Awareness and knowledge among paramedical staff about glaucoma surgeries and post-surgery counseling - A questionnaire based study at a tertiary eye care center in Central Rural India.

Purpose: To determine the level of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma surgery and post-surgery counseling amongst paramedical staff at a tertiary eye-care hospital. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included a random sample of 94 hospital personnel: 37 general nurse midwives, 47 ophthalmic assistants, and 10 patient caretakers (PCTs). Participants were administered a questionnaire about glaucoma surgery and post-surgery counseling of patients. Results: The study included 41 (43.6%) females and 53 (56.4%) males. The mean age of the participants was 24.85 ± 4.54 years. All participants were aware of trabeculectomy surgery in glaucoma (100%). A total of 95.7% knew that surgery helps in controlling IOP, of whom 57 (60.6%) participants got information during their course of learning. Overall 53 (56.4%) believed that surgery is done when medication failure occurs, and 58 (61.7%) knew that surgery helps in preserving vision. A total of 63 (67.0%) participants knew to counsel patients to visit an ophthalmologist when called for and take the treatment as advised, whereas 74 (78.7%) correctly said to visit an ophthalmologist immediately if pain/diminution of vision/discharge occurs. Overall, PCTs were found to be having significantly better knowledge (P = 0.01) compared to others and they also reported ophthalmologists as the chief source of information. Conclusion: This study revealed that paramedical staff had an excellent awareness of trabeculectomy surgery. However, the knowledge and counseling parts of the questionnaire revealed less than satisfactory responses. So, there is a need to continuously educate paramedical staff members so that they can help in propagating information about the role of glaucoma surgery and the importance of proper follow-up.

A Case Report of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Caused by Enterovirus D68 Infection: The Beginning of a Polio-Like Epidemic?

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a non-polio enterovirus that occasionally causes respiratory illnesses. EV-D68 infections have occurred over the last couple of years and have a high prevalence worldwide. This virus has recently been linked to acute flaccid paralysis and particularly affects children. We report the case of a young adult who presented with acute neurological manifestations along with respiratory involvement. EV-D68 was detected in the patient's broncho-alveolar lavage and was followed by a prolonged recovery period. Clinicians should consider EV-D68 infection in the differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and respiratory failure.