Effect of Implementation of an Eyecare Bundle on Incidence of Exposure Keratopathy in Intensive Care Unit of Tertiary Care Center in North India.

Background: Lack of eyecare protective measures especially in unconscious and sedated critically ill patients, make them prone to ocular surface diseases (OSDs), e.g., exposure keratopathy. This study is aimed to frame an algorithm-based approach to eyecare via eyecare bundle to bring down the burden of OSDs in critically ill patients especially in resource-limited settings. Materials and methods: After clearance from institutional ethical committee, a quasi-experimental single center study was conducted over a period of 6 months. Incidence of exposure keratopathy was calculated before and after induction of eyecare bundle and was compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software v20. p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 218 patients were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed written consent and after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into control and experimental groups, with baseline characteristics similar in both the groups, respectively, in terms of gender, age (40 years), APACHE II score, and specialty distribution except predominantly medical patients in experimental group. In control group (n = 99), total 69 patients (41 medical and 28 surgical) developed exposure keratopathy, while in experimental group (n = 109) only 15 patients (6 medical and 9 surgical) developed exposure keratopathy, hence a significant reduction was observed. Further follow-up of patients in the experimental group was also done on Days 5 and 7, respectively. Conclusion: The proposed protocolized algorithm-based eyecare bundle significantly reduced the incidence of exposure keratopathy in sedated, mechanically ventilated, and vulnerable critically ill patients. How to cite this article: Sama S, Abrol R, Dhasmana R, Sharma N, Khandhuri S, Chauhan R, et al. Effect of Implementation of an Eyecare Bundle on Incidence of Exposure Keratopathy in Intensive Care Unit of Tertiary Care Center in North India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(6):426-432.

Morphometric evaluation and measurements of primary pterygium by anterior segment optical coherence tomography and its relation with astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between measurements and various morphometric parameters of primary pterygium on anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT) and refractive and keratometric astigmatism. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients with primary pterygium were included. The AS-OCT parameters of pterygium consisting of epithelial thickness near apex(µm), apical or head thickness(µm), its thickness at limbus(µm), horizontal length of pterygium(mm), central corneal thickness (µm) and maximum pterygium thickness(mm) were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty three patients comprising of 63 eyes with a primary pterygium were studied. The mean keratometric and refractive astigmatism were 1.69 ± 3.15 Diopter(D) and0.5 ± 1.4D, respectively. There was a significant association between pterygium grade and stocker's line with keratometric astigmatism (p = 0.02, 0.00) respectively. Vertical and horizontal length on slit lamp and horizontal length on AS-OCT showed significant association with keratometric astigmatism (p = 0.05, 0.00,0.00), respectively. Limbal thickness on AS-OCT showed significant positive correlation with refractive astigmatism (r = 0.29, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The pterygium grade influences the keratometric astigmatism. Increased limbal thickness of pterygium on AS-OCT leads to more refractive astigmatism.

Dry eye disease and retinal nerve fiber layer changes in chronic smokers.

Purpose: To study the effect of smoking on tear film parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) in chronic smokers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which included 60 (120 eyes) smokers who have smoked at least 10 pack-year and an equal number of healthy subjects as a control for comparison. In addition to history, a detailed slit-lamp examination was done to evaluate the anterior and posterior segments. All patients underwent Schirmer's I test (SIT) with Whatman-41 filter paper, tear meniscus height (TMH), and RNFL with a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and tear film breakup time (TBUT) with 2% fluorescein and cobalt blue filter using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Results: The (mean ± SD) age of the participants was 56.48 ± 10.38 years. There was a statistically significant reduction in tear film parameters in smokers compared to nonsmokers (P = 0.000). The incidence of MGD was found to be higher in smokers when compared to nonsmokers with a P value of 0.000. RNFL in all four quadrants was also significantly reduced in smokers compared to nonsmokers (P = 0.00). Conclusion: This study shows that chronic smoking leads to an increased incidence of dry eye disease and is associated with RNFL thinning. Smoking can result in cumulative RNFL loss in patients with ocular neurodegenerative disorder and OCT of these patients may have to be interpreted keeping this in mind.

Morphological and functional outcome of N- butyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application in corneal perforations.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to characterize morphological and functional outcome of application of tissue adhesive (TA) in corneal perforations. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in which data of corneal perforations which were managed by application of TA (N- butyl cyanoacrylate) from January 2015 to April 2018 were reviewed. The final outcome of TA in corneal perforation was considered as sealed or non-sealed over a period of three months. Criteria of success of TA application included resolution of infiltrates, corneal vascularisation and scarring. Morphological outcome was considered as corneal scarring, required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) and loss of anatomical integrity of globe as phthisis bulbi. Functional success was considered preservation of visual function with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: A total of sixty seven eyes of sixty seven patients were reviewed in the present study. The mean age of all the patients was 46.63 ±16.30 years (range: 5-81 years) with predominance of males 41(61.19%). Infective keratitis (IK) constituted major chunk of aetiology for corneal perforations 44(65.67%) with maximum 47(70.14%) of size of ≥1.5-3.0mm. 56(83.58%) cases sealed completely, rest 11(16.41%) cases failed to seal. Morphological outcome showed significant relationship with age, number of glue applications and complications with P value (0.05, 0.00, 0.00) respectively. The functional outcome showed significant relationship with age, frequency of applications, morphological outcome and complications (p value 0.02, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Infective keratitis is major cause of corneal perforations. Corneal perforations ≤3.0mm size shows healing and subsequent closure in 83.58%. Morphological and functional outcome shows significant relationship with age, number of glue applications and complications.

Glycerol-preserved corneal tissue in emergency corneal transplantation: An alternative for fresh corneal tissue in COVID-19 crisis.

PURPOSE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the eye banks have limited/stopped corneal collection, as this is a highly contagious disease. This has led to shortage of donor corneas worldwide. Glycerol preservation of tissue remains a viable option in this scenario. The objective is to compare fresh corneal tissue (FCT) with glycerol-preserved cornea (GPC) in emergency corneal transplantation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary care centre of Uttarakhand. Medical records of the patients who underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) were reviewed. FCT group included patients who underwent TPK with fresh corneal tissue and GPC group included patients who underwent TPK with glycerol preserved cornea. The indications and outcomes of TPK in the terms of therapeutic success were analysed and compared between both the groups. RESULTS: A total of 94 eyes of 91 patients underwent TPK from October 2011 to August 2017. FCT group included 60 eyes of 57 patients and GPC group included 34 eyes of 34 patients. The primary indication of TPK was infectious keratitis in both the groups (FCT-81.6%; GPC - 91.2%) There was no significant difference in the therapeutic success in both the groups (P = 0.741, Odds ratio- 1.59 with 95% CI- 0.39-6.44). Complications included glaucoma (FCT-21.7%; GPC- 35.2%) graft infection (FCT- 18.33% GPC- 2.9%); graft rejection (FCT-11.66%, GPC- 0%); and graft failure (FCT-88.33%, GPC-100%). CONCLUSION: The GPC is comparable to FCTs in therapeutic transplant and can be a useful interim procedure in saving the eyes in cases of infective keratitis in the time of crisis.

Outcome of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in advanced infectious keratitis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical, therapeutic, and functional outcome of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) in terms of success and failure. METHODS: In this retrospective study 57 eyes of 57 patients were reviewed. They had undergone TPK from December 2012 to June 2017. Data analyzed included the baseline demographic features and characteristics, preoperative diagnosis, and postoperative outcomes. The baseline characteristics included age, gender, laterality, indications of TPK, lens status, size of the recipient, grade of the graft, organisms identified, preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), secondary procedures, adjunctive surgical procedure, postoperative BCVA at last follow-up, intraocular pressure (IOP), and long-term complications of TPK. The ultimate outcome of TPK was observed in terms of anatomical, therapeutic, and functional outcome which indicated the success and failure. RESULTS: A total of 57 eyes of 57 with an age range of 2-76-year-old patients who underwent TPK were included in the study. Perforated corneal ulcer was a major indication of TPK in 32 (56.1%) cases. Anatomical success was obtained overall in 49 (85.96%) cases. Indications of TPK and preoperative visual acuity, complications of TPK, and ultimate graft clarity showed significant impact on the anatomical outcome (P = 0.03, P = 0.00, P = 0.00, and P = 0.05), respectively. The therapeutic and functional success was observed in 51 (89.47%) and 40 (70.17%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Perforated corneal ulcers was the major indication for TPK. Indications and complications significantly affect the anatomical, therapeutic, and functional outcome.

Incidence and risk factors for postkeratoplasty glaucoma in tertiary care center, India.

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and its early diagnosis and management is mandatory to salvage the graft. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for post penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma (PKG). METHODS: Data of 155 eyes of 155 patients were reviewed retrospectively who underwent PK from March 2013 to February 2016. Data were analyzed from recipient records for recipient age, sex, indications, type of PK, lens status, recipient graft size or any additional procedure. Detailed ophthalmological examination was recorded for all cases including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry or tonopen, central corneal thickness (CCT) and gonioscopy. IOP measurement records were reviewed at each visit of one week, two weeks,one, three and six months and if IOP was elevated (>22 mmHg) medical management was initiated. Uncontrolled IOP with antiglaucoma medication (AGM) required surgical management. RESULTS: Overall incidence of raised IOP after PK was 32.25%. Increase in IOP post PK was reported mainly in 32 (64%) among age group >40 years. Raised IOP showed significant association with age group, indications of PK, recipient size and CCT (P value 0.00, 0.01, 0.00, 0.00) respectively. Two weeks after PK 46 (29.67%) patients reported an increase in IOP ,47(30.32 %) after 1 months, 33 (21.29%) at 3 months and 30 (19.35%) at 6 months. In 11 (39.28%) cases cataract was major long term complication seen in PKG cases. 35 (70%) cases of PKG were treated medically and 15 (30%) patients required surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Subjects with age group >40 years, corneal opacity, increased recepient size and increased CCT are risk factors for PKG. IOP monitoring in early post operative period especially one month after PK is mandatory to avoid graft failure due to PKG which is difficult to diagnose otherwise.

Unilateral lattice corneal dystrophy in a young female: A unique case report.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral lattice corneal dystrophy is a rare entity. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the evidence of unilateral lattice corneal dystrophy in a young female. CASE: A young 28 years old female presented to the outpatient department of Ophthalmology with slowly progressive diminution of vision in left eye for one month. On ophthalmological examination best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 and 20/40 with refractive error of plano and -0.75D Cyl @30 for right and left eye respectively. Ocular examination of right eye was unremarkable. On slit lamp examination, left eye showed multiple radial lattice lines in branching spider like pattern in the temporal cornea with pupillary margin involvement. The lattice pattern was confined to anterior to midstroma of the cornea with intact epithelium and unremarkable endothelium. The lesions did not involve the limbus. These lattice lines were prominent on retroillumination. In temporal quadrant near pupillary margin a small radial nebulomacular corneal opacity was seen without any corneal vascularisation or edema. The anterior chamber was deep and quiet. Corneal sensations were markedly reduced. Intraocular pressure was 10 and 12mmHg for right and left eye respectively with noncontact tonometry. Fundus examination was unremarkable. Family history and systemic history was negative. Optical coherence tomography(OCT) showed hyperreflective material in midstoma confirmed the diagnosis of unilateral lattice corneal dystrophy(LCD) with an apparently healthy fellow eye.

Cross-sectional, observational study of anterior segment parameters using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in North Indian Population.

PURPOSE: To study the anterior segment (AS) parameters using AS optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in the North Indian population. METHODS: A hospital-based, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 1 year. It included 251 normal individuals aged 20-70 years. Participants underwent imaging with AS-OCT.Ocular parameters included anterior chamber angle (ACA), iris cross-sectional area (ICSA), iris thickness (IT), and iris curvature (IC). The parameters were measured nasally and temporally for both sexes and different age groups. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 48.3 ± 13.9 years and 50.6% were men. The ACA decreased with age whereas ICSA, IT, and IC increased with age. The ACA (P = 0.0001nasally and temporally), ICSA (P = 0.011 nasally, P = 0.027 temporally), IT750 (P = 0.001 nasally, P = 0.011 temporally), IT1500 (P = 0.002 nasally, P = 0.002 temporally), and IC (P = 0.059 nasally, P = 0.128 temporally) underwent statistically significant changes with increasing age. No significant difference was seen in parameters of different sex. CONCLUSION: In this subset of the Indian population, the change in the AC parameters with age influences the AC dimensions predisposing the eye to glaucomatous conditions. These data are applicable clinically for the assessment and surgical management of patients requiring AS surgery. Objectif: Étudier les paramètres du segment antérieur (AS) en utilisant la tomodensitométrie optique AS (AS-OCT) dans la population du nord de l'Inde. Méthodes: Une étude axée sur l'hôpital, observationnelle et transversale a été menée sur une période de 1 an. Il comprenait 251 individus normaux âgés de 20 à 70 ans. Les participants ont subi une imagerie avec AS-OCT. Les paramètres oculaires comprenaient l'angle de la chambre antérieure (ACA), la surface transversale de l'iris (ICSA), l'épaisseur de l'iris (IT) et la courbure de l'iris (IC). Les paramètres ont été mesurés par voie nasale et temporelle pour les deux sexes et différents groupes d'âge. Résultats: l'âge moyen des participants était de 48,3 ± 13,9 ans et 50,6% des hommes. L'ACA a diminué avec l'âge alors que ICSA, IT et IC ont augmenté avec l'âge. L'ACA (P = 0,0001 par voie nasale et temporelle), ICSA (P = 0,011 nasale, P = 0,027 temporellement), IT750 (P = 0,001 par voie nasale, P = 0,011 temporellement), IT1500 (P = 0,002 par voie nasale, P = 0,002 temporellement) Et IC (P = 0,059 nasal, P = 0,128 temporellement) ont subi des changements statistiquement significatifs avec l'âge. Aucune différence significative n'a été observée dans les paramètres du sexe différent. CONCLUSION: Dans ce sous-ensemble de la population indienne, la variation des paramètres CA avec l'âge influence les dimensions AC prédisposant l'oeil aux conditions glaucomateuses. Ces données sont applicables cliniquement pour l'évaluation et la gestion chirurgicale des patients nécessitant une chirurgie AS.

Factors associated with surface epithelial keratopathy after optical penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the various donor and recipient factors associated with short-term prevalence of surface epithelial keratopathy after optical penetrating keratoplasty (OPK). METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative data of 91 eyes of 91 patients were reviewed retrospectively who had undergone OPK from March 2013 to February 2016. Donor and recipient data were analyzed for age and sex of the donor, cause of death, death to enucleation time (DET), death to preservation time (DPT), enucleation to utilisation time (EUT) and total time (TT), age and sex of recipient, indications of penetrating keratoplasty (PK), associated glaucoma and recipient size (RS). The presence of various epitheliopathies were recorded at various postoperative visits. RESULTS: The range of age of recipient in this study was 10-83 yrs (mean 49.19 ± 19.35 yrs). The donor age ranged in between 17 and 95 years (70.27 ± 15.11 years). Age and preoperative diagnosis of host showed significant influence on epitheliopathy till two weeks and one month post-PK (P = 0.032 and 0.05), respectively. Donor's age and gender showed significant impact on surface keratopathy (SK) till two weeks follow-up with P value of 0.04 and 0.004, respectively. DET, DPT, EUT, and TT affected the surface epithelium significantly with P value of 0.007, 0.001, 0.05, and 0.03, respectively. On first postoperative day 33 (36.26%) eyes developed epithelial defect involving >1/2 of cornea. CONCLUSION: Various donor and recipient factors showed influence on various epithelial abnormalities of surface epithelium in early postoperative period.

Orbital Myiasis with Scalp Pediculosis and Buccal Abscess-An Uncommon Presentation.

We present a case of severe orbital myiasis caused by Osteris ovis, also known as sheep nasal botfly which is an uncommon manifestation of maggot infestation. Our patient was successfully treated with oral as well as topical ivermectin. The experience of ivermectin as an anti-parasitic agent in the treatment of orbital myiasis, although a known entity, is still limited among medical professionals including ophthalmologists. Thus, we would like to highlight the role of oral ivermectin as an anti-parasitic agent in the treatment of orbital myiasis facilitating the removal of maggots; thus, precluding the need for exploratory surgery.

Monitoring the appositions of posterior graft-host junctions with anterior segment optical coherence tomogram after penetrating keratoplasty.

This study aimed to monitor the graft-host junction's (GHJ's) apposition with anterior segment optical coherence tomogram after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and correlate the analysis with the preoperative diagnosis. Fifty-one eyes of 50 patients with various preoperative diagnosis of adherent leucoma, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, corneal opacity or scarring, graft failure, corneal dystrophy and anterior staphyloma, who underwent PK for optical purposes were reviewed retrospectively. Based on the age, the patients were divided into groups 1 and II: those aged ≤40 and >40 years, respectively. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was done for all these eyes to evaluate the posterior graft-host junction. All graft-host junction patterns were classified as well apposed, and malapposed with various components like hill, gap, step and tag. The comparisons of various clinical parameters were done for the various malapposed junction groups (hill, gap, step and tag). A total of 408 graft-host junction cross sections of 51 eyes were analysed. Amongst them 70 (17.15 %) sections were well apposed, and 338 (82.84 %) were malapposed. Most frequent type of malapposition was hill: 164 sections (40.19 %) followed by step: 139 sections (34.06 %). The distribution of graft-host junction alignment patterns varied amongst all the indications. Patients with preoperative diagnosis of adherent leucoma and corneal dystrophy had predominantly steps pattern in 65 (40.62 %) and 12 (75 %) sections, respectively. Hill pattern was seen predominantly in PBK, corneal opacity, graft failure and anterior staphyloma in 55 (42.96 %), 16 (40 %), 22 (45.83 %) and 8 (50 %) sections, respectively. Comparisons of various clinical characteristics like intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, best-corrected visual acuity, astigmatism and size of graft with the various malapposed patterns showed significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity and keratometric astigmatism in the hill pattern of malapposition group with p values of .004 and .053, respectively, using independent T test. Posterior graft-host junction analysis with anterior segment optical coherence tomography is very important for post penetrating keratoplasty management. The posterior wound profile differed according to the indications of penetrating keratoplasty. Best-corrected visual acuity and keratometric astigmatism showed significant difference with the malapposition hill (pattern).

Evaluation of the Central Corneal Thickness with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomogram after Penetrating Keratoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Graft central thickness evaluates the graft quality which affects the outcome of Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK). It varies at different point of time after PK. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (ASOCT) can measure graft's central thickness with quite high precision. AIM: The purpose of the study was to monitor the Central Corneal thickness (CCT) with ASOCT after PK and to evaluate its relationship with the pre-operative diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational retrospective study where records of optical PK done in December 2012 and June 2015 were reviewed. Graft central thickness were analysed by ASOCT for all the patients post-operatively at first post-operative day, 3 and 6 months post PK by pachymetry scan and the images captured were analysed for CCT with inbuilt calipers. RESULTS: Fifty one eyes of 50 patients with age range of 17-80years (mean 51.64years ±SD 18.45 years) with clear grafts were reviewed in the present study. All subjects recruited were analysed for the indications of PK. Adherent leucoma 20(39.21%) was most common indication for PK. Mean CCT were 647.31±90.40, 605.31±75.08,564.66±66.26 and 537.37±64.09 respectively on first post-operative day, 1, 3 and 6 months. Graft CCT significantly decreased between first post-operative day and 1 month and it showed further decrease at 3 to 6 months post PK. The CCT at 6 month post-surgery showed a strongly positive correlation with the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) (r=0.66) and weakly positive correlation with Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) (r=0.28). CONCLUSION: Graft central thickness is considered to be quantitative method for evaluating corneal oedema post PK. CCT decreases in post-operative period irrespective of indications of PK.

Study of Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Using Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic retina undergoes degenerative changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in addition to vascular changes. Loss of RNFL with changes in inner retina and their association with metabolic control have been studied with varied results in diabetic patients. AIM: To compare the RNFL thickness between diabetic patients and age matched healthy controls and to correlate the thickness to metabolic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty five patients were enrolled in the study out of which 50 served as controls, 58 patients were diabetic without retinopathy and 57 patients had diabetic retinopathy. Both eyes of all patients underwent optical coherence tomography scans for RNFL and ganglion cell complex. Foveal and parafoveal thickness were also measured. All the parameters were compared to patient's metabolic control. RESULTS: RNFL thinning was observed in superotemporal (p-value = 0.001) and upper nasal sectors (p-value = 0.031) around the optic disc in eyes with diabetic retinopathy. Ganglion cell complex also showed statistically significant thinning in diabetic patients. Creatinine levels showed a weak negative correlation to the RNFL. CONCLUSION: This study positively concluded that neurodegeneration in an early component of diabetic retinopathy.

Ocular manifestations in leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders and their association with hematological parameters.

OBJECTIVES: To study the ocular manifestations in patients diagnosed with leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders and to derive an association between the ocular manifestations and hematological parameters of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational and descriptive study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Center of Dehradun, North India over a period of 1 year. All the diagnosed cases of leukemia and myeloproliferative diseases attending the Oncology Department were included. Patients underwent a detailed ocular examination. The hematological parameters were also recorded including hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC), and platelet count. RESULTS: The study included 102 patients out of which, there were 66 males (64.7%), and 36 were females (35.3%) with an age range of 5-80 years. A total of forty patients showed ocular manifestations (39.3%). Extraocular manifestations were seen in 10.8% patients while intraocular manifestations were noted in 45.1% patients of acute leukemia and 7.7% patients of chronic leukemia. These ocular manifestations showed a significant association with low Hb (P = 0.000), raised TLC (P = 0.004), and low platelet count (P = 0.000). The most common ocular manifestation was intraretinal hemorrhages followed by roth spots. Among acute myeloid leukemia patients (23.5%), the presence of intraretinal hemorrhages was significantly associated with low Hb (Mann-Whitney U-test = 25.000, P = 0.007). The patients of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (25.4%) showed significant association between intraretinal hemorrhages and low platelet count (Mann-Whitney U-test = 44.000, P = 0.046) and roth spots with low Hb (Mann-Whitney U-test = 11.000, P = 0.000). Ocular manifestations were more commonly seen in acute leukemias as compared to chronic leukemias. CONCLUSION: Ocular examination is recommended in all leukemic patients as ocular manifestations may go unnoticed, most patients being asymptomatic and could be an early sign of worsening of disease.

Indications and Visual Outcome of Penetrating Keratoplasty in Tertiary Eye Care Institute in Uttarakhand.

INTRODUCTION: Corneal blindness forms significant proportion of visual blindness in developing countries and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) can restore vision for this. The prognosis of PK is dependent on the corneal diseases responsible for corneal blindness. AIM: To evaluate the indications and visual outcome of PK in tertiary eye care institute in Uttarakhand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was reviewed from the medical records of 145 PK done in Department of Ophthalmology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences from January 2012 to October 2014. Analysis of data was done for evaluation of the indications and visual outcome by Paired student's t-test for hypothesis testing of grouped values of preoperative and last follow-up best corrected visual acuity in cases of optical and therapeutic grafts. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In this study data of 145 eyes of 138 patients was reviewed. The most common indication for keratoplasty was corneal scarring including adherent leucoma 48 (33.10%). Therapeutic keratoplasty was done for 33 cases with maximum 30(20.68%) cases of infectious keratitis. One case of tectonic graft was included in therapeutic keratoplasty group for analysis. There was statistically significant difference (p=.0001) in best corrected visual acuity improvement from 1.39 logMAR+ 0.022(SD) preoperatively to 0.367 logMAR+0.44(SD) postoperatively and 1.4 logMAR+.000(SD) preoperatively to 0.16 logMAR+0.57(SD) postoperatively for optical and therapeutic grafts respectively. CONCLUSION: Infective keratitis either active or healed was the major indication for keratoplasty. Poor prognosis indications were most common in this part of the country. The visual outcome following corneal transplantation was encouraging particularly in cases of optical keratoplasty.