Diagnosis of Dry Eye Syndrome Using Ocular Surface Disease Index, Tear Film Break-up Time, and Schirmer Test.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the subjects of possible ocular surface dysfunction in dry eye syndrome (DES) by using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and correlating it with the tear film break-up time (TBUT) test and Schirmer test. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from March to August 2022. METHODOLOGY:  Demographics and detailed ophthalmological examinations were carried out for all the patients using slit lamp biomicroscopy. The questionnaire for OSDI was filled to calculate the OSDI score, Schirmer test, and TBUT test were performed for all patients. For statistical analysis, the mean test score of both eyes was used. Correlations between tests were drawn and reported. RESULTS: This study was conducted on ninety-seven adult participants with mean age of 31.3 ± 10.7 years, comprising of forty-five (46.4%) females and fifty-two (53.6%) males. The mean score for OSDI, TBUT, and Schirmer test was found to be 16.03 ± 14.22 (range 0 - 62.5), 9.63 ± 4.54 seconds (range 2.5 - 22.5), and 24.6 ± 10.85 mm (range 4.5 - 35.5), respectively. An inverse correlation was found between the OSDI and Schirmer, and OSDI and TBUT test scores which was also statistically significant. Schirmer and TBUT test scores also showed significant correlation. CONCLUSION: The OSDI is quick, precise, feasible for self-assessment, and non-invasive standardised tool for evaluating symptoms of dry eye disease, hence it can aid in the diagnosis of DES. KEY WORDS: Dry eye syndrome, Ocular surface, Tear flim break-up time, Schirmer test.

Refractive Outcome of Femtosecond Assisted Laser in situ Keratomileusis in 1564 cases of Myopia and Compound Myopic Astigmatism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcomes of Femtosecond Assisted Laser in situ Keratomileusis (Femto LASIK) on eyes with myopia and compound myopic astigmatism in terms of efficacy, safety, accuracy, predictability, and stability of the procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Refractive Surgical Department, Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January 2014 to August 2019. METHODOLOGY: Participants aged 18 years and above with upto -12D (dioptre of myopia, underwent preoperative detailed work-up with history, ocular examination, subjective refraction and assessment on topography, tomography, and aberrometry. Suitable candidates underwent Femto LASIK and were re-evaluated at 1st postoperative day, end of 1st week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Results were analysed and represented in form of standard graphs for refractive surgery.  Results: Postoperative UDVA (uncorrected distance visual acuity) of 20/40 was achieved in 99% of patients. Efficacy index was 1.02 + 0.15. Safety index was 1.04 + 0.199. None of the patients lost more than one line in postoperative CDVA (corrected distance visual acuity) when compared to preoperative CDVA. All the eyes (100%) were accurately treated within +1.0 DS of intended spherical equivalent (SEQ) range. Mean SEQ showed stability with 1% eyes recorded to have more than 0.5D change or more over 12 months. CONCLUSION: Femto LASIK is an effective, safe, accurate, predictable, and stable procedure for correction of myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. KEY WORDS: Femtosecond, Laser in situ Keratomileusis, Refractive surgery, Myopia, Compound myopic astigmatism, Uncorrected distance visual acuity.

Mechanical Epithelial Debridement versus Transepithelial Phototherapeutic Keratectomy Followed by Accelerated Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Progressive Keratoconus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the visual and topographic outcomes between mechanical epithelial debridement followed by accelerated corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) vs. transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy followed by accelerated CXL for treatment of progressive keratoconus. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from December 2020 to December 2021. METHODOLOGY: On the basis of surgical technique used, patients were divided into two groups, Group A comprising of twenty eyes that underwent mechanical epithelial removal followed by accelerated CXL, and Group B comprising of twenty-two eyes that underwent transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (t-PTK) followed by accelerated CXL. All variables were recorded preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively and included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), MRSE (manifest refraction spherical equivalent), and keratometric indices (flat K, steep K, Kmax , mean K, thinnest pachymetry, KPI, K prob, CLMIaa, and I-S). RESULTS: Forty-two eyes of twenty-nine patients were included in the study and were divided into two groups; Group A (mechanical epithelial removal followed by accelerated CXL) and Group B (t-PTK followed by accelerated CXL). The visual acuity improved in both the groups at 6 and 12 months, with more significant improvement in Group B in both UCVA (p=0.005) and CDVA (p=0.004) parameters. Keratometric outcomes showed significant differences in median values for flat K (p=0.048) and thinnest pachymetry (p=<0.001) in Group A, while significant difference in Kmax (p=0.024) and thinnest pachymetry (p=<0.001) in Group B. At 6 and 12 months, the CLMIaa, PPK, and I-S values were significantly lower in Group B (p=0.002 for all three indices). CONCLUSION: Transepithelial PTK followed by accelerated CXL yielded better outcomes regarding visual acuity and keratomertic indices as compared to mechanical epithelial removal followed by accelerated CXL and did not show any significant decrease in corneal pachymetry. KEY WORDS: Mechanical, Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL), Transepithelial, Phototherapeutic keratectomy, Keratoconus.

Intraocular Pressure Changes in Myopic Patients Undergoing Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis and Photorefractive Keratectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the variation in intraocular pressure measurements between Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) and Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT) in myopic patients undergoing laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, between September 2020 and 2021. METHODOLOGY: Myopic patients undergoing LASIK and PRK during the study period were selected. Baseline examinations and postoperative follow-ups were carried out to measure intraocular pressure at 1, 3, and 6 months after LASIK or PRK, using Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT) and Ocular Response Analyzer, corneal compensated IOP (ORA IOPcc). RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen eyes underwent myopic refractive surgery, LASIK (n = 60) or PRK (n = 53). Mean age of patients was 23.6 ± 4.11 years in the PRK group and 24.4 ± 5.94 years in LASIK group. For the PKR group, the GAT IOP value increased at 1-month (p <0.001), decreased at 3-month (p <0.001) and further decreased at 6-month (p <0.001) follow-up postoperatively. In the LASIK group, the GAT IOP value decreased at all time points (p <0.001). In both groups, the mean ORA IOPcc value increased at 1 month (p <0.001), decreased at 3-month (p <0.001) and further decreased at 6-month (p <0.001) follow-up postoperatively. The IOP mean values were generally found to be higher when measured using ORA as compared with GAT. CONCLUSION: Corneal refractive surgery markedly decreased IOP. This decrease in IOP was observed more after LASIK than after PRK. ORA was less likely to underestimate the intraocular pressure than GAT. KEY WORDS: Myopia, Laser in-situ keratomileusis, Photorefractive keratectomy, Tonometery ocular, Intraocular pressure.

Changes in Corneal Biomechanical Properties after Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis and Photorefractive Keratectomy in Myopia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in corneal biomechanical properties after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in low and moderate myopia by Ocular Response Analyzer. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, between September 2020 and April 2022. METHODOLOGY: Myopic correction was done in forty-six eyes of twenty-three patients by PRK, and forty-seven eyes of twenty-four patients by LASIK. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured using Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), pre-operatively, and then 1, 3, and 6 months, postoperatively. The relationship between the amount of myopia treated and biomechanical properties was also studied. RESULTS: CRF and CH were decreased significantly after LASIK and PRK. A significantly larger decrease in CRF was observed after LASIK as compared to PRK at 6 months (Mann-Whitney U test: CRF, p = 0.02); however, decrease in CH was not statistically significant between LASIK and PRK at 6 months period (Mann-Whitney U test: CH, p = 0.388). A significant correlation was observed between the changes in biomechanical properties and extent of myopic correction after LASIK and PRK. CONCLUSION: Biomechanical strength of the cornea was significantly reduced by PRK and LASIK, which was also dependent on the spherical equivalent (SEQ) of myopic correction. A significantly larger change in CRF was observed after LASIK as compared to post PRK. KEY WORDS: Myopia, Laser in situ keratomileusis, Photorefractive keratectomy, Cornea, Biomechanics.

Comparison of Higher Order Aberrations between Wavefront Optimized Photorefractive Keratectomy and Laser in situ Keratomileusis in Myopic Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the higher order aberrations (HOA) between wavefront optimized (WFO) laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in myopic patients. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from December 2021 to December 2022. METHODOLOGY: Forty-four patients underwent wavefront optimized PRK and fifty-seven patients underwent wavefront optimized LASIK. All variables were recorded before the procedure and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), root mean square (RMS) of HOAs, spherical aberration (SA), and coma aberration (CA). RESULTS: A total of 101 eyes of 51 patients were considered in the final analysis. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A comprised of 44 (43.6%) eyes of 22 patients who underwent PRK while group B comprised of 57 (56.4%) eyes of 29 patients who underwent LASIK. UCVA significantly improved postoperatively at 3 and 6 months in both PRK and LASIK groups (p<0.001 for both groups). In this study, the increase in root mean square (RMS) of higher order aberrations from baseline value was 77% after PRK and 28% after LASIK, similar ratio was observed in spherical aberration (SA). The trend of rise in Coma aberrations was more in LASIK group 66.49% as compared to 46.2% in PRK group. CONCLUSION: Both Wavefront Optimized PRK and LASIK are safe and have elicited comparable results of post-procedure visual recovery. There was a marked increase in RMS of HOAs in PRK group as compared to WFO LASIK group while coma aberration increased more in LASIK as compared to PRK postoperatively. KEY WORDS: LASIK, PRK, RMSh, HOAs, Spherical aberration, Coma, Myopia.

Correlation Between Corneal Keratometry, Central Corneal Thickness and Anterior Chamber Depth as Measured by Wavelight OB 820 Biometer and Wavelight Oculyzer II in Preoperative Cataract Surgery Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and correlate corneal keratometry (K), central corneal thickness (CCT), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) using a partial coherence interferometry device and a Scheimpflug camera system device in patients planned for cataract surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, from December 2021 to June 2022. METHODOLOGY: Patients planned for cataract surgery underwent measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and keratometric values (K) by Wavelight OB 820 biometer and Allergo Oculyzer II, preoperatively. Correlation and inter-device agreement were assessed between two devices. RESULTS: There were 115 patients with a mean age of 64.23 ± 9.26 years. All anterior segment parameters showed excellent agreement and high degree of correlation between the two optical devices. Correlation coefficient (r) for central corneal thickness was r = 0.958 (p<0.001) while correlation coefficient for anterior chamber depth was r = 0.965 (p<0.001), r = 0.966 (p<0.001) for flat K, and r = .0969 (p<0.001) for steep keratometry, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic parameters assessed by both devices were comparable and are recommended to be used in the clinical practice of keratorefractive and cataract surgeries interchangeably. KEY WORDS: ACD, CCT, Keratometry, Cataract, OB 820 biometer, Oculyzer II.

Assessment of Refractive Outcome of Photo Refractive Keratectomy in Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the refractive outcomes of wavefront optimized photo refractive keratectomy (PRK) in patients having myopia and myopic astigmatism in terms of efficacy, safety, accuracy, stability and predictability of the procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Refractive Surgical Unit, Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from October 2013 to August 2018. METHODOLOGY: Patients having myopia and myopic astigmatism, consented to be a part of the study, underwent meticulous screening consisting of detailed medical history, ocular examination and investigations. Each case was compiled and evaluated. Those who satisfied the criteria for refractive surgery were subjected to PRK procedure. Postoperative follow-up was carried out and parameters were recorded at designated intervals of 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: This study included 208 eyes of 106 patients with mean age of 25.33 + 5.196 years. At the end of one year, 97% (202 out of 208) eyes had uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) better than 20/25 with efficacy index of 1.009 ± 0.132 and safety index of 1.019 ± 0.126. None of the eyes lost two or more lines. In this study, 207 out of 208 eyes remained within + 0.50 diopter (D) of intended spherical equivalent (SEQ). Results showed 100% accuracy of procedure since all the study patients achieved SEQ within + 1D. CONCLUSION: PRK is an effective, predictable, and safe treatment procedure for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. Key Words: Photorefractive keratectomy, Myopia, Refractive surgery, Myopic astigmatism, Uncorrected distance visual acuity.

Microsporidial Keratitis - First Case Series of a Rare Pathogen in the Wake of Flood Disasters of 2022 in Pakistan.

The recent monsoon rains in Pakistan were unprecedented and caused flooding all over Pakistan, especially in Sindh and Balochistan. Following this national disaster, various water-borne and contagious diseases started erupting all over the country. In such a calamity-struck city of Jacobabad, we started receiving cases with a peculiar set of ocular complaints mimicking viral keratoconjunctivitis. Failure to respond to traditional treatment and the unique appearance of these corneal opacities led to a rare diagnosis of Microsporidial Keratoconjunctivitis, which was later confirmed by microscopy and staining of corneal scrapings of the most affected case. In line with published literature, all cases were treated with topical fluoroquinolone and topical anti-fungal therapy, following which the disease was cleared within a week. The disease has seen an upward trend the world over, especially among Asia. To the best of our knowledge, no such cases have been reported in Pakistan as yet. In this case series, we highlight the strong correlation of emergence of microsporidial keratitis in patients following exposure to pooled water bodies after the monsoon rainy season and floods. Moreover, this report will help create awareness in eye professionals regarding the prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment of these rare and emerging cases. Key Words: Keratitis, Spores, Water-borne diseases, Microsporidia.

Assessment of Refractive Outcomes of Femtosecond-assisted Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) for Hyperopia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of refractive treatment in terms of safety, efficacy, stability, accuracy, and predictability with Wavefront Optimized Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on hyperopia. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from August 2013 to June 2018.  Methodology: Participants were selected after detailed history, careful ocular examination and meticulous relevant assessment on refractive scans. Preoperative measurements were recorded. Refractive strategy was designed, considering individual requirements for each patient. Postoperative readings were taken at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients participated with mean age of 28.07 + 8.13 years. Out of the 54 patients, 33 (61%) were males and 21 (39%) were females. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and Spherical equivalent (SEQ), which is algebraic sum of sphere and half of cylinder, were recorded pre- and postoperatively. These parameters were changed significantly at 12 months (p <0.001). SEQ reduced from 2.146 + 2.027 to 0.079 ± 0.269 Diopter (D) (p <0.001). UDVA improved from 0.672 ± 0.270 (20/93) to 0.153 ± 0.182 (20/28) (p <0.001). A total of 48 (out of 54) patients had uncorrected vision better than 20/40; and 49 patients showed either same or gain of Snellen lines when pre- and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was compared. Two patients showed loss of two or more lines. All the patients had postoperative SEQ within + 1.0 D range. CONCLUSION: LASIK, performed to correct hyperopia, demonstrated satisfactory outcomes in terms of safety, efficacy, stability, accuracy, and predictability. LASIK is an effective treatment option for moderate (<6 D) hyperopia. Key Words: LASIK, Refractive surgery, Hyperopia, Spherical equivalent, Uncorrected distance visual acuity.

Screening Thresholds for the Corneal Tomography in Hyperopic Pakistani Population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate key corneal tomography parameters for screening mixed astigmatism and hyperopic males and females for refractive surgery and to compare the data to a previously studied myopic group in Pakistani population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology AFIO, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from August 2013 to August 2018. METHODOLOGY: WaveLight Allegro Oculyzer II diagnostic device was used to examine eyes of 106 adult hyperopic patients in order to determine normal values of 20 parameters, which are considered most clinically applicable for refractive surgery screening. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate normality of data. Results for outliers were displayed as 2.5%, 5%, 95% and 97.5% percentiles. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine eyes were examined; 110 men and 99 women with overall mean age of 31+11.7 years. Normal mean anterior segment values included: flat simulated keratometry (K1) 42.1±1.84 diopters (D), steep K2 43.8 ± 1.93 D, K maximum 44.4 ± 1.93 D, K mean 42.9 ± 1.75 D, astigmatism -1.3 ± 1.75 D, pachymetry at thinnest point 546.9 ± 33.3 um, front elevation at thinnest point 5.2 ± 3.47 um, and at the back was 14.1 ± 6.60 um, Ambrosio relational thickness maximum 472.0 ± 88.73, progression index (PI) maximum 1.2 ± 0.18, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) 2.7 ± 0.35 mm. CONCLUSION: Hyperopic patients had greater front and back elevation and pachymetry but lesser keratometry, anterior chamber depth and chamber volume as compared to myopic patients in Pakistani population. Front and back elevation data in this hyperopic study population was slightly higher than previously published studies. Key Words: Refractive surgery, Corneal tomography, Screening, Hyperope.

Screening Thresholds for the Corneal Tomography in a Myopic Pakistani Population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate key corneal tomography parameters for screening refractive surgery patients in Pakistani population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observation study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology AFIO, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from August 2013 to December 2016. METHODOLOGY: Myopic patients were evaluated by two separate observers on Allegro OculyzerII (Wavelight) for normal ocular examination. A total of 20 tomographic parameters, used for pre-refractive surgical evaluation, were included. Normality of data was evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results for outliers were displayed as 2.5%, 5%, 95% and 97.5% percentiles. RESULTS: The sample of 451 patients (895 eyes), comprised of 61% (n=277) females and 39% (n=174) males (39%). The mean age was 26 +6.4 years (range of 18-62 years, M=F). Normal mean anterior segment values included; flat simulated keratometry (K1) 42.9 ±1.44 diopters (D), steep K2 43.9 ±1.52 D, K mean 43.4 ±1.43 D, K maximum 44.6 ±1.56 D, astigmatism -0.96 ±0.97 D, anterior chamber depth (ACD) 3.19 ±0.28 mm, front elevation at the thinnest point 4.11 ±2.44 um, and that at the back was 7.56 ±4.52 um progression index (PI) maximum 1.14 ±0.17, Ambrosio relational thickness maximum (ART max) 487.5 ±89.0 and pachymetry at thinnest point 542.2 ± 31.1 um. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates key corneal tomography parameters, which can be useful for screening refractive surgery patients in Pakistani population.

Safety Of High Intensity Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking In Keratoconus Patients On Basis Of Endothelial Cell Density.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus patients on basis of endothelial cell density measurements. METHODS: We studied 24 patients (42 eyes) with diagnosed keratoconus who underwent accelerated CXL with 9 Mw/cm2 UVA irradiance for 10minutes. All patients underwent detailed examination and video keratography (VKG) for classification and confirmation of keratoconus. Patients with central corneal thickness (CCT) of ≥400µ were included in the study. Specular microscopy was done to note endothelial cell density (ECD) preoperatively and then at the end of 1st, 4th and 12th weeks' post-operative period. RESULTS: The study included 24 patients (42 eyes) from October 2016 to June 2017. Among these 13 were females and 11 males with mean age of 20.15±6.73 years. Eighteen patients underwent the procedure in both eyes while 6 had the procedure in one eye. The pre-operative ECD mean±SD of right eye was 2743.97±542.77/mm2 and left eye was 2763.35±532.57/mm2. The post-operative ECD mean±SD of right and left eyes at the end of 12th post-op weak were 2806.34±520.11/mm2 and 2823.30±628.57/mm2 respectively. The pre and post-op ECD comparison showed p-values at first week post-op are 0.474 and 0.683 for right and left eyes respectively. Similarly, the p-values at 4th and 12 weeks post-op for right eye are 0.266 and 0.280 respectively. The p-values at 4th and 12th weeks for left eye are 0.913 and 0.404 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Accelerated CXL protocols is safe and effective procedure and did not lead to significant change in ECD in our study population in three months post-procedural follow up. However further research is required to determine the effect of high intensity UVA radiation on other ocular structures with larger group of patients and long-term follow up.

Determining the efficacy of corneal crosslinking in progressive keratoconus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the Efficacy of Corneal Crosslinkage (CXL), using Corneal Topography, in eyes with progressive Keratoconus. METHODS: This randomized control trial was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from October 2013 to April 2014. A total of 60 eyes of 30 patients were included who presented with bilateral progressive Keratoconus. Each eye of the patient was randomized either to a treatment group (Group-A) or control untreated group (Group-B) of 30 eyes each. A written informed consent was obtained from each patient, following which corneal crosslinkage (CXL) with topical riboflavin eye drops was performed. Follow up visit was done at three months post operatively, Corneal topography was repeated and recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 23.13±7.62 years (range 13 to 39 years). There were 26 males and 34 females patients. The mean simK value at the start of study was 50.94±4.84 diopters in Group-A and 49.73±5.24 diopters in Group-B. At three months follow-up, the mean simK value was significantly lower in Group-A (48.28±4.47) as compared to Group-B (51.11±4.85). Keratoconus improved/ remained stable in 34 (56.7%) eyes while progressive disease was noted in 26 (43.3%) eyes. When compared between the groups, the frequency of efficacy was significantly higher in Group-A (86.7% vs. 26.7%; p=.000) as compared to Group-B. CONCLUSION: Corneal Crosslinking was found effective in causing regression or halting the progression of disease in patients with progressive Keratoconus at three months follow-up, however, the efficacy of corneal crosslinking was unaffected by patient's age and gender.

Effect of wavefront optimized LASIK on higher order aberrations in myopic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine mean change induced in root mean square value of higher order aberrations in myopic patients undergoing wavefront optimized laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. METHODS: This quasi experimental study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Jan 2014 to Dec 2014. Sixty eyes of 35 myopic patients were included in the study. All patients underwent wavefront optimized (WFO) laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using femtosecond laser (FM 200Wavelight technologies) and excimer laser (Ew 500Wavelight technologies). Higher order aberrations (HOAs) were measured with aberrometer (Wavelight allegro analyzer version 1073) during preoperative assessment and one month after surgery. RESULTS: All 35 patients ranged from 20 to 32 years with a mean age of 24 ± 3.41 years. Refractive error ranged from -1.00 to -9.50 DS with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of -3.73 ± 1.95 before surgery and - 0.36 ± 1.50DS one month after LASIK. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was improved to 0.00 or better in all 60 eyes. An increase of 1.56 fold was observed in RMS of total HOAs. Among the HOAs, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between spherical aberrations (4(th) order aberration) and preoperative spherical equivalent. CONCLUSION: In spite of excellent improvement in refractive error, significant amount of higher order aberrations were induced after WFO LASIK.

Comparison of higher order aberrations in patients with various refractive errors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean root mean square (RMS) of total higher order aberrations (HOAs), coma and spherical aberrations in individuals with myopia, hypermetropia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: This prospective analytical study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Jan 2014 to Dec 2014. Two hundred eyes of 121 patients with age ranging from 18-40 years were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 group namely Low myopia, High myopia, Astigmatism and Hypermetropia on the basis of refractive error. Included were the patients who had refractive error more than ± 0.5D and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.00 or better. Patients who had history of surgery and / or eye disease were excluded from the study. Visual acuity (VA), Spherical equivalent (SE) of refractive error, RMS value of total HOAs, coma and spherical aberrations were evaluated. HOAs were measured with aberrometer (Wavelight analyzer version 1073) at 6 mm pupil size. RESULTS: Age of the patients ranged from 18 years to 40 years with mean age of 29.10±10.6 years. Seventy one (35.5%) were males and 129 (64.5%) were female. Mean RMS value of HOAs, coma and spherical aberrations was calculated in all four groups. RMS of total HOAs and spherical aberrations in hypermetropia was 0.96±0.96 and 0.30±0.42 respectively and it was higher than other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: In overall comparison the mean RMS of total HOAs and spherical aberrations was significantly increased in hypermetropia group and there was a statistically significant negative correlation of SE of hypermetropia with RMS of total HOAs and spherical aberration.

Comparison of Patient's Satisfaction Level after Different Types of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation.

Objective. To compare patient's satisfaction level in performing routine activities during daylight and night vision after implantation with rigid, foldable, or rollable posterior chamber intraocular lens implants in uneventful cataract surgery. Design. Retrospective, cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study. PNS SHIFA Hospital, Karachi, from Nov. 2009 to Nov. 2010. Methodology. 91 cataract surgery patients who had uneventful phacoemulsification, within the bag placement of intraocular lens and achieved best corrected visual acuity 6/9 or better were included in the study. Patients who developed postoperative complications were excluded. A specially designed questionnaire was used to assess patient's satisfaction level of vision for those who underwent cataract surgery at least 3 months ago. Finally, they were categorized into five groups ranging from "very good" to "very poor." SPSS version 16 was used to analyze the results. Results. There was a difference in satisfaction level between three groups. Vision was good in the day and the night with foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implants. Conclusion. It was concluded that visual satisfaction level of patients who had foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was better during the day and night as compared to patients who had rigid or rollable posterior chamber intraocular lenses implantation.

Sebaceous carcinoma of upper eyelid.

A middle aged lady was surgically treated repeatedly elsewhere for growth on right upper lid before presentation to this department. On examination she was found to have nodulo-ulcerative non-tender growth, about 40 x 20 mm in size involving the lateral three-fourth of the lid. There was associated mild conjunctivitis and palpable pre-auricular lymph node. Lid growth was excised followed by lid reconstruction. Pre-auricular lymph node was also removed. Histopathology report of the tissue revealed it to be the palpebral sebaceous carcinoma, while lymph node showed reactive hyperplasia.

Comparison of anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone and diclofenac sodium eye drops in phacoemulsification.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of dexamethasone and diclofenac sodium eye drops in the resolution of inflammation following phacoemulsification surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implants. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Ophthalmology Department, PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from June 2006 to March 2007. METHODOLOGY: One hundred subjects were operated and postoperatively divided into two groups, designated as 'dexamethasone' and 'diclofenac' groups. They were assessed for visual acuity and followed for 5 weeks for the signs of inflammation, which included cells and flare in the anterior chamber and striate keratopathy. Proportions were compared by Fisher's exact test and the chi-square test. RESULTS: Topically applied diclofenac sodium suppressed postoperative inflammation effectively but its anti-inflammatory effects were of lesser magnitude as compared to that of topically applied dexamethasone drops (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone eye drops were found to have more potent anti-inflammatory activity in moderate to severe cases than diclofenac sodium eye drops in postoperative cases.