Effectiveness of a modified therapeutic protocol for the management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis based on Bonini’s graded clinical severity

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified therapeutic protocol used for vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) based on severity as per Bonini grading system. Methods: This was a prospective observational clinical study conducted with 123 eyes of 63 patients. A meticulous clinical examination was performed, and data was documented in all the cases. Patients on known systemic atopy and antiallergic therapy were excluded from the study. Eyes with a clinical diagnosis of VKC were segregated based on Bonnini’s grading system. A treatment protocol was created depending on the grade of VKC. Therapeutic responses were documented at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. Grading of the eyes was performed in each visit. Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.85 years with a standard deviation of 4.48 years. Males were predominant, and 95.24% had bilateral manifestation. The palpebral component was the most common form of manifestation. Itching was the most common manifestation, followed by congestion, discharge, and papillae in a decreasing order. Also, 68% of patients were in grade 2, 14% in grade 3, 12% in grade 1, and the rest were in grade 4. Following the treatment protocol, 70% showed signs of significant improvement in grade by the end of 6 weeks, reaching 90% at the end of 6 months (P = 0.074) and 92% at the end of 12 months (P = 0.002). Also, 52.4% versus 77.8% of patients had no recurrence in the pre? versus posttreatment protocol and it was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Grading of VKC gives a clear evaluation of the severity and progression of the condition. Besides, significant improvement in the grades was observed with fewer incidences of recurrences following execution of the therapeutic protocol. Hence, it is essential to maintain a treatment protocol in our clinical practice to provide grade?based therapy and monitor accurate changes in the clinical condition

Rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac in a tertiary care hospital of India - A retrospective case study

Purpose: Though rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac is a rare disease across the globe, the frequency with which these patients come to the outpatient department in western Odisha is quite alarming. This study was undertaken to upgrade the knowledge about the clinical profile and management of rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac. Methods: This is a retrospective study comprising 32 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically proved cases of lacrimal sac rhinosporidiosis who were managed with dacryocystectomy with meticulous excision. Intraoperative copious irrigation with 5% povidone–iodine for 5 min and postoperative dapsone therapy for 3–6 months had been administered to all the patients. The mean follow?up period was 16.7 months. The study was conducted over 5 years from August 2015 to July 2020. Results: Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic protistan parasite, was found to be the causative agent. Males and females were affected equally. Children less than 10 years of age comprised 56.2% (18 cases). History of pond bathing was found in 100% of cases. The most common presentation was boggy swelling over the lacrimal sac. The involvement was unilateral in all the cases. None of the patients were found to have nasal involvement. In 65.6%, the lesion was limited within the sac. Recurrence was noted in 25% of cases. Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis of the lacrimal sac should be excluded in all patients presenting with boggy swelling of the lacrimal sac with a history of pond bath. The recurrence can be minimized by meticulous excision, intraoperative betadine, and postoperative dapsone therapy

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Clinical Profile And Management, A Prospective Study At A Tertiary Health Care Centre, Western Odisha

Purpose–To study the clinical prole and management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus over a period of two and half years in a tertiary health care centre. Material and methods- it is a prospective study done on 32 patients who were diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus clinically. Predisposing factors like diabetes mellitus, HIV, hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, anemia, patients having leukaemia and taking chemotherapy were evaluated. Result-Diabetes mellitus was commonest association. Common presentations were periorbital vesicular rash and corneal involvement. Conclusion: commonest presentation was periorbital vesicular rash. Systemic antivirals are efcacious in immunocompromised cases. . Patients were followed up for one year.

Keratomycosis caused by Blastoschizomyces capitatus.

Keratomycosis or fungal infections of cornea are common causes of ocular morbidity particularly in developing countries and in tropical climate. Traumatic inoculation is the predominant predisposing factor for this condition. Most of the cases are caused by filamentous fungi. Blastoschizomyces capitatus is one of the emerging fungal agents causing infection in different organ systems particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Barring one case of keratitis and melting of corneal graft there is no report of keratomycosis by B. capitatus. Here we present a case of keratomycosis caused by B. capitatus, which is the first such case reported from India.