Optical Coherence Tomography Based Choroidal Thickness and Its Determinants in Healthy Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose To study choroidal thickness (CT) and its determinants based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the healthy adult Saudi population. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at a tertiary eye hospital in Saudi Arabia. The autorefractor-based refractive status (spherical equivalent) of each eye was documented. CT was measured from the enhanced depth OCT images at the fovea to the 1500 µm nasal and temporal to the fovea. CT was defined as the distance from a hyper-reflective line representing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch's membrane to the choroid-scleral junction. The CT was correlated with demographic and other variables. Results The study sample included 288 eyes of 144 participants (mean age 31.5±8.3 years; males 94, 65.3%). Emmetropia, myopia, and hypermetropic spherical equivalent were noted in 53 (18.4%), 152 (52.5%), and 83 (28.8%) eyes, respectively. The mean sub-foveal (SFCT), nasal, and temporal CT were 329.4±56.7µm, 302.3±63.5 µm, and 312.8± 56.7µm, respectively. CT varied significantly by location (p <0.001). CT was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.177, P <0.001). CT in emmetropic and myopic eyes was 319.7±53 µm and 313.1±53 µm, respectively. The difference in CT based on refractive status (p = 0.49) or sex was non-significant (p = 0.6). Regression analysis suggested that age (p <0.001), refractive error (p = 0.02), scanning time (p <0.001), and scanning location (p = 0.006) were significant predictors of CT. Conclusion CT measurements of the eyes of healthy Saudis can be used as reference values for studies evaluating CT changes due to various chorioretinal diseases.

Physician Satisfaction With Virtual Ophthalmology Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Tertiary Eye Care Center Experience.

Background In this study, we aimed to assess ophthalmologists' experience with teleophthalmology during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the central region of Saudi Arabia. In addition, we evaluated their satisfaction level and explored their satisfaction determinants. Methodology We conducted an online survey for ophthalmologists who participated in the virtual ophthalmology clinic during COVID-19 between November 2020 and September 2021. The survey was used to evaluate ophthalmologists' experience with teleophthalmology during the pandemic. Ophthalmologists were asked to measure their satisfaction with equipment and technical issues, communication, and clinical assessment, and to provide an overall program evaluation. Data were analyzed via frequency measures (e.g., numbers, percentages, mean, and standard deviation). Results Out of the 113 ophthalmologists who were invited to participate in our study, 71 completed the survey. In total, 23 (32.4%) participants were general ophthalmologists, 15 (21.1%) were subspecialists in the cornea, 16 (22.5%) were subspecialists in glaucoma, one (1.4%) was a subspecialist in neuro-ophthalmology, seven (9.9%) were subspecialists in pediatric ophthalmology, eight (11.3%) were subspecialists in the retina, and one (1.4%) participant was a subspecialist in oculoplastic. Overall, 56.3% of the respondents were satisfied with teleophthalmology. Ophthalmologists who subspecialized in the retina demonstrated higher levels of satisfaction than other subspecialties. The most common challenge reported by ophthalmologists in the virtual consultation was the lack of adequate equipment to evaluate the patients (53.5%), followed by technical issues (43.7%) and the patients' lack of experience in using virtual consultation services (38%). Overall satisfaction score was the highest among ophthalmologists who reported providing at least five video consultations before the survey. Conclusions The findings from our study suggest that the subspeciality of ophthalmologists and the number of video consultations conducted by ophthalmologists are important determinants in their level of satisfaction with teleophthalmology. The majority of the respondents were satisfied with the virtual clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current pandemic could pave the way for the future use of telemedicine in ophthalmology if virtual eye examinations become standardized.

Effective refractive error coverage in adults aged 50 years and older: estimates from population-based surveys in 61 countries.

BACKGROUND: In 2021, WHO Member States endorsed a global target of a 40-percentage-point increase in effective refractive error coverage (eREC; with a 6/12 visual acuity threshold) by 2030. This study models global and regional estimates of eREC as a baseline for the WHO initiative. METHODS: The Vision Loss Expert Group analysed data from 565 448 participants of 169 population-based eye surveys conducted since 2000 to calculate eREC (met need/[met need + undermet need + unmet need]). A binary logistic regression model was used to estimate eREC by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study super region among adults aged 50 years and older. FINDINGS: In 2021, distance eREC was 79·1% (95% CI 72·4-85·0) in the high-income super region; 62·1% (54·7-68·8) in north Africa and Middle East; 49·5% (45·0-54·0) in central Europe, eastern Europe, and central Asia; 40·0% (31·7-48·2) in southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania; 34·5% (29·4-40·0) in Latin America and the Caribbean; 9·0% (6·5-12·0) in south Asia; and 5·7% (3·1-9·0) in sub-Saharan Africa. eREC was higher in men and reduced with increasing age. Global distance eREC increased from 2000 to 2021 by 19·0%. Global near vision eREC for 2021 was 20·5% (95% CI 17·8-24·4). INTERPRETATION: Over the past 20 years, distance eREC has increased in each super region yet the WHO target will require substantial improvements in quantity and quality of refractive services in particular for near vision impairment. FUNDING: WHO, Sightsavers, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Fondation Thea, Brien Holden Vision Institute, Lions Clubs International Foundation.

Eye Conformers as Socket Expanders in Children: Experience at a Tertiary Eye Hospital in Central Saudi Arabia.

Purpose To share our experience with pediatric orbital expansion using eye conformers for anophthalmia and microphthalmia and parental feedback on outcomes. Methods Cases of congenital anophthalmia and severe microphthalmia were managed with eye conformers for orbital expansion and formation of lid fornices at the anaplastology clinic of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected on the globe adaptation process and the perceived achievements by the parents at different follow-up visits. Parental feedback was collected on their acceptance of eye conformer use to address anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Results The anophthalmia/microphthalmia annual prevalence was 1.7 per 10,000 live births in Saudi Arabia. Of the 45 sockets treated for orbital expansion since 2014, 15 children were managed by using eye conformers. Six children had a bilateral birth defect. Severe microphthalmia was in seven children while eight children had anophthalmos. At the first visit, small eye conformers (nine), stem eye conformer (four), symblepharon ring (one), and hydrogel eye conformer (one) were fitted. After multiple visits and follow-ups, at the two-year follow-up, seven (46.7%) children were fitted while three (20%) were under the process of prosthesis fitting, as volume expansion was satisfactory. Parents of these children replied that they prefer this method over others and would recommend others to follow the same. Conclusions Orbital expansion and lid fornices formation by using an eye conformer is effective, easy, and acceptable to parents. It can be initiated in the early months of a child's life.

The Proportion of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Utilization Among Saudi Population for Eye Care: Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose To estimate the prevalence, determinants and perceived benefit of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for ophthalmic purposes among the Saudi population. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2019 targeting visitors of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The survey had 18 questions in Arabic regarding the use of CAM for eye ailments. The magnitude was associated to the demographic and eye-related factors. Results We interviewed 999 participants. The prevalence of CAM usage was 21.9% (95% confidence interval 19.3; 24.5). Castor oil (49.3%), antimony (khohl alethmed) (40.6%), chamomile (19.6%), and green tea leaves (11.4%) were the most common medications used. Other traditional eye treatments included eye vitamins, faith healing (prayer, reciting Quran, Zamzam water), cautery, cupping, and acupuncture. Conclusions One in five Saudi eye patients used CAM. The factors governing this health behavior should be studied to change this practice pattern.

Neovascular Glaucoma Progress and Impact of Therapeutic Intervention in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to present the outcomes of the therapeutic interventions for neovascular glaucoma (NVG) between 2002 and 2012 at a tertiary eye hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the patients with NVG treated in the last 10 years at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital was carried out. The demographics, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP) at the baseline were compared to that, at last, follow-up. The clinical course of treated eyes and causes for poor vision were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 597 eyes with NVG, the mean IOP at presentation was 32 mmHg. A total of 335 eyes (56.1%) were treated with pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP). In 459 (77%) eyes, IOP was controlled with medications or different surgeries. The vision on the last follow-up was 20/20 to 20/40 in 19 (3%) eyes, 20/50 to 20/200 in 67 (11%) eyes, <20/200 to 20/400 in 267 (45%) eyes, and <20/400 in 225 (38%) eyes. Nineteen eyes were soft/enucleated. In 45 (8%, 95% CI 6-10) eyes vision improved. The IOP was reduced to <22 mmHg in 369 (62%, 95% CI 58.2-65.9) eyes, 23-30 mmHg in 69 (12%) eyes and was > 31 mmHg in 102 (17%) eyes. In 26 (3.7%) eyes, ocular hypotony was noted. The causes of poor vision included retinal ischemia (n=75, 13%), optic nerve head cupping (n=104, 17%), retinal detachment (n= 42, 7%) and other (n=17, 3%). CONCLUSION: The NVG is a serious ocular ischemic complication. Prompt therapy maintained or improved the vision and controlled IOP in 50% and more cases.

Perception of Ophthalmologists of COVID-19 Using the Health Belief Model.

Purpose To assess ophthalmologists' preparedness in such a critical period in the history of pandemics, a logical socio-psychological framework assessment using the health belief model (HBM) is essential to evaluate their risk perception, their willingness to actively participate in engaging in protective health behavior and acknowledge its benefits, and their capability to perform adequate successful methods for limiting the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and overcome the barriers they might encounter while implementing such precautions. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital using a questionnaire-based (HBM) was distributed to 135 ophthalmologists in the institute to evaluate their risk perception of COVID-19 and determine which components of the HBM contribute to preventive health behavior related to the COVID-19 infection. Results The questionnaire had a reasonable response rate (79.3%, 107 ophthalmologists, including 48 consultants, 51 fellows, and 36 residents). The study demonstrated that this model is useful and mapped how several components were significantly correlated to actions. Most significantly, perceived susceptibility was the most important predictor of action. The second most important determinant of action was the perceived benefit. Conclusion Pandemics such as COVID-19 are likely to happen again in the future. Explicit attention to factors influencing motivation such as threat perception to adopt appropriate health-related behavior to limit the spread of communicable diseases is necessary. This study has successfully represented preparedness and risk behavior perception of ophthalmologists of the novel COVID-19 pandemic in one of the largest tertiary eye hospitals in the Middle East using the Health Belief Model.

The Iris Thickness in a Healthy Saudi Population.

Purpose Iris thickness (IT), a known risk factor for angle closure glaucoma, has not been evaluated in the normal Saudi population. Methods Quantitative information on IT was evaluated in healthy Saudi eyes using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT). IT and iris volume was measured with the room 'light on' (LON) and 'light off' (LOFF) using Image J software. IT in the nasal and temporal iris was measured at 500 µm (IT500) and 750 µm (IT750) from the scleral spur (SS). Differences in IT measurements by age, gender and type of refractive error were evaluated. Results We included 100 eyes of 50 healthy adult Saudis without ocular disease other than refractive errors. The mean age of 56 males and 44 females in the study group was 41.7 ± 14.5 years. The refractive status was as follows: emmetropia (35 eyes), mild/moderate myopia (33 eyes), high myopia (17 eyes) and hyperopia (15 eyes). The IT750 with LON was significantly more than IT500 both nasally (P = 0.03) and temporally (P < 0.001). The difference in IT750 and IT500 with LOFF was significantly more nasally (P = 0.03), temporally (P = 0.02), and with LON nasally (P = 0.005). IT was thicker in males when compared to females and variation of IT by refractive error was significant but not by age. The mean pupil diameter and anterior chamber depth decreased with age (P < 0.001). Anterior chamber width was not affected by age or illumination. Conclusion The baseline iris thickness in the Saudi eyes could be used to compare iris thickness in eyes with angle closure glaucoma among the Arab population.

The association of cosmetic-related lacrimal sac black deposits with primary-acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dry eye disease.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of cosmetic-related lacrimal sac black deposits (LSBDs) in primary-acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) biopsies and the role of LSBD in the pathogenesis of PANDO, in addition to their association with dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: A clinicopathological study included all patients who underwent surgical management of PANDO. We excluded patients in whom lacrimal sac biopsy was not taken during the surgery. Lacrimal sac tissues were evaluated for the presence of LSBD and related inflammation, with correlation to the demographics, clinical presentation, and pre-operative clinical assessment of dry eye. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 177 PANDO specimens, black deposit aggregates were noted in the sac stroma of 61 lacrimal sac specimens (34.5%; 95% confidence interval: 27.5-47.5). LSBDs were significantly more common in females (P < 0.001). The age, residence, past ailments, and laterality were not associated with LSBD. Dry eye was more common with LSBD (P = 0.004). Other presenting symptoms were not significantly associated with LSBD. The stromal black deposits in biopsies were mostly extracellular or in macrophages. The LSBD in only 10 specimens demonstrated birefringence. Energy dispersive spectroscopy determined that carbon and sulfur were the main elements in the black aggregates. CONCLUSION: Cosmetic-related LSBD is unlikely to play a role in the pathogenesis of PANDO. However, they were significantly associated with DED.

Visual acuity at 6 weeks after small incision cataract surgery and role of audit in predicting visual acuity.

PURPOSE: We present the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 weeks after small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and review the role of audit in predicting visual acuity (VA). METHODS: This was a retrospective data analysis of 14,393 SICS performed during 2007-2008 at a hospital in central India. Ophthalmologists noted preoperative, operative, and postoperative details. The BCVA before and 1 day and 6 weeks after surgery were noted. We identified factors associated with BCVA at 1-day and 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: Six weeks after surgery, 12,522 (87%) and 1473 (10.2%) patients had BCVA > or =6/18 and 6/24-6/60, respectively. Vision improved between 2 follow-ups in 6695 eyes (46.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 45.7-47.3)), remained the same in 7117 eyes (49.4%), and deteriorated in 544 (3.8%) eyes. BCVA at 6 weeks was negatively associated with blindness (VA <3/60 in the better eye) before surgery (odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.92), surgeon's experience (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.71-0.81), and male patients (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.67-0.80). BCVA at 6 weeks was positively associated with older age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03) and intraoperative complications (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.14-1.83). The association of VA <6/60 1 day after surgery with improved vision between the 2 follow-ups was not statistically significant (OR = 0.005, p = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: BCVA at 6 weeks after SICS was > or =6/18 in 87% of operated eyes. By performing surgical audit, one can identify high-risk groups that need proactive subsequent follow-ups.

Magnitude and determinants of osteoporosis in adult population of South Sharqiya region of Oman.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of hip fractures as an indicator for osteoporosis in the >40 years old Omani population of the South Sharqiya region of Oman. We also recommended a policy for addressing osteoporosis in this community. METHODS: Orthopedic surgeons noted and treated patients with hip fracture that were due to a fall over 5 years September 2002 to August 2007 at Sur Hospital, Oman. Their preoperative information, such as bone involved, co-morbidities, history of fractures, and the type of treatment were collected. We used the population of the study area to calculate the annual incidence of fractures. RESULTS: In our study, 147 persons 70 male, and 77 female of >40 years with hip fractures were included. The age adjusted annual incidence rate of hip fracture in >40 population of South Sharqiya was 0.14%. While operating on 96 65.3% patients, we used dynamic hip screw. Hemi-arthroplasty with Austin-Moore prosthesis was performed in 37 (24.5%) patients. Eighteen (12.2%) patients had previous bone fractures. CONCLUSION: The incidence of hip fracture was high. Osteoporosis screening programs and adequate interventions could detect the high-risk group and prevent such fractures in the future.

Should the health information glaucoma be hospital based or community based?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence and incidence of glaucoma in 2005 of > or =30 years-old Omani population. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of health data type of study conducted in 2007. The study was conducted in the Eye & Ear Health Care Section, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Health, The prevalence of glaucoma was estimated through community based modified cluster type of survey. Incidence was estimated from Health Information and Management System (HIMS) Formula to calculate the prevalence from incidence of a chronic disease to compare these 2 estimates. RESULTS: We examined 3,324 persons of >30 years of age. The prevalence was 4.75% (95% confidence intervals 4.02-5.47) with an estimated 20,700 glaucoma cases in Oman. Ophthalmologists reported 1,290 new cases of glaucoma in the same age group. The incidence was 0.30%. The prevalence if calculated from the incidence rates among the population > or =30 years of age would be 0.30x16.1=4.8%. CONCLUSION: The survey results are more reliable for policy making. However, HIMS could also generate reliable, periodic, low cost information on glaucoma that could help in estimating the prevalence, and monitoring the program approach to control glaucoma.

Ocular Pathogens and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Bacterial Keratitis Isolates at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, 2011 to 2014.

BACKGROUND: To investigate prevalence and in vitro susceptibility trends of bacteria isolated from patients with bacterial keratitis from 2011 to 2014 in a tertiary care eye hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Retrospective review of bacterial isolates from corneal scraping of eyes with microbial keratitis. The most common isolates and their antibiotic resistance profiles were identified; trend analysis was performed over the study period. RESULTS: A total of 2037 bacterial isolates met inclusion criteria during the study period. Gram positives accounted for 91.4% of isolates, including Staphylococcus epidermidis 962 (27.4%), other coagulase-negative staphylococci 289 (8.2%), Staphylococcus aureus 237 (6.8%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae 159 (4.5%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common gram-negative isolate (38.4%). All tested Gram positive isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. As a whole, isolates were most sensitive to moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin with resistance of 3.7% and 3.3%, respectively. Oxacillin resistance was increasingly found in S. aureus (14.8% in 2011, 27.8% in 2014, P = 0.06), but was without significant change in S. epidermidis and other coagulase-negative Staphylococci (range 19.4%-32.0%). There was an increase in moxifloxacin resistance among S. epidermidis, increasing from 0.9% to 12.7%. Using a logistic regression model, the overall change in resistance of bacteria to antibiotics by year was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Gram-positive bacteria represented the majority of bacteria isolated, with a possibly increasing prevalence of oxacillin resistance in S. aureus. Fluoroquinolone resistance is uncommon, and no vancomycin-resistant gram-positive strains were identified. There was no overall significant trend in antibiotics resistance; however, future surveillance studies are recommended.

Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus in Oman: Results from two decades of research.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus over the past two decades in Oman, particularly in terms of its prevalence and incidence. In addition, the study sought to estimate the future incidence of diabetes in Oman. METHODS: Three national and three regional surveys conducted between 1991 and 2010 were analysed to obtain the age-adjusted prevalence and undiagnosed proportion of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Omani subjects aged ≥20 years. Diabetes mellitus registers and published studies were used to determine incidence rates of both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and T2DM in Oman. Linear regression was used to determine trends and projections for diabetes in 2050. RESULTS: The age-adjusted prevalence of T2DM in Oman varied from 10.4% to 21.1%, while the highest prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was found in males (35.1%). In comparison to men, higher incidence rates of T2DM were found in women (2.7 cases compared to 2.3 cases per 1,000 person-years, respectively). No significant trends were observed for the prevalence or incidence of T2DM in both genders. Undiagnosed T2DM was more common in men (range: 33-68%) than women (range: 27-53%). The results of this study show that by 2050, there will be an estimated 350,000 people with T2DM living in Oman (a 174% increase compared to estimates for 2015). CONCLUSION: Health authorities need to prioritise diabetes prevention and control in order to prevent or delay long-term complications and avert a potential epidemic of diabetes in Oman.

Magnitude and determinants of refractive error in Omani school children.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the magnitude and determinants of refractive error in school children, a study was undertaken to review the school screening and refraction data. METHODS: Trained physicians screened 416,157 students to evaluate their visual status and identified 28,765 students with defective vision. Refractionists refracted 25,733 (89.5%) of them, determined the refractive error and prescribed spectacles. Students with ocular co-morbidity and visual disability were re-examined and treated by the ophthalmologists. This study was conducted between June 2003 and December 2003 in the Ministry of Health, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.06-4.18). It was higher among female than male students [rate ratio (RR) 1.69 (95% CI 1.64-1.74)]. The rate was more in students of higher age groups (chi2 = 11,179 degrees of freedom = 2 p<0.00001). Regional variation in myopic trend was marked. The prevalence of hypermetropia was 0.4% (95% CI 0.37-0.41). However, it could be an underestimation as presence of accommodative spasm was not taken into account. The risk of low vision disability was significantly higher in male students than female students. The prevalence of ambiopia was 0.3%. It was significantly higher in male than female students. First primary students had strabismus of 0.5%. CONCLUSION: The study enabled to understand trends of refractive error in Omani children (Arabic tribe) and demonstrated the importance of vision screening in providing timely eye care and identifying visually disabled school children.

Ocular malignant tumors. Review of the Tumor Registry at a tertiary eye hospital in central Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To present the epidemiologic profile and magnitude of ocular malignant tumors (MT) representative of the Saudi population from the Tumor Registry (TR) at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH). METHODS: This study evaluated the demographic information, clinical features including tumor laterality, ocular tissue of origin, and diagnosis of patients from the TR registry between 1983 and 2012 at KKESH, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The incidence of MT among Saudi adults (>/= 15 years old), and children (<15 years old) was estimated. RESULTS: The TR recorded 4,146 neoplasms (2,509 [60.5%] benign tumors, and 1,637 [39.5%] MT). The incidence of MT in children was 3.6 per million/year (M/Y), and 2.4/M/Y for adults. Retinoblastoma (Rb) (n=763, 91%) was the most common ocular malignancy in children. In adults, the most common MT was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n=363, 45.8%), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (n=186, 23%), uvealmelanoma (n=94, 11.9%), sebaceous gland carcinoma (n=54, 6.8%), lymphomas (orbital, adnexal) (n=46, 5.8%), and others (n=53, 6.8%). The Rb (7.7/M/Y in <5 years old Saudi children) was less frequent than that reported in some Gulf countries, but higher than that reported from the West. The SCC was less frequent in countries with comparable sun exposure than in other continents, but the incidence remained unchanged over 3 decades. There was a significant increase in BCC between 1983-1992 and 2003-2012. CONCLUSION: The rates of all cancers remained stable over 3 decades except BCC, which showed a significant rise.

The impact of spectacle wear compliance on the visual function related quality of life of Omani students: A historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Eye screening and refractive services to students are part of a school health initiative in Oman. We evaluated the impact of the compliance of spectacle wear on the vision related quality of life (VFQ) among 12-13 years old and 15-16 years old Omani students with refractive error. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This historical cohort study was conducted in 2012. Students using spectacles and those not using spectacles after 1 year of prescribing/providing spectacles were interviewed to assess their VFQ. The VQ 20 questionnaire with 5 graded close-ended responses was adopted for this purpose. The responses for the VFQ related to different visual functions of students who were/were not spectacle wear compliant, were compared. RESULTS: Our cohort had 124 students in each group. The overall VFQ was significantly higher among the compliant spectacle wearers (compliant group) compared with the non-complaint wearers (non-compliant group) (relative risk [RR] =4.7% [95% of the confidence interval (CI): 2.8-6.6]). The association of gender and the grade level was not significant (P > 0.05). However, the variation of governorate was significantly associated to the difference of VFQ in both groups (χ(2) = 16.6, degrees of freedom = 4, P = 0.0003). The VFQ related to the near work (RR = 1.3) and school related activities (RR = 1.3) was better in the compliant group. CONCLUSION: VFQ was better among those students who were spectacle wear compliant compared with those who were not. VFQ related to near work and school related activities seem to be the most influenced by spectacle wear compliance.

Short term outcome of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in management of refractory glaucoma in a tertiary hospital in Oman.

BACKGROUND: We present outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation in treating refractory glaucoma in a tertiary hospital in Oman. Refractory glaucoma was defined as previously failed conventional glaucoma surgery and an uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) of more than 21 mm Hg despite treatment with three topical and/or oral therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This historical cohort study was conducted in 2010. Details of medical and surgical treatment were recorded. Ophthalmologists examined eyes and performed glaucoma surgeries using AGV. The best corrected distant vision, IOP, and glaucoma medications were prospectively reviewed on 1(st) day, 1(st), 6(th), 12(th) week postoperatively, and at the last follow up. RESULT: Glaucoma specialists examined and treated 40 eyes with refractory glaucoma of 39 patients (20 males + 19 females). Neo-vascular glaucoma was present in 23 eyes. Vision before surgery was <3/60 in 21 eyes. At 12 weeks, one eye had vision better than 6/12, seven eyes had vision 6/18 to 6/60, and eight eyes had vision 6/60 to 3/60. Mean IOP was reduced from 42.9 (SD 16) to 14.2 (SD 8) and 19.1 (SD 7.8) mmHg at one and 12 weeks after surgery, respectively. At 12 weeks, five (12.5%) eyes had IOP controlled without medication. In 33 (77.5%) eyes, pressure was controlled by using one or two eye drops. The mean number of preoperative anti-glaucoma medications (2.38; SD 1.1) was reduced compared to the mean number of postoperative medications (1.92; SD 0.9) at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: We succeeded in reducing visual disabilities and the number of anti-glaucoma medications used to treat refractory glaucoma by AGV surgery.

Prevalence and determinants of age-related macular degeneration in the 50 years and older population: a hospital based study in Maharashtra, India.

BACKGROUND: We present the magnitude and determinants of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) among the 50 year and older population that visited our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cohort of eye patients with ARMD, seen from 2006 to 2009. Optometrist noted the best-corrected vision. Ophthalmologists examined eyes using a slit-lamp bio-microscope. The ARMD was confirmed by fluoresceine angiography and optical coherent tomography. The age, sex, history of smoking, sun exposure, family history of ARMD, diet, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and diabetes were associated with ARMD. RESULT: Of the 19,140 persons of ≥ 50 years of age-attending eye clinic in our hospital, 302 persons had ARMD in at least one eye. The proportion of overall ARMD was 1.38% (95% CI 1.21--1.55). The proportion of age-related maculopathy (ARM) and late ARMD was 1.14% (95% CI 0.99--1.29) and 0.24% (95% CI 0.21-0.24) respectively. ARM was unilateral and bilateral in 64 (29.2%) and 155 (70.8%) persons respectively. Dry ARMD was found in 47.8%. On regression analysis, old age (OR = 1.05), male (OR = 0.54), and history of smoking (OR = 2.32) were significant risk factors of ARMD. A total of 4.2% of persons with ARMD were blind (vision <3/60). Only 43% of persons with ARMD had J6 grade of the best-corrected near vision. CONCLUSION: ARMD does not seem to be of public health magnitude in the study area. Early stages of ARMD were common among patients. Older age, being male, and history of smoking were significant risk factors for ARMD.

Visual outcome and impact on quality of life after surgeries differ in children operated for unilateral and bilateral cataract (Pune study 2011).

BACKGROUND: We compared vision and quality of life (VQL) of children aged 5-15 years and operated for unilateral and bilateral cataract between 2008 and 2010 in western India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cohort study, ophthalmologists assessed vision, anterior and posterior segment of eyes with cataract. Children completed a functional vision questionnaire (LVP-FVQ). Follow up at 6 months after surgery included the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), FVQ and eye assessment. The improvement of BCVA and quality of life were compared in group of unilateral and bilateral cataract. RESULT: A total of 20 (70%) bilateral and 7 (39%) unilateral cataract were operated within 1 month of detection. All 48 eyes with bilateral cataract were congenital and 12 (67%) unilateral cataract were traumatic. Among bilateral group, 27 eyes [56.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 44.4-72.2)] and in unilateral group 11 eyes [61.1% (95% CI 38.6-83.6)] had vision ≥ 20/60 at 6 months follow up. The visual gain was significantly higher in children who were operated between 1 month and 1 year of detection (adjusted Odds ratio (OR) = 15.6 P = 0.03). Positive impact on VQL in bilateral group was noted in 50%, 27%, and 13% children for subscale of distant vision, near vision, and field of vision, respectively. There was positive impact in these subscales among children with unilateral cataract. Thirty percent eyes with bilateral cataract and 22% of eyes with unilateral cataract improved their vision. Surgery within 1 month of cataract was significant predictor of improved vision (OR = 16.6 P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Vision and VQL improved in children with unilateral and bilateral cataract. However, it was better 6 months following surgery in children with bilateral cataract than in children with unilateral cataract.