Central corneal thickness in full-term Saudi newborns.

PURPOSE: To establish a standard of normal central corneal thickness (CCT) in normal full-term Saudi newborn. These values could be used as a reference in the early diagnosis and control of the fairly common primary congenital glaucoma in Saudi newborns. METHODS: The CCT was measured in 100 normal full-term Saudi newborns (200 eyes) during the first 6 days of the postnatal period. All measurements were carried out by one investigator using ultrasonic pachymeter DGH-1000. RESULTS: The mean CCT of 200 eyes (right and left) was 616 ± 61 µm. The mean CCT of the right and left eyes was similar (CCTRE was 617 ± 62 µm, and mean CCTLE was 616 ± 60 µm), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.417). The mean CCT for males was 631 ± 66 µm and for females 600 ± 50 µm. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The mean CCT decreases significantly by age [day-1: 626 ± 65 µm, day-2: 601 ± 48 µm and day-3: 574 ± 45 µm (p = 0.049)]. No correlations were found between CCT and gestational age, birth weight, birth length and head circumference. CONCLUSION: The average CCT in full-term Saudi newborns was found to be 616 ± 61 µm. The mean CCT in males was significantly higher than in females. There was no correlation between CCT and gestational age, birth weight, birth length and head circumference. There were borderline significant differences between CCT in 1-day-, 2-day-, and 3-day-old babies.

Outcomes of cataract surgeries over 16 years in camps held by Al basar international foundation in 38 underdeveloped countries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of 16 years of eye campaigns in 38 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study using the Al-Basar International Foundation (BIF) records. BIF is a non-governmental, non-religious philanthropic organization working in the field of the prevention of blindness since 1989. Having its base in Saudi Arabia and working mainly in Asia and Africa. Study variables included the causes of diminished vision, outcomes of eye surgeries, number of camps, patients assessed, surgeries performed, intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted, spectacles distributed, general outcomes of campaigns, and other variables. RESULTS: Between the periods of November 1989 and June 2006, BIF conducted 620 eye camps. These camps were conducted by ophthalmologists with expertise of working in eye camps with limited resources and harsh environmental conditions. Over two million people were examined and/or treated, and 186, 765 surgeries were performed. Nearly 100,000 IOLs were implanted and more than 140,000 spectacles were prescribed and distributed. The majority of these activities (74%) took place in Asia and the Middle East. The best corrected visual acuity achieved (BCVA) was ranked good (6/6 -6/18) in 59% of patients and borderline (BCVA 6/18 - 6/60) in 35% and poor (BCVA <6/60) in less than 6% of patients based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. CONCLUSION: Quality assured eye campaigns held by BIF helped the most needy countries and people. Intensive volunteer cataract programs and surgeries such as those provided by the BIF add significant support to the efforts of the WHO and International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in fighting blindness.

Mobile eye services: Literature review with special reference to the experience of Al-Basar International Foundation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the concept of quality assured mobile eye services (MES) in implementing the vision 2020 initiative. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review as well as the medical records of Al-Basar International Foundation (BIF) on MES. Emphasis was focused on the causes of blindness, objectives, operation, management and the benefits of MES, a critical appraisal of MES, training for MES and the relationship with other organizations and concerned government agencies. FINDINGS: More than 38 countries have been included in this exercise during which more than 620 eye camps have been conducted. More than two million people have benefited from the services provided including medicines and glasses in these eye camps and about 180,000 sight restoring surgeries performed for cataract, glaucoma etc. CONCLUSION: Quality assured MES are a very important means of tackling the problems of blindness and implementing the vision 2020 initiative. The adoption of this concept by major stake-holders in the prevention of blindness (e.g. WHO, IAPB) will bring an additional momentum to the achievement of this noble goal.

Prevalence and elimination of cataract in a rural setting in Yemen

A pilot observational study was conducted from 17 to 30 March 1996 in three locations in Yemen, namely Shabwa, Mukalla and Mahweet. The study population included 5341 people who came voluntarily to selected government hospitals for eye care. To determine the prevalence of the different eye diseases, especially cataract, among the study population, the team applied a case study form to collect the necessary data. The team examined patients and performed any surgery required. The findings are analysed, the limitations of the study discussed and recommendations formulated