Hobbies [abstract]

Hobbies provide a wonderful diversion from the rigours of day-to-day life. There is solace to be found in a hobby. In solace, there is the opportunity for healing your mind, body and spirit. The history of Astromony is the history of the science that deals with all the celestial bodies in the universe. Astronomy includes the study of planets and their satallites, comets and meteors, stars and intersellar matter, star systems known as galaxies. The field of astronomy has developed from simple observations about the movement of the Sun and the Moon into sophisticated theories about the nature of the universe. The Caribbean Islands because of their proximity to the Equator, relatively clear skies and unpolluted atmosphere, provide good locations for amateur astronomers. (AU)

Posterior Segment Trauma

Posterior segment trauma continues to be a significant cause of visual disability in Trinidad and Tobago. The pattern of injury has changed over the last ten years. Since the introduction of the seat-belt ordinance of 1995, there has been a decrease of macerated eyes resulting from windscreen contact. Air bags have probably also played a protective role. The majority of posterior segment trauma now comes from sporting activities and a small number from the industrial work place. New vitreo retinal techniques, including videoendoscopy have increased the ability to salvage vision in these eyes.(AU)

Post-Vitrectomy survival

Diabetics with proliferative retinopathy are likely to have multi-system complications which contribute to their reduced life expectancy. The management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy may require costly vitreous surgery and, if life expectancy is low, the cost benefit is questioned by all concerned (patients, relatives, governments, health planners and doctors). The objective of this study is to determine the trends in life expectancy in diabetic patients undergoing vitreous surgery and any pre-morbid factors that may be of significance. A retrospective study of 145 diabetic patients who had vitreous surgery from 1992 to 1997 at the Port of Spain Adventist Hospital was done. Analysis of the data reveals that 20 percent of the patients died within two years and 68 percent of those within one year. Patients with insulin dependent diabetes were more likely to die than those on oral medication, and patients of East Indian origin were twice as likely to die in the first two years as those of African descent. The findings are important with respect to counselling candidates for surgery and also for health planners contemplating directing resources in vitreo-retinal services. The study continues and will attempt to identify other markers.(AU)