Ocular status and functional adaptation of visually challenged children of a special school in Oman

We assessed the ocular status and visual adaptation among children studying at a school for visually disabled children in Muscat, Oman. This descriptive study was conducted in 2009-2010. We assessed the visual and ocular status of the participants. They were interviewed to elicit the past history of eye problems and management. They also expressed their visual adaptation in their 'day-to-day' life, and their ambitions. We examined and interviewed 47 participants [29 male and 18 female]. The mean age of the participants was 19.7 years [Standard deviation 5.9 years]. Twenty-six of them were blind since birth. Phthisical eyes, disfigured eyes and anophthalmic sockets were noted in 19, 58, and six eyes of participants. Twenty-six [55.5%] participants had visual disabilities due to genetic causes, since birth. In 13 participants, further investigations were needed to confirm diagnosis and determine further management After low vision training, 13 participants with residual vision could be integrated in the school with normal children. One participant was recommended stem cell treatment for visual restoration. Five children were advised reconstructive orbital surgery. The participants were not keen to use a white cane for mobility. Some participants, 16 / 28 [57%], with absolute blindness, were not able to read the Braille language. Singing and playing music were not very well-accepted hobbies among the participants. Nineteen participants were keen to become teachers. Children with visual disabilities need to be periodically assessed. The underlying causes of visual disabilities should be further explored to facilitate prevention and genetic counseling. Participants had visual adaptation for daily living and had ambitions for the future

Contact lens induced corneal ulcer management in a tertiary eye unit in Oman - a descriptive study

The corneal disease is a priority problem in Oman. We present patients with contact lens [CL] induced severe keratitis, admitted in the corneal unit of Al Nahdha Hospital in Oman. The study was conducted in 2005-2006. Ophthalmologists examined the eyes using slit lamp bio-microscope. Visual acuity was noted using Snellen's distance vision chart. Specimens of corneal scraping and CLs were sent for culture and sensitivity tests. Patients with severe keratitis were admitted and treated with medicines. Corneal and visual statuses were noted at the time of discharge from hospital and after six weeks. Numbers, percentages and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Pre- and post-treatment vision were compared using a scattergram. The 52 eyes of 15 males and 37 female patients with corneal ulcers were examined. Thirty-two patients were between 20 to 30 years of age. Only 13 [25%] patients had visited an ophthalmologist within 24 hours of developing severe keratitis. Seventeen [33%] had central ulcers and six [11.5%] had ulcer >/= 5 mm in size. Pseudomonas was found in 29 [55.8%] of CL and corneal material scraped from the eyes of 15 [28.8%] patients. Vision was < 6/60 [legally blind] in 12 [23.1%] eyes before and in five [9.6%] eyes after treatment. Twenty-six [50%] patients were lost to follow up. CL related severe keratitis causes visual disabilities. Prevention and proper records are essential. Treatment improves vision and hence facilities for management should be strengthened