Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) Outbreak Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To document the demographic profile of the SHAPU outbreak amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A multicentric cross-sectional study of the 2021 SHAPU outbreak during the second phase of the COVID-19 outbreak. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients were diagnosed with SHAPU from August to December 2021, 77 (57%) were children <16 years, males 54.8% and 34.8% had direct physical contact with white moths and 41.5% had severe type of SHAPU. Dramatic increment in the moth abundance was noted in these outbreak sites. Few cases presented with atypical ocular findings, unlike past outbreaks. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with restrictions on travel and transportation, timely management was difficult and good visual outcome was achieved only in mild-moderate cases with an early presentation. CONCLUSION: The surge in the number of SHAPU patients, its occurrence in areas previously unreported, and some atypical presentation added raised suspicion of a possible link between COVID-19 and SHAPU.

Increase in SHAPU patients, incidence in unreported areas of Nepal, atypical ocular presentations and shift in disease affection from children towards adults population have raised doubt between connections between SHAPU, white moths and COVID pandemic.

Purtscher-like retinopathy with serous macular detachment in a case of acute pancreatitis: A case report.

A 28-year-old male hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis presented with sudden onset of blurred vision in both eyes after 48 h of admission. Visual acuity was counting fingers in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed multiple cotton wool spots and intraretinal hemorrhages typical of Purtscher's retinopathy. Optical coherence tomography macula showed serous macular detachment. In 8 weeks follow-up, visual acuity improved to 6/18 oculus dexter (OD) and 6/60 oculus sinister (OS) with resolution of fundus lesions and resorbed subretinal fluid. Purtscher-like retinopathy, though rare should be considered as a differential in all cases with vision loss in acute pancreatitis. This particular case highlights the significance of a thorough examination of the fundus by an ophthalmologist in identifying this infrequent condition that is often overlooked.

Management of unusual missed diagnosis of a Intra-orbital wooden foreign body: A case report and review of literature.

Introduction: Although intra-orbital foreign bodies (IOrFBs) are commonly seen in daily ophthalmology practice, rarely, they can have very unusual clinical presentations, especially nonmetallic FBs. Presentation of case: A 33-year-old male presented with sudden onset right lower lid swelling and tearing. He was initially tolerating the symptoms, however, it got progressively worse, so he came two weeks after the initiation of symptoms. His eye vitals were within normal limit, including the visual acuity of 6/6 OU. Additionally, slit lamp and fundus examinations were benign. Concern was for infectious etiology with unclear source. After a lengthy conversation, he recalled falling on the ground with face down about 16 months ago. However, he stated that he had remained asymptomatic and never went for treatment after the incident. Non-contrast CT of head and orbit showed hyperdense tract in medial aspect of right eye adjacent to the globe, piercing across the bilateral ethmoidal sinuses. Thus, a diagnosis of retained IOrbFB was made. He underwent surgery where a 5cm rotten wood was extracted. Post-surgical course was uncomplicated. Not all penetrating intra-orbital foreign bodies present immediately after the incident. In our case the patient remained asymptomatic for 16 months. Conclusion: Therefore, when dealing with an ocular infection of unclear source, clinicians should ask about distant histories of ocular or facial injuries to assess intraocular foreign bodies.

Panophthalmitis secondary to retained intraocular foreign body amidst a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case series and review of literature.

Introduction: Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) can be serious as they may result in vision-threatening ocular inflammations and even loss of the eye. Delay in presentation or treatment by more than 24 hours from the time of injury results in a poor prognosis. In penetrating wounds, microorganisms enter the eye through penetrating objects. Both bacterial and fungal organisms are responsible for causing panophthalmitis. At the ocular level, these microorganisms produce irreversible damage which includes keratitis, uveitis, hypopyon, vitreous abscesses, retinal necrosis, detachment, and, finally, panophthalmitis. Case scenarios: In this case series, we report three cases of IOFB presenting with panophthalmitis secondary to delay in seeking medical attention. In our cases, there was a delay in the presentation by more than 24 hours of trauma. All cases had panophthalmitis at the time of presentation. In two cases, the causative organism was coagulase-negative staphylococci and in one case it was staphylococcus. Initially, we planned to manage them with intravitreous, intravenous and topical antibiotics till the inflammation subsides, then IOFB removal surgeries were planned. However, in two cases, the clinical presentation worsens with scleral necrosis. Therefore, they had to undergo evisceration. In one case, the antibiotics therapy was enough without IOFB removal surgery to manage her symptoms. All cases recovered uneventfully after the interventions. Discussion/Conclusion: In developing nations, like Nepal, transportation barriers can affect a person's access to health care services. This can be clearly explained from this case series as limited transportation options in rural regions are a major factor for all patients' delayed presentation to the hospital during the time of national lockdown in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concerned authority must pay attention to solving such social determinants of health.

Optical coherence tomography patterns of diabetic macular edema and treatment response to bevacizumab: a short-term study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term response of intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema (DME) and assess the variation in treatment outcomes in different morphology patterns using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Objective: To study different morphological patterns of DME based on OCT and compare their treatment response to bevacizumab. Methods: Hundred and twelve eyes of 112 patients with DME were included and treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml monthly for 3 months). The morphological patterns of DME were classified on the basis of OCT into three groups - diffuse retinal thickening (DRT), cystoid macular edema (CME), and serous retinal detachment (SRD) - and changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after treatment were compared. Results: A total of 112 eyes with DME were included and consisted of 40 DRT, 37 CME, and 35 SRD. Treatment with bevacizumab resulted in decrease in central macular thickness and improvement in BCVA in all three groups. The baseline visual acuity and CMT of DRT group was better than that of the other two groups. The treatment outcome was measured in terms of CMT and BCVA. Change in CMT was statistically significant among three groups and was found to be better in DRT group (p < 0.05, 95% confidence interval). However, there was statistically no significant variation between the three groups regarding the change in BCVA (p = 0.169, 95% confidence interval). Conclusion: Anatomic and visual improvement can be achieved by bevacizumab in all patterns of DME. However, individual pattern may respond differently. DRT, which appears to be the earliest form of DME, responds better than other types. Thus, the pattern of macular edema shown by OCT may provide an objective guideline in predicting the response of bevacizumab injection in DME.

Influence of glycaemic control on macular thickness in diabetic retinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is one of the major cause of decreased visual acuity in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Poor glycaemic control is associated with increased incidence of DME. METHODS: A total of 112 eyes of 112 patients were studied in this cross-sectional study and were classified into three groups based on HbA1c: group 1 included patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c ≤7%), group 2 included patients with moderate glycaemic control (HbA1c between 7% and 9%) and group 3 included patients with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥9%). RESULTS: We included 112 eyes of 112 patients. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 11.37 years. In statistical analysis, CMT (mean 188.80 ± 27.64 µm) positively correlated with mean HbA1c level (7.95 ± 1.29%) (r = 0.238, p < .05). There was a significant difference in CMT values among the three groups of HbA1c (F (2,109) = 19.39, p < .001). Post hoc analysis showed statistical significance between HbA1c≤7% and HbA1c ≥9% group and HbA1c 7%-9% and ≥9% group. However, statistical significance was not found among HbA1c ≤7% group and HbA1c 7%-9% group. Multiple regression analyses showed a significant correlation between CMT and HbA1c after adjusting for age and duration of diabetes. CONCLUSION: Serum HbA1c level has a significant correlation with CMT in diabetic patients.

Classification of Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU).

INTRODUCTION: Classification are essential part of scientific methodology and has important role in medical reporting system. Even after having 46 years long history, Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU), the blinding diseases reported mainly from Nepal lacks a standard classification system. Thus, we aim to contribute in the ophthalmic nosology by purposing a classification system for SHAPU. METHODOLOGY: The classification is suggested on the background of prolonged experience of this entity by the group of investigators who have dedicated years of research on this topic. CONCLUSION: We are optimistic that the proposed classification system will help in effective planning and evaluation of this ocular emergency condition and deliver the appropriate and reliable information for timely management and prevention of complications.

Vision-related quality of life and psychosocial well-being of patients with episcleritis and scleritis: a neglected essence?

BACKGROUND: To assess the change in vision-related quality of life and psychosocial well-being of the patients with episcleritis and scleritis patients before and after treatment. RESULTS: This one-and-a-half-year prospective study was conducted among 76 eyes of 71 new patients of episcleritis and scleritis. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the visual and to analyze the change in effect size. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.536. Episcleritis was seen in 41 cases (57.7%) while scleritis was seen in 30 cases (42.3%). Patients with episcleritis had statistically significant improvement in general function score (GF) (p < 0.05) using paired t-test. The effect size showed medium improvement (approximately 0.5). Whereas there was no statistically significant change in psychosocial impact (PI), visual symptoms (VS) scoring, and a total score (p < 0.05) using paired t-test. The effect size showed no improvement for PI and total score and small improvement for VS score. Patients with scleritis had statistically significant improvement in general function score (GF), visual symptoms (VS) scoring and total score (p < 0.05) using paired-t-test. The effect size showed medium improvement (approximately 0.5) for general function score (GF) and total score. However, the effect size showed only a small improvement (approximately 0.2) for psychosocial impact (PI) score. CONCLUSIONS: VisionRelated Quality of Life of patients with scleritis showed significant improvement following treatment unlike episcleritis indicating scleritis more adversely affecting psychosocial well-being.

Challenges of Pediatric Cataract Surgery in a Case of Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU).

A four-year-old female child diagnosed as a case of severe Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) underwent lens-sparing core vitrectomy in her left eye with intravitreal antibiotic and steroid. Patient responded well to treatment and intraocular inflammation subsided. However, three months later, she developed vision impairing dense cataract which also made posterior segment assessment difficult. Lens aspiration with primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed. However, four weeks later, the patient developed occlusio pupillae with iris bombe. She did not respond to medical management so synechiolysis with surgical iridectomy was performed after which a normal depth anterior chamber was attained. Synechia and iris bombe were also relieved, and vision was regained.

Sporadic summer outbreak of SHAPU in even years: Does the pattern match with the usual autumn outbreak?

PURPOSE: Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU), is a mysterious blinding disease seen only in Nepal with a higher prevalence among children usually seen in autumn every alternate odd year since 1975. This report highlights the sporadic summer outbreak in the even years with atypical presentation. OBSERVATIONS: Three patients were diagnosed as SHAPU in the summer (May) of 2020. All of them noted the presence of white moths (Gazalina species) in their environment with or without direct physical contact. The clinical patterns were severe in nature including corneal melting. Two out of three patients (66.6%) developed phthisis bulbi and lost their vision. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: White moth has been associated as a risk factor for SHAPU. Despite the known natural history of appearance after monsoon of every odd year, the few unhatched eggs of the moths may hatch under the favorable circumstances in the summer of the even years and may lead to the sporadic outbreak of SHAPU. Though less in numbers, the clinical presentation of such sporadic SHAPU cases may be atypical with less favorable outcome.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Case of Sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by non-caseation granuloma. It is an inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Sarcoidosis has variable ocular presentations from anterior uveitis to rare venous occlusions. CASE: We present a rare case of sarcoidosis with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and a compatible uveitis. Positive findings of mutton fat keratic precipitates, Koeppes nodule, posterior synechiae, trabecular meshwork nodules, Candle wax dripping sign, Branch retinal vein occlusion and choroidal granuloma in one eye supported the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Elevated serum acetylcholine esterase and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy also confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. OBSERVATION: The patient responded well to oral steroids and laser photocoagulation of the vein occlusion area. The patient developed complications of steroid like Herpes Zooster of abdomen and avascular necrosis of femur. CONCLUSION: Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion is a rare vascular complication in ocular sarcoidosis. Systemic steroids and laser for vein occlusion is mainstay of treatment. Physician must be aware of serious complications of steroid therapy, as seen in this case. Keyword: Sarcoidosis, Branch retinal vein occlusion, Steroids.

The Risk Factors of Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) is an eye disease of unclear aetiology occurring cyclically during the autumn in odd years in Nepal causing blindness within a week. This study is the first of its type to investigate the risk factors of SHAPU. METHODS: A multicentric national level case-control study was performed during the 2017 SHAPU outbreak. Cases were matched to controls in a 1:3 ratio based on age, sex and geographic area.Questionnaire-based personal interview was used and risk factors were categorized as biological and behavioral. For univariate analysis, frequency, median and interquartile range was calculated. Chi-squared test with/without continuity correction and Fisher's exact test were used. Multivariate conditional logistic regressions were used for all the independent variables for p <0.1 in the univariate analyses. RESULTS: We identified 35 cases and 105 controls; 71.4% were children≤16 years (38-day infant to 50-year-old). All were immunocompetent individuals, males were 57.1% and females 42.9%. Potential risks such as visible moths/butterfly activity, contact with livestock, and attending mass gatherings of people were not reported more frequently in cases vs controls in univariate analyses. Differences in possibly protective factors such as self-reported mosquito net use, light off at night while sleeping, and habit of hands/face washing after physical contact/touch with any insects/butterflies/birds were not statistically significant between both groups. In multivariate model, SHAPU cases were significantly more likely than controls to report physical contact with butterflies/white moths (Adjusted OR:6.89; CI:2.79-17.01,p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Direct physical contact with butterflies/moths was associated with significantly increased odds of SHAPU cases.

HbA1c as a predictor for response of bevacizumab in diabetic macular oedema.

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) on response of bevacizumab in patients with diabetic macular oedema. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A total of 37 eyes of 37 patients with vision loss due to diabetic macular oedema treated with bevacizumab were included in this study. Participants received monthly intravitreal bevacizumab (0.05 mL/1.25 mg) for 3 months. RESULTS: There were 17 patients with baseline HbA1c ≤7% (<53mmol/mol) and 20 patients with baseline HbA1c >7% (>53mmol/mol) treated with bevacizumab included in the study. The mean improvement in visual acuity at 3 months was 0.50 logMAR in HbA1c ≤7%(<53mmol/mol) group and 0.33 logMAR in HbA1c >7%(>53mmol/mol) group (95% CI,-0.05-0.38; p=0.13). The mean central macular thickness (CMT) reduction was -229.76 µm in patients with a baseline HbA1c ≤7% (<53 mmol/mol) and -145.20 µm in patients with HbA1c of >7% (>53mmol/mol) (95% CI,12.98-156.14; p=0.022). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that baseline glycaemic control can affect the treatment outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab in the management of diabetic macular oedema and the response was found to be better in patients with good glycaemic control (low HbA1c).

Outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab injection without pre and postoperative antibiotics.

BACKGOUND: Intravitreal injections are the most common treatment modality for several retinal pathologies. Despite endophthalmitis being the most feared complication, antibioprophylaxis remains controversial in intravitreal injections. METHODS: This was a retrospective study done for a period of 2 years from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2018 in B. P Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies (BPKLCOS) among patients receiving intravitreal bevacizumab. The intravitreal injection was given by a single surgeon. It included 503 eyes which received intravitreal bevacizumab over a period of 2 years without pre and postoperative antibiotics. RESULTS: Out of 503 eyes studied over a period of 2 years without antibiotic prophylaxis the rate of endophthalmitis was 0.0019% which is very low compared to the other studies with rate of endophthalmitis between 0.019-0.09%. CONCLUSION: The risk of endophthalmitis was low even without pre/post-operative antibiotics. Intravitreal injection can be given safely without pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics. Trial Registration not applicable as it is a retrospective study.

Profile of Ophthalmic Tumors in Adult Nepalese Population in Central Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Ophthalmic tumors cover benign and malignant tumors of eyelids, conjunctiva, globe, and orbit. There is limited literature on ophthalmic tumors in Nepal. The objective of the study was to find the relative frequency of various ophthalmic tumors in the adult Nepalese population in Central Nepal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational descriptive study. A total of 100 consecutive patients, presenting with ophthalmic tumors to tertiary referral eye hospital were enrolled for the study. Demographic profile, detailed history, clinical features and diagnosis of the ophthalmic tumors were recorded. The tissue from incisional or excisional biopsy was then subjected to histopathological examination for confirmatory diagnosis. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects with ophthalmic tumors was 51.5 ± 18.2 years with a female to male ratio of 1.2:1. Benign tumors (64%) were the most common tumors followed by malignant (26%) and premalignant tumors (10%). Most common benign tumor was naevus (26.5%); most common premalignant tumor was conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (60%), and most common malignant tumor was sebaceous gland carcinoma (30.8%). Eyelid was most frequently involved with ophthalmic tumors (59%) followed by conjunctiva (21%). Clinical diagnosis correlated with histopathological diagnosis in 77% of cases. CONCLUSION: As different ophthalmic tumors present in a myriad of ways and a significant proportion of these cases presenting to hospital settings are malignant, it is prudent to confirm with a histopathological diagnosis for optimum management of such cases.

Sub-Foveal Choroidal Thickness In Healthy Nepalese Population.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted primarily to measure sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in healthy Nepalese population. Also, the correlation of SFCT with age, inter-eye difference of SFCT, inter-gender variation and inter-ethnic variation of SFCT was observed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, hospital based study in 162 participants (324 eyes) of six ethnic groups (Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar, Tamang, Muslim, and Gurung) was conducted. The mean age of participants was 37.37 ± 15.02 years. All the participants underwent SFCT measurement using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (Spectralis HRA+OCT, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) with the help of in-built caliber. Age, inter-gender, inter-eye and inter-ethnic differences in SFCT were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The average SFCT of right eye (RE) and left eye (LE) was 307.98 ± 74.64 µm and 312.63 ± 76.90 µm respectively, with average SFCT of 310.31 ± 75.70 µm for both eyes. SFCT of only the RE was selected for further calculation due to insignificant inter-eye difference of SFCT (p = 0.128). There was a significant negative correlation of SFCT with age (r = -0.705, p = 0.01). A regression analysis showed thinning of SFCT by 3.50 ± 0.278 µm per year. In another context, SFCT of male and female was 305.49 ± 79.72 µm and 313.55 ± 70.76 µm respectively. However, there was no significant inter-gender difference (p = 0.51). Similarly, inter-ethnic variations of SFCT was also statistically non -significant (p = 0.74). CONCLUSION: SFCT was negatively correlated with the age of participants, implying a decrease in choroidal thickness (CT) with an increase in age. Age can be considered as an important factor in the measurement of SFCT. Gender and ethnic groups did not have a significant role in the measurement and comparison of SFCT.

Combined Intravitreal Bevacizumab And Dexamethasone In Bilateral Lupus Retinopathy.

This paper reports and discusses a case of bilateral lupus retinopathy with macular edema in a patient diagnosed with systemic lupus retinopathy and treated with combined intravitreal bevacizumab (0.025 mL/0.625 mg) and intravitreal dexamethasone (0.05 mL/0.2 mg). The patient was a 25-year-old female with a history of diminution of vision in both eyes. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the right eye was 2/60 and of the left eye was 1/60. Fundus examination revealed bilateral swelling of the optic disc nasally, cotton wool spots, and multiple flame shaped, dot and blot hemorrhages in the disc and macula. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed macular edema in both eyes. Despite being treated with immunosuppressive the visual acuity did not improve. Two doses of combined intravitreal bevacizumab (0.025 mL/0.625 mg) and dexamethasone (0.05 mL/0.2 mg) were given to the patient in both eyes at an interval of one week. Two weeks after the last intravitreal injection the BCVA was 6/24 and N8 in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed a decrease in the number and size of hemorrhages, and resolution of the blurred disc margin, cotton wool spots, and hard exudates. OCT of the macula 2 weeks after the last intravitreal injection showed a significant decrease in macular edema. The intraocular pressure was not elevated for a period of 6 months. This case would be a unique case of lupus retinopathy with macular edema receiving a combined half dose of intravitreal injection bevacizumab and dexamethasone with promising results. This could be beneficial in a set up where the patients cannot afford intraocular steroid implants.

Effect of High Myopia on Optic Nerve Head by Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy in Nepalese Eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare parameters of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph [HRT] II) in high myopia with age- and sex-matched emmetropes. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Nepalese subjects aged 18 to 35 years at BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu from November 2015 to October 2016. Fifty consecutive subjects with high myopia (spherical equivalent ranging from -6.00 to -12.00 diopters) and age- and sex-matched emmetropic subjects were enrolled for comparison. Correlations between disc area and other HRT parameters, asymmetry between the right and left eyes, and comparisons between male and female subjects in both high myopic and emmetropic groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Disc area was not significantly (p = 0.11) larger in high myopic eyes than in emmetropic eyes. HRT parameters in highly myopic eyes involved smaller cup parameters and greater rim parameters compared with emmetropic eyes. Disc area was found to be significantly positively correlated with inter disc parameters and significantly negatively correlated with rim to disc area ratio in the high myopia group. Disc area and other intra-disc parameters showed significant correlations between right and left eyes in both high myopia and emmetropia, and no significant differences between males and females from a Nepalese population. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of HRT parameters in high myopic eyes involved smaller cup parameters and greater rim parameters compared with emmetropic eyes in a Nepalese population. The effect of disc area on HRT parameters differed significantly only in height variation contour by emmetropic eyes.

Awareness of Eye Health and Diseases among the Population of the Hilly Region of Nepal.

PURPOSE: To collect information regarding awareness and knowledge of eye health and diseases among the population of the hilly region of Nepal. METHODS: In a population-based survey, 1834 participants were enrolled in to the study. Field procedures included the development of a survey questionnaire, field orientation, pretesting, and household data collection. Association between knowledge of eye diseases was derived using the Chi-square test and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Most participants were 31-40 years old (33.4%), female (51.1%), of upper caste (43.4%), Hindus (83.3%), received secondary level of education (34.4%), and involved in agriculture (48.6%). Awareness of cataract, night blindness, glaucoma, strabismus, and systemic diseases was 74.6%, 53.4%, 17.4%, 70.8%, and 46.5%, respectively. Knowledge regarding these diseases among those aware was 39.1%, 72.2%, 50.9%, and 92.3%, respectively. Awareness of cataract was significantly higher (88.4%) among higher caste groups (P < 0.001; OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 3.34-5.54), followed by business as an occupation (88.2%; P = 0.001; OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.44-4.9). Awareness of night blindness was significantly higher among students (72.6%; P < 0.001; OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.65-3.67). CONCLUSION: There was a general lack of awareness and knowledge of common eye diseases. Improved awareness and knowledge are required for the prevention, early treatment, and access to eye care.

Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites and tachyzoites isolation from vitreous of atypical necrotizing retinitis.

BACKGROUND: Detection of Toxoplasma gondii cysts in vitreous of immunocompetent patient with necrotizing retinitis is extremely rare. We herein report the isolation of Toxoplasma bradyzoites and tachyzoites from the vitreous of healthy person. RESULTS: A 19-year-old immunocompetent female presented with sudden loss of vision in left eye since 1 week. The BCVA was 6/6 and HM in right and left eye. The left eye finding was suggestive of diffuse necrotizing retinitis with retinal detachment. The IgM and IgG for TORCH infection were negative and HIV, HCV and HBsAg tests were also non reactive. The patient underwent diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy with silicon oil installation. The vitreous toxoplasma IgG titre was found to be significantly raised to 1:16. Bradyzoites of toxoplasma were identified in H&E staining and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma were identified in Giemsa staining of vitreous sample. She received oral clindamycin and oral corticosteroid but the vision could not be restored in left eye. CONCLUSION: Hence, atypical toxoplasmosis with necrotizing retinitis is a fulminant condition with the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.