Analysis of hesitancy and motivational factors for COVID-19 vaccination among patients presenting to eye care hospitals - A multicenter questionnaire-based survey.

Purpose: To analyze the hesitancy and motivational factors related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among patients visiting for eye care. Methods: A telephonic survey was conducted using validated questionnaires consisting of 36 questions in five sections from July 1 to July 31, 2021. Patients visiting six tertiary centers and one secondary center of our eye hospitals were interviewed over their phones, and their responses were entered onto the Google forms. The responses were recorded as demographics, health status, awareness about vaccination, factors contributing to hesitancy or acceptance to vaccinate, and general perception about the vaccine. Results: A total of 5033 patients were surveyed. The mean age was 49.0 ± 14.2 years. A total of 563 (11.2%) patients gave a history of symptoms or were tested positive for COVID-19; 2225 (44.2%) patients were already COVID-19 vaccinated. Around 2883 (56%) patients were aware of getting infection despite vaccination, and 4092 (81.3%) perceived vaccination should be compulsory. The main reason for vaccination hesitancy was the fear of side effects (n = 487, 17.3%). The fear of getting infected was the most common reason for vaccination (n = 911, 40.9%). Factors associated with a lower proportion of vaccinated individuals included younger age (P < 0.001), female gender (P < 0.001), lower education (P < 0.001), lower income (P < 0.001), and rural residence (P = 0.33). Conclusion: Creating awareness about the minor side effects and reassurance can allay an individual's fears. The fear associated with the rapid spread of infection and associated mortality needs to be utilized to increase vaccination acceptance. A targeted approach toward groups with poor uptake of vaccination is necessary.

Intratrochlear steroid injections in acquired Brown syndrome-a case series.

PURPOSE: To present our experience in the treatment of children with acquired Brown syndrome by means of intratrochlear injection of betamethasone. METHODS: The medical records of patients treated with intratrochlear betamethasone in 2016 at the Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, were reviewed retrospectively. The following data were collected: pre- and postoperative orthoptic work-up, blood work, and neuroimaging. Betamethasone injection was administered 2-8 weeks following onset of symptoms. RESULTS: Five children (4 girls), 1.5-15 years of age, were included. During the postoperative period, abnormal head posture and elevation in adduction improved in 4 subjects but did not resolve completely. The median vertical deviation was 11.5Δ preoperatively and reduced to 3.5Δ postoperatively. A significant reduction in deviation was demonstrable on diplopia and Hess charting in 2 of the older children. Subject 2, who did not show improvement after injection, was prescribed prism glasses and became diplopia free. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series, children with acquired Brown syndrome of idiopathic or presumed inflammatory etiology showed significant reduction in deviation and symptoms following intratrochlear injection of betamethasone. We recommend that this treatment be considered for children affected by acquired Brown syndrome, especially those in the amblyogenic age group.