One-time low concentration betadine eye wash: A novel treatment for epidemic viral conjunctivitis for accelerated recovery.

Purpose: This study aims to renew the management of viral epidemic conjunctivitis by introducing a one-time, low-concentration ocular surface povidone-iodine (LOS-pI) wash. Methods: Among the 3,002 patients screened, 1,328 with acute conjunctivitis were categorized into two groups. Group A (664 patients) underwent a 1% betadine wash in addition to the standard treatment protocol (Eye Lubricant + Moxifloxacin 0.5% eyedrops), while Group B (664 patients) followed the standard protocol alone. In cases of membranous conjunctivitis, manual membrane removal was performed. Treatment responses were observed daily for three days, followed by weekly assessments for two additional weeks. Results: Co-infection of adenovirus with enterovirus was found to be the main cause, often accompanied by staphylococcal superinfection. Group A showed complete resolution of conjunctival inflammation, with a remarkable 76.05% of patients experiencing improvement within an average of 2.6±0.51 days, in contrast to Group B's average of 7.5±1.1 days (p <0.05). Additionally, 13% of Group B patients with recalcitrant conjunctivitis significantly recovered following the 1% betadine wash. Complications (subconjunctival hemorrhage: 34.04%, superficial punctate keratitis: 6.02%) were more prevalent in Group B. Discussion: The authors hypothesized that a single wash with betadine is sufficient to reduce disease duration and prevent secondary infections and complications. The core strength of our study lies in its substantial sample size. To our knowledge, no similar previous research has been conducted, on such a larger scale. Conclusion: Viral conjunctivitis brings discomfort, work absenteeism, and financial burden. A single low-concentration betadine wash expedites recovery and reduces complications in acute infective conjunctivitis. This approach significantly enhances patient outcomes and alleviates the socioeconomic impact of the condition.

Pattern of astigmatism using partial coherence interferometry in patients of different age groups undergoing cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: Astigmatism is a refractive error that accounts for 70% of refractive errors in the elderly population. It is important to be aware of the distribution, extent, and type of astigmatism in patients undergoing cataract surgery to guide in reducing postoperative spectacle dependency. AIM: To study the demography, amount, and pattern of astigmatism using partial coherence interferometry in patients of different age groups undergoing cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study. Keratometry and demography data were collected for patients planned for cataract surgery at a tertiary care center between January 2018 and December 2019. It was done with noncontact partial coherence interferometry in patients above 50 years undergoing cataract surgery. RESULTS: Out of 385 patients, 216 (56%) were males and 169 (44%) were females. Astigmatism was more common in males than females (P = 0.00). Against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism was found in 262 cases (68%), while with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism was seen in 87 cases (23%). ATR was more common than WTR (P = 0.00). The number of patients with ATR seems to be increased with aging eyes and was more common between 61 and 70 years of age group (P = 0.00). The total amount of astigmatism increased with increasing age (P = 0.00029) which was found to be significant. Frthermore, there was a gradual change of WTR to ATR astigmatism with aging eyes. CONCLUSION: Two hundred and sixty-two cases (68%) had ATR astigmatism mainly seen in the age group of 61-70 years. Majority had astigmatism up to 1.0 D that can be easily managed by simple cost-effective keratorefractive procedures like on-axis incision, opposite clear corneal incision, and limbal relaxing incisions.