Association of sunlight exposure with visual impairment in an Indian fishing community

Purpose: Indian fishermen belong to a marginalized population and are continuously exposed to extreme occupational hazards and sunlight. A high prevalence of visual impairment (VI) is reported in the coastal fishing community. We aimed to investigate the association between VI and sunlight exposure measurement (SEM). Methods: In this cross?sectional observational study, 270 eyes of 135 participants were enrolled from a coastal fishing village. Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, which included best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anterior and posterior segment examination. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and SEM questionnaire were administered to estimate the level of dry eye and ultraviolet?B (UV?B) exposure, respectively. VI was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] > 0.3). Results: The mean age and spherical equivalent were 50.56 ± 11.72 years (range: 18–80 years) and 0.36 ± 1.68 diopters (D) (range: ?7.0 to +3.0 D), respectively. Age, SEM, OSDI, fishing as an occupation, and cataract were significantly associated with higher odds of VI in univariate analysis. Refraction, gender, education level, smoking status, amblyopia, systematic, and other ocular diseases were not significantly associated with VI. In the multivariate analysis, age, SEM, and presence of cataract remained significantly associated with a higher risk for VI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for age and SEM scores demonstrate a fair index of discrimination for the detection of VI. Conclusion: SEM level is directly associated with a higher risk of VI among fishermen. The fishing community might benefit from regular eye examinations and awareness about the harmful effects of sunlight exposure and preventive measures.

Vision related quality-of-life among patients with traumatic or non-traumatic ocular disease and its association with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act: Unveiling-the-hidden

Purpose: To assess vision?related quality of life (VrQoL) in cases with visual loss after ocular trauma (OT) or non?traumatic ocular disease (NTOD) using the National Eye Institute’s 25?Item Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (VFQ?25) and its association with visual disability % (VD%) based on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted among cases with ocular morbidity in either or both eyes with a visual acuity of ?6/24. VFQ?25 questionnaire was administered to measure QoL scores. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Eighty-eight respondents completed the questionnaire. Mean age of participants was 40.272 ± 9.35 years (range: 23–55 years). Forty?three (48.9%) and 45 (51.1%) participants had OT and NTOD, respectively. The most common cause was traumatic optic neuropathy (21.6%) followed by corneal causes (19.4%). Low visual QoL scores were reported in all the cases (57.52 ± 16.08). Between OT and NTOD, a significant difference in terms of age (P = 0.001) and general vision (P = 0.03) was seen. Lowest scores were for driving. Based on VD%, 77 cases had ?40 and the rest had >40% VD with a significant difference in overall mean scores (P = 0.03), specifically in domains of general vision (P = 0.00), near activities (P = 0.00), and driving (P = 0.007). QoL was decreased in each subscale of ?40%VD group, who faced the same predicament everywhere as by the cases with more disability. Conclusion: Ocular morbidity is associated with low QoL, predominantly in domains like general vision, near activities and driving. The RPwD Act leaves out a huge population with VD without any government benefits. One might need to consider other vision?related factors also to provide them with social, psychological, and employment benefits.

Molecular characterization of bacterial microbiota associated with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in Michoacán, Mexico / Caracterización molecular de la microbiota bacteriana asociada con queratoconjuntivitis infecciosa bovina en Michoacán, México / Caracterização molecular da microbiota bacteriana associada à ceratoconjuntivite bovina infecciosa em Michoacán, México

Abstract Background: The most common ocular disease affecting cattle worldwide is infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), which has been associated with Moraxella bovis bacterium. Objective: To report the molecular characterization of the ocular bacterial microbiota and its relation to IBK in cattle in two dairy regions in Michoacán, Mexico. Methods: A total population of 761 bovines were evaluated, of which 17 (2.23%) showed symptoms of IBK. Thirty-eight bacterial isolates from ocular samples of bovines with IBK were characterized by Gram-staining and antimicrobial sensitivity. In addition, isolates were identified by sequence comparisons of the 16S ribosomal gene. Results: The genus Moraxella was one of the most abundant bacteria and M. bovoculi was the most predominant species. Conclusion: The bacterial isolates identified in eye lesions of cattle and associated to IBK are diverse. To the author´s knowledge, this is the first study on the subject in Mexico; therefore, more research is needed to estimate the incidence of IBK and determine its associated microbiota.

Resumen Antecedentes: la enfermedad ocular más común que afecta al ganado en todo el mundo es la queratoconjuntivitis infecciosa bovina (IBK), que se ha asociado con la bacteria Moraxella bovis. Objetivo: reportar la caracterización molecular de la microbiota bacteriana ocular y su relación con IBK en ganado de dos regiones lecheras en Michoacán, México. Métodos: se evaluó una población total de 761 bovinos de los cuales 17 (2,23%) mostraron síntomas de IBK. Se obtuvieron treinta y ocho aislamientos bacterianos de muestras oculares de bovinos con IBK, los cuales se caracterizaron por tinción de Gram y sensibilidad antimicrobiana. Además, los aislamientos se identificaron mediante comparaciones de secuencias del gen ribosomal 16S. Resultados: el género Moraxella fue una de las bacterias más abundantes y M. bovoculi fue la especie más predominante. Conclusión: los aislamientos bacterianos identificados en lesiones oculares de bovinos y asociados a IBK son diversos. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer estudio sobre el tema realizado en México; por lo tanto, es necesario ampliar esta investigación para estimar la incidencia de IBK y determinar la microbiota asociada con la misma.

Resumo Antecedentes: a doença ocular mais comum que afeta o gado no mundo é a ceratoconjuntivite bovina (IBK), que tem sido associada à bactéria Moraxella bovis. Objetivo: relatar a caracterização molecular da microbiota bacteriana ocular e sua relação com a IBK em bovinos de duas regiões leiteiras de Michoacán, México. Métodos: foi avaliada uma população total de 761 bovinos, más apenas 17 (2,23%) apresentaram sintomas de IBK. Trinta e oito isolados bacterianos de amostras de olho bovino com IBK foram caracterizados por coloração de Gram e sensibilidade antimicrobiana. Além disso, os isolados foram identificados por comparação de sequências do gene ribossômico 16S. Resultados: a microbiota bacteriana associada à IBK foi diversa, sendo o gênero Moraxella uma das mais abundantes e M. bovoculi a espécie predominante. Conclusão: de acordo com o conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro estudo sobre o tema no México até o momento, portanto é necessário expandir essa pesquisa para estimar a incidência de IBK e determinar a microbiota associada à mesma.

Clinical significance and recent research advances of anti-VEGF treatment in ophthalmology / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs have been used to treat various ophthalmic diseases, especially in the treatment of vascular proliferative ophthalmopathy. Anti-VEGF drugs can significantly inhibit the formation of new blood vessels and reduce retinal edema, thereby improving the patient's vision. However, their long-term therapeutic effect and safety require longer-term follow-up and research. This article reviews the application and research progress of anti-VEGF drugs in ophthalmology and provides references for clinical application and further research.

Progress in research on persistent corneal epithelial defects / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Persistent corneal epithelial defect(PED/PCEDs)is an eye disease that fails to form corneal epithelium rapidly even after 10-14d of corneal injury. Corneal protective epithelial destruction and stromal layer damage can easily lead to eye infection, stromal ulcer, perforation, scar formation, and even blindness. At present, clinicians still face considerable challenges in treating PED patients. Standard treatments such as wearing bandaged contact lenses and using artificial tears, while newly developed drugs can promote the formation of various growth factors to re-form the cornea, and further cooperate with the corresponding surgery to provide innervation for the cornea. In order to achieve the effect of treatment. In addition, treatment should be carried out as soon as possible after the diagnosis of PED to avoid secondary complications. This article reviews the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestation, treatment and prognosis of persistent corneal epithelial defect.

Dynamics of eye disease among patients between 2016 and 2018 / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

Background@#Eye diseases constitute one of the common health problems presenting to the general practice clinic and could have significant socioeconomic consequences@*Objective@#The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of different eye diseases among patients attending the Ophthalmic Outpatient Clinic of the Second General Hospital of Mongolia from 2016 to 2018.@*Methods@#This study was carried out on 12271 patients recruited from the ophthalmic outpatient clinic of the Second General Hospital of Mongolia. The study was performed from January 2016 to December 2018. All participants were subjected to fulfilling a demographic data, a detailed ophthalmological history and a complete Ophthalmological Examination.@*Results and conclusions@#Cataract are the most common eye disease among the study group followed by the refractive error and glaucoma. The prevalence of blindness and low vision was higher in elder groups and the leading cause of bilateral blindness were glaucoma. To decrease the incidence and prevalence of ocular morbidity, it is necessary to establish an eye center in the community

Pattern of ocular diseases in Ulziit soum, Arkhangai province, Mongolia / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

Background@#The lower socioeconomic status and long distance to eye care facility of the rural dwellers in many communities in developing countries accounts for the increase in the number of preventable and avoidable causes of blindness. It is widely believed that the best option to reduce blindness and visual impairment in these communities is to bring eye care services to their doorsteps in the form of outreach programs. @*Aims@#To assess the pattern of eye diseases presenting at a free eye outreach in a rural community of Mongolia.@*Methods@#A retrospective, descriptive study was carried out on the findings of 2-day outreach programs at Medical Center of Ulziit village, Arkhangai province of Mongolia. Patient history including sociodemographic data and comprehensive eye examination were done in the study group.@*Results@#The most common ocular disorder in the study group was external eye diseases including conjunctivitis. There were more females seen at the free eye outreach clinic and majority of participants were 45-59 years old. @*Conclusion@#In sparsely densely countries like Mongolia, outreach screening programs for ocular morbidity is crucial to decrease low vision and blindness.

Ocular Morbidity Profile of elderly attendees of the teaching hospital of SGT University, Gurugram

Introduction: Quantum of ocular morbidity in India especially in elderly has been increasingly high year over, probably due to their increasing population, higher longevity and unavailability of timely ophthalmic care as well as increasing life expectancy. Materials & Methods: The present study was thus designed to study the ocular morbidity profile of elderly people attending SGT Hospital, Gurugram. A hospital based cross-sectional study on ocular morbidities among elderly was conducted at Medical College Hospital, SGT University, Budhera, Gurugram, Haryana for a period of one year, from June 2017 to May 2018 after the institutional ethical clearance. A total of 1236 elderly patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled, out of which 841 subjects were willing to participate in the study. All selected cases were subjected to history taking, personal interview, detailed ocular examination and necessary investigations as required. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi-info software. Results: Out of total 841 study participants, 433 (51.9%) were males and 408 (48.1%) were females with a male to female ratio of 1.06:1 with no statistical significant difference between the age groups and the gender. Refractive error was found to be the most common ocular morbidity among all the study participants followed by cataract, corneal opacity, retinopathies, glaucoma and ARMD. The other ocular morbidities were pterygium, dry eye, conjunctivitis, meibomitis, blindness, dacryocystitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, entropion and blepharitis respectively. Thus It is required to define the priorities for eye care services based on the current population-based data.

Nanotechnology-based strategies for treatment of ocular disease

Ocular diseases include various anterior and posterior segment diseases. Due to the unique anatomy and physiology of the eye, efficient ocular drug delivery is a great challenge to researchers and pharmacologists. Although there are conventional noninvasive and invasive treatments, such as eye drops, injections and implants, the current treatments either suffer from low bioavailability or severe adverse ocular effects. Alternatively, the emerging nanoscience and nanotechnology are playing an important role in the development of novel strategies for ocular disease therapy. Various active molecules have been designed to associate with nanocarriers to overcome ocular barriers and intimately interact with specific ocular tissues. In this review, we highlight the recent attempts of nanotechnology-based systems for imaging and treating ocular diseases, such as corneal d iseases, glaucoma, retina diseases, and choroid diseases. Although additional work remains, the progress described herein may pave the way to new, highly effective and important ocular nanomedicines.

Epigenetics—the new era of biomedical and ophthalmological research / 中华实验眼科杂志

Epigenetics is a researching hot topic of worldwide now.Increasing evidence shows that the pathogenesis of human diseases is not only influenced by the abnormalities of genetic factors but also by epigenetic mechanisms.Recent technological advances in epigenomic profiling has led to further understanding of the role epigenetic factors played in development,inflammation,aging,immunity,angiogenesis,tumorigenesis,and stem cell biology.The researchers in ophthalmology should pay close attention to the current research of major epigenetic mechanisms and their involvement in human diseases,especially ocular diseases.Moreover,the potential application of epigenetic drugs in the treatment of common human diseases also should be understood.Finally,the challenges and future perspectives underlying epigenetic research are discussed in this editorial paper.

Advance in gene therapy of ocular disease / 中华实验眼科杂志

Currently,31 clinical trials have been approved,most of them are still in progress.Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) has been conducted to phase Ⅲ clinical trials,the longest follow-up time was 6 years.A multicenter clinical trial about choroideremia has achieved positive effect.Retinitis pigmmentosa (RP) has been conducted to phase Ⅰ clinical trials.Gene therapy for phase Ⅰ clinical trials of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have achieved encouraging results.RNA interference and optimized gemini surfactant-phospholipid nanoparticles(GL-NPs) have been applied to gene therapy for glaucoma and have achieved good effects.In this paper,laboratory and clinical research progress of gene therapy of LCA,RP,choroideremia and AMD,glaucoma are reviewed,including gene therapy drug delivery methods,gene carrier and common animal models,etc.Viral vectors have been widely used,the potential risk associated with immunogenicity and mutagenesis,the differences of individual reaction have promoted the exploration of a safer and more efficient method.Especially,the emergence of gene editing technology will bring a profound effect to gene therapy of eye disease field.

The role of inflammation and aging in age-related macular degeneration and uveal melanoma / 中华实验眼科杂志

Many eye diseases are age-related,and as the aging population increases faster than any other age group,ophthalmologists will be faced with increasing numbers of patients.If we can prevent the development of agerelated eye diseases,we can contribute a lot to a better health of elderly people.In order to do that,we have to better understand why diseases such as macular degeneration,glaucoma,and uveal melanoma develop especially in the elderly.We studied the behaviour and characteristics of eyes of old and young mice,and showed that inflammation is part of normal aging,but also increases the risk to develop eye diseases.An environmental factor that increases inflammation is smoking.Inflammation contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and may play a role in glaucoma;uveal melanoma that contain many macrophages and lymphocytes carry an increased risk of metastases.Subsequent experimental work in animals shows that macrophages play an essential role in choroidal/retinal inflammation,and in intraocular tumor growth.Macrophages can be separated into M1 macrophages that stimulate specific immune responses,and M2 macrophages that stimulate angiogenesis.During aging,macrophages shift from primarily an M1 function to an M2 function,and the increased pro-angiogenic function may play a role in AMD and tumor development.Learning how to influence macrophage function will help to reduce the effect of aging and may help to prevent age-related ocular diseases.

Cultured Organisms and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Infectious Ocular Disease: Results Over a Ten-Year Period

PURPOSE: To investigate the ocular regional incidence, causative species and antibiotic susceptibility in patients with infectious ocular disease whose causative organism was isolated. METHODS: A total of 519 eyes in 519 patients with infectious ocular disease, who were diagnosed by smears and cultures from January 2000 to December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 519 patients was 54.0 years, and 66.1% of the patients were male. The most common systemic disease was diabetes mellitus. The most common previous ocular disease was keratoconjunctivitis. Specimens were most frequently swabbed from the cornea, where 81.2% were bacteria isolates and 18.8% fungi isolates. The most prevalent causative organism was Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the most prevalent fungus was Fusarium species. Vancomycin, ceftazidime, and fourth-generation fluoroquinolone maintained high antibiotic susceptibility. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis were increasing near the end of the reference period, and endophthalmitis was more common in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the causative organism in infectious ocular disease by smears and cultures is essential. More effective treatment of infectious ocular disease would be possible by analyzing the frequent organism, clinical manifestations, and antibiotic susceptibility. More caution is necessary due to the increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus.

Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction-mediated gene delivery system: application to therapy for ocular disease.

Background: Ocular disorders have greatest potential for benefit from gene therapy. The major obstacle in the clinical application of gene therapy is not due to the lack of an ideal gene, but rather the lack of a clinically safe and efficient gene transfer method. Ultrasound (US) targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD)-mediated gene delivery system as a noninvasive gene transfer method is now widely used in gene therapy of cardiovascular disease, muscular tissue, and tumor, and proved to effectively enhance gene transfer in various studies in vitro and in vivo. However, it is just the beginning of application for ophthalmological disease. Objective: Review the latest advancements in UTMD-mediated ocular gene transfection and discuss mechanisms of UTMD involved in gene transfection, obstacles, and limitations to the use of this technology, as well as the perspectives for future applications of UTMD-mediated gene delivery system. Methods: Summarize published literature concerning UTMD-mediated ocular gene transfection. Results: UTMD is an effective and safe gene delivery method of therapy for ocular diseases. Considerable progress has been made in US or UTMD-mediated viral and nonviral ocular gene delivery to retina, like recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) and nanoparticles as nonviral gene carriers. In addition, UTMD has potential for producing the blood-retinal barrier opening and serves as a promising method for intravenous ocular gene delivery. Conclusion: UTMD-mediated gene delivery system could effectively enhance gene transfer into ocular tissue. Though several problems remain to be solved, UTMD is a promising technology for the targeted gene therapy of ocular disease.

Ophthalmic alterations in horses with leptospirosis by serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Alterações oftálmicas em cavalos com leptospirose por serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae no Rio de Janeiro

The objective of the study was to determine the association between clinical ophthalmic alterations and seroreactivity to leptospirosis by serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae in horses in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 199 horses were studied. A microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to detect specific anti-Leptospira antibodies in blood serum. A total of 107 (53.8 percent) horses were seroreactive (titres > 200); 54 had high (> 800) titres, of which 44 were against serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. Forty-two out of these 44, plus 40 seronegative horses (titers < 100) were given detailed ophthalmic examinations. Epiphora, ocular congestion, blepharospasm, photophobia, and peripapillary focal depigmentation were the most frequent alterations in seroreactive horses. Most ocular alterations were significantly more frequent in seroreactive horses. Horses seroreactive for leptospirosis (serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae) had a significantly higher prevalence of ophthalmic alterations than seronegative horses, providing additional evidence for an association between leptospirosis and equine uveitis.

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a associação entre as alterações clínicas oftalmológicas e sororeatividade a leptospirose por serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae em cavalos no Rio de Janeiro. Um total de 199 animais foi estudado. O Teste da Aglutinação Microscópica foi utilizado para detectar anticorpos específicos anti-Leptospira no soro dos animais. Um total de 107 (53,8 por cento) dos cavalos foram sororeativos (títulos >200); 54 tinham títulos elevados (>800), dos quais 44 foram reativos contra o serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. Quarenta e dois dentre estes 44, mais 40 cavalos soronegativos (títulos <100) foram submetidos ao exame oftalmológico. Epífora, congestão ocular, blefarospasmo, fotofobia, e despigmentação focal peripapilar foram as alterações mais frequentes nos animais sororeativos. Muitas alterações oculares foram significativamente mais frequentes em cavalos sororeativos. Animais sororeativos para leptospirose (serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae) tinham uma prevalência significativamente elevada de alterações oftálmicas em relação aos animais soronegativos, fornecendo evidências adicionais para associação entre leptospirose e uveíte equina.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Dyslexia in Korea : Correlation With Meares-Irlen Syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the main symptoms and associated ocular diseases in patients with dyslexia (reading difficulty) in Korean subjects. METHODS: A total of 16 patients were enrolled in the present study. Eleven of the patients with Meares-Irlen syndrome whose symptoms improved with tinted lenses comprised Group 1. The other 5 patients whose reading difficulty improved with other ocular therapy and did not require tinted lenses comprised Group 2. The main symptoms causing dyslexia and associated ocular diseases were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 18.9 +/- 8.9 years in Group 1, and 20.4 +/- 12.3 years in Group 2. In Group 1, the most common symptoms while reading were doubling (72%), difficulty to move lines (46%), letter reversal (27%) and blurring or ocular pain (27%). On the other hand, blurring (100%) with fatigue or pain (20%) was documented in Group 2. The associated ocular diseases in Group 1 and Group 2 were refractive error (63% and 20%), dry eye (18% and 60%), and exophoria (18% and 60%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Doubling and difficulty to move lines while reading were the main specific symptoms in Meares-Irlen syndrome in the present study. Refractive error, dry eye, and exophoria were commonly associated in patients with dyslexia.

Estado nutricio de vitamina A en preescolares con padecimientos oculares / Nutritional status of vitamin A in preschoolers with ocular diseases

El propósito del estudio fue evaluar el estado nutricio de vitamina A en preescolares con padecimientos oculares que acuden al Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. En estudio transversal analítico se incluyeron por conveniencia 100 sujetos (24-71 meses) con padecimiento ocular. El consumo de vitamina A (VA), energía y macro nutrimentos se estimó con una encuesta dietética de recordatorio de 24 horas (EDR-24h). Mediante cromatografía líquida de alta presión (HPLC) se determinó la concentración sérica de retinol y se realizó una citología de impresión conjuntival (CIC) por un patólogo entrenado en la técnica. Se estimaron los índices talla/edad y peso/talla (Puntaje z) y se utilizaron las pruebas de ANOVA, U de Mann Whitney y de correlación de Spearman. Fueron niñas 44,1 por ciento y varones 55.9 por ciento. Los padecimientos oculares más frecuentes fueron: estrabismo (41,9 por ciento), conjuntivitis (19,4 por ciento) y padecimientos congénitos (17,2 por ciento). Según la EDR-24 h el consumo de vitamina A fue de 374 µg/día ± 706; la concentración de Retinol sérico 30 µg/dL ± 7,6 y CIC fue normal en 75,6 por ciento. Sólo 3.2 por ciento a 3,5 por ciento presentaron deficiencia de VA (concentración de retinol y CIC). No hubo asociación entre padecimientos oculares y deficiencia de VA. Hubo correlación positiva entre consumo de vitamina A e índice peso/talla (r = 0,244). En conclusión, la mayoría de los preescolares cubrió la ingestión recomendada de vitamina A, la deficiencia de esta vitamina fue baja y no se asoció a padecimientos oculares.

SUMMARY The purpose was to evaluate the nutritional status of vitamin A in preschool children with ocular diseases attending to the Hospital Civil of Guadalajara. In a cross sectional design 100 preschool children between 24 and 71 mo of age with ocular diseases were included. Vitamin A intake was evaluated by 24 h dietetic recall, plasma Retinol concentration by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC); and, conjunctiva impression cytology (CIC) was carried out by a trained pathologist. ANOVA and U Mann Whitney tests, and also Spearman correlations were estimated. There were 44.1 percent females and 55,9 percent males. Strabismus was the most common disease (41,9 percent), conjunctivitis (19,4 percent), and congenital diseases (17,2 percent). The mean intake of Vitamin A was 374 µg/d ± 706 and the serum concentration of retinol was of 30 µg/dL ± 7,6; CIC was normal in 75,6 percent. The percentage of vitamin A deficiency was 3,2 percent according to the serum concentration of Retinol and 3,5 percent to the CIC criteria. It was not association between the nutritional status of vitamin A and ocular diseases. A positive correlation between vitamin A intake and weight/height index (r = 0,244) was found. In conclusion, most preschool children covered the dietary reference intake recommendation of vitamin A; deficiency of this vitamin was lower and, it was not associated to ocular diseases.

Advance in Epidemiology Survey of Ocular Diseases (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#The incidence trend of different kinds of ocular diseases is different among areas and races.Study on the epidemiology survey of ocular diseases is meaningful for prevention,etiology,diagnosis and treatment of diseases,and also can provide the theoretical basis for the administration to establish preventive policies.This review summarized the results of the epidemiology survey of ocular diseases from different countries in recent years.

Treatment of Herpes Simplex Ocular Disease with Ganciclovir Ophthalmic Gel

PURPOSE: We report the therapeutic effect of ganciclovir gel instead of acyclovir ointment usually used in the case of herpes simplex superficial ocular disease such as herpetic dendritic keratitis and erosive blepharitis. METHODS: Three patients clinically diagnosed with herpes simplex dendritic keratitis and one as erosive blepharitis were treated with the topical ophthalmic gel of 0.15% ganciclovir three times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. Ocular complications and recurrence were evaluated under slit-lamp examination for the follow-up periods. RESULTS: Dendritic keratitis and erosive blepharitis were completely recovered with no recurrence during the 5 months follow-up. There is no respective comparison here. In one case of herpes simplex keratitis, the keratitis wound was repaired after debridement of corneal epithelial layer and application of ganciclovir gel. Complications including burning sensation and superficial punctate keratitis did not develop and visual acuity improved. CONCLUSIONS: Ganciclovir ophthalmic gel should be considered one of the effective therapeutic drugs for the herpes simplex ocular disease.

Vision Screening in the Elderly and Operations for the Blind: Results in the Year of 2003

PURPOSE: To report the results of vision screening in the elderly and operations for the blind in 2003. METHODS: A nation-wide, indigent aged group of over 65-year-old of low-income population was surveyed. Visual acuity was tested, refractive error was measured, and ocular examination was performed to determine the group needed for operation. RESULTS: Among the indigent subjects who live in urban or rural community, 7, 750 subjects aged over 65 years old were examined by the ophthalmologists. For those screened, the most common ocular disease was cataract (4, 383 subjects, 45.4%), followed by conjunctival and scleral disease (1, 741 eyes, 18%), retinal disease (434 eyes, 4.5%), refractive errors (374 eyes, 3.9%). Surgery was performed on 1, 813 eyes of 1, 109 subjects, and these were classified by the disease category. Surgery for cataract was performed on 1, 762 eyes (97.2%), and for retinal disease on 51 eyes (2.8%). The visual acuity change after cataract surgery was 0.23 +/- 0.15 preoperatively and 0.64 +/- 0.25 postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Among the geriatric public health problem in eye care services, the most prevalent cause of visual impairment was senile cataract, for which the vision can be improved by surgery. Therefore, continuous vision screening and surgery for the blind among this group are important and should be performed more extensively.