ABSTRACT
To report the demographics and clinical profile, and outcomes of canalicular laceration repaired with Mini Monoka monocanalicular stent. All patients who had undergone canalicular laceration repair over 4 years [2004-2008] at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahwaz, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, the cause of eyelid injury, associated ocular damage, time interval between injury and surgery, and surgical management with Mini Monoka stent were analyzed. Patients were observed for complications [especially for epiphora] and premature extrusion. Afterwards, probing and irrigation test were done under topical anesthesia. Eighty-eight out of 97 referred patients with eyelid laceration including 70 men [79.5%] and 18 women [20.5%] had monocanalicular injury and underwent Mini Monoka stent implantation. Mean age at presentation was 25.4 [range: 12 months to 75] years. The main cause of laceration was motor vehicle accidents. Lower and upper canalicular injuries were present in 79 [89.8%] and 9 patients [10.2%], respectively. Simultaneous ocular injury was noted in 32 patients [36.3%]. Probing and irrigation test was done in 56 patients which was normal in 49 patients; therefore, anatomical success rate was considered 87.5%. There was no epiphora in any patient [functional success rate defined as 100%]. Premature stent loss was the main post operative complication in 5 patients [9%]. Mean duration of the stent remaining in its place was 8 months [range: 1 to 28]. The Mini Monoka monocanalicular stent is a safe, effective and uncomplicated surgical technique. Unlike bicanalicular procedures, this procedure does not threaten unaffected parts of the lacrimal drainage system
ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision in Khoozestan province in 2006. This population-based cross-sectional study included all residents of Khoozestan province during 2006. The study was designed according to World Health Organization recommendations. Sample size was calculated based on the distribution of the population of Khoozestan according to the national census and estimated rates of blindness. Sampling was performed via multi-stage clustered random method. Information was collected using a questionnaire, including general information and results of optometrists' and ophthalmologists' diagnoses. Initial data accumulation was performed at rural and urban health centres. Categorization of blindness and low vision was based on the International Classification of Diseases version 10 [ICD 10]. Overall, 6960 subjects with mean age of 24.7 +/- 18.3 years participated in the study [response rate 74.53%]. The prevalence of bilateral blindness and low vision among 5-year and older population were 1.3% and 2.6%, respectively with a significant positive trend with age [P<0.001] and no significant difference by sex and residential area. The leading causes of visual impairment included cataracts [39%], refractive errors [37.9%] and amblyopia [23.6%]. A minority of cases were due to trauma [1.3%] and surgical complications [1.9%]. It is estimated that there are 28537 cases of bilateral blindness and 105995 people with low vision in Khoozestan province. The prevalence of blindness and low vision in this province is in an average rate as compared to similar countries. We recommend performing similar studies throughout the country and reinforce the need for expansion of health programs on prevention and control of visual impairment. These studies are necessary for the appropriate design of Vision 2020 program in Iran