Características clínico-demográficas de pacientes con ceguera irreversible en el Servicio de Oftalmología General de la Clínica Belén, Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay desde febrero del 2018 a febrero del 2019 / Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with irreversible blindness at the General Ophthalmology Service of the "Clínica Belén", Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay from February 2018 to February 2019

Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, la ceguera está definida como la agudeza visual inferior a 3/60 (20/400) en el mejor ojo y un campo visual menor a 10° desde el punto central de fijación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las características clínico demográficas de pacientes con diagnóstico de ceguera irreversible atendidos en el Servicio de Oftalmología General de la Clínica Belén - Coronel Oviedo (Paraguay). Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de corte transversal. Se realizó la revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de ceguera irreversible atendidos en el Servicio de Oftalmología General de la Clínica Belén, entre el 1 de febrero 2018 y el 28 de febrero 2019. Se analizaron la edad, sexo, escolaridad, procedencia, agudeza visual, comorbilidades y etiología de la deficiencia visual. El análisis estadístico fue mediante el cálculo de frecuencias absolutas y relativas para las variables cualitativas, y el promedio y desviación estándar para las cuantitativas. Se estudiaron 78 pacientes, con predominio del sexo masculino (56,4%), edad de 71 a 95 años (43,6%) y primaria incompleta (41%). La hipertensión arterial (55,6%) fue la principal comorbilidad y glaucoma (43,6%) la etiología de ceguera más frecuente. El glaucoma fue más frecuente en varones que en mujeres (59% vs 32%) y en pacientes mayores de 50 años de edad (50%). En esta serie, los pacientes presentaron ceguera irreversible bilateral, en mayor frecuencia en varones, mayores de 50 años de edad, hipertensión como comorbilidad y glaucoma como etiología más frecuente

According to the World Health Organization, blindness is defined as visual acuity less than 3/60 (20/400) in the better eye and a visual field less than 10 ° from the central fixation point. The objective was to describe the clinical demographic characteristics of patients with a diagnosis of irreversible blindness treated at the General Ophthalmology Service of the "Clínica Belén" - "Coronel Oviedo" (Paraguay). This was an observational, descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with a diagnosis of irreversible blindness treated at the General Ophthalmology Service of the "Clínica Belén" between February 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019 was carried out. Age, sex, education, origin, visual acuity, comorbidities and etiology of visual impairment were analyzed. The statistical analysis was through the calculation of absolute and relative frequencies, as well as the average and standard deviation. Seventy eight patients were studied, with a slight predominance of males (56.4%), aged 71 to 95 years (43.6%), incomplete primary school (41%) and from "Coronel Oviedo" (25.6 %) and surroundings. Arterial hypertension (55.6%) was the main comorbidity and glaucoma (43.6%) the most frequent blindness etiology. Glaucoma was more common in male patients than female patients (59% and 32%, respectively) and in patients older than 50 years of age (50%). In this series, patients presented bilateral irreversible blindness, more frequent in men, older than 50 years of age, hypertension as comorbidity and glaucoma as the most frequent etiology

Alternativas terapéuticas de la úlcera corneal infecciosa / Therapeutic alternativesfor the infectious corneal ulcer

Introducción: La úlcera corneal infecciosa es una afección frecuente en la consulta de oftalmología. Su resolución es un problema de salud a resolver, pues los tratamientos convencionales no siempre garantizan una evolución favorable de los casos diagnosticados debido a la resistencia microbiana, por lo que se siguen buscando alternativas terapéuticas. Objetivo: Describir las alternativas de tratamiento en la úlcera corneal infecciosa para minimizar sus secuelas y disminuir la ceguera por esta enfermedad. Desarrollo: La administración tópica de antibióticos de amplio espectro sigue siendo el método preferido para el tratamiento farmacológico de las úlceras corneales infecciosas, a pesar de los informes de fracasos clínicos por la resistencia a los antibióticos, por lo que se investiga acerca del uso de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas que minimicen las secuelas de esta enfermedad.Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la evidencia científica en los últimos diez años en diversos artículos, en los que se constató la aplicación de diferentes sustancias como tratamiento alternativo. Conclusiones: En la úlcera corneal infecciosa el tratamiento protocolizado combinado con sustancias alternativas, que tienen en común una actividad de amplio espectro, resultaría ser ventajoso por ser productos económicos y seguros, que han demostrado un gran poder bactericida. Se propone generalizar el uso de estos compuestos, dada la resistencia de los microorganismos al tratamiento convencional; lo que hace que la úlcera corneal sea un problema de salud a resolver.

Introduction: The infectious corneal ulcer is a frequent disorder in the ophthalmology outpatient department, its solution is a health problem to be solved, as the conventional treatments don't always guarantee a favorable clinical course of the diagnosed cases. Because of the microbial resistance, so that therapeutic alternatives are still looked for. Objective: To describe the treatment alternatives in the infectious corneal ulcer for minimizing their sequelae and to decrease blindness due to this disease. Development: The topical administration of wide spectrum antibiotics continues being the favorite method for the pharmacological treatment of the infectious corneal ulcers, in spite of the clinical failures reports caused by the resistance to antibiotics, that is why the use of new therapeutic alternatives minimizing the sequels of this disease is investigated. Method: A systematic review of the scientific evidence in the last ten years was carried out on several works, in which it was evidenced the use of different substances as alternative treatment. Conclusions: In the infectious corneal ulcer the protocolized treatment combined with alternative substances which have in common a wide spectrum activity would turn out to be advantageous as they are economic and sure products which have demonstrated a great power against bacteria. The use of these compounds could be generalized, given the resistance of organisms to the conventional treatment; what makes the corneal ulcer a health problem to be solved.

Visual outcome of patients with pituitary adenomas following surgery and its contributory factors at a tertiary hospital in Ghana

BACKGROUND: Craniotomy and transphenoidal microsurgery are surgical options for treatment of pituitary adenoma at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital(KBTH). Despite major advances and reported success rates of transphenoidal resection globally, paucity of local data regarding visual outcome of either procedure exists. We evaluated the visual outcome of patient with pituitary adenoma following surgery in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 18 of 45 consecutive new patients with pituitary adenoma seen from November 2010 to July 2013 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital(KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Sixteen (88.9%) of the 18 had surgery by transphenoidal route and 2(11.1%) by craniotomy. All patients had macroadenoma (tumour size >1cm) and histological confirmation of diagnosis. Pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity and its relationship to tumour size and duration of symptoms before diagnosis were evaluated. RESULTS: Data on 18 patients aged 33-60 years, mean (SD) 45.9±8.5, was analysed. Eleven (61.1%) were females.Visual blur, 15(83.3%), and headache,13(72.2%), were predominant presenting complaints.Common neuro-ophthalmic signs included unilateral or bilateral optic atrophy, 17(94.4%), Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD) in 8(44.4%) and impaired colour vision in 32 of 36(88.9%) eyes. Preoperatively, 8(22.2%) and 13(36.1%) of 36 eyes were visually impaired or blind respectively. Postoperatively, 6(16.7%) eyes were visually impaired and 17(47.2%) eyes blind. Blindness was associated with late presentation (p<0.005) and larger tumour width (p<0.036). CONCLUSIONS: More than a third of eyes of patients with pituitary adenoma were blind before and after surgery. Blindness was associated with late presentation and larger tumours. Transphenoidal surgery may be beneficial following early diagnosis to avoid irreversible blindness/visual impairment

Ceguera por catarata, un desafío nacional inadvertido: a propósito de una experiencia / Cataract blindness, a national overlooked challenge: About an experience

Antecedente: Debido a que la catarata es la principal causa de ceguera y discapacidad visual, organismos internacionales y los gobiernos han adoptado políticas y planes que dan prioridad a esta patología ocular (Iniciativa VISIÓN 20/20 de Organización Mundial de la Salud y Asociación Internacional para la Prevención de la Ceguera), acogidas por los países miembros, incluyendo el plan «Salud ocular universal 2014-2019¼, que prioriza la cirugía de catarata para reducción de la ceguera prevenible sobre todo en los países en desarrollo. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia del Centro de Salud Integral Zoé en el establecimiento de un programa de prevención de ceguera por catarata, período 2010-2017. Metodología: CSI-Zoé es una organización no gubernamental con servicios de salud generales y oftalmológicos altamente subsidiados o de costos reducidos. Se hizo una recopilación de información y análisis de las atenciones por problemas visuales en el periodo 2010-2017, con enfoque al problema de cataratas. Resultados: En 2017 hubo 174 jornadas de captación de 16,426 personas con problemas visuales, en las áreas más pobres a nivel nacional, especialmente adultos mayores de 50 años con necesidad de cirugía, atendidos localmente o referidos a la clínica en Tegucigalpa. De 2010 a 2017 se practicaron 12,352 cirugías por catarata, con un promedio anual de 1,500 (rango 746 a 2,254). Discusión: CSI-Zoé ha establecido un programa exitoso que le ha permitido estar a la delantera en la realización de cirugías de catarata, convirtiéndolo en el centro con mayor presteza en la respuesta nacional para prevención de ceguera por catarata...(AU)

Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials as a diagnostic tool for ocular malingering / Potenciais visuais evocados por padrões reversos como uma ferramenta diagnóstica de simulação

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the contributions of transient pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials in the diagnosis of ocular malingering at a Brazilian university hospital. Methods: Adult patients with suspected malingering in one or both eyes were referred for visual evoked potential testing. Data from patients' medical records were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Data analysis included the distance optotype visual acuity based on a ETDRS retro-illuminated chart and the transient pattern-reversal visual evoked potential parameters of latency (milliseconds) and amplitude (microvolts) for the P100 component, using checkerboards with visual subtenses of 15' and 60'. Motivations for malingering were noted. Results: The 20 subjects included 11 (55%) women. Patient ages ranged from 21 to 61 years (mean= 45.05 ± 11.76 years; median= 49 years). In 8 patients (6 women), both eyes exhibited reduced visual acuity with normal pattern-reversal visually evoked potential parameters (pure malingerers). The remaining 12 patients (7 men) exhibited reduced vision in only 1 eye, with simulated reduced vision in the contralateral eye (exaggerators). Financial motivation was noted in 18 patients (9 men). Conclusion: Normal pattern-reversal visually evoked potential parameters with suspected ocular malingering were observed in a 20 patient cohort. This electrophysiological technique appeared to be useful as a measure of visual pathway integrity in this specific population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a contribuição dos potenciais visuais evocados por padrões reversos no diagnóstico de simulação de baixa de visão em um hospital universitário do Brasil. Métodos: Um grupo de pacientes adultos com suspeita de simulação de baixa de visão em um ou ambos os olhos foi avaliado e os dados analisados retrospectivamente. Foram medidos: acuidade visual de optotipos informada para longe utilizando a tabela ETDRS, parâmetros dos potenciais visuais evocados por padrões reversos de latência (milissegundos) e amplitude (microvolts) para o componente P100 com estímulos de ângulos visuais de 15' e 60'. A motivação do paciente para a simulação foi anotada. Resultados: Os participantes foram 20 indivíduos com 11 (55%) do sexo feminino. A idade variou de 21 a 61 anos (média= 45,05 ± 11,76 anos; mediana= 49 anos). Em 8 pacientes (6 mulheres) ambos os olhos tinham acuidade visual reduzida com parâmetros dos potenciais visuais evocados por padrão reverso normais para ambos os olhos (simuladores puros). Uma subsérie separada de 12 pacientes (7 homens) tinha visão reduzida em apenas um olho e estavam simulando redução da visão no outro olho (exacerbadores). A motivação financeira foi observada em 18 pacientes (9 homens). Conclusões: Parâmetros dos potenciais visuais evocados por padrões reversos normais foram encontrados neste grupo de 20 pacientes com suspeita de simulação. Esta técnica eletrofisiológica pode ser útil como uma medida da integridade do sistema visual nesta população de doentes.

Association between visual impairment and depression in the elderly: a systematic review / Associação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT A systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly. We searched electronic databases (LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to August 2014 and researched the described references. The search strategy used the following terms: (visual impairment or blindness) and (elderly) and (depression). Of the 641 electronics, 42 works were selected in full and another 20 were identified as being possibly relevant. Ten studies were included. The studies ranged in sample size from 31 to 21,995 participants. Depression was associated with visual impairment in all studies; however, without standardization of diagnostic tests, we could not conduct a meta-analysis or establish a relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly.

RESUMO A revisão sistemática foi realizada para investigar a correlaçõa entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos. Foram pesquisados nas bases eletrônicas (LILACS, SCIELO, MEDLINE e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) do início até agosto de 2014 e pesquisas de referências descritas. A estratégia de busca utilizou os termos: (deficiência visual ou cegueira) e (idosos) e (depressão). Dos 641 eletrônicos, 42 trabalhos na íntegra foram selecionados e mais 20 trabalhos foram identificados como possivelmente relevantes da lista destes. Do total de estudos, 10 foram incluidos. Os estudos variaram entre 31 e 21.995 participantes. A depressão foi relacionada com deficiência visual em todos os estudos, mas sem padronização de testes diagnósticos não foi possível realizar a metanálise, nem estabelecer relação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos.

Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis in a Healthy Korean Male: The First Case Report in Korea

A 52-yr-old male was referred for progressive visual loss in the left eye. The decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.01. Fundus examination revealed diffuse retinal pigment epithelial degeneration, focal yellow-white, infiltrative subretinal lesion with fuzzy border and a live nematode within the retina. Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) was diagnosed and the direct laser photocoagulation was performed to destroy the live nematode. During eight months after treatment, BCVA gradually improved to 0.2 along with the gradual restoration of outer retinal layers on SD-OCT. We report on the first case of DUSN in Korea. DUSN should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained unilateral visual loss in otherwise healthy subjects.

Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis in a Healthy Korean Male: The First Case Report in Korea

A 52-yr-old male was referred for progressive visual loss in the left eye. The decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.01. Fundus examination revealed diffuse retinal pigment epithelial degeneration, focal yellow-white, infiltrative subretinal lesion with fuzzy border and a live nematode within the retina. Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) was diagnosed and the direct laser photocoagulation was performed to destroy the live nematode. During eight months after treatment, BCVA gradually improved to 0.2 along with the gradual restoration of outer retinal layers on SD-OCT. We report on the first case of DUSN in Korea. DUSN should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained unilateral visual loss in otherwise healthy subjects.

Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in Uruguay: results of a nationwide survey / Evaluación rápida de la ceguera evitable en Uruguay: resultados de un estudio a escala nacional

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and describe the prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment in older adults living in Uruguay. METHODS: All individuals aged ≥ 50 years old living in randomly selected clusters were eligible to participate. In each census enumeration unit selected, 50 residents aged 50 years and older were chosen to participate in the study using compact segment sampling. The study participants underwent visual acuity (VA) measurement and lens examination; those with presenting VA (PVA) < 20/60 also underwent direct ophthalmoscopy. Moderate visual impairment (MVI) was defined as PVA < 20/60-20/200, severe visual impairment (SVI) was defined as PVA < 20/200-20/400, and blindness was defined as PVA < 20/400, all based on vision in the better eye with available correction. RESULTS: Out of 3 956 eligible individuals, 3 729 (94.3%) were examined. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness was 0.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5-1.3). Cataract (48.6%) and glaucoma (14.3%) were the main causes of blindness. Prevalence of SVI and MVI was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5-1.3) and 7.9% (95% CI: 6.0-9.7) respectively. Cataract was the main cause of SVI (65.7%), followed by uncorrected refractive error (14.3%), which was the main cause of MVI (55.2%). Cataract surgical coverage was 76.8% (calculated by eye) and 91.3% (calculated by individual). Of all eyes operated for cataract, 70.0% could see ≥ 20/60 and 15.3% could not see 20/200 post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of blindness in Uruguay is low compared to other Latin American countries, but further reduction is feasible. Due to Uruguay's high cataract surgical coverage and growing proportion of people ≥ 50 years old, the impact of posterior pole diseases as a contributing factor to blindness might increase in future.

OBJETIVO: Investigar y describir la prevalencia y las causas de la ceguera y de la discapacidad visual moderada y grave en los adultos mayores residentes en Uruguay. MÉTODOS: Todas las personas de 50 años o más que vivían en los agrupamientos seleccionados aleatoriamente reunían los requisitos para participar. En cada unidad de enumeración censal seleccionada, se escogieron 50 residentes de = 50 años de edad para participar en el estudio mediante el empleo de un muestreo por segmentos compactos. Los participantes fueron sometidos a una medición de la agudeza visual (AV) y a un examen del cristalino; los que mostraban una AV de presentación (AVP) < 20/60 también fueron sometidos a oftalmoscopia directa. La discapacidad visual moderada (DVM) se definió como una AVP < 20/60–20/200, la discapacidad visual grave (DVG) como una AVP < 20/200–20/400, y la ceguera como una AVP< 20/400, todas ellas basadas en la visión del ojo que obtuvo un mejor resultado con la corrección disponible. RESULTADOS: De las 3 956 personas que reunieron los requisitos, se examinaron 3 729 (94,3%). La prevalencia ajustada por edad y sexo de la ceguera fue de 0,9% (intervalo de confianza (IC) de 95%: 0,5–1,3). La catarata (48,6%) y el glaucoma (14,3%) fueron las principales causas de ceguera. La prevalencia de la DVG y la DVM fue de 0,9% (IC de 95%: 0,5–1,3) y 7,9% (IC de 95%: 6,0–9,7), respectivamente. La catarata fue la causa principal de DVG (65,7%), seguida del error de refracción no corregido (14,3%), que fue la principal causa de DVM (55,2%). La cobertura quirúrgica de la catarata fue de 76,8% (calculada por ojo) y de 91,3% (calculada por persona). De todos los ojos operados de catarata, 70,0% presentaba una agudeza visual de = 20/60 y 15,3% tenía una agudeza visual < 20/200 después de la intervención quirúrgica. CONCLUSIONES: En Uruguay, la prevalencia de la ceguera es baja en comparación con otros países latinoamericanos, pero es factible lograr una reducción adicional. Como consecuencia de la alta cobertura quirúrgica de la catarata y la creciente proporción de personas de = 50 años en Uruguay, la repercusión de las enfermedades de la cámara ocular posterior como factor contribuyente a la ceguera podría aumentar en el futuro.

Discapacidad visual; otra forma de verla / Visual impairment; another way of see it

La discapacidad visual es un problema de salud pública que afecta a más de doscientos ochenta y cinco millones de personas alrededor del mundo, dentro de los cuales doscientos cuarenta y seis millones sufren baja visión y treinta y nueve millones ceguera primaria. Es una entidad altamente relacionada con las condiciones socioeconómicas y las posibilidades de acceder a los servicios de salud, esto explica que entre el 80 y el 90 por ciento de las personas con alteraciones visuales sean de países en vía de desarrollo, principalmente en zonas rurales. Una infinidad de casos de ceguera y baja visión son consecuencia de eventos prevenibles, entre los cuales sobresalen los defectos refractivos no corregidos tales como astigmatismo, miopía, hipermetropía y presbicia. Es por esto que la discapacidad visual se ha convertido en una prioridad para múltiples entidades a nivel mundial, que buscan disminuir la presentación de ceguera prevenible a través de una simple corrección visual bien diagnosticada...

Visual impairment is a public health problem that affects more than two hundred eighty-five million people around the world, among them two hundred forty-six million suffer low vision and thirty-nine million primary blindness. It is highly related to socio-economic conditions and the possibilities to access to health services, explained that between 80 and 90 percent of persons with visual impairments from countries developing, mainly in rural areas. An infinite number of cases of blindness and low vision are the result of events preventable, among which stand out the uncorrected refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. It is for this reason that visual impairment has become a priority for many organizations around the world, seeking to reduce the presentation of preventable blindness through a simple visual correction well diagnosed...

Perfil de distribuição de erros refracionais no sul do centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo e seu impacto na acuidade visual: estudo de base populacional / Distribution profile of refractive errors in the south of the center - west of the state of São Paulo and its impact on visual acuity: population-based study

Determinar o perfil de distribuição dos erros refracionais em uma amostra populacional do centro-oeste do Estado de São Paulo, suas possíveis associações com características individuais e a influência sobre a acuidade visual. foi desenvolvido estudo de secção transversal com amostragem residencial probabilística e sistemática em nove municípios no sul do centro-oeste paulista, como parte do Projeto de Prevenção à Cegueira na Comunidade. Os indivíduos acima de um ano de idade foram submetidos a entrevista e exame oftalmológico completo. A acuidade visual em sistema Snellen e posterior conversão para logMAR foi obtida antes e após exame de refração e categorizada em quatro segmentos. Os erros refracionais foram classificados em miopia (EE ≤ - 0,50D), hipermetropia (EE ≥ 0,50D), astigmatismo (DC ≤ -0,50D) e anisometropia (diferença de EE ≥ 1,00D entre os olhos). Foi realizada a análise descritiva dos dados de prevalência na amostra, análise univariada e multivariada com modelos de regressão logística múltipla para determinar possíveis associações de prevalências. 3012 residências foram entrevistadas e 7654 indivíduos foram incluídos no estudo, sendo 62,7% mulheres, 92,1% considerados com pele branca e média para a idade de 36,89 anos (extremos de 1 a 96 anos). A miopia foi mais prevalente na terceira e quarta décadas de vida, atingindo 43,31% sem diferenças significativas entre sexos, enquanto a hipermetropia foi mais prevalente entre mulheres acima de 60 anos de idade, com uma frequência de 65,6% nesta faixa etária. O astigmatismo apresentou uma frequência progressivamente maior com a idade e semelhante entre os sexos. O eixo do astigmatismo também apresentou variação conforme a idade, com o eixo horizontal mais frequente em jovens e o vertical nos idosos...

Establish the refractive errors distribution in a population sample of the Central São Paulo State, correlations with personal features and its influence in visual acuity. A cross sectional survey was developed with randomized and systematic residential sampling in nine cities of middle region of São Paulo St/Brazil as part of Blindness Prevention Project at Community. Inhabitants above one year old were submitted to an interview and full ophthalmic exam. Visual acuity in logMAR system was determined before and after refraction exam and classified in four categories. Refractive errors were classified in myopia (SE ≤ -0,50D), hyperopia (SE ≥ 0,50D), astigmatism (CD ≤ -0,50D) and anisometrophy (SE difference between eyes ≥ 1,00D). Prevalence data sample were submitted to descriptive analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to find eventual prevalence associations. 7654 participants were included in this survey, in which 62,7% were women, 92,1% with white skin and middle age of 36,89 years old (1 to 96 years). Myopia was more prevalent at 3rd and 4th decades, achieving 43,31% without significant differences between genders, while hyperopia was more prevalent in women above 60 years old, with 65,5%. Astigmatism prevalence increased by age with no differences between genders. Astigmatism axis changed by age too, when horizontal axis were more frequently observed in youngers and vertical in olders. Anisometrophy prevalence changed by age, more frequent at extremes, achieving 32,66% after 70 years old. No significant differences were found in ethnic categories...

Acute Bilateral Visual Loss Related to Orthostatic Hypotension

A 50-year-old man had undergone lumbar vertebral surgery and was confined to bed in the supine position for three months. When he sat up from the prolonged supine position, he showed clinical signs of orthostatic hypotension and reported decreased vision in both eyes. He also had underlying anemia. Ophthalmologic findings suggested bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) as the cause of the visual loss. Although there are numerous reports of ION in the setting of hemodynamic compromise, such as systemic hypotension, cases of ION-associated orthostatic hypotension are very rare.

A Case of Odontogenic Orbital Cellulitis Causing Blindness by Severe Tension Orbit

We report a very rare case of odontogenic orbital cellulitis causing blindness by severe tension orbit. A 41-yr old male patient had visited the hospital due to severe periorbital swelling and nasal stuffiness while he was treated for a periodontal abscess. He was diagnosed with odontogenic sinusitis and orbital cellulitis, and treated with antibiotics. The symptoms were aggravated and emergency sinus drainage was performed. On the next day, a sudden decrease in vision occurred with findings of ischemic optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion. Deformation of the eyeball posterior pole into a cone shape was found from the orbital CT. A high-dose steroid was administered immediately resulting in improvements of periorbital swelling, but the patient's vision had not recovered. Odontogenic orbital cellulitis is relatively rare, but can cause blindness via rapidly progressing tension orbit. Therefore even the simplest of dental problems requires careful attention.

Screening for visual impairment: Outcome among schoolchildren in a rural area of Delhi.

Background: Uncorrected refractive errors are the main cause of vision impairment in school-aged children. The current study focuses on the effectiveness of school eye screening in correcting refractive errors. Objectives: 1. To study the magnitude of visual impairment among school children. 2. To assess the compliance of students for refraction testing, procurement and use of spectacles. Materials and Methods: An intervention study was conducted in schools of the north- west district of Delhi, in the rural field practice area of a medical college. Students studying in five government schools in the field practice area were chosen as the study subjects. Results: Out of 1123 students enrolled, 1075 (95.7%) students were screened for refractive errors. Low vision (visual acuity < 20/60) in the better eye was observed in 31 (2.9%) children and blindness (visual acuity <20/200) in 10 (0.9%) children. Compliance with referral for refraction was very low as only 51 (41.5%) out of 123 students could be tested for refraction. Out of 48 students, 34 (70.8%) procured spectacles from family resources but its regular use was found among only 10 (29.4%) students. The poor compliance among students stems out of various myths and perceptions regarding use of spectacles prevalent in the community. Conclusion: Refractive error is an important cause of avoidable blindness among rural school children. Behavior change communication among rural masses by spreading awareness about eye health and conducting operational research at school and community level to involve parent's teachers associations and senior students to motivate students for use of spectacles may improve utilization of existing eye health services in rural areas.

The best corrected presenting distance visual acuity in forensic medicine / 法医学杂志

At present the sight impairment evaluation in forensic medicine of China is based on the international classification of disease by WHO in 1973. The main measured indicator is "best corrected visual acuity". It is different from "presenting distance visual acuity" in some situations. In the new blindness and vision loss classification made by WHO in 2003, "presenting distance visual acuity" took the place of the "best corrected visual acuity". In the practice of forensic medicine, "presenting distance visual acuity" can not reflect the real visual acuity duo to the exaggeration or disguise of the wounded. We suggest to use "the best corrected presenting distance visual acuity" instead of "presenting distance visual acuity" in order to avoid the influences of the exaggeration or disguise of the wounded.

Eye and vision defects in under-five-year-old children in Oman: a public health intervention study

To identify under-five-year old children with vision or ocular defect in two provinces [Wilayats] of central Oman in 2006. Public health intervention study. Ocular examination in Manah Wilayat was conducted by nursing staff of the primary health center [PHC] and in Mudhaiby Wilayat was conducted by a trainee Omani optometrist Abnormal sized eyeball, strabismus nystagmus and white pupil were recorded. Visual acuity was tested by LOGMAR chart with Lea's symbols in children >2 years of age and preferential viewing was assessed by Lea's grating paddle or 'Hiding Heidi' picture in children /= 0.32 in 386/448 [86.2%] eyes. Preferential looking test suggested that half of the children had defective vision [>2cpcm]. Screening at '1-2 year' and '3-4 years' age group could significantly predict eye problems [P

Evaluation of ‘vision screening’ program for three to six-year-old children in the Republic of Iran.

Background: Since 1996, vision screening of three to six-year-old children is conducted every year in Iran. We present outcomes of project review held in August 2006. Materials and Methods: Kindergarten teachers examined vision by using Snellen's illiterate ‘E’ chart. They used torchlight to detect strabismus. On a repeat test, if either eye had vision <20/30, the child was referred to the optometrist. A pediatric ophthalmologist examined and managed children with strabismus or amblyopia. Provincial managers supervised the screening program. The evaluator team assessed the coverage, yield, quality and feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of vision screening, as well as magnitude of amblyopia, and its risk factors. Result: In 2005, 1.4 million (67%) children were examined in all provinces of Iran. Opticians examined 90,319 (61%) children with defective vision that were referred to them. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error, strabismus and amblyopia was 3.82% (95% CI 3.79 – 3.85), 0.39% (95% CI 0.38 – 0.40) and 1.25% (95% CI 1.24 – 1.26) respectively. Validity test of 7,768 children had a sensitivity of 74.5% (95% CI 72.7 – 76.3) and specificity of 97.2% (95% CI 96.7 – 97.7). The cost of amblyopia screening was US $ 1.5 per child. While the cost of screening and treating one child with amblyopia was US $ 245. Conclusion: A review of the vision screening of children in Iran showed it with screening and useful exercise and had a yield of 1:21. The coverage of vision screening was low and the management of children with amblyopia, low vision and refractive error needed strengthening.

Fibromixoma odontogénico: a propósito de un caso servicio de pediatría médica: Hospital Central "Dr. José María Vargas" San Cristobal marzo 2007 Estado Táchira-Venezuela / Odontogenic fibromyxoma: a purpose of a case pediatric medical service Hospital Central

El fibromixoma odontogénico es una lesión infrecuente de naturaleza benigna y origen controversial que aparece en el esqueleto facial, afectando con mayor frecuencia a la mándibula. Ocurre principalmente en la segunda y tecera décadas de la vida y afecta de igual modo a ambos sexos. Escolar masculino de 8 años de edad natural y procedente de Mata de Bracera vía la Victoria estado Apure, cuya madre refiere inicio de su enfermedad actual de 5 años de evolución caracterizada por aumento de volumen en forma progresiva de hemicara derecha sin ningún otro concomitante. Fascie asimétrica con aumento de volumen de hemicara inferior derecha que se extiende hasta el cuello y mastoides. Ojos asimétricos protrucción ocular derecha, pupilas normoreactivos, ojo derecho con amaurosis; obstrucción del conducto auditivo externo derecho, cuello con adenomegalias cervicales y laterales. En la TAC de cráneo se observó una masa de aspecto tumoral hipodensa en hemicara derecha que engloba nervio óptico y parte de la órbita del lado derecho con aumento de volumen de parótida derecha. Se realiza biopsia de la lesión donde se aprecia histológicamente es un tejido blando gelatinoso que no tiene cápsula, constituido por células fusiformes y estrelladas largas con prolongaciones citoplásmicas. Tiene una estroma rica en mucopolisacáridos que confirma diagnóstico de fibromixoma odontogénico. El fibromixoma es una entidad infrecuente en la población pediátrica y en Venezuela no se había publicado ningún caso. Aunque se publicó caso de un niño de 3 años en Bogotá. Colombia en el año 2005.