The association between the duration of using ocular prosthesis and upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth

Background: Ocular prosthesis is needed to replace the content of eyeball lost due to several factors. Adequate retention of ocular prosthesis requires an adequate upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the association between the duration of using ocular prosthesis and upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in 30 anophthalmic socket patients aged 22–77 that using ocular prosthesis more than 6 months. The contralateral eye with healthy socket was chosen as a control group. Upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth were measure using fornicometer. We design a fornix depth measurer for objective measurement of upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth. Results: From 30 anophthalmic socket patients, males were about 14 times more often than female, with the average age that was 51. The mean upper conjunctival fornix depth in males was 10.8 ± 0.6 and lower conjunctival fornix depth was 6.2 ± 0.8. The mean upper conjunctival fornix depth in females was 10.80± 0.6 and lower conjunctival fornix depth was 5.5 ± 0.7. There is medium relationship between upper conjunctival fornix depth and the duration of using prosthesis (cc = −0.435; P = 0.016) and there is high relationship between lower conjunctival fornix depth and the duration of using prosthesis (cc = −0.551; P = 0.002). Conclusions: There was a significant association between the duration of using ocular prosthesis and upper and lower conjunctival fornix depth.

Prevalent congenital anomalies and metabolic disorders among live-born neonates in hospitals in General Santos City, Philippines (2009-2012)

OBJECTIVES: Birth defects are among the leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity in the Philippines. While affected infants make up a sizable portion of live births in General Santos City (GSC), no information is available about their actual numbers. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap about the prevalence and nature of congenital anomalies (CAs) and congenital metabolic disorders (CMDs) in the city from 2009 to 2012. METHODS: A retrospective study of in-patient records from six(6) medical facilities was done for CA/CMD cases from 2009-2012. Among the CMDs tested were congenital hypothyroidism (CH), congenital adrenal hyperlasia (CAH), galactosemia (GAL), hyperphenyalaninemia (HPA), phenylkentonuria  (PKU) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD def). RESULT: Collected data revealed 109 cases of CAs with limb deformities, oro-facial clefting and neural tube disorders comprising majority of cases. There were 878 reported cases of CMDs with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD def) as the most prevalent at 829 cases. There was also a preponderance of CAs/CMDs in a government hospital for the indigent. CONCLUSION: These result underscore the emergence of CAs and CMDs as a major health problem among newborns in GSC. Higher incidences of birth defects in one district hospital also reveal a tentative link between CA/CMD incidence and socioeconomic status. It is of paramount importance therefore, to undertake expansion of the newborn screening program and to establish local birth registries so that a more comprehensive and realistic picture of CA/CMD prevalence in the city will be obtained.

Iris melanoma in children: current approach to management

Iris melanoma usually affects middle aged, Caucasian patients with light colored eyes. Pediatric iris melanoma is rare. A 15-year-old Caucasian male presented with 1-month history of a brown nodule in the inferotemporal aspect of his left eye. Iris nevus was diagnosed, and the patient was observed. Nearly 2 years later the lesion had grown in basal diameter and thickness, and the tumor was excised by partial lamellar scleral flap and sector iridectomy. Histopathology confirmed spindle cell iris melanoma. Two years post-operatively, tumor recurrence with anterior chamber angle involvement and secondary glaucoma developed. He was then treated with custom designed Iodine[125] plaque radiotherapy. This case demonstrates the recurrence of iris melanoma despite proper initial surgical management, and outlines current management options for pediatric iris melanoma