Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for dry eye in the Indian population.

PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence and severity of dry eye in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with that in age- and sex-matched controls in the Indian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 84 randomly selected eyes of 84 adult patients with well-documented rheumatoid arthritis and 84 eyes of 84 age- and sex-matched controls in the Department of Ophthalmology, Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital. McMonnie's dry eye questionnaire was used to classify the patients on the basis of their symptoms. Dry eye was diagnosed if the wetting on Schirmer filter paper test was < or =5 mm at 5 minutes and the tear film breakup time was < 10 seconds on slit-lamp examination after fluorescein staining. RESULTS: Twenty three patients (27.3%) with rheumatoid arthritis had dry eyes based on the Schirmer test as compared to 10 (12%) age- and sex-matched controls; 19 (22.62%) patients with RA had a tear film breakup time of < 10 sec. on slit-lamp examination, compared to 8 (9.52%) patients without RA. The difference in the mean wetting (p = 0.003) and mean tear film breakup time (p < 0.001) between RA and non-RA patients was statistically significant. Ocular symptoms had a limited correlation with the results of these tests. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA in the Indian population have a significantly higher prevalence and severity of dry eye when compared to age- and sex-matched controls.

Suture supported P C IOL in a homocystinuric child.

A homocystinuric child presented with a secondary pupillary block glaucoma due to anteriorly subluxated lens. After removal of the subluxated lens, a suture supported posterior chamber IOL was implanted. Postoperative complication of cerebral venous thrombosis following general anaesthesia was managed with high doses of pyridoxine special diet and drugs.

Colour Doppler sonography: a new investigative modality for intraocular space-occupying lesions.

We report our experience with colour Doppler sonography (CDS) in 20 normal subjects and 25 patients with intraocular space-occupying lesions. The technique provided an in vivo cross-section of the vascular topography of space-occupying lesions in real time. Colour coding and spectral analysis helped to determine the direction and pattern of blood flow. CDS was found to be a useful diagnostic adjuvant, a guide to the treatment protocol, and helped in monitoring the progress of the disease. In conditions of the eye where unclear media hindered a clinical evaluation, CDS sonography was a safe, easily reproducible and non-invasive investigative tool. With further technical advances in waveform analysis and quantitative assessment, CDS holds promise as an investigative modality of choice in the future.

Orbital cysticercosis.

Orbital cysticercosis is a rare condition. We report here 3 cases with orbital cysticercosis who presented with proptosis and ptosis (Case no. 1 and 2) and focal seizures (Case no. 3). All of them had a vision of 6/6. Diagnosis of cysticercosis was made on CT Scan. The lesions isolated in Cases 1 and 2 and were excised. Drug therapy was given to treat any persisting infestation. Case no 3 had multiple brain cysticerci in addition to the orbital one. However, the patient was lost to follow-up.

Pars plana vitrectomy in vitreous haemorrhage due to Eales' disease.

Repeated vitreous haemorrhage is a common occurrence in Eales disease. 25 eyes of unresolving vitreous haemorrhage were subjected to pars plana vitrectomy. 18 eyes improved to 1/60 or better. Vitreous rebleed was the commonest problem encountered. We discuss our experience, complications and limitations.

Results of pars plana vitrectomy in 62 cases of vitreous haemorrhage.

62 Cases with unresolving Vitreous Haemorrhage due to varied etiology, underwent pars plana Vitrectomy. A vitreous rebleed on the table and post-operatively, was the main complication encountered. Despite limited equipment, a visual improvement was obtained in 59.68% eyes with visual acuity greater than FC 6 meters in 33.87% eyes. This is far better than not being able to offer any treatment at all.

Results of pars plana vitrectomy in 24 cases of endophthalmitis.

Twenty four cases of endophthalmitis were subjected to pars plana vitrectomy. A final vitreous clearance was obtained in 62.50% cases. Visual improvement occurred in 41.67% cases. It was concluded that prompt detection and early and vigorous therapy--medical and surgical--is the mainstay in the management of endophthalmitis.

Argemone oil poisoning.

A family of three suffering from Argemone oil poisoning was investigated. The effects of the oil and its toxic alkaloid sanguinarine have been discussed. A test for detecting sanguinarine has been described.