ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Blindness is one of the most widespread final pathways of diabetic retinopathy and its associated diabetic macular edema. The general practitioners are the first to encounter these diabetic patients. Fundoscopy is now considered as an ideal way for the diagnosis of patients with diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, this study was undertaken to know the ability and skills of general practitioners for the diagnosis and management of patients with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. METHODS: This study was conducted in all major cities in Qassim province of Saudi Arabia during January to May 2017. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the general practitioners' knowledge and practice for the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Questions related to referrals, diagnosis, and treatment options to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema were asked to the general practitioners. RESULTS: Of 96 general practitioners, 76 returned the questionnaire with a response rate of 79.2%. Only 26.3% general practitioners referred patients with type 1 diabetes to ophthalmologists as per guidelines set by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, whereas 74% of general practitioners showed good knowledge for referring patients with type 2 diabetes to ophthalmology clinics. Lack of knowledge was also noticed for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, as only 36.8% of general practitioners replied positive for dilated fundus examination option, whereas 78.9% of general practitioners chose laser photocoagulation as a treatment option. Similar response from them was observed for patients with diabetic macular edema. Furthermore, data also showed years in practice of general practitioners was well correlated with their knowledge for the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. CONCLUSION: The general practitioners included in this study showed lack of knowledge in handling patients with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Therefore, refresher courses are needed that highlight the acquisition of their skills in fundoscopy.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To review the management outcomes of black diaphragm intraocular (BDI) lens implantation in Arab patients with aniridia. METHODS: Patients with aniridia undergone BDI lens implantation at our institution between 2013 and 2014 were included. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated before and 6 months and yearly after BDI lens implant surgery until the last visit. Intra- and postoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: Our series comprised 14 patients (8 males) with aniridia. The median duration of follow-up was 30 months (25% quartile). Ocular parameters, refractive status, and vison were all significantly improved at the last follow-up compared to the preoperative values (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). All patients reported a significant decrease in photophobia and glare. Postoperatively, 11 eyes (78%) gained 2 or more lines of UCVA. At the last follow-up, BCVA increased by 2 or more lines in all cases. Early postoperative complications included main wound leakage (one eye) and anterior chamber hyphema (one eye). Late (≥6 months) complications included corneal decompensation (one eye), failed penetrating keratoplasty graft (2 eyes), and subluxation of a scleral fixated BDI lens (one eye). Surgical interventions performed to manage complications included penetrating keratoplasty in 2 eyes with corneal decompensation and failed graft (one each), and re-suturing of a subluxated intraocular lens (one eye). CONCLUSION: BDI lenses seem to be a safe and effective iris prosthetic with intraocular lens combination surgery for patients with congenital or traumatic aniridia. Periodic evaluation and prompt management of complications are recommended.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of various errors of refraction among the medical students studying at the college of medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Qassim University clinics over a period of two months. The study population comprised 162 male and female students from different academic years. The students were selected randomly so that around 35-40 students were taken from each academic class. The selected study population was explained the objectives of the study and a written consent form that stated the purpose, methods, risks, benefits, and the assurance of the confidentiality of the data was obtained from each student. After giving the consent, each subject was examined by auto refractometer. The examination was carried out by an optometrist without using cycloplegia. Both right and left eyes were thoroughly examined by auto refractometer and on the average three readings of the refraction measurements were taken. The readings were recorded on a data sheet of every individual, and the Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-two (162) students with a mean age of 22.44 years, Std 1.661 and a range of 8 (19-27) were included in the study. Of the total number, 111 (68.51%) were males and remaining 51 (31.48%) were females. Of the total sample, only 1 (0.617%) student had diabetes mellitus, and 6 (3.70%) students gave a history of previous ocular surgery. Myopia was found to be the commonest error of refraction 53.7% with hyperopia next to it. CONCLUSION: Myopia is found to be a common error of refraction in young adults. A regular checkup is essential to timely correct the error and to prevent deterioration of the vision.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Computers and other visual display devices are now an essential part of our daily life. With the increased use, a very large population is experiencing sundry ocular symptoms globally such as dry eyes, eye strain, irritation, and redness of the eyes to name a few. Collectively, all such computer related symptoms are usually referred to as computer vision syndrome (CVS). The current study aims to define the prevalence, knowledge in community, pathophysiology, factors associated, and prevention of CVS. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Qassim University College of Medicine during a period of 1 year from January 2015 to January 2016 using a questionnaire to collect relevant data including demographics and various variables to be studied. 634 students were inducted from a public sector University of Qassim, Saudi Arabia, regardless of their age and gender. The data were then statistically analyzed on SPSS version 22, and the descriptive data were expressed as percentages, mode, and median using graphs where needed. RESULTS: A total of 634 students with a mean age of 21. 40, Std 1.997 and Range 7 (18-25) were included as study subjects with a male predominance (77.28%). Of the total patients, majority (459, 72%) presented with acute symptoms while remaining had chronic problems. A clear-cut majority was carrying the symptoms for <5 days and >1 month. The statistical analysis revealed serious symptoms in the majority of study subjects especially those who are permanent users of a computer for long hours. CONCLUSION: Continuous use of computers for long hours is found to have severe problems of vision especially in those who are using computers and similar devices for a long duration.
