and has clinical utility similar to the sum of six MGD sign scores. Additionally, assessment of symptoms using OSDI or a similar questionnaire is also recommended.

Risk Based Decision Algorithms for Management of COVID-19 Associated Rhino-orbital Mucormycosis.

Introduction: COVID associated mucormycosis is a challenging problem with significant morbidity and mortality implications. COVID affliction, pre-existing medical conditions especially diabetes and steroid prescription are supposed contributors for development of this opportunistic fungal infection. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment with adequate post-op anti-fungal therapy. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of all surgical patients between March-May 2021 at a single centre. Prognosticators such as severity of COVID affliction, use of steroids, extent of rhino-orbital mucormycosis, extent of surgery and outcomes were studied. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse frequency of different variables and chi square test was used to analyse prognostic factors. P value < 0.05 were deemed significant. Results: 74 patients with an average 30 day follow-up were included. All patients had preceding COVID infection and 71.6% were diabetic and 25.7% were diagnosed during the course of their COVID treatment. Multiple sinus involvement being most common (52.61%), 10.81% underwent orbital exenteration and 24.32% palatectomies were performed. Revision surgeries were warranted in 16.21% patients. 9 patients succumbed to disease/ underlying medical and treatment related complications. Conclusion: We propose a risk assessment based on general condition of patient and severity of mucormycosis infection to decide appropriate strategy for surgical intervention. Early detection and timely and adequate surgery are essential pre-requisites to good outcomes. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-021-02692-9.

Capsular contraction syndrome following insertion of hydrophilic acrylic lens.

A 52-year-old female of Asian Indian origin underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification with insertion of a foldable hydrophilic acrylic single-piece intraocular lens which resulted in good postoperative vision. Five weeks later she presented with decreased vision and examination revealed fibrosis as well as phimosis of the anterior capsular opening. Surgical capsulotomy was performed as there was an extremely thick fibrotic membrane, thereby clearing the visual axis and improving her vision. Capsular contraction syndrome (CCS) is very rare following insertion of hydrophilic acrylic lenses. We describe a case of anterior capsular contraction syndrome following uneventful surgery and without any known predisposing factors.

Xerophthalmia with secondary malabsorption syndrome in a young lady.

Delayed recognition and treatment of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in adults leads to devastating complications. A 24-year-old woman presented with diarrhea, malaise, and shortness of breath. Her medical history included blunt abdominal trauma for which, she had bowel resection surgery and revision surgery within a year of the last surgery at the age of 8 years. She had difficulty in night vision and dry eyes. The best-corrected visual acuity was 6/18 in the BE. On slit-lamp examination in the both eyes (BE), the conjunctiva was thick, dry-looking with wrinkling, and the cornea had diffused superficial punctate keratitis and in the left eye, there was corneal xerosis of 1.5 × 1.5 mm. Tear film breakup time was 0-s in the BE. Schirmer's were 30 mm BE. The rest of the ocular examination was within normal limits. A clinical diagnosis of xerophthalmia secondary to malabsorption was made and treated with systemic vitamin A and intense lubrication. With time, ophthalmic conditions improved, but she died due to poor general wellbeing and repeated hospital-acquired infections. The infrequent presentation of VAD in adults and the unusual etiology in this patient make this case interesting, whereas its potentially devastating consequences highlight the importance of its early recognition, treatment, and regular follow up needed by both patient and physician in the community (general practitioner and ophthalmologists) for the prevention of VAD complications and poor prognosis.

Expression of p53 and Ki-67 proteins in patients with increasing severity and duration of pterygium.

Purpose: Pterygium is a triangular fibrovascular subepithelial ingrowth of degenerative bulbar conjunctival tissue over the cornea. It is now considered to be a result of uncontrolled cellular proliferation as overexpression of p53 protein and Ki-67 nuclear protein was found in the epithelium. This study was done to find the expression of p53 and Ki-67 with the severity and duration of the pterygium to explain the etiopathogenesis. Methods: Data were analyzed from 43 Indian participants of all age groups. All patients were divided according to the severity of pterygium (mild, moderate, and severe groups) and according to the duration of pterygium (<4 years and >4 years). The samples were studied by immunohistochemistry by using antibodies against p53 and Ki-67 proteins considering >5% expression as significant. Results: Of 43 cases, p53 and Ki-67 expression were positive in 33 cases. In mild, moderate, and severe cases p53 positivity was 33.3%, 78.4%, 100%, respectively. P53 expression increased with duration, 79.3% positive in <4 years, and 92.9% positive in >4 years. With increasing severity of pterygium, mild, moderate, and severe cases, Ki-67 positivity was 66.7%, 78.37%, 66.7%, respectively. Ki-67 expression with duration, 79.3% positive in <4 years, and 85.7% positive in >4 years of the duration of pterygium with no statistical significance. Conclusion: Our study revealed that with increasing duration and severity of pterygium, p53 expression was observed to be increasing. Ki-67 expression increased with the duration of pterygium but not with the severity.

Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme in a startup eye bank - A retrospective analysis and lessons learned.

Purpose: This study aimed to share our experience in the hospital cornea retrieval program as a new eye bank. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care institute from August 26, 2019 to March 22, 2020. The medical and eye bank records were analyzed for hospital mortality, mortuary records, and donors approached. The corneal collection was divided between Voluntary (received from voluntary calls), HCRP (cornea received from hospital deaths), and Medico-Legal Cases (received from MLC deaths in hospital) to see the trend of donation and utilization over time. Results: During the study period, 154 corneas (77 pairs) were collected. The HCRP provided a major source of corneas 58.4% (90 corneas) as compared to voluntary 19.5% (30 corneas) and MLC 22.1%(34 corneas). There were younger tissues in MLC than HCRP donors, and older tissues in Voluntary donors, and the difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the quality of optical grade tissues and the utilization of corneas for transplants between the three groups. Post hoc analysis showed more non-optical tissues in the voluntary donations (P = 0.004), maximum donors with medical contraindications in the HCRP group (P = 0.001), and time-lapse in corneal retrieval in MLC cases (P = 0.0001). Of these 154 corneas, 78 (50.6%) were assessed as suitable for transplantation, of which 59 (75.6%) tissues were optical grade tissues. The overall utilization was 39.6%. Conclusion: HCRP is indeed challenging for a new eye bank, but proper understanding and implementing strategies may help for good utilization of tissues.

Cobalt blue light unit filter - A smartphone attachment for blue light photography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to carry out blue light photography of fluorescein-stained corneas using a novel smartphone attachment. METHODS: A smartphone attachment known as the cobalt blue light unit (C-BLU) was developed. It can filter out all wavelengths of light except the blue light emerging from the flashlight of a smartphone. A pilot study was carried out wherein the images captured with the C-BLU system were compared with slit-lamp photographs of the same patients. This setup was then used to photo document fluorescein-stained corneas in various clinical settings assembled at point-of-care. RESULTS: Many pathologies of the fluorescein-stained cornea were captured using the C-BLU filter. It was used effectively in various settings (remote eye camps, intensive care units (ICU), pediatric group, corneal trauma triaging, etc.). C-BLU was assembled and used by optometrists and ophthalmology residents. The images captured were used for documenting, assisting in the treatment, and also for telecommunication of the patients' findings. CONCLUSION: C-BLU is a low-cost pocket-size filter which is easy to use with a modern smartphone without any technical expertise needed to obtain a clear image of fluorescein-stained pathological corneas.

Identification of tear-based protein and non-protein biomarkers: Its application in diagnosis of human diseases using biosensors.

Discovery of robust, selective and specific biomarkers are important for early diagnosis and monitor progression of human diseases. Eye being a common target for several human diseases, vision impediment and complications are often associated with systemic and ocular diseases. Tears are bodily fluids that are closest to eye and are rich in protein content and other metabolites. As a biomarker repository, it advantages over other bodily fluids due to the ability to collect it non-invasively. In this review, we highlight some recent advancements in identification of tear-based protein biomarkers like lacryglobin and cystatin SA for cancer; interleukin-6 and immunoglobulin-A antibody for COVID-19; tau, amyloid-ß-42 and lysozyme-C for Alzheimer's disease; peroxiredoxin-6 and α-synuclein for Parkinson's disease; kallikrein, angiotensin converting enzyme and lipocalin-1 for glaucoma; lactotransferrin and lipophilin-A for diabetic retinopathy and zinc-alpha-2 glycoprotein-1, prolactin and calcium binding protein-A4 for eye thyroid disease. We also discussed identification of tear based non-protein biomarkers like lysophospholipids and acetylcarnitine for glaucoma, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyquanosine and malondialdehyde for thyroid eye disease. We elucidate technological advancement in developing tear-based biosensors for diagnosis and monitoring diseases such as diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Altogether, the study of tears as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of human diseases is promising.

Comparison of choroidal thickness in systemic hypertensive subjects with healthy individuals by spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the choroidal thickness in normal population and hypertensive patients and to assess the possible effect of hypertension on choroidal thickness using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. A total of 68 eyes of 34 individuals in the age group of 40-60 years were included in both the hypertensive group and control group. Individuals with refractive error beyond ± 3 D and posterior segment pathology were excluded. The choroidal thickness was measured at the sub-foveal region, 500 µm nasal and 500 µm temporal to the fovea on SD-OCT with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) mode. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and Mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded in all individuals. Duration of hypertension was also noted in hypertensive individuals. Results: The choroidal thickness at all locations was significantly lower in the hypertensive group (subfoveal, nasal, temporal and mean choroidal thickness 253.24 ± 63.96 µm, 249.35 ± 63.57 µm, 250.01 ± 63.37 µm, 250.87 ± 63.38 µm, respectively) as compared to the control group (subfoveal, nasal, temporal and mean choroidal thickness 301.25 ± 55.79 µm, 298.97 ± 57.07 µm, 299.49 ± 55.06 µm, 299.90 ± 55.50 µm, respectively). The choroidal thickness in the hypertensive group also had a significant negative correlation with the SBP (Spearman correlation coefficient, rho = -0.35, P = 0.003) and the duration of hypertension (rho = -0.25, P = 0.037). Conclusion: The study demonstrated decreased choroidal thickness in systemic hypertensive subjects as compared to age-matched healthy individuals. The choroidal thickness in hypertensive subjects also had a significant but weak negative correlation with SBP and duration of hypertension.

Glycerol-preserved corneal tissue in emergency corneal transplantation: An alternative for fresh corneal tissue in COVID-19 crisis.

PURPOSE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the eye banks have limited/stopped corneal collection, as this is a highly contagious disease. This has led to shortage of donor corneas worldwide. Glycerol preservation of tissue remains a viable option in this scenario. The objective is to compare fresh corneal tissue (FCT) with glycerol-preserved cornea (GPC) in emergency corneal transplantation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary care centre of Uttarakhand. Medical records of the patients who underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) were reviewed. FCT group included patients who underwent TPK with fresh corneal tissue and GPC group included patients who underwent TPK with glycerol preserved cornea. The indications and outcomes of TPK in the terms of therapeutic success were analysed and compared between both the groups. RESULTS: A total of 94 eyes of 91 patients underwent TPK from October 2011 to August 2017. FCT group included 60 eyes of 57 patients and GPC group included 34 eyes of 34 patients. The primary indication of TPK was infectious keratitis in both the groups (FCT-81.6%; GPC - 91.2%) There was no significant difference in the therapeutic success in both the groups (P = 0.741, Odds ratio- 1.59 with 95% CI- 0.39-6.44). Complications included glaucoma (FCT-21.7%; GPC- 35.2%) graft infection (FCT- 18.33% GPC- 2.9%); graft rejection (FCT-11.66%, GPC- 0%); and graft failure (FCT-88.33%, GPC-100%). CONCLUSION: The GPC is comparable to FCTs in therapeutic transplant and can be a useful interim procedure in saving the eyes in cases of infective keratitis in the time of crisis.

Post phacoemulsification wound infection by Nocardia cyriacigeorgica: a rare acid-fast organism.

Tunnel infection is one of the most dreaded infections, post phacoemulsification. Most cases reported till now are caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria or fungi and very few cases by the acid-fast organisms. Ocular infections by Nocardia usually have poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of tunnel infection, its management and microbiological identification of cause behind it, that is, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica a rare acid-fast microorganism.

Impact of a standardized reporting format on the quality of MRI reports for rectal cancer staging.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Besides providing a surgical roadmap, rectal MRI plays a major role in treatment planning. We recently started using a structured template for reporting rectal cancer via MRI. We study the impact of using this template at our hospital in terms of number of essential imaging parameters described in the reports as compared to the pre-template free-text reports. METHODS: A structured rectal MRI reporting template was created in consensus with members of the colorectal tumour board and was introduced in the department, which included 14 essential parameters to be mentioned in the reports. We conducted a retrospective analysis of rectal MRI reports of 100 cases with histologically proven rectal cancer, comprising 50 consecutive free-text reports before the template was introduced and 50 consecutive structured reports after its introduction, checking for the presence or absence of inclusion of the 14 parameters. An anonymous online feedback survey was conducted as well after the introduction of the template for the members of the colorectal tumour board. RESULTS: Overall, the total number of parameters reported increased from a median value of 10 (range 6-13) to 14 (range 12-14). The common unreported parameters prior to template introduction included T staging, presence or absence of restricted diffusion, anterior peritoneal reflection (APR) involvement, and presence or absence of extramural vascular invasion; these were reported in 16%, 22%, 30% and 50% respectively. These improved to 98-100% reporting after template introduction. Maximum improvement was in T staging (16% to 98%) (P < 0.0001), restricted diffusion on DWI (from 22% to 100%) (P < 0.0001) and APR involvement (from 30% to 100%) (P < 0.0001). The most common unreported parameter after template introduction was the "tumoral T2 signal intensity" (unreported in 4% cases). The results of the survey were as follows: 100% felt a decreased need to talk to the radiologist to clarify the report, 81.8% felt an improvement in the quality of reporting as compared to free style reports, and 91% felt that the new template is easier to interpret. CONCLUSION: The introduction of a structured template for rectal cancer significantly improved the quality of rectal MRI reports, along with the satisfaction of referring providers.

Etiological spectrum of infectious keratitis in the era of MALDI-TOF-MS at a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: Infectious Keratitis (Ik) Is A Potential Vision-Threatening Ocular Infection Caused By A Variety Of Microorganisms. AIM: To Explore Risk Factors And Etiological Agents Associated With Ik. DESIGN: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study In Which Corneal Scrapings From 120 Suspected Cases Were Evaluated At A Tertiary Health Care Institute From January To December 2019. METHODS: Scrapings Were Subjected To Direct Microscopy, Culture, And Identification By Both Conventional Methods And Maldi-Tof-Ms. The Patient's Demographic Data And Predisposing Factors, If Any Were Recorded. RESULTS: The Mean Age Of Patients Was 48.9 Years And Predisposing Factors Were Documented In 46% (55/120) Of Cases. Overall, Infective Etiology Could Be Established In 51% (N = 61/120) Of Cases. Fungal Growth In 26% (N = 31/120) Of Cases And Bacterial Growth In 22% (N = 27/120) Of Cases Was Obtained. Growth Of More Than One Species Of Fungi Or Growth Of Bacteria Along With Fungus Were Observed In 2% (N = 3/120) Of Cases. Of All The Fungal Isolates Obtained (N = 34), The Most Common Isolate Was Fusarium (18/34) Followed By Aspergillus (8/34), Curvularia (4/34), Pseudallescheria Boydii (3/34), And Geotrichum (1/34). Among The Gram-Positive Bacterial Isolates (N = 16), Staphyloccus Species (15/16) Were Isolated In Maximum Number Followed By Streptococcus Pneumoniae (1/16). Among The Gram-Negative Isolates (N = 13), Pseudomonas Species (8/13) Were Isolated In Maximum Number Of Cases, Followed By Acinetobacter (3/13), Klebsiella Pneumoniae (1/13), And Escherichia Coli (1/13). CONCLUSION: For Initiating Appropriate Empirical Therapy, The Knowledge Of The Epidemiological Pattern Of Infectious Keratitis Of A Particular Geographical Region Is Crucial.

"Pattern of ocular morbidities among pilgrims attending religious mega festive event-'Kumbh Mela 2019' at Prayagraj, India".

BACKGROUND: Globally, ocular morbidities are one of the most underdiagnosed, underreported, and undertreated public health concern. Among estimated 39 billion blind in world, India shares major proportions, with majority of them living in rural population. In India, religious festivals like Kumbh Mela that involve mass gatherings are mainly attended by middle and elderly population who are usually susceptible to various ocular diseases. Therefore, we analyzed the data of our eye camp to document pattern and magnitude of ocular morbidities among pilgrims attending a mega religious festive event. METHODS: In a cross-sectional, descriptive study, we included all those patients who participated in a mega eye camp "Netrakumbh" from January to March 2019 at Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, India and were attended by voluntary ophthalmologist from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh. Presenting chief complaints and detailed history were collected from all participants. All patients underwent comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopic examination, tonometry, etc., Data were compiled and analyzed utilizing SPSS 22.0. RESULTS: A total of 47142 eyes of 23571 persons of all age groups (range 5 years to 70 years) with approximate equal gender distribution attending the mega eye camp were examined. The most common ocular morbidity noticed after ocular examination was refractive error with underlying cause majorly as presbyopia, followed by cataract, after cataract, convergence insufficiency, lids, and adnexal disease, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the changing pattern of common ocular morbidities presently among middle and elderly populations in developing countries like India.