Perceived Discrimination Among Food Pantry Clients in Massachusetts.

Introduction: Food insecurity is defined as inconsistent access to enough food to meet nutritional needs. Discrimination is associated with food insecurity and poor health, especially among racial and ethnic minoritized and sexual or gender minoritized groups. We examined the demographic associations of perceived everyday discrimination and food pantry discrimination in Massachusetts. Methods: From December 2021 through February 2022, The Greater Boston Food Bank conducted a cross-sectional, statewide survey of Massachusetts adults. Of the 3,085 respondents, 702 were food pantry clients for whom complete data on food security were available; we analyzed data from this subset of respondents. We used the validated 10-item Everyday Discrimination Scale to measure perceived everyday discrimination and a 10-item modified version of the Everyday Discrimination Scale to measure perceived discrimination at food pantries. Logistic regression adjusted for race and ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, having children in the household, annual household income, and household size assessed demographic associations of perceived everyday discrimination and discrimination at food pantries. Results: Food pantry clients identifying as LGBTQ+ were more likely than those identifying as non-LGBTQ+ to report perceived everyday discrimination (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.24-4.79). Clients identifying as Hispanic (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI, 1.13-2.96) were more likely than clients identifying as non-Hispanic White to report perceived discrimination at food pantries. Conclusion: To equitably reach and serve households with food insecurity, food banks and pantries need to understand experiences of discrimination and unconscious bias to develop programs, policies, and practices to address discrimination and create more inclusive interventions for food assistance.

Promoting nutrition equity for individuals with physical challenges: A systematic review of barriers and facilitators to healthy eating.

Impaired mobility is the most common form of functional disability in the US, affecting one out of every sixteen working-age adults. Little is known about the barriers to and facilitators of healthy eating among people with impaired mobility (PWIM), who are at increased risk for diet-related chronic disease. The pathways by which impaired mobility influence dietary intake are unclear, yet likely involve a complex interplay between structural determinants of health and individual factors. To help advance nutrition equity initiatives for PWIM, this systematic review aimed to qualitatively synthesize factors associated with dietary intake across four levels of ecologic influence. An interprofessional team devised a comprehensive search strategy to identify these factors among working-age (18-64 years) PWIM. We queried Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase via Ovid for articles published between January 1, 1990 and April 25, 2021. Twelve studies met our review criteria. We classified factors within one of four ecologic levels of influence: individual, social, environmental, and policy/program. Most studies disproportionately reported on personal level factors of influence, with less information on other levels of influence. This systematic review is an important first step for informing the design of evidence-based strategies to support healthy eating among PWIM. However, it also reveals a wide chasm in the needed information to adequately bridge structural determinants of this nutrition divide. More studies are needed that include rigorous measures of dietary intake and that aim to elicit how social, environmental, and policy-level factors contribute to dietary disparities among PWIM.

Evaluation of Refractive Status and Ocular Biometric Parameters in Primary Angle Closure Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the refractive status and ocular biometric parameters in subjects with angle closure in Malaysia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 171 primary angle closure patients (268 eyes). Visual acuity, refraction, and ocular biometry (central anterior chamber depth [ACD], axial length [AL], and lens thickness) were recorded. Vitreous cavity length (VL) and relative lens position (RLP) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 92 Primary Angle Closure Suspect (PACS), 30 Primary Angle Closure (PAC), and 146 Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG) eyes were included. Chinese ethnicity formed the majority (n = 197, 73.5%), followed by Malay (n = 57, 21.3%) and Indian (n = 14, 5.2%). There was a significant female preponderance with a female to male ratio of 1.85. Mean age was 65.7 ± 7.7 years. Mean spherical equivalent was +0.33 ± 1.29 D. Approximately half (n = 137, 51%) of the eyes were hyperopic (spherical power ≥+0.5), with PACG having the highest percentage of hyperopia (n = 69, 50.4%). Myopia and emmetropia were present in 48 (17.9) and 83 (31%) eyes, respectively. Although AL and VL in myopia patients were significantly longer than emmetropic and hyperopic eyes (p < 0.001), the ACD was not significantly different (p = 0.427). While the RLP is smaller in myopic eyes, lens thickness was increased in hyperopic eyes. PACG was significantly higher in elderly patients compared to PACS and PAC (p = 0.005). A total of 37 (13.8%) eyes were blind (vision worse than 3/60) and 19 of them (51.3%) were female patients. CONCLUSION: A decrease in RLP is predictive of angle closure disease in myopic eyes, whereas increased lens thickness contributes to angle closure disease in hyperopic eyes.

Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Heads up Ophthalmic Surgery Demonstration From the Perspective of Surgeons and Postgraduate Trainees.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the satisfaction of surgeons and trainees with three-dimensional (3D) ophthalmic surgery during a demonstration compared to traditional surgery. METHODS: This validated questionnaire-based study was conducted over 1-month during which Ngenuity 3D surgery was demonstrated. All surgeons and trainees exposed were recruited to complete a questionnaire comprising visualization, physical, ease of use, teaching and learning, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: All 7 surgeons and 33 postgraduate students responded. Surgeons reported no significant difference except overall (P = 0.047, paired t-test). Postgraduate trainees reported significantly better experience with 3D for illumination (P = 0.008), manoeuvrability (P = 0.01), glare (P = 0.037), eye strain (P = 0.008), neck and upper back strain (P = 0.000), lower back pain (P = 0.019), communication (P = 0.002), comfortable environment (P = 0.001), sharing of knowledge (P = 0.000), and overall (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: During early experience, surgeons and trainees reported better satisfaction with 3D overall. Trainees had better satisfaction with 3D in various subcomponents of visualization, physical, ease of use, and education.

Short-Term Results of Trial of Topical Insulin for Treatment of Dry Eyes in Diabetics.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the short-term effects of topical insulin (TI) 1 unit/drop 4 times per day for 4 weeks on the symptoms and signs of diabetic with dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind interventional study, diabetics with DED aged 18 to 60 years were randomly assigned to TI or standard artificial tears (SAT). Baseline Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test (ST), tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) score were compared 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 160 participants (involving 320 eyes) received either TI (n=80) or SAT (n=80). After 4 weeks of treatment, a significant number of participants in both TI and SAT groups showed improvement in their OSDI score, 66% and 63%, respectively (P=0.0001), but were not significantly better than each other (P=0.453). However, most participants in both groups showed worsening of ST and TBUT (P>0.05). Most of the participants in both groups showed no change in their ocular SICCA score (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The study has shown a significant and similar improvement in the OSDI score for TI 1 unit/drop four times daily and SAT in treating diabetics with DED. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of TI on the ocular surface.

Use of commercially available sodium hyaluronate 0.18% eye drops for corneal epithelial healing in diabetic patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of topical sodium hyaluronate (SH) 0.18% treatment on corneal epithelial healing after epithelial debridement in pars plana vitrectomy in diabetic patients. METHOD: This is prospective and randomized clinical trial. Our study population included 30 eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy that required near total corneal debridement intra-operatively for surgical view. We compared the residual wound and wound healing rate in between 3 groups: 10 diabetic eyes (DMV) on topical SH 0.18%; 10 diabetic eyes (DMC) and 10 non-diabetic eyes (NDM) not treated with topical SH 0.18%. The corneal epithelial wound was measured at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 120 h after the vitrectomy surgery. RESULTS: DMC group had corneal wounds that reepithelialization significantly more slowly than in NDM and DMV groups at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h (Mann-Whitney test p < 0.05). The epithelial healing rate was significantly faster at 12 h in NDM and DMV group (Mann-Whitney test p < 0.05). No differences in the residual epithelial wound and wound healing were detected in between NDM and DMV groups. The mean for epithelial closure in DMC group was delayed 87.6 ± 28.31 h, compared with DMV group (64.8 ± 21.31) and NDM group (56.4 ± 9.88). All groups were followed up 1 month beyond completed wound closure. No recurrent corneal epithelial wound, corneal melting or corneal neovascularization was noted. CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients on SH 0.18% four times daily for epithelial defect had similar corneal wounds healing rate as non-diabetics. This treatment significantly improved corneal wound healing and accelerated complete corneal wound resurfacing in diabetic patients.

Recent Updates on Treatment of Ocular Microbial Infections by Stem Cell Therapy: A Review.

Ocular microbial infection has emerged as a major public health crisis during the past two decades. A variety of causative agents can cause ocular microbial infections; which are characterized by persistent and destructive inflammation of the ocular tissue; progressive visual disturbance; and may result in loss of visual function in patients if early and effective treatments are not received. The conventional therapeutic approaches to treat vision impairment and blindness resulting from microbial infections involve antimicrobial therapy to eliminate the offending pathogens or in severe cases; by surgical methods and retinal prosthesis replacing of the infected area. In cases where there is concurrent inflammation, once infection is controlled, anti-inflammatory agents are indicated to reduce ocular damage from inflammation which ensues. Despite advances in medical research; progress in the control of ocular microbial infections remains slow. The varying level of ocular tissue recovery in individuals and the incomplete visual functional restoration indicate the chief limitations of current strategies. The development of a more extensive therapy is needed to help in healing to regain vision in patients. Stem cells are multipotent stromal cells that can give rise to a vast variety of cell types following proper differentiation protocol. Stem cell therapy shows promise in reducing inflammation and repairing tissue damage on the eye caused by microbial infections by its ability to modulate immune response and promote tissue regeneration. This article reviews a selected list of common infectious agents affecting the eye; which include fungi; viruses; parasites and bacteria with the aim of discussing the current antimicrobial treatments and the associated therapeutic challenges. We also provide recent updates of the advances in stem cells studies on sepsis therapy as a suggestion of optimum treatment regime for ocular microbial infections.

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Anterior Scleritis With Ulcerative Colitis.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is an ocular emergency as it is sight-threatening and requires urgent surgical intervention. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease that can present with ocular manifestations. The objective of this case report is to share the rare presentation of RRD associated with UC leading to diagnosis and management dilemmas. A 35-year-old man with active UC presented with a right chronic red eye for two months. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/6 in both eyes (OU). On examination, sectoral inferotemporal anterior scleritis (AS) with subclinical inferior RRD with peripheral holes in the lattice at the 6 o'clock position was noted. There was no posterior vitreous detachment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) delineated the RRD objectively and was non-progressive for nine months. Barricade laser was given, in addition to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), followed by a tapering dose of oral prednisolone and topical dexamethasone 0.1% over three months. Over a year, the scleritis resolved. However, six months later, while still on immunomodulating agents, the inferior RRD progressed on OCT. Segmental scleral buckle, indirect laser retinopexy, and subtenon triamcinolone injection were performed. IVMP 1 g per day was given for three days prior to surgery. Two months later, his BCVA was 6/6, with signs of fluid resorption and normal intraocular pressure. No recurrent AS was seen. Treatment of non-progressive, subclinical RRD patients with UC and active AS can be delayed with regular follow-up. When RRD progressed and there was no AS activity, it was the window of opportunity for the success of scleral buckle and perioperative steroids.

Atopic Dermatitis Leading to Blindness: A Frequently Forgotten Sequelae.

A 12-year-old boy with underlying severeand poorly controlled atopic dermatitis (AD) associated with atopic conjunctivitis and rhinitis presented with a right painless blurring of vision for two weeks. On examination, his right eye visual acuity was 1/60,with grade 1 relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Anterior segment examination revealed anterior uveitis with dense posterior subcapsular cataract and hazy fundus view. B-scan ultrasound suggested a shallow total retinal detachment. Intraoperatively, a large retinal dialysis was found. This paper highlights the need for a high index of suspicion of retinal dialysis in a child with underlying AD and the importance of good control of this systemic condition to prevent ocular morbidity.

The Importance of Posterior Hyaloid Removal in a Case of Vitrectomy for Floaters in High Myopia.

A 61-year-old Malaysian Chinese man who has high myopia complained of both eye floaters. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of the macula showed bilateral posterior staphyloma with right eye (RE) foveoschisis without macula detachment, which had been stable for a seven-year follow-up. When bilateral YAG laser vitreolysis could not alleviate his symptoms, he underwent pars plana vitrectomy with the inducement of posterior vitreous detachment, first in the left eye, followed by the RE one month later. The best-corrected visual acuity for both eyes was 6/6, N5 two months postoperatively, and he was asymptomatic for floaters. However, six months postoperatively, he complained of metamorphopsia and worsening RE vision. Repeat OCT showed worsening of the foveoschisis bilaterally with left foveal detachment. The patient had to undergo a repeat vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) in bilateral eyes, which successfully restored his foveal architecture and alleviated his symptoms. This article highlights theimportance of preoperative OCT assessment of the fovea in patients undergoing vitrectomy for floaters, as staining and complete removal of posterior hyaloid with ILM peeling during vitrectomy may mitigate the progression of foveoschisis after core vitrectomy for floaters in myopic patients.

A Case Series of Eye Removal Surgeries: Five Years of Experience at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Eye removal surgeries, also called anophthalmic surgeries, are usually performed for a painful blinded eye due to various underlying causes. In this case review, we intended to study the indications, the types of anophthalmic surgeries, and post-operative complications related to eye removal surgeries. METHOD:  Five years of retrospective case review of surgical eye removals was conducted from 1st June 2018 to 31st May 2023 at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), University of Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Medical record files were used to analyse the age, gender, affected eye, types of surgeries, and indications of the eye removal surgery. RESULTS:  Fourteen eyes underwent anophthalmic surgeries inclusive of evisceration (78.57%, n = 11), enucleation (14.29%, n = 2), and exenteration (7.14%, n = 1). Among the evisceration group, 63.64% (n = 7) were due to endophthalmitis, 27.27% (n = 3) were due to ocular trauma, and 9.09% (n = 1) were done for a painful blind due to neovascular glaucoma. Two enucleation surgeries were performed for retinoblastoma and one exenteration for orbital metastatic malignancy. CONCLUSION:  The preferred choice of anophthalmic surgery was in favour of evisceration, especially when the underlying causes were due to benign conditions. The most common indications of anophthalmic surgeries were endophthalmitis, trauma, and malignancies. Enucleation and exenteration were performed mainly for the blinded eye due to the intraocular malignancies and malignancy with an extraocular spread. A fairly lesser number of anophthalmic surgeries over the five years could imply an improvement in the conservative management approach of a painful blinded eye.

Traumatic retinal detachment: A contemporary update.

Retinal detachment following ocular trauma (TrRD) is one of the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. In the absence of a standardized definition, the diagnosis of traumatic retinal detachment relies on identifying a history of trauma that precedes the detachment. There is an increasing pool of data regarding the etiology and epidemiology of TrRD.Various causes of TrRD mentioned in the literature include work-related eye trauma in construction and manufacturing industries, sports injuries, explosive eye injuries, road traffic accidents, and intraocular foreign bodies. Although there is extensive literature on post-trauma retinal detachments, a comprehensive discussion of its pathogenesis, management, outcomes, and complications is lacking. We offer an in-depth review of the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of TrRD based on the current literature.

Practice Patterns and Challenges in Managing Inherited Retinal Diseases Across Asia-Pacific: A Survey from the APIED Network.

PURPOSE: The objective of this paper is to shed light on the current landscape of genotyping practices, phenotyping practices and availability of essential vision rehabilitation management for inherited retinal diseases (IRD) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region. METHODS: The 62-item questionnaire was distributed electronically via email. The questions covered five domains: (1) structure of the IRD service and registry/database; (2) genotyping practices; (3) genetic counselling; (4) deep phenotyping practices; (5) low-vision rehabilitation services. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 36 of 45 centres in twelve countries and regions in APAC. Among these centres, 42 % reported managing more than 1000 patients. Notably, 39 % of centres lack an IRD database or registry, and 44 % of centres have tested less than one-quarter of their IRD patients. The majority of centres (67 %) do not have genetic counsellors. While there was consistency in the imaging-based investigations, there was marked heterogeneity for functional testing using electrophysiology and formal perimetry. Only 34 % of centres confirmed the availability of access to low-vision assistive devices. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals several critical gaps in managing IRDs in the APAC region. These include the lack of IRD database/registry in one-third of centres, a substantial proportion of patients remaining genetically undiagnosed, and limited availability of genetic counsellors. The findings also underscore a need to harmonise investigations for evaluating retinal function and identify areas for improvement in the provision of low-vision rehabilitation services.

Rationale and protocol paper for the Asia Pacific Network for inherited eye diseases.

PURPOSE: There are major gaps in our knowledge of hereditary ocular conditions in the Asia-Pacific population, which comprises approximately 60% of the world's population. Therefore, a concerted regional effort is urgently needed to close this critical knowledge gap and apply precision medicine technology to improve the quality of lives of these patients in the Asia-Pacific region. DESIGN: Multi-national, multi-center collaborative network. METHODS: The Research Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia-Pacific Society of Eye Genetics fostered this research collaboration, which brings together renowned institutions and experts for inherited eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. The immediate priority of the network will be inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), where there is a lack of detailed characterization of these conditions and in the number of established registries. RESULTS: The network comprises 55 members from 35 centers, spanning 12 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The steering committee comprises ophthalmologists with experience in consortia for eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, leading ophthalmologists and vision scientists in the field of IRDs internationally, and ophthalmic geneticists. CONCLUSIONS: The Asia Pacific Inherited Eye Disease (APIED) network aims to (1) improve genotyping capabilities and expertise to increase early and accurate genetic diagnosis of IRDs, (2) harmonise deep phenotyping practices and utilization of ontological terms, and (3) establish high-quality, multi-user, federated disease registries that will facilitate patient care, genetic counseling, and research of IRDs regionally and internationally.

Clinical Study on Corneal Topographical Changes in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis by Using OCULUS Pentacam®.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the corneal topographical changes in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) subjects using OCULUS Pentacam. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: VKC patients and normal subjects who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited by convenience sampling into the study. Subjects underwent a best-corrected visual acuity measurement with a Snellen chart, retinoscopy, and corneal topography (OCULUS Pentacam®), followed by anterior segment and fundus examination and intraocular pressure measurement. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 78 eyes of 43 VKC patients and 84 eyes of normal subjects were included in the study. Most of the VKC subjects were Malay males aged 10 years or less. A majority (71.8%) had palpebral VKC of five years duration or less (57.7%) and presented between the ages of six and 10 years (44.9%). Central corneal curvature and astigmatism were significantly higher in VKC subjects compared to the normal population (p < 0.05). The minimal pachymetry was significantly lower with a longer duration of VKC (p < 0.05). Older age of presentation of VKC was associated with higher central corneal curvatures and thinner minimal pachymetry (p < 0.05). There was no association between the type of VKC and corneal topography changes. The prevalence of keratoconus and subclinical keratoconus among VKC subjects was 10.3% and 11.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Longer duration and older age of presentation of VKC are associated with significant corneal topographical changes, thus exposing them to a higher risk of the future development of keratoconus.

Usage of topical insulin for the treatment of diabetic keratopathy, including corneal epithelial defects.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic keratopathy (DK) occurs in 46%-64% of patients with diabetes and requires serious attention. In patients with diabetes, the healing of corneal epithelial defects or ulcers takes longer than in patients without diabetes. Insulin is an effective factor in wound healing. The ability of systemic insulin to rapidly heal burn wounds has been reported for nearly a century, but only a few studies have been performed on the effects of topical insulin (TI) on the eye. Treatment with TI is effective in treating DK. AIM: To review clinical and experimental animal studies providing evidence for the efficacy of TI to heal corneal wounds. METHODS: National and international databases, including PubMed and Scopus, were searched using relevant keywords, and additional manual searches were conducted to assess the effectiveness of TI application on corneal wound healing. Journal articles published from January 1, 2000 to December 1, 2022 were examined. The relevancy of the identified citations was checked against predetermined eligibility standards, and relevant articles were extracted and reviewed. RESULTS: A total of eight articles were found relevant to be discussed in this review, including four animal studies and four clinical studies. According to the studies conducted, TI is effective for corneal re-epithelialization in patients with diabetes based on corneal wound size and healing rate. CONCLUSION: Available animal and clinical studies have shown that TI promotes corneal wound healing by several mechanisms. The use of TI was not associated with adverse effects in any of the published cases. Further studies are needed to enhance our knowledge and understanding of TI in the healing of DK.

Case report: Outer lamellar macular hole and outer retinal detachment within myopic foveoschisis post-cataract surgery.

Background: This study aimed to report a case of outer lamellar macular hole and outer retinal detachment within myopic foveoschisis (MF) post-cataract surgery. Case presentation: An elderly female patient with bilateral high myopia and pre-existing myopic foveoschisis underwent uncomplicated sequential cataract surgeries 2 weeks apart. She was able to achieve a satisfactory visual outcome for her left eye with stable myopic foveoschisis and visual acuity of 6/7.5, near vision N6. However, her right eye vision remained poor postoperatively, with a visual acuity of 6/60. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed a new right eye outer lamellar macular hole (OLMH) and outer retinal detachment (ORD) within pre-existing myopic foveoschisis. Her vision remained poor after 3 weeks of conservative management, and she was offered vitreoretinal surgical intervention with pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade. However, she refused surgical intervention, and her right vision remained stable at 6/60 over 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Outer lamellar macular hole and outer retinal detachment within myopic foveoschisis can occur soon after cataract surgery, which may be related to the progression of associated vitreomacular traction, and have a poor visual outcome if left untreated. Patients with high myopia should be informed of these complications as part of pre-operative counseling.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Topical Insulin Versus Artificial Tears for Healing Rates of Iatrogenic Corneal Epithelial Defects Induced During Vitreoretinal Surgery in Diabetics.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure and compare the effect of topical insulin (0.5 units, 4 times per day) versus artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%, 4 times per day) for the healing of postoperative corneal epithelial defects induced during vitreoretinal surgery in diabetic patients. METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized controlled hospital-based study involving diabetic patients with postoperative corneal epithelial defects after vitreoretinal surgery. Diabetic patients were randomized into 2 different groups and received either 0.5 units of topical insulin (DTI) or artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%; DAT). The primary outcome measured was the rate of corneal epithelial wound healing (mm 2 /h) over a preset interval and time from baseline to minimum size of epithelial defect on fluorescein-stained anterior segment digital camera photography. The secondary outcome measured was the safety of topical insulin 0.5 units and artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%). Patients were followed up until 3 months postoperation. RESULTS: A total of 38 eyes from 38 patients undergoing intraoperative corneal debridement during vitreoretinal surgery with resultant epithelial defects (19 eyes per group) were analyzed. DTI was observed to have a significantly higher healing rate compared with the DAT group at rates over 36 hours ( P = 0.010), 48 hours ( P = 0.009), and 144 hours ( P = 0.009). The rate from baseline to closure was observed to be significantly higher in the DTI group (1.20 ± 0.29) (mm 2 /h) compared with the DAT group (0.78 ± 0.20) (mm 2 /h) as well ( P < 0.001). No adverse effect of topical insulin and artificial tears was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Topical insulin (0.5 units, 4 times per day) is more effective compared with artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%, 4 times per day) for the healing of postoperative corneal epithelial defects induced during vitreoretinal surgery in diabetic patients, without any adverse events.

Impact of Postponement of Appointments on Vision and Psychological Well-Being Among Outpatients Attending Ophthalmology Clinics: A Malaysian Perspective.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-frontline medical disciplines, including ophthalmology, were advised to minimize their services to channel crucial healthcare resources to manage the surge in COVID-19 cases. The ophthalmology department postponed all non-urgent appointments and elective surgical procedures. However, little is known about the visual and mental health impact of these changes in ophthalmology services. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the impact of postponement in ophthalmology outpatient clinic appointments towards visual acuity (VA) changes and the psychological well-being of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study, utilizing a convenience sampling method, recruited patients attending ophthalmology outpatient clinic services from July 2020 to June 2021 to participate in the study. The Snellen chart was used to measure the VA, and the Kessler psychological distress scale (K-10) was used to measure psychological distress levels among patients with (study) and without (controls) postponement of the appointment.  Results: A total of 485 patients were included in the data analysis; 267 study and 218 controls. There is a statistically significant difference in categorical change of VA (p < 0.001) and categorical K-10 score (p = 0.048) among the study and control groups. Nonetheless, a decline in VA alone does not show a statistically significant association with an increased probability of experiencing psychological distress (p=0.149). CONCLUSION: Postponement of ophthalmology appointments negatively affected the VA and the psychological well-being of patients. Appropriate assessment of patients before postponing their appointment is crucial to mitigate the worsening of VA and psychological distress.