Tropicamide Versus Cyclopentolate for Cycloplegic Refraction in Pediatric Patients With Brown Irides: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the final cycloplegic refraction of tropicamide 1% and cyclopentolate 1% in children 3-16 years of age with brown irides. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, multicenter prospective clinical trial. METHODS: Included patients were randomized to either cyclopentolate 1% or tropicamide 1% in the first visit with autorefraction measurements. Each subject underwent a second cycloplegic refraction using the other agent on a separate visit with a minimum of 1-week interval and a maximum of 12 weeks. We measured the change in SE (ΔSE) for each eye by deducting the SE before cycloplegia from the SE after cycloplegia. RESULTS: A total of 185 eyes from 94 children aged 3-16 years (average= 8.79 ±3.11 years) were included. The average SE of both eyes before cycloplegia was -0.082 ± 4.8 diopters. The SE after instillation of cyclopentolate and tropicamide in both eyes was 1.07±5.2 and 0.96±5.1, respectively (P value < .001). The average ΔSE after cycloplegia was 1.15±1.2 for cyclopentolate and 1.04±1.2 for tropicamide (P value < .001). The difference between ΔSE of cyclopentolate and tropicamide was found statistically significant at 0.11±1.2 (P < .001), although clinically insignificant. The ΔSE between the 2 drops before and after cycloplegia in both eyes for all refractive error groups was clinically insignificant. The greatest effect of cyclopentolate and tropicamide was in hyperopic eyes with ΔSE of 1.54±1.4 and 1.39±1.4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Tropicamide might be an effective and safe replacement for cyclopentolate in the refracting nonstrabismic pediatric population 3-16 years of age regardless of their refractive error status.

The Effect of Visual Impairment and Its Severity on Vision-Related and Health-Related Quality of Life in Jordan: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: To assess the effect of visual impairment (VI), its severity, and ocular diseases on vision-related and health-related quality of life (QoL) in Jordan. Patients and Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted among a group of 278 patients with VI aged ≥ 18 years, and age and sex-matched control group of 278 individuals with no VI. An interviewer administered the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to all participants. Results: All the mean VFQ-25 subscales scores, physical component scale (PCS) and the mental component scale (MCS) of the SF-12 were significantly lower in patients with VI compared to controls with no VI. The VFQ-25 subscales (except general health and ocular pain), PCS, and MCS scores significantly decreased with more severity of VI. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, lower level of education (p=0.013), male sex (p=0.016), and the presence of cerebrovascular disease (p=0.019) were significantly associated with lower VFQ-25 composite scores in visually impaired patients compared to controls. Ocular disease duration of >5 years and progressive VI were significantly associated with lower VFQ-25 composite scores (p= 0.026 and p<0.001) respectively, in patients with VI. Glaucoma had a significantly larger reduction in mean scores of all the VFQ-25 subscales, and the PCS of the SF-12 compared to all other ocular diseases. Conclusion: Both VI and increasing severity of impairment were associated with reduced vision-related and health-related quality of life in adult Jordanians. Glaucoma patients and less educated people were particularly affected. Routine assessment of QoL in visually impaired patients and improving referral protocols to vision rehabilitation services is recommended to improve the QoL in those patients.

Normative Data of Macular Thickness Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for Healthy Jordanian Children.

Purpose: To report normative values of macular thickness and volume by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in the eyes of healthy Jordanian children aged 6-16 years and assess the correlation of macular parameters with age, sex, and refractive error. Patients and Methods: This observational study included 144 eyes of 144 healthy children. All children underwent comprehensive ocular examination and cycloplegic refraction. Average macular thickness, macular volume, central subfield thickness (CST), and macular thickness for all the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) quadrants were obtained using Primus SD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Results: The study group consisted of 68 boys and 76 girls with a mean age (SD) of 10.8 (3.0) years. The mean (SD) spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was 0.56 (1.73) diopters (range: -4.75 to 4.75). The mean of macular average thickness was 277.2±12.5 µm, and the mean of the central subfield thickness was 246.7±16.8 µm. In multivariate analysis, all macular parameters except the central subfield thickness (CST) correlated positively with the SER. Boys had significantly higher CST than girls (p=0.008). None of the macular parameters were correlated with age. Conclusion: Normative data of macular thickness for healthy Jordanian children were established for sex and age groups using SD-OCT.

Adults with Longstanding Strabismus: Psychosocial and Functional Impacts and Reasons behind Surgery Delay.

Purpose: The aims of the study were to determine the reasons behind surgical correction delay in adult patients with strabismus, reveal motivations for seeking treatment, and study the psychosocial and functional impacts of strabismus on patients using an Arabic version of the Adult Strabismus-20 (AS-20) questionnaire. Methods and Patients. This study included 79 patients aged ≥18 years and had strabismus for at least one year prior to surgical correction and 40 controls without known visual defects. After a comprehensive ophthalmic exam during their preoperative visit, a validated questionnaire was administered to patients to collect sociodemographic data, reasons for surgery delay, and motivations for seeking treatment now. A translated version of the AS-20 questionnaire was then presented to patients and controls. Total AS-20 (and its subscales: psychosocial and function) scores were calculated and analyzed. All relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, the onset of deviation, presence of diplopia, type and size of deviation, and the changes in the scores of AS-20 (and its subscales) were investigated. Results: A total of 79 adult patients with strabismus (cases) and 40 subjects with normal vision (control group) were included in this study. The mean age (SD) was 34.10 (11.5) years for cases (range: 18-61) and 34.20 (11.2) years for controls (range: 18-65) (p=0.964). About half (55.7%, n = 44) of the patients were males compared to (57.5%, n = 23) of the controls. The reasons for strabismus surgery delay reported by the patients were the following: surgery was not offered by an ophthalmologist (35.4%), surgery was offered but declined by the patient due to fear from surgical complications (22.8%), nonaffordability (17.7%), surgery was offered but refused because patients thought they were too old for surgery or patient was not bothered by appearance (15.2%), and patient never sought care (8.9%). The reasons for seeking surgical treatment after this delay were as follows: for cosmetic issues (27.8%), a better understanding of strabismus surgery and its potential complications (20.3%), pressure from family and friends (16.5%), improved economic status (13.9%), relationship/marriage prospects (13.9%), and to improve chances of getting a job (7.6%). When compared to control, patients have significantly lower mean scores of total AS-20 (50.57 vs. 88.01) and its psychosocial (49.59 vs. 87.84) and functional (51.55 vs. 88.19) subscales. AS-20 total score was significantly lower among females and in patients with large deviation size (>25 PD). The psychosocial subscale of AS-20 was significantly lower in females, patients with younger age of onset, and those with large deviation size (>25 PD). Female gender, large deviation size, vertical deviation, and having diplopia correlated significantly with a lower functional score. Conclusion: Strabismus has a profound psychosocial and functional impact on affected individuals, especially females and patients with large deviation sizes. Many adult patients with strabismus tend to delay surgical correction; most of these delays could be avoided by better public education, increased awareness among health care providers, and changing health insurance policies to cover the costs of strabismus surgery.

Prevalence of low vitamin D levels in patients with Hidradenitis suppurativa in Jordan: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the apocrine gland bearing skin, presenting various stages of flexural skin pain, erythema, painful nodules, abscesses, sinuses, and fistulas. We aimed to assess serum vitamin D levels in patients with (HS) in Jordan. a cross-sectional comparative study conducted among 110 patients with HS and 110 matched controls, who didn't previously receive vitamin D therapy. Serum vitamin D was measured and classified into normal (>30 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml), and low (<20 ng/ml). The mean age of the cases was 43.1 ± 12.9 years and the mean disease duration was 19.4 months. The mean body mass index among patients with HS was 30 and about 34% of them were smokers. The mean Vitamin D level was 8.4 ng/ml and all HS patients were vitamin D deficient. Patients of HS were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to healthy controls. Most of the study subjects and particularly all of the patients with HS have low vitamin D levels. Smoking and high BMI, were associated with HS. We suggest the implementation standard public dietary recommendations of Vitamin D supplementation, smoking cessation, and weight reduction behaviors with further assessment of disease course among HS patients.

Time for effective cycloplegia in patients with brown iris.

We aimed to evaluate the time needed for effective cycloplegia after instillation of cyclopentolate 1% in patients with brown irides. A prospective analytical study involving 161 patients (322 eyes) with a mean (SD) age of 9.0 (3.1) years (range: 3-16 years), who attended outpatient eye clinic. All had brown irides, cyclopentolate 1% was instilled two times, 10 minutes apart, spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated using readings taken by Nidek AR-1000 autorefractometer before the first drop and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after the first drop. The time for effective cycloplegia was determined from the time point at which the 95% confidence interval of the differences between the average spherical equivalent (SE) at each point and its final value at 60 minutes was reached and remained within ±0.25 D. We found that maximum cycloplegia was reached 30 minutes after the instillation of first drop of cyclopentolate 1% in all refractive error categories (emmetropia, hyperopia and myopia) with the exception of high hyperopia subgroup (SE ≥ +6.0D) where at least 45 minutes were needed to achieve cycloplegia. Additionally no clinically significant difference in the minimum time required to achieve maximum cycloplegia was noticed in subjects under 10 years old and those aged 10 years or older with both groups needed at least 30 minutes to achieve maximum cycloplegia after the instillation of first drop of cyclopentolate 1%. In this group of patients with brown irides, most children reached maximum cycloplegia after 30 minutes of instillation of cyclopentolate 1% eye drops.

Cosmetic dermatology training perspectives during residency: A survey-based report from Jordan.

BACKGROUND: There has been an evident increase in the number of cosmetic dermatologic procedures performed by dermatologists. Those procedures vary from a simple office-based one to more complex procedures requiring general anesthesia. Therefore, it is essential to assess the adequacy of cosmetic dermatology training among dermatology residents to meet patients' expectations. AIM: We sought to assess dermatology residents' educational exposure to cosmetic dermatology and identify the practices and educational gaps of esthetic dermatology residency programs in Jordan. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study targeted almost all dermatology residents in Jordan from April to June 2021. Forty-two dermatology residents completed an English online questionnaire that involved sociodemographic data, the resident's educational exposure to cosmetic dermatology, and the resident's opinion regarding the training programs. RESULTS: Out of the 42 participants, 16 (38.1%) were males, and 26 (61.9%) were females. More than half (54.8%) of the participants reported that cosmetic procedures were done in the department they are attending. The majority (64.3%) did not attend cosmetic training or procedures. The majority strongly agree that hands-on training is the most beneficial way of cosmetic residency training (88.1%). More than 85% believe that cosmetic dermatology training should be practical and that final-year residents should perform cosmetic procedures independently. Only 2.4% and 4.8% of the residents were very satisfied or satisfied, respectively, with the current level of cosmetic procedural training. CONCLUSION: The dermatology residents in Jordan are dissatisfied regarding the current level of cosmetic procedural training. Therefore, infrastructure must be improved; educational training quality must be improved by providing theoretical and practical education in clinics.

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be a severe condition that impacts patients' health and quality of life. One aspect that can be impaired is sexual health, with many patients suffering from sexual dysfunction (SD). There are numerous articles describing this association. OBJECTIVE: We sought to synthesize and analyze the recent available evidence on HS and SD. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. Three medical databases were used: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. All types of epidemiological articles were included, while reviews, guidelines, protocols, conference abstracts, and case report articles were excluded. This review covers the past eight years. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included for review, with the most common study design being cross-sectional. Most studies involved surveys and questionnaires, with some using control groups to compare results. SD affected roughly half of patients with HS, and was found more frequently in women. Comorbidities included psychological conditions, such as depression and low self-esteem, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: HS is significantly associated with sexual health issues, including SD in women and erectile dysfunction in men.

Preferred Surgical and Anesthesia Techniques for Cataract Surgery in Jordan.

PURPOSE: To study the current practices in Jordan regarding cataract surgical procedures and anesthesia trends for cataract surgery. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of members of the Jordanian Ophthalmology Society was conducted in October 2020. The questionnaire included questions about participants' demographics, the preferred surgical techniques for cataracts, the preferred anesthesia technique for cataract surgery, the factors which affect the choice of anesthesia technique, the use of sedation, who gives the anesthesia, if there is an anesthesia-trained person who observes the patient during cataract surgery, and the changing trends towards anesthesia between the surgeons. RESULTS: More than half of the respondents (59.1%) had been in practice for more than 5 years. The preferred method for routine cataract was phacoemulsification for most participants (98.4%). For mature cataract, phacoemulsification was the preferred method for 61.4% of participants. More than half (55.1%) used topical with intracameral anesthesia for phacoemulsification. Two thirds of the participants (66.3%) performed retrobulbar anesthesia for extracapsular cataract surgery. In the majority of cases (86.6%), the respondent themself is the one who administers the anesthesia. No sedation was used before surgery in 62.6% of cases. Two thirds of the respondents (70.1%) reported that they had an anesthesia-trained person monitoring the patient during surgery. Patient cooperation was the most important factor (70.9%) affecting the surgeon's choice of anesthesia technique followed by surgeon skill and experience (57.5%). CONCLUSION: Presently, phacoemulsification is the preferred surgical technique for cataract in Jordan. Topical with intracameral anesthesia is the most common anesthesia for phacoemulsification while retrobulbar anesthesia is the most common for extracapsular cataract extraction.

Maxillary incisor proclination effect on the position of point A in Class II division 2 malocclusion.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the magnitude of alteration in the position of point A is not associated with proclination of the upper incisors in Class II division 2 malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalometric films were taken for 30 Class II division 2 patients (8 males and 22 females; average age, 18.3 years) before and after upper incisor proclination. The total change in the position of point A was measured by superimposing the pretreatment and postproclination lateral cephalograms on the sella-nasion line at the sella. To determine the local effect of alveolar bone remodeling associated with upper incisor proclination on the position of point A, postproclination tracing of the maxilla was superimposed on the pretreatment tracing according to the Bolton template of maxillary superimposition. RESULTS: The total vertical displacement in Point A position was downward by 0.84 mm (P = .002), and the total horizontal displacement was forward by 0.45 mm (P = .054). Assessment of local changes in point A revealed that the position of point A had moved backward by 0.60 mm (P = .001). No significant change was observed in the value of the sella-nasion-point A angle (SNA). CONCLUSION: The hypothesis is rejected. The position of point A is affected by local bone remodeling associated with proclination of the upper incisor in Class II division 2 malocclusion, but this minor change does not significantly affect the SNA angle.

Diffusion of nanoparticles in semidilute and entangled polymer solutions.

We studied the diffusion of gold nanoparticles in semidilute and entangled solutions of polystyrene (PS) in toluene using fluctuation correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The polymer concentration was varied from approximately 6c* to 20c*, where c* is the overlap concentration. In our experiments, the particle radius (R approximately 2.5 nm) was much smaller compared to the radius of gyration (Rg approximately 18 nm) of the chain but comparable to the average mesh size (xi) of the fluctuating polymer network. The diffusion coefficient (D) of the particles decreased monotonically with polymer concentration and it can be fitted with a stretched exponential function, D=D0 exp(-microcnu), with the value of the scaling parameter, nu approximately 0.9. At high concentration of the polymer, a clear subdiffusive motion of the particles was observed. The results were compared with the diffusion of free dyes (coumarin 480), which showed normal diffusive behavior for all concentrations.

Effect of surface curvature on critical adsorption.

We studied critical adsorption on curved surfaces by utilizing spherical nanoparticles immersed in a critical binary liquid mixture of 2,6 lutidine+water. The temperature dependence of the adsorbed film thickness and excess adsorption was determined from fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements of the enlarged effective hydrodynamic radius of the particles. Our results indicated that the adsorbed film thickness is of the order of correlation length associated with concentration fluctuations. The excess adsorption per unit area increases following a power law in reduced temperature with an exponent of -1, which is the mean-field value for the bulk susceptibility exponent. This has been confirmed with silica particles of two different radii, 10 and 25 nm. The results were also compared with the theoretical mean-field scaling function.