Frequency of glaucoma in children with vernal conjunctivitis using steroids

To determine the frequency of glaucoma in children with vernal conjunctivitis using topical steroids, referred to a tertiary eye care centre. Descriptive case series. This study was carried out at department of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University Eye Hospital Hyderabad, Sindh - Pakistan, from July 2002 to December 2004 [Thirty months]. A total of 200 patients with chronic allergic conjunctivitis using topical steroids [Betamethasone, Dexamethasone, Prednisolone] for more than six months were examined. A thorough examination including visual acuity, Goldmann applanation tonometry, Schiot'z tonometry, Gonioscopy, slit lamp examination and dilated Ophthalmoscopy were performed. Out of 200 patients examined, fifteen [7.5%] were found having raised intraocular pressure [secondary glaucoma] due to prolonged use of topical steroids. The rise of intraocular pressure was bilateral in three patients [1.5%], and unilateral in twelve patients [6.0%]. The topical steroids were discontinued. One patient with vernal conjunctivitis using topical steroids since more than two years developed left optic disc pallor with constriction of visual field, and posterior sub capsular cataract. The intraocular pressure was not controlled by ocular hypotensive agents, and glaucoma filtration surgery was advised. This study identifies the risk of intraocular pressure elevation in patients with allergic conjunctivitis, using topical steroids for longer periods. Long term use of topical and systemic steroids produces secondary open angle glaucoma similar to chronic simple glaucoma. We can conclude that Dexamethasone and Prednisolone are possible risk factors for producing glaucoma

Metallic intraocular foreign body removal by magnet V/A trans scleral pars plana approach

A young man working in a workshop sustained penetrating injury to his left eye and reported within 12 hours to Eye Hospital. Plain X-ray orbit confirmed the presence of intraocular foreign body near pars plana. Corneal wound of entry was repaired with 10/0 suture. The intraocular foreign body was removed by magnet through trans scleral magnet via pars plana approach without 3 port vitrectomy procedure. Mild traumatic endophthalmitis was controlled by intravitreal injection of Vancomycin 1mg/0.1ml, along with topical antibiotic and steroid therapy. After 6 weeks, extraction of soft traumatic cataract and posterior chamber lens implantation was done. Best-corrected vision of 6/12 was achieved

Prevalence of trachoma in thar desert area of Sindh

To determine the prevalence of trachoma in a given population. A cross - sectional study. Department of Ophthalmology, Civil Hospital, Mirpurkhas - Sindh from January to December 2001. A total of four thousand [4000] patients of different age groups undergone a clinical examination of anterior eye during study period. Those with the clinical findings of trachoma underwent further detailed examination including visual acuity, tonometry and dilated ophthalmoscopy. The diagnosis of different stages of trachoma was confirmed clinically using simplified trachoma grading system of World Health Organization. Out of 4000 patients, 515 [12.87%] were found having clinical findings of trachoma. Among these, 215 [41.74%] were male and 300 [58.25%] female patients. The prevalence of active trachoma was higher in female children. Trachoma has become endemic in the increasing poor population of District Tharparkar. The disease is increasing due to deficient water supply, poor sanitation and unhygienic living standards of the people of area