Covid Related Distress and its Impact on Mental Health: A study based on early and late adolescents in Bangalore

The closure of educational institutions and social distancing norms have impacted the life of adolescents. Forced to stay at home, limited interaction with friends and online schooling are some of the factors that have affected their lives. While some researchers believe that the true extent of the impact on the mental health of the adolescent is still not clear, others propose that the impact will only be observable in later stages of their life. In an attempt to understand the impact of the COVID related distress factors on the mental well being of adolescents, the current study collected data from 100 early adolescents and 100 late adolescents. The COVID related distress factors were measured through an instrument designed for the same, while mental well being was measured through depression symptoms and general anxiety levels. The finings of the study identify the particular distress factors that have a significant impact on the mental well-being of adolescents. The findings also identify the factors that are significant in predicting the mental well-being of each category, separately.

Flap amputation for long-standing post-LASIK flap dislocation with epithelial ingrowth.

A man aged 26 years presented with complaints of diminution of vision in his right eye for 1 year following a fist injury. He had a history of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in both eyes 5 years earlier. On examination, his uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) in the right eye was 1.0 logMAR. Slit-lamp examination of the right eye revealed a superotemporal dislocation of the flap with coexisting epithelial ingrowth encroaching the pupillary area. Due to the presence of long-standing fixed flap folds, a flap amputation was performed along with removal of the epithelial ingrowth using 0.02% mitomycin C as adjunct. Postoperatively, the UDVA was 0.3 logMAR on day 1, which improved to 0.2 logMAR at 1 week. At 1 year, the UDVA was 0.2 logMAR improving to 0.1 logMAR with refraction, with minimal paracentral corneal haze and no signs of corneal ectasia.

Impact of Taping The Upper Mask Edge On Ocular Surface Stability and Dry Eye Symptoms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of taping the upper mask edge on ocular surface stability, dry eye symptomology, and tear osmolarity in N95 mask users. DESIGN: Prospective interventional before-and-after study. METHODS: Fifty eyes of 50 health care workers regularly using N95 masks were included. Preintervention, ocular surface parameters, subjective dry eye score, and visual acuity were assessed at the end of an 8-hour shift when the subjects used an N95 face mask without taping the upper edge. Next day, the upper edge of the N95 mask was taped to the nasal bridge in all subjects at the beginning of the 8-hour shift, and postintervention assessment was performed after the shift. The primary outcome measure was change in noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT). Secondary outcome measures were change in the symptom score, tear lipid layer thickness (LLT), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height (TMH), osmolarity, and visual acuity. RESULTS: Mean age of the cohort was 26.7 ± 3.67 years. Post-taping, significantly better ocular surface stability was observed in terms of NIBUT (P < .001), TBUT (P < .001), LLT (P < .001), TMH (P = .01), corneal staining score (P = .001), and tear osmolarity (P = .04). There was no significant change in visual acuity, Schirmer I, and Ocular Surface Disease Index score (P > .05). Symptom improvement was reported by 68% patients (SANDE version 2), which correlated well with change in NIBUT (r = 0.38; P = .005), TMH (r = 0.37; P = .007), LLT (r = 0.35; P = .01), and TBUT (r = 0.28; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Taping of the upper mask edge resulted in significantly better ocular surface stability, which correlated well with decrease in dry eye symptoms.

Mental Health in the Times of Corona: A model for Positive Mental Health During the Global Pandemic.

As the world comes to terms with the changes brought on by the appearance and spread of Covid-19, there is an increase in fear and anxiety levels. The World Health Organization has stressed on the need to focus on mental health, as the epidemic affects both young and old. One of the biggest challenges is that the situation has no precedent. This has led to the creation of uncertainty and doubt. The current study focusses on studying the positive mental health of the Indian population. For the study, the researchers have restricted the scope to include only Generation Y and Generation Z, as they form a majority of the working population and literature suggests that negative moods, stressors and apprehensions are far more prevalent among the younger sections of the society. The findings suggest that positive mental health is not dependent on gender or age. However, some of the dimensions do show significant variance. The researchers have also proposed a model of Positive Mental Health based on the dimensions of the Positive Mental Health Instrument.