Sore Eyes Research Articles

Kajian Teknis Penerangan Bengkel Produksi Kapal Perang Di PT. PAL Indonesia

PAL Indonesia is one of the construction companies in the maritime industry that focuses on producing above and below the surface ships which the Indonesian government highly relies on, therefore the safety system there is very strict, including safety lighting. With good lighting, objects can be seen clearly, so that the operation of production equipment and work in the workshop is optimal. However, the company PT. PAL Indonesia has a problem, namely in the warship production workshop, workers often complain because the lighting in the workshop is not bright enough, which causes workers to experience red, watery and sore eyes. Therefore, researchers are interested in analyzing whether the existing lighting standard is in accordance with SNI 03-6197-2000, namely 350lux. From the research that has been done, it is found that the PT PAL workshop with an area of 2700m2 has an average light intensity measurement of 82.22lux, so re-planning is needed to produce a light intensity that is in accordance with the standards. Based on the results of calculations according to standards, 42 light points are obtained with an average lighting of 354 lux which is simulated using the dialux application. The addition of these light points had an impact on increasing electricity bill rates, which were initially IDR 624,575.34 per month to IDR 2,186,013.69 per month.

Assessing the association between daily self-reported health symptoms and mental health among respiratory patients during high-pollution period in Thailand

This study aimed to explore the relationship between daily self-reported health symptoms and mental health among respiratory patients during a high-pollution period in Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the pulmonary clinic of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand in February 2022. Patients with respiratory diseases were enrolled and asked to self-evaluate their health via ChulaAir mobile application. Daily respiratory symptoms were assessed using a checklist for a month. The DASS21 questionnaire was used to identify depression, anxiety, and stress at the end of the month. Binary logistic regression was performed to find the associations. A total of 98 patients participated in the study, and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 30.6%, 28.6%, and 26.5%, respectively. Cough and Phlegm were the most common health symptoms during the high-pollution period. An increase in the number of days with self-reported sore eyes was associated with depression (AOR=1.307; p=0.001), anxiety (AOR=1.261; p=0.001), and stress (AOR=1.178; p=0.001). Health symptoms are related to the presence of depression, anxiety, and stress during the high-pollution period. For individuals with respiratory symptoms, measures are required to alleviate mental health problems.

Implementation of Ergonomics in Efforts to Increase Knowledge and Health of Smoked Fish Groups

The process of curing fish in Pakarena Hamlet is done simply by using a smoking house with a shelf made of bamboo. The condition of the fumigation house, which is not ergonomic, causes the temperature of the work environment to be very hot and smoky. The smoking process, which lasts about 7 to 8 hours, makes the fish smokers sit for a long time. This condition causes many health problems, including shortness of breath, sore eyes, chest palpitations, and pain in the waist. In addition to health problems, other problems encountered in this business are their low knowledge and skills in managing the business, especially in the aspects of production, marketing, and financial management. The purpose of this community service is to improve the knowledge and health of the mothers of the fish smoking group related to the work environment and ergonomic work attitudes, financial and marketing management, as well as the manufacture of ergonomic smoking houses. The methods used are counseling and making an ergonomic smoking house. The results of the service show an increase in knowledge related to ergonomics and work attitudes as well as marketing strategies and financial management. The fumigation house that is made has a larger and higher capacity, is equipped with adequate air ventilation, and is made of permanent walls so that it can avoid the accumulation of hot smoke and reduce the environmental temperature so as to reduce complaints and shortness of breath.

Comparison of mucin levels at the ocular surface of visual display terminal users with and without dry eye disease

BackgroundThe long-term use of visual display terminals (VDT) is linked to an increased risk of dry eye disease (DED). Numerous studies have indicated that ocular mucins play a vital role in the pathogenesis of DED. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate (1) whether mRNA levels of membrane-associated mucins (MAMs), including MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, and MUC20, as well as MUC5AC are altered in conjunctival cells of VDT users with and without DED and (2) the relationship between mucin levels and subjective and objective tests of DED in VDT users.MethodsSeventy-nine VDT users were enrolled and divided into DED (n = 53) and control (n = 26) groups. All participants were evaluated for parameters of DED using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), lissamine green (LG) staining, and tear meniscus height (TMH). Based on the conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) method, differences in MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, MUC20, and MUC5AC mRNA expression levels were observed between the DED and control groups, and between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.ResultsThe DED group showed significantly decreased MUC1, MUC16, and MUC20 expressions (all P < 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, these mucin levels were lower in subjects with frequent ocular symptoms (foreign body sensation, blurred vision and painful or sore eyes) than in asymptomatic participants (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that MUC1, MUC16, and MUC20 levels in VDT users were positively correlated with TBUT or TMH, or both. However, no significant relationship was found between MUC4 and MUC5AC levels and the DED parameters.ConclusionVDT users with an increased frequency of ocular discomfort or a diagnosis of DED had a decreased MUC1, MUC16 and MUC20 mRNA expression in their conjunctival cells. MAMs deficiency in the conjunctival epithelium may be one of the mechanisms leading to tear film instability and DED in VDT users.

Kajian Pemanfaatan Tumbuhan Obat Oleh Suku Dayak Belangin di Desa Dange Aji Kecamatan Air Besar Kabupaten Landak

The Dayak tribe has a close relationship with nature. They are used to using natural resources such as plants for various needs, including as an ingredient in traditional medication. The Dayak Belangin, one of the Kanayatn Dayak sub-tribes in Dange Aji Village, Landak District, is still using medicinal plants to treat illnesses in their community. This research was conducted to document the knowledge of the dayak Belangin people in Dange Aji Village in utilizing plants as traditional medicine. A total of 163 households of the dayak Belangin community in Dange Aji Village were selected by purposive sampling and in-depth interviews to obtain information about the community's knowledge of using plants as medicine. The data obtained were then analyzed using ethnobotanical indices such as use value (UV), family importance value (FIV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). All respondents interviewed used medicinal plants, with in total there are 53 species belonging to 34 plant families. Asteraceae is a plant family with the highest FIV (11.76). Jambu tokal or guava (P. guajava), mabo (Blumea balsamifera), and engkodok (Melastoma candidum) had the highest UV values (0.76; 0.71, and 0.71, respectively). The highest ICF score (1) includes cancer, wounds, urinary stones, rheumatism, gout, allergies, malaria, hypertension, bloody bowel movements, colds, sore eyes, colds, cholesterol, and broken bones. There are 43 plants with the highest FL value (100%). The local knowledge of the dayak Belangin tribe is prized and must be maintained, especially for the benefit of science and the development of new modern medicines.

Quality of Life of early-stage breast-cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the first three waves of the epidemic treated in the Spanish region of Navarre.

Objectives To describe the Quality of Life (QOL) of breast-cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and analyse its evolution, compare the QOL of these patients according to the COVID-19 wave in which they were diagnosed, and examine the clinical and demographic determinants of QOL. Methods A total of 260 patients with breast cancer (90.8% I-III stages) and COVID-19 (85% light/moderate) were included (February-September 2021) in this study. Most patients were receiving anticancer treatment (mainly hormonotherapy). Patients were grouped according to the date of COVID-19 diagnosis: first wave (March-May 2020, 85 patients), second wave (June-December 2020, 107 patients) and third wave (January-September 2021, 68 patients). QOL was assessed ten months, seven months, and two weeks after these dates, respectively. Patients completed QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR45, and Oslo COVID-19 QLQ-PW80 twice over four months. Patients >65 also completed QLQ-ELD14. The QOL of each group and changes in QOL for the whole sample were compared (non-parametric tests). Multivariate logistic regression identified patient characteristics related to (1) low global QOL and (2) changes in Global QOL between assessments. Results Moderate limitations (>30 points) appeared in the first assessment in Global QOL, sexual scales, three QLQ-ELD14 scales, and thirteen symptoms and emotional COVID-19 areas. Differences between the COVID-19 groups appeared in two QLQ-C30 areas and four QLQ-BR45 areas. QOL improvements between assessments appeared in six QLQ-C30, four QLQ-BR45 and eighteen COVID-19 questionnaire areas. The best multivariate model to explain global QOL combined emotional functioning, fatigue, endocrine treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms, and targeted therapy (R2=0.393). The best model to explain changes in global QOL combined physical and emotional functioning, malaise, and sore eyes (R2=0.575). Conclusions Patients with breast cancer and COVID-19 adapted well to illness. The few differences between wave-based groups (differences in follow-up notwithstanding) may have arisen because the second and third waves saw fewer COVID restrictions, more positive COVID information, and more vaccinated patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Exploration of Student Saturation and Learning Independence Online Learning in Elementary Schools

Learning independently can decrease for students during the Covid-19 pandemic if students experience saturation in learning so that they are lazy to do the tasks given. This research uses a qualitative approach with a type of case study. The research, placed in Banjar sari Surakarta, used respondents totaling 27 upper-class students from grades 4-6 and 5 interviews with teachers. Data were collected through interviews and direct observation with respondents. Overall, the level of saturation and independence of students is at an alarming level; this is because students often experience fatigue and boredom, so they are reluctant to do learning and learning tasks independently (such as many students complain of headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, sore eyes, difficulty sleeping, no appetite, tiredness, irritated eyes, lack of rest, and uncomfortable back sitting in front of a smartphone or laptops are too long and the shift from face-to-face to online learning habits cause learners to become bored and confused, thereby reducing their absorption).

Glaucoma Drainage Device (GDD) Implantation in Post Trabeculectomy Patients

Objective: This study aims to report a case of Glaucoma Drainage Device (GDD) implant surgery in a patient who experienced an increase in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) after long term trabeculectomy. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old male patient came with complaint of blurred vision since two years ago. Patient did not complain of sore and red eyes. He was given 2 x 250 mg of Acetazolamide, 2 x 1 tablet of Aspar K, 2 x 1 right and left eye (RLE) of Latanoprost, and 2 x 1 RLE of Betaxolol HCl. The patient had glaucoma since 20 years ago and had undergone surgery in 2002 on the right eye and left eye surgery in 2004. His right eye intraocular pressure was 38 mmHg with conjungtival bleb (+) flat (+) minimal vascularity (+) horizontal extent 1-2 clock hours. Patient then underwent a GDD implant surgery on the right eye, IOP 8 mmHg post GDD. Three months after surgery, the visual acuity decrease into 6/120 ph 6/21, elevated IOP into 32 with prominent lens opacity, so the phacoemulsification was done to the right eye After the surgery, patient’s intraocular pressure was stable with better visual acuity. Conclusion: In trabeculectomy failure, implantation of the GDD is the safest and most effective option in eyes that have undergone previous intraocular surgery.

Perception of learning communication using google meet in Malikussaleh University environment

The purpose of this study is to analyse how learning communication is carried out at Malikussaleh University using google meet which is carried out during online learning. This research uses qualitative methods. The data collection methods used are interviews, observation and documentation. Data sources come from primary data and secondary data. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of this study are that learning communication using google meet is considered less effective in learning and has advantages and disadvantages when used during learning. using google meet has disadvantages such as requiring a stable signal, using a lot of quota, and consuming a large mobile phone memory capacity because lecture material is sent via email or whatsap, then a little difficult to be interactive and an inadequate learning environment causes unfocused learning and sore eyes and fatigue due to staring at the screen for a long time and many students become passive.

Digital solutions for dry eye disease

AbstractPurpose: Present a novel solution to screen‐induced dry eye symptoms that is cheap, easily deployable and scalable.Methods: Device presentation. Research presentation. A previously validated questionnaire for screen‐induced dry eye symptoms was applied to participants after a 30‐minute read on a laptop while the blink rate was recorded on camera. This happens twice for each participant; once with Digital Blinking Stimuli (DiBS) on and once with DiBS off. Each participant is randomized to start with either DiBS on or off without her/his knowledge. DiBS is an innovative computer program that produces screen distortion during 100 ms every 4 s to induce participants to blink at a normal rate while looking at screens. Results from both groups were compared with a Student T‐test.Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the eye soreness, eye strain and tearing subscores with DiBS on. Additionally, with DiBS on, a significant increase in the blink rate was observed.Conclusions: DiBS is a promising new technology that may aid in decreasing screen‐induced dry eye symptoms while at the same time being cheap and easy to deploy.

Waste pickers’ perception of occupational hazards and well-being in a Nigerian megacity

ABSTRACT This study examined occupational risks associated with waste picking and pickers well-being in Lagos, Nigeria. A convenience sampling technique was employed to select 152 landfill-waste pickers, and the respondent-driven sampling technique was used to select 53 street-waste pickers. We discovered that waste pickers were exposed to occupational health risks such as body pain, tiredness, twisted ankles, chest pain, and eye soreness. Non-use of personal protective equipment contributed to waste pickers’ susceptibility to occupational health risks. Most waste pickers were dissatisfied with their well-being connected to the unhealthy conditions in which they work, the extreme poverty they live in, and the stigmatisation they experience. The study concludes that waste pickers’ well-being is critical for effective solid waste management; hence, they should be considered adequately in policy design and implementation programs/strategies.

Transition to the forced telework - a challenge for trade unions identified by the study on working life with COVID-19 in Latvia.

BACKGROUND:In general, companies with trade unions perform better in occupational health and safety, therefore, we assume that these companies should have performed better in transition to healthy and safe telework if compared with other companies.OBJECTIVE:The objective of the study was to assess the role of company trade unions on the implementation of telework arrangements in Latvia during the 1st emergency state in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS:A web-based survey based on snowball sampling method and social media advertisements was used to gather information from teleworkers. After data cleaning, answers from 422 teleworkers reporting having (wTU) or not having trade unions (nTU) in their companies were included in the analysis.RESULTS:There was a significantly higher percentage of workers with teleworking experience in companies with no trade unions (37.4% nTU versus 18.1% wTU). More respondents from companies with trade unions reported buying a new computer and headphones which means that more persons had to invest their finances to be able to perform their work. Workers from companies with no trade unions were more often advised on home office ergonomics (21.2% wTU versus 28.1% nTU). The odds of all analyzed health problems (pain, sore eyes, and anxiety) were increased in workers who reported having trade unions.CONCLUSION:Companies with trade unions were less ready for the forced transition to teleworking. These results contradict the traditional understanding of trade unions as a promoting factor for a healthy and safe working environment.

Is Altered Oculomotor Control during Smooth Pursuit Neck Torsion Test Related to Subjective Visual Complaints in Patients with Neck Pain Disorders?

Subjective visual complaints are commonly reported in patients with neck pain, but their relation to objectively measured oculomotor functions during smooth pursuit neck torsion tests (SPNTs) has not yet been investigated. The aim of the study was to analyse classification accuracy of visual symptom intensity and frequency based on SPNT results. Forty-three patients with neck pain were referred by orthopaedic outpatient clinics where they were required to fill out 16-item proformas of visual complaints. Infrared video-oculography was used to measure smooth pursuit eye movements during neutral and neck torsion positions. Parameters of gain and SPNT difference (SPNTdiff) were taken into the Naïve Bayes model as classifiers, while intensity and frequency of visual symptoms were taken as predicted class. Intensity and, to a lesser degree, frequency of visual symptoms previously associated with neck pain or focal vision disorders (computer vision syndrome) showed better classification accuracy using gain at neck torsion position, indicating cervical driven visual disturbances. Moreover, SPNTdiff presented with slightly lower classification accuracy as compared to gain at neck torsion position. Our study confirmed the relationship between cervical driven oculomotor deficits and some visual complaints (concentrating to read, words moving on page, blurred vision, difficulty judging distance, sore eyes, heavy eyes, red eyes, and eyes strain).

Ocular surface predisposing factors for digital display-induced dry eye

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance The use of digital displays is recognised as a consistent risk factor for dry eye disease. Background To identify ocular parameters contributing to the impact of computer use on dry eye. Methods The ocular surface of 82 undergraduate students with a mean age of 22.8 ± 2.1 years was assessed at baseline and after reading on a computer for 30 minutes. Measurements included the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, 5-item dry eye questionnaire (DEQ-5), tear meniscus height, non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), conjunctival bulbar redness, meibomian gland dropout percentage, spontaneous blink rate and percentage of incomplete blinks. Multiple linear regressions and generalised linear mixed models were conducted to explore the associations between baseline parameters and pre-task – post-task differences and to predict the impact of computer use, respectively. Results Greater dry eye symptoms (p < 0.0005), higher tear meniscus height and conjunctival bulbar redness (p < 0.0005 and p = 0.012, respectively) and shorter NIKBUT (p = 0.03) were obtained after reading on the computer for 30 minutes. The baseline score obtained with the OSDI and DEQ-5 was positively associated with the increase in symptoms with computer use (p < 0.0005), while the change in conjunctival redness and pre-task NIKBUT were associated with the change in NIKBUT (p ≤ 0.005). No ocular surface parameter revealed an association with tear meniscus height changes. Having a positive OSDI score at baseline increased the odds of painful and sore eyes (p = 0.012), while a higher pre-task NIKBUT increased the odds of a reduction in tear stability (p = 0.038). Conclusions Participants with greater dry eye symptoms were more likely to experience a greater increase in symptomatology with computer operation, while the participants with longer NIKBUT and greater conjunctival redness were more likely to suffer a greater reduction in tear stability.

Intrascleral Prosthesis in a Dog - Evisceration and Implantation

Background: There is no hope of preserving vision at the terminal stage of glaucoma, and surgical treatment is indicated in these cases. Among the various surgical techniques used, eye evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral prosthesis provide the best cosmetic results. Even though eye evisceration with prosthesis implantation represents an excellent treatment option for terminal glaucoma, reports on the use of this technique in dogs are scarce in the current literature. The aim of this work is to report a case of a dog with end-stage glaucoma subjected to eye evisceration surgery and implantation of an intrascleral prosthesis. Case: A 7-year-old bitch mixed breed with a history of glaucoma secondary to uveitis with no response to medical therapy was referred to the Ophthalmology service of the University Veterinary Hospital of Coimbra (HVUC), Portugal At the ophthalmic examination, the glaucomatous left eye was buphthalmic, with congested episcleral blood vessels, mydriasis, and posterior luxation of the lens; there was no response to threat or obfuscation, no direct and consensual pupillary reflex, nor pupillary reflexes to chromatic light. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 55 mmHg, and the Schirmer’s tear test (STT-1) result was 19 mm/min. Ophthalmoscopy revealed attenuated retinal blood vessels and a pale optic papilla with mild excavation. The right eye was functional, with all parameters assessed on examination and by tests within the normal ranges for the species. An ultrasound examination of the left eye confirmed the presence of posterior luxation of the lens and buphthalmia in the absence of intraocular neoplasm. In view of the patient’s history and results of the clinical examinations, a surgical approach was indicated to treat the glaucomatous eye. The patient’s tutor requested a surgical procedure that produced a more natural aspect; therefore, the procedure chosen was evisceration, with implantation of an intrascleral prosthesis. The prosthesis diameter chosen was 2 mm greater than the horizontal diameter of the cornea of the functional eye. After evisceration, a black spherical silicone prosthesis of 20 mm in diameter was implanted through a scleral incision. The eye surface was protected with a nictitating membrane flap. In the postoperative period, the cornea exhibited areas with neovascularization, pigmentation, and fibrosis, with a final aspect of gray to black in color. A reduction in tear production was also observed, with no other lesions on the eye surface or major complications. Discussion: Causes of secondary glaucoma include uveitis, disorders of the lens, and neoplasms, among other alterations. Glaucoma can cause clinical signs such as buphthalmic eyes, congestion of the episcleral blood vessels, and increased IOP with nonresponsive mydriasis. The presence of severe degenerative retinal alterations, such as atrophy and excavation of the optic nerve, causes irreversible loss of vision. Surgical treatment is indicated for end-stage glaucoma cases. Eye evisceration with implantation of a prosthesis involves replacement of the intraocular contents by a silicone sphere 1-2 mm larger than the healthy contralateral eye. Protection of the eye surface may be provided using additional procedures such as the nictitating membrane flap. The scleral incision may reduce corneal sensitivity and, consequently, reduce the tear reflex and cause a reduction in STT-1 values. After implantation of the prosthesis, the cornea may exhibit neovascularization, edema, fibrosis, and pigmentation; these are considered expected corneal reactions in the postoperative period. This surgical technique allows treatment of sore and blind eyes, and its results are more aesthetically pleasant compared to other procedures. Preservation of the eyeball with implantation of the prosthesis produced an excellent aesthetic result, with an appearance very close to natural in the case presented here. Keywords: surgery, glaucoma, intraocular prosthesis, silicone. Título: Prótese intraescleral em um cão - evisceração e implantaçãoDescritores: cirurgia, glaucoma, prótese intraocular, silicone.

Lack of workplace risk assessment as a predictor of adverse health effects for teleworkers - results from the survey on Life with COVID-19 in Latvia

Workplace risk assessment is one of the key tools for improving occupational safety and health conditions. However, providing risk assessment for teleworkplaces in the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions has been a challenge for employers. The objective of this study was to identify the frequency of implementation of workplace risk assessment for teleworkplaces and the association between it and self-reported health complaints among teleworkers during the 1st emergency state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. Teleworkers were recruited using a non-probability sampling (snowball sampling) method and social media advertisements. To obtain data that is representative of the demographic profile of the working population in Latvia, the sample was weighed based on gender and age. Out of 447 teleworking respondents included in our analysis, only 20.3% have mentioned that their employer had assessed the teleworking conditions (additional 8.1% reported partial assessment). Workers who have reported lack of risk assessment more often have health related complaints – e.g., pain longer than three days (26.9% with risk assessment versus 73.1% with no risk assessment), sore eyes (24.4% versus 75.6%) and anxiety (21.8% versus 78.2%) (p &lt; 0.001 in all cases, except for pain). Increased incidence of occupational musculoskeletal diseases and burnout can be predicted in coming years in Latvia. Good practise examples should be gathered and promoted; guidelines for labour inspection should be developed in order to cover supervision of teleworking workplaces.

Clinical Features and Evolution of Blepharospasm: A Multicenter International Cohort and Systematic Literature Review.

Objective:Blepharospasm is a type of dystonia where the diagnosis is often delayed because its varied clinical manifestations are not well recognized. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive picture of its clinical features including presenting features, motor features, and non-motor features.Methods:This was a two-part study. The first part involved a systematic literature review that summarized clinical features for 10,324 cases taken from 41 prior reports. The second part involved a summary of clinical features for 884 cases enrolled in a large multicenter cohort collected by the Dystonia Coalition investigators, along with an analysis of the factors that contribute to the spread of dystonia beyond the periocular region.Results:For cases in the literature and the Dystonia Coalition, blepharospasm emerged in the 50s and was more frequent in women. Many presented with non-specific motor symptoms such as increased blinking (51.9%) or non-motor sensory features such as eye soreness or pain (38.7%), photophobia (35.5%), or dry eyes (10.7%). Non-motor psychiatric features were also common including anxiety disorders (34–40%) and depression (21–24%). Among cases presenting with blepharospasm in the Dystonia Coalition cohort, 61% experienced spread of dystonia to other regions, most commonly the oromandibular region and neck. Features associated with spread included severity of blepharospasm, family history of dystonia, depression, and anxiety.Conclusions:This study provides a comprehensive summary of motor and non-motor features of blepharospasm, along with novel insights into factors that may be responsible for its poor diagnostic recognition and natural history.

Occurrence of dry eye in mobile phone users

Background: Most Indians today own one or more mobile phones. The average time of phone usage per person per day is 4.8 h and the excess usage of mobile phone is an emerging cause of dry eye. Although many studies have established this relation, not many studies focus on South India. Our study aims to highlight the South Indian population. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to study the prevalence of dry eye among medical students of 18–25 years. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, whose participants are undergraduate medical students, both males and females, between 18 and 25 years. Schirmer’s test was done for each candidate after answering an Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. Results: The most frequent symptom reported by the participants at the time of answering the questionnaire was soreness and irritation of the eye (8%). The most common long-term symptom reported was burning and watering of eyes of tolerable severity (27%). Some participants experienced uncomfortable and bothersome eye fatigue. Conclusion: Dry eye in the form of symptoms of both dryness of eye and reflex epiphora is present in the population under study. About 76% of the study population use their phones for over 3 h a day. The soreness and irritation of eyes, watering and burning of eyes are attributed to the mobile phone usage for more than 6 h per day.

Influence of pars plana vitrectomy on ocular surface using noninvasive Keratograph 5M

AIM: To evaluate the influence of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) on ocular surface using Keratograph 5M. METHODS: Totally 30 consecutive patients (30 eyes) undergoing primary 23-gauge PPV were recruited in the study. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was performed. Ocular surface parameters, including tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear break up time (NITBUT) and bulbar redness score were obtained preoperatively, in 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12wk postoperatively by Keratograph 5M. Correlations between all the clinical parameters were analyzed further. RESULTS: The percentages of both photophobia and gritty within 4wk after PPV were significantly higher than pre-operation, while they decreased to the preoperative levels in both 8wk and 12wk postoperatively. The percentage of sore eyes in the first week postoperatively was significantly higher than pre-operation, but there were no significant differences between the percentages of pre-operation and 2, 4, 8, and 12wk postoperatively. OSDI score increased significantly within 4wk postoperatively, but it returned to the preoperative level in 8 and 12wk. TMH increased with 2wk postoperatively, but there were no significant differences compared with preoperation. Both NITBUT-first and NITBUT-average shortened significantly within 8 weeks postoperatively, but they gradually improved to the preoperative levels in 12wk. Bulbar redness score was significantly higher than the preoperative level within 4wk postoperatively, but it returned to the preoperative level in 8wk. NITBUT-first and NITBUT-average had a significant positive correlation at each visit. TMH had a significant positive correlation with NITBUT-average in the first week postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Keratograph 5M can provide a reliable noninvasive method to assess the influence of PPV on the ocular surface. PPV may cause various changes in both symptoms and signs of ocular surface damages at the early stage, while all these changes will return to preoperative levels gradually in 12wk postoperatively.

What the Canadian public (mis)understands about eyes and eye care

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Inadequate public knowledge about eyes and eye care poses avoidable risks to vision-related quality of life. Background This study of eye care knowledge among Canadians extends earlier findings from focus groups. Methods Perceptions about eyes and eye care were sought using a 21-item online survey and snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria were living in Canada and being at least 18-years old; eye care professionals and staff were excluded. Response frequencies were converted to percentages, with eye condition items analysed according to ‘expected’ or ‘unexpected’ eye impacts. Proportions selecting these impacts or ‘unsure’ were determined. Results There were 424 respondents: 83.0% aged 20-65 years and 69.6% female. Mismatches existed between perceived recommendations and behaviours for booking eye exams: within two years (86.7% vs. 68.4%) and symptom-driven (3.3% vs. 13.0%). First eye exams after age one year were deemed appropriate by 43.6%. Few respondents associated glaucoma with no symptoms (6.0%) or amblyopia with blurred vision (13.5%). A notable proportion incorrectly related tunnel vision with age-related macular degeneration (AMD, 36.8%) and cataract (21.9%). Identifying all ‘expected’ responses was unlikely for glaucoma (1.9%), amblyopia (6.7%), and cataract (12.0%). Most respondents identified no ‘expected’ effects for glaucoma (63.8%) and AMD (46.2%) and some ‘expected’ effects for cataract (59.5%) and amblyopia (72.6%). Selecting ‘unsure’ was 9-10 times more common among respondents choosing no ‘expected’ impacts than those choosing some. Awareness of thyroid-associated eye disease was lowest (32.4%) of seven conditions. Respondents were most likely to consult optometrists for routine eye exams, eye disease, diabetes eye checks and blurred vision but family physicians for red eyes and sore eyes. Respondents typically paid for their eye exams and eyewear but wanted government to pay. Conclusion Vision-threatening knowledge gaps and misinformation about eyes and eye care among Canadian respondents highlight the need for accessible, targeted public education.