Impact of stereoacuity on simulated cataract surgery ability.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There exists a long-standing perception that diminished stereoacuity has a detrimental effect on microsurgical ability and skills acquisition. This has potential implications on the enrolment of surgical trainees into ophthalmology and other microsurgery specialities. However, strong evidence in this area is lacking. This case-control study aims to establish the exact level of stereopsis impairment at which a statistical drop in surgical performance occurs. METHODS: Fifty participants were enrolled from the University of Dundee Medical School and the NHS Tayside Foundation Doctor programme. Participants were assessed for their stereopsis level before completing an orientation module on an ophthalmic surgical simulator. They were then required to repeat a task four times. Automated and objective performance levels were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Nineteen (38%) had stereopsis lower than the defined normal of 60 seconds of arc (arcsec). Statistical analysis found no correlation between visual acuity and surgical performance. No statistical difference was found between performance scores and stereoacuities of 30, 60 and 120 arcsec. A statistically significant difference was discovered in the surgical performance of participants with a stereoacuity worse than 120 arcsec (total score = -69.85) as compared to the ones with a stereoacuity of 120 arcsec or better (total score = -42.23) with p = 0.010. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of a specific level of stereopsis where statistical degradation of surgical performance occurs. The findings of this work may help formulate policy on stereoacuity standards required to commence microsurgical training.

The older surgical patient - to operate or not? A state of the art review.

The increasing age and subsequent medical complexity of patients presenting for surgery grants the opportunity to examine the processes and delivery of peri-operative care. There is a need to redesign peri-operative pathways allowing room for shared decision making and personalised, evidence-based care. In times of financial constraint, this is no easy task. However, neglecting to transform services now may lead to challenges in the sustainability of the provision of peri-operative care in the long-term. Challenges in redesigning peri-operative care pathways include identification and optimisation of those at highest peri-operative risk to inform the difficult conversations surrounding the appropriateness of surgery. The moral burden of these conversations on patient and professionals alike is increasingly recognised and managing this issue requires innovative models of collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional working. To operate or not can be a challenging question to answer with a number of different perspectives to consider; not least that of the patient.

Management of thyroid eye disease in the United Kingdom: A multi-centre thyroid eye disease audit.

This article aims to provide baseline data and highlight any major deficiencies in the current level of care provided for adult patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). We undertook a prospective, nonrandomized cross-sectional multicenter observational study. During a 3-month period June-August 2014, consecutive adult patients with TED who presented to nominated specialist eye clinics in the United Kingdom, completed a standardized questionnaire. Main outcome measures were: demographics, time from diagnosis to referral to tertiary centre, time from referral to review in specialist eye clinic, management of thyroid dysfunction, radioiodine and provision of steroid prophylaxis, smoking, and TED classification. 91 patients (mean age 47.88 years) were included. Female-to-male ratio was 6:1. Mean time since first symptoms of TED = 27.92 (73.71) months; from first visit to any doctor with symptoms to diagnosis = 9.37 (26.03) months; from hyperthyroidism diagnosis to euthyroidism 12.45 (16.81) months. First, 13% had received radioiodine. All those with active TED received prophylactic steroids. Seven patients who received radioiodine and did not have TED at the time went on to develop it. Then, 60% patients were current or ex-smokers. 63% current smokers had been offered smoking cessation advice. 65% patients had active TED; 4% had sight-threatening TED. A large proportion of patients (54%) were unaware of their thyroid status. Not enough patients are being provided with smoking cessation advice and information on the impact of smoking on TED and control of thyroid function.

Vision screening in children: a retrospective study of social and demographic factors with regards to visual outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Amblyopia and its risk factors have been demonstrated to be more common among children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. We sought to investigate this association in a region with orthoptic-delivered screening and whole population coverage, and to also examine the association of the Health Plan Indicator (HPI) with screening outcome. METHODS: Screening examination outcomes, postcodes and HPIs were extracted from the community child health database for every child who underwent preschool vision screening between March 2010 and February 2011 Tayside. We obtained the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation score for every child as a measure of area-based deprivation. We assessed the vulnerability/needs of the individual family through the HPI-'Core' (children and families receiving universal health visiting service), 'Additional' (receiving additional health/social support) and 'Intensive' (receiving high levels of support). The outcomes from follow-up examinations for those who failed screening were extracted from the orthoptic department database. RESULTS: 4365 children were screened during the year 2010-2011 of whom 523 (11.9%) failed. The odds of children from the least deprived socioeconomic group passing the visual screening test was 1.4 times higher than those from the most deprived socioeconomic group (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.89, p=0.01). The odds of a child from a family assigned as 'Intensive' failing the preschool visual screening test was three times greater than the odds of a child from a family assigned as 'Core' (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.6 to 7.8, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that children from the most deprived backgrounds and those from unstable homes were more likely to fail preschool vision screening.

Trends in serious ocular trauma in Scotland.

PURPOSE: To report trends in serious, sight-threatening ocular trauma in Scotland. METHODS: A prospective, population-based, observational study of patients with ocular trauma admitted to hospital in Scotland during a 12-month period (2008-2009), conducted through the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit. Data on circumstances of the injuries and visual outcomes were collected using protocols standardised to those from an earlier study (1991-1992) to allow direct comparisons over time. RESULTS: In all, 0.3% of all emergency admissions in Scotland were for ocular trauma. Significant differences were observed between the time periods in where an injury occurred (P=0.009): a reduction of those occurring in a sports/leisure facility (8.2%) and an increase in those occurring on the street (21.4%). Assaults remained the most common cause of injury (31%). Gender differences persisted with females more likely to have an injury from falls (OR=8.67; 95% CI: 2.41-31.49; P=0.002), or in the home (OR=5.40; 95% CI: 1.69-17.16; P=0.009 ), and less likely to have one in the workplace (P=0.06). Poor visual outcome was associated with injuries occurring in the home (OR=4.33, P=0.047), in a public place (OR=6.25, P=0.047), and those caused by a fall (OR 42.75, P<0.001); or assault (OR 7.29, P=0.019). Half of those with a poor outcome have no perception of light. CONCLUSION: Serious ocular trauma remains an infrequent, sight-threatening event, associated with significant monocular visual morbidity. The findings suggest a shift from corporate to personal responsibility for risk awareness, health, and safety.

Orbital cellulitis in Scotland: current incidence, aetiology, management and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Orbital cellulitis is a potentially blinding and life-threatening condition. There are little published data on the incidence of orbital cellulitis and little is known about the differences between children and adults affected. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence, aetiology, management and outcome of orbital cellulitis in children and adults in Scotland. METHODS: This study was a 1-year prospective observational study using the Scottish Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit reporting system among Scottish ophthalmologists. RESULTS: The response rate from ophthalmologists was 66.4%. There were 15 children and 5 adults reported giving an incidence of 1.6 per 100 000 and 0.1 per 100 000 in children and adults, respectively. 47% of children had a preceding upper respiratory tract infection with 87% having radiological evidence of sinus disease. Within the adult group, there was preceding immunosuppression and trauma. Streptococcus (66%) and Haemophilus (46%) species were the most commonly isolated pathogens in children. Respiratory pathogens were less predictable in adults. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics. All children with orbital and subperiosteal abscesses had surgery; one adult with orbital abscess did not have surgery. There were two cases of series morbidity: one intracranial spread of infection and one evisceration. DISCUSSION: The incidence of orbital cellulitis is higher in children than in adults. In children, it commonly follows upper respiratory infection and sinus disease; however, in adults, preceding illness and trauma are more common. Respiratory pathogens are common in affected children. Intravenous antibiotics and surgical treatment of abscesses remain the preferred management.

The incidence of serious eye injury in Scotland: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Ocular trauma remains an important cause of visual morbidity worldwide. A previous population-based study in Scotland reported a 1-year cumulative incidence of 8.14 per 100 000 population. The purpose of this study was to identify any change in the incidence and pattern of serious ocular trauma in Scotland. METHODS: This study was a 1-year prospective observational study using the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit reporting scheme among Scottish ophthalmologists. Serious ocular trauma was defined as requiring hospital admission. Data were collected using two questionnaires for each patient 1 year apart. RESULTS: The response rate from ophthalmologists was 77.1%. There were 102 patients reported with complete data giving an incidence of 1.96 per 100 000 population, four times less than in 1992. In patients younger than 65 years, the age-adjusted incidence ratio (males/females) indicated a ninefold higher risk of trauma in males. In 25 patients (27.2%), the injured eye was blind (final visual acuities (FVA) <6/60), 24 being attributable to the eye injury. Standardised morbidity ratios suggested a threefold decrease in risk of poor visual outcome in 2009 compared with 1992. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of serious ocular trauma has fallen; this study has shown hospital admission for serious eye injury in Scotland has decreased fourfold in 17 years. Young adult males continue to be at highest risk, which needs to be specifically addressed in future health-prevention strategies. This study also observed a reduction in visual loss from serious ocular injuries, although the reasons for this require further exploration.

'White-eyed' blowout fracture: a case series of five children.

The 'white-eyed' blowout fracture is an orbital injury in children that is commonly initially misdiagnosed as a head injury because of predominant autonomic features and lack of soft-tissue signs. We present five patients who presented with nausea and vomiting following an apparent mild head or facial injury. None of the five had any external evidence of injury. Despite each case describing diplopia, there was a delayed diagnosis of at least 24 h. CT examination demonstrated an inferior orbital wall fracture in all cases with entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle. Each patient underwent surgical repair, two within 48 h of their injury, both of whom achieved complete recovery of ocular movements, while three were delayed beyond 48 h, with a resulting residual limitation of upgaze in all. It is, therefore, important for clinicians to be aware of this condition, so that it can be diagnosed early in order for early surgical release to be performed, which is associated with an excellent prognosis.

Out of hours ophthalmic surgery: a UK national survey.

AIMS: There have been significant changes in the management of out of hours services in ophthalmology recently. The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) and economic measures have anecdotally reduced the availability of staff and facilities outside normal working hours, and there have been various responses to the provision of emergency surgical care. There are disparate attitudes to the optimum management of the emergency surgical case. We sought to establish a nationwide picture of the management of out of hours surgery. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to every consultant ophthalmologist working in the NHS and registered with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (n=947). Information was requested regarding departmental and personal policies, local facilities, and personal beliefs regarding emergency surgery. RESULTS: A total of 440 (46.5%) questionnaires were returned from 155 units; 18.7% of the units had no out of hours services or no operating facilities. Sixty-three percent of units reported a local policy regarding a time after which patients should not be taken to theatre. For 57%, this time began between 2100 hours and midnight. The most common reasons for not operating after a certain time were 'belief that delay does not significantly affect the outcome' (41.6%), 'delayed access to theatre due to competition with other surgical specialities' (40%), and 'no specialist ophthalmic-theatre nursing input' (32.7%). CONCLUSION: We report the first nationwide study on out of hours ophthalmological surgical working practices. This demonstrates variation in work patterns. It is significant to patients and ophthalmologists that there should be units in United Kingdom without full local facilities and staff.

Post-intravitreal anti-VEGF endophthalmitis in the United Kingdom: incidence, features, risk factors, and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence, features, management, and risk factors of post-intravitreal anti-VEGF endophthalmitis (PIAE) in patients undergoing treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Prospective observational case control study. Forty-seven cases of PIAE were identified through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit from January 2009 to March 2010. Data collected at diagnosis and at 6 months follow-up included patient demographics, intravitreal injection details, pre- and post-injection management, visual acuity, clinical features and management of PIAE, causative organisms, and clinical outcomes. Details were compared with 200 control cases from 10 control centres to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: Estimated PIAE was 0.025%. Culture-positive PIAE incidence was 0.015%. Mean age of presentation was 78 years. Mean number of intravitreal injections before PIAE was 5. Mean days to presentation was 5 (range 1-39). Positive microbiology culture was found in 59.6%. The majority of causative organisms were Gram positive (92.8%). Significant risk factors were failure to administer topical antibiotics immediately after the injection (P=0.001), blepharitis (P=0.006), subconjunctival anaesthesia (P=0.021), patient squeezing during the injection (P=0.021), and failure to administer topical antibiotics before anti-VEGF injection (P=0.05). DISCUSSION: The incidence of PIAE in the United Kingdom is comparable to other studies at a rate of 0.025%. The most common causative organisms were Gram positive. Measures to minimise the risk of PIAE include treatment of blepharitis before injection, avoidance of subconjunctival anaesthesia, topical antibiotic administration immediately after injection with consideration to administering topical antibiotics before injection.

Orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy in England.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to obtain data on orbital decompression procedures performed in England, classed by hospital and locality, to evaluate regional variation in care. METHODS: Data on orbital decompression taking place in England over a 2-year period between 2007 and 2009 were derived from CHKS Ltd and analysed by the hospital and primary care trust. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In all, 44% of these operations took place in hospitals with an annual workload of 10 or fewer procedures. Analysis of the same data by primary care trust suggests an almost 30-fold variance in the rates of decompression performed per unit population. Expertise available to patients with Graves' orbitopathy and rates of referral for specialist care in England appears to vary significantly by geographic location. These data, along with other outcome measures, will provide a baseline by which progress can be judged.

Eye injuries in sport.

Most ocular injuries involve only the external eye. However, in approximately one-third of cases the intraocular structures are damaged with potentially sight threatening consequences. A small number of sports, such as soccer, rugby, hockey and the racquet sports are responsible for most injuries. Sport is responsible for between 25-40% of all eye injuries severe enough to require hospital admission. Most of these are recognised as being largely preventable and methods of reducing the number and severity of such injuries are of prime importance.

Screening for diabetic retinopathy: a comparative trial of photography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.

AIMS: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (WSLO) in the detection of referable diabetic eye disease, and to compare its performance with digital retinal photography. METHODS: Patients enrolled into the study underwent non-mydriatic WSLO imaging, then single- and dual-field mydriatic digital retinal photography, and examination with slit lamp biomicroscopy, the reference standard. Grading of retinopathy was performed in a masked fashion. RESULTS: A total of 380 patients (759 eyes) were recruited to the study. Technical failure rates for dilated single-field retinal photography, dual-field retinal photography and undilated WSLO were 6.3, 5.8 and 10.8%, respectively (0.005 < p < 0.02 for photography vs. WSLO). The respective indices for screening sensitivity were 82.9, 82.9 and 83.6% (p > 0.2). Specificity was 92.1, 91.1 and 89.5%, respectively (p > 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity and specificity for WSLO were similar to retinal photography. The technical failure rate was greater for the WSLO used in this study.

Common canalicular obstruction secondary to the use of Herrick lacrimal plugs, requiring endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman who developed left common canalicular obstruction following insertion of a lacrimal plug. The patient underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, revealing the presence of the lacrimal plug occluding the common canaliculus. The patient experienced symptomatic improvement of her epiphora post-operatively.

Is the maximum hypermetropic correction necessary in children with fully accommodative esotropia?

AIMS: This prospective study explores the effect of reduction in hypermetropic refractive correction on the angle and control of fully accommodative esotropia. METHODS: 30 childhood cases with fully accommodative esotropia were recruited. The angle of deviation with and without full hypermetropic correction (near and distance) was measured. The overall effect of reduction of the correction by one and two spherical dioptres (DS) on the angle and control of the deviation was identified. RESULTS: With the full hypermetropic correction in place, the angle of deviation for near was less than 10 prism dioptres (pd) in 73% of the participants, and the distance deviation was less than 10 pd in 93%. When the prescription was reduced by 1.00 DS, the percentage of those with a near deviation of less than 10 pd fell to 30% and 57% for the distance. Twenty per cent immediately decompensated to manifest esotropia with reduction of 1 dioptre of spectacle correction. CONCLUSION: Children with fully accommodative esotropia who are given the full hypermetropic correction demonstrate smaller, more controllable angles of deviation than those who are undercorrected by as little as only one dioptre. This supports the practice of providing the maximum hypermetropic correction for childhood esotropes.