ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, bilateral, asymmetrical progressive disorder characterized by ectasia, thinning, and increased curvature of the cornea, as well as loss of visual acuity. Eye rubbing is considered the most common risk factor for keratoconus. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the awareness of the population in Medina about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 767 participants via an online pre-designed questionnaire from November 2021 to January 2022, in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Results: Among the study participants, 94.1% have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Participants who have a visual disturbance and positive family history of keratoconus were found to have good awareness levels. Those who heard about keratoconus represent 39.8% of the participants, and relatives with keratoconus were the most common source of their information. An allergic reaction was reported by 34.9% of the participants, and 7.7% have a family history of keratoconus. Only 27.8% believe in the relationship between keratoconus and allergy, and 61.9% have no idea about the treatment. For eye rubbing, 28.9% of participants believe it can lead to keratoconus; also, 80.4% reported rubbing their eyes, and itching was the most common cause of their behavior. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Health education programs for the population should be conducted to enhance public awareness about keratoconus.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assess the clinical characteristics of Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS) in Al-Medina region, in patients attending a pediatric ophthalmology clinic at Ohud Hospital. METHOD: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October 2017 to June 2018 at Ohud Hospital, Al-Medina region, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a sheet containing eighteen simple items which include demographic data, family history, surgical history, the clinical characteristics of the disease and the physician's treatment plan. Twenty patients were included in this study. RESULTS: All twenty patients included in the study were diagnosed with DRS type I. Male and female were symmetrical in numbers as both 10 (50.0%) respectively. The mean age of the subjects was 8.7â¯years (SD 9.6). 95% of the subject were unilaterally affected while five percent of them were affected both sides of the eyes. 75% of the patients were affected on the left eye while 20% were affected on the right side. 35% of the patients had amblyopia in the affected eye. 25% of the patients had an abnormal head position. Abnormal eye movement (upshoot and downshoot) more common when the right eye is affected (p-0.035). 75% of the patients were orthotropic while 30% had esotropia. 75% of patients were positive of parents' consanguinity. 16 patients (80.0%) were from Al-Medina city while four of them (20.0%) were from the different area of Al-Medina region (Al Hejeria, Al Henakia, Omluj, Yatmah). CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional observational study is the first one that evaluates DRS in Al-Medina region. Associated abnormal eye movement more common when the right eye is affected. Parents' consanguinity may play a role in the occurrence of DRS as it is not considered as a rare disease in our region. Therefore, more studies are needed to establish the relationship between the occurrence of DRS and parents' consanguinity in our region. Also, further studies are needed to establish the relationship between abnormal eye movement and the involvement of the right eye.
