Suture-related complications after penetrating keratoplasty at King Hussein Medical Center

To study suture related complications after penetrating Keratoplasty and their role in the success of corneal graft surgery, and to define postoperative management outlines. The descriptive study was conducted on patients who underwent penetrating Keratoplasty at King Hussein Medical Center in Amman, Jordan between March 2005 and February 2009. It included 75 patients, they were followed for suture related complications during their routine visits, the clinical findings recorded at follow up visits included epithelial erosions around sutures, sterile infiltrates, infectious keratitis, loose or broken sutures, and wound dehiscence after suture removal. Spontaneous loosening or breakage of sutures occurred in 12 patients [16%], at an average of 7 months post surgery. Suture related abscesses were seen in 4 patients [5.3%] at an average of 14 months. Sterile infiltrates were seen in 10 patients [13.3%] at an average of 6 months. Suture erosions over the nylon sutures were found in 6 patients [8%] at an average of 10 months, while four patients [5.3%] presented with broken sutures and leaking wound at an average of 10 months. Proper postoperative care is important for a successful penetrating keratoplasty. Suture related complications frequently occur after penetrating keratoplasty. Prompt and proper management is essential and will result in earlier visual rehabilitation and greater long-term graft survival

Awareness of blindness related to smoking

To explore the level of knowledge about the relation between smoking and eye disease. Across sectional survey using an interview questionnaire in an out-patient department at Queen Alia Military Hospital attending general medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology and family medicine clinics. The questionnaire included information about age, gender, academic level and awareness of relation of smoking to three well known diseases [lung cancer, coronary artery diseases, stroke] in addition to blindness. Deafness was added as a distracter condition. Four hundred and twenty eight attendees participated in the study, 200 of them were in the waiting area of ophthalmology clinic and 228 were in the waiting area of the other clinics, 62% were males and 38% were females. The age of attendees ranged between 19 years and 85 years. The mean age was [39.2 yrs]. About 31% were smokers and 69% were non-smokers. A total of 95%, 93%, 73% participants stated that smoking can cause cancer, heart disease and stroke respectively. Only 18% and 14.4% of patients stated that smoking may cause blindness and deafness respectively. A total 52% of patients were having lung cancer as the most fearful related disease to smoking followed by heart disease [18.6%], then stroke [15%]. The least fearful related diseases were blindness in!4% of patients, followed by deafness in 2.3% of patients. Our results showed that people are aware that smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke; however awareness of the risk of blindness from smoking is relatively low. Public information campaigns and new pack warning that are novel and specific for blindness should be included on cigarette packs

Changing trends in the indications for corneal grafting at king Hussein medical center

To study the indications for corneal grafting at King Hussein Medical Center [KHMC] and any change in these indications after the introduction of intraocular lens implantation. Method: 614 cases who underwent corneal grafting at KHMC were reviewed retrospectively in the period between 1979-1994. They were divided into two series: [1979-1987] period and [1988-1994] period. Keratoconus was the most common indication for corneal grafting accounting for 48% of cases in the first series. Keratoconus was also the most common indication accounting for 53% in the second series but there was a rise in bullous keratopathy from less than 1% in the first series to 13% in the second series. Keratoconus remains the most common indication for corneal grafting, bullous keratopathy has evolved as an indication for corneal grafting after the introduction of intraocular lens implantation

Secreening of visual acuity deficit among students in jordanian schools

To study the rate of occurrence of correctable visual acuity deficit in school children between 7-18 years of age in rural areas of Jordan. Using the illiterate E chart and a pinhole screening technique. 2150 school children were screened. 15 [0.7%] were wearing proper glasses while 48 [2%] were found to have correctable undetected visual acuity deficit. Of those who have correctable undetected visual acuity deficit, 80% were unaware of it. 13% were aware and were given glasses but refused to wear them. In 7% glasses were unavailable. Routine sight tests in state schools are ineffective and need to be revived as this may affect educational and social progress of school children