[Keratoconus diagnosis criteria in ophthalmologist and optometrist]

To evaluate optometrist and ophthalmologist approach in KCN diagnosis. A questionnaire was introduced randomly to Iranian ophthalmologist and optometrist in two national and international congresses. The questionnaire consisted of 16 questions that some of them has related to KCN early diagnosis and lens fitting. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.594 in ophthalmologists and 0.603 among optometrist groups. 36.2% of optometrists and 18% of ophthalmologists believed that retinoscopic reflex is very important in KCN diagnosis. Bio-microscopy was believed to be important in 53.7% of optometrists and 48.7% of ophthalmologists. Corneal imaging was important in early diagnosis of KCN 55.8% of optometrists and 57.7% of ophthalmologists. Most of optometrists believed that retinoscopy is most important in KCN diagnosis. Both groups believed that bio-microscopy and corneal imaging are very important in KCN diagnosis. Educational courses should be considered for contact lens fitting, both for optometrists and ophthalmologists. Regular congresses and symposiums may be recommended

effect of loose tightening of drains on the infection rate

Infection has always been one of the major complications of surgical procedures and drains have been used to reduce the rate of post operative infections in spite of the fact that their efficacy is under question. In this study, we tried to investigate the role of a loose tightened drain to reduce the infection rate in comparison with an ordinary used drain and no use of drain. In this experimental study, the role of loose tightening of drain on infection was investigated through usage of blood agar plates, prospectively. Firstly, blood agar plates were prepared according to strict methods to guaranty sterility. Then, the plates were randomized into three groups in operating room and the drains were inserted into the plates while another surgical operation was being performed in the same place. The plates then were incubated for 3-5 days and the subsequent results were gathered and being analyzed using SPSS-10. Among total of 585 cases being investigated, 4 positive cultures were out of 197-in tightened drain group and 4 positive ones-out of 194-cases in ordinary placed drain group, while 10 positive ones in no-drain group were found. There was no significant difference between both two control groups [P=0.102]. Also, no significant difference was found between drain groups and no-drain group [P=0.122]. Among cases tested after 72 hour incubation, the rate of infection was zero but this ratio was 2 out of 88, and 4 out of 88 in ordinary drain group and in tightened drain group respectively. There were no significant differences among groups of 72 hour incubation. Among cases incubated for 5 days, in tightened drain group [109 cases] no growth was found and in ordinary drain group [106 cases] 2 positive cultures were reported, while no growth was found in no-drain group. There was significant difference among all 3 groups [P=0.001], while no significant difference was found among ordinary drain group and tightened drain group [P=0.242]. According to increased rate of infection in no-drain group incubated for 5 days, the role of incubation time in occurrence of colory growth is clearly proven. It also seems that statistically significant reduction the growth of microorganisms in the groups with drain recommends the usage of drains in the surgical sites that hematoma formation is probable. According to researchers' idea, the reduction in the rate of infection to zero in tightened drains incubated for 5 days although not significant, it can state the role of tightening of drains in decreasing the rate of infection

[ effect of loose tightening of drains on the infection rate]

Background: Infection has always been one of the major complications of surgical procedures and drains have been used to reduce the rate of post operative infections in spite of the fact that their efficacy is under question. In this study, we tried to investigate the role of a loose tightened drain to reduce the infection rate in comparison with an ordinary used drain and no use of drain

Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the role of loose tightening of drain on infection was investigated trough usage of blood agar plates, prospectively. Firstly, blood agar plates were prepared according to strict methods to guaranty sterility. Then, the plates were randomized into three groups in operating room and the drains were inserted into the plates while another surgical operation was being performed in the same place. The plates then were incubated for 3-5 days and the subsequent results were gathered and being analyzed using SPSS-10

Results: Among total of 585 cases being investigated, 4 positive cultures were -out of 197-in tightened drain group and 4 positive ones-out of 194-cases in ordinary placed drain group, while 10 positive ones in no-drain group were found. There was no significant difference between both two control groups [P=0.102]. Also, no significant difference was found between drain groups and no-drain group [P=O.122]. Among cases tested after 72 hour incubation, the rate of infection was zero but this ratio was 2 out of 88, and 4 out of 88 in ordinary drain group and in tightened drain group respectively. There were no significant differences among groups of 72 hour incubation. Among cases incubated for 5 days, in tightened drain group [109 cases] no growth was found and in ordinary drain group [106 cases] 2 positive cultures were reported, while no growth was found in no-drain group. There was significant difference among all 3 groups [P=0.001], while no significant difference was found among ordinary drain group and tightened drain group [P=0.242]

Conclusions: According to increased rate of infection in no-drain group incubated for 5 days, the role of incubation time in occurrence of clony growth is clearly proven. It also seems that statistically significant reduction in the growth of microorganisms in the groups with drain recommends the usage of drains in the surgical sites that hematoma formation is probable. According to researchers' idea, the reduction in the rate of infection to zero in tightened drains incubated for 5 days although not significant, it can state the role of tightening of drains in decreasing the rate of infection