Effect of Full-Face and Half-Face Helmet on Functional Vision and Visual Reaction Time.

Background: Motorcycle helmets are one of the most important protective gears in the automotive industry. However, some riders think they hinder their vision, which leads to helmet non-compliance. Hence, thorough research is required to evaluate the same. Aim and Objective: To assess the effect of full-face and half-face helmets on functional vision and visual reaction time (VRT). Setting and Study Design: Comparative experimental crossover study. Methods: The subjects aged between 18 and 35 years and who gave written consent to participate were included. Functional vision and VRT were assessed with and without the helmets. Helmets tested included a full-face helmet and a half-face helmet. Results: A total of 52 subjects aged 20 ± 1.5 years, participated in the study. Of those, 16 were males and 36 were females. The mean stereopsis without any helmet was 44.42 ± 6.3 arcs of second that reduced to 60.57 ± 13.34 arcs of second with a full-face helmet and to 60.38 ± 14.27 arcs of second with a half-face helmet. Repeated-measure analysis of variance showed a significant reduction in stereopsis in both types of helmets (P < 0.05) as compared to without a helmet. However, contrast sensitivity, VRT, and visual field did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) when compared to the baseline or within the helmet types. Conclusion: The visor significantly affects the stereopsis while viewing through it. The study did not find the exact cause of this reduction, and hence, further evaluation is recommended.

Visual Examination Standard for Forklift and Crane Operators: A Report for 66 Operators of a Factory in Mumbai.

CONTEXT: Forklift and crane industry in India is progressing at a rapid pace and the visual integrity of the operators is crucial for occupational safety. Hence, we performed a vision screening at a factory based in Mumbai. AIMS: To evaluate the current visual status of forklift and crane operators working at a factory in Mumbai. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective observational cross-sectional. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All forklift and crane operators were invited to undertake visual examination that included visual acuity (VA) assessment, refraction, slit-lamp examination, color vision assessment, visual field assessment, and stereopsis. Referrals were made for participants who needed further assessment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Mean and standard deviation were calculated and presented. RESULTS: A total of 66 forklift operators with an average age of 48 years that ranged from 26-60 years completed the study. The average distance VA in LogMAR with current spectacles was 0.1 ± 0.14. The near VA with usual spectacles averaged at 0.63 M ± 0.2 M. The best-corrected VA (BCVA) of 0 LogMAR was not achieved by 12% subjects; however, all participants except one met the 0.3 LogMAR visual acuity criteria. The average stereopsis was 55.8 ± 47.8 with 8% operators had lower than acceptable levels of stereopsis while 7% could not meet the set criteria. One operator had 400 s of an arc and 4 had 100 s of arc stereopsis. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates an urgent need to set up standards for vision assessment at the time of employment and frequency of eye examination for forklift and other powered industrial vehicles.

Contrast-Sensitivity Function and Photo Stress-Recovery Time in Prediabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess contrast sensitivity and macular function test in prediabetes. METHODS: Participants aged 25-45 years with or without diabetes were enrolled and classified as normal, prediabetic, and diabetic based on their HbA1C values. They underwent a comprehensive eye examination, and those with diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and high myopia were excluded. Participants with best-corrected visual acuity of 0 logMAR were included. Contrast-sensitivity function (CSF) was measured using a Pelli-Robson chart, and photo stress-recovery time (PSRT) assessed using direct ophthalmoscopy for the 70 eligible participants. Mean values were compared among the three groups. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional observational study. RESULTS: In the 70 participants, mean CSF was 1.71±0.10, 1.64±0.11, and 1.61±0.08 log units in the normal, prediabetic, and diabetic groups, respectively (p<0.001). Similarly, PSRT was found to be 35.80 seconds, 41.63 seconds, and 47.77 seconds in the normal, prediabetic, and diabetic groups, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The data suggested that reduced CSF and delayed PSRT seen in subjects with prediabetes could give valuable clinical insight into early changes before diabetes and microvascular damage is incurred. A future study with a larger sample could help substantiate the results.

COVID-19 guidelines for optometry and optical services post-lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption in everyone's lives globally. Optometrists, being primary health care professionals are at a higher risk of infection in their practices during these testing times. Optometrists and optical store owners need practically implementable guidelines as lockdown gets lifted in various parts of our country. As these practices gear up to provide eye examination and vision correction to people, they need to take necessary precautions to avoid any cross contaminations. Optometry Council of India guidelines were circulated among optometry and optical associations and among experts in various optometry specialty. A consensus among various bodies were arrived. These guidelines provide recommendation for optical and optometry practices.

A novel strategy for management of uncorrected refractive errors in urban slums.

BACKGROUND: Blindness and Vision impairment remains a major public health issue not only in rural but also in urban areas. Concept of using peripheral health centers to render primary health care services to the community was a WHO proposed model. However, establishing them in urban slums is a challenge as most of the slums are illegal establishments. So, aim was to establish vision centers for providing primary eye care services in the urban slums of Mumbai, West India. METHODS: Vision centers were established in various slum pockets of Mumbai from the year 2008 till 2009. Refraction and screening for ocular morbidity were carried out for those who attended this center and management for uncorrected refractive errors was done. RESULTS: Data from 6 such vision centers located in various slum pockets of Mumbai city from April 9 to March 2011 were collected and analyzed. Of the 19,550 adults, 2270 (11.61%) had moderate vision impairment with presenting visual acuity of <0.5 LogMAR in both eyes. Severe Visual impairment was seen in (723) 3.70%. Blindness was seen in (357) 1.82%. Of the 2993, which were moderately and severely visually impaired, 1893 subjects that is, 63.24% of them improved to 0.2 LogMAR or better with spectacle correction. CONCLUSIONS: About 63.24% of visual impairment was due to uncorrected refractive errors, these included both moderately and severely vision impaired. Totally, 357 (1.82%) were also identified as blind. This model of vision centers has a role in the identification and management of sight-threatening problems.